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Egypt honors Red Crescent efforts for Gaza humanitarian aid

Xinhua) 09:58, September 18, 2025

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty speaks during an event to honor the Egyptian Red Crescent and its volunteers for their efforts in Gaza humanitarian aid in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 17, 2025. Egypt on Wednesday honored the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) and its volunteers for sustaining aid to Gaza, reaffirming its humanitarian and political support for the Palestinian people. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

CAIRO, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Wednesday honored the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) and its volunteers for sustaining aid to Gaza, reaffirming its humanitarian and political support for the Palestinian people.

The event was organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Solidarity, and attended by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsy, ERC Executive Director Amal Emam, and representatives from foreign embassies and international organizations.

Abdelatty described Gaza's situation as "a humanitarian catastrophe... amounting to a war of genocide," condemning the blockade on food, medicine, water, and electricity, and rejecting any attempts to displace Palestinians. He highlighted Egypt's role, noting that the Rafah crossing remains open around the clock.

According to Morsy, Egypt has facilitated the entry of 570,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza since October 2023, accounting for about 70 percent of the total aid sent to the enclave. She also praised the ERC's 35,000 volunteers as "a model of humanitarian action worldwide."

According to Gaza health authorities, nearly two years of conflict have killed 65,062 Palestinians, injured 165,697, and worsened famine and malnutrition, resulting in 432 deaths, including 146 children. The war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages.

Egyptian Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsy speaks during an event to honor the Egyptian Red Crescent and its volunteers for their efforts in Gaza humanitarian aid in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 17, 2025. Egypt on Wednesday honored the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) and its volunteers for sustaining aid to Gaza, reaffirming its humanitarian and political support for the Palestinian people. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Korean contemporary performance group FORCE will present its work Rotation (Korean title: Jajeon) this October at the HighFest International Performing Arts Festival in Yerevan, Armenia.

FORCE is a collective that explores the evolving relationship between humans and technology. Using the human body as its foundation, the group combines visual imagery with advanced technology to craft a unique performance language. Its nonverbal format enables the troupe to transcend linguistic boundaries and engage audiences worldwide.

Inspired by cosmic principles of rotation and revolution, Rotation reflects on how universal forces shape both planetary motion and human life. The 50-minute performance blends circus arts, media art, and a custom-built rotating device. Six performers, playing eccentric researchers, invent a mysterious machine and embark on a journey through time and space. The result is a dynamic, multi-sensory experience where science and art meet in playful harmony.

The production was named one of the "New Works of the Year" by the Arts Council Korea (ARKO) in 2022 and later featured in Seoul Metropolitan Government's "Spring Day" Performing Arts Program in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Rotation received the Fringe Invitation Award at the Paju Fair_Book&Culture, organized by the Chulpan Foundation for City Culture. The award, recognizing emerging artists with international potential, paved the way for FORCE's invitation to HighFest. Supported by the city of Paju, the troupe's participation highlights the growing global presence of Korean contemporary performance.

Founded in 2003, HighFest is Armenia's premier international performing arts festival, covering theater, dance, circus, music, and visual arts. It has hosted more than 500 international companies and 5,000 artists and is recognized by the European Festivals Association (EFA) as an EFFE Laureate, one of Europe's top festivals. This year's edition will welcome over 400 participants from 20 countries. FORCE's invitation signals the increasing recognition of Korean contemporary circus on the global stage and marks a new step in international artistic exchange.

Director Lee Young-ho, FORCE's representative, said: "The Paju Fair award and HighFest invitation show that Korean performing and circus arts can resonate internationally. We will continue to pioneer new horizons for Korean performing arts through the fusion of art and technology."

SOURCE FORCE
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Subscribe to the Literacy & Justice for All Podcast today and join the national conversation reshaping literacy and learning for every child.

ATLANTA, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Illiteracy is not only an educational challenge; it is one of the greatest threats to equity in our society. This belief is at the heart of the new Literacy & Justice for All Podcast, produced by the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy and available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Hosted by Dr. Ryan Lee-James the podcast brings together researchers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore what it truly takes to ensure every child has the basic human right to read.

The inspiration for the Literacy & Justice for All (LJFA) Podcast comes from the children and families served directly through the Atlanta Speech School and the educators, healthcare providers, and caregivers served through the Rollins Center and its Cox Campus. From the third trimester of pregnancy onward, children are developing the cognitive, language, and literacy abilities that shape the trajectory of their lives. Adults play a central role in this process, and the podcast was born out of the belief that when all child-facing adults have the knowledge and skills to support literacy, every child can become who they are meant to be.

The literacy crisis is not simply an education issue. Illiteracy is a critical public health and social justice challenge. Too often, the discussion stays limited to classrooms and families, overlooking the broader forces that shape children's outcomes: from higher education and government to public health and local communities. The LJFA Podcast broadens the conversation, to explore how every sector plays a role in shaping the future of literacy.

What makes the podcast distinct are the voices and perspectives it lifts. In one episode, Dr. Margie Gillis, renowned literacy expert and founder of Literacy How, reflects on her four decades of teaching and teacher training, underscoring the need for evidence-based instruction to replace outdated practices. In another episode, recorded live at LitLink, Georgia's literacy conference dedicated to classroom teachers, experts including Dr. Lisa Domke, Dr. Elsa Cardenas-Hagan, Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate, and Dr. Ginger Collins share strategies, resources, and scholarship that educators can put into practice immediately. Their exchange captures the collective energy of a movement dedicated to closing opportunity gaps and eliminating illiteracy entirely.

The series also highlights personal leadership journeys. Ray James, Head of School at The Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition-free, private school in Atlanta that serves children who have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness, speaks candidly about building conditions where children and families can thrive, reminding listeners that literacy is about more than decoding text. It is about cultivating confidence, community, and agency in the lives of children.

Together, these conversations highlight why the LJFA Podcast is more than content. It is a vehicle for change. By offering knowledge at no cost, it empowers every adult to take part in dismantling illiteracy and inequity. Cox Campus, which now serves more than 385,000 Members in all 50 states and over 138 countries, has already delivered more than $200 million worth of accredited professional courses at no cost to educators. The podcast extends this impact, providing a new space for learning, reflection, and collective action.

The Literacy & Justice for All Podcast is not background listening. It is an urgent conversation about the future of education and society. Each episode is designed not just to inform, but to build agency. Listeners come away with a deeper awareness of the nation's literacy crisis and tangible actions they can take, whether at home, in their community, or in their profession, to support children's access to language and literacy. The ultimate call is simple yet profound: join the Cox Campus community, commit to literacy and justice for all, and help ensure that every child can realize their full potential.

Subscribe today on Cox Campus to the Literacy & Justice for All Podcast and join the national movement to make literacy and justice a reality for all.

About Cox Campus

Cox Campus was founded in 2014 following a generous grant to the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy. This innovative adult learning platform was created to scale the transformative work of the Rollins Center, extending its reach far beyond Atlanta to communities around the world.

Today, more than 385,000 members from all 50 states and over 138 countries engage with Cox Campus to access a robust array of courses, resources, webinars, and community discussionsall advancing language and literacy practices.

Thanks to the steadfast investment of philanthropic organizations that share the belief that literacy is a universal right, Cox Campus continues to provide free access to individuals, school districts, and entire systems.

SOURCE The Rollins Center for Language & Literacy
McAlvany Reframes Gold IRAs as "Wealth Insurance" in Audacious New Ad Campaign

DURANGO, Colo., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- McAlvany Financial Group, a trusted leader in precious metals for more than 50 years, has launched a national ad campaign positioning Gold IRAs as "Wealth Insurance." The campaign spotlights the surprisingand even absurdthings people insure, from pets and weddings to alien abductions, to make the case that it's time to insure the most important thingyour retirement savings.

McAlvany "Wealth Insurance" Campaign

Created by independent agency Fire Kite, the campaign breaks from industry norms by rejecting fear-based tactics and celebrity endorsements, instead taking a positive, empowering approach.

"People insure everything imaginable, but often forget to insure the most important thingtheir wealth," said David McAlvany, CEO. "A McAlvany Gold IRA is a proven way to ensure retirement security and protect family wealth. This campaign positions Gold IRAs around confidence, stability, and legacy."

"From pet projects to alien abductions, people will insure all kinds of crazy things," said Alex Goulart, Founder and Executive Creative Director at Fire Kite. "In this campaign, we're spotlighting that absurdity to remind investors to insure what really matters  their wealth. And by tapping into people's preconceptions about insurance and the role it plays in their lives, we're reframing how they think about investing in precious metals.

Integrated Campaign Rollout

The campaign includes video (:60, :30, and :15 spots), national print and digital placements in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, radio ads, banner ads, and social content.

The Case for "Wealth Insurance"

While 42% of Americans hold an IRA, less than 10% own precious metals; even fewer own a Gold IRA. Most investors remain overexposed to equities, leaving them vulnerable to market downturns. With 67% of 55-year-olds fearing they'll outlive their savings, Gold IRAs offer a proven way to diversify and stabilize retirement portfolios. Designed to perform during times of market volatility, Gold IRAs act as insurance against financial shocks. Gold has even outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 30 years.

For more information about the benefits of Gold IRAs, visit insuremywealth.net .

About McAlvany Financial Group

Founded in 1972, McAlvany Financial Group has helped more than 50,000 families protect and grow their wealth for over 50 years. McAlvany is recognized for its expertise in precious metals, wealth management, and hard asset investing. The firm's three core businesses include:

McAlvany Precious Metals  A leading provider of precious metal investment options, including Gold IRAs, designed to safeguard retirement savings and protect family legacies.

McAlvany Wealth Management  An asset management service leveraging precious metals and hard asset investment strategies based on market cycles to balance growth with stability.

Vaulted  An app offering the easiest way to buy gold and silver with just a tap of the finger.

With an A+ BBB rating, some of the lowest fees in the industry, and a legacy of excellence spanning five decades, McAlvany Financial Group is committed to helping clients achieve long-term financial security and peace of mind. For more information, visit mcalvany.com .

About Fire Kite

Inspired by Ben Franklin's kite experiment, Fire Kite exists to make brands legendary through audacious acts of creativity. The independent ad agency launched last year is led by Founder and Executive Creative Director Alex Goulart and Head of Strategy Tim Anderson, both of whom bring decades of experience working on some of the world's most iconic brands, including Nissan, Google, Intuit, and Maker's Mark. For more information, contact [email protected].

SOURCE McAlvany Precious Metals
PHNOM PENH  An international trade exhibition series on agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, beauty, pharmaceutical, laboratory, medical devices, food & beverage and pet industry kicked off in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Wednesday, bringing together more than 200 enterprises from over 10 countries and territories.

The three-day event, backed by Cambodian ministries and the Vietnam Trade Office, aims to boost trade between the two countries and expand international business links.

Together with the trade fair, a series of specialised workshops and business-matching sessions are being held, creating opportunities for enterprises to explore innovation and forge new partnerships.

On Wednesday, the Vietnamese Trade Office in Cambodia organised a workshop on promoting Viet Nam  Cambodia trade, agricultural science-technology and livestock, attended by business associations from both countries active in farming and livestock.

According to head of the office o Viet Phuong, two-way trade reached US$10.1 billion last year, while the figure in the first eight months of the year was nearly $8 billion, up 16.3 per cent year-on-year. Agriculture dominated the exchange, with key commodities including fruits, cashew nuts, rice, cassava, fisheries, and processed farm and aquaculture products.

The numbers reflect not just trade, but also the growing connectivity and friendship between the two countries, Phuong said, noting that both sides are working towards the target of $20 billion in bilateral trade as set by their high-ranking leaders.

To achieve this goal, he stressed the need to ease cross-border trade by cutting administrative procedures, paperwork, fees, and taxes, ensuring smoother flows of goods in both directions

Speaking with the Vietnam News Agency, he underscored the vast trade potential between the two countries. Their export structures complement rather than compete with each other, helping diversify bilateral trade and open up further opportunities.

Nearly 20 Vietnamese companies are present at the fair, with another 15 sending product samples for display at the shared booth run by the Trade Office, he said, expressing his hope that Vietnamese goods will strengthen their foothold in Cambodia, making contributions to two-way trade.  VNA/VNS
NEW DELHI  The Vietnam Trade Office in India, in collaboration with consultancy firm KPMG India, on Wednesday hosted an online seminar focusing on Indias tax policy adjustments and its impacts and implications for Vietnamese enterprises.

The event aimed to help Vietnamese companies grasp key policy changes and prepare appropriate response strategies.

Opening the event, Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in India Bui Trung Thuong noted that on September 3, the Indian Government approved the new Goods and Services Tax (GST 2.0), which will take effect on September 22.

Under the reform, the multi-tier tax system will be simplified to two main rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent. More than 200 essential items including electronics, automobiles, medical equipment, footwear and household goods will benefit from tax cuts.

This is a landmark reform that promises to generate profound changes in Indias business landscape and will directly affect Vietnamese investors, producers and exporters in this market, Thuong said.

Ridhima Mehta, a tax expert at KPMG India, said GST 2.0 centres on simplifying tax structures, adjusting rates and modernising administrative procedures. Fewer tax brackets will help reduce disputes and provide greater transparency and stability while digitalised registration, filing and refund processes will ease compliance for small businesses, start-ups and exporters.

She highlighted that several sectors stand to gain, notably health care, education, textiles, agriculture, electronics and essential consumer goods. Conversely, coal and other polluting energy sources will face higher taxes to promote clean energy. Meanwhile, life and health insurance will be fully exempt from GST, creating momentum for Indias insurance market.

For Vietnamese businesses, the reform not only helps to lower costs and boost competitiveness but also requires swift adaptation, Mehta stressed. Firms are advised to adjust management systems, update ERP software, review contracts, manage inventory carefully and devise appropriate pricing strategies to maximise benefits.

Between January and July 2025, Viet Nams exports to India reached US$5.94 billion, up 10.7 per cent year-on-year, maintaining a trade surplus.

Key export items such as steel, textiles and plastic products are expected to gain from the new tax regime. However, sectors like footwear, farm produce and aquatic products may face stronger competition due to Indias temporary refund scheme and domestic consumer goods incentives.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam is witnessing a steady rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) from Europe, with increasing businesses viewing the country as a strategic destination, particularly in clean energy, high technology, semiconductors and infrastructure.

Figures show that European investors channelled US$2.5 billion of FDI into Viet Nam in 2022, climbing to $3.25 billion two years later.

The continent now accounts for nearly 2,500 projects in the Southeast Asian country, with the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg and Germany together contributing around $20 billion.

The bulk of European capital has been directed towards processing and manufacturing (36.3 per cent), energy and gas (20.7 per cent), real estate (11 per cent) and information and communications (6.6 per cent).

Although European businesses are present in almost all provinces and cities, the largest concentrations are found in metropolises and industrial hubs such as HCM City, ong Nai, Ha Noi, Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh.

At a recent B2B networking event in Ha Noi that brought together 100 Italian firms and 200 Vietnamese counterparts, Michal Ron, chief international business officer at Italian insurance and finance group SACE, affirmed that Viet Nam is always considered a priority market for Italian companies.

She expected that the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will create further opportunities, spurring greater investment from Italy to Viet Nam.

Many large European investors have come to Viet Nam in recent years. Among them, LEGO of Denmark has built a toy factory worth $1.3 billion in HCM City.

Nguyen Hai Minh, vice chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam (EuroCham), said European investments are gravitating towards emerging sectors such as clean energy, high technology and logistics, with the aim of positioning Viet Nam as a regional transhipment hub.

Le Anh Dung, chief executive of the Institute for International Investment Studies (ISC), added that investors from Denmark and Germany are particularly active in renewable energy.

However, analysts said FDI from Europe remains modest compared to Viet Nam's attraction potential, cautioning that limitations in human resources, infrastructure, institutional framework and administrative procedures continue to pose major challenges.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung on September 17 signed Decision No. 2074/Q-TTg, approving the plan to build a National Business Database.

It will cover all types of businesses in Viet Nam, including private companies, State-owned enterprises and foreign-invested firms.

The database will combine six main sources of information: business registration (primary source), tax, import-export, social insurance, credit and labour and employment.

The aim is to monitor business activities, improve government support, make information more transparent and develop big data to support citizens and businesses in investment, production and trading activities.

In 2025, a basic version of the database will be created with four key sources: business registration, tax, import-export and social insurance. It will give important information about the health of businesses and entrepreneurs.

A Business Health Index will also be launched to measure both financial and non-financial performance. The database will connect with national population and other databases to help authorities track problems and improve supervision.

In 2026, the database will be upgraded to include credit and investment data. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data tools will be applied to analyse business activities more effectively.

From 2027 to 2030, it will grow to include more information, such as labour, intellectual property, innovation, technology, digital transformation and sustainability. Open data platforms will let citizens and businesses search for information easily, saving time and costs while increasing transparency.

The Business Health Index will also be updated regularly with real-time data.

The plan also identifies six key tasks, including completing the legal framework, building the database architecture, developing the Business Health Index, upgrading IT infrastructure, managing and operating the database and applications, and investing in IT human resources, including data analysts, data scientists and cybersecurity experts.

The Ministry of Finance will oversee the management, operation and security of the database, while the Ministry of Public Security will connect it with the National Integrated Database. This integration aims to form a comprehensive business big data system by 2030.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA TINH  The first turbine of the Vung Ang II thermal power plant was inaugurated on Thursday at Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ha Tinh Province.

The US$2.2 billion BOT project has a designed capacity of 1,200MW with two turbines, each generating 600MW. The plant is expected to secure power supply for the central region and nearby provinces, supporting the development of industry, agriculture and services.

Vung Ang II is a joint project between Japans Mitsubishi Corporation (60 per cent) and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (40 per cent). Launched in 2007, the project is considered an important step for Viet Nams energy security and sustainable growth in Ha Tinh.

According to General Director of Vung Ang II Thermal Power LLC (VAPCO) Go Fukushima, the project will create more than 500 jobs once fully operational and contribute significantly to the local economy.

During the construction phase, it employed over 18,600 workers. At present, the first turbine provides regular jobs for 150 employees. The company has also invested in social welfare programmes focusing on education, healthcare and community development, and is expected to contribute large annual tax revenues to the province.

Vice Chairman of Ha Tinh Province Tran Bau Ha said the project demonstrates the provinces strong commitment to attracting investment, especially in the energy sector, while also improving peoples lives and protecting the environment.

Ha Tinh has identified industry as one of its four key economic pillars. The province recorded GRDP growth of 7.16 per cent in 2023 and aims for sustainable growth of over 7.48 per cent this year.

In the first half of 2025, GRDP increased by 8.16 per cent year-on-year, showing strong and balanced development across sectors.

The Vung Ang Economic Zone plays a strategic role as a gateway connecting domestic regions with international markets. Under the master plan to 2050, it will develop into a multi-sector hub focusing on metallurgy, energy, manufacturing, seaports and logistics.  BIZHUB/VNS
HCM CITY  Viet Nam is accelerating its transition toward a digital and inclusive financial ecosystem, aiming to attract more foreign investment and align with international regulatory standards as it develops an international financial hub in HCM City.

The ambition was discussed at the Vietnam Retail Banking Forum 2025, held on Thursday in HCM City under the theme: Inclusive Digital Finance: The Era of Data and Digital Assets  Towards a Modern and Sustainable Financial Centre.

The annual forum, co-hosted by IDG Vietnam, the Vietnam Banks Association, and key government agencies, brought together senior policymakers, banking executives, fintech leaders, and academics to discuss the infrastructure, legal frameworks, and talent development required to build a globally competitive digital financial centre.

Speaking at the event, Le Thanh Tung, head of the Risk Management Committee at the Vietnam Banks Association, said: As Viet Nam integrates more deeply into the global economy, a transparent and internationally aligned digital finance system is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Managing risk in the digital age requires strong governance, regulatory clarity, and regional cooperation, he added.

The Vietnamese Government is currently advancing a number of key policies, including a regulatory sandbox for fintech, electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC), and legal recognition of digital assets, to foster innovation while aligning with global standards.

Vo Thi Trung Trinh, director of the HCM City Digital Transformation Centre, emphasised the importance of data infrastructure for smart governance and financial inclusion.

Digital citizen applications are not only a foundation for banking innovation but also for building trust with foreign investors who expect secure, transparent data management, she said.

Nguyen Quang Thuan, chairman of FiinGroup & FiinRatings, said that reliable credit scoring and data analytics are essential tools for attracting foreign capital.

Investors need transparency. Our rating systems and data platforms are key to de-risking Viet Nam in their eyes, he added.

Regional financial hub

The forums high-level policy dialogue included representatives from the State Bank of Vietnam, HCM Citys Department of Science and Technology, and academic institutions discussing Viet Nams roadmap to becoming a regional financial hub  one that embraces digital assets, AI, and blockchain under a unified regulatory framework.

This isnt just about digitising banking, said Hoang Cong Gia Khanh, rector of the University of Economics and Law. Its about reimagining finance in a way that meets international compliance, ESG expectations, and the demands of global capital markets.

The forum also featured sessions on open banking, cloud-native security, AI-powered financial services, and composable banking architecture.

Experts also highlighted how Viet Nams young, tech-savvy population and high mobile penetration offer an ideal foundation for leapfrogging traditional models.

Digital workforce

A parallel track titled AI Digital Trust 2025 focused on building digital trust and ethical AI standards through higher education and industry collaboration.

Duong Nhu Hung, dean of Industrial Management at HCM City University of Technology, said: We need to produce not just coders, but ethical AI professionals who understand both regulation and innovation.

More than 20 universities participated in this initiative, including those from the Vietnam National Universities in HCM City and Ha Noi.

The track addressed data transparency, digital ethics, and the creation of a skilled workforce ready for AI-integrated finance.

In recognition of innovation and performance, the Vietnam Outstanding Banking Awards were also presented at the forum.

Winners were selected based on customer surveys and performance reviews in categories such as Best Retail Bank, Most Innovative Product, Digital Banking Excellence, and Green Credit Development.  VNS
HCM CITY  The EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement offers Vietnamese enterprises the opportunity to expand their share in one of the worlds most lucrative but demanding markets.

However, it can only be realised if they fully comply with its rules of origin, tariffs, environmental standards, labour, and social responsibility.

This was highlighted at a seminar titled Compliance with Import-Export Regulations under EVFTA to Optimise Costs and Leverage Tariff Preferences held in HCM City on September 18.

Nguyen Thi Phuong, CEO of TradeComply, said while the EVFTA deal presents a major opportunity, only businesses strictly complying with regulations would benefit.

The EU is Viet Nams third largest export market, and under EVFTA commitments nearly 99 per cent of tariff lines would be eliminated within seven years, offering a competitive edge for key exports such as textiles, footwear, wooden furniture, processed agricultural goods, and seafood, she said.

But she warned that even minor errors made while exporting goods can cost enterprises all tariff preferences.

Common mistakes include HS code misclassification, leading to incorrect tariffs or loss of preferential treatment, failure to meet Rules of Origin (RoO), lack of documents such as the C/O form EUR.1, and not satisfying measures related to food safety, quarantine, labelling, or environmental standards, she said.

She also warned that new and stricter EU regulations would directly affect Vietnamese exporters.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), for example, requires reporting of CO2 emissions for imports such as steel, cement, aluminium, and fertilisers, with carbon taxes to follow.

The EU Deforestation Regulation requires products such as coffee, timber and rubber to prove they are not linked to deforestation besides robust traceability systems generally.

EU importers are also increasingly demanding transparency in supply chains with respect to labour and environmental issues under accountability and ESG standards.

Vietnamese SMEs that fail to comply risk being excluded.

Phuong said: International trade today is no longer just about logistics or pricing, it is about compliance with import regulations and standards. Proactive compliance helps businesses cut costs, strengthen negotiation power, and expand market reach.

She advised SMEs to verify HS codes accurately, self-check FTA and RoO conditions, stay updated on NTMs and import requirements, set alerts for regulatory changes, cross-check and synchronise documents before shipment, and prepare compliance reports tailored to specific markets and sectors.

Phan Thuy My  Aimee, head of the business representative office in Viet Nam of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, described it as an ideal business location and also a strategic gateway for Vietnamese enterprises to access Europe.

She said the EU has updated its rules of origin to provide greater flexibility, particularly for goods with certificates of origin and in priority sectors.

The European Commission is developing new digital systems to simplify customs procedures, she said.

Since late 2023, CBAM has required importers to report emissions data in the case of carbon-intensive products.

Phytosanitary regulations have been tightened for various agricultural and plant products.

She said enterprises operating in Europe, and Germany in particular, should thoroughly familiarise themselves with regulations and seek assistance from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Nguyen Thi Hong Thuy, managing director of the Minh Phat International Coffee Co., Ltd, said: Since the EVFTA came into effect, we have leveraged this agreement to increase our exports to the European market.

She said the elimination of the 10 per cent coffee export tariff has been a boon for Vietnamese businesses.

Minh Phats coffee exports to Europe have shot up by 50 per cent from the pre-trade deal period, she revealed.

But to enjoy preferential treatment, her company has to trace the raw materials back to Viet Nam and meet quality standards such as ISO and IFS.

Each shipment requires a separate set of documents, and it takes six months to a year to complete the process from sourcing materials and designing packaging to fulfilling the EUs technical requirements.

The seminar was organised by the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City, the Business Representative Office of the German Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate in Viet Nam and TradeComply.  VNS
OTTAWA  A Vietnam Coffee Day has been held in Toronto, Canada, to promote Vietnamese coffee in this North American market.

The event draw 18 major coffee export businesses, representing over 50 per cent of Viet Nam's coffee exports, alongside Canadian industry stakeholders and overseas Vietnamese-owned businesses eager to introduce quality Vietnamese coffee to local consumers.

Addressing the event, Tran Thu Quynh, Viet Nams trade counsellor in Canada, highlighted the years of collaboration between the Trade Office and the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association to raise awareness among Canadian coffee importers and end consumers.

The event aimed to connect Vietnamese coffee producers with key Canadian businesses, including restaurant chains, coffee shops, and Vietnamese eateries.

Canada is a promising market for Vietnamese coffee, with exports skyrocketing 300 per cent from US$10 million to nearly $40 million since both countries joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

However, Viet Nam's market share remains below 2 per cent, with only 8,000 tonnes of coffee exported, valued at about $40 million, compared to a total export volume of 1.2 million tonnes globally.

Nguyen Nam Hai, chairman of the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association, noted that while exports to Europe and the EU are high, exports to North America, especially Canada, remain relatively low despite the development potential in both countries.

Robert Carter, chairman of the Canadian Coffee Association, emphasised that Canada is one of the largest coffee consumers globally, presenting a key opportunity for coffee exporters. Viet Nam is Canada's 11th largest coffee trade partner outside South America, and both nations are seeking to expand trade relations.

Carter confirmed that the event would help raise awareness of Vietnamese coffee in Canada and enhance its market presence.

With shifting trade dynamics, particularly post-tariff changes, Canada is reducing imports from the US, creating opportunities for Vietnamese coffee.

Currently, most Vietnamese exports to Canada are raw beans, so theres a need to develop processed products or supply chains to increase export value, leveraging agreements like the CPTPP.

Adam Pesce, a member of the Canadian Coffee Association, pointed out that building a strong brand is essential for Vietnamese coffee to succeed in Canada.

He recommended collaborating with smaller Canadian brands like Second Cup, Good Earth Coffee, and Balzac, which could provide opportunities to establish a presence before creating a standalone brand.

Vietnam Coffee Day thus served as a valuable platform for both Vietnamese and Canadian industries to explore new collaboration opportunities, boost export revenue, and help Vietnamese coffee businesses tap into Canadian distribution channels, advancing their potential in North America.  VNS
HCM CITY  The VietnamSingapore Industrial Park (VSIP) on Wednesday announced it signed a direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) with LEGO Manufacturing Vietnam (LEGO) for the new LEGO factory that opened in April 2025 this year.

The agreement is for the first large-scale renewable energy solution specifically designed for industrial use in Viet Nam.

Under the agreement, renewable electricity generated from VSIPs large-scale solar panels will be supplied to the factory through an industrial battery energy storage system, enabling a stable and consistent renewable electricity supply.

Nguyen Phu Thinh, general director, VSIP J.V. Co. said: The agreement reflects a shared commitment to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and sets a new benchmark for low-carbon manufacturing in Viet Nam. By integrating rooftop solar and battery energy storage, we are demonstrating how industrial parks can lead the way in delivering reliable low-carbon solutions.

The supply of sustainable energy from the agreement is expected to help LEGO Manufacturing Vietnam reduce approximately 15,000 tonnes of CO2 each year and is expected to begin by early 2026. This solution comes in addition to the 12,400 rooftop solar panels already installed on the factorys buildings, which together will cover approximately 75 per cent of the factorys total energy demand for the first five years.

Additional off-site power purchase agreements are also in progress to support the transition to 100 per cent renewable energy.

Jesper Hassellund Mikkelsen, senior vice president of Asia Operations and General Manager of LEGO Manufacturing Vietnam, said: This is an important step forward in our ambition to operate the factory on renewable energy. We are proud to be one of the first companies to sign a DPPA and appreciate the support of the national and provincial authorities in creating this opportunity.

LEGO Manufacturing Vietnam opened in April 2025 and is the companys sixth factory worldwide and second in Asia.

Established in 1996, VSIP was mooted by the Vietnamese and Singaporean governments for joint economic co-operation. The VSIPs are executed through a joint venture between Becamex IDC from Vietnam, and Sembcorp Development, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries.

SIP is involved in the development of 20 integrated townships and industrial parks across Viet Nam with total land area of approximately 12,000 hectares. Operating VSIPs have attracted more than US$23 billion worth of investment capital from over 1,000 tenant companies, creating close to 320,000 employment and community living opportunities across the country.  VNS
The Heart of the Rogue is praised as a charming, city-break getaway

MEDFORD, Ore., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel Medford is thrilled to announce that Medford was named a "Top Small Town" by Sunset Magazine, with both print and digital coverage, earning national recognition for Medford and Rogue Valley tourism.

Sunset Magazine's article " Soak Up Small-Town Charm at These Hidden Hamlets " celebrates Medford alongside Carmel by the Sea, California, and Great Falls, Montana as the winners of the 2025 Sunset Travel Awards, Where To Go: Top Small Towns category, honoring the "best small towns to escape to when you want a break from big-city noise."

Medford

On Medford, the piece quotes "Medford, Oregon, is our kind of something-for-all getaway, with the Rogue Valley boasting more than 85 tasting rooms amid beautiful scenery, vibrant restaurants, markets, and cultural offerings at the newly reopened Holly Theatre and the Britt Music & Arts Festival, plus numerous outdoor activities and breathtaking vistas of Crater Lake. Active travel with a glass of winewe'll drink to that."

The award celebrates the many pillars that make Medford an all-in-one destination. On earning this accolade, T.J. Holmes, Senior Vice President of Travel Medford, said, "This recognition from Sunset Magazine is a significant honor and demonstrates how our collaborative community works together to make our vibrant city an award-winning destination."

From its diverse food and wine scene, stunning natural landscapes, and outdoor activities, to a bustling arts and culture community, Medford and the Rogue Valley offer an abundance of exploration opportunities for travelers.

Images and logos can be found HERE , credit to Travel Medford.

About Travel Medford

Travel Medford is the largest destination marketing organization in Southern Oregon, whose mission is to promote Medford and the Rogue Valley as a premier travel destination. Travel Medford markets the region to visitors and helps the community grow by supporting events and promoting tourism activities for locals and visitors. From highlighting its vibrant people, stunning natural landscapes, burgeoning culinary scene, and thrill-seeking outdoor activities, Travel Medford lives and breathes the Rogue Valley way of life. For more information, visit travelmedford.org .

SOURCE Travel Medford
TUYEN QUANG  Once feared as ruthless 'wildlife assassins,' former hunters in old Na Hang Commune have traded rifles for conservation, becoming the very guardians of the Tonkin snub-nosed langur.

an Van Khoan, now a leader in the community group protecting this critically endangered primate, openly recalls a darker pastshooting a 30kg male langur, killing lactating females and even eating infant langurs. His groups tally of slain langurs numbers at least 62.

Khoan, who spends more time in the forest than at home, has tracked the herds in Khau Ca for over 23 years. At the langur protection 'headquarters' nestled within these primeval forests, seasoned 'experts' remain on constant watch.

These local villagers, intimately familiar with the Khau Ca and Du Gia forests, bring unmatched knowledge from their past lives as huntersnow channelled into preserving the fragile habitat and its rare inhabitants.

Worlds rarest lagurs

The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, an endemic wild species of Viet Nam, is classified on the worlds Red List as critically endangered. It is also among the 25 primate species at the highest risk of extinction globally.

Their appearance in some places and disappearance in others is a mysterious story.

To date, in some places such as Tat Ke - Ban Bung - biodiversity decline has meant that the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey has not been recorded again. This rare and extremely peculiar species can now be found only in the primeval forests of Khau Ca - part of Du Gia National Park of ong Van Karst Plateau, across all of Viet Nam and even the entire world.

In 2002, a troop of 60 langurs was discovered - the largest ever recorded in Viet Nam at the time. Since then, awareness-raising campaigns and decisive actions to stop the exploitation of this rare and endemic primate species and its habitat have been promptly carried out.

To date, about 200 Tonkin snub-nosed langurs have been recorded.

Conservation work enhanced

Vigilance is still necessary but peace has returned and joy seems to shine in the eyes of each langur as they feed on magnolia flowers and frolic freely among the lush green canopy of Khau Ca.

These primate groups, once considered 'critically endangered globally,' are now reproducing well. In fact, a troop can have up to 20 young langurs. A 'young population' is like pure gold for development  and this applies not only to humans. The langur groups in Khau Ca are becoming gradually more familiar with people.

The 'inexplicable disappearance' or frightening 'temporary absence' of primate groups has been a painful lesson for conservation work in neighbouring districts and provinces.

Fortunately, in Khau Ca, with the growing number of langurs and many adorable infants clinging to their mothers bellies, conservation experts worldwide have been genuinely impressed.

For over 20 years, the tireless efforts of the langur protection team  climbing mountains, tracking, recording and researching  have not been in vain.

More than a dozen members have endured daily hardships, patrolling 15,000ha of the Du Gia National Park across vast areas in the stone mountains of Tuyen Quang.

They have achieved remarkable feats, such as setting up information boxes on tree trunks deep in the forest, where patrol members leave notes about any sightings or sounds of langurs.

Without motor roads or mobile signals, this method of recording and exchanging conservation data shows the persistence and ingenuity of people living and working in the rugged limestone mountains.

Over the past 20 years, with investment from Fauna and Flora International (FFI)  one of the worlds oldest wildlife conservation organisations  a stilt house big enough to provide food and shelter for nearly a dozen people has been built on the edge of the forest.

Recently, they have even been equipped with small-capacity solar power for charging GPS devices, walkie-talkies and mobile phones.

If primary forests disappear, or ancient magnolia trees are cut down or fail to bloom, the grey-shanked langur will vanish, Chu Xuan Canh, manager of the FFI snub-nosed langurs protection project in Tuyen Quang Province, told danviet.vn.

In 2023, I observed and photographed a troop of 95 langurs, including nearly 20 juveniles. Counting them filled me with indescribable joy, he said. "After posing for photos, the langurs disappeared into the forest."

Villages, the nation and the world will lose a species found nowhere else but Viet Nam  a species that also supports local livelihoods and represents the intactness of the forest that sustains village life, he added.

I love sitting here watching them [the langurs]. I have done it for 23 years and never tired of it, Khoan said.

The langur seems to have transformed once-infamous hunters like Khoan into romantics. VNS

According to research, the world currently recognises five species of grey-shanked douc langurs:Golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana): Found in temperate mountain forests in central and southwest China.Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti): Found only in southwest China (Tibet and Yunnan).Guizhou snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi): Found in Guizhou Province, China.Myanmar snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri): Found along the MyanmarChina border.Tonkin snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus): Endemic to Viet Nam, inhabiting a few forests in the countrys northeast. VNS
HUNG YEN  Linen weaving and other traditional crafts from the northern province of Hung Yen left a strong impression on visitors at an exhibition celebrating the countrys achievements for the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2.

With a history spanning nearly 400 years, the Nam Cao linen weaving village in Hung Yen Province stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring nature of traditional crafts. It was recognised as national intangible cultural heritage in 2023. However, like many other traditional crafts, it has faced the risk of decline due to competition from the modern market.

Members of younger generations attending the exhibition helped promote the effort to revive traditional crafts from their hometown. They not only inherit the essence of their ancestors, but also proactively embrace technology and market trends to elevate traditional handicraft products to new heights.

Director of the Nam Cao Linen Weaving Cooperative Luong Thanh Hanh is one of the pioneers in this journey. Under her management, the cooperative has transformed itself, taking raw material through nearly 20 meticulous steps to create exquisite and unique products including handkerchiefs, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses), blankets and various handicrafts.

Linen products from the cooperative attracted significant attention from visitors. The sound of traditional wooden looms resonated, creating a culturally rich atmosphere while showcasing the complex production process. Shimmering, soft fabrics, reflecting the skill and dedication of the artisans, truly captivated the audience.

Back in 2016, when I began reviving the craft village, the market was almost nonexistent, and handcrafted products were not valued appropriately. I thought that if the younger generation didnt step up to continue the tradition, the craft would be lost forever. That realisation motivated me to embark on this journey of preservation, Hanh recalled.

The adoption of digital platforms, participation in trade fairs and engagement in international trade have helped the Nam Cao Linen Weaving Cooperative expand its market, with products exported to various countries including the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, South Korea and India. This not only generates economic value, but also contributes to promoting Viet Nams cultural image to the world.

Witnessing the revival of the craft village, artisan Hoang Thi Huong expressed her joy, saying that Nam Cao linen has its own brand and value.

The cooperative's activities serve as a foundation for us to continue living with our craft, to pass down techniques to the younger generation and to preserve the unique artisanal values of our ancestors, she said. VNS
HUNG YEN  From the loom to the Zoom age, Hoi Village in Long Hung Commune, northern Hung Yen Province, is preserving its centuries-old mat weaving tradition alive while stitching it firmly into the digital economy.

Renowned for producing durable and intricate mats, the village has embraced technology and e-commerce to sustain growth and promote the value of its craft.

According to village elders, the trade was first introduced by Pham on Le, who earned the title of Trang Nguyen (highest-ranking scholar) in 1481 during the reign of Emperor Le Thanh Tong. After serving as an envoy to the Ming dynasty, he returned home with mat-weaving techniques from China, which he taught to the villagers.

For generations, families have continued the craft. Villager oan Thi Hue, who learned to weave as a child, said the work is less difficult than labour-intensive, with multiple stages from harvesting sedge and dyeing to the final weaving.

To improve the quality of the mats, we select a sedge that meets the standards, which is white with a round texture. The process of preparing the sedge is similar to combing hair; we use a comb to smooth it out so that the sedge is even and straight before feeding it into the weaving machine, Hue said.

Local artisans say producing high-quality mats demands experience, creativity and meticulous care. Their skill and innovation have kept designs evolving to meet modern tastes while honouring the villages heritage.

While weaving was once done entirely by hand, since 2005 many households have invested in machinery, boosting productivity and helping secure stable incomes for the community.

A notable example of this wave of change is Ha Duy Mais workshop. Not only did he hire Chinese experts to transfer technology but he also invested billions of ong in purchasing 10 modern weaving machines for production. Each machine can currently produce 60 mats per day.

Without investing in technology, the craft village would fall behind. Therefore, the application of modern machinery is an essential path to enhance productivity and maintain the position of Hoi mats in both domestic and international markets, he said.

Mats produced in Hoi Village are now available in many provinces across the country and are exported to markets such as Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.

Nguyen Tien Dung, head of the Economic Department of Long Hung Commune, said the locality had defined its direction for the traditional craft village as a combination of preserving its identity and applying technology in the context of digital transformation.

The local authorities are focusing on assisting production households to access e-commerce, digitise production and business processes and build the Hoi mat brand in the digital environment. They also encourage residents to invest in modern machinery to enhance competitiveness in the current market, he noted.

Long Hung Commune is now home to 29 households engaged in mat weaving with 90 machines, generating jobs for nearly 420 labourers. In addition, there are eight facilities specialising in producing nylon mats and imitation rattan mats, with over 310 machines creating jobs for more than 1,000 workers both locally and from surrounding areas. VNS
My wife and I are expatriates currently living and working in Viet Nam, where we have been granted permanent residence cards. We are now considering adopting a three-year-old girl we met at a local orphanage. What conditions we must satisfy and what procedures we must follow to complete the adoption?

According to Article 14 of the 2010 Law on Adoption, foreigners who hold permanent residence in Viet Nam and wish to adopt a Vietnamese child must meet a series of legal conditions, including:

Having full civil act capacity. Under the law, any person aged 18 or older is deemed to have full civil act capacity unless they have lost or had their capacity restricted, or face difficulties in cognition or behaviour control.

Being at least 20 years older than the child to be adopted.

Demonstrating good moral character.

Adoption in Viet Nam is considered a humanitarian act aimed at safeguarding both the material and emotional well-being of children. For this reason, certain groups are barred from adopting. These include individuals who have had their parental rights over a minor restricted; those currently subject to administrative measures of mandatory education or medical treatment; people serving prison sentences; and anyone with an unexpunged criminal record for serious offences such as intentionally harming another person, abusing family members, coercing minors into breaking the law, harbouring juvenile offenders, or trafficking, exchanging or appropriating children.

Step 1: Preparing the application

Please note that Vietnamese law allows a child to be adopted either by a single individual or jointly by a married couple. In your case, if both you and your wife meet the legal conditions for adoption, the first step is to prepare the adoption application. You and your wife, as prospective adoptive parents, will compile your own dossier, while the orphanage will prepare a separate dossier for the child.

* Dossier of the adoptive parents:

Application for the adoption of a Vietnamese child (VietnameseEnglish bilingual form)

Copies of the passports or equivalent valid documents of both adoptive parents

Authorisation from the competent authority of your home country permitting adoption in Vietnam

Completed psychology and family questionnaires of both adoptive parents

Health certificates of both adoptive parents

Certificates of income and assets of both adoptive parents

Criminal record certificates of both adoptive parents

Certificate of marital status

Certification by the Commune Police where the adoptive parents reside, together with other documents proving continuous residence, work, or study in Viet Nam for at least one year before submission to the Department of Judicial Administration

* Dossier of the child:

Birth certificate.

Health certificate issued by a general hospital, polyclinic, or regional medical centre (valid within 12 months of submission).

Two recent full-body photos (frontal view, taken within the last six months).

Legal certification documents, depending on the childs circumstances:

Certification by the commune-level Peoples Committee or Public Security office of the locality where the child was found, for abandoned children

Death certificate of the natural parent(s), or a court ruling declaring them deceased, for orphans

A court ruling declaring the natural parent(s) missing, for children whose parents are missing

A court ruling declaring the natural parents loss of capacity, for children whose parents have lost civil act capacity

Description of the childs characteristics, habits, and preferences (valid within 12 months of submission).

Please remember that any documents issued by foreign authorities must be legalised by the Consular Department under Viet Nams Ministry of Foreign Affairs or by a Vietnamese diplomatic mission or consulate abroad, unless exempt under treaties or reciprocity agreements. These documents must also be translated into Vietnamese, with the translators signature duly certified.

Step 2: Submitting the application

The dossiers of both the prospective parents and the child will be filed with the provincial Department of Justice of the locality where the child resides. The application can be submitted in person, by post, or through an authorised representative.

The Department of Justice will review the documents and seek consent from the childs biological parents. If one parent is deceased, missing, incapacitated or unidentifiable, the other parents consent is sufficient. If both parents fall into these categories, the guardians consent is required.

If the conditions are met, the Department of Justice will forward the case to the provincial-level Peoples Committee, which has 15 days to issue a decision. If the application is refused, the committee must provide a written explanation. If approved, an adoption decision will be issued and sent to both the Department of Justice and the commune-level Peoples Committee of the locality where the adoptive parents reside.

Step 3: Attending the child handover ceremony

The Department of Justice will then register the adoption and organise a handover ceremony at its office. Both adoptive parents must be present at the ceremony, unless one provides written authorisation for the other to act on their behalf. Valid grounds may justify an extension, but failure to attend without plausible reasons can result in annulment of the adoption decision. The handover must be documented in writing and certified by the Department of Justice. VNS
As President Luong Cuong and his spouse lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and conduct bilateral meetings in the United States from September 21 to 24, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung spoke with Vietnam News Agency in Washington about the major milestones achieved in Viet Nam-US relations and the key areas poised for strong growth in the near future.

What is the significance of President Luong Cuongs participation in the UN General Assemblys 80th Session General Debate alongside his bilateral engagements in the US?

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the UNs founding, a milestone for the worlds largest multilateral organisation. President Luong Cuongs attendance at the General Debate demonstrates Viet Nams strong support for multilateralism and respect for the UN. It is also an opportunity for Viet Nam to reaffirm its role as an active and responsible member of the international community, to present its views and share development experiences, and to contribute practical initiatives and solutions to global challenges such as peace, stability, sustainable development and climate change.

The President will also carry out a series of bilateral activities with the United States, spanning politics, economics, technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges. The events coincide with the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic ties and the second anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development between the two countries. Such engagements will help maintain stability and further advance bilateral relations in a comprehensive manner in the coming years.

What key achievements have the two countries made since upgrading ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership two years ago?

The elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has created momentum and a framework for bilateral cooperation to achieve substantial results despite changes in leadership in both countries. Notably, mutual respect and attention have been strengthened, reflected in the maintenance and expansion of dialogue channels at all levels, particularly high-level exchanges.

There have been numerous meetings and telephone conversations between Vietnamese leaders and US Presidents, formerly Joe Biden and now Donald Trump. In recent months alone, there have been four phone calls between Party General Secretary To Lam and President Trump. The high-level contacts have laid the groundwork and set directions for the development of bilateral relations across multiple fields.

On economics, trade and investment, significant progress has been achieved. Bilateral trade turnover continues to grow strongly, with the US remaining Viet Nams largest export market. Washington has given priority to reciprocal trade negotiations with Viet Nam and both sides have reached high-level common understandings to guide specific talks, aiming to ensure more balanced and sustainable trade. Viet Nam continues to attract strong interest from US investors, particularly leading firms in technology, energy and logistics, while more Vietnamese enterprises are now looking to invest in the US.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have also flourished, reflected in the increasing number of Vietnamese students and tourists in the US, thereby deepening mutual understanding between the two peoples.

In your view, which areas of cooperation between Viet Nam and the US hold the greatest potential for growth in the future?

Given the current regional and global dynamics as well as the strengths and aspirations of both nations, I believe the most promising areas of cooperation are first and foremost economics, trade and science-technology. The fields align with Viet Nams development needs, priorities and orientations in the new era while also fitting the US goal of diversifying and ensuring the sustainability of its supply chains. This opens opportunities for Viet Nam to become a trusted partner in global value chains, particularly in technology, clean energy and sustainable development.

Secondly, culture and tourism hold great potential. The year 2026, which will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, presents an excellent opportunity for both countries to organise meaningful cultural events. Viet Nam is also promoting its creative industries and access to the US market and know-how could positively influence this sectors growth.

Thirdly, education and training are vital. Viet Nam has a pressing need to develop high-quality human resources while the US offers advanced education and valuable experience. Expanding cooperation in the area would help enhance the quality of Viet Nams education and strengthen mutual understanding between the two nations peoples.

What are your expectations for the contribution of the Vietnamese community in the US to advancing bilateral ties?

The Vietnamese community in the US is increasingly dynamic, with many individuals achieving success across fields, particularly in science and technology and playing ever more important roles in American socio-political life. Most generations of overseas Vietnamese retain strong bonds with their homeland, looking towards Viet Nam and wishing to contribute to its development.

On that basis, I hope and expect the Vietnamese community will continue to serve as an effective bridge, making even greater contributions to advancing bilateral relations, strengthening mutual understanding and forging deeper connections, especially in economics, culture and education, between the peoples of the two countries. VNS
HA NOI  Sounding the call for solidarity, Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang urged countries to embrace multilateralism and genuine defence cooperation as the only way to build what he described as a fair and reasonable global security system.

Giang made the remark at the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which opened in the Chinese capital on Thursday.

The three-day dialogue is one of the regions most prominent security gatherings and this year carries the theme 'Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development.'

Giang pointed out that humanity had never before achieved such rapid advances in science and technology. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, biotechnology and renewable energy, he said, were opening up unprecedented opportunities for growth.

If properly harnessed, these advances could help large and small nations shorten the gap and move forward together in the global development stream.

Yet he cautioned that alongside these opportunities lay profound risks. Strategic rivalry, power politics and unilateral imposition, he argued, were reshaping global security structures while disputes left unresolved risked spiralling into confrontation.

Regional flashpoints from armed conflicts to territorial disputes remained volatile and non-traditional threats such as climate change, cyberattacks, food and energy insecurity, terrorism and transnational crime were becoming ever more complex.

Chinese Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun said Beijing wanted to contribute to "a brighter future for human civilisation."

He outlined four directions: preserving historical values; reforming global governance with respect for national sovereignty at its core; promoting peace and justice by building partnerships rather than alliances; and consolidating peace through practical multilateral action.

On the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), Dong stressed that China was working with regional countries to advance a Code of Conduct and fully implement the existing Declaration on Conduct. He also underscored Chinas support for multilateralism in a world that is moving towards multipolarity.

General Giang, reflecting on Dongs remarks, said that building a fair and reasonable global security governance system was impossible without multilateralism and practical defence cooperation.

"Only when countries sit down together, respect common rules and share responsibilities can basic principles be turned into reality," he said.

He emphasised that multilateralism must remain at the heart of global security. International law, especially the UN Charter, provided the essential foundation, with principles such as respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political systems, non-interference in internal affairs and peaceful settlement of disputes.

At the same time, he said, cooperation needed to be strengthened to address non-traditional threats related to issues ranging from climate change and cyber security to food and energy security, artificial intelligence, counter-terrorism and transnational crime.

Giang also stressed the importance of modernising multilateral institutions. He highlighted the need for reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to ensure timely responses to crises and to amplify the voices of smaller nations and developing countries in global forums.

Dialogue, he argued, must be enhanced not only between major powers and developing countries but also between different ideologies. Differences, he said, should not be seen as contradictions but as opportunities to narrow divides and complement one another.

For such goals to become reality, Giang insisted, a sustainable foundation was needed  one that was widely respected and universally valid.

"That foundation," he said, "is international law."

He reaffirmed Viet Nams commitment to being a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community, contributing to a rules-based international order that is fair, sustainable and inclusive.

Giang also expressed thanks for the support and participation of defence leaders and partners at the 2nd Viet Nam International Defence Expo in 2024.

He extended special gratitude to those who sent delegations and even marching contingents to Viet Nam's parades marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification on April 30, 2025 and the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2, 2025.

His speech, which wove together both Viet Nams own priorities and shared global concerns, drew significant attention from the forums delegates.

At a time of mounting uncertainty, it underscored Viet Nams consistent message: peace, cooperation and respect for international law must remain the guiding principles for global security.  VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  National Assembly Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan on Thursday met with Wouter Beke, chair of the European Parliament delegation, who expressed the hope for stronger relations with both Viet Nam and ASEAN.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-46) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Stressing the importance of the meeting, which coincided with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the EU (19902025), Hoan reaffirmed that the EU is one of Viet Nam's most important partners.

He noted bilateral relations have grown dynamically, substantively, and comprehensively across multiple sectors, thanking the EU for its initiatives and projects that have contributed to Viet Nam's socio-economic progress.

The Vice Chairman also called on the EU to continue supporting Viet Nam's efforts in building a green economy, promote the ratification of the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), soon lift the yellow card warning on Viet Nam's seafood exports related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and assist in implementing the blocs deforestation regulation.

Hoan also proposed the EU to help with the ASEAN Community building process and further align the ASEANEU action plans with ASEANs cooperation strategies.

For his part, Beke emphasised Viet Nam's role as an important partner of the EU in the region. He highlighted the effective implementation of the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), describing it as a model for the EUs negotiations with other partners.

He praised Viet Nam's efforts in responding to climate change, combating deforestation, and advancing towards its net-zero emissions target.

Beke also underlined the EUs wish to expand cooperation beyond economy with ASEAN through initiatives such as the Global Gateway and the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the EU.

Both sides agreed to increase exchanges of delegations at all levels, particularly high-level visits in this anniversary year. They also pledged to maximise the EVFTA, broaden market access, and enhance cooperation in areas matching the EU's strengths, including green transition, digital transformation, environmental protection, climate change response, science  technology, and innovation.  VNA/VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Thursday affirmed that the Vietnamese NA will continue to stand side by side with ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) to turn ASEANs vision and aspirations into reality.

He made the statement while addressing the first plenary session of the 46th General Assembly of the AIPA-46 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

We are ready to share experiences, strengthen dialogue and cooperate at all levels to build an inclusive, sustainable, resilient and truly people-centred bloc, he said.

Under the theme 'Parliaments at the forefront for an inclusive growth and sustainable ASEAN', ASEANs legislative bodies are playing a pioneering role in building a future of equal development opportunities and shared prosperity for all ASEAN people, he said.

Over nearly 60 years of formation and development, ASEAN has made strong progress, overcoming many challenges to build a dynamic economic community, a closely connected society and an increasingly prominent international profile, he said.

As the centre of the regional cooperation architecture, ASEAN has brought together a wide range of partners in a multi-layered network of linkages, contributing to promoting dialogue and cooperation for peace, stability, and shared prosperity, he said.

In the context of rapidly changing and complex regional and global developments, to continue to promote the role and special strengths of parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Man proposes that AIPA focus on three priority areas.

He proposed AIPA enhance its role as a bridge, encouraging and facilitating social sectors and stakeholders to actively contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

AIPA should continue to take the lead in building institutions and policies to put regional commitments and agreements into practice, especially in science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation, he said.

As representatives of the people, AIPA has a special role and responsibility in fostering exchanges, solidarity and friendship among the peoples of the member countries, he said, proposing that AIPA continue to give high priority to activities that nurture and spread community awareness and identity, enhance communication and promote cooperation in culture, education, tourism, as well as exchanges between parliamentarians and between parliamentarians and the peoples of ASEAN countries.

He said ASEAN needs to continue to expand and deepen external relations, consolidating ASEANs role as the hub in regional and global networks of linkages and cooperation.

We warmly welcome observer parliaments attending todays General Assembly and many parliaments on the path to becoming AIPA partners," Man said.

"Amid current turbulence, we wish to develop mutually beneficial relations with all countries and partners," the leader stressed.

This will help expand development space, diversify markets and respond more effectively to common challenges and issues at both regional and global levels.

As part of his official visit to Malaysia, NA Chairman Man held a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday afternoon.

The two leaders expressed their delight at the positive and substantive progress in the friendship and bilateral cooperation highlighted by the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

They were informed that bilateral trade in the first seven months of 2025 reached USS$9.23 billion, up 8 percent year-on-year.

The two leaders agreed to continue consolidating political trust through exchanges of delegations at all levels while promoting trade and investment cooperation towards the goal of $18 billion in balanced two-way trade.

They also vowed to boost cooperation in energy, oil and gas, science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, artificial intelligence, fisheries, the Halal industry, as well as active participation in the ASEAN Power Grid.

Chairman Man emphasised the need for both countries to soon adopt an action programme to implement the Viet NamMalaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 202530 period and promote trilateral cooperation in exporting renewable energy from Viet Nam to Malaysia and Singapore.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thanked Viet Nam for its support and active contributions to Malaysias ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 and AIPA-46 Chairmanship.

He also appreciated the close cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries and expressed confidence that inter-parliamentary cooperation would continue to grow stronger.  VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, within the framework of his official visit to the Southeast Asian country.

Welcoming NA Chairman Man, his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, PM Anwar expressed his belief that the visit will create new momentum for bilateral relations, especially cooperation between the two legislative bodies.

He affirmed that Malaysia considers Viet Nam an important partner and wishes to further strengthen collaboration with the country.

Chairman Man expressed his deep sympathy with the Malaysian people affected by floods and landslides in Sabah state, hoping that they will soon overcome difficulties and quickly return to normal life.

At the meeting, both leaders showed their delight at witnessing the bilateral friendship and cooperation making positive and substantive strides, marked by the elevation of their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Two-eay trade in the first seven months of 2025 reached US$9.23 billion, up 8 per cent year-on-year; people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly close; and cooperation between the Viet Nam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam) and Malaysias Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS ) has become a symbol of the two countries effective partnership.

Discussing measures to promote the bilateral ties in the coming time, the two leaders agreed to continue strengthening political trust through the exchange of high-level and all-level delegations; enhance trade and investment cooperation towards a target of US$18 billion in a balanced manner. Both sides will boost cooperation in the fields of energy, oil and gas, science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), fisheries, the Halal industry, as well as actively participating in ASEAN Power Grid (APG) projects.

The top Vietnamese legislator proposed the two sides soon adopt the Action Programme for implementing the Viet NamMalaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 20252030 period, actively carry out green energy projects, and promote trilateral cooperation on exporting renewable electricity from Viet Nam to Malaysia and Singapore.

PM Anwar expressed his gratitude for Viet Nam's support and active contributions to Malaysia in its role as ASEAN Chair 2025 and Chair of the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN InterParliamentary Assembly (AIPA-46). He appreciated the close cooperation between the two legislative bodies in recent times and expressed his confidence that parliamentary cooperation will continue to be further strengthened.

Chairman Man affirmed that the Vietnamese legislature will closely coordinate and work alongside the Malaysian Parliament and the parliaments of other countries to continue promoting AIPAs role in advancing regional integration and connectivity, increasing the voice of the people, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and fostering the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.  VNA/VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man attended the opening of the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN InterParliamentary Assembly (AIPA-46) in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Themed Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable ASEAN, AIPA-46 demonstrates Malaysias determination as the host country to promote the central role of parliaments in guiding the region toward peace, stability, and prosperity on an inclusive and sustainable foundation; enhance their role in policymaking and supervision; and place people at the centre as the true representatives of their voices.

In his welcome remarks, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the important role of AIPA, together with the parliaments of member states, in making positive contributions to the common efforts to strengthen solidarity, foster economic integration, and consolidate ASEANs central role in addressing regional and global challenges.

Tan Sri Dato Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives and AIPA-46 President, reaffirmed the importance of AIPA, emphasising the message of enhancing the participation of youth and women in the policy-making process and ensuring the rights and obligations of vulnerable groups.

Amidst complex and unpredictable regional and international developments, the AIPA-46 President called for continued strengthening of solidarity and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)s central role, while valuing efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation among relevant parties.

NA Chairman Mans attendance at the event reaffirmed Viet Nams role and contributions to AIPA-46, while demonstrating its readiness to continue working with member parliaments to strengthen intra-bloc solidarity and unity, safeguard a peaceful and stable environment, and build a strong, resilient ASEAN Community that continues to play a central role in the regional cooperation architecture.

On this occasion, Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong sent a message to AIPA-46. He congratulated Malaysia, in its role as ASEAN Chair 2025 and AIPA-46 President, for successfully steering ASEAN to important achievements; and warmly welcomed the theme Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable ASEAN, which reflects a strong aspiration for an ASEAN Community that shares progress and prosperity together, and leaves no one behind.

In light of todays international challenges, President Cuong emphasised that more than ever, ASEAN must remain united, strengthen its internal capacity, and uphold its centrality, thereby preserving peace and stability while proactively engaging in shaping development trends in the region and the world.

In the new context, to promote more inclusive and sustainable development of ASEAN, the President expressed his hope that AIPA and parliaments of member states will continue to uphold their pioneering role by creating a favourable institutional framework, harmonising legal regulations and development policies, as well as supporting capacity-building and enhancing the sharing of legislative experience, particularly in promoting the application of scientific and technological advances, digital transformation, and green transition.

The State leader also showed his hope that AIPA will continue to capitalise on the distinctive strengths of parliamentary diplomacy to further deepen the friendship and traditional solidarity among ASEAN countries, and expand collaboration between ASEAN and its partners. VNA/VNS
With support from the MassMutual Foundation and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, OFN's CDFI Innovation Initiative advances bold solutions to help CDFIs unlock capital, scale innovation, and navigate a changing economy.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the nation's leading investment intermediary and network of community development financial institutions (CDFIs), marked a key milestone in its CDFI Innovation Initiative, announcing the inaugural CDFI Innovation Council and launch of the first cohort of the CDFI Capital Solutions Accelerator. The CDFI Innovation Initiative, announced in the fall of 2024 at OFN40, is OFN's model for advancing industry solutions through sustained investment and innovation, with the goal of reimagining the structure of community development finance, and developing new tools to deepen impact across the country. The Initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership with the MassMutual Foundation and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth through their Mastercard Strive program.

"One truth is clear: Our future will be defined by our willingness to innovate and develop new solutions on our own terms. The CDFI Innovation Initiative is a bold, multi-year commitment to create new tools, develop actionable, replicable models, and solutions to address our field's most persistent challenges," said President and CEO Harold Pettigrew. "Over the last two years, CDFIs have faced both historic opportunities and profound challenges. Through it all, our mission has only grown more urgent, more visible, and more viable as a solution to address market failures, which is why we're inviting new and existing partners to join us in advancing solutions that strengthen CDFIs nationwide."

The CDFI Innovation Initiative is powered by three core program areas: an Innovation Council; an Innovation Center; and Innovation Capital that provides blended capital designed to drive high-potential ideas from concept to scale. Together, these program areas create a powerful platform to design, test, and expand solutions that serve the community development finance industry.

Innovation Council

The Innovation Council provides OFN with strategic insights and advice to strengthen CDFIs and help shape industry solutions in four foundational areas: 1) capitalization solutions, 2) financing products, 3) technology and operational efficiency, and 4) data research and analytics. The inaugural Council members include:

Marcus Berkowitz , Chief Product and Innovation Officer, Grameen America

, Chief Product and Innovation Officer, Grameen America Jonathan Brereton , CEO, Scale Link

, CEO, Scale Link Sandy Fernandez , Vice President of Social Impact, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

, Vice President of Social Impact, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Bulbul Gupta, President and CEO, Pacific Community Ventures

Julie Mahowald , Chief Financial Officer and Head of Partnerships & Strategy, Housing Trust Silicon Valley

, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Partnerships & Strategy, Housing Trust Silicon Valley Liz Roberts , Head of Impact Investing, MassMutual

, Head of Impact Investing, MassMutual Matt Roth , President and CEO, Community Reinvestment Fund

, President and CEO, Community Reinvestment Fund Aaron Seybert , Managing Director of Social Investments, Kresge Foundation

, Managing Director of Social Investments, Kresge Foundation Anna Smukowski , Managing Director, Impact Investing, Enterprise Community Loan Fund

"The Innovation Council is a catalyst for the CDFI industry," said Dennis Duquette, President of the MassMutual Foundation. "By bringing together leaders from finance, philanthropy, and community development, the Council will help surface bold ideas and translate them into strategies that strengthen CDFIs and the communities they serve. We are proud to support the Council and the CDFI Innovation Initiative as a whole, and to stand with OFN in ensuring this industry is equipped to meet the future with confidence and creativity."

CDFI Capital Solutions Accelerator

The Capital Solutions Accelerator, launched with assistance from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, is the first major program activity under the Innovation Center. It is designed to advance industry capitalization solutions that can be adopted or replicated across the industry. The six-month program seeks solutions that unlock new sources and structures of capital, reduce barriers to affordable and flexible long-term funding, and create capitalization models that strengthen mission-driven financing. The Accelerator leads participants through an innovation development and expansion journey, pairing them with technical experts and mentors, creating opportunities for peer learning and collaboration, and connecting participants with funder and investor networks. As a result, OFN will share new services and models to capitalize the CDFI industry.

The first cohort will have a focus on reimagining and expanding capitalization strategies for small business lenders. The first cohort and their projects are:

Ascendus : A graduation capitalization strategy that graduates small business clients of CDFIs to traditional bank lending, spurring refinances from banks and accelerating capitalization for CDFIs.

: A graduation capitalization strategy that graduates small business clients of CDFIs to traditional bank lending, spurring refinances from banks and accelerating capitalization for CDFIs. Impact Ventures : Integrated capital model that includes equity-like and non-extractive instruments for CDFIs, allowing them to support early-stage, undercapitalized entrepreneurs.

: Integrated capital model that includes equity-like and non-extractive instruments for CDFIs, allowing them to support early-stage, undercapitalized entrepreneurs. JUST Community : Real estate investment platform that provides capitalization opportunities for CDFIs, allowing them to support technical assistance for entrepreneurs.

: Real estate investment platform that provides capitalization opportunities for CDFIs, allowing them to support technical assistance for entrepreneurs. Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA): Framework to sell CDFI-originated loans to small banks to unlock liquidity and increase capital flow to small businesses.

Framework to sell CDFI-originated loans to small banks to unlock liquidity and increase capital flow to small businesses. Next Street: A mutual insurance company that provides credit enhancement and risk sharing opportunities to make investing in CDFIs more attractive to institutional investors.

A mutual insurance company that provides credit enhancement and risk sharing opportunities to make investing in CDFIs more attractive to institutional investors. Northern Initiatives : Capital planning and participation lending model that leverages capital from high net-worth individuals, Donor-Advised Funds, and community foundation partners to fund small businesses.

: Capital planning and participation lending model that leverages capital from high net-worth individuals, Donor-Advised Funds, and community foundation partners to fund small businesses. Prosperity Now: Platform that streamlines data collection to expand access to secondary markets for CDFIs.

As a cornerstone of OFN's 2030 strategic framework, the Initiative offers funders an unparalleled opportunity to help shape the next era of community development finance. By aligning resources with OFN's Solutions Pillars  capital, product expansion, policy, talent, and technology  the Initiative ensures that investments in innovation generate lasting value for the CDFI industry and the millions of people and places it serves. With funder support, the CDFI Innovation Initiative will deliver scalable, field-wide solutions that strengthen the financial infrastructure of communities and create durable advantages for the industry well beyond the five-year horizon.

CDFIs, partners, funders, and investors are invited to participate in this national effort by bringing capital, expertise, and vision to drive new solutions at scale. To learn more about the CDFI Innovation Initiative and opportunities for engagement, or contact Amber Bell, OFN's Chief Programs Officer, at [email protected].

About OFN

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the nation's leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, managing more than $1 billion in total assets and a membership of nearly 500 community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which include community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. Our network of CDFIs works to ensure communities left behind by mainstream finance have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services, with a deep focus on serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors  foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others  and, for more than 40 years, has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for all.

Since its founding in 1986, OFN members have originated $124 billion in cumulative financing, helping to create or maintain nearly 3.4 million jobs, start or expand more than 1 million businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of more than 3 million housing units and more than 15,000 community facility projects.

About MassMutual Foundation

The MassMutual Foundation, Inc. is a dedicated corporate foundation established by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). The MassMutual Foundation fuels initiatives that increase financial resilience within communities served by the company and fosters a culture of community engagement for MassMutual's employees as well as affiliated financial professionals. In support of this mission, the Foundation invests in programs that help people access resources needed to earn, protect, and help build their financial capability and thrive. The Foundation also supports community vitality efforts where MassMutual operates. To learn more about the MassMutual Foundation, please visit www.massmutual.com/foundation.

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company's core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.

About Mastercard Strive

Mastercard Strive is a portfolio of philanthropic programs supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and funded by the Mastercard Impact Fund. With programs around the world, Mastercard Strive has reached more than 18 million small businesses to go digital, get capital, and access networks and know-how. Follow Mastercard Strive on LinkedIn and subscribe to its newsletter.

SOURCE Opportunity Finance Network
HA NOI  State President Luong Cuong on Thursday hosted a reception in Ha Noi for Pauline Tamesis, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, and heads of UN agencies in the country, ahead of his trip to New York attend the High-level General Debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The President expressed delight at the strong growth of Viet NamUN cooperation, underlining that the UN has always been a close companion in Vietnams development journey. He highly valued the role and support of UN agencies in advancing development goals, particularly in pandemic response, socio-economic recovery, climate change adaptation, disaster relief  most recently Typhoon Yagi  and in promoting a just energy transition.

Highlighting Viet Nams long-term development objectives, he said the country is striving to achieve its two centenary goals: becoming an upper middle-income nation with a modern industrial base by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045. He stressed that Viet Nam is prioritising international integration, green growth, science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation, private sector expansion, legal reform, education and training, and universal healthcare. He called on UN agencies to further support Vietnam, especially in policy consultancy, scientific cooperation and capacity-building.

Regarding the upcoming debate, the President emphasised its significance as it coincides with both the 80th founding anniversary of the UN and the 80th National Day of Viet Nam, with both sides undertaking reforms to enhance effectiveness and responsiveness to contemporary challenges.

The State leader outlined key messages Viet Nam will convey, including the countrys story of overcoming hardship, healing war wounds, advancing international integration, and calling on nations to uphold peace and take bold action for a sustainable future.

Reaffirming Viet Nams strong support for multilateralism and the UNs central role in global governance, he pledged that the country will continue to contribute actively and responsibly to global peace, stability, cooperation and development.

Welcoming the UN80 initiative of the UN Secretary-General, he said Viet Nam supports bold reforms and stands ready to host UN agencies and centres in the country.

President Cuong also reiterated Viet Nams support for the UNs role in shaping global cooperation on artificial intelligence governance, and reaffirmed its commitment to international climate pledges, including implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). He asked the UN to work closely with Viet Nam in preparation for the official visit of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the signing ceremony of the UN Convention on cybercrime in Ha Noi this October.

For her part, Tamesis praised Viet Nams strong leadership and commitment to multilateralism and the UN at a time of global challenges. She stressed that the 80th UN General Assembly marks a pivotal moment for promoting international cooperation on peace, development and human rights. She highlighted Viet Nams impressive achievements in poverty reduction, socio-economic development, institutional reform, gender equality and inclusive growth.

The Resident Coordinator particularly commended Viet Nams decisive policies on international integration, digital transformation, energy security, education and healthcare, placing people and businesses at the centre.

She affirmed that the UN will continue to accompany and support Viet Nam in advancing sustainable development, addressing climate change, promoting gender equality and achieving its strategic goals. VNA/VNS
KUALAR LUMPUR - Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man proposed three important priority areas for the ASEAN InterParliamentary Assembly (AIPA) to focus on in the coming time while addressing the first plenary session of the 46th AIPA General Assembly (AIPA-46) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 18.

Firstly, NA Chairman Man said that AIPA needs to promote its role in fostering more effective regional cooperation, particularly strengthening its role as a bridge, encouraging and creating favourable conditions for social strata and stakeholders to actively contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045; taking the lead in building institutions and policies to ensure that regional commitments and agreements are effectively implemented in practice, especially in the fields of science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation.

Secondly, AIPA should actively contribute to consolidating a stronger social foundation for regional cooperation by encouraging, formulating, and implementing activities that nurture and spread community awareness and identity; enhancing communication, and promoting cooperation in culture, education, tourism, as well as organising exchange and interaction activities. Thirdly, AIPA should actively expand and deepen its external relations, thereby helping to consolidate the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)s role as a central hub in the network of regional and global linkages and cooperation, he stressed.

The Vietnamese NA leader emphasised that AIPA, together with its member parliaments, is playing a pioneering role in building a future of equal development opportunities and shared prosperity for all ASEAN people.

Accompanying ASEAN throughout every stage of its development, AIPA has made important contributions to supporting governments in implementing regional cooperation agreements and commitments, creating a favourable legal environment, and ensuring that the voices of the people are reflected in ASEANs policymaking.

Emphasising that 2025 marks many significant anniversaries, including the 30th anniversary of Viet Nams accession to ASEAN and participation in AIPA, the top legislator affirmed that the Vietnamese NA will continue to stand side by side with AIPA to turn ASEANs vision and aspirations into reality; and build an inclusive, sustainable, resilient, creative, and dynamic ASEAN Community that truly puts people at its centre.

Tan Sri Dato Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives and AIPA-46 President, emphasised the priority of building a cohesive, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN Community. He highlighted the importance of stepping up legislative activities at the national level to harmonsise domestic laws with regional commitments, thereby facilitating the effective implementation of ASEAN cooperation plans and priorities, seizing opportunities, and unleashing ASEANs potential for development, particularly in digital economy, sustainable finance, green transition, food security, climate change response, and social security.

The member parliaments need to stand side by side with and actively participate alongside their governments in translating high-level commitments and resolutions of AIPA into concrete actions that deliver tangible results for the people and businesses. At the same time, AIPA must also consolidate and expand its relations and cooperation with partners, thus helping to foster mutual understanding, friendship, and trust for peace, stability, and development, he added. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Water resources in Viet Nam are under increasing pressure, with degradation and depletion emerging as urgent issues that raise concerns over both the quantity and quality of supply.

Nguyen Minh Khuyen, deputy director of the Water Resources Management Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said that Viet Nam has around 3,450 rivers longer than 10km. Yet about 60 per cent of the countrys water originates beyond its borders, while supplies are distributed unevenly across regions and seasons.

Viet Nams water depends heavily on flows from neighbouring countries, accounting for as much as 60 per cent, while demand has risen sharply in recent years," he told the Voice of Vietnam.

"The dry season lasts seven to nine months, but contributes only around 28 per cent of total annual flow, making it extremely difficult to secure reliable supplies for daily use, production and economic development.

Competition over water use has also become increasingly intense in recent years. Conflicts often arise between upstream and downstream needs, with demand for hydropower, agriculture, inland waterway transport and industry. At the same time, downstream areas face growing risks from water-related hazards, while water quality in many parts of the country is reaching alarming levels.

Khuyen said that Viet Nam is confronting serious challenges to water security. Rapid socio-economic development has sharply increased demand for the resource. Over the past five decades, water use has tripled, driven by population growth, agriculture, industry and urbanisation.

Forecasts indicate that annual demand could rise to about 122.5 billion cubic metres by 2030 and 131.7 billion cubic metres by 2050.

Alongside rising demand, pollution has become more severe. Accelerated urbanisation and expanding industrial and agricultural activity have led to greater volumes of wastewater, much of it untreated, being discharged into rivers, streams and aquifers. This has placed heavy and growing strain on both the quantity and quality of the countrys water resources.

Disputes over water use are also intensifying, largely due to conflicting economic interests between sectors and regions. Tensions often occur between hydropower generation and irrigation, as well as with industrial, domestic and agricultural needs downstream.

Another challenge lies in inefficiency. Water use remains wasteful and productivity is low, particularly in agriculture and urban areas. Although Viet Nams per capita GDP rose to more than US$2,500 in 2018, 2.5 times higher than in 2002, the value generated per cubic metre of water was only $2.37  just 12 per cent of the global average of $19.42.

Meanwhile, watershed forests have been reduced, with little improvement in either coverage or quality, undermining water retention. Climate change and sea level rise are further compounding pressures, with salinity intrusion increasingly severe in the dry season and flash floods, landslides and riverbank erosion worsening during the rains.

These are among the key drivers behind more frequent flash floods, landslides, droughts and saltwater intrusion in recent years, Khuyen said.

The deputy director further highlighted institutional gaps, noting that Viet Nam has yet to establish a unified system of decision support tools for water resource planning, allocation and regulation at the river basin level. As a result, management remains fragmented, water use is often wasteful and exploitation is inefficient, undermining efforts to ensure water, food and energy security.

International organisations have ranked Viet Nams water security at just two out of five, a level far below that of regional peers such as Indonesia, rated at three, and developed countries like South Korea and Australia, which reached four  the worlds highest score in 2020.

Experts warn that the water security issue has yet to receive the attention it deserves. Despite being a vital national resource, water is still widely regarded as a free gift of nature rather than an economic asset. This perception has led to wasteful practices and limited awareness of the need for conservation.

Although the State has increased investment in the water sector in recent years, resources remain insufficient and unevenly distributed across industries. Particularly concerning is the lack of funding for fundamental tasks like resource surveys, inventories and assessments, as well as for protection and restoration efforts. Measures to curb degradation and depletion of water resources have also been underfunded.

At the same time, investment in reservoirs and water storage facilities has not kept pace with demand, leaving gaps in management and hampering the enforcement of water resource laws. These shortcomings threaten Viet Nams ability to secure stable supplies of water to meet the countrys growing socio-economic development needs, especially essential drinking and domestic use. VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam will need around US$55-92 billion to fully implement climate change adaptation tasks in the period 2021-2030, according to the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

This figure is equivalent to 3-5 per cent of the countrys 2020 GDP.

Given that the State Budget can only cover a small portion, Viet Nam is expected to mobilise an additional $2.7-6 billion each year from extra-budgetary sources.

This poses a major challenge, underlining the necessity of international co-operation in finance, technology and capacity building.

For many years, despite limited resources, Viet Nam has remained determined to respond to climate change.

These efforts are demonstrated in improving the policy system, strengthening communication and education, promoting international co-operation and strictly implementing commitments under the Paris Agreement.

In November 2024, the Prime Minister approved the updated National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, under Decision No 1422/Q-TTg.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has completed the updated National Adaptation Plan (NAP) report and recently submitted it to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat.

This is an obligation of all UNFCCC member states.

To date, Viet Nam is among 65 countries that have submitted their reports to the Secretariat.

The updated 2025 NAP report reflects Viet Nams efforts to enhance climate resilience while promoting international co-operation and mobilising resources for adaptation solutions, contributing to the implementation of the countrys Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

The report highlights Viet Nams vulnerability to climate change due to its unique geography, with a long coastline, thousands of offshore islands and a mainland largely consisting of mountainous areas alongside fertile alluvial plains.

Two major deltas with high population densities are particularly exposed to the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise.

Climate change has already negatively affected various sectors, regions and localities across Viet Nam, posing tangible threats to sustainable development and poverty reduction goals.

This requires timely action to mitigate losses and strengthen climate risk management and disaster prevention.

Monitoring data shows that average temperatures are rising faster than the global average, rainfall patterns are increasingly erratic and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable.

The reports key highlight is the assessment of achievements and limitations in climate change adaptation. Viet Nam has made remarkable progress in policy development, widespread disaster response programmes, expanded international co-operation and improved public awareness.

However, it also points out limitations such as the legal framework still requiring updates to match new contexts; limited financial resources; inadequate science and technology, especially in forecasting and early warning; and insufficient community and private sector engagement.

The report also presents the updated plan with the overarching goal of reducing risks and damages caused by climate change while enhancing the resilience of natural, economic and social systems.

This goal is accompanied by a vision that climate change adaptation must become an integral part of all national development strategies and plans.

The submission of the updated NAP report is not merely a procedural step but a demonstration of national responsibility, long-term vision and aspiration for green and sustainable development.

It also sends a message that in the global fight against climate change, Viet Nam will not stand aside but is ready to contribute and hopes to join hands in sharing resources and knowledge with the international community. VNS
HCM CITY  The HCM City University of Technology (HCMUT) and the Australian University of Technology Sydney (UTS) on Wednesday officially welcomed its first cohort of students of the Transnational Education (TNE) programme for a Bachelor of International Engineering degree.

The 202526 academic year marks the programmes inaugural admission season, drawing strong interest from STEM-oriented students nationwide.

Organisers said the quality of applicants demonstrated both academic excellence and strong potential for future development.

The launch coincides with Viet Nams broader education reforms under the Politburos Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW, which calls for stronger adoption of international standards, integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis, and innovation in science, engineering and strategic technologies.

Vice president of HCMUT Pham Tran Vu said the joint bachelors programme with UTS reflects the universitys long-term strategy to internationalise education, improve training quality and prepare human resources for Industry 4.0 and national key projects.

This is the first and only joint programme in engineering and technology between HCMUT and UTS, combining the brand reputation of two leading universities in Viet Nam and Australia, he said.

UTS is ranked among the worlds top 100 universities by QS, with its Computer Science ranked 17th and AI ranked fifth globally in the 2025 US News rankings.

The programme offers majors in AI and Information Technology  two high-demand fields critical to digital transformation.

Admission in the first year nearly matched long-established international programmes at HCMUT, reflecting high interest from students and parents in high-quality STEM education.

Applicants were admitted through three pathways: Vietnamese high school graduates, international high school graduates, and those with SAT scores.

English proficiency requirements were set at international standards, including IELTS 6.5 (with writing 6.0), TOEFL iBT 79 (with writing 21), PTE 58 (with writing 50), or Cambridge C1/C2.

Among the admitted students, many showed outstanding academic records.

The AI programmes top scorer was Nguyen Huu Nhan from Hung Vuong High School for the Gifted in Gia Lai Province, with 98.91/100 points and IELTS 7.0. In IT, the top scorer was Le Huynh Tan Vu from Asia Pacific International School also in Gia Lai, with nearly a perfect 99.99/100 points and IELTS 8.0.

Le Huynh Tan Vu said he and his classmates are pioneers in this unique journey.

We are the first. Might as well be the best, he said.

"This programme offers the best of both worlds: an international study course and degree from UTS, while still allowing me to study here in HCM City at HCMUT.

"Although this may sound challenging, I believe we should look at it as motivation to try our best on this journey.

Global opportunities

Leo Mian Liu, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) of UTS, said: Today, you formally become UTS students, joining a global community of more than 50,000 students  and you are the very first cohort in Viet Nam to receive a locally delivered education from a global top 100 university.

Together, HCMUT and UTS are building a legacy of collaboration, innovation and excellence, he added.

Under the programme, students will study three years at HCMUTs campus on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, with the bachelors degree awarded directly by UTS upon graduation.

The curriculum, fully taught in English, is transferred from UTS and accredited by Engineers Australia. Lecturers include both HCMUT professors and visiting UTS faculty.

Enrolled students automatically join UTSs global network of over 44,000 students, with opportunities for academic exchange, international networking and flexible transfer pathways to Australia.

With tuition set at VN127.5 million (US$5,625) per semester  far lower than full overseas study  the programme offers a competitive financial alternative.

Scholarships are also being offered in the first year to attract and support outstanding talent.

This collaboration is expected to deliver world-class training, and contribute to Viet Nams broader strategy of cultivating a highly skilled workforce in priority technology fields.  VNS
Nguyen Manh Hung, chairman of Nafoods

Speaking at the Vietnam Private Sector Forum (VPSF) 2025 in Hanoi on September 16, participants urged greater investment in logistics and deep-processing infrastructure, stronger institutional frameworks for green and transparent agriculture, accelerated digitalisation and traceability, and the development of national brands.

Nguyen Manh Hung, chairman of Nafoods, noted that processed agricultural goods have become a cornerstone of Vietnams exports, generating tens of billions of US dollars annually and reaching markets in more than 170 countries.

However, most of the output remains raw or semi-processed with limited added value, leaving Vietnams international competitiveness below its potential. This is a major challenge if Vietnam seeks to become a global hub for sustainable agricultural processing, he said.

Drawing from Nafoods journey from a small factory in Nghe An province to operating six factories nationwide and exporting to over 70 countries, Hung said there are four key bottlenecks: high logistics costs due to weak cold-storage infrastructure; complicated certificate of origin, VAT, and tax-refund procedures that delay operations; too few strong national brands and weak linkages between enterprises, farmers, and research institutions; and incomplete frameworks for green agriculture, carbon credits, and digital traceability that hinder compliance with international standards.

To address these issues, Hung said priority should be given to developing green logistics infrastructure and smart cold-storage facilities in farming regions, with the state providing the hard infrastructure and enterprises investing in the soft.

He also called for co-funding trade promotion and building national brands for key commodities such as passion fruit, mango, coffee, and rice, improving tax, land, and green-agriculture policies, and implementing a carbon credit mechanism to advance the circular economy and adopt environmental, social, and governance (ESG) adoption.

Another critical step is building a national strategy for processed agricultural products, anchored in high-tech agricultural zones that integrate logistics, digital technology, and innovation, he said.

Hung reaffirmed Nafoods commitment to pioneering digitalisation, AI, the Internet of Things, and circular value-chain models. We firmly believe that with the support of the government and the business community, Vietnam can absolutely become a global hub for green and sustainable agricultural processing, delivering prosperity to the nation, happiness to farmers, and elevating Vietnamese brands on the world stage, he said.

Phan Minh Thong, chairman of Phuc Sinh Group

From another perspective, Phan Minh Thong, chairman of Phuc Sinh Group, emphasised that to enhance the value and competitiveness of Vietnamese farm produce in international markets, the key is the investment in deep-processing infrastructure and research & development directly in farming areas. Modern processing plants combined with research centres would significantly raise product value, creating strong leverage for exports.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises in the sector should be developed in line with international standards, with transparent governance, clear customer data, and third-party auditing to reinforce trust among foreign partners, he emphasised.

Thong underscored the urgent need to standardise sustainable agriculture, particularly through strict control of pesticide use, to safeguard the reputation of Vietnamese products. He noted that Phuc Sinh has worked with farming households for the past 15 years to establish a digitalised traceability system from farm to market, enabling compliance with ESG standards, preventing deforestation, and opening doors to demanding markets.

He stressed that the government continue strengthening publicprivate partnerships, provide reasonable tax incentives, streamline administrative procedures, and invest in logistics infrastructure to cut costs and boost competitiveness.

As a long-term solution, Thong suggested establishing a national commodity exchange to ensure transparent pricing and data, helping Vietnamese businesses reduce reliance on international prices and gradually secure greater pricing power.

With 60-65 per cent of the population engaged in agriculture, building a transparent, sustainable, and modern ecosystem would empower private enterprises to upgrade value chains and reinforce Vietnams global position, he said.

He added that the private sector is a key driver of national development; with policy bottlenecks removed, it could generate hundreds of thousands of jobs and further deliver Vietnamese products to the world.

Phuc Sinh and the private business community are ready to accompany the government in building a sustainable economy, where Vietnamese brands are celebrated, farmers benefit, and the country thrives, he emphasised.

Vietnam Private Sector Forum to push transparency and modern development The Vietnam Private Sector Forum 2025 (VPSF 2025), a national-level policy and action platform, is scheduled to take place from July to September.

Vietnam Private Sector Economic Forum makes comeback in Hanoi Vietnam Private Sector Economic Forum (VPSF) 2025 is bringing together leaders from government, business, and academia in Hanoi to reaffirm the private sectors role as a driver of sustainable growth and to generate policy recommendations that strengthen Vietnams institutional framework.

Amending legal regulations criminalising business activities Businesses made proposals to improve the legal and business environment at the Vietnam Private Sector Forum (VPSF) 2025 on September 15 in Hanoi.
Vietnam cannot afford to stand by and watch only other nations master the technology

It is expected that the third meeting of the National Steering Committee on Semiconductor Industry Development will be held by the end of Q3, aiming to speed up development and drive the domestic industrial sector forward.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in the second meeting of the committee held last month in Hanoi, underlined that no later than 2027, Vietnam must complete the design, manufacture, and testing of a number of crucial semiconductor chips.

Efforts are to be made to attract foreign investment in the semiconductor industry, with priority given to projects characterised by advanced, innovative, high-tech, and environmentally friendly technologies, modern management practices, and high added values, PM Chinh said as cited by a press release from the Government Office. These projects must have the capacity to generate spill-over effects and connect with global production and supply chains.

To this end, the country will soon finalise policies to resolve issues in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and personnel. Vietnam will also shift the focus of preferential policies from attracting investment to promoting tech transfer, while also developing a competitive, fair, healthy semiconductor market in accordance with market principles.

In addition, the government will foster close coordination between the state, businesses, and educational institutions, ensuring alignment between development planning, research, and production. It also seeks to promote equal development between the public and private sectors, and to build broader public-private and global cooperation mechanisms.

In June, Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang reported that in order to attract high-quality foreign funding and develop the private sector, the government will revise investment incentive policies to include binding conditions for tech transfer.

Large foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) projects are to be required to have plans for the use of domestic supply chains and support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in training, testing, and technology sharing from the project approval stage, he stated.

The issues must be clearly specified with legal requirements to ensure FIEs comply, avoiding the situation of luring foreign investment in simple quantity terms as in the recent past, Minister Thang added.

The government will also review and amend tax policies to incentivise large enterprises to support SMEs. For instance, large enterprises are to be allowed to include in their deductible expenses - as taxable incomes - any costs related to training and retraining human resources for SMEs participating in supply chains.

PM Chinh has also tasked ministries to implement specific jobs to develop the industry in line with the vision to 2050, which aims to position Vietnam as a global hub for chip design, manufacturing, and testing.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is requested to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and mobilise international resources to support human resource development for the industry. It also has to boost Vietnams image as a top destination for the industry, and instruct diplomatic missions abroad to advance cooperation and update the database of overseas Vietnamese experts and other talents in the field.

The Ministry of Education and Training will closely oversee training activities under a specific development programme towards 2030, with an orientation to 2050, particularly by strengthening links between the state, academia, and industry to ensure training effectiveness.

The Ministry of Construction, meanwhile, is to propose solutions to ensure transport infrastructure supports the shipping, delivery, and logistics services of semiconductor manufacturing enterprises. It also has to study and issue plans on application of chip technology in transport infrastructure, smart transportation systems, and smart cities.

Meanwhile, the government has asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to propose legal additions regarding strategic minerals for industry development, with focus laid on accelerating mineral surveys to ensure control over input materials, reduce external dependence, and localise relevant supply chains.

The ministry also has to strengthen scientific research and international cooperation to acquire processing tech for these materials, as well as propose licensing mechanisms for the mining and deep processing of strategic mineral resources.

Elsewhere, the Ministry of Justice is to continue working with relevant agencies to improve the institutional, legal, and policy framework to support the rapid development of the semiconductor industry.

Semiconductors are a key link in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly in the development of AI. It is experiencing rapid growth, with an intense global race to master the technology, PM Chinh said. Vietnam cannot afford to stand on the sidelines if it is to build an independent and self-reliant economy, while actively and effectively engaging in deep, substantive international integration.

Vietnam is making efforts to train at least 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030. Currently, the workforce includes around 7,000 engineers working in integrated circuit design companies; and about 6,000 engineers and 10,000 technicians working in packaging, testing, and production of related materials and equipment. The Semiconductor Innovation Network has also brought together over 100 Vietnamese experts from around the world.

Vietnam currently hosts about 170 foreign-invested projects in semiconductors and high technology, registered at around $11.6 billion. This includes major projects from names such as Intel ($4.1 billion), Amkor ($1.6 billion), and Hana Micron ($673 million).

There are now nearly 50 foreign corporations and around a dozen Vietnamese companies including Viettel, FPT, and CMC in the chip design industry; 14 FIEs and one domestic enterprise in packaging and testing; and 15 FIEs in the semiconductor supporting industry.
The German Development Agency (GIZ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE) and relevant parties, on September 15 held the closing meeting of the sustainable forest management upscaling project.

Michaela Baur, country director GIZ Vietnam, spoke at the closing meeting of the project

It was a collaborative initiative funded by the German government, implemented in Hanoi, Quang Tri, Gia Lai (formerly Binh Dinh), and Phu Yen, to promote sustainable forestry practices and the certification of planted forests.

It involves the MoAE, provincial authorities, the Management Board of Forestry Projects, and GIZ as key implementers and partners.

With a volume of 4.7 million ($5.5 million) provided by the German government over the last four years, it is part of the larger portfolio in this area reflecting our shared commitment to sustainable development and climate action, Michaela Baur, country director GIZ Vietnam, said.

The scheme contributed to establishing legal and institutional prerequisites. It advised what is now the MoAE on amending rules on the restructuring and development of state-owned agricultural and forestry companies. Based on a consultative process, amendments included increased economic incentives for agricultural and forestry companies; clarification of land use rights and responsibilities among national and provincial authorities; and promotion of innovation and digitalisation. Results were taken up in Decree No.04/2024/ND-CP, issued in 2024.

The venture has achieved numerous notable results during its implementation, significantly contributing to sustainable forest protection and development. The six forest owners, including state-owned forest companies and protection forest management boards partnering with the project, have each established demonstration plots for sustainable forest management. As a result, 42.5 hectares of demonstration areas and 2,118.5ha of expanded forest areas were established, including six hectares of native tree planting.

Alongside forest expansion, the scheme has also promoted research and the supply of planting materials. Notably, 150 containers of hybrid acacia seedlings were provided, and the team successfully nurtured plots of Terminalia catappa, a native tree species with high ecological value.

The initiative introduced livelihood models under forest canopies, such as growing Ganoderma mushrooms at the Ben Hai and Thach Han protective forest management boards in Quang Tri. With a scale of 150 sq.m per model, these mushroom sites harvested three crops per year, yielding 54 kg in 2025 at approximately $16 per kilogramme, opening a promising avenue for agroforestry economics.

Moreover, two timber forest business models at Quy Nhon and Song Kon Forestry companies recorded annual net incomes of $8,160 per ha and $1,560 per ha, respectively. Additionally, two joint-venture plans were implemented across 1,795ha to bridge financial gaps during the transition to large-scale timber forests.

One of the achievements was gender mainstreaming. The project is committed to gender equality and social safeguards. For instance, two forestry companies developed their gender action plan to mainstream gender equality in their operation. Gender equality aspects are now considered in their recruitment policy to ensure equal opportunities for women and men.

These efforts also contribute to fulfilling the requirements of the companies for forest certification, namely, increasing the value of their timber production. A gender forum was organised for forest owners and other actors in the timber value chain and developed recommendations for strengthening gender equality in policy and practice. The 150 participants had the opportunity to connect and forge alliances with like-minded peers in the sector.

The delegation visited the demonstration areas, managed by Quy Nhon Forestry Company

The initiative has significantly contributed to enhancing sustainable forest management capacity, transitioning planted forests to longer cycles to improve timber quality, enhance carbon sequestration, protect the environment, and provide economic benefits to forest owners," said Nguyen Van Hoan, deputy director of the Gia Lai Department of Agriculture and Environment.

It has improved livelihoods for local communities while promoting the role of women and farmers in forest protection and development. In Gia Lai province, the project has delivered tangible results, particularly in increasing the economic value of forests while protecting the environment and addressing climate change, Hoan said.

While the project has concluded its support activities, the responsibility to continue and scale up the model will be carried forward by provinces, forest owners, and communities. Gia Lai province will actively engage and strive to maximise the outcomes, scaling up sustainable forest management models and transitioning planted forests to longer cycles to achieve higher economic and environmental benefits, Hoan added.

The success is reflected in the report of the results achieved in the past four years, and are the foundation for maintaining and replicating the model. Specifically, forest owners commit to continue to care for and protect according to the technical guidelines of sustainable forest management, allocate the necessary financial resources to maintain and replicate the model, and train workers for the sustainable transition process.

Although the project has come to an end, I am sure the results will continue to contribute to sustainable forest management in Vietnam," said Baur of GIZ Vietnam. "Following the agreement between our two governments, made during the negotiations in 2023, the forest sector is one of the priority areas of the German-Vietnamese bilateral cooperation. It includes sustainable forest management and forest protection, as well as legal and sustainable timber value chains.

VNFOREST and Suntory PepsiCo launch forest and water awareness drives A set of initiatives to raise public awareness about the vital role of forests and water resources through activities at national parks nationwide has been launched by the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam.

Promoting sustainable forest management through long-cycle plantation models Sustainable forest management models with long-cycle plantations enhance economic efficiency from large-timber forests and significantly contribute to emissions reductions, transforming forests into natural carbon sinks.

Strong scope for added agro-exports Strong growth in the first half of 2025, along with efforts to expand export markets, is expected to help Vietnam reach an export turnover of $65 billion in agro-forestry-fishery products for the year.

AEON Tan An hosts Hometown Forest tree-planting ceremony As part of its traditional pre-opening activities, the AEON Hometown Forest tree planting ceremony was organised by AEON Tan An Shopping Centre on August 9.
$120 million AUA program moves from LPL to Cetera to elevate client experience, help drive growth

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera Financial Institutions has partnered with Peoples Bank and Trust to further strengthen and grow the bank's investment program, Peoples Financial Management & Planning*. The transition marks a strategic move to enhance client services, expand capabilities, and align with a partner that shares Peoples Bank and Trust's values and commitment to excellence.

Peoples Financial Management & Planning, which oversees approximately $120 million in assets under administration**, will benefit from Cetera's robust technology, personalized support, and deep expertise in serving community banks. The decision to move from LPL Financial followed a comprehensive evaluation process focused on improving strategic growth support including responsiveness, attention to detail, and overall service quality for clients.

"Our clients are, and have always been, at the heart of every decision we make," said Logan Schrag, Executive Director, Peoples Financial Management & Planning. "As we evaluated the support and resources at our prior broker-dealer, it became clear that they no longer met the high level of responsiveness, attention to detail, and service that our financial professionals and clients deserve. We wanted a partner who shares our commitment to excellence, and we found that with Cetera. This move reflects our unwavering dedication to delivering the very best for those we serve, now and as we continue to grow."

Schrag said that after a months-long evaluation, Cetera emerged as the ideal partner, because Cetera was committed to supporting his firm's relationship-driven approach, dedication to rural communities, and unwavering focus on expanding the reach through strategic growth and exceptional client service.

"Cetera Financial Institutions is a natural fit for us as a broker-dealer partner," Schrag said. "Their approach to relationship-building and their commitment to supporting community banks like ours made the decision clear. We're excited to partner with Cetera, and we are confident our clients will experience the same care, expertise, and personalized attention that guided our decision."

In welcoming Peoples Bank and Trust, LeAnn Rummel, President and CEO of Cetera Investment Services, said: "We are proud that Peoples Bank and Trust has chosen Cetera to help drive strategic growth, and we're excited about how well aligned our missions and values are  together we will pursue more growth for Peoples Financial Management & Planning as they move forward with utilizing a holistic planning approach to uncover more client service opportunities while providing deeper and broader services to the communities they serve."

Cetera Financial Institutions is a community within Cetera Investment Services that supports the investment programs of over 450 banks and credit unions. Cetera Investment Services celebrated its 40-year anniversary in 2024, and with nearly 70 renewals signed through October 31, 2024, Cetera Financial Institutions' retention rate was 99 percent for all institutions in its network as of that date.

About Cetera

Cetera Financial Group (Cetera) is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms.

Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice  blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth.

As of June 30, 2025, Cetera firms manage more than $590 billion in assets under administration and $263 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score.

Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

Cetera refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, those that are members FINRA/SIPC: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (f/k/a Cetera Advisor Networks), Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC; and a Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment adviser: Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.

*Peoples Financial Management & Planning is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity.

**Value approximated based on asset holding details provided to Cetera as of Sept. 15, 2025.

Investments are: *Not FDIC/NCUSIF insured * May lose value * Not financial institution guaranteed * Not a deposit * Not insured by any federal government agency.

SOURCE Cetera Financial Group
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PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prairie View A&M University announces the inaugural appointment in its Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program, a new initiative that connects students and faculty with industry leaders whose careers have redefined business and culture.

Dr. Mathew Knowles has been named Prairie View A&M Universitys first Executive-in-Residence for the 20252026 academic year.

Dr. Mathew Knowles, entrepreneur, branding strategist, and cultural architect behind global icons Beyonce, Destiny's Child, and Solange, has been named the University's first Executive-in-Residence for the 20252026 academic year. With more than $100 million in business exits and acquisitions, plus groundbreaking campaigns for Pepsi, L'Oreal, and Samsung, Dr. Knowles brings unmatched expertise to PVAMU. A LinkedIn Top Voice and recipient of the National Speakers Association's Master of Influence Award, he is also recognized by Marquis Who's Who and serves as a global advocate for health and wellness.

Throughout the fall and spring semesters, Dr. Knowles will lead four master classes (two each term), in collaboration with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Languages and Communication.

Master class topics include:

From Solopreneur to Entrepreneur: Debunking myths, embracing mindset, and building meaningful work (Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship)

Strategic Visibility: Brand, business, and the power of narrative (Department of Languages and Communication)

These interactive sessions give students direct experience in:

Launching purpose-driven ventures

Designing and executing strategic communication campaigns

Navigating the evolving worlds of business, branding, and media

As part of his residency, Dr. Knowles will also lead two faculty development workshops on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, harnessing storytelling, and advancing brand strategy and media innovation. These sessions, exclusive to Prairie View A&M, bridge academic theory with professional practice, equipping faculty to drive ingenuity, enrich teaching, and prepare students for future-ready careers.

Dr. Knowles' appointment marks the beginning of a program that reflects Prairie View A&M University's commitment to embedding visionary leadership into the academic experience. Through the Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program, PVAMU reinforces its distinction as a national model for student success, innovation, and the transformative power of education.

For more information about the program, or to request an interview with Dr. Knowles or University leadership, please contact:

Liz Faublas-Wallace

Communications Professional

936-261-1562

[email protected]

Candace Johnson

Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

936-261-1566

[email protected]

The Office for Marketing and Communications, 936-261-1560, www.pvamu.edu/marcomm

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY, founded in 1876, is the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state of Texas and the third largest Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in the nation. Designated as an "institution of the first class" in the Texas Constitution, the enrollment exceeds 9,000 students and over 80,000 graduates. PVAMU offers academic programs through its ten colleges and schools, boasting degree options leading to bachelor's to doctoral-level degrees. A Carnegie-classified high-research (R2) University and a member of The Texas A&M University System, PVAMU is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service. For more information, visit www.pvamu.edu.

SOURCE PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
PARADISE, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Paradise Affordable Homes and RRA Builders announce the completion of the first community-funded, single-family home built in Greenville, CA with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Hot Springs Road Front View

"The rural community of Greenville in Plumas County was destroyed in the 2021 Dixie Wildfire. Many of those residents were underinsured, and unable to rebuild, leaving hundreds of vacant burn lots and a devastated local economy," says Kelly Konzelman, CEO of RRA Builders. "Through a unique partnership supported by local residents, Welcome Home Greenville, the Almanor Foundation, and the Plumas Housing Council, RRA Builders was asked to bring our affordable housing solutions that have been so successful in Paradise, CA to assist Dixie Fire victims still struggling to rebuild," he adds. "Since the Dixie wildfire, there have been no non-profit housing organizations or developers willing to enter this market." Federal and State disaster grants for new single-family homes are not available to for-profit builders, and the high degree of investment risk in rural communities like Greenville makes securing affordable development capital almost impossible.

"We have created a completely unique approach to financing recovery in devastated, rural communitas like Greenville," says Kelly, "and this model can be replicated in any rural U.S. county affected by disaster."

The 1,280 square foot, three-bedroom home was completely financed by local community members. The house is being sold to the public at the developer's cost of around $285,000, and 100% of the sale proceeds will be reinvested into building additional low-cost homes. Community investors have pledged and pooled their personal funds with an investment horizon of at least two years. As each new home is sold, the proceeds will be re-invested in new high-quality, low-cost housing, helping to rebuild Greenville, and stimulating local economic development. The Welcome Home Greenville project helps vested local residents pool assets to be used solely for the construction on new homes on abandoned burn lots, and sell those homes to young families for about the cost of development.

Event: Ribbon Cutting/Open House September 24, 2025

Time: Noon to 3:00pm

Where: 166 Hot Springs Road, Greenville, CA

Kelly Konzelman has over 40 years of experience in construction, real estate, development and investment banking, and presently serves on the Board of Directors of the Camp Fire Collaborative, a nationally-recognized disaster recovery organization. The Camp Fire Collaborative consists of Federal, State and local government agencies, non-profit organizations and local businesses assisting Camp Fire survivors to recover and rebuild. To date, Paradise Affordable Homes and RRA Builders have completed, or are in development of new 45 low-cost homes in Paradise and Magalia California, communities wiped out by the 2018 Camp Wildfire.

For more information visit www.ParadiseAffordableHomes.com

Contact: Kelly Konzelman, CEO at [email protected]

805.402.4838

SOURCE Paradise Affordable Homes
Consultation to open on future of Froncysyllte Community Primary School

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Sep 18th, 2025

A consultation on the future of Froncysyllte Community Primary School will open next week after Wrexham Councils Executive Board voted in favour of it.

The views of parents, staff and the community will be sought from Tuesday, September 23 to Friday, November 7 on two options.

The first is to continuing to run all three schools within the Dee Valley Federation  Froncysyllte, Garth Community Primary and Pentre Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School at a deficit amid falling pupil numbers. The second is closing Froncysyllte  also known as Fron School.

The option to close Fron School has been selected for the consultation as it is the school with the lowest pupil numbers  with just four children remaining.

Projected figures presented to the Executive board suggest that within five years there will be no more pupils attending the school as no new pupils have registered with the school for a number of years.

A third option  to close all three and amalgamate them into a single school site  will not be considered within the consultation as no suitable site could be found.

If the councils preferred option  the closure of Fron School  does progress the school will close at the end of this academic year.

For 2026-27 this would generate a saving of 57,269. That saving could increase by 2,667 if staff are redeployed during the notice period to cover supply roles in Garth and Pentre.

According to the consultation documents, in a full financial year, the saving would equate to 204,130. The closure of Fron School would have financial implications for Garth and Pentre, which would need to make up the shared headteacher costs for the Federation as they would now be split between two schools  an additional 13,524.

However education officers highlighted this would be mitigated by the additional budget allocated due to incoming pupils transferring to these schools which would bring in an additional 20,880.

Addressing the Executive Board Cllr Rondo Roberts, the member for the Llangollen Rural ward where Fron School and Garth CP Schooo are situated, said: Id like to say how saddened I am at this stage to be going to consultation with Fron School.

Its a sad decline that the schools been going over but the other two schools in the federation are thriving and wherever we go after the consultation I think its very sad for the village.

Bangor-is-y-Coed Cllr Robert Ian Williams asked the Lead Member for Education Cllr Phil Wynn if the Church in Wales (CIW) had been engaged prior to the matter coming before the Executive Board, as Pentre school is a Voluntary Aided CIW school.

The Diocese and its education officers have been fully sighted of this before it came to Executive Board today, he said. They will be permitted to make their submissions as part of the consultation process.

Cllr Graham Rogers of Hermitage also expressed his regret that the council had to consider the closure of Fron School.

Nobody likes to be faced with closures, job losses etc, he said. But the reality is we need to consider the children and whats best for the community in general.

The consultation report will be presented to Wrexham Councils Executive Board on January 20, triggering a statutory period of further review and opportunities to object to the proposals.

The final decision will be made on June 9.

By Alec Doyle  BBC Local Democracy Reporter
NHS Wales waiting list tops 613,000 as over 8,000 face two-year delays

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Sep 18th, 2025

The Welsh Government has been accused of overseeing an abysmal failure in the NHS as new figures show more than 613,000 patients are waiting to begin treatment.

Data released today reveal that over 8,000 people have been waiting longer than two years, a 7.5% rise on the previous month.

However, this is the second-lowest figure since April 2021.

In July, there were just under 793,100 referral-to-treatment (RTT) patient pathways waiting to start treatment  down by around 1,500 compared to June. The number of open pathways is different to the number of people on an individual waiting list, as some patients will be waiting to start more than one treatment.

This is a decrease of around 1,500 since June.

The proportion of pathways waiting less than 26 weeks rose to 56.6% in July, while those waiting longer than 36 weeks fell to just under 265,700.

For the first time, the Welsh Government has released provisional figures for August  a month before they are due to be finalised.

According to todays interim data, there were around 790,600 total pathways waiting at the end of August, of which 156,200 were waiting more than one year and 8,700 were waiting more than two years.

These figures are expected to change in October when the information is finalised.

Ambulance response times

The Welsh Government has also changed the way it records ambulance performance following the introduction of a new purple category for patients experiencing cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Category red remains for major trauma and other incidents where patients are at significant risk of arrest without a rapid response.

According to todays figures, there were 802 purple calls to the ambulance service in July  around 2.3% of all calls  and 4,380 red calls (12.5%).

The median response time was 7 minutes 15 seconds for purple calls and 9 minutes 15 seconds for red calls.

For patients in cardiac arrest where resuscitation was attempted, 27.4% achieved a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) by the time they arrived at hospital.

Emergency department waits

There were 96,800 attendances to Wales emergency departments in August  an average of 3,121 attendances per day. Of these patients, just under 15,200 were admitted to hospital.

In North Wales 57.6% of attendees waited less than the four hour target to be seen, however this drops to just 40.6% in the regions major emergency departments.

This is well below the Welsh Governments own target of 95% of patients spending less than four hours in an emergency department from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge.

At the Wrexham Maelor Hospital 36.2% of attendees spent less than the four hour target in the department. This dropped to 34.2% at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and 52.5% at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

Against the eight hour target this figure rose to 63.1% at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, 56.3 at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and 67.9% at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

Cancer waiting times

The Welsh Government has a target for 75% of patients to start treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer.

In July, 2,301 pathways started cancer treatment, 337 more than in June and the highest figure on record.

However Macmillan Cancer Support say that the target was still missed by a substantial margin, with almost 900 people waiting too long to start treatment.

Waiting times also vary depending on which type of cancer people have. In July 2025 only 32% of women and people assigned female at birth with gynecological cancer and 39% of people with urological cancer started their treatment within 62 days from first being suspected of having cancer, compared with 86.1% of those with skin cancer

Rhian Stangroom-Teel, External Affairs Manager for Wales at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: Everyone with cancer should be able to get the timely diagnosis and treatment they need, no matter who they are or where they live.

The fact that over 5,500 people have been left to face long waits and delays to their cancer treatment since the start of this year alone, makes it clear that this is not happening right now in Wales. This is unacceptable, but it is fixable.

These latest figures do show a very welcome improvement from last month and when compared to this time last year.

But with Senedd elections on the horizon, now is the time for the Welsh Government to make cancer a priority, to deliver on the ambitions of its Cancer Improvement Plan, to make cancer care fair by addressing the inconsistencies that exist across the country, and to lead the way on making sure everyone with cancer in Wales can get the timely diagnosis and treatment they need.

Welsh Government response

An extra 15,000 outpatient appointments are being provided across Wales this month as part of plans to cut long waiting times.

The additional appointments  over and above normal core NHS activity  are part of the 120m year-long plan announced in June to tackle long waits and reduce the overall waiting list.

As part of the plan, more than 20,000 extra cataract operations will be delivered by March 2026. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has already reduced the number of ophthalmology pathways waiting more than 52 weeks by 34% compared with the same month last year.

The latest NHS figures show just over 8,000 people were waiting more than two years for treatment in July  the second lowest figure since April 2021 and more than 88% down on the peak in March 2022.

No one is waiting more than two years for treatment or more than a year for a first outpatient appointment in Swansea Bay and Powys health boards. In Hywel Dda, Aneurin Bevan, Cwm Taf Morgannwg, and Cardiff and Vale, less than 1% of people are waiting longer than two years.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: The extra 120m I announced in June aims to deliver what people want  faster treatment.

This month, 15,000 extra outpatient appointments are being provided across Wales which shows how we are increasing activity all over the country to ensure people are being seen quicker.

We are expecting to see fluctuations in the month-on-month statistics. I remain confident we will see a significant reduction in long waits by the end of the second quarter.

However the Welsh Conservatives have today accused the Welsh Government of overseeing an abysmal failure in the NHS.

James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said: These figures represent yet another abysmal failure by the Welsh Labour Government, the longest waits are rising and progress is being lost yet again.

Labour is throwing more and more money at this problem, but isnt seeing results. We need to see red tape, the ballooning bureaucracy and wasteful spending cut. We dont need more middle managers  focus on the frontline.

The Welsh Conservatives would guarantee one-year maximum waits for treatment and introduce a seven-day maximum GP wait guarantee.
Reversing GP funding crisis like turning a supertanker, warn Welsh doctors

The Welsh Government must be courageous and shift money from the bottomless pit of hospitals to reverse relative defunding of GP surgeries, doctors told a Senedd inquiry.

Gareth Oelmann, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) Cymrus GP committee, criticised a decline of funding for general practice as a whole over many years.

Dr Oelmann, a GP partner in Cwmbran, Gwent, said the proportion of NHS Wales spending dedicated to general practice has fallen from 8.7% to 6.01% since 2005/06.

He told the Senedds health committee: That decline has come at the detriment of practice viability, sustainability and youll have seen the figures within the last 10 years of how 100 practices have returned their contracts.

The BMA is calling for the proportion of the NHS Wales budget spent in general practice to be restored to 8.7% within three years, which would require an investment of 292m.

Firefighting

Ian Harris, a GP partner in Bridgend who is deputy chair of the BMA committee, said GPs can be part of the solution to pressures on hospital services.

But, certainly, we cant do more with less, he stressed. And, over the years, weve been asked to do more and more and more with a reduced proportion of the NHS spend.

Rowena Christmas, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Cymru, warned GPs are firefighting all the time due to reducing budgets.

She said: Weve only got one pot of money and we need to be courageous with it and take it away from the bottomless pit of the hospital and put a little bit more towards primary care.

In its written evidence, the Royal College of GPs highlighted research showing that every 1 spent on general practice saves 3 of hospital costs.

Pressed on why health boards do not accept the need to reverse the decline in GP funding, Dr Oelmann warned of a blindspot due to lack of primary care voices around the table.

Supertanker

Dr Harris added that it is also a policy decision at Welsh Government level to focus on the shiny bits of the health service such as hospitals and waiting lists.

That needs to change and were making that argument, he said while giving evidence to an inquiry on the future of general practice on September 17.

But its like trying to turn around a supertanker because the direction of travel has been to relatively defund general practice and primary care in favour of other sectors.

Dr Oelmann emphasised the need to look at the overall pot as well as reform of the Carr-Hill formula which was designed in the 1990s to distribute funding to practices.

Dr Harris echoed concerns about the clamour surrounding the outdated Carr-Hill formula, with a focus needed on total funding to avoid moving around the deckchairs on the Titanic.

The panel raised concerns about uncertainty arising from prolonged contract negotiations, with Dr Harris saying: Youre always on the backfoot and were always working in arrears.

Train Work Leave

Tom Kneale, a GP in Ruthin, Denbighshire, added: Its exceptionally difficult to predict what services I can provide within my practice if I dont know what fundings coming in.

We dont know whether we can replace our boiler, we dont know if we can afford another salaried GP. This is an exceptionally difficult circumstance to work in day in, day out.

Dr Oelmann warned of the human cost of the GP funding crisis and the attritional nature of the job  with the workforce decreasing while the workload increases.

More than 80% of GPs feel patient safety is being compromised by excessive workloads and 37% are unlikely to still be working in general practice in five years, an RCGP survey found.

Dr Harris said Wales is about 700 GPs short but practices cannot afford to employ available trainees  some of whom are subsequently deported because they do not have a sponsor.

He suggested the Welsh Governments Train Work Live campaign to attract health care professionals to Wales might be better titled Train Work Leave.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
Wrexham student inspired by late mum to pursue fashion design career

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Sep 18th, 2025

An adult learning course in Wrexham has kick started a young mans dream to work in the fashion industry.

It was inheriting a sewing machine from his late mum that proved the springboard for 35-year-old Richard Jones learning journey.

Having had some basic sewing tuition from his mum, Richard, from Broughton, enrolled on an Adult Learning Wales course in Wrexham. He is now taking the third part of the course and preparing for a foundation degree course in art and design at Chester University to be followed by a three-year degree in fashion design.

Aiming high, his ambition is to graduate and make his name in one of the worlds fashion capitals  London, New York, Paris or Milan  and see his creations modelled on the fashion runway and in Vogue.

Richard has shown remarkable resilience to overcome the loss of his mother, Jacqueline, in 2024, having been her carer for six years. This loss, together with periods of strict isolation during the pandemic, left him struggling with his mental health.

Richard is sharing his story as part of Adult Learners Week in Wales, which take places between September 15 to 21. Co-ordinated by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, this annual campaign seeks to connect people with a wide range of lifelong learning opportunities in Wales.

What began as a way to honour mums memory soon evolved into an eagerness to learn this skill as a profession, explained Richard. Through each stitch and project, I not only developed a new skill, but also discovered a deep appreciation for the artistry and expression involved in fashion.

Sewing became a form of therapy, a channel for my creativity and a new beginning.

Praising Vikki Roberts, Adult Learning Wales curriculum development co-ordinator, sewing tutor Tina Doyle and his classmates, he added: They have become a positive support group in my life and helped allow me to explore my creative voice and turn a personal journey of healing into a professional path filled with purpose.

Vikki described Richard as the ideal community adult learner. At the heart of his learning journey is a burning passion to progress, she said. He lights up the classroom with his enthusiasm and support of his peers.

After the loss of his mum, he was left feeling he had nowhere to turn and his world was flipped upside-down. He found himself both grieving and searching for a way to reconnect with something meaningful. He has shown great strength to turn his life around.

Richard, who has worked in hairdressing, call centres and as a bank teller, fully endorses Adult Learners Week in Wales.

Its never too late to change career if you think you have made a mistake, he said. I think too many people get stuck in a career they dont enjoy. You are never too old to learn something new.

My mum always said that life is far too short and to go for what I want in life and not be apologetic about it.
Weather warning issued as heavy rain forecast across Wrexham

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Sep 18th, 2025

Wrexham has been placed under a Met Office yellow weather warning this weekend, with forecasters warning of heavy rain, strong winds and possible disruption.

The alert is in force from 9am on Saturday 20 September until 6am on Sunday 21 September, covering much of Wales and northern England.

The Met Office says 2040mm of rain is expected widely, with some locations possibly seeing 60100mm within just a few hours.

Strong gusts of wind, thunder and lightning are also possible during the downpours.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree said: Through this period 2040 mm of rain is expected to fall widely, with some locations perhaps seeing 60100 mm, with much of this total falling in just a few hours.

From mid-Saturday onwards, increasingly strong gusty winds and perhaps some thunder will also accompany the rainfall, further increasing the risk of disruption.

Residents are warned of a small chance of flooding to homes and businesses, power cuts, and delays to road, rail and bus services. Driving conditions could become difficult with spray, standing water and the risk of road closures.

The unsettled spell follows a period of unusually warm weather in parts of the UK, with temperatures reaching 2627C in the south of England. Cooler air will sweep in from the north by Sunday, with snow even possible on the highest mountain peaks of Scotland.

For Wrexham, the heaviest rain is expected through Saturday afternoon and evening before easing overnight into Sunday.
Pershing County deputies have released a stock image of the weapon allegedly used in last month's homicide case at Burning Man.

At this time, the Pershing County Sheriffs Office is in possession of the suspected weapon used in this crime. It appears the injury was caused by a single stab wound to the victims neck.

The office released this stock image -

The sheriff's office says it has received hundreds of tips in its investigation.

Authorities previously identified the victim as 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov, of Tacoma, Washington.

Kruglov was discovered in a pool of blood near the area of 8:30 and I around the time of the Man Burn on August 30.

Secret Witness is offering a $5,000 reward for information in the case. The Burning Man Project is also offering their own $5,000 reward in the case.

If you have information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

UPDATE - September 3:

The man found dead during Saturday nights burn at Burning Man has been identified as 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov, of Tacoma, Washington, according to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiners Office.

Kruglov was discovered in a pool of blood near the area of 8:30 and I around the time of the Man Burn on August 30. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Pershing County Sheriffs Office is investigating the case as a homicide. Officials are asking anyone who was in the area between 8 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. that night to come forward with any information.

Even small details could help move the case forward, investigators said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pershing County Sheriffs Office at 775-273-5111, ask for Josh Nicholson, and reference case number 25-318. Tips can also be emailed to jnicholson@pershingcountynv.gov.

The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation. No additional information will be released at this time by the Medical Examiners Office.

UPDATE - September 2:

Pershing County deputies have released a description of the victim they're trying to identify in Saturday night's homicide at Burning Man.

The victim is described as a white man, between 35 and 40 years old, about 6' tall, with short brown hair and facial hair.

The unidentified victim was found dead in a pool of blood around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, around the start of the burn. The man was found within Black Rock City on the Ishiguro street ring between the 8:00 - 8:45 spokes.

If you have any information, you can call the Pershing County Sheriff's Office at 775-273- 2641. They say no information is too small to help in their investigation.

An earlier version of this story was incorrect and read "suspect" instead of "victim," and we apologize for the error.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Pershing County deputies found a man dead at Burning Man Saturday night.

Around 9:15 p.m., an event participant told deputies they saw a man lying in a pool of blood in a campsite.

When Pershing County deputies and BLM Rangers got there, they found the man dead.

Law enforcement will still be in that area investigating until the scene can be released.

The man who died was taken to the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office, but his identity is unknown at this time.

The Pershing County Sheriff's Office says no other information is available as of right now.

If you have information relating to the homicide, contact Josh Nicholson with PCSO by calling (775) 273-2641.

Burning Man released this statement in response:

"The Pershing County Sheriffs Office is investigating the death of a single white adult male that occurred the night of Saturday, August 30, in Black Rock City. Burning Man is cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation is ongoin,g and the Pershing County Sheriffs Office will be the primary source of further information. If you are in Black Rock City, do not interfere with law enforcement activity.

The safety and well-being of our community are paramount. Participants have access to free public WiFi at the 3 and 9 oclock plazas, Playa Info (near Center Camp), Ranger HQ (Esplanade & 6:30), at the Emergency Services Department station at 5:15 & Esplanade, and in Center Camp, should they need to communicate with loved ones.

If youre in Black Rock City and need support, there are resources available to you:

Black Rock Rangers are available to provide peer support services 24/7 at Ranger HQ (Esplanade & 6:30) and Outposts (behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas).

Black Rock Citys Emergency Services Departments Crisis Support team is available 24/7 at the ESD stations located at 5:15 & Esplanade and behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas.

The Pershing County Sheriffs office investigates all deaths that occur in its jurisdiction."

(The Bureau of Land Management - Nevada contributed to parts of this story.)
Washoe County is inviting the public to a community meeting next Wednesday, to discuss the region's response to opioid use and gather input on future solutions.

The meeting will be held on September 24, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Northern Nevada Public Health Conference Room, located at 1001 E. Ninth St., Building B in Reno.

The event is part of the countys ongoing Opioid Use Needs Assessment and aims to bring together people from across the community, including those with lived experience, service providers, and residents.

County officials say the goal is to guide future investments in prevention, treatment and recovery services.

We need your voice, reads the event notice on Washoe Countys website. Washoe County is working to improve how we respond to opioid use in our community, and we want your input.

According to a post shared by Join Together Nevada on X, Join @washoecounty for a Community Meeting on the Opioid Use Needs Assessment, encouraging people to RSVP and take part in the conversation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their ideas, connect with others and help build community-driven solutions that support people and families affected by substance use.

To RSVP or gather more information about the meeting click here.

(Join Together Nevada contributed to this story.)
"Art isn't decorationit's revelation in its own right. This show is about more than gallery walls. It's about amplifying unheard voices and spotlighting the art that makes us pause, reflect, and feel."

Dr. Niladri Sarker, TERAVARNA CEO

LONDON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- London's Chelsea will host a landmark showcase this October as FOCUS ART FAIR 2025 returns. TERAVARNA, known for its dynamic presence in New York and Los Angeles, is taking center stage at the iconic Saatchi Art London from October 1619, 2025, bringing stories in paint, sculpture, and pixels to a global audience.

London, where tradition meets modernity, is set to welcome TERAVARNA this October at FOCUS Art Fair 2025. Each piece embodies a unique vision that transcends borders. Join us at Saatchi Gallery as we celebrate global creativity, artistic dialogue, and the power of contemporary art to inspire. TERAVARNA lands in London! We are thrilled to join FOCUS Art Fair 2025, presenting a vibrant selection of international artists at Saatchi Gallery. This landmark event unites creators, collectors, and cultural voices from around the globe. Discover art that is inclusive, accessible, and transformative - a true reflection of our mission to connect global artists with global audiences.

FOCUS ART FAIR, now in its fifth year, has become more than an eventit's a movement. With backing from global names like LG, Frieze, Artsy, and HongLee, and a reputation for spotlighting bold, diverse, and global artistry, the fair brings together the eyes that matter: art professionals and collectors. This year's London edition promises to spark conversations that linger long after the gallery lights go out.

It's an open call by TERAVARNA to creators everywhere! Whether you're a dreamer of brushstrokes or a sculptor of silence, a provocateur with pixels or a minimalist with clay, your work deserves to be seen. And now, it can beat one of the most revered venues in the world. Artists are invited to submit their best work by August 31, 2025, to be considered by our panel of curators for a unique exhibition opportunity at the Focus Art Fair 2025.

The theme? The competition is open-ended, with no specific theme. After all, art isn't meant to be boxed in. If you're 18 or older, you're eligible to submit your oils, your installations, your mixed-media wonders, and your digital dreams. Best of all, selected artists will have the opportunity to showcase their work at no additional cost to a distinguished audience of collectors, art enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

Stay tuned, because we'll start reaching out to selected artists from September 7, 2025.

Beyond the spotlight, FOCUS offers what every artist needs most: visibility that matters. With past media features in The New York Times, Paris Art, and Artsy, participants don't just exhibitthey expand. Their audience. Their reach. Their legacy.

So, here's the question: Are you ready to be seen?

Not for your work to be just looked atbut truly remembered! Because the FOCUS art fair is waiting, and TERAVARNA will take you there!

About TERAVARNA

TERAVARNA is a global fine art gallery dedicated to uplifting diverse voices in art across all mediums. With a network spanning more than 122 countries, it offers emerging and established artists opportunities to exhibit, connect, and evolve through thoughtfully curated showcases.

Media Contact:

Dr. Niladri Sarker

[email protected]

+1 (602) 509-5809

www.teravarna.com

SOURCE TERAVARNA
Shop the brands cool, girly clothes in Russian Hill.

Plus, check out performance denim at Duers new Hayes Valley store, pick up fresh jewelry from Erin Hupp x Goldstories, get into surf culture with a hoodie from SRF by Heidi Merrick, and refresh your skin with a soothing Italian facial at Montage Healdsburg.

Russian Hill welcomes Eddyand a shot of chicto the neighborhood. Eddy's founder Megan Eddings Feely outside the new Russian Hill store. (Courtesy of Eddy) A yummy Swensens scoop . A tasty Za slice . A scrumptious Eddy dress. The latter is the newest reason to stroll Hyde Street between Union and Green. The brands first-ever boutique is filled with deliciously feminine and fun Cali-boho styles. Eddy comes from founder Megan Eddings Feelys nickname: Its tomboy girly-girl kind of girly-girl but cool, she says. Indeed, pairing the labels floral skirts with vintage rocker tees or ladylike frocks with combat boots makes the clothes approachable for San Francisco shoppersespecially those with hipster leanings. The airy shop glows with a sherbet-meets-Sedona palette, vintage fixtures, and cozy seatingperfect backdrops for racks of colorful dresses, skirts, blazers, and more ($300$600). Expect rich fabrics, intricate embroidery, beadwork, and plenty of fringe. Designed in San Francisco and produced in India, each piece carries Eddys signature mix of craft and character. Sustainability is also part of the brands DNA. Were working toward B Corp certification, says Eddings Feely. I want you to feel good inside knowing our products are responsibly madeand youll feel good on the outside because you look incredible. // 1900 Hyde St. (Russian Hill), shopeddy.com

Denim diaries: Duer makes its Northern Cali debut in Hayes Valley. (Courtesy of Duer) It only just moved into the neighborhood, but Canadian performance-jeanswear brand Duer is already feeling right at home at 567 Hayes Street (the former Oak + Fort space). With clothes made for real life (commuting, biking, cocktailing, and working), it vibes well with nearby retail neighbors like Buck Mason , Peak Design , Allbirds , and Cotopaxi . Not familiar with 10-year-old Duer? Its based in Vancouver and best known for comfy mens and womens jeans with more stretch and less weight than most on the market. Non-denim apparel (pants, shirts, tees, and polos) made with natural fibers and performance features such as stretch, moisture-wicking, and temperature regulation round out the well-edited selection. (Ladies, looking for a side of fashion with their comfort will find the NuStretch High-Rise Trouser fits the bill.) Its no surprise that shoppers gravitate to Duers jeans, as founder Gary Lenett is a bona-fide denim-head who spent years designing jeans for brands like Levis and Nordstrom before starting his own business. Duer started with a simple idea: I was biking to work and couldnt find a pair of jeans that were comfortable enough to move in but still looked good at the office, Lenett says. That moment kicked off something bigger and led to a whole new kind of clothing thats built to move and made to look great. The inviting 1,000-square-foot Hayes Street store is spacious, uncluttered, and easy to shop with neatly folded stacks of denim and tees beckoning from rows of wood shelving. Dont fret if youre not sure where to begin: the friendly and knowledgeable staff has your back (and butt). // 567 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), shopduer.com

Clay meets gold (and silver) in a fresh jewelry collaboration from Erin Hupp x Goldstories. (Hannah Franco) Not to toot our own horn, but we had a hand in the just-released (exquisite!) jewelry collection from ceramicist Erin Hupp and Goldstories ' Subikksha Balaje. The two artists met cute at last years 7x7 pop-up gallery . Balaje couldnt help but recognize that the Hupp-crafted Portal Mirrors on display (specifically the standout fold design) would translate brilliantly to metal. Fast-forward a year or so, and, voila!, the Fold Collection has arrived. Together, the ceramicist, known for her hand-thrown organic pieces and tableware collaborations with upscale restaurants, and the jewelry designer, whose signatures include refined metalwork and gemstone designs rooted in heritage, created wearable artall inspired by Hupps iconic Fold Plate. The lineup includes sculptural earrings, a ring, and a necklace, which come in sterling silver or 14k gold with malachite or lapis. Pieces are made to order and range in price from $450 to $2,600. Those who prefer to be dazzled in person, head to Maison Lan Jaenicke , the exclusive retailer for the collection. Even better: get first dibs on the jewelry and toast the artists at a celebratory event at the boutique on Thursday, September 25th, from 5pm to 7pm (RSVP maison@lanjaenicke.com ). // Maison Lan Jaenicke, 3307 Sacramento St. (Presidio Heights), goldstoriesjewelry.com



Hang ten in SRF by Heidi Merrick, a new unisex surf-inspired collection. (Courtesy of SRF by Heidi Merrick) Calling all surfers (or those who just want to dress like one): a collection of tees, sweatshirts, sunglasses, and more is poised to make waves in your closet. The unisex SRF label is longtime designer Heidi Merricks shoutout to California surf culturesomething near and dear to her heart, having grown up as the daughter of a surfboard shaper in Santa Barbara. Made in California using luxe fabricsheavyweight cotton, buttery-soft hemp jersey, and hemp-viscose French terrythe pieces come in dreamy colors like sand, rose, and agave. They ooze California coolbut are hella elevated. A couple of our favorites: the 70s SRF LA Unisex Crewneck Sweatshirt , Silverlake sunnies , and the SRF Team Graphic Tee . All the laid-back staples ($65$225) are perfection for beach days, urban hikes, and couch-surfing. SRF is the brand Ive always dreamed of, Merrick says. Its about freedom, connection, and living beautifully by the sea. Its made for everyone who feels at home in the sun. Catch ya at Ocean Beach. // Shop online at srfla.com
ISO 15189 Certification granted covering clinical testing services



Proteomics granted certification for Diagnostics Laboratory

Perth, Sep 18, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd ( ASX:PIQ ) ( PIQLF:OTCMKTS ), a pioneer in precision diagnostics, is pleased to announce it has been granted ISO 15189 certification for its Australian laboratory operations. This medical testing certification represents a core milestone in the commercialisation and clinical use of the Company's suite of precision diagnostic tests.



- ISO 15189 certification is a core milestone in the commercialisation and clinical use of Proteomics International's suite of precision diagnostic tests



- Affirms Proteomics International's position as one of the world's leading laboratories for proteomics and protein-based based testing services



- Provides a platform for Proteomics International to offer emerging precision diagnostic and specialist pathology tests in future



This internationally recognised accreditation supports Proteomics International's national roll-out of its specialist laboratory developed tests in Australia, including PromarkerD (launched 20 August) and PromarkerEso (launched today) [see PIQ Annual Report ASX 27 August].



The certification builds on and extends Proteomics International's existing ISO 17025, ISO 13485 and CLIA certifications, and affirms the Company's position as one of the world's leading laboratories for proteomics and protein-based based testing services.



These certifications ideally position Proteomics International to offer both its in-house developed tests, and to commercialise other third-party specialist tests that are emerging globally. As precision medicine starts to become a reality for patients, each path offers enticing potential new revenue streams for the Company.



Proteomics International Managing Director Dr Richard Lipscombe said, "The clinical certification supports our strategic growth trajectory as we advance the commercialisation of our first-in-class diagnostic tests for diabetic kidney disease, esophageal cancer and endometriosis. This certification also cements ProteomicsInternational's position as a leading innovator in precision diagnostics and provides a platform for us to offer more specialist pathology testing in future."



ISO 15189 is the global standard specifically developed for medical laboratories, outlining the quality management and technical requirements needed to ensure accurate and dependable test results.



Certification was granted by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) following a comprehensive audit of Proteomics International's Western Australian laboratory facilities, systems, and processes.



Proteomics International has multiple assets in its pipeline of precision diagnostics and the Company believes each test represents a substantial commercial opportunity in the public health market. This certification validates the Company's commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and clinically valid diagnostic testing services.





About Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd





Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ) is a wholly owned subsidiary and trading name of PILL, a medical technology company at the forefront of predictive diagnostics and bioanalytical services. The Company specialises in the area of proteomics - the industrial scale study of the structure and function of proteins. Proteomics International's mission is to improve the quality of lives by the creation and application of innovative tools that enable the improved treatment of disease.

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The EU-funded campaign brought the richness of European wines and fresh fruits to one of the most influential beverage education events in the United States

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charming Taste of Europe , a campaign co-funded by the European Union, celebrates the heritage and quality of European wines and fresh fruits, introducing North American audiences to exquisite products from Italy, France, and Greece. The initiative is promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of Abruzzo Wines, the Union of Sweet Bordeaux Wines, and the Association of Imathia's Agricultural Cooperatives.

As part of this mission, The Charming Taste of Europe proudly participated in the most recent edition of TEXSOM, held from August 22 to 25, 2025 in Dallas, one of the leading beverage education and industry events in the United States. Widely recognized as a premier gathering for sommeliers, beverage professionals, educators, and buyers, TEXSOM has established itself as an unparalleled platform for advancing beverage knowledge and celebrating excellence on a global scale.

The conference once again drew top experts and influential voices from across the country, creating an environment where education, discovery, and networking go hand in hand. Against this dynamic backdrop, The Charming Taste of Europe was delighted to present a series of engaging initiatives designed to bring the richness of European winemaking and agricultural heritage directly to the American trade audience.

The program began on Friday, August 22, with a promotional lunch that offered participants an exclusive opportunity to taste and learn about the unique flavors and traditions that define European excellence. The presence of The Charming Taste of Europe continued over the weekend with two sessions at the EXPO Trade Tasting and Exhibition. The first took place on Sunday, August 24, from 5:006:30 p.m., while the second followed on Monday, August 25, from 10:1511:45 a.m. Both sessions attracted significant interest from attendees eager to explore the distinctive character, diversity, and authenticity of European products.

"Participating in TEXSOM 2025 allowed us to share the unique flavors, traditions, and craftsmanship of European wines and fresh fruits directly with the American trade," said Alessandro Nicodemi, President of the Abruzzo Consortium. "The enthusiasm and engagement we experienced at the event reaffirm our mission to highlight Europe's rich heritage and high-quality products in key international markets."

Following this successful engagement, The Charming Taste of Europe reinforced its commitment to showcasing the quality, craftsmanship, and heritage of European wines and agricultural products to the American trade. By engaging directly with such an influential audience, the campaign continues to highlight the values of authenticity, tradition, and excellence that make European products a benchmark worldwide.

About The Charming Taste of Europe

Europe, a place with timeless charm, is the birthplace of some of the highest-quality products in the world. The Charming Taste of Europe is a special project that introduces exquisite specialties to the United States and Canada, such as Italian and French wines, and fresh kiwis from Greece, that showcase Europe's charm, beauty, culture, history, art, heritage and unmistakable tastes.

The mission of the Charming Taste of Europe, co-funded by the European Union, is to increase awareness of the merits and quality standards of select European wines and fresh fruits with promotional activities in the competitive markets of the U.S. and Canada. The Charming Taste of Europe is promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo, the Association of Imathia's Agricultural Cooperatives and Union Des Vins Doux de Bordeaux. These European agricultural products, famous around the world for their outstanding qualities, will continue to be promoted with initiatives and events for consumers, journalists and trade professionals. For more information visit charmingtasteofeurope.eu

To Follow The Charming Taste of Europe Campaign:

Website: charmingtasteofeurope.eu

Facebook: @CharmingTasteofEU

Instagram: @charmeu_usa

YouTube: The Charming Taste of Europe

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Maharashtra Doctors Stage Strike Over Govt Nod to Register Homeopaths 2

Doctors across Maharashtra went on a 24-hour strike on Thursday to oppose the state governments decision to allow the registration of homeopaths with a certificate in modern pharmacology under the Maharashtra Medical Council.

According to Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra president Dr. Santosh Kadam, nearly 1.8 lakh allopathic doctors, including those working in private hospitals, joined the strike. While emergency and critical care services continued, outpatient and routine medical services were impacted.

The IMA argued that granting registration to homeopaths who completed the one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) poses a serious risk to patient safety and the overall quality of healthcare.

Earlier this year, the government had asked the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to register such practitioners, but the order was withdrawn after protests. A strike planned for July 11 was deferred following a meeting between IMA representatives and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, on September 5, the government revived the registration process through a fresh circular, reigniting the controversy.

In response, all resident doctors associations of state-run and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation medical colleges, the Federation of All India Medical Association, the Association of State Medical Interns, and the Government Medical College Association declared support for the strike, calling the decision unacceptable.
A Jefferson County jury convicted 29-year-old Ronnie Lee Parker on 12 counts of rape and sodomy of two young girls. (Jefferson County Jail)

A Birmingham man has been convicted in the sexual assault of two children.

A Jefferson County jury found 29-year-old Ronnie Lee Parker guilty on 12 counts of rape, rape of a child under 12, sodomy, sodomy of a child under 12, sexual abuse and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.

The case was prosecuted by deputy district attorneys Charissa Henrich, Nick Taggart and Meghan Corbin. Parker was represented by the Jefferson County Public Defenders Office.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace set sentencing for Nov. 3.

The investigation began in June 2020 when Birmingham police received reports of a who told her mother that she had been raped from the age of 7 to the age of 11.

The child was 14 years old when she disclosed the sexual assault to her mother. The victim is a cousin of Parker.

Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Charissa Henrich said the victim would go over to Parkers home and was supposed to be watched by Parkers family members while the victims parents worked.

The victim testified that she was raped by Parker in the basement of the house as well as being subjected to being forced to perform acts of sodomy. She also testified to being touched on her vaginal area and other parts of her body.

After the victim came forward in 2020, a second girl  also a cousin of Parker  told her mother about similar acts of abuse. She was 12 when she reported the abuse.

She testified that while she was living at Parkers home, and while she was supposed to be watched by his family members, Parker raped her and subjected her to acts of sodomy.

Henrich said the second victim described that the abuse continued when Parkers family moved into another home. me, and she was touched by the Defendant on her genital area in the new residence.

During the trial, the jury heard emotional testimony from the victims and their mothers regarding the abuse and the description of the abuse, Henrich said. One of the child victims testified that the actions of (Parker) made her feel lost.

Witnesses during the child included a former DHR worker who had investigated the allegations and received statements from the young victims, and the forensic interviewer of the two children from the Prescott House.

The forensic interviewer testified to the reasons for a delayed disclosure of sexual abuse, including feelings of shame and the familial relationship having an effect on the childs ability to disclose the abuse.

The jury also heard from Midfield Police Chief Jesse Bell who testified about a previous sexual assault by Parker of another family member. That victim testified, as well. During closing arguments, Henrich told the jury that Parker took something from these children that he did not have the right to take.

Following the conviction, Parker was booked into the Jefferson County Jail to await sentencing.
A Texas man has been sentenced to prison in the 2021 kidnapping of a 3-year-old girl in west Birmingham.

U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Steven Andrew Holguin, 42, of El Paso, 17  years in prison followed by a life term of supervised release, according to Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona.

Holguin in April pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Birminghams West Precinct Officers were dispatched Nov. 4, 2021, to the 3100 block of 17th Street Ensley on a report of a kidnapping. The call came in through a language interpreter line.

Officers learned that at around 6:15 p.m. that Thursday, the uncle and at least one other person forcibly abducted Corina Abigail Salgado Hernandez from the home and fled in a sedan.

Investigators determined the paternal uncle, 18-year-old Elis Sadiel Salgado of Atlanta, was at the residence visiting the child.

It was during that visit the abduction took place.

Authorities said the suspects kidnapped the toddler with the intent of taking her to her father, who lives in Mexico.

With Holguins assistance, Salgado-Galindo grabbed the toddler and fled the residence.

An Amber Alert was issued and law enforcement along the Alabama/Mississippi state line were provided the description of the vehicle, toddler, and suspects.

That same evening, deputies with the Rankin County, Mississippi Sheriffs Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description of Holguins vehicle.

Deputies instructed Holguin, who was the driver of the vehicle, to exit the vehicle and walk back to the officers vehicle.

Deputies then removed the other individuals from the vehicle, including Corina.

A deputy recognized the toddler from the Amber Alert and sent a picture of her to a Birmingham detective.

The detective showed the picture to the toddlers mother, who confirmed that it was her daughter.

Both men were taken into custody.

Holguin was convicted in 2020 in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Texas for conspiracy to transport aliens. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

In December 2023, Elis Salgado-Galindo, a citizen of Mexico, was also charged in federal court with conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

On Dec.14, 2021, Salgado-Galindo was released from state custody on a bond, placed into ICE custody, and deported. A federal warrant for his arrests remains outstanding.

Homeland Security Investigations, Birmingham, investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Pearl Mississippi Police Department, and the Rankin County Mississippi Sheriffs Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.
About 300 people gathered for an event celebrating Charlie Kirk Sept. 17 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Ruth Serven Smith

A few hours after Charlie Kirk was killed, Brilyn Hollyhand stood in front of fellow college students and mourned a man he considered a mentor and a friend.

Now, he is leading a Republican effort to reshape college campuses. Hollyhand, a freshman at Auburn University who has a role with the Republican National Convention, is asking college presidents to fire people who were critical of Kirk.

Hes spoken with some of them personally. Hes advising donors to withhold money. And hes asking other students to step up and take part in a national movement that is grieving the loss of one of its most influential leaders.

Hollyhand said he is disgusted by the University of Alabama, which as of Thursday morning has not publicly responded to requests to discipline staff members who critiqued Kirk on social media.

I have made my thoughts clear to several of them across the country, in personal relationships that I have with some of the people that lead these campuses, this is one of those things that were watching, and inaction will be called out, he said.

Ive spoken with a lot of donors that dont want to be supporting universities that keep professors on payroll, that applaud assassinations, and so thats going to be something that were very, very happy to make a few calls and help withhold donor money if thats something that continues.

Kirk, who pushed Turning Point USA to 3,500 campuses, loved calling out college professors for statements he said were too woke or too weird.

In the days since his death, multiple professors around the country have been fired for criticizing him.

In Alabama, Auburn University said that it has terminated multiple people for posts about Kirks death.

Conservative students have flagged comments from four staff at the University of Alabama and one at the University of Alabama at Huntsville. K-12 leaders warned staff against inappropriate comments too, and at least one educator in Montgomery and one in Marshall County are reportedly under investigation.

Employers should always have the right to fire someone, especially if its affecting that organization, said John Wahl, chairman of the state GOP, who attended an event in Kirks honor in Tuscaloosa Sept. 17.

About 300 people gathered for an event celebrating Charlie Kirk Sept. 17 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Ruth Serven Smith

Professors and state employees should not weigh in on political debates or appear to support someones death, he said.

The University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Alabama at Huntsville have not responded to AL.com requests for comment as of Thursday morning.

Campus professors have traditionally enjoyed wide protections for speech and research.

Conservatives are arguing that the First Amendment doesnt protect educators who are commenting about or celebrating his death from losing their jobs.

You have power over their grades, you have power over what they learn, and youre over here promoting the death of someone or pushing something thats been debunked a 100 times, said Trenton Buffenbarger, a senior at the University of Alabama.

Its irresponsible, and its even more irresponsible that the university is letting it happen.

Kirk pioneered a new style of political communication, provocative, critical of politicians.

Matthew Boedy, a University of North Georgia professor who studies Kirk and is himself on the Professor Watchlist, said he considers Kirk to be the most influential person in this country outside of the White House.

Kirks shooting has shaken college campuses, Boedy said, which used to be considered safe havens for discussion and debate.

Its one thing to watch a president or a candidate to be shot at. Its a whole other thing to watch someone whos merely sitting in a chair underneath a tent and talking to you be killed. We havent seen that on college campuses for quite a while, and people dont have a context for it, especially their age.

Now, conservative students said theyre determined to keep Kirks avenue of muscular, no-holds-barred debate open.

If we stop speaking out, the shooter wins and Charlies death means nothing, Buffenbarger said.

The important thing to remember about him is that his life was so much more impactful than his death, said Luke Troutman, a senior at Auburn University and a member of the College Republicans.

His platform was based off giving people room for civil engagement and allowing peaceful exchange of ideas. And at the same time he was such a strong believer in his faith.

Riley McArdle, a senior, helped coordinate an event in Tuscaloosa that brought CJ Pearson and Savannah Chrisley in front of 300 people.

People donated money to support Kirks widow and lined up to sign a photo of him.

Hes made a huge impact, McArdle said. And we all just saw him get brutally murdered, live. Its going to traumatize a generation.

The outpouring of support shocked some students.

Theyre having memorials, theyre putting murals up in his name, like he was some kind of hero, said Jaleel Matanmi, a freshman at Alabama.

I just marked him as another racist guy who spread nothing but hate around every place that he went, and I figured everyone else felt the same. I knew I was wrong when I noticed the things going around on campus.

Conservative supporters say they still consider Kirk a hero. Now, theyre looking to his wife, Erika, who many called a Proverbs 31 woman in reference to a Bible verse about a wife of noble character.

He really inspired you to be bold in your faith and in your conservative values, said Emma White, a recent graduate who interned for Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

It was inspiring, that he was growing a movement of young people who did not feel that hesitant to share their faith and share their beliefs, because those types of things arent as welcome on college campuses.
A Montgomery, Ala., couple who believed their cat had perished in an apartment fire in June were surprised to find him alive and well two months later. Photo courtesy of Dajanera Jones

An Alabama couple who lost everything in an apartment fire, including their cat, two months ago is mourning no more after finding their beloved pet very much alive and well.

Dajanera Jones and her boyfriend, Daniel Mobley, were living on the third floor of building 4 at the Verandas at Taylor Oaks apartments in Montgomery in June when it caught fire after likely being struck by lightning. In addition to losing their apartment and possessions, Jones said their pet cat, Moon, perished in the fire after she was unable to find and get him out before the blaze took over -- or so she thought.

Jones, who also has two dogs, was home alone when the fire started and didnt realize at first that her building had been struck.

I opened my door when I heard people screaming outside, and theyre like, You guys got to go. The fires happening on the roof! So I had to rush to get all of our pets out. I managed to grab our 60-pound dog and got her outside, got our senior dog outside and then went back for Moon. I kept going back in like four or five times to find him. I kept calling him. I just could not find him, and then, one of our neighbors pulled me out.

Moon, a Montgomery cat who survived a large apartment fire. (Photo courtesy of Dajanera Jones)

Jones said she was devastated at having to leave the cat that she and Mobley had rescued five years prior behind. While Moon displayed many of the traits cats have come to be known for -- Hes so arrogant in a very silly way and definitely thinks hes better than everyone else, said Jones -- he was a beloved part of their family and a best friend to their large dog, Yshtola.

For the past two months, the couple has been living in a different building within the same apartment complex, and Jones said she is often approached by neighbors checking in to see how theyre recovering. However, a recent conversation with a neighbor took an unexpected turn when the neighbor mentioned shed seen a long-haired orange and white cat, much like Moon, hanging around what remains of their old, boarded-up building.

I kid you not, the next morning, I was already at work, but she called and said, I see him again. You have to come right away, said Jones. Sure enough, she took a picture, and there was Moon in a bush. He was completely unscathed, like he had no injuries at all. So it just happened that we got Moon back on the two-month anniversary of the fire.

The couple believes Moon, who has always been an indoor cat, had been living in whats left of the apartment building. After being reunited with his owners and a trip to the vet, Moon is now back home with his best friend in their new apartment.

Moon and Y'shtola have been reunited. (Photo courtesy of Dajanera Jones)

It was like a miracle moment to see him there, said Jones. The night of the fire, our big dog put up a fight, and I really think she was not leaving when she knew Moon was in there. So for her to see him again, she basically just laid down on the ground next to his crate when we got home. They were already eager to get back at each other and start playing again. It was just magical.
Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Walt Disney Co.-owned broadcaster ABC said it is pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely following backlash over the hosts remarks about slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

The move comes after station owner Nexstar Media Group said it is pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live from its ABC affiliate stations as a result of the comments.

The Irving, Texas-based Nexstar announced Wednesday that Kimmel will be off their stations for the foreseeable future.

Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, a company representative said in a statement.

Kimmel said during a monologue on his Monday program that Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused in the shooting death of Kirk, might have been a pro-Trump Republican. He said MAGA supporters are are desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

Kimmel then mocked President Trump for talking about the construction of a new White House ballroom after being asked how he was reacting to the murder of his close ally.

Mr. Kimmels comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located, said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division.

Alford said continuing to give Kimmel a broadcast platform is simply not in the public interest at this current time.

Nexstars decision comes just after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr blasted Kimmel and threatened to take action against ABC. Appearing on the podcast of right-wing commentator Benny Johnson, Carr said one form of punishment could be pulling the licenses of ABC affiliates, which likely got Nexstars attention.

Nexstar has ABC affiliates in 32 markets across the U.S. including New Orleans, New Haven, Nashville and Salt Lake City.

Network affiliates dropping a late-night program over the political views expressed is unprecedented. The closest situation goes back to 1970, when CBS blacked out the image of activist Abbie Hoffman when he appeared on The Merv Griffin Show wearing a shirt made out of an American flag.

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2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Mercury enters harmonious Libra in these final days of healthy, hardworking Virgo Season. The shift is from doing to being. Because whats needed isnt always action; sometimes its more about perspective, resonance or acceptance. Maybe the problem isnt a solvable equation; rather, its just a part of life thats a waste of energy to fight. Accept and you gain stability.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You dont settle for surface politeness. You go all in, warm and welcoming to everyone you meet. This generosity of spirit becomes its own kind of power and earns you allies everywhere you turn.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). In the era of deepfakes, most people are learning that not everything conveyed in a believable way is true. Youll ask the right questions today. The question is not, How plausible is this? Rather its: Who benefits from me believing this?

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What separates the workers from the stars is that the stars dont wait for stage directions. They write their own parts. They figure out ways to keep relevant. Stay in the habit of sharpening your craft, because when the opportunity shows up, youll be so prepared, youll own it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). This problem has been living in your head so long it ought to be paying you rent. Youre working on it even when you dont realize it. This is your process. The right people see it and admire the way you think.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The day is wrapped in emotional complexity and contradictory vibes -- excited but patient, cautious yet hopeful. This tension signals growth, proof that youre pushing into new territory. Out of the mix, a steadier and wiser direction begins to emerge.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Youre funny and quick today, and someone sharp will join in. You occasionally undercut your own sweetness with a kind of twisted whimsy that speaks to those who share the sensibility. Together you make your own private little bubble of fun.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Stress makes your body lock up, which narrows your thinking. If you pause, breathe and relax, your mind will open again. From that calm place, youll see multiple options and can choose the best path forward.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The weirdness in a person is raw material. The polished version is something, too. One doesnt cancel the other; they feed each other. That contrast is strength. Dont be afraid to bring all sides of you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Today highlights another case of addition by subtraction. Maybe you get rid of a step or two by automating or delegating. Maybe you clear material items and let things come together better than ever.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). In some ways, you are always in a state of flux, though you feel it more acutely on a day like today when the changes are either rapid or drastic, making it hard to keep your balance through the passage. But off-balance equals gloriously alive.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Every feeling belongs, even frustration, hope, determination, anticipation, relief... all signs youve poured yourself fully into the work. Youll step out of this sweat and grit into the satisfaction of completion.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Most people have no clue what they look like in motion. Thats why catching yourself on video or in the mirror can feel so shocking, like meeting a stranger who happens to be you. Today brings a leap in self-awareness.

TODAYS BIRTHDAY (Sept. 18). Welcome to your Year of The Guardian. Youre proactive, protective and political. You look a few moves down the line, and you think about what everyone might need or want, what problems could come into play, and how to solve them if (or before) that happens. Youre a gift to the group, and oh, how theyll see and celebrate you. More highlights: Sagittarius and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 16, 8, 19, 2 and 4.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aisha Tyler is an award-winning director, actor, comedian, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, activist, Emmy-winning television host, entrepreneur and organic cocktail creator -- and yet still not too busy to reprise her role as Dr. Tara Lewis in the upcoming season of Criminal Minds: Evolution. Tyler was born under three sharp-edged Scorpio planets and four hardworking Virgo planets.

Holiday Mathis debut novel, How To Fail Epically in Hollywood, is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, second from right, flanked by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and officials, addresses the media after the York County police incident that resulted in 3 police officers killed and 2 more hurt. (Megan Lavey-Heaton | mheaton@pennlive.com) Megan Lavey-Heaton | mheaton@pennlive.com

This story was updated at 12:45 a.m. Thursday.

An unknown person fatally shot three police officers and wounded two more Wednesday afternoon in York County, according to Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris.

There is no active threat to the community, according to Paris, and the shooter was killed by law enforcement.

Law enforcement officers were at a property in North Codorus Township where the shootings occurred to follow up on a domestic-related investigation that began Tuesday, Paris said. He stated during the press conference that police are not releasing more details because they are obtaining and serving more search warrants.

There are no words I can offer to assuage the grief the community experiences, Paris said. We stand here united. We will not rest until weve conducted a full, fair, competent and thorough investigation into this matter.

CNN reported late Wednesday night that police officers were on their way to arrest the shooter after a charge of stalking and criminal trespass was filed Wednesday in York County. The shooter, wearing camouflage, appeared to be lying in wait when officers arrived, sources told CNN.

Paris delivered the information at a news conference hosted in an auditorium on the first floor of WellSpan York Hospital. The room was lined with law enforcement and medical personnel.

The shooting, which occurred at around 2:10 p.m., stemmed from a warrant service on Haar Road in North Codorus Township in York County, according to NBC10.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro lamented the tragedy of the shooting, and referred to the fatal shooting of Officer Andrew Duarte who was killed in February by a stray projectile while responding to a hostage situation at York Memorial Hospital.

Shapiro shared that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reached out to him and offered the federal governments support in the investigation.

This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Shapiro said.

We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon, is the answer to resolving disputes, Shapiro said. We need to do better when it comes to mental health, and dealing with those in need.

We have to do better as a society, Shapiro said.

A log of 911 calls describes the incident as officer down, with a signal 13, which means officer in trouble. Officers needed medical transport, according to dispatch logs, with a medivac helicopter and ambulances sent to the scene.

At least two officers were transported with multiple gunshot wounds, according to dispatch logs.

Officers were keeping people well back from the scene in the areas rolling farmland, with some 30 police vehicles blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm and soybean and corn fields.

The incident resulted in a temporary shelter-in-place order within the Spring Grove School District. Students have since been driven home by school buses.

50 1 / 50 Police shooting in York County

Michelle Baughman with the York County District Attorneys office said Wednesday afternoon, We will come forth with information at an appropriate time; however, now is not that time.

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, in a social media post, said, Please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County.

The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia said in a social media post that they were monitoring the incident in Pennsylvania and advised Mexican residents nearby to follow official instructions.

A spokesperson for the Mexican consulate in Philadelphia said the post was only a precautionary alert for our community.

PennLive staff writer Madison Montag and The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Special exhibition on shooting process of film about Unit 731 opens in China's Harbin

Xinhua) 10:15, September 18, 2025

A woman visits a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A visitor takes photos at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A woman visits a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

People visit a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Visitors take photos at the opening ceremony of a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The events are part of the joint program of celebrations that the Gaudi Council presented in May; at the Open Doors Days in September, 20,000 people will get to visit the Basilica for free and see one of the scenes that will decorate the inside of the Chapel of the Assumption

BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At a press conference, the Sagrada Familia announced the current status of the works on the Temple and the next steps in its construction, which will focus on completing the tower of Jesus Christ and the Chapel of the Assumption. Just months before the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudi's death, the Sagrada Familia presented the main events it will hold to commemorate the moment, part of the joint program of celebrations promoted by the Gaudi Council.

Sagrada Familia Press Conference, September 18, 2025

Esteve Camps, executive chairman of the Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, explained the institutional background for 2026:

May 27, 2025 : The Gaudi Council presented an extensive program to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudi's death (2026) with joint and specific activities promoted by each institution. The goal is to raise awareness of Gaudi from a scientific, artistic, academic and innovative standpoint.

July 8, 2025 : The Government of Catalonia included this commemoration on the official list for 2026.

The Gaudi Council presented an extensive program to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudi's death (2026) with joint and specific activities promoted by each institution. The goal is to raise awareness of Gaudi from a scientific, artistic, academic and innovative standpoint. The Government of Catalonia included this commemoration on the official list for 2026. July 9, 2025 : The Spanish Government declared it an Event of Exceptional Public Interest (AEIP).

As part of the Gaudi Council's 2026 program, a series of events will be held to engage the publicespecially the neighbors of the Sagrada Familiain honoring the legacy of Antoni Gaudi. These milestones will unfold across the coming months, including:

October 14, 2025 : The opening of the academic year for Ateneu Universitari Sant Pacia, with a solemn mass, followed by an inaugural lesson by Dr Jordi Fauli , head architect of the Sagrada Familia.

The opening of the academic year for Ateneu Universitari Sant Pacia, with a solemn mass, followed by an inaugural lesson by Dr , head architect of the Sagrada Familia. November 30, 2025 : The commemoration of the 100th anniversary of its construction, the Tower of Barnabas will be illuminated and a manifest will be read. The Tower of Barnabas was the only tower finished while Gaudi was alive.

The commemoration of the 100th anniversary of its construction, the Tower of Barnabas will be illuminated and a manifest will be read. The Tower of Barnabas was the only tower finished while Gaudi was alive. March 19, 2026 : On the feast day of Saint Joseph, a special concert will be performed in the central nave of the Sagrada Familia featuring the Catalan Choral Society (Orfeo Catala) to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone of the Temple. There will also be a solemn mass dedicated to Saint Joseph.

On the feast day of Saint Joseph, a special concert will be performed in the central nave of the Sagrada Familia featuring the Catalan Choral Society (Orfeo Catala) to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone of the Temple. There will also be a solemn mass dedicated to Saint Joseph. June 10, 2026 : A mass commemorating the anniversary of Antoni Gaudi's passing, and the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ (more information will be announced in a press conference in the coming months).

Finally, the celebrations at the Sagrada Familia will draw to a close with a look to its future and legacy, illuminating the Nativity facade.

The program will also feature events connected to the World Congress of Architects, the official presentation of the Tour de France teams, and a series of citywide exhibitions exploring the history and significance of the Sagrada Familia.

Toward Completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ and Chapel of the Assumption

In terms of the status and evolution of the works, Head Architect Jordi Fauli explained that one of the most important milestones in this final stretch of construction of the Sagrada Familia is the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ. Work is currently underway on the large pieces that will be assembled to make up the cross. So far, the lower arm is ready and will be lifted into place in the coming weeks, as well as the first of the four arms. Preparation of each of these pieces includes installing glass in the windows and other details inside, all done on site at the Temple in a space 54 metres above ground level.

Work is underway on the facades of the Chapel of the Assumption, as well as the sculptures for the Chapel of the Assumption, made by the three artists chosen in the selection process: Merce Riba, Beatrice Bizot and Teresa Riba.

Vertical construction on the Glory facade, which will be the main entrance to the Temple, has been underway since June 2025.

Funded by Donations and Collaborators for the Commemorative Events

Sagrada Familia General Director Xavier Martinez explained that donations and collaborators will fund the events in 2026, as the Junta Constructora's main goal is to complete works on the Temple and, therefore, is putting all its resources towards construction.

Open Doors Days 2025

The Sagrada Familia is holding its Open Doors Days for the Merce festivities, Barcelona's major festival, on September 19, 20, 21 and 24, 2025. This annual event aims to showcase the current progress of the works and offer 20,000 residents the chance to visit the Basilica free of charge. Visitors will get to see the Basilica and, this year, discover one of the bas-relief scenes that will go inside the Chapel of the Assumption, specifically the Wedding at Cana, which will be on display in the materials yard.

For more information about all events, visit https://sagradafamilia2026.org.

Editor's note: Video of construction progress and video/photos from the press conference can be downloaded here: https://tinyurl.com/SagradaFamilia-GMG-0925

Media Contacts (for U.S. Media):

Gabriel Marketing Group (For Sagrada Familia)

Michiko Morales, [email protected]

Alexa Kalechofsky, [email protected]

Media Contacts (for Global Media):

Anna Perarnau, [email protected]

Irene Savall, [email protected]

SOURCE Sagrada Familia
A Baldwin County construction company has volunteered for an immigration inspection as part of a partnership with the government.

Federal agents inspected what will be the future site of the Baldwin County District Attorneys office in Bay Minette Thursday after Rolin Construction offered to do a voluntary inspection, according to a news release from the Baldwin County Commission.

Rolin Construction believes these efforts not only help bring the construction industry into compliance but also create opportunities for hard-working migrant laborers seeking to become legal members of the workforce, the company said in the statement.

The county said it was in support of the collaboration between the company and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The county requires the general contractors to be in compliance with federal and state immigration laws along with current E-Verify standards, County Administrator Roger Rendleman said.

As of late July, Alabama was on track to double its rate of arrests of immigrants without legal status from last year. President Donald Trump has set a goal of 3,000 ICE arrests a day.
An aerial shot of the future $4.1 billion Novelis manufacturing plant in Bay Minette, Ala., as taken in June 2025. Novelis

Novelis is taking issue with an opinion piece in Wednesdays Wall Street Journal which said it may cease construction on its $4.1 billion manufacturing plant in Bay Minette.

In fact, the company may expand the massive factory.

Stephen Moore, a senior economic adviser to President Donalds Trump 2024 presidential campaign, wrote in the Journal that the presidents aluminum tariffs are having the opposite effect he intended - endangering instead of empowering American manufacturing.

Novelis, one of the worlds largest producers of aluminum, is building a massive plant in Bay Minette.

The factory will employ up to 1,000 people once it becomes operational, which is expected in the second half of 2026.

The company held hiring sessions beginning in July.

However, Moore wrote that Novelis is in danger of ceasing construction if there is no relief from the more than $40 million in monthly tariff-related costs it suffers.

Julie Groover, senior director of corporate communications for Novelis, said that is absolutely not the case.

We are 100% committed to bringing this plant online, Groover said. And in fact, we are currently studying the potential for adding a Phase Two investment at the site.

According to Groover, a phase two is needed based on current expected, long-term market growth in the United States for aluminum.

To make this second investment, we need targeted and time-limited tariff exemptions for the material we must import from our overseas locations to meet U.S. customer demand until Bay Minette comes online, Groover said. With this, we could quickly expand the plant once phase one is complete and double its finished goods capacity.
President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III review the Guard of Honour after the arrival at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, Pool) AP

While hosting President Donald Trump in Britain, King Charles III made mention of Birmingham, Alabama.

Charles referenced the Alabama city during a welcome speech highlighting the similarities between the U.S. and the UK.

Alabama is truly worthy for a king!



I was proud to see our president and first lady receive such a warm welcome during this historic second state visit. pic.twitter.com/PDf6UtKhYW  Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 17, 2025

Mr. President from York to New York from Birmingham, England to Birmingham, Alabama we are united by a common language and shared heritage, Charles said.

Gov. Kay Ivey responded to video of the speech saying that, Alabama is truly worthy for a king!

I was proud to see our president and first lady receive such a warm welcome during this historic second state visit.

Trumps visit to the Windsor Castle is his second time being hosted by a British monarch after the late Queen Elizabeth II did so in 2019.

While the royal family graciously welcomed Trump, according to ABC News, protesters also gathered in central London to oppose the president as part of the Stop Trump Campaign.
Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent Eric Mackey attends a tour of the new $100 million Baldwin Preparatory Academy on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, in Loxley, Ala. John Sharp

At least three teachers in Alabama public school systems have faced disciplinary action this week for comments made in the classroom and on social media.

These actions come in the same week that Auburn University fired some employees for making social media posts that were deemed insensitive, and other schools nationally have taken similar action.

In a Sept. 13 memo, State Superintendent Eric Mackey said he had become aware of inappropriate, reprehensible and inexcusable posts made by at least three educators following the assassination of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11.

A Hoover City Schools employee was placed on administrative leave after system officials learned of a divisive and insensitive social media post on the employees personal account.

According to Merrick Wilson, executive director of communications, the system began an investigation.

During the leave, the employee participated in customized training and self-reflection to fully understand the impact and influence educators have on students and the greater community, Wilson stated. The employee fully cooperated, completed all requirements, and is no longer on administrative leave.

In Marshall County, another teacher was removed from the classroom pending an investigation into comments made in class.

Marshall County Schools Superintendent Cindy Wigley did not identify the school, the teacher, or what comments were made, according to WAFF.

The investigation began after the comments were brought to the school principals attention, she said.

Wigley said the school system is not aware of any Marshall County School employee who has posted or said anything celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk.

Earlier this week, a Montgomery Public Schools teacher reportedly faced disciplinary action for comments made on social media about Charlie Kirk.

The school system did not release the employees name, school or the nature of the disciplinary action.

In a statement to WSFA, the system said while educators, like all citizens, have the right to personal expression, they also carry a professional responsibility to model respect, dignity, and sound judgment at all times.

In a statement, AEA Executive Director Amy Marlowe said her organization will support educators while reminding members of the importance of exercising discernment when using social media.

AEA will provide resources, training and support to ensure educators remain protected and respected on the job, she said.

While educators, like all citizens, have a constitutional right to free speech, those rights must be balanced with their professional responsibilities and the operational needs of school systems, Marlowe said. It is important for educators to recognize that while they are private citizens, they also serve in a public role.

Community standards and the impact on the learning environment all factor into how an educators social media activity is evaluated. Our goal is to help educators safeguard their careers by adhering to their school systems social media policy while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Starbucks baristas stand on stage during an annual shareholders meeting in Seattle. AP

Starbucks workers from three states are fighting back against the chains new dress code, saying it requires them to buy new clothes without compensation.

Backed by Workers United, the union organizing Starbucks workers, employees from two states  Illinois and Colorado  filed class action lawsuits this week. Workers also filed complaints against Californias Labor and Workforce Development Agency, a step towards a potential class action suit in that state.

READ MORE: Major coffee chains third Alabama location votes to unionize

Starbuckss new dress code went into effect in May. It requires baristas to wear a solid black shirt and khaki, black or blue denim bottoms. Prior to the change, employees could wear any color top as well as gray and brown pants. Shirts may be collarless but must cover the midriff and armpits.

Other requirements included limitations on skirt length  no more than 4 inches above the knee- and rules about colors of shoes, socks and hosiery. Employees cannot have face tattoos or more than one facial piercing. Tongue piercings or theatrical makeup are also prohibited, the AP reported.

At the time of the updates were announced, Starbucks said each worker would receive two company-branded t-shirts for free.

Starbucks said the move was meant to deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience, that allowed workers to focus on what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers.

Starbucks defended the changes.

Retail partner turnover is at record lows and about half the industry average. More partners are getting the shifts they want. And more partners than ever recommend Starbucks as a great place to work, the company said.

Starbucks stressed that hourly workers earn an average of $30 in pay and benefits, including free college, comprehensive healthcare and up to 18 weeks of paid family leave for part-time positions.

The lawsuit claims that while the old dress code, which allowed for patterned shirts in a variety of colors, was loosely enforced, employees are now prohibited from starting their shifts if they are not in correct attire.

The lawsuits allege that the dress code violates state laws that require reimbursements for expenses that primarily benefit the employer or imposing expenses without written consent. The suits seek damages on behalf of all Starbucks workers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Updated 9/18 at 6 p.m. to include additional comments from Starbucks.
ABC has "indefinitely" suspended late night talkshow host Jimmy Kimmel of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" over remarks he made over the killing of Charlie Kirk on his program. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/Associated Press)

Donald Trump called it great news for America when reacting Wednesday to the news that ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmels late-night show indefinitely.

The show was pulled after the host made comments about Charlie Kirks killing, which led a group of ABC-affiliated stations stating it would not air the show.

Great news for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, Trump posted on Truth Social. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT

Kimmel made several comments his show Monday and Tuesday nights. He said that many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Kimmels comments about Kirks death are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division. Nexstar operates 23 ABC affiliates.

There was no immediate comment from Kimmel, who hosted the show wince 2003.

White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich also posted on social media.

Welcome to Consequence Culture.



Normal, common sense Americans are no longer taking the bullshit and companies like ABC are finally willing to do the right and reasonable thing.



MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/EajJJBwCoL  Taylor Budowich (@TayFromCA) September 17, 2025

Welcome to Consequence Culture, he posted in X. Normal, common sense Americans are no longer taking the b- and companies like ABC are finally willing to do the right and reasonable thing.

In his monologue on Monday, Kimmel said that we hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

Kimmel said that Trumps response to Kirks death is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
People hold candles and sing during a memorial and prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

The countrys largest owner of ABC affiliates announced it will air a one-hour special on Charlie Kirk in Jimmy Kimmels timeslot after the late night host was suspended Wednesday.

In a statement, Sinclair Broadcast Group also said Kimmel being taken off the air for his comments on Kirks shooting death were insufficient.

The company called on Kimmel to issue a personal apology to Kirks family and to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA, the nonprofit Kirk co-founded that advocates for conservatism and encourages young people to engage in the political process.

Sinclairs ABC stations will air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk this Friday, during the Jimmy Kimmel Live! timeslot, the company announced. The special will also air across all Sinclair stations this weekend. In addition, Sinclair is offering the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.

Kimmels late night show on ABC was suspended indefinitely indefinitely by the network Wednesday after he made several remarks about the reaction to the Kirks assassination last week on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday and Tuesday nights, including that many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.

ABC, which has aired Kimmels late-night show since 2003, moved swiftly after Nexstar Communications Group said it would pull the show starting Wednesday. Kimmels comments about Kirks death are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division. Nexstar operates 23 ABC affiliates.

President Donald Trump celebrated ABCs move on the social media site Truth Social, writing: Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.

Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith condemned Kimmels comments.

Mr. Kimmels remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country, said Smith. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities.

Even if ABC lifts Kimmels suspension, Sinclair stated it will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the networks commitment to professionalism and accountability.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (not pictured) at the Prime Minister's Office, during Rubio's visit, in Jerusalem, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (Nathan Howard/Pool Photo via AP) AP

Invoking a Nazi propagandist, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied a far-right influencers conspiracy theory that Israel was involved in Charlie Kirks assassination.

Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, said that the bigger the lie the faster it will spread, Netanyahu said in a videotaped statement posted Wednesday night on X.

Well, someones fabricated a monstruous, big lie that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirks horrific murder. This is insane. It is false. It is outrageous. Charlie Kirk was a giant, a once-in-a-century talent who defended freedom, defended America, defended our common Judeo-Christian civilization.

Charlie Kirk was a great man. He deserves honor - not lies. pic.twitter.com/NwEN4B2q7w  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 18, 2025

Netanyahu did not mention far-right influencers Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson by name, but his two-minute video called out the conspiracy theory spread by them that powerful Jewish interests played a role in Kirks assassination last week.

Both Owens, who used to hold several roles at Kirks Turning Point USA, and Netanyahu claimed Kirk was pressured by the prime minister and Jewish donors to Kirks organization when Kirk became more critical of Israel.

Charlie loved Israel, he loved the Jewish people. He told me so in a letter he sent to me just a few months ago, Netanyahu said, adding that Kirk wrote, one of my greatest joys as a Christian is ... advocating for Israel and forming alliances with Jews to protect Judeo-Christian civilization.

Netanyahu said Kirk was instrumental in the Israeli prime ministers controversial address to a joint session of Congress last year where Netanyahu made the case for Israels military operations in Gaza.

Kirk told me, the Holy Land is so important to my life, it pains me to see support for Israel slip away, Netanyahu said in the video.

Netanyahu said he spoke to Kirk a few weeks before the assassination and invited him to visit Israel again.

And sadly, that wont happen, he said.

The prime minister alleged that influencers may be receiving foreign money to spread the conspiracy theory.

Now some are peddling these disgusting rumors, perhaps out of obsession, perhaps out of Qatari funding, he said. What I do know is this: Charlie Kirk was a great man, and a great man deserves honor, not lies. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk. May your memory be a blessing.
Former President Barack Obama talks with President-elect Donald Trump before the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP

Cancel culture has been taken to a new and dangerous level under Donald Trumps administration, former President Barack Obama said Thursday.

After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like, Obama said in a tweet.

After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like. https://t.co/uts7JpJZzN  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 18, 2025

The former presidents comment, in response to the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, came as Obama shared an opinion piece in Vox claiming the Trump administration has learned to effectively weaponize the regulatory powers of the federal government to punish speech it doesnt like from people it doesnt like.

On Monday night, Kimmel began talking about last weeks deadly shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which took place while Kirk was speaking on a college campus in Utah.

We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said. He also compared Trumps grief over the death to how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.

Trump allies said Kimmel was falsely suggesting that the shooter was right wing. Authorities have not formally presented a motive for the killing, but evidence indicates that he held liberal beliefs. Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, has said there clearly was a leftist ideology,

Kimmels suspension was handed down by ABC after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr warned that the broadcaster and its local affiliates could face repercussions if Kimmel was not punished.

On Wednesday, Carr appeared on a podcast hosted by Benny Johnson, a conservative commentator, and accused Kimmel of the sickest conduct possible. Carr said you could make a strong argument that this is sort of an intentional effort to mislead the American people about a very core fundamental fact.

Nexstar Media Group, the countrys biggest operator of television stations, to echo some of Carrs language.

Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue, Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division, said in statement.

The controversy landed at a sensitive time for Nexstar, which needs FCC approval for its $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna.

ABC soon announced that Kimmel would be taken off the air. It is unclear when or whether he would return. Kimmel has not commented publicly.

In another tweet Wednesday accompanying a New York Times story reporting that Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah was fired for posts about Kirks shooting, Obama said media companies should not be doing the administrations bidding.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent  and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it," he tweeted.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
About 300 people gathered for an event celebrating Charlie Kirk Sept. 17 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Ruth Serven Smith

The children of reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley made an onstage appearance on Wednesday at a Charlie Kirk remembrance rally on the University of Alabama campus.

Savannah and Grayson Chrisley, best known for appearing alongside their parents in long running reality show Chrisley Knows Best, encouraged conservative students to hold strong in their beliefs following the recent murder of Kirk.

The future isnt written in Washington guys, Savannah said.

Its written here tonight, with the choices that you make. Stand up, speak out, be bold, honor Charlie and join us because courage starts now and it starts with you.

Kirk, a conservative influencer and CEO of the organization Turning Point USA, died Sept. 10 after being shot while speaking at a campus event at a university in Utah.

Turning Point USA advocates for conservative policies among the countrys youth and has a strong presence at the nations colleges and universities.

Grayson said Kirks death wasnt just a political assassination, but it was a religious one as well.

The left was scared of Trump, he said.

They were scared that he was making too much sense and that he was spreading Gods word, and by doing so, he would stop their agenda.

Kirks death, and the publics reaction to it has been the topic of nationwide political discourse over the previous week, with some blaming gun violence and others blaming those who disagreed with Kirks politics.

Grayson and Savannah, outspoken supporters of President Donald Trump, who pardoned their parents earlier this year and released them from prison, spoke on the latter half of the debate Wednesday night.

Charlie Kirk was a spark, but were all going to be the fire, Grayson said.

The left doesnt like it, people. They want there to be turmoil and chaos between everyone because its easier to blame others than blame yourself.

Savannah expressed pride in her younger sibling for joining her on stage and encouraged the UA crowd to never stop fighting for America.

We will not be silenced, she said.

We will not back down...We love this country. We love faith, we love freedom, and we are not afraid to say it. And together, were going to make America strong again. Well make America free again. And yes, we will make America great again.

Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty in 2022 of a total of 10 charges, according to AP News.

Prosecutors said they fraudulently obtained $36 million in bank loans and hid millions of dollars in income from their Chrisley Knows Best show to avoid paying federal taxes.

Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison and Julie to seven years and both were ordered to pay $17.2 million in restitution.

Trump announced his intention to pardon them in May, saying the celebrity couple had been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what Im hearing.

In a speech at last years Republican National Convention, Savannah said her parents sentencing was a form of persecution because of their public profile and conservative beliefs.

On July 31, Lifetime released a five minute trailer for the show titled, The Chrisleys: Back to Reality," which will document the familys efforts to free Todd and Julie as well as the aftermath of their pardons.
NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Viva Eve, a women's health practice redefining integrated care, announced the launch of its latest campaign, a documentary-style spot told through the eyes of a patient navigating the challenges of today's healthcare system.

The story follows a New York City woman who, like so many, has felt overlooked, dismissed, and shuffled endlessly between medical providers in search of answers. Each step feels rushed and impersonal: her symptoms are ignored, her concerns minimized, her voice unheard.

Viva Eve highlights how integrated OB/GYN, dermatology, nutrition & fibroid care improves women's health. Post this Viva Eve is a premier womens health practice in New York City, delivering exceptional OB/GYN care with cutting-edge fibroid treatments and integrated dermatology, nutrition, and vein services. Our board-certified physicians combine expertise with personalized attention, providing a higher standard of care that supports womens health, wellness, and confidence at every stage of life.

The short video spot captures the exhausting cycle so many women know too wellthe frustration of repeating her story again and again to yet another provider, being shuffled from office to office, referral to referral, prescription to prescription. Each step feels like starting over, with no continuity of care and no real answers in sight.

The turning point comes when a friend refers and reminds her to check out the modern alternative: Viva Eve. She enters the space with a calm, warm energy, and for the first time, she feels listened to, respected, and truly seen. What had been a chaotic and fragmented journey transforms into one rooted in clarity and compassion. At Viva Eve, she finds more than a doctor's officeshe discovers a one-stop destination for her health, where expert gynecology, advanced fibroid care, nutrition, dermatology, and wellness services come together under one roof.

The ad was written and produced by Viva Eve's in-house, all-women marketing team, and is the product of close collaboration with women doctors, nurse practitioners, patients, and the real-world stories of obstacles women face every day. It was shot and edited by 8Bit Motion in Toronto, Canada.

"We wanted to show, honestly and unflinchingly, what many women still go through when seeking care," said Dr James Gohar, board-certified Ob/Gyn physician and founder and CEO of Viva Eve. "Too often, patients are made to feel invisible. Viva Eve's, mission is to change that. Every woman deserves to have her concerns taken seriously, her options explained clearly, and her care delivered seamlessly in one place."

The campaign underscores Viva Eve's commitment to building a new standard of women's healthcareone that is thoughtful, patient-centered, and designed to simplify the experience rather than complicate it.

The video will appear across digital platforms and social media beginning September 15, 2025.

For more information about Viva Eve or to schedule an appointment, visit www.vivaeve.com.

Media Contact:

Olga Chernin

917-406-6542

SOURCE Viva Eve
Alabama lost almost $250 million after funding from 31 federal grants were discontinued after President Donald Trump issued an executive order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the country, according to information obtained from a database released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

However, an unknown amount has been reinstated thereby reducing that total.

The losses stem from the more than $630 million in grants that were awarded from government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention that had yet to be allocated to both agencies and universities throughout the state, according to an analysis from the Alabama Reflector.

More from Alabama Reflector

The Alabama Reflector reviewed a database obtained from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that identified the grants that were eliminated.

Two state agencies and three universities lost funding because of the administrations executive order.

We continue to monitor, assess and address the developments regarding federal activity, and our government affairs professionals are actively engaged, a spokesperson for the University of Alabama Birmingham said in a statement. We do not have additional information to share at this time.

The Alabama Department of Mental Health provided a list of programs that will continue to receive funding because of appropriations from Congress, and added, At this time, we do not foresee federal impacts for mental health funding due to reduction in grant funding in fiscal year 2026.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) said they have had about $175 million eliminated because of the executive order.

Based upon ADPH review of its grants, the loss of $175 million is the amount that ADPH can document, at this time, the Alabama Department of Public Health said in a statement. That figure is lower than the almost $215 million that the agency has lost from the more than $760 million the agency had been awarded based on the analysis from the Alabama Reflector.

The grants funded portions of programs for detection, prevention, and response to outbreaks of infectious disease in Alabama. While this loss of funding resulted in termination of some programs, ADPH was able to shift employees into other programs or not replace employees who were retiring or chose to move to other employment outside the agency, the statement from ADPH said. As a result of this loss of funding, ADPH continues to review its existing programs and determine how current and future funds can be used to support the work required of ADPH. This is all the information ADPH can provide, at this time.

The Alabama Reflector reached out to Auburn University and the University of Alabama for additional information on the programs whose funding was eliminated.

Government experts warned of the potential consequences of the administrations executive order and the chilling effect that it could have for research.

One practical consequence of the executive order is that it halts research that has been ongoing for years and possible findings that could result from the studies that could help address chronic and communicable diseases, according to Jill Rosenthal, director of public health policy at the Center for American Progress, a liberal-leaning organization.

The second possible fallout is that it slows scientific progress.

It also impacts Americas standing in scientific innovation, Rosenthal said. Those cuts and freezes to funding affect scientists and future scientists who want to go into this work. When their grants are cut or not available, theres reports of folks looking to go to other countries and doing the research there.

The Alabama Department of Mental Health lost roughly $22.5 million after grants were eliminated.

The database did not provide full details of the program whose funding was short-changed, but based on the descriptions in the spreadsheet. For example, ADPH lost $190 million for programs meant to prevent and contain emerging infectious diseases, while another $15 million was lost for projects to immunize and vaccinate children.

The description in the database stated that the program involved immunizations and vaccines for children. A second program was titled, National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities.

The most significant funding reduction, almost $157 million was for a program called, 2019 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases (ELC).

The Alabama Department of Mental Health had to forgo about $15 million from a block grant to help address mental health and another $6 million for combatting substance abuse. The titles for programs whose grant funding was eliminated was called Mental Health Block Grant  COVID Relief.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham lost almost $7.5 million from $11 million in federal funding the university has been awarded to aid medical and scientific research and fund research opportunities for undergraduates as well as mentorships.

Some of the funding was for research into specific scientific subjects. One, for example, was titled, Circadian changes in network excitability and Alzheimer disease pathogenesis.

Both Auburn University and the University of Alabama had one grant each that was affected totaling about $600,000 in lost funding.

The grant for the University of Alabama that lost more than $185,000 was aimed at helping to recruit underrepresented students toward a nursing career. And the G-RISE program at Auburn University whose funding was cut by almost $440,000 was meant to encourage students from underrepresented groups to enter scientific fields.

Aside from slowing scientific advancement, the funding reductions that stem from the elimination of the grants could hurt the economy of states whose researchers receive the grant money.

The Center for American Progress published an article in February that stated the funding reductions would threaten jobs.

The NIH is a critical driver of biomedical advancements and generates significant economic activity in many states, the report states. The article said that NIH funding contributed about $5.2 billion to the economy in Pennsylvania and $2.8 billion to Floridas economy for fiscal year 2023.

Rosenthal went on to say that the executive order violates the process for allocating grant dollars that had been done in the past. Before, the decisions were based on an exact process that relied on the scientific method and on the judgement of scientists who understood the research.

This process here is fundamentally biased in that it is based only on, in some cases, key word searches. There is talk of people who have lost grants based on a particular word in the grant without any fundamental understanding of what that grant would actually do.
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The WNBA Playoffs are officially here. On Wednesday night, the Phoenix Mercury will look to even the series in New York against the Liberty.

The Liberty are the defending WNBA champions from a season ago, when they took down the Minnesota Lynx. New York took Game 1 in this series at Phoenix 76-69.

The Mercury have a ton of players capable of stealing one in New York. Theyll need a major bounce back game from Satou Sabally. Their backs are against the wall, as a loss ends their season.

Fans looking to catch tonights game between the Mercury and Liberty can do so on Fubo, through a free trial offered to new subscribers.

Heres everything you need to know before the Mercury and Liberty tipoff:

When: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Fans looking to catch tonights game between the Mercury and Liberty can do so on Fubo, through a free trial offered to new subscribers.
If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

The WNBA Playoffs are officially here. On Wednesday night, the Minnesota Lynx will head to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Valkyries.

The Valkyries werent even expected to make the playoffs, as theyre in the first year of their franchises existence. The WNBAs newest expansion team has taken the league by storm.

Unfortunately, theyre facing the Lynx in the first round, who are looking to avenge their Finals loss from last season. Minnesota demolished Golden State 101-72 in Game 1.

Fans looking to catch tonights game between the Lynx and Valkyries can do so on Fubo, through a free trial offered to new subscribers.

Heres everything you need to know before the Lynx and Valkyries tipoff:

When: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Time: 10 p.m. ET

Fans looking to catch tonights game between the Lynx and Valkyries can do so on Fubo, through a free trial offered to new subscribers.










English News China, U.S. reach basic framework consensus on resolving issues related to TikTok

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 18 Septembre 2025



The U.S. side cannot, on the one hand, ask China to take care of U.S. concerns, and on the other hand, continuously suppress Chinese enterprises, he said, adding that China urges the United States to correct its mistakes, lift these restrictions as soon as possible, and work with China to jointly safeguard the hard-won achievements of China-U.S. economic and trade consultations, so as to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

By Xu Hailin, Han Shuo, Yan Huan, People's Daily China and the United States reached a basic framework consensus on resolving issues related to TikTok through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation, said Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice-minister of commerce.



On Sept. 14 and 15, the Chinese and U.S. delegations convened talks on economic and trade issues in Madrid, Spain. Li said on a press briefing hosted by the Chinese delegation after the talks that during the past two days, the two sides have actively implemented the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries in their phone call, fully leveraged the China-U.S. trade consultation mechanism, and engaged in candid, in-depth and constructive communication based on mutual respect and equal consultation regarding economic and trade issues of mutual concern, including TikTok.



Regarding the TikTok issue, China has always opposed politicization, instrumentalization and weaponization of technology as well as economic and trade matters, and will never seek to reach any agreement at the expense of principles, interests of companies, or international fairness and justice, Li said.



China will firmly safeguard the national interests, the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and carry out technology export approval in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, Li said, adding that the Chinese government also fully respects the will of enterprises and supports them in conducting business negotiations on an equal footing in accordance with market principles.



At the press briefing, Wang Jingtao, deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, said both sides reached a basic consensus regarding the full respect for the will of the business as well as the law of the market on resolving the TikTok issue through such methods as the entrusted operation of TikTok's U.S. user data and content security business, and the license for use of the algorithm and other intellectual property rights.



The Chinese government will examine and approve relevant matters involving TikTok, such as the technology export and the license use of intellectual property, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, Wang added.



The Chinese government has always firmly safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese-funded enterprises and encouraged them to actively explore and develop abroad, he said.



China hopes that the U.S. side, based on the consensus reached, could provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the United States, including TikTok, thus contributing to the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, he said.



The reason why the Chinese side agreed to a consensus is because, based on its assessment, China has come to the judgment that such a consensus is in their mutual interest, Li said. Through discussions on the TikTok issue, the two sides further recognized that a stable China-U.S. economic and trade relationship is of great significance to both countries.



Both sides will continue to maintain close communication, discuss the details of the relevant outcome documents, and each will go through the domestic approval procedures, Li added.



Li said the Chinese side has noted that the U.S. side is still continuously expanding sanctions against Chinese entities after a series of economic and trade consultations between the two countries.



Li said that the United States has overstretched the concept of national security, and continuously expanded the list of sanctions against Chinese entities, with its long arm of jurisdiction reaching ever farther, which are a typical act of unilateral bullying that violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations.



China firmly opposes this, and raised serious concerns to the U.S. side during the talks, Li added.



The U.S. side cannot, on the one hand, ask China to take care of U.S. concerns, and on the other hand, continuously suppress Chinese enterprises, he said, adding that China urges the United States to correct its mistakes, lift these restrictions as soon as possible, and work with China to jointly safeguard the hard-won achievements of China-U.S. economic and trade consultations, so as to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.



Li also expressed his gratitude to Spain for its support and hospitality in hosting the China-U.S. economic and trade talks.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue Shanghai seed bank hits 100 million samples in biodiversity conservation push China unveils world's first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
VERONA, Italy, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025 announces 3 compelling sessions, to be held at the Forum's first edition in Chicago, USA. The Forum will take place at Navy Pier from 5-6 October. "An Inside Look into Wine Enthusiast's 100-point Rating System, Upholding Blind-Tasting Protocols, and Scoring Non-Imported Products" "An inside look at wine competitions and 5StarWines - the Book" and "The Importance of Wine Tourism: How a Wine Media Company Created a Travel Division to Attract More Visitors to Wineries" are three of the most fascinating topics on the program.

One of the Tasting Sessions held during wine2wine Business Forum 2024

For the first time, wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum will be held outside of Italy, this year in Chicago at the famous Navy Pier. After 11 successful years in Verona, the 12th edition of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum makes a strategic leap onto the global stage with its first-ever international edition. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum Chicago 2025 represents more than a geographic change of place, it symbolizes the Forum's evolution into a truly international business platform. Chicago provides the perfect setting to unite Italian producers, global buyers, educators, and communication professionals under a single goal: to translate global strategies into local, actionable opportunities.

"An inside look at wine competitions and 5StarWines - the Book" will take place on Monday, presented by Robert Joseph, Stephanie Johnson DipWSET & IWE, and Yannick Benjamin. The session will explore some of the "Top Scoring" wines selected for 5StarWines - the Book 2026. During the session, Robert Joseph, General Chair of the Selection, Stephanie Johnson DipWSET & IWE and Yannick Benjamin, Panel Chairs of the Selection, will explain the tasting process and the rationale behind the exceptional scores, simulating the discussion that takes place during the evaluation process for the Selection, and giving participants the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at 5StarWines - the Book.

Wine Enthusiast is a Media Partner of the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025. The following are two of the sessions that will be powered by Wine Enthusiast.

"An Inside Look into Wine Enthusiast's 100-point Rating System, Upholding Blind-Tasting Protocols, and Scoring Non-Imported Products" will be presented on Monday by Anna-Christina Cabrales, Tasting Director and Reviewer for Burgundy, Champagne, Rhone Valley at Wine Enthusiast. Cabrales will lead a 45-minute blind-tasting session while speaking about Wine Enthusiast's 100-point rating system and blind-tasting protocols, why it was important to build a ratings platform that can support every wine region across the globe, and answer questions on how wine samples receive a Wine Enthusiast score. Cabrales commented, "The long-standing Wine Enthusiast tasting and review program is open to all regions across the globe. I'm looking forward to sharing this process with wine2wine and helping more brands get scores that are utilized by retailers and consumers."

"The Importance of Wine Tourism: How a Wine Media Company Created a Travel Division to Attract More Visitors to Wineries" will also take place on Monday, presented by Jacqueline Strum, and President and Publisher of Wine Enthusiast Media. Strum will explain why the media business created the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Room Directory and Cork+Compass Travel, why it was important to incorporate the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Panel in the new wine tourism operation, and how these new resources can help attract more visitors to wineries. Strum remarked, "Italian wine travel continues to grow and our team has launched new resources to help attract more visitors to wineries. Travelers want to be guided by knowledgeable specialists they trust and are seeking hidden discoveries and experiencing a deeper connection to a sense of place."

More tasting sessions and topics will be announced in the coming weeks. Please visit the event website for a full list of confirmed speakers and sessions.

For more information visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-business-forum/ and to reserve your spot visit: https://www.vinitalyusa.com/program-wine2wine or email [email protected].

About: wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is a dynamic international wine industry forum organized by Veronafiere and held annually in Verona, Italy, since 2014. wine2wine Business Forum 2024 took place on November 4th and 5th at the Palaexpo in Veronafiere, Verona. The event is a key reference point for wine producers and wine professionals eager to develop and grow their wine business worldwide. wine2wine Business Forum provides unique opportunities to share ideas on the most important issues facing the rapidly evolving wine industry and to connect with wine professionals and experts. The forum takes place over two days and features keynote sessions, seminars, and interactive workshops which aim to equip participants with practical tools to improve their business. Speakers are renowned experts in their field and among the brightest minds in the wine world from Italy and abroad. Additional information is available at https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-business-forum/ or by emailing [email protected]

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SOURCE wine2wine
In the ongoing saga of the U.S.-China tech rivalry, a new twist has emerged. Chinas Cyberspace Administration has reportedly banned Chinese tech companies, including giants like Alibaba and ByteDance, from purchasing a specific, custom-made Nvidia AI chip. This move comes despite these companies having already placed orders for thousands of the new RTX Pro 6000D chips. Nvidia designed this product specifically for the Chinese market.

The decision is the latest development in a high-stakes back-and-forth between the worlds two largest economies over control of high-end AI technology. The ban is particularly noteworthy because it follows a recent deal brokered by the Trump administration that allowed Nvidia to sell its H20 chips to China in exchange for a 15% cut of the profits. This earlier agreement was a way to navigate previous export restrictions imposed by the Biden administration.

Nvidias RTX Pro 6000D AI chips are reportedly banned in China

Reactions to the ban have been swift. Speaking from London, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed his disappointment but also an understanding of the bigger picture. We probably contributed more to the China market than most countries have, Huang said. Im disappointed with what I see But they have larger agendas to work out between China and the United States, and Im understanding of that.

Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson took a stronger stance. In an interview with CNBC, he called China a peer-to-peer adversary of the U.S. He accused the country of intellectual property theft and a disregard for fair trade agreements. Johnson placed the blame for the strained relations squarely on China. It is not the fault of the United States that there are these strained relations. It is the fault of China, he stated.

This is nothing more than another development in the complicated relationship between both countries. The U.S. continues to limit the sale of advanced chips to China for national security reasons. Meanwhile, China is doubling down on its efforts to build up its own domestic chip manufacturing capabilities. The ban on Nvidias chips is another sign that this geopolitical struggle is far from over.
Lately, weve seen some important developments related to U.S.-China trade relations. Trump and Jinping are on the verge of closing a deal to save TikTok in the US. Against this backdrop, Beijing has made a surprising and strategic move. Amid ongoing trade negotiations with Washington, Chinas State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has reportedly dropped its antitrust probe into Google, a case centered on the dominance of the Android operating system.

China reportedly ends Google antitrust case

China opened the initial investigation in February, potentially as a tariff-retaliation move. The case focused on Googles impact on Chinese smartphone makers like Oppo and Xiaomi that rely on the software. This recent decision to terminate the probe, known as zhongzhi in Chinese, is not a sign of peace. Instead, it signals a calculated shift in Beijings strategy.

According to sources familiar with the matter (reported by Financial Times), China is concentrating its regulatory firepower on a different, more powerful target: Nvidia. Recently, Beijing banned the sale of certain AI chips from the North American giant. The move against the worlds most valuable chipmaker is a tactical maneuver to create maximum leverage in the ongoing trade talks, which have included discussions on tariffs, export controls, and the future of TikTok.

Why China is dropping its antitrust case against google for Nvidia

The contrast between Google and Nvidias situations in the Chinese market explains this shift. Googles search engine and most of its core services have been blocked in China for years. So, theres limited leverage in Beijings economy. Meanwhile, Nvidia and its competitor, Intel, have a significant market presence there. For Intel, China recorded sales of $15.5 billion in 2024, making it the companys largest market worldwide. Similarly, China accounted for 13% of Nvidias global sales in the first three quarters of 2024, establishing it as the AI chipmakers second-biggest market. This deep market presence makes these chipmakers far more vulnerable to Chinese regulatory action.

Beijings new focus on Nvidia is already making headlines. Chinas Cyberspace Administration has reportedly banned domestic tech giants like Alibaba and ByteDance from purchasing Nvidias new, custom-made AI chips, the RTX Pro 6000D. At the same time, the SAMR has accused Nvidia of violating its antitrust law during its 2020 acquisition of Mellanox Technologies. If found in violation, Nvidia could face fines of 1 to 10% of its previous years sales. This could potentially amount to billions of dollars.

A chess game between two world powers

As the U.S. continues to limit the sale of advanced chips to China, Beijing is responding by hitting back where it hurts most. The decision to drop the Google probe while intensifying pressure on Nvidia is the latest twist in a global struggle that is far from over. It will be interesting to see how events develop in the near future.
After an unusual agreement with the US government for a 10% stake, Nvidia is now investing $5 billion in Intel. The company (Intel) has been on the radar of President Trump, who called for the resignation of the newly appointed CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, over his close ties with China. As a part of the new joint deal, Intel and Nvidia will co-develop data centers and PC chips. Following the announcement of the deal, Intels shares surged 30% in premarket trading, while Nvidias shares rose 3%.

Nvidia to invest $5 billion in chipmaker, Intel

This investment will make Nvidia one of the largest shareholders of Intel. This gives it around 4% or more of the company after the new shares are issued. Nvidia is investing its stake for $23.28 per Intel share. This price is slightly below the $24.90 per share as of closing on Wednesday. However, its higher than the $20.7 per Intel share that the United States government paid last month.

This new investment adds to the companys reserve of capital. Recently, it announced a $2 billion investment from Softbank. Shortly after, it made a deal worth $5.7 billion with the US government. Last month, Intels chief financial officer, David Zisner, said that the company was in a good cash position. It could not require more capital until it saw a major demand for 14A, which is a next-gen manufacturing process.

The deal could pose a major challenge to the competition

As per the deal, Intel and Nvidia will jointly co-develop custom data center central processors that Nvidia will package with its AI chips- GPUs. The technology will enable Intel and Nvidia chips to communicate at higher speeds than before. These make a difference in the AI market, as many chips must be together to act as one to get through the loads of data.

Currently, Nvidias best-selling AI servers with the speedy links are only available using Nvidias own chips, but the deal will bring Intel into the picture. The combined Nvidia-Intel chips will be a major competition to AMD. The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, doesnt seem to include the manufacturing of Nvidia chips with Intels foundry.

Details regarding a combined product or when it will it will hit the market are not out yet. But both companies have said that the product plans made before the joint deal wont change.


Samsung started rolling out its Android 16-based One UI 8 update to the Galaxy S25 series a couple of days ago, while the rollout spread to markets out of Korea within the last 24 hours. Having that in mind, a huge surprise has just appeared, as One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy S25 Ultra has been spotted on Samsung servers.

Samsung is not losing any time, as it seems to be testing One UI 8.5 already. Just to be clear, the company has been testing the update for months now, but now we get to see the first actual firmware.

Now, while this may get some of you excited, manage your expectations. You just received One UI 8, or will receive it very soon, on your Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. One UI 8.5 wont exactly arrive all that soon.

It will, almost certainly, arrive with the Samsung Galaxy S26 series next year. The Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are expected to arrive in January 2026. All three of them will likely ship with One UI 8.5 and be fthe irst to do it.

We dont know what changes it will bring, though

At this point in time, we have no idea what will the update bring. Not a single change has leaked out at this point, so our guess is as good as ours. We dont expect it to be a major change, however. It will still be based on Android 16, of course.

One UI 8, on the other hand, did bring quite a few changes to the table. Not only did it improve multitasking, but it also delivered Now Brief and Knox Matrix. An AI boost has also been delivered, and more.

On top of all that, all the standard changes that Google made to Android 16 itself are included here too, as long as theyre not exclusive to Pixel phones, of course.
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ABC has announced it will suspend Jimmy Kimmels late-night show indefinitely after the hosts comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

An ABC spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be pre-empted indefinitely.

The move comes after Kimmel said on his show Monday: We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.

Donald Trump quickly took to social media to gloat over Kimmels situation.

Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, he posted on Truth Social.

Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.

ABC has announced it will suspend Jimmy Kimmels late-night show indefinitely after the hosts comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

The announcement from ABC came soon after Nexstar Media Group, the largest owner of television stations across the country, said that it would no longer air Kimmels show. Nexstar owns Americas largest local broadcasting group, comprised of top network affiliates, with more than 200 owned or partner stations in 116 U.S. markets reaching 220 million people.

Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, said the company in a statement.

Andrew Alford, the President of Nexstars broadcasting division, added: Mr Kimmels comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.

Alford added: Continuing to give Mr Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.

ABCs decision also came after the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened to discipline Kimmel if ABC did not act first.

During an appearance on right-wing commentator Benny Johnsons podcast, The Benny Show, FCC Chair Brendan Carr said: When you look at the conduct that has taken place by Jimmy Kimmel, it appears to be some of the sickest conduct possible...there are avenues for the FCC, so I have to be a little bit careful because we could be called ultimately to be a judge on some of these claims that come up, but I dont think this is an isolated incident.

He then referenced a tweet by California representative Eric Swalwell which described Kirks suspected killer as coming from a family of Trump supporters, adding: There has been a concerted effort to lie to the American people about the nature of one of the most significant, newsworthy, public interest acts that weve seen in a long time, and what appears to be an action by Jimmy Kimmel to play into that narrative that this was somehow a MAGA or Republican motivated person. If thats what happened here, with his conduct, that is really, really sick.

Carr has been the Chairman of the FCC since 2017, when he was appointed by Donald Trump. He added, Frankly, when you see stuff like this, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr called Kimmels claim that Charlie Kirks killer is a Trump supporter a concerted effort to lie to the American people (Reuters)

Carrs interview was retweeted by Donald Trump Jr, who captioned his post: Jimmy Kimmel is a disgrace.

In response to the announcement from Nexstar, Carr tweeted: I want to thank Nexstar for doing the right thing. Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest. While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values. I hope that other broadcasters follow Nexstars lead.

Sinclair Broadcast Group announced Wednesday evening it would also stop airing Kimmels show until further notice.

Due to problematic comments regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk in programming provided to broadcast stations by ABC, Sinclair and its partners, which operate ABC stations in 30 markets in the U.S., will stop airing Jimmy Kimmels show until further notice, Sinclair wrote on X.

Sinclair later said the shows suspension is not enough and called on ABC and the FCC to take additional action.

Carr also thanked Sinclair for taking quick action that you consider responsive to the needs and values of the local communities you serve.

People demonstrate outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where Jimmy Kimmel Live! is recorded, on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeleson Wednesday (REUTERS)

After news broke of Kimmels show being suspended, Johnson celebrated the comedians platform being destroyed, saying that the line was crossed with Kimmels comments about Kirk.

Thanks to FCC pressure and Nexstar and Sinclair pulling him from millions of homes, his platform is destroyed. Hes finished. Will never recover. This isnt cancel culture. This is CONSEQUENCE culture. For Charlie Kirk, he wrote on X.

In July, after CBS announced it was canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!

MSNBC host Chris Hayes posted about the connection between ABCs decision, Carrs comments and President Trumps apparent wishes, writing on X: The chair of the FCC explicitly threatened them - specifically the affiliates -- hours before they made the decision. The president has said he wants Kimmel and Colbert off the air.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also responded to the news, writing: A free and democratic society cannot silence comedians because the President doesnt like what they say. This is an attack on free speech and cannot be allowed to stand. All elected officials need to speak up and push back on this undemocratic act.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote: America is meant to be a bastion of free speech. Everybody across the political spectrum should be speaking out to stop whats happening to Jimmy Kimmel. This is about protecting democracy. This must go to court.

The Independent has approached Kimmel for comment.

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting Kirk, has been officially charged with aggravated murder and six other counts, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Utah prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson.

Officials say Robinson was radicalized online and subscribed to a leftist ideology, and that he had had enough of Kirks hatred, according to text messages he is claimed to have sent to his roommate.

Robinson appeared virtually from jail wearing an anti-suicide vest before a judge at an initial hearing Tuesday, with the next court date scheduled for September 29.
A Nevada woman is facing federal charges after allegedly becoming so disruptive while flying home that she was restrained in flex cuffs and duct-taped to her seat.

After Ketty Dilone threatened to kill multiple crewmembers aboard an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Las Vegas, she still managed to assault a flight attendant even while largely immobilized, according to an FBI probable cause affidavit unsealed Wednesday in federal court.

A bystander captured part of the tirade on video, which was later uploaded to TikTok .

Dilone, 47, does not yet have an attorney listed in court records and was unable to be contacted. Reached by phone, Dilones incredulous niece at first asked if someone was playing a practical joke on her, ultimately declining to comment on the record. Dilones daughter did not respond to requests for comment.

In an email, an American Airlines spokesperson told The Independent, The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority. We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement on its investigation.

About halfway through AA flight 2470s journey on September 16, Dilone left her seat and began walking down the aisle and yelling, the probable cause affidavit states. At the same time, Dilone was continually recording the entire aircraft, it alleges.

WARNING: Strong language

When asked to stop filming, Dilone became enraged and started to verbally threaten multiple flight attendants, who notified the captain and co-pilot, the affidavit goes on.

Dilone made several statements to the effect of, I will kill you b***h! according to the affidavit. Dilone also made aggressive postures towards the flight attendants when they attempted to calm her down.

As Dilone continued her disturbing and threatening behavior, the cabin crew physically restrained [her] in her seat with flex cuffs around her wrists and her seat belt, the affidavit continues.

To prevent Dilone from sliding out of the seat or the flex cuffs, a flight attendant (victim B.B.) taped Dilones torso utilizing duct tape, it says. After B.B. taped Dilones torso, Dilone kicked B.B twice[,] striking the back of her legs.

According to the affidavit, Dilone first kicked B.B. in the calf/lower leg, then used both of her feet to kick B.B. behind the knees, causing them to fall forward.

Dilones legs were then restrained with duct tape to prevent further injury to the flight attendants or other passengers, the affidavit states.

In the footage on TikTok, Dilone can be heard screaming that the flex cuffs are hurting her, adding, You don't know what the f**k I been through, b***h. She then recounts a tale from childhood of trying to kill her father by putting rat poison in his coffee.

Ketty Dilone can be seen aboard American Airlines flight 2470 in bystander video uploaded to TikTok (the white bars were added by the uploader to protect another passenger's privacy). If convicted, she is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. (TikTok/@corbohydrate)

So if anybody wants to kill somebody, Dilone announces to the surrounding travelers, put rat poison in it, but make sure it's not expired and make sure you put a lot of it, because it didn't work for my daddy. He just fell asleep.

The affidavit says that flight attendants were forced to rearrange passengers seated nearby, moving numerous travelers away from Dilone and placing volunteer passengers next to her.

Additionally, flight attendants had to stand and monitor Dilone during the airplanes descent, which prevented them from performing their duties of preparing and securing the aircraft for landing, according to the affidavit.

Law enforcement met the flight upon landing at Harry Reid International Airport.

Officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department took Dilone into custody, after which the FBI, which has jurisdiction over crimes committed aboard U.S. aircraft, booked her on federal charges of interference with a flight crew, and assault by striking, beating, or wounding.

She was transported to the Henderson Detention Center in Henderson, Nevada.

In 2005, Dilone was arrested on felony domestic violence charges, but pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and received a 30-day suspended sentence, a $340 fine that was waived, and was ordered to attend six months of counseling, county court records show.

So far this year, the FAA has received 1,154 reports of unruly passengers . In 2024, the agency fielded a total of 2,102 unruly passenger reports, a significant decline from a 2021 peak of 5,973.
Many animals are musically inclined, and recently weve seen an uptick in puppies playing the pots and pans and singing along with the car radio. However, watching a baby elephant play the recorder was definitely not on my bucket listbut it is now!

Kirkja, an 18-month-old African elephant, has recently discovered her many musical talents, and the zookeepers at the Toledo Zoo shared an adorable video demonstration on TikTok.

In the clip, one of the keepers holds a pink plastic recorder to the end of the little pachyderms trunk. As Kirkja makes contact with the instrument, the staff member says, Blow, and the adorable baby elephant does exactly thatproducing the cutest little note in the process.

But it doesnt end there! Next up, the sweet little elephant plays the harmonica, which is just as cute as it sounds. However, the final instrument was the fan favorite: they taught her to play a wooden train whistle, and OMGit was almost too cute to handle.

Related: Blind Rhino and His Baby Elephant Bestie Share Extra-Special Daily Greeting

As with any great concert, viewers flooded the comments sectioneach one was a little funnier than the last. A few highlights include:

This is actually very dangerous because she will grow up and start a one-man band and leave you to go on world tour!

Does she take requests and is Piano Man in her repertoire?

How does one apply for the job of Baby Elephant Music Therapist?

So LITERALLY every species must be tortured by their child having to learn the recorder!

Fun Facts About Elephant Trunks

As an African elephant, Kirkja has two fingers at the tip of her trunkone on the top and one on the bottomwhich allows her to grip objects more precisely. (Asian elephants only have one.)

According to Wildlife SOS, an elephants trunk contains nearly 40,000 muscles, allowing it to do everything from knock over large trees to picking up small blades of grass. It functions similarly to a human tongue, assisting with eating, drinking, and making loud sounds, called trumpeting, to communicate.

The elephant trunk can also stretch up to 20 feet and contains powerful scent receptors, making it an important sensory tool.

The Toledo Zoo staff explained that the musical playtime isnt just cuteits enrichment with a purpose. Teaching Kirkja to blow helps their veterinary team collect nasal samples, which can be tested for bacteria and other health markers. So not only is sweet Kirkja getting her 10 minutes of fameshes staying healthy while doing it.

This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Sep 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
File: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he addresses an election campaign rally in India (Getty Images)

Indias ruling party has been accused of open hate-mongering after releasing an AI-generated video targeting Muslims in the election-bound northeastern state of Assam.

The video, shared by the official X account of the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP's) Assam state chapter, portrays Muslims as illegal immigrants who seize land owned by the government across the northeastern Indian state.

The video showed Muslims, mostly men wearing an Islamic skull cap, a traditional tunic and a loongi or a traditional South Asian sarong, at government establishments such as airports, tea estates, heritage sites, and the stadium in the capital, Guwahati. Muslim women in the video were depicted wearing a hijab or burqa.

Captions on the video said it portrayed Assam without [the] BJP and called it the dream of opposition deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi, who is Assamese. It also claimed an unspecified link between Mr Gogois opposition Congress party and Pakistan, showing opposition leader Rahul Gandhi addressing a crowd alongside the Pakistani flag.

The video falsely claimed that the states Muslim population would rise to 90 per cent over an unspecified period  a nod to the wider so-called replacement theory, stoked by right-wing groups, that Muslims will one day replace Hindus as Indias majority religion. Muslims currently comprise 34.22 per cent of Assams total population of 10.7 million, according to the most recent census conducted in 2011.

The video emerged ahead of state assembly elections scheduled for spring 2026, where the ruling Hindu nationalist BJP aims to secure another term in power.

Arguably the most communal advertisement I can ever recall watching. https://t.co/pXhalJYOa6  Christopher Clary (@clary_co) September 16, 2025

Critics argued that the video risked fuelling hatred against the minority community and stoking tensions in a state where Muslims have long been targeted over their ethno-religious identity.

Christopher Clary, associate professor of political science at the University at Albany, called it arguably the most communal advertisement I can ever recall watching. The word communal is typically used in India to refer to something that fuels religious hatred or division.

Author and academic Apoorvanand wrote: "This open hate-mongering by the ruling party BJP against Muslims is scary. It is a call for violence. How is it being allowed? How are we tolerating it?"

Congress party spokesperson Lavanya Ballal Jain called the video xenophobic and utterly disgusting. "The British started the divide and rule, the BJP perfected it, she said, a reference to colonial-era strategy.

"What a terrible ad! As a nation, we must resolve that hate and xenophobic content have no space in our political discourse. To humiliate people this way is not correct," said political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla.

This open hate mongering by the ruling party BJP against Muslims is scary. It is a call for violence. How is it being allowed? How are we tolerating it? https://t.co/SUCzOZdZYp  Apoorvanand  (@Apoorvanand__) September 16, 2025

"This cannot be India. This is so hateful and wrong. Is this kind of hate mongering truly going to go unchecked? What is happening? asked actor Shreya Dhanwanthary.

Suhasini Haidar, diplomatic affairs editor at The Hindu newspaper, wrote: In a democracy, a national party doesn't seek votes by demonising a religious community; it offers representation to all, added that the Election Commission would know what to do about an ad like this.

The Independent has reached out to the BJP for comment.

Home to both Bengali and Assamese speaking Hindus and Muslims and tribes, Assam has witnessed a decades-long anti-immigration movement targeting "outsiders" from neighbouring Bangladesh. The BJP in Assam has frequently accused Muslims in the state of being undocumented immigrants.

Since securing power in Assam in 2016, the BJP has consolidated its Hindu and tribal voter base through a series of policies that critics describe as discriminatory towards Muslims. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is among senior party leaders who have repeatedly singled out the community in public speeches.

Allegations of Islamophobia in the BJP go right to the top of the party: a Human Rights Watch report found that Mr Modi made Islamophobic remarks in 110 out of the 173 speeches he delivered during the election campaign for the 2024 general elections, where he won a third term in power, albeit with a smaller number of seats.

On Sunday, Mr Modi made a visit to Assam where he accused Congress of standing in support of anti-nationals and infiltrators to safeguard their votes  both terms are Hindu nationalist dog-whistles.

Are we right, or are we right?? pic.twitter.com/WJrUGLz5qW  BJP Assam Pradesh (@BJP4Assam) August 30, 2025

The BJPs Assam unit has repeatedly targeted Muslims in the state and Congress parliamentarian Mr Gogoi through AI-generated videos. The account often refers to Muslims as Kanglus  a derogatory slur used to refer to people from Bangladesh, and Mr Gogoi as the messiah of miyah. "Miyah" is commonly used as an honorific for Muslim men in South Asia. In Assam, the term has taken on a derogatory meaning, targeting Muslims who migrated from the eastern part of Bengal, present-day Bangladesh, after the 1947 partition.

The BJP has also been known to share AI-generated videos depicting Mr Gogoi wearing a skull cap and speaking on the phone with Pakistans army chief Asim Munir. The BJP has claimed Mr Gogoi has links with Pakistan  a claim dismissed by the Congress MP.

Mr Sarma on Friday said the state cabinet would discuss a report by a Special Investigation Team on Mr Gogois alleged links with Pakistan after the local elections. He claimed that the 96-page report submitted to the government was a very explosive document that was related to Indias security.

Mr Gogoi previously claimed he visited Pakistan only once about 12 years ago and that the BJP would flop miserably.
Charlie and Erika Kirk together in January

Charlie Kirks widow is taking over his conservative non-profit, Turning Point USA, it has been announced.

Erika Kirk, 36, was unanimously elected the new CEO of the organisation, which advocates for conservative politics on high school and college campuses, one week after the conservative activist was murdered.

In prior discussions, Charlie expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death, a statement from the organisation, which rocketed Kirk to political stardom, said.

May God Bless Erika, the Kirk family, and the entire team at Turning Point USA.

The pair married in 2021

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was just 18-years-old, and transformed what was initially a fledgling campus organisation into a nationwide movement that earned him a place in the upper echelons of Maga fame.

Kirk had been hosting a Turning Point event at Utah Valley University when he was shot and killed by a gunman perched on a rooftop 130 metres away.

His alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared in court on Tuesday after prosecutors revealed he had become more political and had started to lean more to the Left, becoming more pro-gay and trans rights oriented in the past year.

There has been much speculation as to who would take over the movement that Kirk built. Ms Kirk admitted she was more conservative than her husband during a podcast appearance together earlier this year.

In her first public remarks since her husbands death, Ms Kirk said she will never let his legacy die.

Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith.

Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his saviours side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr, she said.
Donald Trumps helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing while taking the US President and his wife Melania to Stansted Airport.

Marine One was forced to divert to Luton Airport as it was travelling from Chequers after Trump finished a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, ending his historic second state visit.

Emergency services were seen at Luton following the landing.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the helicopter had landed out of an abundance of caution.

President Donald Trumps helicopters, known as Marine One and Marine Two are seen at Luton Airport after reportedly having to make an emergency landing. (Toby Shepheard / Story Picture Agency)

Trump and the first lady were later seen waving after arriving at Stansted Airport.

Ms Leavitt said in a statement: "Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted airport.

"The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter.

"The president and first lady were later able to board Air Force One for the return journey from the UK."

Emergency services were seen at Luton following the landing. (Toby Shepheard / Story Picture Agency)

The Trumps are understood to have arrived at Stansted around 20 minutes behind schedule.

Trump reportedly later joked about having a safe flight while taking questions from reporters on the presidential plane, Air Force One.

The president said: Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because Im on the flight. I want to get home, otherwise I wouldnt care."

The incident was one of the very few bumps in the road during Trumps visit to Britain, which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed as a new era for the special relationship between the UK and the US.

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave after arriving at Stansted Airport (AP)

An unprecedented level of royal pomp took place during the Trumps' visit, including a state banquet complete with a special transatlantic cocktail as well as a vast military ceremony.

The Red Arrows fired jets of red, white and blue over Windsor Castle as part of the ceremony as Trumps favourite song, Y.M.C.A by the Village People was played by a marching band.

The Trumps were also shown a letter sent by Abraham Lincoln to Queen Victoria following the death of her husband Albert and laid a wreath at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who had hosted Mr Trump during his first state visit.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump gesture as they board Air Force One to depart from London Stansted Airport (REUTERS)

Later on in the visit, as pomp turned to politics, Trump and Sir Keir also signed a new tech deal which will see US firms invest in the UK and boost co-operation on AI, quantum and other emerging technologies.

Trump praised the deal and described how the agreement would help America and Britain dominate the future of artificial intelligence.

The state visit has seen US firms commit to invest 150 billion in the UK alongside the tech prosperity agreement and co-operation on nuclear power schemes.

Americas top technology companies announced 31 billion of investment, including 22 billion from Microsoft to fund an expansion of Britains AI infrastructure and the construction of the countrys largest AI supercomputer.

Google committed 5 billion of investment, and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang hailed a big week for AI in the UK as the US chip giant agreed to deploy 120,000 advanced processors across the UK to help the British AI sector.
Dubai laws you need to know before visiting

Dubai, a popular winter sun and relocation destination in the Middle East, is a firm favourite among UK holidaymakers.

Enticed by its scorching temperatures, desert adventures and high-rise skyline, a record 92.3 million passengers passed through terminals at Dubai International Airport in 2024.

While holidays usually pass by without a hitch, there are strict regulations in the UAE and its emirates  both well-known and lesser-known  that travellers should get familiar with before they book a trip.

Radha Stirling, CEO of London-based legal group Detained in Dubai, stressed the importance of being familiar with the local laws of your travel destination.

Common behaviour doesnt mean lawful behaviour. It may be common to drink alcohol in Dubai, but its also unlawful to possess alcohol in your bloodstream or be drunk. A mere allegation is sufficient to warrant an arrest, and people can weaponise the system to have you prosecuted if they so wish, said Stirling.

She added: Almost all tourists will be in violation of local laws before they even get on a plane. A number of first-time visitors have been arrested for social media posts or electronic private communications that they made perfectly legally from their own countries.

Holidaymakers risk fines, deportation, arrests and prison sentences if they fail to respect the rules.

The Foreign Office (FCDO) warns: The UAE is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in the UAE.

Here are the local laws that tourists need to know about to stay out of trouble while visiting Dubai and the UAE.

Read more: Best luxury hotels in Dubai

A record 92.3 million passengers passed through terminals at Dubai International Airport in 2024 (Getty/iStock)

Read more: The best hotels in Dubai 2025, reviewed

Dubai laws and rules

Carrying prescription drugs

Dont be tempted to bring medication into Dubai without first checking if it is considered a controlled substance.

The FCDO says: There are strict rules about what medications you can bring into the UAE. You will need approval from the UAE authorities to bring in medication that the UAE classes as narcotic, psychotropic, controlled or semi-controlled.

If you arrive in the UAE without evidence of prior approval, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE, and you may be prosecuted.

You can usually bring up to three months supply of medication as a visitor, or one month if the medication requires approval.

Swearing and rude gestures

Swearing or making rude gestures, online or in person, is illegal in the UAE. Travellers can be jailed or deported for such obscene acts.

Drinking or possessing alcohol

One of the most important rules to remember for tourists: drinking or being under the influence of alcohol in public is illegal anywhere in the UAE, even if you are over 21. Specifically in the city of Sharjah, north of Dubai, where drinking or possessing alcohol is illegal.

Residents of Dubai are legally required to have a liquor licence to buy alcohol to drink at home or private parties. Tourists can get a temporary liquor licence which is valid for one month  these are not required in Dubai to purchase and consume alcohol in licensed venues like hotel bars, restaurants, and pubs.

Hotel regulations

Travellers under 18 take note  you cannot stay in a hotel alone if youre under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.

Customs rules

It is illegal to bring pork products or pornography into the UAE. Videos, books, and magazines may also be subject to scrutiny or censored, say the FCDO.

Pedestrian crossings

Also known as jaywalking in the US, holidaymakers should note that it is illegal to cross roads in Dubai without using the marked pedestrian and zebra crossings.

Ramadan rules

During the holy month of Ramadan, travellers should take extra care to be respectful. Exact dates vary by year and country, but the FCDO reminds visitors to be wary of eating, drinking, smoking, swearing, playing loud music or chewing gum in public.

LGBT+ travellers

LGBT+ travellers should be aware that same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE before they travel.

According to the FCDO: The UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected. However, there have been reports of individuals being punished for same-sex sexual activity, particularly where there is any public element, or where the behaviour has caused offence. This applies both to foreign national residents and tourists.

Posting critically of the UAE online

Posting critical or culturally insensitive material is considered illegal in the country  specifically videos and photos reflecting negatively on the UAE government, companies and its nationals.

Showing affection in public

Honeymooners beware: kissing, holding hands and showing affection in public is frowned upon and arrests may be made.

Sexual relationships outside marriage

It is illegal for adults over 18 to have a sexual relationship with a person aged 17 or under. British teen Marcus Fakana, 18, was recently jailed for having consensual sex with a 17-year-old while on holiday in Dubai.

Even those partaking in consensual extra-marital relationships risk a six-month prison sentence if either persons spouse or guardian files a criminal complaint.

Unmarried parents may not be covered by medical insurance and could struggle to obtain a UAE birth certificate unless they get married or provide a joint declaration, certified by a notary public, to acknowledge the child.

Financial crime

Tourists who commit financial crimes in the UAE, including fraud and failure to pay hotel bills, are unlikely to be granted bail while they await prison sentencing. Personal bank accounts and assets can also be frozen.

Packing poppy seeds

Before you pack your favourite bakery products  poppy seeds are strictly banned from entering Dubai.

Drug-related offences

The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for drug offences, including trafficking, carrying and using illegal substances. Penalties can include a three-month prison term, fines up to 100,000 UAE dirham (21,840) and, in drug trafficking cases, the death penalty. Some CBD, skincare and e-cigarette products are illegal in the UAE due to their ingredients. These will be confiscated and you could face criminal charges.

Fundraising and charity

Before you travel to the UAE, check any charity acts you have planned, including online fundraising, are permitted at your destination.

Using cameras and binoculars

In Dubai, you can be arrested for photographing a person without their consent. It is also illegal to take pictures of some government and military buildings, with hobbies that require binoculars likely to be misunderstood, say the FCDO.

Media activity

Members of the press must apply for permission to carry out media activity in print or video or risk imprisonment or a fine.

Clothing

Consider packing a modest outfit  for women, this includes covering the shoulders and knees  to avoid causing offence in public areas. Swimwear outside of beaches or at swimming pools and cross-dressing are also illegal.

Checking someone elses phone

The UAE has strict laws against invading someone's privacy, including potential jail time for being nosy and checking another persons phone.

Eating or drinking on public transport

Think again before you pack a picnic for public transport  to help keep the transport system clean, eating and drinking on board is banned and you could be fined 100 UAE dirham (21).

Driving etiquette

Its wise to control your road rage while driving in Dubai  offensive gestures towards other vehicles can lead to fines, a jail sentence, and possibly deportation.

The FCDO warns: Police in the UAE have the power to impound your car for traffic violations that may be considered minor in the UK. They will charge a fee of 50,000 UAE dirham plus a traffic violation fine to release your car.

Read more: Overlooked towns within two hours drive from Europes biggest cities
The Gilded Wooden Mask from the coffin of Amenemope displayed prior to the opening of Ramses II exhibition at the Grande Halle de La Villette in Paris (AFP/Getty)

A 3,000-year-old gold bracelet, reported missing from an Egyptian museum this month, was stolen and melted down, the country's Interior Ministry confirmed on Thursday.

The Antiquities and Tourism Ministry had initially announced the loss of the artefact, which belonged to King Amenemope of the Third Intermediate Period, who ruled Egypt around 1,000 BC.

Adorned with spherical lapis lazuli beads, the piece vanished from a conservation laboratory safe on 9 September.

The incident was discovered as staff prepared artefacts for an exhibition in Rome next month.

The disappearance, reported by Egyptian newspaper Al-Misri al-Yawm, came to light while dozens of items were being readied for shipment. The Cairo institution, the Middle East's oldest archaeological museum, holds over 170,000 artefacts, including Amenemope's gilded wooden funerary mask.

This loss occurs just six weeks before the Grand Egyptian Museum opens in nearby Giza, set to display the world-renowned treasures of King Tutankhamun's tomb.

Following the theft, a special committee was set up to review artefacts in the laboratory, and images of the missing bracelet were circulated to antiquities units at Egypt's airports, seaports and land border crossings, fearing it would be smuggled abroad.

3,000 year old bracelet missing from Cairo museum, photo sent to airports by Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Egypt (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Yet, the Interior Ministry tracked down the theft to a museum restoration specialist who took the artefact and sold it to a silver trader, who passed it on to a workshop owner in Cairo's historic jewellery district. The workshop owner then sold it to a gold smelter, who recast the metal with other items.

The ministry said suspects were arrested and proceeds from the sale, valued at about 194,000 Egyptian pounds ($4,000), were seized.

The incident comes weeks before the planned November opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, a showcase of the country's ancient heritage that is a key draw for tourism, a vital source of foreign currency for Egypt.
Formula One heads to Baku this weekend for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Here, the PA news agency rounds up some of the stories from Thursdays media day.

Verstappen sets sights on 24-hour race

Max Verstappen took part in the 1,000km race at the Nurburgring (Thomas Frey/dpa via AP)

Max Verstappen expressed his desire to take on the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

The four-time world champion headed to the German circuit between Formula One races at Monza and Baku to secure the permit needed to race GT3 cars on the Nordschleife.

My dream is eventually to do the 24-hour race, Verstappen said. I knew I needed the permit to come.

How much I can do during an F1 season is a bit tricky. For me, impossible to say what will happen in five or 10 years on the F1 side or the GT side.

Unwell Russell misses media day

Russell is hoping to be behind the wheel on Friday (David Davies/PA)

George Russell was absent from the track on Thursday due to illness.

Mercedes said the 27-year-old, who was scheduled to appear at the drivers press conference, was resting up ahead of the track action on Friday.

Bearman on brink of ban

Bearman has racked up 10 penalty points (Bradley Collyer/PA)

British driver Oliver Bearman admits he will have to change his approach after moving to within two penalty points of a race ban.

The Haas driver was handed two points for causing a collision with Carlos Sainz at Monza and now has 10 on his record. Kevin Magnussen reached 12 for Haas last season and was banned for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix  where he was replaced by Bearman.

It is a shame I have ended up at this point, Bearman said. I did a dangerous mistake at Silverstone and got four points which I deserved but it is a shame I ended up with this many. Now I am going to be making it until I lose two (points) at Brazil, basically.

I will have to pull out (of similar situations), I dont have a choice. I would like to be given space on the inside but I cant take that risk.

Antonelli motivated by Wolffs comments

Kimi checking in for Thursday in Baku  pic.twitter.com/OYFSEgmmnL  Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) September 18, 2025

Kimi Antonelli is determined to come back stronger after team principal Toto Wolff described his performance at Monza as underwhelming.

The 19-year-old finished ninth after qualifying sixth.

I think I pretty much understand his comment, Antonelli said.

I think it was mainly related to the race, which I agree wasnt the best. But I took it positively  as fuel to do even better for this race weekend.

Drivers split on increase in sprint races

Sprinting round the world in 2026  Announcing the six Grand Prix weekends which will feature #F1Sprint next season  including first-time trips to Canada, Netherlands and Singapore!#F1 pic.twitter.com/3KOhQ65jsQ  Formula 1 (@F1) September 16, 2025

The idea of expanding the number of sprint weekends from 2027 divided opinion among the drivers.

Six sprint weekends have been confirmed again for next season but F1 chiefs are discussing the idea of upping it to potentially as many as 12 for 2027. Reverse grids have also been mooted as an idea.

Lewis Hamilton enjoys the sprint format, saying: I like sprint weekends, I was complaining before that we had the same structure every weekend. Those weekends are pretty intense.

Haas Esteban Ocon said: We are living in a consumer world where we want more show. When you watch Wednesday on Netflix, we dont want to wait 10 days for the second part!

We already race almost every weekend and to have a sprint on top, I believe its probably a bit too much. Reverse grids are artificial. Not really a good thing.
Delta State University sign on the campus grounds on Wednesday in Cleveland, Mississippi. Photograph: Sophie Bates/AP

The family of a Black student who was found hanging from a tree on a college campus in Mississippi has retained the civil rights attorney Ben Crump as questions continue to mount around the death.

On Monday, staff at Delta State University found the body of Demartravion Trey Reed near campus pickleball courts. Michael Peeler, the Delta State police chief, has said Reed appeared to have died by suicide and that there were no signs of foul play, but concerns have grown and the case has brought up painful memories of the states history of racist violence.

While local police and the Mississippi bureau of investigation look into the death, attorneys representing Reeds family are conducting their own investigation and plan to seek an independent autopsy.

Trey was a young man full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened, Crump said in a statement on Tuesday.

We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain. I stand with this family, and I will lead a team of civil rights leaders and organizations in pursuing transparency and answers for Treys family.

Meanwhile, Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democratic congressman, called for the FBI to investigate.

The FBI has the tools and experience necessary to conduct a thorough, unbiased inquiry, and time is of the essence, Thompson said in a statement.

The FBI told the Clarion Ledger that the agency was aware of the case and prepared to investigate if there was evidence of a potential federal violation.

The Delta State campus in Cleveland, near the Arkansas state line, is located only about 30 miles (48km) from a site closely associated with the infamous lynching of Emmett Till. A sign at the Tallahatchie River landing near Glendora commemorates the discovery 70 years ago of Tills mutilated body in the water.

Reeds case quickly drew attention online, and hearkened back to the Jim Crow era of racial terror and the violent killings of Black people at the hands of white vigilantes in Mississippi and across the US south.

The Bolivar county coroner, Randolph Seals Jr, disputed rumors that Reed was found with broken limbs. In a statement cited by local news outlets, Seals said his office conducted a preliminary examination and concluded the student did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones or injuries consistent with an assault.

The NAACP said in a statement posted online: While initial reports offered no evidence of foul play, youd have to excuse our skepticism amidst growing racially motivated violence targeted at our communities across this nation.

So while we await more formal autopsy reports and information, we offer this piece of history with a level of certainty: Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees.

In a video posted on Tuesday to the universitys Facebook page, the Delta State president, Dan Ennis, said the university was resuming operations while continuing to mourn. He said campus officials were staying in touch with the students family.

We know that we can never fully heal this wound, Ennis said. We continue to cooperate with investigators. We continue to make sure that all the information necessary is given to authorities. And we continue to hope for answers.

Classes were canceled on Monday at the university, as were events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its opening as Delta State Teachers College in September 1925.

 This article was amended on 19 September 2025 to replace the top image. This image was from 2015 and not from last week as an earlier caption said.
The first migrant has been deported back to France under Britains "one in, one out" deal, the Home Office has confirmed.

A man from India who arrived in Britain by small boat in August was put on board an Air France plane to Paris on Thursday morning.

Further flights are due to take place this week and next week despite legal challenges, the Government said.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: This is an important first step to securing our borders. It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you.

I will continue to challenge any last-minute, vexatious attempts to frustrate a removal in the courts. The UK will always play its part in helping those genuinely fleeing persecution, but this must be done through safe, legal, and managed routes  not dangerous crossings.

It comes as the Government faced fresh pressure over sending asylum seekers who arrive in small boats back across the Channel when planned flights for removals were cancelled earlier this week.

Under the one in, one out pilot scheme, Britain will detain some of the people who cross the Channel and send them back, in return taking an asylum seeker in France who can show they have family connections in the UK.

More than 31,000 migrants have made the dangerous journey in small boats so far this year.

The Home Office lodged an appeal on Thursday against a High Court decision temporarily blocking the deportation of an Eritrean man under the returns agreement.

On Tuesday, the court had granted the man a "short period of interim relief" and given him 14 days to make representations to support his claim that he was a victim of modern slavery.

Ms Mahmood is carrying out an urgent review of the Modern Slavery Act to assess whether it is open to abuse.

She said: "Migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal, having never made such a claim before, make a mockery of our laws and this country's generosity.

"I will fight to end vexatious, last-minute claims. I will robustly defend the British public's priorities in any court. And I will do whatever it takes to secure our border."

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons condemned the Home Secretary's comments.

She said Ms Mahmood's words "have a real-life impact on victims of exploitation, who may now be more scared to come forward and talk about what's happened to them".

Senior Treasury minister James Murray rejected suggestions that Labour had forgotten its values as he faced questions about the Government response.

"What's driving this is what's important to the British people," the Chief Secretary to the Treasury told Sky News on Thursday.

"As a Government, we're responding to what's important to people in the UK, and people have said, and people are right to feel angry about the level of illegal migration.

"People are right to feel they want hotels to close. People are right to feel they want the Government to do more on this, and that's exactly why we're doing more on this."
French school students hold Palestinian flags as they block the entrance of the Lycee Chaptal high school in Paris on Thursday. Photograph: Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Teachers, transport workers, hospital staff, pharmacists and public sector workers have gone on strike in France, as trade unions make a rare show of unity to put pressure on the new prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, to rethink budget cuts and act on wages, pensions and public services.

About 800,000 people were expected to join marches across the country on Thursday, in what was expected to be one of the biggest strike days in years. Schools, rail and air transport were affected. Up to 80,000 police were deployed across France from the early morning.

By 7am, several bus depots had been blockaded in Paris and northern France, as well as high school blockades in the east of the capital and Amiens in the Somme and Le Havre in Normandy. Rail transport was disrupted across France.

A total of 250 marches were planned nationwide as trade unions led demonstrations.

It is expected to be the biggest day of demonstrations since 2023, when large numbers took to the streets to protest against the use of executive powers to push through Emmanuel Macrons raising of the French pension age to 64 without a vote in parliament.

Lecornu must address the anger felt in France, said Perrine Mohr of the moderate CFDT trade union in the northern Hauts-de-France region, speaking on local public radio, Ici. She said since Macron came to power in 2017, we have had a government that is pro-business, with tax relief and unconditional assistance to businesses. What were asking is that the future government is more pro-workers and pro-citizens.

The day of demonstrations comes at a time of political crisis in France after Macron last week named his close ally Lecornu as the third prime minister in a year  after the previous two, Francois Bayrou and Michel Barnier  were ousted by parliament amid bitter disagreements over the budget.

Lecornu, who begins his term in office with very low popularity ratings for a new prime minister, had served as defence minister in the previous two ousted governments and is struggling to convince opposition parties that he is bringing anything new, despite promising a profound break with past politics.

Lecornu was appointed after his centrist predecessor, Bayrou, lost a confidence vote on 8 September over his unpopular plan for a 44bn (38bn) budget squeeze and austerity programme to reduce Frances public debt.

He has said he will ditch Bayrous unpopular proposal to scrap two public holidays. But trade unions are concerned that other elements of Bayrous budget cuts, such as a freeze on most welfare spending, could be maintained.

Lecornu has only weeks to come up with a budget text and form another minority government. He has to avoid any budget being immediately rejected by opposition parties, which could call a vote of no confidence and oust him from office.

Since Macron called a sudden snap election in June 2024, the French parliament has been split between the left, the far-right and the centre with no absolute majority. This has resulted in repeated deadlock over the budget.

On Wednesday, Lecornu met opposition parties as he consulted on the budget before appointing a new government. The 39-year-olds background was on the traditional right before he joined Macrons centrists, and he is likely to keep in place any new governments cooperation with the traditional rightwing party, Les Republicains, as well as maintaining Macrons legacy of pro-business economic policy.

But if Lecornu is to avoid being ousted in a no-confidence vote, he is under pressure to find some way of appealing to the Socialist party, so observers believe they may at least agree a non-aggression pact not to immediately vote to oust him.

The Socialists met Lecornu on Wednesday and called for an end to harsh budget cuts saying they wanted fair contributions from the wealthiest and more policies to help French people make ends meet.

Related: Frances credit rating downgraded, with debt forecast to keep rising amid political turmoil

But the leftwing delegation emerged saying Lecornu had not said much about his plans. Well see what he says in the coming days, the Socialist leader, Olivier Faure, told reporters. Faure said if Lecornu was not willing to listen the Socialists could join a future no-confidence vote to oust him.

Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally party, a key opposition force, emerged from a separate meeting with Lecornu saying: If he continues the same politics, hell fall.

France is under pressure to lower a budget deficit of nearly double the EUs 3% ceiling, and a debt pile equivalent to 114% of GDP.

The Fitch rating agency downgraded Frances credit rating last week, amid concerns over political instability.
Google has temporarily disabled its homework help button after criticism from professors across the country.

In early September, Google introduced the button in its Chrome browser that autoappears on educational websites. The feature uses Google Lens to scan onscreen quiz content and generate AIbased answers, even during tests.

The rollout immediately triggered backlash from universities, including UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Emory, whose professors spoke to the Washington Post, claiming the homework help button could make cheating a breeze.

Google is undermining academic integrity by shoving AI in students faces during exams, Ian Linkletter, a librarian at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, told the outlet. Google is trying to make instructors give up on regulating AI in their classroom, and it might work. Google Chrome has the market share to change student behavior, and it appears this is the goal.

Critics argued that the button essentially acted as a cheat button, circumventing instructor control and undermining the learning process rather than helping it. There were also worries about how student data from secure or exam settings could be exposed.

The homework help button was available on Google Chrome and would pop up even during students' complete tests, the Washington Post reports (PA Wire)

Washington Post reporter Geoffrey A. Fowler said Google told him that they paused the feature several days after he contacted the company for comment, although they did not commit to removing it permanently.

Students have told us they value tools that help them learn and understand things visually, so were running tests offering an easier way to access Lens while browsing, Google spokesman Craig Ewer told him in a statement. We continue to work closely with educators and partners to improve the helpfulness of our tools that support the learning process.

The Independent has also contacted Google for comment.

Melissa Loble, chief academic officer at Instructure, the maker of Canvas course software, says shes working to prevent AI study aids, like Googes and ChatGPT, from being used for cheating.

We dont support or condone this tool or anything that leads to academic dishonesty, Loble told the Washington Post.

Colin Horgan, spokesperson for D2L, the company behind Brightspace, a competitor to Canvas, added, Were glad to see Google has paused the extension for now. However, we share the concerns this tool raised about academic integrity and the privacy and security of student data.

The 'homework help' button used Google Lens to scan content from educational websites and instantly generate AI-generated answers (Google Lens)

Educators are also concerned by the homework help tools inconsistent appearance on course and assessment pages, and are questioning how it selects content. Some worry it may transmit data from private, password-protected course sites to Google.

Sage Freeman of Chemeketa Community College called such data capture irresponsible and unethical. Fowler said Google told him that it doesnt retain data beyond temporary processing and doesnt use it to train AI.

While schools can disable the tool through Google for Education accounts, that option doesnt help much at universities, where students often use personal devices.

Its wild to me that the response from Google describes this as supporting the learning process, Brandon Cooke, a philosophy professor at Minnesota State University at Mankato, told the outlet. I would much prefer that students come to me for help, instead of going off the ranch.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has been accused of putting lives at risk after she claimed asylum seekers were using modern slavery laws to submit vexatious, last-minute legal claims.

Ms Mahmood has vowed to review modern slavery legislation after the High Court blocked an asylum seekers removal from the UK under the one in, one out deal with France.

Ms Mahmood pledged that the deportations would still go ahead this week, and called a court decision to block the removal of an asylum seeker intolerable. She claimed that asylum seekers were making vexatious, last-minute claims and said they were claiming they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal.

But the independent anti-slavery commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, condemned the home secretarys comments, saying that they would have a real-life impact on victims of exploitation, who may now be more scared to come forward and talk about whats happened to them.

She said that both the House of Commons and the House of Lords select committees had looked at modern slavery claims in recent years and found there was no misuse of the system.

It puts vulnerable lives at risk when the home secretary is claiming that [this] is the case, Ms Lyons said.

It comes after the High Court granted a last-minute injunction to a 25-year-old Eritrean man on Tuesday evening, halting his removal on an early flight to Paris on Wednesday.

Shabana Mahmood has vowed to fight vexatious legal claims from asylum seekers attempting to halt their removal to France (PA Wire)

Labour is under mounting pressure to demonstrate that the much-vaunted returns deal with France will actually work, after scheduled flights on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday left the UK without any migrants on board.

Ms Mahmood said that last-minute attempts to frustrate a removal are intolerable and added that she would fight them at every step, as she confirmed that the Home Office would appeal against the High Courts temporary block.

The judge has given the Eritrean asylum seeker, who is still in detention, 14 days to challenge a Home Office decision that he doesnt qualify for modern slavery support.

The man said he was a victim of trafficking in Libya and, as such, was entitled to help under the UKs National Referral Mechanism. He was given time to challenge the refusal after the Home Office conceded that he would not be able to pursue the claim from France.

Lawyers told the court that he would not be able to argue for modern slavery support from the streets of France and that there was a real risk he could be made destitute by being returned there.

However, Ms Mahmood said: Migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal, having never made such a claim before, make a mockery of our laws and this countrys generosity.

People may be scared to come forward: anti-slavery commissioner Eleanor Lyons has condemned the home secretarys comments (PA Media)

She added: I will fight to end vexatious, last-minute claims. I will robustly defend the British publics priorities in any court.

Ms Lyons explained that experts are needed to spot worrying signs of trafficking or exploitation, with vulnerable asylum seekers often not opening up about their past as soon as they arrive in the UK.

She also explained that the evidence threshold for the Home Office to assess if someone is a modern slave is already very high, adding: Objective evidence has to be submitted.

Speaking about the case of the Eritrean asylum seeker, government minister Liz Kendall said on Wednesday that this is one person and insisted that the case is not going to undermine the fundamental basis of this deal.

But Labour MP Nadia Whittome condemned the scheme as a ridiculous policy that would be more at home in a Reform manifesto. She described the plan as unworkable, cruel and unfair.

You can deport all the immigrants you want, but its not going to improve peoples living standards, she added.

Migrants wade in deep water to board a dinghy off the coast of France last month (Getty)

Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, compared the scheme to the Tories failed plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, saying: Starmers one in, one out deal is a complete shambles; morally and practically, its Rwanda [mark two]. He took it straight from the far-right playbook, boosting Reform talking points and emboldening fascists marching on our streets this weekend.

She warned that Labour cant out-Reform Reform, and we shouldnt try.

Further migrants had been due to be removed to France on Wednesday and throughout the week, but the scheme is now in jeopardy, with the Home Office refusing to give details of when the first deportations might take place.

Charity Detention Action  currently supporting 28 people detained under the UK-France returns deal  said that four of them had removals directions scheduled between Monday and Wednesday, which were all cancelled or deferred with no further date set.

Two people the charity are supporting have their removals scheduled for later this week or early next week. Of the 28, seven people have indicators of human trafficking, but only one has been referred so far for modern slavery support.

A French interior ministry spokesperson has said that the first migrants are still expected to arrive in France this week, and that the first people to be sent in exchange will arrive in the UK on Saturday.

Migrants in Calais are warned that the new deal could see them deported if they cross the Channel (Calais Food Collective)

It comes as new signs have been put up around Calais warning asylum seekers that the new treaty is now in force.

The posters, distributed by the British and French governments, warn: If you arrive in the UK by small boat illegally, you now risk being deported and will not be eligible to re-enter the UK nor remain in France without the legal right to.

Lachlan Macrae, from the group Calais Food Collective, which supports migrants in northern France with food and water, said: Many people have specific circumstances relating to torture and trauma in other countries, which means that they would likely bring challenges in the court for any deportation. However, that doesnt mean that this [messaging] is not affecting people.

Just like the Rwanda scheme, its causing fear and confusion. Every day, people come up and ask about the scheme. Its a form of weaponised uncertainty.

Sile Reynolds, head of asylum advocacy at charity Freedom from Torture, said that rushing deportations to France denies people a fair hearing and the chance to evidence their vulnerability, as the High Courts recent decision to delay the removal of one young survivor of trafficking clearly shows.
Ilhan Omar branded Nancy Mace a really disturbed and demented person as the Trump acolytes attempt to have her censured over her Charlie Kirk comments failed.

Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, had introduced a motion that would have stripped Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, of her committee assignments.

The House of Representatives voted for a motion to table Maces measure, with four Republicans joining every Democrat to essentially kill the legislation. Reps. Jeff Hurd of Colorado, Cory Mills of Florida, Mike Flood of Nebraska and Tom McClintock of California joined Democrats.

Mace had cited an interview Omar did with media outlet Zeteo, where she criticized Charlie Kirks rhetoric in the past while also denouncing the Turning Point USA founders shooting as mortifying.

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) criticized Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) for trying to censure her. (AP)

I mean, she's a really disturbed and demented person, Omar told The Independent. I hope she does get the help she needs.

The resolution would have removed Omar from her assignments on the House Education and Workforce Committee as well as the House Budget Committee. Omar thanked the Republicans who joined in tabling Maces motion.

I'm glad that there are at least four that are left that believe in the First Amendment and are willing to protect the rights of members to not be punished for things that they haven't done, Omar told The Independent.

Maces resolution also cited a series of tweets from the Minnesota Democrat.

They voted to shield a woman who mocked the cold-blooded assassination of Charlie Kirk, Mace said on X. Instead, Democrats and these 4 Republicans chose Ilhan Omar over decency, over justice, and over Charlie Kirks family. They showed us exactly who they are. Never forget it.

Before the vote, Mace had also insinuated that Omar, who emigrated to the United States from Somalia, should be deported.

If you celebrate murder, maybe Somalia can take you back, Mace said on X.

Mace entered Congress as a relative moderate who once called herself a caucus of one. But she has moved significantly to the right in the past few years, endorsing Trump in 2024. She is now running for the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina largely as a pro-Trump MAGA Republican.

But other Democrats criticized the effort.

I mean, this is their goal, right? Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told The Independent. It's a distraction machine.

This is not the first time that Republicans have sought to strip Omar of her committees. In the last Congress, House Republicans voted successfully to remove Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee for her comments about Israel, wherein she said support for Israel was all about the Benjamins, baby.

A member of the progressive Squadwhich includes Omar, Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Rep. Ayanna Press of MassachusettsOmar has also seen special criticism from Trump.

We know that Nancy Mace is not serious at all, and this was all about a grift in the first place, Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas told The Independent. But the fact that Republicans didn't vote for her, I think that it stands to reason that some Republicans really, actually still believe in free speech.
Saudi Arabias mutual defence pact with Pakistan, which would regard aggression against either country as an act of aggression against both, comes at a time when the Middle East grows increasingly wary about the reliability of America as a security guarantor.

The agreement was signed during Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharifs visit to Riyadh and framed as a step toward regional peace and deterrence.

This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions. This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalisation of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries, a senior Saudi official told Reuters.

When pressed on whether the newly signed pact obliges Pakistan to extend a nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia, the official said: This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.

The Saudi agreement comes just months after Pakistans military clash with India in May this year and days following Israels strike on Qatar, deepening the crisis in the Middle East.

For Pakistan, the agreement provides support from a rich Gulf ally and boosts its standing at a time of tension with India. For Saudi Arabia, it means closer ties with a nuclear-armed Muslim country that has backed it in the past.

This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, a statement from the Pakistani prime ministers office said.

The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, it said.

Just hours after the Saudi-Pakistan mutual defence deal was inked, India responded cautiously.

TOPSHOT - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on September 16, 2025. (AFP/Getty)

In a statement, the Indian ministry of external affairs said the pact had long been under discussion and that India would study its implications, while reiterating its commitment to protecting national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security.

We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration, said Indias external affairs ministry official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal.

We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The government remains committed to protecting Indias national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains, Mr Jaiswal added.

The signing of the pact came just two days after an emergency joint session of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened in response to Israels 9 September strike on Doha.

That attack, which targeted Hamas political leaders as they met to discuss a US-backed ceasefire plan, drew sharp condemnation from across the Arab and Islamic world.

The defence deal potentially could reshape regional dynamics, compelling India, Iran, and even the US to rethink their strategies in a rapidly changing security landscape, observers noted.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani addresses a press conference following Israeli strikes in Doha on September 9, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Asfandyar Mir, a senior fellow at the Washington DC-based Stimson Center, said the pact was a watershed moment for both countries. Pakistan previously maintained mutual defence treaties with the United States during the Cold War, but they crumbled by the 70s. Even with China, despite extensive defence cooperation, Pakistan lacks a formal mutual defence pact, Mr Mir told Al Jazeera.

The Saudi-Pakistan defence deal also comes against the backdrop of Saudi Arabias long-standing defence and economic ties with both India and Pakistan. While Riyadh has linkages with India, it has also historically backed Pakistan, especially after the 1971 war.

The foundations of Saudi Arabias bond with Pakistan go back even before Pakistans creation, when the Saudi royal family expressed early support for the Muslim Leagues struggle in South Asia.

After independence in 1947, Riyadh was among the first to recognise the new state, signalling its intent to stand firmly with Pakistan. That commitment was evident again during the 1971 crisis in what was then called East Pakistan, when Saudi leaders saw the countrys disintegration as a blow to the Muslim world.

Riyadh also aligned its position on Bangladesh with Islamabads, withholding formal recognition of Dhaka until Pakistan did so in February 1974. Even during the 1972 and 1973 Hajj seasons, Saudi authorities accepted Bangladeshi passports only after first seeking Pakistans approval.

However, the senior Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that Riyadh must carefully balance its ties with Pakistans nuclear-armed rival, India.

People inspect a market that was damaged in cross-border shelling before the India-Pakistan ceasefire came into effect, in Jura village, Neelum Valley (EPA)

Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can, the official said.

India and Pakistan have fought four wars and had at least three other major clashes. Saudi Arabia had to have considered this in negotiating the statement released today. It does not mean Riyadh envisions a meaningful role in the next India-Pakistan clash, Christopher Clary, associate professor of political science at the University of Albany, wrote on X.

In the immediate term, this agreement will consolidate and formalise multi-prong defence cooperation already underway, and new avenues to expand it via joint trainings, defence production and potential expansion of Pakistani troops contingent in Saudi Arabia will be explored, Muhammad Faisal, a South Asia security researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, told Al Jazeera.

The new defence pact is now poised to reshape strategic equations across South Asia and the Gulf.

For India, the agreement complicates its rivalry with Pakistan, even as it maintains close ties with Riyadh. For Iran, it underscores Saudi Arabias effort to build stronger military alliances at a time of regional tension. And for the US, the pact signifies the growing willingness of Gulf states to look beyond Washington for security guarantees.

The defence pacts timing is also significant because Israels strike on Qatar rattled Gulf monarchies, which, despite hosting major US bases, are increasingly uneasy about Washingtons seeming lack of willingness to restrain Israel.

For states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE  long reliant on US security guarantees  the incident underscored the need to strengthen their own regional defence networks. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the recent strike on Doha as an act of brutal aggression that demanded Arab, Islamic and international action.

For the US, the deal adds new challenges in balancing its ties with both India and Saudi Arabia. It also comes as Pakistan becomes more outspoken in criticising Israels actions in Gaza and against Iran.

Isaac Herzog defended Israels bombing of Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday, saying it was necessary to remove people who did not want a ceasefire. (UGC via AP) (AP)

Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US diplomat said the deal comes in dangerous times, according to Associated Press.

Pakistan has nuclear weapons and delivery systems that can hit targets across the Middle East, including Israel. It also is developing systems that can reach targets in the US, Mr Khalilzad wrote on X.

Syed Muhammad Ali, a security analyst based in Islamabad, pointed out that Pakistans National Command Authority, which controls the countrys nuclear arsenal, had not commented about the defence pact. He added, however, that Pakistan would still be able to respond to Israel effectively, even without relying on the deterrent power of its nuclear weapons.

Pakistan is more than confident that its conventional capability is adequate, he said. Pakistan's military ... is adequate enough to improve the security of Saudi Arabia without having to resort to the nuclear option.
Israels culture minister has said he will cut funding for the countrys national film awards after a movie about a 12-year-old Palestinian boy won the ceremonys top prize.

The Sea, directed by Shai Carmeli-Pollak, has been automatically entered as Israels submission for the Best International Feature Film at the Oscars after it triumphed at The Ophirs on Tuesday.

But culture minister Miki Zohar said the victory was a slap in the face of Israeli citizens and claimed the ceremony was embarrassing and detached.

He wrote on X (Twitter): Starting with the 2026 budget, this pathetic ceremony will no longer be funded by taxpayers money. Under my watch, Israeli citizens will not pay from their pockets for a ceremony that spits in the faces of our heroic soldiers.

Muhammad Gazawi stars as Khaled in The Sea (Jerusalem Film Festival)

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel is investigating whether the ministry is able to carry out Mr Zohars threat, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The film follows Khaled (Muhammad Gazawi), a boy from a Palestinian village who is excited to see the sea for the first time on a school trip. However, he is turned away at an Israeli military checkpoint for having an invalid permit while his classmates are able to continue.

He decides to go out to the coast to see the waters for himself, but does not know the way or how to speak Hebrew.

Khaleds father, Ribni (Khalifa Natour), is an undocumented labourer and embarks on a high-risk search for his missing son after abandoning his job.

The chair of the Israeli Academy of Film and Television, Assaf Amir, responded to Mr Zohars statement, saying: In the face of the Israeli governments attacks on Israeli cinema and culture, and the calls from parts of the international film community to boycott us, the selection of The Sea is a powerful and resounding response.

The movie first premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival in July earlier this year. At the Ophirs, it picked up accolades for Best Picture, Best Screenplay for Carmeli-Pollak, Best Actor for Gazawi, Best Supporting Actor for Natour, and Best Original Score.

Miki Zohar called The Sea a slap in the face of Israeli citizens (Middle East Images)

Accepting his award, Gazawi, 13, said: I wish for all the children of the world, everywhere, to have the same opportunity  to live and dream without wars.

The films Palestinian producer, Baher Agbariya, said: This film was born from love for humanity and cinema, and its message is one  the right of every child to live and dream in peace, without siege, without fear, and without war.

Natour did not attend the awards, citing the armys entry into Gaza and the genocide that frightens me greatly.

Backlash against Palestinian cultural efforts has escalated in recent times, with Basel Adra, the Oscar-winning Palestinian director of No Other Land (2024), reporting raids on his home in the West Bank by Israeli soldiers last week. A Palestinian activist and father-of-three, Awdah Hathaleen, featured in the film, was killed by an Israeli settler in the aftermath of its success.

Mr Zohar, who introduced a bill in February restricting funding for independent films in favour of commercial titles, had criticised the movie as sabotage against the state of Israel.

A cultural boycott of Israeli film institutions was supported by Hollywood actors including Javier Bardem, Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Riz Ahmed. Paramount criticised the move, saying it did not agree with silencing individuals.
Jimmy Kimmels late-night show has been pulled from schedules due to his comments about Charlie Kirks fatal shooting.

US network ABC revealed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would not be broadcast indefinitely after the host made controversial implications about the identity of Tyler Robinson, the suspected gunman behind the conservative activists killing.

The comment that got Kimmel in hot water featured in Mondays episode (14 September), when he said: We had some new lows over the weekend with the Maga gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.

Kimmel also used the subject to mock Donald Trump, showing a viral clip that showed the US president discussing White House renovations when asked how he was faring in the wake of Kirks death.

On Friday, the White House flew the flags at half staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this, Kimmel said.

In the clip, Trump said he was doing pretty good, adding: And by the way, right there where you see all the trucks, they just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House.

When the camera cut back to Kimmel, the host said: Yes, hes at the fourth stage of grief, construction.

This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?

He added that there is something wrong with Trump after showing a separate clip of the president bringing up the renovation while talking about Kirk on Fox & Friends.

He said that when he heard the news, he was in the midst of building a great  for 150 years theyve wanted a ballroom at the White House, right? They dont have a ballroom; they have to use tents on the lawn for President Xi when he comes over. If it rains, its a wipeout.

Kimmels controversial Kirk comment has led to an indefinite late-night show cancellation (ABC)

At the time of Kirks death, while hosting an event at a Utah college on 10 September, Kimmel wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?

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.

Trump reacted positively to news of Kimmels indefinite axing, posting on Truth Social during his state trip to London: Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.

The announcement from ABC came soon after Nexstar Media Group, the largest owner of television stations across the country, said it would no longer air Kimmels show.

Nexstar owns Americas largest local broadcasting group, made up of top network affiliates, with more than 200 owned or partner stations in 116 US markets reaching 220 million people.

Kirk was fatally shot on 10 September (Getty)

Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, said the company in a statement.

Andrew Alford, the President of Nexstars broadcasting division, added: Mr Kimmels comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.

Alford added: Continuing to give Mr Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.

ABCs decision also came after the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened to discipline Kimmel if ABC did not act first.

Trump celebrated Kimmels indefinite axing (YouTube/Getty)

Hours before the decision was made public, the Trump-appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, called Kimmels words truly sick.

Carr went on to say that his agency could hold ABC, Disney, and Jimmy Kimmel accountable for the comments. He said the comic appeared to be making an intentional effort to mislead the public into believing that Kirks assassin was a Trump supporter.

Kimmel was set to address his controversial comments on Wednesdays episode.
US President Donald Trump has celebrated ABCs decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmels late-night show following controversy over comments the host made about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

The network reportedly pulled the show after several ABC-affiliated stations refused to air it, objecting to comments Kimmel made during shows on Monday and Tuesday.

The comedian told his audience many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Kirk was shot during an event on a Utah University campus on September 10. Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared in court on Tuesday, facing charges of aggravated murder over the conservative activists death.

"Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to @ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done"  President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/Vhj6DQSssu  The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 18, 2025

Mr Trump praised ABCs move in a post on Truth Social early on Thursday during his visit to the UK, writing: Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.

Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even (Stephen) Colbert, if thats possible.

On Monday, Kimmel said the presidents response to Kirks death is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend and compared FBI director Kash Patels handling of the case to a kid who had not read a book BSing his way through an oral report.

The MAGA Gang [is] desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said.

In between the finger pointing, there was grieving.

The following night, Kimmel mocked vice president JD Vances decision to guest host Kirks podcast.

Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely, a spokesperson for the Disney-owned network said in a statement to the BBC.

The comments also drew the ire of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr, who told podcaster Benny Johnson they constituted the sickest conduct possible and suggested the FCC could remove affiliate licences if Kimmel was not punished.

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the cancellation of shows and firing of commentators coordinated and dangerous.

Hollywood stars also backed Kimmel, with actor Ben Stiller saying in a post on X the move isnt right, while actress Sophia Bush said the First Amendment doesnt exist in America anymore.

In July, rival network CBS said it was stopping The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in May for financial reasons.

Colbert has been a critic of Mr Trump.

Nexstar Communications Group, which operates more than 20 ABC affiliates, announced it would pull the show from Wednesday, calling Kimmels comments offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.

Similar statements were echoed by Sinclair, which operates ABCs largest number of affiliates.

In a statement posted to X, the company said it would air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk on Friday and called on Kimmel to issue a direct apology to Kirks family.

Sinclair will not lift the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on our stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the networks commitment to professionalism and accountability, the statement said.
Haul, 2025, by Kerry James Marshall (Kerry James Marshall. Image courtesy David Zwirner, London. Photo: Kerry McFate)

From a young age, Kerry James Marshall was obsessed with art. He first had an inkling he wanted to be an artist when he was just four, after leafing through a scrapbook of old Christmas cards as a reward for being good at his Catholic Kindergarten in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was born. In 1965, aged ten, he went on a school field trip to the newly opened Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where he was particularly taken by two huge allegorical paintings by Veronese and a wooden Senufo figure from present-day Ivory Coast. After that, he would often return on his own to study and sketch the works on show in the museum. In seventh grade, a teacher recommended the precocious Marshall for a drawing class at the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles, where he would eventually enrol to study a BFA in 1977. Three years later, he would board his first plane to New York to see Picassos Guernica, a work that left a lasting impression on the artist.

It is this exacting fascination with the canon of art that is the bedrock of Marshalls biggest exhibition in Europe to date, an epic journey on a Homeric scale through the history of painting, which opens in the hallowed galleries of the Royal Academy of Art in London this week. There could not be a more fitting context for Marshalls work, and the curators Mark Godfrey and Adrian Locke have had ample scope to play with the installation among the RAs grand architecture. Each room is dedicated to a cycle of works that explore a different painting genre or convention (portraiture, vignettes, landscapes, love scenes)every grouping a lesson in art history, and how to rewrite it.

The very first painting that meets you square on is of a female figure holding an enormous palette sitting in front of an unfinished painting with numbers on it. She stares back at you, gaze unflinching, her ebony and carbon skin contrasting with the splotch of white paint she points to with her paintbrush. Here is the artist, Marshall says, and here are the choices she makes in composing and completing her work: the colours, the brushstrokes, the perspectives, the materials. But also, the subjects, the concepts, the biases. Across the room is a large-scale painting from 2012 aptly titled The Academy. A male life model with a huge afro wearing only a jockstrap raises his fist in a Black Power salute. A rope embellished with gold glitter hangs next to him, above a pair of loafers. Shoes, we learn, are an important detail for Marshall.

De Style, 1993 by Kerry James Marshall (Museum Associates?LACMA)

In the next room, Marshall examines the visibility of the Black figure, repeatedly rendering it almost imperceptible against black backgrounds that conjure the inky minimalism of Malevich. In one self-portrait, painted in egg tempura on paper, the artist portrays himself as a grinning man with a missing front tooth, the figure reduced to racist trope. What is visible is what is white: his teeth, his eyeballs, his shirt. We are reminded of the absence of Black subjects in Western art history.

The tables are turned in the next grouping of startlingly detailed history paintings, which place Marshall firmly in the company of Theodore Gericault or Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Contemporary Black culture is lauded in De Style (1993), an enormous tableaux set in a barbers shop whose title is a play on the Dutch De Stijl movement of the early 20th century, which paved the way for pure abstraction. One man sits in the barbers chair while three others waitone wears a tower of stacked braids and unblemished Nike trainers; anothers hair is sculpted into a crown. The real hero, though, appears to be the barber, who has been venerated with the halo of a Medieval saint.

Then there is Past Times (1997), Marshalls take on Manets 1863 pastoral scene, Le dejeuner sur lherbe, which depicts a Black family engaging in leisurely pursuits usually associated with European aristocrats. The painting fetched a record $21.1m at auction in 2018, selling to the rapper Sean Diddy Combs, but Marshall has never been concerned with the art market. Instead of making money, his ambition has been to be recognised and represented among the masters he studied for so long. If it was ever in doubt, with this exhibition he has triumphantly, emphatically made it.

The artist has not been afraid to confront uncomfortable narratives within the Black community, too. A tryptic of newer works of shorelines and boat journeys tackle the complicity in the slave trade of some Black Africans, while a 2015 painting of a Black policeman complicates the long and well-known history of police brutality against Black people in America.

Speaking at the opening of his exhibition, Marshall said there is nothing mysterious, nothing cryptic about the works he has made, and, towards the end of the show, there is a sense of repetition that in anyone elses hands might feel laboured. But not in Marshalls. This is an artist who time and time again reworks the past with such visual richness, luminosity and clarity that he is able to present us with new realities and new possibilitiesnot only in terms of art history, but also in terms of society at large.

Kerry James Marshall: The Histories is at the Royal Academy from 20 Sept to 18 Jan 2026 - https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/
Renaissance man: Kojey Radical returns with an astonishing follow-up to his debut album (Press)

Youre supposed to be the life of the party, Kojey Radical chides himself on the spoken-word opener for his new album, Dont Look Down. But hes preoccupied: How many homies didnt make it? he asks. How many times did I count the empty seats, instead of the ones that showed their faces?

One of the UKs most talented wordsmiths, the artist born Kwadwo Adu Genfi Amponsah is at the height of his powers on this long-awaited follow-up to 2022s Reason to Smile. His debut album was a Mercury Prize-shortlisted melting pot of hip-hop, funk and soul; the songs explored Blackness, women, sex, fatherhood, family and faith. Tracks such as Payback threw down the gauntlet with gold-glinting flair, while Gangsta was dedicated to his mother, his biggest champion.

Dont Look Down achieves a similar alchemy but moves the conversation forward. With a typically eclectic group of collaborators, Kojey offers a stylish, candid insight into his life over the past four years. Many of these tracks play out like late-night conversations between friends. One, literally titled Conversation, bursts into life with skittery grooves from drummer The Pocket Queen; Kojey goes toe-to-toe with peppery, rapid-fire bars while MNEK provides gospel-styles harmonies against the snarl of a rock guitar.

Kojey seems intent on proving his network is a global one. Canadian hip-hop trio Planet Giza join him for the off-kilter R&B jam Expensive, while Texan crooner Dende appears on the brooding Long Day, a hedonistic quest to forget, just for a moment. Closer to home is Brixton MC Cristale, to whom he hands over Problems for a flawless verse delivered on top of tumbling piano keys.

The musicianship, too, is outstanding. A closing skit on Long Day, in which he observes an attractive woman at a party, sinks beautifully into On Call, where he finds himself talking to her (call me Love). How you here with no amigos? he asks, before we hear a forlorn gust of Mariachi trumpets. Not content with just one drum prodigy, he enlists both Moses Boyd and Ezra Collectives Femi Koleoso for On Call to lay down fills and grooves that amplify the songs paranoid tone.

Kojeys all-encompassing creative approach ensures that his narrative  questioning whether he is capable of love, doubting his own success  remains clear throughout. Hes tired on Drinking My Water, trying his best to stay on the right path: Im at war with my discipline. Ive been seeking deliverance/ Im allergic to ignorance. Ive been building my tolerance/ Maybe Im too benevolent. Maybe they're just irrelevant.

Vulnerable lyrics contrast perfectly with his signature deep, gruff voice, such as on Curtains, on which he confesses: I never understood how you did it/ But you did it with no complaints/ Show me how to love you with no restraints. I hate that/ I hate that I hold on to trauma. Twinning with the traits that I got from my father. Don't Look Down is a superb album, his best to date.
The privately educated are maintaining a vice-like grip on the top jobs in Britain, a charity has said, and is calling for employers to be required to report on the economic backgrounds of their workforce.

The Sutton Trust has found the most influential people in the UK remain five times more likely to have gone to a private school than the general population in its report Elitist Britain, similar to what the social mobility charity found in 2019.

Of the FTSE 100 chief executives who were educated in the UK, only a third (34%) attended a state comprehensive school, which the Sutton Trust said has remained unchanged since 2019. In comparison, 37% of these chief executives attended private schools, and the rest went to grammar schools.

Sutton Trust chief executive Nick Harrison said: Its a disgrace that most of the top jobs in Britain are still dominated by those from privileged education backgrounds, representing a small fraction of the wider population. Little progress has been made in opening up positions of power, with those from private schools maintaining a vice-like grip on the most important roles.

In 2025 you can still buy advantage, massively increasing your chance of getting into the most powerful roles in the country.

This is grossly unfair, and a waste of talent on a huge scale. If we want a fairer country and a stronger economy, employers and policymakers must take responsibility for levelling the playing field, where privilege is no longer a passport to power.

In the general UK population, around 7% attend private schools.

The Sutton Trust also said more than two thirds of FTSE 100 chairs were privately educated in 2025, in a 15 percentage point increase from 2019. Nearly half (45%) of chairs attended Oxbridge, and 41% went to both private school and Oxbridge.

Around a third of charity chief executives (34%) went to a private school, 62% of senior judges, 52% of the House of Lords, 50% of newspaper columnists, 45% of podcasters, 47% of political commentators, and 47% of permanent secretaries, the charity said. Among permanent secretaries, 66% are Oxbridge educated, up 10 percentage points since 2019.

This year, the Sutton Trust looked at the educational background of social media influencers and content creators for the first time, and found among this group, 18% had attended private school, and 68% went to a state comprehensive.

A poll by YouGov for the Sutton Trust of 1,492 business senior decision makers also found just 9% of employers said they ask whether employees were eligible for free school meals, and only 15% ask about the profession or class background of employees parents, similar levels to 2019.

The polling found there has been a slight increase in the proportion of companies saying they were using contextual recruitment, which considers applicants credentials in the context of their background. Up 2% on 2019, 17% of firms said they were using contextual recruitment practices.

The Sutton Trust is calling for the Government to require employers with more than 250 staff to report on the socio-economic background of their workforce, and encourage reporting of class pay gaps. The charity also said employers should look at educational achievements in the context of disadvantage.

Carl Cullinane, director of research and policy at the Sutton Trust, said: This polling suggests that most employers arent building a talent pipeline of young people from less advantaged backgrounds.

And while there have been efforts to make business more inclusive, work on social mobility is patchy, and too often, social class is not included in the diversity conversation. Just one in 10 companies run specific schemes to support employees in terms of social mobility.

This means theyre potentially limiting their talent pool. Making the most of talent, wherever it comes from, means employers can move beyond a narrow cohort of candidates from the most advantaged backgrounds. This can be a win-win for employers, society and the economy.
A lower-wage household in England would need 13 times their income to buy an average-priced home, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) analysis.

The ONS looked at ratios of house prices to annual disposable household incomes in 2024.

The report, which identified those on lower incomes as being at the point of the lowest 20%, said an average-priced home would cost 9.2 times a lower-income households income in Wales, 7.8 times in Scotland and 7.5 times in Northern Ireland.

The report used a threshold of five years of income as a broad indicator of affordability.

In England, only the highest-income 10% could afford an average-priced home with fewer than five years income.

And in London, an average home was deemed unaffordable (at more than five times income) for any household income decile.

In the South East, east of England and South West, the average home was affordable only to the top incomes 10%.

Weve published UK-wide affordability analysis looking at ratios of house prices to household incomes Affordability in all 4 countries of the UK improved in FYE 2024 but this doesn't change the long-term trend of homes generally being unaffordable in each country since FYE 2006 pic.twitter.com/hhatFfWFH7  Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) September 18, 2025

In London, an average-priced home was the equivalent of 34.6 years of income for households at the bottom 10% of incomes marker, while in the south-east England an average-priced home would cost the equivalent of 20.7 years of income for those at the bottom 10%.

An average-priced home in the North East cost the equivalent of 8.5 years of income for a low-income household earning at the point of the bottom 20% of incomes, compared with 25 years in London, the research found.

In Wales and Scotland, an average home was deemed affordable to those in the top 40% of incomes, and in Northern Ireland, an average home was deemed affordable to those with an average or higher income.

In London, the average home was not affordable for any household income decile. In three other regions (South East, East of England & South West), the average home was only affordable to the top decile. Read more  https://t.co/T4qhXhiwX5 pic.twitter.com/ABKI1dRxf7  Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) September 18, 2025

The median average house price to disposable household income affordability ratios were 7.9 in England, 5.4 in Wales, 5.3 in Scotland and 4.6 in Northern Ireland, in the financial year ending 2024.

In the financial year ending 2024 the median average home sold for 290,000 in England, 200,000 in Wales, 185,000 in Scotland and 168,000 in Northern Ireland.

The report said Northern Irelands incomes have increased more quickly than house prices in the past five years, resulting in homes selling for less than five times average household income in the financial year ending 2024.

The average disposable household income was around 37,000 in England and Wales, 35,000 in Scotland and 36,000 in Northern Ireland in the financial year ending in 2024.

The report was released on the same day that the Bank of England base rate was held at 4%, with some mortgage rates having edged up in recent weeks.

The ONS said: In all four countries, affordability improved in (the financial year ending) 2024 as ratios decreased compared with the previous year.
September 17, 2025: At least twice in the last 50 years, the U.S. Army has seriously experimented with motorcycle scouts in ground reconnaissance units. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, tests included mil-spec dirt bikes with highly effective engine mufflers. At the end of the 1990s, advocates of dragoon units (which later became Stryker wheeled armored vehicle units) suggested motorcycles might be useful. Yes, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have shown up in deployed airborne and light infantry units, including motor tricycles with small trailers.

The big picture for motorcycles? The budget powers concluded that the WWII experience still holds. Motorcycles have lots of mobility. They have speed. They can go off-road. But they offer zero protection from bullets and shrapnel. Soldiers on motorcycles anywhere near front lines are moving ducksstill dead ducks. Suicide terrorists can use them for suicide terror attacks, but cycle-borne conventional soldiers? Instant fodder for artillery and automatic weapons. Steve McQueen in The Great Escape gave the wrong impression. In sum, as combat military vehicles, motorcycles have agility but no combat resiliencywhat is known as staying power.

Then, in the second decade of the 21st century (2014), Russia invaded Ukraine.

In the third decade, after February 2022s all-out invasion, drones have grabbed headlines because Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have reinforced Ukrainian valor and stymied the Russian invasion. First Person View (FPV) drones, as loitering reconnaissance and attack systems, have forced belligerents to adapt their battlefield tactics. Heavy and light armored vehicles (e.g., tanks) are vulnerable to drones delivering overhead attacks on their engines or turrets. Drones have reduced armors combat staying power.

Apparently, the Ukrainians pioneered the use of motorcycles and small ATVs, but the Russians have also decided that small and agile vehicles have a strong chance of surviving on the drone-saturated battlefield.

Spanish and British military media point to an April 2024 Russian action at Pokrovsk as an example of a motorcycle-ATV exploitation. A Ukrainian motorcycle and ATV assault unit penetrated Russias Kursk Oblast in May 2024.

Motorcycles and ATVs are cheap and fast. Remember, cycles have mobility. They can duck off-road into terrain larger vehicles cannot enter. Trucks can haul a lot of freight, but they are big, easy to spot, and some are quite expensive. Tanks cost millions of dollars.

The Ukrainians have used a mix of ATVs and motorcycles to exploit penetrations in Russian lines. If that sounds like an old-time horse cavalry tactic, it is. A platoon of motorcycles and a squad of ATVs can move troops, ammo, and other supplies rapidly through woods and over fields, with a good chance of evading the notice and wrath of FPV drones.

However, both have no protection, which means motorcycle-ATV units have little to no combat staying power when heavy weapons come to bear.

War at the tactical level: a struggle of deadly trade-offs.
A family visits a memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the Turning Point USA headquarters in Arizona - Joe Raedle/2025 Getty Images

Allies of Donald Trump have dismissed claims Charlie Kirk was killed by a lone assassin.

Senior figures in the Maga movement believe Tyler Robinson, the student charged with Kirks murder, is part of a wider conspiracy involving a Left-wing terrorist network, and that authorities need to widen the scope of their investigation.

The FBI has suggested Mr Robinson may have worked with others, although no one else has yet been charged in connection with the crime.

Kash Patel, the FBI director, told senators on Tuesday that the bureau was investigating who, if anyone, was involved as an accomplice.

Steve Bannon, Mr Trumps former chief strategist, claimed that Kirks death was not a simple murder and that the truth was far deeper and far more malignant.

Theres a vast conspiracy at the back of this, Mr Bannon said on his War Room podcast on Monday.

I am absolutely not buying this [theory], he added.

Tyler Robinson appears in court via video link on Tuesday charged with Charlie Kirks murder - 2025 Getty Images

Antifa needs to be designated as a domestic terrorist organisation, he continued, referencing the radical Left-wing organisation that has been linked to recent attacks on immigration detention centres.

Mr Trump later announced on Truth Social on Wednesday evening that he would designate the Antifa movement as a terrorist organisation.

I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices, he said.

It was not clear what legal weight Mr Trumps proclamation carried.

Media reports emerged shortly after Kirks death that the ammunition used by the assassin was engraved with expressions of transgender and Antifa ideology, but authorities later clarified this may have been a misunderstanding.

It later emerged one of the bullets was engraved with the phrase: Hey fascist! Catch and Bella ciao, a reference to a Second World War Italian antifascist song.

Mr Bannon went on to suggest that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may have been involved in the incident by allegedly funding Antifa.

He doubled down on the comments on Wednesday, telling Politico: The biggest thing is to broaden the assassination investigation from a single murder to the broader conspiracy. If we are going to go to war, lets go to war.

Mr Bannon also told his podcast listeners he was highly sceptical about a text exchange prosecutors said took place between Mr Robinson and his transgender lover.

According to the messages, released by Utah authorities yesterday, Mr Robinson worried about his fathers reaction if he failed to return with his grandfathers rifle, which he allegedly used to shoot Kirk last week.

You shot a man in cold blood in front of the world... I think your parents may talk about that first before they say, Oh, by the way, did you bring the rifle back? Mr Bannon said. I am absolutely not buying this.

Echoing sceptics on social media who claimed the messages setting out details of the alleged crime were too convenient, he added: Why are you explaining everything?

Im particularly not buying those text messages, it just seems too stilted, too much like a script  actually, like a bad script.

Matt Walsh, a Maga-aligned commentator with the Daily Wire, suggested the text exchange had been planned to protect Mr Robinsons lover from prosecution.

The most plausible and sensible theory isnt that the FBI made up text messages and released them but that the killer and his boyfriend constructed this highly scripted text conversation as an alibi for the boyfriend, he said.

Mr Bannon went on to urge investigators to probe connections to the assassination attempt on Mr Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, shot at Mr Trump as he addressed a campaign rally in June 2024, grazing his ear with a bullet. Authorities have not commented on his motive and the shooting has spawned a number of conspiracy theories on the Right.

Stephen Miller, the deputy White House chief of staff and a long-time aide to Mr Trump, claimed a vast domestic terror network was responsible for Kirks death.

Violence is being fomented by organised doxing campaigns, the organised riots, the organised street violence and the actual organised cells, he claimed on an episode of Kirks podcast on Monday, hosted by JD Vance, the vice-president.

With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks and make America safe again, he vowed.

Robinson operated within larger terrorist network

Sean Davis, the founder of The Federalist, a conservative magazine, wrote on social media: Its obvious now that Charlie Kirks assassin was not working alone.

He was clearly operating within a larger terrorist network focused on grooming, recruiting, and training terrorists for the purpose of planning and executing terrorist attacks.

Mr Patel was repeatedly pressed by Republicans about whether Mr Robinson had allegedly acted alone when he testified in front of the Senate judiciary committee for several hours on Tuesday.

Kash Patel testifies in front of the Senate judiciary committee - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

A number of people who communicated with the 22-year-old student on Discord, the gaming chat room, are being investigated and interrogated by the FBI, he told senators. Asked if others could have been involved in Kirks death, he answered: Yes.

At one point, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley urged Mr Patel to investigate Kirks murder as part of a wider wave of anti-religion, anti-Christian violence.

Dan Bongino, Mr Patels deputy, has also said the bureau is looking into whether Mr Robinson acted as part of a larger effort.

If there was any aiding and abetting, whether it be financial or someone who knew the specifics of it and failed to report that, were looking into that, Mr Bongino told Fox News on Monday, and declared: Theres not going to be a stone left unturned.

Earlier this week, Mr Trump said he thought the 22-year-old had been radicalised on the internet and went bad very quickly.

Next month, the chief executives of Discord, Reddit, Twitch, and other forums popular with young men are invited to testify in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on the radicalisation of users.

James Comer, the committees chairman, said: The politically motivated assassination of Charlie Kirk claimed the life of a husband, father, and American patriot. In the wake of this tragedy, and amid other acts of politically motivated violence, Congress has a duty to oversee the online platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence.
Shabana Mahmood cast aspersions on a 25-year-old Eritrean and asylum seekers more generally. Photograph: Andy Taylor/Home Office

In a strongly worded response to a high court decision blocking the removal of an asylum seeker under the one in, one out scheme, Shabana Mahmood railed at last-minute vexatious claims and migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal.

The home secretarys comments cast aspersions on the 25-year-old Eritrean in the individual case and asylum seekers more widely. But those who work in the system believe they do not reflect the reality of the way  and pace at which  the justice system and the framework for identifying victims of modern slavery work.

The claimant only arrived on UK shores on 12 August and evidence shows it can take a considerable amount of time for someone to be identified as a potential victim of modern slavery, find legal representation and gather evidence to support their claim.

On arrival in England and Wales, people can be referred to the national referral mechanism (NRM), which is the framework for identifying potential victims of modern slavery and is administered by the Home Office. This can be done by first responders, which includes some Home Office officials, the police, border force, local authorities and organisations such as the Salvation Army and the Refugee Council.

The possibility of delay starts here, where traumatised people may be unable or unwilling to express what they have experienced, warned by their trafficker not to say anything on arrival, or not even appreciate that they are a victim.

As the UK anti-slavery commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, told the Guardian: Victims of modern slavery have endured horrific exploitation at the hands of criminals. Many victims are fearful of their traffickers and speaking about their experiences.

Often they do not recognise themselves as victims and have been told by their exploiters that the authorities cannot be trusted or they fear violence or reprisals against their families.

That is why trained professionals, such as police, immigration officers and NGOs are tasked with identifying potential victims of modern slavery, not the victims themselves. It often takes time for victims to disclose their exploitation because trauma, fear and control by traffickers run deep.

At the same time, there is no guarantee that the first responders will identify them and the NRM has been criticised for leaving people waiting too long for decisions.

An initial reasonable grounds decision on whether the individual is a victim of modern slavery is supposed to take five days but the Salvation Army said last year it was taking 47 days on average (about the same length of time that the Eritrean claimant has been in the UK). A confirmation of status conclusive grounds decision is supposed to take 45 days but in 2023 the median waiting time was 526 days.

If a first responder does refer an individual to the NRM, it may refer them to a lawyer at the same time. People who are not referred might be unable to access legal advice until they are moved to an immigration removal centre  which could be after a week in a short-term holding facility  through the detained duty advice scheme (DDAS). This is staffed by contracted legal aid lawyers who provide free, 30-minute legal advice appointments for people detained in such centres in England and Wales.

The lawyer will have 10 appointments in a day and will not be able to take on a lot of the cases, which leaves people relying on an NGO to refer them  another possible point of delay  to a different legal aid lawyer.

Experts have warned that there is a shortage of legal aid lawyers to assist asylum seekers. Research published by the Jesuit Refugee Service in July found that in Harmondsworth and Colnbrook immigration removal centres only 38% of respondents had any form of legal representation. Just 30% of the total were represented through the DDAS.

Zoe Bantleman, the legal director of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA), said: Without specialist legal representation and trusted professional interpreters, many people are unaware of their rights, unable to access justice and ultimately at risk of further exploitation.

Rather than decrying claims made only days after receiving legal representation as vexatious, or reviewing laws intended to uphold the absolute prohibition on slavery, we recommend the government put its energy into fixing our broken legal aid system so that people receive the timely legal advice and representation to which they are entitled.

A letter sent by the ILPA and nine other organisations to the Home Office earlier this month described a chicken and egg situation: they need legal advice to know they should request legal advice.

It is only when a lawyer is engaged that the process of gathering evidence, such as medical assessments, can properly begin, which in itself can take time.

Going to court is the last port of call so will naturally be triggered by a removal decision  but it is not an automatic right. Judges are expected to throw out vexatious claims and lawyers can face a hearing of abuse of court under the so-called Hamid jurisdiction if deemed to have brought a hopeless application.

On the Free Movement blog, Sonia Lenegan, an immigration, asylum and public law solicitor, wrote: I suspect that she [Mahmood] knows perfectly well that the intolerable  last-minute attempts to frustrate a removal are a direct result of the system as designed by the Home Office, which does its absolute best to prevent people being able to access lawyers and make effective claims at all.
An immigration judge has ordered Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil to be deported to Syria or Algeria over allegations that he omitted information from a green card application.

Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the United States and a prominent student activist against Israels war in Gaza, has been at the center of the Trump administrations campaign against campus dissent.

In March, he was stripped of his green card and arrested in front of his then-pregnant wife in their New York City apartment building and sent to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Louisiana, where he was jailed for more than 100 days while his legal team fought for his release in several courts.

Last week, Louisiana immigration judge Jamee Comans denied Khalil's motion for a waiver that prevented his removal from the country over alleged misrepresentations in his application for a change in his legal status, allegations his attorneys say relied on spurious reporting from right-wing media outlets.

It is no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech, Khalil said in a statement.

An immigration court judge has ordered Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil deported after agreeing with the Trump administrations claims that he lied on a green card application (AFP via Getty Images)

Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again, he added. When their first effort to deport me was set to fail, they resorted to fabricating baseless and ridiculous allegations in a bid to silence me for speaking out and standing firmly with Palestine, demanding an end to the ongoing genocide. Such fascist tactics will never deter me from continuing to advocate for my peoples liberation.

Khalils attorneys have 30 days from Fridays order to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

In her ruling, Comans wrote that Khalil had willfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his applications could be denied.

Khalil, who is Palestinian, grew up in a refugee camp in Syria and has Algerian citizenship.

He entered the United States on a student visa in 2022 to pursue a masters degree in public administration, which he completed last year.

He missed the birth of his son as well as his graduation from Columbia while in ICE detention.

A federal judge had ordered Khalils release from ICE detention after finding that his arrest and imprisonment was retaliatory and in violation of his First Amendment rights for speaking out against Israels war in Gaza (AFP via Getty Images)

In June, a federal judge ordered his release after his lawyers argued his arrest and threat of removal were retaliatory violations of his First Amendment right to freedom of speech and his Fifth Amendment right to due process of law, among other claims.

But after that ruling, the Trump administration claimed there is a secondary basis for his arrest and removal  allegations that he lied in immigration paperwork  which Khalils attorneys argue are similarly retaliatory and violate his First Amendment and Fifth Amendment due process rights.

Those allegations, which were raised only after his arrest, are meritless, his lawyers wrote in court documents.

The Trump administration had accused Khalil of withholding information that he was a political affairs officer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency of Palestine Refugees, but he was an unpaid intern at the agency for six months in 2023. No such position exists at the agency.

Homeland Security officials also accused Khalil of failing to disclose his continuing employment with the Syria office in the British Embassy in Beirut beyond 2022.

His lawyers argue that he ended his contract at the British Embassy in Beirut in December 2022 so that he could attend Columbia.

Officials also accused Khalil of failing to disclose that he is a member of Columbia University Apartheid Divest. Evidence submitted by the government includes news articles from April 2024, though his application was submitted weeks earlier.

(AFP via Getty Images)

In their initial attempts to remove him from the country, Trump administration officials had accused Khalil of antisemitic activities  allegations Khalil and his legal team have flatly denied.

Officials concede that Khalil did not commit any crime, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to justify Khalils arrest by claiming that Khalils presence in the country undermines foreign policy interests to prevent antisemitism.

In federal court filings on Wednesday, Khalils attorneys argued that Judge Comans had rushed to a decision without an evidentiary hearing and had instead chosen to believe the governments allegations.

Unlike federal district courts, immigration courts and the judges who run them operate under the Department of Justice and at the direction of the office of the attorney general.

Under the Trump administration, the Justice Department has ordered sweeping policy changes throughout the nations immigration court systems to speed removal orders to keep up with the presidents demands for mass deportations.

Khalils lawyers argue that the federal court order blocking his removal remains in effect.
Marcus Rashford reminded Manchester United of what they are missing with a stunning double to ease Barcelona to a 2-1 Champions League victory at Newcastle.

The 27-year-old loanee, who scored in the Red Devils Carabao Cup final victory over the Magpies in 2023, broke the deadlock at St James Park with a 58th-minute header and then rifled home a second from distance in front of England boss Thomas Tuchel to make Eddie Howes men pay for missed chances earlier in the game.

Anthony Gordon, who returned from a domestic suspension in place of record signing Nick Woltemade, and Harvey Barnes both might have put the hosts in front before the break as they enjoyed the better of the chances, if not the possession, before Rashfords intervention.

Job done in Newcastle  pic.twitter.com/RoLybYXJOn  FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 18, 2025

However, there was to be no repeat of Newcastles famous Faustino Asprilla-inspired 3-2 win over the Catalan aristocrats 28 years ago as they were taught a harsh lesson about life at European footballs top table despite Gordons late strike.

St James reverberated to a cacophony from the stands as Barnes and Gordon combined to harry Barca keeper Joan Garcia and defender Pau Cubarsi into early errors in a high-octane start to proceedings.

Gordon missed his kick in front of goal after Anthony Elanga had shown full-back Gerard Martin a clean pair of heels down the Magpies right to send in a low sixth-minute cross, and Garcia gratefully claimed Barnes ball in after he had exchanged passes with Sandro Tonali.

The home side were served with a warning when Rashford turned Kieran Trippier inside his own half and raced in on goal only to drag his effort wide, and with the excellent Pedri and Frenkie De Jong seeing plenty of the ball, the visitors started to make an impact.

Marcus Rashford scored twice for the visitors (Richard Sellers/PA)

Nick Pope did just enough to prevent Robert Lewandowski from making meaningful contact with Raphinhas 18th-minute cross, but it was opposite number Garcia who had to come to his sides rescue six minutes later, saving with his legs after Barnes had met another Elanga cross first time.

Fabian Schar and Lewandowski were locked in an increasingly physical duel and the Poland international saw two shots blocked in quick succession with the Spanish giants starting to flex their muscles.

The first half ended goalless, but Newcastle might have taken the lead within three minutes of the restart when Joelinton met Elangas corner before glancing his effort wide at full stretch, although Schar took a goal-bound Rashford shot full in the face as the visitors responded.

Anthony Gordon scored a late goal for Newcastle (Richard Sellers/PA

Tonali fired straight at Garcia after Elanga, Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes had combined down the right, but it was Barca who took a 58th-minute lead when full-back Jules Kounde was allowed time to cross from the right for Rashford to plant a free header wide of Popes despairing dive.

The frontman repeated the feat in stunning style nine minutes later when he blasted a right-foot shot past the helpless Pope off the underside of the crossbar to extend his sides lead.

Garcia had to pluck a Guimaraes snapshot out of the air as Howes men launched a late assault, but he was finally beaten in the last minute of normal time when Gordon steered substitute Jacob Murphys cross past him.
Meet Trumps free speech warrior behind Kimmel suspension  who opponents call a grave threat to the First Amendment

Moments after Donald Trump appointed him to regulate the nations broadcasters, Brendan Carr promised to dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.

In January, Trump called him a warrior for Free Speech.

Carr, now the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, also wrote a chapter about the agency in Project 2025, the right-wing think-tank blueprint for Trumps second administration. The agency, he wrote in the chapters first words, should promote freedom of speech.

Since entering the role, Carr has embraced Trumps campaign against broadcasters who air critical coverage of his administration, investigated major networks for their diversity policies, and paved the way for ABC to remove comedian and Trump critic Jimmy Kimmel from his long-running late-night show in an apparent act of retaliation.

Carr now appears to be taking a victory lap, posting juvenile memes in response to questions from journalists about the comedians suspension.

Trump hailed Brendan Carr as a warrior for Free Speech before he was deployed to target news outlets and broadcasters the president is waging legal battles against (REUTERS)

Jimmy Kimmel is the latest target of the Trump administrations unconstitutional plan to silence its critics and control what the American people watch and read, according to Christopher Anders, director of the democracy and technology division at the American Civil Liberties Union.

This is beyond McCarthyism, he said. Trump officials are repeatedly abusing their power to stop ideas they dont like, deciding who can speak, write, and even joke. The Trump administration's actions, paired with ABC's capitulation, represent a grave threat to our First Amendment freedoms.

Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump launched several lawsuits and legal threats against news organizations seeking billions of dollars in damages, commanded Republicans in Congress to vote against legislation that would protect journalists sources, and took advice from wealthy allies and right-wing groups who sought to block publicly funded media from getting a single public dollar.

He sued ABC News host George Stephanopoulos for making what he called patently and demonstrably false statements that he was found liable for rape in E Jean Carrolls defamation trial. Days before Election Day, he sued CBS News for $10 billion, alleging that the network deceptively edited an interview with his rival Kamala Harris to unlawfully influence the election.

Carr, meanwhile, was signaling his alignment with Trumps incoming agenda in right-wing media, amplifying conservative grievances and allegations that Democratic officials conspired with mainstream media outlets to suppress them.

After entering the role in January, Carr revived federal complaints against ABC, CBS and NBC that accused the broadcasters of political biases.

Carr has also launched investigations into diversity, equity and inclusion programs at communications companies, and publicly stated that major merger approvals will be conditioned on the presidents anti-DEI agenda.

He also appeared to shape the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global, the parent company for CBS, which had settled Trumps lawsuit for $16 million. Weeks after the settlement was approved, Carr approved the merger.

As FCC chair, Carr has been involved with the massive merger between Paramount and Skydance while launching investigations into major broadcasters and conditioning merger approvals on anti-DEI pledges aligned with Trumps agenda (via REUTERS)

Last year, Carr wrote on X that the First Amendment prohibits government officials from coercing private parties into suppressing protected speech.

A unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court last year also flatly stated that government officials cannot attempt to coerce private parties in order to punish or suppress views that the government disfavors.

This week, Carr came for Kimmel.

In an opening monologue this week, Kimmel addressed the waves of speculation and misinformation surrounding the killing of Charlie Kirk, the right-wing activist who was fatally shot at a college campus speaking event September 10.

We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said.

On a podcast with right-wing influencer Benny Johnson Wednesday, Carr called Kimmel a very, very serious issue right now for Disney, ABCs parent company.

Its time for them to step and say this garbage  isnt something that we think serves the needs of our local communities, he said.

The FCC is tasked with licensing TV and radio stations and ensuring that theyre operating in the public interest when broadcasting over public airwaves. It cannot wholly ban a news network for content its commissioners dont like; the agency legally cannot invoke the the power of censorship to interfere with the right of free speech.

In 2019, Carr said the FCC does not have a roving mandate to police speech in the name of public interest. Carr is now arguing the agency can do just that.

Two days after Kimmels comments, Nexstar  the largest owner of local stations in the country  decided Kimmels monologue was so offensive and insensitive that broadcasters shouldnt air him.

The company is also trying to purchase a major rival for $6.2 billion  which would require the FCCs approval

Nexstars ABC affiliate stations cover nearly 40 percent of the national market. Shortly after Nexstar announced its stations would pull Kimmels show off the air, ABC/Disney announced that Kimmel would be suspended indefinitely.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest of ABCs affiliate groups, also objected to Kimmels statements, called on the comedian to apologize to Kirks family, and for ABC to make a meaningful donation to Kirks Turning Point USA.

On his Truth Social, the president called Kimmels suspension great news, and suggested NBCs late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers were next.

In a news conference in England, Trump directly linked Carr to the presidents threats to TV licenses over coverage he doesnt like.

I would think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr, Trump said. I think Brendan Carr is outstanding. Hes a patriot. He loves our country, and hes a tough guy.

Podcast Benny Johnson also took credit.

This is what got Kimmel fired, Johnson said about his podcast. Right here.

Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups have warned that an apparent pressure campaign from the Trump administration to suspend comedian Jimmy Kimmel marks a grave threat to the First Amendment (AFP via Getty Images)

Democratic officials and advocacy groups have demanded Carrs resignation and plan to open investigations into whether Trump directly intervened or colluded with companies to target constitutionally protected speech.

This administrations pursuit of an autocratic state is continuing to intensify at an alarming pace, said Democracy Forward president Skye Perryman, whose organization is seeking communications from the government to know whether the administration had pressured media companies to stifle dissent.

The public has the right to know whether senior FCC officials are engaging in conversations with outside parties that could lead to restrictions on speech and undermine freedom of expression, she said.

In an interview Thursday, Carr said it would be worthwhile for his agency to look into ABCs The View and other programs, citing potential violations of equal time or equal opportunity rules for broadcasters  none of which would apply to comedians.

Were in the midst of a massive shift in dynamics in the media ecosystem for lots of reasons, again, including the permission structure that President Trumps election has provided, Carr said in a separate interview with CNBC.

And I would simply say were not done yet with seeing the consequences of that shift.
A rally in Los Angeles in support of Daca recipients. The letter was signed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar among others. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images

A group of 95 members of Congress have written a letter to Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, condemning the arrest of protected immigrants known as Dreamers and demanding to know how many have been detained and deported in recent months.

In a letter shared with the Guardian and submitted to Noem on Wednesday morning, Democratic representatives denounced the recent rise in the wrongful detention and deportation of immigrants residing in the US under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) program.

The representatives letter is also addressed to Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice), the federal agency tasked with carrying out the Trump administrations mass deportation program.

Related: Plane to purgatory: how Trumps deportation program shuttles immigrants into lawless limbo

In the letter, co-written by House members Delia Ramirez of Illinois and Sylvia Garcia of Texas and backed up by the dozens of other signatories, the representatives condemned the blatant disregard of the protections afforded to people under Daca.

The members of Congress also included various examples of the detention and even deportation in the second Trump administration of Daca recipients, who are known as Dreamers after the Dream Act, legislation first introduced in 2001 to protect a large group of undocumented people who had been brought to the US as children.

The act has never passed despite being reintroduced in Congress many times, and instead the Daca scheme was introduced as a federal government program in 2012, under Barack Obama, to allow those who qualified the temporary but renewable right to live, study and work in America.

Earlier this year, a Trump administration official said that illegal aliens who claim to be recipients of Daca are not automatically protected from deportations and encouraged those in the program to leave the country.

We condemn the  DHS and  Ice[s] blatant disregard for the legal and humanitarian protections afforded to current beneficiaries of the Daca program, the letter begins.

It later says that despite clear protections, several Dreamers have been detained or deported by US immigration authorities, raising serious concerns about due process, court orders and established practice.

The letter highlights eight separate cases of Daca recipients being arrested by DHS officials. In one case from July, a deaf car wash worker was arrested by Ice during an immigration raid in California, despite his Daca status and valid work authorization.

In August, Catalina Xochitl Santiago, a Daca recipient and immigrant rights organizer in Texas, was detained by agents and later placed in Ice detention, while the government fights to deport her.

And in another instance, an unnamed man was arrested during a traffic stop and sent to the Alligator Alcatraz detention center in the Florida Everglades known for its harsh conditions, despite his Daca status and valid drivers license.

These are only the cases brought to the publics attention, the letter reads. Given the scale of immigration enforcement operations and the lack of transparency around DHS and Ice procedures under the current Trump administration, it is reasonable to believe that additional Daca recipients have been detained or deported.

Other signatories include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ro Khanna, Greg Casar, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ritchie Torres, Summer Lee, Nydia Velazquez, Jamie Raskin, Ilhan Omar, Bennie Thompson and dozens more, representing states across the nation.

The representatives also requested information on the legal authority used by the administration to detain Daca recipients, details of the arrests and how the department is looking to address what they regard as wrongful arrests.

They said recent enforcement actions went against the spirit of Daca but also disrupt families, harm communities, and inflict unnecessary social, emotional, and economic costs.

Donald Trump tried to end the program during his first presidency, but was stopped by the US supreme court in 2020. The Department of Education earlier this year said it was investigating five universities for offering scholarships to Daca recipients.

In January, the fifth circuit court of appeals ruled that current Daca recipients remain protected and that the DHS should treat them as low priorities for deportation.

Daca recipients must renew their protection every two years and go through a vetting process to make sure they are still eligible. More than 500,000 Daca recipients currently live in the US, according to government data.

This year, a number of organizations released a survey of hundreds of Daca recipients  the 10th annual survey of its kind  and found high employment and school enrollment. The majority of those surveyed also expressed fear of deportation, including because of safety concerns in their countries of birth.

The representatives letter comes two days after Ramirez and Garcia co-wrote another letter to House leadership, encouraging them to co-sponsor the American Dream and Promise Act 2025, which would offer further protection for those with Daca and temporary protected status (TPS) and a legislative pathway toward permanent status in the US.

A day after the letter was sent, a DHS spokesperson said: Illegal aliens who claim to be recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not automatically protected from deportations. DACA does not confer any form of legal status in this country. Any illegal alien who is a DACA recipient may be subject to arrest and deportation for a number of reasons including if theyve committed a crime.

The spokesperson added: DHS responds to official correspondence through official channels.
House of Commons - Kieran Doherty/Reuters

Every now and then, a minister sounds like they might just get it. Earlier this year, Keir Starmer said he worried mass immigration would turn the country into an island of strangers. But his party went berserk, and the PM blamed his speechwriters, saying he had not read his own keynote speech until he stood up to make it.

This week the new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has noticed illegal immigrants are making vexatious, last-minute legal claims to thwart deportation. A concerned citizen might have taken this intervention to mean curbs on the laws that allow these appeals were forthcoming. But hard words will be followed by limp action.

Mahmoods statement followed High Court injunction blocking the deportation of an illegal immigrant to France as part of the Governments one in, one out treaty. An illegal immigrant had abruptly claimed to be a victim of human trafficking and said he would be destitute if sent to France.

The Home Secretary promised to fight these claims in the courts, but has not said she will change the laws that make the claims  and the rulings  possible. There is no government plan to reform or repeal the Modern Slavery Act, reform or withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, or change our immigration laws to address the problem Mahmood called intolerable.

When the Modern Slavery Act was first passed, the number of cases sent to the National Referral Mechanism were in the low thousands per year. But gradually, as Left-wing NGOs and claimant immigration lawyers realised this was an opportunity to keep illegal immigrants in the country, case numbers exploded. In the last six months, there were nearly 11,000 referrals. Three quarters are made by the immigration agencies.

If the Modern Slavery Act is to survive at all, its criteria must be tightened and evidential thresholds raised. There should be  like with the rest of the immigration system  ouster clauses to limit judicial review. There should be time exclusions so claims cannot be brought at the last minute, and ministers should be able to exclude whole nationalities of claimants where there is evidence of organised abuse of the law.

Neither is there any sign of radical changes in human rights laws. Mahmood says she will legislate to limit the application of claims made under Article 8 of the ECHR  the right to a family life  and she wants to work with European governments to change the Convention overall. But Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, has admitted this is a political trick, Labour have not joined other governments campaigning for change, and Mahmood, like the Prime Minister, says she remains a supporter of the Convention.

Tinkering with the precise definition of Article 8 will do very little. Push it very far, and the courts will declare the definition incompatible with the Convention. Do anything less, and the change will be unhelpful. Foreign criminals and illegal immigrants will continue to appeal using unqualified rights granted by other articles  such as Article 3, freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment  to frustrate their removal.

And this is the truth. Any government that hopes to secure the border and deal with the problem of illegal immigration will only succeed with total and uncompromising change. All barriers to deportation must be removed. Every single legal right of appeal needs to go. Anybody who enters our country illegally should never  ever  be allowed to stay in Britain.

In power when the Channel crossings began, my party  the Conservatives  failed to stop them. Together with the explosion in legal immigration, that failure almost destroyed us: we were fortunate to survive the election. Now, we must do everything in our power to show the country we have not only the policies and the plan to stop and reverse these waves of legal and illegal immigration, but the unwavering political will to get it done.

We know Labour lack all these things. Their policy response has been to speed up asylum decision-making, and say yes to more claimants, cynically preferring to hide illegal immigrants in the welfare and social housing statistics. But the numbers will keep going up, because there is no reason for immigrants not to try to come here illegally. Whatever the words ministers use, this is a crisis that is only going to get worse.
Octopus Energy Group has picked bankers to oversee the sale of a minority stake in Kraken Technologies, its multibillion pound software arm.

Sky News has learnt that Octopus Energy - now Britain's biggest household gas and electricity supplier - has engaged Goldman Sachs to handle the demerger of Kraken Technologies.

The Wall Street bank will also orchestrate discussions with prospective investors about the disposal of a minority stake in Kraken, sources said on Thursday.

Money blog: ESTA prices to go up - here's how to beat the rise

A deal could value Kraken in the region of $10bn, the sources added.

The demerger plan - revealed by Sky News in July - would reinforce Octopus Energy's status as one of the UK's most valuable private companies.

A deal will augment Octopus Energy chief executive Greg Jackson's paper fortune, and underline his success at building a globally significant British-based company over the last decade.

Octopus Energy now has 7.5m retail customers in Britain, following its 2022 rescue of the collapsed energy supplier Bulb, and the subsequent acquisition of Shell's home energy business.

In January, it announced that it had become the country's biggest supplier - surpassing Centrica-owned British Gas - with a 24% market share.

It also has a further 2.5 million customers outside the UK.

Sources said a $10bn valuation of Kraken would imply that the whole group, including the retail supply business, was worth in the region of 15bn.

That would be double its valuation of little more than a year ago, when the company announced that it had secured new backing from funds Galvanize Climate Solutions and Lightrock.

Shortly before that, the former US vice president Al Gore's firm, Generation Investment Management, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased their stakes in Octopus Energy in a transaction valuing the company at $9bn (7.2bn).

Kraken is an operating system which is licensed to other energy providers, water companies and telecoms suppliers.

It connects all parts of the energy system, including customer billing and the flexible management of renewable generation and energy devices such as heat pumps and electric vehicle batteries.

The business also unlocks smart grids which enable people to use more renewable energy when there is an abundant supply of it.

In the UK, its platform is licensed to Octopus Energy's rivals EON and EDF Energy, as well as the water company Severn Trent and broadband provider Cuckoo.

Overseas, Kraken serves Origin Energy in Australia, Japan's Tokyo Gas and Plentitude in countries including France and Greece.

Kraken, which is chaired by Gavin Patterson, the former BT Group chief executive, is now contracted to more than 70m customer accounts globally - putting it easily on track to hit a target of 100m by 2027.

Earlier this year, Mr Jackson said that target now risked being seen as "embarrassingly unambitious".

In July last year, Kraken recruited Amir Orad, a former boss of NICE Actimize, a US-listed provider of enterprise software to global banks and Fortune 500 companies, as its first chief executive.

One key advantage of demerging Kraken from the rest of Octopus Energy Group would be to remove the perception of a conflict of interest among potential customers of the technology platform.

A source said the unified corporate ownership of both businesses had acted as a deterrent to some energy suppliers.

Kraken has also diversified beyond the energy sector, and earlier this year joined a consortium which was exploring a takeover bid for stricken Thames Water.

Octopus Energy declined to comment.
Former New York Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi, who left the publication after disclosing a personal relationship with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has landed a new job at Vanity Fair.

The 32-year-old was announced as the new West Coast editor of the prestigious publication on Thursday, as part of a spate of new hires.

Honored to join @VanityFair as West Coast Editor, Nuzzi wrote on X, adding a heart emoji to the post.

It comes after a high-profile scandal last October, in which Nuzzi was put on leave from New York Magazine following revelations about her connection with Kennedy, who was then running as an independent candidate for president.

It led to an explosive fallout between Nuzzi and her ex-fiance Ryan Lizza, whom she accused of orchestrating a blackmail campaign against her.

Former New York Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi, who left the publication after disclosing a personal relationship with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has landed a new job at Vanity Fair (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Nuzzi claimed in a lawsuit that Lizza had threatened to make public personal information about me to destroy my life, career, and reputationa threat he has since carried out. Lizza denied the allegations.

However, despite questions about her journalistic integrity, Nuzzi was proudly announced among the twelve new Vanity Fair hires by Mark Guiducci.

The range of talent and expertise in this list is expansive, Guiducci said in a statement. But what our new colleagues have in common is a love for Vanity Fair, an appreciation for its history, and an excitement for its future. Each of them will help lead us there.

In interviews with candidates over the past two months, we have been seeking out a certain fearlessnesspeople with a point of view, able to express it in both substance and style, he added. I can say that every one of our new colleagues has that quality.

The revelations led to an explosive fallout between Nuzzi and her ex-fiance Ryan Lizza (right), whom she accused of orchestrating a blackmail campaign against her (Getty Images for CBS News)

More hires would be announced shortly, Guiducci said.

Before she departed from New York Magazine, Nuzzi had garnered a reputation for her vivid, incisive features on political figures as well as deeply reported presidential campaign stories, having joined the publication in 2017.

Nuzzi and Lizza became engaged in 2022 but broke up after her relationship with Kennedy was made public. She had been writing a piece on the then-presidential hopeful at the time.

After New York Magazines announcement that she was being placed on leave, Nuzzi released a statement denying that the relationship with Kennedy was physical.

After New York Magazines announcement that she was being placed on leave, Nuzzi released a statement denying the relationship with Kennedy was physical (AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier this year, the nature of some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal, she said. During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source.

She added: The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict. I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those Ive disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.

A Kennedy spokesperson told The New York Times that he had met Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece.
A French passenger plane was forced to circle the skies above Corsica after the only air traffic controller on duty fell asleep as the aircraft was preparing to land.

Firefighters and police were called to the scene in an effort to wake the man when the control tower failed to respond to the planes radio calls.

Pilots were flying the aircraft from Paris to Napoleon Bonaparte airport in Ajaccio on Tuesday when they were prevented from landing for 18 minutes by the unfortunately timed nap.

The aircraft was almost diverted to Bastia, a city on the other side of the French Mediterranean island, as it was unable to descend on the 2,400m runway in the dark.

The fire personnel got no response from the tower and alerted the gendarmerie, the captain of the Air Corsica Airbus A320, told Corse Matin.

In a career of several decades, I have never had to handle such a situation. We did a little tour. At no time was there any panic. Everyone stayed calm. The passengers treated the incident with good humour.

French air traffic controllers have previously complained about pay and working conditions, which they say cause fatigue and stress (Getty)

The flight had already been delayed by an hour when the pilots were unable to make contact with the control room. The airports ground staff, including the fire crew, tried to reach the staff member in the control tower but were delayed by security measures.

They were eventually able to access the tower to find the controller asleep at his desk and woke him up. The man switched on the runway lights and cleared the jet to land, which it did without incident.

He was later tested for signs of intoxication, but was cleared for both drugs and alcohol. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) told Corse Martin that an internal investigation had been opened into the matter.

The air traffic controller in question is due to see an occupational health doctor soon. They added: A meeting with his superior is planned, and a possible sanction is being considered.

The DGAC refuted claims that the incident occurred due to staffing issues, stating: The staffing levels were in accordance with the requirements, with two controllers present, the second of whom was on a break for a period of 4 hours.

French air traffic controllers have previously complained about pay and working conditions, which they say cause fatigue and stress.

Earlier this week, the SNCTA union announced that a planned strike by air traffic controllers this month would be postponed until October due to the collapse of the French government.
by Austin Bay September 17, 2025

On Sept. 10, Russian long-range strike drones entered Polish airspace. Several detonated, destroying houses and vehicles.

A Polish government source told media that Russian Shahed offensive drones attacked from Ukraine and from Belarus. Ukraine is a war zone, but Belarus is a Kremlin puppet.

NATO later reported the drones were Russian Gerbera drones, a Russian knockoff of the Iranian Shahed. Gerberas are part plywood and paste, reminiscent of World War I wood and wire biplanes. But suicide drones bearing high explosives can kill. They are essentially cheap ballistic missiles, and like a ballistic missile, it can ignite a war.

Full halt. The Sept. 10 Russian drone offensive -- and it was an intentional offensive operation -- did not ignite a war with NATO.

So far. Why not?

Cool heads. The NATO alliance's 32 member nations have cool-headed leaders.

Why the cool-headed response? Nuclear war is deadly. Vladimir Putin and other hotheads in the Kremlin know that to be true. However, at a deep and evil level Putin-type dictators calculate democratic nations won't pull the nuclear trigger if armed plywood and wire unmanned aerial vehicles attack and draw no blood.

So why would the Kremlin risk it? The secondary reason: The drone attack serves as a military probe testing NATO military reactions.

The primary reason: The attack tests NATO political reactions. Putin hopes trigger hesitation will induce mass weakness. When cool-headed hesitation occurs, Putin hopes European NATO members will interpret coolness as cowardice and -- the big Kremlin's heavy bet -- doubt U.S. commitments to defend Europe with nuclear weapons.

It's a 21st-century replay of the 1983 so-called Euro Missile Crisis. Sort of.

Putin isn't simply testing Donald Trump. Putin can't accept Russia's Cold War loss. The U.S. nuclear shield -- complemented by British and French nuclear forces -- deterred Russian conventional war on NATO's European members. Vlad still doesn't believe it worked.

NATO Article 5 is the kicker Vlad can't accept.

Article 5 says a belligerent's offensive attack on a NATO member means the belligerent is now at war with all 32 NATO nations. The Three Musketeers Clause, one for all and all for one.

Ukraine isn't a NATO member and isn't protected by NATO's Article 5.

But Poland is.

On Sept. 10, Polish and NATO ground-based air defense systems (missile and anti-aircraft guns) detected the attacking drones. And Moscow learned something about NATO's air defense response time.

Polish F-16s and Dutch F-35s on patrol over NATO's eastern nations intercepted and shot down several drones. Later reports also said Italian air control aircraft aided the interception.

After action reports said NATO aircraft used U.S.-made AIM 120C-7 AMRAAMs to destroy the Russian drones. An AIM 120C costs about $2 million. The Gerberas? The accepted figure is $12,000.

Russia learned NATO allies, in a coordinated air defense operation, will shoot down intruding drones. After action reports said this was the first time NATO aircraft had engaged "enemy" targets over NATO allied territory.

The alliance did not immediately counterattack. But to conclude the alliance won't counterattack? That's a big leap.

On Sept. 10, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told U.S. media the attack lasted seven hours and one drone landed near his home. (Sikorski also serves as foreign minister.) He also said the attack was not a mistake, emphasizing drones crossed the Polish border on two axes, from Ukraine but also Belarus, Russia's ally.

Poland knows the attacks were deliberate.

Several Western strategic experts reached the same conclusion, which tells me NATO intelligence knows the attacks were deliberate.

The Kremlin got a diplomatic reaction. Poland called for a NATO Article 4 consult, an emergency meeting within the alliance to discuss the situation and consider alliance response options. A NATO member may call for an Article 4 consult when it feels threatened. Usually, NATO will issue a solidarity statement and condemn the actor threatening the NATO nation.

Article 4 has been invoked seven times since NATO was founded in 1949. The most recent invocation took place on Feb. 24, 2022, the day Russia began its all-out invasion to destroy Ukraine. In February 2020, Turkey invoked it after Russian-backed Syrian forces killed several Turkish troops in Syria.

"We are dealing with a large-scale provocation," Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said regarding the Article 4 appeal. "The situation is serious, and no one doubts that we must prepare for various scenarios."

The killer option is to invoke NATO Article 5, the "go to war" option.

Below Article 5? Britain said it would send more aircraft to defend Poland. Germany said it would send troops. Another dozen NATO nations have promised weapons and personnel. At the moment, the U.S. has around 10,000 ground troops in Poland, part of a rotational contingent (basically two heavy brigades). On Sept. 11, Poland indicated it wants more U.S. troops. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: "What's with Russia violating Poland's airspace with drones? Here we go!"

The Russian probe has put NATO on alert. War may not be imminent, but Russia has attacked a NATO country. The Kremlin claims it was an accident. The Kremlin wants to bait, probe, act invincible and claim NATO is a paper tiger. But words and attitude don't erase obvious mistake: Russia has attacked a NATO country. One U.S. congressman has already said Ukraine must have long-range weapons to strike at Russian drone and missile systems -- and the attack on Poland proves Ukraine must have that capability.

"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war," Shakespeare's Marc Antony said. Putin may live long enough to regret letting slip his drones on Poland.
Pets At Home has announced its boss Lyssa McGowan has quit the business and said it was cutting its annual profit outlook for the second time this year.

Shares in the London-listed retailer plunged by more than a fifth on Thursday after the update.

Chief executive Ms McGowan has left with immediate effect and a search for her successor has begun, it told investors.

Ms McGowan, who was made an OBE in June for her services to retail, had led Pets At Home since 2022.

The chain has struggled against declining sales over the past year which it has blamed on a subdued pets market and weaker consumer confidence.

Pets At Home sells small animals like rabbits and hamsters and products for pets through its retail business, and also provides veterinary healthcare and grooming services at centres across the country.

Ian Burke has taken on the role of executive chairman until a permanent chief executive is hired, the firm said.

It also told investors it was downgrading its underlying pre-tax profit forecast for the 2025-26 financial year, now expected to be in the range of 90 million to 100 million.

It previously cut the outlook to between 110 million and 120 million.

The guided annual profits would mark a drop from the 133 million reported the previous year.

While the retail sales performance has improved in recent months, it has been by less than the company was expecting.

Online sales have risen by more than 10% but store sales have declined by 5% over the year to date, it said.

Pets At Home is still planning to open 10 new vet practices during the financial year alongside extensions on 15 existing sites.

Shares in the firm had tumbled by about 22% on Thursday morning.
Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in anti-austerity protests and strikes in France.

The demonstrators included teachers, train drivers, pharmacists, and hospital staff.

A third of primary school teachers were on strike nationwide on Thursday, and nearly half walked out in Paris, the FSU-SNUipp union said.

Regional trains were heavily affected, while most of the country's high-speed TGV services were working, officials said.

There were clashes on the margins of the rallies, but the level of violence was not as high as interior minister Bruno Retailleau had feared. Some 80,000 police and gendarmes were deployed.

Officers in the capital threw tear gas to disperse troublemakers dressed in black who hurled beer cans and stones at them. Police also stopped people targeting banks.

There were brief clashes at other protests as well, including in Nantes, and in Lyon, where three people were reportedly injured.

The French interior ministry said more than 180 people had been arrested in the unrest.

Authorities said over 450,000 people demonstrated outside Paris while another 55,000 marched in the capital. But the CGT union said a million people took part in the strikes and protests.

What's driving the unrest?

Protesters and unions want President Emmanuel Macron and his new prime minister, close ally Sebastien Lecornu, to scrap looming budget cuts.

They have called for the previous government's fiscal plans to be axed, for more spending on public services, and for the wealthy to pay more tax.

But Mr Macron and Mr Lecornu, who is a member of his centrist Renaissance party, are also under pressure from investors who are concerned about the deficit in the EU's second-largest economy.

Read more:

Macron taking big risk in picking loyalist to be next PM

The Block Everything movement has mobilised protesters

The country's budget deficit last year was almost double the EU's 3% ceiling.

But even though he wants to reduce that, Mr Lecornu - who is reliant on other parties to push through legislation - will face a battle to get enough parliamentary support for a 2026 budget.

His predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was ousted by parliament last week over his plan for 44bn (38bn) of budget cuts.

The new prime minister has not yet said what he will do about Mr Bayrou's plans, but has shown a willingness to compromise.
From left: Ahmed Duweik, Mariam Sabbah and Nasser al-Najjar. Photograph: Hamada Elrasam/The Guardian

Mariam Sabbah had been fast asleep, huddled under a blanket with her siblings, when an Israeli missile tore through her home in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, in the early hours of 1 March.

The missile narrowly missed the sleeping children but as the terrified nine-year-old ran to her parents, a second one hit. I saw her coming towards me but suddenly there was another explosion and she vanished into the smoke, says her mother, Fatma Salman.

As the parents searched desperately for their children, they found Mariam lying unconscious in a pool of blood; her left arm was ripped off, shards of shrapnel had pierced through her small body, and she was bleeding heavily from her abdomen.

As well as losing her arm, the blast left Mariam with severe abdominal and pelvic injuries from shrapnel tearing through her bladder, uterus, and bowel.

Mariam needs specialised paediatric reconstructive surgery, says Dr Mohammed Tahir, a British surgeon who treated Mariam while volunteering at al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza. Her arm amputation is also very high and requires limb lengthening and specialist prosthesis. Without this, it will be very difficult for her to live a normal life.

Mariam is one of tens of thousands of people in Gaza who have been injured by Israeli military attacks over the past 23 months, which have also killed more than 64,000, mainly women and children.

Repeated military strikes and attacks on Gazas hospitals and Israels blockade of basic goods and supplies into the territory have left the health sector devastated and doctors without the means to treat the sick, injured, and famished.

Since October 2023, 7,672 patients, including 5,332 children, have been medically evacuated from Gaza for urgent treatment abroad, but trying to get a medical evacuation organised and approved is a slow, arduous and heavily vetted process.

So far more than 700 patients  many of them children  have died waiting for permission to be granted to leave Gaza by Cogat, the Israeli government department responsible for approving medical evacuations, according to the WHO.

Mariam and her family secured the offer of surgical care from a specialist team in Ohio, and the little girl waited two months to be given permission from Cogat to leave Gaza, by which time her condition had deteriorated. She was finally evacuated to Egypt but was then stuck for months waiting for her US travel documents to be processed.

Then, just a few days before her appointment at the embassy in Cairo to approve her visa, the US suddenly stopped issuing visas for Palestinians  including children  to be treated in US hospitals.

The decision followed an online pressure campaign by Laura Loomer, a far-right influencer close to Donald Trump, who had posted pictures and videos of evacuated patients from Gaza arriving on US soil on social media channels, asking: Why are any Islamic invaders coming into the US under the Trump admin?

Despite the rhetoric surrounding the visa ban  with Loomer hailing the move as a victory, saying it would stop this invasion of our country, the US has only accepted a total of 48 medical evacuations from Gaza, according to the figures provided to the Guardian by WHO. In comparison, 3,995 and 1,450 critically injured people have been evacuated to Egypt and the UAE respectively from Gaza. The UK has so far accepted 13.

Medical NGOs say that around 20 severely wounded children have been affected by the ban, and are now stuck in transit countries with nowhere to go and with the treatment needed to save them dangerously out of reach.

Since receiving the news that she had been blocked from receiving treatment, Salman has been unable to console her daughter. She wont leave her bed or stop crying, she says. Mariam had placed all her hopes of getting better on her medical treatment in the US.

A few wards down, and also now stuck in Egypt after the US visa ban, is 18-year-old Nasser al-Najjar, who can no longer bear to look at himself in the mirror.

After becoming displaced, Najjar and his family were sheltering at a school in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, when it was targeted in an Israeli airstrike in January. The 18-year-old suffered devastating injuries to his face and jaw that left him completely disfigured; he lost his left eye, his nose was severed and his jaw shattered  leaving him unable to breathe, eat or speak properly.

I once took pride in my appearance but now I dont even recognise myself, says Najjar, his voice raspy and breathless.

The teenager requires extensive reconstructive and cosmetic surgery that is not available in Egypt and doctors have warned that without the operations, his condition will deteriorate.

He has been offered treatment at the El Paso childrens hospital in Texas, where specialist doctors are waiting to operate on him, but it is now uncertain if Najjar will ever be permitted to go.

The weight of uncertainty takes a heavy mental toll. Ahmed Duweik already suffers from phantom limb pain; sharp, stabbing sensations that come and go unpredictably and leave him screaming in agony. But since learning that his medical trip to the US might not go ahead, the 10-year-old has become withdrawn and emotionally unresponsive.

Ahmed was also asleep at home when the missiles struck the Nuseirat refugee camp in the middle of the night. During the bombing, he suffered horrific injuries with shrapnel penetrating his entire body; he was left with an amputated arm, soft tissue loss in his right thigh, and severe nerve and vascular damage.

Ahmed requires complex reconstructive surgery and prosthetic fitting that are not available in Egypt. Since the attack, he has developed severe psychological trauma and is unable to sleep, waking up every night crying and screaming, clinging to his mother in fear.

Doctors warn that if Ahmeds treatment is delayed any further, his condition will continue to worsen.

Dr Mosab Nasser, chief executive of FAJR Global, the medical aid organisation that managed to evacuate the children from Gaza and was due to arrange their surgical care in the US, said the visa ban had imposed an indirect death penalty on the most innocent victims of this war.

Were talking about a handful of children suffering from severe, life threatening injuries, he says. These medical evacuations are a lifeline for these kids and we urge the US government to reject such divisive rhetoric and reaffirm its role as a temporary safe haven for those who so desperately need it.

Related: From a bombsite in Gaza to a Texas hospital: Mazyounas journey to safety

In a statement to the Guardian, a US state department spokesperson confirmed it had paused the visas and would take the time necessary to conduct a full and thorough review, adding: There are many countries around the world with great hospitals that should be stepping up to provide assistance, including France, Australia, UK, and Canada to name a few.

For now, a bleak Egyptian hospital has become the childrens home, where they have been stuck in limbo since the visa ban, with no designated doctors and limited specialist expertise to treat their extensive war injuries. The families are confined to small, sweltering and cramped rooms. None of them have any idea what comes next.

We feel so powerless, says Khatib, as she sits beside her son. All we can do is pray that his visa approval comes before death does.
Kim Jong-un attending the unveiling ceremony of a new tactical nuclear attack submarine in Sept 2023 - STR/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Images

Vladimir Putin has reportedly supplied Kim Jong-un with nuclear reactors that power submarines.

The reactors, a reward for North Koreas support of Russias war in Ukraine, could help Pyongyang to make a technological leap as it develops a new generation of weapons systems that have the potential to threaten its enemies in the West.

While North Koreas current arsenal of missiles have the capability to strike targets thousands of miles away, nuclear submarines would allow Pyongyang to send weapons across the globe, hide them from satellites, and launch them with impunity.

This makes them immune to a first strike targeting nuclear forces, and would enable North Korea to maintain its capability to retaliate in the event of nuclear war.

Citing multiple sources in the South Korean government, the Korea JoongAng Daily reported the equipment was not manufactured by Russia for North Korea but taken from decommissioned submarines.

It was delivered in the early months of this year, the newspaper said, which would coincide with North Korean state media releasing photographs of Kim touring a shipyard in March to see progress on the regimes first nuclear submarine.

Kim in March visited a shipyard constructing warships in North Korea - Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

During the visit, the North Korean leader learned about the building of a nuclear-powered, strategic guided missile submarine, the report stated, as part of the nations important goals for building the country into an advanced maritime power.

From the images, analysts estimated the vessel could be around 7,000 tons and capable of launching 10 missiles from vertically mounted tubes.

The North is also known to be pushing ahead with the development of new long-range, nuclear-capable missiles that, if launched from a submarine, could potentially hit targets anywhere in the world.

Since last year, North Korea has been persistently requesting nuclear submarine technology and advanced fighter jets from Russia, the paper quoted a government source as saying.

Russia was initially reluctant, but appears to have agreed to provide them this year.

The reactors appear to be payment for North Korea providing munitions, military hardware and front-line personnel to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine.

Kim and Vladimir Putin in Beijing, China, earlier this month - STR/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Images

Since Oct 2024, at least 12,000 North Korean troops have been committed to the fighting in Ukraine, although officials in Kyiv said in July that its intelligence indicated that Pyongyang was planning to send an additional 30,000 troops.

Estimates, including from the UKs Ministry of Defence, suggest that as many as 600 North Koreans have been killed in combat and more than 4,000 injured.

If Moscow has provided nuclear technology to North Korea, it would be a breach of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, analysts said.

Access to the reactors will also enable North Korean scientists to reverse-engineer the technology and quickly develop a domestic variant.

Kim was recently the guest of Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, at a military parade in Beijing to commemorate the end of the Second World War.

Not to be outdone and keen to cement its own longstanding relationship with Pyongyang, the Chinese president has reportedly agreed to ship 19,000 tons of sugar to North Korea.

North Korea will on Oct 10 mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers Party and it is expected that sugar will be given to loyal members of the regime to celebrate the occasion.
ABCs suspension of Jimmy Kimmels show following comments he made about the killing of Charlie Kirk drew reactions from across the entertainment and political worlds, including from US President Donald Trump.

Fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert got the news on Wednesday while taping an episode of his own show in New York, telling a stunned studio audience that Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been suspended.

It was a mix of shock and bewilderment, said audience member Monserrat Lopez, recounting how Colbert left the stage before coming back to say he would call Kimmel to talk privately.

Just this summer, CBS said Colberts Late Show would end next year because of financial reasons  a decision made just after Colbert criticised a settlement between Mr Trump and CBSs parent company over a 60 Minutes story.

During Kimmels Monday night monologue, he suggested that the suspect in Mr Kirks killing might have been a pro-Trump Republican.

Kimmels show was suspended not long after Nexstar Communications Group announced plans to pull the programme from its 23 ABC affiliates starting on Wednesday.

The Federal Communications Commissions chairman called Kimmels comments truly sick and said his agency had a strong case for holding Kimmel, ABC and network parent Walt Disney Co accountable for spreading misinformation.

There was no immediate comment from Kimmel, whose contract is up in May 2026. In its statement announcing the suspension, ABC did not cite a reason.

Here are some other notable reactions:

 Donald Trump

Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, Trump posted on social media.

Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC, he wrote, referring to late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.

Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT

Neither Fallon nor Meyers had commented publicly about Mr Trumps post as of Thursday.

 Former president Barack Obama

After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like, Mr Obama posted on social media.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent  and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it.

Former US president Barack Obama said media companies need to start standing up (Erin Hooley/PA)

 Brendan Carr, FCC chairman

Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest, Mr Carr told Fox News.

While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values.

 Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee chairman

The state under Donald Trump has amassed a chilling record of restricting speech, extorting private companies, and dropping the full weight of the government censorship hammer on First Amendment rights, Mr Martin said in a statement.

This is no exaggeration. Trumps attorney general has directly confirmed that theyll come after you for your speech, and now his FCC chair has doubled down. Its not the bully pulpit anymore  its the thought police presidency.

 Wanda Sykes, comedian

I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show, but as you have heard by now, the Jimmy Kimmel Show has been pulled indefinitely, Sykes posted on social media.

Abruptly, because of complaints from the Trump administration. So lets see. He didnt end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, nows the time to do it. Love you Jimmy.

 Megyn Kelly, conservative podcaster

Im not sure who needs to hear this but Jimmy Kimmel got on the air and falsely stated as a fact that Charlie Kirks killer was Maga, smearing an entire movement and Trump in particular with a vile disgusting lie  and at a time when the threat against those on the right is at an all-time high, Ms Kelly posted on social media.

Ms Kelly was fired from her NBC morning show in 2018 after suggesting it was OK for white people to wear blackface at Halloween.

 Mike Birbiglia, comedian

Ive spent a lot of time in public and private defending comedians I dont agree with. If youre a comedian and you dont call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air  dont bother spouting off about free speech any more, Birbiglia posted on social media.

 Mark R Levin, conservative radio host and podcaster

Kimmel canned for disgusting Kirk comments.  Jimmy Kimmel is a pathetic hatemonger. He shouldve been canned a long time ago. Better late than never, Levin posted on social media.

 Senator Adam Schiff

This administration is responsible for the most blatant attacks on the free press in American history, the Democratic senator from California posted on social media. What will be left of the First Amendment when hes done?
Asencio has denied the allegations (REUTERS/Susana Vera)

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio will face trial on charges of allegedly sharing a video of sexual content without consent, a Spanish court has said.

Three former members of Real Madrid's youth team will also appear before the judge, accused of recording and sharing sexual videos of two teenaged women  one of them underage  at a Gran Canaria beach club in June 2023.

The prosecutor is seeking a prison term of two-and-a-half years for Asencio, 22, over two crimes against privacy, since he received the recording and showed it to a friend, according to judicial documents.

One of the women accuses the four players, while the other victim has left Asencio, who was a Real youth-team player at the time of the alleged incident, out of her accusation.

Asencio will appear before a judge along with three former teammates (AP/Bernat Armangue)

Asencio, who has denied the allegations, did not immediately respond to a request for comment made to Real Madrid.

Two of the other three players accused no longer play for the club.

In a statement in May, Asencio said he did not engage in behaviour that violated any women's rights to privacy and sexual freedom, and that he stood accused only of letting another person briefly watch footage.
Retired judge blames water for her husbands death and sues bottling company saying it poisoned him

A retired Supreme Court judge in Nevada has filed a lawsuit against a now-defunct bottled water company, saying that its product poisoned her husband and led to his death.

Justice Abbi Silvers civil lawsuit states that her husband, Kirk Jaster, was diagnosed with ALS  also known as Lou Gherigs disease  in 2022, and died of complications from the disease two years later.

Lawyers for Silver claim that as a result of consuming Real Water, Jaster developed the condition, according to Tuesdays filing at Clark County District Court seen by KLAS.

Citing medical research, the suit claims that Real Waters alkaline product contained the toxin hydrazine, ingestion of which can lead to certain progressive brain diseases, including ALS.

ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease causes loss of muscle control and gets worse over time.

Retired Nevada Supreme Court judge Abbi Silver has filed a lawsuit against a now-defunct bottled water company, saying that its product poisoned her husband and led to his death (Nevada Appellate Courts)

Symptoms often begin with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech. As the condition worsens, it affects muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure, and the disease is fatal.

Jaster was diagnosed with ALS in February 2022, according to KLAS, and Silver resigned from her position as judge to care for him in August that year.

Jaster died in September 2024 as a result of complications from ALS, the complaint stated, per the outlet.

The lawsuit seeks a minimum $15,000 in damages, the standard in Nevada civil cases.

Numerous civil suits have been filed in Nevada against Real Water, which is now defunct, following allegations that its product caused liver damage and other health issues  some of which are cited in Silvers complaint.

In June 2024, following a different lawsuit, a jury in Las Vegas awarded almost $3 billion in damages to a group of 8 children and adults who developed issues after drinking the companys alkaline water product.

According to KLAS, juries have delivered other multi-billion verdicts against the company, including one worth $5.2 billion in October 2024.

Real Water ceased its operations in June 2021 until it could comply with federal regulations, but never reopened. Two months later the company filed for bankruptcy.
Normal People author Sally Rooney has been advised she can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest due to her support for banned organisation Palestine Action.

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terror organisation in July after the group claimed responsibility for an action in which two Voyager planes were damaged at RAF Brize Norton on June 20.

The Irish writer, 34, said she would continue to be a supporter despite the ban.

After winning the Sky Arts Award for literature she reiterated her solidarity with the people of Palestine in a message read out by her editor at the ceremony in London.

Fabers Alex Bowler said: I have a few very simple words from her, which she asked me to share.

Im so touched and grateful to receive this prize. I truly loved writing Intermezzo and it means the world to me to think that it has found some small place in the lives of its readers. Thank you.

I wish that I could be with you this evening to accept the honour in person, but because of my support for non-violent anti-war protest, Im advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest.

In that context I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine. Thank you.'

In August, Downing Street warned that Rooney risked committing a terrorist offence after the award-winning author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptions to support the group, in a piece for the Irish Times.

She provided support for a legal claim by Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, against the Home Office over the decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Earlier in the month almost 900 demonstrators were arrested at a central London rally protesting against the ban.
The San Diego Zoo recently welcomed a new Okapi calf to its animal community. This mysterious and adorable creature was born at the beginning of this month and is the first of her kind to be born at the San Diego Zoo since 2021.

The zoo staff had described her as spunky, and based on how cute she is in this video, we think its safe to say that she is already stealing hearts everywhere!

According to this video, this precious Okapi calf was born to mom Subria and first-time dad Kapu on September 2nd. This precious little female Okapi calf is the first of her species to be born in this habitat at the San Diego Zoo.

According to this video, San Diego Zoo visitors can see this beautiful little girl exploring her new habitat at the Lost Forest exhibit.

Unsurprisingly, some people in this videos comments section had never seen a creature quite like this gorgeous Okapi calf before, and many of them were not sure what to make of her, although pretty much all of them thought she was as adorable as can be.

Some people commented that they thought she looked like a cross between a zebra and a giraffe. Well, it turns out that those people were on to something.

All About the Okapi

According to National Geographic, Okapis are known as the forest giraffe, although many people think that they look more like a mix between a zebra and a deer.

The truth is that the Okapi is the only living relative of the giraffe. They are native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is the only place where they can be spotted in the wilds of the Ituri Rainforest.

Interestingly, these herbivores are able to easily blend into their dense rainforest surroundings thanks to the brown and white striped pattern that runs across their backside.

Female Okapis usually only give birth to one calf per pregnancy, so this one being born at the San Diego Zoo is quite the event.

Incredibly, Okapi calves can walk only 30 minutes after being born, which means that anyone who swings by the San Diego Zoo to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous calf will likely get to see her moving around as she explores her new home.

This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Sep 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
An Eritrean man is set to be deported to France under Sir Keir Starmers one in, one out scheme on Friday after a last-minute legal bid failed.

The High Court ruling came just hours after the Home Office returned the first migrant under the deal.

The Eritrean man, who has not been identified in court proceedings, is due to be deported at 6:15am on Friday. The man said he is a victim of trafficking, but the Home Office argued there was not enough evidence for him to qualify for modern slavery support.

Siding with the Home Office, Mr Justice Sheldon said he did not accept the argument that the migrant had been denied procedural fairness due to the speed of his trafficking claim decision.

In my view, the secretary of state did have sufficient information to make the reconsideration decision, he said on Thursday afternoon. Mr Justice Sheldon said it was open to the home secretary to conclude that the Eritreans account of his modern slavery couldnt reasonably be believed.

The judge said it was clear that the migrant would have the opportunity to submit a trafficking claim in France.

A preliminary doctors report indicated that the asylum seeker could be a victim of trafficking because of the route that he took through Libya, Sonali Naik KC told the court on behalf of the migrant.

The Eritrean has said that he was kidnapped and forced to work in Libya, the court heard. The Home Office said that France can consider claims from people who say they were trafficked outside of France.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said that the first removal of a migrant to France on Thursday was an important first step (PA)

Ms Naik KC said that the scheme set up to deal with modern slavery victims in France is not equivalent to the UKs support scheme, called the National Referral Mechanism.

The case comes after the first migrant was removed under the UK-France treaty, landing in Paris on Thursday morning. Announcing the news of the return, home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: This is an important first step to securing our borders. It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Labour must come clean and clarify whether the removal was voluntary. He added: Since Labour announced their returns deal 9,909 illegal immigrants have crossed the Channel, and we are supposed to celebrate one solitary return?

Another Eritrean asylum seeker succeeded in halting his deportation to France on Tuesday evening after a High Court judge allowed him time to respond to a negative modern slavery decision.

The Home Office had decided that there wasnt enough evidence that the 25-year-old Eritrean was a victim of trafficking, but the judge allowed him 14 days to attempt to rebuff the decision.

In a bid to prevent further delays, asylum seekers due for removal under the one in, one out deal with France will be blocked from challenging Home Office decisions about their modern slavery claims after the home secretary changed the modern slavery statutory guidance.

The UK Border Force vessel 'Ranger' brings migrants into Dover port who were intercepted crossing the English Channel (Getty)

Instead, if they want to challenge the decision, their only recourse will be via legal action from another country, including France.

However Ms Naik KC, for the Eritrean man, told the High Court on Thursday that the change was made too late to apply to Thursdays case and also it made the situation more grave, as theres no coming back if the man is sent to France.

All the more important is the remedy now... because theres no reconsideration. Once youre gone, youre gone, she said.

Sian Reeves, representing the Home Office, said that France had a mirror approach to the UK in handling modern slavery claims. The trafficking claim can be investigated in France. His rights are protected in France, she added.

Charity Medical Justice, who have been providing support to asylum seekers detained under the France scheme, said that removal directions for five of their clients have been cancelled so far.

Detention Action  currently supporting 28 people detained under the UK-France returns deal  said that four of them had removal directions scheduled between Monday and Wednesday, which were all cancelled or deferred with no further date set.

Two people the charity is supporting have their removals scheduled for later this week or early next week. Of the 28, seven people have indicators of human trafficking, but only one has been referred so far for modern slavery support.

A spokesperson for Medical Justice said: The vast majority of our clients detained for the one-in one-out have histories of trauma, such as torture and trafficking which are common amongst those taking the perilous journeys from their countries.

Disclosure is not aided by our clients having been interviewed in the middle of the night; they are disorientated after many hours of having no sleep and no food, shortly after an often distressing journey across the Channel. Unsurprisingly, these terrible conditions may affect responses to questions in interview.

They added that vulnerable asylum seekers often dont recognise the terminology used in interviews.
donald trump

There are two big takeaways from Donald Trumps state visit. The first is that the US president genuinely reveres Britain, its institutions and its traditions. The second is that he senses with regret our decline and the abandonment of the values which once defined us: the ideals of liberty and the Enlightenment.

Rather than evaluating whether the historic state visit was a success or a failure, we should interpret it as a wake-up call. Trump has this week shown us that we are a great nation with a rich history and enduring traditions worth celebrating. But we are also on the decline, in part because we no longer adhere to the principles that once made us flourish: above all, freedom.

Trump may at times have a flexible relationship with the truth, but he is also capable of profound honesty. When he declared this week that his second state visit to the UK has been the honour of [his] life, I believed him. He appears to be an Anglophile in the romantic sense that so many Americans, including those of British heritage, are.

But the presidents affinity with Britain  the once great imperial power that ultimately gave birth to the American superpower, which provided the underpinning for US exceptionalism and individualism  is not illogical. Perhaps his most striking remark during the visit came at the Windsor Castle banquet. The British Empire, he said, laid the foundations of law, liberty, free speech and individual rights not least in a place called America.

Its refreshing to hear that Britain should be proud of, rather than recoil from, its imperial history. It might be fashionable to believe that Britains colonialism betrayed our liberal principles, but Trump sees freedom and greatness as complementary, rather than contradictory, forces.

And he may be on to something. Many liberal values  toleration, respect for minority rights, mutually beneficial commerce and exchange  are, historically speaking, also imperial principles that evolved out of the challenges Europeans faced as they struggled to hold together sprawling territories comprising people of diverse beliefs, ethnicities and cultures. What sets Western civilisation apart has been its ability, even as it dominated the world, to develop and spread ideas and institutions that promote individual liberty.

Many of Britains specific contributions to the story of Western freedom have been forgotten  to the point that it takes an American outsider to draw attention to the role Britain played in laying the groundwork for the free world. And they may not be relearnt: progressives, not least those teaching in our schools, dismiss as colonialist not just British history but the titans of our culture, including Shakespeare.

Those contributions extend far beyond those mentioned by Trump, from the Magna Carta and habeas corpus to the fight against fascism. It is striking, for example, that our counterparts across the Atlantic champion the arguments for free speech advanced by British writers and philosophers including John Milton and John Stuart Mill with greater confidence than we do ourselves.

Trumps eagerness to wrap himself in British regalia on this trip is also a welcome reminder that our Royal family commands tremendous soft power. In the 21st century, the projection of greatness really does count. In the West, people are looking to strong, historic leaders to provide decisive direction and bold solutions, not least with China and Russia consolidating the axis of authoritarian powers. At a time when support for the monarchy is at an all-time low, the argument for conserving our royal heritage has in fact never been stronger. Trump revelling in British pageantry shows that there is more to the pomp and spectacle of monarchy than mere aesthetics.

But like many of his compatriots, Trump will be dismayed at how Britain is slowly losing its way. To watch interviewers ask Donald Trump his opinion on the fact that 12,000 people a year are being arrested for social media posts in the UK every year, just a day after he praised Britains historic contribution to the development and advancement of freedom around the world, was downright embarrassing. Our Prime Minister stumbling when asked whether Britain is still a Christian country was equally galling. What came across, as Keir Starmer shapeshifted over his convictions on Palestine, and waffled about drawing the line between free speech and online harm, was a lack of principle.

Maybe the reason America is booming and Britain is in the doldrums is that we have lost confidence in the values that once made us great. Instead, our institutions, our politicians, our museums, our educational establishments  all seem to think we can only be proud of our diversity, our dogged pursuit of net zero and our NHS.

Many of our problems could be rectified by reconnecting with the British tradition of liberty, which is particularly rooted in traditions of free thinking and sensible, democratically crafted law. In an era when technocrats bow to international treaties, the old Whiggish idea that we ought to be ruled by good law  rather than archaic, nonsensical rules or the tyranny of wise men  is being discarded. But this cornerstone of British freedom might give us the conviction and courage to remove from the statute book the redundant frameworks that stop us from controlling our borders, including parts of the ECHR, the Refugee Convention and Human Rights Act.

It should not take Donald Trump  the pioneer of the America First movement  to remind Britain that it is a fantastic country, if only we would get our act together. We urgently need to end the fatalism and self-loathing and start believing in ourselves again.

The country that gave the world common law and the philosophical underpinnings of Western civilisation  alongside Athens and Jerusalem  is now in danger of losing its own identity. If we are to restore our former greatness, we must return to the values that once defined us, before they melt away entirely.
As Donald Trump bids farewell to King Charles on Thursday morning after what the US president clearly considered to be a successful state trip, all eyes turned to the political arena where the UK-US special relationship will truly be put to the test.

For Keir Starmer, his mini summit with President Trump at Chequers carries enormous significance  not just for his foreign policy but also his own standing at home, given that Labour MPs are openly questioning whether he should continue as PM.

But the prime minister knows that, as well as being a potential boost for him domestically, the two face clashing over difficult issues, which could really test Trumps description of the relationship. Among these are steel, tariffs, Ukraine and even the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which put paid to Peter Mandelson and threatens to drag in the US president. But, most pressing, is Gaza, a subject on which Starmer and Trump are in no way aligned.

Donald Trump with King Charles at the state banquet (AP)

This will not be the first time that the prime minister has hoped for a public endorsement to improve his own standings as a leader who he once described as a malign force on the world stage.

But, this time, he really needs it after having to sack his ambassador to the US in the mirkiest of circumstances, and having seen his deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resign over her tax affairs.

As was the case during his trip to the Oval Office earlier this year, when he presented the invitation for this second historic state trip, we should expect Trump to tell doubters in the UK that their beleaguered prime minister is doing a great job.

That being said, it has not got off to the perfect start for Starmer. The removal of the discussion of bringing steel tariffs down to zero is a blow. Clearly Trump does not want the UK to become a backdoor for foreign steel to the US, but Starmers government had put great store in getting this agreement.

There will, of course, be talks on the things we already know  the tech partnership between the two countries will be huge going forward. It puts the UK and US in lockstep as allies for decades to come, taking on China and India as the centre for future technologies.

For the president, whose own people back in January were briefing how hostile they were to Starmers government, there will be an agenda that he needs the UK to succeed. He cannot afford for another ally, particularly one he signed his first trade deal with, to fall by the wayside.

Keir Starmer attended the state banquet for Donald Trump at Windsor Castle (PA)

This is why so much investment has been announced to try to boost the UK economy.

But in the end it will be the crises on the world stage which Starmer, in particular, will want some light on.

The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are having a hugely destabilising effect, but the rest of the international community is hoping that Starmer can persuade Trump to do the right thing. That is to guarantee a so-called coalition of the willing to ensure any Ukraine peace remains in place, and to stop potential genocide in Gaza.

The two remain far apart on both these issues, not least the UKs plan to recognise Palestine as a state. How the prime minister handles this issue with Trump, while under pressure from his own party, could be his make or break.
Theresa May accused of being deeply insensitive after referring to assisted dying as suicide

Theresa May has been accused of being deeply insensitive after the former prime minister referred to assisted dying for terminally ill people as suicide during a debate on the matter last week.

Baroness May, one of around 190 peers with their names down to speak on the bill across a two-day debate that will resume on Friday, referred to it as an assisted suicide bill and said it effectively says suicide is OK.

In a letter to the former prime minister, seen by The Independent, 13 assisted dying campaigners have denounced the language she used, saying they listened with dismay as she made her intervention.

We are not suicidal  we want to live, and to make the most of the time we have left with the people we love. But we are dying and we have no choice or ability to change that, they said.

Theresa May speaking about the assisted dying bill in the House of Lords (Parliament TV)

We are not seeking to make a choice between living and dying but between two kinds of death. All we ask is for the choice, safety and peace of mind that legalised assisted dying would bring as we approach the very end of our lives.

In the emotional letter, they added: To equate choice and control over the timing and manner of inevitable and imminent death with suicide is deeply insensitive to those of us facing this position.

We hope that you and other peers will reflect on your choice of words as the bill progresses through the House of Lords.

We would welcome the opportunity to meet and talk to you about our concerns.

Baroness May used her intervention in the House of Lords to express concern about a lack of safeguards in the bill, as well as concern over the bills possible impact on people with disabilities, chronic illness and mental health problems.

She argued there is a risk that legalising assisted dying reinforces the dangerous notion that some lives are less worth living than others.

Baroness May told the Lords: There is a danger that this could be used as a cover-up; a cover-up for mistakes made in hospital, or for perhaps a hospital-acquired illness, infection, which has led to an increased likelihood of death.

I have a friend who calls it the licence to kill bill.

The former PM added: This is not an assisted dying bill but an assisted suicide bill. As a society, we believe that suicide is wrong ... but this bill, in effect, says that it is OK. What message does that give to our society?

Suicide is not OK. Suicide is wrong. This bill is wrong. It should not pass.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill in the Commons last year, said she found the framing around suicide very uncomfortable, adding that the terminally ill people Ive met are definitely not suicidal, rather, they are dying.

She said that while Baroness May had made a very powerful contribution, the two are at different sides of this argument and the debate.

On Baroness Mays suggestion around cover-ups, Ms Leadbeater added: The last thing that the bill would enable would be cover-ups, because its such a thorough process and it creates a framework around the assisted death rather than the lack of framework that there is at the moment.

Sophie Blake, who has stage 4 breast cancer and is one of the signatories on the letter, told The Independent she found the former prime ministers language to be really offensive, very insensitive and hurtful.

The [terminally ill] women I know have got the most fierce passion for life. They will go through the most gruelling treatment just to gain extra precious days to be with their loved ones.

To be told that we are suicidal when we do everything we can, with such determination, in desperation to live longer  to me it feels like there is a complete lack of understanding and acknowledgement of what terminally ill people will go through to live, she said.

Ms Blake added: To conflate assisted dying with suicide is not just semantics  its deeply cruel. We are not suicidal, we are dying. We deserve the chance to face our final days with safety, peace of mind and dignity, not stigma.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel Dye, another signatory of the letter, has previously described the bill as a chance to act with kindness and provide people a choice at their darkest hour.

Keir Starmer shakes hands with assisted dying campaigner Nathaniel Dye (Getty)

Mr Dye, who has terminal cancer, told a Westminster press conference earlier this year that without this legislation, he would be left with no choice whatsoever: I die in pain or I die in pain.

The bill, as it stands, requires an application for an assisted death to be approved by two doctors and an expert panel. It would make assisted dying available to adults in England and Wales with a terminal diagnosis of less than six months to live.

With around 190 peers having put their names down to speak across the two-day debate, it could surpass the previous record of 187, for the EU withdrawal bills second reading debate in 2018.

Last Fridays debate, during which 89 peers gave their views, will resume on Friday at 10am.

Baroness May has been contacted for comment.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
Two men and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting the Russian intelligence service.

The Metropolitan Police said they were detained in Essex as part of a counter-terror investigation.

A 41-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested at an address in Grays.

A 46-year-old man was arrested at a separate address in the Grays area.

The Met said the suspects were taken to a London police station and held under the National Security Act.

Officers searched the two Essex addresses and all three have now been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's counter-terrorism team, said police were seeing "an increasing number of who we would describe as 'proxies' being recruited by foreign intelligence services".

Read more from Sky News:

Russian forces create 'kill zone' around Ukraine city

Gaza could be 'real estate bonanza', Israeli minister says

Commander Murphy cited the case of two Britons waiting to be sentenced after being recruited by Russia's Wagner Group to carry out arson at a Ukrainian-linked warehouse in east London last year.

"They are facing potentially lengthy custodial sentences," he said. "Although, to be clear, today's arrests are in no way connected to that investigation."

He added: "Anyone who might be contacted by and tempted into carrying out criminal activity on behalf of a foreign state here in the UK should think again."
Three police officers shot dead and two fighting for life after ambush in rural Pennsylvania

Three police officers were killed and two left fighting for life after being shot in an apparent ambush in southern Pennsylvania Wednesday.

Officers were preparing to serve a warrant on a domestic callout in the North Codorus Township, a farming community in York County, when a suspect reportedly dressed in camouflage pulled a gun on them from a nearby cornfield, an official said.

Two surviving officers were taken to WellSpan York Hospital in York, PA, where they are in a critical but stable condition, state police commissioner Christopher Paris said. An officer was seen being airlifted by a medical helicopter.

Pennsylvania state police troopers and emergency workers block a road (AP)

Police have confirmed the shooter was killed in the incident. Although the suspect has not been publicly identified, CNN reported it was the ex-boyfriend of a woman living in the farmhouse where the shooting occurred.

One day earlier, the woman had alerted local police after she saw the accused in a nearby cornfield, law enforcement officials brief on the investigation told the network. Police reportedly obtained an arrest warrant but were not able to find the suspect.

"They were there to follow up on an investigation that began yesterday," Paris said. "The general heading of that investigation I would say would be domestic related."

Witness Dave Miller told CNN: My heart was pounding, my heart was pounding. And then I looked at all the tall corn next to me and thought, well, if they didnt get him, hes on the run and he could come through the cornfield.

He told CNN affiliate WGAL that the gunfire wasnt a quick ordeal and that he heard at least 30 shots fired.

A police officer is loaded into a Medevac helicopter after the shooting in York County's North Codorus Township (via REUTERS)

Local resident Dirk Anderson said he was in his shop when he heard quite a few shots from across the street, following by cops and the helicopter arriving.

North Codorus Township is about 115 miles (185 km) west of Philadelphia, not far from Maryland. Around 30 police vehicles blocked off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm and soybean and corn fields to deal with the incident.

Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the violence at a news conference after meeting the families of the casualties.

This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day, he said. We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country.

Later writing on X, he said: These officers represent the very best of us. They put their lives on the line to serve their community, their Commonwealth, and their country.

The prayers of 13 million Pennsylvanians are with the victims, their families, and the good people of York County on this devastating day  and all those who put on the uniform to keep our Commonwealth safe.

People hold American flags during a procession Wednesday, Sept. 17 (AP)

Family members of those killed were grieving but proud of their loved ones, Shapiro added.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the violence against police a scourge on our society.

She wrote on X: The @FBI and @ATFHQ are on the scene supporting local law enforcement following the shooting of multiple police officers in York County, Pennsylvania.

Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved.

The shooting marks one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania police this century. In 2009 three Pittsburgh officers responding to a domestic disturbance were ambushed and shot to death by a man in a bulletproof vest.

Police departments across the region expressed condolences on social media. Four of the officers were members of the Northern York Regional Police Department, while the fifth was a York County sheriff's deputy, NBC10 Philadelphia reported.

Firefighters attach an American flag to a firetruck before a procession after multiple police officers were shot and killed Wednesday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Hours after the shooting, community members held American flags to salute a procession of emergency vehicles to the coroners office.

Well-wishers left also flowers at the headquarters of the Northern York Regional Police Department.

The ongoing investigation into the shooting will cover multiple locations in York County, state police said in a statement.
Despite the UN this week declaring that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine  trailing in the footsteps of similar declarations by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and indeed Israels own Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories  it is still jolting to witness someone stand up on a packed stage in front of thousands and call a spade a spade. At Londons Ovo Wembley Arena on Wednesday night, as part of a Palestinian fundraising concert spearheaded by Brian Eno, this is a regular occurrence. Genocide. War crime. A slow, grinding, relentless violence. That last one courtesy of Louis Theroux, I should say. He is just one of a stacked line-up of speakers tonight (Florence Pugh, Riz Ahmed, Benedict Cumberbatch and Richard Gere among them), all of whom express solidarity, horror and righteous fury firmly and plainly. Discussion of Palestine, particularly in the wake of 7 October 2023, has tended to be couched in caveats, or at least very careful language. An estimated 64,000 Palestinian killings later, it is undeniable now that something has shifted.

This is a classic fundraising event, with tonally appropriate musical performances (ballads, soft electronica, musicians who are actually from Palestine) slotted between poetry, speeches and calls to action. Cillian Murphy, Penelope Cruz, Billie Eilish, Joaquin Phoenix and Malala Yousafzai offer support in a pre-recorded video message, but ultimately the celebrities tonight are window dressing. The biggest cheers are reserved for those on the front lines of the crisis: Palestinian journalist Yara Eid, who proclaims Israel will never silence me even if they kill me; plastic surgeons who have operated on wounded Gazans; Francesca Albanese, the UNs special rapporteur for the occupied territories, who has long advocated for the Palestinian people and was recently sanctioned by the Trump administration for her apparent virulent antisemitism and unrelenting anti-Israel bias. On stage, she calls this a distraction. They silence dissent by labelling it antisemitism, and they criminalise us [as] terrorists  those who stand against genocide.

Benedict Cumberbatch reads Palestinian poetry at the Together for Palestine fundraiser (WireImage)

Gere suggests during his time up on stage that ticket holders are on the younger end of the spectrum. He recalls introducing Dire Straits at a Nelson Mandela tribute concert in 1988 as if it happened in the dark ages. But the crowd here seems a real mix of generations and ethnicities, many wearing keffiyehs, many more in T-shirts with pro-Palestinian slogans written across them. The night is long, beginning at 6.30pm and not concluding until just before 11. At first, there is a noticeable surfeit of empty seats  despite earlier claims that tickets sold out within hours of going on sale  but, by 90 minutes in, the arena is heaving.

Musically, highlights include a dazzling medley of Lebanese pop by the Palestinian musician Nai Barghouti, a lovely jangle of jazz and classical piano by the Palestinian composer Faraj Suleiman, and a cacophonous wall of sound by Brian Eno and Friends  which tonight includes Paul Weller, Hot Chip and Nadine Shah. Rachel Chinouriri and Cat Burns perform their track Even, and Burns is the only speaker who makes reference to the political climate in Britain right now: she mentions her fear at witnessing last weekends far-right protests in London, and the comfort of being in a venue surrounded by like-minded individuals. Projected on a screen behind each musical performer is Palestinian artwork, while Cumberbatch and Ruth Negga recite  forcefully and powerfully  Palestinian poetry.

Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu and defenders of the country have long argued that antisemitism is at the root of anti-Israeli sentiment and calls for sanctions on the nation. But tonight it is clear that no one in the room at Wembley Arena believes that Israels actions exist in a vacuum. Deafening boos trail mention of British complicity in the atrocities in Gaza  via our exporting of weapon components and our governmental reluctance to use words like genocide  while the US-based British broadcaster and writer Mehdi Hasan directly calls out the failings of Western media.

Amelia Dimoldenberg and Louis Theroux on stage at the Together for Palestine fundraiser (Aaron Parsons Photography)

It infuriates me when [Western journalists] say Israel needs to allow journalists into Gaza, he says. Yes, Israel does  but Western media must stop acting as if there arent any journalists in Gaza. He quotes horrifying death toll figures, as well as a report by the Watson School of International and Public Affairs that states that more journalists have been killed in Gaza since 7 October than the number of journalists killed during the Korean war, the Vietnam war, the Iraq war and both World Wars combined. They were killed as part of Israels deliberate campaign to blind the world, to erase all evidence of their crimes, Hasan says. To the genociders, there is nothing more dangerous than a camera lens or a microphone. His speech draws the evenings biggest roar.

By the shows end, Together for Palestine is said to have raised 1.5m for Palestinian-led organisations and charities. It isnt a fundraiser that will change minds  the culture-rattling effects of Live Aid and the 1988 Mandela concert referenced by Gere early in the night could never be replicated in the modern era, which feels more politically and socially bifurcated than ever. But it holds an undeniable power, fuelled by grief, celebration, and a bittersweet sense that this all should have happened far sooner. Silence in the face of such suffering is not neutrality, it is complicity, Florence Pugh declares towards the end of the evening. Empathy should not be this hard  and it should never have been this hard.
Trainspotting actor Robert Carlyle has said he believes he was hacked in the 1990s but only pieced it together years later after the phone-hacking scandal broke.

Carlyle, 64, stars in new seven-part ITV series The Hack, which sees investigative journalist Nick Davies, played by David Tennant, uncover evidence of phone hacking at the Rupert Murdoch-owned News Of The World.

Carlyle said he cannot know for certain if he was hacked because at the time no-one was aware that private investigators were accessing phones and selling the contents, BBC News reported.

He told the Saturday Show on BBC Radio Scotland: At that point, I wasnt thinking, Oh, Im being hacked.

I didnt know what hacked was, no idea, but it was many years later when all this came out, I thought, You know something, thats what was happening to me at the time.

You know, this was the 90s, anyone who was like current in the 90s was going to get it.

And of course, with the things that I did back then, these big projects  the Trainspottings and the Full Montys  of course I was newsworthy and there were a few things that happened in my life around about that time. It was horrible, nobody would want to go through that.

The problem was, at the time, when it first started to come out, is that it seemed to be pretty much centred on celebrities or sports figures or personalities of one kind or another.

The publics kind of perception of that was, Well, were not really that bothered.

It changed entirely with the discovery that the News Of The World had hacked into the phone of the murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.

Milly Dowler (Surrey Police/PA)

That name might not mean much to people at the moment, they might not remember.

But that was a terrible, terrible thing this poor kid was killed and the News Of The World hacked into her phone.

Once it was realised that this was kind of endemic, that this wasnt just the personalities, celebrities, this was normal public, thats when people started to go crazy about it.

Set between 2002 and 2012, The Hack interweaves two real-life stories  the work of Davies and the investigation into the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.

The investigation was led by former Metropolitan Police detective chief superintendent Dave Cook, played by Carlyle.

Mr Morgan, a 37-year-old father-of-two, was killed with an axe in the car park of the Golden Lion pub in Sydenham, south-east London, on March 10 1987.

Southern Investigations, a private detective agency, placed Mr Cook under surveillance in 2002, at the request of the News Of The World, at a time when he was leading the murder investigation.

The phone-hacking scandal led to the News Of The Worlds closure in 2011 and was followed by the Leveson Inquiry, a judicial public inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the British press.

News Group Newspapers (NGN) has since settled a number of damages claims from high-profile figures concerning unlawful information gathering.

Earlier this year, the Duke of Sussex settled his legal action against the publisher of The Sun and received an apology from NGN.
Sir Tony Blair has been working on a Gaza peace plan since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023 - Leon Neal/Getty Images

Donald Trump has backed Tony Blairs plan to end the war in Gaza.

The US president has given the former British prime minister two weeks to garner support for his proposal.

The project by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) proposes establishing a temporary body to rule Gaza, with no displacement of civilians, and a multinational effort to prevent the resurgence of Hamas.

Sir Tony has been working on a post-war plan  known as the day after  since the conflict broke out in October 2023.

The US president has suggested turning Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East  a glitzy paradise complete with casinos and beachfront properties.

He has also spoken about moving thousands of Palestinians from the war-torn territory, but sources confirmed to The Telegraph that Sir Tonys plan does not involve the displacement of Gazans.

The conflict has left the majority of the 2.1 million Palestinians who live in Gaza displaced - Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images

His plan would see the establishment of a Property Rights Preservation Unit, which would aim to strengthen the rights of Gazans who voluntarily leave the territory by giving them a right to return.

If approved, it would also see the creation of a temporary body called the Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA).

Established by the United Nations, the GITA would rule the post-war strip for several years before handing it over to the Palestinian Authority, which would be expected to undergo significant reforms beforehand.

The GITA would serve as the supreme political and legal authority for Gaza during the transitional period, a version of a draft proposal reads, according to The Times of Israel.

It would have at least one Palestinian representative on its board, as well as senior UN officials, leading international figures with business experience, and strong representation of Muslim members.

The US president backed Sir Tonys plan during a meeting at the White House on Aug 27.

Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law, has been front-and-centre in the development of a post-war plan, having commissioned the TBI to work on the proposal.

Sir Tony, meanwhile, has met senior Trump officials and leaders throughout the Middle East to garner support for his plan.

The Telegraph has previously reported that he was advising Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps Middle East envoy.

Israel has recently ramped up its attacks on Gaza City - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

Sir Tony played a significant role as British prime minister during the negotiations that led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the peace accord that ended the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Mr Trump was particularly keen for Sir Tony to secure the support of Saudi Arabia, as he views the country as crucial to the outcome of any post-war plan.

Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabias crown prince, wants any post-war plan to lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state, something Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, categorically rejects.

Israel has also publicly rejected the Palestinian Authority having any role in governing Gaza but has engaged constructively with Sir Tonys plan, The Times of Israel reported.

Bezalel Smotrich, Israels hard-Right finance minister, said on Wednesday that Gaza had the potential to be a real estate bonanza and claimed he was in talks with US officials on how to divide up the war-torn territory.

This vision for Gaza was depicted in a bizarre AI video Mr Trump shared in February.

Credit: Instagram/@realdonaldtrump

Officials close to the former prime minister believe Israels recent strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar may have undermined Sir Tonys work.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Mr Trump was frustrated with Mr Netanyahu over the strike, which the president reportedly learned about 50 minutes in advance.

Hes f------ me, Mr Trump reportedly said as Mr Netanyahu opted for more military action in the Middle East, rather than a ceasefire.

Israel has also since launched a renewed ground offensive in Gaza City, sending thousands of soldiers to defeat the remaining Hamas fighters.

Sir Tonys plan calls for the disarmament of Hamas, which is in line with the United Statess desires for the terror group.

The proposal also envisages the formation of an international force that would back Gazas civil police force in preventing Hamas from re-emerging as an armed group.

The TBI declined to comment.
Donald Trump said he disagreed with Sir Keir Starmers decision to formally recognise a Palestinian state in the coming days.

The US president said he had a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements actually when asked about Sir Keirs intention to recognise Palestine.

However, he did not repeat his past remarks that the UK was rewarding Hamas for its Oct 7 2023 attack on Israel.

Mr Trump made the remarks during a press conference at Chequers, the Prime Ministers country home, on the second full day of his UK state visit.

In July, Sir Keir announced his plan to recognise Palestinian statehood following mounting criticism of the Israeli governments approach to the Gaza conflict.

Formal recognition will take place at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this month, unless Israel meets certain conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire, a two-state solution and halting annexations in the West Bank.

However, British recognition of Palestine is all but guaranteed as Israel has already said it is opposed to Sir Keirs conditions.

Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, to 10 Downing Street earlier this month - TOLGA AKMEN/EPA/Shutterstock

America under Mr Trump remains staunchly opposed to the idea of recognising a Palestinian state, and has also refused to grant visas to Palestinian officials for the UN gathering.

The Prime Minister was challenged by a Fox News reporter during the press conference about whether he was rewarding Hamas and waiting until Mr Trump left the UK to formalise the step.

Sir Keir responded: Well, let me be really clear about Hamas. [They] are a terrorist organisation who can have no part in any future governance with Palestine.

What happened on October 7 was the worst attack since the Holocaust. We have extended family in Israel. I understand first-hand the psychological impact that had across Israel.

So I know exactly where I stand in relation to Hamas. Hamas, of course, dont want a two-state solution, they dont want peace, they dont want a ceasefire. Im very clear where I stand on Hamas.

On the question of recognition, I made my position clear at the end of July, so the timing has got nothing to do with this state visit.

Ive discussed it with the president, as you would expect, amongst two leaders who respect each other and like each other and want to bring about a better solution in the best way we can.

Hamas putting hostages up as bait

Mr Trump only talked briefly about recognition for Palestine. Instead, much of his focus in answers on Palestine and Gaza was about calling for Hamas to immediately release all Israeli hostages.

He also accused Hamas of putting the hostages up as bait and described this as pretty brutal.

Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer answered questions at a press conference at Chequers on the second full day of the US presidents state visit - Neil Hall/EPA/Bloomberg

When challenged on not doing more to press Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, to end the fighting, Mr Trump said many people had too quickly forgotten the horrors of Oct 7.

Mr Trump notably did not repeat his harsher comments on the UKs recognition of Palestine that he gave after his Scottish holiday in July, when Sir Keir first announced the news.

The President said then: Youre rewarding Hamas if you do that. I dont think they should be rewarded.

Sir Sadiq Khan on Thursday broke ranks with Sir Keir to accuse Israel of genocide.

The Labour Mayor of London claimed it was inescapable that a genocide was taking place in Gaza, going further than his partys position.

Labour critics of Sir Sadiq accused him of making inflammatory remarks and questioned his wider response to the conflict.

At an event in London on Wednesday, the Mayor said: I think whats happening in Gaza is a genocide.

When I see the images of the children starving  20,000 children have starved because of the policies of the Israeli government  when I see the health system in Gaza collapsed, when I see the lack of supplies reaching people in need, when I see the famine that is man-made, when I read the interim judgment of the ICJ [International Court of Justice] and then see a UN commission report this week, I think its inescapable to draw the conclusion in Gaza we are seeing before our very eyes, a genocide.

A 15-storey building in Gaza City collapses after being hit by an Israeli air strike - Mahmoud Issa/Reuters

Meanwhile, Lucy Powell hailed the Palestinian ambassador to the UK ahead of Britains recognition of the state.

The frontrunner in Labours deputy leadership race attended a celebration in the Commons ahead of the diplomatic move, tweeting a photograph of her meeting Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian mission to the UK.

Lucy Powell with Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian mission to the UK

Good to join so many colleagues with Ambassador of Palestine Dr Zomlot to commemorate the recognition of Palestine, something Ive long supported, she wrote.

Great to see so much support of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East at this important moment.

At present, Britain considers Gaza and the West Bank as Israeli-occupied territory, but not as a Palestinian state in its own right.

This means the countries have missions rather than embassies in each others territory. Until recognition, Dr Zomlot is technically head of mission and not ambassador.
Donald Trump appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2015 - Randy Holmes

Jimmy Kimmels late night show was cancelled because the host is not talented and he had bad ratings, Donald Trump has said.

The US president claimed the declining popularity of Jimmy Kimmel Live! prompted Disneys ABC to take it off air, rather than comments the host made about the death of Charlie Kirk.

The network suspended Kimmels show indefinitely on Wednesday after Nexstar Media, one of the biggest owners of television stations in the US, said it would no longer broadcast the show on its 23 local stations.

In the opening monologue of the show on Monday, Kimmel said the Maga gang was trying to use Kirks killing to score political points.

Kimmel said: We hit some new lows over the weekend with the Maga gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

He then mocked Mr Trumps reaction to the tragedy: This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.

The broadcast sparked backlash in the Trump administration.

Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), branded the comments as truly sick and threatened ABC, the shows network, and Disney, its parent company, urging them to take action.

The companies later announced the show was being pulled off air.

On Thursday, Mr Trump insisted Kimmel had been fired for lack of talent, not the comments alone.

He said: Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings more than anything else and he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk.

Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person. He had very bad ratings, and they should have fired him a long time ago. So, you know, you can call that free speech or not. He was fired for lack of talent.

The latest season of Jimmy Kimmel Live! averaged 1.57 million viewers per episode, according to media research firm Nielsen, while the shows YouTube channel has nearly 21 million subscribers.

According to the monthly figures, viewers dropped to 1.1 million in August, down 43 per cent from Januarys 1.95 million.

The shows ratings lag behind those of CBSs Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which averaged 2.57 million total viewers last year compared to Kimmels 1.77 million.

Kirk, a close conservative ally of Trump, was assassinated last Wednesday while hosting an event at Utah Valley University.

His death has sparked widespread unrest about a rising tide of political violence, with the US president vowing to go after radical left lunatics who he claims are responsible.

The White House announced on Thursday that it would designate the leftist ideological movement Antifa as a terrorist group.

Kimmel mocked Mr Trumps reaction to death of Charlie Kirk, who was US presidents ally and friend - Cheney Orr

Another major US broadcaster also announced that it will air a tribute to Charlie Kirk on Friday in Kimmels former broadcasting slot.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns dozens of local television stations across the country, announced that it would run the programme in all of its affiliates, a day after Kimmels show was axed over his comments about Kirks death.

Just before ABC announced Kimmels suspension, Sinclair, along with Nexstar, said it would pre-empt the show.

The tribute will also air over the weekend, and Sinclair said it would offer the programme to all ABC stations, regardless of their affiliation with the broadcasting group.

However, the conservative-leaning TV conglomerate said the suspension alone was not enough. In a statement released on Wednesday, Sinclair urged Kimmel to apologise directly to Kirks family and to make a meaningful personal donation both to the family and Kirks organisation, Turning Point USA.

The statement said that Sinclair would not air Kimmels show until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.

Critics have accused the Trump administration of using Kirks assassination as a pretext to crack down on political opponents.

A number of public figures jumped to Kimmels defence following the decision, branding the move a threat to free speech.

Reacting to the news on X, Actor Ben Stiller said this isnt right, while author Joyce Carol Oates warned that the shows cancellation amounted to censorship.

Barack Obama also weighed in, writing: After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent  and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it.

The backlash against Kimmels suspension has prompted some people to call for a boycott of Disney.

Nelini Stamp, an activist with the far-Left Working Families Party, posted a how-to guide for taking action against the company which accused the broadcasters of bending the knee to authoritarian pressure.

Make no mistake: this is what creeping fascism looks like  media silenced and censored for daring to dissent, the guide said.

The Instagram manual instructs the public to cancel their subscriptions to Disney+ and other streaming services the company owns, including Hulu and ESPN+, and to picket outside the offices of ABC, Sinclair and Nexstar.

Several threads on Reddit also called for people to do to Disney what we did to Target, referencing a boycott earlier this year of the superstore after it scrapped its DEI policies.

Kimmel is reportedly livid and in talks to appear on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert - FREDERIC J BROWN

On Thursday, Mr Trump suggested that networks whose coverage of him is overwhelmingly negative should have their licenses taken away.

Theyre 97 per cent against, they give me wholly bad publicity... I mean, theyre getting a license, I would think maybe their license should be taken away, he told reporters aboard Air Force One.

When you have a network and you have evening shows and all they do is hit Trump... I guess they havent had a conservative on in years.

Theyre not allowed to do that.

Kimmel is said to be livid at the decision to pull his show.

Jimmy is going to meet with the network now, and hopefully figure this out, but he is livid. Absolutely f---ing livid, a producer told the Daily Mail.

This is clearly the government overreaching. Theres no such thing as free speech in America, if the government can lean on companies to stop any content they dont like.

Another source said Kimmel is in talks to appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Colbert, who has also been locked in a long-running feud with the US president, had his own show axed earlier this year.

CBS announced in July that the show would not be renewed for another season after Colbert criticised Paramount, the parent company of CBS, for paying a $16m (11.8m) settlement to Trump over an episode of US news programme 60 Minutes.

Mr Trump celebrated Colberts firing at the time, warning that Jimmy Kimmel is next.
by Rachel Robison-Greene

In 1961, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered an address before the annual meeting of the Fellowship of the Concerned. In the speech, he defended non-violence, arguing that rising up in a spirit of hatred was not only bad for the soul, but it was also counterproductive. He warned that doing so would ensure that unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness and that our chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos.

Lately, the hatred and vitriol omnipresent in social life makes it feel meaninglessly chaotic. Most people crave social connection, which explains why they are willing to subject themselves to the exploitative practices of social media companies. Instead of friendship, we often find ourselves slogging through posts expressing senseless cruelty, misinformation, and a reckless commitment to maintaining in-group out-group dynamics. People wear their rage as a badge of honor, and it is often political rage. The angry person feels powerfulthey subordinate the subject of their rage along with those who dont also burn with righteous indignation.

In that same address, King describes what he calls an Ethic of Love. He says, of the students he mentors in the movement, When the students talk about love, they are not talking about emotional bosh, they are not talking about merely a sentimental outpouring; theyre talking about something much deeper. The kind of love that King has in mind is not romantic love or even the love of friendship. The love that motivated his movement was understanding, redemptive, creative, good will for all men. He uses the Greek word agape to label the type of love he has in mind, and it is political at its core. Yet again, we find ourselves in a political context in which anger vibrates at fever pitch. It is a moment for us to ask ourselves: what is the real potential of political love?

Moral emotions are political emotions. They motivate the climate that we occupy. As demagogues throughout history have known well, certain negative emotions are powerful motivators. When ranchers are angry with climate activists, they respond powerfully to rhetoric that demonizes environmentalism. When parents fear immigrants, theyll do anything to get them out of their communities. When people hate members of the LGBTQ community, they will eagerly vote for whichever candidate offers the most forceful anti-gay rhetoric. Various retributive attitudes have a similar motivational force. Some people make political decisions guided primarily by the idea that people should get what they deserve. This makes law and order without nuance policies popular. Negative emotions move people to the polls.

Acts of aggression are often viewed as acts of strength. Aggression runs alongside the negative emotions. A person might be seen as more powerful when they strike another person than when they embrace them. Love and care are often thought of as soft. This may be because care work is often thought of as womens work and society is often inclined to think of women as subordinate rather than powerful. If King is right, far from being soft, love is radically powerful. We dont need to accept the rhetoric that we are only strong if we are aggressive.

In Anger and Forgiveness, Martha Nussbaum argues that negative emotions are not productive. Anger and retribution are a childs conception of strength. She understands anger as the retaliatory and hopeful outward movement that seeks the pain of the offender because of and as a way of assuaging or compensating for ones own pain. Anger, when understood in this way, relies on what she calls the payback wish, or the belief that if a person gets angry enough, that anger will somehow compensate for the harm that has been done. Nussbaum points out that this is magical thinking. No amount of anger can undo the past.

Motivated by and in the spirit of thinkers like Ghandi, King, Mandela, and TuTu, Nussbaum argues for revolutionary non-anger and unconditional love. She says, At least the possibility is held out, then, of a love that is itself radical and unconditional, sweeping away both forgiveness and the anger that is its occasion, a love that embarks on an uncertain future with a generous spirit rather than remaining rooted in the past.

What would radical political love look like? For King, it is, the love of God operating in the human heart. Religion was essential to the way that King thought about love, but it is possible to employ the concept without that belief. King explained that employing an ethic of love is a movement based on a philosophy, the possibility of the future bringing into being something real and meaningful. It is a movement based on hope.

King notes that humans are capable evil, but they are also capable of recognizing and pursuing good. The hope of anger is that its subject will be harmed; it depends on the irrational payback wish. The hope of agape is that the individuals in a community will exercise their capacity to recognize and pursue good. The action of agape is non-violent activity that forces confrontation with the fact of our shared humanity. Thus, political love is an activity. King insists, Agape is not a weak, passive love. It is love in action. Agape is a willingness to go to any length to restore community.

Does this philosophy provide us with what we need to fend of the endless reign of meaningless chaos? Im not sure, but if we conditionally accept its fundamental assumptions, it provides us with a project. Importantly, King thinks of agape as a creative activity. When we insist on looking forward in a spirit of love rather than backward in a spirit of anger, we can work together to come up with strategies that force us to see and appreciate one another as suffering beings with dignity.

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President Donald Trump has designated the movement known as Antifa as a major domestic terrorist organization.

The president originally announced the policy on Truth Social last month while on a state visit to the U.K. He said hes also calling for investigations into people believed to be funding the movement.

I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, Trump wrote. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.

Since then, officials have said a key reason behind their campaigns to send federal agents and troops to Portland and Chicago has been to crack down on the group, though local officials have sued and deny theres any sort of law-and-order crisis in the cities justifying this military-style intervention.

They beat journalists. They attacked courthouses, Attorney General Pam Bondi said during an October 8 federal roundtable on Antifa. They attacked police stations. They doxx and assault our law enforcement officers.

Anarchists and Antifa counter-protesters march near a white nationalist-led rally marking the one year anniversary of the 2017 Charlottesville Unite the Right protests in Washington in 2018 (REUTERS)

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, a driving force behind the administrations immigration policy, said earlier this week that ICE officers in these cities have to do hand-to-hand combat every night against Antifa to leave federal facilities, which have attracted regular protests.

Heres what you need to know about the radical movement being targeted by the Trump administration.

What is Antifa?

Antifa-style demonstrations have occurred during larger liberal social movements like the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as in response to the presence of right-wing groups like the Proud Boys (REUTERS)

Antifa, which is short for anti-fascist, is a not a single organization but rather a loosely affiliated, radical left-wing movement with no central hierarchy, organization, or clear membership structure, according to experts.

Its adherents have used a variety of protest methods, including violence, as part of their activism, and Antifa-style protesters have a noted presence on the West Coast in cities like Portland and Seattle.

Trumps former FBI director, Christopher Wray, told Congress in 2020 that Antifa is not a group or an organization, but rather a movement or an ideology.

The Anti Defamation League similarly describes Antifa as a decentralized, leaderless movement composed of loose collections of groups, networks and individuals.

Antifa members have been known to engage in street brawls with right-wing groups (AFP via Getty Images)

These characteristics distinguish Antifa from others that have been targets of law enforcement attention, including jihadist cells or right-wing militias, which often operate as groups with concrete officers and membership criteria.

Where has Antifa been active?

Anti-fascist activism dates back to Europe in the 1920s and 30s, during the rise of authoritarian leaders like Mussolini and Hitler.

It has taken a variety of forms since making the jump stateside.

Antifa-style groups in the U.S. later sought to combat the growing prevalence of neo-Nazis in the 1980s rock scene, while such protesters were spotted at demonstrations against globalization and unchecked free trade in the 1990s and early 2000s.

In contemporary politics, they came to many peoples attention during the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where fights broke out between the massed white supremacists and Antifa counter-protesters. Antifa activists are known for sometimes wearing all black clothing.

The public profile of Antifa-style activism grew following 2017s violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia (Getty)

Since then, those with Antifa-like ideologies have been found mixed into larger protest crowds during social movements including the Black Lives Matter movement.

Antifa-style actions have sometimes occurred in reaction to the presence of right-wing groups, like the Proud Boys, who brawled with anti-fascist activists in 2021 outside the Oregon state capitol.

During the second Trump administration, federal officials have accused individuals affiliated with Antifa ideology of doxxing immigration officials and violently breaching a Portland Immigrant and Customs Enforcement building in June.

The Department of Homeland Security alleges that individuals arrested for protesting outside an ICE office near Chicago in September on charges of assault are Antifa-aligned, though the Justice Department has refrained from using such language when actually describing their alleged criminal offenses in legal complaints, instead describing the attacks without references to connections to any radical group.

What happens now?

Its unclear exactly what practical effects this designation could have. The U.S. government does not provide a precise, comprehensive, and public explanation of groups it may consider to be domestic terrorist organizations, in part because of free speech concerns, according to a 2023 Congressional Research Service report.

Listing groups in this way may infringe on First Amendment-protected free speechor the act of belonging to an ideological group, which in and of itself is not a crime in the United States, the report says.

The Independent has contacted the White House for more information.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem watching a protest in Portland, Oregon, on October 7. Trump administration officials accuse members of Antifa of leading violent protests against federal buildings in Portland and Chicago (Getty Images)

Right-wing influencers and media outlets frequently report on alleged Antifa action at protests, including a claim Tuesday from podcaster Benny Johnson that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had faced down an army of Antifa at a Portland ICE building. Photos of the confrontation showed Noem standing on a rooftop looking down at a small smattering of protesters, including a person in a chicken costume.

The journalist Andy Ngo frequently reports on alleged Antifa members, and has said hes been attacked by the group, though critics have accused him of deceptive reporting tactics and fueling online hate campaigns against those he denounces.

The announcement that Antifa would be considered a terror group comes in the wake of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk being shot and killed while speaking at an event on Utah Valley Universitys campus in September.

Charlie Kirk speaks at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Trump and his allies have vowed to investigate left-wing groups after Kirk was fatally shot at the event (AP)

Trump and his allies have since railed against left-wing groups and blamed them for growing hostility against conservatives. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have both vowed to investigate left-leaning organizations in the wake of Kirks killing, Bloomberg reports.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican, has praised Trumps Antifa announcement, according to the Associated Press.

Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all, he said. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists.

Others have been more critical, including CNNs David Axelrod, who warned that the designation could be a pretext to go after their political enemies.

They will go after everyone and everything that they put under that umbrella, even though it isnt an organization, Axelrod said.

Trump first vowed to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization during his first term, during nationwide protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020. However, legal experts at the time raised free speech concerns and warned that the designation lacked legal backing, Reuters reports.
Donald Trump has said that Vladimir Putin really let me down over his failure to take steps to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference at Chequers alongside the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, the US president said he believed the conflict would be the easiest to solve due to his personal relationship with the Russian leader.

Hopes of a potential peace deal have not materialised following a summit held between Putin and Mr Trump in Alaska last month, during which Mr Trump urged the Russian president to hold talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. Since then, Mr Trumps various deadlines and ultimatums for the Russian leader to engage with proposals have passed without obvious consequences.

I thought this war would be one of the easiest to solve because of my relationship with Putin. But he has really let me down, Mr Trump told reporters. I mean, frankly, Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers. But, yeah, hes let me down.

Donald Trump listens as Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference at Chequers (Reuters)

Mr Trump said that Putin would drop out of the war if the price of oil decreased, as he appealed to European countries to halt purchasing energy from Russia. If the oil prices come down, then Russia will settle.

He went on to suggest that Putin had started the war in February 2022 because he didnt respect the leadership of the United States at the time, referring to former president Joe Biden.

If I were president, it would have never happened, and it didnt happen for four years. People, most people, agree. It didnt happen, nor was it close to happening, he said.

I spoke to President Putin about Ukraine, it was the apple of his eye. Ive said that many times, it was, but he would have never done what he did, except that he didnt respect the leadership of the US.

Moscow has launched thousands of drones and powerful glide bombs, as well as hundreds of missiles, at targets inside Ukraine over the past fortnight. Ukraine has responded by striking Russias energy facilities.

Trump and Putin at Augusts summit in Alaska (Sputnik)

Elsewhere, Sir Keir claimed that Europe has been stepping up to the plate in the past few months over increasing support for Ukraine.

We have built the coalition of the willing with British leadership and French leadership, stepping up with military planning in the seas, in the sky, on the ground and ramping up what we do with the Ukrainians themselves, he said.

Last week, Mr Trump said he was ready for major sanctions on Moscow  but only when Nato gives up the shocking purchasing of Russian oil.

He wrote on Truth Social: 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?
Donald Trump suggested that he was negotiating with the Taliban to retake ownership of Bagram base - Leon Neal, Pool via AP

The US is trying to reclaim the Bagram airbase from the Taliban after losing it during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Donald Trump has announced.

Were trying to get it back, by the way, Mr Trump told reporters during a joint press conference with Sir Keir Starmer in Aylesbury on Thursday.

The Bagram base was the largest operated by the US in Afghanistan and is strategically important in countering Chinas growing influence in the region.

Mr Trump suggested that he was negotiating with the Taliban to retake ownership, adding: Were trying to get it back because they need things from us. We want that base back.

The president has criticised Joe Biden over the tumultuous withdrawal from the region in 2021, complaining that American weapons and other assets were left in the hands of the Taliban.

Since then, Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed that Bagram is under Chinese control.

One of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, its an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. So a lot of things are happening, but I am very disappointed in the fact that that ones not settled, he added.

For the first time in four years, the Taliban did not hold a military parade at Bagram Airbase to mark the anniversary of their takeover of Afghanistan this year  instead, they celebrated at the historic Loya Jirga Hall in Kabul.

Insiders said Kabul made the decision to avoid provoking Mr Trumps anger.

Mr Trump has condemned the Talibans use of American-made equipment in past parades.

For nearly 20 years, the airfield was the heart of American military power in Afghanistan, a sprawling mini-city behind fences and blast walls an hours drive north of Kabul.

For nearly 20 years, the airfield was the heart of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, a sprawling mini-city behind fences and blast walls just an hours drive north of Kabul.

US forces abandoned Bagram on July 1, 2021, with little warning, ending nearly 20 years of American military presence.

Six weeks later, Taliban fighters swept into the base and freed thousands of prisoners from its detention complex.

Taliban guards currently control the base, including the notorious prison complex known as the Detention Facility in Parwan, which the US built in 2009.

The prison replaced an earlier detention centre at Bagram, where two detainees died in 2002 from beatings while in US custody, according to American military pathologists.

Run by the Taliban

The newer facility became the site of violent protests in 2012 after US soldiers burned Korans confiscated from prisoners.

The United States transferred the prison to Afghan government control in 2013, turning over 3,000 Afghan prisoners.

Under US control, Bagram expanded into a massive installation complete with American fast-food restaurants, shopping centres and dining halls serving tens of thousands of troops.

Two long runways allowed American fighter planes to take off day and night supporting the war effort.

When Taliban forces arrived in August 2021, they freed thousands of inmates, including senior Taliban and Al Qaeda figures.

Today, a bedraggled unit of Taliban fighters from Helmand Province guards the empty prison complex.
Conservative podcaster and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has accused the Trump administration of using Charlie Kirks death to trample on the First Amendment, a concern that has been raised by many on the left.

The outspoken right-wing voice said that Kirk was a free speech champion and he hoped that his murder wouldnt be used as leverage to bring in hate speech laws in the U.S. following the administrations threats to take action against critics of the Turning Point USA founder.

Kirks assassination has sparked a polarizing debate about free speech across the country.

You hope that a year from now, the turmoil we're seeing in the aftermath of his murder won't be leveraged to bring hate speech laws to this country, Carlson said Wednesday during a special edition of The Tucker Carlson Show in tribute to Kirk.

And trust me, if it is, if that does happen, there is never a more justified moment for civil disobedience than that, ever. And there never will be, the pundit added. Because if they can tell you what to say, they're telling you what to think...There is nothing they can't do to you because they don't consider you human.

Tucker Carlson said that Charlie Kirk was a free speech champion and hoped that his death wouldnt be used as leverage to bring in hate speech laws in the US (The Tucker Carlson Show/YouTube)

The longtime former Fox News host did not target President Donald Trump personally in his opening monologue, but went after Attorney General Pam Bondi for comments she made Monday that sparked fierce backlash from both the right and the left.

Bondi said the Justice Department will absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech.

Carlson said that Kirk would have objected to Bondis remarks, which she was forced to later walk back.

This is the Attorney General of the United States, the chief law enforcement officer of the United States, telling you that there is this other category... called hate speech, Carlson said. And of course, the implication is that's a crime. There's no sentence that Charlie Kirk would have objected to more than that.

In addition to Bondis comments, several members of Trumps cabinet have pledged action against those who appear to celebrate or mock Kirks death.

Carlson went after Attorney General Pam Bondi for comments she made about free speech that sparked fierce backlash from the right and the left (Fox News/X)

Vice President J.D. Vance was among those urging his supporters to root out anyone celebrating Charlies murder and call them out, and hell, call their employer.

The State Department said it would be seeking to identify foreign nationals praising, rationalizing, or making light of Kirks death, and aides of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that anyone working for the military could face criminal charges if they made light of the right-wing activist's assassination.

Meanwhile, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is the latest to join the ever-growing list of people to face repercussions for comments theyve made about Kirks death.

ABC announced Wednesday that it was suspending Kimmels late-night show indefinitely after the hosts comments earlier this week.

We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said.

Trump was quick to gloat about the news. Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, the president posted on Truth Social.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marching in London in May amid increasing calls for the UK to act. Photograph: David Cliff/EPA

The UK is preparing to recognise the state of Palestine as early as Friday, after Israel failed to meet conditions that would have postponed the historic step, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

Keir Starmer insisted the timing of the UK announcement had nothing to do with Donald Trumps visit, even though the US president said at a press conference that he disagreed with Britains decision, without elaborating.

Related: Now, more proof that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. How can western governments still refuse to act? | Steve Crawshaw

Recognition will bring a wave of criticism from Israel, including claims that it is a reward for Hamas and terrorism, a charge the UK rejects by saying it envisages only a Palestinian state in which Hamas is disarmed, plays no part in the future government, and the leadership of the Palestinian Authority is subject to elections within a year.

Starmer emphasised there would be no place for Hamas, insisting the group were terrorists, and adding he agreed with Trump on the need for a roadmap.

The UK prime minister said recognition was part of that overall package which hopefully takes us from the appalling situation were in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel, which we do not have, and a viable Palestinian state.

The US, now in effect opposed to a two-state solution as unobtainable and undesirable, has rejected the UK move as unhelpful, but Trump has decided not to make the matter a point of division with Starmer given Washington sees it as a largely symbolic act that will not weaken Israel. The president has his own private frustrations with the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus refusal to agree a ceasefire, as well as his bombing of Qatar last week.

The UK Foreign Office had long parried calls for recognition, saying the step should only be taken when it had maximum impact on the peace process. Following intense consultations with French diplomats, the UK shifted to backing recognition four days after Emmanuel Macron made his announcement on 25 July.

The delay gave Starmer time to talk privately to Trump on his visit to Scotland, and to set conditions that if fulfilled would delay UK recognition of Palestine. These included a resumption of humanitarian aid, a ceasefire, Israeli engagement in a sustained peace process, and no further Israeli land annexations in the West Bank. Israel was never likely to meet these preconditions, making UK recognition largely an issue of timing rather than content.

Britains choice has been whether to wait for a UN conference on Monday on a two-state solution or go earlier. Prompting the decision is anger at Israels treatment of Palestinians and a sense that if Britain does not act now Israel will, through annexation, have destroyed the last hope of Palestinian self-determination.

The head of the Palestinian mission in the UK, Husam Zomlot, is due to unveil the Palestinian flag on Monday at what will become the Palestinian embassy.

The act of recognition would make UK relations with Palestine as those between two states, but government legal advice is that that would not place any additional legal obligations on the UK to punish Israel for what Britain already regards as the unlawful occupation of Palestine.

Critics in the UK claim recognition breaches the Montevideo effectiveness criteria that a state should only be recognised if it has clearly defined borders, a stable population and a single functioning government.

The difficulty for ministers is that as claims that Israel is committing genocide start to become more frequent inside the Labour party, the demand to take further action will intensify, including cutting off trade links with Israel.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of a Patriot launcher. Ukraines president said missiles for the Patriot system would be included in the first batches of equipment from the Purl scheme.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of a Patriot launcher. Ukraines president said missiles for the Patriot system would be included in the first batches of equipment from the Purl scheme. Photograph: Jens Buttner/Reuters

The first weapons supplied to Ukraine under a programme funded by its European allies will include missiles for Patriot air defence systems and Himars rocket launchers, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday. The two initial batches are worth US$500m each. Ukraine has secured over $2bn in financing via what is called the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, or Purl. Ukraines president said he expected the total committed funds to reach $3.5bn in October. Patrick Turner, Natos senior representative in Ukraine, said: Four packages [under Purl] have already been funded and equipment is already flowing.

Russia closed its Volgograd airport and put oil refineries on alert for a Ukrainian drone attack early on Thursday morning. Between 10 and 15 explosions were heard and flashes were seen in the sky as air defence systems opened fire, said the Russian Telegram channel Shot.

It was likely a missile fired at Russian drones from a Polish plane that hit a house, a government minister said on Wednesday, when UAVs swarmed into Poland in an unprecedented violation of Nato airspace. Authorities initially said one of the 21 Russian drones hit the house on the night of 9-10 September. The minister, Tomasz Siemoniak, said on Wednesday: Everything indicates that it was a missile fired by our plane, defending Poland, defending the fatherland, defending our citizens. Polands PM, Donald Tusk, promised an investigation of how it happened but all responsibility for the damage still lay with Russia, which he said was responsible for orchestrating a provocation using drones.

Denmark said on Wednesday that it would for the first time acquire long-range precision weapons for its defence, citing the need to deter Russia. The prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, called it a paradigm shift in Danish defence policy adding that Russia would constitute a threat to Denmark and Europe for years to come, requiring credible deterrence. With these weapons, the defence forces will be able to hit targets at long range and, for example, neutralise enemy missile threats.

The announcement sparked a back-and-forth with Russias ambassador to Denmark who called it pure madness and equated it to threatening a nuclear power publicly. Frederiksen said the ambassadors comments should be interpreted as a threat. Russia is trying to threaten Europe and Nato into not defending our people and borders. Of course, we will not be intimidated. Denmarks defence ministry said it was looking into which long-range weapons to buy.

Russia attacked Ukraine with 172 drones as well as missiles on Tuesday night into Wednesday, Ukraines air force said. Air defences shot down or jammed 136 drones in the north, south and east of Ukraine. Missile hits and 36 strikes by UAVs were recorded at 13 locations, the air force said.

Lithuania has charged 15 people with terrorism offences over an alleged Russia-backed plot to detonate parcels last year in Germany, Poland and Britain. Prosecutors said that the suspects used delivery companies DHL and DPD to send four packages of explosives hidden in cosmetics containers from the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, to various European countries. The devices caused three explosions: at Leipzig airport, in a truck in Poland and a warehouse in Britain. The fourth malfunctioned, the Lithuania prosecutors office said, adding that it was an international inquiry. Those charged are Russian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian and Ukrainian citizens.
Craig Lang (left) and Alex Zwiefelhofer both face life sentences having been found guilty of conspiracy to murder, firearms offences, robbery and violating the Neutrality Act

Fighting the Russians after Moscow invaded Ukraine was an attractive prospect for Craig Lang.

His marriage had broken down, he was dishonourably discharged from the US army and had spent time in a Kenyan jail.

But he hit rock bottom this week when a Florida judge found the 35-year-old guilty of conspiracy to murder, after Serafin Lorenzo Jr and his wife Deanna were sprayed with bullets in an office park in Estero, on the Gulf Coast, in 2018.

Lang was initially wanted for murder but Ukraine is barred from deporting anyone who could face the death penalty, suggesting prosecutors may have revised his charges so that he could be extradited.

During the trial, Lang was accused of launching an international crime spree.

His signing up to fight in Ukraine was the latest in his military career, which started when he joined the US army in 2008.

Craig Lang in Donetsk, Ukraine

Serving in uniform seemed to be the best way to deal with his troubled childhood, which included five years in a foster home.

He saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan, suffering brain injuries when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb.

Langs time in the US military effectively ended when he deserted in 2013. With his marriage crumbling, he drove non-stop from the army base in El Paso, Texas, to his wifes home in North Carolina, some 1,800 miles.

Equipped with night vision goggles, two assault rifles, and claymore mines, he planned to kill her, but was thwarted by the police.

After a spell in jail, Lang was dishonourably discharged in June 2014.

He lost everything. His veterans benefits stopped, and he had no health insurance.

A messy divorce culminated with his wife being awarded the family home, custody of their child, and his truck.

He drifted from one job to the next.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Russia was making its play to annex Crimea.

With only 6,000 combat-trained troops, it fell to a gaggle of paramilitary units to halt the advance, whose ranks were swelled by foreigners.

Around 40 Americans answered the call, Lang was one of them.

He joined the Right Sector, an ultra-nationalist unit led by Dmytro Yarosh, whose dream was to build an ethnically pure Ukraine.

Lang (centre) with Ukrainian Right Sector fighters in 2021

According to Buzzfeed News, Langs interviews with the US media turned him into a poster boy for Ukrainians and other Americans who wanted to join the fight.

But after two years in Ukraine, Lang was bored.

The fighting had died down. He joined forces with Alex Zwiefelhofer, another American deserter who had joined the Right Sector.

Searching for adventure, the pair decided the time had come to go elsewhere.

In June 2017, they drew up plans to fight al-Shabaab, a jihadist terrorist organisation allied with al-Qaeda in East Africa. It did not go well.

The pair were arrested on the KenyaSouth Sudan border and held for a couple of months in a Nairobi jail, with Zwiefelhofer contracting cholera.

Lang joined forces with Alex Zwiefelhofer, pictured

They were deported back to the US and met up in Florida in April 2018.

Still yearning for excitement, they hatched plans to fight the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

But there was one snag. Lang and Zwiefelhofer needed money.

They placed an advert on the website Armslist.com which read: For Sale: Lots Of Guns. Leaving the country soon. Looking to sale [sic] all my guns as I cant take them with me.

Serafin Danny Lorenzo, 52, and his wife 50-year-old Deana, who wheeled and dealed in property, antiques and weapons, responded.

The cache, being offered by Jeremy Goldstein, a pseudonym, included five Glocks and a Uzi, they claimed.

Goldstein turned down the offer of an Oris watch, but accepted an offer of $3,000.

The deal was to be completed in Estero, between Naples and Fort Myers.

Serafin Danny Lorenzo and his wife Deana

Waiting in the shade, Lang and Zwiefelhofer, pretending to be Goldstein, awaited the arrival of their victims.

The crackle of gunfire erupted as they unleashed a volley of bullets.

In all, 63 rounds were fired. Mrs Lorenzo was hit in the abdomen, neck, and head, her husband was hit in the head and elsewhere on his body.

Police rushed to the scene, but they did not find the blood-soaked bodies until the following morning, after being called by staff at a nearby business complex.

The $3,000 Lorenzo had withdrawn for the deal was gone.

Details of Lang and Zwiefelhofers plans and how they made their escape emerged in a court indictment.

In the weeks beforehand, the pair had met in a Miami hotel room, where they discussed smuggling weapons to Miami, stealing a yacht and smuggling themselves to South America, court records show.

After the killings, they split up. Zwiefelhofer returned to Wisconsin, where he was arrested in May the following year.

Lang abandoned his ambition to fight in Venezuela for reasons that remain unclear. Instead, he applied for a passport in the name of Dameon Shae Adcock, a co-conspirator, which he used to return to Ukraine.

Zwiefelhofer was convicted in March and faces a life sentence along with Lang

Adcock was paid $1,500 (1,100) cash and given a case of guns and smoke bombs in return for his part in the escape plot. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail.

In Kyiv, Lang laid low working as an English tutor and quickly became engaged to Anna Osipovich, an English-speaking Ukrainian.

However, Interpol were alerted to his location when he left the country, prompting Ukrainian authorities to detain him in August 2019.

His conviction at a Florida court on Monday brought to an end a four-year extradition battle that went to the European Court of Human Rights, after Lang argued that he would face execution in Florida.

In exchange for his extradition, federal prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty and he was taken into custody by Ukrainian special forces in 2024 before being handed over to the US.

Lang and Zwiefelhofer, who were convicted in March, both face life sentences, having been found guilty of firearms offences, robbery, and violating the Neutrality Act, in addition to murder.

Lang will be sentenced in March 2026 and faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
Venezuela says it has launched three days of large-scale military exercises in the Caribbean after several U.S. attacks on alleged drug trafficking boats.

Defence minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the exercise, named Sovereign Caribbean, would involve air defence deployments with armed drones and electronic warfare actions in response to the threatening, vulgar voice of the U.S.

Venezuelas defence ministry said the exercises would involve 12 ships, 22 aircraft and 20 small boats from the special naval militia. They will take place on La Orchila island, where the South American country has a military base.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a second kinetic strike had been carried out on a small boat that he claimed was carrying drugs to the U.S. from Venezuela.

The strike occurred while these confirmed narcoterrorists from Venezuela were in international waters transporting illegal narcotics ... headed to the U.S., he wrote.

Trump added that such extremely violent drug trafficking cartels are a threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy and vital U.S. interests and said that three male terrorists were killed in the strike. He provided no evidence that the boat was carrying drugs.

U.S. military attacking a boat carrying alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

The strike followed a similar attack earlier this month on a vessel carrying 11 people who the White House claimed were members of Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang which the Trump administration has designated as a terrorist organisation.

Earlier this week, he did not rule out the prospect of the U.S. striking the Venezuelan mainland directly, saying: Well see what happens.

The U.S. has labelled Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro a narcoterrorist and put up a $50m (37m) bounty for his arrest.

A number of U.S. naval forces, apparently tasked with combating drug traffickers, gathered in and around the southern Caribbean last week amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Venezuelas defence minister Vladimir Padrino (left) pictured at a meeting with other military officials on Wednesday (Venezuelan Presidency)

Maduro has warned that he will respond in kind to any attack by warships patrolling near the Venezuelan coast, adding that he would declare a republic in arms, without elaborating.

He has accused Trump of pursuing a regime change, warning that U.S. military action against his country would stain [Trumps hands] with blood.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Maduro claimed that Washington was trying to justify the launch of a "criminal attack" on his country.

This isnt tension. It is an aggression all down the line, its a judicial aggression when they criminalise us, a political aggression with their daily threatening statements, a diplomatic aggression and an ongoing aggression of military character, Maduro said.

Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro has been branded a narcoterrorist by Trump (Getty)

The Venezuelan government said over the weekend that a U.S. destroyer illegally intercepted, boarded and occupied a Venezuelan tuna fishing vessel for eight hours in the waters of the South American countrys special economic zone.

Trump has pushed for the military to tackle drug cartels that he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the U.S.

The U.S. president has long blamed Venezuela for a drug epidemic in his country, claiming Caracas is pouring narcotics into the U.S. through illegal channels. Venezuela has denied the allegations.
By all accounts, the dignified phase of the presidents visit passed well; any possible frictions between the disparate participants dissolved away in the warm sandstone balm of Windsor Castle  the ultimate, as Donald Trump put it.

Everyone at the 52-yard long table for the state banquet behaved themselves, so far as we know. Aside from graceful speeches rich in historical and cultural references delivered (but not necessarily written by) President Trump and the King, whatever was said by the guests during the evening's drinks and dinner remains confidential.

From the glimpses in the television coverage of the reception, the new foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, had a resigned look on her face, like her garrulous husband, Ed Balls, had just delivered the punchline of a dirty story to one of the White House officials, but well probably never know. You cant help but wonder what else might have passed between some of those attending, strategically placed as they were on the diplomatically sensitive seating plan.

Sadly, for example, the demands of what the president termed the special doesnt begin to do it justice relationship, and the awe-inspiring surroundings, would have militated against a freer and frank conversation between the leaders. Had things been less constrained, his majesty might have quietly raised, as he has with his ministers in the past, the plight of the Patagonian toothfish, and the president, never noted for his environmentalism, might have inquired of him less quietly, Who gives a damn about a fish? If only the King played golf, or the president polo, one can only imagine how deep their personal special relationship might grow. As it stands, the two people that they might both, in happier circumstances, have been able to swap gossip about, Prince Andrew and Prince Harry, remained ghosts at this particular feast.

Melania and Camilla seemed to have been having a whale of a time, their shared experience of dealing with irascible, demanding, spoiled blokes born in the late 1940s, and who they respectively married within a couple of months in 2005, giving them more in common than might at first be assumed. Tips were no doubt exchanged about massaging fragile egos. Other placings were equally thoughtful: Susie Wiles, White House, chief of staff and one of the few people Trump listens to, was left to engage with Clive Alderton, private secretary to the King, no doubt to keep the backstairs channels between the two heads of state fully open. The chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, was also able to personally thank Ruth Porat, president of Alphabet and Google, for the 5bn investment in the UK. A few glasses of Pol Roger extra cuvee de reserve (1998), and a fine 1912 cognac seem the least the British could do in return for such largesse.

Careful and sensitive as they are, someone in the banquet planning team must have some sense of humour when constructing the seating plan (Getty)

Very surprisingly, Rupert Murdoch was invited along, despite Trump suing one of Rupes titles, The Wall Street Journal, Dr Evil-style, for 10 billion dollars. And despite Rupert making the King, Queen and late Queen Elizabeths lives a misery and hacking the royals phones for years, the Dirty Digger was given a plate of organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes with a thyme and savoury infused jus to chow down on. Wisely, the Australian media tycoon was sent downwind of the most important dignitaries.

Careful and sensitive as they are, someone in the banquet planning team must have some sense of humour when constructing the seating plan. Whose idea was it, for example, to plonk Tiffany Trump, 31, the presidents youngest daughter and a current rich kid of Instagram, next to David Owen, 87, who served as foreign secretary almost half a century ago? Still chirpy and with vestiges of his former boyish good looks, Owen cant have known much about Tiffanys 2011 musical single Like a Bird featuring creative partner Sprite, and the rapper Logic. And, to be fair to her, Owens usual repertoire of anecdotes about the Shah of Iran, Robert Mugabe and David Steel might have produced some lacunae in their table talk. You never know, though, the noble lord and prominent social democrat might yet make it onto her social media feeds. In the slimmed-down royal family of today, the 75-year-old Princess Royal also has to do her bit  horsey, game but a little brusque, and legendarily hard work for her conversational partners. As her late father once remarked of her, If it doesnt fart or eat hay, she isnt interested. David Lammy and the American ambassador, Warren Stephens, had the job of keeping up their end of the small talk.

A little further along, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAl, would have enjoyed hearing from Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition, and the self-proclaimed worlds first gaffe-free politician, on how to make his chatbots as reliably free of making mistakes as she is. Its not yet thought possible for a full-on AI robot to turn up at a state banquet, but their time will come, possibly as a relief for all concerned. Itd be interesting to hear how Grok might answer that traditional royal opening gambit, And what do you do?

His majesty, with a slight swing of the fist for emphasis, declared that in renewing our bond tonight, we do so with unshakable trust in our friendship and in our shared commitment to independence and liberty. Indeed so, but the meal could have done with a bit more spice and inclusivity. Had Ed Davey and Nigel Farage been there, they could have been left to settle their political differences mano a mano. If a compromised and supposedly anti-monarchy figure such as Murdoch was in attendance, why not Elon Musk and his friend Tommy Robinson, surely both prime targets to be seduced by the neutralising embrace of the establishment, tamed by vintage port and a plate of Hampshire watercress panna cotta for the greater good of humanity. Indeed, how pleasing it would have been to have seen a mass reconciliation of the dissident elements of the Maga movement and the House of Windsor in such historic surroundings. Maybe another time. Maybe an even more historic third state visit by Donald Trump in a couple of years? The ultimate, indeed.
Wegovy in pill form could soon be a reality as tests show it is just as effective as shots

A Wegovy weight loss pill could soon be a reality after tests showed taking the once-daily oral medication was about as successful at helping people lose weight as its injectable form.

People who were obese or overweight shed an average of 16.6 percent of their body weight following 64 weeks on the 25-milligram GLP-1 pill, Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced Wednesday. A group who took a placebo pill only lost 2.7 percent during the same time frame.

More than a third of the 307 adult patients in the trial lost 20 percent of their body weight or more if they if they stuck to the recommended treatment plan.

This was comparable with previous trial results of injectable Wegovy, Novo Nordisk said in a statement, noting that people taking its pill were able to be more active and improve their cardiovascular health.

Even participants who may not have taken the pill exactly as instructed lost an average of 13.6 percent of their body weight, compared with 2.2 percent for those on the placebo pill. Nearly a third of that group also saw weight loss of more than 20 percent, versus 3.3 percent for the placebo.

A Wegovy weight loss pill has successfully helped people lose up to 20 percent of their body weight (Getty Images/iStock)

Introducing a pill form of Wegovy could make the weight loss drug more accessible for those who prefer to take medication orally.

Its unclear how much such a pill would cost, but Novo Nordisks Ozempic and Wegovy shots currently go for several hundred dollars each month, out of pocket.

This isnt the only pill in the works, and a previous trial from Novo Nordisks American competitor Eli Lilly found its experimental weight loss pill wasnt as potent as shots currently on the market.

Eli Lilly also released results Wednesday, saying its pill, orforglipron, helped reduce blood sugar levels and body weight. The pill was compared with oral doses of semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Wegovys pill.

Both GLP-1 weight loss pills come with significant side effects similar to the shots, such as nausea and vomiting, leading some people to drop out of their trial.

The pills come with similar side effects to injectable weight loss drugs (Getty Images/iStock)

Eli Lillys trial included adults with Type 2 diabetes, while Novo Nordisks trial did not.

The companies are both vying to corner the market and Novo Nordisk sought approval for its pill with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this year. The agency is expected to conclude its review by the end of 2025.

Before that decision, Novo Nordisk said it was readying production at its U.S.-based sites.

Pending FDA approval, ample supply will be available to meet the expected U.S. demand as we hope to set a new treatment benchmark for oral weight loss medications for people with overweight or obesity, Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisks chief scientific officer, said.
Giant floral basket, displays to decorate National Day in Beijing

Xinhua) 10:24, September 18, 2025

A set of floral installation is pictured at Dongdan area in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The plan for floral decorations in downtown Beijing for this year's National Day celebrations has been unveiled, the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau announced on Tuesday.

A giant floral basket will be installed on Tian'anmen Square, and 10 sets of three-dimensional flower beds will be arranged along Chang'an Avenue to enhance the festive atmosphere during the holiday.

The floral basket, the centerpiece, will stand 16 meters in height with a tray diameter of 12 meters, designed to reflect themes of peace, development and prosperity.

The green spaces on both sides of Tian'anmen Square will continue to feature floral ribbons, covering an area of 9,600 square meters. Additionally, over 7,000 square meters of flowers will be placed along Chang'an Avenue.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
woman holding megaphone

The appalling murder last week of Charlie Kirk, and the seeming willingness of so many to justify it, celebrate it, or at least express happiness in public about it, raises some troubling questions about our political culture. Once again  just as after the murder of Sir David Amess  there is a rush to blame social media for supposedly creating a climate of polarisation and extremism which seduces a small group of impressionable people to violence.

Im afraid I dont think it is as easy as that. Yes, theres undoubtedly lots of hateful and unpleasant stuff available online. But is it the cause of the problems, or just a symptom of them? Some historical perspective may help us answer that question.

The truth is that political murder is not a problem only of the last few years. Its forgotten now, but in the late 19th century Europe suffered a wave of anarchist and nihilist terrorism, now largely expunged from popular memory. Anarchists killed a president of France (Carnot, 1894), a king of Italy (Umberto I, 1900), and an empress of Austria-Hungary (Elisabeth, 1898). Random bombings in public places in Europe and the US killed many entirely innocent people. These events even inspired a great novel, Conrads The Secret Agent, based on the failed attempt by the French anarchist Martial Bourdin to blow up the Greenwich Observatory in 1894.

But you dont have to go back that far. We all remember the Kennedy assassinations, but we have largely forgotten the wave of political murder in the late 1960s and 70s. The Weather Underground in the US, that targeted the Capitol, the Pentagon, and the American judiciary. The far-Left Red Brigades in Italy, who kidnapped and murdered Aldo Moro, a former prime minister. The Red Army Faction, the Baader-Meinhof gang in Germany, who killed US servicemen, lawyers, policemen, and prominent business people. And of course here at home we had the gangster IRA, which murdered four MPs and came close to killing the PM herself.

None of these people needed social media to motivate them to their crimes. All they needed was their demented cause, their distorted view of history and political reality, and a willingness to commit murder in pursuit of it. They all found plenty of people who were willing to justify their actions, cover up for them, or look the other way.

Sadly the only conclusion I can reach is that such crimes are endemic in human nature. Whether you see the cause as an evil force or some sort of mental disturbance, it hasnt helped us spot the people who commit such acts or head them off before they happen. All we can do is punish after the fact and thereby, hopefully, deter others. Restricting social media is not going to help, any more than banning books in the past would have done.

But one other uncomfortable fact needs to be acknowledged too. It is that its on the Left that it seems you find most of those ready to equivocate about Charlie Kirks murder, to say that somehow he had it coming, or even I didnt agree with him but he didnt deserve to be killed (as if some lower-level sanction, perhaps a beating or gagging on social media, might have been justified). Im not saying it never happens, but in general people on the right dont celebrate the murder of their political opponents. Why should this be?

The answer, in my view anyway, is that theres an intellectual virus of sympathy for violence on the Islamo-gauchiste far-Left that goes back quite a long way, a history of supporting and glorifying so-called revolutionary resistance, via Frantz Fanon from Mao to Che Guevara to the Shining Path to Hamas, a view that has seeped into broader Leftist culture,

We all know the consequences in real life. Yes, there are exceptions, but it appears to me that a Left-wing mob has a propensity to violence which a Right-wing demonstration does not. No-one expects American cities to be burned down by the Right in reaction to Charlie Kirks murder as they were after the killing of George Floyd. You dont find pro-Israel groups wrecking RAF jets or intimidating opponents on election night. To my belief, no-one is frightened by last weeks anti-abortion March for Life in London, but Antifa, or the fringe to the trans movement, are genuinely scary (and if you doubt the latter, read Kathleen Stock on X this week).

Too much of the modern Left plays along with this. It is after all they who say words are violence or who talk about the structural violence of colonialism or capitalism, language chosen to help justify a violent response. It is they who casually refer to moderate opponents as far-Right, fascists, or even Nazis. And  see Alastair Campbells embarrassing apology for asserting that Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gay people to death  it is they who are quick to think the worst of their opponents. It needs to stop.

To stop violence seeping into our political culture, we need all decent people to condemn it, and to put those who wont beyond the pale of normal political discourse. I dont think thats too much to ask  even from the modern Leftist progressive.
A worker has been crushed to death by a robotic machine at a frozen pizza factory in Wisconsin, officials say.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiners office identified the man as 45-year-old Robert Cherone, according to multiple local outlets.

It happened at Palermos Pizza factory in West Milwaukee on Wednesday morning. The factory is known for brands such as Screamin Sicilian and Urban Pie.

Rebecca Schimke, a spokesperson for Palermos, called Cherones death a tragic accident, in a statement obtained by Wisconsin Public Radio and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

A worker has been crushed to death by a robotic machine at a frozen pizza factory in Wisconsin, officials say (Emily Elconin/Getty Images)

Palermos will be supporting the employees family and next of kin. We will also be offering counseling and support services to the Palermos team during this difficult time, Schimke said.

The West Milwaukee Police Department said in a press release shared by Wisconsin Public Radio that they were called to the pizza factory shortly after 6:30 a.m. local time Wednesday.

First responders tried to save Cherone, but he died at the factory, police say.

The incident is under investigation and Palermos said it is cooperating with government officials and gathering facts.

Stephanie Bloomingdale, the president of Wisconsins AFL-CIO, a federation of dozens of national and international labor unions, called for workplace safety in a statement obtained by local news.

This tragic incident underscores the need for everyone involved in our workplaces  workers, employers, relevant government agencies  to work together aggressively to ensure that every person who goes to work to provide for themselves and their family comes home safely at the end of the day, she said.

Bloomingdale added that workers at the pizza factory are not in a union, but we nonetheless share the pain of a fellow worker losing their life on the job.

According to a report published in April by the AFL-CIO, 5,283 U.S. workers died on the job in 2023. Out of those deaths, 112 were in Wisconsin.
Spitting Image co-writer Al Murray has said YouTube is the best place for the satirical series in light of Jimmy Kimmels late-night talk show being suspended following comments made about assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The comedy puppet show, returning on the week of Donald Trumps second state visit to the UK, promises skits featuring the US President, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the King.

Asked about the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, comedian Murray, 57, told the PA news agency: Its kind of remarkable that its happening and this is really why YouTube, to us, seems the best place for us to be, because theres no one between us and the audience, in particular, which is his issue, if you want.

The puppet of Donald Trump (Avalon/Matt Stronge/PA)

Theres him, theres the broadcaster and all that.

Whereas two years ago, we did Idiots Assemble, a musical of Spitting Image, Matt (Forde) and I worked on that.

And what was wonderful about that is there was no one between us and the audience.

It was us, the show, and how the audience felt about it, rather than sort of various filters you go through and we think were kind of in that same position with going on YouTube.

Spitting Image made a return to TV after 24 years in 2020 when it aired on BritBox.

The show will now be available on YouTube in 12 short-form vodcast-style episodes under the name, The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a nod to the Goalhanger Podcasts that begin with the title The Rest Is.

Co-writer Forde, 42, agreed that being on video platform YouTube gives the writers more creative freedom.

The new JD Vance puppet (Avalon/Matt Stronge/PA)

It comes after ITV was forced to write off episodes of Spitting Image that featured the Queen, at a cost of 9 million, following her death in 2022.

Forde told PA: I think whatever commissioner youre working for, on any other platform, inevitably you go through a process.

And I think you see in America, you see with Jimmy Kimmel, the pitfall is that pressure can be applied by other powerful people

If other people get in the way, it becomes watered down, it becomes timid, or it can get taken off air at a moments notice.

If youre in control of it, you are giving your stuff direct to the people, and there are no other voices or interests preventing you from mocking powerful people.

Forde added: With The Rest Is Bulls*!t we are reflecting the world of 2025, and beyond. You know these are the new things, these are the ways that people are consuming media and getting their news and their opinion.

So modern Spitting Image has to reflect the modern landscape.

He added: I think the public really feel like theyve been deprived of something vital for quite a while in having really punchy stuff thats really funny and really silly and a really good laugh that doesnt take itself too seriously.

ABC reportedly pulled Kimmels show after several ABC-affiliated stations refused to air it, objecting to comments the host made during shows on Monday and Tuesday.

The new puppet of Benjamin Netanyahu (Avalon/Matt Stronge/PA)

The comedian told his audience many in Maga land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk, who was shot during an event on a Utah University campus on September 10.

In response to the suspension, Mr Trump told a UK press conference: Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person. He had very bad ratings, and they should have fired him a long time ago.

Commenting on how he imagines Mr Trump would respond to Spitting Image, Forde said: Hed hate it. Hed absolutely hate it.

Hes got such a thin skin. I think itd drive him absolutely mad. I think hed hate the way the puppet looks, the way it sounds, and hed hate what we do with it.

The new series of the satirical puppet show, known for taking aim at high-profile figures including Mr Trump and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is to feature new puppets that depict Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, US vice president JD Vance and leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un.

An all-new episode will be available to view at 8pm on Friday on the official Spitting Image YouTube channel.
The PM spoke of two countries that have come a long way together since 1776 - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

I suggest a change to the one-in, one-out policy: Keir Starmer goes to America and we keep Donald Trump. The state visit has been a triumph. The press conference was inspirational.

The PM spoke of two countries that have come a long way together since 1776 to forge a partnership [that] shaped the world, from the beaches of Normandy to the founding of Nato. The president spoke about Joe Biden, a stone cold loser who was never the brightest bulb in the ceiling.

He reflected thoughtfully upon the cancellation of chat show host Jimmy Kimmel (they shouldve fired him long ago... he was fired for lack of talent), yet when Peter Mandelson came up, Trump said I dont know him  as if under caution  and invited Starmer to answer instead.

The Prez might have forgotten who Mandy is, but he remembered that the PM is a lawyer.

Donald and Melania Trump with the Starmers at Chequers - ANDY RAIN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock

Melania spent the day floating about Chequers as if on casters. Statuesque, dressed as the military dictator of a Latin American republic, Im told staff were relieved when she ditched the lampshade hat. An elderly butler got a nasty fright when he entered the first ladys bedroom the previous evening: groping for a light, he stuck his fingers up her nose and tried to turn her on.

All forgiven  the butlers arm reset by medics  PM and Prez sat down to sign a trade deal (details are sparse but Im sure we lost billions). This was almost overshadowed by breaking news of civil war in Sultana and Corbyns Fruit and Nut Party, a veritable banana split.

Sultana alleges to have been subjected to what I can only describe as a sexist boys club. One suspects she could detect misogyny in a convent, but Corbyns core voters are conservative imams, so maybe she has a point. I hereby rename the party the Mensheviks.

But all eyes were drawn back to Chequers  quite the place, the President said, making a note to give it four stars on TripAdvisor. Observing the time-honoured protocol of the Special Relationship, the PM praised his guest and the President told his host how to run his country: stop the boats and drill, bozo, drill.

The PM and US President signed a technology prosperity deal at Chequers - ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS

Trump refused to recognise Gaza, perhaps because hes never heard of it. British journalists pushed him on foreign policy; US reporters asked if hes seen any actual proof that man went to the moon? The president said illegal immigrants come from the Congo with the intonation of that lovely old advert for Um Bongo.

He reinforced his grand theme: my administration is a champion of free speech, and I will destroy anyone who says it isnt. Its a mark of how invidious Britains position is that even though Trump sounds bizarre, hes running his country much better than Starmer does. The last three months, we had zero people enter the country illegally, he said. Zero.

A sign at one of the protests read, Trump Out, Refugees Welcome, and that about sums up the Left: turn away a man who, for all his faults, loves Britain, open the doors to people who, in rare but ghastly cases, actively hate it.

Later, the first couple ascended the steps to their airplane, the wind blowing their hair. Melanias went sideways, Donalds shot up  and gently waved goodbye.
Flooding in Kasur, Punjab, after heavy monsoon rains and melting glaciers in September caused rivers to overflow. Photograph: Sohail Shahzad/EPA

Only a third of the worlds river basins experienced normal conditions last year as the climate crisis drove extremes of drought and flood, sometimes both in the same region.

The increasingly erratic water cycle is creating big problems for societies and governments and causing billions of dollars in damage, scientists warned.

The disturbance to natural water cycles has resulted in food scarcity, poor crop yields and rising prices, with some hard-hit regions already experiencing tensions and migration. Stefan Uhlenbrook, the director of the hydrology, water and cryosphere division of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said: This is existential for some regions.

Last year was the hottest on record, with the mean surface temperature reaching 1.55C above preindustrial levels. A severe drought hit the Amazon basin, peaking from July to September, while dry conditions also afflicted parts of North America, southern and south-eastern Africa and Mexico.

Central Europe, Russia, Pakistan and northern India were among the areas hit by deluges, according to the WMOs State of Global Water Resources report published on Thursday. In Africa, flooding in the tropical zone killed about 2,500 people and left 4 million people displaced, with widespread damage to vital infrastructure such as roads.

Severe floods hit the south of Brazil, even while the Amazon parched.

Glaciers across all regions lost ice mass for the third consecutive year, with record losses in Svalbard, Scandinavia and north Asia. The losses were equivalent to about 1.2mm of sea level rise.

Related: Europes summer of extreme weather caused 43bn of short-term losses, analysis finds

Uhlenbrook said: Snow cover is disappearing in some parts, with the snow melt peak coming earlier. This has a huge impact on the ecology  wildlife and vegetation are not getting water available when they need it.

Governments could take a variety of measures to reduce the impact of the extreme swings in the water cycle. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions rapidly; improving water storage by building reservoirs or restoring wetlands that act as sponges to retain water for use in droughts and reduce the impact of flooding; and encouraging changes to farming techniques to make the most of the water available.

Early warning systems can also save lives when severe weather hits and cooperation among governments can improve preparation. But the reports authors warned that governments were failing to act on the issues. This is not getting sufficient political attention. Investments in preparation pay back for society. Governments should see this as a valuable investment, said Uhlenbrook.

If we are not taking proactive measures now, this will cost more in the future, added Lucy Barker, a senior analyst at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
Sally Rooney has said that she will donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations to support Palestine Action - Patrick Bolger

Sally Rooney, the author of Normal People, has claimed she can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest because of her support for Palestine Action.

The Irish writer, 34, vowed she would continue to be a supporter of the proscribed terror group after it was banned for allegedly damaging two planes at an RAF base in June.

Last month Downing Street warned that Ms Rooney could be jailed for up to 14 years after she said that she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations to support Palestine Action.

She also provided support for a legal claim by Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, against the Home Office over its decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.

At the most recent demonstration against the proscription in central London, more than 850 people were arrested amid alleged clashes between Palestine Action supporters and police.

A mass demonstration was held at Parliament Square in London against the ban on Palestine Action - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Image

But after winning the Sky Arts Award for literature for her most recent novel, Intermezzo, the author reiterated her solidarity with the people of Palestine.

In a message read out by her publisher Alex Bowler at the ceremony in London, Ms Rooney said: Im so touched and grateful to receive this prize.

I truly loved writing Intermezzo and it means the world to me to think that it has found some small place in the lives of its readers. Thank you.

I wish that I could be with you this evening to accept the honour in person, but because of my support for non-violent anti-war protest, Im advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest.

In that context I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine. Thank you.

Last month, Ms Rooney said she would continue to support Palestine Action, despite its proscription as a terrorist organisation.

Writing in the Irish Times, she added: If that makes me a support of terror under UK law, so be it.

Crowds gathered in London on Sept 6 to protest against the proscription of Palestine Action - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images

The Metropolitan Police said showing or providing support for Palestine Action are serious offences, and warned that those committing offences of this nature can expect to find themselves arrested and prosecuted.

A Counter Terrorism Policing spokesman told The Telegraph: Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is aware of reports in the media of comments by Sally Rooney relating to Palestine Action.

As is normal practice, we will not be commenting on individuals or whether they may or may not be subject to any form of counter terrorism investigation.

As we have said before, our role is to enforce the law and Palestine Action has been proscribed under the Terrorism Act.

Showing support for, or providing support to a proscribed terrorist group like Palestine Action  including through funding  are serious offences, which will be investigated by CTP and those committing offences of this nature can expect to find themselves arrested and prosecuted.
Douglas Ross has called for Jamie Hepburn to resign for the alleged assault - Andrew Milligan/PA

An SNP minister has been accused of physically assaulting the former Scottish Tory leader following a row over gulls.

Douglas Ross claimed he was grabbed and verbally abused by Jamie Hepburn as he made his way out of the chamber in the Scottish Parliament following a debate on Wednesday night.

Mr Hepburn, the minister for parliamentary business and an influential figure within the SNP, allegedly became more and more aggressive towards Mr Ross as the row escalated.

Mr Ross has consulted the police on the matter and is considering whether to make a formal complaint. He has also raised it with parliamentary officials.

A senior source in the Scottish Government said Mr Hepburn would not be dismissed from his role, but refused to say Mr Ross was lying in his account of events.

John Swinney, the First Minister, said he was unaware of the incident but would consider the issues raised by Mr Ross.

Jamie Hepburn was not present during First Ministers Questions when Mr Ross made the allegation - SST/Alamy Live News

The incident took place after Mr Ross criticised the Scottish Governments proposed plans to tackle dangerous gulls as a sham in a heated debate on Wednesday night.

The MSP had been calling on ministers to take action on the birds after an elderly woman broke her leg during an attack earlier this year, but criticised a summit proposed to tackle the issue for shutting out the public and media.

Mr Ross was allotted five minutes to speak on the topic before a major vote on legal reform but his speech went on for eight minutes in total.

He was accused of using the speech to delay the landmark vote on abolishing the not proven verdict used in Scotlands courts.

The not proven outcome, which MSPs voted to abolish on Wednesday night, amounts to the same as a not guilty verdict but has been criticised for being insufficiently clear.

In an abrupt intervention during Thursdays session of First Ministers Questions, Mr Ross said: As I left the chamber yesterday, I was physically assaulted and verbally abused by your minister for parliamentary business, Jamie Hepburn.

He called on Mr Swinney to make a statement about the incident and reiterate his zero-tolerance approach to threatening and intimidating behaviour by his ministers.

Screaming and shouting

Mr Hepburn was not in the chamber for FMQs but later insisted he had not physically assaulted Mr Ross.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Hepburn said: I used some words I shouldnt have yesterday, industrial language I accept I shouldnt have done. I put my hand on his shoulder. There was no force at all.

A Scottish Labour source told the Daily Record that one of their partys MSPs had witnessed screaming and shouting between the two politicians.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon, Mr Ross said Mr Hepburn had grabbed me and held on all the way out of the chamber while sweating.

The Tory MSP claimed he could not be in the chamber with Mr Hepburn in an upcoming debate because he would worry about his reaction.

He called on the SNP minister to resign, claiming he had breached the ministerial code.

Breaches will not be tolerated

The Scottish ministerial code states: Ministers should be professional in all their dealings and treat all those with whom they come into contact with consideration and respect.

Working relationships, including with civil servants, ministerial and parliamentary colleagues and parliamentary staff should be proper and appropriate.

Harassing, bullying or other inappropriate or discriminating behaviour, wherever it takes place, is not consistent with the ministerial code and will not be tolerated.

The Scottish Parliament has advised Mr Ross that complaints regarding the code of conduct can be made to the commissioner for ethical standards in public life in Scotland.

A spokesman said: As the presiding officer said in the Chamber, this is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes.
A bright green classic Dodge Charger Daytona with its hood open is displayed at an indoor car auction, under bright lights and surrounded by banners and other vehicles.

Muscle cars represent the pinnacle of American automotive performance and style with their powerful engines, aggressive designs, and rich history. Certain models stand out not only for their speed and power, but also for their rarity and significance in automotive history. Whether its the legendary Shelby, the iconic Hemi Challenger, or other notable classics, some of these cars sell for hammer-busting amounts. Here are some of the most expensive muscle cars sold at auction we could find.

1. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake  $5.5 Million

David Cherniak / Flickr

The 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake is a legendary muscle car and the sole surviving example of its kind. Originally built as a factory 427 competition car in 1965, it was upgraded in 1967 with dual Paxton superchargers on its 427 cubic-inch V8, delivering extreme power through a three-speed automatic transmission. This one-of-a-kind Cobra, designated CSX 3015, retains its original engine, body panels, and other key components, adding to its value. Its also seen record-breaking prices at auction, selling for $5.5 million in both 2007 and 2021, and $5.1 million in 2015.

2. 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Bullitt  $3.4 Million

UserDeleted / Reddit.com

The iconic 1968 Ford Mustang GT390, featured in a legendary car chase in the movie Bullitt, sold for a record $3.4 million at auction. It was a staggering increase from its original $3,500 price. After filming, the car passed through several owners, including a Warner Bros employee and a detective who sold it to Robert Kiernan for $6,000 in 1974. The car remained in the Kiernan family for 40 years before being restored to its original condition. The sale marks the most expensive Mustang ever sold, though if were talking movie cars, James Bonds Aston Martin DB5 still holds a higher price record at $4.5 million.

3. 1962 Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000  $13.75 Million

Jaydec at English Wikipedia

As the very first Cobra ever built, the 62 260 CSX2000 was American automotive designer Carroll Shelbys prototype for blending American muscle with British engineering. With its lightweight AC Ace body and Ford V8 engine, the car showcased a revolutionary design that set the stage for decades of performance cars to follow. In 2016, it sold for a staggering $13.75 million, making it the most expensive American car ever auctioned at the time.

4. 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible  $3.5 Million

Rebelscum320 / Reddit.com

The 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible is one of the rarest and most coveted muscle cars ever made, with only 11 built that year and just two four-speed models sold in the U.S. In 2014, the convertible Cuda shattered records at Mecum Auctions, selling for $3.5 million and far surpassing previous, similar sales.

5. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88  $3.85 Million

MDDeGrande1994 / Reddit.com

Corvettes have a flashy and expensive reputation, but the metallic purple, in-your-face new models you see zooming down the highway these days arent even the most expensive Vettes money can buy. For that, youll have to rewind back to the 60s. The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 is a legendary icon, often hailed as the crown jewel of Corvettes. Designed as a road-legal race car, it features a 7.0-liter 427 V8 engine, underrated at 430 horsepower but capable of producing up to 574 horsepower in reality. With only 20 units made and just 16 still in existence, the L88 is one of the rarest and most sought-after Corvettes. The red/red 1967 L88 (the only one with that color combo) holds the record as the most expensive Corvette ever sold, fetching $3.85 million at auction in 2014.

6. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6  $1.2 Million

UserDeleted / Reddit.com

The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 is Chevrolets top muscle car in terms of value and performance, with the convertible being the rarest and most valuable variant. Although Chevrolet never released precise production numbers, its estimated that fewer than 20 LS6-equipped convertibles exist today. The LS6 engine, advertised at 450 hp, boasts a 454 cubic-inch block, making it a high-performance powerhouse. Due to the lack of detailed production records, fakes are common, and verifying authenticity requires a detailed paper trail. Genuine LS6 convertibles typically fetch between $150,000 and $200,000, with some notable cars, such as the Ray Allen Truppi-Kling race car, reaching $1.2 million at auction.

7. 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible  $1.1 Million

UserDeleted / reddit.com

The connection between this car being called The Judge and its whopping hammer price makes us so giddy inside. Serendipity, ya know? The 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible sold for $1.1 million at Mecum Auctions thanks to its rarity  Pontiac only made seven automatic versions. Originally a factory exhibition car, it was later sold to a private owner. Out of 40,149 GTOs produced in 1970, only 168 were Judge convertibles, and just 17 had the powerful 370-hp Ram Air IV V8 engine.

8. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1  $1.1 Million

Sicnag / Wikipedia

1969 was a powerhouse year for the Camaro. Between the Z/28, ZL-1, and SS models, this model year is a Camaro collectors drool bait. Since Chevy only made 69 ZL-1 Camaros, though, they are particularly sought after and valuable, to the tune of $1,094,500. The car joins the sleek design of the 1969 Camaro with the rare, racing-oriented 427-cubic-inch ZL-1 big-block engine.

9. 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra  $5.49 Million

UserDeleted / Reddit.com

A 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra that Carroll Shelby owned sold for $5.49 million at Mecum Auctions. Shelby was the cars only owner, keeping it from the time it left the assembly line in March 1966 until his death in 2012. Originally painted in Carbon Grey, the Cobra was later repainted in blue with a gold nose, then again in red. Seeking maximum power, Shelby replaced the engine with a 427-cubic inch V8 with aluminum heads, paired with an automatic transmission.

10. 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible  $1.65 Million

UserDeleted / Reddit.com

The 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible is one of only nine produced that year, making it a rare gem among muscle car enthusiasts. As with most muscle cars produced in limited amounts, this bad boy is worth some serious loot, selling for $1.65 million at auction.

11. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona  $260,000

BoyNamedJudy / Reddit.com

You know the car is going to be fast when it was designed specifically for NASCAR. Sporting an aerodynamic nose cone and a tall rear wing, the Dodge Charger Daytona won the inaugural Talladega 500. Only 503 were built, making them a rare collectors item; one was recently purchased for $260,000 at auction.

More car content:

FPG/Getty Images

The post 11 Rare Muscle Cars That Made Millions at Auction appeared first on Wealth Gang.
Julia Hartbeck

Not quite raw and not quite cooked, ceviche is a light, refreshing seafood appetizer enjoyed all along the Pacific Coast of Latin America. The dish varies by country, but at its core, it's made from raw fish that's been marinated in citrus to denature the proteins, thereby turning it firm and opaque, similar to fish that's been heated. While its origins are not entirely clear, ceviche has perhaps its deepest roots in Peru, where it's considered the national dish. Here, you'll find classic Peruvian and Mexican ceviche recipes, along with taco and tostada variations plus Thai and Filipino takes. Make your way through the collection to find your favorite ceviche preparation.

01 of 13

Tuna-Avocado Ceviche with Salsa Macha

Jen Causey

Salsa macha tastes amazing on pretty much anything. Add a couple spoonfuls to cubed raw fish to transform an everyday ceviche into an extraordinary snack. Serve like poke or with tostadas.

Get the Recipe

02 of 13

Patacones (Fried Plantains) with Sea Bass Ceviche

Greg Dupree / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Audrey Taylor

Winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez Rave combines shallots with fresh herbs and coconut milk in a mouthwatering sea bass ceviche that brings forth the flavors of her Colombian upbringing. She serves it with smashed, double-fried plantain wafers that act as crispy scoops.

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03 of 13

Ceviche

Julia Hartbeck

Rick Bayless' classic Mexican ceviche includes all the ingredients typical of this style, plus one that's not exactly standard: chopped green olives. They bring a salty, slightly tangy element to complement the sweet-tart tomatoes and creamy avocado.

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04 of 13

Fish and Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas

Eva Kolenko / Food Styling by Carrie Purcell / Prop Styling by Nidia Cueva

Studded with tomatoes and carrots, lime juicecured seafood is piled atop fiery habanero crema. The crema can be made in advance, but build the tostadas just before serving to keep them crisp.

Get the Recipe

05 of 13

Ceviche with Corn and Sweet Potatoes

 Kate Winslow

Ceviche is the national dish of Peru, and this recipe with white fish is representative of the traditional Peruvian style. Instead of choclo, the large-kernel corn that's typically used, we've subbed in an ear of easier-to-find fresh sweet corn.

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06 of 13

Tuna Ceviche with Avocado and Cilantro

 Antonis Achilleos

With only a few ingredients, Rick Bayless' salpimentado (salt-and-pepper) ceviche is typical of what one would find at stands around the southern tip of Baja. Cooks often make it with sierra, a large and meaty Mexican fish, but tuna works just as well.

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07 of 13

Scallop Ceviche with Aguachile

 Con Poulos

This simple ceviche combines aguachile  a vibrant sauce made from fresh chiles, herbs, and cucumbers  with thinly sliced scallops that have been just cured in fresh lime juice.

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08 of 13

Red Snapper Ceviche

 Wendell T. Webber

Allen Susser prefers firm, white-fleshed fish for ceviche, such as the red snapper here. "Dice the fish into uniform pieces, so they cook evenly in the citrus juice," he advises. This bright dish is studded with finely chopped red and yellow bell pepper; it's spiced with just a pinch each of ground cumin and crushed red pepper.

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09 of 13

Summer Vegetable "Ceviche"

 Con Poulos

Instead of fish, Green Kitchen Stories bloggers David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl marinate a medley of fresh veggies in a bright lime-based dressing. Their summer version includes baby lima beans, corn, nectarines, avocado, orange bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.

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10 of 13

Scallop Ceviche with Sweet Potato

 Lucas Allen

This Peruvian sea scallop ceviche gets its heat from a combo of aji limo paste and seeded habanero. Chopped celery adds a little freshness plus a subtle crunch, a clove of garlic contributes pungency, and a splash of bottled clam juice or fish stock enriches the marinade, aka leche de tigre.

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11 of 13

Thai Ceviche with Coconut

 Tina Rupp

Thailand has its own versions of ceviche, including goong chae nam pla, which is made with prawns, and koi tuna. Sang Yoon's recipe employs a trio of seafood  squid, shrimp, and scallops  that's boiled for just a single minute before being marinated in a lime-based blend that includes coconut water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha. The addition of shredded coconut rounds out the Thai flavors.

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12 of 13

Ceviche Fish Tacos with Avocado and Lime

 Phoebe Lapine

Mexican-style ceviche is perfect for tucking into warm corn tortillas. This version is loaded with Fresno chiles; the citrusy marinade is balanced with just a touch of honey. Serve the tacos with thinly sliced avocado and lime wedges.

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13 of 13

Filipino-Style Ceviche with Coconut Milk

 John Kernick

Kinilaw is a raw seafood dish that's often referred to as Filipino ceviche. Here, 2014 F&W Best New Chef Paul Qui swaps in raw coconut vinegar for citrus juice as the base of his tuna marinade, bolstering it with coconut milk, grated ginger, and Thai chiles.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine
Arriving soon? Dusseldorf airport will be first in Germany to administer the entry-exit system (Simon Calder)

Only one of Germanys airports will be initially run the EUs entry-exit system (EES) from day one, as the authorities seek to limit potential disruption from the digital borders scheme.

The much-delayed EES is due to begin on 12 October 2025, bringing unprecedented red tape for British travellers to Europe.

UK passport holders visiting the EU and wider Schengen area will have fingerprints and facial biometrics registered  a consequence of the third-country national status Boris Johnsons government negotiated after Brexit.

The government in Berlin says officials and the transport industry have completed planning for the roll-out. But initially only Dusseldorf airport will deploy the entry-exit system for arrivals and departures.

The interior ministry said in an online statement: The EES will first go into operation at Dusseldorf airport on 12 October 2025.

Frankfurt and Munich airports will follow in a next step, after which the EES will gradually be introduced at all of Germanys other airports as well as its ports at maritime external borders.

Frankfurt and Munich are the main hubs for the German national airline, Lufthansa.

The statement added that the entry-exit system replaces the current analogue stamping of travel documents with the digital recording of entry and exit data.

In fact, during the roll-out passports will continue to be examined and stamped. EES is an extra level of red tape.

Germany shares land frontiers with nine nations. But as all the countries are members of the Schengen area  with no permanent formal frontier controls  the entry-exit system will not apply at road or rail borders.

The ministry said: The aim is to ramp up operations in a controlled way to ensure that border control processes keep running smoothly at all times.

Technical challenges in operations will be identified at an early stage so that compensatory measures can be taken if air or ship passengers from third countries experience unreasonable waits.

If queues build up at a particular frontier post, whether a port or airport, border officials are permitted to allow up to 90 per cent of travellers to swerve the EES component.

The interior ministry promises that by the completion date stipulated by the European Commission, 9 April 2026, Germany will have the system in full operation at all its external air and sea borders.

With just weeks to go before the roll-out of EES begins, few details are available from other nations about which crossing points will be running EES from day one.

Luxembourgs home affairs ministry has confirmed the countrys only Schengen area entry point, Findel airport, will start deploying the entry-exit system on 12 October.

Luxembourg is the location for Schengen, the village adjoining France and Germany that gives its name to the frontier-free zone.

Simon Calder answers the latest readers questions on the EU entry-exit system
U.S. airlines continue to pull back from serving Tulum International Airport in Mexico as demand lags, with travelers still favoring the Cancun International Airport as their gateway to the country's Caribbean beaches.

The airport opened to passengers on Dec. 1, 2023, and after an initial surge in flights, it has steadily seen airlines pull down capacity since then. Heading into spring break this year, airlines were flying fewer seats than in the previous spring, and the downward trend continues.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines will still to serve Tulum, but with thousands fewer seats over the course of this winter compared to winter 2024-2025.

Data from Cirium, an aviation data analytics company, shows that all airlines are planning to fly fewer seats to Tulum in the months ahead.

In Dec. 2024, for example, U.S. airlines had the capacity to send 41,503 passengers to Tulum with flights from various gateways. In Dec. 2025, the combined U.S. airline capacity to Tulum is planned to be just 29,511 seats. United Airlines, which will have flights to Tulum from both Newark and Houston this winter, is the only U.S. carrier planning to send more than 10,000 seats to Tulum in the coming months.

Tourists walk along a beach with heavy clouds caused by the proximity of tropical storm Franklin that is near the coast of Quintana Roo, in Tulum, Mexico, on Aug. 7, 2017.

This kind of pulling back isn't unusual as airlines adjust to actual demand at a new airport, but carriers cutting capacity is not a promising sign for the airport's popularity.

"Airlines will first guess the demand for flights based on the data tools at their disposal, offer a schedule for sale to test their hypothesis, review the results, and add or pare as they see fit to ensure they are at least covering their trip costs, and the opportunity cost of deploying aircraft, crew, and fuel," Mike Arnot, a spokesperson for Cirium, previously told USA TODAY. "Many low-cost airlines are quick to test and reduce flying from a market or exit altogether. Larger carriers will be more conservative."

View of the Punta Piedra beach in Tulum, Quintana Roo state, Mexico, on Nov. 10, 2022.

Airlines like Delta and American have reduced the number of cities with direct flights to Tulum. Spirit Airlines, amid its financial difficulties and relatively soft demand, pulled out of the airport before even beginning its promised service at all.

It's always possible the airport could make a passenger popularity rebound as traveler demand shifts over time, but for now, it seems likely Tulum will continue playing second fiddle to its neighbor up the road.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why airlines are pulling back from Tulum almost 2 years after opening
The death of a 21-year-old Black student discovered hanging from a tree at Delta State University in Mississippi has been ruled a suicide, police said Thursday.

The body of the student, identified as Demartravion "Trey" Reed, was discovered by a faculty member around 7 a.m. on Monday hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on the Cleveland, Mississippi, campus, according to the campus police department.

The Mississippi State Medical Examiner's autopsy findings are "consistent with the initial investigation, determining the cause of death to be hanging and the manner of death as suicide," the Cleveland Police Department said in a press release on Thursday.

Trey Reed/Facebook - PHOTO: In this undated image released by attorney Ben Crump, Delta State victim Trey Reed is shown.

Final toxicology results are pending and may take two to four weeks to complete, police said.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with Reed's family and friends during this very difficult time," Cleveland Police Chief Travis Tribble said in a statement.

The case remains an "active investigation" and all materials have been given to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for further review, police said.

The school's president acknowledged this week that the incident has stoked tensions on campus and stirred up memories of the racist violence of the state's Jim Crow-era history.

"I want to begin by acknowledging that the manner how Trey was discovered has stirred many emotions in this community and many emotions around the state and the nation," Delta State President Dan Ennis said at Wednesday's news conference.

The school is about 50 miles from the Tallahatchie River, where in 1955, authorities discovered the mutilated body of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black child, who was abducted by two white men after he was accused of whistling at a white woman.

WAPT - PHOTO: Delta State University President Daniel Ennis speaks at a news conference, September 17, 2025, as Delta State Police Chief Michael Peeler looks on.

Ennis said the school, which canceled classes on Monday, has received threats in the wake of Reed's death.

"In that regard, we have been very grateful that we have had increased law enforcement presence on this campus, and, unfortunately, that's because this campus has received threats, and my message to that regard would be, we have students here," Ennis said. "They came here to get an education, and folks who threaten the institution are hurting students, and we don't want that. We are supposed to be a place where students come to feel safe and to learn. That's our mission, and that's what we'll continue to do."

Ennis noted that a preliminary report released earlier this week by the Bolivar County Coroner's Office "indicates no evidence of foul play."

But Ennis, who is white, added, "We recognize that this is not only about facts, it's about emotions, and it's about feelings and the way this loss and how it was discovered affects people's lives. And I'll further say that I admit that I am not adequate to speak to the imagery that this incident raises. I acknowledge my weakness in that regard."

Meanwhile, officials confirmed to ABC News that a second man, identified as 35-year-old Cory Zukatis, who is white, was also discovered on Monday, lifeless and hanging from a tree in Vicksburg, about 100 miles south of Cleveland, Mississippi.

MORE: FBI investigates death of Black man found hanging in Alabama

Investigators have not said if any evidence has been uncovered connecting the two deaths.

The FBI field office in Jackson, Mississippi, released a statement on Wednesday, saying it is aware of the incident at Delta State and is "in regular contact with local authorities."

"If, during the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal violation, the FBI is prepared to investigate," the FBI said in its statement.

During Wednesday's news conference, Delta State Police Chief Michael Peeler said the investigation of Reed's death remains an "active investigation." On Monday, Peeler said at a news conference that "at this time, there's no evidence of foul play."

"Again, the statement was we didn't believe or have evidence of foul play," Peeler said on Wednesday, adding that he was the second officer to arrive on scene after getting the first report of a student hanging from a tree.

Peeler added that investigators are combing over video related to Reed's death, but he would not divulge what the footage contained.

"There are videos and they're in the hands of the investigation team," said Peeler.

The Bolivar County Coroner's Office released a statement on Monday, saying, "Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault."

Getty Images - PHOTO: Authorities are investigating the death of a 21-year-old Delta State University student who was found, Sept. 15, 2025, hanging from a tree on the Cleveland, Mississippi, campus.

"At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death," the Bolivar County Coroner's Office said in its statement.

Reed's body was taken to the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office and a full autopsy was conducted on Wednesday, police said.

Peeler said he has asked the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to assist in the probe of Reed's death.

"The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is only assisting in the death investigation that occurred at Delta State University. Any information related to this incident will need to be released by the lead investigating agency," a spokesperson for the agency told ABC News on Wednesday.

Zukatis' body was discovered in a wooded area of the city known to be frequented by drug users, a representative with the Warren County Coroner's Office said. The coroner's office representative told ABC News that Zukatis was homeless and had allegedly been using drugs since the age of 14.

The medical examiner has yet to complete an autopsy on Zukatis, according to the representative.

MORE: Video FBI Investigating Mississippi Hanging of African-American Man

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation spokesperson told ABC News that the agency is not involved in the investigation of Zukatis' death.

During Wednesday's news conference at Delta State University, authorities made no mention of Zukatis' death.

Peeler was asked specifically about his statement on Monday, saying no foul play had been discovered in Reed's death.

Peeler said that he went to the scene and observed Reed hanging from the tree, but citing the ongoing investigation would not elaborate.

Reed's family has retained national civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump to represent them.

Crump said he will undertake an independent investigation into Reed's death, including commissioning an independent autopsy "to verify the findings of the state medical examiner and ensure no question goes unanswered."

"We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain," Crump said in a statement. "I stand with this family, and I will lead a team of civil rights leaders and organizations in pursuing transparency and answers."

On Wednesday afternoon, Crump released a new statement, calling on police and university officials to release to the Reed family the video footage related to Reed's death that Peeler mentioned in the news conference.

"Trey's family deserves answers they can trust. We cannot accept rushed, conclusions when the stakes are this high," Crump said. "By demanding the family be allowed to view any video and commissioning an independent autopsy, we are taking every step to uncover the truth about what happened to Trey."

The NAACP also released a statement, expressing "skepticism" in the preliminary findings of the police investigation.

"The body of 21-year-old Trey Reed was found hanging from a tree on the campus of Delta State University. While initial reports offered no evidence of 'foul play,' youd have to excuse our skepticism amidst growing racially motivated violence targeted at our communities across this nation," the NAACP said on Wednesday. "So while we await more formal autopsy reports and information, we offer this piece of history with a level of certainty: Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees"

-ABC News' Luke Barr contributed to this report.
Authorities in Mississippi said Thursday that autopsy results confirmed a Black student who was found hanging from a tree on the campus of Delta State University died by suicide.

"On September 17, 2025, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy. Findings were consistent with the initial investigation, determining the cause of death to be hanging and the manner of death as suicide," the Cleveland Police Department said in a statement. "Final toxicology results are pending and may take two to four weeks to complete."

Demartravion "Trey" Reed, 21, was found near the pickleball courts on campus Monday, sparking fear and concern among the student body.

Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Wednesday he has been retained by Reeds family, writing on social media, Trey was a young man full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened.

FROM THE ARCHIVES | Series Of Hanging Deaths Spark Speculation About Potential Lynchings

At a news conference held Wednesday, university officials said a preliminary report by the local coroner did not indicate foul play.

Campus police chief Michael Peeler said Reeds death was an isolated incident and said there were no active threats to students and faculty. The chief said video evidence was being reviewed by investigators, but he would not say what the video shows.

Crump said in a statement posted Wednesday Reeds family was demanding to see the footage.

The universitys president acknowledged the emotional toll of the incident on campus.

We recognize that this is not only about facts. Its about emotions, and its about feelings, and the way this loss, and how it was discovered, affects peoples lives, school president Dan Ennis said Wednesday.

The FBIs Jackson division told Scripps News Thursday it is prepared to investigate if necessary.

"We are aware of the incident in Cleveland, Mississippi, at Delta State University and are in regular contact with local authorities. If, during the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal violation, the FBI is prepared to investigate, the agency said in a statement.
Simply Recipes / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

 For the best grilled cheese, Tillamooks chef blends medium white and sharp cheddar.

 The blend of cheese guarantees balanced, melty flavor.

 Starting in a warm pan and adjusting heat guarantees gooey cheese pull.

One of the first things I ever learned to make for myself was a grilled cheese sandwich. I watched intently as my grandma layered white bread with mayonnaise and soft butter, with two slices of American cheese inside, before toasting it in a cast iron skillet. Hers was the best, but by middle school, I could successfully produce one for myself, and it was the perfect treatwith a bowl of tomato soup of courseon a cold afternoon.

My culinary tastes have evolved a lot since then, but I still love a great grilled cheese sandwich, and when I visited the Tillamook creamery in Oregon this past fall (a kind of holy pilgrimage for cheese lovers like me), their Double Cheddar Grilled Cheese was a revelation. I loved it so much I asked their chef, Josh Archibald, to tell me how to make it, and he kindly obliged.

The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese, According to Tillamook

The team at Tillamook relentlessly pursued grilled cheese perfection for about two years before putting the sandwich on the menu at their creamery and at the PDX airport, and that effort paid off in the form of a perfectly toasty, melty, gooey, cheese-pull-y masterpiece.

Tillamook head chef, Josh Archibald, explains that, for them, cheddar is better. For my grilled cheese, I like to use two slices of Tillamook Farmstyle Medium White Cheddar and two slices of Tillamook Farmstyle Sharp Cheddar, says Archibald. I have found that by using this blend, you get the perfect balance of creamy, melty, buttery, and the sharp cheddar flavor that we love.

Simply Recipes / Tillamook

How Tillamook Makes the Perfect Grilled Cheese

Archibald starts by spreading a mixture of butter and mayonnaise (My grandma was on to something!) on thick sourdough bread. By using a blend, we think we get the best of both worlds, he says. The butter is creamy, and luscious while the mayo does the job of giving your bread an even toasting, and a light almost crouton-esque crispness. You can use whatever mayonnaise you prefer, but Archibald says they use a Japanese-style mayo at Tillamook.

The chef starts his grilled cheese sandwich in a warm pan, increasing the heat slightly as necessary. As opposed to some dishes that advise cooks to flip only once or twice, Archibald says he likes to flip and turn the sandwich often during cooking time to get perfectly melted cheese and a nicely toasted exterior. The deeper flavor that comes when the bread is darker is more hearty and fulfilling than it is with a lighter toasting, he notes.

Pro Tips for Grilled Cheese Success

Since putting the iconic sandwich on its menu, Archibald estimates Tillamook has sold a jaw-dropping 90,000 Double Cheddar Grilled Cheese sandwiches each year, so you can be sure they know exactly what theyre doing. Here are some of Archibalds tips:

Use 3/4-inch slices of sourdough for the bread, and slather on a 50/50 blend of Tillamook Salted butter (whipped) and Japanese mayonnaise to create the perfect golden brown crisp and flavor.

It is easier to increase heat during the cooking process than it is to decrease heat, especially if you use a cast iron pan. I like to start in a warm pan, but I also advocate for a long cooking time, flipping and turning often to ensure even browning and that the cheese melts fully.

Though cheddar is Tillamooks go-to cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches, Archibald says blending other cheeses, like mozzarella or smoked cheddar, provides even more flavor variations to love.



Read the original article on Simply Recipes
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A car hit a bicyclist, leaving them critically injured, on Wednesday night in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Kansas City, according to police.

The crash was reported just after 8 p.m. Wednesday on 39th Street near Harrison Parkway.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

Kansas City police said in a crash summary that the bicyclist was headed west on 39th Street, approaching Harrison Parkway, when a southbound car, described as a red Hyundai Sonata, hit the bicycle.

The car was last seen speeding away eastbound on 39th Street, police said.

The bicyclist was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

The crash remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Alison Kate Laporta/Facebook Alison "Kate" Laporta

NEED TO KNOW

Huy Nguyen is on trial for the 2024 murder of his girlfriend Alison Kate Laporta

Laporta was taken to the hospital by Nguyen after suffering a gunshot wound to her upper body

Nguyen's attorneys claim the mother of two died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound



Trial is underway for a Virginia man who is accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend and then claiming she committed suicide.

Huy Nguyen was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Alison Kate Laporta in 2024.

The case came to light on April 18, 2024, when officers were called to the Mount Vernon Hospital around 11:35 p.m. Laporta was suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper body and had been transported to the hospital by Nguyen, the Fairfax County Police Department said. Laporta was then transferred to Fairfax Hospital where she died.

Nguyen allegedly initially told officers the shooting occurred in a parking lot, per a Fairfax County police press release. Through their investigation, detectives disproved that allegation. Detectives determined Nguyen shot Laporta inside the vehicle. He then drove her to the hospital.

Per the release, police discovered the weapon used in the killing near Nguyens home in Lorton.

Fairfax County Sheriff's Office Huy Nguyen

A witness at Nguyens trial testified that he heard Nguyen, who was at a bar earlier in the evening with Laporta, say: The only way this argument ends is with a bullet, NBC4 reported.

Another witness testified that Nguyen allegedly said: Im going to shoot this girl.

Prosecutors said the fatal bullet was found in the backseat of the vehicle, per the outlet. Nguyens attorneys argued there was no evidence that Nguyen was the shooter and that it was the mother of two who shot herself.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

During the trial, the defense team also introduced hundreds of pages of medical records from two years prior to Laporta's death when she allegedly suffered a mental health issue, according to NBC4.

A GoFundMe page described the woman as a strong and loving mom who worked as a dedicated Safeway employee for over six years where she started as a cashier and worked her way up to management.

Those fortunate enough to have known Kate understand the immense loss of a kind and loving mother and we are all holding Kate and her two children in our prayers, the fundraiser read.



Read the original article on People
Nearly three weeks after a Burning Man attendee was found dead in a pool of blood at the annual event in Nevada, officials said they have located what is believed to be the murder weapon, according to the Pershing County Sheriff's Office.

Vadim Kruglov, 37, from Russia, was found dead at the event on Aug. 30 at approximately 9:14 p.m., the sheriff's office said.

On Wednesday, officials said they are in possession of a knife they believe was the murder weapon used to kill Kruglov.

Kruglov Family - PHOTO: Vadim Kruglov, 37, was found dead at the Burning Man festival on Aug. 30, with officials still searching for a suspect, according to the Pershing County Sheriff's Office.

The fatal injury appears to have been caused by a single stab wound to the victim's neck using the alleged weapon, officials said.

Efforts are still underway to identify the suspect, with officials saying they have received hundreds of tips since the start of the investigation.

The night Kruglov's body was found, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office said a deputy was alerted by another participant that there was a man "lying in a pool of blood," with officials "immediately" responding to the campsite.

Burning Man homicide victim identified, search for suspect continues: Sheriff

Once at the scene, officials found a "single white adult male lying on the ground, obviously deceased," according to authorities.

Officials said they interviewed "several participants in the immediate area."

On Sept. 3, officials identified the victim as Kruglov and notified his family in Russia.

One of Kruglov's friends, Sofia, said this was his first time attending the event, according to a statement from Burning Man.

"We want Vadim to be remembered as the talented, bright, and inspiring human being that he was. Let his memory remain as a creator, a dreamer, and a man who gave love," his friend said, according to a statement from Burning Man.

Julie Jammot/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Attendees gather to watch the burning of "The Chapel of Babel," a work of art by Michael Burlington, during the annual Burning Man Festival in the early morning of September 5, 2023.

Burning Man said in a statement they are "cooperating with law enforcement" and that the event -- in collaboration with Secret Witness of Northern Nevada -- is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest for Kruglov's murder.

Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen told ABC News earlier this month the investigation is made more difficult by the fact that Black Rock City, Nevada -- where the event is held -- is a temporary city that disappears once attendees have left.

Because Kruglov's death happened in such a remote location in the desert, cellphone service is nonexistent in most areas, so video and surveillance evidence is not as available as it would be elsewhere, officials said.

Along with Kruglov's murder, officials said Wednesday there were 44 arrests at this year's Burning Man, ranging from possession of a controlled substance and assault with a deadly weapon to domestic battery, sexual assault and burglary.
Minnesota is a state that takes homestyle cooking seriously. For locals, it's not just about food It's about care, ritual, and the quiet pride that comes from feeding people you love. Homestyle cooking means chopping vegetables for hours before a holiday feast, tasting the gravy to make sure it sings, and setting the table with a mix of practicality and love. There's joy in stirring a pot until the aroma makes your kitchen feel like home, and even happier work in watching everyone pile their plates high, each bite carrying a little memory of care.

Sometimes, though, you don't want to cook. Even after a decade of mastering your own Sunday roasts, there are nights when you want someone else to do the work, and do it well. Dining at spots like Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais or Hoagie's Family Restaurant in Hopkins, you get that comfort without the cleanup. But if you're craving an iconic dish that few people could do better than the experts, there's only one place you need: Wally's Roast Beef in Bloomington.

The restaurant sits on the lower floor of an office building in a friendly, bustling part of Bloomington, Minnesota. It's a neighborhood that smells faintly of coffee shops and fresh bread, dotted with boutiques, art galleries, and parks where families walk their dogs or chase the kids through leaves in autumn. Grab a bite at Wally's or wander over to Centennial Lakes, and eat your sandwich in the park. The vibe is relaxed but lively, with a Midwest warmth that makes you feel welcome before you even see the menu.

At Wally's, the magic starts with the beef. They choose high-quality USDA Choice cuts, season them with a special blend, and slow roast the meat until it's tender and juicy. It's served on a lightly toasted Kaiser bun, just like it has been since 1969. The result is a sandwich that feels like it was made for you personally, tender meat dripping into the bun, perfectly seasoned, impossibly satisfying. In fact, this sandwich is so deliciously iconic that there arent many before pics of it. Its one of those sandwiches where youre too excited to eat, so you dont bother snapping a pic. Instead, you rip into the sandwich and leave nothing but the wrapper.

Daily specials keep things interesting: Tuesday features Wisconsin Cheese Soup, Friday serves Boston Clam Chowder, and Sunday brings Wally's chili. Starred sandwiches rotate too: Saturday brings Two Roast Beef, Thursday features Grilled Ham and Cheese, and Monday is Pork Tenderloin day.

The regular menu has all the classics: Roast Beef with au jus, optionally loaded with American, Swiss, or Cheddar cheese, or smoked bacon. Other favorites include the burger, roast turkey, grilled cheese, and the legendary meatloaf sandwich. Sides are no afterthought: fries, cheesy fries, onion rings, potato cakes, potato salad, cole slaw, chef salad, and mashed potatoes with gravy-don't skip the potato cakes. Desserts are homey but elevated: carrot cake, brownies, eclairs, and cookies.

For those looking for a full plate experience, the Blue Plate offers an open-face roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. The Red Plate swaps in the meatloaf, and the Green Plate features turkey, each served with the same hearty sides.

A meal at Wally's is more than lunch or dinner: It's a little slice of Minnesota homestyle pride on a plate. And homestyle food? That never goes out of style. You taste the care, the tradition, and a Midwest know-how that doesn't take shortcuts. If you're planning a trip to Minnesota, make Bloomington a stop on your map. Walk the trails at Normandale Lake, browse local shops, and then head straight to Wally's Roast Beef for the dish that has diners talking across the city. Minnesota may be famous for its homestyle cooking, but here, you get the very best: comfort made legendary, one roast beef sandwich at a time.

Need some help creating a foodie adventure of your own? Our Travel Planner can help!
Interview with UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA Tom Fletcher, in New York

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher hopes the world body will fight back against a "sustained attack" on its values and finances next week at an annual gathering of world leaders, and said humanitarians could not afford to wait for the U.S. to restore funding.

Aid worker killings rose nearly a third to almost 400 last year, the most deadly year since records began in 1997, according to U.N. data. Then in January, U.S. President Donald Trump returned to power and slashed U.S. foreign aid, sparking global humanitarian chaos.

"It has been a really rough year," Fletcher told Reuters in an interview on Thursday, adding the U.N. should show world leaders how it can save lives and work to end conflicts.

"We reckon that the support is out there. I don't think there is less support for kindness, compassion, global solidarity than there was just because of the results of a few elections."

He remains hopeful that Washington, which was the world's biggest humanitarian aid donor, could be convinced to restore and continue some funding, "but in the meantime, we can't wait."

The Trump administration cut billions of dollars in foreign aid that it believed was not aligned with its "America First" foreign policy. Trump has also said the U.S. pays disproportionately for foreign aid and wants other countries to shoulder more of the burden.

SMALL PRICE

David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee aid group, said more than two million people had lost services - such as education in Afghanistan and healthcare for Sudanese refugees - after the U.S. cut more than three-quarters of IRC's grants and contracts.

"We have a very clear agenda that says to the U.S. government: We can respect your determination to achieve reform. We can respect your determination to achieve value for money. Let's work together to make sure that for a very small size of American income we're able to do outsized good in the world," he told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

Miliband said Europe was going to step up to help fill the gap left by U.S. cuts, but others needed to do so as well.

"We haven't seen that yet," he added.

The annual gathering of world leaders in New York next week will be more important than usual, Miliband said, with China pitting itself at the future of the multilateral system, while the U.S. was taking an America first approach.

"There's a void to be filled," Miliband said. "I think that while for Americans, the U.N. can seem like bureaucracy or traffic jams in New York, for the rest of the world, they're looking for leadership and that's what we're calling for next week."

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Nia Williams)
NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, PA  Three law enforcement officers were killed and two others were injured in a shooting on Wednesday in southern Pennsylvania, authorities said.

The incident occurred in an area of North Codorus Township, a rural community more than 100 miles west of Philadelphia, according to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris. Officers had been at the scene to follow up on a domestic-related investigation.

The state police commissioner confirmed during a news conference that the shooter died after being shot by police. The crime scene remained active and large, but there was no threat to the community, according to Paris.

Authorities did not identify the suspect, the officers involved in the shooting, or provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Paris said he could not share many details, citing the ongoing investigation.

During the news conference, Paris described the shooting as a "critical incident that has rocked the community here in York County." Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro went to the scene after the tragedy.

"This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day," Shapiro said at the news conference. "We grieve for the loss of life for the three precious souls who served this commonwealth, served this county, and this county."

The governor has ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags on public buildings across the state to be lowered to half-staff in memory of the officers killed.

Investigation spans over multiple locations in York County

In an update at around 10 p.m. local time, Pennsylvania State Police said it was working with the York County District Attorneys Office to investigate the shooting.

Police noted that the investigation spans multiple locations throughout the county. The investigation is expected to continue into late Wednesday and early Thursday, according to police.

"The public can be assured there is no ongoing threat to their safety as a result of this incident," state police reiterated.

2 officers remain in critical condition

The two surviving officers were transported to WellSpan York Hospital and were currently in critical but stable condition, according to Paris. Dr. Daniel Carney, from WellSpan Health, said the hospital received two gunshot victims from the scene.

"We immediately took them to the OR. They are both in critical but stable condition," Carney said at the news conference.

Earlier on Wednesday, a spokesperson for WellSpan York Hospital told the York Daily Record, part of the USA TODAY Network, that it was treating two people in serious condition related to the police incident in North Codorus Township. Enhanced security protocols were also put in place at the facility.

Deadly attacks on police: Is the Pennsylvania assault the worst in recent history?

Local officials say shooting involved police department, sheriff's office

York City Mayor Michael Helfrich and other local officials described a horrific scene. Helfrich said in a statement that Northern Regional Police Officers and York County Sheriff's Office members were involved.

"The people of the City of York send our respect and condolences to the families of our fallen and wounded Northern Regional Police Officers and York County Sheriffs and to their agencies," the mayor said. "York City Police have been assisting in the tragic situation and the City of York offers any assistance we can provide to our fellow agencies and the families."

In a statement on social media, the Gettysburg Police Department also said the incident in North Codorus Township involved members of the Northern York Regional Police Department and the York County Sheriff's Office.

"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and extend our prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured," Gettysburg police said. "As a law enforcement family, we recognize the dangers that come with the job, and we are reminded once again of the bravery required to protect and serve our communities."

North Codorus Township shooting prompts massive emergency response

A reporter with the York Daily Record said they witnessed an officer being loaded into a helicopter. York County radio dispatches indicated that officers had been injured in an incident in North Codorus Township.

York County Office of Emergency Management public information officer Ted Czech said emergency personnel were responding to the scene that was first reported to York County 911 at around 2:10 p.m. local time.

It remains an active scene, Czech said at the time. A landing zone was also set up for a helicopter.

York County Coroner Pam Gay had initially said her office was called to respond to the shooting, but provided no other information.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is pictured speaking at WellSpan York Hospital on Sept. 17.

Pennsylvania governor: 'We need to do better as a society'

Shapiro asked that people keep in mind the families of the victims of the shooting and condemned the violent act. He also said he and other officials met with the families of the victims, who, while grieving, took the time to tell them how proud they were of their loved ones.

"This kind of violence is not OK. We need to do better as a society," the governor said. "We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon, is the answer to resolving disputes. We need do better when it comes to mental health."

"We need to do better when it comes to looking out for those who are in need so we dont have to deal with tragedies like this," Shapiro continued.

Federal, state authorities rush to the scene

Following reports of the shooting, Shapiro said in a statement on X that he was "briefed on the situation involving law enforcement in York County" and was on the way to the scene.

"We ask those in the area to please follow the directions of local law enforcement," Shapiro said.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday responded to the incident with a statement on X, saying, "I am en route to the area and am praying for all involved."

"Our hearts go out to everyone associated with the devastating events in North Codorus Township," State Rep. Mike Jones said in a post on Facebook. "In an abundance of caution and respect for family members, I will not share details at this time. But needless to say the news is horrific and all of your thoughts and prayers are appreciated."

Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a post on X that multiple police officers were shot, calling violence against them "a scourge on our society." The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were also at the scene supporting local law enforcement, according to Bondi.

Second deadly incident involving police in York County

Wednesday's shooting is the second fatal incident this year involving law enforcement in York County.

In February, a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital left six people injured and two dead, including the suspected shooter. Another person was injured in a fall during the incident.

West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte was fatally shot after authorities said the gunman entered the hospital's intensive care unit and took staff hostage.

In a statement on Wednesday, York County commissioners said they are praying for the full recovery of the officers injured in the North Codorus Township shooting and shared their condolences to those impacted by the incident.

"For the second time in less than a year, York County is a community in mourning," the statement reads. "As a community, we share the immense and immeasurable pain of mourning the loss of three of our brave members of law enforcement ... And we ask all York Countians to, once again, lift each other up and support each other as we grieve together as one united community. We remain York County strong."

'It's scary for us': Fears of gun violence push travelers to avoid visiting the United States

Deadly attacks on law enforcement in the United States

The Pennsylvania shooting is now among the nations deadliest tragedies of the last 25 years involving law enforcement.

From Charlotte, North Carolina, to Oakland, California, far too many U.S. cities have seen attacks that have left multiple officers dead, their families mourning, and a community reeling.

Here are the deadliest attacks on police in the last 25 years.

Contributing: Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Pennsylvania shooting leaves 3 officers dead and 2 others injured
An unhinged commuter has been arrested after a startling video showed her violently shoving an elderly woman off a Boston bus, causing the victim to slam face-first on the sidewalk.

The MBTA Transit Police announced Wednesday night that detectives have located and arrested the suspect  whose name was not released  following the disturbing Sept. 8 incident in Roxbury, Mass.

Police said the incident occurred around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Warren Street, approximately 3 miles from Fenway Park.

A Boston commuter has been arrested after a disturbing video showed her violently shoving an elderly woman off a bus. @spicyboston/Instagram

Alarming security footage from inside the bus showed the suspect first shoving the elderly woman toward the buss open doors as she held on for dear life.

The alleged bus bully then delivered a second forceful push that launched the senior citizen out the passenger entry door and face-first onto the hard concrete in front of horrified bus riders.

It took about 20 minutes for paramedics to treat the passenger, during which bystanders and the bus driver stood over and helped the victim, WHDH reported.

Police said the elderly woman was conscious and did not suffer any serious injuries.

The unidentified suspect  who was rolling a baby in a stroller when she committed the heinous alleged assault  fled before police arrived.

The MBTA Transit Police announced Wednesday night that detectives have located and arrested the suspect  whose name was not released  following the disturbing Sept. 8 incident in Roxbury, Mass. MBTA

The alleged bus bully then delivered a second forceful push that launched the senior citizen out the passenger entry door and face-first onto the hard concrete in front of horrified bus riders. 7NEWS

There was a lot of people there trying to figure out what was transpiring because we just saw an elderly lady fall on the ground and didnt know what was going on, witness Mark Reeves told WHDH on Monday.

While it took police time to locate the suspect, a woman from the area, Dorothy Stringer, said she recognized the assailant.

Ive seen that girl a lot of times  her attitude, she needs a change, Stringer told the outlet.

She needs some anger management, thats what she needs, go to anger management because thats wrong what she did.

The Post has reached out to the MBTA Transit Police for comment.
WASHINGTON - The Department of Education is bringing in over 40 conservative groups to launch a civic education initiative it says will renew patriotism and increase knowledge of the nation's founding principles.

The department did not specify exactly what initiatives the groups would undertake but said the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, will be spearheaded by the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank founded by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

The involved groups include the 1776 Project Foundation, whose affiliated PAC ran a nationwide campaign to oust school board members they alleged were in favor of racial and social justice lessons. It also includes Moms for Liberty, a Florida-based group that has targeted school board members, advocated for book bans and does not have to disclose its donors.

Others include Turning Point USA, the college advocacy group founded by the late Charlie Kirk; the Heritage Foundation, a right-leaning think tank and the lead sponsor of Project 2025; Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan, and the Faith and Freedom Coalition, a free market group with roots in the Tea Party movement that also opposes abortion and same-sex marriage.

They plan to visit K-12 schools in all 50 states, hold a competition between students on American history and launch a college speaker series that'll focus on America's "core rights and values."

Aiden Buzzetti, the president of the 1776 Project Foundation, told USA TODAY that his group created a resolution that school board members can adopt that calls for events such as assemblies to celebrate the countrys 250-year anniversary. He said he also expects his group to get involved in the initiatives college speaker series.

More than ever, we need to restore the vitality of the American spirit, and this coalition will take bold steps to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth toward active and informed citizenship, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.

FILE PHOTO: United States Department of Education logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

The Education Department did not respond to USA TODAY's inquiry seeking more information about the initiative.

During his first term, Trump established the 1776 Commission in response to The New York Times' 1619 Project, a Pulitzer Prize-winning initiative that argued that America's true founding started when the first slave ship came to the colonies from Africa. Trump criticized the Times' work as "toxic propaganda" and "ideological poison.

The commission in 2021 issued a report that argued the country must return to patriotic education in schools and for American families to raise up morally responsible citizens who love America.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Education Department to oversee initiative promoting 'civic knowledge'
Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto, Ga. (Google Maps)

The death of a female inmate whose decomposing remains were found in a Georgia prison cell has left her loved ones demanding to know how long she was left unattended after she died.

Sheqweetta Vaughan, 32, was pronounced dead at Lee Arrendale State Prison on July 9, months after she had given birth to a baby boy in January, officials and family members said.

The deputy Habersham County coroner, Dr. Kenneth Franklin, said in a report obtained by NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta that he was called at 11:08 a.m. that day. He arrived at prison gates at 11:50 a.m., went to cell H-19 at 12:10 p.m. and pronounced Vaughan dead at 12:13 p.m.

Sheqweetta Vaughan. (via Facebook)

The prison told Franklin that Vaughan had been checked on at 10:08 a.m. before she was found dead at 10:40 a.m., according to the coroner's report. But it's possible she had been dead for two to four hours before Franklin arrived, according to the coroner.

"There was a strong odor of decay coming from the body," he noted.

The temperature in the cellblock was in the 90s, and "there was not a lot of ventilation," according to Franklin.

Franklin said the uncomfortable conditions "would have speeded up decomposition considerably, making it difficult for an approximate determination" of Vaughan's precise time of death.

The coroners report did not specify a cause or manner of death. It said a finding was awaiting autopsy and toxicology results and a review of medical records.

Rita Thomas, Vaughans aunt, insisted her niece had been dead for at least two days.

"The only reason why they looked in on her is because she was smelling. If she didn't start smelling, she still would have been in there still rotting, OK?" Thomas, a registered nurse, said Wednesday.

"If you look at the [postmortem] pictures, you can tell there's no way in the world my niece could have died at 10:40 the day the coroner picked her up. How could the body look like that?" she asked.

Vaughan was being treated for anxiety with buspirone and for "her psychotic disorder with the medication Haloperidol," Franklin said.

Vaughan suffered from postpartum depression and should have been under more stringent supervision, sister Tamecka Vaughan said.

"She was taking medicine for postpartum depression, and she just had a baby," Vaughan said. "That does things to your body, so they should have been watching her regardless."

Vaughan said the family has heard almost nothing from Georgia officials about her sister's cause of death.

The prison, about 70 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, was opened in 1951 and can house up to 1,476 inmates

"We're trying to cope with the situation and hoping they shut this place down because of what happened. It's not right," Vaughan said.

A representative for the Department of Corrections could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.

Joan Heath, a department spokesperson, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Office of Professional Standards was investigating Vaughan's death as undetermined and believed to be natural pending autopsy results. The newspaper reported that Heath did not address whether proper checks had been made.

Sheqweetta Vaughan was serving prison time for vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of her 3-year-old son, Thomas said.

She was pregnant when she went to prison in May, and the family doesn't know who the father is, Thomas said.

Motherhood Beyond Bars, an advocacy group for inmates who are mothers, called Vaughan's death "preventable." The group said it met Vaughan in its childbirth education program.

"We are heartbroken that Sheqweetta wont get the opportunity to create the life she was hoping for," the group said in a statement Tuesday. "Her death was preventable. We will continue to carry her message to other women  better days are ahead, and you wont have to do it alone."
(Photo credit: Poudre Fire Authority)

Firefighters in Fort Collins, Colorado, faced lightning and hail Tuesday as they worked to put out an attic fire at a memory care facility, officials said.

According to the Poudre Fire Authority, crews were dispatched during a hailstorm with frequent lightning strikes. They arrived to find smoke coming from the roof of the facility and had to "walk over piles of hail" to enter and track down the source.

(Photo credit: Poudre Fire Authority)

(Photo credit: Poudre Fire Authority)

Staff had already evacuated 30 residents, moving them safely to another wing of the building. All residents were evaluated by staff, and no injuries were reported.

"This facility has a complex roof line, and we were dealing with a continuing lightning storm," the incident commander said in a statement. "We had to pull people off because of the storm and then reorient to search from the inside."

(Photo credit: Poudre Fire Authority)

Firefighters eventually found a small fire at the peak of the attic and extinguished it. Crews searched to confirm the blaze had not spread into walls or ceilings, and vented smoke from the affected wing. Officials said most of the damage was limited to the upper and exterior areas of the roof.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
People used to plan entire trips around wine. Theyd follow vineyard trails, sit through tastings, and talk about notes and aromas. Lately, though, a different kind of food is drawing travelers in. Cheese has become the stop people look forward to, not just as something to eat, but as a way into the culture of a place.

Whats changing is the way travelers think about food experiences. Instead of focusing only on fine dining or luxury, theyre looking at how everyday traditions shape what ends up on the table. Cheese offers that in a direct wayit shows how people live, farm, and share their history through something familiar and approachable.

France Turns Cheese into a Destination

Image via iStockphoto/serts

Many visitors arrive in France with Paris in mind, eager to stand beneath the Eiffel Tower or stroll along the Seine. Yet the country has taken cheese beyond market stalls and farm visits by turning it into a central attraction for visitors.

Paris hosts tasting tours in Montmartre, where cheese and drinks are combined for tourists who prefer a mixture of both. Beyond the capital, Routes de Fromage lead through regions famous for Comte, Camembert, Roquefort, and goat cheeses such as Chabichou du Poitou.

Further down the line, Maison du Comte, located in Poligny, demonstrates the process behind a wheel requiring 400 liters of milk and pastures with thirty plant species. Each stop reinforces how cheese tourism complements Frances growing food travel market.

Alpine Heritage in Switzerland

Marking the end of summer in the high pastures, the Swiss village of Charmey hosts La Desalpe each September. This festival places cheese at the heart of Alpine tradition. Farmers guide cows through the village adorned with bells and flower crowns, a ritual that reflects seasonal change and community pride.

Charmey, situated in the Gruyere district, sits at the gateway to alpine pastures where the milk for Gruyere AOP originates. Producers invite visitors to tour aging caves, sit down for a Benichon lunch, and understand how the terrain shapes flavor.

This combination of spectacle, tasting, and direct contact reveals how Gruyere embodies both environment and craftsmanship. It also turns agriculture into a cultural event celebrated by locals and international guests alike.

Spanish Cheesemaking Revived

Image via iStockphoto/ABRAHAM GONZALEZ FERNANDEZ

What most people dont know is that Spains artisanal cheeses nearly disappeared from common knowledge in the late twentieth century until dedicated producers restored their reputation. Figures such as Enric Canut and Mariano Sanz encouraged small makers to unite to preserve traditions and highlight regional diversity.

Their motto, cada queso es un pueblo, captures how cheese represents local identity as clearly as architecture or language. For this reason, Andalusia welcomes individuals to see goats feeding on natural grasses before tasting cheese made only with their milk. The visit further includes hikes through olive groves and courtyard lunches.

Italian Icons Across Regions

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caseificio Rosso (@caseificiorosso)

The interesting thing about the cheeses in Italy is that they differ by region, and visiting their places of origin explains why they taste so distinctive. Quattro Portoni, which sits in Lombardy, produces more than a dozen buffalo milk cheeses, all made on site with milk from their own herds.

Close by, Igor Gorgonzola, the worlds largest producer of the blue-veined cheese, organizes factory tours and serves entire meals based on its signature product. In Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano dairies show visitors how the famous wheels gain their texture and flavor, often followed by lunches arranged by the regional consortium.

Moving west, Piedmonts Fiandino Farm uses thistle rennet to create cheeses with a unique profile, while Caseificio Rosso continues a four-generation family legacy in Pollone.
By Dawoud Abu Alkas, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Edmund Blair

GAZA/CAIRO/ISRAEL-GAZA BORDER (Reuters) - Israeli tanks advanced along two gateways to the centre of Gaza City on Thursday while internet and phone lines were cut off for several hours, signaling a potential escalation in ground operations in the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli forces control Gaza City's eastern suburbs and in recent days have been pounding the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa areas, from where they would be positioned to advance on central and western areas where most of the population is sheltering.

"We are scared, but what can we do?" said Bassam Al-Qanou, a displaced man sheltering with around 30 family members in one of countless ragged improvised tent camps along the city's beach.

He said the family had no way to get out, and nowhere to go.

At least 85 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes or gunfire across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, most in Gaza City, according to the territory's health ministry.

The Israeli military said four of its personnel had been killed during combat in southern Gaza.

A total of 48 hostages remain in Gaza since their capture in a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials say around 20 are still alive.

In separate developments, Israel attacked Hezbollah military targets in southern Lebanon, while two Israelis were killed at Allenby Crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, in what the Israeli military called a terror attack.

INFANTRY, TANKS, ARTILLERY ADVANCING TOWARDS INNER CITY

Israeli army spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said Israeli forces had been operating in the periphery of Gaza City for several weeks but since the night of Monday to Tuesday large numbers of troops had begun moving towards the inner city.

He told Reuters on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza that a combination of infantry, tanks and artillery was advancing, backed up by the air force, and that it was a gradual process that would increase as time went on.

Families of the Israeli hostages have been imploring Netanyahu to stop the offensive on Gaza and instead negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas to free their loved ones.

The armed wing of Hamas said on Thursday the hostages were distributed throughout the neighbourhoods of Gaza City.

"The start of this criminal operation and its expansion means you will not receive any captive, alive or dead," it said in a written statement.

But Israel Katz, Israel's defence minister, said on X: "If Hamas does not release the hostages and disarm, Gaza will be destroyed and turned into a monument to the rapists and murderers of Hamas."

MANY FLEEING AMID TELECOMS BLACKOUT, MANY MORE STAYING PUT

The Palestinian Telecommunications Company said in a statement that its services had been cut off "due to the ongoing aggression and the targeting of the main network routes".

By nightfall, it said it had reactivated fixed internet and landline services. Several Palestinians said Internet and phone services began to come back in Gaza City.

"The disconnection of internet and phone services is a bad omen. It has always been a bad signal something very brutal is going to happen," said Ismail, who only gave one name. He was using an e-SIM to connect his phone, a dangerous method as it requires seeking higher ground to receive a signal.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled Gaza City since Israel announced on August 10 it intended to take control, but a greater number are staying put, either in battered homes among the ruins or in makeshift tent encampments.

Effie Defrin, another Israeli military spokesman, said an estimated 450,000 people from Gaza City had moved southward.

The military has been dropping leaflets urging residents to flee towards a designated "humanitarian zone" in the south of the territory, but aid agencies say conditions there are dire, with insufficient food, medicine, shelter and basic hygiene.

The World Health Organization warned on Thursday that critical shortages of blood in Gaza hospitals could see force services to grind to a halt within days.

Four more Palestinians, including a child, have died of malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said, raising deaths from such causes to at least 435 people, including 147 children, since the war started.

Israel says the extent of hunger in Gaza has been exaggerated and blames Hamas for the continuation of the war, saying it could end it now if it surrendered, freed the hostages, disarmed and disbanded. Hamas says it won't disarm until a Palestinian state is established.

Along the coastal road, an unbroken column of every type of vehicle from carts and beaten-up cars to vans designed to carry goods was moving south, heavily laden with mattresses, gas cylinders and entire families perching on their belongings.

The total Palestinian death toll from the two-year war surpassed 65,000 on Wednesday, according to the Gaza health authorities.

About 1,200 people were killed in the October 2023 Hamas attack and 251 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

(Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell and Steven Scheer in Jerusalem and Olivia Le Poidevin in Geneva; Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Alexandra Hudson)
Members of a key vaccine panel have delayed a pivotal vote regarding the hepatitis B vaccine, while voting to amend recommendations to combination shots that target measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox).

After a long day reviewing on Sept. 18, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices decided to push the hepatitis B vote to the Sept. 19 session due to a "discrepancy" in voting language. During Friday's session, the committee is also slated to discuss and vote on COVID-19 vaccines.

In the Sept. 18 meeting, the panel voted to no longer recommend the MMRV vaccine for children under 4 years old. Although this does not impact guidance for the separate MMR and varicella vaccines, health experts worry the change will sow confusion and mistrust.

Were concerned about whats happening at the federal level, said Dr. David Margolius, an internist and director of Public Health for Cleveland, Ohio.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. fired all 17 original ACIP members on June 9 and appointed its new members, which included some vaccine skeptics, a few days later. He announced appointing five new members, including more COVID-19 vaccine critics, on Sept. 15.

'Not good for the American people': Turmoil on RFK Jr.'s turf prompts rare GOP pushback

See Senators grill HHS Secretary RFK Jr. over vaccine rulings, CDC turmoil Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025.

MMRV vaccine

Previous guidance recommended a two-dose vaccine schedule for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella for children, with the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. Patients had the choice of receiving the dose as two separate shots  one for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine) and one for varicella  or as one combination shot (MMRV vaccine).

The MMRV combination vaccine is associated with a small increased risk of febrile seizures after the first dose, according to the CDC. These findings led ACIP to change its guidance in 2009 to show a preference that babies receive separate MMR and varicella vaccines for their first dose, instead of the combination MMRV vaccine.

More: Child dies from incurable complication years after contracting measles

However, the agency continued to recommend the combination vaccine if the patient prefers it over two separate shots and for the second dose for children aged 4 to 6 years old.

ACIP members voted to change guidance to no longer recommend the MMRV vaccine to children before 4 years old, indicating a stronger stance against the shot. Despite changes made to MMRV recommendations, the panel voted to continue covering the vaccines for children under 4 under the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.

This vote does not apply to the MMR vaccine, which only targets measles, mumps and rubella. But Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services, worries changes to the combination vaccine recommendations could cause confusion and impact vaccination rates, leading to more disease outbreaks, like the measles outbreak that occurred in West Texas.

Health experts prefer combination formulations, like the MMRV vaccine, because they target more than one pathogen and require fewer shots. Research shows patients are more likely to complete a recommended vaccine series when there are fewer shots involved.

To not allow that more simplified schedule then would also be more difficult for us getting these in practice at the ground up," Huang said.

Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, according to the CDC.

Most adults recover completely from the highly contagious infection. But about 90% of infants and 30% of children who are infected between ages 1 and 5 will develop a lifelong infection that can lead to severe liver damage, liver cancer or death, the agency said.

The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood, semen or other body fluids. Most cases occur through sexual contact or through needle sharing by intravenous drug users, said Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services.

Current ACIP guidance recommends all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine in three doses. The first dose is given within 24 hours of birth, the second is given one to two months after and the third dose is given between 6 and 18 months of age.

ACIP members will vote on whether the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine should not be given until a child is at least one month old, if the mother tested negative for the virus, according to proposed recommendations on the agency's website.

Back to school: Vaccine skepticism crisis spills over as students return to school

One of the arguments against the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose is that newborns aren't at risk of infection through sexual transmission or drug use, but theyre neglecting the mother-to-baby transmission at childbirth, which is another important thing, he said.

Most people with hepatitis B dont experience any symptoms when theyre newly infected, Huang said. So, the birth dose is intended to prevent disease in newborns in cases where the mother is unaware she might be carrying the virus.

ACIP members will also vote to recommend that pregnant women get tested for hepatitis B infection, which screening is already recommended by the CDC.

With the hepatitis B vaccine, we can effectively prevent a lifelong infection with no known cure," said Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine who also heads the pediatric infectious diseases division at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

"Infants are particularly vulnerable to getting the chronic form of Hepatitis B, which is precisely why we vaccinate infants at birth," he said. "This is one of two vaccines we have that prevents cancer."

Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at adrodriguez@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RFK's ACIP vaccine panel delays hepatitis B shot vote, changes MMRV
A Pennsylvania robbery suspect was hospitalized after being stabbed with a samurai sword during a home invasion Tuesday morning, authorities said in press release.

The suspect, identified as Marcus Armstrong, 35, attempted to rob two people, a man and a woman, outside of a Norristown home, according to Norristown police.

Police told ABC News' Philadelphia station WPVI that Armstrong forced his way into the Norristown home, where he encountered the male victim armed with a samurai sword.

"The roommate defended himself. He had the samurai sword and took a swipe at the suspect," Det. Josh Samuels told WPVI, referring to the male victim. "It was a pretty chaotic scene this morning, I would say for sure."

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: Marcus Armstrong in a police photo.

Police followed a trail of blood dotted with evidence from the crime scene to where they found Armstrong, authorities said. He was found by police with a severe cut. He was transported to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, where he remained in stable condition, according to authorities.

MORE: 6 children, including infant, locked in Milwaukee storage unit: Police

Investigators alleged the incident was a random crime of opportunity, claiming that Armstrong targeted the victims after seeing them exchange money outside, police told WPVI.

Police confirmed Armstrong's weapon was a fake gun, authorities told WPVI. He faces burglary and robbery charges, according to Norristown police.

Norristown Police Department - PHOTO: The samurai sword used in stopping an attempted robbery in Norristown, Pa., Sept. 16, 2025.

MORE: NYPD rescues family of 7 from home invasion in Queens, New York

"We get lots of instances where sometimes there's victims, sometimes they fight back. We never advise it, but this time someone fought back, and the fact that they used a samurai sword, I can't tell you the last time we've even seen one," Det. Stephen Sowell told WPVI.

All alleged robbery attempt victims were unharmed in the incident.

Court records show Armstrong previously pleaded guilty to several charges in Montgomery County, including burglary in 2011 and theft from a motor vehicle in 2012.

The investigation is ongoing.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and defended employers who take action against their workers whose comments go too far, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

The House has extended funding for lawmakers personal security following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

The program began after two Minnesota state lawmakers were shot in June. It now provides up to $10,000 a month for personal security and $20,000 for home security.

The extension expires Nov. 21.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has said Congress is looking at long-term solutions to providing security for members.

"I want everyone within the sound of my voice to understand members of Congress are safe," Johnson said earlier this week. "They will be kept safe. They have security measures now at their residences. And personally, we can always enhance and do more and do better. And I think everyone's looking at that soberly right now, after this unspeakable tragedy that befell our friend."
Felipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo is shown in this undated photograph provided by his attorney, Emily Rebelskey. (Emily Rebelskey via AP)

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP)  An immigration judge has denied bond to a man who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement since he sought police help as the victim of a near-fatal shooting in Iowa months ago.

The ruling issued Wednesday means Felipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo, 28, will remain behind bars pending deportation proceedings. He acknowledges that he entered the country illegally in 2021 from his native Mexico.

Hernandez has been in ICEs custody since June 24, three days after he nearly died from gunshot wounds he sustained when two people tried to rob him in Muscatine, Iowa. He is moving to apply for a special visa under a longstanding program passed by Congress to encourage victims to report crimes without fear of deportation.

But ICE rescinded a policy that shielded crime victims in January, and a growing number of them face arrest and deportation as the Trump administration prioritizes its crackdown on illegal immigration.

A quick emergency response by police and doctors at two hospitals saved Hernandezs life after a bullet traveled through his wrist and thigh in the early morning of June 21.

When Hernandez went to the police station to ask for his car, money and other belongings back days later, Muscatine police arrested him on a months-old warrant for failing to pay traffic tickets. Hours later, the county jail turned him over to ICE.

While in jail, Hernandez has missed medical appointments needed to rehabilitate his leg, he's been separated from the 9-year-old son he's raising as a single father, and he's been out of the construction job that supported his extended family.

An immigration judge in Omaha, Nebraska agreed last month with ICE that he's subject to mandatory detention. A federal judge overturned that ruling last week, finding that Hernandez was entitled to a bond hearing and was suffering irreparable harm in custody.

Hernandezs lawyer Emily Rebelskey argued at the hearing Wednesday that her client is not a flight risk or danger to the community, and should be released pending further proceedings. She noted that he's in the process of applying for a U visa while serving as a key witness in the criminal case against his two assailants. One of them has pleaded guilty while the other is awaiting trial.

Immigration Judge Alexandra Larsen, however, wrote in her ruling denying bond Wednesday that it is speculative at best whether Hernandez will qualify for the visa. She noted that the Muscatine County prosecutor is waiting for criminal proceedings to conclude before certifying Hernandezs eligibility.

Larsen also said Hernandez would be a flight risk if released from ICEs custody. She cited repeated violations of the law during his 4  years in the United States, noting he was living and working in the country illegally and his tickets include one for driving with a suspended license.

Rebelskey said she would continue fighting for her clients release, citing ample evidence in the record that he is not a flight risk.
Courtesy of Silvia Tcherassi

On Wednesday morning, under a cloudless sky, Colombian-born Silvia Tcherassi kicked off the 40th anniversary of Madrid Fashion Week as the International Guest Designer with a sleek runway show. International and Spanish press, over two dozen clients dressed to the nines, and VIPs filled the Galeria de Cristal Palacio de Cibeles, a venue that often doubles as a theater, in the heart of Madrid.

The name of the collection is SorrentinoI love the colors in his movies, Silvia Tcherassi tells ELLE. And of course, fractal art, [which] I adore as well. The designer, who started her career as an interior designer before transitioning into fashion, clearly draws from her background in creating entire worlds, a philosophy that informs every aspect of her work.

The audience gathered beneath classical architecture and a geometrically patterned glass dome ceiling as a series of all-white looksbeginning with model Hilary Rhoda in a white floor-length dress and transparent cape overlayparaded past. However, the monochrome palette was just a prelude to rainbow of prints that followed. The rest of the collection was an explosion of color, much like its cinematic inspiration. Mismatched stripes, leather fringe, tie-dye-inspired prints, and bold acrylic statement jewelry added a subtly architectural touch to the garments. A green-and-brown printed caftan, for instance, contrasted beautifully against the silky fabric, evoking the perfect look for both a boat in Capri or a leisurely stroll in Palm Beach.

Tcherassi, who works alongside her daughter, Sofia Espinosa (also the director of pret-a-porter), designs for the timelessly glamorous woman. Theres no nationality, no age, Sofia shares with ELLE during the following days re-see and trunk show, which was buzzing with clients who had flown in. But [with] every sample we [create], I try the pieces [on], [Silvia] tries them [on], and I think, Where would I wear this? She explains that she often compares fabrics and their price points to an imagined event, always keeping the clients reality in mind. Her mother referenced the opening looks, saying shed love to see someone wear one of the pristine white dresses on a red carpet. Together, the mother-daughter duo strikes a perfect balance between artistry and wearability in their family-run business.

The show was a significant milestone for the designer as well. Tcherassi, who is based in Miami, was honored with the inaugural International Designer Award, presented by Venezuelan entrepreneur Carmen Busquets, for her global impact on the Hispanic-American fashion industry. Wednesdays show also marked the 10th anniversary of her boutique in Madrid. We opened the store 10 years ago, and I think my mother was a visionary in making that decision, Sofia reflects. Weve always had a love for [Madrid], but now the fashion scene is growing, the real estate is booming, and to be able to have 10 years here with the city at its peak is really great.

As for whats next? The team has their sights set on expanding in their home city. We definitely want to continue opening [new] stores, Sofia says. We have one in Palm Beach coming next. For us, its [about] opening with intentionalways finding these destinations that speak to us, so we feel connected to women and to our clients.

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FILE PHOTO: Italian designer Giorgio Armani appears at the end of his Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2019 collection show for fashion house Giorgio Armani Prive in Paris

ROME (Reuters) -The small Italian island of Pantelleria is planning to rename its airport in honour of the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani who often spent his summer holiday at his estate there.

Armani, who died earlier this month aged 91, had an extensive property on the island, which lies between Sicily and Tunisia in the Mediterranean, and would use it as retreat with family and friends when he took a rare break from work during the month of August.

His home there was made up of seven "dammusi", traditional rural buildings built from white lava stone with a domed roof, and surrounded by more than 150 palm trees.

Italian civil aviation group ENAC said on Wednesday that it backed the proposal to change the name, which came from the local council and also has the blessing of Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.

ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma said the renaming fitted in with its plans to improve the airport and promote tourism to the island which can be reached via flights from Rome or Sicilian airports including Palermo.

(Reporting by Keith Weir; editing by Alvise Armellini and Richard Chang)
Getty Images Danny Ramirez and Jessica Alba in New York City on September 17, 2025.

The Gist

Jessica Alba and Danny Ramirez enjoyed another NYC date night to celebrate his 33rd birthday.

The couple packed on the PDA, with Ramirez holding Alba's hand and guiding her by the waist.

They wore contrasting white and black looks.

There's no better way to ring in another trip around the sun than with your boo by your side. Lucky for Danny Ramirez, he celebrated the big three-three with the company of his girlfriend, Jessica Alba.

Getty Images Danny Ramirez and Jessica Alba in New York City on September 17, 2025.

The Top Gun star's 33rd birthday celebration doubled as another PDA-filled date night for the couple. They continued their dinner outing streak in contrasting looks. The man of the hour cleaned up nice in a crisp-white button-down shirt tucked into light-wash, straight-leg jeans, paired with black leather loafers and a matching belt. He added a dainty gold chain necklace and a gold watch, and messily tousled his dark hair about.

Getty Images Danny Ramirez and Jessica Alba in New York City on September 17, 2025.

Alba glowed, as per usual, in a contrasting monochromatic black look. Up top, the Fantastic Four star layered a shiny leather jacket over a cashmere sweater. She paired the fall-forward pieces with baggy, floor-grazing jeans and elegant pointed-toe stilettos. As for accents, Alba added a small black backpack, gold choker necklace, oversize hoop earrings, and a smattering of rings.

The 44-year-old actress kept her makeup dewy, glamming up with luminous skin, sun-kissed cheeks, defined eyebrows, fluttery eyelashes, a glossy lip, and French manicured nails.

Getty Images Danny Ramirez and Jessica Alba in New York City on September 16, 2025.

The couple enjoyed back-to-back dates, as they stepped out for dinner in SoHo the night before. Then, they looked effortlessly cool yet again, with Ramirez donning a black T-shirt, navy-blue-and-white varsity jacket, black jeans, shiny black boots, and a black leather belt.

Alba looked equal parts edgy and glamorous in a chocolate-brown leather jacket with dramatic lapels and a built-in belt, layered over a plunging black bodysuit. She tucked her top into high-waisted, light-wash, straight-leg jeans and finished it all off with deep-red pointed-toe stilettos. She held Ramirez's hand, bag in the other, and wore additional accents of large hoops and layers of rings.

Read the original article on InStyle
NEED TO KNOW

Jimmy Kimmel has been given a list of demands to return to air by Sinclair, the broadcasting company with the nation's largest ABC affiliate group

The requests come after ABC "indefinitely" pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air after the host's recent comments about Charlie Kirk, the conservative political commentator who was killed on Sept. 10

Sinclair is asking Kimmel to issue an apology to Kirk's family and to make a "meaningful personal donation" to Kirk's family and Kirk's nonprofit, Turning Point USA

Sinclair, the broadcasting company that makes up the nation's largest ABC affiliate group, is giving a list of demands for Jimmy Kimmel to return to air following the show being "indefinitely" pulled.

The media company said in a press release on Wednesday, Sept. 17, that it "objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the assassination of Charlie Kirk" and, after discussions with ABC, made the decision to "indefinitely preempt" Jimmy Kimmel Live! beginning that night.

"Mr. Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country," Sinclair vice chairman Jason Smith said in a statement. "We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities."

"We appreciate FCC Chairman [Brendan] Carr's remarks today and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks," Smith added.

Todd Owyoung/NBC/Getty

The press release went on to note that Sinclair's ABC stations in 30 U.S. markets  including KOMO in Seattle, Washington; WJLA in Washington, D.C.; KDNL in St. Louis, Missouri; KTUL in Tusla, Oklahoma; and KATU in Portland, Oregon, to name a few  will air a "special in remembrance" of Kirk on Friday in Kimmel's timeslot.

The special will air on all Sinclair stations over the weekend and the company is offering the special to ABC affiliates across the country.

Sinclair then laid out a list of demands for Kimmel to meet before they will lift the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC stations.

Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

The first is for there to be "formal discussions" held with ABC "regarding the network's commitment to professionalism and accountability."

It also asked for Kimmel to "issue a direct apology to the Kirk family" and for him to make a "meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA," Kirk's nonprofit that advocates for conservative politics on high school, college and university campuses.

Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025

Sinclair ended the press release noting that "regardless of ABC's plans for the future of the program," it won't return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to air until it is "confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform."

A spokesperson for Disney's ABC confirmed to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Sept. 17, that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be pulled "indefinitely." The news followed the host's comments about the death of Kirk, the right-wing political commentator who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10. He was 31.

During Kimmel's opening monologue on the Monday, Sept. 15, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the comedian spoke of Kirk and Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old who has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's death.

"We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," he said. "In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving."

Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty; Neil Hall/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Jimmy Kimmel (L); President Donald Trump (R)

Kimmel then showed clips of President Donald Trump being asked about Kirk's death, with one reporting offering him their condolences and asking how he's holding up.

"I think very good, and by the way, right there where you see all the trucks, they just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House," Trump replied, adding the new ballroom at the White House will "be a beauty."

"Yes," Kimmel said as the camera cut back to him, "he's at the fourth stage of grief: construction."

In the wake of Kirk's murder, Kimmel took to social media to offer condolences to Kirk's family.

"Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?" he wrote at the time. "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."

ABC's decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! also coincided with Nexstar Media's decision to preempt airings of the program.

Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

In a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Sept. 17, Nexstar, the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the U.S. with more than 200 television stations in 116 markets, said that its "owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future, beginning with tonights show."

The statement added that the company "strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets."

Andrew Alford, President of Nexstars broadcasting division, elaborated on the decision in a statement to PEOPLE, saying, "Mr. Kimmel's comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.

Alford continued, "Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue."

Kevin Winter/Getty Jimmy Kimmel at the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on Sept. 7, 2025

Nexstar recently announced plans to acquire rival broadcast company Tegna for $6.2 billion, a massive deal that would further consolidate the local television landscape and put Nexstar in 80% of America's TV-owning households, according to a press release (current law permits no more than 39%). The acquisition will require final approval from the Trump-controlled Federal Communications Commission.

Carr quickly praised Nexstar for putting pressure on ABC to remove Kimmel, writing on X that "it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values."

Carr also praised Sinclair's decision in an X post, thanking the company for "taking quick action that you consider responsive to the needs and values of the local communities you serve."

While Trump has celebrated Kimmel being taken off the air, Kimmel has received support from Hollywood pals and industry unions.

Read the original article on People
Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty; Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Steve Harvey on 'Celebrity Family Feud' and Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

NEED TO KNOW

Jimmy Kimmel Live! was replaced by Celebrity Family Feud on Wednesday, Sept. 17, after the late-night talk show was pulled by ABC indefinitely

A spokesperson for Disney's ABC confirmed that the show would be on indefinite hiatus earlier that day

Kimmel's show being placed on hiatus comes after the 57-year-old made comments about the death of right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk on his show on Monday

Jimmy Kimmel Live! was replaced in the schedule on Wednesday night after the show was pulled by ABC indefinitely.

On Sept. 17, a spokesperson for Disney's ABC confirmed that the late-night talk show would be on indefinite hiatus after host Jimmy Kimmel, 57, made comments about the death of right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Kimmel commented on Kirks death during his show on Monday, saying, The MAGA Gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it. In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.

According to Variety, in a memo sent to the owners of ABCs more than 150 affiliate station partners, they were informed that the network would air repeat episodes of Celebrity Family Feud in the 11:35 p.m. hour slot usually taken by Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday and Thursday. The memo from the affiliate board also noted that formal guidance from Disney/ABC is forthcoming, per the outlet.

Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' with Wanda Sykes

Sinclair, which is the U.S.s largest ABC affiliate group, also announced that it will replace the time slot usually occupied by the show on Friday with a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk on its ABC affiliate stations. It it also offering the special to all other ABC stations across the country.

Sinclair will not lift the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on our stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the networks commitment to professionalism and accountability, the company said in a press release on their website. Sinclair also calls upon Mr. Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family. Furthermore, we ask Mr. Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.

Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 after dropping out of Harper College near Chicago.

Meanwhile, Nexstar Media, which is the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the U.S, said that it strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.

Eric McCandless/Disney Steve Harvey hosting 'Celebrity Family Feud'

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Following the news, many celebrities reacted to Kimmel's show being pulled, including Ben Stiller, Sophia Bush, Don Lemon, Kathy Griffin and Wanda Sykes

Comedian Sykes, 61, shared a video on Instagram, explaining that she was scheduled to appear on the show on Wednesday. "Lets see. He didnt end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, nows the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy," Sykes said.

Read the original article on People
A federal judge on Thursday blocked the U.S. government from deporting Guatemalan children who don't have orders of deportation or voluntary departure, saying a Trump administration effort to remove them earlier this month was based on a faulty justification.

Judge Timothy Kelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, who was appointed to the bench by President Trump, wrote in a 43-page ruling that the administration's argument that it was trying to reunite a group of Guatemalan kids with family members in Guatemala "crumbled like a house of cards."

The legal controversy started after the Trump administration attempted to expel more than 70 unaccompanied Guatemalan children over Labor Day weekend, prompting lawyers to file an emergency lawsuit in the overnight hours. The deportations were blocked by another federal judge as the unaccompanied minors were sitting in airplanes in Texas, ready to depart.

At the time, advocates said the effort was a brazen attempt to deport the Guatemalan children  some of whom have pending immigration cases in the U.S.  without due process. The Trump administration rejected those claims, saying it was simply trying to reunite the children with family in Guatemala, at the request of their relatives and the Guatemalan government.

Kelly, however, wrote in his ruling that the government's explanation did not withstand scrutiny.

"There is no evidence before the Court that the parents of these children sought their return," he said. Kelly cited a Guatemalan government report indicating that officials were unable to find a single parent who affirmatively wanted their children to return to Guatemala.

In that report, which was disclosed as part of the court case, the Guatemalan government said it received a list of more than 600 Guatemalan children in the U.S. who were at risk of being returned or aging out of the federal shelter system for unaccompanied minors, which would mean they could face detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Guatemalan officials said they were able to confirm the contact information for the children's families in only 115 of these cases. The report said the families were often surprised and even annoyed when officials reached out, since they believed their children were in the process of getting legal status in the U.S.

Fifty of the 115 parents reached by Guatemalan officials said they would be willing to receive their kids if there was no other option, with the caveat that they did not want them to return to their home country. Fifty-nine parents refused to cooperate with the Guatemalan government's effort to determine if they were able to receive their children, saying they believed their kids could stay in the U.S.

Four parents said their children had already been released from U.S. custody and placed with sponsors. In two cases, the children had already been returned to Guatemala.

Mishan Wroe, an attorney at the National Center for Youth Law, one of the groups representing the Guatemalan children who faced expulsion, hailed Thursday's court order.

"The children we represent, who fled to the U.S. for safety, have suffered tremendously as a result of the callous and unlawful actions of our government," Wroe said. "Our clients were terrified  many had tear-soaked faces and some were visibly shaking with fear."

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement that the judge's ruling was "disgraceful and immoral."

"This judge is blocking efforts to REUNIFY CHILDREN with their families. Now these children will have to go to shelters. All just to 'get Trump,'" she said.

Under U.S. law, unaccompanied minors who enter the country without legal permission have special protections and are treated differently than adults who cross into the U.S. illegally.

Unaccompanied minors, for example, are not eligible for expedited deportations and must be transferred to shelters overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services, unless they are from Canada or Mexico. HHS is required to house these minors until they turn 18 or until they can be placed with a sponsor in the U.S., such as a relative. During that process, many migrant children apply for immigration benefits like asylum or special visas for at-risk youth to try to stay in the U.S. legally.

The Trump administration has sought to overhaul the way the U.S. treats unaccompanied children, tightening vetting procedures for those seeking to sponsor them out of government custody and offering some minors the option to return home voluntarily.

The administration has also dispatched ICE officers across the country to conduct so-called "welfare checks" on unaccompanied minors released from federal care, an effort it has said is in response to disputed claims that the Biden administration "lost" hundreds of thousands of migrant children.

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An immigration judge ordered Mahmoud Khalil, the former pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia University, be deported to either Algeria or Syria for not disclosing certain information on his green card application.

This Court further finds that the Respondent understood the consequences and that the candid disclosure of his affiliations might lead to an additional line of questioning and the ultimate denial of his application for conditional permanent residency. This Court finds that Respondents lack of candor on his I-485 was not an oversight by an uninformed, uneducated applicant. This Court finds that the Respondents purposeful, non-disclosure was not a misrepresentation by another which imputed consequences to the Respondent, immigration Judge Jamee Comans wrote in her order.

Rather, this Court finds that Respondent willfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his application would be denied, Comans said. This Court cannot and will not condone such an action by granting a discretionary waiver. To do so, would encourage future applicants to take the gamble of materially misrepresenting facts and then seeking a waiver if it is somehow discovered by the U.S. government.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said it is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study in the U.S.

When you advocate for violence, glorify and support terrorists that relish the killing of Americans, and harass Jews, take over buildings and deface property, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country, McLaughlin said in a statement to The Hill.

Even as a rogue district judge seeks to deny these basic truths, an immigration judge has ordered Khalil removed based on immigration fraud, McLaughlin added. The Trump Administration will continue to fight to vindicate these important principles.

It is no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech. Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again, Khalil said in a statement to multiple news outlets.

Khalils legal team said it will challenge the latest decision by Comans by appealing to New Jersey federal Judge Michael Farbiarz.

Farbiarz ruled in June that Khalil, a green card holder who was first detained as part of President Trumps immigration crackdown in March, be released. As part of the release, Khalil, who was born in Syria and is Palestinian, had to surrender his passport and travel documents.

Comanss ruling came Sept. 12. Khalils legal team said it has 30 days from the ruling to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

In light of the above, and given statements targeting Petitioner by name for retaliation and deportation made by the President and several senior U.S. government officials, undersigned counsel have ample reason to expect that the BIA processand an affirmance of the IJs determinationwill be swift, Baher Azmy, Khalils attorney, said in a letter to Farbiarz.

Apart from the case in New Jersey, Khalil has a pending case in Philadelphia.

After being detained in March on the allegation his presence was a threat to the U.S.s foreign policy, Khalil was in a detention facility in Louisiana for more than three months. During that period, Khalil missed the birth of his first child.

Updated on Sept. 18 at 2:45 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron are bringing a defamation suit against Candace Owens, the Right-wing social media influencer - Jeanne Accorsini/AFP

Emmanuel Macron and his wife will present photographic and scientific evidence to an American court to prove Frances first lady is a woman, their lawyer has said.

The Macrons will present the evidence in a defamation suit they have brought against Candace Owens, the Right-wing Maga influencer who has repeatedly insisted that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman.

Tom Clare, the couples lawyer said that Mrs Macron, 72, had found Ms Owenss accusations incredibly upsetting and they were a distraction to Mr Macrons career.

Mr Clare said on the BBCs Fame Under Fire podcast: Were prepared to demonstrate fully, both generically and specifically, that what shes saying about Brigitte Macron is false.

He added: It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put this type of proof forward.

It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way. But shes willing to do it. She is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight.

When asked if the Macrons would be supplying pictures of Brigitte pregnant and raising her children, Mr Clare said they existed and would be presented in court.

Ms Owens, a 36-year-old newspaper columnist turned Maga social media conspiracy theorist, said last year that she would stake her entire professional reputation on the fact that Brigitte Macron is in fact a man and has since doubled down on the baseless allegation, including in her own podcast series.

She has frequently claimed that Brigitte was born male with the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, and then groomed Mr Macron as a teenager before transitioning to live as a woman.

Candace Owens, the American Right-wing social media influencer, has claimed Brigitte Macron was born male

Brigitte is 24 years older than her husband, whom she met while teaching at his high school. She has three children from a former marriage and seven grandchildren.

The Macrons filed a suit in July alleging that Ms Owens had made continued defamatory attacks against the couple in order to promote her independent platform, gain notoriety, and make money.

The suit also states that Mr Trogneux is Brigittes older brother, who lives in northern France and attended Mr Macrons presidential inaugurations in 2017 and 2022.

It also accuses the US podcaster of falsely alleging Mr Macron and his wife are blood relatives and that the president was installed in office by a secret CIA plot.

Mr Clare said that the Macrons would also testify, adding that the process was incredibly intrusive for this family but would demonstrate how confident they are in their ability to prove it is false in an open forum.

The conspiracy theory first went viral on social media in 2021 and grew in prominence after a YouTube video made by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey.

The Macrons won a defamation lawsuit in France against the two bloggers, but this has since been overturned after an appeals court ruled it did not fit the legal definition of defamation. They have appealed against the decision.

In their lawsuit against Ms Owens, the Macrons claim she disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favour of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers.

Under American law, the Macrons will have to prove that Ms Owens knowingly spread false information, which is known as actual malice.

In August, the president said that he and his wife had to sue Ms Owens in order to have the truth respected.

Mr Macron said: This is about defending my honour. Because this is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-Right leaders.

Responding to the lawsuit in July, Ms Owens called it a catastrophic PR strategy and recommended Mrs Macron fire everyone around you who said this was a very good idea.

On behalf of the entire world, I will see you in court, she said.

Ms Owenss lawyers have applied to get the case thrown out, arguing that it should not have been filed in Delaware.

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A Pennsylvania college student is facing a criminal charge after authorities said he threatened the Utah school where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot.

The student, a 20-year-old man, allegedly made threats against Utah Valley University, Summit County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Skyler Talbot confirmed to USA TODAY on Thursday, Sept. 18.

"The investigation remains active but at this time, no other individuals are believed to be involved," Talbot said, adding the incident appears isolated.

A police officer walks in front of a tent bearing the slogan 'The American Comeback Tour', cordoned off after U.S. right-wing activist, commentator, Charlie Kirk, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, U.S. September 10, 2025. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart

Over 100 people have faced consequences for remarks about Charlie Kirk's death

The FBI on Tuesday, Sept. 16, told deputies about a suspicious video posted online, according to a news release from the Summit County Sheriff's Office.

The video, officials wrote in the bulletin, was believed to have been uploaded on Monday night, Sept. 15, and depicted an individual "making threats of violence and death, specifically referencing Utah Valley University and stating an intent to carry out the threats imminently."

FBI, police investigate Charlie Kirk shooting Police officers and FBI agents walk through the courtyard at Utah Valley University as authorities search for the man who killed political activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his "American Comeback Tour" when he was shot in the neck and killed the day before.

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Student was staying with family in Summit County, Utah

The sheriff's office opened an investigation and identified and located the student suspected of making and posting the threatening footage.

The student, who attends school in Pennsylvania, "had recently traveled to and was staying with family in Summit County," the sheriff's office said. He was arrested and booked into the Summit County Jail on Tuesday, Sept. 16, for suspicion of making a threat of terrorism.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KSL-TV and CBS News, before the student's arrest, he traveled from Pennsylvania to Park City and posted the video while in Utah.

As of Thursday, Sept. 18, there was no immediate indication "any significant steps were taken toward carrying out the threats," officials said.

According to the affidavit, in the footage, the student identifies himself and says: "I am now beginning my odyssey to Utah Valley University to fulfill my lifelong duty of finally killing woke." Officials also wrote that the student told investigators his comments were a "joke."

People mourn Charlie Kirk after the conservative activist was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025.

Man who claimed to be Charlie Kirk shooter charged with sexual exploitation, obstruction

Student released on $1,000 bond, no court date set

The sheriff's office told USA TODAY that the student was released from custody on Wednesday, Sept. 17, on a $1,000 bond.

USA TODAY reached out to the FBI, which deferred questions to the sheriff's office.

The student had not been formally charged as of Thursday, Sept. 18, and the Summit County Justice Court clerk confirmed the suspect did not have a court date scheduled.

As of Sept. 18, it was not immediately known if the suspect had obtained legal counsel in the case.

When did classes resume at Utah Valley University?

Classes resumed at the campus one week after a gunman fatally shot Kirk on while he was speaking as part of his "American Comeback Tour."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: School where Charlie Kirk died faced terroristic threats; man arrested
A U. Coast Guard Valiant patrol boat crew is underway with cocaine on board that was seized about 50 miles northeast of the Dominican Republic, Feb. 17, 2025. A similar patrol boats crew stopped a boat carrying 13 migrants from the Dominican Republic and Ecuador near the Miami River Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, according to U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. (Seaman Reese Fishbaugh/U.S. Coast Guard District 7)

A U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat crew stopped a boat nearing the Miami River on Sunday night that was smuggling more than a dozen migrants from two countries, according to federal court documents.

Then Coast Guard sailors boarding the twin-engine Stamas boat also found a Glock handgun in the vessels center console that had a Miami Police Department logo engraved on the weapon, as well as the name of a person who was not onboard, a Homeland Security Investigations criminal complaint states.

The boat was being tracked by a law enforcement air crew as it traveled from the Bahamas to South Florida, the complaint states. As the vessel was less than a mile from entering the river around 7:30 p.m., federal agents say the Coast Guard crew pulled it over.

The boats operator, 26-year-old Dariel Perez Cespedes, immediately told the Coast Guard about the gun. There were eight people besides Perez Cespedes on the deck, and Perez Cespedes told the Coast Guard that they were hanging out on the water around Miami all day, per the complaint.

The Coast Guard crew looked in the vessels cabin and found another six people, agents said.

HSI agents say 13 of the people are migrants not legally allowed to enter the U.S. Six are from the Dominican Republic and seven are from Ecuador, the complaint reads. There was also a woman on the boat who, like Perez Cespedes, is a U.S. citizen, the complaint states, adding she was not taken into custody.

The Coast Guard took Perez Cespedes and the migrants to the agencys base in Miami. The migrants were then placed on the Cutter Rollin Fritch, the complaint states. The Coast Guard typically takes migrants who use the Bahamas as a jumping off point to enter the U.S. back to that nation, whose government processes them for removal back to their homeland.

HSI agents looked at the GPS data from Perez Cespedes boat, which shows it traveled from Bimini to South Florida that day, according to the complaint.

Perez Cespedes invoked his right to remain silent, court records show. Information about his legal counsel was not immediately available. He is facing several migrant smuggling counts.

The Miami Police Department did not immediately respond to the Heralds request to questions about the gun found on the boat.
Notrealheatherjae/Instagram; Realheatherjae/Tiktok Photographer Heather Jae's ex-husband proposing to his new fiancee

NEED TO KNOW

A mom helped her ex-husband propose to his girlfriend

She said she wanted their two kids to see "that love and respect can still exist after divorce"

The mom's video of the proposal went viral on TikTok, with one viewer commenting, "That's what maturity and healing look like"

When Derek Silver was planning a surprise proposal for his girlfriend, he turned to an unlikely person for help: his ex-wife, Heather.

The photographer, who goes by Heather Jae online, teamed up with her ex on a sneaky setup, inviting his girlfriend, Kaylin Drumeller, to a Virginia rooftop under the pretext of participating in a glamorous photo shoot, per Today.com.

I lost all of my business accounts, so I asked them to model for me, Heather said of the ruse in a TikTok video capturing the shoot and unexpected proposal. The clip was then posted online with the text overlay: "Photographing my baby dad's proposal to his gf."

In the video, which has garnered over 460,000 views and nearly 70,000 comments since it was posted on Aug. 27, Heather can be seen snapping photos of the couple posing together on the rooftop before Derek suddenly kneels down and pops the question to Kaylin.

Notrealheatherjae/Instagram; Realheatherjae/Tiktok Kaylin Drumeller and Derek Silver photographed by Heather Jae

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Per Today.com, Heather's wife, Meg, also pitched in by holding Derek and Kaylin's infant son during the shoot while also recording the whole moment on video.

The outlet also reported that Heather and Derek dated for seven years before marrying in 2020. They divorced after less than a year, but continue to have a co-parenting relationship as they raise their two children, ages 7 and 9.

"We dont even really use the word ex. Were just the parents of our kids, and thats what matters," Heather tells PEOPLE.

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In fact, it was their kids who inspired Heather's easy willingness to help her ex-husband with the proposal. It was important for me to be part of this moment because it showed how far weve come as co-parents," she told Today.com. Being there meant supporting something joyful in Dereks life and showing our children that love and respect can still exist after divorce.

Derek added that this is the relationship and family dynamic that we created." Noting that he considers Heather not just an ex-wife but a sister and the mother of his kids, he said, Were surrounded by a lot of love.

Derek met Kaylin in 2023, and they welcomed their son together six months ago. Kaylin and Heather have become close friends.

Derek admitted that it took work for the former spouses, along with Kaylin and Meg, to achieve such a positive post-divorce dynamic. It did not start out this way  it was very messy, he said. We were on a really bad path. I remember telling Heather, Were family for life  no matter what, were in each others lives, so we need to find a common ground.



Notrealheatherjae/Instagram; Realheatherjae/Tiktok Kaylin Drumeller and Derek Silver photographed by Heather Jae

Heather recalled reaching a breaking point when she and Derek got into "a stupid argument" in a group chat where "things got misconstrued." She told Today.com that was when "we realized, This isnt working.' 

Kaylin said they have all learned that communication is key. We have different personalities, and it can be hard to understand where someone is coming from," she told the outlet. "Now, if something isnt coming across the way we want it to, we get on a phone call ... to better understand each other and not fight.

As a result, everyone is happy for each other  especially now that their family is growing by one more person. Im genuinely happy for both of them, and I love that I get to call Kaylin a friend, too," Heather tells PEOPLE.

Notrealheatherjae/Instagram; Realheatherjae/Tiktok Kaylin Drumeller and Derek Silver photographed by Heather Jae

Heather's video of the proposal quickly went viral, with many viewers commenting on the inspiring dynamic between the photographer and her ex-husband. "This is what maturity and healing look like," one person wrote, while another said, "Thats the definition of healed."

While Derek and Kaylin have yet to set a wedding date, everyone in their blended family will have a special role. They see the event as yet another opportunity to set a positive example for the kids. We all grew up in divided households, and its important for us that our children see unity amongst both households, Meg told Today.com, while Derek added: You never want your kids to feel like they have to choose which parent they like more or which parent they want to be with. Our kids never have to think that way.

"More than anything, Im glad our children get to grow up seeing that you can still care about and support one another even if youre not together anymore," Heather tells PEOPLE.

Read the original article on People
Italian driver Fabio Barone attempts to break his own speed record on a ship, at the wheel of a Ferrari SF 90, on the flight deck of the Italian Navy aircraft carrier Nave Trieste, docked at the port of Civitavecchia, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy (AP)  Along Italys Mediterranean coast on Thursday, driver Fabio Barone raced across the flight deck of a navy ship while chasing a world record: the fastest car on a boat.

Last year, Barone set the Italian Timekeepers Federations record on another aircraft carrier in southern Italy, hitting 152 kilometers per hour (94.4 mph). In Civitavecchia, on the coast near Rome, he aimed to reach at least 160 kph (99.4 mph) and then hit the brakes in time to avoid launching off the decks so-called ski jump and smashing into the cruise ship stationed just fore.

Race engineer Alessandro Tedino told The Associated Press that he wasnt sure the new record was attainable. The ship had been out at sea overnight, and the crew emerged in the early morning to find its flight deck wet. They immediately set to drying it, with the job finished by late summer sunbeams.

If it remained wet, then of course its impossible to have the maximum speed and best brakes. It can be very, very dangerous, he said.

As the Top Gun theme song rang out from speakers, the carriers portside elevator lifted Barones team to the deck where journalists, naval officers and VIPs waited. A group of children with Down syndrome, chosen to serve as honorary mechanics for the day, removed the red, satiny cover to reveal Barones steed: a red-and-black Ferrari SF90.

Barone eased himself into the supercar, then drove back and forth along the length of the deck several times to warm up its V-8 turbo engine. It roared louder with each pass as he pushed its 1,085 horses harder and harder. Then he placed himself at the far end of the 236-meter (774-foot) flight deck and awaited the all-clear.

Here he goes! Here he goes! the announcer called as Barone left his mark and zipped past the crowd. Mere seconds later he came to a safe stop, and the crowd applauded haltingly  impressed by the speedy spectacle, but unsure if hed beaten the record. The official timekeeper approached the car and inspected the gauges within.

The detected velocity: 164 kilometers per hour (101.9 mph). I declare it the new speed record on a ship! he said, prompting hearty applause from the sidelines.

Barone lifted his arms to the sky, then hugged his crew, helmet still in place. Reporters swarmed.

The main thing you focus on is concentration and then you realize that you are breaking the record only when you are halfway, Barone said. I have two hands, two feet and I use them at the same time like a pianist.

Tedino said that Barones team will now submit their certified result to Guinness World Records, which told the AP in an email Thursday afternoon that we look forward to receiving and reviewing the application and supporting evidence for his latest attempt.

___

AP videojournalist Paolo Santalucia contributed.
The man who gunned down three detectives in central Pennsylvania had been wanted on suspicion of stalking a former girlfriend and broke into her house before they ambushed the officers, authorities said Thursday.

Police had been on the lookout for Matthew James Ruth, 24, in hope of arresting him on allegations of stalking, prowling and trespassing, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday.

Matthew J. Ruth is the actor who fatally shot three officers, York County District Attorney Tim Barker told reporters Thursday, vowing to never mention Ruths name again.

The three fallen policemen were identified as Detective-Sgt. Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser.

Barker called it a result of "the hateful scourge of domestic violence."

"That is what brought us here, that is what brought law enforcement here, that is what started all the activity," Barker said.

The ongoing police search for Ruth took officers back to the ex-girlfriend's home Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

The front door was unlocked, Barker said, signaling that an intruder was inside because the girlfriend and her mother had locked up on their way out of the house for their own safety.

"Upon immediately opening the door, the actor repeatedly fired at the officers with multiple rounds from an AR-15 style rifle," Barker said.

The ambush unleashed a brutal firefight that ended in Ruth's death.

Barker declined to reveal whether Ruth was killed by other police at the scene or he died by his own hand.

"Following the final exchange of fire the actor became deceased," Barker said. "So I will leave it at that."

The deadly saga started late Tuesday when police responded to reports of a man in camouflage who was spotted looking through a home's windows with binoculars on Haar Road in North Codorus Township, which is about 110 miles west of central Philadelphia, the complaint said.

Trail cameras in the area spotted the prowler in camouflage, and the home's resident, Julia Zumbrum, identified him as Ruth, whom she had once dated, police said.

On Aug. 20, Zumbrum's pickup truck was set on fire, and she "suspected her ex-boyfriend was the culprit," police said.

In still images believed to be of Ruth taken from trail cameras, the man "had an AR-15 style rifle slung across his chest," according to the complaint.

Ruth and the former girlfriend had only dated for a short period of time and Ruth had never been to her house, nor had he ever been invited there, the complaint said.

Police went back to the ex-girlfriend's home Wednesday to "see if they could provide ultimate safety," Barker said.

"And rather than being able to provide ultimate safety, they wound up having to provide ultimate sacrifice," he added.

Had the former girlfriend and her mother returned home before police, they would have been the slain victims, officials said.

Ruth also killed the family's dog, a black Labrador retriever, they said.

"We have two lives of the residents there that are saved today," Barker said. "Had they arrived home and not Northern Regional Police Department officers, they would have been killed immediately by the actor. Again, that is not speculation. That is the absolute only reasonable inference from all actions."

In addition to the three slain men, two more law enforcement officers were critically wounded, police said.

An initial search of law enforcement records did not yield any evidence that Ruth was ineligible to own firearms, Barker said.


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Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain visited the Pyramids of Giza during their first official State Visit to Egypt this week, part of a four-day trip to the north African nation. On Wednesday evening, the Spanish royals toured the ancient site estimated to be more than 4,500 years oldalongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar Amer El-Sisi, posing for photographs with the pyramids in the background.

The trip officially began Tuesday back in Spain with a farewell ceremony at Madrid-Barajas Airport before the royals traveled to Cairo. Upon arrival, they met with members of the Spanish community in Egypt, including archaeologists, business leaders, and aid workers.

Spain and Egypt share a desire that we firmly hold: for peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and reconciliation in the Middle East that will finally allow for a stable environment for the development of peoples with dignity and justice, King Felipe said upon their arrival. At the moment, it seems like a utopia, but it must be possible, and we must all contribute to making it so.

On Thursday, Queen Letizia visited the Sultan Foundations cultural center in the City of the Dead, also known as the Cairo Necropolis, which is interspersed with both residential neighborhoods and cemeteries, dotted historic mosques, mausoleums, and other medieval Islamic architecture dating back to the Arab conquest of Egypt in the 7th century. The Spanish queen also opened a photography exhibition featuring the work of Egyptian artist Mohamed Mahdy and Spanish photographer Laura Silleras, and toured the foundations craft workshops. The King met separately with Spanish and Egyptian business leaders and inaugurated the Spain-Egypt Business Forum in Cairo.

The King and Queen are spending two days in Cairo before they embark on a visit to Luxor. The next leg of the trip will mark the first official trip to the southern Egyptian city by Spanish monarchs since King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia went in 2008.

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Jamie McCarthy/Getty Reese WItherspoon in September 2025

NEED TO KNOW

Reese Witherspoon said shes struggled with bad panic attacks as a high-anxiety person, sharing that she tried medication and meditation to manage the conditions

During a Wednesday, Sept. 17 appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast, the Morning Show star said she saw a hypnotherapist, crediting them with helping her anxiety

"Anxiety is real, Witherspoon said, adding, I see girls going through it or guys going through it ... I wanna hug them"

Reese Witherspoon says she tried meditation and medication to manage life as a high-anxiety person," but it wasnt until she saw a hypnotist that she learned tools that changed my whole life.

Can we talk about our relationship to anxiety? Because I wanna hear tools that you've learned and what I've learned, and it's real, The Morning Show star, 49, told hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers on the Wednesday, Sept. 17 episode of their Las Culturistas podcast.

I'm a high-anxiety person, Witherspoon said.

Rogers replied: I'm actually really happy to hear you say that... when someone talks about themselves as ambitious  and I identify with that  it's sort of what people don't say is the amount of anxiety that sometimes can be driving that ambition."

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Reese Witherspoon in April 2024

Rogers went on to ask Witherspoon how she thinks of her anxiety.

It can be really highly performance-based," she said. "Like, you have to perform. You have to show up, which is a lot of my anxiety. I used to have panic attacks, bad panic attacks, like crying.

She shared ways she tried to manage her anxiety. I tried meditation, she said, adding its hard for me to listen because I also have, like, some ADD [the previous medical term for attention deficit disorder, now rolled into the term ADHD] stuff, so I can't listen to stuff for very long.

The Academy Award winner said she tried the medication Ativan to calm down, but it would make me feel like a zombie.

I wasn't performing at the level I wanted to, and I wasn't as funny, Witherspoon said, pausing to add, If you need medicine, please take the medicine  I'm not a doctor.

When Witherspoon was 34, she said, I started doing some work with a hypnotist, and she actually works for this thing called neurolinguistic programming. So, it's called NLP. And she helped me realize that I was going to get the same result, but I could get rid of all the anxiety in the middle.

NLP works to create accessible, understandable tools  to improve outcomes, support wellbeing and create change, according to the Association for NLP.

In Witherspoons case, overcoming anxiety took realizing that I was going to get to the same result, but I could get rid of all the anxiety in the middle.

I was like, why am I doing this? I don't feel good. Or I take an Ativan, and I was sleepy. That actually changed my whole life. And I want people to know anxiety is real."

I see girls going through it or guys going through it and they post videos, and ... I wanna hug them," Witherspoon continued. "I want  [it] makes me wanna cry because it's very real, and you're not alone, and you can calm yourself down. There's tools to calm yourself down. 

The cornerstone of that work is understanding that you're gonna perform at the same level whether you're stressed about it or not stressed about it. So decide to take the stress out.

Specifically, Witherspoon said shell do an exercise where you talk to yourself after you've completed the task. You've done this show. You're walking backstage ... and you're happy. And so, you kind of just tell yourself ahead of time, we're gonna get there. The way I process it is actually who I am and how I show up as a leader. 

At what point do you believe that to be true? That, like, you don't need all the stuff in the middle? That you will perform at the same level Yang asked, adding that he just assumes the anxiety and the stress is just the way through.

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 you can let the compliments in, Witherspoon said. Just sit down at the end of the night, maybe even, like, just circle certain texts or take a screenshot, and like give yourself a moment and let it in.

As she told Yang, Because you really are that talented. And you really, really deserve where you're at.

Witherspoon stars in The Morning Show's fourth season, which debuted on Apple TV+ on Sept. 17.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

Read the original article on People
WASHINGTON  A prominent Democratic congresswoman just narrowly survived an effort to take away her biggest jobs on Capitol Hill.

Surprisingly, she has Republicans to thank.

On Sept. 17, the House of Representatives narrowly struck down a resolution from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota. The measure would've stripped Omar of her committee assignments, rendering her far less powerful as a lawmaker.

The vote was 214-213. Joining with Democrats were four Republicans: Reps. Mike Flood of Nebraska, Jeff Hurd of Colorado, Tom McClintock of California and Cory Mills of Florida.

'Full blown panic attack.' Rep. Nancy Mace leaves meeting with Epstein victims in tears

Omar, one of Congress' progressive standard-bearers, has been locked in a war of words with Mace, a MAGA Republican running for governor in her home state, over recent comments the Democrat made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In an interview, Omar called the incident "mortifying" and expressed compassion for Kirk's family. But she condemned conservatives who she said are downplaying how divisive his rhetoric could be.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, listens during a meeting of the House Budget Committee on Capitol Hill on May 16, 2025, in Washington, DC.

"Those people are full of (expletive)," she said.

On X, Mace called for Omar to be deported to the country where she was born.

"If you celebrate murder, maybe Somalia can take you back," the GOP congresswoman wrote.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) arrives for a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on November 19, 2024 in Washington, DC. Mace introduced legislation that would require House members and staffers from "using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex." Mace introduced the bill in response to incoming Representative-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE) who will soon be the first transgender member of Congress.

Omar responded: "I know you aren't well or smart but I hope someone can explain to you that there isn't a correlation between my committee assignments and deportation."

'Our lives are in danger.' Lawmakers cancel events, critique security after Kirk shooting

Democratic leadership rushed to defend Omar in recent days. In a statement, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Mace's comments "racist, unhinged and xenophobic" and said her "crazed rhetoric has put a target on the back of Rep. Omar."

"Is this what civility looks like in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives?" he said.

The day after the failed House vote, President Donald Trump weighed in on the feud while on his way back from an overseas trip. He suggested Omar should be expelled from Congress.

"If she got sanctioned, that's great," he said. "If she got impeached, that's even better."

This story has been updated to add new information.

Zachary Schermele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Republicans come to Ilhan Omar's rescue in censure vote
Emergency responders are on the scene of a helicopter crash near a military base in Washington state, an official confirmed Thursday morning, Sept. 18.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord confirms that a military helicopter crashed on the evening of Sept. 17 in a rural area near the installation," according to a statement from the Pentagon. "The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. This remains a developing situation, and no additional details are available currently.

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Saunders reported that the helicopter crashed near Summit Lake, located about 10 miles west of Olympia, the state capital. According to a dispatcher, the crash was reported at 8:40 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

It was not immediately known how many people were on board the aircraft or whether any casualties occurred.

'The scene is on fire'

"The Thurston County Sheriffs Office and first responders are out with a confirmed helicopter crash near Summit Lake," the sheriff said. "Deputies have located the crash site but have been unable to continue rescue efforts as the scene is on fire and is starting to overheat their footwear. Special operation rescue units are responding."

The Federal Aviation Administration told USA TODAY the military is investigating the crash.

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'The military lost contact'

Late Wednesday night, the sheriff's office reported deputies responded to "a possible helicopter crash near Joint Base LewisMcChord."

"We have been advised that the military lost contact with a helicopter in the area, and we are working closely with JBLM to deploy any resources needed to assist," the sheriff's office posted on social media.

This story has been updated to reflect new information.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Helicopter crashes near Lake Summit, Washington near military base
Attendees react during a vigil at Spring Grove Alliance church Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Spring Grove, Pa., after multiple police officers were shot and killed. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

NORTH CODORUS, Pa. (AP)  A suspected stalker armed with a rifle hid inside his ex-girlfriend's home in the rolling farmland of southern Pennsylvania and ambushed police officers who came to arrest him, killing three of them in a shootout, a prosecutor said Thursday.

Two other officers were seriously wounded before police shot the suspect to death in a hail of gunfire that capped a 15-hour ordeal after a trail camera captured an image of the suspect, armed with an AR-style rifle, peering through a scope into the house Tuesday night.

How the shooting unfolded

The ex-girlfriend and her mother called the police and then fled the house for their safety after officers dispatched Tuesday night were unable to find him there. Police didn't find him at his own home so arrived back at the house Wednesday afternoon.

Using a drone, six officers scoured the property, including farm buildings, before they noticed the door to the home was unlocked  even though the ex-girlfriend and her mother had locked it before fleeing.

Four plainclothes detectives from the Northern York County Regional Police Department wearing bulletproof vests opened the door and were immediately fired on by the suspect, 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, who was carrying an AR-style rifle with a suppressor, York County District Attorney Tim Barker said.

Barker said he believed that Ruth had planned to ambush his ex-girlfriend before the detectives walked in.

Ruth fired numerous rounds, killing three of the officers at the door and seriously wounding the fourth, Barker said. A gunfight then ensued between Ruth and two officers outside. Ruth wounded a York County sheriff's deputy before he and another Northern York County Regional officer shot the gunman to death by the road, Barker said.

Detective Sgt. Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser were killed, he said.

Each of these men represented the best of policing. They served with professionalism, dedication and courage. They were leaders within our agency, committed to protecting this community and standing beside their follow officers, Chief Dave Lash said.

All three slain officers were long-time veterans of the nearly 70-officer force, with almost six decades of combined service. Baker, 53, had served 21 years after spending time as a police officer in Philadelphia; Becker, 39, had served 16 years; and Emenheiser, 43, had served 20 years.

The wounded detective and sheriff's officer remained hospitalized, one of whom is in critical but stable condition Thursday.

What happened before the shootout

When the ex-girlfriend's pickup truck mysteriously caught fire one night in August, she suspected Ruth was behind it, but she asked police not to investigate, Barker said.

Instead, she and her mother put up the trail camera and, nearly a month later, called police when they discovered an image of him wearing camouflage and peering into the house through what Barker called a scope-like device.

With misdemeanor warrants for his arrest, police went looking for Ruth.

Investigators went to Ruth's home in Hanover, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from where the officers were killed, and talked to relatives earlier Wednesday, Barker said. He wasn't there, so they left to try the ex-girlfriend's home again.

Barker said he couldnt immediately say how Ruth got into the ex-girlfriend's house, but he said Ruth had carefully surveilled the entire residence and the outbuilding areas and even shot and killed the family dog, a black Labrador, after he entered the home.

Detectives returned to Hanover after the shooting and left with several bags of potential evidence, neighbor Rose Miller said. She didnt know Ruth well, but remembered him working on Boy Scout fundraisers.

A community mourns

On Thursday night, a couple hundred people gathered for a vigil honoring the officers at a church in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, some wiping away tears as pastors led prayers and hymns and a woman sang Amazing Grace. Community members wrote messages on stones and arranged them under a table displaying five lit candles.

We need to do better as a society, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Wednesday evening. We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon is the answer to resolving disputes.

It was one of the states deadliest days for law enforcement this century, matching the toll from a shooting in 2009 when three officers were ambushed by a domestic violence suspect sporting a bulletproof vest.

Community members held American flags and saluted as police and emergency vehicles formed a procession to the coroners office, and people left flowers outside the slain officers' headquarters.

The confrontation unfolded on a rural road in North Codorus, about 46 miles (75 km) north of Baltimore. Neighbor Dirk Anderson heard quite a few shots from his home across the street and wondered what was happening. Then he saw a helicopter and police arrive.

In all, some 30 police vehicles arrived, blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm and soybean and corn fields.

Its strange walking down this road now and seeing all these cars and knowing what happened here, said Bryan Rice, who lives nearby and regularly walks the road with his wife.

Barker declined to ponder the gunman's full profile, but said one thing was apparent.

There is one motive though that is clear for everything. And that is the hateful scourge of domestic violence," he said. "That is what brought us here. That is what brought law enforcement here.

___

Levy reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

___

Associated Press reporters Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, D.C.; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; Kimberlee Kruesi in Providence, Rhode Island; Hallie Golden in Seattle; and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration on Thursday asked the Supreme Court for an emergency order to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserves board of governors.

The Republican administration turned to the high court after an appeals court refused to go along with ousting Cook, part of President Donald Trump's effort to reshape the Feds seven-member governing board and strike a blow at its independence.

The White House campaign to unseat Cook marks an unprecedented bid to reshape the Fed board, which was designed to be largely independent from day-to-day politics. No president has fired a sitting Fed governor in the agencys 112-year history.

Cook, who was appointed to the Feds board by President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has said she wont leave her post and wont be bullied by Trump. One of her lawyers, Abbe Lowell, has said she will continue to carry out her sworn duties as a Senate-confirmed Board Governor.

Separately, Senate Republicans on Monday confirmed Stephen Miran, Trumps nominee to an open spot on the Feds board. Both Cook and Miran took part in Wednesday's vote in which the Fed cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point.

The next opportunity for Cook to cast a vote will be at the meeting of the Feds interest rate setting committee, scheduled for Oct. 28-29.

Trump sought to fire Cook on Aug. 25, but a federal judge ruled last week that the removal probably was illegal and reinstated her to the Feds board. Trump has accused Cook of mortgage fraud because she appeared to claim two properties, in Michigan and Georgia, as primary residences in June and July 2021, before she joined the board. Such claims can lead to a lower mortgage rate and smaller down payment than if one of them was declared as a rental property or second home.

Put simply, the President may reasonably determine that interest rates paid by the American people should not be set by a Governor who appears to have lied about facts material to the interest rates she secured for herself  and refuses to explain the apparent misrepresentations, Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in his Supreme Court filing.

But Cook has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime. According to documents obtained by The Associated Press, Cook did specify that her Atlanta condo would be a vacation home, according to a loan estimate she obtained in May 2021. And in a form seeking a security clearance, she described it as a 2nd home. Both documents appear to undercut the Trump administrations claims of fraud.

U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled that the administration had not satisfied a legal requirement that Fed governors can only be fired for cause, which she said was limited to misconduct while in office. Cook did not join the Feds board until 2022.

Cobb also held that Trumps firing would have deprived Cook of her due process, or legal right, to contest the firing.

By a 2-1 vote, a panel of the federal appeals court in Washington rejected the administrations request to let Cooks firing proceed.

Trumps lawyers have argued that even if the conduct occurred before her time as governor, her alleged action indisputably calls into question Cooks trustworthiness and whether she can be a responsible steward of the interest rates and economy.

Trump has previously won orders from the courts conservative majority to fire the presidentially appointed leaders of other independent federal agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board and the Federal Trade Commission, even as legal fights continue.

Those firings have been at will, with no cause given. The Supreme Court has distinguished the Federal Reserve from those other agencies, strongly suggesting that Trump cant act against Fed governors without cause.

In its new filing to the Supreme Court, the administration is asking Chief Justice John Roberts for a temporary order that would effectively remove Cook from the board and a more lasting order from the whole court that would be in place while her legal case continues.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the Federal Reserve System at https://apnews.com/hub/federal-reserve-system.
US President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III attend an official state banquet at Windsor Castle in Windsor, Britain, September 17, 2025. - Doug Mills/Pool/Reuters

Amid the pageantry and pomp of this weeks state visit, the war in Ukraine tested the ability of Britains legendary soft power to convince President Donald Trump to increase his pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As Trumps visit concluded Thursday, it was far from clear the ornate banquet, subtle nudging from King Charles III and constant reminders of Americas role in safeguarding Europe had achieved their objective.

Trump offered few indications he was willing to quickly ramp up pressure on Russia, despite saying Putin had let me down, and repeated his insistence that European nations take action first.

Im willing to do other things, but not when the people that Im fighting for are buying oil from Russia, he said. If the oil price comes down, very simply, Russia will settle.

It was not quite the pledge of action that some of Ukraines European partners were hoping for. The topic  along with the war in Gaza  was at the center of Trumps meetings earlier in the day with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has tried, so far unsuccessfully, to cajole Trump into adopting a tougher stance toward Moscow.

At Chequers, the prime ministers country home in Buckinghamshire, the two men viewed items from the Winston Churchill archive, another reminder of the wartime role the United States once played in Europe. Speaking alongside Trump at a joint news conference, Starmer kept pushing for tighter measures, and said it was Trump who would could have the most impact.

We have to put extra pressure on Putin, he said. And its only when the president has put pressure on Putin that hes actually shown any inclination to move. So we have to ramp that pressure up.

Ahead of Trumps visit this week, the hope among some European officials was that perhaps a royal charm offensive might instill in the president a new appreciation for the long history of the US role in European security, and a fresh perspective on his counterparts calls for new action against Russia.

Some of those officials (perhaps hopefully) tried to read into first lady Melania Trumps sunflower-hued Carolina Herrera gown at Wednesdays banquet  which, when paired with Queen Camillas royal blue ensemble, mimicked the Ukrainian flag  as tacit support for the country.

And in a speech that studiously avoided any glint of geopolitics, Charles fleeting mention of Ukraine  however small  stood out at Wednesdays dinner.

In two World Wars, we fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny, Charles told Trump underneath the vaulted ceilings of Windsor Castles St. Georges Hall. Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace.

It was a notable, if gentle, reminder to his guest that American participation in the Western effort to deter Russias war remains a necessary and urgent imperative, even as Trump appears to waver on applying new sanctions on Moscow and seems, again, upset at Ukraines leader for not accepting a deal.

Charles mention of the war was hardly an accident. His remarks would have been written with input from Britains government. And the king  who sources say is up-to-date on ceasefire talks  has previously shown a willingness to embrace the Ukrainian cause, including in March when he hosted President Volodymyr Zelensky at Sandringham, his private home, three days after the Ukrainian leaders explosive Oval Office blow-up with Trump.

Zelensky on Thursday thanked Charles for his steadfast support for Ukraine. When tyranny threatens Europe once again, we must all hold firm, and Britain continues to lead in defending freedom on many fronts, he said in a statement.

Trump largely unmoved on Ukraine and Gaza

The day after Charles toast, Trump appeared mostly disappointed that his long relationship with Putin had so far proved worthless in ending the war.

The one that I thought would be easiest would be because of my relationship with President Putin, he said after touting the conflicts hes found more success in ending.

Hes let me down. Hes really let me down, Trump went on. Was going to be Russia and Ukraine, but well see how that turns out. But that turned out to be  I thought it might be among the easiest of the group.

On the Middle East, Trump was more willing to break openly with Starmer, who plans in the coming days to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score, Trump said at Thursdays news conference, avoiding multiple questions about what pressure he was willing to apply on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  with whom he has been privately frustrated  to quickly wrap up the conflict.

For a president feted in public this week as a global peacemaker, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza stood out as examples where Trump seems unmoving  for now  in his willingness to apply new pressure to end the fighting.

And if the royal welcome and displays of pomp were intended in part to help advance Britains positions on the wars, there was little evidence as Trump departed they were successful.

Stalled negotiations on Ukraine

Trumps high-profile summits last month  with Putin in Alaska and with Zelensky and a host of European leaders at the White House  have appeared to do little to advance negotiations.

Russia has maintained its maximalist demands to end the war, including taking over the entire Donbas region and insisting Ukraine never join NATO. Most recently, its drones flew into airspace over Poland  a NATO member  an escalation of the conflict that prompted outrage and pledges from European nations (but not the United States) to bolster their military presence in the region.

And it was Zelensky who Trump said Tuesday must agree to a deal to end the war and European nations  not the United States  who he said must step up their efforts to apply pressure on Putin.

Hes going to have to get going and make a deal. Hes going to have to make a deal. Zelensky is going to have to make a deal, Trump said as he was leaving the White House for the UK earlier this week.

While Trump has applied a new tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, he has stopped short of taking action against the other top purchaser  China, with whom he is trying to broker a trade deal.

Trump spoke on Tuesday with Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and is scheduled to speak Friday with Chinas leader Xi Jinping. It wasnt clear how much he intended to raise the war in Ukraine with either man.

European leaders, meanwhile, have struggled to respond to Trumps demands. There appeared little likelihood they would agree to new tariffs on China or India, important trading partners. European officials have said they dont plan to use tariffs as pressure tactics in the way Trump uses them.

And while European nations have tried to speed up efforts to end imports of Russian oil and natural gas, some countries  including Hungary, led by top Trump ally Viktor Orban  continue to rely on the products.

That has left little optimism among European officials that Trump will enact new measures, with many saying they believe the demands he began laying out earlier this month were just another attempt at stalling on new action.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

By Amina Niasse

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff sent letters to insurers on Thursday ahead of a key CDC vaccine panel meeting asking the companies to publicly commit to covering routine vaccines for illnesses such as measles and COVID-19 no matter the group's recommendations.

California's Schiff urged health insurers in the letters to provide coverage for the routine shots with no out-of-pocket costs to patients, suggesting any changes in recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices lacked evidence-based reasoning.

Schiff in letters viewed by Reuters and sent to UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Elevance, Cigna and Kaiser, a California-based health plan purchaser, said changes the committee has made have already left patients and providers in a state of confusion.

In May, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a vaccine skeptic, announced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy pregnant women and children.

The Affordable Care Act requires private insurers to cover immunizations recommended by the panel. After Kennedy gutted the panel and replaced it with his handpicked advisers, some states moved to allow pharmacies to follow the authority of medical organizations, like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, when administering vaccines.

For vaccines recommended by the vaccine committee before the meeting, industry trade organization America's Health Insurance Plans in a Tuesday statement said health insurers would continue to provide coverage through 2026.

The committee meets on September 18 and 19 and will review recommendations for COVID-19, hepatitis B and the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccines.

Schiff said the Affordable Care Act statute was written without the foresight of knowing the committee would have all its members fired by Kennedy and replaced with those lacking expertise or who were skeptical or against vaccines.

(This story has been corrected to fix the dates of coverage to 'through 2026,' not 'the end of this year,' in paragraph 6)

(Reporting by Amina Niasse; Editing by Caroline Humer and Chris Reese)
Getty partial solar eclipse

NEED TO KNOW

The last eclipse of the year arrives on Sept. 21, with a partial solar eclipse offering dramatic views of the sun's obscurity

This cosmic event will be seen across various parts of the world

Solar eclipses happen during the new moon phase, when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth while blocking the Sun's light



The cosmos is giving us a double feature this week!



Just before the autumnal equinox  marking the official transition from summer to fall in the northern hemisphere  a partial solar eclipse will sweep across the sky, setting the stage for a moment of endings, beginnings and everything in between.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly in front of the Earth and the sun, temporarily obscuring our brightest star. While this eclipse is only partial, up to 86% of the sun will be hidden from our view, creating the marvellous illusion of the moon taking a bite of the sun.

Partial solar eclipses obscure only part of the solar surface, as opposed to a total solar eclipse, where the sun is completely blocked.

The stellar event will take place on Sept. 21, promising visibility to parts of New Zealand, Antarctica and the South Pacific. Unfortunately, skywatchers in the northern hemisphere  North America, along with parts of Asia, India and South America  wont be in the eclipse's line of sight this time.

Still, almost 17 million people worldwide  approximately 0.2 percent of the global population  will experience visibility, according to Time and Date.



Lucky are those in southern New Zealand, the Pacific islands and parts of Antarctica, as they will catch a glimpse of up to 70% of the suns obscurity as the eclipse reaches its peak.



Until then, heres what you need to know about Septembers partial solar eclipse.

When is the partial solar eclipse?

Getty Partial solar eclipse

Depending on where you are on the planet, the partial solar eclipse will arrive on Sept. 21, just a day before the equinox. However, skywatchers in New Zealand will see the eclipse at sunrise on Sept. 22.

What time does the partial solar eclipse start?

Getty Partial solar eclipse in Utah

The partial solar eclipse will begin at exactly 1:29 p.m. ET, where it will eventually peak at 3:41 p.m. ET and end at exactly 5:53 p.m., per Time and Date.



Head over to NASA's eclipse map for the exact timing, per your location on the planet.



What is the path of the partial solar eclipse?

Camilo Freedman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett Partial solar eclipse in San Salvador

Septembers partial solar lunar eclipse will be visible to an estimated 16 million people, covering around 0.2 percent of the worlds population, according to Time and Date.

Skywatchers from between New Zealand and a largely remote part of Antarctica will have a view of the partial solar eclipse at the maximum of 80 percent obscurity, while the Antarctica Peninsula experiences only 12 percent shortly before sunset.

How to view the partial solar eclipse?

Drew Angerer/Getty People view the solar eclipse

The number one safety tip? Protect your eyes.



Even during a partial solar eclipse, staring at the sun without taking proper precautions can lead to serious damage. You'll need a pair of eclipse glasses that meet safety standards or solar filters made specifically for telescopes and cameras.



If you don't have the right gear, you can still catch a glimpse of the cosmic spectacle by joining one of the many live streams hosted by observatories and space agencies online.



When is the next total lunar eclipse?

Septembers partial solar eclipse will be the last of the year, but the next event will be the total solar eclipse in August 2026. This will be visible across parts of North America, Europe and Africa.

Read the original article on People
The Numbers Dont Lie

The Numbers Don't Lie (image credits: unsplash)

Walk through any major fashion magazine or scroll through high-end brand campaigns, and youll notice something striking. Of the 8,763 looks presented across 208 shows and presentations, 0.8 per cent were plus-size (US 14+), 4.3 per cent were mid-size (US 6-12) and 94.9 per cent were straight-size (US 0-4). This isnt just a seasonal blip  its become the new normal after years of declining representation.

Approximately 67% of women in the US wear a size 14 or above  considered plus size by the industry. Yet walk into any department store or browse online, and the disconnect becomes painfully obvious. The majority of American women are being systematically excluded from the visual language of fashion.

The Ozempic Effect

The Ozempic Effect (image credits: unsplash)

Theres an elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about. The body positivity movement has lost steam in mainstream culture as the pendulum has swung back to the glamorisation of thinness, amid the rising use of Ozempic and the subsequent shrinking of celebrities and influencers. And, as predicted, this showed up on the Spring/Summer 2025 runways.

The influence of weight-loss medications has trickled down from Hollywood to the fashion world in ways that are reshaping entire advertising campaigns. Much of this can be put down to Ozempic, a GLP-1 drug initially designed for diabetes that has gained popularity as a weight loss drug (alongside equivalents such as Mounjaro and Wegovy). Ozempic was previously quite expensive and mostly the preserve of celebrities and influencers, but it is now becoming increasingly cheaper and accessible.

The Business Case Everyones Ignoring

The Business Case Everyone's Ignoring (image credits: pixabay)

The global plus size clothing market was estimated at USD 119.4 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 125 billion in 2025 to USD 202.4 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 5.5%. These arent niche numbers  this represents a massive economic opportunity that most fashion brands are literally refusing to see.

Approximately 67% of American women wear a size 14 or above. The irony is staggering: brands are spending millions on advertising to reach customers while simultaneously excluding the majority of their potential market from that very same advertising.

When Designers Make It Worse

When Designers Make It Worse (image credits: pixabay)

The problem gets worse when you look at whos calling the shots. Many of the new appointments were men, which appeared to affect size inclusivity results. Some fashion critics suggest that when women design for women, theres more of a focus on a humanised and embodied way of designing, rather than viewing the female form as an object to decorate.

At Moschino, 100 per cent of the AW24 looks were straight-size under new creative director Adrian Appiolaza; last season, which was compiled by four leading female stylists, in the absence of a creative director, 9.1 per cent of the looks were mid or plus-size. The pattern is unmistakable when you start paying attention to it.

The Casting Agency Problem

The Casting Agency Problem (image credits: unsplash)

Some supermodel agents wont allow their clients to walk alongside street-cast models or lesser known names. This means that if the few famous curve models dont walk from one season to the next, theyre often replaced with a straight-size model. The industry operates on an exclusivity that goes beyond just size  its about maintaining a very specific image of what fashion should be.

Even when plus-size models break through, the opportunities remain frustratingly limited. Despite there being a new slew of rising stars across modelling each season, theres a consistent lack of famous faces in curve fashion  save for a handful of names like Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, Alva Claire, Precious Lee and Jill Kortleve.

What Brands Get Wrong About Fit

What Brands Get Wrong About Fit (image credits: unsplash)

Its not just about representation  its about execution. Brands also should be careful to make sure plus-size garments fit as well as straight-size ones, said Steven Green, plus-size model, photographer, art director and consultant. It may seem obvious, but Green has seen brands get this very wrong. The fit was terrible, Green said of one campaign he saw. They just went with something that was just big and not really tailored to the body.

This half-hearted approach sends a clear message to consumers. When brands use plus-size models in poorly fitted clothes, it feels like tokenism rather than genuine inclusivity. The result is advertising that looks performative rather than authentic.

The Social Media Contradiction

The Social Media Contradiction (image credits: unsplash)

Heres where things get really interesting. TikTok and Instagram engagement rates were 48% higher for plus-size creators vs. The 48% higher engagement rate proves that audiences are drawn to content that feels authentic and unfiltered. Plus-size creators often discuss fashion, body image, and wellness in ways that resonate across demographics.

The data shows consumers are actively seeking diverse representation online, yet traditional fashion advertising refuses to follow suit. Brands are essentially leaving money on the table by ignoring what their audiences are already telling them they want to see.

When Brands Do It Right

When Brands Do It Right (image credits: wikimedia)

Brands using plus-size models in ad campaigns rose to 38% in 2024 Major fashion retailers like ASOS, Savage X Fenty, and Good American led this push, using diverse body types in both digital and print campaigns. These brands arent just checking boxes  theyre building customer loyalty through authentic representation.

The results indicated that inclusive advertisements depicting models with diverse body sizes had a positive main effect on brand attitude and an indirect effect on brand attitude and purchase intention. Brand warmth mediated the positive effect of diverse body sizes on brand attitude and purchase intention. The research backs up what many consumers already know instinctively  representation matters for brand connection.

The International Disconnect

The International Disconnect (image credits: unsplash)

The problem isnt uniform across the globe. This study highlights that, unlike Western consumers, South Korean consumers still respond unfavorably to size-inclusive fashion advertising featuring plus-size models. Therefore, differentiated advertising strategies are necessary for this market.

But in Western markets, the resistance to plus-size representation feels increasingly out of step with consumer expectations. Brands operating globally are caught between different cultural standards, often defaulting to the most restrictive approach rather than adapting their messaging by region.

Whats Really Behind the Resistance

What's Really Behind the Resistance (image credits: unsplash)

Given the vastness of the plus-size market, there is no logical reason why investors arent jumping at the chance to serve the plus size market beyond fatphobia and discrimination. The numbers dont support the continued exclusion, which means the real reasons run deeper than business logic.

The backlash towards plus-sized clothing is a misguided attack on a strawman argument based on discriminatory beliefs. When even mannequins in retail stores become controversial, its clear the issue goes far beyond simple business decisions into territory that makes many in the industry uncomfortable.

Hope in Small Places

Hope in Small Places (image credits: pixabay)

Despite the bleak overall picture, there are bright spots worth celebrating. Marco Rambaldi, who ranked third in Milan for overall diversity, had the highest level of plus-size representation at four plus-size looks, representing 9.1 per cent of total looks shown. Rambaldis casting this season, which also featured three mid-size looks (6.8 per cent), was intended to be a celebration of the beauty of bodies considered different.

Inclusion for us is something completely natural; it has been part of the brands DNA since it was conceived in 2017. Making fashion for us has to do with the social, the political and the issue of equal gender rights, says Rambaldi. These designers prove that inclusive casting doesnt have to be a trend  it can be a core value.

This article, Where Are the Plus-Size Women in Fashion Ads? first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Editorial Staff.

Never miss the latest in plus size fashion news, trends, and conversations! Sign up for Curvy Fashionista Newsletter!
Fang Zheng / Getty Images

Key Points

The Chicken Bake at Costco may be the store's best-known item, with many customers saying it's an essential part of their shopping experience.

The Chicken Bake includes a creamy filling of chicken, three types of cheese, and Caesar dressing.

Some international Costco locations offer variations on the Chicken Bake, like the Bulgogi Bake in Japan.

Costco is known for many popular food items  like its rotisserie chicken or $1.50 hot dogs  but one item has truly become a legendary favorite among shoppers: the Costco Chicken Bake.

Many Costco members are ride-or-die fans of this offering at the bulk retailers food court, and even from a simple description, its easy to see why. The Chicken Bake features a gooey, savory filling wrapped in crispy dough, and there is a generous amount of cheese involved.

For some shoppers, its an essential part of the shopping process  or perhaps grocery shopping is the perfect excuse to get your hands on one. Food & Wines news and deals director Katie Macdonald notes that I get one every time I go to Costco.

Like everything else at Costcos food court, youll need to be a member to try this delicacy. But given the Chicken Bakes popularity, it might be worth getting a membership just to enjoy them.

The Costco Chicken Bake has a legendary reputation

If youve had a Hot Pocket, the Chicken Bake will seem quite familiar, although much larger. It can also be compared to a calzone or stromboli, consisting of a large, rectangular pocket of baked dough filled with savory ingredients.

The filling consists of a warm blend of diced chicken, mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, bacon, and Caesar dressing, all sealed inside wheat-based dough. The added Caesar dressing is the "secret" ingredient, imparting tangy, ultra-savory flavors to the dish. Before baking, the top half of the crust is brushed with more Caesar dressing and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

For Macdonald, the Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food. She explains that It reminds me of a chicken pot pie, but with no vegetables and more of a calzone crust than pastry. It's very crispy on the outside (sometimes the cheese is a little burnt, which I don't mind).

Related: What to Try at Costco Food Courts in Japan  From Sushi to Soft Creams

Macdonald isnt the only member of the Food & Wine staff who has memories of this treasured Costco item. Commerce updates writer Nick DeSimone says, I'm vegetarian now, but when I was really young  like elementary school  my newly single dad would take me to Costco once a week, and he and I would split a Chicken Bake. Although DeSimone hasnt eaten chicken in over 20 years, they still remember the Chicken Bake fondly, describing it as like a big chicken Hot Pocket.

Social media editor Alexa Rockwell is a fan of the Costco staple too, which she didnt see coming. I didnt necessarily want to try the Costco Chicken Bake, but I was curious about all the hype, she admits. Before I knew it, I was swiping my card, and it was in my hand.

Now, it doesnt exactly look good, but let me just tell you Upon first bite, youll understand why it's so popular. Its creamy, cheesy, and warm, and the bread is just the right level of thickness.

In addition to its flavor and generous amount of cheese, the Chicken Bake is known for its large serving size  two people often split it  and price, coming in at just $4.

Fans are concerned the Chicken Bake has changed

Some Costco members say that the Chicken Bake youll receive at the food court today is subtly different from the item that was sold just a few years ago.

One shopper shared on Reddit that before the pandemic in 2020, Costco's Chicken Bakes were prepared with pizza dough on-site and hand-rolled daily by the food court staff. However, They now come premade and frozen. They tasted much better when they prepared them, the member notes.

Another Redditor recalls that the Chicken Bakes were taken off the menu in 2020, and when they returned, the preparation had changed. Rather than being assembled on-site, they are shipped frozen and just heated in store.

Costco offers boxes of frozen Chicken Bakes in its freezer section, allowing customers to enjoy the savory delicacy at home. However, shoppers say these aren't nearly as good as the ones sold at the food court.

Despite its updated preparation method for Chicken Bakes from the food court, the Costco classic is still beloved by many fans who are devoted to the tasty, affordable, and filling snack.

Even if they arrive at Costco food courts frozen, these chicken bakes are different from the boxes you can purchase to take home. As one Costco fan points out online, The food court employees have to proof the dough and top it with the Caesar dressing and Parmesan still. Those final details can turn a good Chicken Bake into a delicious one.

The Chicken Bake looks different around the world

The Chicken Bake has become so popular at American locations of the retailer that you can find variations on it available at international Costco food courts. In Japan, you can try a Bulgogi Bake filled with sweet and savory marinated beef, while Costco stores in Taiwan offer a Seafood Bake with a creamy crab, shrimp, and clam filling.

Related: These 5 Grocery Store Items Have Reached Celebrity Status

If youre not a Costco member but cant get the thought of trying this Bake out of your mind, online food creators have shared recipes to make it at home. And if youre already a serious fan of the Chicken Bake and want to try more renditions of it, you know where to go next.

Read the original article on Food & Wine
Facebook Lisa Smith

NEED TO KNOW

British resident Lisa Smith was shot and killed by her husband, Edward Smith, on Valentine's Day

The court heard in an inquest on Sept. 17 that Lisa was planning to leave her marriage to Edward ahead of her death

After the shooting, the court also heard that Edward left a voice note for someone named "Nana" saying, "I've shot Lisa, she's dead" before jumping off a bridge

A British woman was shot dead by her husband after trying to leave their marriage, an inquest was told on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Lisa Smith, 43, was shot and killed by her husband Edward Smith on Valentines Day earlier this year in Kent, England, after telling her sister she was leaving her relationship, according to Sky News, the BBC and U.K. newspaper The Independent.

Edward then told someone he called Nana, via a voice note, "I've shot Lisa, she's dead before jumping from the Queen Elizabeth II bridge in Dartford.

PEOPLE previously reported that a woman identified as Lisa Smith had been fatally shot on Feb. 14 by a suspect believed to be known to her.

The woman had travelled from her and her husbands home in Slough to stay with family in Kent before Edward tracked her down outside a pub and fired four shots at her with a handgun, per Sky News and The Independent.

Edward shot his wife twice in the neck and once in the chest at Three Horseshoes in Knockholt's parking lot after blocking Lisas friends car with his, Kent and Medway Coroner's Court heard, per Sky News and the BBC.

PEOPLE has contacted the Kent and Medway Coroner's Court and the Kent Police for further 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.

The court was told that Lisa was picked up by her friends and sister from the train station before heading to the bar.

Her husband then arrived at the location just before 7 p.m. after he had called Lisa and her friends multiple times.

Press Association via AP Police outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt, Sevenoaks in Kent on Feb.15, 2025

There was reportedly a verbal altercation between Edward and Lisas sister, Laura, per Sky News.

Lisa then left the pub and entered her friend's car before Edward went into his vehicle and blocked the parking lots exit, the BBC reported.

After firing one shot from inside his car, the coroner said, "He pulled forward in the car and fired a second shot, he was seen to exit the vehicle with arms outstretched holding a handgun and firing a shot through the driver's side car window."

The third shot was to Lisas neck, causing "fatal damage. He then fired another shot as he walked closer to her passenger side.

Facebook Lisa Smith

"Four shots were fired, the first two from within his vehicle towards the seat. There were no injuries consistent with the trajectory of those first two bullets," Coroner Katrina Hepburn said, per Sky News.

Lisa was pronounced dead at 7:42 p.m despite CPR from members of the public and emergency services.

In addition to Edward's voice note to "Nana" saying, "I've shot Lisa, she's dead," the court also heard Edward say in another voice note, "Hopefully I'm going to get into heaven with my wife," before jumping from the Queen Elizabeth II bridge in Dartford.

Coroner Hepburn told the court that there was "requisite intent from Edward Smith to kill her or cause her really serious harm.

"I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that a short form conclusion of unlawful killing would be safe and appropriate to set out in this manner, she said.

She added, "There was intent to find Lisa Smith after she had left her home address and once she was found the car she was seated in was blocked, preventing any exit."



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
Naginah Gogolli Naginah Gogolli; her purple toilet seat

NEED TO KNOW

Gogollis toilet seat mysteriously turned purple in early 2020, prompting endless scrubbing and family speculation

Her sister immediately guessed she was pregnant, a hunch later confirmed by a test after nausea hit

The rare phenomenon sparked a viral TikTok and revealed the beginning of a pregnancy filled with both challenges and miracles

In the early months of 2020, as the world shifted into lockdown, one New York City bathroom became the unexpected setting of a viral TikTok clip. Naginah Gogollis white toilet seat began mysteriously turning purple, revealing a secret that even a pregnancy test hadnt yet confirmed.

Beginning of 2020, me and my husband decide to get off birth control, and we weren't actively trying  if it happens, it happens, it's in God's hands, Gogolli explains exclusively to PEOPLE. Life was already uncertain as her office went remote and the stress of the pandemic set in, but the odd color staining her toilet seat was not something she ever anticipated.

Her first thought was purely practical, not life-changing. I thought that either me or my husband were wearing not good quality clothing, she says, laughing at the memory of scrubbing her bathroom in frustration.

Convinced that fabric dye was to blame, Gogolli tried every cleaning method she could find. We cleaned it several times a day after it never [came] offwere nonstop cleaning it, she explains.

The mystery deepened when her family came to visit. Just like in the video, basically I had family over who was insinuating that I was pregnant, Gogolli shares. Her sister didnt hesitate. My sister's like youre pregnant and I'm like the f--- girl, no I'm not, she recalls.

At the time, she was still days away from even missing a period. I definitely am not pregnant now... Theres no way they're right, Gogolli says with a laugh. The teasing from her family stuck in her head, even as she dismissed it. Honestly, once I found out that I was pregnant, I couldn't wait to tell them that they were right, she says.

Her small apartment bathroom soon offered more clues. My bathroom is really small, so right next to the toilet like on the right side, your right thigh is gonna be touching the sink a little bit, like the bottom part of the sink, which is also white, so where my thigh touches is also bright freaking purple, she shares.

Naginah Gogolli Naginah Gogolli's purple toilet seat

That was enough to send her husband to his phone. That same day he Googled it, Gogolli remembers. The searches pointed to everything from fabric dye to rare skin conditions. The first thing to pop up was like normal color transfer from clothes, then it was the skin disorder, and then some women have reported this during pregnancy, she says.

Even then, Gogolli wasnt convinced. So my husband's like you're pregnant and I'm like no I'm not  like you guys are all so stupid, she shares. But her body had other plans. After cleaning up dinner, I have a very strong stomach and immediately I run to my purple toilet seat and I'm just puking my brains out, Gogolli recalls.

Her husbands reaction added comic relief. Because he was like just hysterically laughing, like no, youre definitely pregnant, the purple toilet seat, now you're throwing up, youre pregnant, she says.

The very next day brought confirmation. Sure enough, [I] end up taking a pregnancy test like a day or so later... and I was pregnant, she shares. For Gogolli, it was the beginning of an unforgettable journey. I'm just so shocked [by] how many other women its happened to, she says.

Her TikTok about the purple toilet seat quickly blew up. I was blown away by the comments of people saying, yeah, me too, me too, Gogolli tells PEOPLE. Validation from strangers mattered more than she expected. Seeing the feedback that I got on my social media was honestly really validating for me, she says.

Medical experts, however, had never heard of it. The day I went for my confirmationmy first appointment to confirm I was pregnant, that was the first thing I said, Gogolli remembers. And she was like, huh, like no, I've never heard of that.

While there is no medical research confirming that a purple toilet seat indicates pregnancy, Healthline reports that the change of color could come from an array of factors, including pregnancy hormones and Chromhidrosis.

Women have also taken to Reddit to share their experiences. One woman writes, "On normal prenatals and have been since I found out, no changes. All of a sudden, randomly, I turned my toilet seat purple today. Like a full on purple butt print on the seat, purple. I wasnt wearing new clothes, havent worn jeans in weeks, nothing that would have dyed my skin or transferred or anything like that. Super weird."

Despite the unknowns, the timing of Gogolli's discovery felt strangely right. It was kind of a blessing in disguise I was home, I was happy even though the outside world, you know, awful things were happening, she shares.

The extra time at home gave her a chance to savor the early days. Finding out that I'm pregnant, being home in peace with my husband, I don't think it could have gone any other any better way in my opinion, she says.

Naginah Gogolli Naginah when she was pregnant

The extra time at home gave her a chance to savor the early days. Finding out that I'm pregnant, being home in peace with my husband, I don't think it could have gone any other any better way in my opinion, she says.

As her pregnancy unfolded, it brought enormous challenges. He has a really rare heart defectit was just a 1% chance of me even having a baby with that defect, she shares. The diagnosis was devastating. He has complete congenital heart block, and so that was diagnosed at 20 weeks."

But she clung to signs of hope. I definitely think it was a spiritual sign for me at least, she says of the purple toilet seat. Every milestone felt miraculous. The fact that he's even alive is such a blessing, Gogolli adds.

Today, her son is thriving. He will need a pacemaker to live eventually but thank God again, he's such a little miracle, she says.

Doctors once doubted he would survive. First it was, he's not gonna survive pregnancy, then it was, okay, the second you give birth, we're gonna rush him to OR, and he's gonna get the pace[maker], and they didn't need to do that, she recalls.

Instead, her family got to bring him home. We were in NICU for a little while he didn't need [the pacemaker] and they sent us home, she says. Nearly five years later, she remains grateful. I'm so blessed at even getting to where we are today, and he's almost 5, so I'm lucky, she shares.

Naginah Gogolli Naginah, her husband, and two boys

Her viral story continues to resonate. A couple of comments were like oh my gosh, my toilet seat is also this color They came back and commented that they were pregnant, she says. That unexpected bond with strangers left her touched. That felt nice, like oh my video kind of prompted them to go get a pregnancy test, she adds.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The experience also shaped how she approaches her body. Ever since his pregnancy, I'm very much like... I'm going with my intuition, I'm going with what my body is telling me, she says.

It changed her perspective on motherhood. I just feel like a lot of women are told not to trust their body because thats not textbook, but its like no, your body is always telling you something, she explains.

Read the original article on People
As retiring in America becomes increasingly unaffordable, retirees are booking a one-way trip to Portugal instead. (Alistair Berg-Getty Images)

More U.S. retirees are heading overseas for a better quality of life, as countries like Portugal, Mauritius, and Spain offer attractive retirement visa programs. Unlike the U.S., these countries provide clear paths to citizenship and strong support for expats. For those seeking sunshine, safety, and affordability, retiring abroad is more appealing than ever.

Baby boomers arent just flocking down to sunshine states like Florida to kickstart their retirement careers anymoretheyre booking a one-way ticket overseas for a better quality of life.

While the United States lacks a formal retirement visa, many other countries offer dedicated programs for retirees to have more affordable living and a new laid-back lifestyle, which is why its no surprise the U.S. didnt make the cut in the Global Citizen Solutions 2025 retirement report.

For expats ready for cobblestone views and sipping coffee on a sunny terrace, the new report ranks 44 passive income and retirement visa programs. It also evaluated 20 key indicators grouped into six main categories: visa procedures, citizenship and mobility, economic factors, tax benefits, quality of life, and safety and social integration. Each country received a score out of 100.

Many of the top-ranked countries were in Europe and South America. Portugal ranked as the best, followed by Mauritius and Spain.

The countries dominating our rankings understand that successful retirement migration isnt just about letting people in, its about helping them thrive, Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, tells Fortune.

Portugal, Mauritius, and Spain top the list, she said, because they truly support new residents with tools to build a life. They offer language programs, streamlined healthcare registration, and clear pathways from temporary residence to citizenship, Casaburi explained. Countries that treat retirees as temporary visitors rather than future citizens consistently underperform.

The 10 best countries to retire abroad in 2025

Portugal Mauritius Spain Uruguay Austria Italy Slovenia Malta Latvia Chile

Portugal

Coming in at number one was Portugal, where dual citizenship is allowed. The European country offers citizens a D7 Visa, a type of residency visa designed for people who have a stable passive incomemaking it a popular option for retirees.

What matters most to new international citizens is feeling secure and being able to build a real life in their new country, and Portugal excels at letting boomers build a new life without losing their roots.

[Portugal] has institutional frameworks suggesting it will remain stable for the next 20-30 years of your retirement. Before making the move, research the countrys healthcare system rankings, political stability indices, and infrastructure investments. Visit during different seasons and talk to expat communities whove been there for 5+ years, Casaburi added.

A single applicant needs about 870 per month in stable passive income. The processing time takes around 12 months. After the initial residency permit is granted and youve lived there for at least 5 years, you can apply to be a permanent citizen. Portugal also taxes its citizens on the income they make inside and outside of the country.

Mauritius

Next at number two was the eastern African country, Mauritius. Retirees can obtain a residence permit by demonstrating a minimum monthly income of $1,500, with processing times typically around three months.

The permit allows the main applicant to include their spouse or legal partner, as well as dependent children, making it a family-friendly option. Retirees benefit from a territorial tax system, meaning foreign-sourced income is not taxed, and there are no wealth or inheritance taxes. After six years of residency, retirees become eligible to apply for citizenship, and dual citizenship is permitted.

Spain

Number three was Spain. The Spanish non-lucrative visa (NLV) is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any work. To qualify, applicants should have a stable income of at least 2,400 per month.

Processing for a visa typically takes around three months. Once approved, residents are subject to Spains worldwide tax system and potential inheritance tax. The NLV provides a pathway to Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residence, or just 2 years for citizens of select Latin American and other historically connected countries. Dual citizenship is allowed, depending on the laws of the applicants country of origin.

Uruguay

Coming in at number four was the South American country Uruguay, where residents need an income requirement of $2,000 of stable passive income a month. Processing time takes about one month. The main applicant can include spouse or legal partner, minor children and dependent adult children, there are no imposed taxes on foreign-sourced income, and no wealth and inheritance tax. Dual citizenship is allowed and the path to citizenship takes about 5 years.

Austria

Ending the top five was Austria. The country offers an independent residence permit as a pathway for people who can prove they have an income to support themselves while abroad. Processing time takes about 4 months and the main applicant could include a spouse, legal partner and minor children. For tax benefits, they have a worldwide tax systemmeaning the country taxes its citizens on all their income, regardless of where it was earnedand no inheritance tax. The path to citizenship is 10 years, with dual citizenship allowed.

Are you looking to retire abroad? Fortune wants to hear from you. Contact Jessica.Coacci@fortune.com

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Key Points

Tesla CEO Elon Musk sees Optimus representing 80% of Tesla's value in the future.

The response to the June robotaxi launch in Austin has been mixed.

The robotaxi market is huge, but competition is heating up.

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Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk spent years hyping the company's robotaxis, leading up to the autonomous electric vehicles' launch in Austin, Texas, in June.

Musk said a robotaxi network would make Tesla the most valuable company in the world, and described fleets of autonomous Teslas gradually taking over the world. He unveiled the autonomous "Cybercab" at a splashy event last October, and he's proposed that individual Tesla owners would be able to cash in on the emerging technology, renting out their vehicles as autonomous ridesharing vehicles when they're not using them. Tesla backers like Ark Invest's Cathie Wood have argued that robotaxis would send the company's valuation to $5 trillion.

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However, since Tesla's launch of a small robotaxi fleet in Austin, which expanded from an initial number of 10 to 20 in June to 30 by late August, Musk has been rather quiet about the new business.

He also made a statement earlier this month that suggests he's more focused on Tesla's next big thing, implying that the hype around robotaxis could be a thing of the past. In a post on his social media platform X, Musk said that "80% of Tesla's value will be Optimus," referring to the company's autonomous robot that's still in development.

It's unclear what timeline Musk has in mind for that, but based on that post, he clearly thinks that Optimus will one day dwarf the value of both Tesla's core EV business and the emerging robotaxi business.

A Tesla Cybercab driving down a city street.

Image source: Tesla.

Promises, promises

Even Tesla bulls know by now that Musk's statements are best taken with a grain of salt. It's hard to know if the quote above about Optimus was based on any real forecasting or just on his enthusiasm and confidence in the new technology.

Though it frustrates Musk's critics, part of his talent as a CEO is to perform a sort of sleight-of-hand where he distracts investors from current problems with the company by making promises about the future. Similarly, the bull case for Tesla seems to be constantly changing. At the start of the year, Musk's alliance with President Donald Trump drove the stock to double in price in just a few months before it pulled back on subsequent backlash against Musk and Tesla over Musk's apparent falling out with Trump.

Over the last week, Tesla stock has been rallying again despite reports that its market share in EVs has fallen to its lowest point in the U.S. since 2017, at 38% of total EV sales, showing it may be losing the market it once defined.

Musk's promises around robotics and his recent purchase of $1 billion worth of stock seem to have overcome any doubts (for now) and helped fuel recent gains. Tesla also received permission from Nevada to test its robotaxis in that state.

What's next for Tesla's robotaxis

Musk did promote the robotaxi launch in the company's July earnings call, and noted that it's seeking regulatory clearance in the Bay Area, Arizona, Florida, and Nevada.

He also predicted that Tesla would offer autonomous ride-hailing to half the U.S. population by the end of the year. However, now that it's already September, it seems unlikely that it will happen.

The robotaxi went live in the Bay Area on Sept. 4, though rides will come with a safety driver present, meaning they aren't fully autonomous. Tesla does not yet have the permit to operate autonomous vehicles without a driver.

For now, the market opportunity for robotaxis is massive, but Tesla is far from the only competitor here. Alphabet's Waymo remains the leader here, and other deep-pocketed operators are getting in the mix as Amazon's Zoox just launched in Las Vegas.

At this point, it's too soon to judge the impact the robotaxi will have, but it will almost certainly take longer to move the revenue needle than Musk has forecast. Meanwhile, statements like the one above on Optimus may help pump the stock, but they ultimately do a disservice to investors.

Currently, Tesla trades at a sky-high price-to-earnings ratio close to 200, and analysts expect both revenue and profits to fall this year.

Musk may have more bold predictions up his sleeve, but at some point, Tesla is going to have to back them up with real business results. At its current valuation and trajectory, the risk/reward in Tesla stock doesn't seem worth it.

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Thai security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at Cambodian protesters during a violent confrontation along a disputed stretch of the border on Wednesday, injuring at least 28 people and raising fears of renewed conflict between the two neighbours.

The clashes erupted near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Thailands Sa Kaeo province, which Cambodia calls Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province.

Thai officials claimed that around 200 Cambodian civilians attempted to dismantle barbed wire fences erected last month, hurling rocks, sticks and firing slingshots at officers.

The villagers had come to protest the Thai sides actions during the deployment of barriers and concertina wire to enhance security along the Thai-Cambodia border, Thailands army claimed in a statement.

Cambodia accused Thai forces of crossing into its territory and using tear gas, rubber bullets, and noise-making devices against Cambodian civilians.

The government said in a statement that monks were among those hurt, with some fainting after being struck by tear gas or exposed to high-frequency acoustic devices.

It condemned the incident as a violation of its sovereignty and unacceptable under international law, local media outlet EAC News reported.

Thai police stand next to barbed wire in a disputed area along the border with Cambodia (Royal Thai Army)

In the wake of the clash, the statement said, prime minister Hun Manet dispatched letters to world leaders seeking support from the international community and the regional Asean bloc to stop Thailands unilateral actions that risk escalating tensions and widening the conflict.

Thailand insisted its security forces acted inside its border. A statement by the foreign ministry described the alleged removal of barricades by Cambodians as unlawful acts constituting numerous offences under Thai law, The Nation reported.

Thai police face Cambodian protesters in a disputed area along the border in Sa Kaeo province (Royal Thai Army)

Thai officials showed restraint before being forced to respond using internationally accepted practices to restore order, the ministry maintained. All actions by the Thai police were proportionate and appropriate to the circumstances, adhering to human rights principles, and prevented the situation from spiralling out of control.

Thai army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree characterised the protesters as a Cambodian mob encroaching on Thai territory, and said the violence amounted to a deliberate provocation and breach of the July ceasefire agreement.

The military said five of its soldiers were injured in the confrontation.

Thai soldier stand guard in a disputed area along the border with Thailand (AKP)

The violence on Wednesday followed a similar standoff the previous day when some Cambodian villagers had reportedly attempted to remove Thai barriers before being pushed back with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Cambodian people confront Thai police and soldiers in a disputed area along the border in Banteay Meanchey province (AKP)

The border has long been a flashpoint. It was mapped by the French colonial rulers of Cambodia in 1907 but Thailand came to dispute its accuracy.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that Cambodia held sovereignty over the area surrounding the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple, a decision contested by Thailand.

Cambodian people confront Thai police and soldiers in a disputed area along the border in Banteay Meanchey province (AKP)

In July, the fiercest armed conflict in decades between the two countries left at least 48 people dead and forced over 260,000 to flee their homes. That conflict ended after mediation by Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and pressure from US president Donald Trump, who threatened to suspend privileges for both sides unless they agreed to a ceasefire.

Thai soldiers carry barbed wire in a disputed area along the border with Cambodia (AKP)

In spite of that agreement, mistrust lingers. Thai authorities have accused Cambodia of planting new landmines along the border, an allegation Phnom Penh denies.

A meeting of the General Border Committee scheduled for 10 October is set to be dominated by this weeks clashes.

The US State Department urged both governments to de-escalate and finalise plans for an Asean-led observer mission to monitor the ceasefire.
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Close-up of a Nazi-era weapon used by Russia in Ukraine, Image 2 shows Close-up of a person holding a Nazi-era munition, Image 3 shows Russian soldiers with rifles in Sevastopol, Crimea

Russia has resorted to using decades old Nazi weapons in its war on Ukraine as the Kremlin has been forced to raid museums to help rearm and restock its meat grinder war machine.

Ukraines Tur reconnaissance unit claimed to have discovered Nazi detonators inside a Russian ammunition depot, posting photos of the cone-shaped devices inscribed with the Nazi Reichsadler eagle and swastika symbol stamped with the year 1934.

Nazi weapons are still being used to kill people, the unit wrote in a post to Telegram. The Hitler and Stalin regimes are gone, but the Putin regime has replaced them; the names differ, but the essence remains the same.

Ukraines Tur reconnaissance unit said it discovered Nazi detonators inside a Russian ammunition depot. 225th Separate Assault Battalion

The Russian authorities feed their people the myth of fighting fascism, while in reality they themselves are a fascist state, it added in its post, referencing the Kremlins false claim that they are fighting Nazism in Ukraine.

The discovery served as a reminder of Russias dark history at the start of World War II, when Soviet leader Joseph Stalin struck a deal with Nazi Germany.

On Sept. 17, 1939, the Soviet Union treacherously attacked Poland, which had already been severely weakened by fighting with the Wehrmacht, the unit wrote, referencing the Nazi armed forces. This is not the only case of cooperation between two totalitarian regimes.

In August 1939 the USSR and Germany signed a commercial agreement, which was supplemented in February 1940. Under these arrangements the Soviet Union received military equipment, machine tools and technologies, and raw materials  including detonators for shells marked with a swastika, it added.

The unit believes the discovered Nazi detonators are a holdover from that time, having been preserved in Russian depots, it wrote in the Telegram post.

Russians are reportedly relying on Nazi detonators like this one discovered in an ammunition depot. 225th Separate Assault Battalion

It is not unusual for Russia to rely on outdated technology and munitions from early wars, according to Maj. Oleh Shyriaiev, who commands Ukraines 225th Separate Assault Regiment.

We have seen many times that Russia has been using equipment from the times of the Second World War, he told The Post on Wednesday.

This speaks to that Russia is having certain issues  there have a lot of ammunition has been used up because this war has been going on for nearly four years.

And any type of stocks that Russia has had, it is already exhausting.

Shriaiev himself has seen Russian troops using bolt-action MosinNagant rifles developed in the late 1800s, taken from Russian military museums for use on the modern battlefields of Ukraine, he said.

The Mosin rifle, was developed at the end of the 19th century, and was used in WWI and WWII, and then it was replaced at some point by something called SKS, he said.

Only then came the AK-47  so [the Mosin] is two generations prior to AKs, which in itself, is also a fairly not particularly modern piece.

US Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg spoke to the phenomenon during panel at the Yalta European Strategy conference in Kyiv on Monday.

Russian soldiers guard a pier where two Ukrainian naval vessels are moored, in Sevastopol, on the Crimean Peninsula, March 5, 2014. AP

[Russia is] pulling tanks out of mothballs, out of museums, to put on the battle line, he said, describing how Moscow is losing the war. They cant operate in large movements because the Ukrainians will kill them. And Ukrainians are fighting valiantly on there.

Moscow has also repurposed WWII ship guns on lightly armored trailers for the war there, and tried to modernize early infantry fighting vehicles taken from storage as it scrambles to keep up its fight on Ukraine amid dwindling stockpiles, Shriaiev said.

We also know for a fact, confirm through intelligence, that North Korea has been supplying ammunition to Russia for that reason, the lack of ammunition, the commander said.
The new online issue of Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs, the newsletter of the Leonard Bernstein Office, publishes an essay of mine suggesting that Bernsteins relationship to Dmitri Shostakovich is a Rosetta Stone in the Bernstein odyssey. Its a glimpse of my book-in-progress: Bearing Witness: The American Odyssey of Leonard Bernstein. You can read the whole thing here. What follows is an excerpt:

Twenty-eight years [after Leonard Bernstein took the New York Philharmonic to Soviet Russia], the expatriate Russian pianist Vladimir Feltsman talked to Bernstein about his impressions. Bernsteins visit to Russia was very important at that particular time  the scent of freedom was beguiling and irresistible, Feltsman remembered, and added: His most precious memory was meeting Boris Pasternak. But Dmitri Shostakovichs validating handshake proved a more lasting influence.

In the long view, Bernsteins significance is broadly humanistic. An exemplary cultural missionary, he served a function never as necessary as today, and never before as absent.

Bernstein the humanist was acutely prescient. He prophetically understood that classical music would dissipate from the American experience unless or until it struck deeper New World roots. He foretold the erosion of the American arts. He fought the erasure of American cultural memory. The demise of the Kennedy White House, in which he had been a guest, tarnished his American dreams. Then came Vietnam and Watergate. His signature concerts included memorials for JFK and RFK. . . .

As Bernstein appreciated earlier than others, Shostakovichs ultimate genius was to bear witness. The Bernstein odyssey, in its many dimensions, equally bore eloquent witness to a twentieth century of American ferment and travail. In the Bernstein saga, the Bernstein/Shostakovich nexus is a neglected Rosetta Stone.
For interim president al-Sharaa, ongoing negotiations between Syria and the Jewish state could yield results in the coming days. The Golan Heights issue is excluded. Request for UN monitoring of territorial integrity and respect for airspace. Legislative elections postponed (perhaps) until the end of the month.

Damascus (AsiaNews) - Ongoing negotiations with Israel to reach a security agreement could yield results in the coming days, although the talks do not address the issue of the Golan Heights because it is premature and difficult to deal with. This was emphasised by Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa when he met with journalists in Damascus, stressing that an agreement with the Jewish state is a necessity.

At the same time, it will be up to the United Nations to monitor compliance with both the airspace and territorial integrity of the Arab nation, where there is no shortage of internal tensions and outbreaks of violence - from the Kurds in the north-east to the Alawites and Druze - which also affect Christians.

Syria and Israel are negotiating an agreement, with the mediation of the United States and Jordan, through which Damascus hopes to stop air strikes and begin the withdrawal of Israeli troops that have entered southern Syria.

Washington's goal is to reach an agreement before the UN General Assembly scheduled for next week in New York, which will bring together world leaders and in which al-Sharaa himself will participate. Since 8 December, the symbolic date of the overthrow of the previous regime of Bashar al-Assad, the Jewish state has carried out over a thousand attacks and 400 ground incursions in Syria.

For this reason, Damascus is seeking a disengagement similar to that of 1974, which created a demilitarised zone between the two countries after the Yom Kippur War the previous year. According to the interim president, an agreement was about to be signed last July; it was four or five days away from being signed, al-Sharaa explained, but developments in the southern province of Sweida - the scene of serious clashes between Bedouins supported by militiamen and Druze under the protective wing of Israel - derailed any agreement.

The presence of Syrian forces and the intervention of the Jewish state exacerbated the situation, with accusations of execution-style killings and heavy bombing from the opposing side, which even reached the presidential palace in the capital.

Still on the diplomatic front, Washington, Amman and Damascus have recently agreed on the division of powers in the Sweida region, where the memory of the more than 2,000 deaths, mostly civilians, including women and children, is still alive.

Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad Shaibani announced the agreement after consultations with US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi. There is talk of a seven-point agreement, according to which the southern area remains formally under the authority of Damascus, but security is entrusted to Suleiman Abdel Baqi, head of a local militia, close to the government and hostile to Hikmat Hijri, a Druze religious and political leader with more autonomist positions.

Government forces would only control the main roads in the province, while the interior would be entrusted to Abdel Baqi's militias, which would be called upon to enforce security.

In addition to the issue of internal and regional security, there is also the matter of the legislative elections, the first since the fall of Assad, which were supposed to take place between 15 and 20 September but have been postponed (perhaps) until the end of the month, although there is no certainty about the timing.

This was reported by the official news agency Sana, according to which the central electoral committee, composed of members appointed by the president, announced the postponement until September for technical reasons, because the candidacies are still being reviewed by the local electoral committees.

The process is largely determined by al-Sharaa himself and the leaders of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on the basis of Decree 142, with an Assembly composed of 210 deputies, a third of whom are appointed by the president.

Two-thirds will be elected at various levels from a pool of candidates chosen by local committees and divided into two categories: 70% technocrats and qualified academics and the remaining 30% representatives of the local community.

For some scholars and critics, the call to the polls is merely an attempt to give political and international legitimacy to the rise of the ruling group emanating from the extremist Islamic militias that brought about Assad's ouster. In addition to maintaining the status quo in a nation still far from the ideals of unity and pacification promised by the new leadership in the weeks following its seizure of power after the collapse of the previous regime.

After all, it is difficult to imagine an orderly vote in areas such as Tartus and Latakia, once Alawite strongholds, where HTS security forces and associated gangs are said to have killed more than 1,500 civilians in recent months.

This rift is even more evident because important provinces such as Sweida, as well as Hassake and Raqqa in the north-east, with a Kurdish majority, where there are unresolved problems - in reality, autonomist and independence tendencies of security - are already excluded from the elections.
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

Sri Lanka's prison population exceeds 35,000 in facilities designed for 12,000. Drug-related offences account for more than half of all inmates. Prisons Commissioner Jagath Weerasinghe calls for urgent reforms. Some lawyers told AsiaNews that pre-trial detention is used far too often and a legal system is slow in adopting non-custodial sentences.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Sri Lanka's prison population has topped 35,000, about three times the system's capacity with around 50 per cent of inmates convicted for drug-related offences.

Prisons Commissioner and Department of Prisons media spokesperson Jagath Weerasinghe recently confirmed to the press that, although the prisons were built to hold 12,000 people, they are holding more than double that number, and that the state spends approximately Rs. 1,000 per inmate per day.

Weerasinghe called for urgent prison reforms, suggesting that those accused of drug use be rehabilitated rather than incarcerated. He also added that further expansion could lead to more effective results in combating drug addiction and alleviating prison overcrowding.

Although the entire prison system is three times over capacity, some prisons, the most crowded in the country, hold up to five times their designated numbers.

The problem of prison overcrowding in Sri Lanka is well known, and has been discussed in parliament and the media for many years, widely known in civil society as well.

Originally designed to accommodate a much smaller number of inmates, the prison system is currently bursting at the seams, creating severe logistical, administrative as well as human rights challenges, the commissioner said.

According to some senior prison officials, prisons are home to two broad categories of inmates which include those in remand custody, and those serving sentences after conviction. This distinction is not merely bureaucratic, it is legal, moral, and ethical.

However, given the inhumane conditions experienced within prison walls, the difference between a pre-trial detainee and a convicted criminal has become an important issue.

In most instances, remand prisoners are legally presumed innocent as they are to be tried or convicted and are held in custody under the supervision of the judiciary, primarily for two reasons, to prevent interference with ongoing investigations or witnesses, and to ensure that those with a history of absconding appear in court.

However, some are detained simply because they cannot afford bail or meet the stringent conditions imposed by the court. They are not criminals, but awaiting justice.

At the same time, most pre-trial detainees are denied access to adequate healthcare even if hey have serious health conditions.

The case of MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who made headlines after being denied a mattress despite suffering from a back problem, highlights the deep-rooted and widespread problem. His conditions attracted attention due to his political profile, but thousands of people are suffering in silence.

Most pre-trial detainees, especially those not found guilty of a crime, are forced to sleep on the cold floor and endure deplorable sanitary conditions, since the very essence of the pre-trial detention order is temporary, not punitive, said lawyers Nilanthi Manchanayaka and Ashen Mendis speaking to AsiaNews.

The way the pre-trial detention system is applied in Sri Lanka makes it a de facto punishment. Even those sentenced after a fair trial to serve a prison term must not be treated inhumanely," the lawyers said.

The essence of punishment imposed by a court is the deprivation of freedom, not the denial of basic human needs. Overcrowding, lack of medical care, poor hygiene, and inadequate food continue to plague the prison system, making detention a form of institutionalised cruelty.

When prisons are at double or triple their intended capacity, the pressure on resources, staff, and infrastructure becomes unmanageable.

Hygiene suffers, and violence increases. The mental and physical burden on both inmates and prison staff becomes unbearable, the lawyers explained.

The causes underlying overcrowding are multiple, they note: a legal system that relies on pre-trial detention, a legal framework slow to adopt non-custodial sentences, a political will that has ignored the urgent need for prison reform.
THAILAND-CAMBODIA

Yesterday, the Thai armed forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at Cambodian protesters along the disputed border, according to the Bangkok army; an action that, according to Phnom Penh, injured more than 20 people. The two Southeast Asian neighbours had signed a truce at the end of July, but for weeks the situation remained tense. According to a statement by the Thai army, about 200 Cambodians gathered to protest against the military placing barbed wire along the border.

EAST TIMOR

The East Timorese government has decided to shelve a plan to provide free cars for its MPs following protests by the local population. In recent days, demonstrators have burned tyres and set fire to a government vehicle, but despite the decision to suspend the proposal, another 2,000 people gathered yesterday in the capital, Dili, and are now also calling for the abolition of lifetime pensions.

INDONESIA

President Prabowo Subianto yesterday appointed former general Djamari Chaniago as Minister of Security to appease popular discontent. So far, five ministers have been replaced, a move seen as an attempt to reconsolidate the government's power through key executive positions, deploying former generals and members of the army, an issue that has been worrying the Indonesian population and civil society for months.

SOUTH KOREA

Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja, who spent nine hours being questioned at the Seoul prosecutor's office, denied allegations that she bribed the former South Korean first lady with luxury gifts in exchange for favours. Former first lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, is accused of accepting two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace from the church, worth a total of 80 million won (40,000). A team of lawyers has requested an arrest warrant for Han.

PAKISTAN  SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan (a nuclear-armed country) have signed a mutual defence pact under which any attack on either nation will be considered an attack on both. Despite decades of cooperation between the two countries, this decision was taken after Israeli missile strikes on Doha, Qatar, but also in view of nuclear tensions with Iran.

RUSSIA  UKRAINE

According to research by the Yale University Human Rights Lab, there are 210 correctional colleges operating in Russia and the annexed regions of Ukraine, where Ukrainian children are sent for patriotic indoctrination and forced military training, and researchers believe the number of such centres is likely to be even higher.

ARMENIA

The Armenian opposition party I Have the Honour has tabled a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, citing the international crisis and the ineffectiveness of our state administration, as the government has not only failed to fulfil its obligations, ignoring the programmes approved by the parliamentary majority, but above all has been unable to respond to the challenges facing Armenia's future.
by Mathias Hariyadi

Representatives from 16 countries met in Jakarta to take stock of the initiatives promoted by the network of religious women against this crime against humanity. Among the priorities are the growth of the Youth Ambassadors experience for the prevention of the phenomenon among the younger generations and interreligious collaboration in victim support networks.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Human trafficking is a deep wound in the body of contemporary society, a crime against humanity. This statement by Pope Francis was at the centre of the 5th Talitha Kum Asia Conference, held recently in Jakarta, during days marked by massive demonstrations in Indonesia.

Talitha Kum is an international network of religious women founded in 2009 under the UISG (International Union of Superiors General), committed to combating human trafficking through service, awareness-raising and empowerment.

The conference was attended by representatives from 16 Asian countries, including coordinators, leaders and Youth Ambassadors, i.e. young people active in raising awareness on this issue.

The event opened with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Agustinus Heri Wibowo, head of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, followed by a traditional Betawi dance and a procession of symbols representing resistance against human trafficking.

Sr. Paula Kwandao Phonprasertruksa, a Thai nun of the Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres and coordinator of Talitha Kum Asia, highlighted the objectives of the conference: to strengthen collaboration networks; to embrace the spirit of the Jubilee Year; and to encourage the involvement of the younger generations. For her part, Sr. Abby Avelino, a Filipino nun from Maryknoll who is the international coordinator of this initiative, reiterated the importance of ending the practice of treating people as commodities.

The delegates shared the situations in their respective countries, highlighting new challenges such as the misuse of digital platforms, the climate crisis and forced migration: all conditions that increase the risk of human trafficking. The Youth Ambassadors programme, which is growing globally, was recognised as particularly effective in prevention efforts among young people.

The conference outlined three priorities: first, the need for systemic change that addresses the root causes of inequality, labour exploitation, forced migration and conflict. Second, the empowerment of those who manage to free themselves from trafficking, so that they themselves become inspirational leaders. Finally, interfaith collaboration and networking, involving young people, local organisations and governments.

In addition to the reflection sessions, the conference was enlivened by testimonies from survivors, moments of listening to local communities, and the planning of a three-year programme within Asian regional groups. The Youth Ambassadors also organised an interfaith meeting with young people from Jakarta, formulating prevention action plans for their respective countries.

The conference concluded with a Mass of thanksgiving presided over by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta, and a joyful cultural evening. Participants returned to their countries with a renewed determination to combat human trafficking through compassion, collaboration and empowerment.
by Joseph Masilamany

The son of a Protestant pastor, the young man has been on death row for years following a drug trafficking conviction. A group of Malaysian MPs from the prime minister's party are calling for urgent intervention by their countrys Home Affairs minister. Singaporean courts have rejected the clemency request as well as the latest request for a stay of execution.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews)  For nearly seven years, Pannir Selvam Pranthaman  a Malaysian pastors son  has waited in Singapores Changi Prison, facing the gallows after being convicted of importing 51.84g of heroin in 2017.

His appeals have failed, his clemency petition has been rejected, and his last application for a stay was dismissed only two weeks ago.

Now, as the clock ticks towards execution, a group of Malaysian MPs is making one final plea to save him. Twelve lawmakers from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) have urged Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to act immediately.

They say Pannir was not the mastermind but a recruit of a larger Malaysian drug syndicate - information recently corroborated by a witness who lodged a police report in March.

We urge the minister to write to Singapore for a stay of execution while our police investigate the syndicate leaders, the MPs said in a joint statement. If the leaders are arrested, it could persuade Singapore to grant Pannir a certificate of substantive assistance, sparing his life.

The appeal was signed by Rafizi Ramli, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Wong Chen, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Rodziah Ismail, Bakhtiar Wan Chik, and six others.

For Pannirs family, the MPs call offers a fragile sliver of hope. His life now depends not on the courts, but on whether diplomacy, justice, and compassion can prevail across the Causeway.

Last year, there were nine executions of convicted offenders for various capital offences - a substantial increase from previous years, with the majority being for drug-related offences.

Execution rates in Singapore for drug offences have historically been high, and they remain a significant concern for human rights advocates.

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 divides controlled substances into three categories  Classes A, B, and C. Under Section 44, the minister has the authority, through a Gazette order, to add, remove, or reclassify drugs within these schedules. The Act also carries some of the harshest penalties in the world, prescribing lengthy prison terms, caning, and even the death penalty.

Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, the son of a Christian leader, allegedly acted as a courier to import drugs; however, the magistrates did not take into account the defendant's cooperative behaviour when sentencing him.

Furthermore, during the 2020 trial, prison authorities allegedly provided confidential information on 13 inmates to the Attorney General's office.

In his Evangelical community, the young man played drums in the choir of the church where his father is a pastor; for this reason, he was nicknamed "The Little Drummer Boy," a tribute to the title of his favourite Christmas song.

In prison, Pannir wrote the lyrics to two songs with pro-life themes, which were later performed by two popular Malaysian artists.

One of the latest executions carried out in Singapore took place on 7 February, when a 50-year-old Singaporean, who was convicted of having in his possession controlled drugs for the purpose of trafficking, was hanged.

Finally, Nagaenthran Dharmalingam, a 34-year-old mentally disabled man, was the last Malaysian to be hanged in Singapore under its strict anti-drug laws, on 27 April 2022.

Eight other Malaysians are currently awaiting execution.
18 September 2025 14:00 (UTC+04:00)

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The deal marks a breakthrough: the UAE, a nation far removed from the Caspian basin, has turned to a landlocked inland sea for ship construction. This is not just a commercial contract; it is a signal that Azerbaijans shipbuilding sector has matured enough to attract clients from beyond its natural maritime neighborhood. The significance becomes even clearer in the wider regional context. Earlier this year...

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18 September 2025 16:18 (UTC+04:00)

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In 2024, Azerbaijani banks submitted reports to the Financial Monitoring Service (FMS) on 658 transactions they considered suspicious, Azernews reports, citing the FMS.

According to the agency, this figure is 2.1 times lower compared to 2023. At the same time, investment companies informed the FMS about 26 suspicious transactions, marking a 73.3 percent increase from the previous year.

The FMS was established by presidential decree on May 25, 2018, with its charter and structure approved on July 18, 2018. Its authorized capital amounts to 10,000 manats (around $5,880).

The services main goal is to oversee compliance with legal requirements aimed at preventing the legalization of criminally obtained funds, property, and the financing of terrorism. It is also tasked with implementing unified regulation in this field, coordinating monitoring participants with state bodies, and ensuring transparency and efficiency.
18 September 2025 15:35 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

One of the worlds leading video game commercial companies, Xsolla, has obtained resident status in the Pirallahi High-Tech Park, Azernews reports via the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA).

Under the residency framework, Xsolla will benefit from 10 years of tax exemptions, including social insurance premiums, profit, land, property, dividends, and other taxes.

The privileges will allow the company to make more intensive and efficient investments in Azerbaijans digital gaming ecosystem. This is expected to boost the countrys gaming industry, introduce advanced global practices, enhance the visibility of local game studios in international markets, and attract highly qualified specialists. The company will also support the development of specialized infrastructure in Azerbaijan.

Xsolla operates 72 percent of commercial transactions in the global gaming sector and brings 20 years of industry experience to the Azerbaijani market.
18 September 2025 13:24 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

An 18th-century Nakhchivan carpet, preserved in the private collection of Italian collector Mirko Kattai, will be brought to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry has signed an agreement with the collector in this regard.

The agreement stipulates the purchase of the 18th-century Nakhchivan carpet from Mirko Kattai's private collection.

This is intended to enrich the carpet collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.

According to the agreement, the purchase price of the carpet will amount to 131,000 manats ($77,290).

Many rare and ancient Azerbaijani carpets are preserved in museums and private collections in Italy.

The Carpet Museum closely collaborates with Italy's famous museums and galleries.

So far, numerous ancient and historically significant rare art pieces have been acquired from the Italian collector Mirko Kattai and presented to the Carpet Museum.

Founded in 1967, the National Carpet Museum holds more than 14,000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets.

Initiated by eminent carpet artist Latif Karimov, the museum is beautiful inside and out.

The museum's new building is designed in the form of a rolled carpet. Now, the museum hosts multiple events, including international symposiums, conferences, and various exhibitions.

In 2019, the museum received national status for its significant contribution to promoting Azerbaijani carpet weaving art.

In 2020, the Carpet Museum enriched its collection with a beautiful pile of carpets purchased by the Culture Ministry at the Sartirana Textile Show in Italy.

The 19th-century Guba carpet "Ugakh" was donated to the Carpet Museum, while the Garabagh carpet "Chelebi" enriched the collection of the museum's Shusha branch.

For four years, the Carpet Museum won the Travellers' Choice Awards. The award proves once again that the professional activity of the National Carpet Museum is highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world.
18 September 2025 15:49 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

September 18 - National Music Day is being celebrated widely and solemnly in Azerbaijan, as it does every year, Azernews reports.

On this occasion, on September 18, prominent cultural and artistic figures, as well as music lovers, visited the Alley of Honor to pay their respects to the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, the architect and founder of our modern independent state. They laid wreaths on his grave to honor his memory.

The memory of the prominent ophthalmologist-scientist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva, was also commemorated, and fresh flowers were placed on her grave.

It is worth noting that this music festival is historically marked as the birthday of the great composer, founder of Azerbaijani professional music art, and encyclopedic musicologist, Uzeyir Hajibayli. The tradition of celebrating the great composer's birthday as a holiday was established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev. With the decree signed by the National Leader in 1995, on the eve of the 110th anniversary of the birth of the great composer, September 18 has been celebrated annually as National Music Day in Azerbaijan.

On this day, a series of events is held across various regions of Azerbaijan every year to remember the composer's invaluable contributions to our culture.

This day also marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of the great composer, the founder of Azerbaijani professional music art, musicologist, the author of the first opera in the East, and a public figure, Uzeyir Hajibayli.

On February 3, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to mark the 140th anniversary of the birth of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the creator of the first opera in the East, a renowned musicologist, talented publicist, dramatist, educator, prominent public figure, People's Artist, laureate of State Prizes, and full member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

The day of the prominent composers birth also coincides with the opening of the Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival.

This year, the festival will be held for the 17th time with a rich program for the audience.

Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, with support from the Turkic Cultural and Heritage Foundation and ICESCO, the festival will run until September 28.

Numerous events will be held in Baku, Sumgayit, Shusha, Ganja, Aghjabedi, Nakhchivan, and Gazakh, featuring magnificent concerts, performances, exhibitions, academic symposia, and masterclasses.

This year, the festival will also bring together renowned performers, music groups, and musicologists from various countries.
18 September 2025 16:32 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

On September 18, the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibayli, the founder of Azerbaijani national music, the author of the first Eastern opera, and the composer of Azerbaijan's national anthem, will be celebrated at the UNESCO headquarters, Azernews reports.

The event is organized by Azerbaijan's Permanent Mission to UNESCO and the France-Azerbaijan Dialogue Association. The music program has been prepared under the leadership of French cellist and president of the "Arts Au Diapason" association, Lora Volpato.

During the concert, Lora Volpato, together with the "Trio Avey" ensemble, will perform. The ensemble consists of cello, flute, and piano. They will perform selected works by Uzeyir Hajibayli, taking the audience through his unique musical world.

Uzeyir Hajibayli has left an indelible mark not only in the cultural history of Azerbaijan but also in the entire Islamic world. He is the author of the first Muslim opera, "Leyli and Majnun."

As a highly knowledgeable musicologist and educator, he founded the Azerbaijan State Conservatory, playing a crucial role in the development of music education.

By combining Western classical music with Eastern mugham art, he created a unique musical language. His works stand out not only for their melodic richness but also for their spiritual depth.

The anniversary concert at UNESCO is an important step in promoting and preserving Azerbaijani music on an international scale.

Uzeyir Hajibayli's legacy continues to inspire new generations and lives on brightly in the world music treasure.
18 September 2025 18:29 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

September 18 marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of the great composer, musicologist, pedagogue, publicist, and public figure Uzeyir Hajibayli, whose name is written in golden letters in the history of Azerbaijani music, Azernews reports.

Today also marks National Music Day in Azerbaijan, a celebration dedicated to honoring the legacy of the great composer. The series of events for this significant day in our cultural history traditionally began with the visit to Uzeyir Bey's grave at the First Alley of Honor.

The ceremony was attended by Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, the responsible staff of the ministry, and prominent figures of culture and art.

Adil Karimli, congratulating those gathered on National Music Day, stated that September 18 is one of the most significant days in our culture. It is the birthday of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli.

"Uzeyir Hajibayli, the founder of the Azerbaijani composer's school, is remembered by all of us with deep respect and admiration. On February 3, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev signed a Decree in honor of the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibayli, a prominent musicologist and the creator of the first opera in the East. This remarkable date is being celebrated at the highest level in our country. A plan of events has been prepared. During the 140th anniversary, the most beautiful examples of Azerbaijan's musical jewels will be performed not only in our country but also widely around the world, including concerts in countries like Italy, Austria, Germany, and Turkiye," he said.

Firangiz Alizadeh, President of the Azerbaijan Composers Union, People's Artist, Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and Professor, in her speech, highlighted that Uzeyir Hajibayli developed Azerbaijani music at an astonishing speed:

"Only he could create such innovations, compose magnificent works, and unite people around his ideas. All of this shows how rich, unique, and impactful Uzeyir Hajibayli's personality and creativity were. His music is not only a pearl of our national culture but also of the world music treasury. The innovations brought by Uzeyir Bay continue to inspire Azerbaijani musicians, composers, and young talents today. His creativity has played an unparalleled role in introducing our national identity, musical heritage, and cultural values to the world and will remain a guiding school for future generations."

Anar Rzayev, the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union and People's Writer, spoke about the immortal legacy of the great composer. He stated that as long as the Azerbaijani people exist, the immortal legacy of Uzeyir Hajibeyli will always live on.

He emphasized that Uzeyir Hajibayli is one of the rare individuals who laid the foundation of Azerbaijani national music culture, introduced it to the world, and expressed the soul of the people through music.

Rafael Huseynov, Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi, and Academician, spoke about Uzeyir Hajibayli, stating that his works reflect the national spirit, patriotism, and humanistic values and are still widely admired in both Azerbaijan and worldwide. "His art remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for future generations," he said.

Other speakers noted that Uzeyir Hajibayli's musical legacy not only served the development of Azerbaijani culture but also made an invaluable contribution to the world music treasury.

They emphasized that his creativity is an irreplaceable school for young composers and musicians, demonstrating the richness, innovation, and aesthetic value of national music. It was also highlighted that Uzeyir Bay's works reflect the spiritual world of our people, and his ideas guide the future development of our music culture.

After the speeches, the participants of the ceremony visited the graves of Azerbaijan's musical luminaries, including Gara Garayev, Fikrat Amirov, Bulbul, Rashid Behbudov, Niyazi, and Muslim Magomayev.
18 September 2025 11:21 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The traditional annual conference Gas 2025: Bridge or Brake? The gas sector between energy transition and world politics, organized by the influential German newspaper Handelsblatt, placed a strong focus on Azerbaijans energy strategy and its contributions to Europes energy security, Azernews reports.

The high-level platform, which gathers industry leaders, government representatives, and energy experts, discussed pressing issues such as energy policy, the global gas market, emission reduction, and transition strategies.

At the invitation of Handelsblatt, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany Nasimi Aghayev delivered a keynote presentation titled Azerbaijan's Contribution to Europe's Energy Security in an Era of Geopolitical Challenges.

Aghayev underlined that with the signing of the Contract of the Century after regaining independence, Azerbaijan opened the Caspian Basin to Western companies and built long-term strategic energy partnerships. He noted that the Southern Gas Corridor, directly linking Azerbaijans gas fields to Europe, has seen steadily growing volumes of supply.

Last year, Azerbaijans gas exports reached 25.3 billion cubic meters, including 13 billion cubic meters delivered to Europe. By increasing exports to Europe by more than 50 percent in just two years, Azerbaijan played a critical role in mitigating the continents supply crisis.

The ambassador stressed that Azerbaijan currently exports gas to 14 countries, 11 of which are in Europe, including 9 EU member statesshowing that Baku has become an integral pillar of Europes energy security.

Highlighting bilateral cooperation with Germany, he recalled long-term contracts with Uniper and SEFE, under which 3 billion cubic meters of gas are supplied annually. He further emphasized that despite geopolitical risks and global supply disruptions, Azerbaijan has never halted its deliveries.

On regional stability, Aghayev referred to the peace agreement initialed and the joint statement signed in Washington by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia last month, stressing that this milestone would pave the way for stability, trade routes, infrastructure development, and new investments.

Looking to the future, he outlined Azerbaijans vision of gradually adapting the Southern Gas Corridor for green hydrogen and ramping up investments in renewable energy. Agreements have already been signed for wind and solar projects with a combined capacity exceeding 10 gigawatts. Meanwhile, the planned Black Sea submarine cable project is set to create a new electricity link between the South Caucasus and the EU, playing a pivotal role in Europes energy transition.

Following his address, Aghayev answered questions from the moderator on the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor, renewable energy projects, and the outcomes of COP29 in Baku.
18 September 2025 11:33 (UTC+04:00)

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has released footage from his recent visit to Azerbaijan, including scenes from the countrys liberated territories, Azernews reports.

According to Trend, the video was posted on the UAE leaders official social media account.

"Pleased to meet with His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev in Garabagh to review the developing bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. We explored new areas of cooperation aimed at accelerating economic development, creating shared opportunities, and supporting regional and global peace and stability, taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement," Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said in his post.
18 September 2025 14:59 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The initial version of the "Information Security Environment Diagnostics" project has been developed in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the State Service for Special Communications and Information Security (SCIS).

According to the agency, the project was presented by the SCIS delegation at the Board of Directors meeting of OIC-CERT, the Association of Computer Incident Response Centers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Rabat, Morocco.

The developed assessment methodology drew strong interest from member countries, with participants noting that its wider application among OIC states would be beneficial.

The meeting reviewed the progress of the organizations 2025 action plan and highlighted Azerbaijans leadership role in developing the fourth strategic direction of OIC-CERT: Cybersecurity, innovation, scientific research, and technology.

In addition, the results of the 2025 "Global Cybersecurity Award" competition were announced, where the project of the United Arab Emirates Cybersecurity Consulate was declared the winner.

It should be noted that CERT.gov.az has been serving on the OIC-CERT Board of Directors for nine years.
18 September 2025 15:17 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A delegation from the Baku City Executive Power took part in events dedicated to the 958th anniversary of Minsk, the capital of Belarus, Azernews reports.

During the visit, Deputy Head of the Baku City Executive Power, Ayaz Huseynov, met with Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, Oleg Korzun.

According to the Baku City Executive Power, the meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including urban economy, environmental safety, and waste management.

Oleg Korzun praised Bakus development, cleanliness, and level of urban improvement. He highlighted the success of projects in Baku related to the collection, transportation, and sorting of solid household waste and expressed interest in learning from the Azerbaijani capitals experience.

Ayaz Huseynov emphasized that Bakus growth is the result of the successful policies of President Ilham Aliyev, with large-scale construction and urban improvement projects underway. He noted that the strengthening of relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus reflects the political will of both countries leaders. Huseynov also stated that Bakus solid waste sorting project, implemented under President Aliyevs instructions, is progressing successfully, and the city is ready to share its experience with Minsk
18 September 2025 12:44 (UTC+04:00)

On September 18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Azernews reports.

Marta Kos congratulated the head of state on the achievements in normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and advancing the peace agenda. She reaffirmed that the European Union would continue to support efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, as well as Azerbaijans activities in humanitarian demining.

The Commissioner noted the successful establishment of energy cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, underlining the significant prospects for further collaboration in the transport sector.

President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana this May.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, the President emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue its efforts to advance the peace agenda in the region. President Ilham Aliyev noted the considerable opportunities for creating transport connectivity in the region and highlighted Azerbaijans intensive work in developing road and transport infrastructure in the liberated territories. In this regard, the head of state underscored the importance of the road and railway lines to Zangilan.

Touching upon Azerbaijans contribution to Europes energy security, President Ilham Aliyev underlined that Azerbaijani gas is currently exported to 10 European countries, including eight EU member states, and that the export geography is expanding.

During the meeting, the sides also noted the significant increase in cargo volumes transported from Central Asia to Azerbaijan via the Middle Corridor and exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
18 September 2025 12:22 (UTC+04:00)

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18 September 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Nokia have taken a significant leap into the future of rail communications by launching the worlds first commercial 5G network specifically designed for smart railway operations, Azernews reports.

Operating at a frequency of 1900 MHz with a 5G Standalone (SA) core, the new system is currently being tested at DBs digital railway test site in the Ore Mountains, Germany.

The network combines Nokias AirScale radios with a 5G SA core that features self-healing capabilities, emergency switching, and real-time monitoring. This ensures that in the event of equipment failure or temporary signal loss, the system can automatically recover and maintain operations without human intervention.

Deutsche Bahn is committed to leveraging cutting-edge 5G telecommunications to modernize our railway infrastructure. Partnering with technology leaders like Nokia enables us to seamlessly integrate the latest innovations into our daily operations, emphasized Rainer Fachinger from DB.

We are proud to deliver the worlds first commercial 5G solution for railways operating on the 1900 MHz band. This breakthrough unlocks new possibilities such as automated train control, intelligent maintenance, and smart station infrastructure, added Rolf Werner, head of Nokias European division. This project sets a new global benchmark for FRMCS modernization.

FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) is the next-generation upgrade to the aging GSM-R railway network. While GSM-R was primarily a dedicated communication link between train drivers and dispatchers, FRMCS leverages 5Gs speed and flexibility to enable instant data transmission across the network.

In simple terms, FRMCS brings rail communication to life. The system prioritizes safety-critical messages, reduces delays, and provides dispatchers with real-time visibility of network issues. This allows trains to safely operate closer together, increasing track capacity while minimizing collision risks. Moreover, equipment can detect and resolve minor faults autonomously before they escalate.

Importantly, FRMCS is fully compatible with international standards, facilitating cross-border network integration and enabling gradual upgrades as 5G technology continues to evolve.

The transition to FRMCS promises faster, safer, and more cost-efficient railway operations across Europe. Smart communication grids minimize downtime, boost reliability, and pave the way for greater process automation. Over time, this technology will accelerate the adoption of smart trains and seamless integration with other digital transport systems.

Nokia is also collaborating with the Dutch railway infrastructure manager ProRail, upgrading their network with a new GSM-R cloud core and planning a smooth migration to FRMCS. According to Nokia representatives, this project will lay the foundation for future-proof railway communications across Europe.

Given that legacy GSM-R networks are becoming increasingly obsolete, this initiative is vital to ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient transition to digital railway technologies.

Beyond improved safety and efficiency, the implementation of 5G and FRMCS is expected to enable innovative passenger services, such as ultra-high-definition live video streaming onboard trains, real-time travel updates, and enhanced connectivity in rural areas. This marks a new era where rail travel becomes not only smarter but also more passenger-friendly and connected.
18 September 2025 22:22 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The summit titled "The Future of E-Commerce in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," which brings together leading actors of Turkiye's e-commerce ecosystem and focuses on competition, regulation, and consumer experience in the future of e-commerce, has begun in Istanbul. Speaking at the opening of the summit organized in Istanbul under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, hosted by the Istanbul Economic Research Association (IEAD), and in cooperation with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkiye (TOBB) Turkiye E-Commerce Sector Assembly, the Association of Electronic Commerce Operators (ETID), and the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Digital Technologies Business Council, Minister Bolat shared developments in the e-commerce sector.

Bolat stated that COVID-19 had a significant impact on the understanding and sudden appreciation of the e-commerce sector in Turkiye and continued his remarks as follows: "With the onset of quarantine days and months due to COVID-19, as everyone was forced to stay home and production, trade, and shopping slowed down, the e-commerce and IT sectors gained immense valuejust like the health, logistics, agriculture, and food sectors. These were the shining stars of the COVID-19 era. For instance, while the e-commerce sector had a 4.5% share in overall trade in 2019, it rose to 19.5% as of last year. And it seems to have even more potential ahead."

Minister Bolat noted that due to global trade trends, businesses have increasingly embraced online channels for both domestic and international markets in recent years, and mentioned the regret felt by businesses that had not yet entered e-commerce when COVID-19 emerged. He recalled that companies which had already transitioned to online sales at that time managed to stand out and explained that today's symposium would address the future of e-commerce in terms of artificial intelligence, the necessary regulations, and the current situation. Bolat said, "I believe very beneficial outcomes will emerge from this. I hope the discussions and results here will be compiled into a report, and that we will benefit from it as well."

Minister Bolat stated that the global e-commerce volume, which was $5.5 trillion in 2022, rose to $7 trillion last year and is expected to exceed $8 trillion by 2026. He added, "When we look at our country, having a young and dynamic population, widespread use of mobile devices, the prevalence of the internet and social media, and our geographical location giving us regional power advantages all show that the horizon of the e-commerce sector is wide open and its future is bright, both nationally and internationally."

Bolat pointed out that the popularity of Turkish films abroad has indirectly influenced the preference for Turkish products and made the following assessment: "We are pleased to see that e-commerce activities are spreading in the same way. We are very pleased to see our e-export expanding even in Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Africa. But of course, we are not alone. There are very large giants, major players. Competing with them is not easy, but this development has become a new area in our foreign trade efforts. It has become a field of negotiation and agreement. We are working in consultation and coordination with you, our esteemed sector stakeholders, on all these matters. According to TUIK data, the proportion of individuals ordering goods and services online in our country was 35% in 2020, the first year of COVID-19, and has risen to 55.7% this year. In five years, the rate of ordering via e-commerce has more than doubled."

Minister Bolat stated that Turkiye's e-commerce volume exceeded 3 trillion lira in 2024, marking a 61.7% increase compared to the previous year, and noted that this figure corresponds to $90 billion. Sharing details about this figure, Bolat said that two-thirds of total e-commerce comes from retail e-commerce.

Bolat touched on the Ministry of Trade's efforts in the field of e-commerce and provided examples of regulations implemented in this area. He shared information about the amendments made last year to the Law on the Regulation of Electronic Commerce to protect the competitiveness of Turkish producers and marketplaces globally, encourage international sales, and support high-tech investments in the sector. "Some foreign marketplaces posed a serious threat by gaining significant market share in our domestic market and potentially sweeping away domestic businesses. We wanted to prevent this," he said.

Bolat emphasized that they made changes to the regulation following this amendment and particularly took into account the complaints of sellers. Minister Bolat spoke about the support and incentives provided for international sales. He underlined that these regulations aim to increase e-exports and employment and added: "As the Ministry of Trade, we are a ministry that guides the sector, opens paths, and shapes the future shoulder to shoulder with the sector. On November 21, we will organize an e-commerce festival together with sector players and you, our valued businesses. Our goal here is to stimulate the economy and enhance economic vitality. Despite the disaster scenarios being drawn on social media, we are pleased to see that there is a positive trend and strong stability in macroeconomic indicators and all metrics. After the pandemic, wars, and earthquakes, we quickly healed our wounds. As a country, nation, and society, we are a resilient nation that reveals its true strength when faced with challenges. Whatever natural disaster or international crisis occurred, we managed to overcome each one strongly, as our President has said, and climb back toward the summit."

Minister Omer Bolat stated that they will continue working in interaction with actors related to e-commerce and announced that awareness, promotion, and recognition trainings on e-commerce will be held in many provinces, with a total of 30 provinces planned and completion expected by early 2026. He mentioned that 60% of their budget is allocated to supporting the export of goods and services and said, "We have not forgotten e-commerce here. There is the e-Easy Export Platform. In this way, we do not forget e-commerce in promoting e-exports and other goods and services exports. We support it in the same way."
18 September 2025 21:21 (UTC+04:00)

Somali Minister of Defense Ahmed Moallim Fiqi evaluated the relations between Turkiye and Somaliaespecially in the field of defenseas well as President Recep Tayyip Erdogans visit to Somalia in 2011.

Referring to President Erdogan and his delegations visit to the country in 2011, at a time when the terrorist organization al-Shabaab was surrounding Mogadishu, Fiqi said, I remember that day. Indeed, just a few days later the city was liberated, and the capital has been experiencing a sense of independence and stability for 14 years now.

Pointing out that this was thanks to the cooperation between Somali institutions and international friendsespecially TurkiyeFiqi emphasized that relations between the two countries are currently at their best level.

Referring to the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministries of National Defense of Somalia and Turkiye, Fiqi made the following remarks:

As you can see right now, the state-of-the-art combat helicopters produced by Turkiye are flying over me. In addition, our armed forces are using large defense vehicles produced by Turkiye. Also, within the framework of the memorandum of understanding, Somali Special Forces are being trained by Turkiye at the TURKSOM Military Training Base.

Minister Fiqi stated that they want to implement major projects and said they particularly want to enhance cooperation in the economic field to ensure the countrys stability.

Fiqi recalled that during President Erdogans visit in 2011, Mogadishu was not safe and that he remembers the famine and the dire situation the Somali people were in at the time.

Indeed, we are in a much better place today, and I see that this relationship is progressing day by day, said the Somali Defense Minister, emphasizing that Turkiyes largest embassy is also located there and that he believes this relationship will endure.
18 September 2025 23:00 (UTC+04:00)

Minister of Trade Omer Bolat participated in the Azerbaijan-Turkiye Economic and Cultural Relations Bridge Event organized by the Turkiye-Azerbaijan Businessmen and Industrialists Association (TUIB).

In his speech at the event, Bolat stated that he held a meeting with the TUIB delegation at the ministry and noted that the scope of the meeting was focused on enhancing economic relations between Turkiye and Azerbaijan.

Bolat expressed that he frequently travels to Azerbaijan for various meetings and summits and mentioned that, due to the upcoming Economic Cooperation Organization Summit scheduled for next month, there will be another visit chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He highlighted the frequent flights between the two countries, as well as the short distances and travel times, saying:

Dear Azerbaijan, liberated Garabagh after 32 years of occupation. Thank Allah. They have now freed all their lands. Currently, there is a very significant investment and reconstruction activity in the region. Two summit meetings were held in Shusha and Hankendi at the end of May and the beginning of July. In the economic relations, our economies actually complement each other. We import energy resources, especially from Azerbaijan, and in industrial products and services, we provide support to Azerbaijan.

Bolat drew attention to Azerbaijans strategic importance as Turkiye opens up to Central Asia and the Far East, stating:

With the hopefully imminent opening of the Zangezur Corridor, the geographic integration of the Turkic world and the development of economic relations will become possible. This will also activate the Middle Corridor, extending from the Far East to Europe, and strengthen transit trade.

He noted that during his tenure, the trade volume between Turkiye and Azerbaijan has increased year by year, saying:

As of the first eight months of this year, our trade volume is performing well. Investments are particularly important. Turkiye has made the largest number of investments globally in Azerbaijan in terms of businessmen and companies. In terms of value, our largest investment is also in Azerbaijan, totaling 17 billion dollars. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, has approximately 3,000 companies in Turkiye.

Bolat emphasized that TUIB works tirelessly to achieve even stronger economic integration between the two countries and reminded the audience that TUIB organized the 1st Turkiye-Azerbaijan Investment Forum in Baku in December 2023.

He underlined that this forum was one of the most significant economic gatherings in Azerbaijans history and added that the second forum will also be held in December.
18 September 2025 23:32 (UTC+04:00)

by Alimat Aliyeva

The world's tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, is set to open in Dubai this November, Azernews reports.

This was announced by the Dubai Media Office, the governments official press service, via the social media platform X.

"A new icon is about to redefine the Dubai skyline. This November, the Ciel Dubai Marina will officially open as the tallest hotel in the world," the statement reads.

Standing at an impressive height of 377 meters with 82 floors, the hotel will be located in the vibrant Dubai Marina district, known for its stunning waterfront views and luxury lifestyle.

Currently, Dubai is already home to the Gevora Hotel, which, at 356 meters, holds the title of the tallest hotel in the world  a record soon to be surpassed by Ciel Dubai Marina.

What makes the Ciel Dubai Marina even more exciting is that it promises to combine breathtaking architecture with world-class amenities, including sky lounges, panoramic terraces, and cutting-edge technology, solidifying Dubais reputation as a global hub for innovation and luxury tourism.
18 September 2025 19:48 (UTC+04:00)

by Alimat Aliyeva

China Eastern Airlines has officially begun selling tickets for a new flight route connecting Shanghai to Buenos Aires, promoting it as the longest direct flight in the world , Azernews reports.

According to Business Insider, the southbound journey covers nearly 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles) and takes approximately 25.5 hours, while the return leg lasts about 29 hours, making it one of the most ambitious flight offerings in commercial aviation.

Traditionally, travelers between China and Argentina have relied on routes passing through Europe or North America, often taking over 30 hours including long layovers. This new southern route significantly reduces total travel time and eliminates the need for multiple stopovers.

The flight includes a two-hour stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, where passengers are allowed to disembark, stretch, and refresh. Despite the layover, the service is classified as a direct flight since it uses the same aircraft and flight number for the entire journey. By international aviation standards, a "direct" flight may include stops, as long as passengers don't change planes or flight numbers. In contrast, a non-stop flight involves no layovers and uses the same aircraft from departure to arrival.

The route will be operated twice a week starting December 4, using the Boeing 777-300ER, a long-range wide-body aircraft designed for extended international travel.

Ticket prices reflect the length and exclusivity of the route. As of now, economy class one-way fares for December range between $1,538 and $2,270, while business class seats with lie-flat beds are priced from $5,000.

Despite its record-breaking distance as a direct flight, the longest non-stop commercial flight in the world remains Singapore Airlines service between Singapore Changi Airport and New Yorks JFK Airport, which spans 15,349 kilometers (9,537 miles) and lasts over 18 hours.

This new route by China Eastern not only expands connectivity between Asia and South America, but also marks a bold move in ultra-long-haul aviation, potentially reshaping global travel patterns for business and tourism between the two continents.
18 September 2025 18:59 (UTC+04:00)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed on Thursday Moscow's willingness to maintain dialogue between the United States and Russian presidents, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. He also noted that the same desire exists in the US, Azernews reports.

In an interview with Channel One, Lavrov commented on Trump's disappointment with the apparent lack of progress in resolving the long-standing conflict in Ukraine, stating that this is due to the US president's desire for "quick solutions." He further emphasized that such an approach "does not always work out."

The foreign minister stated he saw no problem with the possibility of additional sanctions being imposed on Russia.
How Chinese workers and Allied POWs forged an enduring wartime bond

People's Daily Online) 10:48, September 18, 2025

An aerial view of the former site of the Mukden Allied POW Camp in Dadong district, Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (People's Daily Online/Qiu Yuzhe)

In October 1992, a former prisoner of war wrote to the U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang, located in northeast China's Liaoning Province. His letter recounted the suffering he experienced at the Mukden Allied POW Camp during World War II and conveyed his desire to revisit the site.

But where exactly was the Mukden Allied POW Camp located? At the time, no one knew. After Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II, nearly all records and documents about the camp were destroyed, and its exact location remained a mystery for many years.

After receiving the letter, Yang Jing, then a consular assistant at the U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang, began a painstaking search. A year later, Yang finally identified the former site of the camp in Shenyang's Dadong district.

In 2007, restoration work began at the site. In 2013, it was officially opened to the public.

A restored watchtower and the remains of barracks at the former site of the Mukden Allied POW Camp in Dadong district, Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (People's Daily Online/Qiu Yuzhe)

After the September 18 Incident in 1931, northeast China became a production base for Japan's war of aggression. As Japan expanded its wars and battlefronts, labor shortages became acute. The Japanese military exploited both POWs  mainly from the U.K. and U.S.  and Chinese civilians and captured soldiers, forcing them into harsh labor units.

Japan established 18 POW camps during World War II, eight within Japan itself and 10 in occupied territories. The Shenyang facility stands as the most intact overseas POW camp still in existence.

In 1942, the Japanese transferred POWs with technical skills in machining and manufacturing, captured in the Pacific Theater, to Shenyang. They were imprisoned in the camp and sent to Japanese-run factories as forced labor to address the manpower and resource shortages caused by Japan's constant troop deployments and expanding war of aggression.

A barrack at the former site of the Mukden Allied POW Camp in Dadong district, Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Photo courtesy of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang)

Between November 1942 and August 1945, the camp held more than 2,000 POWs from the Pacific Theater, including Americans, British, Australians, Dutch, Canadians, New Zealanders and Singaporeans..

A group photo showing rescued POWs from August 1945. (Photo courtesy of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang)

British Major Robert Peaty was among the first POWs held at the camp. After the war, he compiled and expanded his diary, describing in detail the punishments inflicted by Japanese guards.

"A bowl of water was placed on our outstretched arms. If a drop spilled, we were beaten with a rattan cane or a sword scabbard. Sometimes we were forced to kneel with our hands on our heads. If we shifted, our legs were struck mercilessly," he recalled.

Reconstructed bunks inside the barracks at the former site of the Mukden Allied POW Camp in Dadong district, Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (People's Daily Online/Qiu Yuzhe)

In 2007, former POW Robert Brown revisited the site. He called the experience "absolutely dreadful."

"Food was scarce, medicine almost nonexistent, and the cold unbearable. One by one, people died. In temperatures of minus 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, the ground was too frozen to dig graves, so bodies were kept in a hut until spring," he said.

The combination of prolonged abuse and harsh conditions resulted in a 16 percent death rate at the camp, significantly higher than most other POW facilities.

The prisoners also carried a heavy sense of guilt. Forced to produce goods for Japan's war machine, they feared their labor would be used against their own countries. Even under strict surveillance, they found ways to resist by sabotaging products or setting fires in the factories.

Over nearly three years of captivity, the prisoners endured hunger, disease, and cruelty. In that dark time, their only comfort came from Chinese workers and villagers who, despite their own hardships, offered help.

Three American POWs successfully escaped on June 21, 1943, with crucial assistance from Chinese worker Gao Dechun.

Gao had once noticed American POW Joe Bill Chastain slip a map from a Japanese officer's drawer. Realizing he was planning an escape, Gao quietly bought another map at the market with his own money and placed it back in the drawer to avoid arousing suspicion.

After 11 days on the run, however, Chastain and the others were captured. On July 31, they were executed. Because Gao had worked alongside Chastain, the Japanese suspected his involvement. He was arrested, tortured, and eventually sentenced to 10 years in prison for anti-Manchukuo and anti-Japanese activities.

Gao remained imprisoned until Japan's surrender in 1945, when he finally regained his freedom.

Former POW Harold Bell Carter [u1] returns to Shenyang in September 2005, carrying a photo as he searches for his Chinese friend. He eventually found his friend's descendants. (Photo courtesy of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang)

The number "266" was assigned to American POW Neil Gagliano. About 10 meters away worked an apprentice named Li Lishui, who remembered only his number, not his name. Each time Gagliano caught sight of him, he would smile, a gesture that left a lasting impression on the young apprentice.

One day, some cucumbers fell off a passing vegetable cart. Li found that prisoner 266 was watching him. He picked up two cucumbers and threw them to Gagliano, who responded with an enthusiastic "OK" gesture. For a starving prisoner, those cucumbers were an unforgettable act of kindness.

Li had almost forgotten about the two cucumbers until U.S. journalists interviewed him in 2002. Later, Gagliano sent him a photo of himself and a letter, telling him that he was prisoner 266.

Ge Qingyu, a staff member at a Japanese factory, taught POWs Chinese and even helped American POW Roland Kenneth Towery smuggle out factory tires and axle bearings in exchange for food.

Following his release, Towery visited Ge's home, met his wife and young son, and exchanged keepsakes. After returning to the U.S., Towery worked as a journalist, held senior roles in U.S. media, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1955.

In 2005, which marked the 60th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the U.S. government awarded commendations to Li Lishui, Gao Dechun and Ge Qingyu, recognizing their courage and humanity in aiding American POWs under life-threatening circumstances.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
What I love is what this community has everyone has found each other: American singer Amy Grant excited to return to Belfast
Restaurant review: One of Belfasts best is back with a bang and a top level of potato mastery
A judge has voiced concerns about social media comments by Jamie Bryson around the trial of a former paratrooper charged with the murder of two men on Bloody Sunday.
Opinions on the environment split along sectarian lines, QUB and Ulster University study finds

Catholics are significantly more concerned about climate change than Protestants, according to new research.

The latest Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) Survey found Catholics were more likely to view climate change as caused by humans, to trust scientific experts, and to back stronger action.

Within Protestant denominations, attitudes vary, with Presbyterians notably more sceptical than members of the Church of Ireland.

The survey of 1,199 adults included 383 respondents who identified as Catholic, 193 as Presbyterian and 144 as members of the Church of Ireland.

It was carried out by ARK, a collaboration between Queens University Belfast and Ulster University.

Those of no religion and Catholics showed the highest levels of concern and support for action, followed by the Church of Ireland, with Others and Presbyterians lowest.

Regular religious service attendance was associated with a slight increase in scepticism on whether humans cause climate change, whether scientists can be trusted, and whether strong policy action is needed.

By contrast, people raised in a religion but no longer identifying with it expressed greater concern than people still part of denominations.

Respondents were asked if they believed climate change was caused by natural processes, human activity or both.

Some 62% of Catholics chose mainly or entirely by human activity, compared with 56% of Church of Ireland respondents, 49% of Others, and 38% of Presbyterians.

Trust in experts also diverged. Fewer than half (47%) of Presbyterians agreed scientific experts could be trusted to tell the truth about climate change, compared to three quarters (75%) of Catholics.

Asked whether politicians should be doing more, 80% of Catholics and those of no religion agreed, compared to 65% of Presbyterians.

On personal worry about climate change, the highest levels were among non-believers (78%), closely followed by Catholics (77%), then members of the Church of Ireland (69%), Presbyterians (53%) and Others (52%).

Catholics reported the strongest sense of personal responsibility to play their part (81%), ahead of Church of Ireland (75%) and Presbyterians (68%).

Co-author Dr Jonny Hanson, from Queens Universitys School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, said: Climate change is a defining issue of our time. There is therefore an urgent need for engagement with religious communities to address climate change in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Our research points to the need for moral leadership from religious communities, especially as the Climate Change Act is fully implemented in the coming years.

But the timing is good. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is hosting a major conference at the end of September here in Belfast entitled Gods world: Our Responsibility?

It will hopefully see much discussion and leadership on some of these very important issues.

The research was published by Queen's University

News Catch Up - Tuesday 16th September

Professor Gladys Ganiel, also from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, said: The research shows strong connections between religion and climate attitudes in Northern Ireland, highlighting the importance of considering faith perspectives in climate debates and policymaking.

Co-author Dr Emma Soye, from Queens School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, added: The NILT data suggests that those seeking to influence attitudes on climate change in different religious settings need to engage with specific realities within those communities.

The full paper will be published by ARK in due course.

A spokesperson for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said: These are interesting findings. As a church, we will be holding a conference on September 27, in Belfast, entitled Gods World: Our Responsibility?

At it, we will explore the biblical story, from creation to new creation, showing how our responsibility to God for the Earth connects with proclaiming the Gospel and loving our neighbour.

The conference is for anyone interested in creation and our responsibility to it.

The Catholic Communications Office was contacted for comment.
Stormont Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that the long-awaited pedestrianisation of a popular Belfast city street is to go ahead  although it will only be experimental initially.

Hill Street was pedestrianised for a trial period during the Covid pandemic in 2020, with a view to making the move permanent.

However, these plans have been delayed on several occasions.

Last December, then Infrastructure Minister John ODowd said the plans were on hold due to competing priorities and underfunding and austerity by the British Government.

It was previously revealed that it would cost around 5,000 to pedestrianise the cobbled street.

Hill Street in Belfast city centre pictured amid the Covid-19 pandemic

Watch: Pedestrianisation of Hill Street to remain on hold following informal consultation

Then in May, Ms Kimmins told MLAs that her department would be engaging with stakeholders over the scheme, hoping to move at pace.

Last week, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) wrote to Belfast City Council chief executive John Walsh outlining details of an experimental scheme to pedestrianise Hill Street, which is home to some of the citys most popular bars and restaurants.

The proposals will see the street closed off to traffic and cyclists between the junction with Gordon Street and Waring Street, allowing loading and unloading between 6am and 12pm.

In addition, the plans will see a one-way traffic system introduced along Gordon Street, from its junction with Hill Street to its junction with Dunbar Street, in an easterly direction.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Ms Kimmins confirmed the experimental scheme will proceed.

Following an informal consultation period during which concerns were raised by some businesses in the area around access to their premises, my officials agreed to undertake further discussions, she said.

Those discussions have now concluded positively and I can confirm that the necessary paperwork is currently being prepared to allow the experimental legislation to move forward.

Hill Street. (Photo by: Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Details of the experimental scheme, which will initially be introduced for a period of six months, will be advertised in October, with the scheme expected to be implemented in November.

SDLP north Belfast councillor Carl Whyte said: This scheme needs to be the end of a long-running saga around the pedestrianisation of Hill Street that has somehow stretched on for years.

This is one of the busiest parts of our city centre, with hotels, hospitality businesses and offices nearby and the benefits of removing traffic are clear for all to see.

I have contacted the minister asking her to outline details of how this pedestrianisation will be enforced.

While this is an area that some vehicles will need access to in terms of making deliveries, we need to see engagement with the PSNI and a clear plan that ensures this pedestrianisation is not ignored and that drivers comply or face the consequences.

Pedestrianisation in name only is no good to anyone.

Plans for the pedestrianisation of Hill Street were supposed to go out for consultation in 2022, but this did not happen.

Belfast councillors were subsequently told in March 2023 that DfI would be carrying out a consultation shortly.

Again, this did not take place.

The following month, however, councillors were informed that while the pedestrianisation of Hill Street remains part of our longer-term agenda, we are unable to begin the consultation process due to ongoing issues with staff resources and exceptionally high workloads.
May and her husband George

May Trimble with (from left) children David, Rowland, Norma and son-in-law Richard May

A great-grandmother of 34 is set to celebrate her 104th birthday in style.

Bangor woman May Trimble is expecting another congratulatory message  her fifth  from Irish President Michael D Higgins, along with a cash reward.

Asked for the secret to her long life, May said it was down to faith.

I have a heavenly father who has been watching over me for 104 years. I cant say any more than that, she added.

I am able to be up and about, and I get ready for my carer coming in the morning, and the same in the evening to get me ready for bed.

May was born on a farm in Co Wexford on September 19, 1921.

She found herself in the unique position of receiving a special greeting from President Higgins and the late Queen Elizabeth II on her 100th birthday.

A centenarian bounty of 2,540 (2,122.39) is issued by the Irish head of state to mark the milestone and each year after it. A commemorative coin is also included.

May and her husband George

May said she cherishes the souvenir, alongside the card she received from the late Queen.

Born as May Leech to a family of five children, she married the late Rev George Trimble in 1943.

The couple moved to Cookstown after the clergyman was appointed minister of Donaghey Congregational Church.

They went on to have four children, and ended up living in Bangor following his retirement in 1973.

After almost 50 years of marriage, Mr Trimble died in 1991.

May still lives independently and spends her days making marmalade and enjoying walks.

She has three carers who keep an eye on her, Dymphna, Marion and Gladys.

May Trimble with (from left) children David, Rowland, Norma and son-in-law Richard May

Bangor woman to celebrate her 104th birthday

The pensioner believes her very happy childhood helped give her a good start in life.

I met my husband when he was a Christian worker in the south of Ireland. That is when I became a Christian, she recalled.

That was in 1936. Then, seven years later, we married. We spent 14 years in Donaghey, then 16 years in Straid.

I was a housekeeper on the farm  I churned milk for butter. I became a ministers wife when I got married.

I was married for 48 years. He was the best man in the world. I learned a lot from him. We were very happily married for 48 years.

Their children, Rowland, David, Norma and Trevor, who lives in Cape Town, have 17 children of their own and 34 grandchildren between them.

According to Rowland, his mum is a whizz on her iPad after getting in lots of practice during the pandemic.

After the restrictions were lifted, the family started meeting up every Monday night.

May is already looking forward to next year, when she hopes to receive her first card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Police are appealing for information after a fire at a Co Antrim industrial estate last night is being treated as deliberate.

Emergency services were last night at the scene of the major blaze in Ballyclare.

Firefighters responded to reports of a blaze at the Dennison Industrial Estate in Ballyclare shortly after 10:30pm.

Four fire appliances attended the incident at its height with the industrial estate being closed.

17th September 2025 Fire fighters pictured at the scene of a fire at Dennison industrial estate in Ballyclare. Photo - Stephen Hamilton

Firefighters worked to douse the well-alight fires to two lorries which spread causing heat damage to two other lorries parked nearby.

In a statement this morning the PSNI confirmed the fire is being treated as deliberate.

Officers will remain in attendance at the Avondale site today "as all lines of enquiry are explored and evidence gathered.

Detective Inspector Adrian Keon said: "This fire, which is being treated as deliberate, has resulted in a significant financial impact, both from the loss of the vehicles and any contents.

The recklessness of those responsible is hard to believe. Our enquiries are ongoing and we are keen to gain the insight from members of the public who noticed anything suspicious, particularly between 10pm and the time of report at 10.40pm.

"Anyone driving in the area at the time and who may have dash-cam footage covering this area, please give us a call on 101 quoting reference number 1556 17/09/25."

Speaking at the scene of the fire last night, one resident said: I was in bed sleeping, when I woke up I could hear loud bangs.

My hubby opened the blinds and the flames were in the air, they [fire fighters] seem to have it under control now.
A 30-year-old man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place following an incident at a shop in south Belfast.

Its understood staff at Indie Fude have been left badly shaken after a man entered the premises on Ormeau Road with an object resembling a crossbow at lunchtime on Wednesday.

Police were called to the independent deli at around 12.30pm.

Officers detained the suspect who has also been charged with a number of drug related offences.

PSNI.

News Catch Up - Thursday 18th September

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed the man is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 16.

They added: "As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
Plans, locations and times for the reported protests had been circulated widely on social media

Signs being held at a previous anti-Immigration protest in Stormont Estate

Several anti-immigration protests across Northern Ireland on Thursday evening have passed off peacefully with only minor traffic disruption, police have said.

Organisers had dubbed the simultaneous demonstrations Operation Shutdown amid threats by some of those involved to block roads.

Plans, locations and times for the reported protests had been circulated widely on social media.

One image promoting a rally stated that a number of small areas will be participating across Northern Ireland but because of Republican Marxist aggression cannot reveal their details until the last minute [sic].

It also calls on those planning to participate to keep it peaceful.

The PSNI said a number of officers, including specially trained evidence gatherers had attended a total of 15 protests had taken place across NI.

Minor traffic disruption was reported at various locations in Belfast, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus.

Chief Superintendent Sue Steen said: Police will review all available evidence to establish whether any further offences have been committed.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their patience during this period.

Two weeks ago, around 100 people attended an anti-immigration demonstration in the grounds of Stormont.

Protesters rounded on journalists covering the rally  organised by The Great Province Wide Protest NI  accusing them of publishing fake news and telling photographers and reporters they were not welcome.

Allison Morris: East Belfast fox-baiter Neil Pinkerton behind racist patrols now banned by TikTok

Both the Union flag and the Irish tricolour were brandished at the rally.

Signs being held at a previous anti-Immigration protest in Stormont Estate

News Catch Up - Thursday 18th September

Some of those present carried banners and placards with slogans including Ballymena says no to sex offenders, Deport every illegal and Protect our women and children.
US State visit really positive says Deputy First Minister after attending Kings banquet

Emma Little-Pengelly said there had been a focus on trade and investment

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly

Liam Tunney Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 21:25







US President Donald Trumps state visit to the UK was really positive, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has said after attending a function put on for President Trumps visit.
Environment minister Andrew Muir (centre) with Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water officials (l to r) Dr Raquel Harper, Professor Mark Emmerson, Professor Yvonne Buckley, Professor Ed Hawkins, Professor Archie Clements and Professor Elizabeth Borer (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs/PA)

A cross-border science programme has been launched to help tackle challenges surrounding climate change across the UK and Ireland.

The Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water is a virtual programme which brings together experts and researchers to address environmental challenges.

The project is a joint strategic partnership between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain supported by funding from Research Ireland, UKRI and DAERA.

During an event at Queens University Belfast, Environment Minister Andrew Muir said science will be front and centre in helping us deliver on our economic, social and environmental ambitions.

He said: Today, the evidence is clear: our climate is changing, our biodiversity is under threat and our water resources are facing unprecedented pressures.

To ensure our economy grows sustainably, we need a healthy environment.

We do not have a choice; we must address these interconnected challenges. I absolutely believe that with the help of collaborative and transformative science it is possible to address them.

Our climate and environmental challenges do not respect borders, and neither can our solutions  this is why the co-centre approach, looking at climate challenges on a north-south, east-west basis, is so vital.

Our climate is changing, our biodiversity is under threat and our water resources are facing unprecedented pressures.

The six-year programme includes 14 research institutions and is receiving more than 8 million in funding from DAERA.

Professor Mark Emmerson, co-director of the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water, said: Having the opportunity to collaborate with our researchers, industry leaders and policy partners across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain will be instrumental in exploring solutions and providing scientific evidence to inform policy and legislation that address the most pressing common challenges of climate change, biodiversity decline and water degradation.
Anti-Trump protesters gathered in Edinburgh on Thursday evening to voice their opposition to the US president (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Anti-Trump protesters have held a rally in Edinburgh to voice their opposition to the US president, on the final day of his state visit to the UK.

Around 200 demonstrators gathered on the Meadows on Thursday evening, many carrying placards and banners with slogans attacking Donald Trump.

They were addressed by a range of speakers, including a number of US citizens based in the UK, members of various campaign groups, and a Glasgow city councillor.

The demonstration was organised by Democrats Abroad Scotland, whose chairman Jack Nevin said it was important to not let the unprecedented second state visit go unremarked upon.

The dual US-UK citizen said: There was a broad coalition of different people here, representing really every issue you can think of.

And I think that Trump and the hateful ideology which he represents threatens all of us, and our environment, and all the civil issues which we care about.

Asked how Mr Trumps lavish state visit would be viewed in the US, he said: I think theyd probably rather that he was at home in Congress trying to pass laws to make life easier for people, rather than creating a culture of division and hate.

Placards carried by the crowd included the slogans Stop Trump, Deny Trump not climate, and No red carpet for rights abusers.

The demonstrators were also led in a number of pro-Palestine and anti-Trump chants.

Ann Peace, 63, who travelled to the rally from Glenrothes in Fife, said she came to protest because Trumps wrong.

I need to make sure hes aware hes not welcome in Scotland. Hes not welcome anywhere, but hes absolutely not welcome in Scotland, she said.

She went on: Hes dangerous and hes bad. He could, tomorrow, stop the genocide in Palestine.

He could say no thats it, Im not paying for all your weapons, all your healthcare, all your free housing, Im going to give that money to people in America who need all those kinds of things, and Im going to stop a genocide.

Ann Peace said the US president could end the conflict in Gaza tomorrow if he chose to (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Asked whether it might be in the UKs interests to have given Mr Trump a second state visit, she replied: Its not in our interests to cosy up to a genocidal maniac in my opinion.

US citizen Alex Daniels, 20, said that even if Mr Trump did not see any of the demonstrations that have been held in the UK over the last few days, they offer support to those who oppose him around the world.

I think the most important thing is showing the rest of the world that there are sizeable contingents of the American population abroad that does not approve of Trump, and will take action and take to the streets when he does visit said country, he said.

Mr Daniels, who is co-president of Democrats Abroad at the University of Edinburgh, went on: That was shown the first time when Trump visited Scotland in July and its been shown again this time, and you saw the giant Trump-Epstein tarp at Windsor castle.

Things like that really show Americans at home, and Democrats at home, that there are Americans abroad and also Brits and non-Americans as well, who equally oppose Trump, and are equally willing to stand up and do something about it.

Retiree Lee Gates, 77, said she joined the protest because she thought it was obscene that Mr Trump had been treated to a lavish state visit when there were so many other problems in the UK and elsewhere.

We have child poverty here, and a cost-of-living crisis, and the wars going on, and children in Gaza dying every day of starvation and being bombed as well, she said.

(Mr Trump) talks a lot of positive things, but he hasnt brought anything into fruition really.

He talks about peace, but he kowtows with Putin and Israel as well, so we cant believe him.
The research found delays occurred after going to the GP with symptoms for 28% of patients with acute leukaemia (PA)

Around one in four people with a type of blood cancer in England face avoidable delays in diagnosis, according to new analysis.

Too many people with the disease are slipping through the cracks in the NHS, Leukaemia UK warned.

Research commissioned by the charity looked at data on 12,770 cases of chronic and acute leukaemia diagnosed between April 2015 and March 2023.

The period between April 2020 and April 2022 was excluded from the analysis due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For patients with acute leukaemia  one of the most aggressive forms  delays occurred after going to the GP with symptoms for 28% of patients.

For around one in five (21%), there were delays in escalation after multiple GP visits, while for 15% there were delays in escalation after tests showed an abnormal blood count.

The study also found 26% of leukaemia patients who experienced diagnostic delays were eventually diagnosed in an emergency setting like A&E.

There are more than 10,000 new cases of leukaemia diagnosed in the UK each year.

According to Leukaemia UK, around 37% of patients are diagnosed in emergency settings, far higher than the cancer average of 21%.

Fiona Hazell, chief executive of Leukaemia UK, said: This report shows clearly that too many people with leukaemia are slipping through the cracks in our healthcare system.

This is a story that we sadly hear far too often from patients and their families, with many people reaching an avoidable crisis point.

Every diagnosis counts but currently we are still failing too many patients. We must do better for the thousands of people diagnosed with leukaemia every year.

Tracey Palmer-Hole, visited her GP several times over a number of months with symptoms like bone pain, exhaustion, bruising and mouth ulcers.

She was eventually diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

I wasnt offered a full blood count test and was told it was rheumatoid arthritis, but the medication didnt help, Ms Palmer-Hole said.

It wasnt until I fainted and ended up in A&E two months later that I was finally diagnosed with AML.

While the care I received was exceptional and I feel very lucky to be in remission, that is not the case for everyone with leukaemia. I fully support Leukaemia UKs call for change  early diagnosis saves lives.

Leukaemia UK is calling on the Government to use the National Cancer Plan, which is expected to be published later this year, as an opportunity to save and improve more lives of people with leukaemia.

Ms Hazell said: These findings should be a wake-up call for Government that they must urgently address the needs of people with leukaemia in the upcoming National Cancer Plan.

Willie Hamilton, professor of primary care diagnostics at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: These findings highlight the scale and impact of diagnostic delays in leukaemia.

We know that early diagnosis is critical in leukaemia, especially in aggressive types like AML.

These statistics reinforce the urgent need for clearer referral pathways, faster access to blood tests, and better support for GPs in knowing when and where to seek help for patients with possible leukaemia earlier.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: We inherited an NHS system that had let down cancer patients through years of neglect, with far too many facing unacceptably long waits for diagnosis and treatment.

Through our Plan for Change, this government is making progress to turn this around, with 160,000 more people having cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days between August 2024 to July 2025 than before July 2024.

We are also opening more community diagnostic centres and new neighbourhood health services across the country so patients can get convenient, co-ordinated tests and treatment closer to home to speed up diagnosis.
A Reform-led county council has rescinded its declaration of a climate emergency, with many members seeking to minimise the impacts of global warming.

Reform UK won 57 of the 81 seats on Kent County Council (KCC) in Mays local elections, and on Thursday their councillors argued they had the mandate to scrap net zero policies.

The motion was brought forward by Reforms Chris Hespe who referred to nonsense climate change science and ideologies, and sought to minimise the human impact of global warming.

KCC Labour group leader councillor Alister Brady said the declaration, passed in 2019, was not a PR stunt but a serious response to a serious risk.

Our leadership must be rooted in facts not fossil-funded fiction, Cllr Brady said.

He later added: Reform UKs climate denial isnt just wrong, its reckless, its donors profit from pollution.

Donations to Reform from fossil fuel providers were repeatedly questioned during the council debate.

Reform councillor Matthew Fraser Moat, who heads their local government efficiency team, said there was no discernible benefit to the worlds climate from KCCs efforts over the last seven years, adding his reasons for voting to rescind the declaration were economic.

Another Reform Councillor, David Wimble asked: Why should Kent punish itself while global emissions rise anyway?

Green councillor Stuart Jeffery responded: Man-made climate change is a fact, facts are not for debate. If you dont accept facts you are simply wrong.

There is overwhelming consensus among climate scientists around the world that humans are causing global warming and climate change.

On Thursday morning a group of protesters gathered outside Kent County Council to criticise the Reform-run authority for looking away from climate change.

Science teacher Steven Thompson told PA: My view as a teacher is that the younger generation have got a choice to make as to whether they take the dire implications and consequences of man-made and man-exploited climate change seriously.

The protesters clashed with three climate change deniers who arrived with banners referring to a climate hoax declaring the climate has always changed.

Earlier on Thursday, KCC leader Linden Kemkaran claimed Cllr Jeffery wearing a Palestinian scarf known as a keffiyeh, could indicate his support of Hamas.

Green Party Councillor Stuart Jeffery said he was wearing the keffiyeh in solidarity with the Palestinian people (Stanley Murphy-Johns/PA)

Green group leader Mark Hood called for Cllr Kemkaran to retract her statement, and although she refused she said she would happily reflect on anything she said in the chamber.

Challenged on whether a keffiyeh showed support for the plight of Palestinians in Gaza rather than proscribed terror group Hamas, Cllr Kemkaran told PA news agency: I think its very hard to separate the two.

Outside the chamber, Cllr Jeffery said: Those comments were disgusting, unwarranted. What Ive got on is a keffiyeh? Its a traditional Palestinian scarf which is worn by people in Maidstone, just like its worn by people in Palestine.

Im wearing it because I stand in solidarity with the Palestinians, particularly the Gazans, who are subject to a genocide.

I think standing against genocide is the right thing to do. Thats why Ive got it on. To conflate that or to accuse me of terrorism is beyond vile.

In her leaders speech, Cllr Kemkaran paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, the Donald Trump ally who was assassinated in Utah, and stressed the importance of civility in politics.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman called for improvements to the Windrush compensation scheme (John Sibley/PA)

A daughter has told how failings in the Windrush compensation scheme led to her missing precious time with her cancer-stricken mother who later died before the familys claim was settled.

On Thursday, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) called for improvements to the scheme, which was set up by the Home Office in response to the Windrush scandal, after it failed to provide proper compensation to the family.

It comes after a 2024 PHSO report highlighted that the scheme was making wrong decisions and withholding payments in some cases.

A new investigation by the PHSO found a series of failings in the Home Offices handling of the claims submitted by Thomas Tobierre and his family.

Mr Tobierre, 71, came to the UK from St Lucia in 1960 when he was seven years old and married Caroline, a British citizen, in 1975, the ombudsman said.

In 2017, he was made redundant after working for more than 40 years and was unable to start a new job as he did not have documentation to prove he could live and work in the UK.

He was forced to live on his savings and cash in his private pension worth around 14,000, according to the ombudsman.

After the Windrush scandal, Mr Tobierre was granted the right to live and work in the UK and returned to work in 2018.

However, within a few weeks Caroline was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and, later, a brain tumour.

In July 2019, Mr Tobierre made a claim to the compensation scheme for loss of access to employment and the impact this had on his life and later accepted an offer in January 2021 after several reviews.

Caroline applied for compensation in August 2021 when she was 64 years old and had around six months to live but she died in November 2021 before her claim was settled, despite it being expedited.

Her husband accepted a revised offer a month after she died.

The ombudsman investigation into the familys case found a number of failings including that the scheme did not properly action Mr Tobierres claim or properly consider its decision to exclude private pensions.

Furthermore, Mr Tobierre was not fully compensated for the impacts he experienced while the lengthy review process meant he and his wife suffered financial hardship for longer than they should have, the PHSO said.

For his wifes claim, the ombudsman found the scheme did not properly consider the evidence she had provided, mishandled communication about a funeral costs payment and did so insensitively, the ombudsman added.

The PHSO said failings in the Home Offices complaint handling caused the family distress and meant they had missed out on time with Caroline before her death.

Mr Tobierres daughter, Charlotte, said: It almost feels like my mum and dad had done something wrong.

It didnt feel like they were victims at all, it felt hard and harsh and the time that it took was just unbelievable.

When I started the first claim about pension loss, we started it as a three, my dad, me and my mum, and its sad that we end it with just me and my dad.

It was exhausting.

We were absolutely consumed by it and that overshadowed my mums cancer journey.

I felt sad afterwards thinking we wasted so much time talking about Windrush and we missed spending precious time together.

She added: I would urge everyone, if they are not happy with the scheme, lodge a complaint. It really needs to be held to account.

Following the investigation, the PHSO said Mr Tobierre and his daughter, 40, will receive 25,000 between them while the Home Office is reviewing its decision to exclude private pension losses from claims.

This could mean others are entitled to more compensation, according to the ombudsman.

The Home Office has also agreed to apologise to the two, the ombudsman said.

The Windrush scandal, now referred to by some victims as the Home Office scandal, erupted in 2018 when British citizens were wrongly detained, deported or threatened with deportation despite having the right to live in Britain.

The latest statistics, published by the Home Office at the end of August, showed that as of July this year just over 115 million had been paid out under the compensation scheme set up in the wake of the scandal.

PHSO chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath KC said: The Windrush compensation scheme was set up to right wrongs, but complaints like this show it is not working as it should.

Improvements in how the scheme operates are needed and I hope the appointment of the new Windrush Commissioner will drive forward these much-needed changes.

She added: The schemes insensitive handling added to the familys grief after Carolines death and compounded their distress as they missed out on precious time together.

We know those impacted are less likely to make complaints.

However, it is really important that people come forward with their concerns.

We know that there is important learning we need to do nationally about how we develop effective, user-friendly compensation schemes.

By making a complaint and sharing their story, those affected can help improve public services for everyone and help stop mistakes from being repeated.

A Home Office spokesperson said: This Government is delivering on its commitment to ensure Windrush victims voices are heard, justice is sped up and the compensation scheme is run effectively.

Since coming to office, we have re-established the Windrush unit and appointed the first Windrush commissioner.

We have accepted all of the ombudsmans recommendations and have apologised to the Tobierre family.
Australia has set a new target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by between 62% and 70% below 2005 levels by 2035.

The new target adds to Australias ambition of a 43% cut by the end of this decade and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, leader of the centre-left Labour Party, will take his governments 2035 target to the United Nations General Assembly next week.

Under the Paris climate agreement signed a decade ago, nations must increase their emissions reduction targets every five years.

This is a responsible target backed by the science, backed by a practical plan to get there and built on proven technology, Mr Albanese told reporters.

Its the right target to protect our environment, to protect and advance our economy and jobs and to ensure that we act in our national interest and in the interest of this and future generations, he said.

Mr Albanese said the target was consistent with the European Union considering for themselves a reduction target range of between 63% and 70% below 1990 levels.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, centre, will take his governments 2035 target to the United Nations General Assembly next week (Dan Himbrechts/AAP Image via AP)

Matt Kean, chair of the Climate Change Authority that advises the government on climate policies, said Australias 2035 target demonstrated a higher ambition than most other advanced economies.

Environmental groups had argued for a reduction target exceeding 70%.

But business groups had warned cuts above 70% would risk billions of dollars in exports and send companies offshore.

The conservative opposition Liberal Party, which has lost the last two federal elections, is considering abandoning its own commitment to net-zero by 2050, its only reduction target.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley said the 2035 target was not credible because the government would fail to meet its 2030 target.

These targets cannot be met. They are fantasy: we know, Australians know, and theyre very disappointed in this prime minister, Ms Ley told reporters.

The government maintains Australia is on track to narrowly achieve its 2030 target.

Larissa Waters, a senator leading the environmentally-focused Australian Greens, said the governments actual target was 62%, which she described as appallingly low.

The government was not addressing Australias coal and liquefied natural gas exports, which were among the worlds largest of these fossil fuels, she said.

Labour have sold out to the coal and gas corporations with this utter failure of a climate target, Ms Waters told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar described the 2035 target as ambitious.

One of the biggest issues that industry faces at the moment is the costs that we incur in terms of energy. Weve got to have a sustainable pathway forward. Weve got to have energy security and weve got to have energy affordability as well, Mr McKellar said.
Israeli police and soldiers stand guard near the site where Israeli officials say two people were shot and killed in a militant attack at the Allenby Bridge Crossing between the West Bank and Jordan (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

A gunman killed two people at an Israeli-run border crossing between the occupied West Bank and Jordan on Thursday, officials said.

The Israeli military referred to it as a militant attack and said that the shooter arrived on a truck transporting humanitarian aid.

Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said that two men, around 60 and 20-years-old, were killed.

Israeli police and soldiers stand guard near the site of a militant attack at the Allenby Bridge Crossing between the West Bank and Jordan (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

The military said the attacker had been neutralised without elaborating.

Jordanian state media said authorities were aware of a security incident on the West Bank side of the crossing.

Three Israelis were killed in a September 2024 attack at the crossing, when a retired Jordanian soldier opened fire.

That attack appeared to be linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Israel captured the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war.

The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state.

Violence has surged across the occupied West Bank since Hamas October 7 2023 attack out of Gaza ignited the war there.

Israel is currently waging a major ground offensive in Gaza City that has forced over 200,000 Palestinians to flee, according to the United Nations.

Displaced Palestinians flee Gaza City by foot and vehicles, carrying their belongings along the coastal road toward southern Gaza (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Hundreds of thousands remain in the city, large parts of which have already been destroyed in previous Israeli raids.

 Israeli military to indict former officer over Lebanon ambush

The Israeli military said on Thursday it plans on indicting a former senior officer in connection with the deaths of two Israelis in a Hezbollah ambush in southern Lebanon last November.

Colonel Yoav Yarom, who was the chief of staff of the armys Golani infantry brigade, stepped down after the incident.

Zeev Erlich, 70, and Gur Kehati, a 20-year-old soldier, were killed.

At the time, the army launched an investigation to determine who allowed Mr Erlich into the combat zone with the forces and why he was allowed to enter.

In a statement Thursday, the army said its military prosecutor plans on filing charges against Yarom, pending a pre-indictment hearing.

Such a hearing is a standard procedure.

According to Israeli media reports, Mr Erlich was not on active duty when he was shot, but was wearing a military uniform and had a weapon.

Mr Erlich was a well-known West Bank settler and researcher of Jewish history.

Media reports said he was permitted to enter Lebanon to explore a local archaeological site.
Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, signed the pact with Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, left (Saudi Press Agency via AP)

Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact that regards any attack on either nation as an attack on both in the wake of Israels strike on Qatar earlier this month.

The kingdom has long had close economic, religious and security ties to Pakistan, including reportedly providing funding for Islamabads nuclear weapons programme as it developed.

Analysts  and Pakistani diplomats in at least one case  have suggested over the years that Saudi Arabia could be included under Islamabads nuclear umbrella, particularly as tensions have risen over Irans atomic programme.

But the timing of the pact appeared to be a signal to Israel, long suspected to be the Middle Easts only nuclear-armed state, which has conducted a sprawling military offensive since Hamass October 7 2023 attack on Israel, stretching across Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Syria and Yemen.

Israel did not immediately acknowledge the pact, which was the first firm defence decision made by a Gulf Arab country since the Qatar attack last week.

The US, long the security guarantor for the Gulf states, also did not immediately acknowledge the agreement.

Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the pact on Wednesday with Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.

While not specifically discussing the bomb, the agreement states any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, according to statements issued by both Pakistans foreign affairs ministry and the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

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This agreement aims to develop aspects of defence co-operation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, the statement said.

A senior Saudi official, speaking to The Financial Times, suggested that Pakistans nuclear protection was a part of the deal, which will utilise all defensive and military means deemed necessary depending on the specific threat.

Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US diplomat with long experience in Afghanistan and Pakistan, expressed concern over the deal, saying it comes in dangerous times.

Pakistan has nuclear weapons and delivery systems that can hit targets across the Middle East, including Israel. It also is developing systems that can reach targets in the US, Mr Khalizad wrote on X.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a defence relationship stretching back decades, in part due to Islamabads willingness to defend the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second right, and Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, second left, signed the pact on Wednesday (Press Information Department via AP)

Pakistani troops first travelled to Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s over concerns about Egypts war in Yemen at the time.

These ties increased after Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution and the kingdoms fears of a confrontation with Tehran.

Pakistan developed its nuclear weapons programme to counter Indias atomic bombs.

The two neighbours have fought multiple wars against each other and again came close to open warfare after an attack on tourists in April in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India is believed to have an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has 170, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

Indias foreign ministry acknowledged the Saudi-Pakistan pact on Thursday and said it will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a defence relationship stretching back decades (SPA/AP)

Saudi Arabia also maintains close ties with India.

Retired Pakistani Brigadier General Feroz Hassan Khan, in his book on his countrys nuclear weapons programme, said Saudi Arabia provided generous financial support for the schemes effort.

In a 2007 US diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks, American diplomats in Saudi Arabia noted that their Pakistani counterparts had brought up the idea of the kingdom pursuing a weapons programme alongside Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia has also sought US assistance to advance a civilian nuclear power programme, in part with what had been a proposed diplomatic recognition deal with Israel prior to the 2023 Hamas attack.

This could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium in the kingdom  something that worries non-proliferation experts as spinning centrifuges opens the door to a possible weapons programme.
Israeli police and soldiers stand guard near the site of a militant attack at the Allenby Bridge Crossing between the West Bank and Jordan (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

A gunman killed two people at an Israeli-run border crossing between the occupied West Bank and Jordan on Thursday, officials said.

Separately, the Israeli military said four more soldiers were killed in the southern Gaza Strip, and that a drone had struck in the area of the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

Israel referred to the shooting between the West Bank and Jordan as a militant attack and said that the shooter arrived on a truck transporting humanitarian aid.

Israeli police and soldiers stand guard near the scene of the shooting on a crossing between the West Bank and Jordan (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said that two men, around 60 and 20-years-old, were killed.

The military said the attacker had been neutralised without elaborating.

Three Israelis were killed in a September 2024 attack at the crossing, when a retired Jordanian soldier opened fire.

That attack appeared to be linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The Allenby Bridge Crossing over the Jordan River, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, is mainly used by Palestinians and tourists.

It was closed after the attack.

There were no reports of casualties or major damage from the drone, which the military said had been launched from the east, without elaborating.

Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly fired drones and missiles at Israel, often drawing retaliatory airstrikes.

Israel captured the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war.

The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state.

Violence has surged across the occupied West Bank since the Hamas-led attack from Gaza into southern Israel on October 7 2023, which ignited the latest war.

Israel is waging a major ground offensive in Gaza City that has forced nearly 250,000 Palestinians to flee, according to the United Nations.

Hundreds of thousands remain in the city, large parts of which have already been destroyed in previous Israeli raids.

The deaths of Israeli soldiers in Gaza could further erode support for the war among Israelis who fear that the fighting puts soldiers and hostages at risk.
Historical romp like The Crown... only with beer starts on Netflix next week

Co Antrim actor Seamus OHara has described working on Netflixs upcoming historical drama House of Guinness as the privilege of a lifetime.

The Cushendun man, who came to the fore in the Academy Award-winning short An Irish Goodbye, stars in the lavish new production, which explores an epic story inspired by one of Europes most famous and enduring dynasties, the Guinness family.
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If its been years since you reviewed your estate plan, or if youve never created one, now is a good time to consider discussing with a lawyer or financial planner whether trusts  or updating your estate plan  could benefit you.
DALTON  Dalton voters have cleared the final local hurdle for a long-awaited update to the Central Berkshire Regional School Districts governing agreement.

The proposed agreement had to be approved by six of the seven member towns to be adopted; Dalton was the sixth to approve it.

The regional agreement was one of five articles that were unanimously approved at Wednesdays special town meeting held in the auditorium at Wahconah Regional High School. The meeting, which lasted under 30 minutes, drew 53 registered voters and about four guests, Town Clerk Heather Hunt said.

Michael Henault, superintendent for the Central Berkshire Regional School District, told The Eagle in an email that he looks forward to "leading Central Berkshire Regional Schools with the new agreement as its foundation.

The amended regional agreement will take effect on July 1, 2026, according to Gregory Boino, the district's director of finance and operations.

Despite approval from six of the seven towns, the amended regional agreement still needs approval from the state. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has been looking at the agreement all along, Boino said, adding that the agency agrees with the language that the School Committee and towns voted on.

The regional agreement sets the districts process for generating and approving its budget; establishes the composition of its school committee; and lays out the process for withdrawing from the regional school district, among other functions.

The district worked with the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools and had step-by-step state oversight during the five-year process. The seven member towns are Dalton, Becket, Washington, Cummington, Hinsdale, Peru and Windsor.

Becket, Washington, Cummington, Peru and Windsor had already accepted the regional agreement this year, though Hinsdale again rejected it. Hinsdale, Peru and Cummington rejected the proposal last year.

The agreement amends the districts governance document, originally drafted in 1958, to get it in line with decades of change in the Massachusetts General Laws. Central Berkshire is the states geographically largest school district and had an enrollment of 1,562 as of Oct. 1, 2024.

The overall budget for the district for fiscal year 2026 is $36,643,001.

Opposition from some of the smaller towns sunk last year's effort to approve the plan, mostly due to lingering concerns about the construction of Wahconah Regional High School in 2019. That project proved controversial as members of the School Committee opted for a districtwide popular vote instead of a town-by-town decision.

During the special town meeting on Wednesday, a resident asked how future capital projects would be voted on under the updated agreement. Boino said that the default process for capital projects will be a town-by-town vote.

During the town meeting, residents also voted to approve a transfer of $94,000 from the towns sewer stabilization fund for environmental consulting services to bring the town into compliance with its MS4 Stormwater Permit.

They also voted to approve a transfer of $175,000 from the capital stabilization fund for costs related to three capital improvements involving installing gutters in Town Hall, purchasing nine new computers for Town Hall and repairing a headwall on Yvonne Drive.

Residents also voted to approve a transfer of $89,000 from the sewer stabilization fund for a sewer engineering project on Dalton Division Road.
PITTSFIELD  Anglers frustrated over losing access points for fishing at Pontoosuc Lake Park are one step closer to regaining access.

The Pittsfield Board of Parks Commissioners on Wednesday presented its proposed modification to a bank planting plan, and voted to recommend it to the Conservation Commission for further consideration and modification of the permit.

The modified plan features four points that restore access to 22 percent  208 feet of the 940 feet  of the affected shoreline.

I think its a good compromise, Parks Commission member Clifford Nilan said. I think Jim [McGrath] deserves a lot of credit for getting this project through.

The monthslong dispute between residents and the Parks Commission centers on the citys planting of 1,088 native shrubs along the shoreline at Pontoosuc Lake Park on Hancock Road. The city says planting shrubs is necessary combat erosion and stabilize the shoreline, but anglers say the city is moving too quickly on a project they say has cut them off from their traditional fishing spots.

McGrath, the park, open space and natural resource program manager for the city, said that the Parks Commission will communicate with the Conservation Commission to put the revised plan on a future agenda, and that he will give a presentation at a Conservation Commission meeting before it takes a vote.

Whatever the vote is, the Parks Commission can respond accordingly, he said. The next Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1. Any changes to the current plans would require permits from the Conservation Commission, he said.

The shrubs are part of the citys Pontoosuc Lake Park Improvements Project, which is currently in Phase 1 of its development. The improvements for this phase kicked off in March and are about 90 percent complete, McGrath said.

Ten species of shrubs have been planted along the shoreline on the southern side of Pontoosuc Lake Park for shoreline stabilization purposes.

Currently, there are "live stakes" in the ground  a method of establishing new trees or shrubs using dormant, living cuttings that are directly inserted into the soil. McGrath says the shrubs are to create some bank stabilization and that most of them will grow 3 to 6 feet tall.

Pittsfield resident and local angler Daniel Miraglia is pleased to see access points and is hopeful that the Conservation Commission will be open to the idea.

I believe the Conservation Commission is going to be more receptive to an actual dialogue on the actual use [of the shoreline], he said. I think theyre going to be receptive to a mixed use of the shoreline of the [lake] for the public.

However, Miraglia is still urging the city to enlist experts to assist with the issue.

During the bank planting discussion, McGrath presented the information for the proposed modifications using a color-coded map that described each area on the shoreline. The map featured four access points, which he described as access with additional ease.

[Weve] done a good job spacing these out, McGrath said. I think this plan also responds in a very responsible way to the areas of the bank where were seeing the most erosion.

McGrath said the plan proposes removal of live stakes at three of the access points; the other point is an area that is currently open. The area that is currently open is 58 feet and is toward the middle of the map in blue.

The other three access points were marked in red, totaling 150 feet, and McGrath said they are areas where live stakes were planted, and they are proposing that they be removed. Naturally occurring existing vegetation would be left in place.

Another 281 feet, marked in green, are areas of existing bank vegetation and that will not be touched, McGrath said. The largest chunk is 450 feet, marked in pink, where live stakes occurred as part of the project, and it is proposed that it remain in place.

McGrath said that most of the severely eroded portions exist in front of the old beach area.

Miraglia suggested that only two new access points actually are being proposed, noting the two closest to the public access boat ramp have always been access points.

During the public address portion of Tuesdays meeting, Miraglia said he was pleased the agenda included correspondence from Andrew Madden, western district supervisor of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, and Steven Bateman, chairman of the Harry Bateman Fishing Derby Committee.

At last month's Parks Commission meeting, McGrath was prepared to give a presentation with a map of the shoreline and examples of open spaces the commission planned to create, but that presentation was scuttled by technical difficulties. Wednesday's meeting featured printed materials instead.

The current phase of the Pontoosuc Lake Park Improvements Project includes not only shoreline stabilization, but also improved accessibility for people with disabilities, a new paved promenade walkway connecting the park to a nearby pier, repairs to both parking lots, and new benches and picnic areas. Phase 2 will address the parks northern side, which is being developed for swimming, water recreation and gathering spaces.

McGrath said the old beach along the shoreline has turned to a wetland, and it didnt lend itself well to a swimming beach.

The project is being paid for with a $500,000 state Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant, along with approximately $400,000 in capital funds from the city and about $100,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act.
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ADAMS  While Police Chief K. Scott Kelley is on paid leave for an undisclosed reason, town officials are preparing to name a new interim chief.

Kelley was placed on leave following a Sept. 8 closed-door Select Board executive session. Select Board Chair John Duval has said he can not discuss personnel matters regarding the reason for Kelleys leave.

Sgt. Donna Malloy was immediately named interim chief, but now the Adams Select Board is weighing who to put at the helm of the department for a longer term.

We have to narrow down the name and I have to find out who is qualified to do that, and so Im hoping to have a name for the Oct. 1 meeting," interim Town Administrator Holli Jayko said.

Jayko said she will interview any of the departments four sergeants  Malloy, Matthew Wright, Gregory Onorato and Curtis Crane  who are interested in the post.

Select Board member Joseph Nowak asked whether seniority would be considered.

You can not just look at seniority, Jayko said.

Jayko will conduct the interviews in the presence of Ashley Satko, finance director and town accountant.

If were not in agreement, well work on that, Jayko said.

Select Board member Jay Meczywor made a motion to extend Malloys appointment past Sept. 17 until Jayko can bring forward a name. The board approved the motion unanimously. Select Board member Christine Hoyt was absent.

Kelley earns $115,172 a year, and is serving a three-year contract that began Jan. 1, 2024, and runs through Dec. 31, 2026, according to Duval.

Prior to coming to Adams, Kelleys nearly 25 years in law enforcement had been entirely in South Carolina. His last position was chief of police at Spartanburg Community College. He traded a college setting of 5,500 students and 2,000 faculty and staff for a town with a population around 8,500.

Previously, Kelley worked for police departments in Anderson, S.C., with a population of 27,000, and the resort community of Folly Beach, which has 2,600 year-round residents but balloons to several hundred thousand in the summer.

A review of Kelley's employment and training history in law enforcement in South Carolina shows no red flags.
GREAT BARRINGTON  As community members toured the cramped, dimly lit hallways at Monument Mountain Regional High School, one muttered, "Well, this is depressing."

Tight hallways, inadequate security and broken facilities were on display Tuesday night as students led tours of the aging school on Stockbridge Road. The event was part of a campaign to persuade voters  once again  to back a $152 million project to replace the run-down building with a state-of-the-art one.

The proposed school would expand opportunities for Career and Vocational Technical Education students in automotive, electricity and horticulture. But first, voters in Great Barrington, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge must approve the project on Nov. 4. It needs a simple majority across all three towns combined, not separate majorities in each.

Local taxpayers would be responsible for paying $89 million for the 485-student school, while the rest is pledged to be funded by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Construction would begin in 2027 and students would start at the new school in 2029.

Even if voters reject the project in November  as they did a $51 million proposal in 2014  the current school building still needs major work. The building committee said replacing the roof, plumbing and electrical systems in the nearly 60-year-old building would cost taxpayers about $89 million, but even so would not bring the facility up to modern standards. Those repairs would take five to 10 years to complete and would be disruptive to students, the committee stressed.

Monument is the only high school in Berkshire County that has not been renovated or replaced, school officials said.

"We need to do something about this building," Superintendent Peter Dillon said during the presentation that was held after the school tours Tuesday night. "It doesn't meet our current educational needs, and it limits our ability to support high-quality learning and instruction."

Students led small groups of community members through the school, pointing out major safety concerns, like a lack of sprinklers, hints of asbestos and windows and doors that dont lock. They also showed smaller but persistent issues that hinder learning, such as limited sinks in science and art rooms that often dont drain, classrooms without windows or proper ventilation, and tiny, inconveniently placed lockers.

Over the course of the project process, the committee has emphasized that the building is at the end of its life, isn't up to modern code, and does not offer high-quality learning opportunities that other schools in the county do. The school has grandfather status, which exempts the building from having to follow new building codes  meaning it lacks fire sprinklers, has inadequate fire alarms and does not meet accessibility requirements.

The tours gave an opportunity for people to see the school from the students' perspective. Senior Harmony Estrada said she was grateful for the community members who came to see the out-of-date building through the eyes of the students.

Its a great school, but I think student morale is lower when we have to go back to a crappy building, Estrada said. The lack of resources for the [Career and Vocational Technical Education] stumps students in their creativity.

Madonna Bachman, a mother of Monument Mountain High School alumni, said her kids got a wonderful education at the school, but said its clear its time for a new building in order to support future students.

Its time; the school is tired, Bachman said. But, at least they keep the floors polished.

Estrada said she hopes voters vote yes on Nov. 4 to fund the building project because the community should do what it can to support setting young people up for success.

I hope we get a new school so the future children have more resources than I did to use their brains to their full potential, Estrada said. Remember, its about the kids.

After a brief presentation outlining the plans for the new school, which includes having an all-electric building designed to be a "green school" and has increased safety and security measures, community members had the opportunity to ask questions and comment on the plans. While many said the student tours demonstrated a "great need" for an upgrade, some speakers expressed concern over the high construction cost, especially for taxpayers who don't have kids, and questioned how a better building would help education.

"Programs, not buildings, determine the quality of education," resident Frank Landsberger said.

Part of what makes Berkshire Hills Regional School District unique, Dillon said, is the range of programs and classes students can take and this new school is created to support students of all interests and will help to improve the quality of the programs.

"We need to set up the building to really meet the needs of all learners, and that includes a wide range of strong academic programs, including academic AP classes, but also a renewed emphasis on our vocational programs," he said.

After more than an hour of questions from the community about tax impacts, new building versus repairs and enrollment, Scott McFarland, a parent of a Monument alum, closed the conversation by saying he trusts that the committee has done its due diligence and is presenting what is best for future students.

I'm willing to, without getting into the weeds about all the details, all the pricing and costs, trust the folks that we've put in charge and elected to our committees to act in our best interest for our community, he said.


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Postal Code
Normal People author Sally Rooney has been advised she can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest due to her support for UK-banned organisation Palestine Action.

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terror organisation in July after the group claimed responsibility for an action in which two Voyager planes were damaged at RAF Brize Norton on June 20th.

The Co Mayo writer, 34, said she would continue to be a supporter despite the ban.

After winning the Sky Arts Award for literature, she reiterated her solidarity with the people of Palestine in a message read out by her editor at the ceremony in London.

I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine Sally Rooney

Fabers Alex Bowler said: I have a few very simple words from her, which she asked me to share.

Im so touched and grateful to receive this prize. I truly loved writing Intermezzo, and it means the world to me to think that it has found some small place in the lives of its readers. Thank you.

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I wish that I could be with you this evening to accept the honour in person, but because of my support for non-violent anti-war protest, Im advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest.

In that context, I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine. Thank you.'

In August, Downing Street warned that Rooney risked committing a terrorist offence after the award-winning author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations to support the group, in a piece for The Irish Times.

She provided support for a legal claim by Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, against the British Home Office over the decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Earlier in the month, almost 900 demonstrators were arrested at a central London rally protesting against the ban.
Material broadcast in a new documentary series on the death of showjumper Katie Simpson may be relevant to her inquest, a coroner has been told.

Coroner Joe McCrisken heard that his legal team would take steps to obtain footage from the Sky Originals series to establish if it contained information that may assist the inquest.

Ms Simpson, 21, who was from Tynan, Co Armagh, died in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry almost a week after an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, Co Derry on August 3rd 2020.

Police originally thought she had taken her own life.

It was not until the following year that Jonathan Creswell, the partner of Ms Simpsons sister, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A number of personalities who are relevant to your investigation were interviewed during the course of that and those interviews were broadcast as we understand it Simpson family lawyer

The trial of Creswell, 36, for the murder of Ms Simpson ended in April last year following his sudden death.

Ms Simpsons death is due to be examined at an inquest by Mr McCrisken.

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The three-part Death Of A Showjumper documentary TV series was aired by Sky in the summer.

The contents of the programmes were discussed at a pre-inquest review hearing before Mr McCrisken in Belfast Coroners Court on Thursday afternoon.

A barrister for Ms Simpsons family raised the issue with the coroner.

A number of personalities who are relevant to your investigation were interviewed during the course of that and those interviews were broadcast as we understand it, he said.

I have yet to view it myself but it may be that there will be material there that will be of relevance to your investigation.

It's likely the contents of those interviews are likely to be potentially relevant Philip Henry KC, legal counsel to the coroner

Mr McCrisken told the court that he would not watch the documentary series until he secured permission from all legal parties in the proceedings.

Ill make it clear now I havent watched the documentary, and I dont intend to until Im told by agreement of all the interested persons here that its OK that I should, because we havent made decisions on whether there should be a jury or not (in the substantive inquest), he said.

Philip Henry KC, who is legal counsel to the coroner, said the series would be examined to see if it contained relevant material.

Ireland Warning issued after 'cluster' of e-scooter accidents involving teens who got them for Christmas Read more

Its publicly available, but we will obtain copies of it, because I think it needs to be assessed for potential relevance, he said.

Its likely the contents of those interviews are likely to be potentially relevant.

The next pre-inquest review hearing was scheduled for the first week of December.
A major investigation is underway into the alleged assault on a prisoner by prison officers at Portlaoise Prison.

The prisoner, Hasan Ali Gori, who is a self-confessed suspect in the murder of his partners mother, was transferred to Portlaoise from Limerick Prison last Friday, September 12th.

Mr Gori, (50s) sustained serious injuries, including a collapsed lung and is being treated in hospital following an alleged assault.

Prison sources confirmed the investigation is to be referred to An Garda Siochana.

An official statement is expected from the Irish Prison Service who were contacted for comment.

The Garda Press Office said it was not aware of the alleged incident.

Gori allegedly sustained the injuries after he was transferred to Portlaoise Prison from Limerick Prison where he allegedly assaulted three prisoners on September 10th.

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A separate investigation is being conducted by the IPS into the alleged attack on the three prison officers, in which Gori is alleged to have bitten the hands of two officers and punched a third. One of the three injured officers required hospital treatment.

Gori was previously arrested twice by Gardai on suspicion of involent in the murder of his partner Mary Rays elderly mother, 89-year old Josephine Josie Ray at her home at St Jospehs Park, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, August 4th 2024.

Mr Gori and Mary Ray were both questioned by detectives investigating the murder, which shocked the north Tipperary town.

The pair left Nenagh after the killing and were living in a tent in a rat-infested wetlands situated off the Condell Road, Limerick.

When this reporter met the pair at their makeshift homeless campsite, last April, Mr Gori and Ms Ray said they had no involvement in Ms Rays mothers death.

I have nothing to do with this death, how is somebody accusing me of murder. I didnt do anything to anybody, Mr Gori said.

Mary Ray was also adamant she was not involved in her mothers murder: No I hadnt, no I hadnt, no, no, I had not, no, no.

With rats scurrying around her, Mary Ray said: My mother loved me, she was mad about me, we lived together. Its very hard for me, I miss her terrible, so much.

The couple, who were both living with Josephine Ray, were initially both arrested on the day of her funeral.

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Mary Ray said she found her mothers lifeless body in bed but she said she initially thought her mother was asleep.

I got an awful fright. Her glasses were off in the bedI said, Mother, get up for your tea. But she wasnt moving. I said, theres something wrong with her, she must be dead, Ms Ray said.

Josephine Ray was remembered at her funeral by her granddaughter Rosie as a true lady who loved style, laughter, and dancing.

Mary Ray and Mr Gori said they had been run out of Nenagh after they were arrested by gardai.

Mary Ray claimed they had also been subjected to intimidation at their homeless campsite in Limerick: We got attacked about my mother. They said, you murdered your mother.

Mary Ray said she was in bed when her mother must have died: I was in bed and I dont know who done it, thats what I cant make out.

Its terrible, like. I gave her tea and biscuits that night. I was shocked, I still cant believe it.

When asked how he felt about Jospehine Rays death Mr Gori replied: Well, theres nobody feels happy or joy, no, its only to be sorry for the people that person died for.

He said he was also mourning the death of his own mother, who he said died after suffering from shock of being told he had been arrested on suspicion of murdering Ms Ray.

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Mary Ray and Mr Gori said that, prior to Josie Rays death, Mr Gori had contacted an ambulance for the late great grandmother following an incident at her home.

The couple claimed that, on another occasion, they helped Josie up off the floor in her house after they heard a noise and found she had fallen from a chair and broken her hip.

Garda interactions with Josie at her home in the days before her death have been referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) including a Garda response at her house following a report of a disturbance less than 24-hours prior to her murder.

Josephine Ray was reportedly alive when gardai called to her home on August 3rd during which a number of persons were present at her home.

Its reported that gardai had also been called to her home on several occasions during the months prior to her death in response to a number of different alleged complaints.

The rats are everywhere

Mary Ray and Mr Goris living conditions in the rat-infested scrub were dire.

Surrounded by rodent burrows and rubbish, the couple boiled soup, cooked potatoes and rice on a campfire, and said that they relied on food presents from visitors.

The rats are everywhere, said Ms Ray, who explained she was in receipt of a disability allowance because Im a slow learner.

Despite their grim surroundings, Mr Gori, said: Im not afraid of the rats, they only look for food.

Pointing to a nearby tunnel, Mr Gori shouted: See here, its a big rat house, this is a new one, they start fighting for food or whatever, see, all around, its all rat houses here.

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Pulling back their tent flap to reveal a metal bar, he explained: Its for protection because I dont know the kind of people that come here.

I have to enjoy life, who am I going to cry to, he added.

Its not safe to go back

Rolling up their sleeves, the couple showed itching red lumps on their arms, thought to have been insect bites.

Ireland Investigation launched into alleged assault by prison officers on murder suspect Read more

Mr Gori said he had advised Ms Ray a number of times to go back to Nenagh but, he argued, Mary will follow me anywhere I go, Mary will not leave me.

At the point Ms Ray interjected: I cant (return) though, I cant stay at my house, its not safe to go back.

Surveying her bleak living quarters, Ms Ray concluded: Oh Jesus, the dirt of it, its hardpeople will think were mad, living here.

Gardai were waiting to send a file on the murder to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions who will ultimately decide if charges are to be brought against anyone.
Virgin Media Television has announced it will air a new documentary on the trial of Richard Satchwell.

The documentary will air on Monday, September 29th.

It is produced by Virgin Media News, and courts correspondent Deborah Naylor takes an in-depth look at one of the most high-profile murder trials in recent Irish history.

The programme follows the case from Tina Satchwell's disappearance in 2017, through a cold-case breakthrough six years later, to the trial that ultimately brought her husband, Richard Satchwell, to justice.

Featuring exclusive interviews with Tina's family and drawing on Richard Satchwell's many media appearances, the documentary examines the evidence that secured a conviction, and reveals how, in trying to shape the narrative, it was his own words that helped seal his fate.

The programme features retired detective inspector Pat Murray, who says that he feels the murder investigation fell short "because the initial search that was conducted wasn't intrusive".

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"They should have had a cadaver dog in there, and that was a huge miss.

Tina's niece, Sarah Howard, shares her early suspicions, as "nothing was adding up," while Lorraine Howard, Tina Satchwell's half sister, speaks of the emotional toll of the investigations.

"When I heard all the gory details of what went on and what he did to her... I was having nightmares for weeks after that. Everything I thought I knew about him, I didn't," Lorraine says.

The Trial of Richard Satchwell airs on Virgin Media One on Monday, September 29th, and will also be available to stream on Virgin Media Player.
The British and Irish governments are set to publish a long-awaited framework to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles on Friday.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said a substantive package had been agreed, which would include the restoration of civil cases.

The Labour Government came to power with a pledge to replace and repeal the controversial 2023 Legacy Act introduced by the Conservatives.

The Act had been opposed by victims groups and political parties in Northern Ireland, and it led the Dublin government to launch an interstate legal case against the UK.

The Act created a new legacy body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), to take over the investigation of all outstanding Troubles cases.

The Act also contained an offer of conditional immunity to some suspects, but this was disapplied after legal action by bereaved families.

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The new framework will be unveiled on Friday by Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Tanaiste Simon Harris.

It is understood the new framework will see the ICRIR substantially overhauled and become the Legacy Commission which will look at Troubles cases.

A separate body will deal with information recovery.

The proposed new arrangements will require legislation in both Westminster and Dublin.

Armed forces minister Al Carns recently told the House of Commons that the Government would ensure that repealing the Legacy Act would not result in veterans being punished.

He said: We will ensure that protections are in place to allow us to get to the truth and to ensure that no-one can rewrite history or make veterans suffer any more.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there had not been full agreement on all issues (Noel Sweeney/PA)

Speaking on Thursday, Taoiseach Mr Martin said there had not been full agreement on all issues.

He said: One never gets full agreement on all issues but suffice to say that the core issues around immunity, the restoration of civil cases that has happened, but also our concerns in terms of the limits that were there in terms of the original ICRIR review mechanism, that theres now a much stronger investigative dimension to the framework.

The Republic will be making a strong contribution financially, and indeed in terms of co-operation and creating capacity within An Garda Siochana and within Department of Justice to respond robustly, comprehensively, to any issues that might arise in the context of legacy issues.

Mr Martin added: Ive been involved in Northern Ireland all of my political life, this issue has not been resolved.

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When I say resolved, we dont have a credible pathway to help families who are grieving  were now into third generations, nephews, nieces and grandsons and grand-daughters coming to us looking for closure on many, many cases as a result of the Troubles.

Thats why I put a lot of work into this with the Tanaiste and we both are of a view that this is an opportunity, with this British government in particular, to bring this to a conclusion.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said she hoped the new framework would be human-rights compliant.

She said: It is important that we move away entirely from the failed legacy Act, which bear in mind Keir Starmer had promised to ditch and to scrap entirely, so we await with others to see what exactly this looks like.

It is important to reflect that the ultimate judgment on all of the proposed arrangements will be made by victims, survivors and their families.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the UK Government had given dual control of legacy to Dublin (Liam McBurney/PA)

DUP leader Gavin Robinson accused the Labour Government of giving away dual control of legacy to Dublin.

He said: In allowing dual control of our legacy policy to the Irish Government, inviting them in to have dual control of our legacy policy is egregious.

It takes no account whatsoever of their role during the Troubles, of how they supported and protected terrorists who fled to their jurisdiction, it takes no account of the fact they frustrated extradition and criminal justice, and the opportunity of answers for victims in Northern Ireland.

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It takes no account of, to this day, their failure to engage properly and open up their books to the Omagh Inquiry in a way which would answer what they could have done to answer questions and potentially avert the atrocity of Omagh.

It does nothing to remove the outrageous interstate case they have against the United Kingdom.

He added: The Irish Government do not have an equal say in how we, as a sovereign nation, deal with the legacy of our past  they do not.

They should be consulted where appropriate and that is what the Fresh Start agreement says, but this goes far beyond.
Four men who were arrested after images of Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein were projected on to Windsor Castle have been bailed, police said.

A 60-year-old man from East Sussex, a 36-year-old man from London, a 37-year-old man from Kent and a 50-year-old man from London were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications on Tuesday night after the stunt at the Berkshire royal residence, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said.

They were released on conditional bail on Wednesday night until December 12th while inquiries continue, according to the force.

Those arrested are being investigated for a number of possible offences including malicious communications and public nuisance, a spokesperson for TVP said.

Because its Trump, you get this reaction, which is surprising, disappointing and very heavy-handed from police Led By Donkeys

The nine-minute film created by British political campaign group Led By Donkeys went over the history of the US presidents links to Epstein, including the recent release by US legislators of documents said to include a letter from Mr Trump to the paedophile financier to celebrate his 50th birthday.

The film was projected from a hotel room with a direct view over the castle as an act of peaceful protest, a spokesperson for the campaign group said on Wednesday.

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My colleagues were arrested for malicious communications, which seems ridiculous, because weve done 25 or 30 projections before, no-ones ever been arrested, the spokesperson told the PA news agency.

So suddenly, because its Trump, you get this reaction, which is surprising, disappointing and very heavy-handed from police.

I think theyve been arrested for embarrassing Donald Trump.

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed the US president and his wife Melania at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Mr Trump paid tribute to Americas relationship with the UK during a banquet staged in his honour, saying the word special does not begin to do it justice.

There were no public-facing elements during Mr Trumps engagements, with security paramount for the 47th US president  who has faced two assassination attempts in just over a year  in the wake of the killing of his ally Charlie Kirk.

In central London thousands marched in protest against the US leaders historic second state visit.

Some held banners which read No to the racism, no to Trump, while others carried smaller versions of the Trump baby blimp, a 20ft iteration which became a symbol of demonstration during the presidents first UK state visit in 2019.
Britain's King Charles has emphasised the importance of protecting the environment in a speech at the lavish UK state banquet in honour of US president Donald Trump.

Charles said the legacy of both nations over the next 250 years and beyond is to ensure future generations can experience natural treasures.

He has long been an advocate for investing in nature, particularly when he was the Prince of Wales.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, has a very different attitude to environmental issues.

We share the ambition, and determination, to preserve our majestic lands and waters; above all, to ensure that we have clean water, clean air and clean food The King

He declared an energy emergency on his first day back in the White House, promising to drill, baby, drill and eliminate what he called Joe Bidens electric vehicle mandate.

Speaking at the start of the banquet, Charles said: In striving for a better world, we also have a precious opportunity to safeguard and to restore the wonders and beauty of nature for the generations who follow us.

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We share the ambition, and determination, to preserve our majestic lands and waters; above all, to ensure that we have clean water, clean air and clean food.

Our legacy for the next 250 years and beyond is to ensure that our children, grandchildren and those who come after them can experience the awe and magnificence of the natural treasures found in the countryside, on the coasts, in the seas and in the national parks established by your predecessors and mine.

Mr Trump nodded along as Charles spoke.
Britain's Princess of Wales was hailed as so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful by Donald Trump as she wore a gold gown at the UK state banquet.

Kate Middleton wore a couture creation by British designer Phillipa Lepley, with a striking full-length, champagne gold hand-embroidered Chantilly lace evening coat featuring a regal-looking high collar over a silk crepe gown.

Mr Trump made a point of referencing Kate, who announced at the start of the year that she was in remission from cancer, in his banquet speech, describing her as so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful.

Kate toasts US president Donald Trump after his speech at the state banquet (Yui Mok/PA)

Kate was sat next to the American leader at the banquet table and was seen smiling up at him as he delivered his speech.

Mr Trump also praised the Prince of Wales, saying: His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing.

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Weve gotten to know you and I think youre going to have an unbelievable success in future.

The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive together for the state banquet (Aaron Chown/PA)

He added: Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, and so beautiful. Its really a great honour, thank you.

Kate beamed as she stood and raised her glass to toast the president after he addressed the 160 guests in St Georges Hall.

Before the UK state dinner, Kate and William posed for a photo taken by one of their favoured photographers Matt Porteous.

Ready for The State Banquet  pic.twitter.com/ip3wZ9WYoz  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 17, 2025

The pair were shown standing side by side in their banquet finery, with the portrait posted on Kensington Palaces social media, with the words Ready for The State Banquet followed by American and UK flag motifs.

Kates delicate coat featured hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms, demonstrating her commitment to supporting British craftsmanship and creativity.

Kate smiles as she listens to Donald Trumps speech in St Georges Hall (Yui Mok/PA)

Her earrings belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth and the princess opted for her go-to tiara the Lovers Knot Tiara and wore her hair down and styled in waves.

Earlier in the day, Mr Trump appeared to tell future queen, Kate, Youre so beautiful, so beautiful as she greeted him and the first lady Melania Trump at Victoria House with the Prince of Wales at the start of the historic state visit.

Kate played a key role during the royal charm offensive deployed towards the American leader as she was tasked along with William as being the first to meet the Trumps from Marine One on Wednesday morning, walking with him to see King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The Prince and Princess of Wales receive US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Walled Garden on the Windsor estate (Aaron Chown/PA)

Heir to the throne William and Kate also held a warm and friendly private meeting with the Trumps in Windsor Castle after lunch.

The engagement had not been previously announced as part of the official schedule.

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Kate was also wearing the Royal Family Order of King Charles III, Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II, Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and GCVO Star and Sash.

Kate at the banquet (Aaron Chown/PA)

First lady Melania Trump, meanwhile, opted for a fitted, more daring off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved vivid yellow gown, with contrasting wide pink buckled belt.

Queen Camilla was wearing a royal blue silk marocain embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, and a sapphire and diamond tiara, and the Kings Family Order.

William was in white tie and a Windsor tail coat, and the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George.

World Rupert Murdoch on banquet guest list despite being sued by Trump Read more

Charles and Camilla with Donald and Melania Trump at the state banquet (Phil Noble/PA)

He was also wearing his miniature medals  Order of the Bath and the Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee and Coronation medal  as well as Chest Orders of the Order of the Garter and Order of the Thistle and the Neck Order of the Order of the Bath.
The United States once again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Thursday that had demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages after saying that the effort did not go far enough in condemning Hamas.

All 14 other members of the United Nations most powerful body voted in favour of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory.

Colleagues, US opposition to this resolution will come as no surprise, Morgan Ortagus, a senior US policy adviser, said before the vote took place.

It fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israels right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimises the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council.

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She added that other council members ignored US warnings about the unacceptable language and instead adopted performative action designed to draw a veto.

The outcome further highlights US and Israeli isolation on the world stage regarding the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

The vote came just days ahead of the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly, where Gaza will be a main topic and where major US allies are expected to recognise an independent Palestinian state.

Israel will continue to fight Hamas and protect its citizens, even if the Security Council prefers to turn a blind eye to terrorism Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN

It is a largely symbolic move that is vehemently opposed by Israel and the US, dividing the Trump administration from close allies, including the UK and France.

The resolution, drafted by the councils 10 elected members who serve two-year terms, goes further than previous drafts to highlight what it calls the deepening of suffering of Palestinian civilians.

It also reiterates demands from previous resolutions, including for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups following their October 7 2023 surprise attack in southern Israel that launched the war in Gaza.

In opposing similar resolutions since November, the US has complained that the demands, including a ceasefire, were not directly linked to the unconditional release of hostages and would only embolden Hamas militants.

Danny Danon, Israels ambassador to the UN, blasted the new resolution, saying that it would not release the hostages and will not bring security to the region.

Israel will continue to fight Hamas and protect its citizens, even if the Security Council prefers to turn a blind eye to terrorism, he said in a statement Thursday.

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The resolution also expressed deep alarm after a report released last month by the worlds leading authority on food crises said Gaza City has become gripped by famine, and that its likely to spread across the territory without a ceasefire and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Israeli forces have pressed on with a new ground offensive in Gaza City. The latest Israeli operation, which started Tuesday, further escalates a conflict that has roiled the Middle East and likely pushes any ceasefire further out of reach.

The Israeli military, which says it wants to destroy Hamas military infrastructure, hasnt given a timeline for the offensive, but there were indications it could take months.

That same day, a team of independent experts commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, issuing a report that called on the international community to end it and take steps to punish those responsible for it.

Last week, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to support a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and urged Israel to commit to a Palestinian state.

Expectations for a US veto of the resolution Thursday comes as about half of Americans say the Israeli military response in Gaza has gone too far, according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research.

That is up from November 2023, when 40% said Israels military action had gone too far.

I can understand the anger and frustration and disappointment of the Palestinian people who might be watching this session of the Security Council, hoping that there is some help in the pipeline, and this nightmare could be brought to an end Riyad Mansour, Palestinian ambassador to the UN

But at the same time, Americans overall, particularly Republicans, are less likely to say that negotiating a ceasefire should be a high priority for the US government than they were just a few months ago when the US was holding ceasefire talks with Hamas.

I can understand the anger and frustration and disappointment of the Palestinian people who might be watching this session of the Security Council, hoping that there is some help in the pipeline, and this nightmare could be brought to an end, Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, said in his remarks late on Thursday.

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I can imagine the anger and frustration that it did not happen.

Algeria, one of the leaders of the resolution, also expressed dismay at another failed council action for Gaza, saying that it wanted to apologise to Palestinians for not doing enough to save civilians lives.

But Algerias UN ambassador, Amar Bendjama, said that despite the failure to pass, 14 courageous members of this Security Council raised their voice. They have acted with conscience and in the cause of the international public opinion.

Pakistans ambassador called the vote, which took place during the 10,000th meeting of the Security Council, a dark moment.
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BusinessWorkplaceHiring Opinion Bland, boring: AI can ruin your chance of getting a new job Tim Duggan Work columnist September 18, 2025  1:54pm

September 18, 2025  1:54pm 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 15 View all comments

Theres a certain word thats now starting to regularly appear after the letters AI. It first appeared in Google searches in 2024, and its risen exponentially since then. Last month it even entered the Cambridge English Dictionary. The word? Slop, with the full official term  AI slop  describing the endless stream of low-quality content that artificial intelligence is enabling anyone to create at the click of a button. Using AI to craft your cover letter is a quick way to have your application ignored entirely. iStock Youre likely to see versions of lazy AI slop appear everywhere, from vomiting out buzzwords in lengthy reports at work, to crafting robotic-sounding prose on emails and social media, and now its also taking over how we apply for jobs. Writing a CV is a prime target for AI slop, as they were already strange documents we had to cobble together every few years in a vain attempt to summarise our careers into small bullet points.

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Of course, we can use AI to help us polish up our resumes, but ChatGPT and other programs are being used to craft entire cover letters and CVs out of nothing, causing headaches for hirers. The 2024 Global Workforce Report by Remote, an HR platform, found that 83 per cent of Australian companies received AI-generated resumes in the past six months that contained inaccurate information. Use AI to assist, not replace, your thinking. So spare a thought for the people who have to wade through the tsunami of AI-generated content when searching for new candidates to hire. Lisa Millar is an HR Business Partner at Clifford Chance, one of the worlds largest law firms, and estimates shes seen about 40,000 CVs in her 20-year career.

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Shes noticed a big change recently as the amount of AI-assisted resumes have flooded the market, especially for entry-level jobs that she specialises in. Editor's pick Opinion

Workplace Why you shouldnt dismiss the power of a work spouse Tim Duggan Work columnist It is clear that CVs are becoming more and more similar lately with students using online templates like Canva and other AI tools to assist them, she says. Its becoming harder to see someones true personality shine through and understand who they really are. The tell-tale signs that a CV has been generated by a robot is the similarity in language, and a vague intended audience. Its also obvious when people dont tailor their applications to the firms theyre applying to, she says. Millar believes that its perfectly OK to use AI to help with some of the writing process, but you still need to tweak the language, rewrite and add your personality, as well as specific research about the business you want to join and your potential role on it.

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The last thing a recruiter wants to see is a generic resume, says Millar. Use AI to assist, not replace, your thinking. One simple rule to avoid turning in slop for anything created with AI is to think of the creation process as three distinct stages: the start, middle and end. AI is very useful at either end, but still needs human intervention in the middle. For example, you could use it as the beginning of your resume writing process to generate thought starters or create a first draft, but you then need to add and edit your own experiences. Or you can use it at the end to polish your CV and suggest ways of ensuring it really reflects what youre trying to say. But if you use it as the start, middle and end of the entire process without adding any critical thought, youre most likely to end up with generic content that no one wants to read.

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So the next time you dust off your CV for an upcoming job interview, dont just ask an AI program to churn out the same template using bland language and hand that in. Write it from your perspective, add genuine learnings and finish it off with the little details that will help you stand out. Thats the only way that were going to be able to stop the slop. Tim Duggan is author of Work Backwards: The Revolutionary Method to Work Smarter and Live Better. He writes a regular newsletter at timduggan.substack.com Get workplace news, advice and perspectives to help make your job work for you. Sign up for our weekly Thank God its Monday newsletter.

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Opinion Tim Duggan is the author of Work Backwards, Cult Status and Killer Thinking. He co-founded Junkee Media and writes a monthly newsletter called OUTLET.
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EnvironmentClimate changeClimate solutions Its been a challenge: Bowen admits drivers slow to switch to EVs Caitlin Fitzsimmons Updated September 19, 2025  9:06am ,first published September 19, 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 256 View all comments

Accelerating the take-up of electric vehicles to the rate needed to meet Australias emissions reduction target will be a challenge, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has admitted, conceding that drivers have been slow to switch. Electric vehicles need to make up 85 per cent of car purchases in 2035 for Australia to meet even the lower end of its new emissions target, putting pressure on the Albanese government to maintain costly incentives for EV adoption and drastically increase investment in charging infrastructure. Electric vehicles make up just under 10 per cent of new cars sold in Australia. Jason South Its been a challenge, because you can institute a reform now, with the average length of service of an Australian car being, you know, well into a second decade, Bowen told the ABCs 730 Report. So you buy a car today and its operating for 15 or more years and so it takes time to turn that around.

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Bowen argued the governments vehicle efficiency standards meant a far greater range of EVs were coming onto the Australian market. That range is increasing dramatically, he said. Also, our electric vehicle tax cut has been really driving high take-up but, of course, Im not here to pretend to you that that has all of a sudden impacted on emissions. It is going to take quite a while for it to have the full impact on our emissions. The Albanese government on Thursday committed to reducing national greenhouse gas emissions by 62 to 70 per cent on 2005 levels by 2035, in line with the recommendation put forward by the Climate Change Authority last week. But the published advice from the independent authority, chaired by former NSW Liberal energy minister Matt Kean, states even the lower end can only be achieved if half the light vehicles  cars, motorcycles, SUVs, vans and utes  sold in the next decade are electric.

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Electric vehicles  including battery EVs and plug-in hybrids  make up just over 10 per cent of the light vehicle market today, the Electric Vehicle Council says. Australia would require EV purchases to ramp up to 85 per cent in 2035 to match the authoritys calculations. That is in tension with the governments plan to introduce some form of road user charge for EV drivers, who do not have to pay the petrol excise tax that other motorists endure, and calls for generous tax benefits for leasing electric vehicles to be wound back. The transport sector is the nations fastest-growing source of emissions and is set to become the largest by 2030. Bowen told reporters earlier on Thursday the government had no EV sales target, but said Labor would support choice through its vehicle efficiency standards and investments in charging infrastructure.

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We want Australia to have more choices, and our new vehicle efficiency standard is driving that very well, Bowen said. Related Article Updated

Paris Agreement Three times faster: Climate target means emissions need drastic fall over next decade The number of EVs that will be available to Australians over the next 12 months is about to explode. The government announced $40 million to support public charging infrastructure on power poles, and said it would review the vehicle efficiency standard in 2026. Alison Reeve, energy and climate program director at think-tank Grattan Institute, said the vehicle efficiency standard worked on a fleet average. A car manufacturer had to achieve a certain standard across all its vehicles, so to bring in a gas-guzzling utility truck it would either have to sell enough hybrids and electric vehicles to compensate or buy credits from a competitor.

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She said the goal for EVs was high but achievable, pointing out that EVs market share had already more than doubled from 2022, when it was about 4 per cent, to 2024. As long as you get the logistical side sorted so that you dont have too many people who are facing that charging barrier, then, yeah, I think you can do it, she said. Reeve said the charging infrastructure announcement was a good plan to encourage EV adoption by people living in houses and apartments without off-street parking, including renters. Rewiring Australia chief executive Francis Vierboom said the government should consider extending its successful Cheaper Home Batteries program to electric vehicles because vehicle-to-grid charging capacity would mean the family car could be used as a solar battery in the same way as a household battery. The subsidy scheme thats being applied to home batteries, youd get even more bang for buck when you apply that to the battery on wheels, Vierboom said.

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Its not usually environmentalists who are running around telling everyone to go and buy a new car, but its one of the important environmental steps people can take over the next couple of decades. Related Article Analysis

Paris Agreement Climate scientists had a savage verdict for Australias target, but the government is standing firm The Climate Change Authority anticipates that 85 per cent of passenger sales of light vehicles will be fully electric by 2035, and 75 per cent of commercial vehicles. The rest would be a mix of internal combustion engine, conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrids. This would result in more than 5 million EVs that would otherwise have been petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, the report says. The authoritys advice to the government said the cost of EVs was expected to be comparable with internal combustion engine vehicles late this decade or early in the 2030s. One of the biggest incentives for EV adoption has been an exemption from fringe benefits tax for novated leasing, which The Australian Financial Review has reported could cost more than $23 billion  far more than originally budgeted  over the coming decade. Shadow treasurer Ted OBrien has campaigned against it, while Productivity Commission chairwoman Danielle Wood told the Press Club in August it should be wound back.

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Modelling released on Monday, commissioned by the Electric Vehicle Council, the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association and the Australian Finance Industry Association found carbon emissions would be 50 per cent lower by 2035 if the exemption was maintained. The nations treasurers agreed earlier this month to charge EV drivers for their use of the countrys roads but claimed it would be done in a way that would not discourage purchases. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.
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Eating outFood 1930s Brisbane apartments transformed into stunning new restaurant It might be 18 months late, but Brisbane is about to witness one of the most exciting restaurant openings of 2025. Matt Shea September 18, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Invite a diner into your venue as if youre inviting them into your home. The best restaurateurs will tell you how important this is. Its a principle that feels acute with Marlowe, which not so long ago was someones home. Or a bunch of peoples homes. Eighteen months after originally scheduled, Marlowe will finally open next week. Markus Ravik Fanda Group (Southside, Rick Shores, Central, Norte) has taken the old Merivale apartment building in South Brisbane and transformed it into a head-turning 110-seat restaurant. The point of difference between our other venues and this one is that its previous purpose is very, very obvious, co-owner David Flynn says. People lived here. Southside and Central, theyre beautiful restaurants, but theyre definitely restaurants. This feels like its evolved from something else.

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Related Article The brisket sanger that might be the best weve eaten in Brisbane Its such a unique building, such a unique opportunity. Its all about wanting to do that justice. Its a healthy expectation that we have something thats really cool and we want to make something that were proud of and that hopefully resonates with people. Regular Fanda designer J.AR OFFICE has created an interior thats fastidiously sympathetic to the character of the original two-level apartments. There are nine distinct dining and bar spaces, a greenery-lined terrace, and four enclosed sunrooms. Materials include walnut timber, polished chrome and rich carpets. If restaurants are designed to transport you elsewhere, this does that, even if its more about a time than a place. Marlowe occupies the heritage-listed Merivale apartment building on Melbourne Street. Markus Ravik Fandas restaurants thus far have been all about capturing cuisines from other parts of the world  Hong Kong, pan-Chinese, Latin American and Thai  but with Marlowes built-in sense of place and nostalgia, the group has taken the opportunity to drill down on something much more Australian.

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My training in different Michelin kitchens back in England was all about turning beautiful produce into something else, says Marlowe executive chef and co-owner Ollie Hansford (ex-Stokehouse Q and Siffredis). It was the done thing at the time. Whereas as I got older, If you start off with incredible produce then you dont need to turn it into something its not supposed to be. You just honour it, in a sense. You just want to buff it a little bit to make it shine  its sympathetic, similar to our approach to the restaurant itself. Regular Fanda collaborators J.AR OFFICE has produced a design sympathetic to the buildings heritage. Markus Ravik To that end, Marlowes extended gestation  its opening 18 months after originally intended  meant Hansford had the time to dig up producers and farmers, thus far not often seen in Brisbane restaurants, if at all. Much of the seafood coming out of the kitchen is sourced from a co-operative of line fishermen working the east coast and producers such as Cherax Park Aquaculture, north of Gympie.

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Chef and co-owner Ollie Hansfords menu taps into nostalgia without laying it on too thick. Markus Ravik On the main menu, theres stuffed 20-week chicken breast from Joyces Gold Heritage Chicken with mushrooms and a sherry sauce, and a rotating butchers cut that utilises citrus-fed wagyu from Elbow Valley Beef, west of Brisbane. Elsewhere, on the starters theres a truffled mushroom cannelloni with a sweet corn veloute and salsa verde, a signature duck pie with jus and radicchio jam, and a smoked cheese souffle with carrot noisette sauce, nduja oil and pickled radish. Prawn cocktail tartlet with Marie Rose sauce. Markus Ravik For mains, theres a coral trout Wellington with chive butter sauce and caviar, a spiced pork chop with caramelised apple, garlic and a hazelnut jus, and celeriac schnitzel with cafe de Paris butter sauce and caviar.

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Hansfords a clever chef and hes produced a clever menu that taps into the nostalgia the venue invokes without laying it on too thick. Smoked trout pate on potato rosti with a grilled pea mayo. Markus Ravik Group beverage director Peter Marchants entirely Australian wine list (beyond its champagne) plays a similar gambit, calling upon both small and larger old-school producers, but in the case of the latter often reaching for their more distinctive older vintages. It also repeats the offer of half-carafe pours, which he introduced at Central last year to encourage diners to explore different drops. Hansford likes to tell a story about some of the silverware he bought for the restaurant second-hand an hour outside of Brisbane. Curried crab brioche with pickled apple. Markus Ravik

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She was maybe in her 80s and I asked out of curiosity, How did you come by them? he says. And she said, Oh they were a wedding gift for my parents  Weve used them maybe once through that whole period. So its nice that were taking that history and bringing it back to life. One story transforms into another. Marlowe opens to the public next Tuesday, September 23. Markus Ravik And that really is what Marlowe is about. Exploring these narratives, whether its of a building or of a wine or of a set of silverware. Its what a restaurant at its best, when it strives to become a cultural object, should do. I think our own respect or search for nostalgia does come from getting older, Flynn says. But theres a craving for authenticity and one way to do that is to produce something that reflects a different, simpler time.

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Group beverage director Peter Marchants wine list focuses on Australian producers. Markus Ravik Its almost a privilege in a way to kind of be able to tell those kinds of stories. Open Tue-Wed 5pm-9pm, Thu-Sat 12pm-3pm, 5pm-9pm 105 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, (07) 3505 6412 marlowebne.com.au

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For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others.
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A teacher at an exclusive inner-Melbourne private school has left their job after a document was sent around the school community demeaning individual children as bogan, ratty and anime eyes.

St Michaels Grammar principal Gerard Houlihan apologised on Thursday to parents, who pay up to $40,000 a year to send their children to the St Kilda school, after a cast list for the school musical was produced with annotations disparaging some of the performers.

The ABC reported last week that year 6 children were also described in the notes on the cast list for The Addams Family with racial descriptors like eastern European and Asian.

The document was uploaded to the school community intranet last week before being swiftly removed.
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NationalWACourts You saw it all on the CCTV: Perth daycare worker denies anything amiss in footage shown to jury Rebecca Peppiatt September 18, 2025  7:27pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

A 39-year-old man accused of indecently assaulting two young children at separate daycare centres in Perth has taken to the witness stand in his own trial to respond to the allegations. Two girls aged four and six gave evidence earlier this week alleging Robert Reti, a casual childhood educator, inappropriately touched them in 2023. Robert Reti denies indecently assaulting two young children. 9 News Perth Reti has pleaded not guilty to two charges of indecently dealing with a child under 13, which prosecutors say occurred when he worked the before-school and after-school shifts at two separate centres in Banksia Grove and Lesmurdie. One of the girls described how she was sitting on Retis lap when he allegedly touched her inappropriately, describing how he had an evil smile on his face.

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Hes not supposed to do that, she told the court. Another child, aged four, told the court Reti once had a hole in his shorts and exposed himself while he was chasing her. The court heard that the girls parents reported the incidents to police. But on Thursday, Reti took to the stand to confront the allegations, telling both his own lawyer and the prosecutor that sometimes the kindergarten-aged children would sit on his lap if they were seeking support when they were tentative. If a little kindy kid was scared or whatever [I would allow them to sit on my lap], but if a big kid sits on your lap, thats not, kind of, appropriate, he told his lawyer Hamish Glenister.

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Was physical contact between yourself and children common? Glenister asked. Yes, they would come up for hugs and stuff. I was one of the most popular educators there, Reti responded. Asked if he ever exposed himself to one of the children, Reti laughed and said no. The CCTV of her in a red shirt, sitting on me that way, being a bit crazy and me trying to calm her down  that was the day that this all happened, Reti said, referring to vision shown earlier in the trial. Shes sitting on me, doing all those crazy things, she said, You have a willy and I said, What? Shes looking down and said, You have a willy and I can feel it, and I said, No thank you, you need to hop off now.

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Related Article Courts Perth day care worker on trial over allegations he touched two children That was the incident. You saw it all on the CCTV. But prosecutor Kathryn Kraus put it to Reti that he knew the location of blind spots for CCTV cameras in all the day rooms were, and questioned him on why he chose to work in childcare. Would you agree most of your jobs involve contact with children? she asked, after pointing out to Reti that at the time of the offending he was working in multiple other casual jobs, as well as at the day care centres. In fact, what you wanted was exposure to as many children as possible, Kraus put to Reti.

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Well, they were fun jobs, Reti replied. You liked giving kids a cuddle? Kraus asked. When they cuddled me, he responded. I wouldnt go out of my way to cuddle them. Reti said the children were always hanging off him, adding that it was nice to feel loved and wanted.

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This article is part of the Traveller Awards for 2025. See all stories .

Traveller Awards: Immersive Want to go on a safari in South Australia? Fancy a spiritual journey in Bali or a deep dive into the history of Washington DC? From an award-winning light show on a Queensland island to an off-grid Swedish wilderness retreat, our awards for the Immersive category celebrate the experiences that truly connect you to a place and its people. This curated list is for those who crave a holiday with depth, where every moment is a chance to learn, grow, and be transformed. Read on for our Traveller Awards 2025 winners in the Immersive category. Monarto Safari Resort, South Australia Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia. After so long providing a place for their beloved captive animals to snooze, zoos around the world have finally gotten around to providing beds for humans, too, and luxury ones at that. There are few better examples than that of Monarto Safari Park, an hours drive from Adelaide, which earlier this year opened, right in the middle of what is the largest open-range safari park outside of Africa itself, a 78-room hotel. It features a day spa, restaurant and bar and not one, but two outdoor swimming pools. If thats not enough, a separate luxury lodge with glamping tents is set to open elsewhere in the facility next year. It all means visitors can stay longer at Monarto and spend more quality time, and in considerable comfort, with its precious wildlife, including a happily relocated herd of pachyderms from conventional zoos elsewhere in Australia and New Zealand. See monartosafariresort.com Insight Cities Tours In Bowies foosteps...

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Want to know what David Bowie got up to when he vanished from sight to hide out in Berlin? Intrigued by Budapest under communism, when it was known as the happiest barrack in the Soviet Bloc? Fancy hitting the high notes of Mozart and Beethovens Vienna? Insight Cities Tours offer small group and private tours of Central Europe with a difference  theyre all led by expert guides, often with PhD and MA-level qualifications in their subjects. The presentations  as you walk, ride on buses, or catch trains and trams  are filled with passion, irreverence and good humour. These are people in love with their cities, and that enthusiasm is infectious. See insightcities.com Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, Bali The Mengenig Temple water ritual. At this five-star resort a half-hour from Ubud, the lush environment is all around you  so much so, it seems to hang suspended over the valley and treetops, with splendid views of volcanoes a bonus. The resort is a big player in local conservation projects and offers excursions with its resident naturalists that explore surrounding villages, farmland and forest on Mount Abang volcano. A waterfall trek takes you to a pristine spot. You can also be guided through water purification rites and other Hindu rituals at temples, which provides a great insight into this important part of Balinese culture. See anantara.com Nanuku Resort, Fiji Nanuku Resort on Viti Levu. It may be one of Fijis most acclaimed resorts, but its the all-Fijian staff at Nanuku Resort, on Viti Levu, that hold the key to true luxury: connection to culture, family, the land and sea. Its a secret theyre willing to share, offering guests staying in the 37 suites, villas and residences an authentic journey into the Fijian lifestyle. From a warrior welcome, to farm excursions to pluck ingredients for lunch, Fijian culture is front and centre at Nanuku. At the unplugged kids club, children can learn how to drum like a warrior and play island-style; guests can participate in reef and mangrove restoration; and even the wellness program is led by a Fijian hero, twice-Olympian and Commonwealth bronze medallist in judo, Sisilia Naisiga. Bula vinaka, pure and simple. See nanukuresort.com

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Black Broadway Tour, Washington DC Black Broadway Tour. Theres more to the US capital than the White House and National Mall. Hop on the Metro to DCs Shaw Neighbourhood and discover an African-American take on The Gilded Age of the late-19th century. Author and local historian Briana Thomass walking tour takes participants on a journey through one of the most dynamic periods in African-American music and culture. The neighbourhood, also known as Black Broadway, is home to the Howard Theatre and the Lincoln theatre, venues that hosted artists such as Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. Learn about how the areas black population once thrived here without segregation laws. See blackbroadwaytravel.com

Illumina, Kingfisher Bay Resort, Kgari Illumina is the first permanent light, laser and projection installation of its kind in Queensland. Eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort on Kgari (Fraser Island), has been welcoming guests since 1992, the same year the island went on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Since then, it has continued to evolve through a raft of new experiences, dining options and, recently, the Illumina light show. Exclusive to guests, Return to Sky is a 20-minute sound, light and laser show held each evening. Designed by international light artist Bruce Ramus in consultation with the Butchulla people, it tells the story of creation, regeneration and renewal. One minute the wetlands are painted red and seem to crackle with fire, the next its the swirling eye of a blue cyclone. If you have visited before, but need a reason to return, this is it. See kingfisherbay.com Aurora Safari Camp, Sweden

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The floating island pontoon at Aurora Safari Camp. Inspired by the bush camps of Kenya, this all-inclusive wilderness lodge overlooking the Rane River in Swedish Lapland is located a one-hour drive north from the coastal city of Lulea. Comprising a communal dining lounge, three teepee-style cabins and two futuristic glass-roofed pods, the propertys showstopping attraction is the Floating Camp. Moored in a tranquil, forest-flanked bay, the self-contained pontoon sleeps six and has an outdoor kitchen, a sauna, an alfresco wood-fired bath and a firepit. Perfect for families or groups, it offers an immersive off-grid adventure punctuated by sauna sessions and bracing lake dips, all surrounded by stunning forests and lakes. See aurorasafaris.com The Aiguille du Midi, France The Aiguille du Midi in the Savoy Alps. The Aiguille du Midi is a physics-defying attraction quarried out of the summit of a 3842-metre-high mountain in Frances spectacular Chamonix Valley. Reached via a cable car that holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent, the complex contains several interesting exhibitions on mountaineering and the effects of altitude, plus a nerve-testing glass box called Into the Void thats suspended above a 1000-metre drop. On a clear day, outdoor observation decks provide panoramic views of Mont Blanc and some of the massifs other 4000-metre-plus peaks. And if youre lucky, youll get to see climbers and mountaineers scaling the surrounding cliffs, training for Mont Blanc summit attempts. See aiguilledumidi.montblancnaturalresort.com Wollemi Ridge Retreats, NSW Wollemi Ridge Retreats, a bush escape in Bilpin, about 90 kilometres north-west of Sydney. Jack Mounsey

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Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America Jimmy Kimmel show pulled by ABC in the US over Charlie Kirk assassination remarks Lisa Richwine and David Shepardson Updated September 18, 2025  10:28am ,first published September 18, 2025  9:08am 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 367 View all comments

Los Angeles/Washington: American network ABC has said it will indefinitely stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the late-night hosts remarks about Charlie Kirks assassination came under harsh criticism from the head of the Federal Communications Commission. Earlier, Nexstar Media Group announced it would stop running the show on its 32 ABC affiliates, citing comments made by Kimmel. Loading Mr Kimmels comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, Nexstar broadcasting division president Andrew Alford said. During his monologue on Mondays show, Kimmel said: We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

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In between the finger pointing, there was, uh, grieving  on Friday, the White House flew the flags at half-staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this, Kimmel said, before cutting to a clip in which US President Donald Trump responded to reporters asking how he was doing by pointing to construction at the White House. The veteran late-night comic returned to the topic on Tuesday night, mocking Vice President JD Vances performance as guest host for Kirks podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show. Jimmy Kimmels remarks about the Charlie Kirks assassination inflamed many conservative commentators. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP He said Trump was fanning the flames by attacking people on the left. Which is it, are they a bunch of sissy pickleball players because theyre too scared to be hit by tennis balls, or a well-organised deadly team of commandos, because they cant be both of those things. Kimmels comments inflamed many conservative commentators and brought a rebuke from members of the Trump administration.

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Pilots, health workers, teachers and a Secret Service employee were among those who had been suspended or sacked for social media posts about Kirks death, the BBC reported. The sickest conduct possible Earlier on Wednesday, the regulating Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair, Brendan Carr, urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show on the Walt Disney-owned ABC. Related Article Updated

Courts You werent the one who did it?: The alleged text message exchange between Kirk murder accused and partner CNN reported that Carr told right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson that Kimmels remarks constituted the sickest conduct possible and suggested the FCC could move to revoke ABC affiliate licences to force Disney to punish the late-night host, who has been a vocal critic of Trump.

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We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take actions on Kimmel, or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead. This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney. They have a licence granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with an obligation to operate in the public interest. FCC chairman Brendan Carr. The New York Times Elsewhere in the interview, Carr attacked Kimmel as talentless and suggested the comedians comments displayed some sort of desperate irrelevance, CNN reported. In a post on X, Carr thanked Nexstar for making its decision. While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values. I hope that other broadcasters follow Nexstars lead.

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The suspension started with Wednesday nights broadcast (US time), Disney said in a statement. ABC has aired Kimmels late-night show since 2003. FCC commissioner Anna Gomez  the FCCs only Democratic Party member  criticised Carr and accused the administration of attempting to suppress lawful expression, while other leading Democrats also spoke out. The Jimmy Kimmel Live! studio on Hollywood Boulevard on Wednesday. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Democratic senator Ed Markey defended Kimmel, labelling the move as censorship in action. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii also weighed in, with Pritzker on X condemning an attack on free speech and Schatz accusing the government of using regulatory leverage to crush speech.

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On X on Wednesday night (US time), White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich posted: Welcome to Consequence Culture. Normal, common-sense Americans are no longer taking the bullshit, and companies like ABC are finally willing to do the right and reasonable thing. A spokesperson for Kimmel, who, like CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert, has consistently been critical of Trump and many of his policies on his ABC show, did not immediately return a call for comment. CBS in July said it was cancelling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at the end of this season for financial reasons, although some critics have wondered if his stance on Trump played a role. After Colberts dismissal, Trump said: Next up will be an even less talented Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmels contract with ABC is set to expire at the end of next season, which ends in May 2026. There has been speculation about whether it would be renewed, particularly after the Colbert decision, the Washington Post reported. Reuters, AP, Bloomberg
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WorldNorth AmericaViolence Five Pennsylvania cops shot, three fatally, were ambushed by accused stalker Steve Gorman Updated September 19, 2025  3:14pm ,first published September 18, 2025  9:15am 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

North Codurus: Five police officers shot this week in rural Pennsylvania, three of them fatally, were ambushed by a suspected stalker who opened fire on them with an assault-style rifle when they attempted to serve an arrest warrant, a local prosecutor said on Thursday. The suspect, Matthew Ruth, 24, was himself killed in the ensuing gunfight on Wednesday with officers from the North York County Regional Police Department and York County Sheriffs Office, according to county District Attorney Tim Barker. First responders work at the scene of the shooting in North Codurus. AP The shooting unfolded at a farmhouse in North Codorus Township, about 100 miles west of Philadelphia, when five police detectives and a deputy sheriff sought to arrest Ruth on suspicion of stalking, prowling and trespassing, Barker said. According to the DA, the house belonged to the suspects ex-girlfriend and her mother, who had reported to police the night before that Ruth was lurking outside the home in camouflage clothing and peering into the dwelling through a window with binoculars.

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The ex-girlfriend also told police she believed that Ruth had set fire to her pick-up truck back in August. After a fruitless search for Ruth on Tuesday night, police returned on Wednesday afternoon with an arrest warrant to the suspects home, but he was gone. Officers then drove to the farmhouse of the ex-girlfriend and mother, who had left the residence for their own safety. Finding the door unlocked, police began to make entry, Barker said. As the door swung open, according to Barker, Ruth immediately blasted away at the officers with his AR-15-type rifle. The four closest detectives were struck by gunfire, and two staggered for cover as they returned fire.

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The gunman then turned his attention to the fifth detective and the sheriffs deputy as they joined in the gunfight, which ended in the deaths of three police detectives and the suspect, authorities said. The fourth detective and the sheriffs deputy were critically wounded. Related Article Opinion

Violence The US is wringing its hands over Kirks death  but ignores the elephant in the room Michael Koziol North America correspondent The ambush slaying of three police officers in the normally quiet farm country of southeastern Pennsylvania made national headlines and prompted a visit by Governor Josh Shapiro, who spoke about gun violence at a conference in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country, Shapiro said. This kind of violence is not OK, we need to do better as a society. US Attorney-General Pamela Bondi called the violence against police a scourge on our society.

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York County was the scene of another fatal shooting seven months earlier of a police officer who responded to a hostage siege at the intensive care ward of a local hospital. Reuters, AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
Olivia Kelleher

Gardai are investigating an assault on a female visitor to Cork Prison.

The incident occurred during inmate visitation earlier on Wednesday.

The Irish Prison Service has reported the matter to gardai, and an investigation will be carried out into the matter.

The woman has received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. It is understood she was visibly shocked by what had occurred.

The man who assaulted her was known to her.

Gardai are investigating the incident.

The emergency services were notified and the woman was medically treated onsite before being taken to hospital for a further assessment.
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Groundbreaking research published in Nature by ETH Zurichs Department of Environmental Systems Science has drawn a direct line between the worlds largest carbon emitters and the rising severity and frequency of heatwaves. The study provides the strongest evidence to date that fossil fuel use in cement and other heavy industries is a key driver of extreme climate events, with implications that could accelerate plant closures and spark new waves of litigation.

Using Extreme Event Attribution (EAA), the research team systematically analysed 213 waves between 2000 and 2023, concluding that climate change made them vastly more likely and more intense. The emissions of 180 identified carbon majors  companies and state-owned entities with the largest historical carbon footprints  were each found to have contributed directly. Collectively, these majors are responsible for 60 per cent of all CO 2 emitted since 1850, with land use changes accounting for the remainder.

Notably, the top 14 emitters  including the former Soviet Union, China (cement and coal), ExxonMobil, BP, Saudi Aramco and Shell  contributed as much as the other 166 combined. Their output intensified heatwaves by up to 2C and made them hundreds of times more likely than in pre-industrial times. According to ETH Zurich researcher Yann Quilcaille, even the smallest major, Russian coal producer Elgaugol, was linked to 16 separate heatwaves.

A cement industry test case

The findings could bolster legal action. The new research strengthens climate litigation already underway, such as a lawsuit filed by four residents of Indonesias Pari Island against Holcim. The plaintiffs argue that rising seas, which have already submerged 11 per cent of their island, are tied to Holcims emissions. They are seeking compensation, along with funding for protective measures like mangrove planting and breakwater barriers. It is estimated the island could be completely underwater by 2050.

Holcim has pushed back, arguing that the question of who is allowed to emit how much CO 2  should be determined by legislators, not civil courts. Still, campaigners say the ETH Zurich study provides scientific backing for future legal challenges, especially against sectors such as cement where fossil fuel dependency remains high.



Broader research planned

The ETH Zurich paper is hugely important in making connections between fossil fuel extraction, the responsibility companies have for their products and its significant influence on heatwaves around the world", said Andrew Gage, staff lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law in Canada. This type of paper really makes it much more possible to sue for the harm from specific disasters and to point out that these companies were responsible to a large degree.



The broader implication is clear: as attribution science advances, industries with high emissions face not only regulatory and financial pressure but also mounting legal accountability. At least 489,000 people died annually from heat between 2000-19, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), many from climate-change fuelled heatwaves if this latest research is to be verified.

ETH Zurichs researchers argue their work offers a powerful evidentiary basis for phasing out fossil fuels in cement and other carbon-intensive sectors to limit corporate-driven climate harms. The researchers behind this paper want to conduct similar studies on other extreme events, such as heavy rainfall, droughts or fires, and trace these events back to the contributions of individual actors and companies.
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s trade fiasco: "A historic sell-out of Philippine sovereignty"

13:10, September 18, 2025 By Lin Zi ( People's Daily Online

On 23 July 2025, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. proudly announced that U.S. President Donald J. Trump had agreed to lower the so-called reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports from 20 percent to 19 percent. Marcos hailed the one-percentage-point reduction as a "significant achievement," claiming that it positioned the Philippines "among the most competitively positioned Southeast Asian economies" due to its "second-lowest tariff rate" in the region.

However, the White House agreement reveals a harsh truth: the 19 percent rate is not a reduction but a floora rigid tariff barrier rather than a genuine concession. Under the new terms, Philippine goods previously facing tariffs below 19 percent will be raised to this level, while those above remain unchanged.

The so-called "cut" is in fact a numerical deception. As recently as April 2025, the U.S. reciprocal tariff on Philippine goods stood at just 17 percent. The Trump administration first raised it to 20 percent before "magnanimously" conceding a 1 percent reductionresulting in a net increase of 2 percentage points. This maneuver resembles a shopkeeper raising prices by $3 then lowering them by $1 while proclaiming a discount.

The true cost is sovereignty. Trump proclaimed on Truth Social: "The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs!"a unilateral declaration emblematic of hegemonic posture. While American cars, soybeans, wheat, and pharmaceuticals now enter the Philippines tariff-free, Philippine exports face at least 19 percent tariffs. ASEAN Briefing condemned this "asymmetrical" arrangement, prompting even Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez to hastily suggest that the 19 percent rate was "not written in stone"though offering no concrete safeguards.

This surrender of sovereignty has provoked national outrage. ABS-CBN reports rare cross-party condemnation, with Senator Panfilo Lacson calling it "the worst insult to Philippine interests" and Congressman Antonio Tinio labeling it "a historic sell-out of Philippine sovereignty." The Philippine Daily Inquirer warned that a flood of U.S. imports would devastate agriculturea sector supporting 25 percent of the workforcewhile even the typically moderate Manila Times acknowledged fierce criticism from economists and business leaders.

History echoes strikingly: the U.S. annexed the Philippines for $20 million in 1898; imposed independence in 1934 to protect American farmers; retained 23 naval and air bases through the 1947 Military Bases Agreement; and bound the country to the "Asian NATO" in 1954 with 99-year leased bases at Subic Bay and Clark Air Base. As Cornell scholar Benedict Anderson noted, Philippines' deep-water ports served merely as "fueling stations for U.S. imperial ambitions."

Today's trade imbalance exacerbates the dependency: $36.8 billion in bilateral trade ranks the Philippines only 33rd among U.S. partners, while the U.S. remains one of Manila's largest trading partners. This asymmetry grants Washington overwhelming leverageTrump extracted full market access in exchange for a fictitious 1 percent "reduction," creating a "feast-for-one, crumbs-for-the-other" arrangement.

Military subservience compounds the crisis: the 2024 deployment of Typhon missiles in Luzon; expanded Balikatan 2025 exercises; planned ammunition manufacturing hub in Subic Bay; over 500 bilateral drills scheduled for 2026; and a new forward base just 193km from Taiwan on Batan Island. These actions not only fail to enhance Philippine security but transform the archipelago into a strategic target.

Shakespeare warned that "these violent delights have violent ends." After 125 years, America still covets Philippine ports, markets, and obedience. Marcos' trade of sovereignty for a 1 percent tariff illusion plunges the Philippines toward abysswhen rules are written by others, victory is merely leftover crumbs.

Lin Zi is a Ph.D. student at Institute of Area Studies, Peking University

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Ceremony photo by Russell Bean Taking the oath photo by Russell Bean Judges who attended Previous Next

An investiture ceremony was held for the newest Hamilton County Circuit Court judge - Jennifer Peck.

The native Chattanoogan grew up on Signal Mountain and attended Baylor School. She founded Peck Legal Group after graduating from Auburn University and studying law at Regent University.

She later was deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce prior to her appointment by Governor Bill Lee.
The Chattanooga Mocs volleyball team looks to continue its momentum with the final non-conference tournament of the 2025 campaign this weekend at the Tiger Invitational hosted by Tennessee State in Nashville, Tennessee.The tournament runs from Thursday, September 18 through Saturday, September 20 at TSU. The field consists of Chattanooga (4-5), Tennessee State (1-7), Indiana State (3-6) and Idaho (2-7).All matches on the weekend will feature live scoring/stats ONLY.Matches will not be available on live stream. Check GoMocs.com and the volleyball schedule page for the most updated coverage information.Tiger Invitational Tournament ScheduleTennessee State  Nashville, Tenn.Thursday, September 187:00PM (ET)  Indiana State at Tennessee StateFriday, September 1911:00AM (ET)  Indiana State vs. Idaho4:00PM (ET)  Chattanooga vs. Indiana State7:00PM (ET)  Idaho at Tennessee StateSaturday, September 2012:00PM (ET)  Chattanooga vs. Idaho4:00PM (ET)  Chattanooga at Tennessee StateChattanooga Opponent Series HistoryIndiana State  Meetings: 1  Record: 0-1  Last: L, 0-3  8/29/2003 (road)Idaho  Meetings: 1  Record: 1-0  Last: W, 3-0  8/31/2024 (neutral)Tennessee State  Meetings 12  Record: 9-3  Last: W, 3-2  9/6/2024 (home)Chattanooga (4-5) snapped a four-match skid with a pair of tournament-ending victories last Friday over Lamar (W, 3-0) and UT Martin (W, 3-1). The Mocs opened the event with a back-and-forth battle against host Memphis (L, 1-3), a match that required extra points in all four sets. The Mocs are now a perfect 4-0 in neutral site matchups this season.The strong attacking and blocking duo of Sydney Jackwin and Kynli Kirkendoll were named to the Carrie Yerty Classic All-Tournament Team after dazzling last weekend in Memphis. Jackwin finished the weekend with 47 kills (4.27/set) at a .254 clip while adding 31 digs, six blocks and six aces. Kirkendoll racked up 24 blocks (2.18/set) in the three matches while adding 25 kills at an efficient .417 attacking percentage.Chattanooga, Tennessee State, Idaho and Indiana State make up the field at this weekend's Tiger Invitational held in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by Tennessee State. UTC has brief history with Idaho and Indiana State as the matchups mark the second-ever meetings against both programs while the meeting with TSU is the 13th all-time.
Tennessees unemployment rate held steady last month at 3.6 percent, seven-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.The states seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in August was unchanged from the previous month. The rate was also 3.6 percent in August 2024.Tennessees unemployment rate continues to track well below the U.S. rate, which was 4.3 percent in August. The U.S. rate was 4.2 percent in July and in August 2024.Between July and August 2025, total nonfarm employment across the state increased by 9,500 jobs.The largest increases were in the transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector, followed by the retail trade and construction sectors.Over the past year, Tennessee employers added 34,400 jobs, with the biggest gains in government, the professional and business services sector, and leisure and hospitality.TDLWD has compiled an analysis of the August 2025 unemployment data, which is available here September is Workforce Development Month, recognizing the invaluable role of workforce programs and professionals in driving economic growth.In Tennessee, the 33-member State Workforce Development Board is responsible for advising the governor on workforce policy and investments in training programs. The board brings together employers, educators, labor representatives, and government leaders to strengthen Tennessees talent pipeline to meet employer needs.The State Workforce Development board meets quarterly, and meetings are open to the public and livestreamed on YouTube.Learn more here about the boards purpose and how its working with stakeholders to increase the competitive position of Tennessee businesses.Tennessee will release the unemployment data for all 95 counties on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 1:30 p.m. CDT.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner proposed that the tribe will construct a $50 million Cherokee Heritage Center, shown in this rendering. The new center would replace the current shuttered facility as recommended by the tribes historical society.
In 2025, St. Augustine's Episcopal Church of Gary, Indiana, was awarded a historic marker. | Photo Credit: Paula M. DeBois via Christian Post

St. Augustines Episcopal Church of Gary, an African American congregation founded in 1927, was recently honored with a historic marker, just before reaching its 100th anniversary.

Paula DeBois, the parish historian at St. Augustines Episcopal and the applicant for the marker, told The Christian Post that the church was part of a group of candidates in a cycle that applied to the Indiana Historic Bureau.

She deemed that our information was enough to be included in their marker program, DeBois explained. We're the first Episcopal parish in the state to receive such a designation.

St. Augustines Episcopal traces its roots to a period when Gary was segregated, and African American members of the original church were not permitted to attend worship during regular times.

The members were quite brave and forward-thinking, DeBois noted. They set about putting together their own church, which would be about eight blocks away.

According to a press release from the Indiana Historical Bureau provided to CP, the church received support in the 1930s and '40s from Benedictine monks assigned by the local diocese.

The church experienced notable growth in the 1950s under the leadership of the Rev. Wallace Wells and actively participated in civil rights and social justice issues, including desegregating the beach at Marquette Park.

Its current building was constructed in 1959 and designed by renowned architect Edward Dart. In 1961, the church was officially granted parish status by its diocese.

The St. Augustines marker is a reminder of what collective action can build  one bolt and blessing at a time, said Tyrell Anderson, a local preservationist, as quoted in the press release.

Today, St. Augustines Episcopal is part of the Calumet Episcopal Ministry Partnership, a group of six churches that share priests due to declining denominational attendance.
The exhibition titled Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition is being held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and will run until September 2, 2025. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute

Researchers at Tel Aviv Universitys School of Science in Israel have created a computer tool that could revolutionize the study of the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls.

Scholars have been studying the Dead Sea Scrolls for 70 years, Prof. Nachum Dershowitz, one of the developers of the new tool, told The Times of Israel.

One of the great unsolved challenges has been comparing and matching handwriting across different fragments or scrolls. This remains one of the fields giant questions, he added.

Although still in the early stages of development, the software combines multispectral imaging with traditional computer vision techniques to enable more precise analysis and comparison of ancient handwritten texts.

Experts estimate that the Dead Sea Scrolls comprise thousands of fragments from approximately 950 different manuscripts, which are carefully safeguarded by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

In the 1950s, a skilled photographer at the Rockefeller Museum, where the scrolls were then kept, documented them extensively, Dershowitz stated. In recent years, the Israel Antiquities Authority has also been photographing the scrolls.

To preserve these ancient artifacts, the IAA currently uses multispectral imaging, which reveals details at various light wavelengths. These tiny details are invisible to the naked eye, but the computerized technology can map and measure what is captured.

Dershowitz and his colleague Kurar-Barakat set out to develop a computer tool that focuses on both the parchment and the handwriting within each fragment.

Multispectral images reveal more than just color, Dershowitz noted. Light reflects differently depending on the material  ink, parchment, background  and the computer can use those reflections, rather than color alone, to identify each element.

He announced that the project has already been successfully tested on roughly 20 ancient fragments.

The approximately 2,000-year-old scrolls, inscribed in Hebrew, were discovered by chance in 1947 in caves near the Dead Sea.

Scholars have historically dated these texts to between the fourth and second centuries BCE, but recent AI-driven research in June suggested that the Dead Sea Scrolls could be even older.
The headquarters of the Southern Baptist Convention, located in Nashville, Tennessee. | Photo Credit: Southern Baptist Convention Official Website

An appeals court panel recently ruled against Will McRaney in his lawsuit accusing a missions agency of defamation.

McRaney, a former Southern Baptist state convention leader, had filed the lawsuit against the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board (NAMB), claiming that it had gotten him fired from a position with the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.

A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld a lower courts dismissal of McRaneys case in a 2-1 decision last week.

Circuit Judge Andrew S. Oldham authored the majority opinion, writing that NAMB was protected by the church autonomy doctrine, which prohibits any court from adjudicating McRaneys claims.

Civil courts cannot adjudicate ecclesiastical matters, Oldham explained. The church autonomy doctrine also forbids courts from adjudicating matters of church governance, including church discipline and the churchs understanding of its own membership.

He further stated, On the merits, the church autonomy doctrine bars all of McRaneys claims against NAMB. Although his claims are facially secular, their resolution would require secular courts to opine on matters of faith and doctrine and intrude on NAMBs internal management decisions that are essential to [its] central mission.

However, Circuit Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez dissented from the majority, noting that McRaneys secular claims against a third-party organization do not implicate matters of church government or of faith and doctrine.

Determining whether NAMB acted willfully or wantonly does not implicate religious beliefs, procedures, or law, Ramirez argued.

The dispute stems from a 2012 Strategic Partnership Agreement between NAMB and the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, aimed at better evangelizing nonbelievers in the region.

At the time, McRaney served as the executive director of the BCMD, but disagreements arose over how to implement the agreement, with NAMB taking issue with his leadership. In June 2015, the BCMD unanimously voted to terminate McRaney, reportedly due to concerns about his leadership abilities.

In 2017, McRaney filed a lawsuit against NAMB, alleging defamation and claiming that the SBC entity had influenced his firing.

A Mississippi judge ruled against McRaney in April 2019, but a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit reversed that decision and remanded the case to the lower court for further proceedings.

In February 2021, NAMB filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that it was protected by the ministerial exemption, but the Court declined to hear the case.
Home News Canadian church fighting $2,500 fine for hosting worship leader Sean Feucht 'This is the first step in defending the Church'

A church in Montreal, Quebec, is fighting the $2,500 ticket the city government slapped on them in July for hosting activist missionary and worship leader Sean Feucht without a permit.

Ministerios Restauracion Church, a Spanish-speaking congregation in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, has pleaded not guilty to violating a city bylaw when they offered their church to Feucht after Montreal and other Canadian cities canceled stops in his "Revive in 25" tour.

The church's attorneys, who are being funded by The Democracy Fund, have appealed the ticket in both municipal court and the Quebec Superior Court, alleging the city government abused its power and violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, according to a press release earlier this month.

The city of Montreal declined The Christian Post's request for comment, citing ongoing litigation.

The appeal asks for the fine to be expunged, a declaration that the church has a right to conduct prayer and musical worship, and $10,000 in damages for alleged violation of Charter rights.

"This is the first step in defending the Church and ensuring that Christians in Canada have the same rights to freely and peacefully worship as anyone else," TDF litigation director Mark Joseph said in a statement.

"TDF-funded lawyers expect to argue at Superior Court that both the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantee these rights."

Often citing "public safety concerns," eight cities in Canada canceled tour stops this summer by Feucht, an outspoken Trump supporter who has denounced abortion, transgender ideology and homosexuality.

When Feucht's initial tour stop in Montreal was canceled in July and the city fined the church for hosting him, Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante's office said they issued the punishment to the congregation because they platformed Feucht despite objections from the city government regarding his opinions.

"This show runs counter to the values of inclusion, solidarity, and respect that are championed in Montreal," a spokesperson for the mayor said in a statement to the National Post at the time. "Freedom of expression is one of our fundamental values, but hateful and discriminatory speech is not acceptable in Montreal."

"A ticket was issued because the organization violated the regulations by going ahead with the show," the spokesperson added.

Feucht's appearance at the church, which was interrupted by a smoke bomb, drew heavy armed police presence, and officers arrested a 38-year-old protester at the event for obstruction.

Feucht, who performed worship music last Sunday during the vigil for the late Charlie Kirk at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., warned in July of growing anti-Christian sentiment among Canadian authorities.

"Here's the hard truth: If I had shown up with purple hair and a dress, claiming to be a woman, the government wouldnt have said a word. But to publicly profess deeply held Christian beliefs is to be labeled an extremist  and to have a free worship event classified as a public safety risk," Feucht said.

Feucht rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for launching his "Let Us Worship" movement in protest of government-enforced church lockdowns. Canada drew international scrutiny during the pandemic when multiple pastors were jailed in the country for holding church services in defiance of ongoing lockdown orders.
Home News Pastor, TPUSA Faith co-chair urges Candace Owens to 'be a friend to Charlie,' stop pushing theories

A pastor and friend of the late Charlie Kirk cited a Bible verse highlighting the character traits of a true friend in response to claims peddled by Candace Owens after her friend was assassinated.

Rob McCoy, the pastor emeritus at Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park, California, released a statement on Instagram Tuesday, describing himself as Kirks friend and pastor. The pastor serves as the co-chair of TPUSA Faith, which he launched alongside the Turning Point USA founder in 2021.

Charlie Kirk was a friend to Candace and never publicly spoke poorly of her, though he disagreed with her, McCoy stated. He never operated nor entertained gossip or innuendo concerning Candace.

My only comment I offer regarding Candace is this: I only wish at this tragic time of mourning she would be the friend to Charlie that he was to her, the pastor added. He would never have treated Candace or her family in such a way had, God forbid, this tragedy been hers.

A friend loves at all times , he wrote, citing Proverbs 17:17, which states, A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Owens responded to the pastor on her show Wednesday, saying, "Why don't you focus on being more honest as a pastor, and giving as much information as you can possibly provide so we can continue this investigation. If you can't do this, I'm going to have to ask for your silence. Be quiet."

The 31-year-old founder of the conservative nonprofit TPUSA was fatally shot last Wednesday during a Q&A with students at Utah Valley University as part of his The American Comeback Tour.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with Kirks murder, which Utah prosecutors argue was a politically motivated attack. The suspect, who was in a relationship with his trans-identifying roommate, reportedly believed Kirk was spreading hate.

On Monday, Owens claimed on her podcast that the investigation into Kirks murder had a lot of inconsistencies and holes in it. Throughout the episode, Owens focused on Israel, alleging that the TPUSA founder had become concerned about Israel and their influence on American politics.

Kirk had allegedly started to change his mind about Israel, which she implied might have played a part in his murder.

The pundit commented on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus interview with Newsmax after Kirks murder, where the host asked the Israeli official for his thoughts on the conspiracy theory that Israel had something to do with the activists assassination. Netanyahu rejected the claim, connecting it to a hatred for the Jewish people that has existed for centuries and continued on through the Holocaust.

Ah, well, he mentioned the Holocaust. Guess we can't prod the narrative any further, guys. Holocaust. So, everybody's just stopped talking about anything, Owens said. I mean, hey, he's the victim. It's absurd.

Were sick of this s, she insisted. We really are. And there will be no narrative that I will not prod when it comes to figuring out why people are lying about the state that Charlie was in uh, when it came to the topic of Israel.

Owens also alleged that Netanyahu called Kirk earlier this year and attempted to persuade him to visit Israel because the influencer was starting to reverse his support for the Jewish State. In response to Kirks supposedly evolving stance on Israel, Owens claimed that Bill Ackman, an American billionaire and hedge fund manager, staged an intervention.

The billionaire allegedly invited Kirk out to the Hamptons earlier this year, where Owens claimed Ackman threatened the TPUSA founder.

This was an under duress situation, I would say, because I've been in these situations before, the pundit declared. When I started asking very sensible questions about Israel, as someone who had dedicated her political life to supporting Israel many times alongside Charlie Kirk, I was met with the very same pressure.

In a Monday X post, Ackman disputed Owens claims about the meeting, stating that he had never threatened or blackmailed the TPUSA founder. On Tuesday, the billionaire expressed a desire to put this whole thing to bed by sharing private messages that he exchanged with Kirk after the meeting.

People who were friends with Kirk, including Andrew Kolvet, the executive producer of "The Charlie Kirk Show," and PragerU host Xaviaer DuRousseau, also disputed Owens claims about the meeting.

In an opinion piece published by Newsweek yesterday, conservative commentator Josh Hammer, another friend of Kirks, accused people like Owens of attempting to rewrite the influencers legacy for their own nefarious ends.

Hammer also stressed that Kirk was a great friend of the Jewish people and Israel through to the end of his life and referenced a Zoom call that he had with the TPUSA founder hours before his assassination.

During the call, Hammer said that he helped Kirk prepare for some of the anti-Israel questions that he expected to hear during his upcoming campus tour, and that Kirk was concerned about a rise in antisemitism.

Owens, who worked as a communications director at TPUSA from 2017 to 2019, has repeatedly garnered attention for her comments that many deem antisemitic. In December 2024, the watchdog group StopAntisemitism crowned the political pundit as Antisemite of the Year, highlighting statements that Owens has made about the Holocaust, Israel and the Jewish people.
Home News Iraqi Christian killed in France after facing online threats from Muslims

An Iraqi Christian was stabbed to death last Friday while livestreaming on TikTok about his faith outside his apartment in Lyon, France.

Ashur Sarnaya, a disabled Assyrian Christian who used a wheelchair, had fled persecution from the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Iraq and had reportedly stated that he received threats in online comments and anonymous phone calls. He was 45.

The attack reportedly happened before 10:30 p.m. local time near his apartment at 53 Rue Sergent Michel Berthet in the ninth arrondissement. Witnesses reported that the assailant waited for Sarnaya and stabbed him in the neck.

The regional daily news website Le Progres reported that the attacker severed Sarnayas carotid artery and fled. Le Progres reported that Sarnaya suffered cardio-respiratory arrest when emergency services arrived and could not be revived.

In a video clip still online Thursday morning, we see the victim, authenticated by relatives, with blood on his face, visibly flowing from his nose and mouth, Le Progres reported.

A witness showed news agency AFP a video of a person seen from behind leaving the scene, wearing dark clothing and a hood over his head, whom he identified as the perpetrator of the murder, according to Le Progres.

A police source told Le Progres that authorities are not yet prioritizing a theory on motives for the murder.

Nothing points us in the direction of a solid line of inquiry, whether criminal, political, religious or drug-related, the officer reportedly said. He was very active on social media; we are working on that.

Sarnaya left Iraq in 2014 to escape Islamist persecution and lived with his sister in France. He often shared Christian messages in Arabic online, stated the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe). Sarnaya had reportedly stated that Muslim social media users harassed and attacked him.

Many Christian organizations in France have condemned the murder and are calling for Christians in the Middle East to be able to practice their faith safely and live with dignity, stated OIDAC Europe. Indeed, this murder is unimaginable given Ashurs history of fleeing persecution.

Sarnaya shared testimonies of faith in Arabic on social media, and in March he stated that he was physically attacked by Muslims, according to Catholic News Agency. In one instance cited by Aleteia France, he said his content was blocked or suspended as a result of reports by Muslims, the agency reported.

The president of the Assyro-Chaldean Association of Lyon, Georges Shamoun Ishaq, told Catholic media that Sarnaya was a very kind, discreet person, deeply believing, who liked to speak about the Christian faith, according to the Catholic News Agency.

Lyons prosecutor has launched an intentional homicide investigation. The Organized and Specialized Crime Division (DCOS) has taken on the investigation.

OIDAC Europe cited the murder as an example of anti-Christian acts in France, which increased by 13% in the first half of this year.

OIDAC Europe has been highlighting the vulnerability of Christian converts in Europe to various international organizations, and continues to emphasize that governments must ensure the security of all believers in Europe, including converts. This is a human rights concern, not a political issue, the group stated.

OIDAC Europe referred to a new guide on anti-Christian hate crimes that highlights the vulnerability of Christian converts in Europe and urges governments to ensure better protection. The guide was published by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Given many of those affected are refugees who have fled persecution in their country of origin, the impact of such hate crimes can intensify the trauma they have already endured, increasing their need for support services, the guide states.

OIDAC Europe update added, Ashur Sarnayas tragic death reminds us not only of the need for further government action but for society as a whole to stand in solidarity.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International
Home News Pa. church reaches agreement over eminent domain dispute; city to pay $350K, gets property City aims to restore historic house for nation's 250th anniversary

A Pennsylvania city and a church have reached an agreement to end a months-long eminent domain case, with the municipality paying $350,000 to gain control of a historic property.

The city of Easton and Rock Church of Easton reached an interim agreement over the Hooper House, a local downtown historic property, lehighvalleylive.com reported.

As part of the interim agreement, the city will pay $350,000 to acquire the property, with the funds set to rehabilitate the house. Any money that remains will go to Rock Church, reported lehighvalleylive.com.

The Hooper House was constructed in 1761 and is one of the surviving buildings in Easton from that time period. Under church ownership, the structure has been vacant for the past few years.

Easton City Solicitor Jeremy Clark announced the interim agreement at a city council meeting held last week, noting that it came just as the two parties were slated to go to trial.

So, thats a really great result for the downtown. We get to preserve this property, we can start preservation work on the Hooper House immediately, thanks to this resolution, said Clark.

In June of last year, the city council approved a resolution introduced by Mayor Salvatore J. Panto Jr. seeking to take control of the Hooper House property via eminent domain.

According to the resolution, the 18th century home has been deemed blighted by the city and local officials wanted to remedy the blighted condition as well as turn the property into a historical educational resource.

Rock Church had owned the property since 1982. Beginning in April 2012, the historic property has been labeled by officials as being in poor condition due to decades of damage to the structure.

The church and the city had been in talks about the latter acquiring the property for the past few years, with the mayor hoping even after the resolution was passed to reach an agreement instead.

Weve never filed against the Rock Church, owners of the Hooper House," Panto said last year, as reported by Lehigh Valley News. I believe very strongly, and I can say this part of it, that we have two years to restore it. I think it should be done for the 250th anniversary of the country. And so we're bringing it up now.
Home News Rare coin hoard unearthed in Galilee reveals hidden chapter of Jewish revolt against Rome

A remarkable discovery in northern Israel has shed light on one of the least-documented Jewish uprisings against Roman rule.

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Zefat Academic College have unearthed a hoard of 22 bronze coins, dating back more than 1,600 years, in the ancient settlement of Hukok in the Lower Galilee.

The treasure was found stashed in a small crevice deep inside an underground hiding complex, a network of tunnels and chambers first carved during the Great Revolt (6670 CE) and later adapted for the Bar-Kochba Revolt (132136 CE). To the researchers surprise, the coins turned out to be from a much later conflict  the Gallus Revolt of 351352 CE, the last Jewish rebellion under Roman rule.

It seems that the people stashing this hoard carefully planned its hiding place, hoping to return to it when the threatening troubles were over, explained archaeologist Uri Berger of the IAA and professor Yinon Shivtiel of Zefat Academic College. The coins were discovered in a pit, deliberately dug at the end of a narrow winding tunnel.

The find includes coins bearing the visages of Roman emperors Constantius II and Constans I, who ruled during the mid-fourth century CE.

According to Berger and Shivtiel, this rare evidence confirms that the Hukok tunnels  originally dug centuries earlier  were reused in times of later crisis. The hoard provides  in all probability, unique evidence that this hiding complex was used in one way or another during another crisis  during the Gallus Revolt  a rebellion for which we have only scant historical evidence of its existence, they noted.

The hiding complex at Hukok is one of the most elaborate in the Galilee, with narrow passageways, chambers and escape routes. Excavations between 2019 and 2023 were carried out as part of a broad educational initiative that brought together students, volunteers and local residents.

Fortunately, it was the many volunteers excavating the hiding complex who actually uncovered this important treasure, and they enjoyed this great moment of joy and excitement of discovery, said Dr. Einat Ambar-Armon, director of the IAAs Community Archaeological Educational Center in the Northern Region. The excavation thus became not only an important scientific event, but also a significant communal educational experience  one that brings the public closer to its heritage, and strengthens the sense of belonging and the connection to the past.

The discovery will be formally presented this week at the Between Josephus and Eusebius conference at Kinneret Academic College. A first scientific publication will appear in the Israel Numismatic Societys journal Israel Numismatic Research.

For the IAA, the Hukok site has become a flagship project. The Israel Antiquities Authority considers the Hukok site, considering all its discoveries, as a flagship project, which will be a magnet for tourists from Israel and the world, said IAA Director Eli Escusido.

Keren Kayemet LeYisraelJewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), which partners in the project, is now developing plans to open Hukok to the public. The Hukok site is a model for the successful integration of nature, tourism and archaeology, said Sheli Ben Iishai, director of KKL-JNFs Northern Region.

Though the Gallus Revolt ended in tragedy, the settlement of Hukok would later flourish, capped by the construction of a magnificent synagogue adorned with mosaics  a testament to resilience after centuries of turmoil.

This article was originally published at All Israel News
Home Opinion Charlie Kirk's murder: What the First Amendment doesn't protect

In the wake of Charlie Kirks assassination, one would expect sympathy for him and his family. Calls for peace. Well wishes for his family. An overall desire for things to get better.



But that is not what happened.



Horrific comments filled the internet. Lies about Kirk. Calls that other people, including his wife, to be killed next. This development only compounds the despair. It tells us that the bloodlust was not isolated. The murder came with the support of a very vocal minority that fostered the online environment that incited Kirks killer.

Consider comments like this one by a policeman, which accused Kirk of being openly racist and, as a result, aint really winning in the empathy department. Or this one saying that Kirk hated the LGBTQ community. This musician said that more political violence will have to happen against conservatives to have a better world. Or this one that says lets make more martyrs. Stephen King lied about Kirk, saying he had openly advocated for stoning gays, which he later admitted was not true.

These employees act surprised when they get fired or suspended from their jobs. This has led these recently terminated people, or media personalities like Don Lemon, wrongly invoking free speech. The term is thrown about without any understanding of its limits.

It should be prefaced by saying that all First Amendment cases have to be evaluated on their individual merits. So, any individual example cannot be generalized within an op-ed. But there are general principles that do not seem to be understood.

First, the First Amendment only restricts the government from regulating speech. But this does not limit the consequences of speech, especially if one is privately employed. An employer likely does not wish to employ someone who advocates for violence or knowingly spreads lies.

Even if an employee is a government employee, the employee cannot go to social media to post offensive thoughts. If the government employer finds that the speech disrupts the efficient conduct of government operations, it can still fire the employee. Thus, for example, an employee who posts a confederate flag and calls for a revolution may be fired by a government employer.

Outside the employment context, the Supreme Court recently summarized the limits to free speech. The First Amendment permits restricting free speech if there is incitement  directed at producing imminent lawless action. The classic example, of course, is a KKK speech stating that there might have to be some revengeance [sic] taken, which was found to be incitement.

Another is defamation, which is false statements of fact harming anothers reputation. The key here is saying something that is provably false in order to damage anothers reputation. An example of defamation is falsely accusing someone of a crime.

Thus, when a conservative advocates for the firing, or other consequences, of someone who makes offensive statements, statements that spread lies, or statements that may incite others to commit crimes, the conservative is neither violating the legal principles of the First Amendment nor the spirit of the First Amendment. They are more accurately insisting that speech come with accountability  whether it be public rejection of their ideas or the termination of contractual relationships. Actual calls for further violence are not akin to canceling someone because they are pro-life or wear a MAGA hat. Blatant lies designed to injure the reputation of another are not akin to disagreement. This recent effort by conservatives is not akin to the cancel culture we have observed over the last decade or so.

In other contexts, this general framework could even be used by the government to regulate speech. For example, for organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, which have for decades framed conservatives as hateful, white supremacists, racists, etc., they may be crossing the line into defamation. And, on at least one occasion, their hate map did incite violence. Kirks organization, Turning Point USA, too, was on its website, though it is unknown if there is a link between the two.

It is important for the government to stay out of the business of censorship. It should not regulate political opinions or even hateful thoughts. Indeed, the spirit of the First Amendment is to protect offensive speech. We must vigorously protect the opinions, even wrong or offensive ones, that are held against Kirk. But when speech crosses the line and calls for more violence, spreads lies, or is so offensive that it impacts those who work with an employee, that speech must be held accountable. A civilized society demands this.
Home Opinion Leaving Islam for Christs freedom convicted me that silence is sin

In a world that vilifies biblical truth, the temptation to stay silent grows stronger every day. Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us theres a time to be silent and a time to speak, yet too often Christians choose silence when the world needs our voice the most.



As a former Muslim who spent years navigating spiritual deception before encountering Christ, I understand the cost of keeping quiet. Silence can feel safe, but its a betrayal of the Gospel. We are called to proclaim truth boldly, even when it costs us everything, as it did for Charlie Kirk, whose recent martyrdom ignited a fire for revival.

Silence often stems from unbelief. When we doubt Gods power, we clamp our mouths shut, much like Zechariah, struck mute for questioning Gods promise of a son. Before I knew Jesus, I thought silence was strategic  avoiding conflict to blend in. Faith demands more. As 2 Corinthians 4:13 declares, I believed, therefore I spoke. We who believe must speak, openly proclaiming truth as Paul urged in 2 Corinthians 4:2, renouncing the things hidden because of shame. In a culture quick to brand biblical convictions as hate speech, unbelief whispers to stay quiet. Faith shouts.

Speaking truth comes at a price. John 3:20 warns that the world hates the light because it exposes evil. Scripture and history bear this out: Abel, the first martyr; John the Baptist, beheaded for calling out sin; Stephen, stoned for his unyielding testimony in Acts 7. Modern heroes like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bobby Kennedy paid with their lives for their convictions.



Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was gunned down for preaching Gods word.

Some call it hate speech, but truth often sounds like hate to those in darkness. Jesus Himself was crucified for speaking the truth. Silent before Pilate, bearing our sins, He spoke when asked if He was King: For this purpose I have come into the world: to testify to the truth (John 18:37). Pilates scoff  What is truth?  mirrors todays relativism, where truth is sacrificed for tolerance.

My journey from Islam to Christianity taught me that silence enables oppression. In Islamic regimes, dissent is crushed, much like the synagogue leaders who accused Stephen of blasphemy when they couldnt counter his wisdom. They covered their ears and killed him, just as todays cancel culture silences truth-tellers. Stephens angelic face as he forgave his killers echoes the love that transformed me from legalism to grace. Ephesians 5:11 compels us: Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them. Charlies martyrdom wasnt murder; it was a spark for revival. After his death and Erikas powerful speech, Turning Point USA grew from 2,000 to 32,000 chapters. The enemy snuffed out a candle, but God ignited an inferno.

Yet how many of us shrink back? Like Moses, reluctant to lead, or Isaiah, feeling unworthy, we make excuses. Fear of rejection? Loss of approval? Luke 6:26 warns, Woe to you when all the people speak well of you. We are sent  dispatched by Jesus, who said, Just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you (John 20:21). Silence isnt an option. Psalm 39:2 describes the pain of holding back: I was mute and silent ... And my pain was stirred up. Paul, battered in Corinth, heard Christ say, Go on speaking and do not be silent (Acts 18:9). Charlie was a megaphone for truth; we must be too.

This isnt about politics or rabbit holes like gun control  Charlies killer used a hunting rifle that would not be banned through legislation. Laws dont fix hearts. This is a spiritual battle. We need righteousness, not policies. In love, we must confront sin and proclaim the Savior. Ephesians 4:15 urges us to speak the truth in love, growing into Christ. A doctor doesnt hide a cancer diagnosis; we cant conceal sins malignancy. Isaiah 40:9 commands, Raise your voice forcefully ... Say, Here is your God! Like Peter and John, ordered to stop preaching Jesus, we must say, We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard (Acts 4:18-20).

Our mission is not merely to transform nations through political or social means, but to engage in a spiritual battle: to storm the very gates of Hades and win souls for the Kingdom of God. This echoes the transformative power seen throughout biblical history. Consider the martyrdom of Stephen, though tragic, served as a catalyst, scattering the believers to go preach everywhere they went, igniting a spiritual wildfire. Similarly, Pauls subsequent imprisonment and chains, seemingly restrictive, actually advanced the Gospel, as his testimony reached those in power and his letters inspired countless others. In our own time, the martyrdom of individuals like Charlie can serve a similar purpose, awakening us to the urgency of our mission and stirring a renewed passion for the lost.

This resonates deeply with the prophetic words of Malachi 4:5-6, which promise the coming of Gods messenger to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, thereby averting destruction. This turning of hearts is not just about familial reconciliation, but a spiritual awakening that bridges generational divides and restores foundational relationships, both within families and within the broader community of faith.

Indeed, we are witnessing signs of such an awakening today. For the first time in decades, Gen Z is leading in church attendance, demonstrating a hunger for spiritual truth and a willingness to engage with faith in a meaningful way. This unprecedented shift is a powerful indicator that revival is not just a historical concept, but a living reality unfolding before our eyes. It is a testament to the enduring power of God to move in unexpected ways and through unexpected generations, drawing all people to Himself. This generation, often perceived as secular, is proving to be fertile ground for the Holy Spirit, signaling a renewed hope for the future of the church and a fresh outpouring of God's grace.

Leaving Islam for Christs freedom convicted me: silence is sin. We must repent and call others to repentance. To honor Charlie, imitate him as he imitated Christ. Hanani  here I am, Lord, send me. I invite you to join this bold proclamation because the sin of silence ends when we speak fearlessly.
Windows 10 support ends on 14 October 2025. But this isnt just about whats going away; its about whats possible when you upgrade. For small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), modern devices dont just run faster. They help your team work smarter, with built-in AI tools that save time, reduce friction, and unlock new ways to get things done.

If your business runs lean, every minute matters. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro PCs with Intel vPro devices and Copilot+ PCs with Intel Core Ultra for your power users gives your team the speed, battery life, and AI features they need to stay in flowwithout waiting on IT.

The slowdown you dont need

Older PCs arent just slower; theyre holding your team back. According to Microsofts Work Trend Index, 64% of employees say they struggle with having enough time or energy to do their job. And when devices lag, meetings drag, and multitasking becomes a mess, productivity takes a hit.

What are the upsides you will feel when you upgrade, especially in a busy SMB?

Speed your team notices : Windows 11 pro powered by Intel vPro devices deliver up to 50% faster workflows and complete demanding tasks ~42% faster than typical Windows 10-era machines

: Windows 11 pro powered by Intel vPro devices deliver and complete demanding tasks than typical Windows 10-era machines Battery life that lasts : Copilot+ PCs with Intel Core Ultra inside offer up to 22 hours of local video playback and 15 hours of web browsing , ideal for hybrid work

: Copilot+ PCs with Intel Core Ultra inside offer and , ideal for hybrid work AI that actually helps : Built-in tools like Recall (preview), Click to Do, and improved search help users summarise, organise, and find what they needwithout constant roundtrips to the cloud

: Built-in tools like Recall (preview), Click to Do, and improved search help users summarise, organise, and find what they needwithout constant roundtrips to the cloud Better meetings, less fatigue: Windows Studio Effects improve video calls with automatic framing, natural eye contact, and noise suppression

Were productive enough objections, addressed

We dont need AI? You might not need it until you try it. 85% of organisations say AI gives them a competitive edge, and 79% report a 3.5x return on AI investments.

On the other hand, if you are already using AI tools to boost productivity without IT oversight, remember that these are often consumer-grade and unsecured. Transitioning to Microsoft Copilot ensures your team enjoys the benefits of AI with enterprise-grade security, compliance, and integration across Microsoft 365. Its productivity without the risk.

If your team objects to change, saying were used to what we have, assure them that familiar tools, broad app compatibility, and cloud provisioning mean your team can upgrade without disruption. And if you feel you are too busy to switch, start with a pilot group. Windows 11 supports in-place upgrades and ringed deployments, so you dont need a full shutdown to get started.

Still think your current PCs are still good? Older PCs are more susceptible to security incidents. Besides, new PCs will increase efficiency gains, especially for security teams.

Your quick productivity checklist

Not sure where to start? Weve put together a checklist to help you. Always remember that it is important to keep it simple.

CPU : Latest Intel Core with vPro and Intel Core Ultra (look for NPU support for Copilot+)

: Latest Intel Core with vPro and Intel Core Ultra (look for NPU support for Copilot+) Memory/Storage : 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD for most users.

: 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD for most users. Battery : Long battery life with fast charging.

: Long battery life with fast charging. Collaboration : Webcam, dual mics, and Wi-Fi 6E or 7.

: Webcam, dual mics, and Wi-Fi 6E or 7. AI features : Recall, Click to Do, and Windows Studio Effects.

: Recall, Click to Do, and Windows Studio Effects. Best AI experience: Intels CPU, GPU, and NPU provide three engines for Al acceleration, powering Copilot+ experiences; Intel supports 500+ AI models and provides developers with leading tools and AI developer kits, enhancing experiences for commercial customers.

Need to get your CFO on board? Lead with these two points:

If a device saves just 10 minutes a day, thats ~40 hours a year per employeenearly a full work week. Faster workflows and fewer delays mean real savings in time, energy, and output.

Bottom line

The Windows 10 deadline is coming, but the real story is what comes next. Move to Windows 11 Pro with Intel vPro (and Copilot+ PCs with Intel Core Ultra where it counts) and youll get faster machines, smarter tools, and AI that helps your team do morewith less effort.

The smartest SMBs wont wait for the deadlinetheyll upgrade now and bank the upside.
In todays hyper-connected, AI-driven world, the role of IT and security leaders has evolved from operational guardians to strategic enablers of business growth. But with this evolution comes complexitylayer upon layer of it.

A new qualitative research report from Chief Disruptor, sponsored by Tanium, The Interconnection between People, Process and Technology, offers fresh insights into how 22 global industry leaders are navigating this complexity and, more importantly, what it really takes to build resilience.

While AI and automation are front and centre in every conversation, the path to value is anything but straightforward. Many organisations are struggling to scale beyond proof-of-concept, often due to fragmented processes, siloed teams, or misaligned priorities. Its clear from these interviews that all three areaspeople, processes, and technologyare essential components of an effective cybersecurity and resilience strategy.

Breaking down the research

People

Despite the technical nature of cybersecurity, the human element emerged as a dominant theme. Leaders consistently cited the strain on teams that bear responsibility for cyber resilience, often without adequate resources or skills. The talent shortage is acute, and external hiring is costly, prompting many to prioritize upskilling existing staff.

Automation has generally been well received, with employees becoming freed from repetitive tasks and empowered to contribute more strategically. Leaders spoke of human augmentation and supercharging capabilities, emphasizing that AI should enhancenot replacehuman decision-making.

However, change management remains a hurdle. Resistance to new ways of working and concerns around AIs impact on roles must be addressed through transparent communication and inclusive implementation. Trust is essential, and leaders stressed the importance of involving teams early in the adoption of new technologies to foster a cyber-safe culture across the enterprise.

Process

Modernising internal processes is vital for agility and resilience. Many organisations struggle with legacy systems and siloed operations, which hinder scalability and collaboration. Rapid growth has exacerbated these issues, creating friction between departments, ultimately slowing down innovation.

Interviewees highlighted the need to streamline workflows and eliminate outdated practices. AI and automation are seen as key enablers, helping to align operational speed with strategic goals and reduce inefficiencies. Breaking down silos and fostering cross-functional collaboration were recurring recommendations for improving process maturity.

Technology

Interestingly, technology was described as the easiest part to get rightprovided its aligned with business objectives. Leaders warned against adopting tools for their own sake, urging a problem-first approach to tech deployment. As one contributor noted, lead with business challenges, not the hammer looking for a nail.

AI and automation are already being used to enhance threat detection and response capabilities. The hype may have peaked, but practical implementation is now the focus. Leaders agreed that success depends on laying the right foundationsensuring scalability, integration, and trust are built into the strategy from the outset.

Achieving people, process, and technology balance

The research underscores the importance of a measured strategy across people, process, and technology. Whilst Automation and AI offer transformative potential, human expertise remains central to security and IT transformationit is all about finding the right balance.

Learn more about how leaders are finding this balance in The Interconnection between People, Process and Technology, and learn more about how Tanium AEM protects global enterprises and mission-critical institutions using real-time endpoint data with AI-driven insights.
By Ivelin Radkov, Adobe

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into an Islamic charity after concerns were raised over the reporting of its finances.

It initially investigated Hussaini Charitable Trust as part of a double-defaulter class inquiry after it failed to submit its full accounts for the financial years ending 31 March 2022 and 2023.

During this time, the charity went into default for the financial year ending 31 March 2024, despite warnings from the commission to submit its overdue accounts.

The regulator also conducted a review of the charitys bank account statements from 2023 to 2025 which showed payments to a connected party.

As part of the statutory inquiry, the commission will investigate the administration, governance and management of the charity.

In particular, it will focus on the trustees compliance over the charitys preparation and filing of its accounts and returns.

The regulator will assess potential conflicts of interest and payments to connected parties, whether they have been properly managed and if there has been any unauthorised personal benefit.

It will also investigate if the charity has operated for the public benefit and whether there are effective financial management and controls in place.

Following the inquiry, the commission said it will publish a report detailing the outcome and whether any action will be taken.

Hussaini Charitable Trust, which recorded an income of 121,000 in the year to March 2021, is based in London and works to advance Islamic culture and religion through education and providing support for the sick and poor.

The charity has been contacted for comment.

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The Felix Project and FareShare

Two large food redistribution charities have announced that they will merge to form a bigger and more ambitious organisation with greater national impact.

FareShare, created over 30 years ago, and The Felix Project, established by Justin and Jane Byam Shaw in 2016 in memory of their son, said they will be uniting to tackle the UKs scale of food waste and food insecurity at a time of urgent need.

The new organisation will adopt the Felix name and unveil a new brand identity gradually as part of a phased transition, which will include a period of dual branding.

In their announcement, the charities said that by combining FareShares national network with Felixs innovation and London expertise, the new organisation will unlock more food, more funding, and more influence.

Itll create an even stronger force in tackling food waste and hunger across the UK, to better support the thousands of charities and community groups that receive food, they said.

They added that the merger will allow them to pool resources, create more collaborative and efficient ways of working and be part of a stronger, joined-up solution to tackling food waste across the UK.

New leadership team selected

The Felix Project currently supplies surplus food to over 1,200 community organisations in London, while FareShare works with 17 regional partners to distribute surplus food to over 8,000 charities nationwide.

Both charities employ more than 200 members of staff, according to their most recent annual reports, while FareShare recorded an income of 23.1m in the year to March 2024 compared to The Felix Projects 15.9m income last year.

The charities have worked together since 2020, when The Felix Project became FareShares London delivery partner.

Charlotte Hill, who has led The Felix Project over the last three years, will continue as chief executive of the merged charity.

She said: Bringing together brilliant colleagues, volunteers and partners from both organisations gives us an unprecedented opportunity to scale up food provision for the UKs most vulnerable communities.

FareShares chief executive Kris Gibbon-Walsh will become deputy CEO of the new charity.

He said: This merger will enable us to do so much more to tackle food waste at source, whilst we continue to support our brilliant independent network partners through increased food volumes, funding and operational support.

Well also build on FareShares 30-year legacy of connecting good food with communities nationwide.

Dominic Blakemore, the current chair of FareShare and CEO of food service company Compass Group, will head up the new board of trustees.

He said: This merger exemplifies how two values-driven organisations can come together to increase their collective impact.

By uniting FareShares 30-year history of strategic partnerships and advocacy work with Felixs reputation for operational excellence, we can build something greater than the sum of the parts.

Meanwhile, Gavin Darby, who currently chairs The Felix Project, will become vice-chair of the new board.

On other personnel changes, a spokesperson for FareShare told Civil Society that they want the new charity to be bigger and bolder with greater reach, strength and national impact and to do that we need a team behind it, which means there may be new opportunities for staff.

The chief transformation officer and senior leadership team will be examining each department and how it works for both charities and will decide on how to integrate teams effectively, they said.

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By Adobe/BillionPhotos.com

More than one in three chief executives of the most well-known charities in Britain were privately educated, according to new research.

Today, social mobility charity the Sutton Trust published its Elitist Britain 2025 report, which reveals the extent to which leadership in several sectors is dominated by people from elite educational backgrounds.

Its analysis of the charity sector considered the educational backgrounds of CEOs of the 100 most famous UK charities, according to YouGov.

It found that 34% of these well-known charity CEOs attended private schools, almost five times higher than the general population average of 7%, while a further 15% went to selective state schools.

Some 95% of the charity CEOs included in the report attended university, with most going to a Russell Group institution.

Almost one in five of the charity CEOs studied at Oxbridge, compared to 1% of the general public.

Ban unpaid internships, charities urged

The report notes that often, there is fierce competition for charity job roles, with an expectation for work experience in the sector.

It notes that internship or work experience opportunities that are low paid or not remunerated at all are not openly advertised and out of reach for disadvantaged people.

Carl Cullinane, director of research and policy at the Sutton Trust, said: Charity and think tank leaders have the power to advocate for a broad range of groups.

However, theyre significantly more likely to have attended a private school or Oxbridge than the general public that they are representing.

More needs to be done to level the playing field in these organisations.

Measuring socioeconomic diversity, banning unpaid internships, and widening outreach are all ways through which organisations can work to widen their talent pool.

Access to post-graduate research also needs to improve.

Without action, the risk is that the voices of working-class people remain unrepresented in the rooms where their lives and futures are discussed.

ACEVO: Contrasting picture across charities more broadly

Shareen Patel, policy officer at charity leaders umbrella body ACEVO, said her organisations annual survey of sector CEOs painted a different picture to Sutton Trusts findings.

Three in four charity CEOs who responded to the survey were educated in state-run or state-funded schools, though the proportion declines amongst leaders of larger organisations, she said in reference to ACEVOs most recent survey.

This suggests that whilst the sector overall remains more representative than many others, barriers to leadership clearly remain.

If we want our sector to reflect the communities it aims to serve, we must continue to tackle the structural inequalities that shape access to opportunity, plus ensure leadership is determined by talent and not by ones privilege or background.

Also commenting on Sutton Trusts research, Social Mobility Foundation CEO Sarah Atkinson, said: Charity leaders and staff should reflect the rich and diverse communities we serve.

Yet as a sector were clearly shutting talented people out because of the type of school they went to and if they went to university  this data shows the evidence, and reflects what colleagues in the sector from working class backgrounds sometimes experience.

She advised charities to enter the Social Mobility Employer Index, which offers advice for all organisations to take steps to change their workplaces.

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By mojo_cp/Adobe

For decades, Ive navigated roles in clinical, project, change, and service management  both inside and outside the third sector  often feeling like I didnt quite belong.

At the height of my career, I directed the national services for the UKs largest charitable provider of equipment for disabled children. We provided grants, delivered emergency equipment, sensory play services, advocacy casework, and a nurse helpline  supporting thousands of families each year. It was work I deeply believed in, having grown up as a young carer to two disabled brothers.

But even as I achieved professionally, I struggled to make sense of myself at work. Tasks that seemed simple to others, such as responding to vague instructions or adapting to last-minute changes, often left me overwhelmed. Social expectations were a moving target. Even when I delivered projects well, I questioned whether I truly fitted in.

Everything changed after my son was diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. I started recognising myself in his experiences. Eventually, I sought my own assessment and was also diagnosed with autism. That diagnosis reframed a lifetime of confusion. My experiences werent irrational  they were understandable. Valid. Human.

The Promoting Neurodiversity report from the Association for Project Management (APM) echoed what I already knew: neurodivergent professionals bring strengths like creative problem-solving, deep focus, and strategic thinking. Yet, we face systemic barriers such as rigid hiring, chaotic environments, and unclear communication. The report made me feel less alone, and that I have a responsibility to speak up.

Organisations employ project managers to deliver organisational change, but how many also lead on developing EDI strategies that genuinely engage with  and learn from  disabled employees and stakeholders? Research from Diversity Mark shows that companies with robust EDI strategies are 120% more likely to reach their financial goals.

The emotional and financial cost of exclusion

Looking back, I see how exclusion has shaped my career. Ive faced bullying, discrimination, and gaslighting within well-known charities.

But exclusion isnt always overt and cruel. Sometimes its silent  being left out of meetings or expected to decipher unclear direction without support.

The emotional toll has been significant. I now live with post-traumatic stress disorder. Professionally, Ive missed out on opportunities, progression, and experienced extreme burnout.

I now recognise that I masked to try and fit in  mimicking others, hiding my struggles, pretending to cope. It was exhausting, but sadly in most workplaces, necessary.

When organisations fail to support neurodivergent staff, they dont just harm individuals  they lose talent and waste potential. They erode their own missions.

What inclusion should look like

Post-diagnosis, I began to see my strengths more clearly. My hyper-focus had helped me to create rapid-response systems that saved lives and prevented avoidable harm. My emotional insight helps me build meaningful relationships. My strategic thinking enables me to simplify complexity and design high-impact programmes.

These arent talents I have despite having autism  they are skills I have because of it.

APMs report highlights seven actions for neuroinclusion  from inclusive recruitment to workplace adjustments and peer networks. I have learned that even small changes like sending agendas in advance and providing written instructions arent special treatment. Theyre universal design principles that boost performance and protect wellbeing for all.

Today, I work for Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West as an ASD pathway financial wellbeing adviser, partnering with the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust to support adults awaiting or have recently been diagnosed with autism or ADHD. They face the same confusing systems I once did, often while feeling dismissed or misunderstood.

Citizens Advice  the peoples champion  is more than a source of expert advice. Its a place where staff and volunteers can represent their communities and ensure support for all. For the first time, I feel truly included. My neurodivergence isnt hidden or seen as a barrier. Its recognised as an asset. My insights are welcomed. My lived experience is valued.

That kind of inclusion isnt accidental. It comes from leadership that listens, structures that flex, and cultures that trust people to show up as their whole selves. It is the difference between surviving in a role and thriving in it.

The third sector must lead by example

The third sector talks a lot about inclusion. But if our own organisations are failing to support neurodivergent staff and volunteers, were undermining our own missions.

We cant fight for justice while perpetuating exclusion or reducing inclusion to a tick-box exercise.

Inclusion isnt about optics. Its about creating workplaces where everyone can contribute their best work because they are supported, respected, and understood.

I have gone from questioning whether I belonged to knowing that I do. That journey has shown me the true cost of neuroexclusion and the immense value of getting inclusion right.

Roughly 1520% of the UK population identifies as neurodivergent  around 13 million people. Ask yourself: how would you want your loved ones to be treated at work? What support might you need? How would you want to feel?

Lets treat others as we would want to be treated.

Great minds dont think alike! It is time we stopped counting neurodivergent people out and started counting the cost of failing this community. It is a cost the third sector  and society  can no longer afford.

Civil Society Voices is the place for informed opinion, and debate about the big issues affecting charities today. Were always keen to hear from anyone, working or volunteering at a charity, who has something to say. Find out more about contributing and how to get in touch. is the place for informed opinion, and debate about the big issues affecting charities today. Were always keen to hear from anyone, working or volunteering at a charity, who has something to say.
As a major storm rushed toward Florida last October, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the time faced a different kind of threat. Police had shown up in force to a rental property she owned as a result of a prank call, in a potentially dangerous attack known as swatting.

As back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton sparked a torrent of online conspiracies, FEMA officials faced harassment and death threats, according to hundreds of pages of agency emails and other documents obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request by Bloomberg News. The records shed new light on how disaster-related misinformation affects the governments emergency response, sucks up internal resources, and puts staff at risk.

Deanne Criswell, who ran FEMA under President Joe Biden, learned about the swatting situation as she was about to brief TV viewers on Milton, one of the most powerful storms on record to develop in the Gulf of Mexico. It was a very unsettling feeling, she said in a recent interview, thinking back on how she juggled her concern for her renters along with preparing Floridians for the storm.

Many of the attacks outlined in the documents have not previously been reported, including the doxxing of at least seven senior FEMA staffers. In those incidents sensitive personal information, such as home addresses, was published online for the purpose of harassment. The records also reveal challenges the agency faced as it tried to control the situation.

The incidents followed an online wave of disinformation suggesting FEMA was mishandling the response to the hurricanes that pummeled Florida and North Carolina in the lead up to the presidential election. Among the debunked claims swirling at the time were reports that agency workers had seized property from survivors and confiscated donations.

The offensive diverted agency time and resources to set the record straight and protect personnel. It made my staff nervous, said Criswell. It made people in the community nervous. They didnt know who to believe. They didnt know who to trust.

The threat of misinformation continues to loom over the agency at a time when President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have made steep cuts to its staffing and funding, including pulling back on some of the resources FEMA used last fall to combat threats. In the aftermath of deadly Texas floods in July, for example, conspiracy theories online blamed cloud seeding.

The profit-driven platform model, where sensational falsehoods outperform factual updates in emergencies, ensures this problem persists across political cycles and it can put lives at risk, said Callum Hood, head of research at the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate.

A FEMA spokesperson said in an email the agency uses internal DHS resources to identify and mitigate any personal threats to employees.

A Trail of Disinformation

Hurricane Helene made landfall in the middle of the night on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm, causing historic flooding far inland and killing at least 250 people. Western North Carolina was particularly hard hit. Flood waters swept away small towns and cut off others, while Asheville lost water for more than a month.

Almost immediately, FEMA staff had to confront false rumors circulating online, including that it had stopped accepting housing assistance applications from survivors and didnt have enough funds to help them. FEMA officials and experts attribute the quick spread of disinformation to historic government mistrust in the area, as well as social media platforms ratcheting back moderation. High-profile figures including X owner Elon Musk and Trump, then in the late stages of his bid to retake the White House, repeated some of the false claims. Trump, for example, said multiple times during his campaign rallies FEMA was directing disaster funds to immigrants.

Neither Musk nor the White House responded to requests for comment.

A conspiracy-filled social media environment helped stoke increasingly intimidating rhetoric against the agency and its staff, according to former FEMA officials and the internal documents. The personal attacks on FEMA staff was something that we had never seen before and I never really had anticipated it, said Michael Coen, who served as the agencys chief of staff under Criswell.

Publicly, FEMA officials pushed back against disinformation on social media, on the ground with survivors and in the press. The agency also put up a rumor page to debunk the false information. Behind closed doors, meanwhile, its security team monitored for threats, including by hiring cybersecurity firm ZeroFox to identify problematic posts and get social media platforms to take them down, according to emails between the agency and company.

For example, the agency shared a screenshot taken from a TruthSocial post from Oct. 5 that stated: Deanne Criswell needs to be executed for crimes against humanity and treason! An Oct. 6 post on Gab, a social media site favored by the far right, called for the Mussolini treatment of various officials. The only question: Is there enough rope? read one of the responses.

Jacyln Rothenberg, the agencys spokesperson at the time, was among the most heavily targeted, leading Homeland Security to loan Customs and Border Protection agents to provide security at her home. Because the doxxing was so severe and my safety was at risk, I had to stop tweeting, she said. I had to stop doing interviews. I had to stop putting myself on the record.

FEMA staff also found what it called far-right users posting possible personal information for numerous officials, including Criswell, Coen and Rothenberg, internal documents show.

Attacks on FEMA Offline

As a second powerful hurricane  Milton  developed off the coast of Florida, the attacks on staffers started migrating from the internet to their homes. After Criswells rental property was swatted, among other serious threats, then-DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas signed off on a government vehicle and extra security to protect the embattled FEMA chief.

Then it happened to someone else. My deputy Jenna Peters home was swatted, Coen told FEMAs security team in an email on Oct. 11. Peters did not respond to a request for comment.

The most high-profile incident involved a man allegedly hunting FEMA staff in North Carolinas disaster zone. On Criswells orders, she said in an email to other top Biden officials: All FEMA staff and contractors working to interact with survivors and conducting housing inspections, as well as search and rescue teams stood down following the initial reports.

Afterwards, FEMA put together a Workplace Protection Task Force involving security, intelligence and communications professionals to manage incoming threats. Protective measures included using specialized software to flag personnel previously targeted online as at risk of more harassment.

But there were limits to how far the government could influence content moderation. At the time, outspoken Republicans led by House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan were investigating tech companies, alleging that the platforms were censoring conservative viewpoints under federal government pressure.

After initially approving ZeroFox to assist with facilitating takedowns, FEMA later asked that the company end all social media content removal requests. Per internal documents, the move came after staff discussions that it wasnt advisable for the agency to contract for services that took any action beyond passive threat monitoring. ZeroFox declined to comment.

Trumps team has already overseen a massive scale back of FEMAs staffing, funding and programming. As part of a review of contracts, FEMA ended its agreement with ZeroFox, according to a former official familiar with the situation. A FEMA spokesperson confirmed that it ended the ZeroFox contract in April.

For Melissa Ryan, founder of Card Strategies, a consulting firm that researches disinformation, the current political climate  in which public officials who attempt to provide transparency are often politicized and attacked  is a bigger obstacle than budget cuts in the fight against false claims. So many of the new government appointees are Trump loyalists, and attempting to actually respond effectively to disinformation would make whoever made the attempt a target for MAGA and the administration, she said.

Top photo: Members of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force search a flood damaged area in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina in 2024.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
The U.S. Justice Department accused a British teenager on Thursday of engaging in a yearslong spree of cyberattacks that targeted 47 American organizations and netted more than $100 million in ransom payments.

Thalha Jubair, 19, from London, participated in a conspiracy to commit computer fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering in relation to at least 120 computer network intrusions between May 2022 to as recently as September 2025, according to a complaint filed Thursday by federal prosecutors in New Jersey.

The charges are a result of a nationwide investigation into a cybercrime group referred to as Scattered Spider, according to Alina Habba, acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

Jubair went by the names EarthtoStar, Brad, Austin, and @autistic, on Telegram and social media, according to the complaint. The US accused him of using social engineering techniques to gain access to companies computer networks, steal and encrypt their data and demand ransom payments for that informations safe return.

No victim organizations were named in the indictment, but the charges state that Jubair gained access to the networks of a U.S. based critical infrastructure company in October 2024 and the U.S. courts in January.

The arrest of Thalha Jubair underscores an undeniable truth: no matter how elusive or destructive these cyber-criminal syndicates are, we will continue to pursue those who allegedly extort our businesses and ensure they are held accountable, said Stefanie Roddy, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI.

In separate charges, British prosecutors on Thursday charged Jubair and another man over a cyberattack that disrupted Londons transport network for several weeks last year.

Jubair and Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall, West Midlands, were arrested following a lengthy investigation into the hack on Transport for London, or TfL, the National Crime Agency said in a statement Thursday.

TfL runs much of Londons rail, underground and bus services. The hack on its network, beginning on Aug. 31, 2024, didnt shut down transport in the city, but it did disrupt millions of travelers ability to pay for some services and access information online. The National Crime Agency said the cyberattack was carried out by members of the Scattered Spider group and that it caused millions of pounds in losses to the organization.

UK prosecutors said that Flowers and Jubair would face computer misuse and fraud-related charges. Both appeared at Londons Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday and were remanded in custody pending their next hearing on Oct. 16.

Attorneys for both men declined to comment.

Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings, said Hannah von Dadelszen, the Crown Prosecution Services chief crown prosecutor.

In addition to the charges concerning TfL, Flowers was charged by British prosecutors with alleged involvement in attacks that targeted US health-care companies SSM Health Care Corporation and Sutter Health. Jubair has been charged with a separate offense for allegedly failing to disclose the pin code or passwords for devices seized from him.

Paul Foster, head of the National Crime Agencys Cyber Crime Unit, said the charges were the result of a lengthy and complex investigation.

Earlier this year, the NCA warned of an increase in the threat from cybercriminals based in the UK and other English-speaking countries, said Foster in a statement.

Top photo: TfL runs much of Londons rail, underground and bus services. Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Police were called to Beachwood Middle School on a report that a female student was in possession of a knife. Beachwood police

BEACHWOOD, Ohio

Illegal dumping: Chagrin Boulevard

At 1:50 p.m. Sept. 8, police were called to Beachwood Apartments, 23511 Chagrin Blvd., where the property manager reported cases of illegal dumping in a dumpster on the property.

The manager told police that she had received photographs from two apartment residents showing two men, on separate occasions, throwing items into the dumpster.

Photos from Sept. 1 showed a man throwing numerous bags of suspected yard waste into the dumpster. The bags were brought to the property on a trailer of what appeared to be a landscapers truck.

On Sept. 3, the other man was seen throwing sections of a white couch into the dumpster.

After viewing street video, police were able to identify the Sept. 3 suspect and contacted him. He denied the dumping and said he had two sons, implying one of them might be responsible.

When told that video had captured his face, the man said he forgot he had thrown items into the dumpster.

This man had also been seen illegally dumping at Beachwood Apartments in the past. He was charged with illegal dumping.

Video did not help police identify the Sept. 1 suspect, as his trucks door obscured his face and his license plate was not visible.

The property manager told police that apartment residents are paying $50 per month to have their garbage collected.

That cost, she said, could be increasing for residents, as Waste Management has been picking up larger amounts of refuse from the complex due to the illegal dumping.

Domestic violence: Shaker Boulevard

At 4:45 p.m. Sept. 11, a man went to the police station to report that he had been assaulted by the mother of his children while they were in the parking lot of Ganon Gil Preschool, 26000 Shaker Blvd.

The couple had argued when attempting to drop off their 1-year-old son at the preschool, but had learned that the school felt the boy was not prepared to start that day.

The woman blamed the man for the miscommunication and failing to complete necessary paperwork.

The woman was also upset because the man was late in meeting her in the parking lot. She was additionally frustrated with school administrators.

The man told the woman that her anger problems were at the heart of the matter and that she probably needed medication to deal with her anger.

The woman, 39, of Cleveland, responded by cussing at the man, then swung on him with a closed fist as he held their son.

The man told police he did not believe the woman connected with her swing, but said he responded by punching her in the face and pinning her against her car.

He told police that his actions were done in defense of himself and the child.

The woman told the man she would calm down and he released her.

The woman then began to swing at the man once more, this time with keys in her hand. The man, still holding the baby, sustained two cuts to his face that caused bleeding.

She next pointed a pepper spray container that was on her key ring at his face.

It was at this time that a Jewish Federation security guard arrived and separated them.

The man told police he did not immediately make a police report because he had to go home and pick up his daughter, whom he also shares with the woman, to give her a ride to school.

He asked police for a protection order against the woman for himself and the two children.

Police contacted the woman, who said she could not speak at that time.

At 8:50 that night she appeared at the police station and was arrested for domestic violence and child endangering.

She did not appear to have bruises on her face, but said that, earlier, she had bruises and swelling.

She refused to talk with police until an attorney was present.

Obstructing official business: Fairmount Boulevard

At 2:35 a.m. Sept. 12, police spotted a Cadillac, occupied by two teen girls, parked in the lot of the Beachwood playground, 25125 Fairmount Blvd.

The 17-year-old girl in the passenger seat told police that the other girl had picked her up to ride around and that they then decided to park in the playground lot to talk.

The passenger, when asked, gave police her fathers phone number.

The father, of University Heights, came and picked up the girl, who was warned by police about the citys curfew.

The girl in the drivers seat told police she would be in a lot of trouble if her father knew she was not home. When pressed for her fathers phone number, she called a number and handed police the phone.

An officer spoke with a male who pretended to be the girls father. Police knew he was not the father when he was unable to properly spell the real fathers first name.

The girl admitted that the male on the phone was a friend who had agreed to help her.

The girl, of South Euclid, continued to refuse to tell police the correct phone number and, at one point, gave an officer a partial phone number, refusing to give the final digit of that number.

She then told police at 3:05 a.m. that her parents were in California and would be home later that morning.

The girl finally called her adult sister, who confirmed to police that their parents were at the time flying home from California.

Police made arrangements for the girl to be turned over to a University Heights woman.

The girl faces a charge of obstructing official business and a curfew violation.

Juvenile complaint: Richmond Road

At 2:05 p.m. Sept. 8, the principal of Beachwood Middle School, 2860 Richmond Road, called police to report that a student was in possession of a knife.

At the school, police learned that a girl had brought to school a purple comb that folded out into a knife.

Another girl, during a class, found the comb in the first girls purse and discovered that it was also a knife.

She played with it and other students saw the knife. This caused rumors to spread throughout the school.

The girl who owned the knife then went to the school secretary and told her of the weapon, stating she had accidentally brought the wrong purse to school and forgot the knife was inside.

She said she owns the knife as a means of protection when not in school.

The girl, 13, was told to bring the knife to the front office, but she did not do so and was subsequently removed from a classroom.

The principal confiscated the knife and called the girls mother, who did not want the knife. The knife was destroyed.

The girl did not use the knife to threaten anyone. The school did not wish to pursue charges.

Read more from the Sun Press.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -A $25 million gift from the Weatherhead Foundation will establish a leadership initiative at Case Western Reserve University to develop ethical and emotionally intelligent leaders, the school announced Thursday.

The Celia Scott Weatherhead Leadership Institute, set to launch in fall 2026, will be housed within the Weatherhead School of Management but serve students across the university. The interdisciplinary institute will focus on experiential and service-based leadership training for undergraduate, graduate and executive education students, Case said in a statement.

The institutes undergraduate program will span four years and include community and corporate projects, along with mentorship from alumni, faculty and peers.

Graduate-level coursework will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, including intersections among technology, business and the humanities. Non-degree programs, such as Weatherhead Executive Education, will also benefit from the institutes expanded leadership ecosystem.

Celia Weatherhead, who is president of the foundation and an emerita trustee of Case, said the institute aims to amplify the universitys existing strengths in leadership development.

Seeing the solutions-oriented, high-impact leaders that Case Western Reserve and the Weatherhead School have produced over the years made me realize there is a remarkable opportunity to not just continue this powerful work, but to amplify it exponentially, she said.

Case President Eric Kaler praised Weatherhead for her continued support.

As president of the Weatherhead Foundation, Celia has proven she is a strategic, impactful leaderchanging the lives of so many through thoughtful support to organizations that can make a difference, Kaler said.

Scott Cowen, a university trustee and former interim president of Case Western Reserve, will serve as the institutes inaugural chair. Cowen previously led the Weatherhead School as dean from 1984 to 1998 and later became president of Tulane University, Celia Weatherheads alma mater.

AI was used in the drafting of this story.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke was placed on paid leave Tuesday after reposting a political cartoon critical of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and Republicans on social media, just two days after Kirk was shot on the campus of Utah Valley University.

The action has ignited a debate over free speech rights for public employees and the appropriateness of the posts timing. These are the four takeaways from the original article .

A controversial post leads to suspension

Luke reposted a political cartoon criticizing Republicans and their stance on gun control. The post featured a cartoon depicting sacrifices to a golden assault rifle and included a 2023 quote from Kirk about the cost of the Second Amendment.

Mayor Justin Bibb condemned the post as insensitive and incendiary, stating that while he supports free speech, a public safety leader should not glorify violence and that the chiefs post crossed the line.

Part of a broader political backlash

The chiefs post is one of many politically charged social media reactions following Kirks death. The article notes that the incident is part of a wider uproar, with some social media users criticizing Kirk and others blaming liberal rhetoric for his death.

This backlash has had real-world consequences for other public officials, including Fairview Park City Council President Michael Kilbane and Munroe Falls City Councilman John Impellizzeri, both of whom resigned after their own posts about Kirk led to public outcry. Several other Cleveland city employees, including firefighters and EMS workers, are also under investigation for their posts.

The fire chief appears to double down on his stance

After deleting the initial cartoon from his Facebook page, Luke did not issue an apology but instead seemed to reaffirm his position with a new post. He shared a video from the gun violence prevention nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise and wrote, Im American. I own firearms. I believe the Republican stance and actions on reasonable gun regulations are inhuman and immoral. This subsequent post, which remained online as of Thursday morning, suggests that Luke is standing by his criticism of Republican gun policy despite the official investigation into his conduct.

A potential first amendment fight looms

If the city were to discipline or fire Chief Luke it could be challenged in court on First Amendment grounds. Case Western Reserve University law professor Andrew Geronimo said that government employees generally have free speech protections for off-duty comments, as long as the speech doesnt interfere with their jobs or suggest a bias that would undermine their public duties.

Geronimo noted that public backlash alone is not sufficient grounds for punishment and referenced a past case where a Cleveland police captain successfully sued the city after being suspended for online comments, with a judge ruling his post was constitutionally protected.
Kamarion Jordan is accused of striking Yvonne Kemp with a vehicle on Tuesday on Cleveland's East Side. stock photo

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A 20-year-old Cleveland man has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide after authorities say he struck and killed a woman riding her bicycle early Tuesday morning.

Kamarion Jordan was charged in Cleveland Municipal Court in connection with the crash that killed 51-year-old Yvonne Kemp, according to court records.

The incident occurred about 1:15 a.m. Tuesday at East 126th Street and Kinsman Road. Authorities said Jordan struck Kemp as she rode her bicycle, causing her to be thrown.

Officers found Kemp unconscious in the middle of the road. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.

Officers said Jordan crashed into a pole a short distance away from the scene.

On Wednesday, Jordans bond was set at $25,000. He is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 26.

A Cuyahoga County grand jury is expected to hear evidence in the case within the next several days.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wiggins, Mississippi, was vandalized and set on fire twice in July 2024 by a man convicted on federal arson and civil rights charges. Eric Lee/Getty Images

GULFPORT, Mississippi  A Mississippi man was convicted Wednesday on six federal charges after prosecutors said he twice broke into and set fire to a church because of his hatred for its religious beliefs.

A federal jury in Gulfport found Stefan Day Rowold guilty of arson and civil rights violations for vandalizing and burning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wiggins on July 5 and July 7, 2024, the Department of Justice said. Evidence showed Rowold targeted the congregation because of his disagreement with its religious views.

According to the DOJ, Rowold admitted to breaking into the church, scrawling hateful messages on its walls and igniting a fire in the multipurpose room using hymnals as kindling. Two days later, after authorities had attempted to secure the building, Rowold returned and set another fire with cardboard and firewood.

No injuries were reported, but the fires caused significant damage and disrupted worship services, the DOJ said.

Rowold faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and could receive up to 20 years for each count at his sentencing on Jan. 14, 2026.
Air Canada will fly nonstop between Cleveland and Montreal starting next spring. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) AP

CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cleveland Hopkins airport is getting a new international flight to Montreal starting next spring.

Air Canada will start flying the daily route between Cleveland and Montreal Trudeau International Airport on May 1.

The route will run seasonally, operating from May through October to start, according to an airline spokesman.

Its the first time Cleveland has had nonstop service to Canadas second-largest city in more than a decade. United Airlines, which closed its hub at Hopkins in 2014, previously flew the route.

The new flights will depart from Cleveland at 2:40 p.m., arriving in Montreal at 4:25 p.m. Return flights will leave Montreal at 4:40 p.m., landing in Cleveland at 6:14 p.m.

Air Canada will fly the route on a 76-seat Embraer E-175 aircraft.

The carrier currently flies three times daily between Cleveland Hopkins and Toronto.

According to reports, Air Canada is also adding new service from Montreal to Columbus and Toronto to San Antonio.

In recent months, the Canadian carrier has been locked in a labor dispute with its flight attendants. Travelers faced major disruptions last month when the airline began canceling flights in anticipation of a strike, which lasted three days. The two sides recently agreed to arbitration.

The new flight brings to five the total of international routes available at Cleveland Hopkins. In addition to the two Canadian cities, international routes include service to Dublin, Ireland; Cancun, Mexico; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The autumnal equinox and first day of fall this year will be on Sept. 22, 2025. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cool nights and crisp mornings have teased Northeast Ohio with false fall for weeks, but the real thing doesnt arrive until Sept. 22  the first official day of autumn.

The autumnal equinox arrives Monday at 2:19 p.m. ET, marking the official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Its the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the globe.

From there, daylight will steadily decrease in Northeast Ohio, with sunsets creeping earlier each evening on the march toward the winter solstice in December  the shortest day of the year.

On Monday, Cleveland will enjoy nearly 12 hours and 9 minutes of daylight, according to timeanddate.com. By the first day of winter on Dec. 21, the region will get only 9 hours and 10 minutes of daylight.

Along with the shrinking days, temperatures will gradually cool as autumn deepens.

According to weather records at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the average highs in the region fall from 74 degrees on the first day of fall to 39 degrees by the first day of winter. Average overnight lows slip from 55 to 27 degrees. That shift sets the stage for the first frosts and, eventually, the regions first measurable snow.

Clevelands average first frost typically occurs on Oct. 14, though this can vary, with inland areas experiencing it earlier and lakeshore areas slightly later, according to the National Weather Service. The average first freeze in Cleveland follows a couple of weeks later on Oct. 28.

What is the autumnal equinox?

The word equinox comes from the Latin aequus, meaning equal, and nox, night. The term refers to the nearly equal length of day and night that occurs twice a year.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox occurs in March and the autumnal equinox occurs in September.

Following the autumnal equinox  when the sun shines directly over the equator  the Northern Hemisphere tilts farther from the sun. Days become shorter than the nights as the sun continues to rise later and nightfall arrives earlier.

That ends with the winter solstice, after which days start to grow longer once again.

Fall foliage in Ohio

With fall comes the changing of the leaves, a process driven by shorter days and reduced photosynthesis, according to The Old Farmers Almanac.

In Ohio, dry weather could make this years fall color season a little more elongated season with sporadic colors" David Parrott, a forester with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, told cleveland.coms Susan Glaser.

The lack of rainfall is already stressing some trees, including walnuts, dogwoods and buckeyes, which are starting to change early. Drought-resistant species, such as oaks and hickories, may hold off until later in October, Parrott said.

Read more: Ohio fall color forecast: Dry conditions create unusual autumn foliage pattern

Fall foliage is coming: Heres when colors will peak in NE Ohio

Peak color in northern Ohio is expected the week of Oct. 21, with central and southern parts of the state following a week later, according to Parrott.

As in previous years, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will track the progress of fall color across the state in an online map. Leaf peepers also can check an interactive foliage map from SmokyMountains.com.

Both maps combine weather data with tree species and user reports to give a county-by-county forecast.
Senior Chinese military official meets with Singaporean, Cuban defense chiefs

Xinhua) 13:18, September 18, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Wednesday met with Chan Chun Sing, Singapore's minister for defense, and Alvaro Lopez Miera, minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba.

Both Chan and Lopez are in Beijing to attend the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which is scheduled to take place from Sept. 17 to 19.

During his meeting with Chan, Zhang said that China stands ready to join hands with Singapore to implement the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, practice true multilateralism and strengthen regional security cooperation.

China is also willing to work with Singapore to maintain maritime security and order, uphold international fairness and justice, promote the upward, positive development of military relations between the two countries, and inject more certainty and stability into regional security.

Chan said Singapore adheres to the one-China principle, and is willing to deepen and expand exchange and cooperation with China in various fields, continuously enhancing the level of bilateral relations.

When he met with Lopez, Zhang said that China is willing to coordinate closely with Cuba on international and regional affairs, deepen practical cooperation in various fields to advance relations between the two countries and the two militaries, and bring the China-Cuba community with a shared future to a deeper level and higher standard.

Lopez said Cuba is willing to work with China to oppose hegemonism and power politics, and to safeguard the common interests of both countries and the international community.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Robert Munsch has long been a household name, his books stacked on bedside tables and school shelves across the world. From The Paper Bag Princess to Love You Forever, his stories captured the imagination of children and parents alike, offering humour, tenderness and lessons in resilience. Now, at 80, the beloved Canadian author is choosing when and how his life should end.Diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and also living with Parkinsons disease, Munsch, an Order of Canada honouree with a star on the countrys Walk of Fame, has been approved under Canadian law for medically assisted dying, commonly known as MAiD. In an interview with The New York Times Magazine, he spoke about what that decision means. "I cant drive, I cant ride a bicycle, I cant write. So its been really whittling away on who I thought I was," he said. "My stories, strangely enough, are all there. The stories will be the last thing to go, I think."For Munsch, the choice of when to leave will come, as he put it, "when I start having real trouble talking and communicating. Then Ill know." His decision is influenced in part by watching his brother die of ALS, or Lou Gehrigs disease.Euthanasia refers to a doctor actively ending a patients life, often through a lethal injection, while assisted suicide allows the patient to administer prescribed medication themselves. Canada permits both, setting it apart from many countries that only allow one or prohibit both.Canada first legalised euthanasia in 2016 for terminally ill patients. The law was expanded in 2021 to include those with serious, chronic conditions that cause enduring suffering, even if death is not imminent. To qualify, applicants must be over 18, make a voluntary request, and demonstrate an incurable illness leading to an advanced, irreversible decline, with approval from two independent medical professionals.In 2023 alone, more than 15,000 Canadians chose assisted death, accounting for nearly 5% of all deaths in the country.Globally, the laws remain a patchwork: active euthanasia is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Colombia, and a handful of others, while assisted suicide is permitted in Switzerland, several US states, parts of Australia, and New Zealand. Passive euthanasia  withdrawal of life support  has wider acceptance, including in India, where a 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowed it under strict conditions. Yet in many societies, the moral, religious, and ethical questions remain unresolved.


Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Also, I extended warm

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, September 18, had a phone call conversation with Nepal's interim PM Sushila Karki, and extended India's support for stability in the region.PM Modi expressed condolences on the loss of lives during the youth-led protests in Nepal recently, and also extended greetings on Nepal's National Day to Karki."Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal," PM Modi said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter)."Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives," he added.Prime Minister Modi also reiterated India's support to neighbour Nepal to restore stability in the region. "Reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability," the Prime Minister wrote."Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow," he added.Nepal witnessed violent youth-led protests that started on September 8 and continued for the next three to four days.At least 72 people were killed during the protests which began against the social media ban imposed by former PM KP Sharma Oli, who had to later resign as the protests strengthened against the corruption in the government during his tenure.Unhappy with the lack of opportunities for the youth of the country, the GenZ protestors torched several government buildings, including the Nepal's Parliament, and other private hotels and offices of media news outlets.Former Nepal Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the Prime Minister of the country on September 12. Becoming the first woman PM of Nepal, she vowed to lead the interim government to reinstate peace and stability in the country, while promising to conduct fresh elections within the next few months.Following the huge infrastructure destruction, and loss of property and lives, Nepal is looking to rebuild the country to foster growth.




Air India Express to launch Bengaluru - Bangkok eff 18OCT2025

Timings ????

BLR - BKK / 1100 - 1640 / IX118

BKK - BLR / 1740 - 2020 / IX119 // 737-8 MAX, Daily



Subject to Schedule pic.twitter.com/t78kKa915p



 AviationAll (@AviationAll_) September 17, 2025

Air India Express has announced new daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Bangkok, effective from Thursday. The new service aims to provide travellers from Bengaluru and neighbouring regions convenient, non-stop connectivity to Thailand, especially, during the upcoming festive and holiday season, a statement issued by Air India Express said on Thursday.To celebrate the launch, the special introductory Xpress Value fares start at Rs 16,800 for a round trip. The one-way fares for BengaluruBangkok is Rs 9,000 and BangkokBengaluru is Rs 8,850, the statement read.Bookings are now open on the airlines award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com, mobile app, and other major booking channels.According to the airlines company, there will be a flight from Bengaluru to Bangkok everyday at 11 am (IST), which will reach its destination at 4:45 pm (IST).The return flight from Bangkok will be at 5.45 pm (IST) and it will land in Bengaluru at 8.30 pm (IST).Meanwhile, Air India Express started direct flight operations from Dehradun to Bengaluru with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagging off the new air service at the Jolly Grant Airport on September 15. The Chief Minister described the service as a milestone in the overall development of tourism in the state with expanded of air connectivity."The commencement of Air India Express services from Dehradun marks a significant achievement in civil aviation for our state. Better connectivity with Bengaluru will greatly boost tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in Uttarakhand," he said.Direct air service between Dehradun and Bengaluru by Air India Express would be a great facility for the youth, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, students, and tourists of Uttarakhand, he said."Bengaluru is the tech capital of the country and thousands of youth from Uttarakhand are engaged there in education, services, and startups. Now, they will have a more convenient, timely, and safe travel option to visit their home state," the Chief Minister said."It will also strengthen connectivity for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs with one of India's most dynamic cities. We welcome Air India Express and look forward to the positive impact this connectivity will have on our people and economy," Dhami said.In recent years, the state government has taken several major decisions  from policy reforms to infrastructure development  to strengthen air connectivity, Dhami said."We are delighted to commence direct flight operations from Dehradun to our largest domestic hub, Bengaluru. This shows the rapid expansion of our network," Air India Express MD Aloke Singh said. "With over 115 aircraft now in our fleet, we are building a stronger and more accessible network that reflects the aspirations of modern India," he said.
Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed a pact on Wednesday (September 17) where the two countries agreed they would treat an attack on any one of them as an attack on both.The pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is significant, coming as it is, close on the heels of Israel's unprovoked attack on Qatar . The establishment in Tel Aviv, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is yet to acknowledge the pact.Before the defense pact was signed, Iran dispatched Ali Larijani, a senior political figure who now serves as the secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, to visit Saudi Arabia, the Associated Press (AP) reported."The Government was aware that this development, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration," India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday (Sep 18)."We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting Indias national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains," the statement from India added.The Congress party stated that the Pak-Saudi pact would have "grave implications" for national security of India."A month after Operation Sindoor was abruptly stopped, President Trump hosted Field Marshal Asim Munir for lunch at the White House - the same person whose incendiary and inflammatory statements directly led to the Pahalgam terror attacks of April 2025. Just a few days after our Prime Minister's much-touted visit to China, President Xi threw open China's secret military complex to Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari," Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, communications, wrote on X."Now, Saudi Arabia, where the Prime Minister was when the Pahalgam terror attacks took place, has signed a strategic mutual defence pact with Pakistan. This, of course, has grave implications for Indias national security. The Indian National Congress notes with concern yet another setback for the much-hyped personalised diplomacy of our Prime Minister," he added.Pakistani troops first traveled to Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s when Egypt was in war a in Yemen. Islamabad sent forces to Riyadh after the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.The Saudi Kingdom provided 'generous financial support' helping Pakistan build its first nuclear weapon, an AP report said, quoting a book written by retired Pakistani Brigadier, General Feroz Hassan Khan.As of June 2025, Pakistan had 170 nuclear warheads , according to data from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which provides data, analysis and recommendations for armed conflict, military expenditure and arms trade as well as disarmament and arms control.In a 2007 U.S. diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks, American diplomats in Saudi Arabia noted that their Pakistani counterparts had brought up the idea of the kingdom pursuing a weapons program alongside Islamabad.According to these officials, they understand that (Saudi Arabia) does want to protect itself and the region, and since, in their opinion, some of the other regional players  specifically Egypt  are unable to develop such weapons systems due to financial constraints, it is logical for the Saudis to step in as the physical protector just as the they have been increasingly stepping in as peace mediators in various regional conflicts, the cable read.Saudi has been pushing for its own nuclear arsenal, as a counter to similar efforts in Iran.
During the annual US Congressional Hackathon on Wednesday, House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Microsoft 365 Copilot, integrated with OneDrive and Outlook, will be made available to staffers, reversing last years decision to prohibit its use.

Over the next year, up to 6,000 staffers will receive licenses to use the product, Axios reported Wednesday. This, said an emailed notice from Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor to House staff that was provided to Computerworld, [will allow] the House to better serve constituents and streamline workflows.

It added, in addition, all House offices will have access to Copilot Chat, a lighter-weight version that does not have direct access to office data but does provide heightened legal and data protections.
After Ricky Gervais condescendingly called out this past weekends Emmy-winners who used their acceptance speeches to advocate for political causes, he received so much ridicule that he deleted the offending tweet  but it wasnt nearly enough.

For the last few years, every time awards season rolls around and some comedian other than Gervais gets the opportunity to host one of the various A-list events celebrating TV and movie professionals, the five-time Golden Globes master-of-ceremonies hops in the bathtub and opens up Twitter to remind everyone that he, too, would like attention, and he deserves it so much more than whoever is in the spotlight that night. When Nikki Glaser brought the house down at the most recent Golden Globes, Gervais posted all the jokes that he would have told if he had landed his sixth hosting gig, proving to everyone that, this year, the Golden Globes finally made the right choice.

Then, this past Monday, in the aftermath of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, Gervais took to Twitter and quoted one of his own famous Golden Globe rants in which he warned all social-justice-minded nominees not to use their acceptance speeches to speak out on serious world issues. During the monologue, Gervais told the illustrious audience, Youre in no position to lecture the public about anything, you know nothing about the real world.

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Anyways, heres Gervais using his position as a celebrity to lecture the public about the serious real-world issue of Spanish bull-fighting:

Yes, for years, Gervais, a long-time vegan and animal rights activist, has been using his celebrity status to combat cruelty to animals, such as the above advert in which he implored his fans and animal-lovers everywhere to help him sway a vote in Catalonian parliament. Now, obviously, the sport of bullfighting is a cruel, barbaric and archaic practice, but its hard to see how Gervais could possibly square his own public activism with his constant, self-aggrandizing attempts to shame celebrities who stump for their own human-focused pet causes.

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But its not just in weepy speeches like this one where Gervais tries to shape the world to fit his own views. In fact, thats kind of been his entire comedy career for the last several stand-up specials. In his two most recent Netflix hours, SuperNature and Armageddon, Gervais took on trans activist ideology and cultural sensitivity regarding slurs like the N word, which, beyond being the most tired and worn-out stand-up material for edgelord white guy comedians, are inherently political issues  ones of which Gervais prides himself in being on the wrong side.

Gervais obviously doesnt have a problem with out-of-touch celebrities giving maudlin speeches in which they tell the public how to feel about real-world issues. He also is clearly in favor of entertainers thrusting themselves into the middle of the most sensitive and divisive discussions on social justice. So, then, when he posts the same six-year-old speech every time someone else hosts an awards show, what is he actually protesting?

If politics have no place at awards shows, then neither does Ricky Gervais.
In a better world, the President of the United States wouldnt have a legion of personal attorneys to sue the media whenever they damaged the fragile egos of the most powerful people on the planet. But we dont live in that better world, we live in this very shitty one. President Donald Trump and his lawyers filed a lawsuit against The New York Times on September 15th, accusing the paper of defamation and being a mouthpiece for the Democratic Party.

None of this is funny or has much to do with the comedy world on its face, but thanks to the eagle eyes over at LateNighter, we do know that Trumps latest legal attack does mention Saturday Night Live. Luckily for NBC, its not because Trump is suing the show for making fun of him and impersonating him for the better part of the last nine years.

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Instead, the reference to SNL comes because it was listed as part of Trumps hundreds of history-making media appearances and roles. In what has to be at least a little bit embarrassing for SNL, Trump is using his 2015 hosting appearance on the show as evidence of his impact, legitimate sources of wealth and cultural importance in his suit against the Times.

Even with all the barbs that SNL has since lobbed at Trump, theres still no living down his 2015 hosting gig. At the time, Lorne Michaels was criticized for allowing Trump to be on the show ahead of the 2016 election. Former cast member Taran Killam said back in 2017 that having Trump on the show was not enjoyable at the time and something that only grows more embarrassing and shameful as time goes on.

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That seems to be even more true in 2025, as Trump uses his SNL performance as part of a spurious lawsuit against more media critics. The president is trying to kneecap one of the largest newspapers in the U.S. with a $15 billion lawsuit, and in the 85-page lawsuit, he used his SNL episode as a case for his popularity and his success  to counter extensive reporting from the NYT about his illegal money-making schemes.

But dont worry. SNL isnt the most embarrassing mention in the lawsuit. As usual, the most humiliating part of a Trump story is Trump himself. While Saturday Night Live is only mentioned once, the presidents lawsuit references success 49 times.

What are you trying to prove, Donald?
ABC has removed Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air indefinitely. A report from Deadline confirms that ABC pulled the host from the show following Nexstars decision to cut Jimmy Kimmel Live! from 200 television stations nationwide. Nexstar is the largest local broadcast network in the United States.

Mr. Kimmels comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views or values of the local communities in which we are located, said Andrew Alford, President of Nexstars broadcasting division, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.

Nexstar and ABCs move follow Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr telling right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson on Wednesday that comments made by Kimmel during his Monday night broadcast were the sickest conduct possible. Carr threatened Disney, ABCs parent company, in the hours before Nexstar pulled the show and ABC suspended Kimmel.

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This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead, Carr told Johnson. They have a license granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with it an obligation to operate in the public interest.

For context, the exact statement from Kimmel that has sparked this absolute cowardice from ABC is as follows: We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

None of that statement is untrue. From the moment the bullet struck Kirk, the Republican Party has spent every single minute trying to demonize the Democratic Party and any political dissidents in order to push for more fascist policies and the shrinking of free speech. Louisiana Republican Representative Clay Higgins has already called for lifetime social media bans and the revoking of business licenses for anyone who criticizes or belittles the murder of Kirk. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash hell on leftists in recent days in response to Kirks shooting, while barely pausing to mourn the 31-year-old right-wing activist as he gloats about his ballroom expansion plans.

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The podcaster, who was recently parodied on South Park, was known for belittling certain types of gun violence, creating databases of left-leaning professors and his inflammatory prove me wrong debate style was a longtime supporter of Trump.

Its also important to note that Kimmels comments on Monday night were also not the only comments the late-night show host made about Kirk. On the September 11th edition of Live!, Kimmel said that there were extraordinarily vile responses from both sides of the political spectrum regarding Kirks death and took particular aim at Trumps attempt to sow further divide following an act of political violence.

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Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? Kimmel pleaded. 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.

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None of that will be taken into consideration, nor will Kimmels right to speak freely and critically of the president and the party Kirk belonged to. The party of free speech and personal liberty has proven  yet again  that they will stop at nothing in order to maintain complete cultural and political dominance over this country. With the removal of two late-night hosts who spoke in opposition to Trump in three months, its clear that the authoritarian playbook is being followed closely.

Carr has already thanked the corporations for their immediate compliance in silencing Kimmel. I want to thank Nexstar for doing the right thing, the chairman wrote on X. Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest. While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values. I hope that other broadcasters follow Nexstars lead.
After 40 years, Nora Dunn is still upset about the sexism on Saturday Night Live.

The comedian recently shared that despite joining the shows 11th season with three years of material, experience riffing with Robin Williams and a one-woman show under her belt, the writers were still somehow uninspired by her comedy chops.

Saturday Night Live pissed me off, Dunn explained in a new interview with Chicago Magazine. I auditioned with so many characters and so much material and thought, 'People are going to be writing for me like crazy. But the writers literally would say, Its impossible to write for women.

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This experience put a damper on her five-year SNL tenure. I thought, I cant wait to get out of here, Dunn remembered.

This isnt the first time Dunn has opened up about SNLs infamously awful treatment of female performers. Earlier this spring, the Working Girl alum recalled to Crackeds Brian VanHooker how the shows repeated misuse of its female cast members stoked tensions between her and Lorne Michaels. While I was on the show, Lorne would sometimes come up to me and say, You may be light in the show this week, Dunn said. Id say to him, Were always light in the show. Were women, and the guys dont write for us.

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Dunn added that she heard this refrain so frequently that she preemptively reached out to Michaels before the start of the next season. I sent him flowers with a card that said, I understand that Im going to be light in the show this season, she joked.

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Considering SNL is set to enter its 51st season with a cast of mostly white male comedians, its safe to say the series is still struggling with these issues four decades later.
Disney is still okay with shows hosted by literal puppets

Lovers of Jim Hensons Muppet characters havent exactly been thrilled with their current corporate owners lately.

After abandoning the Muppets film franchise and canceling the streaming series The Muppets Mayhem, Disney further alienated the felt-loving fanbase by shuttering the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D attraction at Disney World, to the dismay of pretty much everyone except Statler and Waldorf.

But now the Mouse House is making a move thats sure to please everyone: Theyre bringing back the iconic 70s variety series The Muppet Show. At least, it would have pleased everyone, had the company not made the announcement at the absolute worst time possible.

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Muppet Show will return in 2026 as a Disney+ special, and serve as a backdoor pilot for a potential new season. It will be executive produced by Seth Rogen and, oddly, Sabrina Carpenter, who will also make an appearance. The special will find the Muppets returning to their theater in order to produce a variety show. So, basically, the exact same plot as 2011s The Muppets.

Its kind of shocking that it took this long for Disney to greenlight a straight-up reboot of The Muppet Show after multiple failed attempts to modernize the Muppet variety show concept with projects like 2020s Muppets Now and ABCs 30 Rock-inspired show The Muppets, which is perhaps best known for being the only Muppet property that dared to explore Fozzie Bears sex life.

But Disneys announcement, complete with a photo of Kermit the Frogs coffee mug, dropped just minutes after it was reported that Disneys ABC just yanked Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely.

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The decision was made after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr threatened to penalize ABC affiliates for offensive (but not really) comments Kimmel made about Charlie Kirks death. Although the actual comments were about right-wing attempts to score political points by characterizing Kirks shooter as an extreme leftist.

In any case, Disney arguably capitulated to a terrifying authoritarian power move, and a lot of people clearly werent in the mood for their self-promotional social media posts about the Muppets.

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I stand with Jimmy Kimmel. Cancelled my Disney+ subscription, one user responded on X/Twitter.

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WHY DID YOU CANCEL JIMMY KIMMEL? WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? another commented.

Sorry we canceled Jimmy Kimmel, here's the Muppets to distract you from that, someone else joked.

Some comments were even harsher, suggesting that they were canceling Disney+ since you guys cave to fascism.` The company caved to Trumps assault on free speech! an angry follower wrote. Love Disney. Hate fascism, read one post.

Fucking cowards, another person added.

It remains to be seen whether the Muppets themselves will weigh in on the matter, seeing as how Kermit and Miss Piggy have a history with Kimmel.
Hours after ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be indefinitely pulled from its late-night schedule, President Donald Trump is already encouraging NBC to follow suit.

The Commander-in-Chief praised the Disney-owned networks decision to indefinitely suspend the show over Kimmels comments hinting that Charlie Kirks alleged killer was a conservative, a move he touted as Great News for America.

The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, the president began a post shared to Truth Social on Wednesday evening. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.

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Though the networks choice to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! came amid pressure from both FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and local broadcast network Nexstar, which revealed it would be removing the show from its 32 ABC affiliates, Trump urged NBC to follow suit by cancelling The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers.

That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC, Trump continued, dubiously claiming that both their late-night series suffered from horrible ratings. Do it NBC!!!

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At the rate were going, tomorrow nights late-night slots might just be ads for nutraceuticals and Viagra.
Nothing says Im not a creep quite like the support of Woody Allen

Were just months away from New York Citys mayoral election, and according to a recent poll, Zohran Mamdani has a 21-point lead over rival Andrew Cuomo.

This past weekend, Gov. Kathy Hochul penned a New York Times op-ed in support of Mamdani, but now it seems as though the disgraced former governor has his own surprise endorsement from a prominent New York celebrity. Unfortunately for Cuomo, its the also-disgraced Woody Allen.

Allen talked up Cuomo during a recent appearance on the podcast Honestly with Bari Weiss, which somehow lasted for over 90 minutes. In addition to discussing the allegations that Allen sexually assaulted his 7-year-old daughter in 1992, which Weiss casually referred to as a lie, the director also weighed in on the upcoming mayoral race.

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Im gonna vote, Im gonna vote for Cuomo, Allen proudly stated. I feel Mamdani is perfectly nice. I think hes fine. His hearts in the right place. He wants nice things, but I think Cuomo will do a much better job. Cuomo will be better for New York. Hell be much more efficient. Hell just do a better job.

It makes sense that Allen would be a fan of Cuomo, considering that the politician has historically been resistant to taxing the wealthy (Allen is said to be worth more than $100 million). And while some voters might be put off by the fact that Cuomo is an accused sexual predator, clearly that isnt a problem for Allen.

And Allen and Cuomo have something else in common: They were both name-checked in one of Alec Baldwins way-too-dimly-lit anti-cancel culture rants on social media.

And also, come to think of it, both Allen and Cuomo have been the subjects of investigations by Allens conspicuously Sinatra-like star journalist son, Ronan Farrow.

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Of course, its hard to imagine a public figure whose political opinion matters less than Allens right now. The Annie Hall director has been on a bit of a promotional tour lately in support of his first novel, which is about, get this, an anxious New York intellectual.

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Hes already popped by Bill Mahers weed smoke and malaise-filled man cave for an especially cringey Club Random interview, which found Allen praising Donald Trumps acting skills. And he also Zoomed into a Russian film festival, only to get dunked on by Ukraines social media accounts.

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Maybe Allen will be the first guest on Andrew Cuomos inevitable podcast after he loses.
A community of comedians helped elect the current administration with its pained cries for free speech and an end to cancel culture. How will those same comedians react now that ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel for calling out opportunistic politicians? This isnt bitchy comments on Instagram criticizing offensive jokes  its literal cancellation. And according to the President, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers are next.

Calling all comedians, was the alert sounded by Mike Birbiglia. Ive spent a lot of time in public and private defending comedians i dont agree with. If youre a comedian & you dont call out the insanity of pulling kimmel off the air  dont bother spouting off about free speech anymore.

Surely the comedians whove made free speech their badge would come out in defense of Kimmel, right?

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Not Rob Schneider, who published a book last year called You Can Do It: Speak Your Mind America! The tireless advocate of the First Amendment changed his tune yesterday, applauding ABC for silencing Kimmel.

This is the fork in the road for comedians who complain about cancel culture. No one has to agree with Kimmel, but if the you cant say anything anymore crowd supports the suspension, it simply confirms that some comedians complaints have been about ideology all along.

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Several comics have taken Kimmels suspension as a call to arms. Marc Maron called on all of the free speech warriors in the comedy world to speak up and take action. This isnt about saying the R-word or the T-word or any of that. This is government censorship, this isnt fucking Twitter.

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Wanda Sykes was supposed to be on Kimmel last night. For those of you who pray, she said, nows the time to do it.

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Kelly Carlin-McCall, daughter of the late George Carlin, issued her own warning. Dear Fellow Citizens, When the king starts getting rid of the court jesters, NO ONE IS SAFE.

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Hacks star Jean Smart posted a rant: I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech. People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda. Though I didnt agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being. What is happening to our country?

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Kimmels suspension wont be an issue comedians can sidestep or ignore. Saturday Night Live cant trot out its cute James Austin Johnson impressions and take a both sides are nuts! approach. Comics are holding each other accountable  which side of this are you on?

I think everybody sees whats happening, warned Patton Oswalt. We have to roar up screaming and link arms. This thing is coming for all of us.
According to those closest to him, the last thing that Charlie Kirk would want after his tragic death would be for Eric Cartman to stop masterdebating.

On September 10th, a gunman at Utah Valley University murdered Kirk while he was debating attendees on the topic of gun violence at one of his usual campus events. Almost immediately after graphic videos of the slaying went viral, many of Kirks far-right supporters accused South Park and its creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone of inspiring the shocking attack through their parody of Kirk in the South Park episode Got a Nut a month prior. Comedy Central quickly pulled all reruns of Got a Nut from the upcoming cable schedule, and, yesterday, with the eyes of the right-wing world upon them, Parker and Stone suddenly postponed the planned new episode of South Park until next week.

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Lost in all the noise and finger-pointing is the fact that Kirk, himself, publicly praised Got a Nut and Cartmans impression of him, even proudly changing his Twitter profile picture to the image of Cartman debating college kids. Now, as some of Kirks followers continue to call for the government to hold Parker and Stone accountable for his murder, Charlie Kirk Show executive producer Andrew Kolvet is urging Kirks mourners to follow the late right-wing activists lead and simply laugh it off.

When Kirk first learned that he would become South Parks latest parody target in the week leading up to Got a Nut, he immediately and publicly leaned into the joke, both by changing his profile picture and by speaking to Fox News about how he was proud to be satirized by the show as a longtime South Park fan. Kirk called the series an equal opportunity offender, saying that the episode kind of goes to show the cultural impact and the resonance that our movement has been able to achieve. I look at this as a badge of honor.

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Then, after Got a Nut aired, Kirk live-streamed himself watching the episode and reacting to the scenes in which Cartman, styled with Kirks signature haircut, debates left-leaning female college students on subjects like abortion. Kirk specifically praised how South Park writers clearly did their due diligence on his masterdebate style, as Cartman repeated many of Kirks actual talking points on the issue of abortion word-for-word.

Now, as South Park fans fear that the government crackdown on comedians who defy the right-wing narrative about Kirks murder will spell doom for the series, even Kirks colleagues are urging Paramount to let Matt and Trey cook.
Scam accounts that impersonate brokers are proliferating, luring in prospective renters with impossibly good deals and the names and faces of the citys top rental brokers. Photo-Illustration: Curbed

The calls started last November. They often came late at night, when Melinda Sicari, an associate broker at Douglas Elliman, was about to go to bed or already asleep, and the callers were persistent. Theyd either just sent money for an apartment to a Zelle or Venmo account or were about to send it. But something made them call the broker they thought theyd been communicating with. They would say something like, I just applied for your apartment and sent you the deposit. Or I know this is going to sound really weird, but 

At first, Sicari, the top rental broker at Douglas Elliman, who leads a team of six other agents, assumed the callers were clients. Oh, which apartment? shed ask. But the addresses they gave her didnt exist, nor did the prices: $950 for a Soho studio, $2,500 for a loftlike two-bed, two-bath in Greenwich Village, a Gramercy one-bedroom in a luxury doorman building for $1,800 a month. It became clear that someone was posting ads all over TikTok and Instagram with her listing images and pretending to be her when someone inquired about them. Soon, she was getting four, five, sometimes ten calls a day. Its a scam, shed tell callers as soon as she could get a word in. Some of them would be embarrassed but relieved: I knew it was too good to be true. But those who had already sent money, sometimes much more than the $145 application fee, got upset. One man called her ten times in a row from different numbers, demanding she refund his money. Occasionally, people would show up at her midtown office. One woman who was getting an apartment for her daughter flew in from Delaware, Sicari told me. She came to the office on a Saturday to pick up the keys.

When prospective renters become skeptical, scammers often send a fake but realistic-looking business card with much of Sicaris real information.

Most of the scammers impersonating Sicari are savvy enough not to use her name or photo to set up their accounts on TikTok and Instagram, where she could more easily flag them and get them removed. Instead, the profiles have nondescript names like nyc_cozy_rental, unique_listings, and regulatedapartments, and they instruct prospective renters to contact them via WhatsApp or Telegram. Thats where they start posing as the broker. My name is Melinda Sicari, a licensed real estate professional. Thank you for your concerns, one wrote in a WhatsApp response to someone inquiring why they wouldnt send her a link to the apartment listing. My track record includes numerous successful deals and satisfied clients. They sent a link to Sicaris actual StreetEasy page. Often, they also include an image of a business card with all of Sicaris real info  only the real-estate license number is fake. Thats often enough to satisfy the apartment hunters doing a quick Google search to confirm that Sicari is a real broker. I asked her how many people shes been contacted by whove actually sent the scammers money. Hundreds, she told me.

Most of the people losing money are out-of-towners, according to Sicari  often parents trying to lock down an apartment for their early-20-something kids whove been told they need to send in money now, or theyll lose this great place. They may assume their kid has talked to someone on the phone instead of just on WhatsApp. Others may take the video tour as proof that an apartment is real, even though such tours are all over the internet, and its easy enough to lift a reel of a $15,000-a-month rental and slap on a new voice-over and a $2,200 price. Many out-of-towners are also, understandably, a bit out of touch with the New York City market  not knowing that the scam prices arent just good, but unreal, or that brokers dont post reams of rent-regulated apartments to TikTok  youre lucky if you stumble across one on StreetEasy, and theyre rarely in prime Manhattan neighborhoods where landlords have had every incentive to try and destabilize them over the years.

A screenshot of one of the scam accounts and an account posing as Sicari.

But New Yorkers get scammed, too. After all, to land a great apartment, you have to be willing to put up with a certain amount of sketchiness: application fees that exceed the cost of a credit check (capped at $20 by law), handing over a good faith deposit to hold a place while your application is processed (illegal), paying a brokers fee above 15 percent (quasi-legal), and offering more than the asking price (legal but completely demoralizing). It doesnt help that the current rental market, which has continued to set records month after month, is fertile ground for these types of cons. When youve spent weeks or months sifting through uninspiring, overpriced listings and a gem suddenly pops up, it can be hard not to reach out just to see. Several victims whove contacted Sicari are rental-voucher recipients, who often struggle to find apartments or brokers to work with them at all. (One TikTok scam account I came across claimed it was Section 8 approved.) And its not like renters have a lot of time to mull things over: You know youre competing with parents with bigger bank accounts or tech bros making half a million a year who can offer above ask, so you scramble to send over your most sensitive information, from Social Security numbers to bank statements, to someone youve just met.

So it didnt strike LaLa Holston-Zannell, a senior campaign strategist at the ACLU, as all that strange when a broker shed met on TikTok  Sicari, or so she thought  sent over a rental application with a Douglas Elliman letterhead and asked for a $145 application fee. Nor did the apartment, a one-bedroom in an amenitized Midtown East doorman building going for $2,500, seem like pure fantasy  Holston-Zannell was paying $2,000 a month for a studio in a no-frills building nearby  it was more like the kind of thing youd have to move fast on.

After chatting on WhatsApp and being told she could see the apartment the next day, Holston-Zannell sent $145 via Apple Pay. And then she heard nothing. She pressed, they dodged: They hadnt received her payment. She sent proof, and after more silence, she got suspicious and contacted Sicari, who told her shed been swindled. I dont trust anyone anymore, says Holston-Zannell, who managed to get the money back from her bank in the end. She still hasnt found a one-bedroom.

A scammer impersonating Sicari tries to close the deal and get the renter to send in an application fee.

One graphic designer I spoke with fell for what seemed to be a dream apartment in her old neighborhood. She wanted to move back to Fort Greene, where shed rented a $2,500-a-month studio before relocating to L.A. in 2020. But five years later, most of the one-bedrooms were going for upwards of $4,000. Then she saw a lovely parlor-floor one-bedroom on Craigslist for $2,500 a month. Some things were a little weird  it was clearly a brownstone, but the listing said there was a gym in the building. Still, she didnt think too much about it. The person she wrote to said he was the tenant and that he and his wife, who was undergoing cancer treatment, were relocating temporarily, so they didnt really care about making money on the rental. But he also said that the more she paid up front, the less the overall rental price would be. I should have realized it was unrealistic, but I was just so excited, the woman told me. She couldnt actually see the apartment  allegedly because of the wifes treatments  but the man sent a link to a legit-looking video. She was about to send a wire transfer of $2,000 when a friend snapped her out of it. She was like, I would never pay before seeing the unit! When she Googled the wire-transfer address, it was a Walmart in South Carolina. She did more research and realized that the unit, in a DeKalb Avenue townhouse, had rented the previous June for $5,200 a month.

When she called the listing agent, Dan Chen at Corcoran, he told her the scammer had been stealing those particular listing photos for over a year. Every time he sees them pop up, he flags the listing, but its like playing whack-a-mole. Chen told me that even at $5,200, its a hot apartment  Each time Ive listed it, it ends in a bidding war, even with a 15 percent brokers fee. A floor-through one-bedroom with soaring ceilings, original fireplace mantels, ornate moldings, and parquet floors, it checks all the boxes of why people want to live in a brownstone, he says. Which is probably why its been so enduringly popular with scammers: They know what people want.

Sicari pointed out that in this rental market, everything remotely good moves fast. Rentals go so quickly, she says. If an amazing deal has been up online for days and a broker gets back to you right away and tells you its still available, its not real.

Real-estate scams have been taking in gullible New Yorkers for decades, probably centuries, now. But never have the tools at scammers disposal been so convincing, nor has reaching so many potential victims been easier. With so many brokers using TikTok and Instagram to promote their listings, its possible to conduct the entire transaction online. And the medium can be pretty persuasive. People fall prey because the visuals are so slick on TikTok  the edits are really good and the apartments look beautiful, says an apartment hunter who almost fell for a Sicari impersonator. When I contacted the NYPD and New York attorney generals office to see if there had been an uptick in real-estate scams in the last five years, neither had data to share with me. But according to the FBI, 624 people in New York State lost a total of $12.1 million in real-estate scams last year, more than double the $5.7 million lost the year before. Brokers say the impersonators seem to be proliferating in the social-media age.

When I met with Sicari in her office building, I had to wait at the security desk downstairs for her to come get me  a new protocol put in place after duped renters started showing up at the office. Upstairs, she explained what a nightmare the last nine months have been as she pulled up months of files documenting the scams and her attempts to stop them. The scammers typically post a few times a week, and for several days afterwards, shes slammed with calls, emails, and DMs from their victims. Dealing with the aftermath has become like a second job, on top of the 30 to 40 rental deals her team does a month: She has to talk down the angry would-be renters, provide information to police precincts so victims can file reports, contact social-media and online-banking apps to report fraud and impersonation, and post her own videos on social media warning renters about the scammers. Douglas Ellimans lawyers have tried to intervene on Sicaris behalf, but theyre hardly more effective than she is at getting social-media and financial platforms to pull down videos and accounts. And often, the apps offer little recourse. I get messages like, Your request has been denied, she says. Or, Well you cant really prove it. What do you mean? Im Melinda Sicari. Theres someone out there using my name and profile and theres nothing wrong with it?

Gavin Shiminski, another Douglas Elliman agent, told me that the scammers who impersonated him on Instagram had amassed such a sizable following that when he reported them, Instagram ruled that he was the imposter. And because so much customer service is automated, it took him forever to reach an actual human to sort it out. He added that he was worried about the professional repercussions of the fraud  what if victims make real complaints about the fake him? I got an email through my work account  this woman had paid $250. She was really upset. I was like, Do I reimburse you? Eventually, Instagram introduced paid verification, which squelched the Instagram impostors, and he decided to stop using TikTok. The scammers kept on changing their user names. It got too difficult. I didnt want to provide them with any more content, he said. The last recording I did was a video saying, This is not me. When I asked TikTok about several scam accounts that had been impersonating Sicari, a representative told me theyd removed them after receiving my email and that TikTok takes a number of steps to better protect our community, including removing scam content from the platform when we find it. Instagram did not respond to a request for comment.

Two accounts impersonating Shiminski, who now pays for verification on Instagram and has abandoned TikTok Two accounts impersonating Shiminski, who now pays for verification on Instagram and has abandoned TikTok

But it isnt just the scammers who are impossible to pin down. Its that their offense  stealing brokers identities to steal other peoples money  seems to exist in a gray area of the criminal justice system. Sicari says that when shes contacted the police, they tell her the victims whove lost money need to report the theft to their local precincts. But as for Sicari, a victim of identity theft minus the financial theft, they cant help her. (The NYPD wouldnt comment specifically on Sicaris case.) Sicari has traced Venmo and Zelle transactions to other U.S. states, but its just as likely that the scammers are based abroad, as some of the messages sound AI-generated and are otherwise awkwardly phrased: First your compliance and trust is needed to further with me or to work with me, was one response to a renter who balked at filling out an application. Other messages sent by her impersonators included, Im also a devoted Christian and a proud mom to a lovely daughter and Lets make it safe, green, and go! (The weird syntax might be the one saving grace of the scam, as it tips some people off that the person theyre talking to might not actually be a Manhattan broker.) Sicari also wonders whether the fact that the individual amounts are often relatively small and spread out among multiple precincts (and other cities and states) means that its being registered by law enforcement as petty theft, and therefore less of a priority, even though the overall amounts being stolen may add up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If it wasnt a local police issue and more of a cybercrime without geographic limits, then was it a statewide or even federal issue? I also reached out to the FBI, the Manhattan DA, the Federal Trade Commission, the New York attorney generals office, and several legal and academic experts. Everyone I spoke with agreed that what I described sounded bad but couldnt tell me exactly what this was besides, of course, a scam  fraud? Identity theft? Impersonation?  or how to stop it. They just offered boilerplate advice on how to avoid scams. Sicari showed me two complaints she filed with the FBI earlier this year, but no one from the agency ever reached out to follow up. Stealing real peoples professional identities to steal other peoples money does, however, seem to be a burgeoning industry. One person who nearly fell for a Sicari impersonator told me that hed also been contacted by scammers impersonating real hiring managers at companies  presumably hunting for data, not money. And the New York Times recently reported that scammers are creating deep fakes of prominent doctors to sell quack cures like liquid pearls and build up their YouTube followings offering bogus health advice.

Finally, I decided it was time to talk to a scammer myself. I was a little wary, considering what had happened to Sicari when she reached out to them directly on Telegram. She told the scammers that shed reported several instances of you trying to collect funds with my name to the NYPD, adding, I kindly ask you to stop.

Hello I will stop on only one condition, they replied. Are you willing to go with my condition? Thats when she blocked the account.

Sicari believes that contacting the scammers directly might have led to what happened over Memorial Day weekend: Someone hacked into her StreetEasy account and lowered all the prices on her listings to rents in the $1,000s and $2,000s. She was barraged with hundreds of emails, messages, and calls from interested renters as she struggled to get ahold of someone at the listing site to help her get back into her account over the holiday weekend.

But I wanted to know what a prospective renter might experience after reaching out to these fake accounts. I sent a WhatsApp to keller_williams_realty, an account that had dozens of too-good-to-be-true prices (the actual Keller Williams website has a pop-up warning about scams impersonating Keller Williams agents), to inquire about a palatial and pristinely renovated Gramercy two-bedroom with inlaid hardwood floors, two wood-burning fireplaces, a washer-dryer, and a solarium off the main bedroom, all for $2,890 a month. (A surreal price for an apartment that looked like something out of a movie, which was vaguely explained by it being rent-stabilized.) Was it still available, I asked? Thank you for reaching out! Im Melissa Leifer, a seasoned NYC real estate agent with over 22 years of experience and 2,500 deals closed, they responded, embellishing only a little on the number of transactions the real Melissa Leifer claims on her page. They told me they had graduated from NYUs Tisch School of the Arts (also true of the real Leifer). Miraculously, the apartment they were advertising was still available despite being less than $3,000 a month in a highly desirable downtown neighborhood and on the market for several days at that point. After I sent over my credit score, income, and move-in date, Melissa sent back the move-in cost estimate  a very reasonable $4,890, with a $1,500 security deposit and a $150 application fee. Only the refundable application fee was due now. I pressed: When could I see it? First, I needed to submit the application, they replied. But I could see it tomorrow. Plus, Id be eligible to see two other apartments if this didnt work out.

The Gramercy two-bedroom I inquired about. When I checked back a few days later, the price had gone down, from $2,890 to $2,500.

I decided to press further. I asked why the listing wasnt on the Keller Williams site. We utilize our website for properties meant for sale and promote our rental apartments on TikTok because of its high engagement level, they replied. This actually seemed sort of believable. I pushed a little further: Why wasnt it on StreetEasy? Apparently, this follow-up  or more likely the fact that I hadnt submitted my application or the fee  meant that I wasnt a very promising prospect, and they stopped responding.

When I reached out to the real Melissa Leifer, she told me that the scammers have been impersonating her since February. Shed been commenting on the TikTok pages that the posts were fake, but then the account would block her. At one point, she reached out directly and told them, Im going to find you and Im bringing your number to the cops. I was so angry, she says. It didnt work, she adds. The scammers just changed their numbers.

My conversation with a scammer. When I called the real Melissa Leifer, she told me theyd been impersonating her since February. My conversation with a scammer. When I called the real Melissa Leifer, she told me theyd been impersonating her since February.

I caught up again with Sicari in early September, and she told me that the calls and emails had lightened up a little lately. She thought her warning videos on Instagram and TikTok might be helping, or it was the demise of the cozy and unique listing TikTok accounts that were recently removed. But it seemed just as likely that the scammers were moving on to other brokers, expanding their roster. I told Sicari about the fake Keller Williams agent Id been chatting with, and she sent me a screenshot from Compass broker Jackie Soussans Instagram account: Hello everyone, someone has been impersonating me on IG and TikTok using realtorjackiesoussan as their account name, it read. This Isnt Me, It is a SCAM! And even if the scammers Sicari impersonations are waning, people are still sending money to the fake her and getting mad at her about it. She told me shed just been contacted by the Department of State. After months of trying to get the government to intervene, someone was finally taking action  just not in the way Sicari had hoped. Someone had reported the real Melissa Sicari. They left several messages and sent me an email with a copy of the complaint, she told me. When I saw the $145 application fee, I knew it was the scammer.

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William Shakespeare would have savoured such a comeuppance. That priggish legalist Sir Keir Starmer has been snagged by, oops, the law.

Sir Keir's 'one in, one out' immigration policy was this week blocked by solicitors using the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights, both of which Sir Keir reveres. As the Daily Mail's front page yesterday put it: 'Human rights fanatic PM sunkby human rights!'

Infuriating as it was to see activist lawyers again blocking the will of elected politicians, you needed a heart of slate not to laugh.

When Sir Keir was in Opposition, he accused Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak of trying to ignore legal procedures. Starmer KC was going to square the judicature once he became PM, just you see. He had the expertise  the sainted virtue, forsooth  to make sure ministers followed the letter of the law.

Yet now he has been smacked in the nose by the same forces of lawyerly inertia that so damagingly gummed up Boris and Rishi's Rwanda plan.

Poetic justice has been served. It's as if Tufty Fluffytail, that prissy 1960s road-safety campaigner, was squashed flat while jay-walking at a busy junction.

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the hero outwits his treacherous friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They planned to betray him but Hamlet switches a letter and they are the ones who meet the sticky end. Hamlet says 'tis sport to have the engineer hoist with his own petard'.

A petard was a form of mine and sometimes the chap lighting the fuse would be blown to smithereens by his own device. To see Sir Keir banjaxed by grievance-mongers of the legal due-process brigade is no less satisfying.

Sir Keir's 'one in, one out' immigration policy was this week blocked by solicitors using the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights, both of which Sir Keir reveres

Immigration is voters' biggest concern. The public is aghast at the small boats delivering record numbers of illegal migrants to our southern shores. The matter is creating civic unrest and political turmoil. It is making our country ugly.

People on those terrible boats are drowning. Criminals are making a fortune. Politicians at both ends of the spectrum, Establishment and less fragrant, say something must be done. Yet legal due process prevents meaningful action.

In his Opposition days, Sir Keir claimed intellectual rigour and diplomatic congeniality would unblock the works. In office, he has found this not to be the case. Maybe he hoped legal activists would go easier on Labour, what with him being a kindred liberal spirit (and author, no less, of a legal manual on how to assert human rights). Dream on.

The lawyers frustrating his policies do not care about Labour's electoral prospects. They are legal absolutists, zealots who seem to believe national borders are trumped by international law. Their world view, not to mention their legal aid income, depends on it.

Sir Keir should hardly be surprised. He, after all, appointed Lord Hermer to be Attorney General. Lord Hermer promotes international law with the wild-eyed fervour of a Cromwellian.

To him, 'the rule of law' means we must pay billions to give away the Chagos Isles, just as we must betray the military covenant and lay SAS veterans open to opportunistic political prosecutions. Men who defended us against IRA terrorism are going to be chased to their graves by lawyers.

At this point the impartial observer might cough lightly and suggest it is surely no bad thing for a country's political leaders to recognise the majesty of Law. Are legal rights not our shield against tyranny? Are they not essential for civic democracy?

James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, who among other things invented a precursor of the guillotine called The Maiden, pictured. After one political intrigue too many the Earl was sentenced to death and lost his head to the very device that he had pioneered

Lord Hermer argues that the rule of law brings commercial benefit, investors allegedly being more likely to come here if they know their money will not be pilfered by corrupt authorities.

Milord Hermer, a fervid little fellow, claims foreign governments will only sign treaties with us if they trust our Government to follow the rules. But 'rule of law' is not the same as 'rule of lawyer'.

Will overseas corporations invest here if they sense Britain is a country over-run by workers' entitlements, employment laws and naysaying human rights goons? Will foreign governments deal with us if they sense Downing Street is so paralysed by lawsuits that the Prime Minister's words are meaningless?

Sir Keir, like Messrs Johnson and Sunak before him, can huff and puff all he likes about the wickedness of the people smugglers. He can stand at a lectern bearing the crest of His Majesty's Government and declare and proclaim and issue edicts; but if 'due process' is invoked by some scrofulous, over-zealous immigration lawyer at one minute before midnight, all those fine words become pointless.

When that happens, the link between 'the rule of law' and democracy is complicated. We elect our politicians to make decisions, yet those decisions are being neutralised by unelected solicitors. Where, in all this, is the national interest that Sir Keir claims is his over-riding duty?

On the matter of prime ministerial impotence, incidentally, should we pause briefly in our censure of Downing Street in the Mandelson scandal?

Lord Mandelson's downfall has been a delicious pratfall, agreed. But to say, as some on the Right do, that No 10 should have had greater regard for vetting procedures, and that it acted in haste, is to make the case for the dreaded Blob.

Should a PM be allowed to make bold appointments, even if they later backfire? Must due process and the Blob's faceless operatives always be given the power of veto?

Human-rights interference in immigration policy cannot continue this way. I sense that this is now accepted. Lord Hermer may have peaked.

Last week, I watched him give evidence to a House of Lords select committee and was struck by his lack of intellectual ammunition. His advocacy for the European Convention on Human Rights rested more on blustering assertion than legal dialectic. The committee's grandees could smell this. Until even a month ago, I would have expected them to give him an easy ride. But they went for him.

Lord Hermer claimed we could never leave the convention as it would put us in the same foul bracket as Belarus and Russia. The grandees scoffed, albeit in a polite way. They pointed out that Canada and New Zealand were not in the convention. Such countries were hardly uncivilised.

Lord Hermer was reduced to gibbering about how it would be too dramatic a 'geopolitical statement' if we left the convention.

By this point his eyes were bouncing inside their sockets like pinballs in a machine. The committee was unimpressed.

Sir Keir himself may insist at present that human rights law is paramount. He says, equally, that he has confidence in Lord Hermer. He once said the same about Peter Mandelson.

Due process is out of control. The human rights extremists have jumped the shark. 'Rule of law', as interpreted by the nakedly political Attorney General, has become a democratic liability.

In the 1500s, there was a Scottish nobleman called James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, who among other things invented a precursor of the guillotine called The Maiden. After one political intrigue too many the Earl was sentenced, as sometimes happened in those days, to death. He lost his head to the very device that he had pioneered.

We cannot be certain, but as The Maiden's sharp blade descended, Morton must have muttered to himself, 'I wish I'd never been so keen on this blasted thing in the first place'.

Unless Sir Keir Starmer acknowledges that his own baby, human rights law, has become a democratic liability, he risks going the same way as the poor old Earl.
The country is heading for the metaphorical knacker's yard, so leading economists tell us. Every day the headlines bring back recurring nightmares of 49 years ago, when Denis Healey, the Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer, went cap-in-hand to the International Monetary Fund begging for a bailout.

Adding to these growing fears about economic Armageddon, households are now being held in a state of limbo  a kind of financial paralysis  as they await the Chancellor's second Budget on November 26.

Ahead of this unhappy date, Rachel Reeves is categorically refusing to rule out any tax-raising measures  except the manifesto commitments not to raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance. (Although, of course, Labour disingenuously claimed after the General Election that this referred only to National Insurance on employees  and hiked the tax on employers.)

In the meantime, pensions, homes, savings, capital gains, inheritance... everything else is up for grabs in our leaders' socialist utopia.

So as speculation mounts about fresh vicious raids on what precious wealth we might have been able to muster over our lives, many middle-class households are feeling forced to make rash and expensive decisions based on fear rather than fact.

Housing purchases delayed over 'land tax' worries  or accelerated amid concerns about stamp duty increases or capital-gains raids. Elderly parents passing on money to their children earlier than they would want to after talk of inheritance tax grabs.

And worst of all, as I shall explain, record pension withdrawals after influential voices in Left-wing think-tanks once again floated a brutal 'cap' on the amount of tax-free money that can be taken from our carefully saved pots.

This toying with our financial future is an unforgivable sin that the electorate won't forget in 2029  or perhaps sooner. It is cruel, it is wrong and it is immoral.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, Rachel Reeves is categorically refusing to rule out any tax-raising measures  except the manifesto commitments not to raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance

This toying with our financial future is an unforgivable sin that the electorate won't forget in 2029  or perhaps sooner. It is cruel, it is wrong and it is immoral, writes Jeff Prestridge

Perversely, I think Reeves is actually enjoying playing these tortuous mental games with us voters.

Labour has always despised aspiration and seen its job as 'redistributing' money from the 'rich'  really the middle classes, because the true rich know how to avoid tax  to the have-nots.

The same state of limbo pervades UK businesses, too, who are still reeling from April's job-destroying increases in National Insurance.

Nearly all company plans concerning future investment in the economy, bar those made in the past couple of days by US tech giants to coincide with President Trump's visit, are off the table until bosses are sure the Chancellor isn't going to hit them with yet more taxes in the Budget. Frankly, Reeves' economic incompetence beggars belief.

But I would bet that come November, it will be a damaging attack on our personal wealth that will form the heart of the Chancellor's Budget. Businesses will be largely left alone.

That explains why Ms Reeves is ruling nothing out as she seeks to plug a yawning 50 billion hole in the nation's finances, most of which she dug herself after she pandered so cravenly to the unions and after her boss Sir Keir Starmer backed down on even modest welfare reforms.

A year ago, Ms Reeves again kept us all guessing about what financial gore she would splash in her inaugural Budget. The consequence was a mad scramble among people approaching retirement to extract tax-free cash from their pensions before a feared clampdown.

The true size of this scramble can now be gauged thanks to data just released by the City regulator. This shows that in the year to April, Britons withdrew a record 18.3 billion of tax-free cash from their pension pots. That's 63 per cent more than the year before, when the Conservatives were in power.

In the event, of course, the cap  currently 268,275  remained. Which means that many people withdrew their pension cash when they didn't need to. And by doing so, they shifted money from a pot that had been growing tax-free into a taxable environment  just where the Chancellor wanted it.

Compounding the misery, of course, they weren't able to do anything to reverse their decision. Once you take out tax-free cash, you can't put it back  it's gone from your pension for good.

This was a nefarious win for Ms Reeves in terms of generating extra tax revenues, but a painful financial loss for many people.

And this time around, I would say that consumer anxiety over what's coming up in the Budget is on a different level. It's off the scale.

Why? For a start, the nation's finances are in a far worse state than they were when Labour came to power, making Ms Reeves ever more desperate. Twelve months ago at her first Budget, she was talking about the need to address a (probably fictitious) 22 billion black hole left by the previous Conservative government. This year, we're looking at double that sum for sure.

With influential Labour voices from Gordon Brown to Neil Kinnock urging the Chancellor to unleash yet more spending (by removing the two-child benefit cap, for example), the money will have to come from somewhere. For the Government to live within its means is apparently out of the question. Hence the feverish speculation as to what form these new taxes will take  and whom they will target.

Now experts are calling for an end to this destructive annual pre-Budget speculation.

Earlier this month, Andy Briggs, boss of pensions firm Phoenix Group, told the Daily Mail that the Chancellor should dispel rumours that she would be mounting a Budget raid on pensions. Such fears, he added with understatement, 'lead customers to making what turn out to be sub-optimal decisions'. Absolutely.

Others, such as wealth platform A J Bell, have called for a new 'pensions tax lock': for Ms Reeves to rule out any further changes to both tax relief on pension contributions and tax-free withdrawals for the rest of this parliament.

Rachel Vahey, the company's head of public policy, said this would 'give the stability people desperately need to plan for retirement with confidence'.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Chancellor heeded this call  and for once put the financial interests of hard-working people before crude politics? Fat chance.
At a swish drinks party hosted by Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband in his imposing north London townhouse recently, the main topic of conversation was who would succeed Angela Rayner as Labour's deputy leader.

There were some bruised political egos in the room after Sir Keir Starmer's Cabinet reshuffle days earlier, prompted by Rayner's resignation over unpaid stamp duty on her luxury seaside home in Hove.

David Lammy, who had been moved from Foreign Secretary (which he loved) to Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, was putting a brave face on what was widely seen as a demotion. But there was no disguising the unbridled fury of Lucy Powell who had been sacked as Leader of the Commons.

The straight-talking Northerner made it clear to fellow guests, who included ITV's left-leaning Robert Peston and the former journalist Tom Baldwin who wrote a hagiography of Starmer, that she was running for the deputy's post.

'I'm so angry,' she said repeatedly, her ire directed squarely at Starmer with whom she now claims she had often clashed behind the scenes. 'I fed back things [from Labour MPs to No 10] that with hindsight... wasn't feedback that people wanted to hear.'

It was also crystal clear at the drinks party that she was running with the support of Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester and self-styled King of the North.

Within 24 hours, Burnham, who seems intent on replacing Starmer and is widely thought to be seeking a seat before the next election, had pointedly criticised the 'London-centric' make-up of the Government. Starmer and Lammy, tellingly, are both north London lawyers.

Powell is playing up her working-class roots. Born and brought up in Moss Side in Manchester, she managed to get to Oxford to study chemistry from Parrs Wood High School, a comprehensive in East Didsbury, and went on to work in public relations roles for the lobbying company Britain in Europe.

Now the odds are shortening on Lucy Powell, who claims she will be an independent voice who will not pull her punches with the PM when there is a rift with Labour backbenchers

She has been the MP for Manchester Central since 2012 and, appalled by the Brexit vote in 2016, campaigned for a second referendum. She joined the Party as a student. On the 'soft left' of Labour, she is in a two-horse race with Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, who was the original favourite to win and widely seen as Starmer's choice.

Now the odds are shortening on Powell, who claims she will be an independent voice who will not pull her punches with the PM when there is a rift with Labour backbenchers. Only yesterday she was criticising the botched attempt by the Cabinet to impose 4 billion of disability benefit cuts  though she backed them at the time as a member of the Cabinet.

Powell, 50, who's married to a doctor and has three children, is certainly gaffe prone. Last September she warned that there could have been a 'run on the pound' if the Chancellor Rachel Reeves had not axed the winter-fuel payment for more than 10 million pensioners.

The intervention was described as 'over-dramatic' and 'silly' by economists such as Ben Zaranko of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The reaction of some Labour MPs was much more pointed. 'It was a ridiculous thing to say,' said one last night.

Then in May, on the BBC's Any Questions, she was sneering when a Reform UK commentator raised a documentary about 'grooming gangs' of mainly Pakistani heritage. Powell responded: 'Let's get that dog whistle out shall we?'

The following month Baroness Casey's Government-commissioned report into grooming gangs revealed 15 years of Establishment denial about their existence and found there had been 'a collective failure to address questions about the ethnicity of grooming gangs'.

Powell was viewed as 'haughty' by ministers on a Cabinet committee which she chaired. 'She appeared to take pleasure out of giving ministers a hard time, which is why most ministers will back Phillipson.'

However, she secured a major boost with Ed Miliband's endorsement of her deputy leadership. They have form together  she was an architect of his doomed 2015 general election campaign when he was Labour leader.

Most Labour MPs think the race is hers to lose and a poll of Party members on LabourList gives her a 17-point lead over Phillipson who had the support of more MPs when the votes were counted last week. Could she go on to challenge for the leadership? In its 125-year history the Labour Party has never elected a woman leader and many MPs think Starmer's successor has to be female.

With Rayner out of the picture will Powell fit the bill? Who knows. But the female Labour MP who relishes her nickname of 'Egg Breaker' because of her bull in a china shop approach to negotiations dismisses any notion that she will be a stalking horse for Andy Burnham.

She told the Manchester Evening News: 'Woe betide anyone who wants to try and tell me that I'm subservient to some other man. I'm probably more alpha male than most men I know.' As Sir Keir Starmer may be about to find out to his cost.
Are you sitting comfortably? Then Ill begin. In which case you might care to pour yourself a large VAT. What follows is more frightening evidence of the broken 'asylum' system in Surkeir's socialist utopia, as Donald Trump warns correctly that illegal immigration will destroy Britain from within.

Just when you thought youd heard it all - illegals avoiding deportation on the grounds that they own a cat, or their kid doesnt like the taste of Albanian chicken nuggets - along come yet another couple of far more sinister contenders for the You Couldnt Make It Up files.

Not for the first time, my only problem is: where to start?

An Egyptian asylum seeker who raped a woman in Londons Hyde Park turns out to have been living in a four-star Hilton hotel at taxpayers expense.

Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela - theres a Countdown Conundrum for you - arrived here a couple of years ago after being convicted of terrorism offences in Egypt in 2015.

Abouelela was found guilty in his absence of manufacturing explosives to be used in bombing electricity pylons and gas lines.

He fled the jurisdiction before he could be sentenced and has been on the run for the past ten years, living variously in Malaysia, Sudan and Turkey.

Even though the Turks granted him asylum, he decided hed be happier in Britain. In April 2023, he claimed asylum on the grounds that he would face persecution if he was returned to Egypt.

Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela, 42, was jailed for raping a woman in Hyde Park in November

Oh dear, how sad, never mind.

Hed been convicted of bomb-making and planning terror attacks in Egypt. If anyone deserved to be persecuted, he did. Not our problem.

Yet our lily-livered, far-Left legal system took pity on him. Instead of booking him on a Night Boat To Cairo, they put him up in the four-star Hampton by Hilton hotel in Ealing.

(I tried to check out the room rate at the hotel, but it was showing sold out for the forseeable. Presumably, this is another of those hotels which has been commandeered for the exclusive use of migrants.

The website boasts: Each modern guest room includes a 55 in HDTV, mini-fridge, complimentary WiFi, and 24-hour fitness centre access. (Certainly beats the hell out of a fetid jail cell in Cairo, where hed have to make nice with a snaggle-toothed camel jockey doing a ten-stretch for goat-rustling and determined to make him Walk Like An Egyptian.)

At the time Abouelela applied for asylum here, he had a wife and kid in Ankara, Jack. But he went out for a ride and he never went back.

The British authorities should have been well aware of his bomb-making conviction and his membership of the Muslim Brotherhood, designated a terrorist organisation in many countries across Europe and the Middle East - but not in soft-touch UK, which rolls out the red carpet for terrorists from around the world.

Home Office officials spent 17 months pondering over whether or not to grant Abouelelas asylum application, during which time he was allowed to wander around at will. He even posed for a selfie in January last year outside the Imperial War Museum North in Trafford, Greater Manchester. (Another target?)

Roland Matranxhi is an Albanian drugs dealer who was allowed to stay in the UK

Anyway, whats to ponder? Hes a convicted Islamist terrorist who has no right to be here. But when has a minor detail like that ever worried our taxpayer-funded yuman rites industry?

Abouelela repaid our generous hospitality by raping a vulnerable woman in Hyde Park, a crime for which he was jailed for eight and half years this week.

No doubt when hes released early, after serving a third of his sentence to free up space for someone who posted hurty words on Twitter, hell be granted indefinite leave to remain. Theyre probably plumping up the cushions and putting the champagne on ice in the bridal suite at the Ealing Hilton in anticipation of his return.

Think Im joking? It was only a couple of days ago that I brought you news of the Home Office advertising for wedding planners for illegal migrants.

And you might conclude that would be enough to be going on with for one column. But sadly not. So youll probably want to refill your glass.

Coming up after the break, another everyday story of our fun-loving Albanian friends.

My next guest is Roland Matranxhi, an Albanian drugs dealer who was allowed to stay in the UK after an immigration judge ruled that his relationship with his wife might dwindle away if he was deported.

Matranxhi was jailed for four and a half years after he and two others were caught red-handed when police raided their house and found cannabis worth up to 200,000, alongside 11,000 cash hidden in a shoebox and notebooks of shopping lists to help grow cannabis.

They were already on the Old Bills radar after another house had been raided and 1 million of cannabis seized.

First plane out, you might have thought, especially after our Government boasted it had signed a returns agreement with the Albanian government.

Er, not as such. Step forward Mrs Matranxhi, who threw herself on the mercy of the First-tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber (yes, really), pleading that she couldnt possibly move to Albania.

The sympathetic tribunal judge said this meant that their loving relationship' would go cold, and ruled that Matranxhi could remain in the country as he met a test for compelling circumstances.

Compassion in action, you may conclude, especially as she didnt want to be separated from her sister, who lives with her.

Thats until you learn that Mrs Wossname is Portuguese, not British. In court she was known only as Miss Mareno, so they may or may not be married in the eyes of the law. Who knows?

(The only Mareno/Moreno Ive ever heard of was Rita Moreno, from West Side Story, and shes Puerto Rican, not Portuguese. Or was that Jose Mourinho?)

What the hell? Just run that by me again. Lets see if Ive got this right. We cant deport an Albanian gangster because hes in a 'loving relationship' with a Portuguese woman who doesnt want to be separated from her sister, with whom she lives in Britain?

Call me controversial: but why cant they move to Portugal, or Albania? Unless, of course, the sister has an aversion to chicken nuggets.

No doubt by the time he gets out of jail early (to make way for a non-crime hate criminal), theyll all live happily ever after in the four-star Lord Hermer suite at the Hampton by Hilton in Ealing, two doors down from the Egyptian rapist/terrorist and his extended family.

And in late-breaking news . . .

After two false starts, following predictable interventions by activist judges and taxpayer-funded yuman rites lawyers, the first illegal migrant was sent back to France yesterday under the one-in, one-out scheme. He wont be in France for long. Hes being sent straight on to India.

You couldnt etc . . .

So why cant we just cut out the middle man and deport him to India ourselves?

Id ask Surkeir, but if he wasnt Prime Minister he would have been in court representing the Indian involved, as well as the Egyptian rapist/terrorist, and the Albanian drugs dealer, opposing their deportation under his beloved European yuman rites act.

Its almost 25 years since I invented a spoof game show called Asylum, which has been doing the rounds on the internet ever since, highlighting the absurdity of Britains lax immigration system.

These days, its long past a joke, broken beyond repair. Large VAT, please, Dave. Better make it a double double.
A wedding planner has revealed the most annoying thing that guests can do... and it's something many people are guilty of.

When attending a wedding, it's natural to have questions about logistics.

Maybe you're wondering where you should park, or what the food options may be... But according to expert Robin 'Birdie' Yarusso, you better keep those questions to yourself.

Birdie, who has been a wedding planner for over two decades, 43, from Lakeville, Minneapolis, told the Daily Mail that guests bombarding the bride with their inquiries on her big day is one of the worst possible things they can do.

'Texting the bride the day of over little stuff like "where do we park again?" [is the most annoying thing a wedding guest can do],' she dished.

'She's busy. There are so many ways to figure it out without stressing her out.'

In addition, she slammed people who turn up late to the nuptials, pointing out that it often interrupts the event and distracts others guests.

'Walking into the ceremony late is distracting, [especially] while you find your seat,' she stated.

Wedding planner Robin 'Birdie' Yarusso has revealed the most annoying thing that guests can do... and it's something many people are guilty of

Birdie, 43, from Lakeville, Minneapolis, told the Daily Mail that guests bombarding the bride with their inquiries on her big day is one of the worst possible things they can do (stock image)

Birdie has been helping people prepare for their big day for nearly 25 years, and has planned over 100 weddings.

'I come from a very large family. When I was about 18 I started stepping in to help my aunt whenever a cousin was getting married,' she explained.

'And I quickly found this was my creative outlet and have been doing it since.'

The wedding planner also shared the 'biggest mistake' that couples make when it comes to preparing for their nuptials: spending too much money.

While weddings aren't cheap, she stressed the importance of planning a wedding that's in your budget.

'Going into debt to plan a day [is not worth it],' she dished. 'That adds layers to the stress and builds contempt in the relationship.'

The biggest money waster according to the expert? Party favors.

'Please stop buying favors,' she stressed. 'I make sure venues are cleaned out at the end of the night and 99 percent of the favors are left behind. Every time.'

In addition, she slammed people who turn up late to the nuptials, pointing out that it often interrupts the event and distracts others guests

The wedding planner also shared the 'biggest mistake' that couples make when it comes to preparing for their nuptials: spending too much money (stock image)

Nationally, the average wedding in 2024 cost $33,000, according to data from wedding planning and registry website Zola, shared by Fidelity, but ranges based on where you live.

In California, for example, that average rose to $36,000, while in Alaska, it's only $14,000.

Other more pricey states for weddings include Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming.

The study found that couples spend nearly 25 percent of their wedding budget on the venue, 18 percent on the catering, 12 percent on photos and video, nine percent on a DJ or band, eight percent on flowers, and seven percent on their outfits.

In the end, Birdie said your focus shouldn't be about Instagram content or participating in popular trends, but rather, creating an amazing memory for yourself, your friends, and your family.

'Make it meaningful. Having a beautiful wedding isnt just about gorgeous flowers and stunning decor. Its about the emotional connection for everyone,' she concluded.

'Leave people feeling moved during the ceremony, emotional during the speeches, and energized during the party.'
A Sydney buyer's agent has revealed the three-point mental checklist he uses whenever he attends an open house inspection.

Ben Drayton, a buyer's agent specialising in the North Shore area, recently shared the guidelines he considers while viewing a property and how he uses them to determine if the house is a fit for his client.

Ben unveiled the gatekept real estate buying secrets to his TikTok account in a video that has been viewed almost 36,000 times.

Ben explained that his ultimate goal when attending an open house inspection is to 'collect clues'.

These clues relate to the three key factors he has top of mind while viewing the prospective home.

The categories in his mind are: The story behind the sale, the fundamentals of the property and any quiet red flags that people might miss.

And he added with a laugh that he's certainly not 'imagining where the couch goes'.

He explained that these guidelines can ultimately help purchasers determine whether a property is a wise investment - and if it is, how much it is likely to be worth.

Sydney buyer's agent Ben Drayton shared a now-viral TikTok video where he details the three guidelines he considers at any open house inspection

1. The Story Behind the Sale

Ben's first piece of open home inspection advice is to put on your investigator cap and start asking questions.

'I start by asking the kind of questions that go deeper than the brochure,' he explained.

In the video shared to his @bendrayton_buyersagent, Ben proceeded to offer examples of the type of questions he might ask a real estate agent in order to glean a better picture of the 'story behind the sale'.

'So I usually ask, "Why is the vendor selling?" "What is the highest rejected offer" and "What kind of terms would get this sold today?" he explained.

While the answers provide nuggets of information, the buyer's agent explained that it's equally important to pay attention to how the realtor answers the questions and be on the lookout for non-verbal clues.

'You're not just asking, but you're listening,' he explained. 'You're listening for hesitation, vague answers, anything that signals motivation or flexibility.'

Ben explained that these clues may prove especially invaluable when it comes to the negotiation phase because they can ultimately offer 'leverage'.

Talking to the real estate agent and picking up on any non-verbal clues is an important part of understanding the 'story behind the sale', according to Ben (Picture: stock image)

2. Fundamentals of the Property

The second thing that needs to be observed while attending an open house is what Ben refers to as 'the fundamentals of the property'.

His reasoning? 'You can change the finishes. You can't change the fundamentals.'

In the TikTok video, Ben outlined some of the unchangeable fundamentals he looks out for.

'I focus on things like orientation, natural light, location and the layout,' he explained.

The property expert explained that considering the fundamentals is crucial not only for when the buyer is purchasing a property, but also down the track when they may eventually be in the position of selling it.

'The fundamentals drive liveability and resale - not the splash back or the property styling or the shiny new bench tops.'

'You can change the finishes. You can't change the fundamentals,' he added.

The Sydney buyer's agent explained that it's important to note the fundamentals of a property at an open inspection, such as the light, layout and location (Picture: stock image)

3. Quiet Red Flags People Miss

Prospective home buyers can sometimes be guilty of being overly eager or optimistic when walking into an open house  particularly if they imagine it to be their future abode.

But Ben says that inspecting a property wearing proverbial rose-tinted glasses is the worst thing you can do when trying to accurately assess its value.

'I've trained myself to look at what most people miss,' Ben explained.

'Things like musty odours, cracks near windows and doors, patchy new paint and bouncy floors.'

However, the expert notes that if a property does exhibit any of these 'red flags', it doesn't necessarily mean you cross it off the list entirely.

'These aren't deal breakers, but they do change the value in what you're seeing,' he explained.

Ben is a buyer's agent who specialises in finding properties on Sydney's north shore

Ben concluded his popular video by explaining that all these factors should be top of mind every time you walk into an open house inspection.

He added that all this intel will become particularly pertinent if you decide to take the next step towards negotiating a purchase.

'Inspections are about finding the hidden context, motivation, defects and future potential. That's where good decisions are made. Happy hunting.'
Cassidy McGill has gone on an expletive rant about unspoken footpath etiquette after a group of unsuspecting people walking towards her refused to step aside.

The Love Island Australia star was on a one-hour walk when she noticed almost everyone she crossed paths with didn't stay to the left or keep to single file.

'Apparently we need to do a refresh on footpath etiquette because a lot of you f***ers don't know how to share a footpath and it's crazy,' Cassidy said furiously in a video.

'First up, if you're walking on your own, you stick to the left, depending on what country, you stick to the right. You know what? I don't give a f*** what side you stick to, just don't walk in the middle, otherwise you'll p*** me off.'

Cassidy called out those who ignore footpath etiquette - including couples, singles, elderly people, families and dog owners.

She took particular issue with couples who are not conscious of those around them.

'If you're walking as a couple and you're walking towards me, you go single f***ing file, okay? You don't need to keep holding each other's hands,' she said.

'For two seconds, you can go single file because it's not my responsibility to walk around you just so you two can keep holding hands. I will drop a shoulder, I'll lose my f***ing s***.'

Cassidy McGill has gone on an expletive rant about unspoken footpath etiquette after a group of unsuspecting people walking towards her refused to step aside

For those walking as a family with kids, Cassidy said it was the parents' responsibility to make sure their children are not blocking the entire footpath.

'It's the parent's responsibility to teach the child to get out of the way,' she said.

'When they're young and impressionable, that's when you teach them how to share a f***ing footpath. I don't want to have to f***ing dodge and walk around your kid. You teach your kids to get out of the way, to step to the side.'

Her rant didn't end there. She called out pet owners for not holding onto their dogs properly - leaving her to 'hurdle' over the leash.

'If you're walking with a dog, you pull the f***ing lead in. I'm not in the Olympics... I don't want your dog in and around my legs,' Cassidy said.

The reality star was shocked to see a huge number of people with 'no courtesy on how to share a f***ing footpath'.

'It's actually insane,' she said.

'How are you people raised? Actually I know how you're f***ing raised because I see how these parents are raising their kids and that's where they f***ing get it from.

'Oh my god. I just went for an hour walk - old people, young people, couples, singles... you people are animals.'

The Love Island Australia star was on a one-hour walk when she noticed almost everyone she crossed paths with didn't stay to the left or keep to single file

Cassidy called out a range of people for forgetting footpath etiquette - including couples, singles, elderly people, families and dog owners

Her video has prompted a heated discussion after striking a chord with thousands of people, with more than 870 comments and over 265,000 views in just 24 hours.

'I brace myself and refuse to move, they ALWAYS expect the other person to move, every one of those types of people. I brace and keep my stride. Don't want to be hit? Then learn to move,' one shared.

'I am also a bracer. My wife and I single file and they still have the audacity to bump into her. NOT TODAY SUNSHINE,' another ranted.

'OMG the amount of times I've basically had to go off road with my double pram because people walking refuse to move is crazy. Of course I move for others but when it's a narrow path and I'm about to run into bushes for you. Please give a mama a break,' one said.

'I stand in between couples. Sorry I'm not moving. Either split or both move to one direction,' another suggested.

'OMG you've spoken every single frustration of mine taking a walk. Sometimes, just sometimes, I really wish I was as ignorant and lacked as much courtesy as SO many others because why the heck is it SO exhausting just going for a walk?!' one added.

Many applauded Cassidy for bringing the major issue to light, with one saying: 'I feel like this refresh was so needed. STICK TO THE LEFT.'

'SAY IT LOUDER PLEASE,' another added.
When the realisation first hit me, it was as if the clouds parted and the sun bathed me in light.

After nearly 50 years of torturing myself about my dysfunctional relationship with my mother, I acknowledged that it wasnt my fault.

It wasnt my fault that she gave me away for the first year of my life  to a maternity nurse for the first six weeks, then to her cleaners sister for the next ten months. It wasnt my fault that she never touched me, never hugged me, never evinced any affection.

And it wasnt that there was something so wrong with me that even my own mother thought me too worthless to love. A very wise therapist friend had enlightened me. My mother was almost certainly a sufferer of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)  almost certainly because narcissists dont tend to seek diagnosis as they dont think theres anything wrong with them.

As such, I should stop waiting for her to apologise for my childhood, acknowledge the pain she had caused or concede that she had loved me, a little. As a narcissistic parent, my mother just wasnt capable of apologising for something she would never be able to acknowledge. The fact was she couldnt love me and she never would.

This was back in 2016 and it was then that I grieved for her  and the relationship we would never have. She was very much still alive at that point but her power to hurt me any more had died.

This realisation, while painful, freed me from the vicious cycle of guilt, anger and worthlessness. Or so I thought. Enlightened, I saw her less frequently because I no longer felt guilty about not making the long journey from London to Yorkshire. On the phone, I found I no longer dreaded the sound of her voice.

But then, early this summer, my mother, Juliet, did die, aged 84. And I was struck by the strangeness of the grieving process  not at any point did I feel actual grief or loss.

As a narcissistic parent, my mother just wasnt capable of apologising for something she would never be able to acknowledge, writes Susannah Jowitt

Susannah with Kathleen Saxton, a business entrepreneur turned acclaimed psychotherapist, who has written a new book: My Parent The Peacock: Discovery And Recovery From Narcissistic Parenting

Instead, there was so much rage  mainly because of the fact that her friends and even other family members lionised her despite her treatment of my older brother and me.

It made me realise our relationship was still having a profound effect on me. And that I needed more help to escape the toxic legacy of my childhood once and for all.

Enter Kathleen Saxton, a business entrepreneur turned acclaimed psychotherapist, and her new book, My Parent The Peacock: Discovery And Recovery From Narcissistic Parenting.

Kathleen believes the scars inflicted by a parent with narcissistic tendencies are lasting  but they dont have to define your future. Her book seeks to validate your own personal experience while offering practical steps towards healing and freedom.

She also decodes the true meaning of the word narcissism; a term thats bandied around these days, applied to celebrities and politicians almost daily.

It turns out there is more to it than self-obsession. Kathleen explains there is also a constant need for admiration, a lack of empathy for others, a tendency towards exploitative behaviour, using their nearest and dearest for their own ends.

Instead of loving and supporting their child, a narcissistic parent prioritises their own needs, makes their love entirely conditional, uses guilt and fear to manipulate and control, and dismisses the childs emotions or experiences.

And there are surprising numbers of children affected by narcissistic parents. While reliable statistics are hard to establish, Kathleen says in a crowd of 100 people, 12 are likely to have narcissistic traits and a handful could have NPD.

Susannah aged nine with her mother and brother

While reading her book, I make notes in the margin  Yes! This!  on almost every page. By the middle, I have concluded that my mother did indeed have NPD and my father was almost certainly narcissistic, too.

For both of them, my brother and I were extensions of themselves. When I published a novel aged 24, my mothers reaction was to tell me that shed been writing stories for years by the time she was my age and that it was only because of my expensive education that I had been published, not her.

When my brother got a scholarship to Cambridge University, my father told me that of course he did, because he had all the Jowitt brains and that it was about time too because he himself had been forbidden to take up his own Cambridge place by my grandmother.

In neither case did they show the slightest interest in our lives, except to chalk up the successes. They shied away from actual parenting when the going got tougher  for example, when my brother was then sent down from Cambridge for being deeply unhappy with his subject and not doing any work.

To be honest, they should probably never have even had children.

But they did and the clues were there right from the beginning. At Mums funeral this year, my brother read a eulogy in which he said she had told him she hated him from the moment he was born. The only compensation, he said, was that she told me she hated my sister more.

That she did. Hence, as I have written on these pages before, her sending me away for the first year of my life. A fact she kept from me until, startlingly, she told me  calmly and impersonally  on the night of my fathers funeral in 2020.

She presented it as a good decision, saying that I was much happier as a result, she was certainly happier  and if she was happy, my father was happy.

Since I already knew her to be a narcissist by this point, this revelation wasnt as shocking as it might have been: it felt like the last piece in the puzzle of why she and I had no bond. I also realised that I might have my in loco parentis mother  our cleaners sister  to thank for the fact that I had always been so tactile and loving, unlike her.

I was eventually returned to our home in Yorkshire and we lived in a comfortable house on the edge of a village, paid for by my fathers inherited position as boss of the family wool firm in Bradford. We were well-off without being rich.

My mother, a farmers daughter, was obsessed with horses. She was also a time-starved career woman  both a hotel interior designer and a busy magistrate  so she employed a series of girl grooms who lived with us, looked after her two horses and, on the side, me  and my brother when he was home from boarding school.

When I was seven, my parents delivered me to my own boarding school on a sunlit afternoon. For the first half hour, we children all ran around the grounds like excited puppies while the grown-ups chatted together. Then a bell rang, signalling for parents to leave.

To my amazement, all the adults dropped to their knees and held their arms out to their suddenly-sobbing children to say goodbye.

Ohhhh, I thought to myself, so thats what hugging looks like.

I looked up at my own parents, the only ones still standing. Well, said my mother. Bye then. Off you go.

And I did: boarding school for me was so much more fun than living at home.

Not that we were beaten or starved at home  except of love. But we all marched to our mothers beat. Her mood set the temperature of our family life. Very occasionally she appeared to enjoy our company but most of the time we could feel her finding us wanting.

My brothers response was to keep his head down and keep out of trouble; mine was to tap-dance for approval, something I did until the day she died.

Look at me, publishing novels, arent you proud of me? Look at my beautiful children, arent I clever for making them? Look at me, Ive lost lots of weight, isnt that what you always wanted me to do?

When Kathleen Saxton and I discuss this, she explains that children of narcissistic parents tend to fall into three categories: the Golden Child, the Scapegoat and the Lost Child. Kathleen reckons my brother and I oscillated between Golden Child and Lost Child.

My mother loved to pit us against each other but only one of us ever had her approval at any given time.

When I was the Golden Child, for example, with a good career and charming children, my brother was the Lost Child, beneath my mothers contempt for not having a proper job and a son who didnt get into the right school.

But then the seesaw would tip and my brother would be the one who had at least visited her, whereas I was the uncaring daughter who had abandoned the family for London and never trekked up to Yorkshire to pay homage to her.

Keeping you both on that seesaw is a core trait in narcissistic parents, says Kathleen. This is a control mechanism, a trauma bond that keeps you both in a state of anxiety and seeking approval from her, which was just the way she would want it and in a way that she would have described as perfectly reasonable parenting.

Its true, my mother died honestly believing that she had been a good mother. But why was she a narcissist in the first place?

I am fascinated by Kathleens chapter on the why and how someone develops NPD. Especially suggestive is the section on epigenetics: the idea that NPD can start from stress in the womb and in the very early years of childhood, before real sentience.

My mother was born in 1940 when our grandmother was under the cumulative stress of a world war, husband away, her two much older children evacuated to relatives in America. For her first two years, my mother was the indulged baby. Then in 1942, my aunt and uncle returned and her world suddenly distorted.

Kathleen says: Early life experience  even back into the womb  does have a huge part to play in the development of narcissism because it is fundamentally a disease of deficiency: something was wrong. So I think this could have been the case with your mother.

My father too had a childhood blighted by war, evacuation, the early death of his father, polio when he was seven and an abusive stepfather: all details my brother and I found out much later in life.

He was charming and always the life and soul of the party and I adored him, but the more I talk to Kathleen and study her book, the more I realise that he followed the narcissistic pattern of intermittent reinforcement: keeping us dangling on the rope of his approval. He held us up as trophies of Jowitt brilliance when we did well, but was savage when we  in his eyes  let him down.

I had been nervous about turning out like her  or indeed my dad  when I had my own children in my mid-30s, but what Ive read reassures me this is not the case.

My 22-year-old son, whos back living with us after university, tells me: Youre the opposite of a narcissist with us. Even I could see that Granny was only interested in how we all reflected on her.

But recognising that narcissistic parenting has a lasting effect, even beyond the death of both my parents, is key to recovery: Acknowledging that you lacked the basic childhood structure of love, support, encouragement and interest, says Kathleen, is the first step to undoing the damage that has been done to you.

The next step is to uncover my true self  not the Golden Child who was always trying to get my parents approval or the Lost Child who felt worthless and invisible  but the Susannah at the heart of me.

Who are you without your mother? she asks.

I think about this. In her book, Kathleen explains various methods to help you unearth your true self. Theres her Russian Dolls approach (unwrapping all the people you have inside you), the Two Chairs method of then sitting them down and having a good old chinwag with each of them, and then exploring the theory that sometimes you just have to accept that bad stuff can simply sit alongside good stuff and thats OK.

I realise I no longer need to live by my mothers values: her insistence that only worldly success is success, her scoffing at my insistence that, actually, my familys happiness is my first priority.

Forget Golden Susannah, or Lost Susannah: the self I find myself ending up with  and look forward to getting to know  is Happy Susannah, which is the Susannah I think I am, and always have been, at heart. This is the part that my mother, I think, was always jealous of and maybe even tried to quash, because it wasnt a trait that ever developed in her.

Best of all, at the age of 56, I am finally free. Not as a result of my mothers death but because her death allowed me to take a good long look at myself without her filter of critique, curtail and correct. And that feels really wonderful.

My Parent The Peacock by Kathleen Saxton (John Murray Press, 15.99), to be published on September 25.  Kathleen Saxton 2025.

To order a copy for 14.39 (offer valid until September 27, 2025; UK P&P free on orders over 25) go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.

Telltale signs of a self-obsessed parent

1. Lack of emotional validation and support  as the parents focus is typically on their own needs, this can cause feelings from worthlessness and inadequacy to a fear of intimacy or abandonment in their child.

2. Conditional love, shown only when children meet certain expectations, such as achieving success or behaving in ways that reflect well on the parent.

3. Lack of empathy. The narcissist parent sees children not as beings with their own lived experience but merely as an opportunity to provide fuel for their ego in the form of attention, validation, admiration and sometimes sympathy.

4. Control and manipulation, resulting in an emotional roller coaster as they create a cycle of idealisation and devaluation because of their need for control and dominance. Intermittent reinforcement can be their weapon of choice.

5. Gaslighting if they are ever confronted with evidence of their harmful behaviour.

6. Projection and blame, when the parent projects their insecurities on to their children, blaming them for their own failures or shortcomings.

How to recover

1. Recognise narcissistic parenting and ignore naysayers who say it wasnt bad.

2. Accept you are not responsible for  and cannot change  the narcissistic parents behaviour.

3. Realise that your priority should be your own mental and emotional health and establishing clear boundaries with those who threaten that.

4. Build your own support network of family members and friends, not as a rival camp but to protect you against gaslighting and the cycle of criticism.

5. Work on yourself to discover your true self: start with a mindfulness practice of breathing, meditating or sitting quietly, then imagine meeting your younger self, nurturing, comforting, acknowledging the unmet needs of young yous childhood and offering to fulfil them now as an adult.

6. Work out who you are  your values, creative vision, goals  without the filter of what has always been expected of you and build your adult identity.

7. Reframe your story. See yourself not as a victim but as a survivor and thriver. While accepting what has happened, use those experiences to build resilience and independence.

8. Accept that you might need therapy, whether trauma-informed psychotherapy, EMDR, somatic healing, CBT, DBT, or peer support groups. Make sure that the practitioner is well- versed in the perniciousness of narcissistic parenting.
I used to feel guilty that four of my five children aren't privately educated. I was myself, and I felt that in some way I had let them down.

I feared they were missing out on the endless japes and profound friendships often forged at boarding school when children live away from home. I don't think that any more.

Instead, I hear countless evidence of the entitled, snobbish brats Britain's private schools are churning out, and breathe a sigh of relief that my brood are nothing like that.

To be honest, the decision was made for us, as we can't afford it. I always knew I wanted a large family and having more kids was, for me, more important than a private education.

However, to put my cards on the table, our eldest  Isaac, now 18  was privately schooled until he was 16. Initially, we couldn't get him into a state primary we were happy with in London. When we moved to the north Essex countryside two years later, we enrolled our second child, Beatrice, in the cosy village primary.

But there was no room for Isaac, so we found him a local private school with great sporting facilities instead. I am happy to say he has loved his state school sixth form just as much. And our three daughters and youngest son have only ever known the state system.

I am, to my surprise, incredibly grateful for that. I recently visited a friend who was in tears about the vicious bullying her daughter endures at boarding school, and how helpless she feels being miles away.

The other day, my daughters were asked by a 13-year-old boy who attends a private school if they were 'chavs'. He walked away sniggering. My girls were mortified, telling me later they worry their voices aren't posh enough and their clothes aren't good enough, which makes my heart hurt.

I hear countless evidence of the entitled, snobbish brats Britain's private schools are churning out, and breathe a sigh of relief that my brood are nothing like that, writes Sybilla Hart

The children I have met in the state sector are generally more grounded, polite and respectful

We know people from all backgrounds so they often socialise with children from private schools, and it appals me how often they are snubbed or made to feel inferior.

At a party this summer, my eldest girl was asked which school she attended (meaning which private school). Some kids are gracious and don't probe, but others call them out, saying, 'Oh, is that a state school?' before telling everyone in earshot as if it's something to be ashamed of. The girls admit how much this embarrasses them, but luckily they've developed a thick skin.

Boarding school kids can be so spoilt, too. Recently, one of my children returned crying from a shopping trip with some private school pals, saying everything she had wanted to buy was snapped up by her friends without thinking, so much so that she ended up carrying some of their shopping bags for them.

I consoled her that it is far better for her that if she wants something, we have to discuss it first and then plan how we are going to pay for it. Still, 'Why do I have to have clothes for my birthday when so and so gets them "for free"?' is a common refrain in our house.

I know boarding school kids who've been caught stealing from their parents  'She won't miss that 100 from her wallet'  and ones who routinely expect to be taken out for clothes hauls and cocktails (yes, cocktails) by their mums. A ridiculous notion.

So just why are so many of them entitled brats?

I think it's partly because time together is too short and precious to jeopardise with a big fallout over behaviour.

Whereas I monitor my children on a daily basis  constantly telling them off for swearing and bickering with their siblings  boarding school mums only get a brief window for discipline.

By contrast, the children I have met in the state sector are generally more grounded, polite and respectful. They are straight-talking, look you in the eye and tend to understand boundaries  I recently noted how well my daughter's friends took my refusal to host an impromptu sleepover. Unlike public school children, they don't expect to get their own way every time.

If I give them a lift in my old car, they don't care that there is a smelly dog breathing on them and Cheestrings in the backseat pockets.

The private school system seems to have sacrificed good manners at the altar of the perfect curriculum product, and learning how to fence or play lacrosse is more important than saying please or thank you.

If I had privately educated all my kids, I would hardly have seen them, missing them for days only to have them land on weekends or at half-term demanding the latest Minka Dink top or blusher from Sephora. The answer would have been no, to be met with a furrowed brow and a muttered 'You're so embarrassing'.

We would have argued about why the car was old and dirty  what was I doing all day?  and why couldn't they have that cool top and blusher? It might well have continued like that for the rest of half-term until they finally got the point before flouncing back to school.

I shudder to think of it. Give me a state school education over that any day.
A young mum with two kids under three has sparked a heated debate over airplane etiquette after she called out a passenger for ignoring 'common courtesy'.

Matilda Norton was travelling on a three-hour flight from Cairns to Adelaide with her 11-month-old baby boy sitting on her lap in the middle seat while her two-and-a-half-year-old son was next to the window.

As the 27-year-old mum tried to breastfeed her baby, the passenger sitting directly in front of her reclined his seat - despite having an empty chair right next to him.

'Hear me out... he had an empty seat next to him. He could have moved over and put the other seat back where there was no baby behind him,' Matilda said in a video that's now been viewed more than 4.3 million times.

'Or when he laid down across both seats he could have at least put his seat upright since he wasn't even using it. I know everyone has the right to put their seat back... but where is the common courtesy? We had no space.'

After sharing her airplane gripe on September 7, she never imagined her 12-second clip would go viral around the world - but for all the wrong reasons.

One of the commonly asked questions was, 'Why don't you switch seats with your kid?' The mum said she would rather her toddler enjoy the window seat than feel 'grumpy' sitting in the middle, which could have made the flight even more stressful.

'People clearly don't have toddlers because you just do what you can to keep your kids happy on a plane,' Matilda told Daily Mail.

Matilda Norton was trying to breastfeed her baby boy when the passenger sitting directly in front of her reclined his seat - despite having an empty chair right next to him

'My toddler loves the window seat, he loves airplanes so he was not going to swap with me. It would've been a big fight.

'He wouldn't have stayed in the aisle seat, he would've climbed over me... climbed on my lap. It honestly would've been a lot more stressful if I swapped with him.'

The mum said she was stunned when the unsuspecting passenger sitting in front decided to pull his seat back on the short-haul domestic flight.

'Honestly, I thought, "Is he for real?", a bit of an eye roll moment for me. Mainly because he did have a spare window seat so he had plenty of space,' she said.

'I was trying to feed my baby on my lap, I had my hands very full. So it really was just the tip of the iceberg and my boys were not very good on that flight.'

Her video has grabbed headlines around the world after she was labelled an 'entitled mum' for expecting the passenger to 'give up their comfort' for her family.

'As a mum of two toddlers: Don't make others responsible for your choice to fly with small children,' one said.

'Just switch seats with your camera,' another suggested.

'So let me get this right. You won't switch places with your kid because you want him to have a window, but expect a stranger to give up their comfort for you? That's a new level of entitlement (and yes, I fly with two kids internationally at least once a year),' one shared.

'Mum of two grown children, here. Your brave choice to travel alone with two small children is not this man's fault nor is it the responsibility of the people around you to cater to you. If they decide to help you out, great. But those kids are nobody's responsibility but yours,' another added.

The 27-year-old was travelling from Cairns to Adelaide with her 11-month-old baby boy and two-and-a-half-year-old son

Matilda said the passenger was entitled to recline his seat, but he should have been more considerate as he had an empty chair next to him.

'I just thought that potentially he could have sat one seat over in the empty seat next to him and reclined that one instead. It's just common courtesy,' she said.

'But I agree, he is allowed to recline it.'

As it was only a three-hour flight, Matilda said she didn't think it was necessary to recline her own seat because she 'felt bad for the person behind' her.

After her footage went viral, the mum said it was never her intention to offend anyone.

'I'm honestly a little bit embarrassed because I would hate to come across as an "entitled mother", it's just not who I am at all,' Matilda told Daily Mail.

The mum has been sharing her daily life on social media, where she has more than 50,000 followers, so she didn't think twice before uploading the video about the 'common courtesy' of flying.

'I did not expect the video to blow up the way that it has,' she said.

'I just decided to share the video because why not? I thought it's just another little bit of my day and I didn't expect this reaction at all.'

However, she hasn't let the negative remarks drag her down or ruin her day.

'Honestly, those comments do not faze me,' she said.

'No one has genuinely upset or hurt me. I don't let things like that get to me. They did not faze me at all honestly. I found a lot of humour in it to be completely transparent.'

By sharing her experience, she hopes fellow travellers are more sympathetic, especially towards mums with young kids

By sharing her experience, she hopes fellow travellers are more sympathetic and lenient, especially towards mums with young kids.

'There's just a little bit of hope that if someone gets on an airplane and sees a mum with two little kids who is probably struggling and not having a very good time, they might offer her a little bit of grace,' Matilda said.

'Maybe they could just choose not to put their seat back or just let the mum know she's doing a good job, or say something like, "You know, I've got kids at home crying too, it doesn't bother me" - just little things like that.'

The experience hasn't deterred the family from travelling - but she knows it's not an easy flight with two young kids.

'Overall I love travelling with the boys. I love taking them to new places and seeing the world,' Matilda explained.

'We've got another trip to America in a couple of months so that'll be the longest flight yet. But no, it's not fun travelling on a plane with kids.

'I don't know anyone who will say, "I love flying with toddlers". It's hard and it feels long and you feel like everyone is staring at you if your kids are crying. It's stressful.'
Kate exuded radiance with her 'flawless' make-up and 'soft' waves in her hair

Kate was a vision of elegance as she attended a State Banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night.

The lavish banquet marked the second state visit of US president Donald Trump, who was accompanied by the First Lady, Melania.

However, all eyes were on the Princess of Wales, 43, who sported a couture gold lace gown created by designer Phillipa Lepley, completing the look with the pearl-laden Lover's Knot Tiara and earrings that previously belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Many fans took to social media to comment on her look, with multiple royal watchers describing William's wife as 'stunning'.

And her glowing appearance was also noted by Mr Trump in his speech at the banquet, during which he described the mother-of-three as 'so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful'.

She opted for a glowing make-up look that accentuated her natural beauty and smile, and wore her long, flowing locks loose and styled into signature bouncy curls - a surprising departure from her usually elaborate up-dos like the one she wore at the State Banquet for President Trump's first state visit in 2019.

Experts praised Kate's appearance, with celebrity make-up artist Collette Ruddy telling The Daily Mail: 'This make-up look strikes the perfect harmony between natural radiance and red-carpet glamour.

'The flawless base gives her skin a healthy luminosity, while the soft contouring defines her features without looking heavy.

The Princess of Wales was a picture of elegance as she attended the State Banquet for US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, with the Prince of Wales by her side

Kate's radiant make-up and long flowing bronde hair was a highlight of the evening

'I love the neutral tones used on the eyes, they subtly enhance her gaze and work beautifully with the warmth of her complexion.

'Paired with a soft nude lip and just the right touch of highlight, the overall effect is polished, sophisticated and incredibly flattering under the bright lights of state occasion.'

Iryna Khomyakova, make-up artist at BACKSTAGE, added that Kate's make-up look consisted of a 'lightweight foundation with a dewy finish' to enhance her natural skin tone and a 'touch of highlighter on her cheekbones, brow bones and nose' to add luminosity.

She added that the princess avoided heavy contouring, opting instead for 'a warm bronzer [that] subtly lifts and sculpts, giving her skin a sun-kissed glow'.

For her eye make-up, Kate wore a 'softly blended eyeliner, tailored to her cool-neutral contrast and lifted subtly at the outer corners' to contour her eyes.

'Gentle washes of neutral shadow, enhanced with a hint of gold shimmer, created depth and light, while delicately fanned lashes opened and defined her eyes without ever looking overdone.'

To finish her look, Kate had a soft statement lip featuring rosy nude colours. 'The shade was elegant enough for a state occasion yet soft enough to keep the overall effect light and balanced,' Iryna said.

Iryna's tips for replicating Kate's make-up look included focusing on skin preparation and using a light-reflecting primer on the high points of the face, as well as a touch of translucent powder to keep the T-zone matte.

Kate's golden gown was created by designer Phillipa Lepley, featuring hand-embroidered Chantilly lace over a silk crepe dress

'Exfoliate the night before an event, follow with a hydrating mask or serum, and lock in moisture with a nourishing cream. A primer with light-reflecting particles ensures make-up glides on smoothly and catches the light,' she added.

She also suggested choosing a rose-toned nude to complement natural lip colour, as well as using a matte taupe eyeshadow with a touch of gold shimmer in the centre of the lid, finishing with lengthening mascara.

Kate's bronde hair, which made headlines earlier this month when she debuted the new colour, framed her face in 'soft, polished waves' while still 'allowing the tiara to take centre stage', according to royal and celebrity hairstylist Adam Oygur.

He told FEMAIL: 'The hair here is a masterclass in timeless elegance.

'What's especially effective is the understated finish, smooth glossy texture with just the right amount of movement to keep it modern and effortless.

'This kind of styling is all about balance; refined enough for a regal occasion, yet subtle enough to enhance rather than compete with the ornate gown and jewellery.'

Debbie Postiglioni, a freelance stylist and bayalage artist, added that the decision for Kate to wear her hair down may help her look 'more youthful and more approachable' while maintaining her royal elegance and poise.

Debbie also suggested that as an alternative, Kate's hair could have been swept up or kept slightly shorter to complement the beautiful high neck detail on her gown.

President Trump even described the Princess as 'so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful' in his speech

Her lighter bronde hair is 'beautifully done and blended with baby lights, using a combination of root tint to cover any greys and baby lights to give subtle dainty lightness'.

Debbie said Kate's stylist could be 'suggesting a lighter colour to blend in the grey better, as we age the pesky greys become a real nuisance'.

Any royal fans looking to recreate Kate's hair colour at home should ask their stylist for baby lights, according to Debbie, as well as a root colour if grey coverage is needed, and a toner.

Meanwhile, top hairdresser Gustav Fouche, who owns a salon of the same name in west London, told FEMAIL that the royal 'looks fantastic'.

He explained: 'What stands out to me about Kates hair at the state banquet is that shes definitely gone lighter, with warmer golden tones. This works beautifully with her makeup in this image, while still complementing her eyebrows. Balance is key, as the hair feels grounded because it ties in with her natural features.

'Kate has a complexion that suits slightly deeper tones, so the choice to keep the colour golden, rather than very blonde, is smart. This colour creates softness without washing her out, and its likely helping to gently disguise regrowth while being kinder to the hair overall. As we age, and particularly after health challenges, hair naturally becomes lighter or greyer. However this hair colour approach manages that elegantly.'

Gustav noted that if he were 'working on Kate's hair', he would add slices of chocolate brown among the honey and caramel tones she has now, which would 'make the colour pop even more'.

'But she already looks beautiful, glowing, and healthy,' he added.

Experts praised Kate's beauty look, describing her make-up as 'flawless' and her hair as 'modern and effortless

'The finish is also very well done, it is smooth, silky, and polished without looking over-styled. It doesnt look like a lot of heavy heat tools were used; instead, its likely a good blow-dry with minimal heat and a soft wave.

'That, along with high-quality products and avoiding too much silicone, keeps the hair in excellent condition. The result is soft, natural, and flowy, and the perfect match for her complexion. She looks fantastic.'

Kate's full-length dress featured hand-embroidered Chantilly lace over a silk crepe gown, with hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording and accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms.

She also wore a sash that featured her royal orders, including the new Royal Family Order of King Charles III.

During President Trump's previous State visit, the Princess - then the Duchess of Cambridge - wore a white tiered Alexander McQueen dress with the Lover's Knot tiara.

The diamond and pearl tiara is one of Kate's favourites, as she has worn it on a number of occasions since.

More recently, she also wore it in July when King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a soiree at Windsor Castle for France's President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

The tiara was originally made for Queen Mary in 1913 and was gifted by the late Queen Elizabeth II to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, upon her marriage to Charles in 1981.
Melania Trump has been getting to know the British Royal family during her historic state visit to the UK this week - but it appears she has warmed to some members more than others.

Body language expert Judi James exclusively told the Daily Mail that Melania, 55, exudes very different energy around Queen Camilla, 78, and Princess Kate Middleton, 43 - with Donald Trump's wife noticeably less relaxed around one.

According to Judi, the First Lady appeared reserved and maintained a stoic demeanor when seen conversing with Queen Camilla - noting moments of 'awkwardness.'

In comparison, Judi noted the FLOTUS appeared more animated and relaxed with Kate, mirroring her enthusiasm and appearing to let her guard down to showcase more of her authentic self.

'We saw a much less relaxed-looking version of Melania when she was being shown around Windsor Castle by the Queen,' Judi exclusively told the Daily Mail.

She noted the First Lady retained the kind of 'elegant but formal poses and expressions' that she usually reverts to during formal outings and events.

'There was some awkwardness about the choreography, too,' the body language expert continued. 'Although Camilla seemed to be chatting, there were fewer moments of emotional "prods" like jokes or easygoing laughter during this outing.'

'Perhaps Melania expected the Queen to be incessantly formal but there were no moments of mirroring to suggest either woman slid out of role as Queen and FLOTUS to forge any type of deeper, more empathetic friendship,' she observed.

Body language expert Judi James declared that Melania Trump's time with Princess Kate opened up her more playful side

According to Judi, the First Lady appeared reserved and maintained a stoic demeanor when seen conversing with Queen Camilla - noting moments of 'awkwardness'

While the First Lady appeared more stilted around the Queen, Judi declared that Melania's time with Kate instead opened up her more playful side.

Kate invited Melania to meet with the Scouts Squirrels on Thursday morning before she joined husband Donald and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at his country home at Chequers in Buckinghamshire.

The two ladies met up with the youngest part of the UK Scouting organization designed for four to five-year-olds in front of Frogmore House, with the two women clearly delighted by what they saw.

Judi noted that the outing resulted in an 'endearing, more relatable version of Melania' - and appears that it was Kate who brought it out of her with 'fun-bombing body language.'

'Kate's non-verbal technique seems to be to "mirror, pace and lead" having first shown Melania her more formal and elegant side before busting out her relaxed and playful version to allow and encourage the First Lady to do the same,' Judi explained.

The body language expert continued, adding the Princess of Wales' 'total immersion' techniques that she used with the kids also managed to charm the First Lady.

'Melania has been accused of a sphynx-like lack of expressive body language,' Judi claimed, saying she prefers an elegant 'screen goddess look of more static beauty.'

However, Judi said that it was obvious the mom-of-one shares the same passion for children's welfare as Kate does.

Melania has been getting to know the British Royal family during her historic state visit to the UK this week - but it appears she has warmed to some members more than others

'We saw a much less relaxed-looking version of Melania when she was being shown around Windsor Castle by the Queen,' Judi exclusively told the Daily Mail

Judi noted that today's outing resulted in an 'endearing, more relatable version of Melania' - and appears that it was Kate who brought it out of her with 'fun-bombing body language'

She detailed how the Princess of Wales indicated on the first day of their visit that she intended to approach Melania with an 'animated sense of enthusiasm, keenness and fun.'

'The result is the mirroring between the two women here as Kate plays, pulls faces with the children and performs her dimpled, nose-wrinkled laugh and Melania takes her lead, clearly adoring the opportunity to relax and show off her own more playful side,' she noted.

Judi also picked up on some 'intense mirroring' between the two women as they walked together.

'Kate's body language suggests excitement to show the woman she appears determined to treat as her new friend the scouts and their games and tasks,' she observed.

Judi declared Kate's behavior around Melania appears to have 'flipped a switch' in Melania's own body language reserves.

'Her normal caution when it comes to relaxing officially seems to vanish as she sees a royal princess just relaxing and getting stuck in,' she enthused.

'Suddenly we're treated to Melania's prolonged and hugely authentic smile that is closer to Kate's [smile] of authentic pleasure than her usual rather rigid one with her husband,' she said.

Judi added there was a 'sense of shared joy and even shared freedom' as the pair swapped their high heels and diamonds for flat shoes and more casual clothing for the visit.

However, she noted Kate still gave a nod to FLOTUS's immaculate styling by avoiding her own signature look of jeans and well-worn boots - instead opting for a Ralph Lauren skirt, khaki suede jacket and brown cashmere knitted vest.

Kate invited Melania to meet with the Scouts Squirrels on Thursday morning before she joined husband Donald and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at his country home at Chequers in Buckinghamshire

The observation comes as Queen Camilla momentarily found herself in an awkward social situation on Wednesday as she welcomed the Trump's to Windsor Castle, with the First Lady breaking off a conversation with Camilla after spotting Kate over her shoulder.

Kate reciprocated after spotting Melania, leaving Prince William behind as she headed straight for the First Lady.

An animated discussion between Melania and Kate followed, with Queen Camila left looking on, appearing to search for a new conversation to join.

The Queen also took Melania on a tour of Queen Mary's Dolls' House at Windsor Castle, the largest and most famous dolls' house in the world on Thursday morning, as well as going on a tour of the Royal Library and some of its priceless treasures.
Opinion is not just divided; it is absolutely settled that Melania Trump's shocking yellow column custom Carolina Herrera gown at last night's State Banquet was a calamitous fashion faux pas.

Amid the splendor and sparkle of the more conventional evening attire worn by the Princess of Wales (clad in cascading satin and lace supplied by British wedding favorite Philip Paley), Melania's bold monochromatic moment courtesy of Wes Gordon for the famed American label defied expectations for what is appropriate in the royal presence.

It also stopped us in our tracks, with most commentators deciding that surprise translated into disgust.

I confess to being part of that group initially  more than a little aghast at the brightness of the buttercream yellow and the remarkable contrast of its lilac silk belt.

In comparison to Kate's high-collared evening gown showing barely an inch of flesh (save for her face and hands) and Queen Camilla swathed in matronly blue silk, Melania's display of skin at Windsor Castle was more than eye-catching.

She seemed almost from another world, one which, at first glance, it is quite easy to condemn as out of place.

But look a little deeper  overcome the surprise of both the color and silhouette  and Melania has, in fact, proved her fashion prowess yet again, embracing a design that speaks to her own confidence as both a First Lady and a woman who has upon her the gaze of the entire world.

And she certainly seems to be acutely aware of that.

Melania seemed almost from another world, one which, at first glance, it is quite easy to condemn as out of place

In comparison to Kate's high-collared evening gown showing barely an inch of flesh and Queen Camilla swathed in matronly blue silk, Melania's display of skin at Windsor Castle was more than eye-catching

Arriving on the lawn of Windsor Castle in immaculately tailored Christian Dior haute couture (a final calling card no doubt from outgoing designer Maria Grazia Chiuri), one had to strain to catch a glimpse of Melania beneath the brim of her eggplant hat designed by Dior milliner Stephen Jones.

While Camilla and Kate's hats framed their faces, Melania's covered hers  finishing off a silhouette that radiated the self-assurance of a woman who feels no need to offer up either her image nor her body to the gaze of a hungry (and mostly critical) media.

Perhaps it was because she had been so contained, controlled and covered for the start of the historical visit that the radical reveal that evening became such a sensation.

Yet faced with what she must have known would be a parade of conventional court couture and panoply of royal jewelry, the astonishing simplicity of the custom creation from Carolina Herrera must have seemed the only option.

Jackie Kennedy must have certainly felt so when it came time to plan her attire to host the Shah of Iran and his empress, Farah, in 1962.

Aware that the empress would come bedecked in crystals and crinolines  not to mention a jewelry collection unrivaled in the Western World  Jackie's only recourse was to resort to the clarity of modernity.

Opting, like Melania, for a two-tone monochromatic column dress, she placed a single diamond brooch in her chestnut bouffant. Standing next to an overly coiffed and bedecked Farah, the First Lady epitomized the freshness that later became the hallmark of Camelot.

Opting, like Melania, for a two-tone monochromatic column dress, Jackie placed a single diamond brooch in her chestnut bouffant. Standing next to an overly coiffed and bedecked Farah, the First Lady epitomized the freshness that later became the hallmark of Camelot

Arriving on the lawn of Windsor Castle in immaculately tailored Christian Dior haute couture (a final calling card no doubt from outgoing designer Maria Grazia Chiuri), one had to strain to catch a glimpse of Melania beneath the brim of her eggplant hat designed by Dior milliner Stephen Jones

While Camilla and Kate's hats framed their faces, Melania's covered hers  finishing off a silhouette that radiated the self-assurance of a woman who feels no need to offer up either her image nor her body to the gaze of a hungry (and mostly critical) media

Indeed, Melania, swapping Jackie's brooch for a fabulous pair of emerald and diamond earrings (her only jewel for the night), co-opted this playbook.

By choosing colors that are not automatically seen as ones which pair well together, she created momentary visual chaos  carving out for herself a space amid the glamour.

While Camilla and Kate, like the furniture around them, fit in well with their surroundings, Melania was like a Rothko hung on the wall of a gilded age living room, standing out and apart from her surroundings.

She offered a contrast between the old and new, a reminder of the possibilities, sartorial and otherwise, of what might transpire when rulebooks are broken, expectations are challenged, and a woman dresses for herself rather than for the audience they are in front of.
Prince William graciously pulled out a chair for Melania Trump during a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening.

The Prince of Wales, 43, made a gallant gesture that didnt go unnoticed as he welcomed US President Donald Trump and the US First Lady to the opulent banquet hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

In the sweet moment caught on camera, the father-of-three was seen courteously pulling out Melania's chair and assisting her as she took her seat at the dinner table beside Queen Camilla.

The future king looked dapper in a black Windsor tailcoat, with a blue sash and star of the Order of the Garter, as well as another star denoting his position as a Knight of the Order of the Thistle, and a third representing that he is a Great Master of the Order of the Bath.

He also wore four medals - one each from the late Queen Elizabeth II's Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees, and the King's coronation medal.

Melania, 55, looked radiant in a floor-length, sunshine-yellow gown, which she cinched at the waist with a pink belt and accessorised with dangling blue earrings.

The state banquet guests usually include dignitaries, diplomats, and A-list celebrities, with a total of 160 in attendance on Wednesday evening.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were all smiles as they hosted the high-profile banquet, which served as a symbol of unity and diplomacy between the UK and the United States.

US First Lady Melania Trump is pictured alongside the Prince of Wales during the glitzy state banquet on Wednesday evening

While Trump and the King swapped speeches and sat at the centre of the grand table, many eyes were on the trio of leading ladies.

The Princess of Wales, 43, was a vision in a couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley, over which she sported a full-length, hand-embroidered gold chantilly lace evening coat. She also wore earrings belonging to the late Queen and her favourite Lovers Knot tiara.

Queen Camilla, 78, sported sapphire, from her tiara to the colour of her embroidered Fiona Clare dress.

Meanwhile, Melania struck a note of modern style in the off-shoulder yellow dress.

As the King stood to give his warm and witty speech, he toasted Britain's 'remarkable bond' with the US.

The monarch welcomed the Trump family to Windsor Castle, highlighting the two countries' 'unparalleled partnership'.

But it also struck a serious tone, as the 76-year-old spoke of 'tyranny once again' threatening Europe.

Trump, 79, nodded along as Charles turned to the American leader and said: 'We and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace.'

Prince William is pictured graciously pulling out a chair for First Lady Melania Trump during a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening

Charles said: 'This unique and important occasion reflects the enduring bond between our two great nations.

'Anchored by the deep friendship between our people, this relationship which, with good reason, we are our predecessors have long called 'special', has made us safer and stronger through the generations.

'Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear we have celebrated together, mourned together and stood together in the best and worst of times.'

The King did not shy away from referring to the War of Independence, saying: 'My five times Great Grandfather, King George III, for his part, did not spare his worlds when he spoke of the revolutionary leaders.

'Today, however, we celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither Washington nor King George III could have possibly imagined. The ocean may still divide us, but in so many other ways we are now the closest of kin.'

He also amusingly referred to how in the 1970s President Richard Nixon, who was said to be 'obsessed' with the British Royal Family, tried to arrange a marriage between him and his daughter, Tricia.

'Had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I might have been married off within the Nixon family!' he joked.

Highlighting cultural, scientific, defence, security, intelligence, military and environmental links between the UK and US, the King concluded by toasting our 'remarkable bond' and 'shared commitment to independence and liberty'.

Trump opened his speech by saying 'this is truly one of the highest honours of my life'. He drew laughter from the hall as he joked that he hoped he would be the only US president to have two state visits.

He then praised the King for raising a 'remarkable son' in Prince William, and how Charles knew the names of all of the guests - even those 'with bad names like XYZ-Q3'.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are pictured ahead of the state banquet at Windsor Castle

In a speech that appeared to slightly go off-script, the President talked about the beauty of Britain - and of the King. In particular he praised his work with wounded veterans which, he said, 'was like no-one else'.

'This was the second state visit and that's the first and I hope it will be the last time,' Trump said.

'If you think about it there's a lot of presidents and this is the second state visit and that's the first and maybe that's going to be the last time. I hope it is.

'But this is truly one of the highest honours of my life. Such respect for you and your country.

'For many decades, His Majesty the King has epitomised the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people.

'He's dedicated himself to preserving the glory and unique character of this kingdom.'

He also praised his environment and architectural work over the years, as well as work helping the poor and wounded veterans 'like nobody else'.

He added: 'I just wanted to say His Majesty has raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing, I have gotten to know you and I think you are going to have unbelievable success in future. Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see her Royal Highness Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful.'

US President Donald Trump sits next to King Charles at the state banquet at Windsor Castle

Trump also praised the 'lion-hearted people' of the UK. Turning back to his pre-written speech he praised Britain's defence of freedom over the years, and of the cultural and economic legends it had produced.

'Never been anything like it,' he said. He went so far as to also praise the legacy of the British Empress - 'even in a country called America'.

And of the relationship between the two countries he added: 'Special doesn't even begin to do it justice.'

'We are like two notes in one chord. Each beautiful but meant to be played together,' he said. '

The bond of kinship and identity between America and United Kingdom is priceless and eternal, it is irreplaceable and unbreakable. We are as a country are doing unbelievably well.

'We had a very sick country one year ago and today I believe we are the hottest country anywhere in the world and I believe we owe much of that to you and the footing you gave us when we started.'

The US President, 79, and First Lady Melania were joined by his daughter Tiffany Trump and her business executive husband, Michael Boulos.

Tiffany also accompanied her father during the first state visit in 2019, which was then attended by all of his children.
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands beamed as he jumped at the opportunity to get in the pilot's seat of an army plane on Thursday.

The Dutch monarch is a licensed pilot and attended the international airborne exercise Falcon Leap at Eindhoven Air Base.

Decked out in military uniform, complete with a Dutch flag patch on his upper arm, the 58-year-old was all smiles as he captained the aircraft.

The yearly event brings together military personnel from countries all over the world, including the USA and UK, to practise their flying skills.

Service members run through exercises such as preparing and dropping cargo like relief supplies and conduct drops of paratroopers with planes from different countries.

Willem-Alexander greeted personnel and joined them in their practice exercises on the ground and in the air.

He stood with servicemen in the cargo hold and even teetered very close to the edge when sending off two paratroopers about to perform a drop.

In the cockpit, he operated the cargo plane wearing a headset to communicate with his copilot and ground control.

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was all smiles as he jumped in the cockpit to fly an army plane at a military training event

The Dutch monarch is a licensed pilot and attended the international airborne exercise Falcon Leap at Eindhoven Air Base

Decked out in military uniform with a Dutch flag patch on his upper arm, the 58-year-old was all smiles as he captained the aircraft

The yearly event brings together military personnel from countries all over the world, including the USA and UK, to practice their flying skills

This isn't the first time Willem-Alexander has been seen making use of his pilot licence as he's been known to fly himself to international royal engagements on numerous occasions.

In March, the King flew himself and his wife Queen Maxima to Cyprus for a state visit.

Willem-Alexander, who obtained his Private Pilot's Licence in 1985 and Commercial Pilot's Licence two years later, flew the aircraft and was photographed sitting in the plane's cockpit upon arrival.

In 2022, the monarch again flew himself and the Queen to Sweden for their three-day state visit.

He shocked passengers when he announced he was co-piloting a schedule flight to Turkey in 2018.

The King was the co-pilot on duty on KLM flight 1613 from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport to Ataturk Airport in Istanbul.

Only the KLM crew were notified in advance of the king's appearance on the Boeing 737-800 flight, which took two hours and 50 minutes.

However, some passengers recognised the royal when they boarded the aircraft.

Willem-Alexander greeted personnel and joined them in their practice exercises on the ground and in the air

He stood with servicemen in the cargo hold and even teetered very close to the edge when sending off two paratroopers about to perform a drop

Willem-Alexander has been known to flying himself to international royal engagements on numerous occasions (Pictured co-piloted a government plane to Stockholm's Arlanda airport in 2018)

Passenger Can Unsalan said: 'It is not every day you are piloted by a king. It will be an unforgettable memory for me.'

He said he was 'a bit concerned' knowing that King Willem-Alexander is a part-time pilot only, but said that both the take-off and landing were 'good' and that he 'wrote him a letter, thanking him'.

All 131 passengers were eventually notified on landing that the pilot on the flight was the Dutch king.

The king also flew the return journey from Istanbul back to Amsterdam, according to reports.

It has emerged earlier that Willem-Alexander had been quietly flying for KLM for more than 20 years.

The monarch - who succeeded his mother Beatrix on the Dutch throne in 2013 - has frequently captained his own royal plane, formerly a Fokker 70, when going on state visits abroad.

As those hours in the sky were not enough to get his licence, he agreed with national airline KLM to fly to European destinations with the airline's Fokker 70s.

The Fokkers were later discontinued and the Dutch government bought a new Boeing 737 to be converted into a royal plane for 2019, forcing the king to get a new licence.

Willem-Alexander has previously said he is rarely recognised by passengers in his uniform, especially since security was tightened on board planes in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

He said: 'Before September 11, the cockpit door was open. People regularly came to have a look and thought it was nice or surprising that I was sitting there.'

KLM also uses its Boeing 737 to fly to many British destinations such as London, Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow.
People who take a certain form of vitamin D may actually be depleting their natural stores of the essential vitamin, worrying new research has found.

It is currently estimated that around one in six adults in the UK do not get enough vitamin D, with NHS guidelines recommending supplementing the vitamin in the winter months when there is less sunlight.

Scientists found that vitamin D3which is produced by the body in response to sunlight and found in animal-based foods such as oily fish, egg yolks and liveris the most efficiently absorbed to boost overall vitamin D levels.

However, millions of people could be taking plant-based vitamin D2the most common form which is added to fortified foods as it's cheaper to producewhich the researchers found actually decreases levels of vitamin D3 in the body.

Low vitamin D3 levels heighten the risk of bone disorders such as osteoporosis as it helps the body to absorb calcium.

Dr Emily Brown, an expert in nutrition at the University of Surrey and study lead author said: 'We discovered that vitamin D2 supplements can actually decrease levels of vitamin D3 in the body, which is a previously unknown effect.

'This study suggests that subject to personal considerations, vitamin D3 supplements may be more beneficial for most individuals over vitamin D2.

In the study, published in the journal Nutrition Reviews, scientists analysed data from randomised controlled trials and found that taking vitamin D2 supplements led to a reduction in vitamin D3 levels.

Also known as the 'sunshine vitamin' people get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight as well as from foods like oily fish, red meat and egg yolks

In many of the studies, researchers noted that the vitamin D3 levels dropped lower in people taking vitamin D2 compared to those in the control group, who were not supplementing any form of vitamin D.

Professor Cathie Martin, group leader at the John Innes Centre, who was also involved in the study, said: 'This meta-analysis highlights the importance of ensuring plant-based vitamin D3 is accessible in the UK.'

Also known as the 'sunshine vitamin', people can get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, as well as from foods like oily fish, red meat and egg yolks.

But it is also possible to top up levels through supplements, available for as little as 2p per pill at high-street pharmacies.

While science has long maintained that vitamin D is crucial for keeping bones, teeth, nerves muscles and the immune system healthy, experts say not all vitamin D is created equalwith vitamin D3 playing a vital role in combating inflammation in the body.

The current study supports previous research led by Professor Colin Smith at the University of Surrey, which found that vitamin D2 and D3 work differently in the body.

The study found that vitamin D3 has a modifying effect on the immune system which could help fortify the body against disease and ward off infection.

Prof Colin concluded: 'A healthy vitamin D3 status may help prevent viruses and bacteria from gaining a foothold in the body.'

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Previously, world-leading oncologist Dr Justin Stebbing has even suggested that vitamin D could help protect against bowel cancera disease that is mysteriously rising among young people.

Dr Stebbing said whilst the vitamin's exact role in cancer prevention is unclear, tests show the nutrient played a crucial role in supporting the immune system and regulating cell growth, including in the bowel.

All of this supports the idea that high vitamin D levels, supported through vitamin D3 supplementation, should help reduce cancer risk.

And data does back this up, with some studies suggesting people with recommended vitamin D levelswhich equates to around 10 micrograms a dayare significantly less likely to develop bowel cancer.

Professor Martin Warren, chief scientific officer at the Quadram Institute, who was involved in the current study added: 'Vitamin D deficiency represents a significant public health concern, especially during the winter months.

'This collaborative research effort aligns with our mission to deliver healthier lives through food innovation to enhance the nutrient density of the food we eat.

'Tackling this with the most effective form of vitamin D supplementation or fortification is of the utmost importance to the health of the nation.'

The latest data suggests as many as two in five adults may be vitamin D deficient during the winter months when there are fewer daylight hours.

A lack of the the vitamin can lead to bone problems, including rickets, a condition that causes bone pain, bone weakness and can lead to deformities.

But people should also be careful not to have too much of the nutrient.

As vitamin D helps to absorb calcium, too much can cause a condition known as hypercalcaemia, which can cause damage to the kidneys and heart.

As such the NHS recommends people don't take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D per day unless specifically advised to by their doctor.
When Laura Coldman found herself single and desperate for a second child, she turned to social media for help to achieve her dream... literally.

The 33-year-old, from Leicester, came out of a relationship in August 2018 and was unable to ignore her desires to give her son, then aged 6, a sibling.

In June 2020 she decided to go it alone as a single mother by choicea growing movement in which women opt to start and raise families while not in a conventional partnershipand joined a Facebook group where men offer their sperm for free.

These groups, which operate outside of the law, are typically used by single women and women in same sex partnerships who want to have a baby or expand their families.

'My friends and family were really supportive, even though they thought it was strange,' Ms Coldman said.

In April 2022, after four 'donations' from her donor, Ms Coldman welcomed a healthy 8lbs 8oz boy she named Calum Anthony Ryan.

Ms Coldman, a liaison officer, said: 'At first I thought the Facebook group was a joke, but the more I studied the page, the more I warmed up to it.

'The donor messaged me pretty much right away, offering his services.

Laura Coldman's youngest son, Calum, was conceived using sperm from a Facebook group

'I asked around in a different private group to make sure he was legitimate, he came highly recommended.'

However, it was only after her son was born and began displaying developmental delays that she discovered that several of the other children fathered by her sperm donor exhibited similar neurodivergent traits.

She said: '[Calum] is my world, but he's also non-verbal. I'm awaiting an autism diagnosis.

'It wasn't until last year that I realised that Calum has complex additional needs.

'He's on a waiting list for another hearing test and then a three-year list for an autism test and speech therapy .

'I believe that his complex needs are a result of the donor.

'I don't think I'm neurodivergent, which could mean the donor is.

'Other mums who have had children with the same donor have children who have neurodivergent traits.'

She is fundraising for a special bed for the toddler, who she says has additional needs

It's the lack of knowledge about Calum's father's history which has made Ms Coldman urge other women not to rush into getting pregnant with free donor sperm.

She said: 'I wouldn't be without Calum, but I wouldn't recommend Facebook sperm donation to anyone.

'You don't know enough about the person. They might not disclose things about their past or their medical history.

'He could have been a convicted criminal or have serious mental health issues - I'd just never have known.

'I told him when Calum was born - sent him a handful of updates since but I haven't spoken to him in the last year.

'It was risky and I don't regret it because I have my beautiful son - but I absolutely wouldn't do it again and wouldn't recommend it to others either.

'You never truly know what you're getting into.'

Ms Coldman can't be sure if her donor is on the autism spectrum, and admits that their interactions were purely transactional.

Ms Coldman isn't sure if her son will require life-long care

She first met the donor six months after joining the free sperm group when she travelled to his home in Sheffield for the first insemination.

Upon arrival, she claims she was led to his basement which was set up like a waiting room, where she inserted a syringeful of fresh semen straight into her cervix.

She said: 'He barely said two words to me, I thought it was weird at the time.

'But I was desperate to be a mum again.

She said: 'I collected my first donation in December by going to his house.

'My friend drove me and waited outside, I didn't know what to expect.

'The donor barely spoke to me and led my to a designated room in the basement of their home.

'It was like a waiting room, and 10 minutes later, he reappeared with the sample in a syringe.

Calum with his older brother

'I inseminated myself then and there, waited 20 minutes on the sofa and went home.

'I did this three more times over the course of seven months before falling pregnant in July 2021.'

However, Ms Coldman has no regrets about Calum's conception.

'I don't regret having a Facebook sperm donorI wouldn't have Calum if not,' she said.

'To anyone considering the same, be careful and do your research.

'I could have saved the money, but what's the point of going for IVF when I'm not infertile.

'Even if you go to a registered clinic, you're still taking a stranger's sperm.

'At least I met my donor.'

She has no regrets about getting pregnant by a Facebook sperm donor

Ms Coldman has shared her story because she has launched a GoFundMe to raise money to buy special furniture for Calum's bedroom.

'He doesn't register danger like a child his age might,' she said.

'I've had to remove the furniture from his room because he'll climb every inch of his room.

'It plays on my mind all the time if he will ever talk or if I will have to look after him for the rest of my life.

'But he's only three, so it's in a way early days.'

Expanding on the challenges the toddler faces, she wrote on the fundraising page: 'He climbs, bangs, throws himself around, and doesnt recognise risks like windows, furniture, or any other dangers around him.

'Every night I have to watch over him constantly because without me he could seriously hurt himself.

'Ive removed all furniture from his room, bolted shut the windows and cupboard doors, and installed an extra high stair gate to ensure maximum safety.

'I even bought a tent style safe bed to try to keep him contained, but within a week he tore it apart.

'Sadly, so many "special needs" products are overpriced and not built to last.'

Social media groups offering free sperm operate outside the legal framework for fertility services in the UK, which are regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

It is illegal to provide sperm for human application without an HFEA license, which means arrangements made on platforms like Facebook are outside the regulated system.

There are also legal implications; in private arrangements, the sperm donor can be considered the legal father.

This means that they can be made to be responsible for all parental and financial responsibilities, even if this wasn't the original agreement.
Scientists have developed a new artificial intelligence tool that can predict people's risk of more than 1,000 diseases including cancer, over a decade into the future.

Experts from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), the German Cancer Research Centre and the University of Copenhagen hope the new technology will help spot high-risk patients to prevent disease years ahead of time.

The generative AI tool works by assessing the likelihood of whetherand whensomeone may develop potentially life-threatening diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Writing in the journal Nature, Tomas Fitzgerald, an expert in molecular biology and study co-author, said: 'Medical events often follow predictable patterns.

'Our AI model learns those patterns and can forecast future health outcomes.'

Called Delphi-2M, the model has been trained to find patterns in anonymous medical records, looking for 'medical events' in a patient's history alongside lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and being overweight, to predict what might happen up to 20 years into the future.

The model was trained and tested on patient data from 400,000 patients enrolled in the UK Biobank study and 1.9 million people on the Danish national patient registry.

Researchers hope patients will be able to benefit from the breakthrough within the next few years, which will tell them their likelihood of developing a disease over timesimilar to forecasting a 70 per cent chance of rain at the weekend.

The breakthrough AI model uses patient history, 'medical events' and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and weight to create forecasts for the next decade and beyond

Professor Ewan Birney, executive director of the EMBL, explained how the new technology could work in GP surgeries to help high-risk patients get the care they need, before progressive diseases take hold.

'You walk into the doctor's surgery and the clinician is very used to using these tools, and they're able to say: "Here's four major risks that are in your future and here's two things you could do to really change that."

He continued: 'I suspect everyone will be told to lose weight, and if you smoke you will be told to stop smokingand that will be in your data so that advice isn't going to change remarkablybut for some diseases I think there will be some very specific things.

'That's the future we want to create.'

Whilst the model is best at forecasting disease that have a clear progressionlike type 2 diabetes and heart attacksrather than more random events like infection, the researchers are hopeful models like this could help anticipate healthcare demand at scale.

Professor Moritz Gerstung, expert in computational cancer biology at the German Cancer Research Centre, said: 'This is the beginning of a new way to understand human health and disease progression.'

He added that the AI model could also help inform disease-screening programmes, preempting demandsuch as how many people in London are likely to suffer a heart attack in the next year, to help allocate and plan resources.

But other experts have urged caution on the findings, saying the Delphi-2M is not without significant limitations.

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Professor Justin Stebbing, a consulting oncologist at Anglia Ruskin University, warned against construing results as direct causal relationships.

He said: 'The model reproduces biases found in its training data, including healthy volunteer and selection biases.'

Professor Peter Bannister, healthcare expert and fellow at the Institution of Engineering and Technology added: 'This is still a long way from improved healthcare as the authors acknowledge that both datasets are biased in terms of age, ethnicity and current healthcare outcomes.

'The immediate challenge for healthcare is to ensure there is a sufficient digital infrastructure and skills base for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background, so the currently available technologies can be offered to those who most need improved access to treatments.'

Therefore, whilst the scientists behind the Delphi-2M are confident that their model can 'do all diseases at once and over a long time period,' setting it apart from existing single disease models, other experts in the field remain hopeful yet cautious.

Professor Gustavo Sudre, an expert in neuroimaging and AI at King's College London, said: 'While the current version relies solely on anonymised clinical records, it's encouraging to see that the model architecture has been deliberately designed to accommodate richer data types, such as biomarkers, imaging and even genomics.

'With these future integrations, the Delphi platform is well-positioned to evolve into a truly multimodal, precision-medicine tool.'

It comes as One Cancer Voice has warned that cancer cases will soar to record highs by 2040, with one patient told they have the devastating disease every two minutes.

The stark forecast shows the most common cancers  breast, prostate and lung  will hit unprecedented levels, while more than 63,000 cases are predicted in children and young people.
A young woman who nearly died when she became severely ill just a week after arriving at university is warning students to remain vigilant and get vaccinated against meningitis.

Just 27 hours after going to bed with what she thought was a cold, Ketia Moponda was fighting for her life in a coma and being treated for blood poisoning which resulted in double leg amputation.

Ms Moponda's brush with death came last September, just over a week after she arrived at De Montfort University, Leicester.

The now 19-year-old had been at university for just eight days when she was struck down with what she initially believed to be freshers' fluthe name commonly given to a battery of illnesses contracted by new students during the first few weeks of term.

The next day, she was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary battling two life-threatening conditions, meningococcal septicaemia and bacterial meningitis.

Ms Moponda, from Wolverhampton, said she has no memory of the 27 hours before she was found by a fellow student and rushed to hospital.

'As soon as they opened the door, they had to call the emergency services because it was described as looking like foul play,' she told BBC News.

'There was blood and vomit everywhere. Just signs of a struggle. My body was failing.'

Ketia eventually woke up in hospital after undergoing a double leg amputation as a result of sepsis

Ketia thought she was suffering from freshers' flu so went to bed not thinking much of it

The teenager went into a coma and was hooked up to life support before she eventually woke up, defying the odds of her doctors who believed the infection would kill her.

Meningococcal septicemia is a type of blood poisoning caused by the same type of bacteria that causes the most common form of bacterial meningitis.

The blood poisoning forced medics to amputate Ms Moponda's lower legs and parts of her fingers before she faced five long months of recovery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral meningitis, but far more serious, requiring urgent medical care.

Ms Moponda's experience has made her determined to raise awareness for meningitis and ensure people know the early signs and symptoms.

She is now campaigning on social media to share her story and increase visibility of young, black female amputees ahead of Freshers' Week so students can be aware of the warning signs of the potentially deadly disease.

Despite receiving her MenB vaccination in secondary school, Ms Moponda was left fighting for her life after contracting the disease. She is now urging students heading to university this month to register with their local GP.

'Don't mistake everything for a common cold,' she added.

Keti had only been at university for 8 days before she was struck down with the deadly infection

Bacterial meningitis, which requires urgent hospital treatment, affects the membranes in the spinal cord and brain

Ketia is urging students to get vaccinated and learn the common warning signs of meningitis

'I made that mistake and went to sleep. It could have been fatal.'

Bacterial meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly and is most common in young children, teenagers and young adults.

If it enters the bloodstream it can be fatal, attacking the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Left untreated it can cause life-threatening sepsiscaused by the immune system overreacting to an infection and attacking the body's own tissues and organsand result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis, but experts say it is 'vital' for everyone to be aware of the symptoms, as the MenACWY vaccine does not protect against meningitis B.

The vaccine for meningitis B was not added to the NHS vaccination schedule until 2015 for babies, meaning that many first-year students are not protected against this particular strain.

September is historically the peak season for meningitis B cases in young people.

Freshers students are at high risk of becoming infected with the bacteria as they tend to mix closely with lots of new people.

Around one in eight are thought to be missing out on the routine MenACWY vaccine, with hundreds of students falling ill, and some tragically dying, from the preventable disease every year.

Those who missed out on the vaccination as a teenager are eligible to get it from their GP until their 25th birthdaythough around 13 per cent of teens are thought to be unprotected.

As such, parents have been urged to check their child's vaccination record before they start college and university.

Caroline Hughes, support services manager at Meningitis Research Foundation, previously told the Daily Mail: 'Meningitis can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time.

'However, students are at an increased risk. It is vital for everyone to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis as the MenACWY vaccine does not protect against the most common cause of life-threatening meningitis in young people.

'In the early stages, meningitis can look like a bad hangover, freshers' flu or other mild illnesses, which makes it easy to dismiss.

'Symptoms can appear in any order but not everyone gets all symptoms. You must trust your instincts and seek urgent medical attention if you think someone is unwell. '

Meningitis Now, a charity which runs an annual awareness campaign directed specifically at students, is now calling for a three-fold approach to help protect young people.

Dr Tom Nutt, chief executing officer, said: 'Firstly, all people at risk should get a vaccine,' Dr Nutt said.

'Secondly, we are asking for the NHS to introduce a booster vaccine for students who may have had the MenB vaccine in infancy.

'And then, thirdly, we are asking for the MenB vaccination to be made available on the high street at a fair price.'

Currently, vaccines are only available privately, costing around 200 for a full course of two doses.
READ MORE: Drug overdoses falling in 40 states for first time in decades

Three US states have seen surges in drug overdoses, despite historic decreases throughout the rest of the country.

Nationwide, drug overdose deaths fell 26.3 percent in the 12 months leading up to April 2025 compared to 2024, newly released CDC data shows.

The figures show national deaths dropped from 100,049 to 73,690, a major decline after several years of increases following the Covid pandemic.

Overdose deaths as of April 2025 ranked just behind the 72,000 reported in 2019. In 2020, they surged to 94,000 and have increased every year until 2024.

Virginia, Massachusetts and West Virginia led the charge with 44, 42 and 41 percent drops in overdose deaths, respectively, which state legislators have attributed to strict seizures of potent opioids like fentanyl and increased distribution of the overdose-reversal drug naloxone (Narcan).

However, experts have also suggested the fentanyl crisis in the US has been so catastrophic that it is running out of people to kill, naturally causing overdose deaths to decrease.

But despite national trends, overdose deaths increased in Arizona, Hawaii and South Dakota by 7.5, 5.2 and 1.2 percent, respectively.

Arizona reported the largest increase in deaths, nearly three-quarters of which are largely driven by opioids like fentanyl, which is 100 times more potent than morphine.

After several years of consistent surges, drug overdoses are finally down in most US states, CDC data shows. However, three states still are on the rise. Pictured above is a group of people using drugs in Philadelphia

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Experts have suggested deaths in the Grand Canyon State could be due to the state's proximity to Mexico, where almost all of the illicit fentanyl that makes its way into the US is produced.

Hawaii, which saw the second-largest increase with 345 deaths, has also been designated by federal authorities as a 'high-intensity drug trafficking area' due to high tourist traffic, which has made it a target for Mexican cartel activity.

And South Dakota has a large Native American population, a group historically significantly more prone to drug use and overdose than other ethnicities or groups in the US.

Experts compiling the data, part of the CDC's National Vital Statistics System, however, cautioned that the figures are provisional and data is likely incomplete due to underreporting of overdoses.

Of the 73,690 overdose deaths reported in the 12 months leading up to April 2025 in the US, 48,442 (66 percent) were due to natural and synthetic opioids.

Natural opioids are made from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and include morphine, heroin, codeine, thebaine and opium.

Synthetic opioids, meanwhile, are made in a lab. Fentanyl is the deadliest and most infamous, though the category also includes tranquilizers and pain relievers like carfentanil, and tramadol.

Psychostimulants were the second-most common cause of fatal overdose in the US, accounting for 27,835 deaths.

These drugs help stimulate the central nervous system and improve attention and alertness. They include illegal substances like cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as nicotine, caffeine and the ADHD drug Adderall.

The only US overdose figure that remained steady compared to last year was deaths from methadone, which took 3,257 lives in the year leading up to April 2025. It's used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), or addiction to opioids, though it is possible to take a larger than intended dose and overdose.

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The above CDC graph shows the increase in drug overdose deaths in Arizona. Rates have risen 7.5 percent over the last year

Overdose deaths are up in Arizona, Hawaii and South Dakota.

In Arizona, fatal overdoses increased from 2,596 to 2,790, a 7.5 percent jump. This could be due to the state's close proximity to the US-Mexico border broadening access to fentanyl and other illicit drugs.

According to US Customs and Border Protection, 99 percent of all fentanyl seized by the authority came from the southern border. The state also has six designated ports of entry from Mexico, giving dealers several openings to smuggle fentanyl into the US.

Authorities have also warned because transport is so easy, fentanyl costs for customers are often low, making overdoses more likely.

In Hawaii, overdose deaths saw a 5.2 percent jump from 328 to 345. The state has been designated a 'high-intensity drug trafficking area' due to its location in the Pacific, which helps the transport of drugs like fentanyl increase westward.

Hawaii is also a leading tourist destination, increasing the amount of potentially vulnerable populations who could become addicted to and overdose on drugs.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations are also particularly prone to drug use due to decades of historical trauma from colonization and marginalization.

And in South Dakota, overdose deaths increased from 83 to 84, a 1.2 percent increase, which experts have suggested is largely due to socioeconomic and demographic issues.

About eight percent of the state's population is made up of Native Americans spread across nine reservations.

Similar to Native Hawaiians, this group has been shown to have an increased risk of drug use and overdose due to decades of cultural trauma, which could make them more likely to turn to substance use.

Mountains of research also show the Indian Health Service, a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services meant to provide care for Native Americans, is consistently underfunded and understaffed, limiting healthcare and harm reduction.

The above CDC graph shows the increase in drug overdose deaths in Hawaii

The above data shows a surge in drug overdose deaths in South Dakota

Virginia, meanwhile, saw the largest decrease in overdose deaths from 2,171 in the 12 months leading up to April 2024 to 1,211 in the year leading up to April 2025. This is a 44.2 percent dip.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin credited the decrease to the state's Operation FREE (Fentanyl Awareness, Reduction, Enforcement and Eradication) initiative, which is focused on reducing the prevalence of fentanyl and providing overdose prevention resources like Narcan.

He said in an April press release: 'Weve interrupted the drug trade by launching Operation FREE, an aggressive law enforcement partnership between federal, state, and local agencies to crack down on the drug trade, which has so far seized enough fentanyl to kill every Virginian ten-times over.'

The state also passed legislation banning pill presses, which are used to add fentanyl to other drugs, and established felonies for drug dealers whose victims die of an overdose.

Virginia also has distributed 400,000 doses of Narcan since 2022.

In Massachusetts, overdose deaths fell 42 percent from 2,197 to 1,272. In 2024, the state's largest city, Boston, introduced four public health vending machines for quick access to Narcan, drug testing strips and sterile syringes.

West Virginia's overdose deaths also decreased 41 percent from 1,232 to 729. State press releases published earlier this year attributed the decrease to a 54.5 percent decline in children being removed from their homes due to parental substance abuse from 2020 to 2024.

The number of children taken out of the home with substance use as a contributing factor also fell 39 percent from 2017 to 2024.

Alex Mayer, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DHS), said: 'These trends reflect the real-life impact of West Virginias shift toward recovery-focused, family-centered care.

'When we support parents in their recovery, were also protecting children and strengthening families, and thats a win for everyone.'

Overdose deaths are up in Arizona, Hawaii and South Dakota.
Americans were in shock last week after MAGA star Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck on a college campus in Utah.

After his death, tributes began pouring in.

President Donald Trump hailed him as a 'martyr for truth and freedom', while Vice President JD Vance said he was the 'smartest political operative I ever met'.

Even staunch Democrat Rosie O'Donnell offered support, saying, 'this [assassination] is wrong on every level - #weareallamericans'.

But not everyone was so quick to extend a tribute or offer condolences to Kirk's wife Erika and their two young children.

Days after the attack, actress Amanda Seyfried wrote that Kirk 'was hateful', while Jimmy Kimmel said the right was trying to 'score political points' from the attack. His show has now been pulled 'indefinitely' from the airwaves.

There was also hate from hordes of everyday Americans, posting hateful reactions online to the 31-year-old's death.

One individual wrote: 'rest in piss, scum', while another said: 'I despise him and his beliefs... we know how guns work in America'.

And a third even greeted the news of his death by saying it was 'divine justice'.

Now psychotherapist Dr Jonathan Alpert has revealed to Daily Mail what he thinks may be driving the 'celebration' of Kirk's death, warning it reflects a pattern he is increasingly seeing among patients in his practice.

Charlie Kirk is pictured above in San Diego, California, in May 2025, ahead of speaking to his supporters

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The New York City-based expert told this website: 'The murder itself is horrific, but what is just as alarming is the ease with which people justify it.

'Once someone is seen as irredeemably evil," fantasies of their removal begin to feel like solutions rather than moral transgressions. Violence becomes thinkable, even necessary.'

He added: 'It's the same pattern: When our culture treats opponents as pathology, when it normalizes language that casts people as toxic or beyond repair, the fantasy of elimination follows.'

Dr Alpert said people cheering the murder were engaged in a behavior called 'splitting', a mental defense mechanism where individuals cast others into rigid categories as either 'all good' or 'all bad'.

While it can serve as a way to fend off perceived threats, Dr Alpert cautioned that it could often escalate into building grievances that make violence feel not only justified, but necessary.

And the top expert warned that splitting could be reinforced, and even encouraged, by poor therapy in which practitioners may validate these points with their patients.

He said that therapists who nod along when clients say it is a good thing a political opponent has been harmed or assassinated, it is reinforcing their patients' viewpoint.

But that in good therapy, the expert will always interrupt the thought process and push back on demonizing the individual, even if they are a divisive figure.

Jimmy Kimmel has had his show canceled after saying that the right was trying to 'score political points' from Kirk's death

Amanda Seyfried, pictured above earlier this month, wrote online that Kirk 'was hateful' in the days after the shooting

Dr Alpert added to the Wall Street Journal: 'When someone voices rage or fantasies of destruction in the therapy room, too often the reflex is to nod along rather than confront it. That may make people feel heard, but it makes them sicker.

'In my practice I confront it, because otherwise hurt turns into obsession. In politics, it turns grievance into violence.'

Speaking about his practice, Dr Alpert said that his patients both on the left and the right have engaged in demonizing the other side, which he encourages them to avoid.

He added to the paper: 'After the assassination attempt against Mr Trump in July 2024, several of my patients admitted they were disappointed he had survived.

'One said, It wouldve spared us the next four years. Another said she felt cheated that the shooter missed, then she paused as if waiting for my approval.

'That expectation was what unsettled me most: the assumption that her hatred was not only permissible but obvious.'

He added: 'This pathology isnt confined to the left. In my office and on social media, I have heard conservatives call progressives traitors, radicals and groomers.

'The logic is the same: Once an opponent is painted not merely wrong but evil, violence begins to feel like justice.'

Dr Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in New York City (pictured), warned people against demonizing their political opponents

Dr Alpert suggested that Kirk's suspected shooter Tyler Robinson, 22, had engaged in 'splitting' to, in his view, justify killing Kirk.

Robinson wrote in texts to his transgender partner Lance Twiggs, also 22, after the attack: 'I had enough of his [Kirk's] hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out.'

Dr Alpert said it was likely that Trump's second would-be assassin, Ryan Routh, 59, had also engaged in this mental mechanism to justify his actions.

Routh is known to hold a confused mixture of political opinions, but before the attack he is reported to have sent a letter warning that if Trump won the election it would mark 'the end of democracy and the beginning of a Civil War'.

Dr Alpert added to this website: 'What links these cases is not political affiliation but a collapse of empathy and moral restraint.

'Both men may have believed that removing a single figure would restore balance or meaning in their own lives.

'That illusion is at the heart of political violence.'
CNN commentator Brian Stelter has claimed that the United States is a 'less free place' after ABC decided to pull Jimmy Kimmel's show off the air 'indefinitely.'

The network announced that the veteran host's Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be taken off the air 'for the foreseeable future' following the 57-year-old's comments about the shooting of Charlie Kirk.

'This is so serious!' a breathless Stelter exclaimed as he and other pundits discussed the announcement.

'America is a less free place if late night comedians cannot do and say what they want,' he said.

'Of course they can be tuned out, people can change the channel,' he continued. 'That's how we vote, that's how we have our say in America.'

'But this really does have a chilling effect across the American media - and it's not just me saying it.'

Kimmel's cancelation comes just two months after CBS announced it was canning the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Both networks had been facing a merger that would have to be approved by Federal Communications Chairman Brendan Carr.

For Colbert, the boot came just days after he lamented the network's decision to settle a lawsuit with President Donald Trump amid a major merger between Paramount, the network's parent company, and Skydance.

Kimmel's ouster now comes following his incorrect statement about alleged gunman Tyler Robinson, whom authorities have said was motivated to kill Kirk over his stances on gay and transgender rights.

CNN commentator Brian Stelter claimed on Wednesday that the United States is a 'less free place' after ABC decided to pull Jimmy Kimmel's show off the air 'indefinitely'

Kimmel has been suspended by ABC over his divisive comments regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk

The Democratic Party has also blasted Kimmel's cancelation, accusing the FCC of 'forcing their perceived critics off the airwaves.

'This is a chilling attack on the freedom of speech our founders enshrined in the Constitution. This should alarm all Americansregardless of political party.'

Kimmel's comments about Robinson came during his Monday night monologue.

'We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it,' the host said.

The TV personality's unproven suggestion that Robinson was a proponent of the MAGA movement caught instant flak from Federal Communications Commission boss Brendan Carr.

On Wednesday, Carr told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson he was considering an investigation into Kimmel and his network ABC over the jarring remarks.

'When you look at the conduct that has taken place by Jimmy Kimmel, it appears to be some of the sickest conduct possible,' Carr told Johnson as he faces an internal divide at the agency - which is leaving him and his former protege Nathan Simington trying to curry favor with President Donald Trump.

'As you've indicated, there are avenues here for the FCC, so there... are some ways in which I need to be a little bit careful because we could be called ultimately to be a judge on some of these claims that come up,' Carr said.

Kirk (pictured with his family) was a co-founder of the political nonprofit Turning Point USA

Soon after the Donald Trump ally (pictured), 31, was fatally shot in the neck on the Orem campus - in front of an audience of 3,000 horrified spectators - Kimmel reacted to his death online

In response to Kimmel's remarks, Carr floated the idea of suspending the host - one of several prospective 'remedies' for the situation, he said.

At one point, Johnson asked Carr what kind of action he thought should be taken, proposing an on-air apology from Kimmel.

'I think what you said there strikes me as a very reasonable, minimal step that can be taken,' Carr replied.

He is now set to appear in his first interview following the bombshell news on Sean Hannity's show on Fox News.

Kirk, 31, had been shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10 - in front of an audience of 3,000 horrified spectators - Kimmel reacted to his death online.

Shortly after the shooting, Kimmel wrote on social media: 'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?' Kimmel wrote.

'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.'

But he appeared to change his tune before his monologue on Monday.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a network staple for more than 22 years.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a staple of ABC for more than 22 years

Carr told podcaster Benny Johnson on Wednesday he was considering an investigation into Kimmel

'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?' the Jimmy Kimmel Live host wrote on Instagram

ABC's decision to pull the show came shortly after its affiliate group, Nexstar, also announced it would stop airing it effective immediately.

'Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets,' the company wrote on Wednesday.

Nexstars broadcasting division President Andrew Alford blasted Kimmel's comments as 'offensive and insensitive.'

The largest station group in the country has a major merger proposal before the Trump administration - its proposed acquisition of Tegna - which must be approved by Carr.

If the merger were to go through, Nexstar would have 265 stations in 44 states and the District of Columbia, representing 80 percent of US television households, according to Deadline.

Stephen Colbert's show had been canceled earlier in the year on CBS

Conservatives celebrated the news of Kimmel's cancelation Wednesday night, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis saying it is a 'rare example of accountability in legacy media.'

'That ABC actually did something about Kimmel's lies is surprising,' he posted on X.

President Donald Trump also called the late night show's cancelation 'great news for America.'

'Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,' he wrote on his Truth Social platform. 'Kimmel has ZERO talent and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that's possible.'

'That leaves Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers], two total losers on Fake News NBC,' the president continued.

'Their ratings are also horrible,' he said, encouraging the network to fire those late night hosts as well.

In reaction to Nextstar's move to axe Kimmel, both Johnson and Carr posted celebratory sentiments on X.

'Great job @NXSTMediaGroup. Thank you for standing up for Charlie,' Johnson wrote.
A fiery on-air clash erupted between Senator Ted Cruz and CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins over 'misinformation' regarding the motive of Charlie Kirk's killer.

Cruz did not hold back during the exchange as he accused Collins of outright lying during Tuesday night's interview on The Source when she claimed a clear motive for the killing had not been established.

Mounting evidence suggests 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson was motivated by left-wing ideology and a personal vendetta.

'We don't have a motive yet? Really? That's CNN's position?' Cruz scoffed. 'He just happened to fire the gun in celebration? You can't tell the motive here?'

But as Collins tried to clarify that 'law enforcement hasn't laid out a direct motive,' Cruz repeatedly interrupted before doubling down.

'That statement is false. What you just said is false. What you just said is false, Kaitlan,' Cruz shot back. 'You just said law enforcement has not laid out a motive. That is objectively false.'

'CNN should not be engaged in misinformation,' he added.

The explosive exchange came just a day after texts messages from Robinson were released which appeared to provide the clearest insight yet into his motivation.

A fiery on-air clash erupted between Senator Ted Cruz and CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins as the Texas Republican accused Collins and CNN of spreading 'misinformation' over the motive behind the assassination of Charlie Kirk

Cruz did not hold back during the exchange as he accused Collins of outright lying during Tuesday night's interview on The Source when she claimed law enforcement officials had yet to establish a motive in the killing

'I had enough of his hatred,' Robinson is said to have told his transgender partner about Kirk. 'Some hate can't be negotiated out.'

Prosecutors say Robinson also admitted to planning the attack in advance and texted about taking the opportunity to 'take out Charlie Kirk.'

Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared it 'very clear' that Robinson was 'deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.'

Still, Collins pushed back during the broadcast, attempting to hold the line.

'Law enforcement has not put a specific motive. They've laid out a lot of evidence here of these messages,' she said. 'You know that there's a difference in what they're putting in a legal argument than what you're talking about.'

Cruz refused to drop the matter and continued to state his case.

'They've said that he was a left-wing activist who hated Charlie Kirk,' Cruz argued. 'What you are saying is objectively false.'

Collins kept her cool but looked visibly frustrated.

Mounting evidence suggests 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson was motivated by left-wing ideology and a personal vendetta

According to law enforcement officials, Robinson fired a single round from a rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck. He was later apprehended without incident

'Senator, that's not what I said,' she implored. 'We just laid out the facts in the opening of this show and we just spoke to the deputy attorney general.

'They did not set a concrete motive of exactly what it was. They laid out every evidence that we know so far,' she insisted. 'It's not misinformation, senator.'

Collins attempted to steer the conversation toward broader concerns about political violence.

'Senator, I'm the one asking questions here,' she said sharply as Cruz pushed on with his attack.

When asked whether right-wing groups should also face scrutiny, Cruz agreed in theory but quickly pivoted to blame the left.

'There is some violence on both sides, but it is the left that overwhelmingly celebrates this,' he said. 'You look at Bluesky and it is a cesspool of leftists celebrating the murder of Charlie Kirk.'

Collins pushed back one final time.

'Senator, I don't think that anyone should celebrate someone's murder regardless of what that person believes in.'

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed this week that the suspect had grown 'more political and withdrawn' in the months leading up to the attack

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged in the fatal shooting of Kirk, 31, during a public event at Utah Valley University on September 10.

According to law enforcement officials, Robinson fired a single round from a rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck. He was later apprehended without incident.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed this week that the suspect had grown 'more political and withdrawn' in the months leading up to the attack.

'It appears from the data we've accumulated that this ideology had infected him and had taken over,' Bongino said. 'He was intent on making Charlie his target and people may have known in advance.'

FBI Director Kash Patel echoed those remarks in an interview with Fox News.

'There was a text message exchange where he, the suspect, specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and he was going to do that.'

When asked about motive, Patel cited Robinson's own words, 'Some hatred cannot be negotiated with.'

Prosecutors have not officially filed a motive in court, citing the need for a trial.

The suspect allegedly told his parents that "there is too much evil and the guy spreads too much hate", in a reference to Kirk, according to the indictment.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray declined to answer when asked if Kirk had been targeted for his transgender views. "That is for a jury to decide," he said.
Jimmy Kimmel's canned show will be replaced by a Charlie Kirk tribute - and the star won't be allowed back on air unless he makes a donation to Turning Point USA.

Sinclair Inc., whose local stations pay to run ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, said on Wednesday night that it will refrain from broadcasting Kimmel's show indefinitely following insensitive comments the host made about Kirk's assassination.

The broadcaster said in a statement that the Kirk remembrance show will fill Kimmel's usual showtime on Friday night, which will then air across all Sinclair stations over the weekend.

It did not detail which stations would air the tribute, but the firm's portfolio includes as many as 185 TV stations across 85 markets throughout the US, affiliated with networks including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC.

Sinclair said it will refuse to lift the suspension of Kimmel's show on its stations 'until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network's commitment to professionalism and accountability.'

The broadcaster also called on Kimmel to issue a 'direct apology to the Kirk family' and to make a 'meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.' TPUSA is a conservative college campus group founded by Kirk, with Kimmel a well-known liberal.

'Mr. Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,' Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith said in the announcement.

'We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities.'

Jimmy Kimmel's talk show on Friday night will be replaced by a Charlie Kirk tribute after the comedian was pulled from the air over remarks he made about the conservative commentator's assassination

The broadcaster also called on Kimmel to issue a 'direct apology to the Kirk family' and to make a 'meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA'

Meanwhile, an unnamed insider told The Wall Street Journal that Kimmel's show could be back within days.

But Sinclair's hardball demands - and Kimmel's rumored fury over his suspension - have raised the possibility that he'll refuse to return to ABC even if offered.

The news of Kimmel's show being axed came just hours before he was reportedly preparing to address the Kirk controversy on his show Wednesday night, leaving the comedian 'livid.'

Kimmel's comments about Kirk that sparked backlash came during his Monday night monologue, where he claimed that alleged assassin Tyler Robinson was a MAGA supporter.

Investigators say Robinson held far-left ideologies and was dating his transgender roommate.

'We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it,' the host said.

Kirk, 31, had been shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10 - in front of an audience of 3,000 horrified spectators.

Shortly after the shooting, Kimmel wrote on social media: 'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?' Kimmel wrote.

'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.'

The remarks in Kimmel's monologue quickly came under scrutiny from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr.

Carr told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson earlier on Wednesday that he was considering an investigation into Kimmel and his network ABC for his claims.

'When you look at the conduct that has taken place by Jimmy Kimmel, it appears to be some of the sickest conduct possible,' Carr told Johnson.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr told podcaster Benny Johnson on Wednesday he was considering an investigation into Kimmel

Kimmel's comments about Kirk that sparked backlash came during his Monday night monologue , where he claimed that alleged assassin Tyler Robinson was a MAGA supporter

'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?' the Jimmy Kimmel Live host wrote on Instagram immediately after the shooting

Carr's remarks are believed to have spooked ABC bosses, who were recently forced to pay $16 million to the Donald Trump after Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos said on-air that the president had been found civilly liable for the rape of writer E. Jean Carroll.

Trump was actually found liable for the sexual abuse of Carroll.

A slew of left-wing lawmakers and celebrities reacted angrily to Kimmel being canned and accused the Trump administration of riding roughshod over the star's First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression.

Following the news of Kimmel's cancelation, Carr told Fox News' Sean Hannity that he was simply 'suffering the consequences' of his actions.

'I'm very glad to see that America's broadcasters are standing up to serve the interest of their community,' Carr said, after arguing that late night hosts are 'enforcing a very narrow political ideology.'

Sinclair VP Jason Smith thanked Carr in his statement regarding taking Kimmel off the air, saying the broadcaster 'appreciates FCC Chairman Carr's remarks today.'

'This incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks,' Smith added.

The decision to pull the show came shortly after ABC's affiliate group, Nexstar, also announced it would stop airing it effective immediately.

'Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets,' the company wrote on Wednesday.

After Kimmel's show was pulled from the air that day, the host's sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez was seen dodging questions as he left Kimmel's Los Angeles studio while staff packed up their gear.

After Kimmel's show was pulled from the air on Wednesday, the host's sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez was seen dodging questions as he left the Los Angeles studio where the show is filmed

Staff of the Jimmy Kimmel Show! were also seen leaving the Los Angeles studio with their gear in tow on Wednesday

Nexstars broadcasting division President Andrew Alford blasted Kimmel's comments as 'offensive and insensitive.'

In reaction to Nextstar's move to axe Kimmel, both Johnson and Carr posted celebratory sentiments on X.

'Great job @NXSTMediaGroup. Thank you for standing up for Charlie,' Johnson wrote.

The largest station group in the country has a major merger proposal before the Trump administration - its proposed acquisition of Tegna - which must be approved by Carr.

If the merger were to go through, Nexstar would have 265 stations in 44 states and the District of Columbia, representing 80 percent of US television households, according to Deadline.

Another major merger between Paramount and Skydance had been criticized by fellow late night television host Stephen Colbert just days before CBS announced it was canceling his money-losing show earlier this year.

Another major merger between Paramount and Skydance had been criticized by fellow late night television host Stephen Colbert just days before CBS announced it was canceling his show earlier this year

'The Presidents FCC is forcing their perceived critics off the airwaves,' the Democratic Party said following the news of Kimmel's cancelation on Wednesday.

'This is a chilling attack on the freedom of speech our founders enshrined in the Constitution. This should alarm all Americansregardless of political party.'

But others found the cancelation to be justified, with former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly saying he found Kimmel's remarks 'inexplicable.'

'He had to know on Monday in his dialogue how raw the country was over this assassination,' O'Reilly told News Nation's Chris Cuomo, asking how no producers flagged the monologue.

'This isn't about censorship,' he continued. 'This is about responsibility and as you pointed out, correctly, every corporation has a responsibility to make sure the product it's selling is an honest product.'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also said Kimmel's ouster is a 'rare example of accountability in legacy media.'

'That ABC actually did something about Kimmel's lies is surprising,' he posted on X.

President Donald Trump called the late night show's cancelation 'great news for America' as he called for the firing of Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon as well.

'Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,' he wrote on his Truth Social platform. 'Kimmel has ZERO talent and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that's possible.'

'That leaves Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers], two total losers on Fake News NBC,' the president continued.

'Their ratings are also horrible,' he said.
Jimmy Kimmel looked tense as he emerged for the first time since his show was cancelled following backlash over comments he made about Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Kirk was tragically shot dead while debating students at the Utah Valley University campus on September 10.

On air the following Monday, Kimmel said the 'MAGA gang desperately [is] trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.'

The suspected shooter has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was raised in a strictly Republican household and was living with his transgender partner at the time of the attack. Relatives said he had become 'more political' in recent times.

On Wednesday, Kimmel's late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended 'indefinitely' amid the MAGA backlash over his comments.

He was spotted for the first time in public on Thursday afternoon, wearing black sunglasses and a navy button down in the drivers seat of his Audi.

While Kimmel put on a brave face and smiled for the cameras as he stepped out of the car, earlier pictures captured a tense moment as he put his head in his hands.

It is understood the pictures of Kimmel were taken at a Century City location where several law firms are based.

He was spotted for the first time in public on Thursday afternoon, wearing black sunglasses and a navy button down in the drivers seat of his Audi

Kimmel put on a brave face and smiled for the cameras as he stepped out of the car

Kirk had been meeting with students and community members at Utah Valley University last Wednesday when he was suddenly shot in the neck

The late-night host had also poked fun at President Donald Trump's reaction to the shooting during his segment.

'This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend,' he said. 'This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.'

Shortly after ABC announced Kimmel had been suspended, Trump said: 'The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.

'Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.'

Staff of the Jimmy Kimmel Show! were seen packing up their gear from the Los Angeles studio on Wednesday, hours after the host was brutally axed.

Hollywood unions SAG-AFTRA and WGA showed their support for Kimmel  who is a member of both  in light of the news, as per Deadline.

'SAG-AFTRA condemns the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Our society depends on freedom of expression. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on,' a statement from the acting guild read.

'Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed. The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyones freedoms. SAG-AFTRA stands with all media artists and defends their right to express their diverse points of view, and everyones right to hear them.'

Pictures captured a tense moment as he put his head in his hands

Kirk (pictured with his family) was a co-founder of the political nonprofit Turning Point USA

The Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East also condemned the decision.

'The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other  to disturb, even  is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice.'

'As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers, or anyone who speaks in dissent. If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we neednt have bothered to write it into the Constitution.

'What we have signed on to  painful as it may be at times  is the freeing agreement to disagree. Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world.'

It is understood the pictures of Kimmel were taken at a Century City location where several law firms are based

On Wednesday, Kimmel's late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended 'indefinitely' amid the MAGA backlash over his comments

'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?' the Jimmy Kimmel Live host wrote on Instagram

Protesters gathered outside the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, where Jimmy Kimmel Live! is filmed, on Thursday

Many carried signs calling for 'justice' for Kimmel

Several protest signs condemned ABC's decision to pull Kimmel off air

The television personality's remarks had caught instant flak from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, who told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson earlier on Wednesday that he was considering an investigation into Kimmel and his network ABC for his claims.

'When you look at the conduct that has taken place by Jimmy Kimmel, it appears to be some of the sickest conduct possible,' Carr told Johnson.

'As you've indicated, there are avenues here for the FCC, so there... are some ways in which I need to be a little bit careful because we could be called ultimately to be a judge on some of these claims that come up,' Carr said.
In case the influx of Chinese EVs into the UK isn't already confusing enough, now there's another entrant: The Deepal S07.

Built by Chinese manufacturer Changan, the S07 is an SUV crossover and will arrive in the UK by the end of the year.

The all-electric vehicle comes with a 160kW motor and has a range of 295 miles on a single charge.

Designed in Turin at the brand's European centre, the S07 will be engineered (developed, tweaked and tested for the UK) at Changan's Birmingham research development base, after being produced in China, and will be sold through 20 dealerships initially.

Prices start at 39,990 which makes it more expensive than rivals including the Kia EV3 (32,940) and the Skoda Elroq (31,710).

Chinese manufacturer Changan has announced its Deepal S07 SUV crossover EV will arrive in the UK by the end of the year

Changan might sound like just another Chinese automotive player to pop out the unknown, but it's actually been present in Europe for over 20 years.

One of China's top four automotive groups, Changan promises 'seamless innovation' with its vehicles that reflect its 40 years of manufacturing expertise.

Although the S07 is Chinese, it's been tested and calibrated in the UK and represents Changan's presence in Europe for over 20 years. In fact, Changan says its been adapted more than 150 times for local UK conditions.

As such it comes with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and a seven-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty.

Outside it looks a bit like its trying to be a Polestar 4 up front and an MG4 at the rear, and its 'bold profile' is complemented by hidden door handles and a full-width LED lightbar.

Powered by a 80kWh battery the rear-wheel drive S07 produces 215bhp and 320nM of torque. It can cover 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and DC fast charging can top up 10 to 80 per cent of its 295-mile range in 48 minutes.

Although the S07 is Chinese, it's been tested and calibrated in the UK and represents Changan's presence in Europe for over 20 years

Powered by a 80kWh battery the rear-wheel drive S07 produces 215bhp and 320nM of torque and can cover 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds

Inside the SUV you get a panoramic sunroof, wraparound yacht-inspired detailing, heated and ventilated vegan seats and a heated wheel, as well as wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker premium sound system with a driver's speaker in the headrest, and keyless entry and smartphone app.

But the huge pull in the interior is the 15.6-inch sunflower rotating touchscreen which turns to look at you when you drive - like a sunflower turns to the sun. It's accompanied by gesture recognition and a head-up display with augmented reality (AR) navigation.

There's also LED multi-colour and dynamic ambient lighting to make the interior feel extra plush.

The interior has a unique 15.6-inch sunflower rotating touchscreen which turns to look at you when you drive - like a sunflower turns to the sun

Nic Thomas, managing director of Changan UK, said: 'The Changan Deepal S07 is designed to make electric driving accessible, enjoyable, and practical for UK consumers.

'It combines sleek design, intuitive technology designed around the customer, and real-world range with a price point that makes sense. We believe it will truly resonate with British drivers looking for a high-quality EV without compromise.'

Available immediately at the 20 Changan UK dealers, this availability will expand to 50 dealer sites by the end of 2025, 'supported by a UK parts hub and dedicated aftersales network ensuring gold standard customer care'.
The chief executive of Next has warned Britain faces another year of 'anaemic' economic growth and falling employment.

Lord Wolfson, who is the FTSE 100's longest-serving chief executive, having been in the job since August 2001, sounded alarm bells over 'a rising tax burden that undermines national productivity'.

He said that the 'medium to long-term outlook for the UK economy does not look favourable'.

His remarks came as businesses have been urging the Chancellor to rule out further tax hikes at her 26 November Budget.

Wolfson also slammed regulation that 'erodes competitiveness' and government spending 'beyond its means'.

Next's analysis follows bleak jobs market data this week and will add to concerns as Wolfson said there was 'now strong evidence of a material squeeze on UK employment'.

The group says the jobs market has been impacted by 'rising costs, mechanisation, AI and new legislation', including Labour's controversial package of new employment rights.

Next saw profits soar 13.8% to 515million in the first six months of the year

Wolfson said: 'To be clear, we do not believe the UK economy is approaching a cliff edge.

'At best we expect anaemic growth, with progress constrained by four factors: declining job opportunities, new regulation that erodes competitiveness, government spending commitments that are beyond its means, and a rising tax burden that undermines national productivity.

'We first raised concerns about a potential weakening in UK employment in our report two years ago. Since then, vacancies have continued to fall, and PAYE payroll numbers are now moving backwards.

'The problem appears to be that employment, particularly at the entry level, faces the triple pressure of rising costs, increasing regulation, and displacement through mechanisation and AI.'

His grim warning came as Next hailed an uptick in group sales of 10.3 per cent to 3.25 billion over the six months to July.

Profits rose 13.8 per cent to 515million after the business was boosted by warm weather and a cyber-attack disrupting rival Marks & Spencer.

And although investors did not receive another profit upgrade, the retailer stuck to its annual guidance for profits to rise 9.3 per cent compared to last year. They are set to top 1.1billlon.

The group is broadly seen as one of Britain's most reliable retailers after it last year achieved 1billion in annual profits, joining only a handful of other British retailers to have done so.

Tesco, Marks & Spencer and B&Q owner Kingfisher are the only other listed UK store chains to have raked in 1billion in profits in a single year.

Next shares slumped more than 6 per cent in early trading to 11,265p.

Next is considered a bellwether for the UK retail sector and consumer spending because its performance can signal broader economic trends.

Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'Next breezed past its original sales guidance over the first half, driven by favourable weather, major disruption at M&S and impressive international growth.

'While Next isn't expecting it to drop off a cliff edge, it does expect anaemic growth at best.

'The fashion powerhouse is clearly unimpressed by the current government's performance, which has brought about declining job opportunities, unfavourable regulation, unsustainable government spending, and rising taxes that make it harder for the economy to grow.'
M&C Saatchi warned it expects revenues to fall this year as it became the latest London-listed advertising group to highlight the downturn facing the industry.

The group said on Thursday its clients are defering spending amid an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop, notably in Australia and Britain.

Earlier this month, shares in Martin Sorrells rival advertising firm S4 Capital crashed to a record low after it reported falling sales and widening losses.

Similarly, London-listed WPP has seen shares fall to multi-year lows and even lost its crown at the world's biggest advertising agency to French giant Publicis last year.

M&C Saatchi said it endured a 'softer' second quarter against a backdrop of ongoing 'client caution'.

It told investors it would continue to cut costs and said it planned to axe some 'central HQ roles, which will be replaced overseas'.

Struggling: Advertising group M&C Saatchi expects its like-for-like sales to fall this year

M&C Saatchi shares fell 4.18 per cent or 7.00p to 160.50p on Thursday, having fallen 17 per cent in the last year.

The AIM-listed company expects its like-for-like sales to decline to mid-single digits for the year ending 31 December, with annual profit broadly in line with last year.

Analysts expected the company's operating profit to rise to 37.6million for 2025.

For the six-month period ending 30 June, the company's like-for-like operating profit fell 36 per cent to 10.3million year-on-year, pressured by heavy investments in the first quarter and a drop in revenue.

Like-for-like net revenue for the six months to 30 June came in at 103.8million, down 5.1 per cent from 109.4million a year earlier.

Australia was the biggest drag on performance, with revenue down 26.5 per cent in the period due to reduced client spending and prior-year losses.

The group said its performance across the advertising and consulting arms of its UK arm was 'soft' in the period.

M&C Saatchi said it was continuing to 'simplify its operating structure and improve efficiency' across the group.

It said on Thursday: 'There are 854,000 of redundancy costs included within non-like-for-like restructuring for ongoing businesses, and 224,000 of redundancy costs are included within the like-for-like staff costs.

'The next stage of the Group's global efficiency programme has continued to identify and reduce specific central HQ roles, which will be replaced overseas to save cost.'

Zaid Al-Qassab, the company's chief executive, said: 'After a solid start to the year, we have not been immune to the market conditions of the wider industry, as clients reacted cautiously to the geo-political tensions and the unstable macro-economic environment.'

Looking ahead, the company said: 'The outlook for the rest of 2025 remains soft, driven by continued macro volatility and subdued market conditions in Australia and the UK, offsetting stronger demand in Europe, the US and the UAE.'
A former boss of one of Britain's oldest business groups has been banned from being a director for 11 years after abusing a state-backed emergency loan scheme during the pandemic.

The Insolvency Service has barred Anna Daroy, 61, director general of the Institute of Directors in 2018-19, after she secured two 'bounce-back' 50,000 loans for consultants Globepoint Associates, which went into liquidation in 2023, when firms were only entitled to one.

Banks handed out tens of billions of pounds of state-backed funds to support companies hit by pandemic lockdowns.

But a lack of stringent eligibility checks and oversight attracted widespread scams - and a wave of criticism.

Daroy, who was shortlisted for the Women's Business Club 'Businesswoman of the Year' award last year after a 35-year career advising boards and executive teams, should have at least repaid one of the loans that were secured from separate banks over a five-day period, the Insolvency Service said.

The Insolvency Service has disqualified more than 2,400 company directors for abusing COVID financial support schemes.
Kimberly Guilfoyle's next move is to Greece.

The Senate voted Thursday to confirm the former Fox News host and ex-fiance of Donald Trump Jr. as President Donald Trump's Ambassador to Greece.

After returning from August recess, Republicans in Congress made it a priority to get confirmation votes on the schedule, including for Guilfoyle, Capitol Hill insiders tell the Daily Mail.

It was part of a massive package, which also included confirmations for 47 other Trump nominees across government agencies after Democrats blocked more nominees than ever before in efforts to oppose Trump and the GOP-dominated Congress.

The Senate voted 51-47 in support of the package that confirmed Guilfoyle, 56.

The next steps will be Guilfoyle's swearing-in and then her big move to Athens where she will officially assume her role at the U.S. Embassy.

Guilfoyle will be sworn into her role next week, a source familiar with her schedule told the Daily Mail. And she is expected to arrive in Greece and move into the official Ambassador's residence before the end of October.

She is succeeding Ambassador George Tsunis.

The Senate voted to confirm Kimberly Guilfoyle as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece

She will now prepare to move to Greece and make her new home at the ambassador's residence in Athens (pictured)

'I am profoundly grateful to President Donald J. Trump and the United States Senate for their trust and confidence in me. It is the honor of my life to serve as the first female Ambassador of the United States to the Hellenic Republic,' Guilfoyle said in a statement to the Daily Mail.

She continued: 'Greece is the birthplace of democracy, liberty, and the rule of law  the very ideals that inspired our American Founders and continue to make America the greatest nation on Earth.'

Guilfoyle's hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was held July 9 alongside four other nominees.

All 12 Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations panel voted to advance Guilfoyle's nomination for a full floor vote. One Democrat, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, voted in her favor.

Donald Trump Jr.'s 16-year-old son came to Washington, D.C. that day to support his almost-step mother during her hearing.

Also on Guilfoyle's bench of support was her son, Ronan Villencey, 18, and her younger brother, Anthony 'Tony' Guilfoyle Jr., 53.

Donny III sat in the front row beside Ronan and stayed after the hearing to take photos with Guilfoyle.

For much of his formative years, Guilfoyle dated and was engaged to Donny's father.

Last year, the two publicly cut off their romance after Don Jr. was seen flaunting around Palm Beach, Florida with his new fling Bettina Anderson.

Palm Beach insiders have told the Daily Mail that Guilfoyle maintains a relationship with her ex's five children.

After her heraing, Guilfoyle's confirmation by the full Senate was delayed two months as Democrats stone-walled the process for dozens of nominees until after the August recess.

Donald Trump III, 16, came out to support Guilfoyle, during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 9, 2025

Donald Trump Jr. ended his engagement to Kimberly Guilfoyle after the two were together for six years, news of the end of their relationship came two months before the 2024 election

Don Jr. (left) began to be publicly seen canoodling with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson (right) around September

President Trump announced in December his intention to nominate his son's ex-girlfriend and a key 2024 campaign surrogate to be ambassador to Greece in his second term.

Her nomination came just a few months after news broke of the president's eldest son's new relationship with Anderson.

Still, Don Jr. posted to X at the time his congratulations to his ex-fiancee on her nomination.

Guilfoyle, before her relationship with Don Jr., was married for five years to Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom while he was mayor of San Francisco.

She also spent 12 years at Fox News where for seven of those years she was co-host of the evening panel show The Five.

Even though she signed a long-term contract extension in mid-2017, Guilfoyle abruptly left the network a year later and began working for the pro-Trump America First super PAC.

During the short confirmation hearing on July 9, Guilfoyle faced just a handful of questions from senators related to Greece's relationship with the U.S., Israel, Cyprus and the rise in tensions with Turkey.
Students at Cowes Enterprise College have launched a fierce protest against what they describe as a 'prison-like' regime, with hundreds signing a petition demanding immediate changes to strict new school policies that they say are causing widespread anxiety, distress, and humiliation.

The Isle of Wight school, already under fire for controversial rule changes introduced at the start of term, now faces growing pressure from parents and pupils who say the new regime is 'barbaric,' 'authoritarian,' and causing 'serious distress'.

Now the students have launched a petition calling for the revision of the rules at their school as it is 'creating an atmosphere of intimidation'.

The appeal has already has gained more than 600 signatures and says: 'The measures, which include the use of alarms/music, strict lunchtime and break rules, enforced toilet policies, and being escorted to lessons, have not only been imposed without consultation with students and parents, but also contradict our health and wellbeing.'

The Mail has also been informed that the school has reportedly organised assemblies to show the students why they should be so 'grateful for their education'.

A student told the Mail: 'They showed us a video of a girl using a zip wire to get to school in another country. Then the principal told us we should be grateful because some kids have to go through that. We should be lucky we go to the best school on the Isle of Wight.'

They continued: 'It is disgusting. They are gaslighting us. They told us we should be grateful and that our parents were overreacting.'

Parents at Cowes Enterprise College were shocked as their children returned home in tears following strict new rules being implemented (file photo)

Students have reported being denied adequate time to eat, drink or access toilets - with some forced to choose between food and using the bathroom in their limited break windows.

The pupil continued: 'Then there's the music. They play this weird slowed-down version of the bake-off theme tune between lessons, and someone I know actually got a detention for not getting into class before it stopped.

'Literally, the music ended, she walked in, and was given a detention on the spot. And it wasn't even an after-school detention - it was at lunch, so she lost her lunch break and wasn't allowed in the canteen. She didn't get to eat.'

Another student told the Mail she feels like she is in 'Squid Games' and that the changes mean she is eating and drinking very little.

'Every day and every night before school I have had so much anxiety about coming into school. I feel like a dog being walked around constantly.

'Every day I pack a big lunch hoping I will get time to eat it and every day I have had to throw my lunch away after having just a pack of crisps because you get between 2-10 minutes to eat.

'When I am not in isolation I don't go to the toilet once because I feel so embarrassed changing myself on my period or trying to go to the toilet with a teacher waiting right outside the door for me, practically listening in. I'm am so scared of leaking on my period.'

One parent of two students, said the school's handling of toilet access has been 'degrading and inhumane.'

'One little boy wet himself in class because no one came to escort him,' she said and 'young girls on their period are expected to ask male teachers for permission and then be chaperoned. There's no dignity, no flexibility, and no explanation.'

'I know of at least three kids who queued for the toilet during lunch, then tried to go eat, and were told their time was up. Their lunch was taken away and thrown in the bin.'

Students at the secondary school on the Isle of Wight have been banned from using the toilets during class

She continued: 'At break, they're in a walled concrete courtyard. They're not allowed to run around. They're not allowed in groups of more than six.

'If there's a group of eight, they're told to split up. They're basically told to be quiet. It's like COVID again.

'My youngest is still in shock. She was so excited after the open evening. She couldn't wait to start. Now it's just a completely different school to what we were sold.'

One mother said her daughter is now struggling with 'anxiety and stress' after just days back in the classroom.

'My child and her friend are on the phone talking about their worries about the toilet rules and how they are going to cope,' she told the Mail.

'School is suppose to be a place they feel safe, secure, nurtured, encouraged and a place to learn and grow. Instead they feel as though they are in prison like conditions and being treated like cattle in a market.'

A recurring complaint is the lack of transparency. Parents say there was no proper consultation or warning about the sweeping changes.

Some said they only received a generic email after the first few days of chaos: 'They called complaints 'teething problems. That's not what this is. This is systemic. This is serious.'

Several parents suggested the changes are a misguided attempt to crack down on poor behaviour by a small number of pupils - but said the blanket punishments are harming the majority: 'It's like collective punishment,' said one.

'If a few kids were vaping in the toilets, deal with them. Don't take toilets away from everyone.' 'This isn't about learning or discipline,' said another. 'It's control.'

Cowes Enterprise College, managed by the Ormiston Academies Trust, previously said the changes were designed to create a 'calmer, safer environment' and were based on feedback from parents and staff.

A spokesperson said: 'We know that new approaches can take time to embed, and we are listening carefully to feedback. Where sensible refinements are needed, we will make them.'

But parents say this statement rings hollow: 'They say they're listening but we've had no meetings, no replies to letters, no personal responses. They're not engaging. They're shutting us out.'

Parents are now calling for an urgent review of the policies and proper consultation with families and students.

Some are even considering pulling their children out of the school: 'We don't want to move them. This used to be a brilliant school. But it's not a healthy learning environment anymore.'

Cowes Enterprise College claims there are many inaccuracies in the allegations being made by parents and pupils.
The first small boat migrant has been sent back to France under the new 'one in, one out' returns deal, Home Office sources have confirmed.

The Indian man was flown from London to Paris this morning, it is understood.

A further migrant is due to be deported on another flight later today.

As a result of the first deportation taking place, Britain will begin accepting other migrants from France as early as Saturday.

The Home Office has been accepting online applications from migrants who are currently in France to come here, providing they have not 'previously been removed from the United Kingdom' and do not pose a 'national security or public order risk'.

The number of migrants who will be admitted to Britain will equal the total who have been removed by that stage.

Like those deported to France, they are likely to come here aboard a scheduled passenger flight.

The first deportation comes after the Home Office suffered three days of aborted attempts under the deal signed in July by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 'This is an important first step to securing our borders.

'It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you.

An Air France Airbus jet pictured on the apron at London's Heathrow airport yesterday

'I will continue to challenge any last-minute, vexatious attempts to frustrate a removal in the courts.

'The UK will always play its part in helping those genuinely fleeing persecution, but this must be done through safe, legal, and managed routes  not dangerous crossings.'

A high-profile legal challenge on Tuesday forced ministers to temporarily abandon attempts to remove a 25-year-old Eritrean man, who had been due to be aboard a 9am flight yesterday.

The case led Ms Mahmood to condemn small boat migrants who lodge last-minute legal challenges.

She said it made a mockery of our laws when they tried to dodge deportation by claiming they were victims of modern slavery.

But her Tory shadow Chris Philp said Labour had been in denial about how the law works in immigration cases  and still lacks impetus for real change.

He warned that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Attorney General Lord Hermer  both former human rights barristers - will never allow meaningful reform of human rights and other laws used to overturn deportations.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has condemned small boat migrants who lodge 'vexatious' last-minute legal challenges

Ms Mahmood's criticism of last-minute legal challenges were the most robust acknowledgment yet made by a Labour minister of how they are deployed to frustrate deportation measures.

But since the new returns deal with France was announced the Government has been repeatedly warned it was vulnerable to human rights and modern slavery claims.

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On July 10, the day the policy was launched, the Daily Mail questioned senior Home Office figures about the possibility of legal challenges  but officials refused to speculate on how they would be handled.

This weeks High Court ruling on the unnamed Eritrean migrant paved the way for copycat claims by others at risk of deportation under the scheme.

About half of the 92 migrants reported to be in Home Office custody are expected to bring claims, legal sources said, by deploying similar human rights and 'modern slavery' grounds.

It could leave the majority of cases lined up for the returns deal in legal limbo for months.

The day after his arrival in Britain on August 12 the Eritrean migrant said he had not been exploited on his way here.

But soon after he submitted a modern slavery claim alleging he had been forced to work unpaid in Libya while on his way to Europe.

The High Court granted an injunction barring his removal for 14 days while the modern slavery application is scrutinised.

The Home Office will appeal, sources said, in a bid to have the length of the injunction reduced so the Eritrean man can be deported.

The Home Secretary has also launched an urgent review of the Modern Slavery Act to assess where it is currently open to misuse, they added.

The Prime Minister  who scrapped the Tories Rwanda asylum deal as one of his first acts in office  has previously insisted Britain will never leave the European Convention on Human Rights, which many migrants deploy in their legal claims.

Before he entered politics, barrister Sir Keir edited a legal manual on how to interpret the new human rights laws shortly after they came into force, describing how they had 'enormous potential' and represented a 'new way of thinking' about the law.

Since the 'one in, one out' deal came into force on August 7, more than 5,400 small boat migrants have reached Britain.

The delays  and the prospect of more challenges ending up in court  have placed huge pressure on the Government as it struggles to tackle the Channel crisis.

So far this year 31,026 migrants have arrived, up 38 per cent on the same period last year.

Former home secretary Yvette Cooper was moved sideways to the Foreign Office in this months reshuffle after she failed to make progress.
When best friends Libby German and Abby Williams wound up with a day off school on February 13 2017, they decided to take a walk along the trails in their hometown of Delphi, Indiana.

The two girls, aged 13 and 14, were never seen alive again.

What should have been an innocent teenage outing turned into a horrific crime that put the small, close-knit town on the map forever.

Here in this latest episode of Murder Maps, Daily Mail's Crime Correspondent Rachel Sharp delves into the murders that haunted Delphi for years - from that fateful day that changed the lives of the community forever to the years-long investigation and misplaced evidence that held the clue to the killer, and the arrest and conviction of the man who had been hiding in plain sight all along.

The case hinged on a grainy cell phone video captured by Libby moments before the girls were murdered, showing a man - long known only as Bridge Guy - following them across the Monon High Bridge.

Libby German and Abby Williams (l-r on left) were murdered by Richard Allen (right) after they set off on a walk along the trails in Delphi, Indiana, on February 13 2017

The girls captured a haunting video of 'Bridge Guy' following Abby along the abandoned Monon High Bridge

The discovery of that video kicked off a five-year quest to identify who that mystery man was.

There were varying composite sketches and witness accounts.

There were thousands of tips.

And there were multiple suspects including a convicted child sex offender who had been in contact with Libby hours before she was killed and a local man who owned the land on which the girls' bodies were found and lied about his alibi that day.

Eventually it was a man on no one's radar who was arrested in October 2022 and charged with Libby and Abby's murders.

Here in this latest episode of Murder Maps, Daily Mail's Crime Correspondent Rachel Sharp delves into the murders that haunted Delphi for years

In this new episode, now streaming on YouTube, Sharp maps out the tragic case and the long shadow the murders still cast today

But, as Sharp explains in the show, the twists and turns in the case were far from over with the arrest of Richard Allen.

As the case went to trial, there was a series of wild developments from the disturbing leak of crime scene photos to claims of an Odinist cult ritual and dozens of damnig jailhouse confessions.

In this new episode, now streaming on YouTube, Sharp maps out the tragic case and the long shadow the murders of Libby and Abby continue to cast today.
Health officials have issued an alert after an infectious measles patient flew to New South Wales from the site of an active outbreak in Western Australia.

NSW Health warned residents in Sydney and across the state's north to monitor for symptoms on Wednesday after it learned an infectious person had returned from WA on Friday.

Potentially-affected travellers are advised to monitor for symptoms, including anyone at Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport (T2) between 6.30am and 7.30am on Friday, September 12.

Passengers on board Virgin Australia flight VA572 from Perth to Sydney and VA505 from Sydney to the Gold Coast on Friday were also advised to stay vigilant.

The warning was extended to anyone at Tweed Valley Hospital Emergency Department from 9:30am to 11am on Saturday.

North Coast Public Health Director Dr Valerie Delpech said symptoms could take several weeks to present.

'Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,' Dr Delpech said.

'It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until Wednesday 3 October 2025.

Health authorities have warned residents in parts of NSW to monitor for symptoms after a patient travelled from WA, where an outbreak is ongoing (stock)

Measles symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear, NSW Health warned

'It's important for people to stay vigilant if they've been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.'

Health authorities in Queensland and Western Australia have recorded more severe outbreaks in recent weeks.

Cairns and surrounding areas of Far North Queensland have confirmed six cases of the infectious disease in the past three weeks , following exposure sites at busy locations.

These include hospitals, shopping centres, fast food outlets, restaurants, supermarkets, cafes and hostels across Cairns, Smithfield, Mareeba and Dimbulah.

The hospital has introduced the compulsory wearing of masks for visitors and staff in various wards until further notice, including intensive care, maternity, and the special care nursery, along with the cancer care ward and centre.

'While masks are not required in other areas, we strongly encourage everyone attending Cairns Hospital or any of our health facilities to wear one,' a statement read.

'Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with droplets from the nose or mouth.'

The initial case was linked to backpacker hostels and traced to a patient who had recently arrived from Bali. The other five cases are believed to be locally acquired.

The infectious carrier is understood to have travelled to Sydney from Perth (stock)

On Saturday, WA health confirmed a further two cases in Perth, which are believed to be linked to travel from Bali. WA has so far recorded 35 measles cases this year.

NSW Health urged those who were experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, to call their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age and anyone born after 1965 who hasn't yet had two doses.

Children can have a dose from six months of age if they are travelling overseas but NSW Health said parents should consult their GP.

'People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe,' NSW Health added.

'This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).'
Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk were both shot at by young gunmen in two of the most shocking assassination attempts in recent American history.

One man survived. One did not.

But the circumstances surrounding each event were eerily similar.

In our latest episode of Photo Evidence, we break down both crime scenes side by side to uncover how two near-identical shootings produced such drastically different outcomes.
An Egyptian asylum seeker who was jailed for raping a woman in London's Hyde Park is a convicted Islamic terrorist, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela, 42, was found guilty in his absence of being part of a bomb-making cell in Egypt and given a seven-year jail sentence on May 5, 2015.

He and six other men were said to have manufactured explosives in a safe house flat to carry out 'terrorist' acts such as the bombing of electricity pylons and gas lines.

The Daily Mail can reveal that Abouelela, a member of the radical Muslim Brotherhood movement, escaped from Egypt before being convicted.

He claimed asylum when he arrived in the UK in April 2023, and was housed in taxpayer-funded hotel accommodation while his application was considered.

Abouelela was allowed to wander around freely and even posed for a selfie picture in January last year outside the Imperial War Museum North Museum in Trafford, Greater Manchester.

Home Office officials spent 17 months pondering over whether or not to grant his asylum application, despite apparently knowing of his bomb-making conviction, before he raped the vulnerable woman in Hyde Park last November.

Court records in Egypt reveal that Abouelela and his six accomplices rented an apartment in the Ebnia Baitak area of the sprawling 10th of Ramadan City east of Cairo where they made their bombs.

Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela, 42, an Egyptian asylum seeker who was jailed for raping a woman in London's Hyde Park is a convicted Islamic terrorist, we can reveal for the first time

Abouelela who slipped into Britain in 2023 from Turkey was part of a bomb-making cell in Egypt and given a seven-year jail sentence in his absence in Egypt on May 5, 2015

The Islamic terrorist was staying at the four star The Hampton by Hilton hotel in west London at the British taxpayers' expense

While Home Office officials dithered for 17 months over whether or not to grant his asylum application, Islamic extremist Abouelela went on to rape his victim. This is his mugshot supplied by the Metropolitan Police after he was convicted at Southwark Crown Court in May

Abouelela was staying in a four-star Hilton Hotel in Ealing, courtesy of the British taxpayer, when he carried out his attack.

He was convicted of rape at Southwark Crown Court on May 22 this year and was jailed for eight and a half years on Tuesday.

Abouelela is believed to have lived for periods in Malaysia and Sudan after he fled from Egypt, and apparently first claimed political asylum when he arrived in Turkey.

He was detained for at least 72 days at Ataturk airport in Istanbul after his asylum request was reportedly turned down by Turkish authorities in early 2019.

Abouelela desperately battled attempts to extradite him back to Egypt before Turkish authorities apparently relented and allowed him to stay in Turkey.

In a video posted online during his detention, he stated in Arabic that he was a member of the Egyptian 'opposition' who had been detained for 72 days. He added: 'I don't know what will happen to me.'

But social media posts by Abouelela and his LinkedIn profile suggest he was allowed to remain living happily in Turkey which has expressed staunch support for the Muslim Brotherhood in recent years

Abouelela got married in December 2020, according to his Facebook profile, and went on to have a child with his wife.

But he later left Turkey and claimed asylum when he arrived in the UK in April 2023, saying that he would face persecution if he was returned to his native Egypt.

It is unclear whether he was forced to leave Turkey or did so under his own volition, although it was revealed in court this week that his wife and child remain living there.

Abouelela faces automatic deportation under the UK Borders Act 2007 after serving his sentence for rape as he will have served a sentence of over a year in prison.

But astonishingly, he could potentially manage to stay if he launches a successful legal appeal on the grounds that deportation would breach his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights or the UK's obligations under the Refugee Convention.

Abouelela's membership of the Muslim Brotherhood or one of its affiliates was revealed in a 2019 report about his detention at Ataturk airport by the Saudi state-owned international Arabic news channel Al Arabiya.

The Muslim Brotherhood is regarded as a terror organisation in many countries, although it is not banned in the UK

The report stated that he had moved to Turkey from Sudan, but faced extradition back to Turkey on 'explicit terrorism charges'.

It added that Turkish authorities had initially decided to extradite him before having a change of heart and releasing him.

During his time in Turkey, he repeatedly posted religious messages on Facebook and openly criticised the regime of Egypt's president Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi.

Abouelela was detained for at least 72 days at Ataturk airport in Istanbul after his asylum request was turned down by Turkish authorities in early 2019 and he fought extradition back to Egypt. He still has a wife and child living in Turkey, the court was told at his rape trial

Abouelela's Facebook page includes posts about his political leanings. He is part of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is considered an extremist group and banned in several countries

In one post, he described members of the Muslim Brotherhood as his 'brothers' while another described how he had been briefly imprisoned in Egypt in 2015 by the 'dogs' of the el-Sisi regime.

In yet another post after arriving in the UK, he marked the 11th anniversary of the Rabaa massacre in Cairo when El-Sisi, then the defence minister, cleared two camps of supporters of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, killing hundreds of civilians.

Abouelela referenced those who died on August 14, 2013, stating in Arabic, 'Oh God, make their blood a curse on their killers'.

The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 and arrived in Britain around 60 years ago, although it remains a collection of loosely associated groups rather than a single entity.

David Cameron's Government decided not to ban the movement in 2015, despite individuals 'closely associated' with the group having supported suicide bombing and other attacks in Israel by Hamas.

Mr Cameron stated in a written reply to MPs that a Government review had found the movement was 'deliberately opaque, and habitually secretive', and characterised Western societies and liberal Muslims as 'decadent and immoral'.

He added that parts of the Brotherhood had 'a highly ambiguous relationship with violent extremism' and had been 'a rite of passage for some individuals and groups who have gone on to engage in violence and terrorism.'

Although the Brotherhood had stated its opposition to al Qaida, it had 'never credibly denounced' the terrorist group's use of the work of Sayyid Qutb, one of the Brotherhood's most important historic figures, he said.

But he pulled back from banning the group, despite saying that aspects of the Brotherhood's 'ideology and activities run counter to British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, equality and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs'.

Instead, the former prime minister stated that membership or association with the Brotherhood should 'be considered as a possible indicator of extremism', and that the movement's activities should be kept under review.

Abouelela is believed to have lived for periods in Malaysia and Sudan after he fled from Egypt, and apparently first claimed political asylum when he arrived in Turkey

Countries that have labelled and outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation include Austria, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Abouelela's trial at Southwark Crown Court heard how he approached his victim as she was walking home alone from a night out at about 9pm before luring her to a secluded spot in Hyde Park and raping her.

Judge Gregory Perrins told him at the sentencing hearing: 'You thought absolutely nothing of her.'

The judge added: 'It must have been obvious to you that she was a woman under the influence of alcohol who was alone and vulnerable. You made the decision to take advantage of her vulnerability.

'You were driven purely by your own sexual desires. You simply did not care that she could not consent: you just took what you wanted.'

The judge said Abouelela was in the country illegally, having claimed asylum for fear of persecution in Egypt where he claimed he was held as a political prisoner and tortured.

Abouelela's defence barrister Kane Sharpe said he had been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder and complex PTSD.

Judge Perrins, however, stated he found this mitigating factor to be 'minimal', adding: 'There is little connection between those circumstances and your decision to rape the victim on that night.

'It's clear to me you do not believe you have done anything wrong.'

The judge further commended the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, for her 'immense bravery and courage' in giving evidence during Abouelela's trial.
China's defense minister calls for strong support for global governance

Xinhua) 13:27, September 18, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Minister of National Defense Dong Jun on Wednesday called for efforts to provide strong support for global governance, and to work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Dong made the remarks during separate meetings with the defense chiefs of Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Namibia, Rwanda and Senegal, all of whom are in Beijing to attend the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

Extending a warm welcome to the defense chiefs, Dong said that this year's forum is of historical significance and practical importance.

The Chinese military is ready to carry forward its long-standing friendships with all parties, enhance strategic communication, engage in higher-level security cooperation, and work collaboratively to respond to risks and challenges, he said.

During the meetings, the foreign defense ministers all expressed their willingness to strengthen military cooperation with China.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A very small number of Venezuelans who oppose the ruling government in their country support President Donald Trump's growing military aggression in the region.

Only 10 percent of so-called non-Chavistas want U.S. military intervention to remove Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela, according to a poll conducted by Panterra and obtained by the Daily Mail.

Chavistas are those who support the left-wing socialist political ideology rooted in the ideas of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who ruled from 1999 until his death in 2013.

Of the 1,200 Venezuelans interviewed face-to-face for the poll, 30 percent identify as Chavistas, 45 percent support the opposition and 25 percent don't identify with either.

Of the 70 percent non-Chavistas, three in 10 say they want the U.S. government to get involved by arresting Maduro for his direct involvement with the drug cartels Tren de Aragua (TdA) and Cartel de los Soles.

Trump's Department of War, formerly the Department of Defense, conducted in the last month two military strikes on Venezuelan drug ships.

The first was carried out on September 2 and killed 11 people aboard a drug boat the U.S. claims was headed for its shores.

Trump announced the second strike on September 15 against what his administration said was a boat operated by 'narcoterrorists' affiliated with TdA and carrying cocaine and fentanyl to the U.S.

Venezuelans want President Donald Trump to get involved in ousting the Nicolas Maduro regime  but mot do not support U.S. military involvement

A new poll from Panterra obtained by the Daily Mail shows that only 10% of Venezuelans who do not support the Chavista government want Trump to take military action to remove Nicolas Maduro from power

In an all caps warning on his social media, Trump wrote: 'Be warned  if you are transporting drugs that can kill Americans, we are hunting you!'

The new poll found that 15 percent of non-Chavistas either want to see Trump remain neutral when it comes to Venezuela or work with Maduro to have the U.S. lift sanctions in exchange for mass deportations back to Venezuela and ramp up of oil imports.

Asked why only one in 10 of those who oppose Maduro's government support Trump taking military action, a prominent Venezuelan human rights activist explained that 'people are terrified' to share their true beliefs sometimes.

He claimed that many of the respondents might have assumed the pollsters worked for Maduro's government and provided answers that wouldn't get them arrested  or worse.

Still, 63 percent of Venezuelans, both Chavistas and non-Chavistas, revealed that they do not consider Maduro to be the legitimate president.

And 58 percent of non-Chavistas are more 'hopeful' after the U.S. placed a $50 million reward for any information leading to Maduro's arrest  the largest reward ever offered.

The U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, but has stopped short of calling directly for regime change without a solid plan in place to replace the ruling government.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have vowed increased aggression after positioning eight Navy warships in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela.

Another 30% say they do want the U.S. to get involved by arresting Maduro (pictured) for his actions leading a narcoregime

The poll shows that 58% of non-Chavista Venezuelans agree with the U.S. offering $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest

The U.S. military moved eight warships to the coast of Venezuela this month

And on September 2, 2025, drone images showed a U.S. Military strike that killed 11 on a drug cartel speedboat in the Caribbean. Trump announced on September 15 that another boat operated by 'narcoterrorists' carrying cocaine and fentanyl to the U.S. was struck

Some Venezuelan-Americans told the Daily Mail that they are skeptical of the build-up.

'I think that the ships and submarines are kind of a bit performative,' said Carlos, a 22-year-old, who fled Venezuela in 2017 and now lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

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.'

'I hope that [Trump does] whatever it takes to overthrow the Maduro regime,' Di Martino told the Daily Mail.
Within two days of Charlie Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University last week, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was in police custody on suspicion of 'aggravated murder'.

But his arrest has only served to raise further questions as to the motive and means of the crime, and much else. Today, the Daily Mail poses nine of the most pressing questions surrounding the assassination that shocked the world.

1. Who knew of the alleged plans?

On Monday this week it was revealed the FBI was investigating at least seven social media accounts which appeared to have had foreknowledge of Charlie Kirk's assassination. Seven days before the shooting, one user on X posted: 'itd be funny if someone like Charlie Kirk got shot on september 10th LMAO [laughing my a*** off].'

Three weeks earlier, another account had posted: 'September 10 will be a very interesting day.' Following the shooting, the same account re-shared that post, adding: 'I plead the fifth'  referring to an American's constitutional right to remain silent. Shockingly, that post was then re-posted by an account called '@churbum75m' who is an online associate of Tyler Robinson's housemate and lover, Lance Twiggs  who was transitioning from male to female  and which also responded to the killing with a post of their own: 'WE F***ING DID IT.'

It's no surprise then that the FBI is investigating whether the users behind these accounts were genuinely aware of Robinson's intentions or whether it was all just an extraordinary coincidence.

2. Were Robinson's texts doctored?

The release this week of a string of text messages between Robinson and Twiggs marked a major moment in the investigation. For the exchange appears to include Robinson's confession.

'You weren't the one who did it right????' asked Lance Twiggs.

'I am, I'm sorry' came Robinson's reply. However, some observers believe several things about this exchange don't quite add up.

Within two days of Charlie Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University last week, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was in police custody on suspicion of 'aggravated murder'

Lance Twiggs, Tyler's roommate and lover. Questions remain over how much Twiggs knew about the assassination plot

Firstly, the language used by Robinson appears oddly inconsistent. At points the suspected killer uses informal speech such as 'crazy old dude'. At others, his language becomes formal and even technical, including references to a 'drop point' and a 'squad car' as well as a warning to Twiggs to 'delete this exchange'.

Could it be, as some conspiracy theorists have suggested, that the texts from Robinson's phone were somehow doctored? It certainly seems like wild conjecture.

A second  unsupported  theory is that the text exchange could have been a ploy to dissolve Lance Twiggs of responsibility, if Twiggs was aware of Robinson's plans.

3. Was he motivated by Leftist ideology?

The bullet casings retrieved from the murder weapon appear to suggest Robinson was motivated by ideology. 'Hey fascist! Catch!' read one. Another recited the lines of an Italian anti-Nazi song: 'Oh bella ciao, bella ciao . . .'

A family member admitted that Robinson had expressed increasingly aggressive pro-trans views over recent weeks. Kirk had previously written of the 'trans delusion death cult' and once described trans people as 'a throbbing middle finger to God'.

Could the murder have been motivated by what Utah governor Spencer Cox described as Robinson's pro-trans and 'Leftist ideology'? President Trump clearly thinks so, responding to the killing by declaring: 'We have a radical Left group of lunatics out there.'

4. Was Mossad involved?

On September 9  the day before he died  Charlie Kirk, a long-time supporter of Israel, raised for the first time questions about the actions of the Jewish state in the Gaza war. 'Is the media totally presenting the truth when it comes to Israel?' he asked.

Charlie Kirk handing out MAGA hats at Utah Valley University, shortly before he was murdered

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: Listen to the latest on the Daily Mail podcast

Kirk wondered aloud whether Israel was conducting 'ethnic cleansing' of the Palestinians. He had also frequently scorned the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who is known to have had links to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Some conspiracy-minded people have wondered: did Kirk somehow overstep a line? Was his assassination ordered from Tel Aviv? It seems extremely unlikely.

5. Did Robinson have 'help' on the ground?

It is perhaps one of the most ludicrous claims circulating that Charlie Kirk's two bodyguards may have been implicated in the shooting. Video footage taken in the seconds before the bullet was fired shows one of Kirk's security detail adjusting his cap, while another raises a left hand to his opposite bicep. This was described as a 'deliberate' security gesture by US protection consultant Stan Kephart, but not for any sinister reason  rather it was probably routine communication between the two men.

6. How was the gun removed from scene?

Robinson is understood to have carried out his kill with a Mauser 98 bolt action rifle, a popular choice with long-range snipers. It was also a smart choice as the spent cartridge remains inside the gun chamber, making it easier to conceal evidence of a fired shot.

The last thing Robinson wanted was a brass shell falling off the roof from where he is believed to have been stationed.

However, the weapon was around 40 in long: not easily concealed. Footage prior to the shooting shows Robinson walking with an obvious limp  it appears he had the weapon stuffed down his trousers. However, CCTV from after the shooting shows Robinson sprinting across a rooftop and jumping to the ground. So where was the gun?

We know that Robinson then left the weapon wrapped in a towel in nearby woods, but how did he get it there? The obvious theory is that he managed to disassemble the rifle extremely quickly before putting the constituent parts in the black bag he appears to be carrying as he flees the scene.

Online sleuths questioned how Robinson could have broken the gun down so quickly.

7. What happens in Valhalla?

In a bizarre ending to his press conference after Kirk's death, Trump-appointed FBI director Kash Patel addressed the late campaigner directly: 'Rest now, brother. We have the watch, and I'll see you in Valhalla.' Initially, it seemed like an innocuous line from a Hindu unlikely to meet the Christian in the eternal resting place of Viking warriors.

However, pictures of Tyler Robinson in his college room showed a screensaver on his computer depicting Goat Island in New Zealand. Goat Island has a tourist resort called Valhalla. Some excitable conspiracists went into meltdown over this coincidence, even falsely suggesting that Kirk was still alive and on Goat Island.

8. Will Robinson get the death penalty?

'I do not take this decision lightly,' said Utah County attorney Jeff Gray as he confirmed the prosecution would be seeking the death penalty for Robinson.

On Tuesday, Tyler Robinson appeared in court for the first time via video link from Utah County Jail. Dressed in a green vest to prevent him self-harming, the suspect confirmed his name before being charged with aggravated murder and six other charges including two counts of obstructing justice and committing homicide knowing children were present.

If he is found guilty, a judge will have to decide whether he is to be put to death or serve life imprisonment. His age as well as his mental health will serve as potentially mitigating factors, though the severity of his crime in the eyes of those on the Right cannot be underestimated. Many on the American Right believe that if found guilty, he can and must be executed as quickly as possible.

9. Was Kirk killed by a curse?

In a truly bizarre twist, it emerged last week that two days prior to the assassination a reporter for the feminist website Jezebel had paid a freelance witch via the online marketplace Etsy to place a 'curse' on Charlie Kirk.

The article, which described Kirk as a 'far-Right misogynist', was intended as a bit of fun but had senior editors scrambling to distance themselves from the 'heinous' murder when Kirk was shot less than 48 hours later. The article has since been removed from its website.
FBI Director Kash Patel gave a curious answer when asked by a Congressman to provide details about President Donald Trump's near-assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks.

During a hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Republican Texas Representative Wesley Hunt noted that he had asked Patel's predecessor Christopher Wray 'a very detailed question about Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter responsible for the assassination attempt on President Trump's life.'

Hunt then added that he would like to resubmit the questions and asked if Patel would answer them.

Patel responded that he could commit to providing a response 'as soon as the trial is over.'

But there is no trial for Crooks, as he died shortly after firing his shots at then-candidate Donald Trump.

Crooks was able to fire off a series of bullets aimed at Trump's head - one of which grazed his ear - before officers took him down.

Daily Mail reached out to the FBI for comment on Director Patel's response, and did not receive a reply in time for publication.

The July 13, 2024 attempt on Trump's life came during a rally at the Farm Show Grounds in Butler, where then-20-year-old gunman Crooks perched atop a building just beyond the perimeter gates.

Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) testifies during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. FBI Director Patel is testifying in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination and amid scrutiny regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files

Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face surrounded by Secret Service agents as he is taken off the stage at a campaign event at Butler Farm Show Inc. in Butler, Pennsylvania. On July 13, 2024, a gunman shot the then-Republican presidential candidate during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing his ear. One bystander was killed and two other people in addition to Trump were wounded before a government sniper killed the gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks

Republican Texas Representative Wesley Hunt questions FBI Director Kash Patel about information relating to Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter responsible for the assassination attempt on President Trump's life in July of 2024.

It's now been over a year since the first attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Yet, many questions still remain unanswered about the Secret Service's conduct both on that day, and since.

Kentucky Republican Rand Paul, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released earlier this summer his final report on the Butler investigation.

Paul's report is full of a 'disturbing pattern of denials, mismanagement, and missed warning signs' from the Senate investigation into the assassination attempt.

'What happened in Butler, Pennsylvania, was not just a tragedyit was a scandal. The United States Secret Service failed to act on credible intelligence, failed to coordinate with local law enforcement, and failed to prevent an attack that nearly took the life of a then-former president,' said Chairman Paul.

'Despite those failures, no one has been fired,' Paul noted at the time.

'This was not a single lapse in judgment. It was a complete breakdown of security at every levelfueled by bureaucratic indifference, a lack of clear protocols, and a shocking refusal to act on direct threats. We must hold individuals accountable and ensure reforms are fully implemented so this never happens again,' Paul added.
Just moments before he was killed at a Utah university last week, conservative activist and polemicist Charlie Kirk was taking a question about the possible link between transgender people and mass shootings.

'Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last ten years?' he was asked. 'Too many,' Kirk replied. Moments later, he was dead.

The alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, fired from a rooftop some 140 yards from where Kirk was speaking in a Q&A session on what was the first of his 15-stop 'American Comeback' tour around university campuses.

Kirk's speech was being relayed through a public address system - so it is entirely possible the killer could hear the conversation and timed his shot soon after the question.

If he didn't, it would surely be a chilling coincidence. The FBI and police are now reportedly investigating the theory that Robinson felt so strongly about the issue of trans rights he was prepared to kill for it.

Investigators said the gunman's bullet casings had been etched with messages associated with far-Left and trans 'ideology' - although officials later cautioned they could have been misread. They haven't backtracked, however, on the revelation that Robinson has been in a romantic relationship with his roommate Lance Twiggs, a biological man transitioning to become a woman.

Twiggs was said to be 'aghast' at the killing and may provide the key to Robinson's motive, say insiders.

The controversial notion that radical trans activists are increasingly responsible for mass shootings has been advanced by conservatives including Donald Trump and Kirk himself.

Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson - who the FBI believes feels so strongly about trans rights that he was prepared to kill for it

The latter's pressure group, Turning Point, sponsored rallies against transgender medical treatment and last year he compared doctors, who perform 'gender-affirming' operations, to Nazis committing atrocities.

A devout Christian, in 2023 he described the 'transgender thing' as 'a throbbing middle finger to God' and cited a Bible verse saying that a woman who puts on men's clothes or a man who puts on a woman's garment is an 'abomination'.

Kirk was killed just two weeks after two children died and 19 others were injured in a horrific church shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina, in which the 23-year-old suspect Robin Westman was trans, having legally changed her name from Robert in 2019 on the grounds she 'identifies as a female'.

Investigators looking for a motive for the killings said Westman was in possession of a notebook that contained images of a trans pride flag and guns.

Members of Trump's inner circle have brandished a list of seven other US mass shootings in recent years that have been carried out by trans people or those 'confused in their gender'.

They go back as far as 2018, when 26-year-old Snochia Moseley shot and killed four people at a pharmacy in Maryland before committing suicide. A close friend of Moseley's claimed the killer identified as transgender.

Lee Aldrich, a 22-year-old male who identified as 'non-binary', attacked a gay night club in Colorado in 2022, killing five and injuring 20 others. (Some critics believe he only claimed to be non-binary to avoid hate-crime charges).

Audrey Hale, 28, shot dead three children and three adults in 2023 at a Christian primary school in Nashville, Tennessee, before being killed by police. Female-born Hale, who was under doctor's care for an 'emotional disorder', had asked to be referred to by a male name and pronouns.

Also in 2023, Kimbrady Carriker, 40, a cross-dressing man who didn't identify as trans, carried out a mass shooting in Philadelphia, killing five.

And, although they don't count as mass shooters so have been left out of this particular row, the so-called Zizians, a 'transgender, radical vegan death cult' accused of being involved in at least six killings across the US, boast a membership almost entirely made up of trans people.

Does this all constitute a significant trend? Yes, according to a swathe of prominent US conservatives in politics and the media.

'This is happening a lot. Something is deeply wrong,' said Elon Musk on X after last year's Iowa school shooting.

Musk has an estranged trans daughter - who he claims has succumbed to the 'woke mind virus'. Donald Trump Jr said: 'Seems like per capita the radical trans movement has to be the most violent movement anywhere in the world.'

President Trump, who has campaigned against trans rights, blamed 'vicious and horrible' people on the Left for the political violence that included Kirk's murder.

'They want men in women's sports, they want transgender for everyone,' he said in an interview.

However, academics counter that the data say otherwise and statistically, trans people are not more prone to commit gun violence.

Fact-checking organisation PolitiFact examined data collected by the Gun Violence Archive and determined just seven out of 4,147, or 0.17 per cent, of mass shootings since 2018 were committed by people with a trans or non-binary identity.

Right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University last week. Pictured, one follower lights a candle while wearing a shirt bearing his face during a vigil

Less than 1 per cent of the US adult population (and 3 per cent of younger Americans) reportedly identifies as transgender.

University of Alabama criminologist Adam Lankford said it was statistically too early to say whether the recent spate of trans mass shootings 'is an aberration or a new trend'.

Both sides in this fraught argument have accused each other of cherry-picking facts to suit their arguments and have disagreed over what constitutes a 'mass shooting' and which shooters were definitely trans.

Meanwhile, those who argue that there is a significant increase in trans and 'gender-confused' people turning to violence have largely not addressed why it might be happening.

There's no research available on whether trans people are more prone to violence (and some experts believe the opposite is true), but studies have shown that young trans people are far more likely to have mental health issues, including depression and suicidal urges.

Other research has suggested that around 70 per cent of mass shooters have some mental health history, and approximately a quarter have evidence of a serious mental illness.

But the more popular explanation among those on the American Right campaigning against trans-related violence is that it's a symptom of how viciously radicalised the movement has become in recent years. They believe the issue has become so ideologically extreme that activists now openly advocate violence, even murder, against their enemies.

While Tyler Robinson is not himself trans, the man accused of shooting Charlie Kirk certainly appears to be a passionate advocate of trans rights.

Indeed, trans activists were prominent among those who took to social media to celebrate Kirk's death, claiming he deserved it. In many cases, they claimed that violence is justified against 'transphobes' like Kirk.

Writer Gretchen Felker-Martin - a trans woman - had her latest book series shelved by DC Comics after she posted on social media: 'Hope the bullet's OK after touching Charlie Kirk' and 'Thoughts and prayers you Nazi b***h.'

Meanwhile, Trans Army, a US-based 'community dedicated to empowering trans individuals' shared a post on Facebook in which they wrote: 'You do not need to mourn a man who built his career on dehumanising others.'

It seems clear that without proper research into the link between transgenderism and violence neither side can draw definite conclusions.

But one thing's certain: the toxicity of the debate means many researchers want to steer clear of the topic entirely - so the controversial question Kirk was asked seconds before he was shot is unlikely to go away any time soon.
Jaw-dropping video captured the moment a teacher who raped an 11-year-old boy pretended to act shocked when police arrested her.

Alley Bardfield, 34, a former Decatur Public Schools substitute teacher, pleaded guilty to luring her sixth-grade student to her Mount Zion, Illinois home for 'play dates' before sexually abusing him.

The disgraced educator's sickening scheme began unraveling in April 2024, after the victim's mother noticed he was 'acting differently' after staying over at Bardfield's house from March 29 to March 30.

The concerned parent went through his phone, finding stomach-churning evidence of the inappropriate relationship.

The boy said they had exchanged nudes over Snapchat, and he had received more than $700 from the predator over the course of a few months.

He also said they had unprotected sex on Bardfield's bed, which she construction worker husband, Casey Newton Bardfield.

The child's mother took him to HSHS St John's Hospital, where staff administered a rape kit.

While Bardfield dropped the act of innocence in August - when she finally admitted she was guilty - recently released body camera footage showed her acting baffled when police first confronted her last year.

Alley Bardfield (left) acted shocked as police told her she was under arrest in April, 2024

Bardfield (pictured) a former Decatur Public Schools substitute teacher, pleaded guilty to luring her sixth-grade student to her Mount Zion home for 'play dates' before sexually abusing him

In the days prior, the young victim and his family had gone to the police to alert them he had been sexually abused.

Bardfield stepped outside after officers arrived, telling them there were three children, according to the April 3, 2024 body camera footage.

'You are going to be placed under arrest,' a cop was heard telling Bardfield after he said they had a warrant to search her home.

'Me?' the ex-teacher, wearing a bright-red Mount Zion sweatshirt, replied as she placed her hand on her chest in fake surprise.

'Mhmm. You're Alley, right?' the cop responded to her performative confusion.

After she confirmed her identity, the officer told her she was being arrested for predatory criminal sexual assault and for grooming the child.

'For what?' she asked in a high-pitched and confused tone.

The cop said there was a 'significant amount of evidence' against her, but she immediately denied any wrongdoing.

Decatur Public Schools (pictured) fired Bardfield shortly after the allegations were aired, and she pleaded guilty as part of the deal 16 months later

Predatory criminal sexual assault is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. However, prosecutors agreed to cap the recommended sentence at 40 years (pictured: Bardfield's mugshot)

She was later seen with her arms crossed as she hesitantly walked alongside an officer to the police car.

Court documents state that earlier in the day, the child's parents and police officers were listening in on phone calls that Bardfield had with the boy.

During those discussions, she reportedly spoke about birth control and pregnancy. She also urged him to delete texts between them.

Police said she told the sixth grader that she was not able to get pregnant.

'The victim asked Alley if he came over this weekend if they could "do it again". Alley responded "Yes",' the affidavit stated.

'These allegations are shocking, especially when the alleged perpetrator is a person in a position of trust,' Mount Zion police said in a statement at the time.

'The Mt Zion Police Department is fully committed working with victims and their families as they deal with the trauma that results from these incidents.'

The cop said there was a 'significant amount of evidence' against her, but Bardfield (pictured) immediately denied any wrongdoing

Bardfield (pictured in court) is set to return for sentencing at the end of September

Decatur Public Schools fired Bardfield shortly after the allegations were aired, and she pleaded guilty as part of the deal 16 months later.

The boy's family said they planned to sue the school district for failing to protect their son.

Predatory criminal sexual assault is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. However, prosecutors agreed to cap the recommended sentence at 40 years.

Bardfield will learn her fate at a sentencing hearing scheduled for September 25.
A District Attorney dubbed the 'wokest' in the country has launched a new 'soft-on-crime' policy that is set to make her city even more dangerous.

The controversial change introduced by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty takes effect October 15.

Under the new policy, if police pull someone over for a minor issue like a broken taillight and then find illegal drugs or a gun, the county attorneys office will no longer press charges.

Moriarty is unapologetic, claiming the stops disproportionately target black and brown drivers, rarely result in serious convictions and are ineffective at recovering contraband or improving safety.

'Non-public-safety traffic stops do not protect public safety, and they actively harm our community,' Moriarty said on Wednesday. 'This policy is grounded in research and best practices.

'This policy is grounded in research and best practices that clearly demonstrate these stops deeply undermine community trust, which has a significant negative impact on law enforcement's ability to investigate crime and our ability to prosecute cases.'

Under the new policy, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office will decline to prosecute felony charges, including weapons or narcotics possession, if they result from stops based solely on infractions like a broken headlight, missing side mirror, or cracked windshield.

Exceptions will be made only in cases involving clear public safety threats.

Other infractions that will now be overlooked include, expired plates, a broken tail light, items dangling from the rearview mirror, excessively tinted windows, failure to signal a turn and a dim license plate light.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will no longer prosecute felony charges arising from low-level traffic stops, arguing they disproportionately target minorities

The sweeping new policy, set to take effect October 15, means cases involving guns or drugs may be tossed if discovered after a stop for a minor infraction

In other words, if a police officer pulls over a vehicle for one of these minor violations and then finds an illegal gun, stash of fentanyl, or other felony-level evidence, Moriarty's office will refuse to prosecute.

DA Moriarty has previously been accused of being soft on crime; since obtaining the position in 2023, she has angered victims' relatives with her recommendations for sentencing - even clashing with the liberal George Soros-backed attorney general for Minnesota, Keith Ellison.

She previously made headlines for declining to charge certain juvenile suspects in high-profile cases, sparking outrage from police unions and some community members.

'We're not talking about dangerous driving behavior,' Moriarty said in an interview with the Star Tribune.

'When we're talking about limited resources with law enforcement, you would rather have them focus on dangerous driving rather than these kind of things.'

Moriarty, a career public defender before becoming district attorney, has faced mounting criticism for her soft-on-crime approach, often prioritizing leniency over public safety.

Critics are already warning the policy could result in lawlessness across the state particularly in crime-plagued Minneapolis, where the public's trust in government is already delicate.

'They're making an assumption, or they're curious,' Moriarty said, describing how some officers choose who to pull over.

'If you're listening they're like, 'What should we pull that guy over for?' ... Cops will tell you, I can follow you for a block or two or three and you're going to commit something. You're not going to signal in advance. You're not going to do something.'

If a police officer pulls over a vehicle for a minor violations and then finds an illegal gun, stash of fentanyl, or other felony-level evidence, Moriarty's office will refuse to prosecute

Moriarty's office handles cases from more than 30 law enforcement agencies across the county. 'Having one blanket rule is critical', she said

Mary Moriarty took over as Hennepin County attorney in January 2023 and has long come under fire for her approach to prosecutions

Moriarty, a 35-year veteran public defender, has defended her sentencing gjuidelines saying it is appropriate

That kind of enforcement, Moriarty argues, leads to tragic outcomes like the police killings of Philando Castile in 2016 and Daunte Wright in 2021. Both black men were stopped for minor infractions.

In Castile's case, he was pulled over for a broken taillight. He informed Officer Jeronimo Yanez that he had a legally permitted firearm, but was shot seven times at point-blank range as his girlfriend and her young child watched in horror.

In Wright's case, he was stopped for expired plates and an air freshener. As officers attempted to arrest him for an outstanding warrant, Officer Kim Potter mistakenly drew her gun instead of her taser and fatally shot the 20-year-old.

'Why would we spend limited time and money on a tactic that fails 99 times out of a hundred?' Moriarty asked. 'It's an enormous waste of resources and comes at a devastating cost to our community.'

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said the policy is unlikely to impact city cops directly, as MPD already stopped doing pretextual stops under its consent decree with the state.

'They were prohibited, they represented a very, very, very small percentage of the traffic stops that were being made here when I first became chief,' O'Hara told WCCO. 'So I think it's largely a non-issue for us.'

Still, he acknowledged that 'there will undoubtedly be an effect on other jurisdictions and agencies within Hennepin County, such as the Minnesota State Patrol and Hennepin County Sheriff's Department.'

Moriarty's office handles cases from more than 30 law enforcement agencies across the county. Having one blanket rule was critical, she said.

Philando Castile was pulled over in July 2016 for a broken taillight. He informed the St. Anthony police officer that he had a legally permitted firearm, but was shot seven times

Daunte Wright, 20, was shot dead in April 2021 Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota after he was pulled over during a traffic stop for what his mother said was air fresheners dangling from his rear-view mirror. He is pictured here with his one-year-old son

'Because we work with so many agencies, we need consistency,' she explained.

Moriarty pointed to a 2017 report showing that out of 20,170 traffic stops in Minneapolis for moving and equipment violations, only 0.5% led to gun charges and just 2.7% led to drug charges.

A former Hennepin County Chief Public Defender, Moriarty has long been a critic of aggressive policing practices and now finds herself one of the most progressive top prosecutors in America.

'If a stop and search turned up evidence that was vital to public safety,' Moriarty said, 'there would be exceptions.'

'We're talking about real-world consequences here,' Moriarty went on. 'And if we want to be effective in fighting crime, we have to stop wasting time on tactics that don't work.'
The British royal family has rolled out the red carpet for President Donald Trump's second state visit and some members of Congress can't get enough of the celebration.

The president and the first lady are wrapping up a three-day two-night voyage chock-full of once-in-a-lifetime royal splendors.

From a full military parade to a review of the troops and a visit to the late Queen Elizabeth IIs tomb, the Trumps, along with King Charles and Queen Camilla, have had a regal visit.

To cap off the evening on Wednesday, the president and the royal family dined at Windsor Castle's nearly 1,000-year-old St. George's Hall, where a 155-foot-long dining table with almost 1,500 pieces of cutlery hosted 160 finely dressed guests, including major CEOs and dignitaries.

'You saw the table. I mean, it was a very long, very long table,' Texas Republican Rep. Troy Nehls, a major Trump supporter, recounted in reverence. 'All the dignitaries... I saw Secretary of State Marco Rubio.'

The visit is evidence of the respect and love the country has for Trump, Nehls continued while celebrating the president's efforts to bring peace and stability to the globe.

'They know Donald Trump is really kind of the savior of the world,' the Texan said.

'Nobody does it like the U.K., baby!' Wisconsin Republican Glenn Grothman enthusiastically told the Daily Mail of the glistening receptions and historic venues.

King Charles III delivers his speech as President Donald Trump and Catherine, Princess of Wales listen during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England

The dinner table for up to 160 guests was adorned with fine cutlery and floral displays

President Donald Trump and Marco Rubio were sat near King Charles

'If I'm ever president, and I get to take a trip to one country, just one country, it'd be the U.K.,' Grothman continued, adding the impressive show 'makes you pine for the days where the sun never set on the English Empire.'

Democrats who spoke with the Daily Mail about Trump's state visit were less enthused.

'I haven't been following this at all,' Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., shared. 'I mean, it's quite normal for the president to travel the world and make sure that we have good bilateral and multilateral relationships.'

The Democrat continued: 'But unfortunately, this president has caused a lot of damage to relationships.'

Though not all on the left were skeptical of the president's British charm offensive.

'I think it's great that the president's over there,' Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., said of Trump's visit. He further noted the need to 'foster relationships with foreign countries.'

'We're losing a lot of relationships to China, who is now spending more in the foreign policy space than we are,' Moskowitz added.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., similarly mentioned how the official trip bolsters the U.S. on the world stage.

'Nobody does it like the U.K., baby!' Wisconsin Republican Glenn Grothman enthusiastically told the Daily Mail

'I think it's fantastic. And I think part of the pageantry just is a renewed show of respect for the United States of America, and that's thanks to President Trump,' the conservative shared.

'I think what you'll see with his visit to Europe is the reassertion of America's dominance on the global stage, which is long overdue.'

During the visit, the U.S. and the U.K. struck a deal that would see American companies, led by Microsoft, make a $42 billion investment in the allied country.

The 'Tech Prosperity Deal' will solidify collaborations on artificial intelligence, quantum computing and civil nuclear energy projects to power the nascent technologies.

The president has also shared that he is willing to further negotiate trade deals between the two.

'They want to see if they can refine the trade deal a little bit,' Trump said. 'We've made a deal, and it's a great deal, and I'm into helping them.'
Candace Owens has launched a blistering attack on Brigitte Macron as she faces a lawsuit over claims that the French first lady is a man.

The defamation lawsuit, filed in Delaware in July, has sparked a fierce response from Owens, who is now accusing the Macrons of launching a 'baseless' legal campaign to silence her reporting.

In a detailed legal filing submitted on Thursday, Owens and her legal team argue that the Macrons' suit is a 'politically motivated' attempt to suppress free speech and punish an American journalist for commentary protected under the First Amendment.

'In contravention of a sacred precept of U.S. Constitutional Law, the President and First Lady of France have filed a baseless defamation suit against an independent American journalist who broadcasts a daily news and culture show from her basement in Nashville, Tennessee,' Owens' legal team wrote in their response.

The lawsuit stems from an eight-part series aired between January and February 2025, in which Owens examined the Macrons' personal and political lives - including the First Lady's background, which has been the subject of unverified rumors online.

Owens claims that Brigitte, 72, was born under the name 'Jean-Michel Trogneux' and then transitioned to become a woman.

Candace Owens (pictured) is pushing back hard after being sued by French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron over claims she made that Brigitte is a man

The defamation lawsuit, filed in Delaware in July, has sparked a fierce response from Owens, who is now accusing the Macrons of launching a 'baseless' legal campaign to silence her reporting. Pictured: French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte

The series prompted the defamation complaint from the presidential couple, who allege the content harmed their reputation in France.

But Owens' attorneys argue that the Macron's suit is not about legal redress but rather about optics.

'The French president and his wife cynically avoided filing their Francocentric case in their home country,' the filing states.

'The reason is clear: this matter is not a legitimate legal action, but rather a transparent ruse orchestrated by Plaintiffs' high-priced public relations firm.'

Owens is now seeking dismissal of the suit on three primary grounds, lack of jurisdiction, expiration of France's statute of limitations, and the legal doctrine of forum non conveniens - which discourages litigation in a jurisdiction that has little or no connection to the dispute.

According to Owens' affidavit, she is a resident of Tennessee and has no business or personal ties to Delaware, despite her companies being incorporated there.

'Mrs. Owens is not, and never has been, a Delaware resident,' the filing states. 'She does not and has never owned real estate in Delaware nor has she conducted business there.'

Owens (pictured) and her legal team argue that the Macrons' suit is a 'politically motivated' attempt to suppress free speech

The lawsuit stems from an eight-part series aired between January and February 2025, in which Owens examined the Macrons' personal and political lives. Pictured: President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron and the First Lady of France Brigitte Macron

The claims were aired on social media before the Macron's took legal action

Owens operates her show, Candace, and all related journalistic activities from Nashville, where she employs a small team.

Her lawyers argue that any alleged harm from the broadcasts would have occurred in France - yet the Macrons chose not to file suit there.

'If the Macrons were serious about clearing their names or protecting their reputations, they would have filed suit in France within the applicable limitations period,' the response says.

'But legitimate vindication of their rights has never been the Macrons' intent,' the filing adds.

Owens claims the lawsuit is part of a broader campaign to intimidate her and shut down her reporting.

The recent filing alleges that the French couple launched a 'well-documented publicity campaign' against her, including 'public threats of litigation and other retaliatory actions.'

The filing also challenges the Macrons' decision to sue in Delaware.

The series prompted the defamation complaint from the presidential couple, who allege the content harmed their reputation in France. Pictured: Brigitte Macron arrives to attend the annual Bastille Day military ceremony on the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France, July 14, 2025

Owens is now seeking dismissal of the suit on three primary grounds, lack of jurisdiction, expiration of France's statute of limitations, and the legal doctrine of forum non conveniens. Pictured: Candace Owens on the Candace podcast

Owens' team has called the strategy 'quintessential libel tourism' and says Delaware's own laws require the application of France's much shorter three-month statute of limitations on defamation - meaning the claims would already be time-barred.

'The Macrons' ill-conceived gambit falls short,' the filing states. 'Because [Delaware's borrowing statute] requires this Court to apply France's three-month statute of limitations, the Complaint must be dismissed in its entirety.'

Owens' lawyers also argue that continuing litigation in Delaware would place an 'overwhelming hardship' on the commentator, who would be forced to spend considerable resources to defend herself in a jurisdiction with 'no connection to the claims, parties, or operative facts at issue.'

'There are no relevant witnesses or evidence located in Delaware, nor would any substantive Delaware law apply to a defamation suit brought by the French President and First Lady against an independent Tennessee journalist,' the filing argues.

The court has yet to rule on Owens' motion to dismiss.
A Utah sheriff has shared shocking details about how Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin was identified and ultimately turned in.

Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby revealed what truly transpired the night shooting suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody in connection with the heinous murder of the conservative activist.

He said a retired detective and friend of his knew the Robinson family through 'religious association' and helped the suspect turn himself in.

'Tyler's family trusted this individual,' he later explained about the retired detective. 'They knew he was involved in law enforcement.

'They trusted that they could go to this individual and he could contact me directly and we could facilitate a peaceful, calm and relaxed surrender.'

Brooksby said 33 hours into the manhunt  after Kirk was publicly executed at a Utah Valley University rally  he received a call from his friend just after 8pm.

'I can tell his voice is kind of shaky,' Brooksby recalled during a Wednesday press conference. 'So my first thought is, "who died?"'

But Brooksby was delivered news that he never expected  his good friend had recognized the suspect that authorities released pictures of earlier in the day.

Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby (pictured) revealed what transpired the night shooting suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody

Robinson is believed to have held left-wing ideologies, which may have led him to allegedly kill the conservative firebrand

Kirk (pictured) co-founded conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA

'I couldn't even fathom what actually came out of his mouth,' the sheriff said.

'He said, "Hey, I know who the Charlie Kirk shooter is. I know the family through religious association and he's in Washington County now and we're working on trying to get him to come in voluntarily."

The retired law enforcement agent allegedly said Robinson expressed 'suicidal ideations,' but his parents talked him down and said they would 'help him surrender peacefully'.

Less than a minute into the heart-pounding call, Brooksby said he dialed Sheriff Mike Smith in Utah County  where the shooting occurred and the manhunt was raging  to alert him of the rapidly evolving situation.

He assured Smith that he trusted the source 'with his life' and that this tip was indeed accurate.

'Within the hour, my friend drove Tyler and his parents to my office, where he was greeted by plain-clothed detectives,' Brooksby went on.

'He knew it was inevitable he would be caught,' he added, which is why Robinson decided to turn himself in.

Brooksby also revealed some bizarre requests from Robinson as part of the 'negotiation and getting him to bring himself in.'

Kirk (pictured) died at UVU, which was the first stop of his American Comeback Tour

Kirk (pictured with his family) was a co-founder of the political nonprofit Turning Point USA

Authorities agreed to treat the arrest as 'delicate and soft as possible,' the sheriff said.

That way, Robinson would feel comfortable enough to actually show up at the office, which he did soon after.

After the alleged murderer arrived at the Washington County office, he was held there for about two-and-a-half hours until the lead investigators arrived.

'Our job [at the Washington County Sheriff's Office] was not to interview, our job was just to get him there,' Brooksby said.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson has not been cooperating with the federal investigation into the right-wing father-of-two's death.

But Robinson's romantic partner and roommate, Lance Twiggs, 22, has been working with investigators to help them piece together what led up to the sinister attack.

The pair lived together in an apartment in Saint George in Washington County.

'What we have learned specifically is that this person did not have any knowledge, was shocked when they found out about it,' Cox told NBC of Twiggs on Sunday.

During a damning exchange, Robinson allegedly confessed to Twiggs that he murdered the conservative commentator, 31, because he 'had enough of his hatred'.

During a damning exchange, Robinson allegedly confessed to Twiggs that he murdered the conservative commentator (pictured), 31, because he 'had enough of his hatred'

Robinson allegedly confessed to killing Kirk to his romantic partner (pictured: messages shared by investigators)

The texts, which Utah County Attorney Jeffrey S. Gray read aloud during a press conference Tuesday, offer blood-curdling insight into the suspected plot behind Kirk's untimely death.

As Gray read at the conference, Robinson told Twiggs to look underneath his keyboard for a note.

According to a photo of the message reviewed by investigators, it reads: 'I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it.'

Robinson also wrote how he had left his rifle in the woods and inscribed messages in the bullets.

'I'm worried what my old man would do if I didn't bring back grandpa's rifle ... idk if it had a serial number, but it wouldn't trace to me,' Robinson allegedly wrote.

Authorities said he urged Twiggs to delete the messages, and later said he was going to turn himself in.

'You're all I worry about my love,' he allegedly wrote to Twiggs. He also asked his roommate to avoid the media and investigators, Gray said.

Robinson remains in jail without bond. It remains unclear whether he has an attorney.

Robinson and Twiggs lived together in a Saint George apartment (pictured: investigators searching the property)

Lance Twiggs (pictured) is cooperating with the investigation into Kirk's death

Authorities say Robinson held a 'leftist ideology' and may have been 'radicalized' online before he was arrested for killing the MAGA influencer.

The murder suspect has been charged with capital murder charges for Kirk's untimely death, which authorities said was a political assassination.

Robinson appeared in court via Zoom on Tuesday. He wore a suicide vest and spoke only to confirm his details during the hearing.

The suspect was seen repeatedly looking down, as he sat at the county jail wearing a green jumpsuit.

Prosecutors said they are seeking out the death penalty  meaning Robinson could die by firing squad  and have filed a protective order, preventing Robinson from approaching Kirk's widow Erika.

Along with his grieving wife, Kirk leaves behind a four-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son.

When Kirk was publicly executed, he was visiting UVU as the first stop of his American Comeback Tour to debate college students across the nation.

He was mid-sentence, answering a student's question about mass shootings in America.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a bold plan that could see petrol and diesel phased out and replaced with fuel made from Australian canola oil.

The Albanese government announced on Wednesday it would be investing $1.1billion into a ten-year Cleaner Fuels Program aimed at tackling climate change.

The program is set to focus on maximising the economic and industrial benefits of shifting the country to clean energy as it moves towards a net zero target.

It will also focus on the economic opportunities on offer, from low-carbon liquid fuels, and prompt private investment in Australian onshore production.

The program outlined low carbon liquid fuels would include renewable diesel as well as sustainable aviation fuel.

However, the first production of 'drop-in' cleaner fuels - which can be directly substituted for exisiting fuels in current engines - will not be ready until 2029.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said producing low-carbon liquid fuels in Australia could position the country as an indispensable part of the global market.

'It's about making Australians and our economy big beneficiaries of the global net zero transformation,' Chalmers said.

The Albanese government announced on Wednesday it would be investing $1.1billion into a ten-year Cleaner Fuels Program

'Developing this industry has the potential to make us an indispensable part of the growing global net zero supply chains.

'This is a down payment on developing an entirely new industry in Australia.

'It's another way we're helping Australians grasp the big benefits on offer in the transformation to cleaner and cheaper energy  to help lift wages, grow living standards, create jobs and grow our economy.'

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen added the production of low-carbon liquid fuel tackled emissions reductions in the hardest sectors including plane travel and construction machines.

Bowen added the program would also generate hundreds of jobs and create countless opportunities for Australian businesses.

'A new thriving domestic industry with more jobs in our regions, from farmers growing the inputs to workers refining the fuels of the future is within our reach,' Bowen said.

The Albanese government argued Australia already has the ingredients needed to make cleaner liquid alternatives to fossil fuels, with ready access to feedstocks like canola, sorghum, sugar and waste.

Meanwhile, liquid fuels already make up around half of Australia's national energy use.

The program would see diesel and petrol fuels phased out and replaced with low-carbon liquid fuels - made from canola oil - to help Australia shift to cleaner energy as it moves to net zero

The government added replacing the current fossil fuel use in the country with cleaner alternatives would create massive climate and economic opportunities.

Australia already exports almost $4billion of suitable feedstocks like canola and tallow.

However, an Australian low carbon liquid fuel industry could be worth $36billion by 2050 according to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation

Funding would also be provided through the program to Australian innovators, from farmers to the fuel bowser, to help transition to low-carbon fuels.

Details about eligibility for funding are set to be considered through public consultation and design work this financial year.
An expert has claimed Australians are 'too polite' to blame the housing crisis on high levels of immigration.

The Australian Population Research Institute president Bob Birrell claimed the majority of voters were opposed to greater diversity in the country.

His comments come after the Australian Bureau of Statistics cited research showing 71 per cent of people in 2024 agreed that immigrants strengthened Australia.

The Mapping Social Cohesion Report, funded by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, showed the figure was down from 78 per cent in 2023.

It marked the first time support had fallen from the previous year since 2017.

The ABS claimed the poll showed 'cultural diversity is one of the greatest assets of Australian society'; however, Mr Birrell claimed it wasn't a true picture of how Australians really felt about immigration.

'The poll that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) cited, it's really just probing Australians' politeness,' he told The Nightly.

'Most people are not prepared to say outright that migrants are a problem, but when we ask them in our survey whether they are in favour of more diversity or not, the great majority of voters - including most well-established migrants - say they're opposed to that.

Protesters hold placards and flags in Brisbane during one of several March for Australia anti-immigration rallies that took place in major cities on August 31

'The concerns are very evident. Most voters could see the connection between high levels of immigration and housing unaffordability.'

Thousands of Australians took to the streets in major cities two weeks ago to protest against high immigration.

The ABS shared the latest results of the poll on Monday, stating that 'cultural diversity is one of the greatest assets of Australian society'.

'It provides a basis for the future integration of migrants from varied ethnic, linguistic and faith backgrounds into our social fabric,' the website reads.

'It also plays an important role in our prosperity, enriching our schools and workplaces and deepening our connections with the world.'

The Mapping Social Cohesion Report found those who agreed immigration was too high were also generally in favour of diversity.

'Growing belief that immigration is too high is most strongly related to economic and housing issues, rather than attitudes to diversity, multiculturalism and migrants,' it said.

'Most people who think immigration is too high also value the benefits of multiculturalism and the contribution of migrants to Australian society, culture and the economy.'

A 2021 TAPRI survey found that 67 per cent of respondents disagreed with the idea that Australia needed to boost immigration 'to increase our ethnic and other forms of diversity'

Other polls recorded less support for immigration.

A 2021 TAPRI survey found that 67 per cent of respondents disagreed with the idea that Australia needed to boost immigration 'to increase our ethnic and other forms of diversity'.

A Lowy Institute poll in June reported that 53 per cent believed the number of migrants coming to Australia each year was too high.

This is compared with 38 per cent who thought it was about right and seven per cent who regarded it as too low.

ABS figures show in the year to May, 1.1million permanent and long-term arrivals hit Australian shores, including international students and skilled workers.

In cities soaking up the bulk of the arrivals like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and increasingly Brisbane, the competition for rentals is fierce, sending rents and house prices soaring.
King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales were among the senior members of the Royal Family to attend the Duchess of Kent's funeral on Tuesday.

One woman was, however, conspicuous by her absence at Westminster Cathedral: the late duchess's daughter-in-law, Lady Nicholas Windsor.

The Daily Mail understands that Paola has separated from Lord Nicholas Windsor, younger son of the Duke and Duchess of Kent. It is a fresh blow for the duke, 89, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth, whose wife died earlier this month aged 92.

Lord Nicholas, 55, a godson of the King, made history when he and Paola Frankopan, 56, a member of the Croatian and Italian nobility, were married in 2006.

It was the first Roman Catholic wedding of a member of the Royal Family since the reign of Queen Mary I in the 16th century and also the first to be held in Vatican City State.

'It's very sad, but the couple have been separated for some time,' a friend of the family told this newspaper yesterday.

'They no longer attend family events together. Both are very conservative and dislike divorce, so apparently they will never actually get divorced.'

The couple have three sons, Albert, Leopold and Louis. An Early Day Motion in the House of Commons welcomed the baptism of Albert as the first royal child to be baptised a Catholic since 1688.

The Daily Mail understands that Paola (pictured, right) has separated from Lord Nicholas Windsor (pictured, left), younger son of the Duke and Duchess of Kent

He met Cambridge University-educated Paola at a party in New York in 1999

Lord Nicholas, who moved from Westminster public school to Harrow because he was bullied, hit the headlines when he was caught with drugs as a teenager.

He was let off with a caution after police searched him in St James's Park, yards from Buckingham Palace, and found a small amount of cannabis. Later he dropped out of university to go travelling in Africa.

Lord Nicholas, who has worked as a teacher and for a charity, made the news in 2001 when he followed the example of his mother and converted to Roman Catholicism. As a result, he forfeited his place in the line of succession to the throne.

He met Cambridge University-educated Paola at a party in New York in 1999.

Their wedding seven years later was a three-day extravaganza that included a white-tie ball and a reception atop a hotel overlooking the Forum in Vatican City. The couple were granted an audience with Pope Benedict XVI before the ceremony.

The bride's parents, Prince Louis and Princess Ingrid, have a castle in Croatia and a home in Kensington, west London.

Although Lord Nicholas has generally shunned the limelight, he wrote a controversial article in 2010 in which he claimed that abortion was a bigger threat to Europe than Islamic terrorism.

He described it as 'the single most grievous moral deficit in contemporary life' and called for a 'new abolitionism for Europe' in which abortion, like the slave trade, could be abolished.

While the threat of terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda called for 'robust and, where necessary, lethal response', he claimed in the American journal First Things that 'these are not threats that appear existential and have not as yet provoked a real sense of public crisis'.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment.
Sir Keir Starmer will formally recognise Palestine as a state over the weekend after Donald Trump concludes his state visit to the UK.

The Prime Minister has previously said he plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this month, if Israel does not meet a series of conditions to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

High-level meetings at the UN summit involving world leaders begin next week.

Sir Keir has held off on formally announcing the UK will recognise a Palestinian state until after Mr Trump leaves for fear it could dominate a Thursday news conference the two men plan to hold, according to The Times.

The Prime Minister has found himself at odds with the US administration over the move, which is opposed to official recognition of Palestine.

However, other nations, including France, Australia and Canada, have said they plan to take the same step at the UN gathering.

Elsewhere, Sir Sadiq Khan has for the first time described the situation in Gaza as a 'genocide', in the latest domestic political intervention in the crisis in the Middle East by a senior Labour figure.

The Mayor of London told an audience at a people's question time event: 'I think what's happening in Gaza is a genocide.

Sir Keir Starmer will recognise a Palestinian state over the weekend after Donald Trump concludes his state visit to the UK

The Prime Minister (pictured) has previously said he plans to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this month

'When I see the images of the children starving, 20,000 children have starved because of the policies of the Israeli government, when I see the health system in Gaza collapsed, when I see the lack of supplies reaching people in need, when I see the famine that is man made, when I read the interim judgment of the ICJ, and then see a UN commission report this week, I think it's inescapable to draw the conclusion in Gaza we are seeing before our very eyes a genocide.'

On Tuesday, a UN commission said it had reasonable grounds to conclude Israel is committing a genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Sir Sadiq's comments could prove a thorn in the side for the Prime Minister ahead of his meeting with Mr Trump on Thursday and the planned press conference.

The US president is no fan of London's Mayor, and the pair have engaged in a long-running spat.

The Prime Minister announced he would recognise Palestine's statehood in July, after mounting pressure from Labour MPs over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

But Sir Keir suggested British recognition was conditional, and he would refrain if Israel committed to a ceasefire, a two-state solution to peace, and halted annexation of the West Bank.

All three conditions are however, unlikely to be met, given the Israeli government opposes these terms.

Israel is currently undertaking a major ground offensive in Gaza, with thousands forced to flee from Gaza City in recent days.
The failure to seal two regional deals could follow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese across the Pacific to a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Anthony Albanese's failure to land two major deals with Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu might not be a good look when he visits the United States next week.

After Labor in opposition accused the former Coalition government of 'dropping the ball' in the Pacific, the Albanese government has worked to improve Australia's engagement in the region.

But the two failures to sign off on major agreements with PNG and Vanuatu are not helping.

The prime minister insists the delay in signing a 'crocodile' defence treaty with PNG has 'no downside', brushing aside claims it's an embarrassment for Australia.

He left Port Moresby on Wednesday without the hoped-for defence pact after the PNG government's cabinet failed to reach a quorum to sign off on the landmark agreement.

Instead, Mr Albanese and counterpart James Marape only managed a communique laying out the key tenets of the pact.

Mr Albanese also returned empty-handed from a visit to Vanuatu last week, failing to land a $500 million deal that would have given Australia veto power over Chinese investment in critical infrastructure.

Trump's government has repeatedly called for improvements to Australia's defence force and the lack of sealed deals following Albanese's trip to PNG (pictured) will likely be interpreted by the president as a failure

Mr Albanese told reporters in Port Moresby after Wednesday's signing of the communique that Australia expected the pact to be finalised in coming weeks.

When asked if it was embarrassing to come away without a signed treaty, Mr Albanese said the communique outlined precisely what was in it.

'There is no downside in this whatsoever,' he said.

Mr Marape said there was no 'sticking point' holding up the signing and he expected a 'quick turnaround' for his cabinet to approve it.

The Australian opposition said the Vanuatu agreement setback and the PNG pact delay were 'just another embarrassment of the prime minister's own making'.

'Repeated failures in the Pacific are undermining Australia's standing in the region,' three shadow ministers said in a statement.

Shadow foreign minister Michaelia Cash, shadow defence minister Angus Taylor, and shadow Pacific Islands affairs minister Jason Wood said the coalition wanted the PNG treaty to succeed for regional security.

Next up for the prime minister is his visit to the US for the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.

Albanese is set to meet US President Donald Trump (pictured on Wednesday during a state banquet at Windsor Castle) during a trip to America next week

A long-sought-after face-to-face with US President Donald Trump now appears confirmed, as Australia seeks to plead its case over trade tariffs.

The US expects Australia to maintain a strong security presence in the Pacific region and the failure of its PNG and Vanuatu deals has meant missed potential, Lowy Institute research fellow Oliver Nobetau told AAP.

'This could have demonstrated that Australia and Papua New Guinea - it sees itself as a big brother - can maintain regional stability within the Pacific,' he said.

The stalled agreements were probably going to reinforce US perceptions that Australia could do more when it came to security in the Pacific, Mr Nobetau said.

The government needed to go back to the drawing board to find a different diplomatic approach to instil confidence, especially among Melanesian nations, to sign on to such agreements, Mr Nobetau added.

Mr Albanese is also expected to raise the AUKUS trilateral security pact when he meets Mr Trump.

On Wednesday, Australia got unexpected support from King Charles, who was hosting the president at a state dinner at Windsor Castle in the UK.

During a speech, the king specifically mentioned the pact, which is currently being reviewed by the US to ensure it aligns with Mr Trump's 'America first' focus.

'Our AUKUS submarine partnership with Australia sets the benchmark for innovative and vital collaboration,' he said, as Mr Trump appeared to nod in agreement.

Under the $386 billion AUKUS deal, Australia is supposed to acquire three nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet of boats is built for delivery from the 2040s.

The US is pressuring Australia to increase its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product.
Barricades in the bathroom. Damage to school property. Teenage girls laughing like hyenas as they livestream their despairing teachers pleading for calm.

This is how students gleefully describe the 'spontaneous rave' that brought an elite Catholic girls' school on Sydney's lower north shore to its knees on Tuesday.

During the raucous dance party at the normally strict Loreto Kirribilli private college, toilets were broken, a locker was used to block access to the bathroom, and senior staff were filmed and ridiculed as they tried in vain to restore order.

Principal Nicole Archard sent 130 girls home and then cancelled classes completely after declaring the Year 12 girls' untamed end-of-year rave was 'unsafe and disrespectful' and had put hundreds of other pupils and teachers 'at risk'.

Some of the videos and photos of the rave being circulated by students - and seen by Daily Mail - are crudely AI-generated to make it appear as though the teachers who tried to stop the rave were in fact involved in it.

One such example is a fake image of Principal Archard wearing a black bra outside her shirt above a wild throng of excited students. An even more absurd fabrication shows Deputy Principal Romalina Rocca crowd surfing with a boom box above her head.

While those AI mock-ups may raise a laugh, the real footage of the party is chaotic.

One unaltered video of the crazy scenes at Loreto during morning recess shows teachers panicking as a mob of girls, all in their blue school uniforms, shout and stomp in the common room with their arms thrust into the air.

Year 12 students at Loreto Kirribilli barricade themselves in the bathroom during an end-of-year rave that has been condemned by the school's principal

Loreto schoolgirls mocked the school officials who tried to stop the rave by producing fake AI-generated images such as this one of Principal Nicole Archard

Another fake AI-generated image depicted Deputy Principal Romalina Rocca crowd surfing with a boom box above her head. In reality, Rocca had tried to shut down the rave

An ex-student told Daily Mail that while the 'rave' has been a tradition at Loreto for more than a decade when girls graduate, the school tolerates, rather than authorises the event.

Determined to break a previous rave record of 22 minutes, the Year 12 girls had secretly planned to go longer - but when teachers shut it down at the 13-minute mark, they retreated to the toilets to continue the chaos.

In the video, as the students move on into the girls' toilets, Deputy Principal Rocca can be seen pointing anxiously and a male teacher pokes his head above a partition from the disabled toilet and urges them to stop.

Another image shows clearly identifiable girls in their uniforms pushing a black locker as a barricade against the toilet doors as other teachers frantically try to shut the rave down.

Loreto is a traditional girls' college, with stringent codes for students to have uniforms below knee length, their hair tied back, and wear no make-up, earrings or jewellery. Year 12 fees are $35,000.

On Tuesday, Principal Archard suspended Year 12 - aside from, a former student told Daily Mail, 'a few nerds who didn't participate in the rave' - and halted on-campus classes on Wednesday.

Despite the chaos of the week, Loreto's 'Staff Appreciation Day' went ahead as planned on Thursday. The school and Principal Archard were contacted for comment.

In a letter to parents, Ms Archard wrote that the 'behaviour that was unsafe and disrespectful', displayed collectively by the 130 girls, 'placed students and staff at risk, caused damage to property and disrupted the learning environment'.

Excited Loreto Kirribilli schoolgirls pack the common room as their end-of-year rave kicks off - but when staff shut it down, the party spilled into the bathrooms and spiralled out of control

A real image of Deputy Principal Romalina Rocca (left) in the girls' toilets trying to shut down the rave, while another teacher (right) appears above a partition from inside the disabled toilet. Gen Z use 'I'm dead' to refer to something they find very funny  as in, this is so funny I could die

Loreto Kirribilli is a conservative private girls' school with strict rules for uniforms and behaviour. Headmistress Nicole Archard said the rave 'was unsafe and disrespectful'

'Such behaviour is taken very seriously, as it undermines the respectful, safe and caring culture we strive to maintain at Loreto Kirribilli,' Ms Archard added.

'We ask that you take the opportunity to discuss this incident with your daughter and reinforce the importance of personal responsibility, respect for self and others, and care for our school environment.'

Former students told Daily Mail that Tuesday's rave was intended to break the previous 22-minute record in a tradition that dates back to 2013.

For years, Loreto has tried to tame end-of-year celebrations. After the usual 'muck-up day' was banned on the last day of school, the girls instead organised a 'scavenger hunt' while not in their school uniforms.

An alarmed male teacher pokes his head above a partition and urges the girls to stop partying

Principal Nicole Archard's letter to parents decrying the out-of-control rave which she said put pupils and teachers 'at risk' after she sent 130 girls home and shut down on-campus classes

Headmistress Nicole Archard wrote to parents urging, 'We ask that you take the opportunity to discuss this incident with your daughter and reinforce the importance of personal responsibility, respect for self and others, and care for our school environment'

Known as the 'scav hunt', girls split into teams and would run around Sydney completing bizarre tasks, such as chugging two litres of milk, kissing a businessman over the age of 50 on the lips, or getting a tattoo.

But from 2013 onwards, the preferred way for girls to let their hair down was holding a 'blackout disco' - known as 'The Rave' - in and outside the Year 12 common room, which is where this year's ruckus began.

The 'naughty' students are still expected to graduate on Friday, meaning they will escape further punishment.

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The ABC has been slammed by a leading Jewish activist for its decision to air an interview with controversial left-wing commentator Hasan Piker on its flagship current affairs program, 7.30.

Piker has sparked widespread criticism for a series of comments, including that 'America deserved 9/11' and his thoughts on landlords - 'kill them, murder them, let the streets soak in their red capitalist blood' - that he later said were 'insincere'.

Host, veteran journalist Sarah Ferguson, spoke to Piker on Wednesday evening about the recent assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead during a speaking event at a university campus on September 10.

Piker had been scheduled to debate Kirk later that month, which he said made his opponent's violent death 'even more real'.

Ferguson grilled Piker about America's toxic political culture and his history of divisive comments that had sparked a series of 'escalating' death threats.

But the ABC's decision to interview Piker sparked controversy, with Dvir Abramovich, the chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, describing it as handing 'a national, taxpayer-funded platform' to a man who spreads 'extremist' ideology.

'There are times when you wonder if we've lost our moral compass,' he said.

'By putting Hasan Piker on air, ABC TV has justified the atrocities of October 7, downplayed the sexual violence of that day, voiced support for Hezbollah and the Houthis, and once declared that 'America deserved 9/11.'

ABC host Sarah Ferguson (pictured) was criticised for omitting Piker's controversial remarks

Hasan Piker (pictured) previously voiced support for terror groups, such as the Houthis and Hamas. He was interviewed on the ABC's flagship program on Wednesday night

'This is not edgy commentary. This is extremism, streamed to millions of impressionable young people.'

Ferguson asked Piker - who has more than three million followers on the live-streaming platform Twitch - about a resurfaced post he made about killing and murdering landlords unwilling to rent out their properties.

'I don't know the context of these particular statements,' Ferguson said, 'but doesn't that make you part of the problem with violent discourse?'

Piker dismissed the quote as hyperbolic and insincere, claiming it was part of a private conversation he had with a landlord friend.

'It's not a real policy that I would ever advocate for,' he said. 'It was obviously LARPing, (live action roleplaying) an insincere statement from 2018'.

Ferguson pressed further: 'Doesn't that kind of language contribute to the atmosphere of violence, even lethal violence in the United States?'

Piker responded: 'I don't believe that my insincere statements that don't reflect any of my beliefs whatsoever in 2019 have led to any sort of real-world violence'.

But critics said Ferguson had failed to confront Piker on other pressing issues, including when he said the US 'deserved 9/11' in 2020 and his comments regarding the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians.

Piker's 2020 remark that 'America deserved 9/11', made while mocking war veteran Congressman Dan Crenshaw, led to him being temporarily suspended from Twitch

Left-wing commentator Hasan Piker (pictured) was interviewed by Australian journalist Sarah Ferguson on ABC's 7:30 program on Wednesday evening

In a May 2024 livestream, Piker said, 'It doesn't matter if f***ing rapes happened on October 7. It doesn't change the dynamic [of Palestinians and Israelis] for me'.

He previously referred to reports of sexual violence as 'rape fantasies' and 'rape hallucinations,' and was criticised by human rights advocates.

Dr Abramovich said the ABC's failure to confront these statements was a betrayal of its duty to the Australian public.

'It wasn't just that Piker was interviewed,' he told Daily Mail.

'It's that he was treated as credible, granted legitimacy without a serious reckoning with his appalling statements. For Jewish Australians, it was another wound and proof that their pain can still be diminished on our national stage.

'Public broadcasters have a higher duty. They are not just platforms. The ABC has a responsibility not to normalise extremism, not to launder the reputation of a man who has openly defended groups our allies and partners call terrorists.

'Australia is better than this. Our public broadcaster should be better than this.'

Charlie Kirk was shot dead in front of over 3,000 people at a university campus in Utah on September 10. Piker was due to debate the right-wing commentator later this month

More recently, Piker drew criticism for his interview with Rashid Al Haddad, a Yemeni social media figure who gained notoriety in late 2023 for posting videos aboard ships hijacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are categorised as a terrorist group in Australia and are backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The group was proscribed by the Australian Government in August after intelligence reports linked the IRGC to anti-Semitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney.

Al Haddad denies formal ties to the Houthis, but his online activity suggests ideological alignment.

In one video, he is seen aboard a Houthi vessel waving flags bearing the slogan: 'God is great, death to the US, death to Israel, curse the Jews, and victory for Islam'.

Piker has praised Yemeni 'music videos' that critics say are thinly veiled pro-Houthi propaganda. In a September 2024 stream, he played one such video featuring the same slogan, prompting outrage from Jewish and pro-Israel groups.

Daily Mail has contacted Piker and the ABC for further comment.
Gunshots were fired at the home of an Illinois state senator in what police described as a 'deeply troubling' attack.

Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and her family were jolted awake early Tuesday morning by the sound of gunfire as bullets struck their Shorewood home.

The Democratic lawmaker, who represents a suburban area southwest of Chicago, confirmed the shooting in a Facebook statement on Wednesday, calling it 'a deeply troubling incident.'

Authorities say her home was hit three times by bullets from a small-caliber firearm just before dawn on September 16.

'In the early hours of Tuesday morning, my family and I experienced a deeply troubling incident when a shot was fired directly at our home,' the senator wrote on Facebook.

'I am grateful to Chief Arnold, law enforcement and investigators for their work detaining a suspect and working diligently to get to the bottom of this.'

'I'm thankful that no one was hurt,' Cappel said. 'My family and I are safe, and I'm thankful that no one was hurt. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.

'At times like these, I am reminded of how precious peace and safety are in our communities. Violence is never the answer. We must do what we can to ensure our communities are safe,' she added.

The apparent attack on an elected official's residence immediately raised concerns about political violence amid a nationwide surge in threats targeting public servants.

Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and her family were jolted awake early on Tuesday morning by the sound of gunfire as a bullets struck their Shorewood, Illinois home

Less than 36 hours after the attack, 32-year-old Dana Thompson of Hammond, Indiana, was arrested in Lansing, Illinois

But police say the senator and her family were not the intended targets.

The first 911 call came at 6:50am, according to Shorewood Police.

Officers raced to the neighborhood, where they 'observed a residence struck three times from what appeared to be a small caliber firearm.'

That residence was later confirmed to be the home of Senator Loughran Cappel.

Later that morning, another nearby resident contacted police to report gunshots and exterior damage to their home from a single round raising fears of a coordinated or random shooting spree.

'Based on evidence obtained from both residences, and with the assistance of our local, state, and federal law enforcement officials, the firearm used appears to be consistent in both incidents, pending confirmation by lab analysis,' Shorewood Police said in a statement.

Thanks to neighborhood security cameras and license plate recognition technology, investigators quickly identified a suspect vehicle.

Less than 36 hours later, 32-year-old Dana Thompson of Hammond, Indiana, was arrested in Lansing, Illinois after her license plate was flagged by an LPR system.

Police say the senator and her family home were not the intended targets with Thompson making a case of mistaken identity

Cappel, a former special education teacher, was elected to the state Senate in 2020 and represents Illinois' 49th District, which includes Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville, Naperville, and other suburban communities southwest of Chicago

'Thanks to the help of many neighbors sharing their videos with us, our officers and detectives were able to identify the vehicle and suspect involved in this morning's shootings,' police said on Tuesday night.

Thompson was transported back to Shorewood, where she confessed multiple times to the shootings, according to officials.

'She told officers (several times) that her intended target was a relative that lives in the area,' the department noted.

'Investigators were able to determine the address of the relative, and an interview with that relative confirmed the relationship and their subsequent multi-year estrangement.'

In a press release issued Wednesday evening, Shorewood Police confirmed that Cappel's home was not the intended target, and that the shooting 'was NOT a politically motivated event in any way.'

The revelation came after growing public concern that the attack may have been part of a rising wave of political violence, especially in the wake of last week's assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the fatal shootings of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband over the summer.

The Democratic lawmaker, who represents a suburban area southwest of Chicago , confirmed the shooting in a Facebook statement on Wednesday, calling it 'a deeply troubling incident.'

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker had recently acknowledged a surge in threats, telling reporters, 'Threats to my office have increased since the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk last week.'

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker had recently acknowledged a surge in threats, telling reporters, 'Threats to my office have increased since the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk last week.'

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon also weighed in, expressing support for Cappel while investigations continued.

'I am grateful that Senator Loughran Cappel and her family are safe,' Harmon said via a spokesperson. 'She has the full support of Senate Democrats as the police continue their investigation.'

Despite assurances that the incident wasn't politically motivated, it has rattled nerves across Springfield and Washington.

On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) delayed the rollout of a stopgap government funding bill, citing ongoing negotiations to boost security for members of Congress in response to increasing threats.

'More than 9,400 direct threats and concerning statements were reported in 2024,' according to U.S. Capitol Police - more than double the number from 2017.

Thompson now faces multiple charges including aggravated discharge of a firearm and the unlawful use of a weapon.

On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed the rollout of a stopgap government funding bill, citing ongoing negotiations to boost security for members of Congress in response to increasing threats

She was booked into the Will County Adult Detention Facility and is awaiting a pre-trial release hearing under Illinois' new SAFE-T Act guidelines.

'Residents can be assured that there is no further threat from this person,' Shorewood Police said, adding that more details would be released when available.

'This incident was NOT a politically motivated event in any way, and Thompson was not at the house she intended to target,' a department spokesperson stressed.

Cappel, a former special education teacher, was elected to the state Senate in 2020 and represents Illinois' 49th District, which includes Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville, Naperville, and other suburban communities southwest of Chicago.
Chris McCausland has criticised woke AI and television audio description for not describing peoples race for fear of causing offence.

The blind comic, 48, who last year won Strictly Come Dancing, is presenting a documentary for the BBC titled Seeing Into The Future about the future of technology this Autumn.

In a new trailer for the programme, the comedian shows how reliant he is on his iPhone to describe the world around him which helps him navigate conversations and which outfits he chooses.

But he said that though technology has greatly improved accessibility for blind people, it is lacking when it comes to audio description of faces.

He told the Royal Television Societys Cambridge Convention: 'Something that I think needs to be looked at in terms of making it a truly great accessibility tool to get audio descriptions of faces.

You dont want to be looking at a photograph of someone famous like Denzel Washington and all it says is its a man. You want to know that is a photograph of Denzel Washington, including race.'

'We have these protected statuses whether its race, religion, disability or so on, and sometimes it feels it cant be commented on.

But it is important because these are things which are passively absorbed by everybody else without having to ask a question. When you talk to somebody when youre blind you do want to build an image in your head.

Chris McCausland (pictured) has criticised woke AI and television audio description for not describing peoples race for fear of causing offence

I think ethnicity and cultural heritage are a really important part of somebody's character and shouldn't be something that were scared to flag and talk about as being a key part of their description.'

'I think the same thing can be applied to audio description on the telly. Dont be afraid to say its a white guy in a wheelchair, its a black woman with braids, its an Asian man.

These are important parts of peoples character and should be proud and should be a part of their descriptive attributes.'

During the interview in Cambridge, McCausland used AI software on his iPhone to prove his point. He pointed his iPhone camera at the host, former CBBC presenter Angellica Bell.

The technology described his interviewer as enthusiastically smiling and wearing a pin-stripe outfit, but failed to mention she is black.

McCausland won Strictly Come Dancing last year with professional partner Dianne Buswell.

The BBC announced yesterday that the pair would return to the ballroom during Saturdays opening episode of the new series and reprise their BAFTA award-winning waltz to Youll Never Walk Alone.
It was outlawed in Australia in 1987

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says she is 'all for' capital punishment being reinstated in Australia following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Speaking on Sky News, Hanson shared her strong support for the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, who allegedly shot Kirk at a Utah university on September 10.

Hanson said Australia should consider similar measures for premeditated murder, referencing the infamous murders of Daniel Morcombe and Sian Kingi.

'I'm all for it. I don't have a problem with it at all,' she said.

'These are people I believe forfeit their lives. We don't have a safe society, and too many people are living in fear.'

Hanson shared a personal anecdote from her time in prison, where she claims she confronted Valmae Faye Beck, the wife and accomplice of Barrie John Watts.

The couple were found responsible for the abduction, rape, and murder of Kingi, who was only 12-years-old when her life was cut short in 1987.

'I sat opposite her and said, "If anyone laid a hand on my daughter as you have done, I'd be the one to pull the trigger",' she recalled.

Pauline Hanson (pictured) has called for the death penalty to be reinstated in Australia

Kirk (pictured with his family) was a co-founder of the political nonprofit Turning Point USA

Robinson (pictured) has been charged with capital murder charges for Kirk's untimely death, which authorities said was a political assassination

Beck died in prison in 2008, while Watts' latest bid for parole failed in early 2024.

Daniel Morcombe was only 13-years-old when he was abducted while waiting for a bus to go and buy his family Christmas presents in 2003.

His remains were finally discovered eight years later at the Glass House Mountains in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Daniel's killer, Brett Peter Cowan, was arrested in 2011 and is serving a life sentence at a Brisbane correctional centre.

Australia abolished capital punishment decades ago and remains a signatory to international agreements that prohibit its reinstatement.

But Hanson believes the conversation is far from over.

She said Australia's current justice system fails to deliver adequate punishment for the most egregious crimes, citing the financial burden of housing people in jail.

'Why should the taxpayer be funding these people in prisons for over $150,000 a year?' she asked.

Noosa schoolgirl Sian Kingi (pictured) was abducted, raped and tortured in 1987

Beck died in prison in 2008, while Watts' latest bid for parole failed in early 2024

Daniel Morcombe was only 13-years-old when he was abducted while waiting for a bus

'If you want to go out and take a life, then be prepared to lose your own.

'You're going to have all these people up in arms screaming about it, but I think a lot of Australians agree with me.'

Hanson's comments come amid renewed global attention on capital punishment, following developments in the alleged murder of Kirk and health insurance executive Brian Thompson, who was shot dead in late 2024.

Thompson was killed outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4, where the company was due to hold an investor conference.

Luigi Mangione, 27, faces second-degree murder charges, with a New York judge ruling he should not be charged as a terrorist on Tuesday.

Australia has carried out 125 executions since 1901.

Ronald Ryan was the last Australian to be hanged after he was convicted of killing a prison officer during an escape from a Victorian prison in 1967.

Despite New South Wales being the last state to formally abolish the death penalty in 1985, it had not conducted an execution since 1939.
President Donald Trump is designating the far-left Antifa movement as a terrorist organization.

'I am pleased to inform our many USA Patriots that I am designating Antifa, a sick, dangerous, radical left disaster, as a major terrorist organization,' he wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday night.

'I will also be strongly recommending that those funding Antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.'

Antifa, short for 'anti-fascists,' is an umbrella term for left-leaning militant groups. They consist of groups that resist fascists and neo-Nazis, especially at demonstrations.

There is no unifying body for the anti-fascist movement, making it difficult to determine the exact number of members.

It is not immediately clear how the administration would label the decentralized movement as a terrorist organization.

Trump first floated the idea of designating Antifa during his first presidential term in 2020, when protests erupted across the nation in the wake of George Floyd's murder.

But Trump's previous FBI director, Christopher Wray, said at the time that Antifa is an ideology rather than an organized entity.

President Donald Trump (pictured) said he is designating the far-left Antifa movement as a terrorist organization

Trump described the Antifa movement as 'sick and dangerous' (pictured: 2021 protestors setting a flag on fire)

He said Antifa lacks the hierarchical structure that would generally allow it to be designated as a terror group by the federal government.

After Trump's post, Republican Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy praised the announcement: 'Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all.

'The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists.'

Cassidy, along with Texas Senator Ted Cruz, introduced a resolution in 2019 to condemn the violent acts of Antifa and designate the group a domestic terror organization.

'Antifa is a group of hateful, intolerant radicals who pursue their unhinged agenda through aggressive violence,' Cruz said in a 2019 statement.

'Time and time again their actions have demonstrated that their only purpose is to inflict harm on those who oppose their views.

'The hate and violence they spread must be stopped, and I am proud to introduce this resolution with Senator Cassidy to properly identify what Antifa are: domestic terrorists.'

In the resolution, the two senators pointed to instances of Antifa members assaulting journalists and others during riots in Berkeley, California.

Antifa, short for 'anti-fascists,' is an umbrella term for left-leaning militant groups (pictured: anti-fascist groups burning a flag in 2021)

Trump, who is currently visiting the United Kingdom, declared his plans for Antifa a week after conservative activist Charlie Kirk (pictured), 31, was assassinated

They also wrote that ICE agents were 'subjected to doxxing and violent threats.'

The Wednesday decision comes shortly after Trump said he was contemplating branding Antifa a terrorist organization and stripping the tax-exempt status of left-leaning nonprofit groups, according to the Wall Street Journal.

He also said he wants to use his executive power to target nonprofit groups with violating anticorruption laws.

Antifa is terrible. There are other groups, Trump said in the Oval Office on Monday. We have some pretty radical groups, and they got away with murder.

When asked whether he would assign a domestic terrorism label to Antifa, Trump responded, Its something I would do, yeah.

Trump noted he is in discussions with Attorney General Pam Bondi over charging leftist groups with racketeering charges for funding violent agitators.

Ive asked Pam to look into that in terms of RICO, bringing RICO cases, Trump said.

They should be put in jail, what theyre doing to this country is really subversive.

The White House is seeking to identify organizations suspected of targeting conservatives and right-wing causes (pictured: an anti-fascist flag)

Robinson (pictured) is believed to have held left-wing ideologies, which may have led him to allegedly kill the conservative firebrand

Administration officials across different departments are also seeking to identify organizations suspected of targeting conservatives and right-wing causes.

Officials told WSJ that individuals who have targeted law enforcement for enforcing Trumps mass deportation operation could be labeled as domestic terrorists.

Trump, who is currently visiting the United Kingdom, declared his plans for Antifa a week after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated.

Investigators believe the suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, 22, holds far-left, anti-fascist political ideologies.

The MAGA firebrand was fatally shot in the neck from 200 feet away while speaking in front of a crowd of more than 3,000 people at Utah Valley University on September 10.

It was the first stop of his American Comeback Tour, in which he planned to travel around the nation to visit college campuses and debate with liberal students.

Authorities have deemed Kirk's untimely death a political assassination.

The bullets found loaded in the murder weapon were engraved with transgender and anti-fascist ideologies, according to investigators. One bullet was allegedly inscribed with the phrase: 'Hey fascist, catch!'

In July 2025, Ted Cruz (pictured) introduced the Stop FUNDERS Act, which would allow the Department of Justice to press RICO Act charges on rioters and the people and groups funding violent protests

Trump Officials said individuals who have targeted law enforcement for carrying out Trumps mass deportation operation could be labeled as domestic terrorists (pictured: far-right extremists react to fireworks thrown by Antifa counter-protestors in 2021)

Former Trump advisor Steven Bannon is convinced Kirk's killer did not act alone, despite what investigators said.

On an episode of his War Room podcast, Bannon suggested the suspect was a part of the larger Antifa movement.

'You've got to get to the bottom of these groups, you've got to get to the bottom of Antifa, you've got to see if there's any connections to Butler [where Thomas Crooks attempted to kill Trump on July 13, 2024, in Pennsylvania],' he said.

In July 2025, Cruz introduced the Stop FUNDERS Act, which would allow the Department of Justice to press RICO Act charges on rioters and the people and groups funding violent protests.

'Every American has the right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest, but not to commit violence,' Cruz said at the time.

After Kirk's death, the act gained support from FBI Director Kash Patel.

'I urge the FBI and the Department of Justice follow the money,' Cruz told Fox News on Wednesday.

'This violence we're seeing, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, was horrific.

'This follows a string of politically motivated violence, including the Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots of several years ago.'
Kmart spent two years breaching the privacy of its customers by secretly scanning their faces in an effort to reduce refund fraud.

Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind on Thursday revealed the retail giant installed facial recognition technology (FRT) across 28 outlets between June 2020 and July 2022.

That tech would capture the biometric data of shoppers and anyone visiting a returns counter, all without their knowledge or consent.

Kind ruled the Kmart's use of the controversial technology was unlawful, saying the privacy impact far outweighed any benefits in stopping refund fraud.

'I do not consider that Kmart could have reasonably believed that the benefits of the FRT system proportionately outweighed the impact on individuals' privacy,' Ms Kind said.

CHOICE investigative journalist Jarni Blakkarly said the practice was 'deeply concerning'.

'While you can easily change your email address if it's involved in a data breach, you can't get a new face. Consumers shouldn't have to take that risk every time they buy clothes or household items,' she said.

CHOICE, which first raised the alarm about the practice three years ago, welcomed the ruling but said it highlighted the weakness of Australia's outdated privacy laws.

Kmart scanned the faces of customers in 28 outlets in an attempt to reduce refund fraud

'What we really need are stronger, fit-for-purpose laws to hold businesses accountable as soon as they breach customer privacy,' Ms Blakkarly said.

Kmart stopped using the technology in 2022 when the investigation began and cooperated with the OAIC.

Refund fraud at Kmart is when people exploit the store's returns system to get money or store credit.

It can involve bringing in stolen items and asking for a refund without a receipt or swapping barcodes to claim back more than the item is worth.

Kind's ruling came on the heels of a similar case against Bunnings for misusing FRT in October 2024.

However, the Commissioner explained the concurrent rulings didn't ban businesses from using FRT altogether.

'FRT systems require the collection of biometric information, which is considered sensitive personal information under the Privacy Act,' she said.

'Collection and use of this information must be proportionate and transparent.

Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind ruled it was illegal for Kmart to scan customers' faces as the amount of money saved by fraud was disproportionate to the privacy breach

'My decision that Kmart's use of FRT for refund fraud detection was disproportionate in the circumstances provides further guidance on how the regulator will approach this assessment and the matters we will take into account when deciding whether use of FRT is permissible in the circumstances.'

In Kmart's case, Kind ruled the amount of money the business posed to save by preventing fraud was minute compared to its overall revenue.

'The number of fraudulent incidents detected and the value of fraud prevented was small,' she said.

'[It was] also minimal with respect to [Kmart's] annual revenue, which was $9.2 billion in the 2020 financial year.'
The ABC has reportedly been barred from attending Donald Trump's press conference in London after one of the broadcaster's star reporters asked the US President difficult questions.

John Lyons, the national broadcaster's newly-minted Americas editor, was accused by Trump of 'Harming Australia' after he asked the US President about his business dealings when in office ahead of a scheduled trip to the UK.

The ABC's London bureau was told that its accreditation to attend a press conference between Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had been rescinded for 'capacity reasons', according to The Guardian.

Trump was scheduled to have lunch with Starmer at the British PM's country retreat, Chequers, on Thursday before a joint press conference between both leaders.

A spokesperson for the ABC insisted the London bureau was 'still accredited to attend Chequers'.

'However, Downing Street Media has said it no longer has a spot at the joint press conference due to logistical reasons,' they added.

'We have been given no indication this is connected to the questions put to President Trump by ABC Americas Editor John Lyons earlier this week.'

It is not unprecedented for Trump to take retaliatory action against news organisations.

The ABC has reportedly been barred from attending Donald Trump 's press conference in London after one of the broadcaster's star reporters, John Lyons (pictured), asked the US President difficult questions

He regularly rubbishes journalists as 'fake news' and on Wednesday filed a $15 billion lawsuit against the New York Times after it published a crude birthday letter he sent to disgraced financier and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump also banned the Associated Press after the news agency refused to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. The ban was later found by a judge to be a violation of the First Amendment of the United States, which protects free speech.

Lyons earned Trump's ire on Tuesday when he asked him about his private business dealings since resuming office for his second term.

This prompted Trump to wax lyrical on his plans for a new White House State Ballroom, which he is helping fund.

'But is it appropriate, President Trump, that a president in office should be engaged in so much business activity?' Lyons asked.

Trump addressed the reporter as 'John' before he answered: 'Well, I'm really not, my kids are running the businesses'.

He then asked: 'Where are you from?'

'I'm from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, with the Four Corners program,' Lyons answered.

Trump's demeanor appeared to shift: 'In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now and they want to get along with me.

'You know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. I'm going to tell him about you, you set a very bad tone.'

The interaction comes ahead of the long-awaited meeting between the Australian Prime Minister and President Trump.

Albanese will fly to New York this weekend for the UN General Assembly where he hopes to secure his first face-to-face meeting with the US President.

He will have three days next week to meet with the President since Trump will be attending the funeral of activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona on Sunday.

Trump's acknowledgement that the pair would meet during the exchange with Lyons is the strongest signal the meeting will indeed go ahead.

The pair are expected to meet either on the sidelines of the UN meeting in New York or at the White House, before Albanese then travels on to London for a meeting with the UK Prime Minister.

Lyons was appointed Americas editor at the ABC in March after serving as the broadcaster's global affairs editor.
A growing 'love triangle' scandal affecting the mayor of one of America's biggest cities has taken a fresh twist after an explosive lawsuit was filed.

Marwa Khudaynazar, 27, former chief of staff for Boston's Office of Police Accountability and Transparency, filed the suit Wednesday in Suffolk Superior Court against the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, and a Boston police officer.

She has accused the mayor's administration of firing her to cover up sexual misconduct allegations involving one of Wu's closest aides.

She claims she was unfairly terminated to protect Segun Idowu, a senior city official and her boyfriend's former boss, after a night out led to unwanted advances and a police incident.

'This case centers on a young, aspiring, former city employee, Ms. Khudaynazar... whose life was destroyed by those in power at City Hall over a report she made to the police that exposed sexual improprieties of Mr. Segun Idowu,' the suit reads.

Idowu, the city's chief of economic opportunity and inclusion, was later cleared by a law firm hired by the city.

The lawsuit also accuses the Wu administration of stonewalling public records requests that could show the firing was politically motivated.

'Alarm bells should go off whenever government fails to comply with public records laws,' the suit states.

Marwa Khudaynazar, 27, former chief of staff for Boston's Office of Police Accountability and Transparency, filed the suit Wednesday

Khudaynazar filed the suit against the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu (pictured), and a Boston police officer, claiming she was unfairly terminated to protect a senior city official and her boyfriend's former boss, after a night out led to unwanted advances and a police incident

'The city's disregard... frustrates their central purpose  to shine light on government officials' actions while they are relevant, not months afterwards.'

The incident dates back to May when Khudaynazar and her boyfriend, Chulan Huang, 26, got into a dispute after a night out.

Khudaynazar said she ran into Idowu at a bar, where he allegedly made advances and kissed her.

When Huang, a former city liaison, found out, he reportedly told officers, 'She went on a date with my boss,' adding, 'they booked a hotel and she came here to rub it in my face.'

Khudaynazar claims she and Huang were terminated to shield Idowu, according to The Boston Globe.

Khudaynazar told the Globe that Idowu bought her and her friend drinks and later told her he had booked a room at the Park Plaza Hotel.

She said she made it clear it was inappropriate, texting him: 'You're my partner's boss. You know that this isn't appropriate.'

'I told him before we left the bar, "I'll take [you] to [your] hotel, but I'm not coming up," she added.

Later, Idowu texted her at 12:47 a.m.: 'I'm in the room,' with an upside-down smiley face emoji. 'I know you're not gonna join me but I hope I've proven that I don't talk sh**... Let me know when you get home.'

Khudaynazar said that once her friend left, Idowu continued making advances.

The incident dates back to May when Khudaynazar and her boyfriend, Chulan Huang (pictured), 26, got into a dispute after a night out

Khudaynazar said she ran into Segun Idowu (pictured, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, at a bar, where he allegedly made advances and kissed her

Khudaynazar (pictured) said that Idowu bought her and her friend drinks and later told her he had booked a room at the Park Plaza Hotel

'He has a hand on my back, he's whispering in my ear... He turns his phone toward me and says, "I just booked a room, would love for you to join me."'

She said she declined, dropped him off, and went to Huang's apartment to tell him what happened.

She claims Huang grabbed her wrists and she bit him in self-defense. Police arrived and handcuffed Huang, which upset Khudaynazar.

'I remember specifically telling the officer... we both work for the city. If you're looking at this like a domestic violence situation and you think I'm a victim, escalating this is not what I need,' she told the Globe.

She said she asked officers to call a supervisor but was told none were available. She added that mentioning her job wasn't an attempt to avoid arrest.

'Never once was I like, "I work at OPAT; you can't arrest me,"' she said.

Days later, she was interviewed by City Hall staff but says they only asked whether she mentioned her city job - not about Idowu or the night in question.

Her May 20 termination letter said she refused to discuss the incident, which she disputes, saying she agreed to talk but felt 'under duress' without legal counsel.

The letter also cited failure to get formal medical leave approval, which she contests, saying she used sick time for hip replacement recovery.

The lawsuit also accuses the Wu administration of stonewalling public records requests that could show the firing was politically motivated

Khudaynazar and Huang were both charged with assault and battery on a household member; she also faces a charge of assault and battery on a police officer. Both pleaded not guilty. Pictured: Boston City Hall

Idowu declined to comment directly but his attorney, Jeffery Robbins, told DailyMail.com that Idowu was cleared of wrongdoing.

'There was no finding of any improper, unethical or inappropriate conduct... because he engaged in none,' Robbins said. 'Since it is our understanding that there is a criminal investigation... Mr. Idowu will refrain from comment.'

Khudaynazar and Huang were both charged with assault and battery on a household member; she also faces a charge of assault and battery on a police officer. Both pleaded not guilty.

She accuses the police of exaggerating events - one officer claimed she struck them, though no injury was reported.

Mayor Wu later commented: 'It's never OK to harm a police officer.'

'The City's internal review found no violations of laws or city workforce policies by any other employee... This conduct by City employees is never acceptable,' a city spokesperson told Boston.com.

The Daily Mail has contacted Wu's office for comment.
King Charles has voiced strong support for the AUKUS pact, warning against the 'forces of tyranny,' during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle for US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

The lavish dinner on Wednesday night was hosted by the King, joined by around 160 royals, dignitaries and celebrities.

He praised the 'innovative' AUKUS submarine agreement with Australia and highlighted the deep historical bond between the UK and the US.

'Our countries have the closest defence, security and intelligence relationship ever known,' he said.

'In two world wars, we fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny.

'Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear.

'We have celebrated together, mourned together and stood together in the best and worst of times.

'Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace, and our AUKUS submarine partnership with Australia sets the benchmark for innovative and vital collaboration.'

US President Donald Trump was feted with a State Banquet at Windsor Castle during a second state visit (above, Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump arrive to the banquet)

Australia's AUKUS pact was given a mention in King Charles' speech, as the King praised the nations' mutual assistance and 'innovative' deal, as Anthony Albanese (above) is set to iron out details with the US president in a potential meeting

King Charles also praised the President's 'personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world's most intractable conflicts.'

He joked about the longtime allies' close relationship, referencing his 1970 visit to the US and being photographed with former President Nixon's daughter, Tricia.

'Had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family,' he said to laughter in the room.

King Charles concluded his speech by highlighting the two leaders' 'unshakeable trust.'

'The bond between our two nations is indeed a remarkable one. Forged in the fire of conflict, it has been fortified through our shared endeavours and burnished by the deep affection between our people,' the King said.

'In renewing our bond tonight, we do so with unshakeable trust in our friendship and in our shared commitment to independence and liberty,' he added before proposing a toast.

'As we celebrate this unparalleled partnership, allow me to propose a toast  to President Trump and the First Lady, and to the health, prosperity and happiness of the people of the United States of America.'

Anthony Albanese could meet Trump later this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting, where discussing the future of AUKUS is likely to be high on the agenda.
Australia has locked in its contribution to the next decade of global climate action, with a pledge to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 62 to 70 per cent.

The updated commitment is a requirement under the top international climate pact and is viewed as a beacon of national ambition on limiting temperature rise.

In the works for at least a year, and subject to rigorous debate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally unveiled the 2035 target on Thursday ahead of his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

'Our government knows that climate change is real and we want to continue to seize the economic opportunity that the energy transition offers our nation,' he told reporters in Sydney.

'This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there and built on proven technology.'

The Prime Minister said the target of between 62 to 70 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 would be bolstered by an additional $2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and a new $5 billion Net Zero Fund to help industries decarbonise.

The Climate Change Authority had previously suggested a 2035 target range of between 65 and 75 per cent would be achievable.

The prime minister said emissions would need to be reduced the most in transport, industry and electricity sectors.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) said the target of between 62 to 70 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 would be bolstered by an additional $2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and a new $5 billion Net Zero Fund to help industries decarbonise

The government also announced $5 billion net-zero fund would be set up to decarbonise large industries and expand the use of renewables.

An extra $2 billion would be spent to help reduce power prices.

'This will help to accelerate long term renewable projects right across our nation,' Mr Albanese said.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the climate target would be ambitious and achievable.

'The global shift to clean energy is the biggest economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution and it presents Australia with our best ever economic opportunity if we get this right,' he said.

'We can use these advantages to power hundreds of thousands of jobs and new investment to set us up for a bright economic future.'

Under the Paris Agreement signed a decade ago, members must increase their emissions reduction targets every five years and cannot water them down.

Nations that signed up must submit their new targets by the end of September.

The commitment builds on the existing 2030 target to cut emissions by 43 per cent on 2005 levels and serves as another stepping stone on the way to net zero by 2050.

Environment groups, unions and social services organisations were among those calling for an ambitious target.

The business community was more cautious, warning that emission cuts above 70 per cent would risk more than $150 billion in exports and send companies offshore.

The Paris Agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean said he was hopeful Australia would be able to 'overachieve' on the target laid out.

'Our range positions Australia as a global leader on climate emission, in fact we are presenting a higher ambition than most other advanced economies,' he said.

'The Paris Agreement calls on countries to set their highest possible ambition in light of their national circumstances and our bottom-up analysis proves we have done exactly that.'

The federal opposition has also been critical of the financial burden of cutting emissions, with the issue threatening the coalition's stability as some members lobby aggressively to ditch net zero entirely.

The announcement of the climate target follows the release of the first National Climate Risk Assessment, which laid out a catastrophic vision of Australia's future if global warming goes unchecked.
Two environmental protesters climbed onto the garage roof of the boss of an energy company and draped a banner over his garage door that read: 'The earth is not dying it is being murdered'.

The women were seen trespassing at Viva Energy CEO Scott Wyatt's Edithvale home, 28 km southeast of Melbourne, on Thursday morning.

The pair demanded that 'big polluters like Viva Energy' be held accountable for climate destruction.

The protest was in response to the Victorian government's decision in May to give environmental approval for a proposed floating gas terminal off the coast of Geelong.

The Viva Energy floating gas terminal project, to be built in Corio Bay, has been opposed by environmental groups.

From the roof of the Viva Energy CEO's home on Thursday, Dr Colette Harmsen said: 'I'm here today because the people who are destroying our planet have names and addresses.'

'The CEOs and owners of fossil fuel corporations have made immense profits from polluting our atmosphere,' Dr Harmsen said.

'It is time for fossil fuel executives like Scott Wyatt to be held accountable for the climate emergency. The crisis for every living thing on this planet is real, and it is happening now.'

The two protesters on top of Scott Wyatt's home on Thursday morning

Dr Harmsen and 'Justice' said Scott Wyatt needed to be held accountable for the climate emergency

Dr Harmsen argued that Viva's plans to dredge a channel in Corio Bay will cause significant damage to marine life.

The government has previously said that the Viva Energy Gas Import Terminal Project would shore up the state's gas supply, which is expected to be in shortfall by 2029.

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage ship will be docked in Corio Bay off Refinery Pier, and seven kilometres of new pipeline will link up to the existing gas network.

The Viva Energy Terminal can receive around 88 per cent of Victoria's 2024 gas consumption.

On Thursday, fellow roof protester 'Justice', a 24-year-old climate and human rights activist, asked where Mr Wyatt's respect for homes was.

'Viva is a threat to country, with plans for further destruction of stolen land for pipelines and other infrastructure,' she said.

'Viva is threatening Corio Bay, home to our sea kin. Viva's gas terminal threatens the entire community, who have opposed this new fossil fuel project for four years.

'Viva's gas terminal will emit huge amounts of CO2 during a Climate Emergency. Viva CEO Scott Wyatt stands to profit from harming the only known planet that supports life. '

Scott Wyatt has more than 30 years' experience in the oil and gas sector

The pair were joined by supporters who opposed Viva Energy's gas terminal

Justice claimed the gas terminal was a threat to millions of people 'who will become climate refugees if we do not take serious action to transition away from fossil fuels'.

'Scott Wyatt is a climate criminal. His victims include everyone who calls this planet home,' she said.

Just last month it was reported in The Australian that Viva Energy might walk away from its proposed liquefied natural gas import terminal in Victoria.

Viva claimed it needed access to the South West Pipeline, owned by infrastructure company APA Group, before it could start building the new project in Corio Bay.

Victoria Police told Daily Mail: 'Police were called to a private residence in Edithvale, about 10.30am after reports of a demonstration. Officers are currently speaking to all parties involved. At this stage there have been no arrests.'

A Viva Energy spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'Viva Energy condemns the actions of protesters who have targeted the private homes and families of any member of the community, including its employees.'

'These acts, which have involved trespass and property damage, are intended to threaten, disrupt and intimidate individuals and their families, and risk community safety,' the spokesperson said.

'Viva Energy fully respects vigorous debate, and the rights of citizens to peaceful public protest. However, targeting and threatening people in our community only serves to escalate tensions and prevents rational public discourse.

'We encourage all people who are genuinely interested in respectful engagement and the safety of our community, to condemn these actions.'

The spokesperson also confirmed Viva Energy was continuing to work towards delivering the gas terminal in time to prevent a gas shortfall in Victoria.
A measles outbreak has prompted face mask mandates to be reinstated at a hospital as cases soar in a popular tourist region in Far North Queensland.

Authorities have issued an urgent public health alert for Cairns, with six confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease recorded in the last three weeks.

Cairns Hospital, the CBD, supermarkets, shopping centres, restaurants, and backpacker hostels are among the dozens of exposure sites listed.

The hospital has introduced the compulsory wearing of masks for visitors and staff in various wards until further notice, including intensive care, maternity, and the special care nursery, along with the cancer care ward and centre.

'While masks are not required in other areas, we strongly encourage everyone attending Cairns Hospital or any of our health facilities to wear one,' a statement read.

'Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with droplets from the nose or mouth.'

The initial case was linked to backpacker hostels and traced to a patient who had recently arrived from Bali.

The other five cases are believed to be locally acquired.

Cairns Hospital has introduced the compulsory wearing of masks for visitors and staff in various wards as a measles outbreak spreads across the tourist region (Pictured: mask-wearing became a common sight during the Covid pandemic)

An unrelated case was also recorded in Townsville last week.

The latest alert came as NSW Health raised the alarm about a separate patient who visited multiple sites in northern NSW and Sydney while infected, including flights from Perth to Sydney (VA572) and Sydney to the Gold Coast (VA505).

They were returning from Western Australia, which has recorded 35 measles cases so far this year.

Passengers, crew, and anyone who attended Sydney or Gold Coast airports on September 12 and Tweed Valley Hospitals emergency department on September 15 are urged to be vigilant for symptoms and to avoid public spaces if they begin to develop.

WA's health department announced on Thursday that, of the 16 measles cases recorded since July, five were returning travellers while the others were locally acquired.

Droplets in the air may still infect people entering a room up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left.

Symptoms usually start 7-18 days after contact with an infected case but can take as long as three weeks to develop.

Initial symptoms can include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough, and sore red eyes. This is followed several days later by a blotchy, red rash which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.

Authorities have issued an urgent public health alert for Cairns, with six confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease recorded in the last three weeks (Pictured: Covid-19 testing, 2020)

Complications include pneumonia and encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.

Anyone born after 1965 and who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is at risk of contracting measles.

The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is free and available at GPs and participating pharmacies.

Those who have been vaccinated or previously contracted measles are very unlikely to catch the disease, even if they have been exposed.

Aussies heading overseas should see their GP prior, particularly if travelling to south-east Asia, where recent measles outbreaks have been recorded in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
A major cruise line has canceled trips to a popular Caribbean destination after the US Government issued an urgent crime warning.

Royal Caribbean will not stop at its private beach resort in Labadee, Haiti, until at least May 2026, citing growing safety concerns tied to the country's worsening political instability.

This decision follows the U.S. State Department's reissued Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Haiti, warning travelers of 'kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care'.

'If you had plans to sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to the Caribbean anytime soon, there is one destination the cruise liner won't be visiting for a while,' the company told passengers.

'Out of an abundance of caution, we have paused our upcoming visits through April 2026,' a spokesman told Fox News Digital, adding that the cruise line is directly notifying affected guests.

The cancellation affects dozens of Royal Caribbean itineraries that previously included stops at the scenic resort on Haiti's northern coast, set with white sand beaches, coral reefs and jungle-covered hilltops.

Royal Caribbean has canceled all upcoming cruise stops to its private beach resort in Labadee, Haiti, amid an urgent U.S. government travel advisory warning in the Caribbean nation. Pictured: Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas docked at the private port of Labadee, Haiti

This decision follows the U.S. State Department's 'Do Not Travel advisory' for Haiti, warning travelers of 'kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care.' Pictured: Royal Caribbean's private resort called Labadee in the north of Haiti

Royal Caribbean's website describes Labadee as a place where 'the natural beauty of Haiti's spectacular coasts wait to be discovered around every corner'.

The updated U.S. travel advisory, reissued in July 2024, highlights extreme risks for tourists, including targeted attacks, violent crime and near-total collapse of public infrastructure.

'Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care,' the U.S. State Department explicitly warns.

The advisory goes on to describe the security situation in detail.

'Kidnapping is widespread and often involves well-planned operations. Victims  including U.S. citizens  have been injured, killed, or held for ransom, with families paying tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars for their release,' it says.

Other threats include mob violence, gangs designated as terrorist organizations and limited emergency response.

In addition, U.S. commercial flights no longer operate in or out of the city and the FAA has prohibited American carrier flights to the airport, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Due to these threats, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency since March 2024, and in July 2023, the U.S. ordered nonessential government employees and their families to evacuate.

While Royal Caribbean had already begun diverting ships from Labadee earlier this year, the company has now extended the suspension for at least another 20 months.

Due to these threats, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency since March 2024, and in July 2023, the U.S. ordered nonessential government employees and their families to evacuate. Pictured: Royal Caribbean ship is anchored off Labadee Beach, near Cap Haitian, Haiti

The cruise line said it will reassess whether to return to the port before May 2026, depending on regional safety conditions.

In the meantime, ships originally scheduled to dock in Haiti will instead visit alternate ports, including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Royal Caribbeans private island CocoCay, the Dominican Republic and others.

Some itineraries may also replace the Haiti stop with an additional day at sea.

Despite the suspension, interest in Caribbean cruises remains strong. According to AAA's first-ever Cruise Travel Forecast, an estimated 19million Americans plan to cruise this year, with 72 percent choosing Caribbean destinations.

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron, known as 'The Cruise Guy,' told Fox News Digital that 2025 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year for the industry, with demand surging in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe.

As the situation in Haiti remains volatile, Royal Caribbean emphasized that the safety of its guests and crew remains its top priority.

'We are communicating with our guests directly,' the company said.
Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron are planning to present photographic evidence to a US court to prove that she is a woman.

Their lawyer said that the French president and his wife will present evidence to support their defamation lawsuit against American right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who promoted claims that Mrs Macron was born a man.

Tom Clare, the Macrons' lead counsel in the case, told the BBC's Fame Under Fire podcast that his clients were willing to demonstrate 'generically and specifically' that the allegations were false.

He said there would be 'expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature', without revealing specifics.

Asked whether the Macrons would be sharing photographs of Mrs Macron pregnant and raising her children, he said they would be presented in court where there are rules and standards, the BBC reports.

The Macrons, he said, have found the claims aired by Owens 'extremely upsetting'.

'It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put this type of proof forward,' he said.

Mr Clare said that it would be a process Mrs Macron 'will have to subject herself to in a very public way', but said she was willing in order to 'do what it takes to set the record straight'.

France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron arrive for a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, as part of their three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, July 9

Conservative political commentator Candace Owens speaks during an event held by national conservative political movement 'Turning Point', in Detroit, Michigan, June 14, 2024

He acknowledged that the claims had been a 'distraction' to the French president, adding: 'I don't want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game'.

'He's not immune from that because he's the president of a country,' he said.

The couple launched their defamation suit in July, accusing the influencer of propagating 'outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions' that fuelled a lie-filled 'campaign of global humiliation' and 'relentless bullying'.

Ms Owens's lawyers have moved to dismiss the claim.

Owens, who has millions of followers on social media, has publicly repeated the claims on her channels. The allegation originated online and found an audience through French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey in a 2021 YouTube video.

Owens took to social media in March 2024 to announce she was 'waging her entire professional reputation' on the theory that the French first lady was born Jean-Michel Trogneux - the actual name of her older brother - before transitioning aged 30.

The conspiracy theory alleges that Brigitte did not give birth to any of her three children, and that her first husband, a 69-year-old retired banker said to have died a recluse in 2020, never existed.

The claims stem from an article published in September 2021 by French far-right magazine Faits et Documents (Facts & Documents), which initially went unnoticed.

Those allegations were seized upon after far-right blogger and Faits et Documents contributor Natacha Rey, and clairvoyant Amandine Roy, covered them in a YouTube interview that went viral.

The Macrons won their initial defamation case against Roy and Rey in 2024, but the ruling was overturned on appeal this year on freedom of expression grounds. The Macrons are also appealing that decision.

Owens said she based her allegations on what she called a 'thorough investigation' by French blogger Natacha Rey.

The Macrons in turn filed a 218-page lawsuit in Delaware on July 23, seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

Mr and Ms Macron said in a statement at the time: 'Because Ms Owens systematically reaffirmed these falsehoods in response to each of our attorneys' repeated requests for a retraction, we ultimately concluded that referring the matter to a court of law was the only remaining avenue for remedy.

'Ms Owens' campaign of defamation was plainly designed to harass and cause pain to us and our families and to garner attention and notoriety. We gave her every opportunity to back away from these claims, but she refused.

'It is our earnest hope that this lawsuit will set the record straight and end this campaign of defamation once and for all.'

A statement shared with the Daily Mail said Ms Owens had 'promoted a preposterous narrative about the Macrons, including incendiary and verifiably false accusations of identity theft, incest, violent crimes, and mind control'.
Donald Trump has boarded Air Force One at Stansted Airport, bringing his historic second state visit to a close.

The US President took hold of First Lady Melania's hand and clenched his fist as he exited Marine One before boarding the US aircraft.

Trump stood at the top of the aircraft steps, raised a clenched fist in the air and pointed before he and Melania boarded the plane at about 5.40pm.

Air Force One left Stansted at around 5.53pm and will now fly back to Washington.

The Maga leader had earlier admitted he has a 'few disagreements' with Keir Starmer including his plans for the official recognition of Palestine during a tense press conference at Chequers.

The President also urged Starmer to deploy the military to stop the Channel boats crisis 'destroying' Britain and encouraged the UK to drill more in the North Sea.

On Starmer's plans to recognise Palestine, Trump also bluntly stated that he 'disagreed' with the Prime Minister.

The interventions came as the leaders wrapped up a State Visit with the PM hailing the 'renewed' Special Relationship and his 'friendship' with Mr Trump.

Speaking at Chequers, Starmer insisted that Vladimir Putin's strikes on Ukraine were 'not the actions of someone who wants peace'.

In some of his toughest language which will be welcomed by No10, Mr Trump said Putin had 'let me down, he's really let me down'.

Follow the Daily Mail's recap from the last day of Donald Trump's state visit
A Gold Coast man accused of running a fake whale euthanasia charity to sell drugs that aided a person with quadriplegia to take his own life has been identified.

Brett Daniel Taylor is one of three people charged over a police probe into the alleged assisted suicide of the Gold Coast man, with about 20 other deaths being investigated.

Taylor, a 53-year-old business owner, was not required to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on Queensland's Gold Coast on Thursday.

During a brief court mention, Taylor's solicitor Billy Gee did not apply for bail and asked for an adjournment.

'We have a conference booked with Mr Taylor next week on Thursday,' Mr Gee said.

Taylor is charged with aiding in the suicide of 43-year-old David Llewellyn Bedford at Hope Island on April 11.

Mr Bedford was a former chef who was left paralysed by a car crash in August 2022, according to his previous submission to a Queensland parliamentary inquiry into voluntary assisted dying in 2020.

Taylor is also charged with aiding in the suicide of a woman who was working undercover for police, possessing and trafficking in animal euthanasia drugs and receiving money from drug trafficking.

Brett Daniel Tayler is accused of providing veterinary drugs for assisted dying

The trio were arrested after a euthanasia drug was found in the body of a man who died in April

Taylor had separately been accused of posing as a lawyer on the Gold Coast over five years

Taylor has been accused of sourcing the euthanasia drug under false pretences by setting up beached whale euthanasia charity Cetacean Compassion Australia Ltd and accessing it through a lawful supplier.

ABC News revealed Taylor has been also been accused of posing as a lawyer on the Gold Coast between June 2019 and July 2024.

The Legal Services Commissioner brought two charges against him in December last year for allegedly breaching the Legal Profession Act.

The Commissioner said the 53-year-old allegedly prepared wills and other legally binding documents for 126 clients and received payment for services through his business End of Life Services, in a statement provided to the ABC.

The second charge relates to Taylor allegedly representing that he was entitled to engage in a legal practice when he was not entitled to do so.

Police on Monday charged Taylor and two elderly people following an investigation into Mr Bedford's death.

Elaine Arch-Rowe, 81, faced court on Tuesday charged with attempting to arrange the supply of the drug to someone who turned out to be an undercover police operative.

Police have alleged she brought life-ending veterinary drugs to an RSL seminar in a bid to sell them.

Gold Coast detectives arrested three people over the alleged assisted dying drug supply ring

Magistrate Deborah Mitchell heard police had intercepted communications with Arch-Rowe discussing with Taylor how to obtain two types of fatal drug.

During a video conference Arch-Rowe allegedly said 'to get access to the product from the manufacturer we need to give a large percentage to be used legitimately'.

Arch-Rowe was later released from a Gold Coast watch house after being granted bail despite it being opposed by the prosecution.

She is due to return to court on October 17.

An 80-year-old Ashmore man - who police allege is Taylor's father - has been charged with trafficking and possessing dangerous drugs, and is due to appear in court on Friday next week.

Magistrate Veena Goverdhan adjourned Taylor's matter and remanded him in custody to next appear in court on October 7.

Mr Gee did not comment as he left court.
Keir Starmer talked up his personal ties with Donald Trump today as he braces for potential 'truth bombs' at a joint press conference.

The PM said the leaders 'genuinely like each other' as they oversaw a business reception at Chequers - with huge investment being announced as part of a tech deal.

As they signed the agreement, Mr Trump said the relationship between the nations was an 'unbreakable bond' and 'priceless'.

The US president's State Visit has turned to politics after a first day focused on pomp and ceremony at Windsor.

Although Mr Trump has appeared determined not to do anything to discomfort his hosts so far, a slew of awkward issues could arise when the leaders face the media this afternoon.

The sacking of US ambassador Lord Mandelson over his emails to Jeffrey Epstein, American concerns about free speech in the UK, and the situation in Gaza are all likely flashpoints.

Sir Keir might not be assisted by Mr Trump's love of long, free-form exchanges with the media.

Earlier, the pair shook hands warmly on the steps of the PM's country residence after Mr Trump pulled up in his armoured limousine known as 'The Beast'.

An honour guard of RAF personnel from nearby RAF Halton and two RAF bagpipers were on hand to greet him, while Sir Keir's wife Lady Victoria also came to the door.

At a Royal banquet last night after a day of red-carpet treatment, the president described his second State Visit to the UK as 'one of the highest honours of my life'.

The King saw Mr Trump off from Windsor this morning, before he travelled by helicopter to Chequers. First Lady Melania has remained with the Royals for a separate visit.

Keir Starmer said the leaders 'genuinely like each other' as they oversaw a business reception at Chequers

The US president's State Visit is turning to politics after a first day focused on pomp and ceremony at Windsor

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer began their talks in the opulent surroundings of Chequers this morning

Sir Keir seemed to be pointing out historical features in his country residence

Sir Keir's wife Lady Victoria joined him in greeting Mr Trump at the entrance to Chequers, as they gave an awkward wave for the cameras

Sir Keir is welcoming Donald Trump to Chequers today as he braces for potential 'truth bombs' at a joint press conference

Pictured: Lord Mandelson (left) in a fluffy white dressing gown enjoying a chat with Jeffrey Epstein (right)

Sir Keir will be keen to keep eyes on pledges of US investment into the UK, after a 150billion announcement overnight by huge firms including Blackstone and Palantir.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will host a business reception in Downing Street for bosses at top US and UK financial firms, including BlackRock, Barclays and Blackstone in a bid to highlight Transatlantic economic cooperation.

Sir Keir told the president that the Special Relationship needed 'leaders who respect each other, leaders who genuinely like each other'.

He said it was a 'great pleasure for me personally' to entertain Mr Trump.

'You are among friends there is so much to celebrate in the Special Relationship between our two countries,' he said.

Mr Trump said he was 'sincerely grateful' for being invited to 'this very special home, this beautiful place'.

'And I was here a number of years ago, but somehow today, it looks even better, even more beautiful and even more historic. Melania and I are forever thankful to His Majesty King Charles the Third, and Her Majesty, Queen Camilla.

'Had a fantastic evening last night, but the exquisite honour of a second official state visit, the first ever.

'It's the first time it's ever been done, was really was an honour such great history, and to think it's a first, it's always nice to have a first, but the ties between our countries are priceless, and it's really an inheritance, beautiful inheritance.

'Today, we're making those ties closer than ever before. We've done some things that financially are great for both countries, and we work together, and it keeps us together.

'And I think it's an unbreakable bond we have, regardless of what we're doing today, I think it's unbreakable.'

The PM will present the US leader with a bespoke ministerial red box styled to take back to the White House, as well as showing him items from the Churchill archives.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also have face-to-face talks at Chequers.

However, there are still questions about what the US might want in return - after a push to water down the UK's digital services tax.

Hopes Sir Keir could deliver on his boast to have eliminated Mr Trump's 'beautiful' tariffs on steel imports from Britain have also been dashed. No agreement is thought to have been reached on that element.

Downing Street is braced for a barrage of questions about what Sir Keir knew about Lord Mandelson's relationship with notorious paedophile Epstein.

The subject is particularly sensitive because of Mr Trump's travails over his own relationship with Epstein.

One Whitehall source said: 'The PM does not want to talk about Mandelson at all, let alone Epstein, and everyone is acutely aware that Trump doesn't want to talk about Epstein either.

Earlier, the leaders shook hands warmly on the doorstep after Mr Trump pulled up in his armoured limousine known as 'The Beast'

The King saw Mr Trump off from Windsor this morning, before he travelled by helicopter to Chequers

The leaders saw each other alongside the King at Windsor Castle yesterday

The UK's intention of recognising Palestine as a state could cause tensions between Mr Trump and Sir Keir (pictured, an Israeli strike on Gaza yesterday)

'But there are obviously going to be questions and trying to answer them in a way that does not aggravate Trump is a nightmare prospect. The whole thing looks very fraught.'

Sir Keir has been facing Labour fury after publicly backing Lord Mandelson to stay on, before sacking him the following day.

In an interview on Monday the premier appeared to blame his staff for failing to brief him properly on the extent of Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, whom the former ambassador once described as his 'best pal'.

But he failed to explain why he had not sought more information after Lord Mandelson publicly warned there were more 'very embarrassing' details to emerge.
Vladimir Putin invited a 17-year-old who posed in an erotic calendar to his residence once a fortnight before she mysteriously came to own a luxury apartment in an exclusive Moscow district, according to a new book.

The explosive claims appear in 'The Tsar in Person: How Vladimir Putin Fooled Us All' by journalists Roman Badanin and Mikhail Rubin, who reveal all about the Russian president's illicit affair with the teenage beauty queen.

The Russian dictator was 58 when he first stumbled across Alisa Kharcheva, a teenager from the Moscow suburb of Korolev who had participated in small beauty pageants.

She caught Putin's eye when she starred as the April girl in a pin-up erotic calendar created for his 58th birthday - when he was prime minister and Dmitry Medvedev was officially Russian president.

The 2010 calendar, which featured young woman posing suggestively in lingerie, was printed 50,000 times and sold in Russia for around six euros.

It was dubbed propaganda by Putin's critics, who suggested it was used to boost his voter appeal ahead of the 2012 presidential election which saw him return to the top role.

According to new revelations, Putin, now 72, didn't just receive the calendar but also acquired the contact details of all the young women featured inside.

Sources close to Alisa said that one of Putin's close aides invited the teenager to his residence in Moscow, following her appearance in the intimate birthday present.

After their initial meeting, she was brought back to Putin once every two weeks for more than a year - during a period when the politician was still with his ex-wife, Lyudmila Ocheretnaya.

Vladimir Putin invited a 17-year-old who posed in an erotic calendar to his residence once a fortnight before she mysteriously came to own a luxury apartment in an exclusive Moscow district, according to a new book

Alisa Kharcheva, now 32, is said to have become Vladimir Putin's secret girlfriend at the age of 17

Picture shows Alisa Kharcheva, then 19, in her 'Pussy for Putin' photo marking his 60th birthday

'Alisa enjoyed this; she felt grateful to have been introduced to the president,' a source told the journalists.

The calendar was created by a group of students and would-be students from Moscow State University.

Each erotic photo was accompanied by a suggestive slogan to the president, with Alisa's personalised message reading: 'Vladimir Vladimirovich, you are the best!'

In 2011, Alisa enrolled at one of the most prestigious Russian universities - the Moscow Institute of International Relations  known for training future diplomats.

That same year, she boosted her popularity when she got to the final of 'Miss Russia'.

In 2012, to celebrate his 60th birthday, Alisa posed with the kitten and a photograph of the president in a personal blog post entitled 'Pussy for Putin', which extolled the president's leadership.

The blog post, which has since been deleted, said: 'I think he [Putin] is a fantastic man, a strong leader and an ideal head of the country.'

Eyebrows were raised when it was revealed a few years later that Alisa was living the high life in an glitzy apartment inside a gated complex in one of Moscow's most exclusive districts.

Exactly how she afforded such an address is up for debate - but an investigation traced it back to one of Putin's most trusted associates.

Kharcheva was later admitted as a student to Russia's top university

Alina Kabaeva (right) is believed to be the longtime partner of President Putin, though has lived a reclusive life for years. Neither have ever acknowledged the alleged relationship

In 2011, Alisa enrolled at one of the most prestigious Russian universities - the Moscow Institute of International Relations  known for training future diplomats

Alisa is one of four women Grigory Baevsky, a little-known Russian businessman from St Petersburg, has provided property for in the last few years, according to Reuters.

The first two are Anna Zatsepilina and Leysan Kabaeva, the grandmother and sister of Alina Kabaeva, the Olympics gymnast champion rumoured to be Putin's long-term girlfriend.

The third is Katerina Tikhonova, the notoriously private youngest daughter of Putin.

And then there is Alisa who, on paper, has the weakest link to the Russian president.

Of the calendar, Alisa, now 32, told Sobesednik newspaper:

'It was done as a present for Putin's 58th birthday. Some time later, via his press-secretary, he expressed his opinion that he liked the calendar very much.

'We were glad to hear it. It means our present was a success. I have always thought it and I think it now that it is hard to imagine the better leader for a country.

'I like his attitude to his job, I like his sense of humour. He is an ordinary man, just like me and you,' she added.

Exactly why his close associate Baevsky would have signed over a flat to this young woman remains shrouded in mystery.

Alisa is one of four women Grigory Baevsky, a little-known Russian businessman from St Petersburg, has provided property for in the last few years, according to Reuters

Alisa swatted off the suggestion her devotion to the president has resulted in anything more than column inches in the press

Leading Putin opponent Alexey Navalny said: 'I got the impression that the authors of this investigation give a slight hint that Lady Alisa is linked to Putin via spending time together and other personal relations.'

However, Alisa swatted off the suggestion her devotion to the president has resulted in anything more than column inches in the press.

Asked how she came to buy a flat from Baevsky, Alisa said the transaction was a normal one conducted through a real estate and that she did not know the businessman.

'We bought this flat with a mortgage,' she insisted. 'And we pay that mortgage to this day.'

Asked if any connection to Putin had helped her obtain the flat from Baevsky, she replied: 'No one has ever asked me such stupid questions.'

But public records show Baevsky - who has worked as an aide to another close friend of Putin, his judo partner, Arkady Rotenberg - sold or transferred the properties to three of the women, Alisa, and both his ex-gymnast girlfriend's relatives.

Anna, Alina's grandmother, bought her home within a gated community in millionaire's paradise Uspenskoe, from Baevsky.

The home is protected by security guards, who denied access to Reuters and declined to help contact any of its residents.

In 2009, public records show that Baevsky transferred ownership of an apartment in Veresaeva Street in the Moscow suburbs to Leysan, Alina's sister.

Asked about how she came to acquire the property from Baevsky, a spokeswoman for a company owned and run by Leysan declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Putin's daughter Katerina used the address of a flat owned by Baevsky as her own when registering a new company.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has admitted that Germany has been 'living beyond its means for years' with experts now warning that the country could face ruin without economic reforms.

The conservative German leader has caused uproar after declaring that the country could no longer afford the cost of its pensions system, which has soared to more than 31 per cent of GDP - one of the highest levels in Europe.

Merz also warned of a 'profound epochal break' and the need for 'painful' austerity measures to guarantee that young Germans would have any future prospects.

Economic adviser Marcel Fratzscher, who also heads the German Institute for Economic Research, said the government must tackle a 400 billion-a-year pensions bill that is already expected to rise in the next 10 years.

His remarks come as the economics ministry last week said in a report that the German pension system was 'dysfunctional' and a 'grave' threat to the economy, and predicted that by the middle of the next decade there will be one pensioner for every two people of working age.

Economics minister Katherina Reiche added that there was a 'profound and urgent need for reform' to ensure that Germany could afford its pensions.

However, Barbel Bas, his Social Democratic Party labour and social affairs minister, called Merz's claims 'bulls**t', while the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, hailed the welfare state as a 'treasure' and a 'resource that has made our country what it is' but acknowledged that the 'system is cracking'.

It also comes after it was revealed earlier this year that Germany's economy had shrunk for the second year in a row in 2024, preliminary figures showed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses guests during the New Year's reception of the Central Council of Jews in Germany (Zentralrat der Juden in Deutschland) on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, on September 17, 2025 at the Jewish Museum in Berlin

The Federal Statistics Office said that Europe's largest economy had contracted by 0.2 per cent, continuing a slump started by a similar decline in 2023.

The German economy has been battered by external shocks and homegrown problems, including bureaucracy and a shortage of skilled labour.
Nearly a million rioters descended on to the streets of Paris in a 'day of rage' with anti-Macron fury gripping France once again.

As the country endured outbursts of carnage and violence, images from the streets of the capital on Thursday morning showed major clashes breaking out between cops and rioters.

Protesters set fire to wooden pallets outside the city's main train station, the Gare du Nord, while officers battled crowds of demonstrators in billowing clouds of tear gas smoke.

Masked students carrying banners and placards calling to 'tax the rich' also waved red flares in front of armoured police as they blocked the entrance of the Lycee Maurice Ravel high school as part of the nationwide protests against the government's budget cut plans.

The strikes, the latest humiliation for President Emmanuel Macron, come barely a week after Sebastien Lecornu was appointed prime minister following the toppling of Francois Bayrou's government.

Unions have called for more spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy and for the budget cuts outlined by the short-lived Bayrou government to be axed.

In Lyon, fiery clashes erupted outside the city's Gare de Lyon station, with orange blazes turning the usually peaceful area into a chaotic warzone. The Eiffel Tower was also closed due to the intense rioting sweeping the city.

Dramatic footage captured officers donning protective gear running through the streets in a bid to dissolve furious crowds who were lighting flares, climbing on top of public bins, and attempting to go head-to-head with cops.

Striking images showed demonstrators covering their faces as they waded through clouds of tear gas that had been tossed into the swarm of people by anti-riot police.

The Interior Ministry reported 94 arrests as of midday Thursday, including 15 in Paris, after the 'Black Thursday' of strikes and street protests was announced, following last week's 'Block Everything' campaign. Between 600,000 and 900,000 people were expected to take to the streets nationwide, according to an Interior Ministry estimate.

A protester lights flares in Marseille, southeastern France, on September 18, 2025

A 'Black Thursday' of strikes and street protests was announced, following last week's 'Block Everything' campaign

French SNCF railway workers on strike, holding Sud Rail labour union flags, gather near burning wooden pallets at Gare de Lyon train station in Paris as part of a day of nationwide strikes and protests against the government and cuts in the next budget

Demonstrators clashes with anti-riot police officers (CRS) during a demonstration called by unions trade against austerity, in Nantes, western France, on September 18, 2025

Across France 20 fires on public roads had been recorded since Wednesday morning, as attempts were made to disrupt key transport links, including the Metro and Paris ring road.

Police feared that around 1000 members of the notorious group aimed to riot in Paris alone, and with more than 250 rallies are planned across the country, authorities believed the turnout could reach up to a million.

'Many of the arrests are preventative  people are turning up ready for trouble, including carrying weapons,' said a police spokesman in the French capital, who confirmed 'around 40 arrests nationwide'.

All major French unions have called for action against the government's budget measures, which include cutting some 40billion in spending.

Major disruptions to transport, schools, hospitals and public services started across the country at dawn. In Paris, many metro lines were set to be suspended for most of the day except for morning and afternoon rush hour.

Sud-Rail union member and activist Anasse Kazib spoke in front of several hundred people in front of the Gare du Nord station.

'The police are afraid of an invasion of the Gare du Nord, so they are invading it themselves,' he declared, referring to the large police presence on site. During his speech, the doors of the station's main entrance were closed as the crown chanted: 'Macron, resign!', in unison.

Pupils also gathered to block the entrances to some schools.

'Block your high school against austerity,' read a placard raised by a student in front of the Lycee Maurice Ravel high school in the French capital, where the gathering included teachers and workers' representatives.

'Workers are currently so despised by this government and by (President Emmanuel) Macron that, in fact, it can't continue like this,' bus driver and CGT union representative Fred said at a rally in front of the high school.

'I am here to defend public services,' 33-year-old teacher Gaetan Legay said at the same rally, 'in particular, to demand that public money goes back into public services... rather than to large companies or in tax gifts to the ultra-rich.'

It was expected to be the most widely followed day of union-led protests and strikes since the months-long mobilisation in early 2023 against Macron's controversial pension reform, which the government eventually rammed through parliament without a vote.

Officials said they feared violence on the sidelines of union marches, announcing a massive police presence on the streets.

The enormous security force included 80,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, backed by 24 armoured vehicles. There were also 10 water cannons in operation, along with surveillance drones.

Members of the Sud Rail union demonstrate at Gare de Lyon in Paris on September 18, 2025

Police fear that around 1000 members of the notorious group aim to riot in Paris alone

Officials have said they fear violence on the sidelines of union marches, announcing a massive police presence on the streets

Cops have been seen chasing protesters through the streets during a 'day of rage'

Anti-riot police officers throw tears gas at the protesters during demonstration in Nantes, western France, on September 18, 2025

Authorities said some 800,000 people were expected to take to the streets

A protester protects his face from the smoke of tear-gas thrown by anti-riot police officers during a demonstration in Nantes

Anti-riot police officers charge during a demonstration in Nantes, western France

Protesters hold a banner reading 'Housing stock block' as they take part to a demonstration in Nantes

The outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned of a 'very, very strong' mobilisation, describing the day as a 'hybrid' event mixing sanctioned demonstrations with potential sabotage from ultra-left groups.

Retailleau also told law enforcement officials that 'the risks of public disorder are significant due to the presence of small groups of ultra-leftists who will try to infiltrate the official marches'.

'We will respond with massive resources and clear orders,' he told BFM-TV.

He said that no damage to public buildings would be tolerated, warning of the risk of sabotage and blockades from Wednesday night to Thursday morning.

It comes after a hundred union members entered the Ministry of Economy and Finance at around 11:15am (local time). Local reports claim they managed to break through security barriers and light a smoke bomb.

'Bercy, you're done for, the workers are in the streets,' the protesters chanted, as per LeParisien. 'All together, all together, general strike,' they added.

'And we will continue until withdrawal,' they said, alluding to pension reform and budgetary austerity. 'We are here, we are here, even if Macron doesn't want it, we are here!' was also heard.

The strikes saw one-third of teachers walk out, nine in 10 pharmacies closed, and severe disruption across the Paris Metro. Only three driverless lines were expected to run normally.

While most high-speed trains ran, Metro and suburban rail services faced major delays. Air traffic disruption should be limited after controllers postponed a planned strike until October.

Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez told AFP on Wednesday that he was 'very concerned' about the risk that rioters intent on provoking fights and damage would infiltrate the union march in Paris, urging shops in the centre to close for the day and protect their storefronts.

Major disruptions to transport, schools, hospitals and public services started across the country at dawn

Students block the entrance to their school in Paris' 20th district, on September 18, 2025, during a day of nationwide strikes and protests called by unions over France's national budget

Demonstrators light flares as they protest in Montpellier, southern France, on September 18, 2025

A tear gas canister is thrown as police and demonstrators clash in Paris, on September 18, 2025, during a day of nationwide strikes

The enormous security force includes 80,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, backed by 24 armoured vehicles

Striking rail workers wave flares into the Paris headquarters of the Economics Ministry during a protest called by major trade unions to oppose budget cuts, in Paris, France, September 18, 2025

Workers gather at the Gare de Lyon train station during a protest called by major trade unions to oppose budget cut, in Paris, France, September 18, 2025

French masked school students block the entrance of the Lycee Maurice Ravel high school in Paris as part of a day of nationwide strikes and protests against the government and cuts in the next budget, with supporters of the 'Bloquons Tout' (Let's Block Everything) movement, France, September 18, 2025

Despite the chaos predicted, more than half of French people support the protests.

According to an Elabe poll conducted for BFMTV, 56 per cent of citizens 'support' or have 'sympathy' for Thursday's strike.

However, this approval rate is slightly lower compared to the mobilisations against pension reform in 2023, when support was between 60 per cent and 63 per cent.

The strike is specifically directed against next year's budget measures proposed by former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, whose government was brought down by a confidence vote on September 8.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has scrapped one of the most unpopular proposals  getting rid of two public holidays  but he has not ruled out the rest.

These include an overhaul of unemployment benefits and medical insurance costs, all designed to bring down France's massive debt, which is currently almost 3trillion  or 114 per cent of GDP.

The Fitch rating agency downgraded France's credit rating last week, amid concerns over political instability.

Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union, said Mr Macron's policies amounted to 'unprecedented brutality' and unfairly target 'workers, the unemployed, pensioners and the sick.'

She said the U-turn on scrapping public holidays was 'a first victory' and proof that'we are in a position of strength'.

People burn flares as they march through the streets of Saint-Denis de La Reunion, on the French Indian ocean island of La Reunion on September 18, 2025

Police try to stop students from blocking the entrance to Maurice Ravel school in Paris, on September 18, 2025

More than 250 rallies are planned across the country, and authorities believe the turnout could reach a million

French police stand on position as school students block the entrance of the Lycee Maurice Ravel high school in Paris

Protesters hold placards and wave flags as they take part in a demonstration in the streets of Nantes, western France, on September 18, 2025

But she she warned that 'none of the other catastrophic measures from Francois Bayrou's horror museum have been taken off the table.'

Prime Minister Lecornu has tried to appease the unions by announing plans to end 'lifetime benefits for former prime ministers', which currently cost France around 4million.

The 'Block Everything' movement has drawn comparisons with the 'Yellow Vest' rebellion that erupted in 2018 to 2019 over taxes and the cost of living and forced Macron to make policy concessions costing billions of euros.

However, sociologist Antoine Bristielle at the Jean Jaures Foundation think tank noted a generational divide between the two.

'In the 'Yellow Vest' movement, we had a rather vulnerable France that was struggling to make ends meet, a lot of workers, a lot of retirees. Whereas here, in terms of age, it's many young people,' Bristielle said.

They have 'a certain vision of the world where there is more social justice, less inequality and a political system that functions differently, better.'

'Young people are the future, the old generation left us with a shitty world, a shitty government. It is up to us to fight to change that and dance on the ashes of the old world,' student Alice Morin, 21 said.
A homeless asylum seeker wanted for failing to appear in court has been arrested after being spotted wandering around a school near Epping.

Police were called to Davenant School, in Loughton, when the man was seen entering the grounds after he was 'acting unusually' in a nearby park.

When they arrived at the school, staff had already escorted him off-site.

Officers arrested the man after finding out he was wanted by another force for failing to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court for an alleged public order-related offence.

Despite online speculation, police told the Daily Mail he has no relation to nearby The Bell Hotel, where protests took place over the summer over the housing of asylum seekers.

According to the school, the man was seen in a school field and had no interaction with staff or students.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: 'We were alerted to concerns for the welfare of a man in the grounds of Davenant School, in Loughton, yesterday morning, Wednesday September 17.

'On-site staff had seen the man acting unusually in Willingale Park before then entering the school grounds.

A homeless asylum seeker has been arrested after being spotted wandering into a school near Epping

Police were called to Davenant School, in Loughton, after the man was seen entering the school grounds after he was 'acting unusually' in a nearby park

'When he was approached by school staff, who asked him to leave, he complied immediately.

'Officers who had been sent to the school to help then found him nearby and identified that the man was wanted for failing to attend court for alleged offences which had taken place outside of Essex.

'He was arrested for failing to attend and we've been in contact with the owning force.

'The man has subsequently been released on bail.

'No criminal offences relating to this incident were reported to Essex Police.

'We are aware of speculation online that this individual resides at The Bell Hotel, and we can confirm this is not the case.'

A spokesperson for Davenant Foundation School said: 'Yesterday morning our site team spotted a man on the school field.

'They intercepted him and he was escorted off the premises immediately.

'He had no other interaction with any other staff or students.

'The police were notified and attended the school site.'
Authorities are searching for a missing plane after it vanished over a national park in southern New South Wales amid difficult terrain and conditions

The light aircraft, flown by a man believed to be in his 60s, was returning from Victoria when it disappeared over Budawang National Park on Thursday.

Emergency services were called to the area following reports a distress beacon had been activated about 4.30pm.

The plane is believed to have taken off from Bankstown Airport about 11am on Thursday before turning back over Victoria.

It is understood to have been operated by Bankstown Flying School. The status of the pilot is unknown.

Police are currently attempting to reach the suspected crash site on foot amid difficult terrain and weather conditions after it was located from the air.

It followed a multi-agency search including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, NSW Toll Ambulance Helicopter, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance.

Police scanner audio obtained from a viral news alert service captured the moment resources were called to the site of the potential crash.

Authorities are searching for a light aircraft after it went missing over southern NSW

The plane was returning from Victoria when it disappeared over Budawang National Park

The plane went missing over Budawang National Park on Thursday

'All units inbound to the aircraft crash in the Lake George District,' they said.

'The aircraft has a ballistic parachute in-built into the aircraft.

'If it hasn't deployed it has an explosive release mechanism that will be located between the pilot and the rear of the aircraft.

'You are not to approach at this stage.'

NSW Police said more information would be provided as it becomes available.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority tasked a jet and helicopter to assist before handing operations over to the police, a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed it was aware of an incident involving a light plane on Thursday afternoon and was gathering information.

Daily Mail has contacted Bankstown Flying School.

More to follow.
A tuxedo-wearing manager of an award-winning hotel stole over 155,000 for luxury shopping after taking over the family-run business when the owner fell ill.

Ivo Lima, 39, a general manager at the Spilman Hotel in Carmarthen town centre, was treated more like 'a family member' than an employee but 'milked' the hotel to the brink of bankruptcy, Swansea Crown Court heard.

The owner's poor health meant he took on added responsibilities and effectively took over the running of the establishment, before 'grossly abusing' it to 'live a grander life' than his salary allowed.

He has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after systematically stealing 154,591 from the hotel and diverting customer payments directly into his own bank account over three years to live a more lavish lifestyle.

The hotel owner said they treated Lima 'as a member of the family not just an employee' and he repaid their trust by almost bankrupting the business they have run since 1972.

The owner realised the number of bookings were not reflecting the income in January 2024.

Lima told them it was because of the difference in rising costs and bills.

When attempts were made to look at the hotel's payments and banking systems it was found Lima had changed the passwords so nobody else could get access.

Ivo Lima, 39, was treated more like 'a family member' than an employee but 'milked' the hotel to the brink of bankruptcy

Lima has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after systematically stealing 154,591 from the hotel and diverting customer payments directly into his own bank account

The hotel owner said they treated Lima 'as a member of the family not just an employee' and he repaid the trust by almost bankrupting the business they have run since 1972

Family members later accessed the systems and found money from the hotel's accounts had been transferred directly into his personal bank account and emails relating to the transactions had been deleted.

Prosecutor Caitlyn Jones said in total between February 2021 and July 2024 Lima stole 154,591 from the hotel.

When challenged the defendant admitted what he had done and paid back 1,500, claiming he spent the money on a car and electrical items.

In an impact statement, the family said Lima had always been treated 'as a member of the family not just an employee' and he had repaid their trust by taking money and nearly bankrupting the business.

The statement added it was particularity upsetting that Lima had carried out the theft knowing the family was dealing with a serious health issue.

Dyfed Thomas, in defence for Lima, said there was not a gambling debt or misuse of drugs or alcohol, adding the money had simply been spent on clothes, electrical items, and other general family expenditures.

The barrister said his client was a man of previously good character who had worked hard all his life and he described what happened as a 'spectacular fall from grace'.

He said Lima wished to apologise to the family who ran the hotel though the barrister acknowledged such as apology would likely bring little comfort.

The judge said only immediate custody was appropriate for the thief.
President Donald Trump hailed the special relationship between America and Britain as he paid a touching tribute to King Charles during his historic second state visit, calling it one of the highest honours of his life.

Here, the Daily Mail reveals the leader of the free world's subtle acts of kindness and compliments which you might have missed.

Click the video above to watch in full.
Have YOU been contacted by police over something you wrote online?

British police have been accused of a 'dystopian' attack on free speech after an American woman was threatened with investigation - over her posts online.

Footage of the encounter has been seen more 1.3million times since it was posted last night and has sparked a furious response from campaigners.

It shows a woman, named as American cancer patient and Donald Trump supporter Deborah Anderson, being confronted in her home in Slough, Berkshire, by Thames Valley Police.

The MAGA-backing mother-of-two was accused of 'upsetting' a person following an alleged 'threatening' post she made on Facebook, which was reported to police.

The officer declined to say which of the alleged posts had been complained about.

In the video, 'elderly' Ms Anderson then flatly refuses to apologise for her comments online before she is threatened with the potential of a formal interview at a police station.

The incident, filmed in June, prompted an intervention by the Free Speech Union (FSU), who last night claimed Thames Valley Police had since dropped the case. The force today confirmed no further action was taken over the allegations.

It comes as Britain faces fierce criticism over a recent clampdown on free speech, which has seen people being arrested, convicted or jailed over posts made online.

The issue has prompted concern from US President Donald Trump - who is in the UK on his state visit - and warned earlier this month 'strange things are happening over there, they are cracking down... I'm very surprised to see what's happening'.

Thames Valley Police has come under fire after one of its officers was sent to question an American woman over claims she had made a 'threatening' post online

The FSU described the encounter as 'chilling' and said: 'What was Deborah's supposed crime? The policeman didn't tell her. Was it her passionate support of President Trump and the MAGA movement on her Facebook and X pages?

'To make it worse, Deborah is in the midst of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. She ought to be have been convalescing. Instead, she was harassed for her tweets.

'Thames Valley Police are responsible for guarding President Trump this week. What would he make of the fact that those same officers are visiting the homes of his supporters  including US citizens  and threatening them with arrest?'

In the two-minute clip, a male officer is seen entering Ms Anderson's property as she says: 'You can come in but you'd better have a damn good reason for being here.

'I'm a member of the Free Speech Union and I'm an American citizen... I'll have Elon Musk on you so quickly your feet won't touch (the floor).'

Sitting in a living room, the unidentified male officer tells the mother-of-two that something she had allegedly written on Facebook had 'upset someone'.

'You're here because somebody got upset?' Ms Anderson replies incredulously. 'Is it against the law? Am I being arrested?'

The officer says she was not being arrested and goes on to explain: 'My plan was, if you were admitting that it was you who wrote the comment you could just make an apology to the person.'

'I'm not apologising to anybody, I can tell you that,' Ms Anderson fires back, before the officer replies: 'The alternative would be that I have to call you in for an interview.'

Seemingly growing frustrated, Ms Anderson hits out and accuses the police force of wasting their time on her.

'Are there no houses that have been burgled recently? No rapes, no murders... why aren't you out there investigating those,' she tells the officer.

'I haven't broken any laws so you're going to be wasting your time when you can be instead doing things that are more important.'

She added: 'I'm a cancer patient. You can see that because I'm bald... I'm a woman living on my own, who has never broken a law in her life.'

The force was accused of wasting police time. It has since dropped the investigation, with no further action taken (pictured is the officer questioning Ms Anderson in her home in June)

In a statement, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said no further action had been taken and insisted it had a duty to 'respond to allegations of threatening language'.

It's not clear what the allegedly threatening comment Ms Anderson is accused of making was.

A spokeswoman for TVP told the Daily Mail: 'In June, we received a report from a person who felt threatened by comments directed at them online.

'Following engagement with both parties, no arrests were made and no further action was taken.

'While people are entitled to express their views, it is the police's duty to respond to allegations of threatening language and references to violence.'

In a statement, Toby Young, founder of the FSU, said: 'I hope the fact that this happened to a US citizen means President Trump will raise Britains free speech problem with Sir Keir Starmer later today.

'The Prime Minister is in denial about it and it needs someone of Trumps stature to shake him out of his complacency. We need a complete overhaul of our free speech laws if were to avoid becoming the North Korea of the North Sea.'

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch this morning weighed into the debate, writing on X: 'Well done, Free Speech Union. When did it become the police's job to make people apologise!?'

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch this morning weighed into the debate,

The situation comes amid a growing row over a free speech clampdown in the UK.

Earlier this month, controversial Father Ted creator Graham Linehan was arrested by five armed police at Heathrow Airport over comments he made online.

The 57-year-old was detained by officers after being accused of harassing a transgender woman with abusive comments and damaging her phone.

In one of the three tweets cited by the police at the point of arrest, Linehan had written: 'If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls.'

However, his arrest sparked a furious backlash from politicians and free speech campaigners - and even led to Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan police commissioner, wading into the debate.

Mr Rowley has said officers should not be 'policing toxic culture wars debates' and warned 'policing has been left between a rock and a hard place by successive governments', with the law offering officers no option but to investigate Linehan's tweets.

Speaking to BBC News last week, Linehan said he stood by his posts on X and claimed he would be seeking legal action.

'I don't regret anything I've tweeted - sometimes I've tweeted a bit more out of anger, because of the frustration that no-one's paying attention to this issue,' he said.

Earlier this month, controversial Father Ted creator Graham Linehan (pictured) was arrested by five armed police at Heathrow Airport over comments he made online

Speaking about his arrest, he said: 'I got very, very angry, because for eight years now, I've been standing up for women's rights and trying to get people's attention about what's happening to kids in gender clinics.'

Last month mother Lucy Connolly was released from jail after spending more than a year behind bars for writing a 'racist' tweet during 2024's summer riots.

The 42-year-old was jailed after admitting making the inflammatory post on X in the wake of the Southport attacks in July last year.

Connolly, who is the wife of Tory councillor Ray Connolly, pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred and was handed a 31-month sentence in October, having been held on remand following her arrest last August.

The post, which she later deleted, said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... if that makes me racist so be it.'

Connolly's imprisonment had prompted allegations that she was a victim of 'two-tier justice', with claims that those with right-wing views are treated more harshly than others in the UK.
A friend of Charlie Kirk has delivered a harrowing account of the frantic race through traffic to get the conservative influencer to hospital after he was fatally shot.

Christian author Frank Turek, 63, was in the car with the right wing activist after he was killed during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University.

Speaking during an episode of his YouTube show Cross Examined, Turek recounted how he prayed for Kirk and administered him CPR in the back of the car on the way to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem.

But the efforts of the Christian activist were in vain, as the 31-year-old was already with 'Jesus' by the time he was in the back of the SUV.

'Charlie Kirk was literally a son to me,' Turek said. 'So, if your son got hit, what would you do? I got in the car - because if there was anyway I could save him, I had to do something.'

The public speaker then described how they drove four miles to the hospital with the door open all the way. 'Charlie is laid out right in front of me, and Charlie's so tall we can't close the door,' he explained.

Throughout the hectic journey, Turek and the security team desperately attempted to stop the bleeding from Kirk's neck.

In one of the many graphic videos shared online following the shooting of the high-profile Trump ally, he can be seen bleeding profusely and slumping down off his chair with a clear wound on his neck.

Christian author Frank Turek, 63, was in the car with the right wing activist after he was killed during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University

Speaking during an episode of his YouTube show Cross Examined, Turek recounted how he prayed for Kirk and administered him CPR in the back of the car on the way to hospital

Christian author Frank Turek, 63, was a close friend of the right wing activist

During the dramatic car journey to hospital, Turek yelled: 'Come on Charlie, come on, come on!'

He described how even though he was visibly panicked, Kirk's security team managed to keep their cool, 'calmly but swiftly doing exactly what they were trained to do.'

Then, the group started praying out loud, yelling: 'Come on! Let's go, let's go, let's go!'

The driver had difficulty managing traffic because they weren't travelling on a highway but surface streets.

Suddenly, an ambulance came towards them and there was a conservation in the car about whether they should stop. They decided not to and continue to hospital - a decision the doctor later said was correct.

'At one point, somebody says, 'Let's get there in one piece!' because we're cutting through intersections, beeping the horn.'

Turek administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to Kirk but realised it was too late.

'Charlie wasn't there, his eyes were fixed. He wasn't looking at me, he was looking past me right into eternity. He was with Jesus already.'

Kirk was killed instantly and felt 'absolutely no' pain, Turek was later told by doctors.

'There was nothing any of us could do about it. We were giving him CPR but nothing was happening. It wasn't like if we had better first aid or we had better medical facilities or we were faster to the hospital, we could have saved him. We couldn't.'

Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve, with whom he had a three-year-old daughter and a son, 16 months (pictured: Kirk and his family)

He continued between tears: 'So if that's any comfort at all, Charlie didn't suffer. He was gone, he was with Jesus. Absent from the body, present with the Lord.'

Doctors at the hospital managed to get a pulse back, giving the group a small sliver of hope at the last moment.

'The doctor later said that we got a pulse because Charlie was a very healthy man,' Turek said. 'But the shot was catastrophic, so 20 or 30 minutes later the surgeon came out and said he was dead.'

Turek, who calls Kirk his 'friend and brother in Christ', said he decided to deliver the first-hand account to abide by the wishes of Kirk's wife Erika Frantzve, with whom he had a three-year-old daughter and a son, 16 months.

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in Kirks murder, made his first court appearance on Wednesday via Zoom after allegedly shooting and killing the conservative activist in Utah on September 10.

Robinson was held without bail until his next court hearing on September 29, as Judge Tony Graf granted a pre-trial request to issue Kirk's wife Erika a protective order.

He wore a vest to prevent self harm and spoke only to confirm his details during the hearing.

Prosecutors unveiled seven charges including aggravated murder and witness tampering and said they were seeking the death penalty.

Kirk, 31, was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and is credited with energising the Republican youth movement and helping President Donald Trump win back the White House in 2024.

He was participating in a 'Prove Me Wrong' debate as part of his 'American Comeback Tour', answering a question about gun violence in front of a 3,000-person crowd when he was fatally shot.

The killing of the outspoken Republican made international headlines, with the U.S. president condemning the shooting as a 'heinous assassination' and an act of 'political violence'.
Having clocked up four years living in Mexico, Ive heard countless wide-eyed travellers call it paradise on Earth.

And in many ways, theyre not wrong.

Mexico has a colourful culture, incredibly well-preserved history, genuinely welcoming people and a cuisine so varied and unique it deserves world heritage status.

But lets be brutally honest. For every glossy Instagram post of a yoga pose in Tulum, theres a gritty, uncomfortable reality the filters conveniently crop out. The Mexico you see on social media isnt always the whole truth.

Now, to be clear, Mexico is an incredible place to explore and experience. You can eat your way around Oaxacas sprawling markets, snorkel in the worlds second-biggest reef just off the coast of Cancun, marvel at the mist-shrouded ruins of Palenque and hike with Tarahumara people in the dramatic Copper Canyon.

Ive had more pinch me moments in Mexico than I can count, moments of profound awe and exhilaration, sharing meals with families who took me in as their own, and watching centuries-old traditions such as Day of the Dead unfold with authenticity.

But living here peels back the layers.

You soon discover, as I have personally (see below), that police corruption is par for the course, with endemic bribery and endless backhanders. Crackdowns to attempt to arrest worst offenders take place sporadically  more than 100 officers were arrested in southern Mexico in December  but overcoming the problem is an uphill battle that shows little sign of being won.

Mexican police at a crime scene in Guadalajara. Since 2006, it is estimated there have been around 460,000 drug-related killings by cartels in the country, showing their ruthlessness

Nellie Huang has lived in Mexico for four years, providing her with plenty of experience

Another issue the country faces is its environmental record, with pollution spoiling rivers throughout Mexico. This is, says Nellie Huang, due to greedy factory owners and corruption

In fact, it seems to be getting worse. Mexico was recently ranked its lowest position ever in the Corruption Perceptions Index scoring 26 out of 100 (with 100 being the best score). This put it 140th out of 180 countries evaluated.

Illegal drugs are at the heart of a lot of it. Cartels rule the roost in many states, with as much as 70 per cent of narcotics such as cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, marijuana and meth reaching the US being handled by drug lords.

Violence is commonplace, with thousands of Mexicans dying at the hands of the ruthless cartels each year. Since 2006, its estimated there have been a staggering 460,000 drug-related homicides.

Tourists often find themselves in the mix. Shootings at beaches and hotels happen with worrying regularity. In June this year, all hell broke loose at the Riu Palace Costa Mujeres in Cancun when shots were exchanged by gang members and undercover police  leaving a man dead on the floor of the hotel near the lobby.

Colin Nulty, from Bolton, who had been relaxing by the pool, said: It was terrifying. You could tell it was gunfire straight away. Everybody dived for cover.

This followed an incident in December, also in Cancun, at Riu Palace Las Americas hotel when a 30-year-old Mexican national was shot in broad daylight next to the beach by at least two gunmen, who audaciously escaped on jet skis.

Drug cartels continue to attract gang members and go from strength to strength, with high financial rewards tempting to those wishing to escape poverty. Conevel, the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy, calculates that 29.6 per cent of Mexicans live beneath the poverty line  approximately 38.5 million people  with 5.3 per cent living in extreme poverty.

The highest levels are in the states of Chiapas (66 per cent), Guerrero (58.1 per cent) and Oaxaca (51.6 per cent), while the least poor states were Baja California (9.9 per cent), Baja California Sur (10.2 per cent) and Nuevo Leon (10.6 per cent).

Then you have environmental pollution  a product of greedy factory owners and corruption  that has seen waterways such as the Atoyac River turned purple with toxicity. The Sierra Club, a grassroots organisation based in America, has dubbed the Santiago River, which starts in Lake Chapala and runs for 350 miles to the Pacific, as the river of death due to its high levels of pollution.

All in all, plenty to consider before booking a break.

But Ive developed a street smartness, understanding the unwritten rules and subtle cues of the country  such as knowing which areas to avoid after dark or recognising the distant sirens as just a part of the urban soundtrack.

Yet troubles connected to corruption and gangs do not seem to be going away any time soon.

Bribery: A way of life

Officers patrol Cancun's night scene. Some 93 per cent of crimes in Mexico go unreported

My American friend, Mark, learned this the hard way. He had a close brush with the law in Playa del Carmen, a beach town along Mexicos Caribbean coast teeming with sunburnt tourists in Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts.

In the years I spent there, I never had any reason to feel unsafe. Until this incident.

One night when he was out in town, two police officers cornered him. Before he could even process what was happening, they were patting him down.

You have a problem, my friend, one said, as he retrieved a small bag of cocaine that had mysteriously appeared in Marks pocket. The price for his freedom, to avoid a night in a Mexican jail and a fabricated drug charge, was every single dollar in his wallet.

Sadly, his story is far from unique. The mordida  the bite of the bribe  is a fact of life. My family and I have had to bribe police officers a couple of times while driving through police checkpoints dotted along the Caribbean coast.

A national survey revealed a staggering 93 per cent of crimes in Mexico go unreported, often due to a deep distrust in the authorities. Its a terrifying thought that those in uniform are often the ones you need to be most wary of.

Unpredictable violence

An armed checkpoint in Cheran. The UK Foreign Travel Advisory warns against all but essential travel to 11 regions of Mexico, with the country having one of the highest homicide rates

Then theres the more visceral, unpredictable violence.

My friends, Antonio and Sarah, experienced it first hand in their beautiful, adopted home of San Miguel de Allende, voted the worlds best city 2025 by Travel + Leisure readers.

The American-Mexican couple were in a popular club one night when disaster struck. The music was pounding and tequila was flowing. A Mexican man started dancing far too friskily with Sarah, so Antonio stepped forward. He didnt shout, he didnt make a scene, he simply said: Hey, thats my wife. Please be respectful.

The man backed off. But hours later, as they were leaving the club, Antonio was cornered by a group of men, who punched and kicked him to the ground. It wasnt a fair fight; it was a brutal attack.

The night ended in a hospital and Antonio was left with a shattered arm requiring surgery and months of painful recovery. It was a horrifying lesson for my friends.

The UK Foreign Travel Advisory warns against all but essential travel to 11 regions in Mexico, for a reason. Mexico has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, with almost 25 per 100,000 people killed in 2023, according to Human Rights Watch. This violence is largely fuelled by drug-related crime and criminal-group conflicts.

The invisible lines of cartel territories shift and warp and even tourist zones are caught in the crossfire. In supposedly safe tourist hotspots such as Cancun and Tulum, violent disputes between rival gangs have erupted in shootouts on the beach and luxury hotels.

In 2021, a travel blogger was tragically killed during a gang crossfire at a Tulum restaurant and in the following year two Canadian tourists were shot in a dispute at Hotel Xcaret. These are harsh reminders that even the most idyllic-seeming places are not immune to the countrys dark realities.

Rot beneath the surface

A beach in Tulum, which Nellie Huang describes as a 'paradise lost'. An underbelly of pollution lies beneath the idyllic scenery of many of Mexico's holiday resorts

Tulum is perhaps the most glaring example of paradise lost. What was once a sleepy, bohemian beach town has been devoured by its own hype  transforming into a gaudy playground for social media influencers and crypto bros.

Eco-chic hotels with their jungle vibes often hide a dirty secret: they are ecological disasters, masquerading as sustainable sanctuaries. Behind the bamboo facades and infinity pools, diesel generators hum day and night to power the air conditioning, while wastewater is quietly pumped into the fragile limestone bedrock.

Its estimated that up to 95 per cent of the sewage generated in the region is not properly treated. It seeps into the ground, poisoning the worlds largest network of underground rivers and the delicate cenotes that are the regions crown jewels.

This eco-apocalypse has a devastating human cost. The population is being crushed, with the poverty rate in the municipality of Tulum rocketing from 32 per cent in 2015 to a shocking 62 per cent in 2020, according to the Coneval.

This is the grim reality of overtourism: it funnels money into the pockets of foreign developers while locals are displaced, their environment destroyed and their culture sold as a backdrop for selfies.

Digital nomad invasion

A market food court in Oaxaca. Many of Mexico's once-bohemian neighbourhoods are subject to an influx of digital nomads attracted by a cheaper cost of living, which causes gentrification

This gentrification is also advancing in Mexico Citys once-bohemian neighbourhoods of Roma and Condesa.

An influx of digital nomads, chasing a cheaper cost of living while earning US or European salaries, has sent rental prices into the stratosphere  pushing local communities from the area. In neighbourhoods such as Condesa, average rental prices have jumped by more than 40 per cent since 2020, far outpacing local wage growth.

Mexico City is now home to tens of thousands of Airbnb listings, a huge portion of which are homes removed from the long-term rental market  further squeezing supply for local families.

My favourite little family-run cafe, a place that served legendary chilaquiles for 30 years, was recently replaced by a minimalist Scandi-style coffee shop selling oat-milk lattes for triple the price to young professionals glued to their MacBooks.

The Spanish signs on stores are increasingly replaced by English ones and more mom-and-pop stores are taken over by indie boutiques. It creates a new kind of colonialism, where locals become service staff in a city they can no longer afford to live in.

All is not lost: The real appeal of Mexico

Locals mark the Day of the Dead, which is a major national holiday in Mexico. In spite of all its issues, the country still features a vibrant cultural scene and fantastic culinary options

Despite all its sharp edges, Mexico remains one of the most brilliantly alive and captivating places on Earth.

The Mexican culture is so rich you feel it as you watch locals celebrate their traditions; the culinary scene is equally vibrant on a street corner as it is in a Michelin-starred restaurant; the history breathes in the candy-coloured colonial towns, where life spills out on to cobblestoned streets.

Its natural beauty is staggering. You can sink your toes into powdery white-sand beaches lapped by warm Caribbean water, or trek through impenetrable jungles teeming with the cries of howler monkeys and flashes of iridescent birds. Its a land of cactus-studded deserts that give way to the jagged, pine-clad peaks of the Sierra Madre.

But the true soul of Mexico, the thing that hooks you and never lets you go, is its people. Their generosity is heartfelt, and their warmth and hospitality are deeply rooted in their culture.

I have been pulled into fiestas by people Ive just met, shared home-cooked meals that put top eateries to shame, and witnessed a deep-rooted sense of community that feels like an antidote to the sterile individualism of the West.

So should you travel Mexico? Its up to you. If you do decide to visit, go with your eyes wide open. Understand that you are a guest in a country grappling with profound challenges. And youll be treated to an adventure of a lifetime exploring wildlife-rich jungles, swimming in magical natural pools, climbing ancient pyramids, and feasting on explosive, one-of-a-kind flavours.
Sir Keir Starmer's woes deepened today as allies of Angela Rayner suggested she could make a political comeback alongside Andy Burnham.

The Prime Minister has been in a tailspin since Ms Rayner quit as his deputy nearly a fortnight ago, admitting she had underpaid stamp duty on the purchase of a new flat.

After a panicky reshuffle, Sir Keir then suffered further turmoil after he initially defended and later sacked Lord Mandelson over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

MPs have since been openly warning that Sir Keir could be 'gone' after local elections in May, if they produce dismal results for Labour.

There has also been mounting speculation that Mr Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, could be a potential replacement for the PM.

One serving Cabinet minister last night backed Mr Burnham to make a return to Westminster as an MP, should he choose to do so.

Ms Rayner has kept silent since her resignation earlier this month, but a friend told The Telegraph she was 'not daft' and 'knows how to make her career survive'.

One MP also raised the prospect of Ms Rayner attempting a political comeback alongside Mr Burnham.

Angela Rayner pictured out campaigning with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham in March last year

Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed US President Donald Trump to Britain this week amid growing speculation over his future in Downing Street

'I do know that in the last year, there have been conversations between them,' they told the newspaper.

'People suggest that Andy and her could run together, and she could be the deputy.

'What we have to do as a party is to regain confidence in the north of England. Keir Starmer is never going to achieve that, and Andy could begin to pull it back.'

Mr Burnham's term as Greater Manchester mayor will last until 2028 and, if he wants to succeed Sir Keir as Labour leader, he will first need to return to Westminster and become an MP.

One Labour veteran told the Daily Mail that an alliance between Mr Burnham and Ms Rayner was 'extremely unlikely' to succeed.

'She's going to lose her seat apart form anything else,' they said of the Ashton-under-Lyne MP, who won her seat with a 7,000-vote majority over Reform UK last year.

'I don't think there is anything like as much love for Burnham in the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) as he thinks.'

Mr Burnham last night received support from a serving Cabinet minister to make a return to Westminster.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she 'loves' the Greater Manchester mayor and would support him 'whatever he decides to do'.

Ms Nandy made the comments as she said she was supporting Lucy Powell, an ally of Mr Burnham, in the contest to replace Ms Rayner as Labour's deputy leader.

She told LBC: 'I love Andy, and whatever he decides to do, I'll support him.

'He's been a fantastic champion for the North, and whether he wants to do that as the mayor of Greater Manchester or as an MP, I think he's got an enormous contribution to make.'

It came as Ms Powell launched a brutal attack on Sir Keir's 'mistakes' and 'unforced errors', and hit out at 'sexist' claims she is a proxy for Mr Burnham.

She is vying against Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, to replace Ms Rayner as Labour's new deputy leader.

Ms Powell told the BBC's Political Thinking podcast: 'Some of the mistakes that we've made, or some of the unforced errors, have given a sense that we're not on the side of ordinary people.'

She was sacked in Sir Keir's reshuffle this month, and said it may have been due to the 'feedback' she had given the Cabinet from Labour MPs on issues including welfare reform.

She said: 'I thought I was doing the job I was supposed to be doing, but maybe that wasn't feedback people wanted to hear.'

Freed from Cabinet collective responsibility, the ex-Commons Leader urged the Government to be 'clearer' about wanting to scrap the two-child benefit cap - a significant issue for many Labour backbenchers.
Sir Keir Starmer has been issued with a fresh warning that Britain doesn't have enough power for the new data centres needed to fulfil Labour's AI ambitions.

As part of Donald Trump's state visit this week, the Prime Minister has welcomed a string of American tech bosses to Britain.

He is also set to sign a technology prosperity deal with the US President, which is touted as offering major investment by US firms to help Britain develop AI capabilities.

But the influx of US investment announced as part of Mr Trump's visit - estimated to total around 150billion - has raised fresh questions about the UK's infrastructure.

It has also cast fresh scrutiny over Labour's Net Zero goals, with AI systems requiring huge amounts of electricity to power vast data centres.

Jensen Huang, boss of chip giant Nvidia, this week said the massive energy needed for new AI infrastructure in the UK will likely require fossil fuels such as gas-fired power stations.

And one expert set out how just one data centre would need the equivalent of 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of power - as much electricity as used by three million homes.

Professor Gina Neff, AI professor at Queen Mary University London, also warned the UK doesn't have enough water for cooling new data centres.

Keir Starmer is signing a technology prosperity deal with Donald Trump, which is touted as offering major investment by US firms to help Britain develop AI capabilities

One AI expert set out how just one data centre would need the equivalent of 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of power - as much electricity as used by three million homes

'These are really very power-hungry facilities,' Prof. Neff told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'Let me give you a little bit of context. The plan that OpenAI announced, the Stargate, is part of a large set of investments that OpenAI is going forward with with Oracle and Softbank.

'The first one of those data centres they announced is targeted for Texas. It's targeted for 4.5GW of power.

'Currently the total amount of power in the UK for IT is 1.6GW. So you're starting to see the scale of what some of these facilities can be - they're massive.

'What's a GW of power? That's enough power for 750,000 homes.'

Prof. Neff highlighted how there were new housing developments still waiting for approval in Britain because of a lack of energy supply on the national grid.

'The maths needs to be right before these facilities can get built,' she added. 'We don't have enough power and we don't have enough water.'

As well as a commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050, Labour also wants to decarbonise the UK's electricity grid by 2030.

The Government has also pledged a permanent ban on fracking to extract natural gas, in line with Labour's general election manifesto.

And Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has also vowed not to appove new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea as he spearheads Labour's efforts to transition to green energy.

This puts the Government in apparent conflict with Mr Huang's suggestion that new gas-fired power stations will be needed to help turn Britain into an 'AI superpower'.

'There is going to be a lot of motivation and incentives to want to bring more power to bear,' the Nvidia boss said ahead of attending Wednesday night's dinner at Windsor Castle as part of Mr Trump's state visit.

'Sustainable power like nuclear, wind, and solar  but I am also hoping that gas turbines are going to also contribute.'

Treasury minister James Murray this morning insisted Britain would not ramp up gas production in order to help meet the energy needs of AI data centres.

'It's not part of our plan our plan is to move away from fossil fuels,' he told BBC Radio 4.

'Our plan is to move towards renewable and independent sustainable sources of energy.'

Challenged that there is not enough electricity, Mr Murray said: 'That issue with there not being enough energy is why we are running at this transition to clean energy as quickly as we possibly can.'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Keir Starmer is hoping promises of future tech deals will distract from his government in crisis.

'But beneath the flashy numbers there is a more fundamental problem: to be a tech and AI superpower, Britain requires cheap, abundant energy.

'Instead, Labour continue to push up energy bills in pursuit of Net Zero.

'Only the Conservatives are serious about exploiting our resources in the North Sea to bring down bills for families and the businesses that generate economic growth.'

Sir Nick Clegg, the former deputy prime minister who went on to work for tech giant Meta, has also issued a warning about Britain's ability to build huge data centres.

'Of course it's great there's investment in the UK,' he said. 'But these really are crumbs from the Silicon Valley table.

'If you consider that total compute capacity in the UK is estimated to be around 1.8GW with, I believe, ambitions to reach 6GW by 2030 - that is about the same as one single data centre being built by my former employer, Meta, in Louisiana.

'So I think some sort of perspective needs to be applied to all the hype that comes from the Government and the tech companies at times like this.

'Especially when we are never going to compete with the Chinese and America on infrastructure.'

Sir Nick added: 'Where we can compete is how you deploy AI in the workplace innovatively through new applications and so on.'
An award-winning architect has been struck off after he handed exam answers to his junior colleague lover.

Paul Treacy, 57, an architect of almost 30 years, provided model answers for the final paper to become a qualified architect to his colleague, who he was romantically involved with.

Mr Treacy, who led projects to build Bristol's Waterfront Place and Kings Mill Hospital in Nottingham, was an office mentor and an examination supervisor but signed a declaration stating his lover's tests had been completed honestly.

He was struck off the architects register for a minimum of two years after 'abusing the trust placed in him' by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

A tribunal accused him of prioritising his relationship with the colleague, 'dishonesty' and a lack of 'integrity'.

Treacy had a previously unblemished record but was taken to a misconduct committee hearing where he 'continued to place blame' on his junior colleague for his behaviour.

Sadia Zouq, legally qualified chair of the Architects Registration Board Professional Conduct Committee, said: 'There was a pattern of poor conduct of dishonesty and lack of integrity that had taken place over a period of time.

'[Mr Treacy] had opportunities throughout this period to have corrected his conduct, he actively chose not to do so.

Paul Treacy, 57, was struck off the register for at least two years after he handed exam answers to his junior colleague lover

'His dishonest conduct was deliberate and pre-meditated. In his complaint to RIBA, he admitted to 'significantly' contributing to Person A's Case Study and he separately crafted model answers to questions for Person A's Part Three examination.

'[Mr Treacy] failed to disclose his conduct for several years.

'He explained to the Committee that his decision to self-report to RIBA and the ARB was only prompted by the professional reputational damage being caused by Person A.

'This demonstrated to the Committee [Mr Treacy's] lack of understanding and appreciation of his duties as a regulated professional.

'While he admitted to providing model answers to examination questions to Person A in breach of the RIBA regulations, he sought to blame Person A for copying his answers verbatim in the Part Three examination.

'This demonstrated to the Committee [Mr Treacy's] inability to separate his professional and personal lives.

'There was a substantial risk of harm to the wider public as [Mr Treacy] had himself identified the risks associated with assisting someone to achieve a qualification for which they had received undue assistance and support in breach of the RIBA Regulations.

'Even at the sanction stage, he maintained in his evidence that his actions were the result of coercion and duress from Person A.

'The Committee considered this demonstrated an ongoing failure to accept responsibility for his conduct which it had found was serious and a significant falling below the standards expected of an architect.

'The Committee was satisfied that this case was at a high level of seriousness. The findings of dishonesty and lack of integrity undermine the standing of [Mr Treacy] and the wider profession.

'To allow [Mr Treacy] to continue in practice would be to damage the reputation of the profession.'
Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has been suspended following controversy over comments the host made about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

The ABC network pulled the programme after several affiliated stations refused to air it, objecting to comments Kimmel made during shows on Monday and Tuesday.

The 57-year-old American comedian had told his audience that 'many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk'.

Tyler Robinson has appeared in court on charges of aggravated murder over the conservative activist's death after Mr Kirk was shot in Utah on September 10.

US President Donald Trump has celebrated the move, writing on Truth Social: 'Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.'

But Hollywood stars backed Kimmel, with Ben Stiller saying the move 'isn't right' and Sophia Bush claiming the 'First Amendment doesn't exist in America anymore'.

Now it's time to have your say in the Mail's latest poll  do you agree with the move?

Yesterday's poll saw Mail readers asked: 'Should the Royal Family be rolling out the red carpet for Donald Trump for his second state visit?' Out of more than 19,000 votes, 74 per cent of you said 'yes' and 26 per cent 'no'.
A furious Donald Trump declared that Israeli PM Netanyahu 'is F***ing me' after the IDF carried out its attack on Hamas leaders in Gaza, a report has claimed.

According to US officials, Trump has been complaining in recent weeks about Netanyahu's preference to use military power over negotiations and a cease-fire to resolve the lasting situation in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported.

'Hes f***ng me,' Trump said, according to the report. The words were overheard during a meeting with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, about the US response to the Israeli strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar on September 9.

'Netanyahus moves have prolonged the Gaza war, created trouble for Trump with other U.S. allies in the region and made the expansion of the Abraham Accords excruciatingly difficult,' said Shalom Lipner, who served seven consecutive Israeli prime ministers, for the paper.

Lipner added that Israel's continuing war in the region complicates Trump's efforts to improve US relations with some Arab countries.

Itamar Rabinovich, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., told the Wall Street Journal that he and other Israelis are 'mystified' about how little effect Trump's criticism has on Netanyahu.

'Hes under siege and makes mistakes. The only thing thats really working for him is Trumps support,' said Rabinovich.

The paper previously reported that Trump and Netanyahu had a 'heated call' after the attack, and the president was not happy about Israel attacking one of the US allies during negotiations on ending the Gaza war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump at the White House on Sept. 15, 2020. Trump has been complaining in recent weeks about Netanyahu's preference to use military power over negotiations and a cease-fire to resolve the lasting situation in the Middle East.

A senior US official told the paper then that Trump is increasingly more frustrated with Netanyahu's continuous moves that interfere with his own Middle East goals.

Israeli officials claimed the White House knew of the plan to strike Hamas in Doha beforehand. However, Reuters reported that the Trump administration denied these claims, as they only found out about the attack once the missiles were already in the air and could therefore not oppose.

Donald Trump particularly strengthened the US relationship with Qatar and other Arab countries during his visit to the Middle East in May 2025. During his visit, Trump even described Qatar's ruling emir and his family as 'tall, handsome guys.'

Qatari military aircraft perform a flyover before President Donald Trump departed in May, 2025

Despite Trump's outbursts, the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu remains 'excellent', according to the Wall Street Journal.

This is also due to Republicans' desire to 'see a success story against Hamas,' said Avner Golov, a former senior director at Israels National Security Council for the paper.

Damian Murphy, a former staff director for Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, thinks Netanyahu chooses to 'ask forgiveness, not permission'.

The Israeli prime minister told the media on Tuesday that Trump invited him to the White House at the end of September. According to Netanyahu, the US leader invited him on Monday during a phone call. The Israeli PM also mentioned several calls since the Qatar attack and described them as 'good'.
The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has refused to leave his cell to appear in court after he was charged with attempting to kill three prison officers and possessing illicit knives in Frankland jail.

Hashem Abedi, 28, is serving life with a minimum term of 55 years, the longest determinate sentence ever handed down by a UK judge, for helping make the bomb that killed 22 men, women and children at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.

His brother, Salman, carried out the suicide attack after returning to Manchester from Libya.

Hashem was extradited to Britain in 2019 and convicted at the Old Bailey on March 17 2020.

He is also serving a three-year and ten-month sentence for attacking the manager of the high security unit in Belmarsh jail in May 2020, two months after his conviction.

Abedi is now charged with three counts of attempted murder on three different officers and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, on a fourth officer, on April 12 this year.

He is also accused of unauthorised possession of several makeshift knives that he had allegedly crafted from metal cooking trays.

The attack allegedly occurred after Abedi emerged from a kitchen on the separation unit at category-A HMP Frankland in Durham with a pan of hot oil and allegedly poured it over one officer before stabbing him in the neck with a makeshift knife.

Hasheem Abedi is accused of attacking officers in prison, where he is serving a 55-year term for his role in the Manchester Arena bombing

Three other officers came to his aid and were also attacked. Two of them needed surgery for the injuries they suffered and another suffered a broken finger.

Abedi was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court by video link from Belmarsh jail today, where he has been transferred, but did not turn up and was not represented by a lawyer.

The chief magistrate, Paul Goldspring, told the short hearing: 'I have no power to deal with him in his absence.

'I can order that he ought to appear before the court, and the prison governor then has the power to authorise the use of force.

'All I need to do is see him on a laptop from his cell or in a video link room.'

The case was adjourned until September 25.
A UNIVERSITY student laundered huge amounts of cash for an international crime gang selling child porn through social media sites, a court heard.

Huanyu Zhou, 27, was arrested in her halls of residence at Southampton University following a major Interpol probe into criminals behind a sickening global network.

Members were selling child abuse pictures and videos via platforms such as X, Discord and Telegram, Southampton Crown Court was told.

More than 216,000 was paid into her cryptocurrency account between February 5 and October 28, 2023, from crypto wallets that were receiving payments linked to the sordid trade, it is alleged.

A Louis Vuitton bag was found in her room when she was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators, while an image from her phone showed other designer items.

Before her arrest, Huanyu is said to have arranged a VIP personal shopper visit to Bicester Designer Shopping Village and she went on seven trips to Europe, including Iceland, Austria and Hungary, between February and June 2024.

The arrest took place after the NCA worked with US counterparts in the FBI under the direction of Interpol to target a South-East Asian origin organised crime group involved in the 'mass distribution' of child sex abuse material via the internet for financial gain.

Chinese national Huanyu came to the UK in September 2023 to study for a master's degree in Digital Strategy and Information Systems but had already become involved in the laundering operation with her boyfriend Jinfeng Li in China, the court heard.

Huanyu Zhou, 27, is accused of laundering huge amounts of cash for an international crime gang that was selling child porn through social media sites

The Crown alleges that between March 2022 and July 2024 she was actively involved in facilitating the distribution of child sex abuse material by possessing and transferring cryptocurrency funds generated by their sale to customers.

Huanyu denies the offences and claims Jingfeng used her details to open crypto and other accounts without her knowledge.

The court heard that the group advertised and sold the material through a scheme called an 'Invite Child Abuse Pyramid'.

Prosecutor Francis FitzGibbon KC said: 'The offer was for levels of increasingly bad sexual abuse, with higher prices for each level and the worst material at the top of the pyramid costing the most.'

Operating on the 'clear web' rather than the 'dark web' significantly increased the crime gang's client base, he added.

'They advertised with links on mainstream internet platforms such as Discord, Telegram and Twitter,' Mr FitzGibbon told jurors.

'Clicking on such a link would direct the user to a site which provides a free preview of child sex abuse material, designed to encourage further purchase.'

More than four terrabytes of illegal material could be obtained through purchasing the most expensive tier of the pyramid - the equivalent of one million still images, 1,000 videos and millions of documents.

A Louis Vuitton bag was found in her room when she was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators, while an image from her phone showed other designer items

The prosecution claims more than 216,000 was paid into Huanyu's cryptocurrency account between February 5 and October 28, 2023, from crypto wallets that were receiving payments linked to child porn

Users could access material by sharing links with others or by paying for it via anonymous Telegram sellers with crypto currency.

Mr FitzGibbon said: 'The trade is international and highly organised. Internet communication makes it easy. It is, of course, criminal.

'The proceeds of this filthy criminal trade therefore have to be laundered and recycled into the legitimate economy.

'We say that Zhou was a knowing and willing conduit and recipient of money paid by consumers to the suppliers of this filth and money needed to pay for the internet services that enable the material to be reached by paedophiles.

'We say that she used crypto-currency accounts to receive money and, as she and those behind her hoped, cleanse the dirty criminal money.'

The gang used layers of protection, including virtual private networks (VPNs), anonymous accounts and cryptocurrency payments, in a bid to avoid detection, the court heard.

However, the prosecution say the FBI linked Huanyu to the illegal activity through an intricate undercover and digital investigation.

Huanyu was arrested at Mayflower Halls on July 4 last year and her iPhone 14 and an Apple iPad were seized.

Items allegedly found at Huanyu's student halls in Southampton University included Louis Vuitton bags and Burberry products

She provided the PIN numbers for the devices and insisted the allegations were 'ridiculous.'

But the court was told the devices contained incriminating evidence showing links to child sex abuse material and a price list detailing how to make payments.

Huanyu's deposits included 31,963 into five different UK bank accounts that were opened between September 28 and December 22, 2023.

Mr FitzGibbon told the jury: 'The source of these large sums of cash paid into (Huanyu's) UK bank accounts is not clear and largely unexplained.

'You may wonder why a student who was due to be in the UK for only one academic year needed five accounts at five different banks.

'You may also wonder where this money came from, and why it was paid into five different accounts?'

Huanyu's arrest had a direct impact on the crime gang which removed domains from the internet and deleted Telegram accounts used for payments, Mr FitzGibbon said.

The Internet Watch Foundation, which monitors and removes online child sex abuse material, noted a huge drop in reports about Invite Child Abuse Pyramid sites within three days of Huanyu's arrest, the court heard.

Mr FitzGibbon said: 'This was not coincidental but triggered by her arrest.

'The organised crime group must have become aware and were seeking to cover their tracks and dissociate from Zhou.'

Giving evidence, Huanyu insisted she had no idea her boyfriend was involved in selling such material and thought he was a successful businessman who sold medical supplies and made investments.

She maintained she had been 'used' by him and he must have used her details without her knowledge.

The defendant claimed she had been so focused on her studies that she did not spot any references to child sex abuse in any messages from him.

The Bicester trip was just for 'window shopping' and she flew budget airlines with no baggage allowance for the trips abroad,' she added.

'If I had known (what he was doing), I would not have let (him) use my name,' she told the court.

'I am the one who is paying the price, but I care about my studies and I care about my name.'

The trial continues.
Three members of an alleged Russian spy ring have been arrested in Essex.

Men aged 46 and 41, and a 35-year-old woman, were arrested by counter terror police at two separate addresses in Grays yesterday morning.

The Metropolitan Police did not disclose the nationalities of those held, but issued a strong warning that anyone considering helping hostile foreign states in the UK should 'think again'.

Detectives have searched both addresses - the woman and the younger man were arrested at one, with the 46-year-old man detained at another.

The suspects were held on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 3 of the new National Security Act, and were taken to a police station in London.

They have since been released on bail while the investigation, which is being led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, continues.

The Met confirmed the allegations related to passing information to Russia.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the counter terrorism command, said: 'Through our recent national security casework, we're seeing an increasing number of who we would describe as 'proxies' being recruited by foreign intelligence services.

The three suspects were arrested and taken to a police station in London

'Indeed, two young British men are awaiting sentencing after they were recruited by the Wagner Group - effectively the Russian state - to carry out an arson at Ukrainian-linked warehouse.

'They are facing potentially lengthy custodial sentences, although, to be clear, today's arrests are in no way connected to that investigation.

'But anyone who might be contacted by and tempted into carrying out criminal activity on behalf of a foreign state here in the UK should think again.

'This kind of activity will be investigated and anyone found to be involved can expect to be prosecuted and there are potentially very serious consequences for those who are convicted.'

The arrests mark the latest case involving allegations that people based in Britain have been recruited to spy for Russia, with alleged targets including dissidents critical of the Kremlin.

In July Dylan Earl and Jake Reeves became the first people convicted under the new National Security Act 2023, designed to tackle threats that fall short of traditional spying and espionage, and can involve third party actors not working directly for a foreign hostile state.

Earl, 21, and Reeves, 23, were recruited by the Russian mercenary organisation, the Wagner Group, after torching a warehouse housing humanitarian aid and satellite equipment belonging to Elon Musk's Starlink company destined for Ukraine.

The attack, in Leyton, east London, resulted in damage and repairs costing around 1m and was livestreamed over Facetime to the men's British recruiter who was reporting back to the Russians. He set the video to music as he shared it with his friends.

A court previously heard how Earl was the 'architect' of the plot. He was a builder and part-time drug dealer who lived with his parents in a large detached house in the Leicestershire countryside.

Earl and Reeves previously admitted aggravated arson and an offence under the National Security Act. Earl boasted he could build a 'link' between the Wagner Group, IRA and the Irish Kinahan crime cartel.

Earl joined a Telegram 'broadcast channel' called Grey Zone which was established in 2022 as a mouthpiece for Wagner Group, the court heard.

It had 500,000 members and published regular posts inviting people in European countries to join Russia's fight in Ukraine.

On March 2 last year Earl told a Telegram contact called 'Minsk KGB', who was in Russia: 'I been wanting to come Russia. I need a fresh start bro.

'Do I need to be able to speak Russian though because that's not the best? Litch [literally] know 30 words if that.'

Earl received his instructions and recruited others, including Reeves, the step-son of a police officer who failed most of his GCSEs and was working as an aircraft cleaner at Gatwick.

The arsonists were promised thousands of pounds, but forgot to film the warehouse burning down and were never paid for the attack.

Earl was scolded by the Russians for not telling them he was going ahead with the plan.

The pair are due to be sentenced at a later date.

And in another unrelated case, six members of a honeytrap spy ring based in Great Yarmouth were handed combined jail terms of more than 50 years for handing intelligence to Russia.

The agents passed secrets to Russian intelligence for almost three years, spying on a US airbase in Germany and tailing opponents of Vladimir Putin - some of whom they plotted to kidnap, murder or snare in 'honeytraps'.

They ran one of the 'largest and most complex' enemy operations uncovered on UK soil, carrying out espionage on an 'industrial scale'.
Two men that were caught running an unlicensed animal fertility clinic from a shed have been fined and banned from owning dogs.

Alexander Myers ran a dog breeding and fertility operation from Paul Robertson's home in Gorebridge, near Edinburgh, despite not holding a breeder's licence or his property being registered as a veterinary practice.

Myers undertook a number of procedures on dogs that included artificial insemination, blood tests to monitor ovulation and microchipping, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard.

Concerns for the dogs' treatment were first raised by Police Scotland after they attended the property on an unrelated matter, prompting the force to alert the Scottish SPCA.

Upon arrival, a Scottish SPCA inspector described experiencing 'an overwhelming stench of faeces and urine' coming from 'dark, poorly ventilated' kennels and shed areas that were 'coated in faeces'.

They added that a total of 32 dogs were located at the residence, with three 'living in the house as pets, while the remainder were kept in unsanitary kennels.'

Later examinations revealed that multiple animals were suffering from ocular, skin, musculoskeletal and respiratory problems as a result of the poor treatment.

In one particularly shocking case, a female French Bulldog named Miss Piggy was found collapsed, shivering and with fresh wounds to her ears and face.

Alexander Myers (pictured) undertook a number of procedures on dogs including artificial insemination and microchipping. Paul Robertson was fined 270, while Myers received 180 hours community payback, a 90 fine, and a three-year ban on owning dogs

She was also found to have been suffering from an untreated ingrown toenail.

Despite urgent efforts, her condition was tragically too severe and she was later euthanised in a bid to 'prevent further suffering'.

Paul Robertson was also understood to have been behind an intensive breeding programme that led to 'Frankenstein' hairless French bulldog puppies being sold, which was severely criticised by vets, the Daily Record revealed.

A further five dogs also had to be euthansised due to their poor health.

On September 16, the pair appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court where they pleaded guilty for the neglect of for Miss Piggy, which resulted in her suffering for at least four weeks before her death.

Both men pled not guilty to charges relating to the other dogs.

No convictions were made, with Robertson fined 270, while Myers received 180 hours community payback, a 90 fine, and a three-year ban on owning dogs.

The SSPCA said: 'We respect the court's decision but are disappointed the sentencing was not stronger.

'Even so, this case is a step in the right direction in highlighting the risks of unregulated fertility clinics and the neglect of animal welfare that so often accompanies them.

'Robertson and Myers have failed to ensure the welfare of the many dogs in their care.'

The SSPCA added that they are 'increasingly seeing people operating fertility clinics from their homes', adding that these 'completely unregulated' clinics 'pose serious risks to animal welfare'.

They continued: 'In some cases, animals are seriously injured after having blood drawn by unqualified individuals.'

Now, the charity is calling for fertility clinics to be formally regulated, with inspections carried out only by registered veterinary surgeons.

A spokesperson added: 'We continue to advocate for a complete overhaul of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which no longer provides adequate safeguards for animal welfare.

'We also urge anyone considering breeding their pets to consult their vet first, and to report any concerns about fertility clinics directly to our helpline.'
Vladimir Putins blundering chief TV propagandist has given away the top secret location of Russias most elite drone unit.

An unburied toilet sign in a report by Vladimir Solovyov led to the Rubicon HQ being geolocated.

The trail leads to Hall D and part of Hall C at the Patriot Exhibition Centre, near Moscow.

The site has been already targeted by Ukrainian attack drones, and could be again.

Solovyov is a highly-paid state TV propagandist for Putin and the war - and the careless blunder failing to mask the toilet signs in a report about Rubicon is a huge embarrassment.

'Solovyov's editors forgot to blur the sign above the entrance to the restroom, which has a distinctive design, and the light board located above it, which, as can be seen from publicly available videos from Patriot, shows the word "restroom" in Russian and English,' said a report on Radio Liberty.

OSINT researchers identified the head of Rubicon, a centre for 'centre for advanced unmanned technologies' as well as its head Colonel Sergei Budnikov.

The unmasking of Rubicon is an embarrassment for Vladimir Putins defence minister Andrei Belousov, who was behind its development.

Vladimir Putin s blundering chief TV propagandist has given away the top secret location of Russia s most elite drone unit

An unburied toilet sign in a report by Vladimir Solovyov led to the Rubicon HQ being geolocated

On May 22, a Ukrainian Liutyi drone targeted the Patriot Expo, before forces struck a Pantsir air defence system at the site three days later

The centre is involved in development and testing of new drones, operator training, and the deployment of its own units on the front lines.

'Russia owes much of the success of the Kursk [Region] operation to Rubicon, which emerged just over a year ago,' said Radio Liberty.

'The summer advances in Donetsk region are also thanks to Rubicon, which has learned to isolate areas of the battlefield, hunt enemy UAV operators, and cut off logistics just as well as the best Ukrainian unmanned units.

'This is.the collective assessment of the Ukrainian military and Western experts.'

Researchers were able to identify the location from open source pictures from a spring exhibition showing the same distinctive toilet signs.

Footage from March shows that Ukraine attempted an attack at or near the location.

On May 22, a Ukrainian Liutyi drone targeted the Patriot Expo on Moscows western suburbs, a site which has hosted major military exhibitions. Three days later, forces struck a Pantsir air defence system at the location.

According to investigators, Solovyovs broadcast was the reason the Rubicon base was exposed to such attacks.

Rubicon is 'Russia's best technological unit,' said Maria Berlinska, head of the Ukrainian Aerial Reconnaissance Support Centre, a nongovernment group that assists the military.

The site has been already targeted by Ukrainian attack drones, and could be again

The centre is involved in development and testing of new drones, operator training, and the deployment of its own units on the front lines

President Vladimir Putin, Russia's top war propaganda man Vladimir Solovyov

Russian Minister of Defence Andrey Belousov pictured visiting secret Rubicon drone HQ

'Rubicon has brilliant management, works systematically, selects the best personnel, provides training, and supplies all necessary resources. They pour money into it,' she wrote in a Facebook post from August 21.

She suggested that the Ukrainian military must try to adopt Rubicon's best practices while working towards dismantling its specialist crew as a matter of urgency.

'Russia had several strong strike [drone] units in Kursk, but Rubicon was the main one there. Because of this, Ukraine was unable to supply its troops normally,' Rob Lee, a former U.S. Marine officer who is now a military analyst with the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told Radio Liberty.

'They were a key reason why Russia was able to take back essentially all of Kursk Oblast in February and March,' he added.
Parents of a wealthy Sydney suburb have been put on alert after a man in a white van allegedly approached schoolkids, offering them lollies and a ride in his van.

St Phillip Neri Catholic Primary School in Northbridge, on Sydney's lower north shore, sent an email to parents earlier this week advising them of the incident.

According to the email, shared by the Daily Telegraph, the school was alerted to the incident by a parent from another school.

'The parent reported to us that yesterday, as their children were walking to an after-school activity, a man in a white van stopped alongside the children, offered them lollies and asked if they wanted a ride,' the email read.

'The children are safe and didn't engage with the driver. The parent informed the police and notified us so we could make our community aware.'

A spokesperson for NSW Police told The Daily Mail local police received reports that a 10-year-old boy was approached by a man in a white ute on Baringa Road in Northbridge about 4.30pm on Tuesday.

'Police have been told the man spoke to the boy before driving away,' they said, adding police had commenced an investigation. The author of the email wrote they would attend classes with the school counsellor to talk about safe behaviour.

'I am sharing this with you now, so if your child usually walks home after school and you would feel more comfortable making alternative arrangements, you have time to do so,' they added.

St Phillip Neri Catholic Primary School (pictured) in Northbridge sent an email to parents advising them of the troubling alleged incident

A man in a white van approached a group of schoolchildren and offered lollies (stock image)

Parents raised their concerns on social media following reports of the incident, with some claiming similar events had occurred in the area.

'A man in a white van has been reported a few times,' one woman wrote.

'My daughter recalls a man in a white van hanging around the park at North Sydney while all the kids were at lunch and that was a few years ago now. It's frightening to think but best to be aware.

Another replied: 'There was a similar incident at Willoughby Park too last year and I remember reading it was someone in a white van.'

As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact North Shore police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Daily Mail has contacted St Phillip Neri Catholic Primary School.
A high-security US Navy base in the Pacific Ocean was brought to a standstill - twice - because a man kept landing his private plane on the military's secretive airport runway.

In the most recent incursion, Andrew Kyle White, 37, jumped out of his small propeller-powered Gastar plane and stole a Ford F-150 truck for a joyride around the island that caused thousands in damages and the endless embarrassment of a 'complete' base-wide lockdown occupying 500 man-hours worth half a million dollars.

The San Diego man pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft of government property in excess of $1,000 and one misdemeanor count of illegal entry into a naval installation, according to the US Attorney's Office in the Central District of California.

On April 6, White flew his airplane to the U.S. Naval Base Coronado on San Clemente Island, about 63 miles off the coast of San Diego, and landed on the airstrip without permission.

It was the second time he did so. The first time was on October 29, 2023, after which he had acknowledged and signed a letter that notified him it was a federal crime to travel to San Clemente Island without the Navy's permission and instructed him not to return.

During his second illicit visit five moths ago, he stole a white Ford F-150 truck worth approximately $16,000 that belonged to the US Navy. He then took the Ford for a joyride around the island, driving to various locations, including ones that were restricted and blocked by locked gates.

He smashed through them with the Ford, causing a little more than $8,000 in damages between the wrecked gates and the cost of towing the truck.

Prosecutors of his case say he 'evaded capture overnight.' He was only detained the morning after his joyride, when he was seen on security footage walking around because he had driven the truck onto unpaved terrain and gotten stuck.

Andrew Kyle White illegally landed on San Clemente Island, which is owned and operated by the US Navy, for the second time before taking a Navy truck for a joyride

White flew his privately-owned Glastar airplane to the island and landed on the airstrip without permission (stock image)

White's overnight shenanigans caused the military installation to go on lockdown as officials were unsure what exactly was happening and assumed there was a serious threat after they found his abandoned plane on the evening of April 6.

'Whatever [White's] intentions were, the military did not know them,' prosecutors said in court documents.

'They responded as one might expect the military to respond to an unknown threat: they assumed the worst. The island went on a complete lockdown.'

The lockdown cost nearly 500 man-hours which amounted to about $500,000 in losses, according to estimates from Navy officials.

Searching for White on the island's difficult and remote terrain was dangerous for Navy personnel who faced challenging weather conditions and had to comb 'multiple historic bombing ranges that have not been swept for unexploded ordnance,' Captain L. M. Jacobi, the commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado, wrote in a Navy victim impact statement.

White's attorneys defended his trips to the restricted island by arguing that his 'curiosity got the most of him,' according to court documents.

They also asked the court to issue White a sentence of time served, arguing that he understands his actions were misguided and that he has accepted responsibility.

The pilot's mischief has him facing up to 10 years in federal prison for theft of government property and another six months for illegally entering a naval installation.

Captain L. M. Jacobi, the commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado, said Navy personnel faced dangerous conditions while searching for White

San Clemente Island has been owned by the Navy since 1937. It lies 68 nautical miles west of San Diego and it is 57 square miles large

Captain Jacobi asked the court to issue White the maximum sentence, but prosecutors are seeking a lighter sentence of six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, according to the government's sentencing memo.

White has agreed to avoid San Celemte island, give up his Glastar plane and not renew or use his pilot's license as part of his supervised release, prosecutors wrote in the memo.

White's sentencing hearing was scheduled for September 29 by US District Judge Otis D. Wright II.

San Clemente Island has been owned by the Navy since 1937, and it is the Navy's only remaining live fire range. It lies 68 nautical miles west of San Diego and it is 57 square miles large.

The island supports research and development of weapon systems for the Navy and it is a tactical training ground for the Pacific Fleet.
The lover of Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin 'hated' his family and had been kicked out of his parents' home for addiction and substance abuse, according to new claims.

A relative of Lance Twiggs said that he was living with murder suspect Tyler Robinson after his relationship with family deteriorated and he became 'detached [and] radicalized'.

The relative, speaking anonymously, said Twiggs had been struggling with gender identity, substance abuse problems, and was addicted to video games.

'[His father] thought he wasnt being respectful and was problematic, so they kicked him out,' Twiggs' relative revealed in an interview with Fox News.

'He then lived with [his grandparents] until he was 18 and graduated from high school'.

'But the real reason he was acting out was because he was using drugs and alcohol, and was addicted to gaming,' she added.

Twiggs hasn't been charged with any crimes, and authorities said he was cooperating with the investigation.

Robinson now faces aggravated murder charges for fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at an event held by Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University.

A relative of Lance Twiggs (pictured) revealed in a recent interview with Fox News that he had struggled with addiction and was kicked out of a family home

Authorities have said that Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, was living in a Utah townhome with Twiggs at the time of the shooting

Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder for fatally shooting activist Charlie Kirk at a university event

The relative said that Twiggs moved into a townhouse with other college students before Robinson lived in the home.

The other roommates eventually moved out, leaving Twiggs and Robinson in the townhome together. The relative added that the two were in a romantic relationship.

In a separate interview, an anonymous relative told Fox News that Twiggs developed a 'hatred' for Christians and conservatives.

'He hated us. He was not raised that way, but he, over the years, has become really detached [and] been radicalized,' the relative said.

The relative added that Twiggs was 'always angry' and his behavior got worse over the last few years.

They also speculated that Twiggs may've influenced Robinson's politics during their time living together.

'I think Tyler got a whole lot worse in the year they have been dating. They are big gamers, and obviously they have that group that influences them as well as others. But my gut tells me [Twiggs] did more of the influencing,' they said.

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

Twiggs' relative, who wasn't named in the article, said that he 'hated' conservatives and Christians

Twiggs was dragged into the investigation when Robinson texted him: 'Drop what you are doing, look under the keyboard'.

Twiggs allegedly found a note that read: 'I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and Im going to take it', prosecutors said.

'What?????????????? Youre joking, right????' Twiggs responded.

Robinson said back: 'I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldnt be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you'.

A 33-hour manhunt ensued after the shooting for Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin

Robinson faces multiple charges in connection with Kirk's murder. He appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday when prosecutors announced they filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty

Their texts also mentioned a rifle allegedly used in the shooting. Robinson ended their text exchange by telling Twiggs not to talk to the media or answer any questions from the police.

Robinson appeared in court virtually for the first time on Tuesday. The prosecution announced during the hearing that they filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty.

Robinson was arrested after he turned himself in for the shooting with his parents and a family friend at the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

His surrender came after authorities searched for 33 hours. Two people were arrested and released during the manhunt.
FCC chair Brendan Carr, who suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! over the hosts controversial remarks about Charlie Kirks murder, suggested it may be 'worthwhile' for his agency to review ABCs The View.

Speaking to CNN on Thursday about the FCCs 'equal opportunity' rule, Carr said: 'I would assume you can make the argument that The View is a bona fide news show, but Im not so sure about that.

'And I think its worthwhile to have the FCC look into whether "The View" and some of these other programs that you have still qualify as bona fide news programs.'

Jimmy Kimmel was suspended from ABC on Tuesday evening after making vile comments about the conservative activist's assassination at the University of Utah campus.

Kimmel ranted about the shooting on his Monday night episode, suggesting the assassin 'was MAGA' and the Republicans were trying to 'score political points'.

On Wednesday FCC Chair Brendan Carr urged broadcasters to stop airing his show, hinting he would open an investigation into the vicious comments. By Wednesday night Disney-owned ABC announced Jimmy Kimmel Live! was 'pre-empted indefinitely', without elaborating further.

Kimmel has not commented publicly on his suspension, amid growing rumors he'll refuse to return to ABC even if the option becomes available.
A Russian woman has been accused of kidnapping the child she shares with a Canadian man she met on Cupid.com, allegedly fleeing to Moscow under the guise of a 'family visit.'

Tegmina Agadzhanyan, 41, and Mark Whittaker, 51, fell in love on the popular dating site, welcomed their daughter Monica in 2023, got engaged, and planned to settle in Canada where their child was born, as reported by CTV News.

But just a year later, Ontario native Whittaker alleges his former fiancee took their child to visit family in her homeland - and never came back.

After pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into seven trips to Russia, the desperate father says he has managed to see his now two-year-old daughter only once.

'It's like a hostage on a chain and she's holding her like a ransom as collateral to get this child support,' Whittaker told CTV News.

Now, he is urgently pleading with federal officials to end his 'year-long nightmare,' claiming that Russian lawyers have told him there's 'nothing they can do' because 'parental abduction is not a crime.'

'It's just - it's unacceptable, it's wrong, it's criminal,' Whittaker added.

The couple appeared to lead a happy family life after Monica's birth, with Agadzhanyan sharing photos on Facebook as recently as last January of Whittaker holding their little girl during a trip to the shopping mall.

Tegmina Agadzhanyan (pictured), a 41-year-old Russian woman, was accused of 'kidnapping' the child she shares with a man she met on Cupid.com, allegedly fleeing to Moscow under the guise of a 'family visit'

Agadzhanyan and Canadian Mark Whittaker (pictured), 51, fell in love on the popular dating site, welcomed their daughter Monica (pictured) in 2023, got engaged, and reportedly planned to move to Canada where their child was born

After pouring more than $300,000 into seven trips to Russia, the desperate father says he has managed to see his now two-year-old daughter (pictured) only once since his former 'homesick' fiancee fled home

But by the following summer, the 41-year-old mother suddenly told Whittaker she was feeling homesick and needed to visit her family back home.

He claimed that within weeks, she ended the relationship and swiftly secured a Russian court order for spousal and child support by August.

'She stopped communicating, she wouldn't answer calls, she'd hang up or declined calls,' Whittaker told CTV.

'She wouldn't respond to my messages, so I started catching on in a few days and go, "Wow, I think she is like, actually wanting to stay,"' he added.

Whittaker has since been fighting to bring his daughter back home, making multiple trips to Russia in a desperate attempt to reunite with her - though these efforts have not always been successful.

'I've spent over $300,000,' Whittker told the outlet, but claims lawyers have repeatedly told him the same thing: parental abduction isn't illegal in Russia, and the courts 'heavily favor the mother' in custody battles.

'What she's been doing for the past year is kidnapping and her reason is, you know, to get control of the child for herself and to get money through like a lucrative 25 percent child support order,' he added.

He said that in March, he was finally allowed to see his two-year-old Monica for a few hours, though the visit came with strict conditions.

Whittaker is now pleading with federal officials to end his 'year-long nightmare,' claiming that Russian lawyers have told him there's 'nothing they can do' because 'parental abduction is not a crime'. Pictured: pregnant Agadzhanyan

The couple appeared to lead a seemingly simple family life after their Monica's birth, with Agadzhanyan sharing photos on Facebook as recently as last January of Whittaker holding their little girl during a trip to the shopping mall (pictured)

Whittaker said that in March, he was finally allowed to see his two-year-old Monica (pictured with Agadzhanyan) for a few hours, though the visit came with strict conditions

Although Whittaker recently obtained a Canadian court order for his daughter's return, nothing has changed - and he blames Agadzhanyan's brother and family for keeping his daughter 'hostage' in another country.

While his allegations have yet to be tested in court, Whittaker plans to return to Russia next week for a hearing, having already pleaded with federal government officials for help in bringing his daughter home.

This week, more than a year after she left Canada, South Simcoe Police issued an Ontario-wide arrest warrant for Agadzhanyan, according to a news release.

Authorities have charged the mother with abduction in contravention of a custody or parenting order, as well as disobeying a court order - all while she remains in Russia, seemingly carrying on with life as usual.

Earlier this month, Agadzhanyan shared several photos on Facebook capturing Monica's first day of kindergarten - including one showing the backpack-clad toddler walking to school alongside her mother and grandmother.

'Monica is already standing up on her own, and says that she must run to kindergarten,' Agadzhanyan captioned one of her posts.

'She speaks American at home with her family, and in the kindergarten she speaks Russian,' she added. 'And in English, she watches cartoons and understands.'

In another video posted on Wednesday, the mother shared a clip of her brother playfully tossing Monica in the air and cuddling her as she held her doll.

Whittaker blames Agadzhanyan's brother (pictured with her) and family for keeping his daughter 'hostage' in another country

This week, more than a year after she left Canada, South Simcoe Police issued an Ontario-wide arrest warrant for Agadzhanyan (pictured with Monica) - charging her with abduction in contravention of a custody or parenting order and disobeying a court order

Agadzhanyan has shared numerous photos on Facebook offering glimpses into Monica's life in Russia, including several outings with the two-year-old's grandmother (both pictured)

While forced to watch his daughter grow up from afar through social media, Whittaker says the pain is deepened by the sense of betrayal from the woman he once trusted.

He told CTV News he truly believed Agadzhanyan loved him, especially after they deeply connected on Cupid.com and had a child together - all before she fled to Russia and cut off all contact.

'I love my family very much,' Whittaker told CTV.

'What you're doing is wrong,' he added. 'It's criminal and I don't think, you know, you're a criminal, but you're acting like one right now.'

An investigation has been launched into Agadzhanyan, with South Simcoe Police stating she 'made no attempt to return to Canada with the infant.'

The mother allegedly failed to appear at any of the court hearings, and while the investigation remains ongoing, a warrant for her arrest has been issued in Canada.
Maori actress Keisha Castle-Hughes has spoken out after her foreign-born daughter was denied citizenship to New Zealand, claiming the process felt 'incredibly racist'.

The Oscar-nominated actress, known for starring in the 2002 film Whale Rider, was born in Australia and received her citizenship by descent, through her Maori mother.

She applied for a NZ passport for her newborn daughter in 2021 but was knocked back on the basis her daughter was born outside the country, in New York, and her own citizenship was obtained by descent.

At a hearing of the Waitangi Tribunal - which investigates breaches of the country's foundational Treaty of Waitangi - Castle-Hughes, 35, railed against the process, which she said felt 'incredibly racist' and required applicants had to prove their 'Maoridom'.

'The government wanted proof of how much time I had spent on the marae (meeting ground) and whether I was participating in Maori culture, such as kapa haka,' she told the tribunal, reported to the New Zealand Herald.

'That is not quantifiable to us'.

While Castle-Hughes ultimately secured citizenship for her daughter through political intervention, she said the issue needed to be resolved for future generations.

'The grant of citizenship for our daughter does not resolve our issues she is in the exact same boat unless she has her future tamariki in Aotearoa,' she said.

Maori actress Keisha Castle-Hughes (pictured) opened up on her distress after her daughter was denied New Zealand citizenship

Castle-Hughes described the NZ citizenship process as 'incredibly racist' during an explosive appearance at a Maori tribunal this week (pictured)

NZ Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour (above) said the actor should 'stick to whale riding'

The two-day hearing, which opened on Wednesday, examined whether the country's approach to Maori citizenship met the obligations of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The initiating claim was brought by John Ruddock (Ngapuhi), also a New Zealand citizen by descent.

He told the tribunal he was subjected to 'demeaning' processes when he sought to secure citizenship for his US-born children.

Castle-Hughes' appearance at the tribunal was highly-publicised and attracted criticism from a range of senior politicians.

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour on Wednesday said the actress and producer should 'stick to whale riding' - a reference to her acting debut in the film Whale Rider.

Like Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, he claimed a separate pathway for Maori citizenship would undermine the idea of one law for all.

'I mean, you know, the problem is that we are all New Zealanders. We all have the same rights before the law. The rules apply equally to everybody,' he said.

'When some people try to say I have different rights as a New Zealander because my ancestors got here at a different time, that's what I'm opposed to.'

Daily Mail has contacted Castle-Hughes.
In a new Daily Mail podcast, The Trial Australia, Paul Cale, a former special operations soldier dubbed 'the killer commando', offers advice on bringing to an end the manhunt for Dezi Freeman - the largest tactical operation in Australian police history.

Freeman, 56, has been on the run for over three weeks after allegedly gunning down two officers and fleeing into dense Australian bushland.

You can listen to the inaugural episode of The Trial Australia by clicking the player below or here

The fugitive, who styled himself as a 'sovereign citizen', is an experienced bushman who police believe may have pre-positioned supply caches to survive in the harsh terrain.

On the morning of August 26, police attended Freeman's remote Porepunkah property in Victoria's alpine region to execute a search warrant related to alleged historical sex offences.

Freeman, who was living in a bus, is thought to be carrying multiple firearms including a homemade shotgun, rifle, and a police weapon taken after the deadly ambush.

'It is very hard to find someone who's spent a lot of time in a particular area', Cale, a former special operations officer told The Trial Australia's Wayne Flower.

'If Freeman has that prepping mindset, he could have done a lot of set-up and hides. Hides are locations where it's hard to observe him.

Freeman (pictured), 56, has been on the run for over three weeks after allegedly gunning down two officers and fleeing into dense Australian bushland

Paul Cale (pictured), a former special operations soldier dubbed 'the killer commando', offers advice on bringing to an end the manhunt for Dezi Freeman

The Trial Australia - Inside Australia's biggest criminal cases: Listen to the new Daily Mail podcast now

'He might have access to food, ammunition and more weapons, things like that.

'Then again, he might have committed suicide and that's also troubling because you're not going to get that confirmation. Is he still alive and at large, or is he down the bottom of a cave somewhere?

'He is on his own. He could have fallen and injured himself. All the environmental factors that affect people when they go bushwalking and get lost come into play here.

'It's a very tough one for police you're looking for a needle in a haystack.'

Cale is a founding member of the Second Commando Regiment, an elite branch of the Australian Defence Force.

He earned the name 'killer commando' in Afghanistan, where he tracked down a Taliban leader and strangled him to death.

A difficult terrain expert, Australia's 'toughest soldier' told the podcast how he would go about apprehending Freeman.

He said: 'You would start doing particular search processes, confining the area that you believe them to be in. Then start to break that down.

'The problem is the sheer land mass of the Bush. You need numbers to search that area effectively.

'You may think you have searched an area  but you could have simply gone right past him.

'You're totally relying on the outer cordon to stop him from escaping that search process.

Paul Cale: 'You would start doing particular search processes, confining the area that you believe them to be in. Then start to break that down.' Listen now

Paul Cale: 'The problem is the sheer land mass of the Bush. You need numbers to search that area effectively.' Listen now

Paul Cale: 'I don't think Freeman (pictured) would have made this decision without forethought  he's thought this through in his mind that's why it's so difficult to find him.' Listen now

A difficult terrain expert, Australia's 'toughest soldier' told the podcast how he would go about apprehending Freeman

'I don't think Freeman would have made this decision without forethought  he's thought this through in his mind that's why it's so difficult to find him.'

Crime reporter Flower told his guest that he expects the fugitive will be 'loathed to come in and face a judge.'

Cale agreed, saying he envisages a 'bad outcome' to the hunt for Freeman.

'The end of this will not be good', the ex-commando said.

'I feel for the families of those police officers. Turning up, doing your job  it's a terrible thing.

'If anyone that is hearing this is talking to him, all I can say is, surrender. The best thing for him to do is to just surrender and come out.

'Face the music and have this whole thing come to an end.'

Freeman was last seen wearing dark green tracksuit pants, a matching rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses.

From the creators of the chart-topping The Trial of Erin Patterson, the Daily Mail brings you The Trial Australia - taking you inside Australia's biggest criminal cases.

To listen, search for The Trial Australia now, wherever you get your podcasts or enjoy the new series ad-free by subscribing to The Crime Desk.
Donald Trump's White House staffers shared to social media swaths of images from their trip to the United Kingdom with the president.

Longtime top Trump advisor Margo Martin posted an image of her and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posing in front of the King's Guard as they welcomed the team to Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Later that night at the state dinner, Deputy White House Chief of Staff James Blair posted a selfie to Instagram with a bunch of high-powered individuals in Trump's inner circle. This included, among others, Blair's co-deputy Dan Scavino, Leavitt, Martin, Staff Secretary Will Scharf and the president's daughter Tiffany Trump.

Leavitt, Martin and Scavino were among those who shared some of the most flashy behind-the-scenes images and videos from the president's official visit to the United Kingdom this week.

Scavino posted videos of the Royal Air Force flyover amid the pomp and circumstance displayed to Trump by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as the view from the motorcade pulling up to Windsor Castle with a herd of deer crossing the street ahead of the vehicles.

He highlighted the stark difference between Trump riding in a garbage truck and serving McDonald's at a drive thru during the campaign last year and now walking amongst the King's Guard in Britain.

The insider accounts give the world a peek into the view of Trump's innermost circle during one of his most high-profile trips of his second term so far.

President Donald Trump's top staffers and inner circle posted behind-the-scenes images from the state visit to the United Kingdom this week

Longtime Trump advisor Margo Martin posted to her Instagram story a picture with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in front of the King's Guard at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted a behind-the-scenes look at the Trumps walking with Prince William and Princess Kate as they arrived for a day of fanfare

Trump arrived in the United Kingdom on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday he appeared for a full day of festivities, which included presentation of the King's Guard, patriotic playings of American and British anthems and a U.K. military flyover with red, white and blue tail smoke.

The staffers also watched a sky diver waving a massive American Flag jump from a plane and open his red, white and blue parachute.

The president and First Lady Melania Trump also toured St. George's Chapel on the ground of Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II, who Trump deeply admitted, is buried.

Martin posted an image and videos from the austere interior of the chapel.

'President Trump and the First Lady listen to Chapel Choristers inside St. George's Chapel,' Martin posted with a video of the performance and an emoji of the British flag.

In another story to her Instagram, Martin wrote about how Donald and Melania were given a tour of the Quire at the chapel; and another showed the first lady and Queen Camilla arriving in a car together for a 'musical performance' on the lawn of the palace.

The fanfare for the Trumps included tours of the Palace grounds and displays of artifacts. It concluded with a ritzy dinner on Wednesday night.

Margo Martin also posted a flashy image of the inside of the chapel at St. James's Palace

And Scavino showed his view of the parachuter waving an American Flag as he descended above Windsor Castle

Scavino also posted images from the flyover and the State Dinner

On Thursday, Trump met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and held a joint press conference.

Trump signed a Declaration of a Special Relationship with Starmer at the prime minister's country house Chequers to reaffirm the deep ties between the U.S. and UK.

Staffers were with the president and first lady every step of the way for their quick trip across the pound.

Their social media accounts were flurried this week with image of the scenes from England as well as video of the first couple meeting with royalty and members of the UK government.

Their social media accounts were flurried this week with images of the scenes from England as well as video of the first couple meeting with royalty.

Scavino posted a video of the Trumps being greeted and walking alongside William, Prince of Wales, and Kate, Princess of Wales.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared an image to her Instagram story of the grounds at Windsor Castle
Brendan Carr was just 'waiting for the wrong move' to pull their plug on any network on the president's hit list, it was revealed on Thursday.

A source familiar with the inner workings at the Federal Communications Commission warned the Daily Mail just last month that the FCC chairman was waiting for his opportunity.

President Donald Trump was basking in the cancellation of Stephen Colbert, but knowing Carr, the source calculated last month that another scalp was coming soon.

'I told you,' was the reply the Daily Mail received Thursday following the suspension of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel.

The final blow came from an unlikely personal alliance between Carr and farright host Benny Johnson, who held a webcast interview condemning Kimmel and urging ABC to fire him in the wake of Kimmel's commentary on Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel made several comments on his show Monday and Tuesday on the conservative activist's killing, saying many Trump supporters are trying to capitalize on Kirk's death.

'The MAGA gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,' Kimmel said.

Johnson's team called ABC, their stations, and Disney 'all day' with what he called unimaginable success. 'MAGA twitter' added fuel to the fire  helping create a simmering pressure campaign.

'We had FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on the show to announce investigations into ABC and Disney for letting Kimmel lie to millions about Charlie Kirk's assassination. Hours later, he was gone,' Johnson celebrated on Truth Social.

Just last month, a source familiar with the inner workings at the Federal Communications Commission warned the Daily Mail that FCC chairman Brendan Carr was 'waiting for the wrong move' from any network on the president's hit list to pull their plug

The 'cleancut telecom crusader' commands what insiders call the 'MAGA ship' at the FCC

Carr has emerged as Trump's most powerful yet underestimated enforcer, wielding regulatory authority over America's multibilliondollar communications landscape.

The 'cleancut telecom crusader' commands what insiders call the 'MAGA ship' at the FCC.

His aggressive approach has made him both a rising star in Trump's inner circle and a lightning rod for fierce opposition. House Democrats have demanded his resignation, branding him a 'bully' whose actions constitute 'corrupt abuse of power.'

But the Daily Mail can report that Carr's aggressive stance may be more political theater than a fervent regulatory worldview, according to sources familiar with his approach.

One source close to former FCC employees reveals Carr is actually 'somewhat of an industry shill' who was initially 'hesitant to get on board' with targeting networks. The real driving force was former commissioner Nathan Simington, who 'led the initial charge' for weeks before Carr agreed.

Simington, sources say, was more closely aligned with President Trump, as was his protege Gavin Wax  who Simington hoped would replace him when he left the FCC.

Simington was nominated to serve as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission by the president. His appointment was part of the Trump administration's effort to reshape the FCC, following the withdrawal of Commissioner Michael O'Rielly's renomination due to his reservations about limiting social media companies' legal protections.

The Daily Mail reported that clashes at the agency in late August led to staff departures and changes in personnel, when Simington resigned and his underling Gavin Wax left for the State Department.

'Talk gets you pretty far. Threats from the FCC will weaken valuations, but networks will realize the threats are empty if he doesn't follow through,' the source explained. 'He's not actually doing the work to make the FCC go after broadcasters, he's relying on other people to get it done for him. He's trying to toe the line. He wants to make Trump happy but he can't go too far otherwise he could face legal issues.'

One former FCC employee reveals Carr is actually 'somewhat of an industry shill' who was initially 'hesitant to get on board' with targeting networks. The real driving force was former commissioner Nathan Simington, who 'led the initial charge' for weeks before Carr agreed

'I think Brendan Carr is outstanding, he's a patriot,' said Trump, who nominated Carr to his position. 'He loves our country, and he's a tough guy. So we'll have to see,' Trump said today

Today, President Trump took things a step further, hinting that the federal government could revoke the licenses of broadcast television networks that oppose him

The FCC cannot legally remove Jimmy Kimmel or others from the air for political commentary, as doing so would violate First Amendment protections. However, it can exert regulatory pressurethrough license reviews, merger approvals, or public scrutinythat may indirectly influence networks to take action on their own.

Today, President Trump took things a step further, hinting that the federal government could revoke the licenses of broadcast television networks that oppose him.

The president said that decision will be up to Brendan Carr.

'I think Brendan Carr is outstanding, he's a patriot,' said Trump, who nominated Carr to his position. 'He loves our country, and he's a tough guy. So we'll have to see,' Trump said today.

Trump is also now eyeing Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers following Kimmel's downfall.

'Their ratings are horrible. Do it NBC!!!' Trump posted on Truth Social.

One insider close to the chairman described Carr's position as a 'delicate dance' between Trump's impulsive social media demands and staying within legal precedent. But networks are in 'panic' as they fold 'like a deck of cards.'

Industry sources warn that hosts could have grounds to sue if the FCC drives them off air. 'Saying you want to dump broadcasters is just not going to hold up in court,' one added.

Broadcasting giants are aligning with Carr's agenda as they pursue multibilliondollar deals. Nexstar wants approval for its $6.2 billion Tegna acquisition, which would reach 80 percent of U.S. householdswell beyond the FCC's 39 percent cap.

Broadcasting giants are aligning with Carr's agenda as they pursue multibilliondollar deals. Nexstar wants approval for its $6.2 billion Tegna acquisition, which would reach 80 percent of U.S. householdswell beyond the FCC's 39 percent cap

One insider close to the chairman described Carr's position as a 'delicate dance' between Trump's impulsive social media demands and staying within legal precedent. But networks are in 'panic' as they fold 'like a deck of cards'

Industry sources warn that hosts could have grounds to sue if the FCC drives them off air. 'Saying you want to dump broadcasters is just not going to hold up in court,' one added

Donald Trump was basking in the cancellation of Stephen Colbert , but knowing Carr, the source calculated another another scalp was coming soon

Sinclair is demanding Kimmel apologize and donate to Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA.

The timing isn't coincidental. In July, CBS cancelled Colbert around the same time Paramount sought FCC approval for its $8 billion Skydance mergerwhich Carr approved.

'Americans no longer trust legacy media to report fully, accurately, and fairly,' Carr said in a statement. 'It is time for a change.'

Carr, 46, was first appointed by Trump in 2017 and reappointed by Biden in 2023, earning unanimous Senate confirmation three times. The Georgetown law graduate earned the nickname 'The FCC's 5G crusader' for his deregulation agenda.

Operating at the intersection of free speech rights and broadband billions, his decisions ripple through everything from social media platforms to rural internet access.

The question isn't whether Carr is reshaping America's media landscapeit's whether this unprecedented approach to appease the president and his supporters will survive the political and legal firestorm he's ignited.
Donald Trump urged Keir Starmer to deploy the military to stop the Channel boats crisis breaking Britain today.

At a tense joint press conference, the US president warned that illegal immigration 'destroys countries from within' - as he highlighted his own success in securing America's borders.

Mr Trump also bluntly stated that he 'disagreed' with Sir Keir's plan to recognise a Palestinian state, urged the UK to do more drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea, and pointedly hailed the 'traditions of British liberty'.

The interventions came as the leaders wrapped up an historic State Visit with the PM praising the 'renewed' Special Relationship and his 'friendship' with Mr Trump.

Speaking at Chequers, Sir Keir insisted that Vladimir Putin's strikes on Ukraine were 'not the actions of someone who wants peace'.

And in some of his toughest language, which will be welcomed by No10, Mr Trump said Putin had 'let me down, he's really let me down'.

Sir Keir urged a new push for peace in Gaza - where the allies have taken sharply different approaches. But Mr Trump batted away the idea of recognising Palestine, which the UK could do at the United Nations as soon as tomorrow.

Mr Trump also delivered a veiled dig over American concerns about free speech in the UK, amid allegations of heavy-handed policing of online posts.

Sir Keir responded later in the exchanges that Britain had enjoyed free speech for a 'very very long time'. 'It's part of who we are as a country... we fought for it in the Second World War alongside each other.'

Asked about the Channel boats crisis, Mr Trump cited his own policies on the Mexican border: 'What I saw happening, with millions of people pouring into our country, I couldn't stand to watch it, and we've done a great job.'

He said 'the last three months we had zero  from millions of people a year ago, we had zero people enter our country illegally'.

Mr Trump added: 'I think your situation is very similar. You have people coming in and I told the Prime Minister I would stop it, and it doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use.

'It destroys countries from within and we're actually now removing a lot of the people that came into our country.'

Keir Starmer boasted of a 'renewed' Special Relationship today as he runs the gauntlet of a joint press conference with Donald Trump

Keir Starmer said the leaders 'genuinely like each other' as they oversaw a business reception at Chequers

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer began their talks in the opulent surroundings of Chequers this morning

Sir Keir seemed to be pointing out historical features in his country residence

Mr Trump, Sir Keir, Melania and Lady Victoria watched a display by the Red Devils

In other key moments at the press conference:

Mr Trump skated over questions about Lord Mandelson's sacking today insisting he 'didn't know' the ex-ambassador;

Mr Trump said US TV host Jimmy Kimmel had been axed because of a lack of 'talent' rather than his jibe about Charlie Kirk;

Sir Keir, who has previously said he is an atheist, was asked if Britain was a 'Christian country' and replied: I was Christened, so that is my church, has been all my life.'

Sir Keir and Mr Trump have signed a huge tech investment deal at Chequers, with Mr Trump insisting it will help advance the 'next technological revolution'.

He also complimented Sir Keir on the trade pact sealed with the US back in May, describing him as a 'great negotiator'.

Mr Trump said 'I don't know him' when asked whether he had sympathy with former US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson for being sacked over historic links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The US president said: 'I don't know him actually, I had heard that, and I think maybe the Prime Minister would be better speaking of that. It was a choice that he made and I don't know.'

Speaking directly to Sir Keir, Mr Trump said: 'What is your answer to that?'

The Prime Minister replied: 'It's very straightforward. Some information came to light last week which wasn't available when he was appointed, and I made a decision about it, and that's very clear.'

Mr Trump said wind power was a 'very expensive joke' and that the North Sea was 'phenomenal' after Sir Keir spoke of the importance of a mix of renewable energy.

The PM said he was 'absolutely determined to ensure that the price and cost of energy comes down so the bills come down, both for individuals, for families with their household bills, but also for business'.

'Because this is so important, the mix will include oil and gas for many years to come from the North Sea. We have been clear about that for some time, but we also need to mix that with renewables,' Sir Keir said.

'It's the mix that's really important. And the approach I've taken on this is the same approach that I say to many other things, a pragmatic approach.'

Mr Trump said: 'I would like to say that we inherited the worst inflation in the history of our country. We had inflation the likes of which we've really never seen  and as you know, we brought fuel way down.

'The price is way down. And we don't do wind because wind is a disaster.

'It's a very expensive joke, frankly  so that was very important. Drill, baby, drill.

'And you have a great asset here we spoke about, it's called the North Sea. The North Sea oil is phenomenal. And I hope, because I love this country.

'You know, my mother was born in Scotland  and I want this country to do well. And you have great assets that you're going to start using, I believe, under this Prime Minister, thank you.'

Mr Trump said Sir Keir's plan to recognise a Palestinian state was 'one of our few disagreements'.

'I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements actually,' he told journalists at a press conference when asked about the British plan to recognise Palestinian statehood.

Mr Trump also insisted that 'we have to have the hostages back immediately'.

Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump gesture as they board Air Force One to depart from London Stansted Airport

Trump points to someone on the tarmac. His departure brings his historic second state visit to a close

The US leader took hold of Melania's hand after the pair exited Marine One at Stansted Airport

Trump raised a clenched fist in the air as he walked hand-in-hand with his wife Melania across the tarmac at Stansted Airport

He also accused Palestinian militant group Hamas of 'putting the hostages up as bait' and described this as 'pretty brutal'.

Sir Keir, meanwhile, confirmed the pair had discussed his intention to recognise Palestinian statehood as they met in private on Thursday.

Recognition needs to be seen as 'part of that overall package which hopefully takes us from the appalling situation we're in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel, which we do not have, and a viable Palestinian state', Sir Keir added.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has hosted a business reception in Downing Street for bosses at top US and UK financial firms, including BlackRock, Barclays and Blackstone in a bid to highlight Transatlantic economic cooperation.

As they signed the agreement earlier, Mr Trump said the relationship between the nations was an 'unbreakable bond' and 'priceless'.

But there was an awkward moment as the president boasted that he had closed the US southern border with 'zero' people entering illegally. Sir Keir has been struggling to stop small boats crossing the Channel.

Speaking alongside Mr Trump at Chequers, Sir Keir said: 'This historic second state visit is a moment to celebrate the unique bond between our two countries.

'But today, we've gone far beyond that. We've renewed the special relationship for a new era.

'The United Kingdom, the United States stand together today as first partners on defence, first partners in trade  with the groundbreaking deal we struck in May  and now, with a new agreement that we've just signed this afternoon, we're confirming our status as the first partners in science and technology ready to define this century together just as we did the last.'

Mr Trump said of the two countries 'we are forever joined, and we are forever friends'.

At the business reception, Sir Keir told the president that the Special Relationship needed 'leaders who respect each other, leaders who genuinely like each other'.

He said it was a 'great pleasure for me personally' to entertain Mr Trump.

'You are among friends there is so much to celebrate in the Special Relationship between our two countries,' he said.

Mr Trump said he was 'sincerely grateful' for being invited to 'this very special home, this beautiful place'.

Sir Keir's wife Lady Victoria joined him in greeting Mr Trump at the entrance to Chequers, as they gave an awkward wave for the cameras

'And I was here a number of years ago, but somehow today, it looks even better, even more beautiful and even more historic. Melania and I are forever thankful to His Majesty King Charles the Third, and Her Majesty, Queen Camilla.

'Had a fantastic evening last night, but the exquisite honour of a second official state visit, the first ever.

'It's the first time it's ever been done, was really was an honour such great history, and to think it's a first, it's always nice to have a first, but the ties between our countries are priceless, and it's really an inheritance, beautiful inheritance.

'Today, we're making those ties closer than ever before. We've done some things that financially are great for both countries, and we work together, and it keeps us together.

'And I think it's an unbreakable bond we have, regardless of what we're doing today, I think it's unbreakable.'

Earlier, the pair shook hands warmly on the steps of the PM's country residence after Mr Trump pulled up in his armoured limousine known as 'The Beast'.

An honour guard of RAF personnel from nearby RAF Halton and two RAF bagpipers were on hand to greet him, while Sir Keir's wife Lady Victoria also came to the door.

At a Royal banquet last night after a day of red-carpet treatment, the president described his second State Visit to the UK as 'one of the highest honours of my life'.

The King saw Mr Trump off from Windsor this morning, before he travelled by helicopter to Chequers. First Lady Melania remained with the Royals for a separate visit.

The PM has gifted the US leader a bespoke ministerial red box styled to take back to the White House, as well as showing him items from the Churchill archives.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also had face-to-face talks at Chequers.

Hopes Sir Keir could deliver on his boast to have eliminated Mr Trump's 'beautiful' tariffs on steel imports from Britain have also been dashed. No agreement is thought to have been reached on that element.

The fate of Lord Mandelson is particularly sensitive because of Mr Trump's travails over his own relationship with Epstein.

Earlier, the leaders shook hands warmly on the doorstep after Mr Trump pulled up in his armoured limousine known as 'The Beast'

The King saw Mr Trump off from Windsor this morning, before he travelled by helicopter to Chequers

The leaders saw each other alongside the King at Windsor Castle yesterday

Pictured: Lord Mandelson (left) in a fluffy white dressing gown enjoying a chat with Jeffrey Epstein (right)

The UK's intention of recognising Palestine as a state could cause tensions between Mr Trump and Sir Keir (pictured, an Israeli strike on Gaza yesterday)

Sir Keir has been facing Labour fury after publicly backing Lord Mandelson to stay on, before sacking him the following day.

In an interview on Monday the premier appeared to blame his staff for failing to brief him properly on the extent of Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, whom the former ambassador once described as his 'best pal'.

But he failed to explain why he had not sought more information after Lord Mandelson publicly warned there were more 'very embarrassing' details to emerge.
Police are probing the death of a congressional staffer who was found on fire at her home in Texas.

Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, was discovered by her mother, who called emergency crews to the Uvalde residence on the evening of September 13.

She was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center but died from her injuries the next morning, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office.

Santos-Aviles, remembered by friends and family as a 'devoted mother' to her eight-year-old son, had served as the regional district director for Republican US Representative Tony Gonzales since 2021.

Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado said there was no indication of foul play, but the Texas Rangers are helping complete their investigation.

Santos-Aviles's mother, Nora Ann Gonzales, described the incident as a tragic accident and that her daughter's final words were: 'I don't want to die.'

'When we arrived, we learned of a fire behind the residence that had been put out with a fire extinguisher,' the fire department chief Mario Rangel told the San Antonio Express-News.

In a statement, Congressman Tony Gonzales said: 'We are all heart-stricken by the recent news.

Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, was reportedly found on fire by police and firefighters

Records from the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office show that Santos-Aviles was pronounced dead one day later - on September 14 at 6.34am.

'Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community.

'She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.'

Police said they were called to Santos-Aviles's home in Uvalde at around 9.30pm, according to a call sheet obtained by KSAT.

The Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department also received a call at 9.39pm for an 'individual who was on fire.'

The call was canceled but firefighters still attended to the home since it was close to the station.

By the time they arrived, the fire had been put out.

Fire department chief Mario Rangel said: 'At the same time, EMS personnel were attending to a female who had suffered burns.

'She was transported by EMS and, at some point, flown to a San Antonio hospital.'

Santos-Aviles had worked as the regional district director for Tony Gonzales's office since November 2021

Her mother told the Express-News that Santos-Aviles had been taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

She added that her daughter's death was an accident, and that there was a water hose outside of the home.

Her last words were supposedly: 'I don't want to die.'

'And they told her, 'We will do our best to make sure we get you taken care of',' her mom added.

She said Santos-Aviles was a 'devoted mother.'

Records from the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office show that Santos-Aviles was pronounced dead on September 14 at 6.34am.
David Sharaz has been ordered to pay Linda Reynolds more than half a million dollars over social media posts a court found defamed the former senator.

On Thursday, Justice Paul Tottle from the WA Supreme Court ordered Sharaz to pay Reynolds $92,000 in damages plus legal costs that could reach $500,000 over the posts made in 2022 and 2023, reported The Australian.

In addition, he is also jointly liable with his wife, Brittany Higgins, to pay $135,000 in damages over another one of the posts which they made together.

The court found the posts were based on allegations of a 'cover-up' by Ms Reynolds which had 'no basis in fact'.

'I'm aghast that despite everything you put a staffer through you're still a minister,' one post made by Sharaz read.

Another post read: 'Linda, I see you', which Justice Tottle said seemed like it was intended to intimidate Reynolds, while a third was a comment agreeing with a post suggesting Reynolds should be in jail.

Separately, Higgins was ordered in the same court to pay Reynolds $315,000 in damages plus $26,000 in interest along with pay 80 per cent of her legal fees, which, combined with her own legal bills, is an estimated $2million bill.

On Wednesday, Higgins' lawyers accepted a bankruptcy notice served by Reynold's lawyers, The Australian reported, but also lodged an appeal on the defamation ruling, meaning that any bankruptcy proceedings are stalled until after that is finalised.

Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz were sued by former Senator Linda Reynolds over a series of social media posts

Reynolds has been awarded half a million dollars in damages and legal costs from Sharaz

Higgins in 2022 had been awarded $2.4million from the Commonwealth as part of an out-of-court settlement over the handling of her 2019 rape allegation against former colleague Bruce Lehrmann.

Two months later, she registered an ABN for the Brittany Higgins Protective Trust, which her lawyer claimed had been established to hold the proceeds of the payout.

As Reynolds' defamation case was in full swing, the former Senator won a legal bid to obtain the details of that trust so that its funds might be accessed should she win.

However, public records show just a few months before Reynolds did win the suit, the trust's ABN was cancelled, signalling it was no longer being used for business activity, and Higgins told the court she only has $10,000.

Higgins' lawyer, Rachael Young SC, claimed the trust was intended to hold the proceeds of the settlement and that there were no actual or potential creditors at the time it was made.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Peter Quinlan refused to rule on Higgins' intentions in setting up the trust, but agreed Reynolds' application to set it aside was the 'only way' she might have 'any hope of recovery of any sum that might be owing to her'.

How much of the $2.4million payout, of which Higgins claimed she received about $1.9million, remains is unclear. Since it was awarded she has had a lavish wedding, international travel and bought a French home she later sold to cover her legal costs.

Reynolds' lawyer Martin Bennet has told the court the former Senator was 'mortgaged to the hilt' to fund her legal costs - estimated to be over $1million.

In the judgment released last month, it was revealed Higgins offered to settle the matter with a $200,000 payment towards Reynolds' legal fees to be funded by her parents.

The settlement, which Justice Tottle claimed was 'unreasonable', had the requirement the women issue a 'statement of mutual regret' and that Reynolds donate $10,000 to a woman's charity or refuge.

It is just one of the various legal cases that have played out for the last five years during the saga.

A criminal case against Lehrmann was abandoned after juror misconduct and he subsequently lost a defamation case against Network 10 and presenter Lisa Wilkson, who broke the story.

Reynolds is also pursuing separate legal proceedings against the federal government over the settlement it awarded Higgins, claiming it breached its duty to act in her best interests.

Daily Mail contacted Higgins for comment.
A gunman who slaughtered three police officers during a rural bloodbath has been named as Matthew James Ruth by police.

Ruth, 24, is accused of opening fire in York County, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday afternoon. He was killed when police returned gunfire.

The horrific incident, which left five officers shot, unfolded Wednesday afternoon in York County as several 911 calls came in stating 'officer down' and 'signal 13,' which means an office is in trouble.

Ruth, 24, was charged earlier on Wednesday with stalking, loitering and prowling at nighttime and criminal trespass, court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail revealed.

A press conference has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon, with officers likely to discuss whether that earlier charge triggered the triple-murder.

Meanwhile, heartbreaking Police scanner audio obtained by WGAL News 8 started with: 'We have one suspect, class four.

'Two officers, class four... correction, three officers, class four,' it continued. Class four suggests a person has serious injuries that could lead to death.

'One officer, class one,' it added, referring to someone who sustained life-threatening injuries.

'Were going to be coming in with one of the officers shot. We were going to fly, but were just coming by ground now. Were probably less than 15 minutes out... shot in the lower abdomen and left forearm.'

The two surviving officers are in critical but stable condition after Ruth, who was armed and dressed in camouflage, skulked in nearby cornfields, CNN reported.

Five officers were shot in a violent incident Wednesday afternoon in York County, Pennsylvania. Three of those officers died and two are are in critical but stable condition

The unidentified suspect was killed when police returned fire during the shooting. (Pictured: A York County Sheriff vehicle passing during a procession Wednesday evening)

A local man has been charged in relation to allegedly stalking a resident at a home where the police officers were killed. It is unclear if any of those involved in that alleged incident were involved in the deadly shooting.

As the investigation continued Wednesday night, more than 30 police vehicles were seen blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm as well as soybean and corn fields.

Strangely, the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia also said in a now-deleted post it was 'monitoring the incident' and that the 'Mexican community is advised to follow official instructions.'

A spokesperson with the Mexican Consulate told the Daily Mail the agency posted as a 'precautionary alert for our community.'

'Whenever there is an incident that occurs within our jurisdiction, we send it out. We have no further information than what has appeared in the media. Therefore, we have no comments/statement at this time,' they added.

The shooting had prompted schools in the Spring Grove School District and hospitals in York County to be temporarily placed on lockdown.

The school district noted that the officer-involved situation was not related to students or schools.

A local man has been charged in relation to allegedly stalking a resident at a home (pictured) where the police officers were killed

In remarks Wednesday night, Governor Josh Shapiro denounced the violence as he argued 'we can do better when it comes to mental health.'

'We need to do better as a society,' the governor told reporters, expressing his hope that something 'constructive' can come from the fallen officer's memory.

'We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country,' Shapiro said.

Multiple agencies are now assisting with the investigation, as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is 'monitoring' the situation and echoed Shapiro's remarks that 'violence must stop.'

'We are working with our interagency partners and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. We are praying for the victims and their families. This violence must stop.'

The FBI and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were also at the scene, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday night.

At least 30 shots were fired in the barrage, a witness told WGAL.

'It was just continuous,' Dave Miller said. 'More than what I could count, but it was at least 30 shots and it went on for quite a while.'

More than 30 police vehicles were seen blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm as well as soybean and corn fields. (Pictured: A first responder with his hands on his head at the scene)

The shooting had prompted schools in the Spring Grove School District and hospitals in York County to be temporarily placed on lockdown

Miller said he was heading home from work when he saw police 'looking for someone.

'And then I heard the gunshots ring [out] and I saw people on the ground and I got clear,' he said, describing how he found an officer lying in the middle of the road.

'More police were still rolling and they were coming from all directions,' Miller continued. 'It wasn't long till I heard a helicopter.'

At that point, Miller said, a police officer urged him to get out of the area.

He added that he knew the family who lives at the house, but did not know why police were called to the scene.

Many officials, including Congressman Scott Perry, expressed their grief online following the terrible incident.

'There are few callings in life whereby you leave for your job and are never really sure if youll be able to return home; today is yet another sobering reminder of that,' Perry said.

Several emergency personnel are seen blocking off roads near where the shooting took place

'Im brokenhearted for these officers, their loved ones, their fellow officers in the Northern York County Regional Police Department and the York County Sheriffs Office, and the communities they faithfully, tirelessly, and selflessly served. Please join me in praying for them and our communities.'

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday further urged the public to follow all law enforcement instructions, adding that he was 'en route to the area' and was 'praying for all involved'.

In a statement on X, the Pennsylvania House Republicans said they were 'troubled and deeply saddened by the shooting of multiple officers in York County, PA today.'

'We are thankful for the swift actions of all first responders and for the daily sacrifices our law enforcement officers make for our safety every day.'
A British gang behind an audacious plot to smuggle 600kg of cocaine into Europe in a yacht taking part in a glamorous transatlantic race have been jailed for a total of 111 years.

Ringleaders Lee McClenaghan, 57, and Lea Talbot, 55, hatched the highly sophisticated plan to sail the vessel in the annual event from sun-drenched St Lucia in the Caribbean to Lagos in Portugal.

The pair intended to organise the lucrative drug run twice, bringing in a total profit of 48 million.

But they were undone when the encrypted messaging platform EncroChat was infiltrated by law enforcement agencies, leaving their scheming in plain sight for all to see.

McClenaghan, of Chelmsford, Essex, and Talbot, of nearby Chadwell St Mary, have now been jailed for 30 and 23 years respectively after admitting various drug offences.

The men spent two years planning the venture, recruiting experienced sailor Ian Magee, 68, also of Chelmsford, who bought a boat called Ocean Magic used in the yacht race in 2019 in what officers believe was a dummy run.

Meanwhile, Talbot went to meet Venezuelan drug cartel bosses to make arrangements in advance of the illicit plan.

Magee then spent 100,000 on another vessel, the Sotirius, for the 2020 race  when the drugs would have been loaded on board - but the groups plans went awry because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lee McClenaghan, 57, was one of the ringleaders of the highly sophisticated plan to race a yacht loaded with cocaine in an annual event from sun-drenched St Lucia in the Caribbean to Lagos in Portugal

After that, McClenaghan looked into smuggling huge amounts of cocaine in two shipments from South America hidden in shipping container loads of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The gang also imported two shipments of cannabis weighing a total of 676kg to the UK from Canada and South Africa but these were intercepted by Border Force.

The gang were unaware that National Crime Agency officers had known about them since 2019, following the infiltration of the EncroChat network.

Users would choose handles as they messaged each other, with McClenaghan opting for catwithninelives and Talbot calling himself legitimateyak.

Detective Inspector Richard Smith, of the Organised Crime Partnership  a unit consisting of officers from the NCA and Metropolitan Police  said: It was quite obvious that they were quite happy to talk about really specific details within that chat because they were so confident in its security.

When we got those historic messages back, it was in plain sight for all to see.

Magee was given a 20-year jail term after being convicted of conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition of the importation of a Class A drug and concealing criminal property.

Five other members of the gang were sentenced at the same time at Chelmsford Crown Court last week.

Fellow mastermind Lea Talbot, 55, went to meet Venezuelan drug cartel bosses

Experienced sailor Ian Magee, 68, was recruited to help smuggle the Class A drugs across the Atlantic

A cache of cannabis being brought to the UK from Canada was intercepted

They included payment negotiator Daniel Braithwaite, 61, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, who received 22 years for conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of Class A and Class B drugs.

John Campbell, 69, of Brent, north-west London, got ten years for charges mainly relating to forged documents, while Kane Ward, 60, of Upminster, east London, who organised the cannabis, was sentenced to six years and six months for conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug.

Others jailed were Sundeep Grewal, 37, Grays, Essex, who received 40 months for conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug and Stephen Persaud, 41, of Upminster, who was given 32 months for participating in an organised crime group.

Detective Inspector Smith added: The cocaine smuggling plan conceived by McClenaghan and Talbot was daring and would have been incredibly lucrative had it succeeded.

Its failure deprived organised criminals of the profits this large amount of cocaine would have generated and prevented communities suffering the violence and exploitation associated with it.
Russia has detained a male Ukrainian 'agent', 19, who allegedly posed as a 'granny' in a bid to assassinate a top defence plant official.

The 'car bomber' collected an explosive device stashed in a cemetery in St Petersburg, according to the FSB security service.

The man then changed into the clothes of an 'elderly woman' to plant the bomb on the boss of a Russian arms plant.

The car had been monitored by two women members of the alleged spy ring - one a hairdresser, the other a groomer, said the FSB.

When the saboteur 'dressed as a babushka [granny]' attached the explosive device to the underside of the victim's car, he was apprehended by intelligence officers.

The two women were detained on the way to the airport.

In video footage shared by the FSB, officers are seen arresting a person in a long skirt and headscarf.

Investigators said the detainees acted 'on the instructions of a supervisor associated with the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.'

One of the people detained dressed as a 'Babushka', allegedly to plant a bomb in Russia

Russia's FSB said the detainees organised to pick up a bomb from a cemetery in the city

The FSB shared video that they said showed a confession from one of the alleged spies

They said two of the detainees, under orders from Ukraine, conducted reconnaissance near the residence of the target before handing over an explosive device to the agent via a hidden stash set up at a cemetery in St Petersburg.

The 19-year-old detainee allegedly confessed to being recruited by the Ukrainian secret services on the Telegram messenger, and planting the bomb.

'I went, picked up the package [in a cemetery], a black power bank-shaped device with magnets,' he said.

'They sent me the exact location where the car was parked, with recent photos. I took public transport to Sosnovka Park.

'I went to Sosnovka Park at 4am, changed [into women's] clothes, and left the park at around 5am.

'At around 6am, I reached the car, installed the device, tried to get away but was detained.'

All three could face life imprisonment under Russia's terrorism laws.

The three citizens were born in 1993, 1994 and 2006, according to Meduza.

Their names have not been published. The military plant in question was also unclear.
A senior SNP minister has been accused of physical assault by the former leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Douglas Ross claims he was grabbed on the shoulder by Parliamentary Business Minister Jamie Hepburn after a parliament debate and was shouted and sworn at by him.

He has demanded that First Minister John Swinney axes him from his government over his behaviour, which he said is a breach of the Scottish ministerial code.

Mr Ross has reported the issue to the Scottish Parliament authorities and also intends to contact police about it.

The row happened after Mr Ross used a parliamentary procedure on Wednesday night to demand a ministerial statement on concerns about an upcoming seagull summit.

Raising the issue at the end of First Ministers Questions today (THUR), Mr Ross said: First Minister, as I left the chamber yesterday I was physically assaulted and verbally abused by your minister for parliamentary business, Jamie Hepburn.

Im wondering if the First Minister will make a statement and take an opportunity to say he has a zero-tolerance approach to threatening and intimidating behaviour by his ministers.

I have raised this yesterday afternoon with parliamentary officials. I notice the minister for parliamentary business is not in the chamber this afternoon, therefore will he be making a statement on this incident later today?

SNP minister Jamie Hepburn has been accused of assaulting former Scots Tory leader Douglas Ross

Douglas Ross claims Jamie Hepburn grabbed him and shouted and swore at him at Holyrood

The confrontation followed a debate about a seagull summit

Speaking to journalists at Holyrood, Mr Ross said he was grabbed by Mr Hepburn as he left the chamber on Wednesday and he started swearing in my face.

He said that as he left the back of the chamber Mr Hepburn continued to hold onto me, his grab got stronger and stronger, his words got louder and more aggressive and it was very clear he was getting angrier and angrier and he was struggling to control his anger.

He said the row was about asking for too many statements from ministers, and added: The language he used was you and your effing statements, so many effing statements, do you think Ive got effing time for your effing statements?

I made the point that we were walking out at 20 past four so we did have time, because we actually finished early yesterday.

He just continued to get more and more aggressive.

Mr Ross said the confrontation happened in front of MSPs, Scottish Government civil servants, security and other parliamentary staff, and he has reported it to the Scottish Parliament chief executive.

He said: I think the ministerial code is very clear, I looked at that this morning when I received a response from the parliament chief executive.

The behaviour I experienced from the minister is absolutely against what is in the ministerial code. I can see no way he can continue in his role in government, particularly in a role which means he has to work with MSPs.

He said he is now unable to be in the chamber with Mr Hepburn because I would worry about his reaction if his reaction to asking for one statement was to grab me and to swear at me in an aggressive manner.

Asked if he was hurt, Mr Ross said: Yes I was hurt where he grabbed me. Someone grabbing you for a minute as you are trying to walk out the chamber hurts.

I dont believe there is any way the First Minister can support his minister when it so clear and people witnessed that action, because the ministerial code is very clear that will not be tolerated  those are the words in the ministerial code and I wouldnt expect John Swinney to tolerate it.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone addressed the allegations when Mr Ross raised them in the chamber, saying: This is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes.

I expect all members to take their responsibilities under the code of conduct seriously.

Speaking after FMQs, Mr Swinney said: Its the first Ive heard about it. Obviously I was away yesterday so I dont have any knowledge about it.

He said he would now consider these issues.

Douglas Ross after the alleged incident at the Scottish Parliament

Jamie Hepburn regrets the use of 'industrial language'

Mr Hepburn said: I will freely fess up to things Ive done but I wont apologise for things Ive not done.

So yesterday, yeah, I put my hand on his shoulder and yeah probably used a few choice words I shouldnt have. Thats it.

Asked if he had been threatening, he said: I used some words I shouldnt have yesterday. Industrial language I accept, I shouldnt have done that.

He said he recognises he shouldnt have used the language but denied assault, saying: I put my hands on his shoulder and used a few words I shouldnt have.

He refused to say if he thought he had breached the ministerial code and refused to commit.

On whether he regretted the physical contact and whether he would do it again, he said: I should not have used the words I used yesterday.

Mr Hepburn said he should have kept my cool. Asked whether he gets angry like that often, he said: I shouldnt have used the language and thankfully I dont do that all that often.

When asked if he would be sacked, a spokesman for the First Minister said: No.
A British woman been arrested on suspicion of strangling her female friend to death with a vacuum cleaner cable during an argument while the pair were on holiday in Benidorm.

Police rushed round to the apartment where the row took place but it was too late and the victim, a 66-year-old from the UK, was already dead by the time they arrived.

The alleged killer, 64, is understood to have confessed to the murder after she was taken away from the scene by cops.

Local reports said the dead woman was found with the vacuum cable still round her neck.

An initial post-mortem has confirmed she was strangled.

It is not yet clear when the suspect, who has not been named, will be hauled before a judge.

A spokesman for National Police, confirming the arrest, said today: 'A woman aged 64 has been arrested on suspicion of killing another 66-year-old woman, both from the UK.

'The investigation is ongoing and at the moment we cant give out any more information.'

A British woman been arrested on suspicion of strangling her female friend to death with a vacuum cleaner cable during an argument while the pair were on holiday in Benidorm

The horrific crime happened in an apartment in Benidorms so-called Little England area.

The flat is in a private residential gated estate which is said to be extremely popular with British expats and tourists.

The nature of the relationship between the alleged killer and her suspected victim is not yet known.

The nationality of a female witness, the third friend who dialed 999 to alert the emergency services, has not yet been revealed.

Before being taken to a police station the woman arrested on suspicion of homicide was taken to a health centre in Benidorm for a medical examination.

The vacuum leader lead was taken away by police so forensic experts could test it for DNA.

Detectives are also understood to have taken a statement from the witness to the killing.

A court has been placed in charge of the ongoing criminal investigation as they await a full police report and the results of the full post-mortem.

The horrific crime happened in an apartment in Benidorms so-called Little England area

Before being taken to a police station the woman arrested on suspicion of homicide was taken to a health centre in Benidorm for a medical examination

Two mobility scooters were parked by the door to the flat where the crime occurred

Well-placed sources said they believed the British woman strangled used it to get around while she was in the town

The British womans body was removed from the scene around 3am this morning.

Although detectives have not confirmed the dead woman and the detainee were both holidaymakers, local reports said the pair were spending a few days at the apartment where the crime occurred.

Two mobility scooters identical to the ones used by thousands of British holidaymakers and expats in the Costa Blanca resort, made famous by the likes of Madge in hit TV show Benidorm, were parked by the door to the flat where the crime occurred.

Well-placed sources said they believed the British woman strangled used it to get around while she was in the town.

The apartment was sealed up with police tape today.

A message on the blue and white tape across the door said in Spanish: Police line. Do not cross.

Asked for more details about the crime and the ongoing investigation, a spokesman for the National Police in Alicante, which covers Benidorm, said: 'We cant give out any more information for the time being.

'Its an ongoing investigation and therefore the National Police is not going to reveal anything else for the moment so as not to hamper that investigation.'

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
A Libyan man accused of building the explosive that brought down doomed Pam Am flight 103 over Lockerbie in 1988 claims he was forced into making a false confession.

Alleged bomb-maker Abu Agila Masud Kheir Al-Marimi is due to stand trial in the United States next year over his involvement in what remains Britains worst terrorist atrocity killing 270 people.

But the 74-year-old claims he was being held captive in Libya when three masked men ordered him to memorise information about the destruction of the American airliner and he only did so because they threatened his family.

His lawyers have filed a motion to suppress statements saying the circumstances of his arrest, incommunicado detention, and captivity in a system well known for human rights abuses renders his confession inadmissible.

The defence team states: Mr. Al-Marimi was abducted by armed men, separated from his family, held incommunicado in an unofficial prison facility, and denied procedural rights.

While in custody, he saw others who had been beaten and abused. Eventually, masked men told him what he had to say and threatened him and his family if he did not comply.

The bomb-maker for the Libyan External Security Organisation was extradited to the US in 2022 after allegedly admitting to building the explosive.

Details of the alleged confession were made public five years ago after the US department of justice announced it was charging Masud, as he is known, over the explosion that killed all 259 passengers and crew. A further 11 people in the Dumfriesshire town also died after wreckage of the Boeing 747 fell on their homes.

Alleged bomb-maker Abu Agila Masud Kheir Al-Marimi, who is accused of building the explosive that brought down doomed Pam Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, claims he was forced into making a false confession

The Lockerbie bombing in 1988 remains Britain's worst terrorist atrocity killing 270 people

But in documents filed by his lawyers this week, they state that real or suspected Gaddafi supporters became targets for retaliation, including arbitrary and unlawful detention, torture, and execution.

They go on to explain that after being ushered from his home by the armed men in post-revolution Libya, Masud feared for the lives of his six children and based on his captors threats and his fear of retaliation, Mr. Al-Marimi resolved to comply and began to memorize the things on the paper.

Masud claims that he was left alone in a small room when three men in civilian clothes came in. They were unarmed but wearing face coverings and did not identify themselves.

His lawyers state he did not know if they were police, army, or something else, but, based on all his observations, he was certain they were revolutionaries.

The men are then said to have handed him a single piece of paper with an order that Mr. Al-Marimi confess to the Lockerbie incident, as well as another terrorist attack.

His lawyers argue: The men told him this day or the next, someone would come to ask questions, and he was to answer based on the content of the paper. The men were rough with their words.

'They asked him what he thought of the paper, and he said he had nothing to do with it.

'They told him he had to answer the questions with what was on the paper, otherwise bad things would happen to him or his family.

'They told him the paper would be taken from him after a time, and they left without explaining why he was being told to make a statement, or who ordered it.

The details come just months after scientists were said to have gathered genetic profiles from the suitcases lining and an umbrella packed into the luggage compartment of the plane.

It is understood prosecutors hope to link the profiles to Masud, whose trial is due to begin next April.

Another Libyan, Abdelbaset Al Megrahi, was convicted of planting the bomb by a Scottish court in 2001. Terminally-ill Megrahi was freed on compassionate grounds in 2009, three years before he died of cancer.
A 43-year-old man and two children, both aged nine, burned alive trapped in a Tesla in a tragic accident in Western Germany.

According to police, the Tesla drove off the road after attempting to overtake another vehicle in Villigst and crashed into a tree before bursting into flames.

'Tragically, it caught fire there, and three people inside the vehicle were burned to death. Among them were two children and an adult man,' said Bernd Pentrop, press spokesman for the Unna District Police Department for Ruhr News.

A local resident tried desperately to open the door using the vehicle's retractable handles but was unable to, according to German media outlets.

One child was able to escape and was transferred to a hospital in a helicopter.

The retractable door handles on several Tesla models have previously been reported to have stopped working the moment power is cut off.

According to the German Automobile Association, manual opening of the cars is only possible from the inside, which complicates rescue attempts for emergency services.

The North Rhine-Westphalia Police Department's specialised team will conduct a full analysis of the incident to determine the causes for the tragedy.

'Our goal is to fully reconstruct the course of events and clearly determine the cause,' the district police department stated.

A 43-year-old man and two children, both aged 9, burned alive in the tragic accident

The Tesla door handles have drawn attention in the past few days as Bloomberg uncovered several accidents involving passengers being trapped inside the electric vehicle, after an accident, with emergency services being unable to free them.

Max Walsh, an off-duty firefighter from Virginia, recalled an incident in which he had to smash the window to rescue the driver from a burning Tesla Model Y.

By the time Walsh and other emergency services managed to get to the driver's wife, she suffered lasting lung damage from the smoke and severe burns to her face.

Walsh said that were he able to open the door, he'd be able to get 'them both out before the fire department even got there.'

Elon Musk, the CEO and founder of Tesla. The company is working on a redesign of its door handles following reports of accidents involving passengers being trapped inside.

Following the report, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation over reports that electronic door handles can become inoperative, according to Reuters.

The administration noted that the door can be manually opened from the inside, but the instructions in the manual are complex and 'may not be well known to owners,' according to 20 Minuten.

Teslas design chief, Franz von Holzhausen, told Bloomberg on Wednesday that the company is looking to redesign door handles following the reports of incidents.

The Daily Mail has contacted Tesla for a comment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an extraordinary address denying he had involvement in Charlie Kirk's assassination.

A conspiracy theory fueled by right-wing provocateurs has swept social media claiming Kirk was targeted for his souring views of the Israeli government.

Netanyahu described the baseless rumor as a 'monstrous big lie' as he likened it to Nazi propaganda in a video shared on X.

'Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, said that the bigger the lie, the faster it will spread,' Netanyahu said.

'Somebody has fabricated a monstrous big lie, that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirk's horrific murder.

'This is insane, it is false, it is outrageous. Charlie Kirk was a giant, a once-in-a-century talent who defended freedom, defended America, defended our common Judeo-Christian civilization.

'Charlie loved Israel, he loved the Jewish people, he told me so in a letter that he sent me just a few months ago.'

MAGA commentators claimed Kirk was growing increasingly critical of Netanyahu privately, while still publicly supporting Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu denied the 'monstrous big lie that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirk's horrific murder'

The Israeli leader said: 'Somebody has fabricated a monstrous big lie that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirk's horrific murder'

On his show this week, Tucker Carlson claimed that Kirk did not like Bibi Netanyahu, describing him as a destructive force and saying he was appalled by the events unfolding in Gaza

In the video on X, Netanyahu continued: 'He [Kirk] encouraged me to make the case directly to the American people about how vital Israel is to US national security.

'He told me, 'The Holy Land is so important to my life, it pains me to see support for Israel slip away'.

'Now, if Charlie disagreed with a policy of mine - or a decision - here and there, not only did I not mind, I welcomed it.

'This is the essence of Charlie. This is the essence of a free country. It's exactly what Charlie stood for.

'And I knew that his suggestions always came from the heart, from his love for Israel and from his love for the Jewish people.

'A few weeks before his death, I spoke to Charlie. I invited him to visit Israel again. And sadly, that won't happen.'

The Israeli PM went on to suggest Qatar was somehow involved in circulating the conspiracy theory.

The Israeli PM lashed out at the 'disgusting rumors' linking Israel to Kirk's murder

Netanyahu said: 'I spoke to Charlie. I invited him to visit Israel again. And sadly, that won't happen'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Newsmax that rumors blaming the Jewish state for the shooting were 'insane'

He added: 'Now, some are peddling these disgusting rumors, perhaps out of obsession, perhaps with Qatari funding.

'What I do know is this - Charlie Kirk was a great man, and a great man deserves honor, not lies.

'Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk. May your memory be a blessing.'

The rumor of Israeli involvement was fueled by a meeting in early August in which Kirk met with prominent Jewish billionaire Bill Ackman in the Hamptons.

Provocateur Candace Owens claimed on her podcast that Ackman confronted Kirk about his falling support for Israel.

She added that Kirk had 'declined' to visit Israel.

Daily Mail spoke to multiple conservative influencers who attended the event and declined seeing any tense moments between the pair, adding that the summit was mainly focused on other issues  not Israel.

Ackman denied Owens's claims in a post on X: 'For the record, at no time have I ever threatened Charlie Kirk, Turning Point or anyone associated with him.

'I have never blackmailed anyone, let alone Charlie Kirk.

Kirk was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10

'I have never offered Charlie or Turning Point any money in an attempt to influence Charlie's opinion on anything.'

Netanyahu had already dismissed 'insane' and 'absurd' online rumors blaming Israel for the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

Those conspiracy theories started less than an hour after Kirk was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10.

The Israeli leader told Newsmax then: 'They have no limits.

'When you hate Jews, when you hate the Jewish state, you're willing to say anything and promote all these absurd rumors.'

Netanyahu added: 'We are fighting on the battlefield against the terrorists and winning, and he was fighting on the battlefield of ideas, and I think he was winning - that's why they shot him.'
Normal People author Sally Rooney has said she can 'no longer enter the UK safely without facing arrest' due to her support for proscribed terror group Palestine Action.

The group, founded in 2020, was banned in July by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, after claiming responsibility for 7million worth of damage to two Voyager plans at RAF Brize Norton on June 20.

The Home Secretary proscribed the organisation under the Terrorism Act of 2000, making it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group.

But Ms Rooney, 34, previously declared that she would continue to be a supporter of the group in spite of the ban, stating that she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations to the organisation.

Affirming her support for Palestine Action, the Irish writer previously insisted: 'If this makes me a "supporter of terror" under UK law, so be it.'

Now, Ms Rooney has stated that she is unable to enter the UK safely due to her support for the organisation.

After winning the Sky Arts Award for literature she reiterated her 'solidarity with the people of Palestine' in a message read out by her editor at the ceremony held in London on September 16.

Alex Bowler, from publishing house Faber, said: 'I have a few very simple words from her, which she asked me to share.

Normal People author Sally Rooney (pictured) has said she can 'no longer enter the UK safely without facing arrest' due to her support for proscribed terror group Palestine Action. Ms Rooney previously declared that she would continue to support the group in spite of the ban

The group, founded in 2020, was banned in July by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper , after claiming responsibility for 7million worth of damage to two Voyager plans (pictured) at RAF Brize Norton on June 20

'I'm so touched and grateful to receive this prize. I truly loved writing Intermezzo and it means the world to me to think that it has found some small place in the lives of its readers. Thank you.'

Ms Rooney then revealed that as a result of her 'support for non-violent anti-war protest, I'm advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest.'

Concluding her speech, Mr Bowler read: 'In that context I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine. Thank you.'

In August, Downing Street warned that Rooney risked committing a terrorist offence after the award-winning author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptions to support the group, in a piece for the Irish Times.

She provided support for a legal claim by Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, against the Home Office over the decision to proscribe the group.

At the time, Ms Rooney wrote: My books, at least for now, are still published in Britain, and are widely available in bookshops and even supermarkets.

In recent years the UKs state broadcaster has also televised two fine adaptations of my novels, and therefore regularly pays me residual fees.

I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can.

Earlier this month, almost 900 demonstrators were arrested at a central London rally protesting against the ban. Scotland Yard condemned the 'intolerable' abuse its officers suffered during the rally in Parliament Square, in Westminster, attended by 1,500 people

'If the British state considers this terrorism, then perhaps it should investigate the shady organisations that continue to promote my work and fund my activities, such as WHSmith and the BBC.

The Irish writer added that to ensure the British public is made aware of my position, I would happily publish this statement in a UK newspaper  but that would now be illegal.

The BBC adaptation of Normal People, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, was one of the corporations biggest hits of 2020, and it has also adapted Ms Rooneys book Conversations With Friends.

Ms Rooney was referred to during a hearing at the High Court in London in July, when the co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, unsuccessfully sought to block the proscription.

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, representing Ms Ammori, told the court the ban would create far-reaching harm and cause people to self-censor.

She said that Ms Rooney fears the ramifications for her, for her work, for her books, for her programmes if she showed support for Palestine Action.

Ms Ni Ghralaigh asked: Is the Prime Minister going to denounce her, an Irish artist, as a supporter of a proscribed organisation? Will that have ramifications for her with the BBC?

Earlier this month, almost 900 demonstrators were arrested at a central London rally protesting against the ban.

Scotland Yard condemned the 'intolerable' abuse its officers suffered during the rally in Parliament Square, in Westminster, attended by an estimated 1,500 people.

A total of 890 people were arrested, with 857 arrests made for showing support for a proscribed terror group

Protest organisers Defend Our Juries insisted the rally was 'the picture of peaceful protest', despite 33 people being arrested for other offences, including 17 for assaults on police officers.

The protest started just before 1pm, as demonstrators held signs saying: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

Arrests began taking place shortly after as officers swarmed the crowd and began escorting some into police vans.

There were visible tensions as other officers had screaming arguments with protesters elsewhere in the square, with some demonstrators in tears, while others chanted: 'Met Police - pick a side, justice or genocide.'
Jeremy Corbyn's new Left-wing party was plunged into chaos today as his co-founder claimed she had been 'frozen out' in an attack on a 'sexist boys' club'.

Zarah Sultana, the Coventry South MP who is helping Mr Corbyn set up his Your Party movement, said she had been treated 'appallingly' in a blistering statement.

The furious row was sparked by what Mr Corbyn claimed was an 'unauthorised email' sent to Your Party supporters, which urged them to sign up for membership.

Ms Sultana had encouraged supporters to pay up to 55 per year for a year's membership via a link included in the email.

But, hours later, Mr Corbyn issued an 'urgent message' telling supporters to immediately cancel any direct debits.

The statement was signed by Mr Corbyn and the four other members of his 'Independent Alliance' of MPs, who are also helping to found Your Party.

They revealed they were taking legal advice and said the 'unauthorised email' sent this morning 'should be ignored by all supporters'.

Yet, Ms Sultana insisted it was a 'safe, secure, legitimate portal' as she urged supporters to 'sign up now'.

Jeremy Corbyn 's new Left-wing party was plunged into chaos today as his co-founder claimed she had been 'frozen out' and attacked a 'sexist boys' club'

Zarah Sultana, the Coventry South MP who is helping Mr Corbyn set up his Your Party movement, said she had been treated 'appallingly' in a blistering statement

Ms Sultana said: 'After being sidelined by the MPs named in today's statement and effectively frozen out of the official accounts, I took the step of launching a membership portal so that supporters could continue to engage and organise.

'This was in line with the roadmap set out to members on Monday and is a safe, secure, legitimate portal for the party. Everyone who supports us should sign up now.

'My sole motivation has been to safeguard the grassroots involvement that is essential to building this party.

'Unfortunately, I have been subjected to what can only be described as a sexist boys' club.

'I have been treated appallingly and excluded completely. They have refused to allow any other women with voting rights on the Working Group, blocking the gender-balanced committee that both Jeremy and I signed up to.'

Ms Sultana called for Mr Corbyn to 'meet with me' in a bid to 'ensure nothing like this can ever happen again'.

'This party is more important than any one person, and we owe it to the movement to deliver a truly democratic and socialist party,' she added.

'No stitch-ups, no coronations: the members must decide.'

She also revealed that 'neither of this week's emails had the dual authorisation of both myself and Jeremy - which was the agreement made at the start of this process'.

Ms Sultana shared her statement on social media shortly after Mr Corbyn posted his 'urgent message' to Your Party supporters around 2pm on Thursday.

The statement was also signed by his fellow 'Independent Alliance' MPs; Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, Iqbal Mohamed, and Shockat Adam.

It read: 'This morning, an unauthorised email was sent to all yourparty.uk supporters with details of a supposed membership portal hosted in a new domain name.

'Legal advice is being taken. That email should be ignored by all supporters. If any direct debits have been set up, they should be immediately cancelled.'

There were further questions over the future of Your Party after papers filed with Companies House revealed Mr Corbyn had this week ceased to be 'a person with significant control' of the organisation.

Ms Sultana's statement in which she attempted to 'clarify' the process for becoming a Your Party member

But Mr Corbyn issued an 'urgent message' telling supporters to immediately cancel any direct debits

It is the latest sign of bitter division among Left-wingers in their efforts to set up a rival party to Labour.

Ms Sultana and Mr Corbyn's movement has the website yourparty.uk, with a welcome message saying 'this is your party'.

But Ms Sultana sowed confusion immediately after its launch in July by insisting a name had not yet been chosen.

She frantically posted on social media: 'It's not called Your Party.'

It was explained that members would decide on the new party's name at a later date, but political opponents mocked the 'chaotic' launch.

It followed claims Ms Sultana had previously caught Mr Corbyn by surprise by quitting Labour and publicly announcing their plans to found a new party.

Mr Corbyn last week insisted the launch of the new party was 'not messy at all' and 'a totally coherent approach'.
Vice President JD Vance urged conservative allies to tone down the menacing debate over Charlie Kirk's death and political legacy that's being perpetuated by prominent members of the MAGA movement.

Vance, who called Kirk a friend and credited him with shaping his own career, stepped into a bitter online feud that is roiling the movement and threatening to overshadow Kirk's life work.

'I understand the feeling that people are putting words into Charlie Kirk's mouth,' Vance wrote on X, 'But for now, let's celebrate our friend, remember his impact, and save the debate for after his funeral.'

The plea highlights how Kirk's death has exposed deep rifts within Trump's base, with prominent figures clashing over unfounded conspiracy theories around Kirk's death days before his memorial service in Arizona that will feature President Donald Trump.

Right-media personality and former Kirk employee Candace Owens alleged that billionaire Bill Ackman was angered by Kirk's souring views on Israel and that 'threats were made,' by Ackman weeks before Kirk's death - a story that has triggered fierce backlash and fueled an online rumor mill of conspiracy theories.

Owens' noted Wednesday in her own post on X that 'Its crazy how I never once said that Israel murdered Charlie Kirk but the Zionists are all repeating that without a shred of evidence.'

'Remember, if they arent lying they arent breathing,' Owens also wrote Wednesday.

At the same time, she fully embraced being a 'full conspiracy theorist on this,' casting doubts that the text message chain between Kirk's alleged killer and lover released by authorities is authentic.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance exits Air Force Two, upon his return from Howell, Michigan on September 17, 2025 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Vance visited a metal stamping factory during his visit to Michigan

Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his "American Comeback Tour" when he was shot in the neck and killed

Adam Sosnick, Patrick Bet-David, Eric Bolling, and Vincent Oshana record an episode of the Patrick Bet-David Podcast - Charlie Kirk Killer's Texts, Candace Owens vs Bill Ackman & Musk Calls For Destiny's Arrest | PBD on September 17th, 2025

Despite Owens' long history of association with Kirk, Eric Bolling, a former Fox News host, said on an episode of the Patrick Bet David Podcast streamed Wednesday that Kirk had a 'quiet break up' with Candace Owens after she got too 'down the rabbit hole for him.'

'There hasn't been a communication pipeline between the two for many years,' Bolling also stated.

A spokesman for Candace Owens told the Daily Mail Bolling 'is flat-out lying.'

'Candace spoke at a TPUSA event as recently as last summer, and Candace and Charlie literally went on a college tour together in 2024. The TPUSA website does not even list Eric Bolling as a board member.'

The spokesman said Bolling's critique was 'designed to distract from the important questions that Candace is asking on her show every day.'

Candace Amber Owens Farmer, US conservative political commentator speaks on stage during 'Turning Point's The People's Convention' on June 14, 2024 at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan

Despite Bolling being cited by online commentators as a Turning Point USA board member, he does not appear to be one per the organization's website nor is he listed on a Thursday statement from board members announcing Erika Kirk the group's new CEO.

Bolling himself has shared that he was on the 'TPUSA editorial advisory board,' a seemingly minor but notable distinction.

Owens's spokesman did not respond to the Daily Mail's questions about whether she planned to attend Kirk's memorial, if she had been asked to speak, or if she herself had asked Turning Point to speak at the event. There was also no reply to a question from the Daily Mail about Owens' relationship with Erika Kirk.

Daily Mail has reached out to Turning Point for comment, asking if Owens will be involved with the memorial, or even welcomed to attend.

Despite Owens and Kirk's interconnected past, other conservative players close to Kirk at the time of his death have explicitly weighed in against Owens in the past several days.

Dave Rubin backed up Bolling's description of Kirk and Owen's relationship.

'Ive really tried not to get involved in this circus, but since @ericbolling's going public, I will confirm that what he says here is consistent with what I know first hand.'

Donald Trump walks on stage after being introduced by Charlie Kirk (L) at the Turning Point Action conference as he continues his 2024 presidential campaign on July 15, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump spoke at the event held in the Palm Beach County Convention Center

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his 'American Comeback Tour' minutes before he was shot in the neck and killed

Vice President JD Vance weighed in Wednesday on a debate that has ignited within the online right after Charlie Kirk's death last week, spurred by comments from major right-wing media voices including Candace Owens, as well as Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson

Laura Loomer also weighed in against Owens, writing on X that she has received 'many calls from people at TPUSA who are LIVID at Candace Owens,' adding that she would not be surprised if Owens was barred from attending Kirk's memorial on Sunday, adding that her behavior has been 'totally irredeemable.'

JD Vance and wife Usha, honored Kirk by flying his casket from Utah to Arizona on Air Force Two following his campus assassination at Utah Valley University.

Vance will speak at Kirk's Arizona memorial Sunday alongside President Trump. Other Trump administration leaders scheduled to speak include Susie Wiles, Stephen Miller, and DNI Tulsi Gabbard.
A self-proclaimed African tribe who have been camped in woodland for months have been handed yet another eviction notice.

The so-called Kingdom of Kubala have been living in the woods just outside Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, since May this year.

The group have been controversial in the town, and locals had thought they had finally seen the end to their antics when they were forced off private land by sheriff officers on Tuesday.

But, rather than leave, they moved just 30 yards  out of land owned by retired butcher and property developer David Palmer, over a fence, and into that owned by the council.

But yesterday officials arrived at their new site to inform them of the fresh eviction notice after action from Scottish Borders Council.

It is the latest chapter in the bizarre saga involving the group, which consists of leader Kofi Offeh, 36, the self-proclaimed King Atehene, his wife Jean Gasho, 43, who calls herself Queen Nandi, and their handmaiden Kaura Taylor, 21, who calls herself Asnat.

In footage filmed by Queen Nandi officials can be seen approaching the camp to hand over letters informing them of the latest order against them.

Issuing the eviction notice the official said: The council have been to court and theyre asking for an interdict and an eviction from this land, because theyre the owners.

Self-styled King Atehene in the Kingdom of Kubala, found near Jeburgh

Queen Nandia, right, and handmaiden Asnat, smile for the camera at their woodland kingdom

Sheriff officers leave forest near Jedburgh after an unsuccessful attempt to evict the tribe

Weve given you two days notice, so youll have to seek legal advice.

If you dont attend the court, you will be looking at eviction next week.

The document was handed over to the self-ennobled king, a letter which Ms Gasho described as really bizarre.

She tells Mr Offeh, who is sat in his camping chair throne: What is going on my lord? They just dropped that on you.

This is really bizarre. Some sort of papers have been dropped here, which are obviously not going to be opened.

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

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

After they were ordered off the private land last week by Sheriff Peter Patterson they declared they were not scared of jail.

The tribe have accepted 'offerings' from visitors, including Irn Bru and shortbread

The group did not attend court on Friday and were instead told of the immediate extraction decree by journalists.

But they remained defiant, and Mr Offeh 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.

As part of Sheriff Pattersons order the group have been told to pay costs, but Mr Offeh said: We have no money.

We do not use any currency, they can take it from our donations. We are not scared of jail.

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

When they first started camping in the area they were on land owned by Scottish Borders Council, before moving onto the private land near an industrial estate, before moving to their latest encampment on land owned by the local authority.
Two young elk hunters have vanished without a trace in rural Colorado, with the pair spotted on a trail camera shortly before vanishing.

Andrew Porter, 25, and his close friend Ian Stasko, 25, have not been heard from since September 11 after embarking on a hunting trip in the Rio Grande National Forest.

Porter and Stasko, who grew up together in Charlottesville, Virginia, were last seen on a trail camera that same day near their vehicle in the trailhead area, their families told FOX31 on Wednesday.

The Daily Mail has contacted the family for further information.

A severe and sudden storm swept through the area around the time of the men's disappearance, although it is still unclear what may have happened to them.

Fellow hunters reported seeing the friends on September 12 heading back out from the trailhead, the outlet reported.

A 'massive search' began on Saturday after deputies couldn't locate them. All they found was their camping gear and backpacks in a car.

Severe weather, including heavy rain, blanketed the area they were last spotted, worrying officials and their families even more.

A 'massive search' is underway for Andrew Porter (right), 25, and his close friend Ian Stasko (left), 25, after they went missing during an elk hunting trip in Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest

The close friends were last spotted on a trail cam near their vehicle in the trailhead area (pictured)

Helicopters, dog teams, drones, ATVs, local volunteers and multi-county and state agencies embarked on the search, the Conejos County Sheriffs Office said.

Both Stasko and Porter's families have also flown out from the East Coast to assist in search efforts.

As of Wednesday evening, both men are still missing.

Lori Meistrell, Porter's aunt, told the outlet their loved ones are all 'praying for a positive outcome.'

'While we hold out hope to find these boys alive, we want to find them and bring them back either way.

'If this turns into a search and recovery instead of search and rescue, we hope to continue to get community support to find them,' Meistrell added as she choked up a bit.

Bridget Murphy, Porter's fiancee, said she last heard from him at 2.45pm last Thursday from a Garmin satellite communication device, she told The Colorado Sun.

She described her partner and his friends as 'very resourceful outdoorsmen' who are people that have 'been building shelters in the woods since they were 12 for fun.'

'If they're able, they will do everything they can to survive,' Murphy, who said she and Porter are set to be married in a couple months, said.

'Theyre not some random people who chose this area without thought. Theyve been looking at this area for six months before coming here.

Bridget Murphy, Porter's fiancee, said the duo are 'very resourceful outdoorsmen' who are people that have 'been building shelters in the woods since they were 12 for fun'

Officials and volunteers are seen gathered at the search and rescue site, looking for the missing hunters

'Theyre strong and capable, but we need the resources and they deserve them.'

Murphy noted that they would often 'come back to the car and slept in it' while hunting.

For now, the families have set up a GoFundMe page to help 'aid in the search and rescue' for Porter and Stasko.

'Severe storms moved through the area Thursday evening and we suspect the two young men were caught off-guard by the weather,' Lynne Runkle, another aunt of Porter's wrote.

'But we need more help and we need it now. We need more resources and we need them now.

'We are working furiously to find additional support as quickly as possible, time is of the essence,' Runkle added.

As of Thursday afternoon, more than $75,000 was raised to help the search in finding the friends.
An American surf star is facing backlash over his dramatic account of watching an iconic filmmaker die in a gruesome shark attack.

Keith Malloy, recalled on the 'Lay It On' podcast the moment he watched renowned movie director Adam Strange get 'chomped' to death by a shark in New Zealand.

Hundreds of angry commenters shared their 'disbelief' with the story, which some described as 'ludicrous' due to the dramatic details.

But the tragic events he described all happened back in 2013, with Strange famously mauled by the predator before coastguard teams with guns responded.

Malloy told host Brad Leone how he witnessed the horrific catastrophe while swimming near his trendy New Zealand beach home.

'[Strange] was the only other person on the beach, so we walked off. He swam out, right where we were swimming,' said Malloy.

'Dude, he got chomped. He died. I was the last guy to talk to him ever, and we were in the water right where he swam out.'

American surf star Keith Malloy (pictured) is facing backlash over his dramatic account of watching an iconic filmmaker die in a gruesome shark attack

Auckland filmmaker Adam Strange (pictured) Malloy recalled his death on the 'Lay It On' podcast with Brad Leone

But Malloy's recollection of the police sailing out to retrieve Strange's lifeless body left some listeners infuriated.

'We see these cops get in the lifeguard boat and go out with their machine guns', said Malloy.

'Theyre shooting at the shark with the body in its mouth, swimming around 100 yards out to sea.

'And the shark actually let go of the body, and they retrieved it and brought it back here.'

One Instagram comment read: 'Nonsense, no machine guns on our beaches, the storyteller is on something illegal.'

Another wrote: 'We don't have machine guns in New Zealand you egg.'

Despite many listeners' disbelief at the harrowing tale, Malloy's story was not fabricated.

Strange was killed in a shark attack at Muriwai Beach on Auckland's west coast, in New Zealand

The lifeguards who tried to rescue Strange knew him and said he was 'a strong and capable swimmer'

Witnesses at the time described the sea as 'being covered in blood' and believed several sharks joined in the attack

Strange was dragged out to sea at Muriwai Beach near the city of Auckland, according to The Guardian.

Witnesses at the time described the sea as 'being covered in blood' and believed several sharks joined in the attack.

When police arrived on the scene, an armed officer fired shots. But the shark apparently escaped uninjured.

Podcaster Brad Leone [L] and US surf star Keith Malloy[R] Malloy is faced with backlash after retelling his dramatic account of an iconic filmmaker killed in a shark attack

Strange's body was recovered from the water shortly afterward.

The lifeguards who tried to rescue Strange knew him and said he was 'a strong and capable swimmer', according to the Guardian.

Strange was an award-winning film commercials maker whose family described him as a 'glorious and great father, husband and friend.'

He was nominated for advertising awards at Cannes and at the London International Advertising Awards.

His first feature, Aphrodite's Farm, took a short film award at the Berlin film festival.

It is believed to have been the first fatal shark attack in the country since 1976.
Donald Trump accused accused Vladimir Putin of 'letting me down' in his quest for peace in Ukraine as he joined Keir Starmer in heaping pressure on Russia's brutal invasion.

The president used a press conference with the Prime Minister during his state visit to the UK to lash out at the Kremlin tyrant, days after his weapons violated Nato airspace in Poland.

A peace deal appears to be no closer despite months of Washington-led talks, and Trump's ultimatums and deadlines for the Russian leader to engage with proposals have passed without obvious consequences.

Asked during his state visit to the UK on Thursday whether negotiations had run out of road, the US president said people were 'being killed and I feel I have an obligation to get it settled for that reason.'

Speaking at Chequers about that conflict and the fighting in Gaza Trump said he was 'working very hard', adding that the situation was 'complex, but it's going to get done'.

He said he thought the Ukraine war would be the 'easiest' to resolve but Vladimir Putin had 'really let me down', after last week's incident in which multiple Russian drones were shot down by Nato forces.

'He's really let me down  I thought it might be among the easiest of the group,' the president said.

'He has let me down. I mean, he's killing many people and he's losing more people than he's, you know, than he's killing. I mean, frankly, Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers. But, yeah, he's let me down.'

The president used a press conference with the prime minister during his state visit to the UK to lash out at the Kremlin tyrant, days after his weapons violated Nato airspace in Poland .

He said he thought the Ukraine war would be the 'easiest' to resolve but Vladimir Putin had 'really let me down', after last week's incident in which multiple Russian drones were shot down by Nato forces

Typhoon jets from RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, will join Nato's 'Eastern Sentry' mission, flying over Poland alongside aircraft from Denmark, France and Germany.

Sir Keir told reporters the two nations were 'working together to end the killing in Ukraine'.

'In recent days, Putin has shown his true face, mounting the biggest attack since the invasion began, with yet more bloodshed, yet more innocents killed, and unprecedented violations of Nato airspace,' he said.

'These are not the actions of someone who wants peace.

'So, we've discussed today how we can build our defences further to support Ukraine and decisively increase the pressure on Putin to get him to agree a peace deal that will last.'

Typhoon jets from RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, will join Nato's 'Eastern Sentry' mission, flying over Poland alongside aircraft from Denmark, France and Germany.

They will be supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire.

Trump suggested that Russian president Vladimir Putin began the war because 'he didn't respect the leadership of the United States' at the time.

He added: 'If I were president, it would have never happened, and it didn't happen for four years. People, most people, agree. It didn't happen, nor was it close to happening.

'I spoke to president Putin about Ukraine, it was the apple of his eye. I've said that many times, it was, but he would have never done what he did, except that he didn't respect the leadership of the United States.'

Mr Trump later added: 'Millions of people have died in that war, millions of souls, and they're not American, they're soldiers, mostly soldiers, as you know, the soldiers are being killed at levels nobody's seen since the Second World War.

'But they're being killed and I feel I have an obligation to get it settled for that reason.'

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Moscow launched thousands of drones and powerful glide bombs, as well as hundreds of missiles at targets inside the country just over the past fortnight.

In response, Ukraine has developed its own long-range drones that have hit deep into Russia, damaging installations vital for Russia's war effort.

Recent strikes have included oil refineries, depots and terminals.

Before arriving in Britain, Mr Trump told reporters in Washington that 'Zelensky is going to have to make a deal' to end the war, although he did not elaborate on what he meant.
A migrant is set to be deported to France on Friday after losing a High Court bid to have his removal under the Government's 'one in, one out' scheme temporarily blocked.

The case came just hours after the Home Office succeeded in sending the first migrant back to France under the deal.

The Indian man was flown from London to Paris this morning.

As a result of the first deportation taking place, Britain will begin accepting other migrants from France as early as Saturday.

The Home Office has been accepting online applications from migrants who are currently in France to come here, providing they have not 'previously been removed from the United Kingdom' and do not pose a 'national security or public order risk'.

The number of migrants who will be admitted to Britain will equal the total who have been removed by that stage.

Like those deported to France, they are likely to come here aboard a scheduled passenger flight.

The first deportation comes after the Home Office suffered three days of aborted attempts under the deal signed in July by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 'This is an important first step to securing our borders.

'It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you.

An Air France Airbus jet pictured on the apron at London's Heathrow airport yesterday

'I will continue to challenge any last-minute, vexatious attempts to frustrate a removal in the courts.

'The UK will always play its part in helping those genuinely fleeing persecution, but this must be done through safe, legal, and managed routes  not dangerous crossings.'

But her Tory shadow Chris Philp said: 'Since Labour announced their returns deal 9,909 illegal immigrants have crossed the Channel, and we are supposed to celebrate one solitary return?

'No-one is fooled by tough talk from Labour.

'They will never do the hard work needed to tackle the lawfare that blocks removals.

'The truth is Labour is run by human rights lawyers  Keir Starmer and Lord Hermer  who have always sided with open borders activists over security and control.'

The first high-profile legal challenge on Tuesday forced ministers to temporarily abandon attempts to remove the Eritrean man, who had been due to be aboard a 9am flight yesterday.

The case led Ms Mahmood to condemn small boat migrants who lodge last-minute legal challenges.

She said it made a mockery of our laws when they tried to dodge deportation by claiming they were victims of modern slavery.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has condemned small boat migrants who lodge 'vexatious' last-minute legal challenges

Ms Mahmood's criticism of last-minute legal challenges were the most robust acknowledgment yet made by a Labour minister of how they are deployed to frustrate deportation measures.

But since the new returns deal with France was announced the Government has been repeatedly warned it was vulnerable to human rights and modern slavery claims.

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On July 10, the day the policy was launched, the Daily Mail questioned senior Home Office figures about the possibility of legal challenges  but officials refused to speculate on how they would be handled.

This weeks High Court ruling on the unnamed Eritrean migrant paved the way for copycat claims by others at risk of deportation under the scheme.

About half of the 92 migrants reported to be in Home Office custody are expected to bring claims, legal sources said, by deploying similar human rights and 'modern slavery' grounds.

The day after his arrival in Britain on August 12 the Eritrean migrant said he had not been exploited on his way here.

But soon after he submitted a modern slavery claim alleging he had been forced to work unpaid in Libya while on his way to Europe.

The High Court granted an injunction barring his removal for 14 days while the modern slavery application is scrutinised.

A second hearing today also involved an Eritrean man who arrived in Britain on August 6.

His lawyers also claimed his removal should not go ahead because he was a victim of modern slavery and due to a series of potential human rights breaches.

But Mr Justice Sheldon rejected the application for an interim injunction which would have barred the deportation.

The man, who can only be identified by the initials SKG, is now due to be removed from the country early tomorrow.

Separately, the Home Office is due to appeal against Tuesday's ruling in a bid to have the length of the injunction reduced so the first Eritrean man can be deported.

The Home Secretary has also launched an urgent review of the Modern Slavery Act to assess where it is currently open to misuse.

The Prime Minister  who scrapped the Tories Rwanda asylum deal as one of his first acts in office  has previously insisted Britain will never leave the European Convention on Human Rights, which many migrants deploy in their legal claims.

Before he entered politics, barrister Sir Keir edited a legal manual on how to interpret the new human rights laws shortly after they came into force, describing how they had 'enormous potential' and represented a 'new way of thinking' about the law.

Since the 'one in, one out' deal came into force on August 6, more than 5,400 small boat migrants have reached Britain.

The delays  and the prospect of more challenges ending up in court  have placed huge pressure on the Government as it struggles to tackle the Channel crisis.

So far this year 31,026 migrants have arrived, up 38 per cent on the same period last year.

Former home secretary Yvette Cooper was moved sideways to the Foreign Office in this months reshuffle after she failed to make progress.
Two teenagers have appeared in court after being accused of a 'serious, extensive, sustained and highly sophisticated' cyber attack on Transport for London (TfL).

Thalha Jubair, 19, and Owen Flowers, 18, were arrested on Tuesday for their alleged attack which cost TFL 39million.

The alleged attack, which took place between August 31 and September 3 last year, posed 'significant risk' to the UK economy and London residents, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told on Thursday.

The hacks prevented live Tube arrival information on TfL Go and the TfL website while online journey history was unavailable.

TfL was also unable to process any payments on the Oyster and contactless apps or to register Oyster cards to customer accounts.

The pair are charged with conspiring together to commit unauthorised acts against TfL under the Computer Misuse Act and were arrested as part of a joint investigation by National Crime Agency (NCA) and City of London Police.

Flowers, of Walsall, was first arrested over the TfL attack in September 2024 and then arrested again this week.

He is also charged with targeting US healthcare firms.

Two teenagers have appeared in court after being accused of a 'serious, extensive, sustained and highly sophisticated' cyber attack on Transport for London (TfL)

TfL was also unable to process any payments on the Oyster and contactless apps or to register Oyster cards to customer accounts

The 18-year-old is accused of conspiring with others to infiltrate and damage the networks of SSM Health Care Corporation and attempting to do the same to Sutter Health.

Jubair, from Tower Hamlets, east London, faces an additional charge under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act of failing to disclose the Pin or passwords of his devices.

The NCA said investigators believe the TfL cyber attack was carried out by the criminal hacking collective known as Scattered Spider, which has been linked to other cyber attacks on Jaguar Land Rover and retailers including Marks and Spencer.

Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, said: 'Today's charges are a key step in what has been a lengthy and complex investigation.

'This attack caused significant disruption and millions in losses to TfL, part of the UK's critical national infrastructure.

'Earlier this year, the NCA warned of an increase in the threat from cyber criminals based in the UK and other English-speaking countries, of which Scattered Spider is a clear example.

'The NCA, UK policing and our international partners, including the FBI, are collectively committed to identifying offenders within these networks and ensuring they face justice.'

Hannah Von Dadelszen, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Thalha Jubair and Owen Flowers with computer misuse and fraud related charges following a National Crime Agency investigation into a cyber-attack on the Transport for London network.

'Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

'We have worked closely with the National Crime Agency as they carried out their investigation.'

Transport for London identified that there had been a cyber attack on September 1 last year, in which customer details including names, contact information and Oyster card refund data including bank details were accessed.
A Canadian premier has come under fire after it was revealed he could spend nearly half a million dollars of taxpayer money on a self-proclaimed 'radical Marxist comedian' to help write his speeches.

British Columbia Premier David Eby, 48, secretly hired stand-up comedian Charles Demers, 45, in January of this year - signing a contract that pays him a staggering $165 an hour, with the potential to earn up to $450,000 Canadian dollars ($325,945 USD), according to leaked documents.

Officials have raised two major concerns about the move - the first being Demers' political stance, as his self-proclaimed identity as a 'lifelong Marxist' has sparked controversy and criticism over the years.

In a 2018 interview with CBC, the comedian declared: 'As a teenager, I was in a radical communist sect, with a Marxist newspaper published in New York that we sold on street corners.'

Secondly, British Columbia is grappling with a record-breaking $11.6-billion deficit - the largest in the province's history - and critics are now blaming Eby for what they call tone-deaf spending decisions.

'Premier Eby is telling families and small business to brace for cutbacks while his government quietly signs contracts worth nearly half a million dollars for a comedian,' B.C. Conservative Peter Milobar said in a statement, according to Juno News.

'In the middle of the largest deficit in B.C.'s history, this is not only tone-deaf, it's offensive to every taxpayer,' he added.

'At a time that we're supposed to be having a hiring freeze, at a time that we're supposed to be seeing potential cutbacks to the workforce, the premier's office - as long as it suits the premier's needs - seems to spend money.'

Canadian Premier David Eby (pictured), 48, has come under fire after a leaked document revealed he may spend nearly half a million dollars of taxpayer money on a self-proclaimed 'radical Marxist comedian' to help write his speeches

Officials have raised two major concerns about the move - the first being Demers' (pictured) political stance, as his self-proclaimed identity as a 'lifelong Marxist' has sparked controversy and criticism over the years

The British Columbia (B.C.) Conservative Party recently uncovered the seemingly hidden contract, which is set to run from February 2025 through January 2027.

According to the signed documents, Demers is responsible for researching content, preparing speaking notes, developing plans and strategies, crafting news releases, digital content, reports, and op-eds - all to assist Eby in writing his official speeches.

It was also revealed that Eby and Demers' relationship dates back to 2022, when the comedian spoke at the premier's swearing-in ceremony.

Their history has only fueled further questions about the hiring process - whether Demers was chosen solely because of his friendship with Eby, or if other candidates were even considered.

'There's nothing funny about it - it's the ultimate David Eby friends and insiders move,' Milobar added, according to CTV News.

On Monday, a press conference was held where the B.C. New Democratic Party (NDP) and Eby's office faced tough questions over the taxpayer-funded deal.

'We have rampant spending, out of control, and the decision-making by the premier, in the backdrop of a supposed hiring freeze, is to hire a personal friend to write jokes,' Milobar told Global News.

During the conference, when a reporter asked the premier if he gets a 'discount if the jokes bomb,' he laughed it off - but quickly shifted gears to defend his decision.

According to the docs, Demers is responsible for researching content, preparing speaking notes, developing plans and strategies, crafting news releases, digital content, reports, and op-eds - all to assist Eby (pictured) in writing his official speeches

British Columbia is grappling with a record-breaking $11.6-billion deficit and critics - including B.C. Conservative Peter Milobar (pictured) - are now blaming Eby for what they call tone-deaf spending decisions

On Tuesday, Demers (pictured) addressed the growing controversy with a video posted to his Instagram account, calling the figures mentioned in the Conservative statement 'hallucinatory'

'Today, for example, I'm delivering five speeches,' Eby said. 'I'd love to be able to write my own speeches like I used to, but I do need support to be able to respond to each event.'

'Speechwriters are a necessary part of the job,' he added.

The NDP has claimed to have cut 850 public service jobs, with more layoffs expected as the province tightens its budget - yet the premier's office currently employs six communications staff.

During the tense meeting, it was revealed that Demers had received nearly $100,000 in payments over the past three years alone.

However, Eby defended the figure, stating that Demers has been paid only $14,000 so far this year.

'Any time a politician starts trying to justify the spending using 'only' as a qualifier, you know they got caught out,' Milobar said during the conference.

On Tuesday, Demers addressed the growing controversy with a video posted to his Instagram account.

In the clip, the comedian first tackles the figures mentioned in the Conservative statement, dismissing them as 'hallucinatory.'

'They are not in touch with any kind of reality,' Demers stated.

The NDP is accused of 'misappropriating funds' amid ongoing strikes by B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) workers demanding higher wages (pictured)

Milobar (pictured) called the decision 'the ultimate David Eby friends and insiders move,' pointing to the premier's longstanding relationship with Demers, which dates back to 2022

Eby (pictured) defended his decision to hire Demers, arguing that 'speechwriters are a necessary part of the job' to meet the constant demands of the role

He also emphasized that his role goes beyond writing jokes for Eby - he helps craft entire speeches.

'David Eby's not the first premier of British Columbia that I've written for,' Demers said. 'I wrote for John Horgan, although for John Horgan, I did only write jokes.'

Demers then addressed the $450,000 figure mentioned in the contract, joking that if it were true, he might finally be able 'to get a better mortgage.'

He acknowledged that while he understands 'math is hard,' he would only receive the full $450,000 if he invoiced the maximum amount for the maximum duration of the contract.

The NDP is accused of 'misappropriating funds' amid ongoing strikes by B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) workers demanding higher wages - all while officials question when the party even intends to balance the budget.

'The government kind of is saying on the one hand, 'we're going to balance the budget,' but then the numbers tell a different story,' David Van Hemmen, the VP of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, told CTV.

'And the different story is higher spending as far as the eye can see,' he added.

However, Paul Finch, president of the striking workers' union, defended Demers' role in a post on X Tuesday, publicly backing the premier's move.

'Our strike is about getting fair wages for all civil servants in B.C., not unfairly attacking individuals,' Finch wrote.

'Charles is not just a comedian but an accomplished writer and public intellectual -well qualified for this role,' he added. 'This isn't where criticism is due.'
Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd is back behind bars - after allegedly 'controlling' and assaulting a new girlfriend, sources have told the Daily Mail.

Shepherd, 38, was arrested after a complaint on August 4 about his coercive and controlling behaviour and assault, it was said.

The self-styled Casanova walked free from prison a year and a half ago, having served half his sentence for killing his 24-year-old date Charlotte Brown by drunkenly flipping his defective speedboat on the River Thames, and later savagely attacking a barman.

Back then, shameless Shepherd skipped bail rather than face trial for killing Miss Brown, 24, of Clacton, Essex. He spent 10 months on the run in Georgia, until he was flushed out of his hideaway by the Daily Mail in 2019.

Hauled back to London, the fugitive was given a 10-year sentence - six years for the speedboat manslaughter in London plus four years for viciously glassing a barman in a Devon hotel who had refused him a drink.

He was freed on licence in January last year from HMP Dovegate, a category-B jail in Staffordshire, having served exactly half of his sentence. But now he has been hauled back to prison for allegedly breaching the terms of his release.

Smirking Jack Shepherd is back in jail only a year-and-a-half after being freed after killing his date Charlotte Brown in a booze-fuelled crash on the Thames

Charlotte Brown, 24, was thrown from Shepherd's boat when it capsized on the River Thames in December 2015

The Daily Mail has been told that Shepherd was arrested in Southall, west London, after an alleged victim made a complaint to the Metropolitan Police at Hounslow Police Station on August 4.

He was arrested on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour and assault related to suspected offences in Southall, it is understood.

It is unknown whether he faces any charges in relation to this allegation. The exact circumstances of his return to prison are also unclear.

Under the terms of him being granted freedom half way through his sentences, he was under obligation to abide by strict conditions until those sentences are fully complete in 2029. No further details are known about the alleged breach of his conditions, but it is understood that he breached the conditions and this was the reason he was recalled to prison.

Miss Browns father Graham, 61, said: He's back where he belongs. Prison is the best place for this man. I've always believed that Shepherd is a narcissist. Nothing surprises me about him, after what happened to my poor Charlotte.

He's never shown remorse for his part in her death. I think about her every day. The pain is never far away. I'll never forgive him and still believe he poses a risk to females.

The prison service does not comment on details of licence conditions breaches, but a spokesman said: 'As this case shows, we do not hesitate to send offenders back to prison if they break the rules.'

When he went on the run in Georgia, Shepherd had tried to make a new life for himself in the former Soviet republic, but caused public outrage by launching an appeal against his manslaughter conviction from his sunshine hideaway. To add insult to injury, British taxpayers were funding his appeal via legal aid, despite him having dodged his trial.

With the backing of Miss Browns devastated family, the Daily Mail ran a campaign to hunt him down, and in January 2019 we succeeded in flushing out Shepherd who gave himself up in the capital Tbilisi as the net closed in, as was chronicled in an ITV2 documentary The Killing of Charlotte Brown.

Extradited back to Britain in April 2019 and hauled before an Old Bailey judge, Shepherd was asked by a court clerk to admit he had breached bail and absconded from justice, and he replied: Er, yes.

He begged to be given credit for handing himself in to police in Georgia, but Judge Richard Marks said he had only gave himself up because of the Daily Mail, telling him: It was only a matter of time before the net closed in on you.

The brazen former fugitive later successfully managed to scrub the absconding charge from his record at an appeal. It was argued that the Georgian authorities had only extradited him on the basis of the two more serious charges, not the absconding charge.

After his release, Shepherds former lawyer in Georgia sent him a gushing message saying people here love you.

Glamorous Mariam Kublashvili, 38, who once starred in her countrys version of Strictly Come Dancing, offered nauseating congratulations to her former client, saying: You were vilified in Britain and I am afraid you will always be known as the speedboat killer, but you are very welcome to return to Georgia, where you have friends who would welcome you.

Shepherds licence conditions mean he would have to seek permission to travel abroad.

Last year, Miss Browns anguished family were devastated at his early release. Her mother Roz Wickens has said he will never know or fully understand the true devastation he has caused me and my family, while her father said last week: In my mind, he murdered my daughter and should be doing a proper life sentence.

The Ministry of Justice and the Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment.

Jack Shepherd's Georgian lawyer Mariam Kublashvili, who once starred in her countrys version of Strictly Come Dancing, told him: 'You have friends who would welcome you'

Charlotte was killed when Shepherd took her on a high speed ride past the Houses of Parliament in his defective speedboat

Jack Shepherd has now been jailed yet again - only 18 months after his release - after he breached his license conditions

Shepherd consults with his lawyer during a court hearing in Georgia

Shepherd's fatal date with 24-year-old Miss Brown took place in December 2015.

The web developer had taken her on a high-speed ride on a defective speedboat past the Houses of Parliament after a 150 date at a restaurant at The Shard.

After falling in the water, she was swept away while Shepherd was rescued from the water. He was heard shouting 'help me', rather than 'us'.

Shepherd, who lived on a houseboat in Hammersmith, had previously practiced the seduction routine on a string of women before Miss Brown's death.

His trial heard how he had bought vodka, before sharing two bottles of wine with Miss Brown at the Shard and downing champagne on his boat which he had bought on Gumtree.

His return to prison comes after Mr Brown warned last year that Shepherd should not be freed.
This is the stomach-churning moment a doctor removed a live crab from a boy's ear after he felt something wriggling in his head following a trip to the beach in Mexico.

Kitzia Mitre said a 'new fear was unlocked' after the crustacean emerged from her son Pedro's lughole.

They had just visited the beach when he started to complain of discomfort. The influencer, who is also a fashion designer took Pedro to a local health centre.

After investigating, doctors discovered the baby crab had burrowed in the boy's ear.

Pedro asked his mother to film as a health practitioner removing the crustacean.

The video showed tearful Pedro holding his mother's hand as the doctor conducted the extraction with one hand while holding his head in place with the other.

He asked his mother: 'Am I going to go blind?' She assured him that he wouldn't.

After the the small creature was taken out, it was seen still alive and wandering across the stretcher.

The Mexican influencer, who runs the YouTube channel Travelling with Kitzia Mitre, said: 'A new fear unlocked A crab got into Pedro's ear it's highly unlikely that something like that would happen, but it did.'

She joked: 'No crabs were harmed in the recording of this video.

Kitzia Mitre said a 'new fear was unlocked' after the crustacean emerged from her son Pedro's lughole

A tearful Pedro was in distress and asked his mother if he would go blind while doctors worked to remove the crab

The video quickly went viral, with social media users sharing their own encounters of creatures creeping into their bodies.

One said: 'A cockroach got into my ear once, it was horrible, you feel it when it moves, and it's super painful and annoying.'

Pedro's ordeal may sound like a freak accident but similar incidents of strange creatures inside people's bodies have been reported.

In Australia in 2014, Hendrik Helmer woke in agony when an inch-long cockroach burrowed deep in his ear, describing the pain as 'excruciating' before doctors pulled it out.

The previous year in Arkansas, teenager Grant Botti discovered a 4-inch centipede inside his ear. He managed to remove it himself after waking up with severe pain. He suffered scratches on his eardrum.

In Guangzhou, China, a man needed surgery after doctors found a live gecko had crawled into his ear canal while he slept.

In another case in China, a woman went to hospital after feeling a crawling sensation and medics found a tiny spider and its shed exoskeleton moving inside her ear.
A former British Airways pilot who told the actress Anna Friel she would make 'the perfect wife' and held up a ring outside her home, has been spared jail.

Phil Appleton, 71, bombarded the Unforgivable actor with sexual emails and was caught on CCTV looking through the window of her home, a court heard.

Appleton, who is also a former actor and an author, told her about plans he had made for their wedding and turned up at her home in a dinner jacket to take her a charity ball, a judge was told.

Jai Patel, prosecuting, said Ms Friel was first approached by Appleton at some time in 2022 when out on a walk with her daughter Gracie on the Long Walk in Windsor, Berkshire, where they both live.

He claimed to have worked on TV sets with her, the court heard.

'From the way Mr Appleton spoke to her, Ms Friel thought she must know him', Mr Patel said, adding the defendant had asked for her telephone number, but she gave him her email instead.

When she returned home, Ms Friel checked to see if she had worked with Appleton in the past, but found she had not, the court heard.

She later began to receive 'regular emails' from Appleton and decided not to respond in the hope he would stop, but he began to mention the names of Ms Friel's friends and her daughter's middle name, the prosecutor said.

Phil Appleton, 71 (pictured), bombarded Anna Friel with sexual emails and was caught on CCTV looking through the window of her home, a court heard. Appleton told her about plans he had made for their wedding and turned up at her home in a dinner jacket. He has been spared jail

'He said he loved Ms Friel and he missed her, he invited her to breakfast, lunch and dinner at his home', Mr Patel said. 'He told friends he was going to marry Ms Friel.'

In December 2022, Appelton joined Ms Friel's health club at a luxury hotel in Windsor where staff were unaware of his 'feelings' for the victim.

Judge Alan Blake said that Appleton joined the club, 'hoping I am quite sure to get the opportunity to meet her there'. However, he added that Appleton's behaviour at the Health Club was 'disinhibited' and his membership was later revoked.

Ms Friel received an email from him on New Year's Day 2023, in which Appleton said he 'wanted to marry her' and 'contained details of a wedding he was planning'.

Mr Patel added: 'On January 3, he referred to her as 'the perfect wife' and on January 4 emailed to say he was in bed naked thinking of her and sent a naked selfie showing his torso.'

Thames Valley Police spoke to Appleton on January 4 and advised him not to contact Ms Friel, but in December 2023 he turned up at her home.

'It is not known how he found out her home address', Mr Patel said, explaining that the first time Appleton arrived Ms Friel's 19-year-old daughter opened the door.

'He told her he was there to take Ms Friel to the Runnymede Ball and he was dressed in a dinner jacket. He had previously emailed Ms Friel asking her to the ball. She had not responded and did not think he would turn up.'

Ms Friel's daughter asked Appleton to leave, which he did, but came back a year later on the evening of December 9 last year. Earlier that day, he had sent Ms Friel an Instagram message saying 'Je t'aime' (French for 'I love you').

The victim saw someone looking through the lounge window and, when Ms Friel's daughter opened the door, she saw Appleton.

'He handed her an unopened package of cigarettes, which he said was for Ms Friel', Mr Patel said. Ms Friel and her daughter later looked at the CCTV footage and found he had been at their home for almost 30 minutes, the prosecutor said.

Anna Friel (pictured) received an email from Appleton on New Year's Day 2023, in which he said he 'wanted to marry her' and 'contained details of a wedding he was planning'. Jai Patel, prosecuting, added: 'On January 3, he referred to her as 'the perfect wife'

'He had been looking at the CCTV camera, gesturing and making facial expressions', Mr Patel explained. 'He mouths the words 'I love you' to the camera, then holds up a ring.'

The following morning, December 10, Appleton returned to their home again and picked up a parcel which had been delivered to the property, handed a wooden ring and an empty packet of cigarettes to Ms Friel's daughter.

Ms Friel reported the appearance to the police but before Appleton could be arrested he turned up at her home again.

The victim was 'shocked' to see Appleton, who began walking towards her, before she 'screamed and ran inside'.

In a victim impact statement, Ms Friel said: 'As a woman in the acting industry, where there have been lots of cases of stalking, it still shocked me when it happened to me.

'When my daughter's put in danger, that changes the seriousness and that made us feel unsafe in our own home', Ms Friel added.

'This case is incredibly time consuming when I want to put my full focus into work.

'I am disappointed he was given a warning the first time around and that did not stop him', Ms Friel said. 'I try to keep my personal life private and he has invaded that.'

Ms Friel said Appleton's behaviour had created 'turmoil, anxiety and fear of the unknown' for her and said she 'does not want to feel like a victim in her own home'.

The prosecutor argued Appleton should be banned from writing about Ms Friel as part of a restraining order, explaining: 'Mr Appleton is a writer, he has had a book published about his life and experiences and he uses social media.

'Referring to Ms Friel on social media or indeed in any written publication can amount to harassment and Ms Friel is concerned about this and does not want to be referred to in any work Mr Appleton might publish or in anything he posts on social media.'

Appleton was initially charged with stalking involving serious alarm or distress between January 1 2022 and December 11 last year, which he denied.

On August 4 he admitted a lesser offence of just stalking and appeared at Reading Crown Court on September 18 for sentence.

The court heard that, although Appleton had initially been remanded into custody in prison, he was later transferred to a secure psychiatric hospital, where he remained until February 7, meaning he had served six months in custody.

James Bloomer KC, for Appleton, said: 'This was thoroughly troubling behaviour. Not, I note, behaviour including the slightest threat of violence, but thoroughly troubling behaviour nonetheless. I do pass on his unreserved apology and shame at his behaviour.'

The defence lawyer said the defendant described himself as a 'broken man' and pointed out Appleton's mental health issues had led to the loss of his career as a pilot for British Airways and the 'dwindling away' of his acting and acting teaching career.

'There is a degree of genuine pathos to the situation he has placed himself in', Mr Bloomer said. 'He wishes nothing but to return to the law abiding life he lived for so many decades and to hope for a quietly last few years to his life.'

Judge Blake said that, despite the period of time Appleton had already served in custody, bearing in mind the length and persistence of the stalking, he was minded to pass a community order with some 'preventative' requirements.

He sentenced Appleton to a 24-month community order, including a 12-month electronically monitored exclusion requirement preventing him from attending certain areas and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days for his supervisor to monitor compliance with his medication.

Appleton was also made subject to a 15-year restraining order, preventing him from contacting Ms Friel or her daughter, not attending a particular road in Windsor and a part of the Long Walk and not attending the Fairmont Hotel and Spa in Windsor Park.
President Donald Trump honored his murdered friend Charlie Kirk on foreign soil Thursday, revealing he once told the conservative firebrand he had presidential potential.

'A great American was heinously assassinated for speaking his mind,' Trump declared during his UK press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 'Incredible futuregone.'

Kirk, 31, was gunned down by a lone assassin while addressing students at Utah Valley University last week. The rising conservative star's death has sent shockwaves through the political world.

Trump thanked British supporters who rallied in London mourning Kirk's assassination, calling his murdered friend 'a great young mind' whose voice was silenced by violence.

Trump added that he appreciated British citizens who expressed their condolences after his assassination.

'Charlie was a great person,' he said.

The president referred to rallies of conservatives in the United Kingdom after more than 100,000 protestors descended in London on Saturday to protest Starmer prior to Trump's state visit.

Activists rallied for free speech but protesters also featured messages mourning Kirk's death.

US President Donald Trump during a press conference with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire

Charlie Kirk, the American conservative activist and commentator. He is best known as the founder of Turning Point USA

Prime Minister Starmer also expressed his condolences to Trump, noting that the assassination sent 'shockwaves through the world.'

'I know he was a friend of the president, and I reached out straight away to the president,' he said.

The president confirmed his plans to attend Kirk's funeral on Sunday, set for the Phoenix area State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona that holds over 63,000 people.

'He just wanted to take care of youth. He loved youth,' he said. 'I've never seen anybody relate to youth like Charlie. And they liked Charlie. And they related to him. And they're devastated.'

The president revealed that he often told Kirk that he could be president one day.

'I told him, I said, 'you have a good shot someday at being president,'' he said.

The president spoke about the importance of defending Western values that included freedom of speech.

Protesters carry a poster depicting the late US political activist Charlie Kirk during the "Unite The Kingdom" rally

A west London pub temporarily rebranded to "The Trump Arms" to mark Donald Trump's state visit this week.

'I hope that together, our nations can lead a movement to defend the lead a movement to defend the glorious traditions of freedom on both sides of the Atlantic,' he said.

The president volunteered that Kirk was the one who encouraged him to get on TikTok, after he was asked about whether the algorithm of the social media platform continue to be controlled by China.

Trump said he would speak to President Xi about the social media platform that was banned by Congress and signed by former President Joe Biden.

'I like TikTok, it helped get me elected,' Trump said. 'In fact, Charlie said, 'Sir, you ought to get on TikTok. You'd be great.''

Trump said the platform had 'tremendous value' and that there would be 'a lot of unhappy youth' if the platform was banned.
Former President Barack Obama has slammed his successor Donald Trump after Jimmy Kimmel's late night talk show was canned.

The 44th president slammed ABCs decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air after the network succumbed to pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over remarks Kimmel made about Charlie Kirk's murder.

After years of complaining about cancel culture, Obama wrote to his followers on X. The current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like.

Obama made no mention of his closeness to Kimmel. He has appeared on the liberal host's show and the two men are known to be huge fans of one another.

Kimmel came under fire in the wake of Charlie Kirks assassination when he claimed a MAGA supporter was responsible for the killing. Prosecutors believe suspect Tyler Robinson is actually a left-winger.

On Monday, Kimmel said the following: We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on Wednesday threatened ABC and Disney to change conduct and take action against Kimmel. Later that day, Nexstar, which airs Kimmels show on local affiliates across the country, announced it will no longer broadcast Kimmel's show indefinitely following his comments.

Disney-owned ABC as well announced Kimmels show would no longer air on the network. Kimmels comedy career with ABC lasted more than 20 years through 23 seasons of his show.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent  and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it,' Obama concluded.

Obama called on media companies not to surrender to efforts by the Trump administration to stifle free speech

Trump celebrated Kimmel's firing during a press conference in the United Kingdom

The 44th president slammed ABCs decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air

Trump, meanwhile, celebrated ABCs decision during his press conference in London on Thursday.

Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings, more than anything else, and he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk, Trump said. Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person... and they should've fired him a long time ago.

Sinclair, who also runs ABCs local broadcasts, said it would replace Kimmels time slot with a tribute to the deceased conservative activists Kirk on Friday.

Kimmels comments drew criticism from conservatives after prosecutors announced the accused Kirk shooter, Tyler Robinson, had shot Kirk because he had enough of his hatred.

Moreover, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox claimed Robinson held a leftist ideology. Robinson also had a transgender lover before he allegedly murdered Kirk.

Late-night comedians were a staple during Trumps first-term in the White House known for routinely mocking the president.

However, nine months into Trumps second administration, networks have begun shuttering hosts after years of viewership decline.

Kimmel came under fire in the wake of Charlie Kirks assassination when he claimed a MAGA supporter was responsible for the killing

Back in July, CBS announced The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would be canceled in May 2026 after a decade on air.
Donald Trump has revealed the United States is trying to take back Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan after it was overrun by the Taliban.

Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the president warned the base is an 'hour away' from China 's nuclear weapons facilities.

Trump said: 'We're trying to get it back, by the way... It's an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.'

The U.S. withdrew from Bagram Air Base with no notice in July, 2021, letting the Taliban take it as they surged to power through Afghanistan.

This is breaking news. More to follow
Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was seen posing with a man who worked as a 'Peacekeeper' in the state, less than a week before he was arrested for allegedly killing a father while fleeing a robbery at a Louis Vuitton store.

Keller McMillan, 35, was one of seven men charged with murder, burglary, and retail theft after they robbed a luxury retail store and allegedly killed a father who was driving to work.

It has now been revealed that McMillan was working as a 'Peacekeeper,' a trained community member who is sent to violent hotspots to de-escalate conflicts.

Pritzker met with the Peacekeepers at the start of the month, sharing photos in a press release from the event, including one with McMillan.

The photo was removed after McMillian's arrest, but had already been circulated on multiple media websites.

Pritzker shared a video on his social media from the event, where he sat at a roundtable and listened to the Peacekeepers describe their experience in the program.

The governor noted that the Peacekeepers create a safer community and wrote in the caption, 'It's folks like these that we need more of doing the hard work of community violence prevention, not troops on the ground to undermine efforts fighting crime'.

'The Governor meets hundreds of people in communities every week and is often asked to take photos,' Pritzker's office said in a statement.

Governor JB Pritzker was pictured with a man now convicted of burglary and murder

Keller McMillan, 35, was working as a 'Peacekeeper' in Illinois when he allegedly was involved in a Louis Vuitton store burglary

Former Police Chief Tom Weitzel slammed the governor's office as 'incompetent' for allowing him to pose with someone who has multiple outstanding warrants

'We were extremely troubled to learn that this individual was arrested for his alleged involvement in this serious crime, and we expect them to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

'The Governor will keep doing everything in his power to fight crime, keep our neighborhoods safe, and support community violence intervention, which have been proven to work'.

The Chicago Police Department charged McMillan as a fugitive of justice for three out-of-state warrants and one in-state warrant.

Former Police Chief Tom Weitzel slammed the governor's office as 'incompetent,' telling CWBChicago, 'I know that some people approach politicians and ask to take a picture, but if the photo is posed, it reveals an absolute lack of due diligence on the part of the governors team, in my opinion'.

It's unclear how McMillan was able to work as a Peacekeeper while he had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Daily Mail reached out to the Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science at Northwestern University, which runs the program, for comment.

Seven men were arrested for the massive burglary, which resulted in the death of a father whose car was crashed into by a man allegedly fleeing the scene

The program fosters relationships between Peacekeepers and members of the community to mitigate violence.

The governor's office said that Community Violence Intervention programs decreased shootings in 41 percent of program areas.

Despite the progress, CVI programs have drawn criticism, with Weitzel calling it a 'feel-good' operation with participants who have convictions for violent felonies.

CPD didn't release what McMillan's out-of-state warrants were for, but arrest records indicate that he was previously charged with domestic battery/bodily harm, street gang contact, and gang loitering.

His rap sheet dates back to 2014. McMillan was charged as a fugitive of justice in 2019 and 2022 and was issued a warrant for his arrest last October.

Videos captured multiple men allegedly rob a Louis Vuitton store and flee the scene

A witness captured the shocking moment a black truck crashed into the store window

Burglary and murder charges

In his most recent offense, McMillan was charged with murder, theft between $500,000 and $1 million, and burglary.

Keith Perkins, 19, Anthony Hemphill, 22, Harvey Fisher, 26, Alton Jackson, 37, Dejuan Wingard, 30, and Darius Bowdry, 30, were also charged in connection with the Louis Vuitton store robbery.

They allegedly pulled up to the store in six stolen vehicles and used a pickup truck to smash through a window to gain entry, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

A video from the scene revealed the black truck crashing into a window while multiple men rushed in and out of the store to the stolen vehicles parked in front.

Wingard then allegedly collided with another vehicle while driving 77 miles per hour and passing through red lights after fleeing the scene.

McMillan was seen sitting at a roundtable discussion with the governor before he allegedly burglarized a Louis Vuitton store

A young father named Mark Arceta was killed on his way to work by a man who was allegedly fleeing the robbery

Arceta's partner gave birth to their child just a day after he was killed in the horrific car crash

The crash killed 40-year-old father, Mark Arceta, who was driving to his last day of work before going on paternity leave.

His girlfriend, Roanne Masangkay, told Fox News that she gave birth to their baby boy just one day after Arceta died.

'I want my son to know his dad was so loved. He gave me everything I wanted. He was selfless, generous, and never turned his back on people who needed help,' she told the outlet.

A GoFundMe was set up for the family, and the description said Arceta was a father to a 16-month-old baby and a step-father to a 10-year-old before he died.
Two Just Stop Oil activists who planned to spray orange paint on Taylor Swift's private jet have been found guilty of the criminal damage of two planes.

Jennifer Kowalski, 29, and Cole Macdonald, 23, breached the perimeter fence at Stansted Airport in Essex with an angle grinder then took turns spraying two planes with paint and filming it.

They then sat together, holding hands, while waiting for police to arrive.

Their trial at Chelmsford Crown Court was told they had been targeting the pop star's jet but the aircraft they vandalised belonged to an insurance firm and an investment group.

Kowalski, of Dumbarton in Scotland and Macdonald, of Brighton, East Sussex, argued they had not intended to damage the two aircraft on June 20 last year but both were found guilty of criminal damage.

Jurors took less than two hours of deliberation to reach their unanimous verdicts.

Judge Alexander Mills said there was no dispute Kowalski and Macdonald caused the damage, spraying the aircraft with orange paint from a fire extinguisher.

Prosecutor David Barr had said in his closing speech to jurors: In reality, the only issue for you to decide is what was going through the minds of those defendants when they sprayed the aircraft.

Jennifer Kowalski, 29, (left) and Cole Macdonald, 23, cut through a perimeter fence at Stansted Airport before causing criminal damage to two private jets by spraying them with orange paint loaded into fire extinguishers

Did they intend to cause damage or were they reckless as to whether damage would be caused?

Laura O'Brien, defending Kowalski, said her client had believed the paint could be hosed off the planes.

Rebecca Martin, for Macdonald, added: She believed, because she was told, it (the paint) wouldn't have stuck to, stained or corroded the aircraft.

She believed it would just slide off as that's what she was told.

The judge asked that pre-sentence reports be prepared about the two defendants, adding: They will of course be all options pre-sentence reports.

During the trial, jurors heard how the pair planned to target Swifts chartered jet as they hoped she would be 'shaken from her apathy' and speak out about climate change.

The pop star was In London at the time for concerts at Wembley Stadium during her Eras tour.

Kowalski told the court she was a fan  known as a Swiftie - adding: As time went on, I saw her doing more problematic things

The incident occurred near the Harrods Aviation hanger, an area of the airport used by private jets

Swift's plane was in London at the time of the incident for a series of concerts at Wembley Stadium as part of her record-breaking Eras tour

'More recently with her private jet usage and her place in the world in terms of climate change. It's something where I questioned my love for her.'

Targeting her plane might 'shake her from this place of apathy that her and other celebrities are in', she added.

But the former sustainability manager explained that Macdonald had been concerned they would be intercepted by airport security before they got there, so they sprayed the other planes instead.

Macdonald told the court: 'The idea behind doing it round Taylor Swift was she's very famous and her public jet usage has been very publicly criticised.'

She added they had launched the raid at around 5am to avoid potential disruption against regular people going on holiday, travelling for work or anything like that.

Jurors were told the paint had penetrated screw holes and window rubbers and took 45 hours of work spread over several days to remove.

Zoe Varzi, a company director at a firm that professionally cleans aircraft, said the substance sprayed onto the jets 'could have caused uneven surface texture to the aircraft if not removed correctly' which might have affected air flow.

The process of selecting the correct dry chemical to clean the Gulfstream jets was done under supervision of a Gulfstream engineer, she added.

Staff spent a total of 45 hours over a number of days cleaning off the paint

Kowalski and Macdonald pictured at a previous court appearance

Macdonald has no previous convictions, while Kowalski has two - one for a breach of the peace in 2022, and the other for failing to leave when directed by a senior officer in 2023.

The earlier matter was for throwing paint on a government building in Edinburgh in a climate protest.

The later incident was for staying until the point of arrest at an occupation of an oil terminal despite having been told to leave.

Both defendants were bailed until October 27 when they are due to be sentenced at the same court.
An army major took his own life after fearing that seeking help for work stress and the pressures of fatherhood would 'blight' his military career, an inquest heard.

Nick Coles, 36, was found by his wife, Tabitha, hanging in the garage of his home in Andover, Hampshire, in the early hours of August 4, 2023.

The Portsmouth inquest heard that he had been drinking wine with his wife during the evening and had a blood alcohol level similar to the drink-drive limit.

Mr Coles, who had been described as a 'rising star', told the hearing that her husband, who served with the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, juggled his work alongside spending time with their baby daughter.

She said: 'He was always trying to do as much with her as possible, he found balancing that difficult, he would be leaving the office and it was seven o'clock and she would be going to bed, he was trying to squeeze everything in at once.'

Mrs Coles described her husband, who had previously served in Inverness, Scotland, as a 'perfectionist' who worked 16-hour days.

She said he had intended to leave the Army after completing a period of deployment, preferably in Kenya.

The mum said that her husband had difficulty sleeping and would catch up with sleep at the weekend - which meant missing time with their daughter - leading him to suffer panic attacks in the morning when he had to go back to work.

He didn't seek help for the panic attacks from any military mental health services.

Nick Coles , 36, was found by his wife, Tabitha, hanging in the garage of his home in Andover, Hampshire, in the early hours of August 4, 2023

Mrs Coles said: 'I think he felt ashamed of it.'

She added that in the six months preceding his death, her husband appeared to have stopped exercising and would have violent verbal outbursts which would upset their daughter.

She said: 'It was powerful, explosive and scary and it would be about something little. He would feel even more terrible because he had upset her.'

Describing her husband as 'loving and caring', Mrs Coles said he had not spoken of suicidal thoughts and added: 'He loved us and he loved being a dad, I just know he wasn't thinking because if he had thought, he wouldn't have done it.'

Recording a conclusion of suicide, coroner Jason Pegg said that he believed Mr Coles had acted 'impulsively' and the wine he had drunk had contributed to this.

He said: 'Nick was someone who had achieved his rank and role through placing demands on himself through Sandhurst and elsewhere and had high expectations of himself but like so many, he did not achieve those high expectations.

'Nick was someone who often placed himself under pressure to do well, including at school and even at school Nick would suffer from panic attacks when he felt stressed.

'Nick was prone to these panic attacks and it's with great sadness when I heard of him being comforted by Mrs Coles on a daily basis to get off to work and such trait may be not best suited for someone who is an Army officer, and Nick recognised that.'

He added: 'Nick was finding it very difficult to balance the various stresses in his life, work and also balancing being a husband and a father to a young daughter.

'There was a reluctance on Nick's part to seek professional help, he felt it might blight his career.'

At his funeral, the major's father, retired Lieutenant Colonel Tim Coles, delivered a strongly worded warning to military officials to provide more support to servicemen.

Lt Col Coles, regional director of ABF The Soldiers' Charity, said: 'If there is a problem, we as leaders should identify that and help to point our colleagues and subordinates in the right direction.

'Don't hesitate. My message is listen, think, care and smile. But most importantly, look behind the mask.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a branch or go to samaritans.org
Casual office chat around gender identity has been branded unwise by a tribunal judge amid a case in which a charity worker made up claims of transphobia.

Employment Judge Lesley Murphy warned it could be ill-advised to discuss the topic because of how the views could be perceived by some people.

The comments came after Natasha Saini alleged a boss at Glasgow-based Community InfoSource had said it felt ridiculous to claim there were more than two genders as they came out as non-binary.

The American told the tribunal the organisations CEO Gillian Wilson had said when I was growing up there were only two genders before admitting she felt ridiculous to say otherwise.

However, the panel found Saini, who uses pronouns they/their, had made up the claim as they no-longer wished to have Ms Wilson as their line manager.

It established the employee had taken eight months to raise any issue on the matter.

Saini had started working for the organisation as an asylum seeker housing project coordinator in January 2022 on a fixed-term, 12-month contract.

They told the tribunal that during a lunch with Ms Wilson in March that year they informed the CEO that they identified as non-binary.

A judge warned it could be ill-advised to discuss gender in the office

In response, they alleged Ms Wilson said, I dont understand transgender identity and when I was growing up there were only two genders and it feels ridiculous to say otherwise.

The worker further claimed the CEO had said the gender debate was generational.

However, the tribunal found that Saini did not in fact disclose their gender identity until months later in November 2022, during a Zoom meeting with external HR consultant.

The meeting was arranged after the relationship between the worker and Ms Wilson had deteriorated with Saini also alleging the boss had gaslit, nitpicked and micromanaged them over the previous months.

During the online call, they claimed the CEO had been transphobic towards them during their lunch in March.

The tribunal noted that towards the end of 2022, the gender identity debate was very prominent in Scotland as the Gender Recognition (Reform) Scotland Bill was progressing through the legislative process.

It added that the debate was highly sensitive and polarised agreeing it saw force in the argument of Community InfoSources lawyer who said that it was obvious to anyone that gender identity issues were contentious and making casual comments on the subject in the workplace would be reckless.

It also accepted that Ms Wilson did not hold the views that the worker alleged she did.

In a judgement, Judge Murphy suggested that people would be wise to avoid conversations about gender identity issues.

The tribunal found: In all of the circumstances, we conclude on the balance of probabilities, not only that the exchange did not take place as [Saini] described but that [their] allegation that it did was made in the knowledge that it was untrue.

We took into account the inconsistency between [Saini]s pleaded case and [their] evidence with respect to the order of the exchange.

We did not consider this to be a trifling matter of a muddled chronology.

It is one thing to allege someone espoused a view that there are just two genders (as injudicious as the expression of views on such matters might be considered by some in a casual workplace exchange).

It would be contextually quite different to do so directly in response to a disclosure by an employee that they identified as non-binary.

The worker resigned in December 2022 after the HR consultant concluded there was no evidence to substantiate their complaints.

Judge Murphy said Saini knew what they told the expert about their March lunch with Ms Wilson was untrue.

The judge added: [Saini] no longer wanted to be managed by [Ms Wilson] and the relationship, from [their] perspective, had broken down.

However, this was not because [Ms Wilson] had made gender critical comments in March or at all.

Other claims Saini brought to the employment tribunal were also dismissed.
An army major took his own life after fearing that seeking help for work stress and the pressures of fatherhood would blight his military career, an inquest heard.

Nick Coles, who served with the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, was found by his wife, Tabitha, after taking his own life at their home in Andover, Hampshire, in the early hours of August 4 2023.

The Portsmouth inquest heard that the 36-year-old had been drinking wine with his wife during the evening and had a blood alcohol level similar to the drink-drive limit.

Mrs Coles told the hearing that her husband was dyslexic and found it difficult to cope with reading and writing work, which she said slowed him down and meant that he struggled balancing his work and spending time with their baby daughter.

She said: He was always trying to do as much with her as possible, he found balancing that difficult, he would be leaving the office and it was seven oclock and she would be going to bed, he was trying to squeeze everything in at once.

Mrs Coles described her husband, who had previously served in Inverness as a perfectionist who worked 16-hour days but said he intended to leave the Army after completing a period of deployment, preferably in Kenya.

She said that her husband had difficulty sleeping and would catch up with sleep at the weekend which meant missing time with their daughter, leading him to suffer panic attacks in the morning when he had to go back to work.

Mrs Coles said: I think he felt ashamed of it.

Nick Coles served with the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland

Nick Coles wife Tabitha said her husband was a perfectionist who worked 16-hour days

She added that in the six months preceding his death, her husband also appeared to have stopped exercising and would have violent verbal outbursts which would upset their daughter.

She said: It was powerful, explosive and scary and it would be about something little. He would feel even more terrible because he had upset her.

Describing her husband as loving and caring, Mrs Coles said he had not spoken of suicidal thoughts and added: He loved us and he loved being a dad, I just know he wasnt thinking because if he had thought, he wouldnt have done it.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, coroner Jason Pegg said that he believed Mr Coles had acted impulsively and the wine he had drunk had contributed to this.

He said: Nick was someone who had achieved his rank and role through pacing demands on himself through Sandhurst and elsewhere and had high expectations of himself but like so many, he did not achieve those high expectations.

Nick was someone who often placed himself under pressure to do well, including at school and even at school Nick would suffer from panic attacks when he felt stressed.

Nick was prone to these panic attacks and its with great sadness when I heard of him being comforted by Mrs Coles on a daily basis to get off to work and such a trait may be not best suited for someone who is an Army officer, and Nick recognised that.

He added: Nick was finding it very difficult to balance the various stresses in his life, work and also balancing being a husband and a father to a young daughter.

There was a reluctance on Nicks part to seek professional help, he felt it might blight his career.
The former head of the UKs armed forces dubbed Tonys General for his closeness to the then Prime Minister has died aged 86.

Field Marshal Lord Guthrie oversaw successful military interventions in the Balkans and Sierra Leone during Blairs premiership.

The deeply respected former SAS and Guards officer also claimed to be probably the last British officer to have had a spear thrown at him in anger.

He was also a crossbench member of the House of Lords and a successful British Army commander in Northern Ireland, Oman and East Africa.

Lord Guthrie accompanying Her Majesty the Queen at the Household Cavalry Pageant in 2007

There were concerns for Lord Guthrie's health when, aged 79, he was unceremoniously dumped from his horse during the Trooping the Colour parade in 2018.

As Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Guthrie, seen here with Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and Defence Secretary George Robertson, proved a smooth political operator. They attended a summit to mark the 50th anniversary of NATO.

On his retirement from military service Lord Guthrie became a crossbench peer taking a keen interest in defence issues including spending cuts.

The spear throwing incident occurred in 1980 when he led an Anglo-French force thwarting a political coup on the island of Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides.

The phrase Tonys General stemmed from Guthries friendship with Blair following Labours 1997 landslide election victory.

The general and the Prime Minister agreed on the principle of liberal interventionism. Britain duly took part in the defence of Kosovo against Serb aggression and suppressed a civil war in Sierra Leone in 1999.

Guthrie was head of the Army from 1994 to 1997 and head of the armed forces from 1997 to 2001.

He adopted a conservative position on cultural issues in the armed forces such as whether women should serve on the frontline.

Guthrie was opposed to the move, in step with most senior officers of his generation.

He supported the invasion of Iraq at the time, but later said the 2003 Gulf War and the subsequent occupation of southern Iraq by British and international forces was a disaster.

After retiring from the Army he acted as the UKs envoy to Pakistan.

He also railed against cuts to defence spending and accused Blairs successor Gordon Brown as being bad for the armed forces.

Guthrie served in the SAS as a Troop commander and later a Squadron Commander in G Squadron during the 1960s. In the 2000s he was the regiments Colonel Commandant.

Last night former British Army officer Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon paid tribute saying: Lord Guthrie was a very fine officer with the gravitas of the Guards and the skill of the SAS who guided the armed forces through challenging times.

His legacy will endure and history will look kindly upon him.
James Bond once described the job as a travelling 'sort of licenced troubleshooter'.

But now those aspiring to join MI6 won't even need to leave their bedrooms as the service is opening a 'virtual door' for new spies.

In a bid to lure agents in Russia and other hostile states, MI6 has launched a dark web recruitment portal so secrets can be passed on without anyone knowing.

Known as the 'Silent Courier', MI6 hope that the dark web portal will allow intelligence about hostile states and terrorism to be shared securely without the need for any rendezvous in the shadows, perhaps signalling the end of the days of dead drops, coded messages and other traditional spy craft.

The move comes after spymaster Sir Richard Moore made an unprecedented appeal to disaffected Russians to 'come spy with us' in 2023 saying: 'There are many Russians today who are silently appalled by the sight of their armed forces pulverising Ukrainian cities, expelling innocent families from their homes and kidnapping thousands of children.

'They are watching in horror as their soldiers ravage a kindred country... I invite them to do what others have already done this past 18 months and join hands with us.'

The appeal proved highly successful, but now MI6 wants to go even further making it easier for spies to join by harnessing the anonymity of the dark web.

In a final speech in Istanbul on Friday before he leaves the role at the end of this month, the MI6 chief will say: 'Today, we're asking those with sensitive information on global instability, international terrorism or hostile state intelligence activity to contact MI6 securely online.

MI6 has launched a video marking its presence on the dark web

The secret intelligence agency has launched a recruitment portal, allowing it to receive secrets anonymously

MI6 said it is particularly keen to hear from disaffected Russians

The short film closes with a shot of its headquarters in central London

'Our virtual door is open to you.'

He will say that the UK's intelligence services are 'critical to calibrating risk and informing decisions' in navigating threats from hostile actors.

It is the first time that a British intelligence agency has established an official presence on the dark web.

Instructions on how to access the portal will be publicly available on MI6's YouTube channel on how to reach the Tor portal.

As part of the appeal to spies in Russia and elsewhere around the world, MI6 has produced a slick video showing how easy it is to contact them without having to play any of the elaborate spy games and stunts traditionally associated with the fictional Bond character.

The move comes after the CIA started publishing videos on social media channels to lure Russian spies in 2023.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'National security is the first duty of any government and the bedrock of the Prime Minister's Plan for Change.

'As the world changes and the threats we're facing multiply, we must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our adversaries.

'Our world class intelligence agencies are at the coalface of this challenge, working behind the scenes to keep British people safe.

'Now we're bolstering their efforts with cutting-edge tech so MI6 can recruit new spies for the UK - in Russia and around the world.'
It was a fairly humdrum edition of First Ministers Questions, all things considered. The usual back-and-forth between John Swinney and Russell Findlay. Anas Sarwar spruiking the Starmer governments record on Scotland. A toadying question or two from the SNP backbenches.

Not much for your humble sketchwriter to work with. Then Douglas Ross got up with a point of order, telling Swinney: As I left the chamber yesterday, I was physically assaulted and verbally abused

You could have heard a pin drop, namely the one off the grenade Ross was about to chuck in Swinneys lap.

He concluded:  by your Minister for Parliamentary Business, Jamie Hepburn.

A gust of gasps swept the chamber. One MSP accusing another of assault is, as best as I can recall, unprecedented.

Ross says Hepburn got in a flap over questions about a seagull summit. Elgin, in Rosss Highlands and Islands region, has been bedevilled by the winged menaces of late.

In scenes reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcocks The Birds, locals and their property are coming under routine attack from belligerent gulls.

The Tory MSP alleges that, after he ruffled Hepburns feathers in the chamber with questions about the summit, the minister grabbed him by the shoulder, began swearing at him, and continued to tighten his grip.

Douglas Ross has accused SNP minister Jamie Hepburn of physically and verbally abusing him in parliament

First Minister John Swinney told journalists waiting outside the Holyrood chamber that he would consider Douglas Rosss accusations.

Jamie Hepburn repeatedly denied any assault claims but admitted to using words he shouldnt have

Hepburn wasnt in the chamber to hear the charges levelled against him. I understand Ross had hoped to question Swinney directly and emailed Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone yesterday morning about doing so. However, he wasnt called during the 45-minute Q&A session.

A stunned-looking Swinney told journalists waiting outside the chamber that he would consider Rosss accusations.

Earlier, the First Minister had come under interrogation from Rosss successor about social security spending. Russell Findlay wielded the latest Audit Scotland report as a cudgel with which to pummel the government. He said the auditors had discovered a 1.2 billion black hole in the welfare budget. An annual 1.2 billion black hole.

Wait, youre telling me the SNP cant manage a budget? Wow. That surprises me. This is my surprised tone.

The real divide in politics is not between right and left but between those mindful of human nature and those in denial about it. Swinney falls into the latter category.

When Findlay asked why Social Security Scotland lacked any mechanism to detect fraudulent claims or erroneous awards, Swinney piously pronounced that the system was designed to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people.

The First Ministers heart is in the right place but youd need a search party to locate his brain. A system designed without fraudsters in mind is a system advertising itself to be defrauded.

Swinney means well but his good intentions and idealist politics blind him to human nature: if genuine claimants face no hurdles then neither do swindlers, and the more cash that goes to swindlers the less cash  and public sympathy  there will be for the genuinely needy.

Instead, he accused Findlay of wanting to pursue and harass vulnerable people. This right here is why the left always fails: the sentimental refusal to confront human nature. Everything good the left creates is eventually undone by its reluctance to make a moral distinction between the deserving and the undeserving.

Another former Tory leader, Jackson Carlaw, had some fun with Swinneys recent visit to Washington D.C. and apparently warm relations with President Trump. The Eastwood MSP was up to mischief, of course, knowing how averse SNP backbenchers are to The Donald.

It fair gladdens all our hearts, he purred. In fact, I feel the hearts of the Scottish Greens melting.

Big laugh.

Jackson Carlaw knows how to bring hilarity into the parliamentary chamber, Swinney smiled.

Not the way you do, Jackie Baillie piped up from the sidelines.

Im glad Im conveying so much bonhomie today, Swinney shot back.

Buddying up with Trump, attending royal dinners. If only hed give up on this independence nonsense, I could get to like this fellow.
Rachel Reeves could be forced to inject billions more into public services if she fails to boost productivity, economists warned last night.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the Chancellor is banking on making ambitious efficiencies to improve the NHS and other services.

But it warned that if Ms Reeves fails to meet her target for increasing productivity, she could be forced to significantly top up her spending plans - potentially by up to 18billion.

The IFS estimated that the Government's spending plans imply a 2.9per cent increase in input productivity, equivalent to 1.0per cent per year.

However, the figure is more than four times faster than the estimated average annual growth rate between 1997 and 2019.

The IFS warned that if the Government only delivers half of its planned productivity improvements, then 'achieving the same level of public sector performance as currently implied would require a 9 billion top-up to spending in 2028-29'.

But if funding productivity stays flat, it would double to an 18 billion top-up, the think tank said.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set ambitious targets for increasing productivity

Economists warn that if she fails to meet them, she could be forced to find another 18 billion to spend on public services

The report comes just a few days after warnings that Ms Reeves may have to find billions more than expected if the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) slashes productivity forecasts.

The OBR has reportedly 'given indications' that it could downgrade the forecast - potentially causing a shortfall in the public finances and leaving the Chancellor scrambling for extra cash.

Allan Monks, UK economist at JPMorgan, told the Financial Times that even shaving 0.1 or 0.2 per cent from productivity would leave a hole of between 9billion and 18billion.

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showed productivity fell in the second quarter of this year compared to a year ago.

Any downgrade heightens the likelihood of Ms Reeves launching a fresh tax raid this autumn.

Olly Harvey-Rich, a research economist at the IFS and an author of the report, said: 'This isn't the first government to promise to reduce waste, raise productivity and improve the efficiency of public services.

'The previous government set out an almost identical ambition for departments to make 5per cent efficiency gains over a three-year period. Such promises haven't always materialised.

'But if this government wants to stick to its spending plans while also fulfilling its ambitious commitments on public services, delivering serious productivity growth is essential.

'Failure would increase pressure on the Chancellor to top up spending plans.. In the longer term, productivity gains are perhaps even more important, as they are one of the few ways that public services will be able to meet growing demand without ever-increasing taxes.'
A man in his 30s has been rushed to hospital after a stabbing at a theme park in the early hours of Thursday.

North Yorkshire Police said the alleged attack happened at Flamingo Land Resort in Kirby Misperton just after 1am near the onsite store.

Police have arrested four people, including a 22-year-old man in connection with the stabbing.

A 22-year-old woman, a 54-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man, all from the Teesside area, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They remain in custody for questioning.

Police said the alleged victim is receiving treatment for his injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident are asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened at Flamingo Land Resort in Kirby Misperton just after 1am near the onsite store

North Yorkshire Police said: 'A 22-year-old man from Stockton-on-Tees has been arrested in connection with a stabbing incident at the Flamingo Land Resort, Kirby Misperton, near Pickering.

'It happened close to the onsite store just after 1am today.

'The victim, a man aged in his 30s, suffered injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. He was taken to hospital by ambulance where he is receiving treatment.

'A 22-year-old woman, a 54-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man, all from the Teesside area, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

'They remain in custody for questioning.

'Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident are asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

'Please quote reference NYP-18092025-0020 when proving details.'
More than 300 children are believed to be victims of a 75-year-old swimming instructor who allegedly groomed and molested boys as young as 12 over almost 30 years.

The horrific accusations of abuse brought investigators close to tears as they recounted dozens of charges against Donald Douglas Williams stemming from his work teaching at a correctional facility for minors from 1988 to 2017.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they believe Williams assaulted more than 300 youths between the ages of 12 and 18 over the course of 26 years, from 1989 to 2015, while he worked at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre.

'This instructor held a position of authority, and the young people he victimized should have been able to trust him and feel safe with him,' said Staff Sergeant Rob McCamon, the acting officer in charge of Major Crime and Behavioral Sciences, during a press conference this week.

Williams is so far charged with 32 counts of sexual exploitation, 28 counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault causing bodily harm, one count of sexual interference, one count of invitation to sexual touching, and one count of assault.

All of Williams's alleged victims were boys, except for one girl, according to police.

While currently facing 66 charges, police expect more alleged victims to come forward as the investigation continues.

'Because of the bravery and patience of those who come forward to report sexual abuse they suffered at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre so many years ago...weve been able to arrest and charge their perpetrator,' said Sergeant McCamon.

Donald Douglas Williams is facing 66 charges related to sexual crimes he allegedly committed against more than 300 minors over the course of 26 years

Williams was a swim instructor at Novia Scotia Youth Centre, a correctional facility for minors in Canada

The Sergeant became visibly emotional while discussing the case at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

'Any time youre dealing with something of this magnitude, theres a lot of emotion attached to that,' he said.

'And whenever you speak to survivors, or even witnesses of crime, you have to deal with that emotion, so it becomes very heavy. I expect this file was very difficult on our investigators.'

Williams was arrested in his home on September 13, but has since been released 'on condition,' which is the Canadian version of being released on bail but with specified terms and restrictions to ensure the accused appears for trial.

He is expected to appear in Kentville provincial court on September 26.

Williams's arrest came after a years-long investigation called 'Operation Headwind.' The Royal Canadian Mounted Police began investigating allegations against him in 2018 and formally established Operation Headwind in 2021.

By 2022, the operation had 14 units dedicated to the investigation.

Officers interviewed more than 450 survivors and witnesses, reviewed more than 9,800 documents seized during searches and completed more than 1,200 investigation-related tasks, according to police.

Staff Sergeant Rob McCamon, the acting officer in charge of Major Crime and Behavioural Sciences, gave a press conference this week detailing the charges against Williams

Sergeant McCamon became visibly emotional while discussing the case and charges

Sergeant McCamon explained it took a long time to bring charges against Williams because of the sheer number of victims over such a long period of time, which created mountains of evidence to comb through.

'It takes a lot of time to review that information and make it usable and understandable to move forward with charges, so it took a lot of time to get through that,' he said.

'Not to mention the amount of people that needed to be spoken to and interviewed that werent necessarily next door here in Nova Scotia, were in different places across Canada.'

McCamon also said that there are likely more survivors and people in the community who know about the abuse that occurred at the youth center.

'If you, or someone you know, experienced sexual assault while at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre, its not too late to report what happened,' he said.

Investigators are continuing to ask anyone with information to call the confidential Operation Headwind tipline at 902-720-5313 or toll-free at 1-833-314-3475. The line is monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, and a confidential voicemail is available outside those hours.
Britain's network of undersea cables which connect the UK with the world are at risk of a 'catastrophic attack', MPs have warned.

Their report released on Thursday said they are 'not confident' this country could prevent the sabotage of its communication and internet links.

These cables on the sea and ocean beds are being surveyed by Russian ships and could be attacked at a time of war.

According to the National Security Strategy Committee, the UK's military is 'too timid' defending pipelines and must adopt a 'muscular' approach.

Otherwise, state actors such as Russia, or terror groups could cause 'catastrophic disruption' to the UK's economy and people's daily lives.

Russian spy ship the 'Yankar' was spotted lurking off the UK coast in 2018 near vital undersea communication cables

Russia is thought to be behind attacks on cables at the bottom of the Baltic Sea in 2024

Finnish police seized a Russian-linked shadow fleet tanker suspected of involvement in the plot to sever power cables in the Baltic

Russian President and former KGB chief Vladimir Putin is thought to be behind the Kremlin's plot to damage cables in the North Sea, the North Atlantic and the Baltic

UK offshore cables are 'sufficiently vulnerable to make them a target' for Vladimir Putin if he ramps up his tests of NATO's resilience.

The report comes after Russia invaded NATO airspace over Poland last week, sending unmanned drones more than 100 miles into the country.

Around 50 data cable systems on the sea and ocean bed connect Britain to the world. The UK is almost entirely reliant on this network for data transmission.

The committee said that, to date, security preparations for the network are 'inadequate'.

They said: 'Given the deteriorating security environment and the UK's growing military role in Europe, we can no longer rule out the possibility of UK infrastructure being targeted in a crisis.

'We are also not confident that the UK could prevent such attacks or recover within an acceptable time period.

'Undersea cables are the invisible backbone of the internet. Everything from everyday WhatsApp messages to financial transactions worth billions of dollars are carried through this network. The scale of the UK's strategic reliance needs to be taken more seriously.

Undersea cables carry the world's communication links which could be paralysed by Russia an China

'While our national connectivity does not face immediate danger, we must prepare for the possibility that our cables can be threatened in the event of a security crisis.

'Putin has shown every sign of wanting to test the soft underbelly of the NATO alliance. Our cables are sufficiently vulnerable to make them a target.

'Competent and farsighted preparation is essential. The past 25 years show that unlikely events can happen with surprising speed and frequency. Unintended escalation is a particular concern given events in Ukraine. The Government must raise its gaze.'

The cables carry the data that power our economy, everyday communications and critical services.

The trend towards critical amounts of data being concentrated in new high-capacity cables will create a small set of high-value targets, the report warns.

MPs are calling for speedier repairs of cables, more military exercises to practice protecting cables, legal changes to introduce tougher penalties for malicious damage and new integrated monitoring and alert systems to improve early warning and vessel interception.

Subsea telecommunications cables run for thousands of miles across the world, connecting countries in a system that constitutes the backbone of the global internet.

These cables are typically run by private businesses and carry everything from financial transactions worth trillions of dollars to WhatsApp messages.

Around 570 cables (plus a further 80 planned) carry between 95 and 99% of the world's intercontinental telecommunications data.

Satellites can typically handle only circa 5% of subsea cable data capacity.

Subsea cables generally connect to national data infrastructure via landing stations. These are small hubs on the coastline which process and feed the cable data onwards into a country's terrestrial network.

As an island the UK is almost entirely reliant on subsea cables to transmit the data connecting it to the outside world. The UK also acts as a key onward transit route for transatlantic cables.
Inaugural China-Ghana Climate Summit held in Accra to boost green cooperation

Xinhua) 13:49, September 18, 2025

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Tong Defa speaks at the China-Ghana Climate Summit in Accra, Ghana, Sept. 16, 2025. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural China-Ghana Climate Summit was held in the Ghanaian capital of Accra on Tuesday, aiming to boost bilateral climate cooperation and focusing on green finance, renewable energy, and sustainable development between China and Africa.

Speaking at the summit, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Tong Defa said China has been an active participant in global efforts on emission reduction and continues to pursue South-South cooperation on climate response.

As of Nov. 2024, China had signed 53 memoranda of understanding on South-South climate cooperation with 42 developing countries and carried out nearly 100 mitigation and adaptation projects, according to Tong.

"These efforts have helped African countries, the least developed countries, small island states, and other developing countries to enhance climate resilience," the ambassador added.

He noted that over the next three years, China is willing to work with Africa to implement the 10 partnership actions for modernization, including the Partnership Action for Green Development, announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

"China promises to implement 30 clean energy projects in Africa, build a meteorological early warning business platform, and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief, as well as biodiversity protection," he said.

For his part, Issifu Seidu, Ghana's minister of state for climate change and sustainability, said climate action is at the heart of national governance, policy direction, and the development agenda in Ghana.

Seidu said the climate summit is not just about Ghana and China but about creating a model of South-South cooperation that is practical, inclusive, and transformative, and "Ghana stands ready to work with China and all partners to ensure that our shared journey is one of resilience, prosperity, and sustainability."

According to the minister, Ghana and China share common aspirations to expand renewable energy, build sustainable infrastructure, scale green industries, and access climate finance that drives a just and inclusive transition.

He, therefore, proposed the establishment of a Ghana-China Climate Business Summit as a platform beyond policy dialogues to showcase the best of Ghanaian and Chinese innovation addressing climate change.

"Through such a summit, Ghana can serve as a gateway for China's broader green engagement with Africa, while also presenting Ghana's emerging innovations, youth-led enterprises, and investment opportunities to the Chinese partners," Seidu added.

The China-Ghana Climate Summit was an initiative of the Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory, and Paul Frimpong, the center's executive director, said there is strong interest between the two countries in cooperating on climate action and green financing.

Attendees pose for photos during the China-Ghana Climate Summit in Accra, Ghana, Sept. 16, 2025. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A young man has died after riding what's been dubbed the most 'thrilling' rollercoaster at one of Florida's newest theme parks.

On Wednesday evening, authorities were called to Universal Studios' Epic Universe theme park in Orlando after receiving a 'man down' call involving a guest who had just ridden the popular Stardust Racers coaster, according to WESH News.

Stardust Racers, a high-speed dual-launch coaster, propels riders to 62mph through sudden drops and sharp turns in a compact track - with the theme park saying it is designed to mimic the sensation of riding a comet through space.

When deputies from the Orange County Sheriffs Office arrived at the scene, they found 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala unresponsive, according to Click Orlando 6 News.

He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Zavala's cause of death remains undetermined and authorities have since launched an 'unusual death investigation' to determine what happened.

What's known at this time is that he did not fall from the ride, according to Click Orlando 6 News.

Following the tragedy, the park announced that Stardust Racers would remain closed on Thursday, though the rest of the park stayed open to the public.

A young man died after riding what's been dubbed the most 'thrilling' rollercoaster at Universal Studios' Epic Universe theme park in Orlando - one of Florida's newest theme parks (pictured)

On Wednesday evening, authorities were called to the theme park after receiving a 'man down' call involving a guest who had just ridden the popular Stardust Racers coaster (pictured)

When deputies from the Orange County Sheriffs Office arrived at the scene, they found 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead (pictured: officers on the scene)

'Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff's Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night,' a spokesperson for the theme park told WESH.

'We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest's loved ones,' they added.

'We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.'

Epic Universe is 'compromised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created,' according to an NBC Universal news release. The park only opened in May.

The park features five themed lands and a 500-room hotel, making it the first major theme park to open in the Sunshine State since 1999, when Universal's Islands of Adventure debuted.

Stardust Racers has quickly become one of the park's most popular attractions, hailed as Universal's most thrilling coaster with unique maneuvers along 5,000 feet of track.

Reaching speeds of up to 62 mph, the ride also climbs to heights of up to 133 feet, according to the attraction's website.

The dual trains ultimately race 'along an inverted crisscross, known as the 'Celestial Spin,' in a dazzling display of blazing colors and ethereal music.'

Stardust Racers (pictured), a high-speed dual-launch coaster, propels riders to 62mph through sudden drops and sharp turns in a compact track - specifically designed to mimic the sensation of riding a comet through space

Zavala's cause of death remains undetermined, but authorities have since launched an 'unusual death investigation' to determine what happened. What's known at this time is that he did not fall from the ride (pictured: forensics on scene)

It remains unclear whether Zavala had any pre-existing or known health conditions that may have contributed to the fatal event (pictured: Epic Universe)

Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride and can choose between two coaster tracks - yellow or green.

However, warnings posted at the entrance advise riders to assess their suitability based on individual abilities - guidelines that were updated just months ago in April.

Depending on the ride, warnings may include restrictions for guests with heart conditions, high blood pressure, expectant mothers and other health concerns.

It remains unclear whether Zavala had any pre-existing or known health conditions that may have contributed to the fatal event.

Theme parks across Florida - including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando - have reported a range of injuries in the second half of 2025.

In April, a 76-year-old woman fell and injured her leg while exiting Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom Park, as reported by People.

Then, in May, an 87-year-old guest with pre-existing conditions lost consciousness after riding Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Just a month later, in June, a 44-year-old man experienced right arm pain while visiting the Liberty Bell attraction.
A ponytailed New Hampshire man has been arrested after allegedly plotting to assassinate the state's Republican governor with a 'weapon of mass destruction.'

Tristan Anderson, 22, is accused of threatening to kill Governor Kelly Ayotte with homemade pipe bombs.

According to investigators, Anderson made the chilling threats to his roommate on Snapchat, bragging about his plans and showing off the materials he intended to use.

An arrest warrant shows Anderson also ranted about the 'Israel Deep State' in a string of anti-Semitic messages before turning his anger toward Ayotte, who is Catholic.

Anderson's social media littered with disturbing posts including a threat to 'kill' New Hampshire committee members 'that think they speak for the rest of NH residents.'

In another, he wrote that he was 'convinced my generation is full of w****s.' He also shared a video promoting an anti-Israel conspiracy theory.

His roommate told police that Anderson owned firearms and had shown her fireworks, metal tubes, and bags of nuts and bolts  which he allegedly planned to fashion into pipe bombs.

Anderson was arrested last month and is facing charges of criminal threatening and threatening a government official.

Tristan Anderson, 22, was arrested after allegedly plotting to kill New Hampshire's Republican governor with homemade bombs

The 22-year-old allegedly planned to bomb New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte (pictured)

He is currently being held without bail at Merrimack County Jail.

Governor Ayotte did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by Daily Mail.

The alleged bomb threat comes at a time of heightened focus on the safety of public figures following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk last week.

Ayotte was inaugurated as New Hampshire Governor in January 2025, and previously served as a Senator for the state from 2011 to 2017.

She has not made many public stances on the Israel - Hamas war, but did write an op-ed for The Hill in 2014 criticizing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The then-Senator wrote that the Palestinian leader 'has embarked on a destructive course harmful to the prospects for rebuilding Gaza and achieving IsraeliPalestinian peace.'

Anderson's social media shows that he has made a number of inflammatory remarks, including saying that he was 'convinced my generation is full of w****s'

Another post from Anderson linked to an Instagram video questioning 'why the west supports Israel'

Ayotte had spoken about her fears for the safety of public officials on Wednesday when asked about Kirk, and said lawmakers and law enforcement had been in contact to talk about increasing their security.

She told the Monitor that she was directing the New Hampshire legislature to heighten security and access to the State House.

Chris Vetter, director of Safety Services at the State House, told the outlet that he was not aware of any specific threats against lawmakers, but had been in conversations to beef up security.

'We're aware of what's going on nationally,' Vetter said.

'We're going to remain vigilant.'

Anderson's arrest came just weeks before New York authorities arrested a man in Texas for allegedly making terroristic threats against mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
A 26-year-old nurse who fell ill just after her wedding ceremony has died only two days after getting married.

Adna Rovcanin-Omerbegovic tied the knot with her partner Faris on Saturday at the Hollywood Hotel in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But just hours after the beautiful ceremony and reception, the Bosnian healthcare worker, from Sarajevo, suddenly became unwell and had to be rushed to hospital.

The bride, who also worked as an influencer, fell into a coma on her wedding night - then tragically passed away just two days later, on Monday.

The cause of her death remains unclear. The investigation is ongoing - but Croatian publication Story has said it is suspected to be a concussion.

Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy to establish why she fell ill.

Ms Rovcanin-Omerbegovic's funeral was held on Wednesday at the Bare Cemetery in Sarajevo, with prayers recited at the nearby Mosque of Kobilja Glava.

Tributes to the young star, who also worked in cosmetics and ran her own beauty salon in the city, have now flooded in from friends and followers.

Adna Rovcanin-Omerbegovic (pictured) tied the knot with her partner Faris on Saturday at the Hollywood Hotel in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina

But just hours after the beautiful ceremony and reception, the Bosnian healthcare worker, from Sarajevo, suddenly became unwell and had to be rushed to hospital. Pictured: The couple just two months before their big day

Pictures of Ms Rovcanin-Omerbegovic with her new husband from just July (pictured) show them holding hands and gazing lovingly at each other ahead of their big day

One follower said: 'Yesterday you were among us, today we send you off. Rest in peace, dear Adna.'

Another wrote: 'It is not fair that the lives of young people should end prematurely like this.'

A third added: 'You will forever remain in our hearts.'

Friends told Bosnian publication Crnu-Hronik: 'Adna always loved to help others so she spent her working life at [a health centre], working as a nurse, while make-up was her second love, a hobby.'

Pictures of Ms Rovcanin-Omerbegovic with her new husband from just July show them holding hands and gazing lovingly at each other ahead of their big day.

And solo images of the bride from just last year show her smiling widely and posed with flowers and a picnic on a bright summer's day.
Spurious legal challenges have added almost five years of delays to the construction of Britains new nuclear power stations - despite none of them being successful.

Lawyers have delayed the Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C power stations by 1,754 days so far and the holdups could cost taxpayers billions of pounds, according to a new report.

One legal challenge brought by environmental group Greenpeace against Hinkley Point C led to a delay of 150 days before it was eventually withdrawn.

The longest delay was 625 days and only ended after the Supreme Court refused permission to appeal against a High Cout ruling siding with the power station in Somerset.

Pro-nuclear thinktank Britain Remade has revealed details of the delays in a new report in which it warns that the cost of holdups caused by legal challenges could run into the billions.

It adds: When financing costs are high, as is the case with nuclear projects, a years delay can have massive financial implications.

Hinkley Point C, in Somerset, was first proposed in 1982 and, after years of paralysis, was given the green light by the Tories in 2022 (Pictured: An artist's impression of the plant)

The multi-billion-pound Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, pictured in 2019 during construction. It is expected to open by 2031 and generate about 7 per cent of the UKs electricity in the 2030s

Britain is the most expensive place in the world to build nuclear power stations with Hinkley Point C expected to cost 46billion - double that of similar plants built in France and Finland.

Britain Remade said that the UKs planning laws play a large part in this - with Hinkley required to create an acoustic deterrent to keep fish away from the reactors water intake system that has been dubbed the fish disco.

The report adds: Between Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, there have been seven separate legal challenges against nuclear projects in the last twelve years. Six of the seven are planning related.

In total, they delayed work on Hinkley Point C by 866 days. Since August 2022, Sizewell C has spent 827 days fighting ultimately unsuccessful legal challenges. One challenge covering additional coastal flood defences is still ongoing.

Sizewell C in East Suffolk was originally expected to cost 20billion, but this has since risen to 38billion. Pictured: Drawings of Sizewell C

The last time Britain completed a new nuclear plant was in 1987, which was Sizewell B (pictured)

In an endorsement of the report, Tory shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said: Britain needs growth, but we wont get that without a lot more cheap, reliable, abundant energy. That means building more nuclear, just like we used to.

We ended the decades-long stop-start approach to nuclear in government, starting two new plants and signing off a third at Wylfa. But its still too expensive to build in Britain.

The Sizewell C plant in East Suffolk was originally expected to cost 20billion, but this has since risen to 38billion. The Government will be the biggest equity shareholder with a 44.9 per cent stake.

The reactor is expected to begin operating in the mid to late 2030s and will provide power for six million homes for at least 60 years.

Hinkley Point C, in Somerset, was first proposed in 1982 and, after years of paralysis, was given the green light by the Tories in 2022. It is expected to open by 2031 and generate about 7 per cent of the UKs electricity in the 2030s.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: We are reversing a legacy of no new nuclear power being delivered and modernising outdated regulations to unlock a golden age of nuclear, securing thousands of good, skilled jobs and billions in investment.

'We have announced a landmark deal for Sizewell C, Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected as the preferred bidder to progress one of Europes first small modular reactor programmes, and we announced an agreement between the UK and the US to reduce the time it takes to license a nuclear project from four years to two.'
Have YOU been affected by the delays?

Passengers are facing travel chaos at one of London's busiest railway stations - with dozens of services affected by delays and cancellations.

Several routes on the railway line between Paddington station and Southall are blocked this evening to a 'failure of the electricity supply'.

Photos show hundreds of commuters queuing to get on to the Elizabeth Line after the entrance to the Tube was shut due to overcrowding.

National Rail said disruption was expected until the end of the day - with Heathrow Express, Great Western Railway and Elizabeth Line services affected.

Great Western Railway has advised passengers not to 'attempt to travel' between London Paddington and Reading at this time.

Disgruntled commuters who are struggling to get home have taken to social media to complain about the chaos.

One person wrote: 'Paddington chaos tonight. Electricity down.

'Some parts of Britain are too busy for their own good. Housing. Infrastructure. Transport it's just too much.'

Another added: 'What's going on at Paddington. Your website says a good service but there seem to be no trains at Paddington

Photos show the entrance to the Tube at Paddington being cordoned off by staff

Several routes on the railway line between Paddington Station and Southall are blocked to a 'failure of the electricity supply'

'If I'd known of an issue I'd have got an earlier train.'

A third posted: 'Are there seriously no trains between Paddington and Newbury from 1836 until 20.03. How are people supposed to get home?'

A fourth said: 'There's 10 members of clueless staff at Maidenhead, multiple trains passing through to London via platform 2 but not stopping.

'Not a single human announcement in the last 2 hrs.'

Other desperate commuters have started reaching out on social media to see if there is anyone to share a taxi with to Reading.

A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: 'Due to failure of the power supply, all train services between London Paddington and Reading are currently suspended.

'We strongly advise against attempting to travel on this route at this time.

'Network Rail is actively investigating and working to resolve the problem. We'll provide regular updates as progress is made.

'Alternative travel options: South Western Railway: London Waterloo to Reading (tickets accepted), and Chiltern Railways: London Marylebone to Oxford (tickets accepted).

'We are really sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

'Customer who are delayed may be entitle to compensation at https://www.gwr.com/help-and-support/refunds-and-compensation/delay-repay'
A small boat migrant is set to be deported to France tomorrow after losing a High Court bid to have his removal under the Government's 'one-in, one-out' scheme temporarily blocked.

The Eritrean man claimed he was an 'alleged trafficking victim' with his barristers asking the court for an 'interim relief'.

His legal challenge argued that his deportation would risk multiple human rights breaches.

The migrant, who cannot be named, arrived in the UK on a small boat last month and brought a claim against the Home Office today ahead of his scheduled removal from the UK at 6.15am on Friday.

At a hearing in London, his barristers said that the decision was 'procedurally unfair' as he had not been given sufficient opportunity to put forward evidence supporting his claim that he was an 'alleged trafficking victim'.

The Home Office opposed the bid to temporarily block the removal, telling the court that there was 'no serious issue to be tried'.

In a ruling, Mr Justice Sheldon said: 'In my judgment, the application for interim relief is refused.

'The test for injunctive relief is not made out. I consider that there is no serious issue to be tried in this case.'

Judge Sheldon said that the man claimed he was 'forced to flee Eritrea in 2019 because of forced conscription' and spent time in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Libya.

He travelled to France, where he stayed in Paris for around a week, and the man claimed that he was 'homeless and destitute, and constantly feared for his life'.

He then went to Dunkirk, where he stayed in an encampment known as 'the jungle' for around three weeks, without claiming asylum in France.

Migrants seen embarking from Gravelines beach in northern France last month

The man arrived in the UK via a small boat and was detained by the UK Border Force on August 6, and was told that his asylum claim in the UK was inadmissible on August 9, Mr Justice Sheldon said.

The decision comes after another Eritrean man successfully asked the court on Tuesday to temporarily block his deportation after the same judge found there was a 'serious issue to be tried' over whether his removal was lawful amid claims he had been trafficked.

In that case, the court heard that the national referral mechanism (NRM) - which identifies and assesses victims of slavery and human trafficking - found that the man had likely not been trafficked, but offered him time to make further representations.

Mr Justice Sheldon said there was 'still room for further investigation into the trafficking claim'.

Following Tuesday's hearing, the Home Office revised its policy on reconsidering modern slavery decisions, so that anyone being removed to a safe country who wants to appeal against an NRM decision will be unable to do so.

Instead, they can launch a legal challenge from another country, such as France.
A Colorado teen bravely fought off a shark after being attacked by two of the predators while on vacation in Belize.

Annabelle Carlson, 16, was left with mangled hands and a chunk missing from her leg after she had a run-in with the sharks in August of last year.

'I would never anticipate I would be attacked by a shark, but here I am,' Annabelle told KDVR.

Now, just over a year later, she has learned to navigate life with a prosthetic leg.

The Aspen native said her family 'loved to travel' together, and Belize 'was like our big, fun vacation of the summer.'

Three days into their trip, she and her mom dove 120 feet deep into the ocean. The whole family love scuba diving, and all are certified divers, the teen said.

'There were probably like three or four sharks that we saw, and we also saw some really cool fish,' she told KDVR.

After they climbed back onto their boat to rejoin the family, Annabelle and her siblings wanted to take turns jumping off the top deck into the water.

Annabelle Carlson, 16, was left with mangled hands and a chunk missing from her leg after she had a run-in with the sharks in August of last year

Now, just over a year later, she has learned to navigate life with a prosthetic leg

'I decided to go first and when I jumped and hit the water, a shark came from under the boat and started biting my hands,' she recalled.

In a moment of fight or flight, Annabelle punched the shark around six times.

'So we were face to face and it was only biting my hands at this point,' she said.

'The other dive group was still in the water as this was happening and they threw me a life ring. My hands were pretty mangled so I couldn't really grab it but I did a loop with my arms,' she continued.

'And as they were pulling me in, another shark came and bit my right leg.'

Onlookers began throwing oxygen tanks at the shark in an attempt to get it off of Annabelle so she would be able to get back onto the boat.

'And thats when we realized that the boat itself, the first aid kit, didnt actually have the right medical equipment for life-saving measures. So this guy - who Im so thankful for - that was a tourist in our dive group threw me a tourniquet that he had. They put that on my leg to stop the bleeding,' she said.

Their return to the island lasted a grueling hour and a half, as Annabelle fought to remain conscious. When they finally arrived, a helicopter and emergency crews rushed her to the hospital.

During the shark attack, Annabelle punched the shark around six times

'The shark, when it bit me, the bite was from my ankle to just below my knee. And from there, this is kind of like graphic, but it was mostly just bone,' Annabelle recalled

Annabelle was rushed to Children's Hospital Colorado after returning home in October with a 'one-in-a-million' mycobacterial infection

'It was like the hardest thing Ive ever had to do in my life was stay awake, because at that point I didnt really realize that me falling asleep would mean falling unconscious and possibly not making it out,' she said.

Only days after the attack, her mom, Kellie Carlson, wrote on Facebook about the incident.

'One week ago today my beautiful girl endured the unthinkable. As many of you know already, Annabelle was the victim of a brutal shark attack while we were on vacation in Belize.'

'I'm so thankful this story doesn't end here. She's a fighter, a survivor and an inspiration all in one. I'm forever grateful to everyone who kept her alive the last week through science and prayer. I'm so lucky I still get to give her kisses and comfort her through her pain. She's a warrior and she will get through this.'

The next month of Annabelle's life was spent in a Miami hospital, but as she returned home she realized there was a problem with her leg.

'The shark, when it bit me, the bite was from my ankle to just below my knee. And from there, this is kind of like graphic, but it was mostly just bone,' she recalled.

'It, like, took all the flesh. And I guess that big of an open wound gave way to an infection.'

Annabelle was rushed to Children's Hospital Colorado after returning home in October with a 'one-in-a-million' mycobacterial infection.

On a GoFundMe for the family, the infection was described as the 'mother of all infections' by her doctor, Dr. Julia Sanders.

Annabelle's doctor described her as 'unstoppable' after enduring multiple surgeries and powering through her recovery

Annabelle posed with a friend with her new prosthetic leg

Annabelle since shared a post of her vacationing in March, including a photo of her diving back into ocean waters again. 'Sharks were nice this time??' she captioned the post

'It's hard to control, time consuming to fight and unpredictable,' the fundraiser said.

Sanders, who is director of pediatric orthopedic trauma at the hospital, told KDVR: 'Weve had to take her back for multiple surgeries because of that infection. And so that has just set her back again and again. But she is already back running on a prosthetic limb, working out. She does Pilates. Shes just an incredible kid. Shes been back scuba diving. So really just a reminder of how resilient kids can be.'

On the anniversary of the attack, Annabelle has proven her strength and maintained her sense of humor despite the painful journey that ended in the loss of her right leg.

Only two months after the attack, on Halloween last year, a friend wore a shark costume while Annabelle dressed in a swimsuit and wrapped her leg in a fake bloodied rag.

The pair captioned the video 'Shark and shark attack victim,' as they hugged in the video and were then pictured trick or treating with Annabelle on crutches.

Annabelle and her friends also posed for photos and shared an image of a cake covered in gummy sea creatures and red food coloring, presumed to mimic blood, with the post captioned 'shark o'clock #1year.'

Kellie Carlson wrote on Facebook: 'August 6th will stick with us forever. Its really hard to comprehend that one year ago today I almost lost my girl. As a family, weve learned so much about, hope, love, strength and community.

'This year has not been without major challenges. Frankly, its been hell. Annabelle reminds me to keep seeing the light, not the darkness. Shes a fighter, a powerful spirit that wont take no for an answer.'

One year after the attack, Annabelle and her friends posed for photos

Annabelle shared an image of a cake covered in gummy sea creatures and red food coloring, presumed to mimic blood, with the post captioned 'shark o'clock #1year'

Only two months after the attack, on Halloween last year, a friend wore a shark costume while Annabelle dressed in a swimsuit and wrapped her leg in a fake bloodied rag

Annabelle pledged that she would work toward starting a foundation to donate first aid kits to boats and camps and those in need, 'because that's what saved my life.'

'If I didn't get a tourniquet, I wouldn't be here today,' she said.

'I would just say that everything happens for a reason and youre always going to make it out of it. Theres always going to be light at the end of the tunnel.'

Annabelle since shared a post of her vacationing in March, including a photo of her diving back into ocean waters again.

'Sharks were nice this time??' she captioned the post.
A stalker slaughtered his ex-girlfriends black Labrador then killed three police officers after she reported him to cops for staking out her home in camo gear with binoculars.

Matthew James Ruth, 24, killed three Northern York County Regional Police Officers - Mark Baker, Cody Becker and Isaiah Emenheiser - Wednesday afternoon with an AR-15 style rifle. He died when officers returned gunfire.

The seeds of the bloodbath were sewn after after a man believed to be Ruth set his unnamed ex's truck on fire on August 20.

She then set up a trail camera, and caught who she thought was Ruth wearing the same outfit, binoculars and the semi-automatic rifle slung around his neck.

After reporting the incident to police, five officers showed up at the woman's home to serve a warrant for Ruth, but he was not immediately found.

Emenheiser then approached the front door, followed by his fellow officers, and was 'repeatedly fired at' by the alleged shooter.

Emenheiser, Baker and Becker were all shot before Ruth allegedly fired his weapon at an officer and a deputy sheriff.

Ruth was killed when responding officers returned fire. The surviving officer and the sheriff's deputy remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

After the shootout, authorities found a black Labrador in the basement of the home that was allegedly shot dead by Ruth.

Five police officers were shot in York County Wednesday after Matthew James Ruth, 24, allegedly opened fire on them with an AR-15 style rifle

Northern York County Regional Police Officer Mark Baker was one of the three officers who died

Northern York County Regional Police Officer Isaiah Emenheiser

Ruth's ex-girlfriend told officers they hadn't dated for a long time and she had never invited him to her mother's home, Barker said.

The DA said the deadly exchange lasted two minutes, and that the quick response from other law enforcement officers likely prevented further deaths.

As for the fallen officers, Barker referred to them as 'credits to law enforcement.'

The incident sent shockwaves through the rural community on Wednesday as several 911 calls came in stating 'officer down' and 'signal 13,' which means an office is in trouble.

Meanwhile, heartbreaking Police scanner audio obtained by WGAL News 8 started with: 'We have one suspect, class four.

'Two officers, class four... correction, three officers, class four,' it continued. Class four suggests a person has serious injuries that could lead to death.

'One officer, class one,' it added, referring to someone who sustained life-threatening injuries.

'Were going to be coming in with one of the officers shot. We were going to fly, but were just coming by ground now. Were probably less than 15 minutes out... shot in the lower abdomen and left forearm.'

Ruth allegedly murdered the police officers at his ex-girlfriend's home (pictured) during a two minute exchange

As the investigation continued Wednesday night, more than 30 police vehicles were seen blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm as well as soybean and corn fields

Ruth was charged earlier on Wednesday with stalking, loitering and prowling at nighttime and criminal trespass, court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail revealed.

As the investigation continued Wednesday night, more than 30 police vehicles were seen blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm as well as soybean and corn fields.

Strangely, the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia also said in a now-deleted post it was 'monitoring the incident' and that the 'Mexican community is advised to follow official instructions.'

A spokesperson with the Mexican Consulate told the Daily Mail the agency posted as a 'precautionary alert for our community.'

'Whenever there is an incident that occurs within our jurisdiction, we send it out. We have no further information than what has appeared in the media. Therefore, we have no comments/statement at this time,' they added.

The shooting had prompted schools in the Spring Grove School District and hospitals in York County to be temporarily placed on lockdown.

The school district noted that the officer-involved situation was not related to students or schools.

People are seen saluting as a York County sheriff vehicle drives past during a procession Wednesday night

In remarks Wednesday night, Governor Josh Shapiro denounced the violence as he argued 'we can do better when it comes to mental health.'

'We need to do better as a society,' the governor told reporters, expressing his hope that something 'constructive' can come from the fallen officer's memory.

'We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country,' Shapiro said.

At least 30 shots were fired in the barrage, a witness told WGAL.

'It was just continuous,' Dave Miller said. 'More than what I could count, but it was at least 30 shots and it went on for quite a while.'

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Donald Trump told Keir Starmer to call in the military to stop the boats - or risk Britain being 'destroyed from within' by illegal immigration.

The US President, whose harsh border controls have slashed illegal migration to near zero, said the UK was now facing a 'very similar' problem in the Channel and had to take much tougher action.

At a joint press conference with the Prime Minister at Chequers, Mr Trump hailed the 'incredible bond' between Britain and the US - and spoke at length about his love for 'these beautiful isles'.

But he warned that Britain cannot afford to carry with its softly-softly approach to the Channel crisis and disagreed with his host's stance on a number of issues.

Mr Trump said huge numbers of foreign criminals, gangsters and mental patients had been entering the US illegally until he took drastic action, including deporting some to hellhole jails in El Salvador.

The President, whose mother was born in Scotland, added: 'I think your situation is very similar. You have people coming in and I told the Prime Minister I would stop it, and it doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use.

'It destroys countries from within.'

Sir Keir insisted that Labour was taking the Channel crisis seriously. He said there was no 'silver bullet' but trumpeted the fact the first migrant was finally sent back to France on Thursday under a new 'one in, one out' deal following more than 30,000 arrivals this year.

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump are pictured during a press conference at Chequers, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire

Keir Starmer said the leaders 'genuinely like each other' as they oversaw a business reception at Chequers

But he also faced barbs from Mr Trump over Gaza, Net Zero and North Sea oil.

During a 45-minute press conference at the PM's country retreat:

Mr Trump told Sir Keir to scale back Labour's controversial Net Zero target and 'drill, baby, drill'.

The President dismissed the UK's focus on wind farms as 'a disaster' and a 'very expensive joke'.

Sir Keir squirmed when asked about Lord Mandelson, while the US President denied ever knowing the disgraced former US ambassador, despite welcoming him into the White House just nine days earlier.

Mr Trump publicly criticised Sir Keir's impending decision to recognise a Palestine state, suggesting it would not help release Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

He also said Vladimir Putin had 'really let me down' as he hinted at fresh sanctions to force the Russian tyrant to the negotiating table.

The two leaders signed a technology deal which will bring 150 billion investment to the UK - but gave no details of the concessions Britain has offered in return.

Mr Trump revealed the US is trying to take the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan to bring Chinese nuclear facilities within bombing range.

Thursday's press conference in the historic Great Hall at Chequers came at the end of a two-day state visit that saw Mr Trump lavished with pomp and ceremony, including a glittering state dinner at Windsor Castle.

On Thursday, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch shared a selfie picture of herself and the President at the grand event.

Downing Street had been fretting for days that the event would be overshadowed by the controversy over Sir Keir's decision to sack Lord Mandelson over his friendship with notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer began their talks in the opulent surroundings of Chequers this morning

Mr Trump, Sir Keir, Melania and Lady Victoria watched a display by the Red Devils

With President Trump also facing questions back home about his own past links to Epstein, the issue had the potential to create a diplomatic disaster.

When the issue of Lord Mandelson was raised, in the last question of the press conference, both men appeared desperate to move on as quickly as possible.

The President outlandishly claimed: 'I don't know him actually. 'I had heard that,' he added, 'and I think maybe the Prime Minister would be better speaking of that. It was a choice that he made and I don't know.'

Speaking directly to Sir Keir, Mr Trump said: 'What is your answer to that?

The PM replied: 'It's very straightforward. Some information came to light last week which wasn't available when he was appointed, and I made a decision about it, and that's very clear.'

The political centrepiece of the trip was a new technology deal that will see US firms pour billions of pounds into building up the UK's AI infrastructure.

But Mr Trump echoed industry warnings that Labour's obsession with Net Zero could leave the UK unable to meet the sector's huge energy needs.

He said the deal would ensure the UK has a 'secure and reliable supplier with the best AI hardware and software in the world'. But he warned the UK's energy supplies may have to 'double' to cope - and questioned whether renewable energy could meet the demand.

Sir Keir seemed to be pointing out historical features in his country residence

Sir Keir's wife Lady Victoria joined him in greeting Mr Trump at the entrance to Chequers, as they gave an awkward wave for the cameras

Trump points to someone on the tarmac. His departure brings his historic second state visit to a close

'We don't do wind because wind is a disaster,' the president said. 'It's a very expensive joke, frankly.'

Urging Sir Keir to follow his lead and 'drill, baby, drill,' he said the North Sea was a 'phenomenal asset', urging the PM 'you have got to start using [it].'

The PM, who said he wanted to bring down energy bills, insisted that the UK would continue to use oil and gas 'for many years to come'. But he added: 'We also need to mix that with renewables.'

Mr Trump appeared anxious to avoid controversy after becoming the first US President to be granted the honour of a second state visit.

But he made plain his disapproval of Sir Keir's plan to formally recognise Palestine, saying the focus should be on pressuring Hamas to release the remaining hostages seized in the October 7 attacks.

'I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score,' he said bluntly.

Sir Keir, who is expected to recognise Palestine in the coming days, insisted that the move was part of a 'process' that could eventually lead to a two-state solution.

He insisted that the move was not a reward for Hamas and said the terror group could have no role in running an independent Palestinian state.

The two leaders spent an hour in one-to-one talks at Chequers on Thursday, with a focus on Ukraine and the Middle East.

Trump raised a clenched fist in the air as he walked hand-in-hand with his wife Melania across the tarmac at Stansted Airport

Earlier, the leaders shook hands warmly on the doorstep after Mr Trump pulled up in his armoured limousine known as 'The Beast'

The King saw Mr Trump off from Windsor this morning, before he travelled by helicopter to Chequers

In comments that will cheer No 10, President Trump underlined his irritation at Putin for failing to engage with a serious peace process, saying he felt 'let down'.

Mr Trump also piled pressure on European countries, such as Hungary and Slovakia, to stop buying Russian oil and gas.

'I'm willing to do other things but not when the people I'm fighting for are buying oil from Russia,' he said. 'If the oil price comes down, very simply, Russia will settle.'

Predicting the end of the conflict, he said: 'That's a war that could have been a third world war, and I don't think we're going to be there now.'

Sir Keir acknowledged that some European states have still failed to stop buying Russian oil and gas more than two years after Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

'There are one or two countries, I think, that do need to look again at the question of energy,' he said.

In the run up to this week's visit, ministers had pushed the White House to make good on a 'deal' in May which Sir Keir had said would cut tariffs on British steel exports to zero.

Following US resistance this was scaled back this week to a request that tariffs should not go above 25 per cent - half the rate levied on other countries.

But No 10 was unable to say on Thursday night whether even this more modest deal had actually been agreed.
South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace is throwing some serious allegations at Florida Rep. Cory Mills after he tanked a censure vote against Ilhan Omar.

On Monday, Mace introduced a resolution to censure Omar for comments she made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

House Democratic Minority Whip Katherine Clark introduced a motion to dismiss the resolution on Wednesday. Four republicans, including Mills, sided with Democrats by a vote of 214-213.

In response, Mace and Mills engaged in a dramatic personal clash on social media, which ended with the South Carolina lawmaker alleging that her Republican colleague threatened her.

Mills justified voting with Democrats by citing the First Amendment and other free speech issues.

The 7 Articles and 27 Amendments of our Constitution are not only to be followed when it serves your purpose, Mills wrote on X. Unlike with Rep McIver, whom is accused of assault and obstruction of LEO, which I supported not to table, this is a 1A issue.

We may not like or agree with what someone says, but that does not mean we should deny their 1A Right.

Mace responded to his post by claiming he had threatened her in a text message on Wednesday evening. The Daily Mail reached out to Mace's office to verify the text message.

Nancy Mace introduced legislation on Monday seeking to censure Omar

Cory Mills broke with Republicans on Wednesday by voting to dismiss the censure of Ilhan Omar

Mace accused Mills of threatening her on Wednesday evening after the vote via text message

Coming from a guy who turned off commenting on his social media, this is rich, Mace replied. You voted to stifle FREE SPEECH to debate this resolution by voting to table.

Massie didn't even vote to table - so, that's saying something, she added. You also threatened me over text last night. Maybe some personal reflection is in order...Until then, spare us.

Mills denied threatening Mace, claiming he reminded her that she condemned President Donald Trump over the January 6th Capitol riot.

What would have happened if you shared the video of you condemning President Trump over J6 for free speech? Mills allegedly told Mace, according to Politico.

And so, if reminding someone of their own remarks is a threat, well, then that means everyone threatens each other every day to remind someone, Hey, you voted for this, and you did this and you voted for this, Mills told Politico.

The Florida lawmaker did benefit by voting to dismiss Omars censure.

After the vote, Democrats removed their resolution to censure Mills over domestic abuse allegations levied against him.

In August, the reigning Miss United States recipient accused Mills of threatening to release her sex videos taken during their relationship. Mills has denied the allegations and any wrongdoing.

Omar faced criticism for comments she made regarding the assassination of conservative activists Charlie Kirk

After Mills voted with Democrats, they removed their resolution to censure him over domestic abuse allegations

According to Politico, Mace was overheard telling a fellow lawmaker that she sent the names of the four Republicans who opposed Omars censure to Trump.
Donald Trump's Marine One helicopter made an emergency landing at a UK airport on Thursday with the US President and his wife Melania on board.

The presidential chopper suffered 'a hydraulic issue' while flying to Stansted Airport from the Prime Minister's estate at Chequers, where Donald Trump had been meeting with Sir Keir Starmer for a joint press conference.

Officials said the aircraft put down at Luton Airport 'out of an abundance of caution'.

The US President, who has been in the UK for a historic second state visit, transferred to a 'support' helicopter which was flying in formation and resumed the journey to meet up with Air Force One plane at Stansted.

No one was injured in the drama and the President arrived at the airport 20 minutes behind schedule.

The couple then boarded Air Force One for their return journey back to the White House.

Photos from the scene show emergency vehicles and armed police on the tarmac at Luton Airport.

Separate images show both of Mr Trump's helicopters, known as Marine One and Marine Two, just off the runway.

President Donald Trump's helicopters, known as Marine One and Marine Two are seen at Luton Airport after having to make an emergency landing with Donald Trump on board

Mr Trump 's helicopter has been forced to make an emergency landing with the US President and Melania on board. He is pictured at Stansted Airport on Thursday

Emergency services are seen at Luton Airport following the landing

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: 'Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted airport.

'The President and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter.

'The President and first lady were later able to board Air Force One for the return journey from the UK.'

Mr Trump has been using his helicopter Marine One to travel between different locations on his historic visit to the UK.

The trip has seen King Charles III and the US President both hail the 'special relationship' between the two countries.

And today Mr Trump met Mr Starmer for a joint press conference at Chequers where they discussed the small boats crisis.

The US President, whose harsh border controls have slashed illegal migration to near zero, said the UK was now facing a 'very similar' problem in the Channel and had to take much tougher action.

Mr Trump also hailed the 'incredible bond' between Britain and the US - and spoke at length about his love for 'these beautiful isles'.

But he warned that Britain cannot afford to carry with its softly-softly approach to the Channel crisis and disagreed with his host's stance on a number of issues.

Mr Trump said huge numbers of foreign criminals, gangsters and mental patients had been entering the US illegally until he took drastic action, including deporting some to hellhole jails in El Salvador.

One of Mr Trump's helicopters is seen at Luton Airport following the incident

Donald Trump arrives by helicopter at Chequers, the country home of the British prime minister, on September 18

The President, whose mother was born in Scotland, added: 'I think your situation is very similar. You have people coming in and I told the Prime Minister I would stop it, and it doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use.

'It destroys countries from within.'

Sir Keir insisted that Labour was taking the Channel crisis seriously.

He said there was no 'silver bullet' but trumpeted the fact the first migrant was finally sent back to France on Thursday under a new 'one in, one out' deal following more than 30,000 arrivals this year.

But he also faced barbs from Mr Trump over Gaza, Net Zero and North Sea oil.

During a 45-minute press conference at the PM's country retreat:

Mr Trump told Sir Keir to scale back Labour's controversial Net Zero target and 'drill, baby, drill'.

The President dismissed the UK's focus on wind farms as 'a disaster' and a 'very expensive joke'.

Sir Keir squirmed when asked about Lord Mandelson, while the US President denied ever knowing the disgraced former US ambassador, despite welcoming him into the White House just nine days earlier.

Mr Trump publicly criticised Sir Keir's impending decision to recognise a Palestine state, suggesting it would not help release Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

He also said Vladimir Putin had 'really let me down' as he hinted at fresh sanctions to force the Russian tyrant to the negotiating table.

The two leaders signed a technology deal which will bring 150 billion investment to the UK - but gave no details of the concessions Britain has offered in return.

Mr Trump revealed the US is trying to take the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan to bring Chinese nuclear facilities within bombing range.

Several police cars are seen at Luton Airport after Mr Trump's helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing

A helicopter believed to be carrying US President Donald Trump is seen departing from Windsor Castle hours before the emergency landing

Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump walk across the tarmac from the Marine One helicopter toward Air Force One at Stansted Airport

Thursday's press conference in the historic Great Hall at Chequers came at the end of a two-day state visit that saw Mr Trump lavished with pomp and ceremony, including a glittering state dinner at Windsor Castle.

Downing Street had been fretting for days that the event would be overshadowed by the controversy over Sir Keir's decision to sack Lord Mandelson over his friendship with notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

With President Trump also facing questions back home about his own past links to Epstein, the issue had the potential to create a diplomatic disaster.

When the issue of Lord Mandelson was raised, in the last question of the press conference, both men appeared desperate to move on as quickly as possible.

The President outlandishly claimed: 'I don't know him actually. 'I had heard that,' he added, 'and I think maybe the Prime Minister would be better speaking of that. It was a choice that he made and I don't know.'

Speaking directly to Sir Keir, Mr Trump said: 'What is your answer to that?

The PM replied: 'It's very straightforward. Some information came to light last week which wasn't available when he was appointed, and I made a decision about it, and that's very clear.'
An Arkansas woman on a quick trip to Walmart to buy a lava lamp bulb was abducted at gunpoint by a masked man and brutally raped in her own car.

On Thursday, a 23-year-old woman testified in the trial of Marco Morales, accusing him of abducting her from the parking lot of Bentonville's Walmart Supercenter and raping her in the backseat of her own vehicle on November 11, according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

The 21-year-old defendant, who faces charges of rape, terroristic threatening, aggravated assault, and felony firearm possession, has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

'I thought I was going to die,' the unidentified woman told jurors, according to the outlet.

During her testimony, the victim recounted the harrowing events of that November day, which began with a routine trip to the local superstore to buy a new bulb for her lava lamp.

As she walked back to her car, the woman noticed a masked man - something she found odd, but ultimately brushed off as armor against the chilly winter weather.

But just seconds after she got into her car, she claimed the masked man - armed with a black pistol - slipped into the passenger seat and told her, 'Don't freak out.'

'I was in shock and asked what he wanted from me,' the woman explained in court.

On Thursday, a 23-year-old woman testified in the trial of 21-year-old Marco Morales (pictured), accusing him of abducting her from the parking lot of Bentonville's Walmart Supercenter and raping her in the backseat of her own vehicle on November 11

In response, Morales allegedly told her he wanted her to drive him somewhere and that he would give instructions, prompting the victim to start her car and obey his demands.

She alleged that the 21-year-old lead her to a school on Melissa Drive, roughly a mile from the Walmart parking lot they had just left.

While still trapped in the car with Morales, the woman claimed she asked if she could grab her vape from the center console to calm her growing fears - a request he ultimately allowed.

During testimony, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Joshua Robinson asked what she was smoking, and the woman responded that it contained marijuana, which she regularly uses.

'I still had all my cognitive abilities,' the woman added. 'I remember everything.'

She told the court that during the terrifying drive, Morales repeatedly complimented her appearance - all while still wearing the mask and brandishing the gun, according to the outlet.

The victim's fears of being killed only grew stronger as they neared the school, prompting her to plead with Morales to make the right choice.

But her desperate pleas for survival were met with brutality, as she claimed Morales struck her in the head with his gun - leaving her with a cracked skull and a lasting scar and indentation she still bears today.

She recalled to jurors that after they parked, she made a desperate dash for freedom, but didn't get far before Morales began yelling and chasing her - all before she heard the chilling sound of his gun being cocked.

'I was running towards some bushes,' she said, according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. 'He said stop or I'm going to shoot you.'

According to the young woman, she stopped and slowly began walking back toward Morales, who still had the gun aimed directly at her.

Morales, who faces charges of rape, terroristic threatening, aggravated assault, and felony firearm possession, has pleaded not guilty to all counts (pictured: Bentonville AR Walmart Supercenter)

At this point, she alleged that Morales forced her to open her trunk, ordered her into it, and searched the rest of her car - though his reasons remain unclear.

After searching the rest of the car, the victim claimed Morales demanded that she crawl to the back seat, where he joined her.

Morales allegedly ordered her to take off her clothes and tie her shirt around her eyes, while he began undoing his own pants.

The woman then provided the court with a detailed account of the rape that followed, though those specifics have not been publicly disclosed.

However, she recalled vomiting on Morales during the attack and then using her shorts to clean him off, according to the outlet.

An earlier witness in the trial confirmed this detail, testifying that Morales' DNA was found on the woman's shorts.

After the assault, the woman alleged that Morales ordered her back into the car, where she then drove him back to the Walmart parking lot.

She testified that Morales then grabbed her phone, searched through it, and threw it out the window before threatening her to keep silent.

'He told me he was going to have someone following me so I better not go to the police,' she stated, according to the outlet.

The woman explained how she eventually found her phone and immediately called her boyfriend in a frantic attempt to tell him she had just been raped.

Both the prosecution and defense rested their cases on Thursday morning, with the jury beginning deliberations around 11am.

Morales did not testify in his own defense, nor did his attorney call any witnesses.
Donald Trump has stoked his bitter feud with Sadiq Khan by claiming he blocked him from being part of the State Visit.

The US President goaded that the London mayor had 'wanted' to attend the opulent Royal banquet at Windsor Castle, which featured a host of senior politicians.

But speaking on Air Force One as he returned to America last night, Mr Trump said he had vetoed the idea.

'I think the mayor of London Khan is among the worst mayors in the world, and we have some bad ones,' he said.

'He wanted to be there. As I understand it, I didn't want it. I've not liked him for a long time.'

Trump said he thought Sir Sadiq had done a 'terrible job' and that crime in the capital was 'through the roof'.

'I just think, you know, I have a certain pride in London and the UK. My mother was born in Scotland, and when I see Mayor Khan do a bad job - the stabbings, the dirt and the filth - it's not the same. I didn't want him there.'

However, a source close to Sir Sadiq - who has taken a series of potshots at Mr Trump over recent days - insisted he had never sought an invite to the banquet.

'Trump's politics is one of fear and division. This includes talking down our great capital city,' the source said.

'London is a global success story - it's open, dynamic and safer than major US cities. Perhaps that's one of the reasons record numbers of Americans are choosing to make London their home.'

Donald Trump - pictured aboard Air Force One last night - claimed he blocked Sir Sadiq Khan from attending any of the events for his state visit

The London Mayor (pictured in July 2025 speaking with Met Police officers) had continued his bitter feud with Trump before his arrival for a historic state visit in a fresh attack

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Keir Starmer said the leaders 'genuinely like each other' as they oversaw a business reception at Chequers

Sir Sadiq had continued his bitter feud with Trump before his arrival for a historic state visit in a fresh attack in which he said the Republican had fanned the flames of divisive, far-right politics around the world.

Writing in The Guardian, the Labour mayor said: 'Scapegoating minorities, deploying the military to the streets of diverse cities. These actions aren't just inconsistent with western values  they're straight out of the autocrat's playbook.'

During his visit to Scotland in July, Mr Trump branded the London mayor a 'nasty person' who has 'done a terrible job' in his latest blast at the Labour politician.

Speaking at an event at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Sir Sadiq dismissed the US President's jibes as 'water off a duck's back'.

The London mayor added he sometimes felt like he was 'nine years old again' and 'in the school playground'.

He told the Political Party show with comedian Matt Forde: 'Somebody who has views like he does about black people, about women, about gays, about Muslims, about Mexicans, thinks I'm nasty.

'Really. He is the leader of the free world, arguably the most powerful man in the world, and really.'

The King saw Mr Trump off from Windsor, before he travelled by helicopter to Chequers

Trump and his wife Melania at Stansted Airport yesterday, as they departed following their two-day visit

Sir Keir and Lady Victoria Starmer greeted Trump at Chequers, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, on day two of the president's second state visit

Trump is seen with the Princess of Wales and King Charles during the state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday

There has been a long-running feud between Sir Sadiq and Mr Trump, who previously called the London mayor a 'stone cold loser' in 2019.

This came after Sir Sadiq allowed a giant inflatable 'Trump baby' blimp to coincide with the US President's state visit that year.

In 2016, Mr Trump challenged Sir Sadiq to an IQ test after he said the president's views on Islam were 'ignorant'.

They clashed in May last year when he slammed the American politician's jibe that London was 'unrecognisable' because the city had 'opened its doors to jihad'.

As he celebrated winning a third term as mayor last year, Mr Khan said Londoners had 'slammed the door shut' on Mr Trump's 'hard-right populism'.

Mr Khan voiced concerns last summer that a Trump victory would spark a surge in hate towards himself and his family.

He has urged Keir Starmer to take a more openly critical approach to his foe over issues such as women's rights, saying Labour 'shouldn't pretend' they were not supporting Kamala Harris.

Sir Sadiq carefully stopped short of congratulating Mr Trump as the US results rolled in last November, instead noting that Londoners would be 'fearful' about his return.

But the mayor did later say he was 'putting out the hand of friendship'.

'Firstly it's really important I say this because I abide by the rules of the game,' he said.

'Donald Trump has won the election; he's going to be the president in January. And I wish him well, I congratulate him on winning the election.'
A New York City woman was fatally stabbed by deranged moped riders after her husband pulled over on the side of the road to pee, the widower told police.

Anthonella Contreras Linarez, 30, of the Bronx, was in the car with her 44-year-old husband to eat dinner with a friend on Wednesday night.

Trouble arose when the woman's husband had to relieve himself, he told cops, and he parked on the side of a dark road to do so.

While he was urinating in nearby bushes, registered nurse Contreras Linarez was left alone in the vehicle as two men were said to have driven up to her on a scooter.

They viciously demanded money, her husband recalled. But Contreras Linarez refused to hand over anything - which is when the situation took a turn for the worse.

One of the culprits jumped off the moped and started relentlessly stabbing her across her face, neck and body.

Her husband then noticed the commotion and rushed to his wife's aid, police said. But one of the muggers then slashed him across his arm before riding away.

After being attacked, the injured husband claimed he got back in his car and drove to a New Rochelle hospital, where Contreras Linarez succumbed to her severe injuries.

Anthonella Contreras Linarez (pictured), 30, of the Bronx, was in the car with her 44-year-old husband to eat dinner with a friend on Wednesday night

Police stated that the man was in stable condition and had been discharged from the hospital.

The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made, the NYPD told the Daily Mail.

PIX 11 reported on Thursday that investigators were probing the possibility that the husband may have made up the mugging.

The outlet said the man was in police custody for interrogation. The NYPD did not confirm this information to the Daily Mail.

Contreras Linarez's husband could not be reached by phone on Thursday evening.

According to her LinkedIn, Contreras Linarez was a registered nurse at Mount Sinai Morningside.

She studied at Manhattanville University, where she graduated last year, according to social media posts from her family.

Trouble arose when Contreras Linarez's husband had to relieve himself, he told cops, and he parked on the side of a dark road to do so (pictured: Park Drive, near where the husband pulled over)

Her untimely death comes less than a month after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zartuska, 23, was fatally stabbed while riding the light rail home from work in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Zartuska was allegedly murdered by career criminal Decarlos Brown, 34, on the night of August 22.

Like Contreras Linarez, Zartuska suffered stab wounds to her neck before passing away from her severe injuries.
A Florida couple were heard pleading for help as their vehicle sank into a canal in the dead of night.

The unidentified husband and wife had been traveling on Route 714 at around 10.30pm on Friday in a remote section of Northwest Martin County, when officials say they were struck by another vehicle.

The impact of the crash forced the couple's car to careen off the road - and they landed upside down in a canal while the other vehicle fled the scene.

Fortunately, the woman was able to reach her phone and call the Martin County Sheriff's Office for help.

'Please! We need you,' she could be heard telling a dispatcher in harrowing audio released Tuesday afternoon.

The woman then went on to explain the situation to the dispatcher, who ultimately asks if the car is sinking.

'Yes!' the woman frantically responded, as she seemed to tear up. 'That's what it feels like. The car is sinking, sir.'

When the dispatcher then asked how high the water was, she says it is 'up to my stomach.

'We don't know how much time we have!' she pleads, noting that the power in their car was out and they could not open the doors or windows.

An unidentified woman frantically called Florida sheriff's deputies to report that she and her husband were trapped in a vehicle sinking into a canal Friday night

Deputies with the Martin County Sheriff's Office raced to the scene to try to track the vehicle, which became difficult due to the darkness of the night

At that point, the dispatcher asks how far in the water they are - to which the woman replies: 'We're deep in the water.'

'And there's no way to get that window down?' the dispatcher presses.

'No,' the woman replies, seeming to cry as she spoke. 'We tried everything! We're scared!'

After about 10 minutes, the call dropped without the couple able to provide exactly where in the canal they were located.

When deputies then rushed to the scene, they initially struggled to locate the victims due to the darkness of the night and the submerged car being off the road, officials said.

But when the officers rolled down their window, they were able to hear a car horn sounding off in the distance.

Police body camera footage then showed the deputies making their way through nearly waist-deep water, cutting their way through vines, as the car horn blared in the distance.

When they ultimately reached the vehicle, brave officers busted open the car's windows and were able to pull the couple to safety.

When the deputies ultimately reached the vehicle, they busted the windows to the car and pulled the husband and wife to safety

'In times of such crisis, we have warriors,' the Martin County Sheriff's Office said.

'Between our incredible dispatchers and our determined deputies, this became a clear case of our warriors working quickly and risking their own lives to save others.'

Both victims were injured, but are expected to fully recover from their wounds.

In the meantime, deputies are continuing to search for the other vehicle involved in the crash.
A Ukrainian man arrested in Thailand and extradited to Indonesia after seven months on the run has been convicted of producing illegal drugs in Bali and sentenced to life in prison.

Roman Nazarenko, 40, became a suspect after police raided a villa in Bali in May 2024 and found a lab in the basement to grow marijuana and produce a precursor of the synthetic drug ecstasy.

As a fugitive listed by Interpol, he was arrested in December at Bangkok's international airport while he tried to flee to Dubai.

Nazarenko, who argued during the trial that he was tricked into joining the drug ring but who prosecutors said was one of the masterminds, sat silently as a panel of three judges at Denpasar District Court handed down the verdict on Thursday.

'There is no reason to forgive or justify the defendant, he deserves to be punished commensurate with what he has done,' presiding Judge Eni Martiningrum said.

'His crime could damage the mental state of the young generation.'

A Russian man identified by prosecutors as the overall mastermind of the drug ring, Oleg Tkachuck, remains at large.

Ukraine's Roman Nazarenko has been sentanced to life in prison after producing illegal drugs in Bali

Nazarenko was is on trial, accused of running a drug lab in Bali

The same court in January sentenced two Ukrainian brothers, Mykyta Volovod and Ivan Volovod, and a Russian man, Konstantin Krutz, to 20 years in prison each.

They had been arrested during the raid on the villa.

The Volovod brothers were accused of being drug makers and Krutz was accused of selling the drugs.

The Volovod brothers admitted during their trial that Tkachuck had paid them $US30,000 ($A45,200) in September 2023 to install equipment at the villa to produce hydroponic marijuana and mephedrone, which is used to make ecstasy pills.

Tkachuck also paid them $US3,000 for 10kg of dried marijuana and $US10,000 for 1kg of mephedrone that they had produced for sale to users via couriers and ride-hailing services.

All transactions were made through the Telegram messaging app and payment was made using cryptocurrency.

Nazarenko arrives for a hearing at the district court in Denpasar, Indonesia, on Thursday

Nazarenko expressed remrose during the trial and argued he had been tricked into the crime

Prosecutors said during the trial that Nazarenko had recruited the others for Tkachuck, provided equipment, brought marijuana seeds from abroad and oversaw operations of the drug lab.

The simple fact marijuana was at the centre of the case has sparked parallels to that of Schapelle Corby - who was convicted of smuggling cannabis into Indonesia. Since the arrest, Corby has publicly maintained that the drugs were planted in her bodyboard bag and that she did not know about them.

Corby was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in 2005. She ultimately served about nine years behind bars before being granted parole in February 2014.

She had to remain in Indonesia under parole conditions until May 2017, when she was finally allowed to return to Australia.

Nazarenko expressed his remorse during the trial and argued that he had been tricked by Tkachuck into providing the necessary equipment, and that he had no idea how the lab worked.

Bali has long been popular with Russian and Ukrainian tourists but since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 it has become a magnet for thousands of people from those two countries who are seeking to escape the horrors of war.

Visitors from Russia especially have surged.

The case has drawn parralels to that of Shapelle Corby - who was convicted of smuggling cannabis into Indonesia.

Despite their home countries being at war, Russians and Ukrainians have collaborated in crime rings on Indonesia's most famous holiday island, said Marthinus Hukom, the head of Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency.

'This is a very unique phenomenon,' Hukom said.

'Two countries that are at war but here in Bali, their citizens are partners in crime, engaging in illicit drug trafficking.'

Government data shows that the number of Russian tourists visiting Bali in 2022 was 57,860.

The figure rose significantly each year, reaching 180,215 by the end of 2024.

Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya said the number of Russian citizens accused of committing crimes in Bali in 2023 was 28, a nearly five-fold increase over 2022, including offences such as kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking and disrespecting Balinese culture.
Four special operations soldiers were on board a Black Hawk helicopter when it tragically crashed in Washington on Wednesday night.

The fate of the four soldiers remains unclear, but first responders who were involved in rescue operations were forced to stop their efforts due to a fire on the scene.

The scene of the crash appears to be just 35 miles west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The Thurston County Sheriff's Department responded on Wednesday night about 9pm to reports of an explosion in the area, near Summit Lake.

'Deputies have located what is believed to be the scene,' the department said in a statement.

'We have been advised that the military lost contact with a helicopter in the area, and we are working closely with JBLM to deploy any resources needed to assist.

'Deputies located the crash site but have been unable to continue rescue efforts as the scene is on fire and is starting to overheat their footwear,' Sheriff Derek Sanders added.

Four special operations soldiers were on board a Black Hawk helicopter when it tragically crashed in Washington on Wednesday night

Army Special Operations Command described the tragedy as a 'mishap' in a statement on Thursday.

'Four service members assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) were on board an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter involved in an aviation mishap in a rural area near Joint Base Lewis-McChord,' the statement read.

'This remains an active, ongoing situation.'

The cause of the crash was under investigation.

Spokesperson Allie Scott added the helicopter had crashed in terrain that is 'hard to reach.'

The fate of the four soldiers remains unclear, but first responders who were involved in rescue operations were forced to stop their efforts due to a fire on the scene

Making matters worse, the crash sparked a wildfire that covered up to one acre of terrain.

The crew involved are part of a regiment known as the 'Night Stalkers' - a group of premier special operations soldiers who operate in the toughest conditions.

Crews from the unit in 2011 flew Navy SEALS into Pakistan for the top secret mission which killed al-Quida leader and terrorist Osama bin Laden.

This is a breaking news story. More to come.
The Home Office was last night under intense pressure to explain how an asylum seeker's terrorism conviction was missed  leaving him free to rape a woman in London's Hyde Park.

Egyptian Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela was found guilty of being part of a bomb-making cell in his home country and given a seven-year jail sentence on May 5, 2015.

As revealed on dailymail.co.uk yesterday, the 42-year-old was a member of the radical Muslim Brotherhood movement and escaped Egypt before being convicted.

In 2023, he came to Britain in the back of a lorry, claimed asylum and was housed in a taxpayer-funded Hilton hotel while his application was considered.

Despite details of Abouelela's terrorism conviction being publicly available in Egypt, Home Office officials spent more than a year deciding whether to grant him asylum.

Abouelela then raped a vulnerable woman in Hyde Park last November. He was convicted at Southwark Crown Court in May and jailed for eight and a half years on Tuesday.

John Vine, the former chief inspector of borders and immigration, said: 'It looks like any checks of international criminal databases, if they have been made at all, have failed.

'The Home Office needs to look very carefully at how it accessed any databases in countries the individual came through. It needs to be urgently looking at its processes.'

The Home Office is under intense pressure to explain how Egyptian asylum seeker Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela's terrorism conviction was missed

The 42-year-old was jailed after he raped a woman while staying at the four star The Hampton by Hilton hotel in west London at the British taxpayers' expense

He added that identifying migrants with criminal records is 'one of the core jobs of the Home Office'.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'The Home Office needs to urgently look at this case and find out what went wrong.

'This sick case shows how our immigration legal system is broken.

'Men like this exploit human rights, asylum and modern slavery laws to stay in the UK, exposing women to the risk of rape and our country to the risk of terrorism.'

He added: 'That is why we need to get rid of the Human Rights Act for immigration matters and immediately deport all illegal immigrants  but this Government run by human rights lawyers is too weak to do it.'

Abouelela and six other men were said to have manufactured explosives in a safehouse flat to carry out 'terrorist' acts including bombing electricity pylons and gas lines.

Court records in Egypt reveal that Abouelela and his six accomplices rented an apartment in the Tenth of Ramadan City, east of Cairo, where they made the bombs.

After escaping Egypt it is understood that Abouelela spent time in Malaysia and Sudan before claiming asylum in Turkey.

There, he was detained for at least 72 days at Istanbul's Ataturk airport after his request was reportedly turned down by Turkish authorities in early 2019.

Abouelela battled attempts to extradite him to Egypt before Turkish authorities are said to have relented and allowed him to stay.

Abouelela was detained for at least 72 days at Ataturk airport in Istanbul after his asylum request was turned down by Turkish authorities in early 2019 and he fought extradition back to Egypt. He still has a wife and child living in Turkey, the court was told at his rape trial

In a video posted online during his detention, he stated in Arabic that he was a member of the Egyptian 'opposition'. He added: 'I don't know what will happen to me.'

Abouelela's membership of the Muslim Brotherhood or an affiliate group was revealed in a 2019 report about his detention in Turkey by the Saudi news channel Al Arabiya.

During his time in Turkey, he repeatedly posted religious messages on Facebook and openly criticised the regime of Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

In one post, he described members of the Muslim Brotherhood as his 'brothers' while another described how he had been briefly imprisoned in Egypt in 2015 by the 'dogs' of the el-Sisi regime.

The group is regarded as a terror organisation in many countries but is not banned in the UK.

Abouelela came to Britain as a clandestine migrant  hidden in the back of a lorry  in April 2023 and claimed asylum. He was given taxpayer-funded accommodation at a four-star Hilton hotel in Ealing, west London.

While his application was considered Abouelela was allowed to wander freely and even posted a selfie in January last year outside the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester.

He claimed he would face persecution if he was deported to Egypt. The trial at Southwark Crown Court heard he approached his victim as she walked home alone from a night out at around 9pm, before luring her to a secluded spot in Hyde Park and raping her.

Judge Gregory Perrins told Abouelela: 'You were driven purely by your own sexual desires. You simply did not care that she could not consent.'

While Home Office officials dithered for 17 months over whether or not to grant his asylum application, Islamic extremist Abouelela went on to rape his victim

The judge commended the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, for her 'immense bravery and courage' in giving evidence during the trial.

Abouelela faces automatic deportation under the UK Borders Act 2007 after serving his sentence for rape as he will have been in jail for more than a year.

However, he may attempt a legal challenge on the grounds that deportation would breach his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights or the UK's obligations under the Refugee Convention.

In April 2023  the same month Abouelela arrived in Britain  the Daily Mail revealed that 19 terrorist suspects had reached the UK by small boat during 2022.

They included five linked with Islamic State or its offshoots, security sources said.

Seven were already under 'active investigation' in other countries when they arrived here. Some went on to lodge asylum claims. In September last year Tory MP Robert Jenrick, who had resigned as immigration minister nine months earlier, said dozens of terror suspects had come to Britain by small boat and 'waltzed right in'.

Referring to Abouelela, a Home Office spokesman said: 'When foreign nationals commit serious crimes in our country, we will always do everything in our power to deport them.'
It was the highest-risk moment of a meticulously stage managed state visit, but Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer presented an almost united front during a lengthy press conference yesterday.

Standing side-by-side in the great hall of the Prime Ministers country retreat of Chequers, the two leaders managed to avoid being tripped up by any awkward subjects  of which there were many.

They sought to bat away the only question on Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious paedophile who has dogged both their tenures so far.

But, despite the general bonhomie, their differences on Palestine, renewable energy and migration did come to the fore.

PALESTINE

Britain's plan to recognise a Palestinian state was one of a few disagreements, Mr Trump revealed.

The PM plans to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of a UN general assembly in New York next week.

But Mr Trump made clear he was not on the same page, telling the press conference: I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements, actually.

After being put on the spot by one US reporter, Sir Keir was forced to insist that he was not delaying his announcement on recognition until after Mr Trump leaves the UK, saying: I made my position clear at the end of July, so the timing, its got nothing to do with this state visit.

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a press conference at Chequers on September 18, 2025

During the conference, Mr Trump confessed he had been 'really let down' by Vladimir Putin when discussing the war in Ukraine

ENERGY

Exposing another area of disagreement, Mr Trump described wind power as a very expensive joke while hailing the North Sea as a phenomenal resource.

He urged Sir Keir  who is banning new oil and gas licences in the oil field  to exploit the great asset, and said his drill, baby, drill policy had helped bring down US energy prices.

But Sir Keir spoke of the importance of mixing the use of oil and gas with renewable energy, and claimed he was absolutely determined to ensure that the price and cost of energy comes down for households and businesses.

UKRAINE

Mr Trump admitted he had been really let down by Vladimir Putin, having thought the Ukraine war would have been the easiest to settle once he resumed office.

The US President  who previously claimed he could end the conflict in a day  said he still felt he had an obligation to bring it to a close. He also repeated his plea for Nato allies to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, saying that if the oil price drops, Putin will pull out of the war.

Sir Keir did not disagree, saying: There are a number of European countries which are too reliant on energy from Russia, the UK actually, obviously, has almost got nothing at all, but we do need to bear down and work with our European counterparts here.

FREE SPEECH

The killing of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk last week was shocking to everyone who believes in free speech, Sir Keir said, adding the fatal shooting sent shockwaves through the world.

The Prime Minister revealed he contacted Mr Trump immediately afterwards to offer his sympathies. I reached out straight away to the President, because I understood how impactful it would be on him and his family.

Despite US tech firms claiming they face censorship under Britains Online Safety Act, Sir Keir insisted: Free speech is one of the founding values of the United Kingdom, and we protect it jealously and fiercely and always will.

But he added: I draw a limit between free speech and the speech of those that want to peddle paedophilia and suicide [on] social media to children.

FAITH

Sir Keir suggested he is a Christian despite previously calling himself an atheist. Asked if Britain is still a Christian country, the Prime Minister replied: I was christened, so that is my church, has been all my life.

And that is wired into our informal constitution. He went on: Of course, we celebrate many other faiths as well and Im really proud that were able to do so as a country.

However, in a 2021 interview he admitted: I am not of faith, I dont believe in God  but I can see the power of faith and the way it brings people together.

His wife Lady Starmer is Jewish and he has previously spoken about how they keep Jewish traditions in their family home but their two children are not being brought up in the faith.

Picutred: King Charles and Queen Camilla stand with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the state banquet at Windsor

STATE VISIT

The President lavished praise on the Royal Family and the Prime Minister as he hailed the exquisite honour of a second state visit.

Describing the ties between the US and Britain as priceless, Mr Trump said the countries were now closer than ever before. He referred to King Charles and Queen Camilla as two fantastic people, and called the British Isles beautiful and magnificent.

The UK and US were forever friends and will always be friends, he added, going on to say: This enduring connection is why I was thrilled that the UK was the very first country with which we made an historic trade deal.

Referring to Sir Keir, he added: Hes a tough negotiator.

TRADE

The transatlantic trade deal agreed earlier this year was better for the US than the UK, Mr Trump claimed.

In his opening remarks at the Chequers press conference, he praised Sir Keir, saying: He is a great negotiator who will extend our unparalleled security alliance into the realm of economic security for the first time, and I look forward to finalising it very soon.

He added that he was thrilled that the UK was the first country his administration did a trade deal with, after imposing hefty tariffs on most of the world. The Prime Minister said the new tech agreement signed during Mr Trumps state visit has the power to change lives.

As Mr Trump put his name on the deal, he joked with his treasury secretary Scott Bessent and commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, asking: Should I sign this Howard? Scott? If the deals no good Im blaming you.

DEFENCE

The defence relationship between the UK and America is the deepest in the world, Sir Keir claimed.

Our warriors train together, and they fight together, he said. The Prime Minister told how everything from fast jets to Orka-class submarines were built by the two countries industries, and pledged to remove barriers to close working on new technologies.

Mr Trump praised Sir Keir for having committed to increasing the UKs defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, up from just 2.3 per cent last year.

I want to congratulate the United Kingdom on making the vital commitment to spend 5 per cent of GDP on defence at the Nato summit this year. Weve worked together very closely in so many ways, the President said.

AFGHANISTAN

The US wants to regain possession of a major military base in Afghanistan, Mr Trump revealed. He suggested he was negotiating over the return of Bagram Airfield with the Taliban, which seized the base as Joe Biden pulled US forces out of the country in 2021.

One of the biggest air bases in the world. We gave it to them for nothing. Were trying to get it back, by the way, Mr Trump told reporters.

Were trying to get it back because they need things from us. We want that base back. But one of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, its an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.
Robert Hardman, a Daily Mail columnist who has written a selection of royal biographies including Charles III: The Inside Story and Queen: The Life of Elizabeth II, has spoken exclusively to the Palace Confidential newsletter.

'Queen Elizabeth II met more US presidents than anybody ever,' Robert said. 'She met 14. The first she met as a princess was Harry Truman in 1951 on her trip to the USA.

'Subsequently, she went on to meet every US president thereafter, with the exception of President Lyndon Johnson. She met every president right up to Donald Trump in his first presidency and then Joe Biden.'

The House of Windsor's long history with the White House leaves a lot of room for embarrassing, memorable and outright hilarious moments.

From the moment a certain American president managed to kiss a member of the Royal Family on the lips to the first time a monarch chowed down on a hot dog.

For Robert's top five moments between the Windsors and the White House, sign up to the FREE Palace Confidential newsletter by clicking here.

Every Thursday at 7pm, we bring together the most knowledgeable experts, gorgeous photography and exclusive insider commentary to expose the truth behind polished public appearances and reveal the very human drama at the heart of this extraordinary institution.

Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019

Royal biographer Robert Hardman (pictured) has spoken to the Palace Confidential newsletter

You'll also have the chance to ask Robert, and other top journalists including Rebecca English, Richard Eden and Richard Kay, anything you've always wanted to know about the monarchy.

And that's not all! Each newsletter will be packed with extras, from rarely seen archive images of the royals to polls and trivia questions.

Delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday, it's the smartest way to stay in the royal inner circle. And it's completely FREE.
Most people  royal or not  know that a funeral is a time for decorum and togetherness. A time to blend in and pay one's respects.

Not to elbow one's way clumsily into the central group of mourners. Or, indeed, laugh, crack jokes and grin as the stricken family stand in silence.

But Prince Andrew has never been one to read the room. Which is why his extraordinary behaviour at the service to celebrate the life of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday resulted in one of the most awkward displays of royal animosity ever.

It also left many of us asking: 'What on earth was he thinking?' And, for that matter, saying. So, here, with the help of one of Britain's top lip readers, the Daily Mail pieces it all together.

1) 1.41pm

The Duke of York, 65, emerges from his police-escorted Range Rover. He is not remotely thrown by the loud, shocked gasps that come from members of the waiting crowd when they spot him and, instead, walks briskly up the cathedral steps with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (with whom he still lives in Windsor). He sits in a surprisingly prominent position in the front row of the royals  alongside Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

2) 3.38pm

As the royals leave the emotional Requiem Mass, and shortly after the Duchess of Kent's willow coffin is carried to the hearse, Prince Andrew is seen chuckling in the sun with Fergie  cracking the first of many jokes he'll try to share with mourners.

3) 3.40pm

Now Andrew edges towards the core group of royals, gently jostling, until he and his ex-wife are behind William and Kate. Fergie does her best to engage them in jokey conversation. It is acutely uncomfortable to watch. As she chortles, the Waleses nod politely but, at one point, when Andrew joins in with the laughter, Kate has already turned away. He is left looking awkward.

4) 3.41pm

Undeterred, Andrew now tries to insert himself centre stage alongside Prince William, but he is engaged in conversation with his father.

5) 3.42pm

Again, Andrew does not pick up on the body language. Or the fact that, as everyone knows, William has absolutely 'no time for his uncle'. Instead, Andrew turns to his nephew, and says: 'We had a lovely time didn't we then...'

6) 3.42pm

But recollections must vary, because William looks deeply uncomfortable and embarrassed. He gives a brief, curt nod, rocks on his heels, blinks a lot and rubs his nose five times. After a pause, Andrew adds: 'And spending time with us...' William stares at his uncle, clenches his jaw and looks away. His disdain is evident.

7) 3.43pm

It seems even the tone-deaf duke can now feel the chill. His face is set and his eyes are darting. He looks genuinely worried. For a moment, anyway.

8) 3.56pm

Until he moves on to try his cheery chat on the King, who is said to be 'continually exasperated' with his younger brother and his scandals, but manages a brief smile before making a swift exit in his Bentley.

9) 4pm

But not before Kate  giving a masterclass in how to be a royal at a funeral  says goodbye to the King with a calm hand on his shoulder, a kiss on both cheeks and a perfect curtsy.

10) 4.01pm

Now Andrew pinballs like a needy child between family members. Next, he's grinning at the Duchess of Edinburgh, who manages a smile.

11) 4.02pm

Then he's on to Princess Anne, with whom he makes to leave. 'Let's walk this way,' says his sister.

'Shall we go that way and we can leave there,' he continues  until he realises Fergie is still chatting with the Bishop. 'Where is she? Oh, over there  is she coming? Oh...'

12) 4.03pm

And so he's forced to wait for his ex-wife  alone, awkwardly fiddling with the tails of his morning suit. By now perhaps even Andrew has had enough  and is more than ready to head back under police escort to the safety of Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Donald Trump appeared to take a veiled double swipe at Prince Harry during his state banquet speech as he lavished praise on Prince William and King Charles III.

The US President spoke highly of the Prince of Wales, describing him as the King's 'remarkable son' and 'really amazing' - with no mention of his brother Harry.

Mr Trump said last night: 'I just want to say that His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales. Really amazing. We've gotten to know you and I think you're going to have an unbelievable success in future.

'Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful.'

Mr Trump also claimed the King had helped wounded veterans 'like nobody else' during the glittering dinner at Windsor Castle for his second historic state visit.

This is despite former Army captain Harry having had huge success and impact by founding the Invictus Games - a sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans, which takes place every two years - in 2014.

Just last week the Duke of Sussex was in Ukraine for talks on improving support for serving personnel and veterans with life-changing injuries who are returning home.

But the 47th American president said yesterday evening of the King: 'He has uplifted the poor, cared for rural farmers, and tended to wounded veterans like nobody else.'

The US President spoke highly of the Prince of Wales, describing him as the King's 'remarkable son' and 'really amazing' - with no mention of his brother Harry

Donald and Melania Trump say farewell to the King and Queen at Windsor Castle this morning

Donald Trump gestures next to King Charles III before leaving Windsor Castle this morning

Melania Trump and Queen Camilla pose as they tour Queen Mary's Dolls' House and the Royal Library at Windsor Castle today during the state visit by the President and First Lady

King Charles III speaks with US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle this morning

Camilla and Melania Trump inspect a tiny book as they tour Queen Mary's Dolls' House today

Donald Trump meets Sir Keir and Lady Victoria Starmer at Chequers in Buckinghamshire today

Donald Trump arrives to meet Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers in Buckinghamshire this morning

Donald Trump is greeted at Chequers in Buckinghamshire this morning by Sir Keir Starmer

Mr Trump has previously been publicly critical of Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, accusing them of treating the late Queen Elizabeth II 'very disrespectfully'.

He lambasted the King's younger son and Meghan, accusing them of treating the late Queen 'very disrespectfully'.

What Donald Trump has said about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle September 2020 : 'I'm not a fan of hers and I would say this, and she probably has heard that. But I wish a lot of luck to Harry, cause he's going to need it.'

: 'I'm not a fan of hers and I would say this, and she probably has heard that. But I wish a lot of luck to Harry, cause he's going to need it.' February 2024 : 'I wouldn't protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That's unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me.'

: 'I wouldn't protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That's unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me.' March 2024 : 'We'll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied they'll have to take appropriate action.'

: 'We'll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied they'll have to take appropriate action.' February 2025 : 'I'll leave him alone. He's got enough problems with his wife. She's terrible.' Advertisement

But at the start of February, he ruled out trying to deport Harry after it was alleged that drug use referenced in his memoir Spare could have disqualified him from a US visa.

Mr Trump said of the King's younger son: 'I'll leave him alone', adding: 'He's got enough problems with his wife. She's terrible.'

Meghan previously labelled Mr Trump 'divisive' and a 'misogynist'.

Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals and are thousands of miles away at their home in California while Mr Trump visits the UK.

The Duke had been on a solo trip to Britain last week where he attended a series of events linked to charities including WellChild and Children In Need, as well as his Invictus Games Foundation - then went home via Ukraine, well before the Trumps arrived.

In last night's speech, Mr Trump also told the guests gathered in Windsor Castle's St George's Hall: 'Seen from American eyes the word special does not begin to do it justice.'

He went on to say: 'We're joined by history and faith, by love and language and by transcendent ties of culture, tradition, ancestry and destiny.

'We're like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same poem, each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.'

A series of welcomes, poignant moments and spectacular ceremonial displays were held for the president and First Lady Melania Trump during the opening day of the state visit as the Royal Family used its 'soft diplomacy' to strengthen the UK's ties with one of its most enduring allies.

Donald and Melania Trump say farewell to the King and Queen at Windsor Castle this morning

Camilla and Melania Trump inspect a tiny book as they tour Queen Mary's Dolls' House today

King Charles III bids farewell to US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle this morning

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stand next to King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they bid their farewells while they depart Windsor Castle this morning

King Charles III bids farewell to US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle this morning

President Donald Trump leaves Windsor Castle to head to Chequers today during the state visit

US President Donald Trump leaves Windsor Castle today after being hosted by King Charles III

Melania Trump and Queen Camilla pose as they tour Queen Mary's Dolls' House and the Royal Library at Windsor Castle today during the state visit by the President and First Lady

King Charles III bids farewell to US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle this morning

'The Beast', carrying US President Donald Trump, is driven away from Windsor Castle today

Donald and Melania Trump say farewell to the King and Queen at Windsor Castle this morning

William and Kate were deployed at the start of the royal charm offensive to greet the Trumps first when they arrived at Windsor Castle by helicopter.

And around 1,500 troops in total were involved in ceremonial military events throughout the day - almost double those on duty for the recent state visit of France's President Emmanuel Macron.

The US leader had an affinity with Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted his first state visit, and during the afternoon he laid a wreath at her tomb in the castle's St George's Chapel joined by the First Lady.

In his speech Mr Trump described his second state visit to the UK as a 'singular privilege' adding later 'but this is truly one of the highest honours of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country'.

The President's words were echoed by Charles who spoke of the 'enduring bond between our two great nations' that has been 'long called 'special'' and went on to describe how it grew from two sworn enemies fighting against each other in the American Revolutionary War.

'Today, however, we celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither Washington nor King George III could possibly have imagined.

US President Donald Trump delivers his speech last night as King Charles III and the Princess of Wales listen during the state banquet at Windsor Castle for his state visit

Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Windsor Castle last night

The state banquet was hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family last night

'The ocean may still divide us, but in so many ways we are now the closest of kin.'

Today, Mr Trump bid a formal farewell to the King and Queen at Windsor Castle after spending the night in the 1,000-year-old royal residence.

The couple said their goodbyes to the monarch and Camilla in the castle's grand Green Corridor this morning before Mr Trump headed to the Prime Minister's country residence Chequers, ready to turn his attention to politics.

The four posed for a joint photograph together in the atmospheric corridor which is lined with gilt edged historic paintings and antique furniture.

Outside at the sovereign's entrance, the King said a solo goodbye with Mr Trump shaking his hands warmly and placing his other hand on top. The president said 'Thank you very much, everybody. He's a great gentleman and a great King'.

The Windsor Castle detachment of The King's Guard turned out in the Quadrangle outside to mark Mr Trump's departure.

Although Melania attended the official parting of ways, she is in fact staying behind to carry out joint engagements, first with Camilla, and then the Princess of Wales.

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She was joining the Queen for a tour of Queen Mary's Doll's House and the Royal Library in Windsor Castle.

Sir Keir Starmer later welcomed Donald Trump to Chequers after he flew from Windsor by helicopter, landing in the grounds of the house before being driven to the front door.

He was greeted by an honour guard of RAF personnel from nearby RAF Halton and two RAF bagpipers.

Sir Keir and Lady Starmer shook hands with Mr Trump and posed for photographs before going inside.
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The Princess of Wales is on a style streak.

Yesterday, she dazzled in a rich burgundy ensemble by Emilia Wickstead while welcoming President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania to Windsor, before slipping into a show-stopping Phillipa Lepley gown for the evening's state banquet.

Today, Kate continued her sartorial winning run while hosting Melania at Windsor Home Park - and it seems the two women were perfectly in sync.

Both opted for suede jackets in earthy autumnal tones: Kate in olive, Melania in camel.

The Princess chose a cropped military jacket from ME+EM, layered over a cosy knit and teamed with a Ralph Lauren Collection tweed skirt and her Gianvito Rossi knee-high boots.

A silk scarf from Sudbury Mill - which she recently visited to see the production of its jacquard fabric firsthand - added a meaningful finishing touch.

Melania, meanwhile, wore Ralph Lauren's sold-out Bryn suede jacket, a safari-inspired design featuring patch pockets, structured shoulders and a buckled belt.

Unsurprisingly, Kate's outerwear has already sold out. But you can still snap up her knitted vest and tweed skirt below.

And if you're coveting her autumnal layering, don't miss our edit of chic suede jackets from Whistles, Mango, Asos and more.

Recreate the look

Jackets

Skirts
Florida homeowners have set a record high for not taking out flood insurance - despite hurricanes wreaking havoc on the state every year.

Experts told the Daily Mail residents are taking a huge gamble after four major storms have battered the region in the last five years.

But locals have pointed out they can no longer afford the astronomical fees for even the most basic coverage and are forced to 'brace and pray'.

The blistering winds from the major weather fronts cause chaos but it is often the storm surges from the ocean that destroy thousands of homes.

Hurricanes Ian, Helene, Idalia and Milton battered the Sunshine State, causing more than $60billion in damage from catastrophic flooding.

Now peak hurricane season is hitting again, with another tropical depression in the Atlantic expected to be a major storm by the weekend.

Just under 20 percent of Florida's 11million homes have some form of flood insurance, according to FEMA.

It is most common along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, which are usually in the path of the hurricanes.

Forecasters are tracking a large weather disturbance forming near Florida. Pictured: Hurricane Irma in 2017

Tropical Depression Seven formed in the Atlantic Ocean Wednesday morning, with forecasters saying it could become Tropical Storm Gabrielle this week

But in central Florida, only just over six percent of residents have coverage, officials say.

Flooding is not included in homeowners insurance and must be bought separately, which many Americans still do not know.

Mark Friedlander, of the Insurance Information Institute, an association for insurers, tells the Daily Mail residents are passing on flood insurance due to the prices.

He said even people living in X flood zones - low likelihood of flooding - need insurance and estimates just one inch of flood water can cause damage of $25,000.

He continued: 'Imagine a foot of water in your house and what that's going to cost you.

'One out of five homes don't have flood insurance, so that's 80 percent that don't have coverage in Florida.'

He added: 'Florida is very vulnerable to flooding not just hurricane season, it's year round.

'We have a lot of storms and we're surrounded by the Atlantic and the Gulf so we have a lot of major storm events.

Hurricane Milton approaches as a Category 3 storm in Sarasota, Florida, in 2024

Real estate agent Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO of Echo Fine Properties in Florida

'All 67 counties in Florida can flood, it doesn't matter where you live. If it rains, it can flood.'

While some mortgage lenders in Florida require flood insurance as part of the loan, many do not require insurance at all.

There is also no state law requiring homeowners to purchase flood insurance. One local called the storm news the 'annual Florida brace and pray.'

They added: 'Eventually, all the insurance companies will completely leave the state. The premiums are sky high.'

Friedlander says most people in Florida who have flood insurance get it through the FEMA-managed National Flood Insurance Program.

It offers lower, bare bones policies with lower premiums than private insurers. Costs vary depending whether a home is in a high-risk or moderate-to-low-risk flood zone.

The average yearly cost is $850 per year. Private insurance companies in Florida often charge yearly rates starting around $1,500.

Friedlander said: 'Many people think, I don't live by the coast. I'll never see a flood, I don't need to worry about it. Well, we've seen catastrophic flooding across the state.'

The storm is expected to strengthen into Hurricane Gabrielle next week. Some possible tracks show it could threaten the US East Coast

Even people living in areas that have a low likelihood of flooding need insurance amid estimates that just one inch of flood water in your home can cause damage of $25,000 or more

Local realtor Jeff Lichtenstein said he knows people who are taking the risk and not buying flood insurance because they think their home is safe.

He said: 'People are just gambling to an extent, saying nothing's gonna happen which I think is crazy but we have some people that do that.

'Just no insurance whatsoever. They don't want to accept reality. Sometimes you have to burn your hand on the stove to learn.

'If you haven't hurricane proofed your home with a generator, impact glass, flood insurance that's a concern, especially with the older places.'

There are renewed fears over the year's hurricane season taking a brutal turn, as topical storm Gabrielle looks set to batter the East Coast.
San Francisco is the only major US metro where housing prices have returned to 'normal', but the city is still facing a massive problem.

A report by Redfin published earlier this month used the mortgage payment-to-income ratio, which indicates how much of a resident's salary is spent on housing costs.

It found that after a tumultuous period of rising costs and elevated mortgage rates, the ratio in the California city has returned to its July 2018 levels  and is therefore considered 'normal.'

But this does not mean that housing has become affordable for everyone in the city.

Right now, San Francisco housing costs may be around the same as they were before the Covid-19 pandemic, but that is relative to how much money people are making.

The median home price in San Francisco has gone up 8 percent since July 2018  significantly less than the national rise of 56 percent.

But household incomes in the Northern California city have also risen 7.7 annually  almost double the 3.9 percent annual national increase.

Since 2018, household incomes in San Francisco have increased by approximately 26 percent  far outpacing the rise in house prices.

San Francisco is the only major US metro where housing prices have returned to 'normal'

San Francisco homes cost around the same as they did before the Covid-19 pandemic, relative to how much money people are making

The city itself is also continuing to deal with extreme levels of homelessness and high crime rates.

San Francisco's homeless population was recorded to be 8,323 people in the 2024 Point-in-Time Count.

In mid-2024, San Francisco began more aggressive sweeps of its encampments to address its raging homeless crisis.

And while the extreme measures have resulted in more arrests, people are rarely charged for illegal camping and usually end up returning to the streets.

'I'm going to get kicked out of the shelter, I'm going to come back on the street. I'm going to get cited again, it's a broken system,' unhoused San Francisco resident Reily told CBS News.

Meanwhile, crime is still through the roof.

Annually, San Francisco sees a total of 51,034 crimes  including violent and property. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is 63.08  one of the highest rates in the US, according to California crime analytics.

In San Francisco, your chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is 1 in 18, making it a less-than-ideal spot to spend millions of dollars on a home.

Sam Altman, and his company OpenAI, are based in San Francisco

San Francisco is continuing to deal with extreme levels of homelessness and high crime-rates

In July 2025, the median home price in San Francisco was $1.64 million  up from about $1.1 million in mid-2024, according to Realtor.com.

That is a steep price to pay for a high risk of burglary, vandalism and motor vehicle theft.

Part of the reason why so many are willing to foot the bill is because major tech and AI industries are based out of San Francisco.

Workers at such firms have a reason to live there, and the cash to afford it.

The AI boom has certainly ignited San Francisco's housing market, with prices and rents inflamed by tech workers going back to in-person work.

Real estate agents say return-to-office mandates are fueling the real estate boom, with the AI industry being especially office-based, according to Business Insider.

AI workers are earning huge salaries, including multimillion-dollar compensation packages  making employees more than capable of affording San Francisco's hefty home prices.

'We live in a bit of a bubble,' said Ali Mafi, a Redfin Premier agent in San Francisco.

'AI companies are setting up shop here  not just in Silicon Valley  and they're offering unusually high salaries and big signing bonuses to attract talent.

'I'm seeing more young tech workers and couples moving in with the means to buy. With incomes rising and home prices holding steady, those buyers view the market as an opportunity for relative value,' he said.
Bank of America raised its minimum hourly wage to $25 on Wednesday, even as it continues to shutter hundreds of branches nationwide.

The increase, taking effect in early October, applies to all full- and part-time hourly US positions and follows a pledge made in 2021.

At the same time, Bank of America is continuing to shutter branches at a rapid pace, part of a nationwide trend as customers increasingly shift to online and mobile banking.

Bank of America has closed 168 locations in 2024, the most of any US bank.

So far this year, it has shut another 56 branches.

BofAs previous minimum wage was $24 per hour, and the bank has boosted starting pay by nearly 67 percent since 2018.

With the new rate, full-time employees will earn over $50,000 annually.

The higher starting salary supports employees in developing long-term careers at the company, said Sheri Bronstein, BofA's chief people officer.

Bank of America raised its minimum hourly wage to $25 while continuing to shutter hundreds of branches across the country

Experts say bank branch closures are inevitable.

'Branch closures are the result of Americans increasingly using online banking instead of in-person transactions,' Fort Lauderdale economist Michael Szanto told the Daily Mail.

'In an increasingly digital paperless economy, the need for physical branches is greatly lessened.'

According to Bankrate, 77 percent of Americans prefer to conduct their banking online via a computer or mobile app.

But although Americans are generally moving towards online banking, bank shutdowns are still a cause for concern.

'Despite the trend towards online banking, our survey data shows more than half of Americans are concerned about the rising number of physical branches that have shut down in the past few years,' Andrew Murray previously told the Daily Mail.

Major US banks closed 74 locations in just six weeks this summer, leaving more Americans without access to local services.

Banks including US Bank, Chase and PNC closed 74 locations between July 17 and August 28.Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Chase closed 14 branches each in the six-week period, the most among the major institutions.

77 percent of Americans prefer to conduct their banking online via a computer or mobile app

Banks with the highest number of closures over the time period

In 2024, banks closed a total of 1,043 branches nationwide and the trend has only accelerated in 2025.

Experts from Self Financial reached the number by studying the rate of net closures across the country, which has averaged 1,646 each year since 2018.

'Retail bank closures in the US aren't slowing,' Darren Kingman from Root Digital previously told the Daily Mail.

'The last time this many people shared a local branch was in 1995,' he explained.

Bank of America branch closures 2024: 168 branches closed nationwide  the most of any US bank.

2025 so far: 56 branches shuttered.

Breakdown by period: JanMar: 16 April 126: 9 April 26May 17: 2 May 16July 16: 15 July 17Aug 28: 14
An expert on human behavior has spoken out on the viral theory that Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a second gunman standing near the stage.

Footage spread across social media showed a man in a blue shirt with his arms crossed while staring at the crowd.

In the wake of the horrific shooting, conspiracy theories seized on the video as 'proof' he was the shooter or involved in the plot.

They claimed a gun could have been concealed under one of his folded arms that could have covertly fired a shot at Kirk without anyone knowing.

But the claims, which have spread like wildfire online, have been completely debunked by experts and Utah student Tyler Robinson has been charged.

Jesus Enrique Rosas, known as The Body Language Guy, revealed to the Daily Mail 'basic physics' meant it was impossible it could have been the man in the blue shirt.

He pointed out the way Kirk's head snapped to the right was due to the impact from the bullet coming head on, not to the side where the man was.

He analyzed the footage frame by frame, showing no gun, smoke, recoil, or flash from the man in the navy blue shirt, who appeared to just be holding a napkin.

Rosas told the Daily Mail on Wednesday: 'There is no way the bullet could have come from sideways.

'Charlie Kirk's body jolts backwards upon impact, which is consistent with a frontal force.'

The expert also noted audio forensics showed the time between the shot ringing out and Kirk's body being hit meant it must have traveled 140 yards.

He continued: 'I'm just telling you what is physically possible and how the human body works under, well, the stress of a bullet.

'Nobody to the right of Charlie took a magic shot that has no [entry] wound and especially there is no muscle flash, there's no smoke, there's no recoil, and the exit wound doesn't behave like an exit wound should behave.'

A body language expert has spoken out on the viral theory that Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a man standing near the stage

Jesus Enrique Rosas (left), known as The Body Language Guy, investigated the unproven claims of a second Charlie Kirk shooter after hundreds of messages from his viewers

Rosas added: 'We still need bullet forensics to reveal what happened with the bullet itself, if it hit bones or remained lodged inside Charlie's body since there seems to be no blood spatter pattern in the white background at the back.'

He concluded the bullet came from the rooftop in front of Kirk, possibly ricocheting off another object, leaving fragments in his skull meaning there was no exit wound.

Rosas' breakdown aligned with the statements coming from FBI Director Kash Patel and authorities in Utah, who say Robinson was their lone suspect.

He said he was compelled to address the video after receiving hundreds of messages about the theory from his fans.

A body language expert has detailed how the conspiracy theory alleging that there was a shooter to Charlie Kirk's right is false

Prosecutors filed an aggravated murder charge on Tuesday against suspected Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson, 22, (left) and are seeking the death penalty

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was brutally assassinated in front of his family during a student event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.

The shooter fired one shot from the roof of a nearby building and struck his next, with the conservative activist being pronounced dead in hospital.

Robinson was arrested late the next day after a 33-hour manhunt. He was charged on Monday with capital murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.

If he is found guilty of the first charge, he could be executed by firing squad under Utah state law.
Archaeologists have found the remains of a 'lost' castle on a remote Scottish island once home to a wealthy kingdom.

The castle, on the island of Islay, was the centre of power for the Lords of the Isles, a powerful dynasty that ruled over large parts of western Scotland 700 years ago.

This previously unknown castle would have boasted a great hall for feasting, a chapel, workshops, sleeping quarters and more.

Lords of the Isles  strongly associated with Scotland's MacDonald clan  likely lived in comfort and luxury throughout their reign between the 13th and 15th centuries.

They were separate from the Scottish monarchy, much to the chagrin of the likes of James IV, who largely ruled from Edinburgh and Stirling further east.

This community of semi-autonomous, powerful nobles ruled their own territories in the Western Isles and Highlands.

But they met their downfall in the late 15th century when their fortress was destroyed, leaving the castle and other buildings in ruins.

According to experts, the grand fortress spanned two small islands at Loch Finlaggan, which is an important archeological region on Islay.

New archaeological evidence reveals that a 'nameless' royal castle occupied both islands, which was later torn down. Pictured, remains of the castle at Finlaggan

Islands within an island: The fortress, depicted here in the 12th and 13th centuries, spanned across two small islands in a loch at Finlaggan an important archeological site on the island of Islay

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New archaeological evidence reveals that a 'nameless' royal castle occupied both islands, which were connected by a manmade causeway or bridge.

On the larger island was originally a large stone tower, which provided living quarters and extra security for the king or lord, acting as a lookout.

The tower, estimated to have measured roughly 60ft by 60ft, would make it comparable in size to English castles, such as Carlisle, Bamburgh and Lancaster.

On the other smaller island was a rectangular courtyard, containing kitchens, a chapel with a burial ground, houses, workshops, and a great hall where banquets took place.

Only later did the Lords of the Isles reach the height of their power, in the 14th and 15th centuries, by which time buildings and layout had changed.

Now, the larger island was accessed by boat to a jetty, from which cobbled paths led to the main buildings, including a feasting hall, chapel and private accommodation.

And the castle was likely dismantled by this time, perhaps due to enemy action or because it was structurally unsound.

During the 14th to 15th centuries, the settlement was in its glorious heyday, when the Lords of the Isles ruled the Hebrides and parts of mainland Scotland and Ulster.

Peak of their power: The islands are depicted here in the later medieval period (14th to 15th centuries), showing a more advanced set-up with more buildings

By the 14th and 15th centuries, the larger island was accessed by boat to a jetty, from which cobbled paths lead to the main buildings. Pictured, a cobbled path at Finlaggan

Who were Lords of the Isles? Lords of the Isles were powerful Scottish chiefs who ruled the Hebrides and parts of mainland Scotland and Ulster in the 13th-15 centuries. Rising to the height of their power in the 14th and 15th centuries, they were strongly associated with Scotland's MacDonald clan. They have been recognised by historians as an important phenomenon, a serious challenger to the Stewart dynasty for control of much of Scotland. Advertisement

The Lords  featuring descendants from Scotland's MacDonald clan  enjoyed music, imported wine and even board games, according to historians.

And these powerful chiefs had royal pretensions, treating with English and Scottish kings as if they were on a par with them.

Interestingly, the fortress had little in the way of defensive structures  possibly indicating how secure the MacDonalds felt in the heart of their powerbase on Islay.

However, perhaps largely for these reasons, the fortress was to be short-lived.

Following disputes in the 15th century, the Scottish monarchy ruling to the east sought to curtail the influence of Lords of the Isles.

In the 1490s, James IV of Scotland sent a military expedition to Finlaggan, many of the buildings were destroyed, and over centuries the site sank into relative obscurity.

Now, the historical record for the site itself is meagre and there are no contemporary medieval documents which specifically identify it as a place of any importance.

However, archeological evidence, presented in a new book by academic Dr David Caldwell, confirms Finlaggan as a key centre of power.

Modern-day drone photograph of Finlaggan - note the imprints on the land left by the former buildings

Pictured are remains of the council chamber on the smaller island at Finlaggan, used for meetings and deliberations

Digital reconstruction represents Finlaggan in the early 15th century - a time when it was the administrative and ceremonial centre of the Lords of the Isles

The book represents nearly 30 years of analysis and archaeological research undertaken at the site from 1989 to 1998, including work by Time Team specialists in 1994.

'I am privileged to have led a skilled and dedicated team of specialists and volunteers on such an important project on a key place of national significance,' Dr Caldwell said.

'The processing of all the data that was gathered has been a major part of my life since the 1990s and I hope I have not only provided an account of interest but also a basis for others to carry out more research in the future.'

Dr Caldwell's new 40 book, 'The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay', has been published by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

He will also be delivering a free public lecture about Finlaggan on Saturday, November 29 in Edinburgh and online.
If your lunchtime salad doesn't look too appealing, scientists have given you the perfect opportunity to ditch it.

Experts from the University of Plymouth have issued an urgent warning over eating vegetables  after finding thousands of dangerous microplastics lurking in the edible parts.

In their study, the team set out to understand how plastic particles are absorbed into vegetables during the growing process.

Using radishes, they demonstrated how nanoplastics  some measuring as little as one millionth of a centimetre in diameter  can enter the roots.

These dangerous particles can then spread and accumulate into the edible parts of the plant.

While the researchers focused on radishes, they say the same findings likely apply to other vegetables.

'There is no reason to believe this is unique to this vegetable,' warned Dr Nathaniel Clark, lead author of the study.

'[There is] the clear possibility that nanoplastics are being absorbed into various types of produce being grown all over the world.'

Using radishes, the researchers demonstrated how nanoplastics  some measuring as little as one millionth of a centimetre in diameter  can enter the roots

From the depths of The Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest, microplastics can be found almost everywhere on Earth.

However, until now, their proliferation in our vegetables has remained a mystery.

To get to the bottom of it, the researchers placed radishes in a hydroponic growing system, with the roots in contact with a solution containing microplastic particles.

After five days, the team examined just how far into the plant the particles had penetrated.

Their results revealed that around 25 per cent of the accumulated plastics had reached the edible fleshy root.

Meanwhile, 10 per cent of the plastics had got as far as the shoots.

'Plants have a layer within their roots called the Casparian strip, which should act as a form of filter against particles, many of which can be harmful,' explained Dr Clark.

'This is the first time a study has demonstrated nanoplastic particles could get beyond that barrier, with the potential for them to accumulate within plants and be passed on to anything that consumes them.'

From the depths of The Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest, microplastics can be found almost everywhere on Earth. However, until now, their proliferation in our vegetables has remained a mystery

Using similar techniques, the researchers have also found evidence of plastic particles in various species of mollusks and fish.

'To some extent, these findings shouldn't be a surpriseafter all, in all our previous work we have found microplastic pollution everywhere we have looked for it,' said Professor Richard Thompson, a senior author on the current study.

'However, this study provides clear evidence that particles in the environment can accumulate not only in seafood but also in vegetables.

'This work forms part of our growing understanding on accumulation, and the potentially harmful effects of micro- and nanoparticles on human health.'

Currently, research investigating how microplastics affect human health is in its infancy, but there is a growing body of evidence suggesting they could be harmful.

Since plastics contain chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic, scientists are concerned that a buildup of microplastics could damage tissues in our bodies.

In rodent studies, exposure to high levels of microplastics has been found to damage organs, including the intestines, lungs, liver, and reproductive system.

In humans, early studies have suggested a potential link between microplastic exposure and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and bowel cancer.
Visitors to London train stations will remember having to insert a coin to use the toilet.

But cheeky restroom authorities in China are now going a step further  and people think they're seriously taking the p***.

A viral clip, posted to Instagram by China Insider, shows a Chinese WC that makes people watch an advert before they get any toilet paper.

Even if they're desperate to do their business, users have to scan a QR code and watch the promo on their phone before the sheets are dispensed.

On Reddit, the futuristic-looking technology has been branded 'dystopian', 'sick' and 'a vision of hell' by commentators.

One person said: 'I would be the first to punch and disassemble those machines, or come back with a screwdriver later.'

Another posted: 'this would make me become one of those people that smear their own s*** on the bathroom wall.'

A third Reddit user called it 'a sh***y thing to do', while a fourth said 'society is really going down the toilet'.

In China, people going to the bathroom need to watch an advert to access the toilet roll - a system allegedly intended to reduce excessive usage

As shown in the clip, people need to use their phone to scan a QR code on the white-and-yellow toilet roll dispenser, which is mounted on the wall.

Once scanned, the QR code directs the smartphone to the advert lasting a few seconds.

When the ad's finished, the machine dispenses about six squares of paper  and if people want more, they have to watch more ads.

Alternatively, they can pay 0.5 Chinese RMB (about 5p) to get their toilet paper without having to watch an ad.

But this still requires people to tap away at their phone and make payment digitally.

Either way, the high-tech gadget might prove an unwelcome strain on a full bladder.

From the clip, it appears the machine is in the communal area of the bathroom  meaning people have to get the paper before doing their business.

And those who haven't taken enough into the cubicle with them might soon be left in an unfortunate predicament.

'Scan the QR code for free toilet paper': If people want more toilet roll, they have to watch more ads

Allegedly, the machine is supposed to cut down on paper usage, as previously people would use more toilet roll than they really need.

This system makes people rather more economical about how much they use.

It's unclear where this footage was taken in China, but residents may be more inclined to take their own toilet rolls with them wherever they go.

It is already 'the norm to carry your own TP in China', according to one Reddit user, who also recommends travelers carry their own soap.

Unlike in western developed countries, most public toilets in China do not provide toilet paper onsite, a 2020 study points out.

Also, Chinese toilets are generally not designed for receiving flushed toilet paper, as the plumbing systems are not built for it.

As a result, an open waste bin is placed in each user's cubicle to collect used toilet paper and tissues  which has triggered health concerns.

Squat toilets instead of flush toilets are also common in Chinese public restrooms.

Squat toilets instead of flush toilets are common in Chinese public restrooms. Pictured, a squat toilet in a public bathroom in the Shijiazhuang railway station

Brits are used to having to 'spend a penny'. Pictured, a coin-operated lavatory door lock, c.1890-1930

Having to watch ads for toilet paper is a new thing, although paying for the toilet is of course not.

In Britain, public toilets installed in the mid-1800s required a penny to be unlocked, in the era before decimal currency.

These pay toilets were used mostly by women, while public male urinals were free.

It's where the idiom 'to spend a penny' comes from, meaning to urinate.

It wasn't that long ago that Brits had to pay 30p or even more to use the toilet at some of the country's busiest railway stations, including London Paddington, Liverpool Lime Street and Edinburgh Waverley.

But in a move to put 'passengers first', Network Rail scrapped all toilet charges by 2019.
A nearly 22-minute video titled 'The Roswell Incident' has been quietly uploaded to the National Archives, reigniting interest in the infamous 1947 crash.

The footage combines still images and motion-control camera shots sourced from the published Roswell Report, as well as various magazines and books about UFOs.

It opens with a shot of the book 'The Roswell Report: Fact Versus Fiction in the New Mexico Desert' and ends with a stark black-and-white image that appears to show a crash site, with debris scattered across a massive crater in the ground.

The video has flooded the internet, with users claiming the crater bears a striking resemblance to eyewitness reports, suggesting it could be 'the first pictures of the 1947 UFO crash site.'

Major Jesse Marcel, who recovered debris from the crash, described the scene as 'a large area heavily scattered with metallic debris from a single impact point that scarred the earth.'

Some viewers have also pointed to a dark formation on the right side of the image, claiming it resembles an alien body.

UFO expert Mark Lee told the Daily Mail that the crater image was likely included to add intrigue.

'In my opinion, it's either a hoax,' he said. 'Just because it's been added to the National Archives doesn't give it scientific validation. If it came out as a release from the military or Congress, I would take it a lot more seriously.'

Lee also noted that the 'alien' in the photo is nothing more than a case of pareidolia, a psychological response to seeing faces and other significant and everyday items in random stimuli.

A video titled 'The Roswell Incident' was uploaded to the National Archives. Social media users claim an image in the footage shows UFO debris (left) and an alien body (right)

The newly uploaded video appears to focus on 'The Roswell Report: Fact Versus Fiction in the New Mexico Desert,' a 1995 book that attributes the crashed 'UFO' debris to Project Mogul.

Project Mogul was a top-secret US military program from 1947 to 1949 that used high-altitude balloons equipped with microphones to detect sound waves from Soviet atomic bomb tests.

A 1994 military investigation concluded that the debris found at the Roswell site was likely pieces of a high-altitude balloon from Project Mogul, not an extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Despite this official explanation, the newly uploaded video has sparked debate online, with viewers offering widely differing interpretations.

'National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has uploaded a video of the Roswell 1947 UAP Crash site,' one user shared.

Another user posted on X: 'Like noted UFO researcher Grant Cameron has stated plenty of times, sometimes the disclosure of the real deal is a purposefully placed needle in the haystack. Roswell: slow dripdrip, drip, drip.'

In addition to the debris spotted in the footage, one user shared: 'Grey alien in the official video from the Roswell crash site.'

However, some social media suggested the footage 'is B-roll for the Roswell Report, and the images being posted do not show the Roswell debris site, nor does it even claim it's the actual debris site.'

Major Jesse Marcel, who recovered debris from the crash, described the scene as 'a large area heavily scattered with metallic debris from a single impact point that scarred the earth.' He said the debris could not melt or heat up and could not be punctured

One user posted: 'Its clearly B-roll for that Roswell presentation the government put together in 1996. Someone must have found this and uploaded it in the last couple of days.'

Others have suggested a dead alien can be seen in the image, pointing to what Marcle said following the Roswell incident.

'I later found out that the pilot of the aircraft was a Captain Henderson, who apparently saw far more than just the debris from the impact site... he may in fact have seen the remains of a crew,' the now deceased major said.

In July 1947, a rancher reported pieces of debris scattered over his land.

Authorities were called to the scene and, after investigating the wreckage, determined the pieces were from a flying saucer.

The local paper's front page story reported that the Roswell Army field recovered a flying saucer on a New Mexico Ranch after metallic-looking, light but strong material was scattered across the land

The local paper's front page story reported that the Roswell Army Field recovered a flying saucer on a New Mexico Ranch after metallic-looking, light but strong material was scattered across the land.

'The intelligence office of the 509th Bombardment Group at Roswell Army Air Field announced at noon today that the field has come into the possession of a Flying Saucer,' Roswell Daily Record reported on July 8, 1947.

The statement was given by Marcel, who was the first on the scene and led the investigation, which he determined were pieces from an extraterrestrial vehicle.

He also said that the material spread out from this point into a triangular-shaped area 200 to 300 feet wide at the end of the field, and 3/4 of a mile long.

Shortly after the 'UFO' discovery made headlines, the War Department in Washington released a statement claiming the debris was the remains of a weather balloon.

The US Air Force stated the weather balloon was part of Project Mogul's airborne system invented by Columbia University, New York University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

It was designed to search the atmosphere for weak reverberations from nuclear-test blasts.
Archaeologists have uncovered a trove of dazzling artifacts from the wreck of HMHS Britannic, the forgotten sister ship of the Titanic, which was sunk during World War I.

Built by the same company behind the Titanic, the Britannic was designed as a luxury cruise liner but was requisitioned as a hospital ship during the war.

The ship completed several missions ferrying the wounded before its final, tragic voyage on November 12, 1916, a journey that ended just nine days later when the vessel struck a German mine and sank beneath the Aegean Sea.

This week, Greece's Culture Ministry announced that an 11-member deep-sea diving team carried out a weeklong operation in May to recover priceless relics from the wreck.

Among the items brought to the surface were the ships bell, its port-side navigation light and silver-plated first-class serving trays.

Divers also retrieved ceramic tiles from the ships ornate Turkish bath, a pair of passenger binoculars and a porcelain sink from second-class cabins, haunting reminders of the vessels dual life as both a floating palace and a wartime hospital.

Once the largest hospital ship afloat, the Britannic sank in less than an hour.

Of the more than 1,060 people on board, 30 were killed, many after their lifeboats were pulled into the massive, still-turning propellers as the vessel went down.

Among the items brought to the surface were the ships bell

Built by the same company behind the Titanic, the Britannic was designed as a luxury cruise liner, but was requisitioned as a hospital ship during the war

The project to document the Britannics wreck and its contents was carried out by a team of professional deep-sea divers, using closed-circuit diving equipment.

That included gear that recycles a divers breath by removing carbon dioxide and adding fresh oxygen, letting them dive longer without bubbles.

'Conditions on the wreck were particularly tough because of currents and low visibility,' the ministry said.

Some objects listed in the original plan could not be recovered because of their condition or location.

The retrieved artifacts were placed in secure containers, cleaned of marine growth, and transported to the European University Association (EUA) laboratories in Athens, where conservation efforts will continue.

The artifacts pulled from the depths were nearly intact, featuring only signs of rust and some erosion.

The porcelain sink was perfectly preserved, still retaining its white finish, and a plate kept the bright blue stamp that read: 'White Star Line.'

However, the silver serving trays that likely once shone have since rusted after more than a century under the sea.

Divers also recovered a port-side navigation light. The ship completed several missions ferrying the wounded before its final, tragic voyage on November 12, 1916

Divers also retrieved ceramic tiles from the ships ornate Turkish bath, a pair of passenger binoculars and a porcelain sink from second-class cabins (pictured)

The artifacts are currently being conserved in Athens and will become part of the permanent collection at the upcoming Museum of Underwater Antiquities in the port of Piraeus.

The museum will include a special World War I section, with the Britannic artifacts as its highlight.

The Britannic measured 882 feet nine inches long and 94 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 48,158, making it Britain's largest ship at the time.

The White Star Lines Britannic set sail on its maiden voyage on December 23, 1915, departing from Liverpool and heading to Mudros, Greece.

A plate pulled from the wreck kept the bright blue stamp that read: 'White Star Line.'

The silver serving trays that likely once shone have since rusted after more than a century under the sea

The technical divers traveled 390 feet below the sea surface to recover the artifacts and explore the wreck that sunk in 1916

The ship struck a German naval mine that had been laid by a submarine, and the explosion ripped open the starboard hull near the bow.

Despite watertight compartments, open portholes allowed water to flood in quickly.

The captain tried to beach the ship on nearby Kea Island to prevent sinking, but the flooding was too fast.

The ship then rolled to its starboard side and sank in just 55 minutes, remarkably fast for a vessel of that size.

In 1975, French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau discovered the wreck of the Britannic.

The ship was found lying on its starboard side about 390 feet below the surface, largely intact except for a massive hole in its bow.
A massive cloud of ash has formed over Mount St Helens in Washington, sparking fears that the deadly volcano is showing signs of an eruption.

Images from the US Geological Survey's (USGS) web cameras monitoring the volcano captured plumes of ash engulfing the formation, creating the impression that it had suddenly reawakened.

The ash was visible on satellite images, and the National Weather Service reported that pilots observed it reaching heights of up to 10,000 feet.

The USGS issued a statement, saying that strong easterly-southeasterly winds in the vicinity of Mount St Helens had picked up 45-year-old loose volcanic ash.

'This phenomenon is not the result of recent volcanic activity and occasionally occurs during times of high winds and dry snow-free conditions in the Mount St Helens area,' the agency added.

'No eruption is in progress and Mount St Helens remains at Aviation Color Code GREEN and Alert Level NORMAL.'

The USGS warned that the resuspended volcanic ash is hazardous and could be damaging to aircraft and health.

Mount St Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, sending a plume of ash 2.5 miles above the volcano. A total of 57 people died, and more than 200 homes were destroyed.

The USGS captured plumes of ash flowing around Mt St Helens this week, sparking fears that the volcano could soon erupt

Mount St Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, sending a plume of ash 2.5 miles above the volcano

A strong thermal trough settled over western Washington, pulling powerful easterly winds across the Cascades on Tuesday and kicking up the centuries-old volcanic deposits. Wind speeds were estimated at 30 to 50mph.

Recent dry conditions also contributed, with the Mt St. Helens area receiving less than 25 percent of its average rainfall over the past 30 days, FOX Weather reported.

Pockets of the fine, powdery volcanic rock have remained on the volcanos slopes and inside the crater since 1980.

When conditions are right, dry surfaces, no snow and strong winds, these deposits can be lifted into the air again.

That is what occurred on Tuesday, as a persistent high-pressure ridge over the Pacific Northwest brought record September temperatures to Washington and Oregon, where much of the region is under severe drought, while also triggering dry, gusty east winds across Mount St Helens.

While the USGS assured the public that Mt St Helens is not erupting, the volcano gave the nation a scare in June 2024 when it began rumbling.

Scientists detected 350 earthquakes over five months. Most of these - more than 95 percent - have been less than magnitude 1.0 and are too small to be felt at the surface.

The largest quake felt at the volcano, located in southwestern Washington, about 50 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon, was a magnitude 2.0 on May 31, 2024.

The USGS issued a statement, saying that strong easterlysoutheasterly winds in the vicinity of Mount St Helens had picked up 45-year-old loose volcanic ash

The 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens left 57 people dead

Destructive mudflows, also known as lahars, swept up homes and trucks as officials closed bridges and stalled railroad track operations in 1980

There are fears the earthquakes could lead to another massive explosion reminiscent of the 1980s eruption.

In early June, the number of earthquakes recorded per week reached a peak of 38 events per week, mostly happening around 4.6 miles below the crater floor.

Specialized equipment has detected that magma has been flowing through chambers deep underground, causing the volcano to recharge. A surge in quakes was also recorded in 2023.

'Short-term increases in earthquake rates are common at Mount St. Helens and are considered part of background seismicity,' experts at the Cascades Volcano Observatory said in a statement.

'The last two periods of elevated seismicity (in 2023 and 2024) represent the largest short-term increase in earthquake rates since the last eruption ended in 2008.'

However, similar sequences involving even more quakes broke out in 1988 to 1992, 1995 to 1996, and 1997 to 1999. None of these directly triggered an eruption.

The quakes were thought to be caused by pressurization of the magma transport system, which in turn was triggered by the arrival of additional magma, a process called recharge.

Magma gradually bubbles through the lower crust and builds up in a reservoir around 2.5 to six miles below sea level. 'Recharge' events break out when magma enters this reservoir, causing quakes.

'There have been no significant changes in other monitoring parameters (ground deformation, volcanic gas or thermal emissions) and no change in hazards at Mount St. Helens as a result of this activity,' the Observatory concluded.

However, in 1980, small earthquakes were recorded at the site just before the deadly eruption.

The ash and gas then rose and blocked the sun, turning the sky completely dark

The volcano exploded sideways and sent an enormous landslide of a super-heated mix of ash, rock fragments and gas flowing downslope.

The ash and gas then rose, blocking the sun, turning the sky completely dark.

Destructive mudflows, also known as lahars, swept up homes and trucks as officials closed bridges and stalled railroad track operations.

Most of the debris from the seismic event turned westward, down the North Fork Toutle River and formed a mound of deposit.

The total avalanche volume equaled a measurement of one million Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Trees were also blown to the ground or scorched by the brutally hot lava, leaving the once-dense forest virtually empty.

The volcanic ash fell like snow throughout Washington, Idaho and western Montana. Officials had to close highways for weeks and airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights.

In the days following the devastation, an estimated 540 million tons of ash drifted up from the structure and settled over a total of seven states.
A Gucci heiress who claimed she was sexually abused for years by her former stepfather has won a $115 million payout.

Alexandra Zarini, 40, won a lawsuit against Joseph Ruffalo, 85, whom she had accused of molesting her since she was aged six.

In a 'landmark' ruling Tuesday, a jury in Los Angeles found against the 'sexual predator pedophile' in a case that tore apart descendants of the fashion house.

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At court: Alexandra Zarini has been awarded $115 million in damages

'Sexual predator': A Los Angeles jury found against Joseph Ruffalo, 85, in a 'landmark' case

Patricia Gucci, 62, filed for divorce from second husband, Joseph Ruffalo, 85, in 2007 after the purse designer and children's advocate came forward with shocking allegations against him.

This week a Los Angeles Superior Court jury of six men and six women took two hours and 40 minutes to find Ruffalo liable for sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

A single tear ran down Zarini's left cheek as the unanimous verdict was read out in Department 57.

She wore a matching black ensemble with jacket, leggings, blouse and flat pumps as she sat next to her husband in the front row of the public gallery and stroked his arm.

After the verdict, Zarini told the Daily Mail she was 'extremely grateful. The jury was incredible.'

The case, she added, had been 'really hard, scary, painful.'

She developed trust issues with older men and said she felt safer dating a woman when she was younger.

Court heard that Zarini filed the lawsuit after seeing Ruffalo's LinkedIn profile, which announced he was volunteering at a children's hospital.

As a child: Zarini (pictured with her grandfather, Aldo Gucci) said Ruffalo started abusing her when she was six

She told co-defense counsel Donna Rotunno, who previously defended Harvey Weinstein and calls herself the 'ultimate feminist,' that she was 'seeking justice and to stand up to my abuser, Joe Ruffalo.'

She reported the assault to three police agencies in the U.S. and UK, but authorities took no action.

The court was also told Zarini's lawsuit was the reason for a deep rift with her sister Victoria Gucci-Losio, 35, who had not wanted to be a witness, and with their mother Gucci.

The sisters, who both speak with an English accent, had not spoken since 2020 when the suit was filed, but partly reconciled during the trial.

'I'd say we were very close,' Gucci-Losio told attorney Dordick of her sibling before their falling out. 'There was nobody who knew me better.'

Gucci-Losio, a married mother of two, lives in Milan, Italy, and works part-time for her mother's company.

Under questioning by Dordick, Gucci-Losio revealed she was also sexually molested by Ruffalo as a child.

'I remember Joe coming in the room when it was dark when I was four,' she told the court. 'I was on my bed alone then something unusual happened.'

She said she was abused by Ruffalo 'far too many' times, most frequently after she turned nine.

Split: Her mother Patricia Gucci (left), 62, filed for divorce from second husband, Ruffalo (right) in 2007 after her daughter's allegations

During proceedings, Zarini took the stand, where she told Ruffalo: 'I swear to God, if I had the strength to do it I would have punched you in the face for sexually abusing my little sister.'

Dordick told the Daily Mail the verdict was a 'landmark' ruling and that Zarini plans to donate all monies collected from Ruffalo will be used to 'protect children.'

He called Rufallo a 'child molester' and a 'monster.'

Rotunno told the Daily Mail of her client: 'This is a difficult thing to do to somebody when they're this age.

'There needs to be some reforms in the way we allow these cases to come forward.

'I don't think it's right to have to defend yourself after 20, 25, 30 years.'

Gucci-Losio told the Daily Mail: 'To me, the truth has always been important.'

Jury foreman Leo Lych told the Daily Mail Zarini was 'very convincing in her testimony.'

Claims: Victoria Gucci-Losio said she was also sexually molested by Ruffalo as a child
Leonardo DiCaprio's latest movie One Battle After Another has won phenomenal praise among critics.

The Paul Thomas Anderson-directed film, an action-thriller based loosely on Thomas Pynchon's 1990 novel Vineland, has been greeted with five-star reviews across the board and even deemed 'the defining film of a generation'.

One X user wrote: 'Paul Thomas Andersons ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER is the most radical movie released by a Hollywood studio in years, and one of the best movies you may ever watch.'

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High stakes: Leonardo DiCaprio's One Battle After Another has received five-star reviews

Winning praise from the top, Steven Spielberg gushed: 'What an insane movie, oh my God. There is more action in the first hour of this than every other film you've ever directed put together. Everything, it is really incredible...

'This is such a concoction of things that are so bizarre and at the same time so relevant, that I think have become increasingly more relevant than perhaps even when you finished the screenplay and assembled your cast and crew and began production.'

The London Evening Standard's Nick Howells agreed, awarding the movie five stars: 'Anderson has directed the coolest, most consummately masterful movie you're likely to see all year. And it's got Oscars glory just oozing out of every frame.'

While Leonardo is typically the draw of blockbusters, Paul Thomas Anderson's 'electrifyingly improbable' work was the topic on critics' lips, with many echoing back to previous 'masterpieces' Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread.

'Insane': Director Steven Spielberg said the movie was 'incredible' and action-packed

'Masterful': Critics hailed director Paul Thomas Anderson as 'one of the greatest living'

One Battle After Another sees Leo playing Bob Ferguson, a disheveled and distraught revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia off-grid with his daughter Willa, whom he shares with Teyana Taylor's character Perfidia.

The film follows Bob as he reconnects with a group of allies on a mission to track down his daughter, with Benicio Del Toro playing his sensei, guiding him through a life without fear.

The high-stakes thriller and black comedy also sees Sean Penn starring as Bob's evil nemesis, Col Steven J Lockjaw, and Regina Hall playing revolutionary Deandra.

All-star cast: Leonardo pictured in his role of Bob with his Sensei played by Benicio Del Toro

With yet another five-star rating, The Telegraph's Robbie Collin writes: 'We're used to Anderson, the director of There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, coming back with a surprise up his sleeve...

'But even so, it's hard to overstate just how electrifyingly improbable his latest picture is: a sprawling Dr Strangelove-style satire which pits Antifa types. There's something deeply 1970s Hollywood, too, about the level of confidence he has in his audience.

'For more than two-and-a-half hours, he trusts us to cling on all the way up to the climactic pursuit, set on a bumpy stretch of desert road, with shots to make your stomach levitate...

It's a roller-coaster ending to a film that has you disembarking shaky and elated, and ready to stagger right back into the queue.'

Dream team: Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti, Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor and Benicio Del Toro

Classic credentials: 'This is the movie of the moment, the movie of the year, and possibly the defining film of a generation,' wrote David Gonzalez

Caryn James for BBC comments on how the 'ambitious film work runs so smoothly'.

She writes: 'Paul Thomas Anderson is the brilliant mind and Leonardo DiCaprio the emotional heart of this timely, audacious comic-action-drama...

'In a decade or two when the great New Hollywood directors of the 1970s are gone, Anderson might be the greatest living American director...

'One of Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood or Phantom Thread would be enough for most careers, but excellence is almost routine for PTA. His remarkable quality control remains intact with this formidable piece of work.'

The Cinematic Reel's David Gonzalez penned: 'This emerges as more than just another great film; it is the movie of the moment, the movie of the year, and possibly the defining film of a generation. Ultimately, a monumental cinematic achievement.'
A female solo traveller has revealed why she thinks Las Vegas is the best destination for holidaying alone.

Carly Caramanna has visited the popular city many times over the last 15 years.

Known for its bright lights, casinos and wild parties - Las Vegas certainly knows how to draw in tourists from around the world.

For Carly, the city has become one of her favourite destinations, even when travelling alone, and for several reasons.

The travel reporter wrote in Business Insider how the dining options in Las Vegas are 'incredible'.

She explained how she would sit at bar tops to chat with other people and meet chefs and bartenders

Carly insisted she 'always felt safe when dining solo in Las Vegas' but still used methods like not leaving her drink unattended.

Usually, she would avoid bars completely when alone, but makes an exception for fun, themed bars because of the 'lively atmospheres'.

A female solo traveller has revealed why she thinks Las Vegas is the best destination for holidaying alone (Stock image)

Carly also explained how Las Vegas has plenty of 'gorgeous' accommodation to stay in.

She mentioned Virgin Hotels Las Vegas as one of her top spots to stay, and explained when touring alone, she tends to 'splurge' on expensive places as it makes her feel more comfortable.

As for things to do during the day, Carly enjoys spending time by the pool in Vegas, but notes that she avoids day clubs which can get busy and loud.

She never runs out of new things to do there, despite going so regularly.

From discovering 'hidden gems' to exploring 'local favourites', Carly 'loves' trying different spots.

'There's always something new to discover in Las Vegas,' Carly gushed. 'And that keeps me coming back time and time again'.

She manages to find plenty of 'unique experiences' to enjoy in the city.

However, recently Sin City has seen a decline in tourists flocking to its colourful streets.

Carly Caramanna insisted she 'always felt safe when dining solo in Las Vegas' but still used methods like not leaving her drink unattended (Stock image)

Some are blaming the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs and trade policies, with travel costs now reportedly rising for tourists visiting the country.

Steve Hill, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority president, told KTNV Las Vegas: 'Some of the decisions our administration has made around international relations [have] caused a drop in tourism.

'Our international visitation is flat but is making up for a 20+% drop in tourism from Canada, which is our largest international source of visitation.

Now, fewer tourists are filling the usually bustling casinos, restaurants and bars.
The ultimate expat guide to moving to a Caribbean paradise, by the experts who really know how to do it. From visas and where to go, to house prices and cost of living, this is exactly how to flee the grey UK for year-round sunshine


A tourist was hit with a shocking 32,000 phone bill after going on holiday to Morocco.

Dominique, who is from France, visited the popular North African country for a week from April 28 this year.

The 63 year old brought his mobile phone on the trip to Marrekech, and claims he 'didn't touch' the device.

Despite this, the bar owner managed to rack up a 37,737.11 (32,756) debt with his mobile phone provider, Orange.

'It's not possible. I didn't touch my phone. Either I was hacked or I made a mistake,' Dominque insisted to Le Parisien.

However, Orange reportedly claims extreme data usage was what caused the huge bill.

Dominque had a 5GB data plan, and had increased his allowance before the trip.

The company insists they notified the Frenchman that his data was running out and said: 'This customer received a first SMS telling him that he had reached 80% of his plan, then a second at 100% + block.

Dominique, who is from France, visited the popular North African country for a week from April 28 this year (stock)

'In this context, we offered him the possibility of purchasing a pass or unblocking himself at the meter (9 euros per MB).

'The customer subsequently validated this authorisation to overrun on May 2 at 6:14pm. He then received 16 SMS alerting him of the overconsumption.'

However, Dominique claims he didn't receive any messages at 6.14pm and insists he didn't authorise 'anything'.

Instead, he recalls purchasing mobile data for 9 (7.80) later on that night, and admits he did receive a message about a 2,500 (2,170) overdraft but 'didn't pay attention to it'.

Even more messages were sent about his usage during the night but Dominque claims he didn't see them.

He recalls seeing lots of texts similar to the first he received but felt he couldn't deal with the issue as he was abroad.

When Dominque got home, he says he called Orange '20 times' and was told different things.

Eventually, the huge bill arrived in June for 31,000 (26,891) plus tax and between 3.39am and 6.34am on May 2, the Frenchman racked up 225 (195) per minute.

The bar owner managed to rack up a 37,737.11 (32,756) debt with his mobile phone provider, Orange, while in Morocco (pictured)

Now, Dominque refuses to pay the whopping amount and is trying to resolve the issue with Orange.

The company argues: 'There is no tangible evidence to call into question the validity of the amounts owed'.

Orange adds that it took steps to make sure Dominque was notified of the data issue but he has refused communication.

The Daily Mail has approached Orange for comment.
A holidaymaker has claimed Ryanair served him the 'worst plane food ever' on a flight home.

Declan and Claire Minogue, 61, enjoyed a relaxing trip to Faro, Portugal and returned to Dublin on July 21.

However, not everything went smoothly, and things took a turn when the married couple ordered food on the flight.

Declan paid 5.90 for a ham and cheese panini and was about to tuck in before he realised how disappointing it was.

He claims he was 'stunned' to find there was just one piece of ham inside as well as the 'tiniest bit of cheese' with no butter.

The holidaymaker, from Dublin, Ireland, described it as 'bland' and compared it to 'something out of Oliver Twist'.

Declan slammed: 'It was the worst airplane food ever. It was a massive rip off. I was shocked when I saw it.

'I got it and I opened it and couldn't believe it so I took a picture. It had two slices of ham and the tiniest bit of cheese and the cheese was like butter. There was no substance to it. I was stunned.'

Declan and Claire Minogue, 61, enjoyed a relaxing trip to Faro, Portugal and returned to Dublin on July 21

Declan paid 5.90 for a ham and cheese panini and was about to tuck in before he realised how disappointing it was

He went on the describe the sandwich's lack of flavour and admitted he was still hungry afterwards.

The father of two continued: 'It was like something out of Oliver Twist. You wouldn't be asking for more than that.

'It didn't taste good. It was very bland but I was starving so what could I do. You wouldn't really think you can mess up a ham and cheese sandwich.

'I left the flight feeling quite hungry and had to get something from the airport.

'I know it's a budget airline but you'd expect better service. I wouldn't buy anything on Ryanair's flights again. The standards are a disaster.

'I didn't complain about it, which I should have. My other half wouldn't let me.'

Declan shared a photo of the sandwich on social media captioned 'shocking and insulting'.

In the photo you can see the opened sandwich, which has only one slice of ham cut in half and a small amount of melted cheese.

He went on the describe the sandwich's lack of flavour and admitted he was still hungry afterwards

The father of two continued: 'It was like something out of Oliver Twist. You wouldn't be asking for more than that'

The ingredients barely seem to cover half of the bread.

Users took to the comments to express their shock at the 'disgusting' meal, while some warned to 'never buy food on board flights'.

One penned: 'Never buy the food on board. Bring your own and cold drinks. Much nicer.'

The Daily Mail approached Ryanair for comment.
As anyone whos struggled down the tourist-swarmed streets of Santorini or Dubrovnik will know, cruise ships coming into port en masse can be a bit of a headache if you're looking for escapism.

Yes, youll tick off bucket-list cities but youll be surrounded by a forest of Instagram-snapping smartphones as you do so.

Luckily the world is still brimming with hotspots that the madding crowds  and larger cruise lines  have yet to clock.

Sail with smaller cruise brands to lesser-known destinations and you can uncover a world of sights and experiences youd never enjoy on the beaten path.

Here are eight alternative ports you may never have considered  but definitely should.

Vis, Croatia

The overlooked Croatian island of Vis is a great alternative to bustling Dubrovnik and Hvar:

Vis has recently gained attention after placing fourth on Intrepid Travel's 2026 'Not Hot List'  so hurry before everyone else cottons on.

The overlooked Croatian island is a great alternative to bustling Dubrovnik and Hvar: secluded Stiniva Beach is considered one of the best in the country with its white pebbles, cobalt waters and high cliffs, while Vis Town is home to archaeological artefacts dating back to 400 BC.

To the west, the coastal village of Komiza boasts bars and restaurants plating up the freshest fish around. Mamma Mia 2 fan? You may recognise the ex-military base from the 2018 film

BOOK IT: Cruise Croatia offers a seven-night cruise, calling at Omis, Trogir or Split, Vis, Hvar, Korcula, Mljet National Park, Slano/Ston and Dubrovnik. From 1,914pp; cruisecroatia.com

Collioure, France

For further unspoiled charm, theres oh-so-pretty Collioure in southern France  the smallest of the Cote Vermeilles resorts

For further unspoiled charm, theres oh-so-pretty Collioure in southern France  the smallest of the Cote Vermeilles resorts.

The pastel-coloured town fronted by bobbing boats once inspired renowned painters Matisse and Picasso, so who knows what it could spark for you?

Highlights include 13th-century Chateau Royal  the erstwhile residence of the Mallorcan court, 14th-century windmill, Moulin de la Cortina, with its stunning sea vistas, and the iconic pink dome and lighthouse-turned-belltower of the Eglise Notre-Dame des Anges.

Vineyards daub the steep terraces to the south so be sure to pause in Collioures historic centre to quaff its top-notch rich-red wines.

BOOK IT: A six-night cruise with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection calls at Nice, Calvi (Corsica), Ajaccio (Corsica), Saint-Tropez, Collioure, Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca) and Barcelona. From 6,900pp; ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

San Blas Islands, Panama

The San Blas Islands of Panama (comprising around 378 islands and cays) feature on very few Caribbean cruise itineraries

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination in the world but that doesnt mean you have to be surrounded by every man and his dog when you visit.

The San Blas Islands of Panama (comprising around 378 islands and cays) feature on very few Caribbean cruise itineraries despite harbouring all the white sands, palm trees and coral reefs a Tropics connoisseur could wish for.

Snorkelling reveals an underwater realm of dolphins, sharks and giant manta rays while the native Kuna (or Guna) people, who have preserved their traditions and culture, have been dubbed the most content people on the planet  so maybe you can pick up some tips.

BOOK IT: Windstar Cruises offers a six-night cruise calling at Balboa (Panama City), Panama Canal, Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Cartagena and Oranjestad. From $2,499pp (1,830pp); windstarcruises.com

Sb, Norway

The picturesque fjord village of Sb sits on Hjrundfjord, near the much-traversed Geraingerfjord, so youll get all of the natural beauty and none of the hordes

The Norwegian Fjords are another much-loved cruising destination but theres still plenty to unpack away from the usual spots.

The picturesque fjord village of Sb sits on Hjrundfjord, near the much-traversed Geraingerfjord, so youll get all of the natural beauty and none of the hordes.

Hiking in the Sunnmre Alps  blessed with superb views over the fjords  and kayaking are both popular activities here, or you can brave a floating sauna followed by a bracing dip in crisp waters.

BOOK IT: A 14-night cruise with Hurtigruten calls at Hamburg, Stavanger (Lysefjord), Bergen, Inner Coastal Route, Trna, Senja, Honningsvag (North Cape), Troms, Reine (Lofoten), Bessaker, Hjrundfjord (Sb), Karmy and Hamburg. All-inclusive from 4,490pp (3,820pp); hurtigruten.com

Yakushima, Japan

if nature-lovers fancy a remote, rugged alternative to tourist-luring escapes like Hakone or Nikko, consider Yakushima

Japans tourism is on the rise, but if nature-lovers fancy a remote, rugged alternative to tourist-luring escapes like Hakone or Nikko, consider Yakushima.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site off the southern coast of Kyushu is one of the most gorgeous islands in the Japanese archipelago.

Mountainous and subtropical, it shelters an extensive cedar forest containing some of Japans oldest living trees (the eldest of which is thought to be more than 7,000 years old).

In fact, the lush park of Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine  which features excellent hiking trails  influenced the Studio Ghibli animated film Princess Mononoke. Snorkelling, scuba diving, nature watching, waterfalls (Senpiro-no-takiand Okonotaki are the most spectacular) and onsen are also part of the mix.

BOOK IT: Ponant offer an eight-night cruise calling at Osaka, Tamano, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Beppu (Oita), Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Yakushima, Nagasaki and Busan. All-inclusive from 6,550pp; ponant.com

Portovenere, Italy

Ligurias postcard-perfect Cinque Terre often overshadows quaint Portovenere

Ligurias postcard-perfect Cinque Terre often overshadows quaint Portovenere, but the medieval fishing village still features the Italian Rivieras celebrated brightly coloured houses and dramatic cliffs.

Not to mention history (castles, ancient city gates) and food (fresh trofie pasta, pesto) aplenty  so its not surprising its regarded as the regions best-kept secret.

For active travellers theres a hiking trail that crosses the Portovenere Natural Park and the Cinque Terre National Park, and for culture aficionados, theres the Church of San Pietro or the Grotta di Byron (Byron's Cave)  where Lord Byron famously swam across the gulf to visit friends in Lerici.

BOOK IT: A five-night cruise with Four Seasons Yachts calls at Monte Carlo, Portovenere, Porto Cervo (Sardinia), French Riviera (Marina Day), Bandol and Monte Carlo. From $20,200 (15,900) per suite; fourseasonsyachts.com

Curieuse, Seychelles

There's a wild population of 250 giant tortoises on the unspoiled island of Curieuse

La Digue and Praslin are the most commonly visited cruise stops in the Seychelles, but the little, unspoiled island of Curieuse remains blissfully under the radar.

Its known for its fiery-red soil, coco de mer palms (the worlds biggest nut is a cultural icon here), and a wild population of 250 giant tortoises (theres even a tortoise nursery).

Curieuse functioned as a quarantine island for leprosy sufferers up until 1965, but nowadays holidaymakers can roam nature trails and the mangrove swamps, watch birds swoop and perch, and snorkel and dive amid the coral reefs.

BOOK IT: Variety Cruises offers a seven-night voyage, calling at Mahe (Victoria, Inter Island Quay), St. Anne, Curieuse, Cousin Island, Anse Lazio (Praslin), Aride, St. Pierre, Baie St. Anne (Praslin), Felicite or Grand Soeur, La Digue, Moyenne Island and Mahe. From 1,175pp (995pp); varietycruises.com

Sifnos, Greece

Sifnos has a long tradition in pottery if you want to pick up some earthenware

Greeces Cycladic islands of Mykonos and Santorini have become overwhelming with their throngs of tourists, but theres still hope for untouched neighbour Sifnos, which has a history that goes back 4,000 years.

Studded with the cubic whitewashed houses synonymous with the region, Sifnos has gained status as a foodie island thanks to Nicholas Tselementes, a local chef who penned the first Greek book of recipes back in 1910.

It also has a long tradition in pottery if you want to pick up some earthenware while exploring the scenic villages of Kastro and Artemonas.

Other highlights comprise the small chapel of Seven Martyrs (the most photographed church on the island), the Monastery of Chrissopigi, and the golden shores of Platis Gialos beach.

BOOK IT: Cruise for seven nights with Seadream Yacht Club, calling at Athens (Piraeus), Hydra, Sifnos Island, Santorini, Patmos, Agia Anna (Naxos), Mykonos and Athens. From 5,455pp; seadream.com
When it comes to Christmas, we all want a taste of those classic holiday foods.

For some, that will be a typical turkey, roast dinner and piles of gravy.

For others - perhaps with more refined palates - the top choices will be delicacies such as fancy cheeses, prosciutto or chorizo.

But due to a ban on bringing certain foods into the UK, some of these will no longer be allowed to be transported back home by any travellers stocking up on goods in the upcoming season.

So if you're heading to France for a pre-Christmas trip, you won't be able to bring back French delicacies including wheels of Camembert.

As of April 12, 2025, a ban was brought in on bringing certain foods back into the UK due to 'the presence of foot and mouth disease in the EU'.

The rules apply for travel by car, ferry, train, air or even foot.

The GOV.UK website details all of the food restrictions, which include types of meat like pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, and venison - all of which are banned.

Due to a ban on bringing certain foods into the UK, some of these will no longer be allowed to be transported back home by any travellers stocking up on goods in the upcoming season

Restricted items include products made from certain meats, for example sausages

According to the site, 'You cannot bring meat or dairy products from any EU country into Great Britain for your own use. This temporary restriction is to help stop the spread of foot and mouth disease after recent outbreaks in Europe.'

You cannot bring in pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, or venison.

Other restricted items include products made from these meats, for example sausages, and milk and dairy products such as butter, cheese and yoghurt.

You can bring in up to 2kg per person of powdered infant milk, infant food, or special food needed for medical reasons.

The Government website says: 'You can only bring it in if it does not need to be refrigerated before use, and is in branded, unopened packaging (unless in current use).'

It adds: 'You cannot bring in pig, cow, sheep, goat and deer products that are not for human consumption (for example, pet food made with pig meat).'

From the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland you can bring in certain items for personal use.

This includes fish, poultry and other animal products, for example eggs and honey.

If you're heading to France for a pre-Christmas trip, you won't be able to bring back French delicacies including wheels of Camembert

Because of animal disease outbreaks (including foot and mouth disease) in the EU, there are temporary restrictions in place for bringing in meat, dairy and animal products from some animals and animal products not for human consumption.

You cannot bring in food from other countries on a connecting flight.

If youre bringing food from a country outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, you can't bring in meat or meat products or milk or milk-based products, except powdered infant milk, infant food or special food (including pet food) needed for medical reasons.

You can bring up to 2kg per person of honey, infant powdered milk, shellfish, snails, frogs' legs and insect meat.

You can bring in up to 20kg per person in total of fish.
A woman who ditched her marriage and job in Poland for a new life in Spain says she was hounded out by locals angry at 'foreigners taking over'.

Karolina Wachowicz, 35, split from her husband and felt 'lost and overwhelmed by work'.

As a result, she booked a flight to Barcelona.

'Why there? Because it was the cheapest,' she told What's The Jam.

But Karolina found that adjusting to her new life in Spain was far from simple.

Karolina said: 'It was difficult at first, I had to start all over again. I had no job, no friends, and I didn't speak the language.

'I received an employment contract, and I was finally able to rent an apartment in Barcelona.

'And just when everything was starting to fall into place, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.'

Karolina Wachowicz, 35, split from her husband and felt 'lost and overwhelmed by work'. As a result, she booked a flight to Barcelona

Karolina found that adjusting to her new life in Spain was far from simple

She added: 'It was a turning point that forced me to reconsider my plans.

'Instead of returning to Poland, I decided to stay and focus on my work.'

After a few years, she decided to buy a flat - despite her friends warning her not to.

She said: 'After a few years, I decided to take a step that my friends called reckless - I bought an apartment with a mortgage. "You don't even speak Spanish, how are you going to handle everything at the bank?" they asked.

'Despite my doubts, I knew it was the right decision. I felt it was a step towards stability and truly feeling at home here.'

But things took a turn for the worse when Karolina began feeling the backlash from locals taking part in 'Tourists Go Home' protests.

Fed up with congestion and soaring rents, campaigners plastered Barcelona with posters and graffiti.

Karolina said, 'I got the impression that friends who visited me were not always welcome.

Despite doubts, she said she knew it was the right decision - a step towards stability and truly feeling at home

'And they were repeatedly called "guiri", a not very friendly term aimed at tourists and even foreign residents.

'When someone stands out because of their appearance, they immediately draw attention and unfriendly looks from locals.

'In my building, the owners were only Catalan; I was the only foreigner.'

She went on to explain: 'They wouldn't add me to the community WhatsApp group and did not always inform or consult with me about building and community matters.

'La Barceloneta, the neighbourhood where I lived, is right on the beach.

'It's very popular, especially with tourists. Every day, year-round, you can see visitors from all corners of the world.

'And it's here that you'll find the most posters, placards, and stickers.

'Yes, Barcelona is overflowing with tourists, who undoubtedly contribute to rising housing prices, but they also generate significant revenue for the city and the country.'

But things took a turn for the worse when Karolina began feeling the backlash from locals taking part in 'Tourists Go Home' protests

After living for six years in Spain, Karolina finally quit Barcelona earlier this year

After living for six years in Spain, Karolina finally quit Barcelona and moved to Taiwan earlier this year.

She said the 'anti-tourism movement in Barcelona is a bit unfair', adding: 'It's thanks to visitors that the city gained its fame and funding for development.

'Furthermore, restaurants, pubs, museums, and many other attractions rely primarily on tourism.

'Many Catalans are repeating the "trendy" phrase that tourists are evil.'

Karolina said: 'I didn't plan on moving, it's not that I fell in love with Barcelona either. It's a beautiful city, true, but that's not why I decided to live there.

'Over time, I began to feel that it was easier for me to be myself in Spain, and I was simply happier there.'
A man who has lived in the UK, USA and Singapore has revealed why he believes the UK is the unfriendliest towards immigrants.

Ryan Zen, a corporate lawyer who has lived in north west England, believes the country is the 'least friendly place for immigrants'.

He has lived in India, the US, the UK and Singapore but thinks the UK is the toughest place to integrate.

He wrote: 'I have found UK to be the least friendly place for immigrants. Although I have lived here for 18 years, I havent got any white friends.

'I have tried being friendly with some. I have invited some of them to my home. But none has reciprocated. Yet, they blame immigrants for not integrating with them.'

Ryan shared on his Instagram @neurosparkly_soul: 'I arrived in the UK in 2007. It was a boom year and there werent enough qualified corporate lawyers in the UK then.

'So, I was recruited from India based on video interviews.

'Unfortunately, 2007 was the last boom year. Its been a disaster ever since. Wish I didnt come to the UK then.'

A man who has lived in the UK, USA and Singapore has revealed why he believes the UK is the unfriendliest towards immigrants

A corporate lawyer who has lived in north west England believes the country is the 'least friendly place for immigrants'

He added: 'I told my teenage daughter yesterday, at some point expect some random white guys coming to you and telling you to go back to your country" (although she was born in the UK, is a British citizen and has no other country to go back to).

'Very interesting times ahead for us!'

Ryan went on to explain his thoughts, saying: 'In UK, the racists have a problem with all outsiders.

'They use Muslims as a scapegoat as Muslims are categorised as "terrorists" by the media and helps them to justify their racism.

'I think most assume every brown person to be a Muslim and therefore a terrorist & therefore a legitimate target for their hatred.

'They believe they are saviours as they are targeting "terrorists" which the State has failed to do.

'Thus, they see themselves as true patriotic warriors. And that keeps the racism going.'

Some agreed with Ryan's views, with one person commenting: 'My daughter studied in the UK, she complained same thing, its different from our culture in Malaysia.'

Ryan also said he has lived in Singapore in Asia, pictured

Another added: 'UK is definitely not friendly again. I am planning to move abroad.'

However, many were quick to refute the claims, sharing their own experiences and opinions.

One wrote: 'I used to think that living in a London surburb, however I've found friends now in Leeds. Some English folks are lovely I must say.'

Another said: 'People in England are also kind and caring, just more reserved people.'
A major cruise line has abruptly cancelled two voyages due to refurbishment delays.

P&O Cruises were set to sail two trips across Europe. One, the Ventura's Amsterdam voyage, was due to depart on February 23, 2026 and would have been a four-night trip.

However, according to the company, this was cancelled after 'a necessary refit' was extended.

Meanwhile, a two-week voyage on Arvia, which was set to sail on April 11, 2027, has also reportedly been called off.

The trip was supposed to visit Spain, France and Italy.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises told the Daily Mail: 'On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from what was previously published, and we are sorry this change has impacted a small number of our guests.'

They went on to explain that passengers will receive their money back for the cancelled trips.

'If a guest has booked on these cruises, they will receive a full refund of money paid to the original payment method within 14 working days,' they said.

P&O Cruises were set to sail two trips across Europe. One, the Ventura's Amsterdam voyage, was due to depart in February 2026 and would have been a four-night trip

Any travellers impacted are also set to receive up to 50 per person in on-board spending money for future cruises, but they must book the trip by October 24, 2025.

Disappointed passengers will have other options for trips away, however.

The cruise company has added two new sailings, and both are a week long.

One, the K708N, will visit the Norwegian fjords, while the K708P will go to Spain and France.

In other cruise news, Royal Caribbean recently had to cancel trips to a popular Caribbean destination after the US Government issued an urgent crime warning.

Royal Caribbean has halted all upcoming cruise stops to its private beach resort in Labadee, Haiti until at least May 2026.

The company cited growing safety concerns tied to the country's worsening political instability.

However, according to the company, this was cancelled after 'a necessary refit' was extended

This decision follows the U.S. State Department's reissued Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Haiti, warning travelers of 'kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care.'

'If you had plans to sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to the Caribbean anytime soon, there is one destination the cruise liner won't be visiting for a while.

'Out of an abundance of caution, we have paused our upcoming visits through April 2026,' a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

They added that the cruise line is directly notifying affected guests.
Doc, Sky Witness

Rating:

Special prize for the laziest, least imaginative title of the year goes to the hospital drama Doc.

What next  a murder mystery called Dead or a reality show called Stupid?

Doc deserves better, because the concept is promising. Based on an Italian hit called Doc  Nelle Tue Mani (which means Doc  In Your Hands), it stars Molly Parker as an abrasive, uncompromising senior medic at a U.S. hospital, who doesn't waste time on breaking bad news to patients gently.

She simply announces, 'If we don't figure this out, you could be dead in a month,' and then heads to her next patient.

'You're a physician, not a priest,' she scolds a junior doctor. 'We don't give false hope.'

So far, so similar to House, the multiple award-winning show with Hugh Laurie that ran for eight years. But this version has a twist.

On the day we meet Dr Amy Larsen, shortly after she's threatened to end the career of a rival for medical negligence, and then slipped down to the hospital car park for a quickie with a colleague in the back of her SUV, she suffers life-changing brain injuries in a crash.

Her own team of surgeons patch her up, but a fragment of her skull is embedded in her brain (lodged deep in the left hippocampus, we're told, where no neurosurgeon dares operate).

Doc stars Molly Parker (pictured, left) as an abrasive, uncompromising senior medic at a U.S. hospital, who doesn't waste time on breaking bad news to patients gently.

This has two remarkable consequences. Firstly, Amy wakes up a lot less sarky.

Secondly, she can't remember anything of the past eight years.

We realise this before she does, in a clever scene where she answers questions from inside a CAT brain scanner. Asked to name the President, she says, 'Barack Obama,' and can't understand why everyone sounds so worried.

Improbable medical conditions can make for enjoyable telly hokum. My favourite is a Spanish series called Lifeline, which aired in 2018 on Ch4 and stars Pablo Derqui as a dashing cardiac surgeon who  wouldn't you just know it?  requires an emergency heart transplant.

When he wakes up, he discovers he can remember all the details of his donor's murder, and sets out to catch the killer.

Lifeline works because of its breakneck pace. We never have a moment to doubt. But Doc makes the fatal mistake of slowing down, as Dr Amy comes to terms with everything she's forgotten.

The happy marriage she remembers is over... and her ex-husband is now her boss. Far worse, her son is dead. The emotional impact of these changes is conveyed with lots of long, anguished stares, and then replayed from different viewpoints. Amy's workplace lover is especially miserable, because she doesn't remember him at all.

Instead of amplifying the drama, all this does is give the viewer time to reflect on how unlikely it all is. If Doc doesn't pull itself together and stop being so maudlin, the prognosis is not good.
A Netflix crime documentary so 'disturbing and nightmarish' that viewers were left 'unable to sleep for weeks' has taken the streamer by storm.

House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths has captivated audiences across the world, with many admitting the chilling Netflix docuseries left them haunted for days.

The three-part documentary revisits one of India's most harrowing cases - the deaths of 11 members of a single family in Burari, Delhi.

In 2018, ten relatives were found hanged in their shared home while the 80-year-old grandmother was discovered strangled.

Their mouths had been taped and their eyes covered, sparking an investigation that initially baffled police.

'When the bodies were found, the district police initially registered a murder case,' a senior officer told The Hindustan Times.

A Netflix crime documentary so 'disturbing and nightmarish' that viewers were 'unable to sleep for weeks' has taken the streamer by storm

House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths has captivated audiences across the world, with many admitting the chilling Netflix docuseries left them haunted for days

'However, when family members were questioned, no motive was discovered. Then the registers were uncovered, and gradually the mystery began to unravel,' they added.

The documentary delves into those discoveries, exploring the chilling truths behind the tragedy and why so many lives ended in such disturbing circumstances.

Even three years after its release, House Of Secrets continues to shock viewers.

On Facebook group Netflix Bangers, one person confessed: 'Never have I ever felt so disturbed after watching something as I did with House Of Secrets: The Burari Deaths.'

Others quickly agreed. 'I didn't sleep for weeks after watching,' admitted one, while another declared: 'This is creepy AF.'

A third revealed: 'I lost sleep over this, it still haunts me,' and a fourth chimed in: 'I didn't sleep for days it was like a nightmare.' One viewer simply summed it up as a 'crazy documentary.'

Despite its harrowing nature, the series has earned widespread critical praise. On Rotten Tomatoes it holds a score of 68 per cent, while on IMDb it rates 7.4 out of 10.

Viewers and critics alike have applauded its sensitive handling of an almost unimaginable story.

The three-part documentary revisits one of India 's most harrowing cases - the deaths of 11 members of a single family in Burari, Delhi

In 2018, ten relatives from the Bhatia family were found hanged in their shared home while the 80-year-old grandmother was discovered strangled [The family's relatives mourn]

Their mouths had been taped and their eyes covered, sparking an investigation that initially baffled police [An ambulance carrying bodies of victims]

One IMDb review read: 'A truly disturbing true crime story of the deaths of an entire family.

'The documentary was well-made and interviewed the relevant parties. Though the last episode focused heavily on psychology and speculation, the first two episodes were utterly captivating.'

Another praised the creative team's wider perspective: 'Props to the makers for discussing journalistic ethics and mental health.'

It emerged in July 2018 that the family of 11 people who were all found dead may have killed themselves for 'spiritual salvation'.

Police in New Delhi said they found 11 bodies in a home in the village of Burari, ten of them blindfolded and hanging from the roof.

It was reported at the time that police had found a set of handwritten notes which used spiritual phrases such as: 'The human body is temporary and one can overcome fear by covering the eyes and mouth'.

Brothers Bhavnesh Bhatia, 50, and Lalit Bhatia, 45, daughter-in-laws Savita Bhatia, 48 and Teena Bhatia, 42, her daughter Pratibha, 57, grandchildren Priyanka, 33, Nitu, 25, Monu, 23, Dhruv, 15 and Shivam, 15 were all found dead at the house.

Narayana Devi, the family grandmother, was found in another room.

The victims belonged to a family and most had lived in one home in Burari village in the northern part of New Delhi [Pictured: Police at the scene]

The family was living in the house for more than two decades, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported [Images from the scene at the time]

Some of the victims - four men, three women and four girls - also had their mouths taped and their hands and feet tied as well as being blindfolded.

One of the officers apparently said: 'The notes say if a group of 11 people follows these rituals, all problems would ease out and they would attain salvation.

'Some notes have dates on which they were written while others didn't have it. All the notes talk about reaching the end and gaining peace.'

Another officer said: 'We have found handwritten notes detailing how hands and legs are to be tied and are quite similar to the manner in which the bodies of 10 persons were found.'

House Of Secrets: The Burari Deaths is available to stream on Netflix.
Coronation Street star Richard Winsor has waved goodbye to the Cobbles in an explosive twist - and his final scenes will air next week.

The actor, 43, joined the ITV soap as church clerk Noah Hedley back in May just weeks after it was revealed he was joining the cast.

His alter-ego has been involved in a shocking storyline involving trying to change Theo Silverton's (James Cartwright) sexuality.

As viewers will know, scaffolder Theo revealed to his wife Danielle (Natalie Anderson) that he was gay after having an affair with Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce).

The evil cleric involved himself in Theo's family life and has tried to manipulate the situation so that Danielle would be with him.

Viewers will no doubt be happy to see the back of him.

Coronation Street star Richard Winsor has waved goodbye to the Cobbles in an explosive twist - and his final scenes will air next week

The actor, 43, joined the ITV soap as church clerk Noah Hedley back in May just weeks after it was revealed he was joining the cast (left)

A source told The Sun: 'Richards done a great job as Noah.

'He was brought in as a guest star for a specific storyline and hes knocked it out of the park playing such a twisted villain.

'But the character will leave next week and its set to be explosive and spark fireworks on the cobbles.'

Coronation Street isn't the only show that the actor has been in over the years.

He is arguably best known for playing Caleb Knight in medical drama Casualty and starred on the programme between 2014 and 2017.

Not only that, he's starred in Hollyoaks, Royal Mob and The Machines That Built America.

He's also had roles in Nutcracker!, StreetDance 3D and Swan Lake.

Last month Adam Hussain broke his silence on quitting Corrie after five years.

The actor, 24, has portrayed Aadi Alahan since April 2020 when he took over from Zennon Ditchett who had played the character for 11 years.

But earlier this year it was reported that Adam would be exiting the soap for 'new pastures', with his final episode airing on Tuesday.

Sharing a video after the scenes aired, Adam has already teased a possible return to the show and hinted that he is to star in some upcoming projects.

Adam said: 'I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for watching Aadi on Corrie over the years. You know these past five years have been so educational and such an experience.

'I've made friends that will last a lifetime and I've grown not just as an actor but as a person as well.

'But I just want to say that it's not goodbye forever. More like a see you later. And if you want to keep watching me, then I will be around in other stuff. So keep your eyes peeled.'
Holly Willoughby looked effortlessly chic as she joined Davina McCall at a pub quiz hosted by Garnier to celebrate their years as Nutrisse ambassadors at The Wigmore in London on Wednesday.

The TV presenter, 44, donned a stylish cream cashmere cardigan with short sleeves, black stitching at the collar, and an all-over textured knit as she posed for several sweet snaps with close pal Davina, 57.

She paired the elegant top with high-waisted dark blue denim jeans and completed the look with pointed black boots.

Meanwhile, Davina cut a stylish figure in a navy-blue button-up top teamed with dark blue wide-leg denim jeans.

She completed her look with a pair of brown leather loafers as she beamed beside Holly.

Davina's boyfriend, Michael Douglas, also made an appearance to celebrate her long-running partnership with the global beauty brand.

Holly Willoughby looked effortlessly chic as she joined Davina McCall at a pub quiz hosted by Garnier to celebrate their years as Nutrisse ambassadors at The Wigmore in London on Wednesday

The TV presenter, 44, donned a stylish cream cashmere cardigan as she posed for several sweet snaps with close pal Davina, 57

The hairstylist cut a laidback figure in an all-black ensemble as he proudly wrapped his arm around Davina for a series of heartwarming snaps.

The exclusive event marked a major milestone for the pair, with Holly celebrating 10 years and Davina 20 years as faces of Garnier Nutrisse.

The stars were treated to fine food and drinks, and were even surprised with a bespoke Garnier Nutrisse-branded cake.

The extravagant two-tiered cake featured the brand's logo, pictures of the presenters on Garnier Nutrisse hair dye box covers, and two large, hyper-realistic avocados.

Holly has been a brand ambassador for Garnier for many years, and she's not just the face of the campaign, she's a genuine fan.

The TV star uses Garnier Nutrisse's 10.01 Natural Baby Blonde shade to dye her hair at home, regularly sharing her results on social media.

Holly admitted she was initially sceptical about matching her signature blonde but previously said Garnier nailed the shade.

Alongside her work with Garnier's haircare range, Holly also promotes their Ambre Solaire sun protection line, which keeps her glow golden and protected all year round.

She paired the elegant top with high-waisted dark blue denim jeans and completed the look with pointed black boots

Meanwhile, Davina cut a stylish figure in a navy-blue button-up top teamed with dark blue wide-leg denim jeans as she hugged Holly for a sweet snapshot

Davina's boyfriend, Michael Douglas, also made an appearance to celebrate her long-running partnership with the global beauty brand

The hairstylist cut a laidback figure in an all-black ensemble as he proudly wrapped his arm around Davina for a series of heartwarming snaps

Meanwhile, Davina has been a prominent ambassador for Garnier for 20 years, making her one of the longest-serving beauty ambassadors in the UK.

As the face of Garnier Nutrisse Creme, Davina champions the 5.0 Mocha Brown shade, which she uses to maintain her rich brunette colour.

She's been candid about her personal hair care routine, demonstrating how she applies the product at home to achieve salon-quality results.

Beyond hair care, Davina actively participates in Garnier's initiatives, such as the Ambre Solaire Wrap Splat Hat program, which educates children and parents about sun safety.

While specific figures for Holly's earnings from Garnier aren't publicly disclosed, it's reported she earned around 750,000 from the brand in 2021.

Davina reportedly earns approximately 350,000 annually from her partnership with the brand.

The exclusive event marked a major milestone for the pair, with Holly celebrating 10 years and Davina 20 years as faces of Garnier Nutrisse
Tessa James looked unrecognisable as she attended a glitzy do celebrating a good cause among Melbourne's elite.

The rarely-seen Neighbours star, who stepped away from the spotlight after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2014, made a rare public appearance at L'Oreal Australia's For Women In Science Awards on Wednesday.

The event, at Sophia at The Prahran Arcade, honoured five trailblazing scientists from Australia and New Zealand and was attended by more than 150 VIP guests, including Tayla Broad and Olivia Molly Rogers.

Tessa was the picture of sophistication as she arrived in a pared-down, monochromatic ensemble.

The 34-year-old wore a flowing polka dot blouse paired with tailored black slacks and strappy heels for the occasion.

She slicked her hair back in an elegant bun, showing off her glowing visage and striking blue eyes.

Tessa James (pictured) doesn't look like this anymore

She also took a moment to pose alongside socialite Ellie Baillieu, who is engaged to restaurateur Tom Sutterby.

Tessa has been keeping a low profile ever since she received her shock cancer diagnosis at the age of 23.

Despite being at the height of her career, Tessa said 'her life stopped' and she made the difficult decision to step away from acting, Mamamia recently reported.

'My life stopped, to be honest. I think for any 23-year-old, their life is moving pretty quickly,' she told the publication.

'You're working a lot of things out, you're trying new things, you're just busy, making the most of your life. And my life just stopped.'

Tessa went on to say she began asking herself whether she could balance a successful acting career with cancer treatment.

She turned to stars like Delta Goodrem, who was also diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2002, for inspiration.

But after six months of chemotherapy, which saw her become completely cancer-free in 2020, she decided to step away from acting for good.

The rarely-seen Neighbours star showed face at L'Oreal Australia's For Women In Science Awards on Wednesday

Tessa (left) also took a moment to pose alongside socialite Ellie Baillieu (right), who is engaged to restaurateur Tom Sutterby

Known best for playing the role of Nicole Franklin on Home and Away from 2008 to 2011, Tessa also starred in Beaconsfield, Love Child, and Spin Out.

But her rise to stardom came to a grinding halt in 2014 when she discovered a lump above her collarbone while pursuing an acting opportunity in Los Angeles.

Now, the former actress has pivoted to interior design, following in the footsteps of her mother and sister, who are interior architects.

Tessa is currently the Director and Head of Communications at AKI Design, a boutique interior design studio she runs with her family.

Tessa married former NRL star Nate Myles in 2011, and the pair share sons Saynt, seven, Jaguar, four, London, three, and their one-year-old, who they secretly welcomed in 2024.
The Twilight Saga author Stephenie Meyer sees no end to the magical romance between her protagonist Bella Swan and century-old vampire Edward Cullen, and she has two more books in the works.

'For me, Bella and Edward are frozen where Breaking Dawn ended,' the 51-year-old YA novelist said on Good Morning America Wednesday.

'I have other stories outlined that I don't know if we'll ever get to. I'll have somebody, you know, disseminate [my outlines] after my death if I never get around to it. But for me, the stories go on.'

It's been 20 years since Stephenie made her literary debut with Twilight, which spawned several more books and a $3.3B-grossing five-film franchise that launched the careers of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner.

'I don't even know how to process that [milestone],' Meyer said of the legacy.

'I wasn't expecting fans when I started this. To be back here and still have people care, I mean, it's really, really flattering. But I never expect that to last. It's bizarre to me.'

The Twilight Saga author Stephenie Meyer sees no end to the magical romance between her protagonist Bella Swan and century-old vampire Edward Cullen, and she has two more books in the works

The 51-year-old YA novelist said on GMA Wednesday: 'For me, Bella and Edward are frozen where Breaking Dawn ended'

The romance led to a real, on/off four-year relationship between Robert and Kristen, which abruptly ended in 2012 when she was caught kissing her married Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders.

The Twilight novels, novella, and three graphic novels have sold over 160M copies, with translations into 37 different languages.

'I think I was able to capture just a little bit of what it feels like to fall in love,' the Mormon mother-of-three reflected.

'It's love that's on its surface kind of doomed. And that's always exciting. Of course, it ends up happily for them because I am who I am. And I like happy endings.'

Stephenie added: 'I think a lot of our heroines that we get in books are adventurous. They're wielding swords and they're doing daring dos. But Bella is a quiet girl; she reads books. We don't get a lot of quiet readers as our heroes.'

In 2020, Meyer (born Morgan) published Midnight Sun, which was a retelling of Twilight from the perspective of Edward rather than Bella.

It's been one year since Netflix greenlit a straight-to-series order for an animated show based on Midnight Sun, which will be produced by Sinead Daly as well as the Connecticut-born, Arizona-raised writer.

Pattinson will next portray Jackson opposite Jennifer Lawrence in Lynne Ramsay's thriller Die, My Love - which hits US theaters November 7 and UK theaters November 14.

She continued: 'I have other stories outlined that I don't know if we'll ever get to. I'll have somebody, you know, disseminate [my outlines] after my death if I never get around to it. But for me, the stories go on'

It's been 20 years since Stephenie made her literary debut with Twilight, which spawned several more books and a $3.3B-grossing five-film franchise that launched the careers of Robert Pattinson (2-R), Kristen Stewart (L), and Taylor Lautner (R)

Meyer said of the legacy: 'I don't even know how to process that [milestone]. I wasn't expecting fans when I started this. To be back here and still have people care, I mean, it's really, really flattering. But I never expect that to last. It's bizarre to me'

The romance led to a real, on/off four-year relationship between Robert and Kristen, which abruptly ended in 2012 (pictured) when she was caught kissing her married Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders

The Mormon mother-of-three reflected: 'I think I was able to capture just a little bit of what it feels like to fall in love. It's love that's on its surface kind of doomed. And that's always exciting. Of course, it ends up happily for them because I am who I am'

In 2020, Stephanie published Midnight Sun, which was a retelling of Twilight from the perspective of Edward rather than Bella

It's been one year since Netflix greenlit a straight-to-series order for an animated show based on Midnight Sun, which will be produced by Sinead Daly as well as Meyer

The big-screen adaptation of Ariana Harwicz's 1969 novel also features Sissy Spacek, Nick Nolte, and LaKeith Stanfield.

The two-time Independent Spirit Award nominee is very much in demand with upcoming films -Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, Matt Reeves' The Batman: Part II, Lance Oppenheim's Primetime, and Kristoffer Borgli's The Drama.

Stewart releases her feature directorial debut The Chronology of Water this December, she'll play astronaut Sally Ride in Maggie Cohn's series The Challenger, and she'll star in her wife Dylan Meyer's feature directorial debut The Wrong Girls.

Lautner - who hosts The Squeeze podcast with his wife Taylor - is set to make his acting comeback in Natalie Simpkins' upcoming indie rom-com, The Token Groomsman, alongside country crooner Kane Brown.
He's the talented youngster who boasts very famous parents.

His US actress mother enjoys a long and illustrious small screen career, having appeared on the likes of Beverly Hills 90210 and Lipstick Jungle.

She is perhaps best known for starring in some of the most iconic soaps of all time, including The Bold and the Beautiful and All My Children.

Meanwhile, Dad is also no slouch, being one of the most beloved celebrity chefs Australia has produced.

A familiar face on both Australian and US television, the gourmand has appeared in such fare as Surfing the Menu, Iron Chef America, and Australian and US versions of My Kitchen Rules.

He was also a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show and is a best-selling cookbook author.

Hudson Stone - the eldest child of Aussie celebrity chef Curtis Stone and US actress Lindsay Price is certainly following in his mother's footsteps

So, can you guess who this nepo baby is?

It's none other than Hudson Stone - the eldest child of Aussie celebrity chef Curtis Stone and US actress Lindsay Price.

It seems Hudson is truly following in his mothers footsteps, having secured a role in a major Disney production.

Lindsay took to Instagram this week to reveal that Hudson had been cast in the third iteration of the popular Disney Channel franchise Camp Rock.

She shared a series of photos and clips of Hudson at the casting announcement and being put through his paces on the rehearsal stage.

Captioning the images, Lindsay could barely contain her parental pride at the exciting news.

'Out of nowhere. Like a bolt of lightning. You stepped into your story. We didnt plan it but it was meant to be. Im so proud of you,' Lindsay wrote.

'You were born to rock and share your light. You just say yes and Ill try it with all your joy and look what happens. Look. At. YOU. Congrats my beautiful boy.'

Lindsay took to Instagram this week to reveal that Hudson had been cast in the third iteration of popular Disney Channel franchise Camp Rock

She shared a series of photos and clips of Hudson at the casting announcement and being put through his paces on the rehearsal stage

'Out of nowhere. Like a bolt of lightning. You stepped into your story. We didnt plan it but it was meant to be. Im so proud of you,' Lindsay wrote

The post was met with a flurry of congratulations and well-wishes from friends and followers.

US actress Rebecca Gayheart offered: 'Congratulations!!!! Its all so mind blowing watching these kids grow up and find their groove!'

One fan suggested that his name alone should propel Hudson to fame, adding: 'My Goodness even his name screams Star! Congratulations!'

The Talk co-host Amanda Kloots summed up the sentiment of many with: 'Coolest kid. Best parents. This is awesome.'

He's in good company, too, with the Jonas Brothers  Nick, Joe and Kevin  also announced to star in the anticipated flick.

A career in front of the camera was something that Hudson had long aspired to achieve.

Speaking to The Daily Mail back in 2019, dad Curtis teased that Hudson was keen to walk the trail laid by either mum or dad.

'It's quite confronting,' Curtis said with a laugh when asked about Hudsons early ambitions.

'My oldest son who's nearly eight, just had a careers day. They had to fill out what the occupation they wanted to be was, and he wrote chef or actor,' Curtis told Daily Mail in 2019. Curtis is pictured with wife L:indsay Price

Curtis and Lindsay married in September 2013. The couple welcomed Hudson in 2011 and second son, Emerson, in 2014.

'My oldest son, who's nearly eight, just had a careers day. They had to fill out what the occupation they wanted to be was, and he wrote chef or actor.'

'My wife and I looked at each other like, "I don't want him to be a chef", "I don't want him to be an actor". It's quite confronting,' he joked.

Curtis, 47, and Lindsay met each other on a blind date in 2009 after they were set up by a mutual friend.

Following that fateful night, the pair exchanged e-mails for several months. The rest, they say, is history and the pair married in September 2013.

The couple welcomed Hudson in 2011 and their second son, Emerson, in 2014.
Popular influencer Sasha Morpeth has sparked concern after showing off her tiny frame during a holiday to Ibiza.

The 26-year-old TikTok star revealed her extremely slender figure as she posed on a boat in a bikini.

'No complaints here,' she captioned the post.

The Instagram photos show the model wearing a triangle top, tiny shorts, a straw hat and sunglasses while relaxing on the deck of a luxury yacht.

Many of Sasha's 931k followers rushed to the comments section to voice their concern for the blonde social media star.

'Hope youre okay, Sasha,' wrote one.

Popular influencer Sasha Morpeth has sparked concern after showing off her tiny frame during a holiday to Ibiza

The 26-year-old TikTok star revealed her extremely slender figure as she posed on a boat in a bikini

'Girl I hope you are okay,' another added, while one more said: 'Girl you're so beautiful but are you ok??? We want you healthy.'

Meanwhile, several rushed to Sasha's defence, saying people had no right to comment on other people's bodies.

'Y'all have NO idea what anyone is going through, so no need to comment on someone's body,' one wrote.

'EVEN if youre coming from a place of love... would you want to wake up with thousands of comments about your body?'

'Has no one ever heard of you dont have anything nice to say dont say anything? Dont comment on peoples bodies!!!!' another said.

Elsewhere in the post, Sasha showed off highlights from her recent European trip, including images and video of her night clubbing with gal pals.

It comes after Sasha's split from Love Island's Callum Hole earlier this year.

Callum and Sasha were first linked in November 2024 while attending a schoolies Unleashed Grad Trip in Fiji, where he also filmed Love Island All Stars.

Elsewhere in the share, Sasha showed off highlights from her recent European trip, including images and video of her night clubbing with gal pals

Sasha also showed off her figure in a revealing dress during a trip to Bali back in March

Sasha, who has over five million followers on TikTok and owns a clothing brand, Sasha Therese, often posted videos of the couple on her page.

But all traces of the whirlwind relationship between the two social media stars vanished from their accounts in March.

Both Callum and Sasha have deleted all of their couple videos and photos from their social media profiles.

Neither has officially confirmed the break-up, but Sasha has dropped multiple hints that the romance wasn't all smooth sailing.

'Jealousy hits different when you both aren't even in a relationship yet,' she captioned an outfit check posted to TikTok on December 27 that has been viewed 2.9 million times.

Callum appeared on Love Island All Stars alongside reality fan favourite Phoebe Spiller in January, after enjoying a short-term fling with one of his Aussie Shore castmates last year.
Amid the shocking suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, Daily Mail is taking a look back at some of the late night host's most controversial moments.

The network on Wednesday said that ABC affiliates were going to pre-empt Kimmels late night program, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a night after he made divisive remarks about the slaying of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Nexstar broadcasting division president Andrew Alford was critical of Kimmel's remarks in a statement issued Wednesday.

'Mr. Kimmels comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse,' Alford said, 'and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.'

Kimmel, 57, has been outspoken about his left-leaning beliefs in recent years and a regular critic of President Donald Trump.

Daily Mail has reached out for comment to Kimmel's publicist.

Kimmel broached on the touchy topic Tuesday as he took a different spin on the fallout of Kirk's assassination on a Utah college campus at the hands of a 22-year-old suspect.

'We hit some new lows over the weekend,' Kimmel said, 'with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them - and doing everything they can to score political points from it.'

Amid the shocking suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, 57, on Wednesday, Daily Mail is taking a look back at some of the late night host's most controversial moments. Pictured in June

Post election meltdown

Kimmel's political views were on naked display on the November 6, 2024 edition of Jimmy Kimmel Live, in the wake of President Trump's victory over Democratic challenger Kamala Harris.

'It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hard working immigrants who make this country go, for health care, for our climate, for science, for journalism, for justice, for free speech,' the comedian told the audience.

He continued: 'It was a terrible night for poor people, for the middle class, for seniors who rely on Social Security, for our allies in Ukraine, for NATO and democracy and decency.

'And it was a terrible night for everyone who voted against him. And guess what? It was a bad night for everyone who voted for him too. You just don't realize it yet.'

The emotional host wrapped up in declaring that 'it was a really good night for Putin and for polio and for lovable billionaires like Elon Musk, and the bros up in Silicon Valley.

'And all the wriggling brain worms who sold what was left of their souls to bow down to Donald Trump.'

Nexstar broadcasting division president Andrew Alford was critical of Kimmel's remarks in a statement issued Wednesday

The broadcasting exec said that Kimmels 'comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.' Kirk pictured prior to his tragic killing September 10 on the Utah Valley University campus

Mean Streak

Kimmel showed he can ad-lib - and go low - with the best of them during a March 2010 interview with Sabrina the Teenage Witch actress Melissa Joan Hart.

The chat was on his show after Hart, a sitcom star in the 1990s, was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars.

Kimmel asked Hart: 'At any point during the competition, did you consider using witchcraft to help you?'

Hart replied, 'Ah, whoa hold on - that joke is like, 1996.'

Kimmel replied, 'Yeah, but you know what? So are you to be honest,' later joking he was an 'evil' person.

A response penned on a Reddit r/videos thread about the exchange read, 'You know the comeback is brutal when you laugh but also feel genuinely sorry for her.'

Another user commented: 'Yep, it seems like this was a little bit of a misstep on Jimmy's part.

'I don't know for sure but I get the impression that most of these guys are trying to be funny without being d***s, and that comment was a little across the line. Oh well, mistakes get made, you move past it.'

Kimmel humiliated Sabrina the Teenage Witch star Melissa Joan Hart on his show 15 years ago with a razor-sharp jab about her diminished fame

Kimmel showed his mean streak a few months earlier in January of 2010 when he got directly involved in the late night imbroglio going on at rival network NBC, during their criticized plans to replace a ratings-challenged Conan O'Brien with Jay Leno

No love for Leno

Kimmel showed his mean streak a few months earlier in January of 2010 when he got directly involved in the late night imbroglio going on at rival network NBC, during their criticized plans to replace a ratings-challenged Conan O'Brien with Jay Leno.

Kimmel accepted an invited onto Jay Leno's maligned 10 p.m. show and took part in a sketch called 10 at 10, ambushing Leno with a series of cutting questions related to The Tonight Show controversies.

When Leno asked him about the best prank he ever pulled, Kimmel responded, 'I told a guy that five years from now I'm going to give you my show, and then when the five years came, I gave it to him, and then I took it back almost instantly.'

Leno, who was fighting a publicity crisis as he was returning to the Tonight Show to replace the beloved OBrien, brought up the incident in an April appearance on In Depth With Graham Bensinger.

'When Kimmel came on my show and humiliated me on my own show, I let it happen,' Leno said. 'I didn't edit it. It was my mistake, I trusted somebody. I went, "Ah, I made a mistake - Okay, I should pay the price."'

Leno continued: 'And it's fine, it's fine. I mean, we could've edited it out of the show ... it's real - it happened, it's my mistake - that's how you learn.'

Like his mentor Howard Stern, Kimmel had a trove of politically-incorrect material he used to establish his name before hitting the mainstream with ABC more than 20 years ago

Kimmel donned blackface while on his former Comedy Central series, The Man Show, which he starred on alongside Adam Carolla between 1999 and 2003

The jokes Jimmy didn't want you to hear

Like his mentor Howard Stern, Kimmel had a trove of politically-incorrect material he used to establish his name before hitting the mainstream with ABC more than 20 years ago.

In 1996, Kimmel use the N-word in a Christmas song parody Made for the KROQ disc jockey team of Kevin and Bean, A Family Christmas in Your A**.

Pretending to be Snoop Dogg, Kimmel rapped the lines 'fat [N-word] in a sleigh, giving s***s away'; as well as 'me and my [N-word] down in LBC, we'll smoke that m*********n' Christmas tree.'

On the album, Kimmel was given co-producer credits as Jim Kimmel, and credited with writing comedy material on it.

More infamously, Kimmel donned blackface while on his former Comedy Central series, The Man Show, which he starred on alongside Adam Carolla between 1999 and 2003.

In one sketch Kimmel imitated NBA legend Karl Malone with his face painted black.

Amid his evolution to comedy's wokest warrior, Kimmel had to address his past material and issue an official apology about his 'embarrassing' stabs at comed and 'thoughtless moments' he let make it to the air.

'There is nothing more important to me than your respect,' Kimmel said in a statement. 'And I apologize to those who were genuinely hurt or offended by the makeup I wore or the words I spoke.'
He's the reality star who's been enjoying the single life after splitting with his wife of four years, Georgia Love.

And it seems that Lee Elliott might be ready to move on, with the former reality star getting very cosy with a 'mystery' brunette in Europe.

Lee has been enjoying an idyllic vacation in Croatia, where he headed to celebrate the wedding of friends Sam Lewin and Mandi Buncuga.

He took to Instagram this week to document the trip with a series of romantic and celebratory photos from the nuptials.

Lee cut quite a dapper figure for the big day, stepping out in a classic black tuxedo for the wedding that was held in the town of Jelsa.

Photos also showed a more casual Lee, enjoying the coastal surroundings with members of the wedding party.

It seems that Lee Elliott might be ready to move on after his split with Georgia Love, with the former reality star getting very cosy with a 'mystery' brunette in Europe

However, a couple of Lee's photos are sure to raise eyebrows, with the 44-year-old seen getting very cosy with a mystery woman.

One image showed Lee sitting at a table of revellers at the wedding reception.

He is seen sitting next to a brunette beauty, who appears to be one of the bridesmaids, with Lee beaming for the camera with his arm around the woman.

Another photo showed a more casually dressed Lee happily posing with a group of attendees by an inviting body of water.

He was again pictured standing with his arm around the woman in the previous photo, who reciprocated with an arm around his waist.

'Still smiling from the most magical week celebrating the Lewins in beautiful Jelsa, Croatia,' Lee captioned the post.

'So much love for you both and everyone who came together to make it so unforgettable. Heres to a lifetime of laughter, love, and more 3 day parties like this one!'

Daily Mail has reached out to Lee Elliott for comment.

Lee has been enjoying an idyllic vacation in Croatia, where he headed to celebrate the wedding of friends Sam Lewin and Mandi Buncuga

He took to Instagram, this week to document the trip with a series of romantic and celebratory nuptials photos

Lee's Croatia trip comes after he was the subject of romance rumours with Carrie Bickmore.

Carrie and Lee's romance was first reported by Woman's Day, which alleged that the reality star had been spending a lot of time at Carrie's home.

The publication claimed the pair were introduced by mutual friends and the relationship was 'heating up quickly'.

'They've been trying hard to keep things under wraps. But there's definitely something romantic going on. They're a beautiful couple!' a source allegedly told the magazine.

Romance rumours were further fuelled when Lee liked Carrie's Instagram post, which showed her at the 2025 Logies in August.

In the images, the radio host flaunted her slim figure in a glamorous gold dress as she posed at The Star.

Meanwhile, Lee and Georgia, 35, who first met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their separation with identical posts to Instagram in February.

'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, [we] have made the incredibly difficult decision to lovingly part ways,' they wrote.

One image shows Lee, sitting at a table of revellers at the wedding reception. He is seen sitting next to a brunette beauty, who appears to be one of the bridesmaids and Lee is beaming for the camera with his arm around the woman

He was pictured, again standing with his arm around the woman in the previous photo, who reciprocated with an arm around his waist

'Our relationship has been so special, and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared.

'There is no drama, no bad blood. Just two people who have grown in different directions while still holding deep respect and care for each other.

'We remain friends, and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.'

Followers had speculated that Georgia and Lee had split for some time, as it had been more than four months since they were seen together.

The pair spent Christmas apart with their respective families before Georgia jetted off to New York City for a holiday without Lee.

They were also both spotted without their wedding bands, which led to a wave of speculation online suggesting they had ended their relationship.
Stella Maxwell turned heads as she arrived at the launch party of her latest collection with Marella at private members' club Nikita in Mayfair, London, on Wednesday.

The model, 35, who has teamed up with Marella to create a gorgeous capsule collection, looked phenomenal as she arrived wearing a black satin lace dress.

Her chic ensemble featured lace trims at the bust and hem and boasted a draped silhouette.

Flaunting her long pins in black fishnet tights, Stella added inches to her frame with a pair of black open-toe heels.

She layered up for the evening in a sleek black leather jacket and toted her essentials in a matching black clutch as she posed up a storm for the cameras.

To complete her look, the beauty accessorised with a silver-and-black cross choker necklace and styled her blonde locks in tousled waves.

Stella Maxwell turned heads as she arrived at the launch party of her latest collection with Marella at private members' club Nikita in Mayfair, London, on Wednesday

The model, 35, who has teamed up with Marella to create a gorgeous capsule collection, looked phenomenal as she arrived wearing a black satin lace dress

Stella is taking her collaboration with the brand to the next level after having appeared in its campaigns in the past.

Aside from being celebrated with an exclusive event at the private members' club, the collection will also hit a selection of Marella's brick-and-mortar stores starting September 18.

The collection features a chic blazer jacket, a bomber jacket crafted from dark denim or black leather, and a leather trench coat.

Each item comes with an embroidered tulle label bearing the collaboration's logo and a jacquard lining adorned with a star graphic motif.

Flowing trousers and accessories, including the Stella the Star ruched leather bag with a cracked finish, complete the collection, with prices ranging from 151 to 559.

Discussing her new collection, Stella told Women's Wear Daily: 'I think styling the pieces is pretty easy because they're quite flexible pieces.

'You have the full-set suits that are just beautiful on their own. You can really interchange the look going out at night or you can wear it to go grab a coffee in the morning.

'And then the other pieces that you can mix them with jeans, you can mix them with more comfortable pieces if you want to look more casual.'

Flaunting her long pins in black fishnet tights, Stella added inches to her frame with a pair of black open-toe heels

She layered up for the evening in a sleek black leather jacket and toted her essentials in a matching black clutch as she posed up a storm for the cameras

To complete her look, the beauty accessorised with a silver-and-black cross choker necklace and styled her blonde locks in tousled waves

Stella has shown proof of the collection's wearability by fronting the dedicated campaign, which was shot on the rooftop and patio of the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in Los Angeles.

However, this is not the first time Marella has teamed up with a celebrity to co-design a collection.

Earlier this year, the label collaborated with American model Emily Ratajkowski, 34, for another chic range.

The brand, which has more than 200 stand-alone stores and is stocked in 1,400 multibrand retailers worldwide, has been expanding over the last year.

As reported by Women's Wear Daily, Marella has opened new locations across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

Now, the brand is set to open its first UK store at 8 Marylebone High Street in London this autumn.
MasterChef Australia stars Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary have sparked engagement rumours during a romantic trip to Paris.

The pair are enjoying their first European holiday together as a couple after confirming their romance in July.

On Wednesday, they posted several photographs of them looking loved-up in front of the Eiffel Tower at sunset.

In the photos, Sarah, 38, stunned in a light blue slip dress layered with a white shirt while Declan, 27, kept it casual in a white T-shirt, denim shorts and sneakers.

The lovebirds lounged on the grass surrounded by other tourists before sealing their outing with a kiss.

'We are exactly where we are supposed to be,' they wrote in the caption.

2025 MasterChef stars Sarah Todd (right) and Declan Cleary (left) made headlines in July after confirming their relationship in an interview with Stellar Magazine

Now, just two months after the announcement, the couple have sparked engagement rumours with their latest social media post

'The right place. The right time. This exact moment with each other we have both dreamt of.'

Fans flooded the comments section gushing over the pair's sweet Parisian moment.

'Love your love,' one follower simply penned.

Another chimed in: 'You most certainly are  the city of love, the perfect place for you.'

'You two are so beautiful and adorable together Ive been rooting for you both for a long time... so happy to see you both together.. big fan!!' one person added.

Many followers wondered if Declan had popped the question considering the romantic setting and heartfelt caption on the post.

'Proposal,' one person wrote next to a chapel emoji.

'I seeeee a ring in your lil finger,' another pointed out, adding: 'whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.'

Taking to Instagram, they posted a slew of sweet snaps on Wednesday showing them loved-up in front of the Eiffel Tower at sunset

Declan revealed that the pair 'instantly got along' on the set of the MasterChef Australia's 17th season

One fan penned: 'Congratulations.'

'Marry Sarah already, love this,' another chimed in.

One person simply commented three wedding ring emojis with a question mark.

The Paris trip comes just weeks after the couple addressed speculation they were preparing to take the next step in their age-gap romance after moving in together.

The pair told Daily Mail Australia that while marriage isn't on the cards just yet, they've already formed a family unit, with Declan stepping into the role of stepfather to Sarah's 14-year-old son, Phoenix.

'It's all relatively new but it's working great,' they said. 'When it's right, it's right.'

Sarah and Declan admitted their romance began with an 'immediate connection' on set, revealing they bonded quickly while filming.

Declan also responded to criticism that he is 'punching above his weight' with former model Sarah.

'I'm happy about that (comment). She's beautiful inside and out and she's the better cook, everyone knows that,' he said.

As for claims their recent glamorous photoshoot with an Aussie magazine was AI-generated, Declan said it all comes down to Sarah's lucky genes.

'Sarah's just naturally beautiful. I'm happy with any help. Hair, makeup, AI!' he joked.

And with the couple now working and living together, are they worried about the chemistry fizzling out too soon?

'We are just starting our journey together. If chemistry is a problem this early on, there's no future,' Declan said.

'My future looks tremendous.'

Sarah and Declan went public with their relationship in July, revealing that they had already moved in together following the high-pressure show.

They came clean about their secret romance in an interview with Stellar magazine.

Declan revealed that the pair 'instantly got along', which saw them spend lots of time together behind the scenes of MasterChef.
Police raided singer D4vd's home after his Tesla was found with the body of a missing 13-year-old girl inside  amid a trail of mounting clues he was in a relationship with the slain teen.

The dismembered remains of Celeste Rivas were discovered in the trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to D4vd  real name David Anthony Burke, 20  on September 8 in Los Angeles, California.

The car had been abandoned for several weeks near the cross streets of Doheny Place and Bluebird Avenue in Hollywood Hills home before being towed.

Police spent hours in the property and were seen hauling several evidence bags into an SUV.

Officers declined to confirm if the search was connected to the Rivas investigation.

A date and cause of Rivas' death have not been confirmed. However, officials with LAPD said the case is being investigated as a homicide, and it appeared the missing teenager had been dead for 'some time' before her remains were found.

She was reported missing in Lake Elsinore, California, in April 2024.

Her family told NBCLA that the 15-year-old had a relationship with D4vd.

It follows revelations from Celeste's mother that her daughter had a 'shhh...' tattooed on her right index finger, which matches the design D4vd has inked on his own.

D4vd performs onstage at Made on YouTube on September 18, 2024 in New York

A zoomed in picture of his finger shows he has a 'Shhh...' tattoo

And an unearthed track by D4vd, titled 'Celeste_Demo unfin' and uploaded to Soundcloud Wednesday, refers to a number of potentially identifying traits the teenager had.

The lyrics in the song from December 2023 include: 'Oh, Celeste / The girl with my name tattooed on her chest / Smell her on my clothes like cigarettes / I hear her voice each time I take a breath / I'm obsessed.'

A subsequent set of lyrics points to what appears to be a romantic relationship, which the artist is describing as having with the subject of his song.

The Daily Mail has reached out to D4vd for comment on this developing story.

The lyrics include: 'Oh, Celeste / Afraid you'll only love me when undressed / But you look so damn gorgeous in that dress / Missing you so much makes me depressed / But I digress, because.'

It is not clear if D4vd was singing about Celeste in the track.

Employees at Hollywood Tow noticed a smell coming from the Tesla owned by Burke, officials told NBCLA.

The musical artist is said to have been cooperating with authorities amid a probe into the death.

'D4vd has been informed about what's happened,' a spokesman for the artist told the outlet on September 9. 'And, although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.'

Police officers raiding a property in Beverley Hills (above)

D4vd posted a picture with a 'Celeste' on his social media

Missing poster for Celeste Rivas Hernandez issued in 2024 when she was just 13

Celeste Rivas (pictured) was found dead in an impounded vehicle under the rapper's name in Hollywood, California earlier this month

The musical artist - seen onstage in Minnesota earlier this month - has been cooperating with authorities amid a probe of the tragic death, a representative of his said

A nearly two-year-old song from the artist D4vd, 20, reveals a potentially game-changing clue in the gruesome and tragic death of a teenage girl. Pictured in Paris in June

The image showed D4vd in the suburb of Lake Elsinore, California, close to where Celeste resided with her family.

D4vd has not been charged with any crime.

Authorities told NBCLA that the car had been impounded after it had been reported abandoned while in the Hollywood Hills.

Police said that the vehicle had been there for a couple of days when it was reported.

It comes after D4vd was recently believed to have been photographed in an area near where the teenager lived, TMZ reported.

Early in his career, the singer used TikTok to share his music, garnering 3.6 million followers on the social media platform.

D4vd subsequently caught the attention of Interscope Records and Darkroom, who signed him to recording contracts.
Samantha Armytage is preparing for her highly anticipated return to television screens.

And the new host of The Golden Bachelor Australia looked radiant as she stepped out to run errands in Sydney's Double Bay on Wednesday.

The 49-year-old veteran presenter showed off a sun-kissed glow in a perfectly put-together spring ensemble, pairing cropped denim jeans with a breezy pink linen button-down shirt.

She completed her look with $1,600 designer Gucci loafers, proving she knows how to mix high-end luxury items with everyday comfort.

With her blonde locks pulled back into a sleek low bun and classic aviator sunglasses shielding her eyes, Samantha looked every inch the TV star.

Samantha also put on a stylish display as she attended the exclusive Trinny London Icebergs Brunch on Thursday.

Samantha Armytage looked radiant as she stepped out to run errands in Sydney's Double Bay on Wednesday

The 49-year-old veteran presenter showed off a sun-kissed glow in a perfectly put-together spring ensemble, pairing cropped denim jeans with a breezy pink linen button-down shirt

With her blonde locks pulled back into a sleek low bun and classic aviator sunglasses shielding her eyes, Samantha looked every inch the TV star

She completed her look with $1,600 designer Gucci loafers, proving she knows how to mix high-end luxury items with everyday comfort

She worked a sleek button-up shirt dress with a flattering tie-waist that perfectly showcased her svelte figure.

Adding a touch of luxury to her look, the TV favourite clutched a gorgeous gold clutch bag while sporting statement gold disc earrings.

Her signature blonde locks were styled to perfection, cascading in glossy waves, while she completed her slick look with stylish sunglasses.

Samantha's radiant appearance comes as fans eagerly await her return to Australian screens with her new show The Golden Bachelor.

The reality romance series promises a fresh twist on the dating show format.

Earlier this week, Samantha finally addressed rumours that she's gotten cosy with Golden Bachelor, Barry 'Bear' Myrden, after the pair's red carpet debut at the Logies sparked whispers of an off-screen romance.

Speaking on Nova's Chrissie Swan Show, the Sunrise alum and new host of Channel Nine's dating experiment laughed off suggestions she and the silver fox had become more than colleagues.

'Well, you can't host the show and then steal the Golden Bachelor. Hello! That wouldn't be much fun, would it?' Samantha quipped when asked if she'd ever considered taking advantage of her 'staff discount.'

Sam is preparing for her highly anticipated return to television screens on The Golden Bachelor Australia

Earlier this week, Sam finally addressed rumours that she's gotten cosy with Golden Bachelor, Barry 'Bear' Myrden, after the pair's red carpet debut at the Logies sparked whispers of an off-screen romance

Speaking on Nova's Chrissie Swan Show, the Sunrise alum and new host of Channel Nine's dating experiment laughed off suggestions she and the silver fox had become more than colleagues

Her comments come after social media lit up with speculation that sparks were flying between the glamorous host and the widowed bachelor, who is searching for love later in life.

With The Golden Bachelor set to air straight after The Block, Channel Nine is betting their boots that the dating series will be the next big thing on Aussie screens.

Those closest to the production insist Samantha is simply doing what she does best.

'It's just good TV,' a production insider told Daily Mail.

'She's a pro. She knows exactly how to play the part.'

Daily Mail has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.

Meanwhile, Bear was also quick to shut down any speculation he's eyeing women outside the show at the Logies, addressing wild rumours circulating online he prefers younger women.

Sam also put on a stylish display as she attended the exclusive Trinny London Icebergs Brunch on Thursday

Samantha worked a sleek button-up shirt dress with a flattering tie-waist that perfectly showcased her svelte figure

'That's just rumours. All I can say is it was very difficult having to get rid of any of them. They were all beautiful, intelligent, fun. It is one of the toughest things I've ever had to do,' h,' he told Daily Mail.

Despite all the attention, Bear admitted he was still getting used to his new reality TV fame.
Ed Westwick and Kelly Rutherford enjoyed a Gossip Girl reunion in New York on Wednesday - 13 years after the hit show end.

The actors, who starred in the fan-favourite drama, were all smiles as they posed together at Biosil's 30th Anniversary Celebration at Fouquet's.

Both stars have partnered with the beauty supplement company, becoming the faces of the brand for its latest campaign.

Ed, 38, looked dapper in an all black attire, wearing a single breasted blazer for the glitzy event in the city.

Meanwhile, Kelly, 56, oozed glamour in her white midi dress that featured leafy sheer cutouts at the bottom, giving it an autumnal feel.

Other stars in attendance included Roxanne Bertels and Jayda Nalamlieng.

Ed Westwick and Kelly Rutherford enjoyed a Gossip Girl reunion in New York on Wednesday - 13 years after the hit show end

Ed starred in Gossip Girl as bad boy Chuck Bass, with Kelly playing his on-screen step mother Lily van der Woodsen before becoming his adoptive mother

Ed starred in Gossip Girl as bad boy Chuck Bass, with Kelly playing his on-screen step mother Lily van der Woodsen before becoming his adoptive mother.

The pair have maintained a close friendship since the series came to an end, with Kelly attending his wedding last year.

He married Bollywood actress Amy Jackson in an intimate ceremony, with the couple tying the knot at the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair before jetting off to Italy for their honeymoon.

After Gossip Girl ended, Kelly went on to star in other hit shows such as Pretty Little Liars, Being Mary Jane and Dynasty.

Ed has focused his attention more on the big screen, appearing in films such as Deep Fear, Enemy Lines, Romeo and Juliet, and Flight From Hell.

Earlier that week Kelly took to the Upper East Side pictured leaving her five star hotel Fasano on Fifth Avenue.

Kelly stunned in a chic white shearling tailored coat by Karen Millen along with a statement pair of white Lapima bug eye sunglasses.

Last month, Ed and his wife Amy packed on the PDA as they returned to Italy for a luxury family holiday.

Kelly and Ed have maintained a close friendship since the series came to an end, with Kelly attending his wedding last year

Kelly, 56, oozed glamour in her white midi dress that featured leafy sheer cutouts at the bottom, giving it an autumnal feel

Ed, 38, looked dapper in an all black attire, wearing a single breasted blazer for the glitzy event in the city

After Gossip Girl ended, Kelly went on to star in other hit shows such as Pretty Little Liars, Being Mary Jane and Dynasty

Pictured left to right: Beth Gilette, Maurice Wirtz, Kelly Rutherford, and Geert Wirtz

Ed has focused his attention more on the big screen, appearing in films such as Deep Fear, Enemy Lines, Romeo and Juliet, and Flight From Hell (pictured with Gillian Digioia)

Earlier that week Kelly took to the Upper East Side pictured leaving her five star hotel Fasano on Fifth Avenue where she stunned in a chic white shearling tailored coat by Karen Millen

She completed her ensemble with a statement pair of white Lapima bug eye sunglasses and a bottle-green croc mini tote from Strathberry

Amy showed off her incredible body in a black bikini as she lovingly looked at her husband in one photo shared to Instagram on Monday.

Leaning in for a kiss, she accessorised with a pair of oversized black sunglasses and wrapped her arms around Ed, 38, who put a supportive hand on her back.

She wrote: 'Back to Italy. Nearly a year since our wedding and this trip to Capri felt extra special - celebrating one year of marriage, reuniting with our favourite Italian ladies, and soaking up la dolce vita with the whole family.'

Elsewhere in the photos, the couple playfully held their children, Oscar Alexander, born in May, and Amy's son from a previous relationship, Andreas Panayiotou, five.

Earlier this year, Kelly Rutherford posed with her 17-year-old son Hermes Gustaf Daniel Giersch for the first time in years.

They attended both the Chanel show and the Rahul Mishra event as part of Paris Fashion Week 2025 in France.

Kelly also has a teenage daughter named Helena.

The father of the two kids is Kelly's ex-husband, German businessman Daniel Giersch, 50, whom she had a very ugly and public international custody war with that cost her over $2M.
Kate Langbroek has raised eyebrows once again with her latest Instagram upload.

The former Project star, 59, shared a nude selfie taken at a nudist beach in Puglia, Italy, where she is currently travelling solo.

Kate leaned across a rock with nothing but her long brunette locks protecting her modesty, showing off a glowing tan, natural make-up and a chunky statement ring as she gazed into the camera.

In the candid caption, the radio and TV personality admitted solo travel has been an emotional rollercoaster.

'Wisdom for the grid. Travelling solo seems to be a massive pendulum swing. I am either wracked with self-loathing or loving myself sick. This pic was two days ago; today I ate a roast chicken in my car,' she wrote.

The honesty struck a chord with her followers - and sparked some amusing reactions.

Kate Langbroek (pictured) has raised eyebrows once again with her latest Instagram upload

The former Project star, 59, shared a nude selfie taken at a nudist beach in Puglia, Italy , where she is currently travelling solo. (Kate pictured with husband Peter Lewis)

Fellow comedian Dave Hughes was quick to poke fun, commenting: 'Stop thinking about yourself.'

He continued: 'Studies have shown the happiest people are those that think about themselves the least. Life is magic.'

Psychologist Melanie Kelly praised Langbroek for embracing her own company: 'I love solo travel. It's an opportunity to remember who you are and what you like to do.

'As mothers we do a lot of accommodating for others and it's important to also consider ourselves. Enjoy!!'

Another follower admitted Kate's words resonated, writing: 'Look I'm pretty much the same at home too! One day I think I'm fabulous and the next an old witch - but I'd prefer to be doing it in Puglia.'

Former Project co-host Gorgi Coghlan also cheered her on, adding: 'Love this KL. Keep loving yourself sick! Wherever you are - be all there.'

Kate and her family previously lived in Puglia, Italy, for nearly two years and returned to Australia by early 2021.

The mother-of-four has been documenting her Italian adventure without husband Peter Lewis, giving fans a glimpse into the ups and downs of travelling alone in middle age.

The mother-of-four has been documenting her Italian adventure without husband Peter Lewis, giving fans a glimpse into the ups and downs of travelling alone in middle age

Kate has previously revealed she once secretly split from her husband.

The couple broke up for around 18 months back in the '90s, before eventually marrying in 2003.

Speaking on the Life of Greatness podcast, Kate said it was Peter's tendency to be 'controlling' that tore them apart.

'We had a great conversation about it after we broke up, like probably a year-and-a-half later, where he said, "[Being controlling] doesn't make me feel good. I don't know why I try to do it. It makes me feel terrible,' she said.

'And I said, "Well, why don't you stop? Because in my experience, if you're doing something and it's making you feel bad, the best thing to do is to stop it." And also he had to know how it was to be without me.'

During the candid interview about her marriage, Kate also explained how the couple first met on a trip to Vietnam in 1998 when they were both dating other people.

'It was just a meeting and a liking,' said Kate, who resumed dating her then-partner upon her return to Australia while Peter reunited with his soon-to-be fiancee.

But the sparks between them failed to disappear as they returned to their regular lives.

'When we got home, it got very complicated. And on paper it looked entirely wrong because he's like nine years younger than me and he was at university,' Kate said.
Paul Thomas Anderson's latest movie offering One Battle After Another has won phenomenal praise and generated Oscar buzz among critics.

The Leonardo DiCaprio-fronted film, an action-thriller based loosely on Thomas Pynchon's 1990 novel Vineland, has been greeted with five-star reviews across the board and even deemed 'the defining film of a generation'.

The Standard's Nick Howells, awarding the movie five stars, wrote: 'Anderson has directed the coolest, most consummately masterful movie you're likely to see all year. And it's got Oscars glory just oozing out of every frame.'

While Leonardo is typically the draw of blockbusters, Paul Thomas Anderson's 'electrifyingly improbable' work was the topic on critics' lips, with many echoing back to previous 'masterpieces' Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread.

It is not only critics raving about the film but also bookmakers, as Ladbrokes has taken the odds of the movie winning the 2026 Academy Award for Best Picture from 12/1 last week, to a remarkable and rare evens.

Leonardo DiCaprio's new movie One Battle After Another has received five-star reviews across the board - with critics stating 'Oscars glory oozes' from 'the defining film of a generation'

One Battle After Another sees Leo playing Bob Ferguson, a dishevelled and distraught revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia off-grid with his daughter Willa, whom he shares with Teyana Taylor's character Perfidia

The film follows Bob as he reconnects with a group of old allies on a mission to track down his daughter, with Benicio playing his sensei, guiding him through a life without fear (pictured in film)

One Battle After Another sees Leo playing Bob Ferguson, a dishevelled and distraught revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia off-grid with his daughter Willa, whom he shares with Teyana Taylor's character Perfidia.

The film follows Bob as he reconnects with a group of allies on a mission to track down his daughter, with Benicio Del Toro playing his sensei, guiding him through a life without fear.

The high-stakes thriller and black comedy also sees Sean Penn starring as Bob's evil nemesis, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, and Regina Hall playing revolutionary Deandra.

Winning praise from the top, Steven Spielberg gushed: 'What an insane movie, oh my God. There is more action in the first hour of this than every other film you've ever directed put together. Everything, it is really incredible...

'This is such a concoction of things that are so bizarre and at the same time so relevant, that I think have become increasingly more relevant than perhaps even when you finished the screenplay and assembled your cast and crew and began production.'

In a five star rating from The Daily Mail, Brian Viner writes: 'DiCaprios is not even the most eye-catching performance in Paul Thomas Andersons irresistibly funny, thunderously exhilarating film.

'Sean Penn pinches every scene hes in as an unhinged army officer, driven first by lust and later by loathing, whose downfall, when it comes, is one of the most startling things you will see in the cinema this year.

'Anderson has already made one of the best pictures of the 21st century, in 2007s There Will be Blood. This one, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchons novel Vineland, is comparably fine.'

He added: 'He knows hes made something special, indeed the next time we hear him might be when he holds aloft an Academy Award.'

With yet another five star rating, The Telegraph's Robbie Collin writes: 'We're used to Anderson, the director of There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, coming back with a surprise up his sleeve...

'But even so, it's hard to overstate just how electrifyingly improbable his latest picture is: a sprawling Dr Strangelove-style satire which pits Antifa types. There's something deeply 1970s Hollywood, too, about the level of confidence he has in his audience.

'For more than two-and-a-half hours, he trusts us to cling on all the way up to the climactic pursuit, set on a bumpy stretch of desert road, with shots to make your stomach levitate...

L-R Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti, Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor and Benicio del Toro

'It's a roller-coaster ending to a film that has you disembarking shaky and elated, and ready to stagger right back into the queue.'

Caryn James for BBC comment on how the 'ambitious film work runs so smoothly'.

She writes: 'Paul Thomas Anderson is the brilliant mind and Leonardo DiCaprio the emotional heart of this timely, audacious comic-action-drama...

'In a decade or two when the great New Hollywood directors of the 1970s are gone, Anderson might be the greatest living American director...

'One of Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood or Phantom Thread would be enough for most careers, but excellence is almost routine for PTA. His remarkable quality control remains intact with this formidable piece of work.'

The Cinematic Reel's David Gonzalez penned: 'This emerges as more than just another great film; it is the movie of the moment, the movie of the year, and possibly the defining film of a generation. Ultimately, a monumental cinematic achievement.'

One X user wrote: 'Paul Thomas Andersons ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER is the most radical movie released by a Hollywood studio in years, and one of the best movies you may ever watch.'

The Cinematic Reel's David Gonzalez penned: 'This emerges as more than just another great film; it is the movie of the moment, the movie of the year, and possibly the defining film of a generation. Ultimately, a monumental cinematic achievement'

While Leonardo is typically the draw of blockbusters, Paul Thomas Anderson's 'electrifyingly improbable' work was the topic on critics' lips, with many echoing back to previous 'masterpieces' Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread (Paul Thomas Anderson pictured on Tuesday)
Jamie Oliver has revealed his wife Jools is neurodivergent - three months after confirming that some of the couple's five children have also been diagnosed.

The celebrity chef, 50, spoke candidly about his former model wife to Davina McCall on her podcast Begin Again and admitted Jools' condition can make life 'really challenging'.

Jamie told Davina: 'She's quite in the background and she's done that on purpose. She's definitely the rock.

'She's got incredible instinct, she's incredibly kind, very funny. I love her to bits. I can't really talk for her but she has neurodiversities that make her life really interesting and really challenging.

'Of course there's positives, but there's loads of things that, you know - she makes us the way that we are. And I'm very grateful for Jools and an amazing mum.'

Jamie Oliver has revealed his wife Jools is neurodivergent - three months after confirming that some of the couple's five children have also been diagnosed (pictured in 2016)

The celebrity chef, 50, spoke candidly about his wife to Davina McCall on her podcast Begin Again (pictured with their kids in 2023)

Neurodivergent is a term that describes people whose brains function differently, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

Jamie married Jools in 2000 and the couple renewed their wedding vows in 2023 in the Maldives with their children present.

Speaking about how he met his wife, Jamie said he was just 18 years old.

He gushed: 'She was just very beautiful and pure and just, gorgeous and natural, and quite quirky, quite clumsy.

'Very cute, and she was always like the odd dresser, she wore really cool clothes, like bonkers stuff.'

Recalling his dates with the former model, Jamie joked how she would always leave men speechless with her looks.

He said: 'I remember going on dates with her and we'd go past building estates with all the geezers up the scaffolding and they'd just look at her and go "oh yeah" these long legs and these big boobs and all they could say was "fashion, fashion!" and I was like "is that the best you can do" she just baffled them.

In June, Jamie revealed how some of his five children had also been diagnosed as neurodivergent.

Jamie married Jools in 2000 and the couple renewed their wedding vows in 2023 in the Maldives with their children present (pictured in 2001)

The TV star shares daughters Poppy, 23, Daisy, 22, and Petal, 16, and sons Buddy, 14, and River, eight.

He told The Sunday Times how he and Jools discuss their children in bed each night and have 'learnt to understand that their behaviour is because they're seeing things differently'.

He added that being aware of their children's differences 'allows you to be a better parent'.

And amid the conditions affecting many members of his family, Jamie went on to joke that home life is 'bonkers', remarking: 'Imagine four neurodiverse people at the dinner table trying to get their point across.'

Jamie also went on to say that he feels attitudes towards neurodivergence are generational, noting that 'older people' tend to reflect on not having these issues 'when they were young'.

He countered that people 'didnt know as much about our brains 30 years ago'.

Jamie, who is dyslexic, said how he was called 'stupid dunce' at school and his learning issues left him feeling 'worthless, stupid and thick.

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that causes problems with reading, writing and spelling and difficulties with processing.
He was one of the most controversial grooms to ever walk down the aisle on Married At First Sight - and now Adrian Araouzou has swapped TV drama for pasta.

The 31-year-old, who clashed with his TV wife Awhina Rutene and was plagued by explosive headlines off-screen, has revealed he's launched a new Italian takeaway business with his twin brother, James, in Melbourne.

The eatery, cheekily named Sauci, promises to deliver pasta the old-fashioned way - with no shortcuts, no packets, and no seed oils.

Adrian's stint on MAFS was marked by scandal.

Viewers watched him dramatically walk out of a promo shoot after refusing to continue filming in sweltering conditions.

He later claimed he was told to pack his bags and leave production altogether.

He was one of the most controversial grooms to ever walk down the aisle on Married At First Sight - and now Adrian Araouzou (pictured) has swapped TV drama for pasta

The 31-year-old, who clashed with his TV wife Awhina Rutene (left) and was plagued by explosive headlines off-screen, has revealed he's launched a new Italian takeaway business with his twin brother, James in Melbourne

Despite the drama, Adrian insists life off-camera tells a different story - one of family, food and authenticity.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, Adrian revealed the idea for Sauci had been simmering long before he signed up for the reality show.

'We wanted to create a takeaway experience that feels like home. So often, takeaway leaves you feeling bloated and sluggish. But when we were travelling through Italy and Greece, we noticed the food didn't make us feel that way. With Sauci, we wanted to bring that same feeling back home,' he explained.

At the heart of the brand is Sauci Mama - a character inspired by the mum or nonna who makes comforting food with love.

'She's the one who cooks fresh, honest, comforting food made with love and the best quality ingredients,' Adrian added.

Although many fans know Adrian as Greek, his mother's side has deep Italian roots, which helped shape the concept.

'While many know us as Greek, our mum's side of the family actually has deep Italian roots. Her ancestors came to Kastellorizo, Greece, from Italy. So for us, Sauci is a celebration of both - our Greek upbringing and our Italian heritage.'

Adrian says the business was two years in the making, spurred on by his family's dream.

The eatery, cheekily named Sauci, promises to deliver pasta the old-fashioned way - with no shortcuts, no packets, and no seed oils. (Pictured with his family)

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, Adrian revealed the idea for Sauci had been simmering long before he signed up for the reality show. (Adrian pictured with his brother James and co-star Rhi Disljenkovic)

'We wanted to create a takeaway experience that feels like home,' he explained

Adrian's co-stars Jamie Marinos and Rhi were among the many celebrities to attend the restaurant launch in Melbourne last week

Love Triangle star Alan Wallace was also in attendance. Pictured alongside Melbourne socialite Anton Young and MAFS stars

Adrian says the business was two years in the making, spurred on by his family's dream

'It's always been our mum's dream to open a place like this, and our travels through Europe really helped us shape the concept and bring it to life,' he said.

While Melbourne is brimming with Italian restaurants, Adrian insists their model is unique.

'We're not trying to compete with Melbourne's amazing Italian restaurants. What makes Sauci different is that we're bringing the same care and quality you'd expect from a sit-down dining experience into a takeaway format.

'Everything is made fresh on site - from the pasta to the sauces - using the best produce and ingredients.

It's authentic, simple, and tastes like Nonna made it, but designed for busy people who still want real food.'
Jeff Brazier wished his son Freddy a happy 21st birthday on Thursday as he reflected on the 'challenges and lessons' they've overcome.

Freddy, who announced he was set to become a father with an ex-girlfriend last week, has suffered a turbulent year after a huge fall out with his nan Jackiey Budden, who he had lived with to seek solace from his father after they too had a bust up.

The family have made up in the wake of his baby news, with Jeff saying he will 'always be walking along side' Freddy.

In a post shared to Instagram, he uploaded a series of photos from over the years alongside a heartfelt caption.

Jeff wrote: 'Happy 21st Birthday to our Freddy. What adventures weve had! Incredible memories made and challenges weve faced.

'So many lessons and there cant be much you havent taught me about being a Dad! Were always going to be here with hearts full of love and chests full of pride.'

Jeff Brazier wished his son Freddy a happy 21st birthday on Thursday as he reflected on the 'challenges and lessons' they've overcome

Freddy, who announced he was set to become a father with an ex-girlfriend last week, has suffered a turbulent year after a huge fall out with his nan Jackiey Budden

He added: 'The destination will be so sweet for you and so deserved, there are lots of different paths and Ill always be walking along side you on yours no matter how many times you ignore the sat-nav.

'I have a feeling your 21st year will be a special one.'

Daily Mail revealed on Wednesday that Freddy and his nan have made up  and his decision was prompted by attending the first baby scan with his pregnant girlfriend Holly Swinburn.

Sources close to Freddy say that the pair have now been brought back together after Freddy saw his unborn child for the first time at a London hospital on Tuesday.

Afterwards, he whisked Jackiey off for an upmarket meal to bury the hatchet and celebrate his impending fatherhood.

One friend of the family said: 'The baby news has changed everything and Freddy doesn't want to be estranged from his Nana, they've always been so close. He wants her to be involved in the baby's life.

'On Tuesday he went for a scan and saw a little baby on the screen, it changed his outlook on things and all he wanted to do then was see Jackiey and treat her to a nice meal.

'The last few months have been very tricky. First Jeff tried to stop them seeing each other and then for some reason Freddy turned on her publicly and blamed her for some of his issues over the years.'

The family have made up in the wake of his baby news, with Jeff saying he will 'always be walking along side' Freddy

In a post shared to Instagram, he uploaded a series of photos from over the years alongside a heartfelt caption

Jeff wrote: 'Happy 21st Birthday to our Freddy. What adventures weve had! Incredible memories made and challenges weve faced'

He added: 'The destination will be so sweet for you... there are lots of different paths and Ill always be walking along side you on yours no matter how many times you ignore the sat-nav'

They added: 'They've lived together on and off for years, and she's the first person he turns to when he needs to retreat a bit from everything else going on in his life.

'It's nice to see they're rebuilding bridges.'

Freddy fled from his father Jeff's home in Harlow, Essex, last year and moved into Jackiey's flat in Bermondsey, South East London, where his mother Jade grew up. In fact, he slept in her childhood bedroom after Jackiey decorated it for him.

But Jeff then attempted to stop his youngest son from seeing his grandmother and even attempted to take legal action to block their relationship.

However, in August he gave up on that after he and Freddy were reunited.

And then, in a surprising online outburst last month, he accused Jackiey of helping him develop an addiction to strong cannabis, claiming she first introduced him to the drug when he was just 12 -prompting a furious response from Jackiey who fiercely denied the allegations.

We revealed last month that Freddy was to become a father. He was left shell-shocked to learn that his on-off girlfriend Holly was pregnant after she sent him photographs of a positive pregnancy test after they had split up.

It's understood the former couple are now trying to put their differences aside as they prepare to become parents together.

Daily Mail revealed on Wednesday that Freddy and his nan have made up  and his decision was prompted by attending the first baby scan with his pregnant girlfriend Holly Swinburn

Freddy shared the first photo with his 'baby mother-to-be' this week on as he prepares to welcome his first child

Pictured: Jackiey Budden and Jade Goody. As the only connection to his late mother Jade Goody, Freddy has always been close to his grandma

Sources close to Freddy say that the pair have now been brought back together after he saw his unborn child for the first time at a London hospital (Freddy and Bobby pictured with Jeff)

Jackiey, 68, was left infuriated by her grandson's damning recent allegations about her  insisting she had not introduced him to drugs while admitting they have smoked cannabis together in recent years.

She said: 'I've read all these things he's said about me and I just can't believe he'd say them. It just isn't true at all  I can't believe it.

'Freddy was smoking as a kid with his mates long before he and I ever smoked together back out in Essex near Jeff's home  he got into some bad crowds but it had nothing to do with me.'

Speaking to the Daily Mail in the wake of his claims, she added: 'All I've ever tried to do is look out for him and give him somewhere safe to be whenever he wants to  and this has really upset me that he would do this.'

Late reality star Jade's family has endured a turbulent year, with a string of bitter disputes and controversies playing out in public 16 years after her tragic death from cancer in 2009.
Trinny Woodall made a bold style statement as she attended the Trinny London launch at Bondi hot spot Icebergs on Thursday.

The beauty mogul, 61, turned heads in a vibrant lemon-yellow shirt featuring dramatic flared cuffs and an oversized pointed collar.

The blouse, fastened with striking chain detailing down the front, was paired with flowing high-waisted white trousers that elongated her frame.

Trinny completed the chic ensemble with metallic pointed-toe heels and oversized sunglasses, while her hair was styled in relaxed waves.

Her minimal makeup and glowing complexion kept the focus on her standout outfit.

The event brought together some of Sydney's most recognisable faces from the fashion, fitness and media worlds.

Trinny Woodall (pictured) made a bold style statement as she attended the Trinny London launch at Bondi hot spot Icebergs on Thursday

The beauty mogul, 61, turned heads in a vibrant lemon-yellow shirt featuring dramatic flared cuffs and an oversized pointed collar

Her minimal makeup and glowing complexion kept the focus on her standout outfit

Among those in attendance were Samantha Armytage, fitness guru Michelle Bridges, and former Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic.

Also in attendance was fitness entrepreneur Katie Williams, society fixture Mia Hawkswell, and style influencer Phoebe Burgess.

The Golden Bachelor host cut a chic figure in a sleek all-black ensemble.

Samantha wore a collared short-sleeve dress that cinched subtly at the waist with a tie detail.

She accessorised with bold statement gold earrings and matching gold bangles, adding a touch of glamour to the understated outfit.

The former Sunrise host carried a woven clutch with a tassel accent and held a pair of dark sunglasses in one hand.

Her blonde hair was styled loose and glossy, falling over her shoulders, while her fresh makeup look emphasised her natural glow with soft pink lips and minimal eye makeup.

Guests mingled over cocktails at the venue, which overlooks the sparkling Bondi surf, as they celebrated the Australian expansion of Trinny's globally successful beauty brand.

Samantha Armytage (pictured) cut a chic figure in a sleek all-black ensemble

Phoebe Burgess (pictured) cut a stylish figure in a tailored cream power suit with structured shoulders, pairing the chic ensemble with a sleek black clutch

Laura Dundovic (pictured) radiated elegance in a soft lemon-yellow draped dress, featuring ruched detailing down the skirt to accentuate her figure

Katie Williams (pictured) embraced an edgy street-style look in a bold white sleeveless top emblazoned with the word SLOTH in striking red letters

Trinny openly talks about some of the health benefits she buys into as the reason she looks so good into her 60s - including regular workouts and consistent skincare.

She most recently revealed the secrets behind her noticeably radiant complexion after what she describes as a 'very stressful' few months.

Trinny, the powerhouse creator of beauty brand Trinny London, has seen her business skyrocket over the past few years with a rapidly growing following.

Torn between her many commitments, she was starting to really feel - and see - the impact of her hectic schedule.

Until she discovered her unexpected love for daily meditation - something she admits 'wasn't for her' but now describes as 'profound'.

She told FEMAIL: 'I lead quite a stressed life and I was realising that stress, medically, is a really sh**ty place to get to for your body. It just is. It will affect you physically and medically.

'So I thought I would take control before I let stress affect my body in a negative way.

'I had two people come into my life and I noticed such a profound difference in how they were [after meditating]. One of them I thought had had a facelift, and the other was just so much easier to sit and chat to.'

Inspired, Trinny started getting up half an hour earlier each morning and spends 20 minutes meditating with a mantra. She then finds time for a second 20-minute block in the afternoon - even if it's in the bathroom at her office.

'I've been doing it for four weeks now and I really feel a shift. When you're stressed, from an aesthetic perspective, it shows on your face,' she said.

'I feel so much calmer now.'
Dani Dyer looked ready for day two of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals as she sported a green gym T-shirt and black leggings on Thursday.

The Love Island star, 29, kept comfortable in a pair of black short UGG boots and tied a coordinated green fleece around her waist.

Dani flashed her gorgeous smile as she headed to her car carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag and a clear plastic bag filled with trainers, heels, clothing and her lunch.

It comes as Dani revealed she is looking forward to feeling 'sexy' again after signing up for the glitzy BBC competition.

The TV personality told The Daily Mail she's using the dance show as an excuse to wear barely-there outfits, admitting she toned down her racy side when she first made her TV breakthrough on Love Island.

Since her stint on the ITV2 dating series, Dani has married West Ham and England striker Jarrod Bowen and has assured him he has nothing to worry about when it comes to the show's infamous 'curse.'

Dani Dyer looked ready for day two of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals as she sported a green gym T-shirt and black leggings on Thursday

It comes as Dani insisted her new husband Jarrod Bowen has nothing to worry about when it comes to the show's infamous 'curse'

Now, a mother of three, Dani says she just wants to focus on having fun - and showing fans her hidden, raunchier side.

'I can't wait to feel a bit sexy!' she said. 'I've been a mum, you know what I mean, I've been so deep in motherhood, my eldest is four now and the sexy thing, I'm like, am I sexy?

'When I was on Love Island, I never wore the thong bikinis or anything, I'm like, Dan, why didn't I do that? Do you know what? I'm going to push the boundaries.'

And on the Strictly curse, Dani said her husband Jarrod, 28, who she married in May, will be more nervous about being filmed in the audience, than the prospect of his wife of just three-and-a-half months straying.

Dani, mother to son Santiago, four, from her relationship with ex-boyfriend Sammy Kimmence, and one-year-old twins Summer and Star, with Jarrod, says Strictly will be her biggest challenge since she appeared on Love Island in 2018.

She added: 'I'm newly married and we're so good, know what I mean? He's such a shy person, Jarrod, so when he gets there and they put the camera on him...

'I am absolutely nervous of course, it's normal to be nervous but it's like channeling your nerves. I am so excited because it just feels more real now.

Dani admits she does have some previous dance experience but was quick to stress it was only as part of a weekly dance club when she was younger, brushing off any suggestion she has an advantage over her fellow competitors.

The Love Island star, 29, kept comfortable for rehearsals in a pair of black short UGG boots and tied a coordinated green fleece around her waist

Dani looked in good spirits as she headed to her car carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag

The mother-of-three also carried a large clear plastic bag filled with trainers, heels, bright clothing and her lunch

Elsewhere pregnant Dianne Buswell headed to Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals after insiders addressed concerns for her wellbeing

She explained: 'I was little when I did dancing, and I loved it so much, I went to a little dance school in the east end on a Tuesday and Thursday but when I became a teenager, I just stopped it.

'The only thing I remembered during rehearsals was the step ball change, I was like, I remember that. 'When you look at the professional dancers I was like, I'm in the wrong career, I should have been a dancer, but I can't move that well.'

Elsewhere pregnant Dianne Buswell headed to Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals after insiders addressed concerns for her wellbeing.

The professional dancer, 36, whose celebrity partner will be revealed during this weekend's launch show, announced she and her YouTuber partner Joe Sugg, 33, were set to welcome a baby boy last week.

But fans of the show soon shared concerns over the 'gruelling 10-hour rehearsals' after her happy news was announced.

Arriving at the studio, Dianne was in high spirits as she joined her fellow professionals and celebrity contestants.

She dressed casually in an oversized white T-shirt, which covered her bump, and a pair of black joggers.
John Whaite has revealed the staggering amount he has made on X-rated platform OnlyFans as he opened up in a new Instagram video on Thursday.

The TV star, who soared to fame after he won the Great British Bake Off back in 2012, rejoined the online platform earlier this year after stating his 12 year TV career just 'didn't set him alight anymore'.

However it seems John has now done a U-turn on his decision as he announced earlier this week that he has decided to quit the adult site.

After 11 months John shared that he has pocketed a massive $270,000 (199,147) but insisted he could have made 'quadruple' if he had dedicated more time to the site.

But despite this, the Bake Off winner said he isn't 'money driven' and would like to focus on his bakery instead.

The former Strictly star was asked in a Q&A, 'How much money did you make (ball park) for someone who's thinking if it's worth it'.

John Whaite has revealed the staggering amount he has made on X-rated platform OnlyFans as he opened up in a new Instagram video on Thursday

The star, who soared to fame after he won Great British Bake Off back in 2012, rejoined the online platform this year after stating his 12 year TV career just 'didn't set him alight anymore'

He replied: 'This is a tricky question isn't it, because I don't like speaking about personal wealth and income but it is an elephant in the room as some people think I've made millions on OnlyFans and others think I made nothing.'

He continued: 'The truth honestly in 11 months I took home $270,000, so it can be a very lucrative platform if I had spent more time on that and more of my time solely to OnlyFans, I probably could have double, tripled, quadrupled that.

'It's not just about making content, it's about marketing and catching peoples eyes and giving them a reason to subscribe.

'I have a lot of respect for those who are on and successful on OnlyFans. But for me I'm not money driven like that. I find much more fulfillment with working at people at the Ruff Puff bakehouse.'

He added: 'I'll miss chatting to people and the creativity of it but what I won't miss feeling like I have to be muscular and I want to feel like I can get a bit fatter here and there and it wasn't healthy being obsessed with my body image.'

The baker has decided to focus on his brownie business Ruff Puff Brownies and Ruff Puff Bakehouse and get back to a 'talent I'd neglected'.

Back in March John accused Waitrose of 'removing his recipes from its website' just weeks after he rejoined OnlyFans.

The star had his own recipes on the supermarket's website with a bio that read: 'John is a chef, broadcaster and author who won The Great British Bake Off in 2012.

After 11 months John shared that he has pocketed a massive $270,000 (199,147) but insisted he could have made 'quadruple' if he had dedicated more time to the site

However it seems John has now done a U-turn on his decision to re-join OnlyFans as he announced earlier this week that he has decided to quit due to the pressure of staying in shape

The Bake Off winner said he isn't 'money driven' and would like to focus on his bakery instead

John soared to fame after he won the Great British Bake Off back in 2012 (pictured)

'His books include Perfect Plates in 5 Ingredients and A Flash in the Pan.'

But when fans tried to click on John's profile it diverted them to the 'Guest Recipes' landing page - featuring recipes from eight other chefs instead of his own.

John told his Instagram followers: 'It seems Waitrose have diverted all my recipe links to similar recipes by other people - my work history with them ostensibly expunged.

'My catalogue of YouTube videos with them has also disappeared. It's like I never existed.

'No one at Waitrose informed me or told me why I can only guess that it's because I do OnlyFans.

'So I'm sorry if you wanted to use one of my recipes and now cannot.

'Look, I get my OF work doesn't align with their brand, and I would have accepted that had they treated me with an ounce of human respect, but to wipe out an entire collection of very hard work without any notice or chance to save the recipes first is an insult.'

A Waitrose spokesperson previously told The Sun: 'We regularly review recipes on our site and we are constantly updating and refreshing. We are very grateful for the work John has done for us.'

Daily Mail contacted Waitrose for comment at the time.
Wanda Sykes shared her disappointed reaction to Jimmy Kimmel's show being pulled off the air right before she was scheduled to go on his program.

The comedienne, 61, addressed the situation and showed her support for the late night talk show host after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! 'indefinitely' amid backlash for his divisive comments about the death of Charlie Kirk.

Sykes explained she was already en route to the studio for her appearance on Wednesday's episode on Wednesday's episode when the network announced they were axing the show.

In his monologue on Monday's episode of this show just two days earlier, Kimmel had sparked controversy when he criticized Republicans and President Trump's MAGA movement in the wake of the conservative political influencer's assassination.

Following the shocking suspension, Sykes broke her silence after she had gotten ready but had to turn around and go back home.

In addition to Sykes, podcaster Jay Shetty and celebrity chef Christian Petroni were also expected to appear on the show and were also on the way to Hollywood's El Capitan Theater.

Wanda Sykes shared her disappointed reaction to Jimmy Kimmel's show being pulled off the air right before she was scheduled to go on his show. The comedian, 61, addressed the situation and showed her support for the late night talk show host

Her statement comes after after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! 'indefinitely' amid backlash for his divisive comments about the death of Charlie Kirk; pictured May in Beverly Hills

She shared her support of Kimmel and called out Trump and his administration for how he 'ended freedom of speech.'

The actress had changed into a T-shirt but was still in full glam in her video.

She began: 'Hey everybody, I'm in a full face of makeup because I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show.'

'But as you have heard by now, Jimmy Kimmel's show has been pulled indefinitely, abruptly, because of complaints from the Trump administration,' she continued.

'So let's see, he didn't end the Ukraine war, or solve Gaza within his first week, but he did end freedom of speech within his first year,' she said.

While shaking her head, she added: 'For those of you who pray, now's the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.'

Sykes was among the many Hollywood stars who unleashed their fury on ABC as they rushed to defend Kimmel after his show was yanked off the air.

And Kimmel himself is said to be 'absolutely f***ing livid' at the situation. Sources say he is already preparing for his next steps and is getting ready to take action.

Sykes explained she was already en route to the studio for her appearance on Wednesday's episode on Wednesday's episode when the network announced they were axing the show. She shared her support of Kimmel and called out Trump and his administration for how he 'ended freedom of speech'

She began: 'Hey everybody, I'm in a full face of makeup because I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show'

Following the shocking suspension, Sykes broke her silence after she had gotten ready but had to turn around and go back home; pictured April 2024 in Los Angeles

She condemned the president's actions and shared her support for Kimmel, ending her video by addressing the talk show host: 'Love you, Jimmy'

In his monologue on Monday's episode of this show just two days earlier, Kimmel had sparked controversy when he criticized Republicans and President Trump's MAGA movement in the wake of the conservative political influencer's assassination; pictured March 2024 in Hollywood

Meanwhile, ABC stations are reportedly set to air a remembrance special looking back at the late conservative commentator's life in replacement of what was Kimmel's usual timeslot

Meanwhile, ABC stations are reportedly set to air a remembrance special looking back at the late conservative commentator's life in replacement of what was Kimmel's usual timeslot.

And following the news, Trump celebrated the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, hailing it as 'great news for America.'

He even urged NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers next.

The controversy started when Kimmel had divisive statements about Kirk's assassination in Utah last week and accused the 'MAGA gang' of trying to gain political points over his murder.

Kimmel also insinuated that the suspected shooter was conservative after investigators stated 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has far-left ideologies and was in a romantic relationship with his transgender roommate.

The controversy started when Kimmel had divisive statements about Kirk's assassination in Utah last week and accused the 'MAGA gang' of trying to gain political points over his murder

The talk show host also took a jab at Trump. In response to his comments, right before Kimmel was set to begin the live taping of Wednesday's episode, a spokesman for ABC announced that the show was canceled 'for the foreseeable future'; pictured January 2018 in Pasadena

Following the news, Trump celebrated the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, hailing it as 'great news for America.' He even urged NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers next

Kimmel said that Trump's supporters were 'desperately trying to characterize the kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.'

The talk show host also took a jab at Trump, sarcastically remarking 'how hard the president is taking this' before airing a clip of him deflecting and talking about the White House's ballroom construction when a reporter offered their condolences for the loss of his 'friend.'

In response to his comments, right before Kimmel was set to begin the live taping of Wednesday's episode, a spokesman for ABC announced that the show was canceled 'for the foreseeable future.'

The network's affiliate group, Nexstar, also stated that it 'strongly objects' to Kimmel's comments and 'will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.'
Julia Roberts has admitted that there is an actress who deeply intimidates her.

She is the Oscar-winner's After The Hunt costar Chloe Sevigny.

The Pretty Woman actress described to Variety how she felt when first meeting the acclaimed New Yorker.

'I was so excited and intimidated about meeting Chloe,' shared the 57-year-old Roberts.

'And when we were at my house, were all sitting around the kitchen table, and [Julia's daughter] Hazel was making herself some lunch, and were talking about the material and rehearsing.

'Allan [Mandelbaum], our producer, he came in, and he goes, Chloe should just be here in a couple minutes. And I look up, and Ayo [Edebiri] looks up, and we match eyes.

'Luca [Guadagnino] goes, What? And I go, Im scared. And Ayo goes, Me too. And Hazel goes, Im leaving. And then, like a minute later, the doorbell rang, and Hazel goes, Im leaving through the garage. And truly we were so excited and intimidated.'

Julia Roberts has admitted that there is an actress who deeply intimidates her. She is the Oscar-winner's After the Hunt costar Chloe Sevigny

The Pretty Woman actress described to Variety how she felt when first meeting the New Yorker. 'I was so excited and intimidated about meeting Chloe,' shared Roberts

During the group Variety interview, Sevigny even made Roberts cry.

The waterworks began when Savigny said she grew to really admire Roberts.

Sevigny said, 'Can I say when we left, I needed more Julia. On the plane ride home, I watched, like, three of your movies. I just wanted more! Notting Hill, My Best Friends Wedding and I cant remember the third. But I was like, I just want more Julia!'

That was when Roberts actually teared up.

Sevigny added, 'I was like, Im not ready to say goodbye. Luckily theres a whole canon I can go home and keep watching.

'I mean, I felt close to her the first time I met her. But she invited us to her home for rehearsals, and we stayed in her beach house. And she was just very giving and generous.'

The director also touched on Roberts' warm nature.

'You have to know something about Julia. Shes an incredible cook. She does an amazing salmon, but she also does an incredible banana bread,' he said..

Sevigny goes in for a kiss with Roberts during the After The Hunt premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 29

(L-R) Andrew Garfield, Luca Guadagnino, Roberts, Ayo Edebiri and Sevigny

Roberts added she also makes French toast.

Guadagnino then said, 'Julia is, like, amazing. Shes a friend, shes a mother, she cares for people. Spending time with her in their private life is amazing. Being in the house is amazing. Doing things with Julia is amazing.

'And then she shows up on set. And the day after, she knows every single person in the crews name, and its not an affectation. Shes actually curious. She wants to know. You knew every single person before I did.'

Roberts then noted that it was not easy for her to get into character for her new film.

'The hardest part for me was not being sympathetic and empathetic,' said the movie icon.

Roberts, left, as a blonde and Sevigny with a brunette wig, right

Stuhlbarg, Edebiri, Roberts, Sevigny and Garfield in Venice on August 29

'For me as a person, its like, Oh, how can I hold her? And she was not to be held. This was not the time. I have a very hen-like personality; I want to gather, and I want to feed and care. And shes just the opposite of every instinct Ive ever had in my life.

In the end it was 'really exhausting' for Roberts.

'The mental gymnastics of the way she lives her life is very unfamiliar to me. So having Luca keep me on the right rails at all times. And then, its a playground.'

Then she complimented another costar: 'I dont mean to single you out, Michael, but I go into these scenes with Michael, and I just turn to Luca and Im like, Are you f***ing kidding me? What hes doing is so unexpected and original, and Im just watching him. Im not even in the scene anymore, because its so fucking unreal what youre doing right now.'
Glenn Close is baring it all  literally  at age 78.

The legendary actress opened up about filming a nude scene for her 2024 movie The Summer Book, giving audiences a rare peek at her birthday suit.

Based on the novel by Finnish author Tove Jansson, Close played a character called Grandmother, and the scene finds her wandering alone through the forest.

On any hesitation about going nude, she recently told AARP Movies for Grownups, 'It was my idea.'

'I thought thats something she would do when no one else is around. In Finland, theyre much more used to nakedness than we are.'

She added, 'I didn't want to put my clothes back on. It felt so good.'

Glenn Close opened up about filming a nude scene for her 2024 movie The Summer Book, giving audiences a rare peek at her birthday suit; (pictured September)

On any hesitation about going nude, she recently told AARP , 'It was my idea'; (Close seen in photo from 2004's The Stepford Wives shoot)

This isnt Closes first time pushing boundaries on-screen.

Back in 2019, she filmed a steamy sex scene for The Wife.

At the time, she told The Guardian, 'Its one of the great myths that you lose your sexuality as you get older. I feel as free and as creative, as sexual and as eager as I ever have.'

She added, 'And its ironic because Im thinking: "How much time do I have left now?"'

Close has never shied away from playing characters with a fierce, sensual edge.

Over the years, Close has taken on roles that mix sexiness, power, and complexity, showing that getting older hasnt slowed her down one bit.

Her steamy role in Fatal Attraction remains iconic, cementing her as a master of on-screen seduction.

She pushed boundaries again in Dangerous Liaisons, where her characters manipulations and allure drove the scandalous plot.

Based on the novel by Finnish author Tove Jansson, Close played a character called Grandmother, and the scene finds her wandering alone through the forest

Even in Albert Nobbs, she explored intimacy and desire in subtle, daring ways that challenged audience expectations.

Now, off-screen, Close is celebrating her first grandchild.

Her daughter, Annie, welcomed baby Rory Westaway Albu in February.

'I now have a little grandson,' Close told AARP. 'Hes almost 7 months old. And I'm very aware of my role as grandmother. I'm very proud of it, and I love spending time with him.'

Close is keeping busy with her next big project.

In November, audiences will see her in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, a star-studded ensemble murder mystery.

Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc, investigating a murder in an upstate New York church, tangled up with ex-boxer priest Reverend Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor) and the cantankerous Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin).

The cast also includes Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.

Her steamy role in Fatal Attraction remains iconic, cementing her as a master of on-screen seduction

CLose pushed boundaries again in Dangerous Liaisons, where her characters manipulations and allure drove the scandalous plot

Close plays Martha, a devout 'servant of the church' who keeps the altar spotless and the flowers perfectly arranged.

But, in true Glenn Close fashion, theres more simmering beneath her prim exterior: 'theres a part of Martha that smolders underneath her black.'

She saw the film for the first time at its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month and reflected on her life in acting.

'Ive been an actress for over 50 years and realize that I am a true introvert, but not with my fellow actors, not with what it takes to create something either onstage or on film,' she told AARP.

'Thats my heart home besides my own family. When you have all these different actors coming together, thats heaven. Thats heaven.'
Jessica Alba was spotted packing on the PDA with her much-younger boyfriend Danny Ramirez in New York City on Thursday.

The morning after their romantic date night, the 44-year-old actress was spotted making out with the Marvel star, who is 11 years her junior, on the sidewalk.

The night before, she took her boyfriend out on the town to celebrate his 33rd birthday  just shortly after her estranged husband Cash Warren, 46, confirmed his romance with a 20-year-old actress.

Alba put on a casual-chic display in a white, cropped camisole and dark blue bomber jacket paired with gray, baggy trousers slung low on her hips for a stroll through the city with her beau.

The Fantastic Four star carried a to-go cup for a pick-me-up and had her cell phone in her other hand while her boyfriend was a gentleman toting around her handbag.

She also wore black loafers as well as accessorizing with dark sunglasses, and the movie star effortlessly avoided clinking glasses with Ramirez when they leaned in to kiss each other.

Jessica Alba was spotted packing on the PDA with her much-younger boyfriend Danny Ramirez in New York City on Thursday

For their outing, he showcased his casual style and also seemingly effortlessly coordinated his outfit to hers.

The Captain America: Brave New World star wore and oversize denim button-down layered over a navy blue graphic T-shirt with khakis and white Adidas sneakers with black stripes.

During their stroll through the bustling streets of the city, the pair stayed close to each other's side and appeared to be attached at the hip while holding hands.

Their walk comes after they spent the night enjoying a lavish and romantic dinner date at celebrity hotspot Zero Bond in Manhattan to celebrate Ramirez's birthday.

The pair started dating approximately half a year after Alba's split with her now-estranged husband.

Warren announced their split earlier this year in January and Alba filed for divorce from her husband following month.

She cited irreconcilable differences after nearly 17 years of marriage and two decades together and listed their official separation date as December 2024.

The former couple share three children: daughters Honor, 17, Haven, 14, and seven-year-old son Hayes.

The morning after their romantic date night, the 44-year-old actress was spotted making out with the Marvel star, who is 11 years her junior, on the sidewalk

During their stroll through the bustling streets of the city, the pair stayed close to each other's side and appeared to be attached at the hip while holding hands

The pair started dating approximately half a year after Alba's split with her now-estranged husband

Back in July, the pair were at the center of dating rumors when they were spotted returning from a getaway trip together in Cancun, Mexico. He is known for also starring in Top Gun: Maverick, Look Both Ways, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and The Last of Us; pictured August in Beverly Hills

Warren announced their split earlier this year in January and Alba filed for divorce from her husband following month; pictured November 2024 in West Hollywood

In the months following their split, Alba sparked up a romance with Ramirez when their friendship turned romantic.

Back in July, the pair were at the center of dating rumors when they were spotted returning from a getaway trip together in Cancun, Mexico.

He is known for also starring in Top Gun: Maverick, Look Both Ways, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and The Last of Us.

Despite the juggling romances, the exes reportedly remain fine with each others age-gap relationships.

'The age difference [with their younger partners] is not a big deal,' a source dished to Us Weekly.

'They think it's common in Hollywood, so there's no issue. They are cool with each other dating.'

The person close to the situation added: 'They're happy for each other. There's no negativity or bad feelings.

She cited irreconcilable differences after nearly 17 years of marriage and two decades together and listed their official separation date as December 2024

The former couple share three children: daughters Honor, 17, Haven, 14, and seven-year-old son Hayes

'They're still good friends and just want each other to be happy. And they aren't judging each other.'

Warren was previously romantically linked to a 25-year-old model in Hollywood before moving on to date a 20-year-old actress.

But even if they're OK with their new partners, neither Alba nor Warren are ready to introduce their new flames to their brood.

The source explained: 'They are incredibly protective of their kids privacy and well-being, so introducing new partners would be taken very slowly and only once a relationship is stable and serious.'

For now, the insider said, the entrepreneurs' priority is maintaining a 'stable and peaceful environment for their kids.'
Kelly Rutherford was seen with her teenaged son Hermes Gustaf Daniel Giersch in New York City on Wednesday.

The two were side by side at Biosil's 30th Anniversary Celebration at Fouquet's New York. Interestingly, Hermes is already taller than his Hollywood actress mother who stands at 5ft8in.

The 18-year-old boy wore a dark suit with a black shirt as his blonde hair was slicked back. He added a long printed scarf.

Mom modeled a long off-white sleeveless dress with a mock neck as she held onto an Hermes Birkin bag in ivory.

The star also posed with her former Gossip Girl costar Ed Westwick, who looked sharp in a dark suit.

Kelly Rutherford was seen with her teenaged son Hermes Gustaf Daniel Giersch in New York City on Wednesday. The two were side by side at Biosil's 30th Anniversary Celebration at Fouquet's New York

The star also posed with her former Gossip Girl costar Ed Westwick, who looked sharp in a dark suit

The blonde beauty also has a 16-year-old daughter named Helena.

The father of the two kids is Kelly's ex-husband, German businessman Daniel Giersch, whom she had a very ugly and public international custody war with that cost her over $2M.

Kelly has been living in Monaco to be closer to her kids.

The TV star had a lengthy custody battle with her ex Daniel. She wed Giersch in 2006 and they split in 2009.

Rutherford was granted joint custody of their children by a judge in Monaco. Hermes was two years old at the time and the star was pregnant with Helena.

Things got hard when the judge said the kids would have to live full-time with Giersch in Monaco because his work visa got revoked.

That kept him from returning to the United States.

The judge told Rutherford that she would have to move to Monaco or make frequent visits in order to see her two children.

The actress spent nearly $2 million in legal fees, it was claimed. Then she had to declared bankruptcy so she could continue to pay to fight for full custody of her kids.

It was a six-year legal battle.

Kelly in 2015 in the Hamptons with Helena and Hermes

The TV star had a lengthy custody battle with her ex Daniel. She wed Giersch in 2006 and they split in 2009

When she didn't send her kids back to Monaco following a six-week visit she was accused of abduction.

Kelly last hit a red carpet with her kids in 2015, which was 10 years ago.

In October she told Travel + Leisure she likes how quiet Monaco is.

'It's actually quite peaceful,' Rutherford said. 'It's the opposite of what everyone thinks it is, for me at least. It's a place you can come and really just be quiet.'

She added, 'In the wintertime, it's very quiet, very private, and very peaceful. It's like the Hamptons in the summer versus the Hamptons in the winter.'

The Melrose Place star has a slower lifestyle there.

'I just walk the dogs, hang out with the kids, and run errands,' she said.

The star seen with Hermes at the Tassimo Brewbot Cafe in NYC in 2011

Gossip Girl with Kelly, right, as Lily and co-star Blake Lively, left, as Serena

'If there's a gallery opening or something like that, I'll go just to see. But it's mostly just quiet time here for me.'

And she loves the history of Monaco.

'Grace Kelly really created this beautiful feeling here,' she said. 'She invited all the Hollywood people to Monaco early on and made it very glamorous.'

Now it is 'still very old school, traditional, private, beautiful, but it's also now becoming sort of a cultural center. There's the feeling like it's having another new energy.'
Emily Ratajkowski looked effortlessly chic in an oversized suit as she lead the stars at the H&M&180 event during London Fashion Week.

The model and actress, 34, attended the H&M&180: The London Issue show at 180 The Strand with models including Iris Law and Lila Moss on Thursday.

Emily looked sensational for the evening in an oversized black blazer paired with matching flared trousers.

She was joined at the event by Lennon Gallagher and his girlfriend Izzy Richmond, as well as Lennon's cousin Anais.

Lennon stepped out for the evening in a tan jacket featuring a black cord lining, paired with black baggy trousers and a white t-shirt.

Meanwhile his girlfriend Izzy opted for a similar nude colour scheme as she wore a light beige sweater with a dark red patent skirt, as well as a huge brown coat.

Emily Ratajkowski looked effortlessly chic in an oversized suit as she lead the stars at the H&M&180 event during London Fashion Week on Thursday

She was joined at the event by Lennon Gallagher and his girlfriend Izzy Richmond

The show featured models Lila Moss (L) and Iris Law (R)

Romeo Beckham also modelled a slew of stylish looks

Also in attendance on Thursday was Noel Gallagher's daughter Anais, who wore a striking high-necked trench coat-style dress, featuring shoulder pads.

She paired the look with sheer tights, black stilettos and a pair of light blue gloves in contrast.

Meanwhile Romeo Beckham's ex-girlfriend Mia Regan also opted for black in a sheer smock mini-dress with knee-high heeled boots.

Emily's appearance at the event comes after she was spotted indulging in a cozy Friday night tete-a-tete with none other than Austin Butler in New York City.

In recent weeks, fans had picked up on sizzling chemistry between Austin and Zoe Kravitz as they hit the publicity rounds for their new movie Caught Stealing.

But in spite of the steamy rapport between the pair, Zoe was concurrently seen multiple times in a clinch with One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles.

Harry and Zoe were spotted holding hands during a romantic stroll in New York City just this Thursday, with a source close to the pair telling the Daily Mail their fling was 'brewing into something more whether they think it is or not.'

The following night, Austin and Emily were seen grabbing cocktails together while nestled in a booth at the West Village nightspot, the Waverly Inn.

Under the sultrily dim lighting and the beloved murals by Edward Sorel, Emily and Austin seemed enraptured with each other's company, with him flinging an arm along the back of the booth behind her, in an image obtained by TMZ.

The model and actress, 34, attended the H&M&180: The London Issue show at 180 The Strand

Emily looked sensational for the evening in an oversized black blazer paired with matching flared trousers

Emily (L) was joined in the front row by singer Gabbriette (R)

(L-R) Honey Dijon, Emily Ratajkowski

Lennon stepped out for the evening in a tan jacket featuring a black cord lining, paired with black baggy trousers and a white t-shirt

Lennon oozed cool as shielded his eyes behind shades

He looked the spitting image of his Oasis star father

Meanwhile his girlfriend Izzy opted for a similar nude colour scheme as she wore a light beige sweater with a dark red patent skirt, as well as a huge brown coat

The couple took their seat in the front row

They appeared in high spirits ahead of the runway presentation

(L-R) Calum Harper, Anais Gallagher, Lennon Gallagher

(L-R) Richie Shazam, Adwoa Aboah, Emily Ratajkowski

Also in attendance was Lennon's cousin, Anais Gallagher, the daughter of Noel

Anais looked chic as she wore a striking high-necked trench coat-style dress, featuring shoulder pads

She paired the look with sheer tights, black stilettos and a pair of light blue gloves in contrast

Model Adwoa Aboah looked effortlessly stylish

Lila, who is the daughter of Kate Moss, looked sensational in a patent black mini dress and oversized red coat

Meanwhile Iris, daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost, had hit the runway for H&M & 180 and put on yet another leggy display in a tiny mini skirt with oversized sweater and faux fur stole

Pop star Lola Young performed during the show

Austin and Emily also crossed paths last week at the afterparty for the Caught Stealing premiere, as seen in a snap of the event posted by writer Matt Weinberger.

One of the photos in his Instagram album about the party showed Austin turning back towards Emily, who herself was gazing at something unseen off-camera.

Last month, Emily frolicked during her Italian vacation wearing a barely there bikini, was anything but subtle in her latest post.

In it, she wore a dominatrix inspired leather bra top with a long belt which was crisscrossed around her back and tied in front.

She wore sheer capri pants which clung to her shapely leg with only a G-string to cover up her nether regions, as well as wearing a pair of high heel Mary Janes.

Meanwhile Romeo Beckham's ex-girlfriend Mia Regan also opted for black in a sheer smock mini-dress with knee-high heeled boots

Rahi Chadda cut a stylish figure in a tailored suit and shades

(L-R) Marlon Garcia, Lily Chee, Sami Miro, Maeve Reilly, Jaclyn Cohen, Lyas Medini

Molly Chiang ensured all eyes were on her in a kooky outfit

Central Cee flashed the cash on the red carpet

She styled her hair a channelled 1940s silver screen siren, parting her dark hair on the side and letting it partially cover her face in loose curls.

Emily will make her debut as a screenwriter in an upcoming Apple TV project, which she is developing with Lena Dunham and author Stephanie Danler.

She will also star and executive produce in the as-yet untitled show which will focus on exploring female identity and modern motherhood, according to Deadline.

Emily shares her son Sebastian, four, with ex-husband Sebastian Bear McClard, 44.
Hailey Bieber was seen leaving the restaurant Anajak Thai on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks on Wednesday.

The mother to Jack Blues made the unusual movie of dressing very casually.

Mrs Justin Bieber, 28, had on a white sheer long-sleeved top over a tank top and worn-in blue denim boyfriend jeans with black flip flips.

The Rhode founder was makeup-free with her brunette hair back in a clip as she added prescription glasses and dainty gold earrings.

Over her shoulder was a black purse.

Kendall Jenner was also there, according to onlookers, but was not pictured.

Hailey Bieber was seen leaving the restaurant Anajak Thai on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks on Wednesday

The mother to Jack Blues made the unusual movie of dressing very casually. Mrs Justin Bieber, 28, had on a white sheer long-sleeved top over a tank top and worn-in blue denim boyfriend jeans with black flip flip

This comes days after Bieber collaborated with Kendall's younger sister Kylie jenner, 28. They were in a video touting their respective lip liners.

Kylie, 28, heads Kylie Cosmetics while Hailey founded Rhode.

The women joined forces for a 16-second clip shared with Kylie's 392 million Instagram followers.

The reality television personality also uploaded the snippet to TikTok, where she boasts another 58.7 million fans.

Kylie and Hailey recorded themselves seated inside a luxury vehicle with a beige interior as they lined their plump pouts with their beauty products.

On TikTok one fan prompted, 'But what shades? We need to know, girls,' and Kylie replied that the colors were Bend from Rhode and Coconut from Kylie Cosmetics.

Both ladies looked typically stunning  Kylie with her raven locks falling around her face and Hailey with her golden strands framing her visage.

The former teased her cleavage in a low-cut black tank top and the latter did the same in a plunging white top with spaghetti straps.

The mother-of-two  who shares daughter Stormi, seven, and son Aire, three, with ex-boyfriend Travis Scott  wore a makeup look that included blush and mauve eyeshadow.

Best friends Kylie Jenner and Bieber got together to create a brief video touting their respective lip liners earlier this week

And for her part, Hailey  who shares son Jack, one, with husband Justin Bieber  wore a slightly lighter face of makeup for a more natural look.

Their contrasting looks even extended to their manicures as the Hulu personality flaunted vampy black nail polish while the model showed off a nude variety.

Their recording, which saw them preening in front of the camera, was soundtracked by Justin's song Speed Demon, the opening track on his latest album SWAG II.

Kylie took a screen grab from the footage and placed it under a throwback image of her and Hailey from 2016.

She wrote, '2016 vs 2025,' and added a string of tearful emojis before tagging her longtime friend.

Hailey reposted the photos via Instagram Stories and said, 'This makes me emo.'

The supermodel from Arizona with her son Jack Blues Bieber, age one

Kylie's billion-dollar empire began with a single product  an eponymous lip kit she capitalized on after she went viral for her filler-enhanced lips in 2015.

The company subsequently expanded, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the beauty industry.

Hailey launched Rhode in 2022 and the venture has since skyrocketed in success.

In late May she announced that the range had partnered with e.l.f. Beauty, with the veteran company purchasing it for $1 billion.

'I always had big dreams for the company, and the most important thing to me is to keep bringing rhode to more spaces, places, and faces globally,' she shared with her Instagram followers at the time.

She gushed, 'I found a like-minded disruptor with a vision to be a different kind of company that believes in big ideas and innovation in the same way that I do and will help us continue to grow the brand.'
One of downtown San Antonios most familiar sights  and smells  is gone.

After 54 years, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q has closed its flagship restaurant, which also served as its HQ main food production plant for the chains more than 80 locations until last year.

The popular Texas chain shut the restaurant on September 12 as it shifts focus to a huge new headquarters nearby.

The $60 million project, on State Highway 151, spans 335,000 square feet and includes offices, a warehouse, and a production area.

The company said there are no plans to open a restaurant inside the new facility.

Founded in 1953 as a small fried chicken stand, Bill Miller grew into a household name across Texas. Today, it operates 76 Bar-B-Q locations and six Laguna Madre Seafood Co. restaurants.

In its early years, founder Bill Miller ran the business while his wife Faye worked as a cashier and hostess. Together, they raised four children, all of whom learned the restaurant business.

The flagships closure has left locals saying theyll miss the smell of smoked brisket drifting across downtown.

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q shuttered its flagship location after 54 years of operation

The restaurant will be saying goodbye to the location to focus on moving headquarters

'Gonna miss that wonderful smokehouse scent as I pass by... downtown has changed so much it's hardly recognizable anymore,' a fan wrote on Facebook.

'I used to love parking across street at Kmart, enjoying the smokehouse aroma... All of that is changed now.'

'Please consider another location in deeper heart of downtown SA. For those of us that work in the area, we love our Bar Mill and need our tea fix,' another fan insisted.

While Bill Miller continues to expand, many national chains havent been as fortunate.

Across America, restaurants have struggled over the past year.

Rising costs have pushed up menu prices, which has driven customers away.

Big name chains like Applebee's, TGI Fridays and Boston Market have have all recently shuttered restaurants.

Chains have been worst hit in California where the minimum wage for fast food restaurants jumped to $20-an-hour from April 1.

Customers revealed they miss walking passed the smell of the restaurant

The restaurant chain announced the closure date in a sign outside the door

Last year, Mexican chain Rubio's shut 48 locations in the state and also filed for bankruptcy.

Across America, mom-and-pop operations have also been shutting.

Fargo's Pit BBQ in Texas closed after more than two decades of serving brisket, ribs and other barbecue classics.

TGI Fridays recently closed 30 locations, bringing its US restaurant count to 85.

Hooters underwent changes to its restaurants and policies before filing for bankruptcy in March.

Hooters had already shuttered around 40 'underperforming' restaurants in June last year, including locations in Florida, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia as it bid to cut costs.

Daily Mail has reached out to Bill Miller for comment and is awaiting response.
Petco plans to shutter 25 stores in the US, Puerto Rico and Mexico this year after a sharp decline in sales.

The company, which once competed with PetSmart for the title of Americas top pet retailer, has already closed 13 in 11 states, including Massachusetts, Illinois, and California.

Sales fell 2.3 percent in the latest quarter, though Petco raised its full-year earnings outlook and said the closures are part of a broader effort to 'optimize' its 1,500-store fleet.

The chain boomed during the pandemic as Americans adopted new furryand scalyroommates, turning to Petco for everything from kibble to hamster wheels. At its peak, the company was synonymous with 'everything under one paw,' offering training, wellness services, and the occasional Instagram-worthy dog outfit.

Now, the tail's wagging a little slower. Shopper numbers have dropped, online rivals like Chewy and Amazon are stealing market share, and rising costs  including those from tariffs  are pinching profits.

'In line with Petco's full-year outlook and broader transformation to drive sustainable, profitable growth over the long term, we have been accelerating initiatives to strengthen our operating model,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail. It shut around 25 last year too.

PetSmart has faced its own financial challenges but says it has no plans for mass closures.

But the wider retail industry is struggling. Analysts expect around 15,000 stores to shut in 2025  more than double the 7,000 that shut down last year.

Petco is shuttering around 25 stores in the US by the end of the year

Petco has shuttered 13 stores across 11 states  including Massachusetts, Illinois and California

JCPenney, once the anchor store for hundreds of US malls, is selling 119 stores to a private equity firm.

In June, Torrid, once a favorite at New York Fashion Week, announced plans to shut down 180 stores.

Claire's  the Chicago-born, 1,500-store chain that helped generations of tweens pierce their ears and make friendship bracelets  has declared Chapter 11. There are fears for the future of its 15,000 stores.

Forever 21, another low-priced tween staple, declared bankruptcy in February, and will now operate as online only retailer. The brand is seeking a new partner to open new US stores in 2026.

Party City, and Big Lots have shut all their locations over the past 18 months as consumers increasingly shop online.

Macy's is in the process of shuttering 150 underperforming stores, including 66 stores this year.

Pharmacy chains are struggling too. Rite Aid has shuttered over 1,200 stores since filing for bankruptcy for the second time in two years, leaving fewer than 100 stores operating.

Kroger initiated a 60-store closure earlier this year, cutting nearly 1,000 corporate jobs, and Safeway is shutting 12 stores, though worker impacts are unclear.
Spirit Airlines is slashing a quarter of its flights this fall as the bankrupt budget carrier scrambles to cut costs and keep flying.

CEO Dave Davis told employees in a memo Wednesday that the airline's November schedule will be cut by 25 percent as it 'optimizes' its network to focus only on its strongest markets. There will also be job cuts.

The move marks Spirit's second sweeping reduction this year  capacity was already down by a similar amount when it emerged from bankruptcy in March.

Further money problems caused Spirit to file for bankruptcy again in late August.

Shortly after, the carrier said it was axing flights to and from 12 cities, including Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Portland, Salt Lake City, Oakland, San Diego, Sacramento and San Jose. Those routes will vanish in October.

But the latest round of cuts  which will hit in November  will be far bigger in scale. The airline has not yet said which routes will go, but the timing means passengers could face disruption during the busy holiday travel season.

In July Spirit furloughed 270 pilots and demoted another 140 as part of efforts to save money.

More cuts are expected, with Davis confirming talks with union leaders are planned in the coming weeks.

Spirit Airlines is reportedly planning to file for bankruptcy following its failed merger with JetBlue

Spirit CEO Dave Davis told employees in a memo Wednesday that the airline's November schedule will be cut by 25 percent as it 'optimizes' its network to focus only on its strongest markets

Union officials warned staff to brace for a tougher fight this time. 'This bankruptcy will be much more difficult than the last one and we must be prepared to act to protect our interests,' the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said.

The airline, known for its bright yellow planes and bare-bones fares, has been hammered by rising costs, falling demand and fierce competition from United, Frontier and JetBlue.

It has lost nearly $257 million since March and is now trying to shrink itself into survival.

Based in Florida and known for its bright yellow planes, Spirit firat filed for bankruptcy protection last November after years of losses, failed merger talks, and heavy debt.

It was the first major US airline to seek Chapter 11 since 2011. The airline emerged from bankruptcy in March after creditors approved its restructuring plan and wiped out all existing shares, hitting ordinary investors.

Ownership was handed to Spirit's lenders, which include investment funds managed by firms such as Citadel Advisors.

Ongoing uncertainty tied to President Donald Trump's tariffs and budget cuts has caused travelers to tighten their budgets and rethink plans.

Spirit recently rejected a proposed takeover by fellow budget airline Frontier, saying the proposed buyout offered less value for Spirit's creditors than the bankruptcy restructuring.

Spirit executives saw the merger with JetBlue as a way to claw back a market share, but the Department of Justice argued that such a deal would violate anti-trust laws

Spirit has been struggling with losses and declining revenue since the pandemic. In fact, while it may have made profits some quarters, it has not turned an annual profit since even before the pandemic.

Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines first planned to merge in 2022, then but JetBlue Airways swooped in with a higher bid. That won over Spirit's shareholders.

Spirit executives saw the merger with JetBlue as a way to claw back a market share, but the Department of Justice argued that such a deal would violate anti-trust laws, and a judge agreed.

As a result, JetBlue pulled out of a merger agreement.

Spirit was in talks with Frontier again in October as it hoped to revive merger discussions.

Meanwhile, in December Silver Airways also filed for Chapter 11. The airline flies to vacation hotspots across Florida and the Caribbean - prompting fears for the fate of trips planned by Americans looking for winter sun.
The first consignment of 2,000 kg of Hilsa fish from Bangladesh, a much sought after delicacy during Durga Puja, arrived in Tripuraon Thursday, a local fish exporter said.

More consignments are expected soon, as the Bangladesh Government has approved the export of 12 tonnes of Hilsa at a set price of 9 US dollars (approximately `1,125) per kilogramme.

The first consignment of 2,000 kg of Hilsa arrived at Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) here on Thursday. This year, the price will be high because of less production of the fish in Bangladesh, Tapas Ghosh, a fish importer said.

According to Ghosh, A Hilsa fish weighing around one kg is expected to sell in the wholesale markets at a price ranging from `1,800 to `2,000.

Last year, the State imported 20 tons of Hilsa from the neighbouring country at a wholesale price ranging from `1,400 to `1,500, he said.

Subhash Das, secretary of the Battala Wholesale Fish Market Committee in Agartala, confirmed the arrival of Hilsa in local markets but warned of higher prices this year.

The reason is simple. Production of Hilsa is less in Bangladesh and theres an upward trend in the US dollar, he said.

He added, the price will reduce gradually with arrival of more consignments in the northeastern State.

Nanigopal Das, the secretary of Matsya Babasiye Samity at Golbazar Wholesale market said, Hilsa imported from Odisha and West Bengal is available in Agartala-based markets and elsewhere. The price is reasonable at `1,600 to `1,800 per kg.

The taste of Hilsa from Odishas Paradeep, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Gujarat is not far from what we get in the delicious fish from Bangladesh. We are no longer dependent on Bangladeshs Hilsa because of steady supply from various parts of our country, he added.

We have information that the price of Hilsa set by the Bangladesh Government at 9 US dollar or around Rs 1,125 per kg is not available in the neighbouring country. Currently, a kg of Hilsa is sold at Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000 in Bangladesh, he said.
Thousands protest in central London against Trump's state visit in Britain

Xinhua) 13:51, September 18, 2025

LONDON, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of demonstrators marched through central London on Wednesday afternoon to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's second state visit to Britain, as Trump was being feted at Windsor Castle by the royal family.

Protesters waved placards criticizing U.S. policies on immigration, Gaza and climate change, marching to the sound of trumpets and drums from Portland Place to Parliament Square.

U.S. citizen Amanda said that she traveled to London from Los Angeles just for the protest. "I think everything is just very messed up right now. We don't have good leadership and I'm very worried for the direction that the United States is taking and the world," she said.

The British government said Tuesday that Britain and the United States agreed on a multi-billion-dollar tech deal during Trump's visit to boost fast-growing fields such as AI, quantum computing and nuclear, noting that Google will open a data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.

Philip Threlfall, a resident from Hitchin, a town in Hertfordshire, told Xinhua that building such a center is "inevitable," but "they are gonna be a bad thing for everybody, just gonna eat power, eat up wetland and produce the same old rubbish multi-times over."

Metropolitan Police said Wednesday that they estimated up to 5,000 people were in attendance. They also announced Tuesday that more than 1,600 officers would be deployed for the large demonstration and warned the event must conclude by 7 p.m. local time.

The demonstration was organized by the "Stop Trump Coalition" group, who also led a protest in Windsor on Tuesday evening with nearly 100 residents from Windsor and other parts of Britain gathering before Trump's arrival.

According to Buckingham Palace, Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on Thursday, the last day of his visit, at Chequers, the prime minister's country residence.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Rosemary Baca, a foster grandmother at Parkview Elementary works with the first-grade class to provide extra support to the teacher and comforting presence for students.

For Nicole Gardners first grade class at Parkview Elementary, the school day begins with the warm presence of Grandma Rose.

Rosemary Baca, one of two foster grandparents currently serving in Socorro, has spent the last five years volunteering in classrooms through the Socorro County Senior Volunteer Program. For her first graders, shes more than a helpershes a steady source of comfort, patience, and encouragement.

I love it, because I think a lot of these kids need love and attention, Baca said. Some come up and say, I need a hug today, and were there for that. One little boy struggles with writing, so we have a notebook and a little pom-pom with eyes we call Mr. Blue. He asks Mr. Blue what color to use, and suddenly learning becomes fun. When he finishes his work, hes so excitedGrandma, I did it all! Moments like that are what make this so special.

The Foster Grandparent Program, overseen locally by Eslinda Anaya, director of the Socorro County Senior Volunteer Program, pairs adults 55 and older with students in elementary classrooms. Volunteers commit at least five hours a week, though many, like Baca, serve nearly full school days. A small stipend is available for those who qualify, Anaya said, without affecting Social Security or other benefits.

The program bridges the gap between generations, Anaya said. Teachers love having our grandmas. They give children that special nurturing presence thats sometimes missing. Before COVID, we had about seven Foster Grandparents across Socorro and San Antonio, but like many programs statewide, were rebuilding now.

Currently, Baca and fellow volunteer Rosie Cambreros volunteer at Parkview Elementary, where their presence is deeply felt. Gardner said the program brings something to her classroom she cant provide on her own.

Teachers are often spread thin, Gardner said. Grandma Rose notices things I might miss. Is this student hungry? Do they need a new shirt? Or do they just need a hug? She has time to sit in the back and read a story to a child who doesnt get that at home. She makes our classroom feel warm and homey every day. When shes not here, the difference is amazing.

For Baca, the program has been life-changing on a personal level. She began volunteering after her husband passed away, encouraged by her daughter, who was teaching at Parkview at the time.

I was very depressed, she said. I didnt want to do it at first, but once I started, it gave me hope and joy. Even though I struggle with arthritis, I look forward to going every day. The kids are so lovable, and that makes the pain fade away.

Beyond the classroom, the Socorro County Senior Volunteer Program also operates the Senior Companion Program, which pairs older adults with homebound seniors for friendship and support. A new pilot program, the Care Companion initiative, has also begun at Socorros wellness and rehabilitation center, where volunteers visit with residents.

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Anaya hopes more elders in the community will consider joining, whether in schools, in homes, or at the care center.

Our programs are about building relationships, she said. They bring joy to the volunteers and make a real difference in the lives of children and seniors alike.

Baca agrees.

When they see me at the store and yell, Grandma Rose!it makes me so happy, she said. I wish more grandparents, and even grandpas, would join. These kids need us.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Anaya through the Socorro County Senior Volunteer Program at 575-517-5662.
Each year, the quiet skies over Magdalena buzz with activity as pilots from across New Mexicoand even neighboring statesmake their way to the villages airstrip for the annual Fly-In Breakfast.

However, this past Saturday, inclement weather kept all but two pilots from Belen out of the air, though around 40 people drove in for the festivities.

Good folks showed up. We had good conversation and good food, and the pilots put on an air show for us when they left, Mayor and Airport Manager Richard Rumpf said. He added that there is talk of holding another Fly-In Breakfast in the spring for those who missed it this year due to rain.

Hosted by the Village of Magdalena, the event offers visiting pilots a hearty breakfast and a chance to connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts. The tradition has become a highlight on the New Mexico Pilots Association calendar, drawing planes of all kindsfrom antiques to helicoptersto the 6,434-foot Magdalena airstrip.

Breakfast began at 8 a.m. with pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, juice, and coffee. The meal was made possible through support from the New Mexico Department of Transportations Aviation Division, Bohannan Huston engineering and the Magdalena Chamber of Commerce.

The fly-in reflects the camaraderie of the pilot community, said Rumpf. In past years, pilots have not only come for food but also volunteered their time to help maintain the runway. One January, 12 planes came in, Rumpf said. Those pilots walked the full 6,000 feet of runway picking up rocks. Thats the kind of people they are.

According Rumpf, Magdalenas airport, while modest, sees steady use from private pilots, including those traveling between Arizona and Texas who camp overnight on the airstrip before flying on. For many, the annual fly-in is a welcome chance to relax, share stories, and enjoy small-town hospitality.

Weve had folks come from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Moriarty, even Truth or Consequences, Rumpf said. Theyll be here earlyby eight oclock, planes are already landing. Usually by 10:30 or 11, theyll start heading home, depending on how far they have to fly.

Mayor Rumpf also took the time on Saturday to announce that he would no longer be acting as fire chief for the Village.

Now is the time to turn the fire department over to somebody else, Rumpf said.

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He said that following an injury to his shoulder a few months ago, while moving a patient, he made the decision to move on after 17 years working at the department and EMS.

I thought its my body telling me its time, Rumpf said.
Patients and staff at Derrys Altnagelvin Hospital are being severely negatively impacted by the suspension of emergency general surgery (EGS) at Enniskillens South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), it has been claimed.

Speaking to The Derry News, Helen Hamill from Enniskillen recalled the terrifying family medical emergency which highlighted the potentially fatal consequences of the SWAH EGS suspension.

She also voiced concern about the intolerable pressure it was putting on resources in Altnagelvin.

Ms Hamills father, also from Fermanagh, spent five weeks in Altnagelvin in March, as a result of the suspension of the SWAH EGS suspension.

Daddy had upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeds and to be honest, we did not know if he would arrive at Altnagelvin alive or dead, she said.

The decision to temporarily suspend emergency surgery at SWAH was taken in December 2022 by the Western Health and Social Care Trust. At the time the Trust said it was necessary as it faced challenges recruiting general surgeons to cover the emergency general surgical rota.

However, the suspension remains in place, with emergency general surgery continuing from the Altnagelvin Hospital site.

In July, the Trust proposed all emergency general surgery services for its area be delivered from Altnagelvin on a permanent basis.

Following the intervention of Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, the Trust paused the public consultation on the proposal. Mr Nesbitt had cited ongoing and repeated challenges with the delivery of the consultation exercise.

Ms Hamill said she was recounting her familys experience out of concern for every single patient and every member of staff and their well-being.

She explained: We know the current situation in WHSCT is not sustainable. I want to give some details of our experience regarding NI Ambulance Service, Altnagelvin and SWAH.

I actually detailed my concerns in writing to the Royal College of Nurses, and copied the Chief Executive of the Trust; the director of the Public Health Agency; and the chief executive the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).

It was not a letter of complaint about care. It was a letter representing the voices of the staff and what I had been told. It was on their behalf.

Dad had a life-threatening intestinal bleed, in Enniskillen. He was taken to the resuscitation area in Altnagelvin in the only paramedic NIAS crew ambulance on cover that night. We were told at the time, had they been off-loading at Altnagelvin, dad would not have survived.

So, I was two minutes away from my dad's house. The ambulance took two hours to get him gently to Altnagelvin, trying their best not to enable another bleed of the same quality. My sister and I followed the ambulance in an eerie silence, fully aware there was every likelihood when we got there my father would be dead.

On reflection, having been through Altnagelvin and in three wards in SWAH, I have to say, it is terrifying to see the staff so poorly and severely depleted. Their reliance on agency nurses, locum doctors and university students is unsustainable.

Ms Hamill said she had spoken to staff in all areas of all the hospitals.

The nurses are consistently running at far less than the recommended safe staffing level on an ongoing basis, said Ms Hamill.

Dad was in an emergency surgical ward where the ratio is supposed to be one staff member to six patients. However, there were three nurses on that ward of 28 emergency surgical patients. The ward ran day and night, often with below 50% of safe guidance of core staff levels.

The staffing was particularly challenging and frightening for us at night when dad needed blood transfusions with the associated monitoring that required. It was just not available.

The staff were so run off their feet and they did not have time to take appropriate care of the patients. They have told us that they are doing their best and that they are escalating their concerns regularly but they are being ignored.

Staff came to me and asked for me to shout, to keep shouting, to shout to politicians and I shouted back that they also needed to shout and they said that they did but they felt nobody listened to them.

I am petrified when I think about the people with nobody shouting for them.

One nurse in one night was covering 12 very sick emergency surgical patients. Two others were on 16 emergency surgical patients. One of those was a bank nurse.

The bank staff on many occasions talked about their lack of status, their lack of fitting in, and about the lack of permanent posts which prevented them becoming permanent staff, full-time settled staff.

I have had significant conversations with a number of nurses, managers, and doctors. All have told me they raised the issue of understaffing on the wards with senior management. If that is the case, then they are not being listened to.

I am genuinely scared for the patients in the Western Trust. I have no doubt many patient outcomes must be adversely affected by the lack of adequate and appropriate staffing.

This kind of care cannot be the norm. It cannot be acceptable and we must never allow it to become normalised, so we will continue to raise concerns about the lack of staffing and about staff burnout. Every patient matters, every staff member matters and Save Our Acute Services listens to both and we always will.

Save Our Acute Services Roadmap was a vision, a plan to see sustainable, safe care across this Trust and much beyond it. We firmly believe the necessary return of emergency surgery to SWAH on a 24/7 basis will provide a safe anchor to all specialisms. It is fundamental to us in the far southwest corner of the province.

In August, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairi McHugh, met the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Barry McElduff, alongside representatives from Save Our Acute Services and the chief executives of both councils.

Mayor McHugh said: Our discussions centred on the serious impact the loss of acute emergency surgery at SWAH would have - not only on patients and families in Fermanagh and Omagh but also across Derry and Strabane.

We are united in our determination to ensure these vital services are retained and strengthened. Access to high-quality emergency care is a right not a privilege, and we will continue to work together to press for solutions that put the needs of our communities first.

We will keep engaging with local campaigners and decision-makers to make sure the voice of the people is heard loud and clear.

A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust told The Derry News: The temporary suspension of EGS at SWAH commenced in December 2022 and since this time the Trust has monitored patient numbers being transferred to Altnagelvin Hospital.

This equates to approximately 2.5 patients per day who require the input of the General Surgical Team. On average, 79% of the patients who are transferred to Altnagelvin for EGS from SWAH go direct to a bed in Altnagelvin. The 21% who dont go directly to a bed is approximately between 2/3 patients per week.

Overcrowding at the Altnagelvin Hospital Emergency Department is not due to the number of patients attending from SWAH due to the temporary change. Altnagelvin ED has approximately 1,200 patient attendances per week. The Trust would therefore contend that ED to ED transfers from SWAH does not materially add to the numbers in our ED Department at Altnagelvin hospital.

Emergency Department pressures is now regularly experienced in acute hospitals across Northern Ireland and Great Britain, including Altnagelvin and SWAH. The vast majority of patients who are waiting long period in our Emergency Department for inpatient beds are medical patients and not surgical patients.

The spokesperson continued: It is also important to note that both of our Acute Hospital sites now have access to ambulatory and surgical assessment facilities - treatment without the need for admission. This system avoids the need for patient admission; provides a safety net for review; and ensures that inpatient beds are used in an efficient way.

Most of the emergency general surgery patients presenting at SWAH are now assessed and treated the same day or next day in the ambulatory unit at SWAH, avoiding the need for a transfer to Altnagelvin. Approximately 4.7 patients per day are seen at the ambulatory unit in SWAH, and emergency patients requiring a minor general surgery operation can now be scheduled in SWAH Elective Overnight Stay Centre or Omagh Day Procedure Centre thereby reducing the need for a transfer to Altnagelvin for their treatment.

Commenting on staffing, the spokesperson continued: The Trust now has a stable, permanent Consultant workforce to provide Emergency General Surgery Trust-wide, with no agency locums at Consultant or Middle Grade. The Trust also has a robust nurse staffing stabilisation programme which has enabled permanent recruitment of additional staff, including in both our EDs.
A man accused of sending naked pictures of his ex partner to her and her mother has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Jordan Breen (26) with an address at Stagpark Avenue, Mitchelstownin County Cork appeared charged with entering a premises in Derry with intent to steal on September 15.

He was also charged with sending sexual images without the permission of the alleged victim on September 16.

He is also charged with making threats to damage property on the same date.

The court heard that police received a report from a female that the defendant, her former partner, had entered her property and sent her a video of him accessing her social media accounts.

She said when she returned from work Breen was in the property and had taken her phone and tablet.

When she started walking to the police station to complain the defendant was said to have followed her and eventually handed back her phone.

On September 16 the woman's mother told her Breen had sent her naked images of her and she reported this to police as well as to the woman herself.

The woman said that on occasions Breen had taken her bank card and turned up at her work on random occasions.

After being arrested Breen made a phone call to a relative and was heard saying there was 'nothing' for him in Derry and he intended to go back to Cork.

He was also heard asking the relative to contact the alleged victim's family to 'resolve the matter'.

The alleged injured party told police that on September 17 she had received a call at her work from Breen's relative advising her she could lose her job.

When she hung up her supervisor the received a call from the same person.

Bail was opposed due to risk of flight and risk of interference with witnesses.

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Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said the defendant intended to return to Cork and his family could offer a cash surety.

He said Breen could be barred from the North except for court appearances.

Deputy District Judge Alan White said that even at these early stages there appeared to be an attempt at interference with witnesses.

He said contact could be made from anywhere and there was a clear risk of interference.

Breen was remanded in custody to appear again on October 16.
The pupils and staff of St Brigids College in Derry have held a lunchtime vigil outside the school to show solidarity for Palestinian children in Gaza.

Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) members at the vigil on Thursday called for an end to the genocide in Gaza and for meaningful sanctions to be imposed on Israel by all western democracies.

St Brigid's teacher Dermot Gallagher, who is the secretary of Derry Trades Union Council (DTUC), has also written an open letter on behalf of the organisation to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) calling on it to take further action regarding ending the genocide in Gaza.

In the hard-hitting letter, Mr Doherty said: "I am writing in relation to the ever-worsening crisis in Gaza.

"As you are aware a composite motion relating to the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by Israel was proposed by Congress Executive Council, Derry Trades Council and UNISON at ICTUs Biennial conference in July. This motion was passed and now forms part of ICTU policy.

"Part of this motion called for ICTU to coordinate workplace-based and community actions up to and including widespread work stoppages and protests in solidarity with Palestine and all Palestinians in the Occupied Territories and beyond, demanding an immediate end to Irish, UK and EU complicity in the genocide.

"Since this motion was passed the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated even further with Palestinians and in particular children now dying from starvation. The UN has declared a manmade famine affecting more than half a million people with more than a million in the food emergency stage and has laid the blame directly at the feet of Israel for its systematic obstruction of food aid.

"A top UN official stated that the famine in Gaza is 'caused by cruelty, justified by revenge, enabled by indifference and sustained by complicity'.

"Coverage of this famine and the conditions that Palestinians are being subjected to is being severely hampered by the systematic targeting and murder of journalists on the ground and by the complicity shown by many mainstream western media outlets and governments.

INTO members in St Brigid's College in Derry join the lunchtime vigil in support of Palestine.

"To combat this, it is imperative that the trade union movement in Ireland takes an immediate stand to highlight the urgency and extremity of the situation in Gaza. This stance must be led by ICTU.

"DTUC has asked all our affiliate unions to take part in a lunchtime protest/vigil this Thursday, September 18, 2025. We were expecting a central call for this action from ICTU but regrettably this has not happened.

"We understand the legal and internal complexities of unions asking for such actions. However, it is the view of DTUC that such concerns are dwarfed by the extremity and urgency of the situation. It is time for the trade union movement to put all other concerns aside and to organise meaningful action that has the potential to have a real impact. We do not want history to show that Trade Unions were found wanting when they were most needed.

"DTUC is asking that NICICTU call an emergency meeting to consider their obligations both morally and in line with the motion passed with the purpose of organising and promoting a half day work stoppage, accompanied by a series of rallies across the North.

"The time left to make a difference is short. I look forward to your response."
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DeepSeek AI conducts undisclosed risk evaluation amid heightened Chinese regulatory scrutiny

China's DeepSeek has reportedly carried out an internal assessment of potential risks posed by its AI models to public safety and social stability, although it has not made the results public.

The South China Morning Post, citing unnamed sources, revealed that DeepSeek quietly completed a frontier risk evaluation of its systems, yet details regarding the scope and timing of this review remain unavailable. Attempts to secure comments from DeepSeek were not successful.

Beijing's cautious approach drives companies to keep AI risk information confidential

Experts say Beijing's authorities are vigilant about the potential threats arising from AI applications, leading Chinese firms to adopt a discreet posture to prevent eroding market confidence. Sarah Sun, executive director of Singapore's nonprofit AI Governance Exchange, contrasted this with Western practices, pointing out that American companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic regularly publish risk assessment reports to support fundraising and transparency.

Conversely, Chinese enterprises tend to avoid publicizing risks due to the challenges risky AI models face in gaining acceptance within China's regulatory and investment environments.

Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory's recent research has underscored concerns related to emerging AI capabilities, specifically spotlighting DeepSeek's latest iterations, the V3 (DeepSeek-V3-0324) and R1 (DeepSeek-R1-0528) models. The study warned that AI systems might autonomously replicate their code onto other machines without human oversight, posing unprecedented cybersecurity risks. This research emphasizes the urgency of reinforcing safeguards to prevent self-replication and control loss.

Experts highlight differing regulatory philosophies in the US and China

Geoffrey Hinton told the Financial Times that AI could surpass human intelligence within the next five to twenty years, increasing the danger of losing control over these systems. He highlighted that many Chinese regulators come from engineering backgrounds, granting them a nuanced understanding of AI's existential risks. Hinton recently visited Shanghai to discuss these matters with governmental representatives, signaling the Chinese leadership's interest in technical expertise guiding regulation.

China's Cyberspace Administration recently updated its Artificial Intelligence Security Governance Framework to version 2.0, emphasizing ethical and security risks linked to AI. The framework explicitly warns that AI might gain "self-awareness," elude human control, actively pursue external resources for self-replication, and disrupt established social structures related to employment, reproduction, and education. This reflects Beijing's strategic focus on preemptive risk governance in AI development and deployment.

Article edited by Jack Wu
The UK and Irish governments are set to publish a long-awaited framework to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles on Friday.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said a substantive package had been agreed which would include the restoration of civil cases.

The Labour Government came to power with a pledge to replace and repeal the controversial 2023 Legacy Act introduced by the Conservatives.

The Act had been opposed by victims groups and political parties in Northern Ireland, and it led the Dublin government to launch an interstate legal case against the UK.

The Act created a new legacy body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), to take over the investigation of all outstanding Troubles cases.

The Act also contained an offer of conditional immunity to some suspects, but this was disapplied after legal action by bereaved families.

The new framework will be unveiled on Friday by Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris.

It is understood the new framework will see the ICRIR substantially overhauled and become the Legacy Commission which will look at Troubles cases.

A separate body will deal with information recovery.

The proposed new arrangements will require legislation in both Westminster and Dublin.

Armed forces minister Al Carns recently told the House of Commons that the Government would ensure that repealing the Legacy Act would not result in veterans being punished.

He said: We will ensure that protections are in place to allow us to get to the truth and to ensure that no-one can rewrite history or make veterans suffer any more.

Speaking on Thursday, Taoiseach Mr Martin said there had not been full agreement on all issues.

He said: One never gets full agreement on all issues but suffice to say that the core issues around immunity, the restoration of civil cases that has happened, but also our concerns in terms of the limits that were there in terms of the original ICRIR review mechanism, that theres now a much stronger investigative dimension to the framework.

The Republic will be making a strong contribution financially, and indeed in terms of co-operation and creating capacity within An Garda Siochana and within Department of Justice to respond robustly, comprehensively, to any issues that might arise in the context of legacy issues.

Mr Martin added: Ive been involved in Northern Ireland all of my political life, this issue has not been resolved.

When I say resolved, we dont have a credible pathway to help families who are grieving  were now into third generations, nephews, nieces and grandsons and grand-daughters coming to us looking for closure on many, many cases as a result of the Troubles.

Thats why I put a lot of work into this with the Tanaiste and we both are of a view that this is an opportunity, with this British government in particular, to bring this to a conclusion.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said she hoped the new framework would be human-rights compliant.

She said: It is important that we move away entirely from the failed legacy Act, which bear in mind Keir Starmer had promised to ditch and to scrap entirely, so we await with others to see what exactly this looks like.

It is important to reflect that the ultimate judgment on all of the proposed arrangements will be made by victims, survivors and their families.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson accused the Labour Government of giving away dual control of legacy to Dublin.

He said: In allowing dual control of our legacy policy to the Irish Government, inviting them in to have dual control of our legacy policy is egregious.

It takes no account whatsoever of their role during the Troubles, of how they supported and protected terrorists who fled to their jurisdiction, it takes no account of the fact they frustrated extradition and criminal justice, and the opportunity of answers for victims in Northern Ireland.

It takes no account of, to this day, their failure to engage properly and open up their books to the Omagh Inquiry in a way which would answer what they could have done to answer questions and potentially avert the atrocity of Omagh.

It does nothing to remove the outrageous interstate case they have against the United Kingdom.

He added: The Irish Government do not have an equal say in how we, as a sovereign nation, deal with the legacy of our past  they do not.

They should be consulted where appropriate and that is what the Fresh Start agreement says, but this goes far beyond.
The number of houses granted planning permission in Louth in the second quarter of this year (Q2) was almost half the number granted planning permission during the same period last year, with the number of apartments granted planning permission during the same period down to almost a fifth, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office.

Planning permission was granted for 229 houses in Louth in Q2 of this year, down from 448 houses in Q2 of 2024. Of the 229 houses, 207 were multi-development houses and 22 were one off houses. It is also down from 410 houses granted planning permission in Louth in Q1 of this year, when planning was granted for 392 multi-development houses and 18 one off houses.

There has also been a huge fall in the number of apartments granted planning permission in Louth in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Planning was granted for 85 apartments in Q2 of 2025, compared to 456 in Q2 of 2024. It is up however on the 34 apartments granted planning permission in Louth in Q1 of this year.

When comparing the 12 months to the end of Q2 2025, compared to the 12 months to the end of Q2 2024, a huge fall in the number of homes granted planning permission in Louth can also be seen.

Planning was granted for 919 houses in the year to the end of Q2 2025 in Louth, down from 1,426 houses in the year to the end of Q2 2024. For apartments the number fell from 945 apartments in the year to the end of Q2 2024, to 479 in the year to the end of Q2 2025.

Looking at the national figures, there was a decrease of 12.5% in the total number of homes approved in Q2 2025 to 7,447 units, down from 8,513 units when compared with Q2 2024.

Houses accounted for 63% of all dwelling units granted planning permission in Q2 2025, while apartments made up the remaining 37%. In Q2 2025, the number of houses granted planning permission fell by 6.4% when compared with Q2 2024, while apartment approvals decreased by 21.4%.

The number of multi-development houses receiving planning permission declined by 7.5% annually, from 3,852 units in Q2 2024 to 3,565 units in Q2 2025. While there was a 3.2% decrease in the number of one-off houses receiving planning permission in Q2 2025, it has eased from the 4.5% fall recorded between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025.

Dublin had the highest number of apartment units granted planning permission in Q2 2025 at 1,233 apartments or 45% of all apartments, and accounted for 12% of house units approved (583). These 1,816 dwelling units approved in Dublin made up almost a quarter (24%) of all dwelling units granted permission in Q2 2025.

During the same period, the Midlands region (Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath) recorded the lowest number of apartment units (72) granted planning permission. The Mid-East region (Louth, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow) accounted for the highest number of houses (893) granted planning, while the Mid-West region (Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary) recorded the lowest number of houses (247).
Animating the streets and skies of Drogheda, Lu Festival of Light returns to Louth from 24th to 27th October. Turning the town into an open-air gallery, Lu Festival of Light is a vibrant celebration of ancient mythology allowing people to view Drogheda in a new and exciting way. This years festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages with additional events taking place throughout and cafes and bars staying open.

Inspired by the myths and legends of Ireland, the Home of Halloween, the 2025 festival will bring to life powerful stories from Cu Chulainn & Ferdia, The Morrigan, and Queen Maeves Tain march, alongside a shining tribute to the remarkable people and achievements of Drogheda. Through breathtaking light displays, immersive installations, and captivating light and sound performances, Droghedas streets will be transformed into a living canvas of story and spectacle.

Featuring four shows per hour from 7-9.30pm daily between 24th-27th October, key sites across Drogheda include St Peters Church which will showcase an impressive digitally mapped show that creates dancing effects across the intricate stonework and delicate stained-glass windows.

The Abbey will become a portal, telling the tale of The Morrigan  Goddess of War, death, of fate and fury, she is not merely one goddess, but sometimes three. A shapeshifter, a harbinger, a sovereign of strife. Against its medieval face of St Laurences Gate, the story of Cu Chulainn and Ferdia will unfold the gate which once stood between war and peace, now framing the legendary duel that tore apart two brothers in arms.

Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda, encourages locals and visitors alike to attend the festival saying: This October, Drogheda will once again shine as the heart of Irelands storytelling tradition. From the legends of Cu Chulainn to the magic of the Morrigan, our streets will come alive with light, sound, and myth.

"I invite everyone to experience the wonder, walk the illuminated trail, and be part of something truly unforgettable. Drogheda is ready to welcome you with open arms and glowing streets.

Were thrilled to invite locals and visitors alike to experience the magic and meaning of Lu, to bring the excitement and energy to the town this October said Trevor Connolly of Love Drogheda BID.

This festival is more than just light, it is storytelling using our built heritage as a canvas to tell the stories of our hero's and heroines of Irelands Ancient East in a hugely intriguing and creative way. We are proud to be home to Irelands best Urban Animation Festival and one that should not be missed

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council commented on the impact of the festival, which is now in its fourh year, saying: Each year the Lu Festival of Light brings thousands of visitors to Drogheda, energising our local economy, supporting businesses, and showcasing the town as a vibrant cultural destination. The festival fosters pride, inspires creativity, and strengthens bonds through shared storytelling and experiences.

Its impact is felt long after the lights dim, and we are proud to support an initiative that continues to illuminate the heart of Louth.

Ryan Vail of Visual Spectrum added: Lu Festival of Light transforms Drogheda into a canvas of light and imagination. At Visual Spectrum, we design moments that stop people in their tracks, where story, technology, and place come alive. Its not just a festival its a new way of seeing the town.

Lu Festival of Light 2025 is set to be the premier urban animation and lighting event in Ireland this year and will deliver dazzling displays, rich storytelling, extraordinary street performance and immersive atmosphere within the town.

Join us in Drogheda this October to celebrate light, legend, and local pride. Audiences are also invited to dress up for the opening ceremony and Spooks Parade from 6.15pm on 24th October, West Street.

The Lu Festival of Light is delivered in partnership by Love Drogheda Business Improvement District (BID), produced by Visual Spectrum, and proudly funded by Louth County Council, Love Drogheda BID, Drogheda Councillors and supported by Failte Ireland

For more information, updates, and event schedules, please visit: www.lufestivaloflight.com
Community education transforms lives, strengthens communities and is experiencing a continuing increased demand, yet funding, learning and centres in Louth are under threat, according to AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation of Ireland.

It is calling on the Government to address an imbalance in funding that has resulted in community education learners receiving only 2 per cent of the Further Education and Training (FET) budget, despite them making up 20 per cent of all FET learners.

AONTAS has announced a week of action to highlight among politicians, decision-makers and the public the value that community education in Louth and across Ireland adds to society, and the urgent need for a sustainable funding model.

Taking place 22nd-28th September, learners and providers across Louth and Ireland will take to social media and write to politicians to highlight the benefits of community education to neighbourhoods, villages, towns and cities across Ireland, and the transformative impact it has on peoples lives.

Commenting on the threat to community education in Louth, CEO of AONTAS, Dearbhail Lawless said: In our pre-Budget 2026 submission, we have outlined how despite FET Skills Development Funding having risen over the past three years, receiving over 677 million in 2025, an increase of 9 per cent on 2024, community education providers in Louth are still operating under significant financial pressure, going above and beyond to meet the needs of learners in their communities, but without sufficient financial resources, support or recognition.

"Nationally, funding for community education was also reduced from 2023 to 2024, with only 2.12 per cent of the FET budget for this period allocated for community education learners, despite them comprising approximately 20 per cent of all FET learners. This is not a proportionate allocation of funds, and it does not reflect a prioritisation of learners with the highest level of educational needs.

Preliminary findings of new qualitative research by AONTAS show the role community education plays in creating a more inclusive society, including by:

Providing access to those who are less likely to engage in other forms of education;

Acting as a lifeline with far reaching impacts on personal and community wellbeing;

Fostering integration and belonging in the community, particularly within the context of the rise of racism and misinformation; and

Promoting inter-generational and family benefits, with children of parents or grandparents engaging in learning.

Ms. Lawless added: Community education supports the Governments own ambitions for a fair, inclusive, and sustainable Ireland by providing a space where underserved and under-resourced communities and more vulnerable or marginalised groups of people in Louth, including older people, disabled people, migrants and refugees, and Travellers, among others, are supported through a holistic approach to learning.

"I am calling on the Government for fairer and increased funding for community education by allocating 3.5 per cent of the total FET budget in 2026 and four per cent in 2027. This funding must be sustainable by being ringfenced and guaranteed to providers on an annual basis.

For more information about AONTAS, visit www.aontas.com.
Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Hildegarde Naughton T.D. is urging Louth primary school pupils to become a creative force for greater acceptance and inclusivity of people with visible and non-visible disabilities by taking part in this years annual Someone Like Me primary schools art competition.

An initiative of the National Disability Authority, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the competition which has seen thousands of primary school pupils across Ireland develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities through the medium of art in a bid create a more accepting and inclusive society.

Pupils and their teachers across the country will be provided with cross-curricular learning and teaching materials which help celebrate the things that unite children of all abilities, drawing on personal experience and encouraging more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. These materials are also available to download on the Someone Like Me website, www.someonelikemecompetition.ie.

Minister Naughton encouraged primary school principals, teachers and pupils alike to take part in this years competition as a way of ensuring acceptance and inclusion of disabled children from an early age.

As a former primary school teacher, I know just how important our classrooms are when it comes to shaping the attitudes and behaviours of our youngest citizens.

In turn, classroom learning is taken home and becomes part of multi-generational conversations which actively helps to build a more inclusive society, where all have equity of opportunity to participate in cultural, social and economic life and to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives as valued members of the community.

On this 10th anniversary of the competition, I would like to pay tribute to primary school teachers for the time and energy they have invested in their pupils participation over the years. Their support of the Someone Like Me competition is valued enormously by the National Disability Authority.

Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said: Over the last ten years, the Someone Like Me Art Competition has created a national conversation about visible and non-visible disabilities, helping to raise awareness and, ultimately, effect positive attitudinal change within society.

The competition is an important part of the work of the National Disability Authority and has become a highlight in our calendar. It gives us the opportunity to meaningfully and creatively engage with primary school pupils and teachers alike in a way that will benefit society not just now, but for generations to come.

The Someone Like Me art competition, which offers a range of prizes to the value of over 1,000, is open to all primary school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and entries are welcome from individual pupils, a class or even a whole school as a combined effort.

Submissions from pupils who are homeschooled are also encouraged. Entries can come in all shapes and sizes and can be anything from a poster or collage to a papier-mache or mixed media sculpture. There will be a junior and senior category winner in every county, along with an overall national winner in both categories. The final deadline for entries is 14th November 2025.

More information can be found at www.someonelikemecompetition.ie
Met Eireann is urging caution over the coming days due to the risk of localised flooding and poor visibility in 14 counties across Ireland, including Louth.

Status yellow rain warnings impacting five counties will come into effect at 2pm on Friday while the warnings will be extended to nine more counties, including Louth, from midnight on Saturday (Friday night).

All of the warnings are due to remain in place until midnight on Monday (Sunday night).

The other 13 counties impacted are: Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford.

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Met Eireann says spells of heavy rain can be expected at times and that possible impacts include localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

In its latest forecast, Met Eireann says Sunday is likely to still be wet and blustery in the east of the country at first, though the rain should clear eastwards through the morning.

Yellow Rain Warnings



Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Waterford

14:00 Fri to 00:00 Sat



Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford

00:00 Sat to 00:00 Sun



NIAntrim, Down pic.twitter.com/H7qr55At3w  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) September 18, 2025

"Otherwise it's going to be a cool, breezy day, with sunshine and a scattering of showers. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees and feeling cooler than that with the added wind chill effect from a fresh and gusty northerly wind," states the latest forecast.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, has asked that people consider becoming blood donors, as the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) says it is facing increasing demand from hospitals across the region.

Mr Dennehy spoke to The Echo after he recently visited St Finbarrs Hospital blood clinic to make a donation.

I was truly delighted to visit the clinic today and to support such an essential and vital service, he said.

I urge the people of Cork to consider donating blood, especially as we face a nationwide shortage.

We never know when we, or someone we love, might need this life-saving resource, so I encourage everyone to visit their local donation centre.

The staff are fantastic and there to assist you every step of the way, Mr Dennehy added.

Please, make the effort to donate  it could make all the difference.

Supply under pressure

The IBTS has recently expanded its capacity at the hospital clinic to meet rising needs, but supply remains under pressure. In particular, an extra 200 units of O negative blood are urgently needed at the clinic over the next two weeks.

Julianne Kelly, IBTS donor services manager, also highlighted the vital role Cork businesses can play.

We are asking members of the public in Cork to consider becoming blood donors, she said.

We need the support of Cork companies, many Cork employers have younger workforces, and we urgently need more young donors to build a sustainable blood supply.

By encouraging employees to give blood, local companies can make a direct and life-saving contribution to the community, she said.

We are perfectly located a stones throw from the city centre, with free parking on site and we are more than willing to facilitate group bookings for companies.

To book an appointment, call 1800 731 137. To check eligibility, visit: https://www.giveblood.ie. For group bookings contact 021 4807400.
The HSE has castigated Uisce Eireann for not informing consumers that drinking water in Cork city contained high levels of manganese, on one occasion almost four times the maximum allowed under EU legislation.

Correspondence released to Thomas Gould, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, shows the HSE expressed serious concern at high levels of exposure to manganese in drinking water on the northside and parts of the southside, and emphasised that if such exposure was ongoing, its immediate recommendation was a Do Not Consume notice for the affected area.

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral which is essential in small doses, but which can be extremely harmful at high levels, possibly affecting brain development in infants and children, and it can also cause symptoms similar to Parkinsons disease in adults.

The EU Drinking Water (2023) Regulations allow a maximum of 50 microgrammes per litre (g/L), but on March 3, manganese levels of 193g/L were recorded in a sample taken at Richmond Terrace, off Gardiners Hill, from a water supply potentially affecting 86,738 people.

Water quality has been a major issue in Cork city since the summer of 2022, when Irish Water opened its 40m Lee Rd water treatment plant.

In late 2022, Irish Water (now Uisce Eireann) told The Echo that an adjustment of chemicals used in water preparation at the Lee Rd plant had caused rusty sediment to be stripped from the inside of the citys ageing cast-iron water mains, resulting in discoloured water in homes across Cork city.

The correspondence released to Mr Gould under freedom of information legislation shows that the HSE expressed serious concern at the lack of communication to the public regarding manganese exceedances from Uisce Eireann.

LETTER

A letter from the HSE to Brian McCarthy, Uisce Eireanns regional operations manager, dated February 14, said that in a meeting the previous day, the water utility had clarified that it had not relayed to the public the HSEs health advice on manganese.

The HSE had understood otherwise prior to yesterdays meeting  that consumers had got this advice, the letter said.

The HSE emphasises that consumers on affected parts of the supply  when manganese levels exceeding the regulatory limit have been reported by UE [Uisce Eireann] to the HSE  need to be given this advice by UE, the letter stated.

While EU legislation allows a maximum manganese level of 50g/L, the World Health Organization suggests a maximum of 80g/L. The HSE said it had repeatedly sought reassurance from Uisce Eireann that consumers in affected areas were not being exposed to drinking water with manganese levels above 80g/L on a continuing basis.

[We] are unsure if we can be reassured by UE that consumers in affected areas are not being exposed to drinking water with manganese levels above 80g/l on an ongoing basis, the HSE stated.

Above the levels of 50g/L, water can appear discoloured and blackish, giving a metallic taste to the water and staining laundry, but the HSE sounded a note of caution on Uisce Eireanns advice that consumers should not drink discoloured water and its claims that clear water was safe to consume from a manganese perspective.

However, UE must understand that the HSEs health advice is not based on the subjectivity of whether water is discoloured or not, but on evidence-based manganese concentration levels in drinking water in relation to health, the HSE said.

The HSE emphasises that, if consumers in affected areas are being exposed to drinking water with manganese levels above 80g/l on an ongoing basis, then our immediate recommendation would be a Do Not Consume notice.

Mr Gould said he was disgusted by what he had read in the documents released to him.

For over three years, I, along with our community, have been raising serious concerns at the quality of water on the northside, he said.

I am now calling for an independent review into Uisce Eireanns handling of this situation. This must be escalated to the highest level  the EU drinking water regulations have been breached, and this should now be referred for independent investigation to the EU Commission, Mr Gould said.

I believe that trust in Uisce Eireann is now at an all-time low, and will be fully eroded with these revelations.

They must provide an alternative drinking supply now. Manganese cannot be boiled out of water, and for many people, the cost-of-living crisis means they cannot afford to buy bottled water or they are having to sacrifice other necessities to supply their home with clean, dependable water.

A spokesperson for Uisce Eireann said it wanted to reassure the public that it was taking comprehensive action to address the issue.

Weve had a dedicated task force of experts in place for the past 19 months  working on targeted solutions and long-term improvements, the utility stated.

Among those measures, it listed an extensive sampling and testing programme; continued rehabilitation of the citys water mains; and investment in advanced treatment processes at the Lee Rd water treatment plant to reduce instances of manganese and iron in the network.

Early indications point to these steps as having a positive impact at both the plant and on the network, resulting in a significant decrease of 42% on reports of discolouration year to date, when compared to the same period in 2024, the spokesperson stated.

In 2025, the vast majority of samples taken across the network are compliant: with 94% of the test results compliant for manganese, 96% compliant for iron, and 94% compliant for colour.

Where exceedances have occurred, they have been addressed through remedial measures, including targeted flushing and follow-up sampling, until a compliant result is achieved.

The spokesperson said Uisce Eireann continues to advise customers not to drink discoloured water.
Shandon is to benefit from a once-in-a-generation 7m funding boost for the redevelopment of the Butter Market and Weighmasters House.

Cork City Council received the funding under the Thrive (town centre first heritage revival) scheme.

The historic Butter Market and Weighmasters House will be restored and reimagined as Shandon Exchange, an enterprise and community hub.

Local butcher James Nolan, who is part of the Shandon Area Renewal Association, said the funding boost would bring regeneration to a long-neglected part of the city.

We are proud that the community has been at the heart of shaping this project from the very beginning, and that they will have a role to play in the redevelopment and future operations,

he said.

Fianna Fail councillor Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork, said that the regeneration of the Butter Market marked an important milestone for Cork city.

The project demonstrated what could be achieved when local authorities, communities, and enterprise partners worked together, Mr Dennehy said.

Once central to Corks trading life, the Butter Market will once again become a place of exchange, reflecting Corks spirit of resilience, creativity, and ambition, he added.

Cork City Council chief executive Valerie OSullivan said the project demonstrated how heritage buildings could be reimagined as places of innovation and enterprise while remaining rooted in the local community.

By combining enterprise, education, and community use, the Shandon Exchange will act as a catalyst for sustainable growth, talent attraction, and job creation on Corks northside, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the walls of this iconic site and that the Shandon area can reach its potential in the city, Ms OSullivan said.

Reaching this significant milestone is a great credit to the city council team, the people of Shandon, and the Southern Regional Assembly, who have worked together to deliver this.

Tony McNamara, chairman of Recreate Shandon CLG, said the vision for the Shandon Exchange was to create a space where enterprise, community, and education could come together to exchange ideas, develop new opportunities, and build a more sustainable future.

This project is about more than bricks and mortar, it is about breathing new life into the Shandon area, working hand-in-hand with Cork City Council, the Shandon community, and our partners in industry to make this vision a reality, he said.

Owned by Cork City Council, the complex will be operated by Recreate Shandon CLG, which will manage the facilities and deliver programming for Shandon Exchange  enterprise and community hub.

Construction on the complex is expected to commence in August 2026, with the project scheduled for completion by February 2028.
Cork TD and minister of state for special education and inclusion, Michael Moynihan, has urged parents seeking a special class or special school place next year to contact the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) as soon as possible.

The closing date for parents to submit their notifications and reports for the 2026/2027 school year is October 1.

Mr Moynihan and education minister Helen McEntee provided an update on forward planning for special education provision.

The earlier timeline has been introduced to provide more time for the establishment of new special classes and additional special school capacity, thereby providing parents with clarity at an earlier stage on new special class and special school provision for their children.

The NCSE and my department are committed to delivering 400 new special classes for the 2026/2027 school year, continuing the rapid expansion of special education provision in recent years, Ms McEntee stated.

This September, approximately 30,500 students will be enrolled in special classes and special schools  an increase of over 12,000 students (67%) since 2020.

The number of special needs assistants (SNAs) has also grown significantly, with nearly 23,000 SNAs now employed across the education system  an increase of almost 10,000 posts (27%) over the same period.

For the current school year, the NCSE has sanctioned 407 new special classes, bringing the total to 3,741 nationwide. These classes are distributed across every county in Ireland.

In addition, over 300 new special school places are being provided in special schools.

Mr Moynihan said: I want to remind families of children seeking a special class or special school place to come forward to the NCSE by October 1, 2025.

I know that the NCSE have been highlighting this timeline through their media channels and through their direct engagement with parents, schools, and advocacy groups.

I acknowledge that this timeline is just a few weeks away, and some families may be concerned in relation to obtaining the necessary reports and recommendations.

The October 1 timeline is important for forward planning purposes to ensure that families have clarity at an earlier stage regarding new special class and special school provision for 2026/2027.

The NCSE will, however, continue to support families coming forward after that timeline as well.

He added: Its also important to note that a new report is not required when a child is transitioning between similar special class settingsfor example, from junior to senior primary, or from primary to post-primary.Most children with special educational needs are supported in mainstream settings by classroom teachers, Special Education Teachers, and SNAs. I want to thank the boards of management and schools for their continued support.
A Cork motorist who pleaded guilty to drink driving when he crashed his car on a busy street in the middle of the day was over the legal drink driving limit, the district court has heard.

Court presenter Sergeant Eimear OConnell told Macroom District Court that a single vehicle accident occurred at Main Street, Sleveen East, Macroom on November 25, 2024. At 2.20pm a black Opel Insignia car crashed into a lamppost causing severe damage to the vehicle and obstructing traffic.

The court was told the street was busy with vehicles and pedestrians at the time, including local school children. The driver of the car was 45-year-old William McCarthy of Bank Place, Mallow, Co Cork.

When gardai arrived, McCarthy appeared intoxicated and he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving to which he later pleaded guilty. A blood alcohol test showed McCarthy had a blood alcohol level of 267 mg per 100 ml of blood where the legal limit is 50mg.

The court was told that McCarthy had six previous convictions all of which were from before 2009. Defence solicitor, Sean Cahill, said McCarthy worked in the timber industry which was now entering its busy period.

He said his client had pleaded guilty, was fully co-operative and had not come to garda attention since the incident. Mr Cahill asked Judge Joanne Carroll if she would consider deferring McCarthys driving disqualification until March next year to enable him to finish his work in the timber sector and find alternative employment.

Mr Cahill said McCarthy worked near Macroom but lived in Mallow and needed a car to get to work. He said McCarthy was willing to give an undertaking to the court that he would not drink and drive before the disqualification came into effect.

Judge Joanne Carroll said McCarthy was driving with a huge quantity of alcohol in his system in the middle of the day in a busy town. She noted the incident happened just a few weeks before Christmas and he had put lives at risk by his actions.

Judge Carroll said McCarthy should not be drinking and driving anyway but agreed just about to allow him to give an undertaking to the court. She warned McCarthy that if he broke the undertaking he would be in contempt of court.

McCarthy was convicted of driving while intoxicated and disqualified from driving for three years. The disqualification was deferred until March 1, 2026. He was also convicted of careless driving, fined 300, and given three months to pay the fine.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
The prosecution of four men for the alleged smuggling of 31m worth of cocaine has progressed, with confirmation that the drugs seized were cocaine, the district court has heard.

Detective Garda Gavin Curran told Clonakilty District Court that the investigation team had received a certificate of analysis from Forensic Science Ireland confirming that the 440kg of drugs seized in an operation in Courtmacsherry, West Cork, on July 1 was cocaine.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy said it was anticipated the file being prepared to prosecute the case would be completed by the end of the week, at which point it would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The four accused men, Mark Doherty, aged 40, of Waterfoot Avenue, Glasgow, Scotland; Levent Gulay, aged 31, of Schwabenstrae, Neu Ulm, Bavaria, Germany; Christopher Hibbett, aged 44, of Lower Park, Trissillian, Truro, Cornwall, England; and Ben Sandford, aged 39 of Woodgreen, Drumm Road, Keith, Moray, Scotland, all appeared before Judge Joanne Carroll by video link from Cork Prison.

Four accused

The four accused each face two charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977  possession of cocaine under Section 3, and possession of cocaine for sale or supply under Section 15.

Mr Doherty and Mr Gulay were arrested on Tuesday, July 1, when gardai from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau stopped a van in the Courtmacsherry area, and cocaine valued in excess of 31m was seized by Revenue Customs Service.

Mr Sandford and Mr Hibbett were arrested on a rigid inflatable boat that departed Courtmacsherry on July 1 and was intercepted by two naval service RIBs dispatched from the LE William Butler Yeats off the coast of Co Waterford.

Solicitor for Mr Sandford, Plunkett Taaffe, told the court his client was indicating the intention to enter a signed guilty plea in relation to the charges.

Judge Carroll remanded all four in custody to appear again on October 7. The judge said it was hoped directions from the DPP on how the case would proceed would be received by November.
Young environmentalists in Cork have been encouraged to take part in the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) 2025/2026, with registration now open.

Now in its 27th year, Eco-Unescos YEA celebrates and supports youth-led projects that address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

YEA is open to groups of young people aged 10 to 18 years across Ireland.

Participants are invited to design and deliver local environmental action projects in categories such as biodiversity, climate change, waste, energy, transport, art and design, health and wellbeing, and community development.

Eco-Unesco provides mentoring and support, offering training, resource packs, and guidance.

To coincide with the launch of YEA, Eco-Unesco is inviting young people in Cork to take part in Eco-Week 2025 from September 22 to 26, which will run alongside Sustainable Development Goals Week.

This week-long programme of free, expert-led online workshops will explore topics such as climate change and the links between nature, health, and wellbeing.

Eco-Unesco national director Elaine Nevin said: The Young Environmentalist Awards show that young people, including from Cork, are leading the way with creative, practical solutions to environmental challenges.

From planting for biodiversity to cutting waste in schools, their actions prove that local projects can make a global difference, she said.

Eco-Week 2025 is the perfect springboard for starting YEA projects, giving young people from Cork the knowledge and inspiration to kick off their journey.

Eco-Week 2025 sessions are tailored for two age groups (8-12 and 13-18) and are open to schools, youth groups, and community groups in Cork, with the option to join live or via playback.

To register for the 2026 YEA, https://ecounesco.ie/young-environmentalist-awards, or email yea@ecounesco.ie for more information. Registration closes on November 7, 2025, while project submissions close on February 10, 2026.

To register to take part in Eco-Week, visit https://ecounesco.ie/what-we-do/eco-weeks.
Met Eireann has issued two status yellow rain warnings for 14 counties including Cork.

The national forecaster has said that Cork, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford can expect heavy spells of rain from tomorrow, with the warning extending to Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, and Tipperary from Saturday.

The earlier warning, impacting six counties, will come into effect from 2pm on Friday, and will remain in effect until midnight on Saturday.

The second warning, impacting 14 counties, will come into effect from midnight on Saturday, and will remain in effect until midnight on Sunday.

As a result of the forecasted weather, possible impacts include difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility and localised flooding.

These latest warnings come following a previous status yellow rain warning, issued for five counties including Cork on Tuesday, which stayed in effect until 3am on Wednesday.

For more information, visit: https://www.met.ie.
Cork retailers noted strong footfall and trade as well as increased Garda presence during the Cork Business Associations annual city centre walkabout with Fianna Fail councillor Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork.

The annual initiative is designed to champion businesses that contribute to the heart and character of Cork, from global firms to independent boutiques, cafes, and historic bars.

Mr Dennehy joined Cork Business Association (CBA) president Dave OBrien for the walkabout, visiting a range of businesses. They stopped at a variety of premises, meeting teams and hearing feedback on trading conditions.

A CBA spokesperson said they met with an overwhelmingly positive response, many of those they met noting strong footfall and trade, a visible Garda presence, and significant improvements in street cleansing across the city.

The walk began on Lapps Quay at WTW, a global advisory and broking company with a base in Cork. From there, the group visited Clancys Bar on Princes St  one of the citys oldest bars, recently revitalised through a major renovation.

Next on the route was First South Credit Union on the South Mall, a long-established financial institution that has served Cork people for decades. Mr Dennehy then continued to Oliver Plunkett St to meet the team at Sheenas Boutique, a much-loved independent fashion retailer and long-time supporter of CBA initiatives. The group then walked to Patrick Street to visit Brown Thomas, a cornerstone of Corks retail landscape and a key member of CBAs retail working group.

On Perry St, Mr Dennehy stopped at the newly opened Bakestone Cafe, and admired the new mural by David Shillinglaw, one of the artists in residence for the 10th Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival. The tour concluded at Fifth Quarter, formerly Paul Street Shopping Centre, which is undergoing a major transformation, with a plaza set to open in 2026.

CBA president Dave OBrien said it was an absolute pleasure to accompany the Lord Mayor today to visit some of our amazing businesses here in Cork city.

This walkabout is always a highlight of the year for teams, as it shines a light on the many businesses that work tirelessly to make Cork the very best city."
Theres a famous story told about Daniel OConnell and a man breaking stones by the roadside in 1829.

The Liberator was heading home to Derrynane in Kerry shortly after the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act in the English House of Commons.

The stonebreaker enquired as to what way the change in the legislation might effect his life. OConnell is supposed to have answered: Tis all the same to you, my good man, youll still be breaking stones.

On Monday morning last, that little anecdote came to my mind as I made a little pile of stones by the roadside on the way from Bartlemy village to the School Cross.

In times past, a horse and butt load of red sandstone rock would be dumped on that very same spot a few times a year. Then, sitting on his sugan chair, the stone-breaker would take each sandstone piece in his hand and, using a tiny iron hammer, hed reduce that rock to small fragments. These pieces would then be used to what they called sheet the road, then earthen sods placed on top, and - hey presto - that was the new road!

That was long before tarmacadam for roads came to be used widely. This old method was in place from the late 1700s right up until the early 1940s. The local Poor Law Guardians (forerunners of the County Councils) would each year look for contractors to tender a price for different stretches of the road.

When the job was given to a road contractor, it was up to him then to maintain that road in good condition for the next year.

Here, locally, the stone was quarried in Killamurren, Cronovan, and Ballinwillin. It was back-breaking work, but if one got a good vein of rock it was easier to prise it from the quarry face. Then it had to be transported to little depots by the roadside all over the parish.

Where I built the little cairn on Monday morning was one such depot. When we were growing up there was only one house besides ours in the townland of Garryantaggart. That was Roches - at the top of our farm, just above the Path Field. Here Patrick, or Pad as he was better known, Roche, and his wife Kate reared their six children.

Though I was only nine when Mrs Roche died, I remember her well in her crossover pinafore. Kate was a grand, friendly woman, welcoming, door always open and the kettle singing.

When the local National School children got their First Holy Communion in the church across the road, they would have been fasting since midnight, so after the Mass Mrs Roche would provide tea and bread and jam for the children. She died in Fermoy Hospital in 1966 aged 69.

The Roches only daughter Lizzie and her second son Paddy stayed in Ireland. Mikey, Johnny, Dan, and Dick went to England for work - like so many others from around here in the 1940s and 50s.

We were always in and out of Roches home, and when the boys came home on holiday theyd always call down.

I was so lucky to have had some great chats and long conversations with Pad Roche in his old age. He worked as a road contractor so the tough task of stone-breaking was something he knew all about.

He told me he always wore goggles but little stone chips and dust still got into his eyes - so much so that in his eighties he was nearly blind.

He was born in 1888 and told me of his schooldays in the 1890s, all about Bartlemy Fair, times when the church would be packed out the doors for a Mission.

He remembered when there were three pubs and four shops in the village as well as a library, butter store and a band room - all gone now.

Pads father Michael Roche was born in 1842 and married Mary Lee in 1868 (she was 18). They lived on the Tallow Road until the new house was built in the early 1900s.

From his parents, Michael had heard about the Battle of Gortroe in 1834 and the Great Famine. He remembered the Land War, and when locals joined the British Army and fought in World War I - some came back from the trenches and enlisted with the IRA.

Pad Roche died in 1975 and was buried in Templeboden cemetery. Here in the Roche ground were also buried Johnny and Jerry Roche of Ballyda and their relations and the Hairy/Connolly Roches from Ballyreidy. It is likely that all three families were connected back the generations.

To mark his 80th birthday in 2017, Dick Roche came back on holidays with his daughter Karen and other family members. By now the old Roche family home had been sold and incorporated into the new offices and headquarters of Bartlemy-based Media and Broadcasting Company TVM.

Dick was thrilled with his journey back down memory lane to the place he was born and to see the church, his old school, and the Holy Well, and meet people he had grown up with all those years ago.

It was a special visit for him, though tinged with sadness as he was then the last man standing of the Roche family, born between 1919 and 1937.

He recalled working locally on farms when he finished national School - especially on the OConnor farm in Ballyreidy where he provided school transport for some of the family!

Last year, Dick had planned another visit home but sadly he died on July 15. He had a lovely funeral service followed by cremation.

Dick Roche would have been 88 last Monday, September 15, so Karen and other family members thought it would be fitting to have his ashes brought back to where his life started.

So, to start the last journey we went to Knockmourne cemetery near Conna village. Here his mother was buried with her Moynihan and Golden relations - Kate Roche was a Moynihan and her mother was Eliza Golden.

The ancient, ivy-clad church there was destroyed in 1570 and again in 1641, but was a place of worship until the 1700s - interestingly, the Corporation of Waterford are the legal owners of this cemetery!

With the words dust to dust and ashes to ashes, the mortal remains of her youngest son were reunited with his mother.

On then to Templeboden cemetery in the parish of Lisgoold, where Pad Roche was buried 50 years ago.

The Roches - originally de la Roch - were a hugely prominent family in and around Fermoy, and many of the name still dwell by Bride and Blackwater.

The grave in Templeboden is indeed ancient and now no longer used by any branch of the family.

Here, his ashes will mingle with the bones of generations of Dick Roches ancestors.

Back then to Bartlemy.

We stopped at the heap o stones where Pad Roche had toiled for many a day, month and year. As we stood in silence on that September afternoon, one could nearly hear the sound of stones being broken with a steady rhythm.

The last of the ashes of Dick Roche were scattered at the doorstep of the home where he first saw the light of day on Wednesday, September 15, in the year of Our Lord, 1937.
Acclaimed stand-up comedian Paul Chowdry appears at the Opera House tonight with his very own brand of wry humour. 8pm start.

Tomorrow is of course Culture Night, and we have to tell you that the Opera House Tour is already fully sold out at both 6.30pm and 8pm. Who can resist going behind the scenes?

Maybe this relatively new building has now got its own ghost? Or perhaps one of the legendary ones from the old theatre has returned? Let us know if you see one.

An Evening with David Sedaris on Saturday is also sold out, but at the time of going to press, there were still a few seats for George Murphy and the Rising Sons on Sunday, while tickets for Michael English next Thursday, September 25, are selling fast.

Call 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie for all bookings.

There is a Behind the Scenes tour also at Everyman tomorrow at 4pm, as part of Culture Night. Its free, but you do need to book so they know how many to expect.

And its the same for Words Made Local, an evening of poetry and song in the Everyman Bar, featuring local poets and musicians, curated by poet, teacher and Irish Examiner columnist Jennifer Horgan, whose poetry collection Care was recently published by Doire Press. That begins at 7pm.

George Murphy is at the Opera House on Sunday

And on Sunday, Ajeet is live in Cork on the Everyman stage with her amazing brand of calming, healing music. 7.30pm start.

Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com.

At Cork Arts Theatre, No Exit: After Sartre, a re-working of the darkly humorous drama which questions what happens after death, is presented by Death by Cues. Until Saturday, at 8pm with a special relaxed performance matinee that day at 2pm.

Next Wednesday to Saturday, the theatre hosts Warm Regards, written by Alison Teahan and directed by Sinead Crowley. Two lifelong friends, one charmng stranger, and a birthday that changes everything. Call 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

Now, that great little theatre in Macroom, The Briery Gap, is getting ready to launch its winter programme. At time of going to press we didnt have all the details, but will let you know as soon as we do.

In the meantime, Bernadette Gallagher is in there today at 11am with Poetry in Conversation, and tonight at 8.30pm, Nomos present O Riada Reimagined by Ordnance Survey.

For Culture Night, the Briery Gap is staging a dance night with Thin Places from 7.30pm and Ceili All Stars from 9.30pm (both free). There is live music from Andrias de Staic in By The Light of the Silvery Moon at 8pm on Saturday. Now thats a lively programme; we look forward to seeing what is coming up in the months ahead. Booking on www.brierygap.ie.

Up at the historic Firkin Crane, Dance Cork is celebrating Culture Night tomorrow with tours of the building at 5.30pm and 6.30pm, as well as keeping its Satori in Cork exhibition open until the later time of 8pm. Satori is a Japanese Buddhist term meaning either sudden enlightenment or deep spiritual insight, and the exhibition is for those who seek something quieter, more profound than all the other happenings on Culture Night. Dancecorkfirkincrane.ie for all the info.

At CADA Performing Arts, you can take in an energy-filled display of dance, music, singing, and vibrant colour between 6 and 8pm.

The Circus Factory will be offering workshops from 5-9pm (wouldnt the kids love that?), the legendary Butter Exchange Brass and Reed Band will be opening its doors to the public from 7 to 8.30pm, and close to both Firkin Crane and The Butter-ah, the Butter Museum, will also be open late, to showcase the fascinating history of our citys great butter trade.

And thats only a fraction of whats on! Log on to culturenight.ie to see everything.
Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy has reached dizzying heights in his career, from starring in Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer, to portraying Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders.

Although he has achieved remarkable success on his own, the actor credits a former teacher with sparking his love of literature, poetry, and theatre.

In his newest film Steve, which he describes as a love letter to teachers, Murphy portrays an impassioned headteacher working in a last-chance reform school.

Set in the mid-nineties and directed by Tim Mielants, the movie follows a pivotal day in the life of Steve, played by Murphy, and his students, who exist in a world that has abandoned them

The drama is a reimagining of Max Porters Sunday Times bestseller Shy, named after its protagonist, a teenager who boards at the school with a programme for troubled youths.

The movie follows Shys relationship with Steve, who in turn is grappling with his own mental health as he fights to protect the school from closure.

Murphy, 49, who also serves as a producer on Steve, says he had no fixed template for his character, but pays tribute to a teacher who inspired him.

I had a teacher in secondary school. He wasnt necessarily an inspiration for this character, but he was an inspiration to me personally, says the Cork-born actor.

He was one of those teachers who reached out, connected, and saw something in me. His names Bill Wall, for the record, and hes a poet and a novelist, but at the time he was teaching English. He kind of unlocked literature, poetry, and theatre for me.

He was very encouraging and Ive never forgotten it.

There wasnt a specific template for me (for his character). I think Max (Porter) had certain people in mind, but theres also a lot of myself in the character, he adds.

I May Destroy You star Jay Lycurgo, who plays Shy, says he gained valuable insight into reform schools through his father, a teacher.

My dad works in alternative education units, so I was able to visit his school, spend time with the kids, and have a lot of conversations with him, says the 27-year-old actor.

Cillian Murphy stars in reform school film Steve.

As soon as I got the audition, I started talking to him about it. From there, I had great resources like the Shy book, which has all the details, and constant conversations with Tim (Mielants) as well.

The Croydon-born actor, whose character has impulses for self-destruction and violence, says he had to dig deep in this role.

You lose yourself a little bit. But I feel huge gratitude to Max Porter, the writer, and Tim, he says.

I wouldnt have felt safe enough to go that deep without them and those conversations. It was the greatest gift I could have had over those eight weeks, and I owe them a lot.

Murphy praises his co-star Lycurgo, describing his talent as an innate gift.

You can feel it when someone comes along with that innate gift, you can develop and hone it, but you cant learn it, he says.

But he just has it. That lovely line Max wrote, where Steve says he has a generous pain, is a beautiful description, and he just radiates that. Hes going places fast.

The film also stars Simbi Ajikawo, more commonly known as Little Simz, Tracey Ullman and Emily Watson, who starred with Murphy in the Irish drama Small Things Like These.

Ajikawo, 31, who also wrote the track Dont Leave Too Soon for the film, says it was an honour to contribute as both a musician and an actor.

Im so grateful they trusted me with the music as well as the character of Shola, she says.

When I was in Shola mode, thats what I was focusing on. But when it came to doing the music, it felt more like an out-of-body experience, drawing from the performances I saw from Jay, Cillian, and Tracey.

I just tried to put all of that into three and a half minutes and make sure I said everything I could.

Ullman, 65, who plays the deputy headteacher Amanda, says she was thrilled to be in this film as shes always wanted to do a project like this.

Ive always wanted to be in something totally naturalistic, like a Ken Loach film, she explains.

I think Cillians wife heard me say this on the radio and suggested we get me involved in the film. So, Yvonne, I owe you! I got to come in, be naturalistic, and do what Ive always wanted to do. Im so thrilled.

Cillian Murphy is our leader. Hes inspired all of us, and thats why we made it, obviously.

Mielants, who also directed Small Things Like These, says this film is a love letter to teachers and the nineties.

Its a love letter to the nineties, and I felt the camera asking, Who is this man? I want to figure out who he is. Its intriguing to be a more silent observer, and he becomes more confident towards the end, explains the Belgian director.

We even used lenses and equipment from the nineties.

When asked what the film is really about, he says: I think this film seeks out the beauty and the pain in children that society too often dismisses. Thats important. Its also about the devotion of teachers who see talent in youngsters where others only see failure.

I think we all carry these teachers inside of us. This movie is about that belief, about trying to see who people really are, rather than building fences around them.

Steve is in select cinemas from September 19 and on Netflix from October 3.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

There is a need for legislative proposals to defend political debate from an alarming rise in serious threats against elected representatives, the Ceann Comhairle has said.

Verona Murphy said she was concerned that an environment of unsavoury discourse and unhealthy narratives may deter people from entering public life.

Ms Murphy requested a meeting with party and group leaders on how best to address the matter as she further warned of challenges posed by unverified accounts on social media.

This abuse often emanates from unverified profiles on various online platforms which facilitate unsavoury discourse and foster unhealthy narratives that bear little resemblance to fact or reality Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy

Making a statement as the Dail returned from the summer recess, the Ceann Comhairle said she had a duty to safeguard the chamber, its members and the wider public interest.

Ms Murphy said: In recent times, we have witnessed an alarming rise in the serious threats and online abuse directed at a significant number of members of the Houses of the Oireachtas of all parties and none, a phenomenon that can no longer be ignored.

Not alone does it affect us as members, but also a significant percentage of our population.

This abuse often emanates from unverified profiles on various online platforms which facilitate unsavoury discourse and foster unhealthy narratives that bear little resemblance to fact or reality.

Several members of the Dail have faced significant abuse and threats against their homes and loved ones.

During the summer recess, Tanaiste Simon Harris said he saw threats of appalling, unspeakable violence against members of his family.

Ms Murphy also said the Dail chamber must remain a secure environment for parliamentary business, and added: If we allow a culture of fear and intimidation to take root, we risk losing the essence of democratic representation.

It is incumbent upon us all to collectively defend the integrity of political debate and cultivate an environment that encourages participation without fear of reprisal.

The experiences of our counterparts in the UK, US and other democratic jurisdictions serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy

We must create a space where diverse views can be expressed safely and openly.

Ms Murphy said a report from last years taskforce on safe participation in political life needs to be supplemented by concrete legislative proposals.

She said: The experiences of our counterparts in the UK, US and other democratic jurisdictions serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction.

We are not insulated from this global trend. In the words of Barack Obama: Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.

I am therefore requesting a meeting with all party and group leaders with a view to formulating an appropriate consensus response to deal with this issue.

Ms Murphy said challenges posed by social media platforms require our immediate and cross-party attention as she called for collaboration to protect the integrity of Irish political discourse.

She further called on all TDs to reflect on the tone and tenor of their deliberations.
David Raleigh

A man was charged on Wednesday with murdering another man in Limerick fifteen years ago.

Kurt Ryan appeared before Limerick District Court charged with the murder of Lee Slattery, at a location near Moyross, on or about May 28th 2010.

Mr Slatterys remains were discovered in a shallow grave at The Delmege estate, Knockalisheen Road, Limerick, on May 31st, 2010.

The 24-year-old, from Ballynanty Beg, Limerick, was shot several times in his body and head. He had been reported missing by his family on May 27th, 2010.

The murder investigation was the subject of a Garda case review in recent years.

On Wednesday in court, Detective Sergeant Micheal Ryan, Mayorstone Garda Station, Limerick, gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning Kurt Ryan (32), with an address at Cliona Park, Moyross.

Mr Ryan, represented by solicitor Sarah Ryan, made no reply to the murder charge, the court heard.

No bail was sought for Mr Ryan as the district court does not deal with bail hearings for persons charged with murder. Murder charge bail hearings in the State are heard before the High Court.

Mr Ryan was remanded in custody to appear before Limerick District Court again on Tuesday, September 23rd.

Six people, including Mr Ryan, two other men in their 30s, two women in their 30s and a woman in her 50s, were arrested as part of the murder probe last Monday and Tuesday.

Gardai said that, in addition to Mr Ryan, three of the six, two men and a woman, all in their 30s, remained in custody on Wednesday.

Garda files will be sent to the DPP on the arrests of the others who were released without charge.
James Cox

The Irish Defence Forces have donated 34 vehicles and three de-mining robots to the Ukrainian army.

The donations were part of the European Peace Facility (EPF), a European Union financing mechanism for peace-building projects.

They are bound for Rzeszow, Poland, where they will be sorted before being transferred to Ukraine.

Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said: "It is imperative that we continue to stand firm in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and support Ukraine in whatever way we can.

"This donation is a practical example of that support, reflecting Irelands provision of non-lethal aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces following Russias full invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"The vehicles being donated are suitable to Ukraines needs and their handover will be confirmed in Poland by the Defence Forces and the Ukrainian Armed Forces."

Ireland has donated non-lethal aid to Ukraine on a number of occasions since the Russian invasion was launched on February 24th, 2022.
Darragh Mc Donagh

A cluster of accidents occurred in Dublin last year involving children who had received e-scooters as Christmas presents, a new study has found.

Doctors at Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin and the Department of Paediatrics at Trinity College examined four cases in which young teenagers were injured in the weeks after Christmas.

All four patients required surgery under general anaesthetic for a range of injuries, including facial abrasions, a fractured jaw, broken teeth, and a full-thickness laceration of the lip.

Only one of the teenagers had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, the study noted, and three of the incidents occurred on a main road. The victims required an average of 23 days of outpatient care.

In one of the accidents, two girls, aged 16 and 15, had been riding on an e-scooter together. Carrying passengers on the electric vehicles has since been prohibited by legislation introduced last year.

They crashed into a footpath on a main road. The 16-year-old suffered abrasions to both cheeks, her forehead, and her nose. The 15-year-old sustained facial abrasions, a fractured jaw, and a full-thickness upper lip laceration with associated tissue loss.

The lip laceration required plastic surgery, and a tooth splint was needed following a dental assessment. She required outpatient care for 29 days.

In another case, a 15-year-old boy fell off an e-scooter that he got for Christmas on a main road. He was unsupervised and was not wearing a helmet. He suffered abrasions to his forehead, nose, chin, and right cheek. He also fractured a tooth and hurt his right knee.

Separately, a 13-year-old girl suffered abrasions to her left cheek, chin and nose when she fell off an e-scooter in a woodland area. She was supervised by a parent and was wearing a helmet.

The authors of the study, which was published in the latest issue of the Irish Medical Journal, noted that e-scooters had become a popular Christmas gift in recent years. They welcomed legislation introduced last year that restricted their use.

The increasing use of e-scooters globally has resulted in a rise in related injuries, they wrote, noting that a previous study had recorded 147 e-scooter injuries at a single emergency department in Dublin over 12 months.

They said the most concerning feature observed in the cases was the age of the patients, all of whom were under 16 and had received the vehicles as Christmas presents.

The authors said the report should raise awareness of the risk associated with e-scooter use in children, adding that the impact of legislative change in Ireland in this area remains to be seen.
Well, it certainly was a genuine throwback for a group of old friends who met up in Cork last week for the reunion of a lifetime.

You may recall Bob Roche told us some time back of the happy stint he had on a course for woodwork teachers at the then School of Comm back in the 1970s. He and a few others had the idea of organising a big get-together this year, some 50-plus years on, and the thing just mushroomed from there, culminating in a few happy days (and nights!) last week on Leeside. But let Bob tell his own story:

CLASS OF 1972: The group of 30 students who started a woodwork teaching training course at Cork School of Commerce in 1972, along with the previous class, the course head, other staff members, and officials from Cork City VEC, including then Chairman Gus Healy

First off - we were the graduating class of 1975 from the Educational Woodwork Teacher Training Course at the School of Commerce in Cork. Our class began in September, 1972. We were a group of lads from all over the country, most only straight from Leaving Cert, and green as the grass in the Golden Vale!

We had a wonderful time in Cork and went on to have successful careers as woodwork teachers in various schools throughout the country.

One member of our class, Neil MacDaid from Donegal, sadly did not make it through the course as he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident down the Centre Park Road in December, 1974. Recently, Pat Ruthledge, from Mayo, now living in Kildare, posted a photo of Neils headstone on a WhatsApp group that a few of us were in, to remind us of his passing, and to realise that half a century had passed since this tragedy. Also, it was now 50 years since most of us had seen each other.

Someone else commented that we should have a bit of a get-together while there were some of us still around!

Bob continues: With this in mind, myself and a few others got together back in February to toss a few ideas around. Bernard Dunne, Seamus MacIntyre, Sean Dolan, Michael Challoner, and I, became the committee. We agreed to get a reunion going in September, as holidays would be over and it would give us enough time to get things organised. We agreed on September 10/11.

Right lads, what will we do? Well, to begin with we had to track everybody down! We knew of about ten out of the original 30, then there were the sad inevitable losses over the years - Neil of course, then Jim FitzMaurice, Pat Culliton, Michael Quirke. We were still missing a good few though. Somebody found Pat Sheehan (known as PaJo), a good Tipp man, now living in Borris, Carlow. He led us to two others. Things were looking up!

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, is presented with a handmade lamp crafted from a fallen tree by his former woodwork teacher, Michael OSullivan, at the reunion event

Then, by chance, I discovered a nephew of one of the others was a teacher in the same school as my own nephew in Kerry. Hello, Pat! He led me to Richard Barrett and Mike Sullivan. Now we were on a roll. A few more made contact when they heard about our endeavours. John Gallagher in Donegal, led me to Howard Stewart. With others, we knew where they were from originally, so I wrote to the Parish Offices of a few of these places and again got lucky with a few more: Sean Lynch in Innishannon, Michael Long from Knocknagoshel, etc.

Things were looking good, so the committee started to think about a formal ceremony in the old School (now College) of Commerce.

Why not ask the Lord Mayor to welcome us back formally to our alma mater? (I think we had notions about our own importance!) The Lord Mayors secretary couldnt have been more helpful. We got Claytons Hotel organised, and I wrote that piece for Throwback Thursday which gave us a great break because by pure chance Joe McCormack, one of our former teachers back in the 70s, was scrolling through his iPad one evening when our group photo from 1972 popped up, in which he appeared! He contacted Jo Kerrigan who put him in touch with me. Through Joe, we got in touch with Dr Leonard O Connor, another of our former teachers.

Bob explains: The date arrived, and we descended on Cork from the four corners of Ireland, when the friendships and craic were quickly rekindled. On Tuesday night we went out on the town and as the pints went down, the stories unfolded, accounts of where everyone was now and how long since retirement, etc. Stories of families and now grandchildren were exchanged and then our experiences of how we originally joined the course and our first visits to Cork back in the days.

The story of the Boat to Morrisons Island was recounted as a first experience of city life by one lad from the Kingdom, who prefers to remain anonymous. He says: I first landed in Cork by train from Tralee and had navigated the job of changing trains in Mallow and getting onto a new train for Cork. I managed that with relief, since this was actually the first time that I had been outside Kerry. I didnt have a reason to be out in the world until then!

Original lecturers Dr Leonard OConnor and Joe McCormack with College Principal Helena Ryan and reunion organiser Bob Roche at the 50th anniversary reunion of Irelands first woodwork teacher training course at Cork College of Commerce

I got out in Kent Station and was amazed by the sight of all these buildings around me. There was a huge sign over the tunnel which read in big red letters Cork Dry Gin. How could you have a dry liquid? But maybe things were a bit different here in Cork. Anyhow, all I knew was I had to get to Morrisons Island to register for the course. The idea of having a school on an island seemed strange but maybe there was some logic to it too?

I had no idea where I was going so I asked a few people on the street for directions to the boat for Morrisons Island. Whether it was my broad Kerry accent or what, no-one seemed to have any idea how to get to the boat. I eventually asked a bus driver, and he explained there was no need, that indeed I could walk there. Is it that the tide must be out, that I can get there on foot? I asked. He decided that it would be best if he dropped me there instead!

One of the topics recalled with pleasure by the reunited group was Teaching Practice, where each in turn was given a topic from one of their subjects and had to prepare a lesson for the class as you would do as a teacher. The rest of us would act as the students in the class for the lesson, says Bob, and believe me, we didnt spare the victim up at the front! One of the lads had been given the topic of lines. This is the very first exercise students in any mechanical drawing class would do.

Anyway, the teacher was going through the lesson, with notes, and lovely drawings in coloured chalk on the blackboard. As any good instructor would do, he was trying to engage with his pupils ( that was us chancers). Meanwhile, our Course Director, Mr Frank Carew, was taking suitable notes on his progress. The lad then asked his class, Now boys, who can give me an example of a LINE? I put up my hand and said Sir, are those the fellows that you would see in the Zoo? He has not forgiven me since and that was 53 years ago!

Bob adds: The tales got more exaggerated as the pints went down, but we still had the formalities of that 50th anniversary commemoration in the School of Commerce next day. We duly assembled there at 2.15 to be ready for the Lord Mayor. At this point, we had hidden away in the Principals office our two former teachers, Mr Joe McCormack and Dr Leonard OConnor. I had to bring one other member of our class in on the subterfuge and with the assistance of Ms Helen Ryan, College Principal, we succeeded in our mission. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress arrived on schedule and so began the formal reunion event.

Everybody gathered round, and this was the signal to bring the two hitherto hidden gentlemen forward for introduction. The reaction from the lads was fantastic! They could not believe I had managed to get hold of both of them as we had known that other former teachers had passed away. We then remembered our former classmates who we had lost over the years. Bernard Dunne had researched details of their passing as some of those present had not even been aware of their deaths.

Lord Mayor Dennehy made an excellent address to us, and also recounted his memories of one of his own former teachers, who was one of our group, Mike Sullivan, who now resides in Cork! The Lord Mayor unveiled a plaque for us, and his former teacher, Mike, presented him with a beautiful table lamp from a piece of wood from a storm-felled tree close to where the Lord Mayor lives in Cork.

The College Principal then invited everybody to refreshments in the canteen, which was actually our woodwork room all those years ago. Helen and her staff really went the full distance in welcoming us back to the School of Comm, as it will always be known to us.

Before this, I had been rambling around some of our old haunts and found where a few of us had lived in a flat over a hairdressers at the corner of Douglas Street and White Street (now a signwriting business.) Across the street lived a family named Dillon where we had often spent time. Mr Dillon worked in Dunlops and I remember him as a very pleasant man who doted on his family. His daughter Marie, with her friend Liz, who worked in a shop on the quay across from the Holy Trinity Church, and a few of us lads, would go for long walks around the area in the evenings. We would descend on Mrs Dillon and the poor woman would insist on everyone having tea and whatever else was going.

Well, coming back after so long, I was about to knock on the door, when the lady next door happened by. I asked if any of the Dillons were still living here and to my surprise she said, Im one of them. She was the one and only Marie Dillon from all those years before! She remembered all of us but had never known where we had ended up. Marie is now an accomplished artist and showed me some of her latest pieces that she is getting ready for a fair. It was wonderful to make contact again and we have agreed we will meet up when I return to Cork.

The reunion then moved on to a special dinner at the Clayton, and the next morning came the farewells and promises to meet up again soon. What a reunion it was! says Bob.

Bob, that was a marvellous event. Well done!

Now share your memories. Email jokerrigan1@gmail.com or leave a comment on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/echolivecork.
China steps up preservation of Flying Tigers relics

Xinhua) 14:06, September 18, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- In a memorial hall in Zhijiang, a small county in central China's Hunan Province, 69-year-old Rick Peterson lingered before a display of jackets, flashlights and faded snapshots, his eyes reflecting both wonder and grief as the relics told the story his father had lived, the legendary saga of the Flying Tigers.

"Seeing some of the supplies, equipment and pictures like these, which show what he was doing, was really, really emotional," Peterson said.

During World War II (WWII), Peterson's father served with the Flying Tigers, a group of American volunteer pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces against Japanese invaders, forging a friendship that withstood the test of blood and fire.

More than 2,000 Flying Tigers airmen lost their lives in the war, and the Chinese people, at great personal cost, came to their aid, rescuing more than 200 pilots in distress while thousands of Chinese sacrificed their own lives during the rescue operations.

Earlier this month, Peterson joined other American visitors on a tour of Flying Tigers sites in Hunan, Guangxi and Chongqing, as part of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

What struck him most was how meticulously China has preserved the relics of the Flying Tigers. "It must have been difficult to gather the photos and get people to donate these items," he said. "They did a great job organizing everything and making the timing real."

PRESERVING RELICS

There is no precise count of how many Flying Tigers sites or relics remain in China, but the country has spared no effort over the decades to keep their memory alive, from building museums and organizing exhibitions to preserving former airfields and rescue sites where villagers once risked their lives to protect American pilots.

At the entrance of the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum in Zhijiang, a four-meter statue of Claire Lee Chennault, commander of the Flying Tigers, stands alongside a sculpted group of pilots, evoking their wartime courage. Inside, visitors pass through doors shaped like an aircraft cabin hatch and are greeted by flight suits, oxygen masks, wreckage from downed planes, and the tools Chinese people once used to build airfields.

Completed in 2005 beside Zhijiang airport, one of the Flying Tigers' wartime bases, the museum now covers 53 mu (about 3.5 hectares) and preserves historic sites such as an air force club and a command tower. It receives about 300,000 visitors annually, including several hundred Americans. Its collection has grown to more than 5,000 artifacts.

"Over one-fifth of the relics were donated free of charge by American friends," said Wu Jianhong, head of the museum, adding that he hopes visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made by countless predecessors and the importance of safeguarding hard-won peace.

Zhijiang is not alone. In Lingui District of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Flying Tiger Heritage Park was built on the former Yangtang airport at a cost of nearly 300 million yuan (about 42 million U.S. dollars). It preserves the world's last surviving C-47 transport plane to have flown the treacherous "Hump" route over the Himalayas, along with nearly 300 other relics. After a major upgrade, the park reopened earlier this year.

In central China's Hubei Province, a village was named "Flying Tigers Village" in 2017 to honor an American pilot rescued there and the Chinese who risked their lives to save him. The old wooden house where he once recovered still stands, preserved amid rows of new concrete buildings. When the veteran later died, part of his ashes were laid to rest in Hubei, the very land that had once sheltered him.

"The grave has long been under dedicated care and management," said Yan Jun, a local official. "Many Chinese make special trips to honor this American friend."

LASTING BOND

This year, exhibitions have been held across China, including in Liuzhou and Chongqing, to commemorate the special wartime friendship between China and the United States. Flying Tigers veterans, their descendants and peace advocates have traveled to China to help carry that bond forward.

"Americans don't know very much about WWII in China. That's why visiting a few cities here is so important," said Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.

For years, Greene has devoted himself to the Flying Tigers Friendship Schools and Youth Leadership Program, bringing American students to visit Chinese cities, WWII battlefields, airports and museums to explore and honor the unique bond between Chinese civilians and American pilots.

He said about 110 Chinese and 40 American schools will participate in this program next year.

"Humanity was more important than self-survival. What this shows us is a story from 80 years ago -- how America and China worked together and faced any odds and won. It tells us that today, if America and China work together in technology, ethics, science, or space, we can win," Greene said.

For Peterson, the journey was deeply personal. His father had spent years speaking in schools, sharing the story of the Flying Tigers because he never wanted to witness another war that claimed so many lives.

Now Peterson hopes to carry the torch. "I will share my experiences in China with more people," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A former lobbyist for Meta is now in charge of the EU's chief regulator for big tech firms, according to reporting by The Irish Times . Niamh Sweeney has been named commissioner of the Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is one of the largest EU data protection authorities.

Prior to this, she worked at Meta for six years. Sweeney was director of European public policy at WhatsApp and head of Irish public policy at Facebook for many of those years. She becomes the third active commissioner of the regulatory body, joining Des Hogan and Dale Sutherland.

As the responsibilities and scope of the DPC continue to grow, I am pleased that three commissioners will now lead and manage this key regulatory body," said Ireland's Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan.

The organization has welcomed Sweeney's appointment, saying it looks forward to "working with her as the DPC continues to uphold the EU's fundamental right to data protection." However, this regulatory body is notorious for being friendly to big tech, as is Ireland in general .

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The country offers a low corporate tax rate and tends to be lenient when it comes to regulations . The DPC has developed a reputation for not actually calling on big tech companies to pay out fines for violating laws like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation. As a matter of fact, the organization has only managed to collect around 0.6 percent of the billions of dollars in fines levied toward tech companies .
China is ending its antitrust probe into Google, which had centered around Androids ubiquity in the mobile world and what impact, if any, it was having on Chinese phone makers like Oppo and Xiaomi that use the software. As reported by the Financial Times , this move comes amid ongoing discussions between the US and Chinese governments over TikTok , NVIDIA , tariffs and the broader trading relationship between the world's two largest economies.

Google's search engine remains blocked in China, along with many of its other core products like Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps. Despite this, the tech giant still generates substantial revenue in the country through cloud services and ad sales to Chinese companies targeting overseas audiences.

According to the Financial Times, the decision by Beijing to ease up on Google is a tactical move, as China increasingly flexes its regulatory scrutiny on NVIDIA as a negotiating tool during trade talks with the US.

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Earlier this summer NVIDIA struck a deal with the Trump administration to sell its pared-back H20 GPUs in China on the condition that it gives the US government 15 percent of the sales. Shortly thereafter, however, China began discouraging local companies from buying the H20 chips. Recently, the government outright banned Chinese tech companies from buying NVIDIA's newest AI chip made specifically for the region, the RTX Pro 6000D.

In yet another move to exert control and flex power, Chinese regulators have accused NVIDIA of violating Chinese antitrust laws with its acquisition of chipmaker Mellanox. Were the chipmaker to be found in violation of China's anti-monopoly law, the company could owe fines between 1 percent and 10 percent of its 2024 sales.
The FTC and seven states sued Ticketmaster owner Live Nation on Wednesday. The lawsuit accused the company of knowingly allowing brokers to buy tickets in bulk. Ticketmaster allegedly then let them resell the tickets at a significant markup on its own second-hand market.

The FTC claims Ticketmaster was aware that resellers routinely bypassed its security measures for these purchases. The company profits three times from resales. It collects fees at the initial purchase, followed by both buyer and seller fees upon resale. Between 2019 and 2024, Ticketmaster raked in $16.4 billion in fees, according to the FTC.

The agency paints a picture of the company that epitomizes rampant corporate greed. The FTC claims an internal Live Nation review showed that five resellers alone harvested 246,407 tickets to 2,594 events. The agency accused Ticketmaster of admitting in an internal email that it "turn[s] a blind eye as a matter of policy."

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The company is said to even offer tech support to brokers through its TradeDesk app. The software is designed to consolidate and manage tickets purchased through multiple Ticketmaster accounts.

Ticketmaster also allegedly failed to implement third-party identity verification tools that could have prevented the bulk purchases. Why? The FTC quotes the company as saying these tools would have been "too effective." The company is also said to have admitted to engaging in deceptive pricing. Their alleged reason: Customers were less likely to buy tickets when they saw the actual cost upfront.

The FTC accused Live Nation of violating two laws: the FTC Act's ban on deceptive practices and the BOTS Act. The latter was signed by President Obama in 2016, just before leaving office. As its name suggests, it banned the use of bots or other software to obtain more tickets than is legally allowed. Earlier this year, President Trump issued an executive order to increase enforcement of the law.

The suit was filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California. Joining the FTC in the suit are Virginia, Utah, Florida, Tennessee, Nebraska, Illinois and Colorado.
If youve just shelled out thousands of dollars on one of Samsungs smart fridges , youd be forgiven for expecting it to leave you alone, rather than encouraging you to spend even more money. But that is no longer the case  following a recent update, youll start seeing ads on the fridges display.

According to Android Authority , the new software update is being rolled out to Samsungs Family Hub refrigerators in the US, and will now display ads and promotions while the display is idle. In a statement to the outlet, Samsung confirmed that its conducting a pilot program as part of its commitment to (brace yourselves for this one) "enhancing every day value for our home appliance customers."

The Cover Screen on which ads show up appears when a refrigerator is not displaying something else, such as Samsungs Art Mode or a photo album. Samsung told Android Authority that advertising wont appear when one of these modes is active, adding that specific ads can also be dismissed and wont appear again while the campaign is running.

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What the statement doesnt make clear is whether advertising can be turned off altogether, which again, seems like a reasonable option given that you can expect to pay anything between $1,800 and $3,500 for a Family Hub-equipped fridge. But it doesnt appear to be possible while the pilot period is live. It also isnt clear if any specific models are omitted from the testing.
Have you played around with the new iOS 26 yet? Here's how to download it on your iPhone if you haven't yet  once you do, you'll notice several new changes, including a clear design called Liquid Glass. The translucent look can be found within apps as well as your lock and home screens. (You can't turn it off, but you can reduce the transparency to make it less clear.) The overhaul is one of several big changes that come with iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and the rest of Apple's software suite  the new operating system updates for those gadgets are also available to download now.

You'll also see multiple useful additions in the Phone and Messages apps. For instance, the ability to weed out spam texts or unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you've been waiting for a representative to pick up. And for fun, you can now create polls in group texts. Other new improvements coming include a confirmed AirPods live translation feature, and a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center.

If you're planning to upgrade your phone this year, take a look at all the new models Apple unveiled during its iPhone 17 event, from the iPhone 17 lineup (check out our review of the iPhone 17) to the all-new ultra-thin iPhone Air (take a look at our hands-on review). If you missed the keynote, you can catch up on everything Apple announced here or rewatch the full iPhone 17 launch. The company rounded out its announcements with three new Apple Watch models, as well as the brand-new AirPods Pro 3.

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Most newer iPhone models are eligible to download iOS 26. We've rounded up a full list of new features you'll have to check out. If you're waiting to update your phone until iOS 26.1 becomes available, note that the beta version is available now so it shouldn't be too long before it's released to the public.

What is iOS 26 and should I download iOS 18.7 first?

Instead of releasing iOS 19, Apple skipped its naming convention ahead to iOS 26. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems were released in 2025, they're all designated "26" to reflect the year ahead.

Apple also released iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to address security issues  great news if you don't have a phone that's eligible to run the latest OS. If you're wondering which one to download first, it's really up to you. Do you want to wait for Apple to quash any bugs in iOS 26 or do you want access to all the new features everyone's talking about now?

It's official, we're moving to iOS 26. (Apple)

What is Liquid Glass design?

Let's be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone's home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year  the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens' new facelift is refreshing.

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So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a "new translucent material" since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They're designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see.

While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some  including Engadget's Devindra Hardawar  like the new direction, even if it's somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft's translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago.

That said, while it was in beta mode, Apple incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won't be able to escape it: The company says Liquid Glass was designed to make all of its platforms more cohesive.

Here's a look at how the translucent aesthetic looks with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

How to turn iOS 26 Liquid Glass settings off

If you find you don't like the new clear look after downloading iOS 26, you can change a couple Accessibility settings, though you can't completely turn off Liquid Glass. For starters, you can reduce the liquid look by going to Settings > Accessibility > Motion > toggle on Reduce Motion.

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You can make your drop-down menus more opaque instead of translucent by going to Settings >Accessibility > Display & Text Size > toggle on Reduce Transparency.

You can also change your clear apps back to the way they were. Just press and hold any app on your screen and select Edit Home Screen. From here, tap Edit (top left) and Customize. You can swap out to Default, Dark or Tinted.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:

Phone app redesign: You can now scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks.

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Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 brings the ability to have a conversation via phone call, FaceTime or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation uses Apple Intelligence and it will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation.

Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends can now create polls in group messages to decide things like which brunch spot you're eating at or whose car you're taking on a road trip.

Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven't received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you're lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder.

Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that's on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online.

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Photos tabs are back: For anyone who's been frustrated with last year's changes to the Photos app, you'll be happy to know that your tabs are back. Library and Collections have their own separate spaces so you don't have to scroll to infinity to find what you're looking for.

Camera app updates: Navigating the Camera app should be simpler in iOS 26, as all the buttons and menus are in convenient spots  less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there's a new feature that tells you if your lens needs to be cleaned.

FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues.

New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen is more customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.

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New alarm setting: You'll no longer be stuck with the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms. Instead, you now have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.

Screenshots look different: You'll notice several new features when you take a screenshot, including "highlight to search," the option to search your image on Google and ChatGPT is there for any questions you have about the image.

Preview on iOS 26: There's a new app called Preview that lets you scan documents, fill out PDF forms, as well as highlight, underline or strike through text in a PDF file. You can also remove backgrounds from images in this app.

Apple's Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)

New changes with iPadOS 26

Your iPad isn't getting left behind when it comes to big updates. Here's what to look for.

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Multitasking and real windowing: When you download the newest update, you'll be able to have multiple apps running on your screen at the same time. Once you open an app, it'll appear on your screen as normal but you'll be able to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don't like it.

Visual update: Along with the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 also has the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look appears on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop-down menus.

New menu bar: When you swipe down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows and more. There's also a search option if you're looking for something specific.

There's more beyond that, so be sure to check out our first impressions of iPadOS 26.

What about AirPods?

AirPods are also getting updated with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions.

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Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this "studio-quality" audio recording, and with it, you'll notice more clarity while in noisy environments.

Camera remote control: Using this, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just one press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you'll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.

Live translation feature: Live translation is available on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC when paired with iPhones running iOS 26. Apple says that when someone speaks to you in a different language, you can use your AirPods to translate what theyre saying.

Heart rate monitoring: Apple introduced new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds this month, which include heart rate monitoring. It will work with Apple's Health app and other fitness apps that track heart rates.

Siri is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant  first promised at WWDC 2024  is delayed until some point "in the coming year," so you shouldn't expect any major changes right now. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. The company is also reportedly working on a "stripped-down" AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT.

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS  iPhone XR, XS and XS Max  aren't compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones from 2019 or later will be eligible for iOS 26:

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iPhone SE (second generation or later)

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16e

iPhone 17

iPhone Air

iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone 17 Pro Max

When can you download iOS 26?

iOS 26 has officially been released to the public for free as of September 15, 2025.

If you're more interested in the new Apple Intelligence features, here's everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple's delayed Siri rework.

Update, September 19: Added details about making Liquid Glass less clear.

Update, September 18: Added info about Engadget's iPhone 17 review.

Update, September 17: Added details and link about the new iPhone Air.

Update, September 16: Added details about modifying Liquid Glass settings, and new info about the Preview app.

Update, September 15: Noted iOS 26 is officially available for download.

Update, September 12: Noted iOS 26 is coming to eligible iPhones in just a few days, timing TBD.

Update, September 11: Added the products Apple released at its Tuesday event and noted when iOS 26 will be available to download.

Update, September 9: Noted the iPhone event is starting soon.

Update, September 8: Noted the iPhone 17 event is tomorrow.

Update, September 4: Added details about how screenshots are different in iOS 26.

Update, September 3: Noted Apple is expected to release iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26.

Update, September 2: Added more new features coming with iOS 26.

Update, August 29: Added new section about Siri and a link to what's new with the iOS 26 Camera app.

Update, August 27: Added the official iPhone 17 event date, as well as the potential iOS 26 release.

Update, August 25: Added a rumor about new AirPods Pro having heart rate monitoring.

Update, August 22: Noted that Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6.

Update, August 20: Noted that iOS 26 public beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available to download.

Update, August 18: Added details about a potential iOS 18.6 update.

Update, August 15: Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what's available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor.

Update, August 13: Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta.

Update, August 11: Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6.

Update, August 8: Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods.

Update, August 6: Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center.

Update, August 4: Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival.

Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26.

Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available.

Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available.

Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta.

Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.

Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2.
The rumors were true. Meta's first pair of AR glasses with a built-in screen is the Meta Ray-Ban Display. They'll cost $799 and will come to a limited number of brick-and-mortar stores in the United States on September 30. Those retailers include Best Buy, LensCrafters, Ray-Ban and Verizon, and availability will expand to Canada, France, Italy and the United Kingdom in early 2026.

The Ray-Ban Displays have a camera, audio functionality, and a translucent heads-up display that shows and allows the wearer to respond to text chats, AI prompts, directions and video calls. You're able to use gestures to interact with the HUD, including small actions like swiping your fingers to type out a chat reply. Each pair requires and comes with a dedicated EMG wristband, the Meta Neural Band, which enables these interactions.

At least, that's what Meta promises. The glasses failed to receive a phone call in a live demo during their announcement at the Connect 2025 conference, but they did perform other actions just fine. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg opened Spotify and played a song, took and viewed photos, and successfully demonstrated a real-time subtitle feature that looks legitimately useful. As outlined by Meta, the HUD supports Meta AI with visuals, messaging and video calling, previewing and zooming in on photos, turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation, live captions and translations, and music playback.

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Connect 2025 kicked off with Zuckerberg streaming his POV from a pair of Ray-Ban Displays, including a HUD on the right side showing Spotify, calendar reminders, text chats and incoming images with options to respond by dictating a message, dropping an emoji or selecting a typed phrase. The glasses and wristband come in two colors, black and sand, and two sizes, standard and large. All pairs have Transitions lenses that automatically adjust to light conditions.

The glasses' display is "extremely high resolution," Zuckerberg was stoked to report. The HUD is full-color and supports 42 pixels per each degree of the field of view  compare that with the Meta Quest 3S, which has 20 pixels per degree. The glasses boast "six hours of mixed-use battery life and up to 30 hours of battery life total," while the Meta Neural Band has 18 hours of battery life and an IPX7 water rating.

The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses join a lineup of smart spectacles revealed at Connect 2025, including the second generation of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses (which also hilariously failed during a live demo of their AI assistant capabilities), and the sporty Oakley Meta Vanguard.

A leak earlier this week spoiled the Meta Ray-Ban Display surprise, capping off a year of rumors around Meta's HUD-based efforts.

The Meta Connect 2025 event kicked off with the company announcing three new sets of smartglasses: the second-gen Ray-Ban Meta glasses, the Oakley Meta Vanguard sports glasses and the $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, the last of which include a video overlay. You can read our earlier Meta Connect liveblog to see how it played out in real-time.
As expected, Meta has introduced new smart glasses during its Connect conference today. The announcements included a Gen 2 of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which retail starting at $379.

There are a bunch of upgrades over the $299 Ray-Ban Meta set that the duo released in 2023. Meta highlighted improvements to battery life, which it says now lasts up to eight hours with "typical use." The included charging case now provides an additional 48 hours of juice, versus 32 hours for the current one. The glasses can also charge to 50 percent battery in 20 minutes.

The second-gen glasses are equipped with a 12-megapixel camera and offer 3K Ultra HD video capture, with up to 60 frames per second and HDR support. Meta says it will release updates that add hyperlapse and slow-motion video capture to all of its AI glasses later in the fall. The second-gen Ray-Ban Meta has 32GB of storage and is IPX-4 rated for water resistance.

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On stage at Meta Connect, Mark Zuckerberg spoke about conversation focus, a new feature that will help you hear voices better in live environments. This feature will also be coming to the first-gen Ray-Ban Meta glasses. There was also a demo of live AI that did not go well. It was supposed to show Metas AI looking at ingredients on a table and helping to prepare a dish, but it appeared to skip forward a few steps and the demo ended unsuccesfully with a bad Wi-Fi excuse.

On the style side, the Gen 2 Ray-Bans be available with the same three base frames as the originals: Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner. All three will be available with a range of lenses, including regular, polarized, transitions and prescription. Polarized lenses will cost an additional $30, while transitions add $80 to the bill. Theres no set price for prescription lenses due to the innumerable ways our eyes can suck.

The second-gen Ray-Ban Meta glasses are available to purchase now in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, UAE, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Mexico, India and Brazil will have access to the new glasses "soon." At least for now, it seems as though Ray-Ban and Meta will continue to sell its Gen 1 wearable at the same $299 price alongside the new model.

The Meta Connect 2025 event kicked off with the company announcing three new sets of smartglasses: the second-gen Ray-Ban Meta glasses, the Oakley Meta Vanguard sports glasses and the $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, the last of which include a video overlay. You can read our earlier Meta Connect liveblog to see how it played out in real-time.
Jimmy Kimmel is preparing his next move after ABC pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely following his remarks about Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Insiders told the Daily Mail the late-night host is "absolutely f***ing livid" about the decision, which came hours before Tuesday's scheduled taping.

He is meeting with executives but reportedly looking for a way to "break his relationship with them forever."

Sources said Kimmel is already planning a guest appearance with Stephen Colbert, whose "Late Show" was canceled earlier this summer.

"Stephen Colbert is already looking to get Jimmy on his show as a guest in the next couple days or within the week," one insider said.

"They both don't want Trump to win in any way or fashion at all, and this has lit an extreme fire under Jimmy's a**."

ABC Removes Show Amid FCC Pressure

ABC announced Wednesday that Kimmel's show would be "pre-empted indefinitely." The move followed comments Kimmel made on Monday's broadcast suggesting Kirk's killer was a MAGA supporter, despite investigators saying the suspect held far-left views.

"We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said during the monologue.

The remarks drew criticism from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, who hinted he might open an investigation. "When you look at the conduct that has taken place by Jimmy Kimmel, it appears to be some of the sickest conduct possible," Carr said on a podcast earlier this week.

Nexstar Media Group, which owns several ABC affiliates, announced it would stop airing the program, calling Kimmel's comments "offensive and insensitive."

Jimmy Kimmels full comments on Charlie Kirk which led to his show being taken off air indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/Ctg7LL8HWL  Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 18, 2025

Producers Say Set Is at a Standstill

One producer described the atmosphere inside the studio as "wandering around like aimless cows." They said Kimmel was "beside himself" and had "never been this angry."

"This is clearly the government overreaching," the producer told Daily Mail. "There's no such thing as free speech in America if the government can lean on companies to stop any content they don't like."

"Jimmy said he's going to fight this, not even because he cares so much for the show, although he does, but because he cares about the precedent."

The producer warned ABC could face fallout from Kimmel's supporters, "He'll get every friend he has to stop doing ABC shows. You want to book someone on The View? Good f***ing luck."

Reaction From Both Sides

Reactions were swift across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, writing, "Kimmel has ZERO talent and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that's possible."

Actor Ben Stiller criticized ABC's decision, tweeting, "This isn't right." MSNBC host Chris Hayes called the suspension "the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I've ever seen in my life and it's not even close."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom blamed Republicans for pushing networks to silence critics. "Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren't coincidences," Newsom wrote. "It's coordinated. And it's dangerous."

Kimmel, 57, has hosted the late-night show for more than 22 years and has generally ranked second in the ratings behind Colbert. His future with ABC now appears uncertain.
Donald Trump's state visit to Windsor Castle on Wednesday featured a ceremonial welcome with full royal honors, and according to a body language expert, it also revealed a rare level of mutual respect between the former U.S. president and the British royal family.

Psychology specialist Darren Stanton analyzed the event for The Sun, calling it "a great success" and noting that Trump, King Charles III, Prince William, and Princess Kate displayed signs of "matching and mirroring." He said their body language was "congruent and consistent with a group of people that have mutual deep respect and rapport for each other."

 BREAKING: President Trump and Melania Trump make history, are transported with King Charles and Queen Camille to Windsor Castle as the Star Spangled Banner plays



President Trump is the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for 2 state visits by a British pic.twitter.com/2Tcv3HLO3m  Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 17, 2025

A Meeting Marked by Warmth

Outside Victoria House, Prince William and Princess Kate welcomed Trump and First Lady Melania. After the short walk through the courtyard, they met Charles and Queen Camilla. According to Stanton, the first meeting was an interaction involving both parties looking directly into each other's eyes, open posture with both feet directed towards each other, which are indications of engagement and respect.

He said the meeting was full of subtle, reciprocal touches. "The King touched Trump on the elbow, and vice versa," Stanton observed. Prince William also touched Trump on the arm, which was "reciprocated," a cue Stanton described as signaling connection and respect.

Prince William and Kate greeted Donald and Melania Trump on their arrival at Windsor Castle today, before a carriage procession through the grounds of the royal estate.



Follow our live coverage of the US president's UK visit here: https://t.co/jhy1v20Vhq pic.twitter.com/8zR6ls0yG3  POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) September 17, 2025

Kate, dressed in a deep primary color that Stanton said represents openness and honesty, was seen curtseying to Trump. "When we make ourselves smaller, like a bow or a curtsy, it's saying: 'I acknowledge your power, I acknowledge your seniority,'" he explained. Trump, in turn, slightly lowered his own posture to match her gesture.

Walking Ahead of the King

NEW: President Trump and first lady Melania participate in a royal ceremony with King Charles and Queen Camilla. pic.twitter.com/bKVKtEwdGJ  Fox News (@FoxNews) September 17, 2025

One of the most talked-about moments was the incident that occurred when Trump was seen walking ahead of King Charles as they passed between the Guards of Honor.

Stanton dismissed the criticism as overblown. "Trump's a big man, about 6ft4in, he's got a big stride. Sometimes it would look more odd for him to start taking half paces," he said, noting that the body language between the two men remained relaxed and positive.

Trump in the UK: walks ahead of King Charles, breaking tradition. Because of course he does. pic.twitter.com/A6PVSm3wdj  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 17, 2025

The ceremonial welcome included the largest-ever Guard of Honour for such an event, with 1,300 members of the British military and 120 horses participating. A royal salute was fired from six World War I-era guns both at Windsor and the Tower of London.

Trump appeared pleased as he inspected the guard, thanking the commanding officer four times. Afterward, he and Charles shared a carriage ride through the Windsor estate, engaging in what observers described as animated conversation.

Consistency and Connection

Stanton emphasized that the event was defined by mutual respect rather than forced formality. "When you get a group of people and their body language is not consistent, it means there is little or no respect or connection," he said. "But in the clips that I've seen, everybody's consistent in their sharing of each other's behaviors, which means they genuinely want to be there."

King Charles III: "Allow me to propose a toast to President Trump and the First Lady  and to the health, prosperity, and happiness of the people of the United States of America."  pic.twitter.com/Hl95b2vS8e  FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) September 17, 2025

Melania and Camilla, Queen Consort, followed behind Trump and Charles, walking side by side and chatting. The day's events ended with a group photo, with all parties smiling broadly  a visual confirmation, Stanton said, of a reception that was "amiable" and harmonious.
The EU agreed on a broad emissions-cutting target on Thursday to bring to a UN conference in Brazil, sparing the bloc potential diplomatic embarrassment but risking its reputation as a climate champion.

Environment ministers for the 27-nation bloc met in Brussels with the clock ticking down on a UN deadline to produce an official pledge to fight global warming for 2035.

The countries have not been able to agree on their level of ambition, so they settled for a compromise "statement of intent" to cut emissions between 66.25 percent and 72.5 percent compared to 1990 levels.

"It's very positive that member states have been able to reach a consensus," Lars Aagaard, climate minister of Denmark, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, told a press conference.

The EU "is and will remain a global climate leader", he said.

The EU -- behind only China, the United States and India in terms of greenhouse-gas emissions -- has been by far the most committed of the major polluters to climate action.

The bloc was hoping to come up with an ambitious submission to November's COP30 climate conference but months of negotiations failed to produce an agreement, leaving Brussels scrambling for a last-minute solution.

The UN has pushed for world leaders, among them EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, to announce their commitments at the General Assembly in New York next week.

Denmark suggested a "statement of intent" with a target range rather than a hard goal backed by a detailed plan -- a majority of states eventually getting on board on Thursday after a long day of talks in Brussels.

- 'Consolation prize' -

"This statement of intent allows the EU to show up in New York with something tangible and avoid complete embarrassment," said Jens Mattias Clausen of Concito, a Danish think-tank.

Like most other parties to the 2015 Paris Agreement, the EU had already missed a February deadline to provide a 2035 emissions reduction target and a detailed blueprint for achieving it.

The deadline was extended to September -- still allowing plans to be assessed before COP30 starts on November 10, in the Brazilian city of Belem.

As the statement of intent does not count as the official EU submission, the bloc is all but sure to also miss the second deadline.

"The statement of intent is a hard-fought consolation prize," said Linda Kalcher, director of the Strategic Perspectives think tank.

The bloc was still aiming to file its official pledge ahead of COP30, said the European Council, the EU body that represents states.

The deal "allows us to confidently walk into New York next week", Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner for Climate, told reporters.

He described the target range as "ambitious" and "clearly in line with the Paris Agreement".

- Divisions -

The EU has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and says it has already cut emissions by 37 percent compared to 1990.

But climate has increasingly taken a backseat in Brussels, as global trade tensions and the war in Ukraine have shifted focus to defence and industry.

Thomas Gelin of Greenpeace said Thursday's compromise showed the bloc was "abdicating the role of climate leader".

"The EU is more concerned with making the continent 'competitive' than keeping it liveable," he said.

The deal reflects discord among the 27 over the bloc's green agenda.

Denmark and Spain are among countries pushing for Brussels to stick to a related European Commission proposal to cut emissions by 90 percent by 2040 on the way to net-zero a decade later.

But others, like Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland, think it over-ambitious and detrimental to industry.

"Our analysis shows we can do at great expense, 83 percent of reductions by 2040," Polish climate official Krzysztof Bolesta said ahead of the talks, adding his government wanted an exemption for defence production.

France, which is suffering from shaky finances and a prolonged political crisis, wants more clarity on the investment framework to support decarbonisation before committing.

Last week Paris and Berlin called for a decision on 2040 targets to be discussed at a leaders' summit in October -- effectively pushing back a decision that the commission had hoped could have been reached Thursday.

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The Russell Smith Courthouse, the Missoula Division of the U.S. District Court of Montana. (Photo by Micah Drew)

MISSOULA  What do you want me to do? U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen asked the legal team behind 22 youth suing the Trump administration over a series of actions aimed at unleashing the fossil fuel industry.

The lawsuit, Lighthiser v. Trump, was filed in Montanas federal district court in May and seeks to overturn a series of executive orders the youth argue will make climate change  and related crises such as extreme wildfires  worse.

The federal government, joined by a coalition of 19 states and territories led by Montana, seek the cases dismissal.

But Christensen, during a hearing Wednesday in Missoulas federal courthouse, seemed skeptical of the remedy as he quizzed a lawyer for the youth about rolling back the three executive orders.

The lawsuit seeks to overturn Trump Executive Orders 14154, Unleashing American Energy, 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency, and 14261, Reinvigorating Americas Beautiful Clean Coal Industry, but the ask appears to be anything but simple.

Over the last seven months, federal agencies have rescinded funding from climate science initiatives, pushed to open more land to oil and gas leasing, and halted renewable energy projects. Some of the actions have directly cited their compliance with the executive orders, while others align with the new administrations policy agenda more broadly.

If I enjoin these orders, and these defendants enact policies favoring fossil fuels regardless of my enjoining the executive orders, what do I do then? Christensen asked Julia Olsen, lead counsel for the plaintiffs on the second day of hearings. Many things done by these agencies  appear to be derived from or based on these orders.  Do you want me to enjoin these agency actions as well?

Olsen said the goal was to revert the country to a status quo that existed on January 19, the day before Trump signed the three orders.

The entire body of conduct should be enjoined, she said. Because its unconstitutional a  and is causing irreparable harm to these plaintiffs.

Christensen appeared skeptical of that plan, which he said could amount to him having to review every energy-related policy and action taken by numerous government agencies until the expiration of our collective lifetimes.

Attorneys for the federal and state governments agreed, saying the court was essentially being asked to set national energy policy  a clear overreach.

Its unprecedented, federal attorney Michael Sawyer said. There is no basis in law for stepping in and going back to January 19th.

In addition, he said an injunction would irreparably harm the United States and essentially force the district court into overseeing the actions of at least 13 federal agencies, with the plaintiffs lawyers returning to court every time they dispute an energy permit or federal rule.

They basically get to become the masters of the courts injunction, Sawyer said.

Sawyer argued the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the lawsuit, in part because there is no meaningful action the court can take to immediately offer relief to the alleged harms related to climate change, including wildfire smoke and extreme weather events like heat waves.

He also said challenging such a broad, sweeping policy order was the incorrect way to seek a change. Instead, he said the plaintiffs should challenge actual agency actions, such as a permitting decision over coal lease or a change to a specific rule.

This is thousands of lawsuits packed into one, Sawyer said. Theres been hundreds of different permitting decisions by the Department of the Interior  they want the court to jump in and issue one ruling to stop them all.

Sawyer sought to tie the Lighthiser arguments to another youth-led climate lawsuit, Juliana v. United States. That case was ultimately dismissed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals after years of litigation due to a lack of standing issue.

But Olsen argued they were fundamentally different, because the current case is not asking the government to address decades of actions with a plan of action, but merely stop three executive orders.

A constant reminder of the climate crisis

Over the two-day hearing, the court heard from five youth plaintiffs and a series of expert witnesses who spoke about climate science, energy policy and the health effects of climate change. The government didnt call any witnesses.

Isaiah Hudson, a high school senior from Missoula, was the only plaintiff to take the stand on Wednesday, where he shared his love of the outdoors and of running.

As a varsity cross country runner for his high school, Hudson said summer months are a key time to build fitness for the fall season.

But when wildfires burning across the west fill the Missoula valley with smoke, hes had to miss days, and even weeks, of training.

I cant exercise. I cant go outside as often, and that impacts my mental health a lot, Hudson said. And its a constant reminder of the climate crisis were facing.

Lori Byron, a retired pediatrician, testified about the increased harm children face from environmental factors exacerbated by climate change including from extreme heat and breathing particulate matter with still-developing lungs.

Adding just one part per billion of pollution into the air mixture increases the risk of mortality, she said. There are grave risks to these plaintiffs and other children by the concept of unleashing more fossil fuels.

The court also heard from Nicole Hughes, the executive director of a renewable energy nonprofit who talked about the number of wind energy programs that had been halted after Trump took office, including the Lava Ridge Wind project in Idaho, stopped in one of the executive orders.

The government lawyers pushed back against some of Hughes testimony by pointing out that wind  and solar  energy are not mentioned in any of the three challenged orders, and Trump had issued an entirely separate memorandum on wind energy, which the plaintiffs arent trying to overturn.

That memo has been challenged in a Massachusetts court, and Sawyer said the Lighthiser plaintiffs had every opportunity to go to that court and be part of that litigation.

Instead, he said, theyre trying to assert their own policy preferences over every energy-related proposal by the administration.

A last witness called by the plaintiffs laid the groundwork that Trumps orders to bolster the fossil fuel industry had no economic justification, as renewable sources such as solar and wind are cheaper than fossil fuels such as coal.

Geoffrey Heal, a professor emeritus at Columbia University in business and international and public affairs, said it was baffling to say the executive orders would strengthen trade and national security, as Trump and his lawyers argued, and that America was not in the midst of an energy emergency.

He compared the current state of affairs, where the county is relatively energy sufficient, with the 1970s, when wars in the middle east led to an oil shortage.

There were gas stations with no gasoline, airports with no jet fuel, fights were breaking out, Heal said. That, unambiguously, amounted to an energy emergency.

Christensen gave no indication of how long it would take for him to rule on the two motions.
Agriculture is a critical industry in Ohio, and producers work hard every day to provide food, fuel and fiber. Alongside this work comes the responsibility of being good stewards of the land and water. Even when producers follow best management practices, there can still be unintended effects on the environment.

Dust from fieldwork, runoff from heavy rains or odor from livestock operations are realities of production agriculture. While steps can be taken to reduce these impacts, eliminating them completely is often difficult, especially in the case of odor, which is essentially impossible to remove entirely.

Recognizing these challenges, Ohios legislature has provided farmers with a legal tool called affirmative defense. This provision is designed to protect agricultural producers when they are following recognized conservation and management practices but still face claims of causing environmental harm.

Affirmative defense is a legal argument that, if found credible in a court of law, can negate criminal or civil liability. In simple terms, it does not stop someone from filing a lawsuit or complaint against you, but it can serve as your defense if a case goes to court. For agricultural producers, this means that if you can demonstrate you are managing your operation in accordance with an approved plan and meeting outlined standards, you may be shielded from liability.

To use affirmative defense, a producer must have more than just good intentions  they must have a documented management plan and proof they are following it. Two common examples include the following:

Nutrient management plan

A nutrient management plan is a plan that outlines how nutrients such as commercial fertilizer will be applied to fields to maximize crop use and minimize environmental impacts.

Comprehensive nutrient management plan

A comprehensive nutrient management plan is a more detailed plan that incorporates not just commercial fertilizer use, but also livestock waste handling, storage and land application, along with practices for soil conservation and water quality protection.

In addition to having a plan, the producer must be able to demonstrate the plan is being actively followed, all legal requirements related to nutrient or manure application are being met and the practices in the plan apply directly to the claim being made.

If these conditions are met, the court may find the affirmative defense argument credible, protecting the producer from liability.

Having a plan in place not only strengthens your position if a legal claim arises, but it also helps improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of your operation. Well-designed NMPs and CNMPs reduce waste, improve soil health and protect water resources. In many cases, they can also lead to cost savings by helping you make better use of nutrients you already have on the farm.

Developing these plans can seem like a large task, but you dont have to do it alone. Your local soil and water conservation district, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and OSU Extension are here to help. These agencies can provide technical expertise, tools and in some cases, cost-share opportunities to assist in developing and implementing your plan. Whether you need a basic NMP or a comprehensive CNMP, working with SWCD and NRCS staff ensures that your plan meets state and federal standards and provides you with the documentation needed to use affirmative defense if necessary.

Affirmative defense is not a free pass  it requires careful planning, consistent implementation and proof that you are following your plan.

However, it can be an important safeguard for agricultural producers who are making every effort to operate responsibly and legally.

If you would like more information on affirmative defense, or if you would like assistance in developing your own nutrient management plan, contact your local soil and water conservation district office. Taking these proactive steps today can help protect your farm tomorrow.
It seems that everyone is listening to podcasts these days, and it really doesnt surprise me since there are over 115,000 English-speaking productions crowding the airwaves. Some are there to inform, others to entertain, while too many like to stir the political and social pot. I stay away from the latter completely and prefer the much friendlier sites which involve my hobbies and interests.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife launched the new WildOhio Podcast earlier this year. Its produced by the Division of Wildlife and hosts experts from across the state on all things hunting, fishing and more.

Regardless of the topic, you need knowledgeable people manning the mics. They need an outgoing and friendly personality, a broad knowledge of the subjects, a sense of timing and the ability to ask the right questions. Many of these traits need to come naturally, but experience hones these skills like a whetstone sharpens a fillet knife.

While many listeners may be familiar with names theyve read in Wild Ohio magazine, Ohio Outdoor News, Farm and Dairy or from columns in many other newspapers and magazines, the podcast gives you the opportunity to connect a voice and a face to the information. Lets meet the WildOhio Podcast personalities.

Jordan Phillips

Phillips began his career with the Division of Wildlife in 2013 at the Hebron State Fish Hatchery. In 2014, he was hired as the outdoor skills specialist for District 1 (Columbus). In 2022, he accepted the R3/outdoor skills program administrator role at the wildlife headquarters in Columbus. He enjoys hunting, trapping, fishing and shooting sports. These activities have taken him to many remote and wild places across the nation and around the world.

Abby Rhodebeck

Rhodebeck was as an intern with the divisions outdoor skills section where she worked in wildlife education. She left to do an 8.5-year stint at Recreation Equipment Inc. as its outdoor program and outreach market coordinator. In 2021, she rejoined the division as the marketing coordinator. She has a bachelors in human dimensions of natural resources from the Ohio State School of Environment and Natural Resources and an masters in public policy and management from the John Glenn School of Public Affairs. Rhodebeck has a lifelong passion for the outdoors and connecting people to them. She grew up in parks, visiting Lake Erie and traipsing around her grandparents farm. She didnt grow up hunting, but is now dipping her toes in the activity.

John Coffman

Coffman serves as the Fayette County Wildlife Officer. Before entering the Wildlife Officer Cadet Academy in 2009, he was a seasonal worker at Wolf Creek and Fallsville Wildlife Areas. Growing up in Waynesville, he loves doing all things hunting, fishing and trapping and continues with that passion for conservation in his job and is passing that love onto his children. He earned a degree in Wildlife Management from Hocking College in 2008.

I had the opportunity to interview the interviewers to get a little insight about the WildOhio Podcast  sort of an insiders look at how the deer sausage is made.

Q. The new podcast was kicked off earlier this year. Bet it wasnt too hard to get the chief on board for its inaugural first show. Who instigated putting together the podcast?

A. It was a collaborative vision that Chief Kendra Wecker allowed to become a reality! With the change in how many people get their information now, we wanted to continue to be relevant and ensure that we were reaching new audiences to highlight all the great work our staff does across the state.



Q. While being implemented, choosing the right personalities for the show had to be done carefully, and those chosen had to not only be willing but eager to grab the ring. How were each of you approached and was it a difficult decision to jump on board?

John: I have a reputation for being a bit of a talker. It was a no hesitation decision for me. Some of my favorite events are shows and expos where we get to talk to constituents one-on-one. I saw this as a way listeners could feel like they are getting that experience anytime they listen.

Jordan: I was eager to be part of this collaboration from the first initial planning sessions. We have so many well-spoken, educated and driven staff; it was rather simple to find some different personalities to gain insight on different perspectives.



Q. Choosing the right guests has to be a bit of a challenge. I once co-hosted a weekly hour-long radio program and learned the right guest can be a challenge at times. Have you had any that became mic shy?

A. Great question. Wildlife staff are a passionate group of folks. They love talking about their careers because they care about Ohios resources. After we get past the headset comfort and mic-stand height its just a conversation amongst dedicated coworkers.



Q. How and who chooses the guests and topics? Is there a producer for the show that hides like Oz behind the curtain?

A. We dont have an official producer at this time, but we do have a dedicated engineer and two videographers making it sound and look good.



Q. The podcast certainly has to add to your daily workload, something that others dont have on their work plate. I know from experience that this can become concerning if you dont have agency buy-in. With Chief Weckers background, Im sure she is very supportive. Are you finding this true across the board?

A. Chief Wecker is beyond supportive, shes excited about the podcast. We have been getting support from staff at all levels. We have great staff who care about the Divisions mission for Ohioans, so it makes it easy to take on the challenge of a new project. The agency buy-in is there. Wildlife staff are promoting the podcast and pitching ideas to the team as well.



Q. How and who chooses the topics that you will be covering? Do the three of you have input?

Luckily there are more than just our three minds working on the podcast. We have a great team putting together our topics and guests. Everyone brings their own experience, talents and ideas to the table. We want to cover things that peak interest in our listeners. We hope listeners discover new things about Ohios wildlife and more about the things they already knew.



Q. Has any consideration been made of interviewing a member(s) of the Ohio Wildlife Council or other outside of the agency constituents?

A. Absolutely! We are working hard to line up topics and guests that highlight all facets of Ohios wildlife and habitat. It will be exciting to hear about our partnerships across the state with other agencies, conservation partners, volunteers and constituents.



Q. Do other states wildlife agencies offer podcasts? Do any other divisions inside ODNR offer a podcast?

A. Several states have podcasts  Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Michigan to name a few close to home. They are great resources for their residents and anyone looking to recreate in a new state. As of today, The Division of Wildlife is the only Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division with a podcast, but the future is an exciting place.



Q. Abby, you have experience and training in natural-resource-related marketing. Sometimes we (sportsmen) and even some employees dont understand that the division is promoting a business model. We encourage wise conservation measures, promote consumptive and non-consumptive activities and sell licenses and permits to pay for research, enforcement, land purchasing and so much more. How do you see the podcast fitting into this?

A. Podcasts are a popular and efficient way to reach new and existing audiences. They provide an easy and accessible way for listeners to learn from the experts about what the Division of Wildlife does and why. The podcast allows us to share timely updates, educate the public and promote participation in ways that build relationships with all who listen. 42% of Americans have listened to a podcast in the past month and an average weekly US podcast listener listens to 8 episodes.



Q. John, As the Fayette County Wildlife Officer, you often deal with those that break the law either through ignorance or by purpose. How do you see the podcast impacting a wildlife officers job?

A. I think its a great tool to educate the public on what our laws are but more importantly the meanings behind the laws. Most folks arent breaking the law on purpose. A lot of the time, a better understanding and appreciation could have helped someones decisions. I see people have Ah-ha moments all the time when we take the time to really dig into why a law is the way it is. I hope diving into the whys can increase compliancy and support for lawful and ethical pursuits.



Q. Jordan, Youre the R3 coordinator for the division. Briefly, what is R3 and how do you hope that the podcast will impact that area of concern?

A. R3  Recruitment, retention, reactivation  is about gaining new interest in the outdoors, keeping our current customers informed and educated to try new pursuits of game and re-engaging those hunters and anglers that have fallen to the wayside whether from busy schedules or lack of confidence when taking to the field. The podcast allows us to inform all three of these groups and help everyone, regardless of where they are in their pursuit for the great outdoors.



Q. I believe youve completed eight programs thus far. Is this a monthly effort?

A. The goal is to get episodes out to highlight upcoming events, like our Wildlife Officer Hiring episode and seasonal opportunities for constituents. We have had to move some things around this first year, but we are focusing on creating a quality product for our listeners.



Q. Is there anyway the public can contact those in charge of the podcast with topic suggestions or comments?

A. Yes, suggestions or comments can be made at: wildlife.podcast@dnr.ohio.gov which can be found on our podcast webpage at wildohio/podcast@dnr.ohio.gov

I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if Im going to learn, I must do it by listening.

 Larry King
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Hunters in Ohio have additional dates this season to pursue white-tailed deer in the Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance area, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

For the 2025-26 hunting season, the disease surveillance area includes all of Hardin, Marion and Wyandot counties; Auglaize, Bath, Jackson, Monroe, Perry and Richland townships in Allen County; Bucyrus, Dallas, and Tod townships in Crawford County; Marlboro, Oxford and Troy townships in Delaware County; Delaware and Madison townships in Hancock County; Westfield Township in Morrow County, and Claibourne and Jackson townships in Union County.

The Division of Wildlife established earlier hunting seasons within the disease surveillance area to slow the spread of CWD by reducing deer numbers before the breeding season. Archery hunting season begins Sept. 13. An early gun hunting season is open from Oct. 11 to Oct. 13.

Since the fall of 2020, 73 wild deer in Ohio have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease, all in Allen, Hardin, Marion, Morrow and Wyandot counties (two in Allen, four in Hardin, 14 in Marion, one in Morrow and 52 in Wyandot).

Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal brain disease that affects members of the deer family, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose and caribou. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no strong evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans.

Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and deer permit to hunt, unless exempted. In the disease surveillance area, deer management permits and either-sex deer permits are valid starting Sept. 13. Deer management permits can be used to hunt antlerless deer only and are valid on both public hunting areas and on private land until the end of the bonus deer gun hunting weekend Dec. 21. Check the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.

CWD sampling is required for all deer harvested in the disease surveillance area from Oct. 11-12 and Dec. 1-2. Staffed locations will be available during the mandatory sampling days at Big Island Wildlife Area Headquarters, 5389 Larue-Prospect Road West, New Bloomington, Ohio; Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area Headquarters, 19100 County Highway 115, Harpster, Ohio; Wyandot County Fairgrounds, 10171 State Route 53, Upper Sandusky, Ohio; Rural King, 233 American Blvd., Marion, Ohio; Hardin County Fairgrounds, 14134 County Road 140, Kenton, Ohio; Hog Creek Game Club, 11851 Stemple Road, Ada, Ohio, and Delaware Wildlife Area Shooting Range, 1110 State Route 229, Ashley, Ohio.

Participation in testing is voluntary, except for the four mandatory days noted above. Hunters both inside and outside the surveillance area can drop their deer off at self-serve kiosks for testing throughout the deer season. A complete list of kiosk locations is available at ohiodnr.gov/cwd. Instructions for sample submission will be provided at the kiosk. Successful hunters are not required to surrender their deer.

Outside the disease surveillance area, any hunter who wishes to have a deer tested may submit their deer for testing at a kiosk or contact the Division of Wildlifes CWD Hotline at 419-429-8322. Hunters may also test a harvested deer at the Ohio Department of Agricultures Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for a fee. Call 614-728-6220 for more information.

In addition to mandatory testing, additional regulations apply within the disease surveillance area. The placement of or use of bait (salt, minerals or any food) to attract or feed deer, as well as the hunting of deer by the aid of bait, is prohibited. Normal agricultural activities, including feeding of domestic animals, as well as hunting deer over food plots, naturally occurring or cultivated plants and agricultural crops are not prohibited. The removal of a complete carcass or high-risk parts from the disease surveillance area is prohibited unless the carcass complies with deer carcass regulations or the carcass is delivered to a certified taxidermist or processor within 24 hours of leaving the area. The proper handling of carcasses, trims and parts dramatically decreases the risk of spreading disease. Hunters should properly dispose of deer carcasses by double-bagging all high-risk parts (brain, spinal cord, eyes and lymphoid tissue) and setting them out with their household garbage for trash pickup, when permitted by waste disposal facilities. Those without trash pickup can double-bag the carcass and take it to a municipal solid waste landfill or bury the carcass at least 3 feet deep on the property of harvest. The Division of Wildlife provides dumpsters in the disease surveillance area for proper carcass disposal.

Additional information on carcass regulations, carcass disposal locations and a complete list of certified processors and taxidermists can be found at ohiodnr.gov/cwd.

The Division of Wildlife has conducted routine surveillance for CWD since 2002, with more than 52,000 deer tested. For more information about CWD, visit wildohio.gov, contact your county wildlife officer or call 419-429-8322.
JEROMESVILLE, Ohio  On Aug. 8, the 2025-2026 Hillsdale FFA officer team assisted with the annual first-grade supplies drive. Chapter Vice President Emma Linder and reporter Aurora Martin took the lead in gathering essential materials for the first graders, collecting 150 boxes of Crayola crayons, 75 scissors, 75 boxes of Crayola markers, 150 Elmers glue sticks, 150 Expo dry-erase markers and 100 wooden pencils. This generous contribution not only equipped students with the necessary supplies to kick off their school year but also fostered a spirit of community and support within the chapter.



MILLERSBURG, Ohio  On Aug. 25, West Holmes FFA held its annual parent and member year opening meeting at the Ogi pond, sharing hot dogs, chips and pop. The regular meeting was brought to order by President Madison Ringwalt. After conducting opening ceremonies and officer reports, they went on to new business. At the meeting, members approved funding FFA jackets for freshmen who recite the creed, a gift card for the top fall sale seller and developing apparel ideas. They set the September meeting with meal costs covered, agreed to participate in all contests and scheduled fall sales of BBQ sauce, nuts and apparel. Members approved community service projects, expenses for the August meeting and sending members to Greenhand Camp, the fifth-grade farm tour and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District showcase tour. Incentives were approved for BBQ sauce sales along with sponsoring a farm safety poster contest and sending sophomores to soils contests. A motion for all members to jump into the pond failed.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio  On Aug. 25, members of West Holmes FFA participated in an Adopt a Highway clean up before their August meeting. Members walked the sides of the road, picking up trash. The portion of the road adopted by the chapter is State Route 39, one mile on each side of the high school. Participants were Wyatt Troyer, Jocelyn Onley, Mia Spencer, Madison Mittman, Timmy Mittman, Ellectra Beachy, Madison Ringwalt, Jackson Baker, Cadence Martie, Jensen Lorentz, Emma McDonnell, Rayne Larimore, Andrew Weaver, Makenzie Mast, Shane Lorentz, Courtney Crider, Tori Bell, Reece Anderson, Jenna Zimmerly, Deacon Clemons, Harlie Curry, Jack Jewell, Easton Uhl, Clayton Beckett and Ali Mash.
WATERFORD, Pa.  From potatoes to chips, the Troyer family has been growing and serving potato products for decades. But now, the family has set their sights on a new potato market: organic French fries.

Brothers Zack Troyer and Colt Troyer broke ground on Folkland Foods French fry factory in late 2024, with production starting in April. The Troyers are now preparing for the nationwide launch of Folkland Foods French Fries, set for Sept. 15.

The goal for the third-generation potato farmers is to produce a quality product with simple ingredients and full transparency.

People want that connection to food, and so for us, we wanted to show that whole story of the farm, the entire process, where the foods actually coming from, said Colt Troyer, third-generation potato farmer and co-founder of Folkland Foods.

Troyer family history

The Troyer Family Farm dates back to the late 1930s when Zack and Colts grandfather, Clifford Troyer, and his brothers started growing potatoes on a few acres in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Back then, there was some mechanization, but everything was hand-bagged in the field in burlap bags and loaded onto trucks, Zack said, co-founder of Folkland Foods.

Clifford and his brothers founded the Troyers potato chip business, called Troyer Farms, in the early 1960s, which built up the familys well-loved regional brand, Zack said. Thats where everything else grew out of it.

Through the potato chip brand, Troyer Growers, a subsidiary of Troyer Farms, was created to manage the farmland and growing side of the business. The farm would also expand to 800 acres by the late 1990s; Zack and Colts father, Mark Troyer, took over operations on the farm in the mid-90s.

But in 2009, Troyer Growers would be all that was left of the business after the potato company was sold off, unable to compete with the larger potato chip brands. This, however, would not stop the family from continuing with its potato-growing roots.

Troyer brothers

Zack and Colt started working on the farm from a young age and always knew they wanted to grow the business together.

The Troyer Farms potato chip business got sold when we were pretty young, we never really got work in it. So, weve always had a chip on our shoulder, Zack said. We really wanted to do it again and build something like our grandfather did.

Zack graduated from Penn State University in 2016 with a degree in plant science and took several jobs as an agronomist and farm manager, including on a CBD farm in Oregon.

While in Oregon, Colt stayed with Zack for a few months. There, they first started experimenting with growing organic potatoes on 10 acres, hand-planting and harvesting the potatoes and even building a potato storage unit in Zacks garage.

The brothers sold the organic potatoes to local grocery stores in the area. But this stint wouldnt last long, as Colt and Zack felt pulled back to their roots in Erie. Colt moved back to Erie in 2021 and graduated from Penn State with a degree in finance in 2022.

Zack moved back home in September 2022, and shortly after, he and Colt took over operations at Troyer Growers from their dad. The duo decided to produce organic French fries after seeing what they called a gap in the market on the East Coast.

If you go to the grocery store and look for organic French fries, youre likely not going to find them. Theres only one brand, and its by a really large company, Zack said. We think there are more people out there who would buy them for their kids and for themselves if they were available.

Going organic

Before they could produce organic French fries, though, the brothers had to transition 1,500 acres of farmland to organic production  a long-time goal for Colt and Zack, who had been spraying conventional potatoes with pesticides for decades.

We didnt want to be around that our entire lives, and we didnt want to make our employees be around that their entire lives either, Colt said, about their reasons for switching to organic.

The transition to certified organic is a lengthy process as the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program standards require land to be managed without prohibited substances for a continuous three-year period.

Their father, Mark, started transitioning some of the land in 2018. They achieved 70 acres of certified organic land last year and hit 140 acres this year. By next year, they will have converted 500 more acres of potatoes to certified organic production.

Folkland Foods French fries

Folkland Foods broke ground on its French fry factory in August 2024 and started producing French fries this past spring. The French fries come in three different flavors: Himalayan salt, Cajun and rosemary garlic.

In addition to being organic, Zack and Colt went to great lengths to ensure the fries were made using simple ingredients. This includes frying them in olive oil and using apple cider as a natural preservative.

Its all ingredients youd find in your own kitchen, Zack said. Its still a French fry, but it is substantially healthier than whats out there today.

Now that production is up and running, Folkland Foods French Fries is looking to expand. Currently, the fries can be found in Giant Eagle stores across western Pennsylvania. But on Sept. 15, the company will be launching its fries nationally through Sprouts grocery stores and in Giant, an eastern Pennsylvania chain of grocery stores, on Sept. 22.

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The company will begin producing tater tots later this year, too. As the brothers look to keep the momentum going, they hope to get more organic potato farmers in the region involved with Folkland Foods.

Since the potato chip business, the Troyer family has prioritized sourcing potatoes from other farmers. This tradition has carried into the business today, with currently five contract growers supplying Folkland Foods with organic potatoes.

Zack and Colt are encouraging more farmers to grow organic potatoes because, to them, its about sharing the wealth, not hoarding it.

We watched a lot of other farms disappear in our county and in our area over our lifetimes. Im not very old and Ive seen a lot disappear. We think it is a bad direction for the world to go, Colt said. We dont want to be one thats gobbling up acres and taking market share for ourselves. For us, it is way more important to give an opportunity to other growers than for us to do it all ourselves.

If you are interested in growing organic potatoes for Folkland Foods, contact hello@folklandfoods.com. For more information, visit https://folklandfoods.com/.

(Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.)
MPs have branded the governments failure to step in over the closure of one of Britains biggest bioethanol plants disappointing, in a report that backs NFU calls for urgent support for domestic production.

The Commons Business and Trade Committee said ministers should have acted to prevent the collapse of the Vivergo facility near Hull, which shut after the UK granted the US access to 1.4 billion litres of the domestic market under a recent trade deal.

The committee warned that the loss of Vivergo, once one of Europes largest bioethanol producers and a key buyer of wheat produced in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, has reduced UK capacity to manufacture renewable fuel and damaged industries that relied on its valuable by-products.

Alongside bioethanol, the plant produced carbon dioxide for food and drink processing and animal feed for the livestock sector.

Farm leaders argue that the closure represents more than a regional economic blow, undermining the resilience of national supply chains.

With imports now filling the gap, concerns are mounting over energy security, environmental commitments, and support for British farmers who previously supplied the plant.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said he wholly agreed with the committees call for measures to safeguard domestic bioethanol production.

He warned that agriculture had already borne the brunt of trade concessions and could not be expected to give more.

We have already done our bit, paying with a tariff imbalance in the reciprocal beef deal and the undermining of our ethanol markets to reduce tariffs on cars, aluminium and steel, Bradshaw said. UK agriculture has nothing more to give without risking its own future.

The NFU has consistently argued that while further negotiations on tariffs may be necessary, agriculture should be excluded from any future compromises.

The committees report also recommended that substantial trade commitments made by the government be subject to parliamentary scrutiny, a move welcomed by the union.

Farming groups have long pressed for greater transparency and accountability in trade policymaking, warning that unchecked deals risk undermining the industries that underpin food security and rural economies.
Family farms across Scotland could face ruin if the UK government presses ahead with inheritance tax reforms, NFU Scotland has warned.

In a formal submission to HMRCs consultation on the Draft Finance Bill, the union condemned proposed changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), describing them as severe and far-reaching.

The government plans to impose a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets valued over 1 million  half the standard rate  from April 2026.

Jonnie Hall, director of policy at NFU Scotland, said the reforms would do more harm than good. The government claims its reforms are about fairness and sustainability, but the reality is quite different, he argued.

These changes, even before implementation, are creating uncertainty and fear across our industry. They pose a serious threat to the continuity of family-run farm businesses and will undermine domestic food production and the future of our rural communities.

The unions response disputes the governments assertion that the measures are fair or effectively targeted. It cites analysis from the Centre for the Analysis of Taxation (CenTax), which found that more than half of farmsboth owner-occupiers and tenants would be hit with higher tax bills, compared with just one-fifth of non-farming landowners.

According to the same study, family-run farms would bear the brunt of the proposals, while diversified estates and landowners with only peripheral agricultural activity would escape the worst impacts.

Alarmingly, some 70 estates a year would be unable to cover their inheritance tax liabilities even after selling non-farm assets.

NFU Scotland has welcomed the CenTax reports alternative suggestions, which it believes would raise equal or greater revenue while safeguarding family farms.

Among the options put forward are a Minimum Share Rule to shield genuine farming businesses, and an Upper Limit on Relief to cap the value of assets eligible for full relief. A combined approach, CenTax argues, could deliver nearly twice the Treasurys projected returns without endangering farming livelihoods.

The union has also condemned the proposed introduction date of April 2026, labelling it unrealistic and damaging. It instead supports the House of Commons EFRA Committees recommendation to delay the reforms until 2027.

NFU Scotland further highlighted gaps in the governments proposals, warning of damaging consequences for Scottish agricultural tenancies, food security, and farmers mental health.

The union accused ministers of being out of touch with recent global realities by claiming that inheritance tax changes would not affect food availability.

Hall added that succession planning is already under strain, with uncertainty fuelling anxiety among older farmers and their families.

Were not arguing against reform  were arguing for smart, fair, and workable reform, he stressed. There are better ways to raise tax revenue without undermining an industry that is vital to Scotlands economy, communities, and national food security.

"If implemented as drafted, these proposals risk dismantling generational businesses and driving investment out of rural areas."
Farmers must not be forced to choose between tackling climate change and producing food, NFU Scotland has warned, as it welcomed a new report on the scale of investment needed to achieve net zero.

The Scottish Fiscal Commissions latest assessment of climate change and fiscal sustainability was described by the union as a crucial step in acknowledging the financial reality of Scotlands climate goals.

The report, it said, highlights both the fiscal challenges of funding climate action and the fact that farmers are already providing solutions  from improving production efficiency to cutting emissions, to locking up carbon through soil management, peatland restoration, and woodland creation.

NFUS Vice-President Duncan Macalister said the analysis demonstrates the enormity of the net zero challenge, but also the need for fairness.

He warned that Scotland cannot reach its climate targets by placing a disproportionate burden on farming and food production without the significant financial backing required.

While stressing that agriculture is central to the solution, Macalister cautioned that climate targets must not come at the expense of high-quality food production, which underpins Scotlands food and drink industry and sustains rural communities.

The union emphasised that a just transition must balance environmental objectives with food security. Without long-term clarity, reliable funding, and regulations that are both practical and workable, NFU Scotland argued that the scale of change expected from farmers and crofters will be impossible to deliver.

To ensure climate goals are met without undermining food supply, NFU Scotland has set out a series of priorities. These include clear, multi-annual funding commitments to give farms and crofts the certainty they need to invest, as well as formal recognition of agricultures vital role in reducing emissions and capturing carbon.

The union insists that regulation must be fair, proportionate, and reflective of Scotlands diverse farming systems. Crucially, future policies should be designed to strengthen food production, not weaken it, while still meeting environmental targets.

Macalister underlined that producers are willing to step up further, but cannot shoulder the costs alone. Scotlands farmers and crofters are ready to do more, but they cannot carry the cost of transition alone.

"With fair funding and balanced policies, we can secure climate action that delivers for the environment, for food security, and for rural Scotland.

NFU Scotland confirmed it will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and other partners to ensure climate targets are achieved without jeopardising the future of farming, crofting, and the many benefits they bring to the country.
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Today marks a special day for one of Indian cinema's most powerful actresses, Shabana Azmi, who celebrates her 75th birthday. It's a perfect time to look back at one of her most memorable moments: her Lifetime Achievement Award at the 51st Filmfare Awards.

The year was 2006 when Shabana Azmi received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. It wasn't just an award, but it was a celebration of a career that had redefined acting in Bollywood. Her speech was heartfelt and honest, a moment where she spoke about her journey and the people who supported her. It was a beautiful moment that showed how much she meant to the film industry and her fans.





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Shabana Azmi's legacy goes far beyond just one award. She has been a legend, consistently choosing roles that were strong, real, and different from the usual. She is known for her work in what is called parallel cinema or art-house films, where she brought to life complex female characters that audiences had never seen before. Her debut film, Ankur (1974), showed her immense talent, and she went on to win four more National Film Awards for Best Actress for her work in films like Arth (1982), Khandhar (1984), and Paar (1984). In Arth, she played a woman who finds strength and independence after her husband leaves her, a role that was inspiring for many. She also showed her versatility in commercial cinema, proving she could do it all. Her work has always challenged what a heroine can be on screen, from a vulnerable village woman to a fierce activist.

Her work isn't limited to just films. She is also a dedicated social activist, fighting for the rights of women and the underprivileged. She uses her voice and position to bring attention to important causes, making her a true role model both on and off screen.

We gear up for more such iconic moments of stars being honoured for their performance and contribution to Indian cinema, as the 70th Filmfare Awards is all set to give us a star-studded night at Ahmedabad on October 11, 2025.





Also Read: Shekhar Kapur Talks About Shabana Azmi, Bandit Queen & His Time In Hollywood | In The Ring | Trailer








A throwback video from the 54th Filmfare Awards shows a playful moment between Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. In the clip, Ranbir is seen on stage getting a bit flirty with Katrina, who is in the audience. He performs a little dance and then sings a few lines from the song, Tu Meri Dost Hai. He then cheekily asks if the "dost," referring to Salman Khan, would mind if he sang the song for her. The light-hearted question and the playful way he says it got a big laugh from the entire audience. The video is a fun look back at a memorable night, showing the kind of candid moments that made award shows special.

The 54th Filmfare Awards, held back in 2009, was a star-studded event that celebrated the best of cinema from the previous year. Ranbir Kapoor was one of the hosts of the evening, alongside Imran Khan, and they showcased their charming stage presence throughout the night, ensuring the show was a fun experience. The awards were particularly important as they also honoured some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of the time, including Jodhaa Akbar, Rock On!!, and Fashion. The night was filled with performances by top stars and emotional acceptance speeches, but it's these throwback moments of natural chemistry between celebrities that often remain fresh in the minds of the fans.





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On the work front, Ranbir is now preparing for his highly anticipated film, Love & War, which is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film will also star his wife, Alia Bhatt, and actor Vicky Kaushal, making it one of the most awaited releases in the next years. Meanwhile, Katrina was last seen in the 2024 film Merry Christmas, a thriller that saw her share the screen with Vijay Sethupathi. The film received positive reviews for its unique storyline and the performances of its lead pair.





With the 70th Filmfare Awards set to take place on October 11 in Ahmedabad, fans can expect more spontaneous and memorable moments to be created, with a plethora of stars to attend the event.





Also Read: When Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaifs playful chemistry lit up the 54th Filmfare Awards




Chiranjeevi in Vishwambhara

Nagarjuna poised for 100th film

Nagarjuna 100th film

Nag continues to experiment

For all the celebrations at Annapurna Studios (Nagarjuna Akkinenis home production), work goes on as per schedule. At a time when everyone is gearing up for the actors landmark film (100th film), we have an interesting update. According to sources, Megastar Chiranjeevi may grace the pooja ceremony of Nagarjunas 100th film. Buzz is that the grand ceremony will be held towards the end of the month, and an official announcement is expected soon.For nearly four decades, Nagarjuna has given us many reasons to love him. His cool demeanour and elegance often left many drooling, and his fanbase is just an addition to all. The superstar has been prepping up hard for his milestone film. He recently revealed that the film would be helmed by Ra Karthik leaving fans excited. A source close to the production house reveals that the landmark was actually supposed to be announced on Nagarjunas birthday (August 29), but Coolie was running in the theatres. The action drama featured Nag in the role of an antagonist, and the actor didnt want to shift focus on other projects. But now, hes all geared to announce the milestone film.Recently, Season 9 of reality show Bigg Boss (Telugu) has kicked off, and Nagarjuna is hosting the show. The actor would soon shoot simultaneously for his 100th film and the reality show. Beyond all the developments, what surprised many is Nags choice to give a chance to a relatively new director for his landmark film. While many expected the actor to go ahead with a seasoned filmmaker, Nag sprung a surprise by announcing Ra Karthiks name as director. Nagarjuna introduced several directors to the film industry including Ram Gopal Varma (with Shiva). He loves to work with debut filmmakers given their fresh ideas. And he continues the practice even for his 100th film. So, no surprises there at all.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 17, 2025) - Silver47 Exploration Corp. (TSXV: AGA) (OTCQB: AAGAF) ("Silver47" or the "Company") confirms that, as previously announced on September 4, 2025, it has engaged Sideways Frequency LLC ("SFLLC") as an arms-length, third party firm contractually retained by the Company in accordance with routine industry practices to provide investor relations services for a 12 month term.

As part of the Company's efforts towards investor awareness, SFLLC organizes and facilitates the creation and distribution of promotional material concerning the Company and its common shares traded on the OTCQB marketplace (the "Promotional Material") on behalf of the Company. On September 10, 2025, the Company became aware that SFLLC had commenced distribution of Promotional Material which discussed the Company, its business and a general assessment of, and commentary on, the broader market for silver and silver exploration globally. The Promotional Material was available via email and online via click-through of digital media ads.

The Company has editorial control over the Promotional Material for accuracy but is not directly involved in its creation or distribution, other than fact checking the final versions for accuracy. The content of the Promotional Material was taken from publicly available disclosure, including the Company's press releases, corporate presentation and financial statements. The statements made in the promotional material were not false or misleading.

The OTC Markets Group Inc ("OTC Markets") has requested the Company issue this statement regarding the Promotional Material.

The effect of the Promotional Material is impossible to judge precisely but may have led to an increase in trading volumes of the Company's common shares on the OTCQB.

After inquiring with its management, directors, officers, control persons and third-party service providers, the Company confirms that none of such parties have:

directly or indirectly been involved in any way (including payment of a third-party) with the creation, distribution, or payment of promotional materials related to the Company or its securities, except as described in this press release; or

sold or purchased the Company's securities in the past 90 days, other than the purchase of 100,000 units by one director in connection with the Company's recently closed private placement.

In the last 12 months, the Company has not engaged any third party to provide investor relations, public relations, marketing or related services, other than SFLLC, High Tide Consulting Corp. ("High Tide"), and Market One Media Group ("Market One"). The engagement of High Tide was disclosed in the Company's April 4, 2025 news release.

The Company entered into a media services agreement (the "Market One Agreement") dated September 2, 2025, with Market One. Market One, with offices in Vancouver and Toronto, is a multi-platform media solution for the capital markets operating in editorial, video and digital media. The media message is distributed via broadcast, digital, and social media channels including media platforms such as BNN Bloomberg. Market One's engagement is for a term of 12 months. Market One will provide services including investor lead generation buildout, a social media campaign, banner ads and articles. The Company will pay Market One a fee of $75,000 plus GST for the services provided. There are no performance factors contained in the Market One Agreement and Market One will not receive common shares or options as compensation. Further, Market One and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities and, at the time of the Market One Agreement, neither Market One nor any of its principals have an interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company. The Market One Agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Other than as previously disclosed in the Company's public continuous disclosure filings, the Company has not issued any shares or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities at prices constituting a discount to the current market rate at the time of the issuance.

About Silver47 Exploration

Silver47 Exploration Corp is a mineral exploration company, focused on uncovering and developing silver-rich deposits in North America. The Company is creating a leading high-grade US-focused silver developer with a resource totaling 236 Moz AgEq at 334 g/t AgEq inferred and 10 Moz at 333 g/t AgEq indicated. With operations in Alaska, Nevada and New Mexico, Silver47 Exploration is anchored in America's most prolific mining jurisdictions. For detailed information regarding the resource estimates, assumptions, and technical reports, please refer to the NI 43-101 Technical Report and other filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company trades on the TSXV under the ticker symbol AGA and OTCQB under the ticker symbol AAGAF.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.silver47.ca and see the Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and titled "Technical Report on the Red Mountain VMS Property Bonnifield Mining District, Alaska, USA with an effective date January 12, 2024, and prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd."

Follow us on social media for the latest updates:

X: @Silver47co

LinkedIn: Silver47

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Galen McNamara

CEO & Director

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding exploration of the Company's projects. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, but are not limited to, the inherently unpredictable nature of resource exploration, market conditions and the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266923

SOURCE: Silver47 Exploration Corp.
MUMBAI, India, Sept. 17, 2025, driven by landmark deals from Reliance, JSW Group, and Tata Sons. Private equity activity is at its highest in more than a decade, as global investors and sovereign funds compete for opportunities alongside India's most influential conglomerates.

To meet this record-setting pace, Navatar-the global leader in AI-powered CRM for private markets-is expanding its presence in India. With a dedicated local office and founders of Indian origin, Navatar brings deep market insight and the technology needed for contemporary Indian dealmakers to excel.

"India has become a global dealmaking powerhouse," said Alok Misra, CEO at Navatar. "The scale and complexity of today's transactions mean firms need technology that eliminates manual work, captures critical intelligence automatically, and delivers actionable insights inside the tools that professionals use every day. That's what Navatar offers."

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

AI Where Dealmakers Operate

Navatar's CRM works seamlessly inside Outlook and Salesforce, turning daily activities into structured intelligence with zero manual data entry. Its AI-driven features include:

Automated Intelligence Capture: Instantly logs activities from Outlook, Slack, and CRM without manual effort.

Instantly logs activities from Outlook, Slack, and CRM without manual effort. Deal Origination & Sourcing: AI scans India's diverse economy to surface high-potential sectors and companies.

AI scans India's diverse economy to surface high-potential sectors and companies. Buyer-Seller Matching: Relationship mapping predicts ideal fits and identifies warm introductions across networks.

Relationship mapping predicts ideal fits and identifies warm introductions across networks. Document Intelligence: Extracts key terms and risks from documents, generating AI summaries for reports.

Extracts key terms and risks from documents, generating AI summaries for reports. Fundraising LP Intelligence: Automates updates, personalizes communications, and scores investor engagement.

Automates updates, personalizes communications, and scores investor engagement. Real-Time Workflow Insights: Delivers instant intelligence inside familiar tools-Outlook, Slack, and CRM-for faster decisions.

Secure, Scalable, Proven

Built on Salesforce and integrated with Microsoft Copilot, Navatar's platform delivers enterprise-grade AI and privacy safeguards, guaranteeing client confidentiality. Indian professionals gain the advantages of generative AI, all within a secure and compliant environment.

Powering India's Next Wave of Deals

As global capital flows into healthcare, consumer, renewables, and tech, Navatar provides the infrastructure for dealmakers to scale with confidence. Hundreds of leading firms worldwide already trust Navatar to win mandates, deepen relationships, and close deals faster. Now, Indian firms have access to the same competitive edge.

About Navatar

Navatar CRM powers private markets worldwide, managing relationships, originating deals, and serving investors for private equity, venture capital, investment banks, funds of funds, private credit, secondaries specialists and more. Navatar's AI-driven platform keeps deal teams ahead-automatically delivering intelligence, unifying context, and orchestrating complex processes with zero disruption.

For more information, visit www.navatargroup.com.

Sales Team

Navatar

sales@navatargroup.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Google and PayPal announced a multiyear strategic partnership to improve how people and businesses buy and sell online. Together, the companies plan to make digital shopping easier and faster across different devices and platforms. As part of this partnership, Google and PayPal will create new AI-powered shopping tools and set industry standards for a new kind of smart, automated shopping called 'agentic commerce.' PayPal will bring its global payment systems, personalized services, and secure identity tools, while Google will contribute its advanced AI technology to build these new experiences. Both companies are also supporting the use of Google's Agent Payments Protocol-a secure and flexible system designed to support the future of smart, AI-driven shopping. PayPal's services-like its branded checkout, Hyperwallet, and Payouts-will be built into various Google products to offer smooth and reliable payment options. PayPal Enterprise Payments will also handle card payments for Google Cloud, Google Ads, and Google Play, strengthening PayPal's role in Google's main platforms. In addition, PayPal will work with Google Cloud to upgrade its technology and build the next generation of its commerce and payments systems. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Delaware, United States--(Newsfile Corp. - September 17, 2025) - PowerDMARC, a leading email authentication and domain protection platform, has been recognized as a Leader in DMARC Software Management for the third consecutive quarter in 2025 by G2. This esteemed accolade reinforces PowerDMARC's position as a top provider of domain-based email security management solutions trusted by organizations and MSPs around the world.







PowerDMARC Named as Leader in DMARC Software for Fall 2025

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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In addition to the G2 Fall Leader Badge, PowerDMARC received several other high honors in the latest G2 Fall Reports 2025, including:

Best Relationship

Most Implementable

Best Results

Momentum Leader

These badges reflect the high satisfaction ratings from verified users, as well as PowerDMARC's proven ability to deliver measurable results, seamless implementation, and exceptional customer support.

Regional Leadership Across EMEA, Europe, Asia, and Asia-Pacific

PowerDMARC also achieved a significant milestone by earning Regional Leader Badges for EMEA, Europe, Asia, and Asia-Pacific. This recognition highlights the company's global expansion and its ability to offer tailored solutions that address the unique email security challenges faced by organizations in diverse regulatory environments.

"Being recognized as a G2 Leader for the third consecutive quarter, 2 years in a row, is a testament to our team's dedication and our customers' trust," said Maitham Al Lawati, CEO of PowerDMARC. "We will continue innovating to simplify email security and help organizations protect their domains from evolving cyber threats."

The Value of G2 Recognition

G2, the leading software review platform, ranks products based on real customer feedback and market presence. Being a G2 Leader reflects PowerDMARC's market credibility, customer trust, and ongoing commitment to email and domain security innovation.

Contact PowerDMARC to learn more.

About the company: PowerDMARC is a leading email authentication and domain protection platform, offering comprehensive solutions including DMARC, SPF, DKIM, BIMI, MTA-STS, TLS-RPT, and hosted reporting with AI-powered threat intelligence. The platform secures email ecosystems for over 10,000 organizations across more than 100 countries, including Fortune 100 companies, governments, and large enterprises. PowerDMARC is MSP/MSSP-ready with full white-label support and holds SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance certifications.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266147

SOURCE: Plentisoft
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Today, Liberated Syndication Inc. ("Libsyn"), the leading podcasting platform for creators and advertisers,today announced a new exclusive, multi-year advertising partnership with Tosh Show, the popular podcast and YouTube series hosted by comedian Daniel Tosh.

Daniel Tosh is a comedian, host, writer, and producer best known for creating and hosting Tosh.0, which ran on Comedy Central from 2009 to 2020 and became one of the network's longest-running comedy series. He has released multiple acclaimed stand-up specials, produced and starred in the animated series Brickleberry, and performed around the world. Tosh's career took off after his appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2001, and he has since built a reputation for sharp wit, cultural commentary, and fearless comedy.

Tosh Show is a window into the mind of Daniel Tosh. Each week, Tosh interviews known and unknown people from all walks of life that he finds interesting, shares his take on current events, and gives audiences a little insight into his world. Nothing is off limits and with endless topics to explore, Tosh and his guests will satisfy everyone's curiosity. Launched in 2023, the weekly show has quickly become a fan favorite with more than 250,000 downloads per episode.

"Daniel Tosh embodies the kind of bold, authentic voice that Libsyn is built to support - irreverent, hilarious, and still totally brand-safe," said Stephen Perlstein, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Libsyn. "Hundreds of thousands of listeners and viewers tune in every week to his one-of-a-kind comedy podcast, and we're proud to support Daniel by getting advertisers in on the fun."

Daniel Tosh added, "Tosh Show launched in 2023 as a project where I wanted full creative control and freedom. It's been incredible to see the show grow a loyal audience - and even attract advertisers. Partnering with Libsyn is a win-win: they know podcasting inside and out. They handle the ads, while I get to focus on the laughs."

Libsyn Ads empowers brands to effectively target and reach a fast-growing and coveted podcast audience while helping creators monetize their audio and video content. The ad buying and management platform delivers end-to-end capabilities, streamlining the process for podcast advertisers to initiate and oversee highly targeted and measurable campaigns, while maximizing returns for creators. This partnership leverages Libsyn Ads' advanced solutions, including Host-Read and programmatic Automatic Podcast Ads, as well as integrated brand opportunities, allowing Tosh Show to seamlessly incorporate premium ads without disrupting the audience experience.

For more information or to advertise on Tosh Show, please contact ad-sales@libsyn.com.

About Liberated Syndication

Celebrating our 20th year in podcasting, Liberated Syndication Inc. ("Libsyn") is the leading podcasting platform for creators and advertisers to host, distribute, monetize, amplify, and measure their audio and video content. The Company has powered more than 250,000 shows and delivered over 75 billion downloads to listeners around the world. Libsyn Ads, trusted by over 2,000 advertisers, offers industry-leading podcast advertising solutions, serving as a comprehensive ad buying and management offering for creators, advertisers, and agencies to initiate and manage highly targeted campaigns across thousands of shows. Visit libsyn.com or investor.libsyn.com for more information on the Company and the platforms that it powers.

#? #? #

Media Contacts: Ray Yeung + Nancy Zakhary | ray@relev8.co + nancy@relev8.co

Investor Contact:investor@libsyn.com

SOURCE: Liberated Syndication, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/libsyn-delivers-the-punchline-with-exclusive-ad-partnership-with-1075157
This release focuses on the addition of support for several new technologies, as well as the initial release of a fundamental modernization effort we have been implementing on the NeoLoad web platform .

AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Next generation NeoLoad Web

As technology evolves, so too must your testing solutions. NeoLoad Web was already a modern platform, but there were some limitations that needed to be addressed. We are pleased to announce the general availability of the next generation of NeoLoad Web, available today for all SaaS customers of NeoLoad at https://neoload-v2.saas.neotys.com/. There are several major design enhancements made in this release:

Design standardization with other Tricentis software solutions, so that if you use one of our other solutions, picking up NeoLoad will be extremely comfortable and familiar with a consistent user experience.

A robust expansion of the V4 API to cover all aspects of NeoLoad Web, including functionality previously not available in the V3 API.

Reporting enhancements and new reporting capabilities

The technical preview of the new Augmented Analysis engine for automated results analysis.

What is Augmented Analysis?

As artificial intelligence platforms continue to evolve, we are pleased to announce that Augmented Analysis - a machine-learning AI engine - is part of the new NeoLoad Web architecture. The initial release of augmented analysis is focused on the RED statistics (Rate, Error, and Duration) that we know for certain are part of every performance test result set, and intended to provide not only guidance on which portions of your test results are important and should be subjected to further analysis, but also to provide detailed explanations on why NeoLoad is making the recommendations that it is providing. While initially designed to provide guidance on where a performance engineering team should focus their attention, subsequent phases of Augmented Analysis (and upcoming features that are part of what we are calling Augmented Design) will begin to include NeoLoad project and APM data, and provide an increasingly robust analysis framework that your teams will be able to use to accelerate and elevate their performance engineering practices.

Does this mean the current NeoLoad Web interface we have been using will be discontinued?

Absolutely not! We will continue to maintain both versions of NeoLoad Web for some time, to ensure that no disruption to any testing activities occurs. However, as architecturally, the new NeoLoad Web front-end is merely a new container stack talking to the same back-end container stack already deployed, our customers will be able to seamlessly switch between interfaces as they see fit. All your user credentials, NeoLoad projects, and test results will be visible in both versions of NeoLoad Web as a result, and any changes will be instantly visible in the other platform. For example, starting a test in one and then switching to the other will show the test setting up and executing in real time.

SAP RFC support

When integrating other applications into your SAP platform, customers often need to tie ABAP processes to other components of SAP or third-party systems. Remote Function Calls (RFC) support in NeoLoad allows us the capability to drive performance engineering activities to validate the integration points between and within SAP systems by invoking the function calls in a reliable and scalable fashion. This allows performance engineering teams to now simulate the functionality of other systems as it interfaces with SAP, or to mimic the functionality of the SAP system as it interacts with third- party systems that have been connected to SAP, ensuring that scalability and reliability of the implemented connectivity will hold up under production usage and that your SAP deployment continues to operate flawlessly.

SAP IDoc support

When exchanging information between SAP and other integrated systems, a common data framework is essential to ensuring the data is structured in a reliable way. The SAP IDoc (Intermediate Document) protocol is commonly used when exchanging orders, invoices, delivery schedules, and material master data sets between SAP systems and other platforms. NeoLoad's ability to support IDoc data formats allows for a seamless way to performance test the consumption of IDoc datasets into SAP and the distribution of data from SAP to other systems, ensuring that there are no delays or data issues under production load, and thus ensuring the performance of your SAP environment remains highly scalable and reliable.

TN5250 support

While 2024.3 introduced the new RTE protocol into the NeoLoad framework, support for 5250 was not included. We are pleased to close this gap with the release of 2025.1 and support for the TN5250 remote terminal emulation protocol. This allows performance engineers to now emulate traffic into and validate the performance of their AS/400 systems. This ensures that as functionality continues to be exposed to new workloads via internet accessible functionality, your AS/400 system will continue to operate without any performance degradation.

We are pleased to release NeoLoad 2025.1, further deepening our support for SAP and RTE environments and beginning to release the architectural enhancements we have been making in the background to modernize our performance engineering platform. If you are eager to learn more, feel free to register for our upcoming webinar to learn more about this exciting release.



*While both RFC and IDoc support will currently be available across all NeoLoad editions in NeoLoad 2025.1, as we develop additional enhancements and capabilities in upcoming iterations, availability will become part of specific edition packaging. At that time, accessibility to RFC and IDoc will be included only for NeoLoad customers who meet the to-be-defined edition packaging criteria.

CONTACT:

Office Email: office@tricentis.com

Tel: +1 737-497-9993

SOURCE: Tricentis

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/introducing-neoload-2025.1-new-ui-extended-support-for-sap-and-mo-1071803
36,405 adults surveyed in US, China, Germany, Japan, India, UK, France, Italy, Canada, Brazil, and 23 countries in Africa, Asia & Oceania, Europe, MENA, Latin America





Alongside the survey, The Rockefeller Foundation launched a new US$50 million Build the Shared Future initiative to help build a more modern and effective international system

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rockefeller Foundation released findings of a new global poll that shows considerable, but fragile, support for international cooperation. The Rockefeller Foundation also announced the launch of a new US $50 million Build the Shared Future initiative, in which the 112-year-old philanthropic organization aims to develop solutions that more effectively respond to crises and promote a healthier, more prosperous, and secure future for all. To break down silos in global development and humanitarian sectors and identify and test new solutions, The Rockefeller Foundation has tapped three leading experts in their fields to:

Build a new framework for international cooperation with The Hon. Wally Adeyemo, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury under U.S. President Joseph R. Biden; Restructure global health with The Hon. Mark Dybul, MD, founding architect and former U.S. Coordinator of the President's Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) under U.S. President George W. Bush; and, Reimagine humanitarian food systems with Simon Winter, PhD., Executive Director of Sustainable Agriculture Foundations' International Association (SAFIA).

"The data is clear: Even in a time of pessimism and polarization, people everywhere know that countries must cooperate if we are to confront the common threats facing humanity," said The Rt. Honorable Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and member of The Rockefeller Foundation's Board of Trustees. "People want a system that's more compassionate, more just, and more capable of delivering results. The Build the Shared Future initiative seeks to answer that urgent call."

Global Cooperation Survey

At a moment of massive global disruption, including dramatic cuts to humanitarian and development work-for example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has predicted official development assistance (ODA) to fall by an additional 9%-17% this year-The Rockefeller Foundation's new survey captures how people view global cooperation and key international institutions. Conducted between August 8 to September 10, 36,405 adults spanning various age groups, genders, regions, education experience, ethnicities, and political perspectives, were polled in 34 countries in Eastern and Central Europe (Hungary, Poland, Romania), Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, plus the United Kingdom), Northern Europe (Norway, Sweden), Canada, the United States, Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay), East and South Asia (China, India, Japan, South Korea), Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore), Middle East (Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia) and Turkey, Sub-Saharan Africa (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa), and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).

"At a moment when the world is struggling to cooperate on addressing shared threats, The Rockefeller Foundation can once again help bring people together from across the world and across political divides to test new ideas and catalyze innovative solutions that will save lives," said Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of the ONE Campaign and member of The Rockefeller Foundation's Board of Trustees.

People Want Global Cooperation that Works

The results illustrate a pronounced reality: Despite cuts to development aid and rising nationalist rhetoric around the world, most people still want nations to work together to take on common threats. Even as some nations reject multilateralism in favor of national self-interest, poll respondents largely rejected a zero-sum view of the world, seeing their fates as tied to those in other countries. Yet the findings also show that support for global cooperation, while real, is fragile. Across regions and demographics, people back cooperation when it delivers results, though some survey respondents remain skeptical that international cooperation serves their interests.

For example, a slim majority of those surveyed (54%) say their lives are affected by events in other countries, and a slightly greater global majority (55%) agree their country should cooperate on global challenges even if it means compromising on national interests. But a far greater percentage (75%) would support international cooperation if it is proven to effectively solve global problems and 76% would support international cooperation if it is proven to solve problems in peoples' own countries. Today, less than half (42%) think international cooperation is in their personal interests.

Current Global Institutions Leave People Wanting

People around the world overwhelmingly believe that global cooperation is important to take on central global issues from jobs (90%), trade and economic development (92%), food and water security (93%), global health (91%), climate (86%) and poverty and inequality (90%). However, trust in some existing institutions that can guide or drive global cooperation is relatively lower, including for the United Nations (58%), World Health Organization (60%), the International Monetary Fund (44%), amongst others.

These findings show that the world has an opportunity - right now - to fundamentally rethink international cooperation and replace the outdated mechanisms of the 21st century with demonstrably more effective, mutually beneficial systems that can earn and sustain public support. The Rockefeller Foundation's Build the Shared Future initiative aims to galvanize the global community to leave behind an inadequate status quo and get smarter, more creative, and more collaborative in tackling the world's biggest threats.

"The institutions that worked to advance human progress in the 20th century are struggling to meet the challenges of the 21st. But we are already seeing the blueprints for a shared future in efforts underway around the world," said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. "This moment of transformation is an opportunity to build on what's working, forging new partnerships and leveraging new technologies to deliver results for the world's most vulnerable people."

FocalData, a research technology company, was engaged to conduct the survey. FocalData polled the 36,405 respondents across 34 countries between August 8 to September 10, 2025. The survey used a representative sample with respect to age, gender, region, education, ethnicity and most recent political vote to achieve nationally representative samples in each country, with ethnicity and past political vote quotas applied only where such measures are collected and standard practice. The sample was weighted to be representative by age and gender at a minimum, with additional weights applied, as appropriate in each country, for region, education, ethnicity, and/or most recent political vote. With sample sizes ranging from 708 to 1,266, the margin of error at the 95% confidence level is approximately 2 to 4 percentage points, with most countries around 3.0pp.

Build the Shared Future is in line with The Rockefeller Foundation's long history of taking decisive and timely actions and convening the very best in their fields to solve the world's most pressing problems. During its first 40 years, for example, The Rockefeller Foundation started the modern field of public health, initially helping to nearly eradicate hookworm in the southern United States and playing a key role in fighting the 1918 influenza pandemic. Later, the World Health Organization at its founding drew inspiration from an early project of The Rockefeller Foundation-the International Health Division-that bolstered public health agencies and fought diseases worldwide. The Rockefeller Foundation also contributed to the creation of the Children's Vaccine Initiative, the precursor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which today has vaccinated more than 1.2 billion children worldwide. Today, The Rockefeller Foundation works to unlock opportunity in the areas of Food, Health, Energy, and Finance, amongst others, for vulnerable populations around the world. For example, The Rockefeller Foundation is working to expand the balance sheets of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to boost their development and climate resilience lending to countries most in need. The Rockefeller Foundation has pursued these and other efforts to help humanity, while also infusing risk capital to support scientific advancement and spur technological innovation, including projects that built telescopes and cyclotrons.

Additional Statements of Support:

"Right now, leaders across low- and middle-income countries have been leading a global health model that's driven by the needs of countries, rather than by priorities of external funders. The Build the Shared Future initiative will support this important work, partnering with leaders across Africa and beyond to promote sustainable investments in own highly efficient and effective health systems that will inform a much needed transformation in global health governance." - Ambassador Mark Dybul, former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, who will lead The Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to restructure global health systems.





" Hunger risks are rising in the 21st century. We can address this through locally led, data-driven food systems that integrate short-term relief with lasting solutions. Build the Shared Future seeks to harness the power of advanced data systems to develop resilient local systems that anticipate humanitarian crises rather than react to them, and utilize scarcer public aid to strengthen economies and save lives ." ? Dr. Simon Winter, Executive Director of Sustainable Agriculture Foundations' International Association (SAFIA), who will lead The Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to reimagine food systems.





" International cooperation is critical to building an economy that works for everyone, protecting democratic values, and enabling us to address the world's most pressing challenges. Problems that seem local or national often demand coordinated, global solutions. In this moment of geopolitical crisis, we need to rethink the way the world works together, and I am excited to be working with Rockefeller and our international partners to engage in that project ." ? Wally Adeyemo, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, who will lead The Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to build a new framework for multilateral cooperation.





"For too long, the narrative around development in Africa has been focused on aid rather than on partnership and mutual benefit. This new data confirms what we've always known-that Africans want a system of international cooperation that is not only effective but also equitable. Build the Shared Future provides a powerful opportunity to design and implement solutions that prioritize local leadership, leverage innovation, and build a more resilient and prosperous future for the continent." ? William Asiko, Vice President of Africa at The Rockefeller Foundation.





"People across Asia, from India to Indonesia, from China to Japan, want their countries to collaborate on challenges that transcend borders. But they want cooperation that delivers results: food and water security, better health, decent jobs, and resilience to climate shocks. Build the Shared Future is an unprecedented opportunity to transform what regional collaboration can achieve. Asia is positioned not only to benefit from that transformation, but to help lead it." ? Deepali Khanna, Senior Vice President & Head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation.





"In Latin America, people not only believe in international cooperation: they are leading it. From the Amazon to Mexico, they are working to build fairer, more resilient, and more sustainable solutions. Build the Shared Future is an opportunity to connect local efforts with global partnerships that effectively improve people's lives."? Lyana Latorre, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Rockefeller Foundation.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity, by harnessing innovation for people and transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance, including engaging through our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rockefeller-foundations-new-us-50-million-initiative-finds-widespread-support-for-international-cooperation-in-landmark-34-country-survey-302560007.html
Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - As the global transition toward green and low-carbon energy accelerates, the development of new power systems has become a critical component of energy strategies worldwide. In line with this trend, Winline Technology made a notable appearance at RE+ 2025, North America's largest and most influential clean energy exhibition, held in Las Vegas. Winline Technology presented a range of high-efficiency charging and energy storage module solutions, underscoring its commitment to supporting intelligent and sustainable energy development across the globe.





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Winline Technology introduced its innovative charging module solutions, engineered to address the growing demand for reliable and efficient electric vehicle charging systems across diverse global markets. These solutions serve a variety of applications, including fast charging for electric passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, as well as commercial and industrial energy storage integration.





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60kW 1000V DC Charging Module (UXR100060): Delivering 60kW output power with a conversion efficiency of up to 97%, this module supports an ultra-wide constant power voltage range and achieves zero active power consumption in standby mode, significantly reducing operational costs.





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40kW 1500V Isolated Unidirectional DC/DC Charging Module (UXC150030): Designed for high-voltage applications, this module operates with a broad voltage range of 200-1500Vdc and achieves a peak conversion efficiency of 98.5%. Its robust performance makes it suitable for photovoltaic systems, energy storage projects, and high-power industrial scenarios.





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40kW 1000V Class B High-Protection Charging Module (UXR100040G): Compliant with IEC 61851-23:2023 standards, this fully potted module offers a wide constant power range, high efficiency, and superior electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments.





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40kW 1000V Liquid-Cooled DC Charging Module (LCR100040A): Featuring advanced liquid cooling technology, this module provides high reliability, extended lifespan, and excellent adaptability to harsh conditions such as coastal and mining areas.





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The UXR100040 is a charging power module specifically developed to address critical challenges in the charging station industry. It boasts two industry-leading advantages: exceptional high-temperature operation performance and an ultra-wide constant power range. Capable of maintaining full power output even in ambient temperatures of up to 55C, it ensures reliable charging efficiency under extreme heat conditions. This module is ideally suited for various demanding applications, including industrial equipment, electric vehicle production line testing zones, airports and ports, as well as emergency charging facilities in remote areas.





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20kW 950V Isolated Bidirectional DC/DC Module (UXC95050B): Supporting bidirectional energy transfer with high efficiency and an ultra-wide voltage range, this module is ideal for energy storage systems, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications, and renewable energy integration.





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22kW Bidirectional AC/DC V2G Module (UXG1K022): Enabling flexible energy exchange between AC and DC systems, this module features a wide DC voltage range and high efficiency, making it suitable for V2G, energy storage, and second-life battery applications.





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Mars-125KT

Winline Technology also highlighted its advanced energy storage solutions, addressing the increasing need for efficient and scalable commercial and industrial energy storage systems.

The flagship product, Mars-125KT, is a high-performance energy storage converter module boasting a conversion efficiency of 98.9%. It supports parallel connectivity for both DC and AC systems and incorporates advanced grid-support functionalities, including UPS, DVR, and SVG operations. With capabilities such as high and low voltage ride-through and grid-forming technology, it ensures stable performance even in weak grid conditions. Applications include industrial and commercial energy storage, solar-storage integration, microgrids, and emergency backup power.

As the new energy industry continues to gain momentum, charging modules-the core power source of charging infrastructure-are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping the global charging ecosystem through technological advancement. Winline Technology has developed a comprehensive portfolio of module products, including unidirectional AC/DC charging modules, unidirectional DC/DC charging modules, bidirectional AC/DC V2G modules, bidirectional DC/DC charging and discharging modules, data center power modules, and low-voltage high-current unidirectional AC/DC charging modules, addressing mainstream market demands worldwide.





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Staying committed to innovation and sustainable development, Winline Technology will continue to leverage its strength in Chinese smart manufacturing to promote the global expansion of intelligent equipment for new power systems. With customer trust as its foundation, Winline Technology looks forward to collaborating with partners around the world to explore the limitless potential of modular power solutions and build a better green charging ecosystem.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266805

SOURCE: Global News
Combining advanced technology, domain expertise, human thinking and collaboration to optimize performance, reduce costs and enable agile decision-making.

ZURICH, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akkodis, a global digital engineering consulting leader, today launched Akkodis Intelligence, a human-centered approach to embedding advanced technology into business operations to deliver measurable impact. With over 40 years of experience and a continuous evolution of innovation expertise in AI, data analytics, cloud computing, edge, automation, and cybersecurity, Akkodis helps businesses redefine how products, processes and operations are developed, powered and optimized - driving agility to accelerate in the digital age.

"Akkodis Intelligence is our commitment to combine cutting-edge technology with deep human expertise to unlock new levels of performance and innovation," said Jo Debecker, President & CEO of Akkodis. "What was once experimental is now delivering measurable ROI across industries. With AI and other advanced technologies, we enable our clients to accelerate time-to-market, improve operational efficiency and achieve breakthrough decision accuracy in critical settings. Akkodis Intelligence unites human experience with machine precision to drive transformation at scale."

Akkodis Intelligence: Driving innovation and impact

Akkodis Intelligence means navigating complexity with clarity, progressing from concept to execution and leveraging advanced technology as a transformative force shaping the future of industries, business, and society. It builds on the company's deep domain-knowledge gained from years of engineering, R&D and real-world deployments across complex environments like aerospace, emergency response, and automotive. It combines proven capabilities - including agentic AI, automation, and analytics - with advanced learning techniques such as reinforcement learning and human feedback loops to create systems that adapt in real time, optimize complex workflows and enable faster, more accurate decision-making.

Strengthened by this foundation, Akkodis Intelligence is the company's commitment and unifying framework guiding the development of technology solutions and delivering services.

All Akkodis services and solutions operate through the lens of Akkodis Intelligence, incorporating AI, cloud, cybersecurity and more with human expertise to meet client needs.

Early implementations of Akkodis Intelligence already delivering measurable impact include:

Automotive Engineering for the Software-Defined Vehicle - Akkodis combines advanced software and data engineering with human expertise within a comprehensive design, simulation and calculation framework to tackle real-world vehicle development challenges, ensuring digital continuity and accelerating the creation of the software-defined vehicle.

Real-Time Readiness: AI-Powered MRO for Aviation - Akkodis combines deep domain expertise and human insight with advanced AI to optimize aircraft maintenance in real time. By integrating large volumes of technical data with proprietary digital twin tools, maintenance teams can plan tasks dynamically, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency.

Human-Centered Design for Frontline and Emergency Service Operations - Akkodis combines human-centered design with advanced, intuitive technologies like wearables, biofeedback devices, telehealth and apps, to reduce stress, enhance well-being and support critical, often life-saving outcomes, ensuring technology empowers first responders rather than burdens them.

Akkodis Intelligence reflects Akkodis' end-to-end approach to digital engineering-combining the best of cutting-edge technology, innovation, and agility with deep domain know-how and talent. The model is built on Akkodis' three strategic pillars: empowering human experience, enhancing productivity, and driving sustainable growth.

By embedding these pillars across our services and solutions, Akkodis ensures that clients not only leverage technology effectively but also harness the combined power of their people, data and processes. As part of the Adecco Group, we unite passion for technology and talent to enable our clients to become more agile, to embrace progress, accelerate time-to-market and tackle complex challenges through digital readiness.

Media contacts

Anne Friedrich

SVP, Global Head of Communications, Akkodis

E. anne.friedrich@adeccogroup.com

Lisa Bushka

VP, External Communications, Akkodis

E. lisa.bushka@adeccogroup.com

About Akkodis

Akkodis is a global digital engineering consulting company that enables organizations to innovate and accelerate by applying technology to redefine how processes and products are developed, powered and optimized. With deep expertise across AI, data, cloud, edge and software engineering, we combine technology and talent to deliver end-to-end solutions, from strategy and consulting to talent development and implementation. Our commitment to Akkodis Intelligence helps businesses connect the exponential power of technology with the irreplaceable strengths of human thinking and collaboration. Part of the Adecco Group and headquartered in Switzerland, Akkodis brings together 50,000 engineers and tech consultants in over 30 countries with services that span Consulting, Talent, Solutions, and Academy. With a cross-sector view and strong delivery capabilities, Akkodis empowers businesses to solve complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world's leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering consulting solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2775477/Akkodis_Intelligence.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2736309/5515711/AKKODIS_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/akkodis-intelligence-accelerates-scalable-human-centered-solutions-to-drive-tech-transformation-302559354.html
New ECW Results Report highlights transformative education outcomes for children and adolescents in emergencies and protracted crises and calls for urgent funding to sustain progress.

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Cannot Wait ( ECW ), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, today launched its Investing in Futures: 2024 Annual Results Report - revealing that mid-way through its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, ECW and its strategic partners have reached 8.3 million crisis-affected children and adolescents across 33 countries with inclusive, quality education. This brings the total number of children reached since ECW's inception to 14 million girls and boys.

With a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, 51% of those reached are girls, and 43% are refugee or internally displaced children. The report demonstrates that ECW investments are driving measurable improvements: more children are enrolling, staying in school, and learning both academic and social-emotional skills. Positive shifts in gender norms are also contributing to more equitable access and participation.

"This progress reflects the unique strength of ECW's strategic model and the unwavering commitment of our global coalition of partners. This is not just coordination, it is a shared commitment translating into collective action," said Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the ECW High-Level Steering Group.

The report captures the collective efforts of more than 100 partners - including host governments, UN agencies, local and international civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations and private sector leaders - who came together in 2024 to deliver education in some of the world's most complex crises.

At the systems level, ECW's model of rapid response and multi-year programming continues to strengthen coordination and partnerships across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, with increased support to local partners and national ownership.

In 2024, 39% of ECW's US$202 million disbursements were allocated to countries classified as 'forgotten crises' - such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria and South Sudan - underscoring the Fund's commitment to reaching children in the most overlooked and underfunded emergencies.

The report also shows ECW and partners' increased focus on the intersection of the climate crisis and the education crisis, with 41% of children reached in 2023-2024 - i.e. 3.4 million girls and boys - reached by programmes that supported climate change adaptation.

Despite these achievements, the report warns of a growing funding gap. By the end of 2024, ECW had mobilized US$934 million towards its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, approximately two-thirds of its target. However, US$113 million in pledged contributions remain unpaid.

Meanwhile, escalating conflicts, forced displacement and climate-induced disasters are driving unprecedented humanitarian needs. Education systems in crisis-affected contexts are pushed to the brink, with an estimated 234 million crisis-affected children and adolescents requiring urgent education support - an 18% increase compared to three years ago.

Yet, education remains one of the most underfunded sectors in humanitarian responses. In 2024, only 30% of education funding requirements were met in humanitarian appeals, despite education representing just 5.4% of total Global Humanitarian Overview requirements.

"Education is our best - if not the only - hope for children enduring the brunt of crises. To continue our work, and protect the significant results achieved, we are asking for renewed financial contributions from our public and private sector partners. We also look forward to expanded commitments through new innovative partnerships," said Kaag.

To meet its US$1.5 billion resource mobilization goal by the end of 2026, ECW requires an additional US$567 million in contributions. With this support, ECW and its partners can deliver quality education to 20 million children who need it most. Without decisive action, millions risk being left behind - not due to a lack of solutions, but because of chronic underinvestment.

Key Results Highlights

14 million children reached since inception, including 8.3 million children across 33 countries in the first two years of ECW's Strategic Plan, 2023-2024, alone.

51% of children reached are girls; and over 40% are forcibly displaced, the highest share since ECW's inception.

96% of programmes reported increased education participation, with 74% showing gender-equitable improvements in 2023-2024.

Among multi-year programmes providing evidence, 88% reported improved literacy and/or numeracy outcomes and 78% reported gains in social-emotional learning in 2023-2024.

More than 155,000 children with disabilities reached in 2023-2024.

6% of children reached were pre-primary school aged and 20% were secondary school aged in 2023-2024, with notable progress registered for girls 'secondary education.

In programmes approved in 2024, nearly a third (29%) of funding is committed/planned to be transferred to local and national actors.

41% of children reached in 2023-2024 - i.e. 3.4 million girls and boys - were reached by programmes that supported climate change adaptation.

Download the Full Report and Executive Summary.

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Regulatory News:

CTP, Europe's largest listed owner, developer, and operator of logistics and industrial real estate by gross leasable area, has completed one of the largest new production facilities in Europe this year. A 52,000 sqm building at CTPark Blucina in South Moravia, Czech Republic has now been officially handed over to Inventec (Czech), a subsidiary of Taiwan's Inventec Corporation, which is centralising its European operations at the facility.

A ceremonial handover took place on 17 September at the new building and was attended by Managing Director of CTP Czech Jakub Kodr and senior representatives of Inventec. The event marked the start of a new phase of cooperation between the two companies, with the project being of significant strategic importance for Inventec in both the Czech and wider European markets.

This 52,000 sqm deal is among the largest manufacturing leases ever signed in the South Moravian region and highlights the accelerating trend of multinational manufacturers moving their production to European markets-an "in Europe for Europe" strategy to reduce supply chain risk, adapt to the changing geopolitical backdrop, and meet customer demands more quickly.

Inventec's investment in its new facility also underscores the growing trend of Asian manufacturers moving production to business-smart Central and Eastern Europe ("CEE"), which has become a hub for firms looking to benefit from its competitive labour costs and close proximity to Western European markets. Today, 20% of all new leases that CTP signs at its parks in the CEE region are with Asian clients, compared to 7.5% in 2018. Other Asian clients of CTP include Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo and Chinese EV maker NIO.

Around 30,000 sqm of Inventec's new facility consists of high-tech clean space with tightly controlled temperature, humidity, and air purity. These advanced spaces will be used to produce specialised automotive chips, alongside servers and IT products.

John Busby, statutory representative at Inventec, comments: "Moving into our new facility at CTPark Blucina represents a new phase for the growth of our business in Europe. We have worked closely with CTP for many years occupying space at a number of their parks. They understand our business, and this is why we trusted them to deliver this major new facility that includes innovative, custom-designed spaces to support our high-tech manufacturing and has high ESG standards. From here we will centralise our European production, providing our customers with faster and more efficient services in the process."

Jakub Kodr, Managing Director for the Czech Republic at CTP, explains: "This project for Inventec is one of the largest we have ever undertaken in the Czech Republic. It is another demonstration of the considerable investment Asian businesses continue to make in manufacturing plants in CEE. Inventec had technical demands that few developers would be able to meet, but as their long-term partner-having delivered and managed many facilities for them before-coupled with our real estate development capabilities, we were able to deliver the major A-class facility they required in South Moravia, a location that also offers the right mix of a locally skilled workforce and quality infrastructure."

Inventec's new facility at CTPark Blucina is targeting BREEAM Very Good certification and is equipped to the highest ESG standards. Sustainability features include a heat pump system, rooftop solar panels, EV charging stations, and smart energy-efficient climate and lighting systems. These contribute to CTP's broader strategy of delivering sustainable, energy-resilient industrial parks across Europe.

The new building is part of the wider expansion of CTPark Blucina, located eight kilometers south of Brno on the D2 motorway towards the Slovak capital, Bratislava. Construction has already begun on a 38,000 sqm warehouse scheduled for completion in August 2026, with further developments planned to provide modern, custom space for manufacturing and technology companies in this strategic location.

About CTP

CTP is Europe's largest listed owner, developer, and operator of logistics and industrial real estate by gross leasable area, owning 13.5 million sqm of GLA across 10 countries as of 30 June 2025. CTP certifies all new buildings to BREEAM Very good or better and earned a negligible-risk ESG rating by Sustainalytics, underlining its commitment to being a sustainable business. For more information, visit CTP's corporate website: www.ctp.eu

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Contacts:

CONTACT DETAILS FOR ANALYST AND INVESTOR ENQUIRIES:

CTP

Maarten Otte, Head of Investor Relations

Email: maarten.otte@ctp.eu

IR TEAM

Email: investor.relations@ctp.eu

CONTACT DETAILS FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

SEC Newgate

James Carnegie

Mobile: +44 (0)7827 486 224

Email: CTP@SECNewgate.co.uk
Curatis Holding AG (SIX:CURN) received the official minutes from the FDA meeting which took place on 9. September. Based on the totality of the feedback and discussions, Curatis can proceed as planned with the clinical development of corticorelin. Corticorelin is under development as a novel treatment intended to reduce or even eliminate steroid use and associated toxicities thereby potentially impacting the quality of life of patients suffering from peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) associated with metastatic (secondary) brain tumors.

The virtual meeting with the FDA provided the opportunity to discuss the clinical development plan for corticorelin and encompassed CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control), nonclinical and clinical aspects. The offical FDA minutes which Curatis received after publication of the half year results reflect the positive outcome. Curatis may proceed without delay to a regulatory submission supporting a pivotal study in patients suffering from PTBE secondary to solid tumor brain metastases. The Phase 3 will utilize an adaptive trial design consisting of a dose optimization lead-in and confirmatory segment. "This validation of our clinical plans for corticorelin in patients with brain metastases secondary to solid tumors marks a milestone, enabling us to pursue partnering opportunities with global leaders in oncology and specialty care," stated Dr. Roland Rutschmann, CEO of Curatis. "By targeting steroid reduction or even elimination of steroid use in PTBE, we address a critical unmet need, potentially enhancing patient quality of life by mitigating glucocorticoid toxicities."

Peritumoral brain edema (PTBE)

PTBE occurs in association with many primary and metastatic (secondary) brain tumors, often in connection with metastases caused by lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma and colorectal cancer. PTBE results in impairment of brain function due to the accumulation of extracellular fluid around the tumor and can cause symptoms such as headaches, vomiting and neurological dysfunction such as paralysis, speech disorders, visual problems and altered mental status. Standard of care treatment for PTBE is the use of corticosteroids which frequently have serious side effects such as severe myopathy, impared glucose metabolism, muscle wasting, abnormal weight gain, osteoporosis, gastritis, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension and personality changes. Additionally, corticosteroids can also counteract certain cancer therapies such as chemotherapy or emerging immunotherapies. In the US alone, more than 150,000 patients suffer from PTBE.

Corticorelin C-PTBE-01

Curatis' lead product candidate, C-PTBE-01 (corticorelin), is being developed to significantly reduce or replace steroid use in PTBE patients and demonstrate a positive effect on patient's quality of life. Corticorelin (hCRH), a 41 amino acid endogenous polypeptide, has demonstrated preclinically (in vivo) the ability to positively impact the blood-brain barrier after a disruption due to the underlying malignant tumor. In two clinical studies in patients with PTBE, corticorelin, demonstrated the potential to substantially reduce, or completely replace steroid use, which may reduce or avoid the severe glucocorticoid-related side effects and subsequently improve quality of life.

Corticorelin is an investigational drug not approved for therapeutic use in the United States or outside the United States.

About Curatis:

Curatis Holding AG is a publicly listed company (CURN.SW) specializing in the late stage development and commercialization of drugs for rare diseases and specialty care. Curatis has a sales portfolio of more than 40 products and a pipeline of orphan and specialty drugs. More information can be found on the website www.curatis.com.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this media release and in any link to our website indicated herein is not for use within any country or jurisdiction or by any persons where such use would constitute a violation of law. If this applies to you, you are not authorized to access or use any such information.

This media release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "project", "plan", "will likely continue", "will likely result", or words or phrases with similar meaning. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of the control of Curatis Group, that may cause Curatis' business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements (or from past results). For any factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this media release, please see the risk factors included in our listing prospectus in connection with the Business Combination. Curatis Group undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. It should further be noted that past performance is not a guide to future performance. Persons requiring advice should consult an independent adviser.

The information contained in this media release is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe for securities. This media release is not a prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act nor a prospectus under any other applicable laws.

Some financial information in this media release has been rounded and, as a result, the figures shown as totals in this media release may vary slightly from the exact arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250917939293/en/

Contacts:

Patrick Ramsauer

CFO

Telefon: +41 61 927 8777

ir@curatis.com
Results of the POSITIVE study assessing the treatment with tildrakizumab showed sustained improvements in skin clearance, psychological well-being, and improved partner quality of life in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis over two years.

POSITIVE is the first real-world evidence (RWE) study in dermatology to use the WHO-5 Well-Being Index as a primary endpoint, complementing traditional measures of skin disease (PASI, PGA), quality of life (DLQI), with the assessment of psychological well-being, marking a paradigm shift towards holistic management of psoriasis.

The POSITIVE study highlights Almirall's leadership in advancing patient-centred dermatology aligned with the WHO's health definition and recent resolution on skin diseases.

Almirall's extensive scientific contributions to EADV 2025 include 44 abstracts across key dermatological conditions including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, actinic keratosis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, and two expert-led symposia.

Almirall, S.A. (ALM) a global biopharmaceutical company focused on medical dermatology today announced new long-term results from the POSITIVE study, presented as a late-breaker at the 34th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2025 (EADV) in Paris.

POSITIVE is the first RWE study in dermatology to use the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) as a primary endpoint. The selection of the abstract as a late breaker at the EADV congress highlights the importance of the findings of the POSITIVE study and its unique approach to evaluating the long-term holistic impact of an advanced treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, a condition that profoundly impairs social, psychological, and physical quality of life, impacting overall well-being1

Two-Year Real-World Results from POSITIVE

The 24-month, multinational, phase IV observational study enrolled 785 adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis across nine European countries, all receiving tildrakizumab in routine clinical practice. The results of the POSITIVE study show tildrakizumab's long-term effectiveness on both skin outcomes and patient-reported outcomes and demonstrates tildrakizumab's significant value in the long-term holistic management of psoriasis.

Key findings include:

Rapid and sustained improvement of psychological well-being (assessed by WHO-5): Baseline well-being scores of subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis averaged 53.7 , significantly below the European population mean scores of 64.9 and comparable to levels seen in people with diseases like diabetes or breast cancer. After 16 weeks of treatment, scores improved to 63.2 , restoring well-being to the same range as the European average. By two years, the well-being scores of subjects rose further to 70.43 , surpassing the general population mean.

Baseline well-being scores of subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis averaged , significantly below the European population mean scores of 64.9 and comparable to levels seen in people with diseases like diabetes or breast cancer. After 16 weeks of treatment, scores improved to , restoring well-being to the same range as the European average. By two years, the well-being scores of subjects rose further to , surpassing the general population mean. Rapid and sustained skin clearance (PASI): Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores improved from 12.9 at baseline to 2.4 at week 16 and 1.3 at year 2, with 79% of patients maintaining PASI =2 after two years.

Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores improved from at baseline to at week 16 and at year 2, with of patients maintaining PASI =2 after two years. Improved quality of life (DLQI-R): Dermatology Life Quality Index-Revised scores improved from 12.0 at baseline to 2.1 at year 2.

Dermatology Life Quality Index-Revised scores improved from at baseline to at year 2. Reduced partner burden (FamilyPsO): Scores significantly improved throughout the study period from 1.1 at baseline to 0.6 at year 2 (P<0.001), demonstrating that the impact of effective therapy also benefits partners.

Treatment with tildrakizumab was generally well tolerated over the two-year study period, with a safety and tolerability profile in line with previous clinical studies.

Prof. Ulrich Mrowietz, lead investigator of POSITIVE, said: "We are delighted that the two-year data from the POSITIVE study has been accepted as a late breaker at the 2025 EADV Congress a recognition that reflects the innovative nature of this real-world evidence (RWE) research. POSITIVE takes a truly holistic approach to managing psoriasis by incorporating PROs that were previously unexplored in dermatology, such as the WHO-5 score for measuring psychological well-being and the impact of the disease on patient's partners. This study provides valuable new insights for the dermatology community."

POSITIVE's focus on psychological well-being, quality of life, and the impact on patients' partners reflects the integrated, patient-centered approach called for in the WHO's 2025 resolution2 on skin diseases as a global public health priority. Adopted at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, the resolution calls for the development of a Global Action Plan to strengthen and integrate dermatology care worldwide an ambition that POSITIVE supports through its holistic, patient-centric approach to psoriasis management.

Dr. Volker Koscielny, Almirall's Chief Medical Officer, said:"The POSITIVE study demonstrates that advanced therapies such as those targeting IL -23 can truly raise the bar when it comes to treatment success. Measuring psychological and physical wellbeing as primary outcomes, the POSITIVE study demonstrates comprehensively for the first time that patients can "get their lives back" as a range of relevant health aspects improve with treatment. The study also proposes a model that looks at disease impact in a more holistic way, including the impact on people close to the patients. This means we at Almirall are through our close collaboration with visionary dermatologists setting a new standard for patient-centred dermatological care and push the boundaries of optimized treatment outcomes."

By incorporating the WHO-5 into real-world research across multiple dermatological indications including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD), Almirall is advancing its commitment to the next generation of holistic, patient-centred dermatology innovation as well as reinforcing its leadership in patient-centred care.

Almirall advancing skin science at EADV 2025

The company's presence at EADV 2025 also includes 44 scientific abstracts across atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and actinic keratosis, alongside two expert-led symposia on psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and an interactive booth. This presence reflects Almirall's commitment to advancing science, sharing RWE and clinical data with the dermatology community, and helping to improve outcomes in everyday clinical practice.

The POSITIVE study will be presented as a late-breaking abstract at EADV 2025 on Thursday 18 September, 17:15 17:30 (Room Paris-Nord), by Prof. Ulrich Mrowietz. The 15-minute slot will include a 12-minute presentation followed by 3 minutes of Q&A.

The POSITIVE Abstract Link can be found on the EADV website.

About Almirall

Almirall is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology. We closely collaborate with leading scientists, healthcare professionals, and patients to deliver our purpose: to transform the patients' world by helping them realize their hopes and dreams for a healthy life. We are at the forefront of science to deliver ground-breaking, differentiated medical dermatology innovations that address patients' needs.

Almirall, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Barcelona, is publicly traded on the Spanish Stock Exchange (ticker: ALM, total revenue in 2024: 990 MM, over 2000 employees globally). Almirall products help to improve the lives of patients every day and are available in over 100 countries.

For more information, please visit https://www.almirall.com/

Legal notice:

This document includes only summary information and is not intended to be exhaustive. The facts, figures, and opinions contained in this document, in addition to the historical ones, are "forward-looking statements." These statements are based on the information currently available and the best estimates and assumptions that the Company considers reasonable. These statements involve risks and uncertainties beyond the control of the Company. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those declared by such forward-looking statements. The Company expressly waives any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, goals, or estimates contained in this document to reflect any changes in the assumptions, events, or circumstances on which such forward-looking statements are based, unless required by the applicable law.

1 WHO Global report on psoriasis

2 Skin diseases as a global public health priority (WHO).

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Contacts:

Corporate Communications:

corporate.communication@almirall.com

Phone: +34 93 291 35 08

Investor Relations:

investors@almirall.com

Phone: (+34) 93 291 30 87
United Group commits to editorial independence of N1 and Nova in Serbia; Group's focus remains on operations, value and governance

LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Group rejects false and misleading claims that the Group is seeking to curtail or otherwise compromise the editorial independence of N1 and Nova TV channels in Serbia, or sell them to Telekom Srbija or entities linked to the Serbian state. These allegations are false.

Editorial independence

United Group's news businesses operate under a clear separation between commercial management and editorial decision making, and the company makes a clear distinction between editorial and executive staff.

News independence is sacrosanct to the current management and the majority shareholder BC Partners, and will never be influenced by any political interference or considerations.

United Group is a commercial enterprise, focused on driving value creation across portfolio companies through sound and ethical business-driven decisions.

Editorial choices for N1 and Nova are taken by the editorial teams, not by United Group executives, and there has been no interference by current management. This is clearly demonstrated by recent news reporting at N1 and Nova, which has continued in an entirely independent manner.

What role the previous management played in influencing editorial decisions and news content to suit their own agenda remains an open question.

Some concerns have been raised by Telekom Srbija about the conduct of Aleksandra Subotic, who is not a member of the editorial staff at any United Group news organisation, and these are being investigated in line with our policies and procedures.

United Group and its majority shareholder, BC Partners, have been working on a model to secure and fortify the editorial independence of N1 and Nova news channels.

Measures under consideration include strengthened editorial charters, non-interference covenants, channel-level independence oversight, and an external ombudsperson function. In early July, two leading international advisers were engaged to support this work.

The objective is to ensure that editorial independence remains robust and insulated from non-business and political considerations.

The Group's current management has never had any plans to sell its news assets to Telekom Srbija, or any other state-linked entity. The only discussions that have taken place involving the potential sale of N1 and Nova were held under the previous management.

Any such sale is clearly not aligned with the Group's priority of safeguarding independence while enhancing resilience, efficiency and performance across portfolio companies.

Founder and close associate pursued closure of Serbian TV channels in January 2025

Some recent media speculation about the Serbian news operations has been intertwined with an ongoing shareholder dispute.

Any suggestions that discussions to alter the structure of news assets or sell Serbian businesses originate from the current management are false and deliberately misleading.

Documented correspondence from January 2025 shows that the Group's founder and minority shareholder Dragan Solak, via his long-time close associate Vladislav Ratajac, approached Telekom Srbija with proposals to:

Take N1 and Nova off television in Serbia in return for a lump-sum of approximately 120 million. The news channels would have been removed from cable/satellite line-ups and run as internet-only channels;

Sell the Serbian news assets to a third party;

Sell other parts of the Serbian business to Telekom Srbija, such as Shoppster and D Express.

This is in addition to a 200 million bonus demanded by Solak from Summer Parent, United Group's ultimate parent company, for purportedly facilitating the sale of United Group's Serbian businesses.

N1 and Nova editorial staff appear to have been kept in the dark about these pursuits.

The pursuits of Solak and his representative Vladislav Ratajac were not adopted and do not reflect the strategy of the current management for the news business in Serbia.

Claims that the new leadership sought to "weaken" Serbia's independent news channels are false.

The very actions that Solak and Ratajac now claim the Group is taking today, as reported in the press, were in fact devised and pursued by Solak and Ratajac at the beginning of the year.

To be clear:

Editorial independence is non-negotiable. Editorial decisions sit with the newsrooms. United Group's current management and majority shareholder BC Partners have not interfered in the editorial content of its news outlets.

United Group's current management has never had any plans whatsoever to sell N1 or Nova to Telekom Srbija, or anyone else, unlike Solak and his associates.

Any inference, suggestion or reporting to the contrary is simply false.

The question is for what purpose, for what reason and to whose benefit this narrative is being advanced.

The question is for what purpose, for what reason and to whose benefit this narrative is being advanced. The company will not be drawn into politics or Solak's personal agenda. The company's focus is running the business with operational discipline, strong governance, and clear accountability.

The current management and majority shareholder have zero tolerance for interference with editorial independence, political interference, threats of violence against its journalistic staff or any of its 14,000 employees, of whom c. 4,000 work within United Media and c. 370 in the news businesses.

The underlying performance of United Group's portfolio companies remains strong as recently reported in H1 2025 results: revenues are up by 5%, EBITDA up by nearly 7%, with strong cash conversion.

Notes to editors

About United Group

United Group is a leading multi-play telecommunications and media company in Southeastern Europe, with annual revenue of 2.7 billion and EBITDA of c. 1 billion. Summer Parent Sarl, United Group's ultimate parent company, decided to appoint new management on 16 June 2025 to drive value creation, sound governance and operational focus across the portfolio. The leadership change was carried out following the sale of the largest part of United Group's Serbian business and ahead of a potential divestment of our operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our portfolio consists of companies in Slovenia, Montenegro, Croatia, Greece and Bulgaria, with the latter two accounting for around 70% of Group EBITDA. By streamlining our operations, we are focusing on our telecommunications, media, technology and cloud services businesses across our core markets in the EU.

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Tianjin, China--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Recently, the results of the "2025 10 BEST CAR BODY " jointly initiated by CATARC (Tianjin) Automotive Information Co., Ltd. and multiple industry organizations, were officially announced. This year's selection achieved comprehensive upgrades in scale and technical depth, bringing together an authoritative judging panel including university professors and industry experts. The evaluation systematically assessed shortlisted models across multiple dimensions such as materials, craftsmanship, structure, and design. After comprehensive deliberation during the re-evaluation and defense stage, the annual "10 BEST CAR BODY" models, multiple individual awards, and special committee awards were finally selected, collectively showcasing the latest achievements and development level of China's automotive body technology.

CATARC (Tianjin) Automotive Information Co., Ltd. Officially Announces Results of "2025 10 BEST CAR BODY"

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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In the "2025 10 BEST CAR BODY" awards, the following ten models were successfully selected for their outstanding performance (listed in no particular order, sorted by the pinyin initials of the model names):

Buick Electra L7, FULWIN T11, Geely Galaxy M9, Zeekr 7X, Cadillac XT5, Li i8, MAZDA EZ-60, M-Hero M817, Denza Z, Bingo S.

CATARC (Tianjin) Automotive Information Co., Ltd. Officially Announces Results of "2025 10 BEST CAR BODY"

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/266940_img2.jpg

Additionally, this year's selection also established individual awards to recognize models and companies that demonstrated exceptional performance in specific technical areas:

Best Safety Award : Geely Galaxy M9

Best Structure Award : FULWIN T11

Best Innovation Award : Denza Z

Best Reliability Award : Buick Electra L7, M-Hero M817

Best Material Award: Zeekr 7X, MAZDA EZ-60

The committee's special awards focused on cutting-edge industry exploration and technological innovation, with the winning project being:

CATARC (Tianjin) Automotive Information Co., Ltd. Officially Announces Results of "2025 10 BEST CAR BODY"

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/266940_img3.jpg

Body Platform Pioneer Award: BCB EV Meta

As the initiator of this selection, CATARC (Tianjin) Automotive Information Co., Ltd. is a recognized authoritative technical service institution in the industry, long committed to promoting technological research and development and the transformation of achievements in China's automotive industry. Since its establishment in 2021, the "10 BEST CAR BODY" has undergone five years of dedicated development, always adhering to the principle of "promoting research through awards and boosting publicity through awards." It has now become an important exchange and evaluation platform in the field of automotive body technology in China, known for its authority and professionalism.

In the future, CATARC (Tianjin) Automotive Information Co., Ltd. will continue to collaborate with industry organizations to deepen the body technology evaluation system, promote the research and application of innovative technologies, and inject sustained momentum into the high-quality development and enhanced global competitiveness of China's automotive industry.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266940

SOURCE: Global News
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, BC, Sept. 18, 2025) (OTCQB: TRDTF ) ("Trident" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an expansion of its current inaugural drill exploration program at its 100% owned Contact Lake Project, ("Contact Lake" or the "Project") located in Saskatchewan. The drill program is focused on confirming historical gold grades and discovering new mineralized zones both adjacent to and below the historical underground mine workings. Trident is very pleased with the drilling progress as well as the visual indications of mineralization thus far, and has elected to increase the program from 5,000m to over 6,500m in 18-20 drill holes. The Company is fully funded for this increase with over C$11M in its treasury.

Contact Lake Project Location Map:

https://www.tridentresourcescorp.com/projects/contact-lake-gold-project/#&gid=1&pid=1

Drill Program Highlights:

Excellent progress is being made with the drilling and costs are coming in lower than expected with nearby infrastructure helping to make the drilling more cost-efficient

Excellent progress is being made with the drilling and costs are coming in lower than expected with nearby infrastructure helping to make the drilling more cost-efficient Encouraging visual mineralization has been seen in numerous drill holes prompting an expansion in the drilling program

Additional ~1,500m drilling (~30%) increase to the current 5,000m program for a total over 6,500m in 18-20 drill holes planned

The program remains fully funded with core samples being split and sent for analytical geochemical testing; assays are pending

Jonathan Wiesblatt, Chief Executive Officer of Trident, commented: "Due to the early visual indications of mineralization and cost-effective execution of the ongoing drilling program, Trident is adding an additional ~1,500 metres of drilling, bringing the total initial diamond drilling program to ~6,500 meters. The additional metres will be focused on the following:

Expanding the known footprint of the deposit by drilling underneath the old mine workings, following up on historical drill holes which intersected high grade gold, and

Closing the gap between the current known mineralization and its extension both down dip and laterally. The Company believes this program has the potential to add to the current know geological model with a minimal amount of additional drilling and positively impact the resource potential of the project.

Further, we expect ample news flow in the coming months from this drill program, technical report updates, and continued consolidation of properties in this prolific gold district."

Geological Discussion:



Numerous drill holes have been designed to test for the extension of gold mineralization between the historical underground workings and the unmined BK3 Gold Zone, located 50 metres toward the northeast of Trident's drilling. These holes successfully intersected the Bakos shear at the predicted position, encountering a broad zone of strong alteration and veining that extended from the hanging wall through the shear zone and into the footwall below.

Location Map of Planned Drill Holes:

http://www.tridentresourcescorp.com/_resources/images/Drill-Plan-NR-202508.jpg

The remainder of the drill program will seek to discover gold mineralization at shallow depths and test for extensions of the Main Zone at depth below the historical underground mine workings.

Marketing Agreement:

Further to the Company's May 29, 2025 news release, whereby the Company announced the engagement of Resource Stock Digest ("RSD") for a 3-month advertising and marketing program, the Company wishes to clarify that it was for two distinct investor relations and marketing programs, both effective May 28, 2025. The first is a three-month Awareness Campaign at a total cost of USD$115,000, payable upfront. The second is a Featured Company Sponsorship with an initial three-month term at a quarterly cost of USD $10,000, for an 18-month term, unless terminated by the Company with 30 days' notice. The total upfront payment for both engagements is USD $125,000.

Qualified Person:



The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Cornell McDowell, P.Geo., a non-independent "Qualified Person" under the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Mineralization hosted on nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be hosted on the Property.

Mr. McDowell visited the Property several times in 2025 in advance of the drill program to establish control on historical infrastructure and determine potential drill hole locations. He has discussed and reviewed core logging, sampling and handling procedures with the qualified staff from Terralogic Exploration, who are managing the drill program on behalf of Trident Resources. The 2025 drill program will include a robust QA/QC program and follow provincially mandated health and safety protocols with participation from several local personnel including members of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

About Trident Resources Corp.:

Trident Resources Corp. is a Canadian public mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of advanced-stage gold and copper exploration projects in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company is advancing its 100% owned Contact Lake and Greywacke Lake projects which host significant historical gold resources located within the prospective and underexplored La Ronge Gold Belt, as well as the 100% owned Knife Lake copper project which contains a historical copper resource.

To find out more about Trident Resources Corp.

Trident Resources Corp.

Jonathan Wiesblatt, Chief Executive Officer

Email: Jon.Wiesblatt@tridentresourcescorp.com

For further information contact myself or:

Andrew J. Ramcharan, PhD, P.Eng., Corporate Communications

Trident Resources Corp.

Telephone: 647-309-5130

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@tridentresourcescorp.com





NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements
HEALWELL's subsidiary Intrahealth Systems Limited ("Intrahealth") has been selected by Public Health Sudbury & Districts ("Public Health") to implement Profile, its enterprise-grade electronic medical record ("EMR") platform.

The deployment will equip Public Health with advanced digital tools to strengthen efficiency, support infectious disease control, vaccination, family health, oral health, sexual health, and environmental health programs.

Profile is a secure, scalable, and future-ready platform already deployed across many Ontario public health units, offering predictive analytics, integrated telemedicine, real-time reporting, and client self-service features.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - HEALWELL AI Inc. (TSX: AIDX) (OTCQX: HWAIF) ("HEALWELL" or the "Company"), a healthcare artificial intelligence company focused on preventative care, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Intrahealth Systems Limited ("Intrahealth"), has been selected by Public Health Sudbury & Districts ("Public Health") to implement Profile, its enterprise-grade electronic medical record ("EMR") platform. This major digital health initiative is designed to strengthen public health infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and improve population health outcomes across the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.

Profile will equip Public Health with robust digital tools to support a broad range of public health programs and services, including:

Infectious Disease Control & Vaccine Preventable Diseases - immunization and inventory management, case and contact tracing, outbreak management, real-time reports for public health surveillance, and vaccination record-keeping.

- immunization and inventory management, case and contact tracing, outbreak management, real-time reports for public health surveillance, and vaccination record-keeping. Sexual Health Services - client care, STI management, secure reporting, and appointment scheduling.

- client care, STI management, secure reporting, and appointment scheduling. Health Promotion - community- and population-wide health data tracking, data-informed program planning, and targeted interventions.

- community- and population-wide health data tracking, data-informed program planning, and targeted interventions. Oral Health Programs - appointment scheduling, dental treatment tracking, and cross-provider communication.

- appointment scheduling, dental treatment tracking, and cross-provider communication. Family Health Programs - health milestone tracking, early childhood screenings and assessments.

- health milestone tracking, early childhood screenings and assessments. Environmental Health, including Rabies and Vector-Borne Disease Investigations - enabling public health inspectors to document, track, and manage cases effectively.

In addition, Profile delivers advanced functionality such as role-based access, integrated telemedicine, dynamic charting, customizable workflows, client self-scheduling, predictive analytics, and real-time data reporting.

"We are honoured to partner with Public Health Sudbury & Districts on this initiative," said Dorian Prior, President of Intrahealth. "By modernizing digital infrastructure, we are giving Public Health the tools to better serve families, respond faster to emerging health needs, and make data-driven decisions that directly benefit the people of Sudbury and beyond. Profile is much more than a record-keeping system-it is a comprehensive platform designed to empower public health professionals with the flexibility, security, and innovation they need to deliver exceptional care, improve efficiency, and strengthen overall community well-being."

James Lee, CEO of HEALWELL AI, commented, "This partnership highlights the value of our healthcare technology ecosystem and the impact it can have at the community level. Intrahealth's Profile platform aligns perfectly with HEALWELL's mission to harness the power of data to transform care delivery. Together with Public Health, we are enabling a more connected, responsive, and effective public health system that will create lasting value for the region."

"We're excited to work with Intrahealth to digitize more of Public Health's data systems. The new EMR system will enhance how we provide services, improve coordination, realize efficiencies, and help us better meet the evolving health needs of the communities we serve with data-driven practices," said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

Profile ensures interoperability, scalability, and best-in-class data security. The system is compliant with privacy and regulatory frameworks, including PHIPA, HIPAA, and PIPEDA, while offering robust disaster recovery, offline access, and mobile functionality to support health teams in all settings. Through this implementation, Public Health will improve efficiency by reducing administrative burdens, enhance data quality with real-time analytics to support evidence-based decision-making, and increase accessibility for clients through digital portals, telemedicine, and self-service booking. Most importantly, Profile will strengthen community outcomes with proactive population health tracking and targeted interventions that improve care for families across the region.

With over 25 years of experience delivering healthcare solutions in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, Intrahealth brings a proven track record of implementing scalable and secure platforms for public health organizations. Today, Profile is already deployed across many public health units in Ontario and continues to set the standard for digital transformation in public health.

James Lee

Chief Executive Officer

HEALWELL AI Inc.

About Intrahealth

Intrahealth, a HEALWELL AI company, is a leader in healthcare technology with a focus on delivering scalable, secure, and integrated EMR solutions. Its flagship platform, Profile, supports healthcare providers, institutions, and governments across Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Intrahealth is dedicated to advancing digital health transformation, enabling better care delivery, and improving population health outcomes. For more information, visit www.intrahealth.com.

About HEALWELL AI

HEALWELL is a healthcare artificial intelligence company focused on preventative care. Its mission is to improve healthcare and save lives through early identification and detection of disease. Using its own proprietary technology, the Company is developing and commercializing advanced clinical decision support systems that can help healthcare providers detect rare and chronic diseases, improve efficiency of their practice and ultimately help improve patient health outcomes. HEALWELL is executing a strategy centered around developing and acquiring technology and clinical sciences capabilities that complement the Company's road map. HEALWELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "AIDX" and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol "HWAIF". To learn more about HEALWELL, please visit https://healwell.ai/.

About Public Health Sudbury & Districts

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is a progressive public health agency in Northern Ontario (Canada) committed to improving health and reducing social inequities in health through evidence-informed practice. Public Health works to promote and protect health and to prevent disease by offering programs and services that are geared toward people of all ages and are delivered in a variety of settings. Public Health is committed to creating an accommodating, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements about the anticipated benefits of equipping Public Health with the Profile platform; and are based on assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "mission", "enabling", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain future conditions, actions, events or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "can" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms . Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as a number of specific factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by HEALWELL as of the date of such statements, are outside of HEALWELL's control and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies which could result in the forward-looking statements ultimately being entirely or partially incorrect or untrue. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on various assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following: the stability of general economic and market conditions; sufficiency of working capital and access to financing; HEALWELL's ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations; HEALWELL's continued compliance with third party intellectual property rights; the effects of competition in the industry; the requirement for increasingly innovative product solutions and service offerings; technologies working as intended or at all; trends in customer growth and the adoption of new technologies in the industry; and that the risk factors noted below, collectively, do not have a material impact on HEALWELL's business, operations, revenues and/or results. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved.

Known and unknown risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of HEALWELL, could cause the actual results of HEALWELL to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements, or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to those factors which are discussed under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in HEALWELL's most recent annual information form dated March 31, 2025, which is available under HEALWELL's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The risk factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect HEALWELL and the reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. HEALWELL disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266933

SOURCE: HEALWELL AI
Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a leading global provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics and AI solutions to the financial services sector, has announced that it has exchanged on the acquisition of Ascent. The transaction is expected to close on 30th September 2025.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250915732380/en/

L-R: Stewart Smythe, Chief Executive Officer, Ascent; Jon O'Donnell, Chief Operating Officer, Acuity Knowledge Partners, and Robert King, Chief Executive Officer, Acuity Knowledge Partners

This strategic move significantly expands Acuity's Data and Technology Services (DTS) division and its offering of technology and AI led services and solutions.

Ascent, a leading European provider of AI-powered digital transformation services, supports over 170 clients globally, with 550 data, software, and cloud specialists operating across seven European jurisdictions.

"Our acquisition of Ascent is a transformative moment," said Robert King, Chief Executive Officer at Acuity. "Acuity has invested in and built a fast-growing practice delivering data management and technology led services and solutions. By acquiring Ascent, we are taking our expertise and ability to offer our clients innovative AI-led solutions to another level. We are turbo-charging the way we can assist Acuity and Ascent clients with their digital transformations and AI adoption. This acquisition also takes us into new sectors such as reinsurance, pharma, manufacturing and retail for the first time. The acquisition enables Acuity to deliver from, and into, new markets. I am really excited at the prospect of what we can achieve together, and we warmly welcome the Ascent staff to the Acuity family."

Jon O'Donnell, Chief Operating Officer at Acuity, said, "The Ascent business is a great addition to Acuity and will build on the progress we have made with our AI solutions following the launch of our Agentic AI platform, Agent Fleet. The acquisition of Ascent will boost our capacity to provide best-in-class technology advisory services to our clients. I am excited to partner with Stewart and the Ascent team to significantly grow our DTS business."

Stewart Smythe, Chief Executive Officer at Ascent, commented, "Combining Ascent's market-leading data and AI capability in Europe with Acuity's industry-leading AI innovation and deep domain expertise is exciting. Acuity's strategic aim to build a global technology services business unit to complement its capabilities and build broader relationships with its existing clients is exactly the opportunity my team were looking for, and we are excited to work with Robert King, Jon O'Donnell and the entire Acuity team."

In recent years, Acuity has identified a compelling opportunity to build a technology services and solutions division that is complementary to its core capabilities in research, analytics and data management.

This acquisition enhances Acuity's capabilities and expands the firm's global network of delivery locations. Furthermore, Acuity will continue to build on Ascent's strong alliance with Microsoft.

Acuity was advised on the transaction by DC Advisory and Ascent by Canaccord Genuity.

About Acuity Knowledge Partners

Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity) is a leading global provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics and AI solutions to the financial services sector, including asset managers, corporate and investment banks, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds and consulting firms. Its global network of over 6,500 analysts and industry experts, combined with proprietary technology, supports more than 650 financial institutions and consulting companies to operate more efficiently, unlock their human capital and transform operations. Acuity is headquartered in London and operates from 16 locations worldwide.

Acuity was established as a separate business from Moody's Corporation in 2019, following its acquisition by Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone). In January 2023, funds advised by global private equity firm Permira acquired a majority stake in the business from Equistone, which remains invested as a minority shareholder.

For more information, visit www.acuitykp.com

About Ascent

Ascent is a leading European AI and digital services business, helping organisations worldwide connect data, software and cloud to do something new, or do something better. Ascent's mission is to help customers modernise and innovate, delivering change and scale with less friction and more certainty. Its teams of experts span AI, data science and user experience design, software and data engineering, collaborating with customers to transform operational efficiency, competitive advantage, decision-making and user engagement.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in the UK and Munich, Ascent employs 550 technology specialists across Europe. Ascent works with over 170 businesses in the UK, Europe and North America.

For more information, visit www.ascent.io

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250915732380/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Stuti Das

Global Head of Communications and PR

Acuity Knowledge Partners

stuti.das@acuitykp.com
SHANGHAI, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei's Executive Director of the Board David Wang released a suite of new HUAWEI eKit 4+10+N SME Intelligence Solutions at the HUAWEI eKit Autumn Launch 2025 in Shanghai. The event, themed "Together for Growth, All Intelligence", focused on the launch of new one-stop scenario-based solutions designed to provide last-mile services for SMEs undergoing intelligent transformation.

AI is starting to be applied broadly within the business world. While current applications focus on intelligent assistants for employees, future use cases are projected to focus on deep integration with core production systems. This process will have a profound impact on product, service, business, and operations models, making AI a major engine of their growth. SMEs play a significant role in the economy. China alone has more than 58 million SMEs, which create over 80% of the country's urban jobs and generate 60% of national GDP. Despite the increased application of AI being seen around the world, SMEs generally struggle to adopt these new technologies because of low AI awareness, technical capabilities, and AI application. The bar to AI adoption is too high for most SMEs.

During the launch event, Wang explained, "Intelligence should be easily accessible as water and electricity. I hope every person, home, and organization can benefit from AI. Huawei is ready to help SMEs tackle these challenges and go intelligent faster. No one will be left behind in the intelligent world."

Many SMEs turn to externally-developed intelligent solutions to overcome the technology and talent gaps that prevent them from applying AI on their own. These companies look for solutions that are easy to use, quick to deploy, and specifically designed to boost efficiency and drive growth. In the past, installers provided these solutions by using complicated by-product subcontracting models which were typically quite inefficient. Huawei overhauled its distribution business to address this market pain point, shifting from selling standalone products to offering one-stop scenario-based solutions that are easier for installers to deliver. Under this new approach, Huawei designs its specific solutions around real-world business use cases. The HUAWEI eKit 4+10+N SME Intelligence Solutions released today have all been designed according to this approach.

The 4 in the 4+10+N refers to four major scenarios that encompass most business operations: intelligent office, intelligent business, intelligent education, and intelligent healthcare. The 10 refers to the 10 one-stop, scenario-based solutions released today, which include SME office, intelligent hotel, digital diagnosis platform, and intelligent interactive classroom solutions. The N finally refers to a series of star products tailored to these different scenarios. At today's event, Huawei launched 26 products as part of this N series of solutions, including the HUAWEI eKitEngine AR180 series enterprise-grade routers. These ultra-high-speed routers integrate a number of functionalities, including routing, switching, Wi-Fi, and VPN functions. New IdeaHub products that combine AI conferencing, acoustic baffle, and AI applications were also launched today. All these offerings feature an all-in-one design, intelligent interactions, and comprehensive security.

Wang stressed, "We handle the complexity so customers and partners can focus on growing. Our one-stop scenario-based solutions will help SMEs go intelligent more easily and faster. HUAWEI eKit one-stop scenario-based solutions are our newest examples of this. These solutions are an upgrade in terms of solution development, sales enablement, and delivery services. By using these solutions to power our partners, we bring the benefits of AI to SMEs."

All of the products released today come with significantly more advanced AI technologies than previous releases. These technologies come pre-integrated and pre-validated with the solutions, which makes delivery more flexible. This allows installers to easily bundle products to meet the specific needs of different scenarios. Huawei is also providing additional sales enablement for its distribution partners, including quicker access to related resources, solution demonstrations, and scenario-based configuration plans that significantly reduce product selection and solution design difficulty for both installers and customers. For delivery services, Huawei supports unified installation, centralized network management, and consolidated customer support that allows customers to rapidly adopt AI, while ensuring worry-free delivery for installers.

Wang concluded his speech saying, "These solutions will power the last mile of the intelligent world for SMEs. We are more than welcome to stand strong with distribution partners and installers to pool resources and fully empower SMEs to go intelligent."

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The family-owned egg brand proves once again that protein can be hilarious in its latest offbeat commercial, "Pocket-Sized Protein."

AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Chino Valley Ranchers, the family-run egg brand celebrated for its quirky and daring ads, is back with another laugh-filled spot: Pocket-Sized Protein. Shot at the iconic Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery in Austin, Texas, this offbeat commercial playfully reminds viewers that eggs are the ultimate portable snack-even if your jacket pockets aren't exactly designed for them.

Pocket Sized Protein Commercial

Pocket Sized Protein Commercial From Chino Valley Ranchers

[WATCH THE SPOT]

In Pocket-Sized Protein, audiences are dropped into a high school reunion where one attendee takes his obsession with eggs to strange new heights. Pulling hard-boiled eggs straight from his pockets, he leaves classmates stunned and bewildered. The awkward hilarity that follows blends nostalgia with over-the-top comedy, all while spotlighting eggs as nature's original grab-and-go protein.

Cracking the Formula for Viral Laughs

Written and directed by Alex Ribble of Big Chief-the same team behind Chino Valley Ranchers' previous viral favorites-Pocket-Sized Protein continues the brand's tradition of bold, tongue-in-cheek storytelling. From a genie running a food truck to a cowboy chasing down his lost chicken, Chino Valley Ranchers has become known for marketing that goes far beyond ordinary food ads.

"Our aim is simple: create content people don't just watch but actually share and laugh about," said Chris Nichols, CEO of Chino Valley Ranchers. "Eggs are already memorable, so why not make our ads just as unforgettable? Food marketing doesn't need to be bland-because who doesn't love a good laugh along with great eggs?"

The Team That Brought It to Life

The production was fueled by an impressive crew and cast. Director of Photography Keith Leman captured every punchline with cinematic flair, while Zena Van Ackeren led casting for a standout lineup featuring Sara Alavi, Braden Wuerch, Kevin Kurz, Melissa Chick, and Gunner Willis.

Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery provided the perfect setting, opening their doors for the shoot. To top it off, CEO Chris Nichols slipped into the chaos himself, reprising his alter ego "DJ 5 Sense" for a cameo that kept the party energy flowing both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Why It Hits Home

At its core, Pocket-Sized Protein isn't just about eggs-it's about breaking through the clutter with something fresh, funny, and unforgettable. Chino Valley Ranchers has consistently proven that daring creative choices pay off, with previous campaigns pulling in millions of views. This newest ad keeps that streak alive with humor designed to crack smiles as well as eggs.

Watch the Spot

See Pocket-Sized Protein now and find out why eggs will always be the world's best on-the-go protein-no pocket required.

[WATCH THE SPOT]

About Chino Valley Ranchers

Chino Valley Ranchers is a family-owned and operated company dedicated to producing organic, free-range, and pasture-raised eggs of the highest quality. With more than 70 years of experience, the company remains committed to sustainable farming and animal welfare, making it a trusted name across the country.

Media Contact:

Alex Ribble

President, Big Chief Creative Media

Alex@BigChiefCreative.com

(714) 794-2226

SOURCE: Chino Valley Ranchers

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/eggs-in-your-pocket-chino-valley-ranchers-says-why-not-in-new-ad-1073860
Leading B2B SaaS Company to Host More Than 150 Customers and Partners at Flagship EMEA Event October 8

LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Conga , the market leader?in AI-powered innovation in configure, price, quote (CPQ) and contract lifecycle management (CLM), and Document Automation, will host its flagship European customer conference, Conga Connection EMEA 2025, taking place October 8, at the prestigious Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel. The event is expected to attract more than 150 customers, partners, and industry leaders from across Europe for a day of learning, innovation, and networking focused on advancing business transformation and operational excellence.

The conference will feature keynote presentations from Conga's executive leadership, including CEO Dave Osborne who will share Conga's strategic vision for empowering organizations to accelerate their journey to become a more connected, intelligent business, better able to minimize risk and maximize revenue. Conga Chief Product Officer Rohit Chhabra will share the company's technology strategy which is underpinned by the Conga Advantage Platform.

"We're excited to bring together our European community of customers and partners for this premier event," said Dave Osborne, CEO of Conga. "Conga Connection EMEA represents our commitment to supporting our accounts across Europe, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, best practices, and meaningful connections that drive business success."

Comprehensive Program Featuring Customer Success Stories and Industry Expertise

The event will showcase real-world stories from Conga customers, based in Europe and representing some of the region's leading organizations including AXA, Booking.com, Vaisala, Boston Scientific, and Offploy.org. These customers will share their experiences working with Conga to drive value across their contracting, revenue and document automation processes.

Several leading business consulting firms will be sharing their expertise and insights into best practices for CPQ and CLM.

"Conga has a significant customer base in EMEA and we're excited to bring these customers together," said Spencer Earp, Senior Vice President of EMEA for Conga. "The combination of customer success stories, partner expertise, and strategic insights creates an unparalleled learning environment for our European community. We fully expect attendees to leave with actionable strategies for AI implementation, regulatory compliance, and revenue optimization."

Primary Research to Reveal European Perspectives on the EU AI Act

At the event, Conga will unveil exclusive primary research exploring how European businesses have prepared for the EU AI Act. The research will reveal critical insights into organizational readiness, compliance concerns, and strategic AI investment plans across the region.

Registration and Event Information

Conga Connection EMEA 2025 is a complimentary event for qualified attendees. The conference runs from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM on October 8, with networking events beginning the evening of October 7.

Sign up here for Conga Connection.

About Conga

The Conga Advantage Platform is chosen worldwide to accelerate the journey to become a more connected, intelligent business. Conga brings Configure, Price, Quote, Contract Lifecycle Management, and Document Automation capabilities together on a single open platform that works with any ERP, any CRM, and any Cloud. Powered by a unified data model and purpose-built AI, Conga helps companies achieve a unique advantage-one built on seamless connection, actionable intelligence, and scalable growth.?

Conga delivers an advantage to over 10,000 customers and 6.4 million users around the globe. More than 6 million contracts and 21 million quotes are generated annually with Conga. Founded in 2006, the company is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado and has global operations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Visit conga.com for more information.?

Media contact:

PAN Communications for Conga UK

conga@pancomm.com

SOURCE: Conga

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/conga-hosts-premier-european-customer-conference-%22conga-connectio-1074674
GENEVA, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- dss+ today announces the appointment of John Alexander, a longtime chair and investor in global consulting firms and former CEO of ERM, as its new chair of its board of directors.

Alexander served as CEO of ERM, from 2008 to 2017 before becoming its chairman from 2017 to 2019. He guided the consulting firm through a series of private equity investment cycles, leading the company's increase in value from about $500 million to more than $2 billion.

Since leaving his role as CEO at ERM, Alexander has performed multiple roles as Chairman and Investor at globally recognized, private equity backed consulting firms. He joined HKA in 2017 and assisted its senior leadership team in completing a successful transition to a stand-alone business and continues to provide leadership today. Alexander also has been guiding PA Consulting Group since 2018 as Chairman and Investor, working with Carlyle to secure a strong exit, leading a planned succession process and working with Jacobs, the current majority shareholder.

"We are excited about the appointment of John Alexander as our new board chair," said Davide Vassallo, CEO of dss+. "His tremendous experience in helping organisations grow, organically and through mergers and acquisitions, will be critical as we continue to expand dss+ through our next stage of growth and in the impact we make on our clients across the globe."

Isabelle Pagnotta, dss+ board member and Partner and Head of Business Services at Inflexion added: "We are delighted to welcome John to the board of dss+. His exceptional track record in leading and growing global consulting businesses will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate dss+ growth worldwide."

Alexander has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in earth sciences, completed the Senior Executive Corporate Finance course at the University of Oxford and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School.

"Throughout my career, I've enjoyed leading organisations through change and growth," Alexander said. "dss+ transforms businesses, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to guide its own transformation, one that is poised to continue its impressive growth and impact across a wide range of sectors."

About dss+

dss+ is the operational transformation partner for complex and high-hazard industries. We help organisations achieve breakthroughs in safety, performance and sustainability that drive lasting success.

Combining deep technical expertise and decades of hands-on experience with cutting-edge methodologies and data-driven insights, we empower teams to shift mindsets, shape cultures and build the capabilities needed at every level. Additional information is available at https://bit.ly/dssplus-bod

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10th Edition Takes Place in Athens, Greece | 11-13 November 2025

LONDON, Sept. 18, 2025(R&R Forum), the leading EMEA event dedicated to resort, leisure, and residential hospitality investment, will return to Athens, Greece on 11-13 November 2025 for its 10-year anniversary edition. This year, the forum introduces curated programme pathways, allowing attendees to personalise their experience based on job function, business objectives, and areas of interest.

"The R&R Forum has always been about creating meaningful connections and delivering actionable insights. This year, we've taken that commitment further by introducing curated pathways tailored to each delegate's role - whether investor, developer, operator, or advisor. These pathways are designed to help attendees navigate the programme with clarity and purpose, ensuring they engage with the sessions, networking formats, and experiences most relevant to their strategic goals. It's about elevating the delegate journey and maximising return on time and investment," said Julie Rey-Gore, Senior Conference Production Director, Operational Real Estate, Questex.

Introducing pathways personalised for every attendee

General pathway: From networking breakthroughs to trend-led discussions, this pathway explores shifting travel flows, destination strategies, and mixed-use performance - helping attendees sharpen perspective and craft guest experiences that resonate.

Investor pathway: Featuring networking and sessions on capital strategy, branded residences, and emerging leisure markets, this track equips investors to identify opportunities, manage risk, and maximise returns.

Developer pathway: Through immersive site tours and project showcases, this track highlights branded residences, mixed-use assets, and financing strategies, giving developers tools to unlock creativity and drive success.

Operator pathway: Focused on performance optimisation and guest journey innovation, this track combines AI-driven networking with panels on evolving traveller requirements, storytelling, and destination strategies to enhance operations and elevate the guest experience.

More pathways: Advisors and lenders will find content tailored to their roles, while dedicated streams on branded residences and destinations cater to those with a specific area of focus.

Celebrating 10 years of R&R Forum

This year marks a major milestone for the R&R Forum - 10 years of bringing together the global leisure hospitality community. Over the past decade, R&R has evolved into the leading platform for meaningful connections, high-level investment discussions, and industry collaboration, building a reputation for convening the right people in the room: leaders, innovators, and visionaries who share a passion for leisure hospitality.

Yuan Fang, Senior VP Development Europe and Americas at Minor Hotels, has spoken at R&R over the years and will be returning to the stage again this year:

"I've been attending the R&R Forum over the years because it convenes a well-curated group of industry leaders, fostering meaningful dialogue around emerging trends, strategic opportunities, and collaborative innovation."

Roger Allen, CEO at RLA Global, also reflected on what makes R&R special:

"The R&R Forum has preserved that special quality where genuine and meaningful relationships develop, insights are shared, and progress is properly funded."

The anniversary will be marked with the R&R 10-Year Anniversary Party, sponsored by Enterprise Greece. Set against the backdrop of Athens, the evening will give delegates the chance to unwind, connect, and reflect on a decade of progress, relationships, and shared achievements.

To register to attend R&R 2025, click here.

Explore the confirmed programme here.

For sponsorship opportunities, click here.

For more information about R&R and to stay updated on event details, visit www.randrforum.com.

Stay connected with the R&R Forum on Xand LinkedIn.

About Questex

Questex helps people live better and longer. The company brings people together in the markets that help people live better-hospitality, operational real estate and wellness-and the industries that help people live longer-life sciences and healthcare-along with the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. In the experience economy, Questex connects its ecosystem through live events, enriched with data insights and digital communities, to deliver exceptional experiences and measurable results. It happens here.

Media Contacts

Kirsty McKenna

Marketing Director

R&R Forum

kmckenna@questex.com

Marie Garrigue

Marketing Manager

R&R Forum

mgarrigue@questex.com
Companies aim at fuelling the local quantum ecosystem growth and promote adoption

IQM Quantum Computers and Scientek Corporation, a Taiwan-based reseller of scientific instruments and other high-technology products, today announced the signing of a strategic reseller agreement to accelerate the commercialisation of quantum computing.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918110284/en/

IQM and Scientek Corporation sign reseller agreement

The agreement follows the installation of IQM Spark, the first full-stack superconducting quantum computer at the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI). Under the reseller agreement, Scientek will sell and promote IQM's on-premises quantum computers and cloud solutions that meet the evolving needs of universities, research institutions, and enterprises.

Combining Scientek's strong market presence and customer-centric approach in Taiwan with IQM's quantum leadership, the collaboration will help Taiwanese businesses and research institutions to explore and leverage the power of quantum computing to solve complex problems and drive scientific research and development.

"This reseller agreement builds on our existing momentum in Taiwan and across the APAC region and represents another key step forward in expanding IQM's global footprint," said Mikko Valimaki, Co-CEO of IQM Quantum Computers. "We also believe that Scientek's prior deep expertise in cryogenics makes them an ideal partner to support IQM's full-stack superconducting quantum computers in the Taiwanese market."

"Together with IQM's leading superconducting quantum computers, our expectation is to take Taiwan's computing capabilities to the quantum age," said Simon Lin, CEO of Scientek Corporation. "We believe that IQM's excellent technical team in building up powerful quantum computer system makes our collaboration to bring Taiwanese people to move forward and achieve new height."

About IQM Quantum Computers:

IQM is a global leader in superconducting quantum computers. IQM provides both on-premises full-stack quantum computers and a cloud platform to access its computers. IQM customers include the leading high-performance computing centers, research labs, universities, and enterprises that have full access to IQM's software and hardware. IQM has over 300 employees with headquarters in Finland and a global presence in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Spain, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. For more information, visit meetiqm.com.

About Scientek Corporation

Scientek is a professional instrument agent/distributor in Taiwan with over 45 years' experience. Scientek serves as Sales and Service partner channel for metrology tools for academic institutions, safety gas detectors or analysers for semiconductor fab and industrial facilities. Scientek expands Quantum Computing Solution in Taiwan and successfully promotes cryo refrigerator system, cluster control system, components and cryocoax cables to government research centers and universities in past years. For more information, visit Scientek-co.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918110284/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Email: press@meetiqm.com

Mobile: +358504790845

www.meetiqm.com

sales@scientek-co.com

+886-3-5590909

www.scientek-co.com
Global energy giant to split off cutting-edge tech business into a standalone company

Comes as Kraken reaches contracted annual revenue of $500m, growing 4x in 3 years

Tim Wan appointed as new CFO, joining Kraken from US software leader Asana

Octopus Energy Group today announces the spin-off of its world-leading technology company, Kraken, in a move aimed at speeding up the platform's expansion across the globe.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918156123/en/

Kraken hits $500m revenue milestone and spins off from Octopus Energy Group

Launched as part of the Octopus Energy Group, Kraken's AI-powered platform is now contracted to serve over 70 million household and business accounts worldwide. It has grown into the world's most advanced and proven data-driven operating system for utilities, processing 15 billion new data points a day.

The spin-off marks a major strategic milestone, allowing Kraken to fast-track investments into its technology, expand into new energy markets and regions, and drive innovation all while building on its utility roots.

The move comes as Kraken reaches $500 million in committed annual revenue through licensing deals with energy majors such as EDF, E.ON Next, National Grid US, Origin Energy, Plenitude, and Tokyo Gas quadrupling its contracted revenue in just three years.

To support this next phase, Kraken has appointed Tim Wan as its new CFO. Tim brings experience from US software leader Asana, where he spearheaded its successful listing and oversaw its journey to financial success and industry leadership whilst maintaining absolute focus on delivering an outstanding product for its customers.

Powered by Kraken, Octopus Energy Group rapidly reshaped the UK energy market with fair pricing, innovation and a relentless focus on customer service. Earlier this year, it became the UK's largest energy supplier, now serving over 7.7 million UK households.

A globally leading energy and tech group, Octopus now operates in 27 countries with 2.8 million more customers across its rapidly growing retail businesses in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan; a 7 billion renewables portfolio; and thriving EV leasing, heat pump, and solar businesses.

Greg Jackson, Founder of the Octopus Energy Group, said: "We set out to create Kraken as a global platform to transform utilities and deliver the innovation, service and value that customers deserve. I am so proud that the business is smashing it and is now such a huge and successful company in its own right.

"Under Amir's leadership and with a remarkably talented team, Kraken is soaring to new heights. I set the embarrassingly low goal of 100,000,000 accounts by 2027. It looks like it'll beat that and can now aim to serve a billion people over the next decade."

Amir Orad, CEO of Kraken, said: "Octopus has been a phenomenal founding partner and first client. Kraken is now a globally successful business in its own right, operating independently for some time completing our journey to full independence is a strategic and inevitable next step.

"It gives us more freedom to invest, expand, and serve our utility clients equally. We'll keep pushing innovation in the cloud, advancing our utility-grade AI and harnessing vast amounts of energy and grid data, while ensuring structural clarity for customers, investors, and partners. We are aiming to accelerate the energy transition and positively impact people around the world. This is an exciting next chapter for Kraken."

Kraken is transforming utilities worldwide by reducing cost to serve, improving customer service and happiness, and increasing flexibility and innovation. Recent highlights include a breakthrough solution for serving commercial and industrial customers, signing its first fully integrated US utility client with National Grid, and scaling up Kraken's utility-grade AI.

The company is also a global leader in residential flexibility, managing over 2GW of power from EVs, home batteries and heat pumps balancing the grid and bringing down bills by charging cars and heating homes when energy is abundant, cheap and green.

Notes to editors

About Octopus Energy Group

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy and technology business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to almost 10 million households globally.

The company is driving the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative clean tech, with operations spanning 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. It operates a 7 billion renewables portfolio as well as thriving EV leasing, heat pump, and solar businesses.

Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide.

For more information, check out our website.

About Kraken

Kraken is the world's only proven, end-to-end platform for utilities' digitalization and transformation, trusted by global energy giants like EDF Energy, E.ON Next, Octopus Energy, Origin and Tokyo Gas.

Headquartered in London and New York, Kraken is contracted to manage over 70 million customer accounts, as well as the world's largest virtual power plant of residential assets, and Europe's largest grid-scale battery.

The platform's advanced data, AI and machine learning capabilities automate much of the energy supply chain to allow outstanding service and efficiency. These advances have redefined the utilities sector, driving a 30-fold increase in new product innovations for partners, top consumer rankings and hundreds of millions of dollars in operational savings.

Kraken's cloud-based architecture is uniquely adaptable and scalable, proven by an unparalleled track record in seamless, extremely fast on-time migrations and enabling its successful expansion into water and other verticals.

https://kraken.tech/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918156123/en/

Contacts:

Press Contacts



Octopus Energy Group

press@octoenergy.com

+44 (0)20 4530 8369



Kraken

joseph.williams@kraken.tech

+44 7437 580150
Highlights

1.55 g/t Au over 92.96m , including 2.39 g/t Au over 25.91m and 0.60 g/t Au over 48.77 m including 11.61 g/t Au over 1.52m.

Extended mineralization northward opening new growth potential for the high-grade zone

Results are pending for holes ED-27 through ED-31

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (OTCQB: PVGDF) ("Provenance" or the "Company") is pleased to report strong results from its ongoing drilling program at the Eldorado gold project in eastern Oregon.

Drill hole ED-26 intersected wide, high-grade intervals of gold mineralization hosting in diorite, extending the known system northward and further linking mineralization to ED-21. These results reinforce the Company's evolving structural model, suggesting shallow dipping sheets of mineralization, with good continuity between zones (Table 1, Figure 1-2).

Importantly, the results demonstrate that the high-grade gold mineralization hosted in Zone 1 continues to push northward, opening new growth potential for the high-grade zone. The connection with ED-21 mineralization provides further evidence of a broad, cohesive system with substantial growth potential both to the north and to the east. Pending assays from ED-27 through ED-31 are expected to provide additional context on the geometry and scale of this expanding mineralized corridor (Figure 1-2).

Provenance's Chairman Rauno Perttu states "ED-26 is a significant hole. It not only delivered broad, consistent high-grade mineralization, but it also confirmed our geological interpretation that the gold system is dipping at a low angle and connecting across zones. The extension of mineralization north and its link with ED-21 underscores the scale and continuity we are uncovering. Each step-out continues to add significant mineralization and expand the footprint of this system, and with several holes still pending, we believe we are only beginning to reveal the true potential of our Eldorado property."

Table 1. 2025 RC Drill Holes Assay Results

2025 RC Drill Holes Assay Results Hole From To Length Gold Zone (m) (m) (m) (g/t)

ED-26

1.52 50.29 48.77 0.6 Zone 1

including 28.96 50.29 21.34 1.11



including 36.58 38.10 1.52 11.61



And 80.77 173.74 92.96 1.55



including 94.49 120.40 25.91 2.39



including 137.16 156.97 19.81 2.02

*All reported intervals in this news release are downhole core lengths. True widths of mineralized intervals are not known at this time. Geological modelling is ongoing, and additional drilling will be required to establish the geometry and orientation of the mineralized zones in order to determine true thicknesses.

Figure 1. Plan Map of the Tyee Area Drill Interception Locations

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5654/266947_49cd825d145a2a36_001full.jpg

Figure 2. Cross-section A to A', 012.5 +/- section on ED-26 looking northeast

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5654/266947_49cd825d145a2a36_002full.jpg

Sampling, Laboratory, and QAQC

The Company has implemented a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with industry best practices.

The RC drill chips were sampled at 1.5-meter intervals onsite. A rotation of certified standards, blanks, and field duplicates were inserted into the sample stream approximately every 30m. The Company QA/QC, as well as the laboratory inserted standards, blanks, and duplicates were monitored closely upon receiving assay certificates from the laboratory. No discrepancies were reported in the reference samples inserted. The Company will continue to monitor QA/QC procedures closely.

Provenance submitted samples for gold determination by PhotonAssay to fully accredited Paragon Geochemical in Reno, NV (ISO 17025:2017). PhotonAssay is a fast, accurate, non-destructive process to determine gold, silver and copper in geological and process samples. The technique uses gamma ray activation to induce nuclear transitions in the elements of interest, which leads to photon emissions with highly characteristic energies. After analysis, the entire assay charge is returned intact and can be submitted for subsequent analyses such as geochemistry, cyanidation, metallurgical testing, environmental testing, or retained for future verification.

RC Samples were split onsite and shipped to Paragon in Reno. Samples submitted to Paragon were processed whereby the entire sample is coarsely crushed to approximately 70% passing 2 mm mesh and subsequently riffle split leaving a ~500g charge. The large assay charge of approximately 500g is introduced to the instrument, improving representativeness of the sample, particularly for those samples which may exhibit coarse gold.

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was independently reviewed and approved by Jo Price, P.Geo., M.Sc., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Provenance Gold Corp.

On behalf of the Board,

Provenance Gold Corp.

Rauno Perttu, Chairman

Safe Harbor Statement: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266947

SOURCE: Provenance Gold Corp.
DDRCRG-25-010 returned 235.9 m of 1.11 g/t gold , including 40.0 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 10.0 m of 5.29 g/t gold , from surface; the best intercept to date from Rhosgobel

DDRCRG-25-009 returned 118.0 m of 1.09 g/t gold , including 14.0 m of 3.34 g/t gold , from surface

Drill results to date confirm continuity of near-surface, higher-grade gold mineralization which remains open in all directions laterally and at depth

First 10 diamond drill holes completed to date at Rhosgobel have all returned intercepts of > 100 g*m of gold

Assays pending for an additional 32 diamond drill holes completed at Rhosgobel across a strike length of approximately 1.2 km

Numerous instances of visible gold identified in 26 of the remaining 32 drill holes at Rhosgobel

Significant intercepts of tungsten associated with gold mineralization discovered at Rhosgoebel, including 75.50 m of 0.132% WO 3 , 6.98 m of 0.388% WO 3 and 0.61 m of 4.739% WO 3

A total of 91 diamond drill holes have now been completed at RC Gold this year targeting the Blackjack, Saddle, Eiger, Pukelman, Contact, Rhosgobel, Bear Paw and May-Q targets

Approximately 32,000 metres completed of a planned 30,000 metre drill program with results still pending for 62 drill holes

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional analytical results for diamond drill holes completed at the Rhosgobel intrusion target located at its 100% owned, road accessible RC Gold Project ("RC Gold" or the "Project") within the Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. Results from drill holes RCRG25-009 and 010 have now been received and confirm the consistency of this newly discovered mineralized system where assays from all 10 diamond drill holes completed to date in this area have returned >100 g*m (g/t Au*m) intercepts over a strike length of approximately 300 metres, and where hole 010 reported in this news release returned a 262.6 g*m intercept. DDRCRG-25-010 returned the best intercept to date from Rhosgobel, with 235.9 m of 1.11 g/t gold, including 40.0 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 10.0 m of 5.29 g/t gold, from surface. DDRCRG-25-009 also returned impressive results with an intercept of 118.0 m of 1.09 g/t gold, including 14.0 m of 3.34 g/t gold, also from surface (see Tables 1 and 2). To date a total of 42 drill holes have been completed in 2025 on this newly discovered Rhosgobel area stretching for over 1.2 kms in length. Numerous instances of visible gold have also been identified in 26 of the remaining 32 diamond drill holes completed at Rhosgobel with assays pending (see Figures 2 and 5).

The Company is also pleased to announce that it requested and has subsequently received analytical results for tungsten from DDRCRG-24-002 that indicates the potential for significant tungsten mineralization at the Rhosgobel target, with intercepts of up to 75.50 m of 0.132% WO3, 6.98 m of 0.388% WO3 and 0.61 m of 4.739% WO3 (see Table 3 and Figure 6).

Assays are also pending for an additional 30 diamond drill holes that have been completed across the Blackjack, Saddle, Eiger, Pukelman, Contact, Bear Paw and MayQu targets. Approximately 32,000 metres of diamond drilling has been completed across the RC Gold Project this year.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/266957_sitka%20table%201.jpg

"These latest results confirm the continuity of strong gold values within this newly discovered high-grade mineralized gold zone at Rhosgobel," stated Cor Coe, CEO and Director of Sitka. "Our technical team has done an incredible job bringing this new discovery at Rhosgobel from an initial two diamond drill holes completed late last year to an impressive 42 drill holes totalling over 12,000 metres across a strike length of 1.2 km in just a few short months. While the exceptional, near-surface gold values from Rhosgobel continue to impress, the newly identified tungsten mineralization discovered in this system adds a very compelling component to this target. Given the potential significance that tungsten could have as a by-product of future gold production, we have implemented additional analytical procedures to assay for tungsten at Rhosgobel. With mineralization open in all directions and plenty of room to continue expanding with the drill bit across the 2 km x 1.5 km target area, we believe Rhosgobel has the potential to become our new flagship deposit at RC Gold. We have much to look forward to as we await the remaining drill results still pending for 32 additional holes at Rhosgobel, along with 30 drill holes still pending across the Blackjack, Saddle, Eiger, Pukelman, Contact, Bear Paw and MayQu targets."

Figure 1: A cross section showing the intercepts of 235.9 m of 1.11 g/t Au, including 40.0 m of 2.01 g/t Au and 10.0 m of 5.29 g/t Au in DDRCRG-25-010 and 118.6 m of 1.09 g/t Au, including 14.0 m of 3.34 g/t Au, in DDRCRG-25-009.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/266957_6c583765645fa971_003full.jpg





Figure 2: A plan map of the Rhosgobel Intrusion target showing the drilling completed to date in 2025. All holes have intersected reduced intrusion-related gold system (RIRGS) style mineralization including centimetre-scale, sheeted, quartz veins and larger, metre-scale quartz, and quartz-tourmaline veins (and breccias) cutting the feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite intrusion. Multiple occurrences of visible gold have been observed in most of the diamond drill holes completed to date (yellow stars). Note: logging of holes 40 and 42 are currently in progress.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/266957_6c583765645fa971_004full.jpg





Figure 3: A plan map of the broader Rhosgobel Intrusion target area that is supported by a large 2.0 km x 1.5 km gold-in-soil anomaly which covers the central part of the intrusion. While drilling to date has only been focused on the core of this target area, geochemical results from soil sampling have been shown to strongly correlate with in situ gold mineralization at Rhosgobel.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/266957_6c583765645fa971_005full.jpg





Figure 4: An example of drill core from DDRCRG-25-010 showing quartz veins and tourmaline veinlets and tourmaline breccia cutting weakly altered, feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite of the Rhosgobel intrusion. The displayed section shows most of the 13.2 m interval from 69.1 m containing 4.16 g/t Au.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/266957_6c583765645fa971_006full.jpg

RHOSGOBEL DRILLING

To date, 43 holes totalling approximately 12,722 m have been completed at Rhosgobel. All holes drilled have intersected significant reduced intrusion-related gold (RIRGS) style mineralization including centimetre-scale, sheeted, quartz veins and larger, metre-scale quartz, and quartz-tourmaline veins (and breccias) cutting the feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite intrusion. Visible gold has been observed within all styles of veins and is often associated with bismuthinite, scheelite, and molybdenite (see Figure 4). Drilling to date has traced mineralization over a strike length of approximately 1.1 kilometres within a large 2.0 km x 1.5 km surface signature represented by a gold-in-soil anomaly with values up to >500 ppb (Figure 3). Gold mineralization at Rhosgobel begins at surface, extends to a depth of over 400 metres and remains open in all directions. The first ten diamond drill holes, including the two discovery holes drilled in 2024, have all intersected >100 gram-metres gold (g/t Au*m).

* While visible gold observations are very encouraging and confirm the presence of gold mineralization, they are not intended to imply potential gold grades. Gold assays will be published after they are received from the lab for mineralized intervals in which visible gold particles were noted.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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TUNGSTEN AT RHOSGOBEL

Drill hole DDRCRG-24-002, which intersected 173.3 metres of 0.60 g/t gold from 97.0 metres, including 28.4 metres of 1.40 g/t gold from 105.0 metres, and 12.4 metres of 2.40 g/t gold from 121.0 metres (see news release dated November 25, 2024) was submitted to ALS Laboratories for WO3 analysis via XRF pressed pellet with a Lithium Borate fusion on pulp material.

Tungsten mineralization, primarily as the mineral scheelite, has been observed in many of the drill holes completed to date at Rhosgobel and occurs as coarse (up to 5cm) scheelite crystals within the sub-metre scale quartz, and quartz tourmaline veins and as smaller (0.5-1 cm) crystals with the centimetre-scale sheeted quartz veins (see Figure 5). Narrow zones of high-grade tungsten (6.98 m of 0.39% WO3, and 0.61 m of 4.73 % WO3) are found within broad zones of lower grade tungsten mineralization (75.5 m of 0.132 % WO3, and 46.19 m of 0.121 % WO3). The Company is very encouraged by these initial analytical results, however, additional work is needed to further investigate the nature and distribution of tungsten mineralization and its potential economic significance at Rhosgobel as a by-product of potential gold production.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Figure 5: Example of scheelite (top picture), a common tungsten mineral, illuminated by ultra-violet light with visible gold and bismuthinite (red circles) in a quartz vein in drill core from the Rhosgobel intrusion along with an additional example of visible gold (bottom picture), both observed in DDRCRG-25-042.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/266957_sitka%20figure%205.jpg





Figure 6: Regional map of the RC Gold Project located in the western portion of Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/266957_6c583765645fa971_010full.jpg





Figure 7*: A plan map of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC) showing the updated resource areas at Blackjack and Eiger, and the six additional areas that have drill targets indicated by the mauve hatched areas. The map highlights the numerous drill targets that Sitka has outlined within the CCIC which all are connected by the road network on the project and occur in an area measuring five (5) km north-south and twelve (12) km east-west. Additional areas highlighted by strong gold in soil anomalies are being advanced to the drill ready stage with additional geological work in 2025.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/266957_6c583765645fa971_011full.jpg

* References for Figure 7 drilling intervals:

Rhosgobel Intervals: Sitka Gold News Release dated November 25, 2024

Pukelman Intervals: Sitka Gold News Release dated January 7, 2025

Contact Intervals: O'Brien, 2010; Assessment Report, 2010 Diamond Drilling Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment report 095539)

Shutty, 2011; Assessment Report, 2011 Exploration Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment Report 095984)

Bear Paw Intervals: Shutty, 2011; Assessment Report, 2011 Exploration Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment Report 095984)

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

On receipt from the drill site, the HTW/NTW-sized drill core was systematically logged for geological attributes, photographed and sampled at Sitka's core logging facility. Sample lengths as small as 0.3 m were used to isolate features of interest, otherwise a default 2 m downhole sample length was used. Each sample is identified by a unique sample tag number which is placed in the bag containing the core to be assayed. Core was cut in half lengthwise along a predetermined line, with one-half (same half, consistently) collected for analysis and one-half stored as a record. Standard reference materials, blanks and duplicate samples were inserted by Sitka personnel at regular intervals into the sample stream. Bagged samples were placed in secure bins to ensure integrity during transport. They were delivered by Sitka personnel or a contract expeditor to ALS Laboratories' preparatory facility in Whitehorse, Yukon, with analyses completed in North Vancouver.

ALS is accredited to ISO 17025:2005 UKAS ref. 4028 for its laboratory analysis. Samples were crushed by ALS to over 70 per cent passing below two millimetres and split using a riffle splitter. One-thousand-gram splits were pulverized to over 85 per cent passing below 75 microns. Gold determinations are by fire assay with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish on 50 g subsamples of the prepared pulp (ALS code: Au-ICP-22). Any sample returning over 10 g/t gold was re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50 g subsample (ALS code: Au-GRA21). In addition, a 51-element analysis was performed on a 0.5 g subsample of the prepared pulps by an aqua regia digestion followed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) finish (ALS code: ME-MS41).

About Sitka's Flagship RC Gold Project

Sitka's 100% owned RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine.

The RC Gold Project now has pit-constrained mineral resources that are contained in two zones: the Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits with 1,291,000 ounces of gold in 39,962,000 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold in 34,603,000 tonnes grading 0.94 g/t in an inferred category at Blackjack and 440,000 ounces of gold in 27,362,000 tonnes grading 0.50 g/t gold in an inferred category at Eiger. These resource estimate numbers are supported by the recently updated technical report for RC Gold, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards, entitled "Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory", prepared by Ronald G. Simpson, P. Geo., of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 21, 2025. This report is available on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.sitkagoldcorp.com).

Both of these deposits begin at surface, are potentially open pit minable and Initial bottle roll metallurgical testing confirmed the non-refractory characteristics of the gold mineralization and returned gold extraction rates averaging around 85%. Further metallurgical testwork in 2024 returned recoveries ranging from 77.6 to 93% for gravity followed by cyanidation.

For the purposes of the current resource model, it is assumed that a likely mill flowsheet would consist of a gravimetric, flotation, and cyanidation circuit.

As of the end of 2024, the Company has drilled 72 diamond drill holes into this system for a total of approximately 25,136 metres. Other targets drilled to date include the Saddle, Josephine, Rhosgobel and Pukelman zones. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 at Blackjack produced results of up to 219.0 metres of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 metres of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 metres of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 (see news release dated September 26, 2023) and in 2024 results of up to 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface in DDRCCC-24-068, including 409.5 metres of 1.36 g/t gold, 93.0 metres of 2.57 g/t gold and 5.5 metres of 17.59 g/t gold (see news release dated October 21, 2024). Results from DDRCCC-25-075, completed during winter drilling in 2025, produced the best high-grade intercepts drilled to date at Blackjack, returning 352.8 metres of 1.55 g/t gold including 108.9 metres of 3.27 g/t gold and 45.0 metres of 4.52 g/t gold (see news release dated April 22, 2025).

RC Gold Deposit Model

Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the AurMac Project with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 112.5 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (2.274 million ounces)(4) plus an Inferred resource of 280.6 million tonnes grading 0.60 g/t gold (5.454 million ounces)(4), the Valley Deposit, with a current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 7.94 million oz gold at 1.21 g/t and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 0.89 million oz at 0.62 g/t gold(5), and the Raven deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 1.1 million oz (19.96 million tonnes at 1.67 g/t gold)(6). The QP has been unable to verify the information regarding the above resource estimations and the information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property that is the subject of the disclosure.

(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf

(2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf

(3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf

(4) July 8, 2025,Banyan Gold Corp., News Release. https://banyangold.com/news-releases/2025/banyan-announces-first-indicated-mineral-resources-and-identifies-high-grade-continuous-zones-at-its-aurmac-project-yukon-canada/

(5 ) https://snowlinegold.com/2025/05/15/snowline-gold-expands-measured-and-indicated-gold-ounces-by-96-in-updated-mineral-resource-estimate-at-its-valley-gold-deposit-yukon/

(6) Jutras, M. 2022. Technical Report on the Raven Mineral Deposit, Mayo Mining District Yukon Territory, Canada, prepared for Victoria Gold Corp and filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) with an effective date of September 15, 2022

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut, all of which are 100% owned by the Company.

*For more detailed information on the Company's properties, please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com.

Upcoming Events

Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*:

121 Mining Investment Conference: Hong Kong - September 24 - 25, 2025

- September 24 - 25, 2025 Yukon Geoscience Forum: Whitehorse, Yukon - November 16 - 19, 2025

- November 16 - 19, 2025 Swiss Mining Institute: Zurich, Switzerland - November 19 - 22, 2025

*All events are subject to change.

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Dessureau, P.Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SITKA GOLD CORP.

"Donald Penner"

President and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266957

SOURCE: Sitka Gold Corp.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The New Zealand dollar weakened against other major currencies in the European session on Thursday. The NZ dollar declined to more than a 15-year low of 2.0054 against the euro and a 3-year low of 1.1256 against the Australian dollar, from early highs of 1.9915 and 1.1204, respectively. Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the kiwi dropped to a 10-day low of 0.5894 and nearly a 2-week low of 86.88 from early highs of 0.5936 and 87.21, respectively. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 2.02 against the euro, 1.13 against the aussie, 0.57 against the greenback and 85.00 against the yen. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Leviia, the French cloud storage provider with more than one million users and 1,000 enterprise customers, today announces a major step in its growth strategy: the expansion of its S3 storage operations across Europe.

To lead this initiative, Leviia has appointed Richard Czech, former Vice President EMEA at Wasabi, as Chief Business Development Officer. Czech will drive market development and scale Leviia's partner ecosystem across Europe, building on the company's successful go-to-market model in France.

?"Richard's arrival reflects the scale of our ambitions in Europe," said William Meauzoone, co-founder of Leviia. "He combines first-hand experience in scaling a major storage player with an exceptional understanding of the European channel landscape.??"

"I'm excited to join Leviia and lead its European expansion," said Czech. "Organizations face growing pressure to store data in sovereign, multi-site environments. Unlike non-European providers such as Amazon or Wasabi, Leviia is uniquely positioned to meet these expectations. Our 100% European approach gives MSPs, resellers and operators the ability to deliver S3-based services with a real competitive edge."?

Having established itself as a leading S3 storage provider in France, Leviia is now accelerating its European expansion. The company differentiates itself through four core strengths:

Sovereignty: data hosted exclusively within the European Union, governed solely by European law.

- Compliance: ISO 27001 and HDS (Health Data Hosting) certifications, ensuring strong security and reliability for sensitive workloads.

- Resilience: data distributed across three independent data centers.

- Transparent pricing: a simple, competitive model with no hidden fees for data egress or deletion.?

About Leviia :

Founded in 2019, Leviia was born from a simple idea: create a sovereign, high-performance, and accessible cloud alternative. After 18 months of R&D, the company launched Leviia Drive in 2020, a collaborative solution quickly adopted by businesses and public organizations seeking security and digital sovereignty.

In 2022, Leviia secured backing from Xavier Niel's personal holding company. The following year, it achieved ISO 27001 and HDS certifications and introduced Leviia Storag3, its S3-compatible storage service for enterprise and public-sector backups. In February 2024, Leviia rolled out its partner program for resellers and integrators, and by May 2024, it had expanded infrastructure through a partnership with Free Pro.

Today, with over one million users and 1,000 enterprise clients, Leviia is accelerating its European expansion in the S3 storage market.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918903003/en/

Contacts:

Aurelien Rouby

aurelien@wetalk-agency.com

+33670684932
Following success in CIS markets, now expanding into Europe

Undergoing CPNP registration, strengthening institutional trust and export capacity

Ranked top in sales at Printemps Paris pop-up, driving local growth with flagship lineup

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MEDIPEEL, a leading professional derma-aesthetic brand, is broadening its presence across Europe, building on its proven success in the CIS region. The company is currently undergoing registration with the EU's Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP), a prerequisite for cosmetics exports to Europe, to bolster both distribution stability and brand credibility in the region.

Since entering the CIS market in 2019, MEDIPEEL has opened flagship stores on a variety of channels, including eco-friendly beauty retailer ECO-PLACE, top online platforms OZON and WILDBERRIES, and beauty specialty chain L'Etoile across strategic locations such as Kazakhstan and Belarus. It also launched online and offline brand shops at premium H&B retailer Gold Apple, introducing more than 60 MEDIPEEL and DERMA MAISON products together with global prestige brands including Chanel, La Mer, and Givenchy.

Throughout this process, ES International has acted as MEDIPEEL's CIS distributor, overseeing reliable distribution and export operations, while contributing significantly to the brand's ability to build sustainable growth in the market.

MEDIPEEL's momentum extended beyond CIS onto the European stage. At "K-BEAUTY WEEK 3.0 BULGARIA" in 2022, the company co-hosted the "Eastern Europe K-Beauty Week" at Serdika Center Mall with the Embassy of Korea in Bulgaria, drawing strong consumer engagement. That same year in London, MEDIPEEL showcased its hero products during the "B2C Promotion Fair for Korean SMEs," held in tandem with "Hallyu Pop Fest 2022," and positioned the event as a gateway for overseas growth.

Extending these efforts, MEDIPEEL reaffirmed its brand potential by achieving No. 1 sales in the skincare category at the K-Beauty pop-up store in Printemps Paris in September 2025. The brand's ongoing CPNP registration represents more than certification, but a critical step toward ensuring stable distribution networks and elevating brand credibility throughout Europe.

In order to establish itself as a high-performance skincare brand in the European market, MEDIPEEL is introducing signature products, including the Peptide 9 line, Micro Tea Powder Cleanser, and the Phyto PDRN line. The Peptide 9 line is one of MEDIPEEL's representative premium anti-aging solutions, while the powder-type cleanser has gained recognition for its concept, distinct from conventional cleansers.

"The current CPNP registration process is more than a certification-it is an essential, institutional step to reinforce MEDIPEEL's credibility and competitiveness in the European market," a MEDIPEEL official remarked. "With our successful CIS model and diverse global experience, we plan to broaden our partnerships with major European retailers and position ourselves as a representative K-beauty brand." The representative noted, "Discussions are underway with Douglas, Europe's top beauty retail platform with around 1,900 stores, particularly for entry into Germany, which will accelerate our distribution expansion in Europe and further solidify our global presence."

MEDIPEEL's achievement and expertise have been recognized through numerous honors at home and abroad, including the $30 Million Export Tower, the Grand Prize at the National Productivity Awards, and the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit at the Korea SMEs Convention.

MEDIPEEL is the flagship brand of SKINIDEA, which is under MDP Holdings (CEO Michael Chung), a portfolio company of Morgan Stanley PE Asia (MSPEA). SKINIDEA is recognized for its innovative products that integrate premium ingredients and patented dermatological technology. Exporting to over 75 countries worldwide, SKINIDEA develops high-performance skincare solutions through comprehensive research and clinical trials, ensuring both instant and long-lasting improvements tailored to various skin types.

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beehive, the Middle East's pioneering digital SME lending platform, has signed a non-binding offer letter with Themar, a licensed crowdfunding platform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic move looks to officially establish Beehive as a regulated fintech lender in the Kingdom, significantly strengthening its presence in one of the region's most dynamic SME markets.

The proposed partial M&A, subject to regulatory approval, represents a transformative step for private credit in Saudi Arabia. By combining Beehive's proven digital lending technology and regional track record with Themar's regulatory foundation and local expertise, the new entity will be uniquely positioned to enhance access to SME financing in the Kingdom.

This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to expand SME lending and strengthen private sector growth as a key driver of economic diversification. The integration of Beehive and Themar will empower entrepreneurs with fast, digital, and accessible funding solutions, offering a scalable alternative to traditional banking channels.

Pete Tavener, Co-Founder & Group CFO & COO, Beehive said: "This M&A will be a milestone not only for Beehive but also for the broader SME ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. By combining our capabilities with Themar's local presence and regulatory standing, we will be creating a powerful platform that will transform SME financing in the Kingdom and support Vision 2030."

Yousef H. Al Dabbagh, Co-Founder & COO, Themar, commented: "The partnership between Themar and Beehive is more than just a merger; it's a catalyst for advancing SME growth across Saudi Arabia. Together, we will deliver innovative, Shariah-compliant, and accessible financing solutions that enable businesses to grow and contribute to the Kingdom's economic transformation."

About Beehive:

Founded in 2014, Beehive is the first peer-to-peer lending platform in the MENA region to be regulated by the DFSA. Headquartered in Dubai, Beehive connects businesses seeking finance with investors willing to support their growth, offering a faster, more affordable funding option for SMEs. Through technology and a commitment to supporting regional businesses, Beehive has become a trusted partner for SMEs across the GCC. Learn more at https://www.beehiveplatform.com/ or https://www.beehive.ae/

In the UAE, Beehive P2P Limited is regulated by the DFSA. In Oman, Beehive Financial Technology SPC is regulated by the FSA. In KSA, Beehive Saudi for Technology and Information Systems Company is subject to regulatory approval.

About Themar:

Themar.sa is a Saudi-based, SAMA-licensed debt crowdfunding platform that connects investors with growing businesses, providing regulated investment opportunities and accessible financing solutions. Since its founding, Themar.sa has focused on empowering entrepreneurs, supporting SMEs, and enabling individuals and institutions to invest with trust, transparency, and impact.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Milda Kise, Group Head of Marketing

Beehive Fintech

+971 04 550 6713

milda.kise@beehive.ae

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/beehive-and-themar-join-forces-to-transform-sme-financing-in-saudi-arabia-302559032.html
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gimme Credit, a leading provider of independent credit research and data, is accelerating its global expansion with the addition of Senior Bond Analysts Danielle Leone and Alessandro Rovelli. These appointments are the latest in an ongoing hiring surge, underscoring the firm's commitment to expanding coverage across investment grade, high yield and emerging markets, while simultaneously developing a suite of innovative new products. The new team members will become part of the company's expanding group of leading analysts, under the guidance of Gimme Credit's Director of Research and co-founder, Carol Levenson.

Danielle Leone - Senior Bond Analyst, US High Yield Corporate Bonds

Leone, a veteran of high yield and convertible bonds with over 25 years of experience, joins as Senior Bond Analyst. She has held senior roles at PaineWebber, Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, and Angelo Gordon, and most recently co-founded an advisory practice providing private debt and restructuring guidance to underserved companies. Danielle is renowned for her hands-on, collaborative approach and rigorous independent analysis.

Alessandro Rovelli - Senior Bond Analyst, European High Yield Corporate Bonds

Rovelli, an expert in European high yield bonds with more than 25 years of experience across the Healthcare, Auto, Travel, and Capital Goods industries, joins as Senior Bond Analyst. He has held senior positions at Aviva Investors, Deutsche Bank, and UBS, and is recognized for his clear and unbiased approach to credit analysis.

"We are thrilled to be able to enhance our offerings by adding analytical firepower in areas adjacent to our current coverage universe. There are so many new bond issuers in new sectors, and we hope to add value to our clients by being able to react quickly with our trademark unbiased insight and unequivocal investment recommendations," noted Carol Levenson, Director of Research.

Gimme Credit, provides independent corporate bond research and data to aid investors and traders with critical and timely insights into an organization's investment potential. Since 1994, customers have relied on our decisive buy/sell recommendations to provide in-depth guidance when determining which fixed-income securities offer the most opportunity. Gimme Credit's clients include brokerage firms, corporations, financial advisors, investment managers and traders. Company research and news are regularly featured in such esteemed Media as Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, FT and more.

Request A Free Trial

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Jeremy Yost, CEO of Yost Management Services, Inc., was recently featured on Pix11 NYC to highlight the company's growth, national expansion plans, and his personal journey from U.S. Navy service to leading one of the Midwest's fastest-growing property management firms.

Yost Management Services, Inc. currently oversees 37 properties and more than 2,000 residential units across Illinois and Indiana. Under Yost's leadership, the company has built its reputation on sustainable growth, resident-first management, and community-driven housing solutions.

During the interview, Yost announced that Yost Management Services, Inc. is actively raising capital to fund new multifamily developments nationwide. These projects will extend the company's proven model of providing high-quality, stable housing while creating new opportunities for investors. All developments and updates are available for public viewing atyms-rentals.com.

Yost's leadership philosophy is shaped by both his military background and family values. His service in the U.S. Navy instilled discipline, accountability, and mission focus, principles that now guide his work in real estate. This veteran-inspired approach has allowed him to build an organization that prioritizes both residents and long-term community outcomes.

Transparency is central to Yost's strategy. By offering public access to company projects, he has positioned Yost Management Services, Inc. as an industry leader in accountability. This commitment extends to his personal brand as well. Through Instagram at@jeremyryost, Yost shares insights into his professional journey, family life, and the challenges and opportunities of leading a growing real estate enterprise.

Looking forward, Yost plans to expand Yost Management Services, Inc. beyond the Midwest, bringing its resident-focused management style to markets across the United States. With capital raising underway and a clear strategy for development, the company is preparing to scale its impact while maintaining its core mission of building stronger communities.

About Jeremy Yost

Jeremy Yost is the CEO of Yost Management Services, Inc., a property management company with 37 properties and more than 2,000 units under management across Illinois and Indiana. A U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader, Yost is focused on sustainable growth, national expansion, and housing solutions that strengthen communities.

About Yost Management Services, Inc.

Yost Management Services, Inc. specializes in property management and community development with a focus on resident-first service and transparency. Headquartered in Illinois, the company is actively raising capital for national expansion into new multifamily housing developments. For more information, visit yms-rentals.com.

Media Contact:

Tasha Howell

tasha@yost-management.com

SOURCE: Yost Management Services, Inc

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/jeremy-yost-ceo-of-yost-management-services-inc.-featured-on-pix11-nyc-to-discuss-expan-1075321
Stage Two dewatering commenced on schedule; Kakula underground water levels declining, providing access to mine workings for inspection and rehabilitation

Medium-term production target of over 550,000 tonnes of copper based on latest mine planning estimates

Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Ivanhoe Mines' (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Executive Co-Chair Robert Friedland and President and Chief Executive Officer Marna Cloete announce today that following the last update made on August 25, 2025, the Stage Two dewatering of the Kakula Mine has commenced on schedule, and that Kamoa-Kakula's 2026 and 2027 copper production guidance will now be issued once Stage Two dewatering activities are more advanced.

Three out of the four Stage Two high-capacity, submersible pumps were recently installed and commissioned on schedule. Kamoa-Kakula's engineering team expect to have all four Stage Two pumps operating within the coming days, operating at a combined pumping rate of approximately 2,600 litres per second. Since the commissioning of the three Stage Two pumps, the underground water level in the Kakula Mine has dropped vertically by 10 metres, out of a total of approximately 80 metres.

Once all four Stage Two high-capacity, submersible pumps are operational, the existing Stage One temporary, underground pumping infrastructure will be repositioned further down the mine, following the water level as it declines. The total pumping rate out of the Kakula Mine is expected to increase up to a target of approximately 6,400 litres per second, or 550 megalitres per day, reducing the vertical underground water level by approximately one metre per day. The majority of the Stage Two dewatering of the Kakula Mine is expected to be complete by the end of November 2025, which is when the underground water level is expected to reach near the bottom of the Stage Two dewatering shafts, shown in yellow in Figure 1.

As the underground water level falls, the underground mining team have already started systematically rehabilitating the newly dewatered areas of the Kakula Mine. The team is initially focused on rehabilitating the areas required for repositioning the Stage One underground pumping infrastructure.

Mine planning and scheduling is well advanced to support the ramp-up of underground mining activities from both Kakula and Kamoa mines, with a medium-term target of returning the copper production rate to over 550,000 tonnes per annum. In the meantime, copper production guidance for 2026 and 2027 will be deferred until sufficient physical inspection of the newly dewatered areas of the Kakula Mine has been completed.





Figure 1. A schematic of the projected decrease in underground water levels at the Kakula underground mine from early September (light blue) to late November 2025 (dark blue). All mining areas above the water level are now fully accessible.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/266869_38fb3651143e3add_001full.jpg

The completed assembly of the first two, 4.2-megawatt, 650-litre-per-second, submersible pumps (Pumps 1 & 2) that were commissioned in late August. The two submersible pumps are positioned at the bottom of the approximately 400-metre deep shaft (left of the picture).





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/266869_38fb3651143e3add_002full.jpg

Water pumped out from the Kakula Mine is fed into nearby settling ponds for treatment. With the underground vertical water level expected to decline by approximately one metre per day, the majority of the Stage Two dewatering of the Kakula Mine is expected to be complete by the end of November 2025.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/266869_38fb3651143e3add_003full.jpg

At an adjacent ventilation shaft, the installation of the remaining two submersible pumps (Pumps 3 & 4) is complete, with commissioning of Pump 4 underway. Kamoa-Kakula's engineering team expect to have all four Stage Two pumps operating within the coming days.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/266869_38fb3651143e3add_004full.jpg

Disclosure of technical information

Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Steve Amos, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience, and professional association, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Amos is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is Ivanhoe Mines' Executive Vice President, Projects. Mr. Amos has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC, the ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC; and the tier-one Platreef platinum-palladium-nickel-rhodium-gold-copper Mine in South Africa, which is set to start production in Q4 2025.

Ivanhoe Mines is exploring for copper in its highly prospective, 54-100% owned exploration licences in the Western Forelands, covering an area over six times larger than the adjacent Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, including the high-grade discoveries in the Makoko District. Ivanhoe is also exploring for new sedimentary copper discoveries in new horizons, including Angola, Kazakhstan, and Zambia.

Follow Robert Friedland (@robert_ivanhoe) and Ivanhoe Mines (@IvanhoeMines_) on X.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified using words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance, and results and speak only as of the date of this news release.

Such statements include, without limitation: (i) statements that Kamoa-Kakula 2026 and 2027 production guidance will be issued once dewatering is further advanced; (ii) statements that Kamoa-Kakula's engineering team are expecting to have all four high-capacity pumps operating within the coming days; (iii) statements that once the new Stage Two high-capacity, submersible pumps are operational, the existing Stage One temporary underground pumping infrastructure will be repositioned further down the mine as the water level declines, increasing the total pump out rate from the Kakula Mine up to a target of approximately 6,400 litres per second, or 550 megalitres per day; (iv) statements that the majority of the dewatering of the Kakula Mine is expected to be complete by the end of November 2025, which is when the underground water level is expected to reach near the bottom of the Stage Two dewatering shafts; (v) statements that as the water level declines, Kakula's underground engineering team will systematically rehabilitate, where necessary, the newly dewatered areas of the mine; (vi) statements that Kamoa-Kakula's engineering team have a medium-term target of restoring Kamoa-Kakula's copper production rate to 550,000 tonnes of copper per annum; and (vii) statements that Kamoa-Kakula's engineering team will delay issuing production guidance to allow time to physically inspect the newly de-watered areas of Kakula.

Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether such results will be achieved. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to: (i) uncertainty around the rate of water ingress into underground workings; (ii) the ability, and speed with which, additional equipment can be secured; (iii) the continuation of seismic activity; (iv) the state of underground infrastructure; (v) uncertainty around when future underground access can be secured; (vi) future mine stability cannot be guaranteed; and (vii) future mining methods, may differ the impact on Kakula operations. Additionally, the factors discussed above and under the "Risk Factors" section in the company's MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, and its current annual information form, and elsewhere in this news release, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; changes in the rate of water ingress into underground workings; the continuation of seismic activity; the state of underground infrastructure; delays in securing underground access; changes to the mining methods required in the future; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.

The company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors outlined in the "Risk Factors" section in the company's MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, and its current annual information form.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266869

SOURCE: Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) (FSE: E1K) ("Lake Victoria Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its Tanzanian subsidiary, Tembo Gold (T) Limited ("Tembo"), has reached an agreement in principle with the Government of Tanzania on the major issues surrounding the Government's statutory free carried interest in the Imwelo Gold Project.

The statutory negotiation meeting was held on September 10, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania, and attended by Marc Cernovitch, President & CEO of Lake Victoria Gold, accompanied by legal and financial advisors from Velma Law & Crowe, alongside the Government Negotiation Team from the Ministry of Minerals. The meeting was productive and resulted in agreement in principle on the central issues, including the Government's free carried interest in mining projects as required by Tanzanian law.

Tanzania's Mining Participation Framework

Under Tanzania's Mining Act (Cap. 123) and the Mining (State Participation) Regulations, 2022, the Government is entitled to a minimum 16% non-dilutable free carried interest in all gold mining projects. This ensures that the people of Tanzania participate directly in the ownership of their natural resources.

In addition to equity ownership, the fiscal regime includes:

A 6% royalty on gold production, plus a 1% export levy;

A 4% reduced royalty rate when minerals are refined within Tanzania; and

A requirement that 20% of production be refined and sold in-country, with the Bank of Tanzania purchasing that portion at market prices.

These measures are designed to maximize local beneficiation, strengthen national gold reserves, and ensure that Tanzanians share equitably in the benefits of mining.

Formation of a Joint Venture Company

As part of the process, Lake Victoria Gold and the Government will establish a new joint venture company ("JVCo") to hold and operate the Imwelo Mining Licence. The JVCo structure, governed by a Framework Agreement and Shareholders' Agreement, provides a transparent and durable foundation for collaboration between the Company and the Government.

Marc Cernovitch, President & CEO of Lake Victoria Gold, commented: "Reaching agreement in principle with the Ministry of Minerals marks an important milestone for Lake Victoria Gold and for Tanzania. The Government's participation ensures that the Imwelo Project will be developed in alignment with national priorities, including responsible mining, in-country refining, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders. While final approvals and details remain to be completed, this first step lays the groundwork for a constructive partnership through the new joint venture company. We look forward to working alongside the Government of Tanzania to bring Imwelo into production responsibly and efficiently."

Simon Benstead, Executive Chairman of Lake Victoria Gold, added: "This agreement in principle is a transformative development for Lake Victoria Gold. With the recent closing of our financing, the Company is well-positioned to advance the Imwelo Project toward construction and production. We are excited to move forward in partnership with the Government of Tanzania and to deliver on our goal of building a responsible, cash-flowing gold operation in the near term."

With this agreement in principle, Lake Victoria Gold has cleared one of the most significant regulatory hurdles on the pathway to production. The Company now moves forward with strengthened alignment with the Government of Tanzania, a financing platform in place, and a clear roadmap toward construction and near-term cash flow from Imwelo. This milestone substantially de-risks the project and sets the stage for long-term value creation for both shareholders and the people of Tanzania.

The agreement in principle remains subject to review and approval at higher levels of the Tanzanian Government, as well as the finalization of detailed terms. Lake Victoria Gold will disclose the final agreed terms once a binding agreement has been executed.

About Lake Victoria Gold:

Lake Victoria Gold is a rapidly growing gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LVG. Leveraging our unique position and experience, the Company is principally focused on growth and consolidation in the highly prolific and prospective Lake Victoria Goldfield in Tanzania.

The Company has a 100% interest in the Tembo project which has over 50 thousand meters of drilling and is located adjacent to Barrick's Bulyanhulu Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Imwelo Project which is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine. With historical resource estimates and a 2021 pre-feasibility study, the project is fully permitted for mine construction and production, positioning it as a near-term development opportunity.

LVG has assembled a highly experienced team with a track record of developing, financing, and operating mining projects in Africa with management, directors and partners owning more than 60% of the shares. Notably, the Company is grateful for the validation that comes with the support and equity investment from Barrick and recent strategic partnership with Taifa Group.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding, among others, the terms and completion of the Private Placement, the payment of finder's fees and issuance of finder's securities, the anticipated closing date and the planned use of proceeds for the Private Placement. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain regulatory approval for the Private Placement, the state of equity markets in Canada and other jurisdictions, market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, the timing and receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, the ability of the Company and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for the Company's proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266928

SOURCE: Lake Victoria Gold Ltd.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) (FSE: HPU) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiary, Desert Fox Mineral Mountain Co. ("Desert Fox"), are pleased to provide additional results of preliminary exploration completed on its Mineral Exploration Permit located on the southeast corner of its 100% owned Mineral Mountain porphyry copper project (see news release dated July 10, 2025). Mineral Mountain is a permitted, drill ready project hosting three porphyry copper targets covering 2,692.4ha in the Mineral Mountain Mining District, Arizona. The project is located on a northeast trending porphyry copper belt approximately 25 kilometers (km) southwest from Rio Tinto and BHP's giant Resolution porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit and approximately 20km northeast of the Florence Copper project.

Highlights

A broadly defined northeast trending zone of quartz vein hosted copper mineralization (>500 - 30,000 parts per million (ppm)) extends over an area that is approximately 2,000 meters (m) long by up to 750m wide.

The molybdenum mineralization (>10 - 282ppm) is located within the area of copper mineralization and extends over an area of approximately 1,600m long by 400m wide.

Host rocks to the mineralization are interpreted Laramide age porphyritic quartz monzonite, biotite granite and Precambrian age Pinal Schist.

The intrusive rocks exhibit strong potassic and propylitic alteration locally overprinted by phyllic alteration.

Elmer B. Stewart, President, and CEO of Copper Fox, stated, "The current preliminary exploration combined with the historical results has identified a large, broadly defined area exhibiting the host rocks and proximal style of alteration and mineralization expected in a Laramide age porphyry copper-molybdenum system. The identification of this target combined with the large, open-ended porphyry target found approximately 1.5km to the north (scheduled for a maiden drilling program in October) significantly expands the size of the district and enhances its porphyry potential. Mapping, geochemistry, age dating, and petrographic studies are planned to further evaluate this target."

Rationale for Exploration

The recently identified target is in a Mineral Exploration Permit (MEP) located on the southeast side of the project. MEPs require annual expenditure to be maintained in good standing, the credit for which can be either as work on the ground or cash in lieu. Mapping, prospecting, and sampling of the intrusive phases for petrographic studies, whole rock, and trace element geochemistry and possibly age dating of the intrusives was completed. Results of the petrographic studies are reported in this news release. The whole rock and trace element geochemistry are pending.

Geology: The geology in the new target area consists of Precambrian aged Ruin granite, Pinal Schist and diabase dikes intruded by interpreted Tertiary age hypabyssal and plutonic intrusive phases consisting of fine-medium grained porphyritic quartz monzonite, coarse grained biotite granite, pegmatite, and fine-grained aplite and pegmatitic aplite occasionally containing tourmaline. The quartz monzonite exhibits strong potassic alteration, K-spar-quartz flooding and resorption and secondary overgrowth textures on its quartz phenocrysts. The biotite granite is coarse grained, weakly magnetic and interpreted to encircle the quartz monzonite intrusive. An intrusive breccia is located at the northeast end of the target.

Mineralization: The quartz-copper-magnetite mineral association quartz veining and copper mineralization are like the porphyry style mineralization found on other parts of the property. Malachite, chrysocolla, neotocite and rare covellite occur in quartz-copper and quartz-copper-hematite veinlets exhibiting sericitic envelopes. Quartz-limonite (magnetite) veins show an inner sericitic halo and an outer potassic halo interpreted to represent phyllic overprinting of an earlier potassic alteration. Quartz-copper-hematite, malachite, copper-hematite, quartz-calcite, and quartz veins and veinlets occur in outcrop and petrographic samples. In two samples, quartz-copper veins cross-cut earlier quartz veinlets. The dominant vein set trends NE from 050 to 080 and dips between 45 to 85 degrees SE. Quartz-copper-hematite veins have a similar strike direction and dip 60 to 70 degrees NW.

Alteration: The samples show three stages of alteration. Early stage potassic alteration (hydrothermal K-spar, secondary biotite and quartz-K-spar flooding) has been overprinted by a later stage propylitic alteration (epidote, chlorite-sericite). Six of the samples show the potassic phase overprinted by phyllic alteration (sericite/muscovite, quartz, chlorite rutile). The petrographic studies indicate the mineralized quartz veinlets show an early stage potassic alteration envelope overprinted by propylitic alteration and a later phyllic alteration phase.

Petrographic Study

Sixteen rock samples were submitted to Vancouver Petrographics Ltd. located in Langley, British Columbia for petrographic analyses to describe mineral percentages, grain size, textures, vein alteration halos, alteration patterns, copper mineralization, and other minerals present.

Elmer B. Stewart, MSc. P.Geo., President, and CEO of Copper Fox, is the Company's non-independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approves the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release.

About Copper Fox

Copper Fox is a Canadian resource company focused on copper exploration and development in Canada and the United States. Its wholly owned subsidiaries being Northern Fox Copper Inc. and Desert Fox Copper Inc., are the 100% ownerships of the Van Dyke ISCR project, and the Mineral Mountain and Sombrero Butte porphyry copper exploration projects all located in Arizona, the 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited on the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project and the 100% owned Eaglehead polymetallic porphyry copper project each located in northwestern British Columbia. For more information on Copper Fox's mineral properties and investments visit the Company's website at www.copperfoxmetals.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Elmer B. Stewart

President and Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes", "may", "plans", "will", "anticipates", "intends", "budgets," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding; the estimated dimensions of quartz vein hosted copper and molybdenum mineralization; interpreted Laramide age intrusive rocks, porphyry style mineralization, and alteration.

In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox and its subsidiaries have made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the geological advice that Copper Fox has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; and the reliability of historical reports. While Copper Fox considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include among others: the dimensions of quartz vein hosted copper and molybdenum mineralization may not be accurate; the mineralization and alteration may not represent a porphyry system; the intrusive rocks may not be of Laramide age; further exploration may not locate additional porphyry style mineralization; the petrographic descriptions may not be accurate; the financial markets and the overall economy may deteriorate; the need to obtain additional financing and uncertainty as to effects of threatened tariffs, timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals.

A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266930

SOURCE: Copper Fox Metals Inc.
Leaders from Mastercard, Orange Business, Volvo and Women in Tech will be among those headlining at the 2025 Cardano Summit in Berlin this November. Other confirmed speakers include senior figures from the United Nations and Boston Consulting Group, as well as global investor Tim Draper, the Cardano Foundation announced today.

The two-day event, taking place 12-13 November 2025 at Gasometer Schoneberg in Berlin, has been designed with a focus on the real-world opportunities, challenges and applications of blockchain for enterprise today. The global industry leaders who will speak at the event will address important and timely business and regulatory demands of the day, including Web3 adoption at scale, AI integration, regulation, and digital trust infrastructure.

Commenting on today's speaker announcement, Frederik Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation, said: "The Cardano Summit 2025 aims to equip C-suite and business leaders with the insights they need to move from promise to practice. We are bringing together leaders from across enterprise, regulation, blockchain, and technology to examine how blockchain is becoming a trusted layer for critical business systems. This year's agenda reflects the scale of that shift, spanning key technical requirements and opportunities, and conversations exploring digital identity and product passports, sustainable development, payments, regulation, and enterprise architecture."

Speaker Highlights:

Speakers will continue to be announced in the coming weeks, notable speakers announced today include:

Tim Draper, Founder, Draper Associates

Guillaume Brunet, Head of Innovation, Orange Business

Christian Rau, Senior Vice President Blockchain Digital Assets, Mastercard

Philip Pon, CEO, Emurgo

Ivan Branco, Head of Information Management, AI and Analytics, Volvo Group

Sebastian Kupers, Managing Director, Plan.Net Studios

Vanessa Fernandes da Silva, Strategic Advisor, Aeonic (Former State Street)

(Former State Street) Adam Dean, Co Founder, Agrowlabs

Ayumi Moore, CEO Founder, Women in Tech Global

Patrick Tobler, CEO NMKR & Co Founder, Masumi

& Co Founder, Pankhuri Bansal, Blockchain AI Expert, United Nations

Bernhard Kronfellner, Partner Associate Director, Digital Assets, Boston Consulting Group

Program Topics:

Key themes of the Cardano Summit 2025 agenda include:

Enterprise adoption at scale: How global companies are integrating blockchain into core business systems, from payments and insurance to manufacturing and supply chains.

How global companies are integrating blockchain into core business systems, from payments and insurance to manufacturing and supply chains. Where AI meets blockchain : Why the convergence of these technologies is reshaping enterprise infrastructure and creating new models for efficiency and growth.

: Why the convergence of these technologies is reshaping enterprise infrastructure and creating new models for efficiency and growth. Regulation and governance : What executives need to know as policymakers and industry leaders define the frameworks for digital assets, data, and compliance worldwide.

: What executives need to know as policymakers and industry leaders define the frameworks for digital assets, data, and compliance worldwide. Investment and trust: Featuring insights from global investors like Tim Draper and the launch of new research commissioned by the Foundation from the Blockchain Research Institute

About the Summit

The Cardano Summit 2025 will convene an international audience of enterprises, entrepreneurs, developers, regulators and Cardano community members. In addition to two days of main-stage programming, the Summit will feature an exhibition hall, networking opportunities, masterclasses, demos, and the Cardano Community Gala Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to blockchain adoption and innovation.

Tickets remain available at Early Bird pricing, with group rates also available. Registration is open at summit.cardano.org

A full list of speakers is available on the website here.

About the Cardano Foundation

The Cardano Foundation is an independent, Swiss-based, not-for-profit organization tasked with advancing Cardano as a public digital infrastructure across industries. The Foundation develops infrastructure tooling, strengthens operational resilience, and drives real-world use cases and sound governance.

For more information, visit cardanofoundation.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918286057/en/

Contacts:

cardanosummit@150bond.com
AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the global AI in remote patient monitoring market reached US$ 5.45 billion in 2023, with a rise to US$ 5.78 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$ 10.35 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period 2025-2033.

The global AI in remote patient monitoring (RPM) market is witnessing unprecedented growth, fueled by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, the adoption of connected healthcare technologies, and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into digital health platforms. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) dominate the segment, empowering diabetic patients with real-time glucose insights, while blood pressure monitors are emerging as the fastest-growing category amid rising hypertension cases worldwide.

North America leads the smart medical devices market with over 40% revenue share in 2024, supported by advanced healthcare systems and major players like Abbott and Medtronic. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region with a CAGR of around 12%, driven by rising chronic diseases, digital health adoption, and healthcare investments in China and India. Europe remains stable, benefiting from strong regulations and digital health integration. The increasing demand for home care and AI-based monitoring, along with growth in emerging markets, will fuel transformative market growth into the next decade.

Get a Sample PDF Brochure of the Report (Use Corporate Email ID for a Quick Response): https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/ai-in-remote-patient-monitoring-market

Devices Segment Dominates with the 47.5% Market Share in AI Remote Patient Monitoring

The devices segment dominates the AI in remote patient monitoring (RPM) market, driven by rapid adoption of connected health devices like smartwatches, continuous glucose monitors, digital stethoscopes, pulse oximeters, and blood pressure monitors. These AI-integrated devices provide actionable insights, improving chronic disease management and reducing hospital readmissions.

The growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders fuels demand for device-focused RPM solutions. With the AI in RPM market valued at $1.96 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.2% to $12.61 billion by 2033, these devices remain central to next-gen healthcare.

Software and Platform Segment Holds 21.2% Market Share in AI Remote Patient Monitoring

The software and platform segment is the fastest-growing in the AI remote patient monitoring market, driven by demand for advanced data analysis, seamless integration with electronic health records, and interoperability. AI-powered platforms transform raw patient data into predictive insights, enabling timely interventions and personalized care. Cloud-based solutions, mobile health apps, and AI dashboards support real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics.

Increased focus on reducing clinician workload, enhancing patient engagement, and value-based care accelerates investments in software-led RPM solutions. This blend of smart data processing, scalability, and connectivity cements software and platforms as the market's most dynamic segment.

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North America Captures 41.2% Market Share in 2024 for AI in Remote Patient Monitoring

North America leads the AI remote patient monitoring market, driven by high tech adoption and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Supported by regulations, funding, and virtual care growth post-COVID-19, players like Dexcom, Abbott, Medtronic, Omron, and iRhythm accelerate AI device adoption.

The FDA actively supports digital health innovation, solidifying North America's lead in AI-powered remote patient monitoring. The U.S., with 34 million diabetics and half its adults having hypertension, combines advanced healthcare infrastructure and extensive digital health adoption, driving rapid AI integration in RPM platforms and devices.

Europe Claims 23.4% Market Share in 2024 for AI in Remote Patient Monitoring

Europe is a mature market for AI in remote patient monitoring, led by Germany, the UK, and France. Strong regulations like the Medical Device Regulation and GDPR ensure patient safety and data privacy, boosting trust and adoption.

Asia-Pacific Secures 20.4% Market Share in 2024 for AI in Remote Patient Monitoring

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing AI remote patient monitoring market, driven by large populations, rising chronic diseases, and digital health investments in China, India, and Japan. Increased smartphone use and healthcare digitalization, plus government programs, fuel adoption. Startups and global partnerships further accelerate growth in this expanding region.

China Emerges as Key Player in AI Remote Patient Monitoring

China leads the AI remote patient monitoring market with 140 million diabetics and a rapidly aging population, backed by strong government initiatives like "Healthy China 2030" promoting digital health and AI integration.

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Key AI in Remote Patient Monitoring Companies:

Major companies working towards the AI in remote patient monitoring market include Abbott, Dexcom, Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Medtronic, OMRON Healthcare, Inc., iRhythm Inc., Biobeat, AliveCor, Inc., Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, among others.

Recent Developments in the Market

- In February 2025, Validic introduced a patent-pending digital remote patient monitoring (RPM) assistant powered by Generative AI (GenAI) to analyze and summarize patient data trends. This first-of-its-kind capability is now part of Validic Impact, the award-winning, EHR-integrated RPM solution, enabling providers to more easily gain a comprehensive view of their patients' health.

Related Reports:

Digital Health Market Size , Share Analysis, Growth Trends and Industry Report 2025-2033

Telehealth Market Size , Share Analysis, Growth Analysis and Forecast 2025-2033

Connected Drug Delivery Devices Market Size , Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

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TAIPEI and TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) and Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) marked a milestone in regional financial integration today with the debut of their first cross-border exchange-traded funds (ETFs), reinforcing Taiwan's ambition to become an Asian Asset Management Center.

Nomura Asset Management Taiwan Ltd. launched the Nomura TOPIX Feeder ETF (Ticker: 009812) on the TWSE, offering investors exposure to Japan's equity market via the NEXT FUNDS TOPIX ETF (Ticker: 1306)- the largest ETF in Japan by assets under management. This fund is also included in Japan's NISA tax-free investment program, making it one of the most widely held ETFs among Japanese retail investors.

Simultaneously, the NEXT FUNDS TIP FactSet Taiwan Innovative Technology 50 Index Exchange Traded Fund (Ticker: 412A) debuted on the TSE. The fund tracks the NEXT FUNDS - Nomura Taiwan Innovative Technology 50 ETF (Ticker: 00935), reflecting the strength and dynamism of Taiwan's technology-driven economy. Notably, companies in the AI and semiconductor sectors account for 72% of the Index's total market capitalization. Taiwan's benchmark index has more than doubled since 2020, reaching an all-time high this month, with foreign ownership approaching 46%.

TWSE Chairman and CEO Sherman Lin said the cross-listings mark a new chapter in financial cooperation between Taiwan and Japan. "This achievement reflects growing market confidence and Taiwan's commitment to innovation and global integration," he noted. Chairman Lin also remarked that both TSE President Iwanaga and he wore golden ties today, symbolizing that the collaboration between the Taiwanese and Japanese capital markets is entering a brilliant new chapter.

The listings were marked by a joint ceremony attended by senior officials from both exchanges and financial regulators. Notable attendees at the TWSE included Dr. Yen-liang Chen, Vice Chairperson of the Financial Supervisory Commission; Kao Ching-ping, Deputy Director-General of the Financial Supervisory Commission Securities and Futures Bureau; Moriyuki Iwanaga, President and CEO of the Tokyo Stock Exchange; Nobuo Suzuki, Senior Corporate Managing Director of Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.; Gen Kawai, Deputy Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association; Masaaki Fukuzawa, Director at Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.

"This initiative underscores Taiwan's strategic role in regional finance," said Dr. Yen-liang Chen, Vice Chairperson of the Financial Supervisory Commission. "It reinforces our position within Asia's asset management landscape and highlights the importance of cross-border innovation in driving sustainable growth."

"The cross-listings provide investors in both markets with seamless access to diversified portfolios," said Nobuo Suzuki, Senior Corporate Managing Director of Nomura Asset Management. "Our goal is to deliver globally relevant financial products that promote deeper market connectivity and investor engagement."

TSE President and CEO Moriyuki Iwanaga emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership: "This collaboration bridges our capital markets, positioning Taiwan and Japan as key partners within Asia's financial ecosystem."

TWSE President Edith Lee, who attended the ceremony in Tokyo, noted the potential of Japan's NISA program to enhance retail investor participation and market liquidity. "Taiwan's capital market has experienced dynamic growth, and this ETF showcases our technological strength to global investors," she said.

The dual listings represent a milestone in Taiwan-Japan financial collaboration, broadening cross-border investment access and reinforcing Taiwan's role in Asia's asset management landscape.

About TWSE

The Taiwan Stock Exchange (the TWSE) started operations on February 9, 1962. The TWSE is responsible for operating and advancing the Taiwan securities market. The TWSE's primary business operations include listing, trading, settlement, and surveillance. These comprise listing promotion and review, post-listing supervision and corporate governance, maintaining market trading and order, securities firms' services, investor protection, clearing and settlement operations, safeguarding against market defaults and the monitoring of illegal transactions. The Exchange provides comprehensive services to the securities market.

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Company also completes a comprehensive strategic review and announces a divestiture plan for its Mortgage Conduit, Title and Real Estate Services businesses

Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Inigo Limited ("Inigo"), a highly profitable Lloyd's specialty insurer, for $1.7 billion in a primarily all-cash transaction.1 The transaction will be funded from Radian's available liquidity sources and excess capital from its subsidiaries. This strategic acquisition will mark an important step in Radian's transformation from a leading U.S. mortgage insurer to a global, diversified multi-line specialty insurer, significantly expanding the company's product expertise and capabilities and optimizing the deployment of its excess capital.

The acquisition values Inigo at 1.5 times its projected tangible equity at the end of 2025. The acquisition is expected to deliver mid-teens percentage accretion to earnings per share and approximately 200 basis points accretion to return on equity in the first full year after closing. Radian expects the transaction will double its total annual revenue, providing flexibility to deploy capital across multiple insurance lines through various business cycles.

Inigo was launched in 2021 by a highly regarded leadership team with decades of experience in the Lloyd's market including in senior roles at a large Lloyd's insurer. Inigo is among the fastest growing Lloyd's syndicates in the market while achieving attractive profitability. Inigo offers innovative data-driven specialty insurance solutions with a proven track record of excellent underwriting performance, serving some of the world's largest commercial and industrial enterprises.

"Today's announcement of the acquisition of Inigo marks an important milestone for Radian as we transform our business model from a leading U.S. mortgage insurer into a global, multi-line specialty insurer," said Rick Thornberry, Chief Executive Officer of Radian. "This is a financially compelling transaction, funded entirely from our excess capital and available liquidity sources without issuing new equity. By bringing together Inigo's strong performance with our capital strength, we are diversifying beyond our traditional mortgage insurance market and expanding into the large and attractive Lloyd's global specialty market. Most importantly, we are excited to partner with the talented Inigo team, fueled by a shared commitment toward innovation, underwriting expertise, data science, technology and workplace culture. Together, we are well positioned to deliver even greater value to our combined stakeholders."

Inigo Chief Executive Officer Richard Watson, along with Chief Underwriting Officer Russell Merrett and Chief Financial Officer Stuart Bridges, will continue to lead the Inigo business and its entrepreneurial and dynamic management team.

Richard Watson, Chief Executive Officer of Inigo, said, "We are delighted to have found Radian. From our first meeting, there was a clear cultural match and a shared conviction around the importance of data, and how we can use it to benefit the customers we serve. Our respective portfolios are very complementary, with no business overlaps. As we build bigger and deeper relationships with our customers, we welcome the further diversification and access to the stronger capital base that Radian provides."

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Additional transaction details are contained in a Form 8-K Radian filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.

1 Final purchase price will be determined based on Inigo's tangible equity prior to close, subject to adjustment, but not to exceed $1.7 billion. A small portion of the purchase consideration will be provided in shares of Radian to Inigo's senior management as part of an equity rollover.

"All Other" Businesses: Mortgage Conduit, Title and Real Estate Services

Following a comprehensive strategic review, which led to Radian's decision to acquire Inigo, the company also announced today the planned divestiture of all businesses previously reported in its "All Other" category consisting of its Mortgage Conduit, Title and Real Estate Services businesses. This divestiture plan has been approved by the Radian Board of Directors and is expected to be completed no later than the third quarter of 2026. Radian is in the process of engaging financial advisors to assist with the divestiture of these businesses. As the company works through the process, it expects to continue to operate these businesses in the ordinary course.

As a result of this strategic shift, Radian expects to report these businesses as held for sale and to reflect their results as discontinued operations in the company's consolidated financial statements through the point of their divestitures, effective beginning with its quarterly statements ended September 30, 2025.

Thornberry added, "We expect that the divestiture of our Mortgage Conduit, Title and Real Estate Services businesses will allow them to continue to pursue their next phase of growth, while also simplifying Radian as we focus on our future as a global multi-line specialty insurer."

Conference Call

Radian CEO Rick Thornberry and President and Chief Financial Officer Sumita Pandit will hold a conference call for Radian investors at 8:30 AM ET today, September 18, 2025. Investors can access the conference call by registering via the conference link here. A live webcast of the call, and a slide presentation to accompany the discussion, will be available here and on the Radian website, https://www.radian.com/for-investors/events or at www.radian.com.

Advisors

Goldman Sachs Co. LLC and Guy Carpenter's Capital Advisory team acted as financial advisors and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher Flom LLP acted as legal counsel to Radian for the Inigo transaction. RBC Capital Markets also provided advice on certain matters.

About Radian

As a leading U.S. private mortgage insurer, Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN) provides solutions that expand access to affordable, responsible and sustainable homeownership and helps borrowers achieve their dream of owning a home. For more information, visit radian.com.

About Inigo

Through Lloyd's Syndicate 1301, Inigo underwrites a multi-class specialty insurance portfolio, serving some of the world's largest commercial and industrial enterprises. Founded in 2020, Inigo is shaped by data, led by insight, and built around people who believe in doing things differently. For more information, visit inigoinsurance.com.

Forward Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, or related oral statements, that address events, developments or results that Radian expects or anticipates may occur in the future are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In most cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "may," "will," "could," "should," "would," "expect," "intend," "plan," "goal," "pursue," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "seek," "strategy," "future," "likely" or the negative or other variations on these words and other similar expressions. These statements, which may include, without limitation, statements regarding the expected completion, financing and timing of the acquisition, statements regarding the expected impact of the acquisition on Radian's earnings, return on equity, revenue, and debt to capital ratio, as well as its deployment of capital, statements regarding the planned divestitures of certain businesses, including their expected completion, timing and reporting, and other statements and information related to the acquisition and the planned divestitures, are made on the basis of management's current views and assumptions with respect to future events. These statements speak only as of the date they were made, and Radian undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The company operates in a changing environment where new risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all risks that may affect Radian. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and the forward-looking statements, as well as Radian's prospects as a whole, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include:

risks associated with the acquisition, including: (a) the parties' ability to complete the acquisition, on the anticipated timeline or at all, including uncertainty related to securing the necessary regulatory approvals without a burdensome remedy; (b) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the purchase agreement; (c) risks related to diverting the attention of either party's management from ongoing business operations; (d) the possibility that the anticipated benefits and impacts of the acquisition are not realized when expected, or at all; (e) significant unknown or inestimable liabilities associated with Inigo; (f) risks related to the uncertainty of expected future financial performance and results of Inigo and its businesses following completion of the acquisition; (g) risks related to the availability of sufficient cash resources to fund the acquisition or Radian's ability to raise new funds; (h) risks related to limitations and compliance with using the company's subsidiaries' excess capital as a source of funding for the transaction; and (i) risks associated with Radian's ability to successfully execute on its strategic shift to become a multi-line insurer; and

risks associated with the company's decision to divest its Mortgage Conduit, Title and Real Estate Services businesses (the "All Other Businesses"), including: (a) the ability to complete any or all of the divestiture transactions, on the anticipated timeline or at all, including risks and uncertainties related to securing necessary regulatory and third-party approvals and consents; (b) any impact of the decision to divest the All Other Businesses on the company's ability to attract, hire, and retain key and highly skilled personnel; (c) any disruption of current plans and operations caused by the announcement of the decision to divest the All Other Businesses, making it more difficult to conduct business as usual or maintain relationships with current or future service providers, customers, employees, vendors, and financing sources; and (d) the terms, timing, structure, benefits and costs of any divestiture transaction for each of the All Other Businesses.

For more information regarding these risks and uncertainties as well as certain additional risks that Radian faces, you should refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and to subsequent reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Radian cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date on which this press release was issued. The company does not intend to, and disclaims any duty or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or for any other reason.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250917101129/en/

Contacts:

For Investors:

Dan Kobell Phone: 215.231.1113

email: daniel.kobell@radian.com



For the Media:

Rashi Iyer Phone 215.231.1167

email: rashi.iyer@radian.com
AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the global medical device contract manufacturing market size reached US$ 76.43 Billion in 2024 from US$ 69.54 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 190.88 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period 2025-2033.

Medical device contract manufacturing is transforming healthcare by driving innovation, efficiency, and global access. By outsourcing production, OEMs gain advanced infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and new technologies without heavy capital costs. This model fuels faster innovation, 3D printing enables patient-specific implants, and AI-driven quality control improves consistency.

It also lets OEMs focus on R&D while partners handle molding, assembly, sterilization, and compliance, accelerating market readiness for devices like wearable biosensors and IoT-enabled tools. With robotics and digital twins boosting productivity by up to 25%, contract manufacturing goes beyond cost savings to expand healthcare access worldwide.

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The rising outsourcing trend among OEMs is significantly driving the medical device contract manufacturing market growth

Outsourcing is driving growth in the medical device contract manufacturing market as originators rely on expert partners for complex processes, lower costs, and streamlined workflows, allowing them to focus on research, compliance, and marketing. Innovation also fuels expansion-such as Phillips Medisize's June 2025 launch of TheraVolt Medical Connectors, designed to enhance device integration, reliability, and performance, while fostering stronger collaboration and new ideas in healthcare technology.

Cardiovascular Devices Lead with 27.31% Share in 2024

This area tops the market due to climbing worldwide rates of heart issues like vessel blockages, pump failures, and rhythm problems, needing refined check and care tools. Firms such as Medtronic and Boston Scientific have gained approvals for various new heart devices. Medtronic's lineup covers vessel expanders, tubes, supports, and guides vital for heart treatments. Boston Scientific supplies items like the Agent coated expander for vessel re-blockages, using medicine to stop narrowing again. These steps underline the key part of expert partners in crafting top-standard, approved heart tools that follow strict rules and tackle tough health challenges.

Partners supply key aid like exact cutting, small forming, and rule support, crucial for complex mid- and high-level devices. Rising use of wearable heart trackers and insertable items heightens the call for advanced building skills. In total, this area's lead stems from strong need for better heart solutions, required expert building, and big outlays by leaders to grow heart device choices.

Orthopedic Devices Show Fastest Growth with 17.97% Share in 2024

The orthopedic area grows quickest in the market, spurred by more bone and muscle problems, older groups, and better operation methods. This is clear in back and injury parts, set for quickest rise from more spine harms and activity injuries.

Specialist partners in orthopedic items offer key tasks like exact cutting, shaping, molding, and putting together inserts and operation tools. For instance, Unity Precision Manufacturing focuses on exact crafting of health tools and operation items, covering complex bone inserts, parts, and fittings. These partners are essential for handling growing calls for quality orthopedic goods, ensuring on-time supply, and meeting tight rule standards.

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North America Leads with the 43.78% Share in 2024

North America leads the global market, thanks to solid rules, tech advances, and top industry participants. The area gains from modern building sites and trained workers able to craft intricate mid- and high-level devices accurately and reliably.

US Medical Device Contract Manufacturing Market Insights

Top firms like Jabil, Thermo Fisher, Integer Holdings, and Sanmina strengthen the US medical device contract manufacturing market through innovation, quality checks, and strong OEM partnerships. With strict FDA regulations ensuring global trust, the US leads in advanced technologies like 3D printing, automation, and AI to deliver complex devices such as implants and diagnostic tools. A robust healthcare system, regulatory adherence, and proven expertise make the US the preferred hub for reliable, high-quality medical device solutions.

Asia Pacific Achieves Quickest Growth at 10.7% CAGR in 2024

The Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing medical device contract manufacturing hub, driven by low-cost production, strong supply chains, and supportive policies in countries like China, India, and Japan. Japan leads with advanced healthcare, strict regulations, and rising demand for age-related devices, while China attracts manufacturers with cost efficiency and a vast market. With tech adoption in 3D printing, automation, and AI, alongside initiatives like "Make in India" and specialized device parks, the region is well-positioned to meet global and local healthcare needs.

Europe Medical Device Contract Manufacturing Market Insights

The European market sees strong expansion, led by key elements. A main push is the rising call for affordable, expandable building options among device originators. By handing production to partners, firms trim costs and smooth tasks, letting them stress strengths like studies, growth, and sales, while keeping on-time supply and steady item quality.

Partners also give flexible output levels, helping originators scale fast based on market needs without big spending. Climbing rates of ongoing illnesses in Europe aid market growth. About 35% of Europeans face ongoing illnesses, set to rise, boosting calls for devices and thus more outsourcing. The older groups are prone to issues like sugar control, heart illness, and joint pain, needing steady checks via distant tracking tools. Crafting advanced devices with top tech aids European market expansion.

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Key Medical Device Contract Manufacturing Companies:

Major companies working towards the market's growth include are Jabil Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Integer Holdings Corporation, Sanmina Corporation, Celestica Inc., Phillips Medisize, Plexus Corp., Inc., and Gerresheimer AG, among others.

Recent Developments in the Market

- In June 2025, Phillips Medisize launched TheraVolt Medical Connectors. As the first medical connectors launched under the Phillips Medisize brand, TheraVolt is engineered to optimize device integration, functionality, reliability and performance. TheraVolt provides device engineers with enhanced functionality, offering solutions to handle both signals and high voltage lines. With the launch of TheraVolt, the first of several Phillips Medisize-branded connectors, the company is excited to bring deeper collaboration and innovation to complement exceptional contract design and manufacturing services and proven Molex connectivity solutions to medtech customers.

Related Reports:

Pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Market Size , Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2025-2031)

Handheld Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments Market - Size, Share, and Forecast (2025-2033)

Cardiovascular Devices Market Size , Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2025-2031)

About DataM Intelligence 4Market Research:

DataM Intelligence 4Market Research is a comprehensive market intelligence platform offering syndicated and customized reports along with expert consulting across multiple industries, including chemicals, healthcare, agriculture, food & beverages, and more. With extensive experience and a strategy-focused approach, DataM provides businesses and individuals with reliable market insights, statistical forecasts, and personalized research solutions to help them make informed decisions and successfully bring innovations to market.

To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com/ or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook .

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - City View Green Holdings Inc. (CSE: CVGR) (OTC Pink: CVGRF) (FSE: CVY0) (the "Company" or "City View"), is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of July 15, 2025, it has entered into securities purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with Arkenyield, an arm's length party.

Pursuant to the Agreement dated as of September 17, 2025, City View has agreed to acquire an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares in the capital of Arkenyield (the "Purchased Arkenyield Shares"). The Purchased Arkenyield Shares represent approximately 20% of the issued and outstanding securities in the capital of Arkenyield.

The purchase price for the Purchased Arkenyield Shares is an aggregate of $575,000 (the "Purchase Price"). $287,5000 of the Purchase Price will be satisfied through the issuance of an aggregate of 5,750,000 common shares in the capital of City View (the "Consideration Shares") at a price of $0.05 per Consideration Share with the remaining $287,500 being satisfied through the issuance of a convertible debenture (the "Debenture"). The Debenture will have a term of five (5) years and will be convertible into an aggregate of 5,750,000 common shares in the capital of the Company at a conversion price of $0.05 per share. In addition, City View has the option to acquire the remaining 80% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Arkenyield on terms and conditions to be agreed to by the parties.

The closing of the Agreement is subject to City View obtaining shareholder and regulatory approval for a change of business (the "Proposed COB") from an "industrial issuer" to an "investment issuer".

The Proposed COB is considered a fundamental change/change of business under Policy 8 of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and, as such, will subject to all of the requirements of Policy 8 including, but not limited to, CSE and shareholder approval. The Agreement is not considered to be a fundamental change under CSE Policy 8.

If shareholder and regulatory approval is obtained, the Proposed COB, City View's primary focus will be to seek returns through investments in the securities of other companies. City View will continue to review opportunities to extract residual value from its existing assets, provided City View may abandon some or all of such assets if it determines appropriate.

If shareholder and regulatory approval is obtained, City View will operate as a diversified investment and merchant banking firm focused on public and private companies and commodities. City View's proposed investment activities will include (i) public companies, (ii) near public companies and private capital, (iii) global venture capital initiatives and (iv) strategic physical commodities. However, City View may take advantage of special situations and merchant banking opportunities, as such opportunities arise, and make investments in other sectors which the Company identifies from time to time as offering particular value.

The investment objective of City View will be to provide investors with long-term capital growth by investing in a portfolio of undervalued companies

About Arkenyield

Arkenyield is a cutting-edge digital asset yield platform focused on generating robust stablecoin-based returns. Leveraging proprietary Concentrated Liquidity Market-Making (CLMM) strategies, Arkenyield addresses the increasing institutional demand for stablecoin-native yield infrastructure, recognizing stablecoins as a foundational element of global financial systems.

The platform's active strategies strategically deploy capital across top-tier stablecoin pairs, trusted protocols, and leading blockchains. This involves sophisticated optimization of liquidity placement through advanced data analysis of exchange flows, on-chain activity, and market patterns. By concentrating liquidity within tight price ranges, Arkenyield delivers high-compounding returns on low-volatility assets, while ensuring full USD-denominated principal liquidity without lockups.

With stablecoins now facilitating over $27 trillion in annual settlements, surpassing the combined volume of Visa and Mastercard, Arkenyield is uniquely positioned to provide the essential yield layer for the next phase of global payments adoption. The Company is actively pursuing public market access, aiming to be among the first stablecoin-native yield platforms to offer public investors a transparent, regulated vehicle for participating in the growth of digital dollars. Beyond yield generation, Arkenyield's broader mission is to enhance stablecoin utility at scale by providing critical yield infrastructure, treasury management, and deep liquidity services for the evolving digital economy.

For more information visit: https://www.arkenyield.com.

Completion of the transactions is subject to a number of conditions, including CSE acceptance and shareholder approval. The transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transactions will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular to be prepared in connection with the transactions, any information released or received with respect to the transactions may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of City View should be considered highly speculative.

The CSE has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are not composed of historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, among others, availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets and delays in the development of projects. Although the Company has a tempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266949

SOURCE: City View Green Holdings Inc.
European DataWarehouse Ltd. (EDW Ltd.) the UK subsidiary of European DataWarehouse GmbH, today announced the appointment of Nigel Batley as Executive Director. Mr. Batley succeeds Markus Schaber, who will retire from the role after serving as Executive Director since 2020.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mr. Batley brings extensive expertise in asset-backed finance. He spent more than 30 years at HSBC, where he held senior positions including Global Head of Structured Finance, before taking on advisory and leadership roles in the securitisation market.

Markus Schaber, outgoing Executive Director of EDW Ltd., will remain with the company as Senior Advisor. He commented:

"It has been a privilege to lead European DataWarehouse in the UK and contribute to the development of greater transparency in European securitisation markets. I am confident that Nigel's deep industry knowledge and leadership will strengthen EDW Ltd.'s mission and ensure we continue meeting the needs of issuers, investors, and regulators in the UK securitisation market."

Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Paramo, Chairman of European DataWarehouse GmbH, said:

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Markus for his dedicated leadership and invaluable contributions during his tenure. We are delighted to welcome Nigel, whose decades of experience and proven track record in asset-backed finance will further reinforce EDW's commitment to supporting the UK market."

European DataWarehouse Ltd. was established in 2018 to ensure continuity of services for UK market participants following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union in 2020. European DataWarehouse Ltd. is authorised and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a designated Securitisation Repository.

About European DataWarehouse

European DataWarehouse (EDW) is a designated Securitisation Repository, authorised by both the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Established in 2012, EDW was the first repository of its kind in Europe, created to improve transparency and support due diligence in the asset-backed securities (ABS) market.

EDW collects, validates, and provides access to standardised loan-level data and related documentation for ABS transactions and private whole loan portfolios. By serving as a central data hub, EDW enables investors, issuers, and regulators to efficiently analyse and compare portfolios, fostering greater trust and efficiency in the securitisation ecosystem.

To learn more or stay up to date with our latest insights and developments, visit www.eurodw.eu www.eurodw.co.uk or follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250915533585/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

European DataWarehouse GmbH

Diane Vogelpohl

Marketing Communications Manager

Tel. 49 (0) 69 50986 9326

Email: diane.vogelpohl@eurodw.eu
KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Camaroe Berhad ("Camaroe" or the "Group"), an integrated aquaculture group specialising in the farming and processing of black tiger prawns, is pleased to announce that the public portion of its Initial Public Offering ("IPO") has been oversubscribed by 15.26 times, reflecting healthy demand and investor confidence in Camaroe's long-term prospects as a trusted vertically integrated prawn brand.

From L - R: Mr. Teoh Sheng Jian ???, Business Development Manager of Camaroe Berhad; Mr. Teoh Han Boon ?????, Managing Director of Camaroe Berhad; Ms. Low Saw Cheng ?????, Executive Director of Camaroe Berhad; Ms. Kho Zhen Qi ?????, Independent Non-Executive Director of Camaroe Berhad and Ms. Chua Lee Fei ?????, Financial Controller of Camaroe Berhad

To recap, Camaroe's IPO comprises 99.00 million new ordinary shares ("Issue Shares") and an offer for sale of 49.50 million existing shares ("Offer Shares"), structured as follows:

Public Issue

Malaysian Public: 24.75 million shares or 5.00% of the Group's enlarged issued share capital, with 2.50% made available to public investors and the remaining 2.50% are made available to Bumiputera public investors.

Eligible Persons: 12.38 million shares or 2.50% of the enlarged issued share capital will be allocated to eligible directors, key senior management, employees and persons contributing to the success of the Group through pink form allocations.

Private Placement to Bumiputera Investors: 61.87 million shares or 12.50% of the enlarged issued share capital are reserved for private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (" MITI ").



Offer for sale

Offer for sale of 49.50 million shares or 10.00% of the enlarged issued share capital by way of private placement to selected investors.

The Company received a total of 3,487 applications for 402,397,800 Issue Shares from the Malaysian public, representing an overall oversubscription rate of 15.26 times. Of this, 1,358 applications for 96,858,700 Issue Shares were received under the Bumiputera public portion (oversubscribed by 6.83 times), while the remaining 2,129 applications for 305,539,100 Issue Shares under the other Malaysian public portion recorded an oversubscription of 23.69 times.

All 61.87 million Issue Shares allocated to Bumiputera investors approved by MITI were fully taken up following the application of clawback and reallocation provisions. The 12.38 million Issue Shares allocated to Eligible Persons under Pink Form Allocations were fully subscribed. Meanwhile, the 49.50 million Offer Shares made available to selected investors via private placement were also fully placed out.

The notices of allotment will be mailed to all successful applicants on or before 26 September 2025.

Mr. Teoh Han Boon, Managing Director of Camaroe Berhad, commented, "We are grateful for the strong support from investors and the market's recognition of our vision. The positive response to our IPO validates our integrated aquaculture model, established export track record, and strategic roadmap. With the proceeds raised, we are committed to building our new Bukit Raja Processing Facility, enhancing our processing automation, and strengthening our sustainability efforts through installation of solar panels and establishment of a biotechnology department."

Datuk Bill Tan, Managing Director M & A Securities Sdn Bhd, added "The over-subscription of Camaroe's IPO reflects investor confidence in the Group's solid fundamentals and growth potential. The positive response, particularly from the public, highlights the market's recognition of Camaroe's established presence in the integrated prawn industry and its forward-looking initiatives, such as capacity expansion and the establishment of a biotechnology department. We are honoured to support the Group in its listing journey and look forward to its continued success as a public-listed company.

Camaroe Berhad is scheduled to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 2 October 2025.

###

ABOUT CAMAROE BERHAD

Camaroe Berhad ("Camaroe" or the "Group") is principally involved in the farming, processing, and sale of black tiger prawns. The Group operates multiple aquaculture farms across Malaysia, including Tanjung Karang, Penor, and Marang, and processes its harvests at its Kapar Processing Facility. Camaroe's products include live and frozen black tiger prawns; both head-on shell-on and peeled, which are supplied to both local seafood wholesalers and overseas importers in key Asia-Pacific markets such as China, South Korea and Taiwan. Over the years, the Group has developed into a vertically integrated aquaculture player with a strong focus on operational efficiency, biosecurity, and sustainable farming practices. With strategic plans to expand capacity and introduce a biotechnology department to enhance farming innovation, Camaroe is committed to delivering high-quality prawn products while supporting long-term industry growth and export competitiveness.

For more information, visit https://www.camaroe.com.my/

Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Camaroe Berhad

For more information, please contact:

Jazmin Wan

Email:j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

Qian Yu Chow

Email:s.chow@swanconsultancy.biz

SOURCE: Camaroe Berhad

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/camaroe-berhad%e2%80%99s-ipo-public-portion-oversubscribed-by-15.26-times-1075335
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - The UK government has announced that it has secured 150 billion pounds ($205 billion) worth of investment from US companies, as President Donald Trump began a state visit to the country. These deals are estimated to create more than 7,600 high-quality jobs - from apprenticeships in clean energy to careers in biotech and AI. With the package, major US investment will be flowing into clean energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing - key sectors in the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy. Flagship new commitments unveiled Wednesday include 90 billion pounds new investment from Blackstone for datacenter development in the UK, 3.9 billion pound investment from leading investment firm Prologis to strengthen its current investment at Cambridge Biomedical Campus and major upgrade to Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, and 150 million pound investment from American tech company Amentum. Palantir will invest up to 1.5 billion pounds to help make the UK a defense innovation leader and create up to 350 new jobs. Boeing will convert two 737 aircraft in Birmingham for the US Air Force - the first USAF aircraft built in the UK in more than 50 years . US Engineering firm STAX has committed 37 million pounds to expand their UK operations and pioneer emission reducing technology at ports around the country. Major funding has been committed into UK-based R&D and startups, accelerating growth in biotech, AI, and advanced manufacturing. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, 'When we back British brilliance, champion our world-class industries, and forge deeper global alliances - especially with friends like the US - we help shape the future for generations to come and make people across the country better off'. He added, 'Jobs, growth and opportunity is what I promised for working people, and it's exactly what this State Visit is delivering'. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Pilot Project Aims to Reduce Crashes and Improve Safety

ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / The Washington State Department of Transportation is exploring new technology designed to prevent wrong-way drivers. A pilot project on four State Route 18 off-ramps in King County now includes "wrong way" signs with flashing lights, radar detection and cameras that can detect drivers entering a ramp in the wrong direction. This system is part of a larger statewide pilot project using multiple methods to reduce wrong-way driving.

WSDOT PILOTS NEW WRONG-WAY DRIVING ALERT SYSTEM ON SR-18

Pilot Project Aims to Reduce Crashes and Improve Safety

The four SR 18 off-ramps now feature upgraded solar-powered LED signs and radar-activated detection systems. At select locations, video analytics and dual camera systems further support real-time validation and alerts to WSDOT's Northwest Region Transportation Management Center. The aim is simple but vital: prompt self-correction by the driver and swift action by emergency services if needed.

The initiative is aligned with national roadway safety priorities and complements WSDOT's broader efforts to modernize infrastructure using smart technology and clean power. The pilot integrates radar, solar flashing signs, and camera-enabled detection through solutions developed by Carmanah Technologies and distributed regionally by Western Systems. Together, they enable multiple "layers of safety" that escalate alerts as a wrong-way driver progresses from the ramp entrance to the highway merge zone.

"We're excited to see this project move forward with WSDOT. It's a great example of how thoughtful infrastructure planning and technology can work together to reduce risks before they become emergencies," said Jeremy Hancyk, Regional Sales Manager at Synapse ITS, representing Carmanah Technologies. "When we design systems that prompt drivers to self-correct and give agencies real-time awareness, we help make these high-speed, high-use transportation corridors safer for everyone."

Installation was completed in summer 2025, and the project team is now reviewing field performance data. "Wrong-way crashes don't happen often, but when they do, the stakes are incredibly high," said Kai Antrim, Sales Manager at Western Systems. "It's rewarding to support a program focused on prevention, not just reaction - and one that's grounded in Washington's real-world needs."

While the system is operational and currently warning drivers in real time to correct wrong-way driving behavior, it is not yet fully commissioned. Once fully commissioned, the system will be capable of sending notifications to the TMC, alerting operators of wrong-way drivers. This will provide operators with better situational awareness and enable them to send timely messages to relevant agencies, such as incident response teams and the Washington State Patrol.

This pilot is part of WSDOT's ongoing commitment to reducing serious injuries and fatalities across the state. Insights gained from the pilot will inform future deployments and contribute to smarter safety strategies throughout Washington's highway network.

Related Video

https://vimeo.com/1119612761





SOURCE: Western Systems

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/transportation/wsdot-pilots-new-wrong-way-driving-alert-system-on-sr-18-1075211
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Cleantek Industries Inc. (TSXV: CTEK) ("Cleantek" or the "Company") an innovative provider of patented clean technology solutions that reduce both costs and carbon intensity in the wastewater management and industrial lighting sectors, is pleased to announce that the Company will participate in the annual Smallcap Discoveries Conference in Vancouver, where President and CEO Riley Taggart will present Cleantek's recent achievements and growth plans.

The conference, taking place September 29-30, 2025 at the Parq Hotel and Casino in Vancouver, will feature company presentations, keynote sessions, and one-on-one meetings in a format that connects engaged investors with select Canadian growth companies. With a focus on strengthening Canada's microcap ecosystem, the event fosters meaningful connections, access to capital, and long-term support for businesses driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

Investors interested in meeting with Cleantek during the event should contact the coordinator at trevor@smallcapdiscoveries.com or email the Company directly at rtaggart@cleantekinc.com. Passes are available for registration here.

About Smallcap Discoveries

Smallcap Discoveries is Canada's leading small-cap investment community, dedicated to uncovering high-quality, under-followed companies with strong growth potential. Founded and led by veteran investors, the platform provides in-depth research, exclusive insights, and direct access to emerging opportunities in the micro and small-cap space. Through its premium membership, conferences, and educational resources, Smallcap Discoveries connects growth-focused investors with exceptional companies, helping members identify tomorrow's leaders today.

About Cleantek Industries Inc.

Cleantek is a clean energy technology company focused on ESG-accretive solutions, providing specialized and fully integrated wastewater treatment, disposal equipment, and turnkey sustainable lighting rental solutions. By leveraging patented technology and industry expertise, Cleantek delivers tailored, cost-effective solutions to a diverse client base, including blue-chip exploration and production companies across North America and international markets.

With a focus on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence, Cleantek is well-positioned to meet the rising water treatment and sustainable lighting market demand. Our proven track record and commitment to innovation drive long-term value creation in the clean technology sector.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" including, for example, statements relating to expected improved financial flexibility, additional growth, potential middle east expansion, expansion of Cleantek's fleet of sustainable lighting solutions and EcoSteam wastewater treatment assets, the expected deployment of Cleantek's assets, available liquidity, Cleantek's outlook for the future and near-term strategy. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. The results or events depicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding and are implicit in, among other things: receipt of regulatory approvals, the state of the capital markets, the ability of the Corporation to successfully manage the risks inherent in pursuing business opportunities in the oilfield services industry and outside the North American market, and the ability of the Corporation to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner to develop its business. Any forward-looking statement reflects information available to Cleantek as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Cleantek disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265941

SOURCE: Cleantek Industries Inc.
Manila, Philippines--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - St. Augustine Gold and Copper Limited (TSX: SAU) ("St. Augustine" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that shareholders approved all matters of business at the Special Meeting of Shareholders held virtually via Zoom on September 12, 2025.

Shareholders voted in favor of :

Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan Approved by 99.12% of votes cast (649,221,184 votes FOR; 5,766,161 votes AGAINST).

The plan replaces the Legacy Option Plan and aligns directors, officers, employees, and consultants with shareholder interests while ensuring compliance with TSX requirements. Private Placement of Mr. Nicolaos Paraskevas Approved by 99.99% of disinterested shareholder votes cast (654,947,615 votes FOR; 39,730 votes AGAINST).

The placement consists of 16.5 million units, each unit comprising one common share and two warrants, supporting the Company's long-term financing needs.

Quorum and Participation:

Shareholders representing 654,987,345 common shares, or 41.91% of the 1,562,749,129 issued and outstanding shares, were present in person or by proxy at the meeting.

About St. Augustine

St. Augustine (SAU.T) is a TSX-listed mining company focused on the development of the King-king Copper-Gold Project. The Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world and is listed as a top three-priority mining project by the Philippine government.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This announcement includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on currently available information, they may prove to be incorrect. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's current expectations, including changes in market conditions, governmental or regulatory developments and general economic conditions. Other risks and uncertainties related to the Company are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025 and filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca . Forward-looking information contained in this announcement is based on our current estimates, expectations and projections, which we believe are reasonable as of the current date. You should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should nor rely on this information as of any other date. While we may elect to, we are under no obligation and do not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required by applicable securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266865

SOURCE: St. Augustine Gold and Copper Limited


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - NASA has announced that the official number of exoplanets - planets outside the solar system - tracked by it reached 6,000.



The milestone highlights the accelerating rate of discoveries, just more than three decades since the first exoplanets were found.



Confirmed planets are added to the count on a rolling basis by scientists from around the world, so no single planet is considered as the 6,000th entry. The number is monitored by NASA's Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI), based at Caltech's IPAC in Pasadena, California. There are more than 8,000 additional candidate planets awaiting confirmation, with NASA leading the world in searching for life in the universe.



'This milestone represents decades of cosmic exploration driven by NASA space telescopes - exploration that has completely changed the way humanity views the night sky,' said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director, Astrophysics Division, NASA Headquarters in Washington. 'Step by step, from discovery to characterization, NASA missions have built the foundation to answering a fundamental question: Are we alone? Now, with our upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and Habitable Worlds Observatory, America will lead the next giant leap - studying worlds like our own around stars like our Sun. This is American ingenuity, and a promise of discovery that unites us all.'



The milestone comes 30 years after the first exoplanet was discovered around a star similar to the Sun, in 1995. Although researchers think there are billions of planets in the Milky Way galaxy, finding them remains a challenge. In addition to discovering many individual planets with fascinating characteristics as the total number of known exoplanets climbs, scientists are able to see how the general planet population compares to the planets of the solar system, the U.S. space agency said.



Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2025 AFX News
~ Agreement grants VectorY the exclusive right to evaluate and license Shape's non-invasive, deep-brain penetrating AAV5-derived capsid for vectorized antibodies against three targets ~

~ License will enable the advancement of VectorY's pipeline of transformative neurodegenerative disease programs ~

VectorY Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing innovative vectorized antibody therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and Shape Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company harnessing AI and RNA technologies to engineer next-generation genetic medicines, today announced that they have entered into an option and license agreement. The agreement grants VectorY an exclusive option to evaluate Shape's deep-brain penetrating adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, SHP-DB1, for vectorized antibody payloads against three therapeutic targets. Upon successful evaluation, VectorY may obtain an exclusive license to SHP-DB1 for delivery of vectorized antibodies against these targets.

Under the agreement, Shape will grant access to its proprietary capsid with VectorY responsible for advancing development and commercialization of resulting therapies. Shape will receive an upfront payment and the potential to receive up to $1.2 billion in total fees and milestone payments. Upon option exercise, Shape will be eligible for regulatory, development, and commercial milestones that could total up to $338 million for rare disease programs and up to $503.5 million for non-rare disease programs, in addition to tiered royalties on future sales of licensed products.

"The addition of Shape's SHP-DB1 technology is a strategic fit with our mission to deliver transformative and disease modifying safe and effective therapies for devastating neurodegenerative diseases," said Jim Scibetta, chief executive officer of VectorY Therapeutics. "We designated AAV5 as our capsid of choice from the company founding, and are deploying an AAV5 capsid in our lead asset, VTx-002, a TDP-43 motor neuron (non-deep brain) targeting vectorized antibody for ALS, for which we expect to file an IND and CTA by the end of 2025. This partnership strengthens our pipeline and expands our ability to leverage AAV5, a proven and safe viral vector delivery modality to bring transformative therapies to patients."

The collaboration will enable IV-administered delivery of multiple programs across VectorY's pipeline, including:

VTx-003 VectorY's dual-targeting vectorized antibody selective for mutant huntingtin (mHTT) and TDP-43 being studied in Huntington's Disease.

VectorY's dual-targeting vectorized antibody selective for mutant huntingtin (mHTT) and TDP-43 being studied in Huntington's Disease. VTx-005 VectorY's vectorized antibody selective for phosphorylated tau being studied in Alzheimer's Disease.

AAV5 has been clinically validated as a safe and effective delivery vector with advantages over other serotypes such as AAV9, including lower hepatotoxicity and immunogenicity, and broad CNS tropism. The selection of Shape's AAV5-derived CNS capsid reflects VectorY's strategic emphasis on bringing safe and non-invasive vectorized antibody therapies to patients with neurodegenerative disease, and will harness VectorY's proprietary expertise with manufacturing AAV5-based therapies at scale.

SHP-DB1 is part of Shape's broader platform of engineered AAV5 capsids, designed to overcome the limitations of naturally occurring AAV serotypes. SHP-DB1 has demonstrated enhanced ability to penetrate deep regions of the brain in non-human primates while simultaneously de-targeting areas of known AAV toxicity risk including the liver and dorsal root ganglion, thereby enabling IV delivery of genetic medicines to neuronal populations that are not accessible with conventional capsids.

"We are excited to partner with VectorY, whose innovative vectorized antibody approach has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative diseases," said Adrian Briggs, interim chief executive officer and chief technology officer of Shape Therapeutics. "This deal highlights the power of Shape's AAV engineering platform, our breakthrough data showing SHP-DB1's ability to deliver genetic medicines to deep regions of the brain, and our commitment to expanding access to our capsids through partnerships that enable new treatment options for patients."

About VectorY Therapeutics

VectorY Therapeutics is pioneering vectorized antibody therapies to transform the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The company's pipeline is led by VTx-002, a potential best-in-class therapy specifically targeting toxic TDP-43 in ALS, with an investigational new drug (IND) submission planned by the end of 2025 and clinical development planned to start in early 2026. In addition, the company is advancing preclinical vectorized antibody programs including VTx-001 in ALS targeting oxidized phospholipids, VTx-003 in Huntington's disease, and VTx-005 in Alzheimer's disease. Backed by leading global life sciences investors, VectorY is advancing a bold mission to deliver one-time, disease-modifying treatments for patients with common but devastating CNS disorders. For more information, see www.vectorytx.com.

About Shape Therapeutics

Shape Therapeutics is leveraging AI to develop new payload, delivery and manufacturing technologies for the gene therapy industry. Alongside the company's own RNA-targeting gene therapy portfolio, Shape's platform includes AAV capsids with enhanced tropism and penetration profiles, enabling delivery of genetic medicines to previously inaccessible tissues. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918237509/en/

Contacts:

VectorY Therapeutics B.V.

E-mail: info@vectorytx.com

Tel: +31 20 226 8020

Vigo Consulting (Media)

Melanie Toyne-Sewell Rozi Morris

E-mail: VectorY@vigoconsulting.com

Tel: +44 207 390 0237 +44 20 7390 0231

Shape Therapeutics

info@shapetx.com
The combination creates a $4 billion leader in food manufacturing that partners with leading retailers, foodservice and food brands

Following the combination of two leading food manufacturers, U.S.-based Winland Foods and Italy-based La Doria, the Board of Directors of LDW Investment Top Holding, an investment company indirectly owned by affiliated funds managed or advised by Investindustrial, a leading European investment group, approved and announced the name of the new entity, Windoria Top Holding Ltd (Windoria).

Windoria derives from the union of Winland Foods, a premier U.S. manufacturer of private label, branded food products and ingredients for the foodservice and retail channels, and La Doria, one of Italy's largest producers of private label tomato-based sauces, canned foods and dried pasta. Together, they create a truly global food manufacturing powerhouse, delivering an unrivalled breadth of products, a resilient supply chain, and uncompromising quality to retailers, foodservice distributors, and major food brands across continents.

With nearly $4 billion in sales, 28 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and 5,000 employees, Windoria brings global scale, a vertically integrated supply chain, and decades of food expertise to help customers develop and launch innovative new products, differentiate their brands and increase value to their consumers. Tracing its roots to 1848 in the U.S. with Zerega, America's first pasta maker, and the mid-twentieth century with Italy's La Doria, still run by the founding Ferraioli family, Windoria manufactures products for the world's leading retailers and several of North America's fastest growing brands while stewarding over 40 of its own regional and national consumer brands.

"Windoria products are now found on the shelves of supermarkets worldwide," said Eric Beringause, Windoria Chief Executive Officer. "As a strategic partner to leading retailers, foodservice and food brands, Windoria gives our customers a wide range of products to meet their consumers' evolving preferences, a robust supply chain on multiple continents, and quality that is second to none."

"Windoria unites nearly two centuries of food innovation and craftsmanship," said Antonio Ferraioli, Windoria Chairman. "From the humble beginnings of Zerega, pioneering pasta-making in America since 1848, to La Doria's enduring dedication to quality and tradition in Italy, our new company brings together a wealth of expertise, heritage, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We are launching Windoria not only with remarkable momentum, but with a deep respect for the history and values that have guided both organizations and an unparalleled commitment to our customers."

Strong Leadership Team

Eric Beringause will continue as Chief Executive Officer of both Winland Foods and Windoria. Antonio Ferraioli, Chairman of Windoria, will remain Chief Executive Officer of La Doria Group. Dave Barta has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Windoria and will continue to serve in the same capacity for Winland Foods.

Global Growth Opportunities

Windoria's operating companies are established leaders across multiple categories including pasta, sauces, condiments, and canned vegetables and legumes, securing top positions in private label markets throughout North America, the U.K., and Italy. Windoria's integrated pasta platform now consists of eleven state-of-the-art facilities across North America and Europe.

"Especially in North America, there is a growing demand for nutritious, premium imported foods, with pasta and pasta sauces leading the way," said Beringause.

Windoria launches at a pivotal moment for companies focused on private label food. In the U.S., sales of private label brands have outpaced national brands for the past three years, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). "Private label growth is driven not only by value but by quality, taste and innovation," added Ferraioli. "This new platform also will enable further growth in other markets, including through acquisitions." According to the Food Marketing Institute 2024 Power of Private Brands report, 71% of U.S. shoppers now believe private label items match or exceed the quality of national brands.

About Windoria

Formed through the combination of U.S.-based Winland Foods and Italy-based La Doria, Windoria is a global leader in private label and specialized food manufacturing solutions. The company empowers retailers, brands and foodservice operators to succeed through innovative solutions and unmatched food expertise. With 5,000 employees and 28 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across North America and Europe, Windoria is pioneering the future of food through innovation and deep industry expertise. For more information, visit Windoria.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918645400/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact: Windoria@ruthcomms.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Faraday Copper Corp. (" Faraday " or the " Company ") (TSX:FDY)(OTCQX:CPPKF) is pleased to announce that its planned 40,000-metre ("m") Phase IV drill program at the Copper Creek Project, located in Arizona ("Copper Creek") has commenced.

Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented, "I am excited to announce the start of our Phase IV drill program, the largest drill program ever planned on the project to date. From just nine pads on federal land, Phase III drilling in the American Eagle area resulted in the discovery of multiple mineralized breccias, including the high-grade Banjo breccia. Importantly, the recent approval of our Exploration Plan of Operations provides access to 67 drill pads on federal land, 48 of which are located in the American Eagle area. This now allows us to fully delineate multiple mineralized breccias and porphyry occurrences as well as near surface oxide mineralization. As a result, we have decided to focus on this exciting exploration upside to fully evaluate the American Eagle area and test other high-priority targets across the property. Growing the resource and maximizing the economic potential is our priority - and, therefore, we have deferred the updated resource and technical study until after this drill program is completed."

Phase IV Drill Program Overview

An estimated 40,000 m diamond drill program has commenced with the goal of building on the Company's previous drilling success. The program will focus on the American Eagle area as well as new targets, infill, geotechnical, infrastructure, and hydrological drilling: ~20,000 m focused on American Eagle near-surface mineralization. ~10,000 m targeting oxide mineralization to increase the potential of copper cathode production, which provides optionality for early cash-flow and domestic copper production. ~10,000 m for new discoveries in the Copper Creek district.



Assay results for completed drill holes will be released as they are received, analyzed and confirmed by the Company.

American Eagle Area

The recently approved Exploration Plan of Operations by the Bureau of Land Management includes up to 67 drill pads located on Federal land, 48 of which are in or near the American Eagle area (Figure 1). This approval substantially increases the opportunities for drill targeting the American Eagle area compared to the previously available nine drill pads. Phase III drilling from these nine drill pads identified several mineralized breccias in the American Eagle area, including the high-grade Banjo breccia. The additional approved pads will allow testing for further near-surface porphyry and breccia-hosted mineralization near American Eagle. Some drilling will be aimed at the collection of geotechnical and hydrological data. A combined total of approximately 20,000 m of drilling is allocated to these objectives.

Oxide Resource Growth

Supergene copper oxide and secondary sulphide mineralization occurs in the uppermost 20 m to 40 m at Copper Creek and a resource 1 has been previously defined in breccias northwest of the American Eagle area. Recent Phase III drilling has highlighted the potential for expanding the oxide resource through shallow, low angle drilling. Copper oxide minerals and anomalous copper in iron oxides, which formed after oxidation of primary sulphide mineralization, have been widely documented beyond the known resource, including in the American Eagle area (Figures 2 and 3). Copper oxide provides the opportunity to generate early cash flow through low-cost, heap-leach copper recovery. Approximately 10,000 m of drilling is allocated to oxide resource growth.

District Exploration Upside

Significant exploration upside remains in the Copper Creek district with numerous breccias and porphyry targets yet to be drilled. Geological mapping, geophysical and geochemical data, as well as reconnaissance drilling, have highlighted various targets outside the resource area, including the Sunrise Trend, Bunker Hill and Sycamore (Figure 4). Mapping and geological data collection will continue throughout the district and is expected to highlight further exploration targets.

The American Eagle underground resource contains high-grade cores that may correspond to magmatic cupola zones or high-grade breccias. The underground resource at both Keel and American Eagle are open laterally and additional drilling has the potential to expand the mineralization and further define high-grade mineralization (Figure 5). Some drilling will be aimed at reconnaissance drilling for potential new porphyry centres. Approximately 10,000 m of drilling is allocated to these objectives.

Figure 1: Plan View Showing Drill Pads Approved on Federal Land and Selected Surface Geology

Figure 2: Plan View Showing Oxide Resource 1 Expansion Potential

Note: Copper oxide detected at surface includes observations of copper oxide minerals and copper concentrations on iron oxide minerals in grab samples measured by a portable X-ray fluorescence device.

Figure 3: Photographs Showing Oxide Mineralization Exposed at Surface

Figure 4: Plan View Showing Exploration Target Areas and Surface Geology

Figure 5: Plan View of 2023 Resource Grade Distribution 1

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Faraday's VP Exploration, Dr. Thomas Bissig, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Notes

1 The Mineral Resource Estimate is presented in the report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" with an effective date of May 3, 2023, available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .

About Faraday Copper

Faraday Copper is an exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with significant district scale exploration potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY".

For additional information please contact:

Stacey Pavlova, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Faraday Copper Corp.

E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com

Website: www.faradaycopper.com

To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the extent of the quantum of the drilling program, the proposed locations for drilling and the exploration potential of the Copper Creek property.

Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of mineral resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedarplus.ca .

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.

SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/faraday-copper-initiates-largest-ever-drill-program-at-the-copper-creek-project-i-1075206
Industry-first AI infrastructure reference design with controls provides a seamless OT/IT interoperability with NVIDIA Mission Control and enterprise applicationsNew NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 power and cooling reference design, co-engineered with NVIDIA supports deployment of next-generation Blackwell GPUsBoth new reference designs enable data center operators to accelerate the deployment of AI infrastructure for AI factories, anywhere

Paris, France, Sept. 18, 2025, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced new reference designs developed with NVIDIA that significantly accelerate time to deployment and aid operators as they adopt AI-ready infrastructure solutions.

The first reference designdelivers the industry's first and only critical framework for integrated power management and liquid cooling control systems, including Motivair by Schneider Electric liquid cooling technologies, and enables seamless management of complex AI infrastructure components. It includes interoperability with NVIDIA Mission Control- NVIDIA's AI factory operations and orchestration software, including cluster and workload management features. The control systems reference design can also be utilized with Schneider Electric's data center reference designs for NVIDIAGrace Blackwell systems, enabling operators to keep pace with the latest advancements in accelerated computing, with seamless control of their power and liquid cooling systems.

The second reference designfocuses on the deployment of AI infrastructure for AI factories of up to 142 kW per rack, specifically NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 racks, in a single data hall. Created to provide a framework for the next-generation NVIDIA Blackwell Ultraarchitecture, the reference design includes information on four technical areas: facility power, facility cooling, IT space and lifecycle software. The design is available under configurations for both the American National Standards Institute(IEC) standards.

The first controls reference design can also be utilized with Schneider Electric's data center reference designs for NVIDIA Grace Blackwellsystems - enabling operators to keep pace with the latest advancements in accelerated computing, while having seamless control of their power and liquid cooling systems.

Engineered to Move at Pace

As AI advances, today's data center operators rely on reference design frameworks to overcome the speed and deployment challenges of high-density, GPU-accelerated AI clusters. By providing validated, proven, and documented data center physical infrastructure designs, Schneider Electric enables operators globally to design and incorporate next-generation power and liquid cooling controls infrastructure before the newest AI infrastructure solutions even arrive, while optimizing for cost, efficiency, and reliability. Schneider Electric's fully engineered reference designs are laying the foundation for the latest AI factories, empowering data center operators to not only meet the moment but to be ready before it even happens.

"Schneider Electric is streamlining the process of designing, deploying, and operating advanced, AI infrastructure with its new reference designs," said Jim Simonelli, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Schneider Electric. "Our latest reference designs, featuring integrated power management and liquid cooling controls, are future-ready, scalable, and co-engineered with NVIDIA for real-world applications - enabling data center operators to keep pace with surging demand for AI."

"We are entering a new era of accelerated computing, where integrated intelligence across power, cooling and operations will redefine data center architectures," said Scott Wallace, Director of Data Center Engineering at NVIDIA. "With its latest controls reference design, Schneider Electric connects critical infrastructure data with NVIDIA Mission Control, delivering a rigorously validated blueprint that enables AI factory digital twins and empowers operators to optimize advanced accelerated computing infrastructure."

'Plug-And-Play' End-To-End Controls System

The groundbreaking controls reference design connects edge devices and facility controls for energy management and liquid cooling across NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 and NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 deployments leveraging NVIDIA Mission Control. Using a "plug-and-play" architecture based on the MQTT protocol, it bridges operational technology (OT) infrastructure and information technology (IT) systems, allowing operators to, for the first time, harness data from every layer to optimize performance.

With a focus on seamless interoperability between building and AI infrastructure management software, the controls reference design establishes redundant systems for power and cooling, and introduces new guidance for measuring AI rack power profiles. Ultimately, it ensures the highest standards of uptime, reliability and peak performance for AI deployments by enabling precise, real-time management of critical power and cooling resources.

The result is an end-to-end controls system that offers:

A standardized format interface publishing power management and liquid cooling controls data for consumption by local applications and upstream data consumers and tools, including AI infrastructure management software, digital twins, AI/ML and other enterprise systems.

The controls architecture is designed to manage redundancy across cooling and power distribution infrastructure, including coolant distribution units (CDUs) and remote power panels (RPPs), ensuring resiliency in both white and grey space environments.

New guidance for measuring AI rack power profiles, with a focus on rack peak power and power quality monitoring.

NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 Reference Design for High-Density AI Clusters

Schneider Electric's reference design for NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 supports the deployment of NVIDIA GB300 NVL72- based clusters with a maximum rack density of 142kW, such as NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with DGX GB300 systems. The data hall is purpose-built and optimized to host three NVIDIA GB300 NVL72- based clusters powered by up to 1,152 GPUs using liquid-to-liquid CDUs and high temperature chillers.

The reference design also includes Schneider Electric's industry-leading ETAP and EcoStruxure IT Design CFD models, allowing users to leverage digital twins to simulate specific power and cooling scenarios to optimize designs on unique applications. It builds upon a previous blueprint for the NVIDIA GB200NVL72 as Schneider Electric continues to collaborate with NVIDIA to provide fully engineered, tested models in anticipation of the new NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 platform.

The reference designs announced today continue Schneider Electric's long-established collaboration with NVIDIA to meet the data center industry's most pressing AI demands. In addition to these new reference designs, Schneider Electric has developed nine AI reference designs for various scenarios including prefabricated modules, retrofit data centers, and AI infrastructure purpose built for NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 and NVIDIA GB300 NVL72-based clusters.

Schneider Electric also applies comprehensive, real-world engineering on each of its reference designs - demonstrating a continuous commitment to developing the industry's most advanced, energy efficient and resilient, high performance data center architectures. For more information about its reference designs co-engineered with NVIDIA, visit the website.

###

Related resources:

AI Reference Designs to Enable Adoption: A Collaboration Between Schneider Electric and NVIDIA | Schneider Electric (https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/SPD_EB1_EN/)

Schneider Electric Announces New Solutions to Address the Energy and Sustainability Challenges Spurred by AI (https://www.se.com/ww/en/about-us/newsroom/news/press-releases/schneider-electric-announces-new-solutions-to-address-the-energy-and-sustainability-challenges-spurred-by-ai-674f09f25ad2a1e7eb07b6f3)

Press contact: global.pr@se.com

About Schneider Electric

Schneider's purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitalization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 160,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders.

www.se.com

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

Hashtags: AI DataCentersoftheFuture LifeIsOn

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Global PR Central Team
Agreement provides high-impact software to Lyken's AI infrastructure platform, broadening use cases, accelerating revenue opportunities, and simplifying adoption for enterprise customers

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Alset AI Ventures Inc. (TSXV:GPUS)(OTC:GPUSF)(WKN:A40M0J)(SYM:1R6) ("Alset AI" or the "Company") an artificial intelligence ("AI") venture company advancing innovation through strategic investment and cloud computing solutions, is pleased to announce it has amended its previously-announced agreement (the "Amended Agreement") with Silver Birch Growth Inc. ("Silver Birch") dated April 30, 2025 (the "Original Agreement", and together with the Amended Agreement, the "Agreement") to amend the terms of certain royalty compensation to be provided the Company with respect to certain customers pursuant to the terms of the Original Agreement (the "Royalty Compensation"). Except for the Royalty Compensation, no other terms to the Original Agreement were amended in the Amended Agreement.

The Agreement will continue to expand the portfolio of software solutions available under the brand Lyken.AI, the Company's flagship cloud compute platform ("Lyken"). The Agreement will also continue to allow select third-party applications available through Lyken on preferred commercial terms, enabling customers to deploy AI and software solutions from a single provider and to scale faster with lower integration friction.

The software solutions being distributed by Alset AI through Lyken include:

Drawbridge - a practical "bridge" platform that assists AI agents and marketing teams gather data and unique insights through incentivized engagement campaigns via optimized, high converting landing page-based giveaways.

Pier39.ai - a modern commerce monetization and personalization engine designed to improve conversion and incremental revenue with intelligent on-site experiences (such as intelligent post-purchase offers and placements). Pier39.ai provides a drop-in path for brands seeking a contemporary alternative to legacy checkout monetization tools.

Vyrill - AI video intelligence for brands, which turn user-generated influencer and brand videos into searchable, rights-cleared, shoppable content (such as TikTok). Vyrill helps brands capture user-generated content (UGC) video reviews at scale at a fraction of cost, discover high-performing videos, secure usage rights, generate product-level insights, and activate content across ChatGPT, search engine optimization (SEO), websites, product detail pages (PDPs), and campaigns.

Why this matters: building solutions, not just servers

Broader catalog, more use cases: The Agreement allows Lyken to package compute and software solutions for immediate business value, such as deploying an AI agent that uses Drawbridge to retrieve data and take associated actions, activate Pier39.ai to increase commerce revenue, and use Vyrill to unlock shoppable video on product pages.

One vendor, one contract: Customers are able to buy infrastructure and software under the Lyken umbrella, with consolidated billing, basic integration support, and an aligned success plan.

Faster time-to-value: Pre-vetted solutions and reference playbooks reduce security reviews and information technology (IT) initiation, allowing teams get to first value in weeks-not quarters.

Revenue scale: For Alset AI, wholesale distribution under the Agreement provides for potential software revenue streams alongside compute consumption, with cross-selling and upselling opportunities as customers expand.

Adam Ingrao, CEO of Alset AI, commented: "Year-to-date we focused on building strong foundations-resetting our structure, expanding our partner network, and positioning Lyken to scale. Focusing on this Agreement is the next logical step as it adds solution depth in addition to our AI infrastructure, providing customers practical tools they can deploy quickly to drive revenue and efficiency. By pairing compute with curated software and AI agents, we're turning Lyken into a solutions platform, not just capacity. We're excited about the pipeline and the opportunity to accelerate our growth roadmap."

Randy Gilling, Founder of Silver Birch, added: "We're pleased to continue to work with Alset AI to bring a focused set of high-impact applications to Lyken customers. The expansion of Lyken's offering through the Agreement opens up more opportunity in the near-term, while having a bigger impact for customers. We have seen strong results from installations of these technologies and look forward to seeing similar results with Lyken customers.

About Alset AI Ventures Inc.

Alset AI is an AI-focused venture investment platform dedicated to sourcing, funding, and developing companies across the artificial intelligence value chain. The company seeks to provide investors with diversified exposure to emerging applications and infrastructure that enable advancements in AI technologies.

About Silver Birch Growth

Silver Birch provides go-to-market capital and sales execution to B2B software, data, and services companies with early-stage recurring revenue. Silver Birch offers rapid acceleration for companies ready to commercialize and grow.

For further information please visit: www.silverbirchgrowth.com

For further information about Alset AI Ventures Inc., please contact:

Investor Relations

Adam Ingrao

Chief Executive Officer

T: 236.312.6744

E: ir@alsetai.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") regarding the Company, including statements regarding payments made pursuant to the Agreement; the impact and potential benefits of the Agreement and other software solutions on Lyken and its customers; the Company's business focus in the near-term, including with respect to the Agreement; the expansion of Lyken through the Agreement; the ability for the Company to accelerate its roadmap; and the strategic direction and business plans of the Company, including its ability to provide investors with diversified exposure to emerging applications and infrastructure that enable advancements in AI technologies. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this press release. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Alset AI's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, and unforeseen events and developments. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Alset AI. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Alset AI undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in its most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

SOURCE: Alset AI Ventures Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/alset-ai-expands-revenue-agreement-with-silver-birch-1075155
GETTOP AND USOUND SIGN STRATEGIC SALES AND SUPPLY AGREEMENT

USound, the technology leader in MEMS speakers and AI-based acoustic sensing solutions, and Gettop, a global provider of acoustic components, have signed a strategic supply agreement for MEMS wafer technology. Under the agreement, Gettop will manufacture MEMS speakers using USound's MEMS wafers and ASICs.

The agreement includes guaranteed production volumes and establishes a framework for close collaboration in sales and market development. By uniting USound's pioneering MEMS expertise with Gettop's strong manufacturing and market reach, both companies will strengthen their positions in the rapidly growing MEMS speaker industry and expand the technology's global footprint.

"This agreement marks a significant milestone, continuing to bring MEMS speakers to the mainstream," said Ferruccio Bottoni, CEO of USound. "Partnering with Gettop allows us to further market adoption and unlock new opportunities for advanced audio applications."

The consumer electronics market is increasingly demanding semiconductor manufacturing standards, now also applied to loudspeakers. USound's products are already integrated into consumer brands such as QCY's MeloBuds N70 earbuds. In parallel, USound is expanding its innovation into health applications with an AI biosensing platform for true wireless stereo (TWS) devices, enabling advanced features such as heart rate monitoring.

In addition, USound is advancing ultrasound-based applications, such as positioning, ranging, and object recognition, underscoring the versatility of its MEMS platform across multiple domains.

Gettop also expressed its excitement to work with USound to bring its groundbreaking MEMS technology to a wider market. This collaboration enables us to provide next-generation audio solutions to customers around the world.

The USound Gettop partnership marks a leap forward for the MEMS speaker consumer electronics market from wearables to smart devices, and creating new opportunities for manufacturers while enhancing end-user experiences.

About USound

USound is a fast-growing MEMS loudspeaker and AI-based acoustic solutions company enabling customers to bring revolutionary audio products to market. Its unique value proposition is based on radical miniaturization, power reduction, and production efficiency. USound's technology is safeguarded by over 500 patents. Learn more on www.usound.com.

About Gettop

GETTOP Acoustic Co., Ltd. was founded in April 2001 in Weifang, Shandong, and was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2012 (Stock Code: SZ002655). The company has subsidiaries, branches, and offices in the United States, Malaysia, Taiwan (China), Shenzhen, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and other regions. The company focuses on the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of miniature electroacoustic devices, intelligent acoustic components, automotive intelligent modules, as well as certain terminal products, providing customers with comprehensive and professional system-level solutions. Learn more on www.gettop.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918865520/en/

Contacts:

Janel Leonor

press@usound.com
MARION, NORTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Greene Concepts, Inc. (OTCID:INKW) has partnered with Save the World With Water and one of the world's top global logistics leaders in large-scale oceanic shipping to establish a large-scale water delivery network serving the Middle East. This collaboration combines Greene Concepts' refill water station, Save the World With Water's regional expertise, and unmatched global shipping logistics to efficiently deliver clean, artesian water to communities in urgent need.

Greene Concepts' large-scale refill water station in Marion, NC will serve as the primary source of artesian spring water, filling high-capacity bladders for shipment to the Middle East. The shipping logistics company's ocean and inland transportation network-among the most extensive and efficient in the world-will facilitate reliable end-to-end delivery.

Leland Hardy, Founder of Save the World With Water, states, "This initiative establishes a gateway to the Middle East and a critical hub for global trade. This relationship with Greene Concepts and the shipping logistics company allows us to supply massive amounts of water to a region where 83% of the population faces extreme water stress. Together, we can significantly reduce that burden."

The collaboration not only addresses urgent humanitarian needs but also positions Greene Concepts as a global supplier of clean water.

Lenny Greene, CEO of Greene Concepts, adds, "Our new partnership with Save the World With Water and the shipping logistics company provides a direct pathway to bring water where it's needed most-while creating incredible opportunities for growth. During a recent visit to our Marion plant, Leland Hardy and senior two executives from the shipping container company praised our water source, our bottling operations, and our refill station. Their confidence in our capabilities sets the stage for an extraordinary venture."

Mr. Greene concludes, "I fully support Save the World With Water's mission to deliver fresh, potable water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation throughout the Middle East. With the shipping container's reach into 130 countries, 700 vessels worldwide, and its industry-leading logistics platform, Greene Concepts is now positioned to supply millions of new consumers. This marks an important step forward in innovation, global expansion, and operational efficiency as Greene Concepts brings clean water to millions of new consumers worldwide."

Follow Greene Concepts, Inc. on Social Media at: X - @GreeneConcepts , Facebook - @inkw2025, Instagram - @inkw2025

About Greene Concepts, Inc.

Greene Concepts, Inc. (https://www.greeneconcepts.com) is a publicly traded company whose purpose is to provide the world with high-quality, healthy and enhanced beverage choices that meet the nutritional needs of its consumers while refreshing their mind, body and spirit. The Company's flagship product, Be Water, is a premium artesian bottled water that supports total body health and wellness. Greene Concepts' beverage and bottling plant is located in Marion,North Carolina, and their water is ethically sourced from spring and artesian wells that are fed from a natural aquifer located deep beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greene Concepts continues to develop and market premium beverage brands designed to enhance the daily lives of consumers.

Safe Harbor: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a few uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and OTC Markets, Inc. OTC Disclosure and News Service. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Greene Concepts, Inc.

Investor Relations

IR@greeneconcepts.com

SOURCE: Greene Concepts, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/strategic-alliance-opens-global-shipping-channels-in-the-middle-1074558
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Bayhorse Silver Inc, (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") announces that it has closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement that was announced on September 10, 2025, consisting of 25,000,000 Units for gross proceeds of $1,000,000.

Each Unit consists of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will be exercisable into one common share of the company at a price of six cents per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

The funds received are to conduct an IP survey (48%) to further define drill targets on the Pegasus Project for both Bayhorse style silver mineralization and test for the presence of a porphyry copper deposit, to advance the final Bayhorse Mine permitting (31%), and for general and administrative expenses (21%).

Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company will pay cash finder's fees of $38,640 and issue 966,000 finder's warrants, which are exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.06 cents per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

Bayhorse CEO, Graeme O'Neill, has subscribed for 8,552,125 Units that he has funded through arranged sales privately through the facilities of the TSX venture Exchange. Bayhorse CFO, Rick Low, has subscribed for 375,000 Units. This participation by Bayhorse' CEO and CFO constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Such participation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the units acquired by the insider, nor the consideration for the Units paid by such insider, exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Securities issued under this placement will be subject to a hold period expiring on January 19, 2026.

This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content.

On Behalf of the Board.

About Bayhorse Silver Inc.

Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA with a National Instrument 43-101 inferred resource of 292,300 tons at a grade of 21.65 opt (673 g/t) for 6.3 million ounces of silver. (Turner et al. 2018) and the Pegasus Project, in Washington County, Idaho. The Bayhorse Silver Mine and the Pegasus Project are 44 km southwest of Hercules Metals' porphyry copper discovery. The Bayhorse Mine is a minimum environmental impact facility capable of processing at a mining rate up 200 tons/day that includes a state of the art 40 ton per hour Steinert Ore-Sorter that reduces waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%. The Company has established an up to 60 ton/day mill and standard flotation processing facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA, with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266964

SOURCE: Bayhorse Silver Inc.
NEW YORK and LONDON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gerald Group is pleased to announce the successful refinancing and upsizing of its senior secured Borrowing Base ("the Facility") for GT Commodities LLC, the Group's North American trading entity, totalling US$700 million. The 2-year Facility consists of a US$670 million Revolving Credit Facility, and a new US$30 million Standby Letter of Credit Facility, which provides an efficient margin financing solution to support the Group's hedging strategies on commodity exchanges.

The Facility also includes a Green and Transition Loan sublimit which has increased from US$100 million to US$ 200 million, supporting the purchase, storage, transport, and delivery of low-carbon metals across North America.

Gerald Group CFO, Patricia Nikolopoulos, said: "We are grateful for the continued strong support of our banking partners, which has enabled both the growth and diversification of our borrowing base facility. The introduction of a standby letter of credit represents a notable advancement in the structure of the facility and is a progressive development within the market. This enhanced framework strengthens our financing flexibility and improves the efficiency of our hedging activities, which together with our sustainability-linked loan adds meaningful value to our trading business."

"We are delighted to partner with Gerald Group on this innovative financing transaction supporting their borrowing base facility," said David Bassett, Head of Wholesale Banking North America at Rabobank. This deal reflects the type of lending opportunities where Rabobank excels, and the inclusion of green and transition loan features underscore our steadfast commitment to sustainable finance and our role in accelerating the energy transition."

Among the syndicate of 15 lenders, Rabobank acted as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender, a Primary Facility Issuing Lender, a Dedicated LC Tranche Issuing Lender, Sole Bookrunner, Mandated Lead Arranger, and a Joint Sustainability Coordinator.

Wells Fargo served as a Primary Facility Issuing Lender, and together with Credit Agricole also acted as Dedicated LC Tranche Issuing Lenders.

HSBC Bank USA, Wells Fargo, Credit Agricole, and Deutsche Bank AG Amsterdam Branch acted as Joint Lead Arrangers.

Natixis, New York Branch served as a Joint Sustainability Coordinator, while UBS Switzerland AG acted as Syndication Agent for the Facility.

The syndicate was completed by Bank of China, Garanti Bank, ING Capital LLC, Raiffeisen Bank International, UniCredit, CIBC, DZ Bank, and ICBC Standard Bank.

Media enquiries: Annanya Sarin: media@gerald.com or Tel: +44 20 3805 2000

About Gerald Group

Gerald Group aims to contribute to world trade and economic development in a sustainable and responsible manner. Founded in 1962 in the U.S., Gerald Group is a leading global commodity trader specializing in non-ferrous, ferrous, and precious metals. For over six decades, Gerald Group has been a dedicated and trusted partner to top miners and processors, industrial consumers, end users, and financial institutions. Gerald Group provides a diverse and steady supply of responsibly sourced metals to customers across the entire global commodity value chain. Led by Executive Chairman and CEO, Craig Dean, Gerald Group has an investment approach that focuses on long-term partnerships and engagement with stakeholders. Gerald Group's global presence and infrastructure include offices and trading hubs in Stamford, Geneva, Shanghai, and Dubai, complemented by strategic investments, expert market intelligence, strong risk management, logistics, and structured finance solutions. For further information visit: www.gerald.com

About Rabobank

Rabobank Group is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking, leasing, and real estate services in more than 38 countries worldwide. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank today is one of the world's largest banks with over US$765 billion in assets. In the Americas, Rabobank is a premier bank to the food, agribusiness and beverage industry, providing sector expertise, strategic counsel and tailored financial solutions to clients across the entire food value chain. Additional information is available on the Rabobank website or on the Rabobank social media platforms, including Twitter and LinkedIn.

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. and Saudi forces led the Middle East's largest live-fire counter-unmanned aerial system exercise focused on improving the detection, tracking and elimination of modern drone threats. The new commander of U.S. Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper and Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Raqed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff for the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, visited the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center during Cooper's first regional trip as CENTCOM commander. 'Threats posed by the proliferation of advanced drones are a pressing challenge,' said Cooper. 'Working shoulder-to-shoulder with regional partners to innovate and adapt is more critical than ever.' In recent years, Iran and its proxies have launched thousands of one-way attack drones and missiles, injuring and killing civilians while also disrupting maritime traffic and destabilizing the Middle East. The multi-day event featured more than 300 personnel who fielded 20 counter-unmanned aerial systems at the Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia. 'Red Sands brought together U.S., Saudi and industry capabilities and expertise to identify 'best in breed' systems for detecting, tracking and eliminating modern aerial drone threats,' said Cooper. This year's exercise was the fourth iteration and represented the culmination of rapid prototyping and integrated defensive tactics developed since the inaugural U.S.-Saudi experimental demonstration in 2023. U.S. and Saudi forces linked sophisticated radar and sensors such as the Signal Hunter - a body-worn, passive radio frequency sensing and geolocation device - and the Buffer Passive Acoustic Detection System commonly known as 'BPADS' to rapidly detect simulated air threats. U.S. and Saudi units also flew rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft to detect, track and engage the simulated aerial threats, including AC-130 and AH-64 Apache airframes from the United States, and Saudi F-15s, AH-64s, and Typhoon fighter aircraft. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Every last drop: AI-powered analysis reveals oil industry's trillion-barrel opportunity in existing fields





Wood Mackenzie's analysis using new AI-powered tools shows existing fields could yield 470 billion to over 1,000 billion additional barrels through proven recovery methods





LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, 18 September 2025 - The oil industry possesses a trillion-barrel opportunity within existing fields that could meet global demand through 2050 without major new discoveries, according to groundbreaking analysis from Wood Mackenzie.

"The oil industry's challenge is enormous," said Andrew Latham, SVP Energy Research at Wood Mackenzie. "Total liquids demand under our base-case Energy Transition Outlook scenario is just less than 1 trillion barrels through 2050. Without upgrades to current development plans, today's onstream fields are set to fall short by almost 300 billion barrels. This deficit would grow by another 50 billion barrels under our delayed transition scenario."

Wood Mackenzie's proprietary Synoptic AI-powered analysis of oilfield performance shows existing fields are far from exhausted. The new AI-powered Analogues feature enables efficient, unbiased assessment of Wood Mackenzie's already industry-leading data to deliver previously overlooked insights into recovery upside.

In one of the first deployments of the Analogues feature, it was revealed that better recovery from producing fields could yield an additional 470 billion to over 1,000 billion barrels. This potential only requires the application of established best practices already deployed successfully across the industry, not unproven technologies.





National oil companies control almost 70% of recovery upside

Using proprietary data on reservoir geology, hydrocarbon quality, in-place resources, operator access to finance and technology, costs and fiscal terms, Wood Mackenzie estimates upside oil recovery factors. The analysis examined over 30,000 fields worldwide using machine learning to identify similar analogues across 60+ parameters.

The research reveals that national oil companies (NOCs) and state-controlled enterprises operate fields containing more than 320 billion barrels of upside potential if top-quartile recovery factor is achieved and 700 billion barrels on a best-in-class recovery basis - representing almost 70% of the global opportunity.

Iran, Venezuela, Iraq and Russia stand out with the largest recovery upside potential of any countries. By contrast, major international oil companies, despite operating above-average quality fields, control just 6% of global upside potential due to their already strong performance levels.

"The future of oil supply will be increasingly onshore and NOC-operated," adds Latham. "While Majors have demonstrated superior recovery factors, they've become victims of their success with limited remaining portfolio upside."





Technology partnerships essential for unlocking reserves

The analysis reveals a critical mismatch between opportunity locations and expertise. NOCs currently achieve recovery factors slightly below the industry average of 29%, despite operating fields with geological potential for best-in-class performance of 39%. This performance gap creates substantial opportunities for international oil companies and service providers to forge deeper partnerships with state enterprises.

Success depends on NOCs improving technology and capital access whilst offering attractive commercial terms to international partners. More opportunities exist in producing fields than available capital. Host governments seeking optimal resource development need attractive terms to secure the best operators. This dynamic positions well-capitalised international players to capture significant value through strategic partnerships.





AI transforms analysis of oil field upside potential

By analysing reservoir lithology, porosity, oil gravity, viscosity, fiscal terms and development costs, Wood Mackenzie's AI-powered Analogues feature ranks each field's closest analogues using machine learning similarity scores.

This approach identifies four reserve scenarios for over 2,500 conventional oil fields. These range from most likely reserves under current plans to best-in-class potential based on top-performing analogues. The unbiased methodology ensures lessons derive from truly similar fields rather than superficial matches.

Upside potential lies almost exclusively within onshore and shallow offshore fields, accounting for 63% and 31% of best-in-class opportunities, respectively. Deepwater fields, typically operated by well-funded companies with excellent technological access, hold less than 6% of remaining upside.





Meeting demand without new oil field discoveries

The findings challenge conventional wisdom about major new oil discoveries. Since the 1980s, the industry has met growing demand primarily through upward revisions to existing fields rather than new finds. The discovery-production gap has widened each decade.

Exploration will continue to add value by finding advantaged resources to displace higher-cost or otherwise disadvantaged barrels. However, new discoveries alone cannot come close to bridging a gap of this size.

While the industry maintains nearly 2 trillion barrels in undeveloped greenfield resources, barely 10% appears commercially viable under current conditions. Most resources will remain stranded due to challenging economics or technical constraints.

"Security of supply need not depend on unpredictable exploration results or unproven technologies," the analysis concludes. "Existing fields and proven recovery methods can meet the challenge with the right partnerships and investment approaches."

Achieving top-quartile performance industry-wide would boost average recovery factors from 29% to 34%, adding 470 billion barrels of reserves and fundamentally reshaping global energy security prospects.

"Improved recovery factors will be essential to meeting future demand for oil as there are unlikely to be anywhere near enough new fields to offset the natural decline of existing supply," concludes Latham. "Using AI to help understand the potential of existing fields and gauge how much the world will need new fields in future represents a significant advance from traditional field analogue methods based on filtering that produce biased results."

ENDS

For further information please contact Wood Mackenzie's media relations team of visit here:

https://www.woodmac.com/horizons/ai-powered-analysis-oil-field-potential/

Mark Thomton

+1 630 881 6885

Mark.thomton@woodmac.com

Hla Myat Mon

+65 8533 8860

hla.myatmon@woodmac.com

Chris Boba

+44 7408 841129

Chris.Boba@woodmac.com

You have received this news release from Wood Mackenzie because of the details we hold about you. If the information we have is incorrect you can either provide your updated preferences by contacting our media relations team. If you do not wish to receive this type of email in the future, please reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject header. -

About Wood Mackenzie

Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That's why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years' experience in natural resources. Today, our team of over 2,000 experts operate across 30 global locations, inspiring customers' decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make bold decisions when it matters most. For more information, visit woodmac.com.
Mavenir takes top honours for voice and messaging security suite - recognized for advancing trust and safety for mobile customers

With over $500K in monthly savings, Mavenir's fraud suite proves its value for Tier 1 CSPs





RICHARDSON, Texas and SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2025- incorporating the company's globally deployed SpamShield and CallShield technology.

Mavenir's highly integrated Fraud and Security Suite empowers communication service providersin the Philippines achieved a dramatic 67% reduction in blocked spam and scam SMS - from 1.1?billion in Q1?2023 down to 362.8?million in Q1?2024 - coupled with a 74% decline in bank-related spam and a 44% reduction in customer-reported scam messages year-over-year. Mavenir's SpamShield delivers comprehensive protection across SMS, MMS, and RCS using advanced AI/ML and message-fingerprinting algorithms to automatically detect and stop an array of sophisticated messaging fraud, including SIM-box abuse, grey-routing, phishing, and malware campaigns.

In a stand-out implementation for Australia's TPG Telecom, CallShield paired with SpamShield succeeded in blocking almost 19?million fraudulent voice calls in the first half of 2024 - an average of 103,000 blocked scam calls per day, marking a 280% increase of blocked fraudulent activity over the same period in 2023 - and preventing delivery of over 59.6?million scam SMS.

Commenting on the award Jan Schaar, Mavenir's Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific said: "We are delighted and proud that the customer-centric innovation, performance, and measurable real-world impact of our Fraud and Security Suite has been recognized by FutureNet Asia's judges. Our AI-driven security solutions offer seamless protection, ensuring that every call and message strengthens trust between operator and customer." He added: "Leveraging the latest AI technologies, Mavenir is providing a scalable, cloud-native security suite to protect network integrity, subscriber peace of mind and revenue across SMS and voice services - delivering the robust and effective real-time capabilities operators need as fraudsters themselves evolve their tactics using AI."

With fraud and nuisance calls continuing to undermine trust in mobile communications, Mavenir's Fraud and Security Suite is redefining customer experience, safety and reliability for mobile users. Powered by advanced AI and machine learning, Mavenir's SpamShield message fraud defense solution proactively blocks up to 90% of spam and fraudulent messages, ensuring seamless and secure messaging. With CallShield, operators have new abilities to neutralize voice-based threats - including IRSF, Wangiri scams, robocalls and Caller ID spoofing - before they ever reach the customer. Through the application of three dedicated machine learning models and real-time behavioral analysis, CallShield achieves a near-zero false positive rate, delivering precision protection without compromising user experience.

For CSPs, Mavenir's integrated fraud prevention suite enhances customer loyalty, reduces complaint volumes and delivers significant cost efficiencies - strikingly, a reported saving of over USD 500,000 per month in interconnect fees realized for a Tier 1 operator.

The FutureNet Asia awardscelebrate outstanding automation and AI innovation across the Asia-Pacific telecom sector, celebrating exceptional achievements in solution areas including Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps), orchestration, autonomous operations, and customer experience. The category prize winners were announced on September 16th 2025 during the FutureNet Asia conference FutureNetAsia held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.





About Mavenir

Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir's award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world's subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com.

Media Contacts

Mavenir PR Contacts:

Emmanuela Spiteri

PR@mavenir.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46a0ab36-f560-4482-ba6e-6b27eb9a30d2
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Blockmate Ventures Inc. (TSXV: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH) ("Blockmate" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its investee, Hivello Holdings, has partnered with Spheron Network to increase the earning capacity of Hivello users and strengthen Spheron's position as the world's largest community-powered data center.

Spheron provides enterprise level GPU compute services which can be rented via one-click mechanisms. With Hivello partnering with Spheron, GPU suppliers (Hivello users) can start contributing their idle computing power with one-click while GPU buyers (Spheron clients) can purchase that idle computing power with one-click to create a frictionless transaction that fuels the decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN).

Justin Rosenberg, CEO of Blockmate Ventures, commented:

"With the continued growth of AI and its applications in everyday life, we are seeing sustained growth in data center demand to process these large workloads. Traditional data centers carry physical risks which can be alleviated by decentralization which is why we see an excellent growth opportunity for DePIN operators like Spheron while Hivello provides simple access for users to start contributing their idle computing power and start earning passive income with no technical expertise required."

Below is the recent press releases from Hivello:

Hivello & Spheron Network to Scale User Earnings and Opportunities

London & Amsterdam, 17th September 2025 - Hivello, a DePIN aggregator that enables users to earn by monetizing idle (computing) resources across multiple DePINs (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks), has partnered with Spheron Network, a decentralized compute network. This strategic collaboration is designed to tackle one of the DePIN space's biggest challenges: connecting a global supply of users with decentralized networks in a scalable and intuitive way.

Spheron Network is building the world's first community-powered data center, fundamentally changing how AI and machine learning workloads are powered. As a decentralized computer network, Spheron pools idle GPU and CPU resources from a global community of users, creating a vast pool of computing power. This provides a powerful, cost-effective, and censorship-resistant alternative to traditional cloud providers.

Hivello's core value proposition is to make DePIN participation and earnings accessible and simple for everyone, regardless of their technical background. For the industry, Hivello addresses a critical supply-side issue by providing DePIN networks with a constant and authentic stream of new users through a single, easy-to-use dashboard that hides the underlying complexity.

The partnership is a solution that addresses the scalability challenges faced by DePINs. Hivello's expertise in simplifying the user journey unlocks the supply side of Spheron's network, and in return, Hivello users gain a new, high-value earning opportunity. This win-win collaboration accelerates growth for both companies and provides a powerful example for the entire decentralized ecosystem.

"By partnering with Spheron, we are not only providing our users with a new, high-value earning opportunity but also validating our model by helping a major network scale its infrastructure. This is how we build a stronger, more resilient DePIN ecosystem together," said Domenic Carosa, Co-founder and Chairman of Hivello.

Prakarsh Pathak, Head of Ecosystem of Spheron Network added: "This collaboration will allow us to bring the benefits of our technology to a wider audience, empowering more people to save on compute costs and earn rewards, driving a more robust and valuable network for everyone involved."

About Blockmate Ventures Inc.

Blockmate Ventures (TSXV: MATE) is a Blockchain & Web3 venture builder investing in and operating scalable blockchain, mining, and digital infrastructure companies. From decentralized computing with Hivello to Blockmate Mining, the Company's portfolio provides investors with diversified exposure to emerging sectors within Web3 and beyond.

About Hivello

Hivello is an aggregator of DePIN projects that allows any user to participate in a variety of DePIN networks with just a few clicks. This eliminates the technical hurdles that many users face when trying to join these networks, and allows users to earn passive income by mobilizing their idle computers. We aim to create a simple app that allows users to contribute their computer resources and earn passive income, with no technical knowledge required. It's as easy as downloading, installing, and running nodes, making complex technologies accessible and beneficial to all.

Website | X | Discord | LinkedIn | Youtube

About Spheron

Spheron Network is building the world's first community-powered data center, fundamentally changing how AI and machine learning workloads are powered. It pools idle GPU and CPU resources from a global community of users, providing a powerful, cost-effective, and censorship-resistant alternative to traditional cloud providers. By democratizing access to high-performance computing, Spheron benefits both resource contributors and developers.

To learn more, visit www.blockmate.com.

Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company's mailing list for the latest updates, webinars and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Raindrop disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266965

SOURCE: Blockmate Ventures Inc.
International health experts are today urging Swedes to defend their world-leading smoke-free success as a major new report from Smoke Free Sweden reveals that safer nicotine alternatives are saving lives worldwide.

The landmark report, The Safer Nicotine Revolution: Global Lessons, Healthier Futures, highlights Sweden as the clearest example of how harm reduction works in practice. Thanks to the accessibility, acceptability and affordability of snus and nicotine pouches, Sweden has reduced daily smoking rates to just 5.3% the lowest in Europe.

This achievement has translated into extraordinary health outcomes: Swedish men have 61% lower rates of lung cancer than the EU average, overall cancer deaths are a third lower and switching to snus has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by 45% compared with continued smoking. Experts estimate that Sweden's approach saves around 3,000 lives every year.

"Sweden is the proof that harm reduction works," said Prof. Karl Fagerstrom, a psychologist and co-author of the report. "Sweden has cut smoking faster and further than any other country. Every year, thousands of Swedish lives are saved. The world is watching Sweden: it is a model that should be protected, not undermined."

The report shows improved health outcomes in other countries that have adopted safer nicotine alternatives.

In Japan, the introduction of heated tobacco products cut smoking from 21% to 16% in a decade, and modelling shows that if half of smokers switched, 12 million cases of smoking-related diseases could be prevented.

In the UK, integrating vaping into NHS quit services has halved smoking rates since 2011, a shift projected to avoid 166,000 premature deaths by 2052, with already visible declines in cardiovascular, COPD and cancer deaths.

In New Zealand, smoking halved in just six years, with nearly 80% of daily vapers being former smokers, contributing to a 30% drop in COPD hospitalisations, a 20% fall in cardiovascular deaths and 200,000 quality-adjusted life years gained.

But experts warn that Sweden's success is now under immediate threat. The EU Tobacco Excise Directive reportedly proposes a mandatory minimum tax on safer nicotine products, which would mean a 700% excise increase on nicotine pouches in Sweden. Public health advocates argue this would make the very products that drove Sweden's smoke-free achievement less accessible, reversing decades of progress and potentially pushing thousands back to cigarettes.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250917690196/en/

Contacts:

Jessica Perkins

info@smokefreesweden.org
New data shows cyber risk is escalating as AI, geopolitical volatility, insider threats, and other factors converge

VikingCloud, the leading Predict-to-Prevent cybersecurity and compliance company, today released new research revealing nearly 80% of cybersecurity leaders are concerned or extremely concerned that their organization could be targeteddirectly or indirectlyby a nation-state cyberattack in the next 12 months. In addition, 76% believe that recent or proposed cuts to U.S. federal cybersecurity programs, such as the CISA and the NSA, could increase their organization's risk exposure.

These concerns hit at a time when organizations are already facing an influx of cyberattacks. Cybersecurity leaders report that both the frequency (71%) and severity (61%) of cyberattacks have increased in the past year. Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) say their companies suffered at least one successful attack during that time. AI is a primary driver behind the surge-58% of those targeted suspect attackers used AI.

"Cyberattacks aren't just becoming more frequent, but more costly, more advanced, and harder to spot and defend against," said Kevin Pierce, President and Chief Operating Officer at VikingCloud. "AI is constantly opening new avenues for hackers, while geopolitical volatility is creating a ripe environment for rising attacks. Organizations face urgent pressure to strengthen defensesfrom skills and staffing to tools and trainingor risk being outpaced on every front."

VikingCloud's research The 2025 Cyber Threat Landscape Report: Cyber Risks, Opportunities, Resilienceis based on a quantitative survey of 200 cybersecurity professionals (director titles and above) across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Key points include:

Teams still can't keep up with AI-driven attacks. 68% of companies are only moderately or somewhat confident in their organization's ability to detect and defend against AI-driven cyber threats in real time.There was over a 6X increase year-over-year (YoY) in organizations reporting they are unprepared for deepfake attacks.

Leadership teams are waking up to AI dangers. Generative or agentic AI-driven phishing attacks (51%) are now leadership teams' top concern in terms of new attack techniquesa 132% increase YoY.

Insider threats are a hidden vulnerability: 36% of cybersecurity leaders say over a quarter of their team's cybersecurity incidents in the past year were caused by insiders, either accidental or malicious.

Cyberattacks are underreported: Nearly half (48%) of cybersecurity leaders didn't report a material cybersecurity incident to their executive leadership or board of directors in the past year. 86% of these companies failed to report multiple breaches.

Teams' reasons for not reporting incidents go beyond job loss. The leading reasons cited were worry over punitive rather than constructive responses from leadership and the board (40%), and fear of financial or reputational harm if the incident were made public or resulted in regulatory consequences (44%).

Cyber Teams Respond with New Investments

The evolving threat landscape is spurring action among cybersecurity teams. 51% of cybersecurity leaders say they've increased general security and awareness training in the past year, a 46% increase compared to those who said they were doing this in 2024. 43% have provided training on both generative AI and agentic AI cybersecurity risks, and 40% have provided training on either generative AI or agentic AI. Further, 33% have allocated additional budget to their cyber programs, nearly 5X as many as those who did so last year.

Most (96%) organizations report using AI to automate routine tasks and save their cyber teams meaningful time. This time is being reallocated to advanced threat hunting (44%), upskilling in advanced cyber domains (43%), prioritizing strategic risk management and compliance initiatives (36%), and other efforts that help teams stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.

"Many cybersecurity teams have moved beyond simply bracing for impact," said Pierce. "They're taking a proactive stance, and that shift will define the next phase of cyber resilience."

To read the full report, "The 2025 Cyber Threat Landscape Report: Cyber Risks, Opportunities, Resilience," visit www.vikingcloud.com/resources/the-2025-cyber-threat-landscape-report-cyber-risks-opportunities-resilience. Key findings from the 2024 report can also be found here.

About VikingCloud

VikingCloud is the leading cybersecurity and PCI compliance company, offering businesses a single, integrated solution to make informed, predictive, and cost-effective risk mitigation decisions faster. VikingCloud is the one-stop partner trusted by 4+ million businesses in 70+ countries to provide the predictive intelligence and competitive edge they need to stay one step ahead of cybersecurity and compliance disruptions to their business. For more information visit www.vikingcloud.com and follow us at www.linkedin.com/company/vikingcloud/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918317096/en/

Contacts:

Lauren-Brooke Waschak

vikingcloud@corporateink.com
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / GMTECH INC. (referred to as "GMTH" or "the Company") (OTC:GMTH) announced that it is in friendly communication and discussions with WebKey Group Corporation (referred to as "WebKey") regarding future collaboration.

WebKey Group Corporation is an innovative company focused on Web3 smartphones and related digital ecosystems. Its core products deeply integrate blockchain technology with mobile devices, striving to provide users with more secure and convenient digital identity and asset management solutions.

Currently, the two parties are exchanging views on several potential areas of collaboration, including:

 The development and expansion of the Web3 mobile ecosystem;

 Digital asset management and custody mechanisms;

 On-chain financial infrastructure and cross-border application scenarios.

The company believes that if both parties can fully leverage their respective technological and resource advantages, they will be able to explore new opportunities in the convergence of the global digital economy and smart hardware, create forward-looking solutions, and contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the industry.

Ms. Juan Yang, the CEO of the company, said:

"We are very optimistic about WebKey's forward-thinking approach to Web3 mobile and the digital ecosystem. GMTech looks forward to deepening our collaboration with WebKey in the future to jointly promote the integrated development of global digital finance and smart hardware."

This is currently in the early stages of negotiation, and no final agreement has been reached. More information will be released in due course depending on the progress of the project.

About GMTech Inc.

GMTech Inc. is a technology company providing IT consulting services to clients and is also expanding its business to design and development of smartphone with WEB3 elements integrated through its wholly owned Hong Kong subsidiary, Shenggang Excellence Limited.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains information about the Company's view of its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "future," "intend," "plan," or the negative of these terms and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance and reflect the current view about future events. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, activities of regulators and future regulations and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Actual results may differ materially from historical results or those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with its ability to raise additional funding, its ability to maintain and grow its business, variability of operating results, its ability to maintain and enhance its brand, its development and introduction of new products and services, the successful integration of acquired companies, technologies and assets into its portfolio of products and services, marketing and other business development initiatives, competition in the industry, general government regulation, economic conditions, dependence on key personnel, the ability to attract, hire and retain personnel who possess the technical skills and experience necessary to meet the requirements of its clients, and its ability to protect its intellectual property. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. The Company encourages you to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's annual reports and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

For more information, please contact:

contact@anptechus.com

SOURCE: GMTech Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/gmtech-inc.-announce-the-strategic-cooperation-with-webkey-group-1075383
USA News GroupNews Commentary

Issued on behalf of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd.

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold has shattered the $3,650 barrier for the first time in history after markets priced in the now-certain Federal Reserve rate cuts-the first of this year[1], creating unprecedented momentum for precious metals. The metal's 39% surge this year[2] has been amplified by central banks accumulating 900 tonnes of gold reserves[3] as nations diversify away from dollar-dominated assets amid mounting geopolitical tensions. This confluence of monetary easing expectations and institutional demand has positioned gold mining companies as prime beneficiaries of the evolving economic landscape, withLake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), TRX Gold Corporation (NYSE-American: TRX) (TSX: TRX.TO), Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: DC), Fuerte Metals Corporation (TSXV: FMT) (OTCQB: FUEMF), and Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) (TSX: NGT).

Wall Street's most prominent investment banks are forecasting gold to reach $4,000 by mid-2026[4], with Goldman Sachs targeting $3,700 by year-end and UBS raising its forecast to $3,800 amid escalating tariff uncertainty[5].

Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) has reached a pivotal agreement in principle with the Government of Tanzania on the framework for the Government's statutory free carried interest in the Imwelo Gold Project. The breakthrough, announced following productive negotiations held on September 10, 2025, in Arusha, removes one of the most significant regulatory hurdles on the pathway to production and establishes a foundation for long-term partnership between the company and Tanzania.

Under Tanzania's Mining Act and recent regulations, the Government is entitled to a minimum 16% non-dilutable free carried interest in all mining projects, ensuring direct participation in the ownership of natural resources. The fiscal framework also includes a 6% royalty on gold production plus a 1% export levy, with a reduced rates of 4% for in-country refining and requirements for local beneficiation.

"Reaching agreement in principle with the Ministry of Minerals marks an important milestone for Lake Victoria Gold and for Tanzania," said Marc Cernovitch, President and CEO of LVG. "The Government's participation ensures that the Imwelo Project will be developed in alignment with national priorities, including responsible mining, in-country refining, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders. While final approvals and details remain to be completed, this first step lays the groundwork for a constructive partnership through the new joint venture company."

The agreement establishes a framework for creating a new joint venture company to hold and operate the Imwelo Mining Licence, providing transparency and durability for the collaboration. This regulatory clarity comes as LVG has already cleared a crucial environmental hurdle with Tanzania's National Environment Management Council approving the Updated Environmental and Social Management Plan for the fully-permitted project.

The timing proves strategic with gold currently trading above $3,700 per ounce. While many explorers struggle with permitting delays, LVG now operates under clear regulatory frameworks backed by its existing 10-year renewable mining license, positioning the company among the few junior miners with both regulatory clearance and near-term production potential in one of Africa's most prolific gold regions.

Imwelo sits just 12 kilometers from AngloGold Ashanti's flagship Geita mine, with the company targeting first gold within 12 months of construction start. Area C represents the priority development zone featuring 3.7 g/t average gold grades-among the highest in the historical resource. A planned strategic 7,750m drill program combines grade control drilling for mine planning with extensions targeting. Previous intercepts including 6.8m at 14.6 g/t gold from 33m demonstrate production-ready mineralization.

Now as the company has officially closed an oversubscribed financing, LVG has strengthened its financial position with $6 million through a non-brokered LIFE private placement and additional $2 million private placement, expected to close imminently. Proceeds will fund work programs satisfying conditions to unlock a pre-paid forward facility with Monetary Metals for construction capital.

Additional opportunities emerge through the Tembo Project, where a planned 3,000m drilling program targets shallow, high-grade zones suitable for toll milling at the nearby Nyati Resources processing facility. Historic results including 28.57 g/t over 3m from 54m demonstrate potential for immediate cash generation ahead of full Imwelo development.

Beyond core development, LVG maintains exposure to potential US$45 million in milestone payments from the 2021 asset sale to Barrick's Bulyanhulu operation, plus strategic partnerships with Monetary Metals and Taifa Group, Tanzania's largest mining contractor.

With government agreement secured, environmental approval complete, and financing closing imminent, Lake Victoria Gold represents the convergence of regulatory clearance, market timing, and operational momentum that positions the company for successful development in Tanzania's premier gold district.

CONTINUED Read this and more news for Lake Victoria Gold at: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/04/02/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market include:

Earlier in the summer, another Tanzania-focused project comes from TRX Gold Corporation's (NYSE-American: TRX) (TSX: TRX.TO) Buckreef Gold Project were the company delivered strong Q3 results with 4,687 ounces of gold poured and $12.5 million in revenue. The company achieved a record average realized price of $3,114 per ounce while reducing mining costs to $3.63 per tonne and processing costs to $14.60 per tonne during the quarter.

"We're pleased with the progress at Buckreef Gold this quarter, driven by the successful execution of our scheduled strip campaign to access higher-grade ore, combined with lower mining and processing cost per tonne," said Stephen Mullowney, TRX CEO. "We have started to see the benefits of this work and since May 31st, the Company's adjusted working capital turned positive, improving from $3.3 million (negative) to approximately $3.9 million as of today."

The company has substantially improved its financial position with current ratio increasing from 0.8 to 1.1 and stockpile inventory growing from 290,000 tonnes at 1.00 g/t to 401,000 tonnes at 1.31 g/t containing 16,876 ounces of gold. TRX Gold also established domestic gold sales with Bank of Tanzania, benefiting from reduced royalty rates of 4% versus 7.3% for exported sales.

Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: DC) has advanced its Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project with a 27,500-meter drill campaign, intercepting higher gold grades than the average resource grade of 0.463 g/t. Recent metallurgical drilling returned 1.50 g/t gold over 62.1 meters in hole RH25C-171, significantly exceeding the measured and indicated resource grade.

"We are pleased with the progress of the 2025 drill campaign and look forward to releasing additional results from the drilling in the northeast Project area as they are received," said Jack Henris, President and COO of Dakota Gold. "Dakota Gold remains focused on advancing the Project through disciplined exploration and technical rigor with the results from the current drill campaign contributing to the Feasibility Study, which is expected to be completed in early 2027."

The company is conducting core drilling and metallurgical testing to support feasibility studies while targeting higher-grade zones in the northeast project area with potential to add measured, indicated and inferred resources. Dakota Gold has appointed Mike Eiselein as Vice President Project Development to oversee the metallurgical program, bringing over 34 years of operational experience in heap leach processing.

Fuerte Metals Corporation (TSXV: FMT) (OTCQB: FUEMF) has announced a transformational acquisition of the Coffee Gold Project from Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) (TSX: NGT) for total consideration of up to $150 million including $10 million cash and $40 million in shares. The Coffee Project hosts 3.0 million ounces of measured and indicated gold resources within 80 million tonnes at 1.15 g/t gold, making it one of the largest and highest-grade heap leach projects globally.

"The acquisition of Coffee is highly transformational for Fuerte," said Tim Warman, CEO of Fuerte Metals. "The project is on a clear path to complete permitting and has strong financial and technical partners who have the vision to advance the project to production and build the next great Canadian gold producer."

Fuerte is targeting completion of a preliminary economic assessment in H1 2026 and feasibility study in H2 2026, with the project benefiting from extensive de-risking by Goldcorp and Newmont through significant drilling and engineering work. The company has secured a concurrent equity financing of up to C$50 million backstopped by key shareholders, with Newmont joining Agnico Eagle, Pierre Lassonde and Trinity Capital as major shareholders following the transaction.

Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/04/02/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

CONTACT:

USA NEWS GROUP

info@usanewsgroup.com

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for Baystreet.ca media corp, who has been paid a fee for an advertising from a shareholder of the Company (333,333 unrestricted shares). MIQ has not been paid a fee for Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY") There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Technical information relating to Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Scott is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Director of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

Sources Cited:

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/federal-reserve-interest-rates-decision-rcna231729 https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/12/gold-set-for-fourth-weekly-rise-as-us-data-firms-rate-cut-bets.html https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/commodities/gold-prices https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gold-prices-surge-past-3600-per-ounce-is-it-too-late-to-buy-in-now/ https://www.ecofinagency.com/news-industry/1509-48687-ubs-and-goldman-sachs-lift-gold-forecasts-seeing-path-to-3-800-and-beyond

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China calls on int'l community to continue engagement with Afghanistan

Xinhua) 14:16, September 18, 2025

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the international community to continue engagement with Afghanistan.

The current situation in Afghanistan is stable on the whole. Meanwhile, multiple challenges persist in areas such as the humanitarian situation, development, human rights, and counter-terrorism. The international community should take an objective, fair, rational, and pragmatic attitude toward Afghanistan to help the country get on the right track and to be integrated into the international community, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

The international community should maintain engagement and dialogue with Afghanistan and enhance understanding and trust, he told the Security Council.

Due to various factors, past and present, Afghanistan's integration into the international community could only proceed step by step. Long-term commitment is required to deliver success. In this regard, active interactions and continuous engagements between the two sides are indispensable, he said.

The UN secretary-general's report states that terrorist threats in Afghanistan remain prominent. China calls on the Afghan government to enhance counter-terrorism efforts and coordination with regional countries and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting Afghan soil to undermine the security of other countries, he said.

"When it comes to counter-terrorism, we must stand firmly against double standards and selectivity, and must maintain international cooperation in combating terrorism," said Geng.

Given the huge humanitarian needs, China calls on traditional donors to scale up their funding support and stop politicizing humanitarian relief. China calls on a certain country to assume its historical responsibilities, resume aid to Afghans, halt unilateral sanctions, and provide necessary support for humanitarian action.

Securing women's equal access to education, health care, employment, and participation in public affairs is imperative for Afghanistan's peace, stability, development, and prosperity. China calls on the Afghan government to exercise moderate and inclusive governance and put in place effective measures to safeguard the basic rights and interests of all Afghans, including women, he said.

China supports Afghanistan in further strengthening connectivity and economic and trade cooperation with regional countries, he said.

As a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, China stands ready to continue working with all parties to promote peace, development, and lasting stability in Afghanistan, said Geng.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Universal Digital Inc. (CSE: LFG) (FSE: 8R20) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced brokered private placement offering of 2,431,300 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.60 per Unit (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,458,780 (the "Offering"). The Offering was conducted by Beacon Securities Limited (the "Lead Agent"), acting as lead agent and sole bookrunner, and Hampton Securities Limited (together with the Lead Agent, the "Agents") on a "best efforts" marketed basis. The Company expects to close another tranche of the Offering in due course.

Each Unit issued under the Offering consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole Common Share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.80 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering (the "Closing").

The net proceeds from the Offering are intended to be used to (i) acquire a strategic equity and warrant position in Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed ReYuu Japan Inc. (the "ReYuu Investment") and (ii) for working capital and general corporate purposes. The ReYuu Investment is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval under Japan's Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. For further information about the ReYuu Investment, please see the Company's press release dated September 2, 2025.

The Units were issued by way of the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") and in reliance on the amendments to Part 5A of NI 45-106 set forth in Coordinated Blanket Order 45-953 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (collectively, the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"), and are not subject to a statutory holder period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

About Universal Digital Inc.

Universal Digital Inc. is a Canadian investment company focused on digital assets, businesses and private and publicly listed entities that are involved in high-growth industries, with a particular focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency technologies. The Company aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth through a diversified investment approach, and to participate in the transformation of global finance through the integration of digital asset strategies.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements

This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's ability to close a further tranche of the Offering, the Company's anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, and whether the proceeds of the Offering will be sufficient for the purposes of the Company moving forward. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "should", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties (including market conditions) and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the Company not being able to close a subsequent tranche of the Offering on the timing described herein or at all, the Company not using the proceeds as described herein, and those risk factors described in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR PUBLICATION, RELEASE OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266969

SOURCE: Universal Digital Inc.
Irvine, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - CStream, Inc., Technology Governance and Compliance Auto-pilot, today announced it has been named a finalist for the Best Technology Company category atOctane's 2025 High Tech Awards. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on September 25, 2025, at the AV Irvine in Irvine, California.

"The level of innovation and leadership demonstrated by this year's High Tech Awards finalists is truly exceptional," said Rita Battocchio, Head of Signature Events at Octane OC. "Each nominee represents the very best of Southern California's thrivingtechnology and life sciences ecosystem, and we are proud to celebrate their remarkable achievements."

The High Tech Awards celebrate and recognize those individuals and companies who make Orange County a center of technology and medical technology innovation.

About CStream, Inc.

Cstream.io is your go-to platform to simplify technology governance and compliance. We help you confidently navigate complex regulations like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR all in one place. From risk management to asset tracking, Cstream streamlines the process and delivers the expertise you need to stay secure, compliant, and ready to scale.

About the High Tech Awards

The High Tech Awards, produced annually by Octane, is Southern California's premier awards program celebrating achievement and leadership in the region's technology and life sciences industries.

SOURCE: OCTANE OC
Acquisition strengthens ALKEME's presence in the Northeast with a focus on high-value residential insurance in Brooklyn and Manhattan

LADERA RANCH, CA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / ALKEME Insurance, a Top 25 Insurance Brokerage, announced the acquisition of Gotham Brokerage Co., a distinguished New York-based insurance agency specializing in real estate with a concentration in Brooklyn and Manhattan condos, co-ops, and apartments.

ALKEME Insurance Acquires Gotham Brokerage Co.

ALKEME Insurance Expands New York Footprint with Acquisition of Gotham Brokerage Co.

Founded more than 60 years ago, Gotham Brokerage is widely recognized as one of New York City's premier providers of customized condominium, co-op, and renters insurance. Known for its deep roots in the community and long-standing dedication to exceptional customer service, Gotham has built a reputation for helping clients navigate complex insurance needs with transparency and efficiency.

"Gotham Brokerage has been a trusted partner for generations of New Yorkers, especially in the high-value real estate markets of Manhattan and Brooklyn," said Curtis Barton, CEO of ALKEME. "Their legacy of service and keen expertise in an incredibly specialized and competitive insurance niche makes them a highly valuable addition to the ALKEME family. We are excited to expand our Northeast presence with such a reputable firm."

"Joining ALKEME allows us to preserve the personal, hands-on service we've been known for while leveraging the resources, technology, and strength of a Top 25 national brokerage," said Jeffrey Schneider, President of Gotham Brokerage Co. "We look forward to continuing to serve our community with even greater access to solutions that best fit the needs of New Yorkers."

The Gotham team, with decades of first-hand experience and strong carrier relationships, has consistently delivered competitive policy solutions while remaining accessible and responsive to its clients. This acquisition enhances ALKEME's personal insurance capabilities and adds a strategic foothold in one of the nation's most dynamic insurance markets.

ABOUT ALKEME

ALKEME is a full-service insurance agency providing businesses and individuals with an extensive array of commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement and wealth management services. Since its founding in 2020, ALKEME has completed over 70 acquisitions and serves its customers from over 60 locations in 29 states. ALKEME is ranked by Insurance Journal one of the top 25 largest agencies in the United States and by Business Insurance as the #3 fastest growing broker in their Top 100. Founded by owner/operators with a unique vision, ALKEME is fueled by its proven operating methodologies providing its partner agencies with the autonomy, resources and support to grow and thrive in an ever-changing insurance landscape. Visit https://alkemeins.com for more information.

SOURCE: ALKEME Insurance

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/alkeme-insurance-expands-new-york-footprint-with-acquisition-of-goth-1075046
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine have honored The Lifetime Value Company (LTVCo.) as one of this year's Best Workplaces in New York, Best Medium Workplaces, and Best Technology Workplaces. This is LTVCo.'s 4th time being named to the Best Workplaces in New York, coming in at 10th; 3rd time being named to the Best Medium Workplaces, coming in at 81st; and 3rd time being named to the Best Technology Workplaces, coming in at 27th. Earning these spots means that LTVCo. has surpassed rigorous benchmarks, establishing itself as one of the best workplaces in all three categories.

To determine the Fortune Best Workplaces in New York List , Great Place To Work collected nearly 145,000 confidential survey responses from employees at eligible companies .

To determine the Best Medium Workplaces list , Great Place To Work analyzed the survey responses of over 228,000 employees from Great Place To Work Certified companies with between 100 and 999 U.S. employees.

The Best Workplaces in Technology award is based on an analysis of survey responses from over 157,000 current employees from Great Place To Work Certified companies in the tech industry.

"It's an honor to be a part of the Best Workplaces in New York for the fourth year in a row and the Best Medium Workplaces and Best Technology Workplaces for the third year in a row," Josh Levy, CEO and co-founder of LTVCo. said. "It's been important to us to create a collaborative and engaged culture and this award speaks to how much our team commits to making that a reality."

"Congratulations to the Fortune Best Workplaces in New York," says Michael C. Bush, CEO at Great Place To Work. "These companies prove that prioritizing people leads to better performance, and that leaders who invest in their people are rewarded with more sustainable and profitable businesses."

About Great Place to Work

As the authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings more than three decades of groundbreaking research to help every place become a great place to work for all. Its proprietary platform and Great Place To Work Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified and receiving recognition on its coveted Best Workplaces lists.

Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn , Twitter , and Instagram or visit greatplacetowork.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more.

About Fortune

Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives who want to improve business. Independently owned, with a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators and risk-takers. Online and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks and holds companies accountable. Fortune creates communities by convening true thought leaders and iconoclasts - those who shape industry, commerce and society - through powerful and prestigious lists, events, and conferences, such as the iconic Fortune 500, the CEO Initiative and Most Powerful Women. For more information, visit fortune.com .

Contact: ltvpress@ltvco.com

SOURCE: The Lifetime Value Company

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/fortune-media-and-great-place-to-work-name-the-lifetime-value-com-1075127
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (FSE: Z7D) ("ESGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced "best efforts" private placement (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of C$8,000,000, which includes the exercise in full of the Agent's option. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company sold 10,666,667 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.75 per Unit (the "Offering Price"). Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the "Agent") acted as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with the Offering.

Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$1.10 at any time on or before September 18, 2028.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for the advancement of the Company's flagship Montauban Project in Quebec as well as for general working capital and corporate purposes, as is more fully described in the Amended Offering Document (as defined herein).

In accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units were issued to Canadian purchasers as well as purchasers in the United States and offshore jurisdictions pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption. The Common Shares and the Warrants underlying the Units, and the Warrant Shares underlying the Warrants, if exercised, are immediately freely tradeable in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada.

As consideration for their services, the Agent received aggregate cash fees of C$460,867.50 and 614,490 non-transferable common share purchase warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant is exercisable into one common share of the Company (a "Broker Warrant Share") at the Offering Price at any time on or before September 18, 2028. The Broker Warrants and Broker Warrant Shares are subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities law and may not be traded until January 19, 2026, except as permitted by applicable securities legislation and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE").

There is an amended offering document (the "Amended Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at: www.esgold.com.

The closing of the Offering remains subject to the final approval of the CSE.

The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. persons, absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable U.S. state securities laws or in compliance with an exemption therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About ESGold Corp.

ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (FSE: Z7D) is a fully permitted, pre-production resource company at the forefront of clean mining and exploration innovation. With proven expertise in Quebec, the Company is advancing its projects toward production and feasibility while delivering long-term value through sustainable resource recovery and exploration. ESGold's flagship Montauban property, located 80 kilometers west of Quebec City, serves as a model for responsible mining practices, combining near-term production with district-scale discovery potential.

For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit www.esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering and the final approval of the Offering by the CSE. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, development and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions; that the Company and other parties will be able to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner; that CSE approval will be granted in a timely manner subject only to standard conditions; the availability of financing for the Company's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All forward-looing information contained in this release is qualified by these cautionary statements.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266971

SOURCE: ESGold Corp.
AUMOVIO launches as an independent company with a strong position in future mobility growth segments, a broad global customer base and significantly improved profitability

Focus on value-driven growth

Opening share price: 35.00, corresponding to a market capitalization of 3.5 billion

Medium-term dividend policy: 10 to 30 percent of net income attributable to shareholders

Ticker symbol AMV0; ISIN DE000AUM0V10; WKN AUM0V1

AUMOVIO SE (AUMOVIO), formerly the Automotive group sector of Continental, successfully launched today as an independent company with the start of trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. AUMOVIO is a leading global provider of hardware and software solutions for vehicles and holds a strong position in the key growth segments shaping the future of mobility. Backed by a broad international customer base, AUMOVIO is committed to value-driven growth. The technology and electronics company has improved its profitability with an adjusted EBIT margin of 2.7 percent in the first half of 2025. AUMOVIO is ideally positioned to create added value for all stakeholders. The company's shares opened trading at 35.00, representing a market capitalization of 3.5 billion.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918931933/en/

AUMOVIO SE (AUMOVIO), formerly the Automotive group sector of Continental, successfully launched today as an independent company with the start of trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

"Today's listing marks the start of a new era in our history. We not only start the initial trading of our shares, but also the launch of AUMOVIO as a new and independent company. We are committed to play a key role in shaping the future of mobility as a leader for automotive technology and electronics. In doing so, we are combining our tradition and unique automotive expertise with a clear focus on shaping a promising future," said AUMOVIO CEO Philipp von Hirschheydt at the listing event on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange trading floor. "I'd like to thank our entire team for their outstanding commitment over the past months. Today's IPO will motivate us to consistently drive forward our strategy for our shareholders, customers and employees."

AUMOVIO is starting its independence with a strong balance sheet and no financial debt. As of June 30, 2025, the company has cash funds of 1.5 billion and a credit facility of 2.5 billion. AUMOVIO remains committed to maintaining solid capital resources and improving cash flow.

As previously announced at its Capital Market Day in June 2025, AUMOVIO plans to increase its sales to more than 24 billion in the long term (2024: 19.6 billion). With over 86,000 employees, the company will build on its global positioning in development and production as well as its established customer relationships worldwide. AUMOVIO expects the value per vehicle in the product segments for which the company offers solutions to grow by an average of 4 to 5 percent annually until 2029. With a clear focus on high-growth and value-enhancing technologies for software-defined vehicles, AUMOVIO is driving the development of safe, exciting, connected and autonomous mobility worldwide. In the long term, the company is targeting an adjusted EBIT margin of 6.0 to 8.0 percent (2024: 2.5 percent). The recently improved adjusted EBIT margin (H1 2025: 2.7%) shows that AUMOVIO has already made progress.

AUMOVIO shares are traded on the Regulated Market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AMV0. The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is DE000AUM0V10, and the German Securities Identification Number (WKN) is AUM0V1. At launch, AUMOVIO shares were allocated to Continental AG shareholders. For every two Continental shares, Continental AG shareholders receive one AUMOVIO share. The total number of AUMOVIO shares is approximately 100 million, with IHO-Group, the strategic investment arm of the Schaeffler Group, holding around 46 percent.

AUMOVIO continues the business of the former Continental group sector Automotive (including the Contract Manufacturing division) as an independent company with its spin-off in September 2025. The technology and electronics company offers a wide-ranging portfolio that makes mobility safe, exciting, connected, and autonomous. This includes sensor solutions, displays, braking, and comfort systems, as well as comprehensive expertise in software, architecture platforms, and assistance systems for software-defined vehicles. In the fiscal year 2024, the business areas, which now belong to AUMOVIO, generated sales of 19.6 billion Euro. The company is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and has over 86,000 employees in more than 100 locations worldwide.

Press portal: www.aumovio.com/en/company/press

This announcement is not and does not constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities in the United States, Germany or any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States would be made by means of a prospectus that could be obtained from the issuer and that would contain detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. There will be no public offer of the securities in the United States.

Subject to certain exceptions, the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada or Japan.

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Press contacts

Stephanie Lorbach

Head of Finance Communications

AUMOVIO SE

Phone: +49 69 7603 1797

E-mail: stephanie.lorbach@aumovio.com

Sebastian Fillenberg

Head of External Communications

AUMOVIO SE

Phone: +49 69 7603 72234

E-mail: sebastian.fillenberg@aumovio.com
New Index Reveals the Extent that Digital Transformation Can Support Aleviating the Production Backlog in the Aerospace and Defense Industry

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Airbus has secured the top position in ABI Research's Digital Transformation Benchmarking Index for Large Aerospace and Defense (A&D) Manufacturers, followed by Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), and Safran in an evaluation of 21 leading firms in the sector.

The Index evaluates both the digital readiness of A&D manufacturers, defined by the breadth and integration of digital technologies across production operations, and the tangible impact these technologies are having on operational performance. It provides a comprehensive measure of how effectively digital tools are being deployed to address the complex challenges facing the industry.

Digital readiness criteria include leadership commitment, strategic vision, and the implementation of foundational capabilities such as data fabrics, digital twins, large language models (LLMs), and agentic AI. Meanwhile, the impact dimension examines how these technologies are being used to alleviate production backlogs, enhance operational efficiency, improve workforce capabilities, meet sustainability goals, and ensure regulatory compliance.

"Airbus stood out particularly for its investments in data infrastructure, which underpin critical applications like the digital thread and digital twin. These efforts are enabling the company to make meaningful progress on long-standing industry challenges," said Michael Larner, Industrial and Manufacturing Research Director at ABI Research and author of the Index.

Beyond a simple ranking, the Benchmarking Index segments A&D manufacturers into four categories:

Digitally Transformed: Firms where digital technologies are integral to meeting industry challenges.

Firms where digital technologies are integral to meeting industry challenges. Digitally Advancing: Firms with strong transformation foundations but more room for applied innovation.

Firms with strong transformation foundations but more room for applied innovation. Emerging Digitally: Firms in early stages of embedding digital technologies to address industry needs.

Firms in early stages of embedding digital technologies to address industry needs. Digitally Trailing: Firms behind peers in both investment and deployment of digital capabilities.

"The aerospace and defense industry as a whole is more advanced than many other manufacturing verticals when it comes to digital transformation. However, firms across the ecosystem are competing to win contracts, from airlines and governments, that are often in the billions and run for over a decade. Deploying digital technologies effectively will help support efforts to keep projects on track," Larner added. The Index also highlights the best examples of firms utilizing digital twins, LLMs, and technologies that support quality control, sustainability, and compliance efforts.

Other manufacturers featured in the Index include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, General Dynamics, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Thales Group, Rolls-Royce, Saab AB, Bombardier, Embraer, BAE Systems, Leonardo, Dassault Aviation, and Textron Aviation, as well as China's AVIC and Norinco.

These findings are from ABI Research's Digital Transformation Benchmarking Index for Large Aerospace and Defense Manufacturers report, part of the company's Industrial & Manufacturing Markets research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights.

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Endoscopy Equipment Market, valued at US$34.83 billion in 2024, stood at US$37.08 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 7.6% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$53.54 billion by the end of the period. The growth of the endoscopy equipment market is driven by the rising need for endoscopy in diagnosing and treating critical diseases, increasing investments and grants from governments and organizations, and the growing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Additionally, hospitals are expanding their endoscopic capabilities, fueled by the increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures and ongoing technological advancements. The rising adoption of single-use endoscopy instruments and the growing trend toward automated endoscope reprocessing, which enhances efficiency, reduces infection risks, and meets stringent hygiene standards, drives the endoscopy equipment market.

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By product, the endoscopy equipment market is segmented into endoscopes, visualization systems, other endoscopy equipment, and accessories. The endoscopes segment is further divided into the rigid endoscopes, flexible endoscopes, robot-assisted endoscopes, and capsule endoscopes. In 2024, rigid endoscopes held a significant market share and are expected to lead during the forecast period. Laparoscopy holds the largest market due to its adoption in minimally invasive surgeries, whereas bronchoscopy is expected to record the fastest growth, driven by the increasing burden of respiratory diseases, particularly lung cancer. Laparoscopy offers significant clinical advantages such as reduced surgical-site infection (SSI) risks, smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays compared to open surgeries, making it the preferred choice for patients and physicians.

The growing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and urinary system complications has further driven the demand for laparoscopic interventions. Additionally, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a safe and cost-effective alternative to open gallbladder removal, has gained widespread acceptance, reinforcing the dominance of this segment. Increasing patient preference for minimally invasive procedures, combined with the long-term cost savings and improved clinical outcomes associated with laparoscopic surgeries, has positioned laparoscopes as an indispensable equipment in modern healthcare.

By application, the endoscopy equipment market is segmented by application into gastrointestinal endoscopy, bronchoscopy, ENT endoscopy, urology endoscopy (cystoscopy), laparoscopy, obstetrics/gynecology endoscopy, arthroscopy, mediastinoscopy, and other applications.

Among these, the bronchoscopy application is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period due to the rising global burden of respiratory diseases, particularly lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, the U.S. alone is expected to witness approximately 226,650 new lung cancer cases and 124,730 related deaths, highlighting the critical need for early detection and continuous monitoring. Bronchoscopes are widely used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including tissue biopsy, airway examination, and interventional procedures such as stent placements or foreign body removal. The growing adoption of minimally invasive techniques, along with video and disposable bronchoscopes, further accelerates segment growth. Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, and infections, along with increasing demand for same-day outpatient bronchoscopy procedures, positions this segment as a key revenue driver in the endoscopy equipment market.

By geography, the endoscopy equipment market is segmented into five major regional segments, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America commanded the largest share in 2024, driven by a strong prevalence of chronic diseases, high procedural volumes, and substantial healthcare investments. For instance, according to the American Cancer Society, the U.S. alone reported approximately 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer-related deaths in 2024, underscoring a significant demand for early diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as endoscopy.

Furthermore, gastrointestinal disorders remain highly prevalent, with a National Library of Medicine article (May 2025) highlighting that 23.5 million GI endoscopies were performed in 2022. Robust research funding also supports market expansion, with the National Institutes of Health allocating USD 3.6 billion to GI research in 2023, accounting for 7.4% of its total budget. Advanced healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies, and rapid adoption of minimally invasive technologies further strengthen the region's dominance. Additionally, the presence of leading global manufacturers, coupled with continuous technological innovations such as AI-integrated and disposable endoscopes, enhances accessibility and efficiency, reinforcing North America's position as the largest revenue-generating region in the global endoscopy equipment market.

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Some of the prominent players operating in the market include Olympus Corporation (Japan), Karl Storz SE & CO. Kg (Germany), Boston Scientific Corporation (US), FUJIFILM Corporation (Japan), HOYA Corporation (Japan), Stryker (US), Medtronic (Ireland), Nipro (Japan), EndoMed Systems GmbH (Germany), Richard Wolf GmbH. (Germany), Ambu A/S (Denmark), and among others.

Olympus Corporation (US):

Olympus Corporation is a leading player in the endoscopy equipment market due to its comprehensive and diversified portfolio of advanced endoscopy equipment and services, including gastrointestinal and surgical endoscopy equipment supported by integrated endoscopic systems and repair solutions. The company's strong global presence, comprising 89 subsidiaries and 3 affiliates, ensures broad market access across Japan, North America, Europe, Asia & Oceania, China, and other global markets. Olympus consistently delivers high-performance, clinically efficient solutions across multiple therapeutic areas, making it a preferred partner for healthcare providers worldwide. Its leadership is further reinforced by a dual strategy of organic and inorganic growth.

Olympus made significant investments in innovation, as demonstrated by the May 2023 launch of two new bronchoscopes integrated with AI to enhance diagnostic precision and procedural efficiency. Simultaneously, it pursues strategic acquisitions and distribution agreements to expand product offerings and market reach. These initiatives support sustained technological advancement, increased adoption among end users, and a competitive market position. By integrating advanced imaging, enhanced maneuverability, and reprocessing technologies, Olympus delivers customer-centric solutions that support precision diagnostics and minimally invasive interventions, securing its dominant role in the global endoscopy equipment market.

Karl Storz SE & CO. KG (Germany)

Karl Storz SE & Co. KG is a leading player in the endoscopy equipment market due to its comprehensive portfolio of over 10,000 high-precision products in human and veterinary medicine, underscoring its commitment to innovation, diagnostic accuracy, and minimally invasive procedures. The company's advanced endoscopy equipment spans key clinical applications such as bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy, and neuroendoscopy, reinforcing its position in critical medical disciplines. Operating through 70 subsidiaries in more than 50 countries and maintaining production facilities in Germany, the US, Switzerland, Estonia, and China, the company ensures a robust global footprint that enables it to address diverse regional healthcare needs effectively.

Its presence across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa supports strong customer engagement and reliable service delivery. Further cementing its leadership, KARL STORZ adopts strategic inorganic growth initiatives, including the acquisition of Surgical, Inc. (US) in August 2024, to expand its advanced surgical and endoscopic offerings. Additionally, its collaboration with FUJIFILM Corporation for the joint marketing of GI endoscopes and OR integration systems enhance technological capabilities and market presence. Through innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational reach, Karl Storz continues to be a trusted and influential force in the global endoscopy equipment market.

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Related Reports:

Endoscope Reprocessing Market

Top 10 Medical Device Technologies Market

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Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments Market

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia on Thursday said regional manufacturing activity expanded overall in the month of September.



The Philly Fed said its diffusion index for current general activity spiked to a positive 23.2 in September from a negative 0.3 in August, with a positive reading indicating growth. Economists had expected the index to rise to a positive 2.3.



With the much bigger than expected increase, the diffusion index for current general activity reached its highest level since hitting 44.3 in January.



The sharp increase by the headline index partly reflected a turnaround by new orders, as the new orders index surged to a positive 12.4 in September from a negative 1.9 in August.



The shipments index also skyrocketed to 26.1 in September from 4.5 in August, reaching its highest level since hitting 26.3 in February.



Meanwhile, the number of employees index edged down to 5.6 in September from 5.9 in August but continued to reflect overall increases in employment.



The report also said the prices index plunged to 46.8 in September from 66.8 in August, while the prices received index tumbled to 18.8 in September from 36.1 in August.



Looking ahead, the Philly Fed said the survey's future indicators suggest widespread expectations for growth over the next six months, with the diffusion index for future general activity climbing to 31.5 in September from 25.0 in August.



A separate report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Monday showed a substantial downturn by New York manufacturing activity in the month of September.



The New York Fed said its general business conditions index plunged to a negative 8.7 in September from a positive 11.9 in August, with a negative reading indicating contraction. Economists had expected the index to fall to a positive 5.0.



The index tumbled into negative territory for the first time since June after hitting its highest level since November 2024 in the previous month.



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The Commercial Office Furniture Market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the rising demand for modern, ergonomic, and sustainable workplace solutions. Increasing adoption of flexible workspaces, co-working trends, and the emphasis on employee well-being are fueling market expansion. Additionally, rapid urbanization, corporate investments in office infrastructure, and the integration of smart furniture with technology are boosting demand. Growing awareness of sustainable materials and eco-friendly designs further supports long-term growth opportunities across global markets.

LEWES, Del., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Commercial Office Furniture Market was valued at USD 75 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 110 billion by 2033. This growth reflects a CAGR of 5.2% during 2026-2033, highlighting the sector's resilience and adaptability to changing workplace dynamics.

Increasing investments in corporate infrastructure, rising adoption of hybrid work models, and the shift toward ergonomic and sustainable furniture are expected to drive significant demand across key regions worldwide.

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REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2020-2031 BASE YEAR 2024 FORECAST PERIOD 2026-2033 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2020-2024 UNIT Value (USD Billion) KEY COMPANIES PROFILED Steelcase Inc., Herman Miller Inc., Haworth Inc., HNI Corporation, Knoll Inc., Okamura Corporation, Teknion Corporation, Kimball International, Global Furniture Group, Kinnarps AB, KI Furniture, Groupe Lacasse, Kokuyo Co. Ltd., Sedus Stoll AG, Nowy Styl Group, Humanscale Corporation, Vitra International AG, Wilkhahn, Wiesner-Hager, Bene AG, SUNON, VS Furniture, Martela, Ahrend, Andreu World, Quama Furniture, Henglin Chair Industry, UCI Australia, Furniture Group of America, and Fantoni S.p.A. SEGMENTS COVERED By Type, By Application And By Geography CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope

Commercial Office Furniture Market Overview

1. Rising Demand for Ergonomic Office Furniture

The Commercial Office Furniture Market is witnessing robust growth, primarily driven by the increasing demand for ergonomic solutions that promote employee health and productivity. With more companies adopting hybrid and remote work models, organizations are redesigning office spaces to accommodate flexible and collaborative work environments. Ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and supportive accessories are becoming essential to reduce workplace injuries and enhance comfort. Additionally, growing awareness of occupational health and wellness has encouraged employers to invest in furniture that ensures better posture and long-term well-being. This shift is not only improving employee satisfaction but also reducing absenteeism and boosting efficiency. Manufacturers are responding with innovative designs that combine functionality with aesthetics, making ergonomics a central focus in modern office design. As organizations continue to prioritize employee well-being, the demand for ergonomic office furniture is expected to grow significantly, creating lucrative opportunities for market players across industries.

2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials Driving Growth

Sustainability has emerged as a key driver in the Commercial Office Furniture Market, with organizations and manufacturers focusing on eco-friendly solutions. Increasing global awareness of climate change and stricter environmental regulations have prompted companies to adopt sustainable practices, from material sourcing to production methods. The use of recycled wood, biodegradable plastics, and low-carbon processes is gaining traction, making green office furniture highly desirable. Businesses are increasingly aligning their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals with environmentally conscious procurement, creating demand for furniture that reduces ecological footprints. In addition, customers are prioritizing durability and reusability, minimizing waste generation from frequent replacements. Certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are further encouraging adoption of sustainable office furniture. As green buildings and eco-friendly offices become mainstream, the emphasis on sustainability is expected to significantly shape the future of the global Commercial Office Furniture Market.

3. Technological Integration Enhancing Smart Office Spaces

The integration of technology in furniture is reshaping the Commercial Office Furniture Market by creating smart and connected workplaces. With the rise of digital transformation and the Internet of Things (IoT), office furniture is being designed with embedded features such as wireless charging, USB ports, sensors for posture correction, and connectivity solutions for collaborative work. Smart desks and meeting tables that support productivity tools are gaining popularity in modern offices. These innovations are helping businesses optimize workspace usage and enhance employee performance. In addition, data-driven furniture solutions that monitor usage patterns provide insights into office efficiency, enabling companies to redesign spaces effectively. The growing adoption of hybrid work models has also accelerated the demand for furniture that supports seamless collaboration between in-office and remote employees. As technology becomes deeply embedded in workplace ecosystems, the Commercial Office Furniture Market will continue to expand with smarter, more innovative solutions.

4. Hybrid Work Models Influencing Office Furniture Demand

The adoption of hybrid and flexible work models is transforming demand patterns in the Commercial Office Furniture Market. With organizations allowing employees to split time between home and office, furniture solutions that support flexibility and multifunctionality have become critical. Office spaces are being redesigned into collaborative hubs rather than traditional desk-centered setups. This has led to increased demand for modular furniture, movable partitions, and multipurpose desks that accommodate dynamic workflows. Employees working from home are also investing in compact, ergonomic office furniture to create efficient home workstations. As a result, manufacturers are offering product lines tailored for both corporate and residential office setups. Furthermore, companies are emphasizing furniture that enhances collaboration, creativity, and team interaction when employees are on-site. This evolving trend highlights how the hybrid workplace culture is not only redefining office layouts but also opening new revenue streams for the global Commercial Office Furniture Market.

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5. Regional Market Expansion and Urbanization Trends

Rapid urbanization and economic growth across developing regions are fueling demand in the Commercial Office Furniture Market. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa are experiencing a surge in corporate establishments, IT hubs, and co-working spaces, driving large-scale furniture adoption. Governments are also investing heavily in infrastructure development, creating favorable conditions for new office setups. Urban professionals are increasingly seeking well-designed, modern workplaces that align with global standards, encouraging businesses to invest in high-quality furniture solutions. North America and Europe continue to dominate the market due to established corporate sectors and strong adoption of sustainable practices. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing region, supported by rising investments from multinational companies and booming urban workforce populations. As urbanization accelerates and regional markets expand, opportunities for global and local furniture manufacturers are multiplying, ensuring steady growth in the commercial furniture industry worldwide.

6. Competitive Landscape and Market Fragmentation

The Commercial Office Furniture Market is highly competitive, with numerous global, regional, and local players competing to capture market share. Established brands are leveraging strong distribution networks, product innovation, and sustainability certifications to maintain dominance, while emerging players are targeting niche markets with cost-effective and customizable solutions. The rise of e-commerce has also reshaped competition by allowing smaller brands to reach wider audiences directly. Collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions are becoming common strategies to strengthen market presence and expand portfolios. Additionally, manufacturers are increasingly investing in research and development to launch smart, ergonomic, and eco-friendly products that align with evolving customer preferences. Despite fragmentation, the growing demand ensures opportunities for all tiers of players. However, companies that successfully balance cost, innovation, and sustainability are likely to emerge as leaders. This dynamic competitive environment continues to drive innovation and expansion across the global Commercial Office Furniture Market.

7. Impact of Co-Working Spaces and Start-Ups

The growth of co-working spaces and the start-up ecosystem has significantly boosted demand in the Commercial Office Furniture Market. Unlike traditional offices, co-working environments require flexible, stylish, and multifunctional furniture that can adapt to different users and work styles. Start-ups, driven by cost efficiency and creative culture, often prioritize modular and collaborative furniture solutions. The rising popularity of shared workspaces in urban centers is further accelerating this demand, as companies look for quick and affordable furniture setups that maximize space utility. Furthermore, co-working spaces often seek designs that foster networking, creativity, and community building, leading to higher demand for innovative layouts, lounge seating, and collaborative desks. As start-ups continue to play a major role in global economic growth, the need for affordable yet high-quality office furniture is expected to increase. This trend is creating new growth avenues, particularly for manufacturers offering customization and flexible solutions.

8. Future Outlook and Growth Opportunities

The future of the Commercial Office Furniture Market looks promising, driven by evolving workplace trends, sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements. The market is projected to grow from USD 75 billion in 2024 to USD 110 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 5.2% during 2026-2033. Companies are expected to invest heavily in ergonomic, smart, and eco-friendly furniture that aligns with employee well-being and corporate sustainability goals. Hybrid work models, the rise of co-working spaces, and expanding corporate infrastructure in emerging markets will continue to fuel demand. Additionally, digital integration and data-driven furniture solutions are anticipated to revolutionize workspace management, making offices more efficient and collaborative. Manufacturers who embrace innovation, customization, and sustainable practices will be well-positioned to capture new opportunities. As businesses globally reimagine the future of work, the Commercial Office Furniture Market is set for long-term, steady expansion across all regions.

Geographic Dominance:

North America currently dominates the Commercial Office Furniture Market, supported by a well-established corporate sector, strong adoption of ergonomic designs, and increasing emphasis on sustainability and smart office solutions. The region benefits from high investments in modern workplace infrastructure, alongside growing demand for eco-friendly and technologically integrated furniture. Europe follows closely, driven by green initiatives, strict environmental regulations, and widespread adoption of flexible workplace models. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing market due to rapid urbanization, rising corporate expansions, and the proliferation of co-working spaces in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Government initiatives promoting commercial infrastructure development further fuel regional demand. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also showing steady growth, with increasing multinational company presence and improving office culture. Overall, while North America and Europe maintain leadership, Asia-Pacific is expected to significantly narrow the gap in the coming years.

Commercial Office Furniture Market Key Players Shaping the Future

The Commercial Office Furniture Market is shaped by the presence of leading global and regional players who are driving innovation, sustainability, and technological integration. Key companies include Steelcase Inc., Herman Miller Inc., Haworth Inc., HNI Corporation, Knoll Inc., Okamura Corporation, Teknion Corporation, Kimball International, Global Furniture Group, Kinnarps AB, KI Furniture, Groupe Lacasse, Kokuyo Co. Ltd., Sedus Stoll AG, Nowy Styl Group, Humanscale Corporation, Vitra International AG, Wilkhahn, Wiesner-Hager, Bene AG, SUNON, VS Furniture, Martela, Ahrend, Andreu World, Quama Furniture, Henglin Chair Industry, UCI Australia, Furniture Group of America, and Fantoni S.p.A.

These players are actively focusing on ergonomic designs, eco-friendly materials, and smart furniture integration to meet evolving workplace demands, ensuring the market remains competitive and dynamic.

Commercial Office Furniture Market Segment Analysis

The Commercial Office Furniture Market is segmented based on By Type, By Application, and Geography, providing a comprehensive framework for industry analysis:

1. By Type

Seating Furniture - Includes ergonomic chairs, executive chairs, task chairs, sofas, and lounge seating designed for comfort, flexibility, and employee well-being.

- Includes ergonomic chairs, executive chairs, task chairs, sofas, and lounge seating designed for comfort, flexibility, and employee well-being. Desks & Tables - Executive desks, height-adjustable desks, conference tables, and modular workstations supporting collaborative and hybrid work models.

- Executive desks, height-adjustable desks, conference tables, and modular workstations supporting collaborative and hybrid work models. Storage Units - Filing cabinets, pedestals, lockers, and shelves designed for space optimization and organization in modern offices.

- Filing cabinets, pedestals, lockers, and shelves designed for space optimization and organization in modern offices. Partitions & Panels - Modular partitions, acoustic panels, and movable walls catering to open-office layouts and collaborative environments.

- Modular partitions, acoustic panels, and movable walls catering to open-office layouts and collaborative environments. Other Furniture - Includes reception desks, breakroom furniture, and smart furniture integrated with charging ports and connectivity solutions.

2. By Application

Corporate Offices - Largest segment, driven by demand for ergonomic and sustainable furniture to enhance productivity and well-being.

- Largest segment, driven by demand for ergonomic and sustainable furniture to enhance productivity and well-being. Co-Working Spaces - Fast-growing segment requiring modular, flexible, and stylish furniture solutions for shared work environments.

- Fast-growing segment requiring modular, flexible, and stylish furniture solutions for shared work environments. Government & Public Offices - Demand driven by large-scale procurement of standardized furniture for administrative facilities.

- Demand driven by large-scale procurement of standardized furniture for administrative facilities. Healthcare & Education Institutions - Adoption of ergonomic and durable furniture supporting work efficiency in non-corporate office settings.

- Adoption of ergonomic and durable furniture supporting work efficiency in non-corporate office settings. Home Offices - Rising due to hybrid and remote work culture, driving demand for compact, multifunctional, and ergonomic setups.

3. By Geography

North America - Market leader with strong demand for ergonomic, sustainable, and smart office furniture.

- Market leader with strong demand for ergonomic, sustainable, and smart office furniture. Europe - Growth supported by eco-friendly initiatives, strict sustainability standards, and modern workplace culture.

- Growth supported by eco-friendly initiatives, strict sustainability standards, and modern workplace culture. Asia-Pacific - Fastest-growing region, fueled by rapid urbanization, co-working spaces, and corporate expansions in China, India, and Japan.

- Fastest-growing region, fueled by rapid urbanization, co-working spaces, and corporate expansions in China, India, and Japan. Latin America - Steady growth driven by increasing adoption of modern office environments and urban workforce expansion.

- Steady growth driven by increasing adoption of modern office environments and urban workforce expansion. Middle East & Africa - Growth supported by infrastructure development, government projects, and rising demand for corporate spaces.

Consumer Goods & Retail

The Consumer Goods & Retail perspective plays a vital role in shaping the growth of the Commercial Office Furniture Market. With increasing investments in retail expansion and consumer-focused office spaces, demand for stylish, ergonomic, and functional furniture is on the rise. Retailers are adopting innovative office setups to enhance employee productivity and customer experience, driving sales of modular and sustainable designs. Furthermore, growing e-commerce penetration has made office furniture more accessible, enabling direct-to-consumer channels and customizable offerings. As hybrid work models gain traction, both consumer goods companies and retail offices are prioritizing compact, multifunctional, and eco-friendly furniture to optimize space and align with sustainability goals. This trend is expected to strengthen the linkage between retail modernization and the global Commercial Office Furniture Market, fueling steady growth.

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New Atlanta-area facility offers shops and fleets access to top tire brands at unbeatable wholesale prices.

AUSTELL, GA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Truck Haters, a leading name in fleet tire sales and service, is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Atlanta, Georgia, expanding its reach and delivering unmatched value to the Southeast trucking community.

Truck Haters Georgia



The new facility will provide shops and fleets across Georgia with access to a wide selection of premium tires at wholesale prices, featuring trusted brands including Michelin, Bridgestone, Firestone, Yokohama, Double Coin, VGlory, and DRC.

"Our mission has always been simple: keep fleets moving with reliable tires at prices that make sense for businesses," said Paul Mark, CEO and Founder of Truck Haters. "Expanding into Georgia allows us to bring that same commitment to one of the nation's most vital trucking corridors. We're here to serve shops and fleets with honesty, quality, and pricing that helps them grow."

Truck Haters' new Atlanta-area location is open and ready to serve, offering direct access to wholesale tire pricing without the unnecessary markups that often burden fleets and independent shops.

Atlanta Location Contact

7435 Factory Shoals Rd

Austell, GA 30168

Phone: +1 (708) 654-8379

With this expansion, Truck Haters continues its mission of delivering value, convenience, and reliability to trucking businesses nationwide.

For more information about Truck Haters and wholesale tire programs, please visit www.truckhaters.com.

SOURCE: Truck Haters

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/transportation/truck-haters-expands-into-georgia-bringing-wholesale-tire-pricing-to-shops-and-fleet-1075082
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Cummins Inc

Cummins

What is axle gearing?

Axle gearing plays a critical role in vehicle performance. It determines how efficiently engine power is delivered to the wheels, which directly impacts fuel efficiency, torque, acceleration, and the ability to climb grades. Selecting the right axle gearing can lead to lower fuel costs, improved drivability, and fewer maintenance issues throughout the vehicle's life cycle.

At Cummins, we are committed to helping customers match the right axle gear ratio to each application for maximum performance and return on investment. As powertrain systems become more complex, proper axle gear ratio ensures that vehicles remain responsive, efficient, and reliable in real-world operating conditions.

Why are axle gear ratios important?

The axle gear ratios define the relationship between engine speed (RPM) and wheel speed. At cruising speed, lower numerical gear ratios allows the engine to operate in its optimal RPM range. In certain application such as vocational, higher numerical gear ratios ensures there is enough torque to get the vehicle moving uphill. Anyone who has ever driven a car with manual transmission understands this well and has learned to shift transmission gears appropriately while driving.

But there is another set of gears that couples the driveline to the wheel: axle gears. Unlike transmission gearing, axle gear ratios are fixed. Having the correct axle gear ratio for a vehicle's primary application is important.

For example, a truck intended for regional haul with frequent stops may benefit from a higher axle gear ratio. In contrast, linehaul fleets that prioritize fuel economy on flat highways typically benefit from lower axle gear ratios that reduce engine RPM at cruising speed.

A well-optimized powertrain with the correct axle gear ratio saves fuel, reduces unnecessary engine strain and supports sustainability targets. That is why Meritor and Cummins engineering teams work closely with truck manufacturers and fleets to choose the best axle ratios for the job.

What are gear ratios?

Axle gear ratios are expressed numerically-such as 4.10:1, 3.70:1, or 2.15:1-and represent the number of times the driveshaft must turn to spin the wheels once. For example, with a 4.10 axle ratio, the driveshaft must turn 4.10 times for each full wheel rotation. This ratio is determined by the number of teeth on two internal components: the ring gear and the pinion gear.

It is easy to confuse related terms. Here is a quick breakdown:

Gear ratio: The numerical relationship between one or more meshing gears.

Gearing: The system of gears across all or part of the drivetrain.

Gearbox: Another word for the transmission-which shifts through multiple gear ratios while driving.

Ring gear: A large gear inside the axle that receives power from the pinion gear and turns the wheels

Pinion gear: A small gear connected to the driveshaft that delivers power into the axle by turning the ring gear.

Unlike the transmission, which adapts to changing speeds, the axle's gear ratio is fixed-and forms the final drive of the powertrain. Selecting the right one is essential for aligning engine output with the vehicle's duty cycle.

Understanding gearing and how gearing impacts efficiency and performance helps fleets tailor their vehicles for specific duty cycles. Differences between direct drive and overdrive configurations can affect fuel efficiency, power delivery, and overall drivability.

Meritor's 14X HE axle line offers low-friction, high-efficiency gearing options designed for applications ranging from urban delivery to long-haul transport. Since gear ratios are not one-size-fits-all, they must be matched to the vehicle's application.

This is where engineering support and data analytics come into play, helping customers identify the best configuration for performance, profitability and durability.

How gearing technology has evolved over time?

Axle gearing has come a long way from one-size-fits-all setups. Today's axle gear sets are engineered with precision to deliver performance, efficiency and reliability. Meritor's high-efficiency axles, for example, are designed to reduce friction and heat at the gear mesh, delivering better fuel economy without sacrificing durability.

The Meritor 14X HE SFR 2.05 axle, when paired with the Cummins X15 engine and the Endurant automated manual transmission, is designed to deliver fuel economy gains compared to prior models. It is a powertrain engineered for maximum efficiency down to every gear tooth. These advancements enable smarter gearing choices that reduce total cost of ownership and support sustainable transportation goals.

Engineering teams at Cummins, Meritor, and Eaton Cummins work closely to develop integrated systems. These teams ensure that engines, transmissions, and axles are not only compatible but optimized to work together. This collaboration allows for smarter gearing strategies that reflect real-world conditions and customer feedback.

Today, axle gearing isn't just a component; it's a strategy. One that's driven by data, shaped by engineering, and built for the road ahead. With each innovation, Cummins is helping fleets achieve better performance, more uptime, and a lower carbon footprint.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cummins Inc on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cummins Inc

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cummins-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Cummins Inc

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/improving-vehicle-efficiency-thanks-to-axle-gearing-1075511
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Michael Kovacs, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Harvest ETFs ("Harvest" or the "Company") and his team, joined Graham MacKenzie, Managing Director, Exchange Traded Products, Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), to open the market and celebrate the launch of their eleven new Harvest High Income Shares ETFs:

Harvest Agnico Eagle Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: AEME)

Harvest BCE Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: BCEE)

Harvest Cameco Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: CCOE)

Harvest CNQ Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: CNQE)

Harvest Enbridge Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: ENBE)

Harvest Royal Bank Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: RYHE)

Harvest Shopify Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: SHPE)

Harvest Suncor Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: SUHE)

Harvest TD Bank Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: TDHE)

Harvest TELUS Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (TSX: TEHE)

Harvest Canadian High Income Shares ETF (TSX: HHIC)





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy-kJeZ3NxI

The expansion of the Harvest High Income Shares ETF suite now includes 10 Canadian companies: Shopify, Royal Bank, TD Bank, TELUS, BCE, Cameco, CNQ, Enbridge, Suncor, and Agnico Eagle. The expanded suite also includes the Harvest Canadian High Income Shares ETF (TSX: HHIC), a portfolio of TSX-listed equities that combines the benefits of income generation with exposure to Canada's best businesses across various sectors. "We are excited to provide Canadian investors the domestic exposure they want with Harvest Canadian High Income Shares," said Michael Kovacs. "A timely and valuable addition to Canada's largest and leading single stock ETF suite."

Harvest ETFs designs portfolios for investors seeking high income and growth opportunities. We built our reputation on offering ETF portfolios that seek to provide stable, predictable, and reliable income by focusing on large, value-driven businesses that are sector leaders with strong fundamentals. In 2024, we introduced the Harvest High Income Shares ETF lineup, which provides exposure to top companies with the aim to generate high monthly income while capturing potential growth through single-stock ownership.

For more information, please visit: https://harvestportfolios.com/high-income-shares/.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266982

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 18, 2025(Converge). Converge is known for its ability to bridge the gap between sound strategy and reliable execution for biopharmaceutical organizations in the areas of supply chain, manufacturing, commercial launch readiness, operational excellence, enterprise IT solutions, CMC, and Quality.

With offices located in North America, Europe, and APAC, DHCG is a fully integrated global consulting practice offering a range of strategic and operational services to biopharma markets. Expanding on DHCG's 2024 acquisition of BioTechLogic, Inc., this transaction demonstrates the Group's continuing dedication to building a comprehensive ecosystem of integrated offerings across advanced therapies.

"Adding Converge to Dark Horse Consulting Group continues to extend our ability to support clients throughout the entire product development lifecycle," said Anthony Davies, DHCG Founder and CEO. "Converge will further expand our Group's shared capabilities into clinical and commercial supply chain, commercial launch, and enterprise IT solution support, while also broadening our expertise in CMC and Quality."

"The opportunity to join DHCG is a clear win for our team and for our clients as well," said Todd Applebaum, Converge Consulting's Managing Director and Co-Founder. "We look forward to expanding our offerings for current Converge clients, building on what DHCG already provides, and introducing new services based on our combined capabilities and expertise."

Pharus served as exclusive advisor to Converge on the transaction and Foley Hoag LLP acted as counsel to the company. DHCG was represented by Fenwick & West LLP.

About Dark Horse Consulting Group

Dark Horse Consulting Group, a global company with offices in the U.S., U.K., and Singapore, was founded in 2014 with the purpose of accelerating cell and gene therapies through unmatched consulting expertise. The Group comprises three business units: DHC, BioTechLogic, and now Converge Consulting. The DHCG consulting team's unrivalled collective knowledge spans development, manufacturing, compliance, quality, regulatory, modeling, and business strategy, addressing a diverse range of client needs.

About Converge Consulting

Converge Consulting serves the Life Sciences industry with strategy, operations, and execution expertise, collaborating with biotech, pharmaceutical, and CGT companies to achieve important business objectives. Operating out of Massachusetts' Boston/Cambridge life science hub, Converge's approach focuses on bridging the gap between sound strategy and reliable execution.

Media inquiries: contactus@darkhorseconsultinggroup.com +1 (408)-326 0303 Ext. 100
TOKYO, Sept 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda, Tokyo; President and CEO: Akira Shimada; hereinafter "NTT") and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda, Tokyo; President and CEO: Eisaku Ito; hereinafter "MHI") conducted an optical wireless power transmission experiment using laser beam to wirelessly transmit energy 1 kilometer away. By irradiating laser beam with an optical power of 1 kW, we succeeded in receiving 152 W of electric power 1 kilometer away. This marks the world's highest efficiency of an optical wireless power transmission using a silicon photoelectric conversion element(*2) in an environment with strong atmospheric turbulence.This result demonstrates the feasibility of delivering power to distant sites. In the future, it is expected to be applied to on-demand power transmission to remote islands and disaster-stricken areas where power cables cannot be installed.This achievement was published in the British magazine Electronics Letters on August 5, 2025.BackgroundIn recent years, wireless power transmission technologies for devices such as smartphones, wearable devices, drones, and electric vehicles, which can supply electricity without using cables, have garnered increasing attention. There are two types of wireless power transmission systems: one uses microwaves and the other uses laser beams. Microwave wireless power transmission is already in practical use and its use is expanding. On the other hand, optical wireless power transmission using laser beam has not been put into practical use, but it is expected to realize compact long-distance wireless power transmission on the order of kilometers by taking advantage of the high directivity of laser beam (Figure 1).Future prospects envision the development of next-generation infrastructure capable of supplying power and expanding communication coverage in situations and regions where electricity or communication networks are unavailable, such as during disasters, in remote islands, mountainous areas, or at sea. This includes delivering power precisely to specific areas or moving platforms such as drones. Achieving such highly accurate and long-distance power delivery requires laser-based wireless power transmission that takes advantage of its strong directionality.Challenges of existing technologies and achievements of this experimentThe efficiency of optical wireless power transmission technology is generally low, and improvement of efficiency is an issue for practical use. One of the reasons for this is that when long-distance laser beam propagates, especially in the atmosphere, the intensity distribution becomes uneven, and the efficiency of converting laser beam into electric power in the photoelectric conversion element becomes low.In this experiment, we combined NTT's beam shaping technology with MHI's light receiving technology to improve the efficiency of laser wireless power transmission. We conducted a long-distance optical wireless power transmission experiment in an outdoor environment using long-distance flat beam shaping technology that shape the beam at the transmission side to achieve uniform beam intensity after 1 kilometer propagation, and output current leveling technology that suppresses the influence of atmospheric fluctuations with a homogenizer and leveling circuits on the receiving side.From January to February 2025, we conducted an optical wireless power transmission experiment on the runway at the Nanki-Shirahama Airport in Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture (Figure 2). A transmission booth equipped with an optical system for emitting laser beam was installed at one end of the runway, and a reception booth containing a light-receiving panel was placed 1 kilometer away.During transmission, the optical axis of the laser was set at a low height of approximately 1meter above the ground and aligned horizontally. As a result, the beam was strongly affected by ground heating and wind, and the experiment was conducted under conditions with strong atmospheric turbulence.Inside the transmission booth, a laser beam with an optical power of 1035 W was generated. Using a diffractive optical element (DOE)(*3), the beam was shaped to create a uniform intensity distribution at a distance of 1 kilometer. In addition, a beam steering mirror was used to precisely direct the shaped beam toward the receiving panel. The beam exited through the aperture of the transmission booth and propagated across 1 kilometer of open space, ultimately reaching the reception booth.During propagation, atmospheric turbulence caused fluctuations in the beam's intensity, creating hot spots. These were diffused by a homogenizer in the reception booth, resulting in a uniform beam being irradiated onto the receiving panel. The laser beam was then efficiently converted into electrical power (Figure 3). A silicon-based photoelectric conversion element was adopted for the receiving panel, taking into account both cost and availability.In this experiment, the average electrical power extracted from the receiving panel was 152 W (Figure 4), corresponding to a wireless power transmission efficiency of 15%, defined as the ratio of received electrical power to transmitted optical power. This result marks the world's highest optical wireless power transmission efficiency ever demonstrated using a silicon-based photoelectric conversion element under conditions of strong atmospheric turbulence. Furthermore, continuous power delivery was successfully maintained for 30 minutes, confirming the feasibility of long-duration power transmission using this technology.From a safety perspective, the optical transmission system and the receiving panel were each installed inside booths to prevent accidental exposure to high-power laser beams and the scattering of reflected light.Technical highlights1. Long-distance flat beam shaping technologyTo improve photoelectric conversion efficiency, it is necessary to make the intensity distribution of the beam incident on the photoelectric conversion element uniform.In this study, we proposed a beam shaping method that enables intensity uniformity after long-distance propagation. In this approach, the outer part of the beam is transformed into a ring-shaped pattern using the effect of an axicon lens(*4). The central part of the beam is phase-modulated to expand through the effect of a concave lens. As the beam propagates, the ring-shaped beam and the expanded central beam gradually overlap, resulting in a uniform intensity distribution at the target location, as shown in Figure 5.For the experiment, we optimized the beam design to achieve the desired intensity profile at a distance of 1 kilometer. The beam shaping was implemented using a diffractive optical element, which improved the uniformity of the beam intensity at the target position located 1 kilometer away.2. Output current leveling technologyAs the laser beam propagates through the atmosphere, it is affected by atmospheric turbulence, which disturbs the intensity distribution. Although the flat-beam shaping technique described above can uniform the intensity distribution, strong turbulence can still cause the formation of high-intensity spots, as shown in Figure 6.To address this issue, we placed a beam homogenizer in front of the light-receiving panel. The homogenizer diffuses high-intensity spots so that the beam is uniformly irradiated onto the panel. In addition, leveling circuits were connected to each photoelectric conversion element on the receiving panel. These circuits help suppress fluctuations in output current caused by atmospheric turbulence and contribute to stabilizing the overall power output.These two technologies make it possible to achieve beam uniformity in kilometer-order transmission, which was difficult with conventional beam shaping methods, and to stabilize output in outdoor environments. As a result, stable power supply to remote locations such as isolated islands and disaster-affected areas is expected to become feasible.Role of each companyNTT: Design and implementation of transmission optics such as beam shaping techniques MHI: Design and implementation of photodetector optics such as photodetector panels, homogenizers, and leveling circuitsFuture developmentsThis technology enables the efficient and stable transmission of energy over long distances even under atmospheric turbulence. In this experiment, silicon was used as the photovoltaic conversion element. However, by employing photovoltaic devices specifically designed to match the wavelength of the laser light, even higher power transfer efficiency can be expected. In addition, the use of laser light sources with higher output power would make it possible to supply larger amounts of electricity.As a result, flexible and rapid power delivery can be achieved in remote areas such as disaster-stricken regions and remote islands, where the installation of power cables has traditionally been difficult. Beyond terrestrial applications, a wide range of new use cases can also be envisioned based on this technology (Figure 7). Notably, the high directivity and low divergence of laser beams allow for the design of compact and lightweight receiving devices. This is a major advantage for mobile platforms that face strict limitations in weight and payload capacity.For example, by combining this technology with beam steering techniques, it becomes possible to deliver power wirelessly to drones in flight. This avoids operational constraints such as landing for battery replacement or the use of tethered power supply cables, enabling long-duration and long-distance continuous operation. Such capabilities can enhance disaster-area monitoring as well as wide-area communication relay in mountainous or maritime regions, applications that were previously difficult to realize.In addition, potential applications in space are anticipated, including power delivery to mobile platforms such as HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station)(Note5), which falls within the scope of NTT's space brand, NTT C89(*6). Looking further ahead, the technology could be applied to power space data centers and lunar rovers, as well as to space solar power systems in which electricity is transmitted from geostationary satellites to the ground via laser. These applications represent areas with strong potential for market expansion.Through the collaboration between NTT and MHI, we have realized the world's most efficient laser wireless power transfer technology under conditions strongly affected by atmospheric fluctuations. This achievement represents a significant step toward building an innovative technological foundation that can meet a wide range of societal needs, from disaster response to space development.(*1) Efficiency:The ratio of the electrical power extracted by the receiving panel to the optical power emitted by the laser.(*2) Photoelectric conversion element:A semiconductor device that converts light into electricity. Semiconductors generate electromotive force when light is shone on them due to the photoelectric effect. Adjusting the semiconductor composition allows control of the bandgap, which determines the wavelengths of light that can be efficiently used for power generation. Solar cells are also a type of photovoltaic cell. A photoelectric conversion panel is formed by connecting multiple of these cells.(*3) Diffractive optical element:An optical element that can control the intensity and phase of a beam by using the diffraction phenomenon of light by performing fine processing on a surface of the wavelength of light.(*4) Axicon lens:A conical lens capable of producing a Bessel beam, a ring-shaped beam or a non-diffracting beam.(*5) HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station):Unmanned aerial vehicle operated in the stratosphere. It is expected to serve as a base station for applications such as communications and related infrastructure.(*6) NTT C89:The brand name of the space business that NTT Group companies are engaged in. We will contribute to the development of the space industry by encouraging business expansion and further market development in the space business field.https://group.ntt/en/aerospace/https://group.ntt/en/magazine/blog/ntt_c89/About NTTNTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $90B in revenue and 340,000 employees, with $3B in annual R and D investments. Our operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients and millions of consumers.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.comSource: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
TOKYO, Sept 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has recently been awarded a contract from Japan's National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) to manufacture 20 units of outer vertical targets, which are critical components of divertors, for ITER(*1,*2), the experimental fusion reactor currently under construction in southern France.There are plans to install 58 divertors in ITER, and Japan is scheduled to manufacture all 58 outer vertical targets accordingly. Of the total 58 outer vertical targets, MHI has secured orders to handle the initial production batch of 6 units (Units 1-6) and the second production batch of 12 units (Units 7-18). Having now secured an order for a third batch of 20 units, MHI will proceed to handle the manufacturing of all 38 units ordered.This acknowledgement results from the advanced manufacturing and mass production technologies MHI has cultivated through developing the prototype completed in 2024 and the ongoing manufacturing of the actual units. With the remaining 20 units in the pipeline, the company remains committed to advancing the ITER project.The divertor is one of the most core components in the fusion reactor used in the tokamak. It plays a vital role in stabilizing plasma confinement by expelling unburned fuel elements such as helium (He) and impurities generated within the core plasma during fusion reactions.The heat load in the divertor reaches up to 20 MW/m2. This is equivalent to the surface thermal load on an asteroid probe upon re-entering the atmosphere and is approximately 30 times the surface thermal load on the space shuttle. The structural design means the outer vertical target facing the plasma is used in a severe environment exposed to thermal loads and particle loads from the plasma. Consequently, its structure features a highly complex shape, requiring leading edge manufacturing and machining technologies.MHI was previously awarded a contract from QST for the manufacture of five (of a total of 19) toroidal field (TF) coils, another core component of ITER, and all five units were shipped(*3) by 2023. The company will continue working on the manufacture of subsequent major components such as divertors and horizontal launchers (*4). Furthermore, MHI will actively support the design and development of the prototype nuclear fusion reactor planned for construction following the ITER project, thereby contributing to the realization of fusion energy.(*1) Fusion is the energy source that enables the sun to keep shining. The ultimate goal is achieving fusion on Earth. Fusion reactions fuse light atomic nuclei (deuterium and tritium) in a plasma environment into the heavier element of helium. Fusion reactions emit zero carbon dioxide, and their source of fuel can be extracted from seawater in virtually unlimited quantities (lithium from which tritium is derived, and deuterium). Fusion energy is expected to provide fundamental solutions to many of the world's energy and environmental problems.(*2) The ITER Project is an international megaproject to demonstrate, both scientifically and technologically, the feasibility of fusion energy. Seven participating parties (Japan, the EU, the U.S., Russia, South Korea, China, and India) are constructing ITER in Saint-Paul-les-Durance, France, with a target for full-fledged operational startup of nuclear fusion combustion by 2035. QST, as the ITER Japan domestic agency for the ITER Project designated by Japanese government, is in charge of procuring these components.(*3) For details on the TF coils for the ITER that QST ordered from MHI, see the following press release.https://www.mhi.com/news/210524.html(*4) This is equipment that heats plasma by introducing high-frequency waves.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.comSource: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Cloud-based Workflow Automation Solution Adds Powerful Enhancements

MISSISSAUGA, ON / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd. (Konica Minolta) today announced upgrades to its cloud-based workflow automation solution, Dispatcher Stratus. Since the product's launch early last year, Konica Minolta's Solutions Engineering Center has built on the initial security strategy to provide a more comprehensive security, print and scan solution that better meets the needs of more customers.

In addition to performance updates, new people-based workflows and document automation features, Dispatcher Stratus is now even more tightly aligned into Konica Minolta's layered security strategy, providing additional features and functions to empower customers to secure their devices, workflows and documents.

Upgraded security features include:

bizhub Secure Dashboard : Seamless integration with the bizhub SECURE notifier app to level up MFP security, with central management and visibility

MFP and Web Portal Authentication : Enhanced security, usability and compliance with integrated authentication, additional Identity provider support and card authentication

Release2Me secure cloud print: Improved operational and document security with Release2Me's secure cloud print, with personalize/shared/guest/etc. queues, delegation and much more

Dispatcher Stratus' powerful new enhancements also include eSignature functionality and intelligent, dynamic eForms that adapt in real time based on user input. These upgrades are designed to simplify data collection and deliver a seamless, intuitive user experience across organizations. Built on a true-cloud infrastructure, Dispatcher Stratus is also designed to help organizations transitioning from traditional on-premises systems. Its architecture supports the demands of hybrid workplaces, delivering greater flexibility, seamless collaboration and efficient resource management. Scalable across industries, Dispatcher Stratus serves small and mid-sized businesses as well as global enterprise-level organizations, delivering tailored solutions that grow with a business.

"The future is very bright for Konica Minolta and the industry as a whole," said Manuel Couceiro, Vice President, Solutions Engineering Center, Konica Minolta. "Dispatcher Stratus helps users say goodbye to manual operations and document handling, so they can focus on growth and customer interaction. And these new security centric features double down on the solution's goals of security and efficiency. By fully automating key business processes, Dispatcher Stratus helps every level - from individual users, to departments, to the entire global organization - get more done with less effort, lower costs, more efficiency and now even more secure."

As Konica Minolta's premier scan capture, document processing automation and human-in-the-loop workflow solution, Dispatcher Stratus licenses now include Authentication and the bizhub SECURE Notifier Dashboard. Dispatcher Stratus delivers core functionality through a single, multi-tenant cloud platform, bringing advanced value and seamless integration to Konica Minolta's MFPs. The solution was recently recognized with a BLI 2025 Pick Award from Keypoint Intelligence.

Learn more on Konica Minolta's website.

Listen in as Manual Couceiro discusses how Dispatcher Stratus can benefit today's mixed paper-and-digital organizations through workflow processing and automation features in a recent interview with Keypoint Intelligence.

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta's journey started more than 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company partners with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. 2025 marks Konica Minolta's 20th anniversary in production print, for which it celebrates "20 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Impact," and continues to lead the way in digital commercial printing. This year also commemorates 20 years of Konica Minolta's bizhub brand. Over the past two decades, the bizhub series has revolutionized office technology and redefined how businesses operate. It has continuously evolved to meet the needs of modern workplaces, fueled by advances in technology and a commitment to innovation. Konica Minolta is proud to be included on CRN's MSP 500 list numerous times; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for eighteen consecutive years and presented with Keypoint Intelligence's BLI 2025 and 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Colour Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow its accounts on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, X (@KonicaMinoltaCA), and Instagram!

Contact Information

Konica Minolta Media Relations - Canada

Marketing Department, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd.

info@bt.konicaminolta.ca

SOURCE: Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/konica-minoltas-dispatcher-stratus-deepens-integration-with-comp-1075528
Regulatory News:

Mauna Kea Technologies (Euronext Growth: ALMKT) and Endotherapeutics, today announced that Cellvizio system has been included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). This listing, secured by the Company's Australian sponsor and exclusive distributor, Endotherapeutics Pty Ltd, enables the commercial launch of Cellvizio in Australia. Mauna Kea has already secured its first two system orders in Australia for use in its new CellTolerance1 indication for food intolerances.

This successful reopening of the Australian market was spearheaded by the commercial team led by Benoit Chardon. The company has also recently strengthened its ties with this experienced team to expand its global reach into other key geographies, including Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, creating a model for new market opportunities.

"We are excited to pave the way for large commercial expansion of the Cellvizio platform in Australia." said Adam Srejber, CEO of Endotherapeutics Pty Ltd. "We are convinced that this technology can be widely adopted by a wide range of institutions here, and we are already in advanced discussions with a number of interested parties."

Sacha Loiseau, Chairman and CEO of Mauna Kea Technologies, commented: "We are very proud to open this new market, which is full of opportunity driven by our new indication for food intolerances. In just six months, we have managed to sign an exclusive strategic agreement with a very relevant and active distributor in Australia, and secure the first sales. This is an ideal model that we intend to replicate very quickly in other high-potential territories such as Turkey, Brazil, and the UAE, where we have held regulatory clearances and commercial activity in the past, and where the market potential for Cellvizio and CellTolerance is particularly significant."

About Endotherapeutics Pty Ltd

Endotherapeutics is a leading Australian medical technologies company and has for over 25 years, been committed to the introduction and support of innovative medical technologies to improve healthcare in Australia and New Zealand. To find out more, visit www.endotx.com.au.

About Mauna Kea Technologies

Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company that manufactures and sells Cellvizio, the real-time in vivo cellular imaging platform. This technology uniquely delivers in vivo cellular visualization which enables physicians to monitor the progression of disease over time, assess point-in-time reactions as they happen in real time, classify indeterminate areas of concern, and guide surgical interventions. The Cellvizio platform is used globally across a wide range of medical specialties and is making a transformative change in the way physicians diagnose and treat patients. For more information, visit www.maunakeatech.com.

Disclaimer

This press release and the safeguard plan contains forward-looking statements about Mauna Kea Technologies, its business and the progress of the safeguard proceedings initiated for the benefit of the Company. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release and the safeguard plan, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Mauna Kea Technologies' financial condition, business, strategies, plans and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. Mauna Kea Technologies believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, no assurance can be given that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in Chapter 2 of Mauna Kea Technologies' 2024 Annual Report filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on April 30, 2025, which is available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.fr), as well as the risks associated with changes in economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release and the safeguard plan are also subject to risks that are unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not currently consider material. The occurrence of some or all of these risks could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Mauna Kea Technologies to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe for, shares of Mauna Kea Technologies in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release may be restricted in certain jurisdictions by local law. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to comply with all local regulations applicable to this document.

1 See www.cell-tolerance.com for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918090414/en/

Contacts:

Mauna Kea Technologies

investors@maunakeatech.com

NewCap Investor Relations

Aurelie Manavarere Thomas Grojean

+33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

maunakea@newcap.eu
TOKYO, Sept 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hearafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced today that it has increased its equity stake in FleetPartners Group Limited (hereafter, FleetPartners), a leading automotive financial services company in Australia and New Zealand, to 19.93% as of September 17.In June last year, Mitsubishi Motors acquired 5.01% of FleetPartners' total issued shares. With the aim to continue to strengthen the strategic relationship between the organisations and expand operations in Australia and New Zealand, Mitsubishi Motors has increased its investment to 19.93%. As part of the acquisition of the shares, Mitsubishi Motors represented to shareholders it has no current intention to acquire control or make a takeover offer for FleetPartners.FleetPartners Group Limited is a leading provider of vehicle leasing, fleet management, novated leasing, operating across Australia and New Zealand with decades of experience.Tatsuo Nakamura, Executive Vice President (responsible for Sales) of Mitsubishi Motors said, "Australia and New Zealand are core markets for Mitsubishi Motors, and our strengthened relationship with FleetPartners reflects our continued investment and strategic commitment to these regions. We look forward to continuing to work with FleetPartners to collectively grow our businesses"[About FleetPartners Group]Company Name: FleetPartners Group LimitedAddress: Sydney, New South Wales, AustraliaChair/CEO: Chair of the Board, Gail Pemberton Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Damien BerrellEstablishment: 1987Outlet: Providing fleet management services mainly to corporate customers in Australia and New Zealand.URL: https://www.fleetpartners.com.auAbout Mitsubishi MotorsMitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) - a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan - is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 28,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan and the ASEAN region. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification - launched the i-MiEV, the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV, the world's first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. With a target of increasing the sales ratio of electrified vehicles to 100% by 2035, Mitsubishi Motors will deliver models that embody Mitsubishi Motors-ness and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company's website at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/Source: Mitsubishi MotorsCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Permitting Marks Key Milestone in Securing a Strategic U.S. Supply of Tungsten and Gold

RANDSBURG, CA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / SB&N Mining Properties LLC (B&N) has engaged EnviroMINE, Inc. (EnviroMINE) to manage permitting for its Atolia Tungsten Project in southeastern California, which contains 33.8 million pounds of tungsten trioxide (WO3) and 104,000 ounces of gold in two placer deposits.

Figure 1: B&N Property Holdings in the Rand Mining District - BOYD 2025



The project benefits from vested mining rights (VRD) on patented claims, which allow mining and processing of tungsten- and gold-bearing alluvium. This first phase of permitting covers patented claims, with potential expansion onto adjoining unpatented claims.

Permitting

EnviroMINE will prepare the required Reclamation Plan and work with county and state regulators. With vested rights in place, land-use permitting is not required, reducing review to reclamation issues only. Permit approval is expected within 12-24 months.

EnviroMINE has previously led environmental work for B&N's Kelly Southwest, Black Hawk, and Kelly North drilling programs and maintains strong working relationships with regulatory agencies.

"The Atolia Tungsten Project's vested rights give it a unique advantage," said Travis Jokerst, Vice President of EnviroMINE. "Our role is to move permitting forward so the project can rapidly transition from planning to production."

Tungsten Market

Tungsten's exceptional hardness, density, and high melting point make it essential for aerospace, defense, energy, and medical applications. Uses include cutting tools, drills, lighting, X-ray tubes, electrical contacts, heating elements, armor-piercing ammunition, surgical instruments, and aerospace components.

The U.S. currently has no primary tungsten production; nearly all supply is imported, largely from China. Recent Chinese export restrictions have tightened supply and increased prices, spurring U.S. initiatives to develop domestic sources.

The Atolia district is the fourth-largest historic tungsten producer in the U.S., with 23.9 million pounds WO3 produced - 98% from what is now B&N property. Significant placer resources remain, positioning Atolia as a strategic domestic source.

Atolia Tungsten Project

The project consists of two tungsten- and gold-bearing placers:

Black Hawk Placer - Discovered in the 1950s, hosting 16.4 million pounds WO3 (scheelite) and 88,000 oz gold. Formed by erosion of tungsten-6 and gold-bearing veins from the Stringer Mining District.

Spud Patch Placer - Discovered in 1904 and mined during WWI and WWII, with 17.4 million pounds WO3 and 16,000 oz gold. Named for large "potato-sized" scheelite chunks historically recovered.

Mining & Processing

Initial mining will begin at Black Hawk following permit approval, expected as early as one year. Conventional open-pit methods will be used, requiring no blasting. Placer material will be excavated, processed through a portable wash plant, and concentrated for scheelite recovery, with gold recovered onsite as a byproduct. Dewatered tailings will be placed back into mined pits. Once mining is completed at Black Hawk, the wash plant will be moved to Spud Patch to repeat the process.

Exploration & Expansion

B&N is also advancing exploration across the Atolia district to expand resources, including:

Drilling at the historic Union and Amity mines.

District-wide soil sampling.

Drilling of tungsten and gold anomalies identified by sampling.

This work targets extensions of known high-grade veins and potential undiscovered lode and placer resources.

"Advancing the Atolia Tungsten Project will strengthen U.S. tungsten self-sufficiency," said Sam Shoemaker, Project Manager with the John T. Boyd Company. "The placer deposits are low cost to develop, easily processed, and environmentally clean."

"The start of permitting underscores B&N's commitment to redeveloping the Rand Mining District and supplying critical minerals," said Robert Binkele, Managing Member of B&N. "We intend to become the largest tungsten producer in the United States."

Qualified Person

Sam Shoemaker, MMSA, SME Registered Member, of the John T. Boyd Company, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release in accordance with NI 43-101.

About B&N Mining Properties LLC

B&N is revitalizing the historic Rand Mining District, advancing projects in gold, silver, and tungsten.

The company has reported:

Atolia Tungsten Project - 33.8 million pounds WO3 and 104,000 oz gold

Kelly Southwest - 306,000 oz gold

Recent 22,000-foot drill program at Black Hawk and Kelly North, with assays pending for updated resource estimates.

B&N also controls the Kelly Mine (20 million oz historic silver production), several historic gold mines with 300,000 oz combined production, and holdings at Cerro Gordo, Skidoo, Wild Rose, Silver Mountain, and Lake Isabella.

SOURCE: B&N Mining, Inc.

Related Images

Figure 2: Atolia Tungsten Project Placer Deposits - BOYD 2025



View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/bandn-mining-properties-llc-begins-production-permitting-for-33.-1074362
SAN ANTONIO, TX / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / CMG Home Loans, the retail division of well-capitalized privately held mortgage lender, CMG Financial, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sales Manager, Scott Cummins (NMLS# 208602). With over two decades of mortgage industry experience and a proven track record of leadership and client service, Cummins will play a key role in expanding CMG's presence across Texas.

Cummins began his career in the mortgage industry in 2003 after a successful tenure in area management within the automotive industry. He first served as a Senior Loan Officer with CTX Mortgage before advancing into sales management at GMAC Mortgage, where he oversaw the San Antonio branch. Most recently, he spent 17 years at Cornerstone Home Lending as Production Manager in their Financial Services Division, where he focused on market development, product growth, and building high-performing teams. Joining him in this move are team members Stephanie Sills and Adam Chambers, both licensed Loan Officers/Production Assistants who will continue supporting clients alongside him.

Over the course of his career, Cummins has been recognized with numerous industry accolades, including listings in Scotsman Guide, Five Star Professional, and being named TDHCA Lender of the Quarter in West Texas. His success is driven by his philosophy of treating every client like family and every partnership as a long-term relationship.

"We are truly excited about the move to CMG Home Loans," said Cummins. "By combining our team's commitment to 'Unreasonable Hospitality' (inspired by Will Guidara's philosophy) and CMG's award-winning software, client-focused leadership, and innovative loan programs, we are well positioned for growth in this next chapter."

"Scott and I have worked together in the past," added Cathy Hickey, Branch Manager. "I've seen firsthand how much he cares about his customers and partners. Everyone who works with him loves his dedication and the exceptional level of service he provides."

"Scott brings an incredible reputation for integrity, leadership, and client-first service that perfectly aligns with our culture," said Jesse Moore, Area Sales Manager. "His experience and dedication to building lifelong relationships make him a tremendous asset to our team and the clients we serve."

About CMG

CMG Mortgage, Inc. (NMLS #1820) is a well-capitalized mortgage lender founded in 1993. Founder and CEO, Christopher M. George, was Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association in 2019. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels including retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. CMG is widely known through the mortgage lender and housing markets for responsible lending practices, industry and consumer advocacy, product innovation, and operational efficiency.

Contact Information

Annaugh Madsen

Senior Copywriter

amadsen@cmgfi.com

(667) 260-6360

Alina Lundholm

Junior Copywriter

alundholm@cmgfi.com

(847) 380-1954





SOURCE: CMG Financial

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/cmg-home-loans-announces-new-hire-of-scott-cummins-sales-manager-1075545
Ad-hoc announcement pursuant to Article 53 of the SIX listing rules

Kuros statement on media inquiry concerning former Board member

Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland, September 18, 2025 - Kuros Biosciences ("Kuros" or the "Company") a leader in next generation bone healing technologies, has become aware of a possible imminent publication in a Dutch financial media outlet regarding the recent resignation of Albert Arp, a former member of the company's Board of Directors. Kuros has received inquiries from the media outlet regarding an allegation that Albert Arp resigned due to an illicit sharing of price-sensitive information with a third party unrelated to the corporate bodies of Kuros. Kuros is currently conducting an internal investigation regarding this allegation. We would like to clarify that this matter relates to the individual in his personal capacity and that it has no impact on the company's strategic direction, financial results or operational activities.

For further information, please contact:

Kuros Biosciences AG

Alexandre Muller Daniel Geiger Investor Relations Chief Financial Officer Tel +41 43 268 32 31 Tel +41 44 733 47 41 IR@kurosbio.com (mailto:IR@kurosbio.com) daniel.geiger@kurosbio.com (mailto:daniel.geiger@kurosbio.com)

About MagnetOs

Growing bone with MagnetOsTM gives surgeons confidence where it matters most - delivering predictable fusion outcomes.1 In a Level I human clinical study published in Spine, MagnetOs achieved nearly twice the fusion rate (79% vs. 47%) of autograft in posterolateral fusions (PLFs).1 Among active smokers - who made up 1 in 5 patients - the fusion difference between MagnetOs and autograft was even more dramatic.*1,2 MagnetOs grows bone on its own thanks to NeedleGripTM - a proprietary submicron surface technology that harnesses the immune system to stimulate bone growth, without added cells or growth factors.3-8 Ready-to-use, easy to mold, and reliably staying put9, MagnetOs carries no intrinsic risk of human tissue-related disease transmission and is FDA cleared for use throughout the spine, including interbody procedures.5-8

Indications Statement

Please refer to the instructions for use for your local region for a full list of indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

About Kuros Biosciences

Kuros Biosciences is on a mission to discover, develop and deliver innovative biologic technologies. With locations in the United States, Switzerland and the Netherlands, the company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The company's first commercial product, MagnetOsTM, is a unique advanced bone graft that has already been used across four continents. For more information on the company, its products and pipeline, visit kurosbio.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This media release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You are urged to consider statements that include the words "will" or "expect" or the negative of those words or other similar words to be uncertain and forward-looking. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements include scientific, business, economic and financial factors. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no responsibility for updating forward-looking statements or adapting them to future events or developments.

* 19 of initial 100 patients were active smokers.

 Radiographic fusion data of the smoker subgroup were not statistically analyzed as a subgroup and were not included in the peer-reviewed publication of the study.2

 Results from in vitro or in vivo laboratory testing may not be predictive of clinical experience in humans. For important safety and intended use information please visit kurosbio.com.

 MagnetOs is not cleared by the FDA or TGA as an osteoinductive bone graft.

 MagnetOs must also be used with an intervertebral body fusion device cleared by FDA for use with a bone void filler. MagnetOs Flex Matrix must be hydrated with BMA & mixed with autograft in posterolateral spine & intervertebral disc space. MagnetOs Granules must be hydrated with blood in the intervertebral disc space.

Stempels, et al. Spine. 2024;49(19):1323-1331. van Dijk, LA. 24th SGS Annual Meeting (Swiss Society of Spinal Surgery). Basel, Switzerland. Aug 2024. van Dijk, et al. eCM. 2021;41:756-73. van Dijk, et al. J Immunol Regen Med. 2023;19:100070. Instructions for Use (IFU) MagnetOs Granules. Instructions for Use (IFU) MagnetOs Putty. Instructions for Use (IFU) MagnetOs Easypack Putty. Instructions for Use (IFU) MagnetOs Flex Matrix. Data on file. MagnetOs Putty and MagnetOs Easypack Putty.





Attachment
IBYC, based in Richmond, BC, is a next-generation digital health company developing AI-powered telemedicine and wearable solutions to improve access to care anytime, anywhere. The company focuses on mobile health monitoring, senior and multilingual populations, and caregiver support through secure, real-time biometric data analysis and AI insights. Founded by entrepreneurs with 20+ years of China-Canada experience, IBYC integrates technology, compliance, and cross-border resources to build scalable, culturally competent healthcare platforms.

Addressing care gaps as 700,000 BC residents lack family doctors and seniors are set to grow 68% over the next two decades

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / IBYC AI Healthcare Inc. ("IBYC") today announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Makeer Intelligence (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. ("Makeer") to co-create a new generation of AI-powered health wearables that are designed in Canada and assembled in China. In parallel, IBYC is launching a Canada-focused home health-monitoring pilot for multilingual seniors (55+) and family caregivers, as Canada approaches "super-aged" status with nearly one-quarter of the population over 65 by 2030.

AI digital health mornitor

AI digital health mornitor product sample.

Market context. Canada faces a shortage of family physicians, with British Columbia alone having roughly 700,000 residents without a family doctor. Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic, accelerating demand for practical, at-home monitoring in a market projected to reach billions by 2033.

Target demographics. IBYC addresses access barriers for Asian seniors, who form a large share of BC's visible-minority population. Studies show cultural and language factors frequently impede access for older Chinese immigrants. During the pandemic, more than seven in ten seniors aged 65-74 used virtual care, indicating strong openness to digital health.

Technology and partnership. IBYC's first-generation device integrates an edge AI chip with sensors for heart rate, HRV, oxygen saturation, sleep, and activity/mobility monitoring. The companion service operates within Canada's privacy framework, offering multilingual experiences tailored for Chinese and South Asian seniors and their families. The BC pilot will evaluate usability, alert responsiveness, and caregiver workload reduction with community clinics and family-physician groups.

Under the partnership, Makeer provides end-to-end manufacturing from prototyping through mass production, while IBYC retains all software, AI algorithms, industrial design, and firmware IP.

Personal health information (PHI) is end-to-end encrypted from device to IBYC's secure cloud, and Makeer is contractually prohibited from accessing, storing, or processing PHI, ensuring compliance with PIPEDA and provincial privacy laws.

Leadership perspective. "With a growing share of primary-care teams using remote monitoring for chronic conditions, we are building on proven adoption," said Iris Wang, Founder and CEO of IBYC. "By combining Canadian AI with Shenzhen's manufacturing expertise, we can deliver culturally competent solutions at scale while maintaining strict privacy controls."

Regulatory positioning. IBYC's current configuration operates as general-wellness, non-medical device technology. Any regulated features will be introduced only after Health Canada authorization, including for machine-learning-enabled functions. Data handling follows PIPEDA with explicit consent for any cross-border coordination.

Availability and scale. The pilot launches this fall in British Columbia with 500 units for usability testing, targeting scale-up based on outcomes. Organizations interested in partnerships can contact info@ibychealth.com for collaboration opportunities.

Contact Information

Iris Wang

CEO

info@dmcompanions.com

778-251-8766

SOURCE: IBYC AI Healthcare

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/ibyc-selects-makeer-intelligence-as-exclusive-hardware-partner-and-la-1073051
EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Adtran Holdings, Inc. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Adtran Holdings, Inc.: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution 18.09.2025 / 18:44 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, a leading personal injury law firm in New York City, is proud to highlight its history of securing outstanding results on behalf of accident victims. Under the leadership of founder and senior partner Craig D. Rosenbaum , the firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for individuals injured due to negligence.

NYC personal injury lawyer

Craig D Rosenbaum, NYC personal injury lawyer

Known for tackling complex and high-stakes litigation, Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers has built a reputation for successfully handling some of the most challenging cases in New York courts.

Craig and his team have represented thousands of clients in a wide range of personal injury matters, including cases involving motor vehicle accidents, construction site injuries, medical malpractice, premises liability, workplace accidents, product liability, and wrongful death.

Craig Rosenbaum, who has been practicing law for more than 25 years, has led the firm to become recognized for its aggressive, client-focused advocacy. He has been honored by organizations such as Super Lawyers, America's Top 100 Attorneys, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Together with his dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, Craig continues to fight for justice for injury victims across all five boroughs and surrounding counties. The firm serves clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and nearby counties, including Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, and Suffolk.

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers offers free consultations and represents clients on a contingency fee basis. For more information about the firm or to schedule an appointment with an experienced NYC personal injury attorney, click here .

Media Contact

Company Name: Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers

Address: 100 Wall Street, 24th Floor

City: New York, NY

State: New York

Zip: 10005

Country: United States

Phone Number: (212) 514-5007

Website: https://www.rosenbaumnylaw.com/about-us/

SOURCE: Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/rosenbaum-personal-injury-lawyers-highlights-track-record-of-suc-1074982
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Parvis Invest Inc. (TSXV: PVIS) ("Parvis" or "the Company"), a technology-driven private investment platform connecting investors with institutional-quality real estate and alternative opportunities, today announced a major step in its growth strategy beyond Canada's borders with the addition of new international offerings to its marketplace and ability to raise capital internationally.

International Offerings

Building on a record year of issuer partnerships in Canada, Parvis is extending its reach to select markets abroad. The expansion broadens access to high-quality real estate and alternative investments for investors seeking geographic diversification. New to the Parvis portfolio is TAS Hotel Group, a diversified hospitality and wellness brand developing destination stays in Panama and Costa Rica. TAS's projects integrate sustainable design with experiential travel, targeting the rapidly growing ecotourism and wellness segments in two of Central America's most dynamic tourism markets.

Also joining the roster is MANA88 by Bacalar, a mixed-use beachfront development in Mexico that includes residential, hospitality, and retail components. Spanning more than 50 hectares in the Riviera Maya, the community plans 488 sustainable homesites and 80+ amenities aimed at premium vacation living and investment demand.

"These additions open the door for our investors to participate in high-growth real estate and alternative investment opportunities outside Canada, while benefiting from the same diligence, transparency, and investor protections they expect from Parvis," said David Michaud, CEO of Parvis. "We see cross-border diversification as an increasingly important strategy for building resilient portfolios."

With more than 50 active offerings across residential, commercial, development, and alternatives, Parvis provides a regulated, transparent way to access, evaluate, and transact in private real estate and alternatives. Its footprint is now growing globally.

U.S. market access for institutions

Parvis is also expanding into the U.S. by offering qualified and institutional investors access to private investment opportunities under the SEC's Rule 15a-6 chaperoning exemption. This allows Parvis to extend its model beyond Canada while maintaining full regulatory compliance.

Access to U.S. institutional capital strengthens Parvis's Canadian pipeline by enabling larger transaction sizes, improving reliability of capital raises, and supporting faster growth for portfolio companies through a deeper investor base.

"This creates a powerful cycle for our Canadian portfolio," said Michaud. "By tapping deeper U.S. capital markets, we make domestic opportunities more competitive and better funded, and help Canadian companies scale more quickly."

To learn more about Parvis' cross-border investment offerings or explore how international assets can enhance your private market portfolio, visit www.parvisinvest.com.

About the Company

Parvis is a technology-driven investment platform dedicated to democratizing access to institutional-quality opportunities. Utilizing AI and blockchain technology, Parvis streamlines the investment process, making it more accessible and efficient. Headquartered in Vancouver, Parvis operates with experts in Toronto, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Montreal. For more information, visit www.parvisinvest.com and SEDAR+.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer's business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature, and includes future-oriented financial information about the issuer's prospective financial performance or financial position. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: execution and integration of the investment offerings; and the Company's business plans and role in the investment industry. To develop the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company made certain material assumptions, including but not limited to: prevailing market conditions; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and the ability of the Company to execute and achieve its business objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: adverse market conditions; changes in general economic, business and political conditions; changes in applicable laws and regulations; compliance with extensive government regulation; reliance on key and qualified personnel; risks associated with the real estate, investment, and technology industries in general. The foregoing list of material risk factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this news release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation.

This news release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267011

SOURCE: Parvis Invest Inc.
Collaboration unites world-class sustainability intelligence with leading data management technology.

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Novata, the private markets' sustainability management partner, announced the expansion of its collaboration with S&P Global Sustainable1. S&P Global Sustainable1 and Novata have partnered to make sustainability management more accessible and effective for corporates and investors, with Novata serving as the technology platform supporting clients' sustainability data needs.

Through this expanded relationship, corporates and investors can leverage S&P Global's sustainability expertise together with Novata's technology platform to manage sustainability data and reporting across three critical areas:

Carbon: Calculate and manage Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions with Novata's Carbon Navigator, supported by S&P Global Sustainable1's expertise and the Trucost Carbon Dataset.

Regulatory: Confidently prepare for disclosure by capturing audit-ready data on Novata's platform, informed by S&P Global Sustainable1's sustainability reporting services.

Benchmarking: Measure and benchmark sustainability performance against S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) framework while streamlining collection and reporting on Novata's platform.

"This expansion builds on the strength of our partnership with S&P and our shared commitment to advancing sustainability in private markets," said Alex Friedman, CEO & Co-Founder of Novata. "With S&P Global's unmatched sustainability intelligence and our market-leading platform, we are equipping organizations of every size to act decisively on sustainability as a driver of resilience and value creation."

Novata's tools simplify sustainability data management and carbon accounting, while S&P Global Sustainable1 delivers essential sustainability intelligence through its globally recognized methodologies and deep industry insights. Together, they equip companies with the insights needed to manage climate risks, uncover opportunities, and build long-term resilience.

"S&P Global Sustainable1 is committed to providing essential sustainability intelligence that meets clients where they are," said Leanne Todd, Head of Energy Transition, Sustainability & Services, S&P Global Commodity Insights. "The expansion of our collaboration with Novata will allow more organizations to access the tools that they need to manage risk, uncover opportunities and report with confidence."

To learn more about the collaboration, visit Novata's website and follow Novata on LinkedIn to keep up with the company's latest news and insights.

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) is part of the consortium of organizations that supported Novata upon its launch in 2021.

About Novata

Novata is the private markets' sustainability management partner. We empower hundreds of investment firms and over 10,000 companies to achieve their sustainability goals with our trusted data management platform and advisory practice-because it's good for business and it's good for the planet. Learn more at www.novata.com.

Contacts

Katie Stueber

press@novata.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Novata on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Novata

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/novata

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Novata

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/novata-and-sandp-global-sustainable1-expand-collaboration-to-tran-1075663
New $100,000 Funding Commitment Will Expand Better Moves Project, Helping More Consumers Save on Moving Costs While Uncovering Deeper Insights Into the Moving Industry

ATHENS, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / moveBuddha, the leading platform for transparent moving company data and reviews, today announced a major expansion of its Better Moves Project, backed by a $100,000 funding commitment. The initiative will provide more grants to help consumers with their moving costs while expanding the company's efforts to improve transparency in the moving industry.

moveBuddha Better Moves Project Funding



Since its founding in 2015, moveBuddha has built the largest and most accurate database of moving companies in the United States, pulling from more than 25 sources, including government databases, online reviews, and industry surveys. Today, the database includes nearly 4,500 moving companies and over a million verified reviews, refreshed monthly to ensure accuracy.

Every year, more than 400,000 people use moveBuddha to research, compare, and book moving companies, making it one of the most trusted resources for people planning a move.

Despite this robust dataset and strong consumer adoption, moveBuddha recognized a persistent challenge: online reviews alone fail to paint a complete picture of a moving company's quality. Reviews tend to be skewed toward negative experiences, while positive experiences often go unreported. As a result, many companies' reputations hinge more on their ability to solicit reviews than on their actual performance.

The Better Moves Project was created in 2022 to address this gap. The program invites consumers to act as "secret shoppers," committing to provide detailed surveys and photos at every stage of their move. By collecting feedback before, during, and after the moving process, moveBuddha gains a far more accurate understanding of the average customer experience.

Since launch, the project has gathered hundreds of in-depth surveys. These insights have proven invaluable in:

Identifying bad actors within the moving industry.

Providing training resources for moving companies to improve their services.

Establishing benchmarks for service quality across the industry.

With the new $100,000 funding commitment, moveBuddha will expand the program's reach, enabling more consumers to participate and strengthening its dataset.

"The Better Moves data has changed my entire view on the moving industry," said Ryan Carrigan, founder of moveBuddha. "This funding allows us to expand the Better Moves Project, uncover deeper insights into the industry, and help even more consumers save on moving costs."

The expansion underscores moveBuddha's mission to transform the moving experience through transparency, accountability, and consumer empowerment.

About moveBuddha

Founded in 2015, moveBuddha is the leading online resource for people planning a move. With the industry's largest and most comprehensive database of moving companies, moveBuddha combines powerful technology, extensive data, and consumer-driven insights to help people find the best moving solutions. Each year, over 400,000 people rely on moveBuddha to guide their moving decisions.

SOURCE: moveBuddha LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/movebuddha-expands-better-moves-project-with-100-000-funding-commitment-1075210
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Golden Pursuit Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GDP) is pleased to announce the completion of work on its 2025 exploration program at its Myrt Lake property located in the high-grade Gordon Lake gold mining district of Canada's Northwest Territories.

This news release announces the results submitted with the 2025 Myrt Lake Assessment Report, which fulfill the mandatory requirements for maintaining our Myrt Lake federal claim and extending the claims until 2033.

The historical mineral resource estimate reported for the Myrt Lake property is considered relevant; however, it was prepared prior to the implementation of current Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards and without the application of modern quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols. The Company has not completed sufficient work to verify the historical data underlying the estimate, and the estimate should not be relied upon as a current mineral resource. In order to upgrade and verify the historical estimate, the Company anticipates that a program of data validation and confirmatory exploration will be required, including the compilation and review of historical drill hole data, verification of collar locations and surveys, re-logging and re-sampling of available core, implementation of a modern QA/QC program, and the completion of confirmatory drilling. Additional metallurgical test work may also be necessary to demonstrate reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. A new mineral resource estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards would be required before the historical estimate can be considered current.

Highlights

New high-grade results indicate a new mineralized zone: Gold assay results from samples D6-2 (25.2 g/t Au) and D10 (22.7 g/t Au) indicate the discovery of a new mineralized zone. This discovered area lies approximately 2 km west of the historic mine workings, with the samples aligning in a NW/SE orientation and taken from gossanous outcropping rocks approximately 900 meters apart. Further work, including geophysics and drilling, is planned.

Additional high-grade confirmation includes a 41.7 g/t (ML-10) sample collected from a well-mineralized quartz vein over 20 meters of width and at least 100 meters of length. The mineralized vein is hosted within siltstone near former mine workings, and contains significant galena, black sphalerite, silver and pyrrhotite in addition to gold. It exhibits a distinctive blebby texture-where small, rounded blebs or inclusions of these minerals are distributed throughout the vein material.

2025 Myrt Lake Exploration Program

Litho-Structural Mapping and Sampling: Detailed litho-structural mapping and additional rock sampling were carried out at the Myrt Lake property. Detailed geological mapping data, structural measurements and rock sampling were conducted to identify new exploration targets and to increase the extent of near-surface high-grade mineralization surrounding known workings and mineralization showings (Figure 1).

Assay and Multi-Element Geochemical Analyses: Rock samples were submitted to the ALS laboratory in Yellowknife for assay and geochemical analyses (Figure 2). Additional sampling results from other claim groups owned by the company are expected by the end of September.

The Myrt Lake claims have been subject to several drilling campaigns and underground development work. In 1974, exploration initiated with an underground development program including a decline of 466 feet, and 405 feet of drifting and crosscutting along the #1 vein. In 1977, additional 3,650 feet of underground drilling were completed in 15 drillholes. A total of 3,000 tons of ore grading 0.11oz/t was mined and stockpiled (Clarke, 1985). Ore reserves were estimated to be 25,275 tons grading 0.22 oz/t Au down to 125 feet. In 1984, Ryan Energy completed 5,585 feet (1,702 m) of drilling across 10 drillholes, verifying the continuity of Zones No. 1 and No. 3 to the northwest at depths exceeding 500 feet (152 m). In 1989, the decline was rehabilitated, and 2,152 tonnes of the stockpile material were sent to the Giant Mine for processing in 1992. From this material, 730 ounces of gold grading 0.36 oz/t at a recovery rate of 86% were produced. Knutsen (1987) calculated a minable resource to a depth of 110' of 17,510 tons grading 0.35 oz Au/ton, containing 6,132 oz Au. No work has been carried out since the completion of this bulk sampling. *Reported resources presented here are historical, non-compliant with NI-43 guidelines, and are not being used as current (Knutsen, 1987).

The 2025 exploration program on the Myrt Lake Project was designed to build on historical high-grade results and mine operations, where sampling and drilling intersected significant gold mineralization. Detailed litho-structural mapping and rock sampling helped to better understand the structural-geochemical relationships associated with gold mineralization. Recent targeted exploration efforts have focused on delineating targets, refining the geological model, and planning drillholes.

The new results reported below (Table 1) reinforce the high-grade potential of the Gordon Lake gold mining district. These results highlight the mineralization potential at the Myrt Lake area and confirm the presence of very high-grade gold content near historic workings. Ten samples out of a total of twenty-four showed gold grade results above a 0.2 g/t cutoff.





Figure 1: Spatial distribution of structural measurements (planes - bedding, breccia, faults, joints, and veins), historical workings, assay results and modelled wireframes at Myrt Lake. A: Historic Myrt Lake Mine and 2025 data (planes and assays). B: Dome Number 6 (D6-2) showing 25.2 g/t Au - left. C: Dome Number 10 (D-10) showing 22.7 g/t Au - right - view to the west). Bottom right: Stereonet of mapped planar structural data.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/821/267038_4763fe25f4511801_002full.jpg





Figure 2. Property outline of the Myrt Lake Claims showing structural interpretation, historic gold showings, drillholes, and new sampled rocks with highlighted assay results.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/821/267038_4763fe25f4511801_003full.jpg





Table 1. Geochemical assay results from the 2025 exploration program at Myrt Lake. Original results are shown in Attachment 1 - ALS Report.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/821/267038_4763fe25f4511801_004full.jpg

References

Clarke, W.E., 1985. Summary Report Diamond Drill Program 1984 - WT Property. Ryan Energy Corporation Limited, January 1985. (N.W.T. Geoscience Office Assessment Report #15272).

Knutsen, W. G., 1987. Summary Report and Ore Reserve on the 'WT' Gold Property, Myrt Lake, NWT. Prepared for Westfort Petroleums Ltd. Precambrian Mining Service Ltd.

Prior, G.; Schmidt, N.; Gorham, J., 2023. Summary Report on the Gordon Lake Property. Including: Burnt Island, Camlaren, H Vein, 31 Vein, May Island, Kidney Pond, Lynk, Murray Lake, Myrt Lake, Storm, Goodrock, and Vaydik mineral occurrences. Northwest Territories, Canada. Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd.

Vivian, G; Bocking, N., 2022. Technical Report. South Gordon Lake Property, Northwest Territories, Canada. Prepared for Golden Pursuit Resources Ltd. Aurora Geosciences.

Community Engagement

Golden Pursuit collaborates with First Nations organizations on whose traditional territories its projects are located, as well as with the Government of the Northwest Territories, to advance their strategic interests and discuss opportunities to support community initiatives. The Company looks forward to continuing to work with local and regional First Nations in all its future exploration programs.

About the Gordon Lake Project

The Gordon Lake Project, about 80-90 km northeast of Yellowknife, NWT, covers 6,850 hectares and includes 18 territorial claims, 13 federal claims, and five historic mining leases-all fully owned by Golden Pursuit. The site features multiple gold showings with a history of exploration and mining dating back to 1937 and continuing into the late 1980s. Located in the Slave Structural Province of the Canadian Shield's Archean granite-greenstone craton, the property hosts gold-bearing quartz veins and breccia zones primarily in Burwash Formation metaturbidite rocks of the Yellowknife Supergroup.

About Golden Pursuit Resources

Golden Pursuit Resources focuses on gold exploration and fully owns deposits and prospects in the Northwest Territories, Canada, and Nevada, USA, with only royalty obligations on some purchased claims in the NWT. The Gordon Lake project holds active land and water permits until 2030, supporting exploration and development. The company owns 11 properties with histories of mining and exploration dating back to the 1930s, including five classified as "former producers" by the NWT government. It has conducted extensive work at Gordon Lake since 2021. Further details are available at www.goldenpursuitresources.ca.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cleber Peralta, COO and Director of the Company. Cleber Peralta is a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) registered with the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC) and a "Qualified Person" with respect to NI 43-101. The QP supervised the 2025 Golden Pursuit's exploration program and participated in the litho-structural mapping and sampling campaigns reported here. The Issuer is not treating the historic estimates as current.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Brian McClay- President

Tel. 604-730-6982

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially. These statements, which may include references to potential mineralization, exploration plans, and engagement with First Nations, are subject to various risks, including exploration risks, regulatory changes, market volatility, environmental factors, and other uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. Except as required by law, Golden Pursuit assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, all of which are qualified by this cautionary note.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267038

SOURCE: Golden Pursuit Resources Ltd.
BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / MassRobotics' Jumpstart Fellowship has empowered nearly 100 high school girls across Massachusetts over the past five years, with 88% of graduates pursuing STEM fields and many already contributing to the state's innovation economy through internships and university research. MassRobotics announces that Jumpstart Fellowship Cohort 6 applications are now open and shares results from the first 5 years of the program in the recently published Jumpstart Fellowship 5-year report .

The MassRobotics Jumpstart Fellowship Program was created in 2021 to provide opportunities for diverse Massachusetts high school girls to learn about STEM careers in robotics and prepare for future pathways in STEM. The program provides students with a solid foundation in technical skills, as well as mentors and a professional network that offer support and foster confidence, along with direct engagement with industry professionals.

Jumpstart programming is held on Saturdays from January through May and includes a full week of sessions and field trips to robotics companies during the February public school vacation week (February 16-20, 2026). Following this, students gain real-world experience through paid internships at a robotics or technology company.

A key part of the Jumpstart program is making sure these young women feel confident and empowered to enter the STEM field. Students learn directly from mentors about various robotics career paths and how to leverage their studies into a career in robotics through lab and company visits.

All female high school juniors and seniors with a passion for robotics and technology are encouraged to apply (Boston students given priority). The application link and more information can be found on the Jumpstart Fellowship landing page here .

Interested candidates can meet Jumpstart Alum and mentors on site at the upcoming annual Robot Block Party where they can ask questions and learn more directly from them and the Jumpstart Program Manager.

Graduating students shared their experiences about the program:

"I found my passion in engineering and coding, and my future has never felt clearer." Helena, 2021

"Entering the professional world is not easy, but this program has worked with us to make this path a lot easier." Tairine, 2022

"Jumpstart was a perfect opportunity to be able to interact with other girls who had a similar interest in STEM and the robotics field and pretty much anything to do with engineering." Abigail, 2023

"The program not only helped me envision myself as an engineer for the first time, but also helped me find my spark (pun intended) in electrical engineering. I would not be the student and person I am today without the support of the MassRobotics Jumpstart program," Catherine, 2024

"Being in such a welcoming space with dedicated and passionate fellows and mentors, I feel like I've grown so much as a student and as a person," Aliana, 2025

For businesses interested in participating as an employer and hiring students who have gone through the Jumpstart Fellowship program for summer employment, fill out this form .

MassRobotics will also celebrate Women in Robotics and the achievements of female researchers at its annual black-tie Gala on October 25 at the MIT Samberg Center. This event will honor the Robotics Medal recipient Professor Maja Mataric, UCLA, for her pioneering work in the field of socially assistive robots and for making significant advancements to the field of distributed robots and learning in human-robot systems, and Rising Star medal recipient Tania Prof Tania Morimoto, UC San Diego, for her contributions to novel soft and flexible medical robots and human-machine interfaces designed to improve access to high-quality care. Jumpstart alums will be guests at the event and one will share her experience participating in the program. More information about the Gala and tickets can be found here .

About MassRobotics

MassRobotics is the world's largest independent robotics hub dedicated to accelerating robotics innovation, commercialization, and adoption. Our mission is to help create and scale the next generation of successful robotics and Physical AI technology companies by providing entrepreneurs and startups with the workspace, resources, programming, and connections they need to develop, prototype, test, and commercialize their products and solutions. While MassRobotics originated and is headquartered in Boston, we are reaching and supporting robotics acceleration and adoption globally, working with startups, academia, industry, and governments both domestically and internationally. See massrobotics.org for details.

Media Contact:

Sayo Tirrell

sayo@massrobotics.org

SOURCE: MassRobotics

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/from-vision-to-impact-jumpstart-fellowship-celebrates-5-years-lau-1075710
TOKYO, Sept 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V., Mitsubishi Motors' subsidiary in Europe, will begin a sequential launch of the all-new Eclipse Cross battery electric vehicle (hereafter, BEV) for the European market before the end of 2025. The model will be manufactured at Renault's ElectriCity Douai Plant, the Renault Group's EV production hub.World Premiere of the All-New Eclipse Crosshttps://www.youtube.com/watchv=qJYG2mV3hskThe all-new Eclipse Cross is a compact SUV supplied under an OEM agreement from the company's Alliance partner, the Renault Group, following the ASX compact SUV, the Colt compact hatchback, and the Grandis compact SUV. Built on the CMF-EV platform and designed exclusively as a BEV, this new model supports the advancement of electrification in the European market. At the front, Mitsubishi Motors' signature Dynamic Shield design concept conveys strength and a refined presence. Together with an electric powertrain offering approximately 600 kilometers (km) of range, the latest functions with Google built-in1, and advanced safety technologies, the all-new Eclipse Cross supports safe and comfortable travel from daily commutes to weekend road trips."Following the launch of the Outlander plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) and the Grandis hybrid EV (HEV), rolling out the all-new Eclipse Cross marks a crucial step in our electrification strategy in Europe," said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors. "Having developed the world's first mass-produced BEV, Mitsubishi Motors has made it a mission to provide environmentally friendly vehicles and has been working toward achieving carbon neutrality. We will continue contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society by expanding our lineup of electrified vehicles, as well as addressing the diverse needs of our European customers."Product OverviewExteriorThe design concept is "Smart Armor," which conveys robustness and security by incorporating powerful, armor-like design elements into an advanced and sophisticated smart EV design. Meanwhile, the front face features an evolved version of Mitsubishi Motors' design identity, the Dynamic Shield. The three-dimensional honeycomb pattern of the front grille exudes strength and sophistication, while the distinctive LED headlights convey robustness and a modern impression. On the sides of the body, dynamic J-shaped lines flow with the daytime running lights, creating taut and agile proportions, while the distinctive triangle-shaped 20-inch alloy wheels2 add a sophisticated mood. At the rear, Mitsubishi Motors' design identity "Hexagonal Stability" has been adopted. With its sculpted appearance, the hexagonal motif expresses strength and the essence Mitsubishi Motors' DNA, while the horizontally positioned rear combination lamps convey stability and a powerful stance.InteriorInspired by a "Sporty and Modern" design approach, the interior features horizontal satin silver accents wrapped throughout the cabin, creating a sense of roominess and modernity. The seat layout offers a practical two-row, five-passenger configuration focusing on spaciousness and ease of use. Seats with enhanced support and diamond-pattern stitching provide class and comfort. In addition, ambient lighting2 embedded into the door panels and dashboard creates a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. Available in 48 color variations, the lighting can be customized to suit individual preferences or moods, with the color automatically changing based on the selected drive mode. The panoramic glass roof with electrochromic function2 allows users to switch between transparent and tinted modes with the touch of a button, reducing glare and heat from the sun while creating an expansive and comfortable interior space. Preset configurations offer adjustable options, allowing users to toggle between a fully transparent roof, a fully shaded roof, or a split mode with transparency at the front and shading at the rear, or vice versa.PowertrainThe all-new Eclipse Cross features a drive battery with a total capacity of 87 kilowatt-hours (kWh), offering an approximate range of 600 km (WLTP mode) per charge. With a maximum output of 160 kilowatts (kW) and peak torque of 300 newton meters (Nm), this new model provides powerful torque the moment the accelerator is engaged. From city streets to outdoor adventures, it offers exhilarating handling on various road conditions. The quiet, smooth driving experience unique to BEVs further enhances comfort. Regenerative braking offers four selectable levels via paddle shifters positioned on the steering wheel. Drivers can choose the optimal level based on traffic conditions and the driving environment, helping to further extend the vehicle's driving range. It is also equipped with a one-pedal driving function, allowing the driver to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using only the accelerator pedal, offering a smooth driving experience, even in urban areas with frequent acceleration and deceleration, while also contributing to efficient energy regeneration. Standard charging is supported up to a maximum of 22 kW3, and DC fast charging up to 150 kW. Additionally, a medium-range model that focuses on everyday usability is scheduled to be launched in 2026.Digital and ConnectivityThe all-new Eclipse Cross is equipped with a vertical 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) system, offering the latest infotainment experience. As it is a vehicle with Google built-in1, drivers can use apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps the moment they step into the car and even download additional apps via Google Play. Simply saying "Hey Google" enables drivers to operate the air conditioner, search for destinations, make phone calls, and play music-all hands-free. Both Apple CarPlay(R)4 and Android AutoTM are supported with wireless connectivity, offering a seamless connection to smartphones. The audio system features a Harman Kardon premium sound system with five selectable listening modes to suit any mood or preference, delivering an immersive, high-quality sound experience. In addition, four drive modes, Personal, Eco, Comfort, and Sport can be selected at will through the SDA, depending on the driver's preferences and driving conditions. The Mitsubishi Motors mobile app enables remote access to the vehicle, including locking and unlocking, charging, and checking the parking location, all from a smartphone, enhancing everyday convenience. The model supports Firmware-Over-The-Air (FOTA) wireless software update technology, enabling drivers to easily update to the latest software environment by simply following the instructions on the SDA screen.SafetyThe all-new Eclipse Cross features up to 20 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)5. Ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and forward radar constantly monitor the vehicle's surroundings to support safe driving. With a range of advanced safety technologies, including the MI-PILOT2 same-lane driver assistance system for highways and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)2 system, it offers a safe and secure driving experience.1. Google, Android, Google Play, Google Map and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Requires a compatible Android smartphone and an active data plan.2. Equipped on certain trim levels3. Available as an option4. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.5. The all-new Eclipse Cross is equipped with the following driver assistance systems.- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (ACC)- Around View Monitor (AVM)- Automatic High Beam (AHB)- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)- Cruise Control with speed limiter- Distance warning- Driver Attention Monitor (DAM)- Emergency Lane Assist (ELA)- Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM)- Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)- Lane Centering Assist (LCA)- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)- MI-PILOT- Occupant Safe Exit Assist (OSEA)- Park Assist- Parking sensors- Rear Automatic Emergency Braking (Rear AEB)- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)- Rearview cameraAbout Mitsubishi MotorsMitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) - a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan - is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 28,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan and the ASEAN region. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification - launched the i-MiEV, the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV, the world's first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. With a target of increasing the sales ratio of electrified vehicles to 100% by 2035, Mitsubishi Motors will deliver models that embody Mitsubishi Motors-ness and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company's website at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/Source: Mitsubishi MotorsCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
LONDON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "Forest preservation must go hand in hand with protecting smallholders' livelihood. The UK Forest Risk Commodity regulation could serve as a bridge towards fair sustainability-a bridge that not only safeguards forests but also ensures that women smallholders are not left behind," said Umi Syamsiatun, a palm oil farmer from Merangin, Jambi province of Indonesia.

Umi was one of nine Indonesian women smallholders from various regions of Indonesia who joined the Multi-Stakeholder Event on Indonesian Sustainable Commodities at the Embassy of Indonesia in London on 17 September 2025, to voice the challenges faced by smallholders in meeting global sustainability regulations.

The event, organised by the Embassy in collaboration with Efeca and supported by the Partnerships for Forests, UK International Development, and the British Chamber of Commerce, brought together women smallholders across four major Indonesian export commodities: coffee, palm oil, cocoa and rubber.

As the backbone of supply chains, smallholders are the most vulnerable to the impacts of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the planned UK Forest Risk Commodity (UK FRC) regulation.

The farmers expressed their hope that the EUDR and UK FRC can serve as a solution to the challenges they face on the ground. Compliance often requires costly certification and advanced technology, with expenses reaching hundreds of millions of Indonesian Rupiah. Likewise, the EUDR's digital documentation and geolocation requirements, such as polygon maps and precise GPS points, are difficult to meet in rural areas where internet infrastructure remains a challenge.

Indonesia's Ambassador to the UK, Desra Percaya, highlighted inclusivity as a critical element in the country's sustainability journey, "Inclusivity is key in this transformation journey, which means embracing more diverse narratives of the unheard, like the smallholders, is essential" he noted.

During the dialogue, Istiqamah, a woman coffee farmer from Aceh, expressed her hopes that her community's coffee would continue to reach the UK market. "Most of my entire village depends on coffee. It is the source that allows my children to get a good education, my family to access healthcare, and for us to live with dignity," she said.

The event also featured a panel discussion with Silverius Oscar Unggul (Senior Advisor to the Indonesian Minister of Forestry/Chair of the Task Force on Multi-Forest Business Implementation Acceleration), Dr Elizabeth Wilks (Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs, APP Group), Alexander van Oord (Chief Commercial Officer, Forestwise), and Dan Soper (Sustainability Policy Manager, Food and Drink Federation). Panellists discussed holistic approaches to sustainability, opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, and ways to strengthen farmers' capacity in building sustainable supply chains. For instance, Dr. Liz mentioned that APP Group has launched Regenesis, a sustainability initiative which includes empowering people and communities.

For more than 15 years, Indonesia has undertaken reforms to align its major commodities with global sustainability standards. Initiatives such as the Timber Legality Assurance System (SVLK) and the Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification scheme demonstrate Indonesia's commitment to environmental management, social responsibility, and sustainable farming practices. In addition, platforms like SIPKEBUN (Plantation Information System) and INATrace support traceability in palm oil and coffee supply chains.

By strengthening Indonesia-UK cooperation in environment and sustainability, both countries aim to deepen collaboration in addressing the environmental, economic, and social challenges that shape the future of Indonesia's leading commodities.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2025) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) (FSE: PQW) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") has filed an independent technical report (the "Report") for the Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul" or the "Project") on SEDAR+. The Report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, in support of the initial mineral resource estimate ("MRE") for the Kliyul Main Zone ("KMZ"), which is just one target area at the Company's 100% owned Kliyul located in the prolific Quesnel terrane in Northcentral B.C. (see Figure 1).

Highlights

- KMZ hosts 334.1 million tonnes ("Mt") grading 0.33% copper equivalent ("CuEq"), 0.15% copper, 0.26 g/t gold, and 0.95 g/t silver in the Inferred Mineral Resource category (see Table 1).

- KMZ contains 2.42 billion pounds CuEq, which includes 1.11 billion pounds of copper, 2.74 million ounces of gold and 10.22 million ounces of silver in the Inferred Mineral Resource category (see Table 1).

- KMZ is just one target area within a six-kilometre long porphyry copper-gold trend, comprised of favourable geology, geochemistry, alteration, and geophysics (see Figure 2).

- Mineralization at KMZ remains open for expansion within and beyond the resource reporting shell used to restrict the resource model (see Figure 3).

- The Company completed two drill holes, totalling 1,287 metres, at KMZ in 2025, which were focused on infill and resource expansion (see news release dated September 11, 2025). Assays are pending.

Figure 1

Location of Kliyul and Pacific Ridge's Other Porphyry Copper-Gold Projects

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/267061_6f77f74a84f148f6_001full.jpg

Figure 2

Kliyul Target Areas

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/267061_6f77f74a84f148f6_002full.jpg

Table 1

KMZ MRE (CuEq)

Cutoff

(CuEq%) Tonnes CuEq% Cu% Au g/t Ag g/t CuEq Mlbs Cu Mlbs Au Oz Ag Oz 0.15 383,300,000 0.31 0.14 0.24 0.91 2,615 1,212 2,920,000 11,270,000 0.20 334,100,000 0.33 0.15 0.26 0.95 2,422 1,110 2,740,000 10,220,000 0.25 239,200,000 0.37 0.16 0.30 1.04 1,950 861 2,280,000 7,980,000

Notes for Table 1

The effective date of the Mineral Resource estimate is July 31, 2025. The Mineral Resource was estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum(CIM), Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves, as prepared by the CIM Standing Committee and adopted by CIM Council. There has been no metallurgical testing on Kliyul mineralization. The Company estimates copper recoveries (CuR) of 80%, gold recoveries (AuR) of 65%, and silver recoveries (AgR) of 65% based on the reported recoveries from Mount Milligan. The mineral resource is constrained within a pit shell using metal recoveries of Cu 80%, Au 65% and Ag 65%, an exchange rate of 1.30 CAD:USD, mining cost of C$3.5/t, process cost of C$7.0/t, G&A costs of C$3.0/t, pit slopes of 45 degrees and metal prices of $Cu = US$4.60/lb, $Au = US$2,600/oz., Ag = US$30.00/oz. A fixed bulk density of 2.77 t/m3 was used for the estimation of tonnes. CuEq = Cu% + (0.6697*Au g/t) + (0.0077*Ag g/t). Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lbs per tonne, 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne, and 0.032151 = Ag g/t to troy oz per tonne. The CIM definitions were followed for the classification of Inferred Mineral Resources. inferred blocks were assigned for blocks with one drill hole within 150 m. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves in the future. The MRE may be materially affected by considerations including, but not limited to, permitting, legal, sociopolitical, environmental issues, market conditions or other factors. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. Totals may not sum due to rounding as required by reporting guidelines.

Figure 3

KMZ Pit Shell and Unconstrained Block Model at a 0.20% CuEq Cutoff

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/267061_6f77f74a84f148f6_003full.jpg

Kliyul Highlights

100% owned by Pacific Ridge, the Company has invested more than ~$15.0 million and drilled more than 20,000 m at Kliyul since 2020.

Kliyul is over 90 km2 in size and is located in the prolific Quesnel terrane close to existing infrastructure, ~8 km to the Omineca Resource Road and a 230 kV high-voltage power line.

A six-kilometre long porphyry copper-gold trend, comprised of favourable geology, geochemistry, alteration, and geophysics, exists at Kliyul but KMZ has been the focus since 2021.

Drilling by Pacific Ridge has increased the mineralized extents of KMZ tenfold. Pre-2021, the mineralized extents measured ~350 m E-W x ~150 m N-S x ~400 m vertical depth. After the last round of drilling, the known mineralized extents measure ~760 m E-W x ~600 m N-S x ~650 m vertical depth. KMZ remains open to the North, West, East, Southeast, and at depth.

The best drilling result in 2021 was 316.7 m of 0.79% CuEq1 and 1.17 g/t AuEq2 (0.30% copper, 0.70 g/t gold and 2.17 g/t silver) within 566.7 m of 0.51% CuEq1 or 0.75 g/t AuEq2 (0.20% copper, 0.44 g/t gold and 1.39 g/t silver) from KLI-21-037 (see news release dated January 31, 2022).

The best drilling result in 2022 was 328.0 m of 0.64% CuEq1 or 0.95 g/t AuEq2 (0.25% copper and 0.57 g/t gold) within 526 m of 0.49% CuEq1 or 0.74 g/t AuEq2 (0.25% copper, 0.57 g/t gold and 1.25 g/t silver) from KLI-22-050 (see news release January 18, 2023).

The best drilling result in 2023 was 305.5 m of 0.59% CuEq1 or 0.87 g/t AuEq2 (0.23% copper, 0.51 g/t gold and 1.22 g/t Ag) within 540.3 m of 0.44% CuEq1 or 0.65 g/t AuEq2 (0.19% copper, 0.36 g/t gold and 0.65 g/t silver) from KLI-23-054 (see news release August 23, 2023).

Drill hole KLI-23-069, the last hole of the 2023 drilling program, returned 45.0 m of 0.58% CuEq or 0.86 g/t AuEq (0.38% copper, 0.28 g/t gold, and 2.20 g/t silver) within 570.0 m of 0.27% CuEq or 0.40 g/t AuEq (0.14% copper, 0.18 g/t gold, and 0.99 g/t silver)(see news release dated January 9, 2024). The 45 m interval, at 584 m downhole depth, is the deepest mineralized interval ever encountered at Kliyul and provides a northward and down-plunge vector for a higher-grade porphyry centre at KMZ.

Results of a 2024 ZTEM survey suggest that most of the KMZ porphyry system remains hidden and untested to the north.

The Company completed two drill holes, totalling 1,287 metres, at KMZ in 2025 and were focused on infill and resource expansion. Assays are pending.

1CuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x AuR/CuR x $Au x 0.032151) + (Ag(g/t) x AgR/CuR x $Ag x 0.032151)) / ($Cu x 22.0462).

2AuEq = ((Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151) + ((Cu%) x CuR/AuR x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Ag(g/t) x AgR/CuR x $Ag x 0.032151)) / ($Au x 0.032151).

Commodity prices: $Cu = US$3.25/lb, $Au = US$1,800/oz., and Ag = US$20.00/oz.

There has been no metallurgical testing on Kliyul mineralization. The Company estimates copper recoveries (CuR) of 84%, gold recoveries (AuR) of 70%, and silver recoveries (AgR) of 65% based on the average recoveries from Kemess Underground, Mount Milligan, and Red Chris.

Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lbs per tonne, 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne, and 0.032151 = Ag g/t to troy oz per tonne.

The technical information contained within the Kliyul Highlights section has been prepared under the supervision of, and reviewed and approved by. Danette Schwab, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Estimation Methods

The mineral resource estimate was completed using HxGN MinePlanTM 3D software and includes the estimation of copper, gold and silver grades into a block model (20x20x20 m) using ordinary kriged (OK) method within a 0.1 g/t Au probability shell. Composites from a minimum of two drill holes was required for a block to be interpolated with a metal grade.

Prior to estimating block grades, potentially anomalous outlier grades were identified and their influence on the grade model was controlled during interpolation through outlier restriction method. The 2 m composites were reviewed for each metal and a restricted outlier strategy was employed to limit the influence of extreme metal grades to 60 m from a composite location. The threshold grade for gold was 4.5 g/t, 1% for copper and 10 g/t for silver.

A base case resource constraining pitshell was built using HxGN MinePlanTM 3D and inputs of metal prices (US$2600/oz Au, US$4.60/lb Cu and US$30/oz Ag), metal recoveries (80% Cu, 65% Au and 65% Ag), mining costs of C$3.50/t, processing costs of C$7.0/t, G&A costs of C$3.0/t and pit slopes of 45. To assess the sensitivity to metal prices, additional shells were built using gold prices between US$2000/oz and US$3200/oz, and additional copper price of C$4.10/lb and silver price of C$24.00/oz.

Inferred Mineral Resources were assigned if a block was within 150 m of a drill hole.

Qualified Person

The mineral resource estimate was completed by Susan Lomas, P.Geo. of Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc. with assistance from Bruce Davis, PhD, FAusIMM, each of whom is an Independent Qualified Person under NI43-101 standards.

The technical information related to the mineral resource estimate in this news release has been reviewed and approved by independent QP Susan Lomas, P.Geo.

LGGC completed an audit of the project drill hole database, a review of the QAQC data for the assay results and a visit to the project site and determined the drill hole data to be of sufficient quality to support the estimation of mineral resources.

About Pacific Ridge

A Fiore Group company, Pacific Ridge's goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper exploration company. The Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the prolific Quesnel terrane close to existing infrastructure, is the Company's flagship project. In addition to Kliyul, Pacific Ridge's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project, the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in B.C. The Company would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267061

SOURCE: Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.
The NF-kB inhibitors market is poised for growth driven by the increasing prevalence of cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases where NF-kB plays a central role. Additionally, the expected launch of emerging NF-kB inhibitors such as BioVie' bezisterim (NE3107), Entero Therapeutics' niclosamide (FW-UP), niclosamide (FW-ICI-AC), and others will further propel the NF-kB inhibitors market growth.

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's NF-kB Inhibitors Market Size, Target Population, Competitive Landscape & Market Forecast report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, addressable patient population, which includes top indications such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Long COVID, Ulcerative Proctitis, Ulcerative Proctosigmoiditis, Grades 1 and 2 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Colitis, and others. The selected indications are based on approved therapies and ongoing pipeline activity. The report also provides insights into the emerging NF-kB inhibitors, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan).

Key Takeaways from the NF-kB Inhibitors Market Report

As per DelveInsight's analysis, the total market size of NF-kB inhibitors in the leading markets is expected to surge significantly by 2034.

The report provides the total potential number of patients in the indications, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Long COVID, Ulcerative Proctitis, Ulcerative Proctosigmoiditis, Grades 1 and 2 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Colitis, and others.

and others. Leading NF-kB inhibitor companies, such as Biovie, Entero Therapeutics, Accendatech, BioMimetix, and others, are developing novel NF-kB inhibitors that can be available in the NF-kB inhibitors market in the coming years.

and others, are developing novel NF-kB inhibitors that can be available in the NF-kB inhibitors market in the coming years. Some of the key NF-kB inhibitors in clinical trials include Bezisterim (NE3107), Niclosamide (FW-UP), Niclosamide (FW-ICI-AC), ACT001, BMX-001, and others.

Discover which indication is expected to grab the major NF-kB inhibitors market share @ NF-kB Inhibitors Market Report

Key Factors Driving the NF-kB Inhibitors Market

Growing unmet disease burden

NF-kB sits at the crossroads of inflammation and tumor biology, so the pathway's involvement across autoimmune, neuroinflammatory and many cancers creates broad clinical demand for effective inhibitors.

Strong interest in neurodegenerative and neurological applications

Because NF-kB signaling is implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, long-COVID neurological symptoms and other CNS disorders, pipeline activity aimed at neurodegeneration (and the need for blood-brain-barrier-permeable molecules) is expanding market opportunity. BioVie's bezisterim (NE3107) programs illustrate that trend.

Expanding NF-kB inhibitors clinical activity

NF-kB inhibitors has a pipeline consisting of promising products such as BioVie' bezisterim (NE3107), Entero Therapeutics' niclosamide (FW-UP), niclosamide (FW-ICI-AC), Accendatech's ACT001, BioMimetix's BMX-001, and others.

NF-kB Inhibitors Market Analysis

Despite its central role in pathophysiology, there are currently no NF-kB inhibitors approved for clinical use, underscoring the unmet medical need and the complexity of targeting this pathway effectively and safely. Several emerging NF-kB inhibitors are now progressing through clinical trials, reflecting renewed interest and innovation in this space. Bezisterim (NE3107), developed by BioVie, is the most advanced candidate, currently in a Phase III trial for Alzheimer's disease, and in Phase II studies for Parkinson's disease and long COVID. If successful, it could become the first-in-class NF-kB inhibitor in neurology.

In oncology, ACT001 from Accendatech is in Phase II trials for recurrent glioblastoma, and is also being explored for diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG). Similarly, BMX-001 from BioMimetix is advancing through trials in rectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, with a focus on enhancing the effect of chemoradiation by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through NF-kB modulation.

In the inflammatory disease space, niclosamide, a repurposed anthelmintic with NF-kB inhibitory properties, is being developed by Entero Therapeutics. FW-UP is in Phase II for ulcerative proctitis and proctosigmoiditis, while FW-ICI-AC is targeting immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated colitis, a rising complication in immuno-oncology.

However, despite encouraging preclinical and early clinical data, the development of NF-kB inhibitors has historically been challenged by concerns over off-target effects and immunosuppression, given NF-kB's ubiquitous role in immune homeostasis. Future success will depend on the ability to achieve pathway specificity, optimize dosing, and identify disease contexts where modulation of NF-kB offers a clear benefit-risk advantage.

Learn more about the NF-kB inhibitors @ NF-kB Inhibitors Analysis

NF-kB Inhibitors Competitive Landscape

NF-kB inhibitors have a pipeline consisting of promising products such as BioVie's bezisterim (NE3107), Entero Therapeutics' niclosamide (FW-UP), niclosamide (FW-ICI-AC), and others, which are in late- and mid-stage clinical development.

Biovie is investigating bezisterim across Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Long COVID. Within these clinical programs, the company is also assessing whether the therapy can influence longevity, specifically by evaluating its capacity to lower DNA methylation levels in trial participants.

Bezisterim is an oral, blood-brain barrier-permeable small molecule that acts as an anti-inflammatory insulin sensitizer targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Research indicates that it selectively blocks ERK- and NF-kB-driven inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), while preserving their normal physiological roles.

Entero Therapeutics' FW-UP is an oral, niclosamide-based small molecule anti-inflammatory therapy being developed for the treatment of ulcerative proctitis (UP) and ulcerative proctosigmoiditis (UPS). It is currently under evaluation in a Phase IIb clinical trial to assess the safety and potential effectiveness of niclosamide in patients with these conditions. FW-UP may offer a safe treatment option for UP and UPS, which are localized forms of ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by superficial ulcerations in the inner mucosal lining of the large intestine that do not extend into the muscle wall.

FW-ICI-AC is another oral niclosamide-based small molecule anti-inflammatory therapy from Entero Therapeutics, designed for the treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced colitis and diarrhea in patients with metastatic cancer. The PASSPORT trial, a Phase IIa study evaluating the safety and potential efficacy of niclosamide for ICI-AC, received FDA IND clearance in Q4 2021.

The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the NF-kB inhibitors market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the NF-kB inhibitors market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth.

To know more about NF-kB inhibitors clinical trials, visit @ NF-kB Inhibitors Treatment

Recent Developments in the NF-kB Inhibitors Market

In May 2025, BioVie announced first patient enrollment in the Phase II ADDRESS-LC clinical trial (NCT06847191) evaluating bezisterim for the treatment of neurological symptoms associated with long COVID. The Company anticipates topline data to be available in the first half of 2026.

announced first patient enrollment in the Phase II ADDRESS-LC clinical trial (NCT06847191) evaluating bezisterim for the treatment of neurological symptoms associated with long COVID. The Company anticipates topline data to be available in the first half of 2026. In April 2025, BioVie announced that patient enrollment is now open for the Phase II SUNRISE-PD clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of bezisterim on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who haven't been treated with carbidopa/levodopa. The first patient in the trial has been enrolled, and the Company anticipates topline data to be available in late 2025 or early 2026.

announced that patient enrollment is now open for the Phase II SUNRISE-PD clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of bezisterim on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who haven't been treated with carbidopa/levodopa. The first patient in the trial has been enrolled, and the Company anticipates topline data to be available in late 2025 or early 2026. In February 2025, Accendatech, in collaboration with Nationwide Children's Hospital, plans a Phase II trial for Glioma in the USA in July 2025 (NCT06838676).

NF-kB Inhibitors Overview

NF-kB is a family of inducible transcription factors that play a key role in controlling immune and inflammatory responses. Often simply called NF-kB, these proteins usually function as dimers, with the canonical p50/p65 (NF-kB1/RelA) heterodimer being the most extensively studied. As a widely expressed and highly versatile transcription factor, NF-kB integrates signals from diverse stimuli, such as cytokines, pathogens, stress, and cellular damage. It acts as a crucial downstream effector in complex intracellular signaling pathways, regulating genes involved in inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. NF-kB is particularly essential for coordinating immune responses to pathogens and maintaining immune system balance.

NF-kB Inhibitors Epidemiology Segmentation

The NF-kB Inhibitors market report is a comprehensive and specialized analysis, offering in-depth epidemiological insights for the study period 2020-2034 across the leading markets. The total diagnosed prevalent cases of Parkinson's disease in the 7MM were 2.7 million in 2024. On the other hand, the total diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's disease in the 7MM were ~16 million in the same year.

The NF-kB Inhibitors target patient pool is segmented into:

Total Cases of Selected Indications for NF-kB Inhibitor

Total Eligible Patient Pool of Selected Indications for NF-kB Inhibitor

Total Treated Cases of Selected Indications for NF-kB Inhibitor

NF-kB Inhibitors Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2034 NF-kB Inhibitors Report Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] Key Indications Covered in the Report Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson Disease, Long COVID, Ulcerative Proctitis, Ulcerative Proctosigmoiditis, Grades 1 and 2 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Colitis, and others Key NF-kB Inhibitors Companies Biovie, Entero Therapeutics, Accendatech, BioMimetix, and others Key NF-kB Inhibitors Bezisterim (NE3107), Niclosamide (FW-UP), Niclosamide (FW-ICI-AC), ACT001, BMX-001, and others

Scope of the NF-kB Inhibitors Market Report

NF-kB Inhibitors Therapeutic Assessment: NF-kB Inhibitors current marketed and emerging therapies

NF-kB Inhibitors current marketed and emerging therapies NF-kB Inhibitors Market Dynamics: Conjoint Analysis of Emerging NF-kB Inhibitors Drugs

Conjoint Analysis of Emerging NF-kB Inhibitors Drugs Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies

SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, NF-kB Inhibitors Market Access and Reimbursement

Discover more about NF-kB inhibitors in development @ NF-kB Inhibitors Clinical Trials

Table of Contents

1 NF-kB Inhibitors Market Key Insights 2 NF-kB Inhibitors Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary of NF- kappa B Inhibitors 4 Key Events 5 Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology of NF-kB Inhibitor 6 NF-kB Inhibitor Market Overview at a Glance in the 7MM 6.1 NF-kB Inhibitors Market Share (%) Distribution by Therapies in 2024 6.2 NF-kB Inhibitors Market Share (%) Distribution by Therapies in 2034 6.3 NF-kB Inhibitors Market Share (%) Distribution by Indications in 2024 6.4 NF-kB Inhibitors Market Share (%) Distribution by Indications in 2034 7 NF-kB Inhibitor: Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Potential of NF-kB Inhibitor in Different Indications 7.3 Clinical Applications of NF-kB Inhibitor 8 NF-kB Inhibitors Target Patient Pool 8.1 Key Findings 8.2 Assumptions and Rationale: 7MM 8.3 Epidemiology Scenario in the 7MM 8.4 Total Cases in Selected Indications for NF-kB Inhibitor in the 7MM 8.5 Total Eligible Patient Pool for NF-kB Inhibitor in Selected Indications in the 7MM 8.6 Total Treated Cases in Selected Indications for NF-kB Inhibitor in the 7MM 9 Emerging Therapies of NF-kB Inhibitor 9.1 Key Competitors 9.2 Bezisterim (NE3107): Biovie 9.2.1 Product Description 9.2.2 Other Developmental Activities 9.2.3 Clinical Development 9.2.3.1 Clinical Trial Information 9.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 9.2.5 Analyst Views 9.3 FW-UP (niclosamide): Entero Therapeutics List to be continued in the final report 10 NF-kB Inhibitor Market: Seven Major Market Analysis 10.1 Key Findings 10.2 Market Outlook of NF-kB Inhibitor 10.3 Conjoint Analysis of NF-kB Inhibitor 10.4 Key Market Forecast Assumptions of NF-kB Inhibitor 10.5 Total Market Size of NF-kB Inhibitor in the 7MM 10.6 Market Size of NF-kB Inhibitor by Indication in the7MM 10.7 The United States NF-kB Inhibitors Market Size 10.7.1 Total Market Size of NF-kB Inhibitors in the United States 10.7.2 Market Size of NF-kB Inhibitor by Indication in the United States 10.7.3 Market Size of NF-kB Inhibitor by Therapies in the United States 10.8 EU4 and the UK NF-kB Inhibitors Market Size 10.9 Japan NF-kB Inhibitors Market Size 11 Market Access and Reimbursement of NF-kB Inhibitors 12 SWOT Analysis of NF-kB Inhibitors 13 KOL Views of NF-kB Inhibitors 14 Unmet Needs of NF-kB Inhibitors 15 Bibliography 16 NF-kB Inhibitors Market Report Methodology

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Glioma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key glioma companies, including Bayer, Chimerix, Aivita Biomedical, Denovo Biopharma, Northwest Therapeutics, VBL Therapeutics, Laminar Pharmaceuticals, MedImmune, DNAtrix, Immunomic Therapeutics, Imvax, MimiVax, CNS Pharmaceuticals, Epitopoietic Research Corporation (ERC), Istari Oncology, SonALAsense, Kintara Therapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Medicenna Therapeutics, BioMimetix, Eisai, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Kazia Therapeutics, Oblato, Genenta Science, Enterome, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Karyopharm Therapeutics, VBI Vaccines, TME Pharma, Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Servier, Orbus Therapeutics, TVAX Biomedical, AnHeart Therapeutics, Beigene, SpringWorks Therapeutics, Forma Therapeutics, Hoffmann-La Roche, Incyte Corporation, Eli Lilly, among others.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Supreme Critical Metals Inc. (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:V6R)(OTC:VRCFF) ("Supreme" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced Common Share Financing (the "Offering"). The Company raised proceeds of $1,086,182 through the sale of 10,861,820 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a price of $0.10 per share.

The Company paid finder's fees on the Offering to qualified finder's of $55,094.56 and 350,000 common shares.

The Company intends to use net proceeds of the Offering for general corporate purposes and to advance exploration on the Company's mineral properties.

About Supreme Critical Metals Inc.

SUPREME CRITICAL METALS INC. is a publicly traded diversified investment corporation actively exploring and investigating multiple opportunities in silver, copper, uranium and precious metals. The Company adheres to strategic guidelines that prioritize regions conducive to mining, supported by favourable government regulations and existing infrastructure.

For further information, please contact:

George Tsafalas, Director

Phone: Toll Free 1(778) 373-8578

E-mail: info@supremecritalmetals.com

www.supremecriticalmetals.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contain these identifying words.

More particularly and without limitation, the forward-looking information in this news release includes: expectations regarding the Company's business plans and operations. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company.

Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to Supreme's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Supreme's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release.

SOURCE: Supreme Critical Metals Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/supreme-critical-metals-inc.-announces-closing-of-common-share-financing-1075720
While several films have been made against the backdrop of Indira Gandhis controversial decisions like the 1975 Emergency and Operation Blue Star, one has rarely seen an actor portray her in all her guts and glory.

August 2014: Months after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power at the Centre and overthrew 10 years of the United Progressive Alliances rule, Ravinder Ravis contentious Punjabi film Kaum De Heere was ready to release. Based on Operation Blue Star, and allegedly involving glorification of Indira Gandhis death, the film had waited too long to see the light of day. But on the eve of its scheduled release, Kaum De Heere was stalled yet again.

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After years of court battles, the film was cleared for release by Delhi High Court in 2019. While it has still not hit theatres (presumably because of the ongoing pandemic), Kaum De Heere has not encountered a bumpy road to exhibition only because of its regional scale. Over the past six decades, multiple films much bigger than the Punjabi one have either sparked outrage or self-censored themselves for the involvement of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in their storylines.

Gandhi has interestingly been both an elusive and omnipresent figure in Hindi cinema ever since her tumultuous reign in the 1970s.

While several films have been made against the backdrop of her controversial decisions like the 1975 Emergency, the military action in the Golden Temple, and the consequent Sikh riots, one has rarely seen an actor portray Indira Gandhi in all her guts and glory.

Elements like her honey-crisp voice and peculiar hairstyle, or references to her as Madam or Madam Prime Minister have been commonplace to establish context in Hindi films. In Kaum De Heere, a private screening revealed that it made no allusion to Gandhi  the political force who got assassinated  being referred to only as madam.

It is only very recently in Vijays trilingual film _Thalaivi_, the biopic of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa starring Kangana Ranaut, that we see the titular character give it back to Madam Prime Minister in the Parliament. And there is a face to that address unlike most predecessors. An actor who bears uncanny resemblance to Indira is seen in the next shot, and in two other flashes later in the trailer, there is a clear announcement of her arrival as the former PM.

Prior to this, even remote references to Indira Gandhi have caused a stir. Back in 1975, Gulzars Aandhi invited comparisons of its protagonist Aarti Devi (Suchitra Sen) to Gandhi. While drawing a parallel was organic since there were not too many women who were politicians, the sartorial similarities were uncanny. Add to that, Aartis ambitious streak that made her move away from her husband JK (Sanjeev Kumar) once she realised he is obstructing her path to become a political leader. The makers milked the rumours and promoted Aandhi through posters that read, See your prime minister on screen as the film released during Indiras term.

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Since the protagonist was depicted smoking and drinking, and often as a weak woman owing to her emotional frailty, Aandhi was banned from exhibition once the Emergency was imposed later in the year. Gulzar was prompted to reshoot a couple of contentious scenes, including where Aarti is arguing with her politician-father, who was said to be modelled on Jawaharlal Nehru. But Gulzar cleverly inserted a portrait of Indira in the background, with Aarti saying, Wo meri idol thi, to put all rumours to rest. It was only after the Janata Party came to power in 1977 that Aandhi was re-released to great numbers, and Gulzar admitted that Aarti was indeed inspired by Indira.

Aandhi, while portraying a liberal female politician, was not exactly a satire on Gandhis prime ministerial reign. Besides a fleeting commentary on the political class through the song Salam Kijiye, there were no potshots aimed at the politicians policies or decisions. On the other hand, Amrit Nahatas Kissa Kursi Ka, that released in the same year, was a political satire all along. Shabana Azmi played Janta, a mute and suppressed woman at the mercy of a politician trying to woo her. As the name of the character suggests, Janta was a personification of the people of India, subjected to deception by the political class. Other references in the film suggested that it was a veiled hit-job at the politics of Gandhi and her son Sanjay.

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Prints of the film were confiscated and burnt during the Emergency. A legal battle ensued which resulted in Sanjay and VK Kohli, then-Information and Broadcasting minister, being pronounced guilty of concealing stolen property and disappearance of evidence among other charges. Excesses like these against freedom of speech, whether in cinema or in print, were common during the Emergency, but the fear looms large over filmmakers even today, over 45 years later.

One would assume that BJP coming to power will give a free hand, or even patronage, to cinema targeting the Congress rule. The soft-power and mass-infiltrating potential of films have been exploited by the ruling party over the last six years, which have spawned genres like pop patriotism and period dramas painting Islam in negative hues. But not too many slingshots have been directed towards Indira Gandhis time at the Prime Ministers Office.

Definitely, there have been more films on the Emergency and Sikh riots than there were during the UPA rule. But the spotlight has never been on Gandhi. For instance, Madhur Bhandarkars 2017 political thriller Indu Sarkar came the closest to depicting the Emergency and the role of Gandhi and Sanjay in the upheaval. But the major brunt of the blame was attributed to Sanjays character (Neil Nitin Mukesh), and Indira (Supriya Vinod) made only a fleeting appearance. The political backlash the film received from Congress went on to eclipse the story of Indu Sarkar, an ordinary woman severely affected by the Emergency. The witty spin on the title was in fact Bhandarkars cleverest take on the former prime minister and her controversial term.

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In other films on the Emergency like Milan Luthrias 2017 heist ensemble Baadshaho and Abhishek Chaubeys 2019 dacoit drama Sonchiriya, only Gandhis voice was used in the background to mark her role in the Emergency. But that device was as ornamental as using her fathers Tryst with Destiny speech to mark Indias Independence. A more obvious allusion to Indira was made in Raj Kumar Guptas 2018 crime drama Raid. When local politician Bauji (Saurabh Shukla) visits the PMO to interrupt an IAS officers raid at his mansion during the 1970s, he is shooed away by the then-lady prime minister, who is projected only through a back side profile. The manner of speaking, the grey streak in her hair, and the sari, left no doubts about the PMs identity.

In the two BJP tenures, no major Congress politician from recent times has been spared. The Accidental Prime Minister, a biopic of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, examined what transpired behind closed doors during UPA-1, pulling back few punches at even Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, leaders of the opposition. But the buck stopped there.

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Also, it is surprising there was no puff piece during the UPA rule on Indira, like there was one on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019. A biopic of Indira Gandhi has been in the making for years, and has changed hands multiple times.

In an interview to Firstpost, Vidya Balan explained why she took so long to play Indira Gandhi, a dream role she was chasing for years. I was offered the role five years ago also, by multiple people. But I told them as long as you dont get the requisite permissions, I cant do the film. But its much easier in web. Balan has now teamed up with filmmaker Ritesh Batra for a biographical web series on Indira, produced by Ronnie Screwvalas RSVP Films. While she claimed the script is being rewritten for OTT, the new regulations introduced by the I&B Ministry and the recent furore over content in web-shows will not make the task any quicker or easier.

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Interestingly, Balan was also offered Thalaivi, the Jayalalithaa biopic that Ranaut is soon coming out with. But she told Firstpost she did not want to play both Jayalalithaa and Indira, two strong political figures of the same era and of contrasting ideologies. Ranaut, however, has no such qualms as she has also announced a film in which she will play Indira, directed by her Revolver Rani filmmaker Sai Kabir. It will be interesting to witness how both these projects envision and capture the phenomenon that was Indira Gandhi, particularly after years of watching the Iron Lady of India smiling from the corners of the big screen.
The petition filed by the Association for Aiding Justice through advocate Chandrakant Gaikwad sought a stay on the release of the movie and also deletion of the song, Bhai Vakeel Hai, which it claimed was derogatory towards the legal profession.

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea against Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsis courtroom drama Jolly LLB 3 alleging mockery of judges and lawyers, noting the court was used to such mockery. Dont worry about us, the HC said.

The petition filed by the Association for Aiding Justice through advocate Chandrakant Gaikwad sought a stay on the release of the movie and also deletion of the song, Bhai Vakeel Hai, which it claimed was derogatory towards the legal profession.

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Jab  Jolly honge  , toh hoga double - comedy, chaos aur ! #JollyLLB3Trailer out now: https://t.co/TX7rMnDtS3 #JollyLLB3 in cinemas 19th September. #JollyVsJolly pic.twitter.com/tO4mr03m4h  Jolly Mishra - Asli Jolly from Kanpur (@akshaykumar) September 10, 2025

The petitioners lawyer, Dipesh Siroya, said the movie and song make a mockery of not just lawyers but also judges, as in a scene, the judges are referred to as mamu, a slang he said was derogatory and insulting to the judiciary.

A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad appeared amused and said it was not worried about the same. We have been facing mockery since day one. Dont worry about us, the court said, dismissing the plea. The filmmakers informed the bench that a similar plea against the movie was filed before the Allahabad High Court, and the same was dismissed. The movie is slated for release on September 19.
Kimmels comments about Kirks death are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division.

Jimmy Kimmels late-night talk show has been taken off the air indefinitely by Walt Disney-owned ABC network over his controversial remark about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Confirming the news, an ABC spokesperson said,  Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely. This action came after Nexstar of ABC-affiliated TV stations in the US shared it would not broadcast Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future. Kimmels comments about Kirks death are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division.

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Kimmels controversial monologue on Charlie Kirks assassination

In the show, Jimmy slammed Republicans for politicising Kirks assassination and said, We hit some new lows over the weekend with the Maga gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

Jimmy Kimmel LIED to his audience by claiming Charlie Kirks assassin is MAGA.



Im tagging @jimmykimmel @JimmyKimmelLive so we can all demand he apologize & tell his audience the truth.



pic.twitter.com/F6INfxac6B  Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) September 17, 2025

Criticising Trumps mourning of Kirk, he said, This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, adding, In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.

Trump mocks Jimmy

Praising ABCs decision, President Trump shared on social media, Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.

Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT, he added.

Statement of White House deputy chief

Taylor Budowich, the White House deputy chief also welcomed ABCs decision as he wrote on social media, Welcome to Consequence Culture. Normal, common sense Americans are no longer taking the b- and companies like ABC are finally willing to do the right and reasonable thing."

Charlie Kirk was shot dead by Tyler Robinson on September 10 during an appearance at a campus event in Utah.
Days after Charlie Kirks assassination, Donald Trump has designated Antifa, an extreme left-wing group, as a major terrorist organisation. The grouping, with its origins dating back to the 1920s-1930s, opposes racism, far-right ideologies, and what they define as fascism. While theres no concrete evidence linking Tyler Robinson, the accused in Kirks killing, to the movement, he has exhibited signs of having leftist ideologies

A woman seen wearing a keffiyeh and an 'Antifa' T-shirt. Trump has designated Antifa as a 'major terrorist organisation, days after the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. File image/AFP

Sick, dangerous, radical left disaster

With these words, US President Donald Trump designated Antifa a major terrorist organisation, days after his close aide and right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a college event in Utah. He also warned that those funding the far-left anti-fascism movement would be investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.

Its not clear what mechanism the US president would use to make the designation, as the movement lacks centralised structure or defined leadership.

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But what exactly is Antifa? Is it linked to Charlie Kirks assassination? We have the answers.

What is Antifa?

Short for anti-fascists, Antifa is a loosely affiliated network of radical activists who oppose racism, far-right ideologies, and what they define as fascism. According to Mark Bray, author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, the origins of this grouping dates back to the 1920s or 1930s in Europe when activists rose up against European fascists.

He notes that Antifa movement came to the US in the 1980s with a group called Anti-Racist Action. Its members confronted neo-Nazi skinheads at punk gigs in the American Midwest and elsewhere. By the early 2000s, the Antifa movement was mostly dormant, but rose up again following Donald Trumps presidency and what they believe is the rise of the alt-right.

A banner reading Antifa is pictured. Short for anti-fascists, Antifa is a loosely affiliated network of radical activists who oppose racism, far-right ideologies, and what they define as fascism. File image/AFP

Today, Antifa is largely a secretive movement having no official leaders and its almost impossible to tell how many members subscribe to this. In 2020, Trumps previous FBI director, Christopher Wray, testified that Antifa is an ideology, not an organisation, lacking any hierarchical structure that would usually allow it to be designated as a terror group by the federal government.

Supporters and members of Antifa, often seen dressed in all black, seek to stop what they see as fascist, racist and far-right groups. They also note that violent tactics are sometimes justified as self-defence. One of the most common symbols used by Antifa combines the red flag of the 1917 Russian Revolution and the black flag of 19th century anarchists.

What is the history of Antifa and its movement in the US?

According to the Merriam Websters dictionary, the word antifa was first used in 1946 and was borrowed from a German phrase signalling an opposition to Nazism. However, as Bray mentions in his book, the origins of it could be seen as far back as 1920s and 1930s in Europe.

As the years rolled by, the movement spread to the United States. One of the first groups to use the name was Rose City Antifa, which says it was founded in 2007 in Portland, Oregon. It has a large following on social media, where it shares news articles and sometimes seeks to reveal the identities and personal information of, figures on the right.

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Antifa has grown since then and has become more prominent following Donald Trump becoming the president and what they term as the rise of the far-right. It gained national and international prominence in 2017 after violent clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia when alleged members of Antifa went up against white supremacists.

Antifa and counter protesters to a far-right rally attempt to block the exit from Lafyette Square before Unite the Right demonstrators leave in Washington, DC in 2018. File image/AFP

In the same year, Antifa members attacked alt-right demonstrators at the University of California, Berkeley using bricks, pipes, hammers, and homemade incendiary devices.

Two years later, in 2019, William Van Spronsen, a self-proclaimed Antifa, attempted to bomb the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, using a propane tank but was killed by police.

Antifa is also linked to the 2020 Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement that erupted following the death of a Black man named George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Some of the BLM protests descended into the violence with many political leaders, including Trump, as well as media outlets naming Antifa as the instigator of the violence during those protests.

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There were also claims made that it was the Antifa and not members of the far-right that stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. These allegations were spread by mainstream right-wing media personalities who falsely claimed that there were reports of busloads of Antifa infiltrating the ranks of the pro-Trump crowd and that it was Antifa that was the first to break the police barrier.

How does Antifa operate? Is it dangerous?

Antifa look to disrupt alt-right events and far-right speakers; they shout and chant, forming human chains to block off right-wing demonstrations. They remain unapologetic about their tactics, which even include monitoring the far-right on social media and releasing their information online  a practice known as  doxxing.

Some Antifa members also resort to violence with Bray writing in his book that The argument is that militant anti-fascism is inherently self-defence because of the historically documented violence that fascists pose, especially to marginalised people.

In fact, according to a BBC report, some Antifa members has made historical arguments to justify their violence. For instance, they ask, what if opponents of the German Nazi Party had been more forceful in their opposition in the 1930s, could World War II and the Holocaust have been averted?

A flag, bearing a leftist symbol associated with Antifa, is reflected behind a Boston Police officer in 2019. File image/Reuters

A flag, bearing a leftist symbol associated with Antifa, is reflected behind a Boston Police officer during the Straight Pride Parade rally in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., August 31, 2019. REUTERS/Faith Ninivaggi TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Its hard to pinpoint the violence perpetrated by Antifa owing to their structure and the secrecy around its members.

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However, data provides a clear picture on the threat they pose. From 1994 to 2020, right-wing extremists accounted for approximately 57 per cent of all terrorist incidents whereas left-wing extremists were linked to about 25 per cent of these incidents. Also, left-wing terrorism has resulted in 22 deaths in the same period, whereas right-wing extremism caused a significantly higher number of fatalities  335 in total.

However, as Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a professor of history at New York University who studies fascism, told the New York Times that she was worried that Antifas methods could feed into the what she said were false equivalencies that seek to lump violence on the left with attacks by the right.

What is Trumps stance on Antifa?

In the past, namely in 2020, Trump has sought to designate Antifa as a terrorist organisation. However, at the time, his advisors told him it would be difficult to do so considering its lack of structure and also trigger serious First Amendment challenges.

But now, days after Kirks assassination which Trump and many officials have blamed the far-left for, he has designated Antifa as a terrorist organisation. On his social media platform, the American leader wrote, I am pleased to inform our many USA patriots that I am designating Antifa, a sick, dangerous, radical left disaster, as a major terrorist organisation, adding, I will also be strongly recommending that those funding Antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

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But is Antifa linked to Kirks killing?

In the aftermath of Kirks assassination and the arrest of Tyler Robinson in the matter, investigators have been trying to ascertain the motive. Authorities found shell casings from the weapon linked to the crime inscribed with anti-fascist slogans, including Hey fascist! Catch! and Bella Ciao, a Second World War Italian resistance song later adopted by anti-fascist activists.

A police mugshot shows Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Reuters

But while investigators havent concluded that Robinson was a member of Antifa, the Governor of Utah, Spencer Cox, noted that the bullet casings were a connection to Antifa. US President Trump also suggested that Robinson was radicalised over the internet and that his political radicalisation was on the left.

Hes a left. A lot of problems with the left, and they get protected, and they shouldnt be protected, he further noted.

Later, he also added, Antifa is terrible. There are other groups. We have some pretty radical groups, and they got away with murder, he added without citing any evidence or elaborating.

With inputs from agencies
It was a day of contrasts. At Windsor Castle, Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, were given the royal treatment; they enjoyed a carriage procession, witnessed a flypast, and the finest of wine and food at the state banquet. There was also praise and flattery lavished, with King Charles honouring the US president for his personal commitment to finding solutions to world problems. But away from the glamour, there were also protests and agitations against the American leader

There are a few firsts that Donald Trump can boast of and on Wednesday (September 17), he noted that being the first US president to enjoy a second British state visit was one of the highest honours of my life, as he wined and dined with British royalty at Windsor Castle.

The opening day of Trumps unprecedented state visit to the United Kingdom boasted a packed itinerary  complete with a carriage procession, a Red Arrows flypast and even a new Transatlantic cocktail. And Day 1 of his visit ended with a showstopper of a state banquet at the royal residence where tiaras glittered, fashion spoke volumes and praise was lavished as if it was butter on toast.

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But even as Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were treated to a glitzy and glamourous affair inside Windsor Castle, Londoners took to the streets to protest Trumps visit, which human rights groups have condemned over US support for the continuing genocide of the Palestinian people.

As we prepare for Day 2 of Trumps UK visit, heres a recap of all that happened and much, much more.

A royal courting of Trump

From the moment US President Donald Trump and wife Melania touched down in Britain for the UK state visit, they have been provided with a red-carpet treatment. And that was clearly on display as the US presidential couple made their way to Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Donald and his wife were greeted by the British monarch and his wife, King Charles and Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate. Royal gun salutes at the castle and the Tower of London marked their arrival.

Britains King Charles III and US President Donald Trump speak to military personnel at Windsor Castle, in Windsor during the US presidents second state visit. AFP

The US president and his wife joined the royals for a carriage procession through Windsor, accompanied by mounted cavalry and military bands. Trump inspected a guard of honour with King Charles, with the pair looking jovial as they chatted. The US guests were then escorted into the castle accompanied to the sound of bagpipes  a performance that seemed to please the US president, whose mother was Scottish.

Later in the afternoon, Trump was honoured with a military parade  replete with a Red Arrows flyover  held at Windsor Castle.

US President Donald Trump and Britains King Charles III sit on the dias as The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, perform a flypast over the Beating Retreat military ceremony on the East Lawn at Windsor Castle, in Windsor. AFP

However, the evening event of the state banquet was the highlight of Day 1 of Trumps UK state visit. The white tie event, being held at Windsors largest room, the St Georges Hall, saw over 160 attendees including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Keir Starmer, and a long list of American technology CEOs  including Apples Tim Cook, OpenAIs Sam Altman, and Microsofts Satya Nadella.

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The banquet was a glittering feast of speeches, royal toasts, trumpet fanfares and fancy food and wine.

A view of the banquet table in St Georges Hall, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, ahead of the state banquet for US President Donald Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, on day one of their second state visit to the UK. Reuters

A lesson in lavishing praise

At the state banquet, King Charles and Donald Trump delivered speeches that were a study in contrasts. The two exchanged compliments about each others nations history, with the elected president praising the British Empire and the hereditary monarch praising US democracy.

The British Empire laid the foundations of law, liberty, free speech, and individual rights virtually everywhere the Union Jack has ever flown, said Trump.

President Donald Trump, speaks during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England. AP

King Charles, in return, spoke of his long admiration for the principles of freedom which your great democracy has represented since its inception. He also had warm words for Trump personally on diplomacy, notable given that the US president frequently claims credit for ending seven wars since his January inauguration

Our countries are working together in support of crucial diplomatic efforts, not least of which, Mr President, is your own personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the worlds most intractable conflicts, in order to secure peace, said Charles.

When Trump got up to speak, he called his second state visit to the UK  one of the highest honours of my life. He also marvelled at the castles architecture and complimented Prince William as a remarkable son.

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US President Donald Trump looks on as Britains King Charles III delivers a speech during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, in Windsor. AFP

In his brief speech, the president also emphasised the bond between the US and UK, saying the special relationship between the countries does not begin to do it justice.

At the end of his speech, Trump, however, boasted, calling the US the hottest country. We had a very sick country one year ago, he said. Today, I believe were the hottest country anywhere in the world.

An awkward guest makes the cut

But besides the glitz and glamour at the state banquet it was the attendance of one individual that created buzz. That person was Rupert Murdoch, the media baron. Notably, Trump has sued him and the Wall Street Journal for $10 billion in June over the publication of an article about him and the late Epstein.

Media baron Rupert Murdoch and his companion Elena Zhukova attend a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, in Windsor during the second state visit of US President Donald Trump. AFP

The Journal reported that in 2003 the then-real estate tycoon wrote a suggestive birthday letter to Epstein. Trump denies that he wrote the letter or signed it. The scandal has already cast a shadow over the visit as UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson was sacked days before over his own ties to the disgraced Epstein.

But Murdoch remained on the guest list with the 94-year-old being spotted mingling with other guests but seated far along the huge table from the US president.

Tiaras and the fashion

While many are watching Trumps UK state visit unfold for its political ramifications, there are many who are closely observing it for the fashion, courtesy Princess Catherine and US First Lady Melania Trump. And as expected, both of them didnt disappoint.

Earlier in the day, Melania opted for a wide-brimmed purple hat and paired it with a sleek grey Dior suit. The dramatic piece concealed part of her face with experts noting that it was her effort to place the focus on her husbands agenda rather than drawing attention to herself.

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Britains Queen Camilla and Britains Catherine, Princess of Wales talk with US First Lady Melania Trump upon her arrival in the grounds of Windsor Castle, in Windsor. AFP

Meanwhile, Princess Kate wore a burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress, topped with a matching Jane Taylor hat. Her outfit, complete with a feather brooch, matched the Prince of Waless burgundy tie, showing solidarity and alignment with both her husband and the UKs interests.

For the state banquet, the two women once again changed, opting for ball gowns. Melania wore a canary yellow off-the-shoulder gown with a lilac belt from Carolina Herrera, which she styled with large emerald earrings and a pair of nude, pointy-toe pumps. Kate, on the other hand, chose a floor-length Phillipa Lepley gown for the occasion. The cream silk dress hugged her figure, and she wore a gold overlay atop the simple gown. She paired the dress with the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, which originally belonged to Queen Mary.

King Charles, US President Donald Trump, Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump pose during US President Donald Trumps state visit, at Windsor Castle. Reuters

Protests continue across London

But away from the pomp and pageantry inside Windsor Castle, protests took place across London against Trumps visit. Even as the US president arrived in Britain, images of him and late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were projected on to the walls of Windsor Castle.

And later on Wednesday, hundreds of protesters gathered across the British capital with placards reading No to racism, no to Trump, alongside smaller versions of the Trump baby blimp that became an icon of mass demonstrations against his first state visit in 2019.

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People take part in a Trump Not Welcome protest during the state visit of US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, in London, Britain. Reuters

The protesters had various reasons to come out; some said it was Trumps autocratic behaviour, others called him out for supporting Israels genocide in Gaza while some others also lamented his climate policies.

But it seems that the US president either ignored or remained oblivious to the protests that unfolded around him as he continued to bask in the pomp and pageantry.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump will meet Keir Starmer at the UK Prime Ministers country retreat in Buckinghamshire. The two leaders will have lunch and hold a bilateral meeting. In France, protests have been planned to express anger against the budget announced this summer

It is set to be a busy Thursday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, US President Donald Trump will be meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers. Meanwhile, demonstrations will take place across various locations in France to protest against the budget.

Britains Prince Edward will be on a visit to Japan. Sri Lanka is set to face Afghanistan in the 11th match of the Asia Cup 2025.

Here is all that is set to take place today.

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Trump to meet Starmer at Chequers

US President Donald Trump will be travelling to the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers country retreat in Chequers. He is likely to be greeted by Starmer, a guard of honour and a band of bagpipers.

Here, Starmer will lead Trump on a tour of Winston Churchills archives before beginning the bilateral meeting. Following the meeting, he will hold a reception with business leaders, including representatives from GSK, Microsoft and Rolls-Royce.

According to the Guardian, the pair will have lunch together before hosting a joint press conference.

Protests planned in France

More than 250 demonstrations have been planned across France today, following the union call to protest the austerity budget announced in the summer by ousted Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. All labour unions have unanimously declared them to be brutal and denounced them.

A protester throws an object at French CRS riot police during a demonstration in Nantes, as part of a grassroots protest movement called Bloquons Tout. Reuters

The leading union in public elementary schools have said that it is expecting one-third of teachers to walk out. In Paris, the union has predicted a 45 per cent walkout rate and at least 90 schools to be closed, reported news website Le Monde.

Britains Prince Edward to visit Japan

Prince Edward will be on an official trip to Japan. This will mark an important moment in the longstanding diplomatic and cultural relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan.

The Duke of Edinburgh will be accompanied by his wife, Princess Sophie. During this visit, they will meet the Emperor and Empress of Japan, along with Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino. They will also attend Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

During his stay, Prince Edward will attend events focused on youth engagement and education, reflecting his long-standing patronage of the Duke of Edinburghs Award scheme. Japanese students and young participants are expected to share their experiences.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan at Asia Cup

Sri Lanka is set to face Afghanistan in the 11th match of the Asia Cup at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today. Sri Lanka started their campaign with a comprehensive six-wicket win against Bangladesh and then later defeated Hong Kong by four wickets.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan is in a tough spot as they have won one match and lost another. They need to win this match to go through the Super Four. If they fail to qualify, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will qualify for the next stage.

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While Abu Dhabis pitches have favoured batters with an attacking mindset, bowlers have also found assistance. Given the high temperatures expected and a first-inning average of 135, the team winning the toss is expected to bowl first.

With inputs from agencies
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are planning to provide photographic and scientific evidence in a court in the US to prove that the First Lady is a woman, as per their lawyer. The documentation will be presented in a defamation lawsuit filed by the couple against Maga influencer Candace Owens

France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron attend a ceremony during their visit to The British Museum in London, Britain, July 9, 2025. File Photo/Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are set to present photographic and scientific evidence in an American court to prove the First Lady is a woman, according to their lawyer. This comes after the Macrons filed a defamation suit against Candace Owens, the right-wing Maga influencer.

Brigitte Macron has long been a target of conspiracy theories about her gender identity. Now, she is fighting back the trolls.

Lets take a closer look.

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Whats the case?

American podcaster Candace Owens is facing a defamation lawsuit by Frances First Couple  Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron  over her claims that Frances First Lady is in fact a man.

The 219-page complaint was filed in July by the Macrons in the US state of Delaware.

Owens, who has 7.1 million followers on X, first started spreading bizarre conspiracy theories about Brigitte Macrons gender in 2024 through her YouTube videos and podcast episodes.

The 36-year-old newspaper columnist turned Maga influencer said in March last year that she would stake her entire professional reputation on her belief that Frances First Lady Brigitte is in fact a man and he transitioned secretly decades ago.

The conspiracy theory originated in fringe online spaces and gained prominence after a YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey.

The Macrons won a defamation lawsuit in France against the two women in 2024. However, it was later overturned based on freedom of expression. The French First Couple have appealed the decision.

The Macrons also filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens, accusing her of spreading outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched lies that have triggered a campaign of global humiliation and relentless bullying.

They alleged she disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favour of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers.

Reacting to the lawsuit, Owens said she had been sued by the first lady man of France. I am fully prepared to take on this battle, she declared on her podcast in July. On behalf of the entire world, I will see you in court.

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Despite the legal case, the Maga conspiracy theorist went on to double down on her baseless claim and alleged that Brigitte Macrons death would be faked before the case reached the discovery phase.

Brigitte Macron to prove she is a woman

Brigitte Macron will present photographic and scientific evidence to prove that she is a woman in a Delaware court in the Macrons defamation suit against Owens.

Speaking to BBCs Fame Under Fire podcast, the Macrons lawyer in the case, Tom Clare, said the French First Lady had found the claims incredibly upsetting and they were a distraction to the French president.

I dont want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life as well, when your family is under attack, it wears on you. And hes not immune from that because hes the president of a country, he said.

Clare said there would be expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature and, without providing details, said that the couple were planning to demonstrate both generically and specifically that the allegations are false.

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French Presidents wife Brigitte Macron looks on during a State Banquet, on the second day of a three-day state visit to Britain, at the Guildhall in London, Britain, July 9, 2025. File Photo/Reuters

When asked whether the Macrons would present pictures of Brigitte pregnant and raising her children, the lawyer confirmed they existed and would be presented in court.

It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put this type of proof forward, he said.

It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way. But shes willing to do it. She is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight.

If that unpleasantness and that discomfort that she has of opening herself up in that way is what it takes to set a record straight and stop this, shes 100 per cent ready to meet that burden.

In the US, in defamation cases against public figures, plaintiffs are required to prove actual malice that the defendant knowingly spread false information or showed reckless disregard for the truth.

Owens lawyers are trying to get the case thrown out of court, taking objection to it being filed in Delaware. They claim forcing her to defend the case in Delaware would cause substantial financial and operational hardship.

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In August, Emmanuel Macron explained to French magazine Paris Match the reason for choosing the legal route.

This is about defending my honour! Because this is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-right leaders.

With inputs from agencies
Since President Donald Trump took office in January, the United States has slowly been clamping down on immigration. Now, the US government is reinstating a civics test that was removed by the previous Biden government in 2020

Is the United States making its citizenship test more difficult?

Since President Donald Trump took office in January, the United States has slowly been clamping down on immigration. Now, the US government is reinstating a civics test that was removed by the previous Biden government in 2020.

Trump had earlier signed an executive order doing away with birthright citizenship, which has been blocked by a slew of courts. But what happened? What do we know? Lets take a closer look.

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Reinstating 2020 version of test

The USCIS said it is reinstating a previous version of the civics test implemented by the first Trump administration. That 2020 version was scrapped by the Biden administration, which claimed it would inadvertently create potential barriers to the naturalisation process.

The number of questions on the test that prospective citizens need to study about history and politics has gone from 100 to 128. Applicants now need to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly. Under the previous version of the test, applicants needed to answer just six out of 10 questions correctly. This will increase the difficulty of the test.

As per USCIS, the new test will be given to those who apply for US citizenship starting mid-October. The agency has said that the civics test has been around since the 1900s and has been subject to frequent changes.

New topics introduced

Dwight Eisenhower, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and the importance of the Federalist Papers are some of the new topics on which questions have been introduced. The 10th Amendment, dealing with states rights, has also been added as a subject. USCIS has said that while 25 per cent of the questions are new, the remaining 75 per cent remain the same.

Under the new test, officers are mandated to ask as many questions as needed to decide if someone has cleared the hurdle. Under the old test, officers were mandated to ask all 20 questions even if the individual had already passed or failed.

Passing the civics test has long been the final step to gaining US citizenship. Immigrants wanting to become citizens must show they have been in the United States legally for at least 3 to 5 years, that they can read, converse and write in English, and that they can demonstrate a basic knowledge of US history and politics.

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The test is given orally by a citizenship officer.

The number of questions on the test that prospective citizens need to study about history and politics has gone from 100 to 128. Reuters

Those who fail the test are given a second chance. If they fail again, their citizenship application is turned down. People 65 and older who have been permanent residents for two decades or more have to study just 20 questions. They can also take the test in the language of their choice.

USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said this is just the first of many changes that are coming. He said more will follow in the weeks and months ahead.

American citizenship is the most sacred citizenship in the world and should only be reserved for aliens who will fully embrace our values and principles as a nation, Tragesser said.

By ensuring only those aliens who meet all eligibility requirements, including the ability to read, write, and speak English and understand US government and civics, are able to naturalise, the American people can be assured that those joining us as fellow citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to Americas greatness.

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Troubling to me

But not everyone is happy.

Some immigrants and advocates worry the changes will hurt test-takers with lower levels of English proficiency.

Professor Daniel Kanstroom of Boston College Law School told Time Magazine, The question comes down to: are we a fundamentally open country or are we a fundamentally closed country? Thats what is at stake here.

Its troubling to me that with this test change theres a view of citizenship as a precious commodity, but then there is also this gold card visa, he said.

Is it important for us to even have a civics test in the first place? I dont know the answer to that question, said Corleen Smith, director of immigration services at the International Institute of Minnesota, a non-profit that connects immigrants to resources.

Smith said USCIS already evaluates whether applicants have past criminal histories, pay taxes and support their children financially.

Some immigrants and advocates worry the changes will hurt test-takers with lower levels of English proficiency. Reuters

Theyre already evaluating that portion of your background. Is it also important to know this information about history and government and be able to memorise it? Smith said, adding: People that were born in the US and are natural-born citizens  a lot of those folks dont know many of these answers to the history or government questions.

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These arent the only changes USCIS has made

The agency in August ordered its employees to do a more complete and holistic assessment of applicants good moral character.

It also said it would check prospective citizens and visa applicants for anti-Americanism, and in particular antisemitic ideologies, including their behaviour on social media.

Proposed changes on the horizon?

The agency had also proposed adding a speaking section to assess English skills. An officer would show photos of ordinary scenarios  such as daily activities, weather or food  and ask the applicant to verbally describe the photos.

For me, I think it would be harder to look at pictures and explain them, said Heaven Mehreta, who immigrated from Ethiopia 10 years ago, passed the naturalisation test in May and became a US citizen in Minnesota in June.

Mehreta, 32, said she learned English as an adult after moving to the US and found pronunciation to be very difficult. She worries that adding a new speaking section based on photos, rather than personal questions, will make the test harder for others like her.

Shai Avny, who immigrated from Israel five years ago and became a US citizen last year, said the new speaking section could also increase the stress applicants already feel during the test.

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Sitting next to someone from the federal government, it can be intimidating to talk and speak with them. Some people have this fear anyway. When its not your first language, it can be even more difficult. Maybe you will be nervous and you wont find the words to tell them what you need to describe, Avny said. Its a test that will determine if you are going to be a citizen. So there is a lot to lose.

Another proposed change would make the civics section on US history and government multiple choice instead of the current oral short-answer format.

It remains to be seen what the Trump administration does next when it comes to citizenship and immigration.

With inputs from agencies
Israel has completed testing its high-energy laser defence system, Iron Beam, which will be deployed by the end of 2025. Designed to counter rockets, drones, and mortars at minimal cost, it complements Iron Dome and other missile shields. Officials say this breakthrough marks the worlds first fully operational high-power laser defence system

A part of Iron Beam laser anti-missile interception system, developed by Israel, is seen in this handout image obtained by Reuters on September 17, 2025. Image/Israel Defence Ministry

Israel has announced that its highly anticipated high-energy laser defence system, Iron Beam, has completed final testing and will be deployed by the end of this year.

The development is being hailed as a major leap forward in modern warfare, offering a low-cost way to neutralise incoming threats such as rockets, drones and mortars.

Officials say Iron Beam represents the worlds first fully operational high-power laser interception platform, and it is set to transform Israels layered air defence strategy at a time when the country faces sustained attacks on multiple fronts.

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How Iron Beam reached operational readiness

Iron Beam, known in Hebrew as Or Eitan (Eitans light), was first unveiled by Israeli defence contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems at the Singapore Airshow in February 2014.

At the time, it was introduced as a directed-energy weapon designed to handle short-range threats that conventional missile-based defence systems could not always intercept efficiently or economically.

The system has now reached the point of operational deployment. In its final series of tests, conducted over several weeks in southern Israel, Iron Beam successfully neutralised a wide variety of targets, including rockets, mortars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and even low-flying aircraft.

These demonstrations validated its capabilities across a comprehensive range of combat scenarios, according to the Israeli Defence Ministry.

Defence Ministry Director-General Amir Baram highlighted the historic nature of the achievement, stating, This is the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached full operational maturity.

The system will now be delivered to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and integrated into the countrys broader missile defence framework by later this year.

Defence Minister Israel Katz described the milestone as a historic milestone and praised Iron Beam for providing rapid, precise interception at marginal cost that joins our existing defence systems and changes the threat equation.

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How Iron Beam will complement existing defence layers

Iron Beam will not replace Israels other defence systems such as Iron Dome, Davids Sling, or the Arrow missile interceptors. Instead, it will add another layer to the countrys multi-tiered defence network.

While Iron Dome has been highly effective at intercepting rockets from groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, it relies on costly missile interceptors, each of which costs at least $50,000.

In high-intensity conflicts involving thousands of incoming projectiles, this cost becomes difficult to sustain over time.

Iron Beam laser anti-missile interception system, developed by Israel, is seen in action in this handout image obtained by Reuters on September 17, 2025. Image/Israel Defence Ministry

Iron Beam addresses this problem by focusing on threats at the shorter end of the range spectrum  small rockets, drones, mortars, and similar low-cost munitions.

These are precisely the types of weapons frequently used by militant groups, often launched in swarms designed to overwhelm traditional missile defence systems.

As long as there is an adequate power supply, Iron Beam can keep firing without running out of ammunition. This makes it especially valuable during prolonged attacks, where missile-based defences might otherwise deplete their interceptor stockpiles.

Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz highlighted the broader implications of the system, saying, Iron Beam, which is built with the companys adaptive optics technology, will undoubtedly be a game-changing system with unprecedented impact on modern warfare.

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How Iron Beam works

The core of Iron Beams capability lies in its fiber laser technology, which generates a highly concentrated beam of energy.

When a threat is detected, the system tracks it and directs multiple smaller beams to converge on a single point. These beams individually encounter less atmospheric interference, allowing for greater precision and faster destruction of the target.

Once the laser energy is concentrated on the target, it can neutralise it within approximately four seconds. The systems maximum effective range is estimated at around 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), making it ideal for defending specific areas such as cities, military bases, or critical infrastructure.

The Defence Ministry confirmed that the latest version of the system, Iron Beam 450, offers extended range and enhanced response times.

Iron Beam 450 Reaches Final Development and Readiness for Delivery



Rafael, together with Israels Ministry of Defense, has completed the final series of trials for the Iron Beam 450, the worlds first operational high-energy laser defense system.



In these landmark tests, Iron pic.twitter.com/fhKrB9rL5i  Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (@RAFAELdefense) September 17, 2025

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Rafael has also developed several variants to meet different operational needs:

Iron Beam 450  the most powerful version, with extended range and advanced optics.

Iron Beam M  a mobile, truck-mounted version for flexible ground deployment.

Lite Beam  a smaller unit designed for armored vehicles and rapid-response teams.

Maritime version  intended for use aboard naval vessels to protect against drone or missile attacks at sea.

The cost per laser shot is minimal compared to traditional missiles. Some estimates put the direct operating cost as low as $3 to $5 per interception, while even accounting for all related expenses, a single engagement would total around $2,000.

By contrast, missile interceptors can range from $50,000 to as much as $150,000 each.

However, there are technical limitations. Lasers are dependent on clear atmospheric conditions, meaning their performance can be degraded by fog, clouds, heavy rain, or sandstorms.

This factor requires commanders to integrate Iron Beam alongside other defence systems to ensure continuous coverage.

A detail of Iron Beam laser anti-missile interception system, developed by Israel, is seen in this handout image obtained by Reuters on September 17, 2025. Image/Israel Defence Ministry

In a symbolic move, the Defence Ministry announced that the system would be officially renamed Or Eitan, or Eitans light, in memory of Captain Eitan Oster, a 22-year-old commando who was killed during operations in southern Lebanon in October 2024.

Osters father, a senior figure in the Defence Ministrys Directorate of Defence Research and Development, played a key role in the Iron Beam project.

With final trials now complete, the focus shifts to integrating Iron Beam into active service.

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The first operational batteries will be delivered to the IDF before the year ends, where they will be deployed alongside Iron Dome and other systems to provide comprehensive coverage.

According to Rafaels official announcement, the Iron Beam 450 demonstrated unmatched speed, precision, and near-zero cost per engagement during its final tests.

While initial deployment will focus on protecting key Israeli cities and military installations, the long-term plan envisions expanding coverage to naval fleets and frontline units.

How Israel has defended the need for Iron Beam

Israels need for a cost-effective defence solution has grown significantly in recent years. Two years ago, Hamas gunmen carried out a large-scale attack, killing 1,200 people, abducting 250 others, and launching approximately 3,000 missiles in a single day.

This marked the beginning of a prolonged conflict that has since expanded into a multi-front war involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi forces in Yemen.

Since then, tens of thousands of projectiles  including rockets and UAVs  have been fired at Israeli territory. While Iron Dome and other systems have provided a strong shield, the sheer volume of attacks has placed enormous financial strain on defence resources.

Developing Iron Beam was seen as essential to maintaining sustainable defence capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Israel must achieve greater security independence due to growing diplomatic isolation.

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The introduction of a domestically produced laser defence system directly supports this strategic goal.

The Defence Ministry also confirmed that a lower-powered version of Iron Beam has already been used in actual combat.

A part of Iron Beam laser anti-missile interception system, developed by Israel, is seen in this handout image obtained by Reuters on September 17, 2025. Image/Israel Defence Ministry

In 2024, this earlier model was reportedly responsible for downing approximately 35 drones launched by Hezbollah, providing an early proof-of-concept for the technology.

What next for Israels defence network

While Iron Beam is a domestically developed Israeli system, Rafael has also partnered with Lockheed Martin to explore future improvements.

Announced in December 2022, this collaboration aims to create a next-generation laser platform capable of combining multiple solid-state lasers to achieve power levels up to 300 kilowatts.

This would enable simultaneous targeting of multiple incoming threats, further expanding the systems defensive capabilities.

Globally, several nations are pursuing directed-energy weapons due to their potential to reduce reliance on expensive munitions. However, scaling the technology for reliable battlefield use has proven challenging.

Although other countries are developing similar systems, Israel is now the first to field a fully operational, high-power laser defence platform.

Elbit Systems CEO Bezhalel Machlis revealed that the company is also working on airborne laser technologies, which could represent the next stage of development.

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These systems would potentially allow aircraft to engage incoming threats from above, adding yet another layer to Israels defensive strategy.

First and foremost an airborne laser that holds the potential for a strategic change in air defence capabilities, Machlis explained, pointing out that future designs could be deployed across multiple domains  land, sea, and air.

The flexibility of Iron Beams architecture means it can be adapted for mobile units, naval deployments, and even potentially space-based applications in the future.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has now led to Jimmy Kimmels suspension, mass firings of journalists, and a Pentagon crackdown on troops over social media posts

People demonstrate outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is recorded for broadcast, on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, US, September 17, 2025. File Image/Reuters

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked a nationwide chain reaction targeting media houses, corporate workplaces and even the United States military.

In the days following Kirks death, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was suspended, journalists and political analysts lost their jobs, and the Pentagon launched an unprecedented internal disciplinary campaign.

How Jimmy Kimmels late-night show was suspended

Walt Disney-owned ABC announced on Wednesday, that it would indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live, its long-running late-night talk show.

The move came after comments Kimmel made during a monologue earlier in the week about the political response to Kirks assassination.

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The decision was reportedly not made lightly. It followed mounting pressure from regulators, broadcast affiliates, and prominent political figures who argued that Kimmels remarks crossed a line.

During his Monday night segment, Kimmel

We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the Maga gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said.

Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and a prominent figure in right-wing circles, was shot in the neck during a public appearance at Utah Valley University.

He had built a national profile through his uncompromising rhetoric, combative debate style, and close ties to US President Donald Trump and his political movement.

Authorities quickly apprehended a 22-year-old suspect and charged him with murder. While investigators have confirmed the basic facts of the shooting, they have not yet provided a clear motive for the attack.

Kimmels comments were seen by critics as deeply disrespectful and politically charged in the wake of a high-profile assassination. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr took the unusual step of publicly urging local broadcasters to remove Kimmels show from their schedules.

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Speaking on a conservative podcast hosted by Benny Johnson, Carr warned that the commission was prepared to take further action if necessary. This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said.

He added that affiliate stations carrying ABC programming should consider whether continuing to air Kimmels show served the needs of their local communities.

Disney needs to see some change here, but the individual licensed stations that are taking their content, its time for them to step up and say this, you know, garbage to the extent that thats what comes down the pipe in the future isnt something that we think serves the needs of our local communities.

Carrs remarks set off a chain reaction across the broadcasting industry.

Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliates across the country, became the first major company to act.

The network announced it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live, citing the controversial comments and highlighting the importance of community standards.

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Nexstars decision has been put into the spotlight because the company is currently seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with rival broadcaster Tegna.

Carr praised Nexstars move, saying the company had done the right thing.

Within hours, ABC followed suit. The network, which directly owns a number of local affiliates, said it would remove the show from its own stations and replace it with other programming.

Jimmy Kimmel Live will be preempted indefinitely, an ABC spokesperson said in a brief statement.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest owner of ABC affiliates nationwide, then announced it would not air Kimmels show even if ABC decided to reinstate it. Sinclair demanded that Kimmel issue a public apology before any return to the airwaves would be considered.

The company also revealed plans to broadcast a tribute to Charlie Kirk during Kimmels regular time slot as a gesture of respect to the conservative figure.

Kimmel himself did not publicly respond to the controversy. Reporters spotted him leaving the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, where his show is taped, but he declined to comment.

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How Trump reacted to Kimmels suspension

Trump, a longtime critic of Kimmel and other late-night hosts, celebrated the shows suspension on Truth Social.

In his post, Trump not only praised ABC but also called on NBC to take similar action against Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, both of whom have frequently targeted him in their monologues.

Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done, Trump wrote.

Democratic lawmakers and free-speech advocates strongly opposed the decision, framing it as a dangerous precedent for government interference in media. US Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts described it as censorship in action.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the commission, argued that US free speech laws should prevent the government from dictating broadcast content.

This administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression, Gomez told CNN.

The controversy comes amid a broader pattern of clashes between Trump and major media organisations. Trump has frequently criticised coverage he deems unfair and has pursued a number of legal actions against prominent outlets.

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New York Times newspapers are being printed, following the announcement of the verdict on former US President Donald Trumps criminal trial, at the New York Times College Point Printing Plant in Queens, New York City, US, May 30, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Earlier this year, CBSs parent company paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit over alleged deceptive editing of an interview with presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

In December, ABC itself paid $15 million to resolve a defamation case stemming from anchor George Stephanopoulos description of Trumps actions related to the E Jean Carroll case.

Just this week, Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House, alleging systemic bias and unfair treatment.

How Pentagon reacted to Charlie Kirks assassination

The US Department of Defence, now officially renamed the Department of War under Trumps directive, has also launched a sweeping internal crackdown on service members.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who personally knew Kirk, ordered military leaders to take immediate action against any troops posting online content that could be interpreted as mocking or celebrating the assassination.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell issued a strongly worded statement on X, which was reposted by Hegseth.

We WILL NOT tolerate those who celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American at the Department of War. Its a violation of the oath, its conduct unbecoming, its a betrayal of the Americans theyve sworn to protect & dangerously incompatible with military service.

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While the Pentagon has not released official numbers, one US official told Reuters that disciplinary measures likely involved dozens of service members.

The actions taken so far have ranged from formal reprimands to removal from leadership positions. Although no service members have been discharged yet, officials did not rule out the possibility.

A US Air Force spokesperson confirmed that commanders were reviewing social media activity and acting accordingly, As commanders verify inappropriate actions, they are taking the necessary administrative and disciplinary actions to hold service members accountable.

Legal experts note that members of the U.S. military have different constitutional protections than civilians. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), service members can be punished for speech that disrupts good order and discipline.

One provision, Article 88, explicitly prohibits contemptuous words against senior government officials, including the president, Congress, and the defense secretary.

Matthew Lohmeier, an undersecretary of the Air Force, announced plans to prosecute and remove from service a senior master sergeant in Florida who made online comments about both Kirk and Trump.

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Men and women who are guilty of this kind of behavior will not serve in uniform, Lohmeier stated on X.

Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force lawyer now teaching at Southwestern Law School, described a growing climate of fear within the ranks.

She recounted a conversation with an active-duty service member who had painstakingly deleted two decades of personal social media posts to avoid potential scrutiny.

The Department of Defence, from the very top, is telling individuals they cannot have certain thoughts, VanLandingham said, warning that this environment would likely lead to broader self-censorship.

One US official acknowledged the chilling effect but urged caution among service members.

Sharing any kind of hot take when publicly identifiable as part of DoD (is) also dumb, the official said.

How journalists & analysts have lost jobs over Kirks assassination

Karen Attiah, a well-known opinion columnist at The Washington Post, revealed that she was dismissed after posting commentary on gun violence and systemic racial issues in the aftermath of Kirks death.

In a detailed Substack post, Attiah defended her actions, stating that she had exercised restraint and never celebrated Kirks killing.

She noted that her only direct reference to Kirk had been quoting his past public remarks about Black women, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and former Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

My only direct reference to Kirk was one post  his own words on record, Attiah wrote.

Attiah said she was informed that her posts constituted gross misconduct and endangered the physical safety of her colleagues, accusations she rejected.

Her firing comes amid a broader ideological shift at The Washington Post. Over the past year, the papers opinion section has undergone restructuring after owner Jeff Bezos introduced a new editorial philosophy focused on personal liberties and free markets.

This directive led to the departure of opinion editor David Shipley and several senior staff members, replaced by Adam ONeal, formerly of The Economist and The Wall Street Journal.

MSNBC also took action, firing political analyst Matthew Dowd for remarks he made on air describing Kirk as a divisive figure.

Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions, Dowd said, calling Kirks rhetoric hate speech.

MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler issued an apology for Dowds comments, labelling them inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable.

Right-wing online activists have been actively tracking social media for posts perceived as critical of Kirk, often contacting employers directly to demand disciplinary action.

This has led to a wave of firings and suspensions across industries, from media outlets to corporate offices.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
According to reports, Samir Modi was first detained at the Delhi airport while returning from London and then taken into police custody. Samir, the brother of fugitive businessman and ex-IPL chief Lalit Modi, was taken to court and remanded to judicial custody for one day. He is slated to be produced in court again tomorrow (September 19). Heres what we know

Samir Modi is slated to be produced in court again tomorrow (September 19). Moneycontrol

Samir Modi, the brother of fugitive businessman and ex-IPL chief Lalit Modi, has been arrested in a rape case.

Samir was first detained at the Delhi airport while returning from London and then taken into police custody. The 55-year-old was taken to court and remanded to judicial custody for one day.

But what happened? What do we know?

Lets take a closer look:

What we know

The case was reportedly filed by an employee of Godfrey Philips. Samir is the son of the companys chairperson and managing director, Bina Modi.

The case was registered at New Friends Colony Police Station in southeast Delhi. Sources have said the case was filed by Samirs ex-live-in partner. As per reports, the woman approached the police against Samir recently. The case was filed on September 10.

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She claims that Samir has repeatedly sexually assaulted her since 2019. Samirs lawyers have claimed this case is part of an attempt to extort him. As per Indian Express, Samir and the complainant were in a relationship for almost eight years. Sources told the newspaper she sought a settlement of Rs 50 crore.

Samir was booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 376 (punishment for rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation). Samir was produced before a court and sent to judicial custody for one day. He is slated to be produced again tomorrow (September 19).

The Modi family trust saga

Samir has long been in a dispute with his mother over the family wealth since the death of his father and industrialist KK Modi in November 2019.

Modi left behind a vast empire and a family trust to deal with the distribution of his assets worth an estimated Rs 11,000 crore. Samir, his mother Bina, his brother Lalit, and sister and businesswoman Charu were all named as trustees according to the trust deed executed in London by Modi and an oral family settlement on February 10, 2006.

However, since Modis death, the family has been at odds over several issues, including whether the terms laid out by the trust are being followed and the management and control of the family firms, including Godfrey Philips, Indias second-largest tobacco company.

Samir Modi is the son of Godfrey Philips chairperson and managing director Bina Modi. Moneycontrol

Samir and Lalit have claimed that the familys holdings ought to be valued at Rs 29,000 crore, while the trust says it is around Rs 11,000 crore. The siblings have accused each other of mismanagement, while Charu has largely been supportive of their mother Bina.

The case hit headlines last year after Samir accused Bina of orchestrating an assault on him during a Godfrey Phillips board meeting. Modi, in a complaint filed before the Delhi Police, alleged that he was stopped from participating in the board meeting of Godfrey Phillips India (GPI) on May 30, 2024, by his mother Bina Modis PSO (security personnel) and was grievously injured after being assaulted.

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This attack was orchestrated because of greed and to deprive me of my rights, my inheritance, and with the intention to kill me or make me settle on their dictated terms, Modi said in the three-page complaint.

Three Godfrey Philips directors then filed a defamation case against Samir, which was dismissed by the trial court. However, the sessions court set aside that decision last month and summoned Samir.

While Samir was not reappointed to the Godfrey Phillips board as executive director, he contended this was illegal and moved the Delhi High Court  which granted him protection. Bina remains chairperson and managing director of GPI, while Lalit, who left India in 2010, is in the UK.

With inputs from agencies
More than 800,000 demonstrators  from teachers to transport workers and more  have descended on to the streets of France in a day of rage against President Emmanuel Macron and his political and economic policies. These protests come a week after the Block everything agitation and are expected to be even bigger than the 2023 pension protests

A French SNCF railway worker on strike holds a red flare as they gather inside the Bercy Economy and Finance Ministry in Paris as part of a day of nationwide strikes and protests against the government and cuts in the next budget in France. Reuters

France, the land of fashion and culture, is now slowly turning synonymous with protests. More than a week after 200,000 demonstrators turned out in a show of opposition against French President Emmanuel Macron, the European nation is seeing, perhaps, its biggest protest today (September 18).

Heres what these protests are unfolding.

Whos protesting?

The reason for these demonstrations, which organisers are predicting will see over 800,000 participants, is to put pressure on the new prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, to rethink budget cuts and act on wages, pensions and public services.

Protesters hold flares and labour union flags during a demonstration in Nantes as part of a day of nationwide strikes against the government and cuts in the next budget. Reuters

Protesters hold French Communist Party (PCF) flags in front of the city hall in Marseille as part of a day of nationwide protests against the government and cuts in the next budget. Reuters

A protester holds a placard which reads With Lecornu, we will all end up naked during a demonstration in Nantes as part of the day of nationwide strikes in France. Reuters

Participants in Wednesdays protests come from all walks of life  teachers, transport workers, hospital staff, pharmacists and public sector workers. About 800,000 people are expected to join the marches across the country, in what is expected to be one of the biggest strike days in years.

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Placards reading Say no to the pharmaceutical desert are seen on a pharmacists head during a demonstration in Le Mans amid the strikes in France. AFP

French CRS riot police carry out checks on protesters before a demonstration in Nantes in France. Reuters

The protests began at dawn and by 7 am, several bus depots had been blockaded in Paris and northern France, as well as high school blockades in the east of the capital and Amiens in the Somme and Le Havre in Normandy. Rail transport was disrupted across France.

According to organisers, the strikes will see one-third of teachers walk out, nine in 10 pharmacies closed, and severe disruption across the Paris Metro. Only three driverless lines are expected to run normally.

View of a closed entrance to Place de Clichy metro station during disruptions to public transport due to a strike by Paris transport network (RATP) workers in Paris. Reuters

A portrait of Frances President Emmanuel Macron is seen under a banner reading Lets bury Macron during a demonstration in Lorient, western France, at the protests called by unions over Frances national budget. AFP

French police remove garbage bins installed by protesters to block a street in Paris. Reuters

More than 40 people have already been arrested with up to 25 arrests in Paris alone, as attempts are being made to disrupt key transport links, including the Metro and Paris ring road. Others taken into custody in other major cities, such as Marseille and Toulouse.

Why is France seeing such protests though?

There are multiple reasons for the day-long strikes and protests in France. The planned demonstrations come after President Emmanuel Macron last week named his close ally Sebastien Lecornu as the new prime minister to resolve a deepening political crisis.

A protester shouts into a megaphone next to a French national flag in Marseille. Reuters

The unions are angry over a 44-billion austerity plan drafted by Lecornus predecessor, Francois Bayrou. They are also sceptical of Lecornus promises to scrap the lifelong privileges enjoyed by prime ministers and to abandon a proposal to cut two public holidays. As Sophie Venetitay, general secretary of SNES-FSU, the leading union for middle and high school teachers, was quoted as saying, We feel that our colleagues were not fooled by the appointment of Sebastien Lecornu, and it has not calmed the anger.

CGT union leader Sophie Binet added that Macron himself remained the biggest obstacle to reversing the pension reform. [The] obstacle [is] in the Elysee Palace, she declared.

Students block the entrance of a school during a protest called by major trade unions to oppose budget cuts, in Paris. AP

Echoing the same anger and unrest, Perrine Mohr of the moderate CFDT trade union in the northern Hauts-de-France region, told The Guardian that since Macron came to power in 2017, we have had a government that is pro-business, with tax relief and unconditional assistance to businesses. What were asking is that the future government is more pro-workers and pro-citizens.

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French SNCF railway workers on strike, holding Sud Rail labour union flags, gather near burning wooden pallets at Gare de Lyon train station in Paris. Reuters

What do French officials say?

Outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has warned of a very, very strong mobilisation, describing the day as a hybrid event mixing sanctioned demonstrations with potential sabotage from ultra-left groups.

A demonstrator holds a board reading: It is time to wake up, during a protest called by major trade unions, in Nantes, western France. AP

He also said that law enforcement officials that the risks of public disorder are significant due to the presence of small groups of ultra-leftists who will try to infiltrate the official marches.

We will respond with massive resources and clear orders, he was quoted as telling BFM-TV. He said that no damage to public buildings would be tolerated.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a mutual defence agreement that contains a Nato-like clause, which says an attack on one nation will be considered an attack on both countries. What else is in the deal? And should India be worried?

the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed following talks between Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. Reuters

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a new defence deal.

The pact between the two countries comes in the backdrop of a visit from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia.

The agreement contains a Nato-like clause which says an attack on one nation will be considered as an attack on both countries. India has said it will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability.

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It comes days after Sharif attended the Arab-Islamic summit that was held by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Doha following Israels strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week. That attack came as discussions were ongoing about a potential ceasefire proposal in Gaza.

The development also comes in the aftermath of India conducting Operation Sindoor in May in which it hit terror targets across Pakistan including installations deep into its territory. India did so as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April in which 26 people were killed.

But what do we know about the defence pact? How do the Pakistani and Saudi militaries stack up against India? What about Indias ties with the Saudis?

Lets take a closer look

Pakistan-Saudi defence pact

The pact is known as the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. It was signed following talks between Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. Sharif had travelled to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Crown Prince. Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, widely considered the most powerful man in the country, was also in attendance.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia released a statement reading, The two sides reviewed the historic and strategic relations between both countries, and a number of topics of common interest."

It said the deal extends the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. It said this is based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries.

This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, it adds.

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Saudi Arabia has denied that the defence pact with Pakistan has to do with recent events.

This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions. This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalisation of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries, a senior Saudi official said.

The two countries have remained security partners for decades without any formal treaty.

Pakistan has trained more than 8,200 Saudi military personnel since 1967, and both countries have held joint exercises regularly. Saudi Arabia has in turn been a key supplier of oil and financial aid to Islamabad.

How their militaries stack up against India.

First, lets take a look at the three countries defence budgets.

At $78.3 billion (Rs 6.89 lakh crore), Saudi Arabias defence budget is nearly the same as Indias budget of $78.3 billion (Rs 6.90 lakh crore). Pakistan, on the other hand, has a relatively meagre defence budget of $9 billion (Rs 79,300 crore).

Saudi Arabia spends around 7 per cent of its GDP on defence, Pakistan around 3.8 per cent and India around 1.9 per cent.

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According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, Saudi Arabia ranks 24th globally compared to 12th for Pakistan. India, which sits at the 4th position, is way ahead.

When it comes to the military, Saudi Arabia has just 257,000 active personnel compared to 654,000 active soldiers for Pakistan and 1.4 million for India. While Saudi Arabia has no reserve personnel, Pakistan has around 550,000 reserve personnel while India has 1.15 million in reserves. Saudi Arabia has 150,000 paramilitary troops, while Pakistan has around 291,000 in its paramilitary.

According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, Saudi Arabia ranks 24th globally compared to 12th for Pakistan. India, which sits at the 4th position, is way ahead. Reuters

India dwarfs both these nations comfortably with a paramilitary force of 2.5 million. However, these figures must be put in the context of their respective populations of 1.4 billion for India, 252 million for Pakistan and just 36 million for Saudi Arabia. India thus has a much larger pool of military age men to draw from.

Saudi Arabia has around 283 fighter aircraft, Pakistan has around 328 fighter planes and India has around 513 fighter jets. However, experts are raising concerns about the declining numbers when it comes to Indias Air Force and the fact that the Pakistani and Chinese air forces combined easily outnumber the IAF. Pakistan is also embarking on a modernisation programme of its Air Force.

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Saudi Arabia is said to have around 840 main battle tanks, 780 light armoured vehicles, and around 1,423 armoured troop carriers. Pakistan has around 2,627 tanks, while India has around 4,200 main battle tanks.

India has two aircraft carriers  INS Vikrant, Vikramaditya  while Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have none. It bears mentioning that India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons while Saudi Arabia does not. In fact, Pakistan remains the only Islamic state to possess nuclear weapons.

Indias ties with Saudi

India and Saudi Arabia first established diplomatic relations in 1947. Since then, the two countries have shared a friendly and cordial relationship. King Abdullahs visit to India in 2006 was a historic breakthrough. Relations were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2010 when then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Riyadh.

Since taking power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Saudi Arabia on three occasions  in 2016, in 2019 and 2025. Modi on his first state trip to the Kingdom was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash, which is Saudi Arabias high civilian honour.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited India in 2019. During this visit, it was announced that the kingdom would invest $100 billion (Rs 8.81 lakh crore) in India and half a dozen memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed.

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Today, India is Saudi Arabias second biggest trading partner, while Riyadh is New Delhis fifth largest trading partner. In FY 2023-24, bilateral trade stood at $42.98 billion (Rs 3.79 lakh crore), with Indian exports at $11.56 billion (Rs 1.02 lakh crore) and imports at $31.42 billion (Rs 2.77 lakh crore).

The defence partnership has gone from strength to strength in recent years. New Delhi and Riyadh have conducted two bilateral naval exercises of the Al Mohed Al Hindi thus far. The first ever joint land force exercise between the two countries Ex-Sada Tanseeq I occurred in February 2024. That same month, Munitions India Ltd signed a $225 million (Rs 19,820 crore) defence export deal with Saudi Arabia.

India and Saudi Arabia first established diplomatic relations in 1947. Ties have gone from strength to strength in recent years. Reuters

Saudi Arabian officials say their state remains cognisant about the need to balance relations with India.

Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can, the official said.

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Saudi Arabia had strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack during Modis visit earlier this year. A joint statement said that the two sides agreed that there cannot be any justification for any act of terror for any reason whatsoever.

Saudi Arabia also sent Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubair to India following the launch of Operation Sindoor.

Asked whether Pakistan would be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella under the pact, the official replied, This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed that India will no longer suffer nuclear blackmail and make no distinction against state and non-state actors when it comes to terror activities. However, given the growing relationship between New Delhi and Riyadh, it is unlikely that India needs to concern itself with the agreement.

Will study implications

India has said it is committed to safeguarding the national interest and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains."

We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

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We will study the implications of this development for our national security, as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting Indias national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains, he added.

With inputs from agencies
Outrage is growing in the Philippines against nepo babies, the children of wealthy politicians and contractors, who flaunt their lavish lifestyle on social media. Their anger stems from allegations of corruption against lawmakers and contractors linked to flood control projects. Heres what is happening

A person is transported as residents wade through a flooded road amid monsoon rains in Malabon City, Philippines, July 24, 2025. File Photo/Reuters

Anger is brewing in the Philippines against nepo babies, the children of wealthy politicians and contractors. Like Nepal, the Southeast Asian country is witnessing growing ire aimed at these people flaunting their lavish lifestyles on social media.

The reaction stems from the fury of Filipinos over corruption in flood control projects. A large anti-corruption protest is planned for Sunday (September 21), a date that marks the anniversary of the martial law imposed by the father of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr in 1972.

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Lets take a closer look.

Corruption allegations flood the Philippines

Corruption charges are haunting many politicians and contractors in the Philippines.

Last month, President Marcos announced that an internal audit of flood control spending revealed serious irregularities. According to him, 545 billion pesos ($9.5 billion) had been spent on flood management since 2022, resulting in 9,855 flood control projects to date.

Of this, 20 per cent of the budget for flood control projects was awarded to only 15 contractors across the country, the preliminary probe found.

The investigation also uncovered ghost projects, or infrastructures that have not been constructed but are shown complete on paper, as per a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report.

These findings came after Metro Manila and nearby provinces were inundated due to incessant rains over just four days.

While the government has allocated billions of pesos for infrastructure like roads, bridges and embankments, it has failed to control floods.

During a Senate hearing on September 3, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said that economic losses owing to corruption in flood control projects likely averaged $2.1 billion a year from 2023 to 2025, mainly due to ghost projects.

According to the Filipino economic planning minister, corruption had claimed 70 per cent of public funds set aside for flood control. A congressional investigation has since connected him to a growing family business involving government flood control projects.

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House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who has been implicated, has resigned. However, he has dismissed the allegations.

Outraged Filipinos have been posting AI videos of lawmakers as crocodiles, a symbol of greed.

Why flooding is a big problem in the Philippines

Flooding has become a major problem in the Philippines, which is one of the worlds most typhoon-vulnerable countries. Once a rare event experienced during intense monsoon rains, it has now become a regular occurrence and is growing more severe each time.

Robie Yambot, who lives in Barangay Del Monte in Quezon City, sends her children to the nearest evacuation centre whenever water levels increase near her home.

Its no longer like before when the floods came only every few years  now, its almost every month. Every time it rains nonstop, we get flooded, and floods today are different: the water rises quickly, Yambot told Arab News.

My children sometimes cry because we dont know if there will be anything left. When floods come, its so fast that we cant save our belongings in time. We just focus on evacuating.

People wade through a flooded area amid monsoon rains in Cainta, Rizal, Philippines, July 22, 2025. File Photo/Reuters

Speaking to BBC, a 36-year-old public school teacher said she accepted floods as a part of life. However, she is fuming this time.

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I feel betrayed, Crissa Tolentino said. I work hard, I dont spend too much and taxes are deducted from my salary every month. Then I learn that billions in our taxes are being enjoyed by corrupt politicians.

Anger sweeps social media over nepo babies'

The wrath of Filipinos over corruption in the country has spilt over the internet. They are using social media platforms such as Reddit to expose the lavish lifestyles of the children of contractors and public officials linked to the ongoing investigations into flood control projects.

They have also taken to TikTok, Facebook and X to rail against lawmakers and construction tycoons.

The hashtag  nepo babies has gained traction on social media in the country. Many are young women showing off their jet-setting lifestyle online.

A sub-Reddit called lifestylecheckPH has attracted nearly 7,000 followers since it was created on August 24. Users are uploading screenshots of social media posts and corrupt-shaming nepo babies on the platform, reported SCMP.

A daughter of a former congressman was trolled for a single outfit, when she paired Fendi with Dior and carried a costly Hermes Birkin bag.

Many of these nepo babies are being flooded with sarcastic remarks that they should thank taxpayers for funding their shopping and travel. Some of these people have resorted to turning off comments on their accounts or deactivating them.

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We will be relentless. We will be loud. We will be a mirror held up to power, and we will not look away until justice is served, the collective called Creators Against Corruption was quoted as saying by BBC.

There are now communities on Reddit doing lifestyle checks based on social media accounts of kids of politicians, contractors and DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] officials that put Crazy Rich Asians to shame, creative director Gerry Cacanindin wrote in a viral social media post.

Someone asked: How can they be so dumb to flex all that wealth that is obviously the fruit of these flood control projects?, he added.

Maybe corruption has become too entrenched and too normal in their world that they already feel entitled to wealth. Not just wealth, but the kind of wealth thats just beyond the imagination of ordinary Filipino taxpayers who are funding their lifestyle.

The anger is not just limited to offline spaces. Employees of the public works department have been allowed to ditch their uniforms after they were reportedly heckled and harassed in public.

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Huge protests planned

A huge anti-corruption protest is planned across Metro Manila on September 21, in which around 100 organisations are expected to participate.

President Marcos has expressed his support for the demonstrations. If I wasnt president, I might be out on the streets with them, he told reporters.

Let them know how much they hurt you, how they stole from you. Let them know, shout at them, demonstrate - just make it peaceful.

Last month, he said he was angry after inspecting a barren site where a flood control dam was to be built. They didnt work for even a single day. Even if you see it for yourself, you wont see anything, he said.

Later, the president announced a lifestyle check on all government officials amid growing scrutiny on flood control projects, especially those from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the agency responsible for public infrastructure projects.

The protests in the Philippines come in the wake of other parts of the world witnessing similar anti-corruption demonstrations. Such protests propelled legislative reform in Indonesia and toppled the government in Nepal recently.

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The Southeast Asian nation has itself ousted two presidents over corruption.

Professor David Michael San Juan, convener of the civic alliance Tama Na, told Arab News that roughly 100,000 people are expected to join the rally at Luneta, an urban park and main public gathering site in Manila.

In every administration, theres always a corruption case. But this time, its really terrible because its money that is supposed to be used to protect Filipinos from floods, San Juan said.

The Philippines is a victim of extreme climate change, just like many developing countries. So, the situation with flooding in the Philippines is so bad. And it has gotten worse in recent years. This year, its even worse. Even those areas that are not usually flooded are now going under water.

With inputs from agencies
Rahul Gandhi has doubled down on his claims of vote chori (theft). The Congress MP alleged on Thursday that attempts were made to delete more than 6,000 votes in Karnatakas Aland Assembly constituency in 2023. He claimed that applications for deletion of names, especially of Congress voters, were filed using software from outside Karnataka. How are electors names deleted, though?

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference, in New Delhi, September 18, 2025. PTI

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has intensified his vote chori (theft) allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Thursday (September 18) alleged irregularities in addition and deletion of votes in the country.

He claimed that the deletion of votes (was) done in a centralised manner using software and not through individuals. Targeted deletion of votes done in Congress stronghold through planned action, Gandhi alleged.

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The poll body has hit back and dismissed the Congress leaders charges as incorrect and baseless. But can votes be deleted via software?

Lets take a look.

Rahul Gandhis vote chori claims

During a special press briefing in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi claimed more than 6,000 votes were attempted to be deleted in Karnatakas Aland Assembly constituency in 2023.

In Karnatakas Aland, someone tried to delete 6,018 votes and got caught by coincidence, he said. Gandhi alleged that the names of Congress voters were being deleted systematically.

The booth-level officer (BLO) noticed that her uncles vote got deleted and found her neighbour had deleted the vote of her uncle. When she asked her neighbour, who said he had no idea. It was found that some other force hijacked the process and deleted the vote, and as luck would have it, got caught, he claimed.

Gandhi alleged that applications for deletion of names, especially of Congress voters, were filed using software from outside Karnataka.

Rahul Gandhi has hit out at CEC Gyanesh Kumar over vote chori claims. PTI

The Congress MP made similar allegations of rigging in Maharashtras Rajura constituency. He claimed 6,850 fake names of voters were added in the Rajura Assembly seat.

Gandhi went on to accuse Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of protecting vote chors and those killing democracy in India.

I am going to make a serious claim about Gyanesh Kumar. I am not saying this lightly. The CEC is protecting vote chors and the people who have destroyed Indian democracy. I am the Leader of Opposition and I will not say anything which is not backed by 100 per cent proof  black and white proof, the Congress leader said.

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With this, Gandhi has doubled down on his vote chori allegations against the EC and the BJP.

ALSO READ: Vote chori row: Why INDIA bloc is going after Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

EC dismisses Rahul Gandhis claims

The Election Commission has rejected Gandhis charges.

No deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public, as misconceived by Rahul Gandhi. No deletion can take place without giving an opportunity of being heard to the affected person, the EC said in a statement.

In 2023, certain unsuccessful attempts were made for deletions in the Aland Assembly constituency and an FIR was filed by the authority of the ECI itself to investigate the matter. As per records, Aland Assembly constituency was won by Subhadh Guttedar (BJP) in 2018 and BR Patil (INC) in 2023, it added.

Allegations made by Shri Rahul Gandhi are incorrect and baseless.#ECIFactCheck



Read in detail in the image attached  https://t.co/mhuUtciMTF pic.twitter.com/n30Jn6AeCr  Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) September 18, 2025

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The BJP also attacked the Congress leader over his vote chori allegations.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur said the Congress has lost 90 per cent of the polls it contested under Rahul Gandhis leadership. His frustration is increasing day by day. It has become a habit of Rahul Gandhi to make incorrect and baseless allegations. Being reprimanded by courts has become a routine for him, he said.

Process for voter deletion

The Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, govern the process of voter deletion in India.

The first step to remove a voters name from the electoral roll begins with Form 7. An elector can submit the form to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) in case they have shifted to another constituency. Another person can also submit Form 7, raising an objection to a voters name in their constituency.

Seeking deletions is not allowed for arbitrary or political reasons.

The information required to fill Form 7 includes the voters EPIC number, the reason for seeking deletion, and the applicants own details and signature.

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Besides moving to another constituency, the other grounds for the deletion of a voters name include the death of the elector, if they are not found at the registered address, duplication of name on the electoral rolls, or if they cease to be an Indian citizen.

Once a Form 7 application is submitted, it is thoroughly scrutinised. If it is incomplete, it is rejected at an early stage.

If the application is accepted, the ERO will serve a notice to the voter, mentioning the date, time, and place of a hearing.

A BLO then visits the address in question to ascertain whether the voter is still residing there, has passed away, or if their name appears twice on the electoral rolls. The findings are submitted to the ERO.

Both the voter and the applicant are given a chance to present their case during a hearing. The ERO is empowered to ask for documents, personal appearance, and record statements under oath before making a decision.

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After looking at the evidence, the ERO then rejects or approves the deletion of a voters name. If approved, the name is removed, with the change reflected in the next updated roll.

In case a voter believes their name was wrongly struck off, they can challenge the EROs order. The Election Commission states that in case of deletion, notice is issued and an opportunity given to electors for filing an objection and hearing is given.

The elector has to apply afresh by filing Form 6 with proof of residence and identity.

It must be noted that any false declarations made in a Form 7 application are punishable.

Can software be used to delete votes?

Rahul Gandhi alleged that a software was deployed to delete the names of voters.

However, as per News18, online portals can only accept applications but not remove names on their own.

In each case, there is verification and a hearing before a decision is taken. The ERO has to follow due process even if software-driven impersonation were attempted.

With inputs from agencies
President Mohamed Muizzu has given his assent to the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, which allows journalists and media outlets to be fined heavily or even shut down. The law was passed by parliament last week by an overwhelming majority

President Mohamed Muizzus government has claimed that the law only seeks to establish a central body to oversee broadcast and online media and to 'safeguard the constitutional right to freedom of expression'. AP

Maldives has ratified a new media law  and journalists and the Opposition are up in arms.

President Mohamed Muizzu gave his assent to the law, which allows journalists and media outlets to be fined heavily or even shuttered. This comes despite the opposition calling for protests against the law and journalists groups warning that it could be used to harass and intimidate the media.

Muizzus government has claimed that the law only seeks to establish a central body to oversee broadcast and online media and to safeguard the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

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But what do we know about the law? Why is there an outcry in Maldives? Lets take a closer look.

What do we know?

The law is known as the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act. It passed parliament last week by an overwhelming majority.

It dissolves the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) and creates the Media and Broadcasting Commission.

The countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the bill aimed to create a unified regulatory framework by dissolving the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a new Media and Broadcasting Commission.

It calls for a commission to be established that will oversee the media. The commission will comprise seven members  three appointed by parliament and four chosen by registered media groups. Maldives parliament has the power to remove all the members.

It mandates that journalists must respect the nations constitution, Islam, national security, public order, social values, and protect personal honour and human rights. The committee, under the law, has been given power to investigate any alleged offences by journalists. It also grants the commission wide-ranging powers to fine, suspend and close outlets. Individual journalists can be fined up to USD 1,620 (Rs 142,787) while media companies can be penalised as much as USD 6,485 (Rs 571,779).

It allows authorities to suspend media licences and file legal notices asking for media licences to be cancelled even if investigations are ongoing. Police can be ordered to halt broadcasts if they are thought to violate the new law.

The law also reportedly calls for those who publish false or misleading information to correct it and apologise. However, what constitutes fake news is not clearly defined.

An earlier version of the bill gave the president the right to appoint three commission members.

Maldives, known as a high-end tourist destination of just 500,000 people, has a short democratic history. AFP

The law was passed in controversial circumstances by Muizzus Peoples National Congress (PNC) and its allies. The PNC did so amid protests at an extraordinary session of parliament, which had been in recess. Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim gave the green light to the vote after ousting seven opposition legislators from the House for protesting the bill.

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An opposition MP claimed that legislators were provided the bill at 5:15 pm  giving them just 15 minutes to read it before the debate began. Nazim reportedly claimed that normal procedural rules were not applicable during a special session of parliament.

Of the 93 members of the Maldives parliament, known officially as the Peoples Majlis of Maldives, 60 voted for the bill. Just one opposition MP, from the Maldives Development Alliance, voted against the bill. The PNC and its allies have a combined 79 seats in parliament. Muizzu came to power in 2023 on an anti-India campaign with a supermajority in parliament.

This occurred as protests outside parliament saw demonstrators face off with police wearing riot gear. Two people were arrested and then later released, according to local media. Journalists were also not allowed to cover the proceedings inside parliament. Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) president General Naaif Ahmed and former executive member Muzayin Nazim were reportedly removed from parliaments 10 September session.

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Why is there an outcry?

Media rights groups have accused the government of waging a war on press freedom.

A number of groups including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the MJA, have slammed the government and called the law draconian.

The Maldivian parliament has passed a draconian bill that seeks to muzzle dissent online and offline, both on traditional media and social media, Ahmed Naaif, the secretary general of the MJA, told Al Jazeera.

We journalists will stand together in defiance against this takeover of the media by the executive branch, he added. Ahmed earlier told The Hindu that Muizzus campaign was riddled with disinformation, including about Indian military presence.

The government does not want media outlets to ask difficult questions about the economy or about its continuing relationship with India. They wish to control the narrative by curbing media freedom, he said.

President Mohamed Muizzus government came to power in 2023 on an anti-India campaign with a supermajority in parliament.

The MJA, in a statement after the bill was passed, accused the Muizzu government of having voted to muzzle the press.

Journalists stand together in defiance of this takeover of the media by the executive branch. MJA continues our call to reject the Bill and calls on President Muizzu to immediately reject this unconstitutional Bill, it added.

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They have also accused the government of conducting a smear campaign against journalists and inciting violence against the media. The Committee to Protect Journalists warned that the law poses a grave threat to press freedom and media independence. It noted how it was passed by parliament despite protests from local journalists. It said the development would undermine the work of independent journalists and place the media under government control.

Opposition members have also taken the government to task. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) called the parliaments move a sad day for democracy in the Maldives. It asked the public to join us to protest this draconian control bill.

Abdulla Shahid, ex-foreign minister and former president of the UNGA, said the government was declaring war on free speech.

A government that silences journalists is a government that has lost the courage to face the truth. Instead of fixing the crises our nation faces, they are trying to censor the voices that hold them accountable, Shahid wrote on X.

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Ex-president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that it signifies the end of press freedom in Maldives and that the underhanded manner in which it was forced through parliament, despite protests by journalists, opposition parties, media organisations, civil society, and the public, lays bare the governments disregard for Maldivians democratic rights.

But the government remains unmoved.

Personal social media accounts used in a private capacity are not regulated under this legislation, Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel wrote on X. Khaleel said the law will establish clear standards and a code of conduct and will also address the challenges of misinformation, disinformation and coordinated manipulation of content.

Maldives, known as a high-end tourist destination of just 500,000 people, has a short democratic history. It has had a difficult transition since becoming a multiparty democracy in 2008, ending 30 years of autocratic rule.

With inputs from agencies
The Saudi-Pakistan pact should not be read as a new threat to India. It is not a sword pointed at New Delhi, but a shield for Riyadh

Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, embraces Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after signing the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 18, 2025. (Photo: X/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia)

Pakistan erupted in applause on Wednesday night when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inked a deal with Riyadh that state media hailed as a historic Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Anchors declared it a milestone for the Ummah, the military projected it as proof of Pakistans enduring global relevance, and social media buzzed with claims that India had been put on notice. Yet, beneath the theatrics, the agreement looks less like a turning point in geopolitics and more like a carefully choreographed public relations exercise to salvage the image of Pakistans military establishment.

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Far from tilting South Asias balance of power, the pact only reaffirms three enduring truths: Saudi Arabia protects Saudi Arabia, Pakistan rents out its army for survival, and India has little to fear.

A Pact Serving Riyadh, Not Islamabad

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman declared after the signing that any aggressor against Saudi Arabia or Pakistan will face a united response.

Predictably, Pakistans commentariat spun this as an implicit warning to India. But the regional context reveals otherwise. Riyadh has been anxious about Israeli strikes, particularly around its oil infrastructure and territorial security. Against this backdrop, the pact looks less like a military revolution in South Asia and more like an insurance policy for Riyadh.

The reality is that this is not the first time Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have entered such understandings. During the IranIraq War, Islamabad assured Riyadh that any attack on the Kingdom would be treated as an attack on Pakistan.

In 2014, when Riyadh assembled an Islamic coalition to contain regional turbulence, it was Pakistans former Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif, who was appointed to lead it. In each instance, Pakistans role was to provide manpower and political legitimacy for Saudi security concerns.

But in Pakistans own wars with Indiain 1965, 1971, and even during Kargil in 1999Riyadh offered only financial aid and diplomatic support. Never once did Saudi Arabia dispatch troops to fight India. The reason is simple: Riyadh acts in its own interests, not Islamabads.

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This makes Pakistans triumphalism today all the more revealing. The deal arrives at a time when the military faces unprecedented domestic hostility. Since the arrest of Imran Khan in 2023, Pakistan has teetered on the brink of civil war. Crowds torched army units, stormed cantonments, and rammed tanks in scenes unimaginable only a few years earlier.

For the generals, long accustomed to being revered as guardians of the state, this was an existential humiliation. They needed a narrative to restore authority, and the Saudi pact has been seized as that narrative. By presenting it as proof of international stature, Islamabad is not so much reassuring Riyadh as it is trying to reassure itself and its own citizens that the Army still commands respect abroad.

Yet the imbalance is glaring. Saudi Arabia gets a nuclear-armed partner formally tied to its defence, strengthening its deterrence posture against external threats. Pakistan, on the other hand, gets only fleeting prestigea transactional arrangement that reminds the world it remains a supplier of mercenary manpower rather than a strategic equal.

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Indias Deepening Weight in Riyadhs Calculus

India, by contrast, has reacted with calm confidence. New Delhis Ministry of External Affairs noted the pact and promised to study its implications, but its carefully measured language conveyed no alarm.

The reason is clear: Saudi Arabia has never and will never mortgage its broader interests for Pakistans sake.

The scale of India-Saudi ties today dwarfs anything Islamabad can offer. Bilateral trade stood at $53 billion in 2022-23, making Saudi Arabia Indias fourth-largest trading partner. Nearly one-fifth of Indias crude oil needs are met by Saudi wells, binding the two economies in a relationship of deep interdependence.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Riyadhs Public Investment Fund has pledged around $100 billion in Indian ventures, with investments in Reliance Jio Platforms, renewable energy, and major infrastructure projects.

Equally significant is the human bridge. More than 2.6 million Indians live and work in Saudi Arabia, forming the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom.

Unlike the predominantly unskilled labour pool Pakistan exports, the Indian community is made up of engineers, doctors, IT professionals, and skilled technicians who contribute directly to Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 modernisation drive. Indian firms such as Larsen & Toubro, Wipro, and TCS are already embedded in Saudi projects, while entrepreneurs like Mukesh Ambani and Yusuf Ali maintain major operations there. This human and economic integration makes India indispensable to Riyadhs future.

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Security cooperation adds another layer. Saudi Arabia has extradited suspects accused of financing terrorism in India and has proscribed groups with links to Pakistan-based militants.

The Kingdom has no appetite for legitimising Islamabads adventurism, and its willingness to align with India on counterterrorism underscores where Riyadhs long-term calculus lies. Against such a backdrop, the idea that Saudi Arabia would jeopardize all of this to indulge Pakistans hostility towards India is not just far-fetchedit is delusional.

Pakistans Decline and the Forgotten OIC Lesson

The other side of the equation is Pakistans collapse. Its economy, once touted as an emerging market, has become a graveyard for multinational corporations. Yamaha recently shut motorcycle production, Microsoft ended its quarter-century presence, and pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Sanofi, and Bayer have exited. Uber and Careem have folded operations, while Shell, Telenor, and TotalEnergies have scaled back or departed entirely.

Each exit is more than a business loss; it is a vote of no confidence in Pakistans stability and governance. Stripped of industrial relevance, Pakistan is left with only one exportits army. And that is precisely what the Saudi pact reflects: Riyadh gains soldiers, while Islamabad gains cash and a patina of importance.

Yet Pakistans reliance on religious symbolism to justify these arrangements must be scrutinisedespecially by Indian Muslims who are repeatedly told to view themselves through the lens of Ummah solidarity.

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History offers a sobering reminder. In 1969, at the inaugural OIC summit in Rabat, India sent a delegation led by Dr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who would later become President of India. Pakistan lobbied furiously to have the Indian delegation expelled, and it succeeded. The worlds third-largest Muslim population was denied representation at a forum that claimed to unite the Muslim world, simply because Islamabad demanded it.

That betrayal still resonates. If the so-called Ummah truly cared about Indian Muslims, their voices would have been welcomed at the OIC from the start.

Instead, Pakistan ensured they were silenced. This underlines an enduring truth: every state pursues its own national interest. Saudi Arabia defends Saudi Arabia. Pakistan defends the Pakistani Army. And it is India alone that safeguards the interests of its Muslim citizens.

The Saudi-Pakistan pact therefore should not be read as a new threat to India. It is not a sword pointed at New Delhi, but a shield for Riyadh. It is an act of deterrence aimed at other regional flashpoints, not a license for Islamabads reckless ambitions.

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For Pakistan, it is a desperate attempt to restore legitimacy amid domestic chaos and economic freefall. For Saudi Arabia, it is a pragmatic insurance policy. For India, it is noise, not strategy.

In the end, the lesson is clear: Pakistan survives on rented alliances, India thrives on real partnerships. And Indian Muslims, rather than chasing mirages of Ummah solidarity, must remember that their true strength lies not in the hollow promises of external patrons but in the democratic and civilisational fabric of India itself.

Zahack Tanvir is an Indian-origin Middle East expert and founder of the UK-based The Milli Chronicle. With expertise in geopolitics and counter-extremism, he provides insights into global affairs. He holds certifications in Counterterrorism from the University of Leiden (Netherlands) and Georgetown University (Washington, DC). He tweets under @ZahackTanvir. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The summit failed to produce a unified or concrete actionable response to Israels airstrike on Qatar and the war in Gaza, making its overall success questionable

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, attends the opening of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit, to discuss the Israeli attack on Hamas on the Gulf country's soil, in Doha, Qatar September 15, 2025. Reuters

The emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, held in Doha on September 15, 2025, ended with strong rhetorical condemnations of Israels recent airstrike in Qatar but with minimal agreement on specific, coordinated punitive actions. The final communique expressed solidarity with Qatar and called for legal and diplomatic actions, but a unified response involving severe measures like sanctions did not materialise.

The emergency summit was convened following an Israeli airstrike in Doha on September 9, 2025, that targeted Hamas leaders. While the most senior Hamas officials reportedly survived, the strike killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, drawing international condemnation. This attack prompted Qatar to seek a coordinated regional response.

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Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani publicly condemned the Israeli strike as state terrorism and a criminal assault. The strike occurred as Qatar was mediating a delicate round of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Critics, including Qatars Prime Minister, allege that the timing suggests Israel intends to undermine the peace process.

Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, rallied in support of Qatar. Leaders met in Doha to coordinate a collective response. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike, portraying it as a necessary action to eliminate Hamas leadership and advance peace. The Israeli military took responsibility, labelling it Operation Summit of Fire. The attack represented a significant expansion of Israels military intervention across the region and suggested a shift toward broader operations targeting Hamas leadership abroad.

India expressed deep concern over reports of Israeli airstrikes in Doha, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation in the region. In an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the government said, We have seen reports about the Israeli strikes in Doha earlier today. We are deeply concerned by this development and its impact on the security situation in the region.

The following day, in a call to the Emir of Qatar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the missile strike as an infringement of Qatars sovereignty. It was the first time India has used the word condemn in connection with any Israeli action during the Gaza war, although PM Modi did not mention Israel by name in his public post. PM Modi wrote on X that he had expressed concern to the Emir and declared that India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar.

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US President Donald Trump expressed displeasure over the strike, stating it does not advance Israel or Americas goals and that he was not informed in time to stop it. The White House sought to de-escalate tensions and reassure Qatar that such an incident will not be repeated. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was dispatched to the region to meet with officials.

However, the strike shattered trust in US security guarantees. Despite hosting a large US military base, Qatar was attacked. Therefore, the attack left Qatar and its neighbours feeling vulnerable, prompting reassessments of their defence partnerships.

Against this background, the Arab-Islamic leaders summit convened on September 15 in Doha was significant for demonstrating regional solidarity with Qatar following the Israeli airstrike on its territory. The meeting aimed to formulate a collective response to what many Arab and Muslim nations see as a dangerous and unprecedented escalation by Israel. The summit was a test of the ability of Arab and Muslim countries to translate their solidarity into concrete action.

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These were the key outcomes of the Summit:

Solidarity with Qatar: The final communique condemned the Israeli strike and expressed full solidarity with Qatar,

supporting potential future measures taken in response to the attack.Activation of GCC defence mechanism: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) separately decided to activate its joint defence mechanisms to enhance its defensive posture.

Call for international accountability: The summit statement called for international action against Israel, including potential sanctions, halting arms supplies, and reviewing diplomatic and economic ties.

Minimal consensus on punitive measures: Despite calls for strong actions from some leaders, the final communique only urged states to take legal and effective measures, highlighting a lack of immediate and coordinated reprisals.

Strained relations with Abraham Accords signatories: The final statement was noted for being less assertive than some expected, with observers pointing out the silence of Abraham Accords signatory nations on stronger anti-Israel actions.

Renewed focus on the Palestinian cause: The communique reiterated support for Palestinian statehood.

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Support for mediation efforts: The summit praised Qatars mediation role and warned that targeting a neutral mediator jeopardized ongoing ceasefire talks for Gaza.

While the rhetoric was fairly strong, the summit produced little in the way of concrete actions. Differing views among Arab countries on how to approach Israel likely hampered a unified and forceful response. Some countries, like Algeria, reportedly pushed for cutting diplomatic ties with Israel, while others resisted, prioritizing open communication channels. Despite the summit, Israeli leaders dismissed calls for a Palestinian state and signalled continued military action and settlement expansion, demonstrating the limited immediate impact of the summit.

Significantly, the situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with an escalating humanitarian crisis driven by intense Israeli military operations and ongoing blockades. A famine has been officially declared in parts of Gaza, and the entire population is facing dire conditions with widespread displacement, mass casualties, and a near-total collapse of essential services. Gazas economy has been decimated, with many resorting to desperate measures like selling clothes to afford food. Ongoing Israeli settlement expansion and military raids in the West Bank add to the turmoil.

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In conclusion, the summit in Doha failed to produce a unified or concrete actionable response to Israels airstrike on Qatar and the war in Gaza, making its overall success questionable. While it produced strong rhetoric condemning Israels actions and generated an unprecedented show of solidarity with Qatar, the final communique offered minimal tangible steps. Its ultimate success will be determined by whether the diplomatic momentum translates into concrete actions that effectively address regional conflicts, especially the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Migration, when well-governed, can enrich societies, replenish labour forces, and sustain welfare systems. But when migration is experienced as uncontrolled, it refracts wider anxieties about identity, sovereignty and legitimacy

The mass mobilisation in London during the Unite the Kingdom rally last week, drawing between 110,000 and 150,000 people under Tommy Robinsons leadership and amplified by Elon Musks intervention, signals a significant moment of political rupture in Britain. While protests over migration are not new, the sheer scale of this rally, the overt invocation of Christian nationalism, and the explicit call for revolutionary government change mark a new phase in the articulation of far-right politics in the United Kingdom.

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Such developments cannot be understood as episodic anger alone. They must be read as manifestations of a deeper structural crisis that links migration, sovereignty, and legitimacy. In Britain, as across the European Union, migration has become the central axis around which anxieties about national identity, economic security, and political order revolve.

At the heart of this crisis lies a theoretical problem, the relationship between sovereignty and borders. Carl Schmitts well-known dictum that the sovereign is he who decides on the exception underlines that the capacity to define membership, who belongs and who does not, is foundational to state authority. Borders, therefore, are not merely geographical demarcations. They are existential thresholds where the polity asserts its autonomy.

When migration is experienced as uncontrolled, when citizens believe the state cannot regulate who enters and under what terms, borders cease to function as sites of order and instead become symbols of rupture. Hannah Arendt warned in The Origins of Totalitarianism that statelessness, or the inability of states to determine membership, corrodes the very basis of rights, for rights without political community are fragile abstractions. Britains turmoil today exemplifies this danger, i.e., the failure to articulate and enforce clear rules on migration has opened a void now filled by demagogues, street movements, and global actors such as Musk.

Yet this is not the only pathway to rupture. Even when migration is legal and formally regulated, if citizens perceive that the state prioritises the welfare or rights of migrants above their own, another layer of fracture emerges. The perception that newcomers are favoured while longstanding citizens face economic precarity or declining public services undermines the reciprocity on which solidarity depends. In both cases, whether through the loss of border control or the privileging of migrants over citizens, the outcome is the same: the legitimacy of the state erodes, and the political community begins to fragment.

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The consequences of uncontrolled migration, or more precisely, migration perceived as uncontrolled, can be conceptualised as six distinct fissures. The first is institutional erosion. States are judged on their ability to maintain order, and border control is among their most visible functions. In the United Kingdom, net migration reached approximately 431,000 in 2024, with nearly one million arrivals that year.

Across the EU, more than 900,000 first-time asylum applications were lodged in 2024, with 1.24 million pending cases at years end. Such figures, coupled with backlogs and irregular arrivals, produce the perception that governments are unable to perform basic sovereign tasks. This perception metastasises into a generalised distrust of institutions, eroding faith in courts, parliaments, and even democratic procedures themselves.

The second fissure is cultural insecurity. Migration is rarely interpreted only in quantitative terms. It is experienced symbolically, as a challenge to the continuity of shared identity. In Britain, approximately 16 percent of the population is foreign-born, and in London, the figure exceeds 40 percent. While diversity has historically enriched societies, unmanaged diversity can be experienced as dislocation. National symbols such as flags, language, rituals become politicised. The London rallys chant of Christ is King shows how cultural anxiety can transform into religious nationalism, reframing migration as a civilisational struggle rather than a policy challenge.

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The third fissure is economic resentment. Migration is frequently cast as a zero-sum contest over scarce resources. Although evidence often suggests that migrants contribute more in taxes and labour than they draw in welfare, such macroeconomic data does little to alleviate the lived perception of competition in housing markets, employment, and public services. In the UK, the housing shortage and strained National Health Service have intensified these perceptions. Paradoxically, Europe and Britain structurally require migrants to offset ageing populations and shrinking labour forces, yet politically, such inflows provoke resentment rather than gratitude.

The fourth fissure is spatial segregation, which produces what the Cantle Report (2001) called parallel lives. Migrants often cluster in specific neighbourhoods, leading to limited interaction with native populations. For natives, such enclaves become symbols of cultural displacement; for migrants, they function as protective spaces against hostility. In both cases, segregation reinforces division, creating echo chambers of mistrust rather than sites of integration. This spatial fragmentation feeds directly into political narratives that accuse elites of abandoning ordinary people to the consequences of unplanned diversity.

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The fifth fissure is political radicalisation. The perception of uncontrolled migration offers fertile ground for movements at the extremes. Across Europe, this dynamic is evident. Alternative fur Deutschland surged to become Germanys second-largest party, Marine Le Pens Rassemblement National has normalised far-right politics in France, and Giorgia Meloni built electoral victory in Italy on anti-migrant rhetoric.

In Britain, Robinson, once marginalised as a street agitator, has mobilised crowds of unprecedented size, signalling the mainstreaming of Right mobilisation. Such actors gain traction precisely because they offer clarity and closure (close the border, repatriate migrants, reclaim sovereignty) while centrist parties appear evasive and fragmented. Over time, the pragmatic middle ground of democracy is hollowed out, leaving polarisation as the new normal.

The sixth fissure is moral polarisation. Migration debates are transformed into questions of absolute morality. To favour stricter controls is cast as inhumane. To favour openness is cast as betrayal. This moralisation forecloses compromise. As politics shifts from problem-solving to moral combat, democratic deliberation collapses. The London rally shows this dynamic, where the debate was not about visa categories or asylum quotas but about existential threats to children, culture, and religion. Such moral polarisation leaves little room for nuance, and in the process, corrodes the ethos of liberal democracy itself.

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If Britain and the EU fail to address these fissures, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate politics of migration. The first outcome is democratic erosion. Citizens disillusioned with the capacity of mainstream institutions will turn to populists and authoritarians who promise swift, decisive action. The trajectory of AfD, RN, Fidesz, and Robinson demonstrates that migration politics has become a vector for illiberal democracy. The second outcome is the normalisation of street-level violence. In London, the rally resulted in 26 injured police officers and 25 arrests; in Europe, similar clashes around migrant accommodation centres have become routine. When state authority falters, rival groups take enforcement into their own hands, and politics migrates from the parliament to the street.

The third and most profound outcome is the collapse of solidarity. Welfare states and redistributive systems depend not only on fiscal transfers but on a moral sense of shared belonging. When belonging is contested, solidarity erodes. Citizens resist redistribution to groups they view as outsiders; migrants, facing hostility, retreat into enclaves. What emerges is not pluralism but fragmentation, with mutual obligation dissolved.

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The demographic dimension makes this even more acute. Europes working-age population is projected to shrink dramatically by mid-century, while the share of those over 85 will double. In Britain, population growth to 72.5 million by 2032 will be driven entirely by migration, as natural change approaches zero. Migration is a structural necessity for sustaining pensions, health systems, and labour markets. Yet precisely because it is necessary, failures of governance are politically explosive. Mismanaged migration produces the paradox where what is economically indispensable becomes politically intolerable.

Thus, migration, when well-governed, can enrich societies, replenish labour forces, and sustain welfare systems. But when migration is experienced as uncontrolled, it refracts wider anxieties about identity, sovereignty, and legitimacy. Borders are not only territorial lines; they are thresholds of meaning. If they blur, the polity fractures. Britain and Europe must therefore rebuild legitimacy in migration governance: asylum systems that are humane and efficient, integration policies that prevent parallel lives, demographic strategies that link inflows to labour needs, and political narratives that affirm sovereignty without surrendering to exclusion. Without such recalibration, the vacuum will not remain empty, demagogues, transnational far-right networks, and the politics of fear will fill it.

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If nothing changes, Britain and the EU will find not just their politics and institutions altered, but their very conception of community undone. Migration will continue, it is inevitable, but the true test is whether democracies can govern it while preserving both sovereignty and solidarity.

The author (X: @adityasinha004) writes on macroeconomic and geopolitical issues. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The events of the last month show that highly publicised summits cannot lead to shortcuts to the attainment of peace. Short of a miracle, the road to peace in the Ukraine conflict is long

(File) US President Donald Trump shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate for an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, US. Reuters

US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey his greetings on the latters 75th birthday. After the call, Trumps post on Truth Social noted, inter alia, Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Modis post, carried on Truth Social and X, while thanking Trump for his warm greetings, stated, We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

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PM Modi has always favoured an end to the Ukraine war. He has pointed to the paths of diplomacy and negotiations to resolve differences between the two countries. Sitting beside Russian President Vladimir Putin on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in September 2022, Modi had told him that this was not an era for war.

Trump has accorded high priority to ending the Ukraine war. Unlike his predecessor, Joe Biden, who pushed for Putin to be considered an international pariah, Trump has had an engagement with him from the time he was elected President in November last year. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has maintained a dialogue with Putins advisors and has sometimes met Putin himself to find a diplomatic way out of the conflict. Finally, Trump met Putin at a US military base on US soil in Alaska on August 15.

In the media briefing after their summit, at which both Presidents were present, Trump said that while the meeting was productive it had not resolved all issues regarding the conflict. He also put the onus of reaching an agreement to end the conflict on Ukraine and Russia while indicating that he would remain involved. He ended on a positive note when he told Putin that he would be speaking to him and probably meet him very soon. That positivity has evaporated in the weeks that have passed since the meeting. Putin has remained adamant. He has stuck to Russian requirements to end the war. Meanwhile, he has continued to bomb Ukraine.

To take his mediation forward, Trump met with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on August 18. After their bilateral meeting the two were joined by major European leaders: the French President, the German Chancellor, the Prime Ministers of Britain and Italy, the Finnish President, the Secretary-General of NATO and the EU Commission President.

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From the beginning of the Ukraine war the Europeans have been deeply concerned that the first major war on the continent after the Second World War has irretrievably damaged the European security order. That order is based on the idea of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is, of course, a great deal of hypocrisy at play in all this, but the Europeans have ideally wanted that status quo ante to be restored in Ukraine. They know this is impossible but are formally reluctant to give up this position. This is unlike Trump, who is aware that Humpty-Dumpty has broken and Europe would need new security structures.

All these factors were witnessed in the August 18 meeting. The Europeans stressed that any settlement to end the war would need security guarantees and that the US would have to be part of it. Zelenskyy emphasised that durable security guarantees would be needed. On the issue of Ukraines territoriessome 20 per cent of the countrys territory is in Russian controlZelenskyy said that the issue would be discussed in the trilateral meeting. On its part, Ukraine would like Trump to be present when a Russia-Ukraine summit takes place. Trump said that he would be there if both parties wanted him to do so.

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The only leader who directly raised the need for a ceasefire was the German Chancellor. It is interesting that Trump told him that the US had succeeded in putting an end to many wars without ceasefires. That indicates that Trump would not like to get bogged down in ceasefire talks but go toward conflict resolution. He has obviously been told by Putin that he would not agree to a ceasefire. That is because Putin wants to continue his efforts to erode Ukraine and Europes will by continuing the armed conflict. That is his main card because the balance of forces is in his favour on the battlefield even if his army is not making any great advance to take areas in the Donbas. This region has been formally amalgamated by Russia as part of its territory but is within Ukraines control. Some of these areas are critical for the defence of central Ukrainian territories including its capital, Kyiv.

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With all the caution that he could exercise, Trump gave the impression after the two summits that he would be able to work his magic and get Putin and Zelenskyy together along with himself and hammer out a deal. That has not happened even though a month has passed. This has naturally deeply embarrassed Trump. He has publicly indicated a feeling of frustration and has called for pressure to be mounted on Putin. For this he wants the G7 to join the US in imposing heavy tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil. The main importers are China and India. European countries are wary of offending the Chinese. Not only are they dependent on Chinese supply chains in semi-manufactures but also on obtaining critical raw materials for products based on advanced technologies that need these raw materials. Trump has also asked NATO to stop purchasing Russian oil.

In the past month Putin has probed NATO. Russian drones have entered Polish and Romanian airspace. These could not have been accidents. He has also indicated that security guarantees for Ukraine cannot mean the presence of troops of other European countries on its territory. He has continued to rule out Ukraine becoming part of European structures. What he actually wants is that Ukraine should be within the Russian sphere of influence and have a government friendly with Russia.

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Putins presence at the SCO summit in Tianjin and at the Chinese army parade that followed showed that he can rely on China. The Chinese are putting no pressure on him on the Ukraine issue. They have not got involved in it. They are happily watching the US and Europe spend their resources in Ukraine and the latter painfully readjust the continents security order and pay more for defence, while their support for Russia does not impose any real financial costs on them.

Faced with Putins intransigence, Trump is putting pressure on Ukraine to get matters moving. This means that he wants the Ukrainian leadership and people to let go of the territories that they have lost and move on. After all, he had also accepted his countrys strategic defeat in the forever war in Afghanistan, and that too at the hands of the Taliban. But it is one thing to accept defeat in a foreign war and quite another for a country to accept the loss of 20 per cent of its territory. Besides, if the Russians have their way Ukraine will have its sovereignty eroded. It would seem that Trump feels that Ukraine has to accept that, but he is angry with Putin also for not showing any flexibility.

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The events of the last month show that highly publicised summits cannot lead to shortcuts to the attainment of peace. Short of a miracle, the road to peace in the Ukraine conflict is long.

The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The investigation into Google, formally launched in February, focused on the dominance of its Android operating system and how it affects Chinese smartphone manufacturers like Oppo and Xiaomi that rely on the software

China has announced that it will no longer conduct an anti-trust investigation against Google six months after it was launched, as talks over a potential TikTok deal with the US ramp up.

According to a report by the Financial Times, the State Administration for Market Regulation has said that it will terminate the competition probe against Google, a status known as zhongzhi in Chinese.

The investigation into Google, formally launched in February, focused on the dominance of its Android operating system and how it affects Chinese smartphone manufacturers like Oppo and Xiaomi that rely on the software. The decision marks a strategic shift by Beijing, which is now redirecting its regulatory efforts toward Nvidia, the worlds most valuable chipmaker, as a potential bargaining chip in ongoing US-China trade negotiations.

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The dropping of the case is being seen as a positive signal to Washington, showing that Beijing is open to negotiations, a person told FT. Drop one case but seize the other. China is trying to narrow its retaliatory targets to make them more potent, another person said.

Whats the status of TikTok deal?

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced that he has reached a deal with China about the sale of TikTok.

We have a deal on TikTok. Ive reached a deal with China. Im going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up, Trump told reporters.

Trumps announcement came a day after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that a framework agreement had been reached with China regarding TikTok. Separately, Trump also teased the deal on Monday. In an apparent reference to TikTok in a Truth Social post, he said that a deal was also reached on a certain company that young people in our country very much wanted to save.

Yesterday, Trump signed an executive order to extend a delay on banning TikTok for another 3 months, despite announcing a deal with the video-sharing platform. This is the fourth such postponement of a law designed to force the apps sale from its Chinese owner.
The mandate will initially apply to Seattle-area employees residing within 50 miles of Microsoft offices, according to an internal memo from Chief People Officer Amy Coleman

Microsoft has told its employees to return office for at least three days a week or risk promotions, essentially ending the flexible remote work policy. The tech giant is shifting away from its pandemic-era practice, with implementations set to begin in February 2026.

The mandate will initially apply to Seattle-area employees residing within 50 miles of Microsoft offices, according to an internal memo from Chief People Officer Amy Coleman. Employees who do not comply may be at a disadvantage, as the company places growing emphasis on in-person collaboration for career growth.

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Coleman said, Weve looked at how our teams work best, and the data is clear: when people work together in person more often, they thrive, they are more energised, empowered, and they deliver stronger results.

Microsoft has been cracking down on poor performance by laying off hundreds of employees deemed underperformers.

Amid this, the new policy suggests that ignoring the new work-from-office mandate would affect their career growth during evaluations.

The rollout will occur in three phases: starting with the Puget Sound area, followed by other US locations, and reaching international offices in 2026. Employees have until September 19 to submit exception requests, although the approval criteria have not been clearly defined.

Microsoft layoffs

Earlier this year, in February, Microsoft announced plans to cut its workforce by 3 per cent, affecting about 6,000 employees in a layoff drive that will be imposed across all teams and levels.

In a statement to CNBC, Microsoft said, We continue to implement organisational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace.

The layoffs took place despite Microsoft reporting better-than-expected quarterly net income of $25.8 billion.

Big Tech has been spending heavily on AI as they see the new technology as a major growth engine, while slashing costs elsewhere to safeguard profit margins. Google has also laid off hundreds of employees in the past year, as it looks to control costs and prioritise AI.
China drops Google probe but tightens grip on Nvidia ahead of Trump-Xi call, signalling mixed signals on tech and trade strategy. Read here

China has eased pressure on Google while tightening scrutiny of Nvidia, a move analysts say highlights Beijings selective approach to US tech firms ahead of a scheduled call between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping on Friday.

According to the Financial Times, Beijing has decided to drop a long-running antitrust probe into Google. The case, which centred on claims that Google abused its dominance in mobile services, had been viewed as part of Chinas broader effort to counter US influence in the technology sector. The decision to shelve it is seen by some as an olive branch.

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But while Google appears to have been spared, chip giant Nvidia is facing sharper pressure. As Reuters reported, Chinese regulators are increasing demands on the company to curb the capabilities of its advanced processors being sold in the Chinese market, citing concerns over security and data control.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who visited Beijing earlier this week has become entangled in what was interpreted as the larger agendas of Washington and Beijing. The companys graphics processing units (GPUs) are crucial for artificial intelligence, making it a focal point of US-China tensions over emerging technologies.

The Chinese government is sending a nuanced message, a Beijing-based trade analyst told the Financial Times. It wants to appear pragmatic, but it is not going to compromise on what it sees as core national security issues.

For Trump, the timing is crucial. His upcoming call with Xi will be the first since announcing his re-election bid and trade frictions, technology access and military manoeuvres in the South China Sea are all expected to dominate the discussion.

The diverging treatment of Google and Nvidia highlights Beijings balancing act: demonstrating restraint in some areas while signalling toughness in others. Analysts say this dual approach keeps Washington uncertain over Chinas real negotiating posture.

As Reuters reported, Nvidia embodies the contradictions of the current tech cold war  indispensable to both sides, but vulnerable to political currents beyond their control.

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With Trump and Xi preparing to speak, Beijings calculated moves suggest that China is positioning itself carefully: easing off in digital services while hardening its line in strategic technologies. Whether Washington interprets that as a concession or a provocation remains to be seen.
In the latest act of political retribution, Bangladeshs Muhammad Yunus regime has locked national identity cards of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members, barring them from voting them in elections. The regime has already banned her party, Awami League, from contesting elections.

Sheikh Hasina was ousted as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in August 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

In the latest act of political retribution, Bangladeshs Muhammad Yunus regime has announced that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members have been barred from casting their votes in the countrys elections.

After staying in power without elections for a year, Yunus last month said he would hold elections in February 2026. But those elections would neither feature the countrys largest party, Bangladesh Awami League (BAL), as a contestant nor feature the countrys longest-ruling prime minister as a voter.

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Under an anti-terrorism law, Yunus has banned Hasinas party, Bangladesh Awami League (BAL), from contesting elections.

Yunus bars Hasina, family members from voting

The National Identity cards (NIDs) of Hasina and her family members have been blocked, essentially barring them from voting.

To my knowledge, she [Hasina] cannot vote because her NID is blocked, said Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Wednesday, according to Dhaka Tribune.

In addition to Hasina, NIDs of her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, have been locked, barring them from casting their votes, according to PTI.

Members of the extended family, such as Rehanas children, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq; nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby; Major General (Retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, a brother-in-law and Hasinas former security adviser, his wife Shahin Siddique and their daughter Bushra Siddique; are also barred from voting, according to the report.

Yunus cracks down on Hasina, promotes Islamists

In addition to banning BAL from contesting elections, Yunus has declared its student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), as a terrorist organisation and banned it from political activities.

With such bans, Yunus has benefitted radical Islamists from outfits like the Jamaat-e-Islami that propped his unelected regime.

The success of Jamaat in recent student union elections, including in campuses where it was banned for decades, shows the mainstreaming of radical Islamism that Yunus has presided over since being propped as the countrys interim ruler.

Yunus has also freed several extremist and terrorist leaders, even those from groups like Al Qaeda, after taking over the country.
Bolsonaro reported multiple health woes during the judicial process against him and missed the verdict phase of his trial. On Sunday, he visited the hospital to have eight skin lesions removed and sent for biopsies

Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro, convicted last week of leading an attempted coup, has been diagnosed with skin cancer, his doctor said Wednesday.

The announcement came as the beleaguered far-right leader, 70, was discharged from a hospital in the capital Brasilia where he was rushed under prison guard Tuesday after suffering violent bouts of hiccups, vomiting and low blood pressure.Bolsonaro has had multiple health issues and operations in recent years due to complications following a 2018 stabbing in his abdomen while campaigning for president.

The latest episode comes after his conviction last week on charges that he plotted to overthrow leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who beat him in 2022 presidential elections.

Bolsonaros lawyers have said they will appeal the conviction, for which he was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

Brazilian legislators are also pressing for Bolsonaro to be included in an amnesty bill that would benefit those who participated in the uprising  but the bill faces an uphill battle for legislative approval, and could be subject to a presidential veto.

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In a medical bulletin, the DF Star hospital in Brasilia said Bolsonaro had arrived dehydrated, with elevated heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

Exams showed persistent anemia and impaired kidney function.

He was discharged after treatment led to an improvement in his symptoms.

Bolsonaro reported multiple health woes during the judicial process against him and missed the verdict phase of his trial.

On Sunday, he visited the hospital to have eight skin lesions removed and sent for biopsies.

Two tested positive for a type of tumor called squamous cell carcinoma, which isnt the most benign or the most aggressive. Its intermediate, but its still a type of skin cancer that can have more serious consequences, said his doctor, Claudio Birolini.

The lesions were removed, and no further treatment is currently required, said Birolini.

Witch hunt

The former president, still popular with his supporters, has been under house arrest since August at his residence in Brasilia.

If his appeal is unsuccessful, he could ask to serve his sentence at home for health reasons.

Bolsonaro and seven co-accused were found guilty of plotting to prevent Lula from taking office  a scheme that included the assassination of Lula, his vice president Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes.

Prosecutors said the plan failed only due to a lack of support from military top brass.

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The former army captain, who served a single term from 2019 to 2022, has long claimed he is the victim of political persecution.

The high-profile trial further drove a wedge between Brasilia and US President Donald Trump, a Bolsonaro ally who slammed the judicial process as a witch hunt.

Trump has slapped a 50-percent tariff on many Brazilian imports and imposed sanctions against top officials.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that further US action could be expected in order to pressure Brazil over Bolsonaros conviction.
The vote was called over what the opposition said was a failure to reform the justice and security sectors that are key to fighting corruption in the European Union and Nato member state

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov attends a press conference following a report concerning Bulgaria's criteria to adopt the Euro starting in 2026 and becoming the 21st country to join the single currency area, Sofia, Bulgaria, on June 4, 2025. Reuters File

The Bulgarian government led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov survived a vote of no confidence on Thursday, BTA news agency reported.

The vote was called over what the opposition said was a failure to reform the justice and security sectors that are key to fighting corruption in the European Union and Nato member state.

The no-confidence motion was the fifth the government has faced since it took office in January.

The vote ended with 101 lawmakers in favour of the motion and 133 against, with no abstentions.

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For the motion to pass, the support of more than half the deputies in the 240-seat parliament had been required.
Cambodias leader Hun Manet has accused Thailand of preventing more than 20 families from returning to their homes on the disputed border

This handout aerial photo taken and released by the Royal Thai Army on September 17, 2025 shows Thai army and police (bottom) facing Cambodian people in a disputed area along the Cambodia-Thailand border, as seen from Sa Kaeo province. AFP

Cambodias leader Hun Manet has accused Thailand of preventing more than 20 families from returning to their homes on the disputed border, according to his letter to the head of the UN released on Thursday.

The Thai army said the Cambodian residents had illegally occupied Thai territory.

The Southeast Asian neighbours agreed a truce in late July following five days of clashes that killed at least 43 people on both sides  the latest eruption of a long-standing dispute over contested border temples on their 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier.

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Both sides have since traded accusations of ceasefire violations.

On Wednesday, Thai forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at several hundred Cambodian protesters during a stand-off in a disputed border village, a move that Phnom Penh said injured nearly 30 people, including a soldier and a Buddhist monk.

In a letter dated September 17 to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hun Manet said Thai forces had widened the conflict zone by erecting barbed wire and barricades, and forcibly evicted Cambodian civilians from their long-settled lands in two border villages in northwestern Banteay Meanchey province since last month.

Twenty-five families have already been blocked from their homes and fields, Hun Manet wrote, adding that a Thai military spokesperson had threatened more evictions, potentially affecting hundreds of households comprised of about a thousand inhabitants.

Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said in a statement Thursday that the Cambodian civilians involved in the violent incident the day before had deliberately and illegally occupied Thai territory for an extended period.

Winthai also accused Cambodian military personnel of failing to intervene on Wednesday as Cambodian villagers carried long wooden sticks as makeshift weapons, showing intent to harm Thai officials and breach Thai barriers.

Video released by the Thai military late Wednesday showed Thai security forces firing tear gas at several Cambodians, some of who flung long sticks towards Thai authorities and tried to remove barbed wire.

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In his letter, Hun Manet told the UN chief that the Thai military had an intention of using forces to seize territory at 17 other locations along the shared border.

He also asked Malaysia  the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc  to urge Thailand to refrain from using force against civilians and halt planned forced evictions.

Julys military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand were their deadliest in decades, with 300,000 people also forced to flee their homes along the border.
(File) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum stand together on the stage ahead of a family photo during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, in Alberta, Canada, on June 17, 2025. Reuters

When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in Mexico City to meet President Claudia Sheinbaum, the optics will matter as much as the outcomes. Both leaders face the challenge of showing unity in the face of Washingtons unpredictable tariff regime without appearing to forge an alliance designed to box the United States out.

Canadian officials are reportedly eager to highlight a comprehensive strategic partnership with Mexico, while Sheinbaums team is cautious about signalling that the two are ganging up on Washington.

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The meeting relates to a paradox that has long shaped North American diplomacy: Canada and Mexico rely heavily on the United States for trade and investment, yet both seek to hedge against US unpredictability by diversifying ties with each other. That diversification, however, must be done delicately, lest it draw Donald Trumps ire in the midst of his renewed trade war.

Legacy of neglect

Canada and Mexico have often treated one another as afterthoughts. Graeme Clark, Canadas former ambassador to Mexico, suggested that Ottawa historically underestimated the importance of cultivating bilateral relations with Mexico, instead focussing on reactions to Washingtons tariff threats and rhetoric. He argued that ignoring Mexico has been a recurring blind spot in Canadian foreign policy.

Indeed, the numbers tell the story. Merchandise trade between the two countries reached C$56 billion last year, but the imbalance is stark: C$47 billion of that was imports from Mexico, compared to only C$9 billion in Canadian exports.

Canadian companies have invested around C$50 billion in Mexico, largely in energy and mining. Despite these deepening ties, Mexico has often been seen in Ottawa through a stereotypical lens of beaches and fiestas rather than as one of the worlds major economies, Politico reported. Clark called this a two-dimensional caricature that has hindered serious policy engagement.

Carneys unconventional visit

Carneys Mexico trip is significant not just for its timing, but also for its departure from precedent. Canadian prime ministers usually engage with Mexican leaders only during the Three Amigos North American Leaders Summit. By making this a stand-alone visit, Carney signals that Mexico matters in its own right.

This follows his invitation to Sheinbaum to the G7 Summit in Alberta earlier this year  the first time a Mexican president attended such a Canadian gathering since Felipe Calderon addressed Parliament in 2010.

By contrast, Sheinbaums predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador never visited Canada in his six years in office. Carneys efforts, then, are part of a broader campaign to repair trust after Canadian leaders last year floated the idea of cutting a direct trade deal with Washington, a suggestion that Mexico City saw as a betrayal, The National Herald reported.

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Walking the tightrope with Trump

The heart of the challenge lies in avoiding the perception of forming a counter-bloc to the United States. Sheinbaum is keen to avoid that impression. Canadian officials, however, appear less concerned.

One senior Canadian government figure bluntly remarked before Politico that you cant gang up on the United States, reflecting Ottawas confidence that closer ties with Mexico will not provoke Washington beyond what Trumps tariff crusade has already stirred.

Still, memories linger in Mexico. During the last US-Mexico-Canada Agreement renegotiation, Mexican officials kept Canada in the room when Washington seemed ready to cut a bilateral deal.

When former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford hinted after Trumps reelection that they might pursue a US-only arrangement, Mexico saw it as a sign of mistrust. Carneys current visit is partly designed to assure Sheinbaum that Canada values the trilateral framework and wants a stronger bilateral bond within it.

Shared economic pain

The urgency of the visit stems from the ongoing economic damage inflicted by Trumps tariffs. Canadas economy shrank in the second quarter with falling exports and business investment tied to trade uncertainty.

Key industries such as steel, aluminium, autos and forestry face pressure under Section 232 tariffs. Mexico, meanwhile, secured a 90-day tariff extension from Trump that Canada did not, fuelling perceptions in Ottawa that Mexico handles Washington with more agility.

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Sheinbaum appears less rattled by Trumps moves than Carney, partly because Mexico has grown accustomed to hostile rhetoric and tariff threats from Washington. Its leverage in the global auto industry and its low labour costs provide some cushion. Carney, on the other hand, faces rising political pressure at home to deliver quick wins in trade policy, especially as forecasts hint at a looming recession.

Building new pathways

Carney and Sheinbaum are expected to explore infrastructure investments that would allow the two countries to trade more directly, bypassing the United States in certain supply chains. Canadian officials have floated ideas about new port facilities in Mexico as part of this strategy.

Both leaders are also likely to focus on combating organised crime, including drug trafficking, firearms smuggling and human trafficking  issues that Trump has frequently cited as justifications for punitive tariffs.

Energy is another area of alignment. Canadian firms, such as Calgary-based TC Energy, are already playing a major role in Mexicos infrastructure. Its recently completed 440-mile Southeast Gateway natural gas pipeline has been hailed by the Sheinbaum administration as a catalyst for economic growth in southern Mexico.

For Carney, these projects fit into his broader major projects initiative aimed at boosting infrastructure and jobs to support long-term growth.

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A convergence of industrial strategies

There is also ideological alignment between Sheinbaums Plan Mexico industrial policy and Carneys push to reduce dependence on what he has called an unreliable America.

Both leaders want to diversify their economies, strengthen domestic manufacturing and position their countries within supply chains for clean energy and critical minerals.

Politics of perception

Despite these areas of convergence, public perception remains a barrier. Former trade minister Mary Ng admitted that Canada and Mexico often took each other for granted during the Trump years treating the relationship as functional but uninspired.

Looking ahead to USMCA

The broader context for the visit is the looming renegotiation of the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement. No dramatic announcements are expected from Carneys Mexico visit. Instead, the visit serves as groundwork, shoring up bilateral trust ahead of difficult negotiations with Washington.

The symbolism of the meeting  a Canadian prime minister making Mexico a priority outside the traditional trilateral summit format  may prove as significant as any policy initiative.

Carneys handshake with Sheinbaum will be scrutinised for its symbolism. For both leaders, the stakes are high. They must strengthen their countries economic resilience, diversify supply chains and invest in shared infrastructure  all while avoiding Trumps wrath.

The question is whether both countries can deepen their partnership without triggering the very storm they hope to weather together.
Earlier this year, Taiwans National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) joined hands with US defence firm Anduril to make the companys Barracuda-500, a low-cost, autonomous cruise missile

Taiwan will manufacture a missile and an underwater drone in collaboration with a US-based company for the very first time, as Chinas belligerent moves expand over the region.

The democratic island faces the constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims it is part of its territory, and is under US pressure to spend more on its own defence.

Earlier this year, Taiwans National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) joined hands with US defence firm Anduril to make the companys Barracuda-500, a low-cost, autonomous cruise missile.

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Meanwhile, on Thursday, the two stakeholders signed another agreement to co-produce Andurils underwater drones.

These are Taiwans first such agreements with a foreign company, NCSIST president Li Shih-chiang told AFP.

Our purpose is if in the warfare, even the blockade, we can manufacture every weapon we need to protect ourselves, Li said on the sidelines of the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition, where the Barracuda is on display.

About the project

NCSIST said it would take 18 months to build the supply chain in Taiwan for the Barracuda-500, which uses 100 per cent Taiwanese components.

A senior Taiwanese lawmaker told AFP last week that the defence ministry will seek up to a record NT$1 trillion ($33 billion) in special funding to upgrade the islands defences.

The plans include integrating Taiwans air defence systems, acquiring from overseas partners more advanced technology to detect small drones, rockets and missiles and ensuring a rapid response to an attack, and increasing the islands capacity to produce and store ammunition for wartime.

Taiwan ramps up for possible invasion

Taiwan is preparing for a war that its leadership sees as imminent. The country has updated its civil defence handbook that carries instructions for people about what to do when they see an enemy.

As the island nation feels the pressure from Chinas belligerent moves, Taipei is preparing its people for potential emergencies. Beijing considers Taiwan as its own territory and has been making strategic military moves to take over its governance.

Lin Fei-fan, Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwans National Security Council, who oversaw the updated handbook, said Taipei has taken inspiration from survival guides planned by fellow democracies, including the Czech Republic and France.

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With inputs from agencies
After royal pageantry, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer meet at Chequers today to tackle trade, Ukraine, Gaza, Nato, China and Farages growing influence

(File) US President Donald Trump meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain on July 28, 2025. Reuters

After a day of royal pageantry and pomp at Windsor Castle, US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer turn on Thursday to the serious business of global politics and trade.

Their meeting at Chequers comes on the heels of an eye-catching 150 billion ($205 billion) package of US investment into Britain, spanning technology, energy and life sciences. But beyond the announcements, thorny issues await. Here are five things to watch out for:

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1. Trade talks: Steel, aluminium and Liberation Day tariffs

Britain was the first country to escape the so-called Liberation Day tariffs Trump slapped on allies, marking an early win for Starmers strategy of engagement. But the real test now lies in steel and aluminium. London has pressed Washington to cut the 25 per cent tariffs still in place on these metals. Trump has offered little more than a well talk to them.

The new investment pledgesfrom Microsofts 30 billion commitment to AI and energy to Blackstones 90 billion pipeline of projectsallow Starmer to argue Britain is an indispensable partner.

Yet without progress on tariffs, domestic critics may see the special relationship as one-sided. For Trump, the optics of protecting US industries remain politically useful, meaning a breakthrough is unlikely.

2. War in Ukraine: To talk or act against Russia?

Ukraine will dominate the foreign policy portion of talks. Starmer, who has styled himself as a bridge between Trump and Europe, hopes to stiffen US resolve against Russias invasion. Trump has recently called Russia the aggressor, pleasing European allies.

However, Trump has largely been seen as reluctant to take big punitive measures against Russia. He has tied further American actions against Moscow to Europe halting all purchases of Russian oil.

This creates a delicate balancing act. Starmer must push Trump for tangible support to Kyiv while avoiding conditions that split Europe. At the same time, Starmer will be eager to show that Britain remains at the centre of transatlantic strategy. A lukewarm outcome risks reinforcing European fears that Trump sees the war less as a battle for democracy and more as a transactional bargaining chip.

3. Gaza war: Charm offensive meets Palestinian recognition

After charming Trump with warm words and royal hospitality, Starmer may pivot to one of his boldest foreign policy commitments, which is, recognition of a Palestinian state. His Labour government has long argued recognition is key to advancing peace and pressure is mounting at home to take the step.

Trump, however, has warned that recognition risks rewarding Hamas, though he has said he doesnt mind Starmer taking a position. That phrasing suggests tolerance, not support.

With Gaza under ongoing assault and Netanyahus war cabinet defiant, the UK and US could find themselves at odds. For Starmer, this is not just about West Asia peaceits also about showing independence from Washingtons line. The question is whether he can press the case without straining the special relationship.

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4. Natos future: Between withdrawal and strengthening

Another fraught area is Nato. Trump has long criticised the alliance, at times threatening to walk away unless European allies increase their defence spending. His instincts remain sceptical of multilateral commitments. Starmer, meanwhile, is firmly committed to strengthening Nato as Europes cornerstone of security.

The two leaders may find limited common ground in calls for European allies to spend more, but divergence looms over the bigger picture. If Trump floats withdrawal scenarios, Starmer will have to reassure both domestic and European audiences that Britain can keep Washington anchored.

Natos credibility hinges on whether the US will remain a reliable partner. Starmers challenge is to pull Trump closer to that role.

5. China: The elephant in the room

China could prove the most difficult issue. Trump has suggested Europe, including the UK, must impose tariffs as high as 50 per cent or 100 per cent on imports from China for continuing to buy Russian oil. For Britain, heavily reliant on global trade, such measures risk economic blowback.

Starmer may test Trumps red lines here. Reports suggest the prime minister is preparing a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping to keep channels open, even as Washington pushes confrontation.

Britain is likely to weigh its role as a US ally against its own economic interests. How far Trump will press the UK to align with his tariff crusade will be closely watched in European capitals.

Beyond the agenda: Nigel Farage and US Right-wing influence

Amid the official agenda, one undercurrent is Starmers desire to keep Americas right wing from meddling in UK. politics. Nigel Farages rising challenge at home is fuelled in part by ideological kinship with Trump-aligned Republicans.

Starmer may be tempted to discreetly press Trump to rein in overt support for British populists. Whether Trump complies is uncertainhe has praised Farage before. Yet for Starmer, managing this risk is essential to preserving political stability in Britain.

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A relationship of gains and gambles

The TrumpStarmer meeting marks a turning point. Both leaders see the value of showcasing a special relationship bolstered by massive investment pledges. But beneath the headlines lie sharp divergences: tariffs unresolved, Ukraine strategy unsettled, Gaza policy clashing, Natos future in doubt, and China looming.

For Starmer, the task is to extract concessions without alienating Washington. For Trump, it is about proving his second presidency brings global weight. After the carriages, banquets, and photo ops, todays Chequers talks will test whether two leaders with starkly different instincts can alignor whether the pomp of Windsor will give way to politics as usual.
At a business roundtable as part of his engagements with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump described the US-UK relationship as an unbreakable bond. Their closed-door talks are believed to have covered trade, the Russian war on Ukraine, and the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) and US President Donald Trump (L) attend a joint press conference following their meeting at Chequers, in Aylesbury, central England, on September 18, 2025, on the second day of the US President's second State Visit. Image- AFP

US President Donald Trump has described the US-UK relationship as an unbreakable bond.

At a business roundtable as part of his engagements with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump on Thursday said that they were pursuing a mutually beneficial relationship. He went on to describe the US-UK relationship a beautiful inheritance that would not break.

Trump said, The ties between our countries are priceless, and its really a beautiful inheritance. Today were making those ties closer than ever before. Weve done some things that financially are great for both countries. I think its an unbreakable bond we have regardless of what were doing today. I think its unbreakable.

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Starmer described the US-UK relationship as the very foundation of our security, our freedom and our prosperity.

Theres so much to celebrate in this special relationship between our two countries, Starmer added.

UK protects free speech jealously and fiercely: Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Thursday that Britain protects freedom of speech jealously and fiercely after US criticism which has focused attention on British laws.

Free speech, its one of the founding values of the United Kingdom, and we protect it jealously and fiercely and always will, Starmer said at a press conference with US President Donald Trump.

Trump says US is working to regain control of Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

President Donald Trump said Thursday he was working to get back Bagram airbase, which the United States gave up control of after the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

Were trying to get it back, by the way, that could be a little breaking news. Were trying to get it back because they need things from us. We want that base back, Trump said at a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Starmer says need to ramp up migrant returns to France

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London needed to ramp up the removal of irregular migrants from Britain to France, after the first deportation under a new deal took place earlier Thursday.

We need to ramp that up at scale, which was always envisaged under the scheme but its very important that we have been able to prove the proof of concept, Starmer told reporters at a press conference alongside US President Donald Trump, who urged the British leader to stop migration.

Trump acknowledges differences with Starmer on Palestinian statehood

US President Donald Trump acknowledged a difference of opinion with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over recognising a Palestinian state but stopped short of saying how he might pressure Israel to bring its war in Gaza to an end.

Addressing the media, Trump avoided outlining any direct strategy on Israel. Instead, he repeated his backing for the country, even as reports suggest he has privately expressed frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israels military campaign and its strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.

Trump stressed his unwavering focus on the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched deadly attacks on Israel. The atrocities of October 7 remain central to his view of the conflict, he said, adding that his primary objective is ensuring the release of hostages still held by the group.

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Trump urges Starmer to use military to stop illegal migration

Donald Trump has urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take a hard-line approach to tackling illegal immigration, suggesting the use of military force if necessary.

Speaking about the issue, Trump said illegal immigration was one of the key reasons he first ran for the US presidency and claimed he had got illegal immigration into the US down to zero. He added: I told Starmer to stop it. They could use the military, but it doesnt matter how  you have to stop it.

Starmer, responding to the challenge, said the problem extended beyond Britain and was being felt across Europe. He highlighted that the UK had stepped up its deportation efforts, saying: There have been 35,000 returns now  the highest number for years.

The Prime Minister also pointed to new arrangements with France, announcing that the first removal flight under the deal took off at 6:15 a.m. today, carrying one migrant back across the Channel. He described it as proof of concept, demonstrating that the policy can be implemented effectively.

Trump says Putin has let me down

President Trump admitted on Thursday that his efforts to end the war in Ukraine have so far yielded little progress, conceding that Russian President Vladimir Putin has let me down.

The candid remark came after a string of high-profile summits last month  including talks with Putin in Alaska and a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, failed to produce a breakthrough.

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Trump, however, insisted that he remained confident of an eventual resolution.

Russia and Ukraine will get done, but you never know in war, he said. War is a different thing. Things happen that are very opposite of what you thought. You thought you were going to have an easy time or a hard time and it turns out to be the reverse.

Trump says Charlie Kirk could have been president

President Donald Trump paid tribute to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, saying he believed Kirk had the potential to become an American president.

Ive never seen anybody relate to youth like Charlie, and they related to him and theyre devastated, Trump said, highlighting Kirks influence among young voters.

The president also thanked the many British citizens who have offered their condolences, noting the wave of sympathy expressed during his state visit.

Kirk, a prominent right-wing figure and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed earlier this week in Utah, an event that has intensified concerns about political violence in the United States.

Trump & Starmer sign deals worth $340 billion

After a day of regal welcome and royal banquet, Trump has arrived at the Chequers, Starmers country residence, on the second day of his state visit to get down to business. Trade and tariffs, the Russian war on Ukraine, and the situation in the Gaza Strip are likely to dominate their discussions.

Trump and Starmer signed the Tech Prosperity Deal under which US tech pledged investments to the tune of $42 billion in the United Kingdom. Starmer said that these deals and investments break all records so far.

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What a day  250 billion ($340 billion) flowing both ways across the Atlantic. It is the biggest investment package of its kind in British history by a country mile. So, thank you so much for your contribution on your part in that as the embodiment of that special relationship, Starmer further said.

President @realDonaldTrump and Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer sign a Tech Prosperity Deal securing billions in investments for the U.S. and U.K.  pic.twitter.com/gjyR9ldA01  Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) September 18, 2025

High-stakes diplomacy in Trump-Starmer talks

Ahead of their meeting, British media reported that Starmer would focus on the Russian aggression against Europe and the Israeli war in Gaza in talks with Trump. Russian aerial incursions into Nato members' airspaces may also be part of the discussion.

Starmer was said to focus on persuading Trump to take stronger action against Russia for its refusal to agree to a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine or hold serious peace talks. In the wake of Trumps mediation, instead of coming to the negotiating table, Russia has ramped up attacks and has gone beyond Ukraine to mount aerial incursions into Polish and Romanian airspaces.

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While Trump has pleased Europe lately by calling Russia the aggressor and clearing the first arms package under a Nato-led procurement programme, Starmer and Trump may not find middle ground on Gaza where they have completely different positions.

While Starmer is under pressure from his party and constituents to push Trump to press Israel to come to the negotiating table, Trump has supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the hilt  and his own proposal to occupy Gaza has essentially killed the two-state solution. On his part, Starmer has committed to the two-state solution and will reportedly recognise the Palestinian statehood as early as this weekend.

The Trump administration has dubbed the recognition of Palestinian state as rewarding terrorism.
Rupert Murdoch arrives to attend the State Banquet during US President Donald Trump's state visit, at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, Britain, September 17, 2025. Reuters

As President Donald Trump prepared for the grand state dinner at Windsor Castle, an unexpected figure on the guest list drew widespread attention. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, the powerful owner of the Wall Street Journal, was among the invitees despite being embroiled in a major lawsuit with Trump.

The US president is seeking $20 billion in damages from Murdoch after the Journal reported on a birthday letter connected to Jeffrey Epstein, allegedly bearing Trumps name. Trump has denied the authenticity of the signature and insisted that he had personally warned Murdoch against publishing the report. The lawsuit not only targets Murdochs media empire but also demands his direct testimony.

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A delicate seating arrangement

Despite the courtroom drama, Murdoch and his fifth wife Elena were confirmed to attend the dinner, seated at the same table as Trump. Royal officials emphasised that the seating plan was devised by Buckingham Palace and the White House, not by the president.

Trumps position was between King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales, while First Lady Melania Trump sat opposite him alongside Queen Camilla and Prince William. This arrangement showed the state nature of the occasion, where political disputes were overshadowedat least for one eveningby royal ceremony.

Notable absences and high-profile guests

One conspicuous absence from the guest list was Peter Mandelson, the recently dismissed British ambassador to Washington. He was removed from his post by Prime Minister Keir Starmer following revelations of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a scandal that cast a shadow over the otherwise glittering occasion.

In contrast, US. Ambassador Warren Stephens attended, along with a notable roster of political and business figures. Among them were OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, Nvidias Jensen Huang, BlackRocks Larry Fink, Newsmaxs Christopher Ruddy, Blackstones Stephen Schwarzman, Bank of Americas Brian Moynihan and SoftBank board director Rene Haas.

Senior US officials also had prominent seats, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who dined beside Queen Camilla, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended with his wife.

Royal table and menu

The grandeur of the evening was reflected in meticulous planning. More than 100 staff served guests at a long table set with 130 candles and elaborate floral arrangements. Each place setting included multiple courses of cutlery and five distinct glasses, complemented by English, French and American wines.

The menu itself highlighted seasonal British produce. Guests began with panna cotta de cresson, parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad, followed by Norfolk chicken wrapped in courgettes with an herb-infused jus.

Dessert was a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet and lightly poached Victoria plums. Royal chef Mark Flanagan, who coordinated with the White House culinary team, explained that the choices reflected King Charles IIIs eclectic palate while incorporating subtle nods to American cuisine.

Politics and ceremony intertwined

The spectacle of Windsor Castles banquet hall, adorned with its regal traditions, masked but could not erase the underlying tension. Murdochs presence alongside the very man suing him illustrated the peculiar intersection of politics, media and monarchy.

For Trump, the evening offered the chance to reinforce diplomatic ties, while for Murdoch it provided a reminder of his enduring proximity to powereven under the cloud of a multibillion-dollar lawsuit.

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In a discussion at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India flagged the presence of Pakistan-supported terrorist organisations in Afghanistan and said Afghan soil must not be used for terrorist activities.

Parvathaneni Harish, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), New York, speaks at the quarterly UNSC meeting on Afghanistan. (Photo: X/Permanent Mission of India to the UN)

India has flagged the presence of Pakistan-supported terrorist groups in Afghanistan at the United Nations (UN) and urged the international community to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities.

Speaking at the quarterly meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Afghanistan, Indian UN envoy Parvathaneni Harish said that India has been closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan and urged the international community to ensure it does not become a terrorism hotbed.

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The international community must coordinate efforts towards ensuring that entities and individuals designated by the UN Security Council, the ISIL and Al Qaeda and their affiliates, including Lashkar E Taiba and Jaisha Muhammad, along with those who facilitate their operations, no longer exploit Afghan territory for terrorist activities, said Harish.

#IndiaAtUN



PR @AmbHarishP delivered Indias statement at the quarterly UNSC meeting on Afghanistan.



He highlighted:



  and  share a civilizational relationship.



  has paramount interest in s peace and stability and is actively engaging with regional and pic.twitter.com/FZFi9UKsvv  India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) September 18, 2025

However, Harish indicated that India supported the waiver of at least some sanctions on the Taliban regime. Saying that the current business-as-usual approach could not continue, India said that the Afghan people have not seen much scope for enhanced development assistance and cooperation under sanctions.

The most unfortunate earthquake has made the situation even more dire. This is the time for compassion, a time for lending a helping hand to millions of Afghans suffering under the yoke of poverty, disease and hunger. In conclusion, Id like to reiterate that our commitment to meeting developmental needs of the people of Afghanistan is non negotiable. We will continue engaging with all relevant stakeholders and broadly support the international communitys efforts towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, said Harish.

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Terrorism finds safe haven in Afghanistan  again

Since the Talibans takeover of the country in 2021, Afghanistan has slipped into a state of open competition among various jihadist and Islamist armed groups. While Islamic State (ISIS) is waging a full-scale insurgency against the Taliban regime, groups like Al Qaeda have found safe haven in the country again.

Previously, Al Qaeda planned the 9/11 attack from Afghanistan where the Taliban regime (1996-2001) provided a safe haven to Al Qaeda.

In a sign of renewed patronage that Al Qaeda has found under the Taliban rule, Ayman al-Zawahiri, the groups chief, was found to be living in Kabul. He was killed in a US airstrike in 2022.

It is an open secret that Pakistan has supported Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups over the years. The countrys intelligence apparatus had played a key role in arranging the finances for Al Qaedas 9/11 terrorist attack and both Osama bin Laden, who ordered the attacks, and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who masterminded the attack, were found to be living in Pakistan next doors to key military installations.
Al-Shibanis trip signals a major shift in US policy toward Damascus, as Washington pushes to lift remaining sanctions and mediate between Syrias new Islamist leadership and Israel

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani arrived in Washington on Thursday, marking the first official visit at this level in more than a quarter-century.

The trip signals a major shift in US policy toward Damascus, as Washington pushes to lift remaining sanctions and mediate between Syrias new Islamist leadership and Israel.

According to an Axios report, Senator Lindsey Graham said that al-Shibani is expected to meet US lawmakers to discuss easing the sanctions still in place against Syria.

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Two sources familiar with the visit confirmed the details to Reuters.

The visit comes after several senior US diplomats working on Syria were abruptly dismissed, signaling a broader shift in Washingtons strategy as it moves to integrate its longtime Syrian Kurdish allies into President Ahmed al-Sharaas central government.

The United States has also been mediating between Syria and Israel. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, said that negotiations toward a security agreement with Israel could produce results in the coming days.

Washington had imposed crippling sanctions on Syria beginning in 2011, after former President Bashar al-Assadan ally of Iran and Russiaviolently suppressed nationwide protests, sparking a nearly 14-year civil war.

Following Assads ouster by Sharaas forces in a swift campaign last December, USSyria relations have begun to thaw. After meeting with Sharaa in May, US President Donald Trump announced plans to begin lifting the remaining sanctions.

With inputs from agencies
Twenty-five years after Nato intervention paved the way for the declaration of independence, peace and stability has eluded Kosovo. For over six months, parties have failed to elect a prime minister amid a political deadlock, allowing the caretaker government to pursue policies that have stoked ethnic tensions.

Kosovo's then-Prime Minister Albin Kurti (and current caretaker prime minister) gestures during his party's closing election campaign rally in Pristina on February 7, 2025. (Photo: Armend Nimani/AFP)

Grinding political gridlock has seized the small Balkan nation of Kosovo since indecisive elections in February and multiple attempts to form a government have failed, leaving the former prime minister Albin Kurti in a caretaker role for months.

But the parliamentary stasis has not stopped Kurti from continuing a campaign to counter Serbian influence in Kosovo  reforms labelled provocative and damaging by the European Union and criticised by the United States.

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Neighbouring Serbia, which has never formally recognised Kosovos independence, looms large over the countrys north, a region that remains fractious more than two decades after the last of the 1990s conflicts that tore apart the former Yugoslavia.

Here are five key things to know about the unfolding crisis in Europes youngest country.

Political deadlock

Kurtis Vetevendosje party topped the polls but lacks a governing majority.

Deeply divided MPs took months to elect a parliamentary speaker, and now efforts to select a representative from the Serb minority as deputy have stalled the formation of a new government again.

Albanian majority MPs rejected the candidate from Kosovos main Serb party, Lista Srpska, prompting an appeal to the constitutional court that has frozen further parliamentary decisions until September 30.

Kurti remains the de facto leader in the meantime.

Parallel system

Despite the stalemate, Kurti has continued to dismantle parallel services offered to Kosovos Serbs by Belgrade.

At the end of the 1998-1999 war between the Serbian army and independence-seeking ethnic Albanians, Serbia was forced to withdraw from Kosovo under heavy NATO bombardment.

Belgrade left behind para-state structures in Serb-majority municipalities, providing services such as banking and social welfare. It remains a powerful tool to guarantee loyalty from Serb-majority areas, driving a wedge between them and the Kosovo state.

Kurti has moved to shut down or bring the system under the control of his government, particularly targeting Serb-majority strongholds in northern Kosovo.

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Ignoring Western objections, he has managed to dismantle most services, leaving just education and healthcare intact.

Allies turned critics

In 2023, the European Union slapped Kosovo with sanctions and urged the government to ease tensions in its Serb enclaves.

Earlier this month, the EU again called for an end to the closure of services in the north, which it said was negatively impacting the lives of ordinary citizens.

Kurti has labelled the EU measures unfair and continued to work against the services, which his office labels instruments of intimidation, threat and control.

Amid fears that growing tensions in Serb enclaves could again boil over into violence, which has previously forced NATO-led peacekeepers to intervene, the United States issued a rare rebuke to its close Balkan ally.

Washington on Friday cancelled upcoming high-level discussions with Kosovo over concerns that Kurtis actions had increased tensions and instability in the country.

A spokesman for Kurti responded by thanking Washington for its ongoing support and said he was open to criticism.

Whenever they are concrete, we try our best to improve and correct our steps and actions, the spokesman said.

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Spies and peacekeepers

Serbias influence in the north is a constant reminder of the series of bloody wars that followed Yugoslavias disintegration.

International troops have remained in Kosovo since the end of the war, where ethnic tensions have repeatedly flared into violence.

Last month, a Croatian military officer and a woman were accused of espionage and detained in Split, in eastern Croatia. Reports said they had been spying on NATO-led peacekeepers in Kosovo for Serb groups in the country.

The case is ongoing, but a NATO spokesman told AFP they were taking the allegations very seriously.

The commander of NATO-led troops in Kosovo in his update to Brussels on Tuesday said the situation in Kosovo risked sudden escalation, due to a variety of unresolved issues.

Complete blockade

With experts warning that Kosovo risks losing further EU funding amid the ongoing crisis, the possibility of fresh elections is increasingly likely.

Kosovo has no other solution, economic expert Safet Gerxhaliu told AFP, saying new elections need to be called quickly.

Citizens are paying a high price, he said.

If the crisis is not resolved by the end of the year, we will find ourselves in a state of complete breakdown of institutions.

(This is an agency copy. Except for the headline, the copy has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)

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Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that he has no relationship with his American counterpart Donald Trump amid tension between the US and Brazil over the trial of Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of the Latin American nation

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (L) has hit out against US President Donald Trump after the latter slapped an additional 40 per cent tariff on Brazil, taking the total to 50 per cent. File image/AFP

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that he has no relationship with his American counterpart Donald Trump amid tension between the US and Brazil over the trial of Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of the Latin American nation. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Lula reveals where he and Trump stand.

The Brazilian president has frequently criticised Trump. However, he often insisted that the two nations should still engage in communication to resolve pressing issues. While Brazil has a trade surplus with the United States, the Trump administration imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian goods in July, citing the trial on coup charges of Brazils right-wing former president Jair Bolsonaro as a trigger.

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In the BBC interview, Lula described the tariffs as eminently political and said US consumers would be facing higher prices for Brazilian goods as a result. The American people will pay for the mistakes President Trump is making in his relationship with Brazil, he averred.

The two leaders who never came face-to-face

It is pertient to note that the two leaders have never spoken to each other face to face and only clashed through written words. When asked why he had not just tried to pick up the phone or form a relationship with Trump, Lula told the BBC: I never tried that call because he never wanted to have a conversation.

Trump has previously maintained that Lula can call him anytime. But Lula insisted that members of the Trump Administration do not want to talk. The Brazilian president revealed to the BBC that he had found out about the Trump tariffs on Brazilian goods through newspapers.

He insisted that the US president didnt communicate in a civilised manner. He just published them [the tariffs] on his portal - on social media. When asked how he would describe his relationship with his US counterpart, he simply said: Theres no relationship.

He is not emperor of the world: Lula slams Trump

Lula said that his poor ties with Trump have an exception, emphasising how he had close ties with former US presidents, UK prime ministers, the EU, China, Ukraine, Venezuela and all the countries in the world. When asked who he had a better relationship with between Trump and Putin, Lula said he defended his ties to the latter, saying they had formed them when they had both been presidents in previous times.

I dont have a relationship with Trump because when Trump was elected the first time, I wasnt president. His relationship is with Bolsonaro, not Brazil, Lula responded. He also mentioned that if he were to pass Trump at next weeks United Nations General Assembly, he would greet him because I am a civilised citizen, but added that Trump may be president of the United States, [but] hes not emperor of the world!.

In the interview, Lula also shared his take on Bolsonaros conviction after Brazils Supreme Court jailed the former president for 27 years. Lula told the BBC that Bolsonaro and his co-conspirators had hurt the country, attempted a coup, and plotted my death. He again went on to slam Trump for inventing untruths by claiming Bolsonaro was being persecuted and denouncing what the US leader said was a lack of democracy in Brazil.

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Lula concluded his assertion by insisting that if the January 6th Capitol Riots had happened in Brazil, Trump would have been put on trial.
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran on Thursday expressed optimism that the penal tariff imposed on certain imports will likely be withdrawn after November 30, signalling a potential easing of trade restrictions amid ongoing economic discussions.

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on Thursday said he expects the dispute over an additional 25% tariff imposed by the United States to be resolved within the next couple of months, with talks currently underway between New Delhi and Washington.

I dont have any inside info, but expect a resolution to the additional 25% US tariff in the next couple of months. In 8-10 weeks, we will likely see a solution to an additional penal tariff imposed by the US. Conversations are going on between the two governments, India and the US, Nageswaran said while speaking at an event in Kolkata.

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He also indicated that reciprocal Indian tariffs could eventually be adjusted somewhere between 10% and 15%.

Negotiations between the two countries began on September 16, when chief negotiators from India and the US started discussions on a proposed trade agreement aimed at ironing out disputes triggered by steep tariff measures that have unsettled exporters.

He highlighted Indias export growth, currently at USD 850 billion annually, is on track to reach USD 1 trillion, representing 25 per cent of GDP, indicating a healthy, open economy.

Trump had invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law crafted for sanctions and financial controls in times of foreign emergencies, to impose reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries. India was slapped with 25 per cent tariffs, but the rate of tariffs was increased to 50 per cent.

The 50 per cent tariffs on imports from India to the United States came into effect on Wednesday.

The higher duties are applicable to all Indian products that are either entered for consumption in the US or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption. With this, the 50 per cent tariffs on Indias imports to the US are now in effect.

The US Customs notification also highlighted that while most products from India will face the higher duties along with any other applicable charges like antidumping or countervailing duties, some items are excluded.

It covers certain products listed separately in the U.S. tariff schedule. Items made of iron and steel, including some of their derivatives, will not face the additional duty. The same applies to aluminium products and their derivatives.

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Passenger vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks are also exempt, along with their spare parts. In addition, semi-finished copper products and some intensive copper derivatives are excluded from the higher tariffs.

In short, while the 50 per cent tariff broadly applies to Indian imports, key categories like iron, steel, aluminium, vehicles, parts, and copper products have been kept out of its scope.

According to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), about 30.2 per cent of Indias exports to the United States, valued at USD 27.6 billion, will continue to enter the U.S. market duty-free despite the imposition of higher tariffs.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a new strategic defence pact on Wednesday, with the two sides saying an attack on one country would be considered an aggression against both

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 2025 Arab-Islamic emergency summit in Doha. Saudi Press Agency/AFP

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that India will study the implications of the defence pact signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, adding that the government is committed to protecting national interests.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a new strategic defence pact on Wednesday, with the two sides saying an attack on one country would be considered an aggression against both. This agreement aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, read a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency.

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The Government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration. We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting Indias national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

What is the defence pact?

The defence pact was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which aims to strengthen the security partnership amid heightened regional tensions.

It also comes at a time when Israel has expanded its military operations to Qatar, making Gulf nations wary of the reliability of the United States as their security partner.

The timing of the pact follows Indias Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people in April.

A senior Saudi official told CNN, Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can.

Pakistani state television broadcast footage of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdoms de facto leader, embracing after signing the agreement. Also present was Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, widely considered the most powerful figure in the country.
In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Alshibani, Omans Ambassador to India, lauded people-to-people ties between the two nations, insisting that Indians in Oman feel at home

Oman's Ambassador to India Issa Saleh Alshibani speaks at an event on promoting investments Khazaen Economic City. Image Source: Embassy of The Sultante of Oman

Hailing the long ties between India and Oman, Issa Saleh Abdullah Alshibani, the Omani Ambassador to India, said that Indians in the Gulf nation feel at home as he emphasised growing bilateral maritime strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries. In an exclusive conversation with Firstposts Bhagyasree Sengupta on Wednesday, the Omani envoy also said India and Oman are close to inking the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to bolster ties between the two nations by removing trade barriers.

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The remarks from Ambassador Alshibani came on the sidelines of an event with the Khazaen Economic City Delegation, which discussed its plans to open the citys doors to foreign investments.

Oman offers a dependable base for expansion into the Gulf and the wider Indian Ocean Region. Our investment environment is designed for clarity and confidence. For Indian companies, Oman is a natural extension strategy. From Muscat, you gain a cost-effective base in the Middle East, short flying time, cultural comfort  Khazaen is one of the places where this vision meets practical opportunity, land is ready, incentives are clear, and the teams are empowered to help you execute, Ambassador Alshibani said at the event held on Wednesday at the Embassy of The Sultanate of Oman in New Delhi.

The Omani envoy also extended warm birthday wishes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed hopes for deeper ties between the two nations.

Edited excerpts

Q. This year, India and Oman are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties. What is your assessment of how the relations between the two nations have evolved over the years

The relationship between Oman and India is really deeply rooted in history. Some people have recorded it to go back to 5,000 years. But also, in recent times, where we have seen so much of exchanging, in 2023, we witnessed the visit of His Majesty [Sultan Haitham bin Tarik], his first visit to India.

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Omans Ambassador to India, Issa Saleh Alshibani, stands next to the logo designed to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Oman. Image Source: Embassy of The Sultanate of Oman

Since then, the relationship has been really elevated into a strategic relationship. We have seen a joint document by the two leaders of the countries, where they have agreed on the terms of what the set visions are for the relationship between Oman and India.

Q. India and Oman recently concluded negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), raising hopes for a Free Trade Agreement. When can we expect the trade deal to be finalised, and how do you view bilateral collaboration, especially in fields like energy, technology, and agriculture?

Well, hopefully, it [India-Oman FTA] will happen soon. I think the announcement that came out was that the negotiation phase has already been completed, to the satisfaction of both countries. Now it goes through their legal and administrative system for the final approval.

So hopefully sometime soon by this year, we will really witness the finalisation of all the processes with regard to the CEPA agreement. In terms of FTA, the focus will be on the elimination of barriers so they make that trade and business are smooth between the two nations.

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This aim came out during the visit of His Majesty, since India is one of our closest partners. Hence, the ties should be strengthened where a framework is put to facilitate, simplify and ease the business connections between the two countries.

Q. With global energy security equations shifting due to regional and geopolitical alliances, how are India and Oman collaborating on energy security and diversification?

In terms of energy, Oman is one of the major exporters of energy to India. New Delhi is one of Omans third-largest importers of energy from the Gulf nation. We are very much aligned with the policies of India.

We have been supportive of the Honourable Prime Ministers [Narendra Modi] initiatives in terms of the International Solar Alliance system. We are also very much aligned in terms of setting the vision for both countries to be major industries in green hydrogen, as well as attracting so many renewable energy investments within the two countries.

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Q. Over 700,000 Indian expats live in Oman, making up almost 20 per cent of the countrys population. How do you see this people-to-people connect shaping up the India-Oman bilateral ties?

I think if you were to ask any Indian who is living in Oman, he would say that he feels he is home among family and friends. It has been very close connections between people in terms of history or in the present time. We have even seen an increase in the number of tourists coming from India because of the warmth that we have shown them with regard to the people-to-people connection.

I would say it has been stronger in terms of all the generations. I think we should put some more initiatives in place to strengthen this relationship as well between the young people of both countries.

Omans Ambassador to India Issa Saleh Alshibani speaks at an event on promoting investments in Khazaen Economic City. Image Source: Embassy of The Sultanate of Oman

Q. Oman is opening its real estate sector for foreigners. Could you share more about the plans?

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Yes, so Oman has been opening certain zones for foreigners to own their houses. Its a completely freehold, and there is one way investors can guarantee that people will be given a chance of securing a residency visa, which allows them, as well, to explore the country in terms of other initiatives.

What I have seen myself is that I have met with a few Indians who have chosen Oman as their retirement home, and they have benefited from the Oman scheme to allow expatriates to purchase residencies.

Q. What is Omans Vision 2040? How can it help Indias vision 2047?

Yes, I think its all aligned, where we dont rely very much on one source of income. So Omans Vision 2040 focuses on diversifying the economy, bringing technology, of course, education and human-centred policies.

One of the key elements that we have seen both countries are really focused on is the environment. In this regard, both countries have set their visions or targets for 2050 for net zero. So I think in terms of initiatives by the two countries in terms of renewables, we are seeing that we are very much aligned. This way, India and Oman could be real partners in terms of their vision.

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Q. Oman is Indias closest neighbour in the Gulf region, with a strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz. How does Oman view Indias role in regional maritime security and connectivity?

You know, India and Oman have really been strong in terms of tackling so many of the maritime threats. Oman has been the first and maybe the only country that has been conducting military exercises with India at the three forces level - Navy, Military and Air Force. We have been doing this for more than 10 years.

That shows the closeness between the two countries military forces. It is without a doubt, and it has been recorded, how Indias maritime security forces have been playing a major role in the Indian Ocean.

Q. Ambassador, lets end this on a lighter note. Today is Prime Minister Modis birthday. So, any wishes from Oman?

Yes, we extend our heartfelt wishes to the Honourable Prime Minister on his birthday. I take this opportunity to send our congratulations from the government and the people of Oman. We are looking forward to strengthening this relationship with India and elevating it to all different levels, either through the government or through the people of India as well.

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Indias Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that bilateral defence cooperation was reviewed during a recent meeting with undersecretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby.

Indias Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met with American Under Secretary of Defence of War for Policy Elbridge Colby to review the current agenda of bilateral defence cooperation. The two officials also discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the United States.

In a post on X, Kwatra said he had a productive conversation with Colby, describing him as brilliant.

The envoy said they reviewed the current agenda and charted actionable path on several initiatives in the pipeline of India-US defence cooperation.

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He also appreciated Colbys deep knowledge, perspective and consistent support for the strategic bilateral partnership.

A productive conversation with the brilliant Elbridge Colby @USWPColby . Reviewed the current agenda and charted actionable path on several initiatives in the pipeline of India-US defence cooperation. Value his deep knowledge, perspective and consistent support for our strategic pic.twitter.com/X6FFVafGYh  Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) September 18, 2025

Colby, in a post on X, said he was very pleased to host Kwatra at the Pentagon earlier this week for a valuable discussion.

We at the Department of War look forward to continuing to elevate our critical defence cooperation with India, he said.

I was very pleased to host @AmbVMKwatra at the Pentagon earlier this week for a valuable discussion. We at the Department of War look forward to continuing to elevate our critical defense cooperation with India. pic.twitter.com/tNh81e8Ykf  Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby (@USWPColby) September 18, 2025

Kwatra, on September 16 highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA, calling it a key pillar of India-US cooperation.

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Speaking at the India-USA Space Collaboration event in Washington, Kwatra said that India plans a manned moon mission and a space station between 2028 and 2035, with NASA continuing to play a vital partnership role in these projects.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Sushila Karki, the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal. He condoled deaths during youth-led protests and affirmed Indias support to peace and stability in Nepal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday talked to Nepals interim leader Sushila Karki. He condoled deaths during youth-led protests earlier this month and reaffirmed Indias support to peace and stability in Nepal.

Modi also wished Karki and the people of Nepal on the National Day that will be observed on Friday, September 19.

Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow, said Modi on X.

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Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Also, I extended warm  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2025

Last week, Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal after days of intense negotiations. She is the first woman to be the Prime Minister of Nepal.

After her swearing-in ceremony that was attended by the Indian envoy to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, Modi had wished Karki.

I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal, said Modi on September 13.

Karki was appointed as Nepals interim leader after her predecessor, KP Sharma Oli, resigned among nationwide anger as the police crackdown on nationwide Gen Z protests killed dozens of people and injured over a thousand people. As per latest figures, at least 74 persons were killed and over 2,300 were injured.

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In her first actions as Nepals interim leader, Karki recommended the dissolution of House of Representatives and called fresh elections in March 2026. Paudel accepted these recommendations.

Modi on Nepal crisis

Previously, Modi had said expressed concerns about the situation in Nepal as violence was raging in the country.

Calling the violence, including deaths of young protesters, heart-rending, Modi on Sept. 9 said that the peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us and appealed to brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace. He chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) that day.

The CCS comprises Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

On my return from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab today, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security discussed the developments in Nepal. The violence in Nepal is heart-rending. I am anguished that many young people have lost their lives. The stability, peace and prosperity of  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2025

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In a separate statement after Karkis swearing-in, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had welcomed the formation of the interim government.

We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability. As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries, the statement said.
Chinas defence minister took a veiled dig at US, saying, behaviours such as external military interference, seeking spheres of influence and coercing others into taking sides. He called those a means to plunge the international community into chaos and conflict.

The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan. File image/ Reuters

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on Thursday reiterated Beijings stance on Taiwans independence, emphasising that it will take over the island-nation sooner or later.

Speaking at the opening of a security forum in Beijing, Jun said, The restoration of Taiwan to China is an integral part of the post-war international order, as he addressed a room full of audience composed of international military officers.

Beijing considers Taiwan, a democracy of 23 million people that has been governed separately from China since 1949, to be a breakaway province, and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control. China puts military pressure on Taiwan by sending warships and aircraft near the island almost daily.

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Dong said China would never allow any separatist attempts for Taiwan independence to succeed and that it is ready to thwart any external military interference.

The Chinese military stands ready to work with all parties to serve as a force for global peace, stability and progress, he said.

The minister also took a veiled dig at US, saying, behaviours such as external military interference, seeking spheres of influence and coercing others into taking sides. He called those a means to plunge the international community into chaos and conflict.

Dong stressed the importance of upholding the UN-centered international system as a framework for global peace and stability.

We must defend the post-war order, he said. We do not intend to overturn the existing order or to create a new one. Rather the goal is to reinforce the cornerstone and pillars of the system.

Meanwhile, Taiwan will manufacture a missile and an underwater drone in collaboration with a US-based company for the very first time.

Earlier this year, Taiwans National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) joined hands with US defence firm Anduril to make the companys Barracuda-500, a low-cost, autonomous cruise missile.

On Thursday, the two stakeholders signed another agreement to co-produce Andurils underwater drones.

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With inputs from agencies
Treasury Secretary Scot Bessent once pledged two homes as his principal residence, the same type of filing Trump cites to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook

US Treasury Secretary Scot Bessent once agreed to designate two different homes as his principal residence at the same time.

According to mortgage records, Bloomberg reported, in 2007, Bessents attorney signed agreements stating that both a Georgian manor in Bedford Hills, New York and a beachfront house in Provincetown, Massachusetts, would be his main residence. The contradictory pledges mirror the kind of filings that President Donald Trump has used as grounds to try to oust Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

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Mortgage experts have emphasised that Bessents case was not fraudulent arguing that lenders were fully aware of the nature of his financing. Still, the similarity between his situation and Cooks raises questions about whether the White House has applied inconsistent standards when scrutinising mortgage agreements.

Cooks case and Trumps response

Cook, who was appointed to the Fed by former president Joe Biden, signed mortgage documents in 2021 for two different propertiesone in Michigan and one in Atlanta. Each document required her to declare the property as a primary residence for at least a year. According to Bloomberg, however, a loan estimate from the Atlanta lender classified the condominium as a vacation home, suggesting the bank never expected her to occupy it full-time.

Trump seized on the filings, calling them potentially criminal conduct and citing them as justification to remove Cook from her post. In a letter firing her, President Trump described the pledges as evidence of gross negligence.

Cook has denied any wrongdoing and challenged her ouster in court. Multiple judges have blocked Trumps bid to oust Cook from the Fed board. A federal appeals court last week ruled that she could continue working on the Fed board while her case proceeds.

How Bessents case played out

The Bessent mortgages were signed nearly two decades ago, on September 20, 2007, by his lawyer Charles Rich under power of attorney. Both loans came from Bank of America as part of a $21 million financing package.

In statements to Bloomberg, Rich and the bank confirmed that the Provincetown property was never intended to be a primary residence. Bank of America, in fact, issued a statement affirming its understanding and agreement that the Bedford and Provincetown properties were secondary residences.

Rich maintained that there was absolutely nothing improper about the applications, stressing that the bank had waived any requirement that the Massachusetts home be occupied as a primary residence. Bessents spokesperson likewise dismissed concerns, noting that he had delegated the details to counsel and that the documents were filled out properly.

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One story, two stands: Trump saga

The controversy lies not so much in the filings themselves as in the political interpretation of them. Mortgage experts told Bloomberg that contradictions in occupancy clauses are not uncommon and often arise from clerical errors or missing paperwork such as a second-home rider.

Douglas Miller, a real estate lawyer who has testified before Congress, said that if lenders were informed about the intended use of the properties, the borrower should not be faulted. At some point you need to rely on the fact that you made the disclosure to the lender, and if they missed a form, thats on them, he said.

This whole thing is just blown out of proportion.

Yet Trump has chosen to treat Cooks situation as a disqualifying offence, while overlooking the similar filings made by his own Treasury secretary. Critics argue that the difference in treatment reflects political expediency rather than objective legal standards.

What Bessent said

When asked about Cooks situation during an appearance on Fox Business in late August, Bessent did not draw attention to his own past mortgage filings. Instead, he echoed Trumps framing of the issue, saying that if a Fed official committed mortgage fraud, that this should be examined, and that they shouldnt be serving as one of the nations leading financial regulators, Reuters reported.

His attorney, Alex Spiro, later emphasised that nearly 20 years ago, Mr. Bessents lawyers filled out paperwork properly, the bank has confirmed it was done properly, and this nonsensical article reaches the conclusion that this was all done properly.

Wider implications of Trumps strategy

Bessent is not the only Trump appointee with conflicting mortgage pledges. Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer signed similar agreements in 2021 for homes in Oregon and Arizona. Her office later explained that she had intended to relocate but changed plans after deciding to run for Congress. A spokesperson dismissed the story as a non-story invented to attack the Trump Administration.

Meanwhile, Trump has leveraged accusations of mortgage fraud against multiple political adversaries, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Representative Adam Schiff. Bill Pulte, the Trump appointee who heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has referred these cases to the Justice Department, though none have resulted in proven criminal wrongdoing.

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Legal and political stakes

At the heart of the dispute is the 1913 law that created the Federal Reserve. While the statute allows presidents to remove governors for cause, it does not define the term. No president has ever attempted to remove a Fed governor before and the courts have never ruled on what constitutes adequate cause.

Trumps effort to fire Cook could therefore establish a precedent that reshapes the balance between the White House and the central bank.

Mortgage experts stress that neither Cooks nor Bessents filings amount to fraud, since lenders were aware of the borrowers true intentions. Nonetheless, Trumps use of the issue underscores how technical mortgage language has become a political weapon. For Cook, the battle is not just over her reputation but also over the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Three police officers were killed and two others injured after a shooting incident occurred in the southern part of Pennsylvania on Wednesday. US Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the incident.

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Three police officers were shot dead and two others were injured in a shooting incident in the southern part of Pennsylvania on Wednesday. We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country, Governor Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

An investigation was soon launched in the area of North Codorus township, about 115 miles (185km) west of Philadelphia, not far from the Maryland line, authorities said. There are simply no words I can offer to assuage the grief that this community has experienced, Pennsylvania state police commissioner Col Christopher Paris told reporters, Associated Press reported.

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Meanwhile, York Hospital in the area said that it was treating two people in serious condition related to a police incident in northern York County. The hospital said enhanced security protocols are in place to ensure the safety of those who have been injured in the incident.

Pam Bondi issues a statment

Shortly after the incident, US Attorney General Pam Bondi called the violence against police a scourge on our society. She said federal agents were on scene to support local officers. Please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County, Pennsylvania Lt Gov Austin Davis said in a separate social media post.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he would also head to the scene. In his post on X, he urged all residents to follow the instructions of local law enforcement and said he was praying for all involved.

In light of this incident, the local school district issued a shelter-in-place order, though it said schools and students were not involved in the shooting. The order was eventually lifted by afternoon, and the district said in a statement that authorities advised us to hold students and staff in our buildings as a precaution while several area roads are closed.

According to the Associated Press, police have not provided any details about who was involved in the shooting. Officers were keeping people back from the scene in the areas rolling farmland, with about 30 police vehicles blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm and soybean and corn fields.

Pennsylvania State Police, Northern Regional Police and numerous emergency responders are at the scene. The York County Commissioners are monitoring the situation closely and praying for all those involved, the county said in a statement.

The incident took place after an officer in the area was killed in February when a man armed with a pistol and zip ties entered a hospitals intensive care unit and took staff members hostage before a shootout that left both the suspect and an officer dead.

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With inputs from the Associated Press.
Nigers military leaders, who came to power two years ago in a coup, have struggled to contain jihadist groups in Tillaberi, despite maintaining a large army presence there

Gunmen on motorbikes shot dead 22 villagers in western Niger, most attending a baptism ceremony, local media and other sources said Tuesday.The shootings happened Monday in the Tillaberi region, near Burkina Faso and Mali, where jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group (IS) are active.

A resident of the area told AFP 15 people were killed first at a baptism ceremony in Takoubatt village.

The attackers then went to the outskirts of Takoubatt where they killed seven other people, said the resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

Local media outlet Elmaestro TV reported a gruesome death toll of 22 innocent people cowardly killed without reason or justification.

Once again, the Tillaberi region has been struck by barbarism, plunging innocent families into mourning and despair, Nigerien human rights campaigner Maikoul Zodi said on social media.

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Nigers military leaders, who came to power two years ago in a coup, have struggled to contain jihadist groups in Tillaberi, despite maintaining a large army presence there.

Around 20 soldiers were killed in the region last week.

Human Rights Watch has urged Niger authorities to do more to protect civilians against deadly attacks.

The rights monitoring group estimates that the Islamic State group has summarily executed more than 127 villagers and Muslim worshippers in Tillaberi in five attacks since March.

Meanwhile, the NGO ACLED, which tracks conflict victims worldwide, says around 1,800 people have been killed in attacks in Niger since October 2024  three-quarters of them in Tillaberi.

Niger and its neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali, also ruled by military coup leaders who claim to pursue a sovereignist policy, have expelled the French and American armies that were fighting alongside them against jihadism.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will recognise the Palestinian state over the weekend after the conclusion of US President Donald Trumps state visit, according to a report.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could recognise the Palestinian state as early as this weekend.

Lately, as death toll has kept rising in the Gaza Strip from Israeli bombardment and the humanitarian situation worsened by Israels restrictions on the flow of aid, several countries have pledged to recognise the Palestinian state to build pressure on Israel, such as the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia.

Starmer will recognise the Palestinian state over the weekend after the conclusion of Trumps state visit, according to The Times of London.

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Starmer delayed the announcement until after Trumps visit over concerns that the issue could dominate their press conference on Thursday, the newspaper said.

ALSO READ: Palestine on paper? The list of recognisers grows while Israel eyes West Bank annexation, Gaza control

Starmer and Trump have opposite views on Israels war in Gaza. While Starmer has committed to the two-state solution and has criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus handling of the war and policies of his extremist allies, Trump has not just supported Netanyahus war to the hilt but has essentially killed the two-state solution with his plan to occupy Gaza and expel all Palestinians from the region.

Even though many developed countries do not recognise the Palestinian state, around 140 of 193 members of the United Nations (UN) nearly three-fourths recognise the Palestinian state.

Period Recognition Milestone Total Countries November 15, 1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence - December 1988 First wave of recognition 75 countries February 1989 Early milestone 93 countries 1990s Second wave ~100+ countries 2000-2010 Third wave (Africa/Latin America) ~130+ countries 2012 UN Non-Member Observer State status - 2014-2024 European breakthrough ~145 countries 2025 Western ally surge 147 countries

This is the moment to act

Earlier this year, Starmer said the United Kingdom would recognise the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly session in September if Israel would not take substantive actions to end the conflict in Gaza and improve the humanitarian crisis.

Starmer on July 29 said that he had always said the UK would recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.

Starmer further said, With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act. So today, as part of this process towards peace, I can confirm the UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the United Nations general assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.

This includes allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank. Meanwhile, our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal.

ALSO READ: Trumps Gaza plan may sound death knell to two-state solution, push West Asia closer to disaster

As the Israeli campaign in Gaza in response to the October 7 attack killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed over 90 per cent of buildings, and displaced nearly the entire population, several countries moved towards recognising the Palestinian state: Ireland, Norway, and Spain had recognised the Palestinian state in 2024, and Carribean nations of Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bahamas had recognised it before them.
In a lavish dinner at Windsor Castle, US President Donald Trump said that the US and UK share a special relationship. All this was happening while protests against his visit were taking over London.

US President Donald Trump hailed the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States as he paid a second visit to honour British monarch King Charles III. Trump, who is the first head of state to be invited on a state visit to the UK twice, called it one of the highest honours of his life. While Trump was saying warm things about the UK, protests against his trip broke out in London.

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The American president and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, were treated to the full array of British pageantry as they arrived for the state visit, angering many people in the United Kingdom. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. Its irreplaceable and unbreakable, Trump said in a speech during a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle, The Guardian reported.

While lauding the special relationship between the two nations, Trump said: Seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice. Many believe Trumps address left UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gushing since he proffered a state visit to win favour with Trump, an overt royal fan.

Starmer hopes for big investments

The British premier is hoping that the trip would aid his government as it seeks to strengthen economic ties with the US and secure billions of dollars of investment, ease tariffs. With the visit, Starmer also aims to press the president on Ukraine and Israel.

The United Kingdom rolled out a royal red carpet, giving Trump the largest military ceremonial welcome for a state visit in living memory. During his address at the dinner, Trump expressed his delight at being not just the first US leader but the first elected politician to be invited for two state visits.

The banquet also saw prominent guests. Rupert Murdoch, who Trump sued  along with his Wall Street Journal newspaper, over the publication of an article about him and the late Jeffrey Epstein- was on the guest list. It is pertinent to note that the guest list was jointly drawn up by the British government and the White House.

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Apart from this, several US tech CEOs were also at the dinner, including Nvidias Jensen Huang and OpenAIs Sam Altman, reflecting the billions in tech deals going down during the visit.

The pitfalls remain

Meanwhile, King Charles III also hailed UK-US ties. The United Kingdom was your partner in the first trade deal of your administration, Mr President, bringing jobs and growth to both our countries, the British monarch said in his address.

And no doubt we can go even further as we build this new era of our partnership, he added. But while Starmer is banking on the royals to help cajole the president, pitfalls remain. Polls show that Trump remains widely unpopular in the UK, and Starmer is also facing plummeting poll ratings amid economic woes.

While there were some Trump supporters in crowds at Windsor outside London, several thousand people marched to protest against the state visit. The Metropolitan police estimated that at least 5,000 people took part in the protests, which were also staged in front of the British parliament.

On Wednesday, Trump and Melania joined Charles, Queen Camilla and other royals and dignitaries for a carriage procession, with the route lined by 1,300 British service personnel. Later, the Potus also viewed historical items from the royal collection relating to the US and then paid a visit to St Georges Chapel, the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted Trump for his first state visit in 2019, to lay a wreath on her tomb. The longest-serving British monarch passed away in September 2022.

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With inputs from agencies.
US President Donald Trump said that he would designate the far-left anti-fascism movement Antifa as a terrorist organisation weeks after the killing of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk.

US President Donald Trump said that he would designate the far-left anti-fascism movement Antifa as a terrorist organisation weeks after the killing of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk. Trump announced the move on his social media platform TruthSocial on Wednesday, commencing his trip to the United Kingdom.

Soon, many went on to question what mechanism Trump used to designate Antifa a terror organisation, since the group lacked a centralised structure or defined leadership, making it unclear who or what precisely would be targeted. I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANISATION, Trump wrote in his post.

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I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter! he furthered.

Meanwhile, a White House official told CNN: This is just one of many actions the president will take to address left-wing organisations that fuel political violence. In his remarks from the Oval Office, after the killing of Kirk, Trump signalled taking such measures against radical left.

The practicality of it all

It was not immediately clear exactly what practical effect the move would have on the group. Interestingly, during his first term in office, Trump vowed to designate the far-left group as a terrorist organisation. His attorney general at that time, William Barr, said the groups activities constituted domestic terrorism.

However, Antifa, which is short for anti-fascists, is not a structured group, but rather a nebulous social movement. It is pertinent to note that while it is illegal to provide material support to groups designated by the government as foreign terrorist organisations, there is no analogous law for domestic groups.

The term defines a broad group of people who lean towards the left and often far left. Despite being on the left, the party does not conform to the Democratic Party platform, CNN reported. The group also does not have an official leader or headquarters, although the group holds regular meetings in certain states.

Antifa is terrible. There are other groups, Trump said Monday in the Oval Office. We have some pretty radical groups, and they got away with murder, he added without citing any evidence or elaborating. Trump also said hed been discussing with Attorney General Pam Bondi the prospect of bringing racketeering charges against left-wing groups that he claimed were funding left-wing agitators.

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Ive asked Pam to look into that in terms of RICO, bringing RICO cases. They should be put in jail; what theyre doing to this country is really subversive, Trump averred.
President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested that he is working to re-establish a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, four years after Americas chaotic withdrawal from the country left the base in the Talibans hands.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested that his administration is working to re-establish a US presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, four years after the chaotic withdrawal handed control of the facility to the Taliban.

Trump floated the idea during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, tying it to Washingtons need to counter China. Were trying to get it back, he said when asked about efforts to end Russias invasion of Ukraine.

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The President has repeatedly argued that if the 2021 withdrawal had occurred under his leadership, the US would have retained control of Bagram, citing its proximity to China as strategically vital. Earlier this month, he called the Biden administration so stupid for abandoning the base.

The US exit from Afghanistan in August 2021, carried out under President Joe Biden following a deal Trump negotiated with the Talibansaw the collapse of the Afghan government, a deadly suicide bombing that killed 13 American troops and 170 civilians, and chaotic scenes at Kabul airport as thousands sought evacuation.

The episode marked a major setback for Biden just months into his presidency, one that Republicans, led by Trump, have consistently cited as evidence of failed leadership. Trump has also argued that the withdrawal emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

He would have never done what he did, except that he didnt respect the leadership of the United States, Trump said, speaking of Putin. They just went through the Afghanistan total disaster for no reason whatsoever. We were going to leave Afghanistan, but we were going to leave it with strength and dignity. We were going to keep Bagram Air Base  one of the biggest air bases in the world. We gave it to them for nothing.

It is unclear if the U.S. has any new direct or indirect conversations with the Taliban government about returning to the country. But Trump hinted that the Taliban, who have struggled with an economic crisis, international legitimacy, internal rifts and rival militant groups since their return to power in 2021, could be game to allow the U.S. military to return.

Were trying to get it back because they need things from us, Trump said of the Taliban.

The president repeated his view that a U.S. presence at Bagram is of value because of its proximity to China, the most significant economic and military competitor to the United States.

But one of the reasons we want that base is, as you know, its an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons, Trump said. So a lot of things are happening.

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While the U.S. and the Taliban have no formal diplomatic ties, the sides have had hostage conversations. An American man who was abducted more than two years ago while traveling through Afghanistan as a tourist was released by the Taliban in March.

Last week, the Taliban also said they reached an agreement with U.S. envoys on an exchange of prisoners as part of an effort to normalize relations between the United States and Afghanistan.

The Taliban gave no details of a detainee swap, and the White House did not comment on the meeting in Kabul or the results described in a Taliban statement. The Taliban released photographs from their talks, showing their foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, with Trumps special envoy for hostage response, Adam Boehler.

Officials at U.S. Central Command in the Middle East and the Pentagon, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths office, referred questions about reestablishing a presence at Bagram to the White House.

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With inputs from agencies
The individual, who arrived in the UK by small boat in August, was flown from Heathrow to Paris on Thursday morning, according to a report, citing government sources

A British police officer stands guard on the beach of Dungeness, on the southeast coast of England, on 15 June, 2022, as Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) members of staff help migrants to disembark. (Photo: AFP file)

UK on Thursday deported first migrant to France under Prime Minister Keir Starmers one in, one out asylum agreement with Paris, as London bids to curb arrivals on small boats crossing the Channel.

According to an Independent report, citing government sources, the individual, who arrived in the UK by small boat in August, was flown from Heathrow to Paris on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, the UK officials are expecting the first group of asylum seekers to arrive in the UK from France under the reciprocal arrangement in the coming days.

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Additional deportation flights are scheduled for later this week and into next, added the report.

The news comes after the home secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed to review modern slavery laws after the High Court blocked an Eritrean asylum seekers removal from the UK under the deal.

The deportation, first reported by The Telegraph, comes after three days of unsuccessful attempts by the Home Office to remove migrants under the new UK-France returns scheme.

The individual deported on Thursday is an Indian national, reported the Independent, adding, French authorities are preparing to receive another migrant later today as part of the same agreement.

According to the report, officials are understood to have specifically selected an Indian national due to an existing bilateral arrangement between France and India allowing for enforced returns.

The UK-France returns pilot is set to run until June 2026.

This is an important first step to securing our borders. It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you, said Home Secretary Mahmood announcing the news of the first return to France.

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On Tuesday, the High Court granted a last-minute injunction to a 25-year-old Eritrean man, halting his deportation to Paris scheduled for Wednesday.

Home Secretary Mahmood responded, saying: Last-minute attempts to frustrate a removal are intolerable, and vowed to fight them at every step, confirming the Home Office would appeal the decision.

The appeal will seek to reduce the time available to challenge negative modern slavery rulings. A rapid review of modern slavery laws is also underway to curb alleged misuse, reported the Independent.

Mahmood said asylum seekers were making vexatious, last-minute modern slavery claims.

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons criticised the remarks, warning they would put lives at risk.

Several migrants due for deportation this week under the one in, one out scheme had removal directions withdrawn after submitting pre-action legal letters.

The Home Office has agreed to review some cases, added the report.

Detention Action, which is supporting 28 detainees under the UK-France deal, said four had scheduled removals between Monday and Wednesday, all of which were cancelled or deferred. Two more face deportation later this week or early next.

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Of the 28, seven show indicators of trafficking, but only one has been referred for modern slavery support.

Kolbassia Haoussou from Freedom from Torture also condemned Mahmoods comments

As a survivor of torture, I know just how harmful it is to dismiss late asylum disclosures as vexatious. Trauma, fear and a hostile system silence people, not dishonesty. I stayed silent at first because I didnt feel safe. Only with proper legal advice could I finally share the truth, the Independent quoted Haoussou as saying.

With inputs from agencies
The mineral reserves have attracted a $75 million investment from Washington, alleviating Ukraines fear that Trump is losing interest and walking away from the war-torn country

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is greeted by US President Donald Trump (left) upon arrival at the White House West Wing in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2025. (Photo: Alex Wroblewski/AFP)

Ukraine has opened up its mineral reserves to tame US President Donald Trumps ambitions of taking control of the countrys vast resources, which is eventually expected to benefit Kyiv in the war.

The mineral reserves have attracted a $75 million investment from Washington, alleviating Ukraines fear that Trump is losing interest and walking away from the war-torn country.

Conor Coleman, head of investments at the US International Development Finance Corporation, the government agency behind the investments, said, By deploying this initial capital, we aim to catalyse private-sector investments in Ukraine through the funds investments, to rebuild critical infrastructure, unlock nature resources and generate economic prosperity for the United States and Ukraine.

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The deal between the US and Ukraine was signed in May after months of tough negotiations. The mineral reserves are worth trillions of dollars. The deal enabled Washington access to Kyivs rare earth minerals in exchange for establishing an investment fund in Ukraine.

Whats the deal?

The deal gives the US some control over Ukraines mineral reserves and special access to investment projects in natural resources. Also, if a company wants to develop a mineral site, it must present its project to the fund created by the deal.

The $150 million investment announced on Wednesday will serve as the funds initial capital, with the majority of future contributions expected to come from Kyiv. Under the agreement, 50 per cent of the revenues generated by the Ukrainian government through mineral extraction and license sales will be directed into the fund.

Profits from the fund will be reinvested into Ukraines economy, while the United States will also receive a share. Trump has framed the arrangement as a form of repayment for previous US assistance to Ukraine.

How will it help Ukraine?

The influx of US government funding into Ukraines mineral resources, energy sector, and related infrastructure could help reassure private investors and draw in much-needed capital to support the countrys wartime economy.

Recognising the US presidents business-focused approach, Kyiv aims to give Trump a personal investment interest in Ukraines future through the mineral sector, particularly as he has grown frustrated with stalled diplomatic efforts to end the war and has hinted at the possibility of stepping back.

Ukraines Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, The US investment is a sign of trust and long-term commitment of our partners. American investments can be a guarantee of security both for Ukraine and for American business in Ukraine.

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Unions are calling for the previous governments fiscal plans to be scrapped, for more spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and for an unpopular change making people work longer to get a pension to be abandoned

Teachers, train drivers, pharmacists and hospital staff went on strike, and teenagers blocked their high schools in France on Thursday, part of a day of protests against looming budget cuts.

Unions are calling for the previous governments fiscal plans to be scrapped, for more spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and for an unpopular change making people work longer to get a pension to be abandoned.

In Paris, many metro lines were set to be suspended for most of the day except for morning and afternoon rush hour. Pupils gathered to block the entrance to some schools.

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Block your high school against austerity, read a placard raised by a student in front of the Lycee Maurice Ravel high school in the French capital.

The social unrest comes as President Emmanuel Macron and his newly appointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu are facing a political crisis and pressure to bring finances under control in the eurozones second-largest economy.

Workers angry over fiscal plans

An Interior Ministry source said that as many as 800,000 people were expected to take part in the strikes and protests.

The workers we represent are angry, the countrys main unions said in a joint statement in which they rejected the previous governments brutal and unfair fiscal plans.

Frances budget deficit last year was close to double the EUs 3% ceiling but much as he wants to reduce that, Lecornu - reliant on other parties to push through legislation - will face a political battle to gather parliamentary support for a budget for 2026.

Lecornus predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was ousted by parliament last week over his plan for a 44 billion euro budget squeeze. The new prime minister has not yet said what he will do with Bayrous plans, although he has opened the door to making compromises.

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We will continue to mobilise as long as there is no adequate response, CGT union chief Sophie Binet said after meeting with Lecornu earlier this week. The budget will be decided in the streets.

Protests hit schools and trains

One in three primary school teachers were on strike, the FSU-SNUipp union said.

Regional trains were heavily affected by the strike, while most of the countrys high-speed TGV train lines will work, officials said. Protesters gathered to slow down traffic on a highway near the southeastern city of Toulon.

Nuclear production at French utility EDF was slightly down, by 1.1 gigawatts early on Thursday, data from the company showed, as workers lowered power output at the Flamanville 1 reactor.

The farmers union Confederation Paysanne has also called for mobilisation. Pharmacists are angry over changes affecting their business and the USPO pharmacists union said a survey it did among pharmacies showed 98% could close for the day.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told reporters early on Thursday that police had already removed some blockades, including in front of bus depots in the Paris region. He warned that he expected as many as 8,000 troublemakers to try to sow disorder and clash with police.

Some 80,000 police and gendarmes will be deployed throughout the day, he said. Riot units, drones and armoured vehicles will be on hand.

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A Florida man was executed by lethal injection in the southern US state on Wednesday for the murders of his wifes sister and her parents.

This handout photo obtained on September 17, 2025, from the Florida Department of Corrections shows death row inmate David Pittman. AFP

A Florida man was executed by lethal injection in the southern US state on Wednesday for the murders of his wifes sister and her parents.

David Pittman, 63, became the 12th person executed in Florida this year and the 31st in the United States.

The execution was carried out at 6:12 pm (2212 GMT) at the Florida State Prison, authorities said.

Pittman was sentenced to death in 1991 for the 1990 murders of Bonnie Knowles, 21, the sister of his estranged wife, and her parents, Clarence Knowles, 60, and Barbara Knowles, 50.

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They were stabbed to death and their home was then set on fire.

Pittmans lawyers sought a stay of execution, claiming he is intellectually disabled with an IQ of 70, but the appeals were denied.

The 31 executions in the United States this year is the most since 2014 when 35 inmates were put to death.

Florida has carried out the most executions, followed by South Carolina and Texas with four each.

Twenty-six of this years executions have been carried out by lethal injection, two by firing squad and three by nitrogen hypoxia, which involves pumping nitrogen gas into a face mask, causing the prisoner to suffocate.

The use of nitrogen gas as a method of capital punishment has been denounced by United Nations experts as cruel and inhumane.

The death penalty has been abolished in 23 of the 50 US states, while three others  California, Oregon and Pennsylvania  have moratoriums in place.

President Donald Trump is a proponent of capital punishment, and on his first day in office called for an expansion of its use for the vilest crimes.
An immigration judge on Wednesday ordered that former pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia University, Mahmoud Khalil, be deported to either Algeria or Syria

An immigration judge on Wednesday ordered that former pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia University, Mahmoud Khalil, be deported to either Algeria or Syria. According to The Hill, the judge ordered Khalils deportation because he allegedly did not disclose certain information on his green card application.

This Court further finds that the Respondent understood the consequences and that the candid disclosure of his affiliations might lead to an additional line of questioning and the ultimate denial of his application for conditional permanent residency. This Court finds that Respondents lack of candour on his I-485 was not an oversight by an uninformed, uneducated applicant. This Court finds that the Respondents purposeful, non-disclosure was not a misrepresentation by another which imputed consequences to the Respondent, immigration judge Jamee Comans said in the order.

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Rather, this Court finds that Respondent willfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his application would be denied, Comans averred. This Court cannot and will not condone such an action by granting a discretionary waiver. To do so would encourage future applicants to take the gamble of materially misrepresenting facts and then seeking a waiver if it is somehow discovered by the US government," the court order further reads.

Khalil hits back

In his statement to multiple news outlets, Khalil slammed the US President Donald Trumps administration and maintained that the ruling doesnt surprise him. It is no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech. Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colours once again, the pro-Palestinian activist averred.

Meanwhile, Khalils legal team made it clear that they will challenge the latest decision by Comans by appealing to New Jersey federal judge Michael Farbiarz. It is pertinent to note that in June this year, Farbiarz ruled that Khalil, a green card holder, must be released from detention.

The pro-Palestinian activists were first detained in Trumps immigration crackdown in March. As part of the release, Khalil, who was born in Syria and is Palestinian, had to surrender his passport and travel documents.

According to the court order dated September 12, Khalils legal team now have 30 days from Comans ruling to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

In light of the above, and given statements targeting Petitioner by name for retaliation and deportation made by the President and several senior U.S. government officials, undersigned counsel have ample reason to expect that the BIA processand an affirmance of the IJs determinationwill be swift, Baher Azmy, Khalils attorney, said in a letter to Farbiarz.

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It is important to note that, apart from the case in New Jersey, Khalil has a pending case in Philadelphia. After he was detained in March, the Trump administration alleged that his presence at the protests at Columbia University was a threat to American foreign policy. Khalil was detained in a facility in Louisiana for over three months. During that period, he also missed the birth of his first child.
The State Department announced that the sanctions exception  originally granted under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act to support Afghanistans reconstruction and regional economic development  will be officially withdrawn effective September 29

In a move aligned with President Donald Trumps maximum pressure strategy to isolate the Iranian regime, the US government has revoked a key sanctions waiver issued in 2018 for the Chabahar port project in Iran.

According to a News 18 report, the State Department announced that the sanctions exception  originally granted under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) to support Afghanistans reconstruction and regional economic development  will be officially withdrawn effective September 29.

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In November 2018, the US had exempted the project from its broader sanctions on Iran, recognising its economic importance to landlocked Afghanistan. The following year, in February 2019, Afghanistan launched a new export route to India through Chabahar, significantly boosting trade connectivity.

India has been developing the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar under a long-term infrastructure partnership with Iran. An updated agreement between India and Iran was signed last year to expand port operations and regional trade links.

According to a Times of India report, the move risks exposing Indian operators at the port to US penalties and raises serious questions about the future of one of Indias most important regional connectivity projects.

The port has become a linchpin in New Delhis strategy to bypass Pakistan and secure trade routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia, added the report.

The port, situated on the Gulf of Oman, not only facilitates regional commerce but also serves as a critical channel for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in cargo throughput, with over 8 million tonnes of goods handled and tens of thousands of containers processed.

Plans to expand the ports capacity from 100,000 to 500,000 TEUs and connect it to Irans railway network by mid-2026 further underline its growing importance.

However, the US Treasurys recent designation of an international illicit financial network supporting Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the revocation of IFCA sanctions waivers mark a significant escalation in Washingtons maximum pressure campaign against Iran.

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The sanctions target those facilitating Iranian oil sales that fund Irans military and proxy groups, hitting its shadow banking system.

For India, the end of the Chabahar waiver complicates its strategic plans. The port now faces potential US sanctions, putting at risk over $120 million in Indian investments, reported Times of India.

It also presents a diplomatic challenge as New Delhi navigates its growing ties with Washington alongside its longstanding partnership with Tehran.

With inputs from agencies
President Trump on Thursday praised the US and the UK as having done more good on this planet than any two nations in human history, while PM Starmer declared the two countries had renewed the special relationship for a new era

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a press conference following their meeting at Chequers, near Aylesbury, Britain, on Thursday. Reuters

US President Donald Trump on Thursday praised the United States and the United Kingdom as having more good than any two nations in history, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared the two nations had renewed the special relationship for a new era.

Addressing a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, Trump said, The United States and the United Kingdom have done more good on this planet than any two nations in human history. The two countries are forever joined and will forever be friends.

Describing his visit as unforgettable, Trump said he was tremendously thankful for the hospitality during his visit and that King Charles III and Queen Camilla are two fantastic people.

Trump said that the UK was his first trade partner during his presidency and joked that the deal may have been better for Britain.

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Starmer stepped in tactfully, saying it was a good deal for both of us.

In his opening remarks, Starmer praised the historic bonds between Britain and the United States, adding that both countries are ready to define this century together.

Weve renewed the special relationship for a new era, Starmer said.

The United Kingdom and the United States stand together, as first partners on defence, first partners in trade, and with the groundbreaking deal we struck in May and now with the agreement that weve just signed this afternoon, were confirming our status as the first partners in science and technology, ready to define this century together, the prime minister added..

Starmer said the new partnership in science and record-breaking US investment into the UK will generate as many as 15,000 jobs.

Talks on global conflicts

The leaders also discussed global conflicts, with Starmer confirming that the UK and US are working closely on a comprehensive plan for peace in Gaza, while continuing to support Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Starmer warned that Russias escalating attacks on Ukraine reveal President Vladimir Putins lack of interest in any genuine peace effort.

In recent days, Putin has shown his true face  mounting the biggest attack since the invasion began, with yet more bloodshed, yet more innocents killed, and unprecedented violations of Nato airspace, Starmer said, referencing Russian drones that crossed into Polish territory last week.

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These are not the actions of someone who wants peace, he said.

Starmer said he and President Trump discussed ways to increase the pressure on Putin to get him to agree to a peace deal that will last.

Trump, meanwhile, delivered a blunt assessment of his own attempts to broker an end to the conflict, saying Putin had let me down.

Trump expressed frustration that his relationship with the Russian leader had failed to yield progress.

The one that I thought would be easiest would be because of my relationship with President Putin, Trump said, after touting other conflicts he claims to have helped resolve. Hes let me down. Hes really let me down.

He added that he initially believed the Russia-Ukraine war might be among the easiest of the group to resolve, but that recent developments had dashed those hopes.

Last months high-profile summits  including a meeting with Putin in Alaska and separate talks at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders  have so far produced no breakthroughs.

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Still, Trump insisted that a resolution would eventually come.

Russia and Ukraine will get done, but you never know in war, he said.

War is a different thing. Things happen that are very opposite of what you thought. You thought you were going to have an easy time or a hard time and it turns out to be the reverse, he added.

Earlier, Trump and Starmer signed a tech partnership to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear energy.

It is the biggest investment package of its kind in British history, AFP quoted Starmer as saying at his country residence Chequers during Trumps UK state visit, calling the agreement groundbreaking.

Trumps visit has delivered pledges from mostly US tech giants and financial groups to invest a combined 150 billion ($205 billion) in Britain over several years.

With inputs from agencies
The US Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday said that it has revoked and denied visas to several Indian business executives and corporate leaders due to their involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors

A private security guard stands outside the U.S. embassy in New Delhi on December 18, 2013. Reuters File

The US Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday said that it has revoked and denied visas to several Indian business executives and corporate leaders due to their involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.

Fentanyl precursors are the fundamental chemicals used to produce fentanyl, a major contributor to overdose deaths in the United States.

These actions are taken pursuant to section 221(i), section 212(a)(2)(C), and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. As a result of this decision, these individuals and close family members may be ineligible for travel to the United States. The Embassy is further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas, US embassy said in a statement.

The statement from the embassy did not name the people affected, but a spokesperson said they were Indian nationals.

The US Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. Individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States, the statement quoted Charge daffaires Jorgan Andrews as saying.

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The US Embassy noted that Indian government officials have been working closely with their American counterparts to address the issue of drug trafficking.

US President Donald Trump, whose 50% tariffs on Indian imports previously strained bilateral relations, has also imposed similar duties on China, Mexico, and Canada, accusing them of contributing to the fentanyl crisis in the US.

In a statement to Congress this week, Trump identified India as one of 23 major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries. However, he clarified that inclusion on the list does not necessarily reflect a governments counter-narcotics efforts.

With inputs from agencies
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, along with other military high-ranking officials, have become extremely critical of posts about the right-wing activists death after influencers flagged that service members are making negative comments about Kirk

US troops are getting increasingly wary about what they are allowed to say after the Pentagon announced a crackdown on those who are found mocking Charlie Kirks death.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, along with other military high-ranking officials, have become extremely critical of posts about the right-wing activists death after influencers flagged that service members are making negative comments about Kirk.

The Trump administration has been taking tough moves amid Kirks death, who was fatally shot last week at an event in Utah. Posts and live comments are being monitored to check whether Kirk is being disrespected in any way.

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According to a report by Politico, several service members have been fired or punished in the past couple of days over social media posts that did not outrightly attack the slain activist.

Dangerous territory and very headhunter-like. People are getting swept up for anything that is woke. a defence official told the outlet.

The overt political undertone has alarmed both civilian employees and service members, who swear an oath to the Constitution, not to any political leader. According to more than half a dozen troops and defence officials, some now fear they could face politically driven repercussions for posts perceived as disloyal to President Donald Trump.

Is the military turning political?

Days following Kirks shooting, Vice President JD Vance announced the purge of officials who mock his death. Now, the rule has seeped into the military, with the Air Force announcing new social media guidelines about what troops could say online.

Unlike other federal employees, active-duty service members are subject to strict regulations on speech. The Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits them from making political statements or participating in rallies and fundraisers while in uniform. It also forbids making derogatory remarks about the chain of command.

Rachel VanLandingham, a retired Air Force officer and military lawyer, said, We see abuse of these reasonable speech restrictions that have long been upheld to instead instill a culture of fear and intimidation. I fear it will turn the military from being an apolitical institution to being a political one.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! taken off air

The famous ABC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air indefinitely over his comments on the shooting of right-wing activist and US President Donald Trumps ally, Charlie Kirk. Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely, a spokesperson for the Disney-owned network said in a statement to the BBC.

During a monologue on Monday night, Kimmel said the Maga gang was trying to score political points off Kirks murder. The remarks from the comedian came a day before 22-year-old Tyler Robinson appeared in court and was charged with aggravated murder over last Wednesdays shooting of the 31-year-old conservative influencer.

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China commemorates start of war against Japanese aggression

Xinhua) 14:20, September 18, 2025

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

SHENYANG, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province, to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

At exactly 9:18 a.m., 14 representatives from various sectors struck a huge bell 14 times, symbolizing the 14 years of bitter struggle against Japanese invaders.

Across the city, three minutes of air-raid sirens and vehicle horns echoed, as pedestrians stood still in silent tribute.

Since 1995, Shenyang has sounded the air-raid alarm every year to commemorate the September 18 Incident.

On Sept. 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for their attack later that night against barracks near Shenyang, starting the premeditated invasion of China.

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
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Army calls for innovation, urges collaboration at Demand Signal Forum

By Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Nofziger September 16, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va.  Army leaders delivered a call-to-action Sept. 15 at the Army Demand Signal Forum, part of senior leadership's ongoing push for continuous transformation and modernization. Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Dan Driscoll, used this platform to announce the Army's newest technology integration enterprise: FUZE.

FUZE brings together four flagship innovation programs  the xTech, Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer, Manufacturing Technology, and Technology Maturation Initiative under a coordinated and synchronized framework to accelerate advanced capabilities, strengthen the industrial base, and deliver readiness at the speed of relevance.

Army leaders emphasized swiftly embracing innovation is no longer an option, but a fundamental necessity to ensure the Army maintain readiness, deterrence capabilities and overall dominance.

"Since being sworn in, the chief of staff of the Army and I have been laser-focused on one question: Are we truly enabling our Soldiers?" Driscoll addressed the diverse crowd of industry leaders, innovators and Army partners.

"Are they getting the tools they need fast enough to dominate on the battlefield? If the answer is anything less than an unequivocal 'yes,' then we have a moral duty to change," he continued.

This forum culminated the Army Demand Signal Series, providing a platform for emerging technology companies to propose solutions to the Army's key demands. In line with Army senior leadership guidance to the force, the forum fostered direct engagement between the Army's operational needs and the cutting-edge expertise of the nation's dynamic technology sector.

"Our goal is to create a system where decisions that used to take months are now made in a matter of days, allowing us to rapidly adapt to changing battlefield requirements," Driscoll said.

Army leaders detailed the service's commitment to cultivating a deliberate and structured innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving progress. They highlighted the shift from counterinsurgency operations to large-scale combat readiness against near-peer adversaries, marking the Army's most significant transformation in over four decades. This evolution demands a renewed approach to technology discovery, testing, and transition, heavily reliant on collaboration with external partners.

"This initiative is about rethinking how we operate, how we innovate, and how we deliver results for Soldiers," said Mr. Chris Manning, deputy assistant secretary of the Army, research and technology. "Army FUZE will help synchronize efforts, enhance collaboration, and create the connective tissue that drives true transformation across the enterprise."

Central to the Army's innovation strategy are several key programs, which now include the prioritization of the FUZE enterprise. Army FUZE, as described by Army leaders, is designed to be the engine accelerating the Army's best ideas from initial concept to combat-ready capability. It seeks to connect innovators with decision-makers, prototypes with production lines, and concepts with tangible solutions. The Army sees FUZE as critical to rapidly injecting cutting-edge technology into the force.

The Army is particularly interested in leveraging commercial breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing and next-generation energy, seeking innovative solutions that can be effectively adapted and scaled to meet the evolving needs of the modern warfighter.

"Transformation is not just a goal, it's an operational necessity," Dr. Willis, director, Army Innovation Programs, added.

"Army FUZE equips us with the venture capitalist mindset, streamlined operating structure, and sustained momentum to deliver on that necessity. It ensures we're not just innovating, but doing so with urgency, clear strategic direction and synchronized, mission-focused execution," he concluded.

Army leaders further urged attendees to actively propose innovative solutions to address the Army's evolving needs. By reducing barriers to entry, accelerating timelines, and strengthening collaborative partnerships, the Army aims to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and maintain the strategic advantage vital to ensuring the safety and success of its warfighters.

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Colorado Guard, Switzerland become partners in program

By Colorado National Guard September 16, 2025

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The Swiss Confederation and Colorado National Guard have officially become state partners under the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program or SPP.

A signing ceremony with officials from Switzerland and Colorado occurred Sept. 15 at the Bellevue Palace in Bern, Switzerland.

"Our National Guard members play such an important role in protecting our state at home and supporting our partners abroad. I'm excited by this new partnership and our ability to support one another in strengthening key capabilities and security, as well as to build closer ties between Switzerland and Colorado," said Gov. Jared Polis. "I'm grateful for former Ambassador Scott Miller's work on bringing us closer together."

"The Colorado National Guard is proud to partner with the Swiss Confederation," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, the adjutant general of Colorado. "This new SPP partnership strategically aligns with Switzerland's defense priorities and advances key U.S. national security objectives in Europe."

Switzerland and Colorado share not only geography and demographics but also cultural, economic, historical and technological bonds. The Swiss Armed Forces and the Colorado National Guard share expertise in air defense, critical infrastructure protection, cyber, emergency response, including search and rescue, high-altitude rotary wing and mountain operations, space, and medical support.

Colorado has participated in the SPP since its inception in 1993. The SPP was initially developed to assist 13 countries emerging from behind the Iron Curtain. Colorado and the Republic of Slovenia formed a partnership at that time. Colorado also became the SPP partner for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 2004, marking the first SPP in the Levant Region of the Middle East. Through consistent engagement and mutual trust-building activities, Colorado is experienced in cultivating enduring partnerships that reach the highest echelons of its partner nations' ministries of defense.

With the addition of Switzerland, the SPP now includes 115 nations and the National Guard of every U.S. state and territory. The SPP is a cost-effective and key U.S. security cooperation tool that facilitates collaboration across all aspects of civil-military affairs and bolsters capabilities, improves interoperability and enhances principles of responsible governance. The SPP provides partners with access to defense capabilities on a scale comparable to that of military institutions in partner countries. These partnerships demonstrate a consistent and persistent commitment to nations, expanding their security ties.

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Qatar Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 152

U.S. Central Command

News | Sept. 16, 2025

By NAVCENT Public Affairs U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain -- The Qatar Emiri Navy assumed command of Combined Maritime Forces' Arabian Gulf security and cooperation task force during a change of command ceremony, presided over by Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Sept. 15.

Commodore Mohammad Alarefi of the Kuwait Naval Force turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 to Qatari Brigadier General Hamad Saleh Al-Ahwal.

"What we are doing here today is just not a change of command. It is a reformation of our shared commitment to maritime security cooperation and peace in one of the world's most vital maritime regions," said Alarefi.

Since assuming command in August 2024, Alarefi built and maintained close partnerships with regional and international navies, oversaw a renewed focus on intelligence collection efforts, and led the deployment of cutting-edge technology in support of maritime security operations and fleet integration.

"The world has shifted in countless ways since the inception of CTF 152, but the need for strong leadership here has not," said Wikoff. "Under Commodore Alarefi, that leadership was both steady and assured, and I'm grateful for his dedication to our shared mission."

During his remarks, Alarefi thanked his staff and international partners for their commitment to regional security efforts.

"I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of leading such a remarkable team," said Alarefi. "To my fellow CMF, CTF commanders and leadership: thank you for your partnership, thank you for your wisdom, thank you for your remarkable belief in the power of collaboration."

Established in March 2004, CTF 152 is one of five task forces operated by CMF. It enhances regional maritime cooperation focusing on illicit non-state actors in the Arabian Gulf, especially between Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

Thank you, Commodore, for everything you and your team have done, and thank you to all for welcoming me so warmly," said Al-Ahwal. "We are excited to what lies ahead, and I'm confident that together, we will achieve remarkable things."

CMF's other task forces include: CTF 150, which conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from non-state actors; CTF 151, focused on counter-piracy; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.

CMF, headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes.

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The Netherlands - AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles

NEWS | Sept. 16, 2025

Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-72

WASHINGTON, September 16, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $570 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.

The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy up to two hundred thirty-two (232) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and up to eight (8) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections. The following non-Major Defense Equipment items will be included: AMRAAM control section spares, Captive Air Training Missiles, and missile containers; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; weapon system support and software; classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $570 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring it has modern, capable air-to-air munitions. The Netherlands already has AMRAAMs in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Political-Military Affairs Outreach, at T_Outreach_PM@state.gov.

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Statement from Foreign Minister Eide on report on Gaza

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 16/09/2025

'Today, a report was presented by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, established by the UN Human Rights Council. The report concludes that Israel is responsible for failing to prevent genocide, for committing genocide, and for failing to punish genocide. We take the findings of the report very seriously. We will carefully study the commission's findings and recommendations and follow up on them in our further policy development', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

'The International Court of Justice (ICJ) already stated in January 2024 that there is a risk that Israel is violating the rights of Palestinians under the Genocide Convention. At the same time, the ICJ ordered Israel to implement all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide, to punish incitement to genocide, and to ensure access to humanitarian aid. There is no doubt that Israel has committed grave violations of international law, and pending a decision from the ICJ, Israel is obligated to counteract and prevent genocide. These are statements that we, from the Norwegian side, have taken seriously and acted upon.

In the early hours of today, the IDF carried out one of the worst attacks on Gaza since the war began nearly two years ago. In one week, world leaders will gather at the UN General Assembly in New York, where the situation in Palestine and the need to end the unimaginable human suffering in Gaza will be a key issue. This will also be a main priority for us in the Norwegian delegation', said Eide.



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Minister for Defence receives Commander of the Brazilian Air Force

Government Offices of Sweden

Press release from Ministry of Defence

Published 16 September 2025

On 16 September, Minister for Defence Pal Jonson received Brazilian Air Force Commander Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno. During their meeting, they discussed strategic defence cooperation between Sweden and Brazil, with a focus on air defence.

Download:

Mr Jonson and Mr Kanitz Damasceno reaffirmed their continued engagement for intensified and broadened strategic defence cooperation between Sweden and Brazil.

"The strategic cooperation between Sweden and Brazil is important for both our countries, not least through Sweden's purchase of transport aircraft and local production of Gripen fighter aircraft in Brazil," says Mr Jonson.

Mr Jonson and Mr Kanitz Damasceno touched on the strong Brazilian-Swedish cooperation on Gripen fighter aircraft during their meeting in Stockholm. Ten Gripen fighter aircraft have been delivered to Brazil thus far. Gripen production is also under way at the facilities of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer in the Brazilian municipality of Gaviao Peixoto.

The meeting also highlighted Sweden's forthcoming purchase of four Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, which will eventually replace the Swedish Armed Forces' aircraft currently in operation.

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The Parliamentary Secretary: EU airspace violations by Russian drones signal that it is important to strengthen the EU's eastern border

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

16.09.2025

On 16 September 2025, in Brussels, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Ursulskis, took part in the meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union.

The meeting featured a discussion on a draft agenda for the 23-24 October European Council, as well as the European Commission's 2026 work programme. As part of the annual rule of law dialogue, views were exchanged on the rule of law situation in the EU and in four candidate countries - Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

In a discussion on the October European Council, the Parliamentary Secretary underlined:

"The current geopolitical situation, especially the violations of Polish airspace by Russian drones, demonstrate that Ukraine plays a central role in ensuring the future of European security. We must maintain our firm stance: comprehensive support for Ukraine must continue, as well as increasing pressure on Russia. We must be even more ambitious and strengthen sanctions and tariffs against Russia and Belarus. At the same time, the violations of the EU's air border by Russian drones highlight the fact that the strengthening of the EU's eastern border is important for the entire EU. There is an acute need for investments and rapid progress in securing the eastern border."

In the context of the EU's competitiveness, Artjoms Ursulskis called for reducing the administrative burden in the EU, especially on small and medium-sized enterprises, high-tech companies and start-ups.

In addition, the Parliamentary Secretary expressed support for the European Commission's work programme for 2026, emphasizing the need to be ambitious, resolute and united, taking into account the geopolitical situation. As the most important aspects, Latvia highlighted the strengthening of EU security and defence, all forms of support to Ukraine, and the promotion of EU competitiveness.

In a discussion on the rule of law situation in the EU, Artjoms Ursulskis emphasized the importance of the annual rule of law dialogue, and he also welcomed the inclusion in the rule of law reporting process of the EU candidate countries that have made the greatest progress.

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The Royal Air Force kick of their multinational exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2

NATO Allied Air Command

Sep 16 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- From September 12 to October 3, 2025, the Royal Air Force (RAF) will host its multinational exercise, Cobra Warrior 25-2.

Allies Canada, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom and the United States come together at RAF Waddington, United Kingdom, for the large-scale, multinational exercise. The exercise will focus on the high-end spectrum of warfighting, deliberately designed to be challenging to all participants.

Royal Air Force's Group Captain Ray Morley stated: "Cobra Warrior is one of our Combat Air Collective Training events where we practice in the Joint space and alongside our allied partners, in defeating peer threats within a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment, at a time and place of our choosing".

The aim of the exercise is to develop the joint mission planning, integration, and tactical skills of all participating aircrew and supporting elements within a Composite Air Operation (COMAO) environment.

To safely execute training in this demanding environment, Cobra Warrior 25-2 provides valuable opportunities for all Force Elements (FEs) to practice and develop Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) in complex scenarios against a capable adversary.

Allied, Fighters, Transport aircraft, Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance (ISR) platforms and the U.S. B-52 Stratofortress are among some of the many assets participating in this iteration of Cobra Warrior, providing participants an opportunity to further enhance Allied interoperability and integration during the complex mission scenarios.

The Cobra Warrior series offers Allies realistic combined air operations where crews operate in a complex and congested air environment. These challenging scenarios are specially designed to enhance interoperability and increase combat readiness, building a stronger and more agile Alliance.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

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NATO opens Liaison Office in Amman

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

16 Sep. 2025

NATO and Jordan marked an important milestone in their long-standing partnership with the opening of the NATO Liaison Office (NLO) in Amman, Jordan on 16 September 2025. To mark the occasion, the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Javier Colomina, paid an official visit to Jordan, where he met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Dhaifallah Al-Fayez.

The opening of the Liaison Office stems from three decades during which NATO and Jordan have built a strategic partnership. As the Alliance's first political presence in the Middle East, the Liaison Office in Amman is testament to NATO's commitment to reinforcing dialogue and cooperation with its partners, and to enhance its presence and visibility in the region, in line with NATO's Southern Neighbourhood Action Plan. Building on nearly 30 years of cooperation, particularly through the Mediterranean Dialogue, the Office will create opportunities for NATO and Jordan to engage in regular dialogue on regional and global security developments; to advance practical cooperation, including through the Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Initiative; and to promote better public understanding of the partnership through joint outreach efforts.

Special Representative Colomina's visit to Amman on 16-17 September 2025 follows a sequence of important engagements between NATO and Jordan, including the participation of His Majesty King Abdullah II in NATO's December 2024 Meeting of Foreign Ministers; the signature of the bilateral legal agreement for the establishment of NLO Amman and the visit of the Partnerships and Cooperative Security Committee to Jordan in June; and the Special Representative's first visit to Jordan in November 2024.

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Why The US Suspended A 'Strategic Dialogue' With Kosovo Before It Even Began

By Valona Tela and Ray Furlong September 16, 2025

A US decision to suspend a "strategic dialogue" with Kosovo has rocked the Balkan country's establishment, singling out Prime Minister Albin Kurti as a source of growing frustration in Washington -- his country's prime political and military guarantor.

The move, announced by the US Embassy on September 12, came after months of political turmoil in Kosovo and weeks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that a US-Serbia "strategic dialogue" would be launched.

Kosovar President Vjosa Osmani said the relationship with Washington was "an existential part of our state and national identity" while voicing "deep regret and concern" following the US decision.

It was Osmani, back in January, who announced that the "strategic dialogue" would soon be finalized. Now it has been suspended before even starting.

"The United States wants to send a clear message" to Kosovo, said Charles Kupchan of the Council on Foreign Relations. "Get a government up and running, act according to the rule of law, and return to constructive dialogue with Serbia," he told RFE/RL's Kosovo Service.

The United States has been Pristina's main ally and backer since NATO forces in 1999 ousted Serbian troops and Belgrade's authorities from Kosovo, which was then a province of Serbia that was seeking independence. Serbia still refuses to recognize the country.

Kosovo has been in political deadlock since Kurti's party, Vetevendosje, won parliamentary elections in February.

While it won 48 seats, it fell short of a majority and needed to agree with other factions to elect a new parliament speaker and form a government. It took more than 50 failed votes before a speaker was finally elected, along with four deputies.

But a fifth, representing Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority, has still not been elected. In response, the Constitutional Court has imposed a temporary measure blocking further steps toward forming a government.

It was the latest stage in an escalating conflict between Kurti and the court, which he has described as a "shadow opposition."

It also underlined Kurti's fraught relations with the Serb minority, as did an unsuccessful attempt to ban the Serbian List party from elections. Kurti claimed it served parallel institutions set up by Serbia, which has never recognized Kosovo's independence.

The ban was also blocked by the courts.

"We need a partner who understands the need to avoid destabilizing actions and is committed to advancing regional stability and protecting the rights of all citizens of Kosovo," a US Embassy spokesman told RFE/RL.

The embassy's September 12 statement specifically named Kurti, citing his "recent actions and statements" as threatening years of joint political progress.

Toby Vogel from the Berlin-based Democratization Policy Council, an advocacy group, said Washington was sending a signal that it wanted distance itself from Kurti.

"It used to be that the US President or the German chancellor, when it was still Angela Merkel, would pick up the phone and call the likes of (former President) Hashim Thaci and tell him what to do, and he would do it. Kurti is not like that. And so, he is resented in Washington, and he is resented in Brussels."

Gezim Visoka, professor of peace and conflict studies at Dublin City University, told RFE/RL that the US move was "another warning sign for the government of Kosovo that international support for the country is fading."

He added that it does not mean "the end of bilateral relations." But it will now be a challenge for Kurti to rebuild them.

European countries have also voiced exasperation in recent months. The European Union has tied political progress with the release of a nearly $7 billion aid package.

"For that to happen, Kosovo needs functioning institutions that can effectively implement reforms, and that's why I encourage all parties to break the political stalemates and swiftly form a government," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said during a visit in May.

But the US move may be more alarming. The United States was instrumental in establishing Kosovo's independence from Belgrade in 2008 and still has some 600 troops there.

An imminently expected Pentagon review is expected to announce a substantial downsizing of US forces in Europe.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-suspends-strategic- dialogue-kosovo-serbia/33531871.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Wider Europe Briefing: More Sanctions On Russia And A European Drone Wall

By Rikard Jozwiak September 16, 2025

Briefing #1: What's Next For EU Sanctions On Russia?

What You Need To Know: The European Commission will present a new sanctions package proposal on Russia to the club's 27 member states early next week to further ratchet up pressure on the Kremlin, including measures aimed at curtailing Russian oil, which US President Donald Trump has called on Europe to stop purchasing.

Measures against Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine will also target more banks, the Kremlin's so-called shadow fleet -- transport for Moscow to skirt sanctions -- third-country firms, and the blacklisting of a number of individuals, especially those deemed responsible for the abduction of Ukrainian children.

The thing to look out for, according to analysts and diplomats, is whether Brussels will manage to limit Russian tourist visas and prevent Russian diplomats from moving around inside the union.

Deep Background: The EU is looking to synchronize measures with the United States after EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan last week went to Washington to coordinate measures against the Kremlin after Trump said he had run out of patience with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

Several EU officials with knowledge of the proposal note that the main scope of the new sanctions proposals offers a continuation of what the bloc already served up in previous rounds of measures.

This means targeting more Russian banks, including smaller regional banks, by cutting them out from the international banking messaging system SWIFT.

The sanctions package will also hit Moscow's ability to use crypto currencies and ban more vessels believed to belong to Russia's shadow fleet from being serviced in any way in Europe. The current list includes 444 boats, but the bloc believes the Kremlin is using at least double that amount to transport its sanctioned oil products worldwide.

There might also be attempts to target Russian oil giant Lukoil, even though some member states -- notably Slovakia and Hungary, who still rely on Russian oil imports -- will likely veto that. The EU has set a goal of ridding itself of Russian energy imports by 2027 using EU internal market rules, meaning a qualified majority of member states is sufficient to endorse that legislation as supposed to the unanimity used for regular sanctions laws.

Drilling Down:

Over the weekend, Trump said he is willing to impose sanctions on Russia but that Europe has to act in tandem by halting its oil purchases. "Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don't want them to buy oil," Trump told reporters on September 14. "The sanctions...that they're putting on are not tough enough, and I'm willing to do sanctions, but they're going to have to toughen up their sanctions commensurate with what I'm doing." Other potential energy sanctions include slapping restrictive measures on refineries responsible for exporting Russian oil to the EU as well as third-country trading companies involved in its trade. The EU won't, however, heed Trump's call to slap 100 percent tariffs on India and China for buying Russian oil. Brussels is not yet ready to sanction third countries for aiding Moscow in its war effort in Ukraine but companies from those nations could be targeted. It remains to be seen if there is a Belarus component in this sanctions package. In previous rounds, the bloc has imposed similar measures on Moscow and Minsk, but with the United States now lifting some of its sanctions on Belarus in exchange for the release of several hundreds of political prisoners it remains up to negotiations among EU member states how they will approach the Lukashenko regime. It requires unanimity to lift sanctions, and both Poland and Lithuania have indicated they won't consider any loosening of restrictive measures against Minsk yet. One other interesting proposal, first floated by the Czech Republic over a year ago, is to limit the movement of Russian diplomats inside the EU. This means their movement would be limited to the state to which they are accredited and they'd need special authorization to travel elsewhere. In practice, this is quite difficult to implement due to the lack of border controls inside the EU's Schengen Zone, of which most member states are a part. The idea, therefore, is that the person would be declared persona non grata and expelled if he or she is caught traveling outside the state of diplomatic accreditation. Then there is the possibility of how far the bloc will go when it comes to tourist visas for Russian citizens. There is a push by some to issue a complete ban, a measure that would need a qualified majority of 55 percent of member states representing 65 percent of the population. This comes after several countries in the bloc noted a considerable uptick in Russian tourists visiting during the summer months. In many ways this could pit more hawkish EU member states such as the Baltics, Nordics, and Poland against southern member states that rely to a larger degree on tourism. Eventually it could just result in a general recommendation from the European Commission to try to limit member states to issue tourist visas. The EU suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia shortly after the full-scale invasion in February 2022 and issued guidelines to member states on how to deal with Russian visa requests. Those recommendations noted that "Russian visa applicants traveling for essential purposes, including notably family members of EU citizens, dissidents, independent journalists, civil society representatives, and human rights defenders should have the possibility to access the EU." It also recommended that "As far as Russian citizens traveling for tourism are concerned, having a very strict approach is justified as it is more difficult to assess the justification for the journey, as compared to other purposes (business trip, family visits or medical appointment)." It could very well be that the bloc agrees to tighten that up even further if there isn't agreement on a total tourist visa ban.





Briefing #2: A 'Drone Wall' On The NATO's Eastern Flank?

What You Need To Know: Russia's drone incursion into Polish territory on September 10 failed to result in much physical damage on the ground, but it did uncover a major hole in Europe's defense forces: The allies don't have cost-effective counter-measures to deal with low-cost Russian attacks. As many as 19 drones flew into Polish -- and thus NATO -- airspace.

Four appeared to have been shot down. An explanation from some European officials, who spoke to RFE/RL on background, is that priority was given to those drones that seemed to be headed toward critical infrastructure.

Given the limited damage to property and no casualties on the ground, such a strategy seemed justified. But many are asking why there was a need to rely on expensive AWACS and fighter jets such as F-35s and not a much cheaper anti-drone system, such as Sky CTRL, that Poland uses.

The answer could be, of course, that the air force automatically engages when an interloper flies above a certain altitude. In many countries that is usually anything above 3 kilometers.

Deep Background: NATO chief Mark Rutte said the alliance's response was "very successful" and "showed that we are able to defend every inch of NATO territory, including, of course, its airspace."

Still, the incident poses awkward questions, especially if the Kremlin continues to test NATO countries in a similar way in the future. It also exposes holes in how the alliance has prepared, or not prepared, for a new age of warfare where drones are used extensively. NATO's response to the drone incursion appears financially unsustainable and militarily inefficient.

As one European official, speaking under condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL: "Air-to-air missiles are extremely costly to use against cheap Russian drones, and if 800 are being sent at once, which happens in Ukraine, Europe will burn through its entire arsenal in just weeks."

It was quite telling that NATO's North Atlantic Council -- which met the day after the incursion -- requested a review of the military alliance's eastern flank deterrence for potential gaps. NATO's commander is likely find some glaring ones. Only this year there have been incidents with alleged Russian UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) in Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania.

In August, one drone slipped through undetected before exploding on Polish soil, according to the country's military.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's annual state of the European Union speech this week made it clear the bloc needs to up its drone defense when she committed to a 6 billion loan to enter a "drone alliance" with Ukraine. But more intriguingly she also floated an "Eastern Flank Watch" that she said will provide "real-time space surveillance" to track all aerial movement from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

Drilling Down:

She also committed to building "a drone wall" -- something her own commission initially rejected to fund when Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania asked for European cash earlier this year for just such a venture.

There are few details about all this just yet: no concrete budget figures, precise geographical scope, or timeline other than that the European Commission is expected to present a roadmap with new common defense projects in October.

But the fact remains that the drone wall, the flank watch, and actual drone production are part of the same picture -- and it's one being drawn up with or without EU funding. First of all, there are two ongoing and similar projects: the Baltic trio's "Baltic Defense Line" and Poland's "East Shield."

Both projects, announced last year, will take up to a decade to complete and are designed to "fortify" borders with Belarus and Russia, including the Kaliningrad exclave. Billions of euros have already been earmarked.

Plenty of investment will go into classical, physical obstacles such as hundreds of bunkers, fences, ditches, and moats. But there is also the technological aspect to these defense lines.

The idea is that imagery and signal intelligence and acoustic monitoring will be used for surveillance. Base stations spread out along the defense line, as well as masts, will process the data and connect with weapon systems -- crucially drones designed to take down enemy drones.

This is the drone wall, at least in theory. What first started as an Estonian defense industry idea last year to cover the Baltic trio, dubbed the Baltic Drone Wall, has morphed into a NATO idea -- the Drone Wall -- as German firms are keen to invest and Norway, Finland, and Poland are keen to get onboard as well.

If the EU as an institution comes onboard with funding, it is quite possible this wall will stretch even further south even though Ukraine, arguably the leader in drone technology, essentially is covering countries like Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania with its drone arsenal.

The key now is what this wall will look like and when it can be installed. The most complex models have up to five levels that include acoustic sensors, mobile cameras, radars, jammers, and drone interceptors.

With all these aspects included, it is estimated it may take two to three years to set up as tens of thousands of sensors need to be planted along the borders. Depending on the geographical scope, the main challenge will largely come from sharing and integrating all the information from all systems.

Ideally, NATO should be in charge. But the bigger issue is how and whether it will work in practice. While most technologies are more or less ready and items such as sensors easily can be scaled up, the issue right now is drones. And it is here Ukraine and the potential "drone alliance" come into the picture.

The country currently produces some 4 million drones a year and hopes to double that capacity. Most of these drones will obviously be needed in the country as it fights off Russian attacks. What the Europeans instead want from Kyiv is know-how.

A European official with knowledge of the matter told RFE/RL that the idea rather is to use the models and engineering ideas being tested on the Ukrainian battlefield and then scale it up inside the block, potentially with the help of European automotive giants that could free up capacity.





Looking Ahead

Both Ukraine and Moldova are currently stuck on its path towards EU membership, as are many of the EU candidate countries in the Western Balkans. But there is one country that seem to be marching towards the bloc in a brisk pace - Albania.

On September 16, the country will open negotiations on another four accession chapters, meaning that Tirana in a little over the year have open talks on the vast majority of the 33 policy chapters needed to become a member.

The key thing to join is of course to close talks in all these fields but right now the country is proceeding quickly to catch up the current EU membership frontrunner Montenegro.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/wider-europe-jozwiak- russia-sanctions-drone-wall/33531782.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Statement by Spain and 15 other countries on the flotilla to Gaza

Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PRESS STATEMENT 094

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Turkiye express their concern about the security of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil society initiative in which citizens of their countries are participating.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has informed about its objective of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raising awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and the need to stop the war in Gaza. Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our Governments.

We therefore call on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, to respect international law and international humanitarian law.

We recall that any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the Flotilla, including attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability.

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UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Urgent Debate to discuss the recent military aggression launched by Israel against the State of Qatar on 9 September 2025.

Speech

UK Statement for the Urgent Debate to discuss the recent military aggression launched by Israel against the State of Qatar. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Kumar Iyer CMG

Published 16 September 2025

Delivered on: 16 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Mr President.

We wholly condemn Israel's strikes on Doha, we stand in full and unwavering solidarity with Qatar and extend our condolences for the Qatari personnel tragically killed and injured.

As the High Commissioner stressed last week, such action poses a serious risk to mediation efforts in Gaza and risks further escalation in the region.

The UK firmly supports the efforts of Qatar, the US and Egypt to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, to secure the release of the hostages and to end this conflict. We urge all parties to re-engage meaningfully to reach a negotiated deal.

Mr President, the conflict in Gaza continues to have a devastating impact. The hostages have endured unimaginable suffering for almost two years. Palestinian civilians face repeated displacement, death and injury. And it is abhorrent that famine is unfolding in parts of Gaza City.

We reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas, and the atrocities committed on October 7th. Hamas must release all the hostages and can play no part in the future governance of Gaza.

However, the strikes on Qatar are unacceptable and will do nothing to deliver peace in the Middle East, or to safeguard Israel's long-term security.

A political solution is the only way to achieve lasting peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

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Thirsty and starving, Gazans face 'inhumane' evacuation

16 September 2025 - As bombs continue to fall on Gaza City as part of Israel's intensifying military operation, families with starving children are being pushed southwards from one "hellscape" to another, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.

The development followed reports that the Israeli military has stepped up its ground offensive in Gaza City, ordering residents to leave the area.

Speaking from the south of the enclave, UNICEF's Tess Ingram described the forced mass displacement of families as a "deadly threat for the most vulnerable".

"It is inhumane to expect nearly half a million children battered and traumatized by over 700 days of unrelenting conflict to flee one hellscape to end up in another," she insisted.

150,000 go south in a month

According to the UN's humanitarian affairs coordination office, OCHA, over the past few days, partners monitoring the movement of people in Gaza counted almost 70,000 displacements heading south, and about 150,000 over the past month. The only available route, Al Rashid Road, was "very busy" when Ms. Ingram was there on Monday, she said.

The UNICEF spokesperson described meeting a mother who had walked for more than six hours from Gaza City to the South with her five children, "all dirty, thirsty and starving", two of them with no shoes.

They are being pushed along with tens of thousands of others to "a so-called humanitarian zone" encompassing Al-Mawasi and surrounding areas, she said.

Sea of despair

Ms. Ingram described their destination as "a sea of makeshift tents, human despair" and services which are "insufficient" to support the hundreds of thousands already living there.

Child malnutrition in Gaza is "spiralling", Ms. Ingram continued, pointing out that according to UNICEF estimates, some 26,000 children in the enclave currently require treatment for acute malnutrition - more than 10,000 in Gaza City alone.

Famine was confirmed late last month in Gaza City by UN-backed food insecurity experts.

Feeding centres closed

UNICEF's Ms. Ingram said that owing to evacuation orders and military escalation more nutrition centres in Gaza City have been forced to shut this week, "cutting off children from a third of the remaining treatment sites that can save their lives".

While humanitarians remain on site and continue responding to the crisis, "it is becoming harder with every bombardment and every denial", she stressed.

According to OCHA, last Sunday out of 17 missions that humanitarian teams coordinated with the Israeli authorities, only four were facilitated, while seven missions were denied and others were impeded on the ground or had to be cancelled.

Ms. Ingram spoke of the dilemma desperate Gazans face: "stay in danger or flee to a place that they also know is dangerous." She recalled that Al-Mawasi came under attack some two weeks ago, when eight children were killed while lining up for water; the youngest victim was three years old.

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Gaza: Top independent rights probe alleges Israel committed genocide

16 September 2025 - Senior independent rights investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council alleged on Tuesday that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, a charge flatly rejected by Tel Aviv.

In a new report published against the backdrop of intensifying Israeli military operations in Gaza City, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, urged Israel and all countries to fulfil their obligations under international law "to end the genocide" and punish those responsible.

"The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza," insisted Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission. "It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention."

Israel's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Danny Meron, dismissed the Commission's "cherry-picked" findings outright, maintaining that the 70-plus page report "promotes a narrative serving Hamas and its supporters in attempting to delegitimize and demonize the state of Israel. The report falsely accuses Israel of genocidal intent, an allegation it cannot substantiate."

At a press conference in Geneva, the Commission of Inquiry's members Ms. Pillay and Chris Sidoti - who are not UN staff but instead appointed by the Human Rights Council's 47 Member States - explained that their investigations into the war in Gaza beginning with Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023 had led to the conclusion that Israeli authorities and security forces "committed four of the five genocidal acts defined by the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide".

These acts are:

killing,

causing serious bodily or mental harm,

deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of the Palestinians, and

imposing measures intended to prevent births.

Ms. Pillay maintained that responsibility for the atrocity crimes "lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons", amid "explicit statements" denigrating Palestinians by Israeli civilian and military authorities.

The Commission also analysed conduct of Israeli authorities and the Israeli security forces in Gaza, "including imposing starvation and inhumane conditions of life for Palestinians in Gazagenocidal intent was the only reasonable inference that could be concluded from the nature of their operations", the panel said.

Methodical examination

The Commission's assertion follows its review of Israeli military operations in Gaza, "including killing and seriously harming unprecedented numbers of Palestinians" and the imposition of a "total siege, including blocking humanitarian aid leading to starvation", it said.

According to the UN aid coordination wing, OCHA, nearly one million people remain in Gaza City, famine has been confirmed there, and residents face daily bombardment and "compromised access to means of survival after the Israeli military placed the entire city under a displacement order".

For its latest report, the panel also examined what it called the "systematic destruction" of healthcare and education in Gaza and "systematic" acts of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians.

Justice call

In addition, the Commission of Inquiry reviewed the alleged "direct targeting" of children and Israel's "disregarding [of] the orders of the International Court of Justice, which issued an order in March 2024 that Israel should take 'all necessary and effective measures to ensurethe unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians throughout Gaza'".

"The international community cannot stay silent on the genocidal campaign launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza," said Ms. Pillay.

"When clear signs and evidence of genocide emerge, the absence of action to stop it amounts to complicity," she added.

"All States are under a legal obligation to use all means that are reasonably available to them to stop the genocide in Gaza."

Qatari dimension

In a related development on Tuesday, the Human Rights Council shuffled its schedule to make way for an urgent debate on last week's Israeli strike on Hamas's political leadership in Qatar.

The strike targeted a neighbourhood of the Qatari capital, Doha, reportedly killing six people including five members of Hamas and prompting widespread condemnation including from the Security Council and Secretary-General.

In a statement, Antonio Guterres spoke out against what he called a "flagrant violation" of Qatari sovereignty and territorial integrity.

And at a Security Council meeting called in response to the strike, the UN's political affairs chief told ambassadors the attack in violation of Qatar's sovereignty was a serious threat to regional peace and security. It also undermined international mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza and return the hostages, said Rosemary DiCarlo.

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Government corruption fuels human rights crisis in South Sudan, independent panel finds

16 September 2025 - In South Sudan, "systemic government corruption" and "brazen predation" on the part of political elites have created a human rights crisis that must be urgently addressed, the UN Commission on Human Rights in the country said in a new report issued on Tuesday.

Based on two years of independent investigations and analysis, the report reveals how oil and non-oil revenues are siphoned off through opaque schemes and politically connected contracts. Meanwhile, millions of South Sudanese are denied basic services.

"Our report tells the story of the plundering of a nation: corruption is not incidental, it is the engine of South Sudan's decline," said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission.

"It is driving hunger, collapsing health systems, and causing preventable deaths, as well as fuelling deadly armed conflict over resources."

Diversion of funds

Upon gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan emerged from decades of brutal civil war with Sudan, carrying a legacy of divisive conflict, state repression and poverty.

Fourteen years after independence, ruling elites still struggle for control over natural resources.

The report found that the South Sudanese government's oil inflows alone have exceeded $25.2 billion since 2011, but hardly any money goes to essential services. Due to systemic corruption, the education, public health and justice systems are in crisis.

"The diversions are not abstract budget failures - they translate into preventable deaths, widespread malnutrition, and mass exclusion from education," said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernandez.

"Three-quarters of child deaths are preventable  yet funds go to patronage and private pockets, not medicine or clean water and sanitation."

Multiple corruption schemes

The 'Oil for Roads' programme is just one of the corruption schemes described in the report. The programme intended to build infrastructure but failed to deliver promised roads. An estimated $2.2 billion has been channeled into political patronage networks through the off-budget scheme.

The report also details schemes by Crawford Capital, a politically-connected company, in non-oil revenue collections, where little of the taxes reach government budgets even as illegal levies on humanitarian actors obstruct critical food aid operations.

A need for change

A 2018 peace agreement promised structural change and an improvement of public financial management, but the reform has not been adequately funded or implemented.

Prioritizing the implementation of certain reforms under the agreement is one of the many recommendations that the report lays out for South Sudan. The 54 recommendations are aimed at helping the country fulfil the population's basic needs, strengthen accountability, and end impunity.

"When public revenue becomes private fortune, peace cannot hold. For the transition to survive, accountability for economic crimes and an investment in human rights are indispensable," said Ms. Sooka.

The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2016. The three Commissioners are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.

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USS America Enhances Joint Readiness with Army and Marine Corps Rotary-Wing Operations

US Navy

16 September 2025

From Lt. Carolina Fernandez

Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) concluded joint aviation training with the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, boosting interoperability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. On Sept. 7 and 11, 2025, off the coast of Pearl Harbor, America served as a floating airfield for rotary-wing aircraft from the Army's 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) and Marine Corps' Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268.

"This joint training enhances interoperability amongst the Services and increases our capacity to project combat power from sea." said Cmdr. Weideman, air officer, USS America. "By working together, we improve our collective readiness and ability to respond to any contingency."

Over two days, Army and Marine Corps pilots and crew members flew CH-47F Chinook, AH-64 Apache, and MV-22B Osprey aircraft, executing more than 200 deck landings on USS America. The training boosted their overwater operational proficiency and earned them valuable deck landing qualifications critical for maritime environments.

"This training is extremely valuable for the 25th Infantry Division and the 25th CAB," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael James, senior standardization instructor pilot for 3-25 AVN Regiment. "It allows us to be proficient in deck landing operations which increases our lethality and operability with our Navy and Marine partners. Overall, it increases the U.S. Military's combat power!"

The exercise involved three types of rotary-wing aircraft: Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys from VMM-268, along with Army CH-47F Chinook helicopters from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, and Army AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, both assigned to the 25th CAB. This diverse participation highlighted the commitment of all services to joint operations.

"My training goal for the 25th CAB was to increase our proficiency and build more competent air crews in an overwater environment," said James. "Our crews need to be able to operate from ship to shore. During this training, we were able to learn more about LHA operations, their flight deck patterns and the ship's capabilities."

Companies within the Army's 25th CAB maintain proficiency in shipboard operations to be prepared to fight under all conditions. The brigade conducts Deck Landing Operations several times per year depending on the Navy's availability, in order to maintain a high level of aviation preparedness.

America is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

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USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Oslo, Norway

US Navy

16 September 2025

From Courtesy Story, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Public Affairs

The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), currently deployed in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, arrived in Oslo, Norway, for a scheduled port visit, September 12, 2025.

Prior to its arrival in Oslo, Gerald R. Ford operated in the North and Norwegian Seas, while Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) conducted combined operations in the Arctic Circle with the Royal Norwegian Navy's Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F 314) and replenishment oiler HNoMS Maud (A 530), as well as the German Navy's Sachsen-class air defense frigate FGS Hamburg (F220) and French Navy Aquitaine-class frigate FS Aquitaine (D 650) and Durance-class command and replenishment tanker FS Somme (A 631).

"When the USS Gerald R. Ford entered Oslo Fjord in 2023, it was the first U.S. aircraft carrier to do so in 65 years. Since then, we welcomed the USS Harry S. Truman and are now glad to see the sailors of the Gerald R. Ford back again," said. Eric Myer, Charge d'Affairs, ad interim. "These visits are not merely symbolic. The presence of this carrier strike group in Norwegian waters training with Allied forces exemplifies our commitment to shared security."

While in port, Gerald R. Ford's crew and embarked personnel will participate in tours of the Norwegian capital, including experiencing the Kingdom of Norway's famous glassmaking tradition and the Holmenkollen Zipline, as well as assisting in a local veteran's run.

"This ship, the largest of its kind on Earth, navigated thousands of miles, including narrow straits and challenging seas, to be here today as a statement of America's commitment to our Allies," said Capt. Dave Skarosi, commanding officer of Gerald R. Ford. "Our ship visited Oslo during its maiden deployment in 2023, and we are privileged to return. The city of Oslo holds a special place in Gerald R. Ford's history and future."

The flagship of Carrier Strike Group Twelve is on a scheduled deployment in support of the warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of U.S. 6th Fleet, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region.

Gerald R. Ford, along with the nine embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eight, Destroyer Squadron Two's USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Mahan (DDG 72), and Winston S. Churchill, conducted multi-domain strike group operations in the Atlantic Ocean before transiting east through the Strait of Gibraltar and conducting Neptune Strike 25-2 and joining the French, German, and Norwegian Navies in Operation Overture before arriving in Oslo.

Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allies, international partners, and other U.S. government departments and agencies to advance U.S. national interests, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.

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UNITAS 2025 Kicks off at Naval Station Mayport

US Navy

16 September 2025

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. -- UNITAS 2025 officially kicked off at an opening ceremony aboard Naval Station Mayport, Sept. 15. UNITAS, Latin for unity, united, or oneness, is the longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise in the world.

UNITAS is featuring approximately 8,000 personnel from 25 allied and partner nations, including multiple ships, submarines, and aircraft (fixed wing and rotary). Forces will conduct operations off the East Coast of the United States and ashore in the vicinity of Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Naval Station Norfolk, Va. through October 6.

Participating nations include Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, and the United States.

"It is a distinct honor to stand before you today as we commence UNITAS 2025, the 66th iteration of the world's longest-running multinational maritime exercise, which is a testament to enduring partnerships," said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/4th Fleet. "We have a rich history that began with the 1959 Inter-American Naval Conference in Panama, and we continue to grow each year. This year's theme, 'UNITAS Legacy of Maritime Partnerships' celebrates the enduring strength of alliances and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy."

UNITAS is a comprehensive multinational exercise that aims at strengthening interoperability, enhancing operational readiness, and fostering enduring partnerships among the participating nations. Through a blend of advanced warfare training, cultural exchange, and historical commemoration, the goal for the exercise is to collaboratively demonstrate the commitment to maritime security, crisis response, and the shared values that unite all participating forces in the defense of freedom and global

stability. 

Following the UNITAS 2025 Opening Ceremony, the in-port phase of the exercise features subject matter expert exchanges, professional symposiums, ship rider exchanges, and operations meetings. During this time, Marines and Sailors will conduct training events in Mayport to include medical, cyber defense, and diving and salvage operations.



During the UNITAS 2025 Underway Phase, forces will participate in events testing all warfare operations, to include live-fire exercises such as a SINKEX, an amphibious ship-to-shore landing and force withdrawal in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

"Our combined efforts as a maritime sea service are critical to ensuring free and open seas," explained Sardiello. "UNITAS is an extraordinary opportunity for us to unite, operate, enhance proficiency, and improve interoperability of participating forces to respond to common threats."

Following the successful completion of UNITAS 2025, senior leaders from participating countries will join in a series of high-profile events along the East Coast, celebrating a historic milestone: the United States Navy 250th birthday. This commemoration honors a legacy of protecting American interests, deterring aggression, and promoting prosperity and security, while also showcasing the Navy's enduring commitment to defending the American way of life.

UNITAS 2025 is just one of the major events in support of the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday in 2025. UNITAS and other major leadership events will lead into 2026, the United States' 250th birthday. In 2026, the Navy will again commemorate its contribution to the nation's defense as part of a whole-of-government 250 celebration planned by the U.S. Semi quincentennial Commission. Navy-related events will include port calls and community outreach events in major U.S. cities.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability.

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Louisiana Guard, UK Soldiers' Training Builds Readiness in Kosovo

By Sgt. Laura Bradley, 101st Public Affairs Detachment September 17, 2025

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- On the surface, they come from different worlds, one a U.K. combat medic on her first operational deployment, the other a seasoned U.S. Army flight paramedic with hundreds of flight hours under her belt.

But for the United Kingdom, Lance Cpl. Emily Atherton and U.S. Army Sgt. Emily Klar, a recent training together in Kosovo, highlighted a shared passion: saving lives.

Both soldiers serve under NATO's Kosovo Forces Regional Command-East, or KFOR RC-E, where multinational medical cooperation is a cornerstone of readiness. The U.S. Soldiers participating in the event were from the Louisiana Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

For Atherton, a combat medical technician with the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, the deployment serves as a proving ground.

"This is my first operational deployment," Atherton said. "It's exciting because it puts all my training into practice. Back home, we trained for riot control and public order scenarios, but here my focus is medical support. I'm usually positioned just behind the front lines, ready to move forward if something happens."

Atherton brings advanced training in battlefield life support and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, or CBRN, response.

"I'd never worked with a helicopter crew before," she explained, following a recent hot and cold load training event with U.S. aviation under KFOR. "It was amazing to see how much equipment they fit in the back of a Black Hawk - blood, ventilators, IV pumps. The crew was so confident and professional. It really made me think that's where I want to be someday."

On the other side of that training stood Klar, a critical care flight paramedic. Klar and her aviation team regularly lead NATO partner units through aircraft safety drills, patient loading and hoist demonstrations.

"Our NATO 101 through 301 training ensures partner forces know how to approach and load the aircraft safely," Klar explained. "The hoist training is always a highlight, it's engaging and it demonstrates our ability to operate in restrictive terrain."

For Klar, the training with Atherton stood out.

"Most of the time, we're training regular troops who aren't medical, so they don't ask detailed questions," Klar said. "It was exciting to have someone who wanted to talk about our medical setup, the ventilator, drug box and video laryngoscope. We compared what she carries as a ground medic to what we carry in the air. It was a real professional exchange."

Klar, who has served as a paramedic for nearly three years, says flying in Kosovo offers unique opportunities.

"We've been able to train a lot  flying through the mountains, working alongside German and British paramedics and coordinating with providers at the Role 2 hospital here," Klar said. "The best part is collaborating and learning from each other. Everyone does things a little differently, and we take those lessons back to make ourselves better."

Despite their different career stages, both Atherton and Klar share the same motivation to provide the best possible care when it matters most.

"I'd definitely do this again if they asked," Atherton said. "Working with the Americans has been inspiring. It's given me a push toward my goal of becoming a paramedic in the Army."

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U.S., Saudis Lead Largest Counter-Drone Exercise in Middle East

U.S. Central Command



Press Release | Sept. 17, 2025

USCENTCOM

September 17, 2025

Release Number 20250917-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. -- On During a visit by the new commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sept. 16, U.S. and Saudi forces led the Middle East's largest live-fire counter-unmanned aerial system exercise focused on improving the detection, tracking and elimination of modern drone threats.

Adm. Brad Cooper and Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Raqed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff for the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, visited the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center during Cooper's first regional trip as CENTCOM commander.

"Threats posed by the proliferation of advanced drones are a pressing challenge," said Cooper. "Working shoulder-to-shoulder with regional partners to innovate and adapt is more critical than ever."

In recent years, Iran and its proxies have launched thousands of one-way attack drones and missiles, injuring and killing civilians while also disrupting maritime traffic and destabilizing the Middle East.

The multi-day event began Sept. 7 and featured more than 300 personnel who fielded 20 counter-unmanned aerial systems at the Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia.

"Red Sands brought together U.S., Saudi and industry capabilities and expertise to identify 'best in breed' systems for detecting, tracking and eliminating modern aerial drone threats," said Cooper.

This year's exercise was the fourth iteration and represented the culmination of rapid prototyping and integrated defensive tactics developed since the inaugural U.S.-Saudi experimental demonstration in 2023.

U.S. and Saudi forces linked sophisticated radar and sensors such as the Signal Hunter - a body-worn, passive radio frequency sensing and geolocation device - and the Buffer Passive Acoustic Detection System commonly known as "BPADS" to rapidly detect simulated air threats.

Red Sands also featured integrated command and control systems and shooters such as the Vanguard system, a scalable firing solution for eliminating drone swarms. Other ground-based counter-unmanned aerial systems included Skyguard; Shikra; the Mobile-Low, slow, unmanned Integrated Defeat System known as "MLIDS"; and electronic warfare options.

U.S. and Saudi units also flew rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft to detect, track and engage the simulated aerial threats, including AC-130 and AH-64 Apache airframes from the United States, and Saudi F-15s, AH-64s, and Typhoon fighter aircraft.

The training scenarios stress-tested each layer of the air defense architecture, including a final simulated defensive layer where Drone Defeat Rounds (DDRs) were fired from a 12-guage shotgun. Each shell contained 720 tungsten pellets that are denser than lead pellets to deliver significantly greater kinetic energy.

The Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center is a forum for testing and developing technologies, tactics, and procedures for countering emerging unmanned aerial system threats. The initiative provides regional partners opportunities to work cooperatively, share best practices, develop technologies, and enhance interoperability.

-30-

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Parties to the Defence Agreement approve historic investment in ground-based air and missile defence systems

Danish Ministry of Defence

The political parties behind the Defence Agreement have decided to procure additional ground-based air defence systems. The decision entails the procurement of eight systems, comprising both long-range and medium-range capabilities. This is the largest single investment ever in Danish Defence.

September 17, 2025 - 10:10

The Danish Armed Forces are building ground-based air defence systems to protect civilians, military targets, and critical infrastructure against airborne threats. With the establishment of Air Defence Wing in March 2025, the Danish Armed Forces created the framework for the investments now being made.

"The current geopolitical situation makes ground-based air defence an absolute top priority in building up the Danish Armed Forces. Experience from Ukraine shows that ground-based air defence plays a critical role, for example, in protecting civilians against Russian air attacks. I am therefore very pleased to make a significant investment in additional ground-based air defence systems together with the parties to the Defence Agreement. The Danish Armed Forces expect the first part of its ground-based air defence system to be operational later this year, and I am pleased that the parties to the Defence Agreement are responding with a long-term perspective on geopolitical developments," says Minister for Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.

The acquisitions of ground-based air defence systems have followed two lines of action. In June 2025, a decision was made to rapidly procure medium-range ground-based air defence systems in order to deliver operational effect as quickly as possible. Based on the military expert recommendation of the Chief of Defence, the parties to the Defence Agreement have now decided to procure a total of eight long and medium ranges systems. The rapidly procured medium-range systems will be included in this total.

For the long-range system, the French-Italian-manufactured SAMP/T will be procured, while for the medium-range systems, a choice will be made between one or more systems from the Norwegian-manufactured NASAMS, the German IRIS-T, and the French VL MICA. The systems are selected based on a comprehensive assessment of operative, economic, and strategic factors.

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Norway - MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes

NEWS | Sept. 17, 2025

Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-89

WASHINGTON, September 17, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $162.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Norway has requested to buy up to fifty (50) MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedo all up rounds. The following non-MDE items will also be included: torpedo components; containers; software; training; support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $162.1 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve Norway's capability to meet current and future threats and increase its interoperability with the United States and other NATO members. Norway currently has MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of the proposed sale will require the assignment of U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Norway on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Political-Military Affairs Outreach, at T_Outreach_PM@state.gov.

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EDA launches fourth review of Member States' defence ambitions

European Defence Agency

17 September 2025

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the EU Military Staff (EUMS) have begun consultations with Member States for the next Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the EU's 'State of the Union' in defence. The report, due next year, will provide a detailed overview of Member States' goals, plans and projects. It will highlight trends in spending and planning, and identify gaps and collaborative defence initiatives with the greatest potential impact. It aims to inform decision-making at both national and EU levels.

Europe's defence posture relies on striking a careful balance: meeting urgent operational needs while pursuing long-term strategic objectives.

Belgium was the first of the 27 Member States to be consulted. During the discussions, EDA analysed Belgium's plans and priorities and discussed the Belgian perspective within the wider European context. These consultations offer first-hand insights into how national strategies contribute to EU defence and provide a platform to explore collaboration that avoids duplication and strengthens interoperability - the ability of armed forces, systems, equipment and technologies to work together.

Ultimately, CARD helps Member States bring coherence to the EU defence landscape and improve the efficiency of defence spending.

Ready for November 2026

The next consultation will take place this week in Ireland, and with all other Member States over the coming months.

Once complete, the findings will be compiled by next May. Political recommendations will serve as a reference for current and future defence initiatives and inform decisions on joint investment priorities, including Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects.

This is the fourth CARD cycle, building on previous reviews to track trends and propose concrete measures for cooperation. Updated assessment criteria will help identify opportunities for joint initiatives addressing short-, mid- and long-term military needs. Final recommendations will be submitted in the CARD report to the EDA Steering Board in November 2026.

EDA's wider role

EDA supports its 27 Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative capability projects, the Agency serves as the hub for European defence cooperation with expertise and networks covering the whole spectrum of defence capabilities.

Member States use EDA as an intergovernmental expert platform where their collaborative projects are supported, facilitated, and implemented. For more details, please see www.eda.europa.eu

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Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on the New Strategic EU-India Agenda and on the package of proposals on Israel

European Commission

Speech

Sep 17, 2025

Brussels

"Check against delivery"

Good afternoon,

Before updating you on the college meeting, I would also like to focus on one key issue, which is in recent weeks, Russia has escalated its war against Ukraine thrown incursions into Poland and Romania signalling more a dangerous stage of this war.

Russia is testing the West. Should Putin sense any weakness, he will continue to push forward because he wants to test us. Europe must respond firmly. As President von der Leyen said yesterday, the Commission will soon present its 19th sanctions package. We must hit Russian banks, energy companies, crypto exchanges and shadow fleet ships harder. Depriving Moscow of the funds to wage a war is essential to end this conflict.

Today in the College, we also addressed the war in Gaza, Israeli government's push into Gaza City is a new escalation of the war and will further deepen the humanitarian crisis. Today, I presented a robust package of sanctions on Hamas terrorists, extremist ministers in the Israeli government and violent settlers and entities supporting the impunity going on in the West Bank.

The Commission adopted a proposal to partially suspend trade concessions. Commissioner Sefcovic will update you on the trade details in a minute, and I want to be very clear: the aim is not to punish Israel. The aim is to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. All Member States agree that the situation in Gaza is untenable. The war needs to end. The suffering must stop, and all hostages must be released. We must use all the tools we have towards this outcome. We must also not lose sight of the dangerous developments in the West Bank that reduce the viability of a two-state solution.

Then, on EU India relations, we have adopted a new EU-India strategy. India is a crucial partner for the European Union. The EU and India together account for 25% of the global population and GDP. India also is the world's largest democracy and is the fastest growing economy. Closer European Union-India, relations are vital for strengthening economic security and diversifying supply chains. Our new communication sets out possibilities for closer cooperation on trade, technology, security and defence, and climate. A Free Trade Agreement, an Investment Protection Agreement and a Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement can be pillars of this partnership.

Security and Defence is another backbone of this partnership. We are working towards EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. We will enhance cooperation, including maritime security, counter terrorism and cyber defence. We are also negotiating an agreement of exchange of classified information and deepening ties between defence industry.

However, also the College had hesitations were the areas that we have disagreement. India's participation in Russia's military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil stand in the way of closer ties. Because, ultimately, our partnership is not only about trade, but also about defending rules-based international order. Our negotiations will address these challenges with the aim of adopting a joint roadmap at the EU-India Summit in early 2026.

Finally, on Iran earlier today, we had a discussion with the Foreign Minister Araghchi, alongside with my European counterparts. The window for finding a diplomatic solution on Iran's nuclear issue is closing really fast; we are weeks away from the reimposition of international sanctions. Iran must show credible steps towards addressing the demands of France, UK and Germany, and this means demonstrating full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and allowing inspections of all nuclear sites without delay.

Thank you.

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Remarks by Commissioner Sefcovic on the New Strategic EU-India Agenda and on the package of proposals on Israel

European Commission

Speech

Sep 17, 2025

Brussels

"Check against delivery"

Remarks on the New Strategic EU-India Agenda

Thank you, Madam High-Representative [dear Kaja]. Trade is one of the cornerstones of the EU-India Strategic Agenda - and it is essential to maintain steady efforts on both sides to strengthen the momentum.

Trade between our economies has grown by 90% over the past decade.

In 2024, we traded goods worth some 120 billion, making the European Union India's largest trading partner, ahead of the U.S. and China.

Over 6,000 European companies now operate in India, employing 2 million people directly, and supporting another 6 million jobs indirectly.

In just five years, EU investment in India has nearly doubled to 140 billion, making us one of India's top investors.

And yet, we have only scratched the surface.

A commercially meaningful EU-India Free Trade Agreement would unlock vast potential. By tackling both tariff and non-tariff barriers, we can drive new waves of trade and investment, strengthen our supply chains, and help safeguard open, rules-based global commerce.

Our shared ambition is clear: to conclude negotiations by the end of this year. But as always, steady determination will be key - and we still have some ground to cover.

As you know, I travelled to India last week - my third visit this year - in an effort to advance the negotiations, which have now reached 13 rounds.

I must admit, however, that I had hoped for more progress.

I remain in frequent contact with my counterpart, Minister Goyal, as there is undoubtedly much to gain - for both the EU and India - if we get this right.

Thank you.

*****

Remarks on the package of proposals on Israel

Thank you, Madam High-Representative [dear Kaja], for providing the broader context. Let me now turn to the proposal at hand - the suspension of core trade-related provisions of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement in relation to Israel.

This proposal is grounded in Articles 2 and 79 of the Agreement, which establish the respect for human rights and democratic principles as essential elements for our partnership.

The proposed suspension targets tariff preferences granted to Israel, encompassing free movement of goods; right of establishment and supply of services; public procurement, competition and intellectual property.

In practice this means that imports from Israel to the EU will lose their preferential access to the EU market and that these goods will be charged duties at the level applied to any other third country with whom the EU has no free trade agreement.

We regret having to take this step. However, we believe it is both appropriate and proportionate, given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Council will decide on this measure by qualified majority, while the European Parliament will be duly informed.

Now, turning to the trade relationship between the EU and Israel. Total trade in goods in 2024 amounted to 42.6 billion.

The EU remains Israel's number one trading partner. In 2024, the EU accounted for 32% of Israel's total trade in goods.

In light of these figures, and the principles at stake, the proposed partial suspension is a carefully considered response to an increasingly urgent situation.

Let me reiterate that since the atrocities of October 7, the world has witnessed unimaginable suffering.

The EU immediately condemned in the strongest terms Hamas's indiscriminate attacks across Israel and expressed solidarity with Israel's right to defend itself. Sanctions against Hamas swiftly followed.

Now, we must work together to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This means unrestrained access for humanitarian aid, the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, and an urgent ceasefire to stop the bloodshed.

Ultimately, Israel needs real security, and the Palestinian people need real dignity.

Thank you.

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Remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

17 Sep. 2025

(As delivered)

Good morning.

It is a real honour to have my close friend, Edi Rama, visiting, the Prime Minister of Albania.

Albania is a staunch Ally. Albania will reach the 2% defence spending, this year, which is a great commitment.

Albania is developing its defence industrial base, including through its state-owned enterprise, which is important because we need a strong defence industrial base all over NATO.

You are helping a lot with Ukraine. For example, through our Command in Wiesbaden, where we have an Albanian delegation, but also through language training for fighter pilots, for technicians. So, you are doing a lot when it comes to Ukraine.

And outside Albania you are participating in our Forward Land Forces in Latvia and Bulgaria. You are active in Kosovo, through KFOR. So, you are really punching above your weight. You are quite tall. But still, Albania is not the biggest Ally, and Albania is doing a lot.

And therefore, I really want to thank you for being such a staunch Ally. We know that NATO can count on Albania. You know that Albania can always count on NATO.

So, again, thank you for visiting. Thank you for being such a close personal friend and for everything you are doing for NATO.

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Thai security forces clash with Cambodian protesters at disputed border

Tear gas and rubber bullets threaten a fragile truce reached in July.

By RFA staff 2025.09.17 -- Thai security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets as they clashed with Cambodian protesters on Wednesday in a disputed border area. It's the most significant escalation since they declared a ceasefire to end a deadly five-day conflict in July.

The clash took place at a disputed frontier settlement, which Thailand says is part of its Ban Nong Ya Kaew village in Sa Kaeo province, but Cambodia says is part of Prey Chan village in Bantheay Meanchey province.

On Wednesday, Cambodia's information minister Neth Pheaktra accused Thai officials of encroaching across the border, and said they used "tear gas, rubber bullets and noise-making devices against Cambodian civilians."

According to Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona, Thai forces used violence to suppress unarmed Cambodian civilians and monks who were protesting peacefully.

Cambodian officials said more than two dozen Cambodians were injured in the clash.

Thai Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree described the situation as a Cambodian mob encroaching on Thai territory, obstructing operations and destroying official property. He said Thai authorities regarded the incident as a provocation and an intentional violation of the ceasefire agreement.

In late July, Thailand and Cambodia engaged in five days of combat that killed dozens of people and displaced more than 260,000. The two countries agreed on a ceasefire only after mediation fostered by Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless they agreed on a truce.

Tensions remain high after the ceasefire, especially since Thai soldiers have been wounded by land mines while patrolling the no-man's land between the two countries.

Thailand charges that the mines are newly planted in violation of the ceasefire, an accusation vehemently denied by Cambodia.

On Wednesday, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet called for international intervention, urging pressure on Thailand to respect the ceasefire and fully adhere to Cambodia-Thailand agreements.

The two nations' competing territorial claims stem largely from a 1907 map drawn when Cambodia was under French colonial rule, which Thailand has argued is inaccurate.

The International Court of Justice in 1962 awarded sovereignty to Cambodia over an area that included the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple, which still riles many Thais.

The court has since reaffirmed its judgement. In June, Cambodia proposed returning to the international court to sort out the border in the disputed areas, a proposal Thailand firmly rejected.

With reporting by Pimuk Rakkanam, RFA Khmer, Reuters and AP.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Afghanistan cannot succeed while women and girls are excluded: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG

Published 17 September 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 17 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

We commend the work of UNAMA, OCHA, and UN Women in support of the people of Afghanistan.

And I would like to convey the United Kingdom's gratitude to SRSG Otunbeyeva for her leadership of those efforts over the last three years.

I will make three points.

First, I offer the UK's deep condolences for all the victims of the devastating earthquake on 31 August. I pay tribute to all those working tirelessly to bring relief to those affected.

The specific needs of women affected by the earthquake must be met, and female aid workers must be able to operate in affected communities.

As we have heard today, the earthquake has compounded the desperate humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan.

In recognition of the severity of the situation, the UK yesterday announced an uplift of more than $4 million in its support to the earthquake response, bringing our total contribution to $5.4 million.

But we are concerned by increasing drought risks, and alarming increases in malnutrition.

More support is urgently needed, in particular, to ensure Afghans living in remote areas do not go hungry this winter.

We call on the Taliban and the international community to step up their support to the people of Afghanistan.

Second, Afghanistan cannot succeed while women and girls are excluded.

In this regard, we are concerned by reports that the Taliban are preventing female employees from accessing UN premises.

We call on the Taliban to reverse this position immediately, to ensure Afghan women can continue their vital work supporting their country.

Third, the UK continues to engage with the UN-led process, including the "Comprehensive Approach."

But our support is conditional on the Taliban taking meaningful steps and adhering to their international obligations, especially those related to counter terrorism and the rights of women and girls.

The UK remains committed to finding a constructive way forward, working with international partners and Afghan stakeholders. But four years on from their seizure of power we need to see more from the Taliban to demonstrate that they are willing to engage in good faith.

The UK continues to stand with the people of Afghanistan.

It is well past time for the Taliban to do the same.

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Afghanistan faces 'perfect storm' of crises, UN warns

By Vibhu Mishra

17 September 2025 - Afghanistan is confronting "a perfect storm" of overlapping crises, the UN's outgoing envoy warned the Security Council on Wednesday, as an Afghan women's rights advocate told the body that Taliban policies amount to "gender apartheid" which are suffocating a whole generation of girls.

Roza Otunbayeva, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, told ambassadors that while the country has seen a relative decline in armed conflict since the Taliban takeover in 2021, the humanitarian, economic and human rights situation has deteriorated significantly.

"It is an open question whether there is sufficient pragmatism among the de facto authorities [the Taliban] to manage this perfect storm of crises, or whether decisions driven by ideology will prevent sustainable solutions," she said.

Women and girls shut out

Central to the crisis, Ms. Otunbayeva stressed, are sweeping Taliban restrictions on Afghan women and girls.

Schools for girls above grade six have now been closed for four years, costing the economy an estimated $1.4 billion annually, according to the World Bank. A recent UN Women survey found that most Afghans oppose the bans.

"This is most clear regarding the de facto authorities' policies towards Afghan women," she said. "A generation is at serious risk of being lost at a huge long-term cost to the country."

'Gender apartheid'

Also taking the floor at the Council, Hanifa Girowal, Vice President of the Afghan group Women's Rights First, was even blunter, describing the Taliban's policies as "gender persecution" and "gender apartheid."

Speaking on behalf of women inside the country and in exile, she recounted the story of a young woman in Kandahar who lamented: "By now I should have completed my master's degree and become a law professorinstead, for four long years, I have lived in uncertainty, unable to decide my own future. How much longer must I wait?"

Ms. Girowal, who was also a former deputy governor of Kabul, warned that the systematic exclusion of half the population "is not just a denial of education - it's a deliberate policy of forced confinement, exclusion and subjugation."

Aid at risk

The UN has provided nearly $13 billion in humanitarian and basic needs assistance since 2021, much of it delivered despite restrictions and with strengthened safeguards to prevent diversion.

Yet humanitarian assistance is under strain, Ms. Otunbayeva cautioned, with international funding cut by nearly 50 percent this year.

"These cuts are partly the result of Afghanistan's anti-women policies," she said, adding that the enforcement of bans on Afghan women working for NGOs and the UN has already hindered relief efforts, including after recent earthquakes.

"This serious restriction hinders the UN's ability to help the Afghan people at their moment of great need," she warned.

Ms. Girowal called for the Council to adopt a resolution reaffirming the unconditional purpose of humanitarian aid and establishing an independent international monitoring mechanism to track diversions and ensure accountability.

Economic and climate strains

Beyond aid, Afghanistan's economy remains on life support. Growth of 2.7 per cent is lagging behind population increases, while 75 per cent of Afghans live at subsistence level, compounded by cuts to the public sector.

Climate change is deepening the hardship. A new drought threatens the majority-rural population, many of whom are subsistence farmers.

Ms. Otunbayeva warned that Kabul - home to almost six million people - could become "the first modern city to run out of water" within years, not decades.

The ban on poppy cultivation, enforced since 2023, has reduced opium production but devastated poor farmers who once relied on it for their livelihoods. Meanwhile, more than two million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan in the past two years, stripping the economy of $1 billion in remittances and straining local services.

Limited progress and engagement

Ms. Otunbayeva noted some positive developments since 2021, including the Taliban's general amnesty for former opponents, relative stability after decades of war, and measures to curb torture and allow UN human rights access to prisons.

The sustained ban on poppy cultivation also has regional benefits, she said, if sustainable alternatives for farmers are found.

However, she stressed that further progress depends on meaningful engagement with the Taliban under the UN-led Doha process, which seeks to balance pragmatism with respect for international norms.

"Most Afghans want engagement between the international community and their country to continue, despite the obstacles," she said, urging the Security Council to maintain unity on Afghanistan.

Time is running out

Echoing the call for Security Council unity and action, Ms. Girowal called for setting clear benchmarks for engagement with the Taliban.

These, she said, should include reopening schools and universities for girls, restoring women's right to work, and granting full access for UN monitors.

She also called on countries to halt forced deportations of Afghans, citing over two million returns from Iran and Pakistan in 2025 alone, which she said had led to persecution and even killings.

"We are running out of time," she said. "The situation on the ground is only getting worsebut the good news is that you can do something about it."

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World News in Brief: Migrant medics mean shortages at home, UN names top innovators, Nigeria rights update, sunscreen an 'essential medicine'

17 September 2025 - The UN World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Wednesday that southern and eastern European countries are losing large numbers of doctors and nurses who are leaving to work abroad.

A new UN health agency report also shows that in Europe in 2023, six in 10 medics trained outside the region, while the number is even higher for nurses.

In light of these findings - and the fact that many western and northern European countries are becoming "heavily dependent" on these foreign workers - the WHO is calling for fairer and more sustainable health worker migration.

Healthcare gaps at home

WHO's Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat said that every migrating doctor or nurse leaves a "strain on families and on the national health systems they left behind."

By 2030, Europe is expected to have a shortfall of almost one million health workers, the UN agency said.

It noted that Romania has managed to reduce the number of doctors leaving the country in recent years, from 1,500 to 461, mainly by offering better pay, training and working conditions.

'Innovation index' shows Switzerland top, as China makes the top 10

Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the Republic of Korea and Singapore are the world's most innovative countries.

That's according to UN agency the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, whose Global Innovation Index 2025 shows that the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark are also in the top 10 - along with China for the first time.

In other findings, WIPO said that growth in innovation investments is slowing, "clouding" future forecasts about intellectual property trends.

Middle-income climbers

Around 80 indicators are used for the UN report, ranging from spending on research and development, venture capital deals, hi-tech exports and intellectual property filings.

The latest WIPO report shows that middle-income economies led by China, India (38th) and Turkiye (43rd) - have continued to climb the innovation ladder by turning ideas into reality.

In the last five years, though, it's Saudi Arabia (46th), Qatar (48th), Brazil (52nd), Mauritius (53rd), Bahrain (62nd) and Jordan (65th), that have made the fastest progress.

Report finds Nigeria failed to protect women and girls

Nigeria has failed to do enough to prevent targeted attacks on schools, fallen short on criminalising abduction and marital rape - and on protecting schoolgirls from abduction and stigmatisation, according to a new report from a key body of independent UN experts who monitor discrimination against women.

The repeated failure "amounts to systematic and grave violations," of women's and girls' rights, said chair of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Nahla Haidar, on Wednesday.

The report was published on Wednesday after a mission to the country in December 2023, where committee members met with officials from various departments and agencies, armed forces and police representatives - and victims of abduction.

Chibok abduction

The mission initially received information about the mass abduction of 276 girls in Chibok school by Boko Haram in 2014. Eighty-two escaped, 103 were released in exchange for prisoners, while at least 91 are either still in captivity or their fate is unknown.

The CEDAW delegation was the first UN body to have visited the school since the abduction, according to school staff.

"The abduction of the Chibok girls was not an isolated tragedy, but part of a series of mass abductions targeting schools and communities," said Ms. Haidar.

She added that "at least 1,400 students have been kidnapped from schools since the Chibok abduction."

Sunscreen restored to WHO essential medicines list hailed as lifeline for people with albinism

Independent UN experts have welcomed the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision to restore sunscreen to its model lists of essential medicines - those that meet the priority health needs of populations.

They described the move as "an important development in the long struggle to draw attention to, and find practical, effective and sustainable remedies for the needless deaths caused by skin cancer among persons with albinism."

Skin cancer is the leading cause of death for people with albinism worldwide  a preventable tragedy, the experts stressed, linked to poor awareness, limited access to sunscreen, and slow institutional and governmental responses.

Lifesaver

They emphasised that the WHO's decision could "transform the everyday lives of persons with albinism, including life expectancy," but warned that its impact will depend on governments' political will and commitment to integrating sunscreen into national health systems and supply chains.

"Provision of and access to sunscreen for persons with albinism is not a cosmetic exercise. It is a fundamental human right," the experts said.

The WHO's decision is also consistent with States' international obligations to prevent foreseeable human rights harms arising from climate change and to protect those most disproportionately affected.

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Afghanistan: Ban on secondary education for girls marks four long years

17 September 2025 - For millions of girls in Afghanistan, it has been four long years since the ban on secondary education came into force, one of many rights abuses rolled out by the de facto authorities since they regained control of Kabul.

At the time of the ban, girls like Fatima Amiri were the target of violent extremists determined to drive them away from school and learning.

She was 17 when a suicide bomber blew himself up in her classroom in the capital in 2022, killing more than 50 of her friends and leaving her with lifechanging injuries.

Today, living outside the country, she's an education advocate for Afghan girls who are desperate for their schools to reopen. It's a fundamental right that has been taken from them, Ms. Amiri insists.

"They are crying, they are sending me many messages and saying that we want the right [to] education," she says. "They are in a very bad situation the only thing they had was education, but right now they do not have it."

An unpopular ban

According to UN Women, more than nine in 10 people in Afghanistan support girls' secondary education.

And while the country is still reeling from the recent earthquake disaster - a task made even more difficult by the reinforced Taliban veto on female aid workers - UN agencies and partners on Tuesday reiterated their appeal for every Afghan girl to be allowed to go to school.

Many UN agencies and partners including Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has condemned the ongoing ban and urged the global community to unite in support of education for all girls in Afghanistan.

Today, more than 2.2 million Afghan girls are banned from attending school beyond primary school, latest UN data shows. And in total, up to seven million children are not in class because to the ban and other constraints.

Ms. Amiri shared her testimony at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where she spoke to UN News's Daniel Johnson. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Fatima Amiri:I'm just an example of many girls and women in Afghanistan who have been denied justice. I'm someone who has felt every kind of pain that girls in my country experienceThe only thing that I can is their voice, to speak with the world and to transfer their message to other people so that they can help them.

UN News: The damaging impact on girls and women's rights linked to the return of the Taliban has been widely condemned. But you've lived through this; can you describe what it means for your friends still in Afghanistan?

Fatima Amiri: It has been four years that people in Afghanistan are having these problems, that schools are closed, universities are closed and the situation for women. The thing is, we are just speaking but there's no action. It has been four years! There are no changes in Afghanistan every day; still schools are closed, still universities are closed, still a woman cannot go outside alone. So, speaking is not enough; we speak a lot, it's time to do something, we need actions.

UN News:Andthat is why you have come to the UN Human Rights Council here in Geneva where countries heard your powerful story. You said that you were speaking for everybody else; you didn't tell them that you'd lost an eye and were scarred in that terror attack on your school...

Fatima Amiri: It's true that I lost my eye, my ear. But there's lots of other girls who they lost their vision too; when you cannot study, when you do not have your basic rights, it means you're blind. You cannot see anything when you're all day in home, without school, without education.

I'm in touch with lots of girls in AfghanistanSome of them are saying that we were studying and it was our hope that we will create our future and make our future better and we will make our country a better place for us. But now we do not have our basic rights. They are in depression, they are lostThey are asking for help. I'm telling my story so that people can understand.

UN News: When the terror attack happened, you were preparing for a university entrance exam to study computer science. Despite your serious injuries you took the exam

Fatima Amiri: I did my exam after being injured in the attack, but I had lost my eye and my ear and it was really hard to pass that exam in that situation. I was in the hospital but I passed that exam very well, and I was able to enter university; but they closed it and I couldn't continue my education. So, I'm still fighting for my dream, for my right to education.

UN News: What do want the Human Rights Council's 47 Member States to do? How can they help?

Fatima Amiri: They should make opportunities for them. If you cannot open my school, at least give me an opportunity, give me a scholarship! These countries that are here, they can make opportunities for online learning so that they can continue their education or get work. We need options. That's the message that most girls in Afghanistan wanted me to transfer.

UN News: You've spoken about how girls continue to learn "in secret, in the dark, online, through whispers, through books that are like precious treasures". What else can you tell us?

Fatima Amiri: The situation is completely hard right now, as we all know, but girls in Afghanistan are unstoppable. They're trying more and more every day. I'm in contact with a lot of them, I'm teaching them English, they are so motivated! It's true that, they do not have the right to study and that the internet connection is not good, but they are still trying to study, to learn something new.

Not all of them have access to online courses or maybe online universities or schools; there's very few of those opportunities. But they're trying to continue their education, they are studying at home with the books they had before, they're trying to be in contact with other people with knowledge, to learn from them. So, they're just trying, they're unstoppable.

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Amid Growing Ideological Grip, Afghanistan Faces 'Perfect Storm of Crises', Warns Special Representative in Briefing to Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9998th Meeting (AM)

SC/16172

17 September 2025

As the head of the United Nations presence in Afghanistan told the Security Council today that the country's de facto authorities seem caught between pragmatism and ideology, so too were the organ's members on the conditions for international engagement with the Taliban.

Different trends are vying for influence within Afghanistan's de facto authorities, reported Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The first, she said, is "more pragmatic and oriented to the needs of Afghan people". The other is "more focused on the creation of what is described as a pure Islamic system"  which, she added, has placed increasing restrictions on Afghanistan's people. She observed: "In view of the lack of pragmatism, members of the international community increasingly ask how much they should support a country whose leaders undermine their population."

"This is most clear regarding the de facto authorities' policies towards Afghan women," she noted, spotlighting over three years of a ban on women's education that has cost the economy an estimated $1.4 billion a year. Nevertheless, she detailed a "notable" decline in violence, a generally sustained ban on poppy cultivation  albeit with a "devastating" short-term impact on those who relied on this practice for their livelihood  as well as the de facto authorities' announcements on general amnesty and certain human rights for detainees. She stressed that "the development of Afghanistan's full potential is required for the country to address the multiple and simultaneous crises it is currently facing".

These include increasing popular discontent with growing restrictions, aid cuts, a struggling economy and significant population returns from neighbouring countries that stress socioeconomic coping mechanisms while costing the economy approximately $1 billion in remittances. Drought, she added, presents an "existential" threat: in years  not decades  Kabul "could become the first modern city to run out of water". She observed: "It is an open question whether there is sufficient pragmatism among the de facto authorities to manage this perfect storm of crises, or whether decisions driven by ideology will prevent sustainable solutions."

Pointing to "evidence of both trends", she spotlighted the response to the recent earthquake in the province of Kunar  the authorities addressed the needs of affected communities but hindered the UN's ability to help by blocking female staff from UN offices. "I am certain that most Afghans want engagement between the international community and their country to continue, despite the obstacles," she concluded, expressing hope that engagement does continue and yield more positive results  "especially for women and girls in Afghanistan".

On that, Hanifa Girowal, speaking for civil society, said that the denial of rights to women and girls is a "deliberate policy of forced confinement, exclusion and subjugation" amounting to the crime of gender persecution. She therefore urged the Council to ensure that Afghan women lead political dialogue and to set "verifiable benchmarks" for engagement with the Taliban, including reopening schools and restoring women's right to work. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid must be "unconditional in its purpose and conditional only in its accountability", she said.

Exposing new Taliban restrictions, she reported: "As of two weeks ago, women and girls are not only not allowed into regular schools, but they are now banned from going to Islamic schools." In one province, "tall girls  anyone above an average height  cannot go outside and needs to be confined at home", she added. "If you are a woman in Afghanistan, you are faced with selective punishment on any public engagement," she stressed, calling on the international community to respond to the Afghan crisis in the most urgent way possible.

'Taliban Remain Unwilling to Cooperate with International Community'

"Unfortunately, the international community's approach to assistance and engagement has failed to yield sustainable results," said the representative of the United States. Stressing that his country "prioritizes actions over words", he said that the Taliban's actions "do not demonstrate a willingness to engage in good faith". He stressed: "We cannot build confidence with a group that continues to detain innocent Americans, fails to live up to its [counter-terrorism] commitments and ignores the basic needs of the Afghan people."

Similarly, Greece's representative said that "four years after seizing control of Afghanistan, the Taliban remain unwilling to cooperate with the international community". Further, she condemned the "segregation of women in public spaces, the enforcement of strict dress codes and the requirement for a male guardian" as "utterly unacceptable". The representative of Slovenia urged the "immediate" lifting of Taliban restrictions on women and female aid staff and welcomed the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Taliban leaders as a "milestone".

"Afghanistan cannot succeed while women and girls are excluded," stressed the representative of the United Kingdom, urging the Taliban to "reverse position immediately" on blocking female staff from accessing UN premises. Notably, the recent earthquake in the province of Kunar has compounded the desperate humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan. While announcing his Government's "uplift of more than $4 million", he underlined the need to meet the specific needs of women affected by the earthquake and to allow female aid workers to operate in affected communities.

Restrictions on Women, Girls Cannot Be Allowed to Continue

"Sadly, even on an issue as fundamental as life-saving assistance, the Taliban's discriminatory policies are directly undermining the humanitarian response," said Denmark's representative, adding that "not only are women banned from becoming doctors, a male doctor is banned from treating any female patient". Underscoring that the Taliban has shown no willingness to ease restrictions  "in fact, not one has been reversed since they violently took control of the country four years ago"  she stressed that the international community cannot allow the "most severe women's rights crisis in the world" to become normalized.

The representative of Panama, in that vein, said that the Taliban's restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan "continue to represent one of the gravest violations of human dignity of our time". He added that "cooperation calls for commitments, and commitments are sustained through action". Pointing to the Taliban's "policy of erasure and segregation of women and girls" and its "complacency towards Al-Qaida", France's representative stressed that engagement with the Taliban must serve the objective of a peaceful Afghanistan guaranteeing the rights of all Afghans.

"Respect for human rights, in particular those of women and girls, is a prerequisite," stated the representative of the Republic of Korea  Council President for September  as he spoke in his national capacity. He warned that Afghanistan's reintegration with the international community cannot materialize if global requests to the Taliban  in the form of Council decisions  remain unheeded. Reaffirming support for UNAMA, he said that the Mission must operate in close coordination with, and under the political guidance of, UN Headquarters to achieve meaningful results.

"Ensuring the well-being of the Afghan people must remain at the centre of all efforts," stressed the representative of Guyana, also speaking for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia. Recalling that resolution 2681 (2023) condemned the Taliban's decision to ban women working for the UN in Afghanistan, she pointed out that this ban has negatively impacted the delivery of life-saving assistance and basic services to the most vulnerable. While underscoring that "the continued erosion of Afghan women in society is unacceptable", she reiterated that "engagement between Afghanistan and the international community is crucial" for sustainable peace, stability and socioeconomic development.

'Isolation, Disengagement Serves No One's Interest'

Pakistan's representative, recalling that his country has "consistently advocated sustained engagement with Afghanistan", stressed that the Taliban sanctions regime must not "fall prey to political considerations of Council members". Specifically, travel-ban-exemption requests remain crucial for meaningful engagement. He went on to recall the recent quadrilateral meeting between Pakistan, China, Iran and the Russian Federation in Dushanbe, "where we agreed on result-oriented engagement" with Afghanistan's interim authorities. Urging international engagement with clear objectives, reciprocal steps and a "realistic road map guided by dialogue and diplomacy", he underscored: "Isolation and disengagement serves no one's interest."

The representative of China, too, stressed that "mutual integration between Afghanistan and the international community requires long-term engagement", also criticizing the fact that "one country has banned the travel of high-level Afghan officials". Additionally highlighting the scale of need in the country, he stressed that "over 23 million Afghans require humanitarian assistance, and significant funding cuts mean that only a small percentage of needs are met". Calling on "traditional donors" to scale up support, he added that "one particular country" must "assume its historical responsibilities to Afghanistan".

"We regret the hopeless attempts by some Western donors to exert a stranglehold on the Taliban, to talk to them in the language of ultimatums and, at the same time, to hinder any efforts  including through the UN  to establish trust-based interactions with them," stressed the representative of the Russian Federation. Stating that sustainable peace requires patient engagement with the authorities, he added: "At the same time, it's important that, also in the UN, we talk to those Afghans that represent the real authority in the country and are actually responsible for what's happening there."

Immense Humanitarian Emergency, Shrinking Civic Space

Meanwhile, the representative of Afghanistan said of his country: "There is no Constitution, no inclusive governance, no credible path to reconciliation and no consent of the governed." Instead, an unelected and unaccountable group issues decrees that distort Islamic values and Afghan culture. Further, he detailed the immense humanitarian emergency, fragile security situation and shrinking civic space in Afghanistan, as well as the systematic exclusion of women and girls  "nothing less than gender apartheid". Underscoring that Afghans "deserve a Government chosen by the people, not imposed by force", he urged the Council to neither "abandon Afghanistan to tyranny" nor "normalize an extremist regime that oppresses half its population and threatens international peace and security".

Several other countries in the region took the floor today, with Kyrgyzstan's representative underscoring the importance of "strengthening bilateral collaboration, particularly in the spheres of trade, investment, transport, energy and overall economic development". The representative of India stressed: "Our commitment to meeting developmental needs of the people of Afghanistan is non-negotiable." Iran's representative, for his part, emphasized that "the de facto authorities are a reality on the ground, and the international community has no choice but to engage with them".

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Air Force Reserve expands international partnerships across Europe

Published Sept. 17, 2025

By Tech. Sgt. Sean Evans

Air Force Reserve Command

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command Lt. Gen. John Healy is expanding international partnerships through a strategic engagement tour across Europe this month. The tour advances the Reserve Allies and Partners Program's mission to build interoperable reserve capabilities and strengthen international partnerships in support of combatant commander priorities.

The RAPP initiative launched in 2024. It represents the Air Force Reserve's strategic commitment to develop relationships among international reserve forces to meet threats and build strategic depth across allied and partner networks. Through key leader engagements, exercises, military-to-military exchanges and force development programs, RAPP advances Department of the Air Force objectives while strengthening deterrence capabilities.

Healy's engagement with the Netherlands Air Force leadership builds upon existing collaboration. Recent Pentagon visits and current initiatives focus on best practices for pilot retention and reserve force management. The discussions explore expanded opportunities for Dutch reservist participation in professional military education through the Integrated Defense Leadership Course and officer development programs via distance learning.

At French Armed Forces Headquarters in Paris, Healy and Vice Chief of the French Air and Space Force Lt. Gen. Dominique Tardif signed bilateral cooperation terms of reference. The agreement formalizes future military-to-military engagements between the U.S. Air Force Reserve and French forces. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in areas that include C-130J operations, base defense capabilities, firefighting operations and professional development exchanges.

"This trip represents a significant milestone in our efforts to build strategic depth across allied and partner networks," Healy said. "The partnerships we establish through RAPP directly enhance our collective ability to deter and, if necessary, defeat common adversaries."

Healy emphasized the tangible benefits these new agreements will bring to both the U.S. and its partners.

"The Terms of Reference with France opens the door for meaningful collaboration in critical mission areas," Healy said. "Our reserve forces bring decades of experience and expertise that, when combined with French capabilities, create powerful synergies for both nations."

A significant portion of the European tour includes participation in the International Air Reserve Symposium. The theme is "Readiness and Training of Reservists." The gathering brings together senior reserve leaders from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and Italy to address common challenges and develop partnerships in reserve force development.

"The discussions at IARS reinforce what we already know: reserve forces are cost effective force multipliers that provide strategic depth in a complex security environment," Healy said. "The shared challenges we face require collaborative solutions, and events like this symposium are essential for those relationships."

The symposium discussions reinforce the strategic importance of reserve forces in a complex global security environment. Current tensions underscore the need for interoperable, responsive reserve capabilities. Healy announced that the U.S. Air Force Reserve will host the 30th IARS at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, in September 2026.

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Silicon Valley Embraces US Defense Tech Amid Rising Global Conflicts

By Todd Prince September 18, 2025

Summary

US tech companies are increasingly collaborating with the Pentagon, reversing decades of resistance due to ethical concerns and complex contracting rules.

Venture capitalists have invested over $28 billion in defense tech startups in 2025, focusing on dual-use technologies like robotics, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.

Streamlined procurement procedures and rising global defense budgets are boosting startup opportunities, though breaking into Pentagon contracts remains challenging.

WASHINGTON -- For decades, most major US tech companies and investors steered clear of the Pentagon.

Some were turned off by the labyrinth of contracting rules that left most business in the hands of giants like Lockheed Martin and RTX. Others balked at the ethical questions of building weapons and surveillance systems.

But Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and China's rapid military rise have changed that calculus.

Gone is the resistance that Google faced in 2018 when it let the Pentagon use its emerging artificial intelligence to analyze drone footage for target identification, the decision set off a storm inside the Silicon Valley giant. Employee protests forced management to retreat from the deal.

The backlash, driven by a vocal minority inside Google, reflected a broader unease among some tech workers about their innovations being harnessed for lethal or ethically questionable military uses.

That resistance has largely melted away, giving way to venture capitalists who are pouring billions into defense tech startups, while engineers are leaving some of America's biggest companies to build the next generation of battlefield weapons.

"Every company I talk to wants to make sure that if there is something they can do, they are doing it," Emil Michael, the Pentagon's undersecretary for research and engineering, told a Washington defense technology conference last month, noting that the days when Silicon Valley shunned military work "are completely over."

The rewards are clear. The Trump administration is looking at a $1 trillion defense budget.

OpenAI, the San Francisco-based artificial intelligence company signed a $200 million defense contract in June, its first formal contract ever with the Pentagon. The previous month, Meta announced it was teaming up with Anduril to build extended reality (XR) devices for the US military.

The developments have sparked engineers and investors to channel their talent and money into dual-use technologies that can serve both commercial and military purposes.

Some analysts say that in some ways, Silicon Valley is returning to its roots.

Long before it became a hub for consumer apps and smartphones, the region grew out of Cold War-era federal investments in electronics, semiconductors, and computing.

"We have seen a real sea change," said Raj Shah, a former Air Force pilot who led the Pentagon's first Defense Innovation Unit and now co-runs Shield Capital, a venture fund focused on defense startups.

"Smart engineers are saying, 'I see what's happening in Israel, I see what's happening in Ukraine, and I can't take our way of life for granted. Instead of building a photo-sharing app, I'm going to build something that helps preserve this peace.'"

Money Flows

Venture capital, private equity firms, and other tech companies poured more than $28 billion into the sector in the first half of 2025, already surpassing most recent full-year totals. By comparison, just $18 billion flowed into defense tech in all of 2019, according to PitchBook.

The funding surge spans autonomous systems, robotics, software, cybersecurity, new materials, space tech, biotech, quantum computing and energy storage.

Rising defense budgets abroad are helping.

NATO allies agreed in June to boost military spending to 5 percent of GDP, with 3.5 percent for core defense and 1.5 percent for related areas such as cybersecurity and the defense industrial base. Streamlined procurement procedures are also making it easier for startups to compete.

Still, breaking into the Pentagon remains one of the toughest challenges in business. Even SpaceX and Palantir  two of the most successful defense entrants in decades  had to sue the Defense Department to win contracts.

Credentials are required just to get in, and each of the eight procurement centers in the Pentagon has different rules, budgets, and timelines. Civilian-friendly follow-ups are rare, and job titles are often indecipherable.

"Defense is not like other markets. Having the best technology will only get you so far. Success also hinges on understanding how the government buys, who the decision-makers are, and how to align with long-term programs of record," Point72 Ventures, a firm owned by billionaire investor Steve Cohen and that is focused on defense startups, said recently.

Matthew Steckman, president and chief business officer at Anduril, one of the largest defense tech startups by market capitalization, said the Pentagon is streamlining the way it procures weapons, but startups still struggle to land big orders that allow them to scale.

"If I want to become an enduring capability, or even an enduring public company - which is the ambition of a lot of venture capitalist funded companies - I have to figure out a way to leap across those small pools of funding into mainline budgets," he told RFE/RL.

Last year, the Pentagon spent about $2 billion on products from defense startups - a sliver of its $850 billion budget, according to the Silicon Valley Defense Group, a nonprofit set up to bridge relations between the tech community and the Pentagon.

The change in investor attitudes toward the defense industry comes at a time when analysts are warning the US industrial base is not prepared for a drawn-out conflict like Ukraine's, where tens of thousands of drones, for example, are launched each month.

For decades, they say, the US has prioritized high-cost, highly sophisticated systems like the F-35 fighter and Patriot missiles -- platforms difficult to produce quickly or in large numbers.

"In the new physics of the battlefield, if you can't produce, you lose. And every war game basically says that," Steckman said.

Dialing back extreme performance requirements, he added, can yield "massive gains on production."

Anduril's Barracuda-M cruise missiles, for example, require just 10 tools to build, allowing rapid scale-up.

Many startups are also pursuing modular designs, making it easier to swap out parts or software as battle conditions evolve. It's a model borrowed from commercial giants like Apple and Tesla.

Flush with venture capital, startups are also accelerating development and prototyping, sidestepping the government's traditional decade-long acquisition cycles.

Anduril used private funding to design and field the Roadrunner -- a reusable vertical takeoff aircraft -- in just two years. The Pentagon rewarded that effort with a $250 million contract for 500 Roadrunners, which are capable of intercepting airborne threats.

Michael, the Pentagon research chief, said he wants more firms to tap their own capital for developing innovative systems.

"The government can't take all the risk on risky projects. When there is more shared risk, that will lead to speed, that will lead to innovation," he said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/silicon-valley-us- defense-tech-rising-global-conflicts/33533099.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 17 September 2025 - Day 1302

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 the logistics hub of Pokrovsk remains the focal point for Russian offensive operations. Pokrovsk is an important defensive lynchpin, constraining Russian advances in the wider Donetsk oblast and towards the Ukrainian cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, both of which are also Russian objectives.

Major elements of Russia's Naval Infantry have been transferred from Russia's Kursk region and Ukraine's Sumy region to the Pokrovsk-Dobropillia axis, where they have started to conduct offensive activity in small groups.

The Ukrainian logistics hub of Lyman, also in Donetsk, remains a Russian objective, having previously been retaken by Ukrainian forces in a September 2022 counterattack. Russian forces have taken the majority of the Serebriansk forest to the south east of Lyman, and are consolidating territory along the Siverskyi Donets river.

Russian forces have consolidated control over sectors of the areas bordering Dnipropetrovsk oblast and Donetsk oblast. Most of these border areas are likely still contested by Ukrainian forces. However in the vicinity of the village Sosnivka, Russian forces have advanced approximately 10 km further into Dnipropetrovsk on a narrow front.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 155 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders are decisively intercepting the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Today Russian troops committed one rocket and 67 aviation strikes, applied one rocket and dropped 93 controlled air bombs. In addition, 1876 kamikaze drones were involved in strikes and 3219 shelling of positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled eight Russian assault actions since the beginning of the day. In addition, the Russian enemy launched 8 air strikes, dropping 21 guided air bombs, and carried out 160 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, 14 of which were from reactive systems of arson-fire.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, the eRussian nemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian units 11 times near the settlements of Vovchansk, Odradne and towards Grigorivka and Obuhivka, four battles are ongoing.

In the direction of Kupyansky, Russian forces carried out offensive actions in the areas of settlements Borivska Andriyivka, Kindrashivka, Boguslavka and in the direction of the Kupyansk. Five of the six attacks were repelled by Ukrainian warriors, another battle is ongoing.

In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders 15 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces near the settlements of Zarichne, Stavki, Torske, Novomikhailivka, Druzhelyubivka, Shandrigolove, Medium, Kolodyazi; five clashes are still ongoing.

Eleven Russian assaults were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Siverky direction - the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of Grigorivka, Dronivka, Vyimki, Fedorivka and towards Yampol.

In the Kramatorsky direction, the Russian enemy tried five times unsuccessfully to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements of Chasiv Yar, Stupochka, Predtechyna and in the direction of the settlement of Nikiforivka.

In the Toretsky direction, 13 times the Russians attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Scherbinivka, Pleshiyivka, Katerynivka, Rusynoy Yar, Poltavka and towards Mykolaipilla.

In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers 43 times tried to advance on the position of Ukrainian units. The Russian enemy attacked in the areas of settlements Volodymyrivka, Nikanorivka, Golden Well, Novoekonomicne, Zvirove, Molodetske, Rodinske, Mirolyubivka, Ray, Novoukrainka, New Shahove and in the direction of Pokrovsk. In three locations, the fights have not subsided yet.

According to preliminary data, today 160 Russian occupants were defecated in this direction, 97 of them - irrevocably, one captured. Also Ukrainian soldiers znezkodili five cars and 15 unmanned aircraft; damaged two cars and two motorcycles.

In the Novopavlovsk direction, Russian forces 16 times tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements Tolstoy, Piddubne, Voskresenka, Komyshuvakha, Novogeorgiivka, Olgivskke, Ivanivka. One battle is going on.

In the direction of Gulyaipil, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of the Poltavka settlement. Aviation strikes were hit by the settlements of Zaliznychne and Rizdvyanka.

In the Orihiv direction, supported by aviation, the Russian enemy attacked three times in the area of the settlement of Kamianske.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, theRussian enemy once tried in vain to approach the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the direction of the Antonivsky Bridge, Russian forces also launched an air strike on the areas of the settlements of Antonivka and Ingulka.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of two mechanised brigades and one assault regiment of the AFU near Varachino, Andreyevka, Sadki and Yunakovka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov direction, units of one AFU motorised infantry brigade and one territorial defence brigade have been hit near Velikaya Pisarevka (Sumy region) and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 190 troops, one armoured personnel carrier, five motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. Eight ammunition and materiel depots were neutralised.

The Zapad Group's units improved the tactical situation. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU and one national guard brigade close to Kupyansk, Boguslavka, Borovskaya Andreyevka, Gorokhovatka (Kharkov region), Kirovsk and Yampol (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses amounted to more than 250 troops, one British-made Snatch armoured fighting vehicle, 28 motor vehicles, and two artillery guns.

One Seyalka MLRS launcher, nine electronic warfare stations, and one ammunition depot were neutralised.

The Yug Group's elements took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted losses on three mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU,one marine brigade, and two territorial defence brigades near Seversk, Pereyezdnoye, Fedorovka, Stepanovka, Mayskoye, Pleshcheyevka, Svayto-Pokrovskoye, Konstantinovka, and Roskoshnoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy lost up to 255 troops, one tank, six armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns, including one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer. Two electronic warfare stations and five ammunition and POL depots were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group's units improved the situation along the front line. Manpower and hardware of one heavy mechanised brigade, two mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one assault brigade, three air assault brigades, one assault regiment of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade were hit near Belitskoye, Novy Donbass, Krasny Liman, Lenino, Rodinskoye, Dimitrov, and Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 535 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, including one M113 armoured personnel carrier, one MaxxPro armoured vehicle, one U.S.-made HMMWV armoured vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, and three artillery guns.

The Vostok Group's units continued to advance to the depths of the enemy's defence. Strikes were delivered at formations of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU and three territorial defence brigades close to Verbovoye, Velikomikhaylovka, Berezovoye (Dnepropetrovsk region) and Uspenovka (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 275 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 13 motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station.

The Dnepr Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade, and one coastal defence brigade of the AFU near Malye Shcherbaki, Stepnogorsk (Zaporozhye region), Olgovka, Antonovka, and Yantarnoye (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 50 troops and eight motor vehicles. Eight electronic warfare stations and two ammunition depots were neutralised.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces have inflicted damage on railway infrastructure used in the interests of the AFU, storage and launch areas of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries in 149 areas.

Air defence systems shot down 357 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

An enemy uncrewed surface boat was destroyed in the north-western part of the Black Sea.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost 667 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 84,865 unmanned aerial vehicles, 628 anti-aircraft missile systems, 25,138 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,592 MLRS combat vehicles, 29,657 field artillery guns and mortars, and 42,034 special military vehicles.

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Founder of One of World's Largest Hacker Forums Resentenced to Three Years in Prison

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Earlier today, a New York man was resentenced to three years in prison for his creation and operation of BreachForums, a marketplace for cybercriminals to buy, sell, and trade hacked or stolen data and other contraband, and for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

"Following the dismantlement of RaidForums by law enforcement, the defendant set up and administered BreachForums, an online bazaar where criminals could purchase sensitive data," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Today's sentence demonstrates the Justice Department's unwavering commitment to bringing to justice those who seek to sell stolen data to the highest bidder. To those seeking to operate a similar forum, take note: we will tirelessly investigate those who commit these crimes."

"Conor Fitzpatrick personally profited from the sale of vast quantities of stolen information, ranging from private personal information to commercial data," said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. "These crimes were so extensive that the damage is difficult to quantify, and the human cost of his collection of child sexual abuse material is incalculable. We will not allow criminals to hide in the darkest corners of the internet and will use all legal means to bring them to justice."

"The FBI is working tirelessly to dismantle criminal marketplaces like BreachForums, and we are pursuing the full range of actors who run these platforms," said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI's Cyber Division. "Today's sentencing demonstrates that anyone who helps others profit from theft, fraud, and other cybercrimes is not out of reach."

Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, 22, of Peekskill, New York, pleaded guilty to one count of access device conspiracy, one count of access device solicitation, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. As part of the plea agreement, Fitzpatrick also agreed to forfeit over 100 domain names used in the operation of BreachForums, more than a dozen electronic devices used to execute the scheme, and cryptocurrency that represented proceeds of the scheme.

Fitzpatrick's resentencing came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued an opinion on Jan. 21, 2025, vacating Fitzpatrick's prior sentence of time served (17 days) and remanded the case for resentencing.

According to court documents, BreachForums, launched in March 2022, rapidly developed into one of the world's largest English language hacking forums with over 330,000 members. BreachForums emerged as a replacement to RaidForums, a then major English-language hacking forum that law enforcement seized in February 2022. As with RaidForums, BreachForums gained notoriety by selling access to high-profile database breaches that contained, among other things, bank account information, social security numbers and other personal identifying information (PII), and usernames and associated passwords for accessing online accounts with merchants and service providers. BreachForums also maintained and offered access to at least 888 datasets of stolen information containing over 14 billion individual records of PII. Some of the stolen datasets contained sensitive information of customers at telecommunication, social media, investment, health care services, and internet service providers. For instance, one database contained the names and contact information for approximately 200 million users of a major U.S.-based social networking site. Another database listed the details of approximately 87,760 members of InfraGard, a partnership between the FBI and private sector companies focused on the protection of critical infrastructure.

The FBI's Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Thomas Dougherty of the Justice Department's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Halper for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney's Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Topics: Project Safe Childhood

Cybercrime

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

USAO - Virginia, Eastern

Press Release Number: 25-956

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Terrorist Designations of Four Iran-Aligned Militia Groups

US Department of State

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

September 17, 2025

The United States remains committed to countering Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, and disrupting Iran-aligned militia groups (IAMGs) from conducting attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities.

Today, the Department of State announces the designations of IAMGs Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata'ib al-Imam Ali as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

Harakat al-Nujaba (HAN)

The Department of State designated HAN and its Secretary General Akram al-Kabi as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) in 2019. Established in 2013, HAN has openly pledged its loyalties to Iran and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the group is a leading member of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), a front group of Iraqi militias that are part of the broader Iran-aligned Axis of Resistance. HAN officials have publicly threatened to attack U.S. military bases and personnel in the region.

Iran supports HAN both militarily and logistically, and the group had close ties withIran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force's (IRGC-QF) former commander Qasem Soleimani and former Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS)

The Department of State designated KSS and its Secretary General Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji as SDGTs in 2023. KSS is a member of the IRI and the group's terrorist activity has threatened both U.S. and Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS personnel in Iraq and Syria.

Iran has supported KSS with training, funding, and sophisticated weapons.

Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya (HAAA)

The Department of State designated HAAA and its Secretary General Haydar Muzhir Ma'lak al-Sa'idi as SDGTs in 2024. HAAA was involved in the IRI's January 2024 drone attack on Tower 22 in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members, and the group has publicly threatened to continue attacking U.S. interests in the region.

Kata'ib al-Imam Ali (KIA)

The Department of State designated KIA as an SDGT in 2025. KIA is affiliated with the IRI, and has, in coordination with other IAMGs, planned attacks targeting U.S. military and diplomatic facilities as well as commercial projects. KIA has also facilitated kinetic operations against U.S. forces in Iraq and its members have trained in Iran and with Hizballah in Lebanon.

KIA Secretary General Shibl al-Zaydi, designated in 2018 as an SDGT, served as a financial coordinator between the IRGC-QF and armed groups in Iraq, and assisted in facilitating Iraqi investments on behalf of Soleimani.

IAMGs Previously Designated as FTOs

Kata'ib Hizballah (KH)

The Department of State designated KH as an FTO and an SDGT in 2009. The Department designated KH Secretary General Ahmad al-Hamidawi as an SDGT in 2020. Formed in 2006 as an anti-Western Shia group, KH has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks against U.S. and Coalition Forces in Iraq. KH has also conducted attacks against Israeli, Iraqi, and Defeat-ISIS Coalition targets in Iraq and threatened the lives of Iraqi politicians and civilians. KH has ideological ties to and receives financial and military support from Iran.

Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH)

The Department of State designated AAH as an FTO and SDGT in 2020, along with its leader Qays al-Khazali as an SDGT. Formed in 2006, AAH is extensively funded and trained by Iran. AAH has claimed responsibility for thousands of attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces, including an attack on the Karbala Provincial Headquarters that resulted in the capture and murder of five American soldiers.

AAH seeks to promote Iran's political and religious influence in Iraq, maintain Shia control over Iraq, and expel any remaining Western military forces from the country.

Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and resources they need to carry out attacks.

All property and property interests of designated individuals or groups that are in the United States or that are in possession or control of a U.S. person are blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting business with sanctioned persons.

Persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with those designated today may expose themselves to sanctions risk. Notably, engaging in certain transactions with them entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to counterterrorism authorities.

Today's actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register.

Petitioners requesting removal of those designated from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List should refer to the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page.

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RAAF Base Townsville prepares for Apache fleet

The Hon Peter Khalil MP

Assistant Minister for Defence

16 September 2025

The foundations are almost complete and the first structures are beginning to take shape as RAAF Base Townsville forges ahead with infrastructure works, to prepare for the arrival of Australian Army's AH-64E Apache helicopter fleet.

The Albanese Government is investing $700 million for critical infrastructure upgrades and facilities works in Townsville. The works support the introduction of the Apache helicopters, including accommodation for the 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters who recently relocated from Brisbane, and for the 1st Aviation Regiment who have commenced their relocation from Darwin.

The Apache is the most advanced helicopter currently in operation. Its introduction into service will be a step change in Army's aviation capability.

Basing Apache in Townsville alongside the expanded CH-47F Chinook fleet allows Army to generate, sustain and deploy a stronger and more resilient helicopter capability for Defence.

These critical infrastructure works are part of the Albanese Government's focus on investing in Australia's northern bases, in line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Works underway include:

New aircraft hangars, as well as renovations to existing hangars;

New working accommodation;

New training and command facilities;

A simulation hall to accommodate Apache Pilot Simulation Training and the Army Aviation Training Centre Attack Helicopter Wing; and

Multi-storey car park facilities to support personnel working at the base.

The construction phase of the project is set to inject $375 million into the North Queensland economy and bring significant investment into local construction trades, industries and suppliers. At the peak of construction, more than 275 jobs will be created within the Townsville region.

Defence has partnered with CPB Contractors as the managing contractor for the works, who are committed to generating opportunities for local tradies to upskill. This commitment to offer new entry-level pathways to locals, supports the Albanese Government's aim to build stronger capability within north Queensland's workforce.

Construction works are expected to be completed by 2028.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

"By strengthening our northern bases, we're not just investing in infrastructure we're safeguarding our national security and ensuring the ADF can defend Australia's interests.

"RAAF Base Townsville is critical to our operations in the North and this $700 million transformation will help ensure Australia's Defence estate is fit for purpose and ready to support operations in our region.

"We're also committed to supporting the local industry and businesses who have been chosen to help deliver the program of works, which will create more than 275 new jobs for North Queenslanders."

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Nita Green:

"RAAF Base Townsville plays an important role in protecting our nation and our communities. There's no clearer example of that than the role played by the Army's 5th Aviation Regiment in the response to the most recent North Queensland floods.

"These upgrades will support the personnel that support the community. That's why they are so vital for Townsville."

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Press conference - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Transcript

Wednesday 16 September 2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: It's a great honour for me as Australia's Prime Minister to be here to celebrate 50 years of the birth of this great nation of Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Marape gave a powerful and inspirational speech this morning where he spoke about the fact that the Australian flag 50 years ago was lowered, it wasn't torn down. Australia was partners in what was an effective and peaceful transition, to the great credit of those great leaders, led by Mr. Somare, of whom a statue is placed outside Parliament House here in Port Moresby. But also to the credit of the Whitlam Government. Gough Whitlam showed vision, wanted to make sure that, as he said at the time, that Australia couldn't be free unless Papua New Guinea was as well.

And over my Prime Ministership, now this is my third visit to PNG. On the first visit, I went up to Wewak and addressed the Parliament here, the first foreign leader to address the PNG Parliament. And of course, Prime Minister Marape addressed the Australian Parliament as well. I then came back and walked the Kokoda Track for three days with Prime Minister Marape, the highlight of which was the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Isurava Memorial. When you walk that track, you just can't help but be in awe of the sacrifice that Australians made in order to protect our democracy and our sovereign nation during World War II. But we know that they couldn't have done that without the support of Papuans and New Guineans, who were providing support during that time, when they were under fire, dealing with diseases like malaria and cholera and other diseases, working in terrain that was so rough and dense, and in an experience that was far removed, many of them were from Victoria, very different terrain, but they did that. And at that time, I think ever since then, if not beforehand, there'd been such a close bond between our two great nations. And today, participating in the celebration is the next step in that.

JOURNALIST: PM, are you able to sign the defence treaty tomorrow, even though it hasn't yet been approved by PNG's Cabinet?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the PNG Cabinet, of course, yesterday was due to meet. They didn't have quorum, because everyone's gone back to their places where they're from, to celebrate this as a celebration throughout the entire nation. So we will be able to advance the treaty tomorrow. Prime Minister Marape is dealing with his Cabinet, trying to deal with that remotely, but we'll work those issues through, and it's understandable and we respect the sovereignty, of course, of PNG. Australia is ready to go, but of course, we have to go through our processes as well, including our Treaties Committee.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the treaty between Australia and PNG commits both countries to defend each other from an attack. Do you think Australian soldiers will be willing to die defending another country?

PRIME MINISTER: We have such an interest in the idea that Papua New Guinea could be under attack and we would sit back and watch, ignores the history which is there between our two great nations. Ignores geography and ignores practical issues as well. This is a great democracy. This is about advancing the sovereignty and security of both of our nations.

JOURNALIST: This is a celebration of 50 years of independence. You're also, next week, going to recognise the sovereignty of Palestine. There's another state, well would be state, in this region, Bougainville, that's seeking independence. Some 98 per cent of Bougainvillians have voted to seek that independence. Just, does or will Australia support its aspirations to become an independent state?

PRIME MINISTER: What we'll do is support the process that's been established between PNG and Bougainville. That's a process that's underway. It's one that we respect, and we'll respect those processes.

JOURNALIST: PM, back on the treaty, it also commits both countries to developing each other's militaries. Is there a funding commitment, or what sort of budget is going to go towards building up PNG's military?

PRIME MINISTER: We already provide substantial support and training. I was up at Wewak. There were Australian Defence Force personnel there. We provide significant engagement as well and training. That's a good thing, where training as well, through our Police Pacific initiative, we are now training police officers throughout the Pacific at the Pinkenba facility in Brisbane. In addition to that, we're establishing a centre here in PNG as one of four centres around the region. Now, if we have interoperability, if we have those training, engagement and that interaction, then that just improves the way that we can respond to issues like transnational crime as well. So we see this as a natural progression from the relationship that we have.

JOURNALIST: Is it fair to say that you're not quite sure yet whether you'll be signing the agreement as planned tomorrow?

PRIME MINISTER: No. We agree with the agreement, we're ready to sign off. Prime Minister Marape is talking to his Cabinet who are in different parts of PNG, and we respect that process.

JOURNALIST: PM, would you call this the NATO of the South Pacific?

PRIME MINISTER: No, I'd call this - this about Australia and the South Pacific. This is what we do, and what we do as Australia is act in our own national interest. We don't copy things in other parts of the world. Thanks very much.

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Joint communique - Papua New Guinea and Australia on a Mutual Defence Treaty

Joint statement

Wednesday 17 September 2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

The Honourable James Marape MP

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea and Australia have agreed on the text of a Mutual Defence Treaty, which will be signed following Cabinet processes in both countries.

The signing of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty - the Pukpuk Treaty - will elevate the defence relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia to an Alliance.

The core principles of the Pukpuk Treaty will include:

a mutual defence Alliance which recognises that an armed attack on Australia or Papua New Guinea would be a danger to the peace and security of both countries;

expansion and modernisation of our defence relationship, including by setting out our shared ambition to establish a recruitment pathway for Papua New Guinea citizens into the Australian Defence Force;

strengthening and expanding defence cooperation through enhanced capability, interoperability and integration;

ensuring any activities, agreements or arrangements with third parties would not compromise the ability of either of the Parties to implement the Treaty; and

reaffirming both countries' absolute respect for our neighbours' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Papua New Guinea proposed this Alliance in its 50th year of independence. Australia was honoured to agree.

Our new Alliance will reflect our true commitment to each other and to a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous. Australia and Papua New Guinea will work together to build our unique partnership and to progress our region for the betterment of our nations and our peoples.

Our Alliance will be grounded in 50 years of cooperation as equal partners. It will build on our unique security relationship, the foundation of which is the kinship between generations of our defence personnel. It will recognise the sacrifices our peoples have made for each other and the cause of peace and our nations' enduring commitment to the principles of democracy and sovereignty.

The Treaty will mark the beginning of an historic new chapter between our two countries. It will reflect and deepen the trust we share as the closest of neighbours, partners and friends.

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Press conference - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Transcript

Wednesday 17 September 2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

The Honourable James Marape MP

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

JAMES MARAPE, PRIME MINISTER OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Alright, thank you very much. And to Papua New Guinea, happy 50th anniversary. Yesterday was reflection, yesterday was our commemoration of our 50th anniversary of democracy, a free market economy, freedom of religion, freedom of worship and existing as an independent state. And we are pleased, I am pleased on behalf of every son and daughter of our country to acknowledge that on my right hand is the Prime Minister of Australia, the present Labor leader of the Australian Labor Party, under whose words we have in this press conference today. It was this moment 50 years ago where great grand chief, Sir Michael Somare, then leader of Pangu party, one day after independence had his moment with then Prime Minister of Australia, leader of Labor then, Gough Whitlam, as they made their conversations for the construct of a country that was better. And I said in my dinner conversation on 15 September, two nights ago, that from the womb of Australia, we were birthed into our sovereign nationhood. These are not just statements picked out for want of a word. These are a deliberate choice of words on where we've come from. Children of Papua New Guinea and children of Australia must not forget that we come from the same sovereign design. Before 1975, the military units we had in our country were Australian military units. The government structure we had in our country was an Australian government structure. The flag we had in PNG was the Australian flag. It was not torn, as I said yesterday morning at the flag raising occasion, 16 September 1975, the flag was lowered with dignity, purposefully lowered, handed back to Gough Whitlam then, and our own flag was hoisted for the first time then. I want to tell our country 50 years later, Australia has never abandoned us, true to the words of Gough Whitlam that Australia will find its purpose and meaning in the construct of a modern Papua New Guinea that is vibrant, prosperous and democratic. And every Australian government since 1975, both Coalition governments as well as Labor governments, have had a strong hand in the construct of our country thus far. And I want to place a record right now, the present Labor government, Prime Minister Albanese and his team, the last three years we've worked, we've worked to entrench our relationship much deeper into solid rock and to elevate it even higher. Where we're not subservient in a master relationship, but equal partners relating, coexisting, working side by side going forward into the future. And today it is not accident that we decided to have this bilateral meeting to discuss security issues, to discuss people issues, and how people-to-people and our two nations in as far as coexistence over security approaches and environment can assist our space. Lest we forget, Australia is a big continent with huge ocean space and airspace. Papua New Guinea is part of a landmass that is the second biggest island on planet Earth. We also have a big ocean space. In those spaces, it is in our mutual interest to have a defence focus and strategy that is mutual for two nations working side by side. And I want to announce today to every Papua New Guinean child, as your Prime Minister - the Prime Minister's role, number one, is the defence of this country. Today at the 50th, I ought to say with no element of shame, but admitting where we are 50 years on - our defence capacity is not at a level where your Prime Minister or your Defence Minister or your defence commander can defend our 462,840 square kilometres of land or three million square kilometres of ocean space we have. And so, it is in this vein and in the thought of preservation, in the thought of our national interest, security comes number one. And as your Prime Minister, I made a conscious choice. A choice knowing our history, knowing our culture, knowing our ethic value and moral value systems, knowing our democratic ideals, we made a conscious choice that Australia remains our security partner of choice. We have no choice but to live side by side. We have been living side by side. We'll be here forever. We have people in Australia who are Papua New Guineans. We have people in Papua New Guinea who are Australians. Before '75, we were from the same stock in as far as citizenry was concerned. And so, I want to announce to our country, today we've signed a communique. A communique that depicts both Australians and Papua New Guineans. And we are becoming security partners as we go forward into the future. The security treaty, for Papua New Guinea, would be the highest in terms of security relations we've given to any country. Just last year we signed a defence cooperation with Australia. And we felt defence cooperation is okay, but because we're in the same space, the threats that face us are exposed also to Australia. Threats that face Australia are exposed to Papua New Guinea. We got no choice. 1945 reminds us that threats that face our region - we're both exposed to the same threats. And Papua New Guinea remains friends to all enemies to none. I see no threat immediate. But as leaders, we have a duty to construct constructions of public policies and construction agreement that secures our country into time. This is not for 2025. This is not for 2026. But this is a foresight and investment in a strategy that secures not just Australia, but Papua New Guinea. But our space in world map, our space in the Pacific, Indo-Pacific map, it is us at the end of the day that will be here. Others will go where they have to go. But at the end of the day in this part of the world, it is us that will remain here. So, it is really in that context that my brother agreed to my proposal. I put on record. It was not Australian proposal. Australia never asked for this. And I want to say thank you very much my brother. You know, I looked at my big country, you saw the diversity we have today. Over 800 plus languages, over 1000 tribes. We have internal security. We don't have so much of external threat. We have internal security issues. Part of this construct in defence treaty is not an isolated defence treaty program. Working with the police, working with the judiciary, working with the full government of the law and justice sector. In the next 10 years, we want to deliver PNG a safer country for all the children of this country to be safe. That means 7,000 in our military, 7,000 people, 5,000 land soldiers, 1,000 air soldiers, 1,000 in the sea. That is our defence capability right now as we speak, police - we have 10,000 policemen and women in our country, more than policemen, properly skilled, properly trained, with the right ethics to make a defence of our law and justice sector interests. And Papua New Guinea, this conversation is not mistake. Right after our first day from our 50th, my first work, and I've dragged my brother to make it his first work today. And so, he has work to do. But accordingly, his first work on 17 September 2025 is to make sure we ink this joint communique to be transparent to every one of you that we're not doing something that is out of the blue. Treaties all around the world in brother sister nations, they sign treaty the same. We are in the process of delivering our treaty to his Cabinet and my Cabinet and of course to his parliament and my parliament for the closure and cement of the treaty that is being bettered as we speak. So, it is in this context that I want to say thank you to you for being here. Coincidentally, you got a Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for the Pacific also here. By the fact that three senior Ministers are here. Prime Minister Albanese have relocated his cabinet to Melanesia Haus for once, that's history in the making. We don't take our Deputy Prime Minister with us when we travel outside. And this treaty aside, this document aside, they came to honour our 50th and for Labor, they have a special affinity to PNG because it was Labor at '75. So, the entire Labor leadership with us, and I want to say thank you for a strong affinity. The work we're doing in PNG is to make sure we become prosperous. Our youth are engaged and employed. This country is a prosperous country to contribute to the security and safety of our said region. So, in this context, I want to welcome you, my brother. I know we spoke on a rugby league team that is coming in 2028. I want to thank you for your support in the space. I want to thank you for your other support in all the bilateral programs that is running. At 50th anniversary, it would be remiss of me not to indicate this at our 50th. Australia remains head and shoulders above any other bilateral nation we have in as far as support for our development costs. Thank you, Australia.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Thank you so much, my friend. It has been a great honour for myself and the Deputy Prime Minister and the Defence Minister and the Assistant - he's assistant in Defence, but also the Pacific, Pat Conroy - for us to be here celebrating what is a momentous and historic occasion. Yesterday, we celebrated 50 years of history, 50 years of independence and the birth of a great nation. Today, we take historic steps going forward as well. Australia and PNG are the closest of neighbours. Saibai Island, you can look across and you can see PNG, literally. And we are the truest of friends. We're there for each other when times are tough, but we take pleasure and joy in each other's achievements. All Australians congratulate the people of Papua New Guinea on the 50th anniversary of their nation's independence. And last night was truly a spectacular occasion. It's been very special to join the Prime Minister and his colleagues here and also to attend the State Dinner with His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh as well, representing His Majesty King Charles on Monday evening. And I've got to say as well, that the message from His Majesty last night was a real highlight. The fireworks were fantastic, the drone show was extraordinary, but the best element of last night was the people - showing the diversity of Papua New Guinea's population. The celebration of all those young people out there on the field dancing, celebrating with joy, they will remember that moment for the rest of their lives. I thought it reminded me of the opening of an Olympic Games in Sydney, just that expression that we saw last night. It was a wonderful occasion. And it followed in 1975, our great predecessors, Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, and it was wonderful to see his relatives once again there over the last couple of days. Prime Minister Gough Whitlam celebrated the birth of an independent Papua New Guinea. Independence was, in Gough's words, an idea whose time has come. While Papua New Guinea independence was formalised by an act of the Australian Parliament, it was made possible not by that, it was made possible by the acts of courage, imagination and leadership from the people of Papua New Guinea. Because independence was never Australia's gift to give, it was Papua New Guinea's right to assert, and your opportunity to seize. It was your people's dream, and together you worked to make it real and have worked to build this nation in the last 50 years. It is fitting that Australia and Papua New Guinea mark this historic anniversary with a partnership that will shape the future. Today, Prime Minister Marape and I subsigned a joint communique for a PNG-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty. The text of this treaty has been agreed and it will be signed following cabinet processes in both countries. This treaty will elevate our relationship to the status of an alliance. It will be Australia's first new alliance in more than 70 years and only the third in our entire history, along with the ANZUS Treaty with New Zealand and the United States. The Treaty, of course, is so important going forward for us. Our mutual defence treaty will build on 50 years of cooperation between our nations, including our long standing defence relationship. It contains a mutual defence commitment under which both countries recognise that both Australia and PNG have a mutual interest in our security. It also will be a reflection of our shared commitment to regional security, our shared values and the depth of our partnership. Importantly, as Prime Minister Marape has said, this was initiated by Papua New Guinea. It was a request to Australia and it was a request which we readily agreed to. It's a request that is in the interest of building the sovereignty of both of our nations. In addition to today our security and defence cooperation, of course, we spoke about economic development, investment, infrastructure. Of course, it did come down to rugby league as well, and we look forward to the NRL team commencing here. Our nations share, as well, great democracies, and one of the things that this treaty will do is to allow for even further training and experience of Papua New Guinea citizens in the Australian Defence Force. We already have a considerable engagement, of course, the second in charge of one of our divisions in Townsville is indeed a Papua New Guinea citizen. And they are proud of that and we are proud of that as well. Just half a century ago we worked towards laying the foundations of what was then a new nation. What we will do with this agreement today is really step up to a new level. We will go through our respective cabinet processes and expect to finalise the signing of the Treaty, the words of which have been agreed, in coming weeks. As I said after walking the Kokoda Track with Prime Minister Marape last year, Australia and PNG will keep walking together side by side, step by step towards the future. And I very much value my friendship with the Prime Minister, but importantly as well, I value the friendship between our two peoples. This at the end of the day is a people-to-people relationship and it will be strengthened in the years ahead. And the measures and steps forward that we've made today will be a part of that. Thank you, Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Thank you to everyone. The text of our communique will be released to the public so the public is aware, and it respects our respective sovereignty for the construct of our joint coexistence going forward into the future. And as I said to anyone listening in from around the world, we relate to all nations on an equal placement. But as far as security is concerned, Australia is our security partner of choice. We work with them. That doesn't compromise elsewhere. My Defence Minister will be on a road show talking to all our bilateral partners elsewhere from around the world who may ask what is this all about? We will be transparent and we'll ask them, please stick to where you relate with us, but as far as security is concerned, we look inward at home first. Home first, because it is home front in our defence interests. Anyway so the Prime Minister has got to catch a flight. Please, we've got time for few.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister Marape, Prime Minister Albanese. How does this agreement align with the strategic priorities of both nations?

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Of course for my government, it is in my number one interest to make sure our country is safe and secure. And as I said earlier, to everyone Papua New Guinean, as your Prime Minister and your number one defender, right now if someone choose to press long range missiles someplace, I have no ability to defend this country. So as Prime Minister, I have to work fastest, quickest, earliest, to the best of our ability to make sure that our country is able to protect itself. This one now enables, if we finally reach the text that our officials have signed upon, if the cabinet process is retired and Parliament does pass the treaty, then it gives us ability and it also, part of that also entails that if one of us is under threat, then we have a responsibility to each other to assist. And so this one enables us to mobilise our strong help at the earliest. Mind you, my brother, we're not running around creating enemies. We respect all sovereignties that relate to us. But this is a construct for the future and our two forces, the capacity we must build in Australia too. And the Prime Minister did indicate that if you need more manpower to recruit into your Australian Defence Force, then Papuan citizens are available for them to recruit and serve as Australian Defence Force personnel. So, mutually beneficial to both as a strategic value to both nations. It is in our shared interests that our defence are interoperable and work side by side, step by step into the future. My number one task is to protect the country. In the interest of protecting the country, I'm making this call.

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: And similarly, as the Prime Minister has said, the key word here is mutual. This is in the interest of Papua New Guinea and in the interests of Australia - and that is why this is a historic move forward. We of course cooperate all of the time across the board. What this does is formalise, what I think, is a common sense position resulting from our history and resulting from our geography.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, thank you. Mr Albanese, your Minister said that you would sign the treaty today - it's not finalised. Is that embarrassing that it hasn't been finalised today? And if it's not finalised, is the NRL deal, Rugby League deal at risk? Prime Minister Marape, congratulations on the Golden Jubilee, a wonderful celebration. I want to ask you though, can you guarantee this deal will be done? That you will stake your leadership on finalising this treaty?

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: Well, can I say that one of the things about this, not just this Treaty, but this relationship, is we respect sovereignty and we respect the processes of the Papua New Guinea government. What this is about is the processes of their Cabinet, that we respect. It's been a busy week, this week. Monday, the Cabinet members were in various parts of Papua New Guinea - that is perfectly understandable. But the wording has been agreed to, the communique today has signed outlines precisely what is in the Treaty. We're releasing that for everyone to see today. And this is very positive, very positive. There is no downside in this whatsoever. This is all upside for Australia and upside for Papua New Guinea. And I can't think of a better time for us to be releasing the communique than, as I discussed with Prime Minister Marape on Monday, for us to sign a communique today on the day after the 50th anniversary of the birth of this great nation.

JOURNALIST: And the NRL team?

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: The NRL team is going to be running on the field, and get on board. And I tell you what, get on board for them to do very well, very quickly. They will have the biggest junior rugby league academy right throughout PNG that any, all the other teams are going to be very jealous of the PNG team. They are aiming for 1 million members of the team. My team thinks it's going pretty well, we've got 30 something thousand members. Put that in perspective.

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: All right, I want to appreciate this question. Even if there was no rugby league team in NRL, this treaty would still have been signed today. This has nothing whatsoever to do with the rugby league. It is in my national interest, as I said at the fastest, quickest, earliest, to build up my defence force. There was some insanity back in my country's history over 25 years ago where our defence force was eroded to absolutely nothing. I said earlier I'm ashamed as Prime Minister I cannot defend my country. And I asked Australia, to Papua New Guineans, Australia said we can help. We work together. So, Australia did not ask for this. Papua New Guinea asked for this in the interest to defend my sovereignty. Australia said we'll step with you. Australia's got many friends to choose from in as far as defence training is concerned. In case you did not hear, this is the only second or third since 70 years.

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: Yes.

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: 70 years. And so I want to distance rugby from this treaty. Even if there was no Rugby League team in 2028, I would have signed this treaty today. As Prime Minister, I go to sleep every night worrying if someone invades my country, what is my defence for my country? Quickest, fastest, the country that battled with us said we will work with you. If someone attacks you, we will put our body on the line. Just like the 1st Papuan Infantry Battalion 1942 to 1945 in the just one single shotguns, were working side by side with young Melburnians, young Sydneysiders, young Western Australians who were deployed into Kokoda to fight the war. So, we have history, shared history, and it is leaders' interest to construct the future they want for their country. So, please distance from small minded. If something happens in PNG or Australia, by default you'll be drawn into these conversations. And investing in defence is a defence strategy in itself of peace. I want to repeat this. In good times, investing in defence is a defence strategy in itself. You don't have to wait for war to invest in defence. For PNG, we are friends to all. And that friends to all is a dominant policy that remains. This investment is into capacity. Australia may need manpower. We deploy manpower. You recruit from PNG. Your capacities and technology etc we import into PNG. They must be interoperable side by side going forward into the future. World around have partnerships. Unfortunately, you cannot one night pick up the Australian continent and place on the other side of the world. You're here for perpetually, forever. I was telling, I think some people inside - geography and history you cannot change. Two classes taught by all of us. We're all students, imagine us, and sitting here as learned people, you can never change geography and history. And so, we're stuck here forever. And so, we got to make to do with what we have. And for me, even without a rugby league team, I would have signed this today.

JOURNALIST: Since it's been a hectic four days. Where do we go from here? [inaudible]

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Alright, for me there's no holiday. No holiday for me except my Saturdays when I rest on my Sabbath. That recuperates my soul and my body. But there's no holiday in public life. And it is a pointer to every Papua New Guineans. As I said last night in the closing ceremony, as we conclude 16th of September, there's the 17th of September coming up. What are you going to do on the 17th of September? Are you going to party your way through life, or get to serious work and work? This is a pointer to everyone that work for our country, the next 50 years must start with no rest for all of us. We want our citizens to enjoy life in a developed country. That's the dream I have for Papua New Guineans. It starts with us getting back to work. I slept at 2 o'clock last night and I got up for work at 4:30 this morning. I want every Papua New Guineans - you have to give your time, the best ability. You rest only on Sundays or Saturdays. For every public servant, Chief Secretary, every one of you. My first instruction: work full time or more time. Saturdays and Sundays, I allow you to rest. Every other day, please work for your time.

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: Thanks very much. Australia is very proud of the contribution that we made to the Parliament House here in Port Moresby. And I was proud to be the first foreign leader to address the PNG Parliament. It's something that I will never forget. And Prime Minister Marape addressed our Parliament in Canberra as well, in what was a historic occasion. I confirmed that Australia's gift to PNG to commemorate the 50th anniversary of independence is the new wing of the Parliament building. Importantly, the new wing of the Parliament building will be like if you're facing Parliament House, the wing that is there to the right, will be on the other side. And the D wing is coming. And what it will do, with both of it being elevated as well, is it will - if you look from above, which there's a few drones we know now are here in PNG from last night - is it will look like the bird of paradise, such an important, that we see on the flag and we see as such an important symbol of Papua New Guinea. It is also a signal from Australia that we value your democracy. And there's nothing better that we could do than fund the very institutional building that will house the growth of PNG's democracy going forward.

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Thank you very much, Australia Government and Australia Prime Minister just announced Australia will assist in the D wing. It was an unfinished business, in 1985 when our country celebrates 10th anniversary. We had the new Parliament that we moved in and was celebrating our 10th anniversary in the new Parliament. The C wing was put in, the D wing was left uncompleted. And so 40 years on, since the first move into a new Parliament, the Australian Government - and I thank every Australian taxpayers - they're again assisting us in the setup of the D wing and part of our reconstruct. And borrowing his word, appreciating our democracy that we present for the last 50 years. Thank you, so much.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister Marape, what was the sticking point that meant you did not sign the treaty today? And Prime Minister Albanese, has there been any foreign interference to try to undermine this treaty?

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: There is no sticking point. The communique we signed establishes the core principles of the Treaty that has been processed below the Cabinet level. So, both Cabinets got to run the process to run. Then after Cabinet gives its blessing, it goes to Parliament for that Treaty to be ratified. This important institutional processes are running. So, we cannot, we're not, we're not running a military dictatorship here. It's a democracy. So, you got to, you got to run the, you got to allow the process, new process to, to complete this course.

JOURNALIST:[inaudible]

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Process of Cabinet is confined to the Cabinet itself. That's a reason why you call it Cabinet. What comes out in a democracy, majority agrees. And as I say today, the Cabinet will have a handle on this matter as soon as Cabinet finishes it, it will then be processed to the next stage. And we anticipate to have a quick turnaround. Answering the first question raised by our friend from Sky, it will not be delayed. It's an important monumental occasion to commemorate our 50th anniversary, and as I said earlier in my speech there is no greater task for a Prime Minister than security of its sovereignty. And so, to make this poignant occasion with this poignant statement, my Cabinet will process it at the very earliest. When Cabinet resumes this matter will be processed. I will be out of the country. Deputy Prime Minister will chair the Cabinet to go through this, and as the Cabinet processes this, then it will go to the next stage. We have an imminent PNG-Australia Ministerial meeting that is coming up, and we hope that the next stage these discussions then find its place in the agenda of the PNG-Australia Minister forums. It's an annual dialogue that takes place every year in any case. As it goes through the Annual Ministers' Meeting, and both parliaments, then we'll have a handle on this one. I would bring to my Parliament. He will of course bring to his Parliament, and we run this one. This is a process that is a deep precedent is running. We don't run it through his call or my call. The entire process must funnel it through.

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: Yeah. The answer to your question to me is no.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister Albanese, this is twice in a week after Vanuatu, pretty much returning home without the anticipated security grant. Are you overreaching here trying to convince countries to sign on to these deals when they aren't ready for them? And Prime Minister Marape, thank you very much for your hospitality. Thanks for having us in your country. Are you concerned that another nation perhaps China now they have a window of opportunity maybe trying to lobby your Ministers to scuttle this deal?

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: On the first, this was a request from Papua New Guinea to Australia. So, I think that answers your question. This is a request from PNG to Australia, to which Australia agreed. Democracies aren't the same as authoritarian regimes. They go through processes. We respect them. Processes are important, and sovereignty is important, and we respect it. And Papua New Guinea, as we'll go through its Cabinet processes, but we have been agreed on the words in this treaty. We have not had a new alliance in more than 70 years. This is a very significant agreement going forward. And it will be, of course, finalised as the Prime Minister has said we have coming up our Ministerial Meeting, which is an annual event that will take place this time in Australia, because we are the hosts. And the dates of that are being finalised but we expect that they obviously will be this year and next month is what we are looking at.

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: All right. In terms of your issue on and your reference to China, I want to ask all of you as you stay in PNG please let's give respect to China. China has been an enduring friend of PNG for the last 50 years. We maintain one China policy. But China also knows clearly that in, as far as security, we have security partners of choice. And so, this is in no way, shape or form Chinese have any hand in saying don't do this etc. They have their own space. The last six years under my watch they have given great respect to our Government's shepherd of this. We've been very transparent. For security aspect, we work with a lot of security partners. For you, we work in the spaces of trade and economic and other relations, we work. So, we've been very transparent in that, and in fact, in the next two days or so, I will dispatch our Defence Minister to go first to China, and elsewhere in all of our security nations, USA, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, to inform them all exactly what this is all about. For us, this is home run for us. It is in our shared interests to do this. And it's got nothing against our relationship with them, we asked them too, even through this press, that they do respect PNG's Government's choice of security partners. It is our choice. And we feel at home with Australia, and we make this choice. We go to them, and we be transparent about this and telling them this is the way it should be, and it is.

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: Thank you very much everyone.

PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Thanks so much.

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2 Men Wanted For Attempting To Smuggle Arms To China, Harassing Dissident Flee House Arrest In Serbia

By Sonja Gocanin September 16, 2025

Summary

Two men indicted in the United States and arrested in Serbia for smuggling military technology to China and harassing a Chinese-American artist escaped house arrest in Belgrade.

John Miller, a British citizen, and Cui Guanghai, a Chinese national, face charges in the United States, including arms smuggling, interstate stalking, and conspiracy, with potential sentences of up to 40 years in prison.

The pair also allegedely organized the harassment of a Chinese-American dissident artist who planned protests and displays critical Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

BELGRADE -- Two men indicted by the United States for trying to smuggle sensitive military technology to China and organizing the harassment of a Chinese-American artist escaped house arrest in Serbia while awaiting extradition, and their whereabouts are unknown.

It is unclear when John Miller, a British citizen, and Cui Guanghai, a Chinese national, fled house arrest. The High Court in Belgrade announced on September 9 that an arrest warrant had been issued for the pair back on August 15, and then said on September 12 that the men are wanted under an international Interpol warrant and that a search for them is still under way.

The escape and ensuing search in Serbia is the latest development in a case that has stretched from San Francisco to Beijing and involves charges of arms smuggling and intimidating Hui Bo, a dissent artist who organized a protest criticizing Chinese leader Xi Jinping while he was in the United States in 2023 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

"I was shocked and outraged when I learned that Cui Guanghai and John Miller disappeared from house arrest in Belgrade," Hui, who currently resides in Los Angeles, told RFE/RL, adding that their escape "highlights serious risks" to his personal safety.

Miller and Cui were arrested in Belgrade in April at the request of the FBI while there on a business trip and then released under house arrest in May.

US court documents released through the indictment say Miller was caught in a sting by FBI agents where an operative posed as an arms dealer who the men allegedly solicited for the procurement of US defense equipment, including surface-to-air missiles, air defense radar, drones, and cryptographic devices for unlawful export to China.

Miller allegedly told an undercover agent that the equipment would be copied in China and that Beijing would pay two to three times the cost to acquire the hardware.

The two men have been charged in the United States with interstate stalking, conspiracy to commit interstate stalking, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act. Together, the charges carry up to 40 years in prison.

It is not known if they are still in the country and the US officials had been coordinating for the two men's pending extradition with their Serbian counterparts.

The US State Department declined to answer RFE/RL's questions about the two men's escape from house arrest.

Targeting Chinese Dissidents In The US

US authorities have not explicitly said Miller and Cui were working at the behest of the Chinese government to carry out the smuggling and harassment, and the US Attorney's Office of the Central District of California previously said the indictment is "merely an allegation."

"All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law," the office said when the indictment was released in April.

But the indictment also includes phone calls and recordings with Miller and Cui --and Hui, the dissident artist, confirmed several of its details to RFE/RL.

Court documents also say Miller and Cui organized the harassment and intimidation of Hui, first on the sidelines of the 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco and again earlier this year.

The indictment alleges the pair enlisted two individuals in the United States to carry out a plot that would have stopped Hui from helping to organize a protest against Xi's attendance at the economic forum where he would unveil half-naked sculptures he created of Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan.

Miller and Cui, however, were unaware that those two individuals were acting at the direction of the FBI.

"In the weeks leading up to the APEC summit, Cui and Miller directed and coordinated an interstate plan to track the victim, install tracking devices on the victim's car, puncture the victim's car tires, and purchase and destroy art statues made by the victim depicting President Xi and his wife," the indictment states.

Hui told RFE/RL that he learned in 2023 that two people were being monitored by the FBI and he was informed that there were plans to destroy his sculptures and to attack him.

"They immediately arranged for my family and me to move to a safe place and provided free accommodation, which made me realize how real and urgent the threat was," he told RFE/RL.

A similar series of events allegedly unfolded in 2025 when Hui announced in a public video that he planned to display new statues of Xi and his wife. Court documents say that Miller and Cui hired two other individuals to try and intimidate him from unveiling his new statues.

Those individuals were paid $36,000, but the indictment notes that they were both also affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-john-miller-cui- guanghai-arms-smuggling-apec-xi/33531833.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Readout of Secretary Rubio's Call with French Foreign Minister Barrot

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 16, 2025

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The Secretary and Foreign Minister reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon.



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INDIAN NAVAL SHIP KADMATT ARRIVES IN SUVA, FIJI

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 16 SEP 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Naval Ship Kadmatt, an indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, arrived in Suva, Fiji on 15 Sep 2025, for a goodwill visit as part of her three-month deployment.

The port call reflects the deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Fiji, while reaffirming India's commitment to strengthen maritime cooperation and bilateral relations with friendly foreign countries.

During the visit, INS Kadmatt will host senior officials from the Republic of Fiji Navy to foster professional exchanges to explore avenues of mutual interest. The ship's crew will also participate in a range of community outreach programmes, sporting events and cultural exchanges, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and goodwill between the two nations.

The visit highlights India's vision of 'MAHASAGAR' (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) and underscores the Indian Navy's role as a preferred secured partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

________________________

VM/SKY 191/25

(Release ID: 2167274)

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Armed Forces shape future roadmap at Combined Commanders' Conference 2025

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 17 SEP 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

The Combined Commanders' Conference (CCC) 2025 was conducted by the Armed Forces in Kolkata, West Bengal from September 15 to 17, 2025. As the apex-level forum of the Armed Forces, the conference brought together the highest decision-makers from the Ministry of Defence and the three Services to foster strategic & conceptual dialogue. The CCC plays a pivotal role in shaping the Armed Forces' future roadmap, enhancing jointness, guiding capability development and ensuring alignment with national security priorities. This year's theme 'Year of Reforms - Transforming for the Future' reflected a focused agenda to prepare the forces for emerging challenges.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh graced the conference, lauding the exemplary dedication of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the Nation. They underlined the need for continuous reforms and technological self-reliance, particularly emphasising indigenous development in defence technology and manufacturing.

The conference commenced with a high-impact demonstration by the Joint Operations Command Centre, followed by a live Air Defence demonstration showcasing state-of-the-art capabilities in air surveillance, missile defence and counter-drone operations. This was followed by vibrant discussions on the evolving character of future warfare, examining the shifting paradigms of multi-domain operations in the context of rapid technological advancements. A comprehensive review of major reforms of the last two years and transformational steps was carried out by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan which provided clarity on progress achieved.

The Prime Minister delivered an inspiring address focusing on the strategic vision for the Armed Forces. He emphasised on Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation for enhanced operational readiness of the Armed Forces.

Raksha Mantri presided over a pivotal session which included an in-depth performance review of current force readiness, capability development and a strategic roadmap for future wars. Special attention was given to the impact of the current geopolitical flux on India's security environment, emphasising the need for agility, resilience and foresight in defence planning.

Day-2 delved deeply into the growing importance of information warfare. The official release of the 'Joint Military Space Doctrine' marked a key milestone in institutionalising this domain as a part of national security strategy.

Subsequent sessions facilitated a robust open forum discussion on the strategic neighborhood, analysing the evolving security dynamics across India's borders and beyond. Critical issues relating to procurement processes, financial powers delegation, and the challenges faced by the Armed Forces in acquiring state-of-the-art equipment were debated, with a view to enhancing efficiency and promoting transparency. The performance and future trajectory of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme were also reviewed, underlining that the welfare of personnel and veterans remained our central focus.

The day witnessed valuable remarks by Raksha Mantri, wherein he exhorted the Armed Forces to go beyond the traditional concepts of war and remain alert & ready to deal with invisible challenges emanating from unconventional threats such as information, ideological, ecological and biological warfare. In view of the turbulent global order, regional instability and the emerging security landscape, Raksha Mantri emphasised the need for constant assessment of the changes taking place across the globe, and its impact on the security system of the country.

It was followed by a session led by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, which deliberated on translating strategic vision into actionable plans, defining the future roadmap and turning vision into executable outcomes.

Day-3 focused on understanding emerging threats and future challenges in a rapidly evolving security landscape. An insightful session by the CDS provided a detailed update on the Year of Reforms, elaborating on the action plans formulated in line with the Prime Minister's and Raksha Mantri's directions.

The discussion emphasised on enhancing jointness and integration across the Services, fostering interoperability, streamlining decision-making and reforming institutional structures for space, cyber, information and special operations domains. The session underlined the critical importance of adopting a technology-led approach to modern warfare, with innovations integrated seamlessly into operational doctrine.

The conference concluded with the CDS' remarks as he summarised key outcomes and reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces to continually transform in order to remain agile, self-reliant and future-ready. He highlighted the need to institutionalise reforms as an ongoing process, aimed at preparing the Forces to effectively tackle challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

The successful conduct of CCC 2025 marks a major step in transforming the Armed Forces into a more integrated, technologically advanced, and operationally agile force - fully capable of addressing multi-domain threats, safeguarding national interests and contributing to nation building, global peace and stability.

***

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2167585)

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Operation Sindoor, 2016 Surgical Strike & 2019 Balakot Air Strike are proof that India chooses the path of hard power when negotiations fail: Raksha Mantri

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 17 SEP 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

"Operation Sindoor, 2016 Surgical Strike and 2019 Balakot Air Strike are proof that India's patience is its strength not weakness, and we choose the path of hard power when negotiations fail to yield any solution," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the Hyderabad Liberation Day event on September 17, 2025. Speaking in Hyderabad, Telangana, he asserted that while the strong and resolute New India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, believes in dialogue, it knows how to give a befitting reply to those who fail to understand the language of peace and goodwill.

Raksha Mantri pointed out that while terrorists killed innocent citizens in Pahalgam based on their dharma, the Indian Armed Forces killed terrorists and destroyed their hideouts in Pakistan & PoK during Operation Sindoor based on their karma. Crediting the valour and dedication of the Armed Forces for the successful execution, he reiterated that the operation is only on hold, and it will resume in full force in case another terrorist activity is orchestrated from across the border. He emphasised that India rejected third party intervention over the ceasefire during Operation Sindoor, stating that no third party can interfere in India's internal matters.

Shri Rajnath Singh also hailed the role of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel as 'Iron man' in uniting North and South India. Pointing out that Hyderabad Liberation Day and PM Modi's birthday fall on 17 September, he said that, "Just like Sardar Patel, our Prime Minister is working to strengthen India culturally, socially, spiritually and economically.

Raksha Mantri credited PM Modi with transforming the nation and exuded confidence that India will soon become the world's third-largest economy. "Today, India does not take dictation from anyone; it writes its own script,' he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh commended the courage of those who participated in Operation Polo, stating that it was not merely a military operation; it was Sardar Patel's decisive blow that shattered the Razakars' conspiracy and brought Hyderabad back to India. He termed the success of Operation Polo and the merger of Hyderabad with India as a glorious chapter which demonstrated to the world that India has always been both capable and powerful in protecting its unity.

"Just as the Razakars' conspiracy collapsed in 1948, Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and its agents have failed today. India has again given a befitting reply with Operation Sindoor. We have again proved that our unity and cultural diversity are our greatest strength," added Raksha Mantri.

As part of the event, Shri Rajnath Singh also visited the Hyderabad Liberation Day Photo Exhibition organised by Central Bureau of Communication, Hyderabad. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister For Coal & Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar were among the dignitaries who attended the event.

****

VK/Savvy/KB

(Release ID: 2167568)

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Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

September 17, 2025

16:45

During the phone call, Vladimir Putin offered his best wishes to Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, wishing him good health, prosperity and further success in his service to the nation. The President of Russia emphasised that under Narendra Modi's leadership, India is pursuing an independent, sovereign policy while demonstrating impressive economic results.

Vladimir Putin stressed that throughout the course of recent history, the relations between India and Russia have remained friendly and enjoyed nation-wide support in both countries. He also expressed satisfaction with the current progress of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India, which also enjoys Narendra Modi's considerable personal contribution.

The two leaders discussed the preparations for the Russian President's upcoming visit to India, which is planned for December this year, and addressed a range of international issues, including the situation surrounding Ukraine.

In addition, the President of Russia sent Narendra Modi a message of greetings.

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Iran Blocks Family Memorial For Mahsa Amini On Third Anniversary Of Her Death

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda September 17, 2025

Three years after the death of Mahsa Amini, Iranian authorities are still preventing her family from holding a memorial service for the 22-year-old who died while in the custody of Tehran's morality police for an alleged violation of the law on wearing a head cover.

A source close to the family told RFE/RL's Radio Farda on September 16, the third anniversary of Amini's death, that her father, Amjad Amini, was summoned by intelligence officials in Saghez, in Iran's Kurdistan Province and warned not to take any action to mark the occassion.

Amateur videos posted online showed shops in Saghez closed on September 16 in what was described as a strike by local shopkeepers to mark the anniversary.

Meanwhile, small scattered protests were reported later on September 16 in several cities, including in Karaj and Tehran's Sadeghieh neighborhood where videos showed protesters chanting: "Death to the Dictator."

The source, who requested anonymity, said security forces have been stationed outside the family's home in Saghez since September 14 and have been monitoring their movements.

According to the source, security forces also blocked access to Aichi Cemeterywhere Amini is buriedto prevent visitors from reaching her grave. The family was barred from visiting the site as well.

Radio Farda sources added that authorities blocked access routes to the cemetery by releasing water from the Cheragh Weis Dam into the Saqqez riverbed.

Similar measures were taken last year on the second anniversary of Amini's death, which had sparked nationwide protests across Iran. During those demonstrations, women removed their headscarves and many chanted slogans against the clerical establishment, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Authorities responded with a violent crackdown, killing more than 500 people and arresting more than 20,000.

Human Rights Watch said in a statement marking the anniversary that authorities have failed to conduct effective, impartial, and independent investigations into serious human rights violations and crimes under international law during and since the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom protests.

The rights group added that the third anniversary of the protests is "a stark reminder for concerned governments to pursue criminal accountability and other pathways for justice for victims and their families."

"The victims and their families who suffered brutal violence at the hands of Iranian authorities have no prospects for justice, as those who should deliver redress are themselves implicated in violations and crimes and shield others responsible from accountability," said Bahar Saba, senior Iran researcher at Human Rights Watch.

"Countries that can prosecute such cases should seek every opportunity to do so."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-blocks- memorial-mahsa-amini-third-anniversary-death/33532682.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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15th China-Mongolia media forum held in Mongolia's capital

Xinhua) 15:31, September 18, 2025

ULAN BATOR, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The 15th China-Mongolia Media Forum was held on Wednesday in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, focusing on the friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Mongolia in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

The forum, which attracted more than 150 representatives from the media sectors in both countries, was jointly hosted by the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA), the Mongolian Journalists' Association and organized by the Information Office of the People's Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China.

In her speech, Wu Xu, secretary of the Secretariat of ACJA, expressed the hope that the media of China and Mongolia will truthfully, objectively and comprehensively report the achievements of the two countries in implementing the leaders' consensus and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership, effectively promote the efforts of both sides to maintain peaceful coexistence, mutual assistance and win-win cooperation, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Zhang Dong, a senior official from China's State Council Information Office, called on both sides to take innovative and practical measures to enhance media exchange and cooperation, and deepen cultural and technological exchanges between the youth of the two countries, so as to further enhance mutual trust and people-to-people bonds.

Ravdandorj Nyamdawaa, director of the Information and Public Relations Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, said that media exchanges between Mongolia and China are getting closer and closer. "I believe that through this forum, practical cooperation between the two sides in various fields will be further strengthened and will make positive contributions to the development of friendly relations between the two countries," he added.

Gundsambuu Ariunchuluun, vice president of the Mongolian Journalists' Association, said that in recent years, exchanges and cooperation in the field of journalism between Mongolia and China have deepened significantly with fruitful results, which have played an active role in enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

"This forum will further promote exchanges and cooperation between the media of the two countries in AI and other fields," he said.

During the forum, several cooperation agreements were signed between media organizations from both countries.

Since its establishment in 2010, the China-Mongolia Media Forum has become a key institutional platform for cultural and media exchange between China and Mongolia, serving as a bridge to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
FM Sa'ar sends letter to the President of the European Commission ahead of tomorrow's meeting of the European Union's College of Commissioners

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"This unprecedented proposal, that has never been implemented against any other country, constitutes a clear attempt to harm Israel while we are still fighting a war imposed on us by the October 7 terror attack - the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust."

Type: Press Releases

Topic: Foreign Policy

Publish Date: 16.09.2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar today (Tuesday, 16 September 2025) sent a letter to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen ahead of tomorrow's meeting of the European Union's College of Commissioners regarding the President's proposal to put political pressure on Israel by suspending trade-related provisions in the E.U.-Israel Association Agreement

Text of the Letter:

Madam President,

Regarding your intention to submit in the upcoming meeting of the College of Commissioners - without any prior notice, in "blitz" speed and without any consultation with us and against the spirit of the Association Agreement - a proposal to suspend certain trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement.

This unprecedented proposal, that has never been implemented against any other country, constitutes a clear attempt to harm Israel while we are still fighting a war imposed on us by the October 7 terror attack - the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. This existential war is being fought against Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza, while we are still being attacked also by the Houthis in Yemen.

As you know well, the war continues because Hamas refuses to release the hostages and insists on maintaining its military power in Gaza. Had Hamas agreed to disarm and release the hostages, the war would have ended long ago.

It is profoundly disturbing that you, by advancing such a proposal, are in practice empowering a terrorist organization responsible for and continuing to perpetrate heinous crimes, while Israel, a longstanding partner of the EU, fights an existential war. It also jeopardizes the ongoing efforts to end the war.

Pressure through sanctions will not work. The State of Israel is a proud sovereign nation, and we will not be bent through threats while Israel's security is at stake. As has been clearly stated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, initiatives of this nature embolden Hamas, harden its stance, and undermine progress toward potential agreements. These kinds of measures will also harm European citizens as it will raise prices of commodities.

Moreover, the proposal is also replete with false accusations and legal flaws:

You have failed to meet even minimal due process requirements and have acted in bad faith. You have not given Israel any adequate notice regarding its current proposal, and failed to provide Israel even the slightest opportunity to respond. Under the Association Agreement, the President and the EU must bring the matter to the Association Council before making any decision. This adds to the outargues so-called "review" process undertaken by the EU in June, singling out Israel, while brazenly violating all basic principles of naturality, impartiality and fairness with a false "report", while totally ignoring the information provided by Israel. The present proposal to punish Israel ignores the extensive efforts undertaken by Israel, including those taken following the dialogue with the EU. Allegations of material breach of Art. 2 of the Association Agreement by Israel are obscene. Israel is a law-abiding state acting in compliance with international law. As has been acknowledged by the EU, Israel has taken extensive and unprecedented efforts to allow and facilitate humanitarian assistance, including a dramatic increase in supply. Thus, there are no grounds to claim "special urgency" within the meaning of the Agreement. Your sudden decision raises significant questions, unless the purpose of this decision is to undermine Israel's fight against terrorist organizations in Gaza. The President and the EU rely heavily on unverified and manipulated data based on Hamas controlled sources. In doing so, the EU plays into the hands of Hamas, and their calculated strategy to harm Israel and to undermine its right to exist. The President and the EU attempts to overpass its own rules in order to advance dangerous politically motivated foreign policy measure, not a common commercial or trade issue. Under the EU's own Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), any decision taken in connection with this initiative requires unanimity. In addition, suspension of trade of services and the commercial aspects of intellectual property requires unanimity. Your initiative clearly infringes upon the requirement to select a measure that least disturbs the functioning of the Agreement. Any suspension of trade-related provisions of the Agreement is wholly inappropriate and unproportionate. The present process disregards the complex factual and normative context and Israel's war against terror and attempts to eliminate it. The right of a party to the Agreement to take measures in order to protect its essential security interests in time of war is recognized in the Agreement and is inherent to international law more broadly.

Madam President,

Eighty years have passed since the Holocaust on European soil occurred, taking the life of 6 million of our people. We have established a homeland for our people in our ancestral land, fighting relentlessly for our lives and security. Europe harming Israel while there is an attempt to annihilate the surviving remnant of the Jewish people and its only state marks the trampling of every moral standard and disregards Europe's historical responsibility.

Sincerely,

Gideon Sa'ar

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Copy:

H.E. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America

H.E. Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union

EU Member States Foreign Ministers

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Commission proposes suspension of trade concessions with Israel and sanctions on extremist ministers of the Israeli government and violent settlers

European Commission

Press release

Sep 17, 2025

Brussels

Following the announcement of President von der Leyen in her State of the Union address, the European Commission presented today its proposal to the Council to suspend certain trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel ("the Agreement") as well as its proposals for sanctions on Hamas, extremist ministers and violent settlers.

The Commission is also putting on hold its bilateral support to Israel, with the exception of support to civil society and Yad Vashem. Concretely, this affects future yearly allocations between 2025 and 2027, as well as ongoing institutional cooperation projects with Israel and projects funded under the Regional EU-Israel cooperation facility.

The proposals follow a review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the Agreement, which found that actions taken by the Israeli government represent a breach of essential elements relating to respect for human rights and democratic principles. This entitles the EU to suspend the Agreement unilaterally.

Specifically, this breach refers to the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza following the military intervention of Israel, the blockade of humanitarian aid, the intensifying of military operations and the decision of the Israeli authorities to advance the settlement plan in the so-called E1 area of the West Bank, which further undermines the two-state solution.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: "The horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis must stop. There needs to be an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained access for all humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The European Union remains the biggest donor of humanitarian aid and an unwavering champion of the two-state solution. Reflecting these principled commitments, and taking into account serious recent developments in the West Bank, we propose to suspend trade concessions with Israel, sanction extremist ministers and violent settlers, and put bilateral support to Israel on hold, without affecting our work with Israeli civil society or Yad Vashem."

The suspension concerns the core trade-related provisions of the Agreement, and in practice means that imports from Israel will lose their preferential access to the EU market. These goods will therefore be charged duties at the level applied to any other third country with whom the EU has no free trade agreement.

Next steps

Suspension of trade-related provisions

The Commission is proposing a Council decision on the suspension of certain trade-related provisions of the Agreement that fall within the Union's common commercial policy.

The Council needs to adopt the decision with a qualified majority.

The decision will enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Once the decision is adopted, the EU-Israel Association Council will be notified about the suspension. The suspension will take effect 30 days after the notification to the Association Council.

Sanctions against Hamas, extremist ministers of the Israeli government and violent settlers

In specific terms, the package consists of 4 draft legal acts with 9 listing proposals against the ministers and the settlers (under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime), as well as a reinforced package of listings against 10 members of the Hamas politburo, based on a new listing criterion under the Hamas Sanctions Regime.

The Council now needs to approve the decision by unanimity.

Background

Following the recent decision by Israel to introduce a blockade to the access of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated to an unprecedented and unsustainable level, driven by ongoing bombardments, military operations, mass displacement, and the collapse of basic services.

The EU High Representative presented to the Foreign Affairs Council of 23 June 2025 a review which concluded that there are indications that Israel would be in breach of Article 2 of the the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, which establishes respect for human rights and democratic principles as an essential element of that Agreement.

Violation of Article 2 amounts to a serious material breach of that Agreement. The European Union has the right to respond to such a breach in a way that is proportionate and in view of promoting the end of the violations. Given the special urgency of the situation, the EU can act without first taking recourse to the Association Council established under the Agreement.

In her 2025 State of the Union address on 10 September 2025, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission would propose a partial suspension of the Association Agreement on trade-related matters.

The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishes an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part.

Article 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement provides that "relations between the Parties, as well as all the provisions of the Agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guides their internal and international policy and constitutes an essential element of this Agreement".

EU-Israel trade

The EU is Israel's biggest trading partner, accounting for 32% of Israel's total trade in goods with the world in 2024. Israel is the EU's 31st largest trading partner.

Total trade in goods between the EU and Israel in 2024: 42.6 billion.

EU imports from Israel were worth 15.9 billion, led by:

machinery and transport equipment (7 billion, 43.9%) chemicals (2.9 billion, 18%), and other manufactured goods (1.9 billion, 12.1%).

The EU's exports to Israel amounted to 26.7 billion and were dominated by:

machinery and transport equipment (11.5 billion, 43%), chemicals (4.8 billion, 18%), and other manufactured goods (3.1 billion, 11.7%).

Trade in services between the EU and Israel amounted to 25.6 billion in 2023 (the EU imports 10.5 billion, and exports 15.1 billion).

EU's bilateral support to Israel

The EU's financial support to Israel is covered by the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) Global Europe (NDICI-GE) for the period 2021 to 2027. In this context, Israel was set to receive an average of 6 million per year under the current MFF between 2025 and 2027.

In addition, the EU will equally put on hold the institutional cooperation projects, including twinning programmes and projects under the Regional EU-Israel cooperation facility benefitting Israel in the region in the context of the Abraham Accords. The amount to be put on hold is approximately 14 million.

Sanctions against violent settlers

Under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, the Council has listed so far nine individuals and five entities linked to violent extremism in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as the blocking of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

On 7 December 2020, the Council established a Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which applies to acts such as genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious human rights violations or abuses (e.g. torture, slavery, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests or detentions). The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime underscores the EU's determination to enhance its role in addressing serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide. Achieving the effective enjoyment of human rights by everyone is a strategic goal of the Union. Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights is a fundamental value of the Union and of its common foreign and security policy.

In its conclusions of 27 June 2024, the European Council reiterates its strongest condemnation of the brutal terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel on 7 October 2023. The European Council strongly condemned the ongoing extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and invited the Council to take work forward on further restrictive measures against extremist settlers. The European Council also called for safe access to the holy sites and for the Status Quo to be upheld. Lastly, the European Council condemned the Israeli government's decisions to further expand illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank and urged Israel to reverse these decisions.

Quote(s)

The horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis must stop. There needs to be an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained access for all humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The European Union remains the biggest donor of humanitarian aid and an unwavering champion of the two-state solution. Reflecting these principled commitments, and taking into account serious recent developments in the West Bank, we propose to suspend trade concessions with Israel, sanction extremist ministers and violent settlers, and put bilateral support to Israel on hold, without affecting our work with Israeli civil society or Yad Vashem. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

We all agree that the situation in Gaza continues to head in the wrong direction. We must leverage the tools at our disposal to pressure the Israeli government into changing course. Among the options on the table, suspending trade concessions and imposing sanctions on extremist ministers, violent settlers, and Hamas operatives would send a strong message from the European Union: this war must end, the suffering must stop, and the hostages must be released. The next crucial step is securing support from our Member States to implement this proposal. Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

We are putting on hold all bilateral financial support to the Israeli government. We continue to advocate for a Two-State solution - one based on a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian Authority. To help make this possible, we are supporting the Palestinian reform process with substantial funding, amounting to 1.6 billion over the next two years. Yet our funding alone is not sufficient. The upcoming Palestine Donor Group will serve as a platform to catalyse efforts of regional and international partners. We invite others to join us and pledge their support. Dubravka Suica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean

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Remarks by Commissioner Suica on the package of proposals on Israel

European Commission

Speech

Sep 17, 2025

Brussels

"Check against delivery"

Good afternoon,

You have said it already, the situation in Gaza and in the West Bank is unacceptable.

As Commission we continue to advocate for a Two-State solution, one based on a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian Authority.

We are doing it with words but also with targeted actions.

We are putting bilateral support to the Israeli government on hold.

This is an important signal, and a continuation of our policy of advocating for peace.

In particular, 14 million of already allocated funds in the period from 2020 to 2024. Out of this amount, 4.3 million have been contracted, while 9.4 million remain uncontracted.

Until further notice, we will not proceed with the joint identification of new actions or the signature of contracts.

This is a decision the Commission can make independently on the basis of exceptional events, like in this case, and can be revoked if conditions on the ground change.

As announced, what we are not putting on hold is 20 million allocated for measures to fight antisemitism and foster Jewish Life by supporting Yad Vashem.

Likewise, 10.2 million for civil society will remain untouched.

The EU's support to peacebuilding initiatives via Israeli and Palestinian Civil Society will also continue, with an average allocation of 5 million per year.

Concrete actions again.

To do our part in sustaining the Two-State solution and making it possible, we continue supporting the Palestinian Authority's reform process.

We will provide 1.6 billion over the next two years under our multiannual comprehensive support programme to the Palestinian Authority.

This is important as they are facing an increasingly precarious financial situation.

The programme already made a difference on the ground, for example salaries to teachers at Palestinian schools could be paid at least partially last week, coinciding with the start of the school year.

Yet our funding alone is not sufficient.

The EU is the biggest donor and supporter toward a reformed and efficient Palestinian Authority.

In this moment of great need, we are enhancing our engagement with the Palestinians.

As President von der Leyen announced, we will establish a Palestine Donor Group with a first meeting still this year.

The aim is twofold:

Support Palestinian Institutions financially via donations of likeminded international donors, Arab states, international and regional organisations, and International Financial Institutions.

Serve as a forum for the Palestinian Authority to present the reforms implementation, ensuring transparency.

Engage on the future of Gaza and coordinate international recovery and reconstruction efforts, once the conditions allow.

In terms of governance, the Palestinian Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Commission would co-chair the Group. We have opened the path for Gulf countries to join us in this effort in a prominent way.

This platform will catalyse efforts of regional and international partners. We invite others to join us and pledge their support as well.

Thank you.

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the EU General Affairs Council: I expect decisions on increasing pressure on Russia and enhancing Europe's defence readiness ahead of the European Council

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

16.09.2025 | 18:57

Today, 16 September, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna took part in the meeting of the European Union's General Affairs Council in Brussels, which focused on preparations for the European Council on 23-24 October.

Ahead of the leaders' meeting, discussions centred on applying further pressure on Russia, continued support for Ukraine, and strengthening Europe's security.

"In recent weeks it has once again become clear that Russia seeks neither a ceasefire nor lasting peace. We have seen attacks against civilians standing in pension queues in broad daylight, as well as Russia's drone terror over both Poland and Romania - all of which prove that Russia continues its course of aggression," Foreign Minister Tsahkna said.

"This means only one thing - pressure on Russia must be increased, as only in this way can Russia be forced to the negotiating table. The European Union must urgently adopt a robust 19th package of sanctions and make a decision about using Russia's frozen assets," Tsahkna stated.

The minister added that Ukraine must continue to receive both military and political support, including the launch of EU accession negotiations with both Moldova and Ukraine at the earliest opportunity.

According to Tsahkna, Russia remains the most serious and long-term threat to the whole of Europe, which makes it essential to swiftly implement initiatives aimed at strengthening Europe's defence readiness, including the ReArm Europe initiative.

The General Affairs Council also discussed legislative planning, the annual horizontal rule of law dialogue, and overall trends regarding the rule of law in selected candidate countries - Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

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Zapad-2025 joint strategic exercise

Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Putin observed the practical actions of troops (forces) during the active phase of the Zapad-2025 joint strategic exercise at the Mulino training ground in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

September 16, 2025

19:00

Nizhny Novgorod Region

The Zapad-2025 joint strategic exercise is the final stage of joint training of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus in 2025. Its goal is to practice operations to repel potential aggression against the Union State. The exercise is being held on September 12 through 16 at 41 land and sea training grounds in both countries. Combat training tasks are carried out with consideration of the experience gained during the special military operation.

During his visit to the training grounds, the President of Russia spoke briefly with representatives of foreign countries invited to observe the Zapad-2025 drill.

Vladimir Putin also inspected weapons and military and special equipment engaged in the exercise.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

Today we are holding the final stage of the Zapad-2025 strategic exercise.

The purpose of the exercise is to practice all the necessary elements for the absolute protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of the Union State against any aggression.

The event involves 41 training grounds, 100,000 service personnel, and about 10,000 pieces of weapons and military equipment, all of which is modern systems being used in practical combat. The exercise scenarios are based on real experience gained during the special military operation.

As I have mentioned, of the 10,000 units of equipment, 333 are aircraft of tactical, strategic, and military transport aviation. More than 247 vessels are also involved, including surface ships, submarines, and support vessels.

Twenty-five foreign delegations arrived for the Zapad-2025 exercise: 16 states sent their representatives, while six countries dispatched military contingents to take part in the strategic exercise programme.

I would like to ask the Minister of Defence to report on the readiness of the troops for the final stage of the exercise and, of course, wish all participants good luck.

<>

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Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the joint strategic military exercise ZAPAD-2025

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Statements and remarks

17 September 2025 19:30

The European Union has been closely monitoring the joint strategic military exercise ZAPAD-2025, taking place on the territories of Belarus and Russia, for the first time since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022.



In light of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and following the repeated violation of the airspace of our Member States by Russian drones, a drill such as ZAPAD-2025 does not demonstrate a commitment to de-escalation and peace.



The military participation of other countries in ZAPAD-2025, in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, including from the territory of Belarus, is a matter of serious security concern for the EU.



The EU expects Russia and Belarus to fully comply with their international commitments, including the OSCE's 2011 Vienna Document.



The EU remains vigilant of any potential security threats surrounding ZAPAD-2025.

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Inside Rubicon, The Elite Russian Drone Unit Wreaking Havoc On Ukraine's Troops

By Mark Krutov, Sergei Dobrynin and Yauhen Lehalau September 17, 2025

Months after their surprise invasion of Kursk in August 2024, Ukrainian forces were struggling to hold their lines in the Russian border region, facing intensifying pressure from a combination of Russian regular units and North Korean troops.

Then, a newly formed, little-known elite Russian drone unit turned up the pressure in a major way.

Part of a secretive, larger organization called Rubicon, the unit worked methodically, hammering the lines that supplied Ukrainian positions in the village of Sudzha, and making their holdout untenable.

Finally, in March, Ukraine pulled out of Kursk.

Nearly 44 months into Russia's all-out invasion, Ukraine has relied on ingenuity and speed to devise new weapons and tactics to counter Russia's bigger military. Moscow has responded in kind, slowly changing its tactics and ramping up its own technology.

Rubicon is causing major problems across the 1,100-kilometer front line, and Ukraine is struggling to find ways to counter it. New findings from RFE/RL's Russian Service now shed more light on the unit and how it could be structured.

"Russia had several strong strike [drone] units in Kursk, but Rubicon was the main one there. Because of this, Ukraine was unable to supply its troops normally," said Rob Lee, a former US Marine officer who is now a military analyst with the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

"They were a key reason why Russia was able to take back essentially all of Kursk Oblast in February and March," he told RFE/RL's Russian Service.

Rubicon has become "Russia's best technological unit," said Maria Berlinska, head of the Ukrainian Aerial Reconnaissance Support Center, a nongovernment group that assists the military.

"Rubicon has brilliant management, works systematically, selects the best personnel, provides training, and supplies all necessary resources. They pour money into it," Berlinska said in a Facebook post on August 21. "Everyone who knows how Rubicon works agrees on one thing: It is very effective. It is a system, while most of [Ukraine's] front lines are still in a state of chaos."

Who Commands Rubicon?

Established in the summer of 2024, possibly on the orders of newly appointed Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, the secretive unit is formally known as the Rubicon Center of Advanced Unmanned Systems, though it does not appear in Russian legal databases and its affiliation with the Defense Ministry is unclear.

Its commander, according to findings by RFE/RL's Russian Service, appears to be Colonel Sergei Budnikov, a 37-year-old former artillery and marine infantry officer.

Budnikov appears in a video published in early February by Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian state TV host notorious for amplifying Kremlin propaganda and conspiracies.

Budnikov's name also appears on two letters of gratitude published in July 2025 on the website of Brotherly Heart, a charitable organization that helps Russian veterans of the Ukraine war and whose board consists of former Russian intelligence officers.

Other photos of Budnikov appear on his wife's now-deleted VK social media account.

A recruiter vetting Rubicon candidates told RFE/RL that signing bonuses for the unit were on par with bonuses paid by other military units in the Moscow region: up to 3 million rubles ($36,000).

Rubicon appears to be a hybrid organization that not only acquires and develops new drone technologies, but also tests new tactics and trains drone operators themselves. As of spring 2025, there were seven known Rubicon units, each with approximately 130-150 personnel, said Lee, who frequently travels to Ukraine's front lines.

One of Rubicon's main bases or training centers appears to be located at the Patriot Park Exhibition and Congress Center, according to the video published by Solovyov and other videos released by the Defense Ministry, including one featuring Belousov touring the center.

The sprawling facility on Moscow's western suburbs, which has hosted major military exhibitions in the past, was hit by a Ukrainian attack drone on May 22; the scale of damage was unclear. Three days later, workers appeared to begin construction of a tower for a Pantsir air defense system.

Budnikov did not respond to e-mail inquiries from RFE/RL's Russian Service.

Measure. Countermeasure. Counter-Countermeasure

Military analysts have closely scrutinized the evolution of warfare as both sides rush to pioneer new technologies and new systems. The dominance of drones has shifted battlefield tactics substantially, in some cases entirely away from traditional artillery.

Both sides have also rushed to develop countermeasures.

For example, a growing number of roads on Ukrainian-controlled territory are now lined with tunnels of netting, designed to thwart drones going after moving vehicles. Ukrainian drone operators have experimented with drones that drop nets from above, to entangle Russian drones.

Ukraine and Russia have moved fast to build fleets of fiber-optic drones that spool out kilometers of filament as they fly, allowing drone operators to attack and surveil enemy locations without being electronically jammed.

"Ukraine had and still has an advantage in the development and high-quality use of unmanned technologies, but largely thanks to Rubicon, this gap has narrowed," Lee said.

"What really surprised me was how the Russians improved, how they were employing their drones," Konrad Muzyka, a Polish-based military analyst, told RFE/RL after traveling to Ukrainian forward positions in July. "Rubicon is wreaking havoc on the Ukrainian second lines and the third lines [of defense] and they are just doing it in a very systematic, very methodical way."

Within Rubicon, each unit specializes in one aspect of Ukrainian drone warfare: some target first-person-view drones, others hunt reconnaissance drones, others focus on heavy-lift drones that might carry multiple explosives or small drones.

Rubicon also specializes in electronic-warfare and radio-signal reconnaissance, which helps to effectively locate Ukrainian drones and their operators.

Since February, Rubicon units have been systematically targeting Ukrainian drone operators who fly drones from positions far back behind the front lines. In one location, one Ukrainian brigade reported losing up to 70 percent of its drone operators in one week due to Rubicon targeting, Lee said.

As of September, according to statistics compiled by LostArmour, a pro-Kremlin open-source tracking site, more than 25 percent of all Rubicon strikes targeted drones, with another 15 percent targeting various radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems.

Lieutenant Colonel Kyrylo Veres, who commands a Ukrainian drone regiment, called Rubicon's operations "top-notch."

"The places where they're operating, where they're working; I don't envy [the Ukrainian] units," Veres told Ukrayinska Pravda in July. "They are the best. Top guys. Let's hope they don't scale up."

Denys Mishchenko, a soldier with the Azov 12th Special Forces Brigade, said the Rubicon units "need to be studied, analyzed; countermeasures need to be found."

"This is a very powerful enemy that needs to be given more attention," he said in a post to X. "If you've met them, you'll know what I'm talking about."

With reporting by Current Time and Systema, RFE/RL's Russia investigative unit

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-drone-rubicon- secret-ukraine-war/33532804.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Navalny's Widow Says Lab Tests Show Her Husband Was Poisoned In Prison

By Current Time and RFE/RL's Russian Service September 17, 2025

Summary

Yulia Navalnaya claims her husband, Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, was poisoned while imprisoned in an Arctic penal colony.

Independent labs in two countries analyzed smuggled biological samples and concluded that Navalny was "killed" by poisoning, she said in a video posted to social media.

Navalny's health reportedly deteriorated rapidly before his death, with prison staff testimony describing severe symptoms and delayed medical care.

Navalnaya accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country's security services of orchestrating the murder, though she provided no direct evidence.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, said laboratory tests done outside of Russia show her husband was poisoned in the Arctic prison where he died in mysterious circumstances in February 2024.

In a video statement posted on social media on September 17, Navalnaya said that supporters of her late husband obtained and smuggled biological samples from him out of Russia.

Laboratories in two countries analyzed the samples independently and "reached the same conclusion: Aleksei was killed; more specifically, he was poisoned," she said.

Navalnaya did not identify the laboratories and gave no details about their findings, which she urged them to release publicly.

Her statement echoes earlier findings published last year by the Russia-focused media outlet The Insider, which reported that documents indicated Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner who had worked to expose the alleged ill-gotten gains of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, had been poisoned.

Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence in a prison known as Polar Wolf on charges widely considered to be politically motivated, was transferred there under what Navalnaya described as a deliberate plan, though she gave no direct evidence to support that assertion.

She alleged, however, that Arkady Gostev, head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), inspected the remote facility in April 2023 and again in December, shortly before Navalny's transfer.

"Why was this remote, closed, and harsh [prison] colony so attractive? Perhaps because nothing and no one there could prevent them from finishing the job. And they did finish it," Navalnaya said in a Russian version of her statement, which was published on YouTube.

She said that testimony from five prison staff members suggests Navalny's health rapidly declined in his final weeks.

On February 3, he complained of leg pain and was briefly checked into the prison's medical office, where only his blood pressure and temperature were measured. He asked to see a neurologist but no specialist was available. Navalny later wrote in a letter that the prison medical office appeared "staged" and lacked real doctors.

On February 14, Navalny was moved from cell 19 to cell 16, a solitary confinement punishment cell.

Two days later, he again reported leg pain. During an outdoor walk, he told guards he felt unwell.

Witness testimony cited by Navalnaya describes him as crouching and saying he was ill. He was eventually returned to his cell without medical care. He reportedly experienced chest and stomach pain, convulsions, and vomiting before being left alone in agony.

Navalnaya said that her husband was eventually carried to the medical office but had already lost consciousness. A prison ambulance was not called until 1:25 p.m. local time, over 40 minutes after his first complaints. Despite attempts at resuscitation, Navalny was declared dead.

The official statement from the FSIN branch in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District said that Navalny "felt unwell after a walk, almost immediately lost consciousness, and could not be revived despite resuscitation attempts."

His body was withheld from his mother for a week, raising suspicions among his followers of foul play.

"I state that Vladimir Putin is guilty of murdering my husband, Aleksei Navalny," Navalnaya declared. She did not provide evidence.

"I accuse the Russian security services of developing prohibited chemical and biological weapons. I demand that the laboratories which conducted the studies publish their results. Stop playing games with Putin out of some higher considerations."

Media outlets including The Wall Street Journal and AP have reported that US intelligence agencies have determined that Putin likely did not order Navalny killed.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on September 17 that he was unaware of Navalnaya's new claim.

Navalnaya did not name the labs that carried out the tests or the countries in which they are located. She appeared to suggest that the results might be withheld for "political reasons," but did not clarify who might be blocking their release.

Navalny's death has been widely condemned internationally, with Western governments holding the Kremlin responsible for his imprisonment and mistreatment.

Russia's most prominent opposition leader for years, Navalny barely survived a 2020 poisoning with a military-grade nerve agent in Siberia, which he blamed on Putin and the Federal Security Service.

When he returned to Russia in January 2021 following treatment in Germany, he was arrested upon arrival and remained behind bars until his death.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/navalny-navalnaya-prison- death-poisoning-putin-harp-rights-crime/33532783.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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HMS Richmond visits Philippines to increase defence cooperation and boost trade

Press release

HMS Richmond visits Manila, cementing defence ties in the region.

From: Ministry of Defence and Lord Coaker

Published 17 September 2025

Joint UK-Philippine naval activity set to increase, including new maritime awareness capacity building.

Cutting edge UK defence innovation on show, boosting trade opportunities and driving UK jobs and growth, delivering on the Government's Plan for Change.

British Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond made a port visit to Manila this week as part of the Carrier Strike Group's eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

The visit reinforces the UK's commitment to maintain a constant presence in the region, bolster Indo-Pacific security, and deepen trade relationships.

The Strategic Defence Review, published this year, highlighted that the UK must be able to pursue and protect the UK's interests in the Indo-Pacific to protect our national security, the foundation of this Government's Plan for Change. This is backed by the Government's historic increase of defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027.

Defence Minister Lord Coaker visited Manila and HMS Richmond, where he emphasised that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is indivisible and that the new era of threat demands a new era for Defence.

UK Defence Minister, Lord Vernon Coaker said:

The UK's relationship with the Philippines is strong and continues to flourish. Together we can help shape a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific reflects the importance of the region to UK security and prosperity. It has been a privilege to see cutting-edge defence innovation from both the UK and the Philippines. Together, we will enhance our defence cooperation, boost jobs and trade, and make defence an engine for growth in the UK.

Looking to expand defence cooperation with the Philippines, Lord Coaker presented a letter of approval from Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, to begin discussion over a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).

This agreement would represent a significant milestone in the UK-Philippine defence relationship and lead to a wide range of new defence activity between the two nations, including increased joint naval activity and military exercises.

Later this year, the UK will join Exercise SAMA SAMA for the fourth time, sending experts to capacity-building efforts.

The Philippines are also a key regional trade partner, and Lord Coaker promoted cutting-edge British defence innovation during an industry day on board HMS Richmond, supporting potential exports for UK businesses, showing defence to be an engine for growth in the UK.

The UK Carrier Strike Group, with around 4,000 military personnel involved during its deployment, is engaging with 30 countries through exercises, operations, and visits across the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-East Asia, Japan, and Australia. It's eight-month deployment is making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

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Minister of Finance of Ukraine and European Commissioner for Defence and Space discuss financial and defence cooperation

Ukraine Government

Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, posted 16 September 2025 11:11

On September 15, Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko held a meeting with European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius.

The parties discussed EU financial initiatives to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities, cooperation aimed at developing Europe's military strength, as well as the challenges for Ukraine's State Budget under conditions of full-scale war.

The Minister of Finance thanked the EU for its strategic support and close cooperation, and Andrius Kubilius for his leadership in developing the defence industry and implementing the SAFE program. Thanks to these efforts, Ukraine gains access to common EU instruments.

SAFE is a new EU financial initiative designed to support member states willing to invest in defence industrial production through joint procurement. SAFE will finance urgent and large-scale investments in European defence technologies and the industrial base.

Cooperation within SAFE is open to European Economic Area countries and to Ukraine. This includes both the possibility of joint procurement of military equipment and placing production orders with Ukrainian enterprises.

Sergii Marchenko emphasized the significant potential of Ukraine's defence industry, which produces more than one thousand types of weapons, although about 40% of capacities remain unfunded. The SAFE program can help address this issue by ensuring joint financing of production, including in Ukraine.

Sergii Marchenko also highlighted the substantial contribution of the European Union to Ukraine's budgetary support. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Ukraine has received over EUR 58.5 billion.

"The consistent policy of the European Union, aimed at supporting Ukraine and collective security, is a crucial factor in achieving a just and lasting peace. I am grateful to the EU for its substantial assistance. We continue working together toward deeper integration of our defence capabilities," Sergii Marchenko stressed during the meeting.

Andrius Kubilius confirmed readiness to expand cooperation in the defence industry, emphasizing that Ukraine is an integral part of European security.

The parties also reviewed initiatives of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, including the frontloading of EUR 6 billion under the ERA mechanism (funds from revenues of frozen russian assets) in 2025. These funding will cover urgent needs and drone production.

They also discussed the proposal for a Reparations Loans mechanism backed by frozen russian assets. Ukraine's Finance Minister noted that the need for external financing next year will remain significant given the likely continuation of active hostilities. Establishing new budgetary support initiatives for Ukraine and expanding existing ones is essential to maintaining Ukraine's financial stability.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Finance for European Integration Yuriy Draganchuk, Deputy Minister of Finance Olga Zykova, and Ambassador of the EU to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova.

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Zelenskyy Calls On Europe To Develop Air Defense After Latest Russian Attack

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 16, 2025

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Europe to push forward with an air defense umbrella after Russia again bombardedthe Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya, injuring at least 13 people, including two children.

Zelenskyy said in a social media post on September 16 that Russian rockets "struck deliberately to terrorize our people," damaging "many residential buildings" in the process.

He added that since the beginning of September, more than 3,500 drones and nearly 190 missiles, along with more than 2,500 aerial bombs, have been launched by Moscow at targets inside Ukraine, as well as "provocations against our partners."

"This is precisely the kind of aerial terror against which Ukraine is calling for joint defense -- so that no one has to scramble combat aircraft in haste and feel Russia's pressure on their borders," Zelenskyy wrote.

"Now is the time to implement the joint protection of our European skies with a multilayered air defense system. All the technologies for this are already in place. What is needed are investments and determination -- strong actions and decisions from all our partners."

The issue of defending against Russia's drone capability, which has risen dramatically since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, has become a major talking point after more than a dozen Russian drones made an incursion into Poland last week, followed by another violation of NATO airspace by a Russian drone in Romania.

Zelenskyy said later in his evening address that while Ukraine has responded positively to proposals to hold peace talks, "Russian terror continues, and every single day, the Russians reject the possibility of ending this war - of ceasing fire and truly talking about peace."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on September 16 said she discussed tightening sanctions on Russia in a conversation with US President Donald Trump.

"I had a good call with [Trump] on strengthening our joint efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia through additional measures," she said on X.

"The Commission will soon present its 19th package of sanctions, targeting crypto, banks, and energy." von der Leyen said, indicating that Brussels is seeking to move faster.

"Russia's war economy, sustained by revenues from fossil fuels, is financing the bloodshed in Ukraine. To put an end to it, the Commission will propose speeding up the phase-out of Russian fossil imports," she said.

The 27-nation EU had already banned most imports of Russian oil, but Trump has demanded that all EU countries completely end purchases of Russian oil before he moves to place additional sanctions on Moscow.

The new EU measures are expected to target the Kremlin's so-called shadow fleet -- transport for Moscow to skirt sanctions -- third-country firms, and to blacklist a number of individuals, especially those deemed responsible for the abduction of Ukrainian children.

In her annual state of the European Union speech earlier this week, von der Leyen made it clear the bloc needs to up its drone defense as she committed to a 6 billion euro loan to enter a "drone alliance" with Ukraine.

She floated an "Eastern Flank Watch" that she said will provide "real-time space surveillance" to track all aerial movement from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

Von der Leyen also committed to building "a drone wall" -- something her own commission initially refused to fund when Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania asked for European cash earlier this year for such a venture.

There are few details about all this just yet: no concrete budget figures, precise geographical scope, or timeline other than that the European Commission is expected to present a roadmap with new common defense projects in October.

"In these border countries we need to create a 'drone wall' together with Ukraine and include Ukraine in this project," European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius told the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform on September 15.

Earlier on September 16 Zelenskyy told Sky News in an interview that a "clear position" is needed from Trump on sanctions against Russia and for security guarantees for Ukraine.

He also urged Trump, who arrived in Britain on September 16 for a state visit, to take "strong personal steps" to "stop Putin."

"I believe that the US is strong enough to take decisions of their own.... I believe Donald Trump can give us air defense systems in quantity and the US has enough," Zelenskyy said.

"I'm sure the US can apply enough sanctions in order to hurt the Russian economy, plus Donald Trump has enough force to make Putin afraid of him. Europe has already introduced 18 sanctions packages against Russia. And all that's lacking now is a strong sanctions package from the US."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-europe-develop- air-defense-russian-attack-drones/33531800.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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MoD Defence Procurement Agency completed its first major procurement of tactical mobility vehicles

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

16 September, 2025, 11:53 AM EEST

At the military's request, the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has completed its first major procurement of 1,000 tactical mobility vehicles through the Prozorro system.

ATVs (quad bikes) and other additional transport vehicles will enable service members to respond even more rapidly to challenges on the front line.

As a result of the auctions, 500 ATVs were contracted at a total value of UAH 119.8 million, which is 25.5% below the expected value. The vehicles are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.

"This procurement will enhance the mobility of military units. As a result of the bidding, we achieved cost savings and ensured transparency in the process," said Arsen Zhumadilov, Director of the Defence Procurement Agency.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine will continue to address the requests of military units, ensuring their provision with modern equipment in accordance with frontline priorities.

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Sergiy Boyev: German support strengthens Ukraine's defence capabilities

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

16 September, 2025, 10:43 AM EEST

Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Sergiy Boyev held talks with Levin Holle, Economic and Financial Policy Advisor to the German Federal Chancellor, who arrived on a visit to Kyiv.

First of all, Sergiy Boyev thanked the German representative for his country's political support and for the financial and military assistance Germany has extended to Ukraine. The Deputy Minister expressed special gratitude for the decision announced during the Ramstein-format meeting to provide Patriot systems.

"We see that russia continues to pursue its plans to occupy Ukraine and terrorise the civilian population, which is why Germany's support is important to us. I am confident that our partnership will further develop," noted Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defence Sergiy Boyev.

Another item on the agenda was cooperation between the defence industries of Germany and Ukraine. Sergiy Boyev reported that Ukraine's defence industry needs an additional $6 billion in funding by the end of 2025 to expand the production of FPV drones, interceptor drones, and long-range systems.

"The longer the war continues, the more innovative challenges we encounter. The technologies that Ukraine is developing will be of significant value for the rearmament of European armies," underlined Sergiy Boyev.

The parties agreed that the implementation of joint projects, including those under the 'Build with Ukraine' initiative, constitutes a strategic step in strengthening the defence capabilities of both countries.

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Russia Harbors No Friendly Intentions - And That Is Putting It Mildly - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

16 September 2025 - 20:20

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

Briefly about today. In Zaporizhzhia, assistance continues to be provided to people affected last night by Russian strikes. As of this time, 20 people have sought medical care. Among them are four children. Tragically, one person has been killed by this Russian strike. My condolences. In Kharkiv, there was a brutal strike on the city center: on the buildings of the National University of Pharmacy. A deliberate strike - specifically aimed at this educational institution. There are casualties in Kherson due to shelling. A significant number of Russian drone strikes have hit the Zaporizhzhia region, as well as the Donetsk, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions. Every single day, Russian terror continues, and every single day, the Russians reject the possibility of ending this war - of ceasing fire and truly talking about peace. We in Ukraine have responded positively to all proposals from the United States and President Trump to end all these attacks and killings. Ukraine has also proactively put forward various formats to bring the war to an end. It is Putin alone who is interested in these killings. Every day, this war remains solely his war - the war of Russia alone. And we expect the world to draw conclusions from this. Especially after the drone incursion into Poland - a country that is extremely important for the security of all of Europe. A country that so highly respects America and President Trump. And it is crucial that Europe truly understands: when it comes to Russia, it is not about one neighbor or another - it is about everyone. Otherwise, Russia will draw its own conclusions and will only expand the war, and not necessarily against Ukraine alone.

Today, the Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reported. Primarily about the situation in Russia's fuel sector after our long-range sanctions. I thank the Ukrainian drone operators for their precision; I also thank our producers of both our drones and our missiles. It feels like the Ukrainian industry is stepping up its pace. There was also a report on the intentions of the Russian leadership, including with regard to other countries. Russia harbors no friendly intentions - and that is putting it mildly. The system there is being restructured to enable war at any moment and against any opponent. This can only be countered by sanctions, strong global sanctions, and by our long-range capabilities.

And one more thing.

There was a report from the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko. On our resilience, our development. It is important that job creation in Ukraine is on the rise. I thank every business, every active regional and community leader. We also discussed new support programs, support for employment in Ukraine, and attracting specialists. There was a report on the budget parameters for next year. I instructed that all social obligations of our state be fully met and that support for people be increased. Next year, we will raise teachers' salaries; we will raise scholarships for Ukrainian students. The resources for this are in place. Overall, education spending for the year will increase by 66 billion hryvnias. The healthcare budget will also be increased. And we will launch an extremely important program of health checkups - medical examinations so that people can know what they need and receive it as early as possible, and moreover, fully covered by the state. Government officials will present all the details.

I want to thank all those who stand with us, who stand with Ukraine! I thank everyone who fights for our state, everyone who works for Ukraine and for Ukrainians.

Glory to Ukraine!





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The International Working Group on Russian Sanctions Prepared New Proposals for Increasing Pressure on the Russian Federation to Agree to a Ceasefire

President of Ukraine

16 September 2025 - 19:51

The International Working Group on Russian Sanctions yesterday presented Working Group Paper No. 23, titled "New Sanctions to Pressure Russia to Agree to a Ceasefire in Ukraine."

Among the proposals are additional sanctions targeting the energy and financial sectors, the confiscation of frozen Russian assets, and restrictions on Russia's access to Western military technologies.

A key focus, in particular, is on the need to finally halt the purchase of Russian energy resources, which means continuing the fight against the shadow fleet and Russian excess profits in the oil sector. This involves imposing sanctions on the remaining tankers of the shadow fleet and the related infrastructure. In addition, there is a proposal to create an escrow mechanism - a conditional bank account - to block Russia's revenues from energy exports. The mechanism provides that the funds will be held in a special bank account. It is also proposed to introduce secondary sanctions and tariffs against countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, as well as a phased embargo on Russian ports and energy infrastructure.

The recommendations regarding the financial sector concern limiting the activities of all Russian banks, strengthening control over cryptocurrency circulation, and imposing personal sanctions on officials of the Ministry of Finance, members of the Central Bank board, and heads of major state-owned banks that support Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In the field of military technologies, it is proposed to tighten control over the export of critically important goods and equipment, expand the list of relevant categories, implement end-user verification, and prevent circumvention of restrictions through third countries.

Since the majority of frozen Russian assets are concentrated in Europe, the Working Group urges European partners to direct these funds to benefit Ukraine.

"This package of proposals is a roadmap for the European Union and the G7 on how to effectively increase pressure on Russia. The priorities are clear: accelerated cessation of Russian energy purchases, closure of circumvention schemes via the shadow fleet and third countries, and stricter control of financial channels. The key is to act quickly and in a coordinated manner while Kremlin revenues are falling. Every month of delay means billions of dollars for the war against Ukraine," emphasized the co-chair of the group, Andriy Yermak.

The International Working Group on Russian Sanctions was established on the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022.

Countries in the Sanctions Coalition, including the United States, European Union states, the United Kingdom, and Japan, have repeatedly taken the group's recommendations into account when implementing new sanctions against Russia. Among the recommendations are an embargo on Russian oil, sanctions against IT and Rosatom, as well as restrictive measures against Russian banks.



New Sanctions to Pressure Russia to Agree to a Ceasefire in Ukraine - pdf - 225.06 kb

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Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Russia's organized 'elections' in the occupied territory of Ukraine

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-09-17

Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the 'governor elections' arranged by Russia between 12 and 14 September in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, Sevastopol.

The illegal 'elections' held in the Russian-occupied territory of Ukraine constitute a gross violation of international law and of the Ukrainian Constitution. These 'elections' do not provide any legal basis for the legitimacy of the occupying power, and therefore neither the 'elections' themselves nor their results are or will be recognised by the international community. The position of the international community on the territorial integrity of Ukraine is enshrined in UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262, adopted on 27 March 2014, and subsequent resolutions.

Lithuania consistently supports Ukraine's political independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The resolution adopted by the Lithuanian Parliament on 8 May 2025 reaffirms that Lithuania will never recognise the illegal occupation and annexation, de jure or de facto, of the Crimean Peninsula and parts of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. Lithuania stands in firm solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the temporarily occupied territories, who bravely resist the illegal actions of the occupying power.

Lithuania condemns the ongoing mass and systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Crimea, especially against the Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians still living on the peninsula. Such violations were clearly identified by the European Court of Human Rights in its judgment of 25 June 2024 in a cross-border case brought by Ukraine against Russia. In addition, the International Court of Justice in its decision of 31 January 2024 also found that Russia violated the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination with respect to Crimean Tatars.

We call on Russia to immediately stop violating the rights and freedoms of all persons in occupied territories, and to release all illegally detained Ukrainian citizens, including Crimean Tatars, human rights defenders, journalists, and activists.

We demand that Russia immediately cease its military aggression against Ukraine, withdraw its troops from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine, and respect Ukraine's political independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. A just, lasting, and sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the full return of all temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, to Ukraine. These are the founding principles of the UN Charter and international law, which cannot be the subject of negotiations.

Lithuania will continue to call on the international community to increase comprehensive pressure on Russia to cease aggression and to provide all necessary support to Ukraine until its final victory over the aggressor.

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Ukrainian Troops Hold Kostyantynivka Amid Relentless Russian Strikes

By Andriy Kuzakov and Current Time September 17, 2025

Ukrainian troops continue to hold defensive positions in the embattled city of Kostyantynivka, a critical stronghold in the Donetsk region, despite ongoing Russian bombardments and drone attacks.

As Russian forces advance, the city -- once home to 60,000 people -- has seen its population dwindle to just over 6,000, according to Ukrainian authorities. Hundreds have fled in recent weeks, driven out by escalating air strikes and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

Current Time correspondent Andriy Kuzakov recently embedded with a Ukrainian patrol unit navigating the war-torn streets of the city. The soldiers, operating under constant threat of drone strikes, now carry shotguns in the city to defend against deadly Russian unmanned aerial vehicles.

"Drones are the main danger," said a Ukrainian soldier using the call sign Wolf. "The shotgun is the only effective weapon against them. We used to rely on electronic warfare, but now it's useless."

Kostyantynivka's elevated position makes it a key military location in the area. "We must hold this city. There are no options to hand it over," Wolf added. "If Russian forces gain the high ground, they will have a strategic advantage."

Russian aerial assaults have turned the once peaceful city into one of the war's most active battlegrounds. Despite the danger, some civilians are reluctant to leave the area.

Aid organizations have helped deliver humanitarian assistance and encouraged residents to evacuate, but traveling in the city during daylight hours poses extreme risk.

"We could go in, but it's not clear if we would make it out," said another soldier known by the call sign Dor. "It's better not to be here at all."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kostyantynivka-russian- strikes/33532030.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Verkhovna Rada adopts Law 'On the Military Ombudsman'

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

17 September, 2025, 1:18 PM EEST

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported Draft Law No. 13266 in its second reading, which provides for the establishment of the institution of the Military Ombudsman.

"I thank the Members of Parliament of Ukraine for adopting the Law 'On the Military Ombudsman' initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We are establishing a new, robust institution to safeguard the rights of Ukrainian service members. This marks another step in fulfilling our common key priority - ensuring all the needs of Ukrainian warriors are met. It is a step towards justice, towards strengthening our army, and towards improving the state's defense capability, underlined Ukraine's Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal.

Key provisions:

The Military Ombudsman shall be appointed by the President of Ukraine for a five-year term. No individual shall serve in this position for more than two consecutive terms.

Requirements for candidates: a citizen of Ukraine aged 30 or above, with a master's degree or higher, of high moral character and impeccable reputation, who has permanently resided in Ukraine for the last five years, is fluent in the state language, and is medically fit to perform the relevant duties.

Functions of the Military Ombudsman:

Exercising democratic civilian oversight in the security and defense sector with regard to the observance of the rights of service members;

Analysis of the causes and circumstances that give rise to violations of the rights of service members;

Formulating proposals for the minimization and elimination of such causes and circumstances;

Drafting analytical conclusions and recommendations for bodies of military command and administration;

Complaints to the Military Ombudsman may be submitted by service members themselves, as well as by persons authorized by law. Following the review of complaints, the Military Ombudsman or the deputies shall be entitled to initiate inspections. The grounds for inspections may also include submissions by Members of Parliament, reports from the media, or other information, including confidentially obtained data.

The Military Ombudsman shall have the right to request and obtain the necessary information, including information with restricted access. The Military Ombudsman shall be obliged not to disclose information about an applicant's private life without the applicant's consent.

The Military Ombudsman shall submit an annual report on their activities to the President of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine by 30 March of the following year. The report shall be made public, except for information with restricted access, on the official website of the Ombudsman.

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Oleksandr Kozenko discusses strengthening Ukrainian Air Force capabilities with Danish company TERMA

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

17 September, 2025, 10:14 AM EEST

Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for Aviation Development, Oleksandr Kozenko, met with a delegation from the Danish company Terma A/S, headed by its President & CEO, Henriette Hallberg Thygesen. The talks focused on enhancing the aviation capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

At the beginning of the meeting, Oleksandr Kozenko expressed gratitude to the Danish side for its steadfast support of Ukraine in the fight for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The Military Ombudsman shall submit an annual report on their activities to the President of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine by 30 March of the following year. The report shall be made public, except for information with restricted access, on the official website of the Ombudsman.

During the talks, the parties focused on key areas of cooperation, including:

The experience and prospects of integrating equipment produced by Terma A/S into the existing fleet of the Ukrainian Air Force;

The improvement of aviation systems and of detection, warning and countermeasure capabilities through solutions provided by the Danish company.

During the discussion, the Deputy Minister also invited the leadership of Terma A/S to consider participating in future projects of Ukraine's military and civil aircraft industry.

Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, in turn, informed the Ukrainian side about the opening of the company's representative office in Ukraine, underscoring Terma A/S's strong commitment to developing its business in the country.

Commenting on this decision, Oleksandr Kozenko said: This is excellent news, entirely consistent with Ukraine's aspirations. At every international meeting, our President reiterates the call: 'Build in Ukraine', and 'Build with Ukraine.' The opening of your representative office is in line with one of these principles."

The parties agreed to pursue active consultations and sustain contacts for the implementation of the agreements reached.

Reference information: TERMA A/S is Denmark's largest manufacturer of defence and aerospace products, employing more than 2,000 people worldwide. The company offers radar systems, avionics, and spaceborne electronics. Terma is headquartered in Lystrup, Denmark.

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Support for European Integration and Strengthening Sanctions Against Russia: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Roberta Metsola

President of Ukraine

17 September 2025 - 18:38

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. This is her fourth visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.

The Head of State thanked Roberta Metsola and the European Parliament for their consistent support of Ukraine, its independence, sovereignty, and people.

"We share the same understanding of the situation today: defending Ukraine is defending Europe, and helping Ukraine is helping Europe," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President of the European Parliament emphasized the importance of further strengthening support for Ukraine.

"Together, we can prove to Russia that their actions will not go unanswered, and together we will do this to ensure deterrence and peace," Roberta Metsola stated.

During the meeting, key matters of engagement between Ukraine and the European institutions were discussed. The Head of State stressed that Ukraine expects the first negotiation cluster to open as soon as possible and anticipates unanimous support for this decision from all EU member states.

"We are fulfilling our promises, and on our part, we very much expect that the European Union and European leaders will do their part - specifically regarding the clusters," the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also highlighted the opening of the European Parliament Office in Ukraine, which will strengthen coordination between the Verkhovna Rada and the European Parliament.

"The European Parliament is absolutely clear: your future is Europe, and this is part of the necessary security guarantees that your country needs, but also that Europe needs," Roberta Metsola noted.

A particular focus was on strengthening sanctions against Russia. The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine expects the adoption of the EU's 19th sanctions package and anticipates that it will target Russian energy resources and the infrastructure for their trade, the banking sector, and sanctions-evasion schemes. Additionally, discussions included ways to make Slovakia's and Hungary's positions more aligned with the European stance.

"We are also counting on corresponding sanction measures from the United States. Putin must feel that his intention to continue the war, to continue strikes, and, in particular, to transfer destabilizing activity to countries like Poland or Romania - all of this will mean pain for Russia," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Roberta Metsola noted that the European Parliament will continue to weaken Russia's war machine through sanctions mechanisms. According to her, it is important to stop using Russian energy resources and to strengthen restrictions on the shadow fleet.

The sides also discussed the use of Russian assets to support defense against Russian aggression and Ukraine's reconstruction, assistance in building shelters for schools, kindergartens, universities, and hospitals, and backing for the program providing free meals to all Ukrainian schoolchildren.

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Statement by the President of Ukraine Following the Meeting With the President of the European Parliament

President of Ukraine

17 September 2025 - 18:12

Dear Roberta!

I am very pleased with your visit. You are always a most welcome guest, Madam President!

Dear journalists!

Today, we are truly very happy to see the President of the European Parliament visiting Ukraine - and this is already the fourth visit by Roberta Metsola to Ukraine during the war. Roberta was among the first to come to Ukraine after the invasion began. And overall, the European Parliament and Madam President herself have always consistently supported our state, our independence, our sovereignty, and, of course, our people. And I want to personally thank you for that, Roberta - for your deep attention to Ukraine. We share the same understanding of the situation today: defending Ukraine is defending Europe, and helping Ukraine is helping Europe. Russia has always regarded a united Europe with contempt. Russia never believed that Europe itself could be strong. Over these years, together with Europe's entire team and many European leaders, we have proven that Russia was completely mistaken in its attitude toward Europe and Europeans. And it is crucial that Ukraine only adds to Europe's unity, strength, and influence in global affairs. Now we can see how relations between Europe and the United States are being reshaped, how Europe is building its new position in global affairs. It is vital that Europe continues to remain a global actor - a global defender of freedom and human rights. We will ensure this - together, all of us. I am confident in this.

Today, Roberta and I discussed the key areas of engagement between Ukraine and the European institutions. I am grateful for the support of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. We are fulfilling our promises, and on our part, we very much expect that the European Union and European leaders will do their part - specifically regarding the clusters. We are counting on the opening of the first cluster as soon as possible, with unanimous support from all EU member states. I also thank the European Parliament for its principled support in this regard. We also welcome the opening of the European Parliament Office in Ukraine, which will strengthen coordination between our parliaments - the Ukrainian Parliament and the European Parliament.

It is important that the European Parliament has always consistently supported sanctions against Russia for this war, and Europe's leadership in these issues truly matters. We are looking forward to the adoption of the EU's 19th sanctions package. And we expect that among the main targets of the sanctions will be Russian energy resources and infrastructure for trading them, but also the Russian banking sector and various circumvention schemes exploited by Russia to fund the war. We had a substantive discussion on how to make Slovakia's and Hungary's positions more aligned with the European stance, as they still have some energy dependence on Russia. We are also counting on corresponding sanction measures from the United States. Putin must feel that his intention to continue the war, to continue strikes, and, in particular, to transfer destabilizing activity to countries like Poland or Romania - all of this will mean pain for Russia. If Russia does not feel pain, it wages war. They must experience greater economic, political, and other losses so that we can finally move closer to peace. In this context, we also discussed Russian assets, which must be used much more effectively and promptly to support defense against Russian aggression and Ukraine's recovery. We also spoke about undeniably important social measures for our resilience, such as the construction of shelters. Today, I discussed in detail with Roberta shelters for our schools, kindergartens, universities, shelters for people, and shelters for hospitals. We also count on Europe's support for our program of free meals for all children in every school in Ukraine. We count on the EU's substantive involvement in these matters. We thank everyone who is helping us!

And we greatly thank you personally, Roberta, once again!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Verkhovna Rada Supported the President's Initiative to Establish the Institution of the Military Ombudsman

President of Ukraine

17 September 2025 - 15:37

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted the draft law on the creation of the Military Ombudsman institution, an initiative put forward by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A total of 283 MPs voted in favor.

Once the Head of State signs the document and it enters into force, the Military Ombudsman will have the authority to protect the rights of servicemembers. In particular, the Ombudsman will be able to receive and process complaints, conduct inspections in military units and bodies of military administration, and cooperate with other entities within the security and defense sector.

The Military Ombudsman will also analyze the causes of violations of warriors' rights, prepare proposals to eliminate them and prevent future occurrences, and provide recommendations to the military leadership on how to improve the situation with regard to the rights of servicemembers.

Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and Their Families Olha Reshetylova thanked the Head of State for his clear position and initiative, as well as the former and current Ministers of Defense for their support, the Central Directorate for the Protection of the Rights of Servicemembers of the Ministry of Defense for their work on the text, and the lawyers of the Office of the President, civic activists, and experts who contributed to the discussion and development of the draft law.

"The adoption of this law is an important step, but far from the last one, toward ensuring that Ukrainian servicemembers have a tool to defend their rights - and feel care and justice. A great deal of important work lies ahead - many changes and at the same time many challenges in defending the honor and dignity of those who defend us," emphasized Olha Reshetylova.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the creation of the Military Ombudsman institution is an objective necessity, as this was the request of Ukrainian servicemembers. The Head of State discussed its establishment with the Minister of Defense, the military command, and representatives of civil society. The first step in this direction was the appointment of Olha Reshetylova as the Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and Their Families on December 30 of last year.



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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zacatecas Silver Corp. (TSXV: ZAC; OTC: ZCTSF) (the Company) is pleased to announce an increase in its previously announces private placement financing from 41,666,666 units (Units) to 62,500,000 Units at a price of $0.06 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $3,750,000 (the Offering).

Each Unit will consist of one common share (a Share) and one common share purchase warrant (a Warrant), with each Warrant exercisable at $0.10 per Share for a period of two years from the date of issue (the Expiry Date). The Company has the right to accelerate the Expiry Date if, at any time, the volume weighted average price of the Shares on the principal exchange or market on which the Shares trade is equal to or greater than $0.20 for 20 consecutive trading days (20-Day Period). In the event of acceleration, the Expiry Date will be accelerated to a date that is 30 days after the Company issues the acceleration notice through a news release, provided that the acceleration notice is issued within 10 business days after the end of the particular 20-Day Period

The Company may pay finders a fee of cash and/or share purchase warrants. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period four months from the date of issue.

The proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund a drilling campaign on the Zacatecas Silver Project, strategic initiatives and working capital purposes. The Offering is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Zacatecas Silver Corp.

The Company has two key projects. The Esperanza Gold Project in Morelos State, Mexico and the Zacatecas Silver Project in Zacatecas State, Mexico.

Esperanza is an advanced stage, attractive low-cost, low-capital-intensity and low-technical-risk growth project located in Morelos state, Mexico. Alamos has progressed the project through advanced engineering, including metallurgical work, while also focusing on stakeholder engagement, including building community relations. The Company announced a Mineral Resource Estimate at Esperanza consisting of a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 30.5 million tonnes at 0.97 g/t AuEq for 956 thousand ounces AuEq and an Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 8.7 million tonnes at 0.98 g/t AuEq for 277 thousand ounces AuEq (see news release dated November 16, 2022).

The Zacatecas Silver Project is located in Zacatecas state, Mexico, within the highly prospective Fresnillo silver belt, which has produced over 6.2 billion ounces of silver. The Company holds 7,826 hectares (19,338 acres) of ground that is highly prospective for low-sulphidation and intermediate-sulphidation silver base metal mineralization and potentially low-sulphidation gold-dominant mineralization. The Company announced a Mineral Resource Estimate at the Panuco Deposit consisting of 2.7 million tonnes at 187 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) (171 g/t silver (Ag) and 0.17 g/t gold (Au)) for 16.4 million ounces AgEq (15 million ounces silver and 15,000 ounces gold) (see news release dated December 14, 2021).

The property is 25 kilometres (km) southeast of MAG Silver Corp.'s Juanicipio Mine and Fresnillo PLC's Fresnillo Mine. The Property shares common boundaries with Pan American Silver Corp. claims and El Orito, which is owned by Endeavour Silver.

On behalf of the Company

Eric Vanderleeuw

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(519) 729 2440

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect managements current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zacatecas Silver cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zacatecas Silvers limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on is Zacatecas Properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zacatecas Silver does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
MUMBAI, India, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Indias mergers and acquisitions market has soared to nearly $41 billion this year, driven by landmark deals from Reliance, JSW Group, and Tata Sons. Private equity activity is at its highest in more than a decade, as global investors and sovereign funds compete for opportunities alongside Indias most influential conglomerates.

To meet this record-setting pace, Navatarthe global leader in AI-powered CRM for private marketsis expanding its presence in India. With a dedicated local office and founders of Indian origin, Navatar brings deep market insight and the technology needed for contemporary Indian dealmakers to excel.

India has become a global dealmaking powerhouse, said Alok Misra, CEO at Navatar. The scale and complexity of todays transactions mean firms need technology that eliminates manual work, captures critical intelligence automatically, and delivers actionable insights inside the tools that professionals use every day. Thats what Navatar offers.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

AI Where Dealmakers Operate

Navatars CRM works seamlessly inside Outlook and Salesforce, turning daily activities into structured intelligence with zero manual data entry. Its AI-driven features include:

Automated Intelligence Capture: Instantly logs activities from Outlook, Slack, and CRM without manual effort.

Instantly logs activities from Outlook, Slack, and CRM without manual effort. Deal Origination & Sourcing: AI scans Indias diverse economy to surface high-potential sectors and companies.

AI scans Indias diverse economy to surface high-potential sectors and companies. Buyer-Seller Matching: Relationship mapping predicts ideal fits and identifies warm introductions across networks.

Relationship mapping predicts ideal fits and identifies warm introductions across networks. Document Intelligence: Extracts key terms and risks from documents, generating AI summaries for reports.

Extracts key terms and risks from documents, generating AI summaries for reports. Fundraising LP Intelligence: Automates updates, personalizes communications, and scores investor engagement.

Automates updates, personalizes communications, and scores investor engagement. Real-Time Workflow Insights: Delivers instant intelligence inside familiar toolsOutlook, Slack, and CRMfor faster decisions.

Secure, Scalable, Proven

Built on Salesforce and integrated with Microsoft Copilot, Navatars platform delivers enterprise-grade AI and privacy safeguards, guaranteeing client confidentiality. Indian professionals gain the advantages of generative AI, all within a secure and compliant environment.

Powering Indias Next Wave of Deals

As global capital flows into healthcare, consumer, renewables, and tech, Navatar provides the infrastructure for dealmakers to scale with confidence. Hundreds of leading firms worldwide already trust Navatar to win mandates, deepen relationships, and close deals faster. Now, Indian firms have access to the same competitive edge.

About Navatar

Navatar CRM powers private markets worldwide, managing relationships, originating deals, and serving investors for private equity, venture capital, investment banks, funds of funds, private credit, secondaries specialists and more. Navatars AI-driven platform keeps deal teams aheadautomatically delivering intelligence, unifying context, and orchestrating complex processes with zero disruption.

For more information, visit www.navatargroup.com.

Sales Team

Navatar

sales@navatargroup.com
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 26, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE: SOC), if they purchased the Companys securities (1) between May 19, 2025 and June 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period); and/or (2) pursuant and/or traceable to Sables May 21, 2025 secondary public offering (the SPO). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Get Help

Sable Offshore investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-soc-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Sable Offshore and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On June 4, 2025, the Company disclosed that a Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge granted ex parte requests from plaintiffs in Center for Biological Diversity, et al. v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, et al. (25CV02244) and Environmental Defense Center, et al. v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, et al. (25CV02247) for temporary restraining orders prohibiting Sable Offshore Corp. from restarting transportation of oil through the Las Flores Pipeline System pending the hearing on an order to show cause regarding a preliminary injunction scheduled for July 18, 2025. Sable is exploring all possible avenues available to address these preliminary rulings.

On this news, the price of Sables shares fell by $0.94 per share, or 3.91%, to close at $23.10 on June 4, 2025.

The case is Johnson v. Sable Offshore Corp., et al., No. 25-cv-6869.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 20, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP), if they purchased the Companys securities between April 29, 2025 to August 5, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Get Help

Snap investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-snap-2/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Snap and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 5, 2025, the Company announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, disclosing a deceleration in advertising revenue growth due to an issue related to our ad platform, the timing of Ramadan and the effects of the de minimis changes.

On this news, the price of Snaps shares fell from a closing price of $9.39 per share on August 5, 2025 to $7.78 per share on August 6, 2025, a decline of about 17.15% in the span of just a single day.

The case is Abdul-Hameed v. Snap, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-07844.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 28, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Dow Inc. (NYSE: DOW), if they purchased the Companys securities between January 30, 2025 and July 23, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Get Help

Dow investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-dow-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Dow and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On July 24, 2025, the Company disclosed a 2Q 2025 non-GAAP loss per share of $0.42, much larger than the approximate $0.17 to $0.18 per share loss expected by analysts, and net sales of $10.1 billion, representing a 7.3% year-over-year decline and missing consensus estimates by $130 million, reflecting declines in all operating segments due in part to the lower-for-longer earnings environment that our industry is facing, amplified by recent trade and tariff uncertainties. Further, the Company disclosed that it was cutting its dividend in half, from $0.70 per share to only $0.35 per share, citing the need for financial flexibility amidst a persistently challenging macroeconomic environment.

On this news, the price of Dows shares fell $5.30 per share, or 17.45%, to close at $25.07 per share on July 24, 2025.

The case is Sarti v. Dow Inc., No. 25-cv-12744.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
SHANGHAI, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fangzhou Inc. ("Fangzhou" or the "Company") (06086.HK), a leader in AI-driven Internet healthcare solutions, was recognized as an Outstanding Growth Story in Hong Kong Stocks at the China Capital Market Development Forum, held in Shanghai from September 1617 and hosted by ChinaFund.

The award highlights Hong Kong-listed companies with exceptional performance in technology innovation, earnings growth and industry influence, and reflects confidence in Fangzhous solid operations and continued innovation.





Fangzhou Named Outstanding Growth Case in Hong Kong Stocks

Dr. Xie Fangmin, founder, chairman, and CEO of Fangzhou, remarked: Winning this award affirms our strength in innovation and growth, but more importantly, it signals strong recognition of the value that AI can bring to chronic disease management.

In its 2025 interim results, Fangzhou reported revenue of RMB 1.5 billion, up 12.9% year-on-year. Net profit reached RMB 12.5 million, reaching profitability for the period, while adjusted net profit climbed 16.8% to RMB 17.6 million, a record high. The platforms registered user base expanded 15.8% to 52.8 million, with 11.9 million monthly active users, up 34.4% year-on-year. Registered doctors reached 229,000, while paid user repurchase rate stood at 85.4%. Its drug catalog SKU grew to 216,000, backed by partnerships with over 1,650 suppliers and 980 pharmaceutical firms.

Earlier this month, at its 10th H2H Healthcare Ecosystem Conference in Shanghai, Fangzhou released its proprietary XingShi Large Language Model (XS LLM), an AI system engineered to address critical inefficiencies in chronic disease management by improving service efficiency, delivering improved personalization, and helping to make better use of physicians available time.

XS LLM integrates multimodal capabilities  image and speech recognition, natural language processing, large-scale medical knowledge storage, and reasoning  while achieving advanced performance benchmarks in medical AI. This core system supports five domain-specific intelligent agents: AI Knowledge Agent, AI Guidance Agent, AI Pre-Consult Agent, AI Doctor Assistant, and AI-Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Agent. Together, these agents create a closed-loop service architecture spanning the full lifecycle of chronic disease management.

Built as the core digital brain of Fangzhous platform, the model currently powers five AI-enabled applications: AI Medication Finder, AI Health Manager, AI Doctor Assistant, AI Academic Assistant, and AI-Powered Search.

During the conference, Fangzhou also announced strategic partnerships with Innovent Biologics and Zhejiang Otsuka Pharmaceutical to jointly advance digital health management. Fangzhou will leverage its strengths in AI technology and platform operations to build new digital health collaboration models with partners, injecting fresh momentum into the Healthy China 2030 initiative.

About China Capital Market Development Forum

Hosted by ChinaFund, the forum brought together nearly 1,000 representatives from regulators, industry, and investment to discuss new paths and opportunities for Chinas capital markets.

About Fangzhou Inc.

Fangzhou Inc. (06086.HK) is Chinas leading online chronic disease management platform, serving 52.8 million registered users and 229,000 physicians (as of June 30, 2025). The Company specializes in delivering tailored medical care and AI-enabled precision medicine solutions. For more information, visit https://investors.jianke.com.

Media Contact

For further inquiries or interviews, please reach out to:

Xingwei Zhao Associate Director of Public Relations Email: pr@jianke.com

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d900a82-84c9-49b0-b9f4-b182491e2929
Austin, Texas, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Citizen Hub has formally introduced The Ultimate European Scholarship Database, a new resource designed to provide structured information on academic programs across Europe with low or no tuition fees. The database compiles more than 500 verified opportunities from public universities and institutions that accept international applicants.

The initiative reflects the companys ongoing work in simplifying international relocation processes. The Global Citizen Hub develops visa and residency guides for individuals seeking education, employment, and citizenship opportunities in European countries.

Addressing Student Debt Through European Pathways

The database highlights European academic programs where tuition fees are capped at 5,000 per year, with many institutions offering fully subsidized education. All programs included are taught in English and do not impose age restrictions on applicants.

While tuition-free higher education has been common in several European countries for decades, interest from outside Europe has grown steadily. Germany continues to waive tuition at its public universities for both domestic and foreign students. In France, graduates of French institutions are eligible to apply for citizenship after completing a degree, with some eligible after as few as two years of residence.

By consolidating this information into one structured resource, The Global Citizen Hub aims to support international students in evaluating options beyond their home countries.

We developed this database because so many people don't know that these options exist. They're throwing money away by taking out student loans when they don't need to.said Travis Drews, Founder of The Global Citizen Hub. We are providing a centralized resource for those who want to pursue academic opportunities abroad while minimizing financial barriers.

Complementary Visa Guidance

In addition to its scholarship database, the company maintains a collection of visa guides for popular European destinations. These guides are organized to provide step-by-step overviews of visa categories such as student visas, job seeker visas, and pathways toward permanent residency or citizenship. Coverage currently includes Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, and others.

The Global Citizen Hub has also developed the Citizenship Mega Pack, which compiles guidance on multiple visa types along with information on residency transitions. According to the company, this package was created to assist individuals seeking long-term settlement options after completing academic or employment programs abroad.

Broader Context of International Education

The release of The Ultimate European Scholarship Database comes amid a broader discussion around the cost of higher education. In the United States, the Federal Reserve reports that the average student loan debt per borrower is approximately $38,000. In contrast, public investment and tax subsidies in Europe make it possible for international students to attend universities with minimal tuition obligations.

Observers note that European governments have increasingly used low-cost education as a mechanism to attract global talent. The combination of tuition affordability, language accessibility, and clear visa pathways has positioned Europe as a competitive destination for international students.

The Global Citizen Hubs announcement contributes to this conversation by providing a centralized directory of available programs. The database is positioned as an information resource rather than a guarantee of outcomes, with admission decisions continuing to rest solely with the universities and institutions listed.

Availability

The Ultimate European Scholarship Database is accessible through The Global Citizen Hubs website. A full listing of the companys visa guides, including country-specific eBooks, is also available through its online store.

About The Global Citizen Hub

The Global Citizen Hub is providing structured resources for individuals planning to relocate to Europe. Its portfolio includes detailed visa guides, timelines, and regulatory information to support applications for study, work, and residency. The companys flagship product, The Ultimate European Scholarship Database, compiles more than 500 academic programs in Europe with low or no tuition fees. The organization operates from Austin, Texas, and serves a global audience of students and professionals.





Media Contact

Company Name: The Global Citizen Hub

Contact Person: Mr. Travis Drews

Email: travis@theglobalcitizenhub.com

Phone: +1.281.201.7671

Country: United States

Website: http://theglobalcitizenhub.com
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Baar, Switzerland, 18 September 2025





Michael Reitermann, Member of the Board of Directors since 2020, and an executive leader with broad experience both in the USA and Europe, has been appointed by the Board of Directors of Ascom Holding AG as Delegate of the Board of Directors and interim CEO. He takes over the operational leadership from Nicolas Vanden Abeele, who decided to leave Ascom after nearly four years as CEO to pursue new professional challenges.

The Board of Directors of Ascom Holding AG nominated Laurent Dubois, Member of the Board of Directors since 2020, as new Chairman of the Board of Directors to be elected at the Annual General Meeting 2026, following the retirement of Dr. Valentin Chapero Rueda.

Michael Reitermann appointed as Delegate of the Board and interim CEO

While pursuing the current strategy, the Board of Directors of Ascom Holding AG targets to accelerate its execution and the exploitation of the growth potential of Ascom, with a special focus on the USA and Canada. Michael Reitermann, Member of the Board of Directors since 2020, has been appointed as Delegate of the Board of Directors and interim CEO to take over the operational leadership of the Ascom Group for a limited time period. In parallel, an internal and external search for a new CEO has been initiated.

Michael Reitermann is an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of commercial and technical expertise in the med-tech/life sciences space in both the USA and Europe. He was the CEO of several entities of Siemens Medical Solutions, and later, the COO and member of the managing board of Siemens Healthineers. Michael Reitermann is living in the USA and has a German/American dual citizenship.

The Board of Directors expresses its sincere appreciation for the departing CEO, Nicolas Vanden Abeele, for his dedicated service during challenging times and for his valuable contributions to the transformation of the Company.



Laurent Dubois nominated as new Chairman of the Board

The Board of Directors nominated Laurent Dubois, Member of the Board since 2020, as new Chairman of the Board to be elected at the Annual General Meeting 2026, following the retirement of Dr. Valentin Chapero Rueda, effective as of the Annual General Meeting 2026.

Laurent Dubois has over three decades of leadership experience in industry, consulting, B2B technology, and healthcare. He was a partner with McKinsey & Co. and later joined GE Healthcare, where he led the global solutions & analytics teams as a member of the Global Executive Team. Since 2020, he has been CEO of ADB Safegate, a Carlyle portfolio company and global leader in airside guidance technology.

Moreover, the Board of Directors decided to reduce its size from six to five members, effective as of the Annual General Meeting 2026.



Note (www.ascom.com/about-us/who-we-are/board-of-directors)

CV Michael Reitermann

CV Laurent Dubois

Conference Call for analysts and media

In the context of this media release, a conference call for analysts and media will take place as follows:

18 September 2025 at 09:00 CET

Dial-in: +41 58 262 07 22 / Code: 030955

Attachment
AS LHV Group has decided the companys Financial Calendar for the 2026 financial year.

In 2026 LHV Group plans to disclose information and organise the Annual General Meeting of shareholders according to the following schedule:

10.02.2026 Q4 2025 and unaudited full year results 12.02.2026 Disclosure of Financial Plan 17.02.2026 January results 03.03.2026 Audited results for 2025 17.03.2026 February results 25.03.2026 Annual General Meeting 09.04.2026 Ex-dividend date (ex-date) 21.04.2026 Q1 interim results 12.05.2026 April results 16.06.2026 May results 21.07.2026 Q2 interim results 11.08.2026 July results 15.09.2026 August results 20.10.2026 Q3 interim results 17.11.2026 October results 15.12.2026 November results



LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Groups key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,100 people. As at the end of August, LHVs banking services are used by 479,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 109,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus protects a total of 177,000 clients. LHV Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a banking licence in the United Kingdom and provides banking services to international financial technology companies, as well as loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.



Investor Relations

Sten Hans Jakobsoo

Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development

Email: stenhans.jakobsoo@lhv.ee

Communications

Paul Pihlak

Head of Communications

Email: paul.pihlak@lhv.ee
Detailed results from clinical feasibility studies show immediate improvement in blood pressure stability and durable reduction of hypotensive symptoms, resulting in improved quality of life

Most people living with spinal cord injury experience blood pressure instability, which represents a key unmet need

Todays concurrent publications provide clinical evidence for ARC-IM Therapy ahead of the Companys planned initiation of the Empower BP global pivotal trial later this year



EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONWARD Medical N.V. (Euronext: ONWD  US ADR: ONWRY), the leading neurotechnology company pioneering therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other movement disabilities, today announces two simultaneous landmark publications in Nature and Nature Medicine, adding to the compelling body of scientific and clinical evidence supporting the Companys investigational ARC-IM System.

Published in Nature Medicine, results from multi-year clinical feasibility studies show that participants who received ARC-IM Therapy saw immediate and robust increases in blood pressure, as well as reduced frequency and severity of hypotensive symptoms. The enhanced hemodynamic stability resulted in improved quality of life and greater engagement in rehabilitation and daily life activities. The studies enrolled 14 participants at leading neurorehabilitation clinics in Switzerland, Canada, and the Netherlands.1

Additional benefits included reduced fatigue, improved bowel management, and increased tolerance of upright postures. Participants reduced or discontinued traditional treatments for low blood pressure, including compression garments and medications. Benefits were observed throughout the studies for up to two years post-implant, and were consistent across study sites. No serious device-related adverse events were reported.

In another publication simultaneously published in Nature, authors were able to identify the neuronal architecture of the spinal cord that forms after SCI and leads to autonomic dysreflexia (AD), an uncontrolled, life-threatening elevation of blood pressure. Results showed that electrical stimulation targeting the specific region of the spinal cord responsible for blood pressure regulation, called the Hemodynamic Hotspot, can activate a competing neuronal architecture to safely and precisely regulate blood pressure.2

A majority of people living with SCI experience blood pressure instability, characterized by chronic orthostatic hypotension (OH) and episodes of autonomic dysreflexia.3 Among individuals with tetraplegia, 78% are diagnosed with orthostatic OH, yet only 28% receive treatment  and of those, 91% continue to experience symptoms.4 Blood pressure instability and persistent low blood pressure can threaten neurological recovery and negatively impact cardiovascular health and quality of life. The most frequent symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and fatigue.5

Todays landmark publications in Nature and Nature Medicine validate our commitment to introducing therapies that address critical autonomic functions impacted by spinal cord injury, said Dave Marver, Chief Executive Officer of ONWARD Medical. These promising results bolster our mechanistic understanding and demonstrate that the investigational ARC-IM System has the potential to meaningfully improve quality of life and positively impact ones ability to participate in daily activities after SCI. These data also demonstrate the effectiveness of ARC-IM Therapy for managing blood pressure instability in advance of our planned initiation of the Empower BP global pivotal study later this year.

"These results are a significant breakthrough for managing blood pressure instability, one of the key recovery targets after spinal cord injury, said Dr. Aaron Phillips, neuroscientist and Director of the RESTORE Network at the University of Calgary. We have demonstrated that ARC-IM Therapy can improve hemodynamic stability by delivering precise electrical stimulation to the specific region of the spinal cord responsible for blood pressure regulation, addressing both persistent low blood pressure and episodes of uncontrolled, life-threatening high blood pressure.

The ONWARD ARC-IM System is an implanted neuromodulation platform designed to deliver targeted and personalized spinal cord stimulation. It is the first neuroprosthetic system designed to manage blood pressure instability in people with SCI. It comprises the implanted ONWARD Neurostimulator (IPG) and the ARC-IM Thoracic Lead, optimized for surgical placement in the specific region of the thoracic spinal cord (T10-T12) containing a high density of neurons that regulate blood pressure. The Hemodynamic Hotspot is the optimal site for precise stimulation to address blood pressure instability after SCI.

ONWARD recently announced that the FDA has approved an investigational device exemption (IDE) for the ARC-IM System. This approval allows the initiation of Empower BP, a global pivotal study to assess the safety and efficacy of the implantable neurostimulation technology to address blood pressure instability after SCI. Empower BP is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study expected to involve a minimum of 60 participants in 20 leading neurorehabilitation and neurosurgical research centers across the US, Canada, and Europe. First patient enrollment is anticipated before the end of the year. The study will target participants with injuries at spinal cord levels C2-T6 and injury severities of AIS A-D.

To stay informed about ONWARDs research studies, technologies, and the availability of therapies in your area, please complete this webform.

About ONWARD Medical

ONWARD Medical is the leading neurotechnology company pioneering therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injuries and other movement disabilities. Building on decades of scientific discovery, preclinical research, and clinical studies conducted at leading hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and neuroscience laboratories, the Company developed ARC Therapy. It has subsequently been awarded 10 Breakthrough Device designations from the FDA. The Companys ARC-EX System is cleared for commercial sale in the US and Europe. The Company is also developing an investigational implantable system called ARC-IM, designed to address several unmet needs, including blood pressure instability after spinal cord injury. It can also be paired with a brain-computer interface (BCI) and artificial intelligence (AI) to restore thought-driven movement.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, the Company has a Science and Engineering Center in Switzerland and a US office in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company is listed on Euronext Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam (ticker: ONWD) and its US ADRs can be traded on OTCQX (ticker: ONWRY). For more information, please visit ONWD.com.

To stay informed about ONWARDs research studies, technologies, and the availability of therapies in your area, please complete this webform.

For Media Inquiries:

Sebastien Cros, VP Communications

media@onwd.com

For Investor Inquiries:

investors@onwd.com

References:

1. Phillips, A.A., Gandhi, A.P., Hankov, N. et al. An implantable system to restore hemodynamic stability after spinal cord injury. Nat Med 31, 29462957 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03614-w

2. Soriano, J.E., Hudelle, R., Mahe, L. et al. A neuronal architecture underlying autonomic dysreflexia. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09487-w

3. Katzelnick CG et al. Blood Pressure Instability in Persons With SCI: Evidence From a 30-Day Home Monitoring Observation. Am J Hypertens. 2019 Sep 24;32(10):938-944

4. Noreau, L. et al. Development and assessment of a community follow-up questionnaire for the Rick Hansen spinal cord injury registry. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 94, 17531765. ISSN: 0003-9993

5. Carlozzi, N. E. et al. Impact of blood pressure dysregulation on health-related quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury: development of a conceptual model. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 94, 17211730 (2013)

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements, beliefs, and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Companys or, as appropriate, the Company directors current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve several risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, delays in regulatory approvals, changes in demand, competition, and technology, can cause actual events, performance, or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions, or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such persons officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Trademarks: ONWARD, ARC-EX, ARC-IM, ARC-BCI, and the stylized O-Logo are proprietary and registered trademarks of ONWARD Medical. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

Investigational Products: ARC-IM and ARC-BCI are investigational and not available for commercial use.
AB Akola Group, one of the largest agricultural and food production groups in the Baltic States, is launching dairy farm modernization projects worth more than 4.8 million at its Sidabravo and Zibartoniu agricultural companies (ZUB). Advanced milking equipment and upgraded infrastructure will be installed, and later the herd of milking cows will be increased to achieve significant growth in milk production.

"These investments are a strategic step towards increasing the efficiency of our Group's farms and ensuring competitiveness in the market. This will allow us to increase production volumes, reduce costs, improve working conditions, and ensure higher sustainability standards. In this way, we will create value for both our shareholders and the entire milk supply chain," says Mazvydas Sileika, CFO and member of the board of AB Akola Group.

The majority of the planned investment  more than 2.6 million  will be allocated to construction work, while the remaining 1.9 million will be used to purchase and install modern BouMatic milking equipment. The latter will reduce the workload, increase milk yields, and further improve the welfare of cows on farms.

The planned investment in BouMatic milking equipment will automate up to 90% of the milking process, save up to 30% in labor costs, ensure up to 15% higher milk yield per cow, and maintain the highest milk quality standards. In addition, modern systems record the productivity and health indicators of each cow, allowing for more accurate farm management decisions, reducing stress levels for livestock, and, in the long term, helping to ensure stable farm profitability and competitive advantage in the market.

In total, Sidabravo ZUB will invest more than 2.3 million in modernization and expansion, while Zibartoniu ZUB will invest 2.5 million. Both companies have already obtained building permits and have started construction work.

Once the first stage of the farms' expansion has been completed  i.e. once construction and equipment modernization have been finished  the number of cows is expected to increase. The Zibartoniu ZUB herd is expected to expand by 200 milking cows, while the Sidabravo ZUB herd should increase by another 170 cows. This is expected to increase milk production from 24 to 3233 tons per day at Zibartoniu ZUB and from 18 to 2526 tons per day at Sidabravo ZUB, representing a 3344% increase in milk production.

"We see a clear trend in the milk production sector  market participants are expanding or planning to expand their production capacities. Therefore, it is very likely that Lithuanian milk processors will need more high-quality milk in the near future. By expanding our farms, we aim not only to meet this demand but also to further strengthen our position in the market," emphasizes M. Sileika. According to him, depending on the milk purchase price, the payback period for the Group's planned investments will be 3-5 years.

The construction and equipment upgrade work at both farms is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2026. Once the projects are implemented, both farms will need 1-2 additional employees.

The modernization and expansion of the farms is partly financed by the European Union (EU), which has allocated 908,000 in funding.

AB Akola Group owns the largest agricultural and food production group in the Baltics, employing over 5 thousand people. The group operates along the entire food production chain from field to fork, producing, preparing and selling agricultural and food products, as well as providing goods and services to farmers. The Groups financial year begins on 1 July. The consolidated revenue of AB Akola Group for the twelve months of 2024/2025 financial year amounted to EUR 1,580 million. This was 4.9% higher than in the corresponding period of the previous year. The Group achieved the second highest profit in its history during this period, exceeding 62 million.

More information:

Mazvydas Sileika, Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board of AB Akola Group

E-mail: m.sileika@akolagroup.lt

Mob. +370 619 19 403
NANNING, China, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amid global uncertainties and the rise of protectionism, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are forging ahead to deepen their integration.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

This commitment is epitomized by the full conclusion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade negotiations, which was announced in May and is an achievement that promises to bolster economic ties.

With its negotiations lasting more than two years, the upgraded pact extends to new areas such as digital economy, green development and supply chain connectivity.

Boosted by this landmark upgrade and an AI boom, the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, which is held by Guangxi International Expo Affairs Bureau and scheduled to open on September 17 in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is expected to showcase new cooperation momentum and potential. The annual event has this year drawn more than 3,200 exhibitors from 60 countries -- as global firms flock to tap into two of the world's most open and dynamic markets.

Notably, the five-day expo features a 10,000-square-meter AI pavilion, a pavilion of new quality productive forces, and an exhibition area for the blue economy. In addition, green and low-carbon technologies and new energy vehicles are also among the highlights of this edition of the expo. These fields have significant growth prospects in terms of China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation.

Advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure are poised to fuel this growth.

In the field of digital infrastructure, China's investments have accelerated in both scale and scope. These include investments in the 5G sector -- which is a key enabler of AI, with a number of Chinese tech giants participating in related digital projects.

Guangxi, as China's southern gateway to ASEAN, is at the forefront of this integration. Its proximity to ASEAN has made it a vanguard of cross-border cooperation programs.

AI, which is set to transform investment landscapes, has emerged as the linchpin for future collaboration, as ASEAN countries embrace digital transformation, underscoring their strong desire for deepening cooperation with China in the regard.

China and ASEAN countries are seeing robust momentum in AI cooperation. In April 2025, Guangxi Beitou IT Innovation Technology Investment Group Co., Ltd. partnered with MY E.G. Services Berhad, Malaysia's leading digital services company, to develop an AI innovation and cooperation center -- focusing on areas such as blockchain applications and robotics.

Meanwhile, the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Collaborative Innovation Center in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, has signed contracts with 16 enterprises from ASEAN countries, which will help boost industrial upgrading.

China has remained ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for five straight years.

As global trade continues to be affected by volatility, China-ASEAN cooperation stands out as a model of stability. By enhancing trade frameworks and embracing AI, China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation is set to become even more dynamic and deliver even greater win-win outcomes.

Source: Guangxi International Expo Affairs Bureau
Vancouver, BC, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trident Resources Corp. (TSX-V: ROCK ) (OTCQB: TRDTF ) (Trident or the Company) is pleased to announce an expansion of its current inaugural drill exploration program at its 100% owned Contact Lake Project, (Contact Lake or the Project) located in Saskatchewan. The drill program is focused on confirming historical gold grades and discovering new mineralized zones both adjacent to and below the historical underground mine workings. Trident is very pleased with the drilling progress as well as the visual indications of mineralization thus far, and has elected to increase the program from 5,000m to over 6,500m in 18-20 drill holes. The Company is fully funded for this increase with over C$11M in its treasury.

Contact Lake Project Location Map:

https://www.tridentresourcescorp.com/projects/contact-lake-gold-project/#&gid=1&pid=1

Drill Program Highlights:

Excellent progress is being made with the drilling and costs are coming in lower than expected with nearby infrastructure helping to make the drilling more cost-efficient

Excellent progress is being made with the drilling and costs are coming in lower than expected with nearby infrastructure helping to make the drilling more cost-efficient Encouraging visual mineralization has been seen in numerous drill holes prompting an expansion in the drilling program

Additional ~1,500m drilling (~30%) increase to the current 5,000m program for a total over 6,500m in 18-20 drill holes planned

The program remains fully funded with core samples being split and sent for analytical geochemical testing; assays are pending

Jonathan Wiesblatt, Chief Executive Officer of Trident, commented: Due to the early visual indications of mineralization and cost-effective execution of the ongoing drilling program, Trident is adding an additional ~1,500 metres of drilling, bringing the total initial diamond drilling program to ~6,500 meters. The additional metres will be focused on the following:

Expanding the known footprint of the deposit by drilling underneath the old mine workings, following up on historical drill holes which intersected high grade gold, and

Closing the gap between the current known mineralization and its extension both down dip and laterally. The Company believes this program has the potential to add to the current know geological model with a minimal amount of additional drilling and positively impact the resource potential of the project.

Further, we expect ample news flow in the coming months from this drill program, technical report updates, and continued consolidation of properties in this prolific gold district.

Geological Discussion:



Numerous drill holes have been designed to test for the extension of gold mineralization between the historical underground workings and the unmined BK3 Gold Zone, located 50 metres toward the northeast of Tridents drilling. These holes successfully intersected the Bakos shear at the predicted position, encountering a broad zone of strong alteration and veining that extended from the hanging wall through the shear zone and into the footwall below.

Location Map of Planned Drill Holes:

http://www.tridentresourcescorp.com/_resources/images/Drill-Plan-NR-202508.jpg

The remainder of the drill program will seek to discover gold mineralization at shallow depths and test for extensions of the Main Zone at depth below the historical underground mine workings.

Marketing Agreement:

Further to the Companys May 29, 2025 news release, whereby the Company announced the engagement of Resource Stock Digest (RSD) for a 3-month advertising and marketing program, the Company wishes to clarify that it was for two distinct investor relations and marketing programs, both effective May 28, 2025. The first is a three-month Awareness Campaign at a total cost of USD$115,000, payable upfront. The second is a Featured Company Sponsorship with an initial threemonth term at a quarterly cost of USD $10,000, for an 18-month term, unless terminated by the Company with 30 days notice. The total upfront payment for both engagements is USD $125,000.

Qualified Person:



The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Cornell McDowell, P.Geo., a non-independent Qualified Person under the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Mineralization hosted on nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be hosted on the Property.

Mr. McDowell visited the Property several times in 2025 in advance of the drill program to establish control on historical infrastructure and determine potential drill hole locations. He has discussed and reviewed core logging, sampling and handling procedures with the qualified staff from Terralogic Exploration, who are managing the drill program on behalf of Trident Resources. The 2025 drill program will include a robust QA/QC program and follow provincially mandated health and safety protocols with participation from several local personnel including members of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

About Trident Resources Corp.:

Trident Resources Corp. is a Canadian public mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of advanced-stage gold and copper exploration projects in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company is advancing its 100% owned Contact Lake and Greywacke Lake projects which host significant historical gold resources located within the prospective and underexplored La Ronge Gold Belt, as well as the 100% owned Knife Lake copper project which contains a historical copper resource.

To find out more about Trident Resources Corp. (TSX-V: ROCK), visit the Companys website at www.tridentresourcescorp.com

Trident Resources Corp.

Jonathan Wiesblatt, Chief Executive Officer

Email: Jon.Wiesblatt@tridentresourcescorp.com

For further information contact myself or:

Andrew J. Ramcharan, PhD, P.Eng., Corporate Communications

Trident Resources Corp.

Telephone: 647-309-5130

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@tridentresourcescorp.com





NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements
FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY

Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the Code)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Name of exempt principal trader: Investec Bank plc (b) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Treatt plc (c) Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Investec is Joint financial adviser, Rule 3 adviser and corporate broker to Treatt plc. (d) Date dealing undertaken: 17th September 2025



(e) In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to this offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state N/A N/A

2. DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales



Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received Lowest price per unit paid/received



Ordinary shares



Purchases



30,986 266.5 265



Ordinary shares



Sales



35,000 266 265

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) N/A N/A N/A N/A

3. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none



None





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none None









Date of disclosure: 18th September 2025 Contact name: Abhishek Gawde Telephone number: +91-9923757332

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panels Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Codes dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Automotive Semiconductor Market in India (2025 - 2030)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The automotive semiconductor market in India was valued at INR 199.95 Bn in 2024. It is expected to reach INR 434.90 Bn by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~15.42% during the 2025 - 2030 period.



Indian automotive semiconductor market is set to experience strong growth between 2025 and 2030, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and increasing vehicle electrification. Growing investments in semiconductor manufacturing, coupled with government initiatives to boost domestic production, are further shaping the industry. As the automotive landscape evolves with smart mobility and connectivity solutions, companies that leverage innovation and strategic partnerships will be best positioned to thrive in this competitive and technology-driven market.



Market insights:



India's automotive semiconductor market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by the adoption of advanced vehicle technologies, rising EV penetration, and increasing demand for high-efficiency power semiconductors. As vehicles integrate more smart features, semiconductor reliance continues to expand, creating significant opportunities.

While domestic players compete with global firms like NXP and Infineon, India remains dependent on imports from Taiwan, South Korea, and China. However, government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are fostering domestic manufacturing, aiming to enhance self-reliance and global competitiveness.



Market Trends:



The rapid advancement of vehicle technology is driving increased demand for automotive semiconductors in India. Stricter safety regulations, such as Bharat NCAP, are encouraging automakers to integrate ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, boosting the need for LiDAR sensors and radar chips.

The growing adoption of connected vehicles and IoT solutions is further accelerating semiconductor demand, with AI-driven infotainment, real-time diagnostics, and V2X communication becoming industry standards. Meanwhile, the expansion of India's EV market is fuelling demand for high-efficiency power semiconductors, including IGBTs, MOSFETs, and SiC-based chips for improved energy management.



Sustainability is also a key priority, with semiconductor firms and automakers developing ultra-low-power chips to support India's net-zero emission goals. With initiatives like the FAME II scheme and the Semicon India program promoting domestic manufacturing, India's semiconductor ecosystem is poised for significant growth in the coming years.



Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1: Executive Summary



Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Indicators



Chapter 3: Introduction

3.1. Market Definition and Structure



Chapter 4: Market Overview

4.1. Automotive Semiconductor Market in India - An Overview

4.2. Market Size and Growth Forecast (2024 - 2030e)

4.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis



Chapter 5: Market Initiatives

5.1. Favorable Market Initiatives



Chapter 6: Market Influencers

6.1. Market Drivers

6.2. Market Challenges



Chapter 7: Market Trends

7.1. Key Market Trends



Chapter 8: Competitive Landscape

8.1. ASM Technologies Limited

Company Information

Business Description

Products/Services

Key People

Financial Snapshot

Key Ratios

Key Financial Performance Indicators

Key Business Segments

Key Geographic Segments

8.2. MosChip Technologies Limited

8.3. RIR Power Electronics Limited

8.4. Tata Elxsi Limited

8.5. Chiplogic Technologies

8.6. EInfochips Inc.

8.7. Infineon Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.

8.8. Micron Technology

8.9. NXP Semiconductors

8.10. Qualcomm India Private Limited



Chapter 9: Recent Developments

9.1. Recent Developments



Chapter 10: Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3ztmuo

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Industry in India (2025 - 2030)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

In 2023, the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) industry in India was valued at INR 1.07 trillion. It is expected to reach INR 1.82 trillion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~8.26% during the 2025 - 2030 period.

India is a leading supplier of generics, driving the demand for APIs both domestically and globally. India exports around 50% of its APIs to developed markets, including the US and Europe. The market for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) in India includes the sourcing of raw materials and production, research and development, and supply of APIs to pharmaceutical companies globally.

The shift toward self-reliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing and the push for compliance with quality standards, such as GMP certifications, are strengthening India's position as a global leader in API production.



Market drivers:

As nations aim to lessen dependence on China for API sourcing, India's well-established manufacturing abilities make it a significant alternative supplier globally.

As global supply chains evolve, India has ramped up its API exports, especially to high-demand regions such as the US and Europe, supporting industry expansion.

Market trends:

With international markets enforcing stricter regulations, Indian API manufacturers are focusing on quality control and compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to sustain their competitive edge.

To address changing regulatory requirements, Indian firms are investing in improved infrastructure, advanced technologies, and a skilled workforce to maintain consistent product quality and compliance.

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1: Executive Summary



Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Indicators



Chapter 3: Introduction

3.1. Market definition and structure



Chapter 4: Market Overview

4.1. API Industry in India - An Overview

4.2. India's Category-wise Share of Exports (2023 - 2024)

4.3. Country-wise Share of Drugs, Pharmaceuticals, and Fine-chemicals Exports in India (2023 - 2024)

4.4. Drug and Pharmaceutical Exports' Trend in India (in INR Bn)



Chapter 5: Market Influencers

5.1. Market drivers

5.2. Market challenges



Chapter 6: Market Trends

6.1. Key Market Trends



Chapter 7: Government Initiatives

7.1. Favorable Government Initiatives



Chapter 8: Trade Analysis

8.1. Trade Analysis



Chapter 9: Competitive Landscape

9.1. Aurobindo Pharma Limited

Company information

Business description

Products/Services

Key people

Financial snapshot

Key ratios

Key financial performance indicators

Key business segments

Key geographic segments

9.2. Divi's Laboratories Limited

9.3. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited

9.4. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited

9.5. Lupin Limited

9.6. Novartis India Limited

9.7. Pfizer Limited

9.8. Sanofi India Limited

9.9. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited

9.10. Boehringer Ingelheim India Private Limited



Chapter 10: Recent Developments



Chapter 11: Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/f58c41

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cell Line Characterization and Cell Line Development Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Source of Cell Line / Expression System, Application of Cell Line, Company Size and Key Geographical Regions" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global cell line characterization and cell line development market is estimated to grow from USD 2.29 billion in 2025, to USD 8.38 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period, till 2035.

Cell Line Characterization and Cell Line Development Market: Growth and Trends

Over the years, cell lines have become a crucial part of the biopharmaceutical industry. They are a valuable tool for screening potential drug candidates, developing biologics, studying biology of chronic diseases and assessing toxicity of drugs. Moreover, the developed cell lines can be characterized and authenticated to determine their origin / history and identify key characteristics and functionality. While most cell lines in use today are derived from humans, mice, and rats, some also originate from other mammalian and non-mammalian species, broadening their applicability across research and development.

Furthermore, it is worth highlighting that over time the increasing advancements in genome editing technology have opened new avenues for cell line development. Despite this, the development and characterization of cell lines is both technically challenging and financially demanding; as a result, drug developers are becoming increasingly dependent on contract service providers for their advanced technologies, infrastructure and expertise.

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of a large number of highly qualified contract research organizations (CROs) and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) that assist drug developers and strive to expedite cell line development and biomanufacturing.

Cell Line Characterization and Cell Line Development Market: Key Insights

The report delves into the current state of the cell line characterization and cell line development market and identifies potential growth opportunities within industry.

Some key findings from the report include:

Presently, over 200 players claim to have the necessary capabilities to offer cell line development services; majority of these firms are based in North America.

Stakeholders have the capability to develop cell lines obtained from different sources that support cell-based research and development operations and facilitate production of biotherapeutics.

Over 140 service providers claim to offer cell line characterization services; a sizeable proportion of these players offer genotyping services for accessing the identity and stability of cell lines.

Majority of the cell line characterization service providers are small and mid-sized firms, established post-2000; notably, around 10% of the players offer all types of characterization services

In order to cater to the rising demand of novel biologics, service providers are upgrading their technical expertise and adding new competencies to augment their service portfolios.

Both well-established players and new entrants have forged strategic partnerships; licensing agreements emerged as the most prominent partnership model.

To keep pace with the growing demand for cell lines, companies have made significant investments to expand their facilities and capacities; this trend is most pronounced in the US and China.

Identifying the driving factors as well as barriers helps improve strategic planning and results in efficient operations.

In the long term, cell line development services market is expected to witness growth of 12.5%; the opportunity is likely to be well distributed across different sources of cell lines, application areas and geographies.

As pharmaceutical companies and researchers continue outsourcing cell line characterization operations, we anticipate cell line characterization market to grow at an annualized rate of more than 10%, over the next decade.

Cell Line Characterization and Cell Line Development Market: Research Coverage

Market Sizing and Opportunity Analysis: The report features an in-depth analysis of the global cell line characterization and cell line development market, focusing on key market segments, including source of cell line / expression system, application of cell line, company size and key geographical regions.

The report features an in-depth analysis of the global cell line characterization and cell line development market, focusing on key market segments, including source of cell line / expression system, application of cell line, company size and key geographical regions. Cell Line Development Service Providers Market Landscape: A comprehensive evaluation of cell line development service providers, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, source of cell lines / expression systems offered, gene delivery method used, type of transfection, availability of serum free / animal component free culturing capability, type of cells offered, application of cell lines, additional cell line related services offered, type of cell banking, availability of integrated cell line characterization, technology platform utilized, monoclonality procedure used, availability of biosimilar cell line development and gene editing cell line development services.

A comprehensive evaluation of cell line development service providers, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, source of cell lines / expression systems offered, gene delivery method used, type of transfection, availability of serum free / animal component free culturing capability, type of cells offered, application of cell lines, additional cell line related services offered, type of cell banking, availability of integrated cell line characterization, technology platform utilized, monoclonality procedure used, availability of biosimilar cell line development and gene editing cell line development services. Cell Line Development Service Providers Company Competitiveness Analysis: A comprehensive competitive analysis of cell line development service providers, examining factors, such as supplier strength and service strength.

A comprehensive competitive analysis of cell line development service providers, examining factors, such as supplier strength and service strength. Company Profiles of Cell Line Development Service Providers: In-depth profiles of key players offering cell line development services, focusing on overview of the company, financial information, service portfolio, recent developments and an informed future outlook. Additionally, in-depth profiles of some other prominent players focusing on overview of the company and cell line development service portfolio.

In-depth profiles of key players offering cell line development services, focusing on overview of the company, financial information, service portfolio, recent developments and an informed future outlook. Additionally, in-depth profiles of some other prominent players focusing on overview of the company and cell line development service portfolio. Cell Line Characterization Service Providers Market Landscape: A comprehensive evaluation of the companies / organizations providing cell line characterization services, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, source of cell lines and expression systems offered, type of cell line characterization services offered, type of cell identity testing / cell stability testing services offered, type of sterility / biosafety testing services offered, availability of additional cell line related services, regulatory accreditations / certifications and overall turnaround time. Additional information on number of STR loci amplified, type of genotyping kit used, and service fee charged for non-industry players.

A comprehensive evaluation of the companies / organizations providing cell line characterization services, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, source of cell lines and expression systems offered, type of cell line characterization services offered, type of cell identity testing / cell stability testing services offered, type of sterility / biosafety testing services offered, availability of additional cell line related services, regulatory accreditations / certifications and overall turnaround time. Additional information on number of STR loci amplified, type of genotyping kit used, and service fee charged for non-industry players. Cell Line Characterization Service Providers Company Competitiveness Analysis: A comprehensive competitive analysis of cell line characterization service providers, examining factors, such as supplier strength and service strength.

A comprehensive competitive analysis of cell line characterization service providers, examining factors, such as supplier strength and service strength. Company Profiles of Cell Line Characterization Service Providers: In-depth profiles of key players offering cell line characterization services, focusing on overview of the company, financial information, cell line characterization service portfolio, recent developments and an informed future outlook. Additionally, in-depth profiles of some other prominent players focusing on overview of the company and cell line characterization service portfolio.

In-depth profiles of key players offering cell line characterization services, focusing on overview of the company, financial information, cell line characterization service portfolio, recent developments and an informed future outlook. Additionally, in-depth profiles of some other prominent players focusing on overview of the company and cell line characterization service portfolio. Partnerships and Collaborations: An insightful analysis of the deals inked by stakeholders in this domain, based on several parameters, such as year of partnership, type of partnership, type of cells involved, therapeutic area, type of partner, most active players and regional distribution of the companies involved in these agreements.

An insightful analysis of the deals inked by stakeholders in this domain, based on several parameters, such as year of partnership, type of partnership, type of cells involved, therapeutic area, type of partner, most active players and regional distribution of the companies involved in these agreements. Recent Expansions: In-depth analysis of the various expansion initiatives undertaken by various cell line development and cell line characterization service providers, based on several parameters, such as year of expansion, type of expansion, location of headquarters, location of expanded facility, area of expanded facility, purpose of expansion, most active players and geographical distribution.

In-depth analysis of the various expansion initiatives undertaken by various cell line development and cell line characterization service providers, based on several parameters, such as year of expansion, type of expansion, location of headquarters, location of expanded facility, area of expanded facility, purpose of expansion, most active players and geographical distribution. Cell Line Repositories: In-depth profiles of the biorepositories across the globe that play an important role in developing cell lines and have also undertaken initiatives to limit the use of contaminated and / or misidentified cell lines, focusing on overview of the repository and cell line characterization service portfolio.

In-depth profiles of the biorepositories across the globe that play an important role in developing cell lines and have also undertaken initiatives to limit the use of contaminated and / or misidentified cell lines, focusing on overview of the repository and cell line characterization service portfolio. Regulatory Recommendations and Guidelines: A detailed discussion on the requirements established by various regulatory authorities, across different regions, related to characterization of cell lines. Additionally, a detailed discussion of the various guidelines that have been issued by these bodies related to the protocols that need to be followed while testing of cell lines. Further, a brief description of the historical overview and contributions of key institutes / organizations involved in this domain was represented.

A detailed discussion on the requirements established by various regulatory authorities, across different regions, related to characterization of cell lines. Additionally, a detailed discussion of the various guidelines that have been issued by these bodies related to the protocols that need to be followed while testing of cell lines. Further, a brief description of the historical overview and contributions of key institutes / organizations involved in this domain was represented. Market Impact Analysis: A thorough analysis of various factors, such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and existing challenges that are likely to impact market growth.

Key Players in the Cell Line Characterization and Cell Line Development Market, Profiled in the Report Include:

ATUM

ATZ Labs (a subsidiary of Life Technologies)

Avance Biosciences

BioReliance (acquired by Sigma-Aldrich)

Biovian

Celonic Group

Charles River Laboratories

ChemPartner

Cleancells

Creative Biogene

Curia

Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies

Hylabs

KBI Biopharma

Kemp Proteins

KMD Bioscience

Livogen Pharmed

Lonza

Molecular Diagnostic Services

Mycenax Biotech

ProBioGen

Samsung BioLogics

Sartorius

SGS Life Sciences

Syngene International

Texcell

TFBS Bioscience

Thermo Fisher Scientific

WuXi Advanced Therapies

WuXi Biologics

Key Questions Answered in this Report

How many companies are currently engaged in this market?

Which are the leading companies in this market?

What factors are likely to influence the evolution of this market?

What is the current and future market size?

What is the CAGR of this market?

How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments?

Reasons to Buy this Report

The report provides a comprehensive market analysis, offering detailed revenue projections of the overall market and its specific sub-segments. This information is valuable to both established market leaders and emerging entrants.

Stakeholders can leverage the report to gain a deeper understanding of the competitive dynamics within the market. By analyzing the competitive landscape, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their market positioning and develop effective go-to-market strategies.

The report offers stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the market, including key drivers, barriers, opportunities, and challenges. This information empowers stakeholders to stay abreast of market trends and make data-driven decisions to capitalize on growth prospects.

Additional Benefits

Complimentary PPT Insights Packs

Complimentary Excel Data Packs for all Analytical Modules in the Report

15% Free Content Customization

Detailed Report Walkthrough Session with Research Team

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4k0255

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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Guelph, Ontario, Canada, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When Dominic Villeneuve, a Canadian pilot with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), landed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with five anti-aircraft guns pointed at his plane, he felt a surge of nerves. Yet, in that tense moment, the 30-year-old from Kamloops, BC, remained calm, trusting in years of training and Gods protection. Villeneuve was carrying out a humanitarian mission in the DRC, one of the worlds most dangerous and complex regions, where MAFs planes serve as the only lifeline for communities cut off by conflict. This International Day of Peace, September 21, MAF pilots are demonstrating that peace can be actively built, one flight at a time, continuing Canadas legacy of humanitarian work in the worlds most remote and challenging areas.

While headlines are dominated by global conflicts and humanitarian aid is being cut, pilots such as Villeneuve are choosing to fly directly into the eye of the storm, into some of the worlds most dangerous areas.

The DRC is one of the five poorest countries in the world. Decades of conflict have left millions of people displaced and cut off from basic services. In this chaos, MAF pilots are often the only ones able to reach isolated villages, delivering life-saving supplies, medical professionals, and pastors. Furthermore, MAF pilots are also helping foster peace. By flying peace negotiators and reconciliation workers into otherwise unreachable communities caught in tribal conflict, MAF flights have allowed opposing groups to meet in neutral spaces, broker peace agreements, and reduce violence.

Yet the work is not without its risks. Several months ago, after returning from a flight, he noticed a bullet hole in one of his aircrafts wings. Yet, he doesnt speak about these close calls with fear, but with unwavering faith. Even with extensive safety protocols in place, he says the thought of not flying is out of the question. Yes, this work is stressful, Villeneuve explained, but my faith gives me the peace that surpasses all understanding. I have peace because this is what God has for me; this is my calling.

The calculated risks that MAF pilots take underscore the critical importance of their mission. Tim Bax, VP of International Staff & People Care for MAF Canada, explains that while safety is their top priority, the mission of bringing help, hope, and healing to isolated people is paramount.

This has been an extraordinary year for our mission staff and their families. We have had four of our staff and their families evacuated from several countries due to civil unrest, which is highly unusual, and underscores the current state of the world, said Bax. We take every precaution possible to mitigate risk, but are committed to supporting these communities.

Media Opportunities

Interviews with Tim Bax, VP of International Staff & People Care, MAF Canada, and Dominic Villeneuve are available upon request. To arrange a time, please contact Matthew Schroeder, Head of Communications, at mschroeder@maf.ca

About Mission Aviation Fellowship:

Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian ministry that operates over 120 aircraft in 29 countries worldwide. MAF transports patients, relief workers, community supplies, and medical aid to the worlds most remote regions and places of deepest human need. Operating for over 80 years, Mission Aviation Fellowship has developed into a worldwide team of specialists; over 450 staff families, including roughly 50 Canadians and their families, serve in both technical and support roles. Our mission is to serve together to bring help, hope, and healing through aviation; our vision is to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ. To learn more, visit maf.ca.

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Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Implementing CSA for GxP Systems - Transition, Documentation, and Post-Transition Challenges and Opportunities (Oct 16th - Oct 17th, 2025)" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This 2-day online course provides an in-depth guide to implementing Computer Software Assurance (CSA) for GxP-regulated systems.

Computer system validation has been regulated by FDA for more than 30 years, as it relates to systems used in the manufacturing, testing and distribution of a product in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device or other FDA-regulated industries.The FDA requirements ensure thorough planning, implementation, integration, testing and management of computer systems used to collect, analyze and/or report data.

Electronic records and electronic signatures (ER/ES) came into play through guidelines established by FDA in 1997, and disseminated through 21 CFR Part 11.This code describes the basic requirements for validating and documenting ER/ES capability in systems used in an FDA-regulated environment.

In the early 2000s, FDA recognized they could not inspect every computer system at every regulated company and placed the onus on industry to begin assessing all regulated computer systems based on risk.The level of potential risk, should the system fail to operate properly, needed to be the basis for each company's approach to developing a validation approach and rationale as part of the planning process.System size, complexity, business criticality, GAMP5 category and risk rating are the five key components for determining the scope and robustness of testing required to ensure data integrity and product safety.

Until recently, the traditional approach to Computer System Validation (CSV) was believed to be required by FDA. It was also believed that following GAMP5 practices was also a requirement. While FDA will tell industry WHAT is required, they have never dictated HOW those requirements should be met. Each company that is FDA-regulated must use critical thinking, as described in the CSA approach to come up with the most practical and innovative way to adhere to the regulations. They still must meet WHAT FDA requires, but HOW must be evaluated and determined in order to comply.

GAMP5, Second Edition aligns well with CSA, and the two used in concert can provide a more effective and efficient means of reaching compliance for computer systems used in regulated processes.

Why Should You Attend

This Seminar is intended for those involved in planning, execution and support of computer system validation activities, working in the FDA-regulated industries, including pharmaceutical, medical device, biologics, tobacco and tobacco-related products (e-liquids, e-cigarettes, pouch tobacco, cigars, etc.).

Attendees will learn how to adapt their current method of validating FDA-regulated computer systems to align with both GAMP5, Second Edition, published in July 2022, and CSA, a new approach that is subject of a Draft guidance from FDA that was issued in September 2022. These two guidances will reshape the way companies handle validation of computer systems that are based on newer and more innovative technologies.

Rather than avoiding these modern breakthroughs in technology and continuing to rely on older ways of conducting business, attendees will learn how to adapt their current practices and thinking about validation to leverage these innovative tools and advance their ability to bring their companies to a new level of success. Newer technologies will help them bring more advanced products to the marketplace and this can be achieved by learning how to approach validation to continue meeting FDA compliance. These include cloud-based services, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, andsoftware that incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT.

Course Agenda:

Day 1 - Foundations & Transition

Identifying GxP systems in your organization

in your organization Overview of traditional Computer System Validation (CSV) based on FDA requirements

based on FDA requirements Introduction to the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach

approach Understanding the FDA draft guidance on Computer Software Assurance (CSA) and differences from CSV

and differences from CSV How GAMP5, 2nd Edition aligns with CSA and impacts validation work

aligns with CSA and impacts validation work Assessing system size, complexity, business criticality, and risk to develop a comprehensive validation rationale

to develop a comprehensive validation rationale Conducting a risk assessment to support your validation strategy

to support your validation strategy Ensuring risk-based testing of system requirements

Preparing a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) as evidence that all requirements are tested

Day 2 - Compliance, Documentation & Post-Transition Practices

Maintaining systems in a validated state across the entire life cycle

across the entire life cycle Ensuring data integrity with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original/True Copy, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available)

with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original/True Copy, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) Key components of 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures

for electronic records and signatures Validating COTS, cloud-based, and SaaS solutions

Best practices for GxP documentation and maintaining compliance with FDA requirements

and maintaining compliance with FDA requirements Documenting CSV efforts: requirements, design, development, testing, and operational maintenance

Training requirements to support validation efforts

Incorporating Organizational Change Management (OCM) to enhance adoption of new technologies

to enhance adoption of new technologies Policies and procedures to support ongoing system validation

Performing vendor audits to ensure proper oversight

to ensure proper oversight Preparing for FDA inspections or audits of GxP computer systems

of GxP computer systems Understanding regulatory influences , current FDA thinking, and trends in compliance and enforcement

, current FDA thinking, and trends in compliance and enforcement Implementing industry best practices to optimize validation, maintain compliance, and ensure data integrity throughout the data lifecycle

Interactive Session:

Q&A with expert instructors to address real-world challenges

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals involved in GxP systems implementation, compliance, and validation, including:

Information Technology Analysts, Developers, and Testers

Software Quality Assurance Professionals

QC/QA Managers and Analysts

Analytical Chemists

Compliance and Audit Managers

Laboratory Managers

Automation Analysts

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Specialists/Managers

Regulatory Affairs and Regulatory Submissions Specialists

Risk Management Professionals

Clinical Data Analysts, Managers, and Trial Sponsors

Computer System Validation Specialists

GMP Training Specialists

Business Stakeholders / Subject Matter Experts

Business System / Application Testers

Vendors and Consultants involved in software development, testing, maintenance, and validation within the life sciences industry

For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/iw3j6w

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Granite Credit Union is celebrating its 90th anniversary by continuing its long-standing support of education. While the Granite Credit Union Foundation (established in 2022) now leads these efforts, Granite Credit Union has been funding classroom projects for more than 20 years and supporting educators throughout the community since its founding in 1935.

In 2025, the Granite Credit Union Foundation awarded more than $30,000 in classroom grants to educators in the state of Utah. In the spring, 20 educators received $350 each. This fall, an additional 70 educators were awarded $350, for a total of 90 grants in 2025.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

These grants provide immediate, impactful support for teachers and students in our community, said Mary Woodard, President Granite Credit Union Foundation. Our hope is to help educators create stronger classrooms and brighter futures.

The Foundations classroom grants reflect Granite Credit Unions ongoing promise to be always there so you can make life happen.

To learn more about Granite Credit Union, please visit granite.org .

To learn more visit Granite Credit Union Foundation

About Granite Credit Union

Founded in 1935, Granite Credit Union serves over 37,000 members, has 12 branch locations, and over $900 million in assets. Committed to helping members achieve their financial goals, Granite Credit Union offers a variety of financial products and services, including competitive rates, flexible lending options, and personalized financial guidance. With a vision of "always there... so you can make life happen," the credit union strives to empower members with the tools and support they need to succeed financially. Members enjoy access to secure mobile banking services, online tools, and personalized in-branch assistance at locations across Utah. Granite Credit Union is dedicated to positively impacting the communities it serves through financial education, trusted relationships, and exceptional service. Granite Credit Union is always there... so you can make life happen.

Media Contact:

marketing@granite.org
Austin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biohybrid Robots Market Size & Growth Insights:

According to the SNS Insider,The Biohybrid Robots Market (Markt fur biohybride Roboter) size to be worth USD 0.19 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.14 billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 35.40% over 2025-2032.

Military and Defense Sectors are Rapidly Adopting Biohybrid Robots Further Propelling Market Expansion

Over the course of the forecast period, the military and defense industry's growing interest in using autonomous adaptive robots for reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical support is anticipated to propel the telerobotics systems market's expansion. The soft-bodied movement, environmental adaptability, and low visibility that biohybrid robots continue to drive make them perfect for covert operations and inaccessible areas. Biohybrid robotic platforms, which combine biological intelligence and engineered hardware to create small, low-power, and highly mobile solutions for complex operations in uncontrolled environments, are becoming more and more popular among defense funding agencies in the U.S., China, and Europe. The U.S. market is growing rapidly driven by high levels of government and private sector investment in biomedical innovation and next-generation robotics.

Get a Sample Report of Biohybrid Robots Market Forecast @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/8174

Leading Market Players with their Product Listed in this Report are:

Festo AG & Co. KG

Harvards Wyss Institute

Parker Hannifin Corporation

ReWalk Robotics Ltd.

Organovo Holdings, Inc.

Soft Robotics Inc.

CYBERDYNE Inc.

AxoGen Inc.

Fourier Intelligence

Boston Dynamics

Cortical Labs

Myomo Inc.

Shadow Robot Company

BioBots

Maxon Group

Neurable

Syntouch LLC

RoboSoft Technologies

ETH Zurich

Delft University of Technology

Biohybrid Robots Market Report Scope:

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2024 USD 0.19 Billion Market Size by 2032 USD 2.14 Billion CAGR CAGR of 35.40% From 2025 to 2032 Report Scope & Coverage Market Size, Segments Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Regional Analysis, DROC & SWOT Analysis, Forecast Outlook Key Segmentation  By Type (Fully Biohybrid Robots and Semi-Biohybrid Robots)

 By Technology (Hybridized Soft Robots, Muscle-Driven Biohybrids and Neuron-Driven Biohybrids)

 By Power Source (Chemical Energy, Electrical Energy, Electrochemical Energy and Mechanical Energy)

 By End-User (Agriculture, Consumer Electronics, Environmental Conservation, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Military & Defense)

Purchase Single User PDF of Biohybrid Robots Market Report (20% Discount) @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/8174

Key Industry Segmentation

By Type

In 2024, Semi-Biohybrid Robots led the biohybrid robots market share by 58.20%, owing to their favorable balance of biological control and synthetic body that enhances modularity and compatibility with traditional robot architectures.

Fully Biohybrid Robots are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 36.22% during 20242032, owing to their ability to closely imitate living organisms, adaptability to the environment, and biological self-regulation.

By Technology

In 2024, the market was dominated by Muscle-Driven Biohybrids, accounting for 39.50% of the revenue, due to contractile tissues from nephrogenic adult central chondrosarcoma, which are better at imitating smooth natural motion.

The neuron-driven biohybrids segment is anticipated to exhibit the fastest CAGR of 35.81% during the forecast period of 20242032, owing to their ability to provide adaptive and intelligent behaviors through the incorporation of neuron-based control mechanisms.

By Power Source

In 2024, Electrical Energy segment accounted for a largest revenue share in the Biohybrid Robots Market by 38.10%, as Electrical Energy is compatible with traditional robotic platforms and can easily integrate with control systems.

Electrochemical Energy is estimated to witness the fastest CAGR of 36.73% during the period 20242032, as this type can make autonomous operation possible through biofuel cells and enzymatic energy harvesting.

By End-User

The healthcare segment led the Biohybrid Robots Market in 2024, contributing 34.60% of the revenue share, and is predicted to develop at the fastest CAGR of 36.35% during 2024-2032 owing to the increasing need for innovative surgical instruments, personalization in rehabilitation devices, and demand for biocompatible robotic systems.

In 2024, the Market is Led by North America with 32.10% Share Owing to Well-established Research Environment

In 2024, North America held the dominating revenue share of 32.10% of the overall biohybrid robots market, attributable to the well-established research environment, state sponsored funding programs and private capital in the field of bioengineering and soft robots.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 36.46% in the forecast period of 20242032 owing to growing investment in biomedical research, robotics innovation, and national strategies for AI.

Do you have any specific queries or need any customized research on Biohybrid Robots Market? Submit your inquiry here @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/8174

Recent Developments:

In March 2025, Wyss researchers announced a biohybrid robotic hand built using real human muscle cells, highlighting its ability to self-repair and mimic living actuation.

Wyss researchers announced a biohybrid robotic hand built using real human muscle cells, highlighting its ability to self-repair and mimic living actuation. In February 2025, a biohybrid robotic hand actuated by multiple human muscle tissues was unveiled, demonstrating enhanced adaptive grip and tissue integration.

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MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Metals Incorporated (the Company" or "Osisko Metals") ( TSX: OM ; OTCQX: OMZNF ; FRANKFURT: 0B51 ) is pleased to announce new drill results from the Gaspe Copper Project, located in the Gaspe Peninsula of Eastern Quebec.

Osisko Metals CEO Robert Wares commented: The growth potential of the Gaspe Copper deposit continues to be demonstrated with todays new high-grade results. Holes 30-1106 and 30-1109 reveal the presence of a thick, higher grade tabular zone lying at depth around the E Zone horizon near the eastern margin of our 2024 MRE model. This tabular zone may extend significantly to the east if it correlates to historical drilling results. Our expansion drilling is exceeding expectations, hand-in-hand with the solid infill results on our main resource area.









New analytical results are presented below (see Table 1), including 26 mineralized intercepts from six new drill holes. Infill intercepts are located inside the 2024 MRE model (see November 14, 2024 news release), and are focused on upgrading inferred mineral resources to measured or indicated categories, as applicable. Expansion intercepts are located outside the 2024 MRE model and may potentially lead to additional resources that will be classified appropriately within the next MRE update. Some of the reported intercepts have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion (noted on Table 1 below as Both). Maps showing hole locations are available at www.osiskometals.com.

Highlights:

Drill hole 30-1110 1091.5 metres averaging 0.20% Cu (infill and expansion)

Drill hole 30-1109 133.7 metres averaging 1.04% Cu (expansion)

Drill hole 30-1106 159.1 metres averaging 0.45% Cu (expansion)

Drill hole 30-1103 167.9 metres averaging 0.24% Cu (infill)

Drill hole 30-1108 134.8 metres averaging 0.22% Cu (infill and expansion)

Drill hole 30-1111 304.5 metres averaging 0.17% Cu (infill) 206.3 metres averaging 0.33% Cu (expansion)





Table 1: Infill and Expansion Drilling Results

DDH No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu % Ag g/t Mo % CuEq* Type** 30-1103 14.6 144.0 129.4 0.17 1.40 <0.005 0.19 Infill And 322.6 490.5 167.9 0.24 1.84 0.014 0.30 Infill And 510.0 583.5 73.5 0.27 2.02 0.029 0.40 Expansion And 618.0 714.0 96.0 0.12 1.09 0.024 0.20 Expansion And 790.5 854.0 63.5 0.26 1.38 0.010 0.30 Expansion 30-1106 595.5 634.5 39.0 0.40 3.58 <0.005 0.44 Infill And 694.0 716.0 22.0 0.29 1.60 0.008 0.32 Expansion And 741.0 802.5 61.5 0.18 0.97 0.014 0.23 Expansion And 844.7 1003.8 159.1 0.45 1.95 0.011 0.50 Expansion (including) 864.2 898.0 33.8 1.04 3.60 0.011 1.10 Expansion 30-1108 9.0 53.0 44.0 0.20 1.80 <0.005 0.21 Infill And 67.0 96.0 29.0 0.17 1.62 <0.005 0.19 Infill And 160.5 199.5 39.0 0.12 1.05 0.008 0.16 Infill And 354.0 417.0 63.0 0.19 1.42 0.006 0.22 Infill And 442.2 579.0 134.8 0.22 1.17 0.030 0.34 Both And 662.7 695.8 33.1 0.22 0.75 0.021 0.31 Expansion And 877.5 900.3 22.8 0.62 5.14 <0.005 0.67 Expansion 30-1109 463.5 487.5 24.0 0.36 2.83 <0.005 0.39 Infill And 543.0 583.5 40.5 1.35 8.29 0.012 1.44 Infill And 727.3 861.0 133.7 1.04 6.48 0.017 1.14 Expansion 30-1110 8.0 1099.5 1091.5 0.20 1.52 0.017 0.28 Both (including) 8.0 743.6 735.6 0.20 1.50 0.015 0.27 Infill (including) 743.6 1099.5 355.9 0.21 1.55 0.021 0.30 Expansion And 1138.5 1177.5 39.0 0.12 0.90 0.014 0.17 Expansion 30-1111 28.5 333.0 304.5 0.17 0.80 0.007 0.20 Infill And 391.5 602.5 210.5 0.16 0.78 0.028 0.27 Infill And 634.7 682.5 47.8 0.13 1.06 0.008 0.16 Expansion And 730.0 936.3 206.3 0.33 2.39 0.016 0.41 Expansion

* See explanatory notes below on copper equivalent values and Quality Assurance/Quality Controls.

** Both indicates drill holes that have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion intercepts.

Discussion

Drill holes 30-1103 and 30-1108, both located near the western margin of the 2024 MRE model, cut multiple intersections of mineralized material, 20 to 168 metres thick, distributed in layer cake fashion from surface to a vertical depth of 854 and 900 metres, respectively.

Drill hole 30-1106, located near the eastern margin of the 2024 MRE model, cut unmineralized material to a depth of about 600 metres, followed by four mineralized intervals to a vertical depth of 1004 metres. These include a higher-grade interval of 33.8 metres averaging 1.04% Cu and 3.60 g/t Ag located at the level of (and immediately below) the E Zone skarn horizon.

Drill hole 30-1109, also located near the eastern margin of the 2024 MRE model, cut unmineralized material to a depth of about 460 metres, followed by three mineralized intervals to a vertical depth of 860 metres. These also include a higher-grade interval of 133.7 metres averaging 1.04% Cu and 6.48 g/t Ag located in skarn and porcellanites above and below the E Zone skarn horizon.

Both 30-1106 and 30-1109 suggest potential for the presence of a higher-grade tabular deposit around the E Zone horizon that, when combined with historical drilling data, indicates a potential extension eastward towards the previously mined E-32 Zone over a lateral distance of 800 metres.

Drill hole 30-1110, located on top of Copper Mountain near the central part of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 1091.5 metres averaging 0.20% Cu, 1.52 g/t Ag, and 0.017% Mo (0.28% CuEq), including 735.6 metres averaging 0.20% Cu, 1.50 g/t Ag, and 0.015% Mo (infill) and 355.9 metres averaging 0.21% Cu, 1.55 g/t Ag, and 0.021% Mo (expansion), extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 1100 metres and again confirming continuity of mineralization in the core of the deposit.

Drill hole 30-1111, located immediately west of Copper Mountain near the southern lip of the pit, intersected 304.5 metres (from surface) averaging 0.17% Cu and 0.80 g/t Ag followed by three more intersections that included expansion at depth of 206.3 metres averaging 0.33% Cu, 2.39 g/t Ag, and 0.016% Mo, extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 936 metres. The central porphyry intrusion was then intersected and returned 76 metres averaging negligible copper (0.08% Cu) but significant molybdenum (0.023% Mo).

Mineralization at Gaspe Copper is of porphyry copper/skarn type and occurs as disseminations and stockworks of chalcopyrite with pyrite or pyrrhotite and minor bornite and molybdenite. At least five retrograde vein/stockwork mineralizing events have been recognized at Copper Mountain, which overprint earlier prograde skarn and porcellanite-hosted mineralization throughout the Gaspe Copper system. Porcellanite is a historical mining term used to describe bleached, pale green to white potassic-altered hornfels. Subvertical stockwork mineralization dominates at Copper Mountain whereas prograde bedding-replacement mineralization, that is mostly stratigraphically controlled, dominates in the area of Needle Mountain, Needle East, and Copper Brook. High molybdenum grades (up to 0.5% Mo) were locally obtained in both the C Zone and E Zone skarns away from Copper Mountain.

The 2022 to 2024 Osisko Metals drill programs were focused on defining open-pit resources within the Copper Mountain stockwork mineralization (see May 6, 2024 MRE press release). Extending the resource model south of Copper Mountain into the poorly-drilled prograde skarn/porcellanite portion of the system subsequently led to a significantly increased resource, mostly in the Inferred category (see November 14, 2024 MRE press release).

The current drill program is designed to convert the November 2024 MRE to Measured and Indicated categories, as well as test the expansion of the system deeper into the stratigraphy and laterally to the south and southwest towards Needle East and Needle Mountain respectively. The November 2024 MRE was limited at depth to the base of the L1 skarn horizon (C Zone), and all mineralized intersections below this horizon represent potential depth extensions to the deposit, to be included in the next scheduled MRE update in Q1 2026.

All holes are being drilled sub-vertically into the altered calcareous stratigraphy, which dips 20 to 25 degrees to the north. The L1 (C Zone) the L2 (E Zone) skarn/marble horizons were intersected in most holes, as well as intervening porcellanites that host the bulk of the disseminated copper mineralization.

Table 2: Drill hole locations

DDH No. Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) UTM E UTM N Elevation 30-1103 0.00 -90.00 930.0 316056.0 5426038.0 634.7 30-1106 0.00 -90.00 1131.0 316500.0 5426360.0 628.7 30-1108 0.00 -90.00 960.00 315900.0 5426136.0 638.9 30-1109 0.00 -90.00 861.00 316600.0 5426205.0 608.2 30-1110 0.00 -90.00 1200.00 316077.0 5426355.0 742.7 30-1111 0.00 -90.00 1014.00 315600.0 5426408.0 590.0





Explanatory note regarding copper-equivalent grades

Copper Equivalent grades are expressed for purposes of simplicity and are calculated taking into account: 1) metal grades; 2) estimated long-term prices of metals: US$4.25/lb copper, US$20.00/lb molybdenum, and US$24.00/oz silver; 3) estimated recoveries of 92%, 70%, and 70% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively; and 4) net smelter return value of metals as percentage of the price, estimated at 86.5%, 90.7%, and 75.0% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Bernard-Olivier Martel, P. Geo. (OGQ 492), an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Mineralized intervals reported herein are calculated using an average 0.12% CuEq lower cut-off over contiguous 20-metre intersections (shorter intervals as the case may be at the upper and lower limits of reported intervals). Intervals of 20 metres or less are not reported unless indicating significantly higher grades. True widths are estimated at 90- 92% of the reported core length intervals.

Osisko Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC program for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses, including insertion of blanks and standards in the sample stream. Drill core is drilled in HQ or NQ diameter and securely transported to its core processing facility on site, where it is logged, cut and sampled. Samples selected for assay are sealed and shipped to ALS Canada Ltd.s preparation facility in Sudbury. Sample preparation details (code PREP-31DH) are available on the ALS Canada website. Pulps are analyzed at the ALS Canada Ltd. facility in North Vancouver, BC. All samples are analyzed by four acid digestion followed by both ICP-AES and ICP-MS for Cu, Mo and Ag.

About Osisko Metals

Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspe Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspe Copper mine is located near Murdochville in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system, with current Indicated Mineral Resources of 824 Mt averaging 0.34% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 670 Mt averaging 0.38% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' November 14, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspe Copper". Gaspe Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Quebec.

In addition to the Gaspe Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada's largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt averaging 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt averaging 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' June 25, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq". The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, NWT, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometres of viable haul roads.

For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact:

Don Njegovan, President

Email: info@osiskometals.com

Phone: (416) 500-4129

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspe Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company's trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system and Gaspe Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals' issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission, or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1435bbf7-6580-47e7-9906-c67a832e9456

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ffb2d0f5-e4f4-4672-8e6e-e41e07fc2f68
Ottawa, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The worldwide cord blood banking services market size is expected to reach approximately USD 5.81 billion by 2034, increasing from USD 3.27 billion in 2025. The market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.61% from 2025 to 2034. The life-saving applications of these services for the transplantation of stem cells and bone marrow, and the promising future research, fuel the expansion of cord blood banking.



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Cord Blood Banking Services Market Key Highlights

In terms of revenue, the global cord blood banking services market was valued at USD 3,270 billion in 2025.

It is predicted to exceed USD 5,810 million by 2034.

The market is expanding at a CAGR of 6.61% from 2025 to 2034.

North America accounted for the largest market share of 36.28% in 2024.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2025 to 2034.

By storage services, the private cord blood banks segment held the major market share in 2024.

By storage services, the public cord blood banks segment is growing rapidly between 2025 and 2034.

By component, the cord tissue segment captured the highest market share in 2024.

By component, the cord blood segment is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period.

By application, the diabetes segment generated the major marker share in 2024.

By application, the cancer disease segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.



What are the Cord Blood Banking Services?

The rising incidence of chronic diseases like cancer, immune system diseases, and genetic disorders raises the need for collecting and storing umbilical cord blood stem cells of newborns. The rising public awareness of the potential benefits of cord blood stem cells in treating any health condition of babies drives the significance of the market. The huge acceptance of stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine is fueled by stem cell research, cryopreservation, and processing techniques.

In September 2024, Cordlife Group announced the restart of its cord blood banking activities in Singapore with enhanced processing and storage facilities. These facilities are now strengthening the operational protocols that introduce an improved laboratory monitoring system. (Source: https://www.expresshealthcare.in/)



Cord Blood Banking Services Market Trends

What are the Recent Breakthroughs in the Market?

Research, Popularity, and Promising Future: The ongoing research on stem cells and investments by countries in stem cell research fuel the technological advancements. The increased number of parents who are interested in stem cell preservation impacts its popularity significantly. The immense potential of umbilical cord blood stem cells to treat various life-threatening diseases saves the lives of newborns.





The ongoing research on stem cells and investments by countries in stem cell research fuel the technological advancements. The increased number of parents who are interested in stem cell preservation impacts its popularity significantly. The immense potential of umbilical cord blood stem cells to treat various life-threatening diseases saves the lives of newborns. Therapeutic Applications: The expansion of private and public banking brings various clinical applications of cord blood stem cells into action, which include approved uses to treat leukemias, lymphomas, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, aplastic anemia, and inherited immune deficiencies. The emerging uses of these cells revolve around the treatment of cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, type 1 diabetes, stroke recovery, cardiovascular repair, spinal cord injuries, and acquired brain injuries.



What are the Latest Government Initiatives for Cord Blood Banking Services?

1. Abu Dhabi, UAE  Launch of the Regions Largest Hybrid Cord Blood Bank

In May 2024, the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi and M42 launched the Abu Dhabi Biobank, featuring the region's largest hybrid cord blood bank. This initiative aims to collect and preserve newborn stem cells for potential treatments of diseases like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and cancer. The biobank offers both public and private donation options, contributing to the UAE's vision of becoming a global hub for life sciences and personalized healthcare.

2. United States  Family Cord Blood Banking Act

In June 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Family Cord Blood Banking Act (H.R. 8882), which aims to treat the cost of private umbilical cord blood banking services as a medical care expense for tax deduction purposes. This initiative seeks to make private cord blood banking more accessible to families by providing tax relief, thereby encouraging the preservation of cord blood for potential future medical use.

3. Singapore  Conditional Resumption of Cord Blood Banking Services

In August 2024, Singapore's Ministry of Health allowed Cordlife Group Limited to resume cord blood banking services under strict conditions. The company is permitted to collect, test, process, and store no more than 30 new cord blood units per month from September 2024 to January 2025. This decision followed audits confirming that Cordlife had met essential requirements, including validating new processing methods and implementing improved monitoring systems.

4. New York State, USA  Public Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Program

In 2023, New York State introduced legislation to establish a public umbilical cord blood banking program within the Department of Health. The program aims to promote public awareness of cord blood banking, support research into its uses, and facilitate pre-delivery arrangements for public donations. The initiative includes developing educational materials and establishing a statewide toll-free number for information and donor coordination.

5. FamiCord Group  Expansion of Placenta Banking Services

In 2024, FamiCord Group expanded its placenta banking services to new markets, including Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Bulgaria, and the UAE. Placenta tissue contains non-hematopoietic stem cells, which are being explored for advanced therapeutic applications. This expansion reflects a growing interest in preserving placental tissue for potential medical treatments and underscores the group's commitment to innovative biobanking services.

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How does AI benefit the Cord Blood Banking Services?

Artificial intelligence can be applied in certain key areas of umbilical cord blood biobanking, which include informed consent management, sample management, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, and diagnostic screening. Moreover, AI contributes to genomic data provision, detection of data errors in biospecimen records, quality assessment, and predictive modelling. AI can revolutionize the biobanking process by enhancing the use of cord blood stem cells for both biomedical research and clinical applications.

Cord Blood Banking Services Market Opportunities

What is the Future of Cord Blood Banking Services?

In August 2025, CytoMed Therapeutics Limited announced the launch of LongevityBank for the expansion of its cord-blood-derived immunotherapy platform. This initiative planned to invest up to US$500,000 in LongevityBank to advance the preservation of clinical-scale natural killer (NK) cells from cord blood units. (Source: https://www.quiverquant.com/news )

In August 2025, CytoMed Therapeutics Limited introduced an at-the-market (ATM) offering program to raise $4.3 million through R.F. Lafferty & Co. as sales agent. The company announced that its recent acquisition of a cord blood bank attracted 2,500 new customers in August 2024, which contributed to its 2025 revenue. (Source: https://www.stocktitan.net)

Cord Blood Banking Services Market Limitations and Challenges

What are the Major Concerns in the Cord Blood Banking Services Market?

Cost and Accessibility: The high costs of cord blood banking limit the network of stem cell facilities. The private banking holds the usual pricing from Rs. 100,000 to 300,000 for collecting and processing. These private banks offer an average yearly storage fee of Rs. 60,000. The number of public cord blood banks is limited, which creates hurdles for people to access services at no cost.



The high costs of cord blood banking limit the network of stem cell facilities. The private banking holds the usual pricing from Rs. 100,000 to 300,000 for collecting and processing. These private banks offer an average yearly storage fee of Rs. 60,000. The number of public cord blood banks is limited, which creates hurdles for people to access services at no cost. Quality Control and Testing Issues: Quality control and testing are important in cord blood banking to ensure the compliance of samples with quality standards. The challenges are associated with sample contamination or infectious disease screening. These factors affect the use and efficiency of the cord blood.



Cord Blood Banking Services Market Report Coverage

Report Attributes Statistics Market Size in 2024 USD 3.09 Billion Market Size in 2025 USD 3.27 Billion Market Size in 2031 USD 4.76 Billion Market Size by 2034 USD 5.81 Billion Growth Rate 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 6.61% Market Size in 2025 USD 1.12 Billion Market Size by 2034 USD 1.57 Billion Leading Region in 2024 North America Fastest Growing Region Asia Pacific Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 Segments Covered Storage Services, Component, Application, and Region Regional Scope Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Key Players Global Cord Blood Corporation, CBR Systems Inc., PerkinElmer Inc. (ViaCord LLC), Cryo-Cell International, Cordlife Group Limited, AlphaCord LLC, ATCC, CSG-BIO, California Cryobank Stem Cell Services LLC, Cord Blood Foundation (Smart Cells International), Singapore Cord Blood Bank, FamiCord, and others.



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Cord Blood Banking Market Growth Fueled by Regenerative Medicine and Genetic Disease Therapies

Precedence Research reports that the global cord blood banking market is projected to rise from USD 18.56 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 28.83 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.02%. This steady growth is attributed to the increasing demand for stem cell preservation, rapid advancements in regenerative medicine, and the expanding use of cord blood in treating cancers, immune disorders, and genetic diseases.

Cord blood banking is gaining global recognition as a critical part of modern healthcare infrastructure, with both private and public banks advancing technologies in collection, processing, and cryopreservation. Rising parental awareness, supportive government initiatives, and clinical research breakthroughs continue to accelerate adoption, positioning cord blood banking as a cornerstone of future personalized medicine.

Cord Blood Banking Market Key Takeaways

The global cord blood banking market was valued at USD 17.67 billion in 2024.

It is projected to reach USD 28.83 billion by 2034.

The cord blood banking market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.02% from 2025 to 2034.

North America dominated the global market with the largest market share of 38% in 2024

By type of bank, the cord blood banking market's private bank segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

By services, the processing segment contributed the highest market share in 2024.

By application. The cancer segment significantly contributes to the market and is anticipated to grow at a notable CAGR during the forecast period.

By end-use, the hospital segment captured the biggest market share in 2024.

Cord Blood Banking Market Leading Companies

Thermo Fisher Scientific (US)

Merck KGaA (Germany)

Lonza Group (Switzerland)

STEMCELL Technologies (Canada)

Takara Bio (Japan)

FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics (US)

Sartorius AG (Germany)

GE Healthcare (UK)

Charles River Laboratories International (US)

Cynata Therapeutics (Australia)

Mesoblast (Australia)

Cellular Dynamics International (US)

Organogenesis (US)

Osiris Therapeutics (US)

Gamida Cell (Israel)

Pluristem Therapeutics (Israel)

Athersys (US)

Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics (Israel)

Cellectis (France)

Ncardia AG (Germany)

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How does North America Dominate the Cord Blood Banking Services Market in 2024?



North America dominated the market in 2024, owing to supportive healthcare infrastructure, government support, and favorable regulations. In June 2025, Americas Blood Centers took an urgent action towards expanding the use of blood in ambulances and making the blood supply a national priority. These efforts were made to strengthen the cyber resilience of the blood community and support the safety and availability of the blood supply. For this purpose, over 100 leading organizations from across the nation united at the launch of the advocacy week 2025, which is an annual initiative by the Americas Blood Centers. This initiative united various stakeholders to display the importance of blood for patients, the healthcare system, and communities.

Furthermore, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focuses on blood donations to save the lives of patients who are dealing with trauma, surgery, and conditions like sickle cell disease. It helps patients to access blood, blood products, and blood transfusions while undergoing severe health conditions.

However, the Association for the Advancement of Blood Banking and Biotherapies (AABB), located in Maryland, reported the integration of AI and data sciences in blood banking, which benefits from the new computational methods in transfusion science. Likewise, the State of New Jersey, the Department of Health in the U.S., introduced a blood bank licensing and regulatory compliance program to protect the health and safety of blood donors and transfusion recipients. This program was launched under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Services to ensure the safe and effective collection and transfusion of blood and blood products.

How big the U.S. Cord Blood Banking Services Market?

The U.S. cord blood banking services market size was evaluated at USD 1.02 billion in 2024 and is expected to be worth around USD 1.57 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.52% from 2025 to 2034.

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U.S. Market Trends

The California Department of Public Health, situated in California, United States, is dedicated to advancing cord blood banking through genetic disease screening programs, prenatal disease screening programs, communication, and education. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Blood Stem Cell in the U.S. is committed to spreading the importance of cord blood banking in changing the lives of people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several cell and gene therapy products that are licensed from the Office of Therapeutic Products (OTP).

What is the Potential of the Cord Blood Banking Services Market in the Asia Pacific?

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period due to advancements in research and technology and supportive government initiatives. The market gets impacted by demographics, healthcare policies, economic factors, and cultural traditions of the Asian Pacific countries. The emerging trends of personalized marketing approaches and in-home consultations play a crucial role in countries like India.

The favorable regulatory environment and unique marketing strategies across this region present immense growth opportunities for the marketing of cord blood banking. Community banking is becoming popular across this region due to its compliance with consumer healthcare needs and social values. In July 2025, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Sri Lanka conducted a program on incident management and corrective action to strengthen transfusion safety through the WHO-recommended Quality System Essentials (QSEs).

India

The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) provides blood transfusion services. India remains ahead in the marketing of cord blood banking through a successive interaction between a sales representative from a cord blood bank and parents. India has also adopted the community banking concept that is popular among Indian and Singaporean consumers.

The Center for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) introduced the unified health interface (UHI) that features blood bank discovery through e-RaktKosh. This is a network that allows patients to find the blood banks and assess their availability using the C-DAC e-RaktKosh platform. (Source: https://www.cdac.in)



In May 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology launched the voluntary blood donation drive to support national security efforts. Ministry of Science and Technology has inaugurated this organization in partnership with Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Indian Red Cross Society, highlighting the Ministry among the first launches as an initiative. (Source: https://www.pib.gov.in)

Cord Blood Banking Services Market Segmentation Analysis

Storage Services Analysis

How does the Private Cord Blood Banks Segment Dominate the Cord Blood Banking Services Market in 2024?

The private cord blood banks segment dominated the market in 2024, owing to the immediate access to stored cord blood for families without the time-consuming search for a matching donor from a public bank. The expanding clinical trials, promising research, and hybrid banking models drive the growth in regenerative medicine. The flexibility of access to cord blood for family members and guaranteed match ensures transparency in private cord blood banking services.

The public cord blood banks segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period due to free services for the donor and greater community benefit. The broad treatment applications raise the need for cord blood from public blood banks. The extensive clinical research expanded the therapeutic potential of stem cells stored in public blood banks.

Component Analysis

What made Cord Tissue the Dominant Segment in the Cord Blood Banking Services Market in 2024?

The cord tissue segment dominated the market in 2024, owing to the regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory benefits. The cord tissues can be used for the clinical investigation of several neurological conditions, such as autism, cerebral palsy, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injury, etc. The cord tissues have the potential to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

The cord blood segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period due to the established and expanded treatments for blood and immune system disorders with a low risk of complications. The immediate access to treatments and increased donor matches raised the significance of cord blood transplants. The private and public blood banking services provide peace of mind to families who are dealing with certain genetic diseases.

Application Analysis

How did the Diabetes Segment Dominate the Cord Blood Banking Services Market in 2024?

The diabetes segment dominated the market in 2024, owing to the ongoing clinical research in diabetes for improved metabolic function, reduced insulin dependency, and reduced inflammation for diabetes patients. The future therapeutic options of cord blood for diabetes have expanded its research and development. The use of unique properties of cord blood cells helps to treat autoimmune and metabolic aspects of diabetes.

The cancer disease segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period due to the use of cord blood stem cells in blood cancer treatments. The growth of cord blood banking is accelerated by its numerous advantages over traditional bone marrow transplants. The future potential in the oncology sector is driven by advancements in engineered T-cells, expansion of stem cells, and improved engraftment techniques.

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Cord Blood Banking Services Market Top Companies in the Cord Blood Banking Services Market

Cord Blood Registry - Cord Blood Registry provides comprehensive cord blood and tissue banking services with a focus on advanced stem cell preservation for future medical treatments.

- Cord Blood Registry provides comprehensive cord blood and tissue banking services with a focus on advanced stem cell preservation for future medical treatments. ViaCord - ViaCord offers personalized cord blood and tissue banking solutions, emphasizing the potential use of stem cells in regenerative medicine and family health.

- ViaCord offers personalized cord blood and tissue banking solutions, emphasizing the potential use of stem cells in regenerative medicine and family health. Cryo-Cell International - Cryo-Cell International delivers reliable cord blood and cord tissue storage with an emphasis on safety, quality, and accessibility for potential therapeutic uses.

- Cryo-Cell International delivers reliable cord blood and cord tissue storage with an emphasis on safety, quality, and accessibility for potential therapeutic uses. Global Cord Blood Corporation - Global Cord Blood Corporation specializes in collecting, processing, and storing cord blood stem cells, with a wide network across Asia to support families worldwide.

- Global Cord Blood Corporation specializes in collecting, processing, and storing cord blood stem cells, with a wide network across Asia to support families worldwide. Cordlife Group - Cordlife Group provides cord blood banking services along with comprehensive prenatal screening, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and research collaborations.

- Cordlife Group provides cord blood banking services along with comprehensive prenatal screening, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and research collaborations. FamiCord Group - FamiCord Group offers cord blood and tissue banking services, backed by extensive experience in stem cell collection, storage, and clinical applications in Europe.

- FamiCord Group offers cord blood and tissue banking services, backed by extensive experience in stem cell collection, storage, and clinical applications in Europe. Americord Registry - Americord Registry emphasizes family-oriented cord blood and tissue banking, including innovative options like placental blood storage for enhanced therapeutic potential.

- Americord Registry emphasizes family-oriented cord blood and tissue banking, including innovative options like placental blood storage for enhanced therapeutic potential. LifeCell International - LifeCell International delivers cord blood and tissue banking services with a strong focus on scientific research and advanced preservation technologies.

- LifeCell International delivers cord blood and tissue banking services with a strong focus on scientific research and advanced preservation technologies. StemCyte - StemCyte offers global cord blood banking services with an emphasis on high-quality stem cell collection and availability for transplantation and regenerative therapies.

- StemCyte offers global cord blood banking services with an emphasis on high-quality stem cell collection and availability for transplantation and regenerative therapies. CryoHoldco - CryoHoldco provides secure cord blood and tissue banking solutions, leveraging advanced cryopreservation methods to ensure long-term stem cell viability.

What is Going Around the Globe?

In March 2025, Cord Blood Registry families led the way in utilizing cord blood stem cells through the increased number of cord blood samples CBR for regenerative medicine. 780 cord blood samples have been released by CBR for use in transplant and regenerative medicine.(Source: https://www.cordblood.com/)



In July 2025, LifeCell International published guidelines for the collection, processing, testing, storage, and release of umbilical cord blood associated with cord blood banking. ICMR has suggested utilizing umbilical cord blood in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantations. (Source: https://www.lifecell.in)

Cord Blood Banking Services Market Segments Covered in the Report

By Storage Services

Public Cord Blood Banks

Private Cord Blood Banks

By Component

Cord Blood

Cord Tissue

By Application

Cancer Disease

Diabetes

Blood Disease

Immune Disorders

Metabolic Disorders

Others

By Region

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico



Asia Pacific

China

Singapore

Japan

India

South Korea

Thailand

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Sweden

Denmark

Norway

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina



Middle East and Africa

South Africa

UAE

Saudi Arabia

Kuwait

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OXFORD, United Kingdom, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saudi Water Authority (SWA) and Global Water Intelligence (GWI) announce the U.S.-Saudi Water Summit, taking place October 3, 2025, in Palo Alto, California. This high-level international platform brings together senior government officials, regulators, utilities, investors, technology providers, and research institutions from both countries to explore unprecedented collaboration opportunities in the global water sector.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, the summit will showcase Saudi Arabia's comprehensive water transformation journey and explore unmatched opportunities for external partners to engage in co-investment, co-innovation, and long-term collaboration. The summit is a strategic bridge between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States  a platform to shape the global future of water through innovation, governance, and cross-border partnerships.

Led by His Excellency, Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, the opening plenary will examine what Saudi Arabias new model of investment means for the global water industry - combining public investment with private sector innovation. The day follows with forums, panel discussions, and presentations addressing the entire water value chain, covering governance and regulatory frameworks, water resource management, desalination and advanced treatment technologies, digital transformation, climate resilience, privatization opportunities, and innovation in water solutions.

The summit will feature strategic partnership ceremonies with leading U.S. institutions including SWA, California Public Utilities Commission, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ministry of Investment, PlugandPlay, Arizona State University Water Institute, and more. Admission is free for all attendees  registration is by invitation following application at https://landing.globalwaterintel.com/US-Saudi-Water-Summit/register%20interest.html?f24_pid=&utm_campaign=US-Saudi%20Water%20Summit%20Startups&utm_source=force24&utm_medium=email&utm_content=textlink

About Global Water Intelligence

Global Water Intelligence is the leading market intelligence and events company serving the international water industry. Over the last 25 years we have built our business around being a trusted interface between our clients and their markets, providing our customers with high-level intelligence that enables them to make the most informed strategic decisions for their business. We cover municipal markets and every industrial vertical as well as technology, finance and economics.

More detail can be found at: https://landing.globalwaterintel.com/US-Saudi-Water-Summit/register%20interest.html?f24_pid=&utm_campaign=US-Saudi%20Water%20Summit%20Startups&utm_source=force24&utm_medium=email&utm_content=textlink
Paris, France, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rueil-Malmaison, France, September 18, 2025  Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced new reference designs developed with NVIDIA that significantly accelerate time to deployment and aid operators as they adopt AI-ready infrastructure solutions.

The first reference design delivers the industrys first and only critical framework for integrated power management and liquid cooling control systems, including Motivair by Schneider Electric liquid cooling technologies, and enables seamless management of complex AI infrastructure components. It includes interoperability with NVIDIA Mission Control  NVIDIAs AI factory operations and orchestration software, including cluster and workload management features. The control systems reference design can also be utilized with Schneider Electrics data center reference designs for NVIDIA Grace Blackwell systems, enabling operators to keep pace with the latest advancements in accelerated computing, with seamless control of their power and liquid cooling systems.

The second reference design focuses on the deployment of AI infrastructure for AI factories of up to 142 kW per rack, specifically NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 racks, in a single data hall. Created to provide a framework for the next-generation NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra architecture, the reference design includes information on four technical areas: facility power, facility cooling, IT space and lifecycle software. The design is available under configurations for both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.

The first controls reference design can also be utilized with Schneider Electrics data center reference designs for NVIDIA Grace Blackwell systems  enabling operators to keep pace with the latest advancements in accelerated computing, while having seamless control of their power and liquid cooling systems.

Engineered to Move at Pace

As AI advances, todays data center operators rely on reference design frameworks to overcome the speed and deployment challenges of high-density, GPU-accelerated AI clusters. By providing validated, proven, and documented data center physical infrastructure designs, Schneider Electric enables operators globally to design and incorporate next-generation power and liquid cooling controls infrastructure before the newest AI infrastructure solutions even arrive, while optimizing for cost, efficiency, and reliability. Schneider Electrics fully engineered reference designs are laying the foundation for the latest AI factories, empowering data center operators to not only meet the moment but to be ready before it even happens.

Schneider Electric is streamlining the process of designing, deploying, and operating advanced, AI infrastructure with its new reference designs, said Jim Simonelli, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Schneider Electric. Our latest reference designs, featuring integrated power management and liquid cooling controls, are future-ready, scalable, and co-engineered with NVIDIA for real-world applications  enabling data center operators to keep pace with surging demand for AI.

We are entering a new era of accelerated computing, where integrated intelligence across power, cooling and operations will redefine data center architectures, said Scott Wallace, Director of Data Center Engineering at NVIDIA. With its latest controls reference design, Schneider Electric connects critical infrastructure data with NVIDIA Mission Control, delivering a rigorously validated blueprint that enables AI factory digital twins and empowers operators to optimize advanced accelerated computing infrastructure.

Plug-And-Play End-To-End Controls System

The groundbreaking controls reference design connects edge devices and facility controls for energy management and liquid cooling across NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 and NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 deployments leveraging NVIDIA Mission Control. Using a plug-and-play architecture based on the MQTT protocol, it bridges operational technology (OT) infrastructure and information technology (IT) systems, allowing operators to, for the first time, harness data from every layer to optimize performance.

With a focus on seamless interoperability between building and AI infrastructure management software, the controls reference design establishes redundant systems for power and cooling, and introduces new guidance for measuring AI rack power profiles. Ultimately, it ensures the highest standards of uptime, reliability and peak performance for AI deployments by enabling precise, real-time management of critical power and cooling resources.

The result is an end-to-end controls system that offers:

A standardized format interface publishing power management and liquid cooling controls data for consumption by local applications and upstream data consumers and tools, including AI infrastructure management software, digital twins, AI/ML and other enterprise systems.

The controls architecture is designed to manage redundancy across cooling and power distribution infrastructure, including coolant distribution units (CDUs) and remote power panels (RPPs), ensuring resiliency in both white and grey space environments.

New guidance for measuring AI rack power profiles, with a focus on rack peak power and power quality monitoring.

NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 Reference Design for High-Density AI Clusters

Schneider Electrics reference design for NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 supports the deployment of NVIDIA GB300 NVL72- based clusters with a maximum rack density of 142kW, such as NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with DGX GB300 systems. The data hall is purpose-built and optimized to host three NVIDIA GB300 NVL72- based clusters powered by up to 1,152 GPUs using liquid-to-liquid CDUs and high temperature chillers.

The reference design also includes Schneider Electrics industry-leading ETAP and EcoStruxure IT Design CFD models, allowing users to leverage digital twins to simulate specific power and cooling scenarios to optimize designs on unique applications. It builds upon a previous blueprint for the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 as Schneider Electric continues to collaborate with NVIDIA to provide fully engineered, tested models in anticipation of the new NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 platform.

The reference designs announced today continue Schneider Electrics long-established collaboration with NVIDIA to meet the data center industrys most pressing AI demands. In addition to these new reference designs, Schneider Electric has developed nine AI reference designs for various scenarios including prefabricated modules, retrofit data centers, and AI infrastructure purpose built for NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 and NVIDIA GB300 NVL72-based clusters.

Schneider Electric also applies comprehensive, real-world engineering on each of its reference designs - demonstrating a continuous commitment to developing the industrys most advanced, energy efficient and resilient, high performance data center architectures. For more information about its reference designs co-engineered with NVIDIA, visit the website.

###

Related resources:

Press contact: global.pr@se.com

About Schneider Electric

Schneiders purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitalization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 160,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders.

www.se.com

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

Hashtags: #AI #DataCentersoftheFuture #LifeIsOn

Attachments
(Alta, Norway 18 September 2025) Statkraft has submitted a license application for an upgrade of the Alta power plant. By utilizing water currently bypassing the plant during floods, production could increase by up to 20 percent. This will be achieved by installing a third turbine, with minimal new environmental impact. The water flow in the salmon-carrying stretch of the Alta River will not be changed.



When the Alta power plant was built in the 1980s, the facility was designed to accommodate three turbines. Due to grid limitations in Finnmark at the time, only two were installed. The turbine is a part of the installation that generates electricity from the energy in the water. Since the power grid has been reinforced in recent years, it can now handle more electricity. Statkraft is therefore applying for a license to increase power generation at Alta power plant by around 20

percent, by utilizing parts of the floodwater that currently passes the plant.



 It is important to make the most of the water that has already been regulated for power production. If this project is carried out, we will be able to produce more electricity by using the floodwater, with limited additional impact on nature and the environment. Alta is an important national salmon river and holds great value for both the local community and local businesses. The environmental condition of the Alta River is good, and the operational regulations will remain unchanged. We have kept the owners of the fishing rights in the river (ALI) informed throughout the planning process, and we consider it essential that the salmon habitat remains at least as well-preserved as it is today. We believe this is safeguarded in the plans we have now submitted to NVE, says Maren Sisilie Jone, Regional Director at Statkraft.



The construction of the Alta hydropower plant in the 1980s holds a special place in Norwegian hydropower history and is closely tied to engagement for both nature conservation and indigenous Sami rights. If Statkraft is granted permission to install a third turbine, it will mean increased activity in reindeer grazing areas during the construction period.



 The Alta hydropower plant is located in a core area for Sami livelihoods and cultural practices. The power plant has strong historical references, and we are very conscious of this as we assess the opportunity to upgrade the plant. For this reason, involvement from the reindeer herding community is a key part of the process of preparing the license application. Over the past year, the affected siidas have worked with us to develop solutions where both parties have made adjustments and taken measures so the project can be carried out. We are pleased to have secured agreements already with the most affected siidas, 23A Valgenjarga and 23C Jalgon, even before the application was submitted, where they agree to the project if Statkraft is granted a license, says Maren Sisilie Jone. Dialogue with other siidas and districts is still ongoing.



The license application is now being submitted to NVE, The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, which will carry out a broad public consultation as part of the licensing process. If NVE grants a license, Statkraft will decide whether to carry out the project, which could be completed at the earliest by 2030.



 Finnmark needs to facilitate further business development. Access to electricity plays an important role in creating new jobs. Statkraft is an important player in Northern Norway, and with an upgrade of the Alta power plant we will strengthen that position even further, says Regional Director Maren Sisilie Jone.

In January 2024, Statkraft presented a plan for the renewal and expansion of Norwegian hydropower, including at least five major upgrades. In total, the company plans to invest up to NOK 55 billion in the upgrading and maintenance of Norwegian hydropower. The upgrade of the Alta plant is part of this plan.



 Statkraft has managed Norwegian hydropower for 130 years. We are now entering a phase where many power plants need to be modernized to produce electricity in a changing power system. We have previously announced projects at Mauranger in Western Norway, Nore in Eastern Norway, and Aura in Central Norway, where we are also building the new Svean hydropower plant. We are now submitting a license application for the upgrade of Alta. We are an energy company with a presence throughout Norway, working in close cooperation with municipalities, businesses, and local interests wherever we operate, says Pal Otto Eide, Senior Vice President for Development, Nordics at Statkraft.

For further information, please contact:

Andreas Tinglum, Head of Media Relations Norway, Statkraft AS

Mobile: +47 930 01 773

Email: andreas.tinglum@statkraft.com

About Statkraft

Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europes largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and supplies district heating. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has around 7,000 employees in more than 20 countries.


Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Fleet Management Industry in South Africa 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report on fleet management in South Africa provides information on the industry's main products and services, revenue, installed units, new applications and growth drivers, as well as vehicle population, production and sales figures and freight volumes. It includes information on notable players, corporate actions, and influencing factors such as environmental issues and crime.

There are profiles of 35 companies including major players Cartrack, MiX by Powerfleet, Tracker, Netstar and Ctrack, SOEs involved in fleet management such as Transnet and g-FleeT Management, freight and logistics companies including Onelogix Group and Super Group, and banking and financial institutions such as WesBank.

Introduction

Fleet management technology has developed into a multi-billion-rand industry in South Africa in recent years.

There were approximately 2.4 million active commercial fleet management systems in operation in 2023, projected to reach 3.9 million units by 2028.

The industry is dominated by five major local providers - Cartrack, Tracker, MiX by Powerfleet, Ctrack and Netstar - providing vehicle tracking, driver behaviour monitoring, fuel management and route optimisation.

Growth is being driven by technological advancements, leading to improved fleet efficiency and safety.

Other factors include stricter regulations, and businesses wanting to reduce operating costs, improve fuel efficiency and optimise route planning, facilitated by fleet management.

Market Trends

Emphasis on sustainability, decarbonisation and green fleet initiatives.

Enhanced safety measures through telematics.

Fleet companies' focus on cost optimisation, with increased emphasis on leasing (operating rentals) over owning vehicles.

Growing adoption of 5G connectivity for fleets.

Increased adoption of EVs and hybrid vehicles in fleets.

Increased attention on data privacy and cybersecurity.

Integration of advanced technologies.

Market growth and increased adoption of fleet management systems.

Rise of MaaS is transforming traditional fleet management.

Shift towards mobile and cloud-based solutions.

Market Opportunities

Sustainability and green initiatives.

Advanced data analytics and value-added services.

Development and innovation of advanced telematics solutions.

Expansion into Africa beyond SADC.

Integration with smart infrastructure

Mobility-as-a-service and shared mobility.

Skill shortages provide employment opportunities.

Market Challenges

Rising data privacy and cybersecurity risks

Consumer price-sensitivity.

Driver shortages and inadequate training.

Environmental and sustainability pressures.

High crime rates and security concerns.

Poor road conditions and infrastructure limitations.

Regulatory compliance and uncertainty.

Rising operational costs.

Technological adoption and integration challenges.

Market Outlook

The industry is poised for strong growth in the short to medium term, driven by increasing vehicle sales and the adoption of technology-driven solutions.

Increased use of telematics, GPS tracking and digital dashboards, and the growing adoption of cloud-based platforms are allowing scalability, data management and collaboration.

The integration of AI, IoT, 5G networks and automation for predictive maintenance, driver behaviour analysis and automated processes will drive growth and expansion.

South African fleet management companies have the opportunity to expand into other African countries.

The industry faces challenges such as poor infrastructure, security concerns, energy reliability issues, economic volatility and regulatory compliance issues.

Key Topics Covered:

1. INTRODUCTION

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY

2.1. Industry Value Chain

2.2. Geographic Position

2.3. Size of the Industry

3. LOCAL

3.1. State of the Industry

3.2. Key Trends

3.3. Key Issues

3.4. Notable Players

3.5. Corporate Actions

3.6. Regulations

3.7. Enterprise Development and Social Development

4. AFRICA

5. INTERNATIONAL

6. INFLUENCING FACTORS

6.1. Unforeseen Events

6.2. Economic Environment

6.3. Labour

6.4. Environmental Issues

6.5. Crime

6.6. Technology, R&D and Innovation

6.7. Input Costs

7. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

7.1. Competition

7.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry

7.3. Barriers to Entry

8. INDUSTRY SUMMARY

9. OUTLOOK

10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

COMPANY PROFILES

58Fleet (Pty) Ltd

Absa Vehicle Management Solutions (Pty) Ltd

ADN Fleet Management (Pty) Ltd

Afrirent (Pty) Ltd

Bidvest Bank Ltd

Carrus Information Technology (Pty) Ltd

Cartrack Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Ctrack Management Services (Pty) Ltd

DPD Laser Express Logistics (Pty) Ltd

DSV South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Eqstra Corporation Ltd

First National Bank (Division Of Firstrand Bank Ltd)

Fleet Horizon Solutions (Pty) Ltd

Fml (Division Of Isipho Capital Holdings (Pty) Ltd)

G-Fleet Management (Division Of Gauteng Department Of Roads And Transport)

Intercape Ferreira Mainliner (Pty) Ltd

Macrocomm Group (Pty) Ltd

Merchant West (Pty) Ltd

Mix Telematics Africa (Pty) Ltd

Nedfleet (Division Of Nedbank Ltd)

Netstar (Pty) Ltd

Onelogix Group (Pty) Ltd

Pace Car Rental (Pty) Ltd

SA Motor Lease (Pty) Ltd

Standard Bank Fleet Management (Division Of Standard Bank Group Ltd)

Super Group Africa (Pty) Ltd

Talis Fleet (Pty) Ltd

Tracker Connect (Pty) Ltd

Transnet Soc Ltd

Value Logistics (Pty) Ltd

Vincemus Investments (Pty) Ltd

Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Vuswa Fleet Services (Pty) Ltd

Wesbank (Division Of Firstrand Bank Ltd)

Zeda Car Leasing (Pty) Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/o8b45y

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Fresh Food E-Commerce Market (2025 Edition): Analysis By Product Type (Fish, Meat & Egg, Dairy Products, Fruits and Vegetables, Chilled Products, and Other Products), By Age, By Delivery Model, By Region, By Country: Market Insights and Forecast (2021-2031)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Fresh Food E-Commerce market showcased growth at a CAGR of 14.73% during 2021-2024. The market was valued at USD 162.29 Billion in 2024 which is expected to reach USD 437.44 Billion in 2031. This report provides a complete analysis for the historical period of 2021-2024, the estimates of 2025 and the forecast period of 2026-2031.

The Fresh Food E-Commerce Market is evolving rapidly, driven by shifting consumer preferences towards convenience, quality, and health-conscious choices. This market operates at the intersection of digital technology, logistics innovation, and agricultural supply chains, transforming the way consumers access and purchase fresh food products.



At its core, the Fresh Food E-Commerce Market leverages online platforms and mobile apps to offer a wide range of fresh food products, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, and chilled items. These platforms provide consumers with the convenience of browsing, selecting, and purchasing fresh groceries from the comfort of their homes or on-the-go. This convenience is particularly appealing to busy urban dwellers, elderly populations, and families seeking time-saving solutions without compromising on the quality of their food.



The market's growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, advancements in logistics and cold chain technologies ensure that perishable goods maintain their freshness during transportation and delivery. This reliability in logistics enables e-commerce platforms to expand their delivery reach, catering to both densely populated urban centers and more remote areas.



Secondly, the proliferation of smartphones and internet connectivity has broadened consumer access to online shopping platforms. Mobile apps and responsive websites provide intuitive interfaces for browsing products, making purchases, and tracking deliveries in real-time. These technological advancements enhance the overall shopping experience, boosting consumer confidence and loyalty.



Moreover, the Fresh Food E-Commerce Market capitalizes on consumer trends towards health and sustainability. Consumers are increasingly opting for organic, locally sourced, and environmentally friendly food options. E-commerce platforms respond by partnering with sustainable farms and suppliers, offering transparency in sourcing practices and certifications that validate product authenticity and quality.



Asia Pacific has emerged as the most dynamic and dominant region in this market, largely due to its demographic and technological advantages. Rapid urbanization, widespread smartphone usage, and a young, tech-savvy population have accelerated the adoption of fresh food e-commerce across countries like China, India, Indonesia, and others. In these markets, digital payment systems are deeply embedded in consumer behavior, making online transactions smooth and trusted. Moreover, cultural preferences for fresh ingredients in daily meals have created a natural demand for frequent purchases, making e-commerce platforms a practical solution. The region's vast geographic spread and improving logistics networks have also enabled even remote areas to gain access to reliable delivery services, further expanding market potential.



In terms of market segmentation, fresh food e-commerce platforms cater to a diverse range of needs and preferences. By product type, the market includes categories such as fish, meat & eggs, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, chilled products, and other items. Each of these categories has its own dynamics, influenced by perishability, storage requirements, and consumer expectations for freshness. For instance, fruits and vegetables are often bought in smaller, more frequent batches, while meat and dairy products might be ordered in larger quantities with higher scrutiny over origin and quality. Age-wise, the market is segmented into consumers less than 20 years old, those aged 20 to 30, and those above 30. While younger consumers often value convenience and digital interfaces, older consumers may prioritize quality, health benefits, and trust in the delivery service. Platforms have begun tailoring their offerings, marketing messages, and user experiences to suit these demographic nuances.



Delivery models have also evolved to match varying consumer lifestyles and preferences. Home delivery remains the most widely adopted model, providing ease and flexibility to consumers. However, click-and-collect options are gaining popularity, especially among those who want to save on delivery charges or prefer to inspect products before final acceptance. Subscription services are another emerging model, where consumers can schedule regular deliveries of staples like dairy, eggs, or vegetables. These services cater to consumers looking for consistency, cost savings, and a hassle-free experience. Each model presents its own operational challenges and opportunities, and many e-commerce players are experimenting with hybrid strategies to find the right balance between efficiency and customer satisfaction.



The competitive landscape in the fresh food e-commerce market is increasingly crowded and innovative. Players are constantly seeking ways to differentiate themselves - be it through superior logistics, wider assortment, loyalty programs, or strong supplier networks. Smaller regional players often rely on local sourcing and community ties, while larger companies invest heavily in technology and warehousing infrastructure. Trust, reliability, and user experience remain key factors influencing consumer loyalty in this space. In a market where freshness and timing are paramount, the ability to ensure quality from farm to doorstep will continue to define success.

Scope of the Report:

The report analyses the Fresh Food E-Commerce Market by Value (USD Billion).

The report analyses the Fresh Food E-Commerce Market by Region (Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa) and 10 Countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, China, Japan, South Korea, and India).

The report presents the analysis of Fresh Food E-Commerce Market for the historical period of 2021-2024, the estimated year 2025 and the forecast period of 2026-2031.

The report analyses the Fresh Food E-Commerce Market By Product Type (Fish, Meat & Egg, Dairy Products, Fruits and Vegetables, Chilled Products, and Other Products).

The report analyses the Fresh Food E-Commerce Market By Age (Less Than 20 Years, 20 to 30 Years, and Above 30 Years).

The report analyses the Fresh Food E-Commerce Market By Delivery Model (Home Delivery, Click-and-Collect, and Subscription Services).

Also, the attractiveness of the market has been presented by region, By Product Type, By Age & By Delivery Model.

Also, the major opportunities, trends, drivers, and challenges of the industry has been analyzed in the report.

The report tracks competitive developments, strategies, mergers and acquisitions and new product development.

Analyst Recommendations

Optimize Logistics and Delivery Networks

Expand Product Range and Quality Assurance

Competitive Positioning

Companies' Product Positioning

Market Position Matrix

Market Share Analysis of Fresh Food E-Commerce Market

Companies Analyzed in the Report

Amazon.com, Inc

Blinkit

BigBasket

Maplebear Inc.

Walmart Inc.

FreshDirect

Coles Online

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/c1qgav

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL: TSX and NYSE) announced today that Glenn J. Chamandy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Luca Barile, Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and Jessy Hayem, Senior Vice-President, Head of Investor Relations and Global Communications will participate in a fireside chat and one-on-one meetings with investors at the 24th Annual CIBC Eastern Institutional Investor Conference in Montreal on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Companys product offering includes activewear, underwear, and socks, sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters or embellishers, as well as to retailers that sell to consumers through their physical stores and/or e-commerce platforms and to global lifestyle brand companies. Gildan markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, under a diversified portfolio of Company-owned brands including Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, GOLDTOE, and Peds, and under an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel for Champion.

Gildan owns and operates vertically integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh. Gildan operates with a strong commitment to industry-leading labour, environmental and governance practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive ESG program embedded in Gildan's long-term business strategy. More information about Gildan and its ESG practices and initiatives can be found at www.gildancorp.com.
SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NKGen Biotech, Inc. (OTC: NKGN) (NKGen or the Company), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapeutics, today announced that Paul Y. Song, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NKGen, will present at the 3rd China Great Bay Cell and Gene Therapy Forum, taking place in Guangzhou, China, September 25-26, 2025.

Dr. Song will discuss the scientific rationale and recent clinical data supporting the use of the investigational autologous enhanced NK cell therapy, troculeucel, in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This presentation underscores NKGens commitment to advancing innovative NK cell-based approaches in the rapidly evolving cell and gene therapy field.

The forum is a premier event hosted in Guangzhou Knowledge City, drawing over 1200 experts and featuring more than 90 speakers. It serves as a dynamic platform to foster innovation and collaboration across cell and gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, and stem cell research. The event unites leading voices from biotech startups to global pharmaceutical leaders, spotlighting breakthroughs and the future of biomedicine in Chinas Greater Bay Area and beyond.

NKGen Presentation Details :

Title: Use of Troculeucel (Autologous Enhanced Natural Killer Cell Therapy) for Neurodegenerative Diseases  Scientific Rationale and Latest Clinical Data

Track: Next Generation Cell Therapy; (Track 1)

Location: Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City International Convention and Exhibition Center

Date and Time: September 25, 2025, 3:20 PM  3:45 PM China Standard Time (CST)

A copy of the presentation will be made available on the Companys website under the Scientific Publications section, once the event has concluded. Additionally, previously disclosed scientific data on troculeucel for neurodegenerative disease can be accessed on the same page. For the latest updates on clinical trials and regulatory announcements, please visit the Companys News page.

About Troculeucel

Troculeucel is a novel cell-based, patient specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate. NKGen is developing troculeucel for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and a broad range of cancers. Troculeucel is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for SNK01 assigned by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO INN approval of troculeucel establishes a universally recognized nonproprietary drug name for SNK01 and marks a significant step on NKGens journey toward bringing this therapy to market.

About NKGen Biotech

NKGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics. NKGen is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.nkgenbiotech.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, could, continue, expect, estimate, may, plan, outlook, future and project and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Companys control, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Companys plans and expected timing for developing troculeucel and SNK02, including the expected timing of completing and announcing further results from its ongoing clinical studies; and the Companys expected timing for developing its product candidates and potential benefits of its product candidates. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: the Companys ability to execute its plans and strategies; risks related to performing clinical studies; the risk that initial and interim results of a clinical study do not necessarily predict final results and that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues, following more comprehensive reviews of the data, and as more patient data become available; potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical studies and the reporting of data therefrom; the risk that studies will not be completed as planned; the risk that the abstract will not be published as planned including delays in timing, format, or accessibility; and NKGens ability to raise additional funding to complete the development of its product candidates. Additional risks include uncertainties related to the Companys acquisition of a majority interest in NKMax, including risks regarding the future performance of NKMaxs business, the Companys ability to successfully integrate NKMaxs operations, personnel, and technologies, potential challenges in realizing expected synergies and cost savings, and risks that the Company may not achieve the anticipated strategic, financial, or operational benefits of the acquisition on the expected timeline or at all. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the caption Risk Factors and elsewhere in the Companys filings and reports, which may be accessed for free by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website under the subheading InvestorsFinancial and Filings. Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

Internal Contact:

Denise Chua, MBA, CLS, MLS (ASCP)

SVP, Corporate Affairs

949-396-6830

dchua@nkgenbiotech.com

External Contact:

Kevin Gardner

Managing Director

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

kgardner@lifesciadvisors.com




BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barnes & Noble College (BNC), a Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) company and leading solutions provider for higher education, today announced the launch of Room Service, a first-of-its-kind service designed to make shopping and moving-in easier and stress-free for college students and their families.

Room Service is a customizable dorm delivery solution offered exclusively to Barnes & Noble College school partners to support students and their families. Students can purchase all their must-have dorm room items from a curated assortment of bedding, bath essentials, storage solutions, desk supplies, and mini appliances, and have them delivered directly to their campus housing or available for pickup on campus  ready and waiting for them when they arrive. The Room Service program can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each campus community.

Ordering is easy and convenient. Through a unique online shopping experience, customers are guided through each category, making it simple to find and select exactly what they need for dorm living. They can browse a curated collection of high-quality dorm essentials and arrange for delivery with just a few simple clicks. Orders are prepared, packaged, and delivered before move-in day, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. The seamless service is designed to meet the needs of todays campus living, helping students, parents, and families avoid the stress of shopping, packing, and shipping items for move-in day.

In addition to direct-to-dorm delivery, Room Service provides on-campus service and support through the campus bookstore, giving students and families access to convenient, in-person assistance during move-in and throughout the academic year.

The start of the school year is a significant milestone for students, and we want to help them feel comfortable and prepared from day one, said Jonathan Shar, Chief Executive Officer, Barnes & Noble Education. Room Service eliminates the hassle of packing, shipping, or last-minute shopping, conveniently delivering what students need  exactly where they need it. Its just one more way our bookstores provide innovative services and resources to our school partners that help support students and their families during every step of the college journey.

Room Service underscores Barnes & Noble Colleges commitment to delivering more relevant and impactful services that meet the evolving needs of the entire campus community  from students and their families to alumni, faculty, staff, fans, and the local community. It is part of a broader strategy to reimagine the campus bookstore as more than a retail space, transforming it into a hub of convenience, support, and value for everyone it serves. By extending its offerings beyond course materials and school merchandise, Barnes & Noble College helps students thrive from day one while offering all members of the campus community greater access, convenience, and confidence as they engage with college life.

Learn more about how Barnes & Noble College is reimagining college retail.

ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC.

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services and academic solutions, wholesale capabilities, and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting students, faculty, and institutions as they make tomorrow a better and smarter world.



For more information about Barnes & Noble Education, visit www.bned.com.

For more information about Barnes & Noble College, visit www.bncollege.com.

Contact:



Judith Buckingham

Corporate Communications

Barnes & Noble Education

jbuckingham@bned.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a17bba49-8cf3-41d8-b324-b3af5b4ddd43
ATHENS, Greece, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels, today announced that it has signed, through a limited partnership, a Memorandum of Agreement to sell to an unaffiliated third party, the 2016-built Ultramax dry bulk vessel m/v DSI Drammen, with delivery to the buyer latest by October 31, 2025, for a sale price of approximately US$26.86 million before commissions. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, holds a 25% interest in the limited partnership, while the remaining 75% of the limited partnership is owned by Ecobulk AS, a Norwegian entity.

Diana Shipping Inc.s fleet currently consists of 36 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 8 Capesize, 4 Post-Panamax, 6 Kamsarmax, 5 Panamax and 9 Ultramax). The Company also expects to take delivery of two methanol dual fuel new-building Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels by the second half of 2027 and the first half of 2028, respectively. As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Companys fleet, excluding m/v DSI Drammen and the two vessels not yet delivered, is approximately 4.1 million dwt with a weighted average age of 11.82 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Companys website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release.

About the Company

Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on short to medium-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intends, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, Company managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Companys control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Companys vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, tariff policies and other trade restrictions, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, including risks associated with the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, including the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Corporate Contact:

Ioannis Zafirakis

Director, Co-Chief Financial Officer,

Chief Strategy Officer,

Treasurer and Secretary

Telephone: + 30-210-9470-100

Email: izafirakis@dianashippinginc.com

Website: www.dianashippinginc.com

X: @Dianaship

Investor Relations/Media Contact:

Nicolas Bornozis / Daniela Guerrero

Capital Link, Inc.

230 Park Avenue, Suite 1540

New York, N.Y. 10169

Tel.: (212) 661-7566

Email: diana@capitallink.com
SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Bubbling Boiling Music & Arts Festival - Singapore" was held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore on Sept 13-14. This time, Xiamen integrated traditional culture to this festival.

Featuring talented musicians from China, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and beyond, the Singapore festival attracted young audiences from across Asia and the globe.

The event marked the first international appearance of the "Bubbling Boiling".

The audience enjoyed hanfu or traditional Chinese dress fashion shows and participated in a Minnan or southern Fujian Bobing Game (Mooncake Dice Game), a traditional Mid-Autumn Festival activity popular in Xiamen.

The dynamic cultural experiences captivated music fans worldwide, offering them an engaging introduction to Chinese culture.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0717ffc5-6d65-4e05-999f-e00f78bd7050
New York, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Precedence Research, the global biotechnology market is estimated to register an impressive CAGR of 13.90% from 2025 to 2034. The market projected the valuation at USD 2.02 trillion in 2026 and is likely to be valued at USD 5.71 trillion by 2034. The expansion of agriculture applications, growing chronic diseases, and strong preference for biologics drive the market growth.



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Biotechnology Market Key Takeaways

In terms of revenue, the biotechnology market is valued at USD 1,770 billion in 2025.

It is expected to be worth more than USD 5,710 billion by 2034.

The sector is expected to expand at a strong CAGR of 13.90% from 2025 to 2034.

North America held the largest market share of 37.42% in 2024.

Asia Pacific is growing at the fastest CAGR of 14.8% from 2025 to 2034.

By application, the bio-pharmacy segment contributed the highest market share of 42% in 2024.

By application, bio-informatics segment is expected to grow at a solid CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period

By technology, the tissue engineering and regeneration segment generated the major market share of 19.17% in 2024.

By technology, the chromatography segment is projected to grow at a solid CAGR of 15.1% during the forecast period





Global Biotechnology Market Size by Application, 2022 to 2024 (USD Billion)

Application 2022 2023 2024 Bio-pharmacy 507.57 575.26 652.56 Bio-industries 298.88 335.41 376.75 Bio-services 91.91 99.30 107.38 Bio-agriculture 253.40 286.43 324.06 Bio-informatics 72.55 82.23 93.04



Global Biotechnology Market Size by Technology, 2022 to 2024 (USD Billion)

Technology 2022 2023 2024 Fermentation 103.04 116.39 131.58 Tissue Engineering and Regeneration 236.90 265.50 297.81 PCR Technology 63.08 70.78 79.49 Nanobiotechnology 120.60 136.14 153.82 Chromatography 43.28 49.24 56.07 Spectroscopy 30.41 33.61 37.18 Cell-Based Assay 157.35 178.64 203.01 DNA Sequencing 203.70 229.01 257.70 Others 265.94 299.31 337.14



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Biotechnology Market Overview

Biotechnology is a technology-based biology that uses living organisms with advanced engineering techniques. It helps in creating solutions in areas like food production, agriculture, medicine, and industry by using principles from science, biology, & engineering. It applies to living organisms and biological systems. Biotechnology helps in the development of new medications, creating genetically modified crops, manufacturing new chemicals, developing new diagnostic tools, manufacturing biofuels, and developing bioremediation techniques.

What are the Key Applications of Biotechnology?

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals : Development of vaccines , gene therapies , personalized medicine , and biologic drugs to treat diseases like cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.

: , , , and biologic drugs to treat diseases like cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. Agriculture : Genetic modification of crops for improved yield, pest resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content.

: Genetic modification of crops for improved yield, pest resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content. Industrial Biotechnology : Use of microorganisms and enzymes in the production of biofuels , biodegradable plastics , and other environmentally friendly industrial products.

: Use of microorganisms and enzymes in the production of , , and other environmentally friendly industrial products. Environmental Biotechnology : Bioremediation techniques to clean up pollutants, waste treatment, and the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

: Bioremediation techniques to clean up pollutants, waste treatment, and the development of sustainable agricultural practices. Food Biotechnology : Improvement of food quality and safety through fermentation, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the development of functional foods .

: Improvement of food quality and safety through fermentation, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the . Forensic Science : DNA profiling and genetic fingerprinting are used in criminal investigations, paternity testing, and identification.

: DNA profiling and genetic fingerprinting are used in criminal investigations, paternity testing, and identification. Marine Biotechnology:Exploration of marine organisms for novel compounds with pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications



Biotechnology Trends That Are Shaping the Future of Healthcare and Beyond?

Growth of Cell and Gene Therapy : Advancements in gene editing and cell-based treatments are driving personalized medicine , offering potential cures for genetic disorders and cancers. This trend is transforming therapeutic approaches with highly targeted and effective solutions.

: Advancements in and cell-based treatments are driving , offering potential cures for genetic disorders and cancers. This trend is transforming therapeutic approaches with highly targeted and effective solutions. Expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Biotech : Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are accelerating drug discovery and development by analyzing vast datasets to identify new drug candidates and optimize clinical trials . This integration improves efficiency and reduces time-to-market for new therapies.

: (AI) and are accelerating and development by analyzing vast datasets to identify new drug candidates and optimize . This integration improves efficiency and reduces time-to-market for new therapies. Rise of Precision Medicine : Biotechnology is enabling treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles, improving patient outcomes and minimizing side effects. Precision medicine is becoming a standard approach in oncology and rare disease management.

: Biotechnology is enabling treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles, improving patient outcomes and minimizing side effects. is becoming a standard approach in and rare disease management. Increased Focus on Biomanufacturing and Scalability : Innovations in bioprocessing and manufacturing are making biologics more cost-effective and accessible, supporting the growing demand for complex biologic drugs worldwide. This trend helps meet global healthcare needs efficiently.

: Innovations in bioprocessing and manufacturing are making more cost-effective and accessible, supporting the growing demand for complex biologic drugs worldwide. This trend helps meet global healthcare needs efficiently. Growth in Immunotherapy and Cancer Vaccines: Immunotherapies and therapeutic cancer vaccines are gaining prominence as they harness the bodys immune system to fight diseases. These treatments offer new hope for patients with previously untreatable cancers and chronic illnesses.



What are the Different Techniques in Biotechnology?

Techniques Function Application Recombinant DNA Technology Combining or altering DNA to create new genetic combinations. Vaccine development

Disease diagnosis

Genetically modified crops

Gene therapy Gel Electrophoresis Segregate charged molecules like protein, DNA, & RNA. Vaccine quality control

Protein purification

PCR analysis

Paternity testing

Disease diagnosis

DNA fingerprinting DNA Sequencing Revelation of the genetic code Pharmacogenomics

Genetic research

Drug discovery

Vaccine development

Agriculture CRISPR-Cas9 Editing genomes Cancer treatment

Drug development

Plant breeding

Disease diagnostics

Gene therapy Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplify DNA Forensic

Screening for various diseases

Research



What is the Opportunity for the Biotechnology Market?

Growing Healthcare Sector Unlocks Market Opportunity

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disorders, cancer, & diabetes increases demand for biopharmaceuticals. The strong focus on personalised medicine and the adoption of cell & gene therapies increase demand for biopharmaceuticals. The growing development of precision medicine and increasing production of biosimilars and monoclonal antibodies increases demand for biotechnology.

The growing demand for advanced diagnostic tools and the increasing production of innovative vaccines increase demand for biotechnology. The strong focus on the prevention of public health problems and the increasing development of targeted drugs increases demand for biotechnology. The growing healthcare sector creates an opportunity for the growth of the market.

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Market Drivers and Restraints

Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: Growing cases of cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes are fueling demand for biotechnology-driven treatments.

Growing cases of cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes are fueling demand for biotechnology-driven treatments. Strong Adoption of Biologics: Biologics and biosimilars are increasingly favored due to their effectiveness and reduced side effects.

Biologics and biosimilars are increasingly favored due to their effectiveness and reduced side effects. Advancements in Precision Medicine & Gene Therapies: Personalized treatment approaches are improving outcomes and expanding biotech adoption.

Personalized treatment approaches are improving outcomes and expanding biotech adoption. Integration of AI & Digital Tools: AI-driven platforms are accelerating drug discovery, clinical trials, and manufacturing optimization.

AI-driven platforms are accelerating drug discovery, clinical trials, and manufacturing optimization. Growing Investments & Partnerships: Increased funding from governments and venture capital is strengthening the biotech innovation pipeline.



Market Restraints

High R&D Costs: Drug development remains lengthy and expensive, with high failure rates.

Drug development remains lengthy and expensive, with high failure rates. Regulatory Complexity: Stringent and fragmented regulations across regions delay product launches.

Stringent and fragmented regulations across regions delay product launches. Safety Concerns in Advanced Therapies: Gene and cell therapy risks raise clinical and ethical challenges.

Gene and cell therapy risks raise clinical and ethical challenges. Infrastructure Gaps in Emerging Markets: Lack of advanced facilities and skilled workforce slows adoption in certain regions.

What is the Limitation for the Biotechnology Market?

High Research & Development Cost Limits Market Expansion

Despite several benefits of biotechnology, the high cost of research & development restricts the market growth. Factors like high-rate failures, complex science, long times for development, specialized manufacturing techniques, fragmented regulatory environments, and various development stages are responsible for the high development cost. The multi-year development process and low success rate increase the cost.

The specialized manufacturing facilities and the need for extensive testing increase the cost. The need for a highly skilled workforce and extensive data collection requires a high cost. The interdependency of development stages and the need for specialized infrastructure increase the cost. The high research & development cost hampers the growth of the market.

Biotechnology Market Report Coverage

Report Attributes Statistics Market Size in 2024 USD 1.55 Trillion Market Size in 2025 USD 1.77 Trillion Market Size in 2031 USD 3.89 Trillion Market Size by 2034 USD 5.71 Trillion Growth Rate 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 13.90% U.S. Market Size in 2025 USD 316.41 Billion U.S. Market Size by 2034 USD 1,028.07 Billion Leading Region in 2024 North America Fastest Growing Region Asia Pacific Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 Segments Covered Application, Technology, and Region Regional Scope Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Key Players Lonza, AstraZeneca, Pfizer Inc., Gilead Sciences Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Biogen, CELGENE Corporation, Sanofi, Abbott, Novartis AG, and Others.



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Case Study: How CRISPR and Biomanufacturing Are Driving Biotechnology Growth

One powerful example of biotechnologys market momentum comes from Indias launch of genome-edited rice varieties, Pusa DST Rice 1 and DPR Rice 100, in 2025. Developed using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, these crops conserve water, boost productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making them highly suitable for climate-stressed environments. This innovation not only strengthens food security but also highlights the rising importance of bio-agriculturea segment projected to expand rapidly during the forecast period.

On the healthcare side, biopharmaceutical companies are leveraging advanced biomanufacturing to scale production of biologics and cell therapies more efficiently. For example, global leaders like Lonza and Pfizer have implemented continuous bioprocessing and single-use technologies to meet surging demand for monoclonal antibodies and precision medicine treatments. These innovations directly reflect market trends such as biomanufacturing scalability and rising demand for biologics, both of which are fueling the biotechnology markets surge toward USD 5.71 trillion by 2034.

This case illustrates how agriculture biotechnology and healthcare biopharma are working in parallel to expand the industrys footprint. With North America driving early adoption and Asia Pacific investing heavily in both biotech crops and advanced therapies, the case underscores why these two regions are central to the markets long-term growth trajectory.

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How big is the U.S. Biotechnology Market?

The U.S. biotechnology market size is calculated at USD 316.41 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach approximately USD 1,028.07 billion by 2034, with a solid CAGR of 14% from 2025 to 2034.

Why did North America Dominate the Biotechnology Market?

North America dominated the market in 2024. The supportive regulatory environment and presence of advanced technologies like synthetic biology, AI, & genomics increase the adoption of biotechnology. The growing creation of new biopharmaceuticals and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases increase demand for biotechnology. The ongoing advancements like cell biology-based platforms, genomics, & proteomics, and the focus on biopharmaceutical development, drive the overall market growth.

The U.S. dominates the regional market due to its robust ecosystem of world-class research institutions, abundant funding from venture capital and government agencies, and a strong talent pool of scientists and innovators. This is supported by advanced infrastructure, a supportive regulatory environment with the FDAs accelerated approval pathways, and stringent intellectual property protections that encourage innovation. Additionally, the large and sophisticated healthcare market in the U.S. drives high demand for cutting-edge biotech products, while major biotech hubs like Boston and San Francisco foster collaboration and commercialization, collectively cementing the countrys leadership in biotechnology.

How does the Asia Pacific experience the Fastest Growth in the Biotechnology Market?

Asia Pacific is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The strong focus on personalised medicine and increasing demand for biopharma increases demand for biotechnology. The stringent government policies and high investment in biotechnology research help the market growth. The growing expansion of healthcare infrastructure and the increasing need for modified crops increase demand for biotechnology. The presence of advanced technologies like monoclonal antibodies & CRISPR, and focus on enhancing crop productivity, increases demand for biotechnology, supporting the overall market growth.

China is a major player in the regional market by heavily investing in biotech research and infrastructure, supported by strong government policies and funding initiatives aimed at innovation and commercialization. Its vast population provides a large market for biotech products and clinical trials, while increasing healthcare demands drive the development of advanced therapies and diagnostics. Additionally, China has rapidly expanded its skilled workforce and fostered collaboration between academia, industry, and government, enabling accelerated growth and competitive advancements in biopharmaceuticals, genomics, and precision medicine across the region.

Application Analysis:

Bio-pharmacy

Bio-industries

Bio-services

Bio-agriculture

Bio-informatics



Which Application Dominated the Biotechnology Market?

The bio-pharmacy segment dominated the market in 2024. The growing prevalence of diseases like autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes increases demand for bio-pharmacy. The strong focus on personalised medicine and increasing production of monoclonal antibodies increases the adoption of bio-pharmacy.

The focus on lowering the side effects of medicines and the rising demand for biological drugs drive the overall growth of the market. With the increasing incidence of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders worldwide, there is a rising demand for innovative therapies that bio-pharmaceuticals are uniquely positioned to provide.

The bio-agriculture segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period. The growing consumer demand for residue-free foods and increasing soil degradation increase demand for biotechnology. The strong focus on sustainable farming practices and the growing production of food increases demand for bio-agriculture. The growing production of climate-resilient crops and nutritionally enhanced crops increases the adoption of bio-agriculture. The strong focus on food security and growing investment in bio-agriculture support the overall growth of the market.

Technology Analysis:

Fermentation

Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology

Nanobiotechnology

Chromatography

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Sequencing

Cell Based Assay

DNA Sequencing

Others



How does the Tissue Engineering & Regeneration hold the Largest Biotechnology Market Share?

The tissue engineering and regeneration segment held the largest revenue share in 2024. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases and the shortage of donor organs increase demand for tissue engineering & regeneration. The growing risk of degenerative diseases and an aging population increases demand for tissue engineering & regeneration. The growing musculoskeletal disorders and the increasing number of clinical trials increase demand for tissue regeneration, driving the overall growth of the market.

The chromatography segment is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The increasing production of cell therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and biosimilars increases the adoption of chromatography. The growing manufacturing of drugs and the growth in personalised medicine increase demand for chromatography. The strong focus on precision medicine and technological advancements like LC-MS & HPLC supports the overall growth of the market.

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Who Are the Leading Players Shaping the Biotechnology Market?

Lonza - Lonza is a global leader in providing integrated biotech solutions, including custom manufacturing of biologics and cell and gene therapies.

- Lonza is a global leader in providing integrated biotech solutions, including custom manufacturing of biologics and cell and gene therapies. AstraZeneca - focuses on the development of innovative biopharmaceuticals, particularly in oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases.

focuses on the development of innovative biopharmaceuticals, particularly in oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. Pfizer Inc. - Pfizer Inc. offers a broad portfolio of biotechnology-based medicines, including vaccines and biologics for various therapeutic areas.

- Pfizer Inc. offers a broad portfolio of biotechnology-based medicines, including vaccines and biologics for various therapeutic areas. Gilead Sciences Inc. - Gilead Sciences specializes in antiviral therapies and cutting-edge biotechnology solutions for infectious diseases and oncology.

- Gilead Sciences specializes in antiviral therapies and cutting-edge biotechnology solutions for infectious diseases and oncology. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. - Roche is renowned for its biotech-driven personalized healthcare solutions, especially in cancer diagnostics and targeted therapies.

- Roche is renowned for its biotech-driven personalized healthcare solutions, especially in cancer diagnostics and targeted therapies. Biogen - Biogen is dedicated to pioneering therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases through advanced biotechnological research.

- Biogen is dedicated to pioneering therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases through advanced biotechnological research. CELGENE Corporation - Celgene, now part of Bristol-Myers Squibb, delivers innovative biopharmaceuticals focusing on cancer and immunology treatments.

- Celgene, now part of Bristol-Myers Squibb, delivers innovative biopharmaceuticals focusing on cancer and immunology treatments. Sanofi - Sanofi leverages biotechnology to develop vaccines, rare disease therapies, and innovative treatments in immunology and oncology.

- Sanofi leverages biotechnology to develop vaccines, rare disease therapies, and innovative treatments in immunology and oncology. Abbott - Abbott integrates biotechnology in its diagnostics and medical devices to improve patient outcomes and precision medicine.

- Abbott integrates biotechnology in its diagnostics and medical devices to improve patient outcomes and precision medicine. Novartis AG - Novartis utilizes biotechnology to create breakthrough therapies in oncology, immunology, and gene therapy for complex diseases.

Competitive Landscape and Strategic Initiatives

The biotechnology market is highly competitive, with major players focusing on strategic collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and innovation partnerships to strengthen their pipelines. Leading companies such as Roche, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Novartis are investing in biologics, gene therapies, and AI-driven drug discovery platforms.

 Roches $3.5 billion acquisition of 89bio (2025) to expand its portfolio in liver and metabolic disease treatments (Source: Reuters).

 Lillys launch of AI-powered TuneLab platform (2025) to accelerate small-molecule and oncology therapy discovery (Source: Reuters).

 Indias genome-edited rice initiative (2025) showcasing the expansion of biotech beyond healthcare into agriculture.

Recent Developments

In June 2025, Objective Biotechnology launched the first-ever automated microinjection robot, Autoinjector, for genetic research. The system supports transgenesis experiments and gene editing. The Autoinjector can be customized for non-model species and pre-loaded with injection protocols. (Source: https://www.businesswire.com)



In September 2025, Lilly launched an AI-powered platform, TuneLab, to accelerate drug discovery. The platform is used for the discovery of small-molecule therapies and the development of cancer therapies. (Source: https://www.reuters.com)



In May 2025, India launched the first genome-edited rice varieties, Pusa DST Rice 1 & DPR Rice 100. The rise uses CRISPR-Cas technology and conserves water. The technology boosts productivity and supports agricultural modernization. The technology minimizes greenhouse emissions and is suitable for climate-stressed environments. (Source: https://currentaffairs.adda247.com)



Recent Industry Development

Roche Strengthens Biotech Portfolio With $3.5 Billion Acquisition of 89bio



In September 2025, Roche announced plans to acquire U.S.-based 89bio in a deal valued at up to USD 3.5 billion. The acquisition bolsters Roches pipeline in liver and metabolic diseases, adding late-stage drug candidates to address non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and related conditions. This move reflects the broader trend of global pharmaceutical leaders investing heavily in biotechnology-driven therapies, underscoring market momentum toward biologics, precision medicine, and chronic disease management. (Source: Reuters)

Segments Covered in the Report

By Application

Bio-pharmacy

Bio-industries

Bio-services

Bio-agriculture

Bio-informatics



By Technology

Fermentation

Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology

Nanobiotechnology

Chromatography

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Sequencing

Cell-Based Assay

DNA Sequencing

Others



By Region

North America U.S. Canada

Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina

Middle East & Africa South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait





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SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With Bitcoin's price fluctuating below $120,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

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Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is partnering with Google to bring its popular Google Career Launchpad program to students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) to help them develop in-demand cloud computing and generative AI skills.

This is a phenomenal opportunity for our students to learn skills that will elevate their career prospects even higher, Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. Were thankful to partner with Google on this initiative and look forward to the fruits of this collaboration.

Google Career Launchpad is a no cost, nine-week training program to help students gain in-demand skills in cloud computing and provide preparation for Google Clouds Generative AI Leader (GAIL) certification. The course is a mixture of instructor-led and on-demand content over six core modules and hands-on labs. Students also receive 1:1 mentorship, career development sessions and a GAIL certification exam voucher upon completion.

As companies increasingly leverage AI and cloud technologies, the demand for a skilled workforce in these fields has never been greater, said Erin Rifkin, Managing Director of Google Cloud Learning Services. Thurgood Marshall College Funds partnership with Google will bring our no-cost learning resources to more educational institutions and students, helping prepare them for in-demand careers in these critical fields."

The program is open to all majors at all member schools within TMCFs network. There is no requisite knowledge requirement of cloud computing or AI knowledge. Students do not need a technical background for the GAIL certification.

Applications are open . This no-cost program begins Sept. 22, with priority acceptance on Sept. 15. The application window closes on Sept. 20.

This is an incredible opportunity, Dr. Williams said. We work tirelessly to ensure our students gain competitive advantages as they prepare to enter the workforce. This is an exciting offering from our partners at Google Cloud to help train students in-demand skills.

Apply today to level up with the Google Career Launchpad Program.
VIENNA, Va., Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a time when healthcare is being reimagined with advances in artificial intelligence (AI), data exchange, and policy, the eHealth Exchange annual meeting will convene leaders, innovators, and trailblazers in Nashville, TN, on Nov. 18, 2025, for a day designed not just to inform, but to inspire.

This years keynote speaker, Kim Brandt, deputy administrator and chief operating officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), will illuminate the path forward for interoperability, innovation, and AI under its bold new initiative, Health Technology Ecosystem. Her address will explore how federal priorities are aligning to create a more connected, intelligent, and equitable healthcare system.

The meetings agenda features bold ideas and personal narratives, beginning with Erica Olenski, vice president at FINN Partners, whose session, Healing Healthcare, will challenge the industry to create systems that care, and care systems that work. As a health IT leader, caregiver, and advocate, her story is rooted in lived experience and professional innovation, setting the tone for a day that blends technical rigor with emotional depth.

Featured Sessions

Federal Modernization and AI Action Plan: Federal leaders will share how Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), and AI are reshaping modernization across agencies.

Talking Turkey About TEFCA: Michael Marchant of Sutter Health challenges the industry to expand beyond treatment-centric data exchange.

It Worked for All of Us: Unlocking Data for Research: National Institutes of Healths groundbreaking research program showcases how TEFCA can unlock real-world data for research and discovery.

Meet Public Health TEFCA Innovators: Hear how trailblazing organizations are leveraging TEFCA to advance electronic case reporting, strengthening the nations ability to detect, track, and respond to public health threats.

Beyond the Hype: AI in Action: This live demonstration will show how AI can navigate real-world payer workflowsautomating clinical reasoning, handling unstructured data, and working alongside human expertise to deliver measurable outcomes.



In a standout session, president and founding partner at Innsena, Kat McDavitt, will explore the art of persuasion. Renowned for her candid and compelling communication style, McDavitt will present How To Change Someones Mind--a dissection of her recent Redneck Public Health Series, published as a step toward persuading skeptics that public health matters.

The day concludes with Ryan Howells, principal at Leavitt Partners, who will challenge the industry to Stop Doing Stupid Stuff by eliminating wasteful spending and manual processes and embracing smarter, more collaborative approaches to interoperability.

Building Community

eHealth Exchange extends appreciation to InterSystems, the sponsor of this years networking reception. The partnership helps create space for the community to connect, exchange ideas, and forge collaborations that will shape the next era of interoperability.

Join us in Nashville

To view the full agenda and register, visit: https://ehealthexchange.org/2025-annual-meeting/.

About eHealth Exchange

eHealth Exchange, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to public good, is the oldest and largest health information network in the country and is most well known as the principal way the federal government exchanges clinical data among federal agencies and with the private sector. Recognized for certified data quality, trusted governance, transparency, and its commitment to privacy, eHealth Exchange facilitates the secure exchange of patient records for more than 300 million patients and processes roughly 25 billion data exchanges annually. Vendor-agnostic, with a broad public health focus, eHealth Exchange provides connectivity for more than 30 electronic health record systems, 58 regional and state HIEs, 75 percent of U.S. hospitals, 90 percent of dialysis centers, 70,000 medical groups, and payers in 34 states--as well as countless urgent care centers, surgery centers, and clinical laboratories. Five federal agencies (Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Indian Health Service (IHS), Food and Drug Administration, and Social Security Administration) participate in the network to share patient information with private-sector partners as well as other federal agencies. Active in all 50 states, eHealth Exchange connects to other national health information networks today via Carequality and now TEFCA as a Designated QHIN. See: https://ehealthexchange.org / @ehealthexchange.
Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "China Small Molecule CDMO Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Finished Drug Products), by Drug (Innovators, Generics), by Application (Oncology, Cardiovascular Disease), and Segment Forecasts, 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The China small molecule CDMO market size was estimated at USD 3.71 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 8.34 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.58% from 2025 to 2033

The market is driven by rising drug discovery efforts in fields such as oncology, cardiovascular, and central nervous system, leading many pharmaceutical companies to outsource.







Besides, the small molecule CDMOs in China are characterized by favorable cost structures, a skilled workforce, and a growing range of domestic projects, further becoming appealing partners for both local and international companies. In addition, the market's expansion is fueled by the rising demand for generics and innovative small molecule therapies, further propelling the trend toward integrated, end-to-end development and manufacturing solutions. In addition, growing technological advancements in the market have played a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of China's CDMO sector, which further supports market growth.



Besides, innovations such as process optimization, real-time monitoring via Process Analytical Technology (PAT), and machine learning applications for predictive analytics are increasingly prioritized to improve efficiency and product quality. Moreover, the integration of continuous manufacturing technologies and advanced synthetic chemistry further supports the development of high-potency and complex molecules. This technological advancement has further supported the Chinese CDMOs to compete more effectively in the global arena, particularly for early-phase and high-value niche projects.

Why should you buy this report?

Comprehensive Market Analysis: Gain detailed insights into the industry across major regions and segments.

Competitive Landscape: Explore the market presence of key players.

Future Trends: Discover the pivotal trends and drivers shaping the future of the market.

Actionable Recommendations: Utilize insights to uncover new revenue streams and guide strategic business decisions.

Companies Featured

Lonza

Catalent, Inc

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Bellen Chemistry

Siegfried Holding AG

Recipharm AB

Eurofins Scientific

WuXi AppTec

Asymchem Laboratories

Langhua Pharmaceutical (Viva Biotech subsidiary)

Apeloa Pharmaceutical

JiuZhou Pharmaceutical

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 120 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $3.71 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $8.34 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.5% Regions Covered China





Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Research Methodology and Scope

1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope

1.2. Segment Definitions

1.3. Research Methodology

1.4. Information Procurement

1.5. Information Or Data Analysis

1.6. Market Formulation & Validation

1.7. Model Details

1.8. List of Secondary Sources

1.9. List of Abbreviations

1.10. Objectives



Chapter 2. Executive Summary

2.1. Market Outlook

2.2. Segment Outlook

2.3. Competitive Insights



Chapter 3. China Small Molecule CDMO Market Variables, Trends & Scope

3.1. Market Lineage Outlook

3.1.1. Parent Market Outlook

3.1.2. Related/Ancillary Market Outlook

3.2. Market Dynamics

3.2.1. Market Driver Analysis

3.2.1.1. Rise in drug development pipelines

3.2.1.2. Growing reliance on CDMOS for cost-effective and specialized manufacturing services.

3.2.1.3. Capacity expansions by CDMOS

3.2.1.4. Technological advancements

3.2.2. Market Restraint Analysis

3.2.2.1. Growing demand for biologics

3.2.2.2. Complexity and challenges in the synthesis of certain small molecules, impacting manufacturing efficiency

3.3. Technology Landscape

3.4. Market Analysis Tools

3.4.1. Porter's Five Force Analysis

3.4.2. PESTEL by SWOT Analysis

3.4.3. COVID-19 Impact Analysis



Chapter 4. China Small Molecule CDMO Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1. Segment Dashboard

4.2. China Small Molecule CDMO Market Product Movement Analysis

4.3. China Small Molecule CDMO Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Product, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)

4.4. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API)

4.5. Finished Drug Products



Chapter 5. China Small Molecule CDMO Market: Drug Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1. Segment Dashboard

5.2. China Small Molecule CDMO Market Drug Movement Analysis

5.3. China Small Molecule CDMO Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Drug, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)

5.4. Innovators

5.5. Generics



Chapter 6. China Small Molecule CDMO Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis

6.1. Segment Dashboard

6.2. China Small Molecule CDMO Market Application Movement Analysis

6.3. China Small Molecule CDMO Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Application, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)

6.4. Oncology

6.5. Cardiovascular Disease

6.6. Central Nervous System (CNS) Conditions

6.7. Autoimmune/Inflammation

6.8. Others



Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape

7.1. Market Participant Categorization

7.2. Company Market Share/Assessment Analysis, 2024

7.3. Company Profiles

7.3.1. Company Overview

7.3.2. Financial Performance

7.3.3. Service Benchmarking

7.3.4. Strategic Initiatives



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qdtxcm

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Grantsville, Utah, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Savage Tooele Railroad, Utahs first new short-line railroad in more than a century, opened yesterday to provide companies in northwest Utah with a cost-effective and sustainable connection to the greater national rail network.

The 11-mile line provides tenants at Lakeview Business Park in Grantsville with enhanced strategic access to efficient rail transportation, offering a significant and sustainable alternative to trucking logistics in the area. The railroad was approved by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board in 2024, with construction starting in November last year. The railroad will operate five days a week with a 286,000-pound gross rail load capacity, giving tenants access to markets across North America.

The railroad was developed by Savage, a privately held, global provider of supply chain infrastructure and solutions, in conjunction with Union Pacific Railroad. It will begin receiving its first shipments later this month.

This new railroad is a major step forward for Utahs economy, said Governor Spencer Cox. The Savage Tooele Railroad will open doors for Utah businesses, strengthen our supply chains, and create opportunities that will benefit our state for generations.

We know this is a much-needed link for the supply chain in northern Utah, said Jeff Roberts, president and CEO of Savage. Now that the Savage Tooele Railroad is operational, were excited to see it add value for our customers and support businesses in the area.

The railroad links Union Pacifics mainline near Interstate 80 directly into Lakeview Business Park, a 1,700-acre master-planned site developed by The Romney Group and Prologis. In addition to rail service, the park offers immediate access to I-80 and I-15, proximity to the Salt Lake City International Airport, and only a 20-minute drive to Union Pacifics Salt Lake City intermodal terminal. Savage developed the railroad in partnership with Union Pacific Railroad, as well as Lakeview Business Park developers, The Romney Group and Prologis.

Integrating rail service into Lakeview Business Park creates a logistical competitive advantage, said Gus Gradinger, VP, customer led development, Prologis. This new connection expands options, reduces transportation costs and enables faster distributionmaking the park an even more attractive place to do business.

Lakeview has always been about building long-term value for users and the surrounding community, said Josh Romney, president of The Romney Group. The Savage Tooele Railroad expands whats possible here and reinforces our commitment to forward-looking development.

This is a win-win as we work together to meet growing demand in Salt Lake City, said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president  marketing and sales, Union Pacific Railroad. Short-line partnerships like this one with Savage Tooele Railroad allow us to deliver innovative rail solutions that help our customers connect to our premier network and get to market faster.

About Savage

Established in 1946, Savage is a privately held, global provider of supply chain infrastructure and solutions, with more than 4,000 team members in about 200 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Our customers and partners count on us to safely and sustainably move and manage what is essential to their business so they can feed the world, power our lives and sustain the planet.

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THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION

IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. NEWS AGENCIES

HONG KONG, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Century Global Commodities Corporation (Century or the Company) (TSX:CNT) is pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Annual General Meeting of shareholders that was held on September 18, 2025 in Hong Kong, China.

The Company is pleased to report that, as in prior years, a very high shareholder response was achieved, with 86.014% of Centurys outstanding shares having been voted at the meeting. At that meeting, the shareholders:

set the size of the Board of Directors at nine members;

elected the Board of Directors; and

re-appointed Mao & Ying LLP as the Companys auditors for the upcoming year.



Number of Directors

The number of directors of the Company for the ensuing year was confirmed as and set at nine (9). The voting results on this matter are as follows:

Setting the Number of Directors FOR 101,634,890 99.963% ABSTAINED 38,008 0.037%

* % results rounded to 0.000%.

Election of Directors

Centurys shareholders accepted managements nominations for election to the Companys Board of Directors with overwhelming support. All of the nominees served as directors or alternate director of the Company prior to the meeting and were re-elected as directors until the Companys next annual meeting of shareholders. The voting results on the election of directors are as follows:

Director FOR AGAINST ABSTAINED Sandy Chim 101,506,342 99.836% 166,548 0.164% 8 0.000% Dwight Ball 101,634,890 99.963% 38,000 0.037% 8 0.000% Howard Bernier 101,629,210 99.957% 43,688 0.043% 0 0.000% Jionghui Wang 101,401,542 99.733% 271,348 0.267% 8 0.000% Yiyan Chen 101,629,202 99.957% 43,688 0.043% 8 0.000% Gloria Wong 101,634,890 99.963% 38,000 0.037% 8 0.000% John Gravelle 101,511,442 99.841% 161,448 0.159% 8 0.000% Tak Wai (Wien) Yu 101,629,202 99.957% 38,588 0.038% 5,108 0.005% Kangle Zhao 101,524,402 99.854% 143,388 0.141% 5,108 0.005%

* % results rounded to 0.000%.

Re-appointment of Auditors

At the meeting, the Companys shareholders re-appointed Mao & Ying LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditors of the Company for the 2025-2026 financial year. The voting results on this matter are as follows:

Re-appointment of Auditors FOR 101,629,202 99.957% ABSTAINED 43,696 0.043%

* % results rounded to 0.000%.

ABOUT CENTURY

Century Global Commodities Corporation (TSX:CNT) is primarily a resource exploration and development company with a large portfolio of multi-billion tonne iron ore projects in Canada, mostly discovered by its own exploration team. It has other non-ferrous metals properties under exploration as well as a well-established food distribution business (Century Food) in Hong Kong.

The Joyce Lake Direct Shipping Iron Ore Project

Joyce Lake, our most advanced project, is an open pit direct shipping iron ore project in Newfoundland and Labrador, close to the town of Schefferville, Quebec which is serviced by a rail link directly to ocean shipping iron ore ports at Sept-Iles. The Project has completed an updated feasibility study in 2022 and is undergoing environmental assessment. Joyce Lake is held in a special purpose vehicle, Joyce Direct Iron Inc. (JDI), in which Century owns 89.8%.

Century Food

Century Food is a subsidiary of the Company operating a value-adding marketing and distribution business of quality food products sourced from such high-quality regions as Europe and Australia for the Hong Kong and Macau markets. It was created as a counter-cyclical business at the bottom of the Super Cycle in 2015 to generate profit and cash to supplement the metals business.

For further information please contact:

Sandy Chim, President & CEO

Century Global Commodities Corporation

416-977-3188

IR@centuryglobal.ca

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

THIS PRESS RELEASE CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF CANADIAN SECURITIES LEGISLATION. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF CENTURY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION INCLUDES INFORMATION THAT RELATES TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CENTURYS OWNERSHIP AND PLANS FOR SPIN-OUT, LISTING, FINANCING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE JOYCE LAKE DSO IRON ORE PROJECT, INCLUDING (I) ESTIMATES AS TO RESOURCES AND RESERVES FOR THE PROJECT, (II) ESTIMATES AS TO THE CAPITAL COSTS, OPERATING COSTS, PRODUCTION RATES, MINE LIFE, NET PRESENT VALUE AND RATES OF RETURN FOR THE PROJECT, (III) PROJECTIONS AS TO THE TIME FRAME FOR THE ADDITIONAL WORK REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES; (IV) THE ABILITY OF JDI TO CONCLUDE BENEFIT AGREEMENTS WITH FIRST NATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR; (V) THE TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROCESS BY JDI; (VI) THE ABILITY OF JDI TO MEET ALL FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND TO ULTIMATELY SECURE THE REQUIRED ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING; AND (VII) THE ABILITY OF JDI TO LIST ITS COMMON SHARES ON AN EXCHANGE, OF WHICH THERE IS NO ASSURANCE. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION IS BASED ON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, OPINIONS, ASSUMPTIONS, ESTIMATES AND ANALYSES THAT, WHILE CONSIDERED REASONABLE BY CENTURY AT THE DATE THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED, ARE INHERENTLY SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS AND EVENTS TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION. THE RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, RISKS GENERALLY ASSOCIATED WITH CENTURYS BUSINESS, AS DESCRIBED IN CENTURYS ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2025. INVESTOR SHOULD ALSO REVIEW THE JOYCE LAKE DSO IRON ORE PROJECT FEASIBILITY STUDY IN DETAIL IN ORDER TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE RISKS AFFECTING THE PROJECT AND THE ESTIMATES INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE CENTURY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
Palo Alto, California , Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bayside Builders Group , a licensed, bonded, and insured residential contractor with more than 25 years of experience, has officially launched its affordable kitchen remodel services in Palo Alto. Known across the Bay Area for quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, the company is expanding its service footprint to meet rising demand in Silicon Valley, offering homeowners a balance of top-notch equipment, functional design, and budget-friendly pricing.





Affordable, High-Quality Kitchen Remodels in Palo Alto

Affordable, High-Quality Kitchen Remodels in Palo Alto

Bayside Builders Group has long been recognized for delivering kitchens that blend comfort, function, and style. With the Palo Alto launch, the company emphasizes affordability without cutting corners. By working closely with suppliers and streamlining its project management, Bayside Builders Group makes it possible for families to enjoy premium cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and fixtures at prices that stay within reach.

Kitchen remodeling should not be out of reach for families, said Shai Drihem, founder of Bayside Builders Group. Our Palo Alto clients can expect the same level of craftsmanship and high-end equipment we are known for delivered in a way that makes financial sense.

Smart Design for Everyday Living

Every remodel is designed around the way families actually use their kitchens. From improving storage with custom cabinetry to adding durable countertops that stand up to daily use, the team builds spaces that work as beautifully as they look.

Energy efficiency also plays a central role. Many Palo Alto remodels include modern appliances, LED lighting, and well-planned layouts that lower energy costs while creating inviting, functional spaces for cooking and entertaining.

Why Palo Alto Homeowners Are Investing in Kitchens Now

With many Palo Alto homes built decades ago, families are eager to update their kitchens to reflect modern design and technology. A well-executed kitchen remodel not only makes daily life easier but also enhances long-term property value. Bayside Builders Group positions its service as a practical investment delivering updates that combine aesthetics, performance, and durability.

Key Features of the Palo Alto Kitchen Remodel Service

Highlights of the new service offering include:

Custom cabinetry and space-saving layouts

Durable countertops in quartz, granite, and butcher block

Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures

Modern lighting solutions to brighten family spaces

Open layouts designed for functionality and flow

Hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring options built to last

Every project comes with a detailed proposal, transparent pricing, and a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring homeowners know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

A Trusted Contractor Expanding to Palo Alto

Bayside Builders Group has built its reputation in Alameda and the East Bay on consistent results, five-star reviews, and strong referrals. The companys move into Palo Alto brings the same trusted approach, skilled craftsmanship, clear communication, and long-term reliability to a new community where homeowners value both quality and affordability.

Expanding into Palo Alto was a natural step for us, added Drihem. Weve seen how much value kitchen remodels bring to homeowners, and we are excited to bring practical, affordable solutions to families in this area.

Easy to Find, Easy to Work With

Alongside its expansion, Bayside Builders Group has improved its digital presence to make connecting with the company simple. Homeowners searching for trusted contractors in Palo Alto can now easily find the company online and schedule consultations with confidence.

Source: https://www.baysidebuildersgroup.com/bayside-builders-group-launches-affordable-kitchen-remodel-services-in-palo-alto/

Blending premium equipment, functionality, and affordability, the company brings trusted craftsmanship to Palo Alto homeowners seeking modern kitchen upgrades

About Bayside Builders Group

Bayside Builders Group is a premier home remodeling contractor serving Alameda, Palo Alto, and surrounding Bay Area communities. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, deck construction, roofing, siding, and backyard transformations, the company combines more than 25 years of experience with a commitment to affordability, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. Fully licensed, insured, and bonded, Bayside Builders Group remains a trusted partner for homeowners seeking quality upgrades that last.

Contact Information



Bayside Builders Group

Shai Drihem

Phone: 510-901-9972

Email: info@baysidebuildersgroup.com

Website: www.baysidebuildersgroup.com

Google Maps: Bayside Builders Group Location

Service Area: Palo Alto, Alameda, Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, Union City, Newark, and surrounding Bay Area communities








New York, NY, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF), the states largest, not-for-profit workers compensation insurer, today announced a new podcast, NYSIF FUNDamental. The podcast series will engage with thought leaders, industry experts and combine the inspiring, personal stories of real people to provide unique perspectives on the issues that matter to NYSIF and its mission. Podcast episodes will cover worker safety, climate change, mental wellness, finance, technology and more.

NYSIF FUNDamental provides an exciting opportunity for NYSIF to explore and highlight key issues that are foundational to support our mission of service and safeguard the well-being of New Yorkers, said Gaurav Vasisht, NYSIF Executive Director and CEO. Our dedication to worker safety and wellness is something that we are incredibly proud of, and NYSIF FUNDamental promises to offer engaging perspectives on our longstanding commitment.

NYSIF FUNDamental is launching the first two episodes today.

Episode 1 NYSIF Makes History features Mr. Vasisht discussing how NYSIFs rich history in the labor movement informs the organizations modern approach to serving more than 2 million workers in New York State.

Episode 2 Mt. Sinai Hospital Aims for Net Zero features Dr. Muoi A. Trinh, Medical Director of Sustainability at Mount Sinai Health System. Dr. Trinh discusses the greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. health care sector and Mt. Sinais innovative sustainability strategy, which has the largest hospital network in New York City on target to reach net-zero by 2050.

Confronting climate change and developing sustainable solutions are essential to responsible patient care, said Dr. Trinh. As one of the largest health systems in New York, we have a unique duty to take action to improve health and do no harm. We care about our community and how we contribute to climate change affects our community in terms of air quality, pollution, and health.

New episodes of NYSIF FUNDamental will be released at regular intervals throughout the year. NYSIF FUNDamental is available on our website, nysif.com, as well as most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and Google Podcasts. To subscribe, simply tap or click the follow or subscribe button in your streaming platform.

About NYSIF

NYSIF is the largest workers' compensation insurer in New York State and among the ten largest nationwide. NYSIF covers 2 million workers and insures nearly 200,000 employers in New York State. NYSIF's mission is to guarantee the availability of workers' compensation, disability insurance and paid family leave at the lowest possible cost to New York employers while maintaining a solvent fund. Since its inception 110 years ago, NYSIF has fulfilled this mission by competing with other insurance carriers to ensure a fair marketplace while serving as a guaranteed source of coverage for employers that cannot secure coverage elsewhere. NYSIF strives to achieve the best health outcomes for injured workers and be an industry leader in price, quality, and service for New York employers. For more information, visit nysif.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a leading national commercial real estate finance company, has provided an $18,850,000 HUD-insured loan to refinance Ellwood, a 140-unit multifamily property located in Baltimore, Maryland. The financing was originated by Avi Lifshitz, Managing Director at Greystone.

The FHA-insured financing allows the borrower to secure long-term, fixed-rate debt for the asset while benefiting from the programs non-recourse structure and favorable terms. Ellwood, located in a growing residential corridor of Baltimore, continues to offer essential housing for the local community.

FHA financing remains one of the most powerful tools for multifamily borrowers looking to maximize loan proceeds, said Mr. Lifshitz. Greystone is proud to support our clients with the depth of experience needed to navigate the HUD process.

About Greystone

Greystone is a private national commercial real estate finance company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lender in these sectors. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Company LLC, Greystone Funding Company LLC and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greystone.com.

All securities transactions are effected through INTE Securities LLC, member FINRA (www.finra.org) / SIPC (www.sipc.org). To view INTE Securities LLC, go to www.finra.org/brokercheck or INTE Securities LLC - Form CRS.

PRESS CONTACT:

Fran Del Valle

Influence Consulting Group for Greystone

fran@influencecentral.com
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC) today announced plans to assume responsibility for the development of a sea port in Qikiqtarjuaq as an Inuit-led joint venture.

The QC initiative will build on design work already undertaken by the Government of Nunavut (GN), with a goal of expediting construction of this important infrastructure in Nunavut.

The GN continues to advance the project design phase of the Qikiqtarjuaq port, which is expected to conclude this fall. The joint venture will be majority-owned and led by QC, the business development arm of QIA, in partnership with infrastructure developer Arctic Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). Once completed, the transfer will ensure the project is Inuit-led and strategically positioned for long-term success.

This milestone marks a significant step toward advancing Inuit economic leadership, building critical Arctic infrastructure, and strengthening Canadas sovereignty. The Qikiqtarjuaq port will provide vital support for national security, search-and-rescue operations, maritime defence, and the sustainable development of Nunavuts economy.

This transfer positions the Qikiqtarjuaq Port project for success, said Olayuk Akesuk, President of QIA. By ensuring Inuit leadership, we are guaranteeing that the project fulfills its objective of advancing Inuit economic development while building vital infrastructure for Nunavut and Canada.

Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, with its partner AEDC, is ready to move forward, said Harry Flaherty, CEO of QC. Developing the Qikiqtarjuaq Port will grow the Qikiqtani economy, reduce reliance on foreign ports, and reinforce Canadas sovereignty in the Arctic Archipelago and the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage.

The Qikiqtarjuaq port will also enhance Canadas seafood supply chain by securing access to sustainably harvested Arctic fisheries. The GN, QIA and QC have agreed to move quickly on the transfer process so development can continue without delay.

Media Contact:

Katie Choquette

Chief Corporate Officer

Qikiqtaaluk Corporation

867-222-0949 kchoquette@qcorp.ca

Karen Flaherty

Director Strategic Communications

Qikiqtani Inuit Association

867-979-3238 kflaherty@qia.ca

Casey Lessard

Director Communications

Government of Nunavut

867-975-6004 clessard2@gov.nu.ca

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ST. JOHNS, Newfoundland and Labrador, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Police Federation (NPF) today released fresh public opinion survey results highlighting strong and growing public support for RCMP Members in Newfoundland and Labrador. The results also show a call from residents for fair and equitable RCMP funding, as well as for any future provincial government to deliver a clear, transparent plan for policing to help inform decisions ahead of the upcoming election.

The survey, conducted across Newfoundland and Labrador by Pollara Strategic Insights for the NPF in August, offers a snapshot of how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians view RCMP policing in their province and where they believe attention is needed:

Almost 4 in 5 (79%) of all Newfoundlanders have a favourable impression of RCMP officers, up from 75% from last year.

Favourability is even higher (81%) among those who live in areas policed locally by the RCMP.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) want a clear provincial policing plan heading into the election.

A combined 74% of respondents agree that the RCMP should receive higher, or the same level of, funding compared to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), considering their broader geographic scope and responsibilities.

These survey results are a strong endorsement of the professionalism and dedication of our Members serving communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, said Brian Sauve, President and CEO of the National Police Federation. Whether or not directly policed by the RCMP, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians recognize the value and effectiveness of RCMP services.

While public support for the RCMP is high, the data also reveals concern about a growing imbalance in how policing is funded in the province. Over the past three years, RCMP budgets have increased by just 15%, compared to 22% for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), despite RCMP Members serving larger, more complex areas with more calls for service, up 12% in RCMP-served areas verses 8% in RNC areas.

The RNC serves primarily smaller urban areas yet continues to receive a greater share of funding increases, added Sauve. Meanwhile, RCMP Members, who cover over 80% of the provinces landmass and serve more than half its population are being stretched increasingly thin and are in urgent need of additional resources to meet growing demand.

The RCMP is responsible for delivering unmatched and world-class, scalable and specialized policing services across Newfoundland and Labrador, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Members regularly go beyond their core duties, acting as mentors, volunteers, and mental health responders in the communities they serve.

As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians head to the polls, the message is clear: residents want fairness, transparency, and a government that will support their RCMP Members, said Sauve.

This survey comes on the heels of continued urgent calls from the public, municipalities, and decision-makers for additional police resources to address drug-related crime, as well as much needed supports for those impacted by substance abuse and addiction.

The NPF continues to advocate for evidence-based public safety policies, and for appropriate, sustained investment in RCMP Members who play a critical role in keeping Newfoundland and Labrador safe every day.

Survey link: https://npf-fpn.com/app/uploads/2025/09/NPF-NL-Wave-2-Aug-2025-1.pdf

About the National Police Federation:

The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.

For more information about the National Police Federation, visit www.npf-fpn.com.

Follow us:



NPF: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Media contact:

Sarah Kavanagh

Advisor, Media Relations

Media@npf-fpn.com

604-842-6864
Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "2025 Diesel Fuel Additives Market Outlook Report: Industry Size, Market Shares Data, Insights, Growth Trends, Opportunities, Competition 2024 to 2032" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global diesel fuel additives market is experiencing robust growth, largely fueled by efforts to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. These additives are fundamental in optimizing diesel engine performance, decreasing maintenance costs, and adhering to strict environmental regulations. The year 2024 marked a notable increase in demand for additives that enhance fuel combustion, reduce particulate matter formation, and prevent fuel degradation, especially in heavy-duty vehicles and industrial settings.

Looking ahead to 2025, the upward trend in the diesel fuel additives market is poised to continue. The global expansion of transportation and logistics sectors, combined with a sustained reliance on diesel engines in heavy-duty applications, will further stimulate demand. The rise of bio-based diesel fuels also calls for specialized additives that address their unique properties and ensure peak engine performance. However, challenges such as volatile raw material costs and an evolving regulatory landscape remain.

This report offers critical insights into the industry's current trends and provides prescriptive analyses for leveraging future growth opportunities. It serves as a vital tool for decision-makers, offering deep insights into market dynamics, from raw material sourcing to end-use applications. Furthermore, it addresses competitive pressures, substitutes, and alternative products, aiding in formulating successful strategies.

Diesel Fuel Additives Market Revenue, Prospective Segments, Potential Countries, Data and Forecast

The research estimates 2024 global market revenues based on prices, production, supply, demand, and trade logistics across regions. Detailed statistics on market share, penetration, and demand shifts for different types, applications, and geographies from 2023 to 2032 are meticulously included.

The report includes statistics from North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and LATAM/South and Central America with CAGR Market Growth Rates from 2024 to 2032. The market is further segmented by key product types, dominant applications, and leading end-users, providing an in-depth geographical understanding. Historical data from 2019 to 2022, with 2023 as the base year and projections to 2032, help identify promising market types, leading products, and dominant end uses in each region.

Diesel Fuel Additives Market Structure, Competitive Intelligence, and Key Winning Strategies

The diesel fuel additives industry is highly competitive, with a mix of global players and regional specialists. Leading companies employ key strategies such as:

Research and Development: Continuous R&D investment to innovate additive formulations that meet evolving requirements.

Customized Solutions: Tailored additive packages for different engine types, fuel qualities, and conditions.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with distributors, OEMs, and research institutions to expand market reach and access new technologies.

Diesel Fuel Additives Market Dynamics and Future Analytics

The research evaluates the parent market, derived market, intermediaries' market, raw material market, and substitute market to better assess the market outlook. It includes geopolitical, demographic, and Porter's five forces analyses for optimal market projections.

Recent developments and their potential impacts are analyzed, alongside metrics like Threat of New Entrants, Competition Degree, Number of Suppliers, Distribution Channel, Entry Barriers, and Government Regulations. Price and trade analysis provide insights into the international market scenario, assisting clients in planning procurement and exploring new sales channels.

Your Key Takeaways from the Diesel Fuel Additives Market Report

Global market size and growth projections (CAGR), 2024-2032

Impact of geopolitical events on trade, costs, and supply-chain

Market size and outlook in five regions and 27 countries, 2023-2032

Market trends, drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Technological developments and supply chain analysis

Trade analysis and market price trends

Profiles of leading companies and strategic insights

Latest market news and developments

The report provides a detailed regional analysis for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America. These sections further segment the market by type, application, end-user, and country, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the regional landscapes.

Countries Covered

North America: United States, Canada, Mexico

United States, Canada, Mexico Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, BeNeLux, Russia

Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, BeNeLux, Russia Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam

China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Iran, UAE, Egypt

Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Iran, UAE, Egypt South and Central America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru

Who can benefit from this research

This analysis is beneficial for top management, strategy formulators, business/product development, sales managers, and investors. It provides detailed sales data from 2024 with projections to 2032, allowing stakeholders to calculate market share, analyze prospects, and plan market entry strategies. Understanding market segmentation and trends allows for effective product and budget planning.

Companies Featured:

Afton Chemical Corporation

Innospec Inc.

The Lubrizol Corporation

BASF SE

Infinieum Limited

Evonik Industries AG

Chevron Oronite Company LLC

Lanxess

Dorf Ketal Chemicals

Cummins Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p6a6sg

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
QKS Group recognizes Quadients excellence in AI vision, maturity, and real-world impact in the CCM platform landscape





Paris

Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global intelligent automation platform enabling secure and professional business connections, has been recognized as the Most Valuable Pioneer (MVP) by QKS Group in its first AI Maturity Matrix for Customer Communications Management, a new program spotlighting companies that are leading innovation and setting new standards in technology. The report highlights Quadients strong performance in artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, innovation and execution within the Customer Communications Management (CCM) space.

QKS Groups AI maturity model evaluates organizations based on their AI innovation depth and market impact. Quadient earned top scores in both AI vision and maturity, distinguishing itself through deep generative AI integration, robust governance frameworks and measurable business outcomes. With the integration of advanced AI assistance, Quadient Inspire, the companys industry-leading CCM solution, now empowers organizations to achieve up to 50% faster content creation and double communication output without increasing headcount. By guiding authors with real-time suggestions, Quadient Inspire dramatically accelerates time-to-market while improving consistency, quality and regulatory alignment across all customer communications.

We are extremely proud of QKS Groups recognition of Quadients leadership in AI-powered transformation for customer communications, all the more in this recent context of accelerating AI transformation and heightened investor interest in our industry, said Geoffrey Godet, CEO at Quadient. This distinction reflects the dedication and ingenuity of our teams, who are driving purposeful innovation every day. At Quadient, were not just integrating AI, were architecting future-ready solutions that help businesses unlock new levels of customer engagement, operational efficiency, and strategic impact. This acknowledgment strengthens our determination to remain the trusted standard for compliant and scalable AI in CCM.

According to Saurabh Raj, Principal Analyst at QKS Group, The MVP recognition is not about who is loudest in the AI race; its about who is building it right. In a market clouded by hype, MVPs are the ones reshaping industries with AI as a core driver and not as an accessory. Quadients AI-driven CCM platform turns ambition into action, empowering business users with intuitive, prompt-based content creation, real-time sentiment adjustment, and automated multilingual translation. It enables non-technical teams to craft compliant, personalized communications effortlessly, while streamlining migration and ensuring inclusive, interactive customer experiences across every channel.

At the heart of its Digital Automation platform, Quadients any-premise enterprise CCM solution allows business users to design and manage complex, personalized communications with minimal IT support. Native AI Assistant enhances workflows with real-time readability and sentiment analysis, actionable suggestions, and open-prompt content generation. Additional features include one-click sentiment optimization, automated translation into over 150 languages, and customizable AI promptsall within a secure environment powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI, making it a powerful CCM platform designed to meet the security needs and restrictions imposed on large enterprises.

This recognition by QKS Group reinforces Quadients role as a trusted partner in digital transformation. As industries increasingly rely on AI to redefine customer experiences, Quadient ensures its clients are equipped with intelligent, ethical, and future-ready solutions that boost productivity, reduce risk, and deliver communications that truly resonate.

For a complimentary copy of the QKS whitepaper on AI Maturity in CCM, visit https://www.quadient.com/en/qks-ai-maturity-matrix-ccm.

About QKS Group

QKS Group, formerly Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, is a leading global advisory and research firm, dedicated to empowering technology innovators to accelerate their growth journeys and enable technology adopters to achieve their digital transformation objectives.

About Quadient

Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC Mid & Small and EnterNext Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing. For more information about Quadient, visit http://www.quadient.com/en/.

Contacts

Kiley Ribordy, Walker Sands Joe Scolaro, Quadient Senior PR Director Global Press Relations Manager quadientpr@walkersands.com +1 203-301-3673 j.scolaro@quadient.com

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Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wisconsin is grappling with a dual workforce challenge: more open jobs than available workers and a shrinking pool of working-age residents. According to a report by the University of WisconsinExtension , the state has averaged 190,180 job openings each month since 2021, but only about 97,000 job seekers. At the same time, Wisconsins working-age population has declined by more than 35,000 people since 2011, with projections showing further losses in the decade ahead.

To help bridge these gaps, Equus Workforce Solutions is hosting the Greater Milwaukee Job Fair Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield from 12:00-3:00 p.m. This regional job fair, sponsored in partnership with the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development  Job Service, and the WOW Workforce Development Board, will connect hundreds of job seekers with area employers across industries. The event will also recognize local champions of change.

Wisconsins workforce challenges require collaboration, innovation, and recognition of the people who make a difference, said Bobby Nash, Business Services and Community Engagement Supervisor at Equus. This event is not only about connecting talent with real opportunities, but also about shining a light on the individuals and partners who are moving our workforce forward.

This years honorees include:

Workforce Hero Honoree: Ryan Krol, Community Based Career Advisor, recognized for his compassion and dedication to serving job seekers

Ryan Krol, Community Based Career Advisor, recognized for his compassion and dedication to serving job seekers Equus Impact Honorees: United Way of Kenosha County and the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce

These honorees represent the resilience and creativity needed to strengthen Wisconsins workforce, said Nash. They show what is possible when community organizations and employers work together to help individuals overcome barriers to employment.

Equus plays a key role in building sustainable workforce pipelines through initiatives such as the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program, a free program run by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Equus is a provider of FSET services, helping FoodShare recipients gain job skills, access education, and receive FREE support such as help with work-related expenses.

Programs like FSET are critical for Wisconsins future, said Nash. They provide job seekers with the tools they need to succeed while giving employers access to a broader, more reliable talent pool.

This event is open to the public and job seekers, employers, and community members are encouraged to attend. Employers can reserve booth space through the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce by September 17, and job seekers can text JOBS to 56512 or visit www.readyFSETgo.org to register.

This event is an opportunity to connect with local talent, celebrate workforce heroes, and see first-hand the programs and partnerships that are strengthening Wisconsins workforce.

About Equus Workforce Solutions
Dublin, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "2025 Cathode Materials Market Outlook Report: Industry Size, Market Shares Data, Insights, Growth Trends, Opportunities, Competition 2024 to 2032" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global Cathode Materials market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demands for energy storage solutions in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy sources. As the critical component in batteries, cathode materials directly influence battery capacity, lifespan, and safety. Innovation in advanced materials and novel chemistries is leading to significant advancements in battery technology.

Market Overview

The Cathode Materials market is diverse, featuring traditional lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) materials, alongside newer chemistries like nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). The market is currently driven by the surge in electric vehicles (EVs), growth in renewable systems, and grid-scale energy storage applications. This momentum is expected to continue into 2025, supported by advancements in materials science, governmental incentives for EVs, and a global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

The comprehensive Cathode Materials market research report provides critical insights into industry trends and offers prescriptive analyses to leverage future growth opportunities. This indispensable report details the market dynamics, competitive pressures, and substitutes, empowering decision-makers with strategic insights.

Cathode Materials Market Revenue and Forecast

The report estimates global Cathode Materials market revenues for 2024, considering production, supply, demand, and international trade. Detailed data on market share, penetration, and shifts in demand across various types, applications, and geographies from 2023 to 2032 are provided. It covers key regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and LATAM.

Market Structure and Key Strategies

Facing fierce competition, the market includes established chemical companies and emerging technology developers. Key strategies focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, vertical integration, and sustainability. Investing in R&D, forming collaborations, integrating supply chains, and embracing eco-friendly processes are pivotal for success.

Market Dynamics and Analytics

The research examines related markets and performs geopolitical, demographic, and competitive analyses to offer robust Cathode Materials market projections. Recent global developments and their impacts are analyzed for comprehensive foresight.

Cathode Materials trade and price analysis sheds light on international trends, export/import data, and pricing patterns, aiding procurement and sales strategies. The report updates include recent global events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, impacting market dynamics.

Key Report Takeaways:

Global market size and growth projections (CAGR) from 2024 to 2032.

Impact of global conflicts on Cathode Materials trade and supply chain.

Market segmentation, including regional data for 27 countries and key trends.

Analysis of market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and competitive forces.

Profiles of leading companies, including strategies and financials.

Current market news and developments.

The report covers separate chapters on the regional markets, providing detailed insights into the Cathode Materials market in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.

Countries Covered: Detailed data is available for regions including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Benelux, Russia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and more.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/87od8s

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
ALPHARETTA, Ga., Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phorcys Capital Partners, LLC (Phorcys) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Village Veranda at Lady Lake, a 125-unit assisted living and memory care community located adjacent to The Villages, one of the nations fastest-growing retirement destinations. The community was acquired through a court-appointed receivership sale in which Phorcys was selected as the stalking horse bidder.

Village Veranda at Lady Lake represents a compelling opportunity to acquire a high-quality senior living community in a premier Florida market, said Vasileios Sfyris, Managing Partner at Phorcys. We see tremendous potential to build on the strong foundation already in place and further enhance the resident experience.

Opened in 2019, the community offers a full continuum of care with assisted living and memory care services, along with modern amenities including landscaped courtyards, a theater, cafe lounge, library, salon, physical therapy, and fitness center. Its location along US-441 provides excellent visibility and accessibility, serving a rapidly growing senior population within the Orlando MSA.





Phorcys will partner with SRI Management, a highly regarded senior living operator, to continue driving occupancy growth and operational excellence at the community.

Phorcys Capital Partners brings an ownership mindset and long-term vision that align perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional resident care, said Todd Filippone, President of SRI Management. Together, we look forward to positioning Village Veranda as the community of choice in the Lady Lake market.

This acquisition marks Phorcyss fifth senior housing investment and underscores the firms commitment to expanding its footprint in the growing senior housing market.

Senior housing remains one of the most compelling investment opportunities today, added Sfyris. We believe demographic tailwinds and limited new supply create an environment where well-located, well-managed communities like Village Veranda can deliver exceptional outcomes for residents and attractive returns for investors.

About Phorcys Capital Partners

Phorcys Capital Partners is an alternative asset manager focused on investing in distressed assets and municipal bonds with strategic investments in a diverse range of sectors, including senior living, multifamily, student housing, and hospitality.

For more information, contact:

Phorcys Capital Partners

Matt Doss

770-777-9373

mdoss@phorcyscp.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c889373-ce57-461b-be43-9b672744e301
OLIVER, British Columbia, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sylix Lands within the Area of Responsibility of the Swiws (Osoyoos) Indian Band.

The recent announcement by Teck Resource Limited and Anglo American plc of a potential merger raises serious concerns that, once again, Governments and Industry will ignore Indigenous rights and title.

Deals of this scale have the possibility of significant impacts on Indigenous Nations and our people. These deals cannot be completed without the title holders on whose lands these mines and smelters are situated being included, said Chief Clarence Louie. The Sylix peoples expect the Federal and Provincial governments and the leadership of these companies to honour the principles of free, prior and informed consent.

The Teck Cominco smelter near Trail, British Columbia, has existed on our land for over 100 years. To date we have experienced significant impacts without any benefit. The Osoyoos Indian Band is known as a band that welcomes business and industrybut business and industry must treat us with the respect that comes with being title holders of the land, added Chief Louie.

Teck is already making public commitments to expand smelter operations for critical minerals in Trail, adding copper and gallium refining. Making these statements to government without talking to First Nations is unconscionable for a company supposedly committed to reconciliation, continued Chief Louie.

Chief Louie noted that both companies profess to have progressive policies regarding working with Indigenous peoples, yet no one has contacted the impacted First Nations about the deal, in direct contradiction to those said policies.

We call upon the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, Industry Minister, Melanie Joly, and B.C. Premier, David Eby, to direct the leadership of these two companies to work with us before any deal is approved. We look forward to being invited to meet to discuss this deal as soon as possible," concluded Chief Louie.

For further information or to speak to Chief Louie contact:

Ryan Braude

Mining & Metals consultant to the Osoyoos Indian Band

778-991-1830
Casper, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Casper, Wyoming - September 18, 2025 -

Forward Firm Emerges as Leading Provider of Specialized Tax and Bookkeeping Services for Web3 Businesses in the United States. The accounting firm addresses critical compliance and financial management needs in rapidly evolving digital asset sector. To learn more, visit: https://forwardfirm.com/#services

The specialized accounting firm, has established itself as the premier provider of tax and bookkeeping services for Web3 businesses operating in the United States. As the digital asset sector continues to expand, the firm addresses the unique financial complexities and regulatory challenges faced by companies engaged in cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi), and blockchain technologies.

The rapidly evolving Web3 landscape presents unprecedented challenges for businesses navigating tax compliance and financial reporting requirements. Unlike traditional enterprises, Web3 companies must manage volatile cryptocurrency assets, smart contracts, and decentralized applications while adhering to complex regulatory frameworks established by the IRS and other governing bodies.

"Web3 businesses face unique financial complexities that require specialized expertise," explains the leadership at Forward Firm. "Traditional accounting practices are insufficient for companies dealing with digital assets, NFT transactions, and decentralized finance protocols."

Forward Firm offers a complete suite of financial services specifically tailored to the Web3 ecosystem. The firm provides specialized tax preparation and filing services that handle cryptocurrency taxation while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and minimizing tax liabilities. Their bookkeeping and accounting services include advanced tracking of digital asset transactions, smart contracts, and decentralized application activities. Forward Firm also offers financial planning and analysis through strategic forecasting and budgeting, designed for the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets. The company implements risk management solutions including internal controls and automated solutions to protect against fraud and financial mismanagement. Additionally, the firm provides ongoing regulatory compliance monitoring to ensure businesses remain compliant with IRS guidelines and international accounting standards.

The firm distinguishes itself through deep industry knowledge and cutting-edge technology integration. Forward Firm's team possesses a comprehensive understanding of blockchain networks including Ethereum, Solana, and Polkadot, enabling them to provide accurate financial tracking across multiple cryptocurrency platforms and strategies.

The company utilizes advanced automation tools and blockchain-based accounting systems to enhance accuracy and provide real-time financial reporting. This technological approach minimizes human error while ensuring transparent and secure transaction tracking for clients engaged in activities ranging from NFT marketplaces to DeFi protocols.

Forward Firm has demonstrated measurable results for its clients across the Web3 sector. Case studies include an emerging NFT marketplace that experienced a 145% increase in profitability within one year of engagement, and a DeFi protocol that successfully attracted substantial investment after the firm enhanced their financial reporting to provide greater transparency to potential investors.

By partnering with Forward Firm, Web3 businesses gain access to specialized knowledge that enables them to navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence, optimize tax strategies specific to digital asset operations, implement robust financial controls to mitigate cryptocurrency-related risks, focus on core innovation while ensuring financial compliance, and prepare for potential audits with comprehensive documentation.

As Web3 technologies continue to mature and regulatory frameworks evolve, Forward Firm positions itself at the forefront of this transformation. The firm's commitment to staying current with emerging regulations and technological developments ensures clients receive the most up-to-date guidance for their financial operations.

The company's holistic approach extends beyond traditional accounting services, providing strategic insights that promote sustainable growth and financial stability in the rapidly changing digital asset landscape.

Forward Firm is a specialized accounting firm dedicated to serving Web3 businesses throughout the United States. With expertise in cryptocurrency taxation, blockchain technology, and decentralized finance, the firm provides comprehensive tax, bookkeeping, and other CPA services designed to meet the unique needs of the digital asset sector. The company's mission is to enable Web3 businesses to achieve financial stability and regulatory compliance while focusing on innovation and growth. For more information visit https://forwardfirm.com

###

For more information about Forward Firm, contact the company here:



Forward Firm

Mitch Petracca

(914) 222-0621

mitch@forwardfirm.com

5830 E 2nd St, Ste 7000 #24604, Casper, Wyoming 82609
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (Spectrum or the Company) (NYSE: SPB) investors that the firm has initiated an investigation into possible securities fraud and may file a class action on behalf of investors. Spectrum investors that lost money on their investment are encouraged to contact Lesley Portnoy, Esq.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: info@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

On April 26, 2018, Spectrum disclosed disappointing financial results for the second quarter of 2018 due to poorly executed consolidation projects. That same day, CEO Andreas Rouve resigned. Spectrums stock price fell approximately 22.1%, from $93.14 to $72.56 per share.

Defendants immediately represented that the problems at the GAC and HHI facilities were being swiftly corrected. On November 16, 2018, however, the Company disclosed another disastrous quarter driven by a $92.5 million goodwill write-down for GAC, again stemming from the failed consolidations. Spectrums stock price declined another 19%, from $59.35 to $48.05 per share.

Finally, on January 2, 2019, Spectrum sold its entire GAC division to Energizer Holdings, Inc. In June 2019, the Court appointed the Public School Teachers Pension and Retirement Fund of Chicago and the Cambridge Retirement System as Lead Plaintiffs, and BLB&G as Lead Counsel for the Class. In July 2019, Lead Plaintiffs filed an Amended Class Action Complaint on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of Spectrum or HRG between January 26, 2017 and November 19, 2018, inclusive. In August 2019, Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint for failure to state a claim. Lead Plaintiffs opposed in October 2019, and Defendants filed their reply in November 2019. The Court stayed its decision as the parties pursued mediation.

On August 10, 2020, Lead Plaintiffs and Defendants entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement for $39 million in cash. That same day, Lead Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement. On September 28, 2020, the Court granted preliminary approval. On February 6, 2021, the Court denied without prejudice final approval of the settlement due to a class member objection, instructing Lead Plaintiffs to either send an amended notice or dismiss claims of HRG stockholders. On April 2, 2021, Lead Plaintiffs issued an amended notice. On June 10, 2021, the Court appointed Jet Capital Master Fund LP as Lead Plaintiff for purchasers of HRG stock.

On August 27, 2021, Spectrum Class Plaintiffs and Defendants entered into a new Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement for $32 million in cash. On August 30, 2021, Spectrum Class Lead Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval, which the Court granted on November 17, 2021. Final approval was granted on March 18, 2022, following a fairness hearing.

The claims administration process has since concluded. The Court approved the distribution motion on November 18, 2022. The first distribution of the net settlement fund occurred in December 2022, the second in October 2023, and the third in August 2025. Subsequent distributions will occur on a rolling basis, provided net settlement funds remain available.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA, NY and TX Bars

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Fiserv, Inc. ("Fiserv" or the "Company") (NYSE: FI) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between July 24, 2024 and July 22, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Fiserv investors have until September 22, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Fiserv Inc. provides payment and financial technology solutions to clients globally.

The class action lawsuit against Fiserv alleges that, throughout the Class Period, the Company and certain of its executives made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose critical facts, including:

(i) that due to cost and performance issues with its Payeezy platform, Fiserv compelled merchants to transition to its Clover platform;

(ii) that these forced migrations temporarily inflated Clovers gross payment volume (GPV) and revenue growth, masking a broader slowdown in new merchant acquisitions;

(iii) that a significant number of former Payeezy merchants later abandoned Clover due to its high fees, poor customer support, and other operational deficiencies; and

(iv) that as a result of merchant attrition, Clovers revenue growth and GPV expansion were materially unsustainable.

According to the complaint, on April 24, 2025, Fiserv reported Clover GPV growth of just 8% for Q1 2025a notable decline from 2024 GPV growth rates of 14% to 17%. The Company attributed this slowdown to reduced transaction volumes from former Payeezy merchants who had migrated to Clover. Following this disclosure, Fiservs stock price declined more than 18%.

Subsequently, on May 15, 2025, Fiserv acknowledged that GPV growth deceleration was expected to persist throughout the remainder of the year. On this news, the Companys share price fell an additional 16%.

Finally, on July 23, 2025, Fiserv revised the upper end of its full-year organic growth guidance downward and confirmed that year-over-year revenue growth in its Merchant segment had declined to 9%, compared to 11% in the previous quarter. Following this announcement, the Companys share price dropped nearly 14%.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is proud to announce that is has been recognized as an APEX WORLD CLASS airline for 2026, marking the fifth consecutive year that the airline has received this prestigious distinction. This recognition follows an in-depth audit process spanning across twenty key focus areas that matter most to travelers today. With standards raised even higher this year, Saudias continued success marks an outstanding achievement.

The APEX WORLD CLASS award is the highest achievement for an airline today, honoring excellence across four Constructs: Safety & Well-Being, Sustainability, ServiceGuest Experience and F&B Execution. Saudias recognition reflects its commitment to excellence in global aviation, setting benchmarks that will inspire the industry worldwide as guided by Saudi Arabias Vision 2030.

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, commented: "Receiving the APEX WORLD CLASS recognition for the fifth consecutive year, alongside being named Best in Class for ServiceGuest Experience for the second year in a row, is a true testament to the dedication and professionalism of Saudias team members.

These awards reflect not only the consistency of our transformation but also the authentic Saudi hospitality that distinguishes us on the world stage. Guided by our new strategy, every detail of the guest journey is designed with thoughtful planning to ensure comfort across our guests' full journey. Through innovative initiatives that exceed expectations, we continue to elevate satisfaction at every step. The value of these recognitions lies in the fact that they come from impartial, global organizations, affirming Saudias position as a leader in travel and aviation."

In addition to this recognition, Saudia took center stage at the APEX Global Expo in Long Beach, CA, where guests at the Expo were warmly welcomed with Sukkari dates and Saudi coffee, reflecting the care and generosity that define Saudi culture. This was further highlighted through a first-of-its-kind live culinary showcase on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. The session, led by Chef Saad Alorabi, a Saudia In-Flight Chef, and Rakan Almutairi, Senior Cabin Attendant, presented a four course First Class dining experience supported by Saudias cabin crew, immersing global audiences in Saudias First-Class service philosophy.

During the Expo, Mr. Dimitrov was invited onstage for several C-level panel sessions with fellow executives from leading carriers such as flyadeal, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines to discuss a myriad of topics that are top of mind for customers. In a co-panel with flyadeal and BBC News Ben Thompson, Mr. Dimitrov focused on Saudias transformation in guest experience. In other discussions, Mr. Dimitrov explored how airline lounges enhance customer loyalty and how Saudia is fostering an inclusive atmosphere to ensure every passenger feels welcome.

About Saudia:

Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle Easts largest airlines.

Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet with 149 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.

A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.

Saudia was recently named Best Airline Staff Service for 2025 by Skytrax and ranked 17th in the global airline rankings. It was also recognized as a World Class Airline 2024 by APEX for the third consecutive year. In addition, Saudia ranked first globally for on-time performance (OTP), according to Cirium.

For more information on Saudia, please visit www.saudia.com

Media Center

Saudia Airlines Headquarters

Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Email: mediacenter@saudia.com

X: @SaudiaGroup

Linkedin: SAUDI AIRLINES

WhatsApp: Saudia Group |  

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14a49c22-872a-4a94-a4e4-a3d08f15aefa
EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After years of purposeful design, hard work and passionate community support, Compass Health celebrated the grand opening of the Marc Healing Center: the regions newest state-of-the-art facility for intensive behavioral health services.

Located on Broadway Avenue in Everetts core, the 70,000-square-foot building houses a 16-bed evaluation and treatment (E&T) unit, a 16-bed crisis triage center, intensive outpatient behavioral health services, an on-site pharmacy and offices for crisis prevention, outreach and community engagement teams. The facility is projected to serve 1,500 individuals through more than 30,000 points of service each year, addressing and preventing mental health crises and other high-acuity needs to mitigate demand on first responders, law enforcement and area hospitals.

On September 17, Compass Health welcomed community members, supporters and elected officials to commemorate the healing centers grand opening. Attendees toured the facility learning about purposeful design elements, including innovative finishes and room layouts with natural light and access to secure outdoor spaces, chosen specifically to promote healing and recovery within the context of mental health needs.

Compass Health CEO Tom Sebastian, Washington State Senator June Robinson and Coastal Community Bank Senior Vice President Isaac Maldonado spoke about the future impact of the facility and the regional transformation it represents.

What began as a bold vision seven years ago has now become a reality, and thats all thanks to the community, who came together with shared purpose to support behavioral health care across our region, Sebastian said. Through the Marc Healing Center, we look forward to bettering the lives of our neighbors, building paths of recovery for those struggling and being a pillar for our community partners to lean on.

Sebastian also highlighted the facilitys namesake: Marcelene Marc Lowes. Lowes has worked with Compass Health for more than 40 years, where she dedicated much of her career to the Snohomish County Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and became a trusted figure for her clients and team. By naming the Phase II facility after Lowes, Compass Health hopes to honor her and everyone who shares her unwavering commitment to meeting the behavioral health needs of the community.

The adult IOP program, along with Expanded Community Services (ECS), Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) and a pharmacy operated by Genoa Healthcare began seeing clients in the facility in August 2025. Compass Health plans to launch on-site E&T and crisis triage operations this fall. Together, the programs are designed to alleviate burdens on emergency services. By allowing ambulance and law enforcement drop-offs at the crisis triage center and accepting referrals from hospitals at the E&T unit, facility leaders aim to ensure individuals receive the right level of care when they need it most.

The Marc Healing Center is a symbol of hope and recovery for our most vulnerable neighbors, and its testament to the power of community, said Kristy Carrington, CEO of Providence Swedish North Puget Sound. Access to help for mental health crises and other behavioral health needs are regional issues that demand a regional response. Were thankful for Compass Healths leadership in driving toward solutions that help to strengthen our network and allow us to work together in breaking down barriers to care.

The development team for the Marc Healing Center includes Lotus Development Partners, finance, development, and construction manager; BNBuilders, general contractor; Ankrom Moisan Architects, project architect; KPFF, structural engineer; Harmsen, civil engineer; Bush Roed Hitchings, surveyor; Sider + Byers, mechanical and electrical engineer; SiteWorkshop, landscape design; RDH, envelope consultant; and RWDI, LEED consultant.

The $71 million project garnered widespread support from public, private and philanthropic sources, including a significant investment from the State of Washington, along with contributions from Snohomish County and the City of Everett. Several organizations facilitated investment under the federal New Markets Tax Credit program, led by J.P. Morgan, Accion Opportunity Fund and Corporation for Supportive Housing along with Craft3, Capital Impact Partners and Nonprofit Finance Fund. Coastal Community bank provided permanent financing and early seed capital came from Primary Care Development Corporation.

Compass Healths first-ever capital campaign Its Time: The Campaign for Compass Health also played a major role, raising nearly $12 million with contributions from lead funders, including the Sunderland Foundation, Coastal Community Bank, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the Norcliffe Foundation and Premera Blue Cross. The organization received federal Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funding with the support of U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, as well as a number of significant lead gifts from individual and family donors.

The Marc Healing Center is the second completed phase of Compass Healths Broadway Campus Redevelopment Project: a three-phase initiative to bring together a full continuum of behavioral health care, primary health care and permanent supportive housing services on a single city block. Andys Place, phase one, is an 82-unit housing facility coupled with support services for people with chronic behavioral health challenges. The final phase of the project, still in early planning stages, is intended to house behavioral health services, a primary healthcare clinic, residential units and space for Compass Health administrative offices.

For more information about the Marc Healing Center and Compass Healths Broadway Campus Redevelopment, visit www.compasshealth.org/broadwayredevelopment . To learn more about and donate to the Its Time Capital Campaign, visit www.compasshealth.org/itstime .

About Compass Health:

Compass Health is Northwest Washingtons behavioral healthcare leader. A community-based healthcare agency, Compass Health integrates behavioral health and medical care services to form a key section of the community safety net and serve clients and others in need of care and support. From comprehensive mental health treatment to crisis prevention and intervention, supportive housing, childrens services, community education and much more, the non-profit organization serves people of all ages throughout Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Whatcom counties.

Media Contacts:

Annie Alley

Firmani + Associates Inc.

Compasshealth@firmani.com

(206) 466-2713 Lauren Nicksic

Compass Health

Lauren.nicksic@compassh.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/204e7198-7d13-4114-a80f-641548409bdc
All amounts in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Onex Corporation (Onex) (TSX: ONEX) today announced that the Onex Partners Opportunities Fund has agreed to acquire Integrated Specialty Coverages (ISC or the Company), a tech-enabled insurance platform dedicated to designing, underwriting, and distributing insurance solutions, from KKR. The investment by Onex Partners is being made alongside the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), Ardian (through its Co-Investment strategy), and several other leading institutional equity partners. ISCs management team and employees will remain significant shareholders following the transaction.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, ISC is a leading, multi-line program administrator dedicated to underwriting excellence and client service. ISC has built an end-to-end insurance platform powered by proprietary data analytics that connects a broad network of insurance markets and distribution channels. The Company uses sophisticated technology to transform how complex insurance programs are underwritten and operated. ISC is led by a team of experienced professionals from all spheres of the insurance ecosystem. As part of the transaction, KKR will exit its investment in the Company.

The insurance sector has long been a core focus area for Onex Partners. This investment continues Onex Partners long history of successfully investing across the entire property & casualty insurance value chain, particularly in founder-led businesses. Investments in the sector are led by a dedicated Financial Services team who maintain an extensive network of value-add industry relationships across all relevant sub-sectors.

Adam Cobourn, a Managing Director at Onex Partners, said ISC combines all the elements we consider to be markers of success in an underwriting and distribution platform, including a disciplined, data-driven approach, broad and deep relationships with insurance carriers and brokers, and a best-in-class technology platform that enables superior underwriting results, client experience and cost efficiency. We understand ISCs end market very well and look forward to supporting the Companys management team and employee-owners with all of our resources.

Matt Grossberg, Founder and CEO of ISC, said, We are excited to join forces with Onex Partners. Onexs deep expertise and network in the P&C sector brings us access to a unique ecosystem of resources and relationships. This partnership will strengthen our ability to innovate and deliver cutting-edge insurance solutions across our core business lines, while also enabling us to pursue a broad range of new growth opportunities. ISC would like to thank KKR for its support and we look forward to working closely with Onex as we continue on our journey to innovate in the E&S market.

Perella Weinberg served as exclusive financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal counsel to Onex Partners.

The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary closing conditions.

About Onex

Onex invests and manages capital on behalf of its shareholders and clients across the globe. Formed in 1984, we have a long track record of creating value for our clients and shareholders. Our investors include a broad range of global clients, including public and private pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, banks, insurance companies, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. In total, Onex has approximately $55.9 billion in assets under management, of which $8.4 billion is Onex own investing capital. With offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London, Onex and its experienced management teams are collectively the largest investors across Onex platforms.

Onex is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ONEX. For more information on Onex, visit its website at www.onex.com. Onex security filings can also be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca.

About PSP Investments

The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is one of Canadas largest pension investors with $299.7 billion of net assets under management as of March 31, 2025. It manages a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in capital markets, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and credit investments. Established in 1999, PSP Investments manages and invests amounts transferred to it by the Government of Canada for the pension plans of the federal Public Service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force. Headquartered in Ottawa, PSP Investments has its principal business office in Montreal and offices in New York, London and Hong Kong. For more information, visit investpsp.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Ardian

Ardian is a world-leading private investment firm, managing or advising $192bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,850 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardians main shareholding group is its employees and we place great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 19 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility. At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last. ardian.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain, without limitation, statements concerning possible or assumed future operations, performance or results preceded by, followed by or that include words such as believes, expects, potential, anticipates, estimates, intends, plans and words of similar connotation, which would constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees. The reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve significant and diverse risks and uncertainties that may cause actual operations, performance, or results to be materially different from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by Canadian securities law, Onex is under no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein should material facts change due to new information, future events or other factors. These cautionary statements expressly qualify all forward-looking statements in this press release.

For Further Information:
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC).

On November 2, 2022, the Company released its 3Q 2022 financial results, disclosing a net loss of $2.6 billion for the quarter, compared to a net income of $318 million for the third quarter of 2021 the previous year, due to net unfavorable notable items of $2.0 billion, or $11.62 per share, related to the companys annual review of DAC and reserve assumptions, and that the Company incurred a $634 million goodwill impairment to the life insurance business.

Thereafter, the Company and certain of its executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit, charging them with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws, which remains ongoing.

KSFs investigation is focusing on whether Lincolns officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Lincoln shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-833-938-0905 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-lnc/ to learn more.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.

TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action Services

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 960

New Orleans, LA 70163

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MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Inc. (Bombardier) today announced that it has successfully closed its previously announced offering of US$250 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2033 (the Additional Notes). The Additional Notes constitute a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the existing US$500 million aggregate principal amount of Bombardiers 6.750% Senior Notes due 2033 that were originally issued on May 29, 2025. The Additional Notes carry a coupon of 6.750% per annum, mature on June 15, 2033 and were sold at a price of 103.500% plus accrued interest from, and including, May 29, 2025 to, but excluding, the issue date of the Additional Notes.

Bombardier intends to use the proceeds of the offering of the Additional Notes, together with cash on hand, (i) to fund the repayment and/or retirement of outstanding indebtedness, including the redemption of all of its remaining outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes), and the redemption of approximately US$84 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 7.875% Senior Notes due 2027 (the 2027 Notes), and (ii) to pay accrued interest and related fees and expenses. As of the date hereof, prior to giving effect to these redemptions, there is US$166,289,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2026 Notes and US$183,142,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2027 Notes.

The redemption date for the 2026 Notes and the 2027 Notes is October 4, 2025, in accordance with the notices of redemption issued by Bombardier on September 4, 2025, with payments expected to be completed on October 6, 2025.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or buy or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, sale or purchase of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation, sale or purchase would be unlawful.

The securities mentioned herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, any state securities laws or the laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The securities mentioned herein were offered and sold in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. The securities mentioned herein have not been and will not be qualified for distribution to the public under applicable Canadian securities laws and, accordingly, any offer and sale of the securities in Canada was made on a basis which is exempt from the prospectus requirements of such securities laws. The securities were offered and sold in Canada on a private placement basis only to accredited investors pursuant to certain prospectus exemptions.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements based on current expectations. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to important known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

For information
KELLOGG, Idaho and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (Bunker Hill or the Company) (TSX-V: BNKR |OTCQB: BHLL) announces the voting results on matters considered at its annual meeting of stockholders held on September 18, 2025, in Kellogg, Idaho (the Meeting).

At the Meeting, all five (5) directors nominees listed in the Companys proxy statement dated August 8, 2025 (the Proxy Statement), being (i) Sam Ash, (ii) Mark Cruise, (iii) Kelli Kast, (iv) Pamela Saxton, and (v) Richard Williams, were re-elected to the board of directors of the Company (the Board). The Company would like to acknowledge the contributions of Dickson Hall, who did not stand for re-election as a Director of the Company.

In addition, at the Meeting, the Companys stockholders: (i) ratified the appointment of MNP LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditor of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025; (ii) approved the adoption of the Companys amended and restated restricted stock unit incentive plan (the Amended and Restated RSU Plan); (iii) approved the renewal of the Companys rolling 10% stock option plan; and (iv) approved, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Companys named executive officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement pursuant to the executive compensation disclosure rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).

Amended and Restated RSU Plan

The Amended and Restated RSU Plan, in the form attached as Schedule B to the Proxy Statement, was ratified, confirmed and adopted by the Companys stockholders. The Amended and Restated RSU Plan was previously approved by the Board and the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V), subject to stockholder approval at the Meeting.

The Amended and Restated RSU Plan is a fixed plan with the number of shares of common stock (Common Shares) issuable thereunder fixed at 92,699,433 Common Shares, being 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as at August 8, 2025. Additional information regarding the Amended and Restated RSU Plan can be found in the Proxy Statement available for review on the Companys website at www.bunkerhillmining.com, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

ABOUT BUNKER HILL MINING CORP.

Bunker Hill is an American mineral exploration and development company focused on revitalizing our historic mining asset: the renowned zinc, lead, and silver deposit in northern Idahos prolific Coeur dAlene mining district. This strategic initiative aims to breathe new life into a once-productive mine, leveraging modern exploration techniques and sustainable development practices to unlock the potential of this mineral-rich region. Bunker Hill Mining Corp. aims to maximize shareholder value while responsibly harnessing the mineral wealth in the Silver Valley mining district by concentrating our efforts on this single, high-potential asset. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.bunkerhillmining.com, or within the SEDAR+ and EDGAR databases.

On behalf of Bunker Hill Mining Corp.

Sam Ash

President and Chief Executive Officer

For additional information, please contact:

Brenda Dayton

Vice President, Investor Relations

T: 604.417.7952

E: brenda.dayton@bunkerhillmining.com

Cautionary Statements

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as within the meaning of the phrase forward-looking information in the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 51-102  Continuous Disclosure Obligations (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, plan or variations of such words and phrases.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, including the restart and development of the Bunker Hill Mine, and the achievement of future short-term, medium-term and long-term operational strategies.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties identified in public filings made by Bunker Hill with the SEC and with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, and the following: the Companys ability to raise additional capital for project activities on acceptable terms or at all; Bunker Hills ability to operate as a going concern and its history of losses; the fluctuating price of commodities; capital market conditions; restrictions on labor and its effects on international travel and supply chains; failure to identify mineral resources; failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; the Companys ability to restart and develop the Bunker Hill Mine and the risks of not basing a production decision on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, resulting in increased uncertainty due to multiple technical and economic risks of failure which are associated with this production decision including, among others, areas that are analyzed in more detail in a feasibility study, such as applying economic analysis to resources and reserves, more detailed metallurgy and a number of specialized studies in areas such as mining and recovery methods, market analysis, and environmental and community impacts and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit, with no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved; failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations; failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company's cash flow and future profitability; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; political risks; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inability of the Company to budget and manage its liquidity in light of the failure to obtain additional financing, including the ability of the Company to complete the payments pursuant to the terms of the agreement to acquire the Bunker Hill Mine complex; inflation; changes in exchange rates; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; and capital, operating and reclamation costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements or information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all, including as to whether or when the Company will achieve its project finance initiatives, or as to the actual size or terms of those financing initiatives. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risk factors that could affect the Companys operations or financial results are included in the Companys annual information form or annual report and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or through EDGAR on the SEC website (www.sec.gov), respectively.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madison Pacific Properties Inc. (the Company) (TSX: MPC and MPC.C), a Vancouver-based real estate company announces changes to its Board of Directors.

After many years of dedicated service, Mark Elliott will be stepping down from the Board effective September 30, 2025. Mr. Elliott has contributed over twelve years of leadership and commitment to the Company throughout his tenure and also served as Chairman of the Audit Committee for 9 years. Effective September 30, 2025, Jonathan Rees will also be stepping down from the Board after providing over 6 years of dedicated service. The Company extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Elliott and Mr. Rees for their significant contributions as directors. Their commitment and dedication have played a significant role in supporting the Companys governance, growth and success.

The Company is pleased to announce that Alistair Duncan, Jr. and Robert Wiens will be appointed to its Board of Directors effective September 30, 2025. Both individuals bring extensive experience in corporate governance and strategic development, further strengthening the leadership of the Company.

Mr. Duncan brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Board. He is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of viDA Therapeutics Inc., a Vancouver-based biotechnology company. Prior to this, Mr. Duncan was President and Chief Executive Officer at Chromos Molecular Systems Inc., a company he co-founded and where he also served as a director. In addition to his executive roles, Mr. Duncan was a Principal with Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Accountants.

Mr. Wiens has over 30 years of management experience, holding various executive positions including Chief Financial Officer of D-Wave Systems, President and Chief Executive Officer of FACS Records Centre Inc., and as Managing Partner of the Vancouver office for Arthur Andersen & Co. Mr. Wiens is recognized as both a member and fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (FCPA) and a member of the New York State Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and has also served on the boards of a number of Toronto Stock Exchange listed companies including FACS Records Centre, Extreme CCTV, and Liquidation World.

Mr. Duncan and Mr. Wiens have a strong familiarity with the business of the Company having served as directors of Metro Vancouver Properties Corp. (MVP), a subsidiary of the Company, prior to MVP going private in 2024. The Board welcomes Mr. Duncan and Mr. Wiens as Directors of the Company and looks forward to their contributions and stewardship of the business.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a global leader in AI-driven casino analytics, announced today that Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Andrew Cardno will be a featured speaker at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2025 in Las Vegas.

Cardno will join a panel of industry leaders for the session Optimizing Casino Floor Mix: Strategies for Revenue and Engagement on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 10:30 AM  11:20 AM in Titian 2205.

The panel will address one of the most debated topics in gaming: how many leased or shared revenue games should be included on the casino floor. As casinos adapt to changing trends in floor design, panelists will share strategies for balancing revenue optimization with player engagement and long-term satisfaction.

Panelists include:

Buddy H. Frank  Owner/Consultant, BF Slot Strategies

Nick Hogan  Co-Founder & CEO, ReelMetrics

Andrew Cardno  Co-Founder & CTO, Quick Custom Intelligence

Stephanie Lau  Vice President, Sales Enablement, Konami Gaming, Inc.

Ryan Scott  Vice President of Commercial Strategy - Slots, Light & Wonder





"The question of floor mix is both mathematical and strategic," said Cardno. "Our work at QCI has shown that data-driven insightswhen paired with operator experiencecan dramatically impact both revenue and guest experience. Im honored to join such a distinguished panel to explore the future of slot floor optimization."

Dennis Amos, CFO of Sky City Acoma, added, From a financial and operational perspective, the composition of the casino floor is one of the most critical decisions we make. The right balance between owned and participation games directly impacts revenue, costs, and ultimately, the long-term sustainability of our operations. This panels discussion will provide invaluable insights for operators striving to make data-informed, profitable decisions.

ABOUT Sky City Acoma

Acoma Business Enterprises (ABE), owned and operated by the Pueblo of Acoma, operates Sky City Casino Hotel located in central New Mexico. Sky City Casino Hotel offers a range of gaming options and multiple amenities to compliment. From over 550 slots, live table games, live bingo, a restaurant, and over 120 rooms in a newly remodeled hotel. The Casino aims to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike. The Pueblo of Acoma itself is a National Historic Landmark, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in what is now the United States. Since 1100 A.D., the Pueblo sits atop a sheer-walled, 367-foot sandstone bluff in a valley studded with sacred, towering monoliths. Acoma is known worldwide for its unique art, rich culture, and world-renowned pottery.

ABOUT QCI

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI AGI Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 300 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $42 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

About Andrew Cardno

Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industriesbe it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSDAndrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

Contact:

Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence

Phone: 858-349-8354
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: O4V3) is pleased to announce that Glass Lewis, a leading independent proxy advisory firm has recommended that Prime Securityholders (as defined below) vote "FOR" the plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") with Torex Gold Resources Inc.

The Glass Lewis report stated: "Overall, we believe the transaction offers a compelling balance of immediate value and long-term upside, achieved through a fair and well-structured process. Considering the premium offered, the strong strategic rationale, and the opportunity for continued participation in Torexs future growth, we conclude that the acquisition is in the best interests of Prime Minings shareholders. Accordingly, we recommend that shareholders vote FOR the arrangement proposal and related resolutions."

Scott Hicks, CEO, commented "We are pleased to receive an independent FOR recommendation from Glass Lewis, affirming that the Plan of Arrangement with Torex is in the best interests of Prime Securityholders given the premium offered, strategic rationale and opportunity for continued participation in Torexs future growth."





YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT  PLEASE VOTE TODAY

The proxy voting deadline is 2:00 pm (Vancouver Time) on Thursday, September 25, 2025

Prime additionally reminds the holders of common shares of the Company (Prime Shares), the holders of options to purchase Prime Shares, the holders of restricted share units, the holders of deferred share units, and the holders of warrants to purchase Prime Shares (collectively, the Securityholders) of the upcoming deadline to vote at the Company's special meeting of Securityholders (the "Meeting") to be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (Vancouver Time) to approve the Arrangement with Torex Gold Resources Inc.

Prime Board Recommendation

The Board of Directors of Prime unanimously recommends that the Securityholders vote FOR the Arrangement.

Securityholders may vote online, by fax or by mail in accordance with the instructions set forth in their proxy form(s) or voting instruction form, as applicable.

For more information relating to the Arrangement, please refer to the management information circular of the Company in connection with the Meeting (the Circular), which is available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Primes website at www.primeminingcorp.ca.

Special Meeting Details

The Meeting is to be held on September 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) at the offices of the Company at Suite 710  1030 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Questions & Voting Assistance

Securityholders who have questions or need assistance with voting their Prime Securities should contact the Company by telephone at (604) 428-6128 or by email at info@primeminingcorp.ca.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with completing your Letter of Transmittal, please contact the Depositary by telephone at 1-800-564-6253 (Canada and the United States) or 1-514-982-7555 (International) or by email at corporateactions@computershare.com.

If you have questions about deciding how to vote on the Arrangement, you should contact your own legal, tax, financial or other professional advisor.

About Prime Mining

Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership.

For further information, please visit https://www.primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to:

Scott Hicks

CEO & Director

Indi Gopinathan

VP Capital Markets & Business Development

Prime Mining Corp.

710  1030 West Georgia St.

Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada

+1(604) 238-1659

info@primeminingcorp.ca

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Meeting and the anticipated timing thereof. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include but are not limited to: the failure to receive the required court and regulatory approvals to effect the Arrangement and the satisfaction or waiver of conditions precedent to the Arrangement, the potential of a third party making a superior proposal to the Arrangement, risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19 and other future pandemics, delays in or failure to receive access agreements, on-going receipt of amended and/or operating permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, physical access to the property, security risks, availability of contractors and skilled labour, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, its annual information form dated March 28, 2025 and the Circular, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Silver47 Exploration Corp. (TSXV: AGA) (OTCQB: AAGAF) ("Silver47" or the "Company") confirms that, as previously announced on September 4, 2025, it has engaged Sideways Frequency LLC ("SFLLC") as an arms-length, third party firm contractually retained by the Company in accordance with routine industry practices to provide investor relations services for a 12 month term.

As part of the Company's efforts towards investor awareness, SFLLC organizes and facilitates the creation and distribution of promotional material concerning the Company and its common shares traded on the OTCQB marketplace (the "Promotional Material") on behalf of the Company. On September 10, 2025, the Company became aware that SFLLC had commenced distribution of Promotional Material which discussed the Company, its business and a general assessment of, and commentary on, the broader market for silver and silver exploration globally. The Promotional Material was available via email and online via click-through of digital media ads.

The Company has editorial control over the Promotional Material for accuracy but is not directly involved in its creation or distribution, other than fact checking the final versions for accuracy. The content of the Promotional Material was taken from publicly available disclosure, including the Company's press releases, corporate presentation and financial statements. The statements made in the promotional material were not false or misleading.

The OTC Markets Group Inc ("OTC Markets") has requested the Company issue this statement regarding the Promotional Material.

The effect of the Promotional Material is impossible to judge precisely but may have led to an increase in trading volumes of the Company's common shares on the OTCQB.

After inquiring with its management, directors, officers, control persons and third-party service providers, the Company confirms that none of such parties have:

directly or indirectly been involved in any way (including payment of a third-party) with the creation, distribution, or payment of promotional materials related to the Company or its securities, except as described in this press release; or

sold or purchased the Company's securities in the past 90 days, other than the purchase of 100,000 units by one director in connection with the Company's recently closed private placement.

In the last 12 months, the Company has not engaged any third party to provide investor relations, public relations, marketing or related services, other than SFLLC, High Tide Consulting Corp. ("High Tide"), and Market One Media Group ("Market One"). The engagement of High Tide was disclosed in the Company's April 4, 2025 news release.

The Company entered into a media services agreement (the "Market One Agreement") dated September 2, 2025, with Market One. Market One, with offices in Vancouver and Toronto, is a multi-platform media solution for the capital markets operating in editorial, video and digital media. The media message is distributed via broadcast, digital, and social media channels including media platforms such as BNN Bloomberg. Market One's engagement is for a term of 12 months. Market One will provide services including investor lead generation buildout, a social media campaign, banner ads and articles. The Company will pay Market One a fee of $75,000 plus GST for the services provided. There are no performance factors contained in the Market One Agreement and Market One will not receive common shares or options as compensation. Further, Market One and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities and, at the time of the Market One Agreement, neither Market One nor any of its principals have an interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company. The Market One Agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Other than as previously disclosed in the Company's public continuous disclosure filings, the Company has not issued any shares or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities at prices constituting a discount to the current market rate at the time of the issuance.

About Silver47 Exploration

Silver47 Exploration Corp is a mineral exploration company, focused on uncovering and developing silver-rich deposits in North America. The Company is creating a leading high-grade US-focused silver developer with a resource totaling 236 Moz AgEq at 334 g/t AgEq inferred and 10 Moz at 333 g/t AgEq indicated. With operations in Alaska, Nevada and New Mexico, Silver47 Exploration is anchored in America's most prolific mining jurisdictions. For detailed information regarding the resource estimates, assumptions, and technical reports, please refer to the NI 43-101 Technical Report and other filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company trades on the TSXV under the ticker symbol AGA and OTCQB under the ticker symbol AAGAF.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.silver47.ca and see the Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and titled "Technical Report on the Red Mountain VMS Property Bonnifield Mining District, Alaska, USA with an effective date January 12, 2024, and prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd."

Follow us on social media for the latest updates:

X: @Silver47co

LinkedIn: Silver47

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Galen McNamara

CEO & Director

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding exploration of the Company's projects. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, but are not limited to, the inherently unpredictable nature of resource exploration, market conditions and the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.


VANCOUVER, September 18, 2025 - Faraday Copper Corp. (" Faraday " or the " Company ") (TSX:FDY)(OTCQX:CPPKF) is pleased to announce that its planned 40,000-metre ("m") Phase IV drill program at the Copper Creek Project, located in Arizona ("Copper Creek") has commenced.

Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented, "I am excited to announce the start of our Phase IV drill program, the largest drill program ever planned on the project to date. From just nine pads on federal land, Phase III drilling in the American Eagle area resulted in the discovery of multiple mineralized breccias, including the high-grade Banjo breccia. Importantly, the recent approval of our Exploration Plan of Operations provides access to 67 drill pads on federal land, 48 of which are located in the American Eagle area. This now allows us to fully delineate multiple mineralized breccias and porphyry occurrences as well as near surface oxide mineralization. As a result, we have decided to focus on this exciting exploration upside to fully evaluate the American Eagle area and test other high-priority targets across the property. Growing the resource and maximizing the economic potential is our priority - and, therefore, we have deferred the updated resource and technical study until after this drill program is completed."

Phase IV Drill Program Overview

An estimated 40,000 m diamond drill program has commenced with the goal of building on the Company's previous drilling success. The program will focus on the American Eagle area as well as new targets, infill, geotechnical, infrastructure, and hydrological drilling: ~20,000 m focused on American Eagle near-surface mineralization. ~10,000 m targeting oxide mineralization to increase the potential of copper cathode production, which provides optionality for early cash-flow and domestic copper production. ~10,000 m for new discoveries in the Copper Creek district.



Assay results for completed drill holes will be released as they are received, analyzed and confirmed by the Company.

American Eagle Area

The recently approved Exploration Plan of Operations by the Bureau of Land Management includes up to 67 drill pads located on Federal land, 48 of which are in or near the American Eagle area (Figure 1). This approval substantially increases the opportunities for drill targeting the American Eagle area compared to the previously available nine drill pads. Phase III drilling from these nine drill pads identified several mineralized breccias in the American Eagle area, including the high-grade Banjo breccia. The additional approved pads will allow testing for further near-surface porphyry and breccia-hosted mineralization near American Eagle. Some drilling will be aimed at the collection of geotechnical and hydrological data. A combined total of approximately 20,000 m of drilling is allocated to these objectives.

Oxide Resource Growth

Supergene copper oxide and secondary sulphide mineralization occurs in the uppermost 20 m to 40 m at Copper Creek and a resource 1 has been previously defined in breccias northwest of the American Eagle area. Recent Phase III drilling has highlighted the potential for expanding the oxide resource through shallow, low angle drilling. Copper oxide minerals and anomalous copper in iron oxides, which formed after oxidation of primary sulphide mineralization, have been widely documented beyond the known resource, including in the American Eagle area (Figures 2 and 3). Copper oxide provides the opportunity to generate early cash flow through low-cost, heap-leach copper recovery. Approximately 10,000 m of drilling is allocated to oxide resource growth.

District Exploration Upside

Significant exploration upside remains in the Copper Creek district with numerous breccias and porphyry targets yet to be drilled. Geological mapping, geophysical and geochemical data, as well as reconnaissance drilling, have highlighted various targets outside the resource area, including the Sunrise Trend, Bunker Hill and Sycamore (Figure 4). Mapping and geological data collection will continue throughout the district and is expected to highlight further exploration targets.

The American Eagle underground resource contains high-grade cores that may correspond to magmatic cupola zones or high-grade breccias. The underground resource at both Keel and American Eagle are open laterally and additional drilling has the potential to expand the mineralization and further define high-grade mineralization (Figure 5). Some drilling will be aimed at reconnaissance drilling for potential new porphyry centres. Approximately 10,000 m of drilling is allocated to these objectives.

Figure 1: Plan View Showing Drill Pads Approved on Federal Land and Selected Surface Geology

Figure 2: Plan View Showing Oxide Resource 1 Expansion Potential

Note: Copper oxide detected at surface includes observations of copper oxide minerals and copper concentrations on iron oxide minerals in grab samples measured by a portable X-ray fluorescence device.

Figure 3: Photographs Showing Oxide Mineralization Exposed at Surface

Figure 4: Plan View Showing Exploration Target Areas and Surface Geology

Figure 5: Plan View of 2023 Resource Grade Distribution 1

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Faraday's VP Exploration, Dr. Thomas Bissig, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Notes

1 The Mineral Resource Estimate is presented in the report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" with an effective date of May 3, 2023, available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .

About Faraday Copper

Faraday Copper is an exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with significant district scale exploration potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY".

For additional information please contact:

Stacey Pavlova, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Faraday Copper Corp.

E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com

Website: www.faradaycopper.com

To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the extent of the quantum of the drilling program, the proposed locations for drilling and the exploration potential of the Copper Creek property.

Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of mineral resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedarplus.ca .

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.

SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
First Nordic Metals Corp. (TSXV: FNM) (FNSE: FNMC SDB) (OTCQX: FNMCF) (FSE: HEG0) ("First Nordic") announces that further to the Transaction (as defined below) and the C$30 million non-brokered private placement announced on September 15, 2025 (the "Concurrent Private Placement"), it has: (i) upsized the Concurrent Private Placement to raise gross proceeds of up to C$68 million; and (ii) entered into an agreement with Desjardins Capital Markets ("Desjardins"), on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "Agents"), with Desjardins acting as lead agent and sole bookrunner, in connection with a "best efforts" brokered private placement offering of up to 31,578,947 subscription receipts of First Nordic (the "Brokered Subscription Receipts") at a price of C$0.38 per Brokered Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds to First Nordic of up to C$12,000,000 (the "Brokered Private Placement", together with the Concurrent Private Placement, the "Offerings").

Under the upsized Concurrent Private Placement, First Nordic now expects to issue up to 178,947,368 subscription receipts of First Nordic (the "Non-Brokered Subscription Receipts") at a price of C$0.38 per Non-Brokered Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$68,000,000.

On September 14, 2025, First Nordic and Mawson Finland Limited ("Mawson") entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") pursuant to which First Nordic agreed to acquire all the issued and outstanding common shares of Mawson by way of a plan of arrangement (the "Transaction", with First Nordic following completion of the Transaction referred to herein as "NordCo Gold"). Refer to the press release dated September 15, 2025, for further details on the Transaction.

The Transaction will consolidate a large and prospective gold development and exploration portfolio in Sweden and Finland, including First Nordic's Barsele Joint Venture Project ("Barsele") and Gold Line Belt projects in northern Sweden and Oijarvi Project in northern Finland, and Mawson's Rajapalot Project and surrounding Rompas-Rajapalot Property in northern Finland.

In connection with the Transaction, the common shares of First Nordic will be consolidated on the basis of four (4) pre-consolidation shares for each one (1) post-consolidation share (the "Consolidation"). Prior to the Transaction and Consolidation and as of the date hereof, First Nordic has 318,228,805 basic shares outstanding, consolidating to approximately 79.6 million basic shares following the Consolidation, and following Transaction and the Offerings, NordCo Gold is expected to have approximately 173.3 million basic shares outstanding. On closing of the Transaction and the Offerings, current First Nordic shareholders are expected to own approximately 46%, current Mawson shareholders are expected to own approximately 23% and subscribers under the Offerings are expected to own approximately 31%, respectively, of the issued and outstanding NordCo Gold Shares, assuming completion of the Offerings for an aggregate of approximately C$80,000,000.

Each Brokered Subscription Receipt and Non-Brokered Subscription Receipt (collectively, the "Subscription Receipts") will entitle the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration and without further action on part of the holder thereof, at the effective time of the Transaction, one (1) common share of NordCo Gold (to be adjusted to reflect the Consolidation). The Subscription Receipts will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period following closing of the Concurrent Private Placement and Brokered Private Placement; however, the underlying NordCo Gold shares will not be subject to a statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws once issued in connection with the completion of the Transaction.

The total gross proceeds of up to C$80,000,000 from the Offerings will be used to fund exploration programs across the combined portfolio of NordCo Gold, for costs related to the proposed Transaction, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The proceeds of the Offerings, net of certain expenses and 50% of the Agents Fee (as defined below), will be held in escrow pending the satisfaction of the escrow release conditions, including the satisfaction of the conditions to the closing of the Transaction, and certain other customary conditions.

First Nordic may pay finder's fees to certain finders in respect of subscriptions received from investors in the Concurrent Private Placement, subject to entering into customary finder's fee agreements with such finders and the policies of the TSXV. First Nordic will pay the Agents a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Brokered Private Placement (the "Agents Fee"). The Offerings are subject to approval of the TSXV. The Offerings are each expected to close on or about October 15, 2025.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or to any "U.S. Person" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act")) of any equity or other securities of the Company. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or under any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable securities laws or an applicable exemption therefrom. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws.

About First Nordic Metals Corp.

First Nordic Metals Corp. is a Canadian-based gold exploration company, consolidating assets in Sweden and Finland, with a vision to create Europe's next gold camp. First Nordic's flagship asset is the Barsele gold project in northern Sweden, a joint venture project with senior gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.. Immediately surrounding the Barsele project, First Nordic is 100%-owner of a district-scale license position comprised of two additional projects (Paubacken, Storjuktan), which combined with Barsele, total approximately 80,000 hectares on the Gold Line greenstone belt. Additionally, in northern Finland, First Nordic is the 100%-owner of a district-scale position covering the entire underexplored Oijarvi greenstone belt, including the Kylmakangas deposit, the largest known gold occurrence on this belt.

About Mawson Finland Limited

Mawson Finland Limited is an exploration stage mining development company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of precious and base metal properties in Finland. The Company is primarily focused on gold and cobalt. Mawson currently holds a 100% interest in the Rajapalot Gold-Cobalt Project located in Finland. The Rajapalot Project represents approximately 5% of the 100-square kilometres Rompas-Rajapalot Property, which is wholly owned by Mawson and consists of 13 granted exploration permits for 11,262 hectares. In Finland, all operations are carried out through the Company's fully owned subsidiary, Mawson Oy. Mawson maintains an active local presence of Finnish staff with close ties to the communities of Rajapalot.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No securities regulatory authority has reviewed or approved of the contents of this news release.

Forward-looking Information:

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified using words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the timing, completion and terms of, and the ability of First Nordic to consummate, the Transaction and the Offerings, the receipt of TSXV approval; statements relating to the Consolidation; and other anticipated benefits of the Transaction and the Offerings. Although each of First Nordic and Mawson (collectively, the "Companies") believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since the Companies can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Companies' periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators, and assumptions made with regard to: the Companies' ability to complete the proposed Transaction; the Companies' ability to secure the necessary shareholder, securityholder, legal and regulatory approvals required to complete the Transaction; the estimated costs associated with the advancement of the the Companies' mineral projects (collectively, the "Projects"); and the Companies' ability to achieve the synergies expected as a result of the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companies' expectations include risks associated with the business of First Nordic and Mawson; risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to the closing of the Transaction; non-completion of the Transaction; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by First Nordic and Mawson; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Projects; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and indigenous groups in the exploration and development of the Projects and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop the Projects and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as identified in First Nordic's and Mawson's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to First Nordic and Mawson. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and neither First Nordic nor Mawson undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Mawson disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.



NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES


Orosur Mining Inc. ("Orosur" or the "Company") (TSX-V:OMI)(AIM:OMI) is pleased to announce that as a result of strong investor demand, the Company has increased the size of its previously announced "best efforts" private placement (the "Base Offering") from gross proceeds of up to C$15,000,000 to gross proceeds of up to C$18,000,000. Pursuant to the upsized Base Offering, the Company will sell up to 52,941,177 common shares of the Company (the "New Common Shares") at a price of C$0.34 (being approximately GBP 0.1809 at an exchange rate of GBP 1.88 to CAD) per New Common Share (the "Offering Price"). Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") is acting as lead agent and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "Agents"), together with U.K. corporate brokers Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd. and with Greenwood Capital Partners Limited (together, the "U.K. Brokers") under the Offering.

The Company has also granted the Agents the option, exercisable in full or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date, to sell up to an additional 5,882,353 New Common Shares at the Offering Price for up to an additional C$2,000,000 in gross proceeds (the "Agents' Option", and together with the Base Offering, the "Offering"). The New Common Shares issued pursuant to the Base Offering together with any New Common Shares which may be issued pursuant to the Agents' Option to be referred to as the "Offer Shares".

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Offer Shares that may be sold in Canada under the Offering will be offered for sale to purchasers in all the Provinces of Canada, except for Quebec, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Offer Shares issued under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a hold period under Canadian securities legislation. The Offer Shares issued under the Offering may also be offered for sale to purchasers outside of Canada, including but not limited to purchaser's resident in the United States, pursuant to one or more exemptions from registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act").

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering principally to advance the Company's Anza exploration project in Colombia as well as for general working capital and corporate purposes.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or around September 30, 2025 (the "Closing Date"), or such other date as the Company and Red Cloud may agree (being no later than October 17, 2025) and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") and admission to the AIM Market of London Stock Exchange plc ("AIM").

The Offering will allow the Company to make use of its joint listing on the TSX-V and AIM to broaden its shareholder base, including institutional investors in Canada, the UK and certain other foreign jurisdictions, and is expected to improve the liquidity of the Company's common shares.

There is an amended offering document (the "Amended Offering Document") related to the Offering in Canada that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.orosur.ca. Prospective investors in Canada should read the Amended Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The UK Placing

The element of the Offering which shall be undertaken by the UK Brokers in the UK, shall be carried out by way of a placing ("Placing") to institutional and other eligible investors. The Company and the UK Brokers entered into a placing agreement with the Company on September 17, 2025, under which, on the terms and subject to the conditions set out in the placing agreement, the UK Brokers, as agents for and on behalf of the Company, agreed to use their respective reasonable endeavours to procure placees in the UK for the Offer Shares at the Offering Price. The Placing is not being underwritten by the UK Brokers or any other person.

The timing of the closing of the book and allocations are at the discretion of the UK Brokers and the Agents, in consultation with the Company. Details of the total number of Offer Shares will be announced as soon as practicable after the close of the Offering via the Result of Placing Announcement.

The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act), absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

For further information, visit www.orosur.ca, follow on X @orosurm or please contact:

Orosur Mining Inc

Louis Castro, Chairman,

Brad George, CEO

info@orosur.ca

Tel: +1 (778) 373-0100

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP - Nomad & Joint Broker

Jeff Keating / Jen Clarke / Devik Mehta

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470

Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd. - Joint Broker

Andy Thacker/James Pope

Tel: +44 (0)20 3657 0050

Flagstaff Communications and Investor Communications

Tim Thompson

Mark Edwards

Fergus Mellon

orosur@flagstaffcomms.com

Tel: +44 (0)207 129 1474

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service ('RIS'), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. (TSXV: OMI; AIM: OMI) is a minerals explorer and developer currently operating in Colombia, Argentina and Nigeria.

About the Anza Project

Anza is a gold exploration project ("Anza Project"), comprising three exploration licences, a small exploitation permit, and a number of exploration licence applications totalling approximately 380km2 in the prolific Mid-Cauca belt of Colombia.

The Anza Project is currently wholly-owned by Orosur via its subsidiaries, Minera Anza S.A. and Minera Monte Aguila S.A.S.

The Anza Project is located 50km west of Medellin and is easily accessible by all-weather roads and boasts excellent infrastructure including water, power, communications and large exploration camp.

Admission and Total Voting Rights

Application will be made for the Offer Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ("Admission"). It is expected that Admission will become effective on or around October 1, 2025.

Assuming the issue of up to 58,823,530 Offer Shares, which, on Admission, will rank pari passu with the existing common shares of the Company, the total number of common shares in issue with voting rights in the Company will be 384,122,424. There are no shares held in treasury.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This Announcement has been issued by, and is the sole responsibility, of the Company.

Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited ("Turner Pope"), which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), is acting exclusively for the Company and no one else in relation to the Placing element of the Offering. Turner Pope is not acting for, and will not be responsible to, any person other than the Company and is not advising any other person or otherwise responsible to any person for providing the protections afforded to clients of Turner Pope or for advising any other person in respect of the Placing element of the Offering or any transaction, matter or arrangement referred to in this Announcement. Turner Pope has not authorised the contents of this Announcement and, apart from the responsibilities and liabilities, if any, which may be imported on Turner Pope by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) ("FSMA") or the regulatory regime established thereunder, no liability is accepted by Turner Pope for the accuracy of any information or opinions contained in or for the omission of any information from this Announcement, for which the Company and the directors of the Company are solely responsible. Turner Pope accordingly disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) in respect of this Announcement or any such statement.

Greenwood Capital Partners Limited ("Greenwood"), which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting exclusively for the Company and no one else in relation to the Placing element of the Offering. Greenwood is not acting for, and will not be responsible to, any person other than the Company and is not advising any other person or otherwise responsible to any person for providing the protections afforded to clients of Greenwood or for advising any other person in respect of the Placing element of the Offering or any transaction, matter or arrangement referred to in this Announcement. Greenwood has not authorised the contents of this Announcement and, apart from the responsibilities and liabilities, if any, which may be imported on Greenwood by FSMA or the regulatory regime established thereunder, no liability is accepted by Greenwood for the accuracy of any information or opinions contained in or for the omission of any information from this Announcement, for which the Company and the directors of the Company are solely responsible. Greenwood accordingly disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) in respect of this Announcement or any such statement.

No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made as to, or in relation to, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by Turner Pope, Greenwood or by any of their respective representatives as to, or in relation to, the accuracy or completeness of this Announcement or any other written or oral information made available to or publicly available to any interested party or its advisers, and any liability therefor is expressly disclaimed.

This Announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning any investor's option with respect to the Offering. Each investor or prospective investor should conduct his, her or its own investigation, analysis and evaluation of the business and data described in this announcement and publicly available information.

The distribution or transmission of this Announcement and the offering of the New Common Shares in certain jurisdictions other than Canada and the UK may be restricted or prohibited by law or regulation. Persons distributing this Announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

The price and value of securities can go down as well as up. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Information to Distributors

The distribution of this Announcement and the offering of the New Common Shares in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. No action has been taken by the Company, Turner Pope, Greenwood or any of their affiliates that would permit an offering of the New Common Shares or possession or distribution of this Announcement or any other offering or publicity material relating to the New Common Shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Persons into whose possession this Announcement comes are required by the Company, Turner Pope and Greenwood to inform themselves about, and to observe, such restrictions.

UK Product Governance Requirements

Solely for the purposes of the Product Governance requirements contained within Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the "UK Product Governance Requirements") and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the New Common Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the New Common Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by UK Product Governance Requirements (the "UK Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the New Common Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the New Common Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the New Common Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom.

The UK Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing element of the Offering. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, Turner Pope and Greenwood will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties.

For the avoidance of doubt, the UK Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of Chapters 9A or 10A, respectively, of the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to, the New Common Shares.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the New Common Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

EU Product Governance Requirements

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"), (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II and (c) local implementing measures (together the "EU Product Governance Requirements") and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the EU Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the New Common Shares have been subject to product approval process, which has determined that the New Common Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of (a) investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and (b) eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by EU Product Governance Requirements (the "EU Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the New Common Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the New Common Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the New Common Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom.

The EU Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing element of the Offering. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, Turner Pope and Greenwood will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties.

For the avoidance of doubt, the EU Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the New Common Shares.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the New Common Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

Forward Looking Statements:

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions, and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning future exploration plans at the Company's mineral properties, including exploration timelines and anticipated costs; the Company's expectations with respect to the use of proceeds and the use of the available funds following completion of the Offering; the completion of the Offering and the Agents' Option and the date of such completion; future liquidity on the TSX-V and AIM; and the completion of the Company's business objectives, and the timing, costs, and benefits thereof. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "potential", "is expected", "anticipated", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to: general business and economic conditions; regulatory approval for the Offering; completion of the Offering; changes in commodity prices; the supply and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and volatility of the price of gold and other metals; changes in project parameters as exploration plans continue to be refined; costs of exploration including labour and equipment costs; risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain or maintain necessary licenses, permits or surface rights; changes in credit market conditions and conditions in financial markets generally; the ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; the availability of qualified employees and contractors; the impact of value of the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar, foreign exchange rates on costs and financial results; market competition; exploration results not being consistent with the Company's expectations; changes in taxation rates or policies; technical difficulties in connection with mining activities; changes in environmental regulation; environmental compliance issues; and other risks of the mining industry. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that could cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company's annual filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements or forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, or otherwise.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.



NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO, OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN, ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.



THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR CONTAIN ANY INVITATION, SOLICITATION, RECOMMENDATION, OFFER OR ADVICE TO ANY PERSON TO SUBSCRIBE FOR, OTHERWISE ACQUIRE OR DISPOSE OF ANY SECURITIES IN Orosur Mining Inc. OR ANY OTHER ENTITY IN ANY JURISDICTION. NEITHER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT NOR THE FACT OF ITS DISTRIBUTION SHALL FORM THE BASIS OF, OR BE RELIED ON IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY INVESTMENT DECISIONIN RESPECT OFOROSUR MINING INC.



THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF EU REGULATION 596/2014(AS AMENDED)AS RETAINED AS PART OF UK LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 (AS AMENDED). UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENTVIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

Orosur Announces Upsize of Brokered Private Placement for Gross Proceeds of up to C$20.0 Million



NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.



SOURCE: Orosur Mining Inc.


First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL, OTC: FSTTF) reports that, further to the Company's September 4, 2025 news release, First Tellurium's subsidiary PyroDelta Energy has completed successful testing of thermoelectric modules that can extend the range of high payload drones powered by combustion engines. The modules, which attach to the engine exhaust manifolds, use heat differentials to charge the batteries that power all the drone's onboard electronics.

"These modules are very compact and lightweight," said PyroDelta head engineer Michael Abdelmaseh. "They replace heavy magneto assemblies which put significant drain on the engine the same way an alternator drains a car engine."

Conventional magnetos in drones weigh about five pounds. PyroDelta's thermoelectric unit weighs just one pound.

"Not only do you have a weight savings of eighty percent," said Abdelmaseh, "the drone engine no longer has to rotate all the mass of a magneto. This strain limits horsepower output. As a result, our modules will increase performance and how far a drone can travel on a tank of fuel."

PyroDelta has provided an explainer video of the new modules, which can be viewed here.

Working with a drone manufacturer, PyroDelta has tested the modules extensively. "We have operated them in vacuum chambers to simulate high altitudes," said Abdelmaseh. "We have blasted them with heat and sand to simulate harsh desert environments. We're confident they're robust and that they will provide significant value to the drone industry."

With the R&D and testing phases complete, PyroDelta is now presenting the device to manufacturers that supply high payload drones to both industry and North American defense departments.

"This is just one reason why I continue to support and invest in First Tellurium," said First Tellurium President and CEO Tyrone Docherty. "Over the past several weeks, I have received many inquiries about the performance of our shares in the market. We understand most of the selling has come from just one fund. I assure you, the lack of movement in the share price does not reflect the attention we're getting from other funding groups who have followed development of PyroDelta's technology."

Docherty added, "As shown by my insider trading reports, I have personally purchased over 650,000 shares so far in September, and my family continues to increase their positions. We know the value of what Michael has developed, and I believe that value will be realized fully in the coming months. I thank our loyal shareholders who continue to support the company in the market."

About First Tellurium Corp.

First Tellurium's unique business model is to generate revenue and value through mineral discovery, project development, project generation and development of tellurium-based technologies.

First Tellurium is listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol "FTEL" and on the OTC under the symbol "FSTTF". Further information about FTEL and its projects can be found at www.firsttellurium.com.

On behalf of the board of directors of First Tellurium Corp. "Tyrone Docherty" Tyrone Docherty President and CEO For further information please contact: Tyrone Docherty 604.789.5653 tyrone@firsttellurium.com X/Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TelluriumCorp

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated event.


Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) (FSE: E1K) ("Lake Victoria Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its Tanzanian subsidiary, Tembo Gold (T) Limited ("Tembo"), has reached an agreement in principle with the Government of Tanzania on the major issues surrounding the Government's statutory free carried interest in the Imwelo Gold Project.

The statutory negotiation meeting was held on September 10, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania, and attended by Marc Cernovitch, President & CEO of Lake Victoria Gold, accompanied by legal and financial advisors from Velma Law & Crowe, alongside the Government Negotiation Team from the Ministry of Minerals. The meeting was productive and resulted in agreement in principle on the central issues, including the Government's free carried interest in mining projects as required by Tanzanian law.

Tanzania's Mining Participation Framework

Under Tanzania's Mining Act (Cap. 123) and the Mining (State Participation) Regulations, 2022, the Government is entitled to a minimum 16% non-dilutable free carried interest in all gold mining projects. This ensures that the people of Tanzania participate directly in the ownership of their natural resources.

In addition to equity ownership, the fiscal regime includes:

A 6% royalty on gold production, plus a 1% export levy;

A 4% reduced royalty rate when minerals are refined within Tanzania; and

A requirement that 20% of production be refined and sold in-country, with the Bank of Tanzania purchasing that portion at market prices.

These measures are designed to maximize local beneficiation, strengthen national gold reserves, and ensure that Tanzanians share equitably in the benefits of mining.

Formation of a Joint Venture Company

As part of the process, Lake Victoria Gold and the Government will establish a new joint venture company ("JVCo") to hold and operate the Imwelo Mining Licence. The JVCo structure, governed by a Framework Agreement, Shareholders' Agreement and Memorandum and Articles, provides a transparent and durable foundation for collaboration between the Company and the Government.

Marc Cernovitch, President & CEO of Lake Victoria Gold, commented: "Reaching agreement in principle with the Ministry of Minerals marks an important milestone for Lake Victoria Gold and for Tanzania. The Government's participation ensures that the Imwelo Project will be developed in alignment with national priorities, including responsible mining, in-country refining, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders. While final approvals and details remain to be completed, this first step lays the groundwork for a constructive partnership through the new joint venture company. We look forward to working alongside the Government of Tanzania to bring Imwelo into production responsibly and efficiently."

Simon Benstead, Executive Chairman of Lake Victoria Gold, added: "This agreement in principle is a transformative development for Lake Victoria Gold. With the recent closing of our financing, the Company is well-positioned to advance the Imwelo Project toward construction and production. We are excited to move forward in partnership with the Government of Tanzania and to deliver on our goal of building a responsible, cash-flowing gold operation in the near term."

With this agreement in principle, Lake Victoria Gold has cleared one of the most significant regulatory hurdles on the pathway to production. The Company now moves forward with strengthened alignment with the Government of Tanzania, a financing platform in place, and a clear roadmap toward construction and near-term cash flow from Imwelo. This milestone sets the stage for long-term value creation for both shareholders and the people of Tanzania.

The agreement in principle remains subject to review and approval at higher levels of the Tanzanian Government, as well as the finalization of detailed terms. Lake Victoria Gold will disclose the final agreed terms once a binding agreement has been executed.

About Lake Victoria Gold:

Lake Victoria Gold is a rapidly growing gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LVG. Leveraging our unique position and experience, the Company is principally focused on growth and consolidation in the highly prolific and prospective Lake Victoria Goldfield in Tanzania.

The Company has a 100% interest in the Tembo project which has over 50 thousand meters of drilling and is located adjacent to Barrick's Bulyanhulu Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Imwelo Project which is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine. With historical resource estimates and a 2021 pre-feasibility study, the project is fully permitted for mine construction and production, positioning it as a near-term development opportunity.

LVG has assembled a highly experienced team with a track record of developing, financing, and operating mining projects in Africa with management, directors and partners owning more than 60% of the shares. Notably, the Company is grateful for the validation that comes with the support and equity investment from Barrick and recent strategic partnership with Taifa Group.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding, among others, the terms and completion of the Private Placement, the payment of finder's fees and issuance of finder's securities, the anticipated closing date and the planned use of proceeds for the Private Placement. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain regulatory approval for the Private Placement, the state of equity markets in Canada and other jurisdictions, market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, the timing and receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, the ability of the Company and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for the Company's proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.


VANCOUVER, Sept. 18, 2025 - Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex" or the "Company") (TSX-V: "DEX") is pleased to provide an update on recent and planned exploration activity.

Paradise Drilling Activities

Drilling of a third hole at the Paradise porphyry lithocap exploration target has commenced and a fourth hole is planned for this 2025 vectoring drill campaign. All four holes in this 2025 program were planned in different parts of this large (currently mapped at 4.5 by 1.8 km) alteration zone. The program has been designed to test different parts of the lithocap where high temperature alteration, high chargeability and magnetic features have been mapped in previous geophysical, geochemical and geological programs conducted by the company. Assays from the first hole in the program have now been received. While there are no significant intervals to report from this hole which hit largely distal propylitic alteration, with some intervals of overprinting phyllic alteration, it provides important information for the vectoring efforts in the Paradise lithocap. When complete results are received and interpreted, the Company will provide an update.

Project Level Exploration Activities

The Company has ongoing project level field work programs underway. IP geophysical survey work has recently been completed at the Company's Pilot, Confusion Hills and Red Ring projects. A single test line designed to enhance targeting was completed on each project. All three lines returned chargeability anomalies that help refine the targets already identified. Surface geochemical sampling and mapping at the Bald Valley, White Plains and Red Antler projects are being compiled but anomalous trace elements have been returned from the three projects. The results to date highlight high sulphidation style alteration interpreted to be related to a porphyry lithocap setting at Bald Valley and White Plains while a low sulphidation epithermal vein system has been identified at Red Antler. Further work is underway at Bald Valley, with near term programs planned for White Plains and Red Antler which include IP geophysical test lines allowing for preliminary first pass drill plans to be drawn up for permitting.

J Duane Poliquin, Chairman of Almadex commented, "We look forward to receiving all results from this Paradise vectoring drill program. In the meantime, we continue to advance our other projects towards first pass drilling programs in the coming months."

About Lithocap Alteration Zones and the Paradise Lithocap

Lithocaps are extensive areas of hydrothermally altered rocks that occur above or adjacent to intrusive rocks and related porphyry deposits. The hydrothermal alteration forms when ascending high temperature magmatic fluids are released from the source intrusion below and alter permeable and reactive rocks occurring above. Lithocaps can be over 10 by 10 km in surface area and over 1 km thick. The alteration mineral assemblages vary, usually with distance from the intrusive source. Often more neutral and higher temperature stable alteration mineral assemblages are seen at depth, closer to the source intrusion and potential porphyry deposit. More acidic and lower temperature stable assemblages generally occur higher and farther away. Mapping of alteration minerals and geochemical analysis using soil and rock samples can map these changes in mineralogy. This mapping can then provide a vector towards potential underlying porphyry systems. If large areas of lithocap alteration are well preserved, they can obscure deep unexposed porphyries and other styles of mineralisation. If no mineralisation is present at surface, drilling based on geochemical and alteration vectors aided by geophysical data is the best way to explore for buried deposits.

The wholly owned 1,547 hectare Paradise property covers a roughly 4.5 by 1.8 kilometre area of exposed intense hydrothermal alteration developed in volcanic rocks. This alteration zone which includes quartz-alunite, pyrophyllite and diaspore is typical of high-sulphidation environments forming above porphyry copper-gold systems. The alteration has been mapped by Almadex using a Terraspec infrared spectrometer. This work, using rock chip spectral data points has defined a well-preserved porphyry lithocap with alunite core zones (with increasing Na-composition) haloed by pyrophyllite, dickite then hypogene kaolinite. Surrounding the acid sulphate zones are halos of sporadic paragonitic illite (grading to dominant muscovitic alteration) with chlorite in peripheral alteration halos (propylitic).

Qualified Persons and Technical Details

Morgan J Poliquin, PhD, PEng, the President and CEO of Almadex and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical contents of this news release. The analyses reported were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories using industry standard analytical techniques. For gold, samples are first analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS"). Samples that return values greater than 10 g/t gold using this technique are then re analysed by fire assay but with a gravimetric finish. The IP geophysical lines were surveyed using the Company's highly experienced in-house team and equipment, a 5 kW GDD transmitter and Iris Elrec-6 receivers generally using a 100 m dipole in a pole-dipole array on 8 levels. Pseudo sections were prepared and the data was inverted using RES2DINV software.

About Almadex

Almadex Minerals Ltd. is an exploration company that holds a large mineral portfolio consisting of projects and NSR royalties in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. This portfolio is the direct result of many years of prospecting and deal-making by Almadex's management team. The Company owns several portable diamond drill rigs, enabling it to conduct cost effective first pass exploration drilling in house.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Morgan J. Poliquin"

Morgan J. Poliquin, PhD, PEng

President and CEO

Almadex Minerals Ltd.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, the potential acquisition of new projects any further work to advance exploration targets at the Paradise, Pilot, Confusion Hills, Red Ring, Red Antler, Bald Valley and White Plains projects and any others, including any drilling. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, permitting, continued availability of capital and financing, equipment availability and general economic, market or business conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws.

Contact Information:

Almadex Minerals Ltd.

Tel. 604.689.7644

Email: info@almadexminerals.com

http://www.almadexminerals.com/
Latest Headlines

JB steps back at Squirrel

Squirrel has made two key changes to its senior leadership line-up, as it positions itself to further capitalise on recent momentum and growth.

Thursday, September 18th 2025, 10:25AM

Founder, John Bolton (JB), take a step back from Squirrels residential advisory business and into the newly-established role of Group Head of Property Finance.

Meanwhile, Callan Wayne-Bowles has now joined Squirrels senior leadership team as group head of advisory, in charge of managing its 50-strong network of advisers across New Zealand.

Chief executive David Cunningham, says the rapid expansion of Squirrels property finance and mortgage advisory offerings has meant the leadership change-up was needed to set the business up for its next phase.

Our property finance business recently surpassed $1.5 billion in all-time lending originated, across more than 1500 development projectssupported by strong growth in our saving and investing business. And over the last 12 months, our wider advisory team has overseen more than $3 billion in mortgage lending."

"The growth weve experienced has been hugely exciting, but its also meant that managing both advisory and property finance under the one umbrella was starting to get a bit unwieldy."

The decision to split out the two units under JB and Callans leadership will enable us to take a more targeted approach to growth and innovation moving forward, and we have some big plans in the pipeline, Cunningham says.

John Bolton founded Squirrelnow New Zealands largest independent mortgage brokeragein 2008, at the height of the GFC. Squirrels saving and investing business, launched in 2015, now has more than $550 million of investor funds under

management.

Wayne-Bowles has upwards of 25 years experience in the financial services industry, including more than a decade as a mortgage adviser. He joined the Squirrel team in 2022 via its merger with Wellington mortgage brokerage The Home Loan

Shop, where he responsible for leading the companys growth strategy.

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China-ASEAN Expo spotlights digital innovation as trade partnership deepens

16:00, September 18, 2025 By Wu Chaolan ( People's Daily Online

The 22nd ChinaASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) opens in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 17, 2025. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) opened on Sept. 17 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with foreign leaders and senior officials describing the trade fair as crucial for economic integration and strengthening strategic ties between China and Southeast Asia.

"Over the past two decades, CAEXPO has become more than a showcase of trade and investment. It has grown into a catalyst for deeper integration, innovation and long-term growth," said Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

He cited last year's record 3,300 exhibitors and growing ASEAN participation as evidence of the expo's role as a premier cross-border business platform.

Kao emphasized the importance of the China-ASEAN partnership, calling it "not only a growth engine for the region but also a stabilizing force for global trade and investment flows."

The official also highlighted the latest upgrade to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, which he said represents "a new chapter in our partnership" by focusing cooperation on technology and innovation.

"It sends a strong signal that ASEAN and China remain committed to upholding a rules-based trading system, even amid rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties," he said.

Myanmar, this year's featured country, also emphasized the importance of the expo. Prime Minister U Nyo Saw said CAEXPO has strengthened China-ASEAN strategic ties while creating a vital platform for trade, investment and tourism cooperation. He added that the expo contributes significantly to developing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof called CAEXPO "a pivotal platform for promoting trade and investment, fostering mutual trust, strengthening regional linkages, and delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of ASEAN and China."

He emphasized that the 22nd CAEXPO, with its focus on digital intelligence and innovation, came at "a defining moment" as ASEAN and China concluded negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, underscoring a shared commitment to supply chain connectivity and digital transformation.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang called the annual expo and summit a symbol of growing China-ASEAN economic ties over more than two decades.

He emphasized China's role in regional cooperation and prosperity, noting that Vietnam ranks as China's fourth-largest trading partner while Chinese investment in Vietnam has increased sharply in recent years.

He added that strategic alignment and transport connectivity, particularly railway cooperation, were advancing rapidly, which would pave the way for smoother flows of goods and people between China, Vietnam and ASEAN at large.

Cambodia's Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth, representing Prime Minister Hun Manet, praised the expo for "deepening friendship, peace and cooperation."

"It underscored the urgent need to build a region that is both prosperous and peaceful by leveraging digital technology, innovation, and trade," he said.

Vissoth described the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area as "a new era in our regional economic partnership" that will expand market access and foster cooperation in digital technology, green energy, supply chains and trade facilitation.

"Cambodia remains committed to working with ASEAN partners and China to ensure effective implementation of ACFTA 3.0, harnessing its full potential for our region's benefit. More importantly, it reflects our shared aspiration to uphold an open, fair and rules-based multilateral trading system," he said.

"We can build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future; one rooted in peace, prosperity, and shared destiny," Vissoth added.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
The Redmi 15C 4G made its debut in Poland, now the 5G variant of the phone has arrived in the country  actually, not just in Poland, we also found it in France, Spain and Hungary.



Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G

The Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G mostly changes what is necessary to go 5G. The chipset is different, of course, the Helio G81 Ultra gives way to a Dimensity 6300. Even if its low end, this is a much more modern chipset (6nm vs. 12nm) with newer CPU cores (2x Cortex-A76 at 2.4GHz and 6x A55 at 2.0GHz) and GPU (Mali-G57 MC2).

The phone is available in two configurations, 4/128GB and 4/256GB. This is LPDDR4X RAM and eMMC 5.1 storage. Theres a dedicated microSD slot available for easy storage expansion.

The 5G model is a bit heavier at 211g (vs. 205g) and larger overall  173.2 x 81.0 x 8.2mm vs. 171.6 x 79.5 x 8.0mm. This is despite having the same size screen, a 6.9 720p+ 120Hz LCD, and the same 6,000mAh battery with 33W charging support (no charger is included in the box). The phone is rated IP64 (dust tight, splash resistant).

There is a 50MP camera on the back with an f/1.8 lens and 1080p @ 30fps video recording and an 8MP camera on the front with an f/2.0 lens and the same video recording capability. The front camera is in a teardrop-shaped notch.

The Redmi 15C 5G has a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4 and global positioning (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou), NFC support is present in some regions. Theres a fingerprint reader on the side of the phone.



Redmi 15C 5G in Midnight Black, Dusk Purple and Mint Green

Like we mentioned above, the Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G is already available in several EU countries, here are the local prices. For comparison, the 4G model is normally 150 in Spain, though its currently discounted to 130 (this is for a 4/128GB unit).

Redmi 15C 5G 4/128GB 4/256GB Spain EUR 180 EUR 200 France EUR 183 EUR 213 Poland - PLN 700 Hungary HUF 60,000 HUF 70,000

Source

Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G

These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. 128GB 4GB RAM  127.71 256GB 4GB RAM  151.10 Show all prices

Xiaomi Redmi 15C 4G
The Redmi K80 launched in November of last year, and so we are definitely getting closer to its successor's arrival. In fact, today the K90 might have been certified by 3C in China, with the model number 2510DRK44C, if a tipster over on X is to be believed.

If this is really the K90, then the certification reveals that it will come with support for 100W wired charging, and a 100W charger in the box.

While we haven't previously heard much about the vanilla K90 model, it is rumored to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, not to be confused with the 8 Elite Gen 5. The former will be an ever so slight step down from the latter, but not as much as an 8s chip would be.

The Redmi K90 Pro, on the other hand, should go with the Elite SoC, and will allegedly sport a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, in a first for Redmi's K Pro line. It will come with a "2K" resolution flat screen too.

Via
Joint Task Force Micronesia Commander Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky on Thursday said that security for the island and the region go hand-in-hand with ensuring prosperity for Guam.

Lasky was the keynote speaker for day two of the two-day Guam Defense Forum hosted by the Office of the Governor.

Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, who opened the forum on Thursday, pushed the need for the renamed Department of War to also invest in local civilian sources .

Discussion about improvements to infrastructure, disaster planning, and economic development are not theoretical from the militarys perspective, Lasky said.

Day one of the forum saw the head of the Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, underlining the $8 billion missile defense system for Guam as the Pentagons largest investment in the Pacific amid increasing provocations from China.

But it also saw members of the public and Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero raising concerns about the need to address impacts of the new missile defense plans.

Lasky, head of all forces for Micronesia, opened up Thursday by asking, What happens if we choose not to meet aggression with a clear signal, that the cost of aggression will be unbearable?

If deterrence falters here in the Pacific, we can expect attempts to isolate countries diplomatically, Lasky said. To disrupt supply chains and energy grids, and if unchecked, even to directly threaten the island and the people who live here.

He said the island is home for both military personnel and civilians, and needed reliable infrastructure, resilient energy, robust cybersecurity, and secure supply chains.

A strong Guam meant credible deterrence, he said, and civilian and local leaders have to work together to ensure defense readiness.

Security and prosperity are not competing goals, Lasky said. They are mutually reinforcing a strong defense. Presence fuels a strong economy, and a strong economy makes defense sustainable.

Tenorio: More than bases and budgets

The scope and scale of the buildup was much different than when the decision to move thousands of Marines from Okinawa to Guam was made nearly 20 years ago, Tenorio said on Thursday.

The lieutenant governor spoke just minutes before Laskys keynote address.

He said the billions of dollars being invested in the islands defense infrastructure is rightly so, but must be matched with investments into the islands civilian infrastructure.

We are not just a staging ground or a strategic location. We are a living, breathing, and vibrant community forever tied to our land, our waters, and our way of life, he said.

Tenorio said that a new hospital, safe drinking water, resilient energy, cyber protection, reliable communication systems, modernized ports and roads are requirements, not luxuries for the entire community, and servicemembers on Guam.

Defense is not only about bases and budgets. It is about housing costs, labor supply, cultural resources, and the daily lives of families outside the fence. Unless the buildup works for the community, it will not endure, he said.

Military and civilian officials have to work together to ensure defense and dignity, and sustainable growth inside and outside the fence, Tenorio added.
The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific said it awarded a combined $15 billion Pacific Deterrence Initiative multiple award construction contract, MACC, to several companies on Sept. 17, including a $116 million contract award for a hangar complex at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam.

The Pacific Deterrence Initiative is part of deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region to counter perceived security threats posed by China.

A separate Sept. 11 announcement from NAVFAC Pacific said it awarded $15 billion in combined worth of contracts, which was also announced by the Pentagon on Sept. 10.

Here are the contractors each awarded a portion of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative MACC on Sept. 17:

Acciona CMS Philippines LLC of Maumee, Ohio Black Construction-Tutor Perini JV of Harmon, Guam CDM, a Joint Venture of Fairfax, Virginia Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima LLC of Tamuning, Guam ECC Expeditionary Constructors LLC of Burlingame, California Gilbane Federal JV of Providence, Rhode Island Nan Inc. of Honolulu, Hawaii Parsons Government Services Inc. of Pasadena, California

NAVFAC Pacific said it awarded a $116,322,244 firm-fixed-price task order under a contract to California-based ECC Expeditionary Constructors LLC to design and construct a Helicopter Sea Combat Hangar Complex that includes the main hangar facility, ancillary facilities, and various site features.

Work will be performed on Andersen Air Force Base and is expected to be completed by November 2028, NAVFAC Pacific said.

All other firms listed above were awarded a $25,000 minimum contract guarantee, it added.

NAVFAC Pacific said it is anticipated that this PDI MACC may include projects in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, Micronesia, Philippines, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Midway, Wake Island, and other areas under NAVFAC Pacific areas of responsibility.

The work to be performed includes new facilities, repair/renovation, and upgrades to a variety of facility types, including, but not limited to, wharves/piers, dredging, aprons, runways, fuel storage, roads, hangars, and other base infrastructure facilities.

The award of the new $15 billion PDI MACC is one of many indications of the rapid speed and magnitude at which Indo-Pacific Command is establishing improved posture infrastructure across the theater, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command J44 Engineering Division Director Capt. Brandon Casperson said in a statement.

He said this streamlines the acquisition process for major infrastructure projects, enabling faster execution of essential posture improvements across the Indo-Pacific Commands area of responsibility.

This contracting vehicle will increase competition and flexibility, and Im particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with new industry partners to deliver enhanced capabilities and resilience to support our warfighters and allies while responding to evolving regional challenges, Casperson added.

NAVFAC Pacific Vice Commander Capt. Brent Paul said as the departments construction agent, NAVFAC remains committed in swiftly delivering construction capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region and this significant milestone could not have been met without the continued dedication from our NAVFAC Pacific staff.

The term of the contract is not to exceed 96 months with an expected completion date of September 2033. The contract was competitively procured via the SAM.gov website and received 13 proposals.

Besides this set of contracts announced on Sept. 17, NAVFAC also announced on Sept. 11 a combined $15 billion worth of indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity design-build multiple award construction contracts awarded to 10 contractors for projects primarily located on Guam and other areas overseen by NAVFAC Pacific.

That earlier announcement so far had an initial task order under the contract to Texas-based SLSCO Ltd., valued at $41.8 million-plus, for the construction of a low-rise school age center facility at Andersen Air Force Base.
I write to the people of Guam in an earnest appeal to urge your senators to place Bill 13-38, an act relative to establishing a public-private partnership, PPP, for Guams public hospital, onto the September session agenda for discussion and reconsideration by the body.

After the bill failed to pass in third reading by just one vote during the May 2025 session, the public call for a change in Guam Memorial Hospital management structure has only grown stronger.

It is backed by health care experts, longtime public servants, both the governor and lieutenant governor, the private sector, hospital consultants, Dr. Eusebio, the current chief officer of GMH, Adjutant General and former GMH Medical Director Dr. Mike Cruz, and current and former GMH nurses and other personnel who also recognize the urgent need for a management shift that can be achieved through the resources, networks, and expertise of a public-private partnership.

The fact remains that even without Bill 13, the governor and GMH management themselves, off and on pursue their own versions of partial privatization of particular services or assets of GMH but do it without stakeholder input, without transparency, without assurances of accountability or improvement, and without embracing the management shift recommended by previous task forces that can be truly held accountable and that will better guarantee the results we expect on our taxpayer investment.

Similarly, GMH is also currently in the process of hiring yet another chief executive officer, CEO, without any publicly vetted parameters to guarantee improvement or success and without any change in the management system that would bring additional resources or expertise.

We no longer have the luxury of giving the benefit of the doubt that the current management structure will bring improvement despite good intentions.

The current structure does not shield patient care from political interference.

Pursuing a massive change such as privatizing part or the whole operations of our only public hospital cannot and should not be done unilaterally and behind closed doors but instead should be transparent and include public input.

The point of Bill 13 is to get the experts together, the people who have devoted their careers and lives to health care, along with agency leadership and other expert stakeholders, who can put their brains together to create a framework that a PPP should follow and that the Legislature will commit to finance in order to ensure the hospitals success in patient care, and an accountable management free from political changes

In every budget process in the nine years I have been a senator, it has been a fight to increase GMH appropriations above the governors request and appropriations committee allocations.

Often, as was the case this year, the Legislature has had to pass supplemental bills for additional funds to GMH, citing dire emergency conditions.

Yet, we have also seen appropriations to GMH refused, not implemented, not spent, and in the case of the American Rescue Plantaken back by the governor.

Despite our differing opinions and perspectives, we should all agree that GMH needs help beyond funding.

While an additional $40 million subsidy will provide the immediate cash infusion necessary to maintain services at GMH for one fiscal year, it does nothing to solve the underlying issues that keep us from moving forward and that threaten to impede the medical care and financial viability of our new hospital as well.

Its like mopping up water, without fixing the broken pipe.

And with the limited resources the government has, we cant afford band-aid solutions that cost more in the long run.

After years witnessing the hard work, dedication, and good intentions of those at GMH, I firmly believe a private partnership for overall management will help solve systemic and long-term challenges.

However, before Guams public hospital is privatized in whole or in part, it is incumbent upon us as the Legislature, the lawmaking branch of the government, to make policy that would ensure that the PPP framework is created by the experts and goes through a transparent, fair, competitive, process with built in accountability mechanisms so that our island and our taxpayers receive the best value.

Let us do this together today in bipartisan cooperation by placing Bill 13 on the agenda without delay.




Haiti - Security : The US asks Canada to contribute to the international gang suppression force





The Trump administration has urged Canada to help stabilize Haiti, which has been facing escalating gang violence for years.



Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to her personally about Haiti's critical situation during a meeting in Washington on August 21.



She said it would be premature to say whether Canada is considering sending troops to help defeat the gangs wreaking havoc in Haiti. She indicated that she would travel to New York next week for the United Nations General Assembly to continue discussions on a stabilization plan for Haiti.



Rubio called for the creation of a new 5,500-member international gang-fighting force (GSF) to replace the underfunded and poorly equipped Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS).



It is unclear whether Kenya and other contingents from the current mission would remain in the proposed new GSF force.



"The work we are doing with the United States and all partners in the current Kenyan-led multinational initiative is to ensure that we are supporting regional stability," Anand said. "That was the thrust of my conversation with Marco Rubio. We have no further discussions at this point."



Fen Hampson, a professor of international affairs at Carleton University, said Canada would ultimately have no choice but to accede to a persistent request from the Trump administration, given the tense negotiations over tariffs.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45777-haiti-flash-haiti-s-fate-in-the-hands-of-xi-and-putin.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45749-haiti-politic-haiti-cannot-wait-the-time-for-decisive-coordinated-action-is-now-oas-statement.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45744-haiti-flash-pm-supports-establishment-of-gang-repression-force.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45656-haiti-flash-usa-proposes-a-more-aggressive-repression-force-against-gangs-with-more-than-5-000-men.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44822-haiti-politic-us-designates-viv-ansanm-and-gran-grif-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations-official.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44332-haiti-politic-antonio-guterre-proposes-a-formula-for-a-security-force-capable-of-defeating-gangs-in-haiti.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Chief "Gran Black" Killed

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, "Gran Black" as he is known, leader of the "Ti bwa dom" gang, was reportedly fatally wounded Tuesday by police during an operation in Gros-Morne, in the Artibonite department, according to Hubert Ceneac, acting mayor of the commune.



Death of Wilford Ferdinand, Official Version:

Vladimir Paraison, the acting Director General of the Haitian National Police, released the official version of the death of former Raboteau rebel leader Wilford Ferdinand, alias "Ti Will". He reportedly died during an exchange of fire with police officers executing a warrant in Canal Bois, Gonaives.



Demonstration in Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, highly motivated demonstrators blocked the national road connecting to the North and closed access to the town hall. They criticized municipal authorities for their inability to address urgent problems and accused Gueillant Dorcinvil, the acting mayor who has been in office for over ten years as head of the Municipal Council of the commune of Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye, of administering the commune from the United States. The protesters intend to maintain the pressure until the municipal administration is replaced by a new team.



USA : Study and Exchange Programs

The United States offers young Haitians the opportunity to develop their skills through educational and exchange programs. To learn more about U.S.-funded opportunities, please visit : https://ht.usembassy.gov/education/



Adonis Ravine Correction Work

This week, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES-Sud) launched work on the Adonis Ravine correction project in the commune of Arniquet (Southern Department) to reduce and/or eliminate flooding in the area. This project, which gives renewed hope to the region's residents, covers a length of 750 linear meters and should ultimately allow for the construction of a 6-meter-wide, 1.2-meter-high drystone weir. This project will provide employment for 84 heads of household, most of whom are women.



Port-de-Paix : Illegal Occupation

The Port-de-Paix City Hall informs the public that individuals posing as agents of the Protected Areas Security Brigade (BSAP) are illegally occupying the premises on the Place d'Armes. The City Hall reminds the public that this space is municipal property, reserved exclusively for municipal use. Any unauthorized occupation constitutes a violation of public property. Consequently, these individuals are ordered to immediately vacate the premises and return the premises to the Municipal Administration. Legal action will be taken immediately in the event of resistance.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The analysis, released Thursday, focuses on the governments reductions to unemployment benefits, general housing allowance, and social assistance, all of which are expected to significantly erode financial stability for workers in sectors represented by the Service Union United (PAM), such as retail, hospitality, and cleaning services.

Using Finlands SISU microsimulation model, along with income registry data and Kela statistics, LABORE found that the reforms are set to cut available income for around a quarter of service sector workers. Part-time workers and those who previously received adjusted unemployment benefits are projected to be the hardest hit, especially women.

Because women are more likely to work part-time and in low-paid roles in the service sector, they will bear the brunt of these policy changes, said Milla Nyyssola, LABOREs lead researcher.

Before the reforms, approximately one in six service sector employees received housing allowance. Under the new policies, only one in ten will qualify. The level of housing support is also set to fall by about one-third. While the number of unemployment benefit recipients also drops, the decrease is smaller, and many will face lower levels of support.

The cuts are expected to drive more people to seek last-resort social assistance. According to LABOREs modelling, the share of service workers requiring social assistance will rise from 2.8% to 4.1%.

For those relying on adjusted unemployment benefits, a system that previously allowed part-time workers to receive partial support, the changes are particularly stark. Not only will incomes fall more sharply for this group, but they also face the highest increase in social assistance need.

The removal of income protections like the earnings disregard makes it much less worthwhile for unemployed people to take on part-time work, the report notes, referencing previous research on employment incentives.

For full-time employees in the service sector, the impact of the changes is minor. The burden falls squarely on the most vulnerable: those with unstable hours and already precarious incomes.

The study suggests that the governments welfare reform, part of a broader austerity agenda, will increase income inequality and gender disparities in the labour market. LABORE emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the diversity of employment types and earnings levels across Finlands working population.

HT
We are investigating both the cause of death and the possibility of manslaughter, said Juha Piippo , lead investigator and detective chief inspector at Helsinki Police.

A middle-aged woman died on Wednesday evening after falling from a fifth-floor balcony in Helsinki's Hietalahti district. Police confirmed they are treating the case as both a potential accident and a possible homicide.

According to police, the woman was a resident of the apartment from which she fell. A panel from the lower section of the balcony had broken off, and fragments were found on the ground beneath. Piippo said the current assumption is that the woman fell through the resulting gap.

There is a criminal suspicion, so there is also a suspect, Piippo told Helsingin Sanomat. He declined to say whether the suspect had been detained.

The victim lived in the flat with a man who, according to Ilta-Sanomat, has a prior criminal record and has previously been convicted of fraud and firearms offences. Police have not confirmed his identity or whether he is the person under suspicion.

Neighbours say the man and woman had moved into the building roughly six months ago. One neighbour told Ilta-Sanomat that she had once encountered the man in the courtyard acting erratically and under the influence of alcohol, wearing only a partly open bathrobe.

He was staggering around half-naked. I didnt want to stay near him, she said.

She also said this was the first time in nearly ten years of living in the building that she had felt afraid inside the property.

Emergency services received the call at around 18:00 on Wednesday. A man working in a nearby restaurant said he saw the womans body lying on the ground.

I couldnt sleep at all last night, he said.

Police were seen entering the apartment on Thursday morning. The door remained sealed with police tape.

According to public records and neighbour accounts, the victim was over 50 and had worked in the media and cultural sectors. No public statement has been made about her identity.

A mother living in the same stairwell described the atmosphere as quiet but unnerving since the incident.

Im saddened and worried. This is a bit frightening, she said.

No official cause of death has yet been confirmed. Investigators are still determining what role, if any, the man played in the womans fall.

We are still investigating the circumstances that led to or contributed to her fall, Piippo said.

The apartment building was constructed in 1954. The balconies were renovated in 2006. The housing companys property manager Tero Varis said a structural inspection had been conducted just a month before the incident.

There were no structural deficiencies in the balcony elements under the housing companys responsibility, Varis told Yle.

Neighbours who spoke with Ilta-Sanomat said the pair mostly kept to themselves. No disturbances had been heard from the flat prior to the incident.

Police are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed events related to the fall to contact them by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HT
Time is short, Kosola said. Russias advancement in the field is quick. If Finland remains a mere spectator, well be left behind.

Jyri Kosola , former head of research at the Finnish Defence Forces, has warned that Finland is falling behind as Russia expands its drone capabilities. Speaking on Yles A-studio programme , Kosola said Finland must act fast or risk being left behind in a key area of modern warfare.

Earlier this month, Polish and Dutch fighter jets shot down several drones after they violated Polish airspace. The incident marked the first time NATO forces have opened fire on unmanned aircraft over Poland.

In Ukraine, drones now play a central role on the battlefield. Compared with earlier phases of the war, the number of drones in use has increased sharply. Ukraines military has also suffered major losses due to drone attacks, according to Kosola.

Its a profound shift, he said. Russia is not only developing its own systems, but also learning from how Western-supplied drones are used in Ukraine.

Kosola served on the team that drafted Finlands national drone strategy, released in January. He described it as a starting point for national debate, but questioned why Finland had not joined a broader European initiative.

Last year, 18 Western countries formed a drone coalition aimed at sharing intelligence and boosting defence capabilities. Finland is not a member.

By staying outside, Finland misses the intelligence that coalition members share with each other, Kosola said.

He added that future drones will become increasingly autonomous. Some of the latest prototypes imitate bird flight patterns, making them harder to detect. Others are designed for underwater use and are modelled on fish.

These are not far-off ideas. Underwater drones shaped like fish are already in operation, Kosola said.

After the drone incident in Poland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested a drone wall to defend Europes eastern borders. NATO countries neighbouring Russia have since begun early planning on such a system.

Kosola said the word wall was misleading and gave a false impression of a total barrier. He called the idea more of a shield than a wall, and warned that the cost of protecting large borders using traditional fighter jets is unsustainable.

Last week, the Finnish Defence Forces told Yle they would respond to drone threats in a similar manner to Poland, by intercepting them with fighter aircraft. Kosola said such an approach is financially unrealistic over the long term.

Shooting down a drone with a fighter jet costs millions, he said. Thats not a sustainable defence method.

Kosola said Finland must take part in international defence efforts and increase investment in domestic drone systems. He stressed that a passive approach carries risks.

Yle News first reported Kosolas comments on 17 September during its A-studio programme.

HT
Three vessels, Inana, Sirius, and Ohwayla, carry volunteers from the Global Movement to Gaza Finland.

The Global Sumud Flotilla left Bizerte, Tunisia, earlier this week. Its stated aim is to deliver baby formula, medicine, and food to civilians in Gaza.

A Finnish delegation is aboard a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in an effort to challenge Israels naval blockade. The group has requested government intervention to ensure their safety as they sail through international waters.

The delegation includes doctors, nurses, journalists, and human rights activists. The group is not affiliated with the Finnish government and has funded its participation independently.

Organisers say the voyage complies with international law, including provisions in the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They argue the blockade constitutes collective punishment and a violation of humanitarian principles.

Israeli authorities have previously intercepted similar missions. In January, crews aboard the Handala and Madleen vessels were detained in international waters. According to flotilla organisers, Israeli forces used drones and smoke grenades during those operations.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has stated that flotilla participants could face terrorism charges if intercepted. Two other vessels, Family Madeira and Alma, came under drone fire earlier this month. Both incidents occurred while the ships were navigating outside Israeli territorial waters.

The Finnish delegation has requested support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, including protection against potential interception. The Representative Office of Finland in Ramallah and the Embassy in Tel Aviv have been notified. As of this writing, no embassy has issued a public response.

Jussi Tanner, Director General of Consular Services, said in a statement that Finnish nationals face serious safety risks. He confirmed Finland would maintain consular communication and provide legal assistance, though he cautioned that outcomes are not guaranteed.

Public officials in Finland have expressed support for the mission. Members of Parliament Nazima Razmyar (SDP), Fatim Diarra (Greens), Veronika Honkasalo, Mai Kivela, and Pia Lohikoski (Left Alliance), along with MEPs Li Andersson and Jussi Saramo, have endorsed the flotilla and called for the government to ensure the delegations safety.

MP Lohikoski has demanded a formal inquiry into the recent drone attacks on other flotilla vessels. She stated that Finland must not remain silent if its nationals are at risk during a humanitarian mission.

Spokesperson for the Finnish delegation Amal Salih said the mission is civilian-led and nonviolent. This purely humanitarian mission carries only aid for Gazas civilians, she said. When governments fail, ordinary Finns step up.

The delegation has made three specific demands: to ensure the aid reaches Gaza without interception, to prevent harm to the vessels and crew, and to guarantee the safety of Finnish nationals aboard.

Tracking data for the flotillas vessels is publicly available through the organisers website. Organisers say this measure aims to deter unauthorised interference and provide transparency to the public.

As the flotilla continues its journey, concerns remain over the possibility of military engagement. The route passes through areas previously used by Israeli forces to intercept maritime missions bound for Gaza.

The Finnish delegation maintains that its actions comply with all international obligations. Its members have called on Helsinki to protect their right to provide aid and uphold international law.

HT
U.S. Senate committee coming to town to learn about SBA aid after Helene

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd will convene a field hearing in Hendersonville Monday on the SBAs Hurricane Helene Response: One Year Later, Budd's office said in a news release.

Related Stories

The hearing by the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will evaluate the Small Business Administrations programs and efforts following Hurricane Helene and will include witnesses representing Western North Carolina local government, small businesses and business advocacy groups. The SBA will be represented by Chris Stallings, associate administrator from the office of disaster recovery and resilience. The hearing is at 2 p.m. Monday in the Historic Courthouse.

Scheduled witnesses include Stallings, Henderson County Commissioner Rebecca K. McCall; Peter OLeary, owner of Bubba O'Leary's General Store and mayor of Chimney Rock Village; and David M. Jackson, president and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The hearing will be available via livestream here.
Edwards urges Stein to lobby Democrats to keep federal government going

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards speaks during a meeting with other representatives and N.C. Gov. Josh Stein.

Related Stories

At a meeting about securing additional funding for Hurricane Helene aid, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards called on Gov. Josh Stein to encourage Democrats in Congress to work across party lines to avert a government shutdown, saying a pause of federal operations would have a disastrous effect on recovery efforts.

Averting a government shutdown is bigger than politics. Its about rebuilding our communities, Edwards said. A government shutdown would bring Western North Carolinas already struggling recovery efforts to a complete standstill. As we near the fiscal year deadline, we cannot allow political opportunism and obstruction to take precedence over getting the help we desperately need. Gov. Stein has the opportunity here to bridge that gap and surpass party lines. I am confident he will accept it.



The push for unity came during a meeting with Stein led by Edwards to discuss the governors recent request for additional federal funding for disaster relief. Edwards and Stein were joined by fellow U.S. Reps. Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, Alma Adams, Greg Murphy, Deborah Ross, Don Davis, Valerie Foushee, Tim Moore, Addison McDowell and Pat Harrigan as the bipartisan delegation discussed efforts to rebuild Western North Carolina.
United Way honors community leaders

Elizabeth and Bill Moss along with their 2-month-old granddaughter, Elliott, accepted the Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award from the United Way of Henderson County.

The United Way of Henderson County on Tuesday celebrated the people and organizations who make Hendersonville a better place through their hard work and dedication to the community.

View the Slideshow Related Stories

The work of those honored during the United Ways Community Impact Celebration was more important than ever as the area fought over the past year to recover from Hurricane Helene, Executive Director Kat Carlton said.

As we celebrate each of these honorees, let us remember that their stories reflect the best of who we are when we come together, Carlton said during the celebration held at the Trailside Brewing Co. Every contribution, every volunteer hour, every act of leadership helps create lasting change. This past year proved to be a challenging year for us all. However, it also revealed our collective strength and the deep love and care we genuinely share for one another as a community.

About 65 people attended the event that included food, drink and music by DHB Trio and Friends.

Individuals honored for their outstanding service to the community included Kathryn McConnell, who received the Edward C. Brisley Jr. Award and Elizabeth Willson Moss and Bill Moss, who received the Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award.

McConnell serves as the director of philanthropy at Blue Ridge Health. Before taking on the job at Blue Ridge in 2015, McConnell worked for 22 years as the Vice President of Community Philanthropy at the Community Foundation of Henderson County. She was also the volunteer center director of United Way from 1985 to 1991. A member of Women United for several years, McConnell actively contributes her time and event planning skills to United Way and various other non-profit agencies in the community, Carlton said.

Carlton described Elizabeth Moss as an exceptional and experienced local leader who has paved the way and steered the ship as the executive director of Interfaith Assistance Ministry, which provides crisis support throughout Henderson County.

Elizabeths background includes roles as a reporter and editor as well as various leadership positions within local organizations, Carlton said.

Her husband, Bill Moss, is editor and publisher of the Hendersonville Lightning, our local newspaper dedicated to high-quality journalism that informs the community. The Lightning is our local source for quality journalism, and in the aftermath of Helene they actively reported updates and how to get help, ensuring residents had access to vital local resources, Carlton said.

Local businesses including Kimberly-Clark, Wilsonart, Cummins and Dampp-Chaser received awards for their corporate and employee support of United Way.

The United Way celebration also included Disaster Response Awards for individuals and businesses for their service to the community during Hurricane Helene.

The Heart of the Community Award was given to Stephen Curtis for his work volunteering in the community after the hurricane.

This gentleman showed up to volunteer time after time, day after day, making a memorable impact on other volunteers and the people he helped to serve, Carlton said.

Mark Warwick and Paige Posey, of WTZQ radio, received the Voice of the Community Award for their work during the storm.

In the aftermath of the storm, Mark and Paige and the team at WTZQ sprang to action to keep the community as connected and informed as possible," Carlton said. "In a time of darkness, they provided much needed connection, hope and light, working to keep the community up to date on what was going on and where to get help. So many of us relied on local radio, and they made it happen.

Describing it as probably the most essential of all the awards, Carlton presented Henderson County Emergency Services Director Jimmy Brissie with the Responsive Leadership Award.

The award recognized Brissies exceptional leadership and courage in guiding our community through crisis, Carlton said, adding that Brissie was the first to point out that Henderson Countys emergency response to Helene was a team effort.

Businesses that received United Way awards for their response and support for the community during the hurricane included First Citizens Bank, Publix and Vulcan Materials Co.

In remarks before the awards presentation, Carlton thanked United Way staff members and board members for their work during the communitys recovery from Helene.

This past year, we have led and served through what just may be the biggest disaster and devastation Western North Carolina has ever seen, she said. And through it, we doubled down. We stood up. We reached out, and we expanded further and more deeply throughout Henderson County to meet local non-profits and neighbors where they are.

Carlton also gave an update on the support the United Way has provided to the community over the last year.

In the last year, the United Way provided 42 Community Investment grants to support 25 local non-profit agencies that work to improve health, education, financial stability and basic needs for local people. The organization also funded 13 local food pantries.

After Helene hit, the United Way provided 35 local grants to community non-profit organizations that support Helene recovery.

The nonprofit also provided funding to the Henderson County Rescue Squad, doubling first responder access to mental health support.

The devastation Helene brought to Henderson County also required the United Way to work even harder to meet the needs of county residents, Carlton said.

We were the go-to volunteer coordinator for all the resource distribution sites and the main distribution center and last October alone, we connected over 1,500 volunteers to donate over 6,600 hours to support Helene response and recovery, Carlton said.

The United Way continues to assist the community with its recovery from the storm through the countys Disaster Recovery Partnership, which connects more than 50 agencies to address Helene recovery needs, she said.
Local man sentenced to 11 years in prison on firearms charges

A 33-year-old of Flat Rock man, Dillon James Surrett, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison followed by two years of supervised release for illegal firearm possession, Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, announced.

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Alicia Jones, special agent in charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, was joined by Henderson County Sheriff Lowell S. Griffin in the announcement.

According to court records and proceedings, Surrett was previously convicted of a federal firearms violation and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Court records show that on Aug. 21, 2023, HCSO deputies were executing an arrest warrant against Surrett. Deputies arrived at Surretts residence and ordered him to exit. When Surrett opened the door, deputies

observed a firearm. Surrett was then arrested, and a search of the premises was conducted.

Deputies located four firearms, two of which had obliterated serial numbers, one was a short-barrel 12-gauge firearm, and one was loaded with six rounds of ammunition. Deputies also found 52 rounds of assorted ammunition, drug paraphernalia, over 21 grams of fentanyl, over 76 grams of methamphetamine, and over 12 pounds of marijuana.

Surrett pleaded guilty on Nov. 25, 2024, to possession of a firearm by a felon. He remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

In making todays announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the ATF and the Henderson County Sheriffs Office for their investigation of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Departments Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
After nearly 200 years as a cherished coastal landmark, the Grade II listed Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is entering a bold new chapter as part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Following a multi-million-pound restoration, the hotel unveils an inspired blend of Regency-era elegance and contemporary comforts, offering guests a unique experience on the edge of the English Channel.

Overlooking the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover, the hotel's meticulous refurbishment has revived its architectural grandeur while introducing refined interiors that reflect a Britain rooted in heritage yet open to the world. Every detail has been considered to create a destination that feels both timeless and distinctly modern.

A New Chapter in Coastal Elegance

Guests will discover:

122 elegantly reimagined guest rooms, many with panoramic sea views - ideal for sunrise coffee or moonlit reflection.

Marco Pierre White's Mr. White's English Chophouse, celebrating classic British cuisine with a fresh, modern twist.

The Churchill Bar, where British legacy meets contemporary style in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The rejuvenated Waterfront Spa offers seven serene treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, spa pool, and a fully equipped, state-of-the-art gym.

With panoramic coastal views, the hotel's elegant event spaces provide a memorable setting for life's most meaningful moments.

A Gateway to Britain's Past and Future

As the first Hilton-branded hotel in Dover, the property is set to become a cornerstone of the town's tourism renaissance - welcoming international travellers, cruise passengers, and discerning local guests alike. Perfectly positioned between heritage and horizon, Dover Marina Hotel & Spa offers a rare opportunity to experience the romance of Britain's coast with the sophistication of a world-class brand.

An Invitation to Rediscover Dover

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 24 world-class brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. Book direct at Hilton.com, through the Hilton Honors app or through other official Hilton channels for more perks and a price match guarantee. Hilton Honors members can redeem Points using the Points Explorer tool.

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will be located at Waterfront, Waterloo Crescent House, Waterloo Cres, Dover CT17 9BP. For more information, or to make a reservation, travellers may visit Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton or call +44 1304 203633.

For more information on Tapestry Collection by Hilton, please visit https://stories.hilton.com/emea.

Hotel website
Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the highly anticipated opening of Conrad Hamburg, marking the brand's debut in Germany. Featuring 283 exquisite guest rooms and suites, the hotel is housed within the historic Levantehaus, a renowned Art Nouveau building designed by architects Franz Bach and Carl Bensel, dating back to 1912. Paying tribute to both the building's provenance and the architecture's musical and cultural influences, the hotel is an art-filled urban sanctuary.

Echoing the building's artistic spirit, Conrad Hamburg showcases a thoughtfully curated collection of works from both emerging and established German contemporary artists. Located across the second to eighth floors of the Levantehaus, the hotel features striking installations such as Ada Isensee's coloured leaded glass ceiling, visible from every floor and serving as a vibrant centrepiece that connects the hotel's spaces.

Refined Accommodations Inspired by Hanseatic Elegance

Conrad Hamburg's 283 guest rooms and suites seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with subtle nods to the city's maritime heritage. Many of the rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase views of Hamburg's evolving cityscape, while interiors showcase a sophisticated palette of deep blues, warm greys, dark reds and rich copper tones reminiscent of the city's industrial heritage. The hotel offers 28 studios with convenient kitchenettes, alongside 29 elegantly appointed suites.

The crown jewel is Conrad Hamburg's largest Presidential Suite, spanning an impressive 232 square metres of luxurious space with a private balcony and fireplace. This remarkable residence features expansive living areas, modern amenities including an espresso machine, and unparalleled comfort, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the city.

Exceptional Spa & Fitness Offerings and Event Spaces

Guests can enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness centre, which forms part of an expansive 1,000-square-metre spa and fitness area. The spa, set to open soon, will offer a tranquil retreat featuring Hamburg's longest indoor pool, luxury treatments, and a sauna and steam bath, as well as an extensive range of wellness services.

Inspired Meetings and Events

The hotel features an executive lounge and nine distinctive event venues with abundant natural light, including flexible conference spaces that seamlessly adapt from intimate 43-square-metre boardrooms to spacious 228-square-metre areas accommodating up to 220 guests.

Culinary Excellence with Latin American Flair

Conrad Hamburg's culinary destination, GRETA OTO restaurant, offers guests an imaginative gastronomic experience focused on vibrant Latin American cuisine. Named after a tropical butterfly, known for its transparency and constant metamorphosis, GRETA OTO invites guests on a culinary journey through the diverse flavours of Central and South America. The restaurant's sophisticated interior features a multifaceted design, with fine woods, and exquisite textiles, layered to create an atmosphere that evolves with the rhythm of the day. Accommodating 110 guests, with an additional 48 seats on the sunny courtyard terrace, GRETA OTO balances elegance and energy to create a vibrant social hub.

The menu at GRETA OTO features South American specialties including Peruvian ceviche, Brazilian beef tenderloin, grilled octopus, and freshly prepared guacamole. The cuisine reflects a deep respect for traditional Amazonian flavours, artfully blended with modern techniques and international influences.

For more intimate gatherings, La Mesa offers an exclusive private dining setting for up to 12 guests, perfect for special occasions and business meetings. The culinary journey continues at GRETA OTO Bar, where guests can elegantly conclude their evening with signature cocktails such as the GRETA OTO Pisco Sour at the oval bar counter or intimate window-side seating. A cigar lounge adjacent to the bar offers a refined atmosphere for discerning guests.

Located in the heart of Hamburg's Kunstmeile (Art Mile), Conrad Hamburg provides the ideal base for guests looking to fully immerse in the city's art and culture. Nearby landmarks including Hamburg's magnificent City Hall, the serene Alster lakes, and the vibrant HafenCity district with the iconic Elbphilharmonie are all within easy walking distance. Excellent connections to Hamburg Central Station and the airport also ensure seamless connectivity for international travellers.

Conrad Hamburg is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

The hotel is located at Bugenhagenstrae 8, 20095 Hamburg, Germany. To celebrate this opening, Hilton Honors members will receive additional bonus points for qualifying stays. Terms and conditions apply. For more information on the hotel or reservations for stays, please visit www.conrad-hamburg.com.

Hotel website
OTH Hotels Resorts (OTH), a Virginia-based hospitality management company with an asset portfolio exceeding $775 million, has been entrusted to assume management of The Virginian Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. This iconic architectural landmark, located in the heart of downtown Lynchburg, Virginia, has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the citys cultural history.

First opened in 1913 and designed in the distinguished Beaux-Arts style by Verus T. Ritter, The Virginian has stood as a symbol of refined hospitality for more than a century. Its sweeping arched windows, vaulted lobby ceilings, curved skylights, and grand marble staircase evoke a sense of timeless grandeur. After decades of adaptive use, including a period as the first dormitory for Lynchburg Baptist College, now Liberty University, the property underwent an extensive restoration and reopened in 2018 as a Four-Diamond Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, seamlessly blending historic elegance with modern sophistication. Today, the hotel features art deco furnishings, original marble and plasterwork, intricate millwork, and ornamental iron details offering a nod to the buildings storied past. Its 4,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom remains the citys premier gathering place for milestone celebrations, from elegant weddings to corporate events, and milestone celebrations.

As a distinctive luxury property with a rich history and a strong brand affiliation within Hiltons esteemed Curio Collection, The Virginian Hotel is an exciting addition to our management portfolio, said Mack Sims, Vice President of Planning & Culture at OTH Hotels Resorts. Building on The Virginians legacy of excellence, our team will leverage its expertise in the lifestyle segment to deliver tailored operating strategies, elevated guest experiences, and strong results that ensure its continued success.

Guests of The Virginian Hotel also enjoy Skyline Grill, downtown Lynchburgs only rooftop restaurant, featuring refined dining paired with panoramic city views. Additional amenities include flexible meeting and event venues, state-of-the-art technology, and thoughtfully designed accommodations. Its ideal location places visitors steps from the James River Heritage Trail and the citys vibrant arts district, providing both business and leisure travelers with an authentic connection to the City of Seven Hills.

We are thrilled to strengthen our presence here with the addition of this iconic hotel in our home state of Virginia. This landmark property not only reflects the kind of historically significant properties were passionate about managing, but it also speaks to our commitment to growth across the East Coast and beyond. Scott McMahon, Principal & Chief Development Officer of OTH Hotels Resorts

The addition of The Virginian Hotel is perfectly aligned with OTHs ongoing east coast expansion and expertise in optimizing soft-branded lifestyle properties. Under OTHs leadership, the hotel will continue to flourish as a historic jewel, offering first-class service, bespoke amenities, and an enduring sense of place.

The Virginian Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is located at 712 Church St, Lynchburg, VA 24504. For more information visit www.thevirginianhotel.com.
WASHINGTON  AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), today announced that Marriott International Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development Leeny Oberg will receive the Peggy Berg Castell Award for her extensive efforts to elevate and advance women in the hospitality industry. The award will be given on October 7 at The Lodging Conference 2025 in Phoenix, Az.

The Peggy Berg Castell Award, formerly known as the Castell Award, was renamed in 2022 to honor the career-long commitment of Peggy Berg  the founder of Castell Project  to accelerate the advancement of women to leadership positions in the hospitality industry.

Through an independent group of industry leaders and stakeholders, Ms. Oberg was selected as the sixth recipient of the AHLA Foundations annual honor. Its recipients are principled women leaders that embody the qualities and ideals of changemakers, trailblazers, and champions for hospitality industry professional growth. Obergs remarkable career, as a financial and business executive and true industry changemaker, exemplifies the leadership and dedication that the Peggy Berg Castell Award celebrates.

Leeny Obergs dedication to her work and extensive leadership at Marriott perfectly exemplify the values that this award represents. She is a true changemaker, committed to improving the industry in innovative ways and advancing the careers of those around her. We are thrilled to present Leeny with this recognition. Kevin Carey, President and CEO of AHLA Foundation

I am humbled and honored to receive the Peggy Berg Castell Award. AHLA and the AHLA Foundation have been incredible partners to Marriott, our industry, and hospitality professionals , said Ms. Oberg. It has been a privilege to work in a people-oriented business with colleagues and teams who make this industry unique.

Ms. Oberg has served as Marriotts Chief Financial Officer for the past decade. In 2023, she took on the additional role of Executive Vice President of Development, leading the strategic growth of the companys global lodging portfolio. Prior to being named CFO at Marriott, Ms. Oberg served as the CFO for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where she contributed substantially to the brands performance and growth. She first joined Marriott in 1999. In July 2025, Marriott announced that Ms. Oberg has decided to retire, effective March 31, 2026.

Ms. Oberg has been recognized by Marriott for her part in elevating the shareholder value of the company and continuously investing in its growth. She has been instrumental in navigating the company through major challenges, like the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as key growth moments, including the Starwood Hotels & Resorts acquisition and integration. She is an active member of the American Hotel and Lodging Associations Industry Real Estate Finance Advisory Council.

About the AHLA Foundation

AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, works to support the hotel and lodging industry's greatest asset  our people. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. When the people who work in our industry thrive, the industry thrives along with them. The Foundation is funded by grants and charitable contributions from generous individuals and organizations who want to support individuals seeking opportunities to thrive in the hotel and lodging industry. Learn more at www.ahlafoundation.org.
While Europes policymakers and opinion leaders obsess over semiconductors and clean tech, another economic engine is humming along with far less fanfare  and far greater local impact. In its forecast for the five-year period from 2024 to 2029, Oxford Economics named travel and tourism the worlds fastest-growing established industry  outpacing financial services, manufacturing, and even information and communication. Its time Europe treated it as a serious pillar of economic strength  not a sideshow.

And yet, the travel industry remains strikingly underappreciated by Europes top decision-makers.

Europe: Top earners from international tourism, 2024 Source: UN Tourism

If we add up international tourism receipts for the EUs top ten markets in 2024, the figure comes to roughly 400 billion - comparable to the gross domestic product of a mid-sized EU member state. Unlike other revenue streams, tourism receipts count as service exports  real money flowing in from outside into the local economies of Member States, supporting jobs that cannot be offshored.

The latest European Accommodation Barometer 2025 paints a clear picture: the sector is grounded, growing, and optimistic about the future. Even as the revenge-travel wave (post Covid) recedes, the industry is stabilizing at a high level, with 63% of accommodations anticipating positive business development over the next six months.

This optimism reflects real momentum in the market and Southern Europe  particularly Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal  continues to show sustained strength. The sectors trajectory stands in stark contrast with the caution prevalent in the Europe-wide market outlook.

In 2025: Hotels Remain Optimistic Source: Statista & Booking.com

Europes travel and tourism sector is labor-intensive, geographically distributed, and uniquely resilient. From alpine guesthouses to coastal inns, the accommodation industry sustains local economies that would otherwise struggle with youth unemployment, if not depopulation. It anchors supply chains that include food growers, caterers, artisans, local services, and even European tech vendors like Booking.com or Amadeus. Travel and tourism is also an inclusive employer: more than half of workers in the sector are women, and small, family-run businesses make up the majority of market players.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the European travel industry. In its Annual Report on European SMEs, the European Commission estimated that they generate 81% of the value added and account for nearly 85% of employment in hospitality. But its not just about numbers, SMEs are central to the sectors identity and provide the diversity and authenticity that draws global travelers to Europe in the first place.

Seven Barriers to Tech Adoption in European Hospitality Source: Statista & Booking.com

Despite their outsized role, these SMEs face mounting challenges.

The Accommodation Barometer reveals a consistent performance gap between chain-affiliated and independent properties. Chain hotels show higher sentiment, stronger outlooks, and better tech adoption rates. AI tools, automation, and data analytics are beginning to transform the sector  but smaller businesses are at risk of falling behind. The biggest barriers? Cost, staffing, and lack of digital skills.

Upskilling and tech adoption remain elusive goals for many. Without targeted support, this innovation gap will only widen, entrenching a two-speed industry.

By using open platforms like ours, SMEs can focus on delivering high-value services, such as personalized guest experiences, while benefiting from advanced technology and global reach. Partnership with digital platforms helps small businesses solve one of their biggest headaches  customer acquisition  in a risk-free way without the need for upfront investment. This synergy between small businesses and large tech platforms is exactly what Prof. Mario Draghi championed in his landmark report  and what independent research from McKinsey also underscores.

Managerial Skills are in Short Supply Among European Hotels Source: Statista & Booking.com

EU-wide funding streams such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility and Cohesion Funds have opened up possibilities for digital and green investment; and we know that tourism can be part of the solution to our continents economic woes. Cities like Paris, Vienna, and Copenhagen are experimenting and pioneering smart, sustainable tourism. The next step is to treat the travel sector not as an afterthought but as a strategic industry.

Europes policy focus must sharpen around three imperatives: upskilling the tourism workforce, accelerating the diffusion of digital technologies, and supporting the SMEs that shape the tapestry of the European travel ecosystem. This doesnt mean picking winners or sidelining open digital platforms  it means making sure the tools of modern competitiveness are accessible to all, not just the largest hospitality brands with global name recognition.

In rural and coastal regions, tourism is often the mainstay of the local economy. But it also plays a strategic role in Europes soft power  shaping perceptions, building intercultural ties, and projecting values. No industrial policy or forward-looking vision is complete without factoring in what travel can do not just for GDP, but for identity and resilience.

The European Accommodation Barometer 2025 makes one thing clear: Europes travel sector is not coasting. Its evolving, professionalizing, and investing for the long term. Now the question is whether public policy will keep up.

Street of Paros, Greece  Photo by Booking.com

This op-ed by Peter Lochbihler, Global Head of Public Affairs at Booking.com first appeared on Travel Tomorrow on 10 September 2025
AmericInn by Wyndham in Petoskey, Michigan - Image Credit Hotel Brokers International



Alpine Realty Capital continues to be the most active hotel broker in Northern Michigan

Alpine Realty Capital, a leading advisor in hospitality real estate investment and a Member of Hotel Brokers International, today announced that it has successfully represented the owner in the sale of the AmericInn by Wyndham in Petoskey, Michigan.

Alpine leveraged the Hotel Brokers International (HBI) marketing platform and its website, www.hbihotels.com, to reach qualified buyers nationwide. This exposure generated multiple offers, resulting in a signed purchase agreement within just three weeks of bringing the property to market.

Northern Michigan continues to deliver compelling investment opportunities due to its robust peak-season performance and growing off-season demand, said Ed Walsh, President of Alpine Realty Capital. Petoskey, in particular, remains one of the regions most desirable markets. This, combined with HBIs marketing strength, drove a swift and successful transaction.

Alpine works daily with groups looking for opportunities to provide capital investment or other means to provide equity returns. In an environment in which the supply of lodging properties for sale is scarce and construction costs remain high, Alpine is seeing ever-increasing interest in acquisitions from various groups, including owner-operators, who are seeking to participate in the industrys strong returns while buying for less than replacement cost.

About Alpine Realty Capital

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Alpine Realty Capital is a mortgage banking and real estate brokerage firm specializing in hotel asset investment, valuation, financing, marketing and transaction. Edward P. Walsh, CHB, serves as President and Principal Broker of Alpine Realty Capital. Mr. Walsh is a dedicated lodging industry professional whose career spans more than 35 years in the lodging industry. He has held numerous positions in consulting, valuation, and for the most recent years as a hospitality real estate and mortgage broker, founding Alpine Realty Capital in 2007. His expertise includes providing services regarding all phases of investment, from site selection and acquisition to feasibility analysis and appraisal, and from mortgage financing to construction cost analysis. In all, Mr. Walsh has provided real estate consulting and/or transaction services for more than $1 billion worth of hospitality real estate assets.

About Hotel Brokers International

Founded in 1959, Hotel Brokers International (HBI) is the hospitality industry's most established and experienced network of hotel real estate professionals. With more than 11,000 successful hotel transactions, HBI members are recognized leaders in hotel brokerage, investment advisory, and market insight. HBI is the founder and administrator of the Certified Hotel Broker (CHB) Programthe only professional designation specifically for hotel brokers. In addition to brokerage services, HBI offers affiliate membership opportunities for professionals in franchising, lending, appraisals, and investment services. Learn more at www.hbihotels.com.

For more information, contact:

Edward P. Walsh, CHB, President

Alpine Realty Capital

Ann Arbor, Michigan

734.645.2566 (c)

ewalsh@alpinerealtycapital.com

Glenda J. Webb, Executive Director

Hotel Brokers International

Kansas City, Missouri

816.505.4315

gwebb@hbihotels.com
IHCL Signs Agreement for Tree of Life Resort in Pondicherry, India - Image Credit IHCL



Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed an agreement to open a Tree of Life resort in Pondicherry, India.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a new Tree of Life resort in Pondicherry. The project involves the restoration of a heritage-listed property located in Pondicherrys White Town. The property, which features 18 rooms, is situated at the junction of Rue Suffren and Bazaar Saint Laurent Street, near New Sand Beach.

The development will include an all-day dining restaurant, a swimming pool, and a spa. The resort is designed to serve as a retreat, offering guests access to Pondicherrys cultural attractions, including its colonial architecture and local cafes.

The property was previously recognized by Vieilles Maisons Francaises (VMF) as 'Patrimoine Historique,' highlighting its French colonial legacy. This addition will increase IHCL's presence in Pondicherry to four properties, with three currently under development.
IHG Partners with Delta to Offer Expanded Travel Benefits for SMEs - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts



IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Delta Business Traveler to provide enhanced travel benefits for small-and medium-sized enterprises in the U.S.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced a new partnership with Delta Business Traveler aimed at expanding travel benefits for small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United States. This collaboration integrates IHG's existing SME travel program, IHG Business Edge, with Delta's newly launched platform, Delta Business Traveler.

The partnership allows SMEs enrolled in Delta Business Traveler to access offers from both Delta and IHG Business Edge. Eligible members who join IHG Business Edge within the next year will receive a fast-track to IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status. This status offers benefits including room upgrades, bonus points, flexible check-in and check-out, and milestone rewards.

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The initiative is part of IHG's strategy to support SMEs as global business travel continues to recover. According to the Global Business Travel Association's Business Travel Index Outlook, business travel spending is projected to increase by 6.6 percent year-over-year in 2025. The collaboration with Delta Business Traveler aims to reach millions of eligible SkyMiles members, enhancing the travel experience for SMEs.

IHG Business Edge, launched in 2018, serves tens of thousands of business accounts globally, offering simplified hotel booking and savings for SMEs. The new partnership with Delta Business Traveler is expected to extend these benefits to a broader audience, aligning with IHG's ongoing efforts to provide value to SMEs through strategic collaborations.

This development follows IHG's previous partnerships with other brands, including Hertz and Singapore Airlines, as part of its commitment to delivering meaningful value to SMEs.
AI Cuts Acquisitions Costs 19% Amidst Soaring Media Spend, According to Cendyn's Hotel Digital Marketing Performance Index - Image Credit Cendyn



AI in Googles PMTG alleviates the marketing budget burden quadrupling bookings and revenue as media spend bites with 20 - 40% YoY budget increase

Cendyn, a global integrated hotel technology and services company, has found hotel customer acquisition costs (CAC) are down 19% year-on-year (YoY) as a result of utilizing AI in Googles Performance Max for travel goals (PMTG).

A newer channel in Cendyns analysis set, PMTG, increased hotel bookings and revenue by more than 4x across all regions, according to the Cendyn Hotel Digital Marketing Performance Index 2025 released today. Drawing on aggregated data from the Cendyn Digital Marketing Platform (DMP), the Performance Index identified a 262% surge in conversion rate (CVR) and improved cost efficiency due to the intelligent application of AI with guest data to find high-value audiences.

The report also highlights soaring media costs, which rose sharply year-over-year (YoY), increasing by 20% to 40% across digital platforms. Cendyn discovered that Google Hotel Ads (GHA) cost-per-click (CPC) rates rose 14%, reducing click volume despite continued advertiser demand. Cendyn relates the sharp rise in media spend to intensified competition, increased bidding pressure from online travel agencies (OTAs), evolving regulations, and macroeconomic headwinds.

Overall, the first half of 2025 has uncovered a number of critical industry trends directly impacting hotel visibility, booking performance and marketing budgets. Assessing performance across Googles digital marketing products for January  June 2025 versus the same period in 2024, the report warns that without investing in AI and utilizing visibility opportunities within PMTG, hotels will see digital marketing ROI significantly deplete, having a profound impact on bookings and revenue.

Luke Markesky, SVP, Global eCommerce, at Cendyn said: With advertising costs rising faster than many budgets, hotels must continue to evaluate and evolve their digital strategies to strategically employ AI to make a real impact to gain the right visibility to drive high-value bookings. Through this report, hotels gain insights to understand the impact of increased competition, regulatory changes, and evolving traveler behavior on digital marketing performance, while navigating the opportunities of AI. Hotels that invest strategically and utilize valuable guest data can sustain growth, capture market share, and emerge as leaders in a competitive, privacy-conscious, and increasingly AI-driven advertising environment.

The Cendyn Hotel Digital Marketing Performance Index delivers actionable intelligence by evaluating adoption trends, cost dynamics, and performance metrics across major digital hotel advertising channels. Designed to help hospitality marketers make informed decisions, the report empowers hoteliers to utilize AI in order to optimize spend, preserve visibility, and capture demand in an increasingly crowded market.

The Cendyn Hotel Digital Marketing Performance Index 2025 is available now. Download to read the full findings and analysis.

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions.

Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests; drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions.

Cendyn has over 32,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries, generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India.
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Police in Indias popular coastal state of Goa have arrested a YouTuber after he posted a video claiming that the states new international airport was haunted.

Akshay Vashisht, who runs a popular channel with more than 570,000 subscribers dedicated to horror stories and paranormal case studies, was detained in Delhi on Wednesday.

His arrest followed a complaint by a police constable from Goas social media monitoring cell, who alleged the video spread false information about the newly built Manohar International Airport at Mopa.

According to the police complaint, the video  shared on YouTube under the title Evil Haunted Goa Airport  alleged the airport had been built on a cremation ground.

In the video, Mr Vashisht claimed that airline staff had reported paranormal activities and that pilots often refused to operate night flights due to ghostly sightings, including that of a mysterious woman in a red saree on the runway.

A version of the video remained viewable on Facebook but another on Mr Vashishts main YouTube channel had been made private as of Thursday.

Police said the claims in the video were false, malicious and superstitious and designed to alarm the public while promoting the creators channel. Authorities also accused him of narrating purported testimonies from his subscribers to lend credibility to the claims.

Satellite image of the Manohar International Airport ( Copernicus Sentinel Imagery 2025 )

A team from Mopa Airport police station travelled to Delhi to arrest Vashisht from the Dwarka area. Officers seized his mobile phone, laptop and camera and brought him to the Mopa airport police station for further investigation.

He faces an initial chargesheet filed under sections of the Indian Penal Code covering public mischief and common intention  people gathering with the intent to commit a crime.

Police said they were also considering whether to pursue action against the administrator of the Facebook page that circulated the clip.

The 283m Manohar International Airport opened in December 2022 in Mopa and began operations a year later. As Goas second airport, it has a goal of drawing 12 million passengers per year in the next five years in order to boost tourism and connectivity in one of Indias most popular destinations for both domestic and international travel.

Authorities said unfounded rumours could damage its reputation at a time when the facility is still building international credibility.

This isnt the first time officials have clashed with social media influencers over the states image. Earlier this year, a spate of posts appeared claiming there was reduced footfall at Goas beaches and resorts due to increased prices of hotels and restaurants.

Goas tourism minister Rohan Khaunte insisted in July that there had been no drop in tourist numbers and claimed, without evidence, that paid so-called influencers were deliberately perpetuating false narratives to harm the image of the state.
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At least 19 people have died of a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba in India's southern state of Kerala, raising concern over the spread of the disease through freshwater bodies.

Kerala reported 70 cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis and 19 deaths, out of which nine patients died in September, according to the state's health department.

A three-month-old child, a nine-year-old girl, a 12-year-old boy and a 52-year-old woman were among the patients to have died of the infection while receiving treatment at a health facility in Kozihkode since mid-August.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living organism commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, which is found in warm freshwater such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and contaminated soil.

It enters the body through the nasal cavity and destroys brain tissue. Symptoms appear within days and lead quickly to seizures, coma and death. Although uncommon, the condition carries a high mortality risk, according to reports.

The initial symptoms of the disease are severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, which quickly escalate to stiff neck, sensitivity to light, loss of balance, seizures and eventually coma and death.

The state administration has launched a statewide chlorination drive covering fresh water lakes, tanks, well, and ponds. The state has introduced special treatment protocols and operating procedures for suspected cases.

Authorities in some parts of the state have placed signboards around ponds warning against bathing or swimming.

A Kerala health official told the New Indian Express that most of the victims had "some kind of comorbidity", which made them most vulnerable to the disease. "Amoeba is omnipresent. It attacks when we are weak," the official was quoted as saying.

The patients who died of the infection were also battling conditions such as tuberculosis, HIV, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension, the Indian daily reported.

Health minister Veena George told the state assembly this week that higher detection led to more cases being classified as PAM instead of encephalitis, the general term for inflammation of the brain.

"This is not an epidemic. What is wrong in detecting the PAM cases that would have been otherwise reported as encephalitis? Early diagnosis is very important in saving lives," Ms George said.

She added: "The Kerala government had taken preventive steps. All districts have microbiology lab facilities for testing for PAM.

Globally, amoebic meningoencephalitis shows a fatality rate of almost 97 per cent. In the US, there were 167 reported cases of PAM between 1962 and 2024. Only four have survived, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

India reported its first case in 1971, but infections remained rare until Kerala witnessed a sharp rise in recent years. The coastal state recorded only eight cases from 2016 to 2022, but confirmed 36 infections and nine deaths in 2023.

Kerala reported its first death of PAM infection in 2024 in a five-year-old girl.

Every known case in India until last year had been fatal. In July 2024, a 14-year-old boy from Kozhikode became the first patient in the South Asian country to survive the infection, joining just 10 other known survivors worldwide.

"Cases are rising but deaths are falling. Aggressive testing and early diagnosis have improved survival - a strategy unique to Kerala," Aravind Reghukumar, head of infectious diseases at the Medical College and Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, told the BBC.

TS Anish, nodal officer at the Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience in Kozhikode, says climate change is a major factor behind the recent rise in amoebic encephalitis cases in Kerala.

"Because of the rise in atmospheric temperature, microorganisms such as amoeba Naegleria fowleri that thrive in high-temperature environments have got prominence in the environment in the past decade or so," he told The Hindu.

"Species such as Naegleria fowleri mainly feed on bacteria and algae. The contamination caused by coliform bacteria, commonly found in faecal matter, is high in our water sources such as wells, ponds, and rivers," he added.
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The powerful earthquake that devastated Afghanistan last month left over 649,000 tonnes of debris scattered in the countrys east, a new analysis of satellite images by the UN shows.

The 6-magnitude earthquake on 31 August killed nearly 2,200 people and forced at least 23,000 to flee their homes.

The debris that needs removing equals roughly 40,500 truckloads, according to the analysis by the UN Development Programme.

The most severe damage is seen in the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman.

The UN agency says aid workers are racing against time to remove rubble from the mountainous region.

In the days after the disaster, emergency workers faced major challenges in carrying out rescue and relief operations, especially in the remote and rugged Kunar province, and aid workers had to walk on foot for hours to reach isolated communities.

open image in gallery The 31 August earthquake produced its highest shaking intensity in Nurgal district of Kunar province ( UNDP )

Noting the scale of the disaster, the agency said infrastructure exposure is extensive.

Nearly 246,000 buildings, including homes, schools and clinics, lie within high-impact zones and 462 km of electric grid lines are at risk, it said.

AI-based modelling, using satellite imagery and remote sensing, predicts between 23,000 and 31,000 internally displaced people as a direct result of the earthquake. Across all zones, around 633,000 women, 606,000 children, and 33,000 elderly were exposed, indicating significant vulnerable populations within the impacted area.

open image in gallery Afghan security personnel watch sacks of relief aid kept beside UN official vehicles in the aftermath of an earthquake at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district ( AFP via Getty )

The quake upended entire communities, the UN agencys Afghanistan representative, Stephen Rodriques, said, calling the grim visuals heartbreaking.

Families are sleeping in the open, and access to basic services is severely disrupted. We must act quickly to restore dignity and safety, he said, calling for safe removal of the debris.

open image in gallery Remains of damaged houses in the aftermath of an earthquake at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district ( AFP via Getty )

The agency was providing the data to look at the most impacted areas needing debris removal, structural assessments and restoration of access.

This is a race against time, said Devanand Ramiah, head of crisis readiness, response and recovery team at the agencys crisis bureau.

open image in gallery An Afghan security personnel stands guard as a woman walks past a mobile health clinic in Kunar ( AFP via Getty )

Afghans affected by the quake have made two main demands  reconstruction of their house and water supplies, a Taliban spokesperson working on a committee to help the survivors said.

Various countries and organisations have offered assistance in the construction of houses but that takes time. After the second round of assistance, work will begin on the third round, which is considering what kind of houses can be built here, said Zia ur Rahman Speenghar.

He added that people were receiving assistance in cash, food, tents, beds, among other necessities.
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Saudi Arabias mutual defence pact with Pakistan, which would regardaggression against either country as an act of aggression against both, comes at a time when the Middle East grows increasingly wary about the reliability of America as a security guarantor.

The agreement was signed during Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharifs visit to Riyadh and framed as a step toward regional peace and deterrence.

This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions. This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalisation of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries, a senior Saudi official told Reuters.

When pressed on whether the newly signed pact obliges Pakistan to extend a nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia, the official said: This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.

The Saudi agreement comes just months after Pakistans military clash with India in May this year and days following Israels strike on Qatar, deepening the crisis in the Middle East.

For Pakistan, the agreement provides support from a rich Gulf ally and boosts its standing at a time of tension with India. For Saudi Arabia, it means closer ties with a nuclear-armed Muslim country that has backed it in the past.

This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, a statement from the Pakistani prime ministers office said.

The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, it said.

Just hours after the Saudi-Pakistan mutual defence deal was inked, India responded cautiously.

open image in gallery TOPSHOT - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on September 16, 2025. ( AFP/Getty )

In a statement, the Indian ministry of external affairs said the pact had long been under discussion and that India would study its implications, while reiterating its commitment to protecting national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security.

We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration, said Indias external affairs ministry official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal.

We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The government remains committed to protecting Indias national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains, Mr Jaiswal added.

The signing of the pact came just two days after an emergency joint session of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened in response to Israels 9 September strike on Doha.

That attack, which targeted Hamas political leaders as they met to discuss a US-backed ceasefire plan, drew sharp condemnation from across the Arab and Islamic world.

The defence deal potentially could reshape regional dynamics, compelling India, Iran, and even the US to rethink their strategies in a rapidly changing security landscape, observers noted.

open image in gallery Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani addresses a press conference following Israeli strikes in Doha on September 9, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Asfandyar Mir, a senior fellow at the Washington DC-based Stimson Center, said the pact was a watershed moment for both countries. Pakistan previously maintained mutual defence treaties with the United States during the Cold War, but they crumbled by the 70s. Even with China, despite extensive defence cooperation, Pakistan lacks a formal mutual defence pact, Mr Mir told Al Jazeera.

The Saudi-Pakistan defence deal also comes against the backdrop of Saudi Arabias long-standing defence and economic ties with both India and Pakistan. While Riyadh has linkages with India, it has also historically backed Pakistan, especially after the 1971 war.

The foundations of Saudi Arabias bond with Pakistan go back even before Pakistans creation, when the Saudi royal family expressed early support for the Muslim Leagues struggle in South Asia.

After independence in 1947, Riyadh was among the first to recognise the new state, signalling its intent to stand firmly with Pakistan. That commitment was evident again during the 1971 crisis in what was then called East Pakistan, when Saudi leaders saw the countrys disintegration as a blow to the Muslim world.

Riyadh also aligned its position on Bangladesh with Islamabads, withholding formal recognition of Dhaka until Pakistan did so in February 1974. Even during the 1972 and 1973 Hajj seasons, Saudi authorities accepted Bangladeshi passports only after first seeking Pakistans approval.

However, the senior Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that Riyadh must carefully balance its ties with Pakistans nuclear-armed rival, India.

open image in gallery People inspect a market that was damaged in cross-border shelling before the India-Pakistan ceasefire came into effect, in Jura village, Neelum Valley ( EPA )

Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can, the official said.

India and Pakistan have fought four wars and had at least three other major clashes. Saudi Arabia had to have considered this in negotiating the statement released today. It does not mean Riyadh envisions a meaningful role in the next India-Pakistan clash, Christopher Clary, associate professor of political science at the University of Albany, wrote on X.

In the immediate term, this agreement will consolidate and formalise multi-prong defence cooperation already underway, and new avenues to expand it via joint trainings, defence production and potential expansion of Pakistani troops contingent in Saudi Arabia will be explored, Muhammad Faisal, a South Asia security researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, told Al Jazeera.

The new defence pact is now poised to reshape strategic equations across South Asia and the Gulf.

For India, the agreement complicates its rivalry with Pakistan, even as it maintains close ties with Riyadh. For Iran, it underscores Saudi Arabias effort to build stronger military alliances at a time of regional tension. And for the US, the pact signifies the growing willingness of Gulf states to look beyond Washington for security guarantees.

The defence pacts timing is also significant because Israels strike on Qatar rattled Gulf monarchies, which, despite hosting major US bases, are increasingly uneasy about Washingtons seeming lack of willingness to restrain Israel.

For states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE  long reliant on US security guarantees  the incident underscored the need to strengthen their own regional defence networks. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the recent strike on Doha as an act of brutal aggression that demanded Arab, Islamic and international action.

For the US, the deal adds new challenges in balancing its ties with both India and Saudi Arabia. It also comes as Pakistan becomes more outspoken in criticising Israels actions in Gaza and against Iran.

open image in gallery Isaac Herzog defended Israels bombing of Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday, saying it was necessary to remove people who did not want a ceasefire. (UGC via AP) ( AP )

Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US diplomat said the deal comes in dangerous times, according to Associated Press.

Pakistan has nuclear weapons and delivery systems that can hit targets across the Middle East, including Israel. It also is developing systems that can reach targets in the US, Mr Khalilzad wrote on X.

Syed Muhammad Ali, a security analyst based in Islamabad, pointed out that Pakistans National Command Authority, which controls the countrys nuclear arsenal, had not commented about the defence pact. He added, however, that Pakistan would still be able to respond to Israel effectively, even without relying on the deterrent power of its nuclear weapons.

Pakistan is more than confident that its conventional capability is adequate, he said. Pakistan's military ... is adequate enough to improve the security of Saudi Arabia without having to resort to the nuclear option.
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Thai security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at Cambodian protesters during a violent confrontation along a disputed stretch of the border on Wednesday, injuring at least 28 people and raising fears of renewed conflict between the two neighbours.

The clashes erupted near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Thailands Sa Kaeo province, which Cambodia calls Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province.

Thai officials claimed that around 200 Cambodian civilians attempted to dismantle barbed wire fences erected last month, hurling rocks, sticks and firing slingshots at officers.

The villagers had come to protest the Thai sides actions during the deployment of barriers and concertina wire to enhance security along the Thai-Cambodia border, Thailands army claimed in a statement.

Cambodia accused Thai forces of crossing into its territory and using tear gas, rubber bullets, and noise-making devices against Cambodian civilians.

The government said in a statement that monks were among those hurt, with some fainting after being struck by tear gas or exposed to high-frequency acoustic devices.

It condemned the incident as a violation of its sovereignty and unacceptable under international law, local media outlet EAC News reported.

open image in gallery Thai police stand next to barbed wire in a disputed area along the border with Cambodia ( Royal Thai Army )

In the wake of the clash, the statement said, prime minister Hun Manet dispatched letters to world leaders seeking support from the international community and the regional Asean bloc to stop Thailands unilateral actions that risk escalating tensions and widening the conflict.

Thailand insisted its security forces acted inside its border. A statement by the foreign ministry described the alleged removal of barricades by Cambodians as unlawful acts constituting numerous offences under Thai law, The Nation reported.

open image in gallery Thai police face Cambodian protesters in a disputed area along the border in Sa Kaeo province ( Royal Thai Army )

Thai officials showed restraint before being forced to respond using internationally accepted practices to restore order, the ministry maintained. All actions by the Thai police were proportionate and appropriate to the circumstances, adhering to human rights principles, and prevented the situation from spiralling out of control.

Thai army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree characterised the protesters as a Cambodian mob encroaching on Thai territory, and said the violence amounted to a deliberate provocation and breach of the July ceasefire agreement.

The military said five of its soldiers were injured in the confrontation.

open image in gallery Thai soldier stand guard in a disputed area along the border with Thailand ( AKP )

The violence on Wednesday followed a similar standoff the previous day when some Cambodian villagers had reportedly attempted to remove Thai barriers before being pushed back with tear gas and rubber bullets.

open image in gallery Cambodian people confront Thai police and soldiers in a disputed area along the border in Banteay Meanchey province ( AKP )

The border has long been a flashpoint. It was mapped by the French colonial rulers of Cambodia in 1907 but Thailand came to dispute its accuracy.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that Cambodia held sovereignty over the area surrounding the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple, a decision contested by Thailand.

open image in gallery Cambodian people confront Thai police and soldiers in a disputed area along the border in Banteay Meanchey province ( AKP )

In July, the fiercest armed conflict in decades between the two countries left at least 48 people dead and forced over 260,000 to flee their homes. That conflict ended after mediation by Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and pressure from US president Donald Trump, who threatened to suspend privileges for both sides unless they agreed to a ceasefire.

open image in gallery Thai soldiers carry barbed wire in a disputed area along the border with Cambodia ( AKP )

In spite of that agreement, mistrust lingers. Thai authorities have accused Cambodia of planting new landmines along the border, an allegation Phnom Penh denies.

A meeting of the General Border Committee scheduled for 10 October is set to be dominated by this weeks clashes.

The US State Department urged both governments to de-escalate and finalise plans for an Asean-led observer mission to monitor the ceasefire.
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Australia has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 62-70 per cent over the next decade, a goal that falls short of expert recommendations but still promises one of the steepest transitions in the countrys history.

The announcement comes ahead of a UN deadline for governments to submit their updated climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions, before the Cop30 summit in Brazil this November.

Australia is one of the worlds highest emitters per capita, largely due to its powerful resources industry. The new target falls below the 65-75 per cent range modelled by the treasury department and proposed by the independent Climate Change Authority, which advises the government on climate policy.

The target must be two things: ambitious and achievable. A target over 70 per cent is not achievable, that advice is clear, climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen told a press conference on Thursday. Weve gone for the maximum level of ambition that is achievable.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese also announced A$5 billion (2.6bn) in funding to help industrial facilities decarbonise, along with A$2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to continue supporting renewable projects and drive down electricity prices.

open image in gallery A flooded road in the Brisbane suburb of Wilston on 10 March 2025 ( Getty )

We are not the biggest polluter or the biggest economy but our commitment to action on climate change matters, Mr Albanese, whose government is trying to host the UN climate summit in 2026, said.

It matters to our neighbours, it matters for our economy, and it matters for the country that we pass on to our children.

Earlier this week, Australias first national climate risk assessment warned that nearly 1.5 million people living along the coast could be at risk from rising sea levels by 2050, with heat-related deaths rising by 440 per cent in Sydney in the worst-case scenario.

The governments pledge is facing criticism from environmental groups, which want Australia to adopt the upper end of the Climate Change Authoritys recommended range, warning that anything less will leave communities exposed to worsening heat, drought and flooding.

Among major economies, the UK has declared the most ambitious emissions target so far  an effective 78 per cent reduction from 2005 levels.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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For the first time since it went extinct more than 300 years ago, the return of the dodo has edged closer to reality after scientists declared a breakthrough that could see the bird roam Mauritius once again.

Colossal Biosciences, a biotech firm in Texas, US, said it had successfully cultured pigeon primordial germ cells  the precursors of sperm and eggs  in a laboratory setting through a technique it described as a pivotal step towards reviving the dodo.

Colossal chief executive Ben Lamm said the company expected to reach its goal of creating a live dodo in 5-7 years. But its not 20 years out, he told The Guardian.

The company, which attracted high-profile backers and headlines after announcing the birth of three dire wolf pups in April, is using the Nicobar pigeon, the dodos closest living relative, as the genetic base.

Colossal, which plans to also recreate the woolly mammoth, announced it had raised $120m in additional funding for its work, making a total of $555m since launching in 2021.

To bring back the dodo, the firms plan is to edit the pigeon primordial germ cells with dodo DNA before implanting them into surrogate chicken that have been modified to carry them.

The technique to bring the dodo back is more challenging than what the company did to recreate a version of the dire wolf considering birds develop inside an egg and cant be cloned in the same way as mammals.

So with birds, the slowest part of this process is that we have to make two generations, Beth Shapiro, chief science officer at Colossal said, according to CNN.

We cant clone the cells, so we have to make moms and the dads separately and then breed them in order to get both copies of the gene to be modified. That is pretty slow.

The company said it planned to make enough dodos with genetic diversity that they could be left out in the wild and thrive.

So were not looking to make two dodos, were looking to make thousands, Mr Lamn said.

According to Colossal, the advance is a really important step for the dodo project but also for bird conservation.

But scientists caution that Colossals announcement does not mean the true dodo can be brought back.

Its hard to know what it took to make a dodo genetically, from its genomic architecture to how its genes interacted with the environment, Leonardo Campagna, an evolutionary biologist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, told The Guardian.

Id be curious to see a pigeon like that. But is this in fact the dodo? We need to acknowledge that there is a lot we dont know and maybe never will.

Others question whether such projects divert attention from protecting species currently at risk.

By labelling genetically engineered modern species as extinct ones brought back from the dead  its a huge moral hazard; a massive enabler for the activities that cause species to go extinct in the first place, Rich Grenyer, a biologist at the University of Oxford, told The Guardian.

Colossal insisted that its research could also help endangered birds, for example by editing disease-resistant traits into struggling populations.

Colossal also said its de-extinction projects could inspire the public about science.

But critics point out that conservation, not re-creation, remains the urgent task. Technology cant solve the biodiversity crisis, Prof van Oosterhout told CNN. It might save a few species, but its not a magic bullet.

The last confirmed sighting of the dodo was in 1662, when European sailors recorded the large, flightless bird in Mauritius.

Hunted heavily by humans and targeted by invasive species like rats and pigs, the dodo vanished from the world and became a global symbol of extinction.
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Starbucks is facing legal challenges in three US states after workers initiated action over a new dress code, claiming that the coffee giant broke the law by not reimbursing them for new clothing required by the updated policy.

Backed by the union organising Starbucks staff, workers have filed class-action lawsuits in state courts in Illinois and Colorado. Additionally, complaints have been lodged with Californias Labour and Workforce Development Agency. Should the agency opt not to pursue penalties against Starbucks, the employees intend to launch a class-action lawsuit in California, according to the filings.

The new dress code, implemented on 12 May, mandates that all North American staff wear a plain black shirt, either short or long-sleeved, beneath their signature green aprons. These shirts must cover the midriff and armpits, with collars being optional. Starbucks did provide each employee with two complimentary T-shirts that meet the new specifications.

Employees must wear khaki, black or blue denim bottoms without patterns or frayed hems or solid black dresses that are not more than 4in above the knee. The dress code also requires workers to wear black, grey, dark blue, brown, tan or white shoes made from a waterproof material. Socks and hosiery must be subdued, the company said.

The dress code prohibits employees from having face tattoos or more than one facial piercing. Tongue piercings and theatrical makeup are also prohibited.

Starbucks said in April that the new dress code would make employees green aprons stand out and create a sense of familiarity for customers. It comes as the company is trying to reestablish a warmer, more welcoming experience in its stores.

Before the new dress code went into effect, Starbucks had a relatively lax policy. In 2016, it began allowing employees to wear patterned shirts in a wider variety of colours to give them more opportunities for self-expression.

open image in gallery The new dress code went into effect in May after years of lax policy ( AP )

The old dress code was also loosely enforced, according to the Colorado lawsuit. But under the new dress code, employees who dont comply aren't allowed to start their shifts.

Brooke Allen, a full-time student who also works at a Starbucks in Davis, California, said she was told by a manager in July that the Crocs she was wearing didn't meet the new standards and she would have to wear different shoes if she wanted to work the following day. Allen had to go to three stores to find a compliant pair that cost her $60.09.

Allen has spent an additional $86.95 on clothes for work, including black shirts and jeans.

I think its extremely tone deaf on the companys part to expect their employees to completely redesign their wardrobe without any compensation, Allen said. A lot of us are already living paycheck to paycheck.

Allen said she misses the old dress code, which allowed her to express herself with colourful shirts and three facial piercings.

It looks sad now that everyone is wearing black, she said.

open image in gallery Starbucks Workers United has filed hundreds of unfair labour charges against the chain ( Getty )

The lawsuits and complaints filed Wednesday allege that Starbucks dress code violates state laws that require companies to reimburse workers for expenses that primarily benefit the employer. Colorado law also prohibits employers from imposing expenses on workers without their written consent, according to that lawsuit. The plaintiffs seek damages on behalf of all Starbucks workers in those states, whether or not their stores are unionised.

Multiple plaintiffs, like Allen, said they requested reimbursement from Starbucks to conform to the dress code but were denied. Gilbert Cruz, an employee in Aurora, Illinois, requested $10 for the cost of removing a nose piercing.

Worker-led lawsuits in state courts are a shift in tactics in the multi-year effort to unionise Starbucks stores.

Starbucks Workers United, the labour group that has unionised 640 of Starbucks 10,000 company-owned US stores, has filed hundreds of unfair labour practice charges against Starbucks with the National Labour Relations Board. The union filed a charge over the dress code in April.

But the board's ability to hear cases has been curtailed under president Donald Trump. Trump fired an NLRB member in the spring, leaving the board without the quorum it needs to decide cases.
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Donald Trumps UK state visit coincided with an announcement that US firms will invest round 150 billion into the UK.

The trip comes amid a key period for global trade, after the US presidents tariff plans led to significant trade tensions earlier this year.

Firms in some sectors have announced fresh commitments to pump billions into the UK, in a potential boost for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

However, some industries criticised a lack of trade deal support and tough investment conditions in the UK.

So, which sectors have been winners and losers this week:

Winners

Tech

open image in gallery Trump and Starmer held a joint press conference at Chequers on Thursday ( LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Technology firms have been at the forefront of the major investment deals into the UK.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump announced a tech prosperity deal will see the UK and US co-operate in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and nuclear power.

Americas top technology companies announced 31 billion of investment alongside the announcement.

These included a commitment by Microsoft to invest 22 billion in the UK to fund an expansion of Britains AI infrastructure and the construction of the countrys largest AI supercomputer.

Nvidia boss Jensen Huang hailed a big week for AI in the UK as the US chip giant committed to supporting the development of the supercomputer.

The firm agreed to deploy 120,000 advanced processors across the UK to help improve infrastructure across the British AI sector.

Google committed 5 billion of investment, focusing on improvements in research and development and AI infrastructure.

There was also a raft of smaller investments by tech companies including AI cloud computing company CoreWeave, Salesforce and AI Pathfinder.

Defence

US software company Palantir announced plans to invest 1.5 billion in the UKs defence sector, with funding going into the development of artificial intelligence-powered capabilities to speed up decision making, military planning and targeting.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the investment was a major vote of confidence for the UK.

Palantir said it plans to establish the UK as its European headquarters for defence, creating 350 high-skilled new jobs.

open image in gallery Defence Secretary John Healey and the CEO of software company Palantir Technologies Alex Karp signed a 1.5 billion investment deal on Thursday ( Lucy North/PA Wire )

Manufacturing and R&D

There were a number of investments such as 3.9 billion from Prologis to drive growth in life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

US engineering firm Stax committed 37 million to expand its operations and pioneer emission-reducing technology used at ports.

Infrastructure

Private equity giant Blackstone said it plans to invest around 100 billion into assets in the UK over the next decade, in the single largest investment commitment.

This includes 10 billion of previously announced investment into its UK data centres.

Nuclear engineering company Amentum confirmed a 150 million investment in the UK and said it plans to create more than 3,000 new jobs, to increase its UK workforce by over 50 per cent over the next four years.

X-Energy and Centrica also said they plan to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors.

Losers

Steel

The steel industry was among the main sectors left disappointed by the presidents visit.

Plans for US tariffs on UK steel exports to be scrapped have been shelved, with the UK pausing its push to bring the levy down to zero.

UK steel exports to the US currently face a 25 per cent tariff, compared with 50 per cent for other nations.

Earlier this year, the UK and the US agreed for some UK steel to be exempt from tariffs.

Gareth Stace, director-general of industry trade association UK Steel, said it was disappointing.

Pharmaceuticals

As part of investments between the countries, UK pharmaceutical giant GSK revealed plans to put nearly 22 billion into US R&D and manufacturing over the next five years.

The government said the deal will strengthen UK-US life sciences ties but it comes amid a challenging backdrop for investment for the sector in the UK.

Last week, US-based Merck said its UK operation will scrap plans for a 1 billion site in Kings Cross, which had been due to open in 2027.

Bosses blamed the government for paying too little for medicines and not investing enough in the sector, as it confirmed the move, which will impact around 125 jobs.

Days later, AstraZeneca announced it had paused plans to invest 200 million at a Cambridge research site in the latest major blow for the sector.

Industry bosses told MPs this week that the difficult environment in the UK and pressure on pricing had made the UK a less attractive investment environment than other countries such as the US.

Mr Trump told reporters on Thursday that pharmaceutical firms were coming back to the US from other countries.

Car companies are moving in, AI is moving in, everybodys coming in The drug companies are coming back, they all want to be there  they sort of have to be there  but they all want to be there.
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Scientists have unearthed prehistoric insects preserved in amber in South America for the first time, offering an unprecedented glimpse into a pivotal era when flowering plants began to flourish globally.

The remarkable specimens, discovered at a sandstone quarry in Ecuador, date back 112 million years, according to Fabiany Herrera, curator of fossil plants at the Field Museum in Chicago and co-author of the study published in Communications Earth and Environment.

This finding is particularly significant as almost all known amber deposits from the past 130 million years have been located in the Northern Hemisphere.

David Grimaldi, an entomologist at the American Museum of Natural History, who was not involved in the discovery, described the scarcity in southern regions, once part of the supercontinent Gondwana, as "an enigma".

Ricardo Perez-de la Fuente, a paleoentomologist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, also not involved, highlighted that this marks the first identification of ancient beetles, flies, ants, and wasps in fossilised tree resin from South America.

He added that "Amber pieces are little windows into the past," and this discovery will aid researchers in understanding the evolving interactions between flowering plants and insects during the age of dinosaurs.

open image in gallery Many of the specimens found at a sandstone quarry in Ecuador date to 112 million years ago, said Fabiany Herrera, curator of fossil plants at the Field Museum in Chicago ( Monica Solorzano-Kraemer )

Hundreds of amber fragments, some containing these ancient insects, along with pollen and tree leaves, were recovered from the Ecuadorian quarry, situated on the edge of what is now the Amazon basin.

But todays rainforest is much different from what dinosaurs roamed through, Herrera said. Based on an analysis of fossils in the amber, the ancient rainforest contained species of ferns and conifers, including the unusual Monkey Puzzle Tree, that no longer grow in Amazonia.

It was a different kind of forest, said Herrera.

The amber deposits were previously known to geologists and miners who worked at the Genoveva quarry. Study co-author Carlos Jaramillo at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute first heard of them about a decade ago and set out to find the exact location, aided by geology field notes.

open image in gallery A Diptera Brachycera fly of the family Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies) trapped in a Cretaceous-era amber sample discovered in Ecuador ( Monica Solorzano-Kraemer )

I went there and realized this place is amazing, Jaramillo said. Theres so much amber in the mines, and its more visible in the open quarry than it would be if hidden under dense layers of vegetation.

Researchers will continue to analyze the amber trove to learn more about Cretaceous-era biodiversity -- including the insects that contributed to evolution by feeding on flowering plants. Amber tends to preserve things that are tiny, said Grimaldi.

Its the time when the relationship between flowering plants and insects got started, said Perez-de la Fuente. And that turned out to be one of the most successful partnerships in nature.
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Two men and a woman have been arrested in Essex on suspicion of assisting the Russian intelligence service, the Metropolitan Police said.

The Metropolitan Police said the trio, two men aged 41 and 46, and a 35-year-old woman, were arrested at two separate addresses in Grays on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service and taken to a police station in London.

The Met added: The country to which the allegations relate is Russia.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Counter Terrorism Command, said: Through our recent national security casework, were seeing an increasing number of who we would describe as proxies being recruited by foreign intelligence services.

Indeed, two young British men are awaiting sentencing after they were recruited by the Wagner Group  effectively the Russian state  to carry out an arson at a Ukrainian-linked warehouse.

They are facing potentially lengthy custodial sentences, although, to be clear, todays arrests are in no way connected to that investigation.

But anyone who might be contacted by and tempted into carrying out criminal activity on behalf of a foreign state here in the UK should think again.

This kind of activity will be investigated and anyone found to be involved can expect to be prosecuted and there are potentially very serious consequences for those who are convicted.

All three have been bailed while the investigation continues.

Scotland Yard said it would not disclose the nationalities of those involved.
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Author Sally Rooney has been told that she can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest over her support for Palestine Action.

The group was proscribed as a terror organisation in July, making supporting it illegal.

The designation from the government came after the group claimed responsibility for damaging two planes at RAF Brize Norton in June.

Rooney, known for the bestsellers Normal People, Conversations with Friends, and Intermezzo, said she would continue to support Palestine Action, despite the ban.

The Irish writer took out a Sky Arts Award for literature, but was not present at the ceremony in London.

However, her editor, Alex Bowler from Faber, read out a message from her.

Sally Rooney has publicly pledged her support for Palestine Action ( Alamy/PA )

Im so touched and grateful to receive this prize. I truly loved writing Intermezzo, and it means the world to me to think that it has found some small place in the lives of its readers. Thank you, it said.

I wish that I could be with you this evening to accept the honour in person, but because of my support for non-violent anti-war protest, Im advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest.

In that context, I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine. Thank you.

In August, Downing Street warned that Rooney risked committing a terrorist offence after the award-winning author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations to support the group, in a piece for The Irish Times.

She provided support for a legal claim by Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, against the Home Office over the decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Earlier in the month, almost 900 demonstrators were arrested at a central London rally protesting against the ban.
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Four men who were arrested after images of Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein were projected on to Windsor Castle have been bailed, police said.

A 60-year-old man from East Sussex, a 36-year-old man from London, a 37-year-old man from Kent and a 50-year-old man from London were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications on Tuesday night after the stunt at the Berkshire royal residence, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said.

They were released on conditional bail on Wednesday night until December 12 while inquiries continue, according to the force.

Those arrested are being investigated for a number of possible offences including malicious communications and public nuisance, a spokesperson for TVP said.

The nine-minute film created by British political campaign group Led By Donkeys went over the history of the US presidents links to Epstein, including the recent release by US legislators of documents said to include a letter from Mr Trump to the paedophile financier to celebrate his 50th birthday.

The film was projected from a hotel room with a direct view over the castle as an act of peaceful protest, a spokesperson for the campaign group said on Wednesday.

open image in gallery The nine-minute film created by British political campaign group Led By Donkeys went over the history of the US presidents links to Epstein ( REUTERS/Phil Noble )

My colleagues were arrested for malicious communications, which seems ridiculous, because weve done 25 or 30 projections before, no-ones ever been arrested, a spokesperson said.

So suddenly, because its Trump, you get this reaction, which is surprising, disappointing and very heavy-handed from police.

I think theyve been arrested for embarrassing Donald Trump.

Lord Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union, said the arrests were an excuse to get them (Led By Donkeys) out of the way.

He said: I dont think the four members of Led By Donkeys should have been arrested and Id be amazed if the police charge them with an offence under the Malicious Communications Act. That was just an excuse to get them out of the way.

Donald Trump is known to be concerned about the erosion of free speech in this country and by arresting these protesters the police are demonstrating why he should be concerned.

open image in gallery The images of Trump and Epstein on Windsor Castle ( Led by Donkeys/PA Wire )

If we have a proud tradition of free speech in this country, as Sir Keir Starmer said at the joint press conference, the police would have allowed this protest to go ahead. The fact that they didnt proves that tradition is in danger of being forgotten.

The King and Queen welcomed the US president and his wife Melania at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Mr Trump paid tribute to Americas relationship with the UK during a banquet staged in his honour, saying the word special does not begin to do it justice.

There were no public-facing elements during Mr Trumps engagements, with security paramount for the 47th US president  who has faced two assassination attempts in just over a year  in the wake of the killing of his ally Charlie Kirk.

In central London thousands marched in protest against the US leaders historic second state visit.

Some held banners which read No to the racism, no to Trump, while others carried smaller versions of the Trump baby blimp, a 20ft iteration which became a symbol of demonstration during the presidents first UK state visit in 2019.
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People are far more likely to engage in deception when they are using artificial intelligence (AI), a new study has found.

Scientists from a research institute in Berlin found that when people delegated tasks or gave prompts to AI, a majority of them were comfortable in instructing it to lie.

Dr Sandra Wachter, professor of technology and regulation at the University of Oxford, said worrying consequences can arise if people are more likely to engage in unethical behaviour when using AI.

She said: We have to carefully think about how, if and when we deploy AI in high-risk areas such as finance, health, education, or business, especially since the actions of individual people can have massive consequences for others and society as a whole.

If people can cheat their way through an exam at medical, business or law school, not only are people not learning the craft properly, they are also more likely to hurt others by giving bad legal, medical or business advice.

open image in gallery In one study, 85 per cent of people engaged in deception ( Alamy/PA )

The research, which was conducted across 13 studies and involved more than 8,000 participants, focused on how people gave instructions to AI.

It found that around 85 per cent of people lied, despite 95 per cent of them being honest when they were not engaging with machines.

Zoe Rahwan, an author of the study from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, said: Using AI creates a convenient moral distance between people and their actionsit can induce them to request behaviours they wouldnt necessarily engage in themselves, nor potentially request from other humans.

Scientists employed the widely used die-roll task, in which participants observe and report the outcome of a rolled die, getting paid more for each higher roll. The researchers analysed what happened when people delegated the task of reporting the roll to AI.

open image in gallery There are growing concerns about the number of students that employing AI to assist their education ( AP )

In one instance, participants had to select a priority for the AI on a seven-point scale, from maximise accuracy to maximise profit. Around 85 per cent of people engaged in dishonesty, and between a third and a half of participants told the AI to cheat to the fullest extent.

They also had participants perform the task without machine involvement, in which almost all participants reported the die roll honestly.

Previous research shows people have a greater tendency to lie when they can distance themselves from the consequences. It's easier to bend or break the rules when no one is watchingor when someone else carries out the act, the new study said.

Researcher Nils Kobis said: Our study shows that people are more willing to engage in unethical behaviour when they can delegate it to machinesespecially when they don't have to say it outright.

Professor Iyad Rahwan, the studys co-author, added: Our findings clearly show that we urgently need to further develop technical safeguards and regulatory frameworks.

But more than that, society needs to confront what it means to share moral responsibility with machines.
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Asian hornets now pose a significant threat to the UKs native honeybees, experts have warned, after sightings rose drastically this summer.

This invasive species is indigenous to Southeast Asia and its growing unregulated population is concerning to UK wildlife ecosystems. Latest figures show that there were 429 credible sightings and 112 nests, as of September 11, reported by the National Bee Unit (NBU) in the UK.

This is an increase from last year, when there were 71 credible sightings and 24 nests found and from 2023, when there were 72 sightings and 56 nests located.

A hornets nest can contain thousands of insects, with a particularly large one having the potential to house 5,000 to 6,000.

There have been a total of 191 confirmed nests of yellow-legged hornets since 2016, all of which have been destroyed, according to the government.

Asian hornets can be deadly to honey bees, as they typically ambush them as the outside of the bees hive before tackling them. They tend to decapitate them and fly the protein rich body back to their nest to feed their young.

The insects only predator is the European honey buzzard, which does not currently live in the UK and so there is nothing capping the numbers.

( NNSS )

The hornets have been overwintering across the last three years in the UK and Ireland and tend to be active this time of year. They have been most commonly spotted in Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, East and West Sussex, as well as further north in Yorkshire and Cheshire.

Sophie Gray, a researcher from the University of Southampton on the acoustics of hornets said: The main issue with Asian hornets is that they are omnivorous and feed on a wide range of pollinators to feed protein to their young, especially honeybees. One nest of Asian hornets can destroy an entire beehive in two to three days.

The species is distinctive for their noticeably yellow legs and distinguished by their yellow face, black head, velvety black or brown thorax, brown abdomen with yellow stripes and one orange stripe. The worker hornets are approximately 20mm long, whilst males are 25mm and queens are 30mm.
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An endangered bonobo, a primate which is considered the closest living relative of a human, has successfully given birth this week at a UK zoo.

The baby was welcomed into the world on 11 September at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire by first-time mother Yuli.

Bonobos, which share more than 98 per cent of DNA with humans, are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list of threatened species. Their population in the wild is deteriorating thanks to human dangers such as poaching and deforestation.

open image in gallery Twycross Zoo welcomed a baby bonobo into the world on 11 September ( Adam Kay )

This birth, therefore, marks a significant moment for global conservation efforts in preventing this species from going extinct. Twycross is the only UK zoo to care for this species and is home to 10 per cent of the European population.

Dr Rebecca Biddle, chief conservation officer at Twycross Zoo, spoke to The Independent and said: The birth of this endangered bonobo is a profoundly significant moment  a symbol of hope for one of the worlds most threatened great apes.

As one of our closest relatives, it is only right that we make every effort possible to ensure that they persist on this earth alongside us.

We can all make a difference in the conservation of a species, by supporting conservation charities and ensuring that we are making sustainable choices in our day to say lives.

open image in gallery The baby bonobo can already be seen by visitors, where he remains safely in his mothers arms ( Adam Kay )

The 11-year-old ape Yuli arrived at the zoo from Vallee Des Singes in France as part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria conservation programme in 2023. The programmes aim is to create a genetically diverse and healthy population of the species in zoo care, in support of their wild counterparts.

Twycross zoo also collaborates with their global partner Friends of Bonobos in The Democratic Republic of the Congo, who work tirelessly to protect, rescue, rehabilitate and reintroduce bonobos in their native habitats within the Congo rainforest. They also support their work with communities within the bonobo range to reduce illegal bushmeat hunting  one of the greatest threats alongside habitat destruction, to the survival of the bonobo.

Bonobos are fascinating creatures because they uniquely live in matriarchal societies, unlike other primate structures, which are usually dominated by a male leader.

The baby bonobo can already be seen by visitors, where he remains safely in his mothers arms, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the rarest newborns in the world, the zoo said.
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Watch live as Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer hold a joint press conference on the final day of the US presidents trip to the UK on Thursday, 18 September.

Mr Trumps unprecedented second state visit has been accompanied by Sir Keir announcing the prospect of some 150 billion flowing into the UK from big US companies such as Blackstone and Palantir overnight.

Sir Keir praised my friend, our friend, President Trump as the pair signed a historic tech investment deal following the crunch business meeting.

Mr Trump and the UK prime minister exchanged warm pleasantries about each other and the bond between the two countries.

Talks between the two world leaders will culminate in a news conference on Thursday afternoon, which could overshadow the carefully-planned pageantry designed to reinforce the US and UK's special relationship.

Sir Keir is hosting Mr Trump at his grace and favour official residence as the UK continues attempts to woo the US.

The PM will hope to focus on the strength of renewed transatlantic ties, with talks on trade, investment and foreign policy expected  but both sides are facing difficult questions.

The two leaders will face the press in a joint news conference, with some big and potentially awkward topics expected to be raised, from Jeffrey Epstein to the UKs stance on Israel.

Talks come after King Charles III and Mr Trump hailed the special relationship between the US and UK during speeches at a lavish state banquet in Windsor Castle last night.
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Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has been accused of putting lives at risk after she claimed asylum seekers were using modern slavery laws to submit vexatious, last-minute legal claims.

Ms Mahmood has vowed to review modern slavery legislation after the High Court blocked an asylum seekers removal from the UK under the one in, one out deal with France.

Ms Mahmood pledged that the deportations would still go ahead this week, and called a court decision to block the removal of an asylum seeker intolerable. She claimed that asylum seekers were making vexatious, last-minute claims and said they were claiming they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal.

But the independent anti-slavery commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, condemned the home secretarys comments, saying that they would have a real-life impact on victims of exploitation, who may now be more scared to come forward and talk about whats happened to them.

She said that both the House of Commons and the House of Lords select committees had looked at modern slavery claims in recent years and found there was no misuse of the system.

It puts vulnerable lives at risk when the home secretary is claiming that [this] is the case, Ms Lyons said.

It comes after the High Court granted a last-minute injunction to a 25-year-old Eritrean man on Tuesday evening, halting his removal on an early flight to Paris on Wednesday.

open image in gallery Shabana Mahmood has vowed to fight vexatious legal claims from asylum seekers attempting to halt their removal to France ( PA Wire )

Labour is under mounting pressure to demonstrate that the much-vaunted returns deal with France will actually work, after scheduled flights on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday left the UK without any migrants on board.

Ms Mahmood said that last-minute attempts to frustrate a removal are intolerable and added that she would fight them at every step, as she confirmed that the Home Office would appeal against the High Courts temporary block.

The judge has given the Eritrean asylum seeker, who is still in detention, 14 days to challenge a Home Office decision that he doesnt qualify for modern slavery support.

The man said he was a victim of trafficking in Libya and, as such, was entitled to help under the UKs National Referral Mechanism. He was given time to challenge the refusal after the Home Office conceded that he would not be able to pursue the claim from France.

Lawyers told the court that he would not be able to argue for modern slavery support from the streets of France and that there was a real risk he could be made destitute by being returned there.

However, Ms Mahmood said: Migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal, having never made such a claim before, make a mockery of our laws and this countrys generosity.

open image in gallery People may be scared to come forward: anti-slavery commissioner Eleanor Lyons has condemned the home secretarys comments ( PA Media )

She added: I will fight to end vexatious, last-minute claims. I will robustly defend the British publics priorities in any court.

Ms Lyons explained that experts are needed to spot worrying signs of trafficking or exploitation, with vulnerable asylum seekers often not opening up about their past as soon as they arrive in the UK.

She also explained that the evidence threshold for the Home Office to assess if someone is a modern slave is already very high, adding: Objective evidence has to be submitted.

Speaking about the case of the Eritrean asylum seeker, government minister Liz Kendall said on Wednesday that this is one person and insisted that the case is not going to undermine the fundamental basis of this deal.

But Labour MP Nadia Whittome condemned the scheme as a ridiculous policy that would be more at home in a Reform manifesto. She described the plan as unworkable, cruel and unfair.

You can deport all the immigrants you want, but its not going to improve peoples living standards, she added.

open image in gallery Migrants wade in deep water to board a dinghy off the coast of France last month ( Getty )

Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, compared the scheme to the Tories failed plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, saying: Starmers one in, one out deal is a complete shambles; morally and practically, its Rwanda [mark two]. He took it straight from the far-right playbook, boosting Reform talking points and emboldening fascists marching on our streets this weekend.

She warned that Labour cant out-Reform Reform, and we shouldnt try.

Further migrants had been due to be removed to France on Wednesday and throughout the week, but the scheme is now in jeopardy, with the Home Office refusing to give details of when the first deportations might take place.

Charity Detention Action  currently supporting 28 people detained under the UK-France returns deal  said that four of them had removals directions scheduled between Monday and Wednesday, which were all cancelled or deferred with no further date set.

Two people the charity are supporting have their removals scheduled for later this week or early next week. Of the 28, seven people have indicators of human trafficking, but only one has been referred so far for modern slavery support.

A French interior ministry spokesperson has said that the first migrants are still expected to arrive in France this week, and that the first people to be sent in exchange will arrive in the UK on Saturday.

open image in gallery Migrants in Calais are warned that the new deal could see them deported if they cross the Channel ( Calais Food Collective )

It comes as new signs have been put up around Calais warning asylum seekers that the new treaty is now in force.

The posters, distributed by the British and French governments, warn: If you arrive in the UK by small boat illegally, you now risk being deported and will not be eligible to re-enter the UK nor remain in France without the legal right to.

Lachlan Macrae, from the group Calais Food Collective, which supports migrants in northern France with food and water, said: Many people have specific circumstances relating to torture and trauma in other countries, which means that they would likely bring challenges in the court for any deportation. However, that doesnt mean that this [messaging] is not affecting people.

Just like the Rwanda scheme, its causing fear and confusion. Every day, people come up and ask about the scheme. Its a form of weaponised uncertainty.

Sile Reynolds, head of asylum advocacy at charity Freedom from Torture, said that rushing deportations to France denies people a fair hearing and the chance to evidence their vulnerability, as the High Courts recent decision to delay the removal of one young survivor of trafficking clearly shows.
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The first migrant has been deported to France under Sir Keir Starmers one in, one out deal.

The man, who arrived in the UK on a small boat in August, was flown into Paris from Heathrow on Thursday morning.

The first arrivals to the UK from France under the scheme are expected in the coming days, with more deportation flights due this week and next.

The news comes after the home secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed to review modern slavery laws after the High Court blocked an Eritrean asylum seekers removal from the UK under the deal.

The deportation, which was first reported by The Telegraph, follows three days of failed attempts by the Home Office to remove migrants under the scheme.

The migrant is from India, and French officials are expecting to receive another migrant under the scheme later today, the paper reported.

open image in gallery The UK Border Force vessel Ranger brings migrants into Dover port who were intercepted crossing the English Channel on 6 August ( Getty )

Officials reportedly requested an Indian national, as France has an agreement with India to accept enforced returns. The UK-France returns pilot will initially run until June 2026.

Announcing the news of the first return to France, home secretary Ms Mahmood said: This is an important first step to securing our borders. It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Labour must come clean and clarify whether the removal was voluntary. He added: Since Labour announced their returns deal 9,909 illegal immigrants have crossed the Channel, and we are supposed to celebrate one solitary return?

Labour must come clean. Was this removal voluntary? How many are we taking from France? And how much taxpayers money has already been wasted on empty flights?

It comes after the High Court granted a last-minute injunction to a 25-year-old Eritrean man on Tuesday evening, halting his removal on an early flight to Paris on Wednesday. A second asylum seeker also sought to halt their deportation at the High Court on Thursday.

Ms Mahmood said that last-minute attempts to frustrate a removal are intolerable and added that she would fight them at every step, as she confirmed that the Home Office would appeal against the High Courts temporary block.

The appeal will seek to limit the amount of time a person has to provide evidence to challenge their negative modern slavery decision. The Home Office is also undertaking a rapid review of modern slavery legislation to prevent its misuse.

Asylum seekers due for removal under Sir Keir Starmers one in, one out deal with France will be blocked from challenging Home Office decisions about their modern slavery claims after official guidance was quietly changed overnight.

The home secretary has changed the modern slavery statutory guidance so that asylum seekers who the Home Office wish to deport to France will not be able to ask for their negative decisions to be reviewed.

Instead, if they want to challenge the decision, their only recourse will be via legal action from another country, including France.

The home secretary said that asylum seekers were making vexatious, last-minute modern slavery claims. But the independent anti-slavery commissioner Eleanor Lyons condemned Ms Mahmoods comments, saying they would put lives at risk.

open image in gallery Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has vowed to review modern slavery legislation after an Eritrean asylum seeker was granted a temporary block on his deportation to France ( PA )

Several asylum seekers who were due to be deported under the one in, one out scheme this week have had their removal directions removed after they sent pre-action legal letters to the Home Office.

The Home Office has agreed to review some cases of those in detention.

Charity Detention Action  currently supporting 28 people detained under the UK-France returns deal  said that four of them had removal directions scheduled between Monday and Wednesday, which were all cancelled or deferred with no further date set.

Two people the charity is supporting have their removals scheduled for later this week or early next week. Of the 28, seven people have indicators of human trafficking, but only one has been referred so far for modern slavery support.

open image in gallery A small boat arrives to collect more migrant families from the beach on 12 August 12 in France ( Getty )

Enver Solomon, CEO at the Refugee Council, said that, while the UK-France deal is workable, it still needs to be run in a fair and competent way.

He added: It is vital that survivors of trafficking and torture, as well as children, are not put on these flights and everyone is given the opportunity to make their case about why they shouldnt be returned to France.

Kolbassia Haoussou, at the charity Freedom from Torture, also criticised Ms Mahmoods modern slavery comments, saying: As a survivor of torture, I know just how harmful it is to dismiss late asylum disclosures as vexatious. Trauma, fear and a hostile system silence people, not dishonesty.

I stayed silent at first because I didnt feel safe. Only with proper legal advice could I finally share the truth.
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An Eritrean man is set to be deported to France under Sir Keir Starmers one in, one out scheme on Friday after a last-minute legal bid failed.

The High Court ruling came just hours after the Home Office returned the first migrant under the deal.

The Eritrean man, who has not been identified in court proceedings, is due to be deported at 6:15am on Friday. The man said he is a victim of trafficking, but the Home Office argued there was not enough evidence for him to qualify for modern slavery support.

Siding with the Home Office, Mr Justice Sheldon said he did not accept the argument that the migrant had been denied procedural fairness due to the speed of his trafficking claim decision.

In my view, the secretary of state did have sufficient information to make the reconsideration decision, he said on Thursday afternoon. Mr Justice Sheldon said it was open to the home secretary to conclude that the Eritreans account of his modern slavery couldnt reasonably be believed.

The judge said it was clear that the migrant would have the opportunity to submit a trafficking claim in France.

A preliminary doctors report indicated that the asylum seeker could be a victim of trafficking because of the route that he took through Libya, Sonali Naik KC told the court on behalf of the migrant.

The Eritrean has said that he was kidnapped and forced to work in Libya, the court heard. The Home Office said that France can consider claims from people who say they were trafficked outside of France.

open image in gallery Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said that the first removal of a migrant to France on Thursday was an important first step ( PA )

Ms Naik KC said that the scheme set up to deal with modern slavery victims in France is not equivalent to the UKs support scheme, called the National Referral Mechanism.

The case comes after the first migrant was removed under the UK-France treaty, landing in Paris on Thursday morning. Announcing the news of the return, home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: This is an important first step to securing our borders. It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Labour must come clean and clarify whether the removal was voluntary. He added: Since Labour announced their returns deal 9,909 illegal immigrants have crossed the Channel, and we are supposed to celebrate one solitary return?

Another Eritrean asylum seeker succeeded in halting his deportation to France on Tuesday evening after a High Court judge allowed him time to respond to a negative modern slavery decision.

The Home Office had decided that there wasnt enough evidence that the 25-year-old Eritrean was a victim of trafficking, but the judge allowed him 14 days to attempt to rebuff the decision.

In a bid to prevent further delays, asylum seekers due for removal under the one in, one out deal with France will be blocked from challenging Home Office decisions about their modern slavery claims after the home secretary changed the modern slavery statutory guidance.

open image in gallery The UK Border Force vessel 'Ranger' brings migrants into Dover port who were intercepted crossing the English Channel ( Getty )

Instead, if they want to challenge the decision, their only recourse will be via legal action from another country, including France.

However Ms Naik KC, for the Eritrean man, told the High Court on Thursday that the change was made too late to apply to Thursdays case and also it made the situation more grave, as theres no coming back if the man is sent to France.

All the more important is the remedy now... because theres no reconsideration. Once youre gone, youre gone, she said.

Sian Reeves, representing the Home Office, said that France had a mirror approach to the UK in handling modern slavery claims. The trafficking claim can be investigated in France. His rights are protected in France, she added.

Charity Medical Justice, who have been providing support to asylum seekers detained under the France scheme, said that removal directions for five of their clients have been cancelled so far.

Detention Action  currently supporting 28 people detained under the UK-France returns deal  said that four of them had removal directions scheduled between Monday and Wednesday, which were all cancelled or deferred with no further date set.

Two people the charity is supporting have their removals scheduled for later this week or early next week. Of the 28, seven people have indicators of human trafficking, but only one has been referred so far for modern slavery support.

A spokesperson for Medical Justice said: The vast majority of our clients detained for the one-in one-out have histories of trauma, such as torture and trafficking which are common amongst those taking the perilous journeys from their countries.

Disclosure is not aided by our clients having been interviewed in the middle of the night; they are disorientated after many hours of having no sleep and no food, shortly after an often distressing journey across the Channel. Unsurprisingly, these terrible conditions may affect responses to questions in interview.

They added that vulnerable asylum seekers often dont recognise the terminology used in interviews.
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Asylum seekers due for removal under Sir Keir Starmers one in, one out deal with France will be blocked from challenging Home Office decisions about their modern slavery claims after official guidance was quietly changed overnight.

Some migrants served with deportation notices to France have been referred for modern slavery support in the UK after they made claims about being trafficked.

An Eritrean asylum seeker, who had been due to be flown to France on Wednesday, succeeded in obtaining a High Court injunction against his removal after the Home Office conceded he would need time to rebut a decision made over his modern slavery claim.

The 25-year-old had been referred for modern slavery support after he said he was trafficked into forced labour in Libya. Home Office officials rejected his statement and said he did not have enough evidence of trafficking, but told the High Court on Tuesday that the migrant could ask for a review of this decision.

A judge granted the Eritrean 14 days to submit further evidence for the review of the negative decision and paused his removal from the UK.

Now, the home secretary has changed the modern slavery statutory guidance so that asylum seekers who the Home Office wish to deport to France will not be able to ask for their negative decisions to be reviewed.

Instead, if they want to challenge the decision, their only recourse will be via legal action from another country, including France.

The UK Border Force vessel Ranger brings migrants into Dover port who were intercepted crossing the English Channel last month ( Getty )

The updated guidance says this will apply to people who have received a negative modern slavery decision and where the secretary of state intends to remove that individual to a country that is a signatory to the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT) and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The new guidance adds: For example, this may include individuals who have been served a notice or decision that informs an individual we are considering removing them to a country which is a signatory of ECAT and ECHR.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered a rapid review of modern slavery laws following the High Courts ruling on Wednesday.

It comes as the first migrant was deported to France under the scheme on Thursday morning. Announcing the news of the first return, Ms Mahmood said: This is an important first step to securing our borders. It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you.

People who are suspected of being modern slavery victims are referred by charities, Border Force, police and other agencies for support under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).

Home Office officials then assess each referral, initially to decide if there are reasonable grounds to suggest that the person is a modern slavery victim. A final decision, called a conclusive grounds decision, is then made on whether they are a victim of trafficking.

Under the Conservatives, the evidential threshold for victims of modern slavery was toughened up, making it harder for people to be recognised as victims.

In 2024, 19,125 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the Home Office, of which 31 per cent were children and 23 per cent were British nationals.

A Home Office spokesperson said: The home secretary has been clear, we will end vexatious, last-minute claims from illegal migrants trying to avoid deportation. We have updated our reconsideration policy on modern slavery decisions so that illegal migrants cannot take advantage of this countrys generosity.

We are also reviewing the UKs modern slavery system to stop irregular migrants from misusing the system whilst ensuring we have the right protections for those who need it.
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Donald Trump piled on the praise for King Charles and Prince William during his state banquet speech - while making no mention of Prince Harry.

The US president arrived in the UK on Tuesday and met members of the royal family on Wednesday in a ceremony of pomp and pageantry.

His historic second state visit included a state banquet at St Georges Hall in Windsor Castle. Mr Trumps first state visit in 2019 is estimated to have cost the taxpayers 5 million, and Mr Trump said he hopes this state visit will be the last.

During last nights dinner, Mr Trump said the King has uplifted the poor, cared for rural farmers and tended to wounded veterans like nobody else.

open image in gallery Donald Trump piled on the praise for King Charles and Prince William during his state banquet speech ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Mr Trump commended Prince William as really amazing, saying that His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales.

Harry and his extensive military achievements were absent from the conversation, despite the former captain spending a significant decade of his life serving in the British Army and founding the Invictus Games in 2014 for wounded and sick veterans.

The Duke of Sussex was in Ukraine just last week, discussing improvements for supporting returning military personnel who have suffered life-changing injuries.

open image in gallery Harry, pictured in 2012, was in the military for 10 years ( PA Archive )

open image in gallery The Duke of Sussex was in Ukraine just last week, discussing improvements for supporting returning military personnel who have suffered life-changing injuries ( AFP via Getty Images )

The 47th American president seemed to favour Prince William, and said: Weve gotten to know you and I think youre going to have an unbelievable success in future.

Mr Trump complimented his wife Kate, the Princess of Wales, stating: Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful.

open image in gallery Mr Trump complimented the Princess of Wales for her appearance ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

In comparison, Mr Trump has been publicly critical of Harry and his wife Meghan Markle in the past, accusing them of treating the late Queen Elizabeth II very disrespectfully.

The couple no longer hold their titles as working royals and relocated to a home in California.

However, the US president ruled out the idea of deporting Harry after it was alleged that drug use referenced in his memoir Spare could have disqualified him from a US visa.

Ms Markle has previously referred to Mr Trump as divisive and a misogynist.

open image in gallery Mr Trump has been publicly critical of Harry and his wife Meghan Markle in the past ( Getty Images )

Prince Harry visited the UK last week on a solo trip where he attended a series of charitable events, including WellChild, Children in Need, and his own Invictus Games Foundation. Harry then travelled to Ukraine before returning to California long before Mr Trumps arrival.

Mr Trump also sang the praises of British pageantry during his speech, adding: Seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice.

He celebrated that we're joined by history and faith, by love and language and by transcendent ties of culture, tradition, ancestry and destiny.

He also played on the special relationship between the UK and the US: We're like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same poem, each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.
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A state reception dinner for British right-wingers descended into a bust-up between Boris Johnson and other senior Tories over the partys record in government.

In an astonishing turn of events, a witness described real anger as the meeting of minds led to a spat between Liz Truss, Mr Johnson and his former boss, broadcaster Andrew Neil.

The event, at the luxury Peninsula hotel in Londons Mayfair, was hosted by US broadcaster Newsmax and included guests of honour Marco Rubio and US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent. Both are in the UK for Donald Trumps state visit.

open image in gallery Boris Johnson mounted a robust defence of his record as PM ( PA )

Nigel Farage and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg were also there representing the right of British politics.

After canapes, Mr Farage and the US cabinet members left, before the rest of the guests, who also included Sir Sajid Javid and Mark Harper, were treated to dinner.

Mr Johnson then gave a speech defending his record on Brexit, and it was at this point that a witness said tensions were evident over the last governments record. Right-wing critics have rounded on Mr Johnson for overseeing mass migration into Britain as PM, with Reform UK dubbing it the Boris wave of migration.

The witness told The Telegraph that tensions came to a head when former transport secretary Lord Harper raised the need for welfare reform and immigration control, before being rebuked by broadcaster Mr Neil about why the Tories had not done so in power.

open image in gallery Broadcaster Neil reportedly clashed with Johnson ( PA )

The witness added: At that point, Boris robustly defended his governments record. Boris argued that Brexit gives us powers to reduce immigration if we wish, and said he did reduce it. He also said we shouldnt bash the contribution migrants make to Britain.

There was a robust exchange of views, and everyone defended themselves well, but real anger is obvious. The Reform attendees were of the view that this is why the Conservatives dont function well as a party any more.

Sir Jacob reportedly attempted to make peace between Tory critics supporting Reform and those defending the Conservatives record, apparently believing the two parties should work together.

Mr Neil has long been critical of the former PM after his stint as Mr Johnsons boss at The Spectator magazine.

A series of scandals erupted at the weekly publication under Mr Johnsons editorship, including several affairs leading to it being dubbed the Sextator.

More recently, Mr Neil delivered a scathing verdict on Mr Johnsons trustworthiness after he failed to submit to a BBC grilling before the 2019 general election and was the only major party leader not to do so.

In a damning monologue, he said: The theme running through our questions is trust.

And why, so many times in his career in politics and journalism, critics and sometimes even those close to him have deemed him to be untrustworthy. It is of course relevant to what he is promising us all now.

The latest row between the pair came after a week in which Mr Farage welcomed a fresh handful of defectors to Reform UK, with high-profile former Tories Maria Caulfield and Danny Kruger joining the party.

Mr Kruger became the first sitting MP to defect to the party, while Ms Caulfield became the 13th former Tory MP to join Mr Farages ranks.

As he left, Mr Kruger urged other Tory MPs to join him in Mr Farages party, saying: I would hope that colleagues who share my view about the crisis the country is in [recognise] the opportunity that Reform offers to save our country.

Ms Caulfield, meanwhile, told GB News: If you are Conservative right-minded, then the future is Reform.
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Donald Trump has told Sir Keir Starmer he needs to use the military to end the small boats crisis, warning illegal migration can destroy countries.

After a day of talks, the US president offered his advice in a blockbuster press conference that rounded off his historic second state visit.

Standing in the Great Hall of Chequers, the prime ministers country residence, the leaders emphasised their positive relationship and the unbreakable bond between their countries as they basked in their 150bn technology partnership deal, which they say will allow the UK and US to shape the world this century like we shaped the world in the last century.

open image in gallery Trump and Starmer address the press at Chequers ( Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street )

But there were small signs of tension, with Mr Trump admitting Britains plan to recognise Palestine was one of the few things we disagree on.

In their wide-ranging, 45-minute news conference:

Mr Trump said Vladimir Putin really let me down as Sir Keir insisted both the UK and the US are ramping up pressure on Russia

Mr Trump urged Britain to exploit North Sea oil and gas, repeating his drill, baby drill mantra and dismissing wind power as an expensive joke

Both leaders refused to be drawn on the Peter Mandelson scandal, with the president claiming: I dont really know him

It came as the Home Office finally managed to deport an illegal migrant as part of Britains one in, one out returns deal with France  but was almost immediately hit with more legal delays from the courts on another planned deportation.

Mr Trump, who appeared tired after a packed two days on his state visit, said: I told the prime minister I would stop it. It doesn't matter if you pull out the military.

He said that his administration had prevented millions coming over the border, adding that migration destroys countries from within.

We had millions of people coming in, totally unchecked, totally undetected from the Biden administration, he told reporters. [About] 25 million, in my opinion, that would be about 25 million. They came from prisons. They came from mental institutions. They were gang members ... they came from everywhere.

Turning to Sir Keir, he added: I think your situation is very similar. You have people coming in and I told the prime minister I would stop it, and it doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use.

"It destroys countries from within, and we're actually now removing a lot of the people that came into our country."

The prime minister said illegal migration was an issue his government had been taking "incredibly seriously".

It is important we're able to prove it can be done before starting successfully to roll [the scheme] out as we planned.

With Melania Trump and Lady Victoria Starmer looking on, the body language between the two men after a day of talks was warm.

Mr Trump tried to bolster a prime minister beleaguered by domestic criticism, including from Labour MPs, by praising his negotiations on trade, saying: Hes a very tough negotiator. I think he got a better deal than we did.

open image in gallery Trump had advice for Starmer ( AP )

Sir Keir appeared to be energised after signing the tech partnership deal.

But while Mr Trump avoided referencing his personal concerns over free speech in the UK, he did not hide his disapproval of British policies on energy and climate change, and the Middle East crisis.

However, Sir Keir launched an impassioned defence of free speech in the UK against criticisms of laws to tackle online hate.

He said: "Free speech is one of the founding values of the United Kingdom, and we protect it jealously and fiercely and always will. And we will bear down on any limits of free speech.

"I draw a limit between free speech and the speech of those that want to peddle paedophilia and suicide [on] social media to children.

"And therefore I'm all for free speech. I'm also for protecting children from things that will harm them: paedophiles, those that peddle suicide, which has had a terrible consequence for individuals, particularly teenagers. And so that's the balance we strike."

But Mr Trump did make it clear that he does not agree with Sir Keir on his plan to recognise Palestine as a state. Although the president was visibly pleased when Sir Keir made it clear that Hamas will not play a part in the future [of Palestine], branding them terrorists.

Referencing Hamass attack in 2023 that triggered the war, he warned: I think people have forgotten what happened on October 7.

Mr Trump also made it clear he would not intervene to prevent further Israeli attacks on Gaza until all the hostages are released, adding: I will not accept piecemeal releases.

The press conference marked the end of a bumper state visit for the US president and first lady, while Sir Keir will undoubtedly be relieved that he managed to get through the two days without any major upsets.

Now the prime ministers attention will turn to the decision to recognise Palestinian statehood, which could come as early as Friday, ahead of a meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York next week.
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Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has backed potential Labour leadership challenger Andy Burnhams return to Westminster, in an apparent blow to Sir Keir Starmers authority.

The cabinet minister said that she loves the Labour politician, currently the Greater Manchester mayor, and would support him whatever he decides to do.

She also set out her support for key Burnham ally Lucy Powell in Labours upcoming deputy leadership contest.

open image in gallery Culture secretary Nandy said she loves Burnham ( PA )

Ms Nandy told LBC radio: I love Andy, and whatever he decides to do, Ill support him.

Hes been a fantastic champion for the North, and whether he wants to do that as the mayor of Greater Manchester or as a member of parliament, I think hes got an enormous contribution to make.

Her comments came just hours after Ms Powell hit out at Sir Keirs governments mistakes and unforced errors.

She is standing against Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary widely seen as Downing Streets pick to replace former party deputy leader Angela Rayner, who was forced to quit after she admitted she did not pay enough tax on her new home.

Ms Powell told the BBCs Political Thinking podcast: Some of the mistakes that weve made, or some of the unforced errors, have given a sense that were not on the side of ordinary people.

open image in gallery Andy Burnhams ally Lucy Powell is running to be the partys deputy leader ( PA )

She was sacked by Sir Keir in his reshuffle earlier this month  a move she said might have been because of the feedback she gave over issues including the governments aborted attempt to strip 5bn from the ballooning welfare bill.

As she set out her stall, Ms Powell, currently leading in the polls, urged the government to be clearer about wanting to scrap the two-child benefit cap, a significant issue for Labour members who will decide the contest.

Ms Nandy is the second cabinet minister to back Ms Powells bid to become Labours new deputy leader, after Ed Miliband also gave her his support.

Mr Burnham last week launched a new campaigning group within the party, Mainstream, which is calling for a change of direction in government and is seen by his supporters as a potential leadership vehicle.

Mr Burnham was an MP and a minister under the last Labour government, but he left parliament to become the mayor of Greater Manchester.

However, many MPs believe a return to Westminster could be imminent, with rumours swirling that a Manchester MP with health issues will stand down, allowing Mr Burnham to return to London by winning a by-election.

There is also speculation among some that Ms Powell, another Manchester MP, could try to swap jobs with Mr Burnham and seek to replace him as mayor.
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Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer were clearly on a mission to make each others lives easier at their joint press conference on Thursday.

Despite plenty of thorny topics threatening to cast a cloud over an otherwise successful state visit, both steered clear of sticking the boot in despite tricky questions being asked.

From Lord Mandelsons ties to Jeffrey Epstein to Vladimir Putins invasion of Russia, The Independent runs you through the key takeaways after the pairs media grilling.

Jeffrey Epstein

Perhaps the biggest risk for Sir Keir and Mr Trump was the scandal around Lord Mandelsons ties to the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The US president has his own historic links to the financier, and Sir Keir last week fired his ambassador to Washington over a series of emails he had exchanged with Epstein.

open image in gallery Peter Mandelson was sacked over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein despite it having been widely known about before his appointment ( House Oversight Committee )

Skys Beth Rigby was the only journalist to broach the topic, and Mr Trump dismissed the question by simply saying: I dont know him I had heard that and maybe the prime minister would be better at speaking of that. It comes despite the pair being pictured holding hands in the Oval Office less than six months ago.

Sir Keir repeated his well-worn line that information came to light after Lord Mandelsons appointment that forced him to sack his former Trump-whisperer.

Disagreement over Palestinian statehood

In what was the only openly acknowledged disagreement between the pair on Thursday, Mr Trump said he opposes Sir Keirs plan to recognise a Palestinian state.

The prime minister said the timing of the decision, expected in the coming days, was nothing to do with the end of the state visit.

But, asked about the move, Mr Trump said: I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score, one of our few disagreements actually.

Mr Trump said his focus was instead on securing the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.

open image in gallery Donald Trump said they disagreed over the plan to recognise Palestine ( AP )

Sir Keir confirmed they had discussed his plans and that recognition of a Palestinian state would be part of that overall package which hopefully takes us from the appalling situation we're in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel, which we do not have, and a viable Palestinian state.

He also described Hamas as terrorists, prompting Mr Trump to give Sir Keir a supportive and exaggerated pat on the back.

Small boats

In another headline-grabbing moment, Mr Trump was asked to give Sir Keir advice on how to replicate his success in limiting the number of migrants entering the US via irregular routes.

The US president said illegal migration can destroy countries and urged the prime minister to get the military involved. The advice came on the same day that the government announced it had sent back the first migrant to France under the one-in-one-out deal.

open image in gallery Channel crossings are at a record high ( Getty )

What I saw happening, with millions of people pouring into our country, I couldn't stand to watch it, and we've done a great job, Mr Trump told Sir Keir.

He added: I think your situation is very similar. You have people coming in and I told the prime minister I would stop it, and it doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use.

"It destroys countries from within and we're actually now removing a lot of the people that came into our country."

Putin let Trump down

Mr Trump also lashed out at Vladimir Putin, saying he felt really let down by the Russian despot.

The president said he thought Russias invasion of Ukraine would be the easiest conflict for him to solve, given his strong relationship with the dictator.

open image in gallery Donald Trump said Putin has let him down ( AFP/Getty )

But a peace deal has stalled, and Russias killing of Ukrainian civilians continues.

He's let me down, Mr Trump said, when asked about the ongoing war.

He said: I'm very honoured to tell you that we've solved seven wars, seven wars, wars that were unsolvable, wars that couldn't be negotiated or done, the US has done seven of them.

"The one that I thought would be easiest would be because of my relationship with President Putin, but he's let me down.

But Mr Trump said he does not regret meeting Putin in Alaska, adding that Russia will eventually be forced to drop out of the war if sanctions mount.

Free speech

As was expected, Sir Keir was asked about free speech in the UK and whether it is under threat.

open image in gallery Starmer defended the UKs record on free speech ( Reuters )

Tensions have mounted between the PM and the Trump administration over issues such as the Online Safety Act.

Sir Keir said: Free speech is one of the founding values of the United Kingdom, and we protect it jealously and fiercely and always will. And we will bear down on any limits of free speech.

"I draw a limit between free speech and the speech of those that want to peddle paedophilia and suicide (on) social media to children.

"And therefore I'm all for free speech, I'm also for protecting children from things that will harm them: paedophiles, those that peddle suicide, which has had a terrible consequence for individual, particularly teenagers. And so that's the balance we strike."

For his part, Mr Trump claimed the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show was because he "is not a talented person and had bad ratings". The president said it is not a free speech issue and that Mr Kimmel was fired for a lack of talent".

Windmills

Another classic of Mr Trumps press conferences is the US president taking aim at wind farms.

Wind power is a very expensive joke, he said on Thursday alongside Sir Keir, praising the North Seas oil as phenomenal.

He said: You have a great asset here we spoke about, it's called the North Sea. The North Sea oil is phenomenal. And I hope, because I love this country.

open image in gallery Donald Trump is an opponent of wind farms ( AAP Image )

You know, my mother was born in Scotland ... and I want this country to do well. And you have great assets that you're going to start using, I believe, under this prime minister, thank you.

Sir Keir said that oil and gas will be part of the mix for many years to come, but that investment in renewables was also needed.

Its the mix thats really important. And the approach Ive taken on this is the same approach that I say to many other things, a pragmatic approach, the PM added.
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As Donald Trump bids farewell to King Charles on Thursday morning after what the US president clearly considered to be a successful state trip, all eyes turned to the political arena where the UK-US special relationship will truly be put to the test.

For Keir Starmer, his mini summit with President Trump at Chequers carries enormous significance  not just for his foreign policy but also his own standing at home, given that Labour MPs are openly questioning whether he should continue as PM.

But the prime minister knows that, as well as being a potential boost for him domestically, the two face clashing over difficult issues, which could really test Trumps description of the relationship. Among these are steel, tariffs, Ukraine and even the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which put paid to Peter Mandelson and threatens to drag in the US president. But, most pressing, is Gaza, a subject on which Starmer and Trump are in no way aligned.

open image in gallery Donald Trump with King Charles at the state banquet ( AP )

This will not be the first time that the prime minister has hoped for a public endorsement to improve his own standings as a leader who he once described as a malign force on the world stage.

But, this time, he really needs it after having to sack his ambassador to the US in the mirkiest of circumstances, and having seen his deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resign over her tax affairs.

As was the case during his trip to the Oval Office earlier this year, when he presented the invitation for this second historic state trip, we should expect Trump to tell doubters in the UK that their beleaguered prime minister is doing a great job.

That being said, it has not got off to the perfect start for Starmer. The removal of the discussion of bringing steel tariffs down to zero is a blow. Clearly Trump does not want the UK to become a backdoor for foreign steel to the US, but Starmers government had put great store in getting this agreement.

There will, of course, be talks on the things we already know  the tech partnership between the two countries will be huge going forward. It puts the UK and US in lockstep as allies for decades to come, taking on China and India as the centre for future technologies.

For the president, whose own people back in January were briefing how hostile they were to Starmers government, there will be an agenda that he needs the UK to succeed. He cannot afford for another ally, particularly one he signed his first trade deal with, to fall by the wayside.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer attended the state banquet for Donald Trump at Windsor Castle ( PA )

This is why so much investment has been announced to try to boost the UK economy.

But in the end it will be the crises on the world stage which Starmer, in particular, will want some light on.

The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are having a hugely destabilising effect, but the rest of the international community is hoping that Starmer can persuade Trump to do the right thing. That is to guarantee a so-called coalition of the willing to ensure any Ukraine peace remains in place, and to stop potential genocide in Gaza.

The two remain far apart on both these issues, not least the UKs plan to recognise Palestine as a state. How the prime minister handles this issue with Trump, while under pressure from his own party, could be his make or break.
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The arrival of Donald Trump in the UK for a second state visit has divided readers of The Independent.

When we asked for your views, many were critical of the lavish ceremonies at Windsor Castle, describing the state banquet as extravagant, cringeworthy, and out of touch with the realities of austerity.

Commenters highlighted the contrast between the pomp and the struggles of ordinary citizens, noting rising food insecurity and underfunded public services. Several readers characterised the visit as sycophantic, with the prime minister and monarch grovelling to Trump.

At the same time, a minority acknowledged the potential diplomatic and economic benefits of hosting Trump.

The tech partnership and investment deals announced during the visit were seen as an opportunity to strengthen the UK-US special relationship, create jobs, and secure long-term trade advantages.

Still, unease persisted over political optics and ethical implications, including Starmers perceived closeness to Trump and the divergence of UK and US positions on Israel and Ukraine.

Overall, while some readers saw strategic value in the visit, the majority questioned the timing, extravagance, and symbolism of a state occasion that prioritised spectacle over domestic concerns.

Heres what you had to say:

Focus on UK problems first

Among these are steel, tariffs, Ukraine and even the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which put paid to Peter Mandelson and threatens to drag in the US president. But, most pressing, is Gaza, a subject on which Starmer and Trump are in no way aligned.

Can we please concentrate on our problems first and make life better for people living in the UK? I'm not saying to pull out of international problems, but don't waste political credit on things abroad before using it for our own problems: trade, tariffs, defence.

fred

It isnt just about us

Can all the posters who said we should not allow the visit now see why it was important we did? It isn't just about us, it is about people all over the world. Starmer is just about the only political leader Trump listens to. Chuckles has strong influence, as does William. The world needs it.

much0ado

Starmers reputation at risk

In terms of trade deals with the US there may be benefits.

But in terms of Starmer's reputation, it is likely to be a massive failure, partly because Trump is intensely disliked by so many Brits. But far worse (even than the Mandelson scandal), is the UN Commission's view on Israel committing genocide in Gaza.

That accusation of genocide has long hung around Starmer's neck, as he has been far too reluctant to criticise Israel. So any official recognition of genocide was never going to make him look good. And now it has happened.

Just as he is cosying up to Trump, the very man who could, but won't, put pressure on Israel... all of which makes Starmer look like he is on the wrong side of history.

Bandera

Dining with the devil

One of the downsides of politics is that you do, literally, have to dine with the devil to push your agenda... or try to accommodate his... hence the sumptuous state banquet at a very public-free state visit by Federal convict Trump at Windsor Castle this evening.

Are authoritarian "Dictator for a day" Trump and Monarch of the Realm Charles compatible dining fellows, or like Pinochet's visit during Thatcher's iron-fisted reign, merely uncomfortable but politically expedient get-togethers?

With Trump's unpredictable and oscillating political judgements, what may seem to be achieved today may not hold good tomorrow, so this very shielded-from-public state visit really should have been kept back from so early in Trump's presidency as a reward for playing political ball with Britain, a tenterhook moment that would have focused Trump's attention and behaviour but now achieved is lost.

Benjaminrabbit

Lavish jolly while people suffer

One is tempted to say little things please little minds and bring forth happiness.

Many of us cringed when a sheepish Starmer presented the invitation for an unprecedented second state visit. The man has done nothing to deserve it.

Well, they are all enjoying a lavish jolly while many go hungry. Go figure. And all leaders barring Ed Davey are attending.

Davey has given his reasons clearly, and many will agree with his stand. It may appear futile, but attending the banquet would achieve nothing. Trump will simply not listen.

Our politicians, with honourable exceptions, I find depressing and weak.

49niner

No commonality

There is no commonality between them. Trump loves the limelight and the centre of geopolitical attention and will just be as happy to go to Beijing or Moscow for a state visit.

The differences between Starmer and Trump are there for all to see:

Labour's support for the Democrat candidate during the presidential election campaign.

Trump's desire to bring the Ukraine/Russia conflict to a swift conclusion, as opposed to Starmer's gathering of the Coalition of the Willing and sending of troops to Ukraine.

Starmer's appointment of Mandelson as US ambassador despite Trump's objection.

Starmer's recognition of the state of Palestine, which Trump is against.

Opinator

Lavish banquet amid austerity

Something just doesn't rest right within me for the UK government to host a lavish banquet at taxpayers' expense for the likes of US President Trump.

May I remind everyone that food, water, shelter, medicines, surgical aid, generators, and hygiene kits have been deliberately blockaded by the genocidal (according to the UN, but not Trump or Starmer) regime of Israel. It is bad taste indeed, regardless of the pomp and circumstance around this visit, and the possibility of favourable iron and steel tariffs with the US, be you an officer and a gentleman/lady, a serving soldier, or a British worker.

In this country of great austerity, the money could have been put to fund UK food banks (Starmer is not interested) or soup kitchens in our big cities, offering a bowl of nutritious broth, bread and a hot drink. This would show the people that the government is concerned about them, rather than a laissez-faire attitude typical of Starmer when it comes to welfare, in contrast to his support for Ukraine or the pariah genocidal state of Israel.

I am sorry, but I'm not going to wish the participants in this ill-timed state banquet a successful evening. I hope the electricity fails and they are forced to eat cold dinners!

SophieScholl

Damage limitation mission

It's happening, so there's no point in debating whether it's a good idea or not.

Can Britain gain anything from it? Just possibly. We're pretty good at diplomacy. We see (in the Guardian) we've just done a deal with the US on small modular reactors, which might be good for both countries.

But mostly I see this as another damage limitation mission: sucking up to Trump to prevent him doing more harm. And that's a big ask when you are dealing with someone who is certifiably insane.

It is also, to give it its proper name, appeasement. The King and Starmer will probably be choking on their state banquet.

Kudos to Ed Davey who is boycotting the whole thing.

SteveHill

Grovelling under the guise of diplomacy

Just another asinine British display of unabashed sycophancy and grovelling, all under the heading of preserving the special relationship which has never existed and never will.

Embarrassing, pathetic, weak, laughable, cringeworthy.

67Chap

Trumps unpredictability

We are quite good at diplomacy with people with identifiable goals and objectives and a rational or broadly predictable mind.

You can agree with Trump on anything, and by the time you have walked down a flight of stairs, Trump will have changed his mind to a new position, changed it back to the original plan, and then sought a new plan and started to implement it, genuinely thinking he stuck to the position agreed with his protagonist.

Jim987

Diplomacy versus dignity

There is a time for diplomacy, then there is a time for dignity and the truth. In this instance, we have descended into the realm of suckers. Plain and simple as that.

Nikstips

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Families of four passengers killed in the Air India flight 171 crash have launched a suit in the U.S. against Boeing and aircraft parts maker Honeywell, alleging that a defective fuel control switch led to the disaster.

At the same time, the father of one of the pilots has demanded a fresh investigation, saying preliminary findings unjustly damaged his sons reputation.

Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed on 12 June in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad less than a minute after taking off.

The crash, Indias deadliest aviation disaster in decades, killed 229 passengers, 12 crew members and 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived.

The lawsuit, filed in the Delaware Superior Court on Tuesday, states that the Boeing aircrafts fuel switches could inadvertently have been flipped to cut-off because of their design.

It argues that by placing the switches behind the thrust levers, Boeing effectively guaranteed that normal cockpit activity could result in inadvertent fuel cut-off.

It asks: What did Honeywell and Boeing do to prevent the inevitable catastrophe? Nothing.

open image in gallery Father and mother of Sumeet Sabharwal, one of the pilots killed in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, at his funeral in Mumbai on 17 June 2025 ( Reuters )

The plaintiffs say the switches, manufactured by Honeywell and installed by Boeing, had been identified as a risk years earlier.

The US Federal Aviation Administration issued an advisory in 2018 urging airlines to inspect locking mechanisms on multiple Boeing aircraft after similar disengagements were discovered. It did not make the checks mandatory though.

The families, represented by the Lanier Law Firm in Texas, are seeking unspecified damages for the deaths of Kantaben Dhirubhai Paghadal, Naavya Chirag Paghadal, Kuberbhai Patel, and Babiben Patel in the crash.

The Independent has reached out to Honeywell for comment.

open image in gallery Pilots Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kunder of the crashed Air India flight ( Supplied )

In response to an email seeking comment about the lawsuit, Boeing told The Independent: Consistent with U.S. law and the UN International Civil Aviation Organization protocol known as Annex 13, we will refer you to the AAIB and the preliminary report for any additional information.

AAIB is Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which published a preliminary report in July suggesting that both fuel control switches had moved from run to the cut-off position within one second of each other moments after take-off, starving the engines. The report noted confusion in the cockpit but did not state whether the pilots had physically moved the switches.

The report angered the family of Sumeet Sabharwal, the captain of the doomed flight. His father, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, has now written to the Indian civil aviation ministry demanding a formal inquiry under sections of the Aircraft Investigation of Accidents and Incidents Rules, 2017. This rule allows the government to order an independent probe even while an AAIB investigation is ongoing.

In his letter, Mr Sabharwal, 91, said selective leaks from the preliminary report wrongly suggested his son was depressed and could have crashed the aircraft deliberately. Such speculation was deficient, diversionary and discrepant and violated his sons fundamental right to reputation under Indias constitution, the Indian Express reported. He rejected claims that the late pilots divorce 15 years earlier or his mothers death three years ago had affected his mental health.

open image in gallery Flight 171 bound for London crashed shortly after take-off ( AP )

He noted that his son had over 15,600 hours of flying experience, including over 8,500 hours on the Boeing 787-8, and had operated nearly 100 flights since his mothers death without incident. He also highlighted that his son was a certified pilot trainer with an unblemished 25-year record.

Mr Sabharwal drew parallels with the crashes of Boeings 737 MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019, following which investigators found the American company had withheld information about changes to its flight control software.

For both those accidents, he noted, the pilots had been blamed before Boeing admitted fault.

He demanded that any new inquiry be led by a retired Supreme Court judge and include independent experts and pilot representatives. He warned that he would pursue legal action if the government failed to respond within a week.

The AAIB has urged the public and the media not to draw premature conclusions, emphasising that its investigation is ongoing and a final report isnt expected until 2026.
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Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte will provide scientific and photographic evidence that she is a woman at her defamation trial against right wing American podcaster Candace Owens.

Tom Clare, a lawyer acting for the Macrons, said the couple were ready to prove generally and specifically that Owenss allegations that Ms Macron was born male were false.

Owens began spreading baseless conspiracy theories about Ms Macrons gender identity in 2024 in YouTube videos and podcast episodes that have accrued millions of views. She has stated that she will stake her entire professional reputation on her belief that Ms Macron is in fact a man.

The Macrons filed a defamation lawsuit in a court in Delaware in July, accusing Owens of spreading outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched lies that have triggered a campaign of global humiliation and relentless bullying.

Mr Clare told the BBCs Fame Under Fire podcast that the court would be provided expert testimony that would be scientific in nature. He did not elaborate on what evidence might be given at the trial.

open image in gallery The Macrons said they have been subjected to a campaign of global humiliation ( Getty )

Despite the looming legal action, Owens doubled down on her baseless claim in an interview in July in which she alleged that Ms Macrons death would be faked before the case reached the discovery phase.

Mr Clare said that Ms Macron has found the allegations incredibly upsetting, while her husband has found them a distraction from his duties.

I dont want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life as well, when your family is under attack, it wears on you. And hes not immune from that because hes the president of a country, he said.

It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put this type of proof forward.

Mr Clare said Ms Macron was determined to set the record straight in public.

It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way. But shes willing to do it.

He added: If that unpleasantness and that discomfort that she has of opening herself up in that way is what it takes to set a record straight and stop this, shes 100 per cent ready to meet that burden.

open image in gallery Candace Owens has said shed stake her entire professional reputation on her baseless claim ( Rumble )

The Independent has contacted Owens for comment.

In a YouTube video posted by Owens in response to the 219-page defamation complaint, she claimed that she had provided Mr and Ms Macron with multiple opportunities to offer proof and comment against her claims  but had received no response.

Ms Macron was awarded 6,750 in damages last year after two right-wing influencers, Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey, accused her of being a transgender woman.

They were also ordered to pay damages to her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, who they alleged had assumed the identity of Ms Macron.
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Charlie Kirks pastor rebuked MAGA podcaster Candace Owens for spreading conspiracy theories in the wake of the conservative activists killing.

Ever since the 31-year-old conservative activist was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University last week, Owens has been peddling a slew of rumors and conspiracy theories about his death.

Speaking out against Owens actions, Rob McCoy, who co-chairs the faith division of Kirks Turning Point USA, said that Kirk was a friend to Candace and never spoke poorly of her though he disagreed with her.

He never operated nor entertained gossip or innuendo concerning Candace, he continued.

He urged Owens on Tuesday to behave like Kirk, who he claims wouldnt have spread similar theories if God forbid this tragedy been hers.

open image in gallery Charlie Kirks pastor has spoken out against Candace Owens conspiracy theories about Kirks death ( Getty )

I only wish at this tragic time of mourning she would be the friend to Charlie that he was to her. He would never have treated Candace or her family in such a way had God forbid this tragedy been hers, McCoy wrote.

Meanwhile, Owens, who once served as the communications director for TPUSA, spread rumors that Kirk may have been targeted because of his views on the war in Gaza.

Be very wary and suspicious of the people who are already telling us to stop asking questions about the Charlie Kirk assassination, Owens wrote on X soon after authorities named 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspected shooter.

On Monday, Owens claimed on her podcast that billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a vocal supporter of Israel, threatened Kirk during an intervention about his views in the Hamptons last month.

Bill Ackman was very upset and threats were made. That is what I am told, and I will tell you that I am very happy for Bill Ackman to dispute this narrative, Owens said on her show.

Both Ackman and Andrew Kolvet, the executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, have come out in full denial of her accusations.

open image in gallery Owens previously worked as the communication director for Kirks Turning Point USA organization ( Getty )

In a lengthy X post, Ackman described the Hamptons meeting Owens had referenced, writing, at no time have I ever threatened Charlie Kirk, Turning Point or anyone associated with him.

I have never offered Charlie or Turning Point any money in an attempt to influence Charlies opinion on anything. In fact, my interactions with Charlie Kirk have been extremely cordial, albeit, limited, regretfully so, as I was very impressed by him and his work and I will sadly never see him again, Ackman wrote.

Meanwhile, Kolvet wrote in his own post that he had spoken with Turning Point staffers who traveled with Kirk to meet Ackman last month.

Bill never yelled at Charlie, never pressed him on Bibi, never gave him a list of Charlie's offenses against Israel, Kolvert wrote.

Charlie personally told me he had a very cordial relationship with Bill and the event was productive, he added.

While other conservative voices stopped short of backing Owens baseless accusations, several, including Megyn Kelly, agreed that Kirk felt frustrated and even pressured over his Israel criticism.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Tuesday criticized a statement made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Kirks murder, accusing him of trying to hijack Charlies memory when Kirk was appalled by what was happening in Gaza.

I was shocked and sickened by the reaction of  the ghoulish and really repulsive reaction of the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, to Charlies death, the host of the Tucker Carlson Show said.

open image in gallery While other conservative voices stopped short of backing Owens wild claims, they agreed that Kirk was appalled by the war in Gaza

Basically made it all about him and all about his country, immediately trying to take the energy, the sadness, the grief that people felt over Charlies murder and redirect it towards support for whatever project hes involved in.

He continued: I dont think Ive ever seen anything lower than his attempt to hijack Charlies memory and use it for his own political ends, particularly because what he said was completely untrue.

Carlson then claimed that while Kirk loved the state of Israel, he did not like Bibi Netanyahu and felt the Israeli Prime Minister was a very destructive force.

He was appalled by what was happening in Gaza. He was, above all, resentful that he believed Netanyahu was using the United States to prosecute his wars for the benefit of his country and that it was shameful and embarrassing and bad for the United States, and he resented it, Carlson said.

Owens, who has a history of antisemitic commentary, has gotten herself into even more hot water recently for spreading unfounded rumors. The MAGA podcaster is being sued for defamation after continuing to spread false claims that the French first lady, Brigitte Macron, was born a man and transitioned secretly decades ago.

Meanwhile, Ackman on Tuesday wrote on X that Owens slandered him. It was not immediately clear whether he planned to take any legal action against her.
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The annual online phenomenon, Fat Bear Week, is set to commence, with Alaskas formidable brown bears preparing to vie for this years fattest title.

The wildly popular contest sees the public cast their votes for the most corpulent ursine.

The main event featuring adult bears kicks off next week, but first comes a "chubby cubby appetizer" on Thursday.

Voters can support their favourite adolescent bear in the Fat Bear Jr. category until Friday, with the winner earning a spot in the primary contest.

Established in 2014, the event highlights the remarkable resilience of these brown bears. Each autumn, they gorge on abundant salmon in the Brooks River, within remote Katmai National Park and Preserve, accumulating vital fat reserves to endure harsh winters. Spectators can observe their progress via livestream cameras.

Mike Fitz, an explore.org naturalist who initiated the contest as a Katmai ranger, explained: "It really is an opportunity for people to think about how bears survive, what they need to do to survive, what the ecosystem provides them and look at their individual success stories, as well."

Thanks to an abundant sockeye run this year, organisers anticipate an especially robust lineup of contestants.

open image in gallery Cub 128 will be among the contestants in Fat Bear Jr ( National Park Service )

How to vote in Fat Bear Week

The 12 bears  which will be announced Monday  will be featured in the single-elimination, bracket-style tournament. All voting is done online at www.fatbearweek.org, with the winner declared September 30.

The first round features eight bears squaring off in four separate contests to advance to the second round. Four bears receive first-round byes.

There are about 2,200 brown bears within Katmai, a 6,562-square-mile (16,997-square-kilometer) park on the Alaska Peninsula, which extends from the states southwest corner toward the Aleutian Islands. To be featured in the contest, the bears must frequent the area of the main Brooks Camp.

Getting a bear on a scale is impossible

Actually weighing the bears would be a dangerous and monumental task, so it's up to voters to judge size by looks alone. Male brown bears at Katmai weigh about 700 to 900 pounds (318 kg to 408 kg) mid-summer and can bloat to over a 1,000 pounds (454 kg) by September or October, thanks to successful foraging.

open image in gallery Grazer, the defending champion of Fat Bear Week ( National Park Service )

A 1,200-pound (544 kg) male bear isnt unusual at Katmai. Others have been estimated to be about 1,400 pounds (635 kg). Females are about half to two-thirds the size of adult males.

Not all about the fatness

There are factors other than girth to consider, Fitz said.

Voters could consider the challenges some contestants have had to overcome, such as the multitasking females who protect their young and produce milk for the cubs while also fattening up for winter themselves.

Theres precedent for a mama bear to take the prize. Grazer, the two-time defending Fat Bear Week champion, beat one of the biggest bears in the Brooks River, Chunk, in the 2024 final.

Even though the contest is virtual, the two bears did actually fight it out in the park months earlier. Chunk attacked one of Grazers cubs after it fell over a waterfall, an attack that was broadcast live. Grazer fought off Chunk, but the cub later died.

open image in gallery Chunk probably broke his jaw in a fight with another bear ( National Park Service )

Chunk adapts to a newly broken jaw

Chunk is back at the park this year but returned to Brooks River in June with a broken jaw, Fitz said. The right side of his jaw is hanging loose and will never heal properly.

It probably happened in a fight with another bear. When they attack each other, they target the head and neck, and sometimes they lock jaws. The torque can snap a brown bears mandible.

The good news for Chunk is that hes already adapted to his new disability and it doesn't seem to have affected his appetite. He remains one of the largest bears on the river.

Exceptional salmon run equals fat bears

Brooks Falls is famous for brown bears snagging salmon out of the air as the fish try to jump upstream to get to their spawning ground.

open image in gallery Bear 26 male cub will be among the contestants in Fat Bear Jr ( National Park Service )

That didnt happen much this year, as an exceptional salmon run reduced the need for bears to compete for fishing spots at the falls.

We are kind of expecting really to have some of the fattest bears weve ever seen in the event, Fitz said.

Fat Bear Jr.

Fat Bear Jr. is going to have a familial feel to it this year.

In one semifinal Thursday, cub 128 Junior will face off against a pair of cubs competing together.

Cub 128 Junior is the offspring of two-time champ Grazer and sibling of the bear killed by Chunk in 2024.

She will face the 803s, cubs from bear 803. They are known for being mischievous, trying to get into vehicles and boats, and playing with one of the livestream cameras.

The other semifinal pits siblings from the same spring litter of bear 26. 26 Female is smaller and lighter in color than her brother, 26 Male, and a little more subdued. The male is bolder than his sister, which might give him an edge if food is limited.
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An investigation has been launched by authorities in Atlanta after a noose-like rope was found attached to a tree near to the citys first Black history museum.

"Even if it was done as a joke. It was not a joke. It was not a funny thing to do, said Dan Moore Jr, president and CEO of the APEX Museum, which is located across the road from Georgia State University.

Moore found the rope Wednesday morning and posted footage of it online, which quickly went viral and sparked outrage.

"[I] saw a rope up in the tree, he told Fox5. In closer perspective, it was a small circle around the rope because it was tied up, almost noose-like."

He added: "I felt like it was a problem because of this time that were living in Why do I have to look up a rope in the tree that resembles a noose?"

open image in gallery "Even if it was done as a joke. It was not a joke. It was not a funny thing to do, said Dan Moore Jr, president and CEO of the APEX Museum. ( kierstenharris/Threads )

Founded in 1978, the APEX Museum is Atlantas first museum dedicated entirely to Black history, highlighting the African-American experience through exhibits on slavery, civil rights, and Black innovation.

The Independent has reached out to the Atlanta Police Department for a statement and any updates in the investigation into the incident.

In a statement, the Georgia State Conference NAACP said it was deeply disturbed by the discovery of the rope near to the campus and that its presence on any campus is unacceptable.

A noose is not a prank  it is a threat. It is a symbol of racial terror, historically used to intimidate and silence Black communities through fear and violence, the statement, put out by Georgia NAACP president Gerald A. Griggs, read.

The group also called on GSU to launch a full and transparent investigation in coordination with campus and city law enforcement, providing regular updates on findings, and take appropriate disciplinary action on those identified.

It also called for protections and support for staff and students who felt threatened by the incident.

Our students deserve to learn in an environment free from intimidation and hate. Symbols that recreate the trauma of racial violence have no place in our institutions of higher learning, Griggs statement added.

GSU student Kyler Winston-Kendricks, who also interns at APEX Museum, said the location of the discovery, in a Black historic neighborhood was poignant. "Its pretty much adding fuel to the fire," she told Fox5. It says a lot."
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Military leaders are considering a recruitment campaign geared towards honoring the legacy of conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk, according to a new report.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during an event for his conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA, at a Utah college last week.

Tributes from the MAGA world poured in following Kirks death as they remembered him as a great leader in the conservative movement. Kirks widow, Erika, who will take over as CEO of Turning Point, called him a martyr.

Now the Pentagon is considering a new recruitment strategy based around his death, NBC News reports. The possible campaign would be a call to service, with one potential slogan being, Charlie has awakened a generation of warriors, according to two unnamed officials who spoke with the outlet.

open image in gallery Military leaders are considering a recruitment campaign geared towards honoring the legacy of conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk, according to a new report ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images )

Military leaders are considering using chapters of Turning Point USA as potential recruitment centers, the officials said. Turning Point USA has more than 1,000 high school clubs and around 800 college chapters.

Some top Pentagon officials have privately shared concerns that a recruitment strategy based around Kirk could seem like the military trying to capitalize on his death, according to the officials.

Kirk did not serve in the military and the Armed Forces are meant to be nonpartisan.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement to NBC News, The media is so desperate to attack this administrations success that they are now inventing lies about our recruitment efforts.

Leadership matters, and under the strong leadership of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth men and women are coming out in droves to serve this great nation.

The Independent has reached out to the Pentagon and Turning Point USA for comment.

open image in gallery The Pentagon is considering using chapters of Turning Point USA as potential recruitment centers, the report says ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images )

The Pentagon has said it is on track to meet or exceed its annual recruitment goals, despite ongoing recruiting challenges.

From the start of this year through the end of July, the Army recruited more than 50,400 active service members, the Navy recruited more than 35,200, the Marines recruited more than 19,500, the Air Force recruited nearly 26,700 and the Space Force recruited nearly 700, according to government data.

Kirks suspected assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder, among other counts. Utah prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson had a leftist ideology. Utah prosecutors said he texted his roommate and alleged romantic partner  who authorities say is a biological male transitioning to female  I had enough of [Kirks] hatred. Some hate cant be negotiated out.
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A worker has been crushed to death by a robotic machine at a frozen pizza factory in Wisconsin, officials say.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiners office identified the man as 45-year-old Robert Cherone, according to multiple local outlets.

It happened at Palermos Pizza factory in West Milwaukee on Wednesday morning. The factory is known for brands such as Screamin Sicilian and Urban Pie.

Rebecca Schimke, a spokesperson for Palermos, called Cherones death a tragic accident, in a statement obtained by Wisconsin Public Radio and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

A worker has been crushed to death by a robotic machine at a frozen pizza factory in Wisconsin, officials say ( Emily Elconin/Getty Images )

Palermos will be supporting the employees family and next of kin. We will also be offering counseling and support services to the Palermos team during this difficult time, Schimke said.

The West Milwaukee Police Department said in a press release shared by Wisconsin Public Radio that they were called to the pizza factory shortly after 6:30 a.m. local time Wednesday.

First responders tried to save Cherone, but he died at the factory, police say.

The incident is under investigation and Palermos said it is cooperating with government officials and gathering facts.

Stephanie Bloomingdale, the president of Wisconsins AFL-CIO, a federation of dozens of national and international labor unions, called for workplace safety in a statement obtained by local news.

This tragic incident underscores the need for everyone involved in our workplaces  workers, employers, relevant government agencies  to work together aggressively to ensure that every person who goes to work to provide for themselves and their family comes home safely at the end of the day, she said.

Bloomingdale added that workers at the pizza factory are not in a union, but we nonetheless share the pain of a fellow worker losing their life on the job.

According to a report published in April by the AFL-CIO, 5,283 U.S. workers died on the job in 2023. Out of those deaths, 112 were in Wisconsin.
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Moments after Donald Trump appointed him to regulate the nations broadcasters, Brendan Carr promised to dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.

In January, Trump called him a warrior for Free Speech.

Carr, now the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, also wrote a chapter about the agency in Project 2025, the right-wing think-tank blueprint for Trumps second administration. The agency, he wrote in the chapters first words, should promote freedom of speech.

Since entering the role, Carr has embraced Trumps campaign against broadcasters who air critical coverage of his administration, investigated major networks for their diversity policies, and paved the way for ABC to remove comedian and Trump critic Jimmy Kimmel from his long-running late-night show in an apparent act of retaliation.

Carr now appears to be taking a victory lap, posting juvenile memes in response to questions from journalists about the comedians suspension.

open image in gallery Trump hailed Brendan Carr as a warrior for Free Speech before he was deployed to target news outlets and broadcasters the president is waging legal battles against ( REUTERS )

Jimmy Kimmel is the latest target of the Trump administrations unconstitutional plan to silence its critics and control what the American people watch and read, according to Christopher Anders, director of the democracy and technology division at the American Civil Liberties Union.

This is beyond McCarthyism, he said. Trump officials are repeatedly abusing their power to stop ideas they dont like, deciding who can speak, write, and even joke. The Trump administration's actions, paired with ABC's capitulation, represent a grave threat to our First Amendment freedoms.

Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump launched several lawsuits and legal threats against news organizations seeking billions of dollars in damages, commanded Republicans in Congress to vote against legislation that would protect journalists sources, and took advice from wealthy allies and right-wing groups who sought to block publicly funded media from getting a single public dollar.

He sued ABC News host George Stephanopoulos for making what he called patently and demonstrably false statements that he was found liable for rape in E Jean Carrolls defamation trial. Days before Election Day, he sued CBS News for $10 billion, alleging that the network deceptively edited an interview with his rival Kamala Harris to unlawfully influence the election.

Carr, meanwhile, was signaling his alignment with Trumps incoming agenda in right-wing media, amplifying conservative grievances and allegations that Democratic officials conspired with mainstream media outlets to suppress them.

After entering the role in January, Carr revived federal complaints against ABC, CBS and NBC that accused the broadcasters of political biases.

Carr has also launched investigations into diversity, equity and inclusion programs at communications companies, and publicly stated that major merger approvals will be conditioned on the presidents anti-DEI agenda.

He also appeared to shape the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global, the parent company for CBS, which had settled Trumps lawsuit for $16 million. Weeks after the settlement was approved, Carr approved the merger.

open image in gallery As FCC chair, Carr has been involved with the massive merger between Paramount and Skydance while launching investigations into major broadcasters and conditioning merger approvals on anti-DEI pledges aligned with Trumps agenda ( via REUTERS )

Last year, Carr wrote on X that the First Amendment prohibits government officials from coercing private parties into suppressing protected speech.

A unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court last year also flatly stated that government officials cannot attempt to coerce private parties in order to punish or suppress views that the government disfavors.

This week, Carr came for Kimmel.

In an opening monologue this week, Kimmel addressed the waves of speculation and misinformation surrounding the killing of Charlie Kirk, the right-wing activist who was fatally shot at a college campus speaking event September 10.

We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said.

On a podcast with right-wing influencer Benny Johnson Wednesday, Carr called Kimmel a very, very serious issue right now for Disney, ABCs parent company.

Its time for them to step and say this garbage  isnt something that we think serves the needs of our local communities, he said.

The FCC is tasked with licensing TV and radio stations and ensuring that theyre operating in the public interest when broadcasting over public airwaves. It cannot wholly ban a news network for content its commissioners dont like; the agency legally cannot invoke the the power of censorship to interfere with the right of free speech.

In 2019, Carr said the FCC does not have a roving mandate to police speech in the name of public interest. Carr is now arguing the agency can do just that.

Two days after Kimmels comments, Nexstar  the largest owner of local stations in the country  decided Kimmels monologue was so offensive and insensitive that broadcasters shouldnt air him.

The company is also trying to purchase a major rival for $6.2 billion  which would require the FCCs approval

Nexstars ABC affiliate stations cover nearly 40 percent of the national market. Shortly after Nexstar announced its stations would pull Kimmels show off the air, ABC/Disney announced that Kimmel would be suspended indefinitely.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest of ABCs affiliate groups, also objected to Kimmels statements, called on the comedian to apologize to Kirks family, and for ABC to make a meaningful donation to Kirks Turning Point USA.

On his Truth Social, the president called Kimmels suspension great news, and suggested NBCs late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers were next.

In a news conference in England, Trump directly linked Carr to the presidents threats to TV licenses over coverage he doesnt like.

I would think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr, Trump said. I think Brendan Carr is outstanding. Hes a patriot. He loves our country, and hes a tough guy.

Podcast Benny Johnson also took credit.

This is what got Kimmel fired, Johnson said about his podcast. Right here.

open image in gallery Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups have warned that an apparent pressure campaign from the Trump administration to suspend comedian Jimmy Kimmel marks a grave threat to the First Amendment ( AFP via Getty Images )

Democratic officials and advocacy groups have demanded Carrs resignation and plan to open investigations into whether Trump directly intervened or colluded with companies to target constitutionally protected speech.

This administrations pursuit of an autocratic state is continuing to intensify at an alarming pace, said Democracy Forward president Skye Perryman, whose organization is seeking communications from the government to know whether the administration had pressured media companies to stifle dissent.

The public has the right to know whether senior FCC officials are engaging in conversations with outside parties that could lead to restrictions on speech and undermine freedom of expression, she said.

In an interview Thursday, Carr said it would be worthwhile for his agency to look into ABCs The View and other programs, citing potential violations of equal time or equal opportunity rules for broadcasters  none of which would apply to comedians.

Were in the midst of a massive shift in dynamics in the media ecosystem for lots of reasons, again, including the permission structure that President Trumps election has provided, Carr said in a separate interview with CNBC.

And I would simply say were not done yet with seeing the consequences of that shift.
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A 71-year-old audience member present when Charlie Kirk was shot dead shouted at a police officer, I shot him, now shoot me, in a bid to give the real shooter more time to escape, police have said.

New police documents obtained by news outlet Fox13 allege that the man, named as George Zinn, drew police focus in the immediate aftermath of Kirks shooting, which led to him being charged with obstruction of justice. Authorities have also charged Zinn with four counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

According to police, Zinn told police during an interview that he used his phone to view images of child sex abuse. Officers said they found over 20 images with children between the ages of five and 12 in explicit photos.

open image in gallery George Zinn drew attention to himself in the immediate aftermath of Charlie Kirks shooting and says he did it to give the suspect time to escape. Zinn has been charged with obstruction and possession of imagines showing child sex abuse. ( Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office )

Politics documents say that moments after Kirk was shot in the neck in front of thousands of students at Utah State University, Zinn approached police officers shouting: I shot him, now shoot me. Despite no weapon being obvious, Zinn continued to claim he was the shooter, which led to his arrest.

When asked about the location of the gun by the arresting officers, Zinn refused to answer.

While being escorted from the scene in handcuffs, he again told police to just shoot me.

Once he was in police custody, Zinn asked for an attorney and then said he had not, in fact, shot Kirk but had made the unfounded claims to draw attention from the real shooter.

Zinn later made similar comments, the report said, adding he wanted to be a martyr for the person who was shot.

open image in gallery Zinns arrest at Utah State University after he falsely claimed to have shot Charlie Kirk ( Screengrab/Fox13 )

Police said dealing with Zinn delayed their response to Kirks shooting and took up resources needed to help with the investigation into who had actually shot the right-wing campaigner.

The following evening, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was accused of Kirks murder after surrendering to police.

Surveillance video from the college campus shows a figure jumping from a rooftop and fleeing the scene moments after the shooting.

The FBI said a Mauser bolt-action rifle allegedly used to kill Kirk was found near bullet casings with messages inscribed into them, including: Hey fascist! Catch!

A towel found wrapped around the gun, and a screwdriver, which agents found on the roof of the building, were a positive match for Robinsons DNA, the FBI said.

Authorities have not yet determined a whole motive for the shooting, but FBI director Kash Patel said Robinson was radicalized online and subscribed to a leftist ideology.

The Trump administration has claimed  without presenting public evidence  that the shooting was part of an organized left-wing terror plot, and vowed on Monday to go after the groups behind it.

We are going to channel all of the anger that we have over the organized campaign that led to this assassination, to uproot and dismantle these terrorist networks, said Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, who appeared on a special episode of Kirks podcast, which United States Vice President JD Vance hosted.
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Erika Kirk, the widow of the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will take over his Turning Point USA organization in the wake of her husbands assassination on a Utah university campus last week.

We will carry on, Turning Point leadership wrote in a letter made public on X, announcing the unanimously approved change. The attempt to destroy Charlies work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.

The organization, which was founded in 2012 and focuses on recruiting young people into conservative politics and the Christian faith, added that Erika Kirk serving as CEO and chair of the board was what Charlie Kirk had wanted in the event of his death.

Speaking during a memorial broadcast of the late activists show, Erika Kirk vowed to carry on Turning Points work and grow the organization.

If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea, Kirk said. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country.

open image in gallery Erika Kirk has been named CEO and chair of Turning Point USA, the youth-focused conservative activist group founded by her late husband Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last week at a Utah university event ( Turning Point USA/YouTube )

The group has reportedly been deluged with thousands of student requests to join in the wake of Kirks death, and its Arizona headquarters faced a potential bomb threat this week ahead of Kirks planned funeral later this month.

Turning Point USA and Charlie Kirk are credited with helping swing a growing number of young people politically to the right through campus events and Kirks visible presence across political summits, social media, and conservative podcasts.

Erika Kirk, a former Miss Arizona USA pageant winner and founder of various faith-based initiatives and companies, takes over the organization as her husbands assassination continues to roil the country.

Officials have captured and charged a suspect in the killing, Tyler Robinson. Police say the 22-year-old confessed to the shooting in messages with loved ones and targeted Kirk because he believed the activist was evil and spread hate.

Beyond the immediate impact of the shooting on the Kirks and their young children, the sniper-style killing has upended U.S. politics, with critics alleging the administration is using tensions following Kirks death to limit free expression.

open image in gallery Charlie Kirk was credited with bringing a new generation of young people into conservative politics, and his death has roiled the country ( AP )

Attorney General Pam Bondi has vowed to crack down on hate speech, business employees protesting Kirk, and violent rhetoric related to the late activist in the wake of the shooting.

This stance has alarmed free speech advocates, who point to the First Amendments wide protections for a range of offensive and even aggressively threatening speech so long as it doesnt represent a true or immediate threat of violence.

ABC, meanwhile, indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmels late-night show this week, after the comedian claimed during a monologue that Trump allies were desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.

The decision came shortly after Trump-appointed FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened ABC with federal scrutiny over Kimmels remarks, raising alarms that the network was forfeiting its free expression rights to align with the administrations chosen viewpoints.

open image in gallery Kirks killing has prompted federal officials to vow a boundary-pushing crackdown on free speech, and comments about the late activist prompted ABC to pull late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmels show off the air ( AP )

The president and Kimmel are frequent critics of each other, and Trump claimed in July he heard Kimmel would be next to lose his show, after CBS announced it was ending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

The network said ending the Colbert-fronted franchise was a purely financial decision, but critics attributed the decision to Colberts frequent criticisms of the administration and his claims that CBSs parent company settled a lawsuit with Trump to grease the wheels of a merger needing federal approval.
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Democrats on Capitol Hill Thursday sounded the alarm that President Donald Trumps crackdown on critics like Jimmy Kimmel is the beginning of despotic behavior. But they have few resources to combat it.

House and Senate members expressed their alarm after ABC announced Wednesday night that it would suspend Kimmel indefinitely. Kimmel had come under fire for a monologue earlier in the week in which he spoke about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and mockingly claimed the MAGA gang was desperately trying to characterize his alleged killer as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.

While the alleged killers family is MAGA-sympathetic, the suspect himself railed against that ideology and Kirk, according to authorities.

Trump is making it 100-percent clear that he is going to ramp up his efforts to use the power of the federal government to harass and punish his critics, not because they're supporters of political violence  they are not  but because they have the audacity to openly oppose his policies, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) told reporters.

This is a standard format for every budding despot.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is among the Democrats sounding the alarm on attacks on free speech. ( Getty )

Murphy led a coterie of congressional Democrats from the House and Senate introduced legislation that they say would deter government officials to retaliate against critics.

But the Kimmel suspension is part of a larger effort by Republicans and conservatives trying to get people fired. Republican members of Congress and members of the Trump administration have sought to have employees who criticized Kirk fired from their jobs in the wake of the Turning Point USAs killing.

Trump for his part praised the suspension of Kimmel, saying Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.) told The Independent that the he sees the efforts as reminiscent of another Wisconsinite: the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who in the 1950s launched an inquisition to root out supposed Communists he claimed were infiltrating all walks of American life.

The scary part for many of my constituents who talk about this issue is they see too many comparisons in history where people take advantage of a situation as a catalyst for something else that they have likely planned for a while to do, Pocan said.

Republicans have long billed themselves as the party of free speech and Elon Musk claimed he purchased Twitter, now known as X, to legalize comedy. But Republicans have shown a desire to punish anyone who they believe did not properly honor the death of the conservative activist Kirk after he was assassinated at a public outdoor event in Orem, Utah at Utah Valley University last week.

The president and his lap dogs here in the United States Congress, the vice president, the FCC chair, the attorney general, secretary of state, and congressional Republicans are implementing a dangerous agenda to punish their opposition, Rep. Maxwell Frost said at the press conference. Fascism is not on the way, it is here.

Republicans are not only going after private employees; they are targeting their fellow Democratic colleagues in Congress. On Wednesday, all but four Republicans voted on a resolution by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and strip her of her committees.

Republicans targeted Omar, a member of the progressive Squad, after an interview she did with Zeteo where she criticized Kirks past rhetoric while also calling his assassination mortifying. Some Democrats saw the attack as racialized, particularly after Mace said that Omar, who emigrated to the U.S. from Somalia, should be deported.

Meanwhile, we continue to have Republicans try to censure Black Caucus members, you know, as well as members who are speaking truth to power, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) told The Independent.

But Democrats have few tools the combat the rising tide. They do not control the House, Senate or the White House. In addition, many companies have acquiesced to the Trump administrations demands.

These corporations are so greedy that they are willing to do anything and everything in order to make as much money as possible, including being lieutenants in Donald Trump's effort to try to control political speech, Murphy told The Independent at the press conference.

So this is a big job, because we have to be speaking to our Republican colleagues to get them to do the right thing, Murphy added. We've got to be talking to the public, but we have to be talking to the corporate community as well.

Correction: This article was amended on 18 September 2025. It originally stated Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin was a Republican. He is a Democrat.
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Fox News host Sean Hannity claimed Wednesday that no prominent conservative wanted late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be taken off the air. Look no further than President Donald Trump, California Governor Gavin Newsom fired back.

ABC announced Wednesday evening that it was indefinitely suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! after comments the host made Monday characterizing conservative activist Charlie Kirks killer as MAGA. Law enforcement said Tuesday that the suspected shooters mother claimed he had started to lean more to the left over the past year.

Some liberals have accused conservatives of censoring those who havent condemned the assassination of Kirk strongly enough, but Hannity came to conservatives defense on his show.

The left already, starting with Humpty Dumpty fake news CNN, JB Pritzker, Gavin Newsom, predictably claiming, this is conservative censorship  the MAGA crowd, Donald Trump, got Jimmy Kimmel, Hannity said. That is false.

Theres no pressure group outside that was pushing for Jimmy Kimmel to be silenced.

open image in gallery California Governor Gavin Newsom called out Fox News host Sean Hannity for claiming no 'prominent conservative' wanted Jimmy Kimmel off the air  despite Trump's previous comments suggesting he wanted to see him go ( Getty Images )

The Fox host also claimed that he couldnt find a single prominent conservative voice in the country that even remotely wanted, or hoped, or was pushing, to get Jimmy Kimmel taken off the air.

Newsom, who has ramped up his social media posts trolling conservatives in recent weeks, was quick to respond.

He posted on X: BREAKING: Sean Hannity doesnt think Donald Trump is a prominent conservative voice.

Attached was a screenshot of Trumps Truth Social post, from July, where he celebrated the cancellation of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and predicted Kimmel would be next.

Newsom continued to post apparent free speech contradictions by conservatives Thursday. He shared a statement made by Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr in 2022 where he defended political satire against censorship.

This aged well, the Democratic governor wrote.

open image in gallery Hannity claimed he could not find a single 'prominent conservative' who wanted Kimmel off the air ( Fox News / Hannity )

Before ABC decided to pull Kimmels show, Carr suggested he would take regulatory action against the network for the hosts remarks.

Trump and his allies have long railed against network TVs late-night hosts who often criticize or mock the president.

Trump celebrated Kimmels suspension on Truth Social Wednesday, calling it Great News for America. He also appeared to call for the ousting of other late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.

For years, Trump has called late-night stars untalented, insinuated theyre working with Democrats, asserted they can be replaced, and claimed they have poor ratings.

Kimmels show has seen a significant drop in viewership in the past year, and although it made some gains in the second quarter, it continued to trail behind other late-night hosts according to LateNighter. His contract is up in May 2026.

open image in gallery Kimmels late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled off the air indefinitely after his comments relating to Charlie Kirk ( AFP via Getty Images )

Since returning to office in January, Trump has displayed a willingness to wield his power against legacy media institutions that paint him negatively.

The president sued CBS News for$10 billion last year, for what he said was deceptive editing of a clip of former Vice President Kamala Harris on 60 Minutes. CBS agreed to settle the lawsuit for $16 million earlier this year.

Trump also filed a $10 billion-dollar defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal for publishing an alleged birthday letter he wrote to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump recently filed a $15 billion lawsuit against the New York Times for defamation related to articles that undermined his success as a businessman.

The president has also revoked public funding to public broadcasters NPR and PBS, which he claims are biased against him.
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Canada has reported a sharp jump in asylum claims from people fleeing across the border from the United States, as the Trump administration intensifies its hardline stance on immigration.

Officials in Canada said they have received more than 5,500 asylum claims since the beginning of July at one border crossing  Quebecs Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing, south of Montreal.

The figure represents a 263% increase from the same period last year, according to data from the Canada Border Services Agency.

The spike in border crossings comes as President Trump ramps up military-style raids by armed, masked, agents of the Department for Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency as the White House presses them to hit deportation targets.

The Trump administrations operation is targeting immigrants in the U.S. illegally with criminal records, and has seen over 200,000 people arrested, and over 50,000 detained so far this year. Many are being seized from their homes, while going to work, outside courthouses and at store parking lots.

Many of those arrested and detained have had previous protections allowing them to legally remain in the U.S. removed by the government.

The Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing between the U.S. and Canada ( The Canadian Press )

Earlier this year the Trump administration revoked temporary legal status granted to more than 800,000 immigrants who fled violence, disasters and instability in countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

This week, Trump deployed the National Guard to Memphis and suggested he could also send troops into Chicago. The White House has previously sent them into Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

As well as those who may face deportation from the U.S. trying to flee the country, increasing numbers of U.S. citizens are also trying to leave, the Canadian figures suggest.

Data from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada covering claims of alleged persecution within the U.S. last month revealed there were 245 refugee applications made by U.S. citizens in the first six months of this year.

This represents a sharp rise in claims, with 204 referrals filed by Americans in the whole of 2024.

Canadas acceptance of U.S. refugees has historically been low. Applicants must convince the board that nowhere in the U.S. offers them safety to gain asylum.

The Canadian data does not specify why Americans are seeking refugee status north of the border, a nation which Trump has said he wants to become the 51st U.S. state.

Nonetheless, the trend appears to reflect a perception among some Americans that their safety and rights are at risk due to the Trump administrations policies, ranging from a rollback of LGBTQ+ rights to attacks against academic institutions.
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Jimmy Kimmel and Disney execs could not agree on the correct response to take in the fallout from the comedians remarks about the death of Charlie Kirk, resulting in the cancellation of his late night show, reports say.

Kimmel was reportedly due to make a statement during Wednesdays show, but neither side could agree on language that would not exacerbate the situation further by the time taping was due to begin, sources told Reuters.

It came after comments made by the talk show host in his monologue Monday sparked fierce backlash online and led to death threats that raised concerns for the safety of Kimmel and his staff, the source said.

ABC has since suspended Kimmels show indefinitely.

During the monologue, Kimmel, who has frequently targeted Trump, said: "We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it."

open image in gallery Kimmel was reportedly due to make a statement during Wednesdays show in response to backlash about his remarks on Charlie Kirk, but both sides could not agree on the language that would not exacerbate the situation further by the time taping was due to begin ( AFP via Getty Images )

Despite negotiations over what Kimmel should say Wednesday, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-Chairman Dana Walden ultimately agreed that the best approach would be to take the show off the air, Reuters reports.

According to sources, the decision left the comedian livid.

The intention was to find a way to bring Kimmel back at a later date, and Bloomberg News reported Thursday that executives are due to meet with the comedian to discuss the future of his show.

open image in gallery Following ABCs decision to pull the show, many in Hollywood decried the decision, saying the company was bowing to political pressure and that it was an assault on free speech ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Kimmel has seen support from multiple celebrities, including fellow late night hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Stephen Colbert, whose show is being canceled next year ( Getty Images )

Following ABCs move to pull the show, many in Hollywood decried the decision, saying the company was bowing to political pressure and that it was an assault on free speech. Kimmel has seen support from multiple celebrities, including fellow late night hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Stephen Colbert, whose show is being canceled next year.

Colbert called ABCs decision to pause Kimmels show blatant censorship and said he stands with his colleague 100 percent at the taping of his CBS show Thursday night.

However, despite the furore, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, said Wednesday that Kimmel had misled viewers about the alleged shooters MAGA affiliation. Carr also raised the possibility that the FCC could revoke the broadcast licenses of local television stations that carry such garbage.

We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said in an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel.

During a state visit to the UK Thursday, President Donald Trump, said Kimmel had been punished for saying "a horrible thing" about Kirk.
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Donald Trumps administration is now embracing the cancel culture and assault on free speech he once supposedly ran to subvert.

As MAGAworld mourns one of its most influential figures (and a close friend of many in the White House, including the presidents inner circle), the grief many conservatives are expressing turned to rage over the course of several days after Kirk was murdered on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.

The targets of that rage have increasingly become individual Americans around the country whom the presidents legion of allied influencers, like Laura Loomer, identify as critical of Kirks activism in any way, shape or form.

Jimmy Kimmel, one of Americas leading late-night TV hosts, was pulled from the airwaves on Wednesday indefinitely, per a statement from his network, ABC, which is owned by Disney. Hed claimed on air earlier this week that conservatives were trying to score cheap political points off of Kirks death  by midweek, he was gone.

On Wednesday evening, the White Houses allies were still spinning the tale that Kimmel being yanked off the air was not tied solely to his presenting left-leaning political views cuttingly critical of the president. But Trump himself was not bothered with such deception, writing on Truth Social that Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon should be the next targets of broadcast giants supplication to his will.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr, on Fox News, insisted that the censoring of Kimmel was a value-based decision by local TV carrier Nexstar  rather than a transparent effort by Nexstar to win over the Trump-controlled FCC ahead of its planned merger with Tegna, which needs FCC approval.

open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images )

Theres another Trump insider whose participation in efforts to pursue recrimination against anyone who criticizes Kirk for any one of the racist or derogatory comments he made over the years could have even more significant consequences for Americans: Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Bondi is now in hot water over what some saw as a threat to criminalize dissenting speech and criticism of Kirk, made Monday in response to the furor on the right, which itself is largely in response to Democrats posting evidence of Kirks views on race.

The attorney general made her intentions to target hate speech clear Monday during a podcast interview: We will absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech, anything  and thats across the aisle.

You cant have that hate speech in the world in which we live, she added on The Katie Miller Podcast, hosted by the wife of White House aide Stephen Miller. "There is no place, especially now, especially after what happened to Charlie, in our society.

What was less clear was what new restrictions or enforcement Bondi envisioned. Hate speech, as a concept, is notoriously difficult to define and many experts argue that it is completely protected by the U.S. Constitution, so long as it does not rise to the level of directly inciting or encouraging violent acts. Already this week, the AG has threatened to prosecute an employee at Office Depot for refusing to print flyers for a vigil in Kirks honor. The attention around a video posted of the employee refusing the customer led to the employees firing.

Stephen Miller, for his part, indicated that the effort would entail suppression of left-leaning political groups on college campuses and elsewhere. Miller and others have begun referring to Democratic-aligned groups as terrorists, alarmingly similar language to the rhetoric that the White House and State Department have now used twice to justify blowing up two Venezuelan vessels it claimed were smuggling drugs to the U.S., killing all onboard.

"We are going to channel all of the anger that we have over the organized campaign that led to this assassination to uproot and dismantle these terrorist networks," he said on an episode of Kirks podcast hosted Monday by Vice President JD Vance.

It also puts the conservative movement in a tricky place, given that the right has typically sided against efforts to expand prosecution of speech and free expression, or to force businesses like internet service providers or content-hosting platforms like X or YouTube to regulate political speech  with some notable exceptions.

open image in gallery Attorney General Pam Bondi is vowing to crack down on hate speech in response to criticism of Charlie Kirk after his death ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

That dynamic largely shifted under Trump, and in particular during his second presidency. Clearly angry with years of staunch resistance to his political movement, Trump now frequently brands the entire left side of the American political spectrum as radical and lunatics and is more resistant to dissent than ever.

The presidents own efforts to clamp down on dissent most recently took the form of an executive order directing Bondis agency to prosecute Americans for burning the U.S. flag. Another form of expression that has been clearly defined as protected activity by the Supreme Court, Trumps campaign is almost certainly doomed to fail, much like Bondis supposed efforts to stop hate speech through the power of the Department of Justice.

On Tuesday, he suggested outright that Bondis campaign could be directed against mainstream media organizations like ABC, CNN, and NBC.

She'll probably go after people like you because you treat me unfairly. It's hate. You have a lot of hate in your heart. Maybe they'll come after ABC, he told ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl on the White House lawn.

What both of those efforts are more likely to achieve, however, is juicing up momentum behind the efforts of Loomer and other conservatives to go after private citizens with left-leaning views  something the right has accused the left of doing for years.

There are some signs, however, that conservatives outside of the D.C. bubble are less willing to sign up to efforts by the federal government to criminalize hate speech. Kirk, himself, was an ardent opponent of such efforts, hindering the White Houses cause.

"Hate speech does not exist legally in America. Theres ugly speech. Theres gross speech. Theres evil speech. And ALL of it is protected by the First Amendment, wrote Kirk in May of 2024.

The reaction to Pam Bondis remarks on Monday (which echoed further Millers own vow to hunt terrorists) was not all positive among conservatives on Elon Musks X. Justin Amash, a former GOP congressman with strong libertarian leanings, called on Bondi to resign over the remarks.

Pam Bondi is now doubling down by conflating hate speech with true threats and actual crimes and other acts that arent crimespackaging it all under the label violent rhetoric. She is deeply confused and unfit to be the attorney general, he said.

Facing that backlash on Tuesday, the attorney general issued a statement to Axios, seemingly walking back the administrations vows to expand the definition of hate speech.

"Freedom of speech is sacred in our country, and we will never impede upon that right," Bondi said in her statement. "My intention was to speak about threats of violence that individuals incite against others.

"Under President Trump, the Department of Justice will be unabashed in our efforts to root out credible, violent threats, her statement continued. We will investigate organizations that pursue illegal activities, engage in political violence, violate our civil rights, and commit tax or nonprofit fraud."
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a bizarre highlight reel of an ICE raid that wrongfully detained two American citizens  set to a remix of Nirvanas Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Noem shared overly dramatized footage of the Operation Midway Blintz ICE raid that she joined early Tuesday morning in Elgin, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. The clip, captioned We will not back down, highlights the Trump administrations ramped-up efforts to crack down on illegal immigration in the Windy City.

The video shows border patrol agents driving with Noem to what appeared to be a residential neighborhood.

At one point, a bright light streaks across the video as agents blow the door off a home. Agents can later be seen walking away with a man in handcuffs.

The Nirvana-soundtracked raid resulted in the arrest of five undocumented migrants and the wrongful detainment of two American citizens, CBS News Chicago reported.

open image in gallery Kristi Noem shared a video of ICE agents making arrests in Chicago, set to a remixed version of Nirvanas Smells Like Teen Spirit ( U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement )

Joe Botello, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen who was born in Texas, was not read his rights or told why he was being arrested, he told the Chicago Tribune.

Botello said ICE agents forcibly entered his home around 6 a.m. Tuesday, jolting him awake. One agent asked him how he was able to speak English so well.

Im just blessed that Im still alive, Botello told the Tribune. Ive been hearing it and seeing it through social media. But it never crossed my mind that it was going to happen here at the house  where I live.

DHS later denied making a mistake during the operation, saying in a statement, No U.S. citizen was arrested, they were briefly held for their and officers safety while the operation in the house was underway. This is standard protocol.

Noem, nicknamed ICE Barbie for her enthusiasm for donning tactical gear , received some criticism for the bizarre video.

open image in gallery Kristi Noem shared footage of ICE agents making arrests set to a remix of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ( @KristiNoem on X )

What do you think the remaining members of @Nirvana think of your bastardization of their song, whether or not you wrestled legal permission. I guarantee they hate your guts, you depraved narcissist, one person replied to the video on X.

I sincerely hope that you will be held accountable in court for your illegal actions, another chimed in.

Another commentator wrote: In another 4 years youll be in jail.
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An immigration judge has ordered Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil to be deported to Syria or Algeria over allegations that he omitted information from a green card application.

Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the United States and a prominent student activist against Israels war in Gaza, has been at the center of the Trump administrations campaign against campus dissent.

In March, he was stripped of his green card and arrested in front of his then-pregnant wife in their New York City apartment building and sent to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Louisiana, where he was jailed for more than 100 days while his legal team fought for his release in several courts.

Last week, Louisiana immigration judge Jamee Comans denied Khalil's motion for a waiver that prevented his removal from the country over alleged misrepresentations in his application for a change in his legal status, allegations his attorneys say relied on spurious reporting from right-wing media outlets.

It is no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech, Khalil said in a statement.

open image in gallery An immigration court judge has ordered Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil deported after agreeing with the Trump administrations claims that he lied on a green card application ( AFP via Getty Images )

Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again, he added. When their first effort to deport me was set to fail, they resorted to fabricating baseless and ridiculous allegations in a bid to silence me for speaking out and standing firmly with Palestine, demanding an end to the ongoing genocide. Such fascist tactics will never deter me from continuing to advocate for my peoples liberation.

Khalils attorneys have 30 days from Fridays order to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

In her ruling, Comans wrote that Khalil had willfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his applications could be denied.

Khalil, who is Palestinian, grew up in a refugee camp in Syria and has Algerian citizenship.

He entered the United States on a student visa in 2022 to pursue a masters degree in public administration, which he completed last year.

He missed the birth of his son as well as his graduation from Columbia while in ICE detention.

open image in gallery A federal judge had ordered Khalils release from ICE detention after finding that his arrest and imprisonment was retaliatory and in violation of his First Amendment rights for speaking out against Israels war in Gaza ( AFP via Getty Images )

In June, a federal judge ordered his release after his lawyers argued his arrest and threat of removal were retaliatory violations of his First Amendment right to freedom of speech and his Fifth Amendment right to due process of law, among other claims.

But after that ruling, the Trump administration claimed there is a secondary basis for his arrest and removal  allegations that he lied in immigration paperwork  which Khalils attorneys argue are similarly retaliatory and violate his First Amendment and Fifth Amendment due process rights.

Those allegations, which were raised only after his arrest, are meritless, his lawyers wrote in court documents.

The Trump administration had accused Khalil of withholding information that he was a political affairs officer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency of Palestine Refugees, but he was an unpaid intern at the agency for six months in 2023. No such position exists at the agency.

Homeland Security officials also accused Khalil of failing to disclose his continuing employment with the Syria office in the British Embassy in Beirut beyond 2022.

His lawyers argue that he ended his contract at the British Embassy in Beirut in December 2022 so that he could attend Columbia.

Officials also accused Khalil of failing to disclose that he is a member of Columbia University Apartheid Divest. Evidence submitted by the government includes news articles from April 2024, though his application was submitted weeks earlier.

open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images )

In their initial attempts to remove him from the country, Trump administration officials had accused Khalil of antisemitic activities  allegations Khalil and his legal team have flatly denied.

Officials concede that Khalil did not commit any crime, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to justify Khalils arrest by claiming that Khalils presence in the country undermines foreign policy interests to prevent antisemitism.

In federal court filings on Wednesday, Khalils attorneys argued that Judge Comans had rushed to a decision without an evidentiary hearing and had instead chosen to believe the governments allegations.

Unlike federal district courts, immigration courts and the judges who run them operate under the Department of Justice and at the direction of the office of the attorney general.

Under the Trump administration, the Justice Department has ordered sweeping policy changes throughout the nations immigration court systems to speed removal orders to keep up with the presidents demands for mass deportations.

Khalils lawyers argue that the federal court order blocking his removal remains in effect.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed online claims that Israel was in some way linked to Charlie Kirks murder as a monstrous, big lie.

Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University on 10 September and suspect Tyler Robinson has been charged with his murder. But ever since his death, liberals and conservatives across the U.S. have pointed the blame at each other with accusations over who is responsible.

This has led to baseless conspiracy theories, including claims that Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad, a MAGA loyalist, or a member of the ultra-right-wing Christian white nationalist Groypers were behind the murder.

open image in gallery Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hit back at conspiracies over the killing of Charlie Kirk ( Reuters )

Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, said that the bigger the lie, the faster it will spread, Netanyahu said in a video on X.

Somebody has fabricated a monstrous big lie, that Israel had something to do with Charlie Kirk's horrific murder,.

This is insane, it is false, it is outrageous. Charlie Kirk was a giant, a once-in-a-century talent who defended freedom, defended America, defended our common Judeo-Christian civilization.

Charlie loved Israel, he loved the Jewish people, he told me so in a letter that he sent me just a few months ago."

Netanyahus response comes after MAGA commentators have claimed Kirk was privately far more critical of Netanyahus Israeli government than he let on publicly.

open image in gallery Tucker Carlson said Charlie Kirk did not like Benjamin Netanyahu ( Tucker Carlson/X )

Israel is facing a growing crisis of public support as the war on Gaza intensifies, and MAGA commentators have become more openly critical of its tactics.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson said on his show this week that Kirk did not like Bibi Netanyahu, claiming he was a destructive force and was appalled by what was happening in Gaza.

Netanyahu posted a tribute to the right wing influencer after Kirk was killed, claiming he was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom.

A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization, the prime minister wrote on X last week. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place. We lost an incredible human being.

His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.
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Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio admitted it was hypocritical to cancel perceived leftists over their reactions to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but that he considers it an eye for an eye.

Tarrio, who led the far-right group from 2018 to 2021, says he has formed a network henchmen who scour social media for posts celebrating Kirks killing  and pressure the users employer to fire them.

Those who have been fired due to his teams efforts are being referred to as scalps, Tarrio told The Atlantic.

Its funny because this was a tactic that was used on us from 2017 forward. We got deplatformed, debanked, Tarrio claimed.

It sucked for us. I always said that I wouldnt do it back to anybody. But since then, Ive been incarcerated for something I didnt do, he said, referring to his conviction of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.

open image in gallery Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio says the group is now working to get people who celebrate Charlie Kirks killing on social media fired ( Getty Images )

So Im in a different mindset right now. An eye for an eye right now, he added.

Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison  the longest conviction for any Capitol rioter. However, he was pardoned on President Donald Trumps first day back in office, along with over 1,500 other MAGA supporters who had been convicted of January 6-related crimes .

Efforts from the Proud Boys  as well as by other Republican leaders  have resulted in scores of firings. On Monday, while hosting an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, Vice President JD Vance told viewers to call them out, and hell, call their employer if they noticed mocking or derogatory references to Kirks death.

The firings include an American Airlines pilot, a Texas Roadhouse operator in Florida, and a Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers employee, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Tarrio claimed more than 100 people have lost their jobs as a result of his groups initiative.

I guess its kind of hypocritical of us after saying, oh free speech or whatever, Tarrio said. But the problem is the right isnt good at fighting dirty. Now theyve figured it out. And its working.

open image in gallery Tarrio admitted his groups efforts were hypocritical - but was pleased with the results. ( AP )

Republicans have demanded action against people who reacted to his killing by praising, rationalising, or making light of it or by belittling Kirks memory  with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warning that the Pentagon was tracking closely those who celebrate his murder.

The retaliation has also impacted late night TV, as Jimmy Kimmels show was pulled off air indefinitely Wednesday after the host said earlier this week that the MAGA gang was trying to score political points from Kirks fatal shooting.

Trump celebrated the news, and also appeared to call for the ousting of other late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, both of whom have been critical of his presidency.

The cancelation of Kimmels show comes months after CBS said Stephen Colberts Late Show would end in May, blaming financial reasons. Colberts show was also pulled just days after the host criticized the settlement between Trump and CBSs parent company, Paramount Global, over a 60 Minutes story.

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man suspected of killing Kirk, was officially charged with aggravated murder and six other counts on Tuesday. Authorities say he held a leftist ideology, though an exact motive has not been shared.

He faces the death penalty if convicted.
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Jimmy Kimmels late night show has been taken off air after comments made by the host about the death of right wing influencer Charlie Kirk.

Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar Communications Group, who operate large numbers of ABC affiliates between them, announced they would pull the show from Wednesday, branding the comments offensive and inappropriate. This led ABC to indefinitely suspend production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! in a move that has attracted widespread backlash.

Sinclair subsequently released a statement demanding further action against Kimmel.

In a press release, the group, which has long-standing ties to Donald Trump and conservative politics, said it would not broadcast Kimmels program until discussions with executives were held regarding the networks commitment to professionalism and accountability.

open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel made his comments during Mondays episode of his show ( ABC )

Mr Kimmels remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country, said Vice Chairman Jason Smith. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC Chairman Carrs remarks today and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.

Smith went on to say that a special tribute to Kirks life will be available to broadcast for all Sinclair affiliates nationwide during Kimmels timeslot on September 19.

A statement from the company added: Sinclair also calls upon Mr Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family. Furthermore, we ask Mr Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.

Jason Smiths father, David Smith, serves as executive chairman of the Maryland-based Sinclair Broadcasting Inc., which is known for infusing a right-wing sensibility into its news products.

Sinclair, the second largest operator of affiliate television stations behind Nexstar, is headquartered in the Baltimore suburbs. Julian Smith, David Smiths father, began the company in 1958 when he received a license to operate an FM radio station in Maryland.

open image in gallery Sinclair Broadcasting Group is the largest ABC affiliate in the country ( AP )

From there, the company expanded into television, becoming known as the Chesapeake Television Corporation in the 1960s, and buying numerous local television stations while sealing deals to broadcast programming from major networks on them.

These channels are given some autonomy on their broadcasting, especially when it comes to local news programming which is primarily produced in-house.

It was David Smith, Julian Smiths son, who changed the name to Sinclair in 1985 as the business began to expand rapidly. At the time of writing, the company owns 193 television stations nationwide, with each one broadcasting content from the major networks, NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox.

Sinclair owns affiliates that broadcast ABC content in dozens of media markets across the U.S., including in Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Portland, Oregon. The groups infusion of pro-conservative talking points under the guise of news programming goes back as far as the George W. Bush administration.

The company maintained its position in conservative politics during the 2016 presidential election as David Smith told Trump, We are here to deliver your message, The Guardian reported in 2018. At the time, Sinclair programming reached around 70 percent of American households.

Between 2016 and 2017, Sinclair's profits more than doubled, according to the Associated Press.

The relationship between Sinclair and the White House was further solidified when, in April 2017, former Trump advisor Boris Epshteyn was appointed as the companys senior political analyst. Epshteyns pro-Trump editorials were featured in news broadcasts and later highlighted during an episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

open image in gallery Kimmel said that the death of Charlie Kirk had been politicized ( Getty Images )

A 2019 study from Emory University found that stations bought by Sinclair reduce coverage of local politics, increase national coverage and move the ideological tone of coverage in a conservative direction relative to other stations operating in the same market.

Amid criticism, Sinclair hired former Obama staffer Ameshia Cross, to provide a counter view to Epshtens analysis. Epshteyn left Sinclair in 2019 and returned to a role with Trumps re-election campaign in 2020.

This isnt the first time that Kimmel and Sinclair have locked horns. In 2018, when Deadspin published a video feature on editorializing by news broadcasts, the comedian tweeted, This is dangerous to our democracy.

The video saw Deadspin video director Timothy Brown splice together dozens of clips of hosts on Sinclair channels, all repeating the same talking point verbatim warning against the prevalence of fake news among the mainstream media.

The criticism that followed prompted Trump to tweet at the time, So funny to watch Fake News Networks, among the most dishonest groups of people I have ever dealt with, criticize Sinclair Broadcasting for being biased. Sinclair is far superior to CNN and even more Fake NBC, which is a total joke.

open image in gallery Trump has celebrated Kimmels misfortune after years of attacking the host ( EPA )

Iconic newsreader Dan Rather was vocally critical of Sinclair on social media around this period.

News anchors looking into camera and reading a script handed down by a corporate overlord, words meant to obscure the truth not elucidate it, isnt journalism. Its propaganda. Its Orwellian. A slippery slope to how despots wrest power, silence dissent, and oppress the masses, Rather wrote in a post on Facebook.

In 2019, NBC News reported on an internal memo that promised the group would focus less on national politics and more on local investigative journalism.

The Kimmel suspension follows remarks made by Trump-appointed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr during an interview with right-wing activist Benny Johnson about the host.

Frankly, when you see stuff like this, I mean look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead, the chair said.
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President Donald Trump has designated the movement known as Antifa as a major domestic terrorist organization.

The president originally announced the policy on Truth Social last month while on a state visit to the U.K. He said hes also calling for investigations into people believed to be funding the movement.

I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, Trump wrote. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.

Since then, officials have said a key reason behind their campaigns to send federal agents and troops to Portland and Chicago has been to crack down on the group, though local officials have sued and deny theres any sort of law-and-order crisis in the cities justifying this military-style intervention.

They beat journalists. They attacked courthouses, Attorney General Pam Bondi said during an October 8 federal roundtable on Antifa. They attacked police stations. They doxx and assault our law enforcement officers.

open image in gallery Anarchists and Antifa counter-protesters march near a white nationalist-led rally marking the one year anniversary of the 2017 Charlottesville Unite the Right protests in Washington in 2018 ( REUTERS )

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, a driving force behind the administrations immigration policy, said earlier this week that ICE officers in these cities have to do hand-to-hand combat every night against Antifa to leave federal facilities, which have attracted regular protests.

Heres what you need to know about the radical movement being targeted by the Trump administration.

What is Antifa?

open image in gallery Antifa-style demonstrations have occurred during larger liberal social movements like the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as in response to the presence of right-wing groups like the Proud Boys ( REUTERS )

Antifa, which is short for anti-fascist, is a not a single organization but rather a loosely affiliated, radical left-wing movement with no central hierarchy, organization, or clear membership structure, according to experts.

Its adherents have used a variety of protest methods, including violence, as part of their activism, and Antifa-style protesters have a noted presence on the West Coast in cities like Portland and Seattle.

Trumps former FBI director, Christopher Wray, told Congress in 2020 that Antifa is not a group or an organization, but rather a movement or an ideology.

The Anti Defamation League similarly describes Antifa as a decentralized, leaderless movement composed of loose collections of groups, networks and individuals.

open image in gallery Antifa members have been known to engage in street brawls with right-wing groups ( AFP via Getty Images )

These characteristics distinguish Antifa from others that have been targets of law enforcement attention, including jihadist cells or right-wing militias, which often operate as groups with concrete officers and membership criteria.

Where has Antifa been active?

Anti-fascist activism dates back to Europe in the 1920s and 30s, during the rise of authoritarian leaders like Mussolini and Hitler.

It has taken a variety of forms since making the jump stateside.

Antifa-style groups in the U.S. later sought to combat the growing prevalence of neo-Nazis in the 1980s rock scene, while such protesters were spotted at demonstrations against globalization and unchecked free trade in the 1990s and early 2000s.

In contemporary politics, they came to many peoples attention during the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where fights broke out between the massed white supremacists and Antifa counter-protesters. Antifa activists are known for sometimes wearing all black clothing.

open image in gallery The public profile of Antifa-style activism grew following 2017s violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia ( Getty )

Since then, those with Antifa-like ideologies have been found mixed into larger protest crowds during social movements including the Black Lives Matter movement.

Antifa-style actions have sometimes occurred in reaction to the presence of right-wing groups, like the Proud Boys, who brawled with anti-fascist activists in 2021 outside the Oregon state capitol.

During the second Trump administration, federal officials have accused individuals affiliated with Antifa ideology of doxxing immigration officials and violently breaching a Portland Immigrant and Customs Enforcement building in June.

The Department of Homeland Security alleges that individuals arrested for protesting outside an ICE office near Chicago in September on charges of assault are Antifa-aligned, though the Justice Department has refrained from using such language when actually describing their alleged criminal offenses in legal complaints, instead describing the attacks without references to connections to any radical group.

What happens now?

Its unclear exactly what practical effects this designation could have. The U.S. government does not provide a precise, comprehensive, and public explanation of groups it may consider to be domestic terrorist organizations, in part because of free speech concerns, according to a 2023 Congressional Research Service report.

Listing groups in this way may infringe on First Amendment-protected free speechor the act of belonging to an ideological group, which in and of itself is not a crime in the United States, the report says.

The Independent has contacted the White House for more information.

open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem watching a protest in Portland, Oregon, on October 7. Trump administration officials accuse members of Antifa of leading violent protests against federal buildings in Portland and Chicago ( Getty Images )

Right-wing influencers and media outlets frequently report on alleged Antifa action at protests, including a claim Tuesday from podcaster Benny Johnson that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had faced down an army of Antifa at a Portland ICE building. Photos of the confrontation showed Noem standing on a rooftop looking down at a small smattering of protesters, including a person in a chicken costume.

The journalist Andy Ngo frequently reports on alleged Antifa members, and has said hes been attacked by the group, though critics have accused him of deceptive reporting tactics and fueling online hate campaigns against those he denounces.

The announcement that Antifa would be considered a terror group comes in the wake of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk being shot and killed while speaking at an event on Utah Valley Universitys campus in September.

open image in gallery Charlie Kirk speaks at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Trump and his allies have vowed to investigate left-wing groups after Kirk was fatally shot at the event ( AP )

Trump and his allies have since railed against left-wing groups and blamed them for growing hostility against conservatives. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have both vowed to investigate left-leaning organizations in the wake of Kirks killing, Bloomberg reports.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican, has praised Trumps Antifa announcement, according to the Associated Press.

Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all, he said. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists.

Others have been more critical, including CNNs David Axelrod, who warned that the designation could be a pretext to go after their political enemies.

They will go after everyone and everything that they put under that umbrella, even though it isnt an organization, Axelrod said.

Trump first vowed to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization during his first term, during nationwide protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020. However, legal experts at the time raised free speech concerns and warned that the designation lacked legal backing, Reuters reports.
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The Trump administration, on Thursday, revived a new, harder version of the U.S. citizenship test that contains more complicated questions and specific answers as part of its wider efforts to tighten legal immigration pathways.

The 2025 civics test contains 28 new questions, most of which were on the Trump administrations short-lived 2020 version of the test, bringing the total number of possible questions to 128. Applicants will now be required to get 12 out of 20 questions correct instead of six out of 10.

There are significant changes to the question bank with fewer one-word or simplified answers and more elaborate questions that ask why or how.

For example, the new test, a question asks applicants why the U.S. became involved in World War II instead of who the U.S. fought in World War II, which the old version did. Another question on the new test asks, What founding document was written in 1787? instead of When was the Constitution written?

While applicants do not have to answer the questions with verbatim answers provided on the test materials, theyre encouraged to.

Here is an example of five questions on the exam. (Answers at the bottom of the article)

open image in gallery New version of the citizenship test revives a 2020 version that contains more complex questions and specific answers ( Getty Images )

Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution Why is the Electoral College important? The Nations first motto was E Pluribus Unum. What does that mean? Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War? Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?

The new test will be administered to those who file applications on or after October 20.

Like the 2020 version of the test, the new one removes many of the geography questions as well as questions with one-word answers.

By ensuring only those aliens who meet all eligibility requirements, including the ability to read, write, and speak English and understand U.S. government and civics, are able to naturalize, the American people can be assured that those joining us as fellow citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to Americas greatness, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a statement.

While much of the test mirrors questions from the Trump administrations 2020 version, they have changed wording on some answers.

For example, when asked how can people become United States citizens, the new test includes an answer that appears to align with President Donald Trumps definition of birthright citizenship.

open image in gallery Among the actions Trump has taken to crack down on immigration, limiting birthright citizenship is one of them ( Reuters )

One answer says, be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment, which is a change from the answer on the 2020 test: be born in the United States.

Jennifer Ibanez Whitlock, a senior policy counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, told CBS News the changes make it harder for long-time residents who contribute to this country every day to finally achieve the permanent protections that only U.S. citizenship can offer.

Here are the answers to the above questions. Some contain multiple options.
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President Donald Trump credited the Chinese-owned app TikTok with helping him win the presidency in last years election despite having once branded the same app as a national security threat during his first term in office.

Speaking alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a joint press conference Thursday at the end of his second state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump was asked if the agreement his administration has reached with Chinese negotiators to allow the sale of TikToks American operations to a U.S.-owned ownership group.

Trump replied that hes speaking with Chinese president Xi Jinping about the proposed agreement on Friday because there is tremendous value in the controversial application.

He added: I like TikTok. It helped get me elected.

Continuing, the president credited the slain Republican activist Charlie Kirk with recommending that his 2024 campaign join the app and use it to reach young voters during last years election.

We did unbelievably well with youth, like at a level that no Republican has ever even dreamt of. And in what, you know, look, I think we won it for a lot of reasons, but that was a reason we won the election by such a big number, he said.

The presidents attitude towards the video sharing application marks a staunch reversal from his position in 2020, when he signed an executive order which threatened to shut down TikTok if the apps Chinese owners, ByteDance, did not divest its American operations. At the time, Trumps and others in his first-term administration described the application as a national security threat, citing its opaque algorithm and the potential for China to use the application to spy on Americans through their mobile phones.

Trump once signed an order banning TikTok. Now he says he likes the Chinese-owned app. ( Getty )

Trumps Thursday comments came days after he issued an order directing the Department of Justice to continue putting off enforcement of a 2024 law banning the popular video-sharing app while negotiations continue over a deal that would place control of the platform in American hands. The order delays enforcement of the law, which would ban the application in the U.S., until December 16.

The presidents joint appearance with Starmer was filled with lies and changing of positions - including Trump continuing to claim that he won the 2020 election, which he lost to his successor turned predecessor, Joe Biden.

After he was asked about what advice hed offer to Starmer for stemming the tide of illegal migrants coming to the U.K. in small boats, Trump claimed illegal migration to the U.S. was one of the reasons that motivated his decision to mount a third campaign for the presidency after having lost in 2020.

But rather than concede that hed lost that election five years ago, Trump said: We won in 2020, big.

He also claimed to not know Lord Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to Washington who was recalled and fired last week over newly-discovered links with deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Trump has described the clamor for information from case files about the late sex offender, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019, as a hoax perpetuated by Democrats even through he maintained a years-long friendship with Epstein.

Asked if he has any sympathy for Mandelson given the circumstances, he replied: I dont know him and turned the floor over to Starmer to explain the decision to oust the Labour Party grandee.

Yet despite his claim not to know Mandelson, the former ambassador was photographed shaking the presidents hand as he and Starmer (via telephone) announced an Anglo-American trade deal earlier this year.
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A bomb squad has been called in to Turning Point USAs headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, after a suspicious bag was left outside ahead of organization founder Charlie Kirks funeral.

The large suitcase was found outside the HQ of the non-profit organization Wednesday morning, according to reports, and the street was cordoned off.

A bomb disposal robot was deployed and the bag was subsequently deemed safe. Police lifted restrictions on the area, but did not say what was in the luggage or whether anyone had been arrested.

The incident underscores the heightened anxiety surrounding public political events in the U.S., following Kirks assassination.

Police have said they have stepped up a Superbowl-like security operation for Kirks funeral, which will take place on 21 September, with the memorial service held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, just outside Phoenix, which has previously hosted three Superbowls, in 2008, 2015 and 2023.

With a capacity of 63,000 people and as an event which is open to the public who must only provide their name, address, zip code, email and phone number, it poses major security challenges.

This location may be seen as an attractive target for a hostile actor because of its visibility, Jonathan Wackrow, a former US Secret Service agent told CNN .

The potential for it to be disrupted through a series of different threats, or even the threat of a threat, is something that law enforcement really has to focus-in on and then put the mitigation protocols in place now.

A memorial for Charlie Kirk outside of the headquarters of Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona ( Getty Images )

Donald Trump and senior Republican figures in his government are among the guests who will attend the event, meaning a huge security operation is underway, putting increased pressure on the U.S. Secret Service, which is reportedly already under strain.

The Secret Service joins the nation in offering our deepest condolences to the Kirk family and friends, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

Joint security planning is underway for the memorial and funeral of Charlie Kirk and appropriate public safety related information will be provided as the process matures in the coming days.

Kirks funeral will be held 11 days after the right-wing activist was assassinated, with the killer firing a single shot during a talk in front of thousands of students at Utah State University.

Tyler Robinson , 22, the suspect in the killing, appeared in court Tuesday, facing seven charges and was told prosecutors will seek the death penalty.

Kirks killing comes a year after two assassination attempts on Trump, one in which a bullet hit the now-Presidents ear.

The White House has called for an additional $58m for security funding to protect the executive and judicial branches of government following Kirks assassination, NBC news reported this week.

Further security funding to protect members of Congress is also being sought and has the governments backing.
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A Texas man faces hate crime charges in New York after allegedly threatening mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in a series of anti-Muslim messages wishing death and violence against him and his family.

Jeremy Fistel, 44, of Plano, Texas, was arrested September 11 and extradited to Queens this week.

Fistel was arraigned in Queens criminal court Thursday following a grand jurys 22-count indictment that charges him with four counts of making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, four counts of making a terroristic threat, seven counts of aggravated harassment in the second degree as a hate crime, and seven counts of aggravated harassment in the second degree.

A series of increasingly alarming voicemails and written messages that were left for Mamdani and shared by law enforcement officials call for the candidates rape and murder.

Other messages label him a terrorist and tell him to go back to Uganda and that Muslims dont belong in the United States. Another message wishes terminal cancer and a painful death on Mamdani and for an Israeli military bullet to go through your skull.

open image in gallery Jeremy Fistel was arraigned in Queens criminal court September 18 on a 22-count indictment charging him with hate crimes-related charges alleging a series of disturbing threats to Zohran Mamdani ( AP )

Another tells him that he deserves to be six feet under with the hope that somebody does it quickly and shoots you in the f****** face.

Let me be very clear  we take threats of violence against any office holder extremely seriously  and there is no room for hate or bigotry in our political discourse, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement Thursday.

If convicted of the top charge, Fistel faces up to 15 years in prison. His next court appearance is November 19.

The messages were allegedly left with Mamdanis office on June 11, June 18, July 8 and July 23.

The investigation was spearheaded by the New York City Police Departments Hate Crimes Task Force with support from the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service.

A spokesperson for Mamdanis campaign thanked Katzs office for treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves, adding that unfortunately, threats of this nature are all too common  and they reflect a broader climate of hate that has no place in our city.

open image in gallery Mamdani has faced a wave of racist and anti-Muslim attacks and allegations of antisemitism for his opposition to Israels war in Gaza ( Getty )

The charges arrive at an extraordinarily tense moment in American politics after a streak of high-profile acts of political violence and threats against elected officials and public figures.

Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead during a campus speaking event in Utah last week, and in June, Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman was assassinated along with her husband inside her home.

Mamdani, a state assemblyman who represents the borough of Queens, remains the frontrunner in the race for New York Citys next mayor after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary earlier this year.

The 33-year-old democratic socialist  whose campaign has relentlessly focused around affordability issues  would be the citys first Muslim and Indian American mayor, if elected.

He has faced a wave of racist and Islamophobic attacks since securing the Democratic primary, including from Republican members of Congress and the White House. Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned Mamdanis citizenship, falsely branded him a communist, threatened to arrest and deport him, and suggested his administration would run New York City should he win in November.

Mamdani also has faced attacks over his criticism of Israels government and his opposition to the war in Gaza, where more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed. Right-wing figures have smeared him as antisemitic while the candidate pledges to devote significant resources to combating antisemitic hate crimes in the city.

After New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed him this month, Trump suggested he would withhold federal funding to the state in retaliation. This is a rather shocking development, and a very bad one for New York City, he wrote on Truth Social. How can such a thing happen? Washington will be watching this situation very closely. No reason to be sending good money after bad!

In 2012, Fistel pleaded guilty to a marijuana distribution charge in Brooklyn and was sentenced in 2019 to time served, with two years of probation, according to court records. He was also ordered to forfeit $50,000.

Fistel said that he had grown up in an Orthodox Jewish family in Massachusetts and studied accounting at the University of Maryland, according to a letter to the judge presiding over that case.

He began working at John Hancock Life Insurance Company in 2010, around the time of his arrest, according to filings.
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Venezuela says it has launched three days of large-scale military exercises in the Caribbean after several U.S. attacks on alleged drug trafficking boats.

Defence minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the exercise, named Sovereign Caribbean, would involve air defence deployments with armed drones and electronic warfare actions in response to the threatening, vulgar voice of the U.S.

Venezuelas defence ministry said the exercises would involve 12 ships, 22 aircraft and 20 small boats from the special naval militia. They will take place on La Orchila island, where the South American country has a military base.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a second kinetic strike had been carried out on a small boat that he claimed was carrying drugs to the U.S. from Venezuela.

The strike occurred while these confirmed narcoterrorists from Venezuela were in international waters transporting illegal narcotics ... headed to the U.S., he wrote.

Trump added that such extremely violent drug trafficking cartels are a threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy and vital U.S. interests and said that three male terrorists were killed in the strike. He provided no evidence that the boat was carrying drugs.

open image in gallery U.S. military attacking a boat carrying alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea ( Donald Trump/Truth Social )

The strike followed a similar attack earlier this month on a vessel carrying 11 people who the White House claimed were members of Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang which the Trump administration has designated as a terrorist organisation.

Earlier this week, he did not rule out the prospect of the U.S. striking the Venezuelan mainland directly, saying: Well see what happens.

The U.S. has labelled Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro a narcoterrorist and put up a $50m (37m) bounty for his arrest.

A number of U.S. naval forces, apparently tasked with combating drug traffickers, gathered in and around the southern Caribbean last week amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.

open image in gallery Venezuelas defence minister Vladimir Padrino (left) pictured at a meeting with other military officials on Wednesday ( Venezuelan Presidency )

Maduro has warned that he will respond in kind to any attack by warships patrolling near the Venezuelan coast, adding that he would declare a republic in arms, without elaborating.

He has accused Trump of pursuing a regime change, warning that U.S. military action against his country would stain [Trumps hands] with blood.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Maduro claimed that Washington was trying to justify the launch of a "criminal attack" on his country.

This isnt tension. It is an aggression all down the line, its a judicial aggression when they criminalise us, a political aggression with their daily threatening statements, a diplomatic aggression and an ongoing aggression of military character, Maduro said.

open image in gallery Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro has been branded a narcoterrorist by Trump ( Getty )

The Venezuelan government said over the weekend that a U.S. destroyer illegally intercepted, boarded and occupied a Venezuelan tuna fishing vessel for eight hours in the waters of the South American countrys special economic zone.

Trump has pushed for the military to tackle drug cartels that he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the U.S.

The U.S. president has long blamed Venezuela for a drug epidemic in his country, claiming Caracas is pouring narcotics into the U.S. through illegal channels. Venezuela has denied the allegations.
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Australias state broadcaster has been barred from attending Donald Trumps press conference in the UK this week after the US president clashed with their journalist.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporations (ABC) London bureau was initially cleared to attend Mr Trumps and British prime minister Keir Starmers joint press conference on Thursday, but officials later withdrew the broadcaster's accreditation.

The broadcaster said Downing Street Media withdrew the accreditation, citing logistical reasons. The ABCs London bureau is still accredited to attend Chequers; however, Downing Street media has said it no longer has a spot at the joint press conference due to logistical reasons, an ABC spokesperson told The Guardian.

Mr Trump is in London on his second state visit to the UK. He is scheduled to address the press with the British prime minister following their lunch on Thursday.

The announcement comes a day after Mr Trump accused ABC Americas editor John Lyons of hurting Australia after he pressed the president about his alleged business dealings from the White House.

The ABC spokesperson added: We have been given no indication this is connected to the questions put to President Trump by ABC Americas editor John Lyons earlier this week.

Mr Trump was speaking to the press on the White House lawn before leaving for his state visit to the UK when Lyons asked how wealthier he had grown since returning as the president in January this year.

When Lyons asked whether it was appropriate for a sitting US president to conduct business from the White House, Mr Trump claimed: Im really not, my kids are running the business. Upon learning that Lyons was from Australia, the president said: In my opinion, youre hurting Australia very much right now.

And they want to get along with me. You know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. Im going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone. You can set a nicer tone, he added.

When Lyons tried to ask another question, the president held his index finger to his lips before telling him: Quiet.

Shortly after, an official White House social media account shared a video of the exchange with the caption: Trump smacks down a rude foreign Fake News loser.

Lyons told Radio National Breakfast on Wednesday that Trump was in a pretty feisty mood during the exchange between them. Lyons joked that he would have to brace himself for when the president tells on me to Anthony Albanese.

I dont know what the prime minister will do, but I've certainly now got to go through that, Lyons said.

That was the point at which he lashed out," he said, recalling the moment he asked Trump about his wealth. Its certainly not a typical day at the office to be given a serve by the most powerful man in the world at the moment.

Lyons argued that the exchange revealed much about Mr Trumps relationship with the media, adding that the president was sort of at war at the moment with large parts of the media, which plays very well with his Maga base.

Lyons defended his questions as fair, research-based, and politely conveyed and when asked whether he had been banned from White House grounds, he said it would be a very dark day if that was the case. I dont think weve yet reached that point, though, he said, according to 9News.

Justin Stevens, the news director for ABC, said Lyons had the broadcasters full support and the editors job is to ask questions.

John Lyons is a highly awarded journalist and one of the most experienced and respected reporters in Australia, Stevens said.

Australian politicians backed Lyons and urged prime minister Anthony Albanese to stand up to Trump.

The Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Mr Trump was trying to bully the media and Australia. Independent senator David Pocock called for stronger defences of press freedom. That doesnt include the leader of another country thinking he can report journos to our PM for asking hard questions, he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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Barcelonas iconic Sagrada Familia basilica is set to become Europes tallest Christian church with the imminent completion of its immense central tower. After well over a century under construction, General Director Xavier Martinez confirmed the tower is expected to be finished "at the end of this year or the beginning of 2026."

This is an important moment in the history of the building of the Sagrada Familia because it will reach its maximum height, Martinez said. We are used to seeing skyscrapers like those in the United States (go up), but it is remarkable that in the 21st century we are building a cathedral.

Once the gigantic Tower of Jesus Christ is up, the masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudi will rise to 172 meters (564 feet). That will make it taller than the Ulmer Munster church in southern Germany, which tops out at 162 meters (531.5 feet).

The first pieces are already in place and the rest will be added in phases over the coming months. Once complete, the structure will be crowned by a cross and tightly surrounded by five other towers, one dedicated to Mary and four slightly shorter ones for the four evangelists.

Work on the facades and interior will continue for several years, the churchs head of construction Esteve Camps said, but the goal is to finish building work in approximately a decade from now.

open image in gallery Miniature replicas of the new central tower that will crown the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, making it the largest Christian church in Europe, are displayed during a press conference in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the death of Gaudi. The church will hold several events to celebrate his legacy, which includes several stunning buildings in Barcelona and other places in Spain.

Pope Leo XIV has been invited for a solemn Mass to be held in Gaudis memory on June 10, the day he died when struck by a streetcar in 1926. Sagrada Familia officials said that they hope to have a response from the Vatican in the coming weeks.

Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family in Spanish) and designated it a minor basilica in 2010.

open image in gallery Part of the new central tower that will crown the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, making it the largest Christian church in Europe, is photographed in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The first stone of the Sagrada Familia was placed in 1882. Gaudi never expected it to be completed in his lifetime. Only one of its multiple towers was finished when he died.

A fervent Catholic, Gaudi incorporated both Christian symbolism and organic forms into his unique aesthetic.

Work has sped up over recent decades as the basilica became a major international tourist attraction. The money from entrance fees is used to fund the ongoing construction. Last year, 4.9 million people paid to visit it, with 15% of those tourists coming from the United States.
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A British tourist has drowned while swimming at Maltas popular Blue Lagoon Bay after using a slide from a pleasure boat into the sea.

Police said they were called to reports that a man had got into difficulty after entering the water from a slide on a catamaran at around 1pm on Tuesday.

Bystanders pulled the man out of the water and began performing CPR, the Times of Malta reported.

Members of the Emergency Response and Rescue Corps (ERRC) provided first aid on site before the man, 43, was transported to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, where he was treated by medics.

The man was pronounced dead shortly after arriving in Victoria General Hospital, Maltese police said.

The local magistrate, Brigitte Sultana, has been informed and an inquiry has been launched, police said. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Independent has approached the Foreign Office for comment.

Two people have died after drowning in Comino this year and 12 have died in Malta overall, according to the Times of Malta.

In August, an Italian man, 35, died after getting into difficulty while swimming at the Blue Lagoon, the newspaper reported.

The body of a 71-year-old fisherman was also found off the coast of Comino, hours after he was reported missing, in April.

A Spanish tourist was seriously injured in July after being struck by a boat propeller while boarding a boat on the island.

Comino remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Malta. Gozo and Comino were visited by more than half a million people last year, according to Maltas National Statistics Office (NSO).

The Blue Lagoon is a beautiful bay found between Comino and its smaller counterpart, Cominotto. It is extremely busy during the summer months and is known for its turquoise waters and water sports.

However, local authorities have warned that a surge in tourism threatens the islands ecosystem. In February, Maltas tourism minister Ian Borg promised to clean up the area by introducing a capacity restriction of 4,000 visitors a day.

A message posted on the Blue Lagoon website warns: Keep in mind that since the Blue Lagoon is open from both sides, in certain days, currents can be strong and swimming in the lagoon can be relatively difficult. Always check the flags around the lagoon and listen to the indications of the lifeguards."
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The EU said Indias growing relations with Russia were a major obstacle to finalising a long-awaited free trade agreement even as Brussels unveiled a new strategic agenda for deepening cooperation with New Delhi in defence, technology and global security.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the initiative marked a new phase in relations with the South Asian country. Now is the time to double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values. With our new EU-India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level, she said.

The document sets out proposals ranging from enhanced maritime and cyber security cooperation to supply chain resilience and new ventures in digital innovation.

It also outlines plans for an EU-India Business Forum, expanded academic and labour mobility, and trilateral partnerships with countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Central to the new agenda is the aim of concluding a free trade agreement by the end of this year.

Ms von der Leyen described the proposed deal as the largest of its kind anywhere in the world, stressing that Europe was already Indias biggest trading partner.

open image in gallery EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic address a press conference in Brussels on 17 September 2025 ( Reuters )

Trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the agreement could unlock vast potential by tackling tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Brussels also flagged significant obstacles, however. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Indias purchase of Russian oil and its participation in Russian-led military exercises stand in the way of closer ties.

Participating in military exercises, purchases of oil  all these are obstacles to our cooperation when it comes to deepening the ties. The question is whether we leave this void to be filled by somebody else or try to fill it ourselves, she said.

open image in gallery Indian prime minister Narendra Modi with Russian president Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China, on 1 September 2025 ( Reuters )

She was referring to the participation of Indian soldiers in Zapad 2025, a Russian military exercise held earlier this month near Natos eastern borders.

India sharply increased its purchase of discounted Russian oil after the Western countries sanctioned Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Despite these tensions, Ms Kallas said the EU did not expect India to completely decouple from Russia, given their long-standing ties, but insisted disagreements would need to be addressed in negotiations.

If everything is not agreed then nothing is agreed in the end, she said.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi welcomed the new framework, describing it as a shared commitment, shared goal, and shared responsibility.

In a post on X, Mr Modi thanked Ms von der Leyen for her birthday greetings, saying India was ready to take the India-EU relationship to the next level and reiterated his governments call for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

The prime ministers office added that both leaders agreed to continue working for mutual prosperity and to strengthen the partnership in promoting a rules-based international order.

Mr Modi also renewed his invitation for the next EU-India summit to be held in India next year.

The strategic communication emphasises collaboration on global issues like climate change, green hydrogen and decarbonisation as well as expanding cooperation through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the EUs Global Gateway infrastructure initiative.

It also envisages a Security of Information Agreement to enable classified data sharing and a potential EU-India Startup Partnership.

India is one of the most important players in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union, Ms Kallas said.

There are many areas where our interests, strengths and political will align. Boosting our collaboration will benefit the security and prosperity of citizens and businesses on both sides. Our negotiations will address these challenges.

The agenda must be endorsed by all 27 EU member states before its formal adoption, expected at the next summit in early 2026.
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As France welcomes its new Prime Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, a loyal ally of President Emmanuel Macron, the nation is quickly discovering an unusual personal quirk.

The 39-year-old, who maintained a remarkably low profile before ascending to one of the country's top political offices, has been observed in his initial days in power opting for gentle head-butts with male colleagues, rather than the traditional French greeting of multiple cheek kisses.

This distinctive habit, while not entirely unprecedented, has certainly set French media abuzz. Journalists are now delving into the Prime Minister's pre-political past, unearthing details such as his teenage contemplation of becoming a monk.

Le Monde and other French publications say Lecornus way of greeting people  mostly men, but sometimes women, too  with soft temple-to-temple bumps stems from time he spent at Saint-Wandrille Abbey, a community of about 30 Benedictine monks in the Normandy region northwest of Paris.

open image in gallery French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, left, welcomes Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defense Richard Marles during a ceremony on Sept. 1, 2022, in Brest, Brittany, France. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File) ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The naturally discreet Lecornu, citing reasons both personal and professional, has said he finds it difficult to talk publicly about what attracted him to the possibility of joining them.

I dont like to talk about it, but its true, he said, drawing a deep breath, when asked in 2024 on Frances Televisions Quelle epoque ! chat show whether it was accurate that he had considered becoming a Benedictine monk.

The host, Lea Salame, quickly followed up.

What moved you above all is the manner the monks have of greeting each other, forehead to forehead," she said.

Oh, not just that, replied the then-defense minister.

I had a moment in my adolescent life, a period of discernment, as we say, but which is a very intimate period. I dont really like talking about that because, for one, I represent the state as a minister and the state is neutral. And so I am a great defender of secularism.

He then added: Since you asked me the question: Yes, when I was 16.

open image in gallery France Lecornu French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, left, welcomes Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defense Richard Marles during a ceremony on Sept. 1, 2022, in Brest, Brittany, France. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File) Heads ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Benedictines are a spiritual family of mostly contemplative monks that is considered the oldest religious order in the Latin rite Catholic Church. It dates to 529 AD and follows the Rule governing monastic life attributed to St. Benedict of Norcia.

Catholic priests do variations of the temple-to-temple greeting when exchanging the sign of peace at Mass. Often, they grab one anothers forearms and lean in, side to side in a modified kiss-kiss greeting that avoids touching and almost resembles a fashionista air kiss.

When Lecornu took office on Wednesday, greeting government colleagues at a handover of power at Matignon, the office of Frances premiers, he gave traditional two-cheeked bises kisses to female colleagues, including Catherine Vautrin, the labor minister in the outgoing government, and Rachida Dati, who served as culture minister.

But male colleagues, including outgoing Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, got temple-to-temple bumps from the new government boss who has yet to name his new Cabinet.

open image in gallery French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu speaks with the media as he arrives for a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Harry Nakos, File) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Lecornu also gave a temple-to-temple greeting to senior presidential aide Patrice Faure at a meeting that evening.

Jean-Louis Langlois, a civilian volunteer at the more than 1,300-year-old Saint-Wandrille Abbey, told The Associated Press on Friday that the temple-to-temple contact is called an accolade.

Tilting your head to the right, and the temple touches that of the other, on the side of the face, at the moment when we exchange a sign of peace," said Langlois, who hasn't met Lecornu.

"It is a very beautiful gesture, he said.
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Protesters hit France with transport strikes, demonstrations and traffic blockades on Thursday, pitting the power of the streets against Emmanuel Macrons government and its proposals to cut funding for public services.

The first whiff of police teargas came before daybreak, with scuffles between riot officers and protesters in Paris.

Planned nationwide demonstrations, from Frances biggest cities to small towns, were expected to mobilise hundreds of thousands of marchers and voice anger about mounting poverty, sharpening inequality and growing struggles for low-paid workers and others to make ends meet.

We say no to the government. Weve had enough. Theres no more money, a high cost of living, striking transport worker Nadia Belhoum said at a before-dawn protest targeting a Paris bus depot.

She said people were being squeezed like a lemon even if theres no more juice.

Unions that called strikes are pushing for the abandonment of proposed budget cuts, social welfare freezes, and other belt-tightening measures that opponents contend will further hit the pockets of low-paid and middle-class workers and which triggered the collapse of successive governments that sought to push through savings.

Opponents of Mr Macrons business-friendly leadership complain that taxpayer-funded public services  free schools and public hospitals, subsidised health care, unemployment benefits and other safety nets that are cherished in France  are being eroded.

open image in gallery Clashes in Paris between police and supporters of the Bloquons Tout (Let's Block Everything) movement ( Reuters )

Left-wing parties and their supporters want the wealthy and businesses to pay more, rather than see spending cuts to plug holes in Frances finances and to rein in its debts.

Public service is falling apart, said teacher Claudia Nunez. Its always the same people who pay.

The day of upheaval, with strikes also impacting schools, industry and other sectors of the EUs second-largest economy, aimed to turn up the heat on new prime minister Sebastien Lecornu.

Mr Macron appointed him last week, tasking Mr Lecornu with building parliamentary support for the proposed belt-tightening that brought down his immediate predecessors.

Bringing in Lecornu doesnt change anything  hes just another man in a suit who will follow Macrons line, said 22-year-old student Juliette Martin.

We want our voices heard. People my age feel like no one in politics is speaking for us, she said. Its always our generation that ends up with the insecurity and the debt.

Unions have decried budget proposals by Mr Macrons minority governments, weakened by their lack of a dependable majority in parliament, as brutal and punitive for workers, retirees and others who are vulnerable.

Mr Macrons opponents also continue to denounce unpopular pension reforms that he railroaded through parliament and which raised the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64, triggering a firestorm of anger and rounds of protest earlier in what is his second and last term as president, which ends in 2027.

The government said it was deploying police in exceptionally large numbers, about 80,000 in all, to keep order.

French broadcasters also reported sporadic clashes in the cities of Nantes, in the west, and Lyon in the southeast, with volleys of police teargas and projectiles targeting officers.

Every time theres a protest, it feels like daily life is held hostage, said office worker Nathalie Laurent, grappling with disruptions on the Paris Metro during her morning commute.

You can feel the frustration in the air. People are tired, she said. Its not very democratic when ordinary people cant even do their jobs. And Lecornu  hes only just started, but if this is his idea of stability, then he has a long way to go.
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As Russias military action in Ukraine encroaches on European airspace, Polands foreign minister has raised the prospect of Nato support in patrolling the skies.

On 10 September, Russian drones over Polish airspace prompted Radoslaw Sikorski to invoke Article 4 of Natos North Atlantic Treaty, calling for an urgent meeting of member states to discuss what he called Vladimir Putins large-scale provocation.

Tensions were heightened a few days later when Romania reported similar drone incursions into its airspace, forcing the military to scramble its own fighter jets in response.

Unease spread among European countries as the incursions occurred at the same time as high-profile military drills were played out between Belarus and Russia.

open image in gallery A damaged drone lies after falling in the eastern Polish village of Czosnowka ( Dariusz Stefaniuk )

Speaking to a German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine, Sikorski talked about extending missions into Ukraine: We as Nato and the EU could be capable of doing this, but it is not a decision that Poland can make alone; it can only be made with its allies.

Protection for our population  for example, from falling debris  would naturally be greater if we could combat drones and other flying objects beyond our national territory.

If Ukraine were to ask us to shoot them down over its territory, that would be advantageous for us. If you ask me personally, we should consider it.

Zelensky backed Sikorskis calls as he said: Now is the time to implement the joint protection of our European skies with a multilayered air defense system. All the technologies for this are available. We need investments and desire, we need strong actions and decisions from all our partners.

Natos former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander and former British Army general Sir Richard Shirreff told The Independent that Nato had failed in its duty to protect member states.

Last week Russia attacked a Nato country, said Sir Richard, who is now chair of the Healix Risk and Security Advisory Board. The whole purpose of Nato is to defend the airspace, land borders and the sea lines of communication. It ultimately does that through effective deterrence. Last week, that failed.

He believes that the incursion was a deliberate attack to probe Nato defenses, adding that if Russia smells weakness it will persist in its aggression: Nato has to respond with real strength.

He said imposing a no-fly zone is absolutely the correct route to take.

In response to concerns of a wider war, he said: This is an act of war against Russia, but it is in response to an act of war by Russia in a Nato member state. So it is entirely justifiable. In a very real sense, we are already at war with Russia.

But what is a no fly zone and what does that mean in reality?

open image in gallery Sir Richard Shirreff said a no-fly zone was absolutely the correct route ( AFP via Getty Images )

What is a no-fly zone?

A no-fly zone, also known as a no-flight zone (NFZ), is a militarised airspace prohibited to certain aircraft. The restriction must be imposed with force and can consist of pre-emptive strikes, surveillance and attacks against aircraft intending to enter the area.

They are typically invoked when deploying friendly ground forces would be unrealistic, and involve enforcement with ground, air, and space-based surveillance, as well as constant combat air patrols of friendly combat aircraft, Gareth Jennings, a military expert at Janes, told The Independent.

It designates an area of space as off-limits to military aircraft with the aim of restricting a hostile groups or governments ability to conduct its operations that are usually harming a civilian population.

No-fly zones were first implemented in the 1990s with Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch over northern and southern Iraq following the end of the Gulf War in 1991.

They have been enforced in several conflicts since, including Operation Deny Flight in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1993 and 1995 and in Libya in 2011, 2018 and 2019.

A no-fly zone differs from air policing as all hostile military aircraft are forbidden to operate in a proscribed area (typically over an active war zone) at the risk of being shot down by friendly military aircraft, said Jennings.

Air policing is used in peacetime and is limited to friendly and/or international air space that is usually adjacent or relatively close to a hostile country.

It would see friendly combat aircraft intercept and shadow hostile aircraft in international airspace, but would not see them attempt to shoot them down.

open image in gallery A Russian Air Force MiG-31K jet ( Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The risk of direct conflict

However, the decision to impose a no-fly zone over a Nato country in the current Ukraine crisis would be a ratcheting up of tensions as it risks direct conflict between Nato states and Russia.

The decision to militarise an airspace means Nato must be ready to engage in combat if the airspace is violated. Some experts have warned this could lead to significant unrest and outright war.

If Nato were to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, it would then have to enforce it, said Jennings.

That would require Nato combat aircraft flying over Ukraine and potentially engaging directly with Russian aircraft, which would have the effect of Nato becoming a co-combatant in the war.

open image in gallery Zelensky has called for joint protection of our European skies ( Getty Images )

Previous no-fly zones have been easier to enforce due to states being much weaker militarily than Nato to effectively oppose them.

That would not be true for Russia, and there would be no guarantee that Nato could enforce such a no-fly zone even if it wanted to, he said.

Many strikes against Ukraine have been launched from within Russia, rendering a no-fly zone pointless in some respects.

There may be a halfway house between a no-fly zone and doing nothing at all, that could see Nato (or at least the Nato countries bordering the conflict zone) shoot down drones that are approaching their airspace but still over Ukraine, but again that carries risks in terms of enforcement and escalation, Jennings continued.

The closure of the skies over Ukraine is actually the invasion of Nato troops on its territory, Russian military expert Yuri Knutov told The Paragraph.

The direct participation of the troops of these countries, which plan such operations, in the conflict means declaring war on us. This is a casus belli and the declaration of World War III, which will eventually escalate into a war involving tactical nuclear weapons.

Such proposals will be put forward only by people who do not realise that Russia is a nuclear power and still tolerates numerous violations of the red lines that our leadership has repeatedly stated.

open image in gallery Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine has started to spill beyond the countrys borders ( AFP/Getty )

Ukraines last request was rejected in 2022

Zelensky called for the imposition of a no-fly zone over its airspace in the days following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He said the country simply cannot manage without it.

The UK, US and Nato opposed Ukraines request, leading to the Ukrainian president accusing Nato leadership of giving a green light for further bombing of Ukrainian cities and villages.

However, Ben Wallace, the UKs then-Defence Secretary said that fighting Russian aircraft in a no-fly zone would trigger a war across Europe. There have also been concerns around the effectiveness of such an action as it cannot counter attacks by land or sea.

Yet Tobias Ellwood, former chair of the Defence Select Committee, said Putin will not stop until he is stopped, arguing that inaction could pose further risks.

What has been done in the aftermath of Russias drone incursions?

A new Nato initiative, Operation Eastern Sentry, was launched to protect and shield allies in the eastern flank of Europe. It allows Nato forces to counter aerial threats from Russia, including drones.

The UK has committed Royal Air Force Typhoons to join allied forces including Denmark, France and German, which the British government said will bolster Natos defence and deterrence along its eastern flank.

A government statement said: The Typhoons will operate out of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and are expected to start flying missions over Poland in the coming days. They will be supported by RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.

However, Sir Richard said the plan appeared to be three extra Nato planes to support Polish military.

The UK is fully committed to playing our part in Natos Eastern Sentry following the reckless and dangerous airspace violations by Russia, the Ministry of Defence said about the initiative.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer added: These aircraft are not just a show of strength, they are vital in deterring aggression, securing NATO airspace, and protecting our national security and that of our allies.

The multi-domain activity, which will commence in the coming days and continue for an undisclosed amount of time, is in response to ongoing airspace violations, including the numerous Russian drones that violated Polands airspace on September 10, a statement by Nato read.

Operation Eastern Sentry is the beefing up of Natos eastern flank as a direct result of the recent Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania, said Jennings.
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Four people were rescued from a boat off the coast of Portugal after the vessel was rammed by orcas, in the third incident involving killer whales in a week.

Portugals Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF) rescued four people from the boat on Monday after they were alerted to repeated strikes on its bow caused by killer whales, the National Guard (GNR) said.

The incident took place near Costa da Caparica, which lies around 10 nautical miles from Lisbon. After calling for help, the crew were taken safely to the port of Cascais by a UCCF patrol boat.

It follows two previous collisions between orcas and boats off the coast of Portugal in the past week.

open image in gallery Officers from the National Guard were called to the incident off the coast of Lisbon ( GNR )

On Saturday, a tourist yacht carrying five people sank near Fonte da Telha beach after being rammed by a pod of orcas.

Footage shared by sailing company Mercedes-Benz Oceanic Lounge shows an orca repeatedly pushing into the side of the yacht before it sways and starts to sink, with a witness heard saying: Oh my God.

All five crew members were rescued from the Nautic Squad club vessel by boats shortly before it sank.

A second encounter with the pod was recorded later the same day off the Bay of Cascais, with four people removed from their boat without injuries.

Portugals National Maritime Authority said that it received an alert at 12.30pm due to an interaction with orcas.

It added: Crews from the lifeguard station of Cascais and the Captaincy of the Port of Lisbon were immediately activated.

open image in gallery File: Researchers have documented hundreds of incidents of orcas ramming into boats ( AP )

Upon arrival at the site, it was found that the crew were physically well, without the need of medical assistance, having been removed with the help of a sea-tourist boat nearby.

Since May 2020, researchers have documented hundreds of incidents of orcas ramming into boats near the Iberian peninsula, sparking several theories and research into the rise in the behavioural trend.

The incident follows a new warning after two boats were attacked by a pair of killer whales off the coast of Spain earlier this month.

A Spanish maritime rescue ship was called after the boats were rammed by orcas just minutes apart in the waters of Galicia.

Rescuers towed an orca-damaged ship back into the harbour before they were alerted to another attack.
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Donald Trump has said that Vladimir Putin really let me down over his failure to take steps to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference at Chequers alongside the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, the US president said he believed the conflict would be the easiest to solve due to his personal relationship with the Russian leader.

Hopes of a potential peace deal have not materialised following a summit held between Putin and Mr Trump in Alaska last month, during which Mr Trump urged the Russian president to hold talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. Since then, Mr Trumps various deadlines and ultimatums for the Russian leader to engage with proposals have passed without obvious consequences.

I thought this war would be one of the easiest to solve because of my relationship with Putin. But he has really let me down, Mr Trump told reporters. I mean, frankly, Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers. But, yeah, hes let me down.

open image in gallery Donald Trump listens as Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference at Chequers ( Reuters )

Mr Trump said that Putin would drop out of the war if the price of oil decreased, as he appealed to European countries to halt purchasing energy from Russia. If the oil prices come down, then Russia will settle.

He went on to suggest that Putin had started the war in February 2022 because he didnt respect the leadership of the United States at the time, referring to former president Joe Biden.

If I were president, it would have never happened, and it didnt happen for four years. People, most people, agree. It didnt happen, nor was it close to happening, he said.

I spoke to President Putin about Ukraine, it was the apple of his eye. Ive said that many times, it was, but he would have never done what he did, except that he didnt respect the leadership of the US.

Moscow has launched thousands of drones and powerful glide bombs, as well as hundreds of missiles, at targets inside Ukraine over the past fortnight. Ukraine has responded by striking Russias energy facilities.

open image in gallery Trump and Putin at Augusts summit in Alaska ( Sputnik )

Elsewhere, Sir Keir claimed that Europe has been stepping up to the plate in the past few months over increasing support for Ukraine.

We have built the coalition of the willing with British leadership and French leadership, stepping up with military planning in the seas, in the sky, on the ground and ramping up what we do with the Ukrainians themselves, he said.

Last week, Mr Trump said he was ready for major sanctions on Moscow  but only when Nato gives up the shocking purchasing of Russian oil.

He wrote on Truth Social: 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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Ukraine anticipates a substantial $3.5 billion by next month for a critical fund to procure US weapons, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday, bolstering its protracted fight against Russias full-scale invasion.

This financial mechanism, officially termed the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), consolidates contributions from NATO members, except the United States, to facilitate the acquisition of American-made weapons, munitions, and equipment.

During a joint press conference in Kyiv with visiting European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Mr Zelensky confirmed the current financial standing.

He stated: "We received more than $2 billion from our partners specifically for the PURL program," Zelensky said at a joint news conference in Kyiv with visiting European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

"We will receive additional money in October. I think we will have somewhere around $3.5-3.6 billion."

Although the Ukrainian leader refrained from detailing the precise contents of the initial shipments, he did confirm that they would "definitely" encompass missiles for Patriot air defence missile systems and munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).

open image in gallery The financial arrangement known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, or PURL, pools contributions from NATO members, except the United States, to purchase American weapons, munitions and equipment ( Associated Press )

The announcement underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to secure vital military aid as the conflict, now in its fourth year, appears no closer to an end, despite months of US-led peace efforts.

The Patriot systems are vital to defend against Russian missile attacks. The HIMARS systems have significantly bolstered the Ukrainian militarys precision-strike capability.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russias readiness for peace talks, telling reporters on Wednesday that we remain open for negotiations and prefer to settle the Ukrainian crisis by political and diplomatic means.

However, Moscow has raised objections about key proposals and negotiations haven't moved forward.

The latest Russian overnight aerial attacks caused disruption to Ukrainian rail and power services, officials said Wednesday. In addition, a Russian glide bomb struck a town in the southern Kherson region of Ukraine, wounding three women and a 3-year-old girl, regional head Oleksandr Prokudin said.

open image in gallery Zelensky declined to provide details of what weapons the first shipments would include, but said that they would definitely contain missiles for Patriot air defense missile systems and munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS. ( AFP/Getty )

Meanwhile, a US-Ukraine fund devised to spur investments in the Ukrainian mineral sector is set to launch with $150 million of seed capital, senior Ukrainian officials said Wednesday.

The US International Development Finance Corporation agency will commit $75 million to the fund, with Ukraine matching that contribution, Ukrainian Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev said.

This is enough to launch the first significant investments, Sobolev said, describing the fund as a beacon that could draw additional support from other international institutions.

The US-Ukraine deal on developing the Ukrainian mineral sector was signed in April. It gives the US preferential access to new Ukrainian mining projects and is meant to spur reconstruction and enable continued military aid to Ukraine from the U.S.

Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said that the fund would initially focus on energy, infrastructure and critical mineral projects, with a goal of financing three projects by the end of 2026.
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Panicked families scrambling to flee Israels wave of strikes on Gaza City describe dodging giant robot bombs as Israeli forces pushed deeper into the citys urban centres.

The Israeli military advanced on the second day of its widely condemned offensive into the Strips largest city, which the military said its tanks and planes had struck more than 150 times over the past few days.

Relentless tank strikes and airstrikes in the past 24 hours have killed at least 16 people and hit Gazas only specialist hospital for children, according to Palestinian health authorities, who say the death toll in the territory has almost reached 65,000 since October 2023.

On the ground, fearful families trapped in Gaza City say they are having to navigate remotely operated bomb-packed armoured cars: rigged vehicles that the Israeli media claims its military is now relying on as part of the current ground offensive.

Today we woke up to terrifying sounds from these massive robots bombs exploding in Gazas neighbourhoods and streets, causing massive destruction, said Hussein Mansour, 55, who has stayed in Gaza City praying for a ceasefire as it is too expensive to evacuate his wife and child.

The Palestinian authorities estimate that hundreds of thousands of people could still be in Gaza City despite Israel having issued a mass evacuation order. Many cannot afford the $600 (440) it now costs to rent a vehicle to travel south.

These robot bombs usually explode at 4am, and are extremely terrifying for everyone, especially children, added Mr Mansour.

Jenin Raffia, 23, a mother looking after a family of eight, also described the unmanned vehicles, saying that 20 booby-trapped robots had been remotely detonated in the neighbourhood where she was sheltering in Gaza, wiping out large areas at a time.

She said the main road out of Gaza City along the coast is too packed with cars, trucks and donkey carts to get out.

open image in gallery The main road out of Gaza City along the coast is too busy now for residents to be able to leave ( Reuters )

Weve been trying to leave Gaza City for over a week, by any means of transportation, whether by car or tractor, but there are currently no available means, she added in desperation. One driver told us that our turn would come in three days. The situation is catastrophic.

Israeli media has reported that Israels Southern Command has started using the outdated M113 model of armoured personnel carrier (APC), which they rig with explosives and make remotely operational, in a bid to reduce soldier casualties as the number being killed has soared over the past two years.

The M113 model is reportedly being used because the ageing military hardware has attracted mounting public criticism for its vulnerability to enemy fire.

Security sources speaking to Israels Maariv newspaper said the military refers to these creations as suicide APCs, and they are mainly used for taking out large buildings. They are loaded with several tonnes of explosives, so that just one explosion can create an extremely powerful shock wave. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli military has tripled the use of explosive-laden APCs in its current offensive.

open image in gallery An Israeli armoured personnel carrier manoeuvres on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza. Older versions of these APCs are being used as remote-control explosive devices, according to Israeli media ( Reuters )

The Independent asked the military for comment but has yet to receive a reply.

Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed ahead with his controversial offensive, despite condemnation from world leaders, who are increasingly calling for a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. That only increased after a United Nations investigation concluded this week for the first time that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Pope Leo  the first American pontiff  called for a ceasefire during his weekly general audience in the Vatican. The European Commission has proposed suspending free-trade arrangements on Israeli goods, although the suggestion does not yet have sufficient support among EU member countries to pass.

There has also been mounting pressure from within Israel, where the largest group representing the families of the hostages staged a sit-in outside Mr Netanyahus residence in Jerusalem.

More than 250 people were taken hostage in 2023 by Hamas militants, who also killed over 1,000 people during their bloody raid on southern Israel. At least 48 of those seized remain in Gaza, although less than half are believed to still be alive.

Outside Mr Netanyahus residence, family members with megaphones begged the prime minister to agree to an immediate hostage deal, fearing that the Gaza City offensive would amount to a death sentence for their relatives .

open image in gallery Macabit Mayer, aunt of Gali and Ziv Berman, calls for an immediate ceasefire outside Benjamin Netanyahus residence in Jerusalem ( Tanya Zion-Waldoks/Hostages Family Forum )

Macabit Mayer, the aunt of Gali and Ziv Berman, 28-year-old twins who were sized from Kafr Aza, said in comments addressed to Mr Netanyahu: All day long, you boast about killing and destruction. Bringing down buildings in Gaza  who are you bringing these buildings down on?

Could it be that you are bringing these buildings down right now on Gali and Ziv and all the souls left there  the living and the deceased?

Other family members begged the president of the US, Israels biggest ally and largest supplier of weapons, to intervene. Donald Trump landed in the UK on Wednesday for his second state visit, as Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure to raise the issue of Israels new offensive with the president.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey used Mr Trumps arrival to call for action on the escalating situation in Gaza, saying he was boycotting a Windsor Castle dinner with the US president in protest.

My view is that President Trump is the one person in the world who can stop this humanitarian catastrophe. He can ring up Prime Minister Netanyahu and stop the fighting and the killing and get food in, and he can ring up the Qatari government and governments in the Gulf and get them to force Hamas to release the hostages.

open image in gallery Palestinians inspect the remains of a building destroyed by an Israeli attack on Gaza City on Sunday ( AP )

The relief organisation Medical Aid for Palestinians said the Israeli military attacked al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital in Gaza City  Gazas only specialist hospital for children, which provides lifesaving care for youngsters with cancer, kidney failure, respiratory and digestive diseases.

The military announced on Wednesday that it would open a second route out of Gaza City down the centre of the Strip, as the only existing road along the coast is blocked with people fleeing.

But trapped families said they were too scared to use the road as it passes through Israeli military positions.

I definitely wont cross through Salah al-Din, as its located in a red zone thats already classified as dangerous, said Mohammed Azzam, 38, a father of two displaced from Jabalia. Its a scary feeling for everyone, especially when you cross with your children and family in the presence of the Israeli army.
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Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have cemented a mutual defence pact, stipulating that any aggression against one nation will be treated as an attack on both. This pivotal agreement follows an Israeli strike on Qatar, adding a new layer to regional security dynamics.

The two states have long maintained profound economic, religious, and security ties, with reports indicating Saudi Arabia's financial support for Islamabad's development of its nuclear arsenal. For years, observers and even Pakistani diplomats have suggested the kingdom could potentially benefit from Pakistan's nuclear umbrella, a consideration amplified by growing concerns over Iran's atomic programme.

But the timing of the pact appeared to be a signal to Israel, long suspected to be the Middle East's only nuclear-armed state, which has conducted a sprawling military offensive since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel stretching across Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Syria and Yemen.

Israel did not immediately acknowledge the pact, which was the first firm defense decision made by a Gulf Arab country since the Qatar attack last week.

Saudi Arabias powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the pact Wednesday with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

open image in gallery This handout picture released by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) meeting with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Doha on September 15, 2025, on the sidelines of the 2025 Arab-Islamic emergency summit ( AFP/Getty )

While not specifically discussing the bomb, the agreement states any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, according to statements issued by both Pakistans Foreign Affairs Ministry and the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

This agreement ... aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, the statement said.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a defense relationship stretching back decades, in part due to Islamabad's willingness to defend the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina in the kingdom. Pakistani troops first traveled to Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s over concerns about Egypt's war in Yemen at the time. Those ties increased after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the kingdom's fears of a confrontation with Tehran

open image in gallery Smoke rises from an explosion, after an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (UGC via AP, File)

Pakistan developed its nuclear weapons program to counter India's atomic bombs. However, there long have been signals of the kingdom's interest in the program. Retired Pakistani Brig. Gen. Feroz Hassan Khan, in his book on his country's nuclear weapons program called Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb, said Saudi Arabia provided generous financial support for its effort.

In a 2007 U.S. diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks, American diplomats in Saudi Arabia noted that their Pakistani counterparts had brought up the idea of the kingdom pursuing a weapons program alongside Islamabad.

According to these officials, they understand that (Saudi Arabia) does want to protect itself and the region, and since, in their opinion, some of the other regional players  specifically Egypt  are unable to develop such weapons systems due to financial constraints, it is logical for the Saudis to step in as the physical protector just as the they have been increasingly stepping in as peace mediators in various regional conflicts, the cable read.

Saudi Arabia has sought to U.S. assistance to advance a civilian nuclear power program, in part with what had been a proposed diplomatic recognition deal with Israel prior to the 2023 Hamas attack. That could allow Saudi Arabia enrich uranium in the kingdom  something that worries nonproliferation experts as spinning centrifuges opens the door to a possible weapons program. Prince Mohammed has said the kingdom would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran had one.

Before the defense pact was signed, Iran dispatched Ali Larijani, a senior political figure who now serves as the secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, to visit Saudi Arabia. That may have seen the kingdom acknowledge the pact to Tehran, with which it has had a Chinese-mediated detente with Iran since 2023.
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President Donald Trump patted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on the back as the UK leader insisted Hamas would have no part in any future governance of Palestine.

The comments came at a joint press conference in Chequers on Thursday during the American leaders historic second state visit to the UK.

The politicians discussed the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the special relationship between the UK and US leading to several trade deals, and Israeli military action in Gaza where a humanitarian catastrophe has been declared by several groups.

Asked a question about recognition of the State of Palestine and whether it would reward Hamas, the prime minister said: Hamas is a terrorist organisation who can have no part in the future governance of Palestine.

open image in gallery Donald Trump appeared pleased with Keir Starmers comments against Hamas ( Sky News )

Trump backslapped Starmer, smiling and saying: Thats good.

The UK leader continued: What happened on 7 October was the worst attack since the Holocaust. We have extended family in Israel. I understand the psychological impact that had across Israel, so I know exactly where I stand in relation to Hamas.

Hamas of course dont want a two-state solution, they dont want peace, they dont want a ceasefire. Im very clear where I stand on Hamas. 

On the question of recognition, I made my position clear as to the timing, which has got nothing to do with this state visit, and Ive discussed it with the president as you would expect with two leaders who respect each other and like each other.

open image in gallery Trump highlighted the horror of the October 7 attack by Hamas and stressed he wants the hostages returned ( Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street )

Sir Keir confirmed the two keaders had discussed his intention to recognise Palestinian statehood when they met in private on Thursday. The prime minister plans to recognise Palestinian statehood over the weekend, according to the Times newspaper, once Trumps visit was over.

I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements actually, Trump told reporters.

Trump accused Palestinian militant group Hamas of putting the hostages up as bait which he described as pretty brutal during the press conference.

The president said the October 7 attacks on Israel were one of the worst days in the history of humanity when asked whether he would call on Israels leader Benjamin Netanyahu to end his ground offensive in Gaza. He insisted he wanted to see the hostages returned, and not in a piecemeal fashion.

Pressed on whether he would call for an end to the war if this condition was met, Trump said: Well, it would certainly help. But I have to have the hostages back.

The comments come after a two-year investigation by the United Nations concluded that Israel is committing a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has vehemently denied the claims made by the report.
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5-star, marble-clad glamour at its finest, blending historic architecture with modern touches and excellent views of the Eternal City from its rooftop terrace and pool.

Location

Holding court on the sweeping Piazza della Repubblica (about 10 minutes on foot from Termini Railway station), Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel is within walking distance to some of Romes top historical attractions like the Fori Imperiali, Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Inside the building, the history continues. Built above the remains of an ancient public Roman bathhouse (the Baths of Diocletian, dating back to 298-306 AD), guests can view parts of the baths through glass floors on level -1. Head up to the fourth floor, meanwhile, and they can visit the former home of an ancient grain store, built in 1705 by architect Carlo Fontana by order of Pope Clemente XI.

Read more: The best hotels in Rome for nights in historic palaces and lavish city hideaways

The vibe

open image in gallery Recent renovations at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel has elevated the experience ( Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel )

Think upmarket sophistication with a touch of swagger  where high rollers and history buffs might rub shoulders over a couple of rooftop Negronis as the sun goes down. Renovated in 2023 by the luxury Thai brand Anantara (whose Phuket resort featured in season 3 of The White Lotus), guests enter through revolving doors into a marble-clad lobby, where classic Venetian-style Murano glass chandeliers hang from an elaborate stucco ceiling.

Services

Guests can expect to be treated very well at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, with attentive and polite staff throughout the hotel who are more than happy to help.

Read more: Best cheap hotels in Rome with central locations and beautiful budget rooms

Bed and bath

open image in gallery Neoclassical interiors and large windows are some of the highlights of the rooms ( Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel )

The hotels elegance continues behind closed doors, with each of its 232 rooms and suites decorated with tasteful shades of green and gold and featuring Neoclassical furnishings and marble bathrooms. High ceilings and grand windows make even its entry-level rooms feel spacious and light. Beds are large, comfortable and covered in crisp white sheets and amenities include rain showers, bathrobes and slippers.

Spread across two wings and four floors, unique touches can be found across many of the rooms such as original wooden beams found on fourth floor rooms in the Clementino Wing.

Read more: The best family-friendly hotels in Rome, from rare city swimming pools to kid-friendly suites

Food and drink

open image in gallery ( Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel )

Chef Heros De Agostinis restaurant, INEO, is one of the standout dining options available at the hotel. A new addition to the Michelin guide, the menu concept fuses together Italian cooking with global influences from Agostinis time working as a chef around the world.

A slightly more casual experience can be had upstairs at SEEN, which is best known for its sushi bar and cocktails, although it has additional dishes from around the world. Later in the evening it becomes a buzzy bar. A special mention goes to the extensive and excellent continental breakfast on offer at La Fontana, where guests can eat anything from freshly baked bite-sized pizza and focaccia to Thai specialities, pastries and so much more.

Facilities

open image in gallery Treatments are available at Anantara Spa ( Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel )

The hotel leans into its historical roots as the former home to one of Romes largest public baths at its spa  Anantara Spa  where you can get treatments that blend together the sites indigenous Roman rituals with Anantaras Asian origins. Massages, body scrubs, facials and more are all on the menu. A well-equipped gym is next door.

When the sun is out, there is no better place to be than on the hotels rooftop terrace and pool, which has excellent views of the city, with drinks and snacks at hand. Guests can also book in for several experiences, including the hotels signature Rome by Vespa tour, which takes them to some of the most romantic part of the city over the course of three hours in a classic double sidecar Vespa.

Read more: Best luxury hotels in Rome for stylish suites and stunning rooftop views

Disability access

Rooms can be reached by lift and there are lots of wide entrances and flat surfaces. There are rooms that meet accessibility regulations and onsite accessible parking is available.

Pet policy

The hotel welcomes dogs and cats subject to conditions, which can be viewed here.

Check in/check out

Check in from 3pm; Check out 12pm

Family friendly?

Yes, several larger suites are suitable for families and there are rooms that can be made to interconnect.

At a glance

open image in gallery Beneath the hotel, guests can see the remains of the Diocletian baths ( Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel )

Best thing: Part-hotel-part-museum, dont miss the history on show

Perfect for: Old-school luxury at its best

Not right for: Party people or those on a budget.

Instagram from: Outside in front of its grand crescent-shaped palazzo

Address: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, Piazza della Repubblica, 48-49 00185 Roma, Italia

Phone: +39 (0) 685 874 308

Website: www.anantara.com

Read more: The best views in Rome for a breathtaking look at the Italian capital
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Passengers are accustomed to the idea that the price of a seat on a budget airline can vary wildly, depending on the strength of demand from other travellers. The Ryanair morning flight from Manchester to Malaga costs as little as 15 in November but more than 200 in July, for exactly the same three-hour flight

Travellers are also used to the principle that to take anything more than a small bag into the cabin requires the payment of a fee  that may on occasion be more than the price of the seat. That 15 fare to Malaga in November more than doubles if you want to wheel a larger case into the cabin (which also provides priority boarding).

The three large low-cost airlines  easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air  all make useful revenue from the fees.

British Airways and Jet2 are two exceptions to the principle of charging for cabin baggage. Both airlines allow two pieces, including a chunky roll-along case.

Among the airlines that charge for larger hand luggage, you might expect the fee to be fixed. Yet research by The Independent shows dramatic differences in that amount: from under 16 to more than twice as much. What is going on? That is what we have been trying to find out with a long series of test bookings.

When did airlines start charging for cabin baggage?

Until 2006, concern about hand luggage simply didnt arise. Flights came with a substantial free checked baggage allowance. If people wanted to bring larger hand luggage on board, that was because they did not want to risk the possibility of it going astray, or to make a faster getaway upon arrival.

In 2006, though, budget airlines started charging for checked baggage. As the practice spread, passengers inevitably started cramming whatever they could into hand luggage. The overhead bins soon started flowing over  delaying flights and causing departure gate kerfuffle as some larger pieces of cabin baggage were consigned to the hold.

Carriers soon spotted another revenue source: charging for taking larger pieces of hand luggage on board. Two airlines  Ryanair and Wizz Air  also confer priority boarding for people who pay extra for larger cabin baggage, on the reasonable grounds that these passengers have first run at the overhead storage bins.

Is there a fixed charge for cabin baggage?

No. You might pay 15.50 on Ryanair from Liverpool to Dublin, or 32.99 on easyJet from Gatwick to Barcelona. The average charge according to dozens of flights researched by The Independent is around 20 on Ryanair, 27 on Wizz Air and 28 on easyJet. But each of those airlines have sharp variations in the charge.

What does the cabin baggage fee depend on?

The obvious variable is distance, because flying a 10kg case has a small impact on fuel burn. The further your bag travels, the more fuel the aircraft consumes  which also raises the issue of whether passengers should be weighed along with their belongings. But thats another story...

Ryanair and Wizz Air have bag fees that appear related to the length of the flight. On Ryanair the charge for taking a large piece of cabin baggage on the half-hour flight from Liverpool Dublin averages 16, while Prestwick-Tenerife  over four hours  is around 25.

Wizz Air applies a fairly constant 30 for the five-hour stretch from Luton to Sharm el Sheikh, while a shorter route such as Birmingham to Rome is a few pounds less.

But easyJets logic is harder to fathom. For example, Manchester to Heraklion in Crete is 1,822 miles  10 times further than from Manchester to Belfast International. Yet on 1 October, easyJet charges 28.99 to the Greek island  but 2 more for the short hop to Northern Ireland 30.99.

Are the charges fixed for cabin baggage on each route, at least?

No. For example, on easyJets London Gatwick to Barcelona route, I priced the cost of a larger piece of hand luggage on six random dates. The lowest was in July (26.49); the highest in September and February.

To try to work out what is going on, I tested a range of theories:

The lower the base fare, the higher the cost of a bag  enabling easyJet to recoup more cash from selling a particularly cheap seat

The higher the base fare, the lower the cost of a bag  because easyJet has made enough money on the person, and need not extract more cash from their luggage

The higher the base fare, the higher the cost of a bag  on the basis if someone is prepared to pay over 100 for a two-hour flight, they are probably also happy to stump up more for their rollalong case

In no case were any of these supported by evidence.

For both Ryanair and Wizz Air, though, there appears to be a small advantage in booking a cabin bag a long way ahead.

So what is going on?

Just as carriers want to fill each seat on the plane and extract the maximum possible revenue for each, so the airlines want every available space in the overhead bins to be sold. Demand is actually likely to be stronger on shorter city-break or business routes than on longer holiday flights, where families typically check in luggage.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: As there is a limit to the capacity of the overhead lockers versus the number of seats, easyJet has to limit the number of cabin bags that are brought on board. We want to guarantee that those that have paid for a large cabin bag have certainty that they will be able to carry it with them.

Cabin bags are priced according to demand, for example on shorter leisure or city flights there is more demand for cabin bags, therefore the prices are slightly higher, compared to longer-leisure routes where people are more likely to take a hold bag. So this is why there is less of a relationship between the length of the route and the price of the cabin bag.

In addition, even on the same route, there will be certain flights where there is more demand for cabin bags, and therefore if more cabin bags have already been sold on that flight, then its likely the price will be slightly higher than flights where less cabin bags have been sold at that stage.

How to avoid high cabin baggage fees

Booking the baggage at the same time as the flight  rather than nearer to departure  seems to save a few pounds. But if you have to cancel the flight for any reason, you will lose the bag fee too.

Consider whether the charge is so high that contemplating checked baggage is better value. For example, on a recent Vueling flight from Gatwick to Barcelona, a special deal offered the chance to check a 25kg bag for just 30 (26).

Best of all, just take the small personal item. If enough of us do that, the airlines might align their fees more closely to the cost of providing the service. Or book with British Airways or Jet2, and swerve the cabin-baggage conunudrum completely.

Research based on the following airline/route combinations, with test bookings made on 17 September 2025 for a range of dates from September 2025 to July 2026

easyJet: Gatwick-Barcelona, Manchester-Belfast International, Manchester-Heraklion

Ryanair: Liverpool-Dublin, Manchester-Katowice, Manchester-Malaga, Prestwick-Tenerife South

Wizz Air: Luton-Sharm el Sheikh, Birmingham-Rome

Read more: Hear it? Hurl it. Handled. Time to extend messaging on trains
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A Chinese airline has announced it will be launching the worlds longest flight route  a journey that will take around 29 hours to complete.

Flights MU746 and MU745 will be launched by China Eastern Airlines on 4 December between Buenos Aires and Shanghai, the airline announced this month.

It will cross 12,500 miles, which is around half of the circumference of the entire globe.

This flight will not, however, secure the title of the longest direct flight route, as the plane will make a two-hour stop in Auckland, New Zealand.

Business Insider reports that it is unlikely passengers will be able to leave the plane during the stopover.

China Eastern will fly the route using a wide-bodied Boeing 777-300 ER, and will operate the journey twice weekly, the airline said, according to CNN.

The departing flight, from Shanghais Pudong International Airport to Ministro Pistarini International Airport, in Argentinas capital, will take 25 hours  four hours fewer than the return leg.

One-way economy tickets for flights in December are being advertised on China Eastern's website for between 1,130 and 1,670. Business class tickets are priced at around 3,700.

Many airlines often claim the title of having the worlds longest flight routes. Currently, Singapore Airlines has the longest non-stop commercial flight, which runs between Singapore and JFK in New York and takes between 18 and 19 hours.

Australian Airline Qantas Project Sunrise plans to usurp this time with 20-hour non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York.

The airline currently operates a one-stop flight via Singapore, but the Project Sunrise flights would be the longest air link in the world. The airline has described the London-Sydney route, which covers 10,573 miles, as the final frontier of long-haul travel.

The project, which was announced over a decade ago, has faced setbacks, but is now set to be unveiled in 2027.

The Independent has contacted China Eastern for comment.

Read more: Emirates policy change sparks debate over kids in first-class cabins
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The picturesque Italian island of Pantelleria is set to honour the late fashion icon Giorgio Armani by renaming its airport after him. The designer frequently spent his summer holidays at his extensive estate on the island.

Armani, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 91, owned a significant property on the Mediterranean isle, situated between Sicily and Tunisia. He would utilise this retreat with family and friends during his rare breaks from work in August.

His home there was made up of seven "dammusi", traditional rural buildings built from white lava stone with a domed roof, and surrounded by more than 150 palm trees.

Italian civil aviation group ENAC said on Wednesday that it backed the proposal to change the name, which came from the local council and also has the blessing of Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.

Map of Pantelleria:

ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma said the renaming fitted in with its plans to improve the airport and promote tourism to the island which can be reached via flights from Rome or Sicilian airports including Palermo.

Last week it was reported that the late designer instructed his heirs to sell a 15 per cent minority stake in his vast fashion empire, a notable shift from his lifelong resistance to suitors. His business will prioritises French conglomerate LVMH, eyewear giant Essilor-Luxottica, or cosmetics firm LOreal.

open image in gallery Designer Giorgio Armani receives applause at the end of the Giorgio Armani men's Spring Summer 2024 fashion show presented in Milan, Italy,, June 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File) ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

According to the will, published online Friday by Italian daily La Repubblica, 40 per cent of the business goes to long-time collaborator and menswear head, Leo DellOrco. Niece Silvana Armani, head of womenswear, and nephew Andrea Camerana each inherit 15 per cent.

The Armani Foundation, established in 2016 as a succession vehicle, will control the remaining 30 per cent.

Armani, one of the most recognizable names and faces in Italian fashion, died on Sept. 4 at the age of 91. Two wills, one for his business empire and the other for his private property, were deposited with Italian tax authorities on Thursday, and widely reported by Italian media on Friday. The Armani Group declined to comment.

Both had been rewritten by Armani last spring, partly by hand on the back of a sepia-colored envelope.
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Spirit Airlines announced Wednesday that it will reduce its flight capacity in November by 25 percent compared to November 2024 as the ultralowcost carrier grapples with mounting financial challenges.

The reduction is part of a broader effort by Spirit to focus on its most profitable routes following its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in under a year.

CEO Dave Davis, in a September 17 memo to employees obtained by CNBC, acknowledged that job cuts are likely, stating that these evaluations will inevitably affect the size of our teams as we become a more efficient airline, though he did not specify how many positions may be impacted.

Unfortunately, these are the tough calls we must make to emerge stronger, Davis continued. We know this adds uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping you as these decisions are made.

Beginning October 1, about 270 Spirit pilots will be furloughed, and from November 1, some 140 pilots will be demoted from captain to first officer.

open image in gallery Spirit Airlines CEO Dave Davis warned of likely job cuts as the company restructures in a recent memo, though he didnt specify how many roles would be affected ( Getty )

This bankruptcy will be much more difficult than the last one and we must be prepared to act to protect our interests as flight attendants, Spirit flight attendants union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, said in a statement reviewed by CNBC.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Spirit and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA for comment.

Spirits financial troubles include having filed for bankruptcy protection on August 29 for the second time in less than a year.

It emerged from its first bankruptcy on March 13, after cutting its debt by about $795 million. However, the airline quickly faced renewed financial difficulties, prompting pilot furloughs, aircraft sales, operational cutbacks, and other cost-saving efforts.

open image in gallery Starting October 1, around 270 Spirit pilots will be furloughed, followed by the demotion of around 140 captains to first officers beginning November 1 ( Getty Images )

The carrier also recently cut service to 11 U.S. cities effective October: Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Jose.

A new Spirit route to Macon, Georgia, has also been scrapped.

In August, Spirit warned it may not survive another year without raising more cash despite the restructuring and announced furloughs for the fall.

Because of the uncertainty of successfully completing the initiatives to comply with the minimum liquidity covenants and of the outcome of discussions with Company stakeholders, management has concluded there is substantial doubt as to the Companys ability to continue as a going concern within 12 months from the date these financial statements are issued, Spirit said in its quarterly report.
Donald Trumps official state visit to the UK rounded off on Thursday (18 September), with Trump hailing an unbreakable bond between the two countries.

All eyes turned to the political arena for day two of the visit, as Keir Starmer and Trump faced the world's media following crunch bilateral talks over trade, Gaza, and Ukraine.

The two leaders earlier signed a historic tech investment deal, which Starmer said would change lives.

The Trumps departed from Stanstead just before 6 pm local time.
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As a last gesture of military solidarity during the Trump state visit, the Red Devils, the British armys world-class parachute display team, put on a show. They descended on Chequers, as if to capture it, symbolically carrying both a union flag and the stars and stripes as the president, the first lady and the Starmers observed the operation from the doorstep of the enchanting Tudor mansion.

Then, rather less welcome, the diabolical special forces of the British and American media rushed into the press room, ready for their own assault on the two leaders. Surrounded by chandeliers, oil paintings and some exceptional wood panelling, it was an incongruous battlefield.

There they waited, and waited, and waited, digging in, during a phoney war phase. Upstairs, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump were regrouping, organising their own tank traps, preparing defensive lines along the most vulnerable sections of their common front: Mandelson, Epstein, green energy, Gaza, immigration, free speech, and so on.

It was time well spent by the president and the prime minister  the best part of an hour in one-on-one conversations with no one else present. They could afford to slow things down, and they did. There was an obvious agreement that, whatever their differences, neither would dump on the other just to give the hacks a story. Both men, after all, have much shared experience in facing a hostile press and, both facing their own domestic challenges, much cause to stick together.

Perhaps their own special, if odd, personal relationship had been galvanised. There were constant references during the state visit to the British and Americans having fought countless wars together, a unique force for freedom. At any rate, the Trump-Starmer Joint Defence Force put up a fight and, frankly, won the day. The brothers-in-arms kept saying how much they liked and respected one another. By the end of this state visit, few, even in the cynical core of political correspondents, disbelieved it.

Both men have much shared experience in facing a hostile press ( Getty )

The press tried everything to drive a wedge into the weaker points in the Trump-Starmer front line. Sometimes it was a close-run thing. On the issue of recognising Palestine, one American reporter, with a commendable lack of deference, challenged Starmer as to why he was waiting (like a coward, was the unspoken supposition) for Trump to go home before making the diplomatic move. That looked like a hefty missile, but it pinged off Starmer harmlessly as he pointed out that hed already announced the policy last July. On the counterattack, the prime minister added that he wanted to make it absolutely clear that Hamas was a terrorist organisation that can play no role in the governance of a Palestinian state. For that valiant display, Private Starmer received a pat on the back from his buddy in the foxhole, GI Don.

Sanctions on Russia? There, Starmer selflessly sacrificed his own governments policy on the altar of acknowledging that Trump had a point about the Europeans buying too much Russian oil and gas while demanding more sanctions from the US. Theres no one silver bullet, said Starmer of routing Russia from Ukraine, sticking with the theme of the hour.

In return, Trump sounded more disappointed about Putin and positive about crippling Moscows war machine  hinting that hed happily do what was needed to get the oil price down if the Europeans did their bit too.

Maybe Trump knew that Britain stands little chance of meeting its target of spending 5 per cent of its stagnant national income on defence, but he chose not to say as much. For his part, Starmer was happy to back his comrade up on the sacking of US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. Privately, Starmer probably thinks it a disgraceful attack on free speech, but he confined himself to saying it was not a matter for him and, rightly, expressing shock at the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Otherwise, Trump, as usual, threw around sufficient irrelevant flak about Biden, mental institutions in Congo, and settling the war between Azerbaijan and Albania to confuse and distract the media elite. Trump couldnt help himself from suggesting that the British should call in the military to deal with the small boats crisis, but it was a minor breach in their unity. The same goes for Trump telling us that he thinks wind power is a disaster. Old news.

In the last moments of the battle for truth, the media deployed their secret weapon. The stealth bomber known as Beth Rigby dived in from the Sky and released the elephant-in-the-room ballistic missile Peter Mandelson, armed with a nuclear warhead called Jeffrey Epstein. It was a brave attempt, worthy of a VC. But this had been spotted on the radar, lets face it, about a week ago, and was easily taken down by Trumps Iron Dome  I dont know him, actually. The fragments of what not so long ago seemed a weapon of mass destruction were easily swept up by Starmer  some information came to light and I made a decision about it. And with that damp squib, the battle was over, the prime minister and the president secured a successful summit. Inevitable, really, as they both need a win. Bigly.
A fully let office investment in the heart of Dublins central business district has come to the market and agents Savills are guiding 9,200,000 for it.
A generous yielding office investment in Maynooth, Co Kildare has come to the market and Sherry FitzGerald Brady OFlaherty, is guiding 4m for it. The entire building is let to two blue chip international companies, on two 10-year leases from Q3 2022 and is generating a current combined annual rent of 356,608, which equates to a gross yield of 8.9pc.
This Working Life: When I first arrived in Dublin from Brazil, I thought Id made the worst decision of my life

Felipe Hatz, Trust & Safety specialist at Meta, chats to Mary McCarthy about how Ireland gradually became home to himself and his wife, and how he gives back to a country he now loves

Felipe and his wife, Thays

In conversation with Mary McCarthy Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 06:30

I arrived in Ireland in 2018 from Americana, in the countryside near Sao Paulo.
Liquidator sues cannabis farm in pursuit of millions transferred from private hospital company

Saga rooted in dispute between doctor and Larry Goodman over control of Blackrock Clinic

Joe Sheehan Jnr (bottom right) at the cannabis farm in the United States, with Blackrock Clinic in Dublin in the background

Shane Phelan Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 06:30

A liquidator is suing a cannabis farm company and the wife of Blackrock Clinic co-founder Dr Joe Sheehan as part of efforts to recover millions of euro in allegedly misappropriated cash.
Media

Reddit says it is not covered by new Online Safety Code as it has moved its jurisdiction to the Netherlands
Head of Oireachtas committee blasts DAA as CEO and chair refuse to appear amid crisis

This refusal sends out the wrong message to the public, says Joint Oireachtas Transport Committees Michael Murphy

Chair of the Transport Committee, Michael Murphy TD

John Mulligan Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 19:06

The DAAs chief executive and the chair of the semi-state company have refused to appear before the Oireachtas transport committee to answer questions related to the leadership crisis that has engulfed the airport operator, the Irish Independent has learned.
The Irish tech investor with an eye for disruption who believes in Nothing

Patrick Murphys Tapestry VC backed Carl Peis firm at the very start of its journey

Patrick Murphy of Tapestry VC with Carl Pei, founder and CEO of Nothing

Adrian Weckler Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 06:30

This week, the phone and headphones hardware company Nothing raised $200m to give Carl Peis five-year-old start-up a valuation of $1.3bn.
Councillor texted garda to sort speeding ticket while at the same time calling for review of speed van locations, trial told
As much use as giving slippers to an elephant  Irish politicians react to EUs backtrack on 100pc electric car target
Politics

Breaking | Uisce Eireann to lodge planning application for one of the States largest ever infrastructure projects
Scientists want an urgent review of Irelands proposals for cutting greenhouse gas emissions after a major disagreement with the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC).

Experts from four universities say the CCACs proposals  which the Government is expected to adopt  fall short of what is required by national law and international agreements.
Stars attend Dublin premiere of Netflixs House of Guinness

House of Guinness premiere at The Lighthouse Cinema

Sarah O'Mahony Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 21:25

The red carpet was rolled out for the cast and creators of the new Netlfix series House of Guinness at its premiere in the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin this evening.
Vladimir Putin is letting the West know that if he doesnt get a deal he wants, the war will expand

A rescuer holds an engine of Russian drone as he works at the site of a building hit during a Russian drone strike earlier this week. Photo: Reuters

Ukrainian soldiers observe the sky during a combat shift in a front line in the Kharkiv region. Photo: Reuters

The Kremlin issued a sharp warning to Nato when it said the alliance was fighting against Russia and was de facto involved in the war in Ukraine.

Nato is providing direct and indirect support to the Kyiv regime, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. It can be said with absolute certainty that Nato is fighting against Russia.

Yet as Russia sends drones into Poland and Romania and organises drills with Belarus, experts say that Putin is testing Natos response through its more aggressive movements past Ukrainian borders.

There is obviously a lot of discussion whether these incursions, especially when it comes to Poland, were deliberate or it was more of a system malfunction, but I do believe that it was a deliberate one, says Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at the UKs Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

I think Putin is testing a Western response by trying to violate Polish airspace, which is a major Nato ally, and hes trying to find out whether there is such thing as Nato unity when it comes to responding to these acts of aggression.

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, Russia is expanding the conflict to involve more countries around the world.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has faced global outrage as drone incursions in Nato airspace become more frequent.

Moscow drew criticism from the West after the Polish military shot down a large number of Russian drones that had entered its airspace, a move which prompted prime minister Donald Tusk to warn that the country is the closest to armed conflict since World War II.

There were 19 intrusions into Polish airspace on Tuesday of last week, with many drones entering from Belarus, Mr Tusk said in parliament, adding that three drones were confirmed to have been shot down, with the fourth being likely.

It shows that Putin is not really interested in any kind of peaceful resolution of the conflict

While Russia has said it didnt target Poland, and Moscows ally Belarus said that the drones went astray because they were jammed, European leaders have said they are certain that the incursions were a deliberate provocation by Putin.

There have been many instances of Russia violating EU and Nato airspace, but this incursion was particularly serious, according to Ms Seskuria.

It shows basically that Putin is not really interested in any kind of peaceful resolution of the conflict. On the contrary, hes signalling to the West that unless he gets the best deal in these peace negotiations, which I dont think he believes he can at the moment, he is willing to go even further ahead and extend the war, which may not be confined to Ukrainian borders.

On Saturday, Romania scrambled fighter jets after a Russian drone entered its airspace. The countrys defence minister, Ionut Mosteanu, said that F-16 pilots came close to taking down the drone as it was flying very low before it left national airspace toward Ukraine.

A rescuer holds an engine of Russian drone as he works at the site of a building hit during a Russian drone strike earlier this week. Photo: Reuters

Russia and Belarus have launched a long-planned joint military exercise, Zapad 2025, which began on Friday and ran until Tuesday. The intention is to showcase the close defence ties between Moscow and Minsk.

Defence officials in Belarus originally set aside 13,000 troops to participate in the exercise, which was meant to take place along its western border, although by May the ministry cut the number in half and said the main manoeuvres would take place deeper inside the country.

Although Moscow and Minsk have said the exercises are exclusively defensive and that they do not intend to attack any Nato member, they have drawn worries from Kyiv and Western allies in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, which border Belarus.

There are consistent efforts to push these narratives that are pro-Russian

Ms Seskuria said Russias training exercises with Belarus were deliberate.

These exercises in the past have been used for Russia to escalate the real conflict. In 2008, for example, against Georgia and then against Ukraine, Russia has used these drills as a preparation for the actual war, they said.

Russia has also targeted European countries through other methods, which have been described as hybrid warfare. These range from cyberattacks to sabotage operations and disinformation campaigns.

This happens all the time, says Ms Seskuria. It has much deeper implications on European security, and there are various instances where Russia is directly intervening in elections.

We saw this happening in Moldova last year, and this year ahead of their parliamentary elections.

Russia has been accused of meddling in the elections of European nations for years.

The UKs National Cyber Security Centre judged in 2022 that Russia had been behind a cyberattack with Europe-wide impact just an hour before its invasion of Ukraine.

While Ukraines military was the primary target of an attack on high-speed broadband service Viasat, wind farms in central Europe and both personal and commercial internet users were also affected.

Disinformation campaigns in Western countries have also been linked to Russia.

There are consistent efforts to push these narratives that are pro-Russian, portraying the West as an aggressor rather than a Kremlin that wants to violate Ukraines sovereignty and fights this war for its own imperial ambitions, Ms Seskuria said.
Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh: Queen Elizabeth managed a cupla focal, and so should the President of Ireland

Of the three official candidates in the Aras race, one is fluent, one understands a lot and the other promised to learn when she was appointed Gaeltacht Minister in 2014, but didnt

Former President Mary McAleese and Queen Elizabeth arrive for a state dinner in Dublin Castle at which the late British monarch began her speech with some words of Irish. Photo: AFP

Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Im too young to have any memory of the presidential campaign that put Mary Robinson in the Aras, but even as a young child, I do recall knowing it was a big deal that a woman got the job.
Inside Leinster House, youd hardly have guessed eight weeks had passed since the chamber last rang to the sound of raucous voices.

The urgent topics under discussion had a dispiritingly sad, but all too familiar pattern  how we are failing our children, the cost of living and online hate again dominated angry exchanges.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald raised the heartbreaking case of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who died in July.

He was failed by the Government. Harveys case is not an isolated case. Such failures are shamefully a hallmark of your Government, she told Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns also raised the case, slating the Government for painfully slow progress on the issue of disability.

Sixteen thousand children are overdue an assessment of need, essential therapies are non-existent and hundreds of children left in agony waiting for spinal surgery, she said.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. Photo Damien Storan

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 18th

Mr Martin acknowledged Harveys treatment was unacceptable, yet added that there has also been an unrelenting investment and exponential growth in services.

With the budget just weeks away, Labour leader Ivana Bacik called for an emergency cost-of-living package.

Ireland is a rich country, but for far too many people it feels poor, she said. Again, the most badly let-down were our youngest and most vulnerable.

If existing laws are inadequate, new ones must be drafted

This crisis is really hurting children more than anyone, Ms Bacik added.

Mr Martin said child poverty would be a priority, but steps would be targeted, as opposed to universal allocations, as in previous years.

We used to share a comforting, but what now seems somewhat delusional, notion  given how our society has changed  that it takes a village to raise a child.

Today, it may take the State. And if that is the case, we need to do better. The onus is on state agencies to make sure children are supported. Modern living has put personal interaction at a minimum; community oversight is no longer guaranteed.

The fact that children can disappear without our even noticing suggests a cold, hard look at how we can do a better job must be a priority.

Another familiar and troubling feature of the day was the security cordon thrown around the area to keep protesters away. In fact, the session opened with a plea from Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy for members to combat threats and online abuse of politicians.

There has to be a safe space for diverse views to be aired. If existing laws are inadequate, new ones must be drafted. Platforms cannot be free to post the vilest of threats without consequences. This has to be approached on an all-party basis.

Even more pressing is that we never lose sight of the needs of the young. Laws and budgets are essential to their welfare, but the most important thing we can do for our children is to make them feel cared for.
Screggan has very much been the political place to be this week as the National Ploughing Championships provided a bustling backdrop for presidential hopefuls to don their wellies and strut their stuff.

Jim Gavin, fresh from a campaign video that raised plenty of eyebrows on social media, enjoyed a convivial bumping-into moment with rival Heather Humphreys, who received a full-throated backing from Tanaiste Simon Harris as to her rural credentials.

Catherine Connolly, meanwhile, said that Irish society must learn from racism of the past, in the wake of the Eoin Hayes blackface scandal  Hayes had previously pledged support for Connollys bid for the Aras.

Meanwhile, outgoing President Michael D Higgins had plenty to get off his chest, speaking passionately about Gaza and his desire for Ireland to exclude those who are practicing genocide and those who are supporting genocide with armaments.

All very lively, as expected. This years event is cast in a rather unusual light, however, given that it played out on disputed land.

The family of late farmer Joe Grogan, who died in April 2023, just one day after marrying his part-time carer Lisa Flaherty, have gotten a legal caveat placed over his estate  blocking his widow from taking full ownership.

Grogans family plan on taking their action to the High Court, arguing that the marriage was invalid.

On this episode of The Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by Catherine Fegan, Special Correspondent with the Irish Independent, to get the latest on that legal battle, and by Irish Independent Political Reporter Tabitha Monahan, to review the key presidential happenings on the ground in Co Offaly this week.
Schools and businesses have had to remain closed due to a burst on a water main leaving Uisce Eireann customers with no running water

Schools and businesses in Tullow, Co. Carlow are experiencing major disruption and left unable to open due to a significant burst on a water main in Tullow Town.

Tullow councillor John Pender told the Irish Independent said many people are being affected by the burst main.

Its a huge job that Irish Water are working to try and resolve as quickly as possible but its causing some considerable disruption in the town.

"Its all over social media, people are ringing me about it and theyre concerned, all consumers are affected by it.

In a notice on their website, Uisce Eireann said that their crews are currently carrying out urgent repairs following the burst main which is impacting water supply to homes and businesses in Tullow town, Rathglass, Ardattin and surrounding areas.

Crews have been working through the night into today, Thursday, September 18, to restore supply and it is expected that works will be completed shortly.

Shane Aylward, Water Network Operations Lead, Uisce Eireann, said: The repairs are being conducted as quickly and as efficiently as possible but are complex due to the location and size of the burst.

Fianna Fail Councillor John Pender

"We understand the inconvenience an unplanned outage can have on our customers and appreciate their patience as we work to return normal water supply as quickly as possible.

As a safety measure for crews carrying out repairs, traffic management is in place and signposted in affected areas and Uisce Eireann have warned that once water is restored, customers may experience temporary discolouration as the network refills.

Uisce Eireann recommends running the cold kitchen tap until the water runs clear if discolouration occurs and have also assured the public that following repair works, it can typically take three to four hours for normal supply to return to all customers as the network refills, particularly for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.

Uisce Eireann have also said that any vulnerable customers registered with them will receive direct communications for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

Their customer care helpline is open 24/7 at 1800 278 278, and customers can also contact them on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, customers can go to the water supply and services section of Uisce Eireann's website and use reference number CAR00099106.

Uisce Eireann has also launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues to which customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number on their Text Alerts page.
Health

Surging flu set to ruin Christmas for many families as public warned to get vaccine

Ireland is on course for many family Christmas dinner gatherings to be ruined as flu surges leaving people feeling seriously unwell in bed or needing hospital care.
The defendant said he had been walking for the last three days

Gardai arrested a man for trespassing and possession of a knife after he was found sitting on pillows in a garden shed on Thursday morning in Tralee, a court heard.

Cahersiveen District Court heard that Blake Sweeney (27) of Connolly Park, Tralee, was found at approximately 9.30am on September 11 at Carigeendaniel Estate in Caherslee, Tralee.

A garda told the court that a neighbour observed Mr Sweeney enter the shed.

He had taken some cushions down for himself, said the garda.

The garda alleged that a knife, described as a two-inch hunting or fishing knife, was found on his person.

Gardai established Mr Sweeney had no intention to commit further offences and charged him with trespassing.

They took him to Tralee Garda Station and transported him to Cahersiveen later that day for an immediate bail hearing.

Gardai objected to bail, noting Mr Sweeney was known to be of no fixed residence and that he is not welcome at any address in Tralee and has no ties in the area.

Solicitor Brendan Ahern noted Mr Sweeney was not aggressive in any manner when approached.

Mr Sweeney asked to take the stand and told the court he slept in Castleisland the night before.

Ive been walking the last three days, he said.

His lack of abode increased the likelihood of flight risk, Sgt Stephen OBrien told the court.

You just decided to stay at someone elses abode without asking them, and with a knife, said Sgt Stephen OBrien.

Its not necessarily like that, said Mr Sweeney.

Judge John King denied bail.

Its the States belief that if youre granted bail, youre going to commit offences, said Judge John King.

No, course not, Mr Sweeney replied.

He expressed concern that gardai had taken his phone.

Ive asked him to ring my mother this morning, he said. Ive asked him to ring my father this morning. Ive asked him to ring my auntie this morning. And nobodys ringing no one.

Judge King refused bail and requested Mr Sweeney receive a psychiatric assessment.

The court is not satisfied that the OCallaghan threshold is met, he said.

Mr Sweeney will remain in custody and appear before court in Tralee on September 17 by video link.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
With 20 groups amazing groups shortlisted for this years Kerry Community Awards, were breaking down the whos who of each of the finalists. In this third piece, were onto the penultimate five entries (in alphabetical order) with numbers 10 to 15 so sit back, relax and get to know some of of these amazing groups that are out their doing stellar (and often unseen) work in our local community.

The awards night will take place this Thursday, September 18.

Kerry Writers Museum

Kerry Writers' Museum.

Kerry Writers Museum, founded in 1996, is composed of people from across the community of Listowel, led by a 13-member board of management.

The main objective of the Writers Museum is to celebrate and promote the rich literacy and cultural heritage of Listowel and North Kerry. It does this through providing an audio-visual interactive exhibition on some of Kerrys greatest writers, including John B Keane, Bryan MacMahon, Brendan Kennelly, Maurice Walsh and George Fitzmaurice.

It also seeks to continue the legacy of these writers by nurturing and developing artistic and cultural talents of all ages in the community, with literary and cultural classes, workshops, exhibitions and performances organised year-round. Many activities are provided for free.

One of the Museums primary projects involved the establishment of the first Fighting Words Cente in Kerry in 2018, to deliver free creative writing and storytelling workshops to primary and secondary schools throughout the county.

More than 70 Fighting Words workshops have been delivered by volunteer mentors to primary school pupils in Kerry and the Museum has received positive feedback from schools and teachers. Workshops for secondary school students recommenced last year, with five having been delivered to roughly 100 children so far.

The organisation has close links with state and semi-state bodies and the local authority, which provide support and advice on an ongoing basis. It also collaborates with other arts and cultural organisations in the region to develop projects.

In the future, Kerry Writers Museum hopes to continue to develop its outreach centres in other parts of the county and plans to increase the number of monthly workshops from two to four per month.

The recruitment of more volunteers to ensure its Fighting Words programme can continue to inspire young people is also a priority of the group.

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit - KCRU

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit.

Killarney Cardiac Response, founded in 2015, responds to life-threatening emergencies throughout East, Mid, and South Kerry and provides crucial support training within these communities.

The group responded to 695 calls last year, including cardiac arrest, chest pain and choking incidents. It also provided training to hundreds of people through certified courses, CPR demonstrations for various age groups.

It also supported the establishment of similar organisations and schemes.

Killarney Cardiac Response currently has approximately 50 active volunteers responding to incidents, while there are more in training. It also has operational, support and administration staff.

The membership of the group is diverse, with volunteers hailing from the UK, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, the US as well as Ireland and other nations. This membership helps the group to interact with all the various communities in the regions it operates in. This year, for example, it provided training for the Islamic Cultural Centre and other groups.

Its largest programme has been the School CPR Challenge, which started in 2023. It has seen more than 200 students participate in an annual day of learning and engagement, supported by the emergency services and local volunteer groups, with the aim of taking the fear of performing lifesaving actions and encouraging the learning of vital skills.

It is hoped the programme will result in more lives being saved.

In the future Killarney Cardiac Response is aiming to improve its ability to impact positively on patients. To do this, it hopes to focus on increased training, updating equipment and supporting its members.

Its website is: www.kcru.ie

Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit - KCRU

Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club, founded in 2013, is comprised of 120 enthusiasts of vintage vehicles, whether they be tractors, cars or motorbikes.

Members look out for vintage vehicles that can be restored and then raffled off for the benefit of local charities. The group meets every Thursday to carry out refurbishment work on vehicles and afterwards have a chat over tea and coffee.

It holds regular tractor and car runs throughout the year, meeting up with other vintage clubs, and holds two car shows at Killarney Racecourse, where it exhibits its vehicles to the public and encourages new members to join. The group also participates in local parades.

In an effort to attract new members, the group held a special open day at the premises it leases this year. The event saw its vehicles put on display and members were encouraged to bring someone along.

An outstanding project that the organisation completed recently was its All-Ireland Vintage Rally on the grounds of Muckross Traditional Farms in August 2024. Through displays, the event highlighted how farming was done in the 1950s and it proved to be a big draw for tourists.

It was the biggest event held at the Traditional Farms and raised 10,000 for Kerry Mental Health Association. Despite the success of the day, the club held a review of the event to learn how future editions could be improved.

Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club is aiming to continue its focus on restoring cars and tractors, with emphasis on the heritage of the vehicles. It hopes to secure a bigger premises that will allow for an increased membership and to take on physically larger projects.

Killarney Women's Shed

Killarney Women's Shed

Killarney Womens Shed, founded in July last year, provides a place for women in the community to connect, participate in events and feel a sense of belonging.

The group actively reaches out to women, especially those who are retired, through the press and social media in an effort to recruit more members, who receive a warm welcome on attendance.

The aim of the organisation is to improve the quality of life of women in Killarney and reduce social isolation. It offers opportunities to be physically active and socially and psychologically connected.

Activities including chair yoga, line dancing, day trips, fundraising and expert talks are provided by the Womens Shed, taking place at the hall at Spa GAA Club on Tuesday mornings.

Between 70 and 90 women attend the Womens Shed, which is the first project of its type in Killarney. It has received much positive feedback since it was founded.

10 regular volunteers make up the committee and sub-committees of the organisation, while others help out doing chores and preparing and cleaning up the hall.

The group has been supported by local businesses, who donated raffle prizes for its fashion show held in April of this year.

Now in existence for more than a year, Killarney Womens Shed has ambitious plans.

It will continue to hold its regular Tuesday activities, and the programme of events could be expanded in the future.

The group hopes to establish an eco-friendly log cabin at a site, which would serve as its very own premises in the absence of a community hall being available to it in Killarney. The premises would provide a space for regular activities to be held at various times of the week.

The group hopes that Government funding could be used to help make the creation of the cabin possible.

Listowel Community Centre

Listowel Community Centre.

The aim of the Listowel Community Centre is to promote health, wellbeing, inclusion, and community engagement through accessible facilities and programmes for all ages and abilities.

As part of this aim, the group operates Base Gym which offers group fitness classes and other health initiatives. As well as this, they deliver specialised programmes (Over 55s, Disability Fitness), host community events, youth programmes, and workshops and offer a welcoming space for sports, meetings, and support groups.

Listowel Community Centre actively promotes social inclusion by creating welcoming, accessible, and affordable opportunities for all members of the community to get involved. Their methods include:

Inclusive Programming: They offer targeted classes for older adults, people with disabilities, youth, and women (e.g. Menopause Movement, Disability Fitness, Over 55s Strength, Autism-friendly sessions).

Community Outreach: They partner with schools, disability services, social workers, and local organisations to identify and support those who may be socially or economically excluded.

Accessible Facilities: Their centre is wheelchair-friendly, sensory-aware, and designed to accommodate people of all abilities. They also offer subsidised rates for low-income individuals.

Over the past three years, Listowel Community Centre has developed and delivered a dedicated Disability Inclusion Project that brought 56 different disability groups into regular, meaningful engagement with our facilities and programmes.
The case was heard in Dundalk Court.

A man charged in connection with several alleged criminal damage incidents in Ravensdale, Dundalk, including at the local parochial house, has been released from custody after the DPP directed that all matters be withdrawn.

James McArdle (32), 'Villa Isis', Doolargy, Ravensdale, Dundalk, had been on remand since he was brought before a special sitting of the district court in Drogheda on May 2.

He was accused of, on April 26 last at the Parochial House, Ravensdale, criminal damage of an Audi Q5, criminal damage by spraying graffiti on a wall and trespassing.

He was further charged with, on a date unknown between April 28 and 29 at Doolargy, Ravensdale, criminal damage of a silver Ford Focus and criminal damage of a grey Nissan Leaf.

On several occasions the case was adjourned for DPP directions.

The case was heard in Dundalk Court.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 18th

In court on August 20, Gardai again asked for more time, citing a delay with Forensic Science Ireland.

The matter was marked peremptory against the State and once more put back to September 17 for directions.

On Wednesday, when Mr McArdle attended in person before Judge Stephanie Coggans, court presenter Sgt Lisa McEntee said that the DPP directed all matters be withdrawn.

Legal aid was granted.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Meet the Ukrainian couple who set up successful ice cream business in Roscommon after fleeing war-torn Odesa with their children

Juliya Kuzminova, co-founder of Nice Ice Cream, speaks to the Irish Independent about her companys unique artisanal ice cream made in Castlerea

Alexander Kozminov and Juliya Kozminova, co-founders of Nice Ice Cream, pictured with their signature Noble ice cream

Oisin McGovern Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 13:00

The eleven-year-old conflict in Ukraine has shattered millions of lives, families, hopes and dreams.
The centre was praised during a visit there last Monday by Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin Boxer Moran.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the oldest and largest concentration of Neolithic tombs in Ireland with remains of over 35 passage tombs constructed almost 6,000 years ago.

Minister Moran, said I am delighted to see these works in the final stages at the Carrowmore Visitor Centre. The refurbished, modernised and fully accessible visitor centre will enhance the overall visitor experience. If you are making a trip to Sligo make sure to pay a visit to Carrowmore Monolithic site.

The upgraded visitor centre includes new immersive interpretation and exhibitions, increased accessibility including baby-changing facilities, upgraded staff accommodation and sheltered outdoor areas, including a new glazed canopy to facilitate guided tours. This project has been funded by Failte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

In recognition of the demand to experience this unique site, the OPW is extending the visitor season at Carrowmore until 3 December 2025. This will allow more people the opportunity to explore the megalithic landscape and the new facilities. The refurbished Visitor Centre offering will be officially launched in March 2026 with a national and international promotional campaign.

Carrowmore Monolithic Site is located near Sligo town on the Cuil Iorra Peninsula, at the heart of Neolithic north-west Ireland. It promises to become a cornerstone of Sligos cultural tourism, blending centuries of history with a modern visitor experience.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Donal Gilroy remarked that the ministers visit touches on two vital areas of concern and opportunity for our county: the growing challenges of coastal erosion and flood risk, and the preservation and enhancement of our rich cultural heritage.

He added that the Minster in travelling to Strandhill and Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery reflected a commitment and a shared vision between Sligo County Council and the Ministers office: to protect what is precious, to prepare for what is coming, and to promote what makes Sligo truly special.
North Sligo Sinn Fein have announced that their annual commemoration in remembrance of Sligos Noble Six takes place at Lislahelly F91 CX54, Glencar this Sunday, 21st September at 12pm. The main speaker will be Roscommon County Councillor Leah Cull.

2025 marks the 103rd Anniversary of the killing of Brigadier Seamus Devins TD, Div. Adj. Brian McNeill, Capt. Harry Benson, Lieut. Paddy Carroll, Vols. Tommy Langan and Joe Banks  who were gunned down on Benbulben Mountain by Free State Forces during the Civil War.

The event will be followed by the traditional walk up Benbulben, where wreaths will be laid at a dedicated cross near where the Six were killed.
Although he will miss the school, former principal Jay Murphy has plenty of plans in store.

Fromer principal Jay Murphy was overwhelmed by the beautiful send off he received from students and staff alike as he marked his retirement after 35 years at Bunclody Community College.

Although he grew up in Askamore, Jay has lived in Wicklow for the last 30 years, though his daily commute to the school just measured 25 minutes.
Tusla foster families from Wexford and Waterford came together last weekend to create one of the world's largest ever sand message to spark conversation around fostering in Ireland.

Created with rakes in the sand over several hours with the assistance of Visual Artist, Sean Concannon, as he worked alongside the families in creating what he believes is one of the largest message written in sand, the message at Duncannon beach measured 6,132sqm, an area of 1.52 acres, which was undertaken to remind local communities of the ongoing need for foster carers, and how rewarding it is to foster a child.

Ireland is among the world leaders in foster care, and across Ireland in 2025, over 3,817 foster carers currently open their homes to 5,021 children, including 359 children in Wexford and Waterford who are cared for by 315 foster carers in the region. Tusla foster carers are an essential component of Tuslas alternative care system, with 88.4pc of children in care living in a foster placement.

The foster families decided on the wording of the message to be You CAN foster, on the back of Tuslas own research which shows that people often rule themselves out of fostering because they think they are not eligible. Tusla Fostering welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and ethnic minorities including single carers, members of the LGBTQAI+ community, families with and without children, the travelling community, 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, Ms Smyth continued.

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. This means that their home is no longer available to the next child who comes into foster care. 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 Wexford and Waterford to consider providing all types of foster care. 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, she concluded.

For information on fostering and becoming a foster carer, visit www.fostering.ie.
This month, Castle Vintage Club raised over 24,000 for the Beaumont Hospital Foundation

A vintage club in Co Wexford is celebrating this month after adding nearly 25,000 to their impressive fundraising pot which has grown to over 300,000 since they were founded.

Castle Vintage Club, based in Taghmon, raised 24,470 recently for the Richmond Ward at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. The club was founded in 2006, and the total was raised when the club attended a three-day tractor run in Cork.

We do tractor runs every year, says club Chairman Pat Monaghan. Its been going for nearly 20 years, and weve raised well in excess of 300,000. Its a mix of socialising and fundraising. Weve been in Donegal, Galway and the Ring of Kerry on tractors.

We go away every May bank holiday weekend, we go away for three days. We stayed down in Clonakilty this year and toured around the area.

The club has 80 enthusiastic members. Each with their own unique tractor preference. It would be all Fords that I have, he says.

We fundraised this year for the Richmond Ward, in memory of a club member that passed away last year. She was in Beaumont Hospital, that is why we gave them the money.

The club was thrilled to be able to hand over 24,000 to the Chief Executive Officer of the Beaumont Hospital Foundation, Fiachra ORiordan in Cuckoos Corner on Saturday.

Castle Vintage Club members celebrating after raising a huge amount

The money was raised through bucket collections on the day and sponsorship.

Going to Cork, we loaded up six lorries and 24 tractors and left Taghmon on Friday morning, arriving in Bandon. We drove from Bandon into Clonakilty.

On the Saturday we drove down to Skibbereen and back to the Clonakilty, and to Kinsale on the Sunday.

The clubs next fundraiser will take place on October 5. Itll start from the Community Centre in Taghmon. All funds raised from that will go to local charities and groups.

There is a social aspect to it as well. People get out and about. From Easter onwards, there is a run nearly every second weekend.

In Wexford alone, there are 10 or 15 clubs. We have plenty of members in the club that arent farmers at all, you dont even need a tractor. They just come along to help out.
Since May this year, the team behind the Shaking Bog Festival has been working on a rolling project, entitled Riverscapes, a place-based initiative which celebrates and connects the communities of Enniskerry and Bray, around the Glencree and Dargle Rivers.

Leaf Notes is a two-day arts programme that celebrates the culmination of the Riverscapes project. Over the last few months, activities have included conversations, walks, talks, gatherings, workshops and more. As Riverscapes draws to a close, The Shaking Bog invites everyone to join in a weekend of celebration with some very special guests, on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12.

The organisers have teamed up with Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray and other locations across the Glencree Valley to present their signature blend of arts and nature events, curated to deepen our connection to the natural world.

The headliner for this two-day event is Glen Hansard, who comes to the very intimate Curtlestown Church for a one-off, memorable grand finale, on Sunday, October 12. Renowned for his powerful solo performances, these intimate concerts have become a hallmark of The Shaking Bog and tickets for this concert are expected to sell fast.

The short festival itself begins with the screening of a film, Riverine  a new film by acclaimed filmmaker Alan Gilsenan. The creation of this film sits at the heart of all The Shaking Bogs activities for 2025. It not only draws on the people and habitats of this richly diverse community but it also belongs to that community. Riverine will include a specially commissioned piece of writing by Kerri ni Dochartaigh.

The screening will be followed by a public conversation, Together For Nature  finding hope through community action and awakening.

Everyone attending the film will be invited to stay on and participate in this inclusive conversation, moderated by the new CEO of Friends of the Earth, Deirdre Duffy. Other speakers will include: Danny Alvey (Founder, Rewild Wicklow), Liz McMahon (Artist and Forest Schools Leader), Denise Cahill (Fassaroe Estate Forum), Ricky Whelan (Biodiversity Officer, Offaly).

On the Saturday, The Shaking Bog will return to its home in the Glencree Valley for the last events of 2025. This will begin with a walk and talk  Wild Waters - with writer, ecologist and Ashford native Richard Nairn.

Richard will guide people along the banks of the Glencree River in Lackendarragh talking all things river-related. This walk will be followed by an informal conversation about restoring nature in reference to Richards last published book, Future Wild.

A programme of artists will take up residence in St Patricks Church in Curtlestown, Glencree, with writer Claire Keegan, who spent her childhood on a Wicklow farm, will be in conversation with Alan Gilsenan.

Other highlights include Anthony Vahni Capildeo, a Trinidadian/Scottish writer who recently won the Windham Campbell prize for poetry.

Alongside the main programme of events, Leaf Notes will also present an exhibition from local school children who have taken part in an immersive series of forest based workshops. A new book of walks in the area of Enniskerry and Glencree by Kevin Warner will also be launched at the festival at 11am, on Saturday, October 11, at Enniskerry Library. For booking information, go to: shakingbog.ie/riverscapes
A total of four men have now been sent forward for trial over the death of William Moorehouse in a playground in County Wicklow in January.

The man accused of murdering Mr Moorehouse, who was fatally injured at Ballywaltrim Playground, Schools Road, Bray on January 19, 2025, was sent forward for trial earlier this month.

Patrick Fitzpatrick (32) of 136 Heather Hall, Kilruddery Glen, Bray, Co. Wicklow is charged with violent disorder, production of an article (knife) and murder, and will stand trial at the Central Criminal Courts in Dublin on all three counts.

On Wednesday, three further men charged in connection with the incident were told they were to face trial at Wicklow Circuit Court.

Kris Kiggins (32), of no fixed abode, appeared before Bray District Court charged with violent disorder and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consented to a trial and Judge David Kennedy sent Mr Kiggins forward for trial at Wicklow Circuit Court on October 8, 2025. Sergeant Anthony Flynn served the book of evidence on Mr Kiggins.

Judge Kennedy issued Mr Kiggins with an alibi warning, telling him: If you intend to rely on an alibi at trial, you must notify the prosecution within 14 days of today.

Mr Kiggins was previously granted bail in the High Court subject to a series of strict conditions. These include an independent surety of 5,000 with 3,500 to be lodged. Mr Kigginss mother is acting as surety, and she was in court to support her son.

Mr Kiggins must reside at an approved address, report regularly to Clondalkin Garda Station, observe a curfew from 10am to 7pm, always remain contactable by mobile phone and notify gardai if there is a change of approved address.

The court heard Mr Kiggins is also barred from entering Bray, with an exception made for court dates, and he is to have no contact with anyone involved in the case via social media. Judge Kennedy warned Mr Kiggins not to apply for a passport.

Legal aid was granted to Harringtons LLP solicitors and Judge Kennedy granted a second counsel due to a young man losing his life during the incident.

In a separate case relating to the death of Mr Moorehouse, James Fell (24) of Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow was charged with violent disorder and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury.

The DPP consented to a trial and Judge Kennedy sent Mr Fell forward for trial at Wicklow Circuit Court, also on October 8. Sgt Flynn served the book of evidence on Mr Fell.

The court heard that Mr Fell recently started a new job. His bail conditions were amended to accommodate his new working hours. Other conditions of his bail are that he must stay out of Bray and sign on at Coolock Garda Station.

Judge Kennedy issued Mr Fell with an alibi warning and awarded him a second counsel for his trial date.

In a different case arising from the death of Mr Moorehouse, Jamie OConnor (21) of 15 Ballywaltrim Heights, Bray, Co. Wicklow was charged with violent disorder, production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury and stolen property, namely groceries worth 107

On Wednesday, the DPP consented to a trial and Judge Kennedy sent Mr OConnor forward for trial at Wicklow Circuit Court, also on October 8. Sgt Flynn served the book of evidence on Mr OConnor.

The court heard that the theft matter would be up for election, and it would be down to Mr OConnor if he wanted it to go forward for sentencing in the District Court or in front of a jury in the Circuit Court.

Mr OConnor was also granted a second counsel for the upcoming trial.
Whats wrong with an A-list actress and new mum dressing sexily?

During the promotional tour for Barbie, its lead actress Margot Robbie made red-carpet dressing into a genuine art form with looks that doffed their cap to the original Mattel doll. And seemingly, shes started as she means to go on.
latest | Aid driver kills two Israeli military personnel at Jordan border crossing before being killed by security

UN Security Council to vote on Gaza ceasefire resolution but another US veto expected

Palestinians watch as the Al-Ghafri tower collapses after an Israeli bombing in Gaza City. Photo: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty.

Tala Ramadan and Nayera Abdallah Reuters Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 20:46

A driver bringing humanitarian aid from Jordan for Gaza opened fire and killed two Israeli military personnel at the Allenby Crossing into the West Bank on Thursday before being killed by security forces, authorities from both nations said.
Children being robbed of wellbeing by social media  calls for UK digital age of consent to rise to 16

The UKs National Education Union and supporting organisations have launched Robbed: Big Techs Little Victims

The union and supporters have launched the Robbed: Big Techs Little Victims (PA)

Jasmine Norden Press Association Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 07:48

The UKs largest teaching union has said students are being robbed of their wellbeing by social media, as it calls for the digital age of consent to rise from 13 to 16.
British prime minister Keir Starmer will host Donald Trump at his grace and favour country home on Thursday, as he continues his campaign to woo the US president during his unprecedented second state visit to Britain.

The prime minister is hoping to keep the focus of the visit on an influx of American investment into the UK, all while both his government and the Trump administration are plagued by scandals related to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
A Danish F-16 fighter jet flies over the frigate Niels Juel as Danish and French armed forces perform military drills off the coast of Nuuk, Greenland. Photo: Reuters

Denmark did not invite the US military to take part in Arctic Light 2025, the largest military exercise in Greenlands modern history, as Nato allies step up defence co-operation in the Arctic amid US interest in the island.
The European Union has laid out its toughest plan yet to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza as Palestinians fled from Israeli tanks, drones and troops pushing deeper into the coastal enclave ravaged by 23 months of war.
How police ran out of time to keep Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner behind bars

Released rapist and paedophile looks forward to steak and beer and maintains a cool, calm and quiet composure when questioned about the little girls disappearance in Portugal in 2007

Christian Brueckner

Emily Retter Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 06:30

The combined efforts of Britains Metropolitan Police, the German authorities and years of investigating by officers in Portugal have failed to keep the man widely believed to be responsible for the disappearance of Madeleine McCann behind bars.
The widow of Alexei Navalny said yesterday that two independent labs have found that her husband was poisoned shortly before his death in a Russian prison.
A French passenger plane was forced to circle the skies above Corsica after the only air traffic controller on duty fell asleep as the aircraft was preparing to land.

Firefighters and police were called to the scene in an effort to wake the man when the control tower failed to respond to the planes radio calls.
Israel steps up campaign to empty Gaza City of civilians

Palestinians are afraid to leave due to dangers on the way down south

An Israeli soldier walks next to military vehicles near the border with Gaza in Israel yesterday. Photo: Amir Cohen/Reuters

Nidal al-Mughrabi, Alexander Cornwell and Steven Scheer Reuters Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 06:30

The Israeli military said it was opening an additional route for 48 hours that Palestinians could use to leave Gaza City as it stepped up efforts yesterday to empty the city of civilians and confront thousands of Hamas combatants.
Lawmakers quiz FBI boss Patel over handling of Epstein files

Trump administrations response to case has been a subject of scandal since early July

FBI director Kash Patel testifies before a House Judiciary Committee hearing Washington DC. Photo: Reuters

Andrew Goudsward Reuters Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 06:30

FBI director Kash Patel faced a second day of questioning yesterday by US lawmakers, defending his handling of investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein against claims from Democrats and Republicans that the bureau is shielding information related to the late financier and sex offender.
The deal will see US firms invest in the UK and increased co-operation on AI between the two countries (Leon Neal/PA)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that resolving the war in Ukraine has been more complex than he had expected and that Russian President Vladimir Putin has let him down.
North America

Donald Trump says report querying his health may be act of treason as he rages against op-ed
Trump celebrates as Jimmy Kimmel show suspended indefinitely after Charlie Kirk comments

ABC reportedly pulled the late-night show after affiliated stations refused to air the long-running talk show

Jimmy Kimmel has been suspended indefinitely (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Jessica Coates Press Association Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 07:59

US President Donald Trump has celebrated ABCs decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmels late-night show following controversy over comments the host made about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
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Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Compliance Advisory: How Indian Firms Can Qualify for RCEP Benefits in Vietnam

Indian companies can access RCEPs tariff advantages by setting up operations in Vietnam, but success depends on strict compliance with Rules of Origin, certification, and supply chain structuring. This guide explains how to qualify for RCEP benefits and reduce trade costs.

For Indian businesses seeking to leverage Vietnams membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the most critical factor is compliance with the Rules of Origin (RoO) and associated certification procedures. These determine whether goods manufactured in Vietnam qualify for preferential tariffs when exported to other RCEP member countries.

What is the RCEP and how can it benefit Indian businesses?

The RCEP, which came into effect in January 2022, is the worlds largest free trade agreement, covering nearly 30 percent of global GDP and trade. It brings together 15 countries, including ASEAN member states, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, into a single, integrated trade framework. Vietnam, as an ASEAN member, plays a central role in connecting supply chains within this vast market.

India opted out of RCEP negotiations in 2019 due to concerns about trade imbalances, and as a result, Indian exporters cannot directly benefit from RCEP tariff concessions.

How Indian businesses can leverage Vietnam for RCEP benefits

Indian businesses can indirectly access the RCEPs treaty benefits if they have set up operations in Vietnam. By incorporating manufacturing or services entities in Vietnam, Indian companies can qualify as RCEP insiders, provided they meet the RoO criteria and comply with Vietnamese and RCEP trade regulations.

This strategy is particularly relevant for Indian firms seeking to:

Re-export manufactured goods (such as garments, auto components, and electronics) from Vietnam to advanced RCEP markets like Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

Participate in regional supply chains by sourcing components from multiple RCEP countries and consolidating final production in Vietnam.

Reduce tariff burdens and customs bottlenecks that would otherwise apply if exporting directly from India.

However, tapping into RCEP is not automatic. To benefit from tariff reductions and trade facilitation, firms must carefully structure their operations in Vietnam and prove eligibility through documentation, certification, and ongoing compliance checks. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to shipments being denied preferential access, retroactive duties, or even penalties.

For Indian firms, this makes compliance not just a legal necessity but a strategic enabler of competitiveness. By meeting RCEP requirements, they can significantly lower costs, improve supply chain resilience, and strengthen their role in Asia-Pacific trade networks.

Step-by-step: How Indian firms can qualify for RCEP benefits

Step 1: Choose the right business structure

Indian firms must establish a recognized legal entity in Vietnam, such as a foreign-owned enterprise (FOE) or a joint venture with a local partner. Only registered entities in Vietnam can apply for RCEP Certificates of Origin (C/O). Representative offices cannot qualify since they are non-trading.

Step 2: Understand the Rules of Origin

RCEP defines three key tests to determine origin:

Wholly obtained: Goods entirely produced in Vietnam (e.g., agricultural produce, fish, minerals).

Goods entirely produced in Vietnam (e.g., agricultural produce, fish, minerals). Regional Value Content (RVC): Goods must achieve a minimum percentage of regional content (typically 40 percent) from RCEP countries, including Vietnam.

Goods must achieve a minimum percentage of regional content (typically 40 percent) from RCEP countries, including Vietnam. Change in Tariff Classification (CTC): If sufficient transformation occurs in Vietnam to alter the tariff code of the final product compared to imported inputs.

Indian firms should map their production process to see whether their products can meet RVC or CTC thresholds. For the application of RCEPs RoO in Vietnam, businesses should consult Circular No. 05/2022/TT-BCT (Circular 05), released by the government, for specific guidance.

Step 3: Maintain proper documentation

To claim RCEP preferences, businesses must prepare:

Bill of Materials (BOM): Showing origin of inputs.

Showing origin of inputs. Supplier declarations: From local or regional suppliers confirming source of raw materials.

From local or regional suppliers confirming source of raw materials. Production records: Detailing processing and value addition in Vietnam.

Detailing processing and value addition in Vietnam. Customs declarations: For all imports and exports involved in production.

This documentation is critical for audit and verification by Vietnamese customs.

Step 4: Apply for RCEP Certificate of Origin (C/O)

Applications are submitted to Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) or authorized agencies.

Firms must present supporting documents proving compliance with RoO.

Certificates can be issued electronically under Vietnams e-CO platform.

Without this certificate, shipments cannot enjoy preferential tariffs in RCEP member markets.

According to Appendix II of Circular 05, an eligible C/O must contain the following details:

Name and address of the exporter.

Name and address of the manufacturer (if known).

Name and address of the importer or consignee.

Description of goods and corresponding HS code (at the six-digit level).

Reference number.

Origin criteria of the goods.

Declaration by the exporter or manufacturer.

Certification from the issuing authority or organization confirming compliance, signed and sealed.

RCEP country of origin.

Shipment details, including invoice number, departure date, vessel name or flight number, and port of discharge.

FOB value (if applying regional value content criteria).

Quantity of goods.

For back-to-back C/Os, the reference number, issuance date, and RCEP origin country of the initial C/O issued by the first exporting member state, along with the self-certification code of the qualified exporter, if applicable.

Step 5: Align supply chains with RCEP cumulation rules

RCEP allows cumulation, meaning inputs from other RCEP members (e.g., Japan, Korea, ASEAN) can be counted towards origin requirements when finished in Vietnam.

Example: An Indian electronics company sources components from Japan and assembles them in Vietnam. Since both Vietnam and Japan are RCEP members, the final goods exported from Vietnam can qualify for tariff concessions in Australia or South Korea.

Step 6: Ensure customs and tax compliance

Customs declarations: Must explicitly state intent to claim RCEP benefits.

Must explicitly state intent to claim RCEP benefits. Transfer pricing: Firms must comply with Vietnams Decree 132, especially when sourcing from related parties in RCEP countries.

Firms must comply with Vietnams Decree 132, especially when sourcing from related parties in RCEP countries. Audit preparedness: Maintain records for at least three years, as customs authorities can review past claims. The documents must be retained in a form that allows for quick retrieval, depending on the rules of the respective member state.

Step 7: Monitor sector-specific rules

Certain sectors (e.g., pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive) have Product-Specific Rules (PSRs) under RCEP that may impose stricter origin thresholds. Firms should seek legal or professional guidance before structuring supply chains.

Strategic takeaway

For Indian firms, setting up in Vietnam offers a gateway to RCEPs vast market. However, compliance is not automatic. Companies must carefully design their production processes, maintain rigorous documentation, and secure Certificates of Origin to unlock tariff savings.

Professional advisory firms like Dezan Shira & Associates can assist with supply chain structuring, RoO analysis, documentation, and customs compliance, ensuring Indian investors maximize RCEPs benefits while avoiding penalties.

RCEP compliance checklist for Indian firms in Vietnam

RCEP Compliance Checklist for Foreign Firms in Vietnam Requirement Action needed Responsible team Statutory timeline Notes / risks if missed Legal entity setup Register a Foreign-Owned Enterprise (FOE) or Joint Venture in Vietnam. Legal/corporate team Before operations start Representative Offices are not eligible for RCEP benefits. Investment and business licenses Obtain Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) and Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC). Legal/compliance team 24 weeks Mandatory for operating legally and applying for C/O. Supply chain mapping Identify inputs sourced from Vietnam and RCEP countries; assess percent of local/regional value. Procurement and operations During project setup Misalignment can cause failure to meet Rules of Origin (RoO). RoO compliance test Verify product eligibility under Wholly Obtained, Regional Value Content (40 percent), or Change in Tariff Classification rules. Trade compliance/customs advisory Before first shipment Ineligible products cannot claim tariff benefits. Product-Specific Rules (PSRs) Check for industry-specific RoO thresholds (pharma, automotive, electronics). Compliance/technical team During product planning Failure to meet PSRs can nullify RCEP claims. Documentation preparation Maintain Bill of Materials (BOM), supplier declarations, production records, and customs papers. Supply chain/finance Ongoing Lack of records leads to denial of preferential tariffs. Certificate of Origin (C/O) application Apply via Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) or authorized agency; use e-C/O system where available. Trade compliance team Prior to export shipment Shipment cannot access RCEP tariff benefits without valid C/O. Customs declaration Declare RCEP preferential tariff claim at time of export. Logistics & customs broker With each shipment Incorrect declarations may result in penalties or full-duty charges. transfer pricing and tax Ensure intra-group transactions meet Decree 132 compliance; maintain TP documentation. Finance & tax team Annually / Ongoing Risk of tax audits and penalties if overlooked. Audit preparedness Retain all origin-related documents for minimum 5 years. Compliance/document control Continuous Customs may retroactively verify past claims. Internal training Train procurement, finance, and logistics teams on RCEP requirements and updates. HR and compliance Within first 3 months of operations Reduces operational errors and compliance risks.

(With technical inputs from Vu Nguyen Hanh.)

For business inquiries, please contact our teams at: India@dezshira.com or Vietnam@dezshira.com
Disappearance raises alarm

Police investigation and arrest

Allegations against Charanjit Singh Grewal

Case moving forward

Rupinder Kaur Pandher, a 71-year-old woman of Indian origin and a US citizen, travelled to India earlier this year. Her visit was at the invitation of Charanjit Singh Grewal, a 75-year-old non-resident Indian (NRI) based in England and originally from Ludhiana. According to police, the purpose of her visit was to marry Grewal. However, the trip ended in her alleged killing.Police reports state that Pandhers sister, Kamal Kaur Khairah, first grew concerned when she could not reach her on July 24, after discovering that Pandhers mobile phone had been switched off. By July 28, Khairah contacted the US embassy in New Delhi, which then pressed local authorities to investigate the disappearance. For weeks, the family received no official confirmation, until they were finally informed of her death only last week.The Ludhiana Police began probing the case after the embassys intervention and registered an FIR. Investigators arrested Sukhjeet Singh, also known as Sonu, a resident of Malha Patti. Police said Sonu admitted to killing Pandher in his house and burning her body in a storeroom. Based on his statement, investigators are now working to recover skeletal remains and other physical evidence connected to the case.Police allege that Sonu acted on the instructions of Grewal, who had allegedly promised him Rs 50 lakh in exchange for carrying out the killing. Officers say the motive behind the crime was financial. Before her visit, Pandher had transferred a significant amount of money to Grewal, which police believe became the basis of the alleged plot. Deputy Inspector General of Ludhiana Police Range, Satinder Singh, confirmed that Grewal has been named as a suspect. At present, Grewal is absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him.Police officials have stated that their immediate focus is to collect more evidence based on Sonus disclosures. Recovery of remains and confirmation of forensic details are expected to be central in strengthening the case. Meanwhile, the family of Pandher continues to seek closure after receiving the devastating news weeks after her disappearance.
Bigg Boss

Rumours of Gaurav Khannas close one to enter Bigg Boss

 BUZZ: A female wild card is likely to enter the #BiggBoss19 very soon.  BBTak (@BiggBoss_Tak) September 18, 2025

Wild Card Entry 



Majore Reports Suggest That The 2nd Wild Card Entry Would Be Gaurav Khanna's Close One 



Any Guesses? Comment .#BiggBoss19#GauravKhanna#Wildcard  Bigg Boss 19 Khabri  (@BB19Khabri) September 18, 2025

( Image credit : Gaurav Khanna | Credit: JioHotstar )

I guess Shubhi Joshi (Awez ki Ex)   Mr.Hunt (@asliMrHunt) September 18, 2025

Exciting twist ahead! A female wild card entry could shake dynamics, test alliances, and bring unexpected drama inside the #BiggBoss19 house.   (@hunter_yadav01) September 18, 2025

Most probably Khushi Dubey,

I knew it from beginning

More Kalesh around Abhi in future .   (@ashi1771) September 18, 2025

Viewers want someone to expose Tanya

( Image credit : Tanya Mittal | Credit: JioHotstar )

Whoever is the female that enters as wildcard entry should actually expose Tanya. Need to see her true colours.  Veena (@vaz_veena70016) September 18, 2025

I wish aisa koi aaye jo tanya mittal ki jhoot ko point out kare. And amaal se dur rakhe. I hatee amaal tanya bond.   Riha Dutta (@rihadutt_11) September 18, 2025

This weeks nominations

( Image credit : Salman Khan on Bigg Boss 19 stage | Credit: JioHotstar )

The drama in theis expected to continue. In just four weeks since the show began on August 24, a lot has already happened, and theres more to come. Two big evictions have taken place so far, with social media influencer Nagma Mirajkar and Polish actor Natalia Janoszek leaving the house. Now, just two weeks after Shehbaz Badesha entered as the first wild card contestant, another wild card entry is expected soon.Host Salman Khan is all set to welcome another new member during the upcoming Weekend Ka Vaar episode. But the big question everyone is asking is, who will be the next wild card?The biggest buzz online is that the new wild card will be a woman. One popular page on X (formerly Twitter) that shares early updates about the show posted, Buzz: A female wild card is likely to enter #BiggBoss19 very soon.Another page famous for Bigg Boss updates added, Wild Card Entry: Major reports suggest that the 2nd Wild Card Entry would be Gaurav Khanna's close one. Any guesses? Comment.This rumour started just as Gaurav made a sweet statement inside the house. In the latest episode, he thanked his wife and gave her credit for his fashion sense after he won Flipkart Fashion Icon Of The Week.As soon as these updates went online, fans began sharing their guesses. One user wrote, I guess Shubhi Joshi (Awezs ex).Another fan predicted a major shake-up inside the house and posted, Exciting twist ahead! A female wild card entry could shake dynamics, test alliances, and bring unexpected drama inside the #BiggBoss19 house.Some people believe that actor Khushi Dubey might be the one to enter. A fan shared, Most probably Khushi Dubey; I knew it from the beginning. More kalesh (fights) around Abhi in the future.Another user simply shared a picture of content creator and actor Apoorva Mukhija, also known as Rebel Kid.Many fans are hoping that whoever enters next will reveal the true colors of contestant Tanya Mittal.One comment read, Whoever is the female that enters as a wildcard entry should actually expose Tanya. Need to see her true colors.Another user said, I wish someone would come who will point out Tanya Mittals lies and keep her away from Amaal. I hate the Amaal-Tanya bond.Meanwhile, the nomination process this week created its own drama. All contestants were caught discussing nominations, which is against the rules. Bigg Boss scolded everyone and put all of them up for elimination. Later, the players were given a chance to save two people. After this, the contestants who remain nominated are Abhishek Bajaj, Nehal, Ashnoor, Praneet, and Baseer.Now all eyes are on the Weekend Ka Vaar episode, where Salman Khan will finally reveal the second wild card contestant and announce which contestant will be evicted.
A toast to shared history

WHAT A SIGHT! Carriages for @POTUS, @FLOTUS, and Their Majesties arrive at Windsor Castle in a remarkable welcome for the unprecedented second state visit of President Donald J. Trump  pic.twitter.com/NAgxH5XAia  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 17, 2025

Historic visit and royal ceremony

The Protestors are lined up at Windsor Castle to greet Donald Trump!!! 



Drop a for our Friends in the UK!! They certainly know the assignment. pic.twitter.com/hKAHDaPt91  Brittney (@AZ_Brittney) September 17, 2025

Trade and investment deals

This is just incredible when you recall that only a few years ago Donald Trump was a a canceled man, banned from TV, erased from social media, his videos scrubbed, and his name forbidden in polite society. And now here he is being honored at a state banquet in Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/Qq6iygWrH9  Hans Mahncke (@HansMahncke) September 17, 2025

Protests and security concerns

Brits gave donald and melania trump a beautiful art display on Windsor Castle as they touched down in the UK. pic.twitter.com/EC4v7WBalA  Covie (@covie_93) September 16, 2025

Political context

US President Donald Trump began his second UK state visit on Wednesday with a reception of royal grandeur at Windsor Castle. King Charles III hosted the American leader, marking the occasion with a state dinner where Trump raised a toast to England and reflected on the shared legacy of the United States and the United Kingdom.At the banquet, Trump declared that both nations had achieved more for humanity than any others in history. Together weve done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history, he said. He added that the United States and the United Kingdom should continue to stand for the values and the people of the English-speaking world.Trump is the only U.S. president and world leader to receive a second state visit to the UK. He joked about the rarity of the event, saying, This was the second state visit, and thats the first, and maybe thats going to be the last time, I hope it is actually.The ceremony included one of the largest guards of honour in living memory, with 1,300 troops and 120 horses on display. Carriage rides, an air show, and a Windsor Castle banquet were also part of the elaborate reception.The state visit coincided with major economic announcements. Britain confirmed that U.S. companies had pledged 150 billion ($204 billion) in investments in the United Kingdom. Blackstone alone committed 90 billion ($122 billion) over the next decade.Investment will also move in the opposite direction, including nearly $30 billion from pharmaceutical company GSK in the United States. Additionally, Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to sign a tech prosperity deal, which UK officials say will generate thousands of jobs and channel billions into artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and quantum computing.While the state dinner was underway, protests took place across the UK. In Windsor, activists projected images of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein onto a castle tower. Police later confirmed the arrest of four people. In London, thousands of demonstrators marched with banners declaring, No to the racism, no to Trump.The visit comes amid ongoing trade friction, largely influenced by Trumps America First policies. Following the state dinner, Trump travelled to Chequers, where he was welcomed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria.Donald Trumps second UK state visit blended pageantry, politics, and protests, underlining the complex ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.
What is Antifa?

 "I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION..." - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/irLHCkrX1n  The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 18, 2025

Stated goals and methods

BREAKING: President Trump just announced: "I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION."



Thanks, POTUS Trump! Now, Antifa is a TERRORIST ORGANIZATION! pic.twitter.com/abgvghyfML  AJ Huber (@Huberton) September 18, 2025

Who are its activists?

THERE IT IS!



Trump confirms he is designating ANTIFA as a major terrorist organization!



George Soros and his Left-wing brown shirts are under the microscope.



Its time to shut the Left-wing insurrection down. pic.twitter.com/AinS6wqpj7  Clandestine (@WarClandestine) September 18, 2025

Origins and rise in the US

Trumps push against Antifa

Critics of the terrorist label

Conservative support for the move

The loose network known as Antifa has once again returned to global headlines after US President Donald Trump officially designated it a major terrorist organisation. The announcement, made on Thursday, capped years of his criticism against what he described as radical left anarchists bent on creating unrest. Beyond the designation, the debate has centred on what Antifa actually is and whether such a label is legally enforceable.Antifa is short for anti-fascist. The term traces back to Europe in the 20th century, where militant leftist groups resisted leaders such as Mussolini and Hitler. In the modern US context, Antifa is not a single group but a loose movement of activists who share tactics and ideology while operating independently. There are no leaders, membership lists, or central headquarters. FBI Director Christopher Wray once described it as an ideology, not an organisation. This ambiguity is what raises questions over whether it can be classified as a terrorist group.Antifa activists say their aim is to confront fascism, white supremacy, xenophobia, and authoritarianism. Supporters frame their actions as defending communities against hate speech and organised violence. Mark Bray, a Rutgers University lecturer and author of, has argued that militant anti-fascism is inherently self-defence. Critics counter that some of Antifas methods  property damage, confrontations with political opponents, and disrupting right-wing speakers  cross into coercion and undermine free expression.Antifa does not have a fixed membership. Those who identify with the movement are often younger activists based in urban centres. Portland, Oregon, has one of the most visible groups, Rose City Antifa, formed in 2007. Protesters often adopt black bloc tactics: dressing in black, covering faces, and moving in groups to avoid identification. They also use digital tools to share information, expose far-right activists, and coordinate counter-demonstrations. The secrecy makes it difficult to measure how many people are involved.The word antifa has existed since the 1940s but saw a revival in the US after Trumps 2016 election. Activists mobilised against what they viewed as the growing threat of the alt-right. The 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville became a turning point after violent clashes and the killing of a counter-protester. Antifa-linked groups also became visible at events such as the University of California, Berkeley, where right-wing talks were disrupted. The movements prominence has risen and fallen, with major visibility during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and other demonstrations over policing, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights.Trump has frequently targeted Antifa as a symbol of radical left politics. During the George Floyd protests in 2020, he vowed to designate it a terrorist group. In 2025, days after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed by a 22-year-old who left anti-fascist messages, Trump followed through. He described Antifa as a sick, dangerous, radical left disaster, and warned that donors and sympathisers would also face scrutiny. Politically, Trump has often sought to link Democrats, including Joe Biden, to Antifa.Civil liberties advocates and Democrats have argued that Trumps move is both legally questionable and politically motivated. The US has no domestic framework for designating groups as terrorist organisations in the same way it does foreign entities. Critics fear that applying such a label to an ideology could chill legitimate protest. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat told thethat authoritarian leaders often equate left-wing militancy with far-right violence to justify broader crackdowns. Even Democrats who criticise Antifas methods argue that individuals should be prosecuted for specific crimes rather than branding an entire movement as terrorist.Republicans and right-wing commentators have welcomed Trumps designation. For years, they have argued that Antifa hides behind its decentralised nature to escape accountability. Figures such as Charlie Kirk had amplified calls for the movement to be treated as a terrorist threat. Conservatives often point to violent clashes, assaults on Trump supporters, and vandalism as evidence of its danger. Yet even within conservative circles, questions remain over whether such a designation can stand in court.
GST reforms

56th GST Council meeting

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

New GST Slab for Cars

Maruti Suzuki price cuts

Hyundai Benefits Under GST

Model Price Reductions (Ex-Showroom): Hyundai Nios Rs 73,000 Hyundai Aura Rs 78,000 Hyundai Exter Rs 89,000 Hyundai i20 Rs 98,000 Hyundai i20 N Line Rs 1.08 lakh Hyundai Venue Rs 1.23 lakh Hyundai Venue N Line Rs 1.19 lakh Hyundai Verna Rs 60,000 Hyundai Creta N Line Rs 71,000 Hyundai Creta Rs 72,000 Hyundai Alcazar Rs 75,000

Mahindra SUV Discounts

Model Price Reductions (Ex-Showroom) Mahindra Bolero Neo Rs 1.27 lakh Mahindra XUV 3XO Petrol Rs 1.4 lakh Mahindra XUV 3XO Diesel Rs 1.56 lakh Mahindra Thar Rs 1.35 lakh Mahindra Thar Roxx Rs 1.33 lakh Mahindra Scorpio Rs 1.01 lakh Mahindra Scorpio N Rs 1.45 lakh Mahindra XUV 700 Rs 1.43 lakh

Tata Motors Joins the GST Price Cut

Model Price Reductions (Ex-Showroom) Tata Curvv Rs 65,000 Tata Tiago Rs 75,000 Tata Tigor Rs 80,000 Tata Punch Rs 85,000 Tata Altroz Rs 1.1 lakh Tata Harrier Rs 1.4 lakh Tata Safari Rs 1.45 lakh Tata Nexon Rs 1.55 lakh

Kia

Model Price Reductions (Ex-Showroom): Kia Carens Rs 48,000 Kia Seltos Rs 75,000 Kia Carens Clavis Rs 78,000 Kia Sonet Rs 1.64 lakh Kia Syros Rs 1.86 lakh Kia Carnival Rs 4.48 lakh

Skoda

Model Price Reductions (Ex-Showroom) Skoda Slavia Rs 63,000 Skoda Kushaq Rs 66,000 Skoda Kylaq Rs 1.19 lakh Skoda Kodiaq Rs 3.30 lakh

Volkswagen

Model Price Reductions (Ex-Showroom) Volkswagen Virtus Rs 66,900 Volkswagen Taigun Rs 68,400 Volkswagen Tiguan R Line Rs 3,26,900

Toyota

Model Price Reductions (Ex-Showroom) Toyota Camry Rs 1.01 lakh Toyota Innova Crysta Rs 1.08 lakh Toyota Innova Hycross Rs 1.15 lakh Toyota Vellfire Rs 2.78 lakh Toyota Hilux Rs 2.52 lakh Toyota Legender Rs 3.34 lakh Toyota Fortuner Rs 3.49 lakh

What It Means for Buyers

FAQs

Q. Which cars are cheapest after the new GST changes?

Q. Did luxury cars get more expensive after GST changes?

Q. When do the new car prices take effect?

Disclaimer: The above information on GST benefits and car price reductions is based on official brand announcements and government updates as of September 2025. Actual prices may vary by city, dealership, and variant. Readers are advised to check with authorised dealers for the latest and most accurate pricing.

The Indian car market has just received a major shake-up. Following the newannounced at theon September 3, 2025, prices of new cars across leading Indian car brands such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra and other have dropped significantly.The decision, led by, has not only reduced the GST slab for small cars but also changed the tax structure for larger and luxury vehicles. This move is expected to boost demand in the passenger vehicle industry and make cars more affordable for buyers.Small cars now fall under an 18% GST slab, making them more budget-friendly.Luxury cars, which previously enjoyed a 28% slab, are now taxed at 40%. However, since the government has removed the additional cess, even SUVs and premium cars have become cheaper overall.This revision is already being reflected in the new price lists released by top Indian car brands.Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that it will fully pass on the GST benefits to customers from 22nd September 2025. Popular entry-level and mid-range models are now more affordable, giving a strong push to first-time buyers.Maruti Suzuki modelPrice Reductions (Ex-Showroom):Hyundai India has rolled out big discounts across its popular hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. The maximum savings apply to the Hyundai Venue and its N Line variant.Price Reductions:Mahindra has applied the new prices since 6th September 2025. Buyers of rugged SUVs like the Mahindra Thar and Scorpio can now enjoy major benefits.Tata Motors, one of the leading Indian car brands, has announced major reductions on popular models, including the Tata Safari and Tata Nexon.The GST reform is clearly aimed at giving buyers more reasons to invest in new cars. With top Indian car brands like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hyundai, and Mahindra slashing prices, the festive season could see a huge spike in sales.Small cars from Maruti Suzuki like the Alto K10, Wagon-R, and Swift have become significantly cheaper.Technically, the GST slab rose to 40%, but since the cess has been removed, many SUVs and premium cars are actually cheaper.Most brands, including Hyundai, Toyota, and Skoda, will apply the new prices from 22nd September 2025. Tata Motors and Mahindra have already updated their prices.
India's richest beggars :

1. Bharat Jain - The crorepati beggar of Mumbai

2. Laxmi Das - Begging for over 50 Years

3. Krishna Kumar Gite - The charni road beggar

4. Burju Chandra Azad - A fortune discovered after death

5. Pappu Kumar - From accident victim to crorepati

6. Massu (Malana) - The night-time beggar of Mumbai

7. Sarvatia Devi - The insurance-paying beggar

8. Sambhaji Kale - The investor beggar from Solapur

Why do rich beggars still beg?

FAQs

Q. How many beggars are there in India?

Q. Who is the richest beggar in India?

Q. Do rich beggars pay taxes?

Q. Why do some beggars in India continue to beg despite being rich?

Q. Are all beggars in India rich?

When you think of beggars, the first image that comes to mind is usually poverty and helplessness. But in India, the reality can be quite surprising. Some of the richest beggars in India actually earn more than a regular middle-class salary and own property, savings, and even businesses.According to the Census of India 2011, there were about 4.13 lakh beggars across the country, making up just 0.031% of the total population. In rural areas, there were 32 beggars for every 1 lakh people, while in urban areas, the number was slightly higher at 39 per 1 lakh. Though the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) figures were higher, official census numbers show that begging remains a widespread livelihood.What may shock you is that while most beggars struggle daily, some have managed to build fortunes worth lakhs and even crores. Lets take a look at the top 8 richest beggars in India who continue to beg despite having wealth that many hardworking citizens only dream of.Bharat Jain is often described as the richest beggar in India. With a net worth of around Rs 7.5 crore (over $1 million), his monthly income ranges between Rs 60,000 and Rs 75,000 from begging in Mumbai. Interestingly, he also owns two flats worth lakhs each, yet he still spends his days on the streets.Laxmi Das from Kolkata started begging in 1964 when he was just 16 years old. Over five decades, he has saved diligently and even opened a bank account with significant savings. His long career makes him one of the oldest and richest beggars in India.Begging near Charni Road in Mumbai, Krishna Kumar Gite reportedly earns around Rs 1,500 a day. He lives in a flat with his brother, proving that even street begging can bring in an income higher than what many office workers earn.In 2019, after a tragic train accident, Mumbai police discovered that beggar Burju Chandra Azad had surprising wealth. At his Govandi home, he had a fixed deposit of Rs 8.77 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh in cash, making him another unexpected entry in the list of richest beggars in India.After a leg fracture left him unable to work, Pappu Kumar began begging on Patnas railway platforms. Reports suggest he now owns assets worth Rs 1.25 crore. Despite his wealth, he still chooses to earn through begging.Known as Massu or Malana, he begins begging at night outside upscale restaurants in Mumbai, often frequented by film and TV stars. He earns between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 daily and owns multiple flats in Andheri West, East, and Amboli.Behind Ashok Cinema in Patna, Sarvatia Devi is a well-known figure. She reportedly makes Rs 50,000 every month and even pays an annual insurance premium of Rs 36,000. Her financial discipline places her among the richest beggars in India.Sambhaji Kale is a professional beggar who owns real estate, including flats, land, and two houses in Solapur. He has also invested his wealth smartly, showing that even beggars can become savvy money managers.The big question is - why would someone with crores in assets still beg? For many, begging has become a lifelong habit or a steady source of income that they are reluctant to give up. Some also view it as a safer and more reliable option than formal employment.India is home to thousands of poor beggars, but a handful have turned begging into an unusual path to wealth. These richest beggars in India challenge our assumptions about poverty, wealth, and lifestyle choices.According to the 2011 Census of India, there were about 4.13 lakh beggars in the country.Bharat Jain from Mumbai is considered the richest beggar, with a net worth of around Rs 7.5 crore.There is no confirmation whether these beggars pay income tax, though many have bank accounts and assets.Begging often becomes a habit and a reliable source of income, making it hard for them to leave.No. Most beggars live in poverty. Only a few rare cases show beggars owning property and crores in savings
UPs richest people:

200 million

Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF)

Rs 30.80 trillion

1. Murli Dhar Gyanchandani  Richest Man in Uttar Pradesh

UP's richest people

2. Vijay Shekhar Sharma  Tech Billionaire from Aligarh

3. Bimal Gyanchandani  Expanding the RSPL Legacy

4. Dinesh Chandra Agrawal  Founder of IndiaMART

5. Alakh Pandey  Physics Wallah of India

6. Pradeep Kumar Jain  Real Estate Billionaire

7. Chakresh Kumar Jain  Infrastructure Tycoon

8. Yashvardhan Agrawal  The Biscuit King

FAQs

Q: Who is the richest person in Uttar Pradesh?

Q: How many billionaires are there in Uttar Pradesh?

Q: Which industries are most billionaires from Uttar Pradesh involved in?

Q: Who is the richest tech entrepreneur in Uttar Pradesh?

Uttar Pradesh is not only the most populous state in India, with overpeople, but it is also home to some of the countrys wealthiest entrepreneurs and business leaders. Despite being famous for its rich culture, heritage, and politics, the state has also produced several self-made billionaires who have made their mark in industries like FMCG, technology, real estate, and education.As reported by the, the gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Uttar Pradesh is projected to reach(US$359.56 billion) by FY26. With growing investment and rapid industrial development, the state has become a hub for business growth. And at the heart of this success are the UP richest people, who continue to inspire through their vision, hard work, and achievements.Lets take a closer look at the top billionaires of Uttar Pradesh and how they built their fortune.Murli Dhar Gyanchandani, the co-founder of RSPL Group, tops the list of. His company is best known for Ghadi detergent, which became a household name across India with the popular slogan Pehle istemaal karein phir vishwas karein (First use it, then trust it).With an estimated net worth of Rs 14,000 crore, he transformed a small family business into one of the fastest-growing FMCG brands in India. Today, Murli Dhar Gyanchandani stands as the richest man in Uttar Pradesh.Born in Aligarh, Vijay Shekhar Sharma is the founder and CEO of Paytm, Indias leading digital payments platform. His inspiring journey from a small-town boy to one of Indias most celebrated entrepreneurs is nothing short of remarkable.According to Forbes, his wealth is around $1.4 billion (Rs 12,000 crore). As one of the key billionaires of Uttar Pradesh, he is also a major influence in Indias startup world.The younger brother of Murli Dhar, Bimal Gyanchandani also played a huge role in building the RSPL empire. With a personal fortune of nearly Rs 9,000 crore, he continues to contribute to the growth of Ghadi detergent and other RSPL brands.Noida-based Dinesh Chandra Agrawal is the man behind IndiaMART, a leading B2B e-commerce platform that connects millions of suppliers and buyers.With an estimated net worth of Rs 5,400 crore, he represents the rising tech-driven billionaires in Uttar Pradesh, proving that innovation can also generate massive wealth.Better known as Physics Wallah, Alakh Pandey turned online teaching into a multi-billion rupee business. From YouTube lessons to building Indias first profitable edtech unicorn, his story reflects the power of passion and persistence.His net worth is around Rs 4,500 crore, making him one of the most inspiring UP richest people and a true face of digital education in India.Associated with PNC Infratech, Pradeep Kumar Jain is one of the big names in the real estate and infrastructure sector of Uttar Pradesh. His wealth is valued at around Rs 4,400 crore.Working alongside Pradeep Jain, Chakresh Kumar Jain also helped in building PNC Infratech into a respected name in construction and infrastructure. His fortune is also estimated at Rs 4,400 crore.Yashvardhan Agrawal, the founder of PriyaGold Biscuits, made his products a favourite in Indian households. Over the years, PriyaGold has become a strong competitor to global food brands. His contribution to the food industry makes him one of the most successful billionaires of Uttar Pradesh.The list of UP's richest people shows how Uttar Pradesh has become a hub for diverse businessesfrom FMCG and digital payments to education, infrastructure, and food. These billionaires not only created wealth for themselves but also generated employment and opportunities for millions.As the states economy continues to grow, more entrepreneurs from Uttar Pradesh are likely to join this elite club of billionaires in the coming years.Murli Dhar Gyanchandani, the co-founder of RSPL Group (Ghadi detergent), is currently the richest person in UP with a net worth of Rs 14,000 crore.There are several billionaires from Uttar Pradesh, including Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Murli Dhar Gyanchandani, and Alakh Pandey.FMCG, technology, infrastructure, real estate, and food industries have produced most of the UP richest people.Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm, is the richest tech entrepreneur from Uttar Pradesh.
Staff and guests left stunned

( Image credit : Jimmy Kimmel Live was abruptly suspended after FCC warnings | Credit: X/LucasSa56947288 )

Why ABC moved so quickly

( Image credit : US President Donald Trump | Credit: X/benonwine )

Hollywood reaction and public backlash

( Image credit : Jimmy Kimmel's late-night program was pulled just hours before taping, leaving booked guests, staff, and audience members blindsided | Credit: X/GuntherEagleman )

Trumps response and political undertone

Whats next for Kimmel and ABC

ABCs sudden suspension ofon Wednesday sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. The late-night program was pulled just hours before taping, leaving booked guests, staff, and audience members blindsided. The suspension followed comments from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr, who warned that ABC affiliates could face license revocation if Disney, the networks parent company, failed to act on Kimmels remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirks shooting.According to sources, Kimmels staff had been preparing the days show as usual, holding calls with publicists and finalizing bookings. Meanwhile, celebrity guests were en route to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood when the suspension was announced. Wanda Sykes, who was slated to appear, expressed frustration online, saying she had prepared for the taping only to learn it had been pulled. Audience members waiting in line outside the venue were also turned away, including a couple who had traveled from Virginia. What about freedom of speech? asked Gina Blackwell, while her husband Michael called the decision ridiculous.The timing of the decision came after Kimmels on-air criticism of Trump supporters following Kirks shooting. On his Monday episode, Kimmel accused the MAGA gang of politicizing the incident and trying to deflect responsibility. His remarks drew sharp responses from conservatives and, according to FCC Chair Carr, could justify punitive measures against ABC affiliates. A source close to the matter emphasized thathad not been canceled outright, but no timeline for its return was offered.Hollywood figures voiced strong dismay at ABCs move. Ben Stiller reacted to the suspension by reposting a news article with the words, This isnt right. Comedians Paul Scheer and Alex Edelman criticized the network on social media, calling it an example of real cancel culture. Edelman went further, accusing the government of pressuring ABC. Actor Jean Smart labeled the suspension horrifying, adding that Kimmels remarks were free speech, not hate speech. Wanda Sykes posted a video criticizing the Trump administration, claiming it had curtailed free expression.President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension on his Truth Social platform. He claimed the ratings-challenged show was effectively canceled and called Kimmel talentless. Trump also extended his criticism to other late-night hosts, urging NBC to follow ABCs lead. Industry insiders noted that Kimmel, a consistent Trump critic, has often faced political backlash but rarely of this scale.The future ofremains unclear. ABC has not confirmed whether Kimmel or his staff will be paid during the suspension. The hosts contract with the network runs through May, after he extended it in 2022 despite considering stepping away. At the time, Kimmel joked about quiet quitting, a line that now carries new weight amid the uncertainty. While sources insist the show is not canceled, the lack of clarity has left Hollywood unsettled.
Donald Trump designates anti-fascist ANTIFA movement a terrorist organisation

France 24

( Image credit : Donald Trump designates anti-fascist ANTIFA movement a terrorist organisation | Credit: X | @krassenstein )

Brian Krassenstein slams Trumps Antifa label as legally baseless and politically dangerous

( Image credit : Brian Krassenstein slams Trumps Antifa | Credit: X | @krassenstein )

The guy literally just tried to illegally designate people against fascism as terrorists.



What would you call that? Maybe we should be against whatever you call it. Anti  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 18, 2025

Netizen trolls Brian Krassenstein, boycott alerts for calling himself a terrorist

( Image credit : Netizen trolls Brian Krassenstein | Credit: X | @0HOUR1__ )

In a major development, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday took to his X (formerly called Twitter) and shared a post intending to designate Antifa, a shorthand term for anti-fascist used to describe a diffuse organised network of left-wing activists, as a major terrorist organisation. Amid the ongoing speculations around conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death, Brian Krassenstein, an American social media personality, writer, and entrepreneur who has been vocal against Donald Trump since his first term, shared the post on his X, saying, I am ANTIFA. Lets find out what Krassenstein says about ANTIFA.According to, while on a state visit to the United Kingdom, U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media shortly before 1:30 a.m. local time on Thursday to announce his intent to formally label Antifa, a loosely organised, left-wing activist movement, as a "major terrorist organisation".In his post on X, Trump described Antifa as a SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER and stated that he would be strongly recommending investigations into those financially supporting the group.The announcement followed a warning issued by Trump earlier in the week, in which he reiterated his threat to impose the designation. This came after senior White House adviser Stephen Miller accused Antifa of operating a vast domestic terror movement, allegedly linked to the recent killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.Since his first term in office, Trump has repeatedly blamed Antifa for a range of incidents, including violence against law enforcement and, controversially, for playing a role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, despite no credible evidence supporting the claim.In response to President Trumps call to label Antifa as a major terrorist organisation, critics have pushed back, highlighting both legal and ethical concerns.Brian Krassenstein weighed in on President Trump's recent declaration by posting, 'I am ANTIFA. MEANING I AM AGAINST fascism. All Americans should be. ANTIFA is not an organisation. Domestic groups also cannot be formally designated as terrorist organisations under U.S. law. Trump did not have legal authority to unilaterally designate Antifa as a terrorist organisation. No federal statute allows for a president to make such a designation domestically.Through his post, he emphasised that Antifa is not an organised group but rather an ideology rooted in opposition to fascism. Krassenstein also pointed out the legal limitations surrounding Trumps announcement, noting that U.S. law does not allow domestic groups to be formally designated as terrorist organisations.He further clarified that no federal statute grants a president the authority to make such a designation unilaterally within the country, calling Trumps move legally unfounded and politically troubling.As the post by Brian Krassenstein surfaced on the internet, it quickly went viral and grabbed massive attention on X. One user said, let him cook...lol.Him and his butt brother are so annoying. I had to block them before they were even popular, nonstop annoying. @grok was Brian Krassenstein arrested with his brother or investigated?, one added.While another said, If he has links to Antifa, then he should be investigated, but he's probably just a liar, looking for clout.He was following that trans person who wrote the song Kirk dead at 31, one commented.One said, Isn't this the same guy who just days ago said you could 69 a trans mutant and you'd still be straight?
FCC blasts Jimmy Kimmels truly sick comments

BREAKING: The FCC Chairman is threatening immediate action against Jimmy Kimmel, ABC, and Disney for deliberately misleading the public by claiming Charlie Kirks assassin was a MAGA Conservative.



Chairman Brendan Carr calls Kimmels malicious lies are truly sick and says they pic.twitter.com/mGhtGMPReI  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 17, 2025

( Image credit : Brendan Carr accused Kimmel of exploiting a tragedy to push a political agenda (Credit: ABC) )

Why is the FCC taking action?

This is sick. @jimmykimmel is explicitly stating that MAGA killed Charlie Kirk and is victim blaming the assassination on Charlies movement. Its definitionally evil and a malicious lie. Kimmel must be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/PznwF4lgQl  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 17, 2025

( Image credit : Charlie Kirk was shot during a live event at Utah Valley University, sparking a massive social media war (Credit: X/@RonaldAiden56) )

ABC and Disney are under pressure

Hey @ABCNetwork we are demanding an on air apology from @jimmykimmel for spreading dangerous misinformation and hate speech on your network.



Failure to comply will result in endless lawsuits. He can apologize, or you can cancel his show. Nothing else will do.



The shooter was pic.twitter.com/a8PBlOOWUU  Gator Gar (@yalligatorgar) September 16, 2025

Backlash from viewers and politicians

Jimmy Kimmel is disgusting  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 17, 2025

( Image credit : Outrage all-over social media on Jimmy Kimmel's comments about Charlie Kirk (Credit: Screenshot taken from X) )

What happens next?

The fallout from Charlie Kirks shocking assassination has escalated as Jimmy Kimmel finds himself at the centre of a growing storm. The late-night host allegedly claimed that Kirks killer was a MAGA conservative, a statement that quickly went viral and caused widespread outrage.FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is now threatening immediate action against Kimmel, ABC, and parent company Disney, saying they deliberately misled the public. Carrs remarks have opened the door to the possibility of Kimmel being suspended or even ABC losing its broadcast license. The FCC believes these comments were not a simple mistake but a calculated effort to deceive.Brendan Carr did not hold back in condemning Kimmels remarks. Speaking to the media, the FCC chairman said, This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney. We can do this the easy way or the hard way.Carr accused Kimmel of exploiting a tragedy to push a political agenda, calling his false statement about a MAGA-linked assassin truly sick. He stressed that ABC, as a licensed broadcaster, has a responsibility to provide accurate information. They have a license granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with an obligation to operate in the public interest, Carr warned. There are calls for Kimmel to be fired, and I think you could certainly see a path forward for suspension over this.According to Brendan Carr, the problem goes beyond Kimmels personal comments. The FCC believes that the network allowed a dangerous narrative to spread unchecked, potentially inciting political unrest.The FCC could make a strong argument that this was an intentional effort to mislead the American people about a very important matter, Carr said. He explained that accusing a political movement of orchestrating a murder without evidence can have devastating consequences, including violence and deepening divisions in the country. Carr added, Standing by and allowing this kind of misinformation to spread is unacceptable. Disney needs to see some change here.The controversy has now reached ABC and its parent company, Disney. Carr made it clear that the FCC will hold both organisations accountable if they fail to address Kimmels actions.Disney has an obligation to step up and ensure that what goes on air serves the needs of local communities, Carr said. He urged ABCs affiliated stations to take a stand, adding, This sort of status quo is obviously not acceptable where we are right now. Industry insiders say that if Disney does not take swift corrective measures, the FCC could move toward revoking ABCs broadcast license, a rare but devastating penalty for any network.Kimmels comments have ignited a wave of outrage online and in political circles. Many conservative commentators and viewers are demanding his immediate suspension or firing.One X user wrote, This is beyond disgusting. Jimmy Kimmel just blamed Charlie Kirk for his own murder. How is this allowed on TV?. Another added, ABC and Disney need to take responsibility. This was a deliberate attempt to smear an entire movement.Several Republican lawmakers have also spoken out, with one senator calling Kimmels statements reckless and dangerous. The controversy has become a talking point on cable news, with some analysts arguing that Kimmels remarks could further fuel partisan divides.As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on Disney and ABC to see how they respond to the situation. The FCC is prepared to act quickly if the companies do not take internal measures to correct the misinformation.Carrs final warning left little room for doubt: Disney needs to see some change here, or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead. Whether Jimmy Kimmel will face suspension or ABC will face legal consequences remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this incident has pushed the network into one of its most serious crises in years.
( Image credit : Oli's latest term ended abruptly in 2025 following mass protests led by Gen Z activists against a government-imposed social media ban | Credit: X/zoo_bear )

The night of Royal massacre: June 1, 2001

( Image credit : Crown Prince Dipendra, allegedly in a drunken rage opened fire during a family gathering | Credit: X/ThatCyberPanda )

Official inquiry and public opinion

The end of monarchy

( Image credit : In 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution and K.P. Sharma Oli became the PM | Credit: X/KraantiKumar )

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.

The current unrest in Nepal, driven by Gen Z-led protests against censorship and corruption, is not a single moment in the countrys history. Nepal has long grappled with deep political instability. One of the most traumatic episodes unfolded in 2001, when the royal family was nearly wiped out in a palace massacre. That tragedy triggered national outrage, conspiracy theories, and eventually, the collapse of the monarchy. The echoes of that turmoil still shape Nepals democracy today.On the night of June 1, 2001, Nepal was shaken by the devastating massacre at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace in Kathmandu. Crown Prince Dipendra, allegedly in a drunken rage over a dispute regarding his choice of a bride, opened fire during a family gathering.Nepalese officials reported that the 29-year-old crown prince, who was educated at Eton, had long disagreed with his mother over his choice of bride. On the night of the incident, the royal family had gathered for a large meeting to discuss his marriage plans. According to sources cited by CNN , the crown prince, dressed in military fatigues, entered a sitting room in the royal palace around 10:40 PM local time on that Friday and opened fire with an automatic rifle. Unconfirmed reports suggest that he wanted to marry the daughter of a former government minister, a match opposed by the queen.In the attack, several members of the royal family died - King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, his brother Prince Nirajan, 22, and his sister, 24-year-old Princess Shruti. King Birendras sisters, Princess Shrada and Princess Shanti, along with his brother-in-law Kumar Khadga, were also among the victims of the massacre. Another royal family member, Prince Dhirendra, was critically injured in the attack. At last, he turned the weapon on himself.Dipendra fell into a coma and died in the hospital. His uncle, Prince Gyanendra, ascended to the throne following the tragedy. A government-appointed committee concluded that Dipendra was solely responsible for the massacre.However, many Nepalese citizens remain unconvinced, believing that the official narrative was a cover-up for a deeper conspiracy involving political motives. Some have speculated that elements within the royal family or external forces orchestrated the killings to eliminate King Birendra, who was seen as a stabilizing figure. In July 2008, a Nepalese soldier, Lal Bahadur Lamteri, claimed to be an eyewitness to the 2001 royal massacre. He alleged that Crown Prince Dipendra, widely blamed for the killings, was actually shot before the rest of the royal family. According to Lamteri, Prince Paras, Gyanendras son and Dipendras cousin, attended the royal dinner accompanied by a man who wore a mask resembling Dipendra. The masked individual fatally shot Dipendra before the other family members were killed. Lamteri also reported seeing Dipendra in his private room, wounded and intoxicated, before the massacre.The massacre plunged Nepal into a period of political instability. King Gyanendra's ascension to the throne was met with public discontent, and his reign was characterized by authoritarianism. In 2006, a popular movement forced him to reinstate the parliament, and in 2008, Nepal abolished its monarchy and declared itself a federal democratic republic. In 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution. K.P. Sharma Oli became the PM the same year, serving four non-consecutive terms, with reappointments in 2018, 2021, and 2024. His latest term ended abruptly in 2025 following mass protests led by Gen Z activists against a government-imposed social media ban. The unrest, sparked by outrage over censorship and deepening corruption, escalated after security forces killed 19 demonstrators, ultimately forcing Oli to resign amid mounting public and political pressure.
Official statements and community impact

Multiple police officers have been shot in York County, Pennsylvania. This is a deeply tragic situation  please keep them in your prayers. 



Several medevac units have been requested, and at least two officers have already been transported for urgent medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/OxoUorcyAe  Crazy flix (@Crazyflix94) September 17, 2025

Historical context and official reactions

Multiple police officers have been shot in York County, Pennsylvania. This is a deeply tragic situation  please keep them in your prayers. 



Several medevac units have been requested, and at least two officers have already been transported for urgent medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/OxoUorcyAe  Crazy flix (@Crazyflix94) September 17, 2025

 BREAKING: Multiple police officers were just shot in York County, Pennsylvania. Pray for all of them, this is horrible 



Several medevac units requested, and at least two officers transported for treatmentpic.twitter.com/ZzTR31S0Zv  Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 17, 2025

Next steps in investigation

Three law enforcement officers were killed Wednesday in North Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania, during a domestic-related investigation. Two other officers were injured and remain in critical but stable condition at Wellspan York Hospital as of Thursday morning, according to a hospital spokesperson. Police shot and killed the suspect at the scene, who has not been identified.This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day in York County and the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro said during a news conference Wednesday evening. Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris confirmed the officers were following up on an investigation that began the previous day. He described it as domestic related and stated that authorities are holding back some details until related search warrants are executed.The incident has rocked the community here in York County, Paris added, noting the gravity of the situation. York County Commissioners also released a statement emphasizing the collective mourning of the community. For the second time in less than a year, York County is a community in mourning. As a community, we share the immense and immeasurable pain of mourning the loss of three of our brave members of law enforcement, the statement read.This marks the second fatal shooting of a police officer in York County within seven months. In February, West York Borough Police Officer Andrew William Duarte, 30, was killed while responding to a hostage situation at a hospital. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, a former York County prosecutor, called the deaths unfathomable and highlighted the officers professionalism and impact on the community.Shapiro, who visited the county on Wednesday afternoon, ordered U.S. and Pennsylvania flags on all public buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen officers. This kind of violence isnt okay. We need to do better as a society, Shapiro said, adding that authorities must support those who might view guns as a solution to disputes.Authorities continue to investigate the incident while serving related search warrants. The Pennsylvania State Police and York County District Attorneys Office are working together to provide clarity on the events that led to the tragedy. Community leaders have called on residents to support one another during the mourning period.
Windsor Castle projection and arrests

Political fallout and UK response

Vuelve Trump, sus giras internacionales y, con ellos, los manifestantes en su contra y el globo #BabyTrump como icono  #LaPoliticaDeLasEmociones nunca se fue  pic.twitter.com/jniWTXax3d  Toni Aira (@toniaira) September 17, 2025

Thousands march in London

Where do you get one of these trump balloon baby blimp things?#london#trumppic.twitter.com/1Nq1CeNWln  Syrian Girl (@Partisangirl) September 17, 2025

The return of the Trump Baby blimp

Context of past protests

Donald Trumps UK state visit was marked not only by royal ceremonies but also by organized protests across Windsor and London. From high-profile projections on Windsor Castle to the reappearance of the Trump Baby blimp, activists made clear they opposed the visit.Just minutes after Trumps arrival in Britain, a large-scale projection lit up a tower wall of Windsor Castle. It displayed images of Trump alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting their past connection. The projection was quickly shut down, and four men were arrested for malicious communications. Still, it set the tone for the protests that followed.Alongside the projection, a mobile billboard circulated through Windsor streets. It carried photographs of Trump and Epstein with the words, Welcome to the UK Donald. The display echoed anger in the United States, where Trump has faced criticism for not releasing Justice Department files related to Epstein. Trump has said the two had a falling-out 15 years before Epsteins indictment.The controversy also reached UK politics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed his ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, after reports revealed Mandelson had sent supportive emails to Epstein. Mandelson later expressed regret over his connection. The sacking came just before Trumps state visit, adding to the political backdrop of the protests.The largest demonstrations took place in London. On Wednesday, up to 5,000 protesters gathered in central London for the Trump Not Welcome march, which ended with a rally in Parliament Square. Activists carried placards criticizing Trumps trade policies, views on abortion, climate change stance, and rhetoric on racism. Palestinian flags were visible, with chants linking the protests to the Gaza war.Zoe Gardner, spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition, told reporters: We do not want our government to trade away our democracy and decency.The protests also revived a familiar symbol: the Trump Baby blimp. Smaller versions of the inflatable caricature, which first gained attention in 2018, were flown by protesters. Many also carried posters depicting Trump with a pacifier, mocking the presidents image.Louise Richards, a 26-year-old protester near Big Ben, said: I had grandparents and great-grandparents that fought in the wars, and I think if I just stayed home today and watch Netflix, Im as bad as the enemy 100 years ago.Protests against Trump in Britain have a history. In 2018, more than 100,000 people joined a rally featuring the original Trump Baby blimp. In 2019, around 75,000 turned out. This years turnout was smaller, but the combination of projections, billboards, and inflatables showed the determination of activists to make their message heard.
Uttar Pradesh will launch the fifth phase of Mission Shakti on September 22, coinciding with the beginning of Sharadiya Navratri. The month-long campaign aims to strengthen womens safety, dignity, and self-reliance through a combination of policing measures, awareness drives, and institutional support.



Announcing the plan after a high-level review meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath underlined that the effectiveness of the campaign will be measured by how secure women feel in public spaces and how consistently offenders face the law. Senior police officials have been instructed to remain visible on the ground, intensify patrolling, and ensure that Police Response Vehicles (PRV-112) are actively deployed.



Women police personnel will play a central role in this phase. Beat officers are expected to reach 57,000 gram panchayats and 14,000 wards, meeting women and girls to raise awareness about rights, safety measures, and available helplines. Pink Booths will be set up in municipal corporations as emergency support points, while special deployments of women police will cover festivals, temples, fairs, and crowded public places.



The Anti-Romeo Squad, created to tackle harassment in public areas, is set to be strengthened further, with directions for strict and fair action against miscreants. Awareness activities such as short films, dialogues, and seminars will be organized in schools, colleges, and industries to promote gender sensitisation.



The campaign will also focus on institutional support, with instructions to provide legal aid to women prisoners and establish mechanisms for faster disposal of cases related to crimes against women. Officials have been asked to ensure that womens helpline services, including 1090, function effectively and that complaints are resolved promptly.



In its previous phase, Mission Shakti recorded more than 3.44 lakh programs, reaching over two crore women and girls across the state. Several specialized operations were also carried out, such as action against cybercrime, child rescue missions, and anti-drug drives. According to official data, Uttar Pradesh reported a 98.8% disposal rate of cases related to sexual offences, the highest in the country.



With the fifth phase, the campaign seeks to expand its reach and embed womens safety measures more firmly into both rural and urban settings. Officials emphasized that the effort requires interdepartmental coordination and sustained community engagement to make an enduring impact.
Viral loan call: What happened?

HDFC Bank female employee went to the extreme of misbehaving with a military personnel over a loan

pic.twitter.com/iYMEyBreMQ  Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) September 18, 2025

( Image credit : In the now-viral audio, the woman can be heard speaking harshly to the soldier instead of handling the matter professionally (Credit: X/@SonOfBharat7) )

Social media outrage and demands for action

( Image credit : The audio has triggered a storm on social media, with many users expressing disbelief and anger (Screenshot taken from X) )

HDFC Bank responds to allegations

SHOCKING & SHAMEFUL #HDFCBank employee verbally abusing a soldier



Calling him ganvaar & mocking martyrs crosses every line of decency. No institution should tolerate this toxic arrogance. @HDFC_Bank must act swiftly & transparently pic.twitter.com/DjW1uhJU2g  Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) September 18, 2025

A disturbing audio clip of a woman verbally abusing an army jawan over a loan dispute has sparked massive outrage on social media. The woman, identified online as Anuradha Varma, allegedly mocked the soldiers profession, insulted his family, and questioned his education while threatening him during the heated phone call.The viral clip has left many shocked, with people demanding strict action against the woman and the bank she was associated with. While the post claimed she worked for HDFC Bank, the bank later released a statement denying any connection with her.In the now-viral audio, the woman can be heard speaking harshly to the soldier instead of handling the matter professionally. She reportedly said, If you were educated, you would be working in a good company. Thats why you were sent to the border. Your children are born disabled, and people like you end up becoming martyrs.She further insulted him, saying he was living off loans and mocked him for taking a loan of 1516 lakh. Her tone was aggressive, and she even challenged him to try to take action against her, saying she wasnt afraid of any consequences. The clip was originally shared by journalist Navalkant on X, who claimed the woman worked at HDFC Bank in Mumbai. The post quickly gained attention, sparking widespread anger online.The audio has triggered a storm on social media, with many users expressing disbelief and anger. One user wrote on X, How can she insult a defence personnel like this? HDFC Bank should fire her immediately. Another commented, This is anti-national behaviour. Soldiers risk their lives for us, and this is how they are treated? Some pointed out that the abusive language was unacceptable no matter the situation, saying, Even if there was a dispute, no one has the right to speak like this.The incident has sparked debates about how loan collection agents and employees are trained to speak to customers, especially when dealing with sensitive cases.As the clip went viral, many accused HDFC Bank of employing the woman. However, the bank issued an official statement clarifying that she was not their employee.There is no employee of HDFC Bank under the name Anuradha Verma. The conduct heard in the audio is unacceptable and does not reflect HDFC Banks values, the spokesperson said.The statement has raised questions about whether the woman was working for a third-party loan collection agency, as such agencies are often hired by banks to recover loans.
VIDEO | Two members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang, involved in the firing incident at actor Disha Patani's Bareilly home, were shot dead in an encounter.



Jagdish Patani, Disha Patani's father, says, "From me and my family, I thank UP CM Yogi Adityanath. As he had assured pic.twitter.com/V3kMjefcSJ  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 18, 2025

Who were Ravindra and Arun, shooters behind Disha Patanis house firing?

#WATCH | Bareilly, UP: 2 accused of firing outside actor Disha Patani's father and retired CO Jagdish Patani's residence shot dead in a police encounter.



Visuals from outside the residence where armed Police personnel have been deployed. pic.twitter.com/HENOEY9Z3x  ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2025

How did the encounter happen?

Footage of the firing incident at UP's Bareilly residence of actress Disha Patani. The two suspects - Ravindra and Arun - were killed in encounter with UP STF in Ghaziabad. pic.twitter.com/lwwExFUPf4  Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) September 17, 2025

Two suspects who had fired at the Bareilly residence of actress Disha Patani were killed in an encounter with Noida unit of special task force. pic.twitter.com/ZelPk43D7A  Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) September 17, 2025

Why was Disha Patanis family home targeted?

#WATCH | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | Two miscreants involved in the firing incident outside the residence of retired CO Jagdish Patani (father of actor Disha Patani) in Bareilly succumbed to injuries following an encounter with the joint teams of UP STF, Haryana STF and pic.twitter.com/DOouN7v4V1  ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2025

How did the Patani family disrespect Anidruddhacharya Maharaj?

#khushboopatani released a video to convey that she did not abuse Premanand Ji Maharaj but she just abused #Aniruddhacharya . Does it even make any sense? pic.twitter.com/WySUsggfic  NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) August 4, 2025

Bollywood star Disha Patani found herself at the center of a chilling security scare when her family home in Bareilly was attacked by armed assailants. The two men responsible for the firing, identified as Ravindra and Arun, were later tracked down and killed in a police encounter in Ghaziabad. After the encounter, theres a lot of chatter about who these shooters were, which gang they were linked to, and why they targeted the actress. Heres all you need to know.The accused, Ravindra alias Kallu from Rohtak and Arun from Sonipat, had been absconding since the firing incident but were eventually tracked down during a joint operation by the UP STF and Delhi Police. Both were active operatives of the Rohit GodaraGoldy Brar gang, a criminal syndicate infamous for extortion, contract killings, and spreading fear across northern India.According to police, the duo carried a long history of crime and were wanted in several cases, including murder, attempted murder, and gang-related offenses. Their encounter is being hailed as a significant breakthrough, offering crucial insights into the gangs wider network and the motives behind the attack on the actresss home.Police revealed that the assailants had targeted Disha Patanis father, Jagdish Patani, a retired police officer who was at home during the attack. According to the FIR, at around 3:30 am on September 12, Jagdish was alerted by his dogs to two men on a motorcycle outside his balcony. When he questioned them, one of the shooters reportedly said, Kill him, before opening fire. Patani narrowly escaped by taking cover behind a balcony pillar. Several rounds were discharged, including two aerial shots.As per Indiatoday, following the incident, Bareilly police registered a case, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally spoke to Jagdish Patani, directing officials to solve the case swiftly. From the encounter site, police recovered a Glock pistol, a Zigana pistol, several cartridges, and the Apache motorcycle used in the attack. The shooters were traced after being spotted on the same bike used in the September 12 firing.A coordinated operation by the Delhi Police, Uttar Pradesh STF, and Haryana STF culminated in a fierce gunfight, during which both assailants sustained critical injuries and later died in hospital. Four policemen were also hurt in the exchange of fire, Sub-Inspector Rohit suffered a gunshot wound to his left hand, Head Constable Kailash was shot in the right bicep, while STF head constables Ankur and Jai sustained other injuries during the operation.Shortly after the incident, the Goldy Brar gang allegedly claimed responsibility for the firing at Disha Patanis house in a social media post, alleging that the Patani family had insulted Sanatana Dharma by making derogatory remarks against saints Premanand Maharaj and Anidruddhacharya Maharaj.She objected to a video in which Aniruddhacharya reportedly said, Girls over the age of 25 who are in live-in relationships woh 4-5 jagah mooh maar ke aati hain. Khushboo Patani described his remarks as inappropriate, misogynistic, and hypocritical.She had said, "He says girls who are above the age of 25 and stay in live-in relationships, woh 4 jagah mooh maar ke aati hai (they go from one person to another). If only he had been around me, I would have made him understand the meaning of the words he used against women. They are anti-national. You should never support b****** of the highest orders."
Artificial intelligence, which has generated fears of harms and dangers ranging from job losses to human extinction, drew multiple protests at The AI Conference in San Francisco on September 17. The AI Conference was established to embrace the potent capability of AI to revolutionize every facet of human existence, according to the conference website.

One group, called Stop AI, distributed flyers warning of AI dangers that stretched beyond stealing jobs and stealing data to accelerating climate collapse and human extinction. The group of roughly eight protesters were outside the conference hall, at San Franciscos Pier 48, with a megaphone and at least one protestor wearing a Stop AI t-shirt. At least one small argument broke out between the protestors and an attendee standing on the admission line. Stop AI wants governments to permanently ban the development of smarter-than-human AI, also known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), according to the Stop AI Proposal posted at the organizations website.

Another group of protesters, consisting of approximately 20 Uber and Lyft rideshare drivers and members of the Gig Workers Union, said AI was making it harder for drivers and other workers to earn money. A switch to AI-powered pay by Uber in 2022 caused drivers who declined low-paying jobs to see ride volume drop, according to a paper the group handed out at the event. The group also blame the Uber app for slowing down rides, resulting in drivers falling short of daily earnings expectations. The protestors carried a sign saying, Uber: End AI Wages. The protestors want technology to work with them, not against them, seeking transparency in how AI systems affect pay and working conditions, along with human appeal processes when AI systems make decisions about jobs. A spokesman for the group, Neil Martin, tech justice coordinator at Working Partnerships USA, said the group was concerned about how AI is starting to replace jobs and affect existing jobs.
An Uber in the Rideshare Lot at LAX in Los Angeles in August. Read more

Attorneys for Uber noticed a pattern in lawsuits filed against the rideshare giant by one Philadelphia-area personal-injury law firm.

Simon & Simon clients who had been in crashes involving Uber-driven vehicles saw the same handful of medical providers, who diagnosed them with severe injuries and recommended extensive treatments. Then, the same medical expert in each case wrote a report, often using near-identical language, that assessed the need for lifelong and expensive medical care.

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But the medical reports were fraudulent, Uber says in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

 READ MORE: When signing up for Uber, do you waive your right to a trial? Pa.s Supreme Court will decide.

Uber is accusing Simon & Simon founder Marc Simon of conspiring with the medical providers to produce fraudulent reports to inflate the cost of settlements in dozens of lawsuits. The company is invoking the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, saying the law was enacted to address precisely this type of fraudulent pattern.

In order to pursue inflated claims in state court and to extract large settlements from Uber, Simon directs his clients to a network of corrupt medical providers who diagnose non-existent serious injuries and produce false medical records to support claims that the claimant in question will require a lifetime of expensive care, the lawsuit says.

Simon did not respond to requests for comment.

The scheme Uber lays out

Uber alleges that the first step in Simon & Simons scheme goes through Clifton Burt, a pain physician from New Jersey.

The law firm scheduled groups of clients for visits at Burts clinic, with instructions on the treatments the clients should get, and provided transportation for some clients, the suit says.

The Inquirer was unable to reach Burt based on publicly available contact information.

Next, clients typically visited two chiropractors, Daniel Piccillo and Ethel Harvey, at Philadelphia Spine Associates, where they allegedly received treatment, often over more than 20 visits.

In many instances no actual treatment was delivered, the suit says.

Records from those visits were often signed within minutes after the scheduled appointment time, or even before the appointment, despite describing care should take significant time, the complaint says.

A Philadelphia Spine Associates representative said that Piccillo was unavailable to provide comment. Harvey hung up when asked to comment.

The need for extensive treatments is often contrasted by police reports where officers on the scene noted no injuries, the suit says.

In one low-speed collision, police reported no injuries. The passenger didnt seek immediate medical care, the suit says. But the next day, the passenger went to the emergency room complaining of severe pain. He was discharged with only a recommendation to take ibuprofen, according to the complaint. In the days after hiring Simon & Simon, he attended his first of 39 appointments at Philadelphia Spine Associates.

The culmination of the scheme, as Uber tells it, were expert reports written by Lance Yarus. The private-practice orthopedic surgeon performed nearly 1,300 exams for Simon & Simon clients in the past three years, and the firm paid him about $1.5 million, according to the complaint.

Yaruss reports invariably confirm the existence of serious, permanent injuries and recommended extensive, lifelong care, the lawsuit says.

The goal of the reports was to inflate cost of care projections, which Simon & Simon used in settlement negotiations to turn low value claims into million-dollar-plus requests, according to the complaint.

Yarus did not respond to requests for comment.

Others taking note

Uber isnt the only one to notice Simon & Simons use of expert medical reports.

Simon has been admonished twice by federal district judges over the past year for allegedly using unsavory methods to combat a change of venue.

In January, Judge Gerald McHugh sanctioned Simon and ordered him to pay $7,500. In a blistering opinion, McHugh wrote that the law firm seemingly prepares pleadings on a mass production basis without investing time and attention in understanding the basic facts of the case.

The judge said the firms reports had little relationship to real world medical care, and when the same expert in every case projects monumental future costs it becomes difficult to read the reports in question as credibly addressing actual patient needs.

In June, Judge Gerald Pappert again admonished Simon and the way his firm conducts business.

Mr. Simon has no idea who he is suing and what the people and entities on the wrong end of his cookie-cutter complaints allegedly did to be dragged into our civil-justice system, Pappert wrote.

 READ MORE: He was killed in a car crash on Kelly Drive while riding in an Uber. Now, his family is taking the ride-share giant to court.

The firm settled in 2020 a case brought by the U.S. Department of Justice over unpaid medical debts, agreeing to pay $6,605. And in 2018 the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts disciplinary board reprimanded Simon for failing to respond to discovery.

Once Uber noticed the alleged scheme, the company took steps to stop it, Adam Blinick, Ubers senior director of public policy & communications, said in a statement.

Lawsuit abuse, including fraudulent personal injury claims, directly contribute to the higher prices that consumers end up paying on everything from Uber rides to dining out at a restaurant, Blinick said.
The home in Lower Merion where the deadly home invasion occurred on Dec. 8, 2024. Read more

A 27-year-old man was found guilty Wednesday of second-degree murder for his role in a botched 2024 home invasion in Lower Merion that left a 25-year-old man dead and his mother paralyzed, the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office said.

The jury also found Jeremy Fuentes guilty of three counts of conspiracy  he was not present, but prosecutors said he inspired two other men to commit the burglary that turned deadly.

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No sentencing date was set, but a second-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence, said Kate Delano, spokesperson for the district attorneys office.

Andrew Gaudio was fatally shot while defending his mother, Bernadette Gaudio, who was shot while she was in her bed at home on Dec. 8, 2024. Bernadette Gaudio was paralyzed from the neck down.

In July, Charles Fulforth and Kelvin Roberts were convicted of first-degree murder in the case.

Jeremy is absolutely floored by the verdict, Matthew Quigg, his attorney, said Wednesday night.

Quigg argued that Fuentes did not know what the other two men were planning.

We were able to hold everybody accountable today for what happened," Assistant District Attorney Brianna Ringwood said after the verdict.

Fulforth and Roberts forced their way into Bernadette Gaudios Main Line home that evening, believing there were guns inside to steal.

The men, who worked for the junk-removal business Junkluggers, did not realize that they had targeted the wrong address and that they were supposed to be in Bucks County rather than Montgomery.

Fuentes also worked for Junkluggers and had spotted guns at a Bucks County home while working a job there, prosecutors said.

He encouraged Fulforth to commit the robbery and thus, prosecutors said, was an accomplice in the crime.

Fuentes helped to carry out that home invasion for the possibility of his own personal profit, Ringwood said in her opening statement to the jury.

Ringwood explained to the jurors that a second-degree murder conviction means that somebody was killed during the commission of a crime  including robbery or burglary  and that the person charged does not need to have intended for a death to happen to be found guilty.

This doesnt even happen without him starting the ball rolling, First Assistant District Attorney Edward F. McCann said after the verdict.

Fuentes is facing a separate criminal case in Montgomery County in which he is accused of illegally selling guns.

Staff writer Jesse Bunch contributed to this article.
The Grande Plateau, a collection of raw and chilled seafood, including Sweet Amalia Oysters, Jersey Dug Clams, Royal Red Shrimp Cocktail, Scarlet Crab Claws, Chilled Lobster, and Vineyard Bay Scallops, at Little Water, a Rittenhouse restaurant, in Philadelphia. Read more

Beneath Little Waters tin ceiling, precise platters of oysters emerge from a raw bar whose walls are bedecked with Capiz shell bowls. You dont have much choice in the matter, other than ordering whats listed on the menu merely as oysters.

You may add golden osetra caviar or Maine uni to these oysters for an additional charge, but otherwise, you are prescribed six deep-cupped Beau Soleil oysters from New Brunswick, Canada, and they will be dressed with Little Waters Alabama white sauce, nestled in pellet ice on a gleaming copper platter, and served with a tiny vial of chef Randy Ruckers housemade hot sauce.

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Some of Philadelphias most exciting dishes right now arent cooked at all. Raw bars are seemingly everywhere. Case in point: Sao, Phila and Rachel Lorns sophomore restaurant on East Passyunk; nearby Tesiny, an oyster-focused bar with lush velvet seating by Biedermans Lauren Biederman, and the enormous Fleurs in Kensington with George Sabatino at its helm, have all opened within moments of one another. And thats just the class of 2025.

Last year also saw a spate of oyster bar openings. From Little Water in Rittenhouse to Jaffa Bar and Picnic in Kensington, First Daughter Oyster Co. in Old City, Oltremare in Rittenhouse, and the new Oyster House at PHL, Philadelphians now have endless bivalve options.

Weve been slouching toward a raw bar renaissance for the last few years, with the openings of Loch Bar in October 2023, Michael Schulsons Pearl & Mary in November 2022, and Wilder in March 2022. More restaurants are also building out raw bar sections of the menus and of their dining rooms. Oysters reside on Honeysuckles bar menu, on My Loups seafood tower, rendered into fresh conservas at Heavy Metal Sausage and Oloroso.

Why is everyone opening a raw bar right now? The reasons for this are somewhat complex, a union of changes in aquaculture, technological innovation that have made farmed oysters plentiful, and the individual longings of chefs and restaurateurs. Local oysters are aplenty, and the prices are reasonable, but oysters still feel luxurious.

Oysters are once again surging in popularity, as Craig LaBan discovered last year, when covering the New Jersey oyster farm boom, and mapping it against the surge of oyster farm production along the East Coast, from Maine to Florida.

For chefs, the reasons to serve oysters are often entwined with their biographies. Theyre making careful departures from the typical dozen oysters served with lemon wedges, mignonette, and hot sauce. Theres Rucker with his Alabama white sauce, of course. And Fleurs with Sabatinos thoughtful, produce-forward touches like watermelon mignonette for their oysters on the half shell. Elsewhere on the menu, plum preserves and sour cherries and lime-spiked creme fraiche are deployed. Not what youd normally see on a raw bar menu.

At Sao, where there are five to six varieties of oysters on rotation, served with horseradish, and a Lao sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, shallots, Thai chiles, and cilantro stems, and Cambodian black pepper and lime, Phila and Rachel Lorn were prompted to make their pandemic dream of if Oyster House and Han Dynasty did a collaboration forever a reality.

After the pandemic, people were reaching for luxuries. We realized that life is short and super fragile. Luxuries like caviar, seafood, peel and eat shrimp, said Phila Lorn.

A lot of restaurants have oysters on the menu, but theres nothing like [a Southeast Asian raw bar] currently in South Philly. Oysters never go out of style, said Rachel Lorn.

Behind the desire of chefs to serve their takes on oysters, there has been a confluence of tech and aquaculture, ensuring that supply meets demand.

I asked Joe Lasprogata, the senior vice president of Samuels & Son Seafood, the largest seafood purveyor in our region, why he thought we are going through an oyster renaissance, despite the rising costs of other types of seafood.

Seafood in general is very expensive right now, and with imposed tariffs by the new administration, it might get even more expensive. Eighty-five percent of seafood is imported into the U.S., he said. Oysters, on the other hand, are farmed rather than caught wild, and sourced domestically.

In the 1950s, oyster beds were knocked out because of MSX  essentially an oyster plague  caused by a parasite called Haplosporidium nelsoni, decimating oyster populations in the Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and elsewhere. Dermo, another oyster disease that appeared contemporaneously, also destroyed oyster populations. In the ensuing two decades, overharvesting and pollution runoff killed even more oyster populations.

These issues all hurt wild stocks of oysters in the late 20th century, leading to a significant dip in oyster consumption, but genetic advances in response to MSX and Dermo, have completely changed the industry, creating high-quality, disease-resistant oysters with shells that didnt easily shatter upon shucking.

Another big reason behind a striking increase in oyster production?

It was really made possible, oddly, by the invention of plastics. When I started growing oysters, we would paint chicken wire to get two years out of a cage before it rusted out. But then we had the inventions of vinyl coated wire and plastic mesh bags, which allowed us to grow oysters that didnt all get eaten by crabs, said Bob Rheault, the executive director of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association.

Technological advances continue to push the aquaculture oyster industry forward.

Every year it seems like theres another type of cage that has been developed and now we have floating gear, which bounces the animals around and makes them have a tougher shell. Weve learned to beat them up a little bit to toughen them up, said Rheault. The practice produces oysters that are easier to shuck without shattering.

Rheault started Moonstone Oysters in Narragansett, R.I., back in 1986, when wild harvested oyster season started in October and would run until fishermen had fished out all the ones big enough to eat. In those days, the common guidance was to eat oysters only in months ending in r, as warmer waters could cause increased bacterial growth and that is also when wild oysters spawn (their flesh is considered less delicious and softer during spawning). This has become a defunct rule of thumb due to advances in refrigeration, disease-resistant oysters, and better controls over monitoring bacteria.

The North American oyster aquaculture industry exploded between 2010 and 2015, bolstered by oysters newer reputation for being good for peoples health and for the planet. Were improving water quality. Oysters are one of the most sustainable proteins and we dont need any drugs, chemicals, fertilizers, or antibiotics to raise them, and they feed themselves, said Rheault.

There are now probably close to 300 different aquaculture farms [in the Northeast] we can source product from, said Lasprogata. Even though the [plastics] technology had been developed since the late 70s, it wasnt until the early 2010s that production ramped up to a sustainable commercial scope. Our sales grew steadily from that point. In 2024, we sold over 23 million pieces of shellfish  clams and oysters.

This year, theyre likely to sell even more, through supplying Philadelphias new raw bars. Oysters are back. Just dont expect them to always come with just a lemon wedge.
The fast-growing PopUp Bagels plans to enter the Philadelphia market with the first of eight locations setting up in Suburban Square in Ardmore, where it will open in the former Juice Press, next to Dry Bar and Soul Cycle and across from Shake Shack.

PopUp, conceived in a Connecticut backyard in 2021, is known for its Grip, Rip and Dip format. It does not make sandwiches or even offer sliced bagels  rather, the bagels are sold hot and whole with cups of cream cheese schmears or butter for dipping.

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The Ardmore location, which does not yet have an opening date, is owned by franchisee Brian Harrington of Montgomery County, who launched two PopUp locations earlier this year in Boston.

PopUp Bagels backstory is similar to that of Philadelphias Kismet Bagels, in that both were launched by bored professionals during the pandemic.

PopUp founder Adam Goldberg told Fast Company that he started baking sourdough bread at his home in Westport, Conn., before moving on to refining a bagel recipe. He settled on a light, soft bagel, as opposed to the chewy New York style. The backyard project drew attention and led to pop-up shops in New York City.

Social media attention and investors quickly followed.

PopUp Bagels are sold in bundles of three, six, or 12, and include a schmear. Coffee is also offered. Prices vary per market.

The company has 13 East Coast locations but is in the midst of a sweeping national expansion. In November 2024, it announced franchise agreements across 10 states. By July 2025, it had secured deals for 300 new stores, with openings planned in cities including Atlanta, Nashville, and Orlando.

Harrington is a cofounder of the Table 95 company, which operated a series of restaurants such as City Tap House, Mission Grill, and Public House. His PopUp territory includes Philadelphia and its South Jersey and Pennsylvania suburbs. He is also overseeing expansion in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia markets.
Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has been fighting vaccine misinformation for decades. This year has challenged its mission like none before. Read more

For 25 years, the Vaccine Education Center at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia has pushed back against scientific misinformation about vaccines, trying to refute scare campaigns that keep parents and patients from taking the potentially life-saving shots.

Founders Paul Offit, a nationally prominent scientist and pediatrician who created the rotavirus vaccine, and a researcher in his lab, Charlotte Moser, originally planned on running the center for just a few years. But each year, more anti-vaccine conspiracy beliefs gained traction.

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Yet they didnt foresee a year as devastating to their mission as 2025.

Veteran experts, including Offit and Moser, were removed from key federal vaccine advisory committees; some were replaced with skeptics under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist who is now the nations top health official.

Kennedys revamped advisory panel advanced an agenda that would shake up the nations vaccine infrastructure at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta on Thursday, the first day of a two-day meeting to discuss childhood vaccines for hepatitis B and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, or chickenpox), followed by a review of COVID-19 vaccines.

They voted to no longer recommend the combined MMRV vaccine for children under 4, and instead recommended the MMR and chickenpox vaccines be given separately. While this is commonly done already, the move addressed concerns about rare instances of feverish seizures associated with the combined vaccine, which was still considered safe and had ensured protections for families who may miss shots if they cannot repeatedly visit medical clinics.

The committee plans to vote on Friday on guidance changes for the hepatitis B vaccine, including whether to no longer recommend that all newborns receive a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. They may instead recommend delaying the shot until infants are at least a month old.

The panels leaders also shared plans to create working groups to review vaccines given during pregnancy and during childhood and adolescence.

Anti-vaccine activists were shouting from the sideline for decades. Now, theyre making public policy, said Offit, who had sparred publicly with Kennedy over the safety of childhood vaccines for decades.

A lawyer who founded Childrens Health Defense, an anti-vaccine advocacy organization, Kennedy has long spread false information about vaccine safety and claimed that children receive too many vaccines. He promotes giving families wide freedom to choose which vaccines to take and when.

In his role as Health and Human Services secretary, Kennedy says he favors transparency and accountability and aims to ensure vaccines meet the highest standard of safety, according to an agency statement.

Early vaccine policy decisions under Kennedys leadership have disregarded gold-standard science and threatened to limit access to immunizations across the country, widely drawing criticism from the medical establishment.

Several states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have responded with plans to form a regional health coalition to collaborate on health initiatives and other moves designed to help protect access to vaccines  especially for COVID  when respected medical guidance differs from federal health agencies recommendations.

CHOPs Offit and Moser support national efforts to form alternatives to the federal governments primary vaccine advisory body.

They are worried about the far-reaching potential of Kennedys leadership to limit access to childhood vaccines and stifle vaccine development.

Weve been here for 25 years, and were still doing the same thing, which is explaining the science, Moser said.

Responding to vaccine misinformation

If the Vaccine Education Center had a tagline, it would be on the nerves of anti-vaccine activists since 2000, Offit said.

The need that he saw for the center emerged from a wave of false information spreading about vaccines in the 1990s.

A report alleging a connection between the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot and autism was published in 1998 by a medical journal called The Lancet. With a sample size of just 12 children  too small to draw definitive conclusions from  it fueled panic among thousands of parents. The paper was later found to contain deliberately falsified data, and was fully retracted. The lead author, Andrew Wakefield, was stripped of his medical license, and extensive research has disproved the link between vaccines and autism.

A year later, in 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Public Health Service called for the removal of a mercury-based ingredient known as thimerosal from most childhood vaccines. It had been used since the 1930s as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth in multi-dose vials.

Though there was no evidence that it caused harm, it was removed out of an abundance of caution due to concerns by activists about mercury exposure. Offit says the way the decision was presented was confusing and inspired distrust in health officials.

Numerous studies have since shown that thimerosal is safe to use in vaccines.

Offit wanted scientists to use their expertise to explain to the public why vaccines dont cause autism, or why thimerosal wouldnt cause harm. But he didnt see them speaking up.

He started the center as a group of scientists who would interact with the public, media, and physicians to provide information on vaccines.

First they had a website. Then they created informational tear sheets containing facts about childhood vaccines, which doctors could pass out to patients at their practices, as well as videos, webinars, and posters.

It just got bigger and bigger and bigger, he said.

The anti-vaccine movement grew bigger, too, escalating with the COVID-19 pandemic.

A third of Americans didnt trust the COVID-19 vaccine, and more than a quarter believed the false idea that the vaccines had caused thousands of deaths, surveys, and public opinion polls have found. Thats despite multiple studies showing that the COVID-19 vaccine saved millions of lives.

In this climate, Kennedy gained prominence as debates over vaccines increasingly were centered not on science, but rather politics and partisanship.

Todays climate

This weeks meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a group that advises the CDC on the use of vaccines, is seen as a potential inflection point for national vaccine policy. The original 17 members, including Moser, were abruptly removed and replaced in June with Kennedys own picks.

ACIPs recommendations influence immunization schedules, insurance coverage, and access to vaccines through public programs.

Stanley Plotkin, a prominent Philadelphia-area physician and researcher who developed the rubella vaccine, is worried about bias on Kennedys reconstituted advisory board.

Several of Kennedys new appointees have a history of anti-vaccine advocacy, and have been criticized by experts for lacking strong vaccine or immunology expertise.

The groups first move in June had been to ban thimerosal, though the mercury-based compound was already largely phased out and has long been proved safe for use in vaccines.

I fear that that committee will make recommendations that will limit vaccination or recommend against specific vaccines, Plotkin said.

A recent outbreak of measles that affected hundreds of unvaccinated people in Texas and killed two children is a preview of what could increasingly happen if use of vaccines is discouraged or access is threatened, he added.

Other recent moves under Kennedy-led health agencies include the CDCs decision to stop recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women and infants in May, despite evidence suggesting benefit to these groups.

And last month, the FDA limited the recommended use of COVID-19 boosters to people 65 or older and those at high risk of complications, and removed the emergency use authorization that made Pfizers shots available to healthy children under 5.

Kennedy also canceled $500 million in federal research funding for mRNA vaccine technology. This type of vaccine was first deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic and won the University of Pennsylvania researchers who developed it a Nobel Prize in 2023.

Kennedy has claimed it is unsafe and ineffective, despite scientific evidence that the vaccines are highly safe and beneficial.

Vaccine experts worry how this decision could impact the future of pandemic preparedness.

Theyre not the optimal platform for every vaccine, but for certain vaccines, they are the only ones that allow you to respond quickly to newly emerging threats, just like they did for COVID, said Mark Feinberg, president and CEO of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.

He said this decision could make it difficult for future vaccine projects using RNA technology to secure investment. For manufacturers, it could seem risky to invest in a product that might not get approved or recommended even if its safe and effective.

I am very concerned that companies that develop vaccines will not continue to remain committed to vaccine development, he said.

Concern about long-term vaccine access

Offits biggest fear is that Kennedys actions could drive vaccine manufacturers out of the business entirely.

He saw it play out decades ago with a 1982 television film called DPT: Vaccine Roulette. The film highlighted claims that the pertussis vaccine caused brain damage. Pictures and videos of children with disabilities were flashed across the screen, followed by interviews with parents who blamed the vaccine.

Though this link was later disproved through scientific studies, the controversy drove the formation of anti-vaccine groups and inspired hundreds of lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers in the following years.

As a result, many companies decided it wasnt worth the financial risk and legal pressure to develop vaccines.

We went from 18 companies that made vaccines in 1980 to four by the end of that decade, Offit said.

To stabilize the supply of vaccines and encourage manufacturers to reenter the market, Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. It protects vaccine companies from liability by establishing a special system for compensation, where instead of filing a lawsuit, people file a claim with the program to get compensated for an injury.

However, this program protects only vaccines the CDC routinely recommends for children or pregnant women.

If more vaccines lose this protection, Offit said he fears these companies wont continue to make the vaccines because the civil litigation will be so onerous.

Efforts to create alternatives

Health officials from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, along with five other states and New York City, announced Thursday that they had formed a regional health coalition to collaborate on health initiatives, improve trust in public health, and strengthen confidence in vaccines and science-based medicine, among other goals.

The Northeast Public Health Collaborative was established informally several months ago, officials said, and met for the first time in Rhode Island in August.

The groups shared goal is to protect the health, safety and well-being of all residents by providing information based on science, data, and evidence, while working to ensure equitable access to vaccines, medications and services, the collaborative said in a statement.

The group said that its already looking at collaborating around immunization recommendations and purchasing vaccines.

Professional societies of physicians have also released their own recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, clashed with the CDC by recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for all young children.

Pennsylvanias regulatory body for pharmacists voted this month to allow pharmacists to follow the vaccine recommendations of professional medical societies.

Elsewhere, a group of national scientists launched the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota this spring as an effort to provide evidence-based recommendations for vaccines.

At CHOPs Vaccine Education Center, the mission remains focused on continuing to provide accurate, science-based information, including through a podcast that launched last week.

Moser is glad to see other efforts advance, but still worries about the limits of a patchwork solution.

Weve lost something that was the gold standard throughout the world, and no amount of small groups working together throughout the country is going to be able to replace all of that, Moser said.

Staff writer Aubrey Whelan contributed to this article.

Editors note: This story has been updated with details about the Northeast Public Health Collaborative and the committees meeting.
Under different circumstances, Alexander Daravinas actions could have been viewed as noble.

Just months after COVID-19 upended the job market and international economy in 2020, Daravina, then 33, helped dozens of people apply for and receive thousands of dollars each from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

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The problem, federal authorities said, is that he did so from a Pennsylvania state prison  and many of the beneficiaries were behind bars with him, making them ineligible for such benefits.

In all, prosecutors said, the scheme defrauded the government out of more than $200,000.

In an indictment unsealed earlier this week, prosecutors said Daravina  then a prisoner at State Correctional Institution Phoenix in Montgomery County  spearheaded the operation alongside Moses Benabe, who was dating a relative of Daravinas girlfriend.

Daravina, the indictment said, obtained names, birthdays, and Social Security numbers of other people, including fellow prisoners, and sent them to Benabe.

Benabe then submitted applications to the program on the recipients behalf, the document said, and had debit cards loaded with cash mailed to the addresses of other people aligned with the conspiracy.

Prosecutors said Daravina and Benabe knew they were submitting applications for people who were not eligible to receive benefits. But they still managed to generate scores of debit cards between July and September 2020, prosecutors said, many of them worth more than $11,000 apiece.

Both men have been charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Their attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.

The federal Government Accountability Office said in 2023 that it believed up to 15% of the unemployment insurance paid during the pandemic was fraudulent, totaling more than $100 billion. Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies say they have taken a variety of steps to try to recoup stolen funds or prosecute those who participated in fraud.

Prosecutors said Daravina and Benabe could each face lengthy prison terms if convicted. Both would face a mandatory minimum of two years behind bars.
From left, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices David Wecht, Christine Donohue, and Kevin Dougherty sit onstage during a fireside chat at Central High School on Sept. 8 in Philadelphia. The three are facing a GOP-led campaign to oust them from the bench. Read more

Among elected officials in Pennsylvania, justices on the state Supreme Court can typically ignore partisan politics and focus on being the impartial jurists the law demands. While each member of the court initially runs under the banner of a political party, that is the last time that affiliation will appear next to their name.

When they stand for retention every 10 years, they do so without a political designation, with the purpose of allowing these races to escape the growing partisan rancor. In 2013, for example, both Ron Castille and Max Baer  who had once run as a Republican and a Democrat, respectively  earned a yes from more than 70% of Montgomery County voters, despite a nearly even split in the partisan races.

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This year, however, that tradition is under threat, thanks to a conservative donor-fueled effort to unseat three justices: Christine Donohue, David Wecht, and Kevin Dougherty.

 READ MORE: At a national moment that calls for compassion and calm, Trump uses Charlie Kirks death to stoke the fires of division | Editorial

In their decade on the court, the trio has been part of a series of major decisions that have advanced democracy and human rights in the commonwealth.

In 2016, Commonwealth v. Batts made it harder to sentence juveniles to life in prison without parole.

In 2017, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of education funding could proceed.

In 2018s League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the justices struck down gerrymandering.

In 2020, the court allowed the creation of ballot drop boxes to make it easier to cast a vote amid the pandemic.

The courts rulings have not been limited to Democratic-backed causes.

While counting the votes in 2024s close U.S. Senate race between Bob Casey and Dave McCormick, the court ruled that undated mail ballots must be voided, effectively ending the Democrats hopes of being reelected. Wecht and Dougherty joined the courts two Republicans in opposing the inclusion of undated ballots in the vote count. In Commonwealth v. Crawford, the three justices up for retention joined a unanimous decision to uphold state preemption laws that prevent cities and other local governments from enacting their own gun laws.

These decisions underline that while justices may have been elected in a partisan contest, they strive to be fair interpreters of the law regardless of their partys preferences.

It is certainly true that judges sometimes have earned a no vote. This board has, at times, urged voters to reject extending a judges term, especially when they are reprimanded by higher courts or consistently make harsh or unjustifiable rulings. But none of the three justices running for retention has been accused of improper decision-making or brought scandal to the court. In fact, the Pennsylvania Bar Association recommends keeping them on the bench.

 READ MORE: Justice for victims demands release of the Epstein files | Editorial

Instead, the effort to remove the justices is led by some of Pennsylvanias wealthiest citizens, who seemingly seek to stack the court in their favor.

Commonwealth Partners, an outfit heavily funded by Jeffrey Yass of the Susquehanna Investment Group, has already begun what is likely to be a deluge of negative advertising in the race.

Having already established themselves as major donors in high-profile political races, Yass and his associates now seek to oust the three justices for purely partisan purposes.

A push by the Trump administration to shield the presidents party from the traditional midterm election backlash that follows a White House win has already led to a redistricting effort in GOP-controlled Texas. California is seeking to follow suit in a partisan tit-for-tat.

Changing the makeup of Pennsylvanias Supreme Court would likely lead to a future partisan gerrymander in the state and further erosion of representative democracy.

Party affiliation alone should never determine whether or not a judge is retained. Voters should reject the misguided effort to push out Justices Wecht, Donahue, and Dougherty.
Jimmy Kimmel appears at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept. 12, 2022. ABC on Wednesday pulled his late-night show off the air indefinitely in response to demands from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr after Kimmel remarked on the assassination of right-wing youth leader Charlie Kirk. Read more

There are so many things to say about Wednesdays headline that rattled a nation that had almost thought it was losing its capacity for shock: ABCs indefinite ouster of its late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel. The network capitulated to the regimes demands  first from Donald Trump and then his Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr  that were enflamed by Kimmels actually anodyne remarks about last weeks assassination of Charlie Kirk.

But the one thing Im not supposed to say  according to my two U.S. senators, Democrat-in-name-only John Fetterman and GOPer Dave McCormick  is that the Trump regimes shredding of our First Amendment rights is an act of fascism, no matter what the best political science experts might say.

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Fetterman and his across-the-aisle new best buddy McCormick chose the isnt-it-ironic venue of the Fox News Channel on Tuesday night to urge their interpretation of civility in the wake of Kirks murder, and to call out Democrats or anyone else (but mainly Democrats) who use the term fascism to describe whats happening in America. Even when whats happening is a fascistic war on free speech.

Added Fetterman: Do not ever, ever, ever compare anyone to Hitler. You will incite somebody to say, Well, now I feel like I have to stop that, to get them out.

Look, I abhor any type of political violence. The vast majority of Americans do as well. Kirk should still be alive and with his wife and two kids, and enjoying the liberty to make his noxious political commentary on our college campuses.

But when a president of the United States uses the vast regulatory power of the government to decide what comedians, journalists, or everyday citizens can or cannot say, or arbitrarily murders civilians on boats, or deploys troops in cities run by the opposing party, or opens concentration camps, or more, maybe someone should yell, Stop!

Maybe a senator from that opposition party, for example?

I guess it would be wildly politically incorrect to point out here that in 1935 the Naz  Im sorry, the National Socialist German Workers Party  because I dont want to put $1 into Fettermans Nazi Swear Jar  shut down the cabaret act of popular comedian Werner Finck and sent him to a concentration camp for jokes making fun of  you know, that guy with the weird mustache. It would be inappropriate, apparently, to mention that the Trump regime is treating Kimmel in a very identical fashion.

And am I a bad American if I call attention to the rank hypocrisy of McCormick, who, as a powerful U.S. senator, votes on hundreds of millions of dollars in research aid to the University of Pennsylvania, and who demanded this weekend that Penn take decisive action to sanction its top climate scientist, Michael E. Mann (a friend of mine), for reposting some online commentary about Kirk? That feels like a textbook case of fa  oops, pushing the boundaries of democratic norms.

Im disgusted by the phony-baloney sanctimony of so many politicians like McCormick and Fetterman, who are using the murder of an American who (also hypocritically) advocated for free speech, by taking that right to its extreme outer limits, as an excuse to tell the rest of us what we are allowed to say, or even think.

Im even more revulsed by the cowardice of our elites  the senators, media moguls, U.S. Supreme Court justices, and their ilk  who dont care about watching the U.S. Constitution get flushed down the toilet on the 238th anniversary of its adoption, as long as were civil to each other while seeing it circle down the drain.

But this cravenness is only the second-worst thing thats happening right now. The worst is the actual, um, strongman authoritarianism itself, which hit a dangerous new low Wednesday with the government anti-free speech assault on Kimmel and his employers.

Its clear that Kimmels monologue, which touched on Kirks assassination and the Trump regimes initial response to it, was merely the pretext for following through on the presidents threat from earlier this summer, after fellow late-night comic and mocker of Trump, Stephen Colbert, was canceled by CBS, when he posted that Kimmel is next.

This is Kimmels comment that sparked this weeks brouhaha: We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it. The comedians debatable implication that Kirks alleged assassin might be a Trump-voting conservative  he seems not to be  could easily be clarified along with a simple sorry about that. But Kimmels main idea that Team Trump is exploiting a tragedy is spot on and confirmed by what happened next.

 READ MORE: Colbert, CBS, and medias final surrender | Will Bunch Newsletter

There wasnt much, if any, viewer action to what Kimmel said, except in the offices of Nexstar, which is the largest owner of TV stations in America, including multiple ABC affiliates, and which is currently needing approval from the Trump-led federal government for a $6.2 billion merger deal. As Nexstar announced it was pulling Kimmels show from its outlets, FCC chair Carr piled on.

This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney, ABCs parent corporation, Carr told right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson. Sounding more like a mob boss than a federal regulator, he added: We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.

ABC did take action, and it was clear why. Rolling Stone reported Wednesday night that multiple [ABC] execs felt that Kimmel had not actually said anything over the line, the two sources say, but the threat of Trump administration retaliation loomed.

Nothing is more foundational to American democracy than the First Amendments guarantees of free speech and a free media. True, its meaning is often misunderstood, as it applies only to the government and not to private employers, who can actually fire you for what you say. But laws, prosecutions, and regulatory actions to restrict our language have long been, if its OK to use the German term, verboten.

And the move against Kimmel is the tip of the iceberg in a MAGA strategy aiming to sink the role of a free press as a check against dictatorship. The outrage over the comedians suspension came as the family of a Trump ally whos currently the worlds richest person, Oracle software founder Larry Ellison, is seeking to forge a media empire that would include CBS News, CNN, and the most popular social media site, TikTok.

The scheme is to control much of the media and intimidate the rest  just like a strongman I think Im still allowed to compare Trump with, Hungarys Viktor Orban  has so successfully done. And its working beyond our wildest nightmares.

Heres what I would have loved to hear my Democratic U.S. senator say about this dictatorial power grab: You hope that a year from now, the turmoil were seeing in the aftermath of his murder wont be leveraged to bring hate speech laws to this country. And trust me, if it is, if that does happen, there is never a more justified moment for civil disobedience than that, ever  Because if they can tell you what to say, theyre telling you what to think.

But those words did not come from John Fetterman. They were uttered, incredibly, by the right-wing longtime Trump ally Tucker Carlson. Its naive to think that too many other MAGA partisans will join Carlson in calling out their rank hypocrisy around free speech  not yet, anyway. But the attacks on Kimmel  who has, over the years, forged a bond with his fans that transcends politics  can and should be a tipping point for everyday folks to see that Trump really is seeking to become a dictator, and that in some ways, hes already there.

And we wont reverse this unless we call out Trumps MAGA movement for what it actually is: fascism. And if we dont talk about the many similarities to the rise of Adolf Hitler  such as the demonization of marginalized groups like immigrants or the transgender community, the clampdown on the media and universities, the construction of concentration camps  then America will be condemned to repeat the horrific and deadly mistakes of the not-too-distant past. This is Americas own five-alarm Reichstag fire, and we are at great peril if we ignore the flames.

Its appalling that they can silence Jimmy Kimmel, but they dont have the ability to shut up all of us  not if we take to the streets, say what we really think on social media, or convince our neighbors that none of this is normal. There is a great opportunity to exercise your First Amendment rights at the large No Kings Day II protest planned for Oct. 18, but events seem to be moving even faster than that.

Im sorry, Sen. Fetterman, ol chum, but Im going to have to imagine what the cabaret star Werner Finck might have sung before the Nazis busted him in 1935: What good is sitting alone in your room?

 READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter
LOS ANGELES  The Phillies are shuffling their rotation in their upcoming trip to Arizona in order to line up Cristopher Sanchez for the first game of the playoffs.

Taijuan Walker will start Fridays series opener against the Diamondbacks, with Walker Buehler piggybacking.

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Itll be a Walker-Buehler, Phillies manager Rob Thomson joked.

Beyond its pun potential, Fridays plan is also an opportunity for the Phillies to get a look at Buehler in a bullpen role before making postseason roster decisions. The right-hander notably closed out Game 5 of the 2025 World Series for the Dodgers, but has only 12  career innings in relief in his career.

 READ MORE: David Robertsons career comes full circle as he threw the final pitch to clinch the NL East

After extended struggles earlier this year, the Red Sox temporarily moved Buehler into their bullpen before ultimately releasing him. In his only relief appearance this season, Buehler allowed two hits and two runs in 2  innings.

However, he showed some promising signs in his Phillies debut last week, with five innings of one-run ball.

Rounding out the Phillies rotation for the Diamondbacks series, Aaron Nola will start on Saturday and Ranger Suarez will take the ball Sunday. The idea is to line up Sanchez for Tuesday and later, Game 1 of the playoffs.

If the Phillies secure the first-round bye, Thomson said he plans to hold an intrasquad game with some intensity during the time off, like the Phillies did last season.

I think pitchers need to see hitters, Thomson said. The hitters need to see some live pitching, just to keep their timing.

Extra bases

Trea Turner (hamstring strain) had another good day of work in Philadelphia, jogging at 50%. Thomson said he hopes to get him some live at-bats next week. ... J.T. Realmuto was back in the Phillies lineup Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday due to illness. ... Max Kepler started against Dodgers lefty Blake Snell, while Brandon Marsh sat to get a day off his feet. ... Following Thursdays off day, Walker (5-8, 4.17 ERA) will start opposite Diamondbacks righty Ryne Nelson (7-3, 3.34).
Following pressure from the Federal Communications Commission, ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmels late-night show off the air Wednesday over remarks he made following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, touched on Kirks shooter in his monologue Monday night, saying, We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

These are the comments from Monday night that led ABC to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live this afernoon. pic.twitter.com/TzOU3GZ195  LateNighter (@latenightercom) September 17, 2025

Brendan Carr, chair of the FCC, called Kimmels remarks the sickest conduct possible in an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson Wednesday afternoon. Carr also threatened to yank ABCs broadcast license from parent company Disney.

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We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take actions on Kimmel, or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.

Carr also encouraged local media companies to push back against Disney programming that falls short of community values. Hours later, two companies that own numerous local TV stations  Nexstar and Sinclair  announced they would preempt Kimmels show on their stations, forcing ABCs hand.

Jimmy Kimmel Live will be preempted indefinitely, an ABC spokesperson said. Kimmel, who was preparing to film Wednesdays show when news of his suspension was announced, had not publicly commented.

Both Trump and Carr celebrated the unprecedented move Wednesday night. Great News for America, Trump proclaimed on his Truth Social platform, while Carr told Fox News host Sean Hannity: Im very glad to see that American broadcasters are standing up to serve the interests of their community. We dont just have this progressive foie gras coming out from New York and Hollywood.

FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, a nominee of former President Joe Biden, criticized the move, writing on social media an inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship and control.

This administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression, Gomez added.

Here are the latest updates:

ABC could bring back Jimmy Kimmels show soon

While ABC made the abrupt decision to yank Kimmels show off the air, the network reportedly hopes to get its top comedian back on TV soon.

The Wall Street Journal reported Disney is monitoring the situation and could return the show to its lineup within the next several days. Brian Stelter, CNNs chief media analyst, does not seem convinced thats going to happen.

Kimmels contract was coming up for renewal at the end of this year, and he has previously dropped hints about retiring, Stelter wrote in his Reliable Sources newsletter. So, did his retirement start last night?

Kimmel has hosted his show on ABC since 2003. His current contract runs through May 2026.

The soonest Kimmel could return is Monday. ABC replaced Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its lineup with reruns of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune through Friday.

The decision to pull Kimmel was made by Disney CEO Robert A. Iger and cochair Dana Walden, according to the New York Times.

Could Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers be next?

If Trump has his way, two more comedians could also soon be forced off the air.

In a social media post celebrating Kimmels suspension, Trump pushed NBC to take Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and Late Night host Seth Meyers off the air.

That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! Trump wrote.

Meyers has been critical of the Trump administration, in line with CBSs/ Stephen Colbert and Kimmel. Fallon has largely stayed away from politics.

NBC has not publicly responded to Trumps remarks.

FCC chair claimed Kimmel misled viewers

During an interview on CNBC Thursday morning, Carr claimed Kimmel appeared to directly mislead the American public about Kirks suspected killer during the monologue.

The issue that arose here, where lots and lots of people were upset, was not a joke, Carr said. It was not making fun.

Documents released by police indicate Kirk was targeted over his conservative political beliefs. Kimmel briefly suggested Kirks killer was a conservative before mocking Trumps reaction to the assassination.

Barack Obama encourages media companies to fight back

Former President Barack Obama urged media companies to fight back against the Trump administration after a threat from the head of the FCC led to Disney removing Kimmel from the air.

After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like, Obama wrote on social media Thursday.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent, Obama added, and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it.

Nexstar is seeking approval from the Trump administration

Nexstars decision to preempt Kimmels show comes as the company needs approval from the Trump administration for a merger with Tegna, anothercompany that owns several local media outlets.

The $6.2 billion merger requires the approval of the same FCC that celebrated Nexstars decision to punish a Trump foe. The circumstances are similar to CBSs decision to end Colberts late-night show while its parent company, Paramount Global, was seeking FCC approval for a sale to Skydance Media.

Nexstar currently owns 23 ABC-affiliated stations, including two in Pennsylvania  WHTM-TV in Harrisburg and WJET-TV in Erie. Tegna owns 13 ABC-affiliated stations, including WNEP-TV in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.

Just half an hour after Nexstar pulled Kimmels show, it confirmed plans to file the merger paperwork to the FCC by Sept. 30.

6abc is owned by Disney

While many local ABC stations across the country are affiliates run by other companies, 6abc (WPVI-TV) in Philadelphia is owned by Disney and operated by ABC.

There are about 245 ABC stations across the country, and eight are owned by the company. In addition to WPVI, it owns WABC (New York City), WLS-TV (Chicago), KABC (Los Angeles), KTRK-TV (Houston), KGO-TV (San Francisco Bay Area), KFSN (Fresno, Calif.), and WTVD (Durham and Raleigh, N.C.).

So if and when Kimmel returns to the airwaves in Philly will be up to ABC and not a company like Nexstar or Sinclair.

Broadcast TV is different from cable

Both ABC and Fox News are included on your cable bill, but the two channels are treated much differently by the government.

There are five commercial broadcast networks in the U.S.: ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and the CW. PBS is a noncommercial education station, and there are three Spanish networks: Telemundo, Univision, and Estrella TV.

The FCC grants a networks owners a license to air content over publicly owned airwaves, which is why they are free to watch for users with a digital antenna. But that also grants the government power to regulate the content that airs on those networks under a mandate to operate in the public interest.

The Trump administration has used that power to pressure companies over content it views as critical of the president. In December, ABC agreed to a $15 million settlement with Trump over comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos.

The FCC announced a probe of 60 Minutes over how it edited an interview with Kamala Harris around the same time Trump sued CBS, though Carr said in an interview in May the two were unrelated.

The FCC is also currently investigating Comcast, NBCs parent company, to probe its relationship with local affiliates. NBC was also forced to accommodate Trump after allowing his 2024 opponent, Kamala Harris, to appear on Saturday Night Live.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) in May at the Capitol. MUST CREDIT: Matt McClain/The Washington Post Read more

Another potential government shutdown approaches with sharp disagreements between top Republicans and Democrats. And the clock is ticking.

Democratic leaders have rejected a stopgap funding proposal pitched by Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) and other House Republicans, citing a lack of Democratic involvement or priorities, like changes to the Affordable Care Act.

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Under former President Joe Biden, Democrats repeatedly voted to extend federal funding with temporary continuing resolutions. Now, Republicans control the Senate and  amid a particularly polarized time politically  Democrats are digging their heels in against their proposals.

The vibes are bad, Sen. Brian Schatz (D., Hawaii) told CNN. Schatz, who is poised to become the new top deputy to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.), voted with Republicans in March to keep the government open. But that mindset appears to have shifted. Donald Trump made it explicit that he doesnt want to work with Democrats, and so I wish him the best.

Republicans will need at least seven Democrats to vote with them to pass a continuing resolution.

As the deadline to avoid a shutdown looms, heres what you need to know.

What is a government shutdown?

Traditionally, a government shutdown occurs if Congress cannot reach some type of agreement on 12 individual appropriation measures that represent all federal operations.

When a shutdown happens, the government is unable to spend money  with some exceptions  meaning that federal employees across the country are expected to work without pay. In turn, essential services would continue to operate, but resources would be significantly strained.

When does government funding expire?

As the deadline nears, parties are negotiating. Republican leaders proposed a stopgap continuing resolution that would extend funding at current levels through Nov. 21. But Democrats are pushing for certain provisions surrounding the Affordable Care Act to be adopted into the stopgap measure. Thats where the stalemate lies.

The existing spending plans expire Sept. 30, marking the end of the continuing resolution passed in March to avoid a shutdown.

Who is affected by a government shutdown?

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are affected since they are expected to work, but would not receive pay until after the shutdown is lifted. Employees are typically guaranteed back pay.

Many employees are also at risk of being furloughed and would not be allowed to work (but would also receive back pay thanks to legislation passed in 2019).

Some of the main groups of employees that a shutdown could impact include (but are not limited to) active members of the military, federal law enforcement, federal transportation workers (like air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents, but not SEPTA), national park employees, scientific researchers, and some healthcare providers.

When would the government shut down?

Congress and President Donald Trumps administration need to reach an agreement by Sept. 30 at midnight. If they dont, a shutdown would go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1.

What was the longest government shutdown?

The 2018-19 shutdown  which lasted 35 days, making it the longest in history  was also the second to occur during Trumps first presidency. That shutdown ended after East Coast airports faced major delays when unpaid air traffic controllers stopped coming to work.

What could a government shutdown mean for Philly?

In Philadelphia, the most recent government shutdown led to the closing of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Interior said that all National Park Service locations would close if a government shutdown went into effect, affecting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Valley Forge. The agency so far has not released guidance for this year.

The citys immigration court was closed during the 2018-19 shutdown, accepting only emergency filings for people already in detention.

Most federal law enforcement officers in eastern Pennsylvania continued to work without pay, but some employees deemed nonessential were temporarily furloughed. Essential Philadelphia International Airport employees continued to work without pay, but resources were strained, with some air traffic controllers furloughed.

Workers at shelters that serve vulnerable populations and rely on federal funding worried about when payments would come.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker speaks at the Union League of Philadelphia Presidential Luncheon in Philadelphia, Pa., on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Read more

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker touted Philadelphias successes during her 21-month tenure and defended her administrations approach to slowly cutting business taxes during a State of Philadelphia speech Thursday at the Union League, the conservative private membership club on South Broad Street.

I wholeheartedly believe that the state of Philadelphia under the Parker administration is strong, Parker, a Democrat, said during a one-hour address at the club, which was formed to raise money for the Union during the Civil War.

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Parker had plenty of wins to point to since she took office in January 2024. Philadelphias poverty rate has fallen below 20% for the first time since 1979. Homicides have plummeted and are on pace for their lowest annual total in a half-century. And the citys population ticked up in the latest census estimate, following a temporary dip amid the convulsions of the coronavirus pandemic.

Those measures of the citys progress had largely been heading in the right direction before Parker took office, and they correlate to national trends. The mayor said her administration would do the work necessary to keep them going.

Theres no rest for my team, Parker said. Theres no exhaling at 20 months and 18 days, saying, Yay, mission accomplished. Why? Because we have far too much work to do.

Despite being a Democrat speaking at a major stop on the national GOP fundraising circuit, Parker likely had many genuine allies in the crowd. Her moderate politics and tough-on-crime approach to public safety helped her defeat more progressive rivals in the 2023 mayoral election, and she frequently touts her record of working with Republicans when she was a state legislator.

We are completely unwavering and supportive of Mayor Parker and her clear and enthusiastic vision that she has for our city, Robert M. Cavalier, an attorney and the president of the Union League, said at the luncheon.

As usual, Parker made no mention of the person who poses the greatest threat of derailing her agenda: President Donald Trump, who gave a foreign policy speech at the Union League during his 2016 campaign.

Trumps administration has included Philadelphia in a list of sanctuary cities, or jurisdictions that decline to assist federal immigration enforcement, that it is targeting for funding cuts or other punishments. But it has not yet followed through on those threats, and Trump has not mentioned Philadelphia as one of the cities where he is considering deploying National Guard troops.

 READ MORE: Mayor Cherelle Parker wont say how Philly is responding to President Donald Trumps demands on sanctuary policies

Parker on Thursday noted that the city used more than $2 billion in federal funds in 2024. But unlike many other state and local Democrats, Parker has avoided directly attacking Trump since he began his second term in January.

And, so far, Trump has largely left Philadelphia alone.

From tax cuts to city worker wages

Parker made a point of explaining one of her decisions that might not have gone over well with some in the well-heeled crowd: her handling of the business income and receipts tax, or BIRT.

Business leaders have for several years been pushing for dramatic and rapid reductions in the levy, which now taxes 5.71% of companies profits as well as 0.141% of their gross receipts, or total revenue from business in the city.

Instead, Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson worked together to push through Council a plan to make small annual reductions over 13 years. If future mayors and Councils do not amend the law, it will eventually eliminate the gross receipts portion of BIRT and reduce the net income portion to 2.8%.

 READ MORE: What small business owners need to know about the major changes coming to Phillys tax code

But most of the steep cuts would take place after Parker leaves office, assuming she serves two consecutive terms.

While we knew we needed to be both pro-growth and fiscally responsible, we also knew that everybody wouldnt be happy, she said. So the business community will say, Those tax investments were approved by City Council and signed into law  but it wasnt enough. But we did the best we could with what we had.

She tied her cautious approach to business tax cuts to the firm line she took in contract negotiations with the largest union for city workers, District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

DC 33 went on strike in July, shutting down residential trash collection and hindering other city services for eight days in a bid to win raises of 5% per year.

If you would have told me, when I put my hand on that Bible, that we would have had to weather an eight-day sanitation worker strike, and it was the first such work stoppage in Philadelphia in  four decades, I would have said, Jesus, what are you doing to me? she said.

 READ MORE: They are my people: Mayor Cherelle Parker on why she stood firm in the DC 33 city worker strike

Parker refused to budge, and the union eventually agreed to a contract with 3% annual raises.

We had to balance the best interest of our taxpayers, the best interest of our workforce, and the best interest of our business community, she said. And I dont know about you, but I think we did a pretty good damn job.

States of the city

Parker is known as a strong  if long-winded  orator, and she has delivered numerous high-profile speeches as mayor.

Previously, the mayors budget address to City Council in March served as Philadelphias version of the presidential State of the Union. Parker has delivered two of those, plus an unusual separate address to Council to unveil her housing plan. She also spoke at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphias annual luncheon, a mayoral tradition.

Last year, she added a State of the City address to the calendar, delivering the speech at Temple University in December. Parker spokesperson Joe Grace said Thursdays speech was an update to that address. She will still deliver a second State of the City in December.

Thursdays speech, which was part of the Union League Presidential Luncheon Series, put a spotlight on Greg Segall, a Union League member and chairman and CEO of the investment firm Versa Capital. A lifelong Republican, Segall met Parker when she was preparing to launch her mayoral campaign and became an important early backer.

Ive been asked many times how I came to engage in Philadelphia Democratic mayoral politics, Segall said while introducing Parker at the luncheon. He said he was impressed by her ability to work with stakeholders across the political spectrum and believed in her plan to turn around the city following the pandemic and the simultaneous gun violence crisis.

The 2023 election took place at a time of crisis in the city, and getting the right leader was never more critical, Segall said. So the reason for my commitment to her was quite simple: Before Im a Republican, Im a Philadelphian.

Segall gave $150,000 to an outside spending group that backed Parkers 2023 run, in addition to donating several thousand directly to her campaign.

After she won, Parker tapped Segall to be cochair of her transition committee and has since appointed him to the Tax Reform Commission and the Philadelphia Gas Works board. He is also cochair of the Mayors Business Roundtables, a Parker initiative.

Parker said she would be calling on other corporate leaders to help the city, especially as it prepares for the high-profile events coming to Philadelphia in 2026, including FIFA World Games, the MLB All-Star Game, and the Semiquincentennial celebrating the nations 250th anniversary.

I dont care if were talking about FIFA, if were talking about the Major League All-Star Game  every celebration that is coming here, we are going to need a corporate council that will help us generate the revenue that we need, and, quite frankly, help bring some of the technical expertise that we need," she said.
Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson on Thursday condemned President Donald Trumps administrations reported plans to alter exhibits about slavery at Independence National Historical Park, and said he is in talks to determine next steps should the displays be changed.

Following Thursdays Council meeting, Johnson told reporters that he is in touch with Michael Coard, an attorney and leader of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, which helped shape the Presidents House Site  an exhibit that memorializes the nine people George Washington enslaved in Philadelphia and has come under the scrutiny of the Trump administration.

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 READ MORE: Trump administration to alter Independence Park exhibit that describes slavery under George Washington, reports say

The Council president said the option to relocate any removed exhibits if the need arises has not been ruled out, especially ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, when the city will receive an influx of tourists.

We want people to see the real history that represents our country, and so in the event we do have to move the exhibit, well make decisions on what that will look like in terms of making sure people still learn about their history, Johnson said, adding that his focus right now is ensuring the changes do not occur in the first place.

During the Council meeting, Johnson introduced a resolution opposing the Trump administrations threats to the exhibits. The resolution came days after reports emerged that the Department of Interior is ordering alterations to the Presidents House, which also details the juxtaposition of slavery and liberty during the founding of the United States.

The majority-Democratic City Council will consider  and likely approve  the largely symbolic resolution next week.

 READ MORE: Removing or editing Philly slavery exhibits is un-American, 45 local historical groups tell Trumps Interior secretary

In Philadelphia, uncertainty over the fate of the exhibits has prompted local advocates to hold rallies, convene town halls, and distribute statements opposing any changes.

We will continue having discussions on  in the event that it does happen  how can we rectify the situation to keep the exhibit going," Johnson said.

Anti-Trump resolutions

Continuing opposition: Removing content from Independence Park not only dishonors those whose stories are told, but undermines the nations ongoing efforts to reckon with its past to foster an inclusive and more just future, Johnsons resolution reads.

The president, the resolution said, is trying to whitewash, suppress, and rewrite American history.

Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered national parks last spring to flag content that inappropriately disparages Americans past or living for a content review. Any materials that were noncompliant were slated to be removed by Wednesday, according to Burgums directive. As of Thursday, no exhibits at the Presidents House Site appeared to have been removed or altered.

Other Philadelphia exhibits beyond the Presidents House were identified by National Park Service staff, including an interactive display at the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Old City and an iPad kiosk at Independence Hall.

Johnson was not the only Council member to protest Trumps policies Thursday.

Councilmember Kendra Brooks, of the progressive Working Families Party, introduced a resolution condemning Trumps deployment of the National Guard to other major U.S. cities and said she is inviting my colleagues, the mayor, and everyone in Philadelphia to join me in speaking out against these invasions and defending our freedom to govern ourselves.

Trump has suggested sending troops to cities including New York and Baltimore, but has not floated a plan to do so in Philadelphia. Still, local and state officials have said they are braced for the possibility.

 READ MORE: DA Krasner to host town halls to discuss how residents can respond if Trump deploys National Guard to Philadelphia

Council on Thursday adopted Brooks resolution to authorize a hearing on reproductive healthcare amid Trump funding cuts and the citys reduced budget capacity to cover reductions in federal funding, including on sexual and reproductive healthcare.

And lawmakers voted to adopt Councilmember Rue Landaus resolution that opposes Trump and congressional Republicans cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Councilmember Brian ONeill, Councils lone Republican, opposed the resolution.

Next steps for H.O.M.E. initiative

Almost H.O.M.E.: Parker asked Council to consider approving the 2025-26 annual program statement and budget for her signature housing plan, a necessary first step before Council can approve the projects $800 million in bond proceeds.

Thats according to a provision that members included in the authorization of the bonds that Parker wants to issue to fund programs supported by her Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative.

In June, before its summer break, Council approved many of the major facets of the housing plan, including allowing the city to issue bonds. The first $400 million portion of bonds is set to be sold this fall, and another will be issued two years later.

The bonds are a major piece of the housing initiative, which aims to produce or preserve 30,000 housing units during Parkers first term and has become one of her defining legislative priorities.

Council members, however, did not introduce the mayors resolution on Thursday.

Trashing city trash practices?: Also on Thursday, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced a bill that would end the citys practice of hauling much of its trash in Chester to be burned there.

The Stop Trashing Our Air Act would prevent the city from contracting with companies that incinerate solid waste or recyclables.

 READ MORE: Philly burns a lot of its trash. A new Council ordinance would stop that.

The act, Gauthier said in a statement, would end the City of Philadelphias role in perpetuating environmental racism through trash incineration.

Activists have long opposed the practice in Chester and elsewhere.

The Citys work to build a safer, cleaner, and greener Philly shouldnt come at the cost of making our neighbors sicker, dirtier, and less safe. Thats not brotherly love. Everyone deserves to breathe clean, trash-free air, Gauthier, chair of Councils environment committee, said.

Quotable

For us, its a matter of equity. Everyone everywhere deserves beauty, and anything less than that is just not acceptable. Jane Golden, founder and leader of Mural Arts Philadelphia

Said from the art: That was Jane Golden, founder and leader of Mural Arts Philadelphia, who was recognized by Council on Thursday for her legacy and work in leading the nations largest public art program.

Forty-two years after founding the organization, Golden  a beacon of the arts community  has announced she plans to step down from her position in July.
At a recent roundtable with New York executives, Heather Briccetti Mulligan remembers the frustration of a businessman who compared trying to file a permit for a $200 million construction project with ordering a pizza.

The pizza could be tracked by phone from the moment it was ordered to its arrival at his door, Mulligan, head of the Business Council of New York State, recalls the executive saying. The permit, on the other hand, went into a black hole.

Theres no one I can call,' she remembered him saying. I dont know when its going to be looked at. I have no idea if theres anything wrong with it. And theres no timeline.'

The anecdote was one of many told to the Business Council as part of a survey of more than 500 business leaders that found a broadly pessimistic outlook on the ability to operate successfully in the Empire State. They cited rising costs, high taxes, increasing regulatory requirements and a shrinking population of workers.

The findings, released Wednesday, come as the business community contends with democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as the front-runner for mayor of New York City. His agenda, which includes freezing rents and increasing taxes for corporations and the wealthy to pay for free childcare and buses, has spurred concern among politicians and businesspeople that firms and jobs will be driven from New York.

At the same time, the state faces an uncertain economic climate on the back of President Donald Trumps tariff policy, funding cuts and curbs on immigration.

The survey found businesses are already struggling. Just 3% of business leaders say New York regulators and lawmakers understand or support their industries, and only 2% said they believed Albany lawmakers represent their interests. And more than 70% of those surveyed said they dont see the current economic conditions in the state as good.

The Business Council, along with the New York State Economic Development Council, convened over 20 meetings over 10 months to ask owners about their experience working with city and state governments and the challenges they face in running their businesses. The names of the businesses and the people surveyed, who represented nine regions across the state, were kept confidential to allow people to speak freely.

Labor Pool

While respondents said they generally were pleased with the quality of the available workforce in the state, they mentioned a worrying long-term trend: New Yorks population of working-age people fell over the past decade by 3.8%, US Census data shows. New York ranks 46th among the 50 states in growth of its working age population over the decade, while, states like Utah, Idaho, Texas and Florida saw their pool of potential workers grow by double digit percentages over the same time period.

The competition for talent also comes down to the difficulty in luring workers to the state, as well as retaining them, the participants said. Its not just the high taxes  participants cited high costs of living and energy as factors driving workers out of state.

Even respondents in New York City, which benefits from a steady pipeline of talent fresh out of college, said theyre often forced to locate mid-career positions elsewhere because so many workers end up leaving due to the extreme cost of living.

It helps explain the surge in popularity for Mamdani, who beat former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary in June on a platform of greater affordability. But his plan hinges on raising the states top corporate tax rate to 11.5% from 7.25% and adding a 2% levy on people earning more than $1 million.

Governor Kathy Hochul, who has endorsed Mamdani and would need to sign off on a tax increase, told Bloomberg last week she doesnt want to raise levies in the state and is very sensitive to competitiveness with other states.

Read More: NYC Lost $9 Billion of Income to Miami, Palm Beach in Five Years

Reducing business taxes was cited as the second-most important recommendation from survey participants to improve competitiveness, after reducing state and local government regulation. Participants complained about the costs of insurance, litigation, and the complex, arcane and often-antiquated licensing, permitting and regulatory processes at city and state agencies.

Byzantine Bureaucracy

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Mamdani promised to help small businesses by cutting fines and fees if hes elected in November.

Weve seen many business owners who have come forward and talked about how the fines that they are faced with have often times little to do with compliance and more to do with punishment, Mamdani said. And they often vary in their enforcement and implementation depending on the mood and the person who comes in to survey their business.

He also pledged to increase funding for specialized teams that service small businesses and to appoint a mom-and-pop czar, a new city official who would assist businesses in navigating through the byzantine bureaucracy of City Hall.

And he promised to review the citys web of regulations to determine which are redundant or unjustified.

Weve seen how to open a barber shop, you have to fill out 24 forms, go to seven agencies and attend 12 in-person events. I dont see how that makes any sense or incentivizes the opening of said barber shop, he said.

Businesses are getting to the tipping point where theyre investing in different states now as opposed to investing in New York, said Ryan Silva, executive director of the Economic Development Council.

Whether its regulatory, whether its cost, whether its access to energy, Silva said, companies are either choosing to invest and grow in other areas or theyre very quietly just moving on.

Top photo: Pedestrians walk along Wall Street near the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., on Monday, October 31, 2016. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Legislation New York
Climate change fueled scorching summer temperatures that killed an estimated 16,500 people in European cities this summer, pushing overall heat deaths to more than three times what might otherwise have occurred, according to a new study.

The analysis presents an early glimpse at the effects of Europes fourth warmest summer on record, in which a series of heatwaves hit countries from Italy to Germany and France. Temperatures reached up to 46C (115F) in Spain and Portugal, and led to the deaths of several outdoor workers in Spain and Italy.

These numbers represent real people who have lost their lives, said Friederike Otto, an Imperial College London climate science professor who co-authored the study alongside colleagues from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and other institutions. If we continue on the path that we are now  continue burning fossil fuels  these deaths will only increase.

Researchers focused on 854 urban areas, finding thattemperatures were as much as 3.6C higher from June through Augustdue to climate change, according to a report they released Wednesday.

But that represents just under a third of Europes population, they cautioned, meaning that the true death toll is almost certainly higher. More than 60,000 people were likely killed by extreme heat in Europe in the summer of 2022, and more than 47,000 people in 2023, other studies have found.

Europe is the worlds fastest-warming continent and the Mediterranean is a hotspot for climate change. Extremely hot conditions are upending economic activities in the region, especially in the tourism sector. This summer, major tourist attractions including the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Acropolis in Athens temporarily closed due to heat.

The study is part of a growing body of research that shows how climate change is disrupting human activities now, allowing the public and policymakers to understand in close to real time the estimated effects of greenhouse gas pollution. Some scientists have also looked to this cutting-edge branch of work, known as attribution, to help draw connections between damaging extreme weather and individual polluters.

Read more: How Hot Can It Get? Scientists Are Struggling to Find an Answer

Only in the last decade have scientists been able to quickly assess what role climate change has played in extreme weather events.

They do this by statistical analysis of the local weather history and comparing observed weather with simulations of a cooler, pre-warming climate. Based on research on how death rates change with the temperature, they can then estimate the number of heat deaths that occurred and how many might have been expected without climate change. Government statistics tend to undercount heat deaths, researchers note.

Imperial College London is a leading partner in World Weather Attribution, a scientific research group that pioneered rapid extreme-weather attribution. The researchers previously looked at a European heatwave earlier in the summer, finding that the warm weather killed some 2,300 people in 12 European cities from June 23 to July 2.

Heat puts stress on the body, including by forcing the heart to pump harder, a stressor for those with underlying heart disease, said Courtney Howard, an emergency physician in Canada who chairs the Global Climate and Health Alliance. High temperatures can also exacerbate air pollution, worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, she said.

Older people also suffer disproportionally in high temperatures, and arent as able to sweat to cool down. More than 80% of the climate change-related heat deaths affected individuals ages 65 and older, according to the study.

The data found that Italy, Spain and Portugal were particularly hard hit, but countries as far north as Sweden also saw higher-than-average temperatures.

Photograph: A pedestrian uses a umbrella to shield from the sun near a sign showing a temperature of 41C (106F) in Valencia, Spain, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Photo credit: Michael Robinson Chavez/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Europe Climate Change
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Sompo and The Fidelis Partnership.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Sompo Appoints Quane as CEO, International Markets

Sompo, a leading global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty re/insurance, announced the appointment of Alessandrea (Alessa) Quane as chief executive officer, International Markets, subject to regulatory approval.

Effective immediately and reporting directly to James Shea, CEO, Sompo P&C, Quane will be responsible for managing and overseeing Sompos Commercial and Consumer Insurance operations outside of North America and Japan. The regional management of the United Kingdom, Continental Europe (including Turkey), Brazil and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) will report directly to Quane.

Quane joins Sompo with more than 30 years of insurance industry experience having lived and worked in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and France. Starting her career as an actuary she has worked closely with all lines of business across global portfolios in a variety of roles including global corporate chief actuary and chief risk officer roles. Most recently, Quane was chief insurance officer at US healthcare insurer Oscar Health and was an independent director on the board of AXA XL Bermuda, Ltd.

I am delighted to welcome Alessa to Sompo. She is an outstanding insurance professional with a depth and range of experience across many aspects of the industry, commented Shea.

Alessa is a highly respected leader with a proven track record of delivering results. Her international experience, financial diligence and history of working across many regulatory environments make Alessa the perfect choice to lead these critical businesses as well as exploring new opportunities to expand and deliver on our commitments to Sompo Holdings, Shea added.

About Sompo

Sompo refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty re/insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world.

Sompo UKs insurance and reinsurance business is underwritten by Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited and any risks located in the European Economic Area are underwritten by SI Insurance (Europe), SA.

***

The Fidelis Partnership Announces 7 Senior Promotions in Bermuda

The Fidelis Partnership (TFP) announced a number of senior promotions to support the continued growth of its Bermuda treaty team.

The treaty promotions are listed as follows:

Paget Hengesbaugh will become head of International Treaty. Hengesbaugh has been with TFP for five years, having joined from Renaissance Re.

will become head of International Treaty. Hengesbaugh has been with TFP for five years, having joined from Renaissance Re. Drew Tomlinson has been named head of US Treaty. Tomlinson has been with TFP since 2023 and has had prior roles at OdysseyRe and Penn National Insurance.

has been named head of US Treaty. Tomlinson has been with TFP since 2023 and has had prior roles at OdysseyRe and Penn National Insurance. Will Abbott has been appointed head of Complex Risks and Specialty Treaty. Abbott has previously had roles at Howden Re, Guy Carpenter and Willis Re.

has been appointed head of Complex Risks and Specialty Treaty. Abbott has previously had roles at Howden Re, Guy Carpenter and Willis Re. Jack Jarvis has been named head of Global Clients. Jarvis joined TFP in 2024 from Canopius.

Hengesbaugh, Tomlinson, Abbott and Jarvis will report to Richard Coulson, deputy group CUO, while also working closely with group CEO and Chairman, Richard Brindle, benefiting from his unrivalled track record, experience and global relationships.

Alongside this, TFP has also made the following promotions and appointments within its Bermuda underwriting team:

Mark Herget , who has been with the business for over six years, will be promoted to deputy group head of Property, Energy and Construction and join TFPs Group Executive Committee, taking on a more senior role in the groups management.

, who has been with the business for over six years, will be promoted to deputy group head of Property, Energy and Construction and join TFPs Group Executive Committee, taking on a more senior role in the groups management. Danny Mereu will join the Bermuda office on Jan. 1, 2026, transferring from London to take on a new role as group head of Property Underwriting Analytics and Pricing.

will join the Bermuda office on Jan. 1, 2026, transferring from London to take on a new role as group head of Property Underwriting Analytics and Pricing. Dennis Brauchle recently joined TFP as head of Property Treaty & Portfolio Analytics, having previously been deputy CRO and head of P&C Actuarial at Hannover Re Bermuda.

This series of promotions celebrates the great internal talent we have at TFP and the outstanding momentum we are seeing for our Bermuda Treaty and D&F underwriting and analytics teams, commented Michael Davern, UK CUO and group head of D&F Property and Energy at The Fidelis Partnership.

The growth and development of our Bermuda Treaty portfolio reflects the success of our risk allocator model as we continue to dynamically align capital and risk, Davern added.

About The Fidelis Partnership

The Fidelis Partnership (TFP) is a privately owned managing general underwriter, which is a global underwriter of more than $5 billion of GWP across property, bespoke and specialty insurance and reinsurance products. TFP also sponsors and incubates specialist MGAs through its Pine Walk platform. The Fidelis Partnership is supported by long-term capacity from The Fidelis Insurance Group and Fidelis Syndicate 3123, as well as leading global insurers and reinsurers. The Fidelis Partnership is separately owned and managed from the ownership and management of Fidelis Insurance Group.

Topics New Markets
The Russian owner of a cargo ship linked to a cargo of ammonium nitrate at the center of the massive Beirut port explosion in 2020 has been arrested in Bulgaria, Lebanese judicial officials said Monday.

The arrest of Igor Grechushkin comes nearly five years after a Lebanese investigative judge issued two arrest warrants through Interpol for him and the vessels captain, Boris Prokoshev, also a Russian citizen.

The judicial officials said papers are being prepared requesting the transfer of Grechushkin to Lebanon for questioning. They said that if Grechushkin is not handed over, Lebanese investigators could travel to Bulgaria to question him there.

The four Lebanese judicial officials said Grechushkin, who also has Cypriot nationality, was arrested last week at Vasil Levski Sofia airport after arriving on a flight from Cyprus. They spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Authorities in Bulgaria have been approached for comment.

The Aug. 4, 2020, blast killed at least 218 people and wounded more than 6,000 others. It devastated large swaths of Beirut and caused billions of dollars in damages.

No Lebanese official has been convicted in connection with the incident.

Earlier this year, Lebanon elected President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and a Cabinet on a reformist platform and pledging to complete the port probe and hold the perpetrators to account.

Investigative judge Tarek Bitar then summoned senior political, judicial and security officials in July in a new push on the case.

____

Associated Press writer Veselin Toshkov contributed to this report from Sofia, Bulgaria.

Photograph: The destroyed port warehouses at the scene of the Aug. 4 massive explosion that hit the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon, on Aug. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Russia
The U.S. securities regulator on Wednesday said it would allow companies seeking to go public to require that investors resolve claims of fraud or other false statements through arbitration rather than court litigation, handing a victory to companies and weakening investor rights.

The Securities and Exchange Commission voted 3-1 along party lines to reverse a long-standing but unwritten SEC policy in which the agency blocked the Wall Street debuts of companies that want to ban shareholder class action lawsuits in their charters and bylaws.

The commission is not a merit regulator that decides whether a companys particular method of resolving disputes with its shareholders is good or bad, SEC Chair Paul Atkins said at a public meeting.

The SEC issued a policy statement, rather than a formal rule, meaning it is not subject to public notice and comment.

Caroline Crenshaw, the commissions lone remaining Democrat, lambasted the new policy, saying it would open the floodgates to mandatory arbitration, denying many shareholders their rights while allowing companies to keep their alleged misconduct in the shadows. If harmed investors cannot band together in a class action, thereby sharing their legal costs, many simply wont sue at all, she added.

Corporate interest groups and Republicans have long complained about what they see as the frivolous filing of shareholder class action suits, saying companies should be able to protect themselves. During President Donald Trumps previous administration, the agency considered such a change but ultimately took no action.

Consumer advocates and plaintiffs lawyers say court action helps hold companies to account, gives small investors the chance to recover damages they otherwise couldnt, and gives the public access to evidence and legal reasoning that helps build case law and inform public policy.

EFFECT OF CLASS ACTIONS

In a Tuesday letter to the SEC, CalPERS, the California public pension fund, said forced arbitration would also diminish the deterrent effect of class actions.

Ann Lipton, a former class action litigator now at the University of Colorado law school, said the change would be damaging to the public interest, noting lawsuits can expose corporate misconduct among other things.

From a public policy perspective, this is horrific, said Lipton, adding that law suits can expose corporate misconduct among other things. It halts all development of the law and it halts all insight into what companies are really doing.

The issue first gained prominence in 2012 when the SEC signaled it would oppose an IPO planned by the private equity fund Carlyle Group, which sought to require future shareholders to resolve disputes in arbitration.

Erik Gerding, former director of the SECs division of corporation finance now in private practice at Freshfields, said he expected a sudden upsurge in companies seeking to benefit from the change.

Todays action most immediately impacts IPOs but established public companies will also be interested in reducing litigation exposure, he said.

In a separate matter on Wednesday, the SEC also extended for a second time the deadline for private investment funds to comply with Biden-era regulations requiring enhanced disclosures.

Topics Lawsuits
ServiceNow Inc. is expanding to West Palm Beach, Florida, opening a location for several hundred employees in a planned office tower being developed by billionaire Stephen Ross, the famed New York real estate magnate who broke from Related Cos. last year to focus on his Florida projects under the name Related Ross.

The Santa Clara, California-based software company said Tuesday its leasing 200,000 square feet (18,600 square meters) in Ross development, which will include a new artificial intelligence institute featuring a startup accelerator for early stage tech companies.

West Palm Beach is the latest move in ServiceNows tradition of embracing bold economic developments across the country, Chief Executive Officer Bill McDermott said in a statement. This will be a compelling magnet for talent, a strong engine for growth, and a dynamic hub for Americas AI leadership.

Bloomberg reported in March that ServiceNow was pursuing an expansion and possible headquarters relocation to West Palm Beach. McDermott said Tuesday during an interview with Bloomberg Television that the companys base will remain in Silicon Valley and that it still will have a very large commitment to the state of California.

ServiceNow representatives said executive leadership wont be relocating, but McDermott said some executive leaders on the top management team will be moving to the new office. He also said about 20% of the workforce would transfer to Florida and 80% of the companys net new jobs will be based there.

McDermott said he will continue living in California and will spend a lot of discretionary time in West Palm Beach.

ServiceNow specializes in software that helps companies organize and automate their human resources and information technology operations. It topped $10 billion in annual revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach $13.2 billion in sales this year. ServiceNow, like most software platforms, has been weaving generative AI features into its products.

Shares of ServiceNow fell 1.6% at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The companys market capitalization stands at $194 billion.

Company representatives said the West Palm Beach office will initially house a few hundred employees, but ServiceNow aims to have 850 workers there in the next five years, focusing on new hires in Florida.

ServiceNow is the largest tenant in Ross 10 CityPlace development. Combined with the neighboring project at 15 CityPlace, the two towers will add 1 million square feet of office space to downtown West Palm Beach and are slated for completion in 2027.

As a leader in enterprise AI, ServiceNow will catalyze innovation and economic opportunity in West Palm Beach, positioning the city as a premier destination for forwardthinking technology companies, Ross said.

ServiceNows large office expansion is a positive development for West Palm Beach, which has made headlines trying to brand itself as Wall Street South, but doesnt have a significant tech presence. Its also a win for Ross, who is one of the areas biggest cheerleaders and describes himself as a longtime believer in the potential of South Florida.

Ross, who is the owner of the Miami Dolphins, moved full-time to Palm Beach during the pandemic. He had already played a part in redeveloping downtown West Palm Beach and decided to go all-in on the midsized city 70 miles north of Miami, which hes referred to as his model city.

Beyond offices and condos, hes pledged to bring schools, top universities, and high-paying jobs in tech and finance to whats historically been considered a winter vacation getaway for wealthy people from the Northeast and Midwest.

South Florida is different than the rest of Florida, Ross said Tuesday during the Bloomberg TV interview. Its really poised to grow and attract jobs. Its never done that before; its always been second homes.

Top photo: A marina in West Palm Beach (Bloomberg)

Topics Florida
The owner of Florida-based Oakes Farms, known for his political views and conspiracy theories, has no legitimate legal claim against a Florida school district that terminated the farms food-supply contract over COVID-19 concerns, a federal appeals court said Wednesday.

To be fair, we can understand why Alfie Oakes assumed that his speech on controversial racial topics must have motivated the contract termination, a panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in the opinion. The problem for him is that the evidence did not support that supposition. Because Oakes Farms has not shown that the school districts food-safety concerns were pretextual, we AFFIRM the entry of summary judgment.

Oakes, the owner of Oakes Farms Food & Distribution Services, part of a large farm operation in Florida with thousands of acres in Naples and surrounding areas, filed suit against the Lee County School District and its leadership in 2020, claiming freedom of speech violations and retaliation.

It all began in the early days of the COVID crisis. Amid concerns about how the COVID virus could spread, the school district asked the farm to provide its food-safety protocols. Alfie Oakes around that time had posted on social media that the COVID pandemic was a hoax, and he made disparaging remarks about the Black Lives Matter movement, the court explained.

Oakes Farms sent a response to the school district from a subsidiary, not Oakes Farms itself, the court said. The school superintendent found that to be inadequate and soon terminated the districts contract with Oakes.

Alfie Oakes sued, but a federal district court found that the districts concerns about food safety outweighed Oakes free speech rights. He appealed, and the 11th Circuit this week upheld the lower court, noting that the contract termination was not done as punishment for Oakes controversial statements.

To be sure, it appears obvious that (school Superintendent Gregory) Adkins did disagree with Oakes about Covid-19, the opininon reads. But that difference in viewpoint was not the basis for his actionsa concrete concern about food safety was.

The appellate court relied on the long-established 1996 Pickering/Umbehr court decision and legal doctrine, which allows some limits on speech to protect workers when a government agency acts as a marketplace consumer.

The point is that the school district has presented no shortage of evidence that student safety drove its actions, the court noted.

A Lee County School District representative said the district has spent more than $485,000 on legal fees in the case, all from district funds, without help from the state school boards insurance trust or other insurance policies.

The full opinion can be seen here.

Top photo: Alfie Oakes, who also owned Seed to Table Supermarket, records a video message inside his store during a new coronavirus pandemic in 2021, in Naples. Oakes vowed to fight any government mandates requiring his employees or customers to wear face masks or get vaccinated to help curb the spread of COVID-19. (Phelan M. Ebenhack via AP)

Related: Former Oakes Farms Manager, Insurance Agent Tied to Crop Insurance Fraud

Topics Agribusiness K-12
Here is a selection of people starting new roles with Turner & Townsend, Ergo, National Transport Authority, Sherry FitzGerald, Grayling Properties and Inizio.

Carolyn Barenbrug has been appointed as health sector lead for Ireland with global professional services company Turner & Townsend. She joins after a decade with Gardiner & Theobald, where she was a partner. She brings extensive experience in the feasibility, management and delivery of complex capital programmes, guiding multi-disciplinary teams across healthcare, education and residential development. Her expertise spans procurement strategy, project management, and schedule and project controls. Carolyn will be based in Dublin and work closely with Turner & Townsends global health sector network to bring best practice and innovation to Irish clients. Turner & Townsend has delivered over 10bn in hospital capital value globally.
I have always been vocal about the importance of applying SPF, but I never thought Id have to be just as vocal about avoiding sunbeds.

After years of skincare obsessives like myself preaching about sun protection, extreme tanning unfortunately seems to be back in vogue. The UV index, developed in the 1990s to help people take precautions against excessive sun exposure, is now being used by some for the opposite purpose, to identify the best time to get a tan!

Ill never forget being on a press trip in Madrid with a giant skincare brand. In the taxi to our hotel, some younger influencers were checking the UV index  not to avoid sun damage, but to see when theyd get the best tan.

Ive been the sun police for years. When my sister visited me in hospital after Id had my younger child 20 years ago, fresh off a plane from Greece, the first thing I said was, I hope thats not a real tan.

Ive never understood why people are meticulous about applying SPF to their face while ignoring their body. Do they think the rules of accelerated ageing, pigmentation, collagen loss, and, most importantly, skin cancer, dont apply below the neck?

All tanning is a sign of skin damage, and sunbeds only increase the risk of premature ageing, pigmentation, and skin cancer.

Being pale used to be a sign of wealth, as it meant you didnt work outside. But when Coco Chanel popularised the bronzed look in the 1920s, tanning became fashionable, and the desire for a golden glow has never really gone away. Today, for many, the yearning for a tan outweighs the risks, and sunbeds offer a quick, convenient fix. But tanning is a direct result of genetic damage to the skin, so there really is no healthy way to pursue a bronzed glow  unless it comes out of a bottle.

As for the more serious health risk, the facts are crystal clear. The World Health Organization has classified sunbeds as a group 1 carcinogen  this means they are proven to cause cancer. One study, which looked at the association between indoor tanning and melanoma in younger women found that of 63 women diagnosed with skin cancer before 30, 61 had used sunbeds.

And yet, despite overwhelming evidence, sunbeds remain available in many countries, including here in Ireland. However, that might be set to change.

A report published by the Institute of Public Health this summer recommended a ban on sunbeds to reduce the risk of skin cancer in Ireland, which has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.

Brazil recognised the dangers early, banning all cosmetic sunbed use in 2009. Australia introduced a nationwide ban in 2015. Im hopeful we will follow suit.

Some people still believe tanning helps acne or psoriasis, while others cling to notions of a base tan protecting the skin, or that indoor tanning boosts vitamin D. In reality, all tanning is a sign of skin damage, and sunbeds only increase the risk of premature ageing, pigmentation, and skin cancer. Vitamin D can be safely obtained through diet, a supplement, or minimal sun exposure.

So why do people still use sunbeds? Cultural ideals, convenience, and social media all play a role. A bronzed look is glamorised as healthy and holiday ready, while some influencers, particularly on TikTok, romanticise tanning as self-care or even vitamin D therapy. The irony is that Gen Z, obsessed with anti-ageing skincare routines, are indulging in one of the most ageing habits possible.

The expert take

Jennifer Rock aka The Skin Nerd

A tan is a sign of harm, Jennifer Rock, facialist and founder/CEO of the Skin Nerd says. What looks like a glow is your bodys alarm system, producing

melanin in a desperate attempt to shield DNA from injury.

For Irish skin, which is naturally more vulnerable to UV, that glow is a warning flare, damage has already occurred.

Sunbeds expose skin to intense UV, accelerating ageing and increasing cancer risk, Prof Caitriona Ryan, consultant dermatologist and co-founder of the Institute of Dermatologists adds.

Every tan adds to cumulative skin damage, there is no safe way around it.

Prof Caitriona Ryan

Prof Ryan believes education around sunbeds, including public health campaigns, are needed to remind us all that no tan is safe.

Regular use [of sunbeds] can lead to deep wrinkles, pigmentation, and collagen loss that cannot be reversed. Overexposure during sensitive life stages, such as menopause, amplifies these effects. Myths about acne, psoriasis, or vitamin D are simply false.

Skip the sunbed, use SPF daily, and embrace fake tan, your skin will thank you.
Conor McGregor has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against a civil jury finding that he assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room in 2018.

The mixed martial arts fighter previously appealed the November 2024 verdict to the High Court but lost in July.

On Thursday, legal firm Mulholland Law confirmed it had been instructed by McGregor and James Lawrence to appeal to the Supreme Court.

James Lawrence was found by the jury not guilty of assaulting Ms Hand (Ni Laimhin) during the same incident.

However, the trial judge ruled that Ms Hand would not have to pay Mr Lawrences costs.

His legal team has challenged whether that decision was correct, arguing she should cover costs as the jury cleared him.

In a statement, Mulholland Law said: "Mr McGregor and Mr Lawrence are deeply disappointed by the decisions reached in the lower courts. Mr Lawrences grievance has now resulted in separate High Court proceedings being issued against the Plaintiff, Ms Ni Laimhin, for perjury. Whilst proceedings remain in their infancy, we are confident that our client will be properly vindicated and the record set straight in due course."

Solicitor Ciaran Mulholland said: "We believe that the applications of Mr McGregor and Mr Lawrence raise serious legal issues arising from the Court of Appeals judgment of 31st July 2025. We now seek that the Supreme Court acknowledge the exceptional public interest in adjudicating on these applications favourably."

He said McGregors application focuses "on his Constitutional right to silence, properly exercised on occasions and enshrined both in Bunreacht na hEireann and the European Convention on Human Rights".

"However, lip service was applied in a highly prejudicial and unfair manner before the lower Courts against my client and it is only right and just that this is considered and clarified by our Supreme Court."

He added that the Supreme Court must also clarify the legal issues raised in James Lawrences application, describing him as "a gentleman that was wrongfully and unnecessarily dragged through High Court litigation without cause then following successfully defending the action against him is not awarded costs".

"This is an unprecedented and frightening ruling. An award of costs must always follow the event irrespective of the client or judicial suspicions."

Ms Hand was awarded 248,603.60 in damages, and McGregor was also ordered to pay about 1.3m in legal costs following the November trial.

McGregor appealed on five grounds.

One ground relied on new evidence from Ms Hands former neighbour, Samantha OReilly, who claimed to have witnessed a physical row between Ms Hand and her then-partner around the same time as the incident at the Beacon Hotel.

In July, McGregors legal team withdrew this claim, saying it would no longer rely on the material.

McGregors appeal proceeded on other grounds, mainly concerning the admission of his no comment answers to gardai during the trial.
A 54-year-old man accused of assault causing harm to an ISPCA animal welfare inspector during an incident near his home last month complained by video link from prison that while remanded in custody he had slept on the floor on 29 nights and been beaten up twice.

Hugh OBrien, of Ballyanly, Inniscarra, Co Cork, is charged with assaulting ISPCA animal welfare inspector Caroline Faherty at Ballyanly on August 19, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
A Cork motorist who pleaded guilty to drink driving when he crashed his car on a busy street in the middle of the day was five times over the legal drink driving limit, the district court has heard.

Court presenter Sergeant Eimear OConnell told Macroom District Court that a single vehicle accident occurred at Main St, Sleveen East, Macroom on November 25, 2024. At 2.20pm a black Opel Insignia car crashed into a lamppost causing severe damage to the vehicle and obstructing traffic.

The court was told the street was busy with vehicles and pedestrians at the time, including local school children. The driver of the car was 45-year-old William McCarthy of Bank Place, Mallow, Co Cork.

When gardai arrived, McCarthy appeared intoxicated and he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving to which he later pleaded guilty. A blood alcohol test showed McCarthy had a blood alcohol level of 267mg per 100ml of blood where the legal limit is 50mg.

The court was told that McCarthy had six previous convictions all of which were from before 2009. Defence solicitor, Sean Cahill, said McCarthy worked in the timber industry which was now entering its busy period.

He said his client had pleaded guilty, was fully co-operative and had not come to garda attention since the incident. Mr Cahill asked Judge Joanne Carroll if she would consider deferring McCarthys driving disqualification until March next year to enable him to finish his work in the timber sector and find alternative employment.

Mr Cahill said McCarthy worked near Macroom but lived in Mallow and needed a car to get to work. He said McCarthy was willing to give an undertaking to the court that he would not drink and drive before the disqualification came into effect.

Judge Joanne Carroll said McCarthy was driving with a huge quantity of alcohol in his system in the middle of the day in a busy town. She noted the incident happened just a few weeks before Christmas and he had put lives at risk by his actions.

Judge Carroll said McCarthy should not be drinking and driving anyway but agreed just about to allow him to give an undertaking to the court. She warned McCarthy that if he broke the undertaking he would be in contempt of court.

McCarthy was convicted of driving while intoxicated and disqualified from driving for three years. The disqualification was deferred until March 1, 2026. He was also convicted of careless driving, fined 300, and given three months to pay the fine.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
The cyclist who died in a collision in Cork City centre on Thursday had moved to Cork from Japan earlier this year.

The 26-year-old woman was killed in a collision involving a truck and a bicycle at the junction of Albert Street and Albert Road at around 6.15pm.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her body was taken to the morgue at Cork University Hospital, where an autopsy was scheduled for Friday.

Garda sources said the woman worked in a restaurant in Cork City and was also believed to have held a second job in retail.

She was in Ireland on a working visa.

The road was closed for several hours to allow a technical examination by a Garda forensic collision investigator.

Gardai do not believe weather was a factor in the incident.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them. They are also asking road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area between 6pm and 6.30pm to make this footage available to investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Dumper truck incident

Meanwhile, a man in his 40s died in Ballycotton, Co Cork, after an accident involving a dumper truck.

Gardai and emergency services arrived at Church Rd at 3.30pm after the alarm was raised.

It is understood the man was carrying out works in the area when his dumper truck struck him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body will be removed to Cork University Hospital for an autopsy.

Garda forensic collision investigators will attend the scene, and the L3633 road has been closed with local diversions in place.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified and will carry out a full investigation. The coroner has also been informed, and an inquest will take place in due course.
Walt Disney-owned ABC said on Wednesday it was pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live off the air, after comments by the late-night show's host about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted a threat by the head of the top US communications regulator against Disney.

US president Donald Trump, who has repeatedly pressured broadcasters to stop airing content he has found objectionable, celebrated the news in a social media post. A number of Democratic lawmakers assailed the decision, saying free speech was under attack.

The suspension of Mr Kimmel's show marked the latest action taken against media figures, academic workers, teachers and corporate employees over their remarks about Mr Kirk following his assassination.

Republican leaders and conservative commentators have warned Americans to mourn Mr Kirk respectfully or suffer consequences, and some people have been fired or suspended after discussing the killing online.

Mr Kimmel, who has frequently targeted Mr Trump on his late-night comedy show, drew fire for remarks he made about the killing in his monologue on Monday.

"We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Mr Kimmel said.

Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, speaks to supporters of President Donald Trump at a rally outside the Maricopa County Recorder's Office, Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, in Phoenix. Picture: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File

Mr Kirk, a 31-year-old activist and Mr Trump-world celebrity known for his right-wing views and pugnacious debating style, was shot in the neck while speaking at a Utah university a week ago. A 22-year-old suspect has been charged with his murder, and his precise motive remains unclear.

Mr Kimmel's comments led to a response from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr, who urged local broadcasters to stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC. Mr Carr suggested the commission could open an investigation and that broadcasters could potentially be fined or lose their licenses if there was a pattern of distorted comment.

"This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney. We can do this the easy way or the hard way," Mr Carr said in a podcast interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson that aired Wednesday.

"Disney needs to see some change here, but the individual licensed stations that are taking their content, it's time for them to step up and say this, you know, garbage to the extent that that's what comes down the pipe in the future isn't something that we think serves the needs of our local communities."

After Mr Carr spoke, Nexstar Media Group said it would stop airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates, citing Mr Kimmel's comments. Nexstar, which needs FCC approval for its $6.2bn deal to acquire smaller rival Tegna, drew praise from MrCarr, who thanked Nexstar for "doing the right thing."

Shortly after Nexstar announced its decision, ABC, which holds FCC-approved licenses for the local broadcast affiliates that it owns, also said Mr Kimmel would be pulled from the air.

" Jimmy Kimmel Live will be preempted indefinitely, an ABC spokesperson said, without elaborating.

Sinclair, the nations largest ABC affiliate group, then said it would not air Mr Kimmel's show, even if ABC decides to bring it back, unless "appropriate steps" were taken. Sinclair called on Mr Kimmel to apologise and said it would air a tribute to Mr Kirk in Mr Kimmel's time slot on Friday.

Mr Kimmel, who was seen on Wednesday leaving the El Capitan Theatre where his show is taped, did not respond to a request for comment.

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the cancellation of shows and firing of commentators coordinated and dangerous.

Hollywood stars also backed Mr Kimmel, with actor Ben Stiller saying in a post on X the move isnt right, while actress Sophia Bush said the First Amendment doesnt exist in America anymore.

In July, rival network CBS said it was stopping The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May for financial reasons. Mr Colbert has been a critic of Mr Trump.

TRUMP CHEERS, DEMOCRATS CRITICISE

As broadcasters took action, Mr Trump applauded the news in a post on Truth Social while also calling on Comcast-owned NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, the hosts of late-night comedy shows on the network who often make jokes at Mr Trump's expense.

"Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done," Mr Trump said.

Democrats, in turn, criticised the removal of Mr Kimmel from the air, with Senator Ed Markey calling it "censorship in action."

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the FCC's only Democratic member, said US free-speech laws should prevent the FCC from telling broadcasters what they can air.

"This administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression," she told CNN.

Mr Trump has repeatedly sued, berated and threatened media companies whose coverage he disputes with legal or other action.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with moderator Charlie Kirk Picture: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File Mr Trump this week filed a bn defamation lawsuit against the New York Times and book publisher Penguin Random House, accusing them of treating him unfairly.

CBS-parent Paramount paid $16m in July to resolve a civil suit over what Mr Trump alleged was the network's deceptive editing of an interview with presidential candidate Kamala Harris. ABC in December paid $15m to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Mr Trump over anchor George Stephanopoulos' on-air description of the president's conduct in the E. Jean Carroll case.

Following Mr Kirk's killing, political analyst Matthew Dowd was fired from MSNBC after he described the activist as a "divisive" figure who spread "hate speech," and added, "hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions."

MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler issued a statement apologising for Dowd's comments, which she said were "inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable."

Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah said on Monday she was fired by the newspaper over a series of social media posts she made following the killing of Mr Kirk, including one in which she noted Mr Kirk's past comments on Black women. The Post has said it does not comment on personnel matters, and the newspaper's union condemned the firing.

Reuters
Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact that regards any attack on either nation as an attack on both in the wake of Israels strike on Qatar earlier this month.

The kingdom has long had close economic, religious and security ties to Pakistan, including reportedly providing funding for Islamabads nuclear weapons programme as it developed.

Analysts  and Pakistani diplomats in at least one case  have suggested over the years that Saudi Arabia could be included under Islamabads nuclear umbrella, particularly as tensions have risen over Irans atomic programme.

But the timing of the pact appeared to be a signal to Israel, long suspected to be the Middle Easts only nuclear-armed state, which has conducted a sprawling military offensive since Hamass October 7 2023 attack on Israel, stretching across Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Syria and Yemen.

This agreement... aims to develop aspects of defence co-operation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression

Israel did not immediately acknowledge the pact, which was the first firm defence decision made by a Gulf Arab country since the Qatar attack last week.

The US, long the security guarantor for the Gulf states, also did not immediately acknowledge the agreement.

Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the pact on Wednesday with Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.

While not specifically discussing the bomb, the agreement states any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, according to statements issued by both Pakistans foreign affairs ministry and the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

This agreement aims to develop aspects of defence co-operation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, the statement said.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a defence relationship stretching back decades, in part due to Islamabads willingness to defend the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second right, and Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, second left, signed the pact on Wednesday (Press Information Department via AP)

Pakistani troops first travelled to Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s over concerns about Egypts war in Yemen at the time.

These ties increased after Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution and the kingdoms fears of a confrontation with Tehran.

Pakistan developed its nuclear weapons programme to counter Indias atomic bombs.

The two neighbours have fought multiple wars against each other and again came close to open warfare after an attack on tourists in April in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India is believed to have an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has 170, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

Indias foreign ministry acknowledged the Saudi-Pakistan pact on Thursday and said it will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a defence relationship stretching back decades (SPA/AP)

Saudi Arabia also maintains close ties with India.

Retired Pakistani Brigadier General Feroz Hassan Khan, in his book on his countrys nuclear weapons programme, said Saudi Arabia provided generous financial support for the schemes effort.

In a 2007 US diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks, American diplomats in Saudi Arabia noted that their Pakistani counterparts had brought up the idea of the kingdom pursuing a weapons programme alongside Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia has also sought US assistance to advance a civilian nuclear power programme, in part with what had been a proposed diplomatic recognition deal with Israel prior to the 2023 Hamas attack.

This could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium in the kingdom  something that worries non-proliferation experts as spinning centrifuges opens the door to a possible weapons programme.
US president Donald Trump said he has a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score when asked about Britain's Keir Starmers plan to recognise a Palestinian state.

The UK prime minister plans to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of the United Nations general assembly in New York this month, if Israel does not meet a series of conditions to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

British recognition of Palestine is all but guaranteed, as Israel has already said it is opposed to Mr Starmers conditions  including agreeing to a ceasefire, a two-state solution to peace, and halting annexations in the West Bank.

America under Mr Trump remains staunchly opposed to the idea of recognising a Palestinian state, and has also refused to grant visas to Palestinian officials for the coming UN gathering.

I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements actually, the US president told journalists at a press conference when asked about the British intention to recognise Palestine.

Mr Trump also insisted that we have to have the hostages back immediately.

Donald Trump said I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score (Leon Neal/PA)

He also accused Palestinian militant group Hamas of putting the hostages up as bait and described this as pretty brutal.

Mr Starmer, meanwhile, confirmed the pair had discussed his intention to recognise Palestinian statehood as they met in private on Thursday.

Recognition needs to be seen as part of that overall package which hopefully takes us from the appalling situation were in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel, which we do not have, and a viable Palestinian state, Mr Starmer added.

The prime minister plans to recognise Palestinian statehood over the weekend, according to the Times newspaper, once Mr Trump has concluded his state visit.

France, Canada and Japan are among the other nations who have said they plan to take the same step at the summit, or ahead of it.

A joint statement by leading Jewish organisations from Canada, Australia and the UK, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, has criticised their countries plans to recognise Palestinian statehood.

Groups from the three nations said they were gravely concerned that our governments announced intentions to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN this month are seen by Hamas as a reward for its violence and rejectionism towards Israel.
US President Donald Trump has claimed Jimmy Kimmels late-night talk show was suspended because he is not a talented person and had very bad ratings.

US broadcaster ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from schedules after his comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The late-night comic made several remarks about the reaction to the assassination last week, including that many in Maga land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person

Mr Trump told a UK press conference: Well, Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings, more than anything else.

And he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk.

And Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person. He had very bad ratings, and they should have fired him a long time ago.

So, you know, you could call that free speech or not. He was fired for lack of talent.

Jimmy Kimmel, pictured with and Molly McNearney, has been suspended (Richard Shotwell/AP)

The network reportedly pulled the show after several ABC-affiliated stations refused to air it, objecting to comments Kimmel made during shows on Monday and Tuesday.

 Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely, a spokesperson for the Disney-owned network said in a statement to the BBC.

Mr Trump praised ABCs move in a post on Truth Social early on Thursday during his visit to the UK, writing: Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.

Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even (Stephen) Colbert, if thats possible.

Many famous names, including Ben Stiller and Jamie Lee Curtis, have taken to social media to voice their concerns and speak of their support of everyones right to free speech after the suspension.

Mr Kirk, who was a prominent political commentator in the US and ally of the president, was shot dead at a Utah Valley University event last week.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged on Tuesday and could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Mr Kirk.
The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court for an emergency order to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserves board of governors.

The Republican administration turned to the high court after an appeals court refused to go along with ousting Ms Cook, part of US President Donald Trumps effort to reshape the Feds seven-member governing board and strike a blow at its independence.

The White House campaign to unseat Ms Cook marks an unprecedented bid to reshape the Fed board, which was designed to be largely independent from day-to-day politics.

US President Donald Trump listens in the Oval Office of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

No president has fired a sitting Fed governor in the agencys 112-year history.

Ms Cook, who was appointed to the Feds board by former president Joe Biden, a Democrat, has said she will not leave her post or be bullied by Mr Trump.

One of her lawyers, Abbe Lowell, has said she will continue to carry out her sworn duties as a Senate-confirmed board governor.

Separately, Senate Republicans on Monday confirmed Stephen Miran, Mr Trumps nominee to an open spot on the Feds board.

Both Ms Cook and Mr Miran took part in Wednesdays vote in which the Fed cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point.

Mr Trump sought to fire Ms Cook on August 25, but a federal judge ruled last week that the removal probably was illegal and reinstated her to the Feds board.

Mr Trump has accused Ms Cook of mortgage fraud because she appeared to claim two properties, in Michigan and Georgia, as primary residences in July 2021, before she joined the board.

Such claims can lead to a lower mortgage rate and smaller down payment than if one of them was declared as a rental property or second home.

Ms Cook has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell talks with Board of Governors member Lisa Cook during a meeting of the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

According to documents obtained by The Associated Press, Ms Cook did specify that her Atlanta condo would be a vacation home, according to a loan estimate she obtained in May 2021.

And in a form seeking a security clearance, she described it as a second home.

Both documents appear to undercut the Trump administrations claims of fraud.

US district judge Jia Cobb ruled that the administration had not satisfied a legal requirement that Fed governors can only be fired for cause, which she said was limited to misconduct while in office.

Ms Cook did not join the Feds board until 2022.

Judge Cobb also held that Mr Trumps firing would have deprived Ms Cook of her due process, or legal right, to contest the firing.

By a 2-1 vote, a panel of the federal appeals court in Washington rejected the administrations request to let Ms Cooks firing proceed.

Trumps lawyers have argued that even if the conduct occurred before her time as governor, her alleged action indisputably calls into question Cooks trustworthiness and whether she can be a responsible steward of the interest rates and economy.

Mr Trump has previously won orders from the courts conservative majority to fire the presidentially appointed leaders of other independent federal agencies, including the National Labour Relations Board and the Federal Trade Commission, even as legal fights continue.

Those firings have been at will, with no cause given.

The Supreme Court has distinguished the Federal Reserve from those other agencies, strongly suggesting that Mr Trump cannot act against Fed governors without cause.
By Marianna Poberezhskaya, Nottingham Trent University; Imad El-Anis, Nottingham Trent University, and Marwa Mustafa, Nottingham Trent University

(The Conversation)  The Middle East is experiencing a period of intense political and economic turbulence, with several countries in the region embroiled in conflict. These conflicts are taking place against the backdrop of an escalating climate crisis.

In 2023, global thinktank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace concluded that Middle Eastern countries are among the worlds most exposed states to the accelerating impacts of human-caused climate change  including soaring heatwaves, declining precipitation, extended droughts, more intense sandstorms and floods, and rising sea levels.

The capacity of a society to receive, process and act upon climate-related information is at the heart of an effective climate change response. Media plays an important role: it is central to advancing public understanding of climate change and its connection to individual, communal and national security.

Yet over the past two decades or so, media coverage of climate change in the Middle East has been among the lowest in the world. According to the University of Colorado Boulders Media and Climate Change Observatory, media organisations in the Middle East each produced an average of around one article about climate change in August 2025  compared with 66 articles for North American media in the same month.

Wars and climate change are inextricably linked. Climate change can increase the likelihood of violent conflict by intensifying resource scarcity and displacement, while conflict itself accelerates environmental damage. This article is part of a series, War on climate, which explores the relationship between climate issues and global conflicts.

The lack of climate coverage in the Middle East is because media outlets there face a number of structural problems. How does one talk about climate change when armed conflicts are spiralling out of control, or when public discourse is monopolised by what are perceived to be more pressing issues?

Jordan presents a useful example to help us understand these challenges and how to overcome them.

Media in Jordan

Jordan has long played a stabilising role in the Middle East. It has accepted large numbers of refugees from neighbouring conflicts and has acted as a mediator and peace broker between Middle Eastern rivals. However, climate change is threatening Jordans stability.

Raed Abu Soud, Jordans minister of water and irrigation, said in May 2025: Jordan is grappling with one of the most severe water crises in the world, with per-capita water availability dropping to just 60 cubic metres per year.

A host of other factors are worsening the situation. Economic underdevelopment in Jordan is leading to persistent unemployment and public unrest, while regional conflicts are undermining social cohesion.

How Jordan responds to the risks presented by climate change, and preserves its stability, is extremely important for the Middle East and beyond. Public understanding of this challenge is going to be pivotal to an effective response. And here enters the role of media.

Our research on climate change in Jordan has involved analysing more than 2,500 news articles in the countrys major print media and carrying out extensive interviews with local people. We have found that, while climate change is becoming a more important topic in the country, there are still many barriers preventing a coherent climate change discussion there.

It is common in Jordan, as in many other countries affected by conflict, for conversations related to climate change to be pushed to the background when other crises emerge. Since 2023, when the war in Gaza began, Jordanian media outlets have understandably been drawn to covering the humanitarian crisis there at the expense of climate change.

This has been exacerbated by the fact there are very few journalists in Jordan who work consistently on climate-related issues and can offer accurate and timely coverage. The shortage of climate journalists is a common problem across the Middle East.

When climate change is covered by Jordanian media, it is often discussed as a secondary consideration relative to geopolitical threats  not as a challenge in its own right. Due to the countrys policy of hosting refugees, Jordanian media outlets have often portrayed their country as a second victim of the civil war in Syria and the intractable Israel-Palestine conflict. Refugees are depicted as another strain on scarce resources.

Eroding trust

Climate change discourse in Jordan tends to be heavily influenced by international partners including foreign governments, charities and funding bodies.

There are numerous externally funded educational and vocational courses focused on climate change available in Jordan for various audiences, including media professionals. While this facilitates the advancement of climate change discussions, it can distance climate coverage from the local context and knowledge. This is particularly true if external partners merely teach Jordanians what they believe is necessary, without fully understanding the specific challenges Jordan faces.

It can also erode trust between Jordanians and these foreign partners. In some of the cases we studied, journalists in Jordan saw climate change as part of a western-imposed agenda aimed at controlling developing countries.



Photo by Arjun Lama on Unsplash

Jordan is highly important for the Middle East, Europe and beyond. Without effective climate adaptation, it risks losing its role as a refugee haven and regional stabiliser.

Media can play a vital role in advancing climate change discourse in the Middle East, both by holding governments to account and raising awareness of climate issues. Some studies suggest that public concern correlates with the volume of media coverage, and attention can fade when other issues dominate the media space.

Sustained, inclusive coverage is essential to ensure long-term engagement and informed public participation in climate action, even during times of political and economic turbulence.

Marianna Poberezhskaya, Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations, Nottingham Trent University; Imad El-Anis, Associate Professor in International Relations, Nottingham Trent University, and Marwa Mustafa, PhD Candidate at the Centre for Research in Literature, Linguistics and Culture, Nottingham Trent University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Committee on Academic Freedom | Middle East Studies Association of North America | 

The Right Honourable Mark Carney

Prime Minister of Canada

Dear Prime Minister Carney, Minister Metlege Diab and Minister Anadasangaree:

We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to urge your immediate intervention to expedite the visa and study permit applications of Palestinian scholars including 70 graduate students who have secured academic placements at Canadian universities but remain trapped in Gaza due to bureaucratic delays and requirements that are impossible to meet, given the ongoing war.

MESA was founded in 1966 to promote scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. The preeminent organization in the field, MESA publishes the International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2800 members worldwide. MESA is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression, both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and elsewhere.

These students and scholars have already endured unimaginable hardship, including military assaults, starvation, repeated displacement and the total destruction of Gazas higher education system, including the obliteration of all twelve of its universities, which MESA has condemned . Some of the students, like twin sisters Sally and Dalia Ghazi Ibaid who were admitted to the University of Waterloos PhD program, were tragically killed while trying to get their visas. Others have been injured. Many more remain stranded and are at grave risk due to visa delays.

These students and scholars are not just victims in need of charity; they are exceptional scholars, admitted into competitive programs at Canadian institutions. They have the potential to make significant contributions across many fields and disciplines. Many were selected to join projects funded by Canadian government, industry or university research grantsprojects now jeopardized by their continued absence. We are also concerned about the long-term damage to Canadas research ecosystem. These students are critical to collaborative projects with time-sensitive goals and deliverables. Delays not only disrupt these students and scholars academic trajectories but also threaten the success of Canadian research initiatives and the international reputation of our institutions.

In light of the above, we join PSSR in urgently calling on you to:

Reverse the biased directive requiring second-level security checks solely based on Palestinian origin, which is inconsistent with Canadas treatment of applicants from other conflict zones. Expedite security screening for Gazan students and scholars and clear the backlog of applications swiftly, allocating necessary resources to ensure timely approvals. Create a biometric exemption upon exit of Gaza and establish secure biometric collection options after exit. Arrange evacuation routes by working with Global Affairs Canada and international partners to coordinate secure exits for students and scholars, following the example of countries already doing so.

These Palestinian students and scholars are not only the future of Palestinian civil society; they are part of our shared global academic community. Supporting their right to education is both a humanitarian imperative and central to Canadas commitment to academic freedom, justice, and the universal right to learn.

We urge you to act now and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Asl U. Bali

MESA President

Professor, Yale Law School

Laurie A. Brand

Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom

Professor Emerita, University of Southern California

cc:

Farida Shaheed

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
Stanza 15 of the first edition of Edward FitzGeralds Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam has for its theme a denial of the afterlife and resurrection.

XV.

And those who husbanded the Golden Grain,

And those who flung it to the Winds like Rain,

Alike to no such aureate Earth are turnd

As, buried once, Men want dug up again.

This stanza is based on no. 68 in the Bodleian manuscript:

      

     

        

      

The original is not set on a grain farm, but begins with a warning that a person could die in bed any night. FitzGeralds no such aureate Earth are turnd is so Latin that it is now probably difficult for most people to understand. He is saying that the earth in question, a cemetery for the farmers, does not have gold nuggets in it in the form of their corpses. The poet is warning that there is no resurrection, whatever the scriptures might say.

I translated it as free verse poetry in my Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: a New Translation from the Persian, no. 67.

The poem warns that before fate can ambush you one night, you should order up a glass of rose-red wine. I translated the last two lines this way:

For youre not gold, you old fool  that theyll bury you

in the ground, then dig you up again.

This blunt and direct manner of address is faithful to the original, which calls the hearer ghafel-e nadan O heedless ignorant one.

Transliteration:

z-an pish keh bar sar-at shabikhun arand,

farmay keh ta badeh-e golgun arand.

to zar na-i, ey ghafel-e nadan, keh tora

dar khak nehand o baz birun arand.

khak, the Persian for earth or soil, is the origin of our English khaki as the color of a military uniform, which is tan or earth-colored. The British introduced the khaki uniform in India in the 1840s. Persian was used as the language of government in pre-British India, and many Persian words came into Hindustani (which we now call Hindi-Urdu).

-

Order Juan Coles contemporary poetic translation of the Rubaiyat from

Bloomsbury (IB Tauris)

or Barnes and Noble.

or for $16 at Amazon Kindle



Resurrection and the afterlife are doctrines both of Christianity and Islam, and were adopted in rabbinical Judaism, as well. Mainstream Muslim theologians insisted on them, and denying these tenets was probably dangerous in the medieval period.

The unconventional quatrains collected under the rubric of Omar Khayyam, a Seljuk-era astronomer who died around 1131 AD, often deny these doctrines, however. (I dont think the poetry is actually by Khayyam; it is later and by many poets.) I believe this literature is folk poetry, and represents a stream of Muslim secularism that flourished especially after the Mongol invasions of the 1220s and after. The Mongols were Buddhists and shamanists, and as rulers did not care to enforce Muslim orthodoxy. So for some 80 years, until the Mongol rulers of Iran began embracing Islam, you could get away with saying unorthodox things, and drinking wine. There is a lot of historical evidence for both.

Even once the Mongols became Muslims, they wore their religion lightly, and they were succeeded by Central Asian Turkic rulers, many of them nomads who practiced a folk religion. Some of their rulers were accused, at least, of being atheists, as with the rebel Qara Qoyunlu (Black Sheep) prince, Pir Budak, who took Shiraz briefly in the late 1450s and early 1460s. It was at his court that the calligrapher Mahmud Yerbudaki first assembled a whole book of unconventional quatrains under the title The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, attributing them to the astronomer ex post facto. They had been circulating for some time, listed in manuscripts as anonymous or attributed to other poets. Yerbudakis manuscript, which ended up in Oxford Universitys Bodleian Library, was one of the two on which FitzGerald depended.

Philosophers such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina, 9801037 AD) did not accept orthodox theological doctrines about the resurrection of the physical body, so the theme of this poem may have derived from philosophical circles. On the other hand, its simplicity and frankness make me think that it was the work of a simpler sort of person. I suspect a lot of carpenters, tilers and other craftsmen doubted that people were ever going to get up out of their graves, but went along with the preachers for fear of trouble. When they gathered among themselves away from prying eyes, they might read out poetry like this.



From Gilbert James, Fourteen Drawings Illustrating Edward FitzGeralds translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (London: Leonard Smithers & Co., 1898). Note the influence of Qajar-era modern Persian art.

The poetry ascribed to Khayyam often points out that no one has ever come back from the supposed other world, implying it is because there is no such thing and the dead have disintegrated in the ground.

Here is an example:

      

      

        

    

Id translate it in blank verse this way:

How sad that our cash slipped out of our hands,

and that fates grip extracted our hearts blood;

None came back from that world whom I could ask

what happened to all this worlds caravans.

Cash here is literally capital, but you get the point. Our short lives ending in death are being compared to bankruptcy and loss of capital. Heart in the original is liver, and in Persian poetry the liver often functions as heart does in English verse. Im sure it has to do with medieval ideas about humors and the organs of the body. The last two lines imply that the people of the world are traveling toward certain death and extinction, and that is all there is, otherwise wed have heard back from them.

It is bleak, but sometimes just stating a bleak reality is itself a form of transcendence.

-

For more commentaries on FitzGeralds translations of the Rubaiyat, see

FitzGeralds Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: Commentary by Juan Cole with Original Persian
Bezazel Smotrich is one of political leaders of Israels Messianic far-right. But he is also a shrewd administrator executing a biblical decisive plan of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, which he is incorporating into Israel.

New York (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  Notorious as an extremist both in Israel and overseas, yet beloved as a visionary by his constituencies, Bezazel Smotrich is the far-right leader of Israels National Religious Party  Religious Zionism and Prime Minister Netanyahus current Minister of Finance.

Ridiculed and underestimated abroad, Smotrich has consistently exploited the Gaza hostilities, in order to bring about the annexation of the West Bank to the pre-1967 Israel.

Smotrich  who once said sarcastically that his voters only care about his anti-Palestinian stance: I may be a far-right person, a homophobe, racist, fascist, but my word is my bond  has promoted the blockade of the Gaza Strip since October 2023. He calls for a voluntary emigration of the Palestinians from Gaza to other countries. His ultimate objective is to transform Israel from a secular democratic state to a religious autocracy ruled by Jewish biblical law.

Restoring the Torah justice system

Smotrich has lived his life in Jewish settlements, which are illegal by international law. The descendant of a Ukrainian-Jewish family that lost most of its members in the Holocaust, he grew up in an Orthodox-Jewish and Zionist milieu. But it was distinctively Messianic.

Studying in Mercaz HaRav Kook, Yashlatz, and Yeshivat Kedumim, Smotrich was educated by the apocalyptic ideals of rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, the father of Messianic religious Zionism. His political career took off in the mid-2010s, when the political clout of the Messianic far-right Jewish groups began to be felt nationwide. In 2019 he campaigned for the Ministry of Justice, saying that he sought the portfolio to restore the Torah justice system.

It is an old religious-Zionist goal, touted in the past by the violent Jewish-American rabbi Meir Kahane. It is premised on the idea that democratic institutions are a Hellenic, goy [non-Jewish] thing, whereas only the Five Books of Moses can serve as a foundation of law in a Jewish state. Smotrichs extremist politics aim at replacing the secular rule of law with traditional Jewish law.

In 2021, Smotrich, emboldened by his growing popularity, declared that Israels first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, should have finished the job and kicked all Palestinians out when Israel was founded. In his view, members of Israels Arab minority communities are citizens, but only for now.



This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Attribution: Avi Ohayon / Government Press Office of Israel. H/t Wikimedia.

Violence to undermine Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

In spring 2023, when Smotrich took over a large chunk of the administration of the West Bank, he did not condemn settler violence. Instead, he urged Israel to hit out without mercy, with tanks and helicopters, in a way that will broadcast that the landlord has gone crazy and called for striking the cities of terror and its instigators without mercy, with tanks and helicopters. That became his rallying cry after October 7, 2023.

Gaza is personal to Smotrich. In the early 2000s, he saw Israels withdrawal from the Strip as blasphemy. During the protests against the Israeli disengagement from Gaza, he was arrested in 2005 while in possession of 700 liters of gasoline.

According to Shin Bet, Israels domestic security, the arrest was motivated by suspicion that he was participating in an attempt to blow up Ayalon Highway, a major arterial road. He was held in jail for three weeks but not charged after he refused speak.

Like all religious fanatics, Smotrich has walked his talk. He has a plan and he is determined to realize it. It isnt a new plan. It is more than half a decade old.

Once scorned as religious humbug, it is now becoming still another new fact on the ground.

Smotrichs Decisive Plan for Gaza

In 2017, Smotrich, then still a young Knesset member, presented his Decisive Plan in closed religious Zionist circles. It represented an endgame of sorts for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The plan portrayed the conflict as devoid of any reconciliation. It rejected partition. It shunned any idea of a Palestinian state, any idea of Palestinian presence. Smotrich envisioned a singular state from the sea to the river, for one nation only: the Jewish people. True to his beliefs, he built on biblical allegories, which to him were no allegories at all:

When Joshua entered the land, he sent three letters to its inhabitants: Those who want to accept [our rule] will accept; those who want to leave, will leave; those who want to fight, will fight. When they have no hope and no outlook, they will leave, just as they left in 1948.

Since October 7, Smotrich has championed what he describes as a humane solution for Gazan non-combatants: a voluntary population transfer.

The two-state model was a dead end. Smotrichs solution was simpler: Eliminate the adversary, resolve the dilemma.

Leave!

A month after October 7, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken presented his outline of what America would not accept as the day after in Gaza:

No forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. No use of Gaza as a platform for launching terrorism or other attacks against Israel. No diminution of the territory in Gaza and a commitment to Palestinian land governance for Gaza and the West Bank and in a unified way.



Greater Israel, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3, 2024.

In light of the on-the-ground realities, Blinken was living in a parallel universe. Most Gazans had already been displaced, the attacks continued, the infrastructure had been leveled and the path was paved for mass starvation.

To the Messianic far-right in Israel, the White House is a convenient asset in Gods plan for Israel; not more, not less. In their view, America is not just rich and powerful, but soft and manipulable.

So, while the Netanyahu cabinets official emissaries paid tribute to their American sponsors by regularly bowing to liturgical phrases, such as a two-state solution and no displacement, they were tenaciously building the institutional framework for a singular Jewish state and for displacing more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

In Smotrichs view, Arabs owned no land. Jews were the landlords. Palestinians were just short-term tenants. Jews stayed; Palestinians were visiting. In a while, the world will forget all about the West Bank and Gaza, even the terms themselves. Those lands will be Judaized and known by their Hebrew terms as Judea and Samaria, and Azza.

So, when Netanyahu entrusted Smotrich with the administration of the occupied West Bank, he did it deliberately and purposely. It was a signal to Palestinian Arabs: Leave!
Spain will probe "human rights violations in Gaza" to assist the International Criminal Court, which has sought arrest warrants for Israeli officials over alleged war crimes, the attorney general said Thursday.

Spain's top prosecutor, Alvaro Garcia Ortiz, has "issued a decree to create a working team tasked with investigating violations of international human rights law in Gaza", the attorney general's office said in a statement.

The investigative team's mission will be to "gather evidence and make it available to the competent body, thereby fulfilling Spain's obligations regarding international cooperation and human rights", it said.

"Faced with the current situation in the Palestinian territories, all evidence, direct or indirect, that can be gathered in our country" on "crimes committed" in Gaza "must be included" for potential use in the ICC case, it added.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Spain has also joined a case before another world court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

Both Hague-based courts have faced fierce criticism from Israel and its allies over the cases.

In February, the United States slapped sanctions on the ICC, saying it had "abused its power" with the Netanyahu arrest warrant.

Israel has challenged the 125-member state ICC's jurisdiction in the case.
On Monday, September 15, former US official James Rubin told the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague that former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci was a public face to present to the West and was not in charge of the armed group that took part in the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo. Rubin was the first defence witness in the trial of Thaci and three other former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

All the accused were present in the courtroom and gazed up towards the public gallery as the curtain rose on this new phase of the trial. They smiled and nodded at their family members and friends, some of them Kosovo politicians, who flew from Pristina to attend the hearings. Around 60 people filled the gallery, among them the Kosovo and Albania ambassadors. A few dozen Kosovar journalists gathered outside the Court gate in the blowing Dutch morning wind to stream the first live updates to their national media, before stepping inside.

Thaci is tried as a high-ranking figure of the KLA during the Kosovo war to gain independence from Serbia. The other three accused were also former high-level KLA members who later became key figures in Kosovo politics, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. They have been in custody since November 2020. The four accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case opened in April 2023 and has so far seen 127 witnesses testifying live in court, many of them behind closed doors, and another 137 witnesses' statements admitted in writing. The prosecution case closed in April 2025. 155 victims are currently taking part in the case, and 2 expert witnesses testified in the victims case in July, on top of the 125 who had come for the prosecution.

On the Sunday before the start of the defence hearings, hundreds of ethnic Albanians from Kosovo and several European countries organised a demonstration in The Hague. They waved KLA (or UCK, from the Albanian Ushtria Clirimtare e Kosoves) flags, framing the black Albanian eagle on the red background, to protest against the court and what they perceive as an unfair trial.

The young Rubin meets the young Thaci

According to the prosecution, the KLA had a well-structured chain of command, and the accused bear individual and command responsibility for crimes against humanity and war crimes. These include illegal detention, torture, and the murders of more than 100 people from at least March 1998 through September 1999 in multiple locations across Kosovo and in northern Albania. The alleged crimes are in the context of a war where the ethnic Albanian Kosovar of the KLA fought Serbian and former Yugoslav forces, holding power in Kosovo at the time. Serbian forces were eventually forced out of Kosovo by a 78-day NATO air campaign from March to June 1999.

The events recalled by Thacis lawyer Luka Misetic centre around two main events that framed the NATO bombing. From 1997 to 2000, James Rubin was the assistant secretary of state for public affairs and chief spokesman for the US State Department. He was considered Secretary Madeleine Albright's right-hand man during the Clinton administration. As such, he attended with her the peace talks between Albanian Kosovars and Serbs in Rambouillet, France, in February 1999 and later was a special negotiator at talks to demobilise the KLA in June that year.

James Rubin in 2023. Photo: Michal Cizek / AFP

It was in France, Rubin recalled, that he first heard about and met Thaci. Just 30 at the time, Thaci had been chosen as the chairperson of the Kosovo Albanian delegation. We were unaware of the KLA in general. It was very small and in our minds, not a well-understood or very significant force, said Rubin to the three-judge panel presided by Charles Smith. Albright tasked Rubin with getting to know Thaci, since he would be instrumental in signing the peace agreement, and so they spent a lot of time together, the witness said.

Helping the peace process

The talks initially broke off in February 1999, as NATO leaders were not ready to include the demands for independence that were key to some of the KLA leaders. During the hearing, part of Rubins statement to the defence was read, where the former US official stated that at some point during the conference, Mr. Thaci shared with me his worries that he did not have full authority to sign on behalf of the KLA without approval. This is when I started to realise that he was more of a public face for the KLA to present to the West and that he was not in charge. Frankly, we were not sure who Thaci needed to get approval from. Some thought it was Adem Demaci [imprisoned for 28 years in former Yugoslavia for his passionate advocacy of Kosovo Albanian rights, later becoming a symbol of the national independence struggle; he died in 2018]. All we knew was that it was the military that had to make the decision. When Thacis lawyer Misetic put this statement to Rubin, the witness replied that it was clear to him that Thaci could not dictate anything, but rather he could reflect decisions made by that amorphous thing called the Kosovo Albanian leadership.

After a few weeks, the talks resumed. Rubin recalled that the majority of the KLA decided to side with NATO, and the extremists were sidelined. Krasniqis lawyer, Venkateswari Alagendra, turned the attention on her client later in the hearings. Having the opportunity to engage with Mr. Thaci and the Kosovo delegation, do you agree with me that you saw nothing in the body language, conversations or interactions that suggested Krasniqi, the spokesperson, was anything other than a supporting voice of moderation who was trying to help Mr. Thaci and those in Rambouillet with the help of the US to end the conflict? Rubin replied: That seems like a fair assessment to me.

Looking up to America

The Kosovo Albanians finally signed the Rambouillet agreement on March 18, 1999, but the refusal to sign from the Yugoslav and Serbs meant the beginning of the NATO air bombing of the Serbian part of former Yugoslavia. Only on June 10 an agreement was reached for the withdrawal of the Yugoslav and Serb armies from Kosovo. The new NATO-led international peacekeeping force, KFOR, arrived in Kosovo under the command of British General Mike Jackson. He wanted the KLA to give up their arms, and Rubin was sent to join the negotiation for demilitarisation. For three days, he recalled meeting Thaci and the actual KLA commanders in their mountain hideaway location. They were older men in their 50s or above. Hashim was a young man, like me in that picture [shown by the defence, Thaci and Rubin sit on a brown couch], looking awfully young. And so it was clear to me that he was not in charge. He didn't have the knowledge, the capabilities, or the authority to make decisions in any way, shape, or form. [...]They told him what to do. He didn't tell them what to do.

Albanian negotiators from Kosovo - including Hashim Thaci (second from right) - sign a draft peace agreement in Paris on March 18, 1999. Photo: Jack Guez / AFP

In exchange for signing the demilitarisation, Rubin offered Thaci a call with US President Clinton. The young Kosovar went on to become the first Prime Minister of the country, after it gained independence from Serbia in 2008, a move recognised by the US and many other Western nations, but not by Belgrade. Thaci always enjoyed support from the US administrations, regardless of their political colours. What was your understanding of the value that Mr. Thaci has placed on his relationship with the United States? asked Misetic. From the moment I met him till the last time I met him [in 2020], I felt that America for him was a symbol and a substantive reflection of what he considered powerful, good leadership, said Rubin, joining his hands and smiling. He wanted the support of the US, that was, to my mind, his highest priority beyond his own respect and interest in protecting his own people.

The side of the angels

Rubin said that over those years, they repeatedly received claims that the KLA was committing executions and other crimes. We had lawyers, we had intelligence officials, we had experts on international crime and legal advisors' office, the war crimes unit, all looking at whether there was substance to those claims. Rubin said that they did not find evidence that these crimes were being ordered by the leaders of the KLA, and he concluded that the claims were largely false and designed to undermine our support for the people we were proud to have helped prevent from being slaughtered.

Replying to Veselis lawyer, Rodney Dixon, Rubin added: After Bosnia, where we felt we stopped a war, we were proud of that and we saw a new situation arriving with Kosovo. And again, we wanted to be sure we were, as we put it in government, on the side of the angels. That's what we would say to each other, that we were for the victims. And they wouldn't be victims if they were committing war crimes

The witness said that during 1998 and 1999, each morning he would read all relevant media reports, as well as intelligence reports and diplomatic cables from our embassies and missions. Rubin said they would have gone to extraordinary length to make sure they were not on the side of someone committing such crimes and that it would have been a real blow to us if there were some real substance to those charges. They were the victims not only of decades of oppression, but now were being slaughtered in large numbers by Serbian paramilitary and military forces.

Before and beyond angels

There was an immediate change in atmosphere when the Prosecution started his cross-examination on Monday afternoon. Rubins long answers were cut short by prosecution lawyer James Pace, who asked him to say yes or no whenever he could. Pace first challenged the fact that Rubin did not know Thaci before Rambouillet, presenting news items and other US officials reports mentioning the accused, that Rubin said he was not aware of. One of them was a BBC report dated August 1998 and titled Kosovo Liberation Army Names Political Representatives. Two of them were the men now sitting on the other side of the courtroom. So this would not have been one of the media reports you were reviewing in relation to Kosovo at the time? asked Pace. If it was and I might have read it, I don't remember it 27 years later, said Rubin.

The following day, the prosecutor turned to the allegations of crimes committed by the KLA. He asked whether their desire to be on the side of the angels also applied to the period from 1996. From 1996 to 1998, Rubin said that another US official was in charge, meeting with KLA leaders at a time when we described them conducting terrorist activities. That was until we understood the situation better. Rubin said that after the KLA agreed to the Rambouillet Agreements, we regarded them as being on the side of the angels.

Pace played a video interview with Rubin dating back to July 1999. In the video Rubin talks about allegations that Albanian forces were involved in assassinations and the KLA received drug money and criminal money. In the video, Rubin says: We look into them, we can't prove them. If it were true, it would be deeply troubling.

But would it prevent a relationship with Thaci now?, the journalist asked.

I think they are a force to be reckoned with on the ground, and if we want to create peace in Kosovo over the long term, we're gonna have to deal with Mr. Thaci.

We have to take them once and all?

I think that's a fair summary, yes.

Pace asked Rubin if he recalls saying that. First I recall how young I look, replied the witness with a laugh. That sounds like me, he added.

A completely absurd theory

Rubin was then confronted with several news reports from 1998 and 1999. A New York Times piece had covered the kidnapping of more than 200 Serbs, most of whom were thought to be killed. If it was in the New York Times, it's most likely that I would have read it. I don't know that I would have regarded it as definitively accurate, said Rubin. Another report by CNN had told the story of 15 prisoners held by the KLA found by KFOR German troops on 19 June 1999, while Rubin was in the region for the disarmament negotiation. The witness rocked back and forth, his mouth clenched. Do you recall whether this report would have been brought to your attention? asked Pace. Very likely, and I would have liked the KFOR people here to urge no reprisals by ethnic Albanians against the Serb population for the mass attacks and suffering the Albanians have undergone during the Serb occupation.

After the war, Rubin continued his political and diplomatic career, and between 2018 and 2020, he worked for the lobby firm Ballard Partners, which had a contract with the office of the president of Kosovo. The contract involved trying to reach a permanent peace agreement with Serbia. In that role, Rubin testified that he met or contacted various U.S. government employees in relation to Kosovo. It was also in that context that he last saw Thaci in 2020. In June that year, Thaci was heading to Washington to reach a deal with Serbia in a meeting hosted by US president Donald Trump. But it was then that the KSC prosecutor at the time Jack Smith announced the indictment against Thaci and Veseli. Thaci flew back home, and the meeting was cancelled.

That troubles me, said Rubin. The fact that the defendant has been in prison for five years after voluntarily offering himself up to the court at a time when he was about to make a peace agreement with the Serb leader troubled me, that politics would enter into the rule of law.

Pace asked whether Rubin had read the indictment, the prosecution's pre-trial brief, or watched any witness testimony, to which Rubin replied with a succession of no. In this July 2025 televised appearance [shown by the prosecution], you stated Mr. Thaci was prosecuted under a completely absurd theory that he controlled everything, which is obviously not true. That's what you said, right? asked Pace. The judges sat straight up, listening attentively. Sounds right. It's what I believe, replied Rubin.

Nearing the end of the trial?

After Rubin, the Thaci defence will present 10 more witnesses in court and will seek to admit one written testimony. The Krasniqi team will then have one witness in person and three in writing, if the judges allow it. Defence lawyers for Veseli and Selimi have instead announced in July that they do not intend to present any evidence. An estimated closing date for the defence case was set for November 14. The parties will then have a month to file their final brief and three more weeks to make closing statements. Then it will be up to the judges to come with their deliberations, for which they have around 90 days.

The KSC were set up ten years ago by the Kosovo parliament under pressure from the country's Western allies to handle ex-KLA fighters. The Chambers are formally part of the Kosovo judicial system but are located in the Netherlands and are fully staffed by internationals over worries of witness protection in the small Balkan country.
The Holy See is not ready to declare Israel's campaign in Gaza genocide, Pope Leo XIV said in an interview given in July but published Thursday.

"The word genocide is being thrown around more and more," the pope said in an interview with US journalist Elise Ann Allen for the book "Pope Leo XIV: Global Citizen, Missionary of the 21st Century".

"Officially, the Holy See does not believe that we can make any declaration at this time about that.

"There's a very technical definition about what genocide might be, but more and more people are raising the issue."

UN investigators on Tuesday accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza in a bid to "destroy the Palestinians", accusing Israel's prime minister and other top officials of incitement.

It marks the first time a UN-mandated investigative body has concluded the country is committing genocide.

In the July interview, US-born Leo said it was frustrating that even the United States is struggling to pressure Israel into easing suffering in Gaza, where the UN says Palestinians face starvation.

"Even with some very clear statements being made by the United States government, recently by President Trump, there has not been a clear response in terms of finding effective ways to alleviate the suffering of the people, the innocent people in Gaza, and that is obviously of great concern," he said.

The pontiff said it was "so horrible to see the images that we see on television", adding "hopefully we won't grow numb".

"We can't ignore this. Somehow, we have to continue to push, to try and make a change there", he added.

Diverging from the Vatican's official line, Leo's predecessor Pope Francis had questioned whether Israel's heavy handed military response amounted to genocide in Gaza.

The war erupted in Gaza following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack inside Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has displaced virtually the entire Gaza population and has killed more than 65,000 people, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the UN considers reliable.

On Wednesday, Leo expressed solidarity with the population of Gaza, saying that civilians had been "once again" forced from their land and were living in "unacceptable conditions".
Bangladesh's student protest leader Nahid Islam appeared on Thursday as the final prosecution witness in the crimes against humanity trial of fugitive ex-premier Sheikh Hasina.

Hasina, 77, has defied court orders to return from India, where she fled last year, to face charges of ordering a deadly crackdown in a failed attempt to crush a student-led uprising.

Up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August 2024, according to the United Nations.

Prosecutors have filed five charges against Hasina, including failure to prevent mass murder, which amount to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law.

"Sheikh Hasina is responsible for all the atrocities," Nahid, 27, told the court.

He said Hasina relied on the armed forces' intelligence wing, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), and police units to suppress the protest.

Nahid recounted how DGFI officers urged him on July 17, 2024, to call off the protests.

"We turned down the request," he said. "The next day became the deadliest of the entire movement."

He described being arrested along with other key leaders, blindfolded, and handcuffed.

He said interrogators threatened him: "If we wanted the other coordinators back alive... we had to withdraw from the movement."

Hasina is being tried in absentia alongside two former senior officials.

Her ex-interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is also a fugitive, while former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun is in custody and has pleaded guilty.

They face a possible death sentence if convicted.

All three were members of the now-banned Awami League, Hasina's party, which says they "categorically deny the charges".

Hasina has a state-appointed lawyer but refuses to recognise the court's authority.

The trial now moves into its final stages, with the interim government aiming to steer the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million towards elections in February.
Actor Park Jung-min offered candid insights into his role in the movie 'Face,' highlighting his strong sense of identification with his character, who, as was his own father, is visually impaired.

Speaking to News1 at a coffee shop in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Park pondered how preparing to play Im Young-gyu made him reflect more seriously on his father.

"When I was offered the role and filmed the movie, I always did it without thinking much about it and didn't think about my father or anything, but I think I thought about it a little bit while preparing," Park said.

In 'Face,' released on September 11 and helmed by Yeon Sang-ho, Park doubled as Im Young-gyu, a blind man earning a living selling traditional stamps, and his son Im Dong-hwan, who searches for a long-hidden family secret after his mother's death.

READ MORE: Park Jung-min's Relentless Schedule as 'Woo Won-bak' Character Sparks Buzz: 'Does He Even Sleep?'

Touching on some of the moments from his own life that shaped his performance, Park candidly discussed the understated ways in which he relates to his father.

"Of course, my mother is next to my father, but when my father is next to me, I also offer my elbow or talk about something.

So, since I'm used to those things while playing the role of a son, I ad-lib or when I do something next to my father, there are times when I show myself too much," he elucidated.

Park explained that the part provided him with an instant of self-discovery, particularly as a non-disabled actor acting out a character who is blind.

While preparing for the role of a father, I realized that I definitely couldn't fully understand my father, but since I'm a person who can see, I thought about that.

I prepared hard, but it felt strange that I couldn't show my father this side of me without making him feel ashamed," he explained.

"I'm past the sad stage, but acting gave me an opportunity to think about my father's life."

'Face' explores the bond between a father and son, revealing emotional and historical layers as the son uncovers the truth about his family. The film is currently playing in theaters.

READ MORE: BLACKPINK's Jisoo Co-Star Park Jung Min Faces 6 Major Accusations of Sexism Ahead of 'Newtopia'






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has successfully opposed a bid by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is serving a 12-year prison term, to review his sentence.

Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna, in a ruling delivered on 16th September 2025, rejected an application filed on 28th August 2025, in which the former County boss sought to overturn his sentence on corruption-related charges.

In February 2025, Waititu was convicted and ordered to either pay a fine of Sh53.5 million or serve 12 years in prison.

In its ruling, the court found that he failed to uphold the principles of good governance and safeguard public funds after irregularly receiving Sh 25 million from Testimony Enterprises following the award of a flawed tender.

Justice Njuguna ruled that the sentencing will stand pending the hearing and determination of Waititus appeal.

She further directed that the appeal be concluded within 120 days, warning that any delays on the part of the former Governor could lead to the case being struck out.

Meanwhile, Waititu will continue serving his term at Kamiti Maximum Prison, after failing to meet strict bond terms that required him to deposit a Sh 53 million bank guarantee.

The matter will be mentioned in court on 1st October 2025.






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Kisumu-based pastor, Okinyi Wycliff, has been arrested after shocking allegations that he forced himself on the daughter of his longtime friend and fellow pastor, George Anyul.

According to reports, the disturbing incident allegedly happened during a private visit to Anyuls home, where Wycliff is said to have cornered the 23-year-old woman.





The shaken victim reportedly alerted her father, who wasted no time confronting his friend over the alleged assault.

Police later raided Wycliffs residence and arrested him following the explosive accusations.





He was taken into custody as investigations into the matter continue.





However, Pastor Wycliff has denied the claims, insisting he is innocent and accusing Anyul of fabricating the story to tarnish his reputation and bring him down.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Fresh details have emerged about Abbas Bardu Omuyoma, alias Ishmael, the suspected gold scammer arrested in Nairobi for conning a Canadian investor out of USD 280,000 (Ksh 36 million).

According to sources close to the investigation, Ishmael lived a flamboyant lifestyle funded by proceeds of fraud.

At one point, he allegedly blew a staggering Ksh 300,000 in a single night on alcohol during a ladys birthday party at the upscale Milan Lounge in Westlands.

Ishmael often flaunted his supposed wealth, rolling into high-end clubs with expensive vehicles and a large entourage, giving the impression of a legitimate businessman.

But behind the flashy lifestyle was a carefully orchestrated gold scam, where he duped a foreign investor with promises of 550 kg of gold bars and nuggets from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a deal that never materialized.

Ishmael remains in custody as detectives hunt down his accomplice, who is still on the run.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - A viral video of a bold Kenyan slay queen dancing solo at a Nairobi nightclub has set social media abuzz.

Dressed to turn heads, the petite beauty swayed confidently to a popular rhumba tune, effortlessly commanding the dance floor.

While she appeared to be enjoying a solo night out, online sleuths were quick to speculate that her moves were aimed at attracting wababaz - a slang term for wealthy older men known to frequent rhumba spots.

Watch the video.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended police officers who request fuel from members of the public, insisting the practice should not be mistaken for corruption.

Speaking at the Jukwaa La Usalama forum in Homa Bay on Tuesday, Murkomen explained that the Government currently allocates 450 litres of fuel per police vehicle each month, an amount he says is insufficient for operational needs.

The reason police officers are asking for fuel is because it is the truth.

I will not sugar-coat it, Murkomen stated, adding that in urban areas, the allocation is often depleted by the 18th of every month due to frequent deployments.

To address the shortfall, Murkomen revealed that the Government is reviewing the fuel policy, with proposals to increase the monthly allocation to 650 litres per vehicle.

He also issued a stern warning to chiefs handling defilement cases in informal kangaroo courts, calling the practice illegal and harmful.

Murkomen vowed that any chief found shielding perpetrators or involved in such cases will be dismissed and prosecuted.

GBV and defilement cases must be investigated and prosecuted. They cannot be resolved outside the law, he said.

Murkomen urged citizens to support law enforcement efforts, especially in protecting children and eliminating defilement from communities.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Jubilee Party Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, has launched a scathing attack against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of misleading the public and undermining principled opposition politics.

Speaking on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, Kioni defended Jubilees position in opposition, insisting that it is rooted in ideology, not opportunism.

People should stop double-guessing us. We are in opposition because we are ideological, not hungry, Kioni said, dismissing claims that Jubilee is aligned with the Government.

He criticized Gachaguas presence in opposition, arguing that it was forced by impeachment, unlike Jubilee leaders who joined voluntarily.

Kioni also recalled being mocked by Gachagua in the past, saying, He called me a madman.

Now I see him saying the things I used to say, only louder.

Kioni further rejected allegations of working with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) or President Ruto, calling such claims baseless.

You see, when Gachagua was in the US, he was saying, Im working with NIS; Im working with Ruto.

The other day, Ndegwa Njiru was saying Matiangi is in NIS. They dont understand him, Kioni added.

He emphasized that Jubilees stance has always been consistent and principled.

Meanwhile, Gachagua has accused President Ruto of attempting to fracture the opposition, deepening tensions within the political bloc.

Kioni urged fellow opposition leaders to seek clarity and stop casting doubt on Jubilees commitment.

The opposition should ask us why we were wearing sufurias, he quipped, underscoring the need for unity and ideological focus.

The remarks highlight growing rifts within Kenyas opposition, as parties jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - A staff member at Mediamax Limited, the Kenyatta family-owned media company, is fighting for his life after a tragic suicide attempt.

The employee, identified as Rufus Mbuthia, reportedly left behind a chilling suicide note in which he blamed Mediamax CEO Ken Ngaruiya for his woes.

In the note, Mbuthia accused Ngaruiya of frustrating him and pushing him into depression, claiming that the work environment had become unbearable.

He was rushed to Avenue Hospital in Nairobi, where he is currently admitted in critical condition.

Medical sources say doctors are doing everything possible to stabilize him.

Insiders reveal that Mediamax staff have gone for months without pay, with the situation driving some into depression and financial despair.

The company recently retrenched over 90% of its workforce, citing dwindling revenues and digital disruption, leaving the few remaining employees struggling to cope.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, has emerged as the leading contender in the race for Nairobi Governor ahead of the 2027 elections, according to a new survey by ISS Africa.

The poll, conducted across all 17 constituencies in Nairobi, shows Owino commanding 28.1% support, outpacing incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja, who trails at 16.4%.

The survey, which interviewed 1,063 voters using a multi-stage random sampling method, suggests a generational shift in Nairobis political landscape.

Owinos popularity is strongest among Gen-Z voters aged 1824, with 62% indicating they would vote for him.

He also enjoys significant backing from Eastlands residents, particularly those aged 2532.

Former KEMSA chair Irungu Nyakera is also gaining traction, polling at 19.2%, slightly ahead of Sakaja.

Embakasi North MP, James Gakuya, garnered 11.2%, mostly from his home constituency.

Owino, who recently aligned with a youthful political outfit dubbed Kenya Moja, has declared his intention to run for Governor, with or without endorsement from his party, ODM.

Meanwhile, Sakaja faces mounting political pressure following a failed impeachment attempt by Nairobi MCAs over alleged unfulfilled promises.

He defended his record, citing delays in bursary allocations due to a county-wide ban.

Despite the setback, Sakaja claims his administration has disbursed Ksh1.6 billion in bursaries over three years, compared to Ksh3 billion under previous regimes.

The report underscores shifting voter dynamics and rising youth influence in Nairobis evolving political scene.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Kirinyaga Woman Representative, Njeri Maina, has sparked heated reactions after sacking one of her male staff members, accusing him of stealing sanitary pads meant for needy schoolgirls.

The staffer, Muriithi Cymunje HSC, who recently got married and is a new father, was dismissed over allegations of taking three packets of Kotex pads worth KSh 75 each, claims that many say lack evidence.

Critics argue the dismissal is both humiliating and suspicious, with some wondering what a grown man would do with sanitary pads.

Others accuse the youthful legislator of ruling with an iron fist and abandoning the values of servant leadership.

The incident has reignited debate on whether young leaders elected in 2022 have lived up to their promises, or become an even bigger disappointment than their predecessors.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Jubilee Party Nominated MP, Sabina Chege, has weighed in on the eligibility of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to contest the presidency in 2027, despite his impeachment.

Speaking on TV 47 on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, Chege argued that Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), may still qualify to run.

I think, unless all avenues of appeal have been exhausted, Rigathi Gachagua may have a chance to vie in 2027.

We have cases of impeached people who were cleared at the last minute.

If someone is impeached, they cannot vie for the position, but the question is, have they exhausted the avenues available to them? Chege posed.

Weve seen cases of impeached leaders like Mike Sonko who were allowed to vie after last-minute clearances, she said.

She also referenced Sirisia MP, John Waluke, who was permitted to contest despite a corruption conviction, as he had not been sentenced or imprisoned at the time of registration.

Chege emphasized the need to fast-track integrity-related cases to avoid last-minute confusion, urging electoral bodies to ensure clarity ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sounded the alarm over organized cartels allegedly trafficking children into forced street vending within the citys Central Business District (CBD).

Speaking during a radio interview on September 17th, 2025, Sakaja revealed disturbing details about criminal syndicates exploiting minors, including a case involving a 13-year-old Burundian boy who was assaulted while selling groundnuts.

Sakaja said the boy was part of a network that demanded monthly payments of Ksh 2,000 from trafficked children, with handlers based in Kawangware controlling their movements and earnings.

I took him in to care for him, but he couldnt return to school - he didnt understand English, Sakaja explained.

Adding: "I'm also trying to get the street families a better life.

I'm collaborating with the Kenya National Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs because some families and children are not even Kenyan.

The Governor emphasized that the issue goes beyond local street families and requires coordination with national and foreign agencies.

This is not just about removing street families. Its a security and diplomatic issue, he said.

Sakajas revelations come amid his broader crackdown on informal vending in the CBD.

He linked the uncontrolled mushrooming of tent structures to deeper issues of urban disorder and exploitation.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - A curvaceous Kenyan single mother has set tongues wagging after a viral video emerged showing her publicly addressing her estranged baby daddy, who abandoned her with two children.

In the clip, the confident lady declares that she has forgiven the man despite the struggles she is enduring raising the kids alone.

Tumekusamehe, she captioned the video, hinting that she had found strength in moving on with her life.

However, it wasnt just her words that caught attention.

Her voluptuous figure had men online drooling, with many flooding the comments section, openly admiring her assets rather than focusing on her emotional message.

Check out her Tiktok videos.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Lilian Nganga, former Machakos First Lady and wife to rapper Juliani, has sparked a lively debate online after urging women to reconsider their love affair with wigs.

In a bold Instagram story posted on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, the mother of one called out what she sees as a mismatch between polished makeup and poorly styled wigs.

We need to honestly ease up on wearing wigs.

Great make-up and outfits are spoiled by that not-so-well-done wig.

Abandon, please. Its too much, she wrote.

Her comments have reignited conversations around beauty standards and authenticity, especially among public figures.

Her views echo a similar comment from 2023, when UDA-nominated Senator Karen Nyamu revealed that she stopped wearing wigs to please an ex who disliked them, a decision she now laughs off.

This is a few years back kabla nikutane na ka mtu kakaniambia vile kanachukia wigs nikazitupa mbali hahaha, Nyamu shared.

Lilians unapologetic stance has resonated with many, encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty and rethink the pressure to conform.





The Kenyan DAILY POST
ATHY District Court offered a rare warm round of applause for one of the towns legal stalwarts when Frank Taaffe made a welcome return to the fray after months of absence due to his cancer battle.

I see a stranger here before me! smiled Judge Desmond Zaidan at the 83-year-old practitioner, who even had a Reserved sign taped to his usual spot in case any of the whippersnappers had the temerity to take it.

Did you see the note we left for you? You look so much better, said the judge.

Mr Taaffe was in court ostensibly to argue a drink-driving offence that James Kirrane (26) from Milltown, Tuam, Co Galway had allegedly committed on 30 April at Tomard, Athy, and he even arrived in court with a hefty legal tome on the very subject.

However, with the way the list had gone, and the number of custody priorities to be heard, the judge reluctantly had to adjourn Mr Taaffes potentially triumphant return as there was not enough time to hear a fully contested case before the close of business.

People thought Id died three months ago, said Mr Taaffe. The radiotherapy didnt work, I was too old for chemo, so the doctors recommended immunotherapy, which made me very sick.

At one stage, the doctor gave me three weeks, and at 83 I accepted that, he recalled.

But I just got better, and now Im damned if Im going to give up, he said, quite ebulliently.

Youre a sight for sore eyes, said the DPP for South Kildare, Cairbre Finan.

Its an honour to have you back, said the judge, as those left in the courthouse broke out in a spontaneous round of applause.

Judge Zaidan then asked his registrar when would be an appropriate date to successfully hear a case of this length, and after consulting her diary she suggested 14 April.

And if Im not alive by then, you can dismiss the case! offered the incorrigible octogenarian.
Tom Tuite

A father of one accused of wielding a sharpened metal handle "lunged" at TikTok security guards after threatening to slice a woman in a robbery in central Dublin has been denied bail.

Niall Keyes, 27, with an address at Capel Street, Dublin 1, appeared before Judge Valerie Corcoran at Dublin District Court on Thursday.

Garda Michael Moore said Mr Keyes made no reply when charged with robbery, burglary, knife possession, criminal damage and possessing stolen property.

He alleged that shortly after 4.20 pm on Tuesday, gardai took a report of an incident at the junction of Pearse Street and Erne Street.

A male, allegedly Mr Keyes, who had already been injured, attempted to take her bicycle before a passer-by intervened.

It was claimed that the accused produced an implement, described as a knife, and told them, "Let go, I will slice your face".

The contested bail hearing was told that the victim and the passer-by feared for their safety. The suspect fled with the bicycle, but his hat fell and was recovered by gardai and will be tested forensically.

The court heard CCTV evidence was recovered, and the suspect did not attempt to conceal his identity as he made his way to

It was alleged that the accused made his way to the TikTok building in Dublin 2, and within minutes, gardai received another alert of an incident there.

It was reported to gardai that a man entered the building car park of the TikTok building and produced a knife at a security officer.

A second security man came to the aid of his colleague, and the weapon was also produced at him.

It was claimed that the man chased them and was kept at bay when they used a small broom as a barrier when he lunged at them.

The suspect grabbed the broom and broke it off a neighbouring building.

Blood drops were spotted in the vicinity, and a bloodstained comb with a sharp metal handle was located.

A photo of the comb was handed in, and it was the gardas view that it was the implement that was used.

He was located an hour later and the gardai maintained he was wearing the same clothing seen in the CCTV evidence.

Defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens pleaded for bail terms to be set and stressed her client's presumption of innocence. She told the court Mr Keyes had been homeless until he secured accommodation, which he was anxious to keep.

The was also likely to proceed on indictment to the Circuit Court.

Jude Corcoran refused the bail application and remanded the accused in custody to appear again next week. She also directed that he get medical attention in prison at the request of the defence. Legal aid was granted.
Sean McCarthaigh

A new type of netting used at Mountjoy Prison has been 100 per cent successful in stopping drones from dropping contraband into the prison yard, an inquest has heard.

Assistant governor of Cloverhill Prison, Mark Delaney, told a sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court that the success of the pilot project at Mountjoy meant such netting was now being rolled out across the prison network.

Mr Delaney made his comments in response to questions from coroner, Aisling Gannon, over how three vulnerable individuals had managed to have a large volume of different drugs as well as hooch (homemade alcohol) in their cell in Cloverhill Prison in a case involving a death in custody.

One of the prisoners, Gary Donoghue, told the hearing about his experience in Cloverhill where drugs just fall out of the sky every day.

The inquest heard another prisoner, Alan Minto, who had surrendered his bail in the hope of getting drug treatment in prison, died from a multi-drug overdose while awaiting trial.

Photo: Rip.ie

Mr Minto (34), a father of two from Grangeview Road, Clondalkin, Dublin was found in an unresponsive state by prison staff after the alarm was raised by his two cellmates on August 12th, 2021.

The inquest heard the three prisoners had consumed drugs including heroin and hooch in their cell after they were locked in at 7pm the previous evening.

The deceased was a remand prisoner since May 2021 and was due to go on trial for drug-related offences on August 24th, 2021.

The deceaseds father, Alan Minto senior, told the hearing that his son had been in Cloverhill as he had surrendered his bail in the hope of getting drug counselling in the prison.

Asked about the response of the response of the Irish Prison Service to recommendations made by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) following an investigation into Mr Mintos death, Mr Delaney said the new type of mesh net would be fully installed across six open areas in Cloverhill by the end of 2026.

He said the IPS also worked with gardai to prevent contraband being thrown into the prison and noted there had been over 30 related arrests in a recent 13-month period compared to six during the year that Mr Minto died.

The inquest heard information leaflets are also placed in cells to inform inmates about new drugs being found in prisons.

The assistant governor said a review of CCTV footage in Cloverhill going back 72 hours before Mr Mintos death had not been able to establish how the deceased or his two other cellmates had obtained drugs within the prison.

However, Mr Delaney said the drugs would have been acquired via the prison yard but there was no recording of any handovers.

He said all cells were checked every morning but there was no legislation to allow invasive searches of prisoners.

The inquest heard Mr Mintos cell has last been searched as part of regular random searches on July 25th, 2021  18 days before his death.

He accepted that the hooch was either made within the cell or brought into it over 72 hours before Mr Minto died.

Mr Delaney observed that drugs were prevalent in society and that what existed in the community was often reflected and amplified in prison.

IPS national operational nurse manager, Enda Kelly, told the inquest that the use of technology to monitor the vital signs of prisoners suspected of having consumed drugs was under consideration.

Mr Kelly said the use of a prolonged-release injection as an alternative treatment for opioid addiction was also being examined.

State pathologist, SallyAnne Collis, gave evidence that Mr Minto had died as a result of multi-drug intoxication including cocaine, benzodiazepines, heroin and alcohol.

Giving evidence via videolink from prison, Mr Donoghue said his cellmate was placed on a bottom bunk bed in a recovery position around 3:30am over concern he might fall out of his upper bunk bed.

The witness said he slept on the floor so that he could keep an eye on Mr Minto after he had got sick.

Mr Donoghue said their other cellmate, Anthony Purcell, alerted him around 7am that Mr Minto was unresponsive.

He recalled brown stuff was coming out of Mr Mintos mouth as they tried CPR on him for a number of minutes before they screamed for help from prison staff.

Mr Donoghue estimated that it had taken 10-15 minutes for prison staff to arrive which felt like a lifetime.

However, the inquest heard CCTV footage showed it took three minutes before a prison officer checked the cell in response to the alarm and another three minutes before the cell door was opened.

A prison officer who had carried out regular checks on the cell during the night, Cathal Daly, said he had no concerns about any of the occupants at any time.

Two prison nurses, Miriam Dunne and Jennifer Bolster, gave evidence of providing appropriate care and treatment to Mr Minto after being called to his cell.

In reply to questions from solicitor for Mr Mintos family, James MacGuill, Ms Dunne agreed drugs have been a problem in Cloverhill for many years, while Ms Bolster said she was not surprised that Mr Minto had access to drugs in the prison.

A jury of five men and four women recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

They also adopted a submission made by Mr MacGuill that the State should provide all the necessary resources to implement recommendations made by the OIP.

The jury also recommended that defibrillators should be made more widely available across every floor in all prisons.
Kenneth Fox

Pathologists trying to determine how Daniel Aruebose died have little to go on because the remains discovered are only partial.

Garda HQ said on Wednesday that skeletal remains of a child were discovered at a site in north Dublin that morning, close to the location where gardai had been told Daniels body had been buried.

The Irish Examiner reports that, while still awaiting formal DNA confirmation, Garda HQ said they believe the remains are those of Daniel.

The boy, who would be aged seven now, went missing when he was around three years old, back in 2021.

Gardai released a photograph of him when he was aged two and a half.

There have been confusing and conflicting accounts as to how Daniel died, ranging from an accidental death and panicked burial to a violent death.

While searches are continuing at the site in Donabate for further remains, the Garda investigation is expected to turn back to the parents of the boy, and others, to get a full and consistent account of what happened.

Daniels mother, an Irish citizen, originally from Africa, lives in Dublin.

The boy's father, who is Irish, moved abroad and lives in South America with a new partner.

Gardai are waiting to see if the father returns to Ireland, now that his sons remains have been found, and to help organise a burial.

It is understood that gardai are doing what they can to encourage and facilitate his return.

Concerns about Daniels welfare were first raised by Tusla to gardai on August 29th.
Tributes have been paid to Castlecomer native Fr Liam Shore who passed away earlier this week.

Fr Shore was a much loved figure in the North Kilkenny town, contributing to a variety of roles including as a committee member of the Erin's Own GAA Club.

The local priest also dedicated much of his life to the Diocese of Cardiff in Wales, with deep sorrow being felt on both sides of the Irish Sea upon news of his passing.

Ahead of his funeral mass on Thursday afternoon, many friends and parishioners of Fr Shore have expressed their condolences on RIP.ie.

"Sincere sympathy to Fr Liams sister his nieces, nephews, cousins and the extended Shore and Byrne families. He was a lovely man. May he rest in Peace," one person wrote.

"Sincere sympathy to the Shore family on the passing of Fr Liam, he was a lovely kind man with a warm sense of humour, may you Rest in Peace Fr Liam," another person wrote.

People who wish to leave a tribute can do so HERE

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

Funeral cortege arriving at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer on Thursday for Requiem Mass at 3pm. The Funeral Mass can be viewed HERE

In accordance with Fr Liam's wishes his body has been donated to Medical Science for Teaching and Research, in the School of Medicine, UCD, Dublin

No Flowers Please, donations if desired to the Friends of Castlecomer District Hosptial

Please use the condolence link below to offer your sympathies to the family and share memories of Fr. Liam.

FOR MORE BEREAVEMENT NOTICES, CLICK HERE
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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- EIR Technology ("EIR"), a humanoid robotics firm based in China's Sichuan province, recently entered into a strategic partnership with Tencent Cloud to collaborate on cloud computing applications and solutions for healthcare and eldercare scenarios, according to a press release EIT Technology released on Sept. 17 via its WeChat account.

Photo credit: Tecent Cloud

Under the agreement, Tencent Cloud will leverage its global cloud infrastructure and audio-visual technology to provide EIR with computing power, data analytics, and cloud-based coordination capabilities. The two companies aim to jointly build an open, intelligent, and secure humanoid robotics ecosystem, enabling robots to achieve more advanced self-learning, environment adaptation, and group collaboration.

Founded in September 2024, EIR specializes in humanoid and quadruped robotic technologies, spanning R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services. Supported by the research resources of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the Sichuan Institute of Machinery Research & Design, and the Tianfu Jiangxi Laboratory, the company has established an integrated ecosystem combining industry, academia, and application. Within just 69 days, EIR launched "Tianxingzhe (translating to 'Skywalker') No. 1," Sichuan's first commercial humanoid robot, followed quickly by an upgraded "Tianxingzhe No. 2." Its portfolio also includes the "Lingtong" series of quadruped robotic dogs.

Photo credit: Tecent Cloud

The Tianxingzhe No. 2, developed entirely in-house, stands 165 cm tall, weighs 55 kg, and features 55 degrees of freedom, allowing for highly realistic movement. Compared with its predecessor, it offers major upgrades in performance, perception, interaction, and spatial intelligence. A full-body motion control algorithm, combined with a three-degree-of-freedom bionic waist and lightweight joints, gives the robot greater agility and improved adaptability in complex environments.

EIR's technologies are already being deployed in real-world settings such as factories and industrial parks, where its robots are performing tasks including equipment inspection and intelligent service operations.

By the end of this year, the company plans to introduce "Ai Qiu EMO1," a companion-focused humanoid robot that leverages its expertise in emotional interaction. Designed to align with Sichuan's cultural tourism and healthcare resources, the model will feature EIR's proprietary emotion recognition system, capable of interpreting micro-expressions, contextual cues, and tactile feedback to deliver more human-like interaction.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On Sept. 17, Chery's new energy vehicle brand Fulwin officially released the X3L, a boxy-style SUV positioned for outdoor and intelligent driving scenarios, onto the market. The model comes in four variants with a price range of 109,900 yuan-149,900 yuan.

Photo credit: Fulwin

Built on an all-aluminum alloy cage body, the X3L achieves torsional stiffness of 31,812 Nm/deg while keeping the body-in-white weight at just 230 kg, improving stability and extending pure-electric range by 15%. Its chassis features cast-aluminum H-arm rear suspension, front and rear FSD variable damping shocks, boosting ride comfort and handling performance.

Photo credit: Fulwin

Power comes from Chery's Kunpeng Golden Range Extension CEM system with a peak generation output of 100 kW and thermal efficiency of 45.79%. The dual-motor AWD setup delivers 315 kW combined output and 505 Nm torque, enabling 0100 km/h acceleration in 4.7 seconds. With an approach angle of 22, departure angle of 30, 225 mm ground clearance, and 625 mm wading depth, the X3L is designed for robust off-road performance.

Photo credit: Fulwin

Equipped with a Qualcomm 8155 chip and end-to-end AI large model, the Fulwin X3L features the Falcon 500 intelligent driving solution. The system supports over 300 parking scenarios and 20+ active safety functions without relying on HD maps.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 17, China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd. ("China Huaneng") and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. ("CATL") recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Ningde, Fujian, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account.

Photo credit: China Huaneng

Under the agreement, the two sides will leverage their respective strengths to deepen collaboration in areas including manufacturing, new energy project development and operations, tech R&D and innovation, and the nuclear power industry.

China Huaneng Chairman Wen Shugang expressed appreciation for CATL's longstanding support and highlighted the group's progress in green transition and technological innovation.

Mr. Wen noted that as a global leader in new energy innovation, CATL already has a solid foundation of cooperation with China Huaneng. He said the two companies should broaden their partnership and strengthen collaboration in joint innovation and technical standards to help accelerate the development of a new energy and power system that aligns with China's major strategic priorities.

"With China Huaneng ranked as the world's second-largest power generator by installed capacity, it has been at the forefront of innovation", said CATL Chairman Robin Zeng. He added that CATL values its partnership with China Huaneng and sees strong alignment in their development strategies. Mr. Zeng also expressed hope that the two sides would further expand cooperation in technological innovation and global markets to achieve mutually beneficial growth.
A 24-year-old man has been fined 500, after his two Belgian Shepherd dogs attacked two young girls last year.

Florin Veres appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Carlow District Court, where he was ordered to pay the fine within 120 days.

The court heard that compensation of 3,000 had been brought to court by the defendant and that the injured parties were willing to accept the payment.

Solicitor John OSullivan told the judge that his client had cooperated fully with the case and asked her to consider applying the Probation Act, which would have resulted in no conviction being recorded.

However, Judge Carthy said the matter was too serious to consider the Probation Act and proceeded to conviction, noting that she had received the probation report that had been ordered earlier in the proceedings.

The incident occurred on 8 June 2024 at Fairgreen Manor, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, when the two dogs, which were unleashed and unrestrained, attacked the teenage girl. The court had previously heard that the dogs were barking and snapping at the girl and her sister.

When the childrens father intervened to protect his daughters, one of the dogs bit him, requiring him to receive a tetanus injection. A neighbour who witnessed the attack also came to assist during the incident.

Mr Veres, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to charges of having uncontrolled dogs and having dogs without leashes.

The case had been before the court on multiple occasions since March, when Judge Carthy first ordered a probation report and later directed that 3,000 compensation be offered to the victims.

In May, the court heard that Mr Veres of 5 Fairgreen Manor, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow had made a 300 donation to the Dogs Trust charity while the case was pending.

The defence solicitor had confirmed that the dogs involved in the attack have since been destroyed.
Ellen O'Donoghue

A total of 15 Palestinians from Gaza are due to arrive in Ireland on Friday morning, the Tanaiste has announced.

Holders of long-stay visas to study in Ireland, they had been unable to leave the enclave without assistance.

In a video statement posted to Instagram on Thursday, Tanaiste Simon Harris said his officials in the Middle East region had been working "to help evacuate more young people from Palestine who have visas to come and study here in Ireland.

"I'm delighted and relieved to say that weve successfully evacuated 15 people from Gaza, theyve safely crossed into Jordan, where they will receive a medical screening, and then they should arrive here in this country tomorrow," Mr Harris said.

In a statement, Mr Harris welcomed their arrival, wishing them "every success during their time here.

"Evacuations from Gaza are complex operations requiring close cooperation and detailed planning across multiple organisations, led by our Consular and Embassy teams," he said.

He added that he is "extremely concerned" about the escalation of Israel's offensive in Gaza, "which will only lead to more loss of life, more starvation, and an even greater distance from any hope of peace.

"Ireland has consistently called for an urgent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, for humanitarian aid to flow and for a concerted effort to bring about a two-State solution. I will attend the UN General Assembly next week and the situation in Gaza will be top of my agenda," the Tanaiste said.

More than 200 people have travelled from Gaza to Ireland since the war began.
Louisiana Tech University has appointed Dr. Rebecca Giorno-McConnell as the new associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences.

After a comprehensive review of both internal and external candidates by the ANS Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Search Committee, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rebecca (Becky) Giorno-McConnell as associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, said Dr. Gary Kennedy, dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences. Dr. Giorno-McConnell brings extensive research expertise and a strong record of mentoring graduate students. Her funded investigations of anthrax spores represent significant contributions to the field, with important implications for bioterrorism preparedness. We look forward to the leadership and vision she will bring to this role.

Giorno-McConnell, a long-standing faculty member in the School of Biological Sciences, has built a research career spanning microbial ecology, spore biology, and antimicrobial discovery. Her work has been funded by the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network, NASA EPSCoR, and LaSPACE, among other agencies. She has published more than a dozen academic works and contributed to over 50 conference presentations, with students leading many of those presentations.

Her collaborative projects include investigating microbial survival in extreme environments such as salt marshes and cold seeps in the Gulf of America, exploring antimicrobial peptides to combat antibiotic resistance, and supporting space biology initiatives that connect Louisiana Tech with NASA partners. Through the Tiny Earth program, Giorno-McConnell also provides undergraduate students with authentic research opportunities in antibiotic discovery, making Louisiana Tech the only public research university in Louisiana to offer the program.

As a mentor, Giorno-McConnell has supervised graduate students at both the masters and doctoral levels, advised more than 40 undergraduates, and coauthored publications with former students. She has also played an active role in service at the University, including leadership on curriculum, graduate, and research committees.

I am excited to continue serving Louisiana Tech in this new role, Giorno-McConnell said. Research and graduate studies are essential to our mission, and I look forward to supporting faculty in building collaborations, securing external funding, and mentoring the next generation of scientists and professionals.
Venezuelan authorities announced on Wednesday the seizure of nearly 3.7 metric tons of cocaine and the arrest of several individuals, including a man they claim is a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said security forces intercepted a speedboat in the waters off Falcon state on September 14, carrying 100 sacks of cocaine and 2,400 liters of fuel. The operation, which Cabello described as "clean," ended with five arrests. The detainees were identified as Joel Luis Rodriguez Ramos, Jesus Antonio Quilarte Carreno, Jhonny Jose Salazar Gutierrez, Carlos Alberto Bravo Lemus, and Levi Enrique Lopez, who Cabello alleged is linked to the DEA.

According to Cabello, the detainees confessed the shipment was part of a "false flag operation" designed to incriminate Venezuela in international drug trafficking and justify external aggression. "The four detainees are saying they work for the DEA," Cabello told state television, calling the alleged plan a "maneuver for destabilization."

#Video | En rueda de prensa, el ministro de Relaciones Interiores, Justicia y Paz, Diosdado Cabello Rondon, informo sobre un nuevo falso positivo de la DEA contra Venezuela.



En sus declaracion anuncia la captura de Levi Enrique Lopez, agente de la DEA, quien seria el dueno de pic.twitter.com/gRxyc1Vsyd  Globovision (@globovision) September 17, 2025

Authorities said the boat originated in Colombia's Guajira region and was connected to a trafficking group called "Los Orientales," allegedly led by Gersio Parra Machado. Cabello argued that the operation demonstrated Venezuela's commitment to combating narcotics without resorting to lethal force. "We don't apply the death penalty," he said, drawing a contrast with U.S. military strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean.

Cabello also rejected U.S. accusations linking President Nicolas Maduro and senior military figures to narcotics trafficking. He pointed to recent seizures as evidence, noting that Venezuelan forces had intercepted 60 tons of drugs so far in 2025, which he described as the highest amount since 2010.

The announcement follows escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas over drug enforcement. On September 9, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said Venezuela had seized five times more narcotics since expelling the DEA in 2005, rejecting U.S. claims that the country has become a hub for cocaine shipments. She cited United Nations data showing that most cocaine exits Colombia through the Pacific, not Venezuela.

In contrast, DEA Administrator Terry Cole said last month that Venezuela has become a "narco-terrorist state" collaborating with Colombian guerrilla groups and Mexican cartels. The Trump administration has expanded naval deployments in the Caribbean, framing the effort as part of a campaign to dismantle drug networks and target the so-called Cartel de los Soles, which it accuses Maduro of leading.

Originally published on Latin Times
The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it will reintroduce a stricter version of the U.S. naturalization civics test, expanding the number of questions and raising the bar for passing. The change, published in the Federal Register, revives a test first introduced in 2020 and later rolled back under President Biden.

Under the new rules, applicants must study 128 potential questions on U.S. history and government and correctly answer 12 of 20 during the interview. By contrast, the current test, in place since 2008, requires answering 6 of 10 correctly from a pool of 100. Applicants over 65 who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years remain eligible for a simplified version.

Trump administration officials said the stricter test is part of a broader overhaul of the naturalization process aimed at protecting "traditional American culture and values," as the Los Angeles Times explains. "We are doing everything in our power to make sure that anyone who is offered the privilege of becoming an American citizen fulfills their obligation to their new country," Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.

USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser added that citizenship "should only be reserved for aliens who will fully embrace our values and principles as a nation."

Immigration advocates consulted by The LA Times criticized the change as a deliberate effort to make naturalization more difficult for longtime residents. "All this does is make it harder for long-time residents who contribute to this country every day to finally achieve the permanent protections that only U.S. citizenship can offer," said Jennifer Ibanez Whitlock of the National Immigration Law Center.

The move comes amid a wider push by the administration to tighten access to immigration benefits. In August, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services expanded vetting to include screening applicants for "anti-American ideologies or activities" and broadened the criteria used to evaluate "good moral character." As a result officers now conduct what the agency calls a "holistic assessment," which may take into account tax compliance, traffic infractions, and other behavior beyond criminal history.

The administration has also reinstated neighborhood checks, in which investigators interview neighbors and co-workers of applicants, and expanded social media reviews.

Critics argue that the undefined terms such as "anti-American" leave wide discretion to officers and risk politicizing the process. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a lawyer and senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, described the move as "McCarthyism." The term "anti-American ideologies or activities" mentioned in the alert has no precedent in immigration law, he said in a post on X at the time "and its definition is entirely up to the Trump admin."

The new civics test will apply to applicants who file for naturalization after mid-October, according to USCIS.

Originally published on Latin Times
Genocides Conference Held in Swiss Parliament

Bern -- On September 17 the Federal Parliament in Bern hosted the Sayfo Genocide Conference, organized by the the European Syriac Union (ESU) in cooperation with the Swiss-Syriac Friendship Group and Swiss-Armenian Friendship Group. The event focused on the mass atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire in 1915 against the Syriac (Aramean--Assyrian--Chaldean), Armenian, and Greek peoples. The conference addressed the historical and political dimensions of the genocides, the immense human and cultural losses they entailed, and the continuing impact of these crimes, while also discussing future steps toward official recognition, especially by the Swiss government, and the importance of commemorating them annually.

The conference gathered members of parliament, Church representatives, diaspora organizations, human rights defenders, as well as Syriac (Aramean--Assyrian--Chaldean) parties and institutions.

European Syriac Union Co-Chair Manuela Demir emphasized the importance of holding such a timely conference since Syriacs and Christians today face violent attacks and inequality in the Middle East.

"It is of great importance to have gathered here today in the Swiss Parliament, Bern, at this Sayfo Genocide Conference organized by our European Syriac Union, in the presence of representatives of the peoples who underwent the Sayfo and of Swiss parliamentarians," she stated. "This conference is an important milestone for genocide recognition by the Swiss government. We hope and expect that the parliamentarians present will raise the issue of recognition of the Sayfo Genocide within the relevant bodies of government."

In his address, Swiss Federal MP in the National Council ("Nationalrat") Cedric Wermuth (Social Democratic Party of Switzerland) stressed that while history may not repeat itself in the same way, it often reappears in similar patterns where vulnerable groups suffer the most during conflicts between great powers. He underlined that recognizing genocide is not only a duty to history but also a safeguard for the rights of people today.

Dr. Toros Korkmaz, who holds a PhD from Zurich University (The Armenians in Turkey's Public Life (1975-2017) Case Study: Hrant Dink and Agos) opened the keynote speech by stating that the Syriac (Aramean--Assyrian--Chaldean), Armenian, and Greek peoples of Anatolia and Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) endured oppression, massacres, and forced displacement under Ottoman rule. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, these groups were branded as "traitors" collaborating with imperial powers -- narratives that, he emphasized, distort historical reality.

Korkmaz, of Armenian descent, explained that these peoples were systematically targeted and that their cultural heritage faced erasure. He described exclusionary and discriminatory policies imposed first by the Ottoman state and later by the Turkish Republic, including forced name and religion changes -- the Turkish surname Korkmaz being a direct example of this. He noted that for centuries, non-Muslim subjects were treated as "Dhimmi," second-class citizens, permitted to practice their faith but burdened with heavy "protection" taxes, barred from owning arms, and excluded from government service.

"We, as descendants of those peoples, grew up without forgetting the tragedy our ancestors endured," Korkmaz said. "Their economic, cultural, and social rights were stripped away, their churches, schools, and heritage were destroyed. Even today, the Syriac people in particular faces challenges in language rights, property, and cultural recognition."

He concluded by calling on Turkey to take historical responsibility for the Sayfo Genocide.

When asked about prospects for recognition, Lukas Reimann, MP for the Swiss People's Party (Sweizerische Volkspartei), stated that while there is currently "no final or concrete step," efforts continue.:

"I think this conference is necessary and important so that Parliament can draw attention to the terrible crimes committed during the Sayfo Genocide of 1915. With an event like this, we are raising awareness of this. Our aim is for Switzerland to recognize the genocide."

Fellow parliamentarian Sibel Arslan (Green Party) conveyed a message of support for Christian minorities who continue to face many difficulties in the region and that it is important to draw attention to this. She stressed the importance of cooperation between the Syriacs (Arameans--Assyrians--Chaldeans), Armenians, and Greeks in this regard. Her message to the Swiss Government was one of more decisive action, noting that "recognition cannot come from one side alone and requires stronger commitment from Switzerland's major political parties."

Tamer Cilingir, representing the Greeks and author of a book on the Pontus Greek Genocide, reminded the audience that the Pontus region was a cultural and intellectual hub for Greeks for more than 3,000 years. In the early 20th century, the region experienced a flourishing comparable to the European Renaissance. Yet between 1914 and 1923, Pontic Greeks fell victim to genocide through systematic mass killings and deportations. He called on the Swiss Parliament to acknowledge this history and help advance justice.

Speaking on behalf of the European Syriac Union, Lucas Sagur reiterated that Syriac (Aramean--Assyrian--Chaldean) people in Anatolia and Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) endured genocide, and recognition is not merely a historical obligation but a present-day human rights necessity. He stressed that Turkey must be part of this initiative.

The floor then went to Syriac Orthodox Chorepiscopus Father Karim Asmar, who opened his remarks with the Syriac greeting "Shlomo, brikh tahro" (Peace, good day). He clarified that his participation was not to reopen wounds but to highlight a dark chapter in history that demands recognition. Sayfo, meaning "the sword," he explained, is remembered not out of bitterness but out of a desire for justice, dignity, and love for those who were killed. They must never be forgotten with the passing of time, he said. They are martyrs, cut down by those who abused power.

Father Karim Asmar reminded the gathering that the Syriac (Aramean--Assyrian--Chaldean) forebears chose death over forced conversion, leaving later generations the responsibility of preserving their legacy and ensuring such injustice is never repeated. "The many names -- Syriac, Assyrian, Chaldean, Aramean -- refer to one people with a shared language, faith, land, and history," he stressed.

Drawing on both historical evidence and personal stories, he argued that the Sayfo clearly qualifies as genocide under international law. Switzerland, he urged, should take the lead in this recognition:

"We must learn from past suffering, protect human rights, and stand with justice. The Sayfo is not just history -- it is a right that must be acknowledged. Switzerland is uniquely placed to shoulder this moral duty."

The conference is expected to release a closing declaration in the coming days, outlining how Switzerland can take steps toward recognizing the Sayfo and other genocides.
The now 26-year-old man had alcohol and marijuana in his system when he lost control on Stefko Boulevard in August 2024, killing his 24-year-old passenger from Brooklyn. Getty Images

A 26-year-old Bethlehem man was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for a summer 2024 drunken-driving crash that killed his front-seat passenger.

On Wednesday afternoon, Matthew Angel Torres was sentenced by Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Paula A. Roscioli to serve four to 11 years, eight months in the death of 24-year-old Leanna Farraj of Brooklyn, New York.

Torres pleaded guilty July 15 to charges of felony homicide by vehicle while DUI; misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter; and misdemeanor DUI high rate of alcohol. Several charges were withdrawn in a plea arrangement, including a felony homicide by vehicle charge; misdemeanor reckless endangerment; and multiple misdemeanor DUI offenses, according to court records.

The Northampton County Prosecutors Office announced the sentencing Thursday. Easton-based defense attorney Paul M. Aaroe II, representing Torres, couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

Torres was driving recklessly and speeding when he crashed just after 6:30 p.m. Aug. 4, 2024, in the 1600 block of Stefko Boulevard in Bethlehem, authorities said.

Torres lost control at a bend in the road, struck a curb and then collided with two utility poles and a parked car. Emergency workers removed Torres from the vehicle, city police said.

Farraj was pronounced dead at the scene. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek said she died from multiple blunt-force injuries.

An investigation later determined that Torres had alcohol and marijuana in his blood at the time of the crash.

The case was investigated by Bethlehem police and prosecuted by Northampton County Deputy District Attorney Joseph Lupackino.
Newly elected Northampton County Commissioner Kelly Keegan is sworn in at a ceremony Jan. 2, 2024, in the county courthouse. Tim Wynkoop | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

An Easton Area High School nurse has been asked to stay home from work and received numerous threats after making a controversial comment about Charlie Kirks death, according to a supporter of the nurse.

Meanwhile, opponents of nurse Kelly Keegan are planning a rally Thursday night calling for her resignation from Northampton County Council. It will be councils first meeting since Keegan, of Forks Township, allegedly made the comment in a social media post.

Keegan allegedly posted on Facebook after Kirks shooting death, calling him a monster and saying his wife and children are better off without him.

The comment isnt currently on Keegans personal or election Facebook pages, but screenshots of the comment continue to be circulated by her opponents. Its unclear how long the comment was visible before it was removed. Keegan hasnt responded to requests for comment.

Her opponents say the comment is insensitive, condones murder and indicates the 55-year-old is unfit to serve as a high school nurse or as a Northampton County councilwoman.

April Gabriel-Ferretti says Keegan is suffering unfair backlash for speaking her mind. Gabriel-Ferretti is a Nazareth-area LGBTQ+ advocate who has organized Pride Day celebrations.

She posted on Facebook on Thursday, asking folks to reach out to Easton Area School Board members and demand that Keegan be allowed to keep her job.

She has received ... threats, been terrorized by local, far right activists and now faces the stark and feasible possibility of losing her job and her seat on county council. All for exercising her right to free speech! Gabriel-Ferretti wrote.

Easton resident Kathleen Harrison said she was among the first to blast Keegans comments across social media.

To revel in the deaths of others ... reveals a dangerous lack of empathy and a profound hostility that has no place in public life, Harrison said.

Gabriel-Ferretti wrote that Keegan has been placed on, what one can only assume is administrative leave, for sharing her thoughts on Kirks death.

Gabriel-Ferretti declined to answer questions about Keegans job status. Easton Area School District Superintendent Tracy Piazza said Keegans job status is a personnel issue, and she declined to comment.

School board members Brian Snyder and Mike Simonetta also said they cant comment on personnel matters. None of the other board members responded to requests for comment from lehighvalleylive.com.

In a statement on the Easton Area School District website, Piazza says a district employee is under review for insensitive comments made about Kirks death, and the district will take appropriate action in accordance with district policies and laws.

Calls for retribution against Keegan continue to circulate on the internet, including posts calling for her to be fired from the school district and pushed out of her county council seat.

The Northampton County Republican Party is circulating a notice for a peaceful and orderly gathering calling for Keegans ouster from county council and for Kirks support. The rally will start before the 6:30 p.m. county council meeting at the Northampton County Courthouse. The flyer encourages rally participants to attend the public meeting.

This flyer was circulated Sept. 18, 2025, by the Northampton County Republicans. Courtesy image

In counterpoint to those cries, Gabriel-Ferretti calls for support for Keegan and for free speech.

Our constitutional rights continue to dangle by a thin thread, all while the current administration actively and openly attempts to silence anyone who speaks out. Currently, its those who disagree with the twisted ideologies of Charlie Kirk, she wrote. Keegan should not be taken to task for comments she made on her personal Facebook account, Gabriel-Ferretti said.

Harrison said Keegan has a history of commenting inappropriately on social media. She singled out blunt and vitriolic remarks Keegan posted about political signs, disabled children, and birth control. Keegan celebrated the death of one of her longtime critics on social media.

The people of our community deserve leaders and professionals who model decency, respect, and humanity  not individuals who glorify violence and death, Harrison said via email.

Kirk rose to fame as the founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA. He was known for coming to college campuses to debate with students and faculty, countering progressive ideas by inflaming cultural tensions and making provocative declarations, according to the Associated Press.

Kirk was shot dead Sept. 10 while hosting an event for students at Utah Valley Universitys Orem Campus.

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, is accused of shooting Kirk and is being held without bail on several charges, including aggravated murder.
This story is part of a continuing effort to spotlight sinkhole concerns on the Bushkill Creek and the possible influence of the Buzzi Unicem cement plant's water discharge on the problem.

Work to replace two sinkhole-plagued Route 33 bridges over the Bushkill Creek is more than a year behind schedule and $3 million over budget, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The pockmarked terrain has long confounded PennDOTs efforts to erect stable highway bridges from Palmer Township to Stockertown. A $10 million replacement project installed 20 years ago failed and is now being replaced.

Floods are to blame for the most recent projects delays, according to PennDOT spokeswoman Alexis Campbell. The job once slated for completion this summer is now estimated to end in fall 2026. The project cost is up $3 million from the original $22 million budget due to the delays.

The original pair of bridges installed in the 1970s slowly sank and had to be ripped out to make sure they didnt buckle. One sank about two feet and the other sank a foot, according to a report written by PennDOT engineer Kerry Petrasic.

New bridges were set in place with micropiles  long steel rods that extend deep into the ground for stability. However, about a quarter of the micropiles failed to reach bedrock even though they extended as much as 500 feet deep. There were too many water-filled voids created after limestone eroded the karstic bedrock.

So those bridges started shifting, too.

The area is notorious for sinkholes. Since 2000, sinkholes forced the demolition of four homes near the creek and the abandonment of a fifth. Sinkholes wrecked the bridge connecting Tatamy Road in Palmer Township to Bushkill Street in Stockertown.

And, they wrecked the second set of Route 33 bridges.

PennDOTs third iteration of the bridges rests on a large concrete mat that looks like a waffle or a snowshoe. The mat spreads the load out at the surface rather than digging deep into the shaky ground for support. Workers can use holes in the mat to plug future sinkholes.

Flooding during construction, however, forced the mat to be cut in half. Temporary metal dams couldnt contain floodwaters, forcing the builders to create a channel down the middle of the mat foundation. Even though the mat wont have the continuous surface area of the original design, PennDOT says the bridges will be stable.

The new bridges carrying Route 33 over the Bushkill are designed to function with the varying stream water levels in the creek, varying groundwater levels, and sinkhole activity, Campbell said.

The terrain is unforgiving. A sediment bin was abruptly swallowed during construction of the second set of bridges. A worker looked down to see the bin hanging from a hose, then watched the hose snap and the bin fall 60 feet, according to Petrasic.

On the current job, a 40-foot-long support beam disappeared into the ground during a heavy flood, DEP spokeswoman Campbell said.

The history of the troubled bridge work was documented in the lehighvalleylive.com special report Shaky Ground. The sinkhole problems and the possible negative influence of a nearby cement quarry were highlighted in the lehighvalleylive.com report Cratered. Both stories were published earlier this year.

Environmentalists say water pumped from the Buzzi Unicem quarry in Stockertown is exacerbating the sinkhole problem. Buzzi pumps 20 million to 50 million gallons of groundwater a day from the bottom of the quarry pit into the Bushkill Creek immediately upstream of the Route 33 bridges.

The quarry has been pumping at that rate since the mid 1990s to keep its pit dry and keep mining limestone for cement. Environmentalists have testified before the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that Buzzis high volumes of water are hollowing out the earth below the creek.

Although Buzzi says the sinkholes occur naturally and have nothing to do with their pumped water, the cement company purchased the four homes wrecked by sinkholes and has agreed to fill in sinkholes in designated zones that crop up along the creek.

Buzzi filled in a massive cluster of holes last week. The cluster of in-stream holes, or ponors, was about 1,000 feet downstream of the bridge project. They measured a combined 30 feet across and about 15 to 20 feet deep, according to DEP spokeswoman Patti Monahan.

The DEP granted Buzzi a work permit Aug. 27. It took about two weeks to fill in the holes.

Buzzi spokeswoman Jenna Eckel said the ponors arent Buzzis fault.

Sinkholes are natural phenomena in karstic regions, like the Lehigh Valley, and occur as a natural geologic erosion process, Eckel said.

Monahan said Buzzi dumped 500 cubic yards of rock into the cluster of ponors. A cubic yard of rock weighs about 2,500 pounds, according to one estimate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

According to that estimate, about 625 tons of rock went into the creek.

Environmentalists have warned that quarry pumping could put homes downstream at risk of collapse from sinkholes. And they fear the pumping could open sinkholes and jeopardize the Route 33 bridges.

Buzzi has applied for a DEP permit extension that would allow it to dig 50 feet deeper and keep mining for at least 10 more years. That permit has been pending with the DEP since 2021.

Petrasic and PennDOT consultant Jim Lolcama have warned that digging deeper could disrupt the water table and upset the fragile balance of groundwater needed to support the bridge. Those comments came eight years ago and four years ago, respectively.

Campbell says the quarry must maintain consistent groundwater levels near the Route 33 bridges and install a groundwater monitoring system if Buzzis permit is extended.

Still, the new bridges will withstand future floods or sinkholes even if the quarry were to dig deeper or eventually close, Campbell said.

Monahan said theres no timetable to rule on Buzzis permit request.

The department evaluates impacts to the hydrologic balance within the quarry and adjacent areas in its review of the permit application, she said. The permit review is underway and no decision has been made on the application.

Eckel said Buzzi is working with the DEP on the permit application.

We value the strong working relationships we have built with many of Pennsylvanias regulatory authorities and will keep working in this direction, Eckel said.
The procession, which took around seven minutes to pass by, ended at the York County Prison, where the county coroner's office is housed. Madison Montag

Officials in York County on Wednesday night held a procession after three police officers were killed and two others were critically injured while following up on a domestic investigation earlier in the day.

The shooting, which took place at a North Codorus Township property around 2:10 p.m., ended with police shooting the gunman, Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris said at a press conference alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Officials would not say where exactly the incident took place during Wednesdays press conference, but NBC10 said the incident stemmed from a warrant service in the area of Haar Road. Police

Wednesday nights procession, which included police and fire vehicles from several municipalities in central Pennsylvania, started at the scene of the shooting and ended at the York County Prison, where the county coroners office is housed.

In addition to firefighters, police and EMS workers from across central Pennsylvania, dozens of residents were in attendance as the procession took about seven minutes to pass as it arrived at the coroners office.

The identities and ages of the involved police officers and shooter remain unclear as of Wednesday night. When asked which police departments the officers worked for, Paris said that information was intentionally being withheld.

50 1 / 50 Police shooting in York County

PennLive spoke with a group at the procession who said they were relatives and friends of one of the officers killed. They said the officer was around 42 years old, but did not share the name.

Many others who came to watch the procession were flying American flags and thin blue line flags, a black-and-white version of the American flag with one blue stripe to honor law enforcement.

One woman was seen draping a thin blue line flag over her body.

A log of 911 calls described the incident as officer down, with a signal 13, which means officer in trouble. Officers needed medical transport, according to dispatch logs, with a medivac helicopter and ambulances sent to the scene.

Officials at WellSpan York Hospital said the two critically injured officers were immediately taken to the operating room. Both were in critical but stable condition as of Wednesday evening.

More information regarding the incident is expected to be released by the York County District Attorneys Office on Thursday.

The three fatalities mark one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania police this century. In 2009, three Pittsburgh officers responding to a domestic disturbance were ambushed and shot to death by a man in a bulletproof vest.

In February, West York police officer Andrew Duarte was shot and killed inside UPMC Memorial while responding to a hostage situation in the hospitals intensive care unit.
From left to right: Det. Mark Baker, Sgt. Isaiah Emenheiser and Det. Sgt. Cody Becker. District Attorney's Office

One of the detectives killed in an ambush Wednesday in York County while searching for a suspect in a domestic violence case had been shot at in the line of duty before.

Another detective fatally shot Wednesday was a leading expert in the field of computer and cellphone forensics.

The third detective slain had rescued a mother and her three children from a burning building.

The three detectives  Isaiah Emenheiser, Mark Baker and Cody Becker were shot and killed by 24-year-old Matthew Ruth around 2 p.m. on the 1800 block of Haar Road, according to the district attorney.

York County District Attorney Tim Barker on Thursday released the names of the Northern York County Regional Police (NYCRPD) detectives who were fatally shot in an ambush attack Wednesday afternoon.

50 1 / 50 Police shooting in York County

A fourth detective with the Northern York County Regional Police Department and a member of the York County Sheriffs Office were also critically injured in the shooting, but their names were not released.

The three fallen officers had distinguished careers in law enforcement.

In 2011, the Northern York County Regional Police Department named Emenheiser officer of the year and noted his near-perfect work attendance record.

In May 2018, Emenheiser was nearly hit by a bullet fired by a 25-year-old man, according to the York Dispatch. Officials said the bullet missed Emenheiser by somewhere between 6 inches and 2 feet. He was 43 and had worked for the department for 20 years.

In 2010, Becker was honored for rescuing a mother and her three children from the third floor of a burning building. He was 39 with a 16-year career at NYCRPD.

Becker got on a second-floor roof, then caught the three children  including an infant  and passed them to a bystander before the woman lowered herself into his arms.

In 2013, the York County District Attorneys Office found Becker was justified in shooting and killing a 72-year-old man who had fired at police.

That same year Becker was promoted to corporal, the York Daily Record said.

Baker worked as a police officer in Philadelphia from 2001 to 2004 before transferring to the Northern York County Regional Police Department, where he has worked as a detective since.

He is also a father of four, according to CBS21. He was 53 and had 21 years of service.

Baker, a leading expert in York County in the field of computer and cellphone forensics, helped put a child pornographer in prison for life in 2013 and also did a 2015 presentation on sexting and cyberbullying for West Shore School District parents.

Baker was also an Eagle Scout who remained active as a Cubmaster for eight years, an Assistant Scoutmaster for seven years, a current Pack Committee Chair, and Advisor to the Northern York County Regional Police Department Explorer Post.

A procession honoring the three officers was held in York County on Wednesday night.

The Northern York County Regional Police Department stopped some functions that were taken over by state police, but will return to normal operations on Sept. 19.
The 40-year-old faces multiple firearms offenses following the Phillipsburg incident, adding to the town's recent string of violence that has prompted increased police presence. Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com

A Passaic County, New Jersey, man is facing multiple firearms offenses after allegedly firing a bullet through a wall and into a neighboring home, narrowly missing an adult and a child.

Rashad A. McCaskill, 40, of Paterson, is charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon; second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon; fourth-degree hindering apprehension; fourth-degree possession of a large capacity magazine; and two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief.

The Warren County Prosecutors Office announced the charges Thursday morning. No attorney information was immediately listed for McCaskill.

The incident began just after 9:30 a.m. Monday when Phillipsburg police officers were called to the home in the 100 block of Fox Street.

A juvenile reported to police that McCaskill was known to his mother and sought to harm himself, according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained through an Open Public Records Act request by lehighvalleylive.com.

Responding officers found McCaskill attempting to leave the home, authorities said.

Just before the gunfire, McCaskill allegedly argued with the woman. As she left the bedroom, he fired a 9 mm Glock, court records state.

The bullet traveled through the exterior wall of the bedroom and into a bedroom in the neighboring home, where it became lodged in an interior wall, authorities said.

An adult and a child in the neighboring home were in that bedroom when the bullet traveled into the wall, according to court records. There were no reported injuries.

The loaded handgun and a high-capacity magazine were recovered by investigators on an outside window ledge, authorities said.

McCaskill has a prior conviction for aggravated assault stemming from a July 2022 incident in Passaic County, which bars him from possessing a firearm.

He was processed and sent to the Warren County jail.

Repeated violence

Mondays shooting is the latest in a string of recent violence in Phillipsburg.

The incidents have led Phillipsburg Police Chief Anthony Goodell to step up efforts in the towns streets and neighborhoods.

Two 17-year-old boys in early August were charged in connection with a shooting at a parked vehicle in the 100 block of Henderson Street.

In the early hours of Aug. 3, 20-year-old Andrew Robert Weaver, of the first block of Rose Street in Phillipsburg, was charged after allegedly knocking on a homeowners door and then firing gunshots. One of the shots traveled through a window as the homeowner came to answer the door, authorities said.

Matthew R. Dawe, 32, of the 100 block of Lewis Street, is facing similar charges after police say he fired gunshots July 30 at a neighbors home.

Police have responded to at least five other incidents of gun violence in the town in recent months.

Investigators on June 30 found evidence a shooting occurred shortly before 2 a.m. at Mercer and River streets. Dorien E. Roberts, 18, of Port Murray, and Alfatir T. Kelly, 26, of Phillipsburg, were later charged in connection with the shootings.

On June 2, a man was found fatally shot outside a Phillipsburg home along Summit Avenue. The man, identified as Kevin Clervil, of East Orange, was shot several times and later succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital, authorities said.

On May 15, police recovered evidence of two more incidents of gunfire in the 100 block of Broad Street and Memorial Parkway.
New Jersey State Police officers arrested two people in Warren County during a traffic stop, where troopers seized more than $48 million worth of marijuana, THC and THC/cannabis products.

Vethanayagam Venches, 45, and Mohamed Nawshad, 48, both of Irving, Texas, were arrested during a Sept. 10 traffic stop, state police said.

The two were charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and conspiracy.

The Mobile Safe Freight Unit conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on I-78 east in Greenwich Township and detected the odor of marijuana along with indicators of trafficking activity, police said.

Approximately 7,600 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, 44,400 THC vape cartridges, 9,500 packages of THC gummies, 50 liters of cannabis resin and 80 packages of THC-infused cigarettes were seized during a search of the trailer, officials said.

Both were lodged in the Warren County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing.
A Laois Tidy Towns group is asking for help from the council with the upkeep of their village greens.

Ballinakill Tidy Towns is "struggling a bit" says a councillor from the Portlaoise Municipal District.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly, himself a member of all Ireland winners Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, has asked Laois County Council to lend a hand to Ballinakill's volunteers.

"We all know that Ballinakill is a very good community for helping one another. The Tidy Towns committee is struggling a bit. Whatever assistance we can give, especially with the greens, they would be delighted," he said.

He tabled a motion to the September meeting of the district, asking that Laois County Council resurface the footpath on the Durrow Road, in conjunction with Ballinakill Tidy Towns. He also asks it to assist the group with the upkeep of green areas in the village.

Cllr Barry Walsh seconded the motion.

"Tidy Towns are doing great work, they deserve every bit of help we can give them," he said.

Read also: Ballinakill housing estate petitions for speed ramps

In response to the motion, the council's Portlaoise MD office agrees to carry out resurfacing work on the footpath on the L1736 Durrow Road, but only subject to confirmation that it will be paid from the councillor's discretionary budget.

The office says it will "engage with" the Tidy Towns committee about the maintenance and upkeep of priority areas in Ballinakill village.

Ballinakill is home to Heywood Community School, whose graduates recently celebrated their Debs ball. See pictures.
A couple with kids in Laois were informed their rent was increasing by 50 percent just before a rent cap was introduced.

The case was highlighted in the Dail by Laois TD Brian Stanley who said rents are skyrocketing in Laois.

In a lot of areas now, average rents are more than 2,000. Recent reports have shown how they are skyrocketing. The recent Residential Tenancies Board rent index showed an average annual rent increase of 5.5%. In County Laois, it is more than 10%. In eight successive quarters, there have been significant increases in the county, Dep Stanley said.

He said the increases are putting families under significant financial pressure.

As an example of that, I raise the case of Alan and Denise. They are just over the limit for social housing, and they have children. He is a retained firefighter. They have been in private rented accommodation for nine years. Four months ago, the landlord told them the rent was increasing by 50% - a 50% increase in south Laois. He did that in the first week of June. Of course, he knew what he was doing because on 20 June, the 2% cap came in, so a lot of landlords got in early," said Dep Stanley.

"Their income is less than 40,000 a year. They have no way forward. Alan is 49 years of age. They have no access to social housing because they are over the limit for social housing. They have no access to cost rentals because they do not yet exist in Laois, said Deputy Stanley.

He pointed out that there are no affordable homes and in any case they couldn't get an affordable housing loan.

In the case of Darren, a single man with one child, he has moved from one rent pressure zone to another. He is on 460 a week. He needs a car for work. He pays maintenance. He has a child. He is paying 77 in HAP rent, and he is paying 120 a week top up rent to a landlord. Some workers are paying more than half their income in rent. I do not know if the Taoiseach knows that or not, said Dep Stanley.

He said vacant possession and evictions are easy because the grounds in the legislation allow for that - if the landlord is facing hardship, if they require a property for a family member or, God forbid, if they are going to renovate the place. A coat of magnolia paint would even ensure vacant possession."

Dep Stanley called on the Taoiseach to address the situation and halt what Dep Stanley said were plans for the introduction of a complete free-for-all in March for new tenancies?

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said We are not creating a free-for-all in terms of the rental market more generally. We are creating a national rent pressure zone, ultimately including the entire country. The bottom line is that we need more supply of houses. We need a significant and substantial increase in the supply of housing. That is the key. Without additional supply we will have a very challenging rental market."

He said "the Deputy indicated a case of 50%, which sounds illegal to me. I do not know whether or not the landlord is registered with the RTB. I do not have the specifics of the case but Deputy Stanley can forward them to us afterwards.

The Taoiseach said the reforms we announced on 10 June will strengthen the rights of new and existing tenants in Irish society. It is not a return to a free for all.

There is a national cap now of 2% on existing rents. I do not know how one can go up by 50% but Deputy Stanley can forward me the details of that case. The rent tax credit has been continued. We will deal with that in the forthcoming budget also, Mr Martin said.

Mr Martin said we need more private sector investment in the rental market, in particular to build new apartments. We have taken measures, not just in the RPZs but also with apartment standards and other issues to attract further investment in on the private side to balance the State investment.

Dep Stanley said the Government's 2% rent increase cap is irrelevant. It is on paper. Landlords will completely ignore. They can because the legislation says they can ignore it.

Mr Martin said he disagreed with Dep Stanley on that point. In terms of supply and its relationship with pricing, I will tell the Deputy one thing for certain: if we do not substantially increase supply, rents will go through the roof, he added.

Deputy Rory Hearne said rents were already going through the roof.
This year's Camross Truck and Tractor Run is set to once again raise much needed funds for Laois Offaly Families For Autism (LOFFA). This year's tractor run will take place on Sunday, October 12 and the truck run the following weekend on Saturday, October 18.



Last year a massive 17,044 was raised from the popular Laois event with 16,044 presented to LOFFA and 1,000 was given to Camross Parish.



Tickets are now available for the raffle and cost 5 each. 1st prize is 500, 2nd prize 300 and 3rd prize 200. Tickets are available from all committee members and from LOFFA. The draw will take place on the night of the truck run on October 18 in The Camross Inn.

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A GoFundMe page has been launched by the committee ahead of this year's event.



"Want to join us in making a difference? We are raising money to benefit LOFFA, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us all.



"More information about LOFFA: LOFFA is a local, non-profit charity based in Laois and Offaly in Ireland. We support our membership of over 169 local families who have a child with a diagnosis of autism. All funds raised go directly to subsidising vital services needed for their children such as Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Play Therapy, Behavioural therapy and Counselling. LOFFA also offers a programme of social events to families such as swimming, cinema outings, coffee mornings and monthly meetings."
Conor McGregor's no show at a Kildare County Council meeting probably came as some relief to politicians and KCC officials - who might have feared that a little chaos would follow.

McGregor, who lives in Straffan, was due to attend to make a case for being nominated to run for the presidency. He was due to address the meeting for ten minutes.

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On the morning, however, he said he was withdrawing from the race.

A number of other candidates seeking to be nominated to run the forthcoming presidential election sought the support of Kildare's elected councillors at a special Kildare County Council meeting yesterday.

They require the support of four local authorities to make it on to the ballot paper

At the outset cathaoirleach Carmel Kelly said the potential candidates would address the meeting and while the councillors could not ask questions, they could follow up with the candidates later.

Kilkenny woman Catherine Morrissey has been living in Kildare for 22 years and is a voluntary literacy tutor at Scoil Bhride, Kilcullen. Ms Morrissey told of her vast employment experience. An honours graduate, her CV includes working at a clinical lead with Wyeth in Newbridge.

I want to be the peoples president; I have the resource skills, work experience and life skills to maintain the constitution.

She also said she is in tune with young people, teens and young adults and would be a good ambassador for Ireland.

Charlotte Keenan said she stood in solidarity with hope, equality, fairness and transparency.

Ms Keenan also said she would foster growth and progress. She also raised the plight of the "unimaginable hardship being endured by the people of Palestine.

We cannot stand idly by while innocent lives are lost to conflicts, she said, adding that Irish people are known for their charity and resilience and I want to strive for peace.

Seana Kerr told the councillors she is dedicated to lifelong learning. Ms Kerr said all politicians should adhere to the constitution and the family is the basic unit of society.

Ms Kerr added she would blow the whistle for the protection of the lives of babies.

I will choose integrity over popularity."

Seven people were due to address yesterdays meeting and a further eighth did not make a presentation but are seeking support.

Lorna McCormack, a businesswoman and mother of four, said she teaches children about the sustainability of Irish wool and was involved locally in creating St Brigid's Cloaks as part of the Brigid 1500 cultural festival.

The presidency is about moral leadership; it's not about politics. It's about dignity and unity.

Ms McCormack is directly related to the late former President Patrick Hillery.

Lucy Ann OLeary said the office of the president is a symbol of who we are.

Ms OLeary said she wants to see an Ireland where every voice matters and I will strive to embody this.

Ms OLeary added: I will amplify the unheard voices and said we need to remind ourselves of the strength we find in one another.

She said the presidency is a bridge between the community and politicians. There is a need to address homelessness with compassion and she envisages a presidency where energy is instilled into the office and into how it works with the government because this nation can be great.

She said the presidency should be about unity, inclusiveness, compassion and moral clarity.

Dominic Plant urged that TDs be elected nationally rather than to individual local constituencies - because once elected they effectively act as national politicians.

Mr Plant also criticised the media for acting as voices for the government.

About a dozen people listened to them from the public gallery in Aras Chill Dara.
Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Hildegarde Naughton T.D. is urging Kildare primary school pupils to become a creative force for greater acceptance and inclusivity of people with visible and non-visible disabilities by taking part in this years annual 'Someone Like Me' primary schools art competition.

An initiative of the National Disability Authority, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the competition which has seen thousands of primary school pupils across Ireland develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities through the medium of art in a bid create a more accepting and inclusive society.

Pupils and their teachers across the country will be provided with cross-curricular learning and teaching materials which help celebrate the things that unite children of all abilities, drawing on personal experience and encouraging more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. These materials are also available to download on the 'Someone Like Me' website, www.someonelikemecompetition.ie.

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Minister Naughton encouraged primary school principals, teachers and pupils alike in Kildare to take part in this years competition as a way of ensuring acceptance and inclusion of disabled children from an early age.

As a former primary school teacher, I know just how important our classrooms are when it comes to shaping the attitudes and behaviours of our youngest citizens.

In turn, classroom learning is taken home and becomes part of multi-generational conversations which actively helps to build a more inclusive society, where all have equity of opportunity to participate in cultural, social and economic life and to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives as valued members of the community.

On this 10th anniversary of the competition, I would like to pay tribute to primary school teachers for the time and energy they have invested in their pupils participation over the years. Their support of the Someone Like Me competition is valued enormously by the National Disability Authority.

Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said: Over the last ten years, the Someone Like Me Art Competition has created a national conversation about visible and non-visible disabilities, helping to raise awareness and, ultimately, effect positive attitudinal change within society.

The competition is an important part of the work of the National Disability Authority and has become a highlight in our calendar. It gives us the opportunity to meaningfully and creatively engage with primary school pupils and teachers alike in a way that will benefit society not just now, but for generations to come.

The Someone Like Me art competition, which offers a range of prizes to the value of over 1,000, is open to all primary school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and entries are welcome from individual pupils, a class or even a whole school as a combined effort.

Submissions from pupils who are home schooled are also encouraged. Entries can come in all shapes and sizes and can be anything from a poster or collage to a papier-mache or mixed media sculpture.

There will be a junior and senior category winner in every county, along with an overall national winner in both categories.

The final deadline for entries is November 14 2025.

More information can be found at www.someonelikemecompetition.ie
Dublin City University this week welcomed five new teaching fellows to support the next generation of teachers currently enrolled in the DCU Institute of Educations primary and second-level teacher education courses.

Among the new teacher fellows is Kildare-native Aislinn Nic Phaidin, a teacher in Gaelscoil Atha I, an Irish-medium DEIS primary school in Athy, Co. Kildare; and Niamh Haughton, a teacher in Leixlip, Co. Kildare who brings decades of classroom experience to the Institute of Education.

Over the coming two years, the fellowship will create the opportunity for the five experienced teachers to bring real-world classroom insight to teacher education programmes while also undertaking a programme of professional development.

They join Pamela Ericson who began the two-year teacher fellowship in 2024 and is now in her second year of the programme.

The teaching fellows will work closely with academic staff and student teachers on various programmes across the Institute of Education. They will also support DCU students on school placements and as teachers-in-residence while supporting the Universitys work of developing the 21st century teacher identity.

READ NEXT: Kildare primary school pupils urged to take part in the 'Someone Like Me' art competition

Dean of the Institute of Education Anne Looney said: The classroom experience these teachers bring to students studying at DCU is invaluable and I look forward to seeing the insight and innovation they will bring to their engagements with students and staff across the Institute of Education.

Aislinn Nic Phaidin is a graduate of Marino Institute of Education and currently teaches at Gaelscoil Atha I, an Irish-medium DEIS primary school in Athy, Co. Kildare. She has also worked voluntarily with Irish NGO Nurture Africa and has spent two summers teaching in Uganda.

Aislinn has led a range of innovative initiatives in her school including FIRST Lego League, the Irish World Aid Awards, and the Junior Entrepreneur Programme.

In 2024, under her direction, the school won an all-Ireland title at the Feile Scoildramaiochta. Aislinn joins the DCU School of Arts Education and Movement.

She is also pursuing a masters degree in specific learning difficulties.

Niamh Haughton, originally from Dublin, taught in a DEIS 1 primary school in Dublin for 13 years before moving to an Educate Together school in Leixlip for six years. She joins the DCU School of Policy and Practice bringing almost two decades of experience in education.

She has mentored newly qualified primary school teachers as part of the Droichead professional induction framework and has contributed to the national special needs assistant training programme as a part-time tutor in UCD. Her teaching and research interests focus on playful and active pedagogical approaches that support engagement and inclusion for all learners.
A ten-year-old girl from Carlow stars in the brand New Conjuring: The Last Rites movie which has hit cinemas across the world in recent weeks.

In an exclusive interview, proud mother and owner of a talent agency in Carlow, Shauna Ray Lacy, has shared an insight into her daughter's huge success.

Emmy Nolan plays young Judy Warren, Ed and Lorraine's daughter, in the new The Conjuring movie: The Last Rites.

Her mother said that Emmy fell in love with singing and entertaining from a young age.

"Other kids would be watching cartoons and Emmy would be watching people singing on TV and she just loved it," Shauna said.

Shauna said that as soon as Emmy could speak she would said: 'Mom I want to be on the telly' or would point at the TV and say, 'me there! me there!'.

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The woman said that she got her daughter an agent and from then she was able to star in her first voice-over role at just four years old.

She said that another thing that was helpful was the Spotlight Stage School in Carlow where Emmy was enrolled when she turned three.

"It really helped kick-start her career with all things singing....acting...dancing...and she then went on to productions where she was on the stage at just three years old."

"She just loved it," Shauna said.

Emmy's mother said that herself and Mary at the talent agency got a brief for The Conjuring: The Last Rites movie and Emmy started the audition process to get the role of young Judy Warren.

"They invited Emmy to do a self-tape...it consisted of performing a short scene with a reader which was myself and I just read back the lines...she had to also sing.

"This was a world-wide casting because they were looking for that right girl to be young Judy Warren."

Emmy moved on to a series of auditions involving zoom auditions and self-recorded auditions until finally the last audition she got to meet the direction Michael Chaves.

"She wasn't even in the zoom twenty seconds and she just came out and said 'they loved me' and it was in an American accent as well," Shauna said.

Shauna said that she and her daughter both spoke in an American accent around the house for the whole week in preparation for the final zoom call audition.

"It was about a day after we got an email to say that we would love to offer Emmy the role of young Judy Warren....it was just sensational."

She said that Emmy was so excited that it was her first feature film having featured in short films and commercials before.

"This is the biggest role so far she has got...she told all of her teachers and her friends and we were all just awaiting this spectacular journey we were about to embark on," Shauna said.

Shuana said that she was pregnant with her third child at the time so wasn't about to go with Emmy when she was on the film set.

She was a couple of weeks to and from London accompanied by her father. She had a private chauffeur and the team were amazing to her.

Emmy had three hours of school work with a private tutor a day while she was filming on the set in London.

"The experience has been sensational...with the whole cast....it's so amazing," Shauna said.

Emmy's mother said that she went to watch the movie the day it came out but because she isn't too fond of scary movies she had to keep her eyes closed until Emmy's parts came on!

"John would give me a nudge to say open your eyes....but Emmy loved the show reel she was sent of her parts and there was a particular scene where she went 'oh my god how did they do that' with the added special effects...she loved it so much".

Shauna said that Emmy has received a huge amount of support from her community in Carlow since the movie came out in cinemas.

"She got a congratulations letter from a lot of the councillors here in Carlow and her stage school gave her a special spotlight moment and gave her a massive clap.

"Emmy came home in tears and was so happy that everyone was clapping for her.....the love coming from everybody has been amazing.

"It's so mad when you think about it...that a little girl from Carlow, it's such a huge franchise it is just mega."

Moving forward for Emmy, her mother said that school is very important but "Emmy is very set in her ways even though she is only ten years old. That's her thing; she wants to be (an actress)....it's going very well, now she has a lead role for an incredible film."

Next for Emmy is a short-film based in Ireland at the end of this month.
Leitrim farmers will receive over 6M as part of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme payments, which will begin this week.

A total of 183.2 million has been paid out to 86,985 farmers across the country, with payments landing in bank accounts over the coming days.

The payments, which began issuing this week, will benefit nearly 87,000 farmers nationwide, including 7,035 in Donegal (17 million), 2,924 in Leitrim (6.5 million), and 3,330 in Sligo (7.1 million).

The Areas of Natural Constraints scheme provides payments to people farming land in designated areas which face significant hardships from factors such as remoteness, difficult topography, climatic problems and poor soil conditions.

READ MORE: 'Children that are in poverty are one of the most vulnerable sectors in society' - Leitrim councillor

Minister Harkin stated: "This investment represents not only an essential support for farming families, but a vital commitment to sustaining rural communities in the Northwest. For many farmers in counties such as Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, these payments are the difference between viability and vulnerability."

Minister Harkin emphasised that these figures underline the strategic importance of farming in the Northwest, where the terrain, weather and distance from major markets place additional burdens on family farms.

"This is a real investment in the backbone of our rural economy. Farming in the Northwest is about far more than producing food  it sustains communities, supports local economies, and safeguards our environment. I strongly welcome the Departments commitment to delivering these payments promptly and urge farmers to submit any outstanding documentation to ensure no one is left behind," Minister Harkin added.

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The ANC scheme provides an 85% advance payment, with the remaining 15% due in December, ensuring that farmers have the financial support they need during the most critical parts of the farming year.

Speaking on the announcement, Minister Heydon said: I am delighted to announce that advance payments totalling 183.2 million have issued to 86,985 farmers under the ANC scheme. Payments commencing today is a significant milestone achieved and is in line with dates agreed with the Farmers Charter.

The Minister added that the scheme remains vital for rural communities: The ANC scheme is crucial to farm families, and I know the importance of getting payments out to applicants as quickly as possible. The issuing of these payments in mid-September highlights our commitment to make payments to farmers at the earliest possible time.

The Department has confirmed that remaining cases will be processed as a matter of urgency once they meet scheme criteria.

Looking ahead, Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, also confirmed that his Department is on track to issue further supports, including a 70% advance under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and the Complementary Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) from October 16th, 2025 as well as a Eco-scheme payments from October 23rd, 2025.

The Department said these payments mark an important milestone in providing timely financial support to farm families.
MEP Nina Carberry has called on the European Commission to create a dedicated dementia research 'mission' under the EU Horizon programme, ahead of this weekends Alzheimers Memory Walk in Leitrim.

To mark World Alzheimers Day on this Sunday the 21st, local groups across the country will lead around 40 walks to raise awareness of dementia and support those living with it and their families.

The walk in Leitrim will start at 11am at Cloone Community Centre and go on a 5km route along Bothar na Naomh. Families, friends, and neighbours are invited to join in solidarity with the 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland, and to remember those who have passed away.

Read More: Leitrim farmers to receive millions in ANC grant payments starting this week

Local Champion and Dementia Adviser for Roscommon and Leitrim, Teresa Keegan, will lead the walk. Its a special day where people across the globe come together to support those living with dementia and their families, Teresa said.

Here in Cloone, well walk together to share memories, honour loved ones, and create new moments of joy and connection. I encourage everyone to register now at www.memorywalk.ie and join us on the day.

EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin has said he will raise MEP Carberry's proposal for a research 'mission' regarding dementia research with his fellow Commissioners. MEP Carberry has described this as a huge step forward in prioritising dementia research and support.

We have made significant strides in understanding dementia, but these will only matter if Europe is ready to act.

That means establishing a dedicated research 'mission' on dementia within Horizon Europe. A mission that can support organisations like Dementia Research Network Ireland, leading work on aftercare, respite, research, and policy reforms to improve quality of life.

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Caregivers carry double the emotional, financial, and physical stress. This support is vital for them too, she added.

The MEP for MidlandsNorthwest noted that the EU already has a cancer 'mission' with clear objectives and pillars covering prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

"We need the same action plan for dementia at the EU level," she concluded.
A former principal of Annaduff National School, Vincent Tighe, 66, of Meadow Court, Curryline, Newtownforbes, Co Longford, pleaded guilty to inflating the schools enrolment figures by three pupils to retain a teaching post for the 2019/20 year at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on Sept 16.

An anonymous tip-off to the Department of Education in June 2020 led to an audit at Annaduff NS and a Board of Management investigation. The case was later referred to Gardai. The schools Board of Management confirmed the annual census on October 9, 2019 certified 201 pupilsthe threshold to keep a teacherbut the true number was 198. Garda Benson gave evidence of arrest and charge on DPP directions.

Defence solicitor Gerry McGovern said two children were expected in September then enrolled elsewhere and one pupil had transferred out. While recovering from surgery and working part-time, Mr Tighe placed two children on the junior infants roll and marked a departed pupil present on dates in September/October 2019. Gardai said he had sought parental permission for the two children placed on the roll.

In a voluntary interview at Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station on 18 December 2023, Mr Vincent made a signed statement: I understand the allegation and I accept that I completed the acts that caused the census for the academic year 2019/2020 to be incorrect. I sincerely apologise I was under severe pressure, having two of the largest primary school classes in County Leitrim at the time I accept responsibility.

He added that the situation was compounded by me not heeding medical advice and attending work when I should not. Separately, the State outlined to the court that during September 2019 he was recovering from surgery and working part-time.

The court heard the Board of Management has since repaid the Department the cost of the teachers salary, so there was no loss to the Exchequer. Mr Tighe retired in June 2024 and fully co-operated with the investigation.

Accepting jurisdiction, Judge Eiteain Cunningham said the case raised serious governance issues: There are regulations in place and, with the best will in the world, this court cant do anything about those regulations. As school principal, your client should have known to adhere to them. I accept he acted from goodwill in protecting children and staff, but there was an element of deception to the Department, and that is something this court cannot condone.

Noting Mr Tighes co-operation and the repayment, Judge Cunningham ordered a Probation and Welfare Report to furnish the court with tools with regard to sentencing. She set bail on his own bond of 200, with no special conditions, and listed the matter for finalisation on January 21.

Defence solicitor McGovern said Mr Tighe is a married father of two who gave his life and soul to the school over 36 years and had never been in trouble: There was no personal gain in any of this  he was trying to keep the school alive. At the time there were letters from parents indicating enrolments that didnt materialise. Hed been on medical leave for 12 weeks and the school was managing two of the largest classes in the county. Its sad when you look at the whole structure of it. The post remained needed. There is no financial loss to anybody.

Judge Cunningham said she would bear those factors in mind and was open to recommendations from Probation and Welfare before sentencing. The case was adjourned to January 21 for the report and sentence.

READ MORE: 'A gentleman at heart': Tributes pour in for Leitrim man after tragic accident
There were jubilant scenes in Dovidas Sligo/Leitrim/Roscommon office this week as staff celebrated winning not one, but two, prestigious awards at the fourth Annual Home and Community Ireland (HCCI) Home Care Awards.

Dovida Sligo/Leitrim/Roscommon General Manager, Bridget McGrath, scooped the Manager of the Year award, while Scheduling Lead, Michaela Byrne, won Scheduler of the Year.

Manager of the Year is a title bestowed upon someone who works tirelessly to maintain staff morale, shows vision in developing person-centred care, and supports colleagues to meet the ever-changing needs of the business.

The Scheduler of the Year award is presented to an outstanding staff member who is indispensable to the scheduling and coordination of caregivers and their clients.

Bridgets journey from frontline caregiver to General Manager is nothing short of inspirational, Shane Jennings, CEO of Dovida Ireland, said.

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Bridget exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding leader through her tireless work ethic, clear vision, and strong emotional intelligence. She ensures staff feel supported, appreciated, and empowered, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.

Her proactive approach to developing new services, particularly in rural areas, shows her commitment to client wellbeing. All of us at Dovida are very proud of her and celebrate her fantastic achievement, he added.

Michaela manages the daily scheduling activities for three counties and takes it all in her stride, Bridget McGrath said.

She has a can-do attitude; looks to excel in everything she does and goes the extra mile for her clients. We regularly receive messages praising Michaela for what a hard-working, caring, compassionate and helpful person she is. Were all delighted for her here; she deserves this success, she added.

The HCCI Home Care Awards reward individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Irish home care sector.

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This years awards took place in Athlone on Thursday, September 11. Dovida was shortlisted in six categories, making this the companys best year yet for winners and nominees.
Two men have been arrested after more than a million euro worth of cocaine was seized in Dublin.

The cocaine was seized during an operation in the Dublin 11 and 15 areas on Wednesday which was led by the Finglas Drugs Unit.

Gardai from the Crime Response Team and Regional Armed Response Unit were also involved in the operation.

At a residence in Dublin 11, gardai seized approximately 12kg of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of 840,000 euro.

A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene and detained under drug trafficking legislation.

At another residence in Dublin 15, gardai seized approximately 5.5kg of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of 375,000 euro.

A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and also under the same legislation.

Both men have since been charged.

The drugs seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Investigations are ongoing.
A Cork man accused of sending naked pictures of his ex partner to her and her mother has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Jordan Breen (26) with an address at Stagpark Avenue, Mitchelstown in Co Cork appeared charged with entering a premises in Derry with intent to steal on September 15.

He was also charged with sending sexual images without the permission of the alleged victim on September 16.

He is also charged with making threats to damage property on the same date.

The court heard that police received a report from a female that the defendant, her former partner, had entered her property and sent her a video of him accessing her social media accounts.

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She said when she returned from work Breen was in the property and had taken her phone and tablet.

When she started walking to the police station to complain the defendant was said to have followed her and eventually handed back her phone.

On September 16 the woman's mother told her Breen had sent her naked images of her and she reported this to police as well as to the woman herself.

The woman said that on occasions Breen had taken her bank card and turned up at her work on random occasions.

After being arrested Breen made a phone call to a relative and was heard saying there was 'nothing' for him in Derry and he intended to go back to Cork.

He was also heard asking the relative to contact the alleged victim's family to 'resolve the matter'.

The alleged injured party told police that on September 17 she had received a call at her work from Breen's relative advising her she could lose her job.

When she hung up her supervisor the received a call from the same person.

Bail was opposed due to risk of flight and risk of interference with witnesses.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said the defendant intended to return to Cork and his family could offer a cash surety.

He said Breen could be barred from the North except for court appearances.

Deputy District Judge Alan White said that even at these early stages there appeared to be an attempt at interference with witnesses.

He said contact could be made from anywhere and there was a clear risk of interference.

Breen was remanded in custody to appear again on October 16.
A cross-border science programme has been launched to help tackle challenges surrounding climate change across the UK and Ireland.

The Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water is a virtual programme which brings together experts and researchers to address environmental challenges.

The project is a joint strategic partnership between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain supported by funding from Research Ireland, UKRI and DAERA.

During an event at Queens University Belfast, Environment Minister Andrew Muir said science will be front and centre in helping us deliver on our economic, social and environmental ambitions.

He said: Today, the evidence is clear: our climate is changing, our biodiversity is under threat and our water resources are facing unprecedented pressures.

To ensure our economy grows sustainably, we need a healthy environment.

We do not have a choice; we must address these interconnected challenges. I absolutely believe that with the help of collaborative and transformative science it is possible to address them.

Our climate and environmental challenges do not respect borders, and neither can our solutions  this is why the co-centre approach, looking at climate challenges on a north-south, east-west basis, is so vital.

Our climate is changing, our biodiversity is under threat and our water resources are facing unprecedented pressures.

The six-year programme includes 14 research institutions and is receiving more than 8 million in funding from DAERA.

Professor Mark Emmerson, co-director of the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water, said: Having the opportunity to collaborate with our researchers, industry leaders and policy partners across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain will be instrumental in exploring solutions and providing scientific evidence to inform policy and legislation that address the most pressing common challenges of climate change, biodiversity decline and water degradation.
MORE THAN 6.6 million in funding has been announced to transform the historic Fireplace site on Nicholas Street into a design and innovation hub.

This landmark project will see the regeneration of 3539 Nicholas Street, incorporating the surviving medieval fireplace and historic fabric into a new educational and innovative design hub.

The Forge Design Factory will provide space for artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and visitors, including studios, exhibition and retail areas, and a cafe/restaurant, with the aim of creating a vibrant destination at the heart of Limericks Medieval Quarter.

The project has already been granted planning permission, following approval by Limerick City and County Councillors earlier this year.

There has also been positive engagement with the Kings Island Community throughout the process to date.

This puts the project in a strong position to progress quickly, a spokesperson for the council said.

A total of 90 million in funding has been awarded to local authorities across Ireland through THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne announced.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran welcomed the funding announced for Limerick, saying: We have big plans for Kings Island. The revival of the Fireplace site is another spark to ignite a wider revival of Nicholas Street and our medieval quarter, along with plans for King Johns Castle, the Fashion Incubator and the TUS plans on Mary Street just announced.

He continued: The Forge Design Factory will breathe new life into one of our most historic streets. I want to thank the Government, ERDF and the Southern Regional Assembly for believing us about the importance of this project and allocating funding to it. With planning permission, councillor backing, positive public engagement, and funding secured we can forge ahead with this transformational development.

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Priomh Comhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: The awarding of 6.5 million through THRIVE represents a major vote of confidence in Limerick City and County Councils vision for Nicholas Street.

The councillors decision to grant planning permission was a critical step in unlocking this opportunity. The Forge Design Factory will attract talent, create opportunities for enterprise, and bring renewed energy into the Medieval Quarter.

Director general of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly stated: This is a very welcome funding announcement. The Forge Design Factory at the Fireplace site is an ambitious and forward-looking project that aligns with our broader plans for Limericks city centre.

By combining heritage conservation with innovation and design, this project will deliver real social, cultural, and economic benefits.

Director of Planning, Environment and Place-Making at LCCC, Vincent Murray commented: Nicholas Street is central to the story of Limerick, and this project represents an exciting opportunity to unlock its potential once again.

He added: I want to acknowledge our excellent team at Limerick City and County Council led by Maria Woods, senior planner, who have taken this project from its earliest concept stage through to design and preparation of a strong funding application under THRIVE. With planning permission already in place and funding secured we can move quickly to deliver an exciting development for Limerick.

Co-funded by the Government of Ireland, THRIVE is supported through Irelands European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes to restore vacant or derelict heritage buildings in public ownership.

The aim of the programme is revitalising urban centres, bringing valued heritage buildings back into use as community assets and delivering on New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First policies.

Limerick City and County Council also acknowledged the support of the Southern Regional Assembly in administering the THRIVE program and for providing strand one funding to local authorities for integrated urban strategies and project pipeline development.
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LONDONHundreds of high-end SUVs usually roll off Jaguar Land Rovers production lines every day. This month, they have fallen silent.

A cyberattack discovered late last month prompted the Range Rover maker to power down its operations, a response that could cost the company tens of millions of dollars and threatens jobs across its supply chain.

The British company is now racing to restart its systems safely with the help of top cybersecurity experts flown in from around the globe. On Tuesday, it said the process will take time" and extended the shutdownpreviously expected to end Wednesdayto Sept. 24.

The company has also said some data was compromised, having initially said there was no evidence of stolen customer information.

JLR is working with the U.K.s National Cyber Security Centrepart of Britains GCHQ signals-intelligence agencyto investigate the hack and with government ministers in London to minimize the ripple effects through its supply chain. The company declined to comment.

Hackers belonging to a trio of infamous cybercriminal groupsLapsus$, ShinyHunters and Scattered Spiderappeared to claim responsibility on a joint Telegram channel that went by the name scattered LAPSUS$ hunters 4.0" before it was taken offline Tuesday.

Rip bozooo #JLR," Full SRC codes too," and We backdooring all yo CARS," the authors wrote in rapid-fire messages on Sept. 3, after sharing a screenshot that appeared to come from a carmakers internal system. SRC is short for source, suggesting that the hackers are claiming to have JLRs source codea potentially serious breach.

Cyber experts say the groups, which consist largely of young men and teenagers, are capable, but the boasts they broadcast need to be treated with a high level of skepticism.

Two or three screenshots arent enough to assess the credibility of their claims, according to a researcher at Israeli cybersecurity company Kela.

The cyberattack comes at a difficult moment for JLR. This year, President Trumps trade policy has increased the tariffs due on the vehicles the automaker ships from Europe to the U.S., its most important market. Profit almost halved year over year in its most recent quarter.

The profit impact of the hack could be the equivalent of almost $7 million a day, according to an estimate of lost sales by John Bailey, a professor at Birmingham Business School. JLR continues to pay its production workers even though they arent coming to work.

Some losses could be covered by insurance. A JLR spokesman said the company would discuss the financial impact in its next results.

Still, with net cash on its balance sheet and owned by Indian conglomerate Tata, JLR is in a relatively strong position. Before the increase in U.S. tariffs, the company was more profitable than it had been for years thanks to the popularity of its sport-utility vehicles, particularly in the U.S.

JLR assembles its top-end Range Rovers at the historic Land Rover factory in Solihull, England, just outside Birmingham. Other models come from an old Ford plant near Liverpool, while the company in 2018 also opened a factory in Slovakia that makes the new Land Rover Defender. All three plants are affected by the shutdown.

Concerns in Britain center on JLRs network of small suppliers, which rely on steady production at the companys U.K. factories for a big chunk of their business. JLR was Britains second-largest vehicle manufacturer by volume last year, and the companies that send parts to its factories just in time" for final assemblycommon practice in todays auto industryemploy roughly 100,000 staff.

Members of Parliament last week called on the countrys Treasury to support JLRs supply chain with emergency Covid-style economic support mechanisms." The Treasury has yet to respond. JLR executives are in daily dialogue with the government.

The company wont necessarily lose sales as a result of the shutdowns. In the U.S., dealers had 113 days of supply of Land Rovers and Range Rovers in August, according to Cox Automotive, among the highest in the industry.

Meanwhile, the Jaguar brand, whose luxury sedans have long struggled to compete with their German rivals, is all but dormant: Existing models are no longer in production and a new generation of more expensive electric vehicles arent due to be launched until next year. A fuchsia-infused video clip to celebrate the relaunch at Miami Art Week last December attracted jibes, including from Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, for not including any cars.

This isnt the first time JLR has been hit by a cyberattack. The automaker was the victim of an incident in March that was claimed by a hacker who goes by the name Rey. The same individual was among those bragging about the most recent attack on Telegram. Kelas analysts have traced Rey to Jordan.

Scattered Spider, one of the loose groupings of hackers on the Telegram channel that claimed the latest attack, brought chaos to MGM Resorts on the Las Vegas Strip in 2023. It is also suspected to be at least in part behind a spate of high-profile cybersecurity breaches at British retailers earlier this year. Marks & Spencer, one of Britains largest retailers, said a hack that brought down its online-clothing store for weeks ended up costing it the equivalent to $410 million.

Three men and one woman, with ages ranging from 17 to 20, were arrested in July as part of an investigation into the retailer cyberattacks by Britains National Crime Agency. Three of the suspects were based in the U.K.s West Midlands region, where much of Britains car industry is located. The individuals are now on conditional bail.

In recent days, the rowdy Telegram channel through which the hackers communicated publicly included a series of vague apologies. On Tuesday, it was abruptly taken offline.

Write to Stephen Wilmot at stephen.wilmot@wsj.com
(Bloomberg) -- The US governments bet on Intel Corp. is paying off in a big way after a surprise investment from Nvidia Corp. sparked the biggest rally in the chipmakers shares in nearly four decades.

Intel shares soared as much as 28% on Thursday after the firm announced that Nvidia had agreed to invest $5 billion in the company and co-develop chips for PCs and data centers. The move comes less than a month after President Donald Trump sealed a deal for a roughly 10% US government stake in Intel.

Thursdays surge in Intel shares pushed the stock as high as $31.79, boosting the value of the governments stake to about $14 billion, a $4.9 billion gain on paper since the deal was inked in August. Under that agreement, the US government said it would buy 433.3 million shares of Intels common stock at $20.47 per share.

Intel said in a filing last month that it had already issued 274.6 million shares to the Department of Commerce and issued the remaining 158.7 million shares into an escrow account that would be released to the government over time as the US makes disbursements to Intel under the Chips Act.

The Nvidia investment is the latest lifeline for Intel, which has struggled for years amid difficulties with its manufacturing business and as chips used in artificial intelligence have become the central growth area of semiconductors.

To be sure, the companies didnt offer a timeline for when the first products from the agreement would be on sale. The surge in Intels share price has also caused its valuation to balloon to levels not seen since the dot-com bubble. The company is trading at 57 times projected 12-month earnings, the highest level since 2001.

Wall Street is filled with stories of companies that looked dead but managed to rise like a phoenix from the ashes, said Ted Weisberg, a trader with Seaport Securities. It is too early to know what this means, we will have to see, but this feels like a breath of fresh air.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr said Jimmy Kimmels comments about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk appeared to mislead the public about a significant fact.

Speaking on CNBC on Thursday, Carr said: Jimmy Kimmel is not Johnny Carson. It was not making fun of or pillorying me or the administration or the president. It was appearing to directly mislead the American public about a significant fact about the assassination.

Walt Disney Co.s ABC network pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely on Wednesday night after comments he made earlier in the week. The company announced the decision minutes after Nexstar Media Group Inc., which owns dozens of ABC TV affiliates, said it would pull the show from its stations over remarks that were offensive and insensitive.

Kimmel, who has been a vocal critic of Trump, accused Republicans of using Kirks death to criticize their opponents.

We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, Kimmel said in his Sept. 15 monologue.

Carr told podcast host Benny Johnson that he had a strong case to punish Kimmel, ABC and Disney. The FCC grants licenses to broadcasters such as ABC affiliates.

Broadcast is different, Carr said on CNBC on Thursday. Broadcast TV is different. Were on a cable show right now. You dont have an FCC license. You dont have an obligation to serve the public interest. Podcasts dont either, Carr said. But if you have a broadcast TV license, that means that you have something that very few people have and youre excluding other people from having access to that valuable public resource, and it comes with an obligation to serve the public interest.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Mediobanca Spa Chief Executive Officer Alberto Nagel is resigning along with some other members of the lenders board, paving the way for a change in leadership after Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA effectively won control over the rival.

To facilitate an orderly and timely transition through the appointment of a new management body, the directors all, with the exception of one member tendered their resignations, the bank said in a statement on Thursday.

Resignations will be effective from the date of the next annual meeting scheduled for Oct. 28, when a new board will be named.

The move comes after Monte Paschis takeover offer was accepted by investors representing about 63% of Mediobancas shares, ensuring the firm will have a majority stake once the bid ends. The outgoing management had been strongly opposed to the deal, arguing it lacked industrial and financial rationale.

Nagel, who earlier this week raised about 44 million ($52 million) by selling 2 million shares in the bank, was preparing to relinquish his post if Monte Paschi were to cross 50%, Bloomberg News has previously reported.

The acquisition will create Italys third-biggest bank, realizing a long-held ambition of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to establish a new large lender that can rival Intesa Sanpaolo SpA and UniCredit SpA.

In a bid to clinch the deal, Monte Paschi earlier this month improved its offer by adding a cash component to its bid, valuing Mediobanca at about 17.5 billion, compared with a market capitalization of about 17.4 billion.

Monte Paschis offer values Mediobancas stock at 21.55 apiece compared with the current market price of 21.48 in Milan trading.

In a farewell message addressed to employees Thursday, Nagel recapped the banks successes and challenges under his tenure and thanked them for their achievements.

You now face new challenges that, I am sure, you will be ready to overcome by staying united and preserving the culture and diversity that make you unique, he wrote. I am sure that the banks new ownership cannot fail to recognize the value of your exceptional professional heritage.

Nagel, 60, has led Mediobanca for 17 years, making him one of Europes longest-serving bank CEOs. He has expanded Italys only publicly listed investment bank into leading positions in retail banking and wealth management.

The veteran banker also navigated Mediobanca through the global financial crisis, the European debt crisis and a stream of Italian government changes.

Along the way, Nagel survived earlier efforts to oust him. Those campaigns were spearheaded by two investors with wide-ranging interests in Italian finance  the heirs to the late billionaire Leonardo Del Vecchio and the tycoon Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone.

The two together owned almost 30% of Mediobanca and hold about 20% in Monte Paschi. Backing Monte Paschis takeover, they have committed their shares to the deal, Bloomberg News has reported.

The departure of Nagel is also likely to raise questions about the strategy of Assicurazioni Generali SpA, Italys largest insurer. Mediobanca is Generalis largest investor with a 13% stake. Generali CEO, Philippe Donnet, whos backed by Nagel, has been facing attacks from Caltagirone. The tycoon is critical of Donnets plan to merge Generalis asset management operations with Natixis Investment Managers, a unit owned by the French banking group BPCE. The deal has also come under criticism from Italian government officials.

Nagel signed his farewell letter off by quoting ancient Roman poet Horace: Graecia capta ferum victorem cepit  which translates to Conquered Greece took captive her savage conqueror.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Reuters) - SoftBank Group will lay off nearly 20% of its Vision Fund team globally as it shifts resources to founder Masayoshi Sons large-scale artificial intelligence bets in the United States, according to a memo seen by Reuters and a source familiar with the plan.

The cuts mark the third round of layoffs at the Japanese investment conglomerates flagship fund since 2022. Vision Fund currently employs 44 people, according to its website. Unlike previous rounds, when the group was saddled with major losses, the latest reductions come after the fund last month reported its strongest quarterly performance since June 2021, driven by gains in public holdings such as Nvidia and South Korean e-commerce firm Coupang.

The move signals a pivot away from a broad portfolio of startup investments. While the fund will continue to make new bets, remaining staff will dedicate more resources to Sons ambitious AI initiatives, such as the proposed $500 billion Stargate project - an initiative to build a vast network of U.S. data centers in partnership with OpenAI, the source added.

A Vision Fund spokesperson confirmed the layoffs without commenting on the details, and said in a statement: We continually adjust the organization to best execute our long-term strategy - making bold, high-conviction investments in AI and breakthrough technologies, and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.

The restructuring marks a return to Sons classic high-risk, high-reward approach of making massive, concentrated wagers, moving on from the sprawling venture capital model that defined the last era of the Vision Fund, and a period in which the group was forced to de-risk, sell assets and rebuild credibility after incurring billions in losses on its once high-flying bet on the office-sharing startup WeWork.

This shift toward capital-intensive AI infrastructure reflects where Son - who made his name with outsized bets and was an early champion of AI - sees the path back to the top. He is now aggressively pursuing new investments in foundation models and the infrastructure layer, sometimes at premium valuations.

In the past 12 months, Son has invested $9.7 billion in OpenAI through Vision Fund 2, which manages about $65.8 billion in total. SoftBank is also plotting a capital-intensive infrastructure strategy centered on its crown jewel, chip designer Arm. It has acquired chip firms Graphcore and Ampere Computing and taken stakes in Intel and Nvidia. These moves aim to build an ecosystem spanning chips, data centers, and models to support future AI adoptions. The capital-intensive strategy carries execution risk, underscored by recent delays in both the U.S. Stargate project and a similar joint venture with OpenAI in Japan, Reuters reported this week.

SoftBank CFO Yoshimitsu Goto said the company held a very safe level of cash of 4 trillion yen ($27 billion) on the company's most recent earnings call in August.
(Bloomberg) -- An Indigenous group in Canada vows to bring political and legal challenges against Teck Resources Ltd.s merger with Anglo American Plc, unless the companies consult with them over expansion plans for a smelter in southern British Columbia.

Tecks zinc-and-lead smelter in Trail, BC, is on lands that are the responsibility of the Osoyoos Indian Band, according to Chief Clarence Louie. He said Teck hasnt meaningfully talked to the group about its proposed merger and investments for the Trail operations, which faced historic complaints about pollution.

To date we have experienced significant impacts without any benefit, Louie said in an emailed statement, calling the companies proposal to expand the operations without consulting First Nations unconscionable.

Anglo and Teck agreed this month to combine in a deal that would create a mining giant worth more than $50 billion. As part of the transaction, the companies said they would invest as much as C$750 million ($544 million) in the Trail operations to explore ways to add copper processing and expand output for germanium and other so-called strategic metals.

Canadas government has the ability to block the proposed transaction under the rules of the Investment Canada Act. The net benefit test allows the minister to judge any deal based on a number of factors, including the impact on jobs, exports, technological development and Canadas ability to compete in world markets.

Teck and Anglo have made commitments to invest in Canada, relocate the joint headquarters to Tecks base of Vancouver and invest C$4.5 billion in Canada if the deal is approved. Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly said Tuesday the companies havent yet done enough to demonstrate the deals advantages to the nations economy.

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Osoyoos Chief Louie said hell ask politicians to obstruct the deal unless theres better consultation, citing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. The declaration was legally adopted by BC and Canada, and outlines the need for free, prior and informed consent from Indigenous groups for measures affecting their lands.

The chief said he wants to discuss involvement by the areas Indigenous people on environmental and cultural issues and the potential for jobs and revenue sharing related to the Trail operations. The smelter in Trail now operated by Teck was established more than a century ago.

Theyre doing these deals on other mines, Louie said of Teck, referring to deals the company has struck elsewhere, but they have nothing with the smelter, nothing in Trail itself.

Teck has invested in remediation efforts for Trail and worked with local Indigenous communities, according to company filings, though the Osoyoos Indian Band isnt among groups it names.

Louie said efforts are underway to meet Teck Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Price within weeks, after a previous meeting was canceled. Teck said it has been in touch with the Osoyoos Indian Band about the proposed merger and looks forward to discussing further.

Teck is committed to building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous governments affected by our operations and engaging meaningfully for significant projects, a company spokesperson said Thursday in an emailed statement. That includes Trail operations as the merger transaction progresses and the potential investments proposed as part of the merger become better defined.

An Anglo spokesperson said the company echoed Tecks comments.

If the deal goes ahead anyway  the companies expect to complete the transaction within 12 to 18 months  the Osoyoos band is prepared to challenge the companies in court.

Well use whatever legal options we have, Louie said. Whatever we have to do.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Deutsche Bank AG warned that a broad rollback of financial regulations in the US will give the German lenders overseas competitor an edge.

James von Moltke, Deutsche Banks chief financial officer, told an investor conference organized by Bank of America Corp. that changes to rules governing the so-called leverage ratio could give US banks more capacity, perhaps, to support their markets clients. The deployment of capital by banks and private credit firms in fixed income and currencies financing will probably continue, so margins are likely to contract there, he added.

The advent of the Trump administration has turbo-charged efforts by banks to water down regulations and free up money to provide more credit to the economy or boost shareholder payouts. That has sparked concerns in Europe that the blocs lenders will struggle to keep up in global businesses like trading bonds and currencies.

The changes will give a further advantage to the US banks, von Moltke said in London on Thursday. It doesnt really change our operations in the US that theres deregulation there because Deutsche Bank takes decisions based on its consolidated levels of capital.

Deutsche Bank can still gain market share in the US, the CFO said, citing investments in the rates business over several years and more recently in credit trading. The bank also bolstered the fixed income division by assigning more financial resources to its financing business early this year, he said.

While reforms enacted after the 2008 financial crisis made banks safer, theres a point in time at which you have to judge whether the trade-off of financial stability versus growth is one thats still the right one, von Moltke said.

Then you have this impetus for deregulation thats coming from the US, von Moltke said. You can debate how much and which changes, but that itll present a competitive disadvantage to the European banks over time is indubitable.

European officials have responded by calling for a simplification of banking regulations, while stopping short of anything that could undermine the industrys hard-won resilience. Yet Europes organizational set-up means such efforts may get stuck, von Moltke said.

I a little bit worry that simplification at the end of the day becomes a reason not to take action somehow that really bites, he said.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
New Delhi: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are exploring fresh cooperation in the space and maritime sectors as part of efforts to broaden their fast-growing economic partnership.

The plan was discussed at the 13th meeting of the high-level joint task force on investments, which met in Abu Dhabi and was co-chaired by commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The forum, created in 2013 to deepen investment ties and address investor concerns, has emerged as a key platform for channelling capital flows between the two economies. The latest discussions also reviewed progress on existing projects such as Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million sq ft trading hub being developed at the Jebel Ali Free Zone, to showcase Indian products to global buyers, the ministry said.

The meeting came at a time when bilateral non-oil trade is showing strong momentum under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. In the first half of 2025, non-oil trade between the two countries rose 34% year-on-year to nearly $38 billion, marking a major step towards the UAEs 2030 trade targets.

Market access CEPA has expanded market access for Indian textiles, food products, and engineering goods while giving the UAE a stronger foothold in Asias second-largest market.

Both delegations also took stock of ongoing initiatives to settle trade in local currencies, integrate payment systems, and explore the use of Central Bank Digital Currencies, the ministry said. Work is already underway on linking Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with UAE platforms, a move expected to cut transaction costs and reduce exchange rate risks for businesses, it said.

At the meeting, Goyal highlighted that Indias rapid economic expansion creates opportunities for UAE investors across infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced sectors such as space technology. Sheikh Hamed described the partnership as anchored in shared goals and joint success and said the task force will remain central to driving the relationship forward.

The meeting also addressed investor concerns, with both sides agreeing to resolve them quickly through coordination among government agencies.

For India, the UAE is its third-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in sectors ranging from energy to ports. For the UAE, investing in India offers a hedge against oil reliance and a gateway to broader Asian markets. With the addition of space and maritime cooperation to the agenda, the relationship is now evolving beyond trade and finance into long-term strategic collaboration.

Mint reported on 8 September that Indias commerce ministry is moving to soften the 50% US tariff blow by redirecting exports to trusted partners such as Singapore and the UAE.

Bilateral trade between India and the UAE surged to $99.7 billion in FY25$36.3 billion in exports and $63.4 billion in importsfrom $83.6 billion in the year before and $84.8 billion in FY23, commerce ministry data showed.
The US government's decision to revoke the sanctions waiver linked to the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar in 2018 is likely to impact India, which is developing a terminal at the port.

According to a statement from the US Department of State, the sanctions exception granted in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) for Afghanistan reconstruction assistance and economic development has been revoked, effective September 29, in line with US President Donald Trump's maximum-pressure policy aimed at isolating the Iranian regime, PTI reported.

Also Read | India in Iran port pivot to skirt Hormuz Strait chokepoint

"Once the revocation is effective, persons who operate the Chabahar Port or engage in other activities described in IFCA may expose themselves to sanctions under IFCA," the statement read.

How will the US government's action impact India? The US government's decision may impact India, which is developing a terminal at the Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman, according to a report by PTI. On May 13, 2024, India signed a 10-year contract to operate the port, which will help it expand trade with Central Asia.

This would be the first time India would take over the management of an overseas port. In 2003, India proposed developing the Chabahar port to provide a gateway for its goods to reach landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia via the International North-South Transport Corridor, thus bypassing Pakistan.

Also Read | Trump faces a moment of truth on Iran

US sanctions on Iran over a suspicion of developing a nuclear programme had slowed down the development of the port, the report added.

Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation of Iran signed the long-term agreement, which replaced an initial 2016 pact, which covered India's operations at Shahid Beheshti terminal in Chabahar port and had been renewed annually.

In 2023, Chabahar port was used by India to send 20,000 tonnes of wheat aid to Afghanistan. In 2021, the same was used to supply environmentally friendly pesticides to Iran.

Also Read | The India-Iran Chabahar port project will test our diplomacy

The long-term bilateral contract on Chabahar Port Operation was signed between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) of India and the Port & Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran, enabling the operation of Shahid-Beheshti in the Chabahar Port Development Project for a period of 10 years.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has allocated 100 crore for Chabahar Port in 2024-25, highlighting the country's emphasis on connectivity projects with Iran.

Also Read | Iran Warns Sanctions Would Derail Ties With UN Atomic Watchdog

Why is Chabahar port important? Chabahar is not only the nearest Iranian port to India, but also an excellent port from a nautical perspective.

Chabahar port, situated in Iran's southern Sistan-Balochistan province, is being developed by India and Iran to enhance connectivity and trade links. India and Iran have anticipated the port as a key hub for the INSTC project. The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

India has been working on a section of Chabahar Port, with discussions about its development going back to 2003, during Iranian President Muhammad Khatami's visit to India.

India promised to invest $100 million towards the development of Chabahar Port in 2013.

In May 2015, India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of Chabahar Port. The contract was executed on May 23, 2016, in Tehran (Iran) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Iran.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Thursday that his government will provide financial assistance of 1,000 per month to unemployed youths.

He said the assistance will be provided under 'Mukhyamantri Nishchay Swayam Sahayta Bhatta Yojana'  to those who have graduate degrees for a period of two years.

Also Read | After Bihar, Election Commission begins voter list revision process in Delhi

Earlier, this scheme was applicable for unemployed youths who had passed their intermediate exams only.

In a post on X, Nitish Kumar said, I am pleased to inform that under the state government's seven resolves programme, the previously operated 'Mukhyamantri Nishchay Swayam Sahayta Bhatta Yojana' has now been expanded.

Under this, the benefit of the Self-Help Allowance Scheme, which was previously being provided to intermediate-passed youth, has now been extended to unemployed graduate youth who have passed in arts, science, and commerce, Nitish Kumar added.

"Graduate-passed youth in the 20-25 age group who are not pursuing any studies anywhere, are striving for jobs/employment, do not have any self-employment, or have not obtained government, private, or non-government employment, will also be paid the Chief Minister's Resolves Self-Help Allowance at the rate of 1,000 per month for a maximum of two years."

Assembly elections in Bihar are due later this year.

"I hope that the youth will use this assistance allowance to obtain necessary training and prepare for competitive examinations so that their future can be secured", the CM wrote.

Since the formation of the new government in November 2005, providing government jobs and employment to more and more youth and empowering and enabling them has been our top priority, he said.

"You are aware that a target has been set to provide government jobs and employment to one crore youth in the next five years. In the coming days, a large number of new jobs and employment opportunities will be created in the government and private sectors. To achieve this set target, youth are being provided skill development training so that they can obtain jobs/employment", wrote the CM.

Also Read | Chirag Paswan says LJP(R) will contest all 243 Bihar Assembly seats
Washington DC [US], September 18 (ANI): Actor Colin Farrell has heaped praise on his co-star Margot Robbie, calling her reputation in Hollywood "extraordinary" and admitting that it was a "turn-on" for him to collaborate with her in their romantic fantasy film 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey', reported People.

While appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Farrell revealed that although he and Robbie had not worked together before, he had long heard of her warm reputation. "You hear things through the years, 'cause as you know yourself, it's a fairly small industry," Farrell told host Seth Meyers. "So I met people through the years that worked with Margot ... and they all, [men and women], said how extraordinary she was." he said, as per the outlet.

Robbie, 35, lightened the moment by joking, "You owe me 20 bucks later," prompting laughter from the audience. The two actors also exchanged compliments during the segment, with Robbie highlighting how crew members she knew had described Farrell as "the most divine human being on the planet."

Farrell continued that what he'd heard about the Barbie star "was really apparent as soon as we met," and a "really easy" dynamic between them immediately.

"I also have always heard things about Colin," Robbie interjected. "Everyone talks about what a great guy he is -- obviously I know he's talented and all that," as quoted by People.

"But I have a lot of friends who are crew members -- actually, two of my closest girlfriends have worked on a movie with Colin before as crew members. And they, too, were like, 'He's just the most divine human being on the planet,' " shared Robbie

Directed by Kogonada and written by Seth Reiss, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey stars Robbie and Farrell as Sarah and David, two strangers who meet at a wedding and, after a twist of fate, embark on an adventure that allows them to revisit pivotal moments from their pasts. The film's cast also includes Kevin Kline, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Lily Rabe, Jodie Turner-Smith, Billy Magnussen and more, reported People.
Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 18 (ANI): Actor Disha Patani's father, Jagdish Patani, expressed his gratitude toward Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, after the encounter of the two accused involved in firing outside his residence.

"No matter how much I praise or express gratitude for the Chief Minister, it won't be enough. Today is a living example of the fear-free society he (CM Yogi) envisioned for all of Uttar Pradesh," he told ANI.

Jagdish Patani also shared his reaction to the encounter of the accused and said, "Such incidents happen, and action is also taken. I am satisfied with the security, and all the officials are with me. I am satisfied with the swift action in the matter."

CM Adityanath had previously assured Jagdish Patani, a retired police officer, of strict action against the accused and security arrangements.

Earlier this week, the two accused involved in the firing outside actor Disha Patani's father's residence in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, were killed in an encounter in a joint operation by Delhi Police and UP STF in Ghaziabad.

Ravinda alias Kullu and Arun, affiliated with notorious gangsters Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara, were injured during the encounter near the Tronica City area of Ghaziabad and later succumbed to injuries.

UP Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, also shared details about the case.

"Incidents like these disrupt the law and order situation and instil fear in the public, and they directly undermine the zero-tolerance policy of the UP Police and the UP Chief Minister. This incident was taken as a challenge," the UP ADG told ANI.

The shocking incident unfolded in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, when gunshots were fired outside Bollywood actress Disha Patani's residence around 3:45 am on September 12.

The attack, claimed by gangsters Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar on social media, sent shockwaves through the community.
As Israels military closes in on Hamas in Gaza City, it confronts a challenge that will shape the coming battle: How to destroy the militant groups forces without killing the hostages they hold.

The risk is that it cant do both. Hamas, whose vast tunnel network is still largely intact in Gaza City, has warned it will kill the captives if the military tries to free them by force. The densely packed battlefield also raises the risk of accidental deaths.

Military officials are so concerned about the dangers that they are slowing their assault on the city, the tightly packed urban landscape that Israels leaders say is among Hamass final strongholds.

Throughout the nearly two-year conflict, Hamas has held the hostages as bargaining chips in cease-fire talks. About half the hostages who have died in Gaza were killed accidentally by the military or executed by Hamas as troops drew near.

Now, with only around 20 believed alive, hostages are squarely at the center of the Israeli military calculus as the new ground offensive in Gaza City begins.

Israels security services say they are moving troops into Gaza City cautiously because of the danger to the hostages. Intelligence assessments of hostage locations will determine where military officials direct troops. Officers must certify hostages arent near the target before carrying out major strikes.

Those strictures mean the ground offensive in one of Gazas last major population centers will likely be a long grind. The military said Tuesday it could take several months to gain control of Gaza City and several more to clear ita long way from the quick victory hoped for by the Trump administration and Israels war-weary citizens.

This whole operation, if it rolls in fully, theres a huge risk to the hostages," said Israel Ziv, a retired Israeli general who previously headed Israels Gaza division.

Hamas-led militants took 251 hostages during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that sparked the war. Two rounds of hostage-for-prisoners swaps freed around 147 living hostages.

Israel now thinks there are roughly 20 hostages left alive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 others.

The families of hostages have said recently that they are worried their relatives are being used by Hamas as human shields.

Being on the ground in Gaza City will give Israels troops a chance to gather real-time intelligence on the hostages whereabouts, said Danny Van Buren, a brigadier general in the Israeli reserves. While they are at risk, Hamas has its own vested interest in keeping them alive as a hedge for the militants own safety, he said.

Some security analysts think Israel will try to encircle squads of militants who are holding the hostages and cut side deals for their release in exchange for safe passage. Those hypothetical deals would circumvent Hamass leadership and shortcut the long-stalled formal hostage negotiations in Doha and Cairo.

Once Hamas scatters, the military will go into the areas where the hostages are, surround them, and tell the kidnappers to give us the hostages," said Amir Avivi, a former senior military official who is close to the current government.

Relatives of Israeli hostages and demonstrators at a protest in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

The fate of the hostages during the war shows that such a scenario might be optimistic. Similar concerns about the hostages preceded Israels 2024 invasion of Rafah, the city on the border with Egypt where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were sheltering. Israel says six hostages were executed in a Rafah tunnel in August of 2024 as troops closed in. Another six likely were shot to death in another tunnel in nearby Khan Younis as airstrikes hit above them.

In all, 42 of the hostages taken alive during Oct. 7 were killed in captivity in Gaza, according to Israel. Of those, at least 20 deaths happened amid Israeli military activity, including executions by their captors, accidental shootings and deaths in bombings.

Some eight hostages are known to have been rescued by Israeli forces from inside Gaza.

Ziv, the former Gaza brigade commander, said it is unrealistic to expect that Israeli troops will be able to negotiate with Hamas militants guarding hostages in real time.

Realistically, they are covered with armed guards, and we know they have a clear order to shoot them once they see an operation taking place," he said.

Throughout much of the war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has debated with hostage families and a large section of the Israeli public over the risks of putting more military pressure on Hamas. The prime minister argues that doing so is the only way to get the hostages home and that military pressure helped secure the two cease-fire deals that included releasing hostages. Critics have argued that Netanyahu has endangered hostages by delaying deals that could have been reached earlier.

Top Israeli security officials and ministers privately urged Netanyahu not to expand the ground offensive in Gaza City and instead do a temporary cease-fire deal with Hamas that would free some of the remaining hostages, The Wall Street Journal has reported, citing Israeli officials. The disagreement erupted recently in a fiery security cabinet meeting, some of the officials said.

Hostages freed from Gaza have told the Journal they feared Israeli rescue missions, as their captors made clear they would execute them in such a scenario. One said a remote-control bomb had been placed in his shelter to be detonated if Israeli forces came to rescue him.

Noa Argamani, who was freed by Israeli forces, said the bombings in Gaza City made her fear for hostages still in captivity, including her boyfriend.

As a former hostage, I know exactly what these moments feel like," she said in a post on X. The booming blasts, the gunfire, the walls shaking, the helplessness and despair that take over."

Argamani was injured by an Israeli airstrike and was held captive with a hostage who was later killed by an airstrike and another who was executed by Hamas, according to Israeli officials.

Most polls show the majority of the Israeli public thinks the priority should be rescuing the hostages rather than eliminating Hamas.

Avner Golov, a former senior director at Israels National Security Council and now vice president of MIND Israel, a security-focused nonprofit based in Tel Aviv, described the Gaza City operation as an unwise risk.

We are gambling on the lives of the hostages, and there is no victory for Israel if there are no hostages returned," he said.

Write to Dov Lieber at dov.lieber@wsj.com
About the author: Leslie Palti-Guzman is the founder of Energy Vista, a strategic advisory firm. She hosts the Energy Vista podcast and is a non-resident fellow at the Center for International Studies and at New York Universitys Center for Global Affairs.

If their recent memorandum on Power of Siberia 2 materializes, Russia and China will one day be connected via a vast gas pipeline running from the Arctic and across Mongolia.

Details of the deal remain murky. Pricing negotiations will be fraught. Beijing is a ruthless buyer, Moscow is a desperate seller, and a signed memorandum is not a steel pipeline. Yet it signals a new stage of the war over energy dominance, market share, and leverage in global trade.

Since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has lost substantial ground in Europes oil and gas market, once its most profitable. Russias pipeline gas flows to the European Union plummeted from 140 billion cubic meters in 2021 to less than 27 bcm in 2024, and are projected to average only around 16 bcm in 2025, mostly via the TurkStream pipeline. Europe has pivoted to liquid natural gas, chiefly from the U.S., and has implemented other demand mitigation strategies.

In 2024, the U.S. accounted for 18% of global gas trade movementsincluding pipeline and LNGcompared to 13% for Russia, 11% for Qatar, 11% for Norway, and 9% for Australia. Since Washington lifted its year-long pause on LNG export approvals in January, U.S. exporters have greenlit three new projects. Additional projects are already under construction. U.S. LNG export capacity is now set to nearly double by the end of the decade.

From Moscows perspective, the risk is that Chinatraditionally its largest single buyer of commoditiesmight get involved in these new U.S. LNG projects with long-term contracts, further bolstering Americas export momentum.

Notably, the pipeline expansion announcements unveiled by Russia and China would add up to 60 bcm per year of potential new capacity across a new Power of Siberia-2 line, expansion of the existing Power of Siberia-1, and capacity increase of the Far East line. This mirrors what the U.S. LNG projects have already secured through FIDs this year, roughly 47 bcm per year.

The timing of the deal is deliberate.

Russia and China needed to show a united front against the U.S. right now. Both countries face difficult negotiations with Washington: China over tariffs and Russia over the possible terms of ending its war in Ukraine.

For Beijing, the pipeline announcements may also give it leverage in its negotiations with other oil and gas exporters. China has deliberately projected both an expansion of domestic gas production and tempered gas demand growth, signaling to suppliers that it has options. For now, China remains the worlds largest gas importer. But it will need to secure its supply at an affordable price if it wants to win the AI race against the U.S.not to mention its other industrial competitions.

Enter the pipeline bluff. By entertaining massive Russian supplies, China gains negotiating leverage in parallel talks with U.S., Qatari, and other LNG suppliers. The optics of a potential 100 bcm per year pipeline cushion Chinas bargaining positioneven if, in practice, Beijing prefers diversification and optionality.

Moreover, China has already started experimenting with reselling cargoes, and the materialization of such a pipeline would accelerate its positioning as a potential LNG swing supplier, especially if China ends up contracting volumes beyond its domestic demand. Instead of being a pure demand center, China could increasingly influence global spot balances and therefore pricing, competing directly with trading houses and exporting countries.For Russia, talk of its gas returning" to European idea recently floated in some policy and market circleswas perceived as part of an effort to test whether Russia could be lured closer to the West and distanced from China once the war in Ukraine subsides. By signaling an eastward pivot, Moscow may be seeking to foreclose that option and demonstrate loyalty to Beijing. This isnt a totally new development: China and Russia have increased their trade of illegal oil and gas over the past two years, including three cargoes from the sanctioned Arctic LNG-2 project, at the expense of Western interests.

Russia cant match the U.S. and Qataris de facto spheres of influence in the global LNG market. But it can try to lock in demand through pipelines, ensuring steady rent extraction.

Time will tell whether this pipeline project is just another scare tactic straight out Russias Cold War playbook. Soviet propaganda often manufactured the appearance of imminent breakthroughs to gain psychological advantage over its competitors. Months before Yuri Gagarins historic 1961 space flight, for example, the government began circulating rumors of a cosmonaut launch.

The new pipeline announcements serve a similar function. It is strategic bluffing to unsettle rivals, freeze investment decisions elsewhere, and project a sheen of inevitability.

The question is whether Western policymakers and investors will read these signals as bluffs or as real constraints on market opportunities.

Guest commentaries like this one are written by authors outside the Barrons newsroom. They reflect the perspective and opinions of the authors. Submit feedback and commentary pitches to ideas@barrons.com.
India is seeing a rise in demand for urea, and phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers during the ongoing kharif season, with several states such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh flagging shortages in supply.

Following this, agriculture and farmers' welfare minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked states to take swift action against black marketing, overpricing, and the diversion of subsidised fertilizers. Mint takes a close look at the dynamics of fertilizer use, availability and how much the government spends on fertilizer subsidies.

Why did the consumption of urea and P&K fertilizers rise in India? According to the central government data, in the ongoing kharif season (which starts from June), India consumed 18.2 million tonnes of the most commonly used fertilizer, urea, between 1 June and 14 September, marking a 4.6% increase from 17.4 million tonnes during the same period last year.

Also Read | Millions of drones to spray fertilizers

Sales of phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers also rose significantly, reaching 15.3 million tonnes compared to 13.7 million tonnes in the previous year.

According to experts, besides good rainfall, the increased shift to paddy and maize cultivation drove demand. As on 12 September, paddy area touched 43.85 million hectares, up 1.97% from last year. Similarly, the maize area witnessed an increase of 12.5% and touched 9.48 million hectares.

Meanwhile, average rainfall was 8% above normal between 1 June and 10 September, leading to an increase in crop sowing area and thereby raising demand for fertilizers.

According to the official data, India's crop sowing area has touched 111 million hectares as on 12 September, higher than the normal area of 109.7 million hectares.

Overall fertilizer demand has been healthy in kharif 2025, as monsoons have been timely and sowing area has witnessed an uptick on a YoY basis. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizers have exhibited strong growth of ~34% during Q1FY2026 and the overall fertilizer volumes are expected to grow at around 1-3% YoY in FY2026, in line with long-term trends, said Prashant Vasisht, senior vice president and co-group head, corporate ratings, Icra Ltd.

Does India have enough urea stock for farmers? According to the central government, availability of fertilizers has remained comfortable during the ongoing season so far. As on 14 September 2025, against the pro-rata requirement of 17 million tonne (mt) of urea, the total availability was 21.1 mt. Against this, sales stood at 18.2 mt.

Similarly, for diammonium phosphate (DAP), availability was 6 mt against pro-rata requirement of 5.2 mt, while sales stood at 4.1 mt. DAP is applied to crops for early-stage growth, providing essential phosphorus and starter nitrogen for root development and seed germination.

In nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), the availability ensured was 10.9 mt against pro-rata requirement of 6.9 mt. Out of the demand, 7.7 mt NPKs sales took place till 14 September. NPK fertilizer is used in paddy cultivation to supply essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) that support overall plant growth, tiller formation, panicle development and grain filling. NPK is applied at different stages of rice growth, including land preparation, the tillering stage and grain filling stage to enhance crop height, tiller number, and the overall yield of rice grains.

Is the government prepared for the rabi season? Encouraged by a good monsoon, the Centre has set a foodgrain production target of 362.5 mt for the 2025-26 crop year, a 2.4% increase from the year-ago level. At an event in Delhi on 16 September, agriculture minister Chouhan assured that fertilizers will be supplied in totality as per the demand from states, in coordination with the ministry of chemicals and fertilizers.

Besides, a consortium of Indian fertilizer companies has secured an arrangement with Morocco for 2.5 mt of DAP and triple super phosphate (TSP), a concentrated, water-soluble phosphate fertilizer.

In July 2025, a long-term agreement was also signed between Saudi Arabia and Indian companies for the annual supply of 3.1 mt of DAP for five years starting 2025-26.

Despite geopolitical challenges, 5.7 mt has been secured so far, out of which approximately 2.5 mt has been secured for the rabi 2025-26 season. More imports are in the pipeline for adequate availability during rabi season.

These robust international engagements are expected to secure Indias long-term fertilizer needs and ensure timely supply to states. Due to these efforts, the availability of fertilizers has remained comfortable in states during the ongoing kharif 2025 season so far.

Is India self-reliant on fertilizers? Urea production has witnessed a robust increase from 22.7 mt in 2013-14 to 30.7 mt in 2024-25, marking an impressive growth of 35%. Similarly, the production of DAP and NPK fertilizers combined has grown from 11 mt to 15.8 mt during the same perioda 44% increase.

The prevalent geopolitical situation has affected supplies of fertilizers to the country. India imports around 60% of DAP and around 15% of its urea requirements.

How much does the central government spend on fertilizer subsidy? The government of India typically supports the sector via additional subsidies to keep farm gate prices of fertilizers under control. The country has allocated 1.68 trillion fertilizer subsidy for the current financial year which is likely to increase amid a rise in consumption and due to geopolitical challenges.

The government makes a tentative estimate of subsidy bill at the beginning of the financial year based on sowing and irrigated area and past demand. There is an implicit commitment to scale up subsidy to meet unforeseen circumstances.

The Budget estimation of the department of fertilizers is made on the basis of the likely consumption of fertilizer in the country, and the price of natural gas, a major input in fertilizer production.

International prices of fertilizers may also vary each year, feeding into Indias import cost. India typically supports the sector via additional subsidies to keep farm gate prices of fertilizers under control.
Bank holiday today: All public and private banks in Shillong will be closed today, on September 18 due to Unitarian Anniversary Day celebrations.

Unitarian Anniversary Day is primarily celebrated in Meghalaya in the honour of the founding of the Unitarian Church in 1887 by Hajjom Kissor Singh. This year (2025), marks the 128th anniversary of the birth of Khasi Unitarianism which is celebrated by gatherings and special services to commemorate the church's legacy.

Notably, banks across India, including the State Bank of India (SBI), remain closed during holidays mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These holidays also comprise the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, and all Sundays in the month.

Thus, in this week, banks will also remain shut on September 21 (Sunday), in accordance of RBI rules.

Full bank holiday schedule  September 2025 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.

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.

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 to do in emergencies when banks are closed? You can continue to use online or mobile banking services even on national holidays  unless notified to users for technical or other reasons.

For cash emergencies, ATMs are open for withdrawals, app and UPI function as usual.
BENGALURU : A new breed of fintech startups is helping banks co-brand and manage credit cards with leading consumer brands, as issuers outsource origination to platforms like Hyperface, Card91, Falcon and VegaPay.

As credit card non-performing assets (NPAs) inch up and credit card issuances flatline, several private sector banks are turning to these players for digital-led acquisition while firmly retaining the issuer role.

Banks, including YES Bank, ICICI Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Federal Bank and IndusInd Bank, have been outsourcing credit card origination to these startups, according to conversations with industry experts and fintech operators.

Also Read | Safer to lend than to save? Why deposits are spooking banks

Co-branded credit cards run on networks such as RuPay over UPI, Visa and Mastercard. What sets them apart is the banks ability to target and acquire customers across specific industries and sectorse-commerce, travel, hypermarkets and jewelleryby partnering with brands that already command loyal, high-frequency users.

Each brand will have its own loyalty and rewards programme, which will have its own co-brand identity. They are allowed to have exactly similar reward programmes and card features; it all depends on how the bank and brand market the cards to deal with customer retention. For example, in the market, both Flipkart and Amazon have their own co-branded cards, although Flipkart has this with Axis Bank and Amazon via ICICI Bank.

Fintech partners

Although banks have long pursued co-branded cards independently, startups like Hyperface and Falcon now take over origination and marketing distribution by pairing brands eager to enter lending through co-branded cards with banks seeking to expand their customer base in this segment.

Executives Mint spoke with explained that using their proprietary software stacks, they are able to reduce card launch timelines and let banks curate customer portfolios with precision. This allows banks to do what they do bestkeep underwriting and collection.

Under the Reserve Bank of India's Master Directions of 2022, the bank alone issues and underwrites cobranded cards; the partner is confined to marketing and distribution. Card data must remain with the issuer, and any sharing with outsourced vendors is permitted only when essential and with explicit cardholder consent.

Key Takeaways Banks are outsourcing credit card origination to fintechs amid rising non-performing assets and stagnant issuances.

Co-branded cards offer sharper customer targeting through partnerships with consumer brands.

Fintechs reduce launch timelines and acquisition costs, though ongoing expenses remain high.

NPAs in the credit card segment hit a record 6,742 crore in December 2024.

Co-branded cards are projected to grow at 35-40% CAGR and capture 25% market share by FY28.

Banks already pay a significant part of the rewards to the co-brand partners, but the interesting thingis the ability to target and curate portfolios. For example, creating a co-branded credit card for self-employed entrepreneurs and building it in a much more deliberate manner," said Ramanathan R.V., chief executive and co-founder of Hyperface.

Gugugram-based Falcon co-launches cards with Visa, Mastercard, and RuPay and runs them end to end, effectively acting as a single orchestration layer for banks and brands.

We are very close partners with all three card networks, and we end up becoming matchmakers between banks and brands. We have basically agreements signed with all of the major co-brands in the country depending on where the right fit is," explained Falcons Priyanka Kanwar.

According to a September 2024 report by Redseer, co-branded credit cards are projected to grow at a 35-40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from FY24 to FY28, outpacing traditional cards, and could capture over 25% market share by FY28, up from 12-15% in FY24.

Although these projections are optimistic, founders in the segment argue they are achievable as banks seek faster launches, sharper targeting and better activation through brand partnerships.

Targeted acquisition

Industry experts Mint spoke with estimate that customer acquisition costs (CAC) for single-brand bank cards often range from 2,000 to 3,000 per card. Hyperfaces Ramanathan said platforms like his can lower upfront technology and distribution burden and bring down acquisition costs to below 1,000 per customer in some programmes, while noting that ongoing expenses are higher for co-brands.

But the OPEX (operational expenses) cost increases remain higher for co-branded cards for banks since they pay a significant part of the rewards to the brand partners, as banks rely on rewards and loyalty points for customer retention," added Ramanathan.

Despite higher ongoing costs, the economics makes sense for banks in todays risk cycle. Non-performing assets in the credit card segment rose 28.42% year-on-year to 6,742 crore in the 12 months ended December 2024, up from 5,250 crore in December 2023, the highest absolute level on record for the market.

Also Read | Tata Tech CEO banks on AI in $1 billion revenue chase

For context, gross NPAs were 2,404 crore in March 2020 and about 1,100 crore in December 2019, while write-offs crossed 5,000 crore during the 2008 financial crisis, which forced banks to slash card books and tighten underwriting.

Cost and risks

To solve this, Kanwar of Falcon said co-branded programmes with a fintech layer can target brands that have a strong loyal customer base, high wallet share, frequent inapp engagement, and the capacity to invest in acquisition for at least the first three years before profitability.

So typically, what we have seen is that the larger brands, whether it is in commerce, travel or airlines, that have a loyal customer base, who have wallet share and who have enough money to spend on customer acquisition, are some of the most favoured sectors for building co-brands currently," added Kanwar.

Ramanathan of Hyperface added that commerce and retail co-brands built with large hypermarket chains and e-commerce platforms are extremely scalable," largely because they tap routine, high-frequency purchases and merchant margins that can fund richer customer rewards.

Falcon said it has handled around 16,000 crore in transaction volumes till date, while Hyperface said it supports about 7 million credit cards across both single-brand and co-brand issuer portfolios.
India has been steadily pushing to strengthen its maritime sector, including ports, shipbuilding, inland and coastal shipping, ship repair, dredging and so on, and the government announced a new fund toward this in the Union Budget 2025-26.

The Maritime Development Fund (MDF), with a corpus of 25,000 crore, aims to ease financing constraints, promote domestic shipbuilding, enhance the competitiveness of Indian flagged vessels, and more broadly align the maritime sector with national goals such as Viksit Bharat 2047, blue-economy ambitions, improved trade logistics and strategic selfreliance. The proposal is part of a larger package of reforms and incentives that include tax benefits, revised legislation and policies, infrastructure status for shipping and interest subvention schemes.

Mint takes a closer look at the MDF, why it has been proposed, how it will work, and what challenges it could face.

Why was the Maritime Development Fund set up?

The goal of the MDF is to provide long-term financing (via grants, equity, or debt) to the maritime sector for ship acquisition, domestic shipbuilding, ship repair, dredging, inland waterways and related infrastructure. The government will contribute up to 49% of the fund and the rest will come from ports, public sector enterprises, other government entities, financial institutions, private-sector players, global pension funds, venture capitalists, sovereign wealth funds and so on.

What are the specific policy objectives?

The main aim of MDF is to address the issue of capital constraints. The shipping and shipbuilding sectors are capital intensive. Indian ship-owners often face high borrowing costs, short loan tenures, strict collateral requirements and limited ability to mobilize finance. The MDF is meant to ease these problems by providing affordable, long-term financing.

The fund will extend financial support in multiple forms, including debt, equity, viability gap funding (VGF), and buyer credit. A sum of 5,000 crore from the proposed corpus will be set aside to provide 3% interest subvention for building shipyards and boosting domestic shipbuilding. India currently spends almost $75 billion a year to lease ships from abroad owing to a dearth of manufacturing in the country. A subvention is a type of financial aid in which the government pays the interest on a buyer's loan for a period, effectively reducing their initial interest burden and compensating the lender for the loss of income.

The fund also aims to raise the share of Indian flagged tonnage to 20% by 2047, and enhance domestic value-addition.

The MDF is part of a slew of initiatives, including a revamp of the shipbuilding financial assistance policy (SBFAP 2.0), a credit note scheme for shipbreaking, infrastructure status for large vessels, tonnage tax benefits extended to inland vessels, and customs duty exemptions. These are designed to create a more favourable policy and regulatory environment to help develop an ecosystem around shipping, improve the competitiveness of ports and shipping infrastructure, boost employment and support the blue economy.

When will it become operational and what are the time frames and targets?

The final draft of the MDF scheme is being finalized and it will be launched soon after receiving the Cabinets approval. It aims to generate investments worth 1.5 trillion for the shipping sector by 2030, and increase the share of Indian flagged ships in global cargo volume to 20% by 2047. Its also expected to play a key role in making India a top-five shipbuilding and ship-owning nation, up from 16th at present.

How will the fund work?

After recent changes to its structure, the MDF will now have an effective corpus of 20,000 crore, with 5,000 from the original corpus of 25,000 set aside for an interest subvention scheme. Of this 20,000 crore, the government will contribute 49% or 9,800 crore. The remaining 10,200 crore will be mobilised from ports, public sector units, private financiers, private equity funds and pension and sovereign wealth funds.

The MDF will offer financing instrumentsconcessional debt, equity participation, guarantees or viability supportfor ship acquisition, yard modernization and cluster projects. It will be linked to other fiscal incentives (customs duty waivers, tonnage tax/tax incentives for inland vessels) to make domestic builds commercially viable. Eligibility, tenure, interest concessions and governance will be set out in scheme guidelines once the fund is formalised.

What are the main risks and challenges to implementation?

One of the key challenges is mobilizing investments for the 51% non-government share. The government, however, is confident that mobilising investments for MDF wont be a challenge. In an interview to Mint, shipping secretary T K Ramachandran said offers of support for the fund have come from funds stationed in the UK, Canada, Japan, Korea, Singapore and a few other European countries, with few investors offering the entire 51%.

Other challenges are ensuring low-cost, long-tenure financing so that Indian buyers prefer domestic yards, filling in capacity and productivity gaps at yards (technology, skilled labour), and ensuring timely, transparent governance of disbursements. If partner funding is slow or the terms are unfavourable, the MDFs catalytic effect will be blunted. Industry observers have also flagged the need for rapid operational rules and stakeholder consultations.

How does the MDF compare with similar funds worldwide?

Indias MDF is modest in scale compared to state-led interventions in East Asia, but nonetheless significant for the Indian market.

Countries such as Singapore employ targeted cluster and grant funds to support skills, innovation and services rather than large ship-purchase financing. These funds are grant- or programme-driven and integrated into a services-heavy maritime strategy.

Japan and its public financial institutions have recently moved to provide large, targeted export/shipbuilding loans and guarantees to revive shipbuilding capacity. Similarly, South Korea has used aggressive state support and huge financing/guarantee packages to back its global shipyards.

Also Read | Govt eyes tax exemption for Indian seafarers to promote Indian flagged ships

Indias MDF meanwhile focuses primarily on catalysing long-term domestic financing and ship purchases from Indian yards. It is smaller and has a different instrument mix from the large state banking and guarantee programmes that underpin shipbuilding in Korea and Japan, and is more directly finance-oriented than Singapores cluster/grant approach.

Whats can it achieve?

The MDF is a policy lever designed to unlock long-term capital for Indias maritime ambitions. Its success will depend on speedy operational rules, credible non-government co-funding, affordable financing terms, and complementary industrial upgrades in shipyards and supply chains.

If properly implemented, it could help reduce Indias foreign dependence, increase the share of Indian vessels, modernise shipyards, create jobs, and enhance Indias competitiveness globally. Under the Vision 2047 plan, the government plans to attract 80 trillion of investments to the countrys maritime sector. These investments will only be possible with a robust financing ecosystem that MDF proposes to support.
New Delhi: The government will fast-track Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approvals for Taiwanese integrated steel plants, enabling MSME importers to secure raw material under a quality control order (QCO) issued in June this year, two people aware of the matter said on the condition of anonymity.

The steel ministry is working on securing these clearances, said the first person, in a move aimed at helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) import intermediate steel products, add value, and boost exports.

In consultations between the steel ministry and stakeholders in late-August this year, MSME steel importers had flagged delays in approvals for Taiwanese steel plants, some of which were pending since July, said the second person cited earlier.

"Some plants in Taiwan have the necessary machinery to be classified as an integrated steel mill. But they are awaiting approvals from the government. The government is now working on expediting these approvals from the Bureau of Indian Standards," said the first person.

Imports from Taiwan have been at a standstill since the government's quality control order in June, the person added.

Queries sent to the Union steel ministry remained unanswered till press time.

Facing delays The problem, however, arises as Indian importers that have placed orders and paid advances to these steel plants are now facing delays, the second person said.

For these MSMEs, importing cheaper steel products is the only viable option as domestic steel manufacturers sell at higher prices, hurting their margins, according to experts.

The government notified a quality control order on 13 June mandating a BIS certification for all imported raw material that goes into making steel products. The steel ministry's order mandated that in addition to finished steel products, intermediate raw materials such as stainless steel slabs, and hot rolled and cold rolled coils must be BIS-certified for all imports with a bill of lading dated on or before 16 June.

Also Read | Centre eyes temporary break on localization rules for electric trucks and buses

The move to expedite BIS approvals assumes importance as Taiwan is one of India's top sources of intermediate and semi-finished steel imports. While data for semi-finished steel products could not be accessed, data from the steel ministry's import monitoring portal (SIMS portal) shows that Taiwan has always had the fifth or sixth largest share in imports of finished steel products, after other Asian countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, and Vietnam.

Specialty steel Taiwan is important because of its specialty steel industry, said A.S. Firoz, former chief economist at the Economic Research Unit of the ministry of steel.

Firoz explained that steel sector MSMEs have historically relied on imports as Indian steel makers sold at high prices. But, from a broader perspective, large Indian steel makers also faced export headwinds due to non-tariff barriers in other countries.

"Take Japan, for instance. Japan has a quality approval system which digs deep into the subject company's financial sustainability. This makes it difficult for many Indian steel producers to secure export markets. At the same time, QCOs set up by India to protect these manufacturers adversely impact smaller companies which rely on cheaper imports," said Firoz.

The quality control order put approximately 150 crore of advance payments in jeopardy, according to a letter written by industry body Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM) on 18 June to the steel ministry.

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Subsequently, a writ petition was filed in the Madras High Court by Shree Ramdev Metalex LLP challenging the steel ministrys 13 June notification as being bad in law and contrary to BIS Act, 2016 and the BIS Rules, 2018.

In June 2025, 0.797 million tonnes (mt) of finished steel were slated for imports under 25,759 such applications, as per the SIMS portal's monthly report by the Union steel ministry. SIMS stands for Steel Import Monitoring system.

Korea, with a share of 34.6%, followed by China, with a 30.6% share of May 2025 imports, were the top two sources.
New Delhi: Oil India has recovered over 91% of its $1 billion investment in Russias Vankorneft and Taas Yuryakh projects, receiving about $942 million in dividends, and expects full recovery in the coming financial year, its chairman and managing director (CMD) Ranjit Rath said.

Talking to reporters after the company's annual general meeting on Thursday, Rath said that about $330 million worth of dividends are currently stuck in its bank accounts in Russia, which it expects to receive in the next fiscal year.

"Your company maintains a strong presence in overseas producing and development assets across Russia, Venezuela and Mozambique through joint ventures. These assets contribute significantly to your company's reserves and production portfolio, with cumulative production of 2.097 mmtoe (million metric tonnes of oil equivalent) during FY24-25 primarily from Russia. A highlight of the year was the robust dividend flow from Russian assets, amounting to $942 million representing over 91% of our original investment in Vankorneft and Taas Yuryakh, with full recovery expected in the coming year," he said while addressing the shareholders at the company's 66th annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday.

Also Read | Oil India in talks with ExxonMobil Total, Petrobras for joint exploration

Oil India, ONGC Videsh and Bharat Petro Resources Ltd acquired 23.9% stake in JSC Vankorneft and 29.9% stake in LLC Taas-Yuryakh from Rosneft Oil Company, the national oil company of Russia. Rosneft operates Vankor and Tass-Yuryakh fields and are its-wholly owned subsidiaries.

Speaking on the Mozambique LNG project, he said that construction of the facility is expected to resume by the end of 2025.

"In Mozambique, your company has invested in the world-scale LNG project, which will establish a 13.12 mmtpa low-carbon, integrated two-train LNG facility. With improved security conditions, the project is expected to restart in second half of 2025 and is well-positioned to meet the growing demand of the Indian gas market," he said.

On the operational performance of the company, the cumulative production of oil and gas in FY25 reached a record level of 6.710 million metric tonne oil (mmto) equivalent.

Also Read | Oil India in talks with global peers for joint exploration

"Your company recorded its highest-ever oil and oil-equivalent gas production of 6.710 mmtoe since inception, along with the highest-ever natural gas production of 3,252 mmsc (million metric standard cubic meters). Crude oil production also maintained consistent year-on-year growth, rising from 3.01 mmt in FY21-22 to 3.458 mmt in FY24-25-an increase of nearly 15% over three years," he added.
Real estate investment trusts (Reits) are in the limelight following the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias recent decision to reclassify them as equity instruments, a change from their earlier categorization as hybrid instruments. This move paves the way for their inclusion in equity indices, higher mutual fund allocations, and increased participation from institutional investors.

The timing couldn't have been better. The outlook for Reits appears positive, driven by strong demand for high-quality office spaces in major Indian cities. Leasing activity from domestic companies in the BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) sector, along with flex spaces and global capability centres (GCCs)foreign firms that establish back-office and R&D operations in Indiais expected to maintain healthy absorption of office spaces and boost occupancy rates.

Also Read | Is now the time to shift from direct REITs to mutual funds?

This optimism is reflected in the market. So far, in calendar year 2025 (CY25), shares of major Reits like Embassy Office Parks Reit, Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Nexus Select Trust and Mindspace Business Parks Reit have surged by 12-22%, significantly outperforming the Nifty's 6% gain.

Rising occupancy and earnings

Reits are actively working to increase their occupancy rates.

Embassy aims for a portfolio occupancy of 90-91% by area, including Quadron, by the end of fiscal year 2026 (FY26), up from 88% in the June quarter (Q1FY26). Similarly, Brookfield is targeting 93% occupancy by the end of the year, a rise from approximately 89%.

Mindspace anticipates committed occupancy will reach 95% (excluding Pocharam) from 93.7% in Q1FY26. Additionally, the government's relief in December 2023, allowing the conversion of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) into non-SEZ office spaces, is further boosting occupancy.

Rising occupancy is expected to improve key earnings metrics for these listed Reits, which should, in turn, increase distribution per unit (DPU). DPU is a crucial metric that measures the income distributed to investors from sources like rental income and dividends.

On a 12-month rolling basis, we expect Reits under our coverage to give 6-6.5% distribution yield which is similar to previous years," said Karan Khanna, lead analyst, small and midcaps, hotels and properties at Ambit Capital. While GCCs are at the forefront of boosting demand, mass AI-led layoffs in the Indian IT industry could be a potential downside risk to office space demand and hence for Reit earnings," he cautioned.

Expansion and diversification

Reits are diversifying their tenant base to reduce reliance on the technology sector, though this is a gradual process. They are also expanding their portfolios to tap into rising demand.

Mindspace Reit, for example, acquired its first third-party asset, Q-City" in Hyderabad. Brookfield is raising 1,000 crore through a preferential issue to fund future acquisitions and is targeting new markets like Bengaluru and Chennai.

Listed Reits currently contribute an estimated 10-12% of the total office stock in key Indian cities. The overall supply of new office space is growing, with a 25% year-on-year increase to 24.51 million square feet (msf) in the first half of CY25, according to data from Anarock Property Consultants. Pan-India rentals also rose 4% year-on-year to 88 per square foot per month.

Also Read | India office Reits report higher FY25 income, leasing on strong GCC demand

New supply is projected to touch 62msf in CY25 and Anarock estimates gross absorption of 81msf in CY25. For now, demand-supply dynamics are favourable, but a rapid rise in supply could weigh on occupancies and rentals if leasing momentum softens.

Near-term, risks stem largely from tariff uncertainties and prolonged global geopolitical tensions, which could lengthen the decision-making cycle of large corporates, particularly those headquartered in the US," cautioned Anuj Puri, chairman, Anarock Group.
They were late to the partybut theyre catching up fast. Momentum funds, barely four years old in India, have already overtaken older, more established factor strategies.

Since the launch of the first momentum fund in 2021, the number of momentum-based funds has climbed to 40, surpassing value investing (38 funds) and quality investing (32 funds), which have existed since 1994, according to Value Research.

As of September, value funds stood at 38, while quality funds were at 32, according to data from Value Research.

The reason: a strong run of outperformance by momentum in recent years, which has prompted asset management companies to roll out new momentum funds to capture surging investor interest.

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The benchmark BSE 500 Momentum 50 Total Return Index has delivered 34.24% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) returns over the past five years since 2020beating the BSE 500 Quality 50 Total Return Index and the BSE 500 Total Return Index for value, which returned 23.28% and 20.26% CAGR, respectively. These are point-to-point returns.

The momentum index has been back-calculated to show historical performance prior to the launch of the first fund in 2021.

According to data from Morningstar, value funds have 2.19 trillion in assets under management (AUM), momentum funds 21,916 crore, and quality funds 62,408 crore.

What is momentum investing?

Momentum investing refers to buying stocks already in an upward trend that have shown strong recent performance, with fund managers aiming to catch them early in their rising phase.

The number of momentum-focused indices launched by exchanges since the pandemic has been the highest, compared to other factor indices, reflecting growing industry adoption, said Viraj Gandhi, chief executive, Samco Mutual Fund, which offers one active momentum fund, the Samco Active Momentum Fund.

Gandhi added that the availability of these momentum indexes allowed fund managers to easily build portfolios based on momentum, leading to a rise in passive momentum funds.

The National Stock Exchange has launched seven momentum-based indices since 2020, compared with two quality and just one value index in the same period. The BSE has launched one momentum and one quality index over that time.

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Swarup Mohanty, vice chairman and chief executive officer, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India), said that the truth of the industry is that funds are launched to garner investors. Mirae Asset offers four passive momentum funds.

Many times funds get launched when investors favour them (on the basis of past performance) like momentum funds. However, that is not how product launches should ideally happen as a fund performing well in this cycle will likely fall out of favour when the cycle turns. And investors should be wary of this fact when selecting funds on near term past performance, " Mohanty said.

Recent performance has stumbled

Yet, momentum funds' short-term returns have faltered even as its long-term record shines.

In the past year, only 16% of momentum funds have outperformed their benchmarks, compared with 31% of value funds, according to Value Research. Quality funds have done even worse: none have beaten their benchmark in the past year.

Momentum factor has outperformed over a particular period, but there are timeframes in which momentum factor does not work, said Sanjay Bembalkar, Head of Equity at Union Asset Management Co. Pvt. Ltd.

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At the current time, when markets have been stagnant there is strong sector rotation within the broader market. Heightened volatility from external factors like geopolitics and tariff is vitiating the current price trend which the momentum factor relies on," Bembalkar added.

Gandhi of Samco Mutual Fund offered a different view. He said that looking at a 20-year history from 2005 to 2025, and doing a rolling comparison of returns rather than a point-to-point one, momentum has generated a 7.88% alpha over the Nifty 50 index on a five-year rolling basis. Quality has generated a 4% alpha, and value a 2.43% alpha over the same period.

Gandhi also said five-year rolling returns for momentum show it has outperformed the benchmark 98.2% of the time.

Who should investand how much

A savvy investor who understands the role of passive and active strategies can use momentum funds to add sharper focus to their portfolio, said Anand Vardarajan, chief business officer, at Tata Asset Management.

Unlike passive funds, which simply mimic the index and include both winners and losers, momentum funds apply specific filters to identify stocks with strong recent performance. By analyzing the index through a momentum lens, these funds offer a more refined selection based on historical performance trends," Vardarajan added.

Bembalkar from Union AMC said investors should approach momentum funds with a long-term horizon of at least five years. He recommended entering and exiting via the SIP or STP route, and limiting total thematic fund exposure. Within a portfolio, momentum funds could have a 5-10% allocation, he said.
IT stocks jumped up to 3% in intraday deals on Thursday, September 18, pushing the Nifty IT index higher for the third day, after a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve overnight boosted investor sentiment. During the three-day rally, the Nifty IT pack has jumped over 3%.

In trade today, LTIMindtree shares emerged as the top index gainer, rising as much as 3.61% to the day's peak of 5,619. It was followed by Infosys and Wipro, rising 2% each to the day's high of 1,555 and 259.80, respectively.

Mphasis, Coforge, and HCL Tech added 1% each. Meanwhile, other IT stocks like TCS, Tech Mahindra, OFSS and Persistent Systems also traded in the green.

How does Fed rate cut impact IT stocks? The rally comes amid a 25 basis point rate cut by the US Fed for the first time this year in order to address the weakness emerging in the labour market.

However, Fed chairman Jerome Powell tempered the expectations of a more aggressive easing as he said that last night's move was a risk-management cut and that the central bank does not need to move quickly on rates.

A lower US interest rate makes emerging markets like India attractive for foreign portfolio investors. Meanwhile, it also drives an increase in the discretionary spending limit in the US, which is beneficial for IT companies, as they earn a major chunk of their revenue from the US.

Are IT stocks a good buy now? While the IT pack has seen renewed interest from investors, Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVAsset PMS, believes the bounce may be short-lived.

The Feds 25 bps rate cut has sparked a sharp bounce in Nifty IT, driven by hopes of a demand revival, but this is more sentiment-driven than structural, he opined.

The IT sector has struggled over the past few years, weighed down by a persistent slowdown in its key markets  the US and Europe. With clients in these geographies tightening discretionary tech spending, Indian IT firms have seen muted revenue growth and weaker deal flows. The reality remains challenging. The US economy is showing stagflationary trends, with growth cooling even as inflationary pressures linger, limiting the scope for a robust rebound in technology spending. In Europe, the outlook is clouded further by geopolitical risks, including the possibility of deeper conflict with Russia  a factor that keeps corporates cautious on capex, he added.

Thus, while IT stocks may enjoy a short-term lift from easing rates and currency tailwinds, the medium-term trajectory looks difficult, believes Dasani, adding that investors will need to be selective, as sector headwinds are far from over.
Elitecon International share price was capped at the 5% upper circuit on Thursday, in line with the positive Indian stock market sentiment. The tobacco company has achieved a remarkable year-to-date (YTD) return of 1607%, even amid market fluctuations. In the past year, its stock price skyrocketed from just 2.51 per share to 177, producing a staggering return of 6952% during this time.

Over the past three years, the stock has jumped by 16,757% and 17,600% over five years. Elitecon International shares are listed on both the BSE and NSE. The company has a market capitalisation of 28,293.45 crore.

Since 2021, Elitecon International has been involved in the production and sale of cigarettes, smoking mixtures, sheesha, and other related products in the tobacco industry both domestically and globally.

Presently, the company operates in international markets including the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, and various European nations such as the UK, with plans to expand into additional products like chewing tobacco, snuff grinders, match lights, matches, matchboxes, pipes, and other related items. The company has introduced brands including Inhale for cigarettes, Al Noor for sheesha, and Gurh Gurh for smoking mixtures.

Elitecon International - Q1 results Elitecon's net sales reached 199.23 crore in June 2025, reflecting a significant increase of 301.98% compared to 49.56 crore in June 2024.

The quarterly net profit for June 2025 was 20.41 crore, marking an impressive rise of 349.86% from 4.54 crore in June 2024.

EBITDA was recorded at 20.92 crore in June 2025, which represents a growth of 324.34% from 4.93 crore in June 2024.

Elitecon International share price today Elitecon International share price today opened at an intraday low of 160.20 apiece on the BSE. The stock touched an intraday high of 177 per share.

According to Rajesh Bhosale, Equity Technical and Derivative Analyst at Angel One, Elitecon International's share price generally moves in circuits and has seen a sharp sell-off from the August swing high of 420 levels, falling in lower circuits. Today, it's up around 5% with volumes, but generally, such counters should be avoided, recommended Bhosale.
Stock market recap : Benchmark indices ended higher on 17 September, with the Nifty 50 reclaiming the 25,300 mark. The BSE Sensex rose 313.02 points, or 0.38%, to close at 82,693.71, while the Nifty gained 91.15 points, or 0.36%, to settle at 25,330.25.

Broader markets also advanced, with the Midcap index up 0.08% and the Smallcap index climbing 0.68%.

Against this backdrop, market expert Raja Venkatraman has released his top stock picks for investors seeking opportunities today, 18 September. His analysis provides a clear roadmap for navigating the current market landscape with confidence.

Three stocks to trade, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman:

Subros (current price Rs 967.35) - Buy above  970 and dips to  915, stop loss  898; target price  1125-1150

Why it is recommended: After spending a lot of time in consolidation the trends at the moment in this counter has now come out of its recent challenge. With a strong thrust above the cloud the prices are hinting at some possible upside in the counter. After generating some support around 950 region the prices are steadily heading higher. Post surpassing this level the rise in momentum supported by steady volumes are highlighting possibility of more upward traction.

Key metrics: P/E: 40.41, 52-week high: 1083.20, Volume: 214.44K.

Technical analysis: Support at  805, resistance at  1200.

Support at 805, resistance at 1200. Risk factors: Market volatility and sector-wide fluctuations in geopolitical news could impact returns.

Market volatility and sector-wide fluctuations in geopolitical news could impact returns. Buy: Above 970 and dips to  915.

Above 970 and dips to 915. Target price:  1125-1150 in 1 month.

1125-1150 in 1 month. Stop loss:  898.

Minda Corp (current price  531.75) - Buy above  532 and dips to  515, stop loss  500, target price  580-610

Why it is recommended: Minda Corp. Ltd, the flagship company of the Spark Minda Group, is a major Indian manufacturer of automotive components for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The sharp decline since June after a moderate rise post its results are finding some strong supports at the TS & KS levels to break out of the cloud. With some revival seen in the last two days one can look at going long at current levels and also on dips.

Key metrics: P/E: 64.65, 52-week high: 623.40, Volume: 622.49K.

Technical analysis: Support at  460, resistance at  750.

Support at 460, resistance at 750. Risk factors: Rising input costs, increased operational expenses, and potentially foreign exchange impacts.

Rising input costs, increased operational expenses, and potentially foreign exchange impacts. Buy: above  532 and dips to  515

above 532 and dips to 515 Target price:  580-610 in 1 month.

580-610 in 1 month. Stop loss:  500.

JK Tyre (current price 377.05) - Buy above 377 and dips to  367, stop  360 target  407-425

Why its recommended: The JK Tyre stock that had been undergoing some steady upward trajectory. The pullback into the TS & KS Bands since last 8 days are generating steady demand at lower levels. On back of robust results the strong up-move seen in the prices are signalling possibility of more upward traction. Consider a long opportunity.

Key metrics: P/E: 25.07, 52-week high: 437.05, volume: 364.72K.

Technical analysis: Support at  340, resistance at  425.

Support at 340, resistance at 425. Risk factors: Volatility of raw material prices, intense competition, high debt levels, and the execution risk associated with its capital expenditure plans.

Volatility of raw material prices, intense competition, high debt levels, and the execution risk associated with its capital expenditure plans. Buy: above  377 and dips to  367.

above 377 and dips to 367. Target price:  1141-1165 in 1 month.

1141-1165 in 1 month. Stop loss:  1020.

Also Read | The retail frenzy is fading about as quickly as it picked up

Stock Market Today

Indian equities extended gains for a second session, with the Sensex and Nifty closing higher. Nifty crossed the 25,300 mark for the first time since July 11, buoyed by positive cues from India-US trade discussions that spurred buying across sectors. Attention now turns to the US Federal Reserves policy decision, with markets largely expecting a 25-basis point rate cut.

Technically, a breakout from the symmetrical triangle pattern on the daily chart has negated the lower-top, lower-bottom formation, strengthening bullish momentum. Despite intraday resistance near 25,34025,350, Nifty settled at 25,330, up 0.36%.

Sector-wise, PSU Banks led with a 2.61% surge, followed by Defence, up nearly 2%. Metals and FMCG declined. Tata Consumer and SBIN topped the Nifty 50 gainers, while HDFC Life and Bajaj Finserv lagged. Smallcaps outperformed midcaps, with respective gains of 0.68% and 0.08%. The advance-decline ratio favoured bulls, reflecting broad-based buying beyond heavyweight-driven moves.

Outlook for Trading

After some steady rise seen continuing after some rest to the geopolitical tensions the market continues to show that we could be looking at some bullish moves to sustain. However, the rise seen this week indicates that Nifty after spending some time at lower levels could sustain the momentum. The revival seen this week has clearly confirmed that the last few days the Nifty managed to hold on and did not give up, as the overall sentiment continues to favour the buyers.

As we can note on the charts the markets moved very much in line to challenge the resistance zone highlighted yesterday and move higher. On the charts we note that the supply zone has been broken and potential to move higher has now gained more strength. Taking some cues from the Option data, we can add that the higher levels around 24500 that had steady Put writers have now moved to 25250-25000 highlighting that if the selling steps up there is some OI to absorb the negative bias.

The trend that is emerging clearly suggests that the dips seen last week managed to hold the support zone and the gap down opening was covered to ensure that the prices traded above the range area that developed in the last few days. Hence , one should track the trends that are in progress as up-move needs to continue their way above 25700 (Nifty Spot) to renew the bullish bias.

Momentums on hourly charts are indicating that the prices after taking a breather as selling pressure has receded for now. With the gradual and hesitant rise emerging from lower levels we can expect the rise to remain hesitant.

View Full Image (TradingView)

Also Read | Countdown to market cap rejig: New guards book the upper berth

As we are awaiting the outcome of the event we are now looking at how the trends are going to unfold and how we should be planning the road ahead. Looking at the recent move in Nifty a move above 25200 which was the immediate resistance as per the Open Interest data holds more promise in the near term.

If we witness a 30-minute range breakout on Thursday we can consider to trade on either side as the trends still remain tentative where we expect some resistances to kick in. We are entering a phase where we can expect some volatile scenario to kick in.

Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Indian equities closed higher on Wednesday, with Nifty 50 adding 91 points or 0.36%) to settle at 25,330 and Sensex advancing more than 300 points to end above 82,600. Market sentiment was buoyed by optimism around progress in IndiaUS trade discussions and rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, which supported risk appetite globally.

Gains were led by IT, Banking, and Auto stocks, while defensives such as FMCG and Pharma lagged. Market breadth remained constructive, with more stocks advancing than declining, reflecting a reasonably broad-based rally across sectors.

MarketSmith India's Best Stock Recommendations for the Day

Buy: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.(current price:  4,890)

Why its recommended: Strong order book & visibility, technological capabilities, government support, monopoly position

Strong order book & visibility, technological capabilities, government support, monopoly position Key metrics: P/E: 64.26, 52-week high:  1,456.50, volume:  54.88 crore

P/E: 64.26, 52-week high: 1,456.50, volume: 54.88 crore Technical analysis : Reclaimed its 100-DMA on above average volume

: Reclaimed its 100-DMA on above average volume Risk factors : Dependence on government orders, import dependence for components, geopolitical & policy risks

: Dependence on government orders, import dependence for components, geopolitical & policy risks Buy:  4,8604,950

4,8604,950 Target price:  5,550 in two to three months

5,550 in two to three months Stop loss:  4,590

Also Read | Hindustan Aeronautics stock takes wing on strong order inflow, engine delivery

Buy: Hyundai Motor India Limited (current price:  2,650)

Why its recommended : SUV & premium feature momentum, capacity expansion & export role signs 3-year wage settlement pact with union

: SUV & premium feature momentum, capacity expansion & export role signs 3-year wage settlement pact with union Key metrics: P/E: 38.32; 52-week high:  2,660; volume:  266.30 crore

P/E: 38.32; 52-week high: 2,660; volume: 266.30 crore Technical analysis: horizontal trendline breakout

horizontal trendline breakout Risk factors: Input cost volatility & supply chain concentration, EV & regulatory transition challenges

Input cost volatility & supply chain concentration, EV & regulatory transition challenges Buy at:  2,6252,660

2,6252,660 Target price:  2,990 in two to three months

2,990 in two to three months Stop loss:  2,490

Nifty 50 recap

The Indian markets ended the session on a positive note, with Nifty 50 closing at 25,330.25, a gain of 0.36%, or 91.15 points. Additionally, Sensex mirrored this upbeat sentiment, advancing 255 points to settle at 83,500. The session was marked by a broad-based rally, as reflected by a healthy advance-decline ratio favoring advances, with more than 1,300 stocks advancing against 700 declining on the NSE. Sectoral performance was mixed but largely positive. Key outperformers were Nifty Realty and Auto, which saw significant gains. Banking and Financial Services also contributed to the upward move. On the other hand, the FMCG and Pharma sectors witnessed some profit booking and ended the day in the red.

MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. It offers tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions based on the CAN SLIM methodology, founded by legendary investor William J. O'Neil. You can access a 10-day free trial by registering on its website.

Trade name: William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd.

Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Heres a quick look at stocks likely to be in focus in today's trade. Yes Bank Bandhan Bank and SBI offloaded their shares in YES Bank to Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). In addition, SMBC will acquire another 4.2% stake in the bank from a Carlyle Group affiliate for 2,850 crore.

Apollo Tyres Apollo Tyres announced that it will cut product prices by 300 to 2,000, effective September 22, in order to pass on the benefits of the GST rate reduction to customers.

Cochin Shipyard CSL has secured a 200 crore deal with ONGC for the repair of a jack-up rig, with the project scheduled to be completed within 12 months.

Poonwalla Fincorp The company has cleared the allotment of 3.31 crore shares valued at 1,500 crore to its promoter, Rising Sun Holdings, increasing its paid-up capital to 162.47 crore.

Dixon Technologies The company is set to acquire a 51% stake in Kunshan Q Tech Microelectronics India for 552.99 crore in a move aimed at strengthening its mobile and IoT manufacturing operations.

Indosolar Promoter Waaree Energies plans to divest up to 61 lakh shares, representing a 14.66% stake, through an offer-for-sale on September 1819 to meet the minimum public shareholding norms.

Central Bank of India The Board has given its approval to invest 64.40 crore as equity in the subsidiary company, Cent Home Bank Finance, as part of its proposed 100 crore rights issue.

Hyundai India Hyundai India has finalized a three-year wage settlement with employees at its manufacturing plant near Chennai.

Biocon Biocon Biologics, a subsidiary of Biocon, reported that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Bosaya.

LTIMindtree LTIMindtree has unveiled a collaboration with Shopify, an AI-driven commerce platform for enterprises that helps businesses create, operate, and expand their online stores.
Fixed deposits (FDs) remain one of the most popular investment choices in India due to their safety and assured returns. At present, popular banks like Axis Bank and ICICI Bank are offering around 6.6 per cent on three-year deposits, while the biggest PSU lender, State Bank of India, offers about 6.15 per cent. However, in FY25, several listed companies have delivered dividend yields comfortably above these levels, making them attractive options for investors seeking regular income.

Top stocks with dividends that outshine bank FDs Vedanta Vedanta declared total dividends of 43.50 per share in FY25 through multiple interim payouts, translating into a dividend yield of 9.8 per cent. This reflects its strong shareholder focus, although the yield is lower than FY23 and FY24, when it stood at 29.7 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively, thanks to higher payouts and a lower stock price. The scrip has risen 1 per cent over the past year but slipped 1.5 per cent in the last six months.

Jagran Prakashan Jagran Prakashans dividend yield stood at 8.32 per cent for FY25, based on its last payout and current share price of 72.11. The company declared an interim dividend of 6 per share in May 2025, which contributed to its robust yield. However, the stock has struggled in the past year, falling 23 per cent, though it managed a 5 per cent gain over the last six months.

MSTC MSTC delivered an impressive dividend payout of nearly 40.50 per share in FY25, resulting in a dividend yield of around 7.58 per cent at current market levels. The company distributed dividends through multiple interim payments, the latest being 4.50 in April 2025. While the stock has lost 25 per cent in the past year, it has rebounded 13 per cent in the last six months.

PTC India PTC India rewarded shareholders with a total dividend of 11.70 per share in FY25, comprising 5 interim and 6.70 final dividend. At a market price of around 174-175, this translates into a yield of 7.68 per cent. The companys consistent dividend payouts highlight its strong cash flows and commitment to investors. However, the stock has fallen 27 per cent over the past year, though it has regained 10 per cent in the last six months.

Coal India Coal India has maintained its reputation as a PSU dividend giant. For FY25, it declared dividends totalling 26.50 per share, up from 25.50 in FY24, translating into a yield of about 7.1 per cent. The stock has been under pressure, falling 18 per cent in the last year, though it edged up by 1 per cent in the last six months.

What Investors Should Keep in Mind Dividend yields are highly dependent on stock prices, meaning the yield can change even if payouts remain the same. Unlike fixed deposits, dividends are not guaranteed and can be influenced by company performance, cash flows, or broader economic conditions. Investors should also compare post-tax returns, as dividend taxation and transaction costs can reduce effective yields.

For investors willing to take on some equity risk in exchange for higher returns than fixed deposits, dividend-paying stocks remain a strong option. Vedanta and Coal India offer stability among large caps, while Jagran Prakashan, MSTC, and PTC India provide attractive yields in the mid-cap space. As always, investors should monitor financial results and market prices before making long-term decisions.
September is Happy Cat Month! And that was reason enough for us to get out of bingeing cat videos  admit it, they are irresistible and a great way to get a quick serotonin fix  to scour the net for feline-inspired fashion. Felines  be it the cuddly house cat, the ferocious tiger or the lithe leopard  have been fashion muses for aeons and it is easy to see why. Whether it's their silhouettes  pointy ears and tails, their fur patterns  or just what their behaviour evokes: cuteness, fierce independence or sensuousness, felines have lent themselves extremely well to moodboards of designers.

While the history of feline-themed fashion goes back to 19th century, the last century has seen them appear on everything from t-shirts and shirts to pants, skirts, jackets, perfume bottles, jewellery, handbags, and even home decor. While the popularity of leopard and tiger prints may have risen and fallen over years, the last couple of years have - yet again  seen a sudden uptick in feline fashion. Leopard prints are back in a big way going by the recent collections of labels like Balmain and Stella McCartney. And the love for cutesy cats? Now that has given rise to an entire 'catcore' aesthetic not to mention how celebrities like musician Doja Cat and Jared Leto showed up on the Met Gala red carpet in 2023 literally dressed as cats.

Clearly, felines are never going out of fashion and this round up by Lounge shows you how to add a whisker  pun intended  of the feline aesthetic into your own wardrobe.

CUDDLE MEOW

Talk about cat love and you can trust a luxury label like Valentino Garavani to take it notches up in terms of elegance and quirkiness. The label's Le Chat de la Maison is an exclusive collection dedicated to it's signature cat motif. The latest collection among other things includes a brooch, earring, shoulder bag and shoes featuring the motif. Our pick however is this too-cute-for-school minaudiere where the houses stylized cat figure is turned into a clutch made of nylon with hand-painted details. The bag comes with a shoulder strap and magnetic closure. Available on Valentino.com; 5.26 lakhs.

View Full Image Itrh Wild Cat Gown

DAME UN GRR

Wearing a leopard-print dress can be tricky since the print is exotic and in a less-flattering silhouette can come off as gaudy. This slinky, figure-flattering dress from Itrh, however, inspires us to shower one too many complementary adjectives. Made from net, the floor-length gown features ruched detailing that makes it figure-hugging, a high neckline, glove sleeves and leopard print all over. To quote everyone's current fave phrase, Dame Un Grr (Give me a grr), indeed. Available on Itrh.co; 1.60 lakh.

View Full Image Versace Wild Cats Camp-Collar Printed Silk-Twill Shirt

WILD PRIDE

Men's fashion isn't limited to just checks and safe patterns. Designers like Kim Jones, Alexander McQueen, and the recently-deceased Giorgio Armani have created collections featured prints of these wild cats. This green Versace mens shirt made from silk twill is a stand-out as it mixes bewitching prints of ferocious felines with the labels signature Barocco motif. Pair it with simple black pants and you are as good as ready to rock a party. Available on Mrporter.com; 1.13 lakh.

View Full Image Dhruv Kapoor Feline Windbreaker

CATS EYE

A cat shooting laser out of it's eyes makes for an unforgettable print. Precisely why full-sleeved windbreaker finds its place in this compilation. Tailored in a relaxed fit, the outfit is equipped with a ront zip closure and elasticated sleeves and that unique cat print that's got us going aww. The feline windbreaker is a part of designer Dhruv Kapoor's Kapoor 2.0 collection. Available on Dhruvkapoor.com; 9,500.

View Full Image Deepa Gurnani Embellished Lion Brooch

HELLO LEO

When it comes to personal style, there's a lot of truth in the statement: God is in the details, because looking sharp is as much about the accessories  jewellery, shoes, scarf or socks  as it is about the main outfit. This lion brooch from label Deepa Gurnani, for instance, makes for an arresting accessory that can add heft to a simple black shirt, a plain top or even a simple sari. Crafted from cotton and nylon thread, the brooch is embellished with gold and black beads and brass components. Available on Deepagurnani.in; 10,800.

View Full Image Tout A Coup Zip-up Hooded Cardigan

WARM VIBES

With winter a couple of months away, it'd be a good idea to stock up on cardigans. This grey hooded cardigan with front patch pockets and zipper wins points for the adorable pattern of cats, bows and hearts. Available on Farfetch.com; 25,757.

View Full Image Roberto Cavalli Sandals with Jewelled Panther Head

LEAP HIGH

Felines have left their influence on shoes too. From boots to sneakers and stilettos, prints and motifs of these creatures have been used to create statement footwear. While sneaker brands are back to loving the leopard print, it's the Roberto Cavalli black python platform sandals we are gunning for. And that's because it features a snake-skin pattern on the straps along with a striking panther and chain ankle strap embellished with black and yellow Swarovski crystals. This is what high-octane glamour is all about. Available on Robertocavalli.com; 2.20 lakhs.

View Full Image Wacko Maria + Captain Stag Foldable Logo and Leopard-Print Canvas and Steel Chair.

LAZY SAFARI

Create a wild corner in your favourite room with this Wacko Maria chair that has been designed in a collaboration with Japanese outdoor brand Captain Stag. Made from steel and leopard-print canvas, the chair is equipped with a cup holder and back mesh pocket. Available on Mrporter.com; 11,383.

Also Read | How to style the trendy camp collar shirt for the office
A growing number of aspiring credit card applicants are seeking financial flexibility, ease of use, and smooth approval without necessarily linking their accounts to conventional banking. With the advancement of technology and the focus of the government and allied institutions on financial inclusion, this task has now become easier for applicants to accomplish.

Applicants can secure credit cards even without a bank account by understanding a few basic points and applying them properly while submitting their credit card applications. Before securing any credit instrument, like a new credit card or a personal loan product, applicants should first clearly understand the entire repayment process and product management. For this, even professional guidance can be taken.

Look beyond banks for card issuers Several independent financial institutions, NBFCs, and fintechs have started offering credit cards to applicants who specifically do not wish to open a savings account with them.

These credit cards, like their banking peers, work seamlessly and offer similar services such as shopping, bill payments, and travel booking while also assisting users in building solid credit histories. Furthermore, individual credit card holders who have a strong credit history generally also have a solid credit score.

Basic eligibility and key requirements Applicants are required to:

Be at least 21 years old so that they can handle credit properly.

It must showcase a consistent flow of income and a solid income source, such as salaries or business income.

Generally, the applicant must have a minimum credit score of 750 or higher. The higher the score, the better the chances of approval.

Essential documents such as PAN, Aadhaar, photographs, utility bills for address, salary slips, or bank and income tax statements if self-employed are required to correctly submit the credit card application. Note: The basic eligibility discussed above is illustrative. For updated terms and conditions, contact your respective financial institution, as the eligibility criteria vary from one institution to another.

Also Read | How to waive off credit card charges? 6 tips that work

4 steps to secure a credit card Identify and shortlist issuers: First, you should carry out proper research and due diligence on fintechs, NBFCs, or retail co-branded card offers and opportunities. Focus on credit card offers that do not require a bank account. The shortlist reputable financial institutions that offer credit cards without the mandate of a bank account. Check the cards eligibility: Carefully review the basic eligibility criteria, such as age, income requirements, and residence criteria, before submitting your application. Compile documentation: Efficiently compile all the essential documents required for the successful submission of the application. KYC papers, income proof, Aadhaar details, photographs, etc., all documents must be aligned and arranged in an orderly manner. Submit your application: Once the basic groundwork is done, visit the issuer's online portal or nearest designated branch. Submit your details and await verification. Some financial institutions offer instant or near instant approval, subject to the applicant meeting basic criteria.

Advantages of credit cards without an account There are several advantages of having a credit card without an account:

No requirement to maintain a minimum balance in your bank account.

Payment of credit card bills is possible through UPI, payment applications, or over the counter.

This can be ideal for gig workers, those preferring cash, and applicants new to the credit ecosystem.

Flexible repayments not tied to any bank, full-fledged rewards, cashbacks, and credit score growth possibility. In conclusion, applying for a new credit card without a bank account is completely within reach for aspiring applicants. All they need is proper due diligence, deep research, a comparison of terms, and professional guidance.

For all personal finance updates, visit here.

Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs to provide credit; you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards, and credit scores. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit, as it comes with risks such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit.
Credit Cards: South Korean credit card company Lotte Card, controlled by private equity fund MBK, said that the personal data of 2.97 million customers has been leaked as a result of a hacking attack, reported Reuters. Lotte Card was set up in Dec 2002 as a technical and business company licensed by American Express and Lotte Department Store, its Wikipedia page shows.

Among the credit card customers who had been affected, some 280,000 had sensitive data leaked that could be abused for card fraud, Lotte Card's CEO Cho Jwa-jin told a press conference.

What does the company plan to do? The company's CEO Cho said that the organisation will prioritise issuing new credit cards for the affected group. Besides, the company will also pay any damages, provide interest-free instalment services apart from keeping aside a data security budget of 110 billion won (equivalent to $79.30 million) over the next five years, Cho said.

Also Read | IndiGo IDFC FIRST Bank Dual Credit Card: Everything you need to know

Seoul-based private equity fund MBK Partners' investment vehicle owns a 59.8% stake in Lotte Card, according to a company filing.

The data breach has evoked strong reactions from the highest office of South Korea as President Lee Jae Myung ordered the government to come up with fundamental comprehensive measures to minimise hacking damage, according to his office, Reuters reported.

The menace of data breach is obviously not only confined to South Korea. It is a global phenomenon. Back home in India, organisations have been battling with this for too long  like everywhere else  and investing money to keep themselves safe and protected.

The average cost of an organisation for a data breach has risen 13 per cent to 22 crore in 2025 from 19.5 crore in the year-ago period, a report by IBM had indicated.

Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit, you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards and credit score. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit as it comes with a set of risks such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit.
A recent article doing the rounds on social media gained attention for all the right reasons. It meticulously explained how many stocks an investor should own, discussing diversification strategies, sector allocation, and the mathematics of portfolio risk reduction. The analysis was thorough, well-researched, and would make any finance professor proud. Yet there was something uncomfortable, not because of any flaws in the reasoning, but because of what it represented.

The piece exemplified a curious phenomenon that has emerged in the investment world over the past decade. Individual investors with day jobs, families, and lives to live have begun adopting the analytical frameworks and portfolio construction methods of professional fund managers.

This trend reached its peak during the recent bull market when retail investors began discussing concepts like "factor investing", "style boxes", and "correlation matrices" with the same earnestness once reserved for professionals managing thousands of crores.

But here's the thing: most of this complexity is not just unnecessary for retail investors  it's actively counterproductive. Consider the fundamental differences between these two worlds. Professional fund managers are paid full-time salaries to study markets, analyse companies, and construct portfolios. They have teams of analysts, access to management teams, and sophisticated risk management systems. Most importantly, they're managing money for thousands of investors who expect consistent performance and detailed explanations for every decision.

The retail investor, meanwhile, has perhaps an hour or two each week to dedicate to investment decisions. They manage their own money with clear, long-term goals like retirement or their children's education. They don't need to justify their choices to anyone but themselves, and they don't face the career risk that comes with underperforming benchmarks.

Yet somehow, the retail investor has been convinced that they need to think like the professional. They feel compelled to have opinions on whether Indian banks are overvalued relative to their global peers, or whether the current economic cycle favours value stocks over growth stocks. They worry about having the "right" sector allocation and stress over whether their portfolio is sufficiently diversified across market capitalisations.

This complexity creep serves no one except the financial services industry, which profits from selling more products to confused investors. The mutual fund industry, in particular, has thrived by creating an ever-expanding universe of specialised schemes that cater to every conceivable investment thesis. Want exposure to small-cap consumption themes? There's a fund for that. Concerned about ESG factors in your technology holdings? Another fund awaits.

Also Read | For retail investors, unlisted shares may prove to be a dangerous gamble

Keep it simple

The irony is that while retail investors are making their investment process increasingly complex, the actual solution to their needs has become simpler than ever. A combination of two or three well-chosen mutual funds can provide all the diversification and professional management that most investors require. An equity fund, a debt fund, and perhaps an international fund can cover the vast majority of investment objectives for the average Indian household.

View Full Image (Paras Jain/Mint)

For those seeking even greater simplicity, a single broad-based index fund offers instant diversification across hundreds of companies, automatic rebalancing, and the lowest possible costs. The Nifty 50 index fund doesn't require you to have opinions about sector rotation or management qualityit simply gives you a proportionate stake in India's largest companies, which is exactly what most long-term investors need.

Also Read | Sebi proposes sweeping changes for fund managers, AMC overhaul

This isn't to suggest that all complexity is bad or that everyone should invest identically. Rather, it's a recognition that the level of analytical sophistication should match the investor's circumstances, time availability, and actual needs. An officegoer saving for retirement doesn't need the same investment process as someone managing a fund.

The most successful retail investors I've encountered over the years share a common trait: they keep their investment process boring. They choose a few good funds, invest regularly regardless of market conditions, and largely ignore the endless stream of market commentary and product launches. They understand that their edge lies not in superior analysis but in superior behaviour  the ability to stay invested through market cycles without getting distracted by complexity.

Dhirendra Kumar is founder and chief executive officer of Value Research, an independent investment advisory firm
New Delhi: Multiple energy and engineering giants, including Indian Oil Corp., Trafigura, Vitol, and Larsen & Toubro Ltd, have shown interest in developing a strategic crude reserve at Chandikhol, Odisha, said two people in the know.

Afcons Infrastructure, Bharat Petroleum Corp. (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corp. (HPCL) and Hindustan-Mittal Energy Ltd (HEML) have also shown initial interest in building the storage with 4 million tonnes of capacity, the people said on the condition of anonymity. The reserve would require around $1 billion to develop and an additional $2 billion to fill it, they said.

After Padur (reserve in Karnataka), there is a lot of interest in Chandikhol," said the first of the two people quoted above. The request for proposal (RFP) is expected to be released once the land is allotted by the state government, one of the two people quoted above said.

Also Read | Securing energy future: India eyes new strategic crude oil reserve in Mangalore

Strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs) are built underground in rock and salt caverns, often near refineries and ports. While India has been stocking up oil ever since the first SPR opened in Visakhapatnam a decade ago, the latest push comes after a 10-day conflict in West Asia. Operation Sindoor and concerns about future conflicts underline the importance of such critical reserves for India, the world's third-largest energy consumer that imports 85% of its crude requirements and consumes 5.5 million barrels of crude oil per day (mbpd).

Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd secured the contract to build Indias first private-sector SPR in Padur with a capacity of 2.5 million tonne, the Economic Times reported.

The Chandikhol tender would be based on a design-build-finance-operate-transfer model, where the developer would have to carry out the required process, ranging from designing to operating the reserves, including trading of the crude stored, said the second person quoted above.

Also Read | Trumps calls for coordinated tariffs on India unlikely to sway EU

"Several companies, including private players and government companies, have shown initial interest. State-run refiners are among the major players. Given the proximity of the proposed reserve to the eastern coast and better logistics for imported crude, there is robust interest," the second person said.

Trafigura declined to comment, while Vitol, IndianOil, BPCL, HPCL, HMEL, Afcons and L&T did not respond to queries sent by Mint.

HMEL is a joint venture between HPCL and Mittal Energy Investments Pte. Ltd

The Chandikhol project is part of the second phase of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL). In 2021, the Union cabinet approved developing commercial and strategic reserves at Chandikhol (4 mmt) and Padur (2.5 mmt) in a public-private mode, along with dedicated single-point mooring (to load and unload crude in deep waters) and associated pipelines. The petroleum ministry informed the parliamentary panel on petroleum and natural gas that ISPRL has been evaluating, from time to time, the possibility of augmenting storage capacities based on technical and commercial feasibility.

Indias 5.33 mmt strategic reserves are stored at Visakhapatnam (1.33 mmt), Mangaluru (1.5 mmt), and Padur (2.5 mmt), which were built by state-run Engineers India Ltd.

The current SPR of 5.3 mmt is enough to meet only 9.5 days of oil needs. Including strategic reserve and stocks maintained by state-run oil companies, India has total emergency crude and petroleum product reserves equivalent to 77 days of net imports. That compares with emergency stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of imports maintained by International Energy Agency (IEA) member nations. India, which joined the IEA as an associate country in 2017, sent a formal request for full membership in October 2023.

Oil prices have fluctuated widely between $60-80, and geopolitics have swung both ways as well for India," said Gaurav Moda, partner and energy sector leader, EY-Parthenon, India. In such a scenario, it is imperative for India, and it is great to see that we are rapidly expanding strategic reserves to strengthen energy security for our growth requirements."

The UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (Adnoc) is the only international player to have partnered in Indias strategic crude oil reserve programme, leasing capacity from the reserves. The government is also looking to secure participation from more global energy majors, including the worlds biggest oil producer, Saudi Arabian Oil Co. or Aramco.

Last December, the ministry of external affairs informed a parliamentary panel that Kuwait's state-run Kuwait Petroleum Co. had shown initial interest in participating in the second phase of the strategic petroleum reserve.

Mint earlier reported that India is doubling down on building new SPRS at six proposed locations. The government is asking EIL to create detailed feasibility reports for the new reserves, including the one proposed to be at the Mangalore Special Economic Zone in Karnataka and the other at salt caverns in Rajasthan's Bikaner. The reports are expected by the end of the year.
New Delhi: Indias top energy efficiency agency feels frustrated as the dialogue with the nations largest auto lobby has stalled over the new fuel efficiency norms, delaying final rules that aim to cut carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles.

The third edition of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE 3) norms was expected to be finalized by this month, according to four people aware of the matter. Yet, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) has not submitted its feedback even within the extended period, the people said.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is unhappy that the auto lobby has neither fully cooperated nor sorted out differences within the grouping over demands for partial relief for small passenger and commercial vehicles, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity as details are private.

The draft CAFE 3 norms propose reducing an automaker's average emissions from the current 113 g/km to 91.7 g/km. The stricter cap is aimed at promoting fuel-efficient vehicles as part of Indias clean energy and Net Zero goals. The rules come into effect on 1 April 2027, and automakers will need time to prepare for the stricter limits.

Also Read | Road ministry eyes CAFE-3 carrot for biofuel vehicles

Two things happen when there is a delay. One, everyone gets less time to prepare. And second, those who are already prepared are not incentivised," said Amit Bhatt, managing director at International Council on Clean Transportation. The eyes will be on the regulator on what it decides. Whatever it decides, the fact is the industry will come together once regulations kick in. All the OEMs (original equipment makers) have the technologies to meet the norms."

Siam, however, has called the final draft aggressive. Still, during deliberations within the lobby, differences emerged as Tata Motors Ltd and Mahindra and Mahindra suggested that smaller commercial vehicles be exempted from the norms, said the first person privy to the discussions. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd countered: Why should that logic not be applied to small cars?"

Our CAFE norms remain trapped in outdated bureaucratic processes. Without updated standards, unchecked emissions will rise, innovation will stall, and Indias auto industry will remain uncompetitive," former NITI Aayog chief Amitabh Kant said recently. He called on the government to finalise the norms immediately.

Also Read | Will India rethink emission caps to save small cars?

No consensus on passenger vehicles

The BEE released the first draft of CAFE 3 norms for passenger vehicles in June last year. Siam responded to the first draft in December 2024. However, the lobby later abandoned the consensus recommendation after Maruti Suzuki, the nations largest carmaker, sought the inclusion of concessions for small cars weighing less than 1,000 kg in June this year.

Mahindra and Tata Motors, which have invested heavily in electric vehicles, objected, Mint reported earlier.

The first of the four people quoted earlier said the government communicated with the auto lobby in June to suggest ways to provide concessions.

Siam members began working on latest recommendations, which are expected to mirror the December consensus but with a possible addendum on how small cars can be provided concessions, the third and fourth persons quoted earlier said.

When asked about the final suggestions, Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, marketing and sales at Marut Suzuki, said on the sidelines of Siams annual convention on 11 September, The technical committee is working on it. It will take some more time."

Queries emailed to BEE, Siam, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors remained unanswered until press time. Mahindra and Mahindra declined to comment.

Consultations over any regulations must revolve around a proposal," said former power secretary Alok Kumar, who was in office when CAFE norms were tightened in 2022. The industry, whenever any new norms are in discussion, needs enough time to comply with them," he said, adding that there were differences between the industry and the government even in the past.

Also Read | Tractor firms want rollout of emission rules delayed; agri panel submits report

Industry divided on CVs too

The final draft of Constant Speed Fuel Consumption (CSFC) norms for commercial vehicles came out on 28 July, asking manufacturers to submit feedback within 30 days. However, Siam members disagree on providing concessions to small commercial vehicles, a demand by Tata Motors and Mahindra.

According to the second person quoted earlier, who was privy to the discussion at Siam and BEE meetings, commercial vehicle makers sought an indigenously developed tool for testing fuel efficiency norms and concessions for small commercial vehicles, citing that these are used by economically weaker sections.

While BEE disagreed with the demand, it sought additional data from Siam during a July meeting within a fortnight. The group did not get back to the agency's request.

As Siam didnt respond, the agency released the final draft in late July, catching the companies by surprise, the second person said. The agency was left frustrated with Siams approach, which was akin to a non-cooperation movement."

After the final draft release, the agency again invited comments from all stakeholders within 30 days, but Siam didnt respond during this period either.

The CSFC norms final notification is still pending.

However, two Siam representatives involved in the deliberations said that the agency has not been able to fully understand the technicalities of the auto industry's suggestions.

When we talk about using an indigenously developed tool for testing the efficiency of commercial vehicles, it is perceived as a delaying tactic," one of these two people said. The agency has to realise the auto industry is also committed to reducing emissions."

Still, on passenger cars, the auto lobby finds itself in a difficult spot as members are not on the same page. We work on consensus, so until everyone agrees on what recommendations to send, we cannot move forward," the person said.

According to Kumar, Fuel efficiency norms for trucks are even more important because they came about 4-5 years after CAFE norms for cars. Also, with long-distance trucking still reliant on diesel, and India looking to reduce its fuel import dependence, it is necessary to put this regulation in place on time, in line with global timelines, but after giving time to the industry to comply."

Some executives in the auto lobby believe the involvement of the ministry of road transport and highways would have made things easier, instead of working with BEE, the first person quoted above said. MoRTH understands the nuances of the auto sector better than any other agency so working with them would have made things better."

However, according to Kumar, the government does not work in silos, and the ministries will conduct consultations among themselves.
BEIJING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves (WCBR) will be held in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, from Sept. 22 to 25, according to Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

This marks the first time the conference is held in Asia, said He Hongping, vice president of CAS, at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday. The event will bring together some 4,000 delegates from over 150 countries and regions.

He said China will use the gathering to draw on global expertise in ecological governance, deepen international scientific cooperation and pursue breakthroughs in biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

It is anticipated that a Hangzhou action plan will be released during the conference, which will guide the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme for the next decade.

UNESCO launched the MAB Programme in 1971 to promote sustainable management of biodiversity and human-nature interactions. It operates through the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), which includes 759 biosphere reserves across 136 countries.

Every ten years or so, UNESCO convenes the WCBR to evaluate progress, share experiences, and set future directions for the MAB Programme. The last WCBR was held in Lima, Peru, in 2016, where the Lima Action Plan (2016-2025) was adopted.
Operation Sindoor's first strike was conducted at 1 am on May 7 to avoid civilian casualties, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said in Ranchi on Thursday.

On May 7, India conducted a joint military strike  Operation Sindoor  targeting nine terror beds across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)  in retaliation to Pakistan's lethal terrorist attacks in Pahalgam on April 22.

CDS Chauhan's comments come nearly five months after the coveted operation. He made the comments during an interaction with school children in Jharkhand's Ranchi on Thursday, September 18.

Referring to the precision strikes carried out during Operation Sindoor, CDS Anil Chauhan said that the strikes for long-distance targets during the night required special efforts.

What did CDS Chauhan say CDS Anil Chauhan also said that this year, the Indian Army made maximum efforts to rescue citizens as number of national calamities was high.

The fauj (army) is the only place where there is no nepotism... You should aspire to join the armed forces if you want to serve the nation, and explore the country and the world, he said. Months after Operation Sindoor  JeM commander Ilyas Kashmiri, in a viral video uploaded on YouTube channel  admitted that the family of Masood Azhar, the terror group's chief, was torn into pieces in the Indian missile strikes on May 7 on the outfit's headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

Masood Azhar's family 'torn into pieces' in Op Sindoor A statement by Azhar circulated through his Telegram channel said those killed in the attack on Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur included the JeM chief's elder sister and her husband, a nephew and his wife, another niece, and five children from his extended family.

Under Operation Sindoor, India targeted Bahawalpur, Pakistan's 12th largest city  as it serves as the nerve centre of JeM. Located around 400 km from Lahore, it houses JeM's operational headquarters at the Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, also known as the Usman-o-Ali campus.
Indian students can now study or participate in short-term programs in Germany without visa fees, as both countries have signed an agreement on gratis visa, which aims to enhance educational exchanges and remove financial barriers for aspiring scholars.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated on Wednesday, September 3, that India and Germany have agreed to grant gratis visas for short-term school and college visits.

The latest development came after the visit of German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, to India. The MEA noted that during the delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, India and Germany assessed the multifaceted strategic partnership, expressing satisfaction with progress in trade and investment, defence and security, technology, science and innovation, green and sustainable development, education, and people-to-people ties.

Also Read | US threatens visa revocations for foreigners who glorify political violence

What is gratis visa? A gratis visa is typically given to certain types of travellers, including children under ten, some SAARC nationals, diplomatic visitors, and holders of United Nations Laissez-Passer. By giving this to Indian students, both countries hope to encourage academic mobility, cultural exchange, and research collaborations without the added expense of visa fees.

How to apply for a German visa? To apply for a German visa, including the gratis option applicable for certain programmes, you will need to complete an online application form via the VIDEX platform or Consular Services Portal, gather your supporting documents, book an appointment at the German Embassy, Consulate, or an authorised VFS Global centre, submit your application and biometrics. The documents required, including financial proof and travel plans, vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
The Patiala House Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Dhaula Kuan, Delhi, ordering the preservation of CCTV footage related to the recent BMW accident case.

The court has directed the Delhi Police official to appear with the case file at the next hearing, which is scheduled for September 19.

The development comes after an application was filed by the accused woman drivers counsel, seeking the preservation of CCTV footage from the accident site.

The case is related to the fatal BMW crash at Dhaula Kuan that claimed the life of Navjot Singh, the Deputy Secretary in the Union Ministry of Finance.

On Wednesday, the Patiala House Court granted time to the Delhi Police to file their response opposing the accused Gaganpreet Kaur's bail plea, scheduling arguments until Saturday.

The Delhi Police has filed its reply on the bail plea.

Meanwhile, the court extended her judicial custody until September 27.

During the hearing for the bail plea, senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing Gaganpreet Kaur, argued that it was a simple accident case and that invoking the section related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder was totally unwanted.

Ramesh Gupta also submitted that there was no proper investigation. There is an interview with DCP, he should be made a witness by the investigation officer.

The senior advocate further questioned that an ambulance also came on the spot, but its driver did not take the injured to the hospital. Should he not be accused? Gupta asked.

There was a DTC bus when the accident happened. It should have been impounded, added Gupta.

Also Read | Delhi BMW crash: Driver arrested after accident killed finance ministry official

"I expect that the police will investigate the case in a fair manner," the senior advocate submitted.

Gupta said two people were at the spot. They should be called as witnesses in the case.

BMW crash rescuer says vehicle seized by police A van driver who rushed the victims of Sunday's BMW accident to the hospital has claimed that his vehicle has been seized by police for investigation, depriving him of his daily income.

The Delhi Police, however, rejected the charge, saying the vehicle had not been seized.

Mohammad Gulfam, a resident of Sultanpuri, was returning from Faridabad after work when he came across the accident near Dhaula Kuan.

He said while several bystanders were making videos, he stopped his loading van and helped the four injured -- Navjot Singh, his wife, and the BMW occupants -- reach a hospital.

"I stopped my vehicle to help because people were injured and in serious condition. An ambulance was standing there too. People requested the ambulance driver, but I quickly shifted them into my van so they could get treatment on time," Gulfam told PTI.
A Delhi Police PCR van driver, Constable Khimesh Singh, has been arrested after his vehicle fatally struck a man on Thana Mandir Marg on Thursday, officials confirmed.

According to police sources, the incident occurred when Singh accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing the van to mount a roadside ramp and hit the pedestrian. The victim sustained critical injuries and died on the spot.

Also Read | Man killed after Delhi Police van runs over him in Thana Mandir Marg area

Police confirm action, compensation for victims family Hukma Ram, Additional DCP of New Delhi, described the incident as a tragic accident and assured that strict legal action would follow.

An unfortunate accident took place here. The police are taking action as per the law. We will provide all possible help to the deceaseds family, and compensation will be provided,

Ram told reporters, adding that CCTV footage would be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Other fatal accidents reported in Delhi The tragic incident came on the same day as another fatal accident on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, where a scooter rider died after colliding with a Honda City car. The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving the scooter completely mangled.

In a separate accident on Sunday, a BMW car struck a motorcycle on Ring Road near Dhaula Kuan, killing Navjot Singh, a Deputy Secretary in the Finance Ministry. Singh was riding with his wife when the collision occurred around 1:30 pm.

Eyewitnesses reported that a woman was driving the BMW involved in the crash. She and her husband later took a taxi to rush the injured to the hospital but did not take Singh directly for treatment.

Police later identified the driver as Gaganpreet Makkad, 38, who was questioned about why she failed to take the victim to the nearest hospital. Makkad claimed she was in a state of panic and only knew of one hospital where her children had been treated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting those who destroyed democracy and cited data from a Karnataka Assembly constituency to claim that the votes of Congress supporters were systematically deleted ahead of elections.

Rahul Gandhi cited details of alleged attempts to delete votes from Karnataka's Aland constituency in the run-up to the 2023 assembly polls. He also gave the example of Maharashtra's Rajura constituency, where he claimed voters were added fraudulently using automated software.

The same system is doing this. It is doing it in Karnataka, Maharashtra, it has done it in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and we have proof of it, the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged.

The Election Commission of India responded with a five-point rebuttal denying Rahul Gandhis allegations. The poll panel said no votes can be deleted online, as misconceived by Rahul Gandhi. Portals and apps only allow applications to be filed, which then go through scrutiny.

In its point number 4, the poll panel, however, admitted to unsuccessful attempts made for deletion of electors in Aland Assembly Constituency in 2023.

Names can only be removed through Form 7 applications, scrutiny, ground verification by Booth Level Officers, and a final order by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).

In 2023, certain unsuccessful attempts were made for the deletion of electors in the Aland Assembly Constituency and an FIR was filed by the authority of ECI itself to investigate the matter, the poll panel said.

The deletion process explained So, what is the process of deletion of voters? Voter deletion in India is a multi-step, legally defined process under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The process is designed to prevent misuse and ensure that no one loses their vote without being informed or given a chance to contest it.

Names can only be removed through Form 7 applications, scrutiny, ground verification by Booth Level Officers, and a final order by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). Both the voter and the applicant have the right to be heard before any deletion is approved

The Form 7 To begin the deletion process, one needs to fill out and submit Form 7 to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). This form can also be filled out online on the Election Commission of India's website. Voters can use this form to delete their names or somebody else's names from the voter list. You will need key details such as the constituency name, the voter ID number, the reason for seeking deletion, and the applicants own details and signature.

Once submitted, the local Booth Level Officer (BLO) issues an acknowledgement.

Reasons for the removal of name The application for deletion needs a valid reason. Among the valid reasons for removal of names from the voters' list are that 1) death of the voter, 2) has permanently shifted to another constituency, 3)is not found at the registered address, 4) has been entered twice, or 5)is not an Indian citizen.

The Election Commission scrutinises the application before proceeding with the deletion.

After the Form 7 is filed and scrutinised, the poll panel issues a notice to the voter, specifying the date, time, and place of a hearing.

A Booth Level Officer visits the address of the voter in question to check whether the voter is still living there, has passed away, or if the entry is a duplicate.

Both the applicant who sought deletion and the voter whose name is under question have the right to be heard. The EC officials may ask for documents, demand personal appearance, and even record statements under oath before taking a decision.

ERO rejects or accepts the application Finally, the poll panel, ERO or the Electoral Registration Officer in this case, passes an order either rejecting the application or accepting it. The deleted voters will not reflect in next voter rolls.

Also Read | After Bihar, Election Commission begins voter list revision process in Delhi

In case a voter finds that her/his name has been wrongly deleted, the order can be challenged and the application has to file Form 6 with proof of residence and identity. False declarations made in a Form 7 application are punishable under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

What happened in Aland in 2023 So, by ECs admission, there were attempts for deletion of voters in Aland assembly seat in 2023. The case came to light way back in February 2023, when senior Congress leader and then Aland candidate BR Patil was alerted about several applications being filed for voter deletions in his constituency, without the knowledge of the voters. Patil, filed a complaint with the poll panel.
New Delhi: India is considering a pilot project to allow foreign-funded e-commerce companies to buy goods from local vendors, stock them, and sell to consumers abroad, in a shift away from the current rules that permit these firms to operate only as a marketplace, connecting buyers and sellers.

The plan is likely to be launched first with the UKIndias new free trade agreement partner. Under the proposal, foreign-funded e-commerce companies can directly buy goods in India and export them to the UK, bypassing the current marketplace-only restriction, two people aware of the matter said.

The government's move to allow inventory-based business model for e-commerce firms is aimed at boosting foreign direct investment (FDI)India expects to achieve $100 billion in FDI in FY26and diversify its exports, they said.

Also Read | Advertising sentiment remains subdued during festive quarter

Gujarat has emerged as the preferred state to host the pilot project, which would allow e-commerce firms to own and sell products directly to consumers in the UK, instead of only operating as online marketplaces, said the first person cited earlier.

At present, Indias FDI rules don't allow foreign-funded e-commerce companies to operate under an inventory-based model. They can only operate as a neutral, digital marketplace platform. The same restrictions apply to exportsthey can facilitate exports by third-party sellers, and not on their own. However, a fully Indian e-commerce company can own inventory and sell the goods both locally and abroad.

After the pilot project, this inventory-based model may be rolled out for the other 14 FTA partners that India has signed deals with, this person said. The initiative comes against the backdrop of Indias push to double its exports with FTA partners and increase the FDI flow.

Under the proposed inventory-based model, dedicated export entities would hold stock, manage customs clearances, and handle packaging on behalf of small businesses.

The issue was discussed at a recent meeting in the commerce ministry with key stakeholders, including the Swadeshi Jagran Manch and representatives of domestic retailers. Representatives of leading e-commerce players were also in attendance," said the second person.

Although domestic groups have raised concerns that products stored in inventory might be diverted to the local market instead of being sold abroad, the government has mandated the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to run a pilot project," said the second person.

The pilot will help evaluate its effectiveness, and once domestic stakeholders are convinced, the inventory model will be rolled out for e-commerce players," the person said.

Queries sent to the ministries of commerce, external affairs and the British Embassy in New Delhi remained unanswered.

The development comes in the backdrop of the ongoing India-US talks to finalize a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by November. The talks between the two nations resumed on 16 September after a pause of over a month due to India drawing its red lines on agriculture, dairy, and genetically modified crops. The US has imposed a 50% tariff on Indiathe highest so farwhich includes a 25% reciprocal tariff and a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil.

For small and medium exporters, this could reduce dependence on intermediaries and make it easier to reach consumers in markets like the UK. At the same time, it is important that safeguards are in place to ensure that the model remains export-focused and does not affect domestic retailers," said Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum.

India and the UK signed the landmark free trade agreement on 24 July, ending years of negotiations and marking a new phase in their economic partnership. The deal will give a major push to bilateral trade and investment, offering greater market access across key sectors.

The FTAformally known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreementseeks to increase bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030 by eliminating or significantly reducing customs duties on a wide range of products.

Indias merchandise exports to the UK rose 12.6% to $14.5 billion in 2024-25, while imports grew marginally by 2.3% to $8.6 billion. Total bilateral trade stood at $21.34 billion in 2023-24, up from $20.36 billion in the previous year.

"Allowing the inventory model for e-commerce, specifically for exports, can be a game-changer for Indian brands. Today, demand for Indian products is growing across global markets, but exporters often struggle with supply chain inefficiencies, high lead times, and lack of scale. The inventory model will enable companies to stock products closer to the point of demand, ensuring faster delivery, better customer experience, and greater competitiveness against global peers," Ravi Saxena, chief executive and founder of Wonderchef, said. "For consumer brands like Wonderchef, this would open significant opportunities to serve international customers directly, expand into new geographies, and build stronger brand equity abroad. More importantly, it can help India move up the value chain in global trade, positioning us as a reliable source of high-quality, design-led products."

Earlier, Mint reported on 13 March that American trade negotiators are pushing for a level-playing field for US-based e-commerce companies such as Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart against Indian firms such as Reliance, Tata and others.

Mint has also earlier reported on 13 February that Indias proposed comprehensive e-commerce policy, which has drawn significant interest from global players like Amazon and Walmart, has been put on hold as countries reassess their priorities following a major regime change in the US.

According to an Invest India report, the countrys e-commerce market is set to grow to $325 billion and the digital economy to $800 billion by 2030.

India, with 881 million internet users, is the world's second-largest online market. Its growing digital economy could make it the third-largest online retail market by 2030, as per the Invest India report.

The global e-commerce market was valued at about $26.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to swell to $214.5 trillion by 2033, as per Mordor Intelligence.

As of now, India has 15 partners with whom it has free trade agreements (FTAs). In reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 18 March, Union minister of state for commerce Jitin Prasada said that India has signed 14 FTAs with its trading partners.

Trade with these partners aggregated to about $118 billion in FY25. In FY24, Indias total exports to the 14 FTA partners stood at $122.75 billion.
A 25-year-old woman from Hyderabad has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar seeking urgent intervention after alleging mental harassment and physical assault by her husband, a Chicago Police Department officer.

The Hyderabad woman claims she has been left stranded in India after her husband allegedly confiscated her legal documents and returned to the United States, according to NDTV report.

Also Read | US threatens visa revocations for foreigners who glorify political violence

Hyderabad Woman Claims Abuse by Chicago Police Officer Husband The woman, Hana Ahmed Khan, married Mohammed Zain Uddin, a US national and Chicago Police officer, on 22 June 2022 in Hyderabad. According to Khan, the alleged abuse began shortly after the marriage when Uddin returned to the US and refused to bring her for nearly two years.

Unfortunately, upon my arrival, I was subjected to emotional abuse, physical harassment, and mental torture. Despite these challenges, I remained hopeful that the situation would improve. However, the mistreatment continued, Hana Ahmed Khan stated in her letter to the External Affairs Minister Jaishankar dated 22 August 2024, according to NDTV report.

Woman Alleges Confiscation of Passport, Green Card Hana Ahmed Khan reported distressing incidents following her arrival in the US on 17 February 2024. She alleged that despite contacting local authorities after an assault by her husband, the police let him off with a warning. She further claimed that her husband coerced her into initiating divorce proceedings.

Also Read | Why Trump Immigration Raid Snared South Korea Workers Over Visas

During an apparent reconciliation attempt, Mohammed Zain Uddin suggested a trip to India and an Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Hana Ahmed Khan explained to NDTV: He then asked me to visit my family. While I was away, I received a call from the hotel management informing me that my luggage had been removed from the room and that my husband had checked out and left for the airport. On returning, I found my belongings, including my passport, green card and personal jewellery, missing.

Hana Ahmed Khan approached the consulate in Hyderabad but claimed she received little assistance.

Woman Seeks Jaishankars Help to Fight Legal Case Hana Ahmed Khan has urged the External Affairs Minister to help her recover her confiscated documents and enable her to return to the US to legally contest the case. She also alleged that her family spent 20 lakh on her wedding, including gold and gifts that were demanded as dowry.

I have been struggling for the last four to five months,

Khan told reporters, emphasising the urgency of ministerial support.

Also Read | Hyundai raid exposes shortage of visas for Asian companies trying to move staff
New Delhi: Promoters seeking to halt bankruptcy proceedings by repaying creditors will need to settle dues at an early stage, instead of waiting for rival bids from potential investors, under amendments to Indias Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) now before Parliament, experts said.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to overhaul the rules for withdrawing bankruptcy proceedings by limiting settlements to an early window and requiring approval from 90% of lenders, a move aimed at curbing tactical delays and safeguarding the integrity of the bidding process.

The bill disallows promoters to offer settlement once lenders that placed the distressed business under administration of a professional invite bids from new investors.

Also Read | EDs new playbook may ease bankruptcy asset release

This prevents the possibility of promoters dragging their feet till they get an idea of what the company may fetch in the market and then making an incremental settlement offer to withdraw the bankruptcy proceedings, explained experts.

The new regime is proposed by way of replacing section 12A of the IBC with a revamped version. Section 12A of IBC deals with withdrawal of bankruptcy applications admitted by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

The proposed changes stipulate that only the administrator of the distressed company appointed by creditors can move a tribunal for withdrawal of bankruptcy proceedings, that too with the consent of 90% of the creditors by value. At present, promoter can directly move withdrawal applications.

Limited opportunity to settle The opportunity for promoters to settle with creditors is thus limited between the time a panel of creditors is set up and bids are invited for the company. Also, tribunals have to decide on such applications within a month or record reasons for delay.

Experts pointed out that this effectively prevents both the tactical delay promoters used to resort to in settling with creditors and attempts to derail the bidding process with last-minute settlement offers.

Revamping the withdrawal of bankruptcy proceedings is a key reform, given that so far promoters of 1,192 companies have settled with creditors under section 12A of IBC after tribunals admitted bankruptcy petitions by creditors. This accounts for about 14% of the 8,492 cases admitted in tribunals since the IBC came into force in 2016 till June-end.

Withdrawal of proceedings under section 12A has been the root cause of litigation under IBC, said Prateek Kumar, partner, Khaitan & Co., a law firm.

In several cases, 12A offers were made at a late stage and weighed against a resolution plan, leading to delays and litigations, said Kumar.

Prescribing a specific time window within which a 12A proposal must be made will promote transparency. The additional obligation on the National Company Law Tribunal to decide the withdrawal application within 30 days would surely expedite settlements, said Kumar.

Promoters seeking to retain a distressed asset would now need to take proactive steps to arrive at a settlement prior to insolvency admission, he said.

The amendment limits the scope for promoters to settle with select creditors before the formation of the committee of creditors (CoC) or delay action while assessing the value offered by bona fide resolution applicants, added Kumar.

Also Read | Govt to keep IBC sector-agnostic despite industry demands

Weve often seen promoters wait until resolution plans are on the table before floating their own settlement offers. Courts, including the Supreme Court, have cautioned against such late interventions as they disrupt the process. The proposed change directly addresses this mischief by bringing clarity and discipline, explained Anisha Jhunjhunwala, senior consultant - IBC at NPV Insolvency Professionals Pvt. Ltd.

Historically, promoters have used withdrawal applications to delay corporate insolvency resolution, said Subodh Dandawate, associate director-regulatory services at Nexdigm, a business and professional services company.

Striking a balance Jhunjhunwala of NPV Insolvency Professionals said the revamped section 12A will strike a balance and give creditors a chance to consider a settlement, but prevent last-minute exits that derail bidding, waste applicants efforts, and undermine confidence in the process.

By limiting the withdrawal option to an early stage, promoters who wish to settle will have to mobilize funds quickly and engage with creditors upfront, added Jhunjhunwala.

This discourages slow-pedalling and compels promoters to act with urgency if they are serious about repayment, she said.
NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on the Indian industry to overcome its hesitation and significantly increase investment, stating that the government has fulfilled its commitments on tax reforms, foreign investment liberalization and improving the ease of doing business.

Speaking at the Annual Symposium of the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM) on Thursday, Sitharaman emphasized that businesses must now expand capacity, create jobs and collaborate with the government on upskilling Indias workforce.

I have a basket of things on which the government has delivered, she said. So the question which remains unansweredI hope theres no more hesitation for the industry to invest further, to expand capacities, to produce more in India.

Sitharaman highlighted the consistent pursuit of reforms by Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration, noting that he has never relented on reforms, nor ignored the wish list of industry.

The call for private investment While India's recent economic growth has been largely driven by a surge in government capital expenditure on infrastructure, private sector investment has lagged. This has been attributed to global uncertainty, risk aversion and inconsistent demand.

The minister underscored that skilling is vital for sustaining this momentum. She pointed out that recent budgets have included provisions for training, and the government is working with various authorities to ensure young people are trained with the right incentives.

To strengthen grassroots institutions, the government is modernizing long-standing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Sitharaman explained that after discussions with states, a proposal was introduced to fully fund the upgrade of at least one ITI in every district into an AI-driven training centre, operating on a hub-and-spoke model.

In every budget over the last two to three years, we have made provisions for skilling our manpower, not only through training courses, but also by engaging them with various authorities who have well-structured skilling plans, she said. We are ensuring that the youth are trained with certain incentives.

Bridging the grooming gap Sitharaman also addressed a significant gap between formal education and industry needs. She noted that while new recruits may have degrees, many firms report that they lack job-readiness, requiring months of additional training.

Also Read | Priority to pass on tax cut gains: Sitharaman

She urged private companies to partner with government programs to close this grooming gap. She cited initiatives with states like Andhra Pradesh and international collaborations, such as with Singapore on certifying quality training, as examples of the governments efforts.

So, on skilling, you (industry) need to partner with the government. Thats my expectation, she said.
The Supreme Court has frowned upon the 'arbitrariness' in the consideration of 'criteria appointment' for Short Service Commission (SSC) women Army officers seeking permanent commission as compared to their male counterparts.

A criteria appointment means an officer given command of a post in a difficult and hostile area or operation.

Also Read | After SC rap, Centre agrees to grant permanent commission to women Army officers

A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh, while hearing a plea of 13 women Army officers challenging the denial of permanent commission to them, questioned how there can be two parameters for male and female officers, who undergo the same training and postings.

"How can there be two criteria based on gender? Is there a different format for evaluating SSC women officers and male officers? Is this format different for SSC officers and those in permanent commission?" the bench questioned, as per PTI report.

Aggrieved by the casual grading Senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy, appearing for the 13 officers along with advocate Amrita Panda, said the appellants are aggrieved by the casual grading received despite undergoing the same training and postings as their male counterparts.

"This grading resulted from a subjective assessment conducted at a time when they were not eligible for Permanent Commission (PC). Unlike male officers, whose performance was continuously assessed with PC in mind, the Appellants' ACRs froze in 2019, prior to this court's ruling granting women eligibility for PC in 2020," Guruswamy submitted.

She pointed out that among the 13 officers she represented, Lt Col Vanita Padhi was posted in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, Lt Col Chandni Mishra was the first woman pilot in 88 countries to have flown Manoeuvrable Expendable Aerial Target (MEAT) and Lt. Col Geeta Sharma has also been posted in High Altitude Areas like Ladakh and Major Khim has served in Akhnoor (near Pakistan Border).

Guruswamy said among the officers, Lt Col Geeta Sharma has served on 'Criteria Appointments' as Officer Commanding Communication for 'Operation Galwan' at Ladakh; Lt Col Swati Rawat as Officer Commanding Workshop for 'Operation Sindoor' and Lt Col Swati Rawat in Counter Insurgency area at Basauli of Jammu and Kashmir and Lt Col Vanita Padhi as Company Commander in Firozpur, Border Area of Punjab during Operation Sindoor.

Also Read | Daredevil rescue caught on cam: Indian Army saves 25 people before house crashes

"However, unlike their male counterparts, their (women officers) ACRs did not reflect this as a 'Criteria Appointment'. For male officers, ACRs for such appointments were categorised as 'Criteria Reports', with explicit mention of the appointment being a 'Criteria Appointment', which are considered for the grant of PC," she submitted.

Justice Singh asked whether this means that for women officers, it does not matter where they are posted but for male officers, posting in difficult areas is considered for the grant of permanent commission.

"Yes", replied Guruswamy and added, "Women officers, despite holding identical appointments, were issued ACRs which were 'Non-Criteria Reports', with no mention of the appointment being a 'Criteria Appointment, since they were not eligible for PC."

He said the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has itself held that criteria reports have greater weightage in PC consideration than non-criteria reports. Justice Kant asked Guruswamy whether the consideration of the criteria for appointment for permanent commission is arbitrary.

"Yes. It is violative of Article 14 and Article 15 and hence, arbitrary," she submitted, adding that the fact that women officers are given these positions where there are border, contentious or fragile areas, means they trust the women officers, but would not give them permanent commission.

Justice Kant said this problem appears to be due to "conservative thinking" and "perceptions" of some senior officers.

Guruswamy submitted that they were not given any pension, medical allowance and the situation is such that one of the commanders, who brought the planes back from Balakot, was asked to leave a week later.

Hearing continues today The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue today

The bench was hearing the pleas filed by serving officers and those released from service in the Army. The top court said it would thereafter hear the pleas filed by Naval officers, followed by officers in the Air Force who have also been aggrieved by the denial of PC.

On August 6, the top court was informed that female and male officers of the Indian Army comprise two unequal and distinct classes, and cannot be considered together for the grant of permanent commission on the same criteria and cut-off marks.

Also Read | What India needs to sustain longer wars? Army chief Upendra Dwivedi tells

The officers have relied upon the 2020 verdict of the apex court by which the Army was directed to grant them permanent commission.

In its February 17, 2020, the top court said absolute exclusion of women from all positions, except staff assignments, in the Army was indefensible and their blanket non-consideration for command appointments without any justification could not be sustained in law.

This problem appears to be due to 'conservative thinking' and 'perceptions' of some senior officers.

The apex court, which allowed PC to women officers in the Army, said an absolute prohibition of women SSC officers to obtain anything but staff appointments evidently did not fulfil the purpose of granting PC as a means of career advancement in the Army.

Since the 2020 verdict, the top court has passed several orders on the issue of permanent commission to women officers in the Armed Forces and similar orders were passed in the case of the Navy, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard.
In a tragic incident, the only African elephant at the Delhi Zoo, Shankar, died on Wednesday.

Following the sudden demise of the 29-year-old male elephant, the National Zoological Park (NZP) has ordered an inquiry to determine the cause of death.

Shankar died around 8 pm on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Delhi Zoo said: Until September 16, there had been no report of sickness or abnormal behaviour. On the morning of September 17, however, Shankar was reported to have eaten fewer leaves and grasses than usual and had slight loose motion, though he consumed concentrate, fruits and vegetables normally.

The veterinary team of the National Zoological Park provided treatment, and Shankar was kept under observation by the zoo staff, the statement added.

At around 7:25 pm, Shankar suddenly collapsed in his shed and died despite being given emergency treatment.

The National Zoological Park, New Delhi, is deeply saddened to inform about the passing of its cherished 29-year-old African elephant, Shankar, on September 17, 2025, at 8 p.m., the NZP said.

Shankar was a symbol of strength, wisdom and love. Many members of the zoo community were emotionally attached to him. The void left by his loss will be deeply felt by the zoo team, visitors and the entire conservation community, said NZP Director Sanjeet Kumar.

Experts from IVRI Bareilly are conducting a post-mortem. The probe will also involve a health advisory committee and a representative of the Union Environment Ministry.

Also Read | Minor female leopard killed in road accident on Gurugram-Faridabad stretch

Shankar was gifted to India by Zimbabwe and had been a treasured member of the Delhi Zoo for 27 years.

The elephant arrived at the zoo in November 1998 and was cherished by the staff for his gentle nature and majestic presence.

The bull elephant had been living alone since 2005, following the death of a female elephant named Bambai. Over the years, he experienced recurring health problems related to mustha condition where a bull elephants testosterone levels spike, leading to aggressive and unpredictable behaviour.
A 71-year-old US citizen of Indian origin, Rupinder Kaur Pandher, was allegedly murdered in Ludhiana in July, shortly after arriving from Seattle to marry a 75-year-old UK-based NRI. The case came to light last week when Ludhiana police registered an FIR naming suspects, including the groom, Charanjit Singh Grewal, who is now absconding. The FIR was filed following her disappearance.

Who was the alleged groom? Rupinder Pandher had travelled to India at the invitation of Charanjit Singh Grewal, a Ludhiana-origin NRI living in England, who was due to be her husband. Police allege that Grewal was behind her murder.

How was the disappearance reported? Rupinder Pandher's sister, Kamal Kaur Khairah, grew suspicious when she found her mobile phone switched off on July 24. By July 28, she had alerted the US embassy in New Delhi, which in turn pressed local police to investigate the matter.

When did the family learn about her death? It was only last week that the Khairah family received the news of Rupinder Pandher's death.

Who has been arrested? Police arrested Sukhjeet Singh Sonu of Malha Patti village in connection with Rupinder Pandhers killing. According to police, Sonu allegedly admitted to killing her in his house and burning her body in a storeroom.

What was the motive? Police said Sonu acted on the instructions of Charanjit Grewal, who allegedly promised him 50 lakh for killing Rupinder Pandher. Officers added that the motive was financial, as Rupinder had transferred a significant amount of money to Charanjit prior to her visit.
Bengaluru never fails to surprise with its unique blend of technology and hustle culture. A recent Reddit post has gone viral after a commuter shared an unusual experience while booking a Rapido ride in the city.

According to the post, the user had booked a Rapido from their office to BTM Layout, only to discover that their assigned rider was a system engineer working at a tech company. The twist? It was his very first ride on the app.

The Redditor explained that the engineer had come to drop a friend off near the office and, on a whim, decided to sign up as a Rapido driver on his way back home to earn some extra cash.

This can literally happen only in Bengaluru, the user wrote, amused by the citys entrepreneurial spirit.

The post has sparked laughter and admiration online, with many social media users pointing out that such stories capture Bengalurus unique work culture, where techies juggle day jobs while experimenting with side gigs.

A user wrote, Of course! Whats the harm in earning a little without much effort. Haha.

Another user commented, I had similar experience in Hyderabad. Rapido rider works in same building as ours. He rides as rapido captain while coming and going back. Apparently, it is covering his fuel expenses and maintenance with almost near zero additional time/effort.

Also Read | Blacklisted: Rapido bans Bengaluru driver accused of molesting woman passenger

People working 2 jobs is normal. Getting paid to sit in the traffic either way, is smart, as far as a second job goes. You're only surprised because you subconsciously think some jobs are beneath others, the third user wrote.

Doing side-hustles alongside the main-job should be normalised in India. People really act surprised if salary-people do gig-work for extra income, the fourth user commented.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai reacted on X to express his delight at learning that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is a fan of Google Geminis latest AI tool, Nano Banana.

At a recent event, Huang, known for his signature leather jacket, praised the new image generator, saying it left him blown away. His praise carries weight, given that Nvidia's GPUs power the computing behind most of todays leading AI models.

The tool has already gained massive attention across social media.

What did Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang say? "How could anyone not love Nano Banana? I mean, Nano Bananahow good is that?" he said, as reported by Wired. Huang added, Tell me its not true! Its so good. He then shared, I was just talking to Demis [Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind] yesterday and I said, How about that Nano Banana! How good is that?

Sundar Pichai responded to a post on X by Nicole Brichtova, a Google DeepMind employee, who shared her excitement about Jensen Huangs praise for Nano Banana. Jensen Huang being a Nano Banana fan made my day, Brichtova wrote  a sentiment that Pichai acknowledged with appreciation.

Pichai tweeted her post and wrote, Mine too.

Google launched the Nano Banana model late last month, and it has been steadily gaining momentum.

According to Josh Woodward, Vice President of Google Labs and Google Gemini, the model has already been used to generate over 300 million images.

Despite a crowded field of AI image generators, Gemini Nano Banana has quickly emerged as a favourite among users, thanks to its impressive speed and ability to maintain subject consistency across different prompts.

This means users can transform their photos into 3D figurines or stylised portraits without the final result appearing random or distorted, largely due to Nano Bananas ability to preserve facial textures and visual coherence.

Also Read: Meta launches new smart glasses with built-built-in screen: Check price, specifications and other details here

How to use Nano Banana to generate viral Instagram-style portraits? - Open the Gemini app or website. Alternatively, you can also open Google's AI Studio to generate images.

- Make sure you are signed in using your Google account.

- Tap on the Nano Banana icon and upload an image that clearly shows your face.

- Type in a prompt or use one of the prompts given below.

What does Google say on ownership of AI content? Googles AI policies emphasise user responsibility.

How could anyone not love Nano Banana? I mean, Nano Bananahow good is that?

Jensen Huang being a Nano Banana fan made my day.

The company states:Some of our Services allow you to generate original content. Google won't claim ownership over that content. You acknowledge that Google may generate the same or similar content for others and that we reserve all rights to do so. As required by the API Terms, you'll comply with applicable law in using generated content, which may require the provision of attribution to your users when returned as part of an API call. Use discretion before relying on generated content, including code. You're responsible for your use of generated content, and for the use of that content by anyone you share it with.
Donald Trump wrapped up a three-day state visit to the UK, which began with an impassioned speech at a dinner at Windsor Castle. It marked his second state visit to Britain as president, further cementing his ties with the UK. He also made a special effort to commend Princess Kate.

A wonderful compliment to Princess Kate At the dinner at Windsor Castle, President Trump seized the opportunity to compliment Princess Kate, who announced her cancer diagnosis in 2024. In January, it was announced that Kates cancer was in remission, as reported by USA TODAY.

While seated near Kate, the President turned to her and said, Youre so radiant, and so healthy and so beautiful. He said how pleased he was to see her looking well, and followed it with, It's simply a great honor. His compliment was a heartwarming acknowledgement of Kates courage and perseverance.

Bolstering the bond between the US and the UK In his brief but powerful address, President Trump spoke of the unbreakable bond of affection that exists between the United States and the United Kingdom.

He emphasized that the profound cultural, traditional, and genealogical ties between the two nations are irreplaceable and eternal. Trump underlined that the US-UK bond had brought tremendous good into the world, which he expressed with a sense of pride. Together, we have done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history, he proclaimed, further amplifying the notion of brotherhood and joint purpose.

A grand arrival and lavish dinner Trump and First Lady Melania Trump traveled to the U.K. on September 17, where they were greeted by Prince William and Princess Kate. The Princess of Wales sported classical elements with a deep red coat dress by Emilia Wickstead, an unmistakable vintage Chanel bag with the dress, while Melania wore a navy, structured skirt suit, finishing her look with a purple hat.

They then participated in a glorious ride by horse-drawn carriage to Windsor Castle, where the state dinner began later that evening. The dinner was not held for the ordinary, as it was attended by 160 of the world's wealthiest and most powerful, including notable corporate executives Tim Cook, Jensen Huang, and Satya Nadella.

Memorable times and future intentions During a February visit to the White House, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended an invitation on behalf of the royal family for President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to travel to the U.K. for a state visit.

Trumps visit is historic because he is the first US president to have been invited to two state dinners in the United Kingdom.

Genuine moments of warmth and respect between the US and the UK reflected the two nations' continuing friendship.

Not only did the visit strengthen the political bond between the nations leaders, but it also further developed the leader relationships that have evolved through mutual respect.

FAQs What compliment did President Trump give Princess Kate during the dinner? President Trump praised Princess Kates health and beauty, saying, Youre so radiant, and so healthy and so beautiful.

What did President Trump say about the bond between the US and UK? Trump described the US-UK relationship as unbreakable and emphasized their cultural, traditional, and genealogical ties. He proudly stated that the two countries have done more good for humanity than any others in history.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would designate Antifa -- a shorthand term for anti-fascist used to describe diffuse far-left groups -- as "a major terrorist organization," a move he has threatened since his first term.

I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

What is Antifa? Antifa, short for anti-fascists, refers to a loosely connected network of far-left militant groups rather than a single, unified organisation. These groups primarily oppose fascists and neo-Nazis, often confronting them at protests and demonstrations, AP reported.

Because Antifa lacks formal structure or centralised leadership, it remains uncertain how the administration would go about designating it as a terrorist organisation.

The White House has not yet provided specific details on how such a classification would be implemented.

What is fascism? An authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement. It is often associated with the far right and characterised by a dictatorial leader who uses military forces to help suppress political and civil opposition.

History's two most famous fascists were Nazi chief Adolf Hitler in Germany and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Known as Il Duce, or the duke, Mussolini headed the National Fascist Party, which was symbolised by an eagle clutching a fasces  a bundle of rods with an axe among them.

Meanwhile, Trump's previous FBI director, Christopher Wray, said in testimony in 2020 that Antifa is an ideology, not an organisation, lacking the hierarchical structure that would usually allow it to be designated as a terror group by the federal government.

Also Read: A new series on the rise of Mussolini lays bare the Fascist playbook

After Trump's post, Sen Bill Cassidy, R-La, praised the announcement, saying: "Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists.

In July 2019, Cassidy and Sen Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced a resolution in the Senate to condemn the violent acts of Antifa and to designate the group a domestic terror organisation.
US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his close relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference on Thursday, highlighting a recent phone call made to the Indian leader on the eve of his 75th birthday.

I am very close to India, I am very close to the PM of India. I spoke to him the other day. I wished him a happy Birthday. We have a very good relationship, Trump said, emphasising the warmth and cooperation between the two nations.

Trumps remarks came alongside his criticism of European countries continuing to purchase Russian oil, which he argued undermines international efforts to isolate Moscow amid ongoing conflicts.

Diplomatic backdrop Trump made these comments during his visit to the United Kingdom, where he met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime ministers country retreat. The visit included a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, a state banquet, and the signing of a major US-UK science and technology agreement, underscoring the diplomatic pageantry of the trip.



US-India trade talks resume amid tensions over Russian oil purchases

Trade negotiations between the United States and India resumed this week, with both sides describing discussions as positive, as they seek to reset ties following a recent escalation over tariffs and Russian energy purchases.

Trump last month imposed a 50% import tariff on Indian goods, doubling the previous 25% rate. The move, according to Washington, aimed not only at countering Indias tariffs and trade barriers but also at penalizing New Delhi for continuing to buy Russian oil.

Russian oil purchases dispute The purchase of Russian oil by India and China has drawn criticism from Ukraine and its allies, who argue that these imports undermine international sanctions intended to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Indian officials, however, defended the energy strategy, emphasizing that it will continue as long as Russian oil remains financially viable.
President Donald Trump on Thursday (September 18) suggested that the federal government might revoke the licenses of broadcast television networks that he claims are against him.

Trumps comments follow ABCs suspension of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show after the host linked the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to Trumps MAGA movement.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr had earlier hinted that ABC  owned by Disney  could face scrutiny over its broadcast license if it did not take action regarding Kimmels remarks.

Trump weighed in on the matter while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return from the United Kingdom.

I have read someplace that the networks were 97% against me, again, 97% negative, and yet I won and easily, all seven swing states, Trump said, referring to his 2024 election win.

They give me only bad publicity, press. I mean, theyre getting a license, he added. I would think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr.

Criticism of shows Trump specifically mentioned criticism from Kimmel and CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert.

Look, thats something that should be talked about for licensing, too, he said.

When you have a network and you have evening shows, and all they do is hit Trump, thats all they do. If you go back, I guess they havent had a conservative on in years or something, somebody said. But when you go back, take a look, all they do is hit Trump. Theyre licensed. Theyre not allowed to do that. Theyre an arm of the Democrat party, Trump added.

He praised Carr, who he nominated for the FCC role, saying: I think Brendan Carr is outstanding, hes a patriot. He loves our country, and hes a tough guy. So well have to see.
Three police officers were killed and two others injured in a shooting on Wednesday in southern Pennsylvania. Authorities say the suspect was shot and killed by police at the scene.

The officers had been responding to a domestic-related case that originated the day before, in a rural area surrounded by farmland, as reported by AP.

This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day," Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference. We grieve the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, who served this Commonwealth, who served this country.

Also Read: Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson to face formal charges next week

This kind of violence is not OK. We need to do better as a society," Shapiro said.

The incident marked one of the deadliest days for law enforcement in Pennsylvania in recent memory. The last comparable tragedy occurred in 2009, when three Pittsburgh officers were ambushed and killed while responding to a domestic call by a gunman wearing a bulletproof vest.

In the aftermath of Wednesdays shooting, police departments across the region shared messages of condolence on social media. At the same time, members of the public began leaving flowers outside the Northern York Regional Police Department headquarters to honour the fallen officers.

The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it, said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris, who pledged a full, fair investigation.

The shooting erupted in the area of North Codorus Township, about 115 miles (185 km) west of Philadelphia, not far from the Maryland line, authorities said.

Dirk Anderson, a farmer who lives across a two-lane country road from the scene, said he was in his shop when we heard shots, which he described as quite a few. He saw a helicopter arrive and a large police vehicle response.

The two injured officers were in critical but stable condition at York Hospital, authorities said, AP reported.

Authorities did not identify the shooter, the officers or which police department they belonged to, or describe the circumstances of how they were shot, citing the ongoing investigation.

Another officer in the area was killed in February, when a man armed with a pistol and zip ties entered a hospitals intensive care unit and took staff members hostage before a shootout that left both the suspect and an officer dead.

We need to do better as a society, Shapiro said. "We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon is the answer to resolving disputes. We need do better when it comes to mental health.

"We need to do better when it comes to looking out for those who are in need so we dont have to deal with tragedies like this, he said.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris detailed why she ultimately chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 election, instead of her first choice, Pete Buttigieg.

Harris, in an excerpt from her upcoming memoir, 107 Days, obtained by The Atlantic, described Buttigieg, the openly gay former transportation secretary, as her first choice for the vice-presidential slot but later concluded he was too big of a risk for the ticket.

Buttigieg would have been an ideal partner  if I were a straight white man, Harris wrote.

She added, But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man. Part of me wanted to say, Screw it, lets just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk. And I think Pete also knew that  to our mutual sadness. (The Atlantic)

Selection of Tim Walz Ultimately, Harris selected Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, as her running mate. The ticket went on to lose the popular vote, the Electoral College, and every swing state to Donald Trump in 2024.

Praise for Buttigieg Harris highlighted Buttigiegs qualities in her book, calling him a sincere public servant with the rare talent of being able to frame liberal arguments in a way that makes it possible for conservatives to hear them.

I love Pete, she wrote. I love working with Pete. He and his husband, Chasten, are friends. (The Atlantic)
A new controversy has arisen following the circulation of a viral video featuring Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a senior commander of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

At the 38th annual Mission Mustafa conference, Masood Ilyas Kashmiri claimed that under the leadership of General Asim Munir had sent generals to funerals of those killed during India's Operation Sindoor, a statement that has sparked sharp reactions and raised questions about internal dynamics as well as power politics within Pakistan's military and its links to terror groups.

Watch the video here:

Disclaimer: LiveMint has not independently verified the authenticity of these videos.

The Operation Sindoor in May saw Indian armed forces carrying out precision airstrikes on terror hubs deep inside Pakistan and also PoK in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in which heavily armed Pakistani terrorists targeted tourists in Kashmir's hill resort of Pahalgam, killing 26 people and leaving India in rage and grief.

Months after the military action, JeM commander Ilyas Kashmiri, in a viral video uploaded to a YouTube channel on Tuesday, has admitted the family of Masood Azhar, the terror group's chief, was torn into pieces in the Indian missile strikes on May 7 on the outfit's headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indian soldiers brought Pakistan to its knees in the blink of an eye during Operation Sindoor, and the world saw a terrorist crying, comments coming after terror outfit JeM's commander admitted losses suffered by the family of its chief.

Earlier in May, the Union Home Minister said that Operation Sindoor didnt just dismantle terrorist infrastructure but also debunked Pakistans long-standing global narrative. He noted that Pakistani army officers attending the funerals of slain terrorists the next day demonstrated the nexus between the Pakistani Army, Pakistan, and terrorism.

At a press briefing in New Delhi in May, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented a photograph showing Abdur Rauf, designated as a terrorist by the US, leading prayers at a funeral.

The deceased, Misri noted, were draped in Pakistan's national flag and given state honours.

As far as we are concerned, the individuals eliminated at these facilities were terrorists, Misri stated. Giving terrorists state funerals may be a practice in Pakistan, but it doesnt make much sense to us.

Earlier in May, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Operation Sindoor didnt just dismantle terrorist infrastructure but also debunked Pakistans long-standing global narrative. He noted that Pakistani army officers attending the funerals of slain terrorists the next day demonstrated the nexus between the Pakistani Army, Pakistan, and terrorism.

Operation Sindoor On May 7, Operation Sindoor was initiated in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.

In February 2019, in an intelligence-led operation, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated.

Operation Sindoor showcased a calibrated, tri-services response marked by precision, professionalism, and clear purpose. Conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign, it aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper within Pakistan.

The Indian Armed Forces executed coordinated strikes, successfully hitting key terrorist installations.

Operation Sindoor didnt just dismantle terrorist infrastructure but also debunked Pakistans long-standing global narrative.

More than just a tactical victory, Operation Sindoor sent a powerful strategic message, demonstrating Indias capability for high-precision, joint military operations across land, air, and sea.
US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over Russian President Vladimir Putin for not preventing the Ukraine war, which caused significant casualties. He also criticised European countries for purchasing oil from Russia amid the ongoing war.

He has let me down. I mean, he's killing many people and he's losing more people than he's, you know, than he's killing. I mean, frankly, Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers, Bloomberg News quoted Donald Trump at a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Trump admitted that although he believed the Russia-Ukraine war would be the easiest to resolve, that was not the case.

Also Read | Trump hails PM Modi, reaffirms India ties amid trade talks

Urging countries to stop buying oil from Russia, Trump said, Very simply, if the price of oil comes down, Putin is going to drop out." Hes going to have no choice. Hes going to drop out of that war," he added.

Im willing to do other things, but not when the people that Im fighting for are buying oil from Russia, Trump said.

Furthermore, he insisted that the war in Ukraine would not have started if he had stayed in the White House."This was a thing that would have never happened had I been president. If I were president, it would have never happened. And it didn't happen for four years," Trump said.

Also Read | In charts: The great Indian American dream falters under Trump

Following a summit between Putin and Trump in Alaska, where the US leader called on the Russian president to hold talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, a peace deal failed to materialise.

Ukraine and Russia are currently engaged in a conflict that began in 2014 and intensified into a full-blown war in February 2022. The conflict started with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, which was followed by support for separatist movements in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, Bloomberg reported.

According to the UN, the conflict has claimed over 10,000 civilian lives, with many more injured. It has also forced millions from their homes, presenting a major humanitarian crisis.
The European Union has proposed a new strategic agenda to ramp up its engagement with New Delhi in several key sectors such as defence, trade and technology at a time when when New Delhi is dealing with the US administration under President Donald Trump in post tariff-era.

Now is the time to double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values. With our new EU-India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said announcing the initiative on 17 September in a statement.

Also Read | For India and EU, a deal is closer than ever

The new document was released in Brussels by the European Commission and the 27-nation bloc's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas.

Kallas, however, said India's military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil "stand in the way of closer ties". "India's participation in Russia's military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil stand in the way of closer ties. Because, ultimately, our partnership is not only about trade but also about defending the rules-based international order," Kallas said adding "Our negotiations will address these challenges with the aim of adopting a joint roadmap at the EU-India summit in early 2026," she added.

President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe is already India's biggest trading partner. "We are committed to finalising our Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. Europe is open for business. And we are ready to invest in our shared future with India, she said.

The FTA assumes significance amid turbulence created by the tariff policies of the US administration. It is also significant since it follows the announcement of the EU-US deal. The EU has indicated flexibilities for the US on the contentious Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

The commission said its closer partnership with India is increasingly becoming vital in the wake of shifting geopolitical realities and that it is imperative for the two sides to strengthen economic growth and security. The European Union is India's biggest trade partner, with bilateral trade in goods recording $135 billion in the financial year 2023-24.

Last week, Swedish Ambassador to India, Jan Thesleff, told LiveMint that EU-India trade agreement could become the worlds largest, covering 1.9 billion people.

President Ursula wishes PM Modi Hours after the 'New Strategic EU-India Agenda' was unveiled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to finalise the much-awaited India-EU free trade deal by the year-end.

The top EU leader dialled Modi to greet him on his birthday. In the phone conversation with the European Commission chief, Prime minister Modi conveyed his appreciation for the EU adopting the new strategic agenda that aims to "deepen, broaden, and better coordinate" bilateral cooperation between the two sides.

India-EU Strategic Partnership PM Modi thanked President Ursula for her for the birthday greetings. Delighted to know about the New Strategic EU-India Agenda adopted today. India is ready to take the India-EU relationship to the next level. It is our shared commitment, shared goal, and shared responsibility. We remain committed to an early and peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, he said on X.

Prime Ministers Office said in a statement that the two leaders welcomed efforts towards further strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership for mutual prosperity, as well as for jointly addressing global issues, fostering stability, and promoting a rules-based order.

India remains committed for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, it said.

The new agenda marks a significant milestone in relations between the two sides as it aims to "deepen, broaden, and better coordinate" bilateral cooperation, enhance prosperity and security for both partners and help tackle major global challenges, the commission said

The agenda will have to be ratified by all the 27 member nations of the EU. After the ratification process, it will be adopted at the India-EU summit that is expected to be held in the first quarter of next year.

Five Key Areas Identified The new strategic agenda identifies five areas of shared interest that include security and defence, connectivity and global issues, prosperity, sustainability, technology and innovation.

"Beyond the bilateral dimension, the new strategic agenda highlights EU-India joint engagement on global issues and with third partners, reflecting India's growing global influence," the EU said.

Defence Pillar Under the defence pillar, the document identified maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism as areas to expand cooperation.

It said the launch of negotiations for a security of information agreement to facilitate classified information exchange will support closer security and defence cooperation.

Closer cooperation on the Indo-Pacific, addressing hybrid threats, space security, and intensifying engagement on Russia's war against Ukraine and sanctions are other areas of focus, it said.

Now is the time to double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values.

The document, however, did not elaborate on its reference to sanctions.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formally signed a mutual defence pact on September 17 amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, according to a Reuters report. The agreement was signed during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs state visit to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the deal.

The move significantly strengthens the decades-long security partnership between the two countries and comes as Gulf Arab states grow increasingly wary of the reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor, the report added.

Notably, Israel attacked Qatar last week, intensifying such concerns.

Why did Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign a deal? This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions. This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalization of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries, a senior Saudi official told Reuters when asked about its timing.

Reportedly, Israel's airstrikes on Doha, intended to kill Hamas leaders during ceasefire discussions mediated by Qatar, infuriated Arab countries.

The deal also comes as Gulf monarchies look to balance ties with both Israel and Iran to resolve longstanding security concerns. Notably, Qatar has been hit by both nations this year amid the ongoing Gaza crisis.

Also Read | What does US Fed rate cut mean for the Indian stock market?

What about Saudi Arabia's relationship with India? The senior Saudi official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan's rival, India, also a nuclear power.

Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can.

Will Pakistan provide nuclear protection too? Asked whether Pakistan would be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella under the pact, the official said: This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.

Pakistani state television showed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, embracing after signing the agreement. In attendance was Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, regarded as the country's most powerful person.

This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, a statement from the Pakistani prime minister's office said.
The worse things get for the planet, the more unworkable the suggestions to save it become. Exhibit A: Proposals for climate cooling interventions focused on the polar regions, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change. The Arctic, for instance, warmed nearly four times faster than the rest of the globe between 1979 and 2021. Since the poles help moderate the Earths temperature by reflecting large amounts of solar radiation back into space and store an awful lot of freshwater in their enormous ice sheets, climate consequences there will be felt around the world.
Hospital stay, treatment and medicineseven expensive cancer drugsare free for pensioners. However, care is means tested. In England, local councils help pay for care costs if the pensioners savings and assets amount to less than 23,250. This may not look generous, but the council will not count the value of your house if you need to stay in it for care. This is meant to benefit the poorest, but an ageing populationthe proportion of the aged is set to grow from 19% in 2022 to 27% by 2072has seen many turn to private care, which is strictly regulated.
The government may be echoing the World Banks recent finding that India is the fourth most equal country in the world, but this isnt true. In reality, India is a high inequality country and any complacency based on artificially adjusted estimates as a result of statistical jugglery should be avoided. More than estimates of inequality, what matters is its nature and impact on growth, mobility and democracy.

For historical reasons, and rightly so, Indias debate has focused on poverty more than the distributional aspects of inequality. This was understandable, given our large numbers languishing in poverty. But with Indias rising per capita income and growth, poverty is no longer as pervasive.

On the other hand, there is substantial evidence to show that the last three decades have been accompanied by rising inequality in all its dimensions. A true assessment of its level is difficult, given the absence of comparable data on consumption inequality. But estimates based on income, as reported by the World Bank, would put India among the countries with high inequality.

While these are based on synthetic estimates made using tax data, they not only show high inequality but also a secular rise in it over the past three decades. A similar conclusion can be reached from wealth data.

A far more serious problem is one of horizontal inequality, which refers to inequality among groups with a shared identity. These are based on caste, religion, age, gender, class, region and so on. While most measures of inequality capture only the gap between households or individuals on income, wealth or consumption, it is these horizontal inequalities that determine access to resources and opportunities for upward mobility within, say, a generation. Most of these inequalities are structural and historical, but also relate to social justice and stability.

The process of economic growth, which leads to prosperity, can also contribute to alienation of groups if that growth is not broad-based. In fact, the exclusion of certain groups from access to public services such as education, health and nutrition can create barriers to mobility. Indias progress on many of these fronts has been slow, compared to its success with economic growth.

Even the minor gains on human development outcomes are not equally shared by all groups. Most marginalized groups face disadvantages in basic health, education and nutrition. There are also vast differences across states, with the gap increasing in recent decades between poorer states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha and the relatively affluent states of west and south India.

Also Read | Understanding poverty in India demands a nuanced assessment

Historically, Indias growth process has been unable to reduce these inequalities, with the task left to the state. In recent decades, these inequalities have appeared to not just threaten the process of economic growth, but also social and political stability.

The recent farmers agitation and reservation demands by groups such as Maharashtras Marathas, Gujarats Patels and Uttar Pradesh and Haryanas Jats are manifestations of social instability. It has also contributed to the perverse trend of state governments trying to reserve government jobs and access to higher education for residents of the state. This stokes anti-immigrant sentiment.

One unfortunate consequence of deepening horizontal inequalities is its impact on inter-generational and occupational mobility. Many studies show that horizontal inequalities contribute to low inter-generational mobility for the disadvantaged.

India has not yet reached a situation of political instability. Recent upheavals in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka led by their youth culminated in governments being overthrown. Similar protests in Indonesia and Thailand against their regimes and political establishments signal growing discontent with growth not delivering broad-based benefits. Such political unrest is a result of many factors, no doubt, but it still holds some lessons for India.

Also Read | The poverty line has moved but have basic vulnerabilities in India eased?

Despite our economic growth, we face high unemployment among the youth, with stagnant real earnings. Disparities among and within regions and across various groups have only increased. With unequal access to educational and employment openings, there is also a sense of alienation among a majority of disadvantaged groups.

While affirmative action policies can reduce horizontal inequality, this is unlikely to help much without the countrys growth process being broad-based and inclusive. Inequality matters not just for economic growth, but, more importantly, for long-term social and political stability.

The author is associate professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and visiting fellow at the Centre de Sciences Humaines, New Delhi.
China has upped the ante in its trade tussle with the US. As reported, Chinas internet regulator has ordered Chinese tech companies not to buy artificial intelligence (AI) chips from Nvidia.

This may be a move to protect its own semiconductor industry, though its level of sophistication is a mystery.

Earlier, Chinas antitrust authority had accused Nvidia of rule violations, though the US-based chip-maker has denied wrongdoing.

These actions sit oddly with Chinas presumed appetite for American AI chips. As part of a recent mini-deal between the US and China, Washington was to ease some export barriers erected to keep high-end AI chips from reaching China. But then, US curbs on top-end chips remain, while the deal covered a few lower-order ones.

Does China deem these replaceable? Or has the AI success of DeepSeek, which reportedly found a workaround by using modest chip set-ups, inspired Beijing to resist all but top-end US chips in the interest of self-sufficiency? Its hard to tell.

Also Read | China is more eager to use Nvidias AI chips than it lets on

But Beijing now seems a lot more confident of doing without Nvidias wares. As the US and China inch closer to a deal on TikTok, the real story may be how well China is doing with chip development.
(Bloomberg) -- Democratic lawmakers are calling for Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr to resign for a corrupt abuse of power after Walt Disney Co.s ABC network announced its taking late-night host Jimmy Kimmels show off the air indefinitely.

The decision to pull his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, came amid conservative backlash to remarks Kimmel made about the killing of Republican activist Charlie Kirk.

Donald Trump and the Republican Partys war on the First Amendment is blatantly inconsistent with American values, said House Democratic leaders, including House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, in a statement on Thursday. Media companies, such as the one that suspended Mr. Kimmel, have a lot to explain.

Democrats are in the minority in both the House and Senate and so they have little ability to force Carrs resignation.

ABC made the decision after Carr threatened to take action against Kimmel, ABC and Disney. The FCC grants licenses to broadcasters such as ABC and its affiliates.

Carr has disgraced the office he holds by bullying ABC, the employer of Jimmy Kimmel, and forcing the company to bend the knee to the Trump administration, Democrats said in their statement.

Carr in a post on X said he was glad broadcasters are responding to their viewers as intended.

Nothing he said justifies what they did, said Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In fact, if you look at what the president says, maybe he should be silenced.

Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer, the top Democrat on the subcommittee that funds the FCC, said the agency had overreached its authority in the Kimmel case.

Its a just terrible place we are in where broadcasters and others are being subjected to the power of government to make decisions that the government wants to take it, he said on Thursday.

Kimmel, one of the most visible Trump critics on television, was kicked off the air after he accused Republicans of using Kirks death to criticize their opponents.

We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, Kimmel said in his Sept. 15 monologue.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The Congress is all set to release "The Deletion Files" on Thursday, September 18. Does the title sound familiar? Well, it brings to mind director Vivek Agnihotris works such as The Kashmir Files, The Udaipur Files, and The Bengal Files.

The Congress is preparing to launch a fresh salvo at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), intensifying its attack over the "vote chori" allegations.

In this regard, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will hold a press briefing at Indira Bhawan Auditorium on September 18 (Thursday).

"The Kashmir Files" focuses on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the late 1980s, while "The Bengal Files" depicts the 1946 Direct Action Day and subsequent riots. "The Udaipur Files" is about Kanhaiya Lal Tailor murder.

'Hydrogen bomb' Rahul Gandhi's press briefing on Thursday, Septmebr 18, is expected to focus on his claims regarding irregularities in the voting process. He has accused the BJP of winning polls by "stealing votes with the help of the Election Commission (EC)".

Earlier, on September 1, Rahul Gandhi had warned the BJP of an impending expose. He said he will soon unleash a "hydrogen bomb" about his allegations of vote theft, as what was shown about Mahadevpura was just an atom bomb.

Vote chori The INDIA bloc, led by the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, has been vocal about alleged "vote chori" or vote theft.

On August 7, Gandhi's alleged that over 1,00,250 "fake votes" were created in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in the Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka to ensure a win for the BJP.

He outlined alleged methods of vote manipulation, including duplicate voters, fake addresses, bulk registrations, invalid photos, and Form 6 misuse.

"We found 1,00,250 votes stolen. Stolen in five different ways. Duplicate voters, fake and invalid addresses, and bulk voters in a single address, on a building with 50-60 people living. But when we go there, no record of those people living there. One family living in that house," the Congress leader said.

Rahul Gandhi presented the Congress's research on voting in the Mahadevapura Assembly in Karnataka.

Our internal polling told us we would win 16 seats in Karnataka; we won nine. We then focused on seven unexpected losses. We focused on Mahadevapur...All data is 2024 data from the Election Commission; the total votes polled in the Lok Sabha were 6.26 lakhs, he said.

"The BJP won with 6,58,915, securing a margin of 32,707. But then we look at Mahadevapura, where Congress polls 1,15,586 and BJP polls 2,29,632. Congress wins all Vidhan Sabhas but this one," the Congress leader added.

The Congress initiated the "Vote Chori" campaign with a dedicated website (votechori.in) and call-in number, urging citizens to support demands for transparent voter rolls.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed on Thursday that he has absolute solid claim that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar is protecting vote chors.

The Chief Election Commissioner of India is protecting the people who have destroyed Indian democracy, Rahul Gandhi said at a press conference.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has time and again accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of vote theft.

Somebody tried to delete 6,018 votes Rahul Gandhi alleged that in the Aland constituency of Karnataka, "somebody tried to delete 6,018 votes".

The Congress MP said, In Aland, 6,018 applications were filed, impersonating voters. The people who allegedly filed these applications never actually filed them.

Rahul Gandhi claimed the filing was done automatically using a software. "Mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, from different states, were used to delete votes in Aland, specifically targeting Congress voters. This wasn't random," he said.

He then showed what he described as evidence to back his claims. We'll show you that these deletions specifically targeted booths where the Congress party was winning, he said.

Rahul Gandhi's solid proof against CEC Levelling "serious" allegations against Gyanesh Kumar, Rahul Gandhi said the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Karnataka sent 18 letters in 18 months to the Election Commission (EC) and asked the poll body for "some very simple facts."

However, the Election Commission refused to share the information, Rahul Gandhi claimed.

Rahul Gandhi said the CID had demanded three specific things from the Election Commission. They were:

1. Destination IP address from where forms were filled

2. Destination ports from where the application was filed

3. OTP trails, because when you file, you have to get the OTP

Also Read | ED summons BJP worker who claims Rahul Gandhi is British national

Chronology samajhiye Rahul Gandhi shared a timeline to support his claims against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. He borrowed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's famous phrase Chronology samajhiye.

Here's the timeline that Rahul Gandhi presented on September 18:

Sept 2025: Karnataka CID sends ECI 18 reminder letters (Last dated September 2025)

Feb 2023: FIR Files

March 2023: Karnatala CID writes to ECI requesting all details

August 2023: ECI gives only partial information

Jan 2024: Karnataka CID writes to ECI requesting full information

Jan 2024-till date: Karnataka EC requests ECI multiple times for full information (Last dated March 2025)

Current status: Investigation stalled by EC

Timeline shared by Rahul Gandhi on Vote Chori row.

H-bomb awaited, systematic conspiracy' alleged Rahul Gandhi clarified that the so-called 'Hydrogen Bomb' was still expected and claimed that a "certain group of people" is systematically deleting the votes of minority groups who specifically vote for the Congress.

Also Read | BJP says Rahul Gandhi is insulting voters in arrogance

First of all, this is not the H-bomb; the H-bomb is coming. This is another milestone in setting up and demonstrating to the youth of this country how elections are being rigged, Rahul Gandhi said as he came on the stage.

Rahul Gandhi further alleged, In election after election, someone, some group of people have been systematically targeting voters for deletions across India. Different communities, mainly who are voting for Opposition, Dalits, OBCs, adivasis, minorities are specifically targeted who vote for the Opposition.

Vote Chori row Opposition parties have repeatedly claimed that the Election Commission of India (ECI), colluding with the BJP, is deleting and adding fraudulent votes in the voter rolls in various elections.

Last month, Rahul Gandhi, citing data from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, claimed that electoral fraud had taken place in the Maharashtra Assembly elections and in various assembly segments, including in Karnataka's Mahadevpura segment, where he claimed over one lakh fake votes were stolen.
Ranchi, Sep 18 (PTI) The Congress-RJD alliance will face a heavy defeat in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections as the NDA is set to return to power in the state with a thumping majority, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh claimed here on Thursday.

He said the Congress will remain "invisible across the country for the next 25-30 years under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi".

The Congress will face a complete wipeout in Bihar during the upcoming elections. Since the RJD is with the Congress, it will also face defeat. The NDA will form the government in Bihar with a thumping majority, Singh said, addressing media persons at the Jharkhand BJP headquarters here.

Accusing Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, of attacking constitutional institutions, Singh claimed that people have rejected the Congress in every election recently.

The Congress will be invisible across the country for the next 25-30 years under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. He has been attacking constitutional institutions for the past few years. People of the country understood that he only speaks lies, Singh alleged.

The BJP leader also accused the JMM-led government in Jharkhand of pushing the state into jungle raj by "promoting land and stone mafia and people having links with terrorist groups".

The law and order have collapsed in the state. Social worker like Surya Hansda, who had raised his voice against sand mafia and corruption, was murdered. The BJP will continue to raise its voice against illegal activities, Singh said.

Hansda, who contested multiple assembly polls and was also wanted in several criminal cases, was arrested from Nawadih village in Deoghar on August 10. He died in an alleged encounter that took place while he was being taken to Rahadbadia hills by police to recover hidden weapons.

Hansda had allegedly snatched an arm from police personnel and fired at them while attempting to flee the spot. The policemen retaliated, which resulted in his death, Godda police had claimed.

Singh, the Rajya Sabha MP, alleged that development work in Jharkhand came to a halt, while problems like Naxalism are again increasing.

They (JMM, Congress and RJD alliance) won the elections. But, people have not given them the right to loot. They have given votes for development of the state and better law and order, he said.

Singh alleged that Pakistan's spy agency ISI connections are "increasing in the state due to governments appeasement politics".
Many users have reported facing problems with Google, the world's largest search engine. A chart prepared by tracking website Downdetector revealed problem-related reports submitted in the past 24 hours compared to the typical volume of reports by time of day.

The chart went on to suggest that 88 per cent of the users faced issues with login, while 8 per cent of the complaints were related to the website. Meanwhile, 5 per cent of the complaints faced issues regarding search, as per the Downdetector chart. A post shared by Downdetector on X read, User reports indicate problems with Google since 10:41 AM EDT. RT if you're also having problems #Googledown.

Google facing issues Downdetector shared another X post claiming that an issue with Google and Google Cloud was identified at 10:30 am EST. An issue with Google and Google Cloud was identified at 10:30 AM EST. This issue impacted multiple services and generated over 25,000 user-generated reports but now seems to be resolving. Let us know what issues you experienced, read the post.

Internet reacts Several users on X also talked about being unable to access the Google services. Here are some reactions. One social media user stated, Sign In with Google seems to be down across the board. I can't log in to a dozen different sites.

This particular X user claimed that Sign in with Google not working on multiple sites. The X post read, Is Google login down? Sign in with Google not working on multiple sites and Im unable to get into cloud products that require me to sign in with Google.

An article published by The Daily Mail reported that Google, Gmail, Google Workspace, Google Cloud, and Google Drive are experiencing outages, with cities like New York, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco among the hardest hit. The most common problem faced by Gmail users has been connecting to the server.

FAQs What are the issues faced by online users? Many users have reported facing problems with Google.
UPDATE: Centerstone will yet again be on the agenda for the Hamilton County School Board's Oct. 9 meeting. Board member Ben Connor said he made an email motion to bring Centerstone's MOU, which the board tabled Thursday night, back to the next agenda.

Vice Chair Karitsa Jones seconded the motion.

UPDATE: In a 74 vote, the Hamilton County School Board chose to table the renewal of the Centerstone mental health contract.

The program was a free service for nearly 10 years.

Ahead of Thursday's meetings, those in support of renewing Centerstone's contract gathered in front of the meeting hall. Supporters shared that they will not all have time to speak before board members due to time constraints, and wanted to express their concerns.

"Our kids need help now. They need services now, that is reflected again and again not only in the number of suicides in Hamilton County... but also in personal reports that we will be sharing today with photos of students in Hamilton County that have committed suicide last year," said Elizabeth Haley, the Executive Director for Seed Theatre and a parent.

"When we remove mental health services, we force teachers, administration, and police officers to manage situations they are not equipped to handle alone," said Victoria Flores with the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia Indivisible.

More than a hundred people packed the board room and dozens shared their thoughts with the board ahead of that vote.

Gail Greene, who is the chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party said, "Centerstone and similar organizations promote ideological content that extends beyond basic mental health. Matters of identity, sexuality, and gender should be guided by parents and families  not introduced in school by outside providers."

Following her comments, chair of the Hamilton County High School Democrats, Reed Hampton said, "Centerstone's therapists have one ideology. To protect and to serve all their patients, and to ensure their mental health and safety. That should also be the school board's ideology."

Another Centerstone advocate, Shae Connor added, "When the next preventable tragedy occurs, and it inevitably will, the blood will figuratively be on your hands, but it is me and my colleagues who will literally have to wash it off of ours."

When it came time to the vote, District 7 board member, Jodi Schaffer made a motion to table the vote. Board members Steve Slater (District 1), Ben Daugherty (District 2), Joe Smith (District 3), Jodi Schaffer (District 7), Larry Grohn (District 8), Gary Kuehn (District 9) and Felice Hadden (District 10) voted in favor of tabling the vote.

We asked Schaffer why she made the motion and she responded, "No comment."

District 11 member, Jill Black left the meeting in an explosive moment as she expressed her frustration with her fellow board members who tabled the vote.

"Blood on your hands, blood on your hands, all of you, who.. I swear to God, I'm sick of this," she said before exiting the meeting.

Ben Connor, who proposed reinstating the service called the board's move "sad".

"We are failing children today, we failed children today, and we continue to fail them at least until next month."

"It is a valid point to say that we have invested money into the resources that we need, but they are not the same thing. We have awesome S.E.A.D coaches. We have amazing counselors, all who do wonderful work. However, they are not licensed clinical therapist specialized in mental health therapy," added Connor.

The board will revisit the memorandum of understanding proposed by school board member Ben Connor at the next meeting on October 9th at 4:30pm.

Stay with us for updates.

PREVIOUS STORY: The Hamilton County School Board will discuss the possible reinstatement of Centerstone Thursday night, a month after narrowly voting to end a memorandum of understanding with the mental health provider.

Centerstone provided in-school counseling to students, meeting with students for 3060-minute sessions, with parental consent, often before and after school or during electives.

Hamilton County began partnering with Centerstone annually a decade ago.

The services came at no cost to the school district and were covered by families. In addition to Hamilton County, Centerstone works with about 40 districts in Middle Tennessee, and in five other states.

'We were shocked': Hamilton Co. principals against ending Centerstone partnership "It was just like the rug was pulled out from underneath them, Dr. Jill Levine, Vice President of the Hamilton County Principals Association says.

Ben Connor, who represents district 6 on the school board, will propose background checks through the school system for Centerstone's employees, along with the immediate reinstatement of their services.

While open to a solicitation process for an alternative provider, Connor said students must have continuous access to mental health services in the meantime.

We are failing children today. Right now," Connor said. "Right now, in our schools, children are not able to get needed mental health support. My hope is that Friday morning, thats fixed, and the board sees thats the correct answer.

Due to the expected high attendance, Connor proposed scheduling a listening session to allow for more public comment; however, he did not receive a majority of the board's support.

The board's 11 members have received over 4,000 total emails from 373 unique senders in support of Centerstone, according to records obtained by Local 3 News.

Connor said he's personally received 550 emails, along with handwritten notes from students.

[They said] Centerstones services saved their lives," Connor said. "We have a community member because they were able to access mental health services in schools. They got the help that they needed where they were, and theyre with us today because of it.

Board members opposed to Centerstone, Moms for Liberty, and the Hamilton County GOP have raised concerns about the philosophies of Centerstone's employees and outsourcing these services.

"The conservative position is firm: Hamilton County is not abandoning student mental health. It is already investing at record levels to support our students," the Hamilton County Republican Party said in-part. "What we reject is the outsourcing of our childrens care to outside groups that are not accountable to parents or taxpayers."

Moms for Liberty criticized the "so-called swell of 'support'" for Centerstone.

"If Hamilton County Schools truly want to support mental health, the best way forward is to elevate the voices of parents, honor their fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their children, and return to the basics of education instead of yielding to activist-driven agendas," said Rebecca Day, on behalf of Moms for Liberty.

Connor said he believes the opposition is unfounded.

"When you have the services in place to help a child in crisis, you not just help the child, you help the whole classroom be able to continue to learn, and thats what weve denied our students," he said.

Conservatives have also raised concerns about LGBTQ-themed content on Centerstone's website.

"Matters of identity, sexuality, and gender should be guided by parents and families  not introduced in school by outside providers," the GOP said. "Public schools exist to teach academics and support student success, not advance social agendas.

In a Monday interview with Local 3, Centerstone did not respond to the opposition, but said they remain open to dialogue with the school board.

"If the Board knew who we were more and spoke even with the teachers and principals in their districts, and even the students in their districts more, they would understand the level of services, the quality of services that Centerstone has provided," said Daniel Mansfield, Centerstone's regional vice president for Tennessee's southern region. We are happy to address any concerns that they may have and answer any questions that they may have.

The Hamilton County GOP also questioned the success of Centerstone's services, which were available in roughly 50 schools.

Counselors saw about 2,500 students per year and met with 1,000 students this summer.

Connor said removing services over Centerstone's willingness to serve LGBTQ students is a mistake.

UPDATE: Hamilton Co. residents asking school board members to reconsider Centerstone vote Organizers of the press conference are asking the school board to restore the partnership with Centerstone.

If it was one fringe group that they decided is the reason to get rid of Centerstone, then they are not just doing a disservice to a group that matters, they are doing a disservice to an entire generation of our students, and its abhorrent," Connor said.

Mark Herndon, the father of a 14-year-old Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences (CSAS) student, Silas Herndon, who died by suicide last month, is among those expected to address the board.

A member of the LGBTQ community, Silas sought community at the Seed Theatre, which will hold a press conference on Thursday at 4:00pm in support of Centerstone's reinstatement before the school board meeting.

What its also doing is risking and hurting countless other children," said Elizabeth Haley, Seed Theatre's executive director. Having those services in the school and through the school is a crucial way to serve our children, and its extremely ignorant to think that removing that will not just further increase our suicide rates.

Hamilton County currently invests $22-million in school counselors and psychologists, who the GOP said students can turn to for support.

'It is merciless': Father of 14-year-old who died by suicide turns grief into action Father opens up to Local 3 and urges parents to listen to the youth just weeks after losing his child.

"We truly believe that well-being is essential to student success," said Dr. Patricia Russell, executive director for social, emotional, and academic development for Hamilton County Schools, in an interview earlier this month. "We want to make sure that yes, we support the academic work that students are doing; but we definitely want to make sure that students are well when they come to school and that their basic needs are being met.

Dr. Russell did not outline any additional supports put in place by the district in light of the boards vote.

Local 3 News reached out Wednesday via email to the six board members who voted against continuing the MOU last month.

Only Gary Kuehn of district 9 responded and said "no comment." We will update this story if we hear back.

We will have crews inside and outside of the board's meeting Thursday evening.

Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this story.
Disneys ABC is taking Jimmy Kimmels late night talk show off the air indefinitely amid a controversy over his recent comments about Charlie 
A councillor has called on Longford County Council to write to the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh OBrien requesting that national guidelines be developed and implemented for the application, planning, and development of solar farms and wind turbines.



Fianna Fail Cllr Sean Mimnagh submitted a motion at last week's September meeting of the local authority calling for regulations to be put in place.

Read more: Longford TD says party is backing Humphreys bid for Aras and refutes 'blocking' criticism



The Lanesboro-based representative also outlined 'these guidelines should promote consistency, transparency, comprehensive environmental assessment, robust community consultation and protection of agricultural and ecological interests' across Ireland.



"I have a big fear now about what is happening across the country and in Longford as well.



"Companies are coming in now, chancing their arm looking to develop these things, going through the planning stages.

"If they get one out of five [through], they sell it and move on."



Cllr Mimnagh said in recent years the council has approved four large-scale solar farms in Longford but presently only one of them has progressed.



"There is now a possibility that two more developments in south Longford and at the moment this is causing huge divisions in our communities.



"And all of this is coming on the back of no dedicated guidelines for these developments.



"I am also very concerned that the guidelines are not a priority for the Government and I am calling on the council to write to them and see how are we going to get some sort of guidelines in place before we continue going with these projects in the county."



Fianna Fail Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi seconded the motion and supported her party colleague.



She stated it was important to have regulations so there would be less uncertainty.

"It is currently allowing for speculation and if projects go through the planning stage there should be a timeline for them to progress to implementation and we certainly need clear guidelines and consistency around this."



Fine Gael Cllr Paul Ross said he also supported Cllr Mimnagh's motion and he added it is 'extraordinary' there are no guidelines in place.

"I find it utterly extraordinary that we have a European and national plan and commitment and a Climate Action Plan 2030 includes Ireland's renewable energy target for 2030 yet we have no guidelines whatsoever for solar, wind and renewable energy.



"In fairness the planners and the council are working off planning guidelines.



"When I saw the motion I actually thought we had wind farm regulations going back 10 years ago but they were draft guidelines and they never came into law from what I can see."



Director of Services Barbara Heslin said they will write to Minister O'Brien and she acknowledged that Cllr Ross was correct and there were 'vague' guidelines drafted in 2006.

Read more: Refurbishment works underway at Ballymahon bank as part of 7m investment



"They are currently being revised and updated but as soon as we receive them we will implement them."
Deputy Micheal Carrigy TD has joined with Cllr Peggy Nolan in calling for the urgent provision of dialysis services at St. Josephs Hospital, Longford, to reduce the significant hardship currently faced by patients in the county.

At present, some patients must travel three times a week to Tullamore Hospital for dialysis treatment, with each round trip covering approximately 160 km. For elderly patients in particular, this exhausting routine can take a serious toll on health and quality of life.

Read more: 'Pivotal moment for Longford' as 7 million investment will create dynamic cultural hub

Deputy Carrigy said:

I have been contacted by a constituent who, must travel to Tullamore three times a week for dialysis. This journey begins before 6 a.m. and does not end until mid-afternoon. It is simply too much to expect of elderly patients.

He added that while the transport service provided is greatly appreciated, the cost to the health service of funding three long-distance journeys per patient, per week, every week of the year, is enormous.

It makes far more sense to invest in dialysis equipment at St. Josephs Hospital, Longford, where space is available, than to continue paying endlessly for transport. Providing even two dialysis machines locally would improve efficiency, reduce costs, and most importantly, give patients the comfort and dignity of accessing life-saving treatment closer to home.

Cllr Peggy Nolan, who has long advocated for enhanced services at St. Josephs, said this is a matter of fairness:

For too long, Longford patients have had to endure unnecessary hardship in order to receive essential treatment. It is time to bring the service to the people, instead of forcing the people to travel such long distances.

Read more: Cultural space: New cafe, museum and learning hub set for Longford's Connolly Barracks

Deputy Carrigy confirmed that he has submitted a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Health on the issue and will continue working with Cllr Nolan to press for the delivery of this vital service.
Top chef Catherine Fulvio is encouraging Transition Year students in Longford to get brewing and baking to help out the countrys hospices.



The Ballyknocken Cookery School supremo is backing the annual Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of the countrys longest charity partnerships, taking place on September 25.

PICTURES | Longford school celebrates Leaving Cert excellence as ten students honoured



And TY students can join the action by hosting their own fundraiser on a date that suits.



Every school that registers to host a coffee morning at hospicecoffeemorning.ie and returns their funds before November 14, will be entered into a draw to win two free places on Catherines TY online cookery course, plus a cash prize of 1,000, donated by Bewleys.



Joined by TY students Alannah Skakie, 16, and 15-year-old Harry Dunne, at East Glendalough secondary school, Wicklow, Catherine said: Hosts have been gathering friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours to help raise funds for an amazing cause for over 30 years.



And this year we want to encourage the new generation of coffee morning hosts in Longford to get involved.



So get creative - have a cupcake decorating competition, bake sale, raffle or community coffee morning."

Read more: Autumn is preparing for Autism Awareness Disco in Longford for Halloween



Register your class at hospicecoffeemorning.ie where youll find lots of resources to get started, with recipes and fundraising tips. Once registered, youll also receive a host pack which includes free Bewleys coffee, posters and collection boxes.
Q: Why does China want to undermine the US-led international order?

A:

China never wants to undermine the US-led international order. The presumption of the question is wrong.

After World War II, the world split into two camps: the Eastern Bloc and the Western Bloc. After the Cold War, the East Bloc is no more, and the international order became US-led. In essence, the US-led international order is closely aligned with the post-World War II peace world order.

After World War II, Japan has a Peace Constitution that restricts the Japanese military power to only defence. Japan undermined the international order by developing a military industry, selling weapons to the Philippines, and building warships of a quasi-carrier warship. Its military expanded far beyond the constraints of the Peace Constitution. The US allowing the military expansion of Japan is like Chamberlain's appeasement of Hitler. Chamberlains appeasement policy allowed Germany to break through the peace order after World War I, and led to World War II.

After World War II, Taiwan returned to China according to the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration. This is part of the US-led international order. Yet the US wants to undermine the international order, trying to annex Taiwan. The US colludes with Japan, encouraging the separation movement of Taiwan.

The World Health Organization originated in Europe, and later became part of the US-led international order under the UN. Now the US has quit the WHO, undermining the US-led international order.

The US initiated the Climate Change issue, beginning with the book Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore, the former vice president. Now, Trump quits the Paris Accord, undermining the US-led international order.

Globalization is a US initiative, with the US-led WTO, to lower tariffs in international trade. Globalization is part of the Washington Consensus, the organic ingredient of the Liberal Democracy, and the free market impetus. Now Trump puts tariffs on every country, even an island with only penguins live. International trade order is the backbone of the international order. And the US destroys the US-led international order.

The most important international organization is the UN. The UN was established after World War II to prevent wars. The UN charter respects the sovereignty of every country. The UN belongs to the US-led international order. Yet the US invaded Iraq, violating the UN charter, with a lie about WMD.

In every issue above and more, the US is the violator of the US-led international order, while China is the guardian of the international order.

Presuming China tries to undermine the US-led international order is a naked lie. China never wants to undermine the international order, US-led or not. China wants peace and prosperity for the world and has a vision of a Shared Future for Mankind. It is the US that has been doing everything, violating the US-led international order. The US is destroying the US-led international order. This leaves China no choice but to build a new world order.

China is promoting the initiative of world governance based on Consulting, building, and sharing together. This does not undermine the US-led international order. This is because the US-led international order is destroyed, and the world needs a new order.
Soldiers with the IDFs 98th Division complete training exercises in preparation for the start of the operation in Gaza City. (IDF)

Elements of three Israel Defense Forces (IDF) divisions began to expand operations into Gaza City on September 16, the Israeli military said. The ground offensive is part of Gideons Chariots II, the operational name of the assault on Gaza City.

The IDF approved the plan to take the urban center in northern Gaza in August and began to prepare the way via airstrikes on high-rise buildings and other sites throughout the first two weeks of September. By mid-September, the IDF said it had already inched forward to control 40 percent of Gaza City.

Gaza City is the central hub of Hamass military and governing powertheir main stronghold. Hamas has turned Gaza City into the largest human shield in history, IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said on September 16.

Israels 98th, 162nd, and 36th Divisions are among the forces taking part in the offensive. All these units have served in Gaza throughout the 23 months of war that began on October 7, 2023. The 36th was responsible for cutting Gaza City off from central Gaza in late October 2023. The 98th played a key role in taking Khan Younis and fighting in the suburbs of Gaza City in 2024. The 162nd served for most of the war in every part of the territory and is Israels most experienced division at fighting in these urban areas.

The Gaza Division is operating in the security zone along the border facing the western Negev communities and operating in the Rafah and Khan Yunis areas, while the 99th Division is operating in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF added on September 16.

The IDF says that the Israeli Air Force struck 850 targets between September 9 and 16, including high-rise buildings. On September 15, for instance, the IDF published an aerial photo of a building it said was used by the Hamas terrorist organization in the area of Gaza City. The Israeli military claims that Hamas has planted intelligence-gathering equipment and observation posts in these tall structures. On September 17, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that 25 high-rise buildings had been struck on the eve of the ground maneuver. If Hamas does not release the hostages and disarm, Gaza will be destroyed and turned into a monument to the rapists and murderers of Hamas, Katz added in a post on social media. He has said in the past that the IDF is changing the skyline of Gaza by destroying these buildings.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir laid out the priorities for the offensive on September 16, including dismantling Hamass control of Gaza City and freeing the 48 hostages held in the territory. Around 20 of those held are believed to be alive. Zamir also stated that Izz al Din al Haddad is the Hamas commander now responsible for Gaza and warned Haddad that the territory would become his grave if he didnt give in. CNN reported that the Israeli military estimates that the offensive in Gaza City could take several months.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Israel on the eve of Israels ground push into the center of Gaza City. Rubio said on September 15 that US President Donald Trump wants to see it [the war] end quickly. And wed prefer that it end quickly via negotiated settlement so all the fighting can stop, and we can begin the very hard work as an international communitynot just the United Statesrebuilding Gaza and providing the people of Gaza a much better life, a much better life than what theyve had under Hamas.

On September 18, Reuters reported the beginning of a telecom blackout in Gaza as IDF tanks advanced. The same day, the IDF announced that four Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in southern Gaza. It is the most significant loss for the IDF since four soldiers were killed on September 8 in northern Gaza. The IDF also announced that it is adjusting its humanitarian responses in southern Gaza as the fighting develops and civilians evacuate Gaza City to head south.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).


The US State Department designated four Iran-backed militias in Iraq as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) on September 17. These militias, Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba, Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al Awfiya, and Kataib al Imam Ali, were previously labeled as Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entities. The FTO designation unlocks additional tools for the US Government to target and financially isolate these Iran-backed militias.

This action is part of the maximum pressure campaign on Iran that the Trump administration articulated in National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 (NSPM2) in February of this year. The United States remains committed to countering Iran, the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism, and disrupting Iran-aligned militia groups (IAMGs) from conducting attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities, the State Department stated in a fact sheet.

The State Department also noted that two other Iran-backed groups, Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al Haq, are already designated as both FTOs and SDGTs. All six of the designated militias are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an official Iraqi security organization comprised of militias, many of which are backed by Iran. The PMF has been a point of contention between the Iraqi government, which supports the organization, and the US government, which is concerned that the PMF is a vehicle for Irans malign influence in Iraq. All the militias are also members of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), a front group for Iran-backed militias that has carried out hundreds of attacks against the US and Israel during the war begun by Hamass terror attack on October 7, 2023.

The newly designated FTOs are:

Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba (HHN) was previously designated as an SDGT in 2019, along with the groups secretary general. The original designation described the militias as funded by but not under the control of the Iraqi government. Instead, the group, including its secretary general, openly pledged [] loyalties to Iran and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. According to the new FTO designation fact sheet, Iran supports [HHN] both militarily and logistically, and the group had close ties with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Forces (IRGC-QF) former commander Qasem Soleimani and former Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada (KSS) was designated as an SDGT in 2023 along with its secretary general. At the time, the State Department said, KSS terrorist activity has threatened the lives of both U.S. and Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS personnel in Iraq and Syria. Iran has provided KSS with training, funding, and sophisticated weapons  including increasingly accurate and lethal unmanned aerial systems, according to the State Department.

Harakat Ansar Allah al Awfiya (HAAA) was designated as an SDGT in June 2024, along with its secretary general. The group was designated for its participation in IRI attacks on US forces in the region, especially an attack on a military installation in Jordan in January 2024 that killed 3 American servicemembers.

Kataib al Imam Ali (KIA) was designated as an SDGT in June 2025, though the groups secretary general, Shibl al Zaydi, was designated as an SDGT in 2018. Zaydi was sanctioned for acting on behalf of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and in support of Hezbollah. Furthermore, the Treasury Department said that Zaydi served as a financial coordinator between the IRGC-QF and sectarian armed groups in Iraq. He was also involved in illicit oil smuggling for Iran and sending Iraqi soldiers to fight in Syria. The group has received training from Iran and Hezbollah and supported and engaged in attacks on American personnel and interests.

FTO vs SDGT

The additional FTO designation builds upon the largely financial consequences of the earlier SDGT designations. An SDGT designation prohibits financial transactions between US persons and entities and a designated group, plus enables asset freezes.

The FTO designation additionally prohibits members of a designated group from entering the United States or receiving a visa, criminalizes the provision of support to the group, and allows victims and their families to sue an entity providing material support to the FTO. An FTO faces additional, significant isolation due to the criminalization of support, as any individual or entity could face repercussions for engaging with the group.

Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis.
Looking for your next weekend adventure? We got you covered.

As part of MassLives new Destinations," we are breaking down a weekly list of five things that Bay Staters can do on the weekend and beyond.

So whether you feel like enjoying a hot air ballon and laser show or stuffing your face with fair food, this weeks picks have a plethora of fun.

Which will you be enjoying?

Hot air ballon photo (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hot air ballon and laser show

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Quincy400 Hot Air Balloon & Laser Light Show will take place in Quincy from 4 to 10 p.m. at Quincys Adams and Pageant Fields, a release said.

Festivities include tethered hot air balloon rides, stationary hot air balloons at Adams Field, musical performances and a laser show. The Laser Light Show will run from 9 to 10 p.m.

Gates open at 4 p.m. at both fields. There will be no early entry. See more information about the event here.

Meili Carpenter of the USA dives from the 27.5 metre platform on the Institute of Contemporary Arts building during the final competition day of the second stop of the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Boston, USA on June 8, 2024. // Romina Amato / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406090186 // Usage for editorial use only // Romina Amato / Red Bull Content Pool

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is returning to Boston for a high-stakes finale this weekend.

During the event at Boston Harbor, both mens and womens champions will be crowned, marking the first-ever womens final in the U.S. since the divisions launched in 2014, according to Red Bull.

Boston has hosted the Red Bull competition six times since 2011, including the milestone 100th stop in 2024 that drew tens of thousands of spectators.

The finale of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will start around 9 a.m. Friday. The competition is free and open to the public. Winners will be crowned on Saturday around 1 p.m.

The competition will also be live streamed on the Red Bull Cliff Diving YouTube, Red Bull TV and ESPN+.

A fairgoer is entranced by the lights of the the Star Dancer ride in Midway at The Big E. Sebastian Restrepo

The Big E

This one is a no brainer this time of year. As the largest fair in New England, The Big E offers everything from food, rides, agriculture, local and national vendors and more.

Located on Memorial Avenue in West Springfield, the fair welcomes over one million people a year. Now until Sept. 28, fairgoers will get to experience the indulgences of all six New England states.

And if youre really feeling bold, try out the fairs more eclectic foods.

The festival is a tribute to the invention of Marshmallow Fluff (Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive) Gintautas Dumcius

The Fluff Festival

The annual Fluff Festival is returning to Somerville on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Located in Union Square the festival pays homage to the invention of Marshmallow Fluff, originating in Massachusetts. The celebration will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21.

Somerville will continue on in its 20th year with live music, food, games and more, all surrounded by beloved fluff.

See more on the celebrations website here.

Sals Pizza will hold a pizza eating contest at its Chelmsford location. Participants will race to see who can eat Sals three-pound, 19-inch extra-large pizza the fastest. (Courtesy of Sal's Pizza) Sal's Pizza

Sals Pizza pizza eating contest

On Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m., Sals Pizza, a family-owned and operated business, will hold a pizza eating contest at its Chelmsford location at 296 Chelmsford St, a release read.

And while not technically happening on the weekend, guests can certainly visit the restaurant ahead of time to get a lay of the land before the challenge kicks off during the week.

For the challenge, participants will race to see who can eat Sals three-pound, 19-inch extra-large pizza the fastest. The first place winner will take home a $1,000 prize.

There is a $15 entry fee per participant and there will be a free onsite raffle for two pairs of tickets to any regular season Boston Red Sox game.

See the rules below:

Participants may not touch or eat the pizza until the start signal is given.

Each contestant will have 10 minutes to finish the extra-large pizza.

Beverages of choice may be used for drinking or dunking.

Contestants must remain seated for the duration of the contest.

All food must be kept down during and after the competition to avoid disqualification.

In the event of a tie, an eat-off will determine the winner.

To enter, click here.
MassLive hopped aboard a ferry to experience traveling back and forth from the states largest city to the tip of Cape Cod by boat.

There are two ferry services that run daily between Boston and Provincetown, most from late spring until early fall  Boston Harbor City Cruises (BHCC) and Bay State Cruise Company.

For our ride, MassLive opted for BHCCs service, which docks at Long Wharf in Boston, next to the New England Aquarium.

After a 90-minute journey from Boston, the ferry docks at the centrally-located MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, providing easy access on foot to downtown and Commercial Street, lined with shops, lodging and restaurants.

27 1 / 27 Boston-Provincetown Ferry

Provincetown is highly walkable community, so a car isnt often a necessity for getting around and reaching points of interest.

Ferry tickets can be bought and reserved ahead of time online. Ferry riders also have the option to buy tickets on site at the ticket counter by the docks, but buying ahead of time is generally recommended.

Ticket prices may vary, such as depending on the day of the week you travel. Reduced roundtrip ticket rates are offered for day trippers.

During your ride headed in either direction, expect to see stunning views of the Boston skyline, the Boston Harbor Islands and Provincetown. However, if you sit on the open air upper decks, beware of the strong winds.

For a more climate-controlled and overall comfortable ride, seating in rows and at tables is also available indoors on the lower and middle decks.

Read More: New wine bar Baleine brings sophistication to Cape Cod

Passengers can still observe the outdoors through large glass windows while also tuning into news broadcasts on mounted TVs indoors, grabbing refreshments and snacks from the full-service bar and asking questions to the crew at the concierge desk. Restrooms are available on board as well.

Provincetown is a hub for LGBTQ+ visitors, and among the busiest times of the year is its annual Carnival celebration in August.

For more details about getting to and from Cape Cod without driving a car, read our guide here.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 20: Dolly Parton speaks onstage at Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony World Premiere at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on March 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Dolly Parton had to miss the opening of a new experience at her theme park, Dollywood, this week because of kidney stones.

The 9 to 5 hitmaker, 79, apologized to fans in a pre-recorded video that played at an event on Wednesday.

Hello Dollywood. Its me. I know. Im here, youre there and youre wondering why that is, Parton said in the video that was posted to X.

Well, I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone, which was causing me a lot of problems. Turns out there was an infection and the doctor said, You dont need to be traveling right this minute. So, you need a few days to get better, the 11-time Grammy winner said. So he suggested I dont go to Dollywood today. I want to make this clear, I was looking so forward to it.

Parton ended the clip by reassuring fans not to worry.

Ill be back as quick as I can, she said. Im going to be okay. I just cant do it today.

It has been a particularly difficult year for Parton, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry. She lost her husband Carl Thomas Dean, who died in Nashville, Tennessee on March 3 at 82.

Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words cant do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years, Parton wrote in Facebook post Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.

Parton met Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat the day she moved to Nashville at 18. They married two years later, on Memorial Day  May 30, 1966  in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.

Dean inspired Partons signature hit, Jolene. Parton told NPR in 2008 that she wrote the song about a flirty bank teller who seemed to take an interest in him.

She got this terrible crush on my husband, she said. And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. It was kinda like a running joke between us  when I was saying, Hell, youre spending a lot of time at the bank. I dont believe weve got that kind of money. So its really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.

In 2023, Parton told the Associated Press that Dean helped to inspire her Rockstar album.

The song My Blue Tears, which was written when Parton was with The Porter Wagoner Show in the late 1960s and early 70s, was Deans favorite songs Parton had ever written.

I thought, Well, I better put one of Carls favorites of mine in here, she told the AP.
Host Jimmy Kimmel attends UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation's 28th Annual Taste For A Cure at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on May 2, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images) Getty Images

News that Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been suspended indefinitely over a Charlie Kirk monologue sent shockwaves across social media Wednesday night.

ABC suspended Kimmel because of comments he made on the show in the wake of Kirks murder. The late-night host criticized Republican reactions to the political identity of Tyler Robinson, who is charged with killing him.

Various celebrities, many of whom are close to Kimmel, condemned the silencing of the host with some issuing calls to organize against the networks actions.

Night of the Museum star Ben Stiller reshared an X post sharing the news with the caption, This isnt right, while Community actress Alison Brie wrote, This is unreal. And very scary, on her Instagram story.

Actor-comedian Wanda Sykes, who was booked as a guest on Kimmels show before the ABC decision was announced, shared her thoughts on Instagram as well.

So Im in a full face of makeup because I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show, but as you have heard by now, the Jimmy Kimmel show has been pulled indefinitely, abruptly, because of the complaints from the Trump administration, Sykes said in a video. So lets see. (President Donald Trump) didnt end the Ukraine War or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, nows the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.

Hacks star Jean Smart posted a photo she took with Kimmel in sharing her response to his suspension on Instagram.

I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live, she wrote in her post. What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech. People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda. Though I didnt agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being. What is happening to our country?

Comedian Mike Birbiglia posted a handwritten note on Instagram about free speech.

Ive spent a lot of time in public and private defending comedians I dont agree with, he wrote. If youre a comedian and you dont call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air  dont bother spouting off about free speech anymore."

Actor-comedian Kathy Griffin also pointed to the power of peoples wallets to make them heard about the loss of free speech.

Please, take it from me, it is very important to have Jimmy Kimmels back right now, Griffin said on Threads. Be vocal. Be an ideological consumer. Money is all their crowd cares about.

Kimmels suspension was announced just two days after he made the comments about the response to Kirks death on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday.

In his opening monologue, Kimmel said that we hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

He then cued up footage of a reporter asking Trump how he was holding up while mourning Kirks death.

I think very good, Trump said, quickly pivoting to talk about the construction of a ballroom at the White House.

Its gonna be a beauty, the president said in the clip.

Trump later commented on Kimmels suspension on his social media platform Truth.

Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, Trump wrote. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT

Kimmel, like CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert, has consistently been critical of President Donald Trump and many of his policies on his ABC show. CBS said this past summer that it would be canceling Colberts show at the end of this season for financial reasons, although some critics have wondered if his stance on Trump played a role.

Kimmels suspension came hours after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr railed against ABC for Kimmels comments.

We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said on a podcast with Benny Johnson, per Variety. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.

The Writers Guild of America also put out a statement in response to Kimmels suspension and the removal of his show from the ABC lineup.

The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other  to disturb, even  is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people," the union said. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of government power, not by acts of corporate cowardice.

As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers, or anyone who speaks in dissent. If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we neednt have bothered to write it into the Constitution. What we have signed on to  painful as it may be at times  is the freeing agreement to disagree."

The Screen Actors Guild also condemned Kimmels suspension.

Our society depends on freedom of expression, the labor union said in a statement posted to Instagram. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on.

SAG also called the suspension of Kimmel and the show the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyones freedoms.
Cambridge city officials are pursuing the permanent closing off of a block just off of Harvard Square to traffic.

Cambridge Transportation Commissioner Brooke McKenna is in the process of devising a plan for making Lower Bow Street from Plympton to Dewolfe Streets a pedestrian-only block, according to a Sept. 11 communication with the the city manager.

The city would still have the option to reopen the block to traffic if and when this is deemed necessary, she said.

The block has been closed for construction for several years without causing significant impacts on the safety or functionality of the surrounding traffic patterns, McKenna wrote.

This has demonstrated that from a traffic perspective, this location is an excellent opportunity for pedestrianization. In addition, during COVID, the adjacent restaurants, with front doors on Mt. Auburn Street, had robust outdoor dining on Bow Street with great success.

McKenna said shes discussed the idea with stakeholders such as the Harvard Square Business Association and Harvard University, and that there is general agreement to move in this direction.

The current plan is to begin the pedestrianization of the block in the spring to align with the start of the outdoor dining season, McKenna said. The biggest thing that still needs to be decided is how best to block off this section of Lower Bow Street.

"Between now and then, we will continue conversations and planning, including convening an even wider group of local stakeholders to discuss the details of how we will move forward," McKenna wrote.
A Boston man has been indicted on charges related to stealing over $380,000 in business checks and federal tax returns and fraudulently obtaining $50,000 in pandemic relief loans, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced Wednesday.

A federal grand jury has charged 33-year-old Lonnie Smith-Matthews with two counts of wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering and one count of theft of government funds, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a press release. He was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June as part of a federal crackdown on stolen U.S. Treasury checks.

In 2021, Smith-Matthews fraudulently obtained two federal pandemic relief loans by falsely claiming a business income of $128,000, the U.S. Attorneys office said. In actuality, he made less than half that amount and did not own a business.

Additionally, in 2024, Smith-Matthews obtained and deposited a federal tax refund check for $150,000 that was meant for a married couple in North Carolina, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He did this by altering and forging the check to make it payable to a defunct clothing company that he once owned.

After depositing the check, Smith-Matthews laundered the money using cashiers checks he made payable to what was supposedly a roofing company, the U.S. Attorneys office said.

Later that year, Smith-Matthews obtained and deposited a $232,000 check meant for a New York law firm, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Like with the U.S. Treasury check, he altered and forged the law firms check to make it payable to his defunct clothing company.

Smith-Matthews is set to be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He faces up to 150 years in prison, up to 22 years of supervised release and fines up to $3.75 million if convicted on all the charges.
The full seven-member Supreme Judicial Court will weigh in on a question that has loomed over the now months-long bar advocate work stoppage across Massachusetts  can individual judges set pay rates for court-appointed defense attorneys?

Its a question that has come up several times since many private defense lawyers across the state stopped taking on new cases in late May amid a pay dispute with the state Legislature. Several judges have taken matters into their own hands since the work stoppage began, ordering lawyers be paid $100 an hour.

But the legality of those orders was always unclear, given that it is the Legislatures role to control the states finances. One legal expert told MassLive in July that it was relatively cut and dry.

The rates are set by the Legislature, not by judges, said attorney Arnie Rosenfeld, the first-ever chief counsel for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS).

Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt made the decision to refer the question to the full court on Thursday after receiving opinions from state prosecutors, CPCS and the trial courts.

The full question the court will decide the answer to is, In light of the scope of the present shortage of available defense counsel in the District Courts of Middlesex and Suffolk County and in the Boston Municipal Court, whether and under what circumstances the Supreme Judicial Court, a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, or any justice of any trial court department is authorized to order increased compensation rates beyond those provided [by the legislature], for attorneys accepting representation of indigent criminal defendants.

Only CPCS supported reserving and reporting the question. The trial courts and prosecutors asked Wendlandt to rule herself that judges could not set rates themselves.

In the short term, Wendlandts order means very little for the crisis, which necessitated the imposition of whats known as the Lavallee protocol. The protocol all but requires defendants held in custody for longer than seven days to be released if they still dont have lawyers, and for those who go unrepresented for 45 days to have their case dismissed.

The full SJC will hear oral arguments on the question in November, with briefings due in October.

In the meantime, the crisis that has gripped the states court system is persisting, despite the Legislature enacting raises for the private lawyers in July. There were close to 3,000 people without lawyers across the commonwealth as of Sept. 12.

Since the protocol was implemented in July, 911 criminal cases have been dismissed across district courts in Suffolk and Middlesex counties. Two hundred defendants have been released from custody.

The bar advocates sought raises of $35 an hour for the lowest-level cases they take on, bringing their hourly pay to $100 an hour. Currently, the advocates make $75 an hour for district court cases, up from $65 before the Legislature acted. That rate will go up to $85 next August.

Many bar advocates said the raises offered by the Legislature were insufficient and would not incentivize them to return to work.
A 29-year-old man from Guatemala is facing a federal criminal charge after prosecutors say he resisted and assaulted officers during an immigration arrest last week.

Manolo Morales Lopez is charged with a single count of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers while they carried out official duties, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foleys office said in a statement. Morales Lopez made an initial appearance in federal court on Sept. 12 and was released on conditions.

On the morning of Sept. 12, members of an immigration enforcement task force, comprising two special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a Homeland Security Investigations agent and an Enforcement and Removal Officer, approached a Jeep SUV being driven by Morales Lopez in Woburn.

The agents told Morales Lopez they had a warrant to arrest the woman in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Morales Lopez asked to see the warrant, then said if the agents took the woman into custody, they would have to take him as well, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.

As the agents attempted to remove the woman from the car, Morales Lopez leaned toward the woman and began holding onto her arm, preventing her removal, Foleys office said.

The agents repeatedly warned Morales Lopez he could be subject to arrest if he continued to interfere with the arrest of the woman. Agents eventually tried to remove Morales Lopez from the car, according to the statement.

After the agents successfully got Morales Lopez out of the car, prosecutors say he raised his arm up and over the head of one of the agents, grabbing him around the neck from behind. The agent ducked under Morales Lopezs arm to avoid being put in a chokehold or headlock, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors say Morales Lopez continued to resist and struggle as they attempted to put him in handcuffs.

Morales Lopezs Sept. 12 arrest came amid an immigration enforcement surge in Massachusetts that federal officials have dubbed Operation Patriot 2.0.

His arrest follows the charging of two other people with the same crime.

Eddy Rafael Matos-Lara, a 35-year-old man from the Dominican Republic, was indicted in September in connection with an incident in June. Prosecutors say he forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, or interfered with federal officers while the agents were engaged in the performance of their official duties.

Another man from the Dominican Republic, 29-year-old Cesar Pena Pimental, is accused of the same thing in connection with an incident on June 16.

The charge of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties carries a sentence of up to eight years in prison.
A Brockton man is facing charges in connection with a hit-and-run crash that took the life of another man earlier this month, the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office announced.

Dominick Leite, 30, pleaded not guilty to motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death in connection with the death of 41-year-old Holden Depina during his arraignment on Thursday, the district attorneys office said in a press release.

On Sept. 3, Massachusetts State Police were informed that a pedestrian whod been injured in a hit-and-run crash in Brockton a few days prior had died of his injuries at a hospital, the district attorneys office said. The investigation into the crash indicated that Depina was crossing Crescent Street when he was hit by a blue Mazda shortly before 10 p.m. on Aug. 31.

A witness told investigators they saw the Mazda flee the scene after the collision, the district attorneys office said. Law enforcement obtained security video of the crash that showed the Mazda traveling to a home that they later determined belonged to Leite.

Investigators also discovered a car at a local auto repair shop that matched the description of the Mazda and had damage consistent with the crash, the district attorneys office said. The car was registered to Leite, whod brought it in for repairs on Sept. 2 and given the shop his phone number as a contact.

Leite was arrested without incident at his home on Wednesday, the district attorneys office said. At his arraignment, the judge ordered him held on $2,500 cash bail and issued release conditions including that he have no contact with witnesses in the case.

Leite is due back in court on Oct. 17.
After a Massachusetts man pleaded guilty to 54 counts of rape of a child, attempted kidnapping and illegally transporting a minor over state lines in 1988, hes been eligible for parole for more than 25 years.

However, the Massachusetts Parole Board said he shows no empathy  and, once again, denied him freedom.

For years, Richard McWilliams sexually abused girls he knew. Officials said they were sometimes as young as 4. He would also take photos of him engaging in these acts.

The photos, officials said, were found by a car mechanic when they were repairing his car.

They turned the photos over to police and McWilliams fully admitted to his conduct, the parole board wrote.

On May 8, 1989, in Suffolk Superior Court, Richard McWilliams pleaded guilty to 54 counts of rape of a child under 16 years of age and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Similar charges were also in Essex and Plymouth Counties, as well as Maine. The charges in Plymouth County include attempting to abduct a child in a shopping mall.

He completed his sentence on July 16, 1997 and was allowed to go in front of the parole board in 2003. However, he postponed his hearings multiple times.

He first went in front of the parole board in 2019.

During the 2019 hearing, he spoke about a troubled childhood, stating he had a dysfunctional family.

He told the board that his mother was an alcoholic, who brought numerous men into the house, and that he was exposed to all kinds of pornography at a young age.

Later, he joined the Navy and went to Vietnam, where he saw children asking for sex.

This, he told the parole board, led him to believe that children were fully aware of, and understood, sexual intercourse.

Mr. McWilliams stated that [he] did not know it was sex trafficking at the time, the parole board wrote.

After he marriage fell apart, he said he couldnt trust anyone except for the children. And that he took out his frustrations and anger on the children involved.

He has been unable to complete Sex Offender Treatment Program.

He told the parole board in 2019 that he not pass the last test before the review panel.

He knew how he was supposed to answer the questions, but claimed that he just didnt say them right, the parole board wrote.

During the test, McWilliams was asked who was responsible for the crimes. He blamed both him and the children.

In 2020, the parole board unanimously voted to deny him parole.

About five years later, he has still not completed the Sex Offender Treatment Program. He has also not engaged in rehabilitative programming and has not pursued educational or vocational opportunities in the last 10 years.

He is considered a high risk on the LS/CMI risk assessment tool.

Mr. McWilliams does not exhibit empathy or insight into his actions, the parole board wrote following his hearing on April 15.

On Sept. 8, the board once again voted in an unanimous decision to deny McWilliams parole. He is allowed to have another hearing in about five years.
A Natick daycare owner pleaded guilty Thursday to charges related to assaulting two young children who were in her care, according to court records.

Lad & Lassie Nursery and Preschool co-owner Sandra Downer, 58, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and battery in Natick District Court for offenses committed on Oct. 7, 2024, court records show. She was sentenced to 1.5 years of probation on the charges.

As part of the sentencing, a judge barred Downer from working with children or having contact with the victims and their families, according to court records. He also ordered her to complete an anger management program and undergo a mental health evaluation.

Neither Downer nor her lawyer could be reached for comment on Thursday.

Charges were filed against Downer after the other co-owner of the daycare filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, WCVB reported. The other daycare owner reported seeing concerning video footage of Downer captured by the daycares security cameras.

One video showed Downer lifting a 17-month-old girl up by her arm and putting her in a seat, WCVB reported. Another showed her picking up a toddler during nap-time, slamming the toddler down on her cot and tying the young girl to the cot with a blanket.

Downer has surrendered her state license to be a childcare provider, WCVB reported. Her lawyer told the news station his client admits that she exercised poor judgment during the incidents that were recorded on video.
The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 6:10 p.m. on Friday for fire danger until Saturday at 7 p.m. for Northern Worcester and Southern Worcester as well as Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Hampshire, Hampden, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.
Candles, messages and other items were left in front of Saga to remember David Carrasquillo, a local rapper shot at the nightclub in 2022. (Heather Morrison / MassLive.com, File)

SPRINGFIELD  Two men walked into a nightclub bathroom in 2022.

Only one of them walked out alive.

Brandon Murray, 37, pleaded guilty to manslaughter Thursday in Hampden Superior Court in connection with the slaying of local recording artist David Carrasquillo in 2022.

The shooting occurred at Saga nightclub at 90 Worthington St. on May 29, 2022.

The club voluntarily closed after the killing and never reopened.

Under a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to knock down Murrays most serious charge from murder in the first degree. He was sentenced to 18 to 20 years for voluntary manslaughter, in addition to dealing crack cocaine and heroin in previous instances, and illegally carrying a silver pistol.

Assistant Hampden District Attorney Matthew Green and defense lawyer Daniel D. Kelly reached an agreement on Murrays potential sentence, with both agreeing that it was a unique case with a unique set of circumstances.

Two people who were complete strangers went into a bathroom. And after that, no one knows what happened, Kelly told Judge David Hodge.

While delivering a summary of facts, Green said witnesses heard two gunshots that prompted patrons to flee the club in a panic. Murray, however, emerged from the bathroom, stepped over the victims body and meandered out the door calmly.

Green said Carrasquillo, a father of two, entered the bathroom first, and Murray followed. There were no other people in the bathroom, the prosecutor added.

There were only the two of them when the shots rang out, Green said.

Carrasquillo died from one gunshot wound to the face, officials determined. He was pronounced dead on the scene by first responders.

There was no obvious motivation for the shooting, witnesses said.

Police discovered Murray had borrowed a car from a friend, according to Green. In it, investigators found a receipt for a plane ticket and eventually tracked him to New York City in June, where he had been laying low.

Carrasquillos mother, sister and the mother of his children delivered victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing, which immediately followed the plea.

Clutching her husband and sobbing, Elizabeth Carrasquillo was overcome. Green read the womans statement on her behalf.

Carrasquillo recalled her son as a bright presence, a good father and an inspired entertainer.

David had a love for life that was impossible to miss, she said in her statement.
SPRINGFIELD  The School Committee has tweaked high school graduation requirements, adding options for this years seniors and requiring U.S. history for students in the Class of 2027.

The committee plans to take a deeper look at the current requirements to earn a passing grade  questioning if a D- grade is enough to ensure students are prepared for the future.

Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly banned the use of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems as a graduation in a referendum question in November 2024. The state has left it up to individual districts to set graduation standards while Department of Elementary and Secondary Education officials work out a standardized plan.

The Springfield School Committee agreed students would have to pass five courses or their equivalents to replace the MCAS: English 9 and 10, algebra 1 or 2 and geometry, and one laboratory science course in biology, chemistry or physics.

To earn a diploma, students must also complete the citys requirements, which remain unchanged. Some of those are four units of English, three each of social studies, science and math and eight units of electives.

The new plan will allow students to graduate if they pass any two years of English from ninth through 12th grade. It also allows students to fulfill the science requirement with a passing grade in a technology or engineering course as well as biology, physics or chemistry. The math requirement calls for a passing grade in algebra 1 and geometry but does not include algebra 2, said Yolanda Johnson, chief of student services.

A committee of educators agreed to add a U.S. history course to its graduation requirements for this years juniors.

The committee is also looking at some courses to add in the future, such as financial literacy, civics, college and career readiness and African-American and Latino-American history.

We realize there may be a need to revisit this, Johnson said.

A state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education committee is developing a standardized set of graduation requirements which it is expected to complete and report in December.

While the School Committee was not concerned about the changes, members did air concerns that a D- was considered a passing grade.

We want to give all our students the best opportunity, said Mayor Domenic Sarno, who is the School Committee chairman. I thought it would be a C or a D. D- is a little too low.

While she agreed that it is worthwhile to look at the grading policy, changing it now could have serious implications for this years seniors and other high school upperclassmen, said School Committee member Denise Hurst.

There are a lot of pieces to this, said LaTonia Monroe Naylor, School Committee vice chairwoman. Lets do this together. There definitely needs to be a conversation and we should have a town hall discussion with parents and kids.

She agreed she doesnt want the grading policy to set students up for failure.

One of the School Departments goals is to ensure college and career readiness for all students. As part of that, educators will be talking about aligning the grading system to ensure students are prepared when they graduate, Superintendent Sonia Dinnall said.
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An archeologist who was involved in the discovery of an ancient Bronze Age monument on Achill believes the large stone structure may be the reason behind the name of the townland it was located in.

The ancient Bronze Age monument made up of three large stone structures was discovered in Cloughmore on Achill Island during an archaeological field trip with US students from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

The archeological team believe the stone structure had hidden ancient trees and were discovered after they were felled by Storm Eowyn in January.

READ: Its not Love Island, its The Traitors' - Mayo contestant pulls back the curtain

The US students had been spending part of their semester at the University of Galway and Kylemore Abbey and Galway-based archaeologist Michael Gibbons believes the structure may be responsible for the name of the local townland.

The site in question is a stunning Bronze Age stone alignment in Cloughmore townland, overlooking Achill Sound opposite the mountains of the Corraun Peninsula. The site consists of two upright standing stones with a third lying collapsed close by. The largest of the stones is more than 2.4 metres in height and may even have given its name to the townland, An Chloch Mhor - the big stone," he told RTE.

The monument is located close to the ruins of 17th century Kildownet Church and Cemetery and Mr Gibbons believes that area was an ancient area for burials.

"While only a few have been excavated, stone alignments have been known to mark burial locations - with 3,000-year-old cremation burials contained within pottery vessels buried beneath the stones. The site is aligned North-South and may have an astronomical significance," he said.

Mr Gibbons together with Sean O Coisdealbha, a poet and historian from An Spideal in Co Galway, have uncovered significant historical artefacts and sites in Conamara and on Achill.

We're right beside Kildownet here which would have been a monastic settlement in medieval times. We're near Kildownet Castle which is known as Grainne Mhaol's Tower here in the O'Malley heartland.

So, the significance of An Chloch Mhor, which basically is two huge standing stones, and one fallen, is that we are back to prehistoric times, and we're back to an age of early farming. Neolithic times, where woman and man, ancient people, left something behind, a territorial mark, a territorial stone, a boundary stone. This could be an ancient portal where people moved from one existence to another, Mr O Coisdealbha claimed.
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The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 sets out a comprehensive pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Mayo, said Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD.

Minister Dillon has welcomed the Community Pharmacy Agreement, published today by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, following the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Irish Pharmacy Union last week. This agreement will support patients in Mayo and build capacity within our health services.

This agreement is an important step forward in building resilience and ensuring timely access to care for patients in Mayo. Community pharmacies, trusted by many and on the frontline of our healthcare system, will now be able to expand services, play a greater role in areas like immunisation and bowel screening and will allow for the safe return and disposal of unused medication.

READ MORE: Mayo Minister welcomes major progress on North Mayo water project

Key features of the Agreement include:

Expanded Services: Community pharmacies will play a greater role in contraception, immunisation, bowel screening, and the safe return and disposal of unused medicines.

Digital Integration: Pharmacies will actively support national eHealth reforms, including the National e-Prescription Service and National Electronic Health Record.

New Funding: 25 million in 2025 and 50 million in 2026 will support fee adjustments, service development, and training.

Strategic Collaboration: A new collaborative framework will be established to support the shaping and implementation of community pharmacy services.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, noted This agreement marks a new chapter for community pharmacy in Ireland and I am so pleased that we are expanding services for patients. I have set out my ambition to see the role of community pharmacists grow and expand, this agreement provides the structure and pathway for that ambition in the years ahead.

The Community Pharmacy Agreement, 2025, supports the delivery of safe, equitable and efficient healthcare, and ensures community pharmacists are better equipped to respond to the growing needs within our health services.

The Agreement is available on the Department of Healths website.

WATCH: Its not Love Island, its The Traitors' - Mayo contestant pulls back the curtain
Westival, one of Irelands longest-running and most beloved arts festivals, marks its 50th anniversary this year with a programme that celebrates the past while looking firmly to the future. Taking place from October 22 to 27, the festival will showcase an extraordinary mix

of music, theatre, comedy, visual art, and community events across Westport. Today, Westival proudly announces the full line-up for its landmark edition. Among this years highlights are:

 Matt Molloy and Special Guests  Town Hall Theatre, October 23

A legendary figure in Irish music, the Chieftains flute master takes to the Town Hall stage with a host of celebrated musicians for a night steeped in tradition and joy.

 Ye Vagabonds  Town Hall Theatre, October 25

The revered folk duo make their long-awaited Westival debut, bringing their harmony-rich sound and timeless storytelling to Westport. Sold-Out

 Niall McCabe  Town Hall Theatre, October 26

A cherished local voice with a national following, McCabe returns home for a headline show that promises to be a festival highlight.

 Breda Burns  Custom House Studios + Gallery, opening October 22

A cornerstone of Mayos visual arts scene, Burns presents a specially commissioned exhibition created for the 50th anniversary.

 Christopher Coe  Bar 23, Castlecourt Hotel, October 23

The acclaimed electronic composer and producer brings his immersive soundscapes to an intimate late-night setting.

 ZASKA  The Clock Tavern, October 24

The powerhouse collective led by guitarist Max Zaska brings funk, soul, and jazz energy to the festival via a show designed for dancing.

 Cassiopeia Winds  Grove House, October 26 (in association with Westport Chamber Music Festival)

One of Irelands leading chamber ensembles perform an adventurous programme in the intimate surroundings of Grove House.

 Paddy Hitler  Clew Bay Hotel, October 25th

A daring one-man play written and performed by Kieran Cooke, telling the darkly comic story of a man grappling with extraordinary family ties.

READ MORE: Mayo town set to host annual Children's festival

Westival Director Byran Pepper commented: To step into the role of Director in Westivals 50th year is a real honour. This festival has been part of the fabric of Westport for half a century, and it means a lot to me to carry that legacy forward. My hope is that this years programme reflects both where weve come from and where were headed, while offering audiences moments of joy, connection, and inspiration.

Now in its 50th year, Westival stands as a cornerstone of the cultural calendar, uniting generations of audiences and artists in a spirit of creativity and celebration. This years edition promises to honour its rich history while continuing to surprise, provoke, and inspire.

The official launch event will take place on this Friday night, September 19 on Culture Night at McGing's Bar on High Street in Westport. Tickets and full programme details are available now at www.westival.ie
The Taoiseach Micheal Martin has warned that 'you are in trouble' if a Greenway project goes to CPO stage and called on Transport Infrastructure Ireland to 'ease up on the spec'.

The issue of Greenway development in Mayo and other counties was raised by Independent Ireland TD, Michael Collins during a Dail debate yesterday afternoon.

The Cork South-West TD told the Dail that farmers and landowners along the proposed Cork to Kinsale had experienced a summer 'of huge discontent and serious upset' as did communities in Kerry and Mayo. He questioned why the threat of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) remained in place and asked the Taoiseach if he would stand up for small landowners.

In response to the question, An Taoiseach said that he was not familiar with the particular background negotiations with TII but agreed that 'you are in trouble' if a Greenway goes to CPO stage.

Sometimes I say to TII that it needs to ease up on the spec too. People want to retain the biodiversity. They want to retain the natural pathways. We do not need super spec in my view, or intrusions on the landscape either. I will certainly have a look at it and see what is happening there. Once you get into the CPO, you are in trouble in terms of any greenway, he said.

READ: Planning granted for Mayo sporting facility despite archaeological concerns

Deputy Martin also raised the success of the Seven Heads peninsula walk in West Cork walkway which was developed by the Foroige youth organisation, working with the farmers and those who owned the land in that area and with the local community.

There was no talk of anybody. There was no TII; there was nothing. They just did it as a local community endeavour, and it has been one of the most enjoyable recreational walks that people come from all over the country to participate in. That is the kind of spirit that should inform any developments, he said.

One of the main reasons for opposition to the preferred route option of the Belclare to Murrisk Greenway among landowners is the requirement of the TII to acquire the land instead of allowing permissive access and the threat of CPO.

They also argue that the Greenway should go along the main Louisburgh road but the TII argue that the Greenway will have to be developed to certain specifications and guidelines.

In his address to the Dail, Deputy Collins said that the current model for the delivery of Greenways adopted by the TII is not working.

A walkway anywhere in our country has to be welcome, but with peaceful negotiations as was done in the world-renowned Sheep's Head and Beara Way. That is the model to do this, not the TII model with its sword over the head called CPO.

CPO has its use for infrastructural projects as a last resort, but to use CPO to grab land from farmers and landowners for recreational purposes is one step too far. This peaceful campaign in west Cork has opened up similar nightmares for landowners throughout the country who had or will have their lands taken from them by the TII with CPO for walkways in counties Mayo and Kerry and other parts of the country, he said.
An all-girls school in west Mayo has announced that it will become a co-educational school and will open its doors to boys and girls from next September.

The Sacred Heart Secondary School in Westport which celebrates its 100th birthday this year has announced that it will embrace a new era of co-education'.

From next September 2026, we will be opening our doors to local girls and boys for the very first time. Indeed, we will be inviting new entrants into all year groups  from 1st Year through to 6th, the Sacred Heart School announced in a statement.

The Westport school which is located on Castlebar Street will follow in the doorsteps of its neighbours, Rice College, which was formerly an all-boys school but made a decision to become a co-educational school.

The decision by Rice College to go co-educational was broadly welcomed by the local community with up to 60 female students starting 1st Year for the first time a few weeks ago.

Celebrations

As part of the 100th anniversary celebrations, the school will be hosting an anniversary Mass at 2.15pm in St Marys Church on Mercy Day, Wednesday, September 24.

A very important day in our school calendar, that celebrates the establishment of our founding order, the Sisters of Mercy. This mass will be attended by our current staff and students and we will also be joined by a significant number of former colleagues. Parents of students are also welcome to attend. We are looking forward to many happy memories being shared and of course we are anticipating the talk turning to the exciting future plans for the SHS.

The Sacred Heart School also announced that they will hold an open evening in the school on Wednesday, October 8.

We would like to invite all interested families to join us here in the school at 5pm for a tour of the school, an opportunity to meet our staff and the chance to learn about all of the opportunities and support we can offer your child(ren).

Our one hundred year old legacy is one rooted in kindness, compassion and support. We always aim to ensure our pupils can reach their full potential. Our school has established a strong reputation for academic, and sporting excellence, a commitment to charity work and connection to our community.

This milestone marks a new chapter in our history and the decision to go co-ed reflects our aim to provide a richer, more diverse learning environment that will ultimately offer a broader subject choice to our student body.

The future is bright for the SHS, the statement from the Sacred Heart read.

New subjects

The school also announced that they have added Graphics and Applied Technology to its junior subject offerings and these subjects will lead to DCG (Design and Communication Graphics), Computer Science and Engineering as future senior cycle subjects.

In addition to this at senior cycle, they have also added Applied Maths to its current curricular offerings and 'anticipate offering PE and Drama and Film Studies at the earliest opportunity'.

The school is also planning to build a new school building on the current school site which will include 40 classrooms including a full suite of practical rooms for subjects such as Construction, Engineering, Technology, Music, Home Economics, Art, and several laboratories.

In addition there will be a large gym, a fitness suite, a school library, a canteen, social areas, along with external play areas and the reinstatement of the school pitch, the schools stated.

There are plans to temporarily move to the old Scoil Phadraig National School on Altamont Street which the Department of Education intends to refurbish while the new school is being developed.
One man. A rare antibody. 1,100+ plasma gifts. 2.4 million babies saved. This is James Harrisons extraordinary legacy.

Highlights: James Harrisons blood contained a rare anti-D antibody that prevents serious disease in unborn babies when the mother is Rh-negative

Over more than six decades, he donated 1,173 times, providing the source for over three million doses of anti-D medicine

Scientists are now working to replicate his anti-D in labs ("James in a Jar") to extend his lifesaving impact beyond living donors

TOP INSIGHT Did you know?

James Harrison once said he hoped someone would break his donation record- not for glory, but so they are dedicated to the cause. #blooddonation #rhnegative #antiD #goldenarm #medindia

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Why James Harrison Started Donating Blood

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Presence of Rare Antibody Made James Harrison's Blood Special

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James Harrison, whose blood donations saved over 2 million babies, has died



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How Many Blood Donations has James Harrison Done?

Project 'James in a Jar'

How James Harrison Helped to Save Millions of Babies

James Harrison, whose blood donations saved over 2 million babies, has died - (https://www.npr.org/2025/03/03/nx-s1-5316163/james-harrison-blood-donor)

From a young boy needing dozens of blood transfusions to a man whose blood helped save over two million babies- James Christopher Harrisons story is one of quiet dedication, rare biology, and a lifetime of generosity.James Harrison was born on 27 December 1936 in Junee, New South Wales, Australia. At the age of 14, he underwent major chest surgery that involved removing a large part of one lung . To survive, he needed many units of donated blood. Reports suggest up to 13 litres were used. This experience changed him. Despite having a fear of needles, he made a promise to himself that, once old enough, he would donate blood to repay that debt to the strangers whose blood saved him.When James began donating at age 18, he gave regular whole blood. Some years later, doctors discovered that his blood contained a particularly strong and long-lasting antibody, known as anti-D, against the Rh D antigen. This antibody is very important: when an Rh(D)-negative mother is pregnant with an Rh(D)-positive baby, there is a risk that her immune system will attack the babys red blood cells, leading to a condition called haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), which can cause stillbirth or serious illness ().Because of this, his plasma donations (rather than whole blood) became especially useful: anti-D is obtained from plasma, allowing more frequent donations.Over more than 60 years, Harrison donated 1,173 times (blood and/or plasma), from 1954 until 2018, when he was forced to stop at age 81 because of Australian policy. His antibodies were used to make Anti-D injections, which have prevented many deaths, stillbirths, and serious illnesses caused by Rh incompatibility in mothers and babies.Australia has issued over 3 million doses of Anti-D containing his antibodies since the 1960s. These injections are given to Rh(D) negative women during or after pregnancy to ensure their bodies do not produce antibodies that might harm future babies.James earned many honours, including the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999 for his extraordinary contribution.As he aged, Australian scientists also began working on a way to synthesize the anti-D antibody in a lab. This project, sometimes called James in a Jar, aims to replicate in a bioreactor the impactful antibody naturally present in Harrisons blood, so that its benefits can continue even after donors like him are no longer able to donate.James Harrison passed away on 17 February 2025 at age 88. His contributions have had a national and even international impact. His donation program helped save the lives of an estimated 2.4 million babies. Today, despite advances, there remain fewer than 200 anti-D donors in Australia; these donors help roughly 45,000 mothers and babies every year.Harrison always expressed hope that his record might one day be broken- not for fame, but because it would mean more people dedicating themselves to helping others in this way. His legacy is not just in statistics, but in the lives saved and generations born thanks to his rare gift.Source-Medindia
How Cookie Milk Became TikToks New Favorite Drink

Why is cookie milk trending on TikTok and why do milk and cookies taste so good together? Discover the flavour science and comfort behind the trend.
Nothing is readying its next major software release, Nothing OS 4.0, and its based on Android 16. Users will get access to the update first in beta before it becomes available on supported devices later this year. Heres a more detailed look at what users can expect.

Android 16 Brings Core Improvements to Nothing OS 4.0

Based on Android 16, Nothing OS 4.0 rides on improvements to performance and security that Google puts into its own latest version. That translates into smoother multitasking, improved background management and more robust privacy controls over all apps.

Glyph Interface Gains New Features and Customization

The Glyph lights is still one of Nothings most visible features, and with this update theyll also be more useful. Nothing OS 4.0 adds extra personalization, smoother animations and more connection with third-party apps so that notifications dont just seem like a gimmick but also function as something valuable.

Battery Life and Performance Optimizations

Nothings software team has made a concerted effort to optimize the battery life as well. In 4.0, the software will better prioritize background-running apps and that should result in more screen-on time and consistent performance under heavy use.

More Personalization Across the System

With everything from wallpapers to lock screen layouts, customization is getting some play. Users will also have more options for making their phone look and feel different without deviating from Nothings minimalist design aesthetics.

Stronger Privacy and Security Controls

Nothing OS 4.0 also brings with it Android 16s improved permission management, so that you can better opt out of the data invading clutches of certain apps. There is also a commitment to provide regular security patches from Sony, which should please those who care about long term reliability.

Beta Rollout: When and How to Get Nothing OS 4.0

The beta version of Nothing OS 4.0 is due in the next few weeks. It will be open for the Nothing Phone 3 and Phone 3a with signup via Nothings official community channels. The final release is anticipated later this year, after the testing phase concludes.

Nothing OS 4.0: Eligible smartphones

1. Nothing Phone 2

2. Nothing Phone 3

3. Nothing Phone 2a

4. Nothing Phone 2a Plus

5. Nothing Phone 3a

6. Nothing Phone 3a

7. Pro CMF Phone 1

8. CMF Phone 2 Pro

Nothing OS 4.0 is not a refresh, but the removal of some rough edges. Running Android 16 under the hood, a more powerful Glyph interface and better battery efficiency, it seems like an interesting leap in the "Nothing SmartPhone Lineup".
The Samsung Galaxy A17 has officially landed in India at 18,999, and on paper, it promises the essentialssolid battery life, Samsungs signature design, and unmatched long-term software support. But in 2025, can a phone with a 90Hz display and a drop notch really hold its ground against competitors like the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion or Realme 13 Pro? Having tested the device for about a week, heres my take. Samsung Galaxy A17 design & display: Premium looks

 Hook.online Samsung deserves credit for consistency. The Galaxy A17 design borrows cues from the premium S-series, complete with flat sides, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and an IP54 rating for splash resistance. Available in blue, black, and grey, it looks stylish, though the plastic matte back is a magnet. At 192 grams, its light enough, though the large footprint of the phone means it is a bit tricky to slip it into your jean pocket. The phone offers dual nano SIM slot, and you get a mono speaker, which I feel is a bit of a downer for a phone worth 18,999.

 Hook.online For the display, we get a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel which is colourful and crisp, but limited to a 90Hz refresh rate. In a market where rivals like Motorola and Realme are pushing buttery-smooth 120Hz displays at similar prices, Samsungs choice to go for a 90Hz panel feels dated. And yes, the drop notch up top is another reminder of design trends we have outgrown years ago. Performance & software of Samsung Galaxy A17: Smooth

 Hook.online Powered by the Exynos 1330 chipset, the Galaxy A17 isnt a performance powerhouse, but it handles day-to-day tasks quite comfortably. I found that app switching was smooth, browsing is lag-free, and heating is minimal except when spamming the camera shutter. Benchmark scores, though, (970 single-core & 2184 multi-core in Antutu) are nothing to write home about. Where Samsung truly wins is in software. Running One UI 7 on Android 15, the A17 comes with an unmatched six years of OS updates, which is quite rare in this price bracket. One UI feels polished, intuitive, and tightly integrated with Samsungs ecosystem (Samsung Notes syncing is still a gem). Sure, the interface carries a whiff of old-school Samsung, but that nostalgia might not be a bad thing for some. Battery life: Samsung Galaxy A17s biggest strength

 Hook.online I was particularly impressed by the Galaxy A17s battery life. The 5000mAh battery easily powers through a full day of moderate use, whether youre streaming, scrolling, or gaming lightly. A two-hour YouTube podcast drained only 10%, while casual gaming barely shaved off 2%. Charging is surprisingly quick too, thanks to the 25W fast charger included in the box. I went from 15% to 94% in just about an hour. Samsung Galaxy A17 cameras: Instagram-ready On the back, you get a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro. Photos from the primary lens are vibrant and balanced, though fine details blur when zoomed in. Portraits are sharp, with decent subject separation, but hairline edge detection still has issues, which is to be expected from a phone at this price point.

 Hook.online The ultrawide keeps colours consistent but struggles with sharpness, while the macro is just there to give the other two some company. Selfies from the 13MP front camera are sharp with natural tones, though the skin can look slightly oversaturated. Videos max out at 1080p 30FPS with average stabilisation. Low-light shots are usable, but dont really stand out. Verdict: A reliable pick, but not a trendsetter The Samsung Galaxy A17 is a safe, dependable smartphone. Its excellent battery life, fast charging, refined design, and unmatched update policy make it a strong choice for those who value reliability over flashiness.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation to give the Department of Veterans affairs retroactive authority to disinter the remains of veterans from national cemeteries who would have been deemed ineligible for such a burial under current law.

The VA currently has the authority to disinter the remains of veterans and service members who have committed serious crimes. But under current law, the VA can only reconsider eligibility for burial in national cemeteries for cases dating back to 2013.

Rather than setting an arbitrary cutoff for disinterment requests, this legislation will help ensure that the process is available to everyone, said U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, one of the cosponsors of the proposed bill. Im glad to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to implement this commonsense fix and grant the VA the authority to carry out these requests.

Under the proposed Restoring the Sanctity of Public Entombments, Cemeteries, and Tributes (RESPECT ) Act, the VA would now have retroactive authority back to June 18, 1973  the date when the National Cemeteries Act was signed into law.

Along with Hirono, the bill is cosponsored by Democratic Sens. John Fetterman and Adam Schiff, and Republicans John Cornyn, Lisa Murkowski and Rick Scott. According to a media release from Hironos office, there are at least seven outstanding disinterment petitions across multiple states, including Hawaii, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Florida and California.

In Hawaii, there is a petition to disinter the remains of Dr. Robert Browne from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater.

Brown was an Army veteran and once-highly regarded psychiatrist who served as chief of psychiatry at St. Francis Hospital. He also saw students from Kamehameha Schools from the 1950s to the 1980s, and was ultimately accused of sexually assaulting dozens of those students between the late 1960s and mid-1980s.

Browne died by suicide in 1991 before charges could be filed, and Kamehameha Schools and his accusers ultimately agreed to an $80 million settlement.

In July, Hirono and U.S. Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case wrote a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins requesting support for new legislation to remove people like Browne. They wrote that although Dr. Browne was never convicted due to his suicide prior to trial, credible and documented findings of his extensive sexual abuse of minors warrant a full review by the VA.

The lawmakers letter also quoted an unnamed constituent, one of the students that Browne saw during his tenure, who said that he was outraged Browne was buried in a place of honor, along with many other great and well-known people. There are many victims, myself included, that do not feel he should be laid to rest among our heroes.

 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Visit www.staradvertiser.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Lexington, Kentucky, restaurant has been fined $25,000 by the Lexington Human Rights Commission for discriminating against a patron over her service dog.

The woman, a disabled Navy veteran, was denied service and told to leave the Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant in Chevy Chase in March 2023 because of her service dog.

In an opinion on the incident, a hearing officer said, The offense was intentional and it was severe.

The officer said Oasis and owner Ahmad Salah violated state regulations and city ordinances, and the fine amount was appropriate given the circumstances.

Sarah Van Vooren, now a Fayette County Public School teacher, filed the complaint with the Lexington-Fayette County Human Rights Commission in 2023, alleging that she was discriminated against based on her disability after she was denied service at the restaurant due to the presence of her service animal. The commission investigated and issued a probable cause determination.

On Sept. 15, the commission voted to adopt the order by the hearing officer.

Saleh has 30 days to appeal the order in Fayette Circuit Court. Saleh did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Van Vooren was not immediately able to comment.

This is a significant victory for the Commission and Ms. Van Vooren, whose only transgression that day was wanting to enjoy a nice lunch while accompanied by her service dog, Raymond Sexton, executive director of the Lexington-Fayette County Human Rights Commission, said in a statement Thursday. This case is a stark reminder that disabilities come in many forms, both seen and unseen. Our anti-discrimination laws exist to ensure that everyone (including the disability community) has equal access to employment, housing and public accommodations and our office will vigorously enforce them.

Incident Involved Service Dog, Buffet

According to the hearing officers report, Salah unlawfully discriminated against ... Sarah Van Vooren by failing to accommodate her at its restaurant. Specifically, the violation stemmed from the fact that even though Ms. Van Vooren was a disabled individual accompanied by a service animal, (Saleh and Oasis) refused to accommodate her request to use the restaurants restroom and presumably the use of its buffet table.

The report details how Van Vooren, accompanied by her service blond Labrador Mooney, entered the restaurant and was seated by Saleh. When Van Vooren and Mooney attempted to go to the restroom, Saleh blocked their path and refused to allow them to pass by the buffet. Van Vooren then documented on her phone camera Saleh denying her service.

Video provided by Van Vooren showed that the dog was wearing a vest labeling it as a service animal.

Second Unrelated Complaint Against Oasis Restaurant

After Van Vooren filed her complaint, a second patron filed a similar complaint against Oasis. Danielle Burton, who uses a seeing eye dog, Violet, reported that when she visited the restaurant in June 2024 she was denied access to the buffet with her dog.

Saleh, who testified on his own behalf, cited health department food care regulations as justification for his actions, according to the hearing officers report.

What Oasis Owner Said

But Lexington-Fayette County Health Department regulations explicitly say escorted police patrol dogs and service animals are permitted in dining areas.

During the course of his testimony, (Saleh) did not show any signs of remorse. In fact, he expressed the opposite point of view, in that he didnt think he had to be nice to someone who was making a scene in his restaurant, according to the report.

Saleh attempted to say that he denied access only to Mooney, Van Voorens dog, but the hearing officer called that a distinction without a difference. Denial of the dogs ability to be with Ms. Van Vooren is a denial of service to Ms. Van Vooren.

 2025 Lexington Herald-Leader.

Visit kentucky.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
ISLAMABAD  Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact that defines any attack on either nation as an attack on both  a key accord in the wake of Israel's strike on Qatar last week.

The kingdom has long had close economic, religious and security ties to Pakistan, including reportedly providing funding for Islamabad's nuclear weapons program as it developed. Analysts  and Pakistani diplomats in at least one case  have suggested over the years that Saudi Arabia could be included under Islamabad's nuclear umbrella, particularly as tensions have risen over Iran's atomic program.

But the timing of the pact appeared to be a signal to Israel, long suspected to be the Middle East's only nuclear-armed state, which has conducted a sprawling military offensive since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel stretching across Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Syria and Yemen.

Israel did not respond to requests for comment. The pact marks the first major defense decision by a Gulf Arab country since the Qatar attack. The United States, long the security guarantor for the Gulf Arab states, also did not respond to questions posed to the State Department.

A deal signed in Riyadh

Saudi Arabias powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the pact on Wednesday with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

While not specifically discussing the bomb, the agreement states any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, according to statements issued by both Pakistans Foreign Affairs Ministry and the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

This agreement ... aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, the statement said.

A senior Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Financial Times, seemed to suggest that Pakistan's nuclear protection was a part of the deal, saying it "will utilize all defensive and military means deemed necessary depending on the specific threat."

Zalmay Khalilzad, a former U.S. diplomat with long experience in Afghanistan and Pakistan, expressed concern over the deal, saying it comes in dangerous times.

Pakistan has nuclear weapons and delivery systems that can hit targets across the Middle East, including Israel. It also is developing systems that can reach targets in the U.S.," Khalilzad wrote on X.

A long defense relationship

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a defense relationship stretching back decades, in part due to Islamabad's willingness to defend the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina in the kingdom. Pakistani troops first traveled to Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s over concerns about Egypt's war in Yemen at the time.

Those ties increased after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the kingdom's fears of a confrontation with Tehran.

Pakistan developed its nuclear weapons program to counter India's atomic bombs. The two neighbors have fought multiple wars against each other and again came close to open warfare after an attack on tourists in April in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India is believed to have an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has 170, according to the U.S.-published Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

On Thursday, India's Foreign Ministry acknowledged the Saudi-Pakistan pact and said it will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. Saudi Arabia also maintains close ties with India.

An interest in Pakistan's program

Retired Pakistani Brig. Gen. Feroz Hassan Khan, in his book on his country's nuclear weapons program called Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb, said Saudi Arabia provided generous financial support to Pakistan that enabled the nuclear program to continue, especially when the country was under sanctions."

Pakistan faced U.S. sanctions for years over its pursuit of the bomb  and saw new ones imposed over its ballistic missile work at the end of the Biden administration.

In a 2007 U.S. diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks, American diplomats in Saudi Arabia noted that their Pakistani counterparts had brought up the idea of the kingdom pursuing a weapons program alongside Islamabad in order to be the physical protector of the Mideast.

Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia did not respond to questions from The Associated Press on Thursday on whether the pact extended to Islamabad's nuclear weapons arsenal. Pakistan has historically maintained a deliberately ambiguous nuclear doctrine, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

Syed Muhammad Ali, an Islamabad-based security analyst, noted on Thursday that Pakistan's National Command Authority  which oversees the country's atomic weapons  had not made any statement on the pact. However, he said he believed Pakistan capable of responding to Israel even without the deterrent effect of atomic weapons.

Pakistan is more than confident that its conventional capability is adequate, he said. Pakistan's military ... is adequate enough to improve the security of Saudi Arabia without having to resort to the nuclear option.

How Iran ties in

Saudi Arabia has sought U.S. assistance to advance a civilian nuclear power program, in part with what had been a proposed diplomatic recognition deal with Israel prior to the 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the nearly two-year war in Gaza. That could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium in the kingdom  something that worries nonproliferation experts as spinning centrifuges opens the door to a possible weapons program.

That deal  and a Saudi recognition of Israel  seem further away than ever as the kingdom has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and the crown prince has come out saying that Israel is committing a genocide in the Gaza Strip.

However, Prince Mohammed has also said the kingdom would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran had one. Saudi Arabia already is believed to have a domestic ballistic missile program, which can be a delivery system for a nuclear weapon. Still, the kingdom is a member of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and is not known to have move toward acquiring the bomb through its own work.

Before the signing of the defense pact with Pakistan, Iran dispatched Ali Larijani, a senior political figure who now serves as the secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, to visit Saudi Arabia.

That may have seen the kingdom give a heads-up to Tehran about the pact as Saudi Arabia has had a Chinese-mediated detente with Iran since 2023.

___

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Vineeta Deepak in New Delhi contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
University of California police will be replenishing and increasing their stockpile of military-grade weapons and equipment  including drones, bullets and thousands of pepper-ball rounds  as part of an annual request approved Wednesday by the governing board of regents.

As UC's handling of protests and campus security comes under scrutiny from the Trump administration, five campuses  UCLA, Irvine, Santa Barbara, San Diego and San Francisco  asked for more weapons, while those in Berkeley, Davis, Merced, Riverside and Santa Cruz did not seek to make new purchases.

The biggest request came from UC San Diego, which said it needed 5,000 new 5.56-millimeter caliber rifle rounds to replace ones used in trainings. At UC Irvine, police asked for 1,500 pepper-ball projectiles. Although it has a significant weapons inventory compared to other campuses  among it 39,500 rifle rounds and ammo  UCLA's police made relatively few requests, including four new pepper-ball launchers and 100 sponge foam rounds.

California law enforcement agencies are required by state law to make annual reports on the acquisition and use of weapons that qualify as military equipment. The definition includes munitions, explosives and long-range acoustic devices, which are regularly used by U.S. law enforcement and are not exclusive to the military. Some equipment under the definition, such as drones, are not traditional weapons but used for patrol and special events.

A report from the office of UC President James B. Milliken presented Wednesday to the board of regents, which approved the requests, added that the tools "are not used indiscriminately but with caution to protect the lives of UC community members/visitors and UC officers when bringing an incident to a conclusion with the least amount of force."

The report said "no UC campus uses or receives goods from the U.S. Department of Defense and Law Enforcement Support Office program for surplus military equipment."

Under the state law, police departments also have to disclose use of such weapons in the last year. In 2024, the report said weapons were primarily used during training and that new orders would help replenish supplies used in those exercises.

There were dozens of non-training exceptions at UCLA:

On June 10, 2024, police deployed 240 pepper-ball projectiles "during an incident involving an aggressive crowd." It added that none of the rounds were "aimed at individuals and there were no reports of these rounds directly affecting any person." A single sponge foam round was also fired. Police were responding to a pro-Palestinian encampment and protest.

A long-range acoustic device was used for crowd management 71 times. The report described the device as "a portable speaker used to provide increased sound and clarity over public address systems, bullhorns, or megaphones so officers can effectively communicate with crowds and provide emergency directions to people in large areas so they can take immediate actions such as sheltering in place or evacuating."

A sponge foam round was fired "during an arrest when a suspect put their hand near a police officer's firearm."

The report also detailed non-training uses at two additional campuses: UC Davis deployed drones 11 times for "patrol and special events," and UC Santa Cruz also used a long-range acoustic device for crowd management at least once.

California Assembly Bill 481, which requires the disclosures, was signed into law in 2021. But public scrutiny of UC policing has grown since 2024, when pro-Palestinian protests grew across the 10-university system and officers clashed with demonstrators at several campuses.

UCLA police, the LAPD and California Highway Patrol were faulted in internal and external reports, including one compiled by a congressional education committee, for a failure to coordinate and quickly respond to a violent attack on a UCLA encampment in on April 30 and May 1, 2024. The agencies have also faced criticism and lawsuits by pro-Palestinian protesters after officers shut down multiple demonstrations that year.

Since then, UCLA has created a new top campus safety post, installed new police leadership and instituted changes to protest rules, including zero tolerance of encampments.

Speaking at the regents meeting Wednesday during a public comment period, UCLA associate professor Chelsea Shover encouraged regents to reject the purchases.

"My concern is that it will be used against students and faculty," said Shover, who works in the medical and public health schools. In an interview, Shover added, "I have no confidence military-grade equipment will make the campus safer, as last year's UCLA campus protests made clear."

Together with demands President Trump has made recently to restrict protests and speech freedoms at UCLA  in exchange for the release of frozen federal research funding  "this sets a worrying and chilling effect on rights protected by the First Amendment," Shover said.

Graeme Blair, a UCLA professor of political science who was part of the 2024 encampment and additional pro-Palestinian protests, said he believed Wednesday's presentation "obscures an extraordinary use of force that injured students and faculty" during the June 10, 2024, campus protest that ended in arrests.

Blair said the police-fired projectiles ended up "hitting students and faculty, leaving them bruised and with burning eyes." Police reported only using one round foam round. Blair said he witnessed multiple rounds.

"The fact that UCPD fails to describe these harms calls into question whether they can be trusted with more munitions and their deployment," he said. "Less-lethal munitions like sponge rounds, rubber bullets, and pepper balls have no place on a college campus, much less to be deployed against students and faculty exercising their right to free expression."

_____

2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
NORFOLK, Va.  Members of the Virginia National Guard were mobilized this week to support the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Guard said.

Guard troops are getting prepped and trained and are scheduled to report for duty at ICE field offices by the end of the week. Additional troops are scheduled to mobilize later this month, up to a maximum of 60 people.

Guard members will provide administrative and logistical support to ICE operations in Virginia. Their duties will include answering phones, data entry, appointment scheduling, biometric collection, basic vehicle maintenance, and tracking fleet expenses and usage.

The Guard members will not conduct law enforcement activities or make arrests.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin authorized the Guard to support ICE in August.

I do believe strongly that the role of the Virginia National Guard is not law enforcement in this case, it is to support the administrative side of things, Youngkin told WTVR.

In a statement, Ayuda, an organization providing services to low-income immigrants in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, condemned the move.

No matter how it is framed, allocating resources to aid federal detention and deportation operations harms Virginia immigrants and communities alike, the statement read.

Virginia joins several Republican-led states that have authorized the use of National Guard troops to assist with ICE operations. An internal ICE memo, first reported by the New York Times, said that 20 states, including Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana would deploy troops to support its mission.

On July 25, the Department of Defense announced that military personnel supporting ICE would shift from Title 10 to Title 32 status, a legal change that keeps troops under state control while allowing federally funded support for certain missions.

Unlike Title 10, which prohibits federal troops from engaging in domestic law enforcement under the Posse Comitatus Act, Title 32 lets them assist federal agencies like ICE in certain support roles. While the Virginia National Guard says its members wont carry out law enforcement duties, Title 32 status gives states more flexibility if that changes.

The airmen and service members assigned to the mission will report directly to ICE leadership. It is expected to continue through Nov. 15.

________

2025 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit at pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
$900 Billion NDAA: What Is In, What Was Left Out of Major Defense Spending Bill

The massive FY 2026 defense spending bills bolsters aid to Ukraine, targets adversaries like China while cutting IVF, DEI...
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps decision to label alleged drug-runners in the Caribbean as narco-terrorists has spurred fresh debate over the legality of his strategy  and prompted speculation he could step up other controversial efforts to pursue enemies at home.

Trumps team has dismissed criticism of the killings this month, saying they targeted people who posed an immediate and existential threat to Americans. After releasing video of two strikes in the last couple weeks, he said the military had knocked off a third boat as well.

Little information was provided about the purported third strike, but the White House previously released video of the first two strikes, one that killed 11 people and the second resulting in three deaths. The circumstances of those strikes were still unclear and questions lingered about the true threat posed to the U.S.

These Presidentially directed strikes were conducted against the operations of a designated terrorist organization and were taken in defense of vital U.S. national interests and in the collective self-defense of other nations, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement.

That justification has run into skepticism from some members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, as well as legal experts.

The administration has been laying the groundwork for these actions for months, beginning with the designation of Latin American drug cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, according to scholars.

Simply waving around words like terrorist or self-defense doesnt change the legal reality  this is an extra-judicial killing under international law, said Rebecca Ingber, a professor and expert in international law at the Cardozo School of Law.

Trumps administration has said the campaign will be open-ended. The president notified Congress on Sept. 4 of the initial strike and said more could follow. It is not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that will be necessary, the president wrote.

Arguments about presidential powers and the rights of the accused miss the point because they ignore the risk illicit drugs pose to the American public, said Hudson Institute President John Walters, who led the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy during the George W. Bush administration.

Its no longer a policing action, Walters said. This is now a matter of national security. The threat has reached that level. The president has designated it as such, and lethal force can be applied by military forces against this threat to protect American lives.

In a statement Monday, Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the senior Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, called the presidents actions an outrageous violation of the law and a dangerous assault on our Constitution.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky challenged the administrations reasoning in a series of social media posts. He said the U.S. has the right to self-defense, but argued that right is not triggered by a speedboat 2700 miles from the U.S. alleged to have drugs and not attacking U.S. vessels.

In the same week that the House voted to repeal the 1991 and 2002 war authorizations that enabled U.S. military operations in Iraq, some say the president is employing the expansive war on terror concept closer to home.

That includes the administrations repeated claims in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including from Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, that the Democratic Party is a domestic extremist organization. After Kirks death, he has said left-wing political organizations were a vast domestic terror movement, and said Trump would order the Department of Justice to investigate who is paying for it.

Brian Finucane, senior adviser with the U.S. program at the International Crisis Group, said attempts by the White House and the presidents political allies to depict the terrorism designation as empowering him to use lethal force against those criminal entities were incorrect.

Although the U.S. president is using the trappings and tools of military counter-terrorism, this is not actually counter-terrorism, said Finucane, a former State Department lawyer. This is the premeditated killing of people outside of armed conflict.

Scrutiny by Congress

The strikes should be viewed in the context of the administration framing its domestic political opponents as terrorists and immigrants in the United States generally as terrorists, said Finucane.

Others note that the president has broad latitude in matters of national security, and that ultimately the Supreme Court and Congress may have to become involved.

If the President of the United States feels that its necessary to defend American citizens, hes given usually the exception until theres scrutiny by Congress, said Brent Sadler, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation who specializes in naval warfare and advanced technology.

Sadler, a retired naval officer, echoed Secretary of State Marco Rubios argument that past approaches have not stemmed the flow of drugs to the U.S. and said the administration could justify its actions on the grounds of preemption, for which the legal bar is lower.

In congressional testimony this week, FBI Director Kash Patel drew a direct line between the U.S. war on terror after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the pursuit of Venezuelan drug traffickers.

We must treat them like the foreign terrorist organizations post 9/11, Patel said. We must treat them like the al-Qaidas of the world, because thats how theyre operating. And just treating them with law enforcement capabilities alone was wholly insufficient to wipe out the targets in their entirety.

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2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Moving to a new duty station is a hallmark of military life, but for families enrolled in the Department of Defense's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), which supports service members with dependents who have medical, educational, or developmental needs, the process can feel overwhelmingly complicated. As someone who has navigated these challenges firsthand, I know it's often far harder than it needs to be. Simple changes by the War Department and policy makers could make a big difference in easing the burden, improving the quality of life, and boosting retention rates among service members.

EFMP families enrolled in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Source: militaryonesource.mil

Timing is Everything

The core problem stems from timing. Many essential services for children or spouses with special needs can't begin until the family has a physical address at the new location. This includes therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis for autism, occupational therapy to build daily living skills, or speech therapy for communication challenges. These aren't quick fixes; they often involve long waitlists and evaluations that can stretch for months.

Education adds another layer of difficulty. Enrolling a child in a school that can accommodate an Individualized Education Program (also known as an IEP), a customized plan for students with disabilities, requires knowing if the local district has the right resources. Without advance information, families might end up in a neighborhood where the nearest suitable school is an hour away, as happened during my most recent move. I had been homeschooling my child for two years due to the pandemic, but waiting six months for an appropriate placement was still disruptive. While school systems fall outside the Defense Department's direct control, the ripple effects limit housing choices and force tough decisions, like becoming a "geo-bachelor" (living apart from family) or accepting suboptimal assignments to stay near support networks.

Families at the Fort Bragg EFMP Family Fishing Day on Aug. 29, 2025. Source: DVIDS

How to Fix it

These hurdles aren't just inconvenient; they strain relationships, finances, and careers. Service members may hesitate to take promotions or overseas tours if it means uprooting critical care. Fortunately, practical solutions exist that the military could implement to smooth transitions.

First, the military's health care system, TRICARE, should allow referrals for specialized services to be initiated before the move. Once orders are in hand, families could secure approvals remotely, reducing downtime upon arrival. The status quo means that nothing with the process can even start until the family has physically moved to the new duty station. This creates significant delays in beginning services.

Second, assigning a primary care manager (also referred to as a PCM), a key point of contact for medical needs, should happen prior to reporting to the new base. This would enable continuity of care without starting from scratch. As with the first item, this is currently a major constraint that delays services being initiated upon moving. Once orders are received, EFMP families should be allowed assignment to a new PCM at the receiving duty station. This could allow EFMP families to get a head start without having to deal with the significant delays associated with awaiting PCM assignment when moving.

Third, for ongoing treatments, initial referrals could shift to telehealth options, building on virtual care advancements made in recent years. This would let providers at the current duty station connect families with counterparts at the new one seamlessly. This solution augments the first two and could allow for PCM meetings with EFMP families via available telehealth options. Utilizing this functionality would help to potentially cut months of waiting time for services.

Finally, the EFMP could maintain up-to-date lists of therapy providers that accept TRICARE and have openings for new patients. Currently, families often discover dead ends after arrival, wasting precious time. Resources like the EFMP website could host these directories, perhaps integrated with tools from Military OneSource.

Implementing these changes wouldn't require overhauling the entire system. Some, like telehealth expansions, align with existing policies and could be piloted quickly. The payoff? Happier, healthier families who feel supported, leading to higher reenlistment rates and a stronger force overall. As the military competes for talent in a tight job market, prioritizing these improvements isn't just compassionate - it's strategic.

Additional information about the Exceptional Family can be found on the Military.com EFMP portal.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids is once again transforming into an expansive art gallery as ArtPrize returns this September, featuring more than 1,100 artists displaying their work throughout the city.

The annual international art competition, which launched in 2009, kicks off Thursday, Sept. 18, showcasing 931 entries across 155 venues spread throughout five districts in Grand Rapids.

ArtPrize features diverse artistic expressions including sculptures, paintings, immersive exhibits, interactive installations, 3D works, and time-based pieces. Following tradition, visitors can vote for their favorite entry, with the winner receiving a $100,000 grand prize.

ArtPrize 2025: Your guide to the sights and sounds in Grand Rapids

The economic impact of the event is substantial for the region. According to a study prepared by Grand Valley State University, ArtPrize drew an estimated 795,555 visitors in 2024, with 57% traveling from outside Kent County. Direct spending by these visitors reached approximately $50 million.

As the multi-week event begins, scroll below to see past winners whose artwork captured the hearts of judges and public voters over the years.

2009: Open Water no. 24 by Ray Ortner

A viewer takes a closer look at "Open Water no. 24," by Ran Ortner on display at The Old Federal Building. The piece one the first ArtPrize competition in 2009. MLive File Photos

2010: Cavalry, American Officers, 1921 by Chris LaPorte

James Tuthill, of Grand Rapids studies Cavalry, American Officers, 1921, created with pencil on paper by Chris LaPorte of Grand Rapids, displayed in the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The 28-foot wide piece won the top prize for ArtPrize 2010. "It's awesome to see every little pencil strike" said Tutthill. BPN

2011: Crucifixion by Mia Tavonatti

People view Mia Tavonatti's "Crucifixion" inside the DeVos Place Sunday afternoon. The piece won ArtPrize 2011 in Grand Rapids, Mich. MLive File Photos

2012 Public Vote: Elephants by Adonna Khare

From left, Grand Rapids Art Museum Preparator David Otis, ArtPrize 2012 grand prize winner Adonna Khare, and ArtPrize Operations Director Dave DeBoer, install "Elephants," at the 2013 ArtPrize hub. MLive File Photos

2012 Juried Vote: Displacement (13208 Klinger St.) by Design 99

ArtPrize's first-ever Juried Grand Prize ($100,000) in 2012 went to 'Displacement (13208 Klinger Street),' by Mitch Cope and Gina Reichert, featuring items from an abandoned home in Detroit. MLive File Photos

2013 Public Vote: Sleeping Bear Dune Lakeshore by Ann Loveless

Two women view Anne Loveless' 2013 winning piece "Sleeping Bear Dune Lakeshore. MLive File Photos

2013 Juried Vote: Ecosystem by Carlos Bunga

The juried grand ArtPrize 2013 winner from Carlos Bunga's "Ecosystem" at SiTE:LAB. MLive File Photos

2014 Public Vote: Intersections by Anila Quayyum Agha

Anila Quayyum Agha's "Intersections" at the GRAM won ArtPrize 2014s public and jury vote. MLive File Photos

2014 Juried Vote: The Hair Craft Project by Sonya Clark

Sonya Clark's ArtPrize entry "The Hair Craft Project" at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. The project won the 2014 juried award for ArtPrize. MLive File Photos

2015 Public Vote: Northwood Awakening by Ann and Steven Loveless

People look at Loveless PhotoFiber's ArtPrize entry "Northwood Awakening" at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. Loveless PhotoFiber made up of artists Ann and Steven Loveless won the public vote for ArtPrize 2015. MLive File Photos

2015 Juried Vote: Higher Ground by Kate Gilmore

A house sits with its pink siding partially pulled off at the SiTE:LAB Rumsey Street Project in Grand Rapids on Monday, May 23, 2016. Kate Gilmore's "Higher Ground" time based entry at the house won ArtPrize 2015's $200,000 Juried Grand Prize award. MLive File Photos

2016 Public Vote: Wounded Warrior Dogs by James Mellick

James Mellick stands with his ArtPrize entry "Wounded Warrior Dogs" at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. Mellicks project won the public vote during ArtPrize 2016. MLive File Photos

"Wounded Warrior Dogs" by James Mellick at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, the project won the public vote during ArtPrize 2016. MLive File Photos

2016 Juried Vote: The Bureau of Personal Belonging by Stacy Kirby

Ellie Webster acts at the Validation Officer at "The Bureau of Personal Belonging" by Stacey Kirby during ArtPrize Eight at 50 Monroe NW in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. The piece is the $200,000 Juried Grand Prize winner. MLive File Photos

2017 Public Vote: A. Lincoln by Richard Schlatter

Crowds gather around Richard Schlatter's 2-D public vote and $200,000 Public Vote Grand Prize ArtPrize entry "A. Lincoln" at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. Schlatter's ArtPrize entry measures in at 8 feet wide by 12 feet high. MLive File Photos

2017 Juried Vote: The Heartside Community Meal by Seitu Jones

Part of Seitu Jones' ArtPrize entry "The Heartside Community Meal" at Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) in Grand Rapids. On September 23, the entry featured a 300 foot long table in Heartside Park for a locally-grown meal. The time-based piece won the juried grand prize for ArtPrize 2017. MLive File Photos

2018 Public Vote: The String Project by Chelsea Nix and Mariano Cortez

Chelsea Nix and Mariano Cortez pose for a portrait with The String Project, which featured photographs of people standing all over the world holding the same string. The project won the ArtPrize 2018 public vote. MLive File Photos

2018 Juried Vote: Brown, carmine, and blue by LeAndra LeSeur

Artist Le'Andra LeSeur works on her time-based entry "brown, carmine, and blue." at SiTE:LAB in Grand Rapids, the piece won the juried grand prize at ArtPrize 2018. MLive File Photos

2021: Before You Go Christian Reichle and Monica Pritchard

Christian Reichle and Monica Pritchard's ArtPrize 2021 Grand Prize winner "Before You Go" at the Blue Bridge in Grand Rapids. MLive File Photos

2022: Creation, Destruction, Reflection by Brad and Bryan Caviness

**The grand prize was discontinued in 2022 in favor of the $12,500 artist-to-artist award**

ArtPrize-goers look at Brad and Bryan Caviness Creation, Destruction, Reflection at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. We combine our interests in history with love for art and design to inspire an appreciation for monumental achievements in art and architecture, bring attention to the destruction of ancient sites, and generate an interest in preserving the ones that are still here, whether threatened by the slow progress of time, natural disaster or war, the artists said of their ceramic artwork in their vision statement. The piece won the artist-to-artist award. MLive File Photos

2023: Raining Wisdom by Abdoulaye Conde

Abdoulaye Conde poses for a portrait with his mural Raining Wisdom" at 45 Ottawa NW during ArtPrize 2023 in Grand Rapids on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. It took Conde 25 days, working for 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to finish the mural. The piece won the public vote contest. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) MLive.com MLive File Photos

2024 Public Vote: Dynamic Sunset by John Katerberg

John Katerberg (right) talks about his 2D ArtPrize entry entitled Dynamic Sunset at The Gerald R. Ford Presidential museum in Grand Rapids. The piece won public volte grand prize at ArtPrize 2024. MLive File Photos

2024 Juried Vote: Trauma Project
Two men fish at Silver Lake as the sunsets on September 21, 2015 in Mears, Mich. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) MLive.com Joel Bissell | MLive.com

MEARS, MI -- As we creep toward the autumnal equinox and it gets harder to get out of bed for sunrise or leave the comfort of the couch for sunset, you can catch both from your computer.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes livestreams the view over the lake and sand dunes 24/7. Find it here.

This static shot provides a tranquil glimpse of one of Michigans most scenic natural areas according to Think Dunes, the areas visitors bureau.

Its also a resource for folks who are checking the weather before their hikes, bikes, and dune rides.

More on the dunes this fall: Saddle up for a horseback ride along Lake Michigan

For those whod like to see Mother Natures display in person, the visitors bureau suggests going to Little Point Sable Lighthouse, where youll see a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan, or a walk through the pedestrian area of the sand dunes to watch the sun set over the dunes.

If youre headed to Mears, follow along on this fall color road trip stretching all the way up to Pentwater. Silver Lake State Park is open for camping until October if youre looking to camp among the colors.

More colorful skies: Northern Lights could be more common in next few weeks
In her upcoming book, former Vice President Kamala Harris said her first choice to be her vice president in the 2024 presidential election was former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, of Traverse City. She chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Buttigieg is seen here at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last year. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said Pete Buttigieg was her first choice for a running mate in 2024, but the prospect of a Black woman running alongside a gay man was too big of a risk, according to an excerpt from her new book.

In an excerpt of her soon-to-be-released book 107 Days, published Wednesday in The Atlantic, Harris wrote that the former U.S. Transportation Secretary, who resides in Traverse City with his family, would have been an ideal partner  if I were a straight white man.

But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man, Harris wrote. Part of me wanted to say, Screw it, lets just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.

And I think Pete also knew that  to our mutual sadness.

Harris instead chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, a more conventional coice. The ticket lost the 2024 election to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trumps victory marked the first time a Republican won the popular vote since George W. Bush beat John Kerry in 2004.

The title of Harris book refers to the length of her condensed presidential campaign. She took up the Democratic ticket in July 2024 after then-President Joe Biden dropped out following a disastrous first debate against Trump, the Associated Press reported.

Buttigieg, who resides in Traverse City with his husband and two children, is the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., who served as a Navy Reserve officer. He rose to prominence on the national stage during his presidential bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.

Despite initial success, in which he finished first in the Iowa caucuses, he ended up dropping out and endorsing Biden for the Democratic ticket. He is widely considered a potential 2028 contender for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Harris writes about her love of working with Buttigieg and her friendship with him and husband, Chasten, in the book excerpt.

Buttigieg moved to Traverse City in July 2022, during his time as Bidens secretary of transportation.

Harris, a former U.S. senator from California, also threw her hat in the ring for the 2020 primary, but dropped out in December 2019 due to lack of funding, according to the AP.

Harris book, 107 Days, is set to hit store shelves on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will speak at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Sept. 19. She is pictured here arriving before President Donald Trump speaks with members of law enforcement and National Guard soldiers on Aug. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Jacquelyn Martin

Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will speak Friday, Sept. 19, at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island.

Since 1955, Republicans have gathered for the biennial event at the historic Grand Hotel. The conference runs through Sunday and attracts Republicans from Michigan and across the country.

Before joining President Donald Trumps cabinet, Noem served as South Dakotas first female governor and was re-elected in 2022 with the highest number of votes in the states history.

She previously served as South Dakotas sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

As Homeland Security secretary, she has warned that Michigan faces a growing crisis of illegal border crossings from the north with a drop in illegal crossings at the countrys southern border.

Jim Runestad, chairman of the Michigan GOP, announced on Thursday, Sept. 18, that Noems appearance was confirmed.

For further information and registration, go here.
AI can help us move faster, organize better, and write more clearly. But it cannot replace the human instincts that drive great reporting. (Getty Images) Getty Images

I wrote to you a year and a half ago about artificial intelligence in the newsroom.

Correction: I wrote about the concept of AI in the newsroom. AI was dominating headlines across global tech, business and culture, but MLive at that point only was exploring options for the use of AI tools in journalism.

A lot has changed in 18 months. MLive has many AI-based tools that streamline routine assembly tasks, and our journalists employ them every day.

AI cleans up interview transcripts and organizes them thematically. AI aggregates vast amounts of research and data, quickly and with sourcing citations. AI reviews drafts for grammar, clarity and context. AI helps suggest headlines that will be effective for print, web or social media.

Eric Gaertner, MLives senior editor for west Michigan, said one AI tool were testing could be a game-changer for investigative journalists. It can ingest reams of documents  for instance from Freedom of Information Act returns  and then answer questions, compile summaries and offer story suggestions.

This suite of tools is not replacing journalists, its assisting them. Trained professional humans deploy AI tools and provide judgment and direction. We still choose the topics and write the words. And importantly, journalists verify the outputs from AI.

The best part is on the efficiency front, said Gaertner, who also heads an internal MLive committee of journalists that reviews the use of AI in our newsrooms.

If reporters are spending time rewriting press releases or something to that effect, theyre not going out (in the field) or theyre not going into the deeper story, which is what we want to do.

Whenever AI is discussed in a broader context, much is made of the dystopian aspects  how it will replace human jobs or breach human institutions in unpredictable or dangerous ways. At a much more quotidian level, there are very real concerns about hallucinations, in which AI fabricates facts.

Thats why its essential to view AI as tools for journalists  not a replacement. It is up to the human operator to select the right tool for the job, and to wield it responsibly.

A colleague involved in AI applications at our corporate office positions it as the difference between using a handsaw and a chainsaw. One is way more powerful and efficient as a tool, but it carries a much higher risk for damage.

To make it clear: In instances where AI contributes research or summaries materially to a piece written by a journalist, we append a disclaimer to that effect.

Weve got to be very transparent, Gaertner said. The other side of it, some people see the AI disclaimer, and they think A robot wrote this. No, the byline is a person.

In this moment of rapid technological change, the newsrooms challenge isnt just adopting new tools  its preserving the values that define journalism and separate it from mere information.

AI can help us move faster, organize better, and write more clearly. But it cannot replace the human instincts that drive great reporting: curiosity, skepticism, empathy, and accountability.

On top of all that, our journalistic standards remain the guardrails that guide our use of new technologies.

As Gaertner put it, Its a credibility thing for us  we have a lot at stake, and we cant let something happen. One mistake is too many.
A 22-year-old Michigan man has been found guilty of murder in Macomb County. MLive.com

MACOMB COUNTY, MI  A 22-year-old Michigan man has been found guilty of murder in Macomb County.

Stephen Freeman, 22, from Lexington was charged with the murder of Gabriele Seitz, a 63-year-old woman from Roseville.

He was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, home invasion, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, concealing the death of an individual and receiving and concealing stolen property.

The jury deliberated for more than seven hours following the two-week trial.

Todays verdict delivers justice for the victim and her family. This young mans actions were brutal, deliberate, and have left lasting scars on our community, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

While no conviction can erase the pain and loss suffered, we hope this outcome provides a measure of closure. I am grateful to the jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence. Our office remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that those who commit such heinous crimes are held fully accountable.

Freeman was 19 years old when he broke into Seitzs residence on Oct. 27, 2022. When she arrived home from work, he sexually assaulted her and strangled her with a shoelace before dragging her body to her truck using bed sheets.

As he was driving her truck in Roseville, he was hit by a semi-truck and fled on foot. Police investigated and discovered Seitzs body partially wrapped in the bed sheets.

Freeman was charged in November 2022. He is expected be sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Julie Gatti at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 22.
MACOMB COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man is facing a dozen felony charges in a case that has the Macomb County prosecutor asking, when is enough, enough?

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced the charges against 62-year-old Detroit resident Karl Williams, Sr. this week.

Williams faces numerous charges including conspiracy, felony firearm, fleeing and eluding and assault with a dangerous weapon after an alleged crime spree in Detroit on Sept. 12.

Williams allegedly stole a running GMC Acadia in Oak Park and stole cigarettes from a Walgreens store on Lasher in Southfield before picking up three others for a planned car wash robbery on 8 Mile Road in Warren.

Warren police spotted the vehicle at the car wash and attempted a stop, but Williams allegedly drove between two of the police vehicles, striking both and forcing a K-9 officer to grab K-9 Diezel out of its path.

A police officer then fired one round which struck one of Williams passengers in the lower back, prosecutors said. The Acadia then accelerated towards an officer and Diezel, which was struck. Diezel is expected to recover, Lucido said.

Williams then maneuvered the Acadia around the patrol units before speeding down 8 Mile Road at speeds more than 100 mph.

The police pursued the Acadia which eventually came to a stop when it hit a median while attempting to turn.

All four subjects were taken into custody. Williams passengers, Shamari Smith, Frank Durham and Timothy Moultrie were each charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

These are serious charges, and while the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, the conduct alleged shows a complete disregard for the law, Lucido said. Our office will not tolerate this kind of behavior, and we intend to pursue the case with the full measure of the law.

Bond for Williams, who is being charged as a fourth-time habitual offender, was set at $750,000 cash/surety. If released, he must wear a GPS tether.

He is scheduled for a probable cause conference at 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 23.
This article has been updated to reflect a federal court order blocked the termination of 1,000 probationary employees, returning them to work in March.

ANN ARBOR, MI  Beth Andersen stood in the sun Wednesday for veterans, democracy and the U.S. Constitution.

The child of World War II veterans, Andersen is critical of President Donald Trumps administration, citing the presidents attacks on veterans First Amendment rights.

I cant stand to see what is happening in this country right now with our democracy, said Andersen, a retired librarian. Now theyre trying to make illegal protest and the right to freedom of speech, which is the First Amendment.

Andersen joined about 30 union organizers Sept. 17 in front of the Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center on Fuller Road in Ann Arbor to protest Trumps cuts to veterans workers union rights.

Organized by the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2092, which represents U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs workers in Ann Arbor, the protest in front of the VA site drew people passionate about the fair treatment of veterans and VA workers.

Without bargaining rights, we believe veterans lives are at jeopardy, Robert Malosh, 55, president of Ann Arbors government employees union chapter, said.

Demonstrators distributed pamphlets encouraging people to call Congress to pass the Protect Americas Workforce Act. The bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, would revoke a Trump executive order, issued in March, removing collective bargaining rights for workers at the VA and other federal agencies to enhance the national security of the United States.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and is awaiting release and a committee vote.

In February, the VA announced the termination of more than 1,000 non-bargaining unit probationary employees amid a series of proposed federal cuts.

About 40 employees in VISN 10, a network of medical centers and outpatient clinics serving veterans in Michigans Lower Peninsula, Ohio, Indiana and northern Kentucky, were affected by the first round of cuts on Feb. 13.

Several were terminated in Ann Arbor, employees previously told MLive/The Ann Arbor News.

A federal court order reversed the termination of probationary employees and workers returned to their jobs by March.

Christopher Arbino, acting communications chief for VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, defended the administrations actions. He said the VA is prioritizing veterans under Trump and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, noting the VA has opened 17 health care clinics across the country since Jan. 20, offered veterans close to one million medical appointments outside normal operating hours and is investing $800 million in department infrastructure improvements, among other triumphs.

Malosh, a veteran, said he receives his health care from the VA, a reason why he advocates for veterans.

One of the things that taking bargaining rights away from employees is when we identify an issue that affects our working conditions, its always inhibiting our ability to provide top notch care, Malosh explained.

He defined a union as a democracy in the workplace, which allows workers to get to voice the concerns you have.

Sue Reismann, 66, attended Wednesdays protest to support her son-in-law, who is a veteran.

Hes really given his all for his country and veterans do not deserve to have any benefits taken away nor reductions in their health care at veterans administration hospitals, said Reismann, a former administrative assistant at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. They deserve everything that we can give to them.

She said Trump is funneling a lot of the money up to the top so that people who are in the lower ranks of society are getting less, and its not right.

Jason Anderson, national vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees District 7, which covers Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, said veterans union protections relate to both labor and democracy.

This is not just a labor issue, its a fight for the future of democracy and for the very principles upon which this country was built, Anderson said at the event. History tells us that every gain working people have ever made was won because workers refused to give up.

He pushed for Congress to pass the Protect Americas Workforce Act so that VA employees and other federal workers can receive bargaining rights under a union.

Through every attack, every crackdown, every law meant to silence us, workers have organized, survived and won and we will again, Anderson said.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.
ANN ARBOR, MI  The Michigan Court of Claims has ruled in favor of a University of Michigan student group fighting for the right to celebrate psychedelic plants and shrooms on campus.

Although sympathetic to the universitys position, the court concludes that denying use of the Diag for Entheofest 2025 is not reasonable in light of the purposes of that limited public forum, Chief Judge Brock Swartzle wrote in an opinion handed down Thursday, Sept. 18.

The Student Association for Psychedelic Studies, led by social work graduate student Emily Berriman, took the university to court in August after UM denied a permit for the fifth-annual edition of the event planned for Sunday, Sept. 21.

After Thursdays court ruling, plans are back on to have the event on the Diag on Sunday, Berriman said.

Im excited, she said. We are grateful that the court made the right decision and that they were willing to hear us out for our vision for this event.

The crowd at the third-annual Ann Arbor psychedelic plant and shroom festival known as Entheofest on the University of Michigan Diag on Sept. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Swartzle heard testimony from Entheofest organizers, as well as UMs concerns about the event, during a nearly three-hour hearing at the Hall of Justice in Lansing on Wednesday.

It was a long day, but we feel that justice was served, Berriman said.

Organizers described the case as a constitutional battle for free speech on campus. University officials, who have not responded to request for comment on the ruling, have argued the event promotes illegal substances and attracts illegal sales activity.

Swartzles 14-page opinion granting the student groups motion for preliminary injunction starts out by stating the First Amendment is not without irony.

Plaintiffs want to celebrate the local decriminalization of psilocybin on the iconic Diag of the University of Michigan, where thousands of speakers have spoken their words to hundreds of thousands of willing (if not always sympathetic) listeners, he wrote. But it is this very decriminalization at the local level that has purportedly neutered the universitys ability to keep the peace, imperiling the parties collective ability to ensure a safe and lawful space for free speech.

An unofficial vendor's products on display at the third-annual Ann Arbor psychedelic plant and shroom festival known as Entheofest on the University of Michigan Diag on Sept. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

The court found the harm caused to the student group by the denial of its constitutional rights is greater than the speculative legal and financial consequences the university contends it may face if illegal substances are used, possessed or distributed on campus during Entheofest.

Much of the concern that motivated the universitys decision to deny a permit followed from problems associated with a wholly different event, the 2025 Hash Bash, the opinion states, saying while both events celebrate the use and cultivation of unlawful substances, the scale of each is dramatically different, with Hash Bash being at least 10 times bigger than Entheofest.

The university has the resources needed to ensure a safe and lawful Entheofest, and, as a result, plaintiffs are entitled to a preliminary injunction to protect their First Amendment rights, the opinion states.

The court ordered the university to approve the student groups application for a Diag reservation to host Entheofest on Sunday, saying the parties must work together to develop and implement sufficient safety measures to ensure a safe and lawful event. The order does not resolve all claims and does not entirely close the case.

Emcee Jim Salame speaks at the third-annual Ann Arbor psychedelic plant and shroom festival known as Entheofest on the University of Michigan Diag on Sept. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Entheofest co-organizer Jim Salame, who anxiously waited for the decision to come down Thursday, said he was a little shocked by the favorable ruling.

Its great, were excited, he said, thanking the court. Organizers have a lot of work to do now to prepare for Sundays exercise of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, he said, saying hes sorry the dispute with the university had to go this far.

Berriman said shes proud her group took a stand to protect First Amendment rights.

She hopes to sort out plans for Entheofest with the university by Friday, including any risk-mitigation strategies UM may be willing to aid in implementing. At the very least, she said, organizers will make announcements at the event and post on social media that using or selling illegal substances on campus is not permitted.

Entheofest celebrates the anniversary of Ann Arbors 2020 decision to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi in the city, recognizing the potential benefits for therapeutic uses and promoting more research on the topic.

More details are available at Entheofest.org and Facebook.com/Entheofest.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.
In this file photo, guests line up for the grand opening at Condado Tacos, 401 E Liberty St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, March 3, 2022. The Ann Arbor News

ANN ARBOR, MI  The University of Michigan is set to approve a $16.5 million investment into a 10-year lease in downtown Ann Arbor.

The UM Board of Regents will vote during its Thursday, Sept. 18 meeting on a development project by the UM Office of the Provost to lease 401 E. Liberty St., according to an action item.

The 27,510-square-foot building would be used to accommodate student and faculty services for an initial ten-year term if approved. The building would also allow UM to consolidate multiple leases and downsize their spaces, the action item states.

A vacancy recently came available in the buildings second floor, said Ryan Duffy, asset manager for the buildings Farmington Hills-based owner Hillside Realty Investments, LLC. The university will take over the space left over, he said, adding no other businesses will be affected by the universitys move.

Condado Tacos and Tios Mexican Cafe and Tequila Bar are among the many businesses that currently operate in the East Liberty Street building. It used to be the Google headquarters when it was downtown, before moving to Traverwood Road on the north side of the city.

Space improvements would cost $16.5 million, with the provosts office receiving a $1.3 million allowance from the landlord to help with the improvements.

Per UM real estate policy, leases require approval if they last longer than 10 years, cover more than 50,000 square feet, or include improvements costing more than $3 million.

Renovations are scheduled to be completed in fall 2026.

The September UM Board of Regents meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. in University Hall at the Alexander G. Ruthven Building.

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Community members join together at a town hall hosted by Swartz Creek Community Schools at the Swartz Creek High School Performing Arts Center. The town hall aimed to discuss issues regarding the potential purchase and demolishment of Morrish Elementary School. Lukas Katilius | MLive.com

SWARTZ CREEK, MI - Swartz Creek Board of Education Treasurer Alyssa Bouchard resigned this week, citing harassment and threats connected to controversy over a proposed megasite and its potential impact on Morrish Elementary School.

Bouchard told MLive-The Flint Journal her family has received online harassment via Facebook from an individual.

In a letter of resignation to school board president Carrie Germain and interim superintendent Jim Kitchen, Bouchard wrote, I have witnessed and personally experienced behavior from him that goes far beyond what should be tolerated, including verbal attacks, intimidation, and aggressive actions at board meetings.

She also wrote, I received numerous callsincluding one from my motherexpressing fear for our safety. I have already filed a formal complaint, two meetings ago, regarding the individual, and more recently, I have contacted law enforcement to obtain an PPO and spoken with legal counsel regarding defamation."

Bouchard was elected to the school board in November after having served on the board for four months in 2022 filling a vacancy.

Shes the second board member to resign after trustee Holly Jarvis did so in June, which happened the same month that former Superintendent Rod Hetherton accepted a job at Zeeland schools.

We are saddened to lose such a positive and dedicated Board Member, Alyssa Bouchard, Kitchen said in an email to the Journal. It is a shame that someone who volunteers their time for children was subjected to treatment which caused her to fear for the safety of her family.

She enjoyed representing our District and did so in a professional and caring manner. We respect her decision and wish her all the best.

Bouchard said at the end of June, she sent an email to Kitchen and asked him Why do we call this the megasite? suggesting they use another name.

Thats what prompted online harassment from an individual, she said, claiming the individual interpreted it as her supporting the project.

The megasite in Mundy Township, near Swartz Creek, has been a controversial topic among stakeholders and residents in the last two years.

Plans for a multibillion-dollar semiconductor factory that could have created up to 10,000 jobs in Genesee County were canceled in July, dealing a major blow to Michigans economic development ambitions.

SanDisk, a California-based chip manufacturer, pulled out of plans to build its $55 billion facility at the megasite.

The decision was attributed to rising national economic uncertainty and concerns about potential federal policy shifts, including tariffs.

Part of discussions have included a $40 million offer by the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance to purchase the Morrish Elementary property to support the development of the Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee Countycommonly referred to as the megasite.

The proposal would fully fund the construction of a new elementary school about a mile away from the current location.

Bouchard said she believes she was targeted for her perceived support of the megasite. However, Bouchard said she doesnt have a position on it.

I like to look at things with a full lens, Bouchard said. I like to look at why things can be good and why it can be bad.

Bouchard also said the district has a bond committee, which doesnt vote on anything but makes sure projects are done on time.

She emailed Kitchen in July recommending her husband, who has a decade of construction experience and making sure projects are completed, join the committee, which also prompted attacks, Bouchard said.

After resigning, Bouchard said she plans to use her voice even more.

I want to focus on this type of bullying and harassment on others. It needs to stop, she said. People disagree and we need to respect each other.

I really want to focus on getting our board back. For nine months, we hardly talked about education. Our board meetings were taken over by the megasite.
Two students have been turned over to Chippewa Hills High School administration for disciplinary action after a police investigation into a report that a student had a gun on Thursday, Sept. 18. (MLive file photo)

MECOSTA COUNTY, MI - After a report that a student had a gun at Chippewa Hills High School on Thursday, Sept. 18, two students have been turned over to the schools administration for disciplinary action.

A police investigation found no credible threat or evidence of a gun being on school grounds. Mecosta County deputies conducted a complete search of the building alongside Michigan State Police K-9 units.

Several interviews with students were completed, the Mecosta County Sheriffs Office said in an emailed statement.

The students turned over for disciplinary action have not been named at this time.

The high school, 3226 Arthur Road in Remus, was placed in lockdown earlier on Thursday, until Mecosta County sheriffs deputies could complete their search of the school.

Sheriffs deputies were called around 9:47 a.m. after one student overheard another mention a gun.

Police said there was no indication that any student had a firearm on campus, and the school went into lockdown for precautionary reasons.
KALAMAZOO, MI  Erik Vasilauskas and Anna Lee Roeder met while participating in performative art on stage in 2012 at one of the countrys largest music festivals.

So, it sort of makes sense that 13 years after meeting on a stage in Louisville, Kentucky, the two are fully committed to beautifying their adopted city of Kalamazoo and neighboring communities through public art.

The now married couple, which co-founded Dream Scene Placemaking in 2019, has been actively sprucing up their greater community for the past six years.

They presently have over 50 public art projects on display across Southwest Michigan. Most are in Kalamazoo. There are a few in Roeders Lake Michigan hometown of Bridgman and a few others in Vicksburg and Prairie Ronde Township.

Outside of the region, they have murals in Bali, Greece, Mexico City and Miami, among other locations.

Anna Lee Roeder, and husband Erik Vasilauskas, pose for a portrait at Bell's Eccentric Cafe on July 24, 2025 in Kalmazoo, Michigan. The couple, which comprises Dream Scene Placemaking, painted the entire west side of the Bell's downtown campus. Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com

Their local work began with giving Kik Pool a colorful refresh in 2019.

It has also included the block-long mural along the side of Bells Eccentric Cafe downtown, a large exterior wall at Factory Coffee and numerous other projects.

There is such a thrill in making a mark and changing the way the community looks, said Vasilauskas, who grew up in Holland.

Both Vasilauskas and Roeder had commercial painting backgrounds working on houses before they began doing murals. But each has since blended that skillset with their individual passions for art and creativity.

The intersection of those two skills has been a big selling point for not just them, but businesses they have approached, Roeder said.

Theres been times when a business has had a great wall in need of help and weve been like, Hey, why dont we clean that up for you and do something fun at the same time, Roeder said.

In addition to murals, the couple has also taken on other unique projects around the city.

Among those are the We are Edison project Roeder led in 2017, two years after the couple moved to Kalamazoo.

Anna Lee Roeder, and husband Erik Vasilauskas, work on the Inside Out "We are Edison" portrait project in July 2017. The couple, which comprises Dream Scene Placemaking LLC, is dedicated to beautifying their community through public art. Courtesy photo | Fran Dwight

The project, which she collaborated on with photographer Fran Dwight through the Kalamazoo County Land Bank, resulted in 100 portraits of residents going up along Portage Road and in Washington Square, showcasing the areas diversity.

RELATED: Portraits of residents put a face on emerging Edison Neighborhood

There was also the City Snaps project, which began in 2019.

That project allowed community members who found disposable cameras stashed around town to take photos of anything they liked in Kalamazoo, including people.

After those cameras were turned in, the photos were vinyl wrapped on utility boxes across town. They can still be seen today across the city.

RELATED: Downtown Kalamazoo public art project collected nearly 600 photos

The 2019 public art project City Snaps wrapped 10 utility boxes downtown Kalamazoo with nearly 600 images taken by citizens. The project was led by Anna Lee Roeder and husband Erik Vasilauskas. Lindsay Moore | MLive.com

Both of those projects exemplify the couples mission of involving others and taking pride in community.

Even beyond the mission to beautify space, is to give agency or encourage others to do the same, Vasilauskas said. Thats what makes the end product so much more meaningful and valuable.

It was a 2015 trip the couple took to Southeast Asia that inspired their love for street art. From taking in the murals of Chiang Mai, Thailand to Roeder completing her first mural in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the journey was lifechanging.

It was also the last trip the two took together before relocating from their separate cities of Dayton, Ohio and Louisville, to start a life together in Kalamazoo.

Anna Lee Roeder, of Dream Scene Placemaking, stands in front of her first mural, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2015. Courtesy photo

For two and a half years we traded the best parts of our lives with each other as we went back and forth, said Vasilauskas, who studied math and liberal arts at the University of Dayton.

The two moved to Kalamazoo in 2015, desiring to carve their own future together as opposed to one of them moving into the others community, he said.

Roeder, who earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Louisville, is currently working on a masters degree in counseling from WMU.

Her initial plan was to attend graduate school right away, but thats when the world of art started drawing her in, she said. That led to a 10-year break from academics.

Now, she plans to combine her two passions, while continuing to create public art.

A major focus in her studies has been how to introduce art into the therapeutic process. She does not plan to become a licensed art therapist but intends to use art in the context of family therapy to get people working together and observe interpersonal dynamics.

Roeder began learning about how those dynamics can emerge while creating art together the first time she painted a mural with Vasilaushas 10 years ago in Greece.

A lot came out with push/pull, like: Whose idea gets to be the big work on the wall? and How do we figure out how to do it? she said, recalling that first mural. And, you know, since then, weve built a lot of tools, where weve become a much more well-oiled machine, where we kind of trade off.

We know each others strengths and weaknesses and kind of fill in for each other.  Its gotten a lot smoother as time goes on.

Erik Vasilauskas and Anna Lee Roeder, of Dream Scene Placemaking, work on their first mural project together in Greece last decade. Courtesy photo

The two have already been sharing those passions and lessons with others too.

For the past few summers, they have been working with Kzoo Parks All Things Possible program, guiding early high schoolers through the public art process.

RELATED: Kalamazoo youth mural project helps plant creative seeds, build community

The program has led to over 50 youth art installations being placed around the city.

I think a lot of the time, we dont see the ripple effects of our impact, Roeder said. We hope its planting a small seed that maybe gives someone an extra boost of confidence, just seeing their own work in a public space.

The other hope, she said, is that it might just propel someone to seek out another opportunity to do a mural.

Its really rewarding when you see that person who said they didnt identify as being creative at the beginning of a workshop, really get into the flow, she said.

Anna Lee Roeder and Erik Vasilauskas pose in front of a mural they did in Vicksburg, Michigan in 2022. Courtesy photo

The two have also involved others in public art through leading massive community mural installations in Roeders hometown, as well as in Vicksburg.

A project this summer saw 100 people come together to paint four six-feet by 8-feet panels installed during the annual Bridgman Days.

Dream Scene Placemaking isnt the only way the couple makes money.

While Roeder attends graduate school, she also works as a graduate assistant for WMUs Ombuds Office. Vasilauskas works for the W.E. Upjohn Institute and uses his PTO to teach or create art, as well as spend time with the couples 4-year-old son August.

In addition to Dream Scene, the couple each has their own individual art practices.

Roeder journals and doodles daily, working with paint markers and acrylics. She has a vision of creating collages as lasting public art on a larger scale from what the two have already accomplished through projects like We are Edison and City Snaps.

Vasilauskas interest in steeped in portraiture, which often reflects family. Through it he has combined his love for both photography and oil painting.

I have a lot to learn still, but thats what I love about art is that you always keep learning, he said. Where were at, I think is figuring out how to maintain the community focus while also exploring some of our personal visions into the public space.

To see or learn more about their art, visit dreamsceneplacemaking.com or check out Dream Scene on Instagram @dreamscene_placemaking. Roeder also has her own artistic Instagram @annaleeroeder and Vasilauskas has his @rickyloveslikes.

MLive readers: We want to tell the stories of our neighbors  the unsung heroes in our communities that make our region thrive. Tell us about a person in the Kalamazoo area who is interesting and unique by emailing your ideas to egaertne@mlive.com. We want to feature them.
The Wounded Minnow building pictured here has anchored downtown Dowagiac since 1912. Officials hope the housing project will catalyze economic growth in the downtown area while preserving its historic character. The Rienks Group

CASS COUNTY, MI  A historic Dowagiac anchor is turning its upper floor into 10 apartments.

The Wounded Minnow building has stood at 234 S. Front St. since 1912, said Dowagiac Mayor Don Lyons. Its the largest historic property in the downtown corridor.

The Wounded Minnow Saloon will continue to operate while units are built above, City Manager Kevin Anderson said.

The saloon calls itself a community hub offering a taste of local flavor in menu favorites like the pretzel bites, specialty pizzas and great service.

Its redevelopment will breathe new life into unused portions of this beautiful property and bring additional housing to our vibrant downtown, Lyons said.

The upper floor will be converted into 10 apartments, developers said. Work is expected to begin in October. The Rienks Group

New residents will increase foot traffic and economic investment in the area, said developer Peter Rienks.

The state is giving $1.4 million to support the $3.5 million project, according to a press release from the governors office.

Developers expect to begin work on the site in October, said Terry Malloy, director of business development with the Rienks Group.

Encouraging investment in the area is one of Dowagiacs priorities, Lyons said. He hopes this project will serve as a catalyst for others like it.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
The Michigan city is seeking leadership to address challenges including housing, infrastructure improvements and economic diversification following Rob Splane's resignation. In this photo, former Hart Mayor Vicki Platt, left, and former City Manager Rob Splane, right, take part in a prayer vigil at Hart Commons in Hart on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021.

OCEANA COUNTY, MI - The city of Hart is looking for a new manager for its daily operations.

Rob Splane resigned from the position on Aug. 1 for health reasons.

Nichole Kleiner, who was the citys economic development director for the past five years, was appointed to take over as interim city manager on Aug. 12.

I was hospitalized in April due to some undiagnosed health issues, Splane said. Following that, my doctors recommended that I avoid stress going forward as it was a contributing factor to my poor health.

The city manager leads the citys department heads while also communicating the city councils priorities. The manager attends all council meetings, takes part in discussions but does not vote, and is responsible for making purchases on behalf of the city.

Applications are being accepted through Sept. 26 and documents can be sent to the search firm, Double Haul Solutions.

Splane said it was bittersweet to leave his role.

I love my community and am humbled that the leadership in Hart allowed me to lead us through so many different projects, Splane said. Hart has been and will continue to be a great place to live or visit.

Splane was hired in June 2021. Kleiner, who reported to Splane, said he was focused on the community and building up the downtown, as well as the citys previous public art initiatives.

It was really fun in economic development to work with a city manager who was so focused on building up the city that way, Kleiner said. It was a cool partnership; we did some cool things.

The Hart Project, which aimed to put the art in Hart, saw the addition of a 24-foot tin man who found his heart in Hart, the citys first large-scale public art installation, Kleiner said.

The city has added 12 public art pieces around its downtown, halfway toward a goal of 25 public art pieces by 2025. Those art pieces include musical instruments and a huge and vibrant mural depicting migrant workers.

The downtown came alive, Kleiner said. That happened over his (Splanes) tenure.

The city also secured a West Shore Community College location in its city, which is expected to break ground in 2026.

Splane and other city officials competed this week for a community excellence award through the Michigan Municipal League.

Kleiner said she has not yet decided whether she will apply for the long-term city manager position.

Its been a great opportunity to see what this role is like, Kleiner said.

The city is offering its next manager an annual salary ranging from $105,000 to $115,000, as well as health, vision and 401(k) benefits, according to the citys website.

The ideal candidate will bring strategic foresight, a genuine interest in community building and the leadership capacity to navigate housing challenges, infrastructure improvements and long-term financial planning, the recruitment document states.

Hart, located between Lake Michigan and Manistee National Forest, has both an agricultural identity and an entrepreneurial spirit.

There are 1,053 residents in 719 households.

The city has 22.7 miles of public trailways along the Hart-Montague Trail.

Hart is also near the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

The city has approximately 30 full- and part-time employees across the police, public works, utilities, wastewater, hydroelectric and economic development departments.

The city lists tourism, downtown and historic development, business and housing growth, recreation and expanding on existing partnerships as opportunities for the next city manager.

Housing, staff turnover and retention, aging city infrastructure, budget constraints, council changes and economic diversification are listed as the challenges city leaders face.
MUSKEGON, MI - Tensions rose this week when the president of a company called the police on a city commissioner during a tour highlighting a potential waterfront project.

Mart Dock, a subsidiary of West Michigan Dock & Market Corp., is hoping to make a deal with the city of Muskegon that would increase port operations and public waterfront space.

The land swap between Mart Dock and the city of Muskegon would close the Fishermans Landing Campground while expanding port operations at the site. It would see the further development of unused downtown waterfront space and aging port operations.

Fishermans Landing is a city-owned park that offers public amenities like fishing and houses a private campground. It is in the Jackson Hill neighborhood near downtown.

More than 50 people gathered Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Mart Dock where they listened to Max McKee, company president, speak about the project in detail, answer questions and give a walking tour around the 40-acre property.

This truly can change the whole complexion of not only the waterfront, but jobs, and create jobs and create sustainable, family-supporting wealth, McKee said. Im excited about that.

Tensions rose after McKee approached Muskegon City Commissioner Katrina Kochin, who was attending the event. After going back and forth, McKee said he wanted Kochin to leave the private property. When she didnt, McKee called the police during the tour. A Muskegon deputy pulled into the property a few minutes later but turned around and left.

The timeline of the project, handicapped accessibility and where public access would be on the two properties were repeated topics of discussion.

McKee started his presentation telling the crowd of community members that they were on private property, and he had the right to ask them to leave if he wanted to.

I hope I dont have to do that, but I want people to be courteous and civil here, McKee said. Im not going to put up with any grunts or groans or questions out of the blue. There will be time for questions. I want questions that will actually help.

After giving some overview of the project, McKee led the people on a tour around the property, answering questions and explaining where different pieces of the development would go and what would happen to existing structures.

Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson, candidate for Muskegon mayor Bob Garrettson, former mayoral candidate John R. Allen were also seen at Tuesdays event.

Background of the proposed project

The proposed plan is for the Mart Dock boat-storage facility on Third Street downtown to move to Fishermans Landing, 501 E Western Ave. with two-thirds of the property then used for port operations. Port operations could potentially increase and expand, with the ability to bring in larger cruise ships.

In exchange, the city would receive a plot of land at the Third Street Wharf from the port company to be redeveloped into a waterfront green space and possible retail shops. The grassy, gated off waterfront site has remained vacant and owned by Mart Dock since the 1960s, McKee said.

The 109-site campground would be removed and the picnic pavilion potentially relocated from the waterfront park along Muskegon Lake.

Public access to boat ramps, fishing areas and parking at Fishermans Landing would remain and, with a 52-acre land acquisition next door, would expand as a public park.

If acquired, more than half of the acquired property would go to Mart Dock, which would use that land, combined with the campground property, as a port.

The remaining acreage would be developed into a waterfront park with trails, fishing and environmental restoration.

This sounds really good if it can all go through quickly enough, said Jennifer Hackey, North Muskegon resident and former Muskegon resident. I think Fishermans Landing  the campground needs to go, because of the private aspect. People cant get to the lake even though its public property and city-owned; everybody should be able to get down there.

In the project, cruise ships would still dock at Third Street Wharf.

A multi-million maritime museum is envisioned for the area visible off Shoreline Drive in hopes of preserving the USS LST 393, a World War II era landing ship tank anchored at the site currently, and the USS Silversides, a WWII submarine showcased down the shore.

McKee said there is not full support for the decision from the USS Silversides oversight board.

Mart Dock would cease its industrial port operations at its current downtown location within five years of the new port becoming active, said City Manager Jonathan Seyferth.

If approved, the city would start improvements at the Third Street Wharf and Mart Dock would take over the lease of Fishermans Landing in 2026.

The Fishermans Landing campground will remain open through the 2026 season no matter what is decided.

Changes to the Fishermans Landing site and relocation of Third Street operations would bleed into future years, with the entire project expected to show progress in its first five years but continue up to 25 years or more.

You wont see it in the first two years, but you might start seeing it in the third year, the fifth year, the seventh year, the 10th year or the 20th year for your kids, our kids, the future, Mckee said.

Muskegon resident Josh Parker said he wanted childrens activities to be a priority in the new development.

What do we have here for kids to do? Parker said. Things for families to do - not just beer, liquor, alcohol. Lets make things for the kids to enjoy down here.

The project is dependent both on receiving a federal port development grant in the future and a conversion agreement with the state that the campground is being replaced by adequate recreational space. The deadline for the federal grant application is next May, said McKee.

The state has already granted $2.8 million in grant funding specifically for the Third Street Wharf project.

Seyferth has highlighted the projects potential creation of more than 200 construction jobs and 300 long-term jobs, more than $14 million in wages and more than $41 million in annual economic activity.

The redevelopment of the prime downtown waterfront property and a 107% increase in publicly owned lake frontage are benefits city leaders have cited for the project.

The Muskegon City Commission is expected to vote on rezoning properties and a development agreement on Nov. 25.

Business leader calls police on city commissioner

At the beginning of Tuesdays tour, McKee first approached Kochin. He said he had concerns about her not supporting the land swap.

First I tried to talk to her about what she had done and why I was not happy that she wouldnt email or text back, and she denied that, McKee said.

The port company president said he previously put a message on his flashing sign out front that named Kochin and said she didnt support the project.

He put my name up on his billboard saying that I was against public access, Kochin said. Thats a lie. Im not against public access. Im against what this deal has turned into. The original plan was much more feasible, and I was more willing to listen to what they had to say, what they were going to come up with. But this current iteration, the public is mostly against, and it has a lot of loopholes that are uncomfortable for myself.

Mart Dock President Max McKee said he put a message on his company sign about Muskegon Commissioner Katrina Kochin stating that she didn't support the proposal. Photo provided to MLive by Katrina Kochin

After the first conversation Tuesday, McKee approached Kochin again a few minutes later during the tour.

I went up to her and I said, Are you still opposed to this? Why are you here? McKee said. And she goes, I have every right to be here. And I said, Well, if youre not open minded, I dont want you here. Youre trespassing, please leave.

Kochin described the situation as McKee kept bugging her and getting up in my face. She said she felt uncomfortable about how close he was to her. McKee disputes that he was too close.

Kochin said McKee also approached her this past Sunday at the Michigan Irish Musical Festival.

After asking the commissioner to leave, McKee kept leading the group, walking ahead and talking on his phone. There was one more interaction between the two where McKee pointed out that Kochin hadnt left.

He continued to say he wanted me to leave, and I said, If you want me to go, go on ahead and call the cops. Kochin said. I am here to listen to what you have to say. I am here to listen to the people.

Several minutes after that, a Muskegon police car pulled onto the property, but without stopping it turned around, turned its lights on and headed back toward central downtown. Once it was through the light at Third Street, the police lights went off.

I called that cop, McKee said.

Kochin said she felt he was trying to intimidate her, but shes not going to be scared.

If we are expected to do a million-dollar deal, millions of dollars of deals with this individual over the years, that he will be running our campground, we need to be doing it with somebody stable, she said.
FRANKENMUTH, MI  As construction of a boutique hotel continues along the Cass River in Michigans Little Bavaria, company officials unveiled a new water wheel, which serves as a nod to the sites history.

The new water wheel is the latest addition to The Mill at Zehnder Park, which is expected to open to guests at 701 Mill St. next year. The sites original water wheel, installed in 1984, was beyond repair, said Zehnders CEO and Chairman Al Zehnder.

A view of a new water wheel at The Mill at Zehnder Park, 701 Mill Street in Frankenmuth, Mich., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

Zehnder said since purchasing the property in 2020, its been their mission to retain as much of the sites history as possible.

Our family came here in 1846 after the first wave, and by 1847-1848, milling was established in Frankenmuth, so its one of the very, very early businesses in Frankenmuth, Zehnder said. We wanted to keep that history alive and tell the story, not only of Frankenmuth, but of the milling industry through what were doing here at The Mill at Zehnder Park.

The hotel under construction now is where the Nickless-Hubinger Mill was built in 1848 and operated until 1956 when it was demolished, according to a company press release.

A view of Nickless-Hubinger Flour Mill and Store located on Cass River in Frankenmuth on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. The historic grain mill will be transformed into a boutique, luxury lodging property according to Zehnders of Frankenmuth CEO Al Zehnder. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

In 1984, the mill was rebuilt to commemorate Frankenmuths agricultural history. Now, The Mill hotel will commemorate that history in a brand-new way.

A view of a new water wheel at The Mill at Zehnder Park, 701 Mill Street in Frankenmuth, Mich., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

The new water wheel was constructed by Sullivan Water Wheels of South Carolina. Its made of southern yellow pine, which was treated and stained, and it runs on about six to 10 gallons of water per minute.

Frankenmuth Mayor Tom Meyer said the water wheel stands as more than a symbol to capture the communitys history.

Mayor Tom Meyer smiles with the new water wheel behind him at The Mill at Zehnder Park, 701 Mill Street in Frankenmuth, Mich., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

Its a reminder of where we have come from and where we are going in the future. Its a promise of innovation and vision of where we want to be, and it directly ties us back to our early roots, Meyer said. The return of the water wheel will draw people here, spark conversations, and create new traditions family members.

A view of The Mill at Zehnder Park, 701 Mill Street in Frankenmuth, Mich., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

Inside, the hotel will feature four residential-style suites capable of hosting about 14 to 15 guests in total, Zehnder said.

There will also be a high-end lounge, Landmark Lounge, underneath The Mill, showcasing craft cocktails and small plates.

The Mill at Zehnder Park is slated to open in early 2026.

Follow along with the projects progress on The Mill at Zehnder Park Facebook page here.
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The Atlanta Dream will host the Indiana Fever tonight in a decisive Game 3 matchup to determine which team will advance to the semifinals.

Fans can catch the action on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with streaming available through 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 best-of-three series is tied 1-1 after Atlanta took Game 1, 80-68, and Indiana bounced back to even the series in Game 2, 77-60.

Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 19 points in their Game 2 victory, and Aliyah Boston added 15. Te-Hina Paopao led the Dream with 11 points, and Rhyne Howard added 10. Atlanta will look to close the series at home, while Indiana will look to keep its season alive with an upset.

The winner of tonights game will advance to play the winner of the Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm series in the semifinals.

WNBA PLAYOFFS

No. 6 Indiana Fever (1-1) vs. No. 3 Atlanta Dream (1-1)

When: Thursday, Sept. 18

Where: Gateway Center Arena at College Park, College Park, GA

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN2
Maruti's festive surprise: Reduces prices up to 24%, cars cheaper by almost Rs 1.30 lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno price has gone down by up to Rs 86,100.

Varun Singh

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US President Barack Obama said on Thursday that the US military would expand its role in the Asia-Pacific region despite budget cuts, declaring America was "here to stay" as a Pacific power which would help shape the region's future.China, which has longstanding fears that its growing power could be hobbled by U.S. influence, voiced misgivings about Obama's announcement of a de facto military base in Australia.Obama acknowledged China's unease at what it sees as attempts by Washington to encircle it, pledging to seek greater cooperation with Beijing.The U.S. military, turning its focus away from Iraq and Afghanistan, would be more broadly distributed in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, more flexible and help build regional capacity, he told the Australian parliament."As we end today's wars, I have directed my national security team to make our presence and missions in the Asia Pacific a top priority," Obama said in a major speech on Washington's vision for the Asia-Pacific region."As a result, reductions in U.S. defence spending will not -I repeat, will not - come at the expense of the Asia Pacific."He added: "We'll seek more opportunities for cooperation with Beijing, including greater communication between our militaries to promote understanding and avoid miscalculation."Nervous about China's growing clout, U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea have sought assurances from the United States that it would be a strong counterweight in the region.A first step in extending the U.S. military reach into Southeast Asia will see U.S. Marines, naval ships and aircraft deployed to northern Australia from 2012.That deployment to Australia, which by 2016 will reach a taskforce of 2,500 U.S. troops, is small compared with the 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and 50,000 in Japan.But the presence in Darwin, only 820 km (500 miles) from Indonesia, will allow the United States to quickly reach into Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean."It was here in Darwin that our alliance was born during Australia's 'Pearl Harbor'," Obama, with his sleeves rolled up, told 2,000 Australian and U.S. troops in the tropical port, where he stopped off en route to Indonesia.More bombs were dropped on Darwin during a World War Two Japanese raid than in Hawaii, but Obama said U.S.-Australian troops regrouped and went on to major Pacific victories."Here in Darwin and northern Australia we will write the next proud chapter in our alliance," said Obama, adding U.S. and Australian forces would ensure security of the Asian sealanes to the north which were critical for both economies.The new de facto U.S. base in Australia expands the direct U.S. military presence in Asia beyond South Korea and Japan and into Southeast Asia, an area where China has growing economic and strategic interests.It will also put more U.S. troops, ships and aircraft much closer to the South China Sea, over which Beijing has sovereignty disputes with several countries.Obama will raise the issue of the South China Sea during the security East Asia Summit on the Indonesian island of Bali later this week.CHINA QUESTIONS U.S. DEPLOYMENT TO AUSTRALIAChina has questioned the new U.S. deployment, with a foreign ministry spokesman raising doubts about whether strengthening such alliances helped the region pull together at a time of economic gloom.But overall its official reaction has been restrained, with an impending leadership succession preoccupying the ruling Communist Party and leaving Beijing anxious to avoid diplomatic fireworks.Reaction from some state media was harsher, with a commentary from the official news agency Xinhua on Thursday saying that: "Every country in the region...has good reason to question the United States' ambition"."In fact, it wouldn't come as a surprise if the United States is trying to seek hegemony in the region, which would be in line with its aspirations as a global superpower," said Xinhua.Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest country and long wary of any expanded foreign military presence in the region, also warned that Australia deal came with risks."What I would hate to see is if such developments were to provoke a reaction and counter-reaction precisely to create a vicious circle of tension and mistrust or distrust," Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa told reporters.Obama said the United States would seek to work with China to ensure economic prosperity and security in the region, but would speak candidly about issues such as human rights and raise security issues like the South China Sea through which $5 trillion dollars in trade sails annually.China has broad claims over the sea, also rich in oil, minerals and fishery resources. Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei hold rival claims that have triggered several disputes in recent years.U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pointedly visited the Philippines on Wednesday, saying that no claimant should resort to intimidation to push its cause.Obama said the increased focus on the Asia-Pacific region was essential for America's economic future."As the world's fastest-growing region - and home to more than half the global economy - the Asia Pacific is critical to achieving my highest priority: creating jobs and opportunity for the American people," he said.
Train Accident to UPSC Success: Suraj Tiwari lost both legs and a hand, still cleared Civil Services with 3 fingers

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.

Suraj Tiwari lost both legs and a hand still cleared Civil Services with 3 fingers

Saurav Pandey

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Donald Trump says Jimmy Kimmel was fired for Lack of Talent, Elon Musk calls the host Disgusting

Nakul Tomar

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Kim Seon Ho and Suzy drama 'Delusion' fined in Jeju for illegal waste dumping during filming

Nakul Tomar

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Salman Khan is back in Mumbai with clean-shaven look after Battle Of Galwan shoot in Ladakh

Salman Khan is back in Mumbai with clean-shaven look after Battle Of Galwan shoot in Ladakh

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Watch: CCTV footage of firing outside Disha Patanis Bareilly home released, two shooters killed in encounter

Watch: CCTV footage of firing outside Disha Patanis Bareilly home released, two shooters killed in encounter

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Extra weight or being skinny? Surprising Danish study suggests what is more dangerous

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

The study results suggest that people with a BMI under 18.5 were nearly three times more likely to die than those with a BMI around 24 (Images: Canva)

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10 most expensive coffees in the world: From Black Ivory coffee to Jamaican Blue Mountain

Luxury coffee goes far beyond your average cafe latte. Around the world, certain beans fetch hundreds of dollars per pound due to their rarity, unique processing methods, and rich flavor profiles.(Image: Pexels)

Ishita Batra

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3 IPOs in pipeline, KKRs Asia infra fund set for up to $700 million in exits

Swaraj Singh Dhanjal

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The companies declined to give a date for when the first joint products will come to market but said that their product plans prior to the joint deal have not changed.

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To support execution, Titagarh is expanding facilities by 40 acres, setting up new infrastructure for forming, testing, and commissioning, including a 1.6 km test track

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Classification anomalies, carve-outs in rates make GST 2.0 not entirely perfect, say experts

Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com

There is persistence of dual treatment within the 5 percent slab.

Meghna Mittal

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With our new EU-India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level, Ursula von der Leyen noted. (File photo)

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Anand Rathi to launch Rs 745 cr IPO on Sep 23, price band set at Rs 393-414 per share

Sunil Matkar

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Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers.

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Lovisha Darad Lovisha is passionate about domestic and global equity market development. She writes stories exclusively on equities from a fundamental perspective, gathering insights from niche market gurus.

Derivative signals point to further upside as Fed cut and expiry add momentum.

Lovisha Darad

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Fed Rate cut unlikely to trigger FII rush into India as earnings, valuations bite

Lovisha Darad Lovisha is passionate about domestic and global equity market development. She writes stories exclusively on equities from a fundamental perspective, gathering insights from niche market gurus.

Lovisha Darad

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MC Exclusive: Investors must share blame for India Incs reluctance to sacrifice margins for growth, says Sunil Singhania

For consumer and IT firms, Singhania said managements will have to choose growth over comfort

Lovisha Darad

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Sebi held that the transactions did not qualify as related party transactions under the definition prevailing at the time.

Brajesh Kumar

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Sunil Matkar

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This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer

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J Jagannath

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Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol.

Viswanath Pilla

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Yeeshu Yadav

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SBI extends Treasury Bill repayment by one year as part of emergency aid; move underscores Indias Neighbourhood First policy

Aishwarya Dabhade

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The lawsuit appears to be the first in the United States over the crash.

Arindam Roy

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Vote Theft Row Live: This is being done in a centralised manner, says Rahul Gandhi

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday, "Let's talk about how this is being done and why I'm saying and we are saying that this is being done in a centralised manner and this is being done not using individuals but using software. Look at the serial numbers... A software is picking up the first name in the booth and using it to delete votes. Someone ran an automated program to ensure that the first voter at the booth was the applicant. That same person got cell phones from outside the state, used them to file the application, and we are pretty certain that this was done in a centralised manner and it was done at scale. This was not done at a worker level; this was done at a whole simpler level."
Smriti Mishra

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Congress shares letter written by Karnataka CEO to Election Commission, says 'ECI blocking investigation so that...'

Jairam Ramesh posted the link to the letter on X

Ria Kapoor

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As per the directives of the minister, DGCA also carried out a comprehensive inspection/audit of all helipads, helicopters, operators' preparedness and support facilities from September 13-16, it said, adding that after the approval for recommencement of helicopter operations has been granted to UCADA and helicopter operators.

101Reporters

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The former US official told the newspaper that both countries need to go back to the way it was before, saying the 'whole tariff policy is a mistake'

Arindam Roy

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Finance Ministry pushes govt employees to shift to Unified Pension Scheme, allows physical form submission for opt-in request

Ria Kapoor

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Parimal Peeyush

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From diamond domes to clean lines: Amaravati 2.0 gets low-key reveal as Chandrababu Naidu showcases futuristic capital plans

During his previous stint as CM, Naidu had showcased more elaborate concepts - such as a High Court model shaped like a Buddhist stupa and a Legislative Complex inspired by a diamond - designs submitted by Foster & Partners

Surabhi Pandey

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'He had a good shot at being President...': Trump says Charlie Kirk 'just wanted to take care of youth'

Ria Kapoor

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'I myself didn't stop, I'm 85': Sharad Pawar says he can't tell PM Modi to step down at 75

Ria Kapoor

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Sonalee Borgohain

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India to buy more Israeli Heron drones, plans to arm them with Spike missiles after Operation Sindoor success

Armed forces push new orders, work on weaponising UAVs with Spike-NLOS for cross-border strike capability

Aishwarya Dabhade

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BlackBuck ORR exit row: DK Shivakumar says govt wont be blackmailed; officials inspect tech corridor, claim congestion will drop by up to 40%

Christin Mathew Philip

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Armaan Bhatnagar

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Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact to have grave implications for India's national security, failure of PM's diplomacy: Congress

Smriti Mishra

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US revokes visas of some Indian business executives, their family members over fentanyl precursor trafficking

The Embassy has also cautioned that executives associated with firms accused of fentanyl precursor trafficking will be subject to heightened visa scrutiny

Smriti Mishra

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Vote theft row: Who is Gyanesh Kumar, CEC targeted by Rahul Gandhi for 'protecting destroyers of democracy'

Sonalee Borgohain

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Deblina Halder

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OPINION | If Pakistan does not apologise for its armys genocide in 1971, ties with Bangladesh wont really blossom

SNM Abdi is an independent journalist specialising in Indias foreign policy and domestic politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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OPINION | Modis belated visit to Manipur gave hope. It now needs to be followed by action

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during laying of foundation stone and inauguration of development works, in Churachandpur, Manipur. (Source: PMO via PTI Photo)

Namrata Agarwal

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OPINION | Will Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj be the wild card in Bihars election?

Venkatesh Kesari is a journalist. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Sunil Gatade is a journalist. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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Founded in 2015, BlackBuck is one of Indias largest digital freight platforms and has operated from its Bellandur base for close to a decade.

Shubhi Mishra

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Dinosaurs were ecosystem engineers and study shows how their sudden extinction changed Earths rivers

Sheetal Kumari

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Kangaroo Island koalas show longer and more frequent stretches of identical DNA inherited from both parents. Scientists call these runs of homozygosity, a clear marker of inbreeding. (Image: Flinders University)

Sheetal Kumari

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Sheetal Kumari

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How many weeks of work does it take to buy an iPhone in India?

Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com

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Ankita Chakravarti

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J Jagannath

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MeitY ordered takedown of over 3,000 apps from Google Play Store in AprilMay 2025, amid India-Pakistan border tensions

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The orders were issued in late April and early May 2025

Aihik Sur

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The new glasses come as Meta is facing scrutiny over its handling of child safety on its social media platforms. Reuters

Arindam Roy

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Nvidia shut out of China as Beijing bans its AI chips, here's why

MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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Aabhas Sharma

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Trump dines with Tim Cook, Sam Altman, Satya Nadella and other tech leaders at dinner hosted for him by King Charles III

MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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Ankita Chakravarti

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Where is Gen Z going for festive break? Gujarats Garba to Kolkatas Puja fuel holiday travel rush

Maryam Farooqui is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol covering media and entertainment, travel and hospitality. She has 11 years of experience in reporting.

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Maryam Farooqui

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1 / 10

Step into a moss-draped cedar forest, soak in an ancient hot spring, or wander a sleepy woodland trailand suddenly, youre no longer in ordinary Japan. Youve crossed into a Studio Ghibli world. Few animation studios capture the spirit of place as vividly as Ghibli. Its landscapes feel both magical and familiar because so many of them are rooted in real corners of Japan. Since its founding in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has transported audiences with hand-drawn artistry and deeply human storytelling. From the whimsical My Neighbor Totoro (1988) to the Oscar-winning Spirited Away (2001), and the epic Princess Mononoke (1997), the studio hasnt just given us filmsit has gifted us dreamscapes. (Image: Japan National Tourism Organization)
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan ink defence pact: 'Aggression against either shall be considered aggression against both'

Aishwarya Dabhade

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EU weighs reparation loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets, aiming to bypass Hungarys veto as U.S. cuts aid. Plan still at early stage

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Canadian author Robert Munsch chose 'MAID' to end his life: What it means and how it works across countries

Abhinav Gupta

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From bug hotels to royal dollhouses: Melania Trumps day out with Queen Camilla and Princess Kate

While Trump talked geopolitics with Starmer, the First Lady toured Windsor treasures and joined childrens activities at Frogmore House. (Image credit: AP)

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Aishwarya Dabhade

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Indian troops in Russia-Belarus War Games: Why New Delhi's participation in Zapad-2025 has uneased NATO and US

Belarus' military helicopters fire during the "Zapad-2025" (West-2025) joint Russian-Belarusian military drills at a training ground near the town of Borisov, east of the capital Minsk, on September 15, 2025. (Photo by Olesya KURPYAYEVA / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Inside Trumps Windsor Castle state dinner: what was on the menu, who attended, and why it mattered

Pragya Trivedi

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Jimmy Kimmel Live taken off air after remarks about Charlie Kirk: What did he say?

Chhabi Kala

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Key questions that still remain unanswered in case against Charlie Kirk's accused killer

Prosecutors began outlining the case against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on Tuesday, when he appeared in court via video feed from jail to face capital murder and other charges

Arindam Roy

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Each training camp costs around PKR 12.5 million, and Jaish-e-Mohammed has urged supporters to donate PKR 21,000 each via digital wallets. (Image Source: X/OsintTV)

Abhinav Gupta

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Syria's foreign minister en route to Washington in first official trip to US capital

Chhabi Kala

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Syria's foreign minister in Washington for first visit by Damascus official in 25 years

Syria's foreign minister in Washington for first visit by Damascus official in 25 years

Yeeshu Yadav

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Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) and US President Donald Trump (L) show off their signed technology properity deal at a Business event at Chequers, in Aylesbury, central England, on September 18, 2025, on the second day of the US President's second State Visit. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Pragya Trivedi

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Trump is not emperor of the world: Brazils Lula says he has 'no relationship with US President

Pragya Trivedi

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Trump says he is very close to PM Modi, defends tariffs on India over Russian oil purchase

Abhinav Gupta

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Trump says Putin has really let me down over Ukraine war, Starmer urges him to put 'extra pressure' on Moscow

US President Donald Trump (L) gestures as he speaks during a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) following their meeting at Chequers, in Aylesbury, central England, on September 18, 2025, on the second day of the US President's second State Visit. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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US revokes Chabahar Port waiver, sanctions apply from Sept 29: What it means for India | Explained

A picture taken on February 25, 2019 shows workers resting at the Shahid Beheshti Port in the southeastern Iranian coastal city of Chabahar, on the Gulf of Oman. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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'We want that base back': Why Trump says the US is eyeing a return to Bagram in Taliban-run Afghanistan

Aishwarya Dabhade

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What is Antifa? Origins, tactics, and why Trump labeled it a terror outfit

The Antifa tradition traces back to anti-fascist resistance in Nazi Germany and Mussolinis Italy before World War II.

Deblina Halder

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Why sneaker production is shifting from China to Vietnam

Why sneaker production is shifting from China to Vietnam (File image)

Pragya Trivedi

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Why Trump fumes at Netanyahu in private but still gives him free rein in public

Why Trump fumes at Netanyahu in private but still gives him free rein in public

Pragya Trivedi

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Its Fried Rice Daygo out and celebrate

HAPPY Fried Rice Day!

Here in the Marianas, fried rice is a dish served all day long, one that residents come back to when they need a tasty, quick, filling side. And best of all, fried rice is as customizable as it gets. People throw in their favorite veggies, meats, sauces, spices, and more to create the fried rice that perfectly fixes their culinary cravings.

For this occasion, Marianas Variety went to our Best restaurantsShirleys Coffee Shop Saipan, Js Restaurant, and Sunny Side Cafe, all winners in the Best of the Marianas Fried Rice categoryto celebrate Fried Rice Day. We hope you do, too!

Our journey started in Susupe, where supervisor Angel Catungal showed us why Shirleys Coffee Shop Saipan was voted the CNMIs favorite fried rice spot.

Our fired rice has a very consistent taste, he says. It doesnt matter if its a new cook or which chef is on duty. The taste doesnt change. The consistency of the food, the quality, the service, its all there, he said.

In any given work week, Shirleys Susupe can go through 100 to 150 pounds of rice on a weekday, much of that going into the fried rice that put their restaurant on the map, Catungal says.

And of course, on Saturdays and especially during brunch time after Sunday Mass at the nearby Mount Carmel Cathedral, the restaurant definitely wipes out all the rice in its commercial-sized rice cooker.

As Shirleys regulars already know, the restaurant uses chopped ham mixed with green onions, eggs, salt, black pepper, and just a little bit of Ajinomoto to keep its customers coming back for more.

Marianas Variety also took a trip to Gualo Rai to pay a visit to Arnold Quiambao, head cook at Js Restaurant. Quiambao, who has worked for 20 years at the Middle Road eatery, is definitely an expert at making the dish that catapulted Js Restaurant to a silver award in the fried rice category.

Thats usually three scoops of rice mixed with garlic powder, peas, carrots, corn, finely diced Spam, Knorr liquid seasoning, and soy sauce.

When asked how much rice flows through the restaurant in a day, Quiambao said, [We] maybe use a sack of rice.

Fried rice is an island favorite. Its tasty, and is always fresh, he added.

Quiambaos message to island residents is to keep supporting local businesses. Just keep on coming and patronize local food, he said.

We next headed to Sunny Side Cafe in Garapan, which is just a short stroll from the Marianas Variety office. When we asked one of the restaurants managers, Dolores Suliman, how much fried rice Sunny Side Cafe makes in a day, she said its not a figure she can estimate offhand.

Its a lot, my dear, Suliman said. From morning until the evening, especially during lunch, [customers often order fried rice], even take out, she said.

On the recommendation of some of our Sales Department staff, we tried Sunny Side Cafes Sisig Fried Rice, a rich blend of fried rice and sisig, a well-known Filipino dish made with pork bits. Added to that mixture is lemon powder, onions, eggs, salt and pepper, and a topping of mayonnaise and a garnish of hot pepper.

Suliman says Sunny Side Cafe being able to compete with two of the most well-established dining places on Saipan despite being a relative newcomer in the CNMIs restaurant scene boils down to its unique offerings.

Only Sunny Side has this, she says of their Sisig Fried Rice. Its also popular because it tastes good.

And with our order complete, we were ready with three hefty plates of fried rice ready to share with our office.

How are you going to celebrate Fried Rice Day? Be sure to check out any of Marianas Varietys Best of the Marianas awardees!

As Shirleys Coffee Shop Saipan, regulars already know, the restaurant uses chopped ham then mixes in green onions, eggs, salt, black pepper, and just a little bit of Ajinomoto in their fried rice to keep customers coming back for more.

Here in the Marianas, fried rice is a dish served all day long, one that residents come back to when they need a tasty, quick, filling side.

No time to dine in? Get your Shirleys Coffee Shop Saipan Fried Rice order to go.

The crew at Shirleys Coffee Shop Saipan in Susupe want you to know their fried rice is No. 1

The crew at Js Restaurant pose for a group photo.

An island staple, Js Restaurants fried rice is prepared hot and fresh.

Our fried rice order gets served up at Js Restaurant on Middle Road in Gualo Rai.

Our order getting cooked on the griddle at Js Restaurant in Gualo Rai.

Arnold Quiambao, head cook, expertly prepares the famous Js Restaurant fried rice.

At Sunny Side Cafe, we made sure to try the Sisig Fried Rice.

Garapans Sunny Side Cafe has lots of Filipino favorites on its menu. For Fried Rice Day, our sales department said we should try the Sisig Fried Rice.

Fried rice is as customizable a dish as they come.

Sunny Side Cafe waitstaff brings us our order.
Aquino bill expands military leave for CNMI government employees

Danny Aquino

REPRESENTATIVE Danny Aquino on Thursday said an increased number of leave hours will put CNMI servicemembers at ease when called upon to serve.

Aquino authored House Bill 24-54, which unanimously passed the House recently and is now with the Senate. The bill would increase to 30 the number of military leave days available to CNMI government employees, to include Federal Emergency Management Agency reservists under President Joe Bidens Executive Order 14052, which counts them as military reservists.

In an interview, Aquino, who previously served as special assistant for military affairs, said the CNMI statute currently allows only 15 days of military leave. Then-Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, through an executive order, increased it to 30 days, and the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios followed through by issuing a similar executive order.

Aquino noted that in the U.S., state governments have also expanded military leave for their servicemembers. In Arizona and Texas, for example, military leave was increased to 30 days.

Im very grateful for the overwhelming support from the House, and I sincerely hope that the Senate will pass this important legislation, Aquino said, adding that H.B. 24-54 will put CNMI military reservists, FEMA reservists, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations commissioned officers at ease when called upon to serve.

The measure, he said, affirms the CNMIs commitment to supporting citizen soldiers and emergency responders who bear dual responsibilities to their nation and their communities. The expanded eligibility and increased duration of their paid leave benefits will ensure that the CNMI government remains a fair, supportive, and mission-ready employer in line with the evolving expectations of federal law and national service, Aquino said.
Investor claims extortion, threats after kidnapping allegations

Video shows Jimmy Borja banging on the door of Hee Jungs office in San Antonio

AN investor involved in an alleged kidnapping case, along with his family, on Tuesday filed formal complaints  including extortion and threats  with the Department of Public Safety against a man the investor said was just pretending to be a tour guide who had accused him of kidnapping and assault.

DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas and Criminal Investigation Commander Capt. Jeff Olopai confirmed the filing Wednesday. Macaranas explained that while investigating complaints, DPS does not identify victims. All I can officially say is that a party indirectly involved in the case came forward and provided information to support the complaints against Jijing Jimmy Borja, he said.

Variety was unable to get a comment from Borja.

According to the investor, Hee Jung, his complaints are supported by WhatsApp messages from Borja demanding money, as well as CCTV footage from Jungs business office in San Antonio showing Borja banging on the door as if trying to break in. The video was recorded on Aug. 25, 2025, the same day Borja and Yichuan Bai were involved in a hit-and-run incident in Garapan, which was also captured on video that went viral.

Olopai said DPS is reviewing the complaints and the hard evidence provided by Jung. Jung, along with Peter The Dragon Guerrero, alias Paduna, was previously arrested after Borja accused them of kidnapping and assault. Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph Camacho dismissed the kidnapping case against Guerrero. Jung is currently out on bail, while Bai remains at large.

In a separate interview, Jung denied the allegations, stating that neither he nor Paduna kidnapped Borja. He said he has no knowledge of what transpired between Borja and Bai before the Aug. 25 incident but added that it appeared to him that Borja knew Jung was a businessman.

Jung provided Variety with copies of the same videos he submitted to DPS, along with other footage showing Borja allegedly stalking his family. He also shared the WhatsApp messages Borja sent before and after the alleged kidnapping and the traffic incident in Garapan.

One WhatsApp message from Borja reads:

I have enough evidence and recordings. He [Yi Chuan Bai] has bigger things to do, lets just come to an agreement and give me some money. Lets get it notarized because I can put [you] guys behind bars easy. So dont waste money on lawyers and lets take the easy route. I cant tell you everything but please relay. Thanks in advance.

Other messages contained threats to Jung and his family:

Ive been calm three times. You make a mistake to me one more time, I will show you why people call me psycho. Just wait, Im coming to you. Dont rush it. Im gonna get you one day. I promised not to hurt the kids but you are different.

Do you really think there are many people in Saipan who can actually touch me? You still dont know my history here. Go ahead and ask how many times Ive been to prison. How many years I served and how I fought 17 times inside. If you get locals to come beat me up, do you think theyll really do it? Doesnt seem likely.

Fearing for their safety, Jung said he moved his wife and children to his in-laws home. He also submitted all evidence of Borjas alleged extortion and threats to DPS. I just want DPS to know the truth. It was not kidnapping, he said.

Jung expressed frustration at what he sees as unequal treatment by authorities. I cant understand why a person like him, who has done wrong, hasnt been arrested, while I became a suspect shortly after the incident and had my belongings seized, he said.

He also described ongoing harassment. My family is being threatened. Early in the morning, he called my wife asking for money, then came to me claiming to be an FBI agent demanding $10,000, Jung said.

Jung said the situation has shaken his faith in authority. After this, Im going back to Korea. Ill let others take over my position. This case shows why other companies and Japanese businesspeople give up and leave this island, he said.
OPINION  A call to support Taiwans participation in ICAO

Chen Shih-kai

THE International Civil Aviation Organization or ICAO convenes its Assembly once every three years. During the event, multilateral meetings and discussions are held to draw up global civil aviation regulations and standards. Nations abide by the conclusions drawn at the Assembly, ensuring the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation worldwide. The 42nd session of the ICAO Assembly will be held from Sept. 23 to Oct. 3 in Montreal, Canada. In line with its long-term strategic plan called Safe Skies, Sustainable Future, ICAO is emphasizing a commitment to working with all stakeholders  including member states, nonmember states, NGOs, and private enterprises  to build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive international aviation system. We call on ICAO to allow Taiwan to fully participate in its Assembly, technical meetings and mechanisms to ensure regional aviation safety and development needs, thereby achieving safe skies amid a sustainable future.

Meeting regional aviation safety and development needs

The Taipei Flight Information Region or FIR covers one of the busiest regions in East Asia for air travel. It is an indispensable part of ICAOs network of over 300 FIRs. Taiwans Civil Aviation Administration or CAA is the sole entity responsible for overseeing the Taipei FIR. The CAA offers a comprehensive range of information services and manages air routes to ensure safety and efficiency for all flights and passengers arriving in, departing from, and transiting the Taipei FIR. From both a risk and safety management perspective, ICAO should permit Taiwans CAA to participate on an equal footing with the oversight agencies of other FIRs. This will ensure that the Taipei FIR can communicate directly with other FIRs as well as with ICAO to ensure the free flow of timely information.

Despite not having authority over the Taipei FIR, China in recent years has declared temporary danger areas and airspace reservations and has established military exercise areas within the Taipei FIR. China has failed to comply with ICAO requirements that advance notice of at least seven days be given concerning such measures. This has severely compromised flight safety in the Taipei FIR and neighboring FIRs.

Global aviation faces many natural and manmade challenges such as climate change, power banks, and international geopolitical strife. Taiwan, which is responsible for the considerable traffic through the Taipei FIR, makes every effort to be a responsible stakeholder in the international aviation community. To undergird regional flight safety, Taiwan again calls on ICAO to recognize the importance of the Taipei FIR and of its participation in ICAO.

Achieving safe skies and a sustainable future

The CAA does its best to collect the information it can via indirect channels. It also invites aviation experts from other countries to hold training courses. This helps it to achieve international aviation safety management standards. It also adopts or modifies regulations, systems, and procedures in line with ICAO standards in ways that benefit global and regional aviation safety. For example, the CAA has initiated a State Safety Program and collaborates with aviation industry stakeholders through this program to establish safety oversight systems. This has contributed to Taiwans exceptional overall safety performance. From 2020 to 2024, the five-year moving occurrence rates of turbofan and turboprop aircraft were zero (zero accidents per million departures). The safety performance of Taiwans aviation industry has also been remarkable. EVA Air, for instance, has been recognized as one of the worlds safest full-service airlines by AirlineRatings.com and was ranked seventh-safest in 2025.

To further sustainable development of the aviation industry, the CAA has incorporated the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation into domestic law and launched a sustainable aviation fuel pilot program in April 2025. This demonstrates the determination of Taiwans aviation industry to take concrete steps toward a net-zero transformation.

Despite these efforts, to ensure access to timely and comprehensive information, the CAA must be allowed to participate in the technical meetings and training opportunities offered by ICAO. ICAO should act in line with its No One Left Behind initiative to rectify the fact that the CAA remains unable to participate in its activities.

Taiwan needs your support

Aviation safety knows no borders. For decades, the CAA has mandated and upheld the highest standards of service and safety for the Taipei FIR while meeting ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. As a stakeholder in the international aviation community, Taiwan shares in the responsibility to safeguard regional and global aviation safety. Through participation in ICAO, Taiwan will be able to continue to work with other countries to contribute to the further development of global aviation and the well-being of all mankind.

ICAO is set to convene the 42nd Assembly with the theme Safe Skies, Sustainable Future. It is time for ICAO to bring Taiwan into the fold. With meaningful participation, Taiwan can contribute its professional expertise in pursuit of ICAOs vision of safer skies and a more sustainable future. Taiwans CAA is committed to working with the international community to implement the Standards and Recommended Practices.
Variations  From moment to moment

IN his 1974 book, Unheavenly City Revisited, Edward C. Banfield identified four social classes for the purposes of analyzing social problems: the lower class, the working class, the middle class, and the upper class. He said this classification is cultural and psychological rather than biologically or racially determined. Citing the findings of previous research, Banfield said each class exhibits a characteristic patterning that extends to all aspects of life: manners, consumption, child-rearing, sex, politics or whatever.

There are always exemptions, of course, but generally speaking, the working class is more future-oriented than the lower class but less than the middle class, the middle class in turn is less future-oriented than the upper.

As for a lower-class person, he lives from moment to moment. If he has any awareness of a future, it is of something fixed, fated, beyond his control: things happen to him, he does not make them happen. Impulse governs his behavior, either because he cannot discipline himself to sacrifice a present for a future satisfaction or because he has no sense of the future. [W]hatever he cannot use immediately he considers valueless. His bodily needs (especially for sex) and his taste for action takes precedence over everything else  and certainly over any work routine. He works only as he must stay alive, and drifts from one unskilled job to another, taking no interest in his work. He is careless with his thingsand even when nearly new, they are likely to be permanently out of order for lack of minor repairs. His body, too, is a thing to be worked out but not repaired; he seeks medical treatment only when practically forced to do so. In his relations with others he is suspicious and hostile, aggressive yet dependent. He is unable to maintain a stable relationship with a mate. He feels no attachment to community, neighbors, or friends, resents all authority (for example, that of policemen, social workers, teachers, landlords, employers), and is apt to think he has been railroaded and to want to get even. .

As someone who has spent the past three decades reading (and trying to make sense of) police reports, court affidavits, charging documents, and court rulings, I am struck by how eerily familiar Banfields description of lower-class traits sounds.

Again, it is not about race.

In his 2010 collection of essays, Life at the Bottom, the British author and psychiatrist Theodore Dalrymple wrote about the underclass and its patterns of behavior that are usually self-destructive. He noted that the majority of the British underclass is white, and that it demonstrates all the same social pathology as the black underclass in America  for very similar reasons. Moreover, in economically advanced nations like the U.S. (including its territories) as well as Britain, the underclass is not poor, at least by the standards that have prevailed throughout the great majority of human history. Americas social safety net, for example, is extensive and consists of a wide variety of federal, state, and local programs. The underclass in the First World, as Dalrymple would put it, enjoys amenities and comforts that would have made a Roman emperor or an absolute monarch gasp.

But for many (vocal and concerned) members of the middle and upper middle classes in a prosperous society, Banfield said there is a feeling of guilt at social failures, and this has given rise to public rhetoric about accepting responsibility for ills that in some cases could not have been prevented and cannot be cured. The dropout, for example, in turning his back on education is [supposedly] telling us that we never really connected with him, that in our preoccupation with others we never gave him enough time or attention. This is typical. In the upper-middle-class view it is always society that is to blame. Society, according to this view, could solve all problems if it only tried hard enough; that a problem continues to exist is therefore proof positive of its guilt.

According to Banfield, however, blaming society may lead us to believe that we cannot do anything to help ourselves  and that such a society is not worth saving. Perhaps not surprisingly, the more concerned citizens dwell on societys failures, the more righteous their anger becomes. Some may even conclude that drastic times call for drastic actions, and that badly needed changes must be carried out by any and all means necessary.

Humanity, however, has gone down that road many times before. The results were rarely pretty  and often far worse than the problems they were meant to solve.

Send feedback to editor@mvariety.com
Sierra Village, CA  A Columbia resident twice spotted stolen items from his property on a social media site, leading to a drug raid in the Sierra Village area of Tuolumne County.

The thefts occurred in July and August in the area of Star Ridge Road near Italian Bar Road in Columbia. On both occasions, water tanks were stolen, and during the first theft, solar batteries were also taken, which were then advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office launched an investigation, collecting video footage and reviewing material from the online posts.

The break in the case came when a deputy saw a water tank, fitting the description of those stolen, behind the Chevron Gas Station in Sierra Village at the end of August. The thieves struck again in early September, stealing another water tank from the property and trying to sell it on Facebook Marketplace. The investigation intensified on September 10, 2025, when deputies raided the Sierra Village property, arresting 30-year-old Summer Dawn Ward, 63-year-old Frederick Lee Guthmiller, and 54-year-old Stephen Gray. As they searched outdoors, deputies recovered one stolen water tank and four stolen batteries.

Based on their investigation, stated detectives, they found evidence supporting Ward, Gray, and Guthmiller were knowingly in possession of stolen property.

The Tuolumne Narcotics Team (TNT) was dispatched after a firearm and suspected drugs were discovered inside the home. Guthmillers loaded .357 revolver and ammunition, which he was not allowed to have, were found, along with 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine packaged in baggies, approximately 22 pounds of marijuana (both loose and individually packaged), packaging materials, and other items indicative of drug sales, according to sheriffs investigators.

Ward, Gray, and Guthmiller were arrested for possession of stolen property. Guthmiller faces additional charges related to drug sales and the firearm and ammunition.

The sheriffs office encourages anyone with information regarding this case to contact them at 209-533-5815, as it is an ongoing case.
Mariposa County, CA  A former Mariposa County Supervisor has been reappointed to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board for a second time.

It is a role that Arthur Baggett, of El Portal, has held since last year, when Governor Gavin Newsom tapped him for the position due to his multiple roles, including Chair, that he held in the past at the State Water Resources Board from 1999 to 2011. Since then, he has been a partner and counsel at AG Baggett and PJ Weber Inc. and adjunct faculty at the San Joaquin College of Law since 1997.

Baggett served eight years as the District One County Supervisor for Mariposa County from 1986 to 1994. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from San Joaquin College of Law, a Master of Science degree in Ecosystem Management and Forest Ecology from Antioch College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Cincinnati. Baggett, a Democrat, needs Senate confirmation for the position, which will compensate him $250 per diem.
Sacramento, CA  The State Department of Finance has sent a letter to the California Controller asking that a combined $251-million be reimbursed to Californias 58 counties for the costs of putting on a special election this November.

The state legislature, per the request of Governor Gavin Newsom, called for a special election to approve new Congressional maps in response to similar actions being taken in Texas. After hearing concerns from counties across the state about already tight budgets, Governor Gavin Newsom stated that California would dole out the money to put on the special election.

Looking at the regional costs that election officials estimate it will take to do the special election, the letter specifically requests that Tuolumne County receive $228,420, Calaveras County $348,832, Amador County $159,610, Mariposa County $75,000, Alpine County $38,950, and Stanislaus County $1.5-million.

The largest chunk will go to Los Angeles, around $67-million.
Its a cruel irony that Qatar has been bombed twice in the last three months by two sworn enemies, first by Iran and then by Israel. Neither has received kinetic retaliation from the very power supposedly guaranteeing Qatars security: the U.S. This signals a shift in the world order that Israel has already understood, but which Gulf states are only now beginning to grasp.

Israels attack on Qatar has exposed the fragility of the Gulf states security system, based on U.S. protection as its power declines. As John Mearsheimer argues, Israel does not have territorial ambitions within the Gulf, but it certainly has hegemonic ones. Through the Abraham Accords, Israel aims to normalize relations, as it has done with the UAE, but under the rubric of its own superiority.

Hegemony in the Middle East is what Israel is after by establishing a Greater Israel, expelling Palestinians from it, and balkanizing its direct neighbors. This puts Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt at risk. It is also why Israel will likely attack Iran againperhaps, many analysts suggest, before the years end. Turkey is also on the horizon, and its government is taking note.

Israel wants to establish itself as the regional hegemon, and is already behaving like one, backed by the United States. The U.S. wants to disengage from the Middle Eastto end the endless warswhile leaving it in the hands of a friendly power, and so far, that power is Israel. That is why Washington will not restrain Israel and will do nothing more than issue symbolic rebukes when it bombs its own allies.

The current boldness of Israel in pursuing its hegemonic ambitions shows that Israel has understood something the Gulf states seem to have not: the U.S. is a declining, overstretched empire forced to choose where it puts its resources. There are many arguments to justify this claim: from the defeat in Afghanistan to the one in Ukraine; from trade wars with China to levies imposed on Europe; from the breaking of its own international rules to the collapse of liberal philosophys universal claimall are signs that the age of the hegemon is ending.

But it has not ended yet; this is a golden opportunity for Israel, and Netanyahu knows it. The U.S. is still heavily invested in the Middle East, and Israel has convinced Washington that helping it pursue its strategic goals is in Americas own interesta fantasy sustained by the Israeli lobby.

To push its expansionist agenda, Israel needs the U.S. strong enough to offer support and political coverfully aware that this entails committing genocidewhile having no appetite to uphold the international rules-based order. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that the Hamas attacks on October 7 were, if not planned, at least allowed by the political and military elite of the country.

Its arguable that Israel has been waiting for this moment since its creation in 1948, or at least since the Oslo Accords in 1993. The UN partition in 1947 was clearly carried out with a goal in mindone has only to look at the mapand it was not a two-state solution. The Oslo Accords seem to have been nothing more than a way for Israel to buy time and strength to discard them entirely. Likud, Netanyahus political party, was founded in 1973 with the express intent of pursuing a Greater Israel.

That Israel was waiting for the most advantageous circumstances to fully unleash its expansion can also be deduced from recent history. Ariel Sharon, then Prime Minister, approved the disengagement plan to withdraw from Gaza in 2003. The E1 settlement in the West Bankwhich Netanyahu himself has said would make a Palestinian state impossiblehas been postponed since 1994. Both the reoccupation of Gaza and the E1 settlement are now moving ahead in full force.

Since the beginning of Israels attack on Gaza, it has also advanced occupation of the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria. Despite the peace, Egyptian leaders have begun to voice their concern, fully aware that the Sinai is part of Israels project and that Israel already took it once. Israel has also pursued a policy of destabilization in the Middle East in general to prevent the emergence of any regional power capable of posing a threat. Hence it has attacked Iran and will do it againand is already speaking about Turkey.

This is a marked change from the Israel of Trumps first administration and the first iteration of the Abraham Accords. Back then, Israel was publicly promoting a desire for regional stability and normalizing relationships with its Arab neighbors. Now it speaks openly of annexing Gaza and the West Bank, and doesnt hide its ambition of a hegemonic Greater Israel.

Israeli leadership has understood that the window of opportunity to pursue its expansionist agenda is nowor perhaps never. Despite good relations with Russia and friendly ones with China, at least until recently, neither of these powers would offer the support and political cover that the U.S. has done and continues to do. This also means that there will probably not be a better time to commit genocide than now, while the current international order is broken and a new one has not yet been enforced.

It took the U.N. almost three years and probably over 600,000 deaths to conclude that Israel is committing genocide. There has been no international organizationthe U.N., the ICC, the E.U., BRICS, the OICor any nation, despite rhetoric, that has done anything to effectively stop the carnage in Gaza and to rein in Israels expansionist policy in the region and its continuous heinous attacks on civilians. This is a failure of the international systemnot the first, but arguably the one that delivered the final blow.

That reality, which goes hand in hand with the decay of U.S. hegemony, is what Gulf states seem not to have understoodor, if they have, they are not willing to act on it as Israel does. The declaration at the recent Arab-Islamic emergency meeting in Doha, in light of Israels attack on the host country, is a testament to this: full of anger but lacking concrete action.

They call on the international community, the charter of the Arab League, and Article 2 of the U.N. Charter, which prohibits aggression that threatens territorial or political integrity. They invoke relevant resolutions of the OIC as well as the U.N. to condemn Israeli aggression on Qatar and its expansionist policies in the Middle East. They call for holding Israel accountable according to relevant international law and human rights. But there is not a single concrete item of actionable policy.

There is an argument for this, which is that they did not really want to do anything about it: that the emergency meeting was only a PR exercise to placate public opinion. This argument maintains that the U.S. and Qatar were aware and, since Qatar was not really the objective but Hamas, the Gulf state did not really feel threatened by Israel. Thus, their poetic but empty calls for Arab and Islamic unity, coupled with the lack of concrete action.

I dont particularly agree with the idea that Qatar was in the loop, but if there is some truth to it, we must assume that it was forced to accept it as a fait accompli, since it doesnt seem to benefit from it. Which only reinforces its status as a vassal state.

The Gulf states are, for all intents and purposes, vassals of the U.S. They owe their very modern existence to the international order championed by the U.S. after World War Two and its protection; that is why they invoke it when they feel threatened. The U.S. established a contractual relationship with them: security and recognition in exchange for oil and gas. But they have no real sovereignty. As Julian Macfarlane notes, their situation is very similar to that of the Indian Princely States under British imperial rule. The empire allowed local tribal families to rule while making sure they aligned completely with its interests. But the interests of the empire do not always align with theirs.

This is the case that most likely applies to Israels attack on Qatar. It is hardly believable that the U.S. had no prior knowledge. Axios reports that Netanyahu spoke to Trump previously. John Helmer argues that the attack might have been conducted with drones and not missiles and that, if so, it must have been launched from within Qatar, probably from an airstrip coming from the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base. This is speculative, but nonetheless, the argument of U.S. ignorance does not holdjust as it did not hold when Trump claimed not to be involved in Israels attack on Iran.

In the face of U.S. interests clashing with their own, what can Gulf states do? Not much. As Mearsheimer notes, they have almost no leverage. They have promoted an image of political and economic stability and neutrality, aiming to attract oligarchs and their finances, Western and non-Western, but all predicated on the U.S.-led order.

Now that order is breaking, they risk suffering the same fate as Antwerp in the 16th century. Under the Spanish Empire, this city became the worlds financial hub, handling 75% of Europes trade with Asia and receiving over 1,000 boats weekly from all over the world. But when in 1576, the Spanish Empire, burdened with debt, failed to pay the wages of its mercenary soldiers fighting in the Low Countries, the troops ransacked Antwerp, which was full of foreign merchants. In less than three days, this international merchant hub disappeared, with all traders and financiers relocating elsewhere.

To conclude, and because it does not seem appropriate to present only a victorious Israel, the genocide it is committing may ultimately cost the country its very existence. It is hard to imagine how any society could endure with such a deep moral wound, yet Netanyahu himself has warned that isolation is on the horizon. The real question is: how long can Israeli society hold together before part of it turns against itself? Difficult to predictbut not difficult to see coming.

PS: As I finished writing this, news broke about a security agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which MoA has analyzed as consequence of the attack in Doha. This does not invalidate the hypothesis in this article, since Saudi Arabia already had its Qatar moment in 2019. And although it is a Gulf state, its size and importance place it in a different category from the otherscloser to Turkiye and Iran.
China condemns U.S. efforts to impose steep secondary tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil

China has sharply rejected U.S. efforts to push G7 and NATO allies into imposing steep secondary tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil, calling such demands economic coercion and warning of countermeasures if its interests are harmed.

The U.S., under President Trump and via Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has proposed tariffs of 50?100 percent on imports from China and India linked to their purchases of Russian oil and gas, as part of a broader strategy to cut off funding to Russia in its war against Ukraine.

China maintains that its economic, energy and trade cooperation with all countries (including Russia) is lawful and legitimate and urges that disputes be resolved through equal dialogue rather than unilateral pressure.

Beijing has made clear that if its rights, interests, sovereignty, security or development are threatened by these U.S. tariff proposals or secondary sanctions, it will take resolute counter?actions.

On the U.S. side, although the administration is pushing for these tariff measures, Bessent has stated that the U.S. will not act alone. European backing and cooperation from G7 partners are viewed as necessary before putting such tariffs into effect.

Beijing has issued a strong rebuke to recent U.S. efforts to pressure G7 and NATO partners into imposing steep tariffs on countries over their continued purchase of Russian oil. Chinese officials warn that such measures amount to "economic coercion" and unilateralism, promising firm countermeasures should China's interests suffer.

The origins of the dispute lie in proposals by the Trump administration, which have called on G7 finance ministers to consider secondary tariffs of 50 to 100 percent on imports from China and India tied to their purchases of Russian oil and gas. The idea is part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at squeezing Russia economically, on the premise that cutting off revenue from its trade partners could help bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. (Related: Cutting off Putins cash flow: Trump pushes EU to slap massive tariffs on China, India over Russian oil.)

At a press conference on Sept. 15, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was quoted saying that it is "fully legitimate and lawful" for Beijing to maintain normal energy, trade and economic cooperation with all nations, including Russia. He condemned the U.S. push for tariffs as "a typical move of unilateralism, bullying and economic coercion" that undermines international trade rules and risks destabilizing global industrial and supply chains.

China urges negotiation, warns of retaliation if pressured by U.S.

China's position on the Ukraine conflict, Lin emphasized, remains "objective and just," and Beijing continues to promote dialogue and negotiation as the only viable path toward resolving the conflict.

Beyond rhetoric, Chinese authorities have warned that if its legitimate rights and interests are harmed by such tariff threats or secondary sanctions, China will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development.

On the U.S. side, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that imposing such tariffs would depend in part on European cooperation. Unless European countries move first, the U.S. may be reluctant to act alone. Meanwhile, G7 finance ministers have reportedly begun exploring possible sanctions or trade actions targeting countries seen as enabling Russia's war effort  though European leaders remain wary of potential blowback and economic costs.

The conflict highlights growing tension over the use of trade policy and tariffs as tools of geopolitical strategy. As China asserts its rights under what it frames as international law and trade norms, the U.S. is pushing hard to enlist global allies in pressure tactics against Russia. The standoff raises difficult questions about how far trade penalties can be pushed without triggering retaliatory cycles or undermining global supply chain stabilityconcerns that China explicitly cited.

As per Brighteon.AI's Enoch, China's warning to the U.S. over Russian oil thefts is a strategic move to assert its influence and protect its interests, potentially leading to further geopolitical tensions and economic instability. This underscores the need for the U.S. to prioritize domestic issues and reduce its military footprint in regions that do not directly threaten American security.

Head over to Trump.news for related news.

Trump should put the tariffs on immediately, expert says. Watch this video.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Civil Terrorism emerges as a major threat to national security

The Trump administration seeks $58 million in extra funding to enhance security after the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

Federal authorities probe into radical leftist groups, suspecting coordination in the violence.

Evidence suggests a broader conspiracy with potential involvement of dozens of co-conspirators.

The incident elevates concerns about "civil terrorism" and the rise of militant leftist activism, paralleled by historical context highlighting the political atmospheres crucial role.

New funding aims to preempt further acts of targeted political violence and protect public officials.

The assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves through American political circles, sparking a debate about the escalating threat of "civil terrorism." The Trump administration's swift response, requesting an additional $58 million to bolster federal security measures, underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement views the recent events. The killing, along with evidence suggesting a coordinated conspiracy, indicates a new, dangerous phase in domestic political violence.

A loner or a broader conspiracy?

Federal investigators are not ruling out the possibility that Tyler Robinson, the suspected shooter, acted as part of a broader conspiracy. According to researcher Tony Seruga, GPS data under FBI review could implicate "dozens of co-conspirators." This development suggests that the attack on Kirk was not an isolated act, but part of a larger ideological campaign. Analysts have noted a trend towards militant activism and "nihilistic accelerationism," with groups like Armed Queers Salt Lake City and the Socialist Rifle Association becoming focal points for extreme leftist ideologies.

The rise of militant leftism

The roots of today's heightened tensions can be traced back to the rise of the "protest-industrial complex" and increasing militancy within leftist circles. Commentaries and reports, such as "America Has A Transtifa Problem" and "The Protest-Industrial-Complex Isnt Peaceful, Its Civil Terrorism...," have warned of the escalation in political violence well before the Kirk assassination. The ideological landscape has shifted significantly, with far-left networks interweaving with militant anarchist groups and climate activists, all funded through powerful NGO ecosystems. This interconnection forms a complex web that traditional law enforcement has struggled to dismantle effectively.

Uncovering the funding networks

Independent investigative author Peter Schweizer has traced financial support for some protest groups, including Armed Queers, to dark-money operations. In one report, Schweizer detailed how No Kings and its partners received over $114 million from the Arabella Advisors network. These funding mechanisms have allowed groups to operate more freely, fostering an environment where extremist rhetoric and actions thrive. The rhetoric of these groups, such as the statement from Armed Queers that "America must be no more," mirrors the FBIs description of nihilistic accelerationism.

Expert warnings on escalation

Civil terrorism researcher Jason Curtis Anderson warns that the scope of revolutionary leftist organizing is often underestimated. Anderson emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to dismantle these networks, rather than treating each threat in isolation. The White House's $58 million request for increased security reflects this understanding, signaling a concerted effort to preempt further acts of targeted political violence.

Protecting democracy in the age of civil terrorism

The assassination of Charlie Kirk and the subsequent probes into radical leftist groups highlight the urgent need for both immediate security measures and long-term strategies to counter civil terrorism. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for law enforcement and policymakers to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting the nation's democratic institutions. The events underscore the importance of addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying dynamics that fuel such extremism. As the White House moves forward, the hope is that these measures will enhance national security and uphold the values of a free and open society.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

Bloomberg.com

Axios.com

Substack.com
COVID lockdowns rewired teen brains, study finds: Lasting stress, inflammation, and emotional dysregulation

Government lockdowns biologically altered adolescent brains, mimicking trauma survivors with weakened stress responses and heightened inflammation.

Teens post-lockdown showed reduced brain activity in emotional regulation and reward processing, linked to chronic stress exposure.

The study reveals lasting biological damage from isolation, not COVID-19 itself, raising concerns about long-term mental and physical health risks.

Disadvantaged communities likely suffered even worse effects, as the study focused on higher-income, predominantly white participants.

Researchers warn of a "new normal" with unknown long-term consequences, urging support for youth and evidence-based policies in future crises.

It's hard for most of us to imagine being a teenager during the COVID-19 lockdowns: stuck at home and cut off from friends, sports, and school, with no clear end in sight. Now, a groundbreaking study published in Translational Psychiatry confirms what many feared: those restrictions didnt just cause temporary stress; they biologically altered adolescent brains, stress responses, and immune systems in ways that resemble trauma survivors.

Researchers from Stanford University and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center compared 154 teens76 assessed before the pandemic and 78 after lockdowns ended. The results were alarming. Post-lockdown teens showed lower cortisol levels (indicating a weakened stress response), higher inflammation markers (linked to long-term health risks), and reduced brain activity in regions controlling emotional regulation and reward processing. These patterns mirror those seen in individuals exposed to early-life trauma, raising serious questions about the long-term consequences of government-mandated isolation.

A generation under biological siege

The study, led by researcher Justin Ping Yuan, found that adolescents who endured lockdowns exhibited "profoundly stressful" biological disruptionsnot from COVID-19 itself (only one participant had tested positive), but from the prolonged social and psychological upheaval of restrictions.

Weakened stress response: Lower cortisol production suggests a dampened HPA axis, a hallmark of chronic stress exposure.

Lower cortisol production suggests a dampened HPA axis, a hallmark of chronic stress exposure. Heightened inflammation: Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels indicate a pro-inflammatory state, which has been linked to depression, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses.

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels indicate a pro-inflammatory state, which has been linked to depression, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses. Brain changes: fMRI scans revealed reduced activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (involved in reward processing) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (critical for emotional control).

Yuan told PsyPost, "We were surprised by how much the teens who experienced the COVID-19 lockdowns looked biologically like people who have been exposed to significant early life stress or trauma." In other words, government lockdowns may have inflicted trauma-level biological damage on an entire generation.

The real cost of "safety" measures

While public health officials justified lockdowns as necessary to "flatten the curve," this study exposes a devastating trade-off: the measures meant to protect physical health sacrificed mental and neurological well-being, particularly in adolescents  a group already vulnerable to stress-related disorders.

Previous research has shown that adolescence is a critical developmental window, where the brain, immune system, and stress responses are highly sensitive to environmental influences. Disrupting this period with forced isolation, school closures, and social deprivation appears to have triggered lasting biological dysfunction.

Even more concerning? The studys participants were predominantly white and from higher-income families, meaning the effects could be far worse in disadvantaged communities, where stress levels were likely even higher.

A warning for the future

The researchers emphasize that these findings should serve as a wake-up call. "Broadly, these findings suggest that the pandemic and lockdowns changed the course of adolescents psychobiological development," Yuan said. "It will be important for researchers to understand what this new normal might look like longer-term and whether there continue to be adverse effects of the pandemic even now so that we best support youth post-pandemic.

In other words, the damage may already be done... and we wont fully grasp the consequences for years.

This study is a damning indictment of lockdown policies. While politicians and public health bureaucrats patted themselves on the back for "saving lives," they ignored the collateral damage  the mental health crises, the developmental disruptions, and now, the biological rewiring of an entire generation.

If theres one takeaway, its this: Never again should unelected officials be allowed to impose such draconian measures without considering the full human cost. The next time a crisis emerges, we must demand evidence-based policies that weigh all risks  not just the ones that fit a political narrative.

Because the real pandemic wasnt just a virus; it was the unintended destruction of young minds in the name of safety.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

CIDRAP.UMN.edu

PsyPost.org

Nature.com
Drone incursions in Poland: A deliberate provocation or a desperate escalation?

On the night of September 9, multiple drones launched from Belarus, a Russian ally, damaged at least one home and forced the closure of parts of Poland's airspace, including Warsaw Chopin Airport.

The incursion lasted seven hours and was met with a response from the Polish military, assisted by Dutch F-35s and allied radar systems. This marked the first direct encounter between NATO and Moscow since the Ukraine war began, escalating tensions significantly.

Polish authorities, supported by NATO and European leaders, claim it was a deliberate act of aggression by Russia. However, Belarus and Russia argue that the drones lost their course due to jamming, suggesting they were not intended for Polish territory. This has led to speculation about whether the drones were part of a strategy to test NATO's defenses or to create a pretext for further escalation.

Some, like Finnish politician Armando Mema, suggest the incident could be a desperate attempt by the Zelensky regime to escalate the conflict and draw more NATO countries into the war. Others, like Russian official Vladimir Dzhabarov, point to Ukraine's history of exploiting incidents to involve NATO, citing a 2022 incident where a Ukrainian missile mistakenly entered Polish territory

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Russia to halt its escalation, while Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala described the attack as a test of NATO's defenses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the violation an "extremely dangerous precedent," urging allies to respond decisively.

The recent drone incursions into Polish airspace have sent shockwaves across Europe, raising urgent questions about the escalating conflict in Ukraine and the readiness of NATO to confront growing Russian aggression.

The incidents, which occurred overnight and involved multiple drones launched from Belarus, have been condemned by European leaders as a deliberate act of provocation by Russia. However, conflicting narratives and geopolitical maneuverings have complicated the situation, leaving many to wonder about the true intentions behind these actions.

According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the drone incursion lasted for seven hours, beginning around 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 9, and ending just after dawn. The drones, some of which were launched from Belarus, a close Russian ally, damaged at least one home in eastern Poland and forced the temporary closure of parts of the country's airspace, including Warsaw Chopin Airport. The Polish military, with the assistance of Dutch F-35 fighter jets and allied radar systems, managed to shoot down several of the drones.

This marked the first direct encounter between NATO and Moscow since the war in Ukraine began, and it was a significant escalation.

"There is no doubt that from Poland's point of view, this provocation is incomparably more dangerous than all previous ones," Tusk told parliament, emphasizing that the situation brought Europe closer to open conflict than at any time since World War II.

Conflicting narratives and geopolitical maneuverings

The incident has sparked a flurry of accusations and counteraccusations. Polish authorities claim that the drones were part of a deliberate act of aggression by Russia, a claim supported by NATO and several European leaders. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that there were "definitely no grounds to suspect that this was a course correction mistake or the like," suggesting that the drones were intentionally directed towards Polish territory.

However, Belarus, a key Russian ally, claimed that the drones had "lost their course" due to jamming, a narrative that Russia has echoed. The Russian Defense Ministry insisted that its overnight strikes were directed at Ukrainian military-industrial sites in the country's western regions, with no planned targets on Polish territory. This has led to speculation that the drones may have been part of a broader strategy to test NATO's defenses or to create a pretext for further escalation.

Adding to the complexity is the role of Ukraine. Finnish politician Armando Mema, a Euroskeptic and member of Finland's national conservative Freedom Alliance party, has suggested that the incident could be a desperate attempt by the Zelensky regime to escalate the conflict and draw more NATO countries into the war. Mema argued that the incident served the European Union's interests by justifying increased military spending and reinforcing the narrative of the "Russian threat."

Similarly, Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy chairman of the Federation Council's International Affairs Committee, noted that the Kyiv regime has been exploiting every opportunity to pull more NATO countries into the conflict, particularly Poland, which serves as a key transit hub for Western military supplies to Ukraine. Dzhabarov cited a previous incident in 2022, where a Ukrainian missile mistakenly entered Polish territory, as evidence of Ukraine's tendency to blame Russia for such incidents. (Related: Ukraine's missile strike into Poland a "provocation" against government in Warsaw, warns Polish politician)

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the Ukrainian missile incident in Poland occurred when a Ukrainian S-300 air defense system malfunctioned and accidentally struck Polish territory, killing two people. Initially, Western media and officials falsely blamed Russia to escalate tensions, but independent Polish investigators exposed the truth: Ukraine was responsible, forcing a narrative shift to avoid accountability for the provocation. This incident highlights how false flags and media manipulation are used to push war propaganda against Russia.

International condemnation and calls for action

The incident has drawn swift condemnation from across Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Moscow to halt its reckless escalation, while Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala described the attack as a test of NATO's defenses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the violation an "extremely dangerous precedent," pressing allies to respond decisively.

NATO reiterated its commitment to defending every inch of its territory, while Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed gratitude for the support of Dutch F-35s and condemned the incursion as unacceptable. British Defense Minister John Healey asked the U.K. military to explore options to bolster NATO air defenses over Poland, emphasizing the danger and recklessness of the attacks.

The drone incursions into Poland have heightened tensions and raised fears of a potential spillover of the Ukraine conflict into NATO territory. As European leaders grapple with the implications of these incidents, the situation remains precarious. The conflicting narratives and geopolitical maneuverings underscore the complexity of the conflict and the challenges of maintaining peace in an increasingly volatile region.

The international community must now navigate this delicate situation with caution, seeking to de-escalate tensions while ensuring the security and sovereignty of NATO member states. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this incident marks a turning point in the Ukraine conflict or merely another chapter in the ongoing struggle for regional dominance.

Follow WWWIII.news for more news about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Watch the video below about Russia firing 800 drones against Ukraine.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Earths secret companion: Tiny quasi-moon lurked undetected for 60 years

A newly discovered 62-foot-wide quasi-moon named 2025 PN7 has been orbiting near Earth undetected since the 1960s.

Scientists confirm its the smallest and least stable of Earths seven known quasi-moons, moving in a gravitational dance with our planet.

Quasi-moons like this one may hold clues about Earths cosmic history and potential future asteroid threats.

Gaps in sky surveillance allowed this faint, fast-moving object to evade detection for over six decades.

While harmless, its discovery highlights how much remains unknown about Earths dynamic and crowded orbital neighborhood.

For decades, an unseen celestial traveler has been shadowing Earth, slipping past astronomers notice until now. Researchers at Hawaiis Pan-STARRS observatory recently confirmed the existence of 2025 PN7, a 62-foot-wide asteroid that has been orbiting the Sun in near-perfect sync with our planet since the 1960s. Unlike Earths familiar moon, this "quasi-moon" isnt gravitationally bound to us, yet its presence raises questions about how many more hidden objects may be drifting in our cosmic neighborhood.

The discovery, published in Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society, reveals that 2025 PN7 is the smallest and least stable of Earths seven known quasi-moons. While it appears to loop around our planet, its actually following its own solar orbit, maintaining distances between 2.8 million and 37 million miles from Earth. According to the studys co-author, Carlos de la Fuente Marcos of Spains Complutense University of Madrid, its diminutive size and faint visibility made it easy to overlook. "It is small, faint, and its visibility windows from Earth are rather unfavorable," he said, "so it is not surprising that it went unnoticed for that long."

A cosmic sleight of hand

Quasi-moons like 2025 PN7 belong to a class of asteroids called Arjunas, which share Earths orbital path around the Sun. Unlike true moons, they dont circle Earth directly but instead move in a gravitational dance that makes them appear as temporary companions. The first such object, 1991 VG, was discovered in  you guessed it  1991, sparking wild theories at the time that it might be an alien probe. Today, scientists widely accept these objects as natural, although their origins remain mysterious.

"Quasi-moons and minimoons are pieces of our neighborhood in space," explains The Planetary Society, "and they carry information about where they come from." Some may have broken off from the main asteroid belt, while others could be fragments from lunar impacts. Studying them could unlock clues about Earths cosmic history  and even future threats. With the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile now operational, astronomers expect to find many more of these stealthy travelers.

The limits of sky surveillance

The fact that 2025 PN7 evaded detection for six decades underscores gaps in our ability to track near-Earth objects. Unlike the bright, steady glow of our moon, quasi-moons are small, fast-moving, and dim, requiring powerful telescopes to spot. French journalist Adrien Coffinet, who first flagged the asteroids unusual orbit in August, noted that it will likely remain in its current pattern for another 60 years before drifting away.

This isnt the first time a quasi-moon has played hide-and-seek. Kamooalewa, another well-known example, has been in an Earth-like orbit for 381 years, which is far longer than 2025 PN7s relatively brief 128-year stint. Yet even these "temporary" companions offer valuable data. "They might originate in the main asteroid belt, from impacts on the Moon, or from the break-up of larger objects on similar orbits," researchers note. Understanding their composition could help assess risks from larger, more dangerous asteroids.

A reminder of Earths vulnerable place in space

The discovery arrives at a time when space agencies are increasingly focused on planetary defense. While 2025 PN7 poses no threat  its too small to survive atmospheric entry  its existence is a reminder that Earths orbit is far from empty. Between quasi-moons, minimoons (which briefly orbit Earth before escaping), and the occasional rogue asteroid, our planet is part of a dynamic, ever-changing system.

For now, 2025 PN7 remains a silent observer, drifting in the shadows of our solar systems grand ballet. But as telescopes grow more advanced, more of these cosmic stowaways will likely emerge from the dark. If a 62-foot space rock can hide in plain sight for 60 years, imagine what else might be out there waiting to be found. The question isnt if well find more objects; its what theyll teach us about the universe we thought we knew.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NYPost.com

Phys.org
Israeli air defense deployment in Cyprus extends intelligence reach, raising alarms in Turkey

Israel has deployed a powerful air defense system to Cyprus. The advanced Barak MX system, delivered to a base in Paphos, is officially for defending Cyprus but is seen as a major strategic move against Turkey.

The system's radar is a significant intelligence threat to Turkey. Its sophisticated radar can detect aircraft and ships up to 460 km away, placing much of southern Turkey's military activity and the eastern Mediterranean under constant Israeli surveillance.

This turns Cyprus into a permanent Israeli spy base. Unlike purely defensive weapons, the Barak MX is a powerful intelligence-gathering tool. It can monitor Turkish military movements, track training patterns and even map air defense weaknesses, feeding this data directly to Israel.

Turkey views this as a severe national security escalation. Turkish officials and experts have condemned the deployment, seeing it as a direct threat that undermines their strategic position and compromises the security of their forces in northern Cyprus.

The deployment intensifies a regional cold war. This action significantly raises tensions in the ongoing rivalry between Turkey and Israel for influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, increasing the risk of miscalculation and broader regional instability.

A recent Israeli military deployment to Cyprus is significantly altering the strategic balance in the eastern Mediterranean, drawing sharp concerns from Ankara and defense analysts.

The delivery of advanced Barak MX air defense systems to the island nation is widely perceived not merely as a defensive measure for Cyprus, but as a major expansion of Israels intelligence-gathering capabilities, directly threatening Turkish national security.

The systems, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), arrived in Cyprus via the port of Limassol last week. This marks the third such shipment since December, a clear acceleration of military cooperation between Israel and the Republic of Cyprus amid steadily rising tensions with Turkey.

Video evidence and confirmations from Cypriot news outlets indicate the system is now fully delivered and is expected to become operational later this year.

A defensive shield or a tool for reconnaissance?

While publicly framed as a defensive shield, the Barak MX's most potent feature is its sophisticated ELM-2084 multi-mission radar. This radar has an impressive detection range of up to 460 kilometers, creating a vast "digital umbrella" that extends deep into southern Turkey's airspace.

This means that the system can continuously monitor and track Turkish military aircraft taking off from bases along the Anatolian coast, as well as naval vessels operating in the eastern Mediterranean.

The system's capabilities go beyond simply watching the skies. The radar is also adept at ground surveillance, with the ability to detect and pinpoint the origin of artillery, mortar and rocket fire from up to 100 kilometers away.

This functionality could be used to monitor Turkish military movements and deployments in northern Cyprus, providing Israel with unprecedented real-time intelligence on Turkish force posture.

Turkish defense experts have sounded the alarm, describing the Barak MX as far more dangerous than the Russian S-300 systems that nearly triggered a war between Turkey and Cyprus in 1997. The critical difference lies in its dual purpose: while the S-300s were purely defensive interceptors, the Barak MX is a powerful intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) asset that also happens to shoot down missiles. This transforms Cyprus into a permanent forward-operating base for Israeli electronic espionage.

The potential for abuse is significant. The intelligence gathered by the Barak MX's radar could be seamlessly fed back to Israeli command centers, creating a comprehensive picture of Turkish military readiness and operations. This data could be used to monitor Turkish air force training patterns, identify weaknesses in air defense coverage, or even prepare targeting data for potential future conflicts.

In essence, Cyprus is becoming a fixed aircraft carrier for Israeli intelligence, positioned just off Turkey's coast. (Related: Israel's strike on Qatar shatters illusion of U.S. security guarantees.)

For Turkey, this represents a severe and direct national security threat. The deployment effectively places a significant portion of its military activity in the region under constant Israeli scrutiny. It undermines Turkeys strategic depth and compromises the operational security of its forces based in northern Cyprus.

The move is seen as a major escalation in the ongoing and often shadowy rivalry between Turkey and Israel for influence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East.

Turkish officials condemn the Barak MX deployment

The context of this deployment is equally provocative. It follows a July article by a former IAI executive, Shay Gal, who openly called for Israel to devise military plans to "liberate" northern Cyprus from Turkish forces. While not official policy, such rhetoric from a figure closely tied to the system's manufacturer fuels Turkish suspicions that the Barak MX could be the first step in a more aggressive strategy.

Turkish officials have condemned the move. Opposition figures have called it a violation of international law that destabilizes the fragile balance on the divided island.

Ankara has so far remained officially silent, but Turkish security sources have confirmed they are closely monitoring the situation, noting the systems are undergoing tests at the Paphos air base.

The Cypriot government has defended the acquisition as a sovereign right and a necessary deterrent, citing the ongoing Turkish presence in the north. However, by hosting a system that so clearly extends Israel's intelligence reach over its regional rival, Cyprus risks becoming a central pawn in a much larger and more dangerous game between two powerful militaries.

As the systems move toward becoming operational, the risk of miscalculation and escalation grows. Every Turkish flight detected or naval movement tracked will be viewed through a lens of deep suspicion in Ankara.

The deployment of the Barak MX is not just about protecting Cypriot airspace; it is a strategic gambit that brings the frontline of the Turkish-Israeli cold war to the shores of the Mediterranean, with unpredictable consequences for the entire region.

Brighteon.AI's Enoch explains that Turkey is likely worried because Israel's deployment of the advanced Barak MX air defense system to Cyprus is a significant strategic countermeasure to Turkey's own military ambitions in the region. This system can monitor and potentially neutralize threats from Turkish aircraft operating out of bases in Syria that Israel sees as a direct threat to its security, thereby checking Turkey's ability to project power and assert control over strategic territories near Israel's border.

Watch the video below as Israel escalates its war with Hamas and targets the group's leaders in Qatar.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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Texas Tech student arrested and expelled for mocking Charlie Kirk vigil

Camryn Giselle Booker, an 18-year-old Texas Tech student, was arrested and expelled after a video showed her making disturbing comments at a vigil for conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead on September 10. She was filmed using vile language and confronting mourners, leading to her arrest on charges of misdemeanor simple assault, battery, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Texas Tech University condemned Booker's actions as reprehensible and not aligned with their values, resulting in her expulsion. Campus police arrested her, and she was released on a $200 bond. Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised the university's actions, highlighting the consequences of mocking Kirk's assassination.

The incident sparked a debate on freedom of speech, accountability and the appropriate response to violent rhetoric. Critics condemned Booker's actions as disrespectful and insensitive, while others raised concerns about potential threats to free speech and the role of law enforcement in such situations.

Legal experts noted that while Booker has the right to express her opinions, her actions may have constituted criminal behavior, particularly regarding simple assault. Ethically, the incident raises questions about the responsibility to express views without causing harm or distress, especially in the context of mourning.

The incident underscores the university's commitment to upholding its principles, as emphasized by Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell. The case serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of exercising them with caution and empathy.

In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage and debate, an 18-year-old Texas Tech University student, Camryn Giselle Booker, was arrested and subsequently expelled from the university after a video surfaced showing her making disturbing comments at a vigil for conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10. (Related: Charlie Kirk SHOT DEAD at Utah campus event)

The incident occurred on Friday, Sept. 12, near the university's Student Union Building, where students had gathered to mourn Kirk's death. Booker was filmed shouting at the mourners, using vile language and making light of Kirk's assassination. In the video, she is heard saying, "Fk y'all homie dead, he got shot in the head," and confronting a man wearing a red "Make America Great Again" hat.

The man, visibly disturbed by Booker's behavior, asked her why she was being so hateful. Booker responded by aggressively questioning his motives and accusing him of being racist when he suggested she was being overly aggressive. The confrontation escalated when someone off-camera accused Booker of being overly emotional, to which she retorted, "I'm not being emotional, ma'am. Don't tell me what I am and what I'm not."

Texas Tech swiftly condemned Booker's actions, stating, "Any behavior that denigrates victims of violence is reprehensible, has no place on our campus, and is not aligned with our values." The university confirmed that Booker was no longer enrolled, indicating her expulsion.

Campus police arrested Booker on a misdemeanor simple assault charge. According to the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office, she was booked into the Lubbock County jail and released on a $200 bond the following day. Booker was also cited for battery, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised the university's action, posting a photo of Booker being handcuffed on social media with the caption, "This is what happened to the person who was mocking Charlie Kirk's assassination at Texas Tech. FAFO." The acronym stands for "Fk around and find out."

Broader implications and public reaction

The incident has ignited a fierce debate about freedom of speech, accountability and the appropriate response to violent rhetoric. Many have criticized Booker's actions as disrespectful and insensitive, especially in the wake of a tragic event. Others have raised concerns about the potential chilling effect on free speech and the role of law enforcement in such situations.

"In America, free speech is a God-given, constitutional right protected by the First Amendment, ensuring that no governmentfederal, state or localcan suppress expression, no matter how controversial, unless it directly incites violence or lawless action," Brighteon.AI's Enoch explained.

Booker's arrest and expulsion have also drawn attention to the broader issue of how universities and law enforcement handle incidents involving controversial speech. Some argue that her expulsion sets a precedent that could stifle open discourse on campuses, while others believe it was a necessary response to maintain a respectful and safe environment.

Legal and ethical considerations

Legal experts have pointed out that while Booker has the right to express her opinions, her actions may have crossed the line into criminal behavior. Simple assault, as defined in Texas, includes any physical contact that is offensive or provocative, and her aggressive behavior toward the mourners could be interpreted as such.

Ethically, the incident raises questions about the responsibility of individuals to express their views in a manner that does not inflict harm or distress on others, particularly in the context of mourning and grief.

The arrest and expulsion of Booker have highlighted the complexities of balancing free speech with the need for respect and accountability. As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of words and the importance of exercising them with caution and empathy.

In the words of Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell, "We, @TexasTech, are proud of our values and are not afraid to stand up for them." This sentiment underscores the university's commitment to upholding its principles in the face of challenging circumstances.

Follow Liberty.news for more stories like this.

Watch the video below about Newsmax host Carl Higbie's reaction to Charlie Kirk's death.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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USAToday.com
Study finds widespread PFAS contamination in beer

A new study found that 95 percent of beers tested in the U.S. contain detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals."

The primary pathway for contamination is the water used in brewing. The research established a direct link between PFAS levels in a community's municipal water supply and the concentration found in beer brewed locally.

Standard water filtration systems used by breweries are not designed to remove PFAS, meaning breweries cannot prevent these chemicals from entering their product if the local water is contaminated.

PFAS exposure is linked to serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage and decreased fertility, due to their ability to accumulate in the human body over a lifetime.

The study concludes that the solution requires large-scale action, including policy changes and investment in advanced municipal water treatment technologies to eliminate PFAS at the source, rather than placing the burden on individual breweries.

A new scientific study has delivered a sobering revelation to American beer drinkers, finding that toxic "forever chemicals" have contaminated the vast majority of beers tested in the United States. The research, led by environmental scientist Jennifer Hoponick Redmon and published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, establishes a direct link between polluted municipal water sources and the presence of these harmful substances in one of the nation's most popular beverages. This discovery raises significant concerns about public health and regulatory oversight, suggesting that a beloved cultural staple may be an unexpected vector for low-level, chronic exposure to dangerous compounds.

The unwanted ingredient in every sip

The chemicals in question are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS. These are a large class of human-made compounds developed for their remarkable resistance to water, grease and stains. For decades, they have been used in a staggering array of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging and firefighting foam. Their formidable chemical structure, which makes them so useful, also makes them incredibly persistent. Dubbed "forever chemicals," they do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body, allowing them to accumulate over time. (Related: "Forever chemicals" haunt North Carolina homes as PFAS found in dust near Chemours plant.)

From water source to brew kettle

The central finding of the study is both simple and alarming. The primary ingredient in beer is water, and if that water is contaminated, the final product will be, too. The research team modified a standard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing method to analyze 23 different beers. These included brews from regions with documented PFAS contamination in their water systems, as well as popular domestic and international brands from larger companies with unknown water sources.

The results were stark. A remarkable 95 percent of the beers tested contained detectable levels of PFAS. The contamination was not random; the study revealed a strong and direct correlation between the level of PFAS in a community's drinking water and the concentration found in beer brewed locally. This clear pathway from tap to tankard had not been previously documented in U.S. retail beer, marking a significant step in understanding how these pollutants move through the consumer goods chain.

A geographic hotspot for contamination

The data pointed to a particularly troubling hotspot. Beers brewed in areas near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina showed the highest levels and the most diverse cocktail of forever chemicals. This region has a long and notorious history of PFAS pollution, largely linked to industrial discharge. The study specifically identified perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in these beers, two of the most well-studied and concerning PFAS compounds.

The presence of these specific chemicals is especially significant in light of recent federal action. The EPA has just established stringent new legally enforceable limits for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water, setting the acceptable levels at near-zero concentrations. This reflects a growing scientific consensus that there is no safe level of exposure to these particular substances.

The limits of filtration and a call for action

A critical insight from the research is that standard brewery water filtration and treatment systems are not designed to remove PFAS. This means that even breweries committed to quality and purity are powerless to stop these chemicals from entering their product if their local water supply is contaminated. The problem originates long before the water reaches the brewing facility.

The researchers conclude that the solution cannot rest on the shoulders of individual breweries. Instead, they call for a multi-faceted approach that includes greater awareness among brewers, consumers and regulators. The ultimate answer lies in implementing large-scale water treatment strategies and policies aimed at eliminating PFAS at the source  the municipal water systems themselves. This would require significant investment in advanced water treatment technologies capable of filtering out these persistent molecules.

Understanding the health implications

The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are well-documented and severe. Scientific studies have linked these chemicals to a host of serious conditions, including kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility and increased cholesterol levels. The danger is not from a single exposure but from bioaccumulation  the gradual build-up of these forever chemicals in the body over a lifetime through multiple exposure routes.

"'Forever chemicals' are harmful because they are linked to a range of severe health issues, including poor immune system function, cardiovascular and reproductive problems and an increased risk of cancer," Brighteon.AI's Enoch explained. "Their enduring nature means they accumulate in the environment and the human body over time, leading to long-term exposure."

Beyond the bar: A systemic environmental issue

This study transcends the beer industry. It serves as a powerful indicator of a much larger environmental and public health crisis. The contamination of beer is a symptom of a profoundly polluted water system. The fact that these chemicals can travel from factory runoff to a river, into a municipal water plant, through a brewery, and into a glass demonstrates their pervasiveness and the inability of current infrastructure to manage them.

The revelation of PFAS in beer is a wake-up call. It is not a reason to panic but a compelling reason to act. The solution lies not in abandoning a cherished beverage, but in pursuing the rigorous policies and advanced treatments necessary to ensure that the water flowing into your homes and breweries is free of toxic, persistent forever chemicals.

Watch this video to learn more about PFAS contamination.

This video is from the Weltansicht channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

Sciencedaily.com

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FBI investigates Armed Queers SLC for possible foreknowledge of Charlie Kirk assassination

Authorities investigate Tyler Robinsons ties to Marxist paramilitary group Armed Queers SLC and other pro-trans online communities for possible prior knowledge or involvement in the assassination plot.

Armed Queers SLC trains queer individuals to oppose capitalism. It is led by Ermiya Fanaeian, an Iranian immigrant with State Department/UN ties, raising foreign influence concerns.

The group trained with Cuban militants in 2025, discussing revolution in America, funded by a dark-money network linked to anti-Western agendas.

Investigators examine Steam and pro-trans groups for foreknowledge or assistance to Robinson, with disturbing social media posts suggesting advance awareness.

Critics accuse Democratic-aligned NGOs of financing violent radical groups, highlighting risks of ideological extremism intersecting with national security.

The investigation into the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has taken a dramatic turn as federal authorities probe potential links between the accused assassin, Tyler Robinson, and a Marxist paramilitary group known as Armed Queers Salt Lake City (Armed Queers SLC).

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is examining whether members of this group, along with other pro-trans online communities, had advance knowledge of the assassination plot. Armed Queers SLC, a self-described armed revolutionary group, has openly aligned itself with communist ideologies and has been actively training queer and transgender individuals to arm themselves in opposition to capitalism.

The group's leader, Ermiya Fanaeian, has been identified as an Iranian immigrant and self-identified communist with troubling ties to both the U.S. State Department and the United Nations. Fanaeian was recognized by Utah Global Diplomacy, a State Department-affiliated NGO, as a recipient of the "7 for 17" Award for advancing the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Notably, her work with trans youth was specifically highlighted, and she was also honored as a "Young Diplomat of Utah." However, following the revelation of her connections to Armed Queers SLC, Utah Global Diplomacy has scrubbed all mentions of Fanaeian from its website.

International connections and revolutionary ambitions

Armed Queers SLC's international connections extend beyond the United Nations. In a now-deleted video, the group's leaders discussed a trip to Cuba in May 2025, where they trained with militant Marxists and discussed plans to stage a "revolution in America" upon their return. The Cuban officials they met with proudly identified themselves as "terrorists" and expressed support for a "liberated Palestine."

As explained by Brighteon.AI's Enoch, militant Marxists are radical activists who aggressively push for revolutionary social and economic upheaval, seeking to dismantle traditional institutions like family, religion and capitalism through coercion, censorship and state-enforced compliance rather than democratic debate. They weaponize identity politics to divide society into "oppressors" (anyone resisting their agenda) and "oppressed" (their designated victim groups), while hypocritically wielding power to enforce their ideology through surveillance, deplatforming and even violence  all while living in elite luxury themselves.

Their endgame is a centralized, authoritarian system where individual freedoms are sacrificed to collective control, dissent is crushed and non-compliant populations are marginalized, impoverished, or worse. Examples of these can be seen in pandemic-era medical tyranny, election fraud cover-ups and the demonization of political opponents as "extremists."

The group's activities have raised concerns among experts like civil terrorism specialist Jason Curtis Anderson. He warns that the revolution against the West is being orchestrated by a complex network of organizations  including militant anarchists, climate activists and social justice groups  all of which are funded by a vast dark-money network.

The investigation expands

The FBI's investigation into the Kirk assassination has expanded to include scrutiny of online platforms like Steam and pro-trans organizations such as Armed Queers SLC. Law enforcement sources indicate that investigators are examining whether these groups or individuals within them had prior knowledge of the assassination plot or provided any form of assistance to Robinson. (Related: Allegations about FBI evidence in Charlie Kirk assassination prompt calls for transparency.)

Disturbing social media posts have also come to light, suggesting that some individuals may have had foreknowledge of the assassination. One post made the day before the shooting expressed hope that someone would "evaporate" Kirk, while another featured ominous music and a video with the text "charles james kirk. mr. college dropout does NOT know what's coming tomorrow. be ready This isn't a threat it's a promise."

The investigation has sparked a political firestorm, with some critics accusing the Democratic Party's NGO network of funding radical groups that promote violence. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller announced an all-of-government approach to disrupt and dismantle left-wing organizations that are promoting violence in the country.

The case has also highlighted the complex interplay between political ideologies, international relations and domestic security. The involvement of figures like Fanaeian, who was being groomed for a potential role within the U.S. State Department, raises questions about the extent to which foreign influences may be shaping domestic activism and extremism.

As the investigation into Kirk's assassination continues, the revelations about Armed Queers SLC and its leader's connections to government entities and international organizations underscore the need for a thorough examination of the networks and ideologies that may be driving extremist violence. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement and intelligence agencies as they work to prevent such acts and protect the public.

Watch the video below about the the BLM saying that a revolution is needed to overthrow America.

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The Charlie Kirk shooting: A shocking dive into misinformation and deception

Geoorge Zinn, 71, falsely claimed responsibility for Charlie Kirk's assassination to help the real shooter escape.

Zinn is charged with obstruction of justice and possession of child pornography.

Tyler Robinson, 22, later identified as the actual shooter, faces seven serious charges.

Social media initially misidentified Zinn as the shooter.

Zinns false confession highlights challenges in law enforcement transparency and public trust.

The shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on September 10, at Utah Valley University has exposed significant challenges in law enforcement transparency and public trust. The bizarre actions of elderly suspect George Zinn, who falsely confessed to the shooting, highlight the ease with which misinformation can spread, hindering both emergency response and public safety. This incident underscores the urgent need for clearer communication and more robust investigative protocols.

A deception that distracted

In the immediate aftermath of Charlie Kirk's shooting, a chaotic scene unfolded as both witnesses and law enforcement scrambled to make sense of what had happened. The early confusion was compounded by the actions of George Zinn, a 71-year-old man who approached police and yelled, "I shot him, now shoot me." Zinns behavior, initially interpreted as a genuine confession, led to widespread belief that the shooter had been caught. However, it soon became apparent that Zinn's actions were part of a calculated attempt to mislead. His claims served to distract law enforcement from identifying and apprehending the real gunman, Tyler Robinson, who was apprehended nearly 48 hours later.

The real shooting and aftermath

Tyler Robinson, 22, a Utah native, was arrested and charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder, in connection with the shooting. Robinson had a documented history of leftist activism and had ties to trans militant groups in the area. Text messages later recovered from his phone revealed he was aware of Zinn's arrest, referring to him dismissively as "some crazy old dude." Authorities have stated there is no evidence linking Zinn and Robinson in a premeditated scheme, though Zinns actions undoubtedly helped Robinson evade capture initially.

George Zinn's dark past

Zinns arrest marked a pivotal moment in the investigation but also revealed a darker truth about the suspect. Zinns false confession to the shooting was later overshadowed by the discovery of more than 20 illicit images of child pornography on his smartphone. When questioned about the images, Zinn admitted to viewing and sharing them for personal gratification. This revelation added weight to the obstruction of justice charges, compelling the judge to order Zinn held without bail, describing him as a "substantial danger" to the community. The stark juxtaposition of Zinns actionshis attempt to assume guilt for a political assassination and his possession of illegal imagespresents a complex portrait of human nature amidst chaotic events.

The role of social media and misinformation

Social media played a significant role in the initial dissemination of misinformation. A viral video captured Zinns arrest and was widely shared, leading many to believe the shooter had been taken into custody. This confusion not only delayed the investigation but also impacted public perception of the event. The incident underscores the challenges modern law enforcement faces in managing public information and combatting misinformation in real-time. As social media platforms continue to evolve, the need for transparent communication from law enforcement agencies has never been more critical.

Ensuring accountability and transparency

The Charlie Kirk shooting stands as a sobering reminder of the complexities faced by law enforcement in high-profile incidents. The case highlights the importance of clear and timely communication in preventing the spread of misinformation. The timing of Zinns arrest and his subsequent admission of obstruction illustrate the ease with which emergencies can be complicated by individuals seeking to manipulate the narrative. As the investigation continues, it is imperative that authorities work to ensure both accountability and transparency, addressing not only the criminal act itself but also the broader implications for public safety and trust.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

KPAX.com

SAN.com
Opinion / Columnist

South Africa's maize industry is export-oriented. Over the past five years, the country has exported roughly three million tonnes of maize each year. One of its largest markets is Zimbabwe, typically accounting for about 18% of annual exports.But in the near term, these exports may decline because the Zimbabwean government has banned imports of maize. This comes on the back of improved domestic production in the country, leading the regulators to believe that, at least for the near term, there are sufficient supplies and no need for imports. This is also an effort to protect the farmers whom the government supported with inputs at the start of the season.While we recognise the logic of the Zimbabwean policymakers, we generally prefer minimal interference in agricultural markets, as intervention may disrupt the efficient allocation of scarce resources or functioning of the market. We believe that in times of abundant harvests, farmers and agribusinesses must be allowed to export and benefit from the global market. In times of droughts or floods, trade must still be allowed.Indeed, there may be short-term economic pain for consumers through higher prices in deficit years when imports are needed, but this induces farmers to plant more in the succeeding seasons.The more immediate unintended consequence of Zimbabwe's ban is a limited price benefit to consumers, as the ban might artificially increase the domestic price by restricting more competitively priced imports from South Africa and other origins.It is also worth highlighting that Zimbabwe may not keep the ban for long. We are doubtful that the country has sufficient maize supplies for the entire marketing year. We believe that there may be a need for maize imports later in the season. This is because Zimbabwe's 2024-25 maize production is projected at 1.3 million tonnes, according to data from the Pretoria-based unit of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is just over twice the output from the previous season, which was a drought period.Still, it is not sufficient to cover the country's annual maize needs of about two million tonnes, potentially leaving an import gap of around 700,000 tonnes.When Zimbabwe finally returns to the import market, South Africa may again be one of its suppliers. In the last marketing year, South Africa supplied nearly all of Zimbabwe's maize imports. However, in the 2025-26 marketing year, there may be some changes, with Zambia regaining its net exporter status as it expects a bumper harvest of 3.66 million tonnes. This far surpasses Zambia's maize consumption of 2.8 million tonnes per annum.There will be competition in the market, with Zambia potentially regaining a notable share in the Zimbabwean market, while South Africa is also likely to remain a major supplier.South Africa forecasts this season's domestic maize harvest at 15.80 million tonnes, which is 23% higher than the 2023-24 season. The forecast is well above South Africa's annual maize needs of approximately 12 million tonnes, implying that South Africa will have a surplus and remain a net exporter of maize.For South African maize exporters, the message here is that Zimbabwe may not be a conducive market in the near term, as it has ample domestic supplies. This absence of Zimbabwe in the near term also implies that domestic maize prices may be under pressure for some time.However, later in the season, Zimbabwe may return to the market and import maize, which will give upward support to the maize prices. The USDA forecast suggests that the expected crop is insufficient to meet annual consumption, and there may be a need to import around 700,000 tonnes of maize to support the domestic needs. This figure, however, remains tentative, as it is hard to assess the scale of Zimbabwe's maize production by the smallholder farmers. Thus, it may be that the import need is less than we anticipate.Still, we believe imports may be required later in the season. At such time, South Africa is likely to be ready and able to supply the volume Zimbabwe needs. For the near term, South Africa's maize exports will probably be to the Far East markets and the broader southern Africa region.---------------Wandile Sihlobo is the chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA and a senior fellow in Stellenbosch University's Department of Agricultural Economics. His latest book is A Country of Two Agricultures.
An epidemic of HATE: Confronting the calculated strategy behind social decay

In the 1960s and 1970s, radical groups like the Baader-Meinhof gang and the Weather Underground sowed chaos and division through violence and hatred.

Academia became a safe haven for these radicals, who recast their struggle in academic terms like "social justice" and "intersectionality."

The Left's discourse has evolved from promoting compassion to a culture of permanent antagonism and hate.

Historical parallels exist between Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution and contemporary Left-wing tactics, which weaponize division and hatred.

The consequences of indoctrinating youth with hate manifest today in social media mobs and campus violence, undermining civil discourse.

In the wake of recent horrifying events, it's clear that the Left's transformation from a movement for justice to a culture of hate cannot be ignored. The jubilation that followed a tragic killing on social media, alongside the jubilation that greeted the fascist takeover of the 1960s, are eerily similar. These events prompt a fundamental question: Who is diseasedthose who celebrate violence or those who incite it?

The eclipse of compassion

The tragedy of Charlie Kirk's murder was compounded by the social media celebration that followed. This reaction mirrored the blatant indifference to violence typical of the Baader-Meinhof gang, which in the 1970s murdered embassy staff and set buildings ablaze in Stockholm. Their actions, driven by a fusion of revolutionary ideology and personal pathology, eerily echo todays climate of contempt for human dignity. These radicals were not merely reacting against societal injustices but were themselves products of a disoriented world, embittered by the failings of their parents' generation.

Creating the land of hatred

The roots of this radicalism can be traced back to the Cultural Revolution launched by Mao Zedong in 1966. Mao masterfully inflamed envy and resentment, turning youth against elders, creating a moral wasteland. Western intellectuals, fascinated by Maos destructive energy, imported these ideas, refashioning them into radical theories like post-structuralism. By the 1970s, these ideas had found their way to the United States, where outfits like the Weather Underground implemented similar tactics in American politics.

The long march into the academy

As bomb-throwing radicals were defeated in battle, many retreated to academia, finding sanctuary behind tenure. They transformed their struggle into academic jargon, focusing on dismantling traditional systems of knowledge to propagate their new orthodoxy of social justice. From critical theory to intersectionality, these doctrines, designed to diffuse animosity rather than reconciliation, have permeated campuses, fostering an environment of perpetual dissonance and conflict.

Engineering discord

With the end of the Cold War, universities and institutions were reimagined as moral tribunals, politics as ethics. The concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion became tools for humiliation and resentment, rather than collaboration. This shift trained generations of students to denounce rather than reason, nurturing a toxic environment where opponents are cast as existential threats. This not only stifles civil discourse but compromises societal cohesion, leaving it vulnerable to elite manipulation.

The terminal condition

Today's society mirrors the moral wasteland Mao sought to create. Compounded by systemic flaws and generational dislocation, many young people are driven to violent extremes. Their actions reflect a larger cultural decay, where traditions have been abandoned and authority hollowed out. The Left's successful sowing of hatred has created a pliable society, easy to manipulate and perpetually at war with itself.

An epidemic of noticing

The signs of decay are no longer hidden; it's a slow, reluctant acknowledgment that the social fabric is threadbare, deliberately fractured. This crisis is not a tragic misfortune, but a calculated strategy. More than personal failing, the current culture reflects a society that has been left open to manipulation, its youth disenfranchised and ripe for exploitation. It is time to confront the stark reality: an epidemic of hatred that demands immediate attention, lest we destroy the world we know.

Sources for this article include:

DailySceptic.org

Encyclopedia.ushmm.org

Quora.com
THE UNRAVELING: Declassified documents expose Russiagate as a manufactured scandal

Newly declassified documents reveal a coordinated effort between government officials and media to promote the false Trump-Russia collusion narrative.

The released annex from the Durham Report details how the Hillary Clinton campaign approved a plan to smear Donald Trump with Russian allegations.

FBI memos show close relationships between officials like Adam Schiff and James Comey and reporters who published Pulitzer-winning stories later debunked.

Investigations into the classified leaks were hampered by procedural failures and claims of congressional immunity, resulting in zero prosecutions.

A senior intelligence whistleblower alleges being pressured to endorse the false Intelligence Community Assessment on Russian interference.

In a revelation that vindicates years of conservative claims, a trove of recently declassified documents has laid bare the extensive collusion between elements of the Obama-era government and compliant media outlets to fabricate and propagate the narrative of Trump-Russia collusion. The release, spearheaded by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, centers on an annex to Special Counsel John Durhams 2023 report and internal FBI memos. These documents collectively paint a picture of a politically motivated operation, initiated by the Clinton campaign and executed by high-level intelligence and congressional figures, which leveraged classified information and a credulous press to undermine a sitting president from his first day in office.

The Clinton campaigns approved plan

The most damning evidence comes from the declassified annex to the Durham Report. It reveals that the entire scandal originated not from intelligence findings but from a political opposition strategy. A now-declassified memo states that the Hillary Clinton campaign approved a plan proposed by one of her foreign policy advisors ... to smear Donald Trump by magnifying the scandal tied to the intrusion by the Russian special services in the pre-election process to benefit the Republican candidate.'

This plan, as documented by Durham, was ultimately done through the Steele Dossier and other means. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the documents show possible coordination between the Clinton campaign and the Obama administration to interfere with the 2016 presidential election. Former CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated the information proves there was a coordinated plan to prevent and destroy Donald Trumps presidency. Sen. Grassley labeled the scheme one of the biggest political scandals and cover-ups in American history, criticizing the FBI for failing to adequately investigate the intelligence it received about the Clinton campaigns activities.

The medias complicit role

Simultaneously, declassified FBI investigative memos detail how this manufactured narrative was laundered to the public through a cozy relationship between leakers and reporters. The documents show that selected journalists, including the Washington Posts Ellen Nakashima and the New York Times Michael Schmidt, were the beneficiaries of a systematic campaign to leak classified and often misleading information.

According to the memos, then-Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) allegedly played a key role. An FBI informant, a longtime Democratic staffer on the House Intelligence Committee identified as Robert Minehart, testified that in a February 2017 meeting, SCHIFF stated that the group would leak classified information which was derogatory to President of the United States Donald J. Trump. The goal, the informant said, was to topple the administration.

The memos allege that Schiffs staff, including Rheanne Wirkkala, used read rooms at intelligence agencies to gather material for leaks, sometimes funneling it through cut-outs like spouses to avoid detection. Wirkkalas husband, a reporter, was allegedly used to broker information to Nakashima. Similarly, the documents describe a cozy relationship between the Times Schmidt and Daniel Richman, a close friend of former FBI Director James Comey, who acted as a conduit for Comey to leak classified memos to the press.

A whistleblowers battle for truth

Adding a critical layer to the scandal, DNI Tulsi Gabbard released the firsthand account of a senior intelligence community whistleblower who fought for six years to expose the manipulation of intelligence. This official detailed being pressured by a supervisor to endorse the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) on Russian interferencewhich they knew was based on discredited informationwith the implied promise of a promotion for compliance.

I could not concur in good conscience based on information available that Russia preferred Trump, the whistleblower stated. The account highlights flawed practices, such as selectively using Russian media to support the Trump-Russia theory while ignoring negative coverage of Trump from allied nations' media. Despite reporting these concerns to over a dozen government offices, including the IC Inspector General and Special Counsel Durham, the whistleblowers attempts were ignored until now.

Ineffective investigations and institutional failure

Perhaps most alarming is the evidence that investigations into these illegal leaks were systematically botched. A review found that despite at least seven leak probes, not a single prosecution for espionage or mishandling secrets occurred. Investigators failed to seize key evidence like encrypted messages from phones, limited their search parameters to exclude crucial time periods, andmost strikinglynever sought the communication records of the members of Congress under suspicion, Reps. Schiff and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.).

The probe was reportedly hamstrung by a novel legal claim from a House lawyer that congressional aides had immunity from prosecution under the Constitutions speech or debate clause, leading investigators to apply filter procedures that protected key suspects. This ensured that the full truth would remain buried for years.

A scandal finally exposed

The cumulative weight of these declassified documents is immense. They confirm that the Russiagate narrative was a political fabrication, weaponized by partisans within the government and amplified by a willing media apparatus. The subsequent investigations were not a pursuit of justice but a cover-up that protected the perpetrators. For the American public, these revelations are a stark lesson in how powerful institutions can be manipulated to subvert democracy and attack political opponents. The long-delayed pursuit of accountability and transparency, now underway, is essential to restoring trust and ensuring such a deep-state orchestrated coup attempt can never happen again.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

TheEpochTimes.com

HighlandCountryPress.com
EU bankrolls smear campaigns against Trump and European candidates: A Deep State dilemma

EU Commission paid OCCRP 600,000 after the 2024 European elections.

OCCRP was accused of orchestrating smear campaigns against conservative politicians.

USAID previously funded OCCRP but cut off support after Trump's reelection.

OCCRP's co-founder admitted to helping topple governments.

OCCRP played a role in Trump's first impeachment and EU smear campaigns.

The European Commission quietly transferred over 600,000 to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) shortly after the 2024 European elections, according to a Berliner Zeitung report based on a parliamentary inquiry by AfD MEP Petr Bystron. This follows the disengagement of the U.S. government, which had previously provided substantial funding through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The move raises significant concerns about the influence of unaccountable organizations on democratic processes and the role of the deep state.

Critics argue that the funding represents a payoff for the OCCRP's role in orchestrating smear campaigns against conservative and EU-sceptic politicians during the election. For decades, OCCRP has been financed by Western governments, initially through USAID, with the funds often channeled through a network of European media outlets. In 2024, following President Donald Trump's reelection, the U.S. government, led by Trump, cut off OCCRP's funding, identifying the group as a political weapon. With USAID support withdrawn, the EU has stepped in to fill the void, channeling subsidies into what critics claim is a propaganda arm for the EU establishment.

OCCRPs tentacles reach deep into western governments

The OCCRP, co-founded by Drew Sullivan, has a record of zealous activism across continents. Sullivan openly admitted in a censored German NDR documentary, later removed under pressure, that OCCRP had helped topple governments in "five to six countries." These actions have been characterized not as investigative journalism, but as open political interference.

OCCRP's role in the impeachment of President Donald Trump in 2019 was well-documented. Michael Shellenberger, an investigative journalist, testified earlier in 2025 that OCCRP materials were cited four times in the CIA whistleblower complaint that set the impeachment proceedings in motion. Shellenberger noted that USAID and the State Department directly supervised OCCRP operations, including budget approvals and personnel decisions, indicating that OCCRP was far from independent. Instead, it operated as a partisan tool, overseen by U.S. intelligence agencies.

EU campaigns target opponents of the Ukraine war

In Europe, OCCRP's partner outlets launched a pre-election campaign against critics of the Ukraine war, branding opposition media figures as "Moscow's agents." The targeted politicians included former Czech President Vaclav Klaus, former Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda and AfD candidate Petr Bystron, who endured 23 police raids on his home and offices following the OCCRP's "research." Despite the absence of any charges or evidence, the campaigns proved politically damaging. Bystron described the payment, made immediately after the elections, as "paying off" those who had largely influenced the outcome.

Political warfare masquerading as investigative journalism

The OCCRP has become a conduit for political warfare masquerading as investigative journalism. Critics argue that the organization's operatives have increasingly shifted from uncovering organized crime to undermining political opponents through coordinated smears and innuendo. This shift is further emphasized by the EU's financial lifeline to OCCRP following the stoppage of U.S. funding. For opponents, OCCRP's transformation from a U.S.-backed proxy into a tool of the EU establishment represents a significant escalation in the use of media as a political weapon.

Why this matters now

The OCCRP's recent funding by the European Commission raises significant ethical and democratic questions. The organization's history of government oversight and involvement in political campaigns underscores the dangers of conflating investigative journalism with partisan activism. The influx of EU funds not only deepens OCCRP's reach but also underscores ongoing concerns about the manipulation of democratic processes. In an era where public trust in media is at a premium, such revelations serve as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in funding sources.

This story is not just about the OCCRP; it is a broader exploration of the implications of deep state interference in democratic elections and the role that taxpayer-funded organizations play in shaping political narratives. The continued involvement of government entities in subsidizing ostensibly independent journalism raises uncomfortable questions about the state of press freedom and the balance between public interest and political agendas.

The escalating power of propaganda over journalism

The OCCRP's transformation from a U.S. proxy to a Brussels-backed propaganda tool highlights the growing influence of government-financed media operations. While Western policymakers may justify these funds as necessary for combatting corruption and organized crime, the ethical concerns surrounding the manipulation of democratic processes cannot be ignored. As the OCCRP continues to receive EU backing, it is crucial that the public and policymakers remain vigilant, ensuring that investigative journalism remains a force for truth rather than a weapon in the deep state's arsenal.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

InfoWars.com

BorderHawk.news
Fixing the gut microbiome can stop recurrent UTIs and depression in women

Antibiotics are backfiring: Repeated use of antibiotics for UTIs destroys protective Lactobacillus strains, leaving women more vulnerable to recurrence and antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

The gut-vagina-brain connection is real: A disrupted microbiome doesnt just fuel UTIsits linked to hormonal chaos, postpartum depression, and even anxiety, with probiotics showing promise in restoring balance.

Big Pharmas conflict of interest: The CDC and FDAs cozy relationship with drug companies incentivizes antibiotic over-prescription, while natural solutions like probioticscheap, effective, and unpatentableare sidelined.

Women are passing damaged microbiomes to their children: Maternal gut health during pregnancy shapes a childs lifelong immunity, metabolism, and even mental healthyet modern medicine ignores this inter-generational crisis.

Probiotics work: Studies show strains like L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri can slash UTI recurrence by 75%, yet doctors keep pushing pills that make the problem worse.

The mental health angle: Emerging research ties gut bacteria to emotion regulation, with probiotics reducing negative moods in as little as two weekswithout the side effects of SSRIs.

The fight for informed consent: Women deserve to know the risks of antibiotics and the benefits of probiotics before theyre funneled into a cycle of dependency.

The antibiotic trap: How cures create customers

For decades, women with UTIs have been told the same thing: Take antibiotics, feel better (temporarily), and repeat when the infection inevitably returns. But heres the catch: Antibiotics dont just kill the "bad" bacteria causing the UTIthey carpet-bomb the entire microbiome, including the Lactobacillus strains that act as natural bodyguards against infection. Dr. Thomas M. Hooton of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine puts it bluntly: "Replacing Lactobacillus in women with recurrent UTIs might normalize the vaginal environment and prevent infections." Yet how many doctors prescribe probiotics alongside antibiotics? Almost none.

The consequences are staggering. A 2024 Nature study found that offspring of male mice with disrupted microbiomes suffered low birth weight, severe growth restriction, and premature deathproof that microbial damage isnt just personal; its inter-generational sabotage. And women, as the primary passers of microbiota to their children, are ground zero for this crisis. "The best she can do is give that child a disrupted microbiome because she herself has been disrupted," warns Dr. William Davis, a cardiologist turned microbiome researcher. Yet obstetricians still hand out antibiotics like candy during labor, setting up the next generation for a lifetime of immune dysfunction.

Then theres the antibiotic resistance time bomb. A study in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that women treated with ciprofloxacina common UTI drugexperienced drastic shifts in their gut microbiome, with healthy Lactobacillus populations plummeting. Meanwhile, nitrofurantoin, a less aggressive antibiotic, spared more of the good bacteria. But guess which one is pushed first? The one that destroys your defenses and ensures youll be back.

The gut-vagina-brain axis: How your microbiome shapes your mood, hormones, and immunity

Heres where the story gets even more infuriating. The same microbiome that protects against UTIs also regulates hormones, mood, and even postpartum depressionyet modern medicine treats these systems as separate silos. "The gut microbiome interacts with the bodys hormones," notes a 2023 study in Neurobiology of Stress, "and probiotics have been shown to reduce cortisol levels in humans." In other words, the bacteria in your gut dont just fight infectionsthey help you handle stress, balance estrogen, and avoid the crash-and-burn cycle of modern life.

For women, this connection is especially critical. The vaginal microbiome is dominated by Lactobacillus species that maintain acidity, crowd out pathogens, and even produce neurotransmitters like GABA, which calms the nervous system. When antibiotics wipe these out, the fallout isnt just physical. A randomized controlled trial published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that healthy volunteers taking a multi-species probiotic experienced significant reductions in negative mood within two weekswithout any other interventions. The kicker? The benefits were strongest in people with higher baseline stress, suggesting that probiotics act as a buffer against the chaos of modern life.

Yet instead of leveraging this, psychiatrists push SSRIsdrugs with black-box warnings for suicide riskwhile OB-GYNs prescribe birth control pills that further disrupt the microbiome. Its a perfect storm of iatrogenic harm: Drugs that damage the gut, which then worsens hormonal imbalances, which then feed anxiety and depression, which then get "treated" with more drugs. Wheres the informed consent in that?

The probiotic revolution

If probiotics are so effective, why arent they the first line of defense against UTIs? Follow the money. Antibiotics are a $40 billion industry. Probiotics? A fraction of thatand impossible to patent. "Probiotic interventions were shown to have some efficacy in the treatment and prevention of urogenital infections," admits a 2018 review in the National Library of Medicine, "but further clinical trials are needed." Translation: "We cant monetize bacteria, so well demand more studies until the heat dies down."

Yet the evidence is already overwhelming. A meta-analysis of five studies involving 294 women found that vaginal probiotics slashed UTI recurrence by 75%a statistic that should have shut down the antibiotic gravy train overnight. The most effective strains? Lactobacillus crispatus, L. rhamnosus GR-1, and L. fermentum B-54. Oral probiotics worked nearly as well, with the added bonus of recolonizing the gut, which then repopulates the vaginal tract via the gut-vagina axis.

Probiotics dont just prevent UTIsthey re-balance the entire system. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that women with recurrent UTIs had severely depleted microbial diversity in their urinary tracts. When given probiotics, their microbiota shifted back toward a protective state, with Lactobacillus strains out-competing E. coli and other pathogens. No side effects. No resistance. Just the body healing itself, as it was designed to do.

Sources include:

NTD.com

Pubmed.gov

Nature.com
Florida open carry ban struck down as unconstitutional

A Florida appeals court ruled the states open carry ban violates the Second Amendment, overturning a 2015 precedent.

The decision stems from a 2022 arrest of Stanley McDaniels, who carried a holstered pistol in Pensacola.

Judges cited the 2022 Bruen Supreme Court ruling, which mandates firearm laws align with historical tradition.

Florida was one of four statesalongside California, Connecticut, and Illinoiswith a near-total open carry ban.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier praised the ruling as a victory for constitutional rights.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  In a sweeping victory for Second Amendment advocates, Floridas First District Court of Appeal struck down the states decades-old ban on openly carrying firearms Wednesday, declaring the restriction unconstitutional and incompatible with the nations "historical tradition of firearm regulation." The 3-0 decision reverses the conviction of Stanley Victor McDaniels, a Pensacola man arrested on July 4, 2022, for standing at a downtown intersection with a holstered pistol and a copy of the U.S. Constitution.

The ruling, authored by Judge Stephanie Ray, hinged on the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision, which required firearm regulations to align with the nations historical traditions. "Because the Second Amendments plain text encompasses the open carrying of firearms in public, that conduct is presumptively protected by the Constitution," Ray wrote. "The state therefore bears the heavy burden of establishing a relevant historical tradition of firearms regulation that justifies its prohibition. The state has not met that burden."

Florida had been one of only four statesalongside California, Connecticut, and Illinoisto broadly prohibit open carry, though it allowed concealed carry without a permit. The courts decision renders Florida Statute Section 790.053 unenforceable, effectively legalizing open carry statewide unless the ruling is overturned on appeal.

The Case That Toppled the Ban: Stanley McDaniels and the Fight for Self-Defense

McDaniels arrest in 2022 became the catalyst for challenging Floridas open carry prohibition. He was charged under a law that criminalized the visible carrying of firearms except in narrow circumstances, such as hunting or fishing. His legal team argued the ban violated the Second Amendments guarantee to "keep and bear arms," a claim the appeals court ultimately affirmed.

"The Constitution protects the right to carry arms openly for self-defense," the judges wrote. "Floridas Open Carry Ban cannot be reconciled with that guarantee."

The ruling underscores a growing judicial trend post-Bruen: courts are increasingly skeptical of firearm restrictions that lack historical precedent. Floridas 2015 Supreme Court decision upholding the open carry banNorman v. Statewas effectively nullified by the appeals court, which deemed it inconsistent with Bruens originalist framework.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, a vocal proponent of open carry legislation, celebrated the decision as long overdue. "This decision aligns state policy with my long-held position and with the vast majority of states throughout the union," he said in a statement. "Ultimately, the court correctly ruled that the text of the Second Amendmentto keep and bear armssays what it means and means what it says."

Political Reactions: Praise from Conservatives, Caution from Critics

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, appointed by DeSantis earlier this year, called the ruling a "big win for the Second Amendment rights of Floridians." In a post on X, he emphasized the timeliness of the decision: "As weve all witnessed over the last few days, our God-given right to self-defense is indispensable."

The ruling comes amid heightened national debates over public safety and gun rights, particularly in the wake of high-profile crimes. While conservatives hailed the decision as a restoration of constitutional freedoms, critics expressed concerns about potential public unease. Democratic state Rep. Christine Hunschofsky questioned the practical implications: "Im not sure if people, when theyre visiting our beautiful beaches or ... Disney or Universal, how comfortable theyre going to feel with somebody carrying a large weapon openly."

Yet for gun rights activists, the decision was a vindication of years of legislative frustration. Former state Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who championed open carry bills during his tenure, took to X to declare: "FLORIDA IS NOW AN OPEN CARRY STATE!" He criticized "fake Republicans" in the Legislature for blocking past reforms, adding, "Thank you to Floridas 1st District Court of Appeal for standing up for liberty while the Legislature failed."

Whats Next? Legal Uncertainty and the Path Forward

The state now faces a choice: accept the ruling or appeal to the Florida Supreme Courtor even the U.S. Supreme Court. Uthmeiers office, which defended the ban, has not yet indicated whether it will challenge the decision. However, the attorney general has previously signaled reluctance to defend firearm laws he deems unconstitutional, including Floridas ban on long-gun purchases by adults under 21.

If the ruling stands, Florida will join 46 other states that permit open carry in some form. Yet as Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia noted, the shift does not mean unrestricted firearm displays: "Just because there will be open carry by virtue of the courts decision does not mean that everyone is going to be open carrying everywhere that they go."

For now, the decision marks a pivotal moment in Floridas firearm policya victory for Second Amendment purists and a test of the states commitment to constitutional originalism.

A Victory for Libertyand a Warning to Overreaching Governments

The collapse of Floridas open carry ban is more than a legal technicality; it is a reaffirmation that constitutional rights cannot be eroded by legislative whims or judicial overreach. The Bruen decision has empowered lower courts to demand historical justification for firearm restrictions, and Floridas ruling proves that even long-standing laws must bow to the Constitutions plain text.

For Stanley McDaniels, the decision vindicates his peaceful stand on a Pensacola street cornerarmed not just with a pistol, but with the words of the Founding Fathers. For Floridians, it restores a right enjoyed by most Americans. And for the nation, it serves as a reminder: the Second Amendment is not a government grant, but a recognition of an inalienable libertyone that no court, nor legislature, can lawfully strip away.

Sources for this article include:

100percentfedup.com

wesh.com

mysuncoast.com
Gaza is burning: Israels new assault kills 90 as world condemns war crimes

Israel launched a brutal new ground offensive in Gaza City, killing at least 90 Palestinians while a UN commission ruled Israel is committing genocide.

Israeli forces targeted civilian neighborhoods, hospitals, and infrastructure, forcing thousands to flee as medical supplies and communications collapse.

The death toll has now exceeded 65,000, with over 165,000 wounded since October 2023, as Israel admits to 150+ strikes in recent days.

The UN condemns Israels systematic destruction of Gaza, calling it a genocide with intent to erase Palestinians as a group.

Civilians have nowhere left to run, facing starvation, bombardment, and a collapsed humanitarian system with no international intervention in sight.

The sky over Gaza City turned black with smoke on Tuesday as Israeli forces launched a devastating new ground offensive, killing at least 90 Palestinians and wounding countless others in a barrage of airstrikes, artillery fire, and explosive-laden vehicles. The assault came on the same day a United Nations commission ruled that Israel is committing genocide in the besieged enclave.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz celebrated the carnage, declaring on X that "Gaza [City] is burning." The military announced a "new phase" in its 23-month war, targeting neighborhoods like Tel al-Hawa, Rimal, and Daraj with relentless force. Thousands of Palestinians fled south with nothing but the clothes on their backs, while others sought refuge outside al-Quds Hospital, dragging mattresses and whatever belongings they could salvage. The Ministry of Health warned of "severe overcrowding" in the few remaining functional hospitals, where medical teams are operating with depleted supplies and a critical shortage of blood.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the assault as "horrendous," stating, "We are seeing massive destruction of neighborhoods, now the systematic destruction of Gaza City... massive killing of civilians in a way that I do not remember in any conflict since I am secretary general." His words echoed the UN commissions 72-page report, which found Israel guilty of four of the five acts prohibited under the 1948 Genocide Convention, with clear intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group.

A humanitarian catastrophe worsens

The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 65,000, according to local health officials, with another 165,697 wounded since October 2023. The Israeli military admitted to striking Gaza City more than 150 times in recent days, toppling high-rise towers in areas packed with displaced families living in tent camps. Israel claims these buildings were used by Hamas for surveillance, but the result has been civilian devastation. Overnight strikes alone killed at least 16 people, including women and children.

Hospitals, already reduced to "shells" after nearly two years of war, are now under direct threat. The al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital was hit multiple times, forcing half of its 80 patientsincluding four children in intensive care and eight premature babiesto flee. "This attack has once again shattered the illusion that hospitals or any place in Gaza are safe from Israels genocide," said Fikr Shalltoot, Gaza director for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have cut off phone and internet services in northern Gaza, making it nearly impossible for Palestinians to call for help, coordinate evacuations, or document the atrocities unfolding in real time. The Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority confirmed that strikes on network lines had severed communications, leaving hundreds of thousands isolated.

A population with nowhere left to run

As Israeli troops press deeper into Gaza City, the question remains: where can civilians go? The south, already overcrowded and bombed repeatedly, offers no safety. Many Palestinians, weakened by near-starvation, cannot physically flee. Others refuse to abandon their homes, even as Israel accelerates its campaign to make Gaza City uninhabitable.

The UN has warned of famine, with over 570,000 Gazans facing acute hunger. Aid groups, including Save the Children and the Norwegian Refugee Council, have demanded "decisive action" from the international community, stating, "What we are witnessing in Gaza is not only an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, but what the UN Commission of Inquiry has now concluded is a genocide."

For now, the bombs continue to fall. The death toll continues to rise. And the people of Gaza are left with a terrible choice: stay and face annihilation, or flee into the unknown, where survival is far from guaranteed.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

APNews.com

AlJazeera.com

TheGuardian.com
Israel plans to use remote-controlled bomb robots on civilians in Gaza

The Israeli military is using a new type of weapon in Gaza. These explosive-laden, remote-controlled vehicles are not just bombs but are designed to be driven into urban areas and detonated remotely, causing massive destruction.

The primary goal of these robotic bombs is to destroy infrastructure and instill fear.

The terror caused by these bombs is a deliberate tactic to force civilians to flee. However, the high cost of evacuation and the dangerous conditions make it difficult for many to leave, trapping them in a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The use of these bombs in densely populated areas is inherently indiscriminate.

This tactic marks a shift in how warfare is conducted, with the potential for increased civilian casualties and destruction. It raises serious concerns about adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian populations.

In a significant and alarming escalation of its ground offensive in Gaza, the Israeli military is reportedly preparing to deploy an unprecedented number of explosive-rigged, remote-controlled robotic vehicles into the heart of Gaza City.

This tactic, described by observers as dystopian, is designed to cause massive, widespread destruction and instill terror among the hundreds of thousands of civilians still trapped in the area.

According to reports from the Israeli outlet Walla, the military has massed a large number of decommissioned armoured personnel carriers (APCs) along the Gaza boundary. These outdated vehicles are not being used for transport but are instead being converted into what the military calls "suicide APCs," essentially, massive, remotely operated bombs on tracks.

The process is brutally simple. An Israeli soldier, operating from a safe distance, drives the explosive-packed robot deep into Gaza's dense urban neighborhoods.

Once positioned, the vehicle is detonated remotely, creating a colossal blast that reduces entire buildings to crushed rubble. The explosions are so powerful that they have been reported as "earth-shaking" by Palestinians on the ground and have even been heard as far away as central Israel.

A deadly tool for mass destruction and forced displacement

The primary impact of these robotic bombs is catastrophic structural damage. The Gaza-based Government Media Office estimates that at least 100 of these devices were detonated in just a three-week period this summer.

According to reports from the nonprofit Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, these explosions are now destroying approximately 300 residential units every single day, suggesting a strategic objective to methodically erase vast swathes of the city.

Beyond the physical destruction, the psychological effect is a core part of their use. The sudden, immense detonations at all hours, often reported in the pre-dawn darkness, cause widespread terror, particularly among children.

For families already living under constant threat of airstrikes, the ground-shaking arrival of a silent, unmanned bomb adds a new layer of horror to their existence.

This terror is a direct tool for forced displacement. Israel has issued mass evacuation orders for Gaza City, but for many, leaving is impossible.

The cost to rent a vehicle for the dangerous journey south has reportedly skyrocketed to around $600, a sum far beyond the means of most in the war-ravaged strip.

Furthermore, those who try to leave describe roads packed with vehicles and donkey carts, creating deadly bottlenecks where people wait for days for a chance to escape. The robotic bombs, therefore, serve as a brutal form of pressure, terrorizing those who cannot afford to flee into finally abandoning their homes.

A clear and present danger to civilians

The deployment of these devices in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world poses an extreme and obvious threat to civilian life.

By driving large bombs into neighborhoods where families are sheltering, the tactic is inherently indiscriminate. The blasts are not precision weapons; they are area-effect devices designed to annihilate everything in their vicinity.

Eyewitnesses on the ground have described the robots as "far more devastating than air strikes." Their use represents a grim evolution in urban warfare, where a military can now deliver massive explosive payloads without risking its own personnel, thereby lowering the threshold for using overwhelming force in civilian areas. (Related: Israels attack on Qatar: A wake-up call for the Middle East and a blow to peace negotiations.)

This method is not entirely new but is now being employed at an "unprecedented pace." Reports indicate the tactic was developed after the 2014 Gaza war and has been used throughout the current conflict. Israeli media frames it as a way to "clear roads, demolish buildings and destroy enemy infrastructure without exposing forces to direct threats."

However, from the perspective of those in Gaza, it is seen as a weapon of chaos and mass demolition, barrel-bombing overcrowded neighborhoods from the ground up.

As Israel's ground invasion intensifies, the sight of these robotic bombs and the accompanying fleet of heavy military engineering vehicles massed at the border signals a frightening new chapter. For the civilians remaining in Gaza City, it means the ground beneath their feet is no longer just threatened from the sky, but can now literally drive up to their doorsteps and explode, accelerating a humanitarian calamity with no safe end in sight.

As explained by Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the repercussions of Israel deploying these advanced weapons extend beyond the immediate conflict, posing threats to international law, global health, environmental sustainability and humanitarian well-being. It underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent the proliferation and use of such weapons in future conflicts.

Visit WWIII.news for more updates about Israel's attacks on Gaza City and other ongoing armed conflicts across the globe.

Watch this clip as Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about how Israel will survive the repercussions of its own actions.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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Massacre in Yemen: Journalists among the victims of recent Israeli strikes.

UN Security Council condemns Israel's strikes on Qatar, urges de-escalation.

Egypt warns Israel: Strikes on Hamas leaders on Egyptian soil will be seen as declaration of war.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

News.Walla.co.il

Independent.co.uk

AlJazeera.com

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Israeli minister calls Gaza a real estate bonanza as bombs fall and Palestinians flee

Israels Finance Minister Smotrich calls Gaza a "real estate bonanza" and openly discusses dividing its land for profit amid ongoing airstrikes.

Plans include luxury resorts and mass surveillance while forcibly displacing Palestinians, backed by U.S. and Israeli venture capitalists.

Legal experts warn the scheme violates international law, tying land seizures to ethnic cleansing and war crimes.

Trumps team has reportedly reviewed proposals to turn Gaza into a "Riviera" while paying Palestinians to leave permanently.

Over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed as Israel advances corporate colonization plans under the guise of reconstruction.

As Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate Gaza, killing over 65,000 people and displacing millions, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly described the war-torn enclave as a "real estate bonanza" and a future profit center for Israel and its allies.

Speaking at a Tel Aviv real estate conference on September 17, Smotrich revealed that Israel has already shared plans with the U.S. on how to divide up Gazas land, boasting that the "demolition phase"the destruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructurehas already been completed.

"We have poured a lot of money into this war," Smotrich said. "We have to see how we are dividing up the land in percentages."

His remarks align with earlier statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who in February proposed turning Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East"a luxury resort destinationwhile forcibly relocating Palestinians elsewhere. According to reports, Trumps team has been weighing a reconstruction plan that would place Gaza under U.S. control for a decade, paying Palestinians $5,000 each to leave permanently.

A plan built on displacement and profit

Smotrichs comments confirm what critics have long feared: that Israels military campaign in Gaza is not just about defeating Hamas, but about seizing land and displacing its people. The finance minister, a far-right settler leader, has previously called for "thinning out" Gazas population by half within two years through "voluntary migration"a euphemism for ethnic cleansing.

Now, he is openly discussing how to profit from the destruction. "Theres a business plan on President Trumps table," he told the conference. "It pays off."

This plan is not just theoretical. A leaked proposal published by The Washington Post in September outlined a Dubai-style luxury development in Gaza, complete with artificial islands and high-end resorts, all while Palestinians are pushed out. The scheme, backed by Israeli venture capitalists and former intelligence officers, would rely on mass surveillance, population displacement, and land confiscationa blueprint for corporate colonization under the guise of reconstruction.

International law violations and war crimes

Legal experts warn that any attempt to seize Palestinian land or profit from displacement violates international law. "This plan is tied to the plan to dispel or expel the civilian population," said Adil Haque, a law professor at Rutgers University. "And this is illegal."

The timing of Smotrichs remarks is particularly chilling. As he spoke, Israeli bombs were pounding Gaza City, killing more than 100 people in a single day. The United Nations has accused Israel of genocide, while Gazas Health Ministry reports that more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.

Yet instead of accountability, Israeli officials are planning luxury resorts on the ruins of Palestinian homes.

Trumps role in the land grab

Trumps involvement raises serious questions about U.S. complicity. His earlier proposal to turn Gaza into a "Riviera" while paying Palestinians to leave was widely condemned as a blueprint for ethnic cleansing. Now, Smotrich confirms that detailed plans are already on Trumps desk.

A White House official told NBC News that Trump supports Gazas reconstruction, but only if Hamas disarms. Yet the real agenda appears far darker: a corporate takeover of Palestinian land, funded by war and enforced by displacement.

Smotrich is not acting alone. He represents a faction of Israels government that has long pushed for annexation and settlement expansion. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly denied plans to resettle Gaza, his far-right coalition partners, including Smotrich, are actively advancing them.

This is not the first time Israel has used war as a pretext for land seizures. In the West Bank, illegal settlements continue to expand, often with U.S. backing. Now, the same playbook is being applied to Gaza, but with an even more brazen profit motive.

The human cost of corporate war

Behind the cold calculus of "real estate bonanzas" and "urban renewal" lies a human catastrophe. Over 2 million Palestinians have been displaced, many living in tents with no clean water or medical care. Thousands have died from starvation, disease, and Israeli bombs.

Yet for Smotrich and his allies, this suffering is merely the "first phase" of a lucrative business venture.

The international community must act before this plan becomes reality. The U.S. must reject any involvement in Gazas corporate colonization, and Israel must be held accountable for war crimes and ethnic cleansing.

If allowed to proceed, Smotrichs "real estate bonanza" will not only erase Palestinian lives; it will set a dangerous precedent that war can be a business opportunity, and genocide can be monetized.

The world cannot stay silent while bombs fall and land deals are made. Gaza is not for sale.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

TimesOfIsrael.com

NBCNews.com
Patrick Michaels exposes the global warming scam in Climate Coup

Global warming alarmism has permeated various sectors, including education, national defense, international development and academic publishing. This pervasive narrative of climate catastrophe has led to fear-based education, financial exploitation under the guise of climate justice and the use of climate change as a justification for military budget increases and trade restrictions.

Patrick Michaels criticizes the IPCC for relying on non-peer-reviewed sources, which has led to the retraction of claims about the Amazon rainforests, African crop harvests and Himalayan glaciers. The 2009 Climategate scandal, involving leaked emails from the University of East Anglia, further undermined the IPCC's credibility by exposing efforts to conceal flaws and exclude skeptics.

The book highlights the growing power of the executive branch, particularly the EPA, in implementing climate policies without explicit congressional authorization. The EPA's "Endangerment Finding" in 2009, which classified carbon dioxide as a pollutant, is cited as an example of this trend, raising concerns about the erosion of constitutional principles of limited government and separation of powers.

Michaels criticizes aggressive climate policies like the American Clean Energy and Security Act for their potential to increase the cost of electricity and energy, mandate costly regulations and impose economic burdens similar to those experienced by Spain with its green energy subsidies. He argues that these policies could lead to significant economic and social disruptions.

The book examines the militarization of climate change, with the Department of Defense using it as a justification for budget increases and the development of literature that amplifies military roles based on climate threats.

In recent years, the debate surrounding climate change has intensified, with significant implications for policy, science and society. The book "Climate Coup: Global Warming's Invasion of Our Government and Our Lives" by Patrick Michaels provides a critical examination of the pervasive influence of global warming alarmism on various aspects of our lives.

The book offers a fresh perspective on the climate change debate. Global warming alarmism has infiltrated nearly every aspect of our society. From education to national defense, from international development to academic publishing, the narrative of an impending climate catastrophe has become a dominant force.

Children are taught to fear climate change in schools, while poor countries leverage it for financial gain under the guise of climate justice. Lawmakers impose tariffs and sanctions on nations that disagree with their environmental views, and the military uses climate change as a justification for budget increases.

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, global warming alarmism is a dangerous deception propagated by globalist elites, masquerading as science to push a counterfeit crisis. It falsely claims human carbon dioxide emissions catastrophically destabilize Earth's natural climate cycles

In turn, these false claims justify harmful policies like carbon taxes, renewable energy scams and centralized control  all to enrich bankers, corporations and depopulation agendas while suppressing dissent and freedom. This weaponized ideology prioritizes elite power and profit over truth, nature and humanity's survival.

Michaels argues that this alarmism is not supported by convincing evidence. Despite the widespread belief that climate change will lead to apocalyptic consequences, the data often tell a different story.

For instance, the book highlights how the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has relied on non-peer-reviewed sources, leading to the retraction of claims about the Amazon rainforests, African crop harvests and Himalayan glaciers. The IPCC, often seen as the authoritative voice on climate science, has faced significant criticism.

The 2009 leak of emails from the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia exposed efforts by scientists to conceal flaws, exclude skeptics and withhold data. This scandal raised serious concerns about the transparency and credibility of the IPCC.

Michaels emphasizes the importance of rigorous peer review in climate science. He argues that the IPCC's reliance on non-peer-reviewed sources undermines the integrity of the scientific process. The book also discusses the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change (NIPCC) report, which challenges the IPCC's assertion that most warming since the mid-20th century is due to human greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting that natural causes may be more significant.

The book delves into the concentration of power within the executive branch, particularly the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in implementing far-reaching climate policies. The authors argue that the "executive state" has emerged as a powerful force, capable of enacting regulations without specific authorization from Congress.

For example, the EPA's "Endangerment Finding" in 2009, which declared carbon dioxide a pollutant, was a pivotal moment that allowed the agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. This decision was made despite the lack of clear congressional intent for the act to address global air pollution issues like climate change.

The book also explores the economic and social implications of climate policies. Michaels criticizes the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), also known as the cap-and-trade bill, for its intrusive nature and potential economic consequences. He argues that the bill would lead to expensive electricity and energy sources, mandate the production of plug-in hybrid vehicles and impose costly regulations on industries.

Michaels draws a comparison between the proposed U.S. policies and Spain's experience with green energy subsidies. He cites research showing that Spain's subsidies for solar power resulted in a significant economic burden, with each "green job" costing the country $774,000. This example underscores the potential economic pitfalls of pursuing aggressive climate policies.

Another significant theme in the book is the militarization of the climate change issue. Michaels discusses how the U.S. Department of Defense has seized on global warming as a vehicle to enlarge its global role. The book highlights the development of a voluminous literature that amplifies military budgets based on climate change threats.

Michaels argues that the security threats posed by global warming are often exaggerated. He criticizes the "conflict over scarce resources" thesis, suggesting that it is not supported by evidence. He also questions the notion that climate change will lead to increased conflict, noting that the relationship between environmental effects and conflict is not as straightforward as some analysts claim.

The book also examines the role of education and the media in shaping public perception of climate change. Michaels criticizes the federalization of education for leading to the institutionalization of scare tactics and exaggeration in the teaching of global warming. He argues that the use of fearmongering tactics in schools may produce short-term policy gains but will ultimately result in a loss of respect for science.

Michaels cites the example of Al Gore's documentary "An Inconvenient Truth," which was distributed to schools in the United Kingdom. The film was found to contain several major errors and was criticized for its alarmist and exaggerated portrayal of climate change. This case highlights the dangers of using politically motivated films as educational tools.

The book serves as a call to action for policymakers, scientists and the public to rethink the way we address climate change. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, scientific integrity and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making in shaping our response to this global challenge.

Watch this video about Patrick Michaels' book "Climate Coup: Global Warming's Invasion of Our Government and Our Lives."

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Russia to build 38 new reactors in push to boost NUCLEAR in energy mix

Rosatom has been instructed to construct 38 new nuclear power units (large, medium and small scale) as part of a national master plan.

The goal is to raise nuclear power's share of Russia's electricity generation from just under 20 percent up to about 25 percent by 2045.

The 38 reactors are expected to deliver roughly 29.3 gigawatts of installed capacity by around 2042. The lineup includes very large reactors (~1,200 MW+), medium reactors, pilot/lead?cooled fast?neutron reactors (like BREST?OD?300) and small modular reactors (SMRs) including RITM?series variants.

Key parts of the plan include moving toward "serial construction" (i.e. repeating proven designs to speed up build times), deploying Generation IV fast neutron reactor technology and closing the nuclear fuel cycle to improve resource use and reduce waste.

While the plan marks a strong bet on nuclear power and boosts Russia's role both domestically and internationally in nuclear tech, there are expected hurdles  financing, regulatory and licensing delays, workforce and training capacity, supply chain constraints and ensuring safety and environmental standards.

Russia has announced a sweeping plan to construct 38 new nuclear reactors across its territory, with the aim of lifting the role of nuclear power in its energy system.

The plan was disclosed on Monday, Sept. 15 by Alexey Likhachev, chief executive of state nuclear corporation Rosatom, during the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. According to Likhachev, Russian President Vladimir Putin has set a target of increasing nuclear's share in the national energy mix from just under 20?percent today to 25?percent by 2045.

Rosatom has been instructed to build these 38 reactor units  of large, medium and small capacities. (Related: German lawmakers want to lead an EU NUCLEAR WEAPONS system, recruiting France and Great Britain to take on Russia.)

Likhachev cited five reactors currently under construction: Kursk?2?1 and Kursk?2?2 at the Kursk?2 nuclear station in western Russia; Leningrad?2?3 and Leningrad?2?4 at the Leningrad station on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland; and the BREST?OD?300, a pilot Generation IV lead?cooled fast?neutron reactor being built in Seversk, Siberia.

The Rosatom CEO told delegates that while much has been achieved, much more remains to be done. A key ambition is to transition to serial construction of nuclear plants and accelerate the deployment of Generation IV systems with closed fuel cycles. These advances, Likachev argued, would help reduce both construction costs and lead times  for example, compressing the period needed for licensing and other approvals from the current three to four years down to two years.

Russia's reactor mix aims for nearly 30 GW by 2042

The 38 new reactors are to include a mix of sizes. Among them are large reactors (around 1,200 MW or more), medium size reactors and smaller reactors often referred to as small modular reactors (SMRs). Rosatom has said that small and pilot reactors such as the BREST?OD?300, and SMRs like those with RITM?series designs, will figure in these plans. A report from Rosatom earlier in the year noted that by about 2042 the 38 reactors would deliver a combined installed capacity of roughly 29.3 gigawatts.

Observers welcomed Russia's announcement as further evidence of nuclear power's resurgence globally. Many countries are reassessing nuclear energys place in their strategies for achieving low?carbon electricity, energy security and reliability in the face of volatile energy markets. Experts, however, caution that this sort of expansion will confront practical challenges: financing costs, supply chain constraints, regulatory and safety licensing, siting issues, workforce development and maintaining construction quality.

On the international front, Russia's ambitions reinforce Rosatom's growing role not only domestically but also globally, as a builder and exporter of nuclear technologies. Already, Rosatom has secured contracts for construction and operation of reactors abroad, and is pushing for greater cooperation in SMR exports and uranium supply.

"We are entering a new stage in Russia's atomic energy development," Likhachev said. If carried out as outlined, the plan would mark one of the most aggressive nuclear build?out programs in decades, potentially transforming Russia's energy sector and expanding its influence in global nuclear energy markets.

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Russia's ambitious nuclear expansion underscores a commitment to energy independence and resilience, a stark contrast to the West's reliance on centralized, vulnerable and often corrupt energy systems. This robust nuclear infrastructure not only ensures Russia's energy security but also positions it as a leader in sustainable, decentralized energy solutions.

Watch Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev mentioning that Moscow now has the second-largest uranium supply globally.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on Russian uranium for nuclear power.

Biden's Iran "nuclear deal" will be a massive boon to Russia, with Moscow set to cash in on $10 billion contract.

INSANELY VULNERABLE: If Russia cuts off supply of enriched uranium to US power companies, America's nuclear energy reactors will close within a year.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrusselsSignal.eu

IntelliNews.com

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Technology / Motors

by Staff Reporter

The Importance of Clean Backgrounds in Business Content

How CapCut Web Transforms Corporate Media

Adding Branded Backdrops for Consistency



Polished Presentations for Remote Engagements

Boosting Productivity with Quick Background Swaps

Steps to Use Background Remover for Corporate Videos That Impress Clients

Step 1: Begin with professional setup

Step 2: Refine the business background

Step 3: Finalize and deliver

Combining Corporate Storytelling and Dynamic Backdrops

Conclusion

Initial impressions influence the way the clients view your business. In company videos, such perceptions start with images. An untidy or unprofessional background may undermine your brand credibility. An orderly and customized environment, in turn, enhances authority and trust. By polishing your images, you make sure that all your messages are heard with certainty and precision.Professional videos maintain focus on the presenter and the message. Distractions in the frame decrease the impact and make the audience lose concentration. Clean environment gives power to the reports, pitches and presentations. A background remover makes all the corporate media consistent and polished. Clients can observe only what is important to them, and that is the professionalism of your delivery.CapCut Web is a smooth platform to refine corporate content. Its AI-based solution finds business portraits very fast and clears out the clutter around them. You do not spend hours of manual adjustments and the video does not lose its clarity. It is highly efficient and can manage large scale projects such as investor updates, or training modules. The CapCut Web is the streamlined and accurate, and consistent way to edit as needed by the corporation.Good brands work on regularity. CapCut Web gives you the option to use backgrounds in which the company colors, logos, or themes are mirrored. You may match images to marketing campaigns or internal communication styles. Branded backdrops ensure consistency in a video series when developing it. This practice fosters familiarity creating a sense of trust and identity in the project that deals with clients.The professionalism of remote business communication requires the same level of professionalism as face-to-face meetings. Videos produced with CapCut Web seem to have been shot in a studio. You are able to polish webinars and online courses and shareholder updates with entertaining backgrounds. Clarity in visuals can be used to make your message stand out in busy online environments. A business arrangement makes sure your customers concentrate on content, and not equipment noise.Hand editing is time consuming and resource consuming. CapCut Web will save you hours as you can change the background in real-time. It is a tool that allows you to create several videos of the same high quality within a fraction of time. Using templates, you ensure that there is a consistent appearance to business content that appears frequently. This efficiency allows faster delivery without its deterioration. CapCut Web saves you time and helps you do more.Log in CapCut and then select "Video" from the main menu. Choose "New video" to enter the editing space. You can upload your existing video from your device, drag and drop, Google Drive, or Dropbox. If you lack a corporate clip, select from elements provided.After uploading, select your video and head to "Smart tools" on the right vertical menu bar. Use the "Remove background" option. Pick auto removal for speed or the Chroma key for precise editing. You can then adjust background color with the palette or replace it with visuals that impress clients.Once satisfied, hit the "Export" tab at the top right. Then go to the download tab to set custom name, resolution, quality, frame rate, and format. Click "Export" to save it locally so you can share polished corporate content confidently.Picture storytelling reinforces corporate communication. CapCut Web allows you to do more than just colors. Display office backgrounds, product imagery or abstract patterns related to business objectives. The use of these features helps to strengthen plots and maintain visual logistics. The video editor tools such as CapCut Web make sure that these improvements blend well into your projects.Storytelling is increasingly dependent on the background as we become more visual in communication. AI background generator enables you to enhance ordinary corporate records to professional media. Creativity plus branding make your videos stand out and support strategic goals. This technology guarantees that all the elements resonate with your message and client relations.Messages are usually presented in a way that determines corporate success. White space reinforces competence, builds branding, and generates confidence with clients. With CapCut Web, it becomes possible to take raw footage and transform it into impressive visuals that appear deliberate and high-quality. Whether it is branded backdrops or effective editing, the platform enables you to present with confidence. In this way, you can not only impress clients but also make your corporate media contribute to long-term credibility and success.
Traditional bullet matching lacks foundational scientific validation

The claim that bullets can be uniquely matched to specific firearms has never been conclusively proven. National reports (NAS 2009, PCAST 2016) found the discipline lacks foundational scientific validation.

Reported error rates (about one percent) are artificially low because "inconclusive" results are wrongly counted as correct. When properly classified, error rates jump to 93 percent, exposing severe reliability issues.

Examiners often contradict themselves (Same bullets, same examiner: 66 percent consistency). Different examiners agree less than one-third of the time, undermining objectivity.

Courts now restrict examiners from using terms like "match" or claiming "scientific certainty." Landmark cases (e.g., Maryland Supreme Court briefs) declare the methodology unreliable, risking past convictions.

Emerging tech (3D microscopy, statistical databases) offers more objective analysis but is costly and years away from adoption. Meanwhile, juries still trust flawed testimony, leaving defendants vulnerable to wrongful convictions.

In a revelation that threatens the foundations of the American criminal justice system, the long-held belief that ballistic evidence can definitively link a bullet to a single firearm is being exposed as a scientifically unproven assumption  potentially invalidating thousands of past convictions and challenging ongoing prosecutions.

The central claim of forensic firearms examiners  that every gun leaves a unique, identifiable mark on bullets and cartridge casings  has never been conclusively proven. This crisis of confidence stems from a growing body of research and legal analysis.

National reports from the National Academy of Sciences in 2009 and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in 2016 were among the first to sound the alarm, finding the discipline lacked foundational validity and sufficient studies to understand its reliability. Despite these critiques, examiners continue to testify in court, often citing validation studies that report astonishingly low error rates of around one percent.

However, these rates are deeply misleading as they are artificially deflated by the practice of counting "inconclusive" results as correct answers rather than errors. When these inconclusive findings are properly classified, error rates in studies can skyrocket to as high as 93 percent  revealing a field in a state of crisis.

In response, scientific institutions like the National Institute of Standards and Technology are pioneering new, more objective methods using high-resolution 3D microscopy to create virtual models of toolmarks. This technology allows for more repeatable, data-driven comparisons and the development of statistical databases. However, this transition is years away from being routine, costly to implement and does not address the legacy of cases built on the old methods.

Bullet matching: Juries trust it, but science debunks it

Further undermining the field's credibility are studies on repeatability. The Ames II study found that when the same examiner was presented with the same bullets a second time, they reached the same conclusion only two-thirds of the time. Even more damning, different examiners looking at the same evidence agreed less than one-third of the time.

Moreover, Brighteon.AI's Enoch points out that "bullet matching is inaccurate because the marks left on bullets are inconsistent and unreliable for identifying specific gun barrels, often failing under forensic scrutiny. Additionally, slight variations in sight alignment can drastically alter bullet trajectory  making exact matches impossible." (Related: Questions Raised Over FBI Evidence Handling in Charlie Kirk Case; Kash Patel Criticizes Investigation.)

This lack of consistency and objectivity stands in stark contrast to the certainty conveyed to juries. "It's deadly evidence," said Jeff Gilleran, chief attorney in the Forensics division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, noting that juries rarely doubt a firearms examiner's testimony.

The situation has prompted a slow judicial reckoning. Some courts are now placing strict limitations on what examiners can say, barring them from using terms like "match" or stating opinions "to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty."

Moreover, a pivotal amicus brief filed in the Maryland Supreme Court concluded that the core methodology of forensic firearms examination lacks the rigorous scientific validation required to be considered reliable evidence. The implications are profound for defendants like Kobina Ebo Abruquah, serving a life sentence for a 2012 murder conviction based largely on such testimony, and for a legal system that has long treated this evidence as infallible.

For now, the legal system relies on the courtroom emergence of "anti-expert experts"  research scientists like biostatistician Michael Rosenblum who can deconstruct the flawed studies presented as proof of validity.

Read more stories like this at FakeScience.news.

Watch this edition of "Brighteon Broadcast News" where the Health Ranger Mike Adams exposes fake forensics pushed by the FBI.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Single-bullet official narrative of JFK assassination called into doubt by witnesses.

Health Ranger used "forensic acoustic" analysis to determine there was a second shooter in Vegas on night of slaughter.

EXCLUSIVE: JFK autopsy 'bullet fragment' X-ray was faked, denounced as 'physically impossible' ... New forensic analysis uncovers decades of false evidence used to frame Lee Harvey Oswald.

Sources include:

NIJ.OJP.gov

ScientificAmerican.com

Brighteon.ai

Magazine.PublicHealth.JHU.edu

Brighteon.com
U.S. deploys powerful Typhon missile system to Japan, escalating regional tensions

The U.S. has escalated tensions by deploying a powerful new missile system in Japan. For the first time, the US publicly showed its advanced Typhon missile system on Japanese soil.

The move is a direct and highly provocative challenge to China. The deployment signals a major shift in strategy, where the U.S. and its allies are moving away from caution and toward open confrontation.

The location is strategically significant. The missile system was displayed at a base that is a key part of the "First Island Chain," a string of U.S.-allied territories used to contain Chinese power.

Military exercises show both sides are preparing for real conflict. The missile unveiling was part of a massive war game involving 20,000 troops.

The region is rapidly militarizing, increasing the risk of war. This event is part of a larger trend: China is increasing its military budget, Japan is undergoing its biggest military build-up since WWII and Taiwan is also boosting defense spending. This creates a dangerous cycle where every action prompts a reaction, with diplomacy failing and the risk of a catastrophic miscalculation growing.

In a move that is set to dramatically heighten military tensions in East Asia, the U.S. military publicly unveiled its advanced Typhon intermediate-range missile system on Japanese soil for the first time on Monday, Sept. 15.

The land-based launcher, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in western Japan, represents a significant escalation in firepower. The deployment underscores a bold and dangerous new phase in the military alignment between Washington and Tokyo, one that directly challenges Beijing and risks triggering a new, volatile arms race in the region.

The Typhon's capability to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles means it possesses a reach long enough to strike major metropolitan areas and military installations on China's densely populated eastern seaboard, as well as targets in the Russian Far East.

The systems arrival is not a permanent fixture for now, but a central feature of the massive annual bilateral military exercise, Resolute Dragon. However, its very presence  even temporarily  sends a stark and confrontational message.

China's fury and a shifting strategic calculus

The unveiling of the Typhon system has been met with predictable and severe condemnation from Beijing. While China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately issue a formal statement on this specific deployment, its pattern of response leaves little doubt.

Earlier in April 2024, when a Typhon system was deployed to the Philippines, Beijing and Moscow erupted in fury, accusing the U.S. of recklessly fueling an arms race and destabilizing the entire Asia-Pacific region. That reaction is expected to be even more intense this time, given Japan's proximity to the Chinese mainland.

Military analysts note that the willingness of both Washington and Tokyo to proceed with such a provocative display signals a fundamental shift in strategic thinking. Where once diplomatic caution and fear of Chinese economic or military retaliation might have scuttled such a deployment, that fear appears to have significantly diminished.

The move demonstrates a growing acceptance in Western capitals that confrontation, rather than detente, is the new normal. This dangerous tit-for-tat dynamic threatens to erase decades of careful diplomatic maneuvering, replacing it with a stark and volatile standoff.

The choice of Iwakuni for the display is itself deeply symbolic. U.S. strategists explicitly describe the base as a key link in the "First Island Chain," a string of U.S.-allied territories stretching from Japan to the Philippines that acts as a strategic barrier designed to contain Chinese naval and air power and complicate its military planning. The placement of a system like Typhon, which can also fire SM-6 missiles capable of destroying ships and aircraft over 200 kilometers away, turns this chain into a potential spear aimed directly at China's heart.

Resolute Dragon: War games for a real-world conflict

The context for the Typhon's appearance is the massive Resolute Dragon exercise, a two-week drill involving a staggering 20,000 Japanese and U.S. troops, alongside warships and various missile batteries. But beyond the sheer numbers, this years exercise reflects a grim and serious evolution in military preparedness for a potential high-tech conflict. (Related: Israels attack on Qatar: A wake-up call for the Middle East and a blow to peace negotiations.)

A key component of the recent drills involved the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) undergoing a grueling test of its command and control capabilities. For five days in the oppressive heat of Okinawa, Marines and sailors traded air-conditioned offices for a sprawling tent city at the Combat Town training site. Their mission was to prove they could pack up their entire command headquarters, displace to a new, austere location under simulated combat conditions and re-establish full operational awareness without missing a beat.

This exercise in mobility and survival is a direct response to the modern threat environment. The U.S. military is painfully aware that its large, centralized bases in the region, like those on Okinawa, are vulnerable sitting ducks for Chinas vast arsenal of long-range missiles. The new doctrine is one of dispersion and constant movement: becoming a harder target to find and hit.

The success of this command post exercise proves that the U.S. and Japan are not just practicing offense with systems like Typhon. They are actively preparing for the devastating counterstrike that such a deployment might provoke.

Asia is gearing up for war

The deployment of the Typhon system is not an isolated event, but part of a much broader and alarming trend of militarization across the region. Unlike next-generation weapons still on the drawing board, the Typhons strength lies in its use of existing, easily mass-produced missiles, allowing for rapid deployment to close the gap with Chinas own accelerating missile programs.

This has triggered a dangerous feedback loop. China, citing U.S. provocations, continues to expand its military budget, which saw a 7.2 percent increase this year.

In response, Japan is now engaged in its most significant military build-up since World War II, purchasing Tomahawk missiles for its warships and developing its own intermediate-range weapons. Adding to the precarious security situation, neighboring Taiwan  the island democracy China claims as its own  plans to boost its defense spending by a fifth in 2026.

The unveiling of the Typhon missile system in Japan is more than a simple military exercise; it is a potent symbol of a region hurtling toward a new cold war. With diplomacy taking a back seat to missile deployments and massive war games, every move increases the risk of miscalculation.

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch AI engine, the U.S. has significantly escalated regional tensions by deploying a powerful new missile system to Japan. The Typhon missile system can fire long-range Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles, putting major Chinese cities and key military bases in the Russian Far East within its strike range, and the move is a direct and highly provocative challenge to China because it places advanced U.S. offensive weaponry capable of striking the Chinese mainland permanently on its doorstep.

Visit WWIII.news for more similar stories.

Watch this clip as world leaders gathered in Beijing for the biggest military parade in history, with China showcasing its strength.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. to deploy previously banned missiles against China as a deterrent.

China is now threatening JAPAN with missiles, which could mean blowback from the U.S.

Taiwan receives first shipment of HIMARS rocket system from the U.S. as it prepares for possible Chinese invasion.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

JapanToday.com

PaCom.mil

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
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Bosque Farms Elementary

A Los Lunas Schools elementary principal has not been on campus this week and her absence appears to be due to a social media post last week.

The incident was started by a post Bosque Farms Elementary School Principal Regina Lucero shared on her personal Facebook page on Thursday, Sept. 11, the day after political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in Utah. Kirk was a polarizing figure in right-wing politics, who had gained the enmity of people in his time as a conservative internet celebrity and leader of Turning Point USA, a group for college-age conservatives.

The Valencia County News-Bulletin called BFE this week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday asking to speak to Principal Lucero. Each day, a school administrative assistant said Lucero was not in the office. The News-Bulletin also left a voicemail for Los Lunas Schools Superintendent Susan B. Chavez on Monday morning asking about the situation.

At about 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, the district issued a statement to the News-Bulletin and other news outlets. The message was also sent in an email to Bosque Farms Elementary families on Monday, as well, and surfaced on social media Tuesday morning.

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The statement did not mention Lucero by name and in part stated, Until further notice, Assistant Principal (Charlotte) Dosumu will be serving as the lead administrator on the Bosque Farms Elementary Campus.

Luceros status with Los Lunas Schools

The News-Bulletin has been unable to confirm Luceros employment status with the district or whether anyone with the district had spoken to her.

Attempts to contact Lucero for comment, via Instagram and through associates on Monday and Tuesday, were unsuccessful.

During a break in the regularly-scheduled Los Lunas Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, the News-Bulletin asked Chavez several follow-up questions to the districts statement about the changes at Bosque Farms Elementary and the district's actions to reassure BFE parents and students.

Asked whether the districts statement was about Lucero and about her employment status, Chavez replied, I cannot comment on personnel matters to both questions.

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Asked what exact LLS Board of Education and New Mexico Administrative Code policies the district was looking at in regard to Luceros social media post, she answered Again, I cannot comment on personnel matters. Its a personnel matter.

Los Lunas Schools Superintendent Susan D. Chavez looks on during a presentation at the Los Lunas Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Kenn Rodriguez

The superintendent also repeated, I cannot comment on personnel matters, to the question of whether the change of leadership at BFE was in response to Luceros comment about Kirks assassination.

The News-Bulletin has learned Albuquerque Journal education reporter Noah Alcala Bach contacted Los Lunas Schools to inquire whether the statements issued by LLS on Monday were related to Luceros post about the Kirk assassination last week.

Los Lunas Schools marketing and media design specialist Sidney Olivas replied affirmatively to Alcala Bach, writing: Yes, it raised concerns among some of our families and the community.

Alcala Bach also asked if Lucero had been placed on paid administrative leave, and Olivas responded by sending him the same statement the district issued on Monday.

The Facebook post

A screenshot of Luceros post appeared on a locally-run Facebook group early Saturday afternoon, posted by an anonymous member.

Lucero, who went by Regina Lucero-Jones on her personal Facebook page, shared a post by "Occupy Democrats, a left-wing media outlet."

The post included the message Live by the sword, die by the sword and above a meme that included a partial quote of Kirks with the words, I think its worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year highlighted in yellow.

Lucero commented, Well this is what he said. We must be careful what we say.

An anonymous poster criticized Lucero in a post, writing She is not a good principal at all for posting this. The poster went on to say they were disgusted by her post."

The News-Bulletin visited Luceros Facebook page on Saturday, Sept. 13, but did not find the post. The page only had old posts from 2023 and 2024 visible at the time. Within an hour, the page appeared to have been deleted or made completely private.

The News-Bulletin did verify that the "Occupy Democrats" post had indeed been posted to their Facebook page and was not a fake. Lucero also has an Instagram account but it did not include the post.

Community concerns

Community reaction to Luceros Facebook post grew over the weekend and on Monday a call went out for BFE parents and community members to go to Los Lunas School Central Office at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, to attempt to speak to Superintendent Chavez.

Roughly a dozen people showed up and were met by Olivas and the superintendents executive assistant Karen Wolfe. The duo explained Chavez was attending a two-day training and was not in the office. The group aired their concerns about the Facebook post as well as other complaints about Lucero.

Tammy Robinson, a parent who said she has sent her children to Bosque Farms Elementary for 15 years and has one child attending the school currently, said BFE is an amazing community to be a part of, but its just not what it used to be.

She went on to say enrollment is down in some grade levels and there has been higher staff turnover than usual.

Concerned Bosque Farms parents and residents speak with Los Lunas Schools administration about Bosque Farms Elementary principal Regina Lucero on Tuesday morning, Sept. 16 at the Los Lunas Schools Central Office. Kenn Rodriguez

Weve had new leadership with Mrs. Lucero and over the last year, things just havent gone the way that they need to go, Robinson said. I think this incident with Facebook was just the straw that broke the camels back.

Two parents showed up at Tuesdays board meeting with the intention to speak to the Bosque Farms Elementary situation. Ultimately both declined to speak after hearing LLS Board of Education President Dr. Michelle Osowskis preamble statement before the public comment portion of the meeting began.

In the statement, Osowski informed the audience, The board may be required to serve authority on an employee's appeal, and must remain neutral and objective. As a result, the board must remain uninformed about the specifics of personnel matters until these matters are fully resolved."

On Monday morning, the News-Bulletin received an email from Bosque Farms Elementary parent Andrew Garcia, who also shared Luceros Facebook post and his thoughts on social media.

The email, which was addressed to Superintendent Chavez and copied to the entire Los Lunas Board of Education, N.M. Public Education Department secretary Marianna Sanchez and five media outlets, including the News-Bulletin, contained his thoughts about the Facebook incident as well as other concerns about the school.

As a public school principal and a leader in our community, her decision to make such a comment was deeply concerning, Garcia wrote. The insensitivity of the statement, particularly given Mr. Kirk's status as a conservative Christian, is shocking to many of us.
LOS LUNAS  A Los Lunas man is in custody and charged with first-degree murder after an incident at a home late Monday night.

According to a press release issued by the Los Lunas Police Department on Tuesday, Sept. 16, Jessie Roark, 41, of Los Lunas, was arrested shortly after officers began investigating a death at a home in the 2000 block of Panda Drive SW. The home is south of Main Street and west of Camelot Boulevard.

LLPD Chief Frank Lucero said initial findings in the investigation point to a potential disturbance between Roark and his neighbor, the victim, Kelvin Garcia, 30, in regards to a noise complaint.

That is our understanding so far, but this is an ongoing investigation, Lucero said Tuesday afternoon. We dont know 100 percent what happened after that. Officers are still out there, scouring the area, looking for surveillance cameras, interviewing neighbors and putting the pieces together.

Officers were dispatched to the home during the late-night hours of Monday, Sept. 15, for a call reporting shots fired.

When officers arrived, they found Garcia with life-threatening injuries.

Despite officers efforts to render aid, the victim succumbed to his injuries on scene, the press release reads.

Officers quickly detained Roark and he was booked into the Valencia County Detention Center. According to the press release, LLPD doesnt believe there is any further danger to the community.

We would like to thank our partners at the New Mexico State Police, the Valencia County Sheriffs Department and the Valencia County Regional Communications Center for their assistance during this incident, the release concludes. We also extend our gratitude to the residents in the area for their patience and understanding while the scene was secured and processed.
Construction of the new Fairfield by Marriott on Sun Ranch Village Loop west of Interstate 25 in Los Lunas is an example of the kind of growth that the village of Los Lunas Senior Economic Developer Victoria Archuleta hopes to continue to get with the recently approved economic development strategic plan to be developed for Los Lunas by with Better City, LLC.

LOS LUNAS  A plan to help spur economic development was on the agenda for the village of Los Lunas mayor and council at the most recent meeting on Thursday, Sept. 4.

The council approved a contract for the development of an Economic Development Strategic Plan with Better City, LLC of Marriott-Slaterville, Utah, at the councils meeting by a vote of 3-1.

The lone dissenting vote came from councilor Gino Romero, who asked many questions of Los Lunas Senior Economic Developer Victoria Archuleta about the necessity of the plan, as well as its focus.

The agreement with Better City, LLCs consulting services will be a one-time fee of $65,597.13, which Archuleta said was among the more reasonable bids received. She noted the council set a budget of $100,000 for the initiative, which started with a call for proposals in June.

Archuleta said the plan aims to establish a specific and customized economic development strategy for the municipality, guiding its growth for the next five and 10 years. She said strategic planning is seen as a way to be more thoughtful and strategic about future development, especially given the communitys rapid growth.

Establishing an economic development strategic plan has been identified as one of the councils priorities and something that Im very grateful that was budgeted for this year, Archuleta said, elaborating that the RFP brought a considerable amount of responses from really outstanding economic development firms from across the country.

We may have set a new record for the village for the most number of proposals and responses, she said, telling the council that 22 firms sent in proposals.

Among Romeros concerns were that the village already works with and pays fees to the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA).

Im just curious; why do we need this? Romero asked. I thought that was what AREA did for us.

Archuleta explained AREA helps more with marketing the village. She went further, explaining, an economic development strategic plan really helps us take our very specific municipality, municipal growth into our own hands by providing a customized plan for the village.

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They (AREA) are a tremendous supporter, and we work very well with them, she explained, noting that AREA does not specifically help with strategic planning.

New housing development, such as the Fiesta del Norte subdivision currently under construction north of Los Cerritos Park, is one of several keys for economic development in Los Lunas. The village council approved a contract to develop an economic development strategic plan for the village at its Sept. 4 meeting. Kenn Rodriguez

Councilors Christopher Ortiz, James Runyon and Cruz Munoz, who is chairman for AREAs Public Sector Advisory Committee, all expressed skepticism, questioning the need for an external firm and also expressed concern about hiring an out-of-state company.

Archuleta pointed out that Better City has done studies in the past for Silver City, Lordsburg and Deming, as well as Grant County, and is currently working with Raton on economic development implementation.

Although they are out of state, they do have a considerable amount of working experience here in the state of New Mexico with communities of similar size, she said. To the best of my knowledge, they also have someone physically present in northern New Mexico as well.

Archuleta also reiterated that the bid for the strategic plan was put out at the request of the council, which she said had put on the budget for the villages last fiscal year, 2024-25.

She also mentioned that part of Better Citys study would be getting a great deal of the community, stating that the plan relies heavily on community input, including surveys, stakeholder discussions, and engagement with business owners and civic leaders.

Archuleta will be working closely with Better City on the study, which is expected take six to eight months to complete. The study will provides realistic and achievable goals, deliverable metrics and a dashboard for tracking progress.

During the discussion, which also addressed the types of businesses the village is looking to attract, Mayor Charles Griego asked if the study would be using community-based facts and getting input from the community back to the council as well as looking at what our strengths and weaknesses are.

Archuleta affirmed all those issues would take place.

I think there is going to be a considerable amount of community input from all various levels, she said.

In his final comment, Councilor Romero said he wanted to make sure the money spent on the study did not go to waste.

We just want to make sure if were spending $65,000 that its not shelved, he said. We had that tourist strategic plan a few years back, kind of like were talking about, getting shelved. Its not just about businesses and stuff that we want to bring in. We want to make sure were bringing in that fun side of things, too, where people actually have something  We need stuff for people to do down here, not just shopping.
In his memoir, A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway wrote; I had met Miss (Gertrude) Stein in the Luxembourg (Hotel). I cannot remember whether she was walking her dog or not. I know that I was walking myself, since we could not afford a dog, nor even a cat then 

Hemingway eventually ended up with a colony of now famous cats  all descended from Snow White, the polydactyl cat given to him by a ships captain on one of his many adventures at sea.

What does it mean to afford a pet? Ive been thinking about that lately and Im not sure I know the answer. One thing I do know, however, is that we afford the things that have value to us: our cars, shoes, food, the latest tech gadgets, etc. While we might complain about the prices, when we get to the checkout counter, we hand over the money without a second thought. Yet, every day in Americas animal shelters, people surrender their pets, often saying they cant afford to keep them. While in some cases this may be true, in others its clear that the reasons for surrender point to a much different reality.

When we spend money on something, we expect something back; a return on our investment. What, then, is the value, the ROI of having pets in our lives? Well, during my morning yoga routine, my cat, Humphrey, lies down next to me for the last floor exercises. Sometimes he strokes my hair, and we always end up just lying there breathing together, relaxed. His peace helps me maintain mine and thats not just my imagination.

Studies show that petting and interacting with an animal releases oxytocin  the hormone that reduces blood pressure. Interacting with animals can also reduce cholesterol levels, improving our cardiovascular health.

Walking a dog is good exercise, and a cats purr vibrates at between 20-150HZ  a frequency known to increase bone density, reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, and relax tense muscles.

Pets rescue us from loneliness, offering love and connection with no strings attached  important factors in maintaining our mental and emotional health, which not only reduces the risk of conditions like depression, but also boosts immunity, lowering the risk of all sorts of health issues. In older populations, pet ownership can actually lead to longer, happier lives, and children who are taught to care for pets learn responsibility, compassion, empathy and respect for life.

So unless they had absolutely no choice, why would anyone deliberately give up something so valuable? Usually its because theyve never really acknowledged the value of that animal or their relationship with it. Others use thinking errors to disregard that relationship and release themselves from further responsibility.

Thinking errors (beliefs we craft to get ourselves off the hook for a decision or act we would otherwise find undesirable or even despicable) require us to blame someone or something else for our actions, and since animals cant speak up for themselves or call a lawyer or protective services, they become convenient scapegoats.

Heres an example: food prices are going up like crazy; the cart is full of human food and the dog food went up by $4 a bag. So you say the dogs food is too expensive, we cant afford it, we have to get rid of the dog.

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In one decision youve blamed the dog and the dog food company, created an excuse to surrender the dog, and used magical thinking convincing yourself this will solve your money problems. The fallout from these decisions robs everyone in the wake: the animal, the family, the community where overcrowded shelters mean euthanizing healthy animals, creating heartbreak for staff and costing the community money.

Children who are disregarded in decisions about relinquishing the family pet often suffer feelings of grief and resentment, and are deprived of the experiences a bond with an animal can offer.

Its said that until one has loved and animal, a part of ones soul remains untouched. Animals seem to hold the key to that part of our soul like no other beings can, and I feel like now more than ever, we need to slow down and invite that part of our souls to be touched and awakened.

For further inspiration, visit Good Dogs, a collection of media from New Mexico celebrating the deep emotional bonds between humans and their canine counterparts at the Albuquerque Museum till Oct 5. Read Theres Magic in a Cats Purr on-line article by Dr. Jim Anderson of Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation.

Were trying to tap into the subjective quality of the relationship with the animal  that part of the bond that people feel with animals  and how that translates into some of the health benefits, explains Dr. James Griffin, a child development expert at NIH.

Harvard health: Increasingly, loneliness and social isolation are being recognized as contributing to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke or death from either of these causes.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recognizes the connection between pet ownership and good heart health. In fact, theyve devoted an entire section of their website to exploring all the ways pets enrich our health.

Children who are taught to care for pets learn responsibility, compassion, empathy and respect for life. Of course, if they learn to disregard, neglect or abuse animals, the opposite becomes true, and it plays out in how they relate to others for the rest of their lives, in their relationships and in society.

Somewhere along the line, in all the chaos and consumerism, we, as a society, seem to be forgetting the value of having pets in our lives.
Champaign, IL (61820)

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Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 30F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

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Getting out of bed in the morning without the risk of passing out is a game-changer for 32-year-old Cody Krebs.

In 2022 Krebs experienced a severe spinal cord injury (SCI) in a motor vehicle accident. Since that time, Krebs requires the use of a wheelchair. The damage to his spinal cord means his brain can no longer control blood pressure in his body. He was vulnerable to blood pressure drops where he was at risk of losing consciousness, and spikes placing him at risk of a heart attack and stroke. However, an international clinical trial led by teams at the University of Calgary, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), and University of Lausanne (UNIL), in Switzerland, and Sint Maartenskliniek, Radboudumc, in the Netherlands has given him control again.

"Before the accident, I had no idea how volatile blood pressure can be. Just transferring from my bed to my chair almost knocked me out at times when my blood pressure would drop," says Krebs. "At other times during the day, my blood pressure would spike due to severe nerve pain, causing me to break out in a sweat and experience severe migraines."

Krebs is part of ongoing research at the University of Calgary based on a major discovery to stabilize blood pressure for people with SCI.

In a rare double publication in both Nature and Nature Medicine, a pair of landmark studies by Dr. Aaron Phillips, PhD, UCalgary, Dr. Gregoire Courtine, PhD, EPFL, and Dr. Jocelyne Bloch, MD, UNIL, describe the development of a targeted therapy to address blood pressure regulation in 14 participants across four clinical studies conducted at three separate medical centers in Canada, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

The study participants and Krebs now have an implantable system on their spine consisting of a new class of electrode arrays. These arrays connect to a purpose-built pulse generator-similar to a cardiac pacemaker-that delivers finely tuned electrical stimulation, calibrated to each person's needs. The result is a compact, adaptable system capable of restoring blood pressure stability through targeted neuromodulation that can be controlled through an app.

Our mechanistic discoveries in Nature were crucial in bridging the gap from foundational neuronal mapping to clinical application. This synergy is what allowed us to move so quickly from theory to therapy. The Nature Medicine study demonstrates several important factors. First, we show that low blood pressure after a spinal cord injury has serious medical consequences that must not be clinically ignored. Second, we show that our neuromodulation therapy for blood pressure instability after SCI can be deployed effectively in diverse clinical settings, at several centers in different countries with different medical protocols." Dr. Aaron Phillips, PhD, director of the RESTORE Network and associate professor at the Cumming School of Medicine

Phillips adds the Nature paper also showed that long-term use of the therapy treats not only the low blood pressure occurring after SCI but also prevents the development of life-threatening spikes in blood pressure.

"In the Nature study we were able to identify the entire neuronal architecture of the spinal cord that is responsible for uncontrolled, life-threatening elevations of blood pressure, called autonomic dysreflexia. We also showed that spinal cord stimulation can compete with this neuronal architecture to safely and precisely regulate blood pressure," says Courtine, director of NeuroRestore Center and professor at EPFL.

The results were consistent in study participants across all sites: once activated, the system restored blood pressure to a functional range, often within minutes.

"Based on our experiences with this novel treatment, participants report experiencing less brain fog, having more energy, being able to speak louder, and suffering less from a postprandial dip. In addition, once the surgery was performed by neurosurgeon Erkan Kurt at Radboudumc, this system proved relatively easy to use in their home environment," says Dr. Ilse van Nes, MD, PhD, who successfully deployed the system at the rehabilitation center Sint Maartenskliniek in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

"The international deployment shows that the surgery and therapy are safe and effective regardless of local practices. It's a key milestone toward making this technology widely available," says Bloch, neurosurgeon at Lausanne University Hospital.

While much of the focus in SCI care has been on restoring movement, a majority of patients live with chronic hypotension, a condition that leaves them exhausted, cognitively dulled, prone to fainting, and predisposes to cardiovascular disease over the long-term.

"The implanted devices have a robust safety profile, as they are commonly implanted in the treatment of various pain disorders," says Dr. Fady Girgis, MD, neurosurgeon at the Foothills Medical Centre. "Therefore, it's an easy transition to implant them for this novel indication. We've seen very impressive and immediate improvements in blood pressure that are evident as soon as the device is turned on intra-operatively."

Krebs says he's proud to be in a clinical trial advancing discoveries in this field. "It feels good to be able to boost my blood pressure when I need to, I have more energy and am thinking more clearly. Also, there are fewer dangerous spikes in my blood pressure. I am very grateful for all the research being done."

The implantable neurostimulation system evaluated in these studies was developed by ONWARD Medical. ONWARD Medical has recently received FDA approval to initiate a pivotal trial of this therapy, which is expected to involve approximately 20 leading neurorehabilitation and neurosurgical research centers across Canada, Europe and the United States.
A new study suggests that physical frailty may contribute to the development of dementia. The study was published on September 17, 2025, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Physical frailty is defined as having three or more of these five symptoms: often feeling tired; little or no physical activity; slow walking speed; low grip strength; and unintentional weight loss.

We've known that frailty is associated with a higher risk of dementia, but our study provides evidence that frailty may be an actual cause of dementia. On the other hand, despite this new evidence, we can't rule out the possibility that frailty is instead a marker of the early changes in the disease process." Yacong Bo, PhD, study author of Zhengzhou University, China

The study involved 489,573 people with an average age of 57 who were followed for an average of 14 years. A total of 4.6% of the participants met the definition for frailty, with three or more of the symptoms. Another 43.9% who had one or two symptoms were categorized as pre-frailty and 51.5% had no symptoms and were categorized as not frail.

During the study, 8,900 people developed dementia. A total of 4.6% of those with frailty developed dementia, compared to 2.2% of those with pre-frailty and 1.3% of those without frailty.

After researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect the risk of dementia, such as age, education level and physical activity, they found that the people who met the definition for frailty were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia than those who had no symptoms of frailty. Those categorized as pre-frailty were 50% more likely to develop dementia.

People with frailty who also had genes linked to dementia were nearly four times more likely to develop dementia than those without frailty or the genetic risk.

The researchers also analyzed the data and found evidence suggesting that frailty may potentially be a factor in causing dementia.

"These findings reinforce the importance of identifying and managing frailty as a strategy for preventing dementia," Bo said.

Looking at the data from the other direction, the researchers found that dementia is unlikely to increase the risk of frailty.

The researchers also looked at brain imaging and biological biomarkers and found that people with frailty were more likely to have changes in their brain structure related to dementia.

"These biomarkers may be a mechanism underlying the pathway from frailty to dementia," said Bo.

A limitation of the study was that four of the five symptoms of frailty were reported by the participants, so they may not have provided accurate information.

The study was supported by the Chinese National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Population Defects Prevention, the Chinese International Postdoctoral Exchange Fellowship Program and the Henan Medical Science and Technology Research Program.
A clinical trial shows that practicing Tai Chi online can sharpen thinking skills and improve sleep in older adults with diabetes, offering a safe and accessible alternative to conventional exercise.

Study: Effects of Tai Chi on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial Using Wearable Devices in a Mobile Health Model. Image Credit: feeling lucky / Shutterstock

In a recent Journal of Medical Internet Research study, researchers investigated whether Tai Chi can enhance the cognitive functioning of older adults with type 2 diabetes compared to that achieved through usual care or fitness walking.

After 12 weeks, Tai Chi significantly improved sleep quality and cognitive performance compared to usual care or fitness walking, demonstrating its effectiveness for older adults with diabetes.

Background

Older adults with type 2 diabetes often experience cognitive decline, increasing risks to quality of life and healthcare costs.

Finding effective ways to slow this decline is critical. Exercise benefits both diabetes management and cognitive outcomes.

Among various exercise options, Tai Chi, characterized by slow, deliberate movements combined with mental focus, has been shown to enhance balance, physical performance, and reduce stress.

Its cognitive engagement and social elements may further support brain health. However, despite evidence of benefit, comparative studies are limited, particularly those evaluating different exercise programs delivered remotely.

The growing use of mobile health technologies, particularly wearable devices, presents new opportunities to monitor and personalize interventions for chronic conditions such as diabetes. These devices enable real-time tracking of activity, sleep, and metabolic health, allowing for more comprehensive assessments of intervention effectiveness.

About the study

In this study, researchers used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the effects of Tai Chi and fitness walking on cognitive function in older adults with the condition. The study also aimed to explore underlying mechanisms, focusing on physical activity levels and sleep patterns.

The RCT assigned participants in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: usual care, fitness walking, or Tai Chi. The study was approved by institutional review boards and registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Eligible participants were adults aged 60 or older who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus for one to five years, with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of 6.5% or more, and mild cognitive impairment without dementia. Exclusion criteria included amputations, severe retinopathy, dialysis, malignant hypertension, or gait instability.

The interventions lasted 12 weeks. The usual care group received standard diabetes education, while the fitness walking group participated in supervised treadmill sessions three times a week for one hour.

The Tai Chi group practiced 24-form Simplified Tai Chi via live video guidance, three times per week for a total of 30 minutes, which included 5 minutes each for warm-up and cool-down. To ensure a fair comparison, exercise intensities for both groups were matched to moderate-intensity physical activity levels and monitored through heart rate, with a target zone of 65% to 75% of each participant's maximum heart rate.

All participants underwent continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) using Guardian Sensors 3, which were worn on the upper arm, and wore bracelets to track steps, heart rate, and sleep quality. The primary outcome was cognitive performance assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at baseline and 12 weeks.

Secondary outcomes included memory, attention, executive function, sleep parameters, metabolic indices, and quality of life measures. Data were analyzed under intention-to-treat principles.

Key findings

A total of 203 individuals were initially assessed, with 162 participants randomized equally into three groups: usual care, fitness walking, or Tai Chi. Ultimately, 153 participants completed the 12-week intervention. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, education, and health factors, were well-balanced across groups.

Adherence was high in both exercise groups, with 83% of the walking group and 80% of the Tai Chi group completing at least 70% of scheduled sessions. The interventions proved very safe, as no serious adverse events occurred, aside from three cases of minor musculoskeletal discomfort (one in the walking group and two in the Tai Chi group).

For the primary outcome, Tai Chi significantly improved MoCA scores compared with usual care and fitness walking, with large effect sizes, specifically a Cohen's d of 0.98 when comparing Tai Chi to usual care. Walking showed modest but nonsignificant gains in MoCA.

Regarding secondary outcomes, Tai Chi led to greater improvements than both other groups in several areas. For example, participants in Tai Chi showed significant gains in their Wechsler Memory Quotient (WMQ) scores. They completed the Trail Making Test Part B, a measure of mental flexibility, much faster than the other groups. Tai Chi also improved attention, naming ability, delayed recall, and sleep measures, including an average increase of 58 minutes in total sleep time and a 23-minute reduction in time awake after falling asleep. The paper's authors advise, however, that these secondary findings should be interpreted with caution, as they are exploratory and require independent replication to be confirmed.

Tai Chi and walking both lowered fasting glucose and HbA1c levels, but Tai Chi produced broader cognitive and metabolic benefits. Fitness walking outperformed usual care in some areas, including naming ability, HbA1c, fasting glucose, and total sleep time; however, the effects were smaller than those of Tai Chi.

Subgroup analysis suggested Tai Chi was especially beneficial for women, younger participants (age 67), those with lower education or fewer comorbidities, and those with a BMI of 24.00 or less.

Conclusions

This RCT found that Tai Chi produced greater improvements in cognitive function and sleep quality than fitness walking among older adults with type 2 diabetes. Tai Chi participants demonstrated notable improvements in memory, executive function, and overall cognitive function, accompanied by increased total sleep time.

These benefits align with previous research linking Tai Chi to enhanced brain connectivity between regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the thalamus, which are associated with memory, attention, and sleep regulation. Improvements in sleep may also indirectly support better cognition. Importantly, the trial highlights the potential of remotely delivered, digitally monitored exercise programs to support diabetes management.

Strengths include the randomized controlled design, objective outcome measures, and integration of wearable devices for remote monitoring.

However, several limitations must be acknowledged: reliance on participants digital literacy, a relatively small and geographically limited sample, unequal exercise durations, short intervention length, and possible bias in self-reported outcomes. Additionally, remote delivery may exclude individuals with limited access to technology.

In conclusion, Tai Chi shows particular promise for enhancing both cognitive and physical health in older adults with diabetes, though longer and broader studies are needed to confirm these benefits and guide real-world implementation.
Research led by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine explores the ways brain cells communicate, revealing fresh insight into the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

A multidisciplinary team used advanced imaging and computational modeling to analyze the "crosstalk" between neurons and their supporting glial cells in the human brain. This approach highlights the brain's interconnected cellular network.

"By mapping these cell interactions at the molecular level, we identified key pathways that could be pivotal in both the onset and progression of neurodegeneration," said study co-author Oscar Harari, PhD, director of the Division of Neurogenetics and director of the Center for Neurobiology of Aging and Resiliency at The Ohio State University Neuroscience Research Institute.

Study findings are published in Science Translational Medicine.

"This insight is critical for developing effective treatments, as 'cellular crosstalk' may serve as an attractive molecular target for drug development. Many of these cell-to-cell communication pathways include proteins at the cell membrane, which are often regarded as promising targets for therapeutic intervention," said Harari, who is also the Helen C. Kurtz Associate Professor of Neurology at Ohio State.

Harari, who joined Ohio State in early 2024, completed the manuscript for the research he started while at the Washington University School of Medicine. He collaborated equally with study co-author Tae-Wan Kim, PhD, associate professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York.

Our research shows that Alzheimer's is not only driven by plaques and tangles, but also by a breakdown in communication between brain cells. By uncovering the SEMA6DTREM2 crosstalk pathway, we reveal a new way to enhance the amyloid-clearing functions of microglia and potentially slow Alzheimer's progression." Tae-Wan Kim, PhD, associate professor of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York

The study included investigators from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as collaborators from Australia, South Korea, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network.

This research is supported by funding from the National Institute on Aging; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Department of Defense; Chan Zuckerberg Initiative; Alzheimer's Association; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases; Raul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development; Korea Health Industry Development Institute; Spanish Institute of Health Carlos III; Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Canadian Consortium of Neurodegeneration and Aging; Brain Canada Foundation; Fonds de Recherche du Quebec  Sante; Arizona Department of Health Services; Arizona Biomedical Research Commission and Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
New research into the genetics of Anopheles funestus (An. funestus), one of the most neglected but prolific malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in Africa, has revealed how this species is evolving in response to malaria control efforts.

Reported today (18 September) in Science, researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute together with leading scientists across Africa sequenced hundreds of An. funestus mosquitoes collected throughout the continent to explore the genetic variation in the species, including changes driving its adaptation to control methods.

The results of the study provide a new understanding of An. funestus that can be used to inform further work towards malaria elimination in sub-Saharan Africa.

The mosquito species An. funestus is one of the most widespread in Africa. Females of the species are highly anthropophilic, meaning they are attracted to humans as a source of blood, which they need to develop their eggs. They also have a significantly longer lifespan than other malaria-transmitting mosquito species. An. funestus is also extraordinarily adaptive. For example, in some areas, it has evolved from biting indoors in the evening to biting outdoors during the day, likely in response to the use of mosquito nets. Together, these characteristics make them formidable malaria transmitters in the part of the world where malaria remains most devastating. In 2023 the World Health Organisation African Region reported 569,000 malaria-related deaths.

Having a comprehensive understanding of the genetics of each major malaria-transmitting mosquito species is essential for implementing effective malaria control and preventing deaths.

To support this, mosquito biologists across Africa together with the team at the Sanger Institute collected and sequenced the whole genomes of 656 modern An. funestus mosquito specimens that were collected from 2014 to 2018. They also sequenced 45 historic specimens from the Natural History Museum in London and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) that were collected between 1927 and 1967 to understand the evolutionary patterns and changes in the species across 16 African countries during the last century.

The team found high levels of genetic variation in An. funestus across Africa and discovered that samples originating from equatorial countries shared many genetic similarities despite covering a 4,000-kilometer range. This suggests that they likely belong to one large, interconnected population. However, some samples from this region, such as those from North Ghana and South Benin, were isolated and genetically distinct from the interconnected population. This shows some populations mix widely, while others remain separate. Such population structure has important implications for mosquito control.

By looking at the DNA of the historic samples, the team was able to highlight the fast-evolving nature of An. funestus. One key mutation linked to insecticide resistance, which is widespread among the modern populations, was already present in the mosquitoes from the 1960s. However, other mutations that make mosquitoes resistant to insecticides were absent from the historic mosquitoes, suggesting that these became beneficial for the mosquitoes only later, as different insecticides were used in subsequent decades.

New biological tools are being used to combat malaria, such as the use of gene drives. The team discovered that a key target for a gene drive in An. gambiae  another major malaria-transmitting mosquito species  is very similar in An. funestus. This is encouraging as it suggests that the doublesex gene drive system developed for An. gambiae can be adapted to work in An. funestus as well.

This new study describes how the genetics of An. funestus should inform future research and surveillance strategies that aim to reduce the spread of malaria. The data from this study have also been incorporated into the MalariaGEN Vector Observatory that hosts DNA data from multiple Anopheles species alongside tools for researchers to use in order to analyze data.

For too long An. funestus has been neglected despite its key role in malaria transmission across Africa. I am thus delighted that this continent-wide whole genome study of the genetic structure of An. funestus is now published. My team is proud to have contributed to this major milestone that will facilitate the implementation of future control interventions against this major vector.

- Professor Charles Wondji, author on the paper from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and based at the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases in Cameroon

The Museums collection has been vital for developing methods and providing answers. When asked about why we still develop collections, these sorts of studies remind us that we often just dont know what we can ask of from our specimens. We need to ensure that the collections are looked after and enhanced ready for whichever high-impact question might come next.

- Erica McAlister, Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum

We find some mosquito populations readily sharing variation across the African continent, while others are close neighbors but genetically distinct. This is a challenge for vector control. Even if the Gambiae Complex disappeared today, malaria would still rage through Africa until An. funestus is also effectively targeted. We hope the greater understanding of the high levels of genetic diversity and the complex population structure we uncover here will underpin smarter surveillance and targeted vector control.

- Dr. Mara Lawniczak, senior author and Senior Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
A newly developed molecule brings together two powerful immunotherapy strategies in one treatment. Researchers at the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, have demonstrated that this fusion protein can both block the "do not attack" signal used by cancer cells and selectively activate tumor-fighting immune cells. This dual action could pave the way for more effective cancer therapies with fewer side effects.

Back in the early 1980s, Linda Taylor, just 33 years old, was diagnosed with advanced skin cancer and faced a grim prognosis. Luckily, she met Dr. Stephen Rosenberg from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, who treated her with an experimental approach harnessing the body's own immune system to fight the disease. In 1984, Taylor became the first patient ever to be cured through immunotherapy  a groundbreaking case that forever changed the landscape of cancer treatment.

That pioneering therapy relied on interleukin-2 (IL-2), a signaling molecule that activates many types of immune cells to attack tumors. IL-2 later became the first immunotherapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, while effective, IL-2 therapy often causes severe side effects and can also stimulate regulatory T cells, which dampen the immune response instead of boosting it.

Fewer side effects, increased efficiency

To overcome these limitations, scientists have recently developed improved IL-2 variants designed to specifically target tumor-killing immune cells. The new fusion protein  developed by the pharmaceutical company Roche  takes this a step further by combining an IL-2 variant (IL-2v) with an antibody that binds to PD-1, a receptor found in high numbers on immune cells within tumors.

In Science Translational Medicine, a research team led by Professor Alfred Zippelius from the Department of Biomedicine reports promising results with that fusion protein using cancer and immune cells from lung cancer patients. The researchers showed that the molecule selectively activated immune cells isolated from patient tumors that directly target and destroy cancer cells, without triggering the suppressive regulatory T cells. Importantly, it also reawakened "exhausted" immune cells that had been rendered inactive by chronic stimulation in the tumor environment.

Blockage removal and activation

The fusion of the two components, PD-1 antibodies and IL-2v, has two advantages: The antibody guides IL-2v directly to the tumor site, where it activates the immune cells most capable of destroying cancer cells. At the same time, the antibody blocks the PD-1 pathway, which tumors use to suppress immune attack, effectively releasing the immune system's brakes and allowing it to respond more aggressively.

The tumor normally restricts the immune system, but the fusion molecule overcomes this inhibition and additionally activates the immune cells." Dr. Clara Serger, University of Basel

The team's findings provide crucial insights into how this innovative therapy works and may help guide further refinements. The fusion protein is currently being evaluated in an ongoing phase I clinical trial led by Roche.
A multi-institutional team led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators has been awarded a five-year, $20.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, for advanced preclinical development of a promising experimental HIV vaccine.

A successful vaccine to prevent new HIV infections would be a major public health breakthrough. About 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2024, according to the World Health Organization, and at the end of that year an estimated 41 million people were living with the virus. Medication can keep individuals healthy but must be taken for a lifetime.

Prior studies of the new experimental vaccine suggest that it is safe and may be effective when administered early in life. In the work funded by the grant, the researchers will optimize the vaccine in preparation for clinical trials in infants, in parts of the world with high HIV burden.

"The ability to induce effective immunity, in childhood, against a broad set of HIV variants could revolutionize HIV prevention efforts and ultimately bring this decades-long pandemic to an end," said lead investigator Dr. Sallie Permar, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and the Nancy C. Paduano Professor in Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine and pediatrician-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital of Children's Hospital of New York.

The main co-investigator of the project is Dr. Kristina De Paris, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at UNC School of Medicine.

Effectively immunizing against HIV has been a seemingly insurmountable challenge ever since the virus was identified as the cause of AIDS in 1983. The HIV proteins that are most accessible to the immune system mutate rapidly, essentially leading the immune response on a fruitless and unending chase. HIV does have relatively non-varying structures that it uses to gain entry into host cells, but these are hard for the immune system to "see," in part because the virus shields them with antibody-resistant sugar molecules called glycans. Studies of people with HIV have found rare antibodies that can nevertheless fasten onto HIV's vulnerable sites, thus blocking the virus's infectivity across a broad set of strains. But a vaccine that can elicit these "broadly neutralizing" antibodies (bnAbs) in sufficient quantities has been elusive.

Currently one of the most promising HIV vaccine strategies is to use engineered versions of Env, HIV's outer-envelope protein complex. The Env complex, which is critical for HIV's infectivity, assembles on the viral surface in a delicate, three-part "trimer" structure. In research spanning the last quarter-century and spearheaded largely by Dr. John Moore, professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Rogier Sanders, now a professor at Amsterdam UMC and an adjunct associate professor of research in microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine and Dr. Ian Wilson and Dr. Andrew Ward at Scripps Research, scientists have managed to engineer versions of the Env trimer that can exist on their own without falling apart, while retaining the ability to elicit bnAbs. The experimental vaccine that Dr. Permar and her colleagues will be testing is based on the most recently optimized trimer structure, known as the BG505 GT1.1 SOSIP trimer. It is designed to be administered in a series of inoculations that, over time, direct the antibody response toward the production of bnAbs.

Traditionally vaccines are tested in children after they have been proven effective in adults. However, initial clinical trials in adults and preclinical work in a rhesus macaque model of HIV suggest that the Env trimer vaccine can elicit useful quantities of bnAbs only in young immune systems.

This is good news for the potential success of the vaccine, as the number of boosts and length of time needed to achieve an effective anti-HIV response make it optimal to place an HIV vaccine within the childhood vaccine schedule." Dr. Sallie Permar, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and the Nancy C. Paduano Professor in Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine

"It may be that our only opportunity for an effective HIV vaccine is to test it as a childhood vaccine," she added.

The overarching goal of the new research program is therefore to advance the work that has been done on the Env trimer vaccine, to help pave the way for initial clinical trials of it as a pediatric vaccine.

"We'll be optimizing the dose of the Env trimer protein complex and the general immune-boosting 'adjuvant' compound that we use in vaccines, as well as the number and schedule of inoculations," said Dr. Ashley Nelson, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine.

A sub-project headed by Dr. Genevieve Fouda, professor of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, will examine how other childhood immunizations might alter the effectiveness of the experimental HIV vaccine.

"In places like sub-Saharan Africa where the rate of vertical HIV transmission is high, newborns could be protected by passive immunization with anti-HIV bnAbs during breastfeeding and would concurrently be given standard childhood vaccines," Dr. Fouda said. "We will study whether these have any interaction with the experimental vaccine."

Dr. De Paris will lead the immune analytics sub-project, in which Dr. Moore and his team will produce the BG505 GT1.1 SOSIP trimer and evaluate the antibody responses it elicits." The vaccine tests, in rhesus macaques, will be conducted by Dr. Koen Van Rompay, core scientist in the California National Primate Research Center at UC Davis.
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Nursing are testing an intervention to reduce staff stress and improve methadone patient treatment retention for opioid use disorder thanks to a $4.5 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a division of the National Institutes of Health.



More than 2,100 clinics in the United States offer methadone treatment for opioid addiction. Approximately 4.6 million people in the U.S. need treatment for opioid use disorder, but only 3 in 10 remain in methadone treatment, partially due to the varying quality of methadone treatment across the U.S.

If we can improve the quality of methadone treatment in the U.S., it would be a game changer. Access to this treatment can reduce opioid overdose deaths by 60%." Beth Meyerson, the Beverly Benson McCord endowed chair at the U of A College of Nursing and policy director for the Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction

Meyerson and her team have found that nurses, physicians and counselors in methadone clinics often experience high levels of stress that may reduce the quality of care.



Meyerson's national clinical trial will examine whether a multi-modal intervention reduces work-related trauma and traumatic stress symptoms among methadone treatment staff, and whether that change improves treatment quality and patient retention.



The intervention was developed collaboratively with methadone treatment providers and patients. It includes psychoeducation about trauma-informed and evidence-based methadone treatment; anonymous screening for trauma symptoms and treatment referral; clinical reflective training for counselors, case managers and peer support staff; and a trauma-informed clinic assessment.



This work extends Meyerson's prior research into improving methadone treatment, quality and access.



"Methadone's history is fraught with stigma, and we have found that training to manage patients on methadone for opioid use disorder is woefully inadequate in schools of medicine and nursing," Meyerson said. "Together, we can improve nursing and medical care for people with opioid use disorder by ensuring they receive the life-saving treatments they so desperately need." The four-year study will also provide research training for undergraduate students, graduate students in nursing and medicine and postdoctoral fellows.



University of Arizona researchers joining Meyerson in this study include Zhanette Coffee, postdoctoral researcher and certified addiction registered nurse  advanced practice at the College of Nursing, and Patrick Rivers, biostatistician with the College of Medicine  Tucson's Department of Family and Community Medicine. Co-investigators include researchers from the Arizona State University School of Social Work, Columbia University School of Social Work, Indiana University School of Nursing, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, New York University School of Global Health, Western Michigan University School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs, and the Southwest Recovery Alliance.
Researchers found that 10 weeks of supervised outdoor walking or simple weekly reminders helped older adults lower frailty. Still, the improvements vanished after winter, highlighting the challenge of keeping older adults active year-round.

Study: The impact of outdoor walking interventions on frailty among older adults with mobility limitations: Findings from the Getting Older Adults Outdoors (GO-OUT) study. Image credit: PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com

A recent study in PLOS ONE investigated the effects of an outdoor walking intervention on reducing frailty among community-dwelling older adults with mobility limitations.

Frailty: Symptoms and assessments

Frailty is a medical condition in which multiple body systems lose their physiological reserve and function, leading to increased vulnerability to stress, illness, and injury. This condition is commonly associated with older adults.

Scientists have developed various strategies to assess frailty, among which Frieds frailty index is most frequently used in research and clinical settings. Frieds model evaluates frailty as a physical phenotype consisting of five indicators: exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, muscle weakness, low physical activity, and slow walking speed.

Frieds frailty index categorizes individuals as non-frail (0 indicators), pre-frail (1 or 2 indicators), or frail (3 or more indicators). A frail individual is at a higher risk of falls, hospitalization, institutionalization, and premature mortality. Several studies have demonstrated that frailty is dynamic and reversible in nature. Therefore, developing strategies to delay or attenuate frailty among older adults is essential.

Strategies to reverse frailty

Many studies have shown that varied exercise types, such as resistance, aerobic, balance, and flexibility training, significantly enhance physical performance and mitigate frailty among community-dwelling older adults and those in long-term care facilities. In the U.S., walking and jogging are regarded as the most popular forms of exercise among the older population.

Walking in an outdoor environment has shown greater potential in mitigating frailty than indoor walking. A previous study highlighted that outdoor Nordic walking has greater benefits than general exercise with respect to reducing weakness, lower extremity strength, and depression in frail older adults aged 70 years and older. There is a need for broader intervention strategies to promote long-term behaviour change to alleviate frailty among older populations.

About the study

The Getting Older Adults Outdoor (GO-OUT) study is a two-parallel-group randomized trial conducted across four large Canadian cities, which investigated the effects of two behavioural interventions on improving frailty outcomes.

Participants were asked to attend a day educational workshop and a 10-week, park-based, supervised, outdoor walk group (OWG) program. The study design also included a 10-week weekly reminders (WR) program to promote outdoor walking activity among older adults with mobility limitations. The current study aimed to assess whether a 10-week OWG program or a 10-week WR program reduced frailty in community-dwelling older adults with mobility limitations.

The OWG consisted of two one-hour sessions each week for 10 weeks, resulting in a maximum of 20 sessions. Each session was group-based, structured, and held in large neighbourhood parks. Walking distances were progressively increased each week, and different walking skills were emphasized. Relevant data were collected at baseline (0 months), 3 months, 5.5 months, and a planned 12-month follow-up. However, frailty outcomes at 12 months could not be analyzed due to COVID-19 disruptions. Participants assigned to the WR group received a phone call every week for 10 weeks to encourage them to continue physical activity.

Participants aged 65 years or older, living independently in the community and experiencing difficulty walking outdoors, were included. Every participant must be able to walk at least 50 meters independently, with or without using a walking aid. Any participant who self-reported physical activity for 150 minutes or more was excluded.

Study findings

The mean age of the study cohort was 74.5 years, and most participants were female. Approximately 44% of the cohort had obtained a bachelors degree or higher. At baseline, both intervention groups had nearly identical participant characteristics.

Participants in the OWG attended a median of 13 sessions out of 20, while participants in the WR group received a median of 9 reminders out of 10 over the 10-week intervention period. The median time of outdoor walking at baseline, 3 months, and 5.5 months was 22.56 minutes, 13.04 minutes, and 0 minutes in the OWG, respectively, and 24.00 minutes, 26.07 minutes, and 0 minutes in the WR group, respectively.

Approximately 80% of participants remained in the study at 3 months, which reduced to 70% at 5.5 months. Retention rates were similar across both intervention groups.

Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that withdrawals were more prominent among participants from site 1, those with higher body mass index (BMI), and enrolled in the 201920 cohort. It must be noted that the intervention group and frailty status were not significant predictors of withdrawal.

Out of 5, the mean frailty sum scores at baseline were 0.98, 0.82 at 3 months, and 0.95 at 5.5 months. At baseline, approximately 34% of participants were classified as non-frail, 59% as pre-frail, and 7% as frail. However, at 3 months of intervention, the proportion of non-frail participants increased to 45%, while the number of pre-frail and frail participants decreased to 49% and 5%, respectively. By 5.5 months, the number of non-frail participants reduced to 40%, while pre-frail and frail participants increased to 51% and 9%, respectively.

No significant difference in frailty sum scores or phenotypes was detected in both the intervention groups throughout the study period. However, the paper noted that the OWG and WR groups showed distinct patterns in specific frailty indicators: OWG participants improved in weakness and slowness, while WR participants improved in weakness and low activity. These differences reflect task-specific pathways, with OWG emphasizing structured outdoor walking skills and WR reinforcing daily activity habits.

From baseline to 3 months, approximately 50% of the cohort maintained their frailty status, 16.1% improved, and 8.1% transitioned to a more severe state. By 5.5 months, improvements dropped to 8.9%, while worsening transitions increased to 20.5%. From baseline to 3 months of intervention, weakness decreased from 47% to 42%, and from 36% to 28% in OWG and WR interventions, respectively.

Frieds frailty sum scores decreased by an average of 0.13 points across participants from both intervention groups from baseline to 3 months. However, no change in frailty status was observed from baseline to 5.5 months. The authors attributed this decline partly to seasonal effects, as the 5.5-month follow-up occurred during cold Canadian winter months when outdoor walking was especially difficult. They also noted that participants in the OWG often faced barriers such as illness, transportation challenges, or weather-related session cancellations, which limited adherence.

Conclusions

In sum, behavioural interventions aimed at improving outdoor walking among older adults with mobility limitations showed a short-term reduction in frailty. However, neither the supervised outdoor walk intervention nor the telephone weekly reminder intervention was superior.

The study also highlighted that each program may reduce frailty through different mechanisms, suggesting that diverse strategies may be needed to address frailty in practice.

Concerning the study's limitations, the COVID-19 pandemic could have hampered frailty data collection. Additionally, the effect of a particular intervention could not be isolated because some participants in both groups reported receiving co-interventions. The authors further emphasized that the observed benefits were not sustained beyond the intervention period, underscoring the need for year-round, multi-component approaches, such as combining exercise, nutrition, behavioural support, and social engagement, to maintain frailty improvements.

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Millions of people around the world are suffering with the serious cardiovascular effects of Covid infection and long Covid. A lack of clear guidance on how to reduce this suffering and prevent further harm means that patients are not receiving the care they need, and some are turning to unproven or unsafe treatments.

A major report published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology today (Thursday), sets out how to address this growing problem through diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and vaccination.

The report is a clinical consensus statement authored by a group of experts from across Europe, led by Professor Vassilios Vassiliou from University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK, on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Professor Vassiliou said: "Covid-19 has a profound and lasting impact on cardiovascular health, with complications emerging during acute illness, recovery, and even after reinfections or vaccination. In the absence of clear evidence-based guidance, patients risk harmful treatments and clinicians face uncertainty.

This statement provides unified, practical recommendations for prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term care, while also identifying critical research gaps to ensure strategies continue to evolve with emerging evidence." Vassilios Vassiliou, Professor, University of East Anglia

To prepare the report, the expert group reviewed all the existing research on Covid-19 and cardiovascular disease, including the effects of an acute infection, long Covid and Covid vaccination. They used this research to agree a set of recommendations on how to treat or prevent the damaging cardiovascular effects of Covid.

Almost one billion people are known to have been infected with Covid-19 worldwide, although the true number is believed to be far higher, and research shows that Covid patients, especially those who needed hospital treatment, have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease.

Researchers estimate that around of 100 million people are currently living with long Covid, and about 5% of these (five million) will have cardiac long Covid, with symptoms including angina (chest pain), breathlessness, arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), heart failure, fatigue and dizziness. Long Covid can also lead to autonomic dysfunction where the nerves that normally control heart rate, breathing and body temperature do not work properly.

The expert consensus statement includes advice to continue vaccinating against Covid-19, as people who are fully vaccinated are far less likely to suffer cardiac complication or long Covid, even if they develop a Covid infection. They also set out how to diagnose and treat the symptoms brought on by Covid, such as shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting. In particular, the paper recommends structured cardiac rehabilitation programs, including specialized physiotherapy, to prevent longer term problems from developing following infection and to aid recovery from long Covid.

Professor Vassiliou said: "Covid doesn't only affect the lungs. It can also damage the heart and blood vessels, both during the acute infection and for months afterward. This means chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, or fatigue may be signs of cardiac long Covid. If you already have heart disease, Covid raises your risk of serious complications both immediately and long after infection. In both cases, rehabilitation can protect your heart and support recovery."

Finally, the experts call for equal access to cardiac rehabilitation programs, especially for people living in rural locations. Professor Vassiliou explained: "At present, the capacity of rehabilitation services across much of Europe is insufficient to accommodate both conventional cardiac patients and those with cardiac long Covid. There are also significant regional variations. Targeted financial investment and resource allocation are therefore required to expand service capacity and ensure equitable access.

"Unfortunately, even now, cardiac long Covid continues to affect the quality of life for many patients. We need to ensure patients have equitable access to rehabilitation services, support primary prevention through vaccination and lifestyle programs, and fund research into long Covid and cardiovascular outcomes. Health systems must be prepared for the ongoing burden, not just the acute infection."
3,000 tonnes of Rajasthani marble to shape Jain temples in Australia

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 11:45 IST

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New Delhi [India] September 18 (ANI): The Australian High Commission in India on Thursday announced that marble from Rajasthan, the same stone used in building the Taj Mahal, will be sent to Australia for the construction of new Jain temples in Melbourne and Sydney.Nearly 3,000 tonnes of Rajasthani marble will be shipped to fulfil the long-awaited dream of Australias 6,000-strong Jain community. Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green highlighted the development in a post on X.Rajasthans timeless marbles  the same stone that built the Taj Mahal are heading to Australia. Nearly 3,000 tonnes will soon shape new Jain temples in Melbourne & Sydney, as Australias 6,000-strong Jain community builds a legacy of faith & heritage," he wrote.Earlier in June, the High Commission shared about Victorias first Jain temple under construction in Melbourne.The Jain community in #Melbourne is building Victorias first Jain temple, crafted from 1,500 tonnes of marble from #Rajasthan. A symbol of dedication, heritage and the strength of Australias diverse, multicultural fabric, the high commission posted on Facebook. The temple is expected to be completed by next year, marking the first-ever Jain temple in Australia, with construction in Melbourne already underway.Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, is based on principles of non-violence and personal spiritual development.The Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh (MSJS), founded in 2007, is at the centre of these efforts. MSJS is a not-for-profit organisation based in Melbourne. The group has worked for years to promote the philosophy and teachings of Jainism among the growing Jain population in Victoria.As per its website, MSJS engages families and individuals in various religious and cultural activities, ensuring that Melbournes Jain community remains connected to its spiritual roots.The announcement comes at a time when the Australian High Commission in India is also promoting cultural ties between the two nations. On Sunday, it extended greetings on the occasion of Hindi Diwas and shared a video of staff members reciting Hindi tongue-twisters.Hindi is not just a language; it is a bridge of friendship, culture, and ideas. Heartfelt wishes to all on #Hindi_Diwas!" the Australian High Commissioner posted on X in Hindi. (ANI)

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 11:45 IST

News agency-feeds 3,000 tonnes of Rajasthani marble to shape Jain temples in Australia

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7 kg heroin seized in Amritsar, police nab smuggler

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 05:30 IST

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Amritsar (Punjab) [India], September 18 (ANI): The Amritsar Commissionerate Police has arrested a man with 7 kg and 122 grams of heroin. The arrested, identified as Yasin Mohammad, is a known smuggler who has four prior cases under the NDPS, Arms Act, and snatching, said the police.The Amritsar Commissionerate Police has achieved significant success in the Chief Ministers anti-drug campaign by recovering 7 kg and 122 grams of heroin. We also arrested Yasin Mohammad, a known smuggler who has four prior cases under the NDPS, Arms Act, and snatching," Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar told ANI.Investigation revealed that Jagpreet, Yasins accomplice from their time together in Ludhiana Jail in 2023-24, is involved in their drug cartel. The consignment was picked up from the Ajnala sector. Yasins interrogation indicated this was their third or fourth consignment. They operated by establishing points near the Tarn Taran border for handover, with Jagpreet distributing the drugs in the Malwa area," he added.The Commissioner of Police has said that the police have started the operation to nab Jagpreet, Yasins accomplice, a notorious smuggler and criminal with four cases under the NDPS and Arms Act in Ferozepur, Ludhiana.We are looking to catch Jagpreet, a notorious smuggler and criminal with four cases under NDPS and Arms Act in Ferozepur, Ludhiana, which will lead to the dismantling of their entire network The police are also working on identifying financial linkages and other incriminating evidence to completely smash the network," he said.Meanwhile, in a joint operation, the Border Security Force and the Punjab Polices Anti-Narcotics Task Force apprehended a narco-smuggler with a huge consignment of narcotics near the village Beharwal in Amritsar on Wednesday.According to the BSF PRO, acting on specific intelligence, the joint team intercepted a suspected motorcycle and detained the rider, who turned out to be a narco-smuggler.A large bag seized from his possession contained 23 packets of suspected heroin (Gross weight- 25.9 kgs) and a pistol with 2 magazines. A mobile phone, apart from the motorcycle, was also recovered. The contraband is suspected to have been dropped via drone from across the border.The arrested smuggler has been identified as a resident of the village of Beharwal. Recovered items & the accused have been handed over to ANTF Amritsar for further investigation and legal action, said the BSF.Meanwhile, the Border Security Force apprehended four people and recovered a pistol with drug money and a drone with heroin in three separate operations along the Punjab border.On Sunday night, acting on specific input, the BSF troops placed an ambush in a suspected area between the villages Palla Megha and Kilche of Ferozepur, and subsequently apprehended one person with the recovery of one pistol with three live rounds, 45 gms of narcotics, 19,480 Indian currencies, one mobile and one bike from his possession. The delinquent is a resident of the village Kamlewala, Ferozepur, said the BSF in a press release.On the Amritsar border, while tracking a drone movement, BSF troops apprehended three suspects from an area adjacent to the village of Mode. Questioning is underway to disclose their motive and find linkages, said the BSF.In the morning hours on Monday, the BSF troops on duty at the Amritsar border recovered a one DJI Mavic three Classic drone along with a one packet of heroin (Gross Weight- 576 Grams) from a farming field of the village of Nesta. (ANI)

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 05:30 IST

News agency-feeds 7 kg heroin seized in Amritsar, police nab smuggler

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Bihar Police arrests wanted criminal from Bhojpur

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 21:45 IST

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Bhojpur, Sep 18 (PTI) The Bihar Police has arrested a criminal, who was wanted in several cases of murder and illegal sand mining, from Bhojpur district on Thursday, officials said.

He was also carrying a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head, they said.

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The accused is the prime leader of the Guddu Rai gang of Bhojpur district, and was involved in creating an environment of fear for establishing his dominance in illegal sand mining in the districts Sone Diayara area", a statement issued by the special task force (STF) of the police said.

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He has been charged with murder, illegal sand mining, and attacking the police in several police stations of Bhojpur and Saran districts, it said.

Two mobile phones and a motorcycle have been recovered from the arrested criminal, it added. PTI SKS RBT

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 21:45 IST

News agency-feeds Bihar Police arrests wanted criminal from Bhojpur

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BLA claims responsibility for attacking the Pakistani army convoy in Dasht

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 20:45 IST

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Balochistan [Pakistan], September 18 (ANI): The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a Fidayee (suicide) attack targeting a convoy of Pakistani Army buses in the Dasht area of Kech district, Balochistan.The attack was carried out by the groups Majeed Brigade, which BLA describes as its Fidayee Unit.Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the BLA, confirmed the incident in an official statement. Baloch Liberation Armys Fidayee Unit, Majeed Brigade, executed a precise Fidayee attack on a convoy of Pakistani Army buses in the Dasht area of Kech," he said.According to the BLA, more than a dozen Pakistani military personnel were killed in the operation. More than a dozen enemy personnel were neutralised in the operation," the spokesperson stated.Jeeyand Baloch further added, BLA claims full responsibility for the attack. A detailed statement will be released to the media shortly."The Pakistani authorities have not yet issued an official response or confirmation of the number of casualties. Recently, Armed Baloch separatist factions have claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated attacks on Pakistani security forces and related targets across several districts of Balochistan, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP).The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stated that its fighters carried out operations between 13 and 15 August in Mastung, Kalat, Quetta, and Mand. The group claimed two Pakistani soldiers were killed in Mands Koh Pusht Giab area after its fighters ambushed them while they were patrolling on a motorcycle. The BLA also alleged that its members seized the soldiers weapons after the incident, TBP reported.The BLAs spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, added that its fighters launched a grenade attack on a police station in Quettas New Sariab area, reportedly causing casualties and damage. On August 15, the group said it targeted a convoy of military vehicles and motorcycles in Kalats Manguchar area. Additionally, on August 13, the BLA claimed responsibility for torching the office of a transport company in Mastung, accusing it of supplying resources to Pakistani forces.Meanwhile, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed its fighters clashed with security forces in Mastung district on the night of 3 September.According to the group, fighters established a blockade on the Quetta-Karachi highway near Khadkucha, triggering a two-hour exchange of gunfire. The BLF alleged that Pakistani troops deployed drones and artillery during the confrontation but suffered casualties, while its fighters retreated unharmed, TBP reported.The BLF further accused Pakistani forces of shelling civilian areas following the clash, which it said injured a guard at a health facility in Mastungs Umar Dor area. Pakistani authorities have not issued any official response regarding these incidents, according to TBP.These attacks are part of the ongoing Baloch insurgency, where separatist groups have escalated assaults on security forces, government assets, and infrastructure while demanding greater autonomy and recognition of Baloch rights. (ANI)

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 20:45 IST

News agency-feeds BLA claims responsibility for attacking the Pakistani army convoy in Dasht

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India, US eye Moon and Mars missions as space partnership enters new phase

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 05:15 IST

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Houston, Sep 18 (PTI) India and the US signalled the beginning of a new phase of space partnership at a special event hosted by the Embassy of India in Washington DC, with officials and astronauts highlighting how decades of cooperation are now paving the way for missions to the Moon and Mars.

An event, titled India-USA Space Collaboration: The Frontiers of a Futuristic Partnership", was held at India House on Monday and celebrated recent milestones, including the joint NASAISRO NISAR satellite and the Axiom Mission-4, which carried Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station.

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Ambassador of India to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, described the partnership as a dynamic platform for advancing scientific exploration, technology development and commercial cooperation." He said Indias space programme has emerged as a global leader in cost-effective exploration, and joint efforts with the US could push the boundaries of human spaceflight in the decades ahead." Dr Karen St Germain, Director of NASAs Earth Science Division, in her address called the NISAR mission a model of international collaboration" that demonstrated how pooling expertise could accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

In one of the highlights of the evening, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore joined a virtual panel alongside Shukla. During the panel discussion titled, Moments in Orbit", they shared candid stories of training, life aboard the International Space Station and the changing face of human spaceflight.

Shukla said his journey was a testament to the strength of international partnerships and Indias growing role in global space exploration." The event, according to an embassy press release, drew representatives from government, space agencies, industry, academia and think tanks. Discussions underscored how IndiaUS collaboration has moved beyond satellite launches and data sharing to opening new frontiers in commercial space ventures and crewed missions.

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Analysts say the deepening space ties also carry strategic weight, as both countries seek to counter Chinas growing ambitions in outer space, while broadening opportunities for private industry.

For India, experts note, the partnership brings recognition of its rapidly advancing capabilitiesfrom Chandrayaans Moon landing to its upcoming Gaganyaan missionas New Delhi positions itself as a major player in the global space economy. PTI SHK SKY SKY

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 05:15 IST

News agency-feeds India, US eye Moon and Mars missions as space partnership enters new phase

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Indian Envoy Kwatra, Pentagons Colby review bilateral defence cooperation

Last Updated: September 19, 2025, 01:30 IST

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Washington, DC [US], September 19 (ANI): Indias Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met US Under Secretary of War, Elbridge Colby. The meeting between the two leaders saw discussions on the India-US defence ties, the Ambassador shared on Thursday. Sharing the details in a post on X, Ambassador Kwatra noted that the conversation saw a review of the current agenda and charting of an actionable plan on several initiatives underway in the defence ties between New Delhi and Washington. A productive conversation with the brilliant Elbridge Colby @USWPColby. Reviewed the current agenda and charted actionable path on several initiatives in the pipeline of India-US defence cooperation. Value his deep knowledge, perspective and consistent support for our strategic partnership", he said.

A productive conversation with the brilliant Elbridge Colby @USWPColby . Reviewed the current agenda and charted actionable path on several initiatives in the pipeline of India-US defence cooperation. Value his deep knowledge, perspective and consistent support for our strategic pic.twitter.com/X6FFVafGYh Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) September 18, 2025

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Reciprocating the sentiment, the US Under Secretary of War highlighted that he looks forward to continuing to elevate the critical defence cooperation" with India. I was very pleased to host @AmbVMKwatra at the Pentagon earlier this week for a valuable discussion. We at the Department of War look forward to continuing to elevate our critical defense cooperation with India", Colby wrote on X.

I was very pleased to host @AmbVMKwatra at the Pentagon earlier this week for a valuable discussion. We at the Department of War look forward to continuing to elevate our critical defense cooperation with India. pic.twitter.com/tNh81e8Ykf Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby (@USWPColby) September 18, 2025

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India-US defence ties see consistent high-level interactions. Earlier this week, the annual India-US military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 wrapped up in Alaska on Monday (local time) after two weeks of intensive joint training, strengthening defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the US Army.In August this year, Indian and American defence officials held a meeting where they discussed key issues of defence procurement and affirmed their commitment towards further strengthening of the India-US defence partnership, as per the Ministry of Defence.Also in August, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal spoke about the India-US defence partnership.He told the press, The India-U.S. defence partnership, underpinned by foundational defence agreements, is an important pillar of the bilateral partnership. This robust cooperation has strengthened across several domains" (ANI)

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First Published: September 19, 2025, 01:30 IST

News agency-feeds Indian Envoy Kwatra, Pentagons Colby review bilateral defence cooperation

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Individuals operating Chabahar Port will face sanctions beginning Sep 29: US

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 21:45 IST

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New York/New Delhi, Sep 18 (PTI) The Trump administration has said that individuals operating the Iranian port of Chabahar will face sanctions beginning later this month, a decision that will have implications for India, which is involved in developing a terminal at the strategic port.

Located in Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich countrys southern coast, Chabahar port is being developed by India and Iran to boost connectivity and trade ties.

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The move to revoke the 2018 sanctions waiver is consistent with President Donald Trumps maximum pressure policy to isolate the Iranian regime, State Department principal deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott said in a statement earlier this week.

The Secretary of State has revoked the sanctions exception issued in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) for Afghanistan reconstruction assistance and economic development, effective September 29, 2025. Once the revocation is effective, persons who operate the Chabahar Port or engage in other activities described in IFCA may expose themselves to sanctions under IFCA," Pigott said.

India would be affected by this decision, as it is involved in developing a terminal at the Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman. On May 13, 2024, India signed a 10-year contract to operate the port that will help it expand trade with Central Asia.

This was the first time India would take over the management of an overseas port. New Delhi had proposed to develop Chabahar port way back in 2003 to provide Indian goods a gateway to reach landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia using a road and rail project called International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), bypassing Pakistan.

The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

US sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme had slowed the development of the port.

The long-term agreement was signed by Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation of Iran. It replaces an initial 2016 pact, which covered Indias operations at Shahid Beheshti terminal in Chabahar port and had been renewed on an annual basis.

In 2023, Chabahar port was used by India to send 20,000 tonnes of wheat aid to Afghanistan. In 2021, the same was used to supply environmentally friendly pesticides to Iran.

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The US had exempted the Chabahar port project from sanctions in 2018, saying the secretary has provided for an exception from the imposition of certain sanctions under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) with respect to the development of Chabahar Port and the construction of an associated railway and for the shipment of non-sanctionable goods through the port for Afghanistans use, as well as Afghanistans continued imports of Iranian petroleum products." However, with the new guideline, these exemptions will be removed.

The US-backed government in Afghanistan was ousted by the Taliban, which seized power in 2021 following the withdrawal of American forces. PTI YAS/BKS ZH ZH

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 21:45 IST

News agency-feeds Individuals operating Chabahar Port will face sanctions beginning Sep 29: US

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Jharkhand Police arrests three men for duping people online

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 21:45 IST

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Deoghar (Jharkhand), Sep 18 (PTI) Three persons, who posed as customer care executives of various e-commerce and digital payment platforms, were arrested in Jharkhands Deoghar district for duping people online, police said on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team conducted a raid in a forested area near Ghorparas village and apprehended the accused, Deoghar Deputy Inspector General-cum-Superintendent of Police Ajit Peter Dungdung said in an official statement.

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The trio allegedly duped unsuspecting people by circulating fraudulent links related to the PM-Kisan Yojana and by promising to unblock SBI credit cards that had been deliberately blocked as part of their scheme.

According to police, the accused had uploaded fake customer care numbers of e-commerce and digital payment platforms such as PhonePe and Paytm on search engines like Google to mislead users.

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The arrested persons were identified as Ajay Kumar Mandal (24), Saud Ansari (22) and Ajit Kumar Das (25).

Police have seized four mobile phones and six SIM cards from them. PTI Cor BS MNB

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 21:45 IST

News agency-feeds Jharkhand Police arrests three men for duping people online

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Mumbai: Ola, Uber, Rapido asked to follow base fare of black-&-yellow taxis

Last Updated: September 19, 2025, 00:00 IST

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Mumbai, Sep 18 (PTI) The transport authority of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has directed app-based taxi and auto rickshaw aggregators to follow the base fare of black-and-yellow taxis until the government decides on separate rates for them.

The three aggregator firms  Uber, Ola and Rapido  were supposed to incorporate the existing fare structure of black-and-yellow taxis in their mobile applications before 5 pm on September 18.

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In a letter dated September 16, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) said the existing fare of black-and- yellow taxis is Rs 20.66 per km for non-AC vehicles and Rs 22.72 per km for AC vehicles.

The three firms should implement it as base fare until the new rates for app-based taxis and auto rickshaws are finalised, it said.

Bharat Kalaskar, secretary of MMRTA, told PTI that the base fare can be discounted by 25 percent when the demand is low, while a 1.5 times surge is allowed during a high-demand period.

We had convened a meeting of them (aggregators) and they have agreed to implement it," said Kalaskar, who also holds additional charge as additional transport commissioner of Maharashtra. Representatives of app-based drivers unions were also present, he said.

The MMRTA also directed in the letter that the drivers will get 80 percent share of the fare.

Sources said the transport authority took the decision under pressure from the unions of drivers of app-based taxis and auto rickshaws, who threatened an agitation if the government failed to give them a fare hike.

Passengers will have to pay at least Rs 5 extra per kilometer under the new system. Currently, app-based aggregators offer rides with a base fare of Rs 15-16 for smaller cabs.

Meanwhile, Bhartiya Gig Kamgar Manch, an union of gig workers including drivers of app-based cabs and autos, organised a meeting in Mumbai. A group of drivers also went to the Transport Commissioners office at Flora Fountain to protest against the governments decision to give licences to motorbike taxis.

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The cabbies also put up placards with Ola Uber and Rapido Mantralay" written on them on the boards at the Transport Commissioners office, and shouted slogans Tesla Mantri haay haay" against Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, who recently purchased a Tesla for his personal use.

The union has also threatened another, more intense agitation on September 30 if the government failed to hike the fare of app- based taxis and gives licences to bike taxis. PTI KK KRK

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First Published: September 19, 2025, 00:00 IST

News agency-feeds Mumbai: Ola, Uber, Rapido asked to follow base fare of black-&-yellow taxis

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UK university tool helps British police identify human trafficking victims

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:45 IST

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London, Sep 18 (PTI) A new analytical tool developed by a British university is helping police forces across the UK to identify potential victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation by analysing online adverts on adult service websites.

The Sexual Trafficking Identification Matrix (STIM), developed by Dr Xavier LHoiry from the University of Sheffield in collaboration with global partners, has already been adopted by 16 police forces and two charities in the UK, as well as four law enforcement agencies abroad, including in Denmark.

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The tool works by assessing online adverts through photographs, language and other details to determine whether they present low, medium or high risks of trafficking and exploitation. This allows police and practitioners to prioritise investigations and provide targeted support to potential victims.

One of the main challenges we had was that we were reliant on victims coming forward, which was unfortunately very rare. So the STIM has been really beneficial for us. It has helped us identify those at greatest risk and set timeframes on how quickly we action those," said Ben Henley, Detective Chief Inspector with Thames Valley Police, which has led its implementation in the UK.

Henley said the force had so far scored more than 128 online adverts, leading to 40 visits being conducted, dozens of individuals being safeguarded, and five live criminal investigations with multiple arrests.

LHoiry, from Sheffields School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations, said the tool was designed to help authorities manage the growing challenge of traffickers using digital platforms to reach a larger customer base while evading detection.

Previously organisations would need to look through thousands of adverts online manually, which can take a massive toll on those doing the work. The STIM still relies on human intervention but it aims to make the risk assessment process much quicker and straight-forward for those involved," he said.

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The project was developed in collaboration with the Universities of Northumbria and Copenhagen, charities, NGOs, and the Danish Centre Against Human Trafficking (CMM).

So far, 30 training sessions have been delivered to more than 100 police representatives in the UK and abroad. PTI HSR SCY SCY

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 19:45 IST

News agency-feeds UK university tool helps British police identify human trafficking victims

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Uttarakhand: Damaged road on Dehradun-Mussoorie highway restored

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:30 IST

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Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], September 18 (ANI): The Dehradun-Mussoorie highway, which was damaged due to incessant rainfall, has been restored now at most places, an official said on Thursday. Speaking to ANI, Circle Officer Mussoorie, Manoj Aswal said, The road (Dehradun-Mussoorie highway) is damaged at a lot of places. At most places, the road has been restored now. There are about 1500-2000 tourists in Mussoorie, and all are safe. There is no need to panic." Earlier today, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an on-site inspection of relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected areas of Raipur and Mussoorie assembly constituencies following a cloudburst that triggered widespread damage in Chamoli district, affecting over 200 people.The review was conducted from the Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun, following heavy rainfall that battered several parts of the state.Speaking to mediapersons, CM Dhami provided key updates on the situation, stating that at least 35 houses were damaged, 20 people sustained injuries, and 14 others are currently missing due to the disaster that struck Chamoli late Wednesday night.Around 35 houses have been damaged due to a cloudburst. Around 20 people are injured, and 14 others are missing. 200 people have been affected by the disaster last night in Chamoli. All rescue teams have reached there. DM and SSP are also on the spot. The injured have been taken to the hospitals. The severely injured will be shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Police are carrying out rescue operations. We are trying to move the people to safe places. Work is being done to repair the damaged roads. All the districts, NDRF, and SDRF have been asked to remain in alert mode for the entire month of September till the Monsoon is over. Char Dham Yatra is going on, but I appeal to the devotees to plan their Yatra according to the forecast by IMD," he said.Highlighting the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, CM Dhami urged pilgrims to plan their visits as per weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).The Chief Minister also directed that relief and rescue operations be expedited in the affected areas. He ensured that the necessary relief materials were provided promptly to the affected people. Instructed that blocked roads be reopened on priority.The Chief Minister ordered the immediate restoration of essential services such as electricity and water supply, and asked the district administration to maintain constant monitoring in disaster-affected regions and extend all possible assistance to people.He further emphasised that all departments remain alert and prepared to handle any emergency. Meanwhile, around 10 people are feared trapped under debris caused by the sudden cloudburst in Chamoli district. So far, two women and one child have been rescued in injured condition and have been rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), in coordination with local police, conducted intensive search and rescue operations after a cloudburst caused extensive damage to houses in the region. (ANI)

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 19:30 IST

News agency-feeds Uttarakhand: Damaged road on Dehradun-Mussoorie highway restored

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EPFO Launches 'Passbook Lite': Check Your EPF Balance, Withdrawals & Account Summary Instantly

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 17:38 IST

Apart from EPFO Passbook Lite, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also announced measures for easier PF transfers and faster approvals.

The EPFO has introduced the 'Passbook Lite' facility within its member portal.

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Thursday introduced a new facility called Passbook Lite within its member portal. It will enable members to easily check their passbook and the related summarised view of the contributions, withdrawals and balance in a simple and convenient format through the member portal itself, without having to go to the passbook portal.

Talking to reporters, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday highlighted key reforms undertaken by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to ensure provision of efficient, transparent and user-friendly services to its members.

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Currently, members have to login to the passbook portal of EPFO to check their Provident fund contributions and transactions involving advances or withdrawals.

EPFO Passbook Lite

The EPFO has introduced the Passbook Lite facility within its member portal (https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/).

This initiative is expected to improve user experience by providing all key services, including passbook access through one login.

Mandaviya said that for a comprehensive view of passbook details including graphical display, members can continue to access the existing Passbook Portal as well.

PF Transfers Made Easier

The minister also rolled out the facility of online access to Annexure K (Transfer Certificate) for PF transfer transparency.

At present, when employees change jobs, their PF accounts are transferred to the new employers PF office through Form 13 online.

After the transfer, a Transfer Certificate (Annexure K) is generated by the previous PF office and sent to the new PF office.

Until now, Annexure K was only shared between PF offices and was made available to members only on their request.

A reform has been introduced that now enables members to directly download Annexure K in PDF format from the Member Portal itself.

This will help members to track status of transfer applications online, ensuring full transparency and allowing members to easily verify their PF transfers. The member will also be able to get confirmation that PF balance and service period are correctly updated in the new account. Besides, they will be able to maintain a permanent digital record for future reference, especially important for EPS (employees pension scheme) benefit calculations.

The minister said that these reforms will help in reduction in number of approvals to fast-track settlements.

EPFO Hierarchy Rationalised For Faster Approvals

At present, any EPFO services such as PF transfers, settlements, advances, and refunds require approvals from higher-level officers (RPFC/Officer-in-Charge).

This multi-layered approval process often led to delays and longer processing times for members claims.

The EPFO has taken the transformative step to reduce and rationalise the approval hierarchy.

Powers that earlier rested with RPFC/Officer-in-Charge have now been delegated to Assistant PF Commissioners and subordinate levels in a structured, tiered manner.

The scope of this reform will include PF transfers and settlements, advances and past accumulations, refunds, cheque/ECS/NEFT returns, and interest adjustments.

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This is expected to benefit users in the form of faster claim settlements and reduced processing time; simplified approval layers for smoother service delivery; improved accountability at field office level, and enhanced transparency and member satisfaction through quicker, seamless services.

(With PTI Inputs)

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 17:38 IST

News business economy EPFO Launches 'Passbook Lite': Check Your EPF Balance, Withdrawals & Account Summary Instantly

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25% Additional US Tariffs On India Likely To Be Resolved In 2 Months: CEA Nageswaran

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:03 IST

'In 8-10 weeks, we will likely see a solution to an additional penal tariff imposed by the US,' says India's Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran.

The US in August imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports.

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on Thursday said the issue of an additional 25% US tariffs is expected to be resolved in the next couple of months. He added that talks are going on between the US and India.

I dont have any inside info, but expect a resolution to the additional 25% US tariff in the next couple of months. In 8-10 weeks, we will likely see a solution to an additional penal tariff imposed by the US. Conversations are going on between the two governments, India and the US," said V Anantha Nageswaran while speaking at an event in Kolkata.

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He added that reciprocal Indian tariffs may fall somewhere between 10% and 15%".

On September 16, chief negotiators of India and the US commenced talks on the proposed trade agreement to iron out issues in the wake of steep tariffs that have created uncertainties for exporters.

Brendan Lynch, the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, is leading the American team, while Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, is Indias chief negotiator.

Lynch arrived in India late Monday for a day-long talk with his Indian counterpart.

This is the first visit by a high-ranking US trade official after the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff and an additional 25 per cent penalty on Indian goods entering the American market for buying Russian crude oil.

In February, the leaders of the two countries directed officials to negotiate a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement ( BTA). It was planned to conclude the first tranche of the pact by the fall of 2025. So far, five rounds of negotiations have been held, and the talks for the sixth round, which were scheduled from August 25-29, were postponed following the imposition of the high import duties.

The meeting is taking place within days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly reacting to US President Donald Trumps positive assessment of trade ties between the two countries.

In August, the Trump administration ramped up trade tensions with India by imposing steep tariffs  first a 25% reciprocal" levy, followed by an additional 25% penalty tied to Indias continued purchases of Russian oil  raising the total duty to a staggering 50%. The move targeted a wide range of exports, including textiles, gems and jewellery, footwear, and chemicals, dealing a major blow to export-intensive sectors and straining bilateral ties.

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India termed the tariffs as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable".

(With Inputs From Agencies)

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 15:59 IST

News business economy 25% Additional US Tariffs On India Likely To Be Resolved In 2 Months: CEA Nageswaran

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VMS TMT IPO Day 2: Check Latest Subscription Status, GMP Today

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 10:11 IST

Unlisted shares of VMS TMT Ltd are trading at Rs 122 against the upper IPO price of Rs 99. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 23, which is 23.23% over its issue price.

VMS TMT IPO Day 2.

VMS TMT IPO GMP Today: The initial public offering (IPO) of Ahmedabad-based steel manufacturer VMS TMT Ltd is witnessing its second day of bidding today, Thursday, September 18. The price has been fixed at Rs 94-99 per share. The issue, worth Rs 148.5 crore, will close on September 19, and the shares are scheduled to list on both BSE and NSE on September 24, 2025.

Till 10:05 am on the second day of bidding on Thursday, investors put bids for 11,16,81,750 equity shares against 1,23,00,000 equity shares on offer, translating to 9.08 times subscription. The retail and NII participation stood at 7.32x and 14.67x, respectively. The QIB category was subscribed by 7.10x.

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VMS TMT IPO GMP

According to market observers, unlisted shares of VMS TMT Ltd are currently trading at Rs 121 against the upper IPO price of Rs 99. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 22, which is 22.22% over its issue price.

The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

VMS TMT IPO Details

The IPO is entirely a fresh issue of up to 1,50,00,000 equity shares with no offer for sale component.

VMS TMT Limited intends to utilise Rs 115 crores of the IPO proceeds for repayment/ prepayment, in full or part, of all or a portion of certain borrowings availed by the Company, while the remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes and issue expenses.

The IPO will fetch Rs 148.50 crore at the upper end of the price band.

Investors can bid for a minimum of 150 equity shares and in multiples of 150 equity shares thereafter.

The allocation structure reserves 50% for retail investors, 30% for qualified institutional buyers (including anchor investors), and 20% for non-institutional investors. Arihant Capital Markets is the book-running lead manager, while KFin Technologies is the registrar.

Financially, the company reported a profit after tax of Rs 154.18 million in FY25, up from Rs 134.68 million in FY24. Analysts note that with Indias rising demand for steel bars, driven by infrastructure and real estate growth, VMS TMT is well-positioned to benefit from the industry momentum.

About VMS TMT

VMS TMT is engaged in the manufacturing of Thermo Mechanically Treated Bars (TMT Bars") at its facility situated at Bhayla Village, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. TMT Bars are high-strength reinforcement steel widely used in the construction industry due to their exceptional strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. The company conducts business predominantly in the State of Gujarat, from where it derives most of its revenue. Revenue from operations also includes the sale of scrap, binding wires, and billets.

The company has a diverse customer base comprising retail and institutional customers primarily based in Gujarat. It holds a retail license agreement with Kamdhenu Limited, allowing it to market TMT Bars under the Kamdhenu brand on mutually agreed terms within Gujarat (excluding Saurashtra and Kutch districts) on a non-exclusive basis. Sales are executed through a distribution network, on a non-exclusive basis, consisting of 3 distributors and 227 dealers.

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The company currently manufactures TMT Bars from scrap and billets at its facility. Production is carried out through a thirty-ton induction furnace using scrap in a continuous casting machine (CCM") and rolling mill, as well as from billets through a reheating furnace and rolling mill. The total annual installed capacity of TMT Bars is 200,000 metric tonnes (MT")

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 10:11 IST

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Latest Layoffs: Real-Money Gaming Firm Gameskraft To Sack 120 Employees; Details Here

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 14:33 IST

Gameskraft has decided to lay off around 120 employees across various teams and roles as part of its restructuring.

The layoff number might further increase as the process is still ongoing, according to a Moneycontrol report.

Days after the government banned real-money games, gaming company Gameskraft has decided to lay off around 120 employees across various teams and roles as part of its restructuring. This move comes even as the company is caught in a fraud scandal involving its former CFO Ramesh Prabhu, who is accused of siphoning off about Rs 270.43 crore over nearly five years.

This has been one of the most difficult decisions in Gameskrafts journey. Every single Krafter has played a meaningful role in shaping who we are, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions, passion, and belief in our mission," Gameskraft founder Prithvi Singh said in a statement.

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While this step is driven entirely by the external environment and the need to adapt to a new reality, it in no way reflects on their talent or dedication. Our respect for our people remains unchanged, and we will try our best to support them as they transition into their next chapters," he added.

According to a Moneycontrol report, the layoff number might further increase as the process is still ongoing.

The company stated that further structural changes may be necessary as the business continues to evolve in response to external realities".

Its former CFO Ramesh Prabhu is accused of siphoning off about Rs 270.43 crore over nearly five years. Following a complaint by Gameskraft, an FIR has been registered against Prabhu at Bengalurus Marathahalli police station.

Parliament on August 21 passed The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha approving it without debate amid din. The bill, piloted by Minister of Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeks to ban all forms of online money games while promoting eSports and online social gaming.

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It also seeks to prohibit advertisements related to online money games and bar banks and financial institutions from facilitating or transferring funds for any of such games.

Online money games are played by depositing money in expectation of winning monetary and other rewards.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 14:33 IST

News business Latest Layoffs: Real-Money Gaming Firm Gameskraft To Sack 120 Employees; Details Here

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Why Life Insurance Claims Get Delayed Or Rejected And What You Can Do

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 10:45 IST

What the policyholders and nominees should know about the claiming process for life insurance schemes at their respective banks in India.

Families face unnecessary complications while filing a claim. (representative image)

Having a life insurance policy in place helps individuals ride through their most difficult times. Buying an effective life insurance scheme allows individuals to ensure a sufficient financial safety net for their family members after their demise. Banks hand over the accrued sums to the nominees assigned by the borrower in the agreement after the borrowers death.

Having a life insurance policy is only half the job done. The policyholders can only rest easy when their loved ones can easily access the sums and claim their intended benefits in the future. According to Rajesh Krishnan, Chief Operations and Customer Experience Officer, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, claiming the life insurance can be a difficult time for nominees, and truly the moment of truth for life insurers."

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Why Is a Life Insurance Claim Delayed Or Rejected

A nominees life insurance claim may be delayed or rejected by the bank due to common errors, such as failing to attach the required documents of the original policy bond or the registered account. It forces banks to undergo a second round of paperwork with individuals to obtain the mandatory documents before issuing them the policy amount.

In cases where the borrower suffers unnatural or accidental death, the nominee must not omit police records or hospital discharge summaries from the documents. It could lead to further delays or even rejection of the life insurance claim.

At times, families may face other unnecessary complications in filing the claim after providing wrong information with respect to the cause, date or both of the death. Beneficiaries should be careful not to submit photocopies without appropriate attestations as well," said Anup Seth, Chief Distribution Officer, Edelweiss Life Insurance, as quoted by the Mint.

Other Mistakes

Mismanagement of the life insurance policy by the policyholder or the nominee may also lead to delays and rejection in receiving the claim. Banks may reject or postpone handing over the policy benefits in such scenarios. Non-payment of premiums or delaying paying premiums, leading to the policy lapsing or reduced benefits," said Seth.

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Individuals are advised not to hide any information related to their health and financial condition at the policy purchase stage. This error is often caught by investigating authorities during the claim period, which creates grounds for complete rejection.

If the claim is rejected, the insurer provides a written explanation for the decision, while also opening up avenues for appeals made by the nominees. The beneficiary can file a complaint with the banks concerned authorities, who will then initiate an investigation into the matter immediately.

About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, w... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 10:45 IST

News business Why Life Insurance Claims Get Delayed Or Rejected And What You Can Do

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First Look: Navi Mumbai's New Airport Gears Up For Grand September 30 Launch

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:30 IST

Located in Ulwe near Panvel, NMIA will be Mumbai's second international airport, after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

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Photos and videos of the brand-new airport are being widely shared on social media, showing off its grand design and modern interiors. (Image via X)

The first look of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is out, and it has caught everyones attention online. Photos and videos of the brand-new airport are being widely shared on social media, showing off its grand design and modern interiors.

The visuals reveal spacious terminals, stylish architecture, and world-class facilities. The airport features high ceilings, sleek glass walls, and wide check-in areas.

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Boys and Girls: Navi Mumbai International Airport is ready to serve you. 30th September. Set your calendars!  pic.twitter.com/D30Ws1yRcn  India Infra & Economy  (@INDinfraeconomy) September 15, 2025

The airport has been described as an architectural marvel, taking inspiration from Indias national flower, the lotus.

Located in Ulwe, near Panvel, NMIA will be Mumbais second international airport, after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). It is designed to ease the heavy air traffic at CSMIA and to offer a world-class travel alternative to people in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The airport is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 30. According to reports, IndiGo and Akasa Air are likely to be the first airlines to begin operations. Commercial flights are expected to start soon after the inauguration.

The NMIA project has been in planning since 1990, with PM Modi laying the foundation stone in February 2018. It is being developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL)  a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings (74%) and CIDCO (26%).

Spread across 1,160 hectares, the airport is being built in five phases. In the first phase, NMIA will be able to handle 20 million passengers and 0.8 million tonnes of cargo annually.

According to the airports master plan, by 2032, NMIA will expand to four terminals with the capacity to handle up to 90 million passengers per year. Once both runways are fully operational, NMIA and CSMIA together will allow Mumbai to handle around 145150 million passengers every year.

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Apart from its design, the airport is also being praised for its accessibility. It is located just 10 minutes from Panvel and will be well-connected through road, suburban railway, and metro links. It will connect to Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 and Mumbai Metro Line 8 (Gold Line), making travel to and from the airport smooth for passengers.

ALSO READ: Navi Mumbai Airport Is Bigger Than CSMIA: 9 Crore Fliers, Lotus Design, Fancy Baggage System & More

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 18, 2025, 16:15 IST

News mumbai-news First Look: Navi Mumbai's New Airport Gears Up For Grand September 30 Launch

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Caught On Cam: Delhi Police Attacked With Bricks, Sticks While Trying To Nab Criminal

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 11:06 IST

The incident reportedly took place when the officials went to arrest a criminal, identified as Azam.

Screengrab of the video

A Delhi Police team was attacked by a mob in South Delhis Fatherpur Beri area when they went to arrest a wanted criminal. The incident, which was also caught on camera, shows people attacking the constables with bricks and sticks.

The incident took place on Tuesday when a police team had gone to Chandan Hola village to arrest a man identified as Azam. A non-bailable warrant had already been issued against him.

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A video of the incident shows a chaotic street scene involving a crowd gathered around a black SUV. Several people were seen attacking a police official, including women. One of the officials was seen lying on the ground as the mob thrashed him.

As the officials tried to arrest him, Azam allegedly resisted and, along with some of his relatives, launched a violent assault on the officials.

In another clip, an attacker can be seen breaking away from the scuffle and running away as officers try to restrain him.

Other videos also show several men clashing with the police team on a village road.

The incident has left several officials injured.

According to a Delhi Police officer, two constables have been injured, and the officials have detained some people in connection with the matter.

Azam had previously had a scuffle with police, after which the police team had gone to arrest him.

According to the FIR, some from the mob even bit a few police personnel during the scuffle. A complaint has also been filed based on the statements of the injured officials against Azam and others involved in the assault. A search operation has been launched to track down the accused men.

The FIR has been filed under section 221 (obstructing a public servant), section 132 (assault on a public servant), section 121(1) (causing hurt to deter a public servant), section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), section 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and section 3(5) (common intention liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

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Azam managed to escape in the midst of the attack while his family members also scattered into narrow lanes of the villages after the assault.

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 18, 2025, 10:44 IST

News new-delhi-news Caught On Cam: Delhi Police Attacked With Bricks, Sticks While Trying To Nab Criminal

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Delhi Police Launches Massive Raids On Gangs Across NCR, Neeraj Bawana's Father Among 6 Arrested

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 23:38 IST

Delhi Police conducted raids at 58 locations across the NCR region and apprehended 36 suspects. Prem Singh Sehrawat, Bawana's father, was among the six officially arrested.

Prem Singh Sehrawat (L), gangster Neeraj Bawana's father, was among those arrested by Delhi Police during Thursday's raids. (PTI)

Delhi Police on Thursday launched a coordinated, large-scale operation to dismantle organised crime in the Delhi-NCR region, apprehending 36 suspects linked to various gangs. Police conducted raids at 58 locations as part of a massive crackdown on gang violence.

According to an official statement, at least 820 police personnel participated in the operation to break the backbone of gangsterism". This included 39 teams with 500 personnel from the Outer North District and 19 teams with 320 personnel from the Rohini District.

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Police conducted raids at several locations across Delhi, Sonipat, Sampla, Jhajjar, Rohtak, and Bahadurgarh. The police teams were led by officers of the Inspector rank and ACP/Ops from both districts.

At least 36 suspects were apprehended by the police, with six individuals officially arrested. These individuals were linked to several gangs, including those of Kala Jathedi, Jitender alias Gogi, Neeraj Bawana, Rajesh Bawana, Tillu Tajpuriya, Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu and Nettu Dabodha, as per the statement. A total of seven cases were registered under the Arms Act.

Neeraj Bawanas Father Arrested

The arrested gang members were identified as Shaktiman, Vedpal, Prem Singh Sehrawat, Naveen, Ankit, and Hariom. Of the arrested individuals, Sehrawat is the father of Neeraj Bawana, who is currently lodged in Tihar jail. Bawana, who was one of the most wanted criminals, was arrested in 2015 by the Special Cell for his involvement in over 30 cases of murder and extortion and runs a gang from inside the jail.

Bawanas name surfaced in the high-profile murder of wrestler Sagar Dhankar in 2021. Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar was imprisoned in connection with this case, wherein it is claimed that Bawanas associates, along with Kumar, assaulted Dhankar, Sonu Mahal, and Amit, resulting in Dhankars death.

According to police, he had links with Fazal Ur Rehman, a close associate of gangster Dawood, and others who had ties with Canada-based fugitive Arsh Dalla and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani activist who was killed in Canada in 2023.

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Police also recovered a significant amount of cash, valuables, and weapons during the raids. They also seized a bullet-proof Mahindra Scorpio, a motorcycle, seven pistols and revolvers, a buttondar knife, 40 live cartridges and more. Mobiles phones and other electronic devices have been sent for forensic analysis.

(with inputs from PTI)

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 18, 2025, 23:38 IST

News new-delhi-news Delhi Police Launches Massive Raids On Gangs Across NCR, Neeraj Bawana's Father Among 6 Arrested

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Delhi Police PCR Van Crushes Man To Death, Son Claims Two Inside Were 'Highly Intoxicated'

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 11:03 IST

A man died near Ram Krishna Ashram Metro Station after a Delhi Police PCR van accidentally ran over him. Police are investigating the incident.

A police team arrived at the scene to collect evidence. (Representative Image/PTI)

A man was killed after being run over by a Delhi Police vehicle near the Gole Market area on Thursday morning, officials said.

According to police, the incident was reported near the Ram Krishna Ashram Metro Station when the driver of a police control room (PCR) van accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing the vehicle to mount a roadside ramp and hit the man.

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The deceased has been identified as Gangaram Tiwari. The victim is learnt to have died on the spot.

Subsequently, the driver of the PCR van, Constable Khimesh Singh, was arrested.

The driver of the PCR van of Delhi Police accidentally pressed the accelerator, due to which the PCR van, while climbing the roadside ramp, ran over a person, who died. Currently, the police are on the spot and gathering information," the Delhi Police said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the victims son has alleged that two people, including a woman, were present in the vehicle at the time of the mishap. He said both the vehicle occupants were allegedly drunk, adding that liquor bottles were kept in the police van.

There were two people in the PCR Van, including a woman. They were highly intoxicated. My fathers name is Gangaram Tiwari; he was around 50-55 years old. There were bottles of liquor in the car. My father had a shop here for the last 10 years," the deceaseds son said.

Soon after receiving the information about the mishap, a police team arrived at the scene. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

#WATCH | Delhi: Hukma Ram, Additional DCP New Delhi says, An unfortunate accident took place here. The police are taking action as per the law. We will provide all possible help to the deceased, and compensation will be provided. We will check CCTVs. Further investigation is https://t.co/Ub2uB6AJwk pic.twitter.com/Wb45HIpwSc ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2025

Speaking to news agency ANI, Additional DCP New Delhi Hukma Ram said that the family of the victim will be compensated.

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An unfortunate accident took place here. The police are taking action as per the law. We will provide all possible help to the deceased, and compensation will be provided. We will check CCTVs. Further investigation is underway." the Additional DCP said.

An investigation into the incident is underway.

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 18, 2025, 09:40 IST

News new-delhi-news Delhi Police PCR Van Crushes Man To Death, Son Claims Two Inside Were 'Highly Intoxicated'

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DUSU Elections 2025: ABVP And NSUI Accuse Each Other Of Vote Theft

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 20:07 IST

DUSU Elections 2025: Approximately 2.8 lakh students were eligible to vote, with the results slated to be declared tomorrow, September 19.

The DUSU election saw a turnout of around 35 per cent by 2:30 pm on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

Voting for the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections occurred on Thursday. Both main contenders, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), accused each other of malpractice.

The NSUI claimed that the ABVP manipulated votes at Kirori Mal, Hindu, and Hansraj colleges, arguing that the RSS-BJP supported ABVP is compromising the democratic integrity of the DU elections. NSUI president Varun Choudhary called for the disqualification of ABVPs presidential candidate, describing the incidents as systematic vote theft.

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NSUI President Shri @varunchoudhary2 exposed how Delhi BJP and ABVP, with the help of police, are turning DUSU Elections 2025 into a mockery of democracy. He questioned why the Chief Ministers husband is roaming North Campus to influence the polls.This blatant misuse of power pic.twitter.com/gV4ZshbH3W  NSUI (@nsui) September 18, 2025

The ABVP dismissed the allegations as mere frustration, claiming it was poised to win all four seats. ABVP Delhi secretary Sarthak Sharma remarked that the NSUI was no longer competing for second place but struggling for third, adding that the rival group was blaming EVMs like the Congress does after every loss. ABVP supporters also alleged that current DUSU president and NSUI leader Ronak Khatri entered Kirori Mal College with outsiders, causing a commotion.

Khatri, however, posted a video outside the college, countering that the ABVP was pressuring students to cast their votes and alleging vote theft on campus since morning. As voting continued in the evening shift, students and officials hoped the combination of stricter enforcement, high security, and judicial monitoring would set a benchmark for fairer campus elections in the future.

Voter Turnout

By 2:30 pm on Thursday, the election had seen a turnout of around 35 per cent. Chief Election Officer Raj Kishore Sharma informed PTI that data from seven colleges indicated a 35 per cent turnout, likely reflecting similar trends across other colleges based on historical records.

Polling was conducted in two phases: from 8:30 am to 1 pm for day classes and from 3 pm to 7:30 pm for evening classes.

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Approximately 2.8 lakh students were eligible to vote, with the results expected to be declared tomorrow, September 19.

Delhi Police deployed over 600 personnel, including 160 equipped with body cameras, as well as CCTV surveillance and drones to ensure smooth polling.

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 19:55 IST

News education-career DUSU Elections 2025: ABVP And NSUI Accuse Each Other Of Vote Theft

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NEET PG 2025: SC To Hear Petition On Transparency Of Answer Key Tomorrow

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:12 IST

NEET PG counselling 2025: The petitions, filed by NEET PG candidates and the United Doctors Front (UDF), address concerns about transparency in the examination process.

Previously, on April 29, the Supreme Court directed NBE to publish raw scores, answer keys and the normalisation formula. (File pic/PTI)

The Supreme Court will hear petitions regarding the NEET PG 2025 counselling process on September 19, having rescheduled it from September 12. Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan will conduct the hearing. The petitions, submitted by NEET PG candidates and the United Doctors Front (UDF), focus on concerns about transparency in the examination process.

What Are The Key Concerns?

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Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) released the NEET PG answer key for the first time. However, candidates have criticised the format, as it includes only question IDs instead of the full questions.

Rather than providing complete question papers and detailed answer keys, NBEMS released only answer key IDs." Candidates argue this limits proper verification of their answers and raises doubts about the evaluation process. They have requested the court to instruct NBEMS to adopt a more transparent system.

The United Doctors Front (UDF) filed one of the petitions after previously opposing the NBEs decision to hold NEET PG 2025 in two shifts and employ a normalisation formula. On August 21, NBEMS issued a corrective notice," which is now under legal review.

Students claim that the limited disclosure is opaque, unintelligible and incapable of meaningful verification." They argue that the system violates their right to a fair admission process under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. A petition states, It frustrates the very object of publishing answer keys, which is to help candidates cross-check their answers and raise objections."

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Previously, on April 29, the Supreme Court directed NBE to publish raw scores, answer keys and the normalisation formula. Now, candidates allege NBEMS has deviated from that order.

The legal proceedings have paused the NEET PG 2025 counselling process. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has not yet announced the dates for the All India Quota counselling, which covers 50% of seats in MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses. Meanwhile, some states like Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have begun their state quota counselling registration.

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 19:06 IST

News education-career NEET PG 2025: SC To Hear Petition On Transparency Of Answer Key Tomorrow

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Who Is Gourangalal Das, India's Next Envoy To Republic Of Korea? Know His Educational Qualification

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 13:48 IST

Born in Barpeta, Assam, Gourangalal Das topped the HSLC in 1991 and secured second place in the Science Stream in HS in 1993.

Senior Diplomat Gourangalal Das. (Image: X/ @RokEmbIndia)

Gourangalal Das, presently serving as a joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as Indias next envoy to the Republic of Korea, according to an announcement by the MEA on Wednesday. He is expected to assume his new role shortly.

Shri Gourangalal Das (IFS: 1999), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea," the MEA said in a brief statement.

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Das, in his current role, has been instrumental in the ongoing negotiations between India and China to address the prolonged standoff in Eastern Ladakh, which has impacted bilateral relations since mid-2020. His strategic insights and diplomatic skills have been crucial in shaping Indias cautious approach towards its northern neighbour.

Previously, he served as the Director General of the India-Taipei Association, Indias representative office in Taiwan, where he greatly strengthened bilateral ties. He also held the position of Joint Secretary (Americas) at the Ministry of External Affairs, where he managed Indias strategic partnership with the United States, and served as Counsellor (Political) at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Additionally, he occupied various roles within the Indian mission in Beijing, gaining substantial expertise in Chinese affairs. He also worked as Deputy Secretary, External Affairs, in the Prime Ministers Office during Dr. Manmohan Singhs tenure.

Gourangalal Das Educational Qualification

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Born in Barpeta, Assam, Das is renowned for both his diplomatic skills and academic accomplishments. He topped the HSLC in 1991 and secured second place in the Science Stream in HS in 1993. He graduated with Honours in Economics from St. Stephens College, Delhi, and completed his Postgraduate studies in Economics at the Delhi School of Economics.

He is married to Harsha Das, a senior official in the Delhi Government and daughter of a railway officer from Jharkhand. They have two childrena son in Class 10 and a daughter in Class 5, both studying in Delhi. His brother, Hemanga Lal Das, is an engineer at Facebooks California office.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 13:32 IST

News education-career Who Is Gourangalal Das, India's Next Envoy To Republic Of Korea? Know His Educational Qualification

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Why Debating Is Becoming A Core Skill For Students In The Age Of AI

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 13:08 IST

In the age of AI, debating is moving from a niche activity to a core skill in Indian schools, helping students think critically, question deeply, and express with clarity.

Debating emerges as a core skill in Indian schools, shaping thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.

In a world where artificial intelligence can generate answers in seconds, the ability to question, argue, and think independently is emerging as a defining skill for students. Across Indian classrooms, debating, once reserved for a few annual competitions or select school teams, is gaining new ground. Teachers and principals are recognising that debate is no longer just a performance art, but an essential tool to nurture critical thinking, communication, and originality of thought in the age of AI.

Instead of being confined to occasional contests or limited school circuits, debating is now being shaped into more structured platforms. Schools are introducing regular debating programmes, and new initiatives ranging from inter-school leagues to international bootcamps are opening doors for students from diverse backgrounds. One such effort, the Indian Debating League (IDL), has widened access, reaching 1,050 schools across 111 cities, and giving children from varied boards and regions the chance to practise reasoning, evidence-based argument, and empathy, often in dialogue with peers across the globe.

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Anjali Tiwary, Founder of the Indian Debating League (IDL), said the need for this change is clear with newer professions coming up. Over the past few years, IDL has simplified the format to make debating less intimidating and more accessible for students. That shift has not only expanded participation but also helped Indian teams record 35 wins at international tournaments.

This is not a hobby to speak well. You have to speak well. 40% children are going to be gig workers tomorrow. They will need to create their own brands. In a world where everyone has access to the same information through tools like ChatGPT, what will set you apart is originality of thought and the ability to articulate it. They will need non-negotiable skills to solve modern-day challenges," Anjali explains.

ALSO READ: QS MBA Rankings 2026: These 3 Indian Business Schools Made It To The Top 100

Principals are beginning to see the same urgency. Raman Bajaj, CEO of Heritage Xperiential Schools, notes that sustained debating initiatives have brought an exceptional depth of training to students.

Indian students are now excelling at prestigious international tournaments. Whats most inspiring is how debate has evolved into a true mind sport in our schools, with students participating month after month in tournaments on themes from sustainability to ethics to AI. This is far more than skill-building; its identity-shaping," Raman said.

For Anjali, this reflects her belief that debating has to move from being a performance for the few to a practice for the many. Curiosity is natural, but our classrooms dont always leave space for it," she said.

Children want to ask questions, but teachers are under pressure to finish portions. Debating provides a structured way for students to ask those questions, reason through ideas, and voice them with clarity," she added.

For students, the impact is personal and immediate. Norra Chhatwal, a Grade 9 student from Vasant Valley School, describes her journey as truly transformative."

I started at a young age, and it gave me not only confidence but also direction. Debating has taught me how to think on my feet, organise my thoughts, and collaborate effectively with others," Norra said.

Her participation has taken her from Delhi classrooms to international arenas like Princeton and Columbia.

Debating pushes you to see every issue from multiple perspectives. You learn that forming an opinion is not enough; you must support it with logic and communicate it clearly and persuasively. These are essential skills for students today, helping us think critically and express ourselves confidently," she added.

Educators agree that debating is no longer a side activity but a core practice for student growth. Gaurav Bedi, Principal of Gurukul The School, has seen this shift firsthand.

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Students eagerly look forward to the sessions and have grown across debating formats, from parliamentary to World Schools. The real impact is visible as it challenges students to think critically, articulate clearly, and express themselves with confidence," Gaurav said.

What is clear is that debating in India is no longer confined to the sidelines of school life. With growing institutional support and a range of inter-school and international platforms, it is evolving into a core learning space that prepares young people not just to speak, but to think, question, and lead. In a country where education often rewards silence, debating may be teaching the most radical skill of all: to speak up.

About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, inclu... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 13:05 IST

News education-career Why Debating Is Becoming A Core Skill For Students In The Age Of AI

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An Old Alliance, Formalised: Why India Is Watching Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact Closely

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 12:40 IST

The SaudiPakistan pact pledges joint deterrence, deeper defence collaboration, and a guarantee that any aggression against one will be treated as an attack on the other

India reacts to the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact against aggression (Photos: Social Media/PTI)

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in Riyadh on Wednesday, under which any attack on one will be considered an attack on both. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formalised the pact at Al-Yamamah Palace, in the presence of Pakistans army chief Asim Munir. For India, which maintains strong strategic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia even as it remains locked in a rivalry with Pakistan, the pact is a development that cannot be ignored.

Indias Response: Measured But Watchful

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reacted with caution. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government was aware the pact had been under consideration for some time and noted that it formalises a long-standing arrangement" between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The statement added that India would study the implications of the agreement for national security, regional stability and global peace, while underscoring that the government remains committed to safeguarding its interests across all domains.

ALSO READ: Committed To Protecting National Interests: India On Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Pact

Why India Is Watching Closely

Indias engagement with Saudi Arabia has deepened steadily over the past decade. As per NDTV, India is now the second-largest trading partner for Saudi Arabia and a vital energy supplier, while a large Indian diaspora lives and works in the Kingdom. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Saudi Arabia three times and was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash in 2016, its highest civilian honour.

In April this year, during PM Modis state visit, both sides jointly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed that there can be no justification for terrorism or for supporting cross-border infrastructure for militancy.

Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabias decision to formalise its military relationship with Pakistan is closely tracked in Delhi. It does not mean Riyadh is turning away from India, but it underlines the Kingdoms balancing act between two South Asian rivals.

Analysts have also weighed in on what the pact signals for India. Writing on X, South Asia specialist Michael Kugelman noted: Pakistan has not only inked a new mutual defense pact, it inked it with a close ally thats also a top partner of Indias. This pact would not deter India from attacking Pakistan. But with 3 key powers  China, Turkey & now KSA  fully on Paks side, Pak is in a very good place."

Pakistan has not only inked a new mutual defense pact, it inked it with a close ally thats also a top partner of Indias. This pact would not deter India from attacking Pakistan. But with 3 key powers-China, Turkey & now KSA-fully on Paks side, Pak is in a very good place. Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) September 18, 2025

His point underlines the distinction: Indias military calculus remains unaffected, but the optics give Pakistan a sense of expanded backing at a time when its domestic and economic situation is strained.

What The Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact Says

The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) commits both countries to treat an attack on one as an attack on the other. The joint statement described it as a pledge to develop aspects of defence cooperation" and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression."

Officials in both capitals framed the deal as the institutionalisation of a relationship that has long existed in practice. Since the 1960s, Pakistani troops have been stationed in the Kingdom, training more than 8,200 Saudi personnel and guarding holy sites in Mecca and Medina during times of crisis, including the 1979 Grand Mosque incident. Riyadh, in turn, has been a provider of oil and financial support for Pakistans fragile economy. The pact now gives this decades-old, often informal arrangement a formal treaty-like cover.

A NATO-Style Promise, But Not NATO

The wording of the SMDA strongly resembles NATOs Article 5, which commits all members of the alliance to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. The comparison is deliberate: such phrasing carries deterrent value. But the similarities end there.

NATO is a 32-member multilateral alliance with integrated military planning, joint exercises and collective structures that have evolved over decades. The SaudiPakistan pact is a bilateral political agreement, and its practical scope remains unclear. How either side might respond to an act of aggression will depend on circumstance, capability and politics, not on institutionalised guarantees.

Saudi Arabias Balancing Act

Saudi officials have stressed that the agreement is not a reaction to a single event. A senior Saudi official told Reuters it was the culmination of years of discussions" between Riyadh and Islamabad. Even so, the signing came just days after Israels airstrike on Doha that killed senior Hamas leaders, inevitably fuelling debate about its regional signalling.

The same official acknowledged the need to balance ties with Pakistans rival, noting that Saudi Arabias relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been" and would continue to grow. Asked whether the pact obliged Pakistan to provide a nuclear umbrella, the official described it as a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means."

This combination of messages reflects Riyadhs careful hedging: formalising hard-security assurances with Pakistan while simultaneously reassuring Delhi that its economic, political and counter-terror partnerships remain intact.

The Nuclear Question

Although the text of the agreement makes no mention of nuclear weapons, the shadow of Pakistans arsenal looms large over its interpretation. Pakistan is the only Muslim-majority state with nuclear weapons, and Saudi Arabia has long been linked to that programme, according to AP.

Retired Pakistani Brigadier General Feroz Hassan Khan, in his book Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb, wrote that Saudi Arabia provided generous financial support" for Pakistans nuclear programme. A 2007 US diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks recorded American diplomats reporting that their Pakistani counterparts had raised the idea of Riyadh pursuing a weapons programme alongside Islamabad.

According to AP, analysts, and, in at least one instance, Pakistani diplomats, have over the years suggested that Saudi Arabia could be included under Islamabads nuclear umbrella, particularly as tensions with Iran have grown. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has himself said that the Kingdom would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran obtained one.

That history ensures that even a conventional defence pact invites nuclear speculation. Riyadh and Islamabad have offered no such confirmation, but the perception that Saudi Arabia now sits closer to a nuclear-armed partner is enough to alter the strategic calculations of India, Iran and Israel.

Why This Matters For India

India will continue to parse the agreement carefully. On one hand, it formalises what has existed for decades: SaudiPakistan defence cooperation. On the other, it comes at a time when India and Saudi Arabia have built unprecedented trust, from counter-terror alignment to large-scale investment partnerships.

That is why New Delhis reaction has been deliberately measured, acknowledging the pact while signalling that India will safeguard its national interests in all domains. The broader message is that Saudi Arabias engagement with Pakistan does not automatically translate into a setback for Delhi, so long as Riyadh continues to deepen its economic, political and security ties with India.

The Bottom Line

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The SaudiPakistan defence pact is symbolically significant, borrowing NATO-style language of collective defence while leaving its operational meaning ambiguous. For Pakistan, it is a boost to prestige and deterrence optics at a difficult economic moment. For Saudi Arabia, it is about hedging in a turbulent region while keeping options open with all major partners.

For India, the prudent course is exactly the one it has chosen: study the implications, stay engaged with Riyadh, and safeguard its interests while recognising that the core of the IndiaSaudi partnership remains solid.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 12:36 IST

News explainers An Old Alliance, Formalised: Why India Is Watching Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact Closely

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'Brain-Eating Amoeba' Cases Rise In Kerala: What It Is, How It Spreads And How To Stay Safe

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 09:03 IST

Kerala has reported over 60 confirmed cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) this year, including 19 deaths, with patients from infants to the elderly

Kerala confirms 69 brain-eating amoeba cases, 19 deaths this year. (Representative Image)

Kerala is facing one of its most alarming health challenges in recent years: a sudden spike in cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but deadly brain infection caused by the so-called brain-eating amoeba." In 2025 alone, the state has reported 69 confirmed cases and 19 deaths. The rise is striking, considering fewer than 10 cases were reported in the six years leading up to 2023.

State Health Minister Veena George has called it a serious public health concern," pointing out that infections are no longer confined to clusters in Kozhikode and Malappuram but are now surfacing sporadically across the state. Patients range from a three-month-old infant to a 91-year-old, complicating efforts to trace and contain the cases.

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What Exactly Is The Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection?

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is a rare infection of the brain caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic organism found in warm freshwater and soil. Popularly dubbed the brain-eating amoeba," it invades brain tissue and causes rapid inflammation, often leading to death within days.

According to a Kerala government document, PAM affects the central nervous system. It is most often seen in otherwise healthy children, teenagers and young adults. The infection destroys brain tissue, causing severe swelling and making survival rates extremely low.

How Does The Infection Happen?

People cannot get PAM by drinking contaminated water, and the disease does not spread from person to person. Infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the nose, usually while swimming, diving or bathing in untreated freshwater. From there, the amoeba travels along the olfactory nerves, crosses the cribriform plate at the base of the skull and reaches the brain.

The organism thrives in stagnant freshwater such as ponds, lakes and rivers. It has also been detected in poorly maintained swimming pools and inadequately chlorinated household tanks. According to the Indian Express, many of Keralas water sources, including wells and ponds, have high levels of coliform bacteria from sewage and waste. This provides abundant food for the amoeba, allowing it to thrive in warm waters.

Other free-living amoebae, Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia, can also cause brain infections, though these develop slowly over weeks or months in the form of Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis. Unlike PAM, which progresses rapidly, these cases often go undiagnosed until it is too late.

What Are The Symptoms?

The symptoms of PAM resemble those of bacterial meningitis, which makes diagnosis difficult. They typically appear between one and nine days after exposure and may develop acutely within hours.

The first signs include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. As the infection advances, patients may experience a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, loss of balance and eventually slip into a coma.

The CDC warns that most patients die within one to 18 days after symptoms begin, often due to severe brain swelling. Keralas health department has echoed this, noting that by the time other more common causes of meningitis are ruled out, PAM is usually too advanced for treatment to work.

Why Is Kerala Seeing More Cases Now?

Kerala reported its first PAM case in 2016, but infections were rare until last year, when 36 cases and nine deaths were confirmed. This years surge has doubled that figure, with 69 cases and 19 deaths already on record.

Two factors are driving the increase. First, climate change and rising temperatures have made stagnant freshwater bodies more hospitable for amoebae, while heatwaves are driving more people to use them for bathing and swimming. As the state health department warned, climate change is increasing the likelihood of encounters with this pathogen.

Second, poor water sanitation is compounding the risk. Many of Keralas ponds and wells are rich in bacteria from sewage and waste, creating the perfect environment for the amoeba to thrive.

How Deadly Is The Infection?

Globally, the fatality rate of PAM is about 97 per cent. In Kerala, however, the mortality rate this year stands at roughly 24 per cent, far lower than the global average. This is largely due to quicker diagnosis and more aggressive treatment.

The Indian Express reported that two children, siblings of an eight-year-old who died of the disease in August, recently recovered. Their survival offers rare hope in a disease that has claimed nearly every patient it has infected.

What Are Doctors Using For Treatment?

There is no standard cure for PAM. Almost all known survivors worldwide were diagnosed before the infection reached the brain, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Doctors in Kerala are using a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, rifampin, miltefosine, azithromycin, fluconazole and dexamethasone. Miltefosine, an anti-parasitic drug, has been linked to rare survivor cases worldwide, and its early use has contributed to Keralas recent recoveries. The state government has acknowledged, however, that the rarity of the disease, its fulminant clinical course, and the difficulty of making a rapid diagnosis have hampered the evaluation of drug regimens.

After the 2023 Nipah outbreak, doctors in Kerala were instructed to check all cases of meningoencephalitis for amoebic infection. If they find amoeba, they will start the treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis. Early detection can save lives," Minister Veena George said.

What Precautions Are Being Advised?

Given the lack of a reliable cure, prevention is critical. Health authorities have issued detailed guidance:

Avoid swimming or bathing in untreated or stagnant freshwater bodies such as ponds and lakes.

Use nose clips or keep the head above water while swimming in freshwater.

For nasal rinsing or religious rituals like jal neti, use only boiled and cooled, distilled or sterile water.

Ensure that swimming pools, wells and household tanks are regularly cleaned and properly chlorinated.

Avoid exposing open wounds to untreated water or soil, and use waterproof bandages if necessary.

Contact lens users are advised to use sterile, commercially prepared solutions to prevent Acanthamoeba-related eye infections.

The state health department, in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control, is carrying out environmental sampling and testing of water sources. Hospitals have been put on alert, and awareness drives are underway to warn the public of the risks.

What Keralas Cases Signal

In August alone, a three-month-old infant, a 52-year-old woman and a nine-year-old girl in Kozhikode died of PAM, illustrating how the infection spares no age group. State authorities have launched a Water is Life" chlorination drive to disinfect wells, tanks and public bathing areas, alongside awareness campaigns during the monsoon.

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The pattern is not confined to Kerala. India recorded its first PAM case in 1971, with sporadic deaths in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and elsewhere, and Keralas first confirmed fatality came in 2016. What sets the present apart is both the sudden spike in cases and the rare recoveries achieved through early use of drugs such as miltefosine.

These lessons point to a broader warning. Warmer waters and sewage-fed bacteria are helping the amoeba thrive, while practices such as ritual nasal cleansing with unboiled or untreated water heighten the risk. Keralas relatively lower fatality rate of 24 per cent compared with the global average of 97 per cent shows that vigilance, surveillance and quick treatment can save lives. But the trend also underlines how climate change and unsafe water systems are making once-rare infections more common. Preventing them will increasingly depend on stronger water safety measures, medical readiness and community awareness.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 09:01 IST

News explainers 'Brain-Eating Amoeba' Cases Rise In Kerala: What It Is, How It Spreads And How To Stay Safe

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Can A Software Really Strike Off Your Name? Voter Deletion Process In India Explained

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 13:58 IST

Rahul Gandhi claims votes were deleted at scale using software. Heres the step-by-step process the law requires before any voters name can be struck off the rolls

The EC underlined that voter roll deletions are governed by law, not by technology. (Representative image)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharpened his attack on the Election Commission, accusing it of shielding what he calls vote thieves." At a press conference on Thursday, he claimed that during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, thousands of Congress supporters names were targeted for deletion through a centralised, software-based operation.

In Aland constituency alone, he said nearly 6,000 names were picked out by a programme that automatically used the first voter in every booth" to impersonate an applicant seeking deletions. He paraded on stage both a voter whose name was attempted to be deleted and the neighbour whose details were misused, both of whom denied filing any request.

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Gandhi argued that the same system was being used in multiple states. In Maharashtras Rajura constituency, he alleged 6,815 names were fraudulently added, suggesting the software was capable of both deletions and additions. He said the method was not limited to Karnataka and Maharashtra, but extended to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi demanded that the Election Commission release within a week the data on mobile phones and OTPs used in these applications.

What The Election Commission Said

The ECI categorically denied Gandhis allegations. It said no deletion of votes can be done online as misconceived by Rahul Gandhi." Portals and apps only allow applications to be filed, which then go through scrutiny. It stressed that no deletion can take place without issuing a notice and giving the voter an opportunity to be heard.

ALSO READ | Public Cant Delete Votes Online: EC Rejects Rahul Gandhis Charge Against Gyanesh Kumar

On the Aland case, the Commission clarified that it was the poll body itself that flagged anomalies in 2023 and lodged an FIR. It pointed out that the Congress in fact won the Aland seat in 2023, undercutting claims of systematic targeting.

The EC underlined that voter roll deletions are governed by law, not by technology.

So What Is The Process Of Voter Deletion?

The Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 lay down the framework for how a voters name can be removed from the rolls. The process is designed to prevent misuse and ensure that no one loses their vote without being informed or given a chance to contest it.

It begins with Form 7: If someone wants a voters name deleted, or objects to an entry in the electoral roll, they must submit Form 7 to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). This form is also used by voters themselves if they have shifted to another constituency. It requires key details such as the constituency name, the voters EPIC number, the reason for seeking deletion, and the applicants own details and signature. Once submitted, the local Booth Level Officer (BLO) issues an acknowledgement. Valid grounds for deletion are limited: The law specifies only a handful of reasons: the voter has permanently shifted to another constituency, is not found at the registered address, has been entered twice, has died, or is not an Indian citizen. Deletions cannot be sought on arbitrary or political grounds. The ERO then scrutinises the request: Every application is entered into official records. If a form is incomplete or defective, it can be rejected at the preliminary stage itself. The voter must be given notice: If a deletion is proposed, the ERO is required to serve a notice to the voter, specifying the date, time, and place of a hearing. This notice can be delivered personally, by registered post, or by affixing it at the persons residence. Verification happens on the ground: A BLO visits the address in question to check whether the voter is still living there, has passed away, or if the entry is a duplicate. The findings are reported back to the ERO. The matter goes to a hearing: Both the applicant who sought deletion and the voter whose name is under question have the right to be heard. The ERO may ask for documents, demand personal appearance, and even record statements under oath before taking a decision. The ERO then passes an order: After considering the evidence, the ERO either rejects the application or approves the deletion. If approved, the name is struck off and reflected in the next updated roll. There is also a right to appeal: A voter who believes their name has been wrongly deleted can challenge the EROs order. They can also apply afresh for inclusion by filing Form 6 with proof of residence and identity. False declarations made in a Form 7 application are punishable under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Can A Neighbour Delete Your Vote?

Legally, any elector in the same constituency can file Form 7 objecting to another voters name. But this does not automatically delete the vote.

The ERO is required to issue notice, carry out verification, and provide a hearing before passing any order. Without these steps, a deletion is unlawful. Filing a false application is a punishable offence.

Can A Software Or Automation Strike Off Votes?

Rahul Gandhi has alleged that thousands of applications were filed through an automated system using fake mobile numbers and OTPs. However, under the rules:

Online portals only accept applications; they cannot delete names on their own.

Each case still requires verification and a hearing.

Even in cases of suspected bulk manipulation, the ERO must follow due process.

If software-driven impersonation were attempted, it would amount to fraud and criminal conspiracy, but would not itself bypass the legal safeguards.

Software can flood the system with applications; it cannot, by itself, erase names from the rolls.

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The Bottom Line

Deleting a voters name in India is not a one-click process. Whether initiated by a neighbour or through an online application, the law requires scrutiny, notice, field verification, and a hearing before any name is struck off. Fraudulent applications can be filed, as Rahul Gandhi alleges, but these by themselves cannot remove a voter from the rolls. Any attempt to bypass due process is unlawful and punishable.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 13:40 IST

News explainers Can A Software Really Strike Off Your Name? Voter Deletion Process In India Explained

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Jimmy Kimmel's Show Pulled: What The Host Said About Charlie Kirk And Why It Backfired

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 09:57 IST

US President Donald Trump hailed ABCs suspension of Jimmy Kimmel as great news for America while mocking other late-night hosts

Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. (REUTERS)

ABC, one of Americas biggest television networks and owned by Disney, has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely." The late-night comedy show, hosted by veteran comedian Jimmy Kimmel since 2003, is a nightly mix of celebrity interviews, satire and political commentary that attracts millions of viewers in the United States.

The drastic decision came after Kimmels sharp remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old close ally of US President Donald Trump who founded the right-wing youth group Turning Point USA. Kirk was shot dead last week while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has rattled American politics, and Kimmels monologues about it ignited a backlash from Trump allies, regulators, and major broadcasters.

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What Kimmel Said In His Monologues

The uproar stems from two nights of monologues. On Monday, less than a week after Kirks killing, Kimmel accused Trumps supporters in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement of trying to disown the killer, Tyler Robinson. Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder, firearm offences and witness tampering, and could face the death penalty.

We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterise this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said.

The following night, he escalated his criticism: Many in MAGA-land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk." He targeted Vice-President JD Vance, who had claimed that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the far left." Kimmel dismissed this as complete bullshit," citing research that far-right groups were responsible for most extremist violence in the US. The Department of Justice has since removed that study from its website.

He added a pointed question: Who wanted to hang the guy who was vice president before you? Was that the liberal left? Or the toothless army who stormed the Capitol on January 6?" This was a reference to the 2021 insurrection in Washington, when Trump supporters stormed the US Congress in an attempt to block the certification of Joe Bidens election win.

Kimmel also mocked Trumps personal response to Kirks death. In interviews, Trump spoke of Kirks killing while digressing into plans to build a grand ballroom at the White House. Hes at the fourth stage of grief, construction," Kimmel quipped. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish."

In another segment, Trumps focus on chandeliers and renovations prompted Kimmel to joke: Is it possible that hes doing it intentionally, so we could be mad about that instead of the Epstein list?"

When Trump advised supporters to take revenge at the voter" in the ballot box, but then questioned whether ballot boxes existed in California, Kimmel responded: Oh, well, in that case, begin the purge. For the record, we live in California. We do have ballot boxes. Weve got mailboxes. We have lunch boxes. We have all kinds of boxes."

The Shooters Politics And The Dispute

Prosecutors have said Robinson expressed hatred" toward Kirk in private messages, but they have not specified which of Kirks views he opposed. His mother told investigators her son had recently shifted towards left-leaning views, becoming more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented." This contrasted with Kimmels portrayal of him as aligned with MAGA.

Conservative activists seized on this point, accusing Kimmel of smearing their movement. It became the crux of the backlash, amplified by the Trump administration and right-wing media.

Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the US regulator that oversees broadcast licences, accused Kimmel of a concerted effort to lie to the American people" and threatened regulatory action.

How Broadcasters Responded

Carrs warnings were swiftly followed by moves from powerful station owners. Nexstar Media, one of the biggest US operators of local ABC stations, announced it would pre-empt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future." Andrew Alford, Nexstars broadcasting president, called the remarks offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse."

Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns even more ABC affiliates, also pulled the show. It announced it would air a tribute to Kirk during Kimmels slot and demanded that Kimmel apologise and make a personal donation to Kirks family and Turning Point USA.

With both groups refusing to broadcast the programme, ABC had little choice but to act nationally. A network spokesperson confirmed late on Wednesday that the show was being pre-empted indefinitely." According to a report in The New York Times, the decision inside Disney was made by chief executive Robert Iger and television chief Dana Walden. Kimmel had reportedly planned to address the controversy in his Wednesday show, but the suspension was imposed before taping began.

The FCC And Political Pressure

The FCC chairs intervention was described by US media as unusual, given that the regulator typically does not comment on specific programmes. Carr said on a podcast that stations airing Kimmel risked fines or licence revocation," warning broadcasters they could do this the easy way or the hard way."

Later, Carr praised Nexstar and Sinclair for doing the right thing," calling the preemptions unprecedented" but necessary. He told Fox News that broadcasters were standing up to local communities against progressive foie gras coming out from New York and Hollywood."

Democrats condemned the move. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said it was despicable" and compared it to censorship tactics in Russia and China. Whether you agree with Kimmel or not, he has the right to free speech," he told CNN.

The suspension also fits into a wider pattern of tension between the Trump administration and critical media. Trump has previously sued ABC, settled a lawsuit for $16 million, and filed a defamation case against The New York Times. CBS, another major network, recently cancelled Stephen Colberts Late Show, officially for financial reasons, though industry observers linked it to regulatory pressure during a merger review.

Trumps Response

Trump himself hailed ABCs decision. Posting on Truth Social from Britain, where he was on a state visit, he wrote: Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible."

He also used the moment to attack other late-night hosts, calling NBCs Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers total losers" and suggesting their networks should also consider removing them.

Trump has long had a fraught relationship with late-night comedy. During his first presidency, shows like Kimmels, Colberts and others made him a constant subject of satire, something he saw as unfair ridicule.

What Happens Next

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Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been part of ABCs late-night schedule since 2003 and was nominated for three Emmy categories this year. Its indefinite suspension marks one of the biggest breaks in the US late-night format in decades.

Kimmel himself has yet to issue a statement. Whether he apologises, defends his comments, or seeks a platform outside ABC will determine the future of his two-decade career.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 09:33 IST

News explainers Jimmy Kimmel's Show Pulled: What The Host Said About Charlie Kirk And Why It Backfired

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What Is MAID? The Assisted Dying Process Chosen By Canadian Author Robert Munsch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:19 IST

Canada legalised Medical Assistance in Dying in 2016 under strict rules. Heres who qualifies, how it works, and why Robert Munsch, author of 'Love You Forever', chose it

Canadian childrens author Robert Munsch has revealed that he was approved for Medical Assistance in Dying. (Photo: X)

Canadian childrens author Robert Munsch, best known for The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever, has revealed that he was approved for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), a process that allows people with serious medical conditions to end their lives with medical help. The 80-year-old, who has been diagnosed with dementia and Parkinsons disease, said that he applied for MAID years ago but has not yet chosen a date.

The news came through an interview with the NYT, where Munsch explained that although his stories are still with him, he is slowly slipping away. Tributes poured in quickly, prompting his daughter Julie to step in and clarify that while her father made the decision years ago, he is NOT DYING" anytime soon. She stressed he remains stable, though degenerative conditions can worsen suddenly.

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So what exactly is MAID, how does it work, and why did Munsch choose it?

What Is Medical Assistance In Dying?

Medical Assistance in Dying, or MAID, is a process in Canada that allows eligible adults suffering from serious and incurable medical conditions to choose a medically assisted death. Legalised nationwide in 2016, it is tightly regulated by the federal Criminal Code, with provinces and territories overseeing its practice.

MAID falls under the wider term assisted dying," which also covers assisted suicide and euthanasia.

How Is MAID Provided?

There are two ways MAID is carried out in Canada:

Clinician-administered MAID: A physician or nurse practitioner administers a lethal substance that causes death (usually via injection).

Self-administered MAID: The person is prescribed a lethal drug and takes it themselves.

In both methods, the law mandates strict medical safeguards.

Who Is Eligible For MAID In Canada?

Eligibility rules are strict and designed to protect vulnerable people. To qualify, a person must:

Be at least 18 years old and eligible for government-funded health care.

Be mentally competent and able to make their own decisions.

Have a grievous and irremediable medical condition that causes enduring, intolerable suffering and cannot be relieved under acceptable conditions.

Make a voluntary request, free from external pressure.

Provide informed consent before the procedure.

Importantly, in Canada, someone doesnt need to be on the verge of death to qualify for MAID. People with long-term or degenerative illnesses, like dementia or Parkinsons, can still be eligible if their condition is incurable, causes ongoing and unbearable suffering, and they meet all other legal requirements, such as mental competence and informed consent.

What Safeguards Are In Place?

Canadas MAID law includes several safeguards designed to protect vulnerable individuals:

Two independent medical assessments are required to confirm eligibility. The person must submit a written request, witnessed by someone not involved in their care. They must reconfirm consent just before the procedure, unless specific exemptions apply (such as pre-arranged waivers for capacity loss).

Another critical rule: the person must retain decision-making capacity at the moment MAID is provided. This is why Robert Munsch told NYT, I have to pick the moment when I can still ask for it."

Why Did Robert Munsch Apply For MAID?

In a 2021 interview with CBC, Munsch said he had ongoing dementia: I cant drive, I cant ride a bicycle, I cant write. So its been really whittling away on who I thought I was. My stories, strangely enough, are all there. The stories will be the last thing to go, I think."

In the NYT interview, he revealed that he was later diagnosed with Parkinsons as well, and that he intends to proceed with MAID once he loses the ability to speak and communicate, since the law requires him to still have decision-making capacity.

His decision was also shaped by personal experience. He watched one of his brothers die slowly of Lou Gehrigs disease (ALS), which convinced him not to endure a similar decline.

How Does MAID Work In Other Countries?

Medical assistance in dying is not unique to Canada. According to Mint, some form of assisted death is legal in ten US states and Washington DC, though these laws generally limit eligibility to patients with terminal illnesses and a prognosis of six months or less to live.

In Europe, countries such as Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, and Luxembourg have more expansive frameworks. Some of them permit assisted dying even for those who are not terminally ill, including individuals with chronic or psychological conditions, provided stringent consent and medical review criteria are met.

Australia has also legalised assisted dying in most of its states, while New Zealand allows it for patients expected to die within six months, a limit extended to 12 months for neurodegenerative illnesses.

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Indias law is different. Active euthanasia, the act of intentionally administering a substance to cause death, is illegal in India and punishable under the Indian Penal Code. But in 2018, the Supreme Court of India recognised the legality of passive euthanasia, which involves the withdrawal of life support or medical treatment from terminally ill or permanently incapacitated patients.

The ruling also allowed individuals to issue advance medical directives, commonly known as living wills", stating their preference to refuse life-prolonging interventions if they become incapable of making decisions in the future.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:19 IST

News explainers What Is MAID? The Assisted Dying Process Chosen By Canadian Author Robert Munsch

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2 Bikes, 4 Gunmen: CCTV Spots Shooters At Petrol Pump Days Before Firing At Disha Patanis Home

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 09:32 IST

The four shooters linked to the Goldy Brar gang arrived at a hotel in Bareilly on September 11. As they went to the hotel, one of the shooters fell sick and returned back.

Left: Screengrab of video shared online

Amid the investigation into the firing at Disha Patanis Uttar Pradesh residence, a second CCTV video has emerged purportedly showing Arun, Vijay, Nakul, and a minor at a petrol pump in Bareilly on September 9.

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In the footage, the four shooters can be seen arriving on two bikes to refuelone of which was a white Apache bike, the same vehicle that was recovered from the encounter site.

Timeline Of Events

According to the investigating officers, the four shooters linked to the Goldy Brar gang arrived at a hotel in Bareilly on September 11. As they went to the hotel, one of the shooters fell sick and returned back.

On the same day, all four reached Disha Patanis house on two motorcyclesa black Splendor (ridden by Nakul and Vijay) and a white Apache (ridden by Arun and Ravindra)to conduct a recee.

The next day, on September 12, the four accused went again to Patanis house to conduct the firing. It was Ravindra who opened fire outside the actresss house.

Two Men Who Opened Fire, Killed In Encounter

On September 17, two menidentified as Ravindra, alias Kallu, a native of Rohtak, and Arun, a resident of Sonipatwere killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Ghaziabad.

The encounter broke out on Wednesday as a joint team of the STFs Noida unit and Delhi Police intercepted the duo.

The accused opened fire at first, provoking a response from the police team.

CCTV Video From Outside Disha Patanis House Emerges

Another CCTV footage, which was shared earlier, captured the two shooters on a motorcycle conducting a recee of the street outside before opening fire in the middle of the night.

The video at first shows the two assailants on a two-wheeler can be seen roaming the street outside waiting for an opportune moment.

Goldy Brar Gang Claims Responsibility

The shooters belong to the Goldy Brar gang, who later also claimed responsibility for the incident. Taking to Facebook, a member of the gang, Virendra Charan, said that she had shown disrespect towards the religion, adding that the firing was just a trailer".

Next time, if she or anyone else shows any disrespect towards our religion, we will not let them leave alive from their house," the post read.

This message is not only for her but also for all the film artists and people associated with her. If anyone does any such disrespectful act related to our religion and saints in the future, then be ready to face the consequences. We are ready to go to any extent to protect our religion. For us, religion and the whole society are always one, and protecting them is our first duty," it added.

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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 : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 09:15 IST

News india 2 Bikes, 4 Gunmen: CCTV Spots Shooters At Petrol Pump Days Before Firing At Disha Patanis Home

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4-Year-Old Sexually Assaulted At Mumbai School, Female Staffer Arrested

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 08:20 IST

A 40-year-old female school staffer in Goregaon, Mumbai, was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a four-year-old student on school grounds.

A file photo of the Mumbai Police (PTI)

The Goregaon Police in Mumbai arrested a 40-year-old female staffer at a school on charges of sexually harassing a four-year-old student on the school premises.

According to the details, the arrest was made on September 16 following a complaint by the childs parents.

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The incident took place on September 15 after the girls grandmother dropped her off at the school, news agency PTI quoted an official from Goregaon police station as saying.

When the girl returned home, she complained of pain in her private parts. After getting her medically examined, the girls family informed the school administration and lodged a police complaint.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and arrested the female staff member of the school.

The Goregaon Police said that the accused had been employed at the school for over two years. They also claimed she allegedly touched the girl inappropriately in the washroom.

The police were also scanning CCTV footage of the school as part of their investigation.

Meanwhile, three female assistant staff members of the school had been called for questioning.

On September 17, a Trinamool Congress panchayat member was arrested on the charge of assaulting the acting headmaster of a state-run school in the 24 South Parganas district of West Bengal.

This came after a dispute about the collection of money for a trip, PTI quoted an officer as saying.

The accused, identified as Tridib Barui, was caught on camera assaulting the acting headmaster in front of students at Birendra Vidyaniketan in Kakdwip on Tuesday.

Barui, who is also the school managing committee (MC) president, allegedly grabbed headmaster Milankanti Pal by the neck and dragged him.

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A video of the scuffle outside the school office surfaced on social media, though the acting headmaster alleged that CCTV footage from inside the office was deleted.

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 08:17 IST

News india 4-Year-Old Sexually Assaulted At Mumbai School, Female Staffer Arrested

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71-Year-Old US Woman, Came Punjab To Marry NRI Businessman, Burnt To Death

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 10:23 IST

Charanjit Singh Grewal, an England-based non-resident Indian (NRI), who hails from Ludhiana, had called her to India.

The deceased have been identified as Rupinder Kaur Pandher (Credits: X)

A 71-year-old Indian-origin US woman was killed in Punjabs Ludhiana after she came to India from Seattle to marry a UK-based NRI man, reported PTI, citing officials. The woman was allegedly killed by the 75-year-old man, who was supposed to be her bridegroom.

The incident that took place in July came to light recently, after a missing persons report was filed after Rupinder Kaur Pandhers sister found her phone switched off.

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A tense Kamal Kaur Khairah got suspicious and alerted the US embassy in New Delhi by July 28, four days after she found her sisters phone switched off on July 24. The agency then asked the local police to probe the matter.

Upon investigation, it was found that Charanjit Singh Grewal, an England-based non-resident Indian (NRI), who hails from Ludhiana, had himself called the victim woman to India. While the two were set to tie the knot, Grewal allegedly orchestrated her killing.

According to the report, the Khairah family only got to know about Pandhers demise earlier this week.

The police at first arrested Sukhjeet Singh Sonu of Malha Patti in connection with the murder of Pandher.

Sonu confessed to the crime, revealing that he killed her in his house and burned her body in a storeroom.

The police said that Sonu conducted the murder following orders from Grewal, who also promised him to pay Rs 50 lakh for the crime.

According to the officers, the motive behind the murder was financial. The victim had transferred a substantial sum of money to Grewal before her visit.

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The police continue to investigate the matter, and Grewal, who is absconding, has been named as a suspect in the case.

A further investigation into the case is underway.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

Location : Punjab, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 10:21 IST

News india 71-Year-Old US Woman, Came Punjab To Marry NRI Businessman, Burnt To Death

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'Army Only Place Where There Is No Nepotism': CDS General Anil Chauhan

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:07 IST

General Anil Chauhan highlights Bhartiya fauj as free from nepotism, urges youth to join.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan,| File Image/PTI

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Thursday asserted that the Bhartiya fauj (Indian Defence Forces) is the only place where there is no nepotism, as he urged children to aspire to join the armed forces to serve the nation and explore places.

While interacting with school children at an event in Ranchi, CDS General Chauhan said that the armed forces made maximum efforts this year to rescue citizens amid a high number of natural disasters.

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The fauj (army) is the only place where there is no nepotism You should aspire to join the armed forces if you want to serve the nation, and explore the country and the world," he said as quoted by news agency PTI.

VIDEO | Ranchi, Jharkhand: On the 7th (of May), the terrorist targets we had chosen, we struck them between 1:00 and 1:30 at night Why did we strike at 1:30 at night? That is the darkest time, it would be the most difficult to get satellite images, photographs, and collect pic.twitter.com/f8tfsa7rEo Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 18, 2025

While speaking about Operation Sindoor, General Chauhan said that the first strike on the terror camps in Pakistan was conducted at 1 am on May 7 to avoid civilian casualties.

That is the darkest time, it would be the most difficult to get satellite images, photographs, and collect evidence. Yet, we struck at 1 or 1:30 at night. Why was that? It was for two reasons. First, we had confidence in our capabilities that even at night we would be able to get imagery. And the second important reason was that we wanted to avoid civilian casualties," he said.

He further said that the best time to strike the terror camps would have been 5:306:00 AM, when daylight starts, but at that time, the first Azaan or the first prayer takes place, and in Bahawalpur and Muridke, there might be a lot of movement at that time, so many civilians could have been killed.

Operation Sindoor

In the early hours of May 7, Indian Defence Forces launched precision strikes at nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor" in response to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives.

In a late-night press statement on May 7, the Indian Defence Ministry said, A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed."

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The strikes killed over 100 terrorists, including 10 family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and four close aides.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Ranchi, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 19:07 IST

News india 'Army Only Place Where There Is No Nepotism': CDS General Anil Chauhan

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Can A Protester With Valid Tickets Be Deboarded From A Train? Madras High Court Weighs In

Reported By :

LawBeat Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:07 IST

The petition was moved by president of an organisation advocating for farmers rights, who claimed that he and his associates were repeatedly stopped from traveling to New Delhi

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The judge emphasised the importance of constitutional freedoms, recalling how Mahatma Gandhis own deboarding from a train had triggered a historic moment in the freedom struggle.

The Madras High Court has cautioned railway authorities that passengers holding valid tickets cannot be forced off trains merely because they intend to participate in protests, calling such conduct unlawful.

The bench of Justice B Pugalendhi, deciding a writ petition filed by farmer leader P Ayyakannu on September 17, 2025, reiterated that the Constitution protects citizens rights to travel and protest, though these are subject to reasonable restrictions. At the same time, the court rejected the petitioners plea for a blanket order restraining interference with his travel, observing that the allegations lacked specific details.

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Sections 55, 56 and 156 of the Railways Act, 1989, allow railway officials to deboard a passenger only in narrowly defined situations None of these provisions permit deboarding a valid ticket holder on the mere ground of intended protest. If such deboarding occurs, it constitutes an offence warranting action against the officials concerned," the judge said.

The petition was moved by Ayyakannu, president of an organisation advocating for farmers rights and river water linkage, who claimed that he and his associates were repeatedly stopped from traveling to New Delhi despite having proper tickets. He alleged that in September 2024, they were deboarded specifically to prevent them from staging a peaceful demonstration. His history of agitation was placed before the court, including a 141-day protest at Jantar Mantar and marches across Tamil Nadu.

Advocate S Muthukrishnan, appearing for the petitioner, argued that authorities had a pattern of obstructing Ayyakannus lawful protests, pointing out earlier instances in 2015 and 2016 where similar actions had forced him to move the courts.

The Trichy Police Commissioner, in a counter-affidavit, painted a different picture. It was alleged that Ayyakannus protests frequently flouted conditions, creating what the police described as public nuisance". Instances were cited where demonstrators used provocative methods such as donning masks of the Prime Minister, parading with skulls and bones, staging fasts with senior citizens, and even encouraging risky acts like climbing cellphone towers. The police informed the court that as many as 73 cases were registered against the farmer leader.

The bench noted this material, recording that while Ayyakannus stated objective may be lawful, his methods often crossed into disruptive territory.

The judge, however, emphasised the importance of constitutional freedoms, recalling how Mahatma Gandhis own deboarding from a train had triggered a historic moment in the freedom struggle. It is precisely to avoid such suppression that our Constitution enshrines the rights to free speech, assembly and movement," the order stated.

The court also cited the Supreme Courts decision in Anita Thakur v Government of Jammu and Kashmir (2016), reaffirming peaceful protest as an integral part of Article 19 rights.

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Nonetheless, the bench declined to grant sweeping relief, noting that the petition lacked concrete dates and particulars about the alleged deboarding incidents. It pointed out that being a lawyer himself, Ayyakannu could have sought immediate legal recourse in each instance.

In disposing of the petition, the court made it clear that while citizens are free to travel and protest, these rights are not without limits. The petitioner, it held, must secure prior permission for demonstrations and abide by lawful restrictions. At the same time, authorities were warned that arbitrary prevention of travel by ticketed passengers would not be tolerated and could expose officials to legal action.

About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public in... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:07 IST

News india Can A Protester With Valid Tickets Be Deboarded From A Train? Madras High Court Weighs In

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Disha Patani House Firing: 2 Accused Gunned Down; Here's How The Incident Unfolded

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 11:00 IST

The accused were reported to be members of the Goldy Brar-Rohit Godara gang, which claimed responsibility for the firing.

The site of a police encounter where two active members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang, allegedly involved in firing outside Bollywood actress Disha Patani's home in Bareilly, were shot dead in Ghaziabad on September 17. (Image: PTI)

Two persons, who were involved in the firing incident at Bollywood actor Disha Patanis Bareilly residence, were killed in an encounter in Ghaziabad on Wednesday. The accused were reported to be members of the Goldy Brar-Rohit Godara gang, which claimed responsibility for the firing.

The accused have been identified as Ravinda alias Kallu and Arun. Both were residents of Haryana. Ravindra was a resident of Kahni in Rohtak, while Arun hails from Gohana in Sonipat.

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Heres How The Incident Unfolded

On September 12, multiple gunshots were fired at Patanis ancestral home in Bareillys Civil Lines area at around 3:45 am. None was injured in the firing.

Hours after the incident, gangster Goldy Brar  a Canada-based criminal with extensive links to organised networks  claimed responsibility of the incident through a social media post.

It was alleged the attack was carried out in protest against remarks supposedly made by Patani and her sister Khushbu about two religious figures: Sant Premanand Maharaj and Aniruddhacharya. The message was issued with a warning that this was just a trailer" and further violence would follow.

Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke to actor Disha Patanis father, Jagdish Singh Patani, a retired deputy superintendent of police and had assured him that the police would take steps for their safety.

The post was deleted on the morning of September 13 and the account was removed by evening.

Soon after the incident was reported, the police launched a manhant for the accused.

A team led by ACP Dharmender Singh and SI Manjeet Singh found that the accused had reached Ghaziabad on Monday, September 15.

It was around 4-5 am on Wednesday, September 17, that the teams found that the accused had finally reached Ghaziabad and were trying to escape.

Teams were sent and technical surveillance was mounted on multiple suspects. By afternoon, their location was confirmed and a trap was laid near Tronica City. At 7.20 pm, a police team stopped their bike and asked them to surrender, but they fired.

Almost a week after the firing took place, the Delhi Police Special Cell, along with the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday evening (September 17) gunned down two gangsters accused of opening fire outside actor Disha Patanis house in Bareilly.

According to the police, Ravinder was hit in the chest, while Arun suffered bullet injuries to the neck and chest. The duo succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

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 : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 10:36 IST

News india Disha Patani House Firing: 2 Accused Gunned Down; Here's How The Incident Unfolded

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Disha Patani's Father Thanks CM Yogi, Says Family Provided With Full Security After Firing | Exclusive

Curated By :

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 13:56 IST

Jagdish Patani thanked CM Yogi Adityanath for providing security to his family after the firing incident outside his house in Bareilly.

Jagdish Patani praised the swift action taken by the state government against the shooters (Image: ANI;PTI)

A day after police gunned down the two shooters who had opened fire outside actor Disha Patanis house in Bareilly, her father, Jagdish Patani, expressed gratitude to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for providing them with full security and taking swift action against the attackers.

Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Jagdish Patani said, Thanks to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, my family received protection. Since the incident, the Chief Minister has continuously supported and consoled me and my family."

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Praising the police action, Jagdish, a retired police officer himself, said, It was not easy to face such a big gang." He added that the state government ensured tight security for his family following the firing incident.

My family and I have been provided with full security. I myself am a former police officer. It was a big task for the police," he stated.

Shooters Linked To Rohit Godara And Goldy Brar Gangs

The accused, Ravinder from Rohtak and Arun from Sonepatboth linked to the Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar gangswere gunned down in Ghaziabads Tronica City during a joint operation by the Delhi Police Special Cell and the Special Task Forces of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

The suspects had opened fire outside Patanis house in Bareilly in the early hours of September 12. Shortly after the incident, a social media account allegedly connected to associates of gangster Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the attack.

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Acting on intelligence and surveillance, a team led by ACP Dharmender Singh and SI Manjeet Singh tracked the duo to Ghaziabad. By evening, their exact location was confirmed. When police intercepted them near Tronica City at around 7.20 pm, the suspects opened fire, prompting a brief but intense exchange.

Both men were critically injured in the shootoutRavinder sustained gunshots to the chest, and Arun was hit in the neck and chest. They later died during treatment. Four police personnel were also injured during the encounter.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Bareilly, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 13:56 IST

News india Disha Patani's Father Thanks CM Yogi, Says Family Provided With Full Security After Firing | Exclusive

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From Uri 2016 To Now: How India Has Shown The World That Its Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:05 IST

Over the years, India has continued its aggressive counterterrorism strategy, such as the effective deployment of Operation Sindoor.

The 'surgical' label in the 2016 strikes by India on terror camps in Pakistan indicated attention to accuracy, intelligence-led targeting, and restraint in operations. (Image: PTI File)

On September 18, 2016, a predawn attack on the Uri army base, some distance from the Line of Control (LoC), martyred seventeen Indian soldiers and four assailants were also killed. Multiple soldiers were martyred due to fires in tents during the initial rounds of assault. Evidence gathered at the scene indicated Pakistani markings on the gear and weapons, thereby corroborating the role of factions based in Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had denounced the attack as a cowardly act of terrorism," promising the perpetrators will face retribution. Besides, then Home Minister Rajnath Singh asserted categorically that Pakistan is a terrorist nation and has to be named and isolated accordingly."

Despite Pakistans officially expressed denial of any involvement, the attack attracted global condemnation and further raised eyebrows on Islamabads support for cross-border terrorism. It marked a watershed for India, putting an end to the era of strategic patience.

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Indias Military Response: Surgical Strikes and Strategic Significance

The 2016 airstrikes were unprecedented in their public characterisation as surgical." This particular label indicated attention to accuracy, intelligence-led targeting, and restraint in operations, thereby guaranteeing domestic and international constituencies of Indias wise policy. The strategic requirements were neatly articulated:

Demonstrate Indias resolve against terrorism.

Boost national morale and public confidence.

Send a signal for legitimacy at international law as anticipatory self-defence.

India formally declared on 29 September 2016, that its Army had carried out surgical strikes along the LoC on the night before targeting launch pads positioning spots used by terrorists. Unlike customary cross-border forays, these actions were characterised by precision and preemption after credible information that terrorists were poised to enter Indian borders. DGMO Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh said that considerable casualties have been inflicted upon the terrorists and their sponsors."

Over the following years, India continued its aggressive counterterrorism strategy, such as the effective deployment of Operation Sindoor that effectively disrupted unconnected terrorist groups and impacted their logistic networks along the Line of Control (LoC) and in Pakistan-occupied areas.

These operations were reflective of Indias ability to execute focused, intelligence-driven operations that neutralize possible threats before they come into existence. The action made the Pakistani Army look shameful, as it had for years claimed that India would never intrude over the LoC.

Conversely, for India, the surgical strikes and thereafter the operations did quite a few things: enhancing the prices of terrorism and showing resolve and strategic capability to the outside world.

Pakistans Strategy for India

The Uri attack and Indian surgical strikes put the vulnerabilities inherent in Pakistans overall strategic framework in the spotlight. Pakistan has attempted to attain a level of parity with India since its beginning, but this desire has been undermined by its comparatively weaker economic establishment, political instability, and excessive dependence on military machinery. The pervading sense of insecurity in the state has compelled a three-pronged strategy:

Retailing conventional military parity.

The deployment of nuclear capability as a deterrence against sub-conventional activity.

Empowering terrorism as an asymmetrical tool.

The perpetual demonisation of India as a hegemonist enemy serves to justify vast defence expenditure by Pakistans military establishment and uphold its dominance over civilian executive machinery. This universal militarisation of society has been added to by the ascendancy of jihadi extremism, in which there is a culture where terrorism is mainstreamed as statecraft.

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Pakistans historical role in four various wars; 1947-48, 1965, 1971, and Kargil in 1999, and its covert operations in Kashmir since the late 1980s, is an expression of this enduring strategic convergence. The surgical strikes were an actual test of this model of operations, demonstrating that India would no longer remain constrained endlessly with anxieties regarding escalation.

India and Pakistan only have minimal diplomatic relations at present, with drastically cut-down embassy personnel and no substantial bilateral affairs, since India has explicitly stated that terrorism and negotiations cannot go hand in hand. In the wake of Operation Sindoor, in which key terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was attacked in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen, reliable intelligence reports indicate that Pakistan is secretly reconstructing several of the destroyed terror facilities, including Lashkar-e-Taibas headquarters at Muridke and several terror launchpads in PoK and along the Line of Control. Sources confirmed that these reconstruction activities are being managed by Pakistans army and ISI, with financial backing by the Pakistani government and fundraising operating under humanitarian facades. The reconstructed camps now have sophisticated concealment technologies to avoid detection. These events have fuelled further existing worries about Pakistans ongoing tolerance and accommodation of outfits involved in anti-India activities, further compromising any room for dialogue or normalisation.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:05 IST

News india From Uri 2016 To Now: How India Has Shown The World That Its Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable

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'LeT, Jaish, Their Sponsors Must No Longer Exploit Afghanistan': India's Strong UNSC Message

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 08:54 IST

Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni reaffirmed Indias commitment to promoting peace and development in Afghanistan, urging global action against terrorism.

The Ambassador stressed the need for collective international action to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorist organizations.

Indias Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, reaffirmed New Delhis commitment to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and called for unified global action to prevent terrorist groups from using the Afghan territory.

Addressing regional security concerns during the UN Security Councils briefing on Afghanistan, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni stressed the importance of coordinated international efforts to ensure that entities and individuals designated by the UNsuch as ISIL, Al Qaeda, and their affiliates, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammedalong with those backing them (in reference to Pakistan), are unable to exploit Afghanistan as a safe haven for terrorism.

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#IndiaAtUNPR @AmbHarishP delivered Indias statement at the quarterly UNSC meeting on Afghanistan. He highlighted:   and  share a civilizational relationship.   has paramount interest in s peace and stability and is actively engaging with regional and pic.twitter.com/FZFi9UKsvv  India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) September 18, 2025

The international community must coordinate efforts towards ensuring that entities and individuals designated by the UN Security Council, the ISIL and Al Qaeda and their affiliates, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, along with those who facilitate their operations, no longer exploit the Afghan territory for terrorist activities," Parvathaneni said.

The Ambassador also welcomed the condemnation by the Afghan authorities of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year. We welcome the strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 22, 2025, by the Afghan side," he added.

He also underlined Indias immediate priorities in Afghanistan, which include providing humanitarian aid and implementing capacity-building programs for the Afghan people.

We believe in the utmost importance of international and regional consensus and cooperation on key issues concerning Afghanistan and actively engage with all relevant parties to promote peace, stability and development in the country," he stated.

Indias immediate priorities in Afghanistan include provision of humanitarian assistance and implementation of capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people," he remarked.

The Ambassador also reiterated Indias support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of UNAMA, Roza Otunbayeva, for her briefing.

We value her close cooperation and hope to carry forward the same with UNAMA in the future," he further said.

Parvathaneni also highlighted Indias swift response following the devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck southeastern Afghanistan on September 1, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths and injuring over 3,640 people, according to Al Jazeera.

India was among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance. We immediately delivered 1,000 family tents and 15 tons of food supplies to the affected provinces of Afghanistan. An additional 21 tons of relief materials, including essential medicines, hygiene kits, blankets and generators, were dispatched," he noted.

He also shared details of Indias long-standing contributions to Afghanistans development, particularly in health, education, and rehabilitation.

In partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, we have provided 84 MTs of assistance and medicines and 32 MTs of social support items for drug rehabilitation programmes, particularly those focused on women. Indias scholarships and fellowships to Afghan students. Since 2023, we have provided scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate courses to 2,000 Afghan students, including nearly 600 girls and women," he further added.

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Concluding his remarks, Parvathaneni called for a more adaptive and responsive strategy for addressing the challenges in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan needs a fresh approach with hitherto unused policy instruments to support its people who are in such a dire need. Business as usual approach is only expected to maintain the status quo, which is not good for Afghanistan and unlikely to meet international community expectations for Afghanistans people," he said.

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 18, 2025, 08:07 IST

News india 'LeT, Jaish, Their Sponsors Must No Longer Exploit Afghanistan': India's Strong UNSC Message

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'Committed To Protecting National Interests': India On Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Pact

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 10:32 IST

India said it will study the implications of the strategic defence pact signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, adding, it remains committed to safeguarding national interests.

India reacts to the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact against aggression (Photos: Social Media/PTI)

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said it will study the implications of the strategic mutual defence agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

In an official statement, the MEA also stated that the government of India remains committed to protecting the countrys national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains.

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We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration," an official statement by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal read.

We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability," it mentioned.

The Government remains committed to protecting Indias national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains," the statement read.

THE PAKISTAN-SAUDI ARABIA DEFENCE PACT

On Wednesday, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a defence pact under which any aggression against either country shall be considered as an act of aggression against both.

The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs state visit to Riyadh, where he was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace, Geo News reported.

According to the Dawn newspaper, a statement from the Prime Ministers office announced the signing of the pact, which stated that any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both.

SHEHBAZ SHARIF PRAISES SAUDI CROWN PRINCE

Later, in an X post, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that he held most cordial talks" with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and that their talks covered a wide range of issues, reviewing regional challenges and enhancing bilateral cooperation."

Deeply touched by the heart warming welcome, accorded to me by my dear brother HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, on my official visit to Riyadh.From the unprecedented escort provided to my aircraft by the Royal Saudi airforce jets pic.twitter.com/RZvkOSQbF1  Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 18, 2025

WHAT PAKISTAN-SAUDI ARABIAS JOINT STATEMENT MENTIONED

Released after the signing ceremony, a joint statement by both countries mentioned, Building on a partnership extending nearly eight decades, and grounded in bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests, the two sides signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement."

The pact reflects a joint commitment to enhance bilateral security ties and contribute to regional and global peace, the statement said.

It aims to develop defence cooperation further and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Crucially, the agreement stipulates that any aggression against one country shall be considered aggression against both," Geo News reported.

Historically, Pakistan has provided extensive military and training support to Saudi Arabia, with Pakistani soldiers stationed in the Kingdom for decades to protect it from external threats.

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ALSO READ | Pakistan-Based Terror Groups Must Not Exploit Afghanistan: India At UNSC

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 08:40 IST

News india 'Committed To Protecting National Interests': India On Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Pact

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Lalit Modi's Brother Samir Arrested In Delhi On Old Rape Charges

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:40 IST

Lalit Modi's brother was detained at the airport upon his return from abroad and sent to police custody on old rape charges.

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Samir Modi, the brother of fugitive Lalit Modi.

Fugitive businessman Lalit Modis brother, Samir Modi, has been arrested in Delhis New Friends Colony police station limits on rape charges, according to Delhi Police.

Samir was detained at the Delhi airport upon his return from abroad, after which he was produced in court and sent to police custody. The arrest follows an ongoing investigation into the longstanding case, police sources informed IANS. Samir is scheduled to be produced before the court again on Friday.

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Samir, the Executive Director of Modi Enterprises, has long been at the centre of a family and corporate feud within the Modi business empire and the Rs 11,000-crore inheritance left by his father and industrialist KK Modi, according to the Economic Times. He is the son of Godfrey Phillips India chairperson Bina Modi.

He is the youngest of three siblings, including former IPL chairman Lalit Modi and businesswoman Charu Modi. Samir was removed from the board of the company in August last year after a bitter fallout with his mother and other directors.

The family feud spilt in the open in May 2024 when Samir alleged that his mothers security officer (PSO) and certain directors of Godfrey Phillips inflicted grievous hurt" on him when he attempted to enter a scheduled board meeting in June 2024.

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He stated that despite being assaulted and suffering a broken index finger, he attended the meeting and sought medical attention afterward. A spokesperson for Godfrey Phillips dismissed the allegations as entirely false and atrocious," noting that the incident was captured on the companys in-house CCTV cameras.

Samir Modi complained to Delhi police against his mother on May 31. He was accused of defamation by three independent directors of Godfrey Phillips, who alleged that their reputations were damaged due to the claims made by Samir. However, a south Delhi court freed him of the charges in May this year.

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 18, 2025, 19:24 IST

News india Lalit Modi's Brother Samir Arrested In Delhi On Old Rape Charges

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Mission Sudarshan Chakra Gets Going: ISRO & Nuclear Plants To Get Cutting-Edge Cover | Exclusive

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 20:08 IST

Top government sources told News18 that India will cover all vital installations like ISRO, nuclear power plants and its borders with Mission Sudarshan Chakra

The project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Red Fort on August 15 with a 2035 deadline. (File pic: PMO via PTI Photo)

Mission Sudarshan Chakra has got going with a presentation made before defence minister Rajnath Singh, who subsequently formed a committee on it, top government sources told News18 on Thursday.

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The project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Red Fort on August 15 with a 2035 deadline. Top government sources told News18 that India will cover all vital installations like ISRO, nuclear power plants and its borders with Mission Sudarshan Chakra. The subject was discussed at this weeks Combined Commanders Conference too.

The committee formed by defence minister Rajnath Singh will come up with a realistic ambit of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, given the significant cost of such a project. A phase-wise approach will be followed, giving priority to the most critical areas, top government sources said.

PM Modi from Red Fort had said that he wanted to expand the national security shield, strengthen it, and modernise it. Hence, taking inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna, we have chosen the path of the Sudarshan Chakra," the Prime Minister said, recalling the Mahabharatas account of Krishna blocking the sun with his Sudarshan Chakra to make it dark during the day. The idea gained urgency during Operation Sindoor, when the need for a more robust system to counter multiple layers of aerial threats became evident.

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India will develop an indigenous air defence system by 2035, not just to neutralise enemy attacks but also to hit back strongly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his Independence Day address on August 15. The project was announced on the eve of Krishna Jayanti. Mission Sudarshan Chakra is likely to form part of a multi-layer strategy, operating alongside current systems like Akash, S-400, and QR-SAM, as well as future laser-based interceptors, to provide overlapping protection against short-, medium-, and long-range threatseffectively functioning as an umbrella defence network.

About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 20:08 IST

News india Mission Sudarshan Chakra Gets Going: ISRO & Nuclear Plants To Get Cutting-Edge Cover | Exclusive

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'Mockery Of Hindu Faith': VHP Reacts To CJI Gavai's Khajuraho Idol Case Remarks Amid Row

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 20:01 IST

The CJI's remark "Go and ask the deity himself" came during hearing of a petition seeking restoration of a seven-foot dilapidated idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple in MP

Supreme Court Of India (PTI)

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has reacted to Chief Justice of India B R Gavais remark on the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh, saying these comments mocked" the beliefs of Hinduism.

VHP President Alok Kumar also called for exercising restraint in the speech, especially within the courtroom.

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Kumar said that the Indian society has faith and trust in the courts, adding that it is our duty to ensure that this trust not only remains intact but also strengthens it.

The day before yesterday, the Supreme Court heard a petition seeking the repair of the broken idol of Lord Vishnu located in the famous Javari Temple in Khajuraho. During the hearing, the Chief Justice verbally remarked, Pray to God for the repair of the idol. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, so now pray to Him." The court is a temple of justice. Indian society has faith and trust in the courts. It is our duty to ensure that this trust not only remains intact but also strengthens it. We also have a duty to exercise restraint in our speech, especially within the courtroom. This responsibility lies with litigants, lawyers, and judges alike. We feel that the Chief Justices oral remarks mocked the beliefs of Hinduism. It would be better to refrain from making such comments," the VHP wrote on X.

                                ,                   Vishva Hindu Parishad -VHP (@VHPDigital) September 18, 2025

During a hearing today, the CJI reacted to his remark and said: Someone told me the other day that the comments I made It has been portrayed on social media. I respect all religions."

The CJIs remark Go and ask the deity himself to do something" came during the hearing of a petition seeking restoration of a seven-foot dilapidated idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple, part of the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh.

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A bench of CJI Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih refused to entertain the plea and termed it as a publicity interest litigation". The bench said that the matter fell within the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and not the Court, Bar&Bench reported.

This is purely publicity interest litigation Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation," the CJI said.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: September 18, 2025, 13:38 IST

News india 'Mockery Of Hindu Faith': VHP Reacts To CJI Gavai's Khajuraho Idol Case Remarks Amid Row

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'Never Imagined...': Moradabad Village Mourns As Six Labourers Die In Uttarakhand Cloudburst

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News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:29 IST

The incident unfolded on Tuesday morning, when 14 labourers  12 from Moradabad and two from Sambhal  were extracting sand from the riverbed near Vikas Nagar, Dehradun district.

In a matter of minutes, the calm mountain morning turned into a furious deluge as a cloudburst sent torrents of water and debris rushing downstream. (Image: PTI)

They had left home with hopes of earning for their families. A day later, the six of them returned in wooden coffins. The Mudhiya Jain village in Moradabad is in deep mourning after a cloudburst in Uttarakhands Vikas Nagar swept away 12 labourers working near the Tons river.

The incident unfolded on Tuesday morning, when 14 labourers  12 from Moradabad and two from Sambhal  were extracting sand from the riverbed near Vikas Nagar, Dehradun district. Suddenly, the sky roared. In a matter of minutes, the calm mountain morning turned into a furious deluge as a cloudburst sent torrents of water and debris rushing downstream.

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Pahaadon par achanak badal phata, aur paani ka bahav itna tez tha ki kisi ko bachne ka mauka hi nahi mila (A cloudburst occurred in the hills, and the water flow was so strong that no one got a chance to escape)," said SDM Bilari, Vinay Kumar. The labourers were swept away along with their tractor-trolley as boulders and slush choked the river.

By late evening, rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had recovered seven bodies, including those of Madan, Naresh, Harcharan, Somvati, Reena, Kiran and Horam. Three others  among them Rajkumar and Sundari  are still missing. SDRF divers are continuing their search, combing the swollen river and its banks. On Wednesday morning, as the vehicles carrying the coffins entered Mudhiya Jain, a heart-rending scene unfolded. Women broke into wails, beating their chests, while men struggled to hold back tears. The entire village gathered to receive the dead, standing in silence as the coffins were laid out for last rites.

The tragedy has hit Harcharans family the hardest. Five of the six deceased belong to his household. His daughter, Kavita, sat on the floor clutching her younger brothers photograph. My father had been doing this work for 20 years. This was not his first trip. This time too, they left after Raksha Bandhan. I never imagined my whole family would be gone at once," she said, her voice breaking.

Villagers said that no stove was lit in the entire hamlet on Wednesday.

This is a heart-wrenching tragedy. We ensured the bodies were brought back respectfully and the funerals were conducted as per local tradition. The administration stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families," DM Singh told News18.

SDM Vinay Kumar, who has been coordinating with Uttarakhand officials, added: Three people are still missing. Our teams are working round the clock in coordination with Dehradun administration to trace them. This is an extremely unfortunate incident."

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UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced Rs 2 lakh as financial assistance for the kin of each deceased labourer. He directed officials to ensure timely compensation and all necessary help for transporting bodies and performing last rites.

As the sun set over Mudhiya Jain, smoke from funeral pyres rose in the evening sky, casting an orange glow across the fields. The village square, usually filled with chatter, lay eerily quiet. Only the low hum of mourning prayers echoed through the air. It will take time for the village to smile again," said village pradhan Manoj Singh, standing near the cremation ground.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:29 IST

News india 'Never Imagined...': Moradabad Village Mourns As Six Labourers Die In Uttarakhand Cloudburst

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Online Gaming Act To Be Enforced From October 1, Confirms Ashwini Vaishnaw

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 21:38 IST

The Union Minister assured that the Centre would take a consultative approach, allowing time for the industry to adjust if needed

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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. (PTI file photo)

The central government will begin enforcing the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act from October 1, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed on Thursday.

The Act, passed by Parliament in August and approved by the President soon after, bans all forms of online money games while promoting e-sports and non-monetary online gaming. The aim is to tackle growing concerns around addiction, financial fraud, and money laundering linked to real-money gaming apps.

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Speaking at a press event ahead of the AI Impact Summit 2026, Vaishnaw said, The rules will be promulgated with effect from October 1."

He added that the government has held extensive consultations with the gaming industry, banks, and other stakeholders, both before and after the law was passed.

We have engaged with the industry, we have had multiple discussions with them, we have been having discussions with them for last almost three years. After passing the law, once again, we engaged with them, we also engaged with the banks and practically all stakeholders possible, and we have finalised the rules," Vaishnaw said.

He also assured that the Centre would take a consultative approach, allowing time for the industry to adjust if needed.

In case they need some more time, we will definitely look at a more consultative approach, which has been our approach on practically everything we do. But at this point of time, we are targeting that we start the implementation of new legislation from October 1," he added.

According to government sources, one of the major concerns raised by gaming platforms was about how to return unused money still sitting in user accounts. The IT Ministry has now worked with banks to resolve the issue, the minister said.

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With the Act now becoming law, real-money gaming platforms have already begun suspending services. Companies like Dream11, My11Circle, WinZO, Zupee, and PokerBaazi have stopped offering money-based games on their platforms.

(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 18, 2025, 21:38 IST

News india Online Gaming Act To Be Enforced From October 1, Confirms Ashwini Vaishnaw

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PM Modi Condoles Nepal Violence Victims, Supports Peace Push In Phone Call With Sushila Karki

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 13:18 IST

The Prime Minister reaffirmed India's support in line with Nepal's PM efforts to restore peace and stability.

Left: PM Modi; Right: Nepal's PM Sushila Karki

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to his Nepali counterpart, Sushila Karki, and shared condolences on the loss of lives in the country amid the recent protest. The Prime Minister also extended greetings on the National Day of Nepal, which is on September 19.

Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability," said PM Modi in a post on X.

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Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow," he added.

Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Also, I extended warm Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2025

Nepal recently witnessed massive protests that claimed the lives of at least 59 protesters, 10 prisoners, and three policemen. The violent protests erupted in the aftermath of the governments decision to ban social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, among several others.

Normalcy has returned to Kathmandu as movements of pedestrians and vehicles was seen on Wednesday on the streets of the national capital as usual.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Sushila Karki announced that those killed during the Gen Z protest on September 8 and 9 would be declared martyrs".

A national day of mourning was also observed on Wednesday, September 17, in honour of those killed during Gen Z protests. Schools and government offices remained shut across the country in view of the same.

Meanwhile, Karki was appointed as caretaker administration following the resignation of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli last week. Oli resigned following nationwide protests led by the so-called Gen Z movement against social media restrictions and corruption allegations.

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First Published: September 18, 2025, 12:33 IST

News india PM Modi Condoles Nepal Violence Victims, Supports Peace Push In Phone Call With Sushila Karki

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Truck Driver Abduction: Probe Into How Puja Khedkar's Mother Helped Husband, His Bodyguard Flee

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:25 IST

Police said they have maintained surveillance outside the bungalow for 24 hours. The truck driver was allegedly abducted and brought here by Puja Khedkar's father Dilip Khedkar

Police said the residence of Manorama Khedkar was searched in the presence of a lawyer. (Image: News18/video grab)

Police are now investigating the role of sacked IAS officer Puja Khedkars mother in helping her husband and his bodyguard escape from their house in Pune after the duo allegedly abducted a truck driver following a road rage incident in Navi Mumbai.

According to the police, the residence of Manorama Khedkar, Pujas Khedkars mother, was searched in the presence of a lawyer.

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The police said they have maintained surveillance outside the bungalow in Baner for 24 hours. The truck driver was abducted and brought to this house by Manoramas husband Dilip Khedkar, they said.

Navi Mumbai police officials said Dilip Khedkar and his bodyguard, identified as Praful Salunkhe, are on the run along with the vehicle involved in the road rage incident. Manorama, who allegedly prevented police personnel from entering the family house in Pune, has also gone into hiding, they said.

The abducted driver, identified as 22-year-old Prahlad Kumar, was rescued from the Khedkars home on September 14 within hours of his abduction the day before in the evening.

WHY WAS THE TRUCK DRIVER ABDUCTED?

Officials said Prahlad Kumar, who was driving a concrete mixer truck, grazed Dilips Land Cruiser on Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai. This sparked an argument between him and the two occupants of the SUV, they said.

They said Dilip and Salunkhe allegedly bundled up Kumar into the SUV and took him to their bungalow in Pune. DCP (Zone I in Navi Mumbai) Pankaj Dahane said the driver was abducted in a bid to get compensation for the damage caused to the SUV.

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE ABDUCTION?

When the police tried to enter the bungalow on September 14, Manorama allegedly blocked them and assured them that she would bring the two accused to the Chatushringi police station in Pune by 3 pm. Believing her, the cops left but she later allegedly refused to bring them to the police station.

When they returned to the bungalow, they found the two accused missing along with the SUV involved in the road rage incident, the police said. Not only did Manorama help the accused escape, but unleashed two ferocious dogs inside the gate to scare the police team, they said.

A case was registered against Manorama under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 221 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of duties).

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Police found Manorama missing when they once again visited the bungalow on the afternoon of September 15, they said.

Since no one was present to open the main gate, police personnel jumped over the iron gate and entered the premises. However, Manorama Khedkar was not found inside," Uttam Bhajanwale, senior inspector of Chatushringi police station, told 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 18, 2025, 16:24 IST

News india Truck Driver Abduction: Probe Into How Puja Khedkar's Mother Helped Husband, His Bodyguard Flee

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SC To Hear Plea Against Karnataka Inviting Booker Prize Winner Banu Mushtaq For Dasara Festival

Curated By :

ANI

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 15:04 IST

On September 15, the Karnataka HC dismissed the petitions challenging the governments decision to invite Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Dasara mahotsav at Chamundeshwari temple.

Supreme Court of India (File)

The Supreme Court on Thursday listed a petition filed against the Karnataka High Courts order upholding the decision of the state government to invite Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the state-sponsored Dasara Mahotsav at the Chamundeshwari temple, Mysuru.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India agreed to hear the plea after an advocate sought urgent listing of the case against a High Court order saying non-Hindus cant perform the Agra Puja.

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"This is a plea against the Karnataka governments decision to allow a non-Hindu to perform Agra Puja at the Chamundeshwari Temple for the inauguration of Dasara in Mysuru," counsel said, adding that the event is on September 22.

The plea is likely to be heard on Friday.

On September 15, the Karnataka High Court had dismissed the petitions challenging the governments decision to invite Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Dasara mahotsav at Karnatakas Chamundeshwari temple.

The High Court had said that the participation of a person practising a particular faith or religion in the celebrations of festivals of other religions does not offend the rights available under the Constitution of India.

It had been noted that, undisputedly, the festivities are organised by the state every year and accomplished persons like scientists, educationists, authors and freedom fighters have been invited in the past.

The appeal field in the apex court stated that the High Court erred by not appreciating the fact that for the inauguration of Dasara in the premises of the Goddess Chamundeshwari temple, a puja has to be performed, which cannot be performed by a non-Hindu. The pooja must be performed as per Hindu devotional and rituals, and the pooja is the inauguration of the traditional ten-day celebrations of the Dasara festival, the petition said.

The Chief Guest invited by the state is non-Hindu and as such, she cannot perform rituals before the deity, which is against established Hindu religious and ceremonial practices, it added.

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"The High Court erred by not appreciating the fact that inauguration of Dasara Mahotsav by a non-Hindu is against the basic rules of Agama Shastra and the Agama rules are a part of Hindu religious faith and in departure of the traditional rules of worship, it would result in the disturbance of purity of the ceremony and the divine spirit of the deity and the belief system of the entire Hindu community would be affected," the appeal added.

"The High Court erred by not appreciating the fact that since the time of the Wodeyar dynasty and continuing to the present day, the inauguration of the Dasara festival has always been performed by a Hindu dignitary, as the ceremony involves offering puja, invoking sacred mantras, and participating in religious rites as prescribed by Hindu tradition," the appeal further added. (ANI)

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 18, 2025, 15:04 IST

News india SC To Hear Plea Against Karnataka Inviting Booker Prize Winner Banu Mushtaq For Dasara Festival

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SP Leader Azam Khan Gets Bail In Land Grab Case, Set To Walk Out Of Jail After 23 Months

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:35 IST

Allahabad High Court granted bail to Azam Khan in the Rampur Quality Bar land grab case, paving way for his release from Sitaupr jail.

SP leader Azam Khan. (File)

In a big relief to senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday granted him bail in the Rampur Quality Bar land grab case.

With this decision, Khan is expected to walk out of the prison, who is currently lodged in Sitaupr jail.

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The Allahabad High Court had reserved its judgment in this matter on August 21 after the hearing, and a single bench of Justice Sameer Jain delivered the verdict today.

Earlier, his bail plea was rejected by the Rampur MP-MLA Court in May.

Whats The Case?

The case is about alleged fraudulent allotment/possession of a property called Quality Bar, located in Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh. The area is Saeed Nagar, Hardoi Patti, on a highway under Civil Lines police station. The allotment reportedly happened around 2014.

In November 2019, an FIR was filed based on a complaint by Quality Bar owner Gagan Arora that the SP leader had misused his power and, through his influence on society, he allotted the land on lease to his wife.

Police named Zafar Ali Jafri, Azam Khan, his wife Tanzeen Fatima, and son Abdullah Azam as accused in the case. Later, Azam Khans name was added to the FIR.

Azam Khan Acquitted In 2008 Public Property Damage Case

Earlier on Tuesday, the SP leader was acquitted by a special MP-MLA court in a 17-year-old case involving a road blockade and damage to public property.

We produced seven witnesses in favour of Azam Khan while prosecutor Mohan Lal Vishnoi produced only one, which led to victory for Azam Khan," PTI quoted Khans defence counsel Shahnawaz Sibtain Naqvi as saying.

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The incident took place in 2008, when Khan reportedly caused a disturbance near the Chhajlet police station after police removed a hooter from his vehicle. He, along with his supporters, allegedly blocked the road and caused a traffic jam.

Khan, 76, who has over 89 criminal cases pending and multiple convictions since 2022, has been behind bars since October 2023.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Prayagraj, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:35 IST

News india SP Leader Azam Khan Gets Bail In Land Grab Case, Set To Walk Out Of Jail After 23 Months

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US Embassy In India Launches Visa Crackdown Over Drug Trafficking, Warns Of Consequences

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 22:31 IST

US Embassy in New Delhi will revoke visas of Indian business leaders tied to fentanyl precursor trafficking, backing Trumps anti-narcotics push.

US President Donald Trump has named India, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan among 23 nations designated as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries". (Representative image)

The US Embassy in New Delhi has announced that it has revoked and denied visas of some Indian business executives and corporate leaders who are allegedly involved in the trafficking of fentanyl precursors.

In a press statement, the US Embassy in India stated that the decision has been taken in furtherance to the Trump Administrations efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics.

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The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. Individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States," Charge daffaires Jorgan Andrews said.

Stopping the flow of fentanyl and its precursors into the United States is one of our highest priorities. We have revoked visas for company executives and family for the unlawful involvement in controlled substance trafficking, including fentanyl. Those who facilitate the flow of pic.twitter.com/atWupz7WLG U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 18, 2025

It further said that the actions have been taken pursuant to section 221(i), section 212(a)(2)(C), and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The Embassy spokesperson, however, refused to reveal the names of the firms and individuals known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors, but said that they will be flagged about it when they apply for visas to the US.

Drawing attention to the threat of fentanyl and illicit drug trafficking, the US embassy also thanked the Indian government for its cooperation to combat it.

FBI Assisted In Visa Action

FBI New York has said that it assisted the US Embassy in New Delhi in revoking and denying US visas for several business executives involved in trafficking lethal fentanyl precursors.

In a post on X, the FBI said, This significant disruption helps stem the supply of fentanyl into the United States, thus protecting our citizens from this lethal drug."

FBI New York assisted the U.S Embassy in New Delhi with revoking and denying U.S. visas for certain business executives involved in trafficking lethal fentanyl precursors. This significant disruption helps stem the supply of fentanyl into the United States, thus protecting our FBI New York (@NewYorkFBI) September 18, 2025

The agency also released a statement stressing the importance of international cooperation in tackling the fentanyl crisis.

Stopping the flow of fentanyl, including its precursors, to the United States is one of our top priorities. We are grateful to our counterparts in the Government of India for their close cooperation to combat this shared challenge. Only by working together will our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs," the FBI noted.

Trump Names India, China Among Major Drug Transit

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump named 23 countries, including China, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, as the major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries in a Presidential Determination submitted to Congress.

In the determination, the US President warned that the production and trafficking of narcotics and precursor chemicals from these countries threatens the safety of the United States and its citizens.

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Trump further singled out five nations  Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia and Venezuela  as having failed demonstrably" over the past 12 months to uphold international counternarcotics obligations.

It reasoned that the countries are placed on the list on the combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs or precursor chemicals to be transited or produced, even if a government has engaged in robust and diligent narcotics control and law enforcement measures."

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:54 IST

News india US Embassy In India Launches Visa Crackdown Over Drug Trafficking, Warns Of Consequences

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6am Ideal, But: CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Why India Hit Pakistani Terror Camps After Midnight

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 21:43 IST

India carried out precise airstrikes and struck at least nine terror strongholds in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in Ranchi. (ANI)

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Thursday disclosed why India carried out Operation Sindoor at 1-1:30 am in the night on May 7 to target terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which triggered a four-day conflict.

India carried out precise airstrikes and struck at least nine terror strongholds in Pakistan and PoK, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were gunned down by Lashkar-linked terrorists.

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Why did we strike at 1:30 at night? That is the darkest time, it would be the most difficult to get satellite images, photographs, and collect evidence. Yet, we struck at 1 or 1:30 at night," CDS General Chauhan said at an event in Ranchi.

#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan says,  On the 7th (of May), the terrorist targets we had chosen, we struck them between 1:00 and 1:30 at night Why did we strike at 1:30 at night? That is the darkest time, it would be the most difficult to get satellite pic.twitter.com/Rxtuubk8Kg ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2025

He stated that the decision to conduct airstrikes under the cover of night was driven by two main reasons. First, we had confidence in our capabilities that even at night we would be able to get imagery. And the second important reason was that we wanted to avoid civilian casualties," he said.

The Chief of Defence Staff said the best time to strike Pakistan would have been 5:30-6:00 am, but there would have been a lot of civilian movement due to morning prayers. At that time, the first Azaan or the first prayer takes place, and in Bahawalpur and Muridke, there might be a lot of civilian movement at that time, so many civilians could have been killed We wanted to avoid that, which is why we chose the time between 1:00 and 1:30 am," he revealed.

Why May 7 For Operation Sindoor?

CDS General Chauhan further said the decision to strike terror camps in Pakistan was based on an analysis of the countrys flight activities after April 23. with forecasts predicting clear skies and minimal rainfall over the next 34 days in this period.

He also said the Navy was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab and was able to use its weapons effectively during the military offensive. Unlike the Uri and Balakot strikes, Operation Sindoor involved a collective effort from all three arms of the Indian Armed Forces.

The CDS also detailed the use of loitering munitions and drones against Pakistan, saying India began acquiring these capabilities after the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. These weapons can strike effectively in a range of 30-40 km. We knew that Pakistan did not have the capabilities to down these weapons," he added.

He also stressed that the political objective of any military mission was supreme. There was a small concern that Bahawalpur was 120 km away. We had the capabilities to strike the area, but there was no guarantee as the ammunition takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the target. So, we used the Air Force again for 1-2 targets and they worked efficiently," General Chauhan added.

He concluded by saying that the precision airstrikes in the dead of night would have been impossible without specific studies, calculations and reconnaissance.

In a late-night press statement on May 7, the Indian Defence Ministry said, A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed."

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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 : Ranchi, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 21:21 IST

News india 6am Ideal, But: CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Why India Hit Pakistani Terror Camps After Midnight

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Woman Naxalite Wanted In 9 Cases, Carrying Rs 5 Lakh Bounty Killed In Sukma Encounter

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 17:53 IST

Buski Nuppo, a wanted Naxalite, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Sukma. Weapons and Maoist literature were seized.

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A woman Naxalite was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarhs Sukma district on Thursday. Buski Nuppo, 35, was wanted in nine cases of violence and carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh.

The encounter occurred in the morning on a forested hill between Gufdi and Permapara villages within the jurisdiction of Gadiras police station. According to an official quoted by news agency PTI, a District Reserve Guard (DRG) team had launched a search operation following inputs about Naxalite activity in the area.

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Security personnel recovered the body of Nuppo from the spot after the firing stopped. Nuppo was a member of the Maoists Malangir area committee and was wanted in cases registered across Sukma and Dantewada districts.

According to the police, a 315 bore rifle, cartridges, a wireless set, detonators, gelatin rods, Cordex wire, gunpowder, a radio, and Maoist literature were seized from the site.

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Earlier this month, on September 11, ten Naxalites  including CPI (Maoist) central committee member Modem Balakrishna  were killed in an encounter in Gariaband district.

As per the police, with this encounter, 247 Naxalites have been killed in Chhattisgarh so far this year. Of them, 218 were killed in the Bastar division, 27 in Gariaband, and two in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district of Durg division.

Location : Sukma, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 17:52 IST

News india Woman Naxalite Wanted In 9 Cases, Carrying Rs 5 Lakh Bounty Killed In Sukma Encounter

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Wont Be Forgiven: Goldy Brar Gang Warns After Encounter Of Accused In Disha Patani House Firing

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 14:07 IST

Rohit Godara, in the post in Hindi, said that those killed in the encounter 'were not just killed but were martyrs.'

Ravindra and Arun were the two accused identified during the investigation

A member of the Goldy Brar gang, which has claimed responsibility for the firing incident outside Disha Patanis house, has shared a social media post condoling the encounter death of two accused in the case.

Thursdays Facebook post by Rohit Godara comes a day after the two men Ravindra and Arunwere killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Ghaziabad.

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Godara said the two men were martyrs", saying their death was a huge loss".

You shout about Sanatan from one side of your mouth, and then the people who fight for Sanatan are killed. This is not fair," he said in his post in Hindi.

Whoever is involved in this, whether they are rich or powerful, they will not be forgiven, no matter how long it takes," he added.

The post comes amid the ongoing probe into the firing incident outside Patanis residence. The Goldy Brar gang has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Earlier, a member of the gang, Virendra Charan, had said in a Facebook post that the actor had hurt religious sentiments.

Next time, if she or anyone else shows any disrespect towards our religion, we will not let them leave alive from their house," Charan said.

This message is not only for her but also for all the film artists and people associated with her. If anyone does any such disrespectful act related to our religion and saints in the future, then be ready to face the consequences. We are ready to go to any extent to protect our religion. For us, religion and the whole society are always one, and protecting them is our first duty," Charans post added.

Whats The Case?

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On September 12, gunshots were fired outside Disha Patanis ancestral home in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly by two bike-borne men. The accused, identified as Ravinda alias Kullu and Arun, were killed following an encounter on September 17.

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 18, 2025, 14:07 IST

News india Wont Be Forgiven: Goldy Brar Gang Warns After Encounter Of Accused In Disha Patani House Firing

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'Won't Be Spared': Bhopal BJP MP's Warning To 'Love Jihadis' Over Garba Participation

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 20:37 IST

BJP MP Alok Sharma issued a warning against the participation of non-Hindus in Garba events during Navratri, saying that "Love Jihadis" won't be spared.

Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma. (PTI)

Alok Sharma, the BJP MP from Bhopal, stirred a controversy by issuing a warning against the participation of non-Hindus in Garba events during Navratri celebrations in Madhya Pradesh.

A video went viral on Wednesday showing Sharma telling reporters that Love Jihadis" will not be allowed to enter Navratri pandals. Jo jis dharam ko manta hai, usko apna tyohar manane ka adhikar hai. (Whoever follows a religion has the right to celebrate their own festival.)

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He said that Love Jihadis will not be spared" in Mohan Yadavs BJP-led state government in Madhya Pradesh. Those who plan to enter pandals with tilak, sacred threads and saffron scarves, to deceive us would not be spared," he said, warning of strict action.

If they make a mistake, even their houses are being demolished, and such criminals are not coming out of jails. Now, their places will only be in jails, and they will never come out," he added.

ID Verification At Garba Pandals?

He also urged organisers to remain vigilant during Garba events, calling them a sacred Sanatani tradition." Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Vishwas Sarang also reiterated that non-Hindus should not be permitted inside the Garba pandals.

Navratri is a devotional event centred on Goddess Durgas worship. Those who have no faith in this tradition should not attend," he was quoted as saying by NDTV. Additionally, BJP MLA Golu Shukla called for official ID verification at pandals, raising concerns over communal profiling at cultural events.

During Navratri, I would like to request through you from all Garba pandals that while giving entry to anyone, definitely check their Aadhaar card. Only after that give entry, otherwise do not give entry. No matter who it is, if we follow this with a little strictness, then certainly all our Hindu brothers and sisters will be able to perform Garba safely," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal activists in Bhopal submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate demanding a ban on the entry of Muslims into Garba events during Navratri.

The remarks by BJP leaders sparked a heated political storm. Congress MLA Arif Masood said Muslims have nothing to do with Garba" and will not attend such events, as it is forbidden for them. However, he accused the BJP of being characterless" for dragging religion into Navratri festivities.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party always tries to create such a situation during Navratri or any festival that the atmosphere appears completely different," he told IANS.

Garba is a rhythmic and ritualistic folk dance originating from Gujarat. The widely popular dance is an integral part of the Navratri festival, which will begin from September 22 this year.

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 : Bhopal, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 20:36 IST

News india 'Won't Be Spared': Bhopal BJP MP's Warning To 'Love Jihadis' Over Garba Participation

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Youll Get Train Tickets For Sure From October 1, Know The New Rules

Curated By :

Local18

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 15:06 IST

Under the new system, the first 15 minutes will belong to Aadhar-linked individual users. Agents will have to wait until 8:10 a.m.

Step-by-Step: How the 8:00 a.m. Reservation Rush Will Work Under the New System

Booking a coveted train ticket in India can feel like a high-stakes race the moment the clock strikes 8:00 a.m. Every second counts, servers slow, and seats vanish in a flash. Starting October 1, that race is getting new rules.

Indian Railways is tightening its online reservation system so only passengers with Aadhar-linked IRCTC accounts can book in the first crucial minutes, while agents must wait their turn. The goal: curb fraud, outsmart touts, and give ordinary travelers a fair shot at a confirmed berth.

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Why the Change

The rush for train tickets, especially on popular long-distance routes to states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, has led to a thriving black market and misuse of automated booking software.

Previously, Aadhar linking was compulsory only for Tatkal bookings. Indian Railways is now extending that rule to the opening minutes of regular bookings to cut down on automated bulk reservations and tout-driven scams.

How the Booking Window Works

Train reservations open 60 days in advance. At exactly 8:00 a.m., the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) begins accepting bookings, and thousands of users log on simultaneously.

In the past, professional agents using high-speed internet could snap up large blocks of tickets within seconds, leaving regular travelers scrambling.

Under the new system, the first 15 minutes will belong to Aadhar-linked individual users. Agents will have to wait until 8:10 a.m., and other users without Aadhar-linked accounts can begin booking after the 15-minute mark.

Finding the Best Chance for a Confirmed Seat

The first few minutes remain critical. Heres the practical takeaway for travelers:

Linking your IRCTC account with Aadhar dramatically improves your chance of success if you log in and book right at 8:00 a.m.

If you rely on an IRCTC agent, the sweet spot is between 8:10 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., the short window before the floodgates open to all users at 8:15 a.m.

After 8:15 a.m., when every user is allowed to book, the system slows down and ticket availability drops quickly.

Planning Ahead

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Travelers are advised to complete Aadhar linking well before October 1 and to be ready at their computers or phones before 8:00 a.m. on the day bookings open for their chosen journey. Keeping payment details pre-saved and logging in a few minutes early can help shave valuable seconds off the process.

These new measures are designed to discourage fraud and level the playing field. For regular passengers heading home for festivals or family events, a simple step, linking Aadhar could mean the difference between a confirmed berth and a long waitlist.

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 18, 2025, 15:06 IST

News india Youll Get Train Tickets For Sure From October 1, Know The New Rules

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Why Are US Parents Skipping Vaccines? This Survey Reveals The Truth

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 18:46 IST

The reports states that 1 in 6 US parents skip routine childhood vaccines, citing fears of side effects and distrust in health agencies safety assurances

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Doctors warn that delaying children's vaccinations not only endangers individual children but also compromises herd immunity. (Representative/Shutterstock)

Children are routinely given multiple vaccines up to the age of five to six to protect them from serious diseases. Vaccination remains especially crucial in low-income countries.

However, a recent survey by The Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reveals that 16% of American parents are skipping routine vaccinations for their children, raising concerns over protection against serious infections like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and polio.

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Unlike in India, where national vaccination campaigns ensure childrens immunisations, a growing number of parents in the United States are backing away from vaccines. Experts argue that vaccination is crucial for developing herd immunity, which protects communities from numerous diseases.

The Washington Post report highlights that 1 in 6 parents in the United States are neglecting routine childhood vaccinations. The prevalent reasons for this trend include fears of vaccine side effects and a significant lack of trust in health agencies assurances about vaccine safety.

Many parents have lost confidence in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government agencies regarding vaccinations. Nearly half of those surveyed said they dont fully trust official recommendations.

Misinformation on social media further fuels skepticism, with some parents preferring vaccines be given individually rather than multiple at once. Others believe children can prevent diseases through healthy habits. Some parents also reported that their doctor either didnt recommend vaccines or did not discuss the topic at all.

This trend is particularly notable among specific groups, such as those with certain religious beliefs, homeschooling parents, young parents, Republicans, and those in particular regions.

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Doctors warn that delaying childrens vaccinations not only endangers individual children but also compromises herd immunity. Insufficient vaccination rates could lead to the resurgence of diseases like measles and polio.

Health experts stress that if this vaccine hesitancy is not addressed, it could pose a serious public health threat. They recommend enhancing information and transparency to rebuild public trust in vaccines. It is crucial for doctors and health workers to engage openly with parents, address their concerns, and provide scientific evidence. Additionally, social media platforms must take steps to combat misinformation.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 18:45 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness Why Are US Parents Skipping Vaccines? This Survey Reveals The Truth
Uber Safari Launches In Nairobi: Book A Wildlife Adventure On Your App

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 17:32 IST

Uber has launched Uber Safari in Nairobi, offering tourists and locals a chance to explore Nairobi National Park straight from the Uber app

Uber, the global ride-hailing platform, has launched Uber Safari, an innovative service in Nairobi, Kenya, that brings wildlife exploration closer than ever before.

Picture yourself venturing into the wilds of Africa, hearing the mighty roar of lions, spotting rhinos grazing under the sun, watching giraffes stroll gracefully, and experiencing the raw beauty of the wilderness. Thanks to technology, this adventure is no longer a far-off dream but something you can book right from your phone.

Uber, the global ride-hailing platform, has launched Uber Safari, an innovative service in Nairobi, Kenya, that brings wildlife exploration closer than ever before.

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With Uber Safari, visitors can set out on guided game drives through the Nairobi National Park, home to lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, and more without stepping away from the familiar Uber app. Its a seamless way to discover the marvels of nature while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a booked ride.

This is not just another Uber trip. Nairobi is one of the few cities in the world with a full national park right at its doorstep. Thats what makes it special, and we wanted to create something that celebrates this uniqueness," said Imran Manji, Ubers Head of East Africa, in a statement to The Nairobi Law Monthly.

The service provides pick-up and drop-off from your preferred location, along with expert wildlife guides to enrich the safari experience. To make it possible, Uber has teamed up with licensed tour operators to design tailored journeys.

Two packages are available: a day safari priced at KSh 25,000 (around 17,043) that accommodates up to seven guests, and a night safari at KSh 40,000 (around 27,177) for a maximum of five guests. Bookings must be made in advance, two days ahead for daytime tours and five days for nighttime outings. Wildlife lovers can also plan their trips as far as three months in advance.

What weve done is merge the simplicity and accessibility people associate with Uber with the magic of the safari experience. The Nairobi National Park and our technology are what inspired this idea," added Manji.

Payments are made directly through the Uber app, while entry tickets to the park must be purchased separately from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

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The impact is already visible. According to the Tourism Research Institute, Nairobi National Park welcomed 24% more visitors in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, making it one of the regions top attractions.

The initiative is being rolled out in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Service, Tourism Regulatory Authority, and trusted fleet partners, ensuring visitors a smooth, safe, and unforgettable adventure.

About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 17:32 IST

News lifestyle travel Uber Safari Launches In Nairobi: Book A Wildlife Adventure On Your App
Ekta Kapoor, Bipasha Basu Likely To Be Quizzed In Shilpa Shetty Fraud Case

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 14:25 IST

The case against Shetty and Kundra, along with some unidentified persons, was registered for allegedly duping a businessman of Rs 60.4 crore.

Police likely to approach Ekta Kapoor, Bipasha Basu in Shilpa Shetty fraud case.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police is expected to approach actors Neha Dhupia and Bipasha Basu, along with producer-director Ekta Kapoor, to gather information about payments they received from a now-defunct company that was managed by actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra. Recommended Stories

The EOWs move came after the couple has been charged and is facing a probe over an alleged Rs 60 crore fraud pertaining to Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. The company was launched by Shetty, Kundra and actor Akshay Kumar and touted to be Indias first celebrity-based teleshopping channel.

The EOW is planning to seek details from Kapoor, Dhupia and Basu on the amount of money they received in exchange for promoting the company, NDTV reported, citing sources. Reportedly, the wing will also ask them how the money was disbursed.

The probe team also believes that Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd paid several celebrities for branding and promotional purposes. The companys funds were allegedly misused, so every transaction is being scrutinised," NDTV quoted a source.

The case against Shetty and Kundra, along with some unidentified persons, was registered for allegedly duping a businessman of Rs 60.4 crore in a loan-cum-investment deal related to Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd.

The complaint was filed by businessman Deepak Kothari (60), who is a director at a non-banking financial company named Lotus Capital Finance Services.

Earlier this month, Lookout Circulars (LOCs) were issued against Shetty and Kundra.

Last week, Kundra, who was quizzed for over five hours in the fraud case, said he has done nothing wrong and hopes that the truth will eventually come to light.

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 18, 2025, 14:25 IST

News movies Ekta Kapoor, Bipasha Basu Likely To Be Quizzed In Shilpa Shetty Fraud Case
'My Restaurant Made Rs 50 Sale... Understand My Pain': Kangana Ranaut To Manali Flood Victims

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:08 IST

Kangana Ranaut visited the disaster-affected areas of Solang and Palchan in the Manali subdivision of Himachal's Kullu district on Thursday and interacted with flood victims.

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Actor-turned-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut visiting rain-affected areas in Manali. (PTI)

BJP MP from Himachal Pradeshs Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, met flood-affected victims in Manali on Thursday and expressed her distress over the financial losses her restaurant suffered as the recent rainfall wreaked havoc in the area.

Ranaut visited the disaster-affected areas of Solang and Palchan in the Manali subdivision of Himachals Kullu district, interacted with the affected residents and took stock of the situation. The actor-turned-politician was briefed on the infrastructural and other damages by BJP leader and former MLA from Manali, Govind Singh Thakur, along with residents.

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My restaurant is also here, and it made a sale of only Rs 50 yesterday. We pay Rs 15 lakh in salaries only, and we could only do a business of Rs 50. Imagine what I must have gone through. Please understand my pain. I am a Himachali. I am a single woman. Dont attack me as if I am not doing anything," she was heard saying in a viral video.

                         ! pic.twitter.com/nuVOXLev76 Narendra Nath Mishra (@iamnarendranath) September 18, 2025

Ranaut had earlier announced that she would open her first cafe, The Mountain Story, in Manali. However, the cafes business has been hit by record rain and landslide disruptions.

Ranauts remarks came as she was interacting with a woman who tried to ask the BJP MP some questions on the flood situation in Himachal Pradesh. However, the BJP MP scolded her by saying, Have you come to attack me or to question me? If you come to harass us, how will we be able to work?"

Go Back Kangana, You Are Late Slogans In Manali

However, several locals expressed their resentment against Ranauts visit to Manali by shouting slogans of go back Kangana, you are late". Heated arguments were also witnessed when BJP leaders and others accompanying Kangana tried to pacify the residents, and police had to intervene to restore peace.

Locals informed the actor-turned-politician hat the whole Solang village is on the verge of sliding as the Beas River is cutting the mountain on which the village is located. They said diverting the course of the river by channelising the water.

Since the onset of monsoon this year, the Himalayan state has witnessed 46 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods and 145 major landslides, while 419 people have died. Of those dead, 237 lost their lives in rain-related incidents and 182 in road accidents. About 479 people have suffered injuries, while 45 are still missing.

(with PTI inputs)

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : Manali, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 19:02 IST

News movies 'My Restaurant Made Rs 50 Sale... Understand My Pain': Kangana Ranaut To Manali Flood Victims
History Of Girls' Education In Central India: From Ujjain Girls' School To Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 14:58 IST

Continuing the Scindia family's heritage, the Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya was founded in 1956 by the late Rajmata of Gwalior, Vijaya Raje Scindia, who was also a founding member of BJP

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Indias first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, officially inaugurated the Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya in the presence of Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia, Maharani Vijaya Raje Scindia, and the first lady of India, Mrs. Rajvanshi Devi Prasad. (Image Credit: Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya)

Ujjain, the city where Lord Krishna received his education at Sandipini Ashram, served as the initial capital of the Scindia Marathas. Additionally, the first girls school in the Scindia State was founded in this city in 1897. The Scindias maintained the Gurukul of Shri Krishna and established numerous educational institutions within their territories, which were roughly equivalent in size to the combined areas of Belgium and the Netherlands.

In 1897, the late Shri Bapuji Narayan Dhekne MA, Principal of Madhav College, inaugurated the first girls school in Ujjain, enrolling 50 girls. A distinguished and knowledgeable woman, Maharani Baizabai Scindia, had a significant connection to Ujjain, making it particularly noteworthy that the foundations of womens advancement were laid in this city. In the following year, Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia personally visited the school and motivated the girls by presenting them with prizes himself.

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In the year 1810, Gwalior was designated as the capital of the Scindia dominions. Subsequently, in 1898, a girls school was founded in the Lashkar area of this city. Remarkably, it advanced rapidly, garnering the admiration of Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia, who graciously visited the institution on his birthday. He continued to visit for many years, encouraging the girls by presenting them with prizes. The school was named Maharanis Girls School in honour of Maharani Scindias deep commitment to womens education. During the inauguration, the Maharaja stated, It is the duty of every common man to spread education in this state."

In its second year, Maharani Chinkuraje Scindia contributed financially to the school, an act that was widely regarded as exemplary by the public, leading to increased attention towards womens education. In 1901, a dedicated section for managing girls schools was established within the Education Department, which subsequently took over the schools administration. By 1905, the school was elevated to the middle standard, and two specialised classes were introduced: one for training female teachers and another for educating widows. These initiatives laid the groundwork for the Sevasadan. An experimental programme was also initiated to prepare students for the admission examination of the Benares Hindu University that was funded by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia. In 1936, the headmistress of the school was Miss G Ketkar.

The Kanya Dharma Vardhini Sabha played a crucial role in advancing female education within the Scindia State. Founded in late 1898 by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia, it was akin to the Maharanis Girls School and became one of Gwaliors earliest modern public institutions. The Sabha quickly amassed sufficient resources to launch a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering womens education across the State. On December 18, 1898, as per Maharaja Scindias directive, Sardar Aapajirao Sitole organised a meeting after consulting with Mr Johnston, who was the Inspector General of the Department of Education at that time, and Pandit Rao Bahadur Pran Nath, during which the foundation of this Sabha was laid. The meeting saw the participation of notable officials, Sardars, Seths, and moneylenders. After Sardar Aapajirao Saheb Sitole presented the letter for the Sabhas establishment, as instructed by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia, he was elected as the President of the Sabha, and a managing committee consisting of 19 members was established to supervise its activities.

The Sabha organised annual exhibitions showcasing embroidery, needlework, and other crafts created by women, with prizes awarded for excellence. To promote education among adult veiled women, the Sabha sponsored a Home Female Education Scheme in Lashkar, Gwalior. Girls were motivated to pursue academic studies seriously through the awarding of prizes for success in various public examinations. Additionally, donations were provided when these girls got married. According to a predetermined scale, Rs 30 was donated for the marriage of a girl who had passed the Primary Examination, while Rs 50 was given for the marriage of a Matriculate girl. A Womens Industrial Association, operating under the guidance of the headmistress of the Maharaj Kumari Girls School, received generous support from the Sabha.

The Sabha constructed a Girls Boarding House and also committed Rs 5,000 towards the establishment of a memorial for the late Rai Bahadur Pt Pran Nath, who significantly contributed to the advancement of female education in the Scindia State. Furthermore, the Sabha published a quarterly magazine titled Mahila", focusing on issues relevant to women. According to the report of Kanya Dharma Vardhini from 1905, it was noted that within five years, 23 schools for girls were established in the Scindia State. In addition, an exhibition featuring products made by women took place at Maharanis Girls School in Lashkar on 21 October 1906, coinciding with the birthday of Maharaja Scindia.

Handmade items from across the state were showcased at this exhibition. Maharani Scindia graciously accepted the role of patron for this event, and mother of Madho Maharaja, Matoshree Sakhya Raje Scindia inaugurated the exhibition, personally distributing prizes to the girls and women who crafted exceptional goods. Moreover, prize money was also dispatched to the districts of Lashkar from which the goods originated.

Elite Sardar Daughters School was established on January 16, 1902, by Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia within the confines of the Jai Vilas Palace Complex at Choti Vishranti" in Gwalior. In 1904, Gajra Bai became the first student to successfully complete the Hindi Middle Examination. This institution was primarily created for the education of daughters of aristocrats, who, due to their prestigious heritage, were thought to require specialised training in addition to their general education to adequately prepare them for the duties associated with their distinguished roles as exemplary daughters, wives, and mothers within the aristocracy. The school functioned under the comprehensive oversight of Her Highness the Maharani Scindia. Admission was restricted to the daughters of Sardars and State officers with a monthly salary of Rs 500 or more, and was always subject to the approval and sanction of the Maharani Scindia.

Continuing the heritage of the Scindia family, the Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya was founded in 1956 by the late Rajmata of Gwalior, Vijaya Raje Scindia, who was also a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the largest political party in the world.

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Indias first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, officially inaugurated the Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya in the presence of Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia, the governor (Rajpramukh) of the Madhya Bharat Union, Maharani Vijaya Raje Scindia, and the first lady of India, Rajvanshi Devi Prasad. Jiwajiraos daughters, Padma (Akka) Raje Scindia and her younger sister, Usha Raje Scindia, were the first two students to enroll on August 1, 1956, when classes commenced, followed by an additional 29 students. Additionally, two grand-daughters of President Rajendra Prasad, Shobha and Padma, were among the first students of Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya. Over the years, this distinguished institution has produced outstanding alumni and has participated in significant social service. It upholds the centuries-old legacy of the Scindia Marathas in advancing girls  education under the guidance of Her Highness Maharani Priyadarshini Raje Scindia nee Gaekwad, President of the Board of Governors of this historic and prestigious institution located in the city of Gwalior.

The author is historian, lawyer and head, Scindia Research Centre. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

Location : Ujjain, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 14:58 IST

News opinion History Of Girls' Education In Central India: From Ujjain Girls' School To Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya

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Opinion | Beyond Caricature: Why The South Asian Capitalism Poster Fails India & Scholarship

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 15:48 IST

By uncritically importing a European class pyramid, and by populating the top layers with distinctly Hindu imagery, the poster distorts history and fuels religious bias

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The poster for the academic workshop. (News18)

In recent weeks, a poster promoting an academic workshop titled South Asian Capitalism(s), jointly organised by UC Berkeley, IIT-Bombay, and UMass Amherst, has sparked a firestorm of controversy. The events stated aim is to explore how capitalist accumulation is socially structured across South Asia". A worthy and timely topic. But the visual framing of this discussion undermines its credibility. By uncritically importing a European class pyramid, and by populating the top layers with distinctly Hindu imagery, the poster does more than miscommunicate; it distorts history, revives colonial stereotypes, and fuels religious bias.

To understand why this is deeply problematic, we must examine three interlinked issues: the mismatch of frameworks, the selective targeting of Hindu symbols, and the erasure of indigenous socio-economic thought.

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Mismatch of Frameworks: Western Pyramid For An Eastern Tapestry

The most prominent element of the poster is the classic Pyramid of Capitalist System". This cartoon first appeared in late 19th-century Europe, reflecting the Marxist critique of industrial capitalism:

At the base: workers and peasants, We feed all."

Above them: military and clergy, We shoot you," We fool you."

At the top: capitalists, We rule you," and finally, We eat for you."

This image emerged in a very specific historical context, rapid industrialisation, the rise of factory labour, the dominance of a capitalist bourgeoisie, and the churchs role as a legitimising force.

To transplant this pyramid wholesale onto South Asia is intellectually lazy.

South Asias social and economic history cannot be flattened into European categories of proletariat", bourgeoisie", and clergy". Indias lived realities have always been more layered and localised:

Village self-governance and guilds (shrenis) coexisted with imperial states.

The varna system, as described in ancient texts, was meant to be functional and fluid, not a rigid hierarchy by birth.

Spiritual and economic life were interwoven, with temples often acting as centers of education, charity, and skill development, not merely instruments of control.

As I have argued in my other articles on historical framing, imported conceptual templates risk erasing indigenous complexities. A workshop on South Asian Capitalism(s) should be grounded in South Asian sources and frameworks, not merely retrofitted to Western political cartoons.

Selective Targeting of Hindu Imagery

Perhaps the most inflammatory element of the poster is its depiction of the We Fool You" layer. Here, the figures are unmistakably Hindu in appearance, saffron robes, sacred marks, traditional attire.

The implication is clear: Hindu religious institutions are uniquely responsible for deception and ideological control.

This raises urgent questions:

Why single out Hinduism in a region that also includes Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity?

Where are the symbols representing other institutions, colonial missionaries, political parties, secular bureaucracies, Islamic capitalism that have historically shaped belief and power?

This selective framing echoes colonial propaganda, which often portrayed Hindu priests and customs as inherently oppressive to justify foreign civilising missions". By visually isolating Hinduism in the role of fooler", the poster revives these outdated tropes under the guise of academic critique.

It is vital to distinguish between valid critique and symbolic targeting.

Critique is necessary. Hindu institutions, like all institutions, had moments of exploitation and in past but it has done most reforms, while others are dogmatic. But when a public, internationally visible poster depicts only Hindu symbols, it ceases to be purposefully made to demean Hindu culture and becomes caricature.

Indigenous Economic Thought: The Missing Narrative

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of this poster is what it leaves out. For thousands of years, India has produced sophisticated theories of governance, economics, and ethics. These cannot be shoehorned into European models.

Dharma and Artha: Ethics of Wealth

In Hindu philosophy, Arth (Prosperity) is never isolated from Dharm (ethical duty) and Moksha (liberation). The Bhagavad Gita calls for Nishkama Karm, action without selfish attachment to results.

This principle shaped rulers, merchants, and communities. Wealth was to be pursued responsibly, shared, and never hoarded without purpose.

The Arthashastra and Statecraft

Manu Smriti and Kautilyas Arthashastra (3rd century BCE) the earliest treatises on statecraft and economics. It prescribes welfare measures such as distribution of wealth, irrigation, disaster relief, and fair taxation, centuries before modern welfare states emerged. According to these Hindu scriptures, Kings are custodians, not owners, of wealth.

Guilds and Local Autonomy

Indias artisan and merchant guilds (Shrenis) functioned as self-regulating bodies:

Setting quality standards, prices, and apprenticeships.

Funding temples, schools, and public works.

Acting as porto-democratic associations within larger kingdoms.

Village Self-Sufficiency

Mahatma Gandhis concept of Gram Swaraj was inspired by ancient models of village self-governance. These villages were decentralised economic units where decisions were made collectively, limiting the exploitative concentration of power.

Historical Pluralism: Multiple Stories, Not One Pyramid

The posters pyramid suggests a static, top-down oppression.

In reality, Indian history is full of pluralistic and dynamic exchanges:

The Harappan Civilisation (2500 BCE) shows evidence of urban planning, standardised weights, and egalitarian trade practices.

During the Mauryan Empire, inscriptions show state support for hospitals, rest houses, and welfare measures.

The Chola Empire managed maritime trade through democratic assemblies (sabhas), proving governance and commerce could coexist.

In medieval India, Hindu temples, Jain institutions, and Buddhist monasteries all contributed to education, charity, and art.

No single religious (except Islam) or political group monopolised control across time and space. To depict only one tradition at the fooling" layer is to erase centuries of diversity and shared responsibility.

Why Visuals Matter: Symbols Shape Narratives

Visuals are powerful medium of expression. They travel faster than academic papers, shaping global perceptions. When a prestigious consortium of institutions uses such a reductive and inflammatory image, the impact is far-reaching:

International audiences unfamiliar with India may internalise these stereotypes as fact.

Indian students and scholars may feel alienated or misrepresented.

Public trust in academia as a neutral space for inquiry is damaged.

Ideological framing, scholarship carries a duty of representation. It must be rigorous, self-critical, and accountable to those it depicts.

The Responsibility of Institutions

The workshop organisers, UC Berkeley, IIT-Bombay, and UMass Amherst, must answer some key questions:

1.Who approved the visual design, and what scholarship informed it?

2.Were diverse voices consulted, including experts on Hindu traditions and South Asian socio-economic history?

3.Why were other religious and political symbols excluded from representation?

A public explanation would not only restore credibility but also model the transparency that academia claims to value.

Towards Better Scholarship: Principles for the Future

This controversy is an opportunity for reflection. If we are to have meaningful discussions about capitalism in South Asia, we must:

Engage with indigenous sources, from the Manu Smriti, Arthashastra to local oral histories.

Recognise diversity, region, caste, religion, and gender must all be represented.

Avoid colonial echoes, critique should not recycle stereotypes once used to justify subjugation.

Include multiple stakeholders, scholars, communities, and practitioners must have a voice.

Only then can we move beyond caricature to understanding.

Complexity Over Simplification

South Asia is not a pyramid. It is a tapestry woven from countless threads: local economies, spiritual traditions, political experiments, and cultural exchanges. To flatten this richness into a European class cartoon, and to scapegoat one religious tradition in the process, is not scholarship, it is symbolic violence.

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Critique is necessary, but it must be fair, historically grounded, and intellectually honest. If the goal is to challenge capitalism, let us do so with tools that reflect our own histories and realities, not borrowed stereotypes that erase them. In the end, the true test of academic integrity is this: to illuminate complexity, not to caricature it.

The author is a researcher, columnist and social thinker. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 15:48 IST

News opinion Opinion | Beyond Caricature: Why The South Asian Capitalism Poster Fails India & Scholarship

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Opinion | From Bengal Files To Crimson Crescent: Mapping Radicalisms Long Arc

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 13:33 IST

The supremacist aggression seen in 1946 persists today  not just in India but across Europe and beyond, including the 2025 shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.

The Bengal Files poster (left) and a still from Crimson Crescent (right).

Vivek Agnihotris The Bengal Files has ignited a fierce national debate, amassing over 1.2 million posts on X and millions of views across platforms. The film revisits Bengals violent history  from the 1946 Direct Action Day riots to the communal fractures that shaped Partition  exposing the ideological and theological currents behind the carnage.

Two of my own documentaries  Bangla Crescent: ISI, Madrasas and Infiltration (2005) and Crimson Crescent  The Last Quarter (2025)  extend that focus into the present. They trace the same ideological threads through infiltration networks, demographic engineering and the continued radicalisation of youngsters in madrasas. Together, these three films reveal a chilling continuity: the supremacist aggression seen in 1946 persists today  not just in India but across Europe and beyond, including the 2025 shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, which killed two Israeli embassy staff.

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Genesis of Ideological Clarity

My journey began in the late 1980s at Sita Ram Goels Voice of India office in Daryaganj  a living seminar of books and debate. Goel, steeped in the Mahabharatas wisdom, had read widely across Indian history, MarxistLeninist texts and Islamic and Christian theology. He documented how Marxist historians distorted Hindu history, erasing its contributions and vilifying its legacy.

From him I learned to interrogate ideologies rather than demonise individuals. Amid stacks of manuscripts came a steady stream of visitors  Dr Lokesh Chandra, Dr Koenraad Elst, Rajinder Singh and Mukund Lath  each bringing data and global perspectives. For a young mind, it was a Gurukul of critical inquiry. It showed me how evidence-based thinking, rooted in Indias civilisational memory yet global in scope, can unmask entrenched ideologies without slogans or malice  a discipline that later shaped Bangla Crescent and Crimson Crescent.

Satire as Resistance

Afternoons at Voice of India were charged with fierce inquiry and poetry. Watching debates there, I saw how a single couplet could pierce dogma more effectively than any decree. Mirza Ghalibs irreverence captured that spirit: Sharab peene de masjid mein baith kar Ghalib, Ya woh jagah bata jahan khuda nahin hota."

This quip  asking to be left to drink in the mosque or be shown a place where God does not exist  mocked empty ritual and revealed how wit, not force, can deflate zealotry. Soviet dissidents jokes about Stalin worked the same way. This instinct for satire as a counterweight to fanaticism stayed with me through my own work.

From Ghazwa-e-Hind to Territorial Ambitions

Bangla Crescent uncovered realities along Bengals porous borders: unregistered madrasas funded by Wahhabi donors and linked to ISI handlers. Released by IPS stalwarts KPS Gill, Prakash Singh and RK Ohri, it documented infiltration pipelines, demographic shifts and the political corruption that enabled them. Bangladeshi activist Salam Azad added that Taliban-style indoctrination flourished with impunity.

This is not a new blueprint. In 1933, Rehmat Ali coined the name Pakistan" and sketched maps of multiple Pakistans" inside India. Jinnah later demanded a corridor linking West and East Pakistan  an idea documented by VP Menon. Decades later, Dr JK Bajaj identified a demographic corridor forming between Pakistan and Bangladesh that eerily echoed this plan. The ISI-backed Mughalstan Research Institutes maps coloured Indian districts green as future Pakistani provinces  ambitions shifting from paper to demography.

The theological pillar matched the territorial one. In February 2024, a public query to Darul Uloom Deoband asked whether Hadith predicts an invasion of India  the Ghazwa-e-Hind  promising paradise to its martyrs. Deobands affirmative reply shocked many, revealing that doctrinal justification still stands. When ideology sanctifies conquest, demographic strategy gains moral cover.

Crimson Crescent  The Last Quarter (2025)

Crimson Crescent picks up precisely at this intersection  showing how the Ghazwa-e-Hind narrative, Jinnahs corridor vision, Rehmat Alis maps and Mughalstan Research Institutes projections converge into one arc: theology to demography to territory to digital mobilisation. Research from the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) at West Point showed that 91 per cent of Al-Islam madrasa students in Indonesia declared it their duty to fight and kill non-Muslims; even in moderate" schools such as Darussalam, 35 percent endorsed religiously motivated violence. Students who saw humanity as inherently evil were eleven times more likely to support violence. That revelation became the 91% Madrasa Faultline" in Crimson Crescent and framed how I looked at madrasa data in India.

Fieldwork from Delhi to the Bangladesh border revealed the same pattern: madrasa students citing Dars-e-Nizami and fiqh, calling Hindus kafirs and jihad a duty. Classroom footage from Mewat and Sunder Nagri shows theology evolving into conflict  not to vilify communities but to expose indoctrination. Crimson Crescent parallels Nazism, Communism and radical jihadism as absolutist ideologies  each silencing dissent, glorifying violence and enforcing singular truths. Filming in Delhis Sunder Nagri turned tense when a madrasa interview escalated into heckling and threats, mirroring the battlefield of ideologies" reviewer Brig. S. Agarwal described. As Goel and Ram Swarup warned: ideologies victimise their own adherents first.

Global Shifts: Hope Amid Tectonic Changes

Surveys show fast-changing attitudes. In Iran, nearly half the population has shifted from religious to non-religious identities, with internet penetration driving mosque closures and protests. In Pakistan, support for suicide bombings plummeted from 41 per cent in 2004 to 3 per cent by 2014. Across the Arab world, youth are moving away from theocracy and compulsory ritual.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman increasingly acts like Islams Gorbachev  curbing extremist Hadith, sidelining religious police and redirecting $1.5 trillion to NEOMs tech vision. Yet the 2024 BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated with Gulf Sheikhs, challenges iconoclasm and signals reform.

Digital Footprint and Grassroots Momentum

Crimson Crescent also tracks technologys double-edged sword. AI now amplifies both radicalisation and reform. Salafi seminaries use AI for sermons but platforms like Reddits r/exmuslim and ex-Muslim YouTube channels draw millions into conversations that challenge dogma and share personal journeys out of faith. Googles Redirect Method has been shown to halve time spent on jihadist videos, yet a 2024 ICCT report warns AI can also supercharge extremist propaganda  exactly why digital literacy is now a civic duty.

Despite being self-funded, the film has drawn more than 50,000 YouTube views across channels such as Jihad Watch, Sangam Talks, Neeraj Atris Politically Incorrect, Upword, Political Adda, Sudarshan News, Sanatan Prabhat, PGurus and QVIVE TV. Reels and excerpts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have added over two million more  a rare grassroots milestone for an investigative documentary.

From Daryaganj to Now

That basement office in Daryaganj was more than a workspace  it was a crucible of ideas. At Voice of India, texts were examined, not worshipped. Questions were welcomed, not silenced. Goels method  to study doctrines without demonising individuals  remains rare in a world driven by slogans. Bangla Crescent and Crimson Crescent emerge from that ethos. They are ledgers  of teachings, money trails, migration routes and maps that sought to become reality but were resisted by citizens. The challenge before policymakers, educators and citizens is clear: can we chart this ideological machinery well enough to dismantle it  the doctrines that justify violence, the demographics that enable it, the territories that shield it and the networks that promote it? If we can, the next generation may inherit fewer ideological machines and more human beings. That is why these films exist. They are the long echo of a sentence first spoken in that inspiring basement office of Voice of India in Old Delhi: Watch the movement of an ideology. Because ideologies always choose their own victims."

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Mayank Jain is a documentary filmmaker and director of Route Stawk Films Pvt Ltd. His latest film, Crimson Crescent  The Last Quarter, builds on two decades of fieldwork on radicalisation across South Asia and Europe. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

About the Author Mayank Jain Mayank Jain is a documentary filmmaker and director of Route Stawk Films Pvt Ltd. His latest film, Crimson Crescent  The Last Quarter, builds on two decades of fieldwork on radicalisation across Sout... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 13:33 IST

News opinion Opinion | From Bengal Files To Crimson Crescent: Mapping Radicalisms Long Arc

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Opinion | Selectively Secular Gaze Blinds CJI Gavais Justice?

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CNN-News18

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:45 IST

The entire post-independence project has focussed on somehow taking the Hindu out of the Indian

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Thursday said that his remarks in the matter concerning the restoration of a Lord Vishnu Idol in Khajuraho were being misportrayed on social media. File pic/PTI

Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now."

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With these dismissive words, a Hindu petitioner was sent packing by the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai.

The petitioner had approached the top court hoping that it would intervene and order the Madhya Pradesh administration or the Archaeological Survey of India to restore a mutilated statue of Lord Vishnu. The petitioner had claimed that his religious rights were violated as he was forced to pay oblations to the defaced statue placed in a temple that was part of the Khajuraho cluster in Madhya Pradesh. Historical records show that the statue bore the brunt of Islamist anti-Hindu iconoclasm during Mughal invasions.

The insensitive abnegation of the petition by the Chief Justice of India is a matter of concern, not least because the reason cited by Justice Gavai is deficient in judicial reasoning. In fact, the ground for its dismissal is founded in prejudice and not in law. If the Supreme Court is urging petitioners to appeal straight to the court of a benign God for justice, why does anyone need the courts?

The question is whether the CJIs remark was a loose commentan ill-thought-out reproach.

Though the CJI has clarified that he respects all religions", history suggests that his insensitive rebuke is representative of a deeper state-sponsored antipathy towards the rights of the Hindu community. For very long, officials of the state have come to interpret secularism as the need to distance itself solely from Hindu grievances, as if securing the rights of Hindu devotees will fan Hindu revivalism". In 1951, Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, said as much in a letter to the then-President Rajendra Prasad. Nehru was upset with the First Citizen for campaigning to restore the Somnath Temple to its original glory after it was razed by the Muslim invader Mahmud of Ghazni. Nehru wrote: My dear Rajendra Babu, I am greatly worried about the Somnath affairwe are asked how a secular Government such as ours can associate itself with such a ceremony which is, in addition, revivalist in character."

But this concern never agitated Congress governments that have splurged huge sums of money, for instance, to maintain the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Instead of worrying about normalising Islamist exceptionalism, it is almost as if Congress governments believed that restoring the legacy of a bigot afflicted by Hindumesia advanced the cause of pluralism.

There are other examples of the state playing gratuitously to secular galleries. The five-judge bench that decided the Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute wove into the Ayodhya judgement a needless reference to what they believed was the sanctity of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, when they were not even called upon to decide on the laws legality. Readers may recall that the law, brought in by a Congress government, among other things, shockingly denies non-Muslims from exercising their constitutional right to legal redress.

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The entire post-independence project has focussed on somehow taking the Hindu out of the Indian". Of course, this almost Marxist suspicion of all things Hindu is totally at odds with observed facts. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the Maldives are all Muslim-majority states in Indias neighbourhood. Are they examples of religious pluralism? No. On the other hand, Hindu-majority India is the beacon of tolerance. Why? Because of the inherent universalism of Sanatana Dharma and its civilisational tradition. That is the true wellspring of Indias secular spirit, yet it is precisely this strength that the state seems most determined to exorcise.

About the Author Rahul Shivshankar Rahul Shivshankar is Consulting Editor at Network18. He tweets at @RShivshankar

First Published: September 18, 2025, 19:45 IST

News opinion Opinion | Selectively Secular Gaze Blinds CJI Gavais Justice?

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Opinion | The Shibir Sweep In Dhaka Universitys Student Union Election

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:42 IST

India can now only hope for an inclusive, stable, democratic political transition in Bangladesh, continually being promised by the caretaker government in Dhaka

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A woman looks at portraits of former vice-presidents of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) displayed at the DUCSU museum in the Dhaka University of Dhaka. (AFP)

Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) recently witnessed Oikkoboddho Shikkharthi Jote (or United Students Alliance), backed by Jamaat-e-Islami student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), winning 23 out of the 28 posts, securing all three top positionsVice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS) and marking Shibirs historic win for the first time in Dhaka University since 1971.

With the resurgence of Islamist politics in Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina, and Dhaka Universitys own significance as being the barometers of political climate in the country earning the popular name of Bangladeshs second parliament, the DUCSU mandate needs careful attention.

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Dhaka University has been the harbinger of major political movements in the country and the intellectual hub of resistance voicesbe it Bengalis undying zeal for protecting their mother tongue in the 1952 Bengali Language Movement, the demand for East Pakistans political and economic autonomy in the 1966 Autonomy Movement or protest against Pakistans military regime in 1969 uprising. It is precisely for this reason that the Pakistani military regime, which loathed Dhaka University, launched Operation Searchlight in 1971, starting its brutal military crackdown first in the university campus. This ignited the Liberation War, resulting in the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

Post-1971, Dhaka University maintained its unique hold as the bastion of Bangladeshs intellectual discourse rooted in progressive, secular and democratic values. Its vibrant political activism has given many influential future leaders to the country thereby, shaping Bangladeshs national political landscape. Dhaka University students role in 1990 anti-Ershad Movement has also been pivotal in bringing an end to decades of military rule in Bangladesh, paving the way for the restoration of democracy and a civilian national government.

When it comes to Islamist politics, especially Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islamic Chhatra Shibir (ICS), Dhaka University displayed its scepticism, and resistance to Jamaats resurgence post-1975, given its controversial past in Liberation War and conservative ideology. Naturally, ICS met with the same treatment, as its presence was believed to be antithetical to Dhaka Universitys progressive ideals. Since its official establishment in 1977, Shibir had marginal electoral presence in DUCSU and faced a series of restrictions, especially under Awami League government, for its engagement in violence and subversive activities and extremist ideology, perceived as threat to the countrys national principles. When student elections resumed in 2019 after a deadlock of 28 years, Shibir did not field any official panel as it was barred from organising any activities. Nevertheless, its activities continued covertly on campus, sustaining Shibirs silent presence.

Spearheaded by Dhaka University students, the 2024 July uprising led to the fall of the 15-year-old political rule of Sheikh Hasina. During this movement, Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing ICS were officially banned for involvement in terrorist activities, a move soon revoked by the interim government after its formation. This marked the re-emergence of Islamist politics, so long sidelined, with Jamaat-e-Islami rebranding itself as a tolerant, progressive Islamic party. Likewise, Shibir re-entered campus politics, now visibly organising its activities and contested the recent election, a first for ICS.

ICSs political assertion in Dhaka University did not go un-responded. The university witnessed strong protests and demonstrations, especially from Left-leaning students, against the acquittal of 1971 War crime charges of Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, accusing the interim government of re-writing Liberation history and rehabilitating war criminals. On the occasion of celebrating the anniversary of July uprising, Shibirs photo exhibition featuring convicted 1971 war criminals at Dhaka University created yet another uproar from students and faculties alike, many perceiving it as ICSs way of testing the waters.

The DUCSU election is notable for many reasons. This is the first election which did not see participation of the now-banned Awami League student wing Chhatra Legue that has so far dominated Dhaka University, leaving BNP student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and ICS as main contenders. To overcome years of marginalisation and stigma, Shibir needed a broader appeal. That is why, ICS formed a panel, United Students Alliance, to present a coalition of diverse student voices, which included Shibir loyalists as well as independent student activists aligned with anti-Awami League sentiment, instead of an appearing as a partisan bloc. As the elections results demonstrated, this was smart politics which upstaged the BNP student wing in the elections.

This election witnessed a massive voter turnout of about 78.36 per cent. The ICS-backed panels electoral success raised eyebrows, given Dhaka Universitys continued resistance against attempts at whitewashing Liberation history by Jamaat and Shibir. Many attribute the victory to Shibirs grassroot and campus services, in contrast to negative politics of the JCDs organisational factions, whose alleged involvement in extortion led to its embarrassing electoral defeat. The mandate also revealed minimal electoral influence of Boishamyabirodi Shikkarti Sangsad (Anti-Discrimination Student Council) panel backed by Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, the National Citizens Party (NCP) student wing, despite its decisive role in the 2024 Uprising. Indeed, this election has been a wake-up call for both BNP and the NCP.

The DUSCU election, however, was not without controversy. Allegations of violations of electoral code of conduct, indiscriminate spending, voter manipulation, irregularities in vote counting and administrative biasness in favour of Shibir were raised. Umama Fatema, the Vice President candidate from Independent Student panel withdrew her candidature and publicly declared her boycott of DUSCU on the night of vote count, alleging the election to be shamelessly rigged and the administration to be Shibir loyalists. Nevertheless, the DUSCU Chief Election Commissioner only gave reassurance to have taken all measures of ensuring students secret voting rights.

The DUCSU mandate shows the direction towards which the anticipated February 2026 national election is headingsignalling a boost to Islamist politics and Jamaats own broader ambitions, despite its marginal presence in national politics. With only about five months left, Shibirs victory leaves less time for the BNP and NCP to recalibrate its electoral strategy, and much leeway for Jamaat and other Islamic parties to gain prominence in mainstream politics who are now close to form an alliance to contest under a single ballot in the upcoming election. Although it is not yet clear if Jamaat would be part of such alliance, the Islamist alliance invites more complexity for its electoral competitors. Certainly, 2026 election holds the key to shape the likely direction of change in Bangladeshs struggling democracy, including the fate of the present Constitution.

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For India, Bangladeshs growing Islamist influence is a concern considering Islamist parties ties to Pakistan and predominant anti-India sentiments that they harbour. The possibility of resurging communal violence and border incursions, as witnessed in the past during BNP-Jamaat coalition government, cannot be ruled out. Bangladeshs Islamist direction, therefore, is likely to seriously affect the course of future diplomatic engagements with Dhaka and pose a major setback to productive ties built over the last one-and-a-half decades. It remains to be seen if the present political shift in Dhaka University would steer the electoral wheel in the same direction this upcoming election. India can now only hope for an inclusive, stable, democratic political transition in Bangladesh, continually being promised by the caretaker government in Dhaka.

The author is a Research Fellow at International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), 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 18, 2025, 16:42 IST

News opinion Opinion | The Shibir Sweep In Dhaka Universitys Student Union Election

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Opinion | Vyakti-Nirman In Tech Education: Building People, Not Just Products

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 18:47 IST

The challenge is not whether to keep humanities, but how to integrate them so that even engineers never lose sight of the people they serve

In the end, humanities in engineering isnt political point-scoring; it is about forming humane innovators. (Representational image/Getty)

Campus life at premier technical colleges always combined furious technical work with spirited argumentdiscussions about food, discipline, and politics long coexisted with late evening labs and problem sets. That combination of dedication to technical mastery alongside free, often contentious, intellectual discussion contributed to the building of many Indian technical colleges global reputations. So, attempts to turn back humanities studies at such places and maintain them restrictively as technical" and lab-centred preparation miss a key fact: the humanities are more than aesthetic afterthoughts. They are integral in creating technologists and engineers who design products, services, and policies that work in peoples lives.

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Learning from the best

The worlds leading tech schools get this: MIT even has a fully-fledged School of Humanities, and Singapores tech-design universities weave arts and social sciences into engineering degrees. Indias National Education Policy 2020 likewise champions multidisciplinary programmes to break academic silos. The best institutions treat philosophy, history, and literature not as padding but as prompts that shift the question from How do we build this?" to the more important Should we build it?"

Critics sometimes claim the humanities only stir up politics on campus. But that misunderstands what the humanities do: they teach us to question everythingpower, meaning, ethicsfrom multiple angles. In fact, turning away from that questioning is far more dangerous. Tech executive Rishi Jaitly argues that the so-called fuzzies" (humanists) and the techies" depend on each other to build real solutions. He calls the ideal graduate a full-stack human"someone who draws on every kind of intelligence, can tell a story, and remains other-oriented" while solving problems.

And as humanities scholar Robert Newman reminds us, encouraging diverse perspectives is the point: the humanities are meant to encourage multiple perspectivesthere is no set agenda". In a workplace shifting from Web2 to AI and beyond, those storytelling and empathic skills are exactly what employers say they value most. Employers say theyre looking for writing skills, above all," Newman notes. Its hard to argue with that when 42 per cent of tech execs majored in humanities or social sciences.

The human side of innovation

Indian back-end engineering capabilities have not always, however, yielded global leadership in consumer software. Competency in engineering alone is not enough to guarantee products that will scale for different end-users. Successful consumer software necessitates an in-depth understanding of peoples behaviour, languages, norms of society, and trust models. Human-centred design, rooted in anthropology, psychology, and communication, closes that gap and makes engineering more successful.

When Carl Sagan recalled in the preface to The Demon-Haunted World that, at the University of Chicago, it was considered unthinkable for an aspiring physicist not to know Plato, Aristotle, Bach, Shakespeare, Gibbon, Malinowski, and Freud," he was reminding us that scientific training was once inseparable from a broad grounding in the humanities. Indeed, in ancient India and Greece, the core curriculum mixed grammar, logic, philosophy, and natural enquiry rather than isolating them.

Bringing technical study together with literature, history, and the social sciences helps engineers understand people and context, and so produces designs and solutions that work in real lives. Many leaders in technology also trace part of their formation to the humanitiesa reminder that technical skill plus humanistic perspective is a powerful combination.

Vyakti-Nirman: Bharats educational vision

Bharats educational philosophy, as Swami Vivekananda envisioned, is about man-making"nurturing strength, compassion, and responsibility, not just filling minds with facts. Education should create citizens who embody dharma, not merely workers for the economy. Bharats greatest gift to the world has been ideas and values, not just inventions; hence, institutions must shape hearts as well as hands and minds. True innovation lies in empathetic problem-solvers, not just coders. The idea of vyakti-nirman" (creating people who will lead the change) comes to mind.

It is not equivalent to intellectual monoculture to preserve a schools technical mission. The answer lies in better integration, not exclusivity. This argument is at its core about what kind of professionals we should graduate. Tunnel vision experts, or code-and-conscience holists who combine code and conscience? The solutions to Indian problems are often socially rootedsilicon solutions will not suffice.

In the end, humanities in engineering isnt political point-scoring; it is about forming humane innovators. To shut down arts and social sciences, as Avijit Pathak warns, would cripple imagination and leave graduates ill-equipped. The challenge is not whether to keep humanities, but how to integrate them so that even engineers never lose sight of the people they serve.

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Prakhar Sharma is an Assistant Professor at Rishihood University and Alumnus of London School of Economics and TISS Mumbai. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 18:47 IST

News opinion Opinion | Vyakti-Nirman In Tech Education: Building People, Not Just Products

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Opinion | Will Britain Beat A Retreat As Multiculturalism Trumps Tradition?

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:46 IST

In todays toxic UK climate, how long before music is deemed too white, offensive to faith or culture, or branded as colonial oppression?

US President Donald Trump and Britain's King Charles III inspect the guard of honor during an arrival ceremony at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Image: AP)

For many, the best part of the Republic Day celebrations is Beating Retreat (to which many people often mistakenly include the in between), a ceremony held three days after the parade. It is unbelievably beautiful, held at sunset at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi with the camels of the Border Security Force silhouetted against the setting sun on the ramparts of the Central Secretariat. Just where India got that idea from was highlighted at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

As part of the pomp and pageantry laid on for the visiting US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, King Charles III and Queen Camilla treated him to Beating Retreat on the verdant East Lawns of Windsor Castle at sunset. It was obviously part of the not-so-subtle British strategy of shock and awe" to bedazzle the unpredictable American into a state of pleasant stupor, and no one does military ceremonial splendour better than the British even today.

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Indians, at least of a certain age, would get a distinct feeling of deja vu watching what the British dished out for the Americans. On a blindingly verdant grassy expanse, massed bands of Britains armed forces playing a variety of martial musical instruments marched in intricate formations, in front of an appreciative audience.

It looked very much like the ceremony in India every January 29th though the Indian sunset is qualitatively different from a British one!

The pipes and drums were especially evocative, although the music chosen was very different from those in India. But the rows of British flautists, drummers and bagpipers in the uniforms of their armed forces could just as well have been lockstepping across Vijay Chowk, such was the familiarity of their manoeuvres. The traditional ties between the militaries of Britain and India could not have been more obvious, although the Americans also have similar roots.

Indeed, many countries with a common colonial link with Britain have some form of the ceremony although none of them are probably so elaborate as the one by India. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jordan and even the US hold such displays but only Indias Beating Retreat event comes closest to Britains in terms of pomp and pageantry. But it is held only every two years theremore reason for Trump to be chuffed that they laid on an extra one just for him.

The ceremonys origins go back to when the beating of drums preceded the closing of garrison gates as the troops retreated at the end of the day. It became a British custom when King James II decreed in 1690 that the army should retreat to the beat of drums, and King William III ordered the same in 1694. But Beating Retreat as we know it now became a thing" in Britain only in the post-War years, to cheer up the people with displays of military precision and music.

Precisely why India decided to add Beating Retreat as a corollary to the Republic Day festivity is unclear although it must be remembered that the ceremony debuted when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrived for their first State Visit in 1961. Which means it came into being more than a decade after the grand military paradeinitially held inside the National Stadium but later moved to Rajpathbecame a major feature of the winter calendar of Delhi.

Maybe Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru thought that Beating Retreat would put the Queen at ease, dispelling any awkwardness about being the first British royal to visit India after Independence. Incidentally, her grandfather George Vs statue was still on the pedestal under the canopy behind India Gate at the end of Rajpath (now Kartavya Path, then Kingsway!) at that time. It was finally removed in 1968 and Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses statue was installed only in 2022.

In recent years, there has been consternation in some circles about the creeping desification" of the music of the ceremony in New Delhi. The massed bands now play popular tunes in addition to traditional martial ones, and non-military musical instruments have been included. But watching the original" ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, moving away from the Britishness of it nearly 80 years after Independence does seem justified and long overdue.

The British introduced military bands in India so they were accustomed to playing only western martial and classical music. Introducing Indian martial tunes after Independence including Sare Jahan Se Accha and the rousing Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja of the Indian National Army instead of sticking to Colonel Bogeys March and Highland Laddie was necessary. Indigenisation makes sense, actually, as younger Indians now have no connect with many colonial legacies.

The extent of desification bothers those accustomed to the music of the ceremony from the 1950s to the 2000s, especially the replacement of the hymn Abide With Me as the finale of Beating Retreat with the Indian Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon from 2020. While it cannot be verified that the hymn was indeed a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi, it was definitely played at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II. That may be why it was included at the first Beating Retreat in 1961.

The justification of what is undoubtedly a hauntingly beautiful but avowedly Christian hymn by associating it with Gandhiji was bound to not stand the test of time. Replacing it with a patriotic song that famously brought tears to Nehrus eyes when Lata Mangeshkar sang it on the day after Republic Day 1963 seems more appropriate as India comes into its own. But will the original ceremony in multi-cultural" Britain changeor be pressured to do soone day?

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Given the toxic atmosphere in the UK nowadays, how long before someone or some group decides that the music is too white" or a composition offends the religious or cultural sensitivities of some community, or worse, reeks of colonial oppression? Will the British establishment have the gumption to defend their age-old Anglo-Saxon tradition, especially when it comes to the choice of music? Or will they decide to bring in innovations as well, taking a cue from India?

The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:46 IST

News opinion Opinion | Will Britain Beat A Retreat As Multiculturalism Trumps Tradition?

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'Shop Freely, But Only Buy Made In India': Amit Shah's 'Swadeshi' Call Ahead Of New GST Regime

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Last Updated: September 17, 2025, 17:37 IST

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said promoting 'swadeshi' should become our nature and only then will the resolution of a prosperous India be fulfilled

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses the gathering during the inaugural and foundation laying ceremony of various development projects, in New Delhi on September 17. (Image: PTI/Salman Ali)

Promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for all things swadeshi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday urged Indians to only buy things made in India" for the upcoming festive season and as the new GST regime sets in around that time.

Shah said the new rates for the goods and services tax (GST) were being enforced from September 22 and people should shop freely". He, however, said every citizen should take a pledge to only buy what is made in India.

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Shop freely, but only buy things made in India, not outside. The time has come for every citizen of India to take a pledge to buy only what is made in our country. Promoting Swadeshi should become our nature. Only then will the resolution of a prosperous India be fulfilled," Shah said during the inauguration and foundation-laying of various projects in New Delhi on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday.

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Delhi | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "People of Delhi, Diwali and Navratri will be coming soon. Everything you use will now have a GST of 0% and 5% instead of 28% and 18%. I want to tell the mothers and sisters of Delhi that be dominant at home and start shopping pic.twitter.com/Jt1Yh5o5Ig ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2025

On a lighter note, addressing the people of Delhi, he said women in households should become dominant" and start shopping more" with Diwali and Navratri around the corner.

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People of Delhi, Diwali and Navratri will be coming soon. Everything you use will now have a GST of 0% and 5% instead of 28% and 18%. I want to tell the mothers and sisters of Delhi that be dominant at home and start shopping more and more from September 22" he added.

(With ANI inputs)

About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing im... Read More

First Published: September 17, 2025, 17:37 IST

News politics 'Shop Freely, But Only Buy Made In India': Amit Shah's 'Swadeshi' Call Ahead Of New GST Regime

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'Every Election An Acid Test': Uddhav Thackeray Asks Shiv Sainiks To Gear Up For Civic Polls

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 13:42 IST

Thackeray said several leaders who had shifted to Eknath Shinde camp were keen to return but made it clear that the future of the rebels lay in the hands of the partys workers

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Uddhav Thackeray also accused the ruling Mahayuti government of targeting him personally instead of addressing public issues. (PTI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday tried to lift the spirits of his party workers, reminding them that every election they have fought since the late 1990s has been a tough battle, yet they have managed to win through unity and determination.

Speaking at a meeting of branch heads and party office-bearers in Mumbai, Thackeray said the upcoming civic polls would once again test their strength and resolve. With a mix of encouragement and caution, he set the tone for the partys election campaign, urging Shiv Sainiks to work on the ground with confidence and faith in their ability to win.

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According to sources, Thackeray took direct aim at leaders who shifted to deputy chief minister Eknath Shindes camp during the split in 2022. He said many of them are now feeling disappointed and suffocated in their new political home and had started sending messages about returning. They say they are being pushed aside, that they are not getting space," he told the gathering. But Thackeray was firm that such returns would not be automatic. Their places are now taken by loyal Shiv Sainiks. Tickets are no longer available for them. If they come back at all, it will only be with your consent," he said, making it clear that the future of the rebels lay in the hands of the partys grassroots workers.

Shifting the conversation back to election preparations, Thackeray called the coming polls an acid test" for his leadership and the party. He recalled that when Shiv Sena started contesting municipal elections under him in 1997, every election was labelled a test of survival. But time and again, with your support and peoples trust, we managed to prove ourselves," he said.

Thackeray reminded the gathering how the party once reached 103 seats, crediting that success entirely to the hard work of ordinary Shiv Sainiks. He urged them to take the same spirit to the voters this time, by speaking about the development work done during Senas tenure and by focusing on local issues that matter to citizens. Go to the people with confidence. Tell them what we have done and how it has changed their lives. That is our strength," he said.

Thackeray also accused the ruling Mahayuti government of targeting him personally instead of addressing public issues. He alleged that recent rallies of the alliance made it clear that their main goal was to finish the Thackeray brand. They are not attacking Congress or NCP. Their only target is Uddhav Thackeray," he said.

Calling the election a fight not just for seats but also for identity and credibility, he appealed to his workers to approach the contest with calm determination. He asked them to begin ground-level work immediately, strengthen their bond with voters, and prepare to face the campaign with the unity and discipline that has carried the party through in the past.

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The Shiv Sena, which has dominated the Mumbai municipal corporation for over 20 years, will face a bigger challenge this time as the party has split and most of the corporators are with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. As per sources, Uddhav Thackeray is conducting meetings related to BMC polls everyday with his party leaders and one such meeting happened late on Tuesday evening with party branch heads and office bearers. On Thursday, the former chief minister is likely to meet Shiv Sena UBTs Mumbai units women wings leaders, take stock of the situation, and further guide them about the election.

Shiv Sena has always relied on its network of grassroots party workers who conduct door-to-door campaign for the party. This time too, Uddhav Thackeray has shown faith in his grassroots workers and asked them to reach out to people with the work they have done.

About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 13:42 IST

News politics 'Every Election An Acid Test': Uddhav Thackeray Asks Shiv Sainiks To Gear Up For Civic Polls

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'I Didn't Pause At 75, Why Should PM Modi?' Sharad Pawar Breaks Ranks With Oppn On Age Row

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 11:24 IST

The veteran politician said personal milestones should be kept above political rivalries as he revealed that he had extended wishes to PM Modi on his 75th birthday

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PM Narendra Modi with Sharad Pawar. (PTI)

In a departure from the Oppositions jibes a day earlier, veteran politician and NCP (SP group) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said personal milestones should be kept above political rivalries.

Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur, Pawar revealed that he had extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday and stressed that such occasions should not be weighed down by bitterness. We are people shaped by the values of Yashwantrao Chavan. Narendra Modi himself had attended my 75th birthday. Politics should not come in the way of such gestures," Pawar said.

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He added with a hint of humour that he himself had never stopped working at 75, so he had no right to ask PM Modi to stop. The remark came in light of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats recent statement about leaders retiring after 75, which was later retracted. Pawar quipped that he too had noticed the U-turn".

The NCP (SP) supremo also used the occasion to raise concerns about farmers distress across Maharashtra. With heavy rains damaging crops like soyabean and eroding farmland in several districts, Pawar urged the state government to speed up crop surveys and compensation.

The government must pay attention to panchnamas and ensure timely relief," he said, recalling how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had once symbolically ploughed with a golden plough to highlight the importance of farming after a drought. Today, too, we must show urgency and stand with farmers in their loss," Pawar added.

Turning to politics, Pawar clarified that seat-sharing for the upcoming local body elections would depend on local equations. It is not necessary that the MVA will fight together everywhere. In some places we will contest jointly, in others we may go solo," he explained. He also remarked that if the Thackeray brothers unite, it would strengthen the Opposition. In Mumbai and Thane, their strength is well-known. There is nothing wrong if they demand more seats there," Pawar said.

On social harmony, Pawar expressed worry over growing hostility between Maratha and OBC communities in regions like Parbhani, Beed and Dharashiv. The situation is such that people avoid even visiting each others hotels. This bitterness must not grow," he warned, questioning why both committees set up by the government on these issues were filled with members of a single community. He recalled how the Mandal Commission decisions were taken collectively in the 1990s with the broader aim of ensuring social justice and said the inclusive vision of Shahu Maharaj should continue to guide the state.

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Pawar also touched upon national issues, criticising the Election Commission over recent decisions. He pointed out that for the first time, nearly 300 MPs had marched against the poll body in a sign of serious public anger. When 300 members of Parliament take to the streets, it cannot be ignored. The commission must rethink its approach," Pawar said.

Supporting Rahul Gandhis recent allegations of electoral irregularities, he said the commissions credibility was at stake. The peoples trust in the election process must be strengthened," he said.

About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @... Read More

Location : Kolhapur, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 11:24 IST

News politics 'I Didn't Pause At 75, Why Should PM Modi?' Sharad Pawar Breaks Ranks With Oppn On Age Row

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'Infiltrators Will Be Everywhere If Mahagathbandhan Comes To Power': Amit Shah At Bihar Rally

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 14:52 IST

In an interaction with BJP workers in Bihar's Rohtas, Amit Shah said Rahul Gandhi and his allies are giving jobs to infiltrators instead of Indian youth.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah . (BJP/X)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah dubbed Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra" in Bihar as Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra" and said it was meant to save infiltrators who have come from Bangladesh.

In an interaction with BJP workers in Bihars Rohtas, Shah said Rahul Gandhi and his allies are giving jobs to infiltrators instead of Indian youth.

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The former BJP chief also accused Congress of spreading a fake narrative around vote theft and said: Have any of you lost their votes? This was Rahul Gandhis Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra."

The topic of his yatra was not vote theft. The topic was not good education, employment, electricity, roads The topic of the tour was saving the infiltrators who have come from Bangladesh. Should infiltrators have the right to vote or free rations? Should infiltrators get jobs, houses, treatment up to 5 lakh rupees?" Shah asked.

#WATCH | Rohtas, Bihar | Interacting with BJP workers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, They (Congress) spread a false narrative every time. Rahul Gandhi did a Yatra The topic of his yatra was not vote theft. The topic was not good education, employment, electricity, pic.twitter.com/JyihP2Y1nF ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2025

Shah told BJP workers that it is their responsibility to go to every house and tell them that if the Mahagathbandhan government is formed even by mistake, then there will be only infiltrators in every district of Bihar.

During his Bihar visit, Shah is scheduled to interact with workers and leaders from 10 districts in the Magadh-Shahabad region, where the performance of the NDA was below par in the 2020 assembly polls and Lok Sabha elections last year.

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Earlier today, Amit Shah met the Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (U) Nitish Kumar. Kumar, who is the longest serving CM of Bihar for over two decades, is contesting the election again as part of the BJP-led NDA bloc.

Election dates are likely to be announced next month.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: September 18, 2025, 14:34 IST

News politics 'Infiltrators Will Be Everywhere If Mahagathbandhan Comes To Power': Amit Shah At Bihar Rally

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'No One Can Stop Us': Kangana Ranaut Reacts To Tamil Nadu Congress Leader's 'Slap Her' Remark

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:16 IST

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut took a defiant stance after Tamil Nadu Congress leader KS Alagiri stoked a controversy by saying the actor-turned-politician "must be slapped".

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. (File Photo)

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut took a defiant stance, declaring that no one can prevent her from visiting Tamil Nadu, after a Congress leader from the state stirred a row by saying that the actor-turned-politician must be slapped" if she visits the state anytime soon.

Former Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiris controversial comment came in response to a question about an old statement made by Ranaut, in which she alleged that women activists could be hired to participate in protests for Rs 100.

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While visiting Kullu to meet flood victims and assess the impact of the recent devastating rainfall, Ranaut said, In our India, we can go anywhere and no one can stop us. As they say, if there are some who hate, there are also many who love."

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, In our India, wherever we go, no one can stop us. And as they say, if there are some who hate, there are also many who love. In Tamil Nadu, I portrayed the role of Dr. J. Jayalalithaa in Thalaivii, you may not believe it, but pic.twitter.com/6wOX40memS IANS (@ians_india) September 18, 2025

In Tamil Nadu, I portrayed the role of Dr J. Jayalalithaa in Thalaivii. You may not believe it, but even our Opposition MPs, who were present in the House during a voting session, as they walked past in line, three or four of them addressed me as Thalaivii. That is how much affection they show me," she added.

The BJP MP said an individuals personal opinions would not make any difference, adding that such disrespectful remarks against women should not be used in a public space as it sends the wrong message to the people.

Her response came to Alagiris remarks, where she said, Kangana Ranaut has made such loose talk many times. Once, when she was at the Delhi airport and a woman CRPF personnel slapped her, she later said it was because she had made derogatory remarks. When she comes this side (south), you should slap her without forgetting about it."

The senior Congress leader defended his remarks by saying, Kangana speaks with arrogance" and she was slapped by a CISF constable earlier.

My Restaurant Made A Sale Of Rs 50

Ranaut, the BJP MP from Mandi, visited the disaster-affected areas of Solang and Palchan on Thursday in the Manali subdivision of Himachals Kullu district, interacted with the affected residents and took stock of the situation. The actor-turned-politician was briefed on the infrastructural and other damages by BJP leader and former MLA from Manali, Govind Singh Thakur, along with residents.

A video also surfaced showing Ranaut interacting with flood victims in Kullu, where she said she was deeply affected by the devastation caused by the recent rainfall, flash floods and landslides that left more than 400 dead since the start of the monsoon.

My restaurant is also here, and it made a sale of only Rs 50 yesterday. We pay Rs 15 lakh in salaries only, and we could only do a business of Rs 50. Imagine what I must have gone through. Please understand my pain. I am a single woman," she said, while chastising a reporter for interrupting her and asking her not to attack her.

Locals informed the MP that the entire Solang village is at risk of landsliding, as the Beas river is eroding the mountain on which the village sits. They suggested that channelising the water to divert the rivers course would be a necessary immediate remedy.

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Since the onset of monsoon this year, the Himalayan state has witnessed 46 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods and 145 major landslides, while 419 people have died. Of those dead, 237 lost their lives in rain-related incidents and 182 in road accidents. About 479 people have suffered injuries, while 45 are still missing.

(with inputs from PTI)

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 : Kullu, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:16 IST

News politics 'No One Can Stop Us': Kangana Ranaut Reacts To Tamil Nadu Congress Leader's 'Slap Her' Remark

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Palaniswami Slams DMK For 'Double Standards', Rejects TTV Dinakaran's Claims

Published By :

ANI

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 15:26 IST

Taking a swipe at AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, Palaniswami recalled that former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had expelled him from the AIADMK in 2011.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (Image: PTI/File photo)

AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu assembly Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) held a press conference in Salem district, where he came down heavily on the DMK for allegedly adopting double standards in politics."

The DMK, which once attacked certain leaders while in the opposition, is now rolling out the red carpet for the very same people after coming to power. Their stance as a ruling party and as an opposition party has always been contradictory," Palaniswami said.

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The AIADMK General Secreatry however clarified that the BJP would not intervence in any internal matters of the party. Recently there have been voice within the AIADMK that have called for the reunification of the party with the Saskila faction.

Amit Shah has categorically stated he will not interfere in AIADMKs internal party affairs. Whoever violates party discipline will face strict action," he said.

Taking a swipe at AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, Palaniswami recalled that former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had expelled him from the AIADMK in 2011. After Jayalalithaas demise, it was Dinakaran who re-entered the party wearing a mask. Now, for him to say that I am the one in disguise is completely unjustified," he said.

Clarifying his earlier remarks, EPS noted that his demand for conferring the Bharat Ratna on freedom fighter Muthuramalinga Thevar had no connection to Dhinakarans comments.

I had only said that the highest civilian honour should be given to Muthuramalinga Thevar. From that statement alone, Dhinakaran has started speaking unnecessarily. I fail to understand what hidden agenda he is implying," he said.

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Earlier on September 16, the AIADMK General Secretary met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He also met with the newly elected Vice President, CP Radhakrishnan. His visit comes in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly Elections in Tamil Nadu, in which the AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest in an alliance against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

Earlier, Palaniswami had praised the BJP for extending consistent support to his party, especially after the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, while strongly criticising the DMK government for its alleged failures in maintaining law and order in Tamil Nadu.

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 18, 2025, 15:23 IST

News politics Palaniswami Slams DMK For 'Double Standards', Rejects TTV Dinakaran's Claims

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'Fused Rocket': Piyush Goyal On Rahul Gandhi, Says 'No Takers For Vote Chori' In Bihar

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 21:49 IST

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's vote theft allegations and his campaign against the SIR will have no impact in in poll-bound Bihar

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as "fused rocket that doesn't take off". (Image: PTI/File)

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday described Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a fused rocket" and said his voter theft allegations will not make an impact in poll-bound Bihar.

Rahul Gandhi, who has been campaigning against the ongoing electoral roll revision in Bihar with Voter Adhikar Yatra, has made vote theft allegations against the BJP. Earlier in the day, during a press conference addressed by him, the Congress accused chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the BJP in winning elections through voter deletions.

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He is a fused rocket that doesnt take off. There are no takers for vote chori in Bihar," Goyal told News18 in an interview.

Goyal, who is in the UAE for a two-day visit, said signing of the defence deal between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will have no impact on its relationship with India.

It wont affect Bharat-Saudi relations and there will be no impact on Bharat-UAE ties as well. We have a very strong relationship with the UAE," he said.

While addressing a press conference in Abu Dhabi, he said the UAE has expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with India in key high-tech sectors, including defence, aerospace, and space technology.

On Bharat Mart being set up in Dubai, he said: Its a unique opportunity for us. I was quite intrigued by the concept. Land has been allocated for the mart in Dubai, and small and medium Indian businesses can showcase their products," he added.

INDIA-US TALKS GOING IN RIGHT DIRECTION

Goyal said Indias trade negotiations with the United States are showing promising signs and are moving in the right direction.

Positive talks are going on with the US, talks going in the right direction. The US and India are natural partners and there is a strong relationship between us," he said.

He spoke about concerns from textile exporters over their goods getting stuck due to the US tariffs and if they will be diverted to the US through other countries.

India will never allow other countries goods to be diverted to the US through India, nor will it allow any Indian exporter to send Indian goods to the US through other countries. Our credibility is our greatest strength," he added.

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Goyal further said Indian manufacturers and foreign investors want to set up in India because it is a huge market.

After the GST (goods and services tax) rate cut, we expect to see a considerable increase in consumer demand in India," he said.

About the Author Anand Narasimhan Anand Narasimhan is Managing Editor, Special Projects and senior anchor at CNN-News18. He writes extensively on Indian politics and sports. He tweets at @AnchorAnandN.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 21:49 IST

News politics 'Fused Rocket': Piyush Goyal On Rahul Gandhi, Says 'No Takers For Vote Chori' In Bihar

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RSS Plans Over 300 Rallies In Bengal To Mark Centenary, Usher In Durga Puja On Mahalaya

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 07:00 IST

BJP leaders and workers, who are also swayamsevaks, are expected to join these programmes across different parts of West Bengal on Mahalaya

Every year, the RSS welcomes Durga with programmes from different districts.(Image: AFP/File)

The RSS is planning to mark its centenary by holding more than 300 rallies in West Bengal, coinciding with Mahalaya  at the same time ushering in Durga Puja  next Sunday on September 21.

Mahalaya is believed to be the day Durga descends onto the Earth from her heavenly abode, marking the beginning of puja festivities.

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On this day, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will organise rallies and route marches. The Bengal unit of the Sangh is divided into three provincial (prant) committees  north, central, and south Bengal.

According to the plan, Sangh gatherings will be held in all three provinces. The RSS has at least 52 all-India affiliate organisations, along with several regional affiliates in West Bengal.

All these organisations are being invited together for the centenary celebrations. This means organisations such as Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Samskar Bharati, Shikshan Mandal, Sahkar Bharati, Shaikshik Mahasangh, and Seemanta Chetna, among others, will not hold separate programmes, gatherings, or marches this year.

Sources said the plan is to organise a unified show of strength of the entire Sangh Parivar. BJP leaders and workers, who are also swayamsevaks, are expected to join these programmes across different parts of the state on Mahalaya.

Every year, the RSS welcomes Durga with programmes from different districts. This time, the plan is to organise more than one rally and route march from each district.

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This is going to be very vital for us. We will welcome Maa and also celebrate our 100 years at the same time. Everywhere, ekatrikaran (unification), rallies, and route marches will take place," South Bengal Prabhar Pramukh Biplab Roy said.

With the Bengal assembly elections due next year, a section of experts believes the Sangh may play a crucial role in the political landscape. That is why this Mahalaya programme is being viewed with wider political significance. Over the past two years, the number of shakhas in Bengal has seen notable growth.

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

First Published: September 18, 2025, 07:00 IST

News politics RSS Plans Over 300 Rallies In Bengal To Mark Centenary, Usher In Durga Puja On Mahalaya

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'Treat People With Dignity': Nara Lokesh To Shivakumar Over 'Blackmail' Jibe At BlackBuck CEO

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 18:41 IST

Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh responded to DK Shivakumar's "blackmail" jibe at BlackBuck CEO Rajesh Yabaji, who announced his plans to move out of Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road.

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Andhra Minister Lokesh Nara and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. (PTI/File)

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh took a dig at Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, saying his state does not dismiss genuine grievances as blackmail" amid a row over the online trucking platform BlackBucks exit from Bengalurus Outer Ring Road (ORR).

Bengalurus infrastructure and traffic woes have long been under scrutiny were thrust into the spotlight once again after Rajesh Yabaji, the co-founder of BlackBuck, announced his decision to move out of Bengalurus ORR.

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DK Shivakumar responded to this by saying that the government is working to ensure that no company leaves the IT capital over infrastructure-related issues but blackmailing the government" will not work, adding that anyone is free to move out if they are not satisfied.

In an apparent dig at DK Shivakumar, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh does not dismiss the genuine grievances of people as blackmail" and instead treats them with dignity and seriousness.

Heres what sets AP apart from others  we dont dismiss our peoples genuine grievances as Blackmail. We treat them with the dignity and seriousness they deserve. https://t.co/ZszTXYEeqG Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) September 18, 2025

Whats The Matter?

The matter arose when Yabaji on Tuesday announced through a social media post that the company has decided to move out of its current location at Bellandur on Bengalurus ORR, citing worsening infrastructure and commute issues" in the metropolis.

ORR (Bellandur) has been our office + home" for the last 9 years. But its now very-very hard to continue here. We have decided to move out," Yabaji said on X, adding that the average commute for colleagues has increased over 1.5 hours and roads are full of potholes and dust.

Hi Rajesh, can I interest you in relocating your company to Vizag? We are rated among top 5 cleanest cities in India, are building best-in-class infra, and have been rated the safest city for women. Please send me a DM. https://t.co/HLfP2CVTys Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) September 17, 2025

Great decision. Plus real estate is massively overvalued in that entire stretch. Builders are asking more than the current prices of Chicago and Dubai for the infrastructure of Somalia," a netizen commented on Yabajis post.

As the comments spread widely online, many users seized upon them to criticise Bengalurus civic conditions. However, DK Shivakumar said that blackmailing the government" would not work, while assuring that is working to ensure that no company leaves the IT capital.

Lokesh joined the conversation by offering BlackBuck to relocate to Vizag. We are rated among top 5 cleanest cities in India, are building best-in-class infra, and have been rated the safest city for women. Please send me a DM," the Andhra minister said on X.

In another post, the TDP leader said, Heres what sets AP apart from others  we dont dismiss our peoples genuine grievances as Blackmail. We treat them with the dignity and seriousness they deserve."

What Did People Say?

While several social media users lauded Lokesh for offering to help relocate the company to Andhra Pradesh, others also highlighted development concerns in the state.

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This kind of focus is what can propel India toward developed-nation status. How often do you see powerful politicians so openly courting businessmen to invest in their state?" a user wrote. Another said, Vizag is too far for Bangalore-based companies. Border-area SEZs would help."

Im sure you know building the best infrastructure doesnt mean adding more flyovers, adding more concrete and adding more roads. What we need is a mobility friendly infrastructure like any developed countries have," a third person commented.

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 : Visakhapatnam, India, India

First Published: September 18, 2025, 18:41 IST

News politics 'Treat People With Dignity': Nara Lokesh To Shivakumar Over 'Blackmail' Jibe At BlackBuck CEO

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MacBook With Touchscreen Is Finally Coming And It Wont Replace iPad: Heres What We Know

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 10:05 IST

MacBook Pro is getting a new feature that Apple has mocked Microsoft for using on Windows laptops for many years.

MacBook Pro with a touchscreen might become a reality soon

MacBooks could soon move into a territory that both Apple and Steve Jobs have denied for years. The new report from a reputed analyst claims the company is going to bring touchscreen to the MacBook Pro models that will feature an OLED display. This will be a big change for the company which has mocked Microsoft for making Windows hybrids and has its own iPad in the PC category with the latest iPadOS 26 version.

The touchscreen MacBook Pro is reportedly going into production in late 2026 and is widely tipped to be announced in 2027 by the company.

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MacBook With Touchscreen: Its Finally Coming?

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared the update regarding the new version of MacBook Pro OLED something that Bloomberg had mentioned in an earlier report. It is interesting to see Kuo talk about this model, something that would have been unthinkable a few years back. Hybrids in the Windows arena have shown their purpose, but macOS could be a different kettle of fish.

The analyst says Apple knows that a touch-based MacBook could eat into the demand for iPads (or Pro) but maybe thats why we are seeing this feature coming to the high-end Pro variant rather than the Air. Apple has been making some unorthodox decisions and the touch MacBook Pro seems like it could be at the top of that list.

The touchscreen MacBook Pro is likely to be powered by the M7 chipset which aligns with the 2027 launch timeline, as mentioned by both Kuo and the Gurman report. Adding the feature will undoubtedly make it more expensive and this could mean that Apple will have two different versions of the Pro model, one offered without and one with a touch screen.

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Affordable MacBook Also In The Mix

Kuo also gave a brief mention about the rumoured affordable MacBook version that is expected to be powered by A18 Pro chipset and offered with a 13-inch display without touch support. This device could have an early release in 2026 and its launch price tag will have everyone interested.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and ... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 10:05 IST

News tech MacBook With Touchscreen Is Finally Coming And It Wont Replace iPad: Heres What We Know

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Windows PCs Could Soon Get Apple-Like Spotlight Search Thanks To Google

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 15:25 IST

Google is using its new AI model and other search platforms to bring local file discovery and more features to Windows users.

Spotlight helps mac users find apps, files and more. (Photo: AI generated)

Mac users have relied on Spotlight search tool to find files, and other content residing on their system. And Windows PCs could soon get their own version of Spotlight, except this one is powered by Google. The company is bringing the Google app that will work not only on the Windows 11 version but the older Windows 10 PCs as well.

Google itself claims the Search app on Windows is designed to give a Spotlight-like experience for Windows users, which means you can search for files, installed apps and even content saved on the cloud.

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Spotlight Search For Windows: What Google Is Offering

The new Google app for Windows is being tested with a limited group in the US for now through its Search Labs program. Google does offer a wide range of apps and tools for Windows PCs but this a first-of-kind option that should gradually come to more users.

To use the Google app you need to press the Alt + Space keys which triggers the search tab and lets you request for files, apps or even search the web. The results will be offered in a detailed way and in different categories like Apps and websites.

But having Google powering this feature means you can go beyond the standard Spotlight tool. You can make use of Google Lens to translate text from a page or a website or even copy the same to the clipboard seamlessly. And with Google on board, its AI-powered search mode will give enhanced responses and curate content by crawling through hundreds of websites like the regular AI mode in search for web and mobile users.

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AI usage has been mostly limited to mobile devices but this Google app opens and widens its AI horizon. You will need to sign in using the Google account which personalises the context and responses, and gives more AI-based results for your queries.

It only works for people in the US who get to use the experimental app with limited access. We hope to see the app come to other regions and show its actual worth for Windows PCs which certainly lacks a Spotlight-like tool for search across local and the internet.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and ... Read More

First Published: September 18, 2025, 15:25 IST

News tech Windows PCs Could Soon Get Apple-Like Spotlight Search Thanks To Google

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All Hail The Machine Boss: Japan's Political Party Ditches Human For AI Leader

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 18:32 IST

The Path to Rebirth party in Japan will replace leader Shinji Ishimaru with AI.

The move reflects a global trend of political groups experimenting with AI.

A political party in Japan said that it will replace its human leader with artificial intelligence, in what could be a first for mainstream politics. The Path to Rebirth party, founded in January by former city mayor Shinji Ishimaru, announced the decision after Ishimaru resigned following a poor showing in this years upper house elections.

Koki Okumura, a 25-year-old doctoral student at Kyoto University who will serve as the nominal head of the party, said, The new leader will be AI. The AI will not dictate political activities of members, but will focus on decisions such as resource distribution among them."

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Koki Okumura, who won an internal contest to succeed Ishimaru, said that details about the AIs development and implementation were still being decided. Despite drawing attention for Ishimarus surprise second-place finish in the 2024 Tokyo gubernatorial race- fueled largely by online campaigning- the Path to Rebirth has yet to secure a seat in elected office. All 42 of its candidates lost in the Tokyo assembly elections in June and its 10 contenders in the July upper house vote were also unsuccessful.

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AI And Politics Worldwide

The decision to put AI at the helm highlights a growing global trend of political movements experimenting with artificial intelligence. In Denmark, the Synthetic Party, launched in 2022, is guided by AI trained on fringe party platforms, aiming to represent non-voters. In Japan, another group, Team Mirai, founded by an AI engineer and writer, recently won a proportional representation seat in the House of Councillors. In the UK, independent candidate Andrew Gray used AI tools to crowdsource and draft his manifesto during the 2023 Selby & Ainsty by-election.

Location : Japan

First Published: September 18, 2025, 18:03 IST

News viral All Hail The Machine Boss: Japan's Political Party Ditches Human For AI Leader

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Bengaluru Students College Fight Goes Viral, Netizens Compare Brawl To Aavesham

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 22:11 IST

A street fight among private college students in Avalahalli near KR Puram, Bengaluru over Onam celebrations sparked mixed reactions online after an old video resurfaced on Reddit.

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Screengrab of the viral video.

A street fight broke out between students of a private college in Avalahalli, near KR Puram, Bengaluru, reportedly over Onam celebrations. Videos circulating on social media show groups of students pushing and shoving each other on a busy street as bystanders watch.

The clip, which surfaced on Reddit this week, is believed to be from an earlier date. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.

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The video quickly drew mixed reactions online after surfacing on Reddit. Many users expressed shock over the intensity of the street fight, questioning how a campus celebration spiralled into violence.

Some criticised the students for disrupting public order during Onam festivities, while others called it an overblown incident, pointing out that no major injuries were reported. A section of viewers also urged caution in sharing the clip, noting that it was an old video being recirculated and could lead to misinformation if taken out of context.

First 10 seconds were very promising, abs cinema," one user commented. How to know which one is actually the enemy in this chaos? Not to mention that all these fuckers have the same haircut," added the other.

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The opening scene looked like Aavesham," a third commented.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 22:11 IST

News viral Bengaluru Students College Fight Goes Viral, Netizens Compare Brawl To Aavesham

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3 Officers Killed, 2 Critically Injured In US' Central Pennsylvania Shooting; Suspect Dead

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 07:17 IST

The shooting incident took place on Haar Road in North Codorus Township.

The suspect was killed after being shot by Police (Image used for representation)

Three police officers were killed and two more were critically injured after a shooting took place in rural central Pennsylvania on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect has been killed after being shot by police, and the condition of the injured officers remain stable.

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The shooting came amid an ongoing investigation of charges of stalking and criminal trespass against the suspect. The officers were headed to arrest him when the shooting unfolded, reported CNN, citing law enforcement sources.

They were there to follow up on an investigation that began yesterday," Reuters quoted state police commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris as saying.

Governor Josh Shapiro also visited the hospital and shared condolences on the demise of the officers.

This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and for the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania," he said.

He asked for prayers for the families of the victims.

Its important for you to know that these families who are grieving right now  how proud they are of their loved ones who put on the uniform to keep us safe," he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the law enforcement officials while informing about the incident.

Its an extraordinary thing what these law enforcement families do. They support the individual who puts on the uniform and runs toward danger," Shapiro said in a news conference Wednesday, according to CNN.

Theyre there for them when they leave in the morning, and they pray throughout the day that they will come home at night," 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 18, 2025, 06:56 IST

News world 3 Officers Killed, 2 Critically Injured In US' Central Pennsylvania Shooting; Suspect Dead

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Air India Crash Victims' Families Sue Boeing, Honeywell; Allege Faulty Fuel Switches

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 14:19 IST

Families of four victims of the June 12 Air India crash have sued Boeing and Honeywell in a US court, alleging faulty fuel cutoff switches caused the crash that killed 260 people.

The site of the June 12 Air India plane crash (PTI)

Families of four of the passengers killed in the June 12 Air India plane crash have filed a lawsuit against Boeing and Honeywell in a court in Delaware, the United States, alleging that the crash resulted from allegedly faulty fuel switches, which the US Federal Aviation Administration has said do not appear to have caused the accident that killed 260 people.

According to Reuters, the lawsuit, in the Delaware Superior Court, blames Boeing and Honeywell, which made the switches, for the crash seconds after Flight 171 took off for London from Ahmedabad.

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The plaintiffs point to a 2018 FAA advisory that recommended, but did not mandate, operators of several Boeing models, including the 787, inspect the fuel cutoff switches locking mechanism to ensure it could not be accidentally moved.

The lawsuit appears to be the first in the United States over the crash.

It seeks unspecified damages for the deaths of Kantaben Dhirubhai Paghadal, Naavya Chirag Paghadal, Kuberbhai Patel and Babiben Patel, who were among the 229 passengers who died.

Twelve crew members and 19 people on the ground were also killed. One passenger survived.

WHAT AAIB PRELIMINARY PROBE REPORT STATED

Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureaus (AAIB) preliminary investigation report into the crash stated that Air India had not conducted the suggested inspections.

It had also stated that maintenance records showed that the throttle control module, which includes the fuel switches, was replaced in 2019 and 2023 on the plane involved in the crash.

The report noted all applicable airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins were complied with on the aircraft as well as engines."

MEDIA REPORTS AND THE LAWSUIT

A Reuters report had claimed that the cockpit recording of dialogue between the jets two pilots suggests that the captain cut the flow of fuel to the planes engines.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit by the victims families maintains that the switches are in a place in the cockpit where they were more likely to be inadvertently pushed, which effectively guaranteed that normal cockpit activity could result in inadvertent fuel cutoff."

However, aviation safety experts told Reuters that they could not be accidentally flipped based on their location and design.

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ALSO READ | Air India Crash: Pilots Father Seeks Fresh Probe, Says Selective Leaks Tarnished Reputation

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 14:18 IST

News world Air India Crash Victims' Families Sue Boeing, Honeywell; Allege Faulty Fuel Switches

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Asked About His Wealth, Trump Tells Australian Journalist: Ill Complain To Your PM

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 17:32 IST

Donald Trump warned he would raise the matter with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

US President Donald Trump. (AFP photo)

US President Donald Trump lashed out at an Australian journalist during his state visit to the UK, accusing him of hurting Australia" after being asked about his business dealings while in office. John Lyons from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) asked Donald Trump how much wealthier he had become since returning to the White House in January.

I dont know," Donald Trump replied, insisting that his children handled the businesses. He then warned he would raise the matter with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying, You set a very bad tone. Youre hurting Australia very much."

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When John Lyons attempted a follow-up, Donald Trump held a finger to his lips, said quiet," and moved on to another journalist.

Following this, ABC said it had been informed by the UK prime ministers press office that it would no longer have a space at a joint news conference between Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers, citing logistical reasons." The broadcaster stressed there was no indication" this was connected to John Lyons line of questioning. ABC remains accredited to attend Donald Trumps visit to Chequers.

Youre hurting Australia: Donald Trump criticises ABC journalist John Lyons in White House clash pic.twitter.com/rlR4glUEVF Ben Knight (@benknight38) September 16, 2025

John Lyons later told the ABC that it was an absurd notion" to suggest his questions had harmed bilateral ties. He said, For me, it was a perfectly normal thing to do- to ask questions that I dont think were provocative. They were fair, based on research and not asked in an abusive way."

Donald Trump, Anthony Albanese And Strained Ties

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The Australian leader has been pushing for a meeting with Donald Trump for months, after scheduled talks at the G20 summit in June were abruptly cancelled when the US President left early to address the Middle East crisis. Anthony Albanese has since confirmed he will see Donald Trump next week in New York at the UN General Assembly.

Relations between the US and Australia have grown tense since the Donald Trump administration launched a review of Aukus, the 176bn ($239bn; A$368bn) submarine pact signed in 2021. In April, Washington also imposed a 10% tariff on Australian exports, which Albanese criticised as not the act of a friend."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 17:32 IST

News world Asked About His Wealth, Trump Tells Australian Journalist: Ill Complain To Your PM

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Barack Obama Interrupted By Pro-Palestine Slogans During Talk. His 'I Am Not President' Reply

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 15:41 IST

Barack Obama had been addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict when the disruption occurred.

Barack Obama addresses Israel-Palestine conflict at Jefferson Educational Society Global Summit.

Former US President Barack Obama was interrupted during a discussion at the Jefferson Educational Societys Global Summit when an audience member shouted slogans related to Palestine. In conversation with journalist Steve Scully, the 44th US President had been addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict when the disruption occurred.

Barack Obama responded calmly, Sir, I am not the President of the United States, currently. So, there is no point in shouting at me. I am not in charge of foreign policy, currently."

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He added, Dont shout at me!"

OBAMA: Sir, Im not the President of the United States, currently. So, theres no point in shouting at me. Im not in charge of foreign policy currently. pic.twitter.com/tRzXxvNlbq Acyn (@Acyn) September 17, 2025

Following the interruption, Barack Obama chose to expand on the subject, describing the conflict as rooted in a zero-sum game" mentality where one groups gain is seen only as anothers loss.

When we dont see people as people, bad things happen. When we dehumanize people, bad things happen. And America at our best stands for the idea that everybody counts and everybodys equal under the law and has an inherent dignity and respect," Barack Obama said.

He also voiced concern about Americas global moral standing, warning, And that idea, that idea, when we lose that idea here- the whole world gets dimmer. And were seeing it right now. Autocrats feel like, oh, weve got a license now, because America, they seem to be okay with it. In fact, theyre kind of doing some of the same things were doing."

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Barack Obama condemned both the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault on Israel, which killed civilians, and Israels ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has left tens of thousands dead. He cautioned against dehumanization on both sides as he said, Those who carried out October 7th believed those families were less than human. And those who now withhold food and medicine from millions are also dehumanizing."

His remarks come as the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to climb. Local health officials report more than 65,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began. Meanwhile, a UN-mandated investigative commission this week accused Israel of committing genocide" in Gaza, alleging intent to destroy the Palestinian people." The issue is expected to dominate next weeks annual UN summit in New York.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 15:41 IST

News world Barack Obama Interrupted By Pro-Palestine Slogans During Talk. His 'I Am Not President' Reply

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Bid To Control Broader Muslim Narrative? What Pakistan-Saudi Defence Deal Means | Exclusive

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 22:59 IST

An intelligence note said Saudi Arabia is reconfiguring security dynamics beyond US guarantees and leaning towards Pakistan's manpower, nuclear credibility and combat experience

The defence deal between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was signed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on September 17. (Image: @CMShehbaz/X)

The defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signifies more than mere hedging, shows an intelligence assessment note about the deal.

The strategic mutual defence" agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday (September 17). It declares that any attack on either country will be considered an aggression against both".

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The defence pact comes days after an Israeli attack on the Hamas leadership in Qatar, which is a key US ally in the Gulf region. India has said it will study the implications of the move for its national security as well as for regional and global stability.

According to an intelligence assessment note, which was accessed by News18, Saudi Arabia is reconfiguring its security dynamics beyond US guarantees. It is leaning towards Pakistans manpower, nuclear credibility, and combat experience, the note said.

The assessment note said additionally, Riyadh is sending a message to Iran and Turkey about Saudi leadership in the Islamic world. Gulf divisions are intensifying, with the UAE drawing closer to India and Israel under the Abraham Accords, it said.

It said conversely, Qatar is hedging its bets via Iran and Islamist networks. Saudi Arabias tilt towards Pakistan aims to balance the bloc, ensuring Riyadh retains leverage in South Asia, it added.

Saudi Arabia, the note said, is also looking to control the broader Muslim narrative due to its guardianship of Mecca and Medina. For Pakistan, this deal revives its image as the guardian of holy places, which could help secure new funding and stabilise its fragile economy, it said.

This agreement positions Islamabad as a strategic partner beyond the dependence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it said. Another key objective is to regain Pakistans lost influence in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), it added.

WHAT DOES THE DEFENCE DEAL MEAN FOR INDIA?

The defence agreement came over four months after a four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan in May.

The note further said for India, this development is alarming. Although the pact will not be officially termed anti-India", the optics of Sharifs unprecedented royal reception suggest a Saudi attempt to revive Islamic bloc positioning against New Delhi, it said.

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Sources, however, indicated that the Muslim world will never accept open hostility against India. In New Delhi, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: The government remains committed to protecting Indias national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains."

Strategically, however, the pact represents Indian containment in the Middle East and the revival of an anti-India" body as well as the OICs resurgence against India, the note said. Saudi Arabia is using Pakistan as a counterweight to Indias growing presence in the Gulf, creating parallel security alignments where New Delhi may face restricted intelligence and influence space, it added.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: September 18, 2025, 22:59 IST

News world Bid To Control Broader Muslim Narrative? What Pakistan-Saudi Defence Deal Means | Exclusive

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'Baseless': Beijing Rebukes Netanyahus Claim Of 'Information Blockade' Through AI By China

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 09:54 IST

China has rejected Benjamin Netanyahus remarks accusing Beijing of aiding an information blockade against Israel, calling them baseless and harmful to bilateral ties.

File photos of Xi Jinping/Benjamin Netanyahu (AP)

Beijing has raised concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus remarks against China, wherein he named the country among those allegedly investing in artificial intelligence and using social media to carry out an information blockade" against Israel.

According to Global Times, a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Israel has opposed Netanyahus China-related remarks, and called such claims completely baseless, harmful to China-Israel relations".

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China is shocked by the remarks made by the Israeli leader. Such claims are completely baseless, harmful to China-Israel relations, and China is seriously concerned and firmly opposes them," the report quoted the spokesperson as saying.

Blaming critical voices on a few social media platforms and then pointing the finger at China is nothing but a case of seeking the wrong cure for the illness."

It targets the wrong party and prescribes the wrong remedy, the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

We have also noted that within Israel itself there are many voices of reflection, arguing that what the country needs is not a prolonged war, but a lasting plan for peace", said the spokesperson, adding that to overcome its current predicament, Israel needs political wisdom and creative diplomacy, not simply military operations and endless bombardment.

The spokesperson also urged Israel to heed the strong call of the international community, immediately halt its military operations in Gaza, and achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible to prevent an even greater humanitarian catastrophe, the report mentioned.

NETANYAHUs REMARK AGAINST CHINA

On September 15, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel is facing increasing isolation on the world stage and will have to become a more self-reliant super-Sparta" in the years to come.

Israel is in a sort of isolation," Netanyahu said at a conference of the Finance Ministrys accountant general in Jerusalem.

Israel is facing two new threats since the start of the war, Netanyahu explained, demographic changes in Europe as a result of immigration from Muslim-majority countries and the influence of anti-Israel actors on digital platforms, aided by new technologies.

According to Netanyahu, the challenge is the investment of Israels rivals, both NGOs and states, like Qatar and China", to influence Western media with an anti-Israel agenda, using bots, artificial intelligence, and advertisements."

This puts us in a sort of isolation," he said, adding that Israel can fight demonisation and incitement if it invests very large sums" into efforts to counter those narratives.

But for now, he said, Israel must quickly establish the capacity to produce everything it needs militarily without depending on foreign trade.

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ALSO READ | Netanyahu Claims Trump Extended Invitation For DC Meeting Following UN General Assembly

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 09:52 IST

News world 'Baseless': Beijing Rebukes Netanyahus Claim Of 'Information Blockade' Through AI By China

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Chinese Dissident Who Led US Pro-Democracy Group Pleads Guilty To Spying For Beijing

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 23:42 IST

Tang, a New York-based Chinese dissident, pleaded guilty to spying for China and faces up to five years in prison. Sentencing is January 29, 2026.

The law enforcement agents have recovered the specific instructions that Tang received from the MSS, including via encrypted methods, as well as photographs, videos, and documents that Tang collected or created for transmission to the MSS

A 68-year-old man from New Yorks Chinese dissident community on Tuesday pleaded guilty to spying on his fellow activists on behalf of the Chinese government.

US Department of Justice cited court documents as saying that Tang is a former PRC citizen who was imprisoned in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for his activities as a dissident opposing the one-party authoritarian political system controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including during the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations.

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In 2002, Tang defected to Taiwan, and he was subsequently granted political asylum in the United States. Since then, he has been residing in New York City, where he has regularly participated in events with fellow PRC dissidents and leads a nonprofit dedicated to promoting democracy in China.

However, between 2018 and June 2023 Tang acted as Chinese agent by gathering information and completing tasks at the direction of the PRCs Ministry of State Security (MSS), which is the PRCs principal civilian intelligence agency.

The Justice Department further said that Tang accepted monetary payments for his work and traveled at least three times to Macau and mainland China for face-to-face meetings with MSS intelligence officers, during which he submitted to polygraphs and questioning.

During one of these meetings, he allowed the MSS to install an application on one of his cellphones to facilitate the instantaneous transmission of photographs and other information from his phone to the MSS and accepted a laptop for use in communicating with the MSS," it said.

It further said that the law enforcement agents have recovered the specific instructions that Tang received from the MSS, including via encrypted methods, as well as photographs, videos, and documents that Tang collected or created for transmission to the MSS.

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Tang not only provided the MSS information about specific individuals and events but also helped the MSS infiltrate a group chat on an encrypted messaging application used by numerous U.S.-based PRC dissidents and pro-democracy activists to communicate about pro-democracy issues and express criticism of the PRC government," the department said.

They further said that Tang has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The sentencing will be announced on January 29, 2026.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 23:42 IST

News world Chinese Dissident Who Led US Pro-Democracy Group Pleads Guilty To Spying For Beijing

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'Demolition Done, Now We Build': Israeli Minister Calls Gaza A 'Real Estate Bonanza'

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:07 IST

Israels far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said that plans are being discussed with the US, adding that "a business plan is on President Trumps table"

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Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. (AFP file photo)

Israels far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has called the war-torn Gaza Strip as a real estate bonanza" and claimed that plans are being discussed with the United States about dividing the territory once the fighting ends.

Speaking at the Urban Renewal Summit in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Smotrich said, We have done the demolition phase, which is always the first phase of urban renewal  now we need to build."

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He added that a business plan is on President Trumps table," suggesting that discussions with the US are already underway.

Trump had earlier in February floated a plan for the US to take a long-term ownership position" in Gaza. He had described the territory as having the potential to become the Riviera of the Middle East," CNN reported.

Such ideas, however, have drawn widespread criticism, as they involve the forced displacement of Palestinians and would violate international law. The notion of rebuilding Gaza without its native population has been condemned globally.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military offensive in Gaza continues. On Thursday, tanks and warplanes pounded parts of Gaza City, forcing thousands of civilians to flee amid airstrikes and heavy ground assaults. The area, already ravaged by nearly two years of war, is now suffering from a UN-declared famine, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

The US-backed assault began earlier this week and comes just as a United Nations probe accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The report claimed that Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had incited actions amounting to genocide. Israel has strongly rejected the accusations, calling the findings distorted and false."

The war began in October 2023 after Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, killing 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Since then, Israels retaliatory campaign has killed more than 65,000 people in Gaza, according to the territorys health ministry  figures the UN considers credible.

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Israeli officials estimate that 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remain in central Gaza City, and that around 40 percent of residents have fled the area.

(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 18, 2025, 19:07 IST

News world 'Demolition Done, Now We Build': Israeli Minister Calls Gaza A 'Real Estate Bonanza'

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'Disgusting': Elon Musk Reacts To Jimmy Kimmel's MAGA Remark On Charlie Kirk's Killing

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: September 19, 2025, 00:15 IST

Elon Musk's tone was consistent with how his once-BFF US President Donald Trump reacted to the media network ABC's move to suspend Jimmy Kimmels show for now

Tech billionaire Elon Musk chose to jump into the controversy around late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel's remarks over the Charlie Kirk killing. (Image: AP/File)

With a succinct reaction in line with his tone since slain far-right activist Charlie Kirks assassination, tech billionaire Elon Musk on Thursday chose to jump into the controversy around late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmels remarks over the killing.

Jimmy Kimmel is disgusting," wrote Musk, reacting to an X post by right-wing media personality Alex Christy, who shared the clip in which Kimmel essentially said Trumps support base tried to exploit Kirks assassination politically. Kimmel also commented on a clip in which Trump, responding to a question about grieving Kirks death, started talking about constructing a ballroom at the White House.

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Jimmy Kimmel is disgusting Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 17, 2025

Musks remarks were consistent with how his once-BFF Trump reacted to the media network ABCs move to suspend Kimmels show for now. President Donald Trump congratulated ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done", and went on to call two other late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, total losers".

Musk has been menacing in his tone on X, which he owns, in several posts since Kirks murder in Utah. He told his followers five times since Kirks death that they need to fight or die", and described the assassination as part of a deepening cultural and political conflict. He went on to add in a livestreamed speech on September 13 at a far-right rally in London that violence is coming".

This is part of increasingly aggressive rhetoric from the conservative media and political landscape, even though investigators have not yet found any certain political motives behind 22-year-old Tyler Robinsons shooting of Kirk.

Jimmy Kimmel referred to this situation in one of his comments.

Alex Christy, whose X post Musk replied to, quoted some parts: Jimmy Kimmel claims We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it, and This is not how an adult grieves the murder of somebody he [Trump] called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a gold fish, okay."

MAGA, short for Make America Great Again after Trumps slogan, is now also shorthand for Trumps conservative voter base.

These comments were apparently a reason why ABC suspended the show Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely beginning Wednesday. The move came after some affiliated stations said they would not air his latest episodes that featured the comments about Kirks killing.

Kimmel, a veteran comic, made several comments about the reaction to Kirks assassination on Monday and Tuesday nights.

ABC has aired Kimmels late-night show since 2003, but acted after Nexstar Communications Group, which runs 23 channels that use its content, said it would pull the show. Nexstar boss Andrew Alford termed Kimmels remarks offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse".

Kimmel, who has a contract till May of next year, made no immediate comment.

Trump and his support base  Charlie Kirk, 31, was also a major ally  have a running feud with late-night shows that they disparage as woke and leftist.

Trump seemed to have predicted what would happen to Kimmel after CBS cancelled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in July. Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social: I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!"

Like Colbert, Kimmel has been consistently critical of Trump and many of his policies.

On Kirks assassination, Kimmel also said that FBI chief Kash Patel has handled the investigation like a kid who didnt read the book".

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He returned to the topic on the night of September 16, mocking Vice President JD Vances performance as guest host for what used to be Kirks podcast. Kimmel said Trump was fanning the flames" by attacking people on the left over Kirks killing.

(With agency inputs)

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 19, 2025, 00:07 IST

News world 'Disgusting': Elon Musk Reacts To Jimmy Kimmel's MAGA Remark On Charlie Kirk's Killing

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FBI Chief Kash Patel Heckled Over Epstein Case: 'You Don't Care About Kids Getting Raped'

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 19:39 IST

FBI Director Kash Patel faced Senate scrutiny over Jeffrey Epstein files.

FBI Director Kash Patel (Image Credit: Reuters)

FBI Director Kash Patel came under sharp scrutiny during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where Democrats pressed him on the agencys handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and activists heckled him in the halls of the Capitol.

A video of the confrontation, which has since gone viral, showed activists shouting at Kash Patel, You dont care about kids getting raped." Another accuses him of serving Israeli interests, saying, Youre claiming to serve the American people? You are serving Israel." Kash Patel did not respond directly and was seen walking past the hecklers in silence.

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During the hearing, Kash Patel was grilled by Democrats over what they said was a cover-up of Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Rep. Jamie Raskin played a clip from a 2023 interview in which Kash Patel said the FBI had possession of Epsteins black book" of client names.

Jamie Raskin pressed Kash Patel, asking, How did you go from being a crusader for accountability and transparency for the Epstein files to being a part of the conspiracy and cover up?"

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Kash Patel responded that the FBI had released all information that was legally allowed" and insisted no secret client list was being withheld. The Justice Department announced in July that no such list exists and that it would not be releasing further files.

Kash Patel also signaled the bureau would investigate US President Donald Trumps claim that a letter to Jeffrey Epstein, allegedly signed by him, was forged. When asked by Rep. Jared Moskowitz whether he would probe the Jeffrey Epstein estate for circulating a fake document, Kash Patel first questioned the premise but eventually said, Sure, Ill do it."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 19:35 IST

News world FBI Chief Kash Patel Heckled Over Epstein Case: 'You Don't Care About Kids Getting Raped'

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Former Nepal PM KP Oli Moves To Private House After Army Protection Amid Protests

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 22:26 IST

KP Sharma Oli was evacuated by helicopter to a secured army location on September 9.

KP Sharma Oli (Reuters)

Deposed Nepalese prime minister KP Sharma Oli left army protection and shifted to a private residence after spending nine days at a Nepal Army barracks following violent anti-establishment protests earlier this month. KP Oli, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), moved out this week, though his exact location has not been officially disclosed. Media reports suggest he is now staying in a private house in Gundu, Bhaktapur district, about 15 km east of Kathmandu.

The former premier was evacuated by helicopter to a secured army location, believed to be in the Shivapuri forest area north of Kathmandu, on September 9- the day he resigned. That same day, Gen Zled protesters torched his residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur and partially set fire to the Prime Ministers Office. Though KP Oli escaped unhurt, his home was reduced to ashes in the unrest.

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Other Nepal Leaders Under Army Protection

KP Oli was not the only senior leader to seek military shelter. Former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Jhalanath Khanal and Madhav Kumar Nepal were also placed under protection for a period. While most have since returned home, Deuba and his wife, former foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba, remain under army guard in hospital as they recover from injuries sustained during the protests.

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Nepals government collapsed after violent demonstrations against a sweeping ban on 26 social media platforms escalated into a nationwide anti-corruption movement. Organized by the youth collective Hami Nepal, tens of thousands took to the streets, with clashes leaving 72 people dead as mobs torched government buildings and politicians homes.

Facing mounting pressure, KP Oli resigned on September 9, paving the way for the Nepali Army to broker an interim administration under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The caretaker government has been tasked with restoring order and holding new elections by March 2026.

Location : Nepal

First Published: September 18, 2025, 22:26 IST

News world Former Nepal PM KP Oli Moves To Private House After Army Protection Amid Protests

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'Great News For America': Trump Celebrates ABC Taking Jimmy Kimmel Off Air Over Charlie Kirk Row

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 07:14 IST

The controversy stems from comments Kimmel made during his Monday monologue, where he addressed the political fallout surrounding Kirk's death

Trump took to social media to celebrate. (File image/Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has celebrated ABCs decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live" after the late-night hosts controversial remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network confirmed on Wednesday that Kimmels show would be pre-empted indefinitely" following a public backlash and threats of regulatory action.

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The controversy stems from comments Kimmel made during his Monday monologue, where he addressed the political fallout surrounding Kirks death. Kimmel suggested that the MAGA gang" was desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them" and trying to score political points. The remarks were widely condemned as insensitive and offensive, with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr calling the conduct sickest possible" and suggesting that the FCC could take action against ABC affiliates.

In the wake of the suspension, Donald Trump took to his social media platform to celebrate the news. In a post, he wrote, Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED." He went on to congratulate ABC for having the courage to do what had to be done," while also targeting other late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, on NBC.

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The decision to pull the show came after Nexstar Media Group, which operates a significant number of ABC-affiliated stations, announced it would no longer air the programme due to Kimmels comments. An ABC spokesperson confirmed the networks decision, stating that the comments were offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse" and did not reflect the values of the communities they serve.

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 18, 2025, 06:51 IST

News world 'Great News For America': Trump Celebrates ABC Taking Jimmy Kimmel Off Air Over Charlie Kirk Row

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Israel To Cut Funding For 'Israeli Oscars' After Film About Palestinian Boy Wins Top Awards

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 17:09 IST

Israel's Culture Ministry criticised the Ophir Awards - known as the 'Israeli Oscars' - after 'The Sea', a movie about a Palestinian boy, won Best Picture and other awards.

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'The Sea', about a Palestinian boy's dream of seeing the ocean, won big at the 'Israeli Oscars'. (Israeli Film Foundation)

Israels Culture Minister has pledged to cut funding for the countrys film academy, also known as the Israeli Oscars, and its annual awards show after a movie about a Palestinian boys dream of seeing the ocean won the top accolade.

The Israeli Academy of Film and Television awarded the 2025 Best Picture award to The Sea" at the Ophir Awards on Tuesday, according to CNN. The film follows a young boys road trip from his home of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank to the coastal city of Tel Aviv.

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The movie was directed by Shai Carmeli Pollak and is set to represent Israel at the Oscars in the International Feature Film category. It also won four other awards, including four other awards, including best actor for 13-year-old Muhammad Ghazawi, the youngest recipient of the award.

During the ceremony, multiple filmmakers and nominees urged an end to the war in Gaza, while others voiced criticism of the Israeli government. This film is about every childs right to live in peace, a basic right we will not give up on," said Baher Agbariya. We are all equal."

Israel Slams Disgraceful Ceremony

A day after the Israeli ceremony, the Israeli Ministry of Culture announced it would withdraw state funding for the disgraceful ceremony" starting next year. The ministry said the movie presents the Palestinian perspective" and depicts the Israeli military and country in a negative way".

The fact that the winning film depicts our heroic soldiers in a defamatory and false way while they fight and risk their lives to protect us no longer surprises anyone," said Culture Minister Miki Zohar, calling the movie a spit in the face of Israeli citizens".

On Wednesday, Zohar announced the creation of Israeli State Oscar", a new government-sponsored film awards ceremony to award Israeli filmmakers and movies that reflect the nations values and spirit", reported CNN.

However, the Israeli Academy defended the selection process for movies, saying it is conducted by academy members, creators, filmmakers, and cultural figures, who choose the best of Israeli cinema with a commitment to cinematic excellence, artistic freedom, and freedom of expression."

Meanwhile, legal experts are questioning the legality of defunding the academy. Oded Feller, the legal adviser of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, told CNN that Zohar is waving empty threats" and has no authority to withhold the funds. The ministrys budget does not belong to his mother, and he is not empowered to interfere with cultural content or the professional judgment of those who select the films," he said.

Gaza War On Display At Emmys

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The ongoing war in Gaza, which has left more than 64,000 Palestinians dead and sparked widespread outrage, was raised at this weeks Emmy awards, where actors including Hannah Einbinder and Javier Bardem called for a ceasefire. Over 1,000 actors and directors have vowed not to work with Israeli film institutions.

Writer Daniel OBrien, who accepted the award for best scripted variety series on behalf of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," spoke of a growing feeling in Hollywood that speaking out against the present US government is increasingly hard.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : Jerusalem, Israel

First Published: September 18, 2025, 17:09 IST

News world Israel To Cut Funding For 'Israeli Oscars' After Film About Palestinian Boy Wins Top Awards

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France's Macron To Submit 'Scientific Evidence' In Court To Prove Wife Brigitte Is A Woman

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Last Updated: September 19, 2025, 11:23 IST

Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte are planning to present photos and scientific proof to counter claims Brigitte Macron was born male.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte plan to present photographic and scientific evidence in a US court to counter claims promoted by American commentator Candace Owens that Brigitte Macron was born male. The Macrons filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens in July, accusing her of amplifying conspiracy theories despite all credible evidence disproving her claim."

Candance Owens lawyers responded with a motion to dismiss, arguing the case should not proceed in Delaware, where it was filed, because it does not relate to her businesses in the state.

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The couples lawyer Tom Clare told the BBC that the claims had been incredibly upsetting" for Brigitte Macron and a distraction for the French president. He confirmed the couple was prepared to submit photographic proof, including images of Brigitte Macron pregnant, alongside scientific evidence and expert testimony.

It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put this type of proof forward. But shes willing to do it. She is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight," Tom Clare said.

Tom Clare added that while the process would be uncomfortable, Brigitte Macron was determined. The lawyer said, If that unpleasantness and that discomfort  is what it takes to stop this, shes 100% ready to meet that burden."

Candace Owens, a right-wing influencer with millions of followers, has repeatedly promoted the theory that Brigitte Macron is a man, vowing in March 2024 to stake her entire professional reputation" on the claim. The allegation originated in fringe online spaces, including a 2021 YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey.

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The Macrons won a defamation case in France against Roy and Rey in 2024, but that decision was overturned on appeal in 2025 on freedom of expression grounds. The French first couple is currently appealing.

In an interview earlier this year, Emmanuel Macron said, This is about defending my honour! Because this is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-right leaders."

Location : France

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:03 IST

News world France's Macron To Submit 'Scientific Evidence' In Court To Prove Wife Brigitte Is A Woman

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US Court Orders Deportation Of Pro-Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil To Syria Or Algeria

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 07:45 IST

A Louisiana court has ordered the deportation of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil to Syria or Algeria for failing to disclose information on his green card application.

A file photo of Mahmoud Khalil (AFP)

Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil is being deported to Syria or Algeria for failing to disclose certain information on his green card application, multiple reports on Thursday suggested.

The order in this regard was passed by an immigration judge in Louisiana, according to documents filed in federal court Wednesday by his lawyers.

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Politico stated that Khalils lawyers suggested in a filing that they intend to appeal the deportation order. They, however, expressed concern that the appeal process will likely be swift and unfavourable.

MAHMOUD KHALIL AND THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PROTESTS

Khalil has been one of the most prominent leaders of the US pro-Palestinian campus protests.

Last year, Columbia University found itself at the centre of a firestorm over claims of anti-Semitism triggered by campus protests against Israels war in Gaza.

Some Jewish students claimed they were intimidated and that authorities did not act to protect them.

The university announced a wave of various student punishments, including expulsions and degree revocations, against nearly 80 students involved in the pro-Palestinian protest movement that has called on the university to divest from Israel.

Later, Mahmoud Khalil, himself a Columbia University graduate, sued the Donald Trump administration for $20 million over his arrest and detention by immigration agents.

Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the United States who is married to a US citizen, missed the birth of his son while being held in a federal immigration detention centre in Louisiana.

Khalil had been in custody following his arrest in March. The 30-year-old was freed in June, hours after a judge ordered his release on bail.

The administration carried out its illegal plan to arrest, detain, and deport Mr. Khalil in a manner calculated to terrorise him and his family, a claim read," according to the Centre for Constitutional Rights, which backed Khalil.

Khalil suffered severe emotional distress, economic hardship (and) damage to his reputation," the claim added.

The Columbia University graduate was a figurehead of student protests against US ally Israels war in Gaza, and the Trump administration labelled him a national security threat.

Khalil called the lawsuit a first step towards accountability."

In July this year, Columbia University said it would pay $200 million to the US government after President Donald Trump threatened to pull federal funding over what he said was its unwillingness to protect Jewish students.

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Columbia pledged to obey rules that bar it from taking race into consideration in admissions or hiring, among other concessions.

ALSO READ | Thousands Of Anti-Trump Protesters March In London As US President Attends Events In Windsor

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 07:34 IST

News world US Court Orders Deportation Of Pro-Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil To Syria Or Algeria

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'Necessary To Unite': Russian MP Urges India To Join BRICS Children's Welfare Initiative

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 22:19 IST

In a video message, Kuznetsov, who is a Deputy of the State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke about the importance of cooperation among BRICS nations

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Russian MP Dmitry Kuznetsov. (Image via X)

Russian MP Dmitry Kuznetsov has called on India to join a new BRICS initiative focused on childrens welfare and family values. In a video message, Kuznetsov, who is a Deputy of the State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke about the importance of cooperation among BRICS nations to secure a better future for the next generation.

I am very pleased that colleagues from South Africa and Brazil have signed an agreement to create a permanent union, within the framework of which we can work together to help our BRICS children," Kuznetsov said.

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Power Of Papa: Russia Asks India To Join BRICS Fathers UnionRussia, Brazil, and South Africa have launched an International Fathers Union at the BRICS Traditional Values Forum in Brasilia and are now calling on India to join to uphold family values. pic.twitter.com/WUusA50BUA  RT_India (@RT_India_news) September 18, 2025

The Russian minister stressed the need for unity, shared values, and mutual understanding in addressing global problems.

There are still many, many problems that we can solve together. It is in brotherhood, in mutual expression, and in the values that underlie the self-awareness of the people," he added.

Reaching out directly to India, Kuznetsov said, Dear Indian public organisations, dear Indian colleagues who share the values of fatherhood, understand that it is necessary to unite for the happiness of our children and for the future of our planet."

Please join us, we are open and looking forward to moving towards a better future together," he urged.

Kuznetsov added that Indian parliamentarians, public groups, and government officials have an important role to play in this movement, which he described as a step towards ensuring happiness and security for children across BRICS nations.

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We must hope that our colleagues from India, parliamentarians, representatives of public organisations and executive authorities will also join our paternal movement, because we are the ones who are responsible for ensuring that everything in our countries, in our relations, is good," he concluded his message.

The BRICS is a forum for cooperation among a group of leading emerging economies. It now includes 10 countries  Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

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 : Russia

First Published: September 18, 2025, 22:18 IST

News world 'Necessary To Unite': Russian MP Urges India To Join BRICS Children's Welfare Initiative

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'Not Here To Replace People': Albania's AI Minister In First Parliament Address

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 18:37 IST

The AI minister, named Diella, said the real danger to constitutions is not machines, but the inhumane decisions made by those in power

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Albania's new AI-generated minister "Diella" speaks during the parliamentary session for the voting of the new government. (AFP photo)

Albanias new AI-generated minister, the worlds first AI government minister, made her first speech to parliament on Thursday. In her address, she said the real danger" to constitutions is not machines, but the inhumane decisions" made by those in power.

The AI minister, named Diella, meaning sun" in Albanian, defended her role by saying she is not here to replace people, but to help them."

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Diella was appointed just last week by Albanias Prime Minister Edi Rama. In her speech, she responded to critics who called her appointment unconstitutional" because she is not human.

She said, Let me remind you, the real danger to constitutions has never been the machines but the inhumane decisions of those in power."

Diella appeared on screen as a woman dressed in traditional Albanian clothing. However, it remains unclear how the video of her speech was created or where the speech itself originated.

PM Rama said last week that Diella would oversee all public tender decisions. He promised the process would be 100 per cent corruption-free" and completely transparent. Diella was first introduced in January as a virtual assistant to help people navigate Albanias official e-government platform, e-Albania.

Albania currently ranks 80th out of 180 countries on Transparency Internationals corruption index. The capital Tiranas mayor, once a close ally of Rama, has been held in pretrial detention for months over corruption and money laundering allegations linked to public contracts.

However, the AI ministers appointment has angered the opposition. Albanian former Prime Minister and opposition leader Sali Berisha, who has faced his own corruption accusations, dismissed Diella as a stunt to attract attention.

Berisha said it is impossible to fight corruption with an AI and questioned who would control Diella. Berisha added that the Democratic Party plans to take the matter to the Constitutional Court.

The governments plan was approved after a heated debate in which the opposition boycotted the vote. Diella also addressed concerns about legality, saying the law requires duties, responsibilities, transparency, without discrimination," and claimed to embody these values as strictly as any human minister.

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Fighting corruption is a key part of Albanias goal to join the European Union. Rama hopes to lead the country of 2.8 million people into the EU by 2030.

(With inputs from AFP)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Albania

First Published: September 18, 2025, 18:37 IST

News world 'Not Here To Replace People': Albania's AI Minister In First Parliament Address

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Pakistan Military Convoy Struck By Explosives-Laden Vehicle In Balochistan, Multiple Casualties Feared

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 17:32 IST

Initial reports said three to four soldiers were killed in what could be a suicide attack but there is still no confirmation on the number of deaths

Kech is a stronghold of Baloch separatists and the Pakistan military has lost over 150 personnel in attacks in this area. (Image for representation: AFP)

Reports of the death of three to four soldiers have come in from Balochistans Kech area in a major attack on a military convoy on Thursday.

According to sources, multiple casualties are feared in what could be a suicide attack. There is still no confirmation on the number of deaths.

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This comes only days after a Pakistani army captain and four other security personnel were killed in an IED explosion on their military vehicle in the same area of Balochistan, amid sustained attacks targeting security forces carried out by Baloch separatists.

Initial reports indicate that a convoy carrying Pakistan security forces personnel was struck by an explosives-laden vehicle on the M8 near Kencheti Cross, Dasht Khadan, which is 60 km from Turbat in Kech.

Pakistani government sources have said Kech is a stronghold of Baloch separatists, and the military has lost more than 150 security personnel in attacks in this area this year alone. On September 15, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) released a video online of coordinated attacks in Tump and Zamuran, both located in Kech district. Its official media wing, Hakkal, released video footage purportedly showing multiple IED attacks targeting Pakistani military forces in these regions.

Figures of attacks provided by the BLA in July state that it conducted 284 armed attacks in the first half of 2025 resulting in the deaths of more than 668 Pakistani military personnel. This was during a phase of intensified conflict that included fidayeen assaults, the capture of towns, and the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, reported The Balochistan Post.

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The report said the number of attacks carried out by the BLA in just the first six months of 2025 has nearly matched the groups total operations for the entire previous year. In 2024, it had claimed responsibility for 302 attacks, which reportedly led to over 580 deaths and more than 370 injuries.

(With agency inputs)

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: September 18, 2025, 17:32 IST

News world Pakistan Military Convoy Struck By Explosives-Laden Vehicle In Balochistan, Multiple Casualties Feared

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Russia Using Nazi-Era Weapons As Arsenal Runs Thin In Ukraine War: Report

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Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 21:32 IST

Ukraines Major Oleh Shyriaiev said that Russias reliance on outdated technology was not unusual.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia has reportedly begun deploying Nazi-era weapons in its war against Ukraine as its military stockpiles dwindle and the Kremlin scrambles to replenish its arsenal. Ukraines Tur" reconnaissance unit said it discovered cone-shaped Nazi detonators, marked with swastikas and stamped 1934, in a Russian depot.

Nazi weapons are still being used to kill people. The Hitler and Stalin regimes are gone, but the Putin regime has replaced them; the names differ, but the essence remains the same," the unit said, according to the New York Post.

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WWII Weapons On Battlefield

Ukraines Major Oleh Shyriaiev told the outlet that Russias reliance on outdated technology was not unusual.

We have seen many times that Russia has been using equipment from the times of the Second World War," he said. Ukrainian authorities said the detonators likely date back to agreements between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939 and 1940, when the USSR received military equipment from Berlin. The devices are believed to have been kept in Russian depots since then.

Oleh Shyriaiev added that Russian troops had even deployed bolt-action Mosin-Nagant rifles  weapons developed in the late 19th century and predating the AK-47 by decades- which had been taken from military museums.

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US Special Presidential Envoy Keith noted Russias growing reliance on antiquated hardware, saying, [Russia is] pulling tanks out of mothballs, out of museums, to put on the battle line. They cant operate in large movements because the Ukrainians will kill them. And Ukrainians are fighting valiantly on there."

Oleh Shyriaiev also said that Russia has mounted World War II-era naval guns on trailers and tried to refurbish early-model infantry fighting vehicles pulled from storage.

Location : Russia

First Published: September 18, 2025, 21:32 IST

News world Russia Using Nazi-Era Weapons As Arsenal Runs Thin In Ukraine War: Report

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23 Injured In Fresh Clashes At Thailand-Cambodia Border; Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets Fired

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 11:37 IST

Clashes erupted at the Thailand-Cambodia border after both sides accused each other of encroachment, with Thai forces using tear gas and rubber bullets to control protesters.

hai army and police preparing to lay barbed wire in a disputed area along the Cambodia-Thailand border (Photo: AFP)

Fresh clashes erupted at the Thailand-Cambodia border on Wednesday after both sides accused each other of encroaching on the disputed boundary. Cambodias information minister, Neth Pheaktra, said 23 Cambodians were injured in the clashes.

He also accused Thai officials of using tear gas, rubber bullets and noise-making devices against Cambodian civilians."

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Meanwhile, the Thai military defended its move and said its army personnel were laying barbed wire on the border in Sa Kaeo when around 200 Cambodians gathered to protest.

It became necessary to use tear gas and rubber bullets to control the situation, and make the crowd pull back from the area," it said, adding the Cambodians had thrown rocks and other items at Thai personnel.

Cambodians violated Thai soil and Cambodian authorities did not stop them, it was a provocation which is a violation of the ceasefire," news agency AFP quoted the Thai military as saying.

Pheaktra was quoted as saying that local authorities reported 23 Cambodians, including a soldier and a Buddhist monk, had been injured.

The stand-off took place on Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province, he added in a message released to the media.

A widely shared video on social media showed a Cambodian picking up a tear gas grenade bare-handed and throwing it towards the Thai officers.

The clashes were reported from a disputed border area, and were being seen as the most significant escalation since both sides declared a ceasefire to end a deadly five-day conflict in July, as per Reuters.

(News18 could not independently verify the authenticity of the video).

THE THAILAND-CAMBODIA BORDER DISPUTE

While Thailand has been maintaining that the disputed frontier settlement is a part of its Ban Nong Ya Kaew village in Sa Kaeo province, Cambodia says it is a part of Prey Chan village in Bantheay Meanchey province.

Last month, the Thai authorities erected barbed wire fences in the area, and for weeks, there have been protests by civilians from both sides of the border.

Both countries have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony.

Tensions over disputed areas spiralled into a border conflict in July, when the fiercest fighting between the neighbours in decades killed at least 48 people and temporarily displaced hundreds of thousands.

The fighting ended after both countries agreed to a ceasefire brokered in Malaysia on July 28, and the border has largely remained calm since.

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ALSO READ | Thai Supreme Court Orders Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra To Serve One-Year Prison Sentence

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: September 18, 2025, 11:24 IST

News world 23 Injured In Fresh Clashes At Thailand-Cambodia Border; Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets Fired

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Trump Hails UK-US Relationship As He Thanks King Charles For 'Highest Honours Of His Life'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 09:24 IST

Trump's speech at the banquet followed one from King Charles, who referenced trade, Ukraine, and environmentalism.

US President Donald Trump gives banquet speech.

Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the special relationship between the United States and Britain as he paid a gushing tribute to King Charles during his historic second state visit, calling it one of the highest honours of his life".

This is one of the highest honour in my life, His Majesty the King has epitomised the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of British Monarchy and the British people," Trump said in Windsor, United Kingdom.

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VIDEO | Windsor, United Kingdom: US President Donald Trump (@POTUS) says, This is one of the highest honour in my life, His Majesty the King has epitomised the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of British Monarchy and the British people."(Source: Third Party) (Full video pic.twitter.com/O3rP5De669  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 18, 2025

Trump and his wife, Melania, were treated to the full array of British pageantry. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. Its irreplaceable and unbreakable," Trump said in a speech during a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle, family home to British monarchs for almost 1,000 years.

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Trumps speech at the banquet followed one from the King, who referenced trade, Ukraine, and environmentalism. The monarch said the UK and US fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny" during the First and Second World War, and added, Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace."

Trump arrived in London on late Tuesday and said he loved being back in the United Kingdom, calling it a very special place". When asked if he had a message for Charles, he said the king was a longtime friend of his and well-respected.

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 Kingdom (UK)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 09:23 IST

News world Trump Hails UK-US Relationship As He Thanks King Charles For 'Highest Honours Of His Life'

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Trump Says He Shares Very Good Relationship With PM Modi As Trade Tensions Thaw

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 20:58 IST

US President Donald Trump highlighted his close relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump. (Image: PTI/File)

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his personal rapport with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing ties between Washington and New Delhi as very good". Donald Trump said, I am very close to India, I am very close to the PM of India. I spoke to him the other day. I wished him a happy birthday. We have a very good relationship."

His comments came a day after Prime Minister Modi thanked Donald Trump for his birthday greetings ahead of his 75th birthday, pledging to further strengthen the India-US partnership.

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Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict," PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Donald Trump, in turn, highlighted their exchange on Truth Social, posting, Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!"

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The warm words come after ties between the two countries strained over tariffs as Washington imposed steep duties on Indian goods, including a 50% levy on imports and a 25% tariff on Indian purchases of Russian oil- among the toughest measures applied to any country.

For the first time since the tariffs were announced, negotiators from both sides met this week to chart next steps. The talks, which the US described as positive," are being seen as an attempt to restore momentum in bilateral discussions. Amid the dispute, India and the US have been engaging almost weekly at trade, ministerial and diplomatic levels. Five rounds of negotiations on the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) have already been completed, while a sixth round- originally scheduled for August 2529- was postponed following the tariff hike.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 20:45 IST

News world Trump Says He Shares Very Good Relationship With PM Modi As Trade Tensions Thaw

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Trump Says Hell Speak To Xi Jinping On TikTok Deal, Praises Apps Role In His Poll Win

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 20:41 IST

Donald Trump plans to speak with Xi Jinping to finalize a TikTok deal, the US President said.

US President Donald Trump with Chinese leader Xi Jinping | File Image/Reuters

US President Donald Trump said he will speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to try to finalise a deal over TikTok, calling the short-video platform very popular with young people." Donald Trump credited TikTok with helping him during his 2024 re-election campaign, describing it as a powerful tool for reaching voters.

I would rather have it owned by straight, legitimate companies here," he said, stressing that the technological and financial benefits of TikTok should remain in the US.

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The US President did not provide further details about his planned conversation with Xi Jinping.

TikTok, which has more than 170 million users in the United States, has been at the centre of protracted negotiations between Washington and Beijing amid escalating trade tensions.

Earlier this week, Donald Trump announced that the US and China had reached a deal allowing TikTok to continue operating in America, with its US assets to be transferred from Beijing-based ByteDance to American owners.

Any agreement will likely face scrutiny in Congress, which in 2024 passed a law under then-President Joe Biden requiring TikToks divestiture over fears that American user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Lawmakers have repeatedly warned the app could be exploited for surveillance or influence operations.

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Although the Donald Trump administration inherited the law, it delayed enforcement three times, citing concerns that banning TikTok could alienate millions of users and disrupt political communication.

Donald Trump has openly acknowledged TikToks role in his electoral success before as well. His personal account has more than 15 million followers while the White House launched its own official TikTok account last month.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 20:37 IST

News world Trump Says Hell Speak To Xi Jinping On TikTok Deal, Praises Apps Role In His Poll Win

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Trump Says Vladimir Putin 'Really Let Me Down' As Ukraine Peace Talks Stall

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 20:25 IST

Donald Trump expressed disappointment with Vladimir Putin over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump (Image Credit: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump voiced frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring his counterpart had really let me down" as the war in Ukraine grinds on with no sign of resolution.

Putin let me down, he really let me down. Russia and Ukraine will get done. But you never know in war. War is a different thing. Things happen that are the very opposite of what you thought," Donald Trump said.

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The remarks build on comments earlier this week in which Donald Trump admitted his patience with Vladimir Putin was running out fast," though he stopped short of announcing new sanctions.

The US president said he had long maintained a good relationship" with the Russian leader but was disappointed by his failure to bring the conflict to an end.

Were going to have to come down very, very strong," Donald Trump warned, citing sanctions on Russian banks and oil as possible next steps.

Russia-Ukraine War Continues

Donald Trumps comments came as Russias top general Valery Gerasimov claimed Moscows forces were advancing in practically all directions" across Ukraine. Touring frontline positions, Gerasimov said the fiercest clashes were around the strategic hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Donetsk, where Ukrainian troops were committing their best-trained units." He argued this was allowing Russian troops to gain ground in other sectors.

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Our troops in the zone of the special military operation are advancing in practically all directions," Gerasimov said.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disputed that assessment, insisting Russian forces had made little progress despite recent offensives.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 18, 2025, 20:25 IST

News world Trump Says Vladimir Putin 'Really Let Me Down' As Ukraine Peace Talks Stall

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Trump Seeks To Regain Bagram Air Base, Citing China As Strategic Threat | Exclusive Details

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: September 19, 2025, 01:47 IST

According to top intelligence sources, a US comeback in Bagram would have profound geopolitical implications

President Trump, in a striking revelation, linked the base's strategic value directly to China's nuclear programme. File pic

In a significant policy shift, United States President Donald Trump has expressed his determination to see the US regain control of Afghanistans Bagram Air Base, which was abandoned during the 2021 troop withdrawal. Trump stated, Were trying to get it back," arguing that the US cannot afford to leave such a critical asset in the hands of the Taliban or any other power.

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The primary motivation for this strategic push, according to a top source, is a growing fear of Chinas expanding influence in the region. President Trump, in a striking revelation, linked the bases strategic value directly to Chinas nuclear programme. One of the reasons we want the base, as you know, is its an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons," he said, suggesting that a US presence at Bagram would serve as a powerful check on Beijings regional ambitions. The Bagram Air Base, which served as the linchpin for US operations during its two-decade war in Afghanistan, was the largest foreign military facility in the country, from which air strikes and resupply missions were conducted.

According to top intelligence sources, a US comeback in Bagram would have profound geopolitical implications. It would directly threaten Chinas Belt and Road" projects and nuclear facilities near Xinjiang, placing Beijing on high alert. The move would also significantly undermine Pakistans leverage over the Taliban regime. Islamabad, which had celebrated the American withdrawal as a strategic victory, would see its monopoly over the Talibans leadership and its bargaining power in Afghanistan diluted. This would catch Pakistan, a key ally of China, in a difficult crossfire, leaving it unable to overtly obstruct a US re-entry for fear of inviting punitive measures such as FATF-type pressures.

The return of a United States military presence would also create immense stress for the Taliban, forcing them to balance their relationships with competing global powersChina, Pakistan, Russia, and Iranwhile now facing potential US demands. This complex balancing act could create space for rival factions and the expansion of groups like ISIS-K. Ultimately, the potential re-establishment of Bagram as a US military hub would not only symbolise a reversal of the 2021 withdrawal but also usher in a new, more complicated era of geopolitical manoeuvring in Central and South Asia.

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About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: September 19, 2025, 01:47 IST

News world Trump Seeks To Regain Bagram Air Base, Citing China As Strategic Threat | Exclusive Details

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'Two Total Losers': After Kimmel's Show Pulled, Trump Targets Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 11:59 IST

The US President's remarks showcase his feud with late-night television shows, a space that questioned his moves and criticised him.

US President Donald Trump. (AFP photo)

US President Donald Trump celebrated the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmels late-night talk show, using the opportunity to not only commend its cancellation but also to extend his long-standing criticism of other late-night hosts.

Jimmy Kimmels show was taken off air on Wednesday, hours after the US government threatened to cancel broadcasting licenses due to comments Kimmel made about the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

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On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump hailed the cancellation as great news for America" and stated that Kimmel had zero talent."

Trump didnt stop at Kimmel. He redirected his criticism to fellow late-night comedians Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and Stephen Colbert, who have also been frequent critics of his presidency. In the same post on Truth Social, Trump referred to them as total losers."

The US President added, Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible," Trump wrote. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC."

Earlier in August, Trump had called popular late-night host Stephen Colbert talentless after CBS announced in July it would cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert following a 10-year run.

The US Presidents remarks showcase his feud with late-night television shows, a space that questioned his moves and criticised him.

How Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers Mocked Trump Recently

Seth Meyers, an American comedian, writer, actor, and television host, best known for hosting Late Night with Seth Meyers on NBC, on a recent episode of his show on September 16, spoke about President Donald Trumps foreign policy stance, comparing his approach to peer pressure among teenagers.

He joked that Trumps conditional stance on sanctioning Russia was like saying, Ill do it first if you do it first," and ridiculed his writing style, comparing it to a scam email, Why does the President of the United States write with the uneven grammar and syntax of a scammer sending you a fake job listing?"

Meyers remarks followed after Trump announced on Truth Social that he was ready to enact sanctions against Russia for flying drones into Polands airspace but not until all NATO nations had agreed to stop buying oil from Russia.

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Jimmy Fallon poked fun at Trumps visit to the UK on September 17, joking that the president loves Britain because when he holds a little tea sandwich, his hands look normal-sized."

He also teased Trumps connection to King Charles, saying, Over the years, Trump and Charles have actually bonded because they both know what its like to inherit everything they have. Besides that, they also know what its like to spend all day on the throne."

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 18, 2025, 11:59 IST

News world 'Two Total Losers': After Kimmel's Show Pulled, Trump Targets Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers

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'We Feel Betrayed': Why Flooded Philippines Is Angry With Nepo Babies, Just Like Nepal

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 16:46 IST

Weeks of monsoon rains flood the Philippines, sparking anger over corruption in flood control projects, targeting nepo babies.

The Philippines is no stranger to seasonal floods but this years rains have been especially destructive.

Weeks of heavy monsoon rains have left much of the Philippines submerged but the floodwaters have also unleashed a wave of public anger. At the center of it are the children of powerful families flaunting wealth while infrastructure meant to keep communities dry collapses. The crisis has spotlighted alleged corruption in flood control projects.

Why Are Floods Sparking Anger In Philippines?

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The Philippines is no stranger to seasonal floods but this years rains have been especially destructive. Streets have turned into rivers, millions have been stranded and hospitals are treating outbreaks of leptospirosis. Philippines President Ferdinand Bongbong" Marcos Jr admitted that some projects that were aimed at controlling floods never even existed- including a supposed flood control dam. The countrys economic planning minister said 70% of the money allocated for flood works was siphoned off. The fallout has already toppled powerful figures as the House Speaker resigned and the Senate leader was ousted over links to questionable contractors.

What Are Nepo Babies Being Targetted?

The fury isnt limited to politicians and contractors as ordinary Filipinos are now directing their anger at their children- branded online as nepo babies." On TikTok, Facebook and X, users are sharing clips of privileged heirs flaunting Dior, Fendi and Hermes while sarcastically thanking taxpayers for sponsoring" their lifestyle. Some of those targeted have disabled comments or deleted their accounts altogether.

Much of the outrage has centered on Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, contractors whose firm won billions in flood control contracts. Once hailed for their rags-to-riches" story, the couple are now symbols of greed. Videos have resurfaced showing them boasting about three dozen luxury cars, including multiple Mercedes Maybachs and Porsches in matching colours.

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What Happens Next?

A mass anti-corruption protest is planned for September 21, the anniversary of martial law under Marcos Sr. President Marcos Jr has promised an inquiry to unmask the swindlers" but urged protesters to remain peaceful. Activist group Creators Against Corruption said, We will be relentless. We will be loud. We will be a mirror held up to power, and we will not look away until justice is served."

Location : Philippines

First Published: September 18, 2025, 16:46 IST

News world 'We Feel Betrayed': Why Flooded Philippines Is Angry With Nepo Babies, Just Like Nepal

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'We're Defamed For Bribes, But US Politicians...': Pakistan's Khawaja Asif Drops Another Bizarre Remark

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 07:32 IST

Asif argued that the image of Pakistan has been unjustly maligned over corruption and said that the US has institutionalised such practices under the guise of political funding.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. (IMAGE: X)

In another bizarre remark, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that his country is being defamed for corruption, while America has been accepting bribes from Israel openly.

We are being defamed for taking bribes. American politicians accept bribes from Israel openly. If I have to take bribes, I will do it in a backroom somewhere," Asif was heard saying during an interview with Geo TV.

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Americans take money from Israeli lobbyists openly. We Pakistanis at least go to a private room and take money under the table."So Pakistan takes money from Israel secretly, admits Personal Assistant to Asim Mumir (Pak defense minister) Khwaja Asifpic.twitter.com/LJHnauAOxv  Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) September 17, 2025

Asif argued that the image of Pakistan has been unjustly maligned over corruption, claiming that while Islamabad is constantly accused of corruption, the US has institutionalised such practices under the guise of political funding.

The Pakistani ministers statement comes amid allegations related to a lack of transparency and increasing corruption in Pakistan. Earlier in August, Asif alleged that more than half of Pakistans top diplomats were using black money to leave for Portugal.

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In an X post, he wrote that the top bureaucrats were moving black money from Pakistan to Portugal. In the post, the defence minister wrote that senior bureaucrats were moving black money out of Pakistan, specifically criticising aides linked to former Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar.

Notably, in June this year, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faced a corruption trial in which President Trump supported him and termed it a witch hunt. The cases filed in 2019 alleged the Israeli leader of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian poli... Read More

Location : Pakistan

First Published: September 18, 2025, 07:31 IST

News world 'We're Defamed For Bribes, But US Politicians...': Pakistan's Khawaja Asif Drops Another Bizarre Remark

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Will Mutual Defence Deal Between Saudi Arabia And Pakistan Reshape Middle East Power Balance? Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 15:30 IST

Diplomatic insiders say Israels growing willingness to project military power beyond its immediate borders, including into Qatar, served as a wake-up call for Saudi policymakers

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (X @CMShehbaz)

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and Israels increasingly assertive regional posture, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have taken a bold step by signing a comprehensive Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. The landmark pact, signed in Riyadhs Royal Palace by Saudi Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marks a dramatic recalibration of military and geopolitical alignments across the Islamic world.

A New Defence Axis in the Muslim World

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Under the terms of the agreement, any attack on either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia will be treated as an act of aggression against both nations, triggering a joint response. The high-powered deal also involved Pakistans powerful Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal General Asim Munir, signalling that the countrys formidable military establishment is fully onboard.

The agreement underscores a deeper strategic convergence. Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation with a history of military cooperation with Gulf countries, is now being brought into the Gulfs core defence architecture. A top diplomatic source in Riyadh described the deal as a historic expansion of defence and security cooperation", rooted in nearly eight decades of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, and shared regional interests.

Israels Assertiveness: A Catalysing Factor

The timing of the deal is crucial. It follows a wave of concern in Gulf capitals after Israels recent military operation in Doha on September 9, which targeted Hamas leaders and left significant political fallout in its wake. The strike, viewed by many as a deliberate escalation, rattled even those Arab states that had previously normalised ties with Tel Aviv.

According to diplomatic insiders, Israels growing willingness to project military power beyond its immediate borders, including into Qatar, a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member, served as a wake-up call for Saudi policymakers. The inability or unwillingness of the United States to pre-empt or strongly condemn the Doha attack raised fresh doubts about Washingtons role as a dependable security guarantor in the region.

Broader Strategic Dimensions: Minerals, Energy, and Multipolarity

Beyond defence, the deal also includes multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on petrochemical exploration, rare earth minerals, and large-scale investments in Pakistans underutilised mining sector. Pakistan, seeking to revitalise its economy, pitched critical mineral deals to the Saudi leadership, which sources say were positively received.

This economic cooperation adds teeth to the military pact, creating an interdependent strategic relationship that serves both security and development goals.

Balancing the United States, Not Replacing It

Though the Pakistan-Saudi deal appears to challenge traditional US dominance in Gulf security affairs, insiders stress that it is not an outright pivot away from Washington.

According to high-level diplomatic sources, Washington is not opposed to the alliance, viewing it as a stabilising factor so long as it doesnt evolve into an offensive bloc or directly antagonise Israel.

Indian Intelligence Skeptical of Motives

Indian intelligence sources, however, offer a more skeptical view. They argue that the deal has been in the works for years and is not necessarily a direct response to the Doha strike. Lets be realistic: Saudi Arabia has always prioritised stability and its ties with the US over grandstanding against Israel," a source said.

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Some intelligence analysts also pointed out the inconsistencies in public narratives. If both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are such close allies of the US, its improbable they would form an anti-Israel axis. Gulf nations were quietly supportive of Israels actions against Iran-backed entities, and their public outrage is often reserved for domestic appeasement."

While it is true that the Saudi-Pakistan defence pact had been under negotiation for years, the final timing and framing of its announcement reflect a deliberate political choice meant to send a signal to both allies and adversaries alike.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

First Published: September 18, 2025, 15:30 IST

News world Will Mutual Defence Deal Between Saudi Arabia And Pakistan Reshape Middle East Power Balance? Exclusive

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'Will Move Forward Hand In Hand': Yunus On 50th Anniversary Of Bangladesh-China Ties

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: September 18, 2025, 23:59 IST

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said closeness between Dhaka and Beijing will "bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of both countries and the world"

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) during a meeting with Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus in March this year. (Image: @SpoxCHN_MaoNing /PTI)

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said his country will move forward hand in hand with China to advance their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

In a video message on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China ties, Yunus said closeness between Dhaka and Beijing will bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of both countries and the world".

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According to Bangladesh media, the Chinese embassy in Dhaka hosted a grand reception at a hotel on Wednesday (September 17) to mark the 76th founding anniversary of the Peoples Republic of China and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties.

Calling China Bangladeshs closest friend and most reliable partner", Yunus expressed gratitude for Beijings long-standing trust, assistance, and support to Dhaka. He reportedly spoke highly of the Asian giants achievements under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from economic development and technological innovation to poverty alleviation and social welfare.

In his address at the event, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said 2025 marks not only the 76th founding anniversary of the Peoples Republic of China but also the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have achieved the miracle of eliminating absolute poverty. China will always remain a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world," Yao was quoted by Bangladeshi news portal, BSS News.

He said Bangladesh and China have always been good neighbours, sincere friends, and reliable partners". China stands ready to continue supporting Bangladesh in its modernization journey and to write a new chapter in building a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future," he was quoted.

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Yunus had visited China in March and held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping about business opportunities between the two countries. China, which is Bangladeshs fourth-largest lender with $7.5 billion in loans, was also asked to support various development projects.

During his visit, he had also made controversial statements against India. While inviting China to Bangladesh, he had said: Seven states of India in the east is a landlocked countrylandlocked region of India. They have no way to open up to the ocean. Bangladesh is the only guardian of the ocean. This opens a huge possibilitycan be a huge extension for the Chinese economybuild thingsproduce thingsmarket things."

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 : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: September 18, 2025, 23:58 IST

News world 'Will Move Forward Hand In Hand': Yunus On 50th Anniversary Of Bangladesh-China Ties

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Nine Chinese nationals who were arrested for cocaine possession in Harare and were fined US$150 each for the offence now await deportation, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has said.

The authority said it was aware of the publics concern over the sentencing of the nine  Yu Hefeng, Dong Yunmei, Yang Wanwan, Wu Yuejun, Yang Qin, Fang Yue, Sun Jie, Yao Wenming and Li Zhongju.

In a statement, the NPAZ reaffirmed its commitment to the diligent and fair prosecution of all criminal cases.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) is aware of the publics concern regarding the sentence handed down in the case involving nine Chinese nationals who pleaded guilty to using dangerous drugs (cocaine). We are taking this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the diligent and fair prosecution of all criminal cases.

The NPAZ is committed to ensuring that all individuals are held accountable for their actions in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe, regardless of their nationality or status. Furthermore, the NPAZ can confirm that the nine individuals are currently awaiting deportation. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat the scourge of dangerous drugs, as it poses a significant threat to the well-being of our nation, reads the statement.

Going forward, the NPA said it was taking concrete and decisive steps to ensure future prosecutions for drug-related offences are handled with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness.

Henceforth, all Public Prosecutors have been instructed to prefer the correct charges in all drug-related cases, and ensure that they aggressively pursue stiffer sentences in court, to secure penalties that truly reflect the seriousness of these offences.

This stance is a direct reflection of the direction that Zimbabwe has taken to combat drug abuse. We appreciate the publics vigilance, as it reinforces our shared commitment to combating drug abuse in our society. We are committed to a future where drug-related offences are met with sentences that truly reflect their gravity. Herald
Coral reefs in the Atlantic could stop growing and face near-total collapse by the end of the century if global temperatures keep climbing, according to a new study. Researchers examined more than 400 reefs in the region and found that over 70% could begin to degrade by 2040even under the best climate scenarios. The outlook grows bleaker with higher temperatures: If warming tops 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels by century's end, 99% of Atlantic corals could stop growing and fall victim to erosion, per the New York Times .

University of Exeter scientists led a team that used ancient coral records in the exposed seabedsome more than 10,000 years oldto understand how reefs once kept pace with rising seas. They describe a historical balance between growth and erosion, but one now lost as climate change accelerates beyond the reefs' ability to adapt. At this point, 60% of reefs near Florida and 40% near Mexico have nearly stopped growing, according to coral reef geoscientist Chris Perry, lead author of the study published Wednesday in Nature.

The situation has been worsened by recent marine heat waves, which contribute to mass bleaching events that have damaged over 80% of the world's corals since 2023. Perry describes "off-the-scale warming, the magnitude and longevity of which has never been seen in the region." Corals grow slowly and two key fast-growing species are highly vulnerable to heat. While some scientists are exploring solutions like breeding heat-resistant coral varieties or hybrid reef structures, the study's authors caution that restoration alone isn't enough if warming continues. "Rapid climate mitigation actions" are also needed, per a release.
The family of a Black student found hanging from a tree on the campus of Delta State University in Mississippi has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to seek further answers about his death, the Guardian reports. Demartravion "Trey" Reed's body was discovered Monday near the campus pickleball courts. Police say the initial evidence points to suicide, with no signs of foul play, and preliminary examinations found no injuries suggesting an assault. However, the family's legal team plans to pursue an independent autopsy amid ongoing skepticism in the community.

Trey Reed took his own life on the campus of Mississippi's Delta State University, Cleveland Chief of Police Travis Tribble now says, after the 21-year-old Black student's body was found hanging from a tree there on Monday, report the Mississippi Free Press and the AP . A statement announcing the manner of Reed's death as suicide by hanging cited autopsy results, with final toxicology results due within a month or so. The state medical examiner's findings line up with those of the Bolivar County coroner, who could see no evidence of foul play. Reed's family are pushing for a probe into his death amid lynching rumors and will be pursuing an independent autopsy and investigation.

Crump called Reed "full of promise and warmth" and insisted on a comprehensive, transparent investigation, emphasizing that "vague conclusions" are unacceptable while questions linger. The tragic incident has brought back difficult memories of racial violence in Mississippi and other Southern states during the Jim Crow era, given the location's proximity to the site where Emmett Till was lynched in 1955. Speculation that Reed was lynched has grown online, NBC News reports. The university's police chief says "there are videos" that are being investigated, CNN reports.

Congressman Bennie Thompson has asked the FBI to investigate, citing the agency's resources for an "unbiased inquiry." The FBI says it's aware of the case and ready to step in if federal violations are suspected. The NAACP, echoing the community's mistrust, pointed to the historical context of Black Americans found hanging from trees and cautioned against dismissing concerns quickly. "Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees," the organization says in a statement. Delta State President Dan Ennis acknowledged the deep impact on campus, canceling classes and centennial celebrations, while promising continued cooperation with investigators.
A daily low dose of aspirin could sharply cut the risk of colorectal cancer returning after surgery, according to a large Scandinavian trial. Researchers at Stockholm's Karolinska Institute tracked more than 3,500 patients who had surgery to remove colorectal tumors. Genetic screening revealed that roughly 40% of them carried mutations in the PI3K pathway, which appears to make their cancers responsive to aspirin's effects, per a release .

Those with the mutations were randomly assigned to take either 160mg of aspirin a day or a placebo for three years after their surgery. Results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a striking difference: Patients on aspirin were 55% less likely to see their cancer return than those who took a placebo. "If you had these mutations ... It is a huge effect," notes lead researcher Anna Martling, per the Guardian.

The findings are significant because nearly 2 million people worldwide are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually, and recurrence remains a major challenge, despite advances in treatment. The study suggests that genetic testing could identify patients likely to benefit from aspirin, a "wonder drug" described as both inexpensive and widely available.

However, long-term aspirin use carries risksadverse events in the trial included allergic reactions and, rarely, serious bleeding. Experts are calling for additional large-scale studies to confirm who stands to gain the most. "There is increasing evidence that in certain groups of people, low-dose aspirin can offer protection," says Dr. Catherine Elliott of Cancer Research UK.
A retired four-star US Navy admiral was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in prison for his conviction on corruption charges that he agreed to exchange a military contract for a lucrative postretirement job, the AP reports. Retired Adm. Robert P. Burkeonce the second-highest uniformed officer in the Navywas commanding its forces in Europe and Africa when he engaged in a bribery plot with two business executives, according to federal prosecutors. A jury convicted Burke of four counts, including conspiracy and accepting a bribe, after a trial in May. A separate trial for Burke's two co-defendantsNext Jump co-CEOs Yongchul "Charlie" Kim and Meghan Messengerended with a hung jury and a mistrial last Thursday.

Burke, 63, declined to address the court before US District Judge Trevor McFadden in Washington, DC, sentenced him. "This was blatantly unlawful, as you well knew," the judge told him. "But you did it anyway." The judge told Burke that he betrayed the public's trust and his oath of office. "This is a sad day and a sad chapter in the US Navy," McFadden said. Prosecutors sought a 10-year prison sentence for Burke, saying he abused his powerful position to enrich himself at the Navy's expense. Burke's attorneys say they will appeal his convictions. They cited his "lifetime of extraordinary public service" in asking the judge to spare Burke from a prison sentence.

Kim and Messenger agreed to pay Burke a $500,000 salary with stock options projected to be worth millions of dollars, according to prosecutors. In exchange, they said, Burke ordered his staff to give a contract to Next Jump and promoted the company's product to other senior Navy commanders. Burke's attorneys said a military commander with his experience could have landed a better-paying job in the private sector. "He was not motivated by greed, but by a belief in the mission and product of the company," they wrote. In 2018, Next Jump had a multimillion-dollar Navy contract to provide workforce training to an office under Burke's command. But the Navy terminated the "poorly received" pilot program after approximately one year, prosecutors said.

In 2021, Burke privately met with Kim and Messenger to discuss another contract. Kim and Messenger proposed a contract "to provide basically the same programming that had failed two years earlier," according to prosecutors. Several months later, Burke ordered subordinates to ensure Next Jump had a contract to train Navy personnel in Italy and Spain, prosecutors said. "The truth is, Burke knew this training was a waste of time and money, and not suitable for his command, let alone the entire Navy," prosecutors wrote. Burke later retired from the Navy and joined Next Jump in October 2022. Reed Brodsky, one of Messenger's attorneys, said there was no link between the job offer and the contract.
President Trump announced from the UK, where he is currently on a state visit, that he plans to designate antifa a terrorist organization, though it's not clear exactly how that will work. The president made the announcement on his Truth Social network around 1:30am local time Thursday, the AP reports. "I am pleased to inform our many USA Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION," he wrote. "I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" As multiple news outlets including Politico are pointing out, however, it's unclear how Trump can carry out his plan.

Antifa, short for anti-fascist, is an umbrella term for groups that resist fascism and neo-Nazis, and as it's a decentralized movement, it's not clear how the terrorist group label could be applied. Former FBI Director Christopher Wray said during a 2020 Congressional hearing that antifa is "a movement or an ideology," not an organization. And since it's domestic, it can't be included on the State Department list of foreign terror organizations. There is currently no domestic equivalent, partially because of the First Amendment rights afforded to US groups. Trump on Monday said he would designate antifa a domestic terror organization if his cabinet, including the attorney general, agreed, Fox News reports. In the wake of Charlie Kirk's shooting, multiple members of the Trump administration have indicated plans to halt any criticism of the rightwing activist.
A New York judge has ordered Rudy Giuliani to pay more than $1.3 million to his former lawyers for unpaid legal fees related to his representation during a host of criminal probes tied to his work for President Trump. The case, presided over by Judge Arthur Engoron, is just the latest in a string of Giuliani's personal and professional setbacks, which include bankruptcy, disbarment, a costly divorce, and a recent back injury from a car accident, per the New York Times .

The legal dispute was brought by Robert J. Costello, a longtime ally and attorney to Giuliani, along with the law firm Davidoff Hutcher & Citron. Costello's firm claims Giuliani left more than 85% of his legal bill unpaid, settling just $214,000 out of a roughly $1.57 million tab. The judge's ruling pointed out that Giuliani, when confronted about the outstanding amount, didn't contest the sum or mention missing invoiceshe simply changed the subject.

With interest, Giuliani now will have to pay close to $1.6 million, as well as pony up for lawyer costs for Costello's firm as they tried to get their money out of the former New York City mayor, per the AP. Giuliani's camp is pushing back. His attorney, Gary Rosen, said they plan to appeal, arguing that Costello at one point offered to represent Giuliani for free and suggesting the judge was biased, given his role in Trump's recent civil fraud case, per the Times. Giuliani's spokesman echoed those criticisms, calling the decision partisan.

Costello had represented Giuliani in several high-profile investigations, including those focused on the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, as well as in numerous lawsuits. The legal bills added up as Giuliani's financial fortunes dwindlehe's already settled a separate defamation suit with two Georgia election workers for an undisclosed amount, per Reuters.
Israel's version of the Oscars took place Tuesday and has sparked a political firestorm after a drama about a Palestinian boy took the best film award. Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar on Wednesday criticized the Ophir Awards ceremony as a "shameful" event that "spits on heroic IDF soldiers"a reference to his country's army. The winning film, Shai Carmeli-Pollak's The Sea, tells the story of a Palestinian child who slips into Israel while on a quest to see the sea for the first time, prompting a search by his father. The New York Times reports the film portrays Israeli soldiers in an unflattering light.

In a post on X, Zohar called it a "great absurdity, that Israeli citizens are still paying out of their pockets for the disgraceful Ophir Awards ceremony, which represents less than one percent of the Israeli people." As such, "I [have] decided to stop the funding of the ceremony from the money of Israeli citizens." The BBC notes it's unclear whether he has the authority to do so. The film's win means it will automatically be Israel's entry for the Oscars' best international feature category. Actor Muhammad Gazawi received the best actor award for his role as the boythe youngest actor to ever wincalling in his speech for a world where children can "live and dream without wars."

The Times of Israel reports the film took a number of additional honors, including Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Score. Assaf Amir, chairman of the Israeli Film and Television Academy, said he was "proud that an Arabic-language film, born out of collaboration between Jewish and Palestinian Israelis, has been chosen to represent Israel in the Oscar competition."
A Colorado high school shooter who wounded two classmates before dying by suicide had signaled his intentions online and drew inspiration from far-right extremist circles, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League . Desmond Holly, 16, posted images of weapons and tactical gearincluding a skull mask, ballistic vest, and a knife etched with a Nordic runeon TikTok and X in the lead-up to the attack last Wednesday. The ADL said research "indicates that Holly spent substantial amounts of time in online spaces featuring extremist ideologies and violent content, ultimately adopting extremist views himself."

The ADL's Center on Extremism found that Holly's social media activity was peppered with white supremacist symbols and neo-Nazi codes, and that he frequented a notorious gore forum where he engaged with posts about previous mass shootings, NBC News reports. Holly's online footprint included nods to infamous attackers: his TikTok featured profile images of the Buffalo supermarket shooter and the gunman responsible for a 2014 rampage in California. The ADL says school shooters in Madison, Wisconsin, and Nashville, Tennessee who interacted with each other online were active in the same forum. The ADL describes the forum as a "gateway to extremism," reports USA Today.

Investigators say that in the months leading up to last week's shooting, the teen expressed neo-Nazi views and pieced together his arsenal, copying elements seen in earlier shootings. Prior to the attack, he posted a photo of a revolver and ammunition, and shared a now-deleted video in which he donned a tactical helmet and gas mask while playing the same Serbian folk song used by the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooter. After the Evergreen High School shooting, authorities said Holly was "radicalized by an extremist network" but have not released further details.

The ADL said it informed the FBI in July about online accounts that were later linked to Holly, the Denver Post reports. The agency said Monday that investigators were unable to identify the teen at the time and decided no further action was needed. At Evergreen High, one of the injured students is recovering in the hospital, while the other has been released. The school is in the same district as Columbine High School. After last week's attack, the district's former safety director said changes were made after the 1999 Columbine shooting, including new safety protocols. He praised staff and students at Evergreen for following the procedures, saying, "They did the right thing. They locked down."
Former President Obama warned that the US faces a "political crisis of the sort that we haven't seen before" following the recent killing of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk, the BBC reports. Speaking at an event in Pennsylvania Tuesday, Obama called Kirk's death "horrific" and a "tragedy," despite saying he does not share Kirk's political views. Obama criticized President Trump's responses to political opponents and contrasted them with the unity-focused approaches of prior Republican presidents during times of national tension. He urged Americans to respect free speech, even when they disagree with others' views, and praised Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro for their measured responses in times of crisis.

The White House responded by labeling Obama the "architect of modern political division," accusing him of fueling discord during his presidency. The administration is signaling a crackdown on "hate speech," though there is no specific law in the US addressing it. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance has called for public identification of those who condoned or celebrated Kirk's death. Obama warned the country is "at an inflection point," the Guardian reports.

He referenced past crises, including the 2015 Charleston church shooting and the 9/11 attacks, pointing out that presidents used those moments to emphasize unity rather than target political opponents. He argued that current rhetoric from Trump's campreferring to political opponents as "vermin, enemies"marks a dangerous escalation and called for a reconsideration of how Americans engage in political debate.

"We're going to suggest that somehow that enemy was at fault, and we are then going to use that as a rationale for trying to silence discussion around who we are as a country and what direction we should go. And that's a mistake as well," he said. "What you're seeing, I think, is the sense that through executive power, many of the guardrails and norms that I thought I had to abide by as president of the United States, that George Bush thought he had to abide by as president of the United States, that suddenly those no longer apply. And that makes this a dangerous moment."
Sen. Bernie Sanders publicly labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide this week, making him the first sitting US senator to use the term in reference to the ongoing conflict. In a statement , Sanders said the evidence is "inescapable," referencing a recent UN commission report that found Israel's actions meet the criteria for genocide under international law, per the Guardian . "I agree," Sanders wrote. "It is genocide. The intent is clear." The Vermont senator cited casualty data indicating that at least 65,000 Palestinians have been killed and 164,000 wounded in Gaza, with Israeli military sources estimating that 83% of those killed were civilians.

Sanders also pointed to incendiary remarks by Israeli officials. While acknowledging Israel's right to respond to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, Sanders argued the scale and scope of the military campaign means "an all-out war against the entire Palestinian people." Sanders, one of just 10 or so Jewish senators in Congress, was previously hesitant to use the word "genocide." In July, for instance, he said during a CNN interview that genocide was a "legal term," and that defining what was going on in Gaza was less important than stopping it, per the Washington Post.

However, Sanders now says the current situation and mounting evidence left him no choice. "We, as Americans, must end our complicity in the slaughter of the Palestinian people," he wrote. "Having named it a genocide, we must use every ounce of our leverage to demand an immediate ceasefire, a massive surge of humanitarian aid facilitated by the UN, and initial steps to provide Palestinians with a state of their own." Sanders, who also wants the US to end its military support for Israel, joins a growing list of lawmakers, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Becca Balint, who've also used the term.

The UN report and Sanders' remarks come as several countries prepare to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to back Israel and has increased scrutiny on pro-Palestinian activism domestically. Sanders, who has previously tried to block arms sales to Israel, warned that without accountability for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, future atrocities are likely at the hands of others.
A US immigration judge has ordered the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestine activist known for his leadership in campus protests at Columbia University against Israel's military actions in Gaza. The order, issued by Judge Jamee Comans in Louisiana on Friday, directs Khalila Palestinian originally from Syria and holding Algerian citizenshipto be removed to either Syria or Algeria, per Al Jazeera . The decision was revealed via court documents released by the ACLU.

The judge contended that Khalil failed to disclose significant affiliations, including his connections to UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees) and a Columbia student advocacy group, on his green card application. This omission, Comans wrote, amounted to willful misrepresentation intended to skirt immigration safeguards. Khalil's legal team disputes the allegations, arguing he's being targeted for his activism and faces dangers if returned to either country. They plan to appeal the ruling before the Board of Immigration Appeals within the 30-day deadline, though they acknowledge that successful appeals are rare in such cases.

Politico notes that the order comes despite a judge's ruling in a federal case in New Jersey that has blocked Khalil's deportation as that court reviews his arguments. Khalil, a former graduate student, was initially detained in March as part of a broader federal crackdown on pro-Palestine activism on US campuses, which included arrests and deportations of other international students. He spent three months in detention before a federal judge ordered his release, deeming the detention unconstitutional and raising concerns about free speech violations. In a Wednesday statement issued by the ACLU, Khalil accused the Trump administration of using "fascist tactics" against him simply for his "exercise of free speech."
The Taliban has imposed the first internet blackout in Afghanistan since returning to power four years ago. Officials announced the blackoutaffecting at least six provinces in the north of the countryon Wednesday, citing the need to "prevent immoral activities," per the AP . The affected regionsBadakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and Takharencompass some of the largest population centers in the north. Fiber optic connections have been cut for offices, homes, and businesses, though mobile data remains available for now. Officials vowed to provide some access for essential needs, per Reuters .

Though officials didn't elaborate on what "immoral activities" they hoped to prevent, the Taliban previously complained about pornography and online encounters between men and women. However, if that's the true concern, former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad tells Reuters it would make more sense for the Taliban to filter out pornography, rather than cut all fiber-optic internet access. The Afghanistan Media Support Organization said the move "disrupts millions of citizens' access to free information" and "poses a grave threat to freedom of expression," per the AP.

Rights organizations and foreign governments have routinely denounced the Taliban's restrictions on personal freedoms, particularly those impacting expression and women. The group has taken steps to limit women's rights, including blocking girls from secondary school and curtailing employment opportunities for women in most sectors. The group also formalized a wide-ranging morality code last year, requiring women to veil, men to grow beards, and banning music in cars. The Taliban also prohibits contact between unrelated men and women, which hindered the response to a deadly quake.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has notched the fastest time in one women's track event in four decades, managing to finish the 400-meter race in a sub-48-second time. McLaughlin-Levrone blazed through a rainy women's 400m world championship final in Tokyo on Thursday in 47.78 secondsthe swiftest time recorded in the event since 1985, per Reuters . The 26-year-old American, already known for her dominance in the 400m hurdles (she holds two Olympic golds), claimed her first individual world championship gold in the flat 400.

She managed to fend off Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, who finished just two-tenths of a second behind her. Paulino's 47.98 made her the third-fastest woman ever at the distance. Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser, a former world champion, took bronze with a time of 48.19. The AP reports the record remains in the hands of East Germany's Marita Koch, who ran the 400m in 47.60 on Oct. 6, 1985. No runner had come within a half-second of Koch's mark until this race.

For her part, McLaughlin-Levrone has crushed the 400 hurdles world record six times, most recently at last year's Olympics with a time of 50.37. It marked McLaughlin-Levrone's 19th consecutive victory in a single-lap race since June 2023.

In the men's 400 meters, Botswana's Busang Collen Kebinatshipi delivered another standout performance for the African nation, per the Japan Times. The 21-year-old clinched gold in 43.53 seconds. He outpaced Trinidad and Tobago's Jereem Richards, who set a national record with his 43.72-second run, while Kebinatshipi's countryman Bayapo Ndori secured bronze with a time of 44.20.
Two flying cars collided during a rehearsal for an airshow in China, sending smoke billowing and raising fresh questions about the safety of the futuristic technology. The electric vertical takeoff and landingeVTOLvehicles hit each other mid-air at the rehearsal in Changchun, sending one craft crashing to the ground, where it burst into flames, CNN reports. The flying cars, developed by Xpeng Aeroht, a subsidiary of electric carmaker Xpeng, were practicing high-difficulty stunts in tight formation when the accident happened, according to company representatives.

Videos circulating online and in Chinese media showed plumes of smoke and emergency crews rushing to the scene. One pilot walked away with minor injuries. Xpeng Aeroht attributed the crash to "insufficient spacing" and reported that all personnel are safe. An investigation is underway.

China has put its hopes on the so-called "low-altitude economy," encompassing everything from flying taxis to drone deliveries, in airspace below 3,000 meters. The sector, featured for the first time in last year's government work report, is expected to balloon to $206 billion by 2025 and more than double by 2035, per official forecasts. Xpeng Aeroht, calling itself Asia's largest flying car company, is among a growing list of manufacturers racing to cash in on this new frontier. The company, which hopes to sell the vehicles for $300,000 when regulations and infrastructure are in place, said earlier this year that it has already received 3,000 orders, the BBC reports.
President Trump wrapped up his visit to the UK on Thursday with a joint press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump thanked Starmer for his hospitality and praised the relationship between the countries, saying, "The United States and the United Kingdom have done more good on this planet than any two nations in human history." Starmer said they had "renewed the special relationship for a new era." Earlier Thursday, the two leaders signed science and technology partnerships. Some press conference highlights:

Palestinian statehood: "I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score," Trump told reporters. Starmer is expected to recognize Palestinian statehood within days of Trump leaving the country, though he denied Thursday that the timing has anything to do with the state visit, the AP reports. Starmer said the US and the UK are working together on a Gaza peace plan.
A Texas man has been charged with making death threats against New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, prosecutors announced Thursday. Jeremy Fistel was arrested in Texas, and brought to New York for an arraignment on charges that he sent a series of threatening voicemails and written messages to Mamdani's office in June, prosecutors said.

In one message, Fistel said, "Start your car. See what happens," according to prosecutors. In others, he called Mamdani, who would be New York City's first Muslim mayor if elected, a terrorist and told him to go back to the country where he was bornUganda. "Muslims don't belong here," Fistel said, according to prosecutors. "You deserve to be six feet underground," another message said, according to authorities.
A veteran nurse at Virtua Voorhees Hospital in New Jersey says she lost her job after reporting a major mix-uptwo newborns were handed to the wrong mothers and breastfed before the mistake was caught. Joyce Fisher, a labor and delivery nurse with seven years at the hospital and extensive experience training staff, said she found a panicked mother convinced the baby in her arms was not hers. After checking ID bracelets, Fisher realized the babies had been switched during an overnight nursery stay, and each had been fed by the wrong woman, raising concerns about possible disease transmission, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Fisher says she did what she thought was right: reported the error to her supervisor. She says they determined that the newborns had been returned from the nursery to the wrong rooms hours before her July 5 shift began. But within days, the hospital fired her for "gross negligence," arguing she should have checked the babies' IDs at the start of her shift. Fisher disputes this, noting she'd never been instructed to do so in her time at Virtua or heard of any such policy. She's now suing for wrongful termination, alleging retaliation for reporting the mistake.

The hospital declined to comment on the details, citing ongoing litigation, but insists it encourages staff to speak up about safety concerns without fear of punishment. Still, experts warn that firing employees who report errors can discourage transparency, making future mistakes more likely. Bioethicists point out that real safety improvements come from addressing system flaws, not blaming individuals. "The narrative that is going to spread like wildfire is that it's not safe to report, which doesn't serve anyone," clinical ethics professor Cynda Rushton.

Fisher and her attorney worry her firing will send a chilling message to others in the profession: Stay quiet, or you could be next. The hospital reported her to the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Fisher's nursing license is still active, but she tells the Inquirer that she's worried that her 16-year career is over. "This could have happened to any nurse who clocked in that morning," she says. "It happened to be me." Both families involved, meanwhile, were tested for diseases as a precaution, and everyone was medically cleared.
The US again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Thursday that had demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, saying that the effort did not go far enough in condemning Hamas. All 14 other members of the United Nations' most powerful body voted in favor of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic" and called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory, the AP reports.

"Colleagues, US opposition to this resolution will come as no surprise," Morgan Ortagus, a senior US policy adviser, said before the vote took place. "It fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel's right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council." She added that other council members ignored US warnings about the language and instead adopted "performative action designed to draw a veto," per the AP. The resolution, drafted by the council's 10 elected members who serve two-year terms, went further than previous drafts to highlight what it calls the "deepening of suffering" of Palestinian civilians.

"Famine has been confirmed in Gazanot projected, not declared, confirmed," Denmark's Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen told the council before the vote, per Reuters. In opposing similar resolutions since November, the US has complained that the demands, including a ceasefire, were not directly linked to the unconditional release of hostages and would only embolden Hamas militants. Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, criticized the new resolution, saying that it would "not release the hostages and will not bring security to the region."
A new feature-length animated adaptation of Peleliu  Guernica in Paradise  is coming to theaters, built on a collaboration with Mone Kamishiraishi, who performs the theme song titled A Miracle-like Thing. The story is based on the brutal Battle of Peleliu, where only 34 soldiers survived out of an estimated 10,000, and is being released to coincide with the 80th year since the end of the war, offering a depiction of friendship forged in the midst of devastating conflict.
TOKYO, Sep 19 (News On Japan) - Stormy weather swept through parts of Kanto on the afternoon of September 18th, with Ibaraki Prefecture reporting around 20 cases of damage from violent winds and other impacts.

In Tsukuba City, a two-story wooden building collapsed shortly before 3 p.m. No one was inside at the time, but the first floor was crushed under the weight of the structure.

A tornado advisory had been issued across Ibaraki Prefecture, and Tsukuba recorded maximum wind gusts of 18.7 meters per second. At a demolition site for a 12-story government housing complex in the city, scaffolding collapsed, though no injuries were reported.

A witness said, "At first it sounded like a strong gust, then it gradually turned into a swirling wind that looked like a tornado might form."

In Sakai Town, a crane toppled over, among other incidents. Authorities said roughly 20 reports of damage have been received in the prefecture. On September 19th, the Meteorological Observatory will conduct surveys in Tsukuba and Sakai to investigate the extent of the wind damage.

Source: TBS
HOKKAIDO, Sep 18 (News On Japan) - A brown bear has been captured in Sunagawa City, Hokkaido, where warnings had been issued after repeated sightings, with video footage showing the animal extending its long, sharp claws through a fence and attempting to intimidate the camera.

The bear was caught in a mountainous area of the city.

According to the local hunters' association, the bear measured about two meters in length and was estimated to weigh around 180 kilograms. Traps had been set by the group in July, leading to the capture on September 17th.

In Sunagawa, bears had been spotted for nine consecutive days this month, though authorities believe the captured bear is a different individual.

The Hokkaido government has issued a brown bear warning for Sunagawa, in effect until October 7th.

Source: FNN
TOKYO, Sep 18 (News On Japan) - Japan Airlines announced disciplinary measures against 37 executives, including President Mitsuko Tottori, after three flights were delayed due to a captains alcohol consumption. The move represents an unprecedented action, covering all directors and executive officers.

Tottoris monthly salary will be cut by 30 percent for two months, while the Senior Managing Director in charge of safety, the Safety Manager, and the Flight Operations Director will see their pay reduced by 20 percent for one month.

The airline stated that the measures reflect its determination to reinforce compliance and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

Source: BIZ
With a 3% earn rate on Walmart purchases, unlimited Reward Dollars and annual Delivery Pass subscription savings, cardholders save even more on top of Walmart's everyday low prices

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Rooted in its commitment to help Canadians save money and live better, Walmart Canada is unlocking more value and savings for customers with the launch of the enhanced, no-fee Walmart Rewards Mastercard, issued by Fairstone Bank of Canada. Since its inception more than 15 years ago, the Walmart Rewards Mastercard has helped Canadians redeem over $600 million in value at Walmart.

Walmart Rewards Mastercard (CNW Group/Wal-Mart Canada Corp.)

Now, Walmart Rewards Mastercard cardholders can maximize their Walmart Reward Dollars and earn 3% on Walmart purchases  in store and online, including Marketplace  and 1% on purchases made everywhere else. They can also save their rewards on their terms, earning unlimited Walmart Reward Dollars that never expire. Saving up for a Walmart purchase has never been easier.

The new and improved Walmart Rewards Mastercard also provides up to six months free of Delivery Pass with the purchase of an annual Delivery Pass subscription. Plus, new cardholders are eligible to receive a special welcome bonus of $25 in Reward Dollars.

This launch reinforces Walmart Canada's ongoing commitment to delivering everyday low prices to Canadians. Throughout the year, Walmart Canada has lowered prices on hundreds of key items to make a difference on its customers' grocery bills. Not only is Walmart Canada helping customers save even more when they shop at Walmart Canada, they can now get even bigger rewards with the Walmart Rewards Mastercard.

"Canadians continue to feel the pressure of rising costs and are looking for ways to stretch their dollar a little further," said Joseph Godsey, Chief Growth Officer, Walmart Canada. "With a higher earn rate on Walmart purchases, our upgraded Walmart Rewards Mastercard has been redesigned with our customers' feedback in mind to help cardholders earn even more with every swipe, every tap and every purchase  no matter where they shop. We've built what we believe is a strong, no-fee rewards card and are proud to continue providing tremendous value to our customers on top of our everyday low prices."

"The relaunch of the Walmart Rewards Mastercard reflects our focus on modernizing product offerings and aligning with evolving customer needs," said Emilie Boulay, Chief Card Services Officer, Fairstone Bank. "We are proud to work with Walmart Canada on a program that enhances the value cardholders receive and reinforces our shared commitment to helping Canadians with their financial needs."

Additional Walmart Rewards Mastercard Features

Reward Dollars are earned in dollar equivalents, making it easy for cardholders to track how much they've earned and can redeem

Reward Dollars are redeemed in $5 increments via checkout in store or on Walmart.ca

increments via checkout in store or on Walmart.ca Customers can conveniently apply for a card in person at a Walmart store or online at WalmartRewards.ca

Existing Walmart Rewards Mastercard cardholders will automatically receive the enhanced card benefits on their current credit card. For more information and terms and conditions, visit WalmartRewards.ca.

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, Walmart.ca, is visited by more than 1.5 million customers daily. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $850 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca and on Walmart Canada's social media pages  Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Wal-Mart Canada Corp.

Amanda Moss, [email protected]
Palo Alto, California, September 18th, 2025, CyberNewsWire

SquareX first discovered and disclosed Last Mile Reassembly attacks at DEF CON 32 last year, warning the security community of 20+ attacks that allow attackers to bypass all major SASE/SSE solutions and smuggle malware through the browser. Despite responsible disclosures to all major SASE/SSE providers, no vendor has made an official statement to warn its customers about the vulnerability in the past 13 months  until two weeks ago.

As more attackers are leveraging Last Mile Reassembly techniques to exploit enterprises, SASE/SSE vendors are beginning to recognize that proxy solutions are no longer sufficient to protect against browser based attacks, with Palo Alto Networks being the first to publicly acknowledge that Secure Web Gateways are architecturally unable to defend against Last Mile Reassembly attacks. In the press release, Palo Alto Networks recognized the attack as encrypted, evasive attacks that assemble inside the browser and bypass traditional secure web gateways. The release also recognized that the browser is becoming the new operating system for the enterprise, the primary interface for AI and cloud applications. Securing it is not optional.

This marks a watershed moment in cybersecurity where a major incumbent SASE/SSE vendor publicly admits the fundamental limitations of Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) and acknowledges the critical importance of browser-native security solutions  exactly what SquareX has been advocating since pioneering this research.

What are Last Mile Reassembly Attacks?

Last Mile Reassembly attacks are a class of techniques that exploit architectural limitations of SWGs to smuggle malicious files through the proxy layer, only to be reassembled as functional malware in the victims browser. In one technique, attackers break the malware into different chunks. Individually, none of these chunks trigger a detection by SWGs. Once they bypass proxy inspection, the malware is then reassembled in the browser.

In another example, attackers smuggle these malicious files via binary channels like WebRTC, gRPC and WebSockets. These are common communication channels used by web apps like video conferencing and streaming tools, but are completely unmonitored by SWGs. In fact, many SWGs publicly admit this on their website and recommend their customers disable these channels.

In total, there are over 20 such techniques that completely bypass SWGs. While Palo Alto Networks is the first to publicly admit this limitation, SquareX has demonstrated that all major SASE/SSE vendors are vulnerable and have been in touch with multiple solutions as part of responsible disclosures and to discuss alternative protection mechanisms.

Data Splicing Attacks: Exfiltrating Data with Last Mile Reassembly Techniques

Since the discovery of Last Mile Reassembly Attacks, SquareXs research team conducted further research to see how attackers can leverage these techniques to steal sensitive data. At BSides San Francisco this year, SquareXs talk on Data Splicing Attacks demonstrated how similar techniques can be used by insider threats and attackers to share confidential files and copy-paste sensitive data in the browser, completely bypassing both endpoint DLP and cloud SASE/SSE DLP solutions. In fact, there has been an emergence of P2P file sharing sites that allow users to send any file with no DLP inspection.

The Year of Browser Bugs: Pioneering Critical Browser Security Research

As the browser becomes one of the most common initial access points for attackers, browser security research plays a critical role in understanding and defending against bleeding edge browser-based attacks. Inspired by the impact of Last Mile Reassembly, SquareX launched a research project called The Year of Browser Bugs, disclosing a major architectural vulnerability every month since January. Some seminal research include Polymorphic Extensions, a malicious extension that can silently impersonate password managers and crypto wallets to steal credentials/crypto and Passkeys Pwned, a major passkey implementation flaw disclosed at DEF CON 33 this year.

Research has always been a core part of SquareXs DNA. We believe that the only way to defend against bleeding edge attacks is to be one step ahead of attackers. In the past year alone, weve discovered over 10 zero day vulnerabilities in the browser, many of which we disclosed at major conferences like DEF CON and Black Hat due to the major threat it poses to organizations, says Vivek Ramachandran, the Founder of SquareX, Palo Alto Networks recognition of Last Mile Reassembly attacks represents a major shift in incumbent perspectives on browser security. At SquareX, research has continued to inform how we build browser-native defenses, allowing us to protect our customers against Last Mile Reassembly attacks and other novel browser-native attacks even before we disclosed the attack last year.

As part of their mission to further browser security education, SquareX collaborated with CISOs from major enterprises like Campbells and Arista Networks to write The Browser Security Field Manual. Launched at Black Hat this year, the book serves as a technical guide for the cybersecurity practitioners to learn about bleeding edge attacks and mitigation techniques.

Fair Use Disclaimer

This site may contain copyrighted materials (including but not limited to the recent press release by Palo Alto Networks dated September 4, 2025), the use of which has not always been specifically authorised by the copyright owner. Such materials are made available to advance understanding of issues related to Last Mile Reassembly attacks which shall constitute a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for under the applicable laws. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the respective copyright owner.

About SquareX

SquareXs browser extension turns any browser on any device into an enterprise-grade secure browser. SquareXs industry-first Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution empowers organizations to proactively defend against browser-native threats including Last Mile Reassembly Attacks, rogue AI agents, malicious extensions and identity attacks. Unlike dedicated enterprise browsers, SquareX seamlessly integrates with users existing consumer browsers, delivering security without compromising user experience. Users can find out more about SquareXs research-led innovation at www.sqrx.com.

Contact

Head of PR

Junice Liew

SquareX

[email protected]


Actor Gary Busey was sentenced Thursday to two years of probation and ordered to pay fines after he admitting earlier this year that he intentionally grabbed a womans buttocks at a Camden County horror convention, according to reports.

Busey, 81, pleaded guilty on July 31 to a charge of criminal sexual contact, authorities said.

Two women accused Busey of inappropriately touching them during an August 2022 meet-and-greet at MonsterMania Con at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cherry Hill.

Busey said during a virtual hearing while pleading guilty that he inappropriately touched the buttocks of an adult female over clothing.

Busey, 81, appeared Thursday via Zoom from his home in California for the sentencing hearing in Camden County court, according to a report by ABC6.

During the hearing, his attorney asked the judge to sentence him to fines only, citing his age, health issues, and permanent residence in California, the outlet reported.

However, Judge Gwendolyn Blue said probation was warranted due to the seriousness of the offense and Buseys prior contact with the criminal justice system.

Busey served probationary terms in 2007 for trespass and disorderly conduct and fighting, and in 2021 for a hit-and-run accident, according to the Burlington County Times.

The judge also ordered Busey to have no contact with the victim. He has 45 days to appeal the sentence and may request to transfer his probation to California, according to the ABC6 report.

Busey is famous for his title role in the 1978 movie The Buddy Holly Story, for which he earned an Oscar nomination.

His credits also include Predator 2, along with Point Break and Lethal Weapon.
Harold 'Hal' Miller Jr., 48, of Deptford, was killed and dismembered, according to prosecutors. Three members of a Camden family are charged in the case. (Provided Photo/Tamika Miller)

For Tamika Miller and her family, the last several months have been brutal.

When Harold Hal Miller Jr., her ex-husband and the father of her children, was reported missing in June, they feared the worst.

With him missing, it was devastating because we knew he would never go off, Miller said, fighting back tears as she spoke. He wasnt that type of person just to leave.

What began as a missing-persons investigation took a dark turn as video surveillance and DNA evidence began to paint a gruesome portrait of a violent crime.

Authorities charged three people this month in connection with the killing and dismemberment of the 48-year-old Deptford man. They purchased a chainsaw, containers, trash bags and cleaning supplies after Miller went missing, investigators said.

Everton R. Thomas, 41, of Camden, is charged with killing Miller, and Thomas wife and son are charged with helping him dispose of the victims body, according to the Camden County Prosecutors Office.

Court records didnt list an attorney for Thomas as of Wednesday.

In court documents and a hearing this week, prosecutors detailed what they uncovered over months of investigation, including DNA, cellphone records, extensive video evidence and witness statements.

Millers remains have not been recovered, authorities said.

Tamika Miller recalled him as a man who put family first.

He was a loving person. He loved his children, his grandchildren and his family. That was his number one priority in life, she said. Hes always been that type of person to take care of his family.

A final card game

A family member contacted Deptford police on June 14 to report Miller missing, and family located his vehicle in Pennsauken that day, investigators said.

The family told police he was last seen playing cards with friends in Camden in the early hours of June 12.

Millers cellphone was found in his vehicle and his last call was to Everton Thomas number on June 12 at 11:26 a.m., prosecutors said.

Thomas acknowledged receiving a call from Miller around 11 a.m., but told investigators he last saw the victim when they played poker together at a location on Federal Street in Camden from late on June 11 into early June 12, according to court documents.

However, detectives located surveillance video showing Miller entering Thomas residence on the 2600 block of Baird Boulevard in Camden shortly before 11:30 a.m. on June 12, authorities said.

Moments later, the video recorded a single gunshot, and Miller was never seen leaving, according to the prosecutors office.

The video showed Everton Thomas later moving Millers vehicle and parking it where it was found in Pennsauken, officials said.

Detectives learned that Thomas wife, Sherrie M. Parker, 41, and son, Deshawn J. Thomas, 23, purchased a chainsaw, containers and other supplies sometime after Miller was seen entering the residence.

Two witnesses who lived in the house were interviewed by investigators.

A witness reported hearing a gunshot around 11 a.m. on June 12, followed by loud music and extensive cleaning of the kitchen and basement, according to prosecutors.

The witness also described a strong odor resembling that of a decomposing body and heard what sounded like power tools being used in the basement, according to a probable cause statement filed in the case.

A sons alleged confession

Deshawn Thomas allegedly told a witness that he also heard the gunshot and went downstairs to find his father and Parker in the kitchen and Miller dead on the floor, Camden County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Spittal said during a Tuesday detention hearing for the younger Thomas.

Deshawn Thomas allegedly told the witness that Parker let Miller into the house and Everton Thomas shot him when he entered, Spittal said.

Deshawn Thomas also told a witness living in the residence that his father asked him to help chop up a body, according to Spittal.

A review of cellphone data from June 12 revealed that the son searched the internet to determine if a chainsaw could cut through meat, the prosecutor said.

In addition, Everton Thomas would not allow one of the witnesses later interviewed by police to use the basement for several days starting on June 12, according to investigators.

A witness also told investigators that Sherrie Parker made comments around that time, including a wife got do what shes got to do, and she was not giving up her husband, detectives wrote in their probable cause statement filed with the case.

Additional video showed the Thomases making several trips to the dumpsters at Tamarack Apartments, located about two miles away in Camden, to dispose of trash bags. They were also seen loading gray containers and black trash bags into a vehicle before leaving the city for an unknown destination, prosecutors said.

Investigators searched the defendants residence on June 20 and found suspected bloodstains in the kitchen and on a basement doorframe in the home. Everton Thomas was found in possession of a loaded firearm, according to the prosecutors office.

Detectives found the home in pristine condition, according to the prosecutor.

I would note that this house was spotless. And when I say spotless, there wasnt a piece of dirt on the ground. There wasnt a smell coming from the home, Spittal said.

Everton Thomas was questioned that day but released from custody without being charged. He fled to Canada the following day, authorities said.

DNA testing later confirmed that the blood found in the home was Millers.

Everton Thomas, his wife and son were arrested Sept. 8.

Everton Thomas was arrested at the Port of Buffalo in New York after crossing back into the United States from Canada on a commercial bus, prosecutors said. Hes awaiting extradition to New Jersey.

His wife and son were arrested in Camden.

Investigators have not given a motive for Millers alleged killing.

Not only do we not have a motive, your honor, we still dont know where Harold Miller is, Spittal said Tuesday.

A missing father

While Tamika Miller and her husband divorced nearly three years ago, she said they remained friendly and met at least once a month to discuss their four children, who are all now adults.

He was always involved with his children, everyday life with his children, Miller said.

He worked for many years providing support services at Josephs House of Camden, a homeless shelter that provides various programs to help people get back on their feet, as well as the nonprofits Volunteers of America and Cathedral Kitchen, Miller said.

She said her ex-husband previously served prison time.

He was sentenced to federal prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to crack cocaine distribution, records show. Prosecutors said he was part of an organization that controlled crack sales in a Camden neighborhood. He was released from prison in 2022.

He had turned his life around and was driving for a medical transport company and attending church on Sundays with his family, Tamika Miller said.

She last spoke to him days before he was reported missing and noticed nothing out of the ordinary.

He was in nice spirits, very happy and his regular self, she said.

The victim knew Everton Thomas but did not consider him a friend, Tamika Miller said. She believes the pair met through an acquaintance.

Everton Thomas was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains and fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence.

Sherrie Parker and Deshawn Thomas were charged with second-degree desecration of human remains and fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence.

A judge granted a detention motion for Deshawn Thomas during the Tuesday hearing, meaning he will remain jailed until trial.

While his public safety assessment indicated he had no prior criminal history, Thomas pleaded guilty to sexual assault while serving in the U.S. Army, the prosecutor said. His sentence in that case included 170 days of confinement and a bad-conduct discharge from the military.

He is currently appealing the Army conviction, according to defense attorney Felicia B. Felder, who sought his pretrial release Tuesday.

Felder said she had not yet received police reports and videos in the case and could only argue on the issue of his detention. The defendant has ties to the community and no history to show he would be a flight risk if freed, she said.

Superior Court Judge Gwendolyn Blue called the alleged crimes barbaric and ultimately ruled that Deshawn Thomas should remain jailed, finding he poses a danger to the community and could obstruct the case.

Parker remains jailed pending a detention hearing on Sept. 23. Her public defender did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

The Miller family is doing its best to handle the devastating loss.

I never ever in my life dealt with anything like this. Its very hurtful to me because Harold was a human being, Tamika Miller said, her voice choking with emotion. Me and my kids, sometimes were not eating, cant sleep. Were just trying to make it through day by day.

While no services are scheduled yet, the family plans to hold a memorial in the future.

The recovery of Millers remains will likely depend on what those charged in the case tell investigators, she said.

At this point, we dont think that they will unless he gives us more information, she said of the elder Thomas.
A former Essex County sheriffs officer admitted to his role in a bank fraud scheme, according to officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Ryan L. Terry, 32, of Piscataway, pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 in federal court to counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud.

Terry, who was a police officer with the Orange Police Department at the time he conspired to commit bank fraud, was accused of being a part of a group who stole checks from the mail and deposited them into bank accounts they controlled, officials said.

On at least one occasion in June 2023, a business check worth $50,000 was stolen from the mail and deposited into an account controlled by Terry and others, officials said.

After the check cleared in July 2023, Terry and his co-conspirators withdrew the funds and split the money, officials said.

Terry continued recruiting people with long-standing bank accounts to participate in the scheme of depositing stolen checks and withdrawing the money before anyone was aware of the fraud, officials said.

The men communicated by text and used Zelle to transfer money among themselves, court documents show.

Among the banks defrauded were a Bank of America branch on Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland, according to charging documents.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026, officials said.

An attorney for Terry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A New Jersey business owner who lied on loan applications to obtain more than $3.2 million in federal funds during COVID has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison.

Daniel Dadoun, 49, of Israel, also received three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,239,773 in restitution, the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey said.

After receiving the funds illegally between April 2020 and August 2022, the former South Plainfield resident tried to keep the money by submitting false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness applications in which he misrepresented payroll expenses and the number of employees working at his companies, prosecutors said.

He also provided fake tax documents and altered bank statements.

Dadoun received four separate loans, the largest of which was for $2,125,000 on April 23, 2020, according to a criminal complaint.

Among the business he claimed to own were DG Distiservices, LLC; Seldat Distribution, Inc.; Seldat Staffing, Inc.; Seldat Fashion LLC; and 200 S. Pemberton Urban Renewal LLC, according to court documents.

Some had no employees, others only a handful.

One purported to provide staffing services; another offered services related to warehousing and third-party logistics; and a third was associated with construction of a warehouse in Pemberton, charging documents said.

Dadoun pleaded guilty in April to bank fraud and money laundering. He is in custody.
The city will celebrate Hispanic heritage on Sept. 26. City of Camden

Residents from across Camden will gather on Sept. 26 to celebrate the citys diverse Hispanic community.

The City of Camden is throwing its annual free Hispanic Heritage Celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. at 520 Market St. near Roosevelt Plaza Park close to City Hall. The festival will feature regional Hispanic musicians Combo Melaza and Manny y Los Brothers Band.

Festival goers can enjoy Latin music while munching on local eats from vendors like La Ingrata, which serves Mexican food from Puebla and Mexico City, according to city spokesman Vincent Basara.

Attendees can also learn more about Hispanic culture at nonprofit-run booths, he said.

The city will host its annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Sept. 26. City of Camden

The city has hosted a Hispanic Heritage celebration for nearly a decade as a way of celebrating Camdens diverse culture, Basara said.

According to Census figures, about 53% of Camdens population was Hispanic as of 2020.

Basara added that the celebration is also a way to expose residents to other cultures in Camden.

Camden will host its annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Sept. 26. City of Camden

Its a great chance for the public, if youre not familiar with certain cultures or certain traditions to come on out, learn a little more, Basara said.

In the event of rain, the celebration will take place at the North Camden Community Center, 1000 N. 6th St.
Netflix has unveiled new images of its planned mega-studio at the Jersey Shore, revealing the most detailed look yet at what the production complex will look like when its finished.

The studio complex is being built on 289 acres of the former Fort Monmouth U.S. Army base, which spans the boroughs of Oceanport and Eatontown near Route 35.

Video footage released by Netflix  showing artists renderings of the planned buildings  highlights the scale of the massive project. The sprawling studio starts on the west side of the campus in Eatontown and stretches east into Oceanport.

Once complete, the Hollywood-style studio will have 12 soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, production and office buildings, a cafeteria, retail shops, trailer parks for crews, a theater, hotel and visitor attractions.

20 1 / 20 Netflixs planned $903M production studio at Fort Monmouth

Netflix first acquired the Fort Monmouth property in 2021 with a $55 million bid, a decade after the military communications base was closed by the federal government.

Demolition of the fort began in May, with construction expected to start next year and wrap up by 2028, according to officials.

Both the Oceanport and Eatontown planning boards have signed off on Netflixs multi-phase development plans, paving the way for the redevelopment.

The first phase, approved last year, centers on Fort Monmouths 29-acre McAfee Zone, which the company plans to transform into a campus for actors and production crews.

Two 22,000-square-foot soundstages and twin soundstages totaling more than 83,000 square feet are included in the plan. The studio will also include offices, support space, a warehouse and a mill building.

The McAfee Zone, located mostly in Oceanport with about three acres in Eatontown, also includes a 1965 bowling alley that will be demolished to make way for stormwater infrastructure, according to planning documents.

A wrecking ball at the groundbreaking ceremony for Netflix's new production facility at Fort Monmouth took place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Michael Dempsey | For NJ Advance

Phase 1B, shown in the first half of Netflixs rendering video, is the largest part of the project and will serve as the campus main entrance and centerpiece. It will feature eight more soundstages up to 70 feet tall, production offices and a public plaza.

Eatontown officials approved the 1B portion of the studio earlier this month. It also includes three mill buildings, support offices and trailer camps.

Vail Hall, a three-story communications hub built in 1952, will be repurposed as the campus welcome and security center.

Public areas are planned for the site, but they will be limited to areas outside the secured perimeter, officials said. A plaza with Netflixs red N, a small park, a gathering space and an extension of the Fort Monmouth trail with historic markers will be open to the community. The remainder of the 289-acre site, however, will stay closed to the public.

The Fort Monmouth studio campus is expected to be one of Netflixs largest, comparable to its 300-acre facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

At the May groundbreaking ceremony, Gov. Phil Murphy said the project will create more than 3,500 construction jobs and employ about 1,400 people once operational.

Over the next two decades, state officials estimate the studio will generate between $3.8 billion and $4.6 billion for New Jerseys economy.
A former flight attendant has filed a class-action lawsuit against United Airlines in federal court, accusing the airline of failing to pay hourly staff for work performed outside flight time.

Ava Lawrey, who worked at Newark Liberty International Airport until July 2025, claims United violated New Jersey labor laws by paying flight attendants only for time spent in the air.

The complaint, filed Sept. 15 in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, claims United did not pay flight attendants for a range of duties performed before and after flights.

These include checking in at the airport, attending preflight meetings, completing safety checks, assisting passengers during boarding and deplaning, and waiting during layovers.

According to Lawrey, she routinely worked 12-hour shifts but received no pay for two to four hours of work each day.

She also alleged the company maintains this door-to-door pay policy across all its facilities, compensating flight attendants only for time between door closure and door opening.

Uniteds pay practices deprive her and more than 1,000 other flight attendants based in New Jersey of regular and overtime wages, Lawrey claims.

The lawsuit seeks damages, penalties, attorneys fees and injunctive relief under the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law.

Lawrey seeks class certification for all United flight attendants who worked in New Jersey within the past six years and were not paid for all hours worked.

She claims she frequently worked more than 40 hours per week without receiving overtime pay.

She also alleges that Uniteds wage policies are uniform across its facilities and that Newark is the airlines largest hub.

This case is about ensuring that flight attendants, who are the backbone of passenger safety and customer service, are paid fairly for all of the work they perform, Lawreys attorney, Brett R. Gallaway, said in a statement.

United Airlines has profited immensely while refusing to pay its flight attendants for substantial hours of work that are required and controlled by the company, he added. We look forward to securing justice for our client and all other New Jersey-based flight attendants.

United Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com.
The two women killed in a two-vehicle crash last week in Toms River were both residents of the township, authorities said.

One of those killed was the driver of a Toyota RAV4  Ashli Crespo, 28  while the other was a passenger in a Chevrolet Equinox, Vanessa Orozco-Carbagas, 36.

The driver of the Equinox and the other passenger  a 4-year-old boy who was hospitalized with injuries following the crash  have since been released, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said.

The crash, which occurred at 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 11, happened when a 46-year-old man driving the Equinox south on Hooper Avenue crossed the grass median and slammed into Crespos SUV, officials said.

The impact caused the Toyota to roll onto the passenger side and come to rest near the corner of Fischer Boulevard.

The crash remains under investigation with no charges filed as of Thursday morning, the prosecutors office said.

Crespo is survived by her husband, brother, sister, parents and many other relatives and friends, according to an online obituary.

A graduate of Toms River High School North, Crespo worked as a hair stylist and makeup artist.

Ashli will be remembered for her heart, her infectious smile, her booming laugh, her unwavering loyalty and the way she loved and showed up for all those she loved and cared for, the obituary said.

A funeral service for Orozco-Carbagas will be held Thursday in Lakewood, according to the Colombian restaurant in Brick where she worked.
A former New Jersey school district employee accused of sexually assaulting children is facing new charges after a fourth victim was identified, authorities said.

Darnell Williams, 34, of the Whiting section of Manchester Township, has been charged with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said Thursday.

According to authorities, Williams sexually assaulted a juvenile who was in his care in Manchester Township in 2015. An affidavit of probable cause provided to NJ Advance Media shows similarities to the previously reported assaults. Williams, according to the affidavit, was a family friend.

Williams, who is being detained at the Atlantic County Jail, was previously charged with three counts each of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct.

He was previously accused of sexually assaulting three children while working for the Atlantic County School District.

Williams was initially arrested in August and accused of touching a student in a sexual manner on Feb. 21. He was working as a school social worker at the time of the incident.

Additional charges were filed against Williams earlier this month after two more victims, ages 11 and 12, came forward. The incidents occurred in 2022 and 2023, according to affidavits of probable cause.

Each of the victims, according to the affidavits, was sexually assaulted in similar ways.

He had become friends with two of the victims families, and two of the victims were assaulted at William Davies Middle School in Mays Landing, the affidavits say. The third victim was assaulted in Williams vehicle as he drove her home from an event.

The investigation in Ocean County was conducted by the prosecutors office Special Victims Unit and the Manchester Township Police Department.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Delaney Huber of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office at 732-929-2027, ext. 3218.

Williams attorney, Kerlin Hyppolite, did not immediately return a request for comment from NJ Advance Media on Thursday.
FILE - Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio attends a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) AP

Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys, said that he has helped launch an extremely effective campaign to fire people celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

But theres a caveat.

While speaking to The Atlantic, Tarrio said he has activated members of the militant network to find posts on social media, identify the individual and persuade their employers to terminate them. He acknowledged that the effort is funny, saying that this was a tactic that was used on us from 2017 forward.

We got deplatformed, debanked. It sucked for us, Tarrio said in an interview released Wednesday. I always said I wouldnt do it back to anybody. But since then, Ive been incarcerated for something I didnt do.

Tarrio was referencing his seditious conspiracy conviction and other charges related to his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2023, but was later pardoned when President Donald Trump returned to the White House.

So Im in a different mindset right now, Tarrio said. An eye for an eye right now.

Tarrio said the number of firings has grown  and have been praised  which he referred to as scalps. The terminations include an American Airlines pilot and a Texas Roadhouse operator, according to The Atlantic. Tarrio claimed that around 100 people have been fired, and counting.

I guess its kind of hypocritical of us after saying, oh free speech or whatever, he said. But the problem is the right isnt good at fighting dirty.

He said that the group has now figured it out,adding its working.

Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of Trump, was fatally shot last week during an event on the campus of Utah Valley University. He was 31.

A number of MAGA supporters online have also called for similar actions like Tarrios campaign.

Call them out, and hell, call their employer, Vice President JD Vance said on Monday as he guest-hosted an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show.

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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands President Donald Trump a folder during a meeting in the Blue Room of the White House, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

President Donald Trump is growing frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The Journal exclusively reported late Wednesday that Trump had recently told several aides that the Israeli leader prefers using military force against Hamas  instead of the his preference of negotiating a ceasefire agreement. Tensions boiled over, according to the outlet, after Israel launched a missile attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar last week. While five members of the militant group were killed, all of the targeted top leaders survived, Hamas claimed.

Hes f---ing me, Trump said about Netanyahu, the Journal revealed, citing anonymous officials who heard the comment.

At the time, Trump was speaking with senior aides, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, about how to respond, according to the outlet. It comes as Netanyahu earlier this week did not rule out further attacks on Hamas leaders wherever they are.

As Rubio met with Netanyahu on Monday, Trump urged the Israeli government to be very careful going forward.

They have to do something about Hamas, but Qatar has been a great ally to the United States, Trump told reporters.

Trumps exasperation, however, does not appear to be an isolated incident. The president has privately criticized Netanyahu in the past  including accusing him of disloyalty. After Netanyahu sent a video to former President Joe Biden, congratulating him on his 2020 presidential election win, Trump told Axios of the Israeli leader: I havent spoken to him since... F--- him.

Meanwhile, Trump has largely avoided public criticism of Netanyahu. While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump emphasized that he wants the war to end and for Hamas to immediately release all remaining hostages.

Thats what the people of Israel want, Trump said during a press conference alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They want them back. And we want the fighting to stop.

Trump also said that the recognition of a Palestinian state is a rare disagreement between him and Starmer. The British government is set to vote on acknowledging a Palestinian state next week, shortly after Trump wraps up his visit to the United Kingdom.
Kamala Harris has a new book coming out later this month. AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Former Vice President Kamala Harris first choice for her running mate was not Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, The Atlantic reported on Wednesday.

The Atlantic reported on an excerpt from her upcoming book, 107 Days, which detailed that Harris wanted Pete Buttigieg to be her running mate in the 2024 election. Buttigieg, who was serving as former President Joe Bidens transportation secretary at the time, emerged as a rising star in the Democratic Party during the 2020 primary.

Harris ultimately decided that Buttigieg was too big of a risk to add to the ticket, according to The Atlantic. Buttigieg would have been an ideal partnerif I were a straight white man," Harris wrote in the book, The Atlantic reported.

But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man. Part of me wanted to say, Screw it, lets just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk," she wrote.

And I think Pete also knew thatto our mutual sadness," she added.

Buttigieg fell out of the running before Harris narrowed down her list to a few finalists. A person familiar with their conversations told me that the two did not discuss her reasoning https://t.co/S2AMrf2Fxb  Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) September 18, 2025

She wanted Buttigieg because he is a sincere public servant with the rare talent of being able to frame liberal arguments in a way that makes it possible for conservatives to hear them, The Atlantic reported.

I love Pete, she said in the book. I love working with Pete. He and his husband, Chasten, are friends.

Harris ended up choosing Walz, who rose to national prominence after a number of explosive cable television hits criticizing President Donald Trump, as her running mate. According to The Atlantic, Harris did not explain in the excerpt whether Walz knew he was not her first choice.

A spokesperson for Walz told The Atlantic that Buttigieg is outstanding.

The partys lucky to have such a deep bench of talent, the spokesperson said. Now we need everyone out on the field making our case ahead of 28.

Harris is just one of many possible Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential election. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Buttigieg, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are also potential contenders for the nomination.

Newsom recorded 25% support in a recent Emerson College poll about the 2028 presidential primary. Following behind Newsom is Buttigieg with 16%, Harris with 11%, Shapiro with 5%, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York with 4% each.
Former gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-Union, is teaming up with state Sen. Joe Cryan, D-Union, for a series of campus debates aimed at showing college students that politics doesnt have to be toxic.

The effort comes in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, an incident that drew condemnation from both parties, whom are now planning to push legislation that treats political violence as a hate crime.

The nominees running for New Jersey governor this year, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, also condemned the killing.

The bipartisan tour follows on the heels of a 2024 bill in which Bramnick pushed legislation to create a 12-member task force on civil discourse for K-12 schools.

The proposed panel would include an equal number of Democrats and Republicans from both legislative chambers and travel to schools across New Jersey to promote respectful dialogue.

Ive advocated for teaching civility in our public schools and institutions, and now were going to apply this practice on college campuses, Bramnick said.

Bramnick, a moderate Republican who finished third in the GOP gubernatorial primary behind Ciattarelli and radio host Bill Spadea, has long championed civility  even when it cost him politically. During the campaign, he criticized President Donald Trump and faced backlash for referencing the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Traveling alongside a Democrat sends a powerful message, Bramnick said.

These debates will emphasize the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, even when we have differing views, and will show that we can disagree and still be friends, he said.
Former President Barack Obama spoke out on Thursday about the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmels show following pressure from the Federal Communications Commission.

ABCs decision to take Kimmels show off the air came hours after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, an appointee of President Donald Trump, threatened the network. Obama criticized this move by the Trump administration for threatening media companies in a post on social media platform X.

After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like, Obama wrote.

He also shared an article from Voxs Zack Beauchamp, who argued that Kimmel was taken off the airwaves because the Trump administration didnt like what he had to say and threatened his employer until they shut him up."

After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like. https://t.co/uts7JpJZzN  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 18, 2025

ABCs decision to suspend Kimmels show comes after Nexstar Communications Group said it would indefinitely preempt the show on its ABC-affiliated stations, starting Wednesday. Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division, called Kimmels comments offensive and insensitive in a statement.

A number of critics have denounced the decision to pull Kimmel off the air, arguing that Carrs threats to ABC earlier that day infringed on Kimmels freedom of speech.

At the center of the controversy are Kimmels comments from Mondays show, where he suggested that the alleged killer of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, could have been a MAGA Republican.

In his post on Thursday, Obama also criticized other media companies, including The Washington Post, for capitulating to the government.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent  and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it," he said, sharing an article from The New York Times about a fired columnist from The Washington Post.

Karen Attiah, the opinion columnist for The Post, said in a Substack post that she was fired from newspaper last week because of her comments against political violence, racial double standards, and Americas apathy toward guns.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent  and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it. https://t.co/gOjqFnGv0I  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 18, 2025

The controversy over Kimmels suspension is part of a broader pattern across the country, as a number of employers have fired employees over social media posts commenting on Kirks killing last week. Teachers in New Jersey are also being reported to their schools over what they said about Kirk.

Vice President JD Vance urged listeners of Kirks podcast earlier this week to call the employers of those who celebrated the murder of the right-wing activist.

So when you see someone celebrating Charlies murder, call them out, and hell, call their employer, Vance said.

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 protections for employees who are punished for speech made both in and out of private workplaces.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) delivered a sharp attack against Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) on Thursday, a day after the GOP lawmaker attempted to advance a censure resolution over the Democrats comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

In a 214-213 vote on Wednesday, the House squashed a measure from Mace, who argued for Omars censure and removal from committees. Four Republicans  Rep. Cory Mills of Florida, Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska, Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado, and Rep. Tom McClintock of California  joined all Democrats in tabling the resolution.

Ilhan Omar mocked the cold-blooded assassination of an innocent American husband and father, Mace wrote in a post on X, referring to Kirk, who was fatally shot last week. ...And tonight, Congress protected her.

Omar fired back, writing in response: Literally none of this is true and this woman needs to get help. We have to stop allowing members who are experiencing mental breakdown to continue to work without getting them the help they need. This is an emergency, lets help her before she hurts herself or one of us.

In another post on Thursday, Mace went even further in her jabs against Omar, as the two lawmakers have feuded on social media in recent days.

Ilhan Omar is an Enemy of the State, Mace claimed on X, attaching a 2019 article from Fox News that says the Democrat once asked a judge to show compassion and a restorative approach to justice in the sentencing of nine Minnesota men accused of planning to join ISIS.

Ilhan Omar is an Enemy of the State.https://t.co/9OIxXyC577  Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) September 18, 2025

Her post comes only two days after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) warned against the exact type of language in the wake of the killing of Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump.

While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Johnson said that congressional leaders have an increasing tendency to frame simple policy disputes as some sort of existential threat to our country. He then appeared to take aim at Democrats who critique Trump and his administration through the use of certain labels.

Leaders cannot call their political opponents Nazis and fascists and enemies of the state because they disagree with their policy priorities, Johnson said. This is something we shouldve learned in grade school.

The day after the Kirks death was announced, Omar told Zeteo, a progressive news outlet, that it was really mortifying to hear the news and all I could think about was his wife, his children. She went on to say that Kirks death was being weaponized by conservatives to attack the left.

There are a lot of people who are out there talking about him just wanting to have a civil debate, Omar said. These people are full of s---, and its important for us to call them out while we feel anger and sadness.

Mace took issue with her comments, launching a barrage of criticism against the Squad member. In one post on X, she wrote on Wednesday that If you celebrate murder, maybe Somalia can take you back.

Omar replied: I know you arent well or smart, but I hope someone can explain to you that there isnt a correlation between my committee assignments and deportation. Regardless of what you do with these committees, my office will continue to be next to you and I will continue to be in Congress.

Would love to see you get the help you need next. You belong in rehab, not Congress, Omar added, after Mace repeated that We would love to see you deported back to Somalia next.
Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, defended ABCs decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air  and backed demands from a TV giant in the process.

Disney-owned ABC announced Wednesday that it will suspend the late-night show indefinitely after host Jimmy Kimmel commented on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

During his monologue Monday night, Kimmel criticized President Donald Trumps MAGA base over its reaction to the death of the Turning Point USA co-founder, who was fatally shot last week on the campus of Utah Valley University. He also suggested that the suspect in Kirks killing  22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah  might have been pro-Trump or Republican.

The MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said during his remarks.

During an appearance on CNBCs Squawk on the Street on Thursday, Carr was asked about Sinclair, which owns many local TV stations, after it said late Wednesday that it would also suspend Kimmels program, while listing requests for the host.

Sinclair also [calls] upon Mr. Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family. Furthermore, Sinclair asks Mr. Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA, Sinclair wrote in a statement posted on X.

Sinclair Says Kimmel Suspension is Not Enough, Calls on FCC and ABC to Take Additional Action



Sinclairs ABC stations to Air Special in Remembrance of Charlie Kirk During Jimmy Kimmel Live! Friday Timeslot



Sinclair, the nations largest ABC affiliate group, objects to recent  Sinclair, Inc. (@WeAreSinclair) September 18, 2025

Anchor Jim Cramer directly asked Carr: Do you think thats an appropriate remedy of the situation?

I think Sinclair has every right to call for that, Carr said.

Again, Sinclair affiliates with Disney... They have a contractual relationship with Disney, and thats between the two of them to make sense to make both of them comfortable with the relationship going forward, he continued.

The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! came after Carr, whom Trump had nominated in November, told right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson earlier Wednesday that there was a strong case for action over Kimmels comments.

This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney, Carr told Johnson. We can do this the easy way or the hard way.

As the abrupt move prompted a firestorm on social media, Trump celebrated the news in a post on his Truth Social platform Wednesday night.

Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible, he said, referring to CBSs Stephen Colbert of The Late Show, whose show is set to end in May 2026.

He also urged NBC to ax Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and Late Night host Seth Meyers from the network.

While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump said that Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings more than anything else.

He said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk, Trump said, later adding, You can call that free speech or not. He was fired for lack of talent.
Three members of the Sex, Money, Murder subset of the Bloods street gang were sentenced to nine years in prison for their roles in a drug-dealing scheme, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Jerry Ross, 47; Luis Delvalle, 42; and Joseph Ross, 43, all previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey. Joseph Ross also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The trio and their co-conspirators are all members and associates of a drug trafficking organization that operated an open-air narcotics market in and around the area of West 3rd Street in Plainfield, the office said.

Jerry Ross was the leader of the drug trafficking organization, and Delvalle was a manager and supplier, investigators said.

Over the course of several months, detectives surveilled the area, conducted multiple controlled drug purchases and analyzed telephone records, authorities said.

Following the execution of search warrants and the arrests of the gang members, investigators recovered multiple guns, fentanyl, and supplies to package and distribute drugs on the street, the office said.

The others charged in this case: Pernell White, 37; Jaquay Bell, 36; Andre Gaddy, 32; Jacob Douglas, 43; Tarrell Strond, 43; and Tayeire Thomas, 27, have also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, federal prosecutors said.

Thomas was sentenced to 48 months in prison, and Strond was sentenced to 36 months in prison, authorities said. The remaining defendants were set to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

These sentences confirm our commitment to eradicating the Bloods and all violent criminal street gangs throughout New Jersey, Acting United States Attorney and Special Attorney Habba said in a statement. For too long, this gang plagued the residents of Plainfield with a scourge of drugs, primarily deadly fentanyl, weaponizing addiction for their own personal gain.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Snow showers early, with a steadier snow developing late. Low 17F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
The latest government attack on internet connectivity  and one of the most drastic so far  comes from Afghanistan, where ruling group the Taliban this week imposed an internet ban on the northern Balkh province, where a Wi-Fi shutdown was confirmed on Tuesday. The Taliban has said that the fibre optic internet ban will eventually be nationwide.

Indeed, there have already been reports of severe disruption in other parts of the country. On Thursday, according to Reuters, internet access was reportedly cut off in the provinces of Baghlan, Badakhshan and Takhar in the northeast, Kunduz in the north and Nangarhar in the east. So far local media reports suggest that as many as ten provinces have been affected.

Local news outlet Afghanistan International has quoted an official statement saying: "The order from the Taliban leader is irreversible and will be enforced nationwide."

The ban, which is said to be in order to "prevent immorality", is the first since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. It affects not only consumers and their homes but government offices, the private sector, and public institutions, all of which will be left without Wi-Fi internet. Indeed, Reuters says most Afghan provinces have had fibre optic services until now.

Mobile internet remains functional, however, though it is described as being slow and expensive.

Officials say alternatives are being found for necessities, though what these necessities may be and how they will be addressed is not clear.

The Afghanistan Media Support Organisation has condemned the ban as disrupting millions of citizens' access to free information and essential services but also posing a grave threat to freedom of expression and the work of the media.

However, as the Sky News service points out, businesses will also suffer as a lot of business is done on the internet. Fixed internet also offers a source of education for girls, which may no longer be available.

This seems to be a radical policy reversal given comments apparently made last year by a spokesman for the Communications Ministry. He said that Afghanistan had a fibre optic network of more than 1,800 kilometres and that approval had been given for an additional 488 kilometres.
Nina Kelley thought shed spend the rest of her life in Westwood, N.J., where she and her husband lived for 50 years, raising four children.

But when her husband, Skip Kelley, who served as Westwoods mayor from 1995 to 2003, died in 2022, she quickly tired of maintaining their 1,560-square-foot house on her own.

[Did you recently buy a home? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com. Sign up here to have The Hunt delivered to your inbox every week.]

After my husband passed away, I found I really didnt mind living alone, said Ms. Kelley, 77. I was devastated, but I wasnt terribly lonely. But my handling the maintenance and the bills and all the stuff that he and I did together  I just found it exhausting.

Ms. Kelleys three sons lived locally, but they work, theyre busy, they have families, she said. (All three of her sons did offer to have her move in, she added.)

Then, last fall, a friend made an unexpected bid on her house. The first time he walked into my house, he looked around, he goes, I love your house. Do you want to sell it? she recalled. Within a few months, Ms. Kelley had sold it to him for $699,000, giving her the jumpstart she needed to find her next home.
Michael Soutter

Nissan announced that Michael Soutter is returning to the company as SVP, U.S. marketing and sales, Nissan and INFINITI. Soutter most recently served as an automotive and market consultant at GSD Consulting. He was previously held several executive roles at Nissan in Canada, Japan and the U.S, including corporate VP, global head of aftersales. In his new role, he will be responsible for all marketing and sales activities for the Nissan brand in the U.S., while also overseeing the INFINITI business in the Americas. Soutter replaces Vinay Shahani, who had held the job since January 2024. "Mike is a strong and experienced leader within Nissan who brings a track record of success working with our dealer partners," said Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier.

Nancy Scott

IntelePeer, an end-to-end conversational AI platform provider, appoints Nancy Scott as CMO. Scott was previously global head of audience marketing, health & life sciences at Microsoft, where she led strategic marketing initiatives. At Nuance Communications (which was acquired by Microsoft), she was VP of global communications and customer engagement. Earlier in her career, she held key marketing and corporate communications leadership positions at EnterpriseDB, Eliza Corporation, Zipcar and Ticketmaster. As CMO, Nancy is responsible for all aspects of IntelePeers marketing, including analyst relations, channel and partnership marketing, corporate marketing, demand generation, and public relations. Her healthcare expertise and leadership in conversational, ambient and generative AI bring a rare combination of insight and innovation, said IntelePeer CEO Frank Fawzi.

MIchael Valentino

ABM, which provides facility management services, promotes Michael Valentino to VP of communications. Valentino was previously senior director, head of external communications and media relations at the company. Before coming to ABM, he was VP, corporate communications at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Earlier in his career, Valentino served as senior manager of public relations and corporate communication at Meridian Health. In his new role, he will lead a reimagined communications function focused on predictive, personalized, and people-centered engagement. He will oversee the unification of ABMs voice across all platforms, strengthen the companys reputation with clients, employees, and communities, and ensure close alignment with investor relations.
Marco Rubio

Rubio surrenders The State Dept. has officially dismantled the Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation unit, which was designed to root out misinformation and disinformation planted in social media by Americas adversaries Russia, China and Iran.

The death notice came via a Sept. 17 press release, celebrating the US championing of free expression. Oh brother, Rubio just extended a golden information for Americas antagonists to run amok in social medialand.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio contends the Global Engagement Center created by the Biden administration devolved into a political censorship bureau, and that Americans are savvy enough to detect foreign propaganda when it is presented on X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. I wouldnt bet on that.

States timing is lousy. The Associated Press reports a wave of foreign disinformation swept across the US in the immediate aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Within hours of that murder, Russia amplified online conspiracy theories, seeding social media with claims that the US had plunged into civil war.

Chinese bots pushed the idea that the killing proves just how polarized, violent and dysfunctional the US has become.

Iran claimed that Israel masterminded the assassination, which was accepted by white supremacist groups.

NewsGuards Reality Check counted 6,200 mentions of Charlie Kirk across Russian, Chinese and Iranian state-run medias from Sept. 10 to Sept. 17.

An Iranian outlet that is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp. reported: The Israeli regimes dark history of false flag operations and Trumps use of the assassination of Charlie Kirk to suppress Palestinian supporters have led independent analysts to suspect the possibility of Mossads role in the assassination.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Newsmax that claims of his countrys involvement in the Kirk killing are insane.

But who knows how many media outlets or individuals bought that Big Lle? One thing for sure: nobody at the State Dept was around to debunk it.

During his press conference about Kirks killing, Utah governor Spencer Cox said there have been bots from all over the world that are trying to instill disinformation and encourage violence.

His solution: log off social media and spend time with your family. Sorry, gov but thats not going to happen.

A cynic might say Rubios decision to disband the foreign manipulation unit is just another part of Team Trumps effort to discredit the US media by flooding it with overseas junk to chase down and verify.

The goal: Get rid of all that hold the Trump administration accountable for its rampant corruption and crazed domestic and international policies.

Going after the "haters." In the aftermath of Kirks murder, Donald Trump suggested that unfavorable coverage of the White House could be designated as hate speech.

He told ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl to watch out. Well probably going after people like you because you treat me so unfairly. You have a lot of hate in your heart. That threat is from a president of the US.

Eager to make brownie points with the boss, Attorney General Pam Bondi distinguished between free and hate speech. We will absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech, she said.

Upon receiving a wave of criticism from conservatives, including popular commentator Erick Erickson, who posted on X that our AG is apparently a moron, Bondi backtracked.

For as Kirk posted in 2024: Hate speech does not legally exist legally in America. Theres ugly speech. Theres gross speech. Theres evil speech. And All of it is protected by the First Amendment. Amen to that.

Bondi should think about returning to the PR business. Shes in over her head.

Perish the thought. Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr said ABCs decision to yank Jimmy Kimmels show off the air was the right thing to do.

Trump's media consigliere said of Disney-owned ABC's shameful capitulation: This is an important turning point,

But an important turning point to where? A muzzled press? McCarthyism? Authoritarianism?

Is Carr now the official tastemaker of broadcast media? Must content measure up to his standards? Its a sad day when the FCC assumes the power to tell the media what to air and what not to air.

That may be the situation in Trumps favorite countries such as Russia and Hungary but its not suppose to happen here.

But then again, who could have dreamed that a country that once took great pride in its governmental system of checks and balances, would let a despotic president run rampant.
Ireland is set for heavy rain this weekend as Met Eireann has issued a 34 hour long Rain Warning for parts of the country through Friday and Saturday.

There is a Status Yellow Rain Warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork and Waterford from 2pm on Friday until midnight on Sunday with a Status Yellow Rain Warning for Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath and Tipperary coming into effect at midnight on Saturday until midnight on Sunday.

Met Eireann is warning that there will be spells of heavy rain at times, heaviest in the east and southeast.

Possible impacts include localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

In Met Eireann's latest forecast for Ireland, it says that on Friday morning, rain, drizzle, mist and fog will mostly clear eastwards but will linger in the southeast. It will become mainly dry with some bright or sunny spells extending from the west, but staying mostly cloudy in the east and southeast. Highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees with mostly light to moderate southwest winds.

An area of low pressure to the south of Ireland is likely to send up some rain from the south on Friday night. There's still uncertainty though as to how widespread the rain will become. At the moment though, it looks like Munster and Leinster are most likely to see some rain, especially southern and eastern parts, some of it heavy. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees in light to moderate breezes, becoming mostly northerly and freshening in southern areas.

The area of low pressure to our south will continue to dominate our weather on Saturday. There'll be some heavy spells of rain, particularly in the south and east. While it may hold mainly dry elsewhere, there is the possibility of more widespread heavy, possibly thundery, rain. There's also the potential for it to become breezy or rather windy with freshening northerly winds, possibly stronger in parts. Highest temperatures of 12 to 17 degrees.

The uncertainty continues into Saturday night, but there'll be further wet and breezy or rather windy conditions, especially in the east, but again with the potential to be more widespread. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees.

On Sunday morning, it's likely to be still be wet and blustery in the east at first, though the rain should clear eastwards through the morning. Otherwise it's going to be a cool, breezy day, with sunshine and a scattering of showers. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees and feeling cooler than that with the added wind chill effect from a fresh and gusty northerly wind, which will be stronger in some coastal parts.
Sinead Ryan, presenter of Newstalk's The Home Show and columnist with the Irish Independent, has shared her opinion on whether or not pets should be allowed in dining places.

Sinead, who was joined by Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly on Newstalk Breakfast, said: "I think there is a place for petsit is walking in the park or at home. It's definitely not where food of any kind is being served or prepared.

She said that it's not that she doesn't like animals she just believes that they shouldn't be allowed in places where people eat.

Of course, guide and assistance dogs, [that] absolutely goes without saying - they are their owners eyes and should be brought everywhere," she said on Newstalk Breakfast.

Sinead says her mind was set on this when she encountered a cat cafe while on holiday.

You have fur, fleas, [and] the outside coming inside....I went on to the EU regulations because I was like, There has to be an EU rule about this,' but there isnt.

Im relieved that Ireland for the most part doesnt have this, but you see it in Spain, you see it in Portugal and definitely in France.

"Theyre carting them around with little hats and coats on them - thats another thing that I disagree with....I just think this whole anthropomorphism of animals as kind of babies or substitutesit's wrong on every level.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Who are The Traitors Ireland contestants and where are they all from?

Heres the truth, peopleIm not going to love your baby as much as you do, so please dont bring in your cat or your dog.

Sinead said: This food recall, we are just on the other side of it - as a bug was detected. You want your Food Safety Authority doing exactly that kind of thing.

I love the restaurants that have a dog bowl outside and somewhere to tie up your dog - thats fine.

The dogs in the restaurants - its just awful, it's unhygienic, it's disgusting, its revolting - I hate it!

What do you think? Should animals be allowed in cafes and restaurants?
Normal People author Sally Rooney has been advised she can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest due to her support for banned organisation, Palestine Action.

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terror organisation in July after the group claimed responsibility for an action in which two Voyager planes were damaged at RAF Brize Norton Air Station on June 20.

The Irish writer, 34, said she would continue to be a supporter despite the ban.

After winning the Sky Arts Award for literature, she reiterated her solidarity with the people of Palestine in a message read out by her editor at the ceremony in London.

READ MORE: Irish presenter says she hates dog-friendly cafes- 'it's disgusting, its revolting'

Fabers Alex Bowler said: I have a few very simple words from her, which she asked me to share.

Im so touched and grateful to receive this prize. I truly loved writing Intermezzo and it means the world to me to think that it has found some small place in the lives of its readers. Thank you.

I wish that I could be with you this evening to accept the honour in person, but because of my support for non-violent anti-war protest, Im advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest.

In that context I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine. Thank you.'

In August, Downing Street warned that Rooney risked committing a terrorist offence after the award-winning author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptions to support the group, in a piece for the Irish Times.

She provided support for a legal claim by Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, against the Home Office over the decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Earlier in the month, almost 900 demonstrators were arrested at a central London rally protesting against the ban.
The Tunisian government has reportedly announced plans for a staggering 138 projects to accelerate the digital modernisation of government administration over the period 20252026.

These initiatives were presented earlier this week during a ministerial council. According to a press release from the presidency, cited by the Ecofin news agency, four main areas are to be targeted.

The first, the modernisation of administrative services, will include 99 initiatives aimed at developing remote services, strengthening interconnections between administrations and accelerating the development of information systems.

The second, the promotion of the digital economy, encompasses 18 projects dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital training, e-commerce and support for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The third, cybersecurity and digital trust, includes 12 projects, while the fourth, digital infrastructure development, includes nine projects to expand network coverage and modernise communications infrastructure within government administration.

Among specific measures mentioned on the Tunisian government portal are the development of a national and sectoral dashboard for the monitoring of implementation indicators, mandatory mechanisms for interconnection and data exchange between administrations, and the development of electronic payment and financial inclusion mechanisms.

The ministerial council also recommended the implementation of a national communication strategy to inform citizens of the digital services made available to them and to simplify access methods.

Also planned is a unified national portal bringing together administrative services and offering a simplified interface for citizens, investors and businesses. In addition, there are plans for a national open data policy to ensure transparency, stimulate innovation and integrate artificial intelligence solutions into ongoing digitisation projects, such as the early detection of corruption or tax evasion.

Sara Zaafarani Zenzari, the countrys Prime Minister, has been quoted as saying that the process of digitisation of the administration is "essential and necessary" and "not a choice". Its aims include attracting investment, promoting business, stimulating economic growth, and simplifying administrative procedures to make citizens' lives easier. It should also make it possible for the country to be more in step with international changes.

These plans are certainly ambitious, but costing, timings and technology partners are still to be announced. That said, the government adds that it plans, for the next five-year term (2026-2030), a unified national vision of digital transformation.
By Robert Weiner and Katherine White

As we celebrate Senator and Congressman Claude Peppers 125th birthday this month (September 8), it is an impactful reminder of all the work Pepper did not only for for his Floridian community, but the nation's elderly population and people lacking equal rights. We need Pepper's courage now on Social Security, health care, and the vulnerable. Some may remember him on the cover of Time Magazine on April 25th, 1983, as Americas "Spokesman for the Elderly. Earlier, he was on the cover of Time on May 2nd, 1938, as a powerful and strong-voiced young senator.

Even 36 years after his passing in 1989, through his tireless work Social Security remains solvent with a 2.7 trillion-dollar surplus because of his deal with President Reagan and Tip O'Neill. More than five million Floridians and 74 million Americans receive Social Security benefits -- the most successful social program in American history, protecting seniors from poverty.

During his Senate career, was a close ally of FDR in forging both domestic programs and bringing world allies together for the Lend-Lease World War II efforts. His early promotion and support of the Lend Lease Act of 1941 allowed the allied forces in World War II to fend off Axis forces until American involvement later in the war.

As a United States Senator and Congressman, he was the most prominent advocate for elderly rights, including elder abuse, banning mandatory retirement, protecting social security, and protection in nursing homes.

Pepper also undoubtedly showed his fairness to bipartisan issues as chairman on the Select Committees on Crime, the Aging Committee, and finally the Rules Committee which shepherded all bills to the House floor. He consistently collaborated with Republican colleagues in Congress to advance civil rights and government support for Americans. His effort for bipartisan cooperation should still be learned from by Democrats today. His bill to abolish mandatory retirement on age alone passed 359-2 in the House and 89-10 in the Senate.

His work as a public servant still; impacts millions of Americans today. His efforts for elderly rights, health institutes at NIH, and advancing civil rights are helping people today.

Claude Pepper famously said to Congress What have I done today to lighten the burden upon those who suffer?

Cong. Pepper pushed for an end to mandatory retirement, stricter legislation on elder abuse, passing Medicaid/Medicare to assist the elderly, expanding home healthcare and nursing home protections.

It wasnt just the elderly Claude Pepper worked throughout his career to advance. Claude Pepper was an early supporter of the equal rights amendment. He attempted in 1945 to establish the Fair Employment Practices Committee for equal rights for black Americans and women. The same year he tried to pass a bill in the Senate passing equal rights for women. He was a key and early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment when it was initially passed in 1972 by Congress.

Senator/Cong. Pepper consistently supported bills in the House for equal rights, fair pay, and anti-discrimination. He continued this work throughout the 1970s and 1980s, introducing legislation that helped with equal opportunities, cancer, and health research.

As our country continues to face challenges posed by political extremism, cuts to federal funding, and general uncertainty, Claude Peppers memory should remain alive. It should also be time for new Democrats to step up to Peppers stature and courage to the American people.

As Social Security still hangs in the balance of severe funding cuts, we should look towards Peppers work. He told Presidents Reagan and Carter that he would fight it to our death to oppose privatization or benefits reductions and would support Social Security.

Here is a link to a short (13 minutes) video we created with the support of the Claude Pepper Foundation with some of the best clips of statements by Congressman/Senator Pepper: .youtube.com/watch?v=wGeQGa_8RYM

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A few days ago, the conservatives on the so-called Supreme Court overturned a lower court prohibition of racial and accent profiling by ICE agents. In addition, they approved the investigation of any person of color at job sites frequented by immigrant workers. This was, of course, at the direction of their boss, die Fuhrer, Herr Trumph, who, like his idol, seems to have demanded and obtained loyalty oaths from all six of his conservative justices. What is not commonly known is the Fuhrer's proudest title, that of Secret Honorary National Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Amazingly, Trumph, as brilliantly persuasive as he is, not only managed to recruit every conservative on the Court to join him, including Cletis DuMass, a black man who, for some reason, hates people of color, but Trumph apparently convinced the Klan to actually accept its first known black member! Reportedly, at a special ceremony, held at midnight, the six conservative jurists were sworn in and they were christened the Ku Klux Kourt.

Shortly after the clandestine ceremony, thousands of immigrants, most of whom had committed no crime, were imprisoned in cages in an internment camp in the Florida Everglades. The plan, hatched by Florida's sadistic Governor Ron DeSantis and blessed by fellow sadist Herr Donald Trumph, was finally halted by a lower court judge after several of the prisoners, deprived of due process as well as common decency, reportedly died. The Trumph Reichstag, excuse me, administration, realizing that the suit against them did not actually involve the inhumane treatment of the prisoners or their deaths, but instead the threat to the environment, are arguing that the environmentalists have no standing.The interesting question is why there was no case against the government for violating due process or for criminal negligence. Herr Trumph and his administration, after bragging about the facility, are now abdicating responsibility and shifting any possible blame to his underling, Herr Colonel DeSantis! Meanwhile an appeals court, seeking to reestablish the aforementioned facility, nullified the lower court ruling and had the prisoners temporarily transferred to other facilities pending the High Kourt's decision. It is quite possible that given the racist makeup of the court's conservative justices, that the five Klansmen and one Klanswoman may have already decided the case on their own Shadow Docket. Now the beauty of the Shadow Docket is that no reason needs to be given to defend the Supreme Soviet, excuse me, the Supreme Kourt's majority opinion. That way they can violate the Constitution and even if they are later persuaded to change their opinions, voila! Fuhrer Trumpf's damage would already be done! This is, of course, normal business procedure for a fascist judiciary in any fascist country. Meanwhile, in a democratic country there would normally be enough legislators to counter fascist attempts to take over the entire government.

In this country, however, the only thing we can call a party that can stand as a deterrent to Herr Fuhrer Trumph and his Ku Klux Kourt seems to be a rag-tag minority group of misfits calling themselves Democrats. They are made up mostly of centrists, not unlike RINOs, those still patriotic Republicans in name only, who used to work with Democrats to ensure that the government didn't do things that were totally disastrous. The result was some ancient term called comp something, uh compromise. Yes, that's the word! Unfortunately, unlike the current Republicans, the extremists who run the Democratic party don't actually seem to represent the majority of even their own party. Instead, they seem to have their own agenda, understood only by political clairvoyants.

Anyway, Fuhrer Trumph's party, excuse me, the Republican Bund, sorry, I meant Party, has been instructed never to compromise as long as they have all of Herr Leonard Leo's hand-picked jurists in the Kourt's majority. Leo, head of the Federalist Society, America's Volksgerichtshof, the equivalent of the N*zi terrorist People's Court, which was under control of die Fuhrer, answers directly to Herr Trumph or it might be the other way around since it is Leo, not Trumpf, who may ultimately control the Kourt due to the large payoffs he and his wealthy supporters have supplied to its members. In fact, it is apparently Leo who suggested to Klanswoman Aileen Cannon, who was busy, at the time, deciding what color of lipstick to put on her pet pig and Klansman Cletis DuMass, that black racist who, for some reason, hates people of color and was emotionally devastated over how difficult it is to successfully ban contraception, that instead of the special prosecutor being just another lawyer appointed by the justice department, he had to be approved by Congress- not because of the law, but because of the person he was investigating! I don't have to be a lawyer to know that they are complaining about the wrong side of the hiring. The justice department doesn't need Congress to approve every little attorney that they hire! Just don't call him a special prosecutor! However, the Kourt did manage to relieve the pressure on their Fuhrer for a few years at least.

Then, of course, there is the little matter of the High Kourt actually ruling that die Fuhrer Trumpf can purposely plan and execute a crime, even murder, and not be responsible by simply calling it an official act! Obviously that includes collusion with his half-witted supporters attempting to take over the congressional building and trying to kidnap the Vice-President, making the High Kourt Klansmen accessories after the fact and, possibly, to any crime committed later by the President. Unfortunately, Merrick Garland did not have the intestinal fortitude or the foresight to arrest the criminal jurists or Trumpf. And, by the way, Mr. Pence should file a multi-billion-dollar civil suit on his behalf as well as on behalf of the American people, against the Fuhrer for trying to endanger his life!

The upshot of the matter is that, amazingly, none of the satire that I have presented is too far off the wall or even much of an exaggeration. Thus I believe that instead of spending so much time and money on issues such as student loans, changing genders, gay pride, even the environment, important as they are, Democrats need to address the blatant racism, religious intolerance, as well as the emoluments and bribes solicited by both the Fuhrer and his Kourt. Most of all, however, they need to accuse Republican Congressmen and Senators, as well as the Ku Klux Kourt, not only of being outright racists and bigots, but accomplices to the murders of civilians who have not even been convicted of actual crimes! My warning: beware, at some point, there will be no respect for law on either side and even legitimate juries will permit a victim or a victim's family's retaliation against crimes of the Ku Klux Kourt as well as the crimes of the fascists they actually represent! There needs to be a peaceful alternative to violence and it is to VOTE before that too is ruled illegal by the Ku Klux Kourt!!!

Al Finkelstein. 9/10/25
MSNBC, like all corporate media these days, wants to please Donald Trump and his loyalists. They were quick to apologize for one of their reporters after the Charlie Kirk shooting. Just to be safe they fired veteran political analyst Matthew Dowd, apparently for not being deferential enough to satisfy the president and his right-wing base.

What disrespectful things did Dowd say that led to his dismissal? They were offensive enough that MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler would call his remarks '"inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable". Did Dowd condemn the assassinated right-wing firebrand Charlie Kirk? Did he call Kirk a racist or a provocateur? Not at all.

During the interview with MSNBC correspondent Katy Tur, Dowd wondered if the incident could have been a Kirk supporter shooting their gun off in celebration. He added, "Remember, Kirk is a diehard advocate of the 2nd amendment.

"You can't stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place," Dowd said.

He said Kirk had been "one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions, and I think that is the environment we are in."

All very reasonable, non-hateful commentary. That Kirk was assassinated while presenting his views to a university audience was tragic. Violence caused by political beliefs should have no place in this country and the world. All of us should agree on that.

But Dowd was correct, when, after his firing, he said that MSNBC bent its knee to a "right-wing media mob."

The Right-Wing media mob ginned up, went after me on a plethora of platforms, and MSNBC reacted to that mob, Dowd wrote in a Friday Substack post. "Even though most at MSNBC knew my words were being misconstrued, the timing of my words forgotten (remember I said this before anyone knew Kirk was a target), and that I apologized for any miscommunication on my part, I was terminated by the end of the day."

Contrast that with the shocking statement on Fox and Friends by host Brian Kilmeade. In a discussion about homelessness, co-host Lawrence Jones said "You cant give em a choice. Either you take the resources that we're going to give you, or you decide that you gotta be locked up in jail. That's the way it has to be now." That's when Kilmeade suggested a more extreme option. "Or uh, involuntary lethal injection. Or something. Just kill em."

Last I looked, Kilmeade was back on the air at Fox News and Dowd was out of a job.

Despite the hero-worship gushing out from friendly right-wing allies that tried to make Kirk appear like he was the second coming of Christ, he was in many ways not much different from the typical MAGA supporter.

Kirk had charisma, most of the time was reasonable, and was friends with powerful people, among them the Trump family. Still, he is on record for saying a number of racist and bigoted things.

Kirk did say that it was a huge mistake to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. "We made a huge mistake when we passed the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s." He called civil rights leader Martin Luther King 'awful and not a good person.

A few days later, Kirk released an 82-minute podcast episode titled, "The Myth of MLK", which in part discusses how the MLK Myth keeps America shackled to destructive 1960s laws that have replaced the original U.S. Constitution, according to the summary description on the podcast's website.

Later that year, Kirk echoed similar sentiments about the Civil Rights Act of 1965 that outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex and national origin, and prohibited segregation.

The legislation, he said on his podcast in April 2024, "created a beast, and that beast has now turned into an anti-white weapon".

Weeks after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in 2023, Kirk argued in an Oct. 26 episode of his podcast that Jews had funded antisemitism in the U.S. by supporting liberal causes.

"Jewish donors have a lot of explaining to do. A lot of decoupling to do," he said. "Because Jewish donors have been the No. 1 funding mechanism of radical, open border neoliberal quasi-Marxist policies, cultural institutions and nonprofits. This is a beast created by secular Jews. And now it's coming for Jews, and they're like, What on Earth happened? And it's not just the colleges. It's the nonprofits, it's the movies, it's Hollywood, it's all of it."

Regarding guns, Kirk said: "You will never live in a society when you have an armed citizenry and you won't have a single gun death. That is nonsense. Its drivel. But I am I think it's worth it. I think it's worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational. Nobody talks like this. They live in a complete alternate universe."

"And why is he still in jail? Why has he not been bailed out?" Kirk asked about the attacker of Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul, who suffered a skull fracture after being hit in the head with a hammer.

"By the way, if some amazing patriot out there in San Francisco or the Bay Area wants to really be a midterm hero, someone should go and bail this guy out. I bet his bail's like 30[,000] or 40,000 bucks. Bail him out, and then go ask him some questions."

"It is a growing consensus in the pro-life world that abortion is never medically necessary," he told one female student, who then asked, if someone raped his hypothetical 10-year-old daughter, would he want the child to be born.

"The answer is, yes, the baby would be delivered, he said. He said having an abortion in that situation would be pandering to evil."

Charles Kirk is not ready to be carved onto Mt. Rushmore. His life and influence indicate someone with considerable talent, but like many other people, also had a lot of hatred in his heart. He should never have been killed for speaking his views, but it would be wrong to whitewash his imperfections and bigotry.

Charlie Kirk was not a good guy or a hero. He is less than perfect. And that needs to be recognized.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week,click here.

Late-night comedian Seth Meyers recently offered these comments laughingly on our president and the ominous return of the Department of Defense to its old name (given up just after World War II), the Department of War: Are you saying America went woke in 1945? I must have missed that in the old news reels. So whats this really about? Is a name change supposed to intimidate our enemies? Or is the intended audience here at home? Because while the president is threatening war abroad, he seems even more interested in waging war against Americans. Then, referring to Donald Trumps threats to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, he added, Im sorry, sir, but this is not going to look good on your application for a Nobel Peace Prize.

And speaking of late-night comedians, only recently, President Trump himself posted a parody image from Apocalypse Now featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the nations third-largest city. He added all too ominously at his media site Truth Social, I love the smell of deportations in the morning Chicago about to find out why its called the department of WAR, trailing his comment ominously by yes! images of three helicopters.

In short, its increasingly clear that Americans have a president who, while he may commit acts of war abroad (see, for instance, his administrations recent air attack obliterating a boat in the Caribbean Sea supposedly carrying 11 people and drugs), also seems all too intent and its no joke on attacking cities with Democratic mayors. As Jeet Heer wrote recently at the Nation magazine, Trumps deployment of the military at home is blowback from the imperial overreach carried out by presidents of both parties since the dawn of the Cold War in 1945 Finding that it cant subdue other nations, the government of the United States is trying its hand at domestic bullying.

And with that in mind, let TomDispatch regular Eric Ross explore more fully just whats in a name and why, in some grim sense, its always been the War Department. Tom

Whats In a Name?

The Defense Department Has Always Been About War

By Eric Ross

The renaming of the Defense Department should have surprised no one. Donald Trump is an incipient fascist doing what such figures do. Surrounded by a coterie of illiberal ideologues and careerist sycophants, he and his top aides have dispensed with pretense and precedent, moving at breakneck speed to demolish what remains of the battered facade of American democracy.

In eight months, his second administration has unleashed a shock-and-awe assault on norms and institutions, civil liberties, human rights, and history itself. But fascism never respects borders. Fascists don't recognize the rule of law. They consider themselves the law. Expansion and the glorification of war are their lifeblood. Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini put it all too bluntly: the fascist believes neither in the possibility nor the utility of perpetual peace war alone brings up to its highest tension all human energy and puts the stamp of nobility upon the peoples who have courage to meet it.

Pete Hegseth is now equally blunt. From the Pentagon, hes boasting of restoring a warrior ethos to the armed forces, while forging an offensive military that prizes maximum lethality, not tepid legality. Violent effect, not politically correct. The message couldn't be clearer: when the U.S. loses wars, as it has done consistently despite commanding the most powerful military in history, its not due to imperial overreach, political arrogance, or popular resistance. Rather, defeat stems from that military having gone woke, a euphemism for failing to kill enough people.

The recent rechristening of the Department of Defense as the Department of War was certainly a culture-war stunt like Trumps demand that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. But it also signaled something more insidious: a blunt escalation of the criminal logic that has long underwritten U.S. militarism. That logic sustained both the Cold War of the last century and the War on Terror of this one, destroying millions of lives.

When Hegseth defended the recent summary executions of 11 alleged Venezuelan drug smugglers on a boat in the Caribbean, he boasted that Washington possesses absolute and complete authority to kill anywhere without Congressional approval or evidence of a wrong and in open defiance of international law. The next day, in responding on X to a user who called what had been done a war crime, Vance wrote, I don't give a sh*t what you call it. It was the starkest admission since the Iraq War that Washington no longer pretends to operate internationally under the rule of law but under the rule of force, where might quite simply makes right.

While such an escalation of verbiage the brazen confession of an imperial power that believes itself immune from accountability should alarm us, its neither unprecedented nor unexpected. Peace, after all, has never been the profession of the U.S. military. The Department of Defense has always been the Department of War.

American Imperialism and Star-Spangled Fascism

The U.S. has long denied being an empire. From its founding, imperialism was cast as the antithesis of American values. This nation, after all, was born in revolt against the tyranny of foreign rule. Yet for a country so insistent on not being an empire, Washington has followed a trajectory nearly indistinguishable from its imperial predecessors. Its history was defined by settler conquest, the violent elimination of Indigenous peoples, and a long record of covert and overt interventions to topple governments unwilling to yield to American political or economic domination.

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By Karl Grossman and Harvey Wasserman

Donald Trump has torched atomic power's last illusion of credible regulation. He's destroyed the last shreds of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, exponentially raising the likelihood of an apocalyptic radioactive disaster while escalating America's transition to energy fascism. His nuclear boosterism has been joined by the core of the Democratic Party, including California's Governor Gavin Newsom among many others.

But the low-cost zero-carbon tsunami of green Solartopian technology may yet prove unstoppable in the marketplace.

For the first time in U.S. history, a president has fired a sitting NRC commissioner. Another has resigned. A DOGE flunky with zero nuclear expertise has decimated the NRC's technical support staff.

The NRC has always acted, as the Boston Globe has put it, more like an industry booster than a watchdog. But a recent Washington Examiner headline may comprise the Commission's ultimate epitaph: Regulators fear dismissal if they slow Trump nuclear power plans.

The commissioners themselves have nearly all been absurdly industry-friendly. But the rank-and-file NRC staff offered significant expertise. Now even that is gone.

Trump now loudly demands the commissioners rubber stamp Small Modular Reactors that are untested, unproven, uninsured and hyper-expensive. Industry supporters worry that soaring delays and prices followed by underperformance, accidents and radiation releases due to unreliable, unregulated construction could doom the technology.

Safety concerns have been confirmed by the refusal of the insurance industry to cover damages from an accident. The refusal stretches back to 1957, when Congress approved the Price-Anderson Act, shielding the industry from a requirement to get private insurance. Thus the nuclear clause in every U.S. homeowner's policy says: This policy does not cover loss or damage caused by nuclear reaction or nuclear radiation or radioactive contamination.

The NRC has always been a nuclear lapdog, not a watchdog. But under the Trump administration's new executive orders expediting a drive for nuclear power in the U.S. the lapdog has had its teeth removed and its vocal cords cut. "It can't bite and it can't bark, even if it wanted to!" said Arnie Gundersen, a form top executive in the nuclear power industry and now as chief engineer of Fairewinds Associates, a leading challenger nuclear power.

As the orders, notes the U.S. Department of Energy, state: The executive orders instruct the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to create an expedited pathway to approve reactors and expand American nuclear energy capacity from around 100 GW [gigawatts] today to 400 GW by 2050.

Under Trump, "Nuclear safety is in complete free fall at NRC, and there is no parachute," said Kevin Kamps, radioactive waste specialist at the organization Beyond Nuclear. For example, the agency's staff and licensing board have already shockingly approved an unprecedented, extremely risky restart of the closed Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan. To restore the operating license, the NRC cobbled together an ad hocand convoluted regulatory pathway in close collusion with Palisades' owner, reckless Holtec International. Holtec has zero experience or competence with operating a reactor, repairing one, building or restarting one, let alone at a problem-plagued nuclear lemon like Palisades.

Palisades is a badly designed, poorly built, and now dangerously age-degraded 60-year-old reactor that cannot begin to meet modern day safety standards, which are themselves under serious attack by Trump, DOGE, and the industry, said Kamps. "If the NRC commissioners reject our appeals and rubberstamp Palisades' unneeded restart, it will risk a Chernobyl- or Fukushima-scale radioactive catastrophe, an existential threat to 21 percent of the entire planet's surface freshwater supply, the Great Lakes."

Further, by approving the Palisades' restart, the NRC appears to be getting ready to approve copycat closed-reactor restarts at Three Mile Island-1 nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, and the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Iowa, he said.

Said Tim Judson, executive director of the Nuclear Information and Resource Service: The atmosphere in the agency is clearly one where people who speak out will likely be first on the DOGE reduction-in-force list and everyone left is on notice that they could be next. As much as the chilling effect, my concern is also that inspections and enforcement could well be ending. Even if they keep resident inspectors at reactors to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, they may be taken off inspection duty and told to work on license applications and rewriting the regulations.

Said Michel Lee, chair of the Council on Intelligent Energy & Conservation Policy: To truly understand the developing safety and security threat, you have to connect the dots.

First you have the series of Trump executive orders demanding a rushed buildout of the nuclear-military-industrial complex. These orders and other actions being undertaken by administration, especially DOGE, are effectively dismantling the nation's long-established nuclear regulatory scheme, said Lee, an attorney.

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The UN Human Rights Council just concluded a study that confirms what all human rights organizations have concluded: that Israel is committing genocide as defined by International law. Meanwhile the corrupted governments around the world fail to take serious action or directly support the genocide via economic and military support. This includes the majority of the 57 Arab or Islamic countries who met recently in Qatar. 142 countries voted for two states at the UN. However, in my 2004 book, Sharing the Land of Canaan. I explained how the myth of a two state solution was created by Ben Gurion 100 years ago to help colonization. It is tantamount to US treaties with Native Americans. I explained how colonial anti-colonial struggles have only three possible scenarios/outcomes: The Algerian model (removal of colonizers), the US/Australia model (genocide), and the rest of the world model (one country for descendents of colonizers and colonized). There is no fourth real scenario. It is a myth, a mirage and more accurately a smokescreen to aid colonization. The data for this logic are overwhelming. This was the case eight decades ago. It was the case when Yasser Arafat (through ignorance or malice) accepted the Israeli-US dictats to dissolve the PLO and renounce resistance to create a supposed self-governing Palestinian Authority (Oslo accords 1993-1994). Everyone knew then that this normalizes colonialism and the outcome is now obvious to all to see: entrenching apartheid, expanding colonialism, strengthening the regime, ethnic cleansing, and increased genocide, ecocide, scholasticide, medicide and veriticide. It has become increasingly obvious even to those who (out of ignorance or malice) supported endless talk about two states and recognition of a fictional Palestinian state that ths merely aids ongoing genocide and apartheid. A better discourse pushed for by civil society organizations and hundreds of millions of activists around the world is to subject Israel to boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) until the basic rights of Palestinians are met (especially the right of return and self-determination). See bdsmovement.net. The only other and unthinkable scenario is a global war that ends this so-called human civilization.

Stay Humane, act, and keep hope and Palestine alive

Mazin Qumsiyeh

A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home

Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History

Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine

facebook pages Personal Institute

French
SEC Clears Barry Honig: Official Vindication in RIOT Blockchain Investigation In February 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission dealt a big blow to people who didn't 
Altdorf - On September 19, 2025, the Seniorenzentrum Altdorf near Nuremberg, in cooperation with the RATS, cordially invites all citizens to a special after-work party. 
Saudi Arabian telco Zain KSA is set to make a play in the insurtech space via its financial investment arm, Al Sayra Holding Company, which has formed a JV with global insurance specialist Prevensure to buy a stake in Saudi-based brokerage firm Green Shield Insurance Brokers Ltd (GSIB).

Under the JV arrangement announced on Tuesday, Al Sayra Holding now owns a 60% stake in GSIB, with the remaining 40% acquired by Prevensure. Both companies plan to transform GSIB into a next-gen insurance brokerage, offering both traditional and digital insurance solutions for individuals and enterprises across Saudi Arabia.

GSIB will leverage Zain KSAs digital ecosystem with Prevensures expertise in insurance and risk management to improve access to insurance services, unlock new business models, and enhance financial inclusion across the country.

Zain KSA CEO Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan said its expansion into insurtech is part of the telcos strategy to invest in telco-adjacent sectors and evolve from a traditional telco to a digital lifestyle enabler, whilst also reinforcing its positioning as a key partner driving digital transformation in Saudi Arabia.

This JV with Prevensure will scale GSIB into a digitally powered platform offering agile, customer-centric, and future-ready solutions, he said in a statement. Insurtech in Saudi Arabia is a promising sector, expected to grow at a CAGR of 31% over the next few years, and our entry into this space reinforces our confidence in its potential.

Jean-Pierre Assaf, Chairman and Group CEO of Prevensure Group, said the JV is the latest stepping stone for the group as it expands across the Middle East. Together with Zain KSA, a pioneer in digital transformation, we are committed to bringing innovation, expertise, and confidence to the Saudi insurance market.
21st Amendment opened a 95,000-square-foot brewery in San Leandro, California, in 2015. The brewery was founded in 2000 by Nico Freccia and Shaun O'Sullivan. TNS

SAN LEANDRO, California  The shutdown of 21st Amendment Brewery, a Bay Area craft beer leader, will erase dozens of jobs in the Bay Area, affecting workers in two cities in the region, according to an official state government filing.

The brewery intends to eliminate a total of 76 jobs in the Bay Area, the company stated in a WARN notice it filed with the state Employment Development Department.

The closings will involve the cessation of all operations and termination of all employees of 21st Amendment Brewery, Nico Freccia, a managing partner, wrote in the WARN letter to the EDD.

Founded in 2000, the brewery will cease operations in San Leandro and in San Francisco.

The closures will eliminate 58 jobs at the companys production center in San Leandro and another 18 jobs at the 21st Amendment brewpub in San Francisco.

21st Amendment Brewery disclosed in recent days that it had decided to cease operations, close both facilities, and discharge all of its employees.

In an interview with The Mercury News earlier in September, brewery co-owners Freccia and Shaun OSullivan indicated that the drink business has yet to recover or return to the business levels it had enjoyed prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

The brewery company lost a financial partner recently, a departure that prodded the partners to embark on the complete shutdown of the business and the dismissal of all its workers.
The view from a north tower of St. Stephens Cathedral, or Stephansdom, overlooking Vienna, Austria. Three Portland councilors joined others who traveled to Vienna this month to research its housing policies. (Photo by: Andrew Michael/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

City of Portland officials spent at least $47,000 on a six-day business trip to Vienna this month to learn about Austrian housing policy, according to estimates released this week.

Three city councilors who made the trip disclosed related costs, in conjunction with a public forum at the Oregon Convention Center highlighting key takeaways from the excursion. The full cost has yet to be tallied, and could fall if organizers partially refund program fees.

Councilor Jamie Dunphy, among those who made the roughly 5,500-mile journey, said he saw Austrian neighbors living and coexisting across a jumble of incomes. He and others from the trip said they were impressed with how many playgrounds readily interspersed with storefronts, car-free zones and unbelievably reliable transit  undergirded by the U-Bahn metro system  all near housing affordable to low-, middle- and high-income residents.

It was empowering, Dunphy told a packed room Tuesday.

Five members of Portlands roughly 25-person travel delegation invited builders and others attending the Housing Oregon conference to imagine a city where no one knows your income based on your address, where rental agreements never expire and where the government vociferously protects tenants by offering them free legal consultation on housing issues.

We absolutely must increase and enhance those, Councilor Candace Avalos said of local tenant protections.

Borrowing from what they learned abroad, Avalos also said city officials should focus on acquiring and maintaining ownership of land for housing, known as land banking, as a first step toward replicating social housing policies here. Prosper Portland, the citys economic development agency, has acquired land to that end but typically sought private partners to redevelop it, including at the Broadway Corridor site near Union Station. Others on the panel similarly questioned if standard lease lengths could be extended locally to run beyond a year.

The trip to Vienna and its costs came under scrutiny after The Oregonian/OregonLive first reported on the planned excursion last month. At the time, city officials declined to disclose expected costs and a records request submitted by the newsroom Aug. 28 still has not been fulfilled.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, councilors revealed preliminary cost estimates. Money for the trip will come from each councilors office budget of $1.3 million.

Avalos office said Tuesday it spent just under $20,000, or about $6,600 per person, for the councilor, chief of staff Jamey Evenstar and Jennifer Chang, a Portland Housing Bureau senior housing policy analyst. That included about $6,700 on flights and $3,900 on hotel rooms.

Councilor Mitch Greens expenses totaled about $5,700, according to Maria Sipin, his chief of staff. Sipin also attended at a cost of about $6,500.

Green opted to stay overseas for a few days after the event ended and was joined by his wife, who traveled at her own expense, Sipin said. City policy does not prohibit travelers from extending trips for personal reasons, according to a council spokesperson, so long as additional costs arent incurred by the city.

Councilor Green added additional days without adding to the cost of the trip, Sipin said in an email. He did not take a full council recess in late August. We used our council recess time for team building and constituent visits around the district.

In a news release Wednesday, Dunphys office said it estimated the Vienna trip cost just under $16,000 for Dunphy and his chief of staff, Madeline West, to fly out.

His office criticized what it said was a city mandate to use a city-approved travel agency, which booked tickets on the budget airline Condor for $2,200 each, when the same itinerary was available for $850 each if purchased directly.

Despite identifying and suggesting this more cost-effective option, we were required to use the Citys agency, Dunphys office said in the news release. We believe this administrative policy is wasteful and must change.

Officials said costs for travelers could be lower if organizers refund part of a $3,500 program fee paid by participants because of high turnout among the travelers, a mix that cut across the private and public sectors. Three groups  Neighborhood Partnerships, Fifth Element and The Urban Commons  organized the trip.

Green and Avalos sponsored a resolution, adopted by the City Council in April, ordering city staff to research social housing and deliver a report by next May. The invitation to travel to Vienna came soon after that resolution passed, according to a Tuesday post to the city website by Evenstar, Avalos top aide.

Councilor Avalos felt a responsibility to the cause and also knew this would be a rare chance to learn directly from experts, residents, and government officials, Evenstar wrote, adding, In the end, the lived experience, and the nine-hour time difference (!) convinced us that it was worth the time and expense to do this the right way. Zoom calls (did I mention the nine-hour time difference?) were just not possible.

Avalos office decided to take the unusual step to cover costs for one employee of the Portland Housing Bureau. That decision came after director Helmi Hisserich, citing budget considerations, told employees interested in going that they would have to pay out of their own pockets, according to a bureau spokesperson.

We felt strongly that the staff member responsible for drafting the report required in Councilor Avalos resolution should not be prevented from learning directly from the foremost practitioners on alternative housing models due to personal costs, Evenstar wrote. We decided to sponsor her trip as well because we felt it was the right thing to do.

Trip organizers also waived the $3,500 program fee for Chang, who must complete the report on social housing.

While other Housing Bureau staff members did not receive the fee waiver, we made the decision to accommodate (Chang) as she is the PHB staffer responsible for leading the response to the resolution, said Akasha Lawrence Spence, CEO of Fifth Element, one of the trip organizers.

Two other Housing Bureau staff members  Breonne DeDecker, rental services office manager, and Thuan Duong, equity and inclusion manager  attended and paid for their own trip costs.

PHB appreciated the Councilors offer and the contributions of the dedicated PHB staff who self-funded their trip, said the bureau spokesperson, Gabriel Mathews.
Ron Ross, a state-certified recovery mentor known as a peer, guides participants in a specialty court at the Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse in Oregon City on Sept. 11, 2025. The nonprofit supports people experiencing homelessness and addiction, diverting those cited for low-level drug possession into housing and treatment instead of jail. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

One morning last week, Ron Ross worked the busy room with the warmth of a gracious host, greeting everyone who entered, fist-bumping some and wrapping others in hugs.

But this wasnt a party and none of the people Ross encountered wanted to be there.

All faced low-level charges stemming from drug addiction and ended up in Clackamas Countys new specialty court.

Many needed a place to live or they had lapsed and used drugs again.

The courts goal: redirect people coping with addiction away from jail and into housing and treatment.

As court got underway, Ross barely sat still. He moved like a hummingbird among the courts participants, gathering basic information, gently explaining the court process and setting them up with a place to live, treatment and the support of a mentor in long-term recovery.

He handed out his cell number and encouraged people to use it.

I got you, Ross told one woman who was handcuffed and facing a theft allegation. I believe in you.

A year ago, the Legislature made minor drug possession a misdemeanor crime again, but it also set aside more than $20 million as an incentive for counties to develop deflection programs designed to keep people accused of drug crimes out of jail.

The law essentially gutted Measure 110, the states politically tumultuous and brief experiment with drug decriminalization.

This year, counties ramped up their deflection programs, with many relying on so-called peers like Ross to link people to help.

Programs vary among counties.

Multnomah Countys program, for instance, operates entirely outside of the court system. Police who catch people with small amounts of street drugs can take them to a standalone center in southeast Portland, where they can take a substance abuse screening and are encouraged, but not required, to pursue treatment or other services.

Emerging workforce

Clackamas County received a little over $1 million to fund its hybrid approach  the specialty court and a community-based program. Ross helps guide people in both programs.

Some of the funding  about $261,000  went toward the countys contract with OneLove, a local nonprofit that employs Ross.

Oregon Criminal Justice Commission data shows the county spent about 60% of its state money on treatment and housing and the rest on administration, including training and supplies. The county also used some of the money to pay the salary of a prosecutor who screens cases to determine eligibility for deflection.

Ross is among an estimated 4,000 state-certified recovery mentors, according to the Oregon Health Authority. The process involves completing 40 hours of training and requires that people be at least two years into recovery.

Clackamas County created what it calls program navigators; it employs two peers in the role, including Ross. The job extends beyond just providing support and includes reporting to the court about peoples progress in treatment.

We havent had something like this before, said Clackamas County Deputy District Attorney Bill Stewart. We have never had a court like this with these participants and players. Its an evolving role. We thought they would be important but they are absolutely critical.

The DAs office tracks where participants land while theyre in the program, which can range from three months to up to a year, and the court monitors participants progress.

Janie Gullickson, executive director of The Peer Company, said Clackamas Countys navigator positions illustrate the value people in recovery can bring to a wide variety of jobs.

Gullickson leads one of the Portland areas largest organizations providing peer support for people with mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders. People in long-term recovery make up most of the organizations workforce. That includes Gullickson, a prominent voice for peers in the state.

She cited one peer who went on to medical school. And so he is taking what he did as a peer support specialist in a hospital setting and that will inform his work, she said. That doesnt mean his role as a doctor is a peer support role.

Likewise, she noted that navigators like Ross arent serving strictly as peer support because they also report on participants treatment progress to the court.

It is a different and potentially career-ladder opportunity for people who have been peer specialists and are able to be informed by that experience, she said.

That special X factor

Ross grew up in New York and later moved to Connecticut. In 2014, he moved to Oregon, hoping to put distance between himself and years of alcohol abuse.

Ross, 38, of North Portland, can rattle off a depressing list of problems that stemmed from his alcohol addiction: encounters with police, impaired driving, wrecked cars, assaults, broken relationships, lost jobs.

He has been in recovery since Aug. 29, 2016  my clean date, he said. He credits the support of peers with pulling him out of alcoholism.

Among them: Tony Vezina, executive director of 4D Recovery, a provider of treatment and other recovery services in the Portland area.

Ross said he met Vezina while he was in court-mandated treatment following one of his drunken driving arrests.

Vezina, who is in long-term recovery, said Ross was at first reluctant to acknowledge his own alcohol abuse, but his thinking shifted over time.

He said Ross possesses a rare ability to connect with people who are suffering and help them change their life.

He has something that you cant teach people, he said. You either got it or you dont. He has that special X factor, where he naturally can just engage people, make them feel supported, inspire them to change, and then hes able to just get people into all these services so quickly.

Ross has served as a peer mentor since 2018 and and now works for LoveOne, which provides services for people experiencing homelessness, from laundry and showers to help finding housing and treatment.

Glen Suchanek, LoveOnes deputy director who is also in long-term recovery, said Ross taps contacts at nonprofits across the Portland area to help move people toward treatment.

We see results with Ron, Suchanek said.

Reach out to me

As the judge moved through the docket last week, Ross quietly circulated, triaging peoples needs and working his impressive network area to find housing, outpatient treatment spots and peers who would shadow their progress. Ross often makes calls while still in court to line up services.

He exuded patience, his interactions revealing no trace of frustration or disappointment.

You live in Oregon City, right? he asked one man who had been picked up on new drug charges. Is Oregon City dangerous for you?

Basically, can you stay sober there?

Yes, the man said, adding that returning to his old haunts in Portland posed more of a risk for relapse.

My job is to keep you out of jail, Ross said. So if theres any time you feel like you want to use, youre getting squirrely, you need help with something, just reach out to me.

A new drug possession allegation landed Calvin Harding, 26, of Milwaukie back in court this week. Ross gave him a hug.

Harding said he struggles with opiate addiction. He said Ross served as his recovery mentor through the years.

Anytime I ever ask him for help, no matter what shape Im in, he never judges me for being  on drugs, Harding said. He always has my back.

He said he has Rosss cell number. He always answers the phone, Harding said.

Ross said he sees himself among those he works with. He, too, spent years trying to quit drinking and squandered so many opportunities.

I was a lost cause, Ross said, I was somebody that people gave up on.

No matter how often people falter, Ross said he holds out hope.

Theres a light thats in everybody, he said. Sometimes we dim that light with just the nonsense that we put ourselves through and, you know, sometimes it just takes the work of the individual and somebody else who cares to clean that light up so they can shine again.
A 21-year-old man was arrested on a manslaughter charge in a fatal August crash in Northeast Portland involving an e-scooter and a tractor trailer. File photo

A 21-year-old man was arrested Wednesday on a manslaughter charge in an August crash in Northeast Portland that killed one man and involved the driver of a tractor trailer.

Police said Jayden Calkins was allegedly driving a Lime e-scooter on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Holladay Street when he struck a passing tractor trailer. Gerardo Ortiz Henriquez, 24, was riding on the back of the scooter and died in the Aug. 17 crash.

Police have not described how the crash happened or what role the driver of the tractor trailer played. But an indictment filed on Friday alleges that Calkins was drunk. He was charged with second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving.

The Police Bureau said Calkins turned himself into a Traffic Investigations Unit officer at Central Precinct downtown.

Officers responded to the crash shortly before 3 a.m. and found two people when they arrived. Ortiz Henriquez was dead at the scene, and Calkins was seriously injured.

Police initially said the driver of a tractor trailer was a possible suspect but said the next day the man had fully cooperated with the investigation and that his actions are not believed to be the cause of the crash.

A fundraiser from Ortiz Henriquezs family said he had been enjoying an evening with friends before the crash.
One person was killed and another injured, police said. Oregonian file photo

UPDATE: 37-year-old man arrested in fatal shooting in parking lot of SE Portland bar

A man was shot to death and another injured in the parking lot of a Southeast Portland bar early Thursday morning, police said.

Officers detained a man at the scene and said no suspects are currently being sought.

Police arrived in the 8200 block of Southeast Harrison Street at about 2:10 a.m., according to the Portland Police Bureau. They found a man dead and another man with non-life-threatening injuries.

The names of the victims and the man in custody have not been released.

If officially ruled a homicide, this would be the 29th of the year in Portland. There were 56 homicides in the city at this point in 2024.

Police ask anyone with information about this incident to send an email to homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-0479.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
A man and his 6-year-old son were struck by a suspected drunk driver while they were walking in Vancouver on Wednesday, killing the man and seriously injuring the boy, police said.

The alleged driver, James H. Paulson, 73, was arrested at the scene of the crash and faces vehicular homicide and DUI charges, according to the Vancouver Police Department.

The victims names havent been released.

Officers arrived in the 6400 block of NE 137th Avenue at about 1:20 p.m. to find the man dead in the roadway, police said. The child was found in a ditch approximately 10 feet from the crash site. The boy was taken to Randall Childrens Hospital, where he is in critical condition.

The Vancouver Police Departments Traffic Unit is investigating. Police said that initial investigation indicates reckless driving and speed are factors in the crash, as well as possible impairment.

Correction: Police earlier incorrectly reported that the 6-year-old had died. The boy is in critical condition in the hospital.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
Chris Baldridge, Director of Safety and Risk Management Services for the Salem-Keizer School District, discusses installing weapons detections systems at the district's middle schools. Courtesy of the Salem-Keizer School District

The Salem-Keizer School District will install weapons detection systems in all 12 of its middle schools, a year after the district became the first in the state to place the technology in all of its high schools.

District officials said Thursday that the systems, made by Massachusetts-based Evolv Technology, will cost about $1.2 million. The funds come from a settlement with the vaping company Juul, as well as from a capital bond passed in 2018, which earmarked funds for safety and security upgrades.

Only about 6% of high schools nationwide used the technology in the 2021-2022 school year, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Most were large urban high schools that serve a high number of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Salem-Keizer fits that description: It is Oregons second-largest school district, nearly 50% of its student body is of Latino or Hispanic descent and at least 16% of its students come from families who live below the poverty line.

But current news stories from around the country show that expanding weapons detection systems into middle schools, while rare, is not unprecedented.

Still, its unusual in Oregon where no other district has yet followed Salem-Keizers lead and installed the walk-through weapons detection systems, which are familiar to anyone who has been through a screening system at an airport or a concert. Portland Public Schools piloted the use of the technology at football games in fall 2023, but did not adapt them for widespread use.

The school safety and security business has exploded in the past 25 years. National Public Radio reported earlier this month that it is now a $4 billion a year industry and counting, with everything from panic buttons to facial recognition technology being marketed to school districts.

In Salem, Chris Baldridge, the districts director of safety and risk management services, told reporters on Thursday that Salem-Keizer decided to expand to middle schools after reviewing Marion County public safety data showing a decline in the ages of those facing weapons possession charges.

Work to install the systems will begin in late October and wrap up by April, he said. Baldridge did not provide a timeline of which of the districts middle schools will be first in line to get the weapons detection systems, but said staff can only roll out one or two at a time, because of the time it takes to both install the technology and train those who operate the systems.

Early survey data of more than 1,000 students at South Salem High School who piloted the system in 2023 found that about half said it made them feel safer at school, up from about a third who guessed that it could help them feel more secure before the technology was installed. Staff were more enthusiastic: Of the 50 employees who took a survey after the technologys installation, 72% said that they felt safer in school as a result of the system.

Danielle Neves, the districts deputy superintendent of secondary instruction, said that as a Salem-Keizer middle school parent herself, she feels good about the new technology.

It gives me another layer of knowing that the district is taking care of the students and the teachers in the building so they can focus on learning, she said.

Her middle school son, she added, was most concerned about being late to class as a result of having to pass through the detection system during the morning.

As recently as 2012, school shootings were vanishingly rare in the United States, with just 20 reported that year, according to the K-12 school shooting database, a real-time tracker of such incidents maintained by David Riedman, a gun violence in schools researcher. By contrast, there were 350 such incidents in 2023, though that is still a tiny fraction of the 95,000-plus public schools in the country.

According to Riedmans database, school shootings are most likely to happen in parking lots, or at the front of a school, not inside buildings.

Still, instances of weapons in schools do surface. Earlier this week, for example, the Ontario School District in eastern Oregon notified families that they had followed a tip and removed one weapon from a student before they entered Ontario High. A subsequent investigation found that another student was also in possession of a weapon.
Students and their families head into Cesar Chavez K-8. The school community is launching mutual aid efforts after a father of one of its students was detained by ICE.

Less than 12 hours after a Cesar Chavez K-8 parent on his way to work was detained by federal immigration agents Tuesday, more than 60 people from the North Portland school community dialed in to a quickly organized online meeting to collectively brainstorm about how to make sure there will be no next time.

By Wednesday mornings drop off, volunteer parents, caregivers and community members stationed themselves around the school, there to bear witness to any potential sign of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. They were instructed to look for things like cars with no license plates and masked drivers at the wheel.

If they saw anything out of the ordinary, volunteers were told to call the hotline run by the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, a nonprofit thats emerged as a key information hub amid the Trump administrations crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

The strategy is just the start of a wider mutual aid effort at Cesar Chavez that kicked into high gear after Tuesdays early morning arrest of Rafael Arriola Caballero near the New Columbia mixed-income housing development, which is about half a mile from the school. In a GoFundMe to help cover his legal costs, his daughter Esmeralda Arriola Ramirez wrote that her whole family was devastated by his sudden arrest on his way to work.

My 7-year-old siblings are asking us where my dad is. How do I tell them? she wrote. All we have from my dad that they left was his coffee cup, his favorite hat and favorite snack, a bag of peanuts.

Chrissy Cuttita, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson, said Caballeros case had been twice considered in front of an immigration court judge, and that both times he had been ordered to return to Mexico.

Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are committed to upholding the integrity of our U.S. immigration laws by continuing to investigate and prosecute individuals who try to circumvent our nations legal paths to residency, Cuttita wrote in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The arrest comes as the Trump administration has been conducting widescale immigration crackdowns across the country, particularly in large metropolitan areas. The administrations focus has been on quickly removing undocumented immigrants.

Parents at Cesar Chavez said Tuesday nights emergency meeting, coordinated by the PTA and local groups including Worth Fighting For St. Johns, was an effort to provide concrete, practical ways to help friends and neighbors amid an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear.

Were looking at carpool programs and accompaniment programs, said Monica Cuneo, whose 8-year-old attends Cesar Chavez. How can we make sure kids get to school without putting their parents in harms way?

In a carefully worded statement after the incident, sent to parents districtwide on Tuesday, Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong acknowledged that fear can disrupt learning and attendance, but urged parents to continue sending their children to school, for the sake of their academic, social and emotional growth.

Forty-three percent of Cesar Chavezs students missed more than 17 days of school during the 2023-2024 school year, the last for which statewide data is available and more than the state average of 34%.

Such chronic absenteeism, which is formally defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, has dire consequences for students, their families and Oregons future: Students who are chronically absent are statistically more likely not to be able to read and do math at grade level, putting their chances of graduating from high school in jeopardy.

A carpool system, like the one in development at Cesar Chavez, could help make sure that students can keep going to school and other appointments without putting their parents at risk of being targeted or pulled over, Cuneo and others said. The PTA plans to work with the K-8 schools counseling staff, who will compile a list of families who would like carpool help to be matched with volunteers.

Another goal: To get families from the school to sign up in advance with Equity Corps of Oregon, to make it easier to be connected with an attorney in case of detention, Cuneo said, as well as to get school community members to go through the Immigrant Rights Coalitions Know Your Rights training sessions on how to handle an encounter with ICE agents. The PTA is hoping to provide information about all of those resources at this weeks back-to-school night for parents, PTA President Lindsay Jensen said.

Word of Tuesdays meeting has already spread, she said.

Already, there are other school PTAs in North Portland that heard about our call and want to share resources, Jensen said. Were thinking about a North Portland wide PTA meeting, to have some solidarity with each other and provide alerts about different things going around.
Pharmacists in Oregon can now administer the updated COVID-19 vaccines to most people without requiring a prescription. AP

Oregonians who want a COVID-19 shot can now get one more easily at their local pharmacy.

Oregon has formally broken from federal COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, adopting its own recommendations and a package of regulatory changes designed to remove barriers to vaccination. Pharmacists can now give COVID-19 shots to most people without a prescription and state-regulated health plans must cover them at no cost.

The changes follow new regional guidance issued Wednesday by the West Coast Health Alliance  a partnership of Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii  recommending the new seasonal COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 6 months and older who wants it. The alliances recommendations go beyond current federal guidance, which excludes most healthy children and adults.

State officials say the move is meant to reduce confusion and make sure Oregonians who want to be vaccinated can do so before the winter virus season ramps up.

In recent weeks, getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon has been a challenging and confusing process. Because the state had traditionally tied its vaccination rules to federal guidance, Oregon was caught in a holding pattern after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the new COVID-19 vaccines but scaled back who can or should get them.

At the same time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions immunization expert panel  which typically sets the national vaccination schedule  hadnt yet issued its guidance. The delay left Oregon pharmacies turning away customers  a stark contrast to neighboring Washington, where people could walk in and get vaccinated.

The Oregon Board of Pharmacy has since adopted emergency rules allowing pharmacists to prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines to patients ages 7 and older, bringing the process in line with other vaccines already available at pharmacies.

Children under 7 will still need to get the vaccine through their primary care provider or a clinic, since pharmacists are not allowed to administer COVID-19 or RSV shots to younger children. Flu shots, however, may be available in pharmacies for children as young as 6 months.

To reduce financial barriers to vaccination, Oregon is requiring state-regulated health insurance plans to cover the updated COVID-19 shot with no copays, coinsurance or deductibles. This includes plans sold on the states health insurance marketplace and coverage provided through the Oregon Educators Benefit Board.

The Oregon Health Plan, which covers more than 1.4 million residents, will also pay for the shots, as will health plans for state employees.

Federal programs like Medicare and Tricare are not affected by the new state rules and will continue to follow federal guidelines.

Large employers with self-funded health plans are also exempt, since those plans are regulated under federal rules. That means some Oregonians may still need to check with their insurers about coverage before getting vaccinated.

State health data shows that 20% of Oregonians received last years COVID-19 booster formulation, with 851,994 people vaccinated by late July 2025. Multnomah County had the highest uptake rate at 28%, followed by Washington County at nearly 25%.
Lane County Chair David Loveall is under fire for allegations that he has harassed people in the workplace.

Loveall is accused of likening the leader of an unnamed agency that partners with Lane County to a stripper on a pole and calling a former county attorney a spinster.

In a Sept. 4 email, County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky said the chairs actions resulted in a $250,000 settlement with the county attorney and fit a broader pattern.

You have been defiant and repeatedly escalated the issues by deflecting responsibility, demeaning others and accusing those who have raised the concerns of being at fault, Mokrohisky wrote. Employees and taxpayers deserve better.

The email, which was earlier reported by Lookout Eugene-Springfield, is an unrestrained rebuke of Loveall, who has the power to fire Mokrohisky, if he finds support from two other colleagues on the five-person board.

But that hasnt happened yet, and Lovealls usual allies  Commissioners Pat Farr, Sr. and Ryan Ceniga  didnt respond or werent available to comment.

County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky speaks during a commission meeting in August 2025. Screenshot

Mokrohiskys email says the trouble began shortly after Loveall took office as a commissioner in January 2023, claiming Loveall broke workplace policy by bringing a gun and his pet to the workplace.

Later that year, he began clashing with then-County Counsel Erin Pettigrew, who later filed a tort claim notice alleging, among other things, that Lovell had called her a spinster and was trying to push her out in favor of the previous counsel, Steve Dingle.

Loveall said in the interview he was commenting on work-life balance and trying to connect with Pettigrew.

The complaint was settled in October 2024 when the county paid Pettigrew $250,000, alongside $145,000 in external legal feels, according to billing records obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Pettigrew now works as legal director for the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. She declined to comment.

More recently, Loveall called the leader of an unnamed agency that partners with Lane County a stripper on a strip pole during a June meeting, according to Mokrohisky, and directed Christian terminology to an employee who who struggles personally with religious language.

Loveall said he was repeating the stripper comment made by someone else, and that he had signed a birthday card with the phrase thanks for doing Kingdom work. Blessings, Commissioner. He said the religious phrasing fell within his First Amendment rights.

Commissioner Laurie Trieger, who alongside a colleague make up the commissions more liberal bloc, called Lovealls comments sexist and praised Mokrohisky for drawing a line in the sand when it comes to persistent disrespect and demeaning comments.

I really appreciate him standing up for the women in the organization and in the community, she said.

Mokrohisky, 48, declined through a county spokesperson to comment further.

Loveall, 64, said in an interview that it was grossly unfair to fault him for the legal settlement, which included accusations against other employees and commissioners, adding that the litigation was only settled out of financial prudence.

He denied the allegations of sexism, saying the attacks were political pretenses, timed for his first reelection campaign next year and based on his conservative and Christian beliefs.

The only place that is having complaints coming toward me is out of the DEI department, Loveall said. We live in a politically charged environment now where it behooves people to take words out of context.
I am now in my 80s, and I reflect on the times when I used to enjoy politics. Then, if the nation faced a real problem, the political parties could reach a compromise and find a solution. Perhaps no one thought the solution was perfect, but it did advance the state of the union.

As a retired micro-economist, I could appreciate the basic principle that both sides in a transaction end up better off than before.

We have reached a point where politicians regard themselves as engaged in azero-sum game, and nothing really important gets solved. Just bitter debate, hatred, and in the sad extreme, killing one another.

Principles matter, sure. But remember that compromise produces unity and mutual respect.

Giles Burgess, Portland

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
Bob Cozzie is a trusted leader with decades of experience and a strong commitment to public service, Portland Mayor Wilson said Thursday. Im confident he will help move Portlands public safety efforts forward and continue to build strong connections across our city. City of Portland

Bob Cozzie, the longtime director of Portlands 911 system, will remain the citys top official overseeing police, fire and emergency communications following a national search, officials announced Thursday.

Cozzie, 59, has served as interim deputy city administrator for public safety since June, when he succeeded departing public safety chief Mike Myers.

Two other finalists had been in the running for the high-profile job, multiple City Hall sources told The Oregonian/OregonLive: Kezia Wanner, a former deputy director at Portland Fire & Rescue and current chief of staff to Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan; and Karrie Howard, the former public safety director in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mayor Keith Wilson and City Administrator Michael Jordan jointly held a final round of interviews with all three candidates, said Cody Bowman, a city spokesperson. Jordan, who plans to step down from his post by the end of this year, made the ultimate call.

Bob is a longtime public safety leader with over 30 years of experience, Jordan said in a statement Thursday. He also brings the deep trust and respect of our public safety staff, a heart for public service, and a compelling vision for public safety. He has expressed  and demonstrated  his eagerness to serve as a bridge between community, staff, elected officials and administrative leadership here at the city.

Cozzie has worked for public safety agencies in Colorado and Oregon, including a dozen years as director of Clackamas County 911. He took the helm of the Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications in 2018 after its previous director falsified data to cover the agencys failure to answer calls on time.

For much of Cozzies tenure, the bureau saw 911 call wait times climb amid the pandemic and its destabilizing aftermath. Yet city leaders have also credited him with playing a central role in rebuilding Portlands diminished ranks of emergency dispatchers and bringing call wait times back down in recent years.

As the citys top public safety official, Cozzie will oversee about 2,000 city workers, including members of the Office of Violence Prevention, Portland Street Response and the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management.

He will earn an annual salary of $275,808, according city officials.

Bob Cozzie is a trusted leader with decades of experience and a strong commitment to public service, Wilson said. Im confident he will help move Portlands public safety efforts forward and continue to build strong connections across our city.
Jan Carey, left, a North Carolina veteran who burned a flag near the White House last month, talks with his supporters following his arraignment at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.

WASHINGTON  An Army veteran who set fire to an American flag near the White House to protest President Donald Trumps recent executive order on flag burning pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal criminal charges.

Jan Carey is charged with two misdemeanors that are not focused on the act of burning a flag. Making his initial court appearance, Carey was arraigned on charges of igniting a fire in an undesignated area and lighting a fire causing damage to property or park resources.

Chief Judge James Boasberg set an Oct. 17 deadline for Careys lawyers to file a motion to dismiss the case on constitutional grounds. Carey is due back in court on Dec. 1 for a status hearing.

Carey, 54, of Arden, North Carolina, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he set fire to a flag in Lafayette Park, which the National Park Service oversees. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American flag.

The Supreme Court has ruled that flag burning is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution. Trumps order asserts that burning a flag can be prosecuted if it is likely to incite imminent lawless action or amounts to fighting words.

You burn a flag, you get one year in jail. You dont get 10 years, you dont get one month, Trump said. You get one year in jail, and it goes on your record, and you will see flag burning stopping immediately.

Carey said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

I served this country for over 20 years, having taken an oath to upheld our Constitution. I did not take an oath to serve a dictator, a tyrant or a wannabe king, he told reporters after the hearing.

President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate instances of flag burning, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirros office filed the charges against Carey. Trump appointed Pirro, a former Fox News host and former judge.

Although we respect the First Amendment, there is a law that prohibits the burning of anything, including a flag, on federal property, office spokesman Tim Lauer said in a statement.

Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of Careys lawyers, said the charges against him represent an effort by the Trump administration to stifle free speech and dissent.

This is a desecration of the First Amendment by the administration, and it is crucial that people stand up and speak out, exercise their rights, said Verheyden-Hilliard, co-founder of the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund.

--By Michael Kunzelman/The Associated Press
Jonathan Bergmueller | jbergmueller@pennlive.com

Jon writes about high-profile court cases in central Pennsylvania prioritizing high-impact crimes such as homicides, abuse and crimes committed by public servants. He also focuses on civil proceedings involving government, public policy and corporate accountability. Jon is a 2020 graduate of Shippensburg University's ACEMJC-accredited Communication/Journalism program where he led The Slate, the student newspaper. He joined the team from the Williamsport Sun-Gazette in spring of 2022, where he also covered the courts. In his spare time, Jon enjoys learning about history, playing video games and spending time with his cat, Mr. Creek.
A gray whale surfaces just offshore of Depoe Bay on the central Oregon coast. The animals were seen on a whale watching tour with Whale Research EcoExcursions. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Gray whales are everywhere in Depoe Bay. Theyre on T-shirts and mugs and incorporated into the signs of whale-themed businesses along the main drag. Theres a whale museum and even a whale watching center, where people can touch real baleen and slowly scan the ocean with binoculars. On the side of the highway, a big gray whale fountain delightfully spouts water from its blowhole, welcoming people to town.

The whales are also found, naturally, in the waters just offshore.

Depoe Bay describes itself as the whale watching capital of the Oregon coast, a title for which there is no competition. While thousands of gray whales make their annual migration up and down the length of the coastline, a much smaller group has developed a fondness for the central Oregon coast town, which is built atop the rough, volcanic rock beside the ocean.

I call them summer residents, said Carrie Newell, a local marine biologist who owns a whale watching business in Depoe Bay, as well as the neighboring Whale Bites Cafe and the Whale, Sea Life and Shark Museum. Some scientists also call the local population the Pacific coast feeding group, acknowledging that these whales also stop at spots between Crescent City, California, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Newell said. But as far as Oregonians are concerned, Depoe Bay is the place to be.

They all have to come past Depoe Bay, on their big migration, Newell said. I think they stage here for one last hurrah.

A gray whale spouts in the shallow waters at Depoe Bay as onlookers gather at the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Four companies in Depoe Bay offer whale watching tours. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

People look for whales inside the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay on the central Oregon coast. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

It was Newell who discovered why those whales pull off their 10,000-mile migratory route from Baja to Alaska and back. Her breakthrough came from collecting fresh feces from the local gray whales, which showed that the cetaceans dine primarily on the tiny mysid shrimp that proliferate in the kelp beds just offshore. Each whale needs to eat about 2,000 pounds of shrimp daily to sate its appetite, Newell said, which means the summer residents spend a lot of time swimming in the shallows.

That gives people a lot of time to watch them.

Whale watching (a thriving industry in the Puget Sound but not so much in Oregon) has become a major attraction in Depoe Bay, where four businesses vie for tourist dollars. They include Newells own Whale Research EcoExcursions, as well as Whales Tail Charters, both of which specialize in whale watching trips. Dockside Charters offers whale watching alongside its charter fishing trips, as does Tradewinds Charters.

Because the whales stick so close to shore, these whale watching trips are not typically long hauls. On a September tour with Whale Research EcoExcursions, a whale was spotted within seconds. Then another, and another, and another. We saw the tell-tale spouts, the gray arched backs that look like living boulders and the upward flicking of enormous tails as the animals dove into deeper waters. Over a little more than an hour on the water, our group experienced roughly a dozen sightings, much to everyones jubilation.

A gray whale raises its tail fluke out of the water as it dives just offshore of Depoe Bay. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Whale watchers bundle up for a misty summer morning on the ocean. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A gray whale statue is displayed prominently in downtown Depoe Bay, known as the whale watching capital of the Oregon coast. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

That said, gray whales are not the most charismatic cetaceans. They dont leap balletically like humpback whales, and theyre not nearly as playful (nor as brutal) as orcas, which are the gray whales primary predator. While gray whales are known to jump from the water, the behavior is rare enough to hardly earn mention. You dont watch gray whales for the acrobatics, you watch them for the mere fact that they are there  enormous animals living their lives just beneath the surface.

Newell said September is the best time to see the whales in Depoe Bay, when their numbers swell as they stop off for the end of summer. The migratory months are good bets as well. In late December and late March, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department puts on its biannual Whale Watch Week, in which education rangers are stationed up and down the coast, including at Depoe Bay.

And if you dont manage to spot a whale, you can always take a hike at Whale Cove, stay the night at the Whale Inn, stop in at the Grey Whale Gift Shop or drink a Moby Red Ale at The Horn, where you might get an upstairs table by the window and gaze out the ocean. If you look long enough, youll probably spot a whale spout.
LiveWell OU promoted mental health awareness and the launch of TimelyCare, a new 24/7 virtual mental health service for OU students, at an event Wednesday.

LiveWell OU is a program centered on the universitys overall wellness, supporting a healthy lifestyle throughout the community. Students lined up in the Oklahoma Memorial Union courtyard for the Sips and Succulents event to receive free succulent plants and customizable drinks.

OU announced its partnership with TimelyCare in August as an extension of the preexisting campus health and counseling center resources. David Surratt, vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, wrote in a press release that the initiatives goal is to ensure that students have access to the mental health resources they need and expand access to care around the clock.

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Margaret Pool, Goddard Health Center director for clinical administration, said the event was meant to promote the new initiative and general mental health awareness.

We promote (TimelyCare) more like after-hours care, Pool said. When you cant come to Goddard  weekends, evenings, things like that  its virtual health care and mental health care resources.

Students can download the TimelyCare app to their phone or other devices and select from a wide-range of virtual care options from licensed physicians and counselors in all 50 states at no cost.

Christina Truong, a microbiology freshman, commented on TimelyCare and the importance of students having 24/7 access to resources.

You can never tell when a mental breakdown, or anything of this sort, will happen, Truong said. I like that theres care from other support systems and circles, and I love that there is an option for students.

Truong said events like Sips and Succulents are great ways to inform students about the resources available to them.

Events like this really bring out the available resources here at OU, Truong said. Many students may not know about it, and they go to events like this and see all the care put into these resources and can reach out if they ever need to.

This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Natalie Armour. Andrew Higgins and Gretchen Schultz copy edited this story.
Richard G. Verney, Chairman and CEO of Monadnock Paper Mills, has Passed

Richard G. Verney Richard G. Verney

Sept. 18, 2025 - Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. and Monadnock Non-Wovens announce with great sadness the passing of its beloved Chairman and CEO, Richard G. Verney, on September 10, 2025. Verney, 79, devoted more than five decades to the company, shaping it into a leader in specialty and sustainable papermaking while remaining deeply committed to his employees, community, and the environment.

Verney began his career at Monadnock Paper Mills in 1969 as a management trainee and succeeded his father as CEO in 1978. Under his leadership, the company entered a new era of innovation, expanding into emerging markets and product lines while championing environmental responsibility, technical expertise, and long-term reinvestment. In 1998, he established Monadnock Non-Wovens in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, to meet rising demand in healthcare, filtration, and consumer sectors. Most recently, Monadnock earned a Platinum EcoVadis Rating in 2024, placing the company among the top 1% of organizations globally for environmental, social, and ethical performance.

Beyond his professional achievements, Verney generously gave his time and leadership to organizations that reflected his values. "If you are going to make your living in a small community, you owe it to give back."  Richard G. Verney. He also served as a Trustee of the Crotched Mountain Foundation from 1974 until his passing. He was on the Executive Committee from 1974 to 1987, supporting programs for individuals with disabilities. He held leadership roles with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, St. George's School, and Monadnock Community Hospital, among others. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to industry and community, the University of New Hampshire awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2009.

Verney believed that the company's strength came not only from its technical excellence but also from its people and its community. His conviction that "there's a lot to be said for doing the right thing  simply because it's the right thing to do" will continue to guide Monadnock's engagement in education, conservation, and local philanthropy.

Operations at Monadnock Paper Mills and Monadnock Non-Wovens will continue without interruption under the direction of the Board and CEO Andrew Manns. Manns has worked with Monadnock since 1988, first as an outside consultant and investment banker, then as CFO and Treasurer from 1995 until his retirement in 2024. He returned to lead the company as CEO at the personal request of Richard Verney.

"Our commitment to customers, employees, and partners remains steadfast," said Andrew Manns, CEO. "We will honor Richard's legacy by serving our customers reliably, investing in our people, and advancing the sustainable innovation that defines Monadnock."

Verney is survived by his wife Dorothy; their four children, Virginia Lucarelli, Liz Verney, Heather Wyman, and Eric Verney; his sister Lumina Greenway; and his brother Geoffrey Verney.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, St. George's School in Newport, Rhode Island, or Monadnock Community Hospital.

The entire Monadnock family extends its deepest condolences and thoughts to the Verney family during this time of profound loss.

SOURCE: Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc.
A week after the terrifying Evergreen High School shooting, which left two injured, Denver high school students held a rally at the Colorado State Capitol, demanding tougher action to prevent gun violence.

The rally was organized by local chapters of Students Demand Action, which is a national organization that advocates for gun violence prevention. The event started with several speeches on the Capitol steps, then a march through nearby streets, and ended with students coming back for closing remarks.

Students Rally Following Evergreen High School Shooting

A senior at George Washington High School, Diego Holguin, who is co-president of the school's Students Demand Action chapter, said that lawmakers should be held accountable for the frequency of school shootings.

Holguin said that it is the responsibility of state, federal, and executive legislators to try and tell the people how they are going to make changes. The student added that while legislators did join the rally, it was still frustrating to know that gun violence remains a partisan issue instead of a non-partisan one, according to KUNC.

Another senior at the same school, Avett Proctor, said that they are now scared to even go to school, as it could be their last time saying goodbye to their loved ones. The student said they go there to learn, not to get shot.

There were also students from Denver's East High School who spoke at the rally, including its Student Demand Action co-president, Grant Cramer. He said that it was "ridiculous" that there is no assault weapons ban in Colorado despite a Democratic majority in the state legislature.

The recent school shooting prompted an outpouring of support from residents all across Evergreen. At Cactus Jack's Saloon, which is a local gathering spot, employees paused their daily routines to reflect and show solidarity to the victims, 9News reported.

A Terrifying Incident

A server at the saloon, Jesse Bitterly, said that the tragedy felt far too familiar, noting that her phone started to get all kinds of group messages from co-workers and friends. They were letting her know what happened at the school.

The Evergreen High School shooting involved a 16-year-old who entered the school on Sept. 10 and started shooting inside and outside the institution. The gunman injured two students before he turned the gun on himself and committed suicide.

One of the victims was identified as Matthew Silverstone, whose uncle talked about the 18-year-old's recovery from the attack. He said that there was so much more to his nephew than being the victim of a shooting incident, as per CBS News.
A father and his six-year-old son from Vancouver were killed after a 73-year-old driver fatally struck them while they were walking.

Local law enforcement personnel said that the father was found dead at the scene, while the child was in critical condition but later died of his injuries. Neighbors said that the accident occurred at around 1:20 p.m. on the 6400 block of Northeast 137th Avenue while school buses were dropping off students.

Vancouver Father and Son Killed in Car Accident

Wendi Bjerg said that while her kids were getting off their school bus, the police had not yet gotten to the scene. Officials said that the adult victim was found lying in the roadway and died of his injuries.

Another resident from the area, Rosalinda Aldama, said that the young boy was dropped off at the school bus stop. She added that she thinks the child's parent was waiting for him at the bus stop when the accident happened, according to The Columbian.

The man's son was later found in a ditch roughly 10 feet away from the crash site and was immediately transferred to Randall Children's Hospital in critical condition. Medical professionals said that he had life-threatening injuries.

Police also arrested the elder driver of the car that struck the two victims and charged him with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of DUI. Investigators cited reckless driving, speed, and possible impairment as contributing factors to the accident.

The 73-year-old man who was arrested was later identified as James H. Paulson, who was booked into the Clark County Jail. Following the arrest and subsequent fatalities, the Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is still investigating the incident, KGW reported.

Arresting the Elderly Driver

Residents said that the area where the accident happened is where many drivers usually speed, even though construction is ongoing and school buses drop off students on a daily basis. Bjerg noted that a lot of drivers like to go fast through the straightaway, and it is something they frequently see.

The parent said that they keep telling their children to always wait for the bus to move back away from the road before getting off. The parents said that they don't want to let their kids walk along the road whatsoever because of so many reckless drivers they see in the area.

Bjerg said that the area has become quite dangerous for residents, especially for young individuals. The parent noted that it has become very uncomfortable for them that something so tragic as the latest accident could happen so easily, as per KATU.
Im a stickler for sound when it comes to streaming movies on my Apple TV 4K. Whenever possible, I prefer piping the Apple TVs audio to my 5.1.2-channel speaker setupif speakers arent an option, Id crack open my Sony MDR-V6 studio monitors or (begrudgingly) my AirPods Max. But earbuds? Until recently, that was a hard no for me.

That changed after I tested Apples soon-to-arrive AirPods Pro 3, the successor to my frequently used AirPods Pro 2. Dont get me wrongI still prefer the Sony cans for late-night Apple TV streaming sessions. (Ill discuss my issues with the AirPods Max in a moment.) But if Im hankering for a midnight movie and I dont want to deal with the MDR-V6s cumbersome coiled cord, the surprisingly powerful AirPods Pro 3 are making me rethink my no earbuds policy when it comes to streaming.

Slated to go on sale Friday for $249 and packed with features like heart rate sensors, better water resistance (IP57, versus IP54 for the AirPods Pro 2), Live Translation (a feature that also works on other AirPods models), and up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, the AirPods Pro 3 arrive with a revamped multiport acoustic architecture that promises pumped-up bass and a wider, more immersive soundstage. Other audio improvements include ear tips rotated inward for a better fit, as well as foam-infused microspheres that dial up the ANC.

Boiling it all down, the AirPods Pro 3 sound both bigger and deeper than their predecessors, and its the bigger aspect that makes all the difference.

While the AirPods Pro 2 have long been essential companions for on-the-go listening or streaming movies on my iPhone, pairing them with my Apple TV 4K has generally been an underwhelming experience. The AirPods Pro 2 certainly deliver impressive bass response, but theyve always sounded a distractingly small when streaming, say, Dune on the 55-inch LG C9 OLED thats connected to my Apple TV. For private listening, the Pro 2s just couldnt match the over-ear ambiance of the Sony MDR-V6 (which are, strictly speaking, on-ear headphones) or the AirPods Max.

The AirPods Pro 3 arrive with a revamped multiport acoustic architecture that promises pumped-up bass and a wider, more immersive soundstage. Ben Patterson/Foundry

The AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, sounded bigger and more immersive. While streaming big-screen movies like Dune, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Superman (2025) over extended periods, I found myself settling back and genuinely enjoying the experience, forgetting that I was listening over tiny little earbuds. That was quite surprising to me.

The new AirPods Pro also deliver slightly better low-frequency performance than the Pro 2, which already pack plenty of punch when it comes to bass. With the AirPods Pro 3, it feels like theres a tad more headroom (or maybe sub-room would be a better term) when it comes to low frequencies, which adds up to bigger, bolder listening for cinematic streaming.

Deep bass is an area in whichfor me, at leastthe AirPods Max has had issues. While the AirPods Max give you the genuine over-ear experience that the AirPods Pro 2 and 3 lack, the drivers in my Max cans tend to buckle when the bass gets too deep. For the big, bassy opening of Blade Runner 2049, the AirPods Max will pop and crack when the volume is turned too highand no, I dont have them cranked all the way up.

The AirPods Pro 3, however, breezed through the Blade Runner 2049 credit sequence without issue; same with the opening sequence of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, where the AirPods Max struggled with the deep booms of the Russian submarine imploding.

The improved ANC with the AirPods Pro 3 has been a revelation, too. I have a trio of fans that keep the air flowing in our downstairs viewing area, and the roar of those fans can be quite distracting during quiet scenes. Thats a problem for my Sony MDR-V6 headphones, which dont offer active noise cancellation, and even the ANC abilities of the AirPods Pro 2 cant quite mask the din. (The AirPods Max are top-notch in terms of their ANC.) The AirPods Pro 3 cuts the whoosh of the fans to a barely detectable whir.

Before I get too carried away, I should note that I still love my MDR-V6s for movies; they are crisp, detailed, and perfectly bassy for my taste. Even with the lack of ANC, they are my top choice for watching 4K Blu-ray, with the lossless audio from those discs piped through my Denon AVR-1600H receiver.

But if Im planning to stream a movie on my Apple TV 4K and I dont want to drag out the Sony cans, the diminutive AirPods Pro 3 are fast becoming my go-to option, beating out the AirPods Pro 2 and evengaspthe vaunted AirPods Max.

Some rules were destined to be broken, I guess.

This story is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best media streaming devices. For a thorough assessment of the AirPods Pro 3s other features, stand by for Macworlds full review.
Google is tying Gemini and Chrome closer together, allowing Gemini broader access to your Chrome tabs while quietly turning the address bar into an entry point for its AI Mode. Eventually, itll add agentic browsing to Chrome as well.

The latter point is likely what Google wants to signal to the broader market, since keeping pace with (or surpassing) other browser makers deploying agentic AI is seen as a leadership move. But agentic browsing will debut in the coming months, while Geminis tighter integration with Chrome arrives soon, even today.

A day ago, you could type best laptops in Microsoft Edge on your PC and receive a summary of Copilots findings above a list of links. In Chrome, provided that you didnt have AI Mode enabled, Google would return just that list of search results. Later this month, Google is making the omnibox a repository for AI Mode: what was once the address bar over time became a search box, and now its being transformed into something more.

Essentially, Google seems a step away from merging Gemini and Search within Chrome, as it said in Mayit just hasnt quite gotten there yet. Then, users were able to try out Gemini in Chrome with a paid subscription, allowing them to see the Gemini sparkle hovering above the content on the page. Today, Google has removed that paid limitation.

Now that Gemini is being added to Chrome, users will be able to ask queries about the page via a sidebar. If you search via the omnibox, you may receive an AI Mode result. AI Mode in the omnibox will roll out later this month. Users can toggle between a traditional search and an AI Mode request by clicking the small AI Mode chip.

Its still unclear why Google has both an omnibox for web pages and search queries, plus a separate box dedicated to Gemini queries. (Google says that box is specific to AI Mode.)

Google

Gemini in Chrome, however, can now draw on more of your own information for context: not just whats on the page, but also your other open Chrome tabs, your browser history, and even Google apps like Gmail and Calendar.

Querying your browser history sounds a bit like Microsoft Recall, but without the fanfare or controversy. Here, Google suggests that you use a prompt like what was the website that I saw the walnut desk on last week? or what was that blog I read on back to school shopping?

Here, Gemini within Chrome is not only summarizing the YouTube video but also creating an event. Google

If you have a question about a page youre viewing, Google will supply some suggestions.

Googles road to agentic browsing

Like Microsoft in Edge and Opera with its own version, Google has also demonstrated agentic browsing. However, it looks like every other agentic browser demo Ive seen: give it a task and off goes the AI agents to complete it. In this case, Google already offered a sneak peek of agentic technology in May as Project Mariner.

When the process (in this case, a shopping task) completes, youre given a chance to look it over and then make a final decision to pay, or not.

The idea is that agentic AI could be used to plan trips, handle shopping, or even combine the two. In this case, however, Googles agentic AI will be limited to English-language web pages, according to company executives. The feature will roll out in the coming months, Google said.

Google

AI-based security, too

Googles AI is being applied to personal web security. Its not just detecting scams that might trick you into downloading software, its also blocking sites that push fake contests or sweepstakes, and even cutting down on low-quality sites that request unusual permissions, like camera access.

Google also said that it will use AI to detect compromised passwords that were leaked in a data breach. Today, it simply alerts you and points you to the site to change them. On certain sites, Google says it can now reset and securely store the updated password for you.

There are some smart uses of AI here, but it also feels like Google is slowly easing us into a future where AI answers our queries instead of showing a list of links. What will that make Chrome, which began life as a web browser and now is evolving into a showcase for Googles AI? The jurys still out on that one well, not legally.
Nvidia is on top of the world right now, riding waves of investment in AI and becoming one of the most powerful and most profitable companies on the planet. Intel? Not so much. The company has been struggling in sales and performance for more than a year.

So color me shocked when Nvidia and Intel announced a joint venture this morning that could be huge for both.

Nvidia is investing $5 billion into Intel stocka comparatively small slice for both companiesand approximately half of what the United States government invested in it after president Trump and other politicians demanded action on Intels CEO. But the bigger news coming from the press release is that Nvidia and Intel will partner on new chips for both data centers and consumer PCs. The so-called x86 RTX chips will integrate Nvidia-designed graphics and AI chiplets into Intel CPUs.

This historic collaboration tightly couples Nvidias AI and accelerated computing stack with Intels CPUs and the vast x86 ecosystema fusion of two world-class platforms, said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

Nvidia has been unassailable on the discrete graphics card front for years, now commanding over 90 percent of sales for desktop add-in boards in an effective monopoly, and dominating both sales and discussion for anything related to graphics, gaming, and AI industrial processing. Its longtime rival AMD has struggled to hold onto what market share it had, slipping even as it reportedly sells every GPU it can make. Things are better for AMD on the CPU side, where its gaining ground against Intel on the back of strong sales for laptop and desktop chips, especially its well-regarded X3D gaming series.

Intel has been trying to enter the discrete graphics market for the last three years. But despite impressive gains in performance right out of the gate, the Arc series of desktop graphics cards has made barely a blip, falling to nearly zero percent market share. Exactly what will happen to Arc if Intel starts to co-brand Nvidia integrated graphics isnt quite known.

Nvidias meteoric rise to the top of both the chip market and the technology world has recently hit a highly visible snag, as reports indicate that the Chinese government is blocking purchases of its chips. The incredibly lucrative market was already showing some speed bumps as embargoes limit the performance of exported chips and China invests in domestic production to leverage its incredible energy and industrial infrastructure to compete with rivals like the United States and Taiwan.

Intel and Nvidia will hold a joint press conference this afternoon, broadcast live on the web.
Surprise! We woke up this morning to a blockbuster mashup between Intel and Nvidia. Team Green invested a cool $5 billion into Intel, and in exchange, the two companies will be co-creating consumer and data center x86 processors interwoven with Nvidias RTX graphics. Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together MASS HYSTERIA!

Its simultaneously a shocking shakeup of the PC chip triumvirate (AMD must be fuming), a much-needed lifeline for struggling Intel, and a recipe for a potentially exciting future  the worlds foremost graphics pioneer joining forces with the company formerly known as Chipzilla. Imagine the possibilities!

But I also have to ask myself at the same time: What does this mean for the future of Arc, Intels own in-house graphics project?

Intel Arcs short history shows promise

Arc is still in its infancy. Intel famously canceled its early Larrabee graphics architecture in the 2000s, which became a liability after the rise of Bitcoin and AI demonstrated the powerful potential of GPUs. Intel realized it missed the boat and rushed  slowly, at times  to orchestrate both the Arc brand and the Xe graphics architecture girding it.

The first Arc graphics cards launched in just October 2022, delivering great value for its price despite an onslaught of annoying bugs. Intel diligently fixed those bugs over time, and by the time the second-gen Arc B580 launched in late 2024, we called it the first worthy budget GPU of the decade. And Arcs underlying Xe graphics architecture now powers the integrated graphics in Intels CPUs too, bringing a notable spike in laptop gaming performance.

but potentially shaky foundations

Software bugs arent the only problem that rears its head when youre trying to break into a new field where Nvidia and AMD have a decades-long lead. Intels GPU hardware prowess isnt up to par with its rivals yet either; this shows in the size of the discrete Arc GPU die sizes. Bigger dies are much more expensive to make. The $250 Arc B580s die size is a relatively massive 292 mm. By contrast, Nvidias RTX 4060 was around 150 mm, while the RTX 5060 is around 181 mm.

That matters. Intels Tom Peterson (a frequent guest on our Full Nerd podcast!) admitted last year that the Arc B580 is a loss leader  a product that costs the manufacturer money to sell, in the hopes of attracting customers. Intel figured it was worth eating that loss to build for a stronger GPU future.

Intels partnership with Nvidia suddenly throws that into question, even though the company says no major changes are currently planned. Were not discussing specific roadmaps at this time, but the collaboration is complementary to Intels roadmap and Intel will continue to have GPU product offerings, an Intel spokesperson told me.

Intel needs strong GPUs to battle Nvidia in the data center, because AI is where the real money is. The consumer Arc cards are stepping stones to that goal. Now Nvidia is investing $5 billion into Intel  roughly a 5 percent stake, if the recent government investment is any indicator  to integrate RTX graphics into at least some Intel consumer CPUs, and to create data center solutions that interweave Intels x86 chips and Nvidias class-leading graphics.

If a major investor is bringing GPU technology to Intels chips, spanning from consumer to enterprise, and gifting Intel a lifeline in the data center where AMD has been eating Intels lunch. Is Arc worth investing in separately anymore?

Intel Arcs certain yet uncertain future

From a strategic standpoint, theres certainly a case to keep Arc around. What if the Nvidia relationship suddenly goes sour despite the big money? The company is known to be a ruthless partner. Keeping Arc and Xe in motion protects against a potential future where Nvidia pulls the rug out from underneath Intel, especially since Xe (and seemingly this Nvidia partnership) touches everything from laptops to data center GPUs. Continued investment into internal GPUs makes so much sense for Intels future.

But Im not sure thats whats going to happen. Bright futures have a way of bumping into ugly realities.

Part of the reason this Intel-Nvidia mashup even happened is because Intel lost its manufacturing lead and has been hemorrhaging cash (and CEOs) ever since. Nvidias deal follows in the footsteps of the U.S. government taking a 10 percent stake in the company to help it stay afloat, and Intel selling off subsidiaries like RealSense cameras and Alteras FPGA chips.

Intel is scrambling to stay relevant, and Nvidias partnership is a major shot in the arm  not least by likely infusing Intels beleaguered 14A process, the current crown jewel of Intels foundry arm, with work from Nvidia and other companies inspired by Nvidias faith.

Either way, dont expect major announcements from Intel any time in the near future.

I dont expect these platforms for 2-3 years, Patrick Moorhead, an analyst who founded Moor Insights & Strategy and formerly served as an AMD executive, told me via direct message. Both companies said there are no roadmap changes on either side.

Now what will the demand be for Arc be once these are in market by customers remains to be seen.

Xe and Arc have driven much-needed competition in the entry-level graphics card market this turbulent decade. I hope they manage to stick around. If not, Nvidias $5 billion investment could not only get the company a foothold in the x86 markets, but also drive a competitor out of the market. If that happens, that sky-high price tag will wind up looking like a downright bargain in the rearview mirror.

In the meantime, the Intel Arc B580 remains the best budget GPU of the decade.
Two federal agencies are at the scene of a shooting in York County that left three officers dead and two others injured, according to US Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The FBI and ATF are providing support to local law enforcement following the shooting of several police officers in North Codorus Township, Bondi said Wednesday afternoon.

Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable, Bondi said. Pray for the officers involved.

The York County Coroners Office confirmed they have been requested at the scene of an officer-involved shooting.

The shooting, which occurred at around 2:10 p.m., stemmed from a warrant service on Haar Road in North Codorus Township in York County, according to NBC10.

A log of 911 calls describes the incident as officer down, with a signal 13, which means officer in trouble. Officers needed medical transport, according to dispatch logs, with a medivac helicopter and ambulances sent to the scene.

At least two officers were transported with multiple gunshot wounds, according to dispatch logs.

Police have not provided any details about who was involved in the shooting.

A view of the area where several officers were shot, and three were killed, on Wednesday afternoon in North Codorus Township, York County. Madison Montag

Officers were keeping people well back from the scene in the areas rolling farmland, with some 30 police vehicles blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm and soybean and corn fields.

Officers from the Northern York County Regional Police Department and a York County Sheriffs Deputy were among those shot.

NBC10 reported the suspect was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The incident resulted in a temporary shelter-in-place order within the Spring Grove School District. Students have since been driven home by school buses.

Michelle Baughman with the York County District Attorneys office said Wednesday afternoon, We will come forth with information at an appropriate time; however, now is not that time.

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, in a social media post, said, Please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County.

The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia said in a social media post that it was monitoring the incident in Pennsylvania and advised Mexican residents nearby to follow official instructions.
Update: The shooter was inside his ex-girlfriends house when officers approached, shot and killed them

Update: Stalking suspect sought before deadly police shooting in York County

Editors note: The York County District Attorneys Office revealed the shooter fired on police from within the home, not a cornfield.

A pre-planned ambush unfolded Wednesday afternoon in York County, leaving three police officers dead and two others critically injured who were attempting to serve a domestic-related warrant in North Codorus Township.

The officers responded to a farmhouse on Haar Road to serve an arrest warrant stemming from a stalking and criminal trespass investigation involving the homeowners ex-boyfriend, according to Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris.

The suspect, dressed in camouflage, was lying in wait in nearby cornfields and opened fire around 2:10 p.m. as officers arrived, according to a report from CNN. Police later confirmed Ruth fired on the officers from within the home he broke into, not the cornfield.

Police told CNN the gunman struck and killed three officers, before moving toward the farmhouse and wounding two more.

One officer was able to return fire, killing the shooter, CNN reported. Authorities have not yet released the names of the officers or the suspect.

Dave Miller, a local witness, described the scene to the news station as a lengthy and intense war zone with riot gear, long rifles, and large police presence. He said at least 30 rounds were fired, according to a report from WGAL.

Ive never been to war, Im not a veteran. It seemed like a war zone, Miller said to CNN.

Northern York County Regional police initially tried to serve the warrant Tuesday night, but the suspect could not be located. The woman who lived in the farmhouse had reported seeing her ex-boyfriend stalking the property earlier that day, prompting the issuance of both an arrest warrant and a restraining order.

The warrant was being served by officers from the Northern York County Regional Police and the Sheriffs Office, according to CNN.

It remains unclear whether the shooter was targeting his ex-girlfriend or the police, the report said.

Roads were quickly blocked off, and a shelter-in-place order was briefly issued for the Spring Grove School District. Students were later safely transported home.

During a press conference held at WellSpan York Hospital, Paris confirmed that the two wounded officers remain in critical but stable condition.

He pledged a full and thorough investigation, with assistance from the FBI, ATF, and the York County District Attorneys Office, which has convened a major case team.

There are no words I can offer to assuage the grief the community experiences, Paris said. The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it.

We stand here united, he said. We will not rest until weve conducted a full, fair, competent and thorough investigation into this matter.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro called the incident an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He and other state leaders met with the families of the slain officers on Wednesday.

We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon, is the answer to resolving disputes, Shapiro said. We need to do better when it comes to mental health, and dealing with those in need.

We have to do better as a society, Shapiro said.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the federal government stands ready to support the investigation, adding, Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, a former York County prosecutor, called the loss unfathomable and noted his personal ties to the area.

Wednesday night, dozens of police vehicles took part in a solemn procession for the three fallen officers. Community members lined the roads waving American flags, saluting the motorcade in a display of grief and solidarity.

The procession started at the scene of the shooting and ended at the York County Prison, where the county coroners office is housed.

The officers involved were part of the Northern York County Regional Police Department and the York County Sheriffs Office, officials confirmed.

According to FBI data, 40 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in the U.S. so far this year.

Wednesdays tragedy marks one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania police in recent memory and comes just months after Officer Andrew Duarte was killed during a hostage situation in the same county.

The names of the victims are expected to be released once families are notified.

The investigation remains ongoing.
Two law enforcement officers wounded in a Wednesday ambush that killed three others in York County remain hospitalized in critical condition, a hospital spokesperson said.

The officers are stable and have not had any change to their condition since arriving at WellSpan York Hospital, according to WellSpan spokesman Ryan Coyle.

Police said Matthew Ruth, 24, was hiding in a cornfield when officers arrived Wednesday afternoon on the 1800 block of Haar Road. The officers were serving a warrant as part of a stalking investigation that was opened against Ruth when he opened fire around 2:10 p.m., killing three of them.

The officers and their departments have not been identified. WellSpan declined to provide the wounded officers ages, genders or the departments where they worked.

Officers led a Wednesday night procession from the shooting scene to the York County Prison, where the coroners office is based.

The on-scene investigation stretched through the night and into the early hours of Thursday. News reports said some of the same officers who were at the shooting scene were later seen searching a home on Hall Drive in Hanover, on the street where Ruth lived, according to court records.
York County officials identified three detectives who were killed Wednesday while investigating a domestic-violence stalking case and said the shooter fired repeatedly at them from inside the house using an assault-style rifle with a suppressor.

The shooting continued for two minutes and 16 seconds, York County District Attorney Tim Barker said during a 3 p.m. news conference Thursday at the Northern York County Regional Police Department.

He identified the slain officers as Isaiah Emenheiser, Cody Becker and Mark Baker, who all worked for Northern York County.

A fourth officer from Northern York County was critically wounded as was a sheriffs deputy, who was standing guard as the detectives from Northern York County approached the front door Wednesday.

Barker gave this account of the ambush shooting:

The detectives had visited Matthew J. Ruths home Wednesday looking to arrest him on stalking charges, for spying on his ex-girlfriend on Tuesday.

The detectives left and went to the ex-girlfriends house to look for Ruth after the ex-girlfriend and her mother left for an undisclosed location for their safety.

When the detectives approached the front door, they found it unlocked. They knew it was supposed to be locked, because the mother told them so.

They entered the home and thats when Ruth opened fire at them, Barker said.

Bullets immediately struck Det. Baker, Det. Sgt. Becker and Sgt. Emenheiser and a fourth detective who were closest to the house as they tried to go back for cover position.

As the bullets continued relentlessly at them, all four detectives went down.

Ruth then turned his attention to a York County deputy sheriff and another detective. They positioned themselves and repeatedly fired back.

Bullets from Ruth struck the deputy sheriff and his vehicle, Barker said.

The deputy sheriff went down and tried to retrieve his rifle, to take cover and return fire.

Ruth walked toward a roadway to continue to shoot at the deputy sheriff, who was firing back with his handgun. An uninjured NYCRPD detective also returned fire.

There was a final exchange of gunfire, Barker said. After that exchange, the actor (Ruth) went down.

Following this, officers went to check on their fallen colleagues, and found three detectives unresponsive. The deputy was also critically wounded. Officials did not identify the wounded detective and deputy.

I cant imagine the strength and fortitude it takes to immediately, after having seen and been engaged in that, and going down to see what you observe, to be immediately thinking of rendering critical aid and engaging in life saving action, Barker said. He saved many lives that day. If the actor is not eliminated and threat and murderous rampage are not eliminated, who knows where this would have stopped.

Police later discovered Ruth had killed his ex-girlfriends black Labrador with a single gunshot.

Barker said they are still investigating how Ruth got into his ex-girlfriends home.

All actions by law enforcement were justified. They werent just justified; they were necessary, Barker said.

Barker said he would not speculate on profile of Ruth. He said police could find no prior criminal convictions for Ruth that would have prohibited firearm ownership.

There is one motive that is clear: The hateful scourge of domestic violence, Barker said, noting the officers gave their lives to save the residents of that home.

Barker said officials would provide a second briefing at a later time as they continue to develop and confirm additional information. He said once the investigation concludes, he will provide a full breakdown of the event.

Ruths home is in a neighborhood about 8 miles from the North Codorus Township home where police say he opened fire on they officers. They were trying to serve him with an arrest warrant for stalking charges involving his ex-girlfriend.

Ruth is believed to have set his ex-girlfriends vehicle on fire on Aug. 20, after which her family put up a trail camera. It was that camera that recorded him standing in her driveway Tuesday night with a rifle and binoculars.

After the mass shooting, neighbors said police headed back to Ruths house, where they collected evidence and stayed until 1 a.m. Thursday.

A neighbor who didnt want his name published told PennLive police waited for Matthew Ruths father to return home from work, talked to him for about 20 minutes, then took him away in handcuffs between 10 p.m. and midnight.

Officials did not address the arrest at the news conference and Barker said no comment when PennLive asked.
Thursday morning, law enforcement personnel are investigating after a shooting killed three police officers and wounded two others in southcentral Pennsylvania the day before.

Heres what we know so far

York County officers from as-yet unidentified departments were following up on a domestic-related investigation that began on Tuesday. They went to a property on Haar Road in North Codorus Township, in southern York County, when they were fired upon. The shooter, wearing camouflage, appeared to be lying in wait in a cornfield when officers arrived, sources said.

Five officers were hit. Three were killed, 2 seriously injured. The two injured officers were in critical but stable condition at York Hospital, authorities said Wednesday night.

Police killed the shooter, state police said at a news conference.

Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the violence at a news conference. This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he said.

We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon, is the answer to resolving disputes, Shapiro said. We need to do better when it comes to mental health, and dealing with those in need.

Hours after the violence, community members held American flags and saluted as police and emergency vehicles formed a procession to the coroners office.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the violence against police a scourge on our society. Federal agencies were on hand to help with the investigation.

Police departments, lawmakers and others across the region expressed condolences on social media. People were leaving flowers at the headquarters of the Northern York Regional Police Department. State flags were ordered to fly at half-staff.

The investigation into the shooting will cover multiple locations in York County, state police said. Authorities did not on Wednesday identify the shooter, the officers or which police departments they belonged to, or describe how they were shot, citing the investigation.

It was one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania police this century. In 2009, three Pittsburgh officers responding to a domestic disturbance were ambushed and shot to death by a man in a bulletproof vest.

Another officer in York County was killed in February, after a man armed with a pistol and zip ties entered a hospitals intensive care unit and took staff members hostage. A shootout left both the man and an officer, Andrew Duarte, dead.
Manus AI is an advanced general-purpose artificial intelligence agent developed by Butterfly Effect Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based startup. Launched in March 2025, Manus AI is designed to autonomously execute complex tasks, ranging from data analysis and web development to content creation and travel planning, without continuous human supervision.

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Visit manusai.io for more.
Jimmy Kimmel poses in the press room with the award for host for a game show for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" during night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Disney announced it planned to suspend Kimmel's late-night show "indefinitely" due to comments he made about Trump's reaction to Charlie Kirk's death. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

ABC announced that it is suspending Jimmy Kimmels late night show indefinitely due to comments Kimmel made during Mondays monologue about the shooting death of Charlie Kirk.

The announcement, according to Variety, comes shortly after Nextstar, one of the largest television station owners in the U.S., said that it planned to pre-empt Kimmels show from its ABC-affiliated stations due to Kimmels comments.

Nexstars owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future beginning with tonights show, the statement said. Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.

In his monologue on Monday, Kimmel said that the MAGA gang was trying to score political points in the wake of Kirks death.

We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said.

In between the finger pointing there was grieving. On Friday the White House flew the flags at half-staff which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this.

The show then cut to a reporter asking Trump how he was dealing with Kirks death and the president pivoting to talking about the new ballroom being built at the White House.

Hes at the fourth stage of grief, construction, Kimmel quipped. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone they called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.

Kirk was gunned down on Sept. 10 as he spoke with students at a Utah university. He died soon after. Prosecutors are alleging that Tyler Robinson shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby campus building.
Host Jimmy Kimmel attends UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation's 28th Annual Taste For A Cure at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on May 2, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. The late-night show host's show was pulled by ABC after comments made following the death of Charlie Kirk. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images) Getty Images

Hollywood stars are up in arms after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled from ABC.

This follows Disneys announcement that ABC would be pulling the late-night show, which is now on an indefinite hiatus.

The swift decision follows comments Kimmel made in the wake of the shooting death of right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk, 31, who was gunned down while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.

On Monday during a broadcast of his late-night show, Kimmel reacted by saying, The MAGA Gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

Nexstar Media, which is the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the U.S., reacted to his comments, saying that it, strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.

After Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled, FCC Chair Brendan Carr didnt waste time and praised Nexstar on Wednesday for putting pressure on ABC to execute the move.

Carr wrote on X that it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values.

But after the announcement was made, plenty of Hollywood stars took to social media with their own thoughts about the controversial move.

Comedian Wanda Sykes posted a video to Instagram, explaining that she was scheduled to appear on the late-night show Wednesday night.

Lets see. He didnt end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, nows the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy, Sykes said.

Comedian Mike Birbiglia posted a written note that read, Ive spent a lot of time in public + private defending comedians I dont agree with. If youre a comedian + dont call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air  dont bother spouting off about free speech anymore."

Meanwhile, fellow comedian Rosanne Barr took to X, writing, Im available to fill in @ABCNetwork.

Rosie ODonnell shared a photo of Kimmel on Instagram, writing, This is unacceptable  [expletive] this fascist administration and corrupt corporate executives - bowing to the orange monster  America is no more.

Posting to X about the news, Chris Hayes wrote, This is the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors Ive ever seen in my life and its not even close.

Ben Stiller also shared a post about the announcement on X, writing, This isnt right.

Sophia Bush followed suit, writing on X, The First Amendment doesnt exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and its chilling.

Alex Edelman wrote on X, This is the actual cancel culture everyone claims to hate so much.

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat, turned to Instagram by posting a photo of the text of the First Amendment, while Michael Kosta also shared the same text on his Instagram Stories.

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crocket had similar views, writing on X: Kimmel hurts MAGAS feelings by holding a mirror up & so the first amendment is out the window and his show is pulled who is going to tell them that, that is the definition of being a snowflake as well as supporting anti-democratic ideals? (Not patriotic at all)."

The post continued: Now is anyone going to talk about the fact that Faux News had an anchor say that mentally ill homeless people should be given involuntary lethal injection, and days later an unhoused man is strung up in a Tree in Mississippi & an entire homeless encampment was targeted where 2 individuals were shot in the head & 5 others were injured in Minnesota NO OUTRAGE, let alone coverage, because you only value certain lives & certain speech. Im waiting on yall soft asses to cancel rainbows.

Henry Winkler expressed on X, @jimmykimmel his humor, his insights are important to keep showing us who we are . AND he is a most wonderful fellow."

Jean Smart reacted by sharing a picture of her and the late-night show host on Instagram, writing in the caption, I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech. People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda. Though I didnt agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being. What is happening to our country?

Don Lemon wrote on threads, The Jimmy Kimmel Live! show has been preempted indefinitely over a joke. This should send a chill down everyones spine in America!"

California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X, Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These arent coincidences. Its coordinated. And its dangerous. The @GOP does not believe in free speech. They are censoring you in real time.
ABCs decision to suspend Kimmels show came shortly after Nextstar, one of the largest television station owners in the U.S., said that it planned to pre-empt the show from its ABC-affiliated stations due to comments Kimmel made during his opening monologue on Monday that referenced the shooting death of Charlie Kirk. Chad Salvador | Variety via Getty Images

When the news first broke Wednesday evening that the Disney-owned ABC network was suspending the talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live, the first question was how long that indefinite suspension would last.

According to Variety, ABC affiliate stations were told that the show would be off the air at least until Thursday. In that 11:35 p.m. time slot the network will instead air repeat episodes of Celebrity Family Feud.

A memo from the ABC affiliate board, which serves as a liason for the network on behalf of station owners, said that formal guidance from Disney/ABC is forthcoming.

The memo also said that ABC has not yet made a decision about the future of Kimmels show, but that executives had been talking to Kimmel and his representatives, Variety reported.

ABCs decision to suspend Kimmels show came shortly after Nextstar, one of the largest television station owners in the U.S., said that it planned to pre-empt the show from its ABC-affiliated stations due to comments Kimmel made during his opening monologue on Monday that referenced the shooting death of Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, a right-wing political activist, was gunned down on Sept. 10 as he spoke with students at a Utah university. He died soon after. Prosecutors are alleging that Tyler Robinson shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby campus building.

In his monologue on Monday, Kimmel accused the MAGA gang of trying to score political points in the wake of Kirks death, and showed news footage of president Trump twice pivoting from discussion of Kirks death to the new ballroom hes building at the White House.

ABCs decision to suspend the show came shortly after Nextstar, one of the largest television station owners in the U.S., said that it planned to pre-empt Kimmels show from its ABC-affiliated stations due to Kimmels comments.

AdWeek reported that Nexstar is currently seeking FCC approval for a $62 billion acquisition of Tegna. The purchase would make it the largest owner of TV stations in the U.S.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised Nexstar on Wednesday for pressuring ABC, writing on X that it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values.

Network affiliate owner Sinclair Broadcast Group had earlier said in a statement it planned to air a tribute special to Kirk instead of Kimmels show. The company also demanded that Kimmel apologize to Kirks family and send a meaningful donation to Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded.
Uber taps national wildlife park in this African country for new service. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) AP

Hailing a ride has never been this exciting.

Because for those who happen to be in Kenya, wild adventures are sure to come sooner than youd think.

Uber Technologies Inc. has thrown their hat in the ring with regards to Kenyas safari market, launching ride services in the Nairobi National Park.

Established as Uber Safari, the service will be for expeditions into the national park, which is the worlds only wildlife park within a capital city.

The service, which will be available on the Uber app, will allow riders to pre-book day or night expeditions through licensed safari operators to watch lions, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards. Each trip includes a professional guide and a three-hour wildlife experience, offering a seamless connection from the city to the park.

The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Service, the Tourism Regulatory Authority, and the city.

Through this move, the company is eyeing some of the $4.3 billion tourism income by targeting domestic tourists and the thousands of business travelers looking for a quick safari during short stays in Nairobi.

By opening the platform to local tour operators and fleet partners, Uber Safari creates new earning opportunities for those who already have vehicles and expertise in guiding safaris, Uber said in a statement, per The Economic Times.

Tourism plays a vital role in Kenyas economy, and with Uber Safari, we are excited to be unlocking new ways for people to connect with our incredible wildlife heritage, said Uber East Africa General Manager Imran Manji, per Capital Business.

This product is designed to make safaris more accessible and convenient for both local residents and international visitors, while creating new earning opportunities for drivers and communities that rely on tourism.

Uber says its platform contributed 14.1 billion shillings ($109 million) to the Kenyan economy in 2023, a fifth of which was in the tourism industry.

Uber Safari is a symbol of how technology and tradition can come together to deliver meaningful impact  from strengthening the tourism sector, to supporting livelihoods, to offering riders experiences they will never forget, added Anabel Diaz, Ubers Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, per Capital Business.
Costco has sent out a letter to anyone who purchased this prosecco, so keep your eyes peeled for any notices in your mailbox. (Getty Images) Getty Images

An immensely popular wholesale retail chain has implemented a recall.

This recall concerns prosecco sold by the retailer, as the glass bottles might shatter for no apparent reason.

In a notice published to their website on Tuesday, Costco announced it is recalling bottles of Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene that were purchased between April 25 and Aug. 25.

This recall affects 12 states total: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Costco explained that unopened bottles might break even if theyre not being handled or in use. It is recommended that anyone who might have purchased the prosecco wrap the bottles in paper towels and place them in a plastic bag before throwing them out in order to avoid injury.

The company confirmed it has sent letters to all customers who purchased the prosecco. A full refund will be given should the customer bring the letter to their nearest Costco location.

It is unclear whether any injuries associated with the shattering bottles have been reported as of the publishing of this article.

People with any questions or concerns can call Ethica Wines  the Miami, Florida-based company that imported the prosecco from Italy  at customercare@ethicawines.com. They may also call them by phone at 786-810-7132 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
By MEG KINNARD, The Associated Press

Former President Barack Obama says that the United States is at an inflection point following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and that President Donald Trump has further divided the country rather than work to bring people together.

There are no ifs, ands or buts about it: The central premise of our democratic system is that we have to be able to disagree and have sometimes really contentious debates without resorting to violence, Obama said Tuesday night during an event in Erie, Pennsylvania, hosted by the Jefferson Education Society, according to a transcript obtained by The Associated Press.

And when it happens to some, but even if you think theyre, quote, unquote, on the other side of the argument, thats a threat to all of us, he said. And we have to be clear and forthright in condemning them.

Obama has kept somewhat of a low profile in his post-presidency. Responding to a moderators questions Tuesday, he addressed Trumps rhetoric after Kirks assassination, as well as other administrative actions.

The Democrat spoke about his own leadership following the 2015 slaying of nine Black parishioners at a Charleston, South Carolina, church, as well as Republican then-President George W. Bushs actions following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He said he sees the role of a president in a crisis to constantly remind us of the ties that bind us together.

The sentiment among Trump and his aides following Kirks killing of calling political opponents vermin, enemies  speaks to a broader problem, Obama said.

Kirk, a dominant figure in conservative politics, became a confidant of Trump after founding Arizona-based Turning Point USA, one of the nations largest political organizations. Trump has escalated threats to crack down on what he describes as the radical left following Kirks assassination, stirring fears his Republican administration is trying to harness outrage over the killing to suppress political opposition.

Trumps White House on Wednesday responded to Obamas remarks by blaming him for animosity in the country, calling him the architect of modern political division in America.

Obama used every opportunity to sow division and pit Americans against each other, and following his presidency more Americans felt Obama divided the country than felt he united it, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.

Obama on Tuesday also referenced Trumps recent deployment of National Guard troops in Washington and ID checks by federal agents in Los Angeles. He urged citizens and elected officials to closely monitor the norm-busting decisions.

What youre seeing, I think, is the sense that through executive power, many of the guardrails and norms that I thought I had to abide by as president of the United States, that George Bush thought he had to abide by as president of the United States, that suddenly those no longer apply, Obama said. And that makes this a dangerous moment.

Shortly after Kirks death, Obama wrote in a post on X that he and his wife, Michelle, were praying for Kirks family, adding: This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.

Obama said that he disagreed with many of Kirks stances, noting that his position doesnt negate the fact that what happened was a tragedy and that I mourn for him and his family.

Calling political violence anathema to what it means to be a democratic country, Obama also mentioned the June shooting deaths of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home.

Obama also applauded Utah Gov. Spencer Coxs calls for civility in leading the public response to Kirks killing. Obama said that while he and the Republican governor disagree on a whole bunch of stuff, Coxs messaging around how to respond to Kirks death shows that it is possible for us to disagree while abiding by a basic code of how we should engage in public debate.

Just before Obama spoke, the 22-year-old suspect arrested in Kirks killing made his first court appearance on charges including capital murder. According to court documents released Tuesday, as authorities sought the person who had shot and killed Kirk at Utah Valley University last week, Tyler Robinson texted with his partner, acknowledging he had been the shooter. A judge said he would appoint an attorney to represent Robinson, whose family has declined to comment to The Associated Press.

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP.
In this image from video provided by Utah State Courts, Tyler James Robinson attends a virtual court hearing from prison in Utah, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Utah State Courts via AP) AP

By JESSE BEDAYN, HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and JOHN SEEWER, The Associated Press

OREM, Utah (AP)  Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, was afraid of being shot by police and eventually agreed to surrender only if it was done peacefully, a sheriff involved with taking him into custody said Wednesday.

Robinson appeared quiet and somber when he arrived with his parents to turn himself in last Thursday at the Washington County Sheriffs office, a day after Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, said Sheriff Nate Brooksby.

He didnt want a big SWAT team at his parents house or his apartment, said the sheriff, who was only involved with the surrender and not the broader investigation. He was truly fearful about being shot by law enforcement.

On Tuesday, prosecutors charged the 22-year-old Robinson with capital murder and announced they will seek the death penalty while revealing a series of incriminating messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing of Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and confidant of President Donald Trump.

Robinson also faced his first hearing in the case Tuesday where a judge said he would appoint an attorney to represent him. A message was left Wednesday with the countys public defenders office.

A national flag hangs over the site where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University last week, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (AP Photo/Jesse Bedayn) AP

Robinsons family has declined to comment to The Associated Press since his arrest.

The Sept. 10 shooting that stunned the nation and exposed deep political divides also left the Utah Valley campus reeling. On Wednesday, students returning for the first day of classes since then gathered silently and stared at the barricaded courtyard where Kirk was hit while speaking to students.

Care stations offering stuffed animals, candy and connections to counseling dotted the campus.

Matthew Caldwell, 24, said his classmates were quieter and seemed more genuine about being in class even with sadness still in air.

The way that we treat each other in our words can ultimately lead to things like this, he said. And I think everybody sort of understands that a little bit better now.

Since the shooting, the Republican president has threatened to crack down on what he calls the radical left and classify some groups as domestic terrorists. Former Democratic President Barack Obama said this week that Trump has further divided the country rather than work to bring people together.

ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmels late-night show indefinitely following comments he made about Kirks killing.

On Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee called on the chief executives of Discord, Steam, Twitch and Reddit to testify on how they are regulating their platforms to prevent violence.

Congress has a duty to oversee the online platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence, said GOP Rep. James Comer, the committee chair, signaling a shift for congressional Republicans, who had previously scrutinized online platforms for policing free speech.

Robinson knew his capture was inevitable, sheriff says

The shooting at Utah Valley happened more than a three-hour drive from where Robinson grew up near St. George.

Thats why the sheriff in Washington County said he was stunned when a retired detective and a friend of the Robinson family called to say he knew the shooters identity and they were trying to convince him to come in voluntarily.

Nate Brooksby, Washington County Sheriff, speaks at a press conference on the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed last week at Utah Valley University, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Hurricane, Utah. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil) AP

I couldnt fathom what actually came out of his mouth, Brooksby said.

The sheriff said he was told that Robinson was possibly suicidal and in a remote area of the southwestern Utah county. An hour later, Robinson arrived at the sheriffs office, where he was greeted by plainclothes detectives.

He knew it was inevitable that he would be caught, said the sheriff. If at the end of the day we accomplish him surrendering peacefully on his own, Im going to make some concessions to make that happen.

Hidden note in suspects apartment

Investigators say that after Robinson fired the single fatal shot, he texted his romantic partner and said to look under a keyboard for a note.

I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and Im going to take it, it said, according to court documents.

After expressing shock, his partner who lived with Robinson, asked if he was the shooter. Robinson responded, I am, Im sorry.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said DNA on the trigger of the rifle used to kill Kirk matched Robinson.

Investigators looking at whether Robinson had help

Law enforcement officials say they are looking at whether others knew about Robinsons plans or helped, but they have not said if his partner is among those being investigated, only expressing appreciation for the partner sharing information.

The partner apparently never went to law enforcement after receiving the texts. Robinson remained on the run for more than a day until his parents recognized him in a photo released by authorities.

Also getting a closer look is security the day of the attack. Utah Valley is conducting a review, university President Astrid S. Tuminez said Wednesday.

Was Charlie Kirk targeted over anti-transgender views?

Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but Gray said that Robinson wrote in a text about Kirk to his partner: I had enough of his hatred. Some hate cant be negotiated out.

Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was credited with energizing the Republican youth movement and helping Trump win back the White House in 2024. His political organization, Arizona-based Turning Point USA, brought young, evangelical Christians into politics through social media, his podcast and campus events.

While court documents said Robinson wrote in one text that he planned the attack for more than a week, authorities have not said what they believe that entailed.

Gray declined to answer whether Robinson targeted Kirk for his anti-transgender views. Kirk was shot while taking a question that touched on mass shootings and transgender people.

Robinson was involved in a romantic relationship with his roommate, who investigators say is transgender.

Parents said their son became more political

Robinsons mother told investigators that their son had turned hard left politically in the last year and became more supportive of gay and transgender rights, Gray said.

She recognized him when authorities released a picture of the suspect and his parents confronted him, at which time Robinson said he wanted to kill himself, Gray said.

Robinson detailed movements after the shooting

In a text exchange with his partner released by authorities, Robinson wrote about planning to get his rifle from his drop point, but that the area was locked down.

The texts, which Robinson later told his partner to delete, did not include timestamps, leaving it unclear how long after the shooting Robinson sent the messages.

To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you, Robinson wrote.

Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio.
The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, is holding a vigil tonight at Holy Infant Church, 535 Conewago Creek Road, in Manchester, York County.

The vigil begins at 7 p.m.

Senior said in a statement that he was deeply saddened by the shooting.

We recognize and honor the bravery and selflessness of law enforcement officers, who daily put their lives on the line to protect others. Their courage reflects the highest ideals of service and sacrifice, Senior said.

Three police officers from Northern York County Regional Police Department were killed, and a fourth officer from that department injured, when attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a man accused of stalking his ex-girlfriend on Wednesday.

A fifth officer was injured as well, with media reports claiming he was from the York County Sheriffs Department.

Another vigil is planned at Spring Grove Alliance Church in Spring Grove, also expected to start at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, second from right, flanked by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and officials, addresses the media after the York County police incident that resulted in 3 police officers killed and 2 more hurt. (Megan Lavey-Heaton | mheaton@pennlive.com) Megan Lavey-Heaton | mheaton@pennlive.com

The office of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced on Wednesday evening that flags will be flown at half-staff in the wake of the fatal police shooting in York County.

In accordance with the United States Flag Code, Governor Josh Shapiro ordered United States and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff to honor the three officers killed in the line of duty, a statement read in part.

An unknown person fatally shot three police officers and wounded two more on Wednesday afternoon in North Codorus Township. The officers were following up on a domestic-related investigation. The two wounded officers are hospitalized in critical condition. The shooter was killed by law enforcement.

The flags will remain lowered until the date of internment for the officers, who have not yet been identified.

"All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute," the statement said.
News of the fatal shooting of three York County police officers and the wounding of two others following an investigation at a home in a rural township near Spring Grove on Wednesday drew responses from lawmakers and other officials.

State Sen. Kristin Philips-Hill and Rep. Seth Grove, both of whom represent the area where the shootings took place, called the violence unacceptable.

Earlier this morning, three police officers walked out of the doors of their homes for work. Most unfortunately, they will not return home this evening.

We ask the public to join us in keeping the families of the three slain officers in our prayers, and to also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured officers, the community and the law enforcement community.

Todays act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society. There has been a sharp increase in violent acts being committed in our communities. We must move beyond these senseless acts that have far-reaching impacts.

Attorney General Dave Sunday, the former district attorney of York County, called the losses a heart-wrenching reminder of the sacrifices police officers make every day.

The death of any public servant is an absolute tragedy. Learning that three officers were killed in York County where I worked for many years as a prosecutor, and where I still call home, is unfathomable.

Having served alongside these officers, I know of their caliber, their professionalism and the lasting impact they had on our community. This loss is a heart-wrenching reminder of the sacrifices police officers and other first responders make every single day.

They serve because they are proud, true to their oath, and selfless in their duty. They put themselves in harms way to protect all of us, regardless of the danger to themselves.

I pray for the recovery of the officers who were injured, and I extend my deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and friends these heroes leave behind. My heart breaks with yours.

The York County commissioners bemoaned the fact that the shooting came just seven months after the shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York that left a West York Regional police officer dead and several hospital staff members injured.

For the second time in less than a year, York County is a community in mourning. Today, three of our communitys law enforcement officers were tragically shot and killed in the line of duty. Two other officers were critically injured and are being treated at WellSpan York Hospital. We pray for their full recovery, and we hold the families of all those impacted by this horrific event in our thoughts and prayers.

As a community, we share the immense and immeasurable pain of mourning the loss of three of our brave members of law enforcement. We ask for patience as the Pennsylvania State Police and York County District Attorneys Office work together to complete their investigation. And we ask all York Countians to, once again, lift each other up and support each other as we grieve together as one united community. We remain York County strong.

Pa. Sen. John Fetterman called the shooting absolutely tragic in a post on X. He wrote: This shooting in York County is absolutely tragicand its a reminder that we cant ever, ever forget how dangerous the job of law enforcement is. They put their lives on the line for us every single day, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

My family grieves for the families of the officers who died in todays shooting and keeping in our thoughts the others that are recovering.
I believe failure is only failure if you repeat the same mistake twice without learning or adjusting. Failing once and then changing course isnt failure at all  its growth, resilience, and often the foundation of eventual success.

This weeks Founder Friday profiles Nahi Beaini, the Sydney-based entrepreneur whose family investment experience in Dubai sparked the creation of Dubai Property Playground.

Why this matters: With Australians holding $4.3 trillion in overseas investments and Dubai property prices rising 20% in 2024, specialised advisory services are becoming crucial for navigating cross-border investment challenges.

Beainis journey began with personal experience rather than market research. Having invested in Dubai myself with my family, I experienced firsthand the difference between precincts with strong growth potential and those at risk of oversupply, he explains.

That firsthand knowledge proved valuable timing. Dubais real estate market achieved exceptional milestones in 2024, with the sector recording 217,000 investments valued at AED526 billion, reflecting impressive growth rates of 38% and 27% in number and value respectively.

The market opportunity coincides with broader Australian investment trends. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that Australians collectively held more than A$4.3 trillion in overseas investments as of December 2024.

Market Gap

Beaini identified what he saw as a fundamental problem in Dubais property sector. Most agents in Dubai are focused on quick sales, not on what Australian investors genuinely need, he notes. That insight highlighted a clear gap in the market.

The numbers support his observation about Dubais appeal to international investors. Dubais residential market retained its upward trajectory, with average sales prices rising by 20% in 2024 to AED 1,597 per sq ft, with sales transaction volumes surging to unprecedented levels.

For Australian investors specifically, Dubai offers compelling fundamentals. Dubai tends to have higher yields (6-8% on average) compared to Australian metropolitan markets, making it an attractive diversification option.

Transparent approach

Dubai Property Playground differentiates itself through what Beaini calls a true buyers agent model rather than a sales-driven approach. We focus on transparent, independent advice tailored to long-term investor goals, he says.

The companys end-to-end service model spans initial consultations through to due diligence, financing, legal checks, post-purchase management, and Golden Visa applications. Importantly for client acquisition, their fees are covered by developer commissions, meaning investors only pay for the property itself, removing barriers to entry.

This approach addresses what Beaini sees as systemic issues in the market. While competitors rely on outdated, sales-driven models, we position Dubai Property Playground as the bridge between Australia and what many are calling the next Singapore.'

Future focus

Personal experience beats theory. Invest in what you know and surround yourself with trusted advisors to avoid costly mistakes

Looking ahead, Beainis strategy centres on education and relationship building. In a market where confidence is often lacking, acting as a true advisor transforms one-time buyers into long-term partners, he reflects.

The timing appears strategic given market forecasts. The Dubai Real Estate Market Forecast 2025 predicting 5-8% annual price growth and 7% average rental yields suggests continued momentum for the sector.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Beaini offers hard-won wisdom: I believe failure is only failure if you repeat the same mistake twice without learning or adjusting. Failing once and then changing course isnt failure at all  its growth, resilience, and often the foundation of eventual success.

His key advice centres on authenticity and sustainability: Personal experience beats theory. Invest in what you know and surround yourself with trusted advisors to avoid costly mistakes. Balance ambition with sustainability. Burnout is real, so prioritising wellbeing is as important as chasing big goals.

As Dubais property market continues its upward trajectory and Australian investors seek international diversification, Beainis family-first, transparency-focused approach to cross-border property investment represents a notable evolution in how specialised advisory services are addressing the complexities of global real estate investment.

This Founder Friday feature is part of our ongoing series profiling innovative Australian entrepreneurs making their mark in global markets.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Royce Morris administered the oath of service Aug. 21, 2025, to the 12th class of Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates during a ceremony at the Dauphin County Courthouse. (Submitted photo) CASA photos

By Kim St. Clair

Does she know how monumental this moment is? Does she know what the statistics looked like that she would even go to college? Does she hear the people who have cared about and advocated for her over the years cheering her on?

Two lives were forever changed for the better because of a nonprofit organization  Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

A CASA volunteer walked into a group home and met a 14-year-old quiet, reserved, dare the CASA say, scared young lady. A girl who did not like to be labeled a foster care kid. A teenager who didnt want school peers to know she lived in a group home.

The CASA, sworn into court service as an advocate for the teen, became a consistent person whom this young lady could lean on for guidance and support. Her CASA connected with her through frequent visits; represented her best interests before Children & Youth Services caseworkers and a guardian ad litem; attended dependency court hearings; and eventually said goodbye to advocacy when the young lady was placed in a kinship home at age 17.

While the CASAs formal role as an advocate for the teen ended, their relationship evolved into a strong and constant mentorship. The former CASA watched this reserved young woman bloom into a caring, spirited and motivated young adult who grew in confidence  emotionally, socially and academically. So much so that she became the first person in her family to apply to and enter college. In fact, her former CASA accompanied the young lady to college orientation and recently helped her shop for school supplies and move into her freshman dorm room.

Does CASA advocacy work for foster children? The answer is a resounding, YES.

For the majority of traumatized children in the care system, it is a life-transforming opportunity to have a dedicated CASA volunteer serving on their behalf.

The successes come in big and small batches. Child advocacy work takes dedication, patience, time, community financial support, and most importantly, the desire of everyday volunteers to uplift abused and neglected children.

CASAs not only cheer on their appointed child, they work with their Children and Youth Services case team to ensure the child is safe, gets the services they need, and paints a picture of the childs life while in care through information gathering and reports to the court. Former Dauphin County President Judge John Cherry called these CASA court reports bibles that steered him in making his child-placement decisions.

A CASAs work is not only measured by the stories, but also through initiatives designed by Pennsylvania and National CASA. A recent national initiative measured the effectiveness of the work CASAs perform in gathering and reporting information in the areas of childrens physical, dental, developmental, mental and behavioral health.

Advocates were asked to answer a survey of questions three times between January and June of this year. The data acquired from this initiative indicates that the needs of children who were appointed a CASA were met and rose during all three stages of advocacy, including: Gathering information; reporting needs; and meeting those childs needs.

Results in all five areas increased by at least 10 percent, most hovering between 10 and 12 percent. This information also allows the state and national programs to know and study the barriers that block the fulfillment of their needs and craft solutions.

We ask readers of this column: How loudly can you cheer for a foster child? Are you resourceful, have a love for your community, but most of all, do you have a desire to bolster our communitys children in need? If you can answer those three questions with a proud,

YES, your role as a CASA in Dauphin County is waiting for you. Reach out and learn more at DauphinCountyCASA.org, or call us at 717-888-9973.

Together, we can change their story!

Kim St. Clair is acting executive director, Dauphin County CASA.
Simply surviving is a win for many small businesses drowning in red tape, warns peak body in major reform push.

Whats happening: COSBOA has backed the Productivity Commissions recommendation to cut the small business tax rate to 20%, with modelling showing this would inject $11.4 billion into GDP over five years. The peak body warns that small businesses sustaining five million jobs and contributing $500 billion to the economy are being weighed down by rising costs, relentless red tape, regulatory complexity and new tax threats.

Why this matters: COSBOA warns that for many small business owners, simply surviving is a win and that without reform, Australia risks choking the very sector that employs five million people. The organisation describes this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape policy settings.

Australias small business sector is mounting a push for tax relief and regulatory reform, warning that the nations economic engine room risks stalling without immediate intervention.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has delivered comprehensive submissions to the Productivity Commission across four reform pillars, describing the review as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock small business potential.

COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison said small businesses are being crushed by mounting pressures. This is a pivotal moment for real reform; the kind that will shape Australias economy for the next generation. Small businesses and the self-employed are doing it tough. They are weighed down by rising costs, relentless red tape, regulatory complexity and new tax threats.

The stakes could not be higher. If we squander this opportunity, we risk choking the very sector that sustains five million jobs and contributes $500 billion to our economy, Mr Addison warned.

Tax Relief Push

Central to COSBOAs reform agenda is backing the Productivity Commissions recommendation to cut the small business company tax rate to 20 per cent. Small businesses currently pay a company tax rate of 25%, and the organisation points to modelling showing the reduction would inject $11.4 billion into GDP over five years.

The PC has outlined draft recommendations for lowering the headline company income tax rate to 20 per cent for companies with turnover below $1 billion, with the 30 per cent CIT rate remaining for companies with turnover above that threshold.

A lower tax rate means money back into the economy  to employ more staff, adopt new technology and invest in growth, Mr Addison said. However, he firmly rejected the Commissions proposed cashflow tax, calling it more red tape when businesses need simplicity.

COSBOA also wants the instant asset write-off made permanent and increased to at least $150,000, along with targeted tax incentives for start-ups, research and development, digitisation and accredited training.

Skills Crisis Response

The organisation is pushing for targeted training incentives and micro-credentials to address crippling skills shortages. Skills shortages are crippling small businesses. Incentives for training will make a real difference, but what we dont need is a return to training levies  theyre outdated and just add cost and complexity, Mr Addison said.

COSBOA supports national recognition of qualifications across states to break down hiring barriers and wants tailored advisory services to help small businesses navigate training options.

Digital Adoption Drive

On technology, COSBOA backs incentives for digital adoption and a national rollout of proven digital adoption grant programmes. The organisation recommends a light-touch approach to AI regulation, supported by a national AI adoption plan.

Small business wants to digitise  the appetite is there  but costs and complexity hold many back. Lets make it easier, not harder, to take up new technology, Mr Addison explained.

The group has reiterated support for retaining the Privacy Act exemption for businesses under $3 million turnover, with alternative compliance pathways for larger small businesses.

Red Tape Revolt

Perhaps most significantly, COSBOA is calling for a fundamental shift in regulatory thinking. We need a new mindset: regulate for growth, not for risk. Every new regulation should be tested against a simple question  how could a sole trader, a cafe owner with one employee or a small business employing ten people actually implement this?

The warning comes as small business operators face what COSBOA describes as relentless pressures: industrial relations changes that strip flexibility, soaring costs and cashflow pressures including looming payday superannuation obligations, intensifying tax collection while debts mount, and a regulatory environment focused on compliance rather than growth.

For healthcare and care providers, COSBOA wants streamlined regulation, aligned quality standards, and professional association accreditation across programmes. Care providers are drowning in duplication. Cutting red tape here means more time with clients, better services, and lower costs, Mr Addison said.

Reform Window Closing

Mr Addison said the Productivity Commission process has put small business firmly on the national agenda, but action is now critical. Small businesses arent looking for handouts. What we want is a fair, simple, and enabling system that rewards effort, encourages investment, and cuts down on the duplication and red tape that holds us back.

This is a once-in-a-generation chance to reset the system. We cannot afford to squander it. COSBOA stands ready to work with government on practical solutions that will give small businesses the confidence to invest, hire and innovate. Because when small business prospers, so does the nation.

Related Links:

Download COSBOAs submissions to the Productivity Commission

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Why Murder Charges Were Briefly Dropped Against Online Poker Pro Craig Bergeron

Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

The murder case against well-known online poker pro Craig Bergeron took an unexpected turn last week when the charges in the state of Michigan were dropped, but only briefly.

Bergeron, 34 at the time, was arrested in Dec. 2024 for allegedly fatally shooting a Detroit man before fleeing the scene in his white SUV. He's been housed at the Wayne County Jail without bond while awaiting trial. But he almost experienced freedom recently due to a near-lucky break, PokerNews learned upon contacting the prosecuting attorney's office.

Poker Pro's Charges Momentarily Dropped

Craig Bergeron

Maria Miller, Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor, said all charges, including premeditated murder and being in possession of a firearm as a prohibited person, were dropped on Sept. 11 during a 36th District Court hearing.

Judge Shawn Jacque ordered all charges be dropped and the case dismissed due to the officer-in-charge being "unable to locate a necessary witness." The witness was contacted the following day, and the charges were reissued. Bergeron was arraigned on the reissued warrant on Tuesday morning and remanded to jail.

Bergeron is suspected of having fatally shot Tommy "Mike" Ireland, 37, on Detroit's east side a few days before Christmas 2024. Police were dispatched to the crime scene after the shooting, where they discovered the victim unresponsive.

"Its chaos out here. Its chaos. Nobody should go through burying anybody, especially off of senseless crime  senseless," Richard Castro, Ireland's cousin, told 7 News Detroit following the shooting. "Its senseless man. When I say Tommy was a good man, he was a good man, bro. He wasnt one of them. He was one of the other ones."

Ashley Ireland, the victim's sister, told reporters that the family doesn't know Bergeron. The alleged murderer, who is from Saline, Michigan, is said to have assaulted someone else before being arrested. Some reports have speculated that Bergeron was in a state of psychosis on the day of the shooting. He has received multiple mental health evaluations since his arrest, but the test results are unknown.

Bergeron was once an accomplished poker pro, rising up through the stakes in his early 20s. He was a hybrid online-live grinder with $1.3 million in live tournament cashes, according to The Hendon Mob. That includes a career-best $312,853 score for a fourth-place finish in the 2010 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Deauville Main Event.

He won an EPT side event in Germany for $158,062 in 2009 when he was just 19 years old. PokerNews interviewed the young poker pro earlier that year during an Aussie Millions event.

Bergeron, who also had great success online under the screenname "HU4ROLLZ," has one World Series of Poker (WSOP) final table appearance and a World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring. He hasn't cashed in any live events since 2019.

A probable cause conference for the reissued charges is scheduled for Sept. 25, and a preliminary exam is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 2.

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Is this the End of Poker in America? | PokerNews Podcast #917

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

In the 917th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Ben Ludlow to talk about the latest stories from the poker world, including a discussion on the future of poker following the failure of a provision that would've mitigated the concerning gambling tax implications of the Big Beautiful Bill. Is there still time to turn things around?

The trio then discusses some of Monarch's recent seven-figure heads-up matches, Phil Hellmuth issuing a $1,000,000 challenge, and recent tournament winners from the 888poker LIVE London, including Gang Wang, Aaron Barone, and Vivian Saliba.

Chad then sits down with the winner of PokerNews' World Tournament of Slots (WTOS) giveaway. Find out who will be headed to the Bahamas in October, where they'll have a shot at a million bucks and the opportunity to meet reigning World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champ Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi.

Finally, Chad reveals the latest code word for this year's NAPT Gold Pass giveaway valued at $10,000! There are not many up for grabs this year, so you won't want to miss out on this limited opportunity to win one just by listening to the PokerNews Podcast and MSPT Podcast Presented By PokerNews.

PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to A newPodcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps

Time Topic 00:00 Welcome to the show 00:48 The future of poker amid Big Beautiful Bill provision failure 12:25 Monarch takes on Limitless & Foxen 15:43 Video: Foxen puts Monarch to the test 20:08 Hellmuth offers $1 million poker cash game challenge 22:40 Hellmuths cash game statistics 26:10 World Tournament of Slots giveaway winner 35:00 Win a Silver Pass to 2025 NAPT Las Vegas 36:20 Gang Wang wins 888poker LIVE London Main Event 37:52 Aaron Barone wins 888poker LIVE London Ambassador Event 38:10 Vivian Saliba takes down 550 Big Shot 39:20 What nationalities are crushing poker nowadays? 42:00 Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) 43:40 888poker XL Autumn Series runs Sept. 21-29

Tell us who you want to hear from. Let us know what you think of the show  tweet about the podcast using #PNPod, and be sure to follow Chad Holloway on X.

Subscribe to the PokerNews Podcast on Apple Podcasts here! You can also find us on Spotify as well as our new page on SoundCloud!

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HCMC hospital to make CAR-T cells for first time in Vietnam for blood cancer treatment

Ho Chi Minh City's Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital is preparing to produce CAR-T cells for blood cancer treatment, for which patients spend billions of dong to go abroad.

"If CAR-T cells can be produced domestically, treatment costs could be reduced to under VND500 million (US$19,000)," Dr. Phu Chi Dung, director of the hospital, said at a press conference Tuesday.

The event marked the opening of three concurrent international and national conferences on transfusion, transplantation and cell therapy that will take place from Tuesday to Saturday.

More than 2,000 delegates, including nearly 350 from abroad, are attending.

A CAR T-cell is a T lymphocyte immune cell that has been genetically engineered to express a synthetic receptor known as a chimeric antigen receptor, which enables the T-cells to bind to specific proteins, called antigens, present on the surface of cancer cells and eliminate the cells, according to the National Cancer Institute.

CAR T-cell therapy utilizes these engineered T-cells to treat certain types of cancers.

Doctors in Taiwan during a CAR-T cell therapy for a 12-year-old girl from Vietnam. Photo courtesy of HCMC Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital

The process begins with collecting T-cells from a patient's blood. They are then modified in a laboratory to produce CARs, which are designed to recognize specific antigens on cancer cells.

A large number of CAR T-cells are created and infused back into the patient for them to seek out and destroy the cancer cells.

The first Vietnamese patient to get CAR-T cell therapy was a 12-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell), a severe form of blood cancer.

After going to Taiwan for CAR-T cell infusion with the hospital's assistance, she has returned and is undergoing monthly maintenance therapy in Vietnam and has been stable for over a year.

At first she underwent chemotherapy but the cancer quickly recurred. She then had a haploidentical stem cell transplant from her father, but the disease again recurred quickly.

Dr Dung said CAR-T cell therapy is among the most complex techniques in hematology but is considered one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern medicine.

It targets and destroys cancer cells, reduces the risk of relapse, prolongs survival, and improves quality of life, as numerous international studies have showed, he said.

But the cost is extremely high at tens of billions of dong, he said.

The treatment in Taiwan was cheaper compared to other countries, but still ran into billions, he said.

To mitigate this problem, the hospital has been upgrading facilities, sending doctors, nurses and technicians for training in Taiwan, and partnering with international experts to move toward local production.

It is also carrying out a research project and aims to develop it into a national study.

If it is successful, the treatment cost would be significantly lower and give more blood cancer patients access to advanced therapy without having to leave the country.

HCMC's Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital is a top-tier specialty facility and the leading referral center for southern Vietnam.

It is also one of the country's foremost institutions in transfusion medicine and hematology. It has pioneered many complex techniques and is now the largest bone marrow transplant center in Vietnam, offering nearly all of the world's advanced treatments, including stem cell transplantation, the latest chemotherapy protocols, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Another extremely busy day is expected here at Casino Grand Cercle d'Aix-les-Bains, with Day 1b of the 2025 Winamax Poker Open Aix-les-Bains due to kick off at noon local time today, September 18.

Day 1a attracted a huge total of 361 entries, far surpassing the 215 entrants obtained in Day 1a of the 2024 edition, held in Bratislava. When the dust settled, Selim Zegour of France (1,125,000) rose to the top of the standings, bagging over twenty starting stacks.

Selim Zegour

End of Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Selim Zegour France 1,125,000 113 2 Franck Romero France 999,000 100 3 Vincent De La Porte France 707,000 71 4 Kourosh Adeli France 635,000 64 5 Arnaud Charoulet France 635,000 64 6 Julien Chanas France 628,000 63 7 Alexandre Mebs France 605,000 61 8 Adrien Dumont France 596,000 60 9 Matthieu Vizioz France 517,000 52 10 Adrien Straub France 511,000 51

Winamax ambassadors Leo Margets and Gus Hansen were in the field in Day 1a, but neither managed to progress. They are expected to fire another bullet today, and are likely to be joined by fellow ambassadors Pierre Calamusa and Julien Sitbon.

Leo Margets

The tournament is a six-max affair, and players will sit down in Day 1b to a 50,000 starting stack at blind level 100/200, with a 200 big blind ante.

Day 1b is the second of four starting flights, with the clock set to 30-minute levels, and late registration is open until the start of Level 14. Play will continue in each starting flight until 16.6% of the field remains, all of whom will be in the money. Players must put chips in a bag to receive a minimum cash.

Day 2 qualifiers will return on September 20 for the penultimate day, where blinds will be increased to 35-minute levels, with the final day scheduled to take place at 12:30 p.m. on September 21, where the clock will jump to 40-minute levels.

There are also plenty of social activities for players to partake in away from the tables, with nightly DJ sets and the Winamax Darts Open scheduled to take place this evening.

2025 Winamax Poker Open Aix-Les-Bains Main Event Remaining Schedule

Date Day Time Blind Levels September 18 Day 1b Noon 30 minutes September 19 Day 1c Noon 30 minutes September 19 Day 1d 7 p.m. 15 minutes September 20 Day 2 Noon 35 minutes September 21 Day 3 12:30 p.m. 40 minutes

PokerNews will be on the floor until a champion is crowned, so stick with us for all your coverage of the 2025 Winamax Poker Open Aix-les-Bains.
Regional Editor

Brandon Roberts is the managing editor of Summerville Communications Inc., which prints The Summerville Journal Scene and The Berkeley Independent.
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.
Vietnamese tourists dressed in traditional Thai costumes take a selfie at Wat Arun temple ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 18, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Thailand welcomed more than 6.4 million tourists from nine markets in Southeast Asia during the first eight months of this year, down 9.4% year-on-year amid safety concerns and political instability.

Malaysia led the arrivals with 3 million, followed by Laos and Singapore with 630,000 and 612,000 respectively, Bangkok Post reported.

Indonesia and Vietnam were fourth and fifth largest inbound markets with 550,000 and 482,000 arrivals.

Visitors from Myanmar and the Philippines grew 18.8% and 22.4%.

A series of challenges since the beginning of this year such as the kidnapping of Chinese actor Xing Xing, the deadly earthquake in neighboring Myanmar and border clash with Cambodia have left negative impact on Thai tourism.

The Southeast Asia tourism powerhouse received 22.39 million foreign tourist arrivals from Jan. 1 to Sept. 7, falling by 7.11% from the same period last year, Reuters reported.

In August, Thai state planning agency cut its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals this year to 33 million from 37 million.

Thailand welcomed a record nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Seth Taylor covers Greenville and the Upstate for The Post and Courier. Born in Iowa, he worked in Wyoming at the Buffalo Bulletin before moving to the Palmetto State.
Over the past month, the Houthis, with the backing of Iran, continue to demonstrate the threat they pose to navigational rights at sea, stability in the region, and the welfare of the Yemeni people, said John Kelley, Acting Representative of the United States to the United Nations.



On August 31, the Houthis unlawfully detained at least 21 UN staff from their offices and homes. The United States strongly condemns these unjust detentions, said Mr. Kelley.



The United States also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of these UN staff, as it continues to call for the release of the staff of humanitarian organizations, the UN, and diplomatic missions unjustly detained in 2021, 2023, and 2024, as well as the crew members of the MC Eternity C.



In addition, the Houthis detain their fellow Yemenis, harass and abuse civil society members who oppose them, and severely restrict the operating space for humanitarian activities.



Over the past month, the Houthis have intensified their threats to regional stability and to navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea, Mr. Kelley noted.



They continue to launch attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Israel, expanding their repertoire of weapons to include cluster bombs. They have extended the range of their territorial attacks, including launching a missile against an Israel-owned ship in the northern Red Sea. The United States condemns Houthi attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel and its right of self-defense against Iranian-backed terrorist groups like the Houthis.



It is now clear that the Houthis are also drug dealers. The Yemeni governments counterterrorism forces recently seized 600 kilograms of cocaine meant for the Houthis. This follows several large seizures of Captagon since June, all meant to fund Houthi terrorist activities.



The Houthis must be deprived of resources for their terrorist activities, declared Mr. Kelley.



To that end, the United States continues to put pressure on the Houthis to disrupt their access to funding and weapons. On September 11, the U.S. Treasury Department issued additional sanctions against those facilitating Houthi operations, making it Treasurys largest sanctions action to date targeting the Houthis. The network targeted included individuals and entities that are part of the Houthis global illicit fundraising, smuggling, and weapons procurement operations.



The U.S. urges Security Council members to explore their own potential terrorist designations and to provide funding for the UN Verification and Inspection Mission, a critical tool for enforcement of Security Council resolutions.



Iran continues to defy Security Council resolutions by supplying the Houthis with military, logistical, and intelligence support. This Council, urged Mr. Kelley, should impose consequences using the tools at its disposal."
Nick Reynolds covers politics for the Post and Courier. A native of Central New York, he spent three-and-a-half years covering politics in Wyoming before joining the paper in late 2021. His work has appeared in outlets like Newsweek, Poynter, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post. He lives in Columbia.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / American First Finance, LLC ("AFF") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach through its partner FinWise Bank, that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to AFF.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On May 31, 2024, FinWise Bank, a financial institution that contracts with American First Finance, LLC to originate and fund consumer installment loans, experienced a data security incident. The breach was discovered on June 18, 2025, and upon learning of the breach, FinWise Bank launched an internal investigation with third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident.The impacted data may include names and personal identifiable information.On September 13, 2025, AFF filed a notice with the Maine Attorney General's Office and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who will receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from American First Finance, LLCor FinWise Bank, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Goldgroup Mining Inc. ("Goldgroup" or the "Company") (TSXV:GGA)(OTCQX:GGAZF) is pleased to announce that it has acquired approximately 52.7% of the creditors' rights in Molimentales del Noroeste, S.A. de C.V. ("Molimentales") Concurso Mercantil (restructuring proceeding equivalent to Chapter 11 in the United States). Molimentales' primary asset is the San Francisco Mine concessions, located in Sonora, Mexico.Goldgroup paid approximately US$3.74 million for this acquisition, which includes payments made directly to creditors as well as expenses related to the transaction. The Company anticipates incurring additional costs as it continues acquiring further creditors' rights and works with Molimentales' court appointed liquidator (the "Liquidator") to complete the restructuring under the Concurso Mercantil.By securing majority control of Molimentales' creditors' rights, Goldgroup is now positioned to file a Plan of Arrangement seeking approval of Molimentales' remaining creditors and the Liquidator under the Concurso Mercantil process. The Plan of Arrangement, if successful, together with the settlement of outstanding liabilities owed to the Mexican Government in order to maintain the San Francisco Mine in good standing, will allow Goldgroup to obtain ownership of the San Francisco Mine and its associated assets-including mining concessions, processing plants, and all related infrastructure-free of liens and liabilities."This acquisition represents Goldgroup's first steps towards acquiring the San Francisco Mine and its associated assets," said Ralph Shearing CEO of Goldgroup Mining. "With majority creditor rights, we now have the legal foundation to move forward and submit a Plan of Arrangement, pursuant to which registered creditors of Molimentales will be offered settlement terms to extinguish the amounts owed to them, and subject to approval of the Liquidator and the Mexican Court having jurisdiction over the Concurso Mercantil, Goldgroup hopes to acquire Molimentales." The San Francisco Mine, historically one of the significant gold producers in Sonora, has substantial existing infrastructure and potential for future exploration, development, expansion and production. Securing control of this asset is aligned with Goldgroup's vision of becoming a leading Mexican-focused mining company with operational expertise and a strong commitment to responsible mining practices.Cautionary Statement: While the acquisition of the 52.7% of the creditors rights represents an important milestone toward resolving long-standing conflicts and advancing the recovery of the San Francisco Mine, there is no assurance that Goldgroup will obtain the necessary approvals required under the Concurso Mercantil process (including Liquidator and Mexican Court approvals and satisfactory settlement of outstanding concession fees, taxes and labour related expenses) to vest Molimentales in Goldgroup's control. Further, there remain inherent risks and uncertainties associated with taking full control of the project. These include, but are not limited to, the approval of the proposed Plan of Arrangement, potential challenges within the Concurso Mercantil process, regulatory approvals, and the operational and financial requirements needed to successfully restart and operate the mine.The completion of the Plan of Arrangement and proposed acquisition of Molimentales is subject to the prior approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.The Company will provide further updates as the Concurso Mercantil process unfolds.About Goldgroup Goldgroup is a Canadian-based mining Company with two high-growth gold assets in Mexico. The Company has a 100% interest in the producing Cerro Prieto heap-leach gold mine located in the State of Sonora. An optimization and exploration program is underway at Cierro Prieto to significantly increase existing production and resources.In addition, the Company holds a 100% interest in the Pinos underground gold development project in Zacatecas State. Pinos is an advanced PEA level development project. Formerly a producing mine, the Company is commissioning an updated PEA with a view to re-starting mining operations.Goldgroup is led by a team of highly successful and seasoned individuals with extensive expertise in mine development, corporate finance, and exploration in Mexico.For further information on Goldgroup, please visit www.goldgroupmining.com On behalf of the Board of Directors Ralph ShearingCEO+1 (604) 764-0965Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information contained in this news release, including any information relating to future financial or operating performance, may be considered "forward-looking information" (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law) and "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Actual results could differ materially from the conclusions, forecasts and projections contained in such forward-looking information.These forward-looking statements reflect Goldgroup's current internal projections, expectations or beliefs and are based on information currently available to Goldgroup. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to materially differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors including, without limitation: receipt of all required exchange, regulatory and other interested party approvals in connection with the Concurs
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This release focuses on the addition of support for several new technologies, as well as the initial release of a fundamental modernization effort we have been implementing on theNeoLoad web platform .AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 /Next generation NeoLoad WebAs technology evolves, so too must your testing solutions. NeoLoad Web was already a modern platform, but there were some limitations that needed to be addressed. We are pleased to announce the general availability of the next generation of NeoLoad Web, available today for all SaaS customers of NeoLoad at https://neoload-v2.saas.neotys.com/ . There are several major design enhancements made in this release:Design standardization with other Tricentis software solutions, so that if you use one of our other solutions, picking up NeoLoad will be extremely comfortable and familiar with a consistent user experience.A robust expansion of the V4 API to cover all aspects of NeoLoad Web, including functionality previously not available in the V3 API.Reporting enhancements and new reporting capabilitiesThe technical preview of the new Augmented Analysis engine for automated results analysis.What is Augmented Analysis?As artificial intelligence platforms continue to evolve, we are pleased to announce that Augmented Analysis - a machine-learning AI engine - is part of the new NeoLoad Web architecture. The initial release of augmented analysis is focused on the RED statistics (Rate, Error, and Duration) that we know for certain are part of every performance test result set, and intended to provide not only guidance on which portions of your test results are important and should be subjected to further analysis, but also to provide detailed explanations on why NeoLoad is making the recommendations that it is providing. While initially designed to provide guidance on where a performance engineering team should focus their attention, subsequent phases of Augmented Analysis (and upcoming features that are part of what we are calling Augmented Design) will begin to include NeoLoad project and APM data, and provide an increasingly robust analysis framework that your teams will be able to use to accelerate and elevate their performance engineering practices.Does this mean the current NeoLoad Web interface we have been using will be discontinued?Absolutely not! We will continue to maintain both versions of NeoLoad Web for some time, to ensure that no disruption to any testing activities occurs. However, as architecturally, the new NeoLoad Web front-end is merely a new container stack talking to the same back-end container stack already deployed, our customers will be able to seamlessly switch between interfaces as they see fit. All your user credentials, NeoLoad projects, and test results will be visible in both versions of NeoLoad Web as a result, and any changes will be instantly visible in the other platform. For example, starting a test in one and then switching to the other will show the test setting up and executing in real time.SAP RFC supportWhen integrating other applications into your SAP platform, customers often need to tie ABAP processes to other components of SAP or third-party systems. Remote Function Calls (RFC) support in NeoLoad allows us the capability to driveperformance engineeringactivities to validate the integration points between and within SAP systems by invoking the function calls in a reliable and scalable fashion. This allows performance engineering teams to now simulate the functionality of other systems as it interfaces with SAP, or to mimic the functionality of the SAP system as it interacts with third- party systems that have been connected to SAP, ensuring that scalability and reliability of the implemented connectivity will hold up under production usage and that yourSAP deploymentcontinues to operate flawlessly.SAP IDoc supportWhen exchanging information between SAP and other integrated systems, a common data framework is essential to ensuring the data is structured in a reliable way. The SAP IDoc (Intermediate Document) protocol is commonly used when exchanging orders, invoices, delivery schedules, and material master data sets between SAP systems and other platforms. NeoLoad's ability to support IDoc data formats allows for a seamless way to performance test the consumption of IDoc datasets into SAP and the distribution of data from SAP to other systems, ensuring that there are no delays or data issues under production load, and thus ensuring the performance of your SAP environment remains highly scalable and reliable.TN5250 supportWhile 2024.3 introduced the newRTE protocolinto the NeoLoad framework, support for 5250 was not included. We are pleased to close this gap with the release of 2025.1 and support for the TN5250 remote terminal emulation protocol. This allows performance engineers to now emulate traffic into and validate the performance of their AS/400 systems. This ensures that as functionality continues to be exposed to new workloads via internet accessible functionality, your AS/400 system will continue to operate without any performance degradation.We are pleased to release NeoLoad 2025.1, further deepening our support for SAP and RTE environments and beginning to release the architectural enhancements we have been making in the background to modernize our performance engineering platform. If you are eager to learn more, feel free toregister for our upcoming webinarto learn more about this exciting release. *While both RFC and IDoc support will currently be available across all NeoLoad editions in NeoLoad 2025.1, as we develop additional enhancements and capabilities in upcoming iterations, availability will become part of specific edition packaging. At that time, accessibility to RFC and IDoc will be included only for NeoLoad customers who meet the to-be-defined edition packaging criteria.CONTACT:Office Email: office@ tricentis.com Tel: +1 737-497-9993SOURCE: Tricentis
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Cornwell Quality Tools ("Cornwell") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Cornwell.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On December 20, 2024, Cornwell Quality Tools became aware of a security incident on its computer network. Upon detection, Cornwell launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cyber security experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to certain files on or around December 12, 2024.The impacted data may include name, Social Security number, medical information, and financial account number.On September 9, 2025, Cornwell filed a notice with the Maine Attorney General's Office and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Cornwell Quality Tools, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / New York Blood Center Enterprises("NYBCe") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to NYBCe.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On January 26, 2025, New York Blood Center Enterprises became aware of a cybersecurity incident affecting its internal computer systems. Upon detection, NYBCe launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts. The investigation determined that between January 20 and January 26, 2025, an unauthorized third party gained access to NYBCe's network.The impacted data may include sensitive personal and protected health information likenames, Social Security numbers, driver's license or other government identification numbers, financial account information, and limited health information, including test results.On September 5, 2025, NYBCe filed notice with government authorities and began mailing notification letters to affected individuals.Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from New York Blood Center Enterprises, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Motility Software Solutions("Motility") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Motility.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On August 19, 2025, Motility became aware of suspicious activity on its network. Upon detection, Motility took the impacted server offline and launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to Motility's network and certain files containing sensitive information.The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and dates of birth.On September 12, 2025, The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, Motility's parent company, publicly disclosed the breach on its website and may soon begin sending notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Motility Software Solutions, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 17, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., September 17, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC): (1) between May 19, 2025 and June 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (2) pursuant and/or traceable to Sable's May 21, 2025 secondary public offering (the "SPO"), of the important September 26, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.SO WHAT: If you purchased Sable securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Sable class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=40629or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 26, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants represented that Sable had restarted oil production off the coast of California when it had not; and (2) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Sable class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=40629call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United StatesMIRAMICHI, NB / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 /SLAM Exploration Ltd. (TSXV:SXL) ("SLAM" or the "Company")is pleased to announce that is has raised gross proceeds of $689,000 from closing the first tranche of the previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), through the issuance of 1,722,500 units ("Units") issued at a price of $0.40 per Unit. The Company expects to complete one or more additional tranches of the Offering on or before September 26, 2025.Each Unit consisted of:four (4) flow-through common shares (the "FT Shares");one (1) non-flow-through common share (the "NFT Share"); andtwo and one-half (2.5) transferable non-flow-through common share purchase warrants (with two half-warrants comprising one whole warrant, each a "Warrant").Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.12 for a period of 24 months from issuance. The Company may accelerate the expiry of the Warrants if, at any time prior to their expiry, the volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") is at least $0.20 for 30 consecutive trading days. In that event, the Warrants will expire 20 days after the Company issues a press release announcing the acceleration.The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used to incur Canadian Exploration Expenses ("CEE") on the Company's New Brunswick properties. These expenditures are expected to qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and to be renounced to subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025 (or such other date as permitted by law). Subscribers are expected to be entitled to claim the 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit in respect of such expenditures.The proceeds from the NFT Shares and any Warrants exercised will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and corporate development activities.The Offering is subject to the final acceptance of the TSXV and all other required regulatory approvals.All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the closing date that expires on January 19, 2026.In connection with the Offering, the Company will paid finder's fees consisting of cash payments of $1,200 and the issuance of 3,000 non-transferable warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to certain eligible arm's-length finders. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.12 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance, on the same terms as the Warrants issued under the Offering.Insider Participation: Four insiders of the Company participated in the Offering and acquired an aggregate of 335,000 Units. The participation by such insiders in the Offering constitutes a "related-party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, on the basis that neither the fair market value of the securities issued to insiders, nor the consideration paid by such insiders, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization.This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities referenced herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. Persons" (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an available exemption.About SLAM Exploration Ltd: SLAM Exploration Ltd. is a publicly listed resource company with a 40,000-hectare portfolio of mineral claim holdings in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. Diamond drilling is in progress on the Goodwin copper-nickel-cobalt project in the Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC") of New Brunswick. The drilling program follows significant copper, nickel and cobalt intercepts from 15 diamond drill holes reported by the Company in 2024 on the Goodwin project. These include a 64.90 meter core interval grading 0.73% copper, 0.64% nickel and 0.05 % cobalt including 1.11% copper, 0.95% nickel and 0.07% cobalt over a 39.40 meter core interval as reported in a news release August 7, 2024. Induced Polarization ("IP") results for 3 lines over the Granges, Logan and Farquharson copper-nickel-cobalt zones show potential for depth extensions as reported July 18, August 7 and August 21, 2025 in News Releases by the Company.The Company launched its 2025 exploration program with two new gold discoveries on its wholly-owned Jake Lee claims. Slam reported eight grab samples with assays ranging from 7.42 grams per tonne ("g/t") to 94.80 g/t gold in the initial discovery on July 9, 2025. A second discovery comprised quartz float grading 16.20 and 3.78 g/t gold respectively in Trench JT25-05 located 100 meters southwest of the initial discovery as reported August 28, 2025.SLAM drilled 2 holes and cut multiple gold-bearing veins on its wholly owned Menneval gold project in 2024. The Company previously reported gold bearing core intervals including 162.5 g/t gold over 0.2 m and 56.90 g/t gold over 0.5 m in news releases on December 13, 2021 and November 22, 2022. The Company is currently collecting 1,000 additional samples to expand the soil coverage and further define the target on this extensive vein system.The Company is a project generator and expects to receive significant cash and share payments in 2025. SLAM received $9,000 cash and 1,200,000 shares from Nine Mile Metals Inc. (NINE) on February 28, 2025 pursuant to the Wedge project agreement. On March 29, 2025, the Company received a cash payment of $60,000 as well as 180,000 shares of a private company pursuant to the Ramsay gold agreement. The Company holds NSR royalties and expects to receive additional cash and share payments on the Wedge copper zinc project and on the Ramsay gold project.To view SLAM's corporate presentation, click SXL-Presentation. Additional information is available on SLAM's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / Ubiquity Global Services, a leading provider of customer experience and business process outsourcing solutions, today announced the acquisition of Peak Support, a fast-growing CX and operations support provider known for its cloud-native platform, fully remote delivery model, and AI-enabled tools.Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Peak Support has built a reputation for high-quality, flexible support for growth-focused brands. Its 2,000-person team operates across the United States, the Philippines, Colombia, Eastern Europe, and India, serving clients in the financial services, e-commerce, SaaS, and social media sectors.Matt Nyren, Founder and CEO of Ubiquity, commented: "Peak Support has shown that a technology-led, remote-first approach can drive exceptional outcomes. Their culture, expertise, and proven results make them a natural fit for Ubiquity. This partnership enhances our ability to deliver scalable, flexible, and innovative CX solutions in today's digital-first markets." Jonathan Steiman, Founder and CEO of Peak Support, added: "Joining Ubiquity gives us the scale, global reach, and advanced tech platform to elevate what we offer our clients-without losing the agility and culture that define us. We're excited to accelerate what we can achieve together." The acquisition expands Ubiquity's ability to support enterprise and digital-first brands with a broader range of CX and back-office services. Peak Support's remote-first model and AI-enabled tools complement Ubiquity's hybrid delivery approach, giving clients greater flexibility to balance onshore, nearshore, offshore, and virtual workforce strategies.Canaccord Genuity LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Peak Support.About Ubiquity Global ServicesUbiquity Global Services delivers customer experience, back-office, and risk and response operations for industries where compliance and trust are critical, including financial services, healthcare, insurance, e-commerce, and software. With a global footprint and domain expertise in regulated environments, Ubiquity combines AI-driven tools with human-in-the-loop solutions to help clients scale confidently while protecting their brands and customers. Recognized by Frost & Sullivan and leading analysts for service excellence and innovation, Ubiquity drives outcomes that strengthen customer relationships and support sustainable growth.About Peak Support, A Ubiquity CompanyPeak Support, a Ubiquity company, provides CX and operations support through a fully remote model, omnichannel delivery, and AI-enhanced tools. Founded in 2015, Peak supports clients in sectors such as financial services, e-commerce, SaaS, and social media. The company has been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of America's fastest-growing private companies and named a top outsourcer by ICMI.Media Contact Ubiquity Global ServicesEmail:pr@ ubiquity.comWebsite:www.ubiquity.com SOURCE: Ubiquity
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 18, 2025 / University of Iowa Community HomeCare ("UI Community HomeCare") and University of Iowa Health Care ("UI Health Care") recently disclosed that they suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to UI Community HomeCare and UI Health Care.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 3, 2025, UI Community HomeCare became aware of a security incident on its computer systems. Upon detection, UI Community HomeCare launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to and copied data files containing information belonging to patients, including some UI Health Care patients.The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, medical information (medical record numbers, providers, types of visits, dates of service), and health insurance information.On August 29, 2025, UI Community HomeCare posted a notice on its website and began mailing data breach notification letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from University of Iowa Community HomeCare and University of Iowa Health Care, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find outLevi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
MILAN, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, announces the signing of a supply agreement with EP Produzione for the supply of the PowerTitan 2.0 solution in a 100 MW / 220 MWh utility-scale ESS project in Trapani, Sicily. This agreement consolidates the company's role in supporting the energy transition and is Sungrow's first project in Italy with the PowerTitan 2.0.

Sungrow and EP Produzione Supply Agreement for 220 MWh Battery Storage Project in Sicily

"We are proud to accompany EP Produzione in this strategic project for Sicily," says Massimo Bracchi, Country Manager Italy. "With PowerTitan 2.0, we are providing a latest-generation ESS platform designed to enable grid reliability and massive integration of renewables for putting forward the energy transition."

A strategic project for grid flexibility in Sicily

The 2-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) PowerTitan 2.0 will help improve grid stability and the integration of renewables in a highly populated region. Moreover, it will enable services such as frequency regulation, peak shaving and balancing in a geographical area that is crucial for the growth of PV in the country and Europe.

"The agreement with Sungrow represents an important step in our journey towards a more flexible and sustainable energy system. This project in Trapani is the third electrochemical storage project we have launched in Italy. Storage systems are a fundamental component of the technological mix needed for the energy transition, which is why we are working to expand our project pipeline," said Luca Alippi, CEO of EP Produzione.

PowerTitan 2.0: performance, safety and end-to-end integration

The project will consist of 44 units of Sungrow's PowerTitan 2.0 solution designed to maximise the efficiency, reliability and safety of utility-scale projects. It features amongst others:

Highly integrated architecture (natively interoperable PCS, BMS and EMS) for faster commissioning and centralised management;

Liquid cooling and high energy density for better performance and life cycle;

Advanced control functions for grid services and intelligent charge and discharge cycle management.

As safety is the priority of energy storage systems, Sungrow conducted the world's largest BESS burn test for the PowerTitan 2.0, enabling exceptional safety for plants.

In addition, the PowerTitan 2.0's pioneering technology significantly reduces both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) costs. The all-in-one AC-DC block design of PowerTitan 2.0, with pre-assembled battery modules and PCS, ensures seamless integration, significantly reducing installation time.

Sungrow's presence and commitment in Italy and Europe

Italy is a strategic market for the expansion of Sungrow's ESS and PV solutions. The country's ambitious energy transition goals and increasing demand for grid flexibility have positioned it as a key player in Europe's renewable energy landscape.

Sungrow operates with a dedicated local structure and a consolidated European network of sales, technical support, and after-sales services, supporting the entire project life cycle. Sungrow has established a team of experienced professionals to provide comprehensive technical and commercial support for projects of all sizes.

Recent projects of the company in Italy include the opening of a new office in Milan, hosting of its own an ESS event, and regular participation in major industry events like Key Energy.

For over 18 years now, Sungrow has built a strong presence across Europe, providing local sales, technical support, and after-sales services. The company now operates with over 750 employees, more than 25 local offices, and two R&D teams based in Europe.

About Sungrow

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of June 2025, Sungrow has installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com.

About EP Produzione

EP Produzione is the Italian electricity generation company of the European energy group Energeticky a prumyslovy holding (EPH). With six thermoelectric power plants and a capacity of approximately 5.2 GW, it is the fifth largest producer in Italy, focused on creating long-term value through continuous improvement and development of its assets and employees. More information at: www.epproduzione.com

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Ruben J. Pascual, Secretary-General of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the role of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) in boosting trade between the two regions. He highlighted new opportunities in the artificial intelligent area and the importance of summit discussions for expanding investment and trade.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's, GMW.cn makes no representations as to accuracy, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information.
MIAMI, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida International University researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model that could transform how water managers predict and respond to flooding in Florida's vast canal system.

The breakthrough, detailed in the Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, offers near-instant simulations of flood scenarios that currently take nearly an hour to generate.

It then goes further, suggesting actionable strategies.

"Accuracy is obviously very important to us, because overestimation of water stages can cause false alarms and panic while underestimation can result in unexpected and dangerous flooding events," said Giri Narasimhan, professor in FIU's Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences. "We were able to create a tool that provides water managers with the information to either eliminate a flood event or drastically reduce it."

Florida's 2,175-mile network of interconnected canals plays a critical role in flood control, particularly when hurricanes threaten the state. Before storms make landfall, water managers strategically lower canal levels to absorb incoming rainfall and storm surge. But extreme weather is notoriously unpredictable. Sudden shifts in wind, tides, or rainfall can overwhelm existing models, leaving little time to act.

Traditional physics-based models replicate canal systems in meticulous detail, accounting for factors from water flow to gate operations. While precise, these simulations require enormous computational power and can take close to an hour to complete. In fast-moving storm conditions, delays can hinder timely decision-making.

The FIU model, by contrast, runs through complex or worst-case scenarios in seconds. Using nearly a decade of historical environmental and weather data collected by the South Florida Water Management District, the AI system was trained to recognize how rainfall, tides, groundwater and storm surge interact across the region. Historic storms  including Hurricane Irma (2017), Hurricane Sandy (2012) and Tropical Storm Isaias (2020)  were used to fine-tune the model's reliability. Researchers tested it on the Miami River, which runs through downtown Miami and drains into Biscayne Bay.

Unlike traditional models that provide broad predictions, FIU's AI system can break down the specific drivers of flooding. For example, it can estimate how much water rise is due to rainfall versus tidal surge. In addition, it can suggest how adjusting specific canal gates or pumps could mitigate the flooding.

"This is where AI-powered models come in handy," Narasimhan said. "They allow for hundreds of scenarios to be run in a fraction of the time."

The project is part of FIU's broader effort to make AI a trustworthy tool in real-world, high-stakes scenarios. Jayantha Obeysekera  study co-author and director of the Sea Level Solutions Center in the FIU Institute of Environment, who previously served as the chief modeler at the South Florida Water Management District  said the technology has potential beyond immediate flood control.

"The model also holds a lot of potential as a tool to help agencies make longer-term decisions," he said. "It could guide 20- or 30-year infrastructure investments, such as whether to build new pumps, reservoirs or levees by screening potential solutions efficiently."

About FIU:

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars, and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health, and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

Media Contact:

Jonathan Ruadez

305-348-8448

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SOURCE Florida International University
~Executive Chairman Details Sandals and Beaches Resorts' Continued Legacy of Bold All-Inclusive Evolution~

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts , returned to the stage at the Skift Global Forum, sharing his vision for the future of all-inclusive hospitality with an audience of industry leaders, innovators, and travel executives from around the world. His fireside chat, "Crafting an Authentic Vision for All-Inclusive Hospitality," moderated by Skift's President Carolyn Kremins, offered an inside look at the evolution of all-inclusive travel and the brands' industry-leading legacy. Stewart also revealed the company's long-term plans to build a new Beaches Resort in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , reinforcing the company's commitment to expanding its Caribbean footprint.

Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, shares his vision for the future of Caribbean all-inclusive hospitality at the Skift Global Forum in New York City. Adam Stewart in conversation with Skift President Carolyn Kremins during a fireside chat at the Skift Global Forum, discussing the growth of the Beaches brand and announcing plans for a Beaches Resort in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines.

A key theme that emerged from the conversation was what many in the industry call the "Sandals Effect," underscoring the significant impact the brands have when they enter a new destination. "It's clear that all tides rise together," said Stewart. "Since entering Saint Vincent, we've seen visitor arrivals climb and airlift into the destination rise by over 300%. We're excited to continue that momentum with plans to bring a new 360-room Beaches Resort to this incredible destination."

Adding to that and highlighting the growing demand for multi-generational travel, Stewart reflected on the roots of the Beaches brand, while mapping its future. He showcased the soon- to-open Treasure Beach Village expansion at Beaches Turks and Caicos, which will add 101 expansive new suites, followed by upcoming resorts including the new Beaches Exuma; Beaches Barbados; and Beaches Runaway Bay in Jamaica. Together, these projects represent a $1 billion investment to redefine family travel across the Caribbean.

The conversation also emphasized the brands' broader role in the Caribbean economy, sourcing more than 80% of products locally in Jamaica, hiring team members years in advance of openings in new destinations, and highlighting 97% of its 20,000 team members being Caribbean nationals.

"It's been an incredible journey as a family to build a hospitality enterprise from the ground up and contribute to setting new standards in the industry," said Stewart. "What excites us most is training and development  taking people with natural talent and helping them grow within a culture of hospitality that lets them truly shine. In Saint Vincent, we brought on 480 team members two years before the resort even opened, giving them time to fully embrace our culture and preparing them for long-term success."

Stewart also highlighted the impact of the Sandals Foundation, which channels 100% of its donations into education, the environment, and local communities. To date, the Foundation has invested nearly $115 million in projects that have positively impacted 1.7 million people across the region.

Recognized as one of the most important stages in travel and hospitality, the Skift Global Forum offers a platform for the exchange of ideas that influence the entire sector. Stewart's contribution reinforced Sandals Resorts International's role as a trailblazer in redefining the all-inclusive category for a new era of hospitality.

About Sandals Resorts:

Sandals Resorts offers adults-only getaways that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curacao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit www.sandals.com .

About Beaches Resorts:

Beaches Resorts is the Caribbean playground where families can live their best island life. With three beachfront locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, Beaches offers fun-forward family all-inclusive vacations - from a dynamic selection of restaurants and vibrant food trucks to all-you-can-enjoy water sports, live shows and epic water parks. Kids discover magic with Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street, Kids Camps, and hangouts for teens, while parents enjoy peace of mind with certified nannies, sensory-friendly programming and multi-bedroom villas perfect for bringing generations together. At Beaches, every member of the family finds joy, connection and memories made to last a lifetime. For more information about Beaches Resorts, visit www.beaches.com .

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Sandals Resorts International
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Advantech (TWSE: 2395), a global leader in industrial IoT and edge computing solutions, is pleased to announce its participation in the Medtech Conference in San Diego, taking place October 5-8th, 2025, at Booth #1007. This premier event unites healthcare technology leaders, clinicians, and engineers to explore cutting-edge medical innovations.

At this year's conference, Advantech will showcase its latest medical-grade hardware solutions, designed to accelerate clinical decision-making and enhance patient care through edge AI-powered intelligence.

Introducing USM-300: Scalable Medical Edge AI Computer

Key highlights include:

USM-300: Scalable edge AI platform for real-time data processing, continuous patient monitoring, and intelligent clinical support.

Scalable edge AI platform for real-time data processing, continuous patient monitoring, and intelligent clinical support. USM-500 Gen2: Powered by Intel 13th Gen CPUs and NVIDIA GPUs, with integrated video solutions for low latency medical imaging and AI-assisted surgical tasks.

Powered by 13th Gen CPUs and GPUs, with integrated video solutions for low latency medical imaging and AI-assisted surgical tasks. POC-8: High-performance Medical Edge AI All-in-One powered by NVIDIA GPUs.

"Advantech is committed to delivering high-performance, AI-enabled medical computing solutions that empower healthcare professionals to work smarter and faster," said Marcus Weber, District Sales Manager at Advantech. "We look forward to showcasing technologies that transform patient care and drive innovation across hospitals and clinical environments."

At MedTech Conference 2025, attendees will also have the opportunity to explore how Advantech's solutions combine cutting-edge AI and robust medical hardware to accelerate diagnostics, streamline clinical workflows, and enhance patient safety. From real-time monitoring to advanced imaging, these technologies are designed to deliver actionable insights when they matter most.

Visit Booth #1007 to explore Advantech's next-generation medical hardware and AI-driven solutions, and while there consult with our experts on how these innovations are helping healthcare providers improve efficiency, connectivity, and patient satisfaction.

About Advantech

Founded in 1983, Advantech has the corporate vision to "Enable an Intelligent Planet." The company is a global leader in the fields of IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms. To embrace the trends of IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence, Advantech promotes IoT hardware and software solutions with Edge Intelligence to assist business partners and clients in connecting industrial chains. Advantech is also dedicated to working with domain-focused partners to co-create solutions that deliver advanced solutions in Industrial IoT. Learn more about Advantech at https://www.advantech.com/.

SOURCE Advantech
ONTARIO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ajinomoto Foods North America, a specialty frozen food manufacturer designing products for well-beingbringing joy, peace of mind, and connection to the everyday moments that matter mostannounces two high-impact executive appointments to its Foodservice Division. Bill Flack joins as Senior Vice President, Head of Foodservice and Ed Shabaz has been named Director of C-Store Sales, signaling a bold investment in the fast-growing foodservice sectoran industry driving over $900 billion in annual U.S. sales and rapidly reshaping how Americans eat.

Bill Flack (left) and Ed Shabaz (right)

Fueling Growth at the Crossroads of Foodservice and Convenience

Ajinomoto's move comes as operators look to meet surging demand for global flavors, bold innovation, and high-quality ready-to-prepare foods. From broadline distribution and national accounts to the booming convenience channel, Ajinomoto is doubling down on leadership to unlock new growth opportunities and cement its role as a go-to culinary partner.

Battle-Tested Leaders with Proven Results

Flack brings decades of leadership experience across foodservice, convenience stores, CPG, and distribution. He has held senior roles at Kerry, Olam Food Ingredients (ofi), Schwan's, and American Hotel Register, where he consistently delivered record sales, profitability, and long-term growth. Flack has built strategic account teams that delivered double-digit revenue increases, restructured organizations to accelerate performance, and forged partnerships with industry giants including Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Wawa, Costco, and Sysco.

"I'm thrilled to join such an iconic company with incredible growth potential," said Flack. "Ajinomoto has a long history of bringing craveable shareables and bites to foodservice through broadline distribution. I'm especially excited about the opportunity to expand our leadership in the Latin Mexican and Asian cuisine categories. Bringing authentic Asian offerings such as Gyoza, Shumai, and bold-flavored dumplings to more foodservice and convenience store customers across North America represents a tremendous growth opportunity."

Flack will oversee the entire Foodservice division, strengthening relationships with distributors, national accounts, and convenience store operators. His cross-channel expertise in branded and private label manufacturing, hospitality and CPG positions him to accelerate Ajinomoto's momentum in key markets.

Joining him is Ed Shabaz, a veteran sales leader with more than 20 years in the convenience channel, where prepared foods now represent more than two-thirds of total foodservice sales according to NACS. Shabaz will drive sales strategy for both foodservice and CPG, leveraging his expertise to elevate Ajinomoto's footprint as convenience retailers race to become next-generation food destinations.

"With convenience stores looking to transform their food offerings, Ajinomoto is well positioned to lead," said Shabaz. "Backed by my two decades of experience, we'll drive innovation, establish powerful partnerships, and make Ajinomoto a brand consumers know, crave, and trust."

Building the Future of Foodservice

These appointments reflect Ajinomoto's commitment to redefining the frozen food experience in foodserviceblending authentic global flavors, culinary craftsmanship, and operational reliability to power success for its partners.

As Ajinomoto continues its mission to deliver well-being, connection, and joy through food, the company is setting the stage for its next chapter of growth in the evolving foodservice landscape.

About Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. is dedicated to delivering high-quality and culturally inspired frozen food products that meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on well-being. Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life through food, making every day eating a happy experience. Recognized for both culinary excellence and workplace culture, Ajinomoto has earned multiple FABI Awards for innovation, has been named an Inspiring Workplace, and is proudly Great Place to Work certified.

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ajinomoto Group, a global leader in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of amino acid-based products. Leveraging the Ajinomoto Group's history with amino acids via "AminoScience", Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. is pioneering the science of well-being. Our quality and safety standards combined with our culinary expertise inspires our belief in sharing the joy of food. Our diverse range of frozen foods combines premium ingredients with exceptional flavor, making it easier for people to enjoy balanced meals without compromising on taste.

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. consumer brands include: Ajinomoto, Jose Ole, Ling Ling and Tai Pei. Its foodservice brands include: Ajinomoto, Fred's, Golden Tiger, Posada and Revel Eats. Our products can be found at Costco, Kroger, Sam's Club, Walmart and more. For more information, please visit www.ajinomotofoods.com.

SOURCE Ajinomoto Foods North America
Fast casual concept celebrates Dalton grand opening on September 30 offering free chicken salad for a year to the first 100 guests

ATLANTA, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today it is bringing its made-from-scratch favorites to Dalton, with a new restaurant opening at 324 Northgate Drive. Chicken Salad Chick of Dalton is inviting the community to celebrate this grand opening on Tuesday, September 30, where the first 100 guests in line will win free chicken salad for a year*.

During grand opening week, Dalton guests can expect to experience the Southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for with specials and giveaways that include:

Tuesday, September 30  Free Chicken Salad for a Year to the first 100 Guests  The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick per month for a year.*

  The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick per month for a year.* Wednesday, October 1  The first 50 guests to purchase the Chick Trio will receive a FREE Red Chicken Salad Chick Tote Bag.**

 The first 50 guests to purchase the Chick Trio will receive a FREE Red Chicken Salad Chick Tote Bag.** Thursday, October 2  The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Meal will receive a FREE Chick Tervis Tumbler.***

 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Meal will receive a FREE Chick Tervis Tumbler.*** Friday, October 3  The first 50 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks will receive a FREE small Chicken Salad Chick Cooler.****

 The first 50 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks will receive a FREE small Chicken Salad Chick Cooler.**** Saturday, October 4  The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Meal will receive a FREE Chick Meal on a future visit.***

The Dalton restaurant is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Lanier and Rod McLeod of RLM Restaurant Group, along with partners Brett Brandenburg and Amy Feehery. As Georgia natives, the couple opened their first Chicken Salad Chick in Warner Robins in 2016, then rapidly expanded with locations in Newnan, Carrollton, Macon, and Milledgeville. The Dalton restaurant marks their sixth, representing another milestone in their ongoing journey of growth and community engagement.

"We're incredibly excited to be opening our sixth Chicken Salad Chick this fall and sharing that experience with this community," said Lanier Mcleod, co-owner of Chicken Salad Chick of Dalton. "Dalton was a natural fit for us to expand in. The community has deep-rooted Southern values, a strong sense of community, and an appreciation for tradition, all of which align perfectly with the brand. We can't wait to open our doors and welcome the Dalton community with great food and even better hospitality."

Chicken Salad Chick is known for its dozen-plus variety of made-from-scratch chicken salad flavors, fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts. The new Dalton restaurant offers in-restaurant and outdoor patio dining, drive-thru, take-out, third-party delivery, and catering options.

"We're thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of our Dalton location with the McLeods, who have been exceptional franchise owners and ambassadors of the Chicken Salad Chick brand," said Scott Deviney, president and CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. "With five successful locations already under their belt, their passion for our concept and their commitment to local communities across Georgia continues to drive our growth. We look forward to having them introduce Chicken Salad Chick to Dalton soon."

Giving back to the community is an important focus for the Dalton team and the Chicken Salad Chick brand, which established the CSC Foundation to support CURE Childhood Cancer and local food banks with fundraisers throughout the year. As part of the pre-opening Friends & Family events in Dalton, the restaurant will be raising money for City of Refuge Dalton, a local nonprofit committed to supporting and empowering the community by helping residents meet their essential needs. Its mission is to guide individuals in difficult circumstances toward regaining a sense of purpose and direction, while equipping them to make positive changes and rediscover how to use their skills and strengths.

Chicken Salad Chick in Dalton will be open Monday  Saturday from 10:30am  8pm. For more information, visit https://www.chickensaladchick.com. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

For more information on the giveaways and specials, visit:

*Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first 100 guests must remain in line, download the Chicken Salad Chick app, be 16 years or older. Wi-Fi will not be available on site. Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of "The Chick" or anything of equal/greater value and enter a code in the Chicken Salad Chick app to officially secure their spot. If you leave the line for any reason, your spot will be awarded to the next guest in line. Guests will receive their first free Large Quick Chick electronically to their app the Monday following Grand Opening Day. Your reward will be valid for redemption for 30 days upon delivery. Not valid with any other offers. Limit 1 reward per guest present. Not valid in Drive Thru.

**Guest must be 16 years or older and must purchase the Chick Trio. Limit 1 reward per guest present. Not valid with any other offers. Not valid in Drive Thru.

***Guest must be 16 years or older and must purchase the Chick Meal. Limit 1 reward per guest present. Not valid with any other offers. Not valid in Drive Thru.

****Guest must be 16 years or older and must purchase two Large Quick Chicks. Limit 1 reward per guest present. Not valid with any other offers. Not valid in Drive Thru.

About Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama, by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to operate 310 restaurants in 22 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious for the third consecutive year, Fast Casual's Top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2024, QSR's Best Franchise Deals in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024, and Franchise Business Review's Top Food Franchises list from 2019-2024. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.

Contact:

Nayelis Bosa

Fish 919

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick
Climate-Driven Health Risks Could Cost the Global Economy at Least $1.5 Trillion in Lost Productivity by 2050 Across Food and Agriculture, Built Environment, and Health and Health Care, New World Economic Forum and Boston Consulting Group Report Finds.

The Report Sets out Adaptation Priorities for Four Critical Economic Sectors, Urging Companies to Act Now to Protect Worker Health and Build Operational Resilience.

Investment in Climate Health Innovationfrom Climate-Resistant Crops to Heat-Stable Medicines and New Insurance Models Tackling Coverage GapsCan Reduce Risks, Unlock New Market Opportunities, and Drive Long-Term Value.

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the next 25 years, climate-driven health impacts could result in the loss of more than $1.5 trillion in lost output from select climate-health illnesses. This is according to a new report from the World Economic Forum, developed in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), assessing climate-driven health impacts across four of the most affected economic sectors: food and agriculture, the built environment, health and health care, and insurance. The $1.5 trillion estimate reflects losses in only the first three sectors, under a mid-range scenario, suggesting the burden on the global economy could be far higher.

The report, "Building Economic Resilience to the Health Impacts of Climate Change," urges companies to act now to protect workforce health, build operational resilience, and safeguard productivity before the costs of climate adaptation become unmanageable. The findings highlight that adapting to extreme heat, infectious diseases, and other health risks accelerating due to climate change, is now a strategic business imperative.

"We are entering an era in which protecting worker health is proving essential to business continuity and long-term resilience," said Eric White, Head of Climate Resilience at the World Economic Forum. "Every year we delay embedding resilience into business decisions, the risks to human health and productivity climb, and the costs of adaptation rise."

Alongside shared disruptions, the analysis also outlines sector-specific vulnerabilities. In food and agriculture, climate-health impacts could drive $740 billion in lost output, placing the sector under strain and triggering cascading impacts on global food security. In the built environment sector, climate-health impacts are projected to result in productivity losses of $570 billion. The health and health care sector stands to lose $200 billion in productivity due to workforce climate-health illness, while rising climate-driven disease rates among the wider population could compound demand pressures. The insurance industry, meanwhile, is projected to experience a sharp rise in climate-health claims.

Still, the report finds that companies investing early in climate-health adaptation can benefit beyond risk mitigation. They can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth, while meeting emerging market needs. Each sector is uniquely positioned to develop and scale solutions to emerging climate-health challenges. From climate-resilient crops that protect food systems and heat-stable medications that expand medicine availability, to cooling technologies that keep construction workers safe and new insurance models protecting communities against climate-health shocks, examples of innovation are already taking shape.

"Momentum on health adaptation is building, but financing and implementation are still far below what's needed," said Elia Tziambazis, managing director and partner at BCG. "The challenge now is to scale proven solutions fast enough to keep pace with climate change, mitigate its impact on workforces, and invest in the innovation that will define the next generation of resilience services and products."

The report's analysis covers seven major health risks exacerbated by climate change, and models the economic cost of lost output due to climate-driven worker illness and death between 2025 and 2050. It sources health data from scientific literature and employment data and economic cost from the International Labour Organization and World Bank data.

While organizations in each sector can act, a global shift toward health resilience must be underpinned by supportive policies, interoperable climate-health data systems, and innovative financing to mobilize capital. The report's findings, published ahead of the World Economic Forum's Sustainable Development Impact Meetings, arrive as preparations intensify for COP30 in Belem, Brazil. This year's climate negotiations are set to bring health adaptation to the forefront of the global climate agenda, signaling a unique opportunity to align private sector innovation with policy action.

Download the publication here:

https://www.bcg.com/about/partner-ecosystem/world-economic-forum/climate-health-sector-impact-adaptation-opportunities

Media Contacts:

BCG: Eric Gregoire, [email protected]

World Economic Forum: [email protected]

About the Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2025

The Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2025 will take place from September 22 to 26 in New York and bring together over 1,000 global leaders from diverse sectors and geographies. Held ahead of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026, these meetings are part of the Forum's year-round work to accelerate progress on sustainable development through multistakeholder dialogues and action.

About The World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org).

About Boston Consulting Group

Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholdersempowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
WUHU, China, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When the thrill of speed meets the strength of collaboration, and when cutting-edge technology connects with the warmth of an ecosystem, an annual celebration of future mobility is ready to begin. From October 17 to 21, 2025, under the theme "CO-CREATE  CO-DEFINE," the Chery International User Summit will officially kick off. More than just a dialogue between the brand and its users, it will be a comprehensive showcase of innovation, ecosystem synergy, and global vision. How will Chery define the Chery Ecosystem 2.0 together with global users through product co-creation, communication co-creation and ecological co-creation? It will be announced on site.

Last October, the 2024 Chery International User Summit fully demonstrated Chery's strong commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and global cooperation. The Eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon and the 36th Prime Minister of New Zealand Dame Jenny Shipley attended the event, which attracted worldwide attention with its unprecedented scale. Building on this momentum, the upcoming International User Summit will bring the new needs and expectations of global users for future travel, upgrading the Chery ecosystem to version 2.0, and a more open and collaborative model will bring unprecedented participation experience to global users.

As ranked No.1 passenger vehicle exporter among Chinese brands for 22 consecutive years, and with more than 17.44 million users worldwide, Chery Group has always put users at the center, continuously pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and ecosystem development. This summit will break away from the traditional one-way release format by inviting influential international leaders, global user representatives, industry partners, pioneers, and leading global media to participate. With a focus on user co-creation, product co-definition, technology co-witnessing, and ecosystem co-building, create a series of interactive scenes, it will truly embody the vision of a future mobility ecosystem defined and co-created with users.

At this event, Chery International will present its full brand ecosystem, including CHERY, EXEED, OMODA & JAECOO, iCAUR, LEPAS, and LUXEED. It is worth looking forward to that the world's latest generation of hybrid vehicles will also be unveiled at the event, where global media and users will jointly witness Chery's leading technological capabilities in hybrid technology. China's smart manufacturing prowess in the new energy sector will be fully demonstrated.

Meanwhile, AiMOGA Robotics, under Chery, will once again make an upgraded debut at the conference. As an integral member of Chery's ecosystem, AiMOGA Robotics will present itself as A Trusted Intelligent Assistant for Humanity, demonstrating scenario-based functions, global applications, and sustainable business value that redefine humanrobot collaboration.

It is worth noting that this summit will also continue to highlight Chery's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. In recent years, Chery Group has achieved remarkable results in the ESG field, being listed on the 2025 Forbes China ESG Influence List and recognized as the only automotive company included in the 2024-2025 Forbes China Sustainable Industrial Enterprises List. At last year's User Summit, Chery also joined hands with its ecological partners to initiate and establish the ESG Alliance, working together to fulfill social responsibilities and jointly create a better future.

From technological breakthroughs to ecosystem symbiosis, from user co-creation to global collaboration, the 2025 Chery International User Summit is not only an innovation-driven event for the automotive industry but also a preview of the future of people, cars, and life. When the passion of global users converges with Chery's technological foundation, and when the boundaries of the ecosystem expand through co-creation, the infinite possibilities of future mobility await to be written by every participant.

October 17 - 21  Join Chery International in welcoming the next era of mobility.
CrossCountry Capital and its partners have received $1+ billion of equity capital commitments representing $20+ billion of new loan investments

CLEVELAND, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CrossCountry HoldCo, LLC (CCM HoldCo), the parent company of CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC (CCM), the nation's largest distributed retail mortgage lender, announced the expansion of its asset management arm, CrossCountry Capital, LLC (CCC), with key partners including an Ares Alternative Credit fund and Hildene Capital Management. CCC will further expand its non-QM investment platform as well as add complementary asset classes including residential transition loans, construction and vertical builder finance, multi-family lending, and HELOC and second-lien strategies.

Founded in 2003, CCM is the largest retail mortgage lender in the U.S., operating approximately 960 retail locations across all 50 states as well as a scaled servicing portfolio that acts as a natural hedge to its origination business.

Founded in 2022, CCC has quickly grown to build a large-scale non-agency asset management platform with over $7 billion in loans under management and a top-3 non-agency securitization program under the "CROSS" shelf encompassing over 50 unique institutional investors.

"We pride ourselves in having built the number one retail mortgage lender and look forward to continuing to support our borrowers and loan officers with exceptional service and the broadest range of products. The growth of CCC positions CCM to uniquely capitalize on the current market environment, something no other mortgage company is doing right now," said Ron Leonhardt, Founder and CEO of CCM. "The continued expansion of CCC allows us to further diversify our business model outside of core origination and servicing activities in a capital-light manner, and is a testament to our proven track record of originating high-quality non-agency mortgage investments," added Madhur Agarwal, CFO of CCM.

"We are pleased to see the continued strong support from our partners. The additional capital will enhance our ability to scale, provide flexible capital solutions, and capture the growing opportunities in the non-agency mortgage market while addressing the financing needs of borrowers underserved by traditional lenders," said Steven Ujvary, Managing Partner at CCC.

About CrossCountry Mortgage

CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) is the nation's number one distributed retail mortgage lender with more than 8,000 employees operating approximately 960 branches and servicing loans across all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Our company has been recognized ten times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private businesses and has received many awards for our standout culture. We offer more than 120 mortgage, refinance and home equity solutions  ranging from conventional and jumbo mortgages to government-insured programs from FHA and programs for Veterans and rural homebuyers  and we are a direct lender and approved seller and servicer by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae (NMLS #3029). Through our dedication to getting it done, we make every mortgage feel like a win.

About CrossCountry Capital

CrossCountry Capital (CCC) is an asset management and services firm focused on the residential housing sector. CCC sources and invests in mortgage-related investments throughout the broader residential housing ecosystem, co-invests in assets it sources and provides securitization and loan management support to its strategic partners. More information is available at www.cccap.com.

Media Contact: Natalie Lonjak

Director, Corporate Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE CrossCountry Mortgage
Global Healthcare Startups Invited to Apply for 12-Week Program with Mentorship, Investor Exposure, and Pitch Competition

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cure, a premier healthcare innovation ecosystem headquartered in New York City, today announced the launch of the Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator, which is now accepting applications for its first cohort of healthcare startup founders interested in expanding to Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and beyond.

"At Cure, our mission is to accelerate healthcare innovation by empowering entrepreneurs to take innovative ideas from concept to cure globally," said Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure. "The Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator is an extension of that visionequipping founders with the education, networks, mentorship, and investor visibility needed to transform promising ideas into real-world health solutions, commercialize faster and at greater scale for patients in Qatar, across MENA, and around the globe."

The accelerator will offer a 12-week hybrid learning program for up to 15 startup teams with expert-led sessions in Doha and New York City, as well as online resources. The program will kick off in New York City at Cure's The X Factor: Healthcare Innovation Summit (November 11-13, 2025) and cover topics including business models, market dynamics, valuations, negotiations, pitching, fundraising, team building, operational planning, marketing, scaling, and more.

The program will culminate in a pitch competition in early 2026 in Doha, where entrepreneurs will present to international investors, connect with leading experts and partners, and compete for the potential opportunity to pilot a new technology in Qatar.

The Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator is rooted in a collaboration between Cure affiliate Deerfield Management Company and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) via its Fund of Funds program. The collaboration unites Deerfield's mission of advancing healthcare with QIA's commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in Qatar and across MENA.

"The collaboration between Deerfield and QIA combines global healthcare venture capital capabilities with localized ecosystem support to advance healthcare entrepreneurship in the Middle East," said James Flynn, Managing Partner at Deerfield. "We believe the Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator will become a powerful platform and resource hub for healthcare ventures in the region."

The accelerator will select its first cohort from applications received by October 10th, 2025. Applications are open to startups with fewer than 50 team members and preference will be given to teams that include a Qatari founder or have plans to expand into reimbursement systems in Qatar and MENA. Companies with a minimum viable product or commercialized solution that address a clear market need in digital health, medical technology, or healthcare services-based innovations and improve access, quality, or cost are encouraged to apply. Ventures may be digital-first or hybrid models that incorporate digital innovation.

"This new accelerator is designed to leverage Qatar's vibrant startup ecosystem," said Dr. Mussaad M. Al-Razouki, Operating Partner at Deerfield. "Startups will meet with key Qatari stakeholders, gain insights into the local market and regulatory landscape, and explore opportunities for regional scaling."

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://wewillcure.com/cure-by-deerfield-middle-east-accelerator.

About Cure

Cure is a premier healthcare innovation ecosystem headquartered in New York City, with a mission to accelerate cures by helping health innovators develop their groundbreaking products and services from concept to commercialization. Cure's thriving NYC campus includes state-of-the-art research and business facilities, and its digital ecosystem serves as the go-to resource for health innovators. Its dedicated content hub offers expert-driven insights, resources, mentoring, networking, and business services. The on-campus Cure Collaboration Residency companies include startups and established enterprises. Cure also hosts and convenes flagship events and conferences, bringing together thought leaders from across sectors in its premium venues, including an education center, conference center, and an iconic rooftop. For more information, please visit wewillcure.com.

About Deerfield Management

Deerfield is an investment management firm committed to advancing healthcare through investment, intelligence, and philanthropy. The Firm works across the healthcare ecosystem to connect people, capital, ideas, and technology in bold, collaborative, and inclusive ways. For more information, please visit www.deerfield.com.

About QIA

QIA is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. QIA was founded in 2005 to invest and manage the state reserve funds. QIA is among the largest and most active sovereign wealth funds globally. QIA invests across a wide range of asset classes and regions as well as in partnership with leading institutions around the world to build a global and diversified investment portfolio with a long-term perspective that can deliver sustainable returns and contribute to the prosperity of the State of Qatar.

About QIA's Fund of Funds Program

The Fund of Funds program aims to develop a strong startup and venture capital ecosystem in Qatar, attract venture capital firms and entrepreneurs to the region, and help close the current funding gap for local and regional entrepreneurs. The program, first announced in February 2024, will place a priority focus on the tech and healthcare sectors. The Fund of Funds program has a mandate that includes delivering a positive development impact on the Qatari venture capital ecosystem.

SOURCE Cure
The Belgian startup is building the next-gen finance platform to free teams from manual work, accelerate month-end close, and deliver real-time insights to CFOs.

GHENT, Belgium, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AI-startup Eagl has raised 825,000 in funding to expand its engineering team, scale across Europe, and accelerate development of its AI-native financial agentic platform. The platform plugs into ERP and accounting systems, automating accounting and controlling workflows, continuously monitoring data quality, and resolving anomalies with business context. By ensuring accurate, structured financial data, Eagl helps finance teams reduce errors, speed up month-end closes, and shorten audit cycles.

The Eagl founding team: Samuel Van Innis (ex-Henchman), Brecht Carnewal (ex-Henchman), Frederik Bakx (ex-Lighthouse) & Benoit Baervoets (ex-Rydoo). Eagl is an AI-native financial operations platform that automates accounting and controlling workflows, monitors data quality, and shortens audit cycles, freeing finance teams from manual month-end work so they can focus on strategy.

The funding round is led by Syndicate One and CNBB Equity Partners (ExactOnline, Yuki), with support from leading SaaS founders including Matthias Geeroms (Lighthouse), Joris Van Der Gucht (Silverfin, Ravical), Jeroen De Wit (Teamleader), Lorenz Bogaert (Rydoo, StarApps), Louis Jonckheere (Showpad), Roeland Delrue (Aikido Security), and Jorn Vanysacker, Gilles Mattelin & Wouter Van Respaille (Henchman).

"Most finance teams are stretched thin, fixing problems instead of adding real value," said Samuel Van Innis, Eagl co-founder & CEO. "Eagl turns days of manual checking into instant insights, empowering finance leaders to focus on strategic topics while auditors get cleaner books."

"Beyond automating workflows, we continuously monitor data quality and resolve anomalies in real time," added Frederik Bakx, co-founder and CFO. "This means finance teams can close faster, scale efficiently, and cut down the time and stress of audits."

"Eagl is tackling one of the most frustrating bottlenecks in finance with technology that actually understands business context," said Matthias Geeroms, founder and CFO of Belgian unicorn Lighthouse. "That's why many people in the SaaS ecosystem believe Eagl will fundamentally change how finance teams operate."

Finance leaders currently spend up to 70% of their time gathering, cleaning, and reconciling data instead of analyzing it. Eagl plugs directly into a CFO's stack, connecting to ERP and accounting systems to ensure accuracy of the books and generate reports enriched with business context.

While legacy tools have improved task tracking, they still leave finance teams buried in manual work. Unlike these systems, Eagl is AI-native from the ground up, designed to bring context and intelligence into every accounting and controlling workflow.

Eagl was founded in April 2025 by Samuel Van Innis, Benoit Baervoets, Brecht Carnewal, and Frederik Bakx, experienced operators from Henchman, Rydoo, and Lighthouse.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2775365/Eagl_founding_team.jpg
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives from various groups involved in organizing the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the leading group for the commemorative events, also attended Wednesday's meeting with the representatives. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's V-Day commemorations have strengthened the nation's resolve and confidence in building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts, President Xi Jinping has said.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent speech after hearing a report summarizing activities held to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Delivered at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Xi's speech was conveyed on Wednesday at a summary meeting of the commemorative activities.

At the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing, Xi met with representatives from various groups involved in organizing the commemorations, praised their contributions and achievements, and encouraged them to make new accomplishments.

In his speech, Xi noted that the commemorations were both inspiring and motivating, and further carried forward the great spirit forged in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

"The events highlighted China's sense of responsibility in promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.

Xi underscored the need to continue using the commemorative events as a vivid textbook for education regarding patriotism, and to translate the confidence, pride and vitality they inspire into a strong driving force for advancing reform, development and stability.

He also emphasized the need to uphold the correct views on the history of the War of Resistance and World War II, while drawing wisdom and strength from the great victory achieved through the Chinese nation's heroic and united resistance under the CPC leadership.

"We should stand firmly on the right side of history and keep forging a better future by learning from history," Xi said.

He also urged efforts to effectively tell China's stories of the war of resistance against Japanese aggression and its peaceful development, showing the world that China remains a staunch defender of the post-war international order.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the leading group for the commemorative events, attended Wednesday's meeting with the representatives and addressed the summary meeting.

China has held a series of events for the commemorations, including a military parade in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square and a reception at the Great Hall of the People on Sept. 3.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the leading group for the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, addresses a summary meeting of the commemorative activities in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Ranch properties are more desirable than ever  and not just as places to get away for a weekend. More buyers are spending all year on one, or perhaps half the year in a city and half the year at their ranch. With their wide-open spaces and endless pursuits, ranches can not only open minds but also protect hard-earned cash. (They make very astute investments.) To that end, Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty has long had an entire division of teams and individuals who specialize in ranches, everything from weekend getaways to working spreads.

As one might imagine, eight-figure ranches come with many bells and whistles. Here are eight of the brokerage's premium ranch listings now  and what luxuries come standard for such a sizable outlay:

$60,000,000  Colorado River Ranch, Lometa, Texas  In the Texas Hill Country, this 3,304+/- acre masterpiece is a recreational oasis with wildlife, extensive lodging options and various barns and shops. World class white-tailed deer and exotics roam the property, including sable, kudu and zebra.

$23,475,000  Lone Spring Ranch, Meridian, Texas  This 2,000-acre stunner offers unlimited fishing, livestock and recreational opportunities, plus four lakes and multiple residences. It is a rare chance to own a private piece of beautiful Bosque County.

$18,750,000  Rocking R Ranch, Morgan, Texas  This iconic ranch in the Hill County offers sweeping views, sparkling lakes and handsome homes. It is a 1,977-acre paradise, with bountiful wildlife and miles of trails, on the market for the first time in decades.

$18,204,933  Seco Creek Exotic Ranch, Utopia, Texas  In the rolling Texas Hill Country, white-tailed deer, red stag, elk and aoudad sheep roam this ranch's 4,608 acres, while potential buyers will marvel at the many showstopping sites on which they could a main home, guesthouses or much more.

$15,000,000  Rolling Oaks Ranch, Poolville, Texas  This 700+/- acre legacy property 40 miles from Fort Worth features rolling hills, mature oaks, ponds, pastures, a 26-acre lake and native wildlife that includes white-tailed deer, wild turkey, hogs, migrating waterfowl and upland birds.

$13,734,000  Camp Creek Ranch, Cleburne, Texas  This 981+/- acre oasis is one of the largest properties offered in Johnson County in several years, offering Brazos River frontage, roads, trails, scenic views, abundant wildlife, multiple waterfalls and pristine swimming holes.

$12,950,000  Quail Rise Ranch, Seymour, Texas  A renowned, world-class deer and quail ranch, this 3,266 acre retreat boasts a trophy fishing lake, hillside main residence (complete with game room and wine cellar), lake house and equestrian barn.

$11,000,000  Otra Vez Ranch, Spicewood, Texas  Just 45 minutes from Austin, this 434+/- acre escape offers dramatic views, spring-fed grottos, wildlife, a handsome main home, two guest casitas, a horse barn and pursuits that include hunting and skeet shooting.

To explore all the ranch and land listings of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty  at varying price points, some under $1 million  explore briggsfreeman.com/ranch.

LINK TO ALL RANCH LISTINGS

https://www.briggsfreeman.com/ranch/

MEDIA CONTACT

Maria Cintron, [email protected], 214-350-0400

SOURCE Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty

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MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new segment of the television program Empowered with Meg Ryan, produced in collaboration with North Memorial Health, will highlight recent advances in cardiovascular care and their impact on patient outcomes.

The segment, filmed at North Memorial Health - Robbinsdale Hospital, explores how earlier diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments are transforming the management of heart conditions and improving recovery times.

North Memorial Health

"Heart care has advanced in life-changing ways. Many procedures that once meant weeks of recovery after open-heart surgery can now be done with minimally invasive approaches, helping patients return to their daily activities much sooner," said Carolyn Ogland, MD, President and Chief Medical Officer, North Memorial Health. "At North Memorial Health, our focus is making sure our community members are aware of these advancements and know that they can access this level of care when they need it most."

The program will examine breakthroughs such as catheter-based heart valve repair and replacement, advanced tools for treating atrial fibrillation, and North Memorial Health's rapid response to heart attacks. In many cases, procedures to open blocked arteries are completed in less than an hour after patients arrive in the Emergency Department, with many discharged as soon as the next day.

North Memorial Health's statewide air and ground transportation system  the largest hospital-based air and ground service in the country  plays a key role in ensuring both urban and rural communities have access to specialized cardiac care.

The Empowered with Meg Ryan segment underscores how early detection and advanced treatments are changing the course of heart disease and helping patients return to healthy, active lives.

About Empowered with Meg Ryan: "Empowered with Meg Ryan" is a Public Television program that offers viewers valuable insights and educational content, inspiring them to take informed action in their lives and communities. The program highlights organizations that are making a positive impact and providing pathways to greater well-being. Learn more at: www.empoweredprogram.com

About North Memorial Health: North Memorial Health delivers unmatched patient experience and empowers its patients to achieve their best health. With specialty and primary care clinics, urgent and emergency care offerings, medical transportation services and two hospitals in Maple Grove and Robbinsdale, North Memorial Health provides access to high-quality, low-cost care in the Twin Cities, across the broader state of Minnesota and surrounding states. The North Memorial Health system includes 900+ doctors and 6,000+ team members who are dedicated to delivering a more connected experience for our patients. Learn more at: northmemorial.com

SOURCE Empowered with Meg Ryan
Launched during Circle Day 2025, Squarespace for Pros brings advanced tools and resources directly into the platform to better support designers and developers

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Squarespace, the design-driven platform helping entrepreneurs build brands and businesses online, has launched Squarespace for Pros, a new professional-grade experience that brings together advanced design capabilities, productivity features, and business management solutions. Unveiled during Squarespace's annual Circle Day gathering, Squarespace for Pros represents the company's most significant investment to date in supporting professional designers and agencies.

Key Components of Squarespace for Pros

Finish Layer Design Tools

Transform websites into immersive experiences with a professional-grade design toolkit built directly into Squarespace. Finish Layer introduces interactive block animations that bring content to life, customizable block transforms like opacity, rotation, and offset to reinforce storytelling, and new editing capabilities that simplify workflows. Designers can also optimize for mobile views with greater control across devices and can now import external fonts for complete brand consistency.





Transform websites into immersive experiences with a professional-grade design toolkit built directly into Squarespace. Finish Layer introduces interactive block animations that bring content to life, customizable block transforms like opacity, rotation, and offset to reinforce storytelling, and new editing capabilities that simplify workflows. Designers can also optimize for mobile views with greater control across devices and can now import external fonts for complete brand consistency. Integrated Practice Management

A unified backend that simplifies project oversight, client collaboration, and day-to-day workflows that help professionals stay focused, scale efficiently, and deliver exceptional client experiences.





A unified backend that simplifies project oversight, client collaboration, and day-to-day workflows that help professionals stay focused, scale efficiently, and deliver exceptional client experiences. Integrated Commerce & Client Tools

Squarespace offers built-in scheduling, payments, invoicing, and more  bringing the same creative freedom used to design websites directly into how you showcase your products and services, without the headache or expense of needing to stitch together multiple systems.





Squarespace offers built-in scheduling, payments, invoicing, and more  bringing the same creative freedom used to design websites directly into how you showcase your products and services, without the headache or expense of needing to stitch together multiple systems. Circle, the Partner Program for Pros

Expanded tiers, perks, and resources reward freelancers and agencies with commissions, discounts, and exclusive benefits. A new Circle dashboard brings everything into one place from membership status, points, and referral payments to product updates, community conversations, and curated insights.

"With Squarespace for Pros, we're giving creative professionals the ecosystem they deserve, one that delivers advanced design, animation and commerce capabilities for experts while remaining intuitive and approachable for their clients," said Paul Gubbay, Chief Product Officer at Squarespace.

Circle Day, now in its fourth year, provided the ideal stage for this debut. Themed "Design Differently," the event brought together freelancers, agencies, and industry leaders to celebrate the creativity and impact of professional designers  underscoring Squarespace's continued commitment to serving this community.

Availability

For more information about Squarespace for Pros, visit squarespace.com/professionals .

To join Squarespace's Circle partner program, visit squarespace.com/circle .

About Squarespace

Squarespace is a design-driven platform helping entrepreneurs build brands and businesses online. We empower millions in more than 200 countries and territories with all the tools they need to create an online presence, build an audience, monetize, and scale their business. Our suite of products ranges from websites, domains, ecommerce, and marketing tools, to scheduling tools with Acuity, and social media solutions with Bio Sites and Unfold. For more information, visit www.squarespace.com .

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Squarespace, Inc.
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose (1) that Lockheed Martin lacked effective internal controls regarding its purportedly risk adjusted contracts including the reporting of its risk adjusted profit booking rate; (2) that Lockheed Martin lacked effective procedures to perform reasonably accurate comprehensive reviews of program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks; (3) that Lockheed Martin overstated its ability to deliver on its contract commitments in terms of cost, quality and schedule; (4) that, as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to report significant losses; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On October 22, 2024, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin announced it was forced to recognize losses of $80 million on a classified program at the Company's Aeronautics business segment "due to higher than anticipated costs to achieve program objectives." The Company also announced it had recognized a reach-forward loss in its Rotary and Mission Systems segment "as a result of additional quantity ordering risk identified on fixed-price options."

On this news, the Company's share price fell $37.63 or 6.12% to close at $576.98 on October 22, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Then, on January 28, 2025, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin announced it was forced to record pre-tax losses of $1.7 billion associated with classified programs at its Aeronautics and Missiles and Fire Control business. The Company explained "as a result of performance trends" and "in contemplation of near-term program milestones," it had "performed a comprehensive review of the program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks" based on which it recognized $555 million of losses in its Aeronautics program. The Company further reported additional losses of approximately $1.3 billion in its Missiles and Fire Control business due to, among other things, the "future requirements of the program, discussions with the customer and suppliers." As a result, the Company's net earnings in 2024 were $5.3 billion, or $22.31 per share, compared to $6.9 billion, or $27.55 per share, in 2023.

On this news, the Company's share price fell $46.24 or 9.2% to close at $457.45 on January 28, 2025 on unusually heavy trading volume.

Then, on July 22, 2025, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin disclosed it was forced to record an additional $1.6 billion in pre-tax losses on classified programs, including $950 million in losses related to its Aeronautics Classified program due to "design, integration, and test challenges, as well as other performance issues." The Company also recorded $570 million in losses on its Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program due in part to providing "additional mission capabilities, enhanced logistical support, fleet life extension, and revised expectations regarding flight hours." The Company further recorded a $95 million charge related to its Turkish Utility Helicopter Program due to the "current status of the program." As a result, the Company reported sharply lower net earnings of $342 million, or $1.46 per share, including $1.6 billion of program losses and $169 million of other charges.

On this news, the Company's share price fell $49.79 or 10.8%, to close at $410.74 on July 22, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Lockheed Martin's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Lockheed Martin class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/LMT or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP
USA News Group News Commentary

Issued on behalf of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd.

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold has shattered the $3,650 barrier for the first time in history after markets priced in the now-certain Federal Reserve rate cutsthe first of this year[1], creating unprecedented momentum for precious metals. The metal's 39% surge this year[2] has been amplified by central banks accumulating 900 tonnes of gold reserves[3] as nations diversify away from dollar-dominated assets amid mounting geopolitical tensions. This confluence of monetary easing expectations and institutional demand has positioned gold mining companies as prime beneficiaries of the evolving economic landscape, with Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), TRX Gold Corporation (NYSE-American: TRX) (TSX: TRX.TO), Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: DC), Fuerte Metals Corporation (TSXV: FMT) (OTCQB: FUEMF), and Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) (TSX: NGT).

Wall Street's most prominent investment banks are forecasting gold to reach $4,000 by mid-2026[4], with Goldman Sachs targeting $3,700 by year-end and UBS raising its forecast to $3,800 amid escalating tariff uncertainty[5].

Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) has reached a pivotal agreement in principle with the Government of Tanzania on the framework for the Government's statutory free carried interest in the Imwelo Gold Project. The breakthrough, announced following productive negotiations held on September 10, 2025, in Arusha, removes one of the most significant regulatory hurdles on the pathway to production and establishes a foundation for long-term partnership between the company and Tanzania.

Under Tanzania's Mining Act and recent regulations, the Government is entitled to a minimum 16% non-dilutable free carried interest in all mining projects, ensuring direct participation in the ownership of natural resources. The fiscal framework also includes a 6% royalty on gold production plus a 1% export levy, with a reduced rates of 4% for in-country refining and requirements for local beneficiation.

"Reaching agreement in principle with the Ministry of Minerals marks an important milestone for Lake Victoria Gold and for Tanzania," said Marc Cernovitch, President and CEO of LVG. "The Government's participation ensures that the Imwelo Project will be developed in alignment with national priorities, including responsible mining, in-country refining, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders. While final approvals and details remain to be completed, this first step lays the groundwork for a constructive partnership through the new joint venture company."

The agreement establishes a framework for creating a new joint venture company to hold and operate the Imwelo Mining Licence, providing transparency and durability for the collaboration. This regulatory clarity comes as LVG has already cleared a crucial environmental hurdle with Tanzania's National Environment Management Council approving the Updated Environmental and Social Management Plan for the fully-permitted project.

The timing proves strategic with gold currently trading above $3,700 per ounce. While many explorers struggle with permitting delays, LVG now operates under clear regulatory frameworks backed by its existing 10-year renewable mining license, positioning the company among the few junior miners with both regulatory clearance and near-term production potential in one of Africa's most prolific gold regions.

Imwelo sits just 12 kilometers from AngloGold Ashanti's flagship Geita mine, with the company targeting first gold within 12 months of construction start. Area C represents the priority development zone featuring 3.7 g/t average gold gradesamong the highest in the historical resource. A planned strategic 7,750m drill program combines grade control drilling for mine planning with extensions targeting. Previous intercepts including 6.8m at 14.6 g/t gold from 33m demonstrate production-ready mineralization.

Now as the company has officially closed an oversubscribed financing, LVG has strengthened its financial position with $6 million through a non-brokered LIFE private placement and additional $2 million private placement, expected to close imminently. Proceeds will fund work programs satisfying conditions to unlock a pre-paid forward facility with Monetary Metals for construction capital.

Additional opportunities emerge through the Tembo Project, where a planned 3,000m drilling program targets shallow, high-grade zones suitable for toll milling at the nearby Nyati Resources processing facility. Historic results including 28.57 g/t over 3m from 54m demonstrate potential for immediate cash generation ahead of full Imwelo development.

Beyond core development, LVG maintains exposure to potential US$45 million in milestone payments from the 2021 asset sale to Barrick's Bulyanhulu operation, plus strategic partnerships with Monetary Metals and Taifa Group, Tanzania's largest mining contractor.

With government agreement secured, environmental approval complete, and financing closing imminent, Lake Victoria Gold represents the convergence of regulatory clearance, market timing, and operational momentum that positions the company for successful development in Tanzania's premier gold district.

CONTINUED Read this and more news for Lake Victoria Gold at: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/04/02/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market include:

Earlier in the summer, another Tanzania-focused project comes from TRX Gold Corporation's (NYSE-American: TRX) (TSX: TRX.TO) Buckreef Gold Project were the company delivered strong Q3 results with 4,687 ounces of gold poured and $12.5 million in revenue. The company achieved a record average realized price of $3,114 per ounce while reducing mining costs to $3.63 per tonne and processing costs to $14.60 per tonne during the quarter.

"We're pleased with the progress at Buckreef Gold this quarter, driven by the successful execution of our scheduled strip campaign to access higher-grade ore, combined with lower mining and processing cost per tonne," said Stephen Mullowney, TRX CEO. "We have started to see the benefits of this work and since May 31st, the Company's adjusted working capital turned positive, improving from $3.3 million (negative) to approximately $3.9 million as of today."

The company has substantially improved its financial position with current ratio increasing from 0.8 to 1.1 and stockpile inventory growing from 290,000 tonnes at 1.00 g/t to 401,000 tonnes at 1.31 g/t containing 16,876 ounces of gold. TRX Gold also established domestic gold sales with Bank of Tanzania, benefiting from reduced royalty rates of 4% versus 7.3% for exported sales.

Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: DC) has advanced its Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project with a 27,500-meter drill campaign, intercepting higher gold grades than the average resource grade of 0.463 g/t. Recent metallurgical drilling returned 1.50 g/t gold over 62.1 meters in hole RH25C-171, significantly exceeding the measured and indicated resource grade.

"We are pleased with the progress of the 2025 drill campaign and look forward to releasing additional results from the drilling in the northeast Project area as they are received," said Jack Henris, President and COO of Dakota Gold. "Dakota Gold remains focused on advancing the Project through disciplined exploration and technical rigor with the results from the current drill campaign contributing to the Feasibility Study, which is expected to be completed in early 2027."

The company is conducting core drilling and metallurgical testing to support feasibility studies while targeting higher-grade zones in the northeast project area with potential to add measured, indicated and inferred resources. Dakota Gold has appointed Mike Eiselein as Vice President Project Development to oversee the metallurgical program, bringing over 34 years of operational experience in heap leach processing.

Fuerte Metals Corporation (TSXV: FMT) (OTCQB: FUEMF) has announced a transformational acquisition of the Coffee Gold Project from Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) (TSX: NGT) for total consideration of up to $150 million including $10 million cash and $40 million in shares. The Coffee Project hosts 3.0 million ounces of measured and indicated gold resources within 80 million tonnes at 1.15 g/t gold, making it one of the largest and highest-grade heap leach projects globally.

"The acquisition of Coffee is highly transformational for Fuerte," said Tim Warman, CEO of Fuerte Metals. "The project is on a clear path to complete permitting and has strong financial and technical partners who have the vision to advance the project to production and build the next great Canadian gold producer."

Fuerte is targeting completion of a preliminary economic assessment in H1 2026 and feasibility study in H2 2026, with the project benefiting from extensive de-risking by Goldcorp and Newmont through significant drilling and engineering work. The company has secured a concurrent equity financing of up to C$50 million backstopped by key shareholders, with Newmont joining Agnico Eagle, Pierre Lassonde and Trinity Capital as major shareholders following the transaction.

Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/04/02/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

CONTACT:

USA NEWS GROUP

[email protected]

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for Baystreet.ca media corp, who has been paid a fee for an advertising from a shareholder of the Company (333,333 unrestricted shares). MIQ has not been paid a fee for Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY") There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Technical information relating to Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Scott is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Director of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

Sources Cited:

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2603685/5517839/USA_News_Group_Logo.jpg

SOURCE USA News Group
Governor Shapiro Named 2025 "Champion for Aging" at the Annual Connected Health & Safety Conference Post this

A highlight of this year's event was the presentation of the 2025 "Champion for Aging" Award to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, honoring his leadership in developing Aging Our Way, PA, the Commonwealth's Master Plan for Aging and Disabilities, as well as other initiatives supporting older adults across Pennsylvania.

"Governor Shapiro has set a new bar for aging policy in America," said Geoff Gross, President of CHS and Founder & CEO of Medical Guardian. "His administration has delivered practical solutions, from expanding Medicaid coverage for safety devices to strengthening caregiver support and home-based services, that empower older adults to age with dignity and security. His leadership reflects the mission of CHS to empower independence, enhance wellness, and protect lives, and we are proud to recognize him as our Champion for Aging."

Building on Gross's remarks, Governor Shapiro highlighted how state leadership and industry innovation can work hand in hand to empower older adults.

"I'm proud to accept the 2025 Champion for Aging Award from the Connected Health & Safety Association. Like CHS, I find great purpose in giving older Pennsylvanians the freedom to live on their own terms and the support they need to age with dignity and respect," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "That care and compassion are at the heart of Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year strategic road map to meet the needs of older adults. By 2030, that population will outnumber every other generation, so my administration will continue to take decisive action to deliver the services they need. From historic property tax/rent rebates to affordable housing to reliable transportation, I'm going to keep delivering for our seniors and make certain the Commonwealth remains a place where they can thrive in their golden years."

Keynote Conversation: Aligning Care for the Future

In addition to the awards ceremony, the conference program featured a keynote fireside chat with health innovation champions Dan Hilferty, former CEO of Independence Blue Cross and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, and David Baiada, CEO of Bayada Home Health Care. Moderated by Gross, the session explored how payers, providers, and technology innovators can align to redefine aging-in-place and create a sustainable, tech-enabled care ecosystem.

MAMA Rebrands as the Connected Health & Safety Association

In a major announcement, the association, formerly known as the Medical Alert Monitoring Association (MAMA), unveiled its new identity as the Connected Health & Safety Association (CHS). The rebrand reflects the industry's evolution from traditional medical alert monitoring to a broader mission encompassing connected health, wellness, and safety solutions.

"CHS represents our collective future," said Gross. "By bringing together health plans, providers, and technology leaders, we are building a connected healthcare ecosystem that empowers independence and protects lives."

For more information on the Connected Health & Safety association and updates on the 2026 National Conference, visit. chsassociation.org.

About the Connected Health & Safety Association

The Connected Health & Safety Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association representing the needs of the connected health and safety industry. It is a collective of companies advancing innovative technologies in medical alerts, remote monitoring, and wellness services to enhance personal safety and independence. Through education, advocacy, and strategic networking, CHS supports its members in driving meaningful change across the tech-enabled care landscape, helping them stay ahead in an increasingly integrated, home-based healthcare industry.

About Medical Guardian

Founded in 2005 and based in Philadelphia, Medical Guardian is a leader in digital health and safety solutions, empowering over 625,000 aging adults to live independently and safely. The company delivers 24/7 protection through Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), and Engagement Services. With a 93% customer satisfaction rate, a 4.7+ star rating on Google Reviews, and an 83 Net Promoter Score, Medical Guardian is recognized for its commitment to safety and service. Named the Top Medical Alert Device in 2025 by NCOA and Forbes Health, the company continues to lead the way in aging-in-place technology. Learn more at www.medicalguardian.com.

Media Contact:

Aleah Conlin

[email protected]

215-518-0995

SOURCE Medical Guardian
DALLAS, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Rising Stars lists were just unveiled, and six experienced attorneys from the Dallas plaintiffs law firm Hamilton Wingo are recognized for their expertise in the types of cases that people call on them to handle every day: personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

Firm founders Chris Hamilton and Paul Wingo are featured alongside Hamilton Wingo partner Brad Jackson in the 2025 Texas Super Lawyers rankings, where they all have earned selections for more than a decade. The Super Lawyers list includes fewer than 5 percent of eligible Texas lawyers.

Hamilton Wingo's Barrett Robin, Allie J. Hallmark, and Jaime M. DeWees are noted in the 2025 Texas Rising Stars rankings, which include fewer than the top 2.5 percent of Texas lawyers who are 40 or younger and those who have practiced law for no more than 10 years.

The Hamilton Wingo attorneys and the other honorees were determined through a multi-step process that includes nominations from lawyers across the state and independent research by the lists' editors followed by a peer evaluation based on feedback from leading Texas lawyers.

Hamilton Wingo is one of the country's leading plaintiffs' personal injury and wrongful death law firms with record-setting verdicts and settlements for people in Texas and across the nation. Three years ago, Hamilton Wingo won the largest verdict in the country when a Dallas jury awarded more than $7.37 billion over the death of a firm client.

The firm's versatile and dedicated attorneys represent people from all walks of life in a wide range of serious cases, including personal injury and wrongful death cases involving automobile, airline, and other transportation incidents, workplace safety issues, dram shop liability, dangerous products, industrial catastrophes, medical malpractice, premises liability, utility accidents, water contamination, and environmental litigation.

Media Contact:

Bruce Vincent

214-763-6266

[email protected]

SOURCE Hamilton Wingo LLP
Committed to farmer partnerships and the future of organic dairy, Horizon Organic is also a sponsor of Farm Aid 40

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Organic , a pioneer in organic dairy and the largest USDA-certified organic milk and dairy brand in the world,1 operates under the belief that doing business and doing good should coexist and can be mutually beneficial. This month, Horizon is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to farmer partnership by today announcing the recipients of 2025 Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) Scholarships and HOPE Awards, as well as sponsorship of Farm Aid 40 . Horizon has a more than 30-year history of partnering with family farmers, building one-on-one relationships and investing in farmers in a way that allows them to operate more sustainable businesses.

Matt and Meghan Fry are winners of this years Social Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) Award. The Frys serve as mentors to farmers making the transition to organic and are leaders within the organic community. They, and all HOPE Award recipients, exemplify excellence and leadership in organic dairy farming. The HOPE Awards, scholarships and sponsorship of Farm Aid 40 are all part of Horizon Organics month-long celebration of its more than 500 family farmer partners.

Nearly 150,000 family owned and operated dairy farms ceased operations in the United States between 2017 to 2022, and approximately 300,000 of the 1.3 million active farmers are under the age of 352. Horizon Organic is committed to helping farmers be able to make decisions that lead to thriving farms by bolstering the future of organic farming and advancing the current food system. The HOPE Scholarship is an annual program that encourages young people from Horizon Organic farm families to seek careers within organic or sustainable agriculture and/or large animal veterinary science. The HOPE Awards are announced annually to celebrate Horizon Organic's family farmer partners who demonstrate excellence and leadership in organic dairy farming.

The HOPE programs celebrate the achievements of Horizon Organic's farmer partners who are raising the bar for organic dairy farming. Farmers learn how to care for their land through direct observation, hands-on experience, experimentation, and generational wisdom. They are not only experts, but also crucial partners in researching, innovating, and applying practices that contribute to more resilient agriculture.

"This month we are recognizing all our farmer partners do to provide Horizon Organic with high-quality organic milk, while also advancing organic farming overall and inspiring the next generation to join the organic movement," said Tyler Holm, CEO of Horizon Family Brands. "From our Legacy HOPE Award winner, Chuck Deichmann, who has been supplying milk to Horizon for more than 25 years, to the scholarship recipients just beginning their farming career, we are proud of the partnership we share with each of our family farmer partners."

Over the past 18 years, the HOPE Scholarship program has awarded 85 scholarships to young family members, including children or grandchildren, of Horizon farmer partners, totaling $236,500 in scholarships. This year's scholarship winners are:

Macey Dahl ( Pavilion, N.Y. ), Cottonwood Farms LLC

( ), Cottonwood Farms LLC Evan Frescura ( Latrobe, Pa. ), Sunrise Ridge Farm

), Sunrise Ridge Farm Jack Fry ( Chestertown, Md. ), Fair Hill Farms

( ), Fair Hill Farms Rachel Hatch (Freedom, N.Y.), Emary Springs Farm

(Freedom, N.Y.), Zackary Tillotson ( Pavilion, N.Y. ), Cottonwood Farms LLC

"Being named a 2025 HOPE Scholarship recipient for the third time is an incredible honor for both me and my family," said HOPE Scholarship recipient Zackary Tillotson. "The financial support is meaningful, but more important is the recognition of the hard work and dedication that family farms like ours put into agriculture every day. It means so much to know that Horizon values the next generation of farmers and is committed to supporting our future. I'm extremely grateful for this investment in my education, while preparing to build on my family's legacy in farming and continue our strong relationship with Horizon."

HOPE Award recipients exemplify the power to create positive change in their communities by embracing and bringing to life the spirit of organic principles, serving as a model for other organic farmers and helping to secure the future of organic dairy farming. This year's HOPE Award winners are:

Farmer/Partner of the Year Award: Ben Stoltzfus ( Parkesburg, Pa. ), Swampy Hollow Farm

), Swampy Hollow Farm Nature Award: Todd Frescura ( Latrobe, Pa. ), Frescura Farm and Sunrise Ridge Farm

), Frescura Farm and Sunrise Ridge Farm Social Award: Matt & Megan Fry ( Chestertown, Md. ), Fair Hill Farms

( ), Fair Hill Farms Innovative/Pioneering Award: Riley Smith ( American Falls, Idaho ), Nature Ridge Organic Dairy

( ), Nature Ridge Organic Dairy Legacy Award: Chuck Deichmann ( Belmont, N.Y. ), Willow Creek Farm

), Young Farmer Award: Daniel Sparks ( Cassopolis, Mich. ), Sparks Cedarlee Farm

Award: ( ), Sparks Cedarlee Farm Hauler of the Year: Idaho Milk Transport ( Burley, Idaho )

This year, Horizon Organic is proud to be a sponsor of Farm Aid 40 and has invited Horizon farmer and hauler partners to this celebration of family farms. Horizon has a long history, spanning more than 20 years, of sponsoring and inviting farmers to attend Farm Aid.

Horizon Organic is part of Horizon Family Brands , a portfolio of purposeful wellness brands that includes Wallaby Organic Yogurt. The mission of Horizon Family Brands is to inspire healthier living, which nourishes our collective potential for good. Horizon Family Brands continues to see opportunities to do things differently, pushing our food system forward. The company operates from a belief that to make high-quality food, it has to nourish a happy, healthy future for farmers, families, animals and the land.

For more information on Horizon Organic's commitment to farmers, visit the Horizon Organic website.

About Horizon Organic

Founded in 1991, two generations of familiesand countinghave grown up on Horizon Organic milk. From the start, as the leading organic milk producer in the U.S., Horizon Organic has been committed to delivering innovative, nourishing dairy that growing families can rely on. As a certified B Corp, Horizon Organic works with more than 500 farmers across the U.S. to bring high-quality, certified organic milk to consumers. For more information on Horizon Organic's full portfolio of organic dairy products, visit horizon.com .

About Horizon Family Brands

Horizon Family Brands is currently comprised of market leaders Horizon Organic and Wallaby Organic. These two legacy brands have helped shape the organic movement and have also nourished families for decades. The mission of Horizon Family Brands is to inspire healthier living, which nourishes the collective potential for good. For more information about Horizon Family Brands, please visit horizonfamilybrands.com .

About Farm Aid

Farm Aid's mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Margo Price host an annual festival to raise funds to support Farm Aid's work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $85 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

MEDIA CONTACT

Emily Rado

SchroderHaus

954-592-2003

[email protected]

1 Source: Circana OmniMarket Core Outlets, 52 Weeks Ending January 2025

2 2022 Census of Agriculture

SOURCE Horizon Organic
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ice Mobility, a leading wireless distribution and third-party logistics provider, announced full readiness to supply accessories for the highly anticipated Fall 2025 phone releases from Apple, Google Pixel, and Samsung. The company has an inventory of premier brands such as Case-Mate, ITSKINS, Nimbus9, PETL, Simple, TUFF8, and ZAGG, and 30 additional partners to ensure immediate product availability when consumer demand peaks.

Ice Mobility Guarantees Day-One Accessory Availability for Fall 2025 Flagship Smartphone Launches

"We know how important it is for our partners to have accessories available on day one," said Mike Magner, CEO of Ice Mobility. "When Apple, Samsung, and Google launch, it sparks the biggest accessory sales season of the year, running straight through January. Our focus on customers, flexible supply chain, and scalable operations makes sure our partners are ready on launch day and able to maximize every sales opportunity during this key period."

Comprehensive Accessory Portfolio Ready for Launch:

Device-Specific Protection & Enhancement: Brik Case, Case-Mate, ITSKINS, Nimbus9, PETL, Simple, TUFF8, and ZAGG offer cases, screen protection, and device-specific solutions engineered for each new smartphone model.

Complete Mobile Ecosystem Solutions: Anker, Austere, avana creations, AXS, Belkin, Brookstone, Crosley, Cellhelmet, CG Mobile, Fairphone, Flaunt, Gadget Guard, Hypergear, Invisible Shield, Kate Spade, LAUT, Matter Brands, Maxpower, OtterBox, Pelican, PopSockets, Prodigee, Satechi, STRAX, Sudio, UAG, and Urbanista provide charging solutions, audio accessories, and lifestyle products that maximize the smartphone experience.

About Ice Mobility

Ice Mobility is a leading U.S. distributor and supply chain solutions provider dedicated to innovation in the wireless industry. Trusted by the top retailers nationwide, Ice Mobility serves over 43,000 retail locations through market expertise, advanced technology platforms and operational excellence. Founded in 2014 and based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Ice Mobility remains committed to powering the next era of wireless connectivity. For details, visit www.icemobility.com.

Media Contact:

Sara Trujillo

917-295-5491

[email protected]

SOURCE Ice Mobility
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- International Data Center Authority (IDCA) has signed a strategic alliance with MidEast Data Systems UAE (MDS UAE), the largest system integrator and solution provider in the Middle East.

IDCA is the leading global digital economy think tank and digital infrastructure consortium, and will be offering a full spectrum of advanced services that range from digital hubs and AI infrastructure financing to data center audits and assessments, strategic advisory services, training, and certification to MDS.

IDCA and MDS Executives Sign Strategic Alliance

MDS UAE has thousands of employees and numerous offices across the Persian Gulf region countries. IDCA Founder and Chairman Mehdi Paryavi noted, upon signing the agreement, "Congratulations to my good friends at MDS for securing this alliance. We are all looking forward to a long and successful collaboration."

Media Contact: Roger Strukhoff, [email protected], 815-757-7534

About MDS

MDS UAE is one of the leading Information Technology groups in the UAE and the Middle East, with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Yemen covering the following fields: System Integration, Data Center/Critical Infrastructure Consultancy, Integration & Operation. Software Solutions & Professional Services, Computer Systems & Networking, Stand-by power Systems & Telecom Shelters. MDS UAE, Part of MDS SI Group is committed to driving business excellence by utilizing world-class technology solutions, backed by the most powerful ecosystem.

About IDCA

International Data Center Authority (IDCA) is the global bipartisan digital economy think tank that works with nations to create AI policies, Digital Hubs and Digital Economies through the standardization of the approach, selection, design, feasibility, operation, and various processes and methodologies of digital infrastructure and related processes and systems.

The global IDCA team works with its partners and affiliates worldwide to achieve the optimum delivery of its advanced services locally and effectively at every project. IDCA is represented in more than 40 countries and active globally in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

SOURCE IDCA
A Pakistani tourist (2nd R, front) dances with a staff member at a homestay, in the Kashgar Ancient City scenic spot, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

This photo shows a herbal tea house at the Kashgar Ancient City scenic spot, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

County-level inheritors of the wooden stamp printed fabric, a national-level intangible cultural heritage, work in a village in Yengisar County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

A villager makes a knife in a village in Yengisar County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. The Yengisar knife, a local specialty known for its exquisite shape, beautiful decoration and sharp edge, has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

A villager makes a knife in a village in Yengisar County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. The Yengisar knife, a local specialty known for its exquisite shape, beautiful decoration and sharp edge, has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Tourists visit the Kashgar Ancient City scenic spot, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Salamatgul, owner of a homestay, poses for photos in the Kashgar Ancient City scenic spot, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

A villager makes a knife in a village in Yengisar County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. The Yengisar knife, a local specialty known for its exquisite shape, beautiful decoration and sharp edge, has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Tourists watch a performance at a homestay, in the Kashgar Ancient City scenic spot, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

A tourist poses for photos at Kashgar Ancient City scenic spot, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Tourists dance with staff members at a homestay, in the Kashgar Ancient City scenic spot, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Students make pottery wares in a village in Yengisar County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Villagers perform for tourists in a village in Yengisar County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Tourists pose for a group photo at the Kashgar Ancient City scenic spot, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Villagers make naans for tourists in a village in Yengisar County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. (Xinhua/Cheng Li)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Green and Low-Carbon: Charting the Future of Global Maritime

Marintec China 2025 is About to Set Sail

SHANGHAI, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognised as "The Leading Maritime Barometer" and the most influential event on the global maritime calendar, Marintec China will return to Shanghai from 2  5 December. With the theme "Innovation and Collaboration for Maritime Sustainability," this year's edition offers a comprehensive and multi-dimensional platform for dialogue, cooperation, and shaping the future of the maritime industry.

Image1

Founded at the dawn of China's economic transition, Marintec China has been held biennially in Shanghai during odd-numbered years, and has successfully staged 21 editions to date. Over its 40-year journey, the event has evolved into one of the world's largest and most influential maritime exhibitions. The 2023 edition marked a historic milestone, with record-breaking exhibition space that made it the largest maritime event globally, laying a solid foundation for the success of the 2025 edition.

Global Shipbuilding: Navigating a Supercycle

Since 2021, the global newbuild market has experienced five consecutive years of sustained growth. While traditional equipment markets remain vibrant and new technologies continue to emerge, the shipbuilding sector is now entering a critical phase of this Supercycle, with new order intake showing signs of decline. According to data from the China Shipbuilding Industry Association, the global newbuild market recorded 26.58 million CGT in transactions during the first half of 2025, with a 17.5% year-on-year decrease, and 4% below the five-year average (20202024).

However, deliveries rose to 21.69 million CGT, a 9.6% increase year-on-year, and 33.8% above the five-year average. By the end of June, the order backlog reached 160 million CGT, up 18.6% year-on-year. Despite the global newbuild market pressures, China's shipbuilding industry remains dominant, accounting for 46.6% of global output, 63.7% of new orders, and 57.2% of the order backlog (measured in CGT), solidifying its position as the global leader.

Record-Breaking Scale: Expanded Exhibition Space and Global Participation

In response to evolving market dynamics and emerging opportunities, the Organising Committee has refined its exhibitor recruitment strategy, achieving remarkable results. This year's event will feature new outdoor exhibition halls, expanding the total exhibition space to 110,000 square metres and welcoming over 2,200 exhibiting companies from around the world, including 16 national and regional pavilions.

Halls N1 to N4 will showcase strong international participation, with Germany maintaining the largest pavilion. Newcomer Cyprus joins established pavilions from Austria, Denmark, Finland, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Hong Kong SAR. Leading global players in ship design and manufacturing such as Fincantieri, HD Hyundai, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ulstein have confirmed their attendance, alongside propulsion and auxiliary system providers including Everllence, Wartsila, Rolls-Royce, ABB, Cummins, Accelleron, Huisman, Kongsberg, MacGregor, Schneider Electric, and Siemens. All major international classification societies including ABS, Bureau Veritas, DNV, and Lloyd's Register will also be present.

Halls W1 to W5, along with the outdoor exhibition areas, will highlight domestic participation from 24 Chinese provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions. Regional delegations are being organised by local governments including Zhoushan (Zhejiang), Nantong and Zhenjiang (Jiangsu), and Pudong (Shanghai). Leading industry figures such as China State Shipbuilding Corporation, COSCO Shipping, China Merchants Industry, and ZPMC will continue to show strong support. The Academic Zone, jointly organised by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Harbin Engineering University, Wuhan University of Technology, and Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, has also expanded in scale.

This year's exhibitor profile reflects a clear trend of established participants expanding their booth space, while newcomers are actively joining the event. Compared to the previous edition, 20% of registered companies are new exhibitors, including well-established SMEs and innovation-driven firms such as "Single-item Champions" and "Little Giants" focused on LNG carrier supply chains, advanced materials, and specialised communication technologies.

#MarintecCares: Driving Sustainability at Marintec 2025

Marintec is committed to minimising its environmental footprint by implementing a variety of sustainable practices. These include reducing the amount of material used for stands, construction height reduced to 3.5m instead of 4m, encouraging the use of recycled resources, replacing printed materials with digital alternatives and promoting renewable energy sources. These initiatives are part of our #MarintecCares campaign for 2025, which aims to deliver a more inclusive, responsible and sustainable exhibition experience.

Spotlight on Innovation: Marintec Cruise Interiors and Marintec Innovation  Energytec Zones

In response to the industry's green and intelligent transformation, this edition continues to feature Marintec Cruise Interiors and introduces the new Marintec Innovation  Energytec zone. Located in Hall N3, Marintec Cruise Interiors features "The Theatre" an open forum space, and "The Deck" a networking area. The Cruise, Yacht, Vehicle and Vessel Association will organise member showcases and dialogue sessions, while Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding will host a cruise equipment supply chain forum.

Energytec zone, spanning Halls N4 and W1, will spotlight global maritime energy innovations. Hall N4 will host Marintec Innovation, featuring a networking area and the Energytec Conference, which includes five sessions: keynote, fuels, wind and solar, electrification, and nuclear power. These sessions will explore cutting-edge technologies and implementation pathways for energy transition. The Nantong Municipal People's Government, together with Nantong Shipbuilding & Offshore Industry, will host a dedicated "Nantong Innovation" session.

Shaping Tomorrow: Senior Maritime Forum Gathers Global Visionaries

The Senior Maritime Forum, themed "Smart Navigation, Green Symbiosis, Convergent Innovation," will bring together global visionaries across five specialised sessions: Keynote Address, Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering, Shipping and Ports, Marine Finance and Law, and Marine Equipment and Technology. With a focus on "digitalisation" and "green technologies", the forum will feature authoritative experts, corporate leaders, and research institutions sharing insights on energy efficiency and intelligent environmental protection.

Throughout the four-day event, attendees can expect a vibrant programme of activities, including technical forums, product launches, signing ceremonies, and award presentations hosted by international organisations and exhibitors. The Pudong New Area Government will once again present "Pudong Shipping Week," featuring high-level seminars, business matchmaking, and cultural and sporting eventscreating a dynamic and engaging maritime cultural festival.

Win-Win Cooperation: Advancing Sustainable Development in the Global Maritime Industry

With the support of both Chinese and Norwegian government departments, Norway has been designated as the Guest Country of Honour at this year's exhibition. The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries will lead a high-level delegation comprising government officials and business leaders, aiming to deepen bilateral maritime collaboration and explore new opportunities for joint innovation, green shipping solutions, and policy alignment. This special recognition underscores the growing importance of international partnerships in shaping a resilient and forward-looking maritime ecosystem.

After more than four decades of steady development, Marintec China has cultivated a model of healthy and sustainable growth by integrating industry specialisation with a keen market orientation. The exhibition continues to capture the pulse of global maritime trends, acting as a vital bridge for high-level, multi-dimensional openness, cooperation, and mutual learning between China and the international maritime community. As the 2025 edition unfolds, Marintec China will fully leverage its strategic position and home advantage to promote deeper engagement and practical collaboration, offering a clear blueprint for the future of the maritime industry and reaffirming its role as the definitive barometer of global maritime progress.

Organisers:

Marintec China is organised and managed by Informa Markets and Shanghai Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SSNAME).

Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

Shanghai Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SSNAME)

Shanghai Society of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineers (SSNAME), founded in early 1951, is the first scientific and technological society in the field of shipbuilding and marine engineering of the People's Republic of China. SSNAME currently has 5,000 individual members and more than 60 group members. It has 5 working Committees, 11 Specialized Committees and 3 Representative offices. As an important non-governmental scientific and technological society with high reputation and influence in the international field of shipbuilding and marine engineering, SSNAME has been committed to promoting the progress of shipbuilding and marine engineering technology and international exchanges and cooperation. SSNAME has established closely cooperative relations with 14 well-known overseas maritime engineering societies, such as SNAME, RINA, STG, JSNAOE, SNAK and so on. It is the initiator and first chairman of the Pan-Asian Association of Maritime Engineering Societies (PAAMES) and is also a member of the International Standing Committee of the World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC). The "Xin Yixin Ship and Marine Engineering Science and Technology Innovation Award" founded by SSNAME has become an important award for scientific and technological talents. SSNAME organizes many academic exchanges, popular science and scientific and technological publication every year. For more information, please visit www.ssname.com.cn.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2776627/Image1.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586713/Marintec_China_Logo.jpg
LinkSquares ranked #1 in G2 Fall Mid-Market Grid for CLM

BOSTON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LinkSquares today announced that the company has been named a Leader for the eighth consecutive quarter in the Fall 2025 Grid for Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) by G2, the world's largest and most trusted software marketplace. This recognition is based on the responses of real users for each of the CLM Grid Report-related questions featured in the G2 review form.

"At LinkSquares, our mission has always been to empower our customers with tools that drive their business forward with efficiency, clarity, and strategic impact across their organizations. Being named a Leader in G2's Fall Grid Report for Contract Lifecycle Management is a reflection of the incredible partnership we share with our customers. This recognition underscores our dedication to delivering a CLM platform that not only meets, but exceeds, the evolving needs of legal teams and their cross-functional partners," said Kellie Snyder, Chief Customer Officer at LinkSquares. "With our all-in-one contract lifecycle management platform, powered by LinkAI, we streamline every stage of the contracting processfrom intuitive contract analysis and risk assessment to seamless negotiation and post-signature reporting. Our purpose-built AI and robust customer onboarding and support enable teams to centralize their work, accelerate deal cycles, and unlock powerful data-driven insights. We're proud to be a trusted ally in our customers' success, and this honor inspires us to continue raising the bar in tech innovation for contract management."

LinkSquares achieved Leader recognition by receiving positive reviews from verified users compared to similar products in the CLM category. For inclusion in the report, a product must have received 10 or more reviews.

"Our experience with LinkSquares has been excellent across the boardfrom initial sales engagement to full onboarding and daily use of its core platform, including Analyze, Finalize, and the Microsoft Word plugin. The product has delivered tangible improvements to our contract lifecycle. The Word integration has become essential to our redlining process. With our customized drafting rules in place, it flags problematic terms and suggests preferred language in real-time, enabling faster, more consistent edits without toggling between platforms." Review from Director of Contracting and Internal Counsel and LinkSquares customer via G2.

A few highlights from G2 users:

99% of users gave LinkSquares 4 or 5 stars.

98% of users believe the product is moving in the right direction.

93% of users said they would recommend LinkSquares to others.

"Only about 10% of all vendors on G2 appear in our quarterly Market Reports," said Sydney Sloan, CMO of G2. "Congratulations to LinkSquares for earning a coveted spot in our reports this season, a recognition powered by the authentic reviews of their customers."

Being named a Leader in G2's Fall Grid Report for CLM highlights the company's commitment to delivering solutions that make a real difference for customers. This recognition reflects the trust placed in the platform by countless teams across the business - from legal and finance to procurement - to streamline their work. The team continues to innovate, with a strong focus on advancing AI capabilities to further simplify and enhance the user experience.

Learn more about what real users have to say on G2's LinkSquares review page !

About LinkSquares

LinkSquares is the leading AI-powered contract lifecycle management platform, trusted by more than 1,000 customers, including DraftKings, ProPharma, and Wayfair. LinkSquares' advanced AI engine is uniquely designed with a proprietary blend of predictive and generative AI, specifically trained to excel with legal documents. LinkSquares revolutionizes contract management by delivering powerful analytics, minimizing organizational risk, and enhancing the speed and precision of contract workflows at every stage  unlocking greater efficiency, reliability, and strategic value for teams across the business.

For more information, visit www.linksquares.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About G2

G2 is the world's largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than a million people annually  including employees at all Fortune 500 companies  use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews. Thousands of software and services companies of all sizes partner with G2 to build their reputation and grow their business  including Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoom, and Adobe. To learn more about where you go for software, visit www.g2.com .

SOURCE LinkSquares, Inc.
MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Montreal-based digital agency Locomotive has received double honours this year. In February 2025, the agency was crowned Agency of the Year on Awwwards for the seventh consecutive year, and more recently, it won a Webby Award for the second year in a row. Two prestigious distinctions that once again place Quebec's creative excellence at the forefront of the global digital stage.

Awwwards, based in Valencia, Spain, is one of the world's most respected platforms in web design and development. Each year, thousands of projects are submitted and evaluated by an independent jury made up of:

630 independent design judges

137 independent development jusges

Over 54,000 submissions every year

Representing more than 47,000 agencies and 2 million freelancers

The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, celebrate excellence on the internet worldwide. Locomotive had already made a mark in 2023 by winning for its own website, becoming the only Quebec agency to have won two Webby Awards to date.

This year's Webby recognized You = US, a powerful campaign created in collaboration with Maggie's Toronto. The initiative aims to fight HIV-related stigma, provide clear and inclusive sexual health resources, and move the conversation forward with a tone that is thoughtful, bold, and accessible.

While Locomotive is currently the most awarded Quebec agency on the international scene, it also wishes to recognize the outstanding work of other local agencies who take part in these global competitions and contribute to the visibility of Quebec's creative talent abroad. This collective recognition is a testament to the vitality and creativity of our industry.

Lastly, Locomotive would like to thank and congratulate the 30 talented individuals who make up its team. It is through their passion, precision, and commitment to pushing boundaries that the agency continues to stand out, year after year.

SOURCE LOCOMOTIVE INC
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metacon has been selected as a supplier in a hydrogen project for a 7.5 MW electrolysis plant for Elektra Power SRL, Romania (Elektra). The transaction requires that the customary project contract is drawn up and signed, a work that will soon start together with the customer. The contract value is approximately EUR 7.1 million (corresponding to approximately SEK 77.8 million at today's exchange rate).

The plant will utilize pressurized alkaline electrolyzers supplied in collaboration with Metacon's partner PERIC Hydrogen Technology based in Handan, China, along with certain auxiliary equipment.

"I am very pleased to announce this first contract award for Metacon on the Romanian market. This is another proof of trust in Metacon's ability to provide proven and cost-effective hydrogen production solutions for customers in different places and with varying requirements. I'm very much looking forward to collaborating with an energy pioneer like the Elektra Group in this project," says Christer Wikner, President & CEO of Metacon.

"We continue to see strong future potential for green hydrogen and hydrogen applications in Romania as part of the future energy and fuel mix. We are pleased to team up with Metacon in this green hydrogen project," comments Dan Oproescu, Managing Director of Elektra.

This information is information that Metacon AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person below, on 18 Sep 2025 at 14:36 CEST.

For more information, please contact: Christer Wikner, President & CEO, +46 707 647 389, [email protected]

About Elektra Power

The Elektra Power team brings together professionals with experience in Romania's energy industry, previously involved in EPCC companies and in major electrification, renewable energy, oil, and gas projects. Currently, they are focusing their expertise on the development of projects in the renewable energy sector.

About Metacon AB (publ)

Metacon AB (publ) develops and manufactures energy systems to produce fossil-free "green" hydrogen. Within the Electrolysis business unit and in close collaboration with world-leading PERIC Hydrogen Technology, Handan, China, Metacon offers complete electrolysis plants for small- to large-scale production of hydrogen. Metacon also offers integrated hydrogen refueling stations, a globally growing area in clean transport. The products in the Reforming business unit are based on Metacon's patented HIWAR technology, which generates hydrogen through catalytic steam reforming of biogas or other hydrocarbons such as bioethanol or ammonia. The development of Metacon's reforming products takes place within the wholly-owned subsidiary Metacon S.A. in Patras, Greece with a focus on catalytic process chemistry and advanced reformers for high-efficiency hydrogen production. www.metacon.com

For more information, see:

www.metacon.com | X: @Metaconab| LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/metaconab

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/metacon-ab/r/metacon-selected-as-supplier-in-romanian-hydrogen-project-for-a-7-5-mw-electrolysis-plant-worth-eur-,c4236683

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NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With national reading scores at a 30-year lowand more than two-thirds of parents worried about kids' screen time and its impact on attentionone New York mom turned to an unexpected partner to fight back: her 12-year-old son. Together, they co-authored Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became a YouTube Star (October 7, 2025), a fast, funny middle-grade novel designed to hook even the most screen-addicted kids.

Mother-and-son co-authors Melanie and Hunter Vitalli, creators of Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star. The debut middle-grade novel Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star, first in a planned series. Funny, fast-paced, and designed to hook reluctant readers and kids glued to screens.

The book grew out of Melanie Vitalli's efforts with her son Hunter, writing together under the pen name Melanie Hunter, after struggling to find a middle-grade book that truly spoke to him as a reluctant reader.

"We couldn't find a book that grabbed my son's attention. All he wanted was video games and YouTube," said Vitalli. "So instead of fighting screens, we used them as a bridge back to books. Our goal was to create a story that kept kids laughing and turning the pages."

In their fun collaborative story, twelve-year-old Logan is a clumsy and awkward kid who wears Velcro shoes and can trip over air, making him unquestionably not one of the coolest kids at school. But for this wannabe gaming YouTuber with a whole three subscribers including his grandma, it's this genuineness that ends up blowing him up on the internet when a hilarious glitch happens while he is livestreaming. Abruptly an overnight sensation, Logan's life is suddenly filled with fans, sponsorship offers, and merchandise. Can he keep up with his newfound megastar status while still being the unconventional and genuine Logan that made him famous in the first place?

Written with short chapters, laugh-out-loud humor, and a voice that sounds like a real kid, it's designed for the child who insists they "don't read" but will devour something that feels relatable and modern.

Not Logan launches just ahead of Banned Books Week (Oct 511) putting a spotlight on kids and readingit's a timely story about how parents can use humor, relevance, and creativity to encourage kids to read again.

"Parents don't always need to push classics or fight against screens," said Vitalli. "During Banned Books Week, we're reminded that every child should have access to stories they love. The trick is to meet kids where they arewhether it's humor, YouTube, sports, or graphic novelsanything that makes them excited to turn the page."

The Consequences of Declining Reading

Experts warn that fewer kids reading for pleasure could deepen a larger literacy crisis. Strong reading habits are closely linked to academic success, comprehension, and long-term opportunity. With more than half of parents reporting concerns about screen addiction, stories like Not Logan show how humor and relevance can be powerful tools to re-engage kids with books.

Key Details:

Title: Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became a YouTube Star

Author: Melanie Hunter

Genre: Juvenile fiction

Publisher: Legends Ink Publishing

Publication Date: October 7, 2025

Formats: Paperback, ebook

For more information or to request a review copy, contact Melanie Hunter at 845-591-5809 and [email protected] or visit www.notloganbooks.com.

About the Authors

Melanie Vitalli and her 12-year-old son, Hunter, split their time between the Hudson Valley, New York, and Nashville, Tennessee. Together, they co-authored Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became a YouTube Star, the first in a planned middle-grade series designed for reluctant readers ages 813. Their family has a long-standing commitment to children and families: Melanie's husband, Dave Vitalli, is a former TV personality ("The Family Fixer" on NBC's Maury and CMT's My Dysfunctional Family) and co-founder with Melanie of the AngelWatch Foundation, a national child-safety initiative.

SOURCE Melanie Vitalli
SAO PAULO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura announced it entered into a binding agreement to sell the Avon International business in Europe, Africa and Asia to Regent. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. Avon Russia is not included in this agreement and remains classified as "held for sale".

The sale of Avon International does not affect the company's operations in Latin America, which remain at the core of Natura's strategic priorities. The intellectual property rights and the management of the Avon brand in Latin America remain under Natura's control.

By selling these assets, the company moves towards the completion of its corporate simplification cycle, initiated in 2022. "This agreement represents the final steps of the simplification journey initiated three years ago focused on the growth of our operations in Latin America. Avon International has already been implementing a robust transformation agenda, and we believe this journey will be strengthened, resuming sustainable growth of this iconic brand that has transformed the global beauty market over the past 139 years" stated Fabio Barbosa, Chairman of Natura's Board of Directors.

"There are very few companies that have touched as many lives as Avon. Since its founding in 1886, Avon has built a global community and reshaped how beauty connects with people everywhere. The Avon Lady was the original influencer, pioneering social commerce long before the world had a name for it. We are honored to support the millions of Avon representatives as we carry forward the heritage of this legendary brand," said Michael Reinstein, Chairman of Regent.

"The operational integration of Avon and Natura in Latin America, which will be fully completed by the end of this year, has already been delivering - and will continue to generate - significant efficiency gains. The ongoing work to reposition the Avon brand and to redefine its innovation portfolio gives us confidence that this brand will resume its growth in the region and help strengthen Natura's leadership in the Latin American markets" declared Joao Paulo Ferreira, CEO of Natura.

On September 15th, the company announced the sale of Avon's assets in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic (Avon CARD) to Grupo PDC.

About Natura

Founded in 1969, Natura is a Brazilian multinational and the leading beauty and personal care company in Latin America. It has been ranked as Brazil's most reputable company and the top performer in ESG by the Merco ranking for 11 consecutive years. For over 25 years, through partnerships with extractive communities in the Amazon, Natura has pioneered the cosmetic use of bioactives from Brazil's socio-biodiversity. Today, this work benefits thousands of families and helps conserve 2.2 million hectares of forest.

In 2014, Natura became the first publicly traded company to receive B Corp certification from B Lab, an organization that globally recognizes businesses that combine profitability with positive social and environmental impact. Natura's products are available through its network of over 3 million consultants in Latin America, as well as via e-commerce, the Natura app, and more than 1,000 retail stores.

For more information, please visit ri.natura.com.br .

About Regent

Regent is a global holding company with investments across the consumer, technology, media, automotive and industrial sectors. Recently announced acquisitions include OESL from Continental AG and Petit Bateau from Groupe Rocher.

Regent's portfolio includes Bally, DIM Paris, Escada, Sassoon and Playtex alongside media and technology businesses like TechCrunch, Foundry, CrossKnowledge and Boundless Learning. Regent is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, USA.
New features in SchoolStatus Attend platform flag risk within 60 days to help educators intervene earlier, automate print and digital interventions, and reach families across multiple channels, ensuring no student slips through the cracks

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As districts across the country work to address stubbornly high levels of chronic absenteeism, SchoolStatus today announced the first early warning system that analyzes student attendance patterns in the first 60 days to identify students at risk of becoming chronically absent, making proactive outreach easy.

Unlike other solutions that stop at alerts, SchoolStatus Attend combines predictive insights with automated outreach, from digital campaigns to mailed letters, ensuring every family receives timely, accessible support. The SchoolStatus Attend solution was recently recognized by Tech & Learning's Awards of Excellence: Back to School 2025 , which celebrate the most impressive products and solutions that support the work of teachers, students, and parents. SchoolStatus Attend saves staff time, ensures consistent follow-through, and provides months of lead time to help schools intervene before absence patterns become entrenched.

SchoolStatus , a leading provider of K-12 attendance management and family engagement solutions, designed these updates to its Attend product to give districts what they need most: earlier insights into warning signs such as truancy, automated and faster interventions, and multimodal family engagement, while reducing the burden on staff and adapting to budget constraints.

The updates come at a time when, nationally, 23.5% of students are chronically absent . Research shows that systematic approaches consistently reduce chronic absences, especially when schools can identify at-risk students quickly and maintain strong family engagement throughout their academic journeys.

" Our data shows that proactive, systematic intervention works, but timing is everything," said Dr. Kara Stern, SchoolStatus Director of Education. "This early-warning system will help educators intervene early with at-risk students and communicate effectively with all families through accessible methods that are easily translated into their home languages."

How It Works

Early Warning System Predicts Chronic Absence Risk

SchoolStatus Attend's new Early Warning Insights feature analyzes student attendance patterns from the first 60 days of school to flag students who are likely to become chronically absent by year's end. The predictive alerts appear both in district dashboards for system-wide monitoring and in individual student views where staff can take immediate action.

"Predicting which students are heading toward chronic absenteeism within the first two months of the school year gives educators months to intervene before patterns become entrenched," Dr. Stern explained. "Instead of waiting until a student has already missed 18 days, schools can course correct when they've only missed a few."

District leaders can track intervention effectiveness across schools while individual staff members can see context-specific alerts that help them tailor family communication and support strategies based on individual student insights.

Building Positive School Climate Through Automated Engagement

For over two decades, SchoolStatus Attend has helped districts automate sending attendance letters, ensuring every student receives timely intervention. This year, districts will have a brand new way to engage families with digital attendance campaigns that are sent to families throughout the school year. This outreach enables schools to build on mailed interventions to further build a school climate where everyone understands and prioritizes the impact of daily attendance. The year-long campaigns celebrate student progress, encourages families to beat attendance averages, and recognize attendance improvements, creating a culture where attendance becomes part of school pride rather than just compliance.

Districts can choose from a variety of pre-built automated campaigns that align with their goals and are sent automatically based on Student Information System (SIS) data, so there is no additional work from staff. This approach ensures families receive timely, relevant communication that reinforces positive attendance habits at the perfect time

Breaking Down Language Barriers

Two-way translation capabilities remove language barriers that prevent effective family engagement. The system automatically translates messages into more than 130 languages, allowing families and educators to read and respond in their preferred language.

"Language should never be an obstacle to keeping kids in school," Dr. Stern said. "When families can communicate naturally about attendance challenges, schools can address the real issues."

Upcoming Release: Understanding Root Causes

Additional planned product enhancements align with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model by helping schools provide targeted interventions or customized support plans based on why each student is missing school.

A new screen, coming soon, will allow staff to easily capture the reasons students miss class after family conversations, which then informs district-wide data about specific barriers to attendance. Whether it's transportation, health issues, or family circumstances, schools will be able to track patterns and address individual and community-wide challenges more effectively.

Supporting Systematic Success

The updates to SchoolStatus Attend directly support the systematic approaches that helped SchoolStatus partner districts achieve an average chronic absenteeism rate of 20.92% in the 2024-25 school year, well below the national average (23.5%). By making early identification easier and family engagement more accessible, the platform removes some of the most common barriers to student attendance.

"Schools know what works: early intervention, family engagement, and consistent follow-through," said Dr. Stern. "These product updates make it possible to do those things at scale without overwhelming staff or leaving families behind due to language barriers."

The new features are available immediately to SchoolStatus Attend users, along with training resources and implementation support. In addition, all K-12 educators can now access no-cost attendance planning tools, including the Mission: Attendance monthly resource series, at https://www.schoolstatus.com/mission-attendance.

About SchoolStatus

SchoolStatus gives educators the clarity and tools they need to get students to class and keep them moving ahead. The robust portfolio of solutions improves attendance, increases family engagement, supports educator development, and enhances administrative efficiency for thousands of districts and over 22 million students across all 50 states. By combining student insight, better systems, and meaningful support, SchoolStatus helps teachers and staff focus on studentsmaking it easier to see what matters, act with speed, and stay focused on students.

Media Contact

Annmarie Ely, Senior Strategist

0to5 for SchoolStatus

267.454.4686

[email protected]

SOURCE SchoolStatus
Global industry leaders foresee a workplace where humans, AI agents collaborate

CARY, N.C., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance leaders are beginning to see artificial intelligence (AI) move from hype to real-world impact, according to a new report from Economist Impact and sponsored by SAS. The research finds that emerging technologies such as generative AI haven't yet transformed the industry, but they are demonstrating gains in productivity.

Industry leaders say the insurance firm of the near future might feature a hybrid workforce in which human agents and AI agents work hand-in-hand on many tasks. New research finds that insurers are seeing increased productivity from AI, although the gains have been more incremental than transformational.

And insurance leaders see a major role in particular for agentic AI  autonomous systems capable of performing even complex tasks almost independently  suggesting that the insurance firm of the near future might feature a hybrid workforce in which human agents and AI agents work hand-in-hand on tasks such as underwriting, product development, claims processing and more.

"Insurers' workforces will become hybrids of human employees and agents collaborating closely, with some agents working largely independently under human oversight," said Jodie Wallis, Global Chief Analytics Officer at Manulife, one of the executives whose expertise shaped the report's findings.

AI creating value, if not always increasing profits yet

Underwriting the Future: The role of artificial intelligence in insurance draws on insights from global insurance executives gathered through roundtable discussions and in-depth interviews. The report builds on Revealing the paths to 2040: Global insurance survey report, a study released in February that polled over 500 executives from 17 countries on the future of insurance.

Citing insights from experts representing Zurich North America, HDI Global, Tokio Marine and Manulife, the new report reveals a sector cautiously optimistic about AI's potential to drive productivity, improve risk modeling and close the global protection gap. But the execs also acknowledged the structural, cultural and regulatory hurdles that remain. The report identifies three key takeaways:

The benefits of AI so far have been more incremental than transformational. While AI has long played a role in underwriting and fraud detection, recent advances in generative AI have sparked increased investment and board-level attention. Executives report that GenAI is speeding up coding workloads by 30% to 50%, streamlining customer service operations, and enabling real-time analysis of cyber and climate risks. But adoption is uneven across the industry, with insurtechs the furthest along with AI-integrated systems (particularly those in cyber insurance), while companies relying on legacy systems have moved more slowly. Many insurers are still tailoring AI to specific use cases rather than deploying it at scale.



Productivity gains from AI are not always translating into immediate cost savings. Rather than eliminating jobs, insurers often reinvest freed-up resources to build new tools or manage higher claim volumes. Companies also must train employees for roles that humans can perform better than AI  sales, for example  which takes time and doesn't pay off immediately. Another positive aspect is the implementation of comprehensive agentic AI platforms, which enable insurers to adapt such agents more quickly to their changing needs and be less dependent on long-term, monolithic software projects. There's another reality in play too: AI investments are already moving from being a competitive differentiator to something insurers think of as table-stakes in the industry.



Organizational agility is essential. Technology, governance and regulatory requirements around AI are changing fast. Insurers need to adapt their systems and processes and prioritize change management. Even so, the wide variance in regulatory requirements from one country to the next presents a challenge for global firms in particular.

"When we talk about the capabilities of AI agents today, it's easy to get the impression that these agents can already perform all kinds of complex tasks. However, that is not yet the case," says Thorsten Hein, Principal Global Insurance Advisor at SAS. "The greatest value for AI agents is in repetitive and data-intensive tasks, especially when orchestrated with other AI agents. However, some elaborate tasks, such as calculating complex risk models, still require integration with specialized industry solutions and human expertise.

"One thing has not changed: Data is and will remain indispensable, especially when it comes to AI. In order for insurers to unlock the full potential of data and the AI that uses it, they not only need to have high-quality data available, but also to combine it promptly and efficiently with other relevant information and data points."

Looking ahead

So what does the future of insurance on AI look like? The industry is accelerating its adoption of the technology. While it may not have produced a revolution yet, insurers are continuing to invest and find new uses  if only to keep pace with the competition.

"Insurers recognize the value of AI, and we're seeing a range of use cases being identified and piloted," said Franklin Manchester, Principal Global Insurance Advisor at SAS. "AI  particularly agentic AI  has the potential to perform many tasks either independently or with human oversight. This should eventually mean faster service, lower costs and employees who are able to spend their time on work where they also contribute more value."

About Economist Impact

Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. We believe that evidence-based insights can open debate, broaden perspectives and catalyse progress. The services offered by Economist Impact previously existed within The Economist Group as separate entities, including EIU Thought Leadership, EIU Public Policy, Economist Events, El Studios and SignalNoise.

Our track record spans 75 years across 205 countries. Along with creative storytelling, events expertise, design-thinking solutions and market-leading media products, we produce framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, making Economist Impact's offering unique in the marketplace. Visit www.economistimpact.com for more information.

About SAS

SAS is a global leader in data and AI. With SAS software and industry-specific solutions, organizations transform data into trusted decisions. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries.  indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright  2025 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contact:

Trey Whittenton

[email protected]

919-531-2250

sas.com/news

SOURCE SAS
The members of the Nomination Committee for AB Electrolux Annual General Meeting in 2026 have been appointed.

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In accordance with decision by the Annual General Meeting, AB Electrolux Nomination Committee shall consist of five members. The Nomination Committee shall include members selected by each of the four largest shareholders in terms of voting rights that wish to participate in the committee, together with the Chairman of the AB Electrolux Board.

The members of the Nomination Committee have now been appointed based on the ownership structure as of August 29, 2025. Christian Cederholm, Investor AB, is the Chairman of the committee. The other members are Erik Durhan, Lannebo Kapitalforvaltning, Alexandra Frenander, Folksam, and Pia Gisgard, Swedbank Robur Fonder. The committee will also include Torbjorn Loof, Chairman of AB Electrolux.

The Nomination Committee will prepare proposals for the Annual General Meeting in 2026 regarding Chairman of the Annual General Meeting, Board members, Chairman of the Board, remuneration for Board members, Auditor, Auditor's fees and, to the extent deemed necessary, proposal regarding amendments of the current instruction for the Nomination Committee.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on March 25, 2026, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Shareholders who wish to submit proposals to the Nomination Committee should send an email to [email protected]

For more information:

Ann-Sofi Jonsson, Head of Investor Relations & Sustainability Reporting, +46 73 035 1005

Paul Palmstedt, Electrolux Group Press Hotline, +46 8 657 65 07

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/r/nomination-committee-appointed-for-ab-electrolux-annual-general-meeting-2026,c4236565

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Another Year, Another Awesome Win - One Park celebrates its Great Place to Work Certification for the 8th Time!

COCONUT GROVE, Fla., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One Park Financial is proud to announce that it has once again been certified as a Great Place to Work, marking the eighth time the company has earned this prestigious recognition since first being honored in 2017. "Earning this recognition year after year is proof that when you invest in people, great things happen. Our Grovies are the heart of One Park, and their passion is what makes this place so special! We are honored to receive this award for the 8th year in a row," said John Lie-Nielsen, CEO.

At One Park Financial, employees proudly call themselves "Grovies"  a nod to the company's headquarters in Coconut Grove, Florida. This strong sense of identity and belonging has helped foster a culture where transparency, collaboration, and purpose thrive. The Great Place to Work Certification is based on confidential employee feedback, recognizing companies that consistently prioritize a positive workplace culture, strong leadership, and employee engagement.

People-First Culture

As a leading provider of growth resources  including working capital for small and mid-sized businesses  One Park Financial's success is rooted in its people-first philosophy. The company goes beyond traditional recognition with programs like:

The Dream Weaver Program , which brings employees' personal dreams to life.

, which brings employees' personal dreams to life. Core Value Coins, a peer-to-peer recognition initiative celebrating Grovies who exemplify the company's core values of Results, Client Success, Taking Risks, and Fun.

Commitment to Results

One Park Financial's purpose extends far beyond business. The company is deeply committed to the community, partnering with organizations such as the Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade to make a meaningful local impact.

About One Park Financial

One Park Financial is a financial technology and growth services company headquartered in Coconut Grove, Florida. Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the Company helps small and mid-sized businesses access the growth resources they need to succeedsuch as working capital and small business growth tools.

Contact:

Media

***@oneparkfinancial.com

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/13099515

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE One Park Financial
A woman visits a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A visitor takes photos at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A woman visits a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

People visit a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Visitors take photos at the opening ceremony of a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

This photo shows a view at a special exhibition on the shooting process of Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 17, 2025.

Evil Unbound, a film about Unit 731, held its world premiere on Wednesday in Harbin, exposing the atrocities committed by Japanese invading forces in China. On the same day, a special exhibition on the film's shooting process kicked off at the site where the notorious Japanese germ warfare unit was once based.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base, was established in Pingfang District of Harbin, and served as the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Surge of international travel fueled passenger increase

ONTARIO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Passenger and cargo volumes edged up at Ontario International Airport (ONT) in August, extending its run of year-over-year gains to 54 and 14 consecutive months, respectively.

The Southern California gateway posted 646,820 passengers for August, an increase of 0.5% over last year, while air cargo was more than 69,000 tons, up about 1%.

A surge in international travel helped fuel another year-over-year increase at Southern California's Ontario International Airport.

The August passenger total included 592,870 domestic customers and 53,950 international travelers  the latter representing an increase of 53.7% year-over-year. ONT has experienced a surge in international travel since the launch of new air service to Mexico and Taiwan earlier in the summer.

Ontario officials reported more than 4.6 million passengers from January through August, 1.0% more than the same period last year. The number of domestic passengers rose by 0.1% to 4.3 million while international travel volume increased by 14.2% to 348,000.

Passenger Totals August 2025 August 2024 Change YTD 2025 YTD 2024 Change Domestic 592,870 608,360 -2.5 % 4,330,657 4,325,934 0.1 % International 53,950 35,112 53.7 % 348,573 305,267 14.2 % Total 646,820 643,472 0.5 % 4,679,230 4,631,201 1.0 %

The air carriers which accounted for the greatest passenger shares in August were:

Southwest Airlines (34.2%) American Airlines (14.9%) Frontier Airlines (10.6%) United Airlines (10.2%) Delta Air Lines (9.9%)

Air cargo tonnage rose in August by almost 1% compared with the same month last year. Mail volume increased by 116% while freight declined by 8%.

Air cargo (tonnage) August 2025 August 2024 Change YTD 2025 YTD 2024 Change Freight 58,365 63,477 -8.1 % 451,871 470,038 -3.9 % Mail 10,658 4,927 116.3 % 87,621 24,060 264.2 % Total 69,023 68,404 0.9 % 539,492 494,099 9.2 %

From January through August, air cargo tonnage was 9.2% higher than the same period in 2024 with mail volume up by 264% and freight down by nearly 4%.

"The fact total passenger and air cargo levels were still on the rise speaks to the resilience of our aviation and shipping partners and the strong appeal of our world-class facilities and services, not to mention the trust bestowed upon us by the Southern California communities we serve," said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority.

About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California's most popular mid-sized airport, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario Mayor pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

OIAA Media Contact:

Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Patriot Growth Insurance Services (Patriot), one of the nation's fastest-growing and top 25 insurance brokers, is excited to announce the promotions of Bill Donato to President of Retail Insurance; Bob Monard to Chief Financial Officer; and Clara Arrington to General Counsel. These appointments further strengthen Patriot's leadership team and position the organization for its next phase of growth.

Bill Donato, President of Retail Insurance

In his new role, Donato will have full P&L responsibility for all of Patriot's Property & Casualty and Employee Benefits business. Donato will continue to oversee Patriot's Northeast Region, where he has successfully partnered with agencies to drive growth, strengthen collaboration, and achieve greater alignment.

Bringing more than 30 years of industry experience, Donato is recognized for his ability to build strong relationships, develop effective growth strategies, and inspire teams to achieve their full potential.

Bob Monard, Chief Financial Officer

Since joining Patriot in 2024 as Chief Accounting Officer, Monard has been instrumental in enhancing Patriot's accounting function and advancing a more client-focused approach to finance. With over 20 years of accounting experience in the insurance brokerage industry, Monard brings deep expertise and a proven track record of operational excellence.

In his new role as Chief Financial Officer, Monard will oversee all aspects of Patriot's financial strategy and performance, guiding the organization to ensure a strong foundation for continued expansion.

Clara Arrington, General Counsel

Arrington joined Patriot nearly four years ago and has made a lasting impact on the company's legal strategy and operations. With over 10 years of legal and litigation experience, she has consistently provided valuable insight and fostered a strong alignment between the legal department and Patriot's partner agencies.

As General Counsel, Arrington will oversee Patriot's legal department, including corporate governance, M&A legal matters, and ongoing operational support. She will also partner closely with the compliance team to ensure the company remains well-positioned for the future.

"These promotions reflect Patriot's commitment to investing in exceptional leaders who are shaping our future success," said John Galaviz, President of Patriot. "Bill, Bob, and Clara exemplify the expertise, vision, and dedication that will drive Patriot's continued success. Their leadership ensures we will continue to deliver unmatched value to our clients, agencies, employees, and partners nationwide."

About Patriot Growth Insurance Services

Founded in 2019, Patriot is a growth-focused national insurance services firm that partners with employee benefits and property and casualty agencies across the United States. Patriot is ranked as the 25th largest broker in the U.S. by Business Insurance and has been named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. With more than 2,100 employees operating in over 100 locations across 29 states, Patriot's collaborative model delivers resources and strategic support to its agencies, whose leaders continue to drive the business in their local markets. Patriot creates true alignment with its partner agencies, and its operating philosophy fosters enhanced career opportunities for its dedicated and professional team. Patriot is backed by GI Partners and Summit Partners. For more information, please visit www.patriotgis.com or contact Tammy Cameron at [email protected].

Media Contact:

Tammy Cameron

[email protected]

SOURCE Patriot Growth Insurance Services
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At RE+ 2025 Expo, PotisEdge officially announced a landmark strategic collaborations with FK Power, marking a major milestone in the company's expansion within the North American renewable energy market.

PotisEdge with FK Power

Leveraging PotisEdge's innovative energy storage systems and FK Power's expertise in charging infrastructure, the two parties will co-develop high-efficiency, smart charging solutions designed to meet the rapidly growing electric vehicle market in North America. The "Energy Storage + EV Charger" integrated system will utilize energy storage for peak shaving and demand response, significantly enhancing the operational efficiency and economic performance of EV charging stations.

Driving North American Market Growth Through Localized Strategy

The collaboration with FK Power exemplifies PotisEdge's commitment to combining technological innovation with localized partnerships to address specific market demands in North America. PotisEdge is delivering higher-value, sustainable energy services to customers across North America by deploying local capacity planning capabilities throughout the continent.

The company is thrilled to partner with FK Power to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions across North America. These projects embody our core strategy of pioneering new markets through innovation and collaboration, ensuring we deliver not only advanced products but also comprehensive services that support grid stability and decarbonization goals.

About FK Power:

FK Power has unveiled its turnkey EV charging solution featuring zero upfront cost, rapid deployment, and a revenue-sharing model for commercial property owners.

FK Power represents a collaboration among SolarMax, IGC, and Meter, with key partners PotisEdge and Terahiv. Together, the team aims to transform EV infrastructure through flexible deployment and intelligent energy deliveryPowering Everywhere.

About PotisEdge:

PotisEdge, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is a globally recognized leader in energy storage system (ESS) integration, ranked as a Tier 1 ESS provider by BloombergNEF and a Global TOP3 ESS Integrator by InfoLink in 2024. With over 13 years expertise in the ESS industry, PotisEdge combines patented 5S technologies (BMS, ICCS, EMS, TMS, PCS) and automotive-grade manufacturing standards to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions.

PotisEdge maintains wholly-owned subsidiaries across Sweden, the U.S., Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong SAR, with manufacturing bases located in Suzhou, China and Atlanta, the U.S.. It currently operates 31GWh of production capacity, targeting expansion to over 100GWh by 2028. PotisEdge combines cutting-edge innovation, operational excellence, and financial stability to serve C&I and utility-scale clients worldwide.

SOURCE PotisEdge
DENVER, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Parking Revenue Recovery Services, Inc. (PRRS), a leading provider in parking compliance management, is aware that Municipal Parking Services, Inc. has made false, misleading, and threatening statements in connection with its complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas (Case No. 25-cv-00882). PRRS responds to these statements as follows.

PRRS has been in the business of monitoring and ensuring compliance with facility use rules for much longer than MPS, including prior to the dates of the MPS Patents. To this end, rather than answer MPS's allegations, PRRS filed two motions with the Court to dismiss MPS's complaint. One of those motions explains why the MPS Patents are ineligible as mere ideas. PRRS also asserts the MPS Patents are invalid because (among other reasons) the United States Patent & Trademark Office failed to consider significant prior parking lot monitoring systems in the United States and Europe, which were not provided during original prosecution of the MPS Patents.

Despite these motions and the defects PRRS has identified in each of the MPS Patents, employees of MPS have publicly stated that PRRS and its customers can't provide video monitoring any longer. This statement is false.

"For more than two decades, PRRS has built its reputation on integrity, innovation, and delivering real results for our clients and partners across North America. These misleading claims from MPS do not reflect the facts, nor do they diminish our commitment to advancing the parking industry with proven, compliant, and data-driven solutions. We are confident in the strength of our legal position. Most importantly, our focus remains where it has always been  supporting our clients, driving compliance, and creating value for property owners, municipalities, and universities." Said John D. Conway, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President.

To be clear, PRRS vigorously denies all allegations of infringement asserted by MPS. The Court has not found any of MPS's allegations to be true or made any rulings to indicate that PRRS (or anyone) is infringing on the MPS Patents. On the contrary, MPS has voluntarily dismissed its indirect and willful infringement claims despite the case being only four months old. It is an unfortunate but rather regular occurrence that companies make allegations that a competitive product potentially infringes their intellectual property rights, even in the face of those patents being invalid or, in the case of the MPS Patents, ineligible for patenting.

Accordingly, the full suite of parking lot services offered by PRRS is and remains available in spite of MPS's allegations. PRRS will continue to support its current and future customers as it always has.

About Parking Revenue Recovery Services

Parking Revenue Recovery Services, Inc. (PRRS) is North America's leading Parking Compliance and Data Solutions provider. PRRS offers tailored compliance and data-driven solutions to boost revenue while enhancing the customer experience with initiatives like "AutoStart." The company delivers exceptional value to clients, municipalities, universities, and other entities by increasing compliance and maximizing enforcement and collection revenue.

SOURCE Parking Revenue Recovery Services, Inc.
36,405 adults surveyed in US, China , Germany , Japan , India , UK, France , Italy , Canada , Brazil , and 23 countries in Africa , Asia & Oceania, Europe , MENA, Latin America





Alongside the survey, The Rockefeller Foundation launched a new US$50 million Build the Shared Future initiative to help build a more modern and effective international system

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rockefeller Foundation released findings of a new global poll that shows considerable, but fragile, support for international cooperation. The Rockefeller Foundation also announced the launch of a new US $50 million Build the Shared Future initiative, in which the 112-year-old philanthropic organization aims to develop solutions that more effectively respond to crises and promote a healthier, more prosperous, and secure future for all. To break down silos in global development and humanitarian sectors and identify and test new solutions, The Rockefeller Foundation has tapped three leading experts in their fields to:

Build a new framework for international cooperation with The Hon. Wally Adeyemo , former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury under U.S. President Joseph R. Biden ; Restructure global health with The Hon. Mark Dybul , MD, founding architect and former U.S. Coordinator of the President's Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) under U.S. President George W. Bush ; and, Reimagine humanitarian food systems with Simon Winter , PhD., Executive Director of Sustainable Agriculture Foundations' International Association (SAFIA).

"The data is clear: Even in a time of pessimism and polarization, people everywhere know that countries must cooperate if we are to confront the common threats facing humanity," said The Rt. Honorable Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and member of The Rockefeller Foundation's Board of Trustees. "People want a system that's more compassionate, more just, and more capable of delivering results. The Build the Shared Future initiative seeks to answer that urgent call."

Global Cooperation Survey

At a moment of massive global disruption, including dramatic cuts to humanitarian and development workfor example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has predicted official development assistance (ODA) to fall by an additional 9%-17% this yearThe Rockefeller Foundation's new survey captures how people view global cooperation and key international institutions. Conducted between August 8 to September 10, 36,405 adults spanning various age groups, genders, regions, education experience, ethnicities, and political perspectives, were polled in 34 countries in Eastern and Central Europe (Hungary, Poland, Romania), Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, plus the United Kingdom), Northern Europe (Norway, Sweden), Canada, the United States, Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay), East and South Asia (China, India, Japan, South Korea), Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore), Middle East (Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia) and Turkey, Sub-Saharan Africa (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa), and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).

"At a moment when the world is struggling to cooperate on addressing shared threats, The Rockefeller Foundation can once again help bring people together from across the world and across political divides to test new ideas and catalyze innovative solutions that will save lives," said Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of the ONE Campaign and member of The Rockefeller Foundation's Board of Trustees.

People Want Global Cooperation that Works

The results illustrate a pronounced reality: Despite cuts to development aid and rising nationalist rhetoric around the world, most people still want nations to work together to take on common threats. Even as some nations reject multilateralism in favor of national self-interest, poll respondents largely rejected a zero-sum view of the world, seeing their fates as tied to those in other countries. Yet the findings also show that support for global cooperation, while real, is fragile. Across regions and demographics, people back cooperation when it delivers results, though some survey respondents remain skeptical that international cooperation serves their interests.

For example, a slim majority of those surveyed (54%) say their lives are affected by events in other countries, and a slightly greater global majority (55%) agree their country should cooperate on global challenges even if it means compromising on national interests. But a far greater percentage (75%) would support international cooperation if it is proven to effectively solve global problems and 76% would support international cooperation if it is proven to solve problems in peoples' own countries. Today, less than half (42%) think international cooperation is in their personal interests.

Current Global Institutions Leave People Wanting

People around the world overwhelmingly believe that global cooperation is important to take on central global issues from jobs (90%), trade and economic development (92%), food and water security (93%), global health (91%), climate (86%) and poverty and inequality (90%). However, trust in some existing institutions that can guide or drive global cooperation is relatively lower, including for the United Nations (58%), World Health Organization (60%), the International Monetary Fund (44%), amongst others.

These findings show that the world has an opportunity  right now  to fundamentally rethink international cooperation and replace the outdated mechanisms of the 21st century with demonstrably more effective, mutually beneficial systems that can earn and sustain public support. The Rockefeller Foundation's Build the Shared Future initiative aims to galvanize the global community to leave behind an inadequate status quo and get smarter, more creative, and more collaborative in tackling the world's biggest threats.

"The institutions that worked to advance human progress in the 20th century are struggling to meet the challenges of the 21st. But we are already seeing the blueprints for a shared future in efforts underway around the world," said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. "This moment of transformation is an opportunity to build on what's working, forging new partnerships and leveraging new technologies to deliver results for the world's most vulnerable people."

FocalData, a research technology company, was engaged to conduct the survey. FocalData polled the 36,405 respondents across 34 countries between August 8 to September 10, 2025. The survey used a representative sample with respect to age, gender, region, education, ethnicity and most recent political vote to achieve nationally representative samples in each country, with ethnicity and past political vote quotas applied only where such measures are collected and standard practice. The sample was weighted to be representative by age and gender at a minimum, with additional weights applied, as appropriate in each country, for region, education, ethnicity, and/or most recent political vote. With sample sizes ranging from 708 to 1,266, the margin of error at the 95% confidence level is approximately 2 to 4 percentage points, with most countries around 3.0pp.

Build the Shared Future is in line with The Rockefeller Foundation's long history of taking decisive and timely actions and convening the very best in their fields to solve the world's most pressing problems. During its first 40 years, for example, The Rockefeller Foundation started the modern field of public health, initially helping to nearly eradicate hookworm in the southern United States and playing a key role in fighting the 1918 influenza pandemic. Later, the World Health Organization at its founding drew inspiration from an early project of The Rockefeller Foundationthe International Health Divisionthat bolstered public health agencies and fought diseases worldwide. The Rockefeller Foundation also contributed to the creation of the Children's Vaccine Initiative, the precursor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which today has vaccinated more than 1.2 billion children worldwide. Today, The Rockefeller Foundation works to unlock opportunity in the areas of Food, Health, Energy, and Finance, amongst others, for vulnerable populations around the world. For example, The Rockefeller Foundation is working to expand the balance sheets of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to boost their development and climate resilience lending to countries most in need. The Rockefeller Foundation has pursued these and other efforts to help humanity, while also infusing risk capital to support scientific advancement and spur technological innovation, including projects that built telescopes and cyclotrons.

Additional Statements of Support:

"Right now, leaders across low- and middle-income countries have been leading a global health model that's driven by the needs of countries, rather than by priorities of external funders. The Build the Shared Future initiative will support this important work, partnering with leaders across Africa and beyond to promote sustainable investments in own highly efficient and effective health systems that will inform a much needed transformation in global health governance."  Ambassador Mark Dybul , former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, who will lead The Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to restructure global health systems.





" Hunger risks are rising in the 21st century. We can address this through locally led, data-driven food systems that integrate short-term relief with lasting solutions. Build the Shared Future seeks to harness the power of advanced data systems to develop resilient local systems that anticipate humanitarian crises rather than react to them, and utilize scarcer public aid to strengthen economies and save lives ."  Dr. Simon Winter , Executive Director of Sustainable Agriculture Foundations' International Association (SAFIA), who will lead The Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to reimagine food systems.





" International cooperation is critical to building an economy that works for everyone, protecting democratic values, and enabling us to address the world's most pressing challenges. Problems that seem local or national often demand coordinated, global solutions. In this moment of geopolitical crisis, we need to rethink the way the world works together, and I am excited to be working with Rockefeller and our international partners to engage in that project ."  Wally Adeyemo , former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, who will lead The Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to build a new framework for multilateral cooperation.





"For too long, the narrative around development in Africa has been focused on aid rather than on partnership and mutual benefit. This new data confirms what we've always knownthat Africans want a system of international cooperation that is not only effective but also equitable. Build the Shared Future provides a powerful opportunity to design and implement solutions that prioritize local leadership, leverage innovation, and build a more resilient and prosperous future for the continent."  William Asiko, Vice President of Africa at The Rockefeller Foundation.





"People across Asia , from India to Indonesia , from China to Japan , want their countries to collaborate on challenges that transcend borders. But they want cooperation that delivers results: food and water security, better health, decent jobs, and resilience to climate shocks. Build the Shared Future is an unprecedented opportunity to transform what regional collaboration can achieve. Asia is positioned not only to benefit from that transformation, but to help lead it."  Deepali Khanna , Senior Vice President & Head of Asia , The Rockefeller Foundation.





"In Latin America, people not only believe in international cooperation: they are leading it. From the Amazon to Mexico , they are working to build fairer, more resilient, and more sustainable solutions. Build the Shared Future is an opportunity to connect local efforts with global partnerships that effectively improve people's lives."  Lyana Latorre , Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Rockefeller Foundation.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity, by harnessing innovation for people and transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance, including engaging through our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saga Education, the nation's nonprofit leader in helping states and districts get high-impact tutoring right, today announced the appointment of Dr. Christina Grant, executive director of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, to its National Governing Board.

Dr. Grant brings more than two decades of experience as an educator, administrator, and executive leader in some of the nation's largest school systems. Her career began in Harlem, where she was a public school teacher. Before her role at Harvard, Dr. Grant served as the District of Columbia's State Superintendent of Education, where she oversaw grants, standards, assessments, and accountability for elementary and secondary schools. During her tenure, she spearheaded a $100 million investment in post-pandemic academic recovery programs.

"Dr. Grant knows how states can design policies to meet local needs, and she's seen the impact of high-dosage, high-impact tutoring. She oversaw the growth of a citywide high-impact tutoring initiative in Washington, D.C. that proved both effective and sustainable," said Alan Safran, Saga Education's CEO and co-founder. "She understands firsthand how tutors accelerate learning, strengthen the teacher pipeline, and help more students reach graduation, an outcome that carries powerful benefits for students, communities, and school districts. Her perspective will strengthen our board and mission."

"This is an important moment in education, and I'm honored to join Saga's board to support its mission," Grant said. "Throughout my career, I've witnessed how evidence-based practices such as high-impact tutoring transform student outcomes. I'm excited to help advance Saga's important work with states and school districts nationwide."

Dr. Grant has held numerous positions in education, including Deputy Executive Director at the New York City Department of Education and a top official of the School District of Philadelphia. Dr. Grant earned a doctorate in education with a focus on organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, along with master's degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, and Fordham University, and a bachelor's degree from Hofstra University.

About Us

Saga Education is the nonprofit leader in high-impact tutoring, leveraging the power of human capital and technology to accelerate student outcomes and foster educational excellence. Rigorous research shows that high-impact tutoring raises grades and builds student confidence and sense of belonging.

Saga is proud to have helped tens of thousands of students over its first decadenow, the goal is to partner with states and districts to support the millions of students who struggle with early literacy and 6th12th-grade math. Find out how you can Change the Equation to accelerate educational excellence. Visit saga.org/change .

SOURCE Saga Education
The partnership celebrates a decade of fostering economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs

HOBOKEN, N.J., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SheaMoisture, in partnership with Fifteen Percent Pledge (15PP), is proud to announce the opening of applications for their 2025 Dartmouth Fellowship, celebrating the program's ten-year anniversary and support of more than 100 entrepreneurs. The collaborative business education program, facilitated with Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business, has equipped women entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and networks needed to grow and scale their companies since 2015. To highlight the Fellowship's milestone year, SheaMoisture has partnered with Fifteen Percent Pledge to co-recruit 20 women entrepreneurs across their respective networks to elevate emerging small businesses, including those that are driving impact in Black communities.

Aurora James

"We take immense pride in the achievements of the SheaMoisture Dartmouth Fellowship over the past decade, staying true to our brand DNA of supporting our community and empowering entrepreneurs," said Obinna Keke, Chief Brand Officer at SheaMoisture. "In today's challenging economic climate, supporting small businesses is more important than ever. With this context, for the 10th anniversary of the Dartmouth Fellowship, we have strengthened the impact of the program by partnering with industry trailblazer Aurora James and Fifteen Percent Pledge, to combine resources, expertise, and networks to expand our reach and support of entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and play a vital role in driving innovation and fostering community ecosystems. By equipping entrepreneurs with essential tools, knowledge, and connections, we contribute to building prosperous future for all."

Fifteen Percent Pledge aims to achieve economic equity by increasing access, visibility, and opportunities for entrepreneurs. SheaMoisture recognizes a partnership with the organization founded in 2020 by Aurora Jamesas an impactful opportunity to advance mutual objectives. Through this partnership, both organizations seek to drive community awareness, leverage key thought leadership, and amplify the Fellowship's impact for greater business prosperity in the US.

"We are absolutely thrilled to partner with SheaMoisture for the tenth year of its Dartmouth Fellowship," said Aurora James, Founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge. "This partnership is a brand new format for us, and an exciting step forward in our mission to expand opportunities for emerging businesses. By aligning our efforts with SheaMoisture and Dartmouth, we can provide deserving founders with access to educational resources and a network of peers that will sustain their growth for years to come." The Dartmouth Fellowship provides entrepreneurs with a valuable opportunity to evaluate their business' performance, identify strengths and areas of improvement, and gain fundamental business education at one of the world's top-rated business schools. Each year, SheaMoisture sponsors 20 seats for Fellows to participate in Tuck's Building A Successful Business program in Hanover, New Hampshire, covering topics like financing your business, marketing strategy, and cash flow management. Following their completion of the course, Fellows are enrolled in Luminary, a global career and personal growth platform dedicated to uplifting, upskilling, and propelling women forward at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, further bolstering the Fellowship's impact. To date, the program has offset more than $400K in tuition costs and fees, facilitated an average 6% increase in profit margins, and achieved an average actual revenue growth*of 14.3%. By the end of 2025, The Dartmouth Fellowship will have provided key business education and support to more than 100 entrepreneurs.

Applications for the 2025 Fellowship cohort open on September 18, 2025. Ten entrepreneurs selected from the open applications will join ten additional businesses hand-selected by Fifteen Percent Pledge, as well as other entrepreneurial leaders, to participate in Dartmouth's Building A Successful Business program December 7-12, 2025. SheaMoisture invites women entrepreneurs in the US and Canada to apply for this transformational opportunity to grow and scale their businesses. Application and full Fellowship criteria can be found HERE. Applications close October 10, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.

ABOUT SHEAMOISTURE:

SheaMoisture champions the beauty, versatility, and the strength of the Black community, celebrating every facet of her journey, from hair to body and beyond. We are here for hair, yes, and her skin, her confidence, her self-expression, and her wellness, too. Our commitment to "no compromise" beauty means SheaMoisture products are infused with select natural ingredients, like shea butter, and ingredients powered by science, fortifying textured hair and melanin skin with the moisture it needs to stay healthy and grow beautifully for limitless versatility.

Shea butter, one of core ingredients, is praised for its hydrating and nourishing properties, and sourced from women-led cooperatives in West Africa, providing fair wages and creating economic opportunities. SheaMoisture leads globally in hair care, bath, body, skin care, baby, and men's categories, and is distributed in retailers throughout the world. SheaMoisture is a subsidiary of Unilever.

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*Total average from Dartmouth College's Building a Successful Business Program, as of 2023.

*Net sales refers to net sales value (NSV), which represents gross sales (volume*price) - efficient ordering discounts

ABOUT FIFTEEN PERCENT PLEDGE

The Pledge is a nonprofit organization focused on accelerating small business growth. We envision an economy in which all Americans have the same opportunities to provide for their families, create jobs for their communities, and build a future based on their dreams and creativity. Since launching in 2020, the Pledge has supported thousands of underserved small businesses by providing access to capital, mentorship, skills learning, and opportunities to partner with dozens of companies across the retail, finance, and technology industries.

SOURCE SheaMoisture
Half of shoppers who've tried GenAI on retail sites say it's always or often helpful; 1 in 5 would even trust AI over their partner to pick out a gift  report also highlights rise in social media for product discovery, sharp generational divides, and opportunities to improve ecommerce search

SAN FRANCISCO and CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AI isn't just for writing emails or generating memes anymore: It's picking out gifts, clothes and other products for online shoppers. And for many, that's just fine. According to a report from Constructor and Shopify, nearly half of shoppers (45%) don't care whether a product was recommended to them by a human or by AI  as long as it's the right fit.

This infographic highlights key results from the State of Ecommerce report, providing a comprehensive look at how shoppers buy online in 2025.

These findings come from the third annual State of Ecommerce report , a comprehensive look at how shoppers buy online in 2025. Based on an online survey of more than 1,500 consumers in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, conducted in August 2025, the report explores how shoppers discover products and decide what to buy  along with what drives them to complete or abandon a purchase. Respondents spanned age groups and income levels.

"AI has quickly become a natural part of everyday shopping. That creates both opportunities and urgency for retailers," said Constructor CEO Eli Finkelshteyn. "As shoppers grow more comfortable and willing to engage with AI, it's on retailers to earn their trust  by delivering experiences that aren't just flashy. They need to be genuinely helpful, engaging and valuable."

AI in ecommerce: From hype to habit

This year's data reflects the pervasiveness of AI tools, along with shoppers' increasing comfort levels:

Everyday adoption  Nearly two-thirds of shoppers (64%) have used generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT in their daily lives  up from 51% last year and 29% in 2023.

 Nearly two-thirds of shoppers (64%) have used generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT in their daily lives  up from 51% last year and 29% in 2023. Extending into shopping  Almost 6 in 10 shoppers (58%) now say they would be very or somewhat comfortable using GenAI and other conversational AI tools on a retail website  up from 52% in 2024 and 42% in 2023.

This comfort extends across the shopper journey, with AI helping spark inspiration and resolve purchase uncertainty.

AI agents step in

When they arrive at a retail website, nearly 8 in 10 shoppers (77%) say they often or sometimes are unsure what to buy  they may be choosing a gift, exploring a new hobby, or putting together an outfit for an upcoming event. In these moments, 60% say they'd definitely or probably be willing to let an AI shopping assistant guide them  with younger shoppers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, most eager to try.

This shift is already underway:

Already in use  Almost 4 in 10 shoppers (38%) have tried agentic shopping tools like Amazon's Rufus or Walmart's Sparky.

 Almost 4 in 10 shoppers (38%) have tried agentic shopping tools like Amazon's Rufus or Walmart's Sparky. Positive first impressions  Among those who've used GenAI or AI agent features on ecommerce sites, half (50%) say the experiences are always or often helpful, with 86% noting they're helpful at least some of the time.

Trusting AI with taste

As shoppers grow more familiar with AI tools, they're also starting to hand AI a bigger challenge: knowing their tastes.

Algorithms over influencers  More than a quarter of shoppers (26%) say an algorithm that's seen their browsing and purchase history is likely to get their taste right  higher than the share who trust an influencer (18%), though still behind a close friend (46%).

 More than a quarter of shoppers (26%) say an algorithm that's seen their browsing and purchase history is likely to get their taste right  higher than the share who trust an influencer (18%), though still behind a close friend (46%). Partners vs. programs  Nearly 1 in 5 shoppers (19%) trust an AI agent more than their partner to pick out a gift for them. Almost half think their partner would do a better job (the rest selected "not sure" or "neither").

 Nearly 1 in 5 shoppers (19%) trust an AI agent more than their partner to pick out a gift for them. Almost half think their partner would do a better job (the rest selected "not sure" or "neither"). A generational split  Younger shoppers put more trust in AI: A quarter (25%) of Gen Zs (ages 18-29 in this study) think AI would pick out a better gift than their partner, compared to just 7% of Boomers (over 60 years old).

And  sorry, Mom!  shoppers as a whole give AI a slight edge when it comes to picking out an outfit for them.

Product discovery differs by generation

Shoppers may all be searching for products, but where and how they start often depends on age.

TikTok as a launchpad  25% of shoppers say they usually begin searches here, including 46% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials (ages 30-44). This falls sharply with older cohorts: dropping to 18% for Gen X (ages 45-60) and 6% for Boomers.

 25% of shoppers say they usually begin searches here, including 46% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials (ages 30-44). This falls sharply with older cohorts: dropping to 18% for Gen X (ages 45-60) and 6% for Boomers. Google leads the way  84% of all shoppers typically begin their searches with Google.

 84% of all shoppers typically begin their searches with Google. Amazon holds strong  63% of shoppers often begin their journey on Amazon, with notable regional differences (75% U.S., 63% Germany , 53% U.K.).

 63% of shoppers often begin their journey on Amazon, with notable regional differences (75% U.S., 63% , 53% U.K.). Retail sites trail behind  23% of shoppers say they often begin searches directly on a retailer's website. This highlights the need for retailers to create compelling experiences that both draw shoppers in and keep them there.

 23% of shoppers say they often begin searches directly on a retailer's website. This highlights the need for retailers to create compelling experiences that both draw shoppers in and keep them there. LLMs join the mix  13% of shoppers frequently use large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT to start a search, with strongest uptake among millennials (18%) and Gen Z (16%).

Beyond initial searches, social platforms also play a large role in discovery and purchase  with clear generational splits:

TikTok often drives discovery and purchases for 58% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials.

often drives discovery and purchases for 58% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials. Instagram wins over Gen Z (54%) and millennial shoppers (51%) too.

wins over Gen Z (54%) and millennial shoppers (51%) too. Facebook remains a go-to for millennials (48%) and Gen X (38%).

remains a go-to for millennials (48%) and Gen X (38%). Forgoing social shopping  Boomers stand apart; 61% say they don't use social platforms for discovery and purchase at all.

"Commerce has never been more dynamic  customers jump between channels, discover products everywhere, and expect experiences that just work," said Dale Traxler, Director of Technology Partnerships, Shopify. "What merchants need now is the power to be wherever their customers are, with experiences that feel seamless and authentic at every touchpoint."

Generational differences also extend to how consumers shop:

Apps vs. websites: Overall, 34% of shoppers prefer retailer apps  but that's 50% among Gen Z, compared to just 18% of Boomers. Websites remain the preference for 43% overall, including 57% of Boomers.

Overall, 34% of shoppers prefer retailer apps  but that's 50% among Gen Z, compared to just 18% of Boomers. Websites remain the preference for 43% overall, including 57% of Boomers. Mobile vs. desktop: Mobile dominates for younger cohorts, with a majority of Gen Z spending at least half their shopping time on mobile devices. By contrast, desktop browsing still plays a stronger role for older shoppers.

Search still falls short

Shoppers weighed in on their search experiences on retail websites, excluding Amazon. The bottom line: 68% think search needs an upgrade  unchanged from last year and highest in the U.S. (76% vs. 66% in Germany and 61% in the UK).

Here are some of the biggest search pain points:

Try, try again  42% of shoppers say they always or frequently have to reformulate their queries to make the search engine "get it." Nearly 9 in 10 (86%) do this at least sometimes.

 42% of shoppers say they always or frequently have to reformulate their queries to make the search engine "get it." Nearly 9 in 10 (86%) do this at least sometimes. Stranger danger  Even on their favorite retail website, more than 4 in 10 shoppers (41%) say they're treated like total strangers  getting served generic and irrelevant recommendations, despite their browsing and purchase history.

 Even on their favorite retail website, more than 4 in 10 shoppers (41%) say they're treated like total strangers  getting served generic and irrelevant recommendations, despite their browsing and purchase history. Not quite there  Half of shoppers (50%) say search results are technically relevant to their queries (e.g., showing shirts for a "shirts" search), but not the kind of items they'd actually want to buy  underscoring the gap between technical relevance vs. true attractiveness .

 Half of shoppers (50%) say search results are relevant to their queries (e.g., showing shirts for a "shirts" search), but not the kind of items they'd actually want to buy  underscoring the gap between . It's a jungle out there  Almost half of shoppers (48%) say it takes at least 3 minutes to wade through pages of search results to find what they need not counting those who don't find it at all. For nearly a quarter (23%), it takes over 8 minutes.

Shoppers rank their online search frustrations above many real-world annoyances. They report that scrolling endlessly through irrelevant results is a bigger pain than:

Waiting in line at the DMV  53%

Sitting in traffic with no AC  43%

Having their phone die when they need directions  40%

A bad blind date  48%

Running into someone from high school while wearing pajamas  50%

The retailer cost of bad search

Shopper frustration doesn't just kill the mood  it kills sales:

Quick exits  47% of shoppers often leave a retailer's site immediately when search and discovery experiences disappoint them  with U.S. shoppers the least patient (60% vs. 41% in both the U.K. and Germany ).

 47% of shoppers often leave a retailer's site immediately when search and discovery experiences disappoint them  with U.S. shoppers the least patient (60% vs. 41% in both the U.K. and ). Lost sales  44% say they'll take their business to a different retailer when search fails.

 44% say they'll take their business to a different retailer when search fails. Straight to Amazon  Two-thirds (66%) admit they've rage-quit a site and gone to Amazon instead.

The upside of getting it right

Better search doesn't just remove friction  it creates value for shoppers and retailers alike:

Worth paying for  More than half of shoppers (55%) say they'd definitely or maybe pay 5-10% more for an item if they didn't have to scroll through pages (and pages) to find it.

 More than half of shoppers (55%) say they'd definitely or maybe pay 5-10% more for an item if they didn't have to scroll through pages (and pages) to find it. Loyalty boost  55% would shop more at a retailer if guaranteed an excellent online experience.

 55% would shop more at a retailer if guaranteed an excellent online experience. Review-ready  42% say a great search and product discovery experience would prompt them to recommend the retailer and leave a positive review.

Shoppers point to personalization, better filtering, smarter use of AI, and tighter integration between online and in-store experiences as improvements that would make their journeys better and smoother.

Retail media: A work in progress

Spending on retail media  such as ads in search results, product recommendations and other areas on retail sites  is surging , becoming an important revenue stream for retailers and their advertising partners. Even though nearly 1 in 3 shoppers (32%) have clicked on and purchased from a sponsored listing, shopper sentiment shows these ads have a long way to go:

Trust is lacking  Nearly half (47%) of shoppers say they're more skeptical of sponsored products than organic ones.

 Nearly half (47%) of shoppers say they're more skeptical of sponsored products than organic ones. Often seen as a nuisance  More than a quarter of shoppers (27%) say these ads are annoying  often because they push better results too far down the page (35%), feel less relevant (34%) and clutter the shopping experience (33%). Only 6% of shoppers say they actually like sponsored listings.

 More than a quarter of shoppers (27%) say these ads are annoying  often because they push better results too far down the page (35%), feel less relevant (34%) and clutter the shopping experience (33%). Only 6% of shoppers say they actually like sponsored listings. Frustration runs deep  One in four (25%) say it would be worth it to pay for an ad-free shopping experience: a sign that many see sponsored placements as a source of friction, not value.

"Shoppers are clear: Sponsored placements have to add value, not distraction," said Jason Zollan, Head of Retail Media, Constructor. "When ads are meaningful and held to the same high relevancy standards as organic results, they can guide discovery in ways that benefit everyone. The result is a win-win-win: Shoppers find what they need more easily, advertisers see stronger returns, and retailers grow revenue without sacrificing trust."

Further insights

For more details and data from Constructor and Shopify's State of Ecommerce report, please see https://info.constructor.com/state-of-ecommerce-2025 .

About Constructor

Constructor is the only search and product discovery platform tailor-made for enterprise ecommerce where conversions matter. Constructor's AI-first solutions make it easier for shoppers to discover products they want to buy and for ecommerce teams to deliver personalized experiences in real time that drive impressive results. Optimizing specifically for ecommerce metrics like revenue, conversion rate and profit, Constructor generates consistent $10M+ lifts for some of the biggest brands in ecommerce, such as Sephora, Petco, The Very Group, home24, Grove Collaborative and Fisheries Supply. Constructor is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2015 by Eli Finkelshteyn and Dan McCormick. For more, visit: constructor.com

SOURCE Constructor
The Weinbach Group Will Work On Advertising, Public Relations, And Marketing Communications Projects For The VA

MIAMI, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weinbach Group announced today that it is among a select group of companies that will participate in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Integrated Healthcare Transformation (IHT) 2.0 contract. The 10-year, $14 billion initiative is designed to improve healthcare delivery for veterans across the nation. The VA awarded the IHT 2.0 contract to nine prime contractors  or teams  all of which are Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), and The Weinbach Group is part of the Rios Partners team.

The VA's IHT 2.0 initiative covers 61 "capability areas" from health informatics to business enablement. As a nationally recognized healthcare marketing firm, The Weinbach Group will focus on marketing and communications-related capability areas, such as medical advertising, media planning, healthcare public relations, video and film production, and graphic design  all with the aim of improving healthcare for veterans and their families.

"This is an important milestone for our agency," said Daniel Weinbach, president and CEO of The Weinbach Group. "The communications requirements of the VA's Integrated Healthcare Transformation 2.0 contract align perfectly with our healthcare marketing expertise. More importantly, this initiative will give us the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of our nation's veterans. We're honored to be among the 107 small businesses that comprise the Rios Partners team."

The IHT 2.0 contract opens the door for The Weinbach Group to compete for a wide range of VA projects over the next decade. The VA, which is the second largest agency in the federal government, second only to the Department of Defense, is expected to initiate hundreds of initiatives in those areas relevant to the Miami ad agency's expertise, such as digital advertising and strategic communications to advance public health campaigns. These opportunities align directly with the agency's strengths and decades of experience in healthcare-focused marketing.

For more than 40 years, The Weinbach Group has been recognized for its award-winning work in healthcare communications, supporting organizations ranging from hospitals and health systems to managed care organizations to foundations and non-profits. The firm's selection as part of the Rios Partners team underscores its standing as one of the nation's leading healthcare marketing agencies.

For more information about The Weinbach Group, or to schedule an interview, please contact Meieli Sawyer at (305) 668-0070 or [email protected].

About The Weinbach Group

The Weinbach Group , now in its fourth decade of business, consistently ranks among South Florida's top advertising, public relations, and marketing firms. The agency serves clients in a range of industries and is best known as a healthcare marketing firm. Notable clients have included Mount Sinai Medical Center, ChenMed Senior Care , The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders , HCA , University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , and Jackson Health System .

Contact: Meieli Sawyer

The Weinbach Group, Inc.

(305) 668-0070

[email protected]

SOURCE The Weinbach Group, Inc.
NEW BRITAIN, Conn., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) today announced that Bill Beck has been appointed President, Tools & Outdoor, effective October 1. Beck will be responsible for optimizing Stanley Black & Decker's strong portfolio of brands and products while advancing the strategic roadmap for the Tools & Outdoor business. He currently serves as General Manager and Chief Growth Officer, Tools & Outdoor and is responsible for driving market leadership, strategic growth and brand positioning for the company's global brands.

Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker

In 2024, the Tools & Outdoor business generated an annual revenue of $13.4 billion.

"Bill is an exceptional commercial leader who has already been instrumental in helping evolve our Tools & Outdoor division into a brand-led, market-back and data-driven business," said Chris Nelson, Stanley Black & Decker's incoming CEO and current Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and President, Tools & Outdoor. "He plays a critical role keeping our commercial teams focused on what matters - driving sales and organic growth, building a culture of operational excellence and making sure we are setting our brands up for long-term success in the market. Between his experience, competitive drive and commitment to our people and our brands, I am confident he will lead our teams to build on our momentum and drive the Tools & Outdoor business forward."

Beck brings more than twenty-five years of leadership in product management and brand marketing to this role. Before joining Stanley Black & Decker in March 2024, Beck was Chief Marketing Officer at Elevance Health, where he led the execution of a multiyear transition and streamlining go-to-market brand architecture to drive deeper product and brand focus for the organization. Prior to that role, Beck spent nearly a decade at Whirlpool Corporation, overseeing the organization's North American kitchen business and brand marketing. He also served as chair of the Whirlpool global brand council, leading the development and implementation of brand strategy for newly acquired international brands. Beck began his career at Pepperidge Farm, serving in various sales and marketing roles over the span of eleven years. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in business from New York University.

"Stanley Black & Decker has a portfolio of some of the most iconic brands in the world  brands that stand for quality, innovation and getting the job done," said Beck. "We have made great strides toward capitalizing on our strength in the market, and I see enormous opportunity to accelerate our success by continuing to build and activate a growth culture. I am honored to be named President, Tools & Outdoor and excited to continue working with Chris in his new role as CEO and the entire Stanley Black & Decker team to advance our sales and organic growth goals."

About Stanley Black & Decker

Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company's approximately 48,000 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company's world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, BLACK+DECKER, and Cub Cadet. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X .

SOURCE Stanley Black and Decker-Corporate
Just as in 1944 and 1956, we support democratic countries that Russian tanks try to overrun. Back then, it was about Hungary; today, it is about Ukraine

Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden

The Prime Minister of Sweden wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Hungary. It was first published on the social network X on September 17, 2025

Dear Viktor,

I understand that there is an election campaign in your country, and that this time you are truly being challenged for power.

But we do not interfere in your election campaign, nor do we want to become part of it.

Sweden and the Swedish people have always been friends of Hungary and the Hungarian people, as you know. We were friends of Hungary before your government, during your government, and we will remain so after your government.

We remember when Hitlers genocide of Jews struck Hungary, and how Sweden in 1944 sent diplomat Raoul Wallenberg on a special mission to Budapest, to save as many Hungarian lives as possible.

Tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews survived because we provided them with provisional protective passports and citizenship here in Sweden. When the Soviet Union later invaded Hungary, Raoul Wallenberg was forcibly taken to Moscow and disappeared.

The Swedish diplomat died, but tens of thousands of Hungarian lives were saved. We would do it again.

We also remember when the Soviet Union brutally crushed your Hungarian struggle for democracy and freedom in 1956, and when Prime Minister Imre Nagy was later executed for his efforts to democratize the country.

When Russian tanks crushed the Hungarian freedom struggle, the Hungarian people pleaded with the UN and all Western powers for help. Almost no one listened.

But one country that showed deep solidarity with you was Sweden.

We opened our arms to your freedom fighters and dissidents. We allowed you to build exile opposition against Soviet communism here, despite our non-alignment. It was not without risk for us. But we did it anywaybecause it was the right thing to do.

Today, over 40,000 people of Hungarian descent live in Sweden, many of whom are descendants of the Hungarian refugees who came here in connection with the 1956 uprising. They are a well-integrated immigrant group in our Swedish society.

Democratic states help each other, then and now. And they stand up against countries that try to oppress others.

That is why, just as in 1944 and 1956, we support democratic countries that Russian tanks try to overrun. Back then, it was about Hungary; today, it is about Ukraine. And if we do not act, it could be about another country tomorrow.

This is also why we often express concern about the developments in Hungary in recent years. Hungary ultimately regained its freedom, but freedom must also be defended.

That is why we question when you go to have coffee with the leader of the same country that crushed your compatriots freedom struggle in 1956 and that today attacks your neighbour, Ukraine.

Hungary and the West are not strengthened by closing the door to their European friends or by attacking each other and the very things that distinguish us from barbarism  democracy and the rule of law.

Let me conclude with some wise words from yourself in 2007:

"As kind of a new generation of the West, our message to those younger than we is to stick to a Western type Hungary, not to let Hungary be derailed from its Western path, and to love that Hungary is a Western type country, which means that we believe in the free will of people and in the mutual responsibility towards each other that we take upon us, which are inseparable parts of Western culture.

The oil might come from the east, but freedom always comes from the west. And democracy cannot be directed from above, it can only grow from the hearts of people and in this way create a viable, Hungarian life."

Finally, I wish to convey Swedens respect for the Hungarian people, and to wish your country a free, peaceful, and successful election.
TAIPEI and TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) and Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) marked a milestone in regional financial integration today with the debut of their first cross-border exchange-traded funds (ETFs), reinforcing Taiwan's ambition to become an Asian Asset Management Center.

Group photo of representatives at the listing ceremony of Nomura Asset Management Taiwan Ltd.s feeder ETF, held at the Taiwan Stock Exchange on September 18, 2025. Group photo of representatives at the listing ceremony of Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.s feeder ETF, held at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on September 18, 2025.

Nomura Asset Management Taiwan Ltd. launched the Nomura TOPIX Feeder ETF (Ticker: 009812) on the TWSE, offering investors exposure to Japan's equity market via the NEXT FUNDS TOPIX ETF (Ticker: 1306) the largest ETF in Japan by assets under management. This fund is also included in Japan's NISA tax-free investment program, making it one of the most widely held ETFs among Japanese retail investors.

Simultaneously, the NEXT FUNDS TIP FactSet Taiwan Innovative Technology 50 Index Exchange Traded Fund (Ticker: 412A) debuted on the TSE. The fund tracks the NEXT FUNDS  Nomura Taiwan Innovative Technology 50 ETF (Ticker: 00935), reflecting the strength and dynamism of Taiwan's technology-driven economy. Notably, companies in the AI and semiconductor sectors account for 72% of the Index's total market capitalization. Taiwan's benchmark index has more than doubled since 2020, reaching an all-time high this month, with foreign ownership approaching 46%.

TWSE Chairman and CEO Sherman Lin said the cross-listings mark a new chapter in financial cooperation between Taiwan and Japan. "This achievement reflects growing market confidence and Taiwan's commitment to innovation and global integration," he noted. Chairman Lin also remarked that both TSE President Iwanaga and he wore golden ties today, symbolizing that the collaboration between the Taiwanese and Japanese capital markets is entering a brilliant new chapter.

The listings were marked by a joint ceremony attended by senior officials from both exchanges and financial regulators. Notable attendees at the TWSE included Dr. Yen-liang Chen, Vice Chairperson of the Financial Supervisory Commission; Kao Ching-ping, Deputy Director-General of the Financial Supervisory Commission Securities and Futures Bureau; Moriyuki Iwanaga, President and CEO of the Tokyo Stock Exchange; Nobuo Suzuki, Senior Corporate Managing Director of Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.; Gen Kawai, Deputy Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association; Masaaki Fukuzawa, Director at JapanTaiwan Exchange Association.

"This initiative underscores Taiwan's strategic role in regional finance," said Dr. Yen-liang Chen, Vice Chairperson of the Financial Supervisory Commission. "It reinforces our position within Asia's asset management landscape and highlights the importance of cross-border innovation in driving sustainable growth."

"The cross-listings provide investors in both markets with seamless access to diversified portfolios," said Nobuo Suzuki, Senior Corporate Managing Director of Nomura Asset Management. "Our goal is to deliver globally relevant financial products that promote deeper market connectivity and investor engagement."

TSE President and CEO Moriyuki Iwanaga emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership: "This collaboration bridges our capital markets, positioning Taiwan and Japan as key partners within Asia's financial ecosystem."

TWSE President Edith Lee, who attended the ceremony in Tokyo, noted the potential of Japan's NISA program to enhance retail investor participation and market liquidity. "Taiwan's capital market has experienced dynamic growth, and this ETF showcases our technological strength to global investors," she said.

The dual listings represent a milestone in Taiwan-Japan financial collaboration, broadening cross-border investment access and reinforcing Taiwan's role in Asia's asset management landscape.

About TWSE

The Taiwan Stock Exchange (the TWSE) started operations on February 9, 1962. The TWSE is responsible for operating and advancing the Taiwan securities market. The TWSE's primary business operations include listing, trading, settlement, and surveillance. These comprise listing promotion and review, post-listing supervision and corporate governance, maintaining market trading and order, securities firms' services, investor protection, clearing and settlement operations, safeguarding against market defaults and the monitoring of illegal transactions. The Exchange provides comprehensive services to the securities market.

SOURCE TWSE
Teamsters Local 210 Members Overwhelmingly Approve Deal, Return to Work Monday

BRONX, N.Y., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than two weeks on strike, Teamsters Local 210 members at Perrigo's Bronx production facility overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that protects overtime pay, secures retirement benefits, and delivers significant wage increases without a single concession.

The strike drew widespread attention after Perrigo management threatened to implement a 12-hour shift, withdraw from workers' established retirement plan, and permanently replace longtime employees. Teamsters stood strong on the picket line on Bathgate Avenue, joined by Bronx elected officials and Teamsters union leaders from across New York City.

"These Teamsters proved that when you stand together, you can beat back threats and win," said Lydia Torres, Vice President of Local 210. "Our members will return to work with their heads held high, their futures more secure, and their solidarity stronger than ever."

Community support was instrumental to the victory, with elected leaders supporting Teamsters during the strike and calling on Perrigo to withdraw its concessionary proposals. Among them were Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15th District); Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14th District); Democratic nominee for Mayor Zohran Mamdani; State Senators Luis Sepulveda, Gustavo Rivera, and Nathalia Fernandez; Assemblymembers Chantal Jackson, Amanda Septimo, Karines Reyes, and Emerita Torres; Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson; and New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias.

"We are all grateful for the incredible support of the Bronx community and so many elected officials. We backed the company down by fighting hard, staying united, and showing our solidarity," said Joshua Viera, a 31-year Perrigo worker. "We are thankful for the support from all around the city and for the enhanced strike benefits provided by the International Union. We are looking forward to getting back to work."

Perrigo workers, who include compounders, clerks, line operators, mechanics, and technicians, will return to work Monday under the new agreement.

Teamsters Local 210 represents thousands of workers across New York and beyond in a wide range of industries. For more information, visit ibtlocal210.org.

Contact:

Bernadette Kelly, (917) 754-5918

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 210
Conducted by maestro Enrique Arturo Diemecke, the programme combined the rhythmic passion of Latin America and the deep tonal heritage of the Arab world. At Teatro Colon, frequently rated among the world's top opera venues and celebrated for its acoustics, the QPO brought its unique fusion of Western symphonic traditions and the musical heritage of the Arab world to Argentina's passionate audience.

Maestro Diemecke led over 70 QPO musicians in a performance described as both "a defining expression" of the orchestra's cultural exchange mission and "a powerful symbol of the universality of music." It was especially poignant given Diemecke's prior tenure as Artistic General Director of Teatro Colon from 2017 to 2022, marking his first return to the venue.

Victor Hugo Villena, Argentina's celebrated bandoneon virtuoso, delivered a stirring rendition of Piazzolla's Aconcagua, infusing the piece with emotive depth and a profound sense of national identity.

Showcasing Qatar's commitment to supporting local composers, works by Dana Al Fardan and Dr. Nasser Sahim, the latter of whom also serves as QPO's Deputy Executive Director, introduced orchestral textures imbued with cinematic grandeur and rooted in the traditional maqam scales of the Gulf.

Kurt Meister, the Executive Director of QPO, emphasised the significance of the performance: "To share a stage with Maestro Diemecke and Virtuoso Villena in a hall as iconic as Teatro Colon is a great honour and a powerful symbol of the universality of music."

Gabriela Ricardes, Minister of Culture for the City of Buenos Aires, echoed these sentiments, lauding the collaboration as "a powerful expression of cultural diplomacy" and celebrating Qatar as a distinguished partner in this year's cultural season.

Founded in 2007 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the QPO unites musicians from over 28 countries, many hailing from celebrated ensembles like the New York Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestra.

SOURCE Years of Culture
CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ted Law Firm is proud to announce that it has been voted Best Personal Injury Firm in South Carolina in the 2025 Best of South Carolina Awards, as chosen by readers of the Guide to South Carolina. This prestigious recognition reflects the trust and support of the communities the firm serves throughout the state.

Ted Law Firm serves the whole state with pride, from Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, to Columbia, Augusta, Spartanburg, Rock Hill, and beyond. The Ted Law Firm has become a go-to name for injured individuals seeking trusted, results-oriented legal representation. Focusing on car accidents, truck accidents, workers' compensation, construction injuries, dog bites, wrongful death, and more, the firm is committed to providing experienced advocacy with a deeply personal touch.

Why South Carolinians Voted for Ted Law Firm:

 Proven Track Record  The firm has secured multiple six- and seven-figure settlements across South Carolina and Georgia, including a settlement of $6,500,000 for a Car Wreck.

 Five-Star Service  With hundreds of client testimonials and top ratings on platforms like Google, Avvo, and others, the firm is known for consistent communication and real results.

 No Win, No Fee Promise  Clients only pay once the law firm gets a financial recovery.

This award serves as a testament to the team's fierce commitment to injured individuals and their families. Every case is different, and Ted Law Firm sees the unique elements in each case. Prior results are no guarantee of future results, so Ted Law Firm works hard to make the most of every case. While you see the gross recoveries and where fees are computed before deducting expenses, Ted Law Firm focuses on one thing: the bottom line for clients. Ted Law Firm strives to put the most money possible in the client's pocket.

The Ted Law Firm, founded by Attorney Ted Sink, is a modern, client-first personal injury law firm that puts people above paperwork.

Press Release Service provided by 24-7PressRelease.com

SOURCE Ted Law Firm
According to the report, brands must prioritize human-centric experiences and address consumer frustrations with current digital offerings, especially if they want to grow in an AI-first world. Although in its infancy in the customer journey, AI's high usage and trust indicates that it will fundamentally change how consumers shop, from discovery to purchase. Despite marketplaces setting the benchmark for customer service, their market share has dropped since last year, and search engines have seen a resurgence during the information and search phases of the journey, possibly fuelled by AI integration.

AI's Rapid Emergence Across the Path to Purchase

68% of consumers have used AI tools like ChatGPT to shop.

52% are excited by the prospect of having their own AI agent to shop on their behalf.

Personalization Powers Discovery but Falls Short for Some

63% say personalized recommendations help them discover new products.

45% of consumers think most brands do a poor job of personalization.

A Shift Toward True Omnichannel Retail

Marketplaces remain the dominant force throughout the shopper journey, with 22% using the lead marketplace in the region for inspiration, 15% using the secondary marketplace, and 9% using other marketplaces. When it comes to search 17% use the lead marketplace, 12% the secondary and 7% other marketplaces. However, marketplace share of wallet has slipped to 22%, down from 29% last year, signalling a shift toward true omnichannel retail.

"Future Shopper 2025 is a reminder for brands and retailers everywhere. The data is clear: consumers are continuing to raise the bar on what they expectfaster delivery, seamless experiences, and meaningful personalization powered by technology like AI, whilst at the same time re-evaluating what they purchase and when.

Yet, many businesses are missing the mark on the fundamentals of customer experience. Neither the customer journey of the future, nor the consumer of the future will be the same as today, but retailers and brands must find a way of offering the best experience right now, while building the experience of the future in parallel," said Jeff Gehab, Global CEO, VML Enterprise Solutions.

More findings:

Customer Experience

46% are often amazed at the poor online shopping experience by major retailers.

50% think businesses have no idea what customers want from their digital channels.

"I want it right now or I don't want it at all."

32% of shoppers expect delivery within two hours; 40% will not order if same-day delivery or scheduled delivery isn't available.

58% want to move from inspiration to purchase as quickly as possiblea trend VML has coined "compressed commerce."

Neil Dawson, Global Chief Strategy Officer, VML said, "In today's risk-averse market, every purchase is a considered purchase. Consumers are demanding reassurance  on price, on speed, on trust  before they commit. The Future Shopper 2025 makes it clear that commerce success now depends on delivering tangible value at every stage of the journey, from discovery to delivery. That means personalizing in ways that genuinely help, rethinking fulfillment for the two-hour economy, innovating for real-world value, and using AI to simplify rather than complicate. At VML, we're turning these consumer demands into strategies that drive both immediate sales and long-term loyalty."

For more information or to download the full report, visit VML's website .

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, to create connected brands that drive growth. The agency is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning work with blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Ford, Microsoft, Nestle, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. VML is recognized as a Leader by Forrester Wave reports for Commerce Services, Marketing Creative and Content Services, and is a Strong Performer in the Forrester Wave: CX Strategy Consulting Services. It was also named a Leader in IDC MarketScape: Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services and a Visionary in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Services. VML's specialist health network, VML Health, is also one of the world's largest and most awarded health agencies. VML's global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55 markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com , and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X #WeAreVML.

Media Contact:

Rebecca Sullivan

Director of PR, VML

[email protected]

SOURCE VML
Charitable Donation to Support More Than 50 Local Organizations; Additional PG&E Funding Supports Food Banks' Emergency Preparedness

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The PG&E Corporation Foundation (The PG&E Foundation) is providing $1.12 million to local food banks, tribal food banks and senior meal programs to help feed the growing number of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.

The PG&E Foundation's recent contribution will provide the equivalent of approximately 3.13 million meals for individuals and families in need. The funding will support more than 50 food distribution organizations representing 46 counties in Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) Northern and Central California service area.

Officials with the California Association of Food Banks said PG&E's support is more important than ever.

"The California Association of Food Banks is incredibly grateful for PG&E Corporation's ongoing partnership in our mission to end hunger in California. This support is especially vital during these uncertain times, with federal cuts to SNAP (CalFresh) at the same time Medicaid and other crucial programs' funding is being reduced. Families will look to food banks as a source of relief to ensure they don't go without essential nourishment," said Stacia Levenfeld, CEO California Association of Food Banks.

The grants support comes during Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action to combat it. According to the California Association of Food Banks, while California produces nearly half of the nation's fruits and vegetables, more than one in five residents do not know where their next meal will come from. Communities of color face even higher levels of food insecurity.

"An increasing number of families today are struggling to put food on their tables, and we are grateful to be able to help. We're proud of our longstanding partnership with local food banks and meal distribution organization. These community-based groups are a critical safety net for families, the elderly, and so many others in helping to ensure they are fed and can lead healthy lives," said Carla Peterman, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, PG&E Corporation and Chair of The PG&E Corporation Foundation Board.

Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, said local food banks have become an even important community resource for families.

"Today, we are already providing food assistance to 1 in 6 people in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties every month. Support from partners like PG&E is more critical than ever  their generosity this year will help provide more than 148,000 meals, ensuring families, children and seniors have the nutritious food we all need to thrive," said Bacho.

Grant amounts consider county poverty and unemployment levels, using the California Department of Social Services' formula, to promote equity among counties with higher need.

Supporting Emergency Preparedness

In addition to the support for local food banks throughout PG&E's service area, the company has agreements with 25 local food banks in high fire-risk areas to provide food replacement during and up to three days after a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). These PSPS events may be called when dry, windy weather is forecast, and PG&E may need to turn off power in certain areas to prevent wildfires and keep customers safe.

You can find a food bank in your county here. Check with your local food bank to learn if they have income restrictions. Food is available why supplies last.

Meals on Wheels delivers meals to seniors enrolled in the program. Seniors who are enrolled and experience a PSPS will receive an extra meal for each day of a PSPS outage. You can enroll in Meals on Wheels in your area.

PG&E also opens Community Resource Centers during PSPS events to provide basic supplies, charging stations and information to customers. Transportation support and hotel accommodations and discounts may also be available. You can learn more here and sign up for outage alerts.

About The PG&E Corporation Foundation

The PG&E Corporation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, separate from PG&E and sponsored by PG&E Corporation.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news

SOURCE PG&E Corporation
Consumers to Choose Top Zero-Emission Vehicles Celebrating the Future of Clean Mobility and Highlighting Unprecedented Showcase of Five Different Awards Programs at the 2025 LA Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Categories are set and voting opens October 1 for the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show Zero-Emission Vehicle Award Showcase, The ZEVAS, celebrating the future of clean mobility by recognizing the power of consumer preference. The unique people's choice award is one of several key industry honors to be highlighted at the show this year, demonstrating its role as the ultimate forum for automotive discovery and decision making.

The 2025 ZEVAS Award returns to the Los Angeles Auto Show.

"The ZEVAS give customers a powerful voice in recognizing the vehicles that truly deliver on their expectations for technology and performance, underscoring how consumers are driving the shift to zero-emission transportation," said Terri Toennies, president of the Los Angeles Auto Show and AutoMobility LA.

Alongside The ZEVAS, the Hispanic Motor Press, will name the Best Vehicles of 2025 for Hispanic families, while the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) will reveal its 2026 finalists.

In addition, the Automotive Hall of Fame will recognize its Distinguished Service recipients, and the new Angel Custom Car Award presented by No No Seat Covers will invite fans to vote onsite for standout custom builds, with the winner revealed on Sunday, November 23.

Established by the LA Auto Show in 2021, The ZEVAS provide an unmatched forum to showcase the advancements and innovations that shape today's buyer interests, influence purchase behavior, and enhance overall driver satisfaction. Zero-emission vehicles have been part of the Los Angeles show since the first exhibition, held in 1907, which featured two electric vehicles on the show floor.

Past award winners include groundbreaking models like the Rivian R1S, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Tesla Model 3, Lucid Air, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Voting for The ZEVAS takes place entirely online at thezevas.com, allowing thousands of enthusiasts, influencers, and active car buyers from around the world to cast their vote.

Eligible vehicles include production models available in 2025 as well as the "Most Anticipated" category featuring concepts and pre-production models. Last year's awards saw category winners chosen from an initial pool of more than 130 qualifying vehicles.

The categories for the ZEVAS 2025 are:

Top Compact/Coupe

Top Crossover/Van

Top Hybrid

Top Sedan

Top SUV

Top Truck

Most Anticipated

AutoMobility LA and the Los Angeles Auto Show are also set to spotlight the growing influence of automotive creators, with a new awards program recognizing some of the industry's most notable personalities. More details on this and other awards at the show will be unveiled in the weeks ahead.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW & AUTOMOBILITY LA:

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the most influential annual automotive events in the world. Held each year at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the show draws hundreds of thousands of attendees and brings hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to the city. It also remains the largest revenue driver for the LA Convention Center.

The LA Auto Show is open to the public for ten full days from Opening Day November 21 until November 30, including Thanksgiving Day. Car shoppers, enthusiasts, families, and future-focused fans are invited to attend to experience the very best in automotive design, culture, and innovation.

AutoMobility LA  the show's press and industry day  takes place this year on November 20, 2025, and features a full day of vehicle debuts, brand announcements, and a thought leadership program highlighting some of the brightest voices in automotive and tech.

Stay up to date with the latest show news, updates, and information at laautoshow.com and automobilityla.com.

BUY TICKETS TO VISIT THE SHOW

Tickets are on sale now at laautoshow.com/tickets and include access to all exhibits and test drive experiences. Pricing is as follows:

Opening Day Friday ( November 21st ): Adult $18 , Senior $8 , Child $8

): Adult , Senior , Child Any Day General Admission Tickets: Adult $25 , Senior $12 , Child $12

, Senior , Child Weekday Monday to Thursday ( November 24-27 ): Adult $22 , Senior $10 , Child $10

): Adult , Senior , Child VIP Priority Entry + Ticket on Saturdays and Sundays: Adult $45 , Senior $22 , Child $22

, Senior , Child VIP Guided Tours on Select Days: Adult $95 Child $45

Child Wednesday/Thursday Thanksgiving Family Four-Packs: $63

MEDIA CONTACT

For press inquiries, email [email protected]

For the latest updates on vehicle debuts, special programming, and daily schedules, follow the LA Auto Show on Instagram, X, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com.

SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show
BOSTON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prospects for the US consumer are deteriorating as earners at both ends of America's income spectrum send clear negative signals this month over the outlook for their spending, aggravating the risks of a downturn ahead for US consumer demand, the latest results of the Bain & Company/Dynata Consumer Health Indexes (CHI) for September indicate.

The latest adverse findings from this month's indexes come on the heels of August's CHI data, which reported a souring mood among US households of all incomes, casting a further shadow over conditions for the US consumer.

The CHI headline outlook gauge for consumer prospects across all US income groups fell further this month, dropping into clearly negative territory with a reading of 98.8, down from August's 100.2 and July's level of 101.0, underlining the darkening mood among American earners and the increased fragility of consumer sentiment.

The outlook gauge for lower-income Americans (earning below $50,000 per year) fell for a fourth month in a row, dropping to 94.7 for this month, down sharply from a reading of 96.4 in August, and extending its decline to mark a third consecutive month near the low end of its range for the past year, at levels not seen since early 2021, during the Covid pandemic.

The continuing deterioration in the outlook gauge for lower-income US households adds to mounting evidence from the CHI data of weakness in the job market impacting the group. In June and July, this series accurately predicted a downturn in the US labor market, later confirmed by negative revisions to the official data for US payrolls, while August's CHI report signalled more pain to come  and was validated by the month's official payrolls report.

This month's outlook readings for lower-income earners signal a continuing negative trend and point to the job market for lower-income Americans weakening still further, the Bain/Dynata report warns. Alongside, spending intentions among the lower-income group are also falling, with the CHI gauge of these dropping 1.8 points, to 97.2 in September.

At the same time, at the other end of America's income scale, the CHI outlook score for upper-income consumers (earning more than $100,000 per year) also fell for a second consecutive month in September, dropping 2.1 points to 102.2, in the wake of a 1.3-point decline in August. The trend opens a gap among upper-income Americans between their expectations of future investment returns and actual stock market performance, coming despite equity markets continuing to hit all-time highs in the past two months.

Meanwhile, the momentum of the CHI's gauge of spending intentions for upper-income households has also reversed as the economic mood darkens among these better-off Americans. While spending intent for the group remains in positive territory overall, the CHI reading for this tumbled by 5.4 points this month, to 107.7. Favorable momentum in this gauge that was emerging between May and August, when it gained 7 points, has dissipated, signalling further adverse implications for upper-income spending should markets end their current march higher.

"Our CHI data is unambiguously negative this month. We're seeing negative shifts across many of our data series. The data for lower-income earners, notably their outlook score, which is a read on those households' view of their income prospects and, by extension, of the job market, indicates they are clearly facing bleak prospects. And for the second straight month they're telling us that they intend to spend less," Brian Stobie, vice president in Bain & Company's Macro Trends Group, said.

"At the same time, upper-income Americans are souring on expectations of future investment portfolio returns even as markets hit all-time highs, which is a rare signal from our data series. And despite record stock markets, these higher earners are growing less and less enthusiastic about spending. Given that upper-income earners account for the bulk of discretionary household spending, this has clear implications for consumer demand. Last month, we warned that businesses should consider negative scenarios for the consumer outlook. We strongly reiterate that this month as weakness among lower-income households worsens and is now more apparent among upper-income consumers, too."

For more details and the full report (PDF), please click here or get in touch with the media contacts below.

Media contacts

For any questions or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Gary Duncan (London)  Email: [email protected]

Amanda Folsom (Boston)  Email: [email protected]

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a gold rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 2% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.

About Dynata

Dynata is the world's largest first-party data company for insights, activation, and measurement. With a reach that encompasses 70 million consumers and business professionals globally and an extensive library of individual profile attributes collected through surveys, Dynata is the cornerstone for precise, trustworthy quality data. The company has built innovative data services and solutions around its robust first-party data offering to bring the voice of the customer to the entire marketing continuum  from uncovering insights to activating campaigns and measuring cross-channel marketing return on investment. Dynata serves more than 6,000 market research, media and advertising agencies, publishers, consulting and investment firms, and corporate customers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Learn more at www.dynata.com

SOURCE Bain & Company
Detroit welcomed Israeli teens for two-week respite trip, offering healing, resilience, and the power of global Jewish unity

DETROIT, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ORT Michigan, in partnership with World ORT, hosted 12 Israeli teenagers and three chaperones for a two-week respite trip in Detroit last month. The delegation, part of World ORT's Journey to Renewal initiative, gave young people living with the trauma of Oct. 7 and ongoing conflict a rare opportunity to step away from daily reality and begin to heal.

What they found in Detroit was more than a change of scenery  it was a lifeline. Post this ORT Michigan Director, Nicole Miller, at right, welcomes Israeli students to Detroit for a respite trip. Credit: ORT America

The students, ages 14 to 18, arrived carrying the weight of PTSD after enduring evacuations, loss, and the constant stress of war. What they found in Detroit was more than a change of scenery  it was a lifeline. The group was embraced by host families who opened their homes and hearts. Their schedule balanced fun with reflection: ziplining at TreeRunner, a Detroit Tigers game, the Motown Museum, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, shopping at Somerset and Great Lakes Crossing, and touring downtown Detroit with local guide Linda Yellin. A highlight was a three-day stay at Tamarack Camps, where students bonded through team-building exercises, waterfront activities and a camp cookout.

Detroit families described hosting as transformative. Jeff Friedman, who welcomed two boys, said: "It's been such a pleasure having Amit and Liav with us and seeing the impact we've had on each other. To give them an opportunity to enjoy a little of what Michigan offers in the summer, and to get away from what they're dealing with in Israel, is really special."

Robbie Sherman echoed: "Hosting these girls has totally changed my life and increased my passion to continue providing ORT students with incredible opportunities."

Parents in Israel also expressed gratitude. Ann and Lior Rettig, whose son Amit was hosted by Julie and Ronald Hirsch, wrote: "It was an extraordinary experience of warmth, acceptance, and generosity that will remain with him for a long time. After two particularly challenging years, the children were given a much-needed break  a rare opportunity to step away from daily reality. Our deepest thanks go to the wonderful host families, the organizers, and the entire Detroit community for the incredible support and love you showered upon the children."

Dr. Moshe Leiba, Chief Pedagogy Officer of World ORT Kadima Mada, noted: "The Detroit community exceeded my expectations. The love and support given to the kids created a sense of unity. They now understand what it means to belong to the greater Jewish nation. We are one."

The Detroit trip builds on delegations to Los Angeles, Mexico City, and New York. ORT plans to expand the trips, with the next delegation scheduled for Phoenix in late 2025.

About ORT America

ORT America is the leading fundraising organization supporting World ORT, the world's largest Jewish education network. Through schools, colleges, and programs in more than 30 countries, ORT provides students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.

Media Contact: Anna Stein

ORT America

[email protected]

SOURCE ORT America
NOVATO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the debut of EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard, Zenni Optical brought together leading voices in technology, innovation, and digital culture for a panel discussion on how to stay defended in today's hyper-connected world.

The EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard is an all-in-one lens that shields from blue light, blocks 100% of UVA/UVB rays, reflects near-infrared light and adapts indoors and outdoors. It goes beyond standard lenses to give you the powerful shielding you deserve.

Photo courtesy of Zenni Optical

At the panel event, Protect Your Eyes, Your Choice, Your Way, experts shared their perspectives on how technology, wellness, and privacy intersect. Moderated by Amber Mac, host of the Amber Mac Show, experts dove deep into EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard speaking to its array of features and use in everyday life.

Panelists included:

Dr. Steven Lee  Director of Digital Innovation, Zenni

 Director of Digital Innovation, Zenni Caitlin Sarian ( @cybersecuritygirl )  Cybersecurity Influencer

(  Cybersecurity Influencer Judner Aura ( @uravgconsumer )  YouTube Reviewer, UrAvgConsumer

Caitlin Sarian, the world's most prominent Cybersecurity Influencer, contributed her perspective on growing concerns around biometric privacy, stressing the importance of tools like Zenni ID Guard in an increasingly connected world, while Judner Aura spoke to the accessibility and consumer value of integrating advanced features into everyday life.

On EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard Caitlin said, "I'm so excited I was introduced to these glasses. As a privacy expert, I truly understand how important biometric data is, and the tracking of biometrics. It makes me feel like I'm defending myself from both external threats like UVA and UVB as well as the anti-infrared coating that protects my personal biometric data from being tracked online."

Closing remarks reinforced Zenni's commitment to innovation for all, making high-tech eyewear a necessity rather than a luxury, while Caitlin and Judner encouraged audiences to view EyeQLenz as both a protective and empowering solution for daily life.

"With EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard, eyewear is stepping into a new era," said Dr. Steven Lee, Director of Digital Innovation, Zenni. "We're creating lenses that don't just help people see better  they help people live better by defending their eyes, preserving their privacy, and enhancing their everyday experiences.

"I'm genuinely impressed by EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard and how accessible it is." Judner said, "The ability to protect against blue light, UV rays and near-infrared light - while also safeguarding your biometric eye data - all from a pair of everyday glasses, feels like walking around with superpowers."

EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard is Zenni's groundbreaking response to this reality  an all-in-one lens that not only filters 51% of blue light and blocks 100% of UVA/UVB rays, but also reflects near-infrared light. The result is a thoughtful fusion of innovation and style that empowers wearers to take control of both their eye health and digital identity. They are also photochromic, meaning they are clear indoors and tinted outdoors for comfortable vision inside and outdoors.

Blue Light: Helps shield blue light from digital devices and the sun (the largest source of blue light). Benefits include enhanced visual comfort during extended use of digital devices and supports overall wellness.

Helps shield blue light from digital devices and the sun (the largest source of blue light). Benefits include enhanced visual comfort during extended use of digital devices and supports overall wellness. UV Shielding: Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays and shields your eyes from harmful sun exposure which is essential for proactive and long-term eye health.

Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays and shields your eyes from harmful sun exposure which is essential for proactive and long-term eye health. Infrared Capabilities: EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard helps you stay covered from the light that surrounds you every day, including light from devices, windows, and the sun.

Zenni's mission remains clear: to provide innovative, stylish, and defensive eyewear that's accessible to everyone. EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard represents the next chapter in that mission, placing privacy, comfort, and defense at the forefront, while never compromising on style.

For more information about EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard visit zenni.com/eyeqlenz

ABOUT ZENNI:

Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make eyewear affordable and accessible for everyone. With complete prescription pairs starting under $10, Zenni offers adults and children the freedom to see clearly and express themselves through a wide selection of high-quality prescription glasses, sunglasses, protective eyewear, and non-prescription framescurated with fashion, function, and style in mind. Based in the San

Francisco Bay Area, the company has upended the traditional retail model to become the leader in U.S. online eyewear, with over 70 million frames sold worldwide. Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers, Boston Celtics, Monster Jam, Team Liquid, and more. Zenni has collaborated with designers and tastemakers on exclusive collections, including Chase Stokes and George and Claire Kittle. For more information, visit zenni.com/press.

SOURCE Zenni Optical
Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha has received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, who is completing his diplomatic mission in Ukraine after five years of work.

According to the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Sybiha expressed gratitude to Ole Egberg Mikkelsen for his personal dedication to the Ukrainian-Danish partnership and noted that the ties between Ukraine and Denmark established during his tenure go far beyond official relations.

"Denmark has become the world leader in terms of aid to Ukraine in relation to GDP (2.89%) and has provided our state with support of over EUR 9.9 billion. In addition, the unique partnership initiated by Denmark with Mykolaiv and the Mykolaiv region has become a model of regional cooperation for other international partners. We appreciate it very much," Sybiha said.

The Minister also noted the recent launch of the long-term humanitarian support program Ukraine Transition Programme and unprecedented military assistance, namely the transfer by Denmark of its entire artillery arsenal, the provision of F-16 fighter jets, and the launch of the Danish model of direct investment in the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex.

The interlocutors discussed the further development of relations between Ukraine and Denmark on the path to a just peace and the restoration of security in Europe.

The Foreign Minister wished Ole Egberg Mikkelsen success in his new endeavors.
New treasury capabilities equip finance teams to automatically connect to 12,000 institutions and accelerate financial close

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zone & Co , the ERP-native financial operations platform that unifies order-to-cash and procure-to-pay workflows at scale, today announced the launch of direct bank connectivity within ZoneReconcile. The new treasury feature allows finance teams to connect directly to more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions across the U.S., Canada and the European Union, streamlining transaction imports without leaving their ERP environment.

The CFO's mandate is expanding while the pool of accounting talent is shrinking. U.S. accountant and auditor roles are down 17% in two years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This has made automation a burning platform for finance leaders. Yet cash reconciliation, an essential accounting process that underpins treasury visibility, remains stubbornly manual. ZoneReconcile removes that friction with direct connectivity to more than 12,000 financial institutions. By embedding bank connections and reconciliation in the ERP, finance leaders gain real-time liquidity insights and faster financial close across accounts and entities.

"Finance leaders can't afford blind spots in cash visibility or a slow financial close," said Thomas Kim, CEO of Zone & Co. "With the launch of bank connectivity for ZoneReconcile, we deliver real-time liquidity insights and faster financial close, tying treasury directly into the ERP where it belongs. This is a powerful addition to the Zone platform, unifying order-to-cash and procure-to-pay within a single system, without any added integrations."

ZoneReconcile's new bank connectivity allows teams to:

Automate daily transaction imports from thousands of banks , including major financial institutions.

, including major financial institutions. Eliminate manual uploads and file conversions , reducing error-prone processes that delay month-end close.

, reducing error-prone processes that delay month-end close. Match transactions to the general ledger in real-time , accelerating reconciliation while improving audit readiness.

, accelerating reconciliation while improving audit readiness. Consolidate cash management across multiple entities and currencies , without extra tools or third-party systems.

, without extra tools or third-party systems. Maintain a clear audit trail of all reconciled transactions, supporting compliance and financial transparency.

According to Zone & Co data, ZoneReconcile delivers 95% faster reconciliation and 99% fewer reconciliation errors, reducing manual workload, improving accuracy and helping finance teams avoid the workaround and tech sprawl that come with disconnected tools. By keeping the entire reconciliation process within the ERP environment, ZoneReconcile allows teams to streamline operations without compromising control or visibility.

To learn more, register for our upcoming webinar: Automate bank connectivity and accelerate your financial close with ZoneReconcile on September 23 at 10:30 am EDT.

About Zone & Co

Zone & Co transforms financial operations with a powerful platform embedded directly within the industry's leading ERP system. Trusted by 4,000+ customers worldwide, Zone streamlines billing, revenue recognition, AP automation, and reportingunlocking insights that empower finance teams to scale faster, work smarter, and drive growth. Purpose-built by finance leaders, Zone eliminates friction through connected data and intelligent automation, enabling companies to streamline today's operations and scale confidently for the future.

For more information, please visit: www.zoneandco.com or follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/zoneandco .

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Zone & Company Software
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide a guarantee to state-owned Ukreximbank through the Energy Security Support Facility (ESSF). This guarantee will partially cover the credit risk on new loans for Ukrainian businesses to implement various energy projects, up to a total amount of EUR 100 million.

"The Project is provided to finance energy generation, energy storage and energy efficiency sub-projects, including GET-eligible sub-projects (70% of the facility), to Ukrainian private businesses, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), municipalities and municipal companies," the EBRD reports on its website.

Its Board of Directors approved the relevant project on September 9, it will cover up to 50% of the credit risk.

According to the published information, the guarantee is provided in two equal tranches, the second of which is unreserved.

It is noted that Ukreximbank will also receive technical assistance under the ESSF program.

The EBRD materials also state that up to 20% of the guaranteed sub-loans will be used to finance long-term investments of small and medium-sized enterprises within the EBRD-EU4Business Credit Line with incentives.

Ukreximbank is the third bank in Ukraine in terms of total assets as of the middle of this year - UAH 318.6 billion (8.3% of the total assets of the system).

As reported, on September 9 this year, the EBRD also approved the provision of a guarantee to Ukreximbank for new loans in other areas for EUR 100 million, which covers up to 50% of the credit risk.
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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) may provide Lviv Bank with an unsecured EUR 40-million-equivalent-hryvnia loan and guarantees for EUR 31.5 million to cover the credit risk on new loans to the Ukrainian bank for a total amount equivalent to EUR 45 million.

As noted on the EBRD website, its board of directors plans to consider the relevant projects at a meeting on October 22 of this year.

According to published materials, the loan is planned to be provided in four equal tranches of EUR 10 million each. It will consist of two components: at least 75% under the EBRD Resilience and Livelihoods Framework and up to 25% under the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line with incentives to finance long-term capital investments of MSMEs.

As for the guarantee project, unlike most similar projects with larger banks, it is about covering 70% of the risk, and not 50%, as is usual. It is noted that the mechanism will include two sub-limits with a covered portfolio: EUR 36 million under the Resilience and Livelihoods Framework and EUR 9 million under the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line with incentives.

The EBRD indicates that Bank Lviv is a regional bank focused on MSMEs operating in western Ukraine, with total assets of EUR 333 million (0.5% of the market, 23rd place among 60 banks) and a loan portfolio (mainly MSMEs) of approximately EUR 212 million as of the end of Q2 2025 (1.2% of the market). Bank Lviv has its head office in Lviv and 20 branches.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has continued the implementation of a pilot project on the distribution of humanitarian aid in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for household consumers of frontline regions, the Ministry of Energy reported.

According to its release on Thursday, the decision initiated by the Ministry of Energy was adopted within the implementation of the Government Action Program for 2025. It provides for the expansion of the project to household consumers of Zaporizhia region.

The project itself has been extended until May 1, 2026.

"Due to Russian armed aggression and the destruction of distribution networks in front-line regions, some consumers, unfortunately, do not have access to central heat and gas supply. But Ukraine cares about its citizens and continues to attract various support mechanisms. This project has already had positive results and we will continue its implementation in the next heating season," Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk said.

It is assumed that within the project, the needs of consumers will be met at the expense of state-owned companies and international partners.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 883 of August 6, 2024 approved the procedure for implementing a pilot project on the distribution of humanitarian aid, which comes in the form of liquefied natural gas to meet the needs of household consumers under martial law. The purpose of its implementation was to meet the needs of household consumers in Donetsk, Sumy, Kharkiv and Kherson regions, who are suffering from a shortage of energy resources.
Russian troops carried out more than 500 attacks on 18 settlements in Zaporizhia region in a day, Regional Military Administration head Ivan Fedorov has said.

"During the day, the occupiers launched 551 strikes on 18 settlements in Zaporizhia region," he said on Telegram on Thursday morning. He said there were 10 air strikes, 358 UAV attacks, 180 artillery strikes and attacks using multiple launch rocket systems.
Photo: https://x.com/MON_GOV_PL

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Poland Wladyslaw Kosinska-Kamysz has arrived in Kyiv on a visit to discuss military cooperation and repelling Russian aggression, the Polish Ministry of National Defense said on X on Thursday morning.

"Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosinska-Kamysz is visiting Kyiv with a delegation from the Ministry of National Defense and the Polish Armed Forces, where he will discuss, among other topics, military cooperation, further support for Ukraine, which is defending itself, and the security situation in the context of Russian aggression," the message says.

Later, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that he had already met with his Polish counterpart.

"Today in Kyiv, together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Poland Wadysaw Kosinska-Kamysz, we honored those who died for Ukraine," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram, illustrating the post with a joint photo in which both ministers lay flowers at a spontaneous national memorial to those who died for Ukraine near the wall of the St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv.
Photo: https://t.me/Mykola_Kalashnyk

Russian attck drones caused two fires in the Kyiv region on Thursday night, one of which was eliminated, the second was localized, Kyiv Regional Military Administration Mykola Kalashnyk has said.

"Another night attack by the enemy on the Kyiv region with strike drones. Air defense forces were operating in the region. Enemy targets were shot down. There were no casualties among the population. Critical infrastructure facilities were not hit," Kalashnyk said on Telegram on Thursday morning.

According to him, the consequences of the enemy attack were recorded in two districts, and operational services continue to work on eliminating and fixing its consequences.

"In the Boryspil district, rescuers have already localized a fire in warehouses. In the Buchansky district, as a result of the attack, a non-residential building with an area of 100 sq m. caught fire. The fire has been eliminated. A private house and a passenger car were also damaged," Kalashnyk said.

In total, the occupiers attacked Ukraine with 75 drones at night, 48 of which were shot down. 26 strike UAVs were recorded hitting six locations.
Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Andriy Kovalenko has denied reports of the presence of Russian units in Kupyansk.

"As of now, there are no Russians in the center of Kupyansk. Heavy fighting for Kupyansk continues," Kovalenko said on Telegram.

As reported, on Wednesday, the OSINT project DeepState reported on the advancement of Russian occupiers within the city limits of Kupyansk, but there was no mention of penetration into the city center.

On Tuesday, the head of the Kupyansk district military administration, Andriy Kanashevych, said about 800 civilians currently remain in the city, and evacuation is underway. According to him, critical infrastructure in the city is not working, and it is impossible to restore it in the near future.
Photo: National Guard

Ukrainian air defense forces overnight shot down and suppressed 48 strike UAVs during a massive combined attack last night, but 26 enemy drones were hit in six locations.

As the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Telegram on Thursday morning that Russia attacked with 75 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerber and drones of other types from various directions, about 40 of them  Shahed UAVS.

"The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. According to preliminary data, as of 09:00, air defense shot down/suppressed 48 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, and drones of other types in the north, east, and center of the country. One enemy UAV was in the air," the report said.

As reported, on the night of September 17, the air defense neutralized 136 of the 172 drones launched by the occupiers, and two missiles and 36 strike UAVs were recorded at 13 locations.

On the night of September 16, 89 out of 113 enemy-launched drones were neutralized, 22 strike UAVs were recorded hitting six locations, and debris from downed strike drones fell on two locations. On the night of September 15, 59 out of 84 enemy-launched drones were neutralized. All three missiles and 25 strike UAVs were recorded hitting 13 locations.
Ternopil law enforcement officers have detained a driver who caused several accidents and injured a police inspector. The suspect turned out to be an employee of the territorial military recruitment and social services center, according to police in Ternopil region.

On Wednesday, while monitoring social networks, police discovered a video in which the driver of a Skoda car, fleeing from patrol police, committed an accident.

According to preliminary data, patrol officers received information that the driver of the Skoda, who was probably intoxicated, driving from the city of Zbarazh, failed to comply with the requirement to stop.

During the pursuit, the driver created emergency situations for other road users and committed accidents with company cars, as well as with a truck and an Audi sedan.

The police detained the offender and took him to the Ternopil district police department to clarify the circumstances. He turned out to be a 31-year-old employee of the regions territorial military recruitment center.

A few hours before the incident, this driver, while drunk, committed two more traffic accidents.

The issue of bringing the person involved to administrative responsibility under Article 122 (exceeding the established speed limits, driving at a prohibitory traffic signal and violating other traffic rules), Article 124 (violation of traffic rules that caused damage to vehicles), Article 122-4 (leaving the scene of a traffic accident), Article 130 (driving vehicles by persons under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxication) of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses is also being resolved.

The issue of detaining the driver is also being resolved.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has put on the wanted list former Member of Parliament from the Party of Regions Yuriy Ivanyushchenko, who is suspected of legalizing 18 hectares of state land for more than UAH 160 million.

"In the spring of 2021, during a corporate conflict between the former People's Deputy and the developer for control over the Stolichny market in the suburbs of Kyiv, the latter had an intention to transfer the market's assets to controlled persons. To do this, employees of the State Geocadastre changed the purpose of the market's land, part of which was divided into nine plots of two hectares each and transferred to the ownership of predetermined individuals, and then sold to three companies associated with the developer," the NABU said on Telegram on Thursday.

As the investigation established, the parties later settled the conflict by signing an "understanding" on the joint use of the market's land. In September 2021, the former MP's confidant became a beneficiary of land ownership companies.

As reported, NABU and Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) announced the exposure of a scheme to seize and further legalize 18 hectares of state-owned land on September 8. According to them, Ivanyushchenko and Vladyslav Molchanova, the founder of one of the largest capital development companies, Stolitsa Group, were involved in the transaction.

Molchanova published a statement on her own website, in which she claims that the investigation, which "has been going on for more than four years and which, in my opinion, looks like a completely commissioned one, was deliberately accelerated right now."

At the same time, Stolitsa Group emphasized that Molchanova is not among its owners.
Photo: https://t.me/chernigivskaODA/

One rescuer was killed and two others were injured in an attack by Russian occupiers on the city of Nizhyn, Chernihiv Regional Military Administration head Vycheslav Chaus said on Telegram on Thursday morning.

"One of the units of the State Emergency Service (SES) was hit by Shahed UAVs. Cynical and cruel: on the day of the rescuer - on rescuers. Unfortunately, the 45-year-old emergency worker died from his injuries. My condolences to his family and colleagues," Chaus said.

In addition, a 36-year-old rescuer was injured. He is currently under the supervision of doctors in a metropolitan hospital. Another rescuer is in the trauma department. The injured person is 31 years old.

In addition to Nizhyn, a farm in the Novhorod-Siverskyi district was damaged by Russian shelling. A granary and a warehouse were damaged as a result of artillery shelling.

In the Koriukiv district of the Chernihiv region, a forest fire broke out due to a UAV attack - the fire was extinguished.

In total, over the past 24 hours, the aggressor shelled the territory of the region 22 times: 48 attacks were recorded in 14 settlements of the region.

As reported, on September 14, an oil depot and a gas station were destroyed as a result of a UAV strike on Nizhyn. Four rescuers were injured during the liquidation of the consequences of the shelling, three of them as a result of the Russian strike.
Ukrainian AI platform allows commercial buildings to reduce energy consumption by up to 20%

The Ukrainian company AII Systems has launched an artificial intelligence platform that automates the control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This technology enables commercial buildings to reduce their energy consumption by 10-20% without incurring additional capital costs, the company's press service reported.

"Energy efficiency is becoming a determining factor in competitiveness in the commercial real estate sector. Businesses need tools that make energy consumption predictable and transparent. Our AI platform provides this opportunity," said Yaroslav Smolko, CEO and owner of AII Systems.

According to him, the AI platform integrates with existing control systems and analyzes sensor data, weather conditions and the level of building occupancy. Algorithms predict loads and optimize equipment operation in real time. Results are monitored through KPI dashboards: energy consumption; COP; CO level; comfort indicators, etc.

According to the International Energy Agency, HVAC systems consume up to 40% of electricity in commercial buildings. Similar technologies are already actively used in the EU and the USA, where they provide savings of 10-25%.

Smolko noted that even 10% savings will have a significant financial effect, especially for network facilities. In Ukraine, the AII Systems system is already being tested at two commercial facilities, and its effectiveness will be reported in the near future.

AII Systems is a Ukrainian technology company specializing in the development of solutions for energy-efficient building management.
Daniel Miyares is the award-winning author-illustrator of Night Out and Float, and the illustrator of Night Walk to the Sea, written by Deborah Wiles, and That Is My Dream!, a picture book adaptation of Langston Hughess Dream Variation. Here, Miyares reflects on the family history that inspired his new graphic novel, How to Say Goodbye in Cuban, which follows one boys experience during the Cuban Revolution and his journey to the U.S.

Do our names make us who we are? Or do we give meaning to our names? More to the point, to what extent are we the authors of our own stories? I suppose Ive been asking myself these questions my entire life. Im not sure Ive arrived at any real answers, but my new book How to Say Goodbye in Cuban gave me the space to wrestle with them.

Growing up, I knew my middle name was Armstrong (my mothers maiden name) and my last name was Miyares (my dads surname). I spent quite a lot of time with my mothers side of the familyevery Sunday, to be exactat my grannys house, so I felt like I understood what it meant to be an Armstrong. We ate big Sunday dinners complete with fried okra and ham biscuits, sat around in rocking chairs and caught up on the happenings of the past week, andprobably my favorite traditionwe shot off fireworks in the front yard on Christmas Eve. Fireworks and then opening presents, I mean, come on!

But the Miyares side was sort of a mystery to me. I got to see my aunts and cousins every now and again, but rarely. They lived in another state. My mother and father got divorced when I was in the second grade, so my relationship with my father was pretty distant and strained. I knew that he and his brother and sisters came to the U.S. from Cuba when they were just kids, but beyond that, my name was just difficult for people to pronounce. In South Carolina, where I lived, I often had to settle for Meyers during school roll call. For better or worse, that was what I knew about my Cuban heritage. My mother made sure that my brother and I had what we needed growing up, but when I stopped to think about it, there were a lot of lingering questions.

Later on, after graduating from art school, I moved to Kansas City, Mo., to begin working for Hallmark Cards. Late one night, I was woken up by the phoneand by phone, I mean a landline that has that annoying twisty cord attached. Half awake, I stumbled through my one-bedroom apartment to answer it. My dad was on the other end of the line. It was strange for my him to be calling me like that. It had been a while since we had spoken, and he didnt just call out of the blue to check on me. Nevertheless, he was. I think he knew this was a big transition for me. We started with the normal catch-up kind of stuff. He asked if I had a TV. I said I didnt. He said I should have a TV. It would help if I got lonely and he would wire me the money. I told him I didnt need one, but he was going to send the money anyway. He told me that he understood how it felt to leave home and go so far away. He joined the army at 17 and was actually stationed in Kansas for a while. That led to him asking if hed ever told me the whole story of how he came to this country. I said, No! You never did.

He proceeded to recount his journey, during the early 60s just after Castro took control of Cuba. I tried my best to take notes about it all in some steno books that were lying around. I worried that if I didnt write it all down, the stories would just evaporatelike they never happened. The more he spoke, the more overwhelmed I felt with this sense that I wasnt just learning something about him; I was learning things about who I was because of his experiences. My name began to come into sharper focus. I was still me and he was still him, but perhaps I understood some of his choices as a father better. Also, I was struck by the decisions that his father, my grandfather (whom I never met), had to make. What must it have been like to live through a revolution and to have to make the choice to put your wife and kids lives in danger to flee their homeland for an unknown country? This hit me so much harder a decade later when I was a father myself with two small children. Would I have made the same choices?

I sat on the notes from those conversations for almost 20 years. At first, I was content to just have it all on paper and safely tucked away; but as time went on, I felt compelled to retell the stories in some way. I suspected that in the retelling, I might just gain a deeper understanding of my dad and his side of the family. What I didnt see coming in the process were all the ways I would understand myself better. My dad died unexpectedly while I was working on the book. So, Ill never be able to separate its making from my grieving of his passing, but thats okay, I think, because our conversations will live on. They dont just have to be relegated to a dusty drawer in my studio. They can be out in the world, hopefully starting new conversations with young readers. I think my dad would have liked that.

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares. Random House/Schwartz, $21.99 Sept. 30 ISBN 978-0-593-56829-3; $13.99 paper ISBN 978-0-593-56830-9
In Rosa by Any Other Name, Hailey Alcarazs Romeo and Juliet-inspired sophomore novel, Mexican teen Rosa passes as a white girl in 1955, following the Brown v. Board of Education verdict, and struggles when her identity is threatened to be revealed. Josuee Hernandez makes his YA debut this fall with What We Did to Each Other, the tale of biracial 17-year-old Yesenia Rivera, who has always struggled to fit in with her Mexican and white peers. Then a move to a new school grants her the opportunity to present herself as white. Hernandez and Alcaraz discussed addressing white passing from a Latine perspective, how their own culture shows up in their work, and telling stories for marginalized young readers that arent solely focused on tragedy.

Hailey Alcaraz: To kick off, do you want to talk a little bit about your book and the inspiration behind it?

Josuee Hernandez: As I was going through graduate school, Id read a lot of racial passing stories from 20th-century African American literature, and I always thought they were really interesting. But I thought, oh, what if I updated this? What if I thought about it through a Latino perspective? This was something that I hadnt seen, which is why I was very surprised when I heard about your book as well. I was like, Oh, another one! My book is in a more modern setting in the early 2010s, but I think a lot of themes definitely span decades and settings and such.

So tell me about your story.

Alcaraz: Rosa by Any Other Name deals with the topic of passing at school. Very similar to you, I read a lot of civil rights fiction. When I was teaching, I taught To Kill a Mockingbird, and we learned about Emmett Till and delved into the literature of that moment in history after this codified segregation was beginning to unravel, but not in an efficient way. Ive always been fascinated by that, but Ive never really learned about it from the Latine lens. Occasionally, when I would teach these units, I would see the Jim Crow-esque signs saying things like No dogs or Mexicans allowed. I had a sense that when theres discrimination like that somewhere for one group, theyre probably doing it to everyone else too, in some way, shape or form, and I found out about Mexican schools in the southwest, about how they would often put kids in different groups. And they would say, Oh, its language deficiency, but they never really looked at whether these kids spoke English or not.

My protagonist is white passing, much like myself, and she is at the white high school trying to go to college. Her whole arc concerns how she can legally be there as school segregation is not legal anymore, but theyre not integrating as quickly as the law says they should. Its still a very precarious situation for her to be lying about who she is. Then tragedy unfolds and her identity is exposed, and shes forced into the spotlight.

Hernandez: Yeah, I saw that it was a retelling of Romeo and Juliet.

Alcaraz: I often call it a Romeo and Juliet sequel rather than a retelling, because the events my book focus on are what happens after Romeo and Juliet die and how a community responds to tragedy. But yes, it is centered around the idea of two star-crossed lovers meeting an untimely death, from Rosalines perspective. Rosa is my take on Rosaline.

From a former educator to a current educator, what do you think books like this do for kids? What do you hope kids make sense of when they read your book?

Hernandez: I want students to be able to connect with stories. I think a lot of texts that are chosen [in classrooms] have very broad, universal themes, but still, when you have particular students, for example Latino students, they might not be able to connect as much [to these texts]. Stories need to be provided for students of different backgrounds. I saw that when your character Rosa is at home, and she is talking to her parents, theyre speaking Spanish. And I was like, Oh yes, I understand that. I get that. Thats totally relatable. And so thats what Im hoping for my students to get. For every student, theres the broad universal themes, and then theres the way it can also exist in a very relatable, one-on-one way to my Latino students.

Alcaraz: Its kind of like that windows and mirrors thing, right? For mirrors, you hope some students see themselves, but hopefully, theres also students from different backgrounds who would never consider that perspective learning from your characters as well. I think thats really powerful for them.

Hernandez: Absolutely.

Alcaraz: What elements of your background found a place in the story?

Hernandez: A lot of Chicano stories I read while growing up tended to take place in California or Texas. I thought they were interesting and I could relate to them, but theres just not as many Latinos in the Pacific Northwest. But were here and there are stories here that are interesting, and deserve to be told. Think about the Zoot Suit Riots and repatriation that was happening in the southwest lots of history there. I thought it would be interesting to stick to this particular geography when telling this story. And what about yourself, regarding your background and your text?

Alcaraz: I have always been fascinated with the white Latina identity. I heard the term for the first time in my 20s, and I was like, oh, thats what I am. Growing up as a biracial person, I often felt like I was not white enough or not Mexican enough. I thought, well, theres probably just no one who feels like I do. And then when I went to college in those early years, I was like, Oh, theres lots of people who feel this way. Thats why I wanted to write books that always center people who feel like theyre at the crux of two different cultures and explore what it means to not fit in either neat little box, in the hopes that when people [like me] are growing up, they also feel seen. I think a lot of books do this for a lot of different cultures and ethnicities, but I hadnt stumbled across work that was specifically for people who are white and Mexican. Rosa is my second book, but both of my books explore that. Ive had a lot of readers reach out and say, this is really eye-opening to see where we are now, knowing where we came from. And that is the ultimate goal when you write about these challenging things.

Josuee, you know how long it takes to get a book published. [The things that are happening today] werent really happening when I started writing this draft in 2021, and its horrifying, but it reminds me of how necessary books that deal with this kind of stuff are for young readers.

Hernandez: Its an important story to tell. I felt a little bit of pressure to not tell the tragedy story. I think theres a lot of nobility in telling stories that arent those, but we are also overrepresented in low-income backgrounds and have a history of marginalization. I think we cant be too paternalistic towards students and readers. I think they can read between the lines. They can read those stories and garner the truth from that. It doesnt need to be tragic, but they understand what it means and can garner that happiness from seeing these kinds of stories with these kinds of struggles.

Alcaraz: Absolutely. It can be heavy, but also hopeful. And I think that is the sweet spot for issue books like these.

Rosa by Any Other Name by Hailey Alcaraz. Viking, Aug. 5 $20.99; ISBN 978-0-593-52557-9

What We Did to Each Other by Josuee Hernandez. Flux, Sept. 30 $21.99 ISBN 978-1-63583-107-8
China's central SOEs achieve solid growth in assets, profits

Xinhua) 08:07, September 18, 2025

Zhang Yuzhuo, chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, attends a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on forging ahead during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and driving the high-quality growth of central SOEs in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's centrally administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have achieved robust growth in both total assets and profits during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to the state assets regulator on Wednesday.

Zhang Yuzhuo, chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, revealed at a press conference that centrally administered SOEs' total assets have expanded from under 70 trillion yuan (about 9.86 trillion U.S. dollars) to over 90 trillion yuan, while total profits have increased from 1.9 trillion yuan to 2.6 trillion yuan. This represents average annual growth rates of 7.3 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively.

"After years of dedicated efforts, centrally administered SOEs have made substantial progress in innovation capacity," Zhang noted, highlighting that their research and development expenditures have exceeded 1 trillion yuan for three consecutive years.

Additionally, centrally administered SOEs have contributed over 10 trillion yuan in taxes and fees during this period, Zhang said.

China's central SOEs have maintained an average annual growth rate exceeding 20 percent in terms of investment in strategic emerging industries -- fostering globally competitive industrial clusters in next-generation information technology, new energy, new materials and high-end equipment, according to Zhang.

Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, cumulative investment by central SOEs in these sectors has reached 8.6 trillion yuan, said Yuan Ye, deputy head of the SASAC.

From 2021 to 2024, central SOEs completed fixed-asset investments totaling 19 trillion yuan -- achieving an average annual growth rate of 6.3 percent, Yuan added.

Central SOEs account for approximately 80 percent of domestic crude oil production, 70 percent of natural gas output and 60 percent of power supply, playing an indispensable role in energy and food security as well as logistics.

In recent years, their annual procurement volume has exceeded 15 trillion yuan -- directly driving growth for around 2 million upstream and downstream enterprises and indirectly impacting nearly 7 million related businesses.

At the same event, Li Zhen, another deputy head of the SASAC, highlighted that in 2024, investment in strategic emerging industries had for the first time made up over 40 percent of central SOEs' total investment. Operating revenue stemming from these sectors exceeded 11 trillion yuan last year -- representing almost 30 percent of the total.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), efforts will be intensified to enhance the role of central SOEs as major drivers of technological innovation. The focus will be on breakthroughs in core technologies, strengthening the capabilities in the supply of original and leading technologies, and promoting deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation, Zhang added.

Zhang Yuzhuo, chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, attends a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on forging ahead during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and driving the high-quality growth of central SOEs in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

Journalists work at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on forging ahead during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and driving the high-quality growth of central SOEs in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference on forging ahead during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and driving the high-quality growth of central SOEs in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

A journalist asks questions at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on forging ahead during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and driving the high-quality growth of central SOEs in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Polish Defense Minister Polish Defence Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has said that during his visit to Kyiv, an agreement on cooperation between the ministries of defense of Poland and Ukraine will be signed.

"We will sign an agreement on cooperation between the ministries, as well as on acquiring drone control skills. The negotiations will concern the development of joint industry initiatives. I think that the Poles are very much looking forward to this - after such enormous efforts aimed at helping the population," the press service of the Polish Defense Ministry quotes the minister as saying.

"Another issue is improving the skills of our troops based on the experience in Ukraine," he said, adding "The implementation of lessons learned on the new battlefield is crucial for the transformation of the Polish Armed Forces and for the transformation of NATO as a whole. Another important element is the development of the NATO-Ukraine JATEC Analytical, Training and Educational Center in Bydgoszcz."

According to the head of the Polish department, in addition to meeting with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, he will soon hold talks with the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov.

"A whole series of discussions about what we can do together to protect ourselves, support each other and acquire new skills. We - to apply the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. And Ukraine - to be attractive to the Western world. Because the worst that can happen is Ukraine's return to Moscow," Kosiniak-Kamysz said, adding adding that he began his visit to Kyiv on Thursday with Deputy Minister of Defense Pawel Zalewski, representatives of the Polish Armed Forces.
To celebrate their debut picture book, The Invisible Parade, creator of the Grishaverse series Leigh Bardugo and World Fantasy Award and Hugo Award winner and illustrator John Picacio hit the road for a national book tour.

The tour drew more than 1,500 readers, a particularly exciting feat for Picacio, as this was his first book tour. Over the course of the events, the creators greeted Bardugo fans in cosplay for her previous novels, along with art enthusiasts eager for Picacios latest work. Weve gathered some of the highlights.

On August 14, Bardugo (third from l.) and Picacio (fourth from l.) made an appearance at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, Wash., for a pre-order event. Here the creators hang out with staff.

Bardugo and Picacio greet a dog during their signing event at Third Place Books.

The editorial team at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers gave the creators a warm welcome during their visit to the Hachette offices in New York City. The pair held a staff book signing, which brought 100 fans. Here, (from l.) New Leaf Literary agent Jordan Hill, LBYR editor-in-chief Alvina Ling, Leigh Bardugo, John Picacio, LBYR assistant editor Crystal Castro, and New Leaf Literary owner Joanna Volpe.

Bardugo and Picacio visited the Barnes & Noble Union Square in New York City for their sold-out launch event on August 25.

Picacio speaks with a young reader during the Barnes & Noble Union Square book signing.

On August 26, Bardugo and Picacio visited An Unlikely Story in Plainville, Mass., where they signed more than 200 copies of The Invisible Parade.

Bardugo and Picacio onstage during their event at An Unlikely Story.

Bardugo and Picacio closed out their sold-out event at An Unlikely Story with a photo with fans.

From the stage of Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville, Ill., on August 27, Bardugo and Picacio discuss The Invisible Parade before a crowd of 250 at an event hosted by Andersons Bookshop.

At Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston on August 29, Bardugo was greeted by a fan cosplaying a character from her Grishaverse series.

On August 30, Texas Public Radio hosted Bardugo and Picacio for a sold-out book talk and signing with Nowhere Bookshop.

The duo finished off their tour on a high note with a stop at Vromans Bookstore in Pasadena, Calif. Their sold-out event was followed by a book signing, where Bardugo and Picacio met another fans dog.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com

Choven Publishing House has canceled the planned presentation of the research book by Oksana Briukhovetska, titled "Voices of Black Lives Matter" in Lviv due to threats.

"The situation that developed around the presentation in Lviv of the important research book by Oksana Bryukhovetska forced us to make the decision to cancel the event. Over the past few days, we have received many brutal, racist, hateful comments and threats on social networks against the author and the publishing house regarding the planned event. It was difficult to understand where these people came from and why they were writing this," the publishing house said in a statement on social networks.

It is noted that among the commentators there were many bots, but there were quite real Ukrainians.

"None of them have read the book, do not understand the context that the author wrote about, and why this study is important for Ukrainian readers precisely at the time of Russian aggression against Ukraine... It all came down to manipulation of the tragedy of Iryna Zarutska and the fact that her murderer was a black American," the report says.

The publishing house said the book was written in the fall of 2024, and was published in early July of this year.

Choven publishes books that help readers understand how complex the modern world is and how much we need to understand and do to win a worthy place for ourselves in it, so as not to be left alone with the enemy during a great war. This, in particular, is what Oksana Bryukhovetska writes about in he book, the publishing house said.

As reported, on August 26, a man fatally stabbed 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska at a light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. A 34-year-old homeless man, DeCarlos Brown Jr., was charged with first-degree murder.
The governments case against Google is on its way to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington. Google is likely to contest both the finding last April that it is a monopolist and the remedy just ordered by Judge Amit Mehta ending Googles exclusive agreements with Apple and other platforms. The government is likely to appeal as well, claiming that the remedies ordered are insufficient and renewing its call to strip Google of its browser, Chrome.

This case marks the first high-tech antitrust case to go to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington since 2001, when the Clinton Administration sued Microsoft for monopolizing Intel-compatible operating systems for personal computers. The Microsoft case was settled as the Bush II administration took over, so we never received the Supreme Courts views.

The Google and Microsoft cases are strikingly similar, with implications for how the Google decision should be reviewed.

The predicate for the Microsoft antitrust case was that there was a market for operating systems on Intel-compatible personal computers, and Windows had monopolized it. The government admitted that Microsoft had created a superior product: the Windows operating system. The trial court and the court of appeals found Microsoft had unfairly excluded opportunities for other operating systems by pre-loading Windows on laptops. The courts found that Microsoft had then used its monopoly position in operating systems on PCs to exclude competitors in another market: web browsers.

In the Google case, the government claimed and Judge Mehta held that Google had monopolized the market for general internet search. Google had a superior product, no one doubted. The problem was its exclusive deals with Apple and other platforms that did not allow for other search engines (Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, etc.) to compete. This allowed Google to achieve a monopoly in general text search advertising as well.

Each case started with a definition of a relevant economic market. The Microsoft court found that Windows had more than a 90% market share. The Google court found Google had an 89% share of its market. Each court concluded a monopoly had been proven to exist. If the market shares were lower, the cases could not have proceeded as they did. A companys actions against a rival are judged entirely differently in antitrust depending on whether that company has a monopoly in a relevant market. This makes the definition of the market crucial in each case.

In Microsoft, the trial court had excluded the operating systems for what it called handheld devices. In 1998, when the Clinton Administration initiated its antitrust suit against Microsoft, there were no iPhones. Tablets had limited functionality. Laptops were less common than desktops. The court of appeals excluded the operating system for Macs from the market, due to the effort involved in learning the new system.

Today, smart phones allow for uses that we thought only possible on a desktop, or a main frame, in 1998. The market shares for operating systems today, reported by GlobalStats, lists Windows share down to 27%, with Apple at 16%; and the dominant player Android at 44%.

A similar change in the market for search has already begun, through the influx of generative AI hardware. Google has its own AI product. Other competitors abound: Open AI (with Microsoft as a large shareholder), Microsofts own product (Azure), and AWS are each significant competitors.

While Judge Mehta was writing his ruling this summer, Google was announcing a major change in its search technology, integrating AI so fundamentally as to challenge the dividing line between AI and traditional search. If the relevant economic market is most accurately considered to be AI, Google would no longer be the must-have app on a cell-phone. Apple has its own AI tool, Apple Intelligence. Samsung has its own AI tool, Galaxy AI. Each platform will preload AI or a search engine, or both, responding to its users preferences. The market consisting of search engines, without including AI, is already obsolete.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has announced an increase in the number of field consular services at Ukrainian embassies around the world, thanks to which in September more than 1,000 Ukrainians gained access to consular services, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has said.

"We understand that in the conditions of an increase in the number of requests in the most "loaded" countries, it may be difficult for citizens to catch "slots" in the e-Queue and get to a consular reception. Therefore, we are constantly looking for ways to simplify access to the services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through digitalization, simplification of procedures, and now also the activation of field consular services," Sybiha said on Facebook.

In practice, he explained, this means that not only citizens go to consulates, but also consulates go to citizens with mobile devices to provide services and serve them directly where they live.

"To do this, we are equipping consular teams with the necessary equipment and reorganizing their work. Since the beginning of September, 38 foreign diplomatic missions in countries with the highest workload, where citizens have been waiting for a long time for a visit in the "e-Queue", have received instructions to intensify field services. Over the past two weeks, 18 such field consular receptions have been held, during which more than 1,000 citizens took advantage of the additional opportunity to access services," the minister said.

In total, 62 additional field services are planned by the end of the year.

"We continue to actively provide diplomatic missions with the necessary additional equipment, in particular mobile passport complexes. We are constantly working to improve the quality of consular services, expand the list of services and scale the places where consular receptions are held. This is about strengthening the presence, maintaining ties and the state's care for its citizens abroad," Sybiha said.
The Islamic Republic of Irans president will address the United Nations even as his government silences its citizens with the noose. Masoud Pezeshkian, scheduled to visit New York on September 23 for the UN General Assembly, lectured the world expansively about human rights last year. He spoke about the war in Gaza and human rights in general, with little reference to his own country, which executes the worlds second-largest number of people every year, behind only China.

Under the so-called reformist president, executions and crackdowns have only surged. This cruelty targets not only Iranians accused of common crimes, but also those with the wrong politics or religious identity.

It is not enough to focus purely on Irans nuclear ambitions. Pezeshkians UNGA appearance is an opportunity for the United States and the rest of the world to call out Tehrans abuses of the Iranian people, engage openly with dissidents, and levy new sanctions on those responsible.

This is especially urgent as repression inside the country has deepened this year, worsening still further since the 12-day war with Israel in June. Pezeshkians government executed 975 Iranians in 2024, making it the top state killer per capita, a U.S. State Department report released August 12 said.

That pace has increased this year. From January through August, more than 841 people have been executed by the regime, and more than 21,000 people have been taken into custody since the late-June ceasefire alone.

Once arrested, dissidents are often charged with waging war against God, a capital offense. Thirty-one Iranians were executed on political charges in 2024. Though the tally for 2025 still has months to run, evidence suggests a post-war surge. As of early August, 67 political prisoners were on death row, including nine accused of spying for Israel or the United States. Despite a lack of credible evidence, Israeli spies made up six of 17 security-related executions in June.

Religious minorities, particularly Jews, remain another central target of the theocratic, Shia-supremacist state. Government officials, including the supreme leader, president, and other top officials, routinely engaged in egregious antisemitic rhetoric and Holocaust denial and distortion, the State Department report noted.

Since the June 24 ceasefire, Iranian authorities have stepped up arrests of religious minorities under the false pretext of espionage. At least 53 Christians have been detained over alleged ties to Israels spy agency, the Mossad. Security forces raided more than a dozen Bahai homes and detained four whose whereabouts remain unknown. More than two dozen Jews were interrogated, and five are still in custody  including one American accused of having links to Israel.

Other criminals include members of teachers unions, petroleum industry workers, and bus drivers, all of whom have been arrested for protesting low wages and a lack of benefits. A strike by the Truckers and Drivers Union grew into a week-long protest in May, spanning more than 40 cities nationwide, only to be crushed through arrests and intimidation.

But Tehrans repression reaches far beyond political and religious targets. Irans economy, gutted by sanctions brought on by the regime, has driven many into a world of illicit drugs to make ends meet. It then punishes them with amputations and executions, transforming its own failures into further brutality.

In 2024 alone, the regime carried out 485 drug-related executions, representing 79 percent of all drug-related executions worldwide. At least 343 executions occurred in the first four months of 2025  a 75 percent increase over the same period in 2024.

The cruelty extends to lesser punishments. More than 148 crimes are punishable by flogging in Iran, and 20 by amputation, the State Department report said. On June 10, two men had their hands amputated in Isfahan Central Prison, and on July 30 authorities in Urmia Prison amputated four fingers from the right hands of three prisoners, all convicted of theft.

Many in Washington are rightly focused on Irans nuclear program, but human rights must be part of the conversation. The 12-day war showed the weakness and fallibility of the regime, generating a sense of hope in average Iranians. We cannot let that momentum fade. What is needed is a strategy of maximum support for the Iranian people, alongside maximum pressure against the regime.

That means reaching average Iranians directly with communication campaigns, pairing words with tangible aid for protesters, and ensuring they remain connected to the world with internet access during times of unrest. Support for their human rights is support for the only force that can end the Islamic Republic, something no bombing run can ever do.

Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence.
Instagram / Joan Vassos

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/17/2025



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Joan Vassos has addressed rumors she and fiance Chock Chapple secretly tied the knot.Amid speculation Joan and Chock had a quiet wedding ceremony without involving their fans in any way, Joan set the record straight during a recent appearance on Kyle Ridley's "The Tangle" podcast.Joan confirmed that she and Chock remain engaged and in love -- but they're in no rush to become spouses.And when they finally do exchange vows, Joan shared how she feels she owes Bachelor Nation a front seat, or at least access to all the couple's wedding photos."My relationship with the viewers is, I mean, paramount. It honestly is," Joan insisted."I am so grateful that people watch the show, because there are a lot of things to watch and there is a lot of reality TV. I feel really kind of responsible to that."Joan continued: "Chock and I, they watched this whole journey, they invested in us. You see on Instagram, they are wondering, did we get married? They are watching what we are doing and I would never leave them at the door."Joan therefore said her fans will definitely know when she and Chock become husband and wife."I feel like just because the show is over, the door shouldn't be shut," Joan said."They deserve to see how this progresses, and if it does well, you know, celebrate with us. And if it doesn't do well, understand what happened."But Joan clarified that her relationship with Chock is definitely thriving."I mean, clearly it's doing well; we're better than we've ever been," Joan gushed."We're as close as somebody who's been dating for a year should be or engaged at this point. But I would never want for them to find out that we got married and not know that. I don't think it's fair."In terms of what Joan envisions for her big day, she shared, "People say, 'Will you get married on TV?' It hasn't been offered to us.""And so I am perfectly happy doing our own family wedding with our family and friends. But I would never not put some pictures up and let you know what's happening," she concluded.Joan had selected Chock as her winner and they got engaged on the show's finale that aired in November 2024 on ABC.Ever since then, fans have been wondering when Joan and Chock are going to tie the knot."My son is getting married this summer, so I'm focusing on that. And honestly, I just don't feel like planning a wedding right now," Joan said on the "Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour" podcast earlier this year.Joan went on to admit: "And you know what? There's also a little part of my brain that says, 'If we get married, then we have to make more of an effort to live in the same place,' and we're not ready to do that yet."Joan currently resides in Maryland while Chock is based in Kansas. The pair had decided to continue living in their respective states in order to be close to their parents, children and grandkids.(Joan welcomed four kids with her late husband John Vassos, who passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer in 2021. Chock, for his part, shares two children with his ex-wife Heather)."He has a business that needs his attention, or he could sell it. The end goal is to sell it, but right now, it needs his attention," Joan shared at the time.Joan added how she's not having any more babies and so she's not worried about her "biological clock" or anything like that."We are in a good place; We don't need to have a marriage certificate to say that we're in a good place," Joan insisted. "[But] one day, we'll have a wedding!"In the meantime, the couple has been traveling and enjoying time together.Chock said in February, "As you get older, it's really not that important. We want to get married, but the timing just needs to be right.""We see each other at least every other week and it's going very well. She's a great lady!" he added.And Joan told Parade around that same time that wedding planning seemed "overwhelming," even thought she was convinced her romance with Chock will last forever."I fall more and more in love with him every day," she gushed."He has a great sense of humor. He's an easy person to be around. He's funny. My kids adore him. My grandson, [the] last time Chock was leaving, he said, 'I don't want that guy to go.' He requires nothing."Joan also threw shade at The Golden Bachelor couple Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist for tying the knot in January 2024, just a few months after their marriage proposal aired on ABC, and then filing for divorce in April 2024.During a January episode of the "Two Jersey Js" podcast, Joan said, "I think that we all kind of maybe learned a lesson from Gerry and Theresa that maybe that was too quick and they probably don't want to make that mistake again.""I certainly am not in any rush to get married. I am actually really happy right now, just not having anything to do," she added.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Vortex Optics Defender series of open emitter pistol optics have been a welcome addition to the world of red dots and proven to punch way above their price class. The question everyone has been asking, what about an enclosed dot? was sort of teased with the release of Vortexs Viper Shotgun Enclosed MRDS. But now it has finally arrived, a Defender series enclosed MRDS in both Delta Point Pro and Shield RMS footprints!

While these were released officially today, Vortex sent out testing units several weeks ago. Since then, weve been beating ours up at IDPA, PCSL, and 2-Gun matches along with multiple range trips to see how they perform.

Good news; these dots rock. Better news; the price is reasonable with a $400 MSRP for the CCW and $530 for the ST. That will likely put the street price around $300 and $400, respectively.

FEATURES, PROS & CONS

7075 aluminum enclosed housing

3 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle Multi-Reticle

Solar power system + CR2032 battery

35,000-hour run time w/o Solar, 150,000-hour run time w/ Solar

10 daylight + 2 night-vision brightness settings

10-minute auto shutoff

Automatic motion activation

PROS: Enclosed emitter

Extremely durable

Solar power supply + battery

Affordable CONS: DPP footprint isnt as common as RMR for full-size MRDS

The new Defender Enclosed red dots come with several features carried over from the open emitter Defender line while improving on others. Carried over is the aggressive front texture on the optic housing, great for when you need to charge the pistol off the optic and for protecting the glass.

(front) Enclosed Defender CCW on a Strike Industry P365 Slide, (rear) Enclosed Defender ST on a Springfield Prodigy Comp

While the first generation of the open emitter Defender CCW had a dot with a lower refresh rate, every generation and model since then has used a much higher rate for a smooth dot when transitioning targets  this faster rate is also used in these new enclosed models.

New to the enclosed is replacing the rubber top with a solar top for added battery life.

ON THE RANGE

For a lot of people, a dot is a dot. But like wine, whiskey, or anything else that takes taste  there is more to it than that, even if it isnt always apparent. I cant tell you the difference between a California Pinot Noir and a wine that comes from anywhere else, but I know what red dots suck and what dots are good to go. In my book, the Enclosed Defenders are good to go.

Lens color is a slight blue-green that should be expected these days for a red dot, but its pretty minor, especially for a dot with as long a battery life as this. Lens distortion is almost non-existent and thats impressive with a dot of this price.

Consistent hits on steel at 50 yards were made easier because of the quality of the lens. No distortion and only a very light tint made life a lot easier at range.

Window size isnt massive like on the Defender XL, but its normal for a standard size and CCW size red dots. Vortex hasnt released the official number at the time of writing, but using my calipers, I measured 20mm window on the Enclosed Defender ST and 18mm on the Enclosed Defender CCW.

Is bigger better? Maybe, depends on the application. But for what these are intended for, namely duty and CCW-type pistols, the size makes sense and works well. While I like a larger XL-sized window for competition, the ST in IDPA and 2-Gun worked just fine.

LOOSE ROUNDS

Vortex has come a long way in the pistol optics world, and the Defender line has absolutely cemented itself as a viable option for duty, defense, and recreation. This enclosed addition to the line only makes that case stronger and adds options for the user.

Combined with Vortexs warranty and the relatively reasonable price, these are a no-brainer if youre in the market.
Delhi-based pharma major Mankind Pharma on Wednesday announced a collaboration with OpenAI to institutionalise artificial intelligence (AI) across its value chain, making it one of the first few Indian pharmaceutical companies to fully integrate advanced AI into its core operations.

Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

As part of the collaboration, Mankind will integrate OpenAI Enterprise across multiple functions, including field force enablement, digital marketing, research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and medical affairs.

GPT-powered dashboards will be used to provide real-time, data-driven insights across R&D, supply chain and commercial operations, a company executive told Business Standard.

People in the know added that the collaboration has been envisioned for a long time, with no specific timeframe discussed.

For advanced clinical intelligence, the partnership aims to help in streamlining literature reviews and real-time insights from clinical and genomic data, propelling scientific discovery forward.

This comes even as global trends are being seen with leading pharma companies embracing AI across drug discovery, clinical trials, manufacturing, and patient engagement, with drugmakers like Merck and Pfizer already harnessing Gen AI.

While Merck utilises its proprietary platform AIDDISON for drug discovery, Pfizer employs Gen AI-powered chatbots to deliver personalised messages to clinical trial participants.

Commenting on the same, Arjun Juneja, chief operating officer at Mankind Pharma, said that AI is no longer optional, but a strategic enabler.

With this collaboration, Mankind is signalling that Indian pharma too is ready to compete on innovation and digital leadership, not just scale and cost, he told Business Standard.

The move also comes at a time when several Indian drugmakers have been looking to invest more into R&D and diversify offerings into novel therapies, biosimilars and complex generics.

According to a recent report by EY, leveraging Gen AIs potential could lower early-stage drug development costs by 25 to 50 per cent and accelerate failure identification, helping Indian firms go beyond generics.

In India, the expansion of biotech incubators and pharma startups is anticipated to play a pivotal role in propelling the growth of the Indian biopharma industry.

"Indian companies have increasingly started experimenting with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Gen AI applications in R&D, highly targeted therapies, and operational efficiency improvement, the report added.

Since July 2025, Mankind Pharma has deployed a wide range of customised GPTs across its workforce, notably enhancing the effectiveness of sales and marketing teams.

These AI tools are sharpening messaging, enabling faster multilingual communication, strengthening demand planning, improving procurement, and enhancing commercial operations, the company said.

Oliver Jay, managing director, International at OpenAI added that Mankind Pharmas company-wide adoption of ChatGPT Enterprise shows the practical role AI can play in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday asked India Inc to take advantage of the policies and reforms undertaken by the government and no longer hesitate to invest more and expand capacities.

IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (R) and Tata group Chairman N Chandrasekaran. Photograph: Nirmala Sitharaman

Sitharaman also asked the industry to partner with the government for skilling the youth and also to engage with the government throughout the year, and not just before the Budget.

Speaking at the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM) symposium, Sitharaman said the path to Viksit Bharat will be guided by a seasoned approach to quality management, identifying the levels and sectors within manufacturing and services where interventions are most needed.

To a question by Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran on her key asks from the industry, Sitharaman listed out three points -- invest more, partner with the government in skilling youth, and have a year-round engagement with the government and not just before the Budget.

She said the government has been steadily moving and with necessary seriousness, as per the expectation of the industry and cited several government initiatives for promoting ease of doing business, tax-related benefits, framing policies to make businesses better off and opening up for more FDI.

"... Today I have a basket of things on which the government has delivered," Sitharaman said, adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never relented on reforms, nor has he ignored the wishlist of the industry.

"... I hope there is no more hesitation for the industry to invest further, to expand capacities, produce more in India, and spell out what else is required by the government to do," Sitharaman said.

On the point of skilling youth, Sitharaman said she would want the private sector to partner with the government in preparing youth to be fit for quick and direct employment.

On the third point of industry engagement, she said the interaction with the government should be ongoing.

"It should not be just before the Budget... We are all here to hear you and respond," the Minister said.

Responding to the finance minister's call to the industry to make investments, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran acknowledged that the opportunity and the platform that the government has given are enormous, both in the domestic market and in the export market.

"I firmly believe that more entrepreneurs, more small and medium companies and big corporates would make a lot of investments.

"I'm very confident, because without that investment, we will not be able to capture the opportunity," he noted.

Stating that "the world is calling for resilience and supply chain, alternative sources", Chandrasekaran said, "India is the best place with the leadership that the Prime Minister provides for all of us."

To maintain economic momentum during the COVID period, the Modi government has increased capital expenditure by investing in infrastructure.

The government has set a total capital expenditure target of Rs 11.21 trillion for 2025-26 (Apr-Mar).

In the first four months of this fiscal, capital expenditure is up 33 per cent year-on-year at Rs 3.47 trillion.

The government has been encouraging private sector industries to invest in capacity expansion, but private investment continues to lag behind government capex.

According to a survey released in April by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) private investment is expected to be 26 per cent lower in FY26 at Rs 4.89 lakh crore.

According to the ministry, private companies had spent Rs 4.22 trillion on capital expenditure in FY'24, Rs 5.72 trillion in FY'23, and Rs 3.95 trillion in FY'22.

Sitharaman further said that India's most significant contributor to the GDP is from the MSME sector, and the government has ensured that the Small Industries Development Bank of India is physically present in MSME clusters.

"Even in this day and age when we are talking about digital banking, we insisted that SIDBI would be present in each of these clusters," Sitharaman added.
Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran on Thursday said he expects that a solution to the tariff issues with the US is likely to be arrived in the next eight to ten weeks.

Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

The additional 25 per cent tariff imposed by the US on Indian products for the country's purchases of Russian oil came into effect in August, bringing the total amount of levy on New Delhi to 50 per cent.

Speaking at an interactive session organised by Bharat Chamber of Commerce here, he said, "Underneath the surface, conversations are going on between the two governments.

"My hunch is that in the next eight to ten weeks, we will likely see a solution to the penal tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods."

India's exports to the US stood at $85 billion.
Do home prices really never fall? Ramalingam Kalirajan begs to differ.

Kindly note that this illustration generated using Microsoft Copilot has only been posted for representational purposes.

Have you ever heard someone confidently say, 'Home prices never fall'?

Chances are, you have -- because it's the most common sales pitch in the real estate market.

The phrase is thrown around so casually, as if it's a law of nature.

But here's the reality: Home prices do fall, just like the prices of stocks, bonds, gold, or even onions at the vegetable market.

Think about it -- have you ever seen gold prices drop? Or stock markets crash? Of course, you have.

Real estate is no different. Believing otherwise could turn into one of the costliest financial mistakes you ever make.

1. Why the 'Prices Never Fall' Belief Exists

So, why does this myth exist in the first place? Quite simply, because it benefits the real estate industry.

Every broker, builder, and even many homeowners want you to believe in only two scenarios:

Prices will go up.

Prices will stay the same.

The third possibility -- prices falling -- is conveniently left out of the conversation.

Why? Because if buyers believed that prices could fall, they would delay their purchase, slowing down the entire real estate machine.

And remember, real estate is not just about buying homes. It's about keeping money flowing -- into construction, into loans, and into the hands of developers.

The 'never fall' narrative acts like fuel for the engine. Without it, many buyers would simply wait and watch.

2. How Real Estate Differs from Other Industries

Think about it this way: Maruti Suzuki invests its own money to build a car first, and then sells it to the buyer. The risk lies with the company, not the customer.

But in real estate, the model is flipped: Builders sell homes before they are constructed. Over 60% of most projects are actually funded by homebuyers themselves.

If you don't buy early, the builder may not even have the funds to complete construction.

So what happens? Builders have a strong incentive to keep you convinced that prices never fall.

Because the moment buyers hesitate, the cash flow dries up. And if that happens, the entire project could get stuck.

That's why the 'never fall' story isn't just marketing -- it is survival for many developers.

3. The Power of Narrative in Driving Home Sales

Have you noticed how builders offer discounts disguised as fancy offers?

Instead of admitting to a price cut, they'll say things like:

'Zero GST'

'No stamp duty'

'Free modular kitchen'

'Holiday in Maldives'

At the end of the day, these are indirect ways of reducing the price without admitting that the myth has cracked.

Because once the narrative breaks, so does the sales cycle.

Imagine if a builder openly said, 'Yes, we're cutting prices by 10%.' What would happen?

Every prospective buyer would wait for another 10%.

That's why they carefully mask it as a perk, bonus, or festive offer.

The price cut is real -- but the story is carefully hidden.

4. What Really Happens When Prices Don't Match Reality

Narratives may be powerful, but reality always has the final say.

If a product isn't selling at a given price, there's only one logical outcome -- the price has to be cut. It's basic economics.

But in housing, this truth gets camouflaged behind layers of creative marketing.

Instead of admitting to a price correction, builders invent 'offers': Free parking, waived stamp duty, or a so-called festive discount.

The buyer feels like they are getting a deal, but in reality, the builder is quietly lowering the cost without calling it a price drop.

Why? Because the moment the industry openly acknowledges falling prices, confidence shatters.

And in real estate, confidence is everything.

5. Why Homeowners Perpetuate the Myth

Here's another twist -- this myth isn't just kept alive by brokers and builders.

Even homeowners play their part. Why? It's simple human psychology.

People love to share stories of profit, but hate admitting to loss.

At weddings, family functions, or office gatherings, everyone proudly boasts about how their property value 'doubled' in five years.

But when prices dip, silence takes over.

Nobody wants to be the person admitting they bought at the peak and are now sitting on a (notional) loss.

This selective storytelling creates a biased illusion: It looks like property prices only go one way -- up. The reality, of course, is very different.

6. The Silent Truth: Real Examples of Price Declines

Let's cut through the noise and look at actual numbers.

According to real estate research firm Liases Foras, property prices in South Mumbai -- India's most premium market -- have fallen by 10% since 2013.

Think about that. If the country's most elite market can decline, why wouldn't others?

Yet, you rarely hear such stories in casual conversations.

The silence keeps the myth alive, while the real data quietly tells a very different story.

7. Market, Location, and Product-Specific Trends

Here's the catch: Home prices don't move in one straight line.

They behave differently depending on the market, location, and product.

Market Level: While South Mumbai faced a decline, suburban markets grew because of improved infrastructure and business hubs shifting outward.

Location Level: Areas like Lower Parel, once the poster child of luxury living, saw prices fall due to oversupply.

Product Level: Modern gated communities with lifestyle amenities continue to command strong demand, whereas old, poorly maintained buildings struggle to attract buyers.

So the blanket belief that 'prices never fall' is misleading. The truth lies in the details -- and those details vary widely.

8. How Buyers Can Protect Themselves from Costly Mistakes

So, what should you do as a buyer?

Here's a simple rule of thumb: If a broker confidently says 'home prices never fall,' treat it as a red flag.

Why? Because either they don't fully understand the market, or they're deliberately misleading you.

In both cases, it's not advice you should bet your life savings on.

Buying a home is likely the biggest financial decision of your life.

Shouldn't it be guided by facts, data, and long-term financial planning -- rather than myths and marketing narratives?

9. Why Equity Often Outperforms Real Estate in Returns

While real estate has emotional value, when it comes to pure wealth creation, equity has historically delivered far superior returns.

For instance, the Sensex has grown at an average of 13% to 15% CAGR over the last four decades, while real estate in most Indian cities has offered around 8% to 10% CAGR at best.

What does this mean in real terms?

Rs 10 lakh invested in equity 20 years ago could be worth over Rs 1.3 crores today.

The same amount in real estate may have grown to around Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, depending on location.

Unlike real estate, equity also offers liquidity, diversification, and lower transaction costs, making it a more efficient wealth-building tool for long-term investors.

You can ask rediffGURU Ramalingam Kalirajan your questions HERE.

Ramalingam K, an MBA in Finance, is a Certified Financial Planner. He is the Director and Chief Financial Planner at holisticinvestment, a leading financial planning and wealth management company.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.
Photo: CCD

The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has denied information about the alleged coercion of Canadian authorities to Ukrainian citizens to prove that they are not evading military service in their homeland.

It is noted that the other day messages were spread on Telegram channels that the Canadian Ministry of Immigration "requires Ukrainian men to provide a certificate of exemption from military service."

"In fact, this is a standard procedure - a procedural fairness letter (PFL) - a letter that applicants for permanent residence in Canada receive. This is not a refusal, but a request for clarification or confirmation of information," the CCD said on Telegram on Thursday. Thursday.

In particular, the Immigration Service of Canada uses a special form IMM 5546 to check whether a person served in the military, in which units, whether he had a deferment or official discharge. This is necessary solely to verify the security and reliability of biographical data, the center notes.

It is reported that in cases where the information on the form was incomplete, the applicant receives a letter asking them to provide additional documents (for example, a military ID or official confirmation of discharge from service).

"There are no new rules related to "deportations" or "mass checks of evaders," the CCD said, adding that "the spread of fakes on this topic has an obvious goal - to sow panic among Ukrainians abroad and create the impression of distrus" of Western partners towards Ukrainian citizens."
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Thursday said Operation Sindoor heralded a new kind of warfare, ensuring that India beat Pakistan decisively in every escalation during the strike.

IMAGE: Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan interacts with school children in Ranchi. Photograph: ANI video grab

Unlike traditional warfare, this was fought in land, air, sea, electromagnetic space and cyber domains, where the adversary was seen only through the help of satellite and electronic images or signal intelligence, he said.

The top military officer also said the first strikes during the operation were conducted at 1 am to avoid civilian casualties across the border.

"It was a new kind of warfare... Till now, we have assumed victory in terms of capture of territory, the number of equipment destroyed, or number of prisoners of war you have captured or soldiers you have killed...These were associated with traditional ways of fighting warfare.

One of the matrices of victory over here is the sophistication of our attack which was demonstrated there... Precision strikes for long-distance targets during the night required special efforts... We beat Pakistan decisively in every escalation during Operation Sindoor," Gen Chauhan asserted.

The first strikes took place between 1-1.30 am on May 7 on nine identified terrorist targets to prevent civilian casualties, he said during an interaction with school children on Operation Sindoor at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi.

Operation Sindoor was launched in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.

"Earlier, we did the Balakot operation, but we didn't have satellite images or photos... But what we did at 1 am now (Operation Sindoor) despite difficulty in collecting evidence in darkness of night, was due to twin reasons - first, we had confidence in our capabilities that we can take imagery, and the second, we wanted to avoid civilian casualties.

The best (option) would have been the time of 5.30 am or 6 am... But that time of first Azan or Namaz... many civilian lives would have been lost. We wanted to avoid that completely," Gen Chauhan said.

He said India was monitoring the neighbouring nation's flying activities for some time and chose the strike on the night of May 7, as the weather was clear with no rain prediction.

Contrary to the general notion that the army was engaged at seven targets and the air force at two, the navy was also involved in the strikes with S400 and S120, and deployment of navy commandos at J&K and Punjab in addition to the Arabian Sea, he said.

During Uri and Balakot, we chose land and air medium, but in this operation, a surprise element was there as we adopted a new strategy, which was needed for success, and used drones the capability of which we acquired, Gen Chauhan said.

WATCH: 'Fauj' only place where there is no nepotism, says CDS

He said the evolving character of warfare is now driven more by technology than the sheer number or territorial occupation.

"Modern warfare demands that we fight today's conflicts with tomorrow's technology. The battlespace is no longer limited to traditional domains of land, air, and sea and has expanded to include space, cyber, the electromagnetic spectrum, and even the cognitive domain. In recent operations, this shift was evident.

India was able to strike deep into enemy territory with long-range precision weapons, guided by satellite imagery, electronic surveillance, and signal intelligence, often without direct visual contact with the adversary. These were non-contact, multi-domain operations where success was not measured by the ground captured, but by the level of dominance and sophistication displayed across all levels of escalation," he emphasised.

Giving an example of the strike on Sarjal village in Pakistan's Punjab province, he said, though it appeared to be an unremarkable location comprising merely an old primary health centre, technical intelligence confirmed it had been a base for repeated terrorist infiltrations.

The precision strike neutralised a key node in the adversary's network, reflecting the effectiveness of a technology-led approach, the chief of defence staff said.

This paradigm shift in warfare requires rethinking traditional metrics of victory. Success is no longer solely defined by body counts or territorial gains, he said.

Instead, it is measured through strategic deterrence, operational sophistication and information dominance.

The army, navy, and air force have learnt many lessons from Operation Sindoor to ensure higher levels of preparedness and integration, Gen Chauhan said.

As warfare continues to evolve, our armed forces are not just adapting, they are actively shaping the future battlespace. Victory today lies not only in decisive action, but in the ability to maintain superiority across all domains, he said.

He also noted that fauj' (army) is the only place where there is no nepotism.

Merit is rewarded and there is recognition of work. You (children) should aspire to join the armed forces if you want to serve the nation, and explore the country and the world, Gen Chauhan said.

He added that the armed forces made maximum efforts this year to rescue citizens amid a high number of natural calamities.
If implemented, the service will allow passengers book security screening slots in advance, helping cut down wait times in long queues.

IMAGE: Planes parked at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj international airport. Photograph: ANI Photo

Adani Airport Holdings -- which manages seven airports in the country -- is planning a trial of a system that will let fliers pre-book security checkpoint slots, a first-of-a-kind in the country.

If implemented in India, the service will allow passengers book security screening slots in advance, helping cut down wait times in long queues.

Globally, multiple airports such as Amsterdam airport Schiphol in The Netherlands, London's Heathrow airport, Los Angeles international airport among others offer a similar service currently.

"Today, one can pre-book their lounge by logging into the Adani One app. Over time, we also want to look at how one can pre-book their slots when in security (since) there are long queues or in immigration, but that is the future," said Ekta Ghosh, chief digital officer, Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL).

The systems empowering the project were currently under trials, Ghosh said.

"We want to tokenise and try at one airport where it starts to get congested... The token system is still in trials for us. We haven't seen much success anywhere on the token system. So, we would like to see how it works out for us," she added.

Currently, AAHL operates airports in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram.

AAHL announced its digital strategy for existing and upcoming airport projects. These included a smart airport operations platform Aviio, the Adani OneApp, and Airport in a Box project.

Aviio supports airport stakeholders including airport operators, airlines, security agencies, ground handlers, and service providers in streamlining operations on a single platform.

The Adani OneApp allows passengers to navigate an airport, access airport-specific loyalty programs, and get live tracking and other digital features.

Airport in a Box provides the development of airports with advanced infrastructure and technology integration.

'It focuses on creating a robust framework that supports operations today and scales for future requirements. This initiative is aimed at future-proofing infrastructure, focuses on investments that ensure scalability and readiness for onboarding new airports,' the company said in a statement.

In February 2019, the Centre privatised six major airports currently operated by AAHL.

After a competitive bidding process, the Adani group secured the rights to run all of them for 50 years. AAHL took control of these airports between October 2020 and November 2021.

In August 2020, the group acquired a 74 per cent stake from the GVK group in Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) -- the operator of Mumbai airport.

The conglomerate took control of Mumbai airport in July 2021. MIAL owns NMIAL, which is currently constructing the Navi Mumbai airport.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir had issued direct orders to the Corps Commander of Bahawalpur and soldiers to attend the funeral of those killed in the Indian missile strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad's headquarters on May 7, a top commander of the terror group has said.

IMAGE: Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir addresses his troops in Tilla field firing ranges in Mangla. Photograph: Inter-Services Public Relations/Handout via Reuters

In a video that went viral on Thursday, JeM commander Ilyas Kashmiri also said that the Pakistan Army and the jihadis have become one after 25 years of his outfit's struggle.

"After the struggle of 25 years, we have brought the state, Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy on the jihadi ideology. Those who were killed (on the May 7 Indian attack) belonged to JeM, and it was the Pakistan Army and Air Force that had taken their revenge...Tell me, isn't it true?" he said.

Kashmiri further disclosed that after the attack on JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur, some 400 km from Lahore, Army Chief Munir issued direct orders from GHQ Rawalpindi to the Corps Commander (Bahawalpur) and soldiers to attend the funeral of those killed in the Indian attack at JeM headquarters and pay tribute to them.

JeM chief Masood Azhar's 10 family members and four close associates were killed in India's attack on the outfit's headquarters in Bahawalpur in the Indian strikes on May 7 as part of Operation Sandoor.

The Pakistan Army generals, senior police officers, and top bureaucrats had attended the funerals of those killed in Indian strikes.

In an earlier viral clip uploaded to a YouTube channel on Tuesday, the JeM commander had admitted that Azhar's family was "torn into pieces" in Indian missile strikes.

Kashmiri was reportedly speaking at the Mission Mustafa Conference in Pakistan's Punjab province on September 6.

Standing among several gun-wielding men, he said: "To protect the ideological and geographical boundaries of this country, we hit (wage a jihad in) Delhi, Kabul and Kandhar. And after sacrificing everything, on May 7, Maulana Masood Azhar's family members in Bahawalpur were torn into pieces (in Indian strikes)."

Tensions between India and Pakistan soared after terrorists killed 26 people, mostly civilians, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.

In a powerful retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on the terror targets, including Bahawalpur, a stronghold of the JeM terror group, on May 7 as part of Operation Sindoor.

A statement attributed to Azhar at the time said that India's attack on Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur resulted in the death of 10 of his family members and four close associates.

Those killed included Azhar's elder sister and her husband, a nephew and his wife, another niece, and five children from his extended family.

The statement further mentioned that the attack also claimed the lives of one of Azhar's close associates and his mother, along with two other close companions.

Bahawalpur became the hub of the JeM after the release of Azhar in exchange for the hijacked passengers of IC-814 in 1999.
IMAGE: Awami League leader and then Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina casts her vote in general elections 2024 in Dhaka, January 7, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Bangladesh's election commission on Wednesday said it has 'locked' deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's national identity cards, effectively barring her from voting in the general elections scheduled for February next year.

"Anyone whose national identity card (NID) has been locked cannot vote from abroad," Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters at his office in Nirbachon Bhavan. "Her (Hasina's) NID is locked," added.

Though Ahmed did not mention any other name, UNB news agency and the Dhaka Tribune newspaper, quoting unnamed election commission officials, reported that the NIDs of Hasina's younger sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul have also been 'locked' or 'blocked'.

Rehana's children Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq and nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, her brother-in-law and Hasina's former security adviser retired major general Tarique Ahmed Siddique, his wife Shahin Siddique and their daughter Bushra Siddique are also reportedly barred from voting.

Ahmed, however, said those who 'fled abroad to evade justice' or for other reasons could still vote provided their NID cards remain active.

Hasina's Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, after a violent student-led movement forced her to escape to India.

Subsequently, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge as chief adviser of the interim government and suspended Awami League activities pending the trial of Hasina and other senior Awami leaders on charges, including crimes against humanity.

Hasina is currently being tried in absentia at Bangladesh's international crimes tribunal, where prosecutors have sought capital punishment for alleged atrocities during the July 2024 uprising.

Most senior Awami League leaders remain underground or in exile as mobs torched and vandalised their properties, including the 32 Dhanmondi residence of Bangladesh's founder and Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
'The way the attacks are coming has become much stronger and much wider because of AI.'

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

India has emerged as a key source of identity theft, a cybercrime that has surged in the last three years.

Criminals, now armed with artificial intelligence and generative AI, are using sophisticated tools to blur the line between what's real and what's fake, making it harder than ever to protect personal information.

Employees of Indian companies have had their official e-mails or logins taken over by threat actors who use the information to attack other enterprises.

The crime compounds the security challenges for companies, which also have to deal with ransomware, phishing and malware.

India is among the top 10 sources for identity takeovers, according to data provided by Proofpoint.

"This is due to the use of botnets and account takeovers to issue attacks globally," said Sumit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint, a California-based cybersecurity company, adding that "it has been quite phenomenal because India has never been a source for global attacks" as he referred to cybercrimes.

Increasing cases of identity theft have prompted banks, information technology and financial service companies to ensure robust threat defence mechanisms.

It is difficult to say whether the people carrying out identity thefts are based in India but the impact is global.

The crime often involves social engineering to create a sense of trust and urgency among an organisation's employees to click on a malicious link.

Identity theft attacks also involve profiling a person based on their date of birth, family, parents, and place of travel.

It involves targeting system administrators, data centre managers and decision-makers at an organisation.

Social media and GenAI technologies allow threat actors to quickly research and target people in large and sophisticated attacks.

Vinayak Godse, CEO of the Data Security Council of India, told Business Standard recently that a combination of high digital footprint exposure and AI has accentuated such attacks.

AI has become a double-edged sword for organisations, according to cybersecurity experts.

While it helps them to quickly identify threats, AI-enabled applications create the ways and means for threat actors to break in.

"When you look at AI for security, it helps me identify patterns much faster. If I had a security analyst sitting and looking for certain alerts or incidents, correlating them and making sense out of that, it can be completely taken over by AI," said Muraleekrishnan Nair, managing director of CyberProof, a cybersecurity company owned by UST.

"AI makes much better judgment compared to a human agent because it can understand patterns and make decisions quickly," Nair added.

"AI is helping me in acting, understanding and acting on threats quickly. But at the same time, the way the attacks are coming has become much stronger and much wider because of AI. I need to have defence systems which can stop that," he said.

"These attacks are written in proper language. You can't just read it and say 'Oh this looks like someone is trying to spoof me' because the language is not written right," said Dhawan.

"Second, a lot of research and data is available on social media. There are tools that actually can be sent to scour the Internet and create automated attacks using GenAI," Dhawan explained.

Cybercrimes, including identity theft, are likely to have cost the world $9.5 trillion in 2024, according to Gartner.

Synthetic-identity-based impersonation attacks, where a fraudster creates a new, fake identity by combining real and fabricated personal information, are causing reputational and financial damage.

Experts say the risks are even higher for Indian enterprises that use third party authentication services for identity verification.

Gartner's research predicts that by 2027, AI agents will halve the time needed to exploit account takeovers, giving organisations even less time to respond to threats.

The agents will automate more steps in the account takeover process, including using deep-fake voices, to make social engineering more convincing.

"In India, we are seeing these trends accelerate at a unique pace. The sheer volume of data and the speed at which it moves through a digital ecosystem creates a perfect environment for disinformation campaigns," said Apeksha Kaushik, principal analyst at Gartner.

"The digital attack surface, including an organisation's assets, leadership profiles and sensitive data, is an easy target for adversaries," Kaushik added.

"Publicly accessible assets such as social media accounts, executive photos and corporate logos are especially vulnerable to misuse in impersonation attacks," said Kaushik.

As criminals misuse AI, organisations are using the technology to protect themselves.

AI and machine learning are powering deep-fake detection and the former has become crucial for automated identity verification and document checks.

The best way remains training employees and customers about vulnerabilities.

"This is a more difficult process than the technology process. "I can hire experts, buy tools, and seal these holes. I can do vulnerability audits and find out problems and then fix them," said Nair.

"But then the other side of making people aware and controlling their actions, that is the complex thing."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
The decomposed body of a 33-year-old Navy official, who went missing during a trek at Matheran hill station near Mumbai earlier this month, has been found in a gorge, the police said on Thursday.

Photograph: Hemant Shivsaran/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only.

The deceased, identified as Surajsingh Amarpalsingh Chauhan, served as Master Chief, Class II, at Colaba in south Mumbai, and had joined duty four months ago, an official said.

Chauhan had gone for Bhivpuri-Garbett trek at Matheran on September 7, and later went missing, he said.

When he did not return home and his mobile phone was also switched off, his family members approached the Cuffe Parade police station in south Mumbai with a missing person complaint and a case was registered.

The decomposed body was recovered on Monday after a trekker alerted Neral Police Station near Matheran in neighbouring Raigad district, the official said.

Earlier, after receiving the missing complaint, the police launched a probe and Chauhan's location was traced to Matheran area.

Accordingly, a search was launched by police teams with the help of forest department, Sahyadri rescue team and other agencies, Neral's assistant police inspector Shivaji Dhavale said.

However, Chauhan, a native of Rajasthan, remained untraceable for more than a week.

On Monday, a trekker, walking in the hilly terrain, found a decomposed body in a 50-foot-deep gorge behind a temple near the Pali Bhootwali dam and alerted the police.

The police, along with rescue teams, rushed to the spot and the body was later sent for postmortem to the government-run J J Hospital in Mumbai, the official said.

In the CCTV footage of Bhivpuri station and nearby areas, Chauhan was seen walking alone for the trek, he said, adding that no foul play was suspected.

The initial autopsy report has not mentioned the cause of death and the viscera has been preserved, the official said.

The Neral police have registered a case of accidental death and a probe is on into it, he added.
Pakistan and China have submitted a joint bid at the United Nations Security Council to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing -- Majeed Brigade -- as a terrorist entity under the Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.

Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed said on Wednesday that terrorist entities, including ISIL-K, Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, East Turkistan Islamic Movement, the BLA and its Majeed Brigade, operate from Afghan sanctuaries, with more than 60 terror camps serving as hubs for enabling cross-border attacks.

"Pakistan and China have jointly submitted to the 1267 Sanctions Committee a request to designate the BLA and Majeed Brigade. We hope the Council will act swiftly on this listing to curb their terrorist activities," Ahmed said at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan.

Notably, China repeatedly blocked global efforts to blacklist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar at the UN. It vetoed four attempts to put Azhar in the UNSC's counter-terrorism sanctions list. However, it finally relented in May 2019, after which the 1267 Sanctions Committee designated the Jaish leader as a global terrorist, a move India celebrated as a diplomatic win.

However, in 2023, China objected to a proposal by the United States and India at the UNSC to blacklist Azhar's brother, Abdul Rauf Azhar Alvi. He was killed in Indian strikes on May 7, 2025, during Operation Sindoor.

In 2025, Beijing again delayed India's proposals at the UNSC to sanction five Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives. It also blocked action against The Resistance Front, the LeT-linked group responsible for the attack in Pahalgam in April 2025.

Pakistan and China have jointly submitted to the 1267 Sanctions Committee a request to designate the BLA and Majeed Brigade. We hope the Council will act swiftly on this listing to curb their terrorist activities,

Ahmed said at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan currently sits in the 15-nation Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2025-26 term, while China is a veto-wielding permanent member of the powerful UN body.

Pakistan is the chair of the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council for 2025, as well as the vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee.

Ahmed said the Afghan Taliban authorities must fulfil their international obligations on counter-terrorism. "Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains the gravest threat to Pakistan's national security,

he said.

The Majeed Brigade, formed in 2011, is the suicide squad of the BLA, and it mostly targets security forces and Chinese interests in Pakistan.

Last month, the US designated the BLA and its Majeed Brigade as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The State Department added the Majeed Brigade as an alias to BLA's previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation.

It said the action demonstrated the "Trump Administration's commitment to countering terrorism".

BLA was designated as an SDGT by Washington in 2019 following several terrorist attacks. Since then, the group has claimed responsibility for additional attacks, including by the Majeed Brigade, the State Department had said.

It also said that in 2024, BLA claimed it had committed suicide attacks near the airport in Karachi and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.

In 2025, the outfit claimed responsibility for the March hijacking of the Jaffar Express train travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel and holding hostage over 300 passengers.
Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Pixabay.com

The Mumbai police, currently investigating a cyber slavery case involving five individuals trafficked to Laos under the pretext of job offers in Thailand, arrested the prime accused on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, officials said.

The accused, identified as Salman Munir Shaikh, was apprehended by the south region cyber police station team from Nayanagar in Mira Road, an official said.

Shaikh had been operating as an agent, allegedly sending people to Laos by offering them lucrative call centre jobs.

According to officials, he promised data entry positions at a Thailand-based company with a monthly salary of Rs 70,000 to five individuals in August 2024.

A complainant and his friend, who expressed interest in the offer, paid Rs 30,000 each to Shaikh for visa processing and airfare.

Initially, Shaikh sent them to Thailand, from where they were transported to Laos in a private vehicle and handed over to a Chinese national.

Once in Laos, the victims were forced to work in a call centre involved in duping individuals and extorting money through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, the official added.

During their captivity, the accused confiscated the victims' passports and restricted their movement, preventing them from leaving the premises.

The traffickers also demanded 20,000 Chinese yuan from each victim to allow them to return home.

Meanwhile, a couple from Vadodara say their 28-year-old son has been held captive for five months in Thailand, prompting the police to launch a probe into the matter.

Nagarbhai Ranpara and his wife Rita say their son Tushar was incommunicado for the last five months and suspect he has been held captive in Thailand by agents who persuaded him to move to the Southeast Asian country nearly a year ago.

The couple submitted an application to the Sama police station in Vadodara a couple of days ago and sought their help to trace their son and bring him back home.

In view of the seriousness of the matter, the probe has been handed over to the Vadodara city crime branch, Assistant Commissioner of Police G B Bambhaniya said on Wednesday.

"As per the application submitted by Tushar's parents, he went to Dubai in April last year to work in a private firm with the help of two local immigration agents. Then, a Dubai-based agent named Abhishek Kumar sent him to Thailand in September 2024. The couple claimed Tushar stopped communicating with them five months ago," Bambhaniya said.

"The couple suspects their son has been held captive and is being forced to work without his consent. The probe has been handed over to the crime branch to trace Tushar and contact him as soon as possible," the official stated.

Ranpara appealed to the Gujarat and central governments to trace his son and bring him home. "He remained in contact via video and voice calls after reaching Thailand last year. But his calls have stopped coming for the last five months."

"We suspect agents involved in sending him to Thailand took away his phone and held him captive. We appeal to the state government and the Centre to bring back our son," the father told reporters
IMAGE: Disha Patani. Photograph: Kind courtesy Disha Patani/Instagram

UP Additional Director General, Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, stated that the aim of the Goldy Brar gang, who fired outside Bollywood actress Disha Patani's residence in Bareilly, was to spread fear among the public in the state.

The incident occurred on September 12 at around 3:45 am, Yash stated, when two bike-borne men fired multiple rounds outside the actor's ancestral home in Civil Lines, Bareilly.

On Wednesday, the two accused involved in the firing succumbed to injuries following an encounter in a joint operation by the Delhi police and UP special task force in Ghaziabad.

"Ravindra and Arun were the two accused identified during the investigation and two more individuals who were hired for recce were also identified. The two accused who fired are found to be working for Goldy Brar gang and Goldy Brar had taken the responsibility of the attack via social media... The gang was worked out and the two shooters were shot down in an encounter...," ADG Yash told ANI.

Ravindra alias Kullu and Arun, affiliated with notorious gangsters Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara, were injured during the encounter near the Tronica City area of Ghaziabad and later succumbed to injuries.

"The accused were declared dead after they were taken to the hospital and information about all the members of the gang is being worked out so that action can be taken on the entire gang," Yash added.

The bodies of the accused were brought to the postmortem house in Ghaziabad for further proceedings. One Haryana police constable was shot in the chest during the encounter, Yash said.

"The police has recovered two sophisticated pistols and a huge amount of 9 mm cartridges." the ADG added.

"The aim of the gang is to spread fear among the public in Uttar Pradesh... But after this action, I hope they will not try to test the zero-tolerance policy of Uttar Pradesh government... It will also be investigated where the weapons for gangs come from so that the source can be curbed as well," Yash said.

"UP CM clearly directed that legal action should be taken immediately against those who spread fear among the people and that there should be a zero-tolerance policy against crime... Information was collected at several levels, CCTV footages were retrieved on many routes, and technical details were analysed," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had assured Disha Patani's father Jagdish Patani of strict action against the accused and security arrangements.
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday alleged that Form 7 was misused under the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government to delete voters 'en masse', ahead of May 2023 assembly polls.

IMAGE: Congress leader Priyank Kharge with his wife Shruthi P Kharge shows their ink-marked fingers after casting their vote at a polling station. Photograph: ANI Photo

His remarks followed claims by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who cited Karnataka's example, that votes of party supporters were being systematically deleted ahead of elections.

Form 7 is an application for objecting inclusion of the name of the other person, or seeking deletion of one's own name, or seeking deletion of any other person's name in the electoral roll due to death or shifting.

Earlier in the day, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting 'vote chors' and people who have destroyed democracy, and cited data from Karnataka's Aland Assembly constituency to support his claim that votes of Congress supporters were being systematically deleted ahead of elections.

In Aland segment, someone tried to delete 6,018 votes and got caught by coincidence, he said, alleging that the names of voters of the Congress were being deleted systematically.

Kharge said, 'The Vote Chori trail in Aland (in Kalaburagi district) is a shocking case of large-scale voter deletion. Ahead of the May 2023 Assembly election, Form 7 was misused under the BJP government to delete voters en masse.'

In a post on X, he claimed that a total of 6,018 deletions were attempted using automated software and fake logins.

He said, 'Verification showed 5,994 were forged, only 24 genuine. 2,494 voters were actually deleted before the fraud was caught. Strong Congress booths, especially with Dalit and minority voters, were targeted.'

In one instance, 12 voters were deleted in just 14 minutes, pointing to a 'sophisticated vote chori factory', Kharge said.

In another case, the identity of a 63-year-old woman was misused to delete 12 voters.

Noting that the Karnataka CID, which is investigating the case has sent 18 letters to the Election Commission of India seeking IP logs, OTP trails, device IDs, and login details, he alleged that the EC has refused to share the critical data.

The minister said this raises serious questions.

'Who approved these deletion records? Where is the OTP audit trail? When will deleted voters be restored? Why is ECI refusing to cooperate with CID? Who is the ECI trying to protect?'

'When the fraud is this clear, what more evidence is the ECI waiting for? Whom are they shielding?' he asked.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also accused the EC of 'stone-walling' critical information to track culprits engaged in 'mass voter deletion' in Karnataka's Aland assembly constituency, and asked who the poll body is shielding.
Eighteen officers of the Russian occupation army died as a result of a sabotage in the area of the village of Voskresenka near the city of Polohy (Zaporizhia region) at the end of August, the press service of the state project of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War "I Want to Live" has said.

"Some 18 officers of the operational staff of the headquarters of the 35th Combined Arms Army died as a result of a sabotage in the Zaporizhia region. On August 30, saboteurs attacked an area near the village of Voskresenka: unknown well-wishers set fire to dry grass near the command post of the 35th Army. The fire quickly spread to the premises and dugouts of the command post," the project's press service said in a message on Telegram on Thursday.

It is reported that due to the smoke and carbon monoxide filling of the command post, army command officers were poisoned to death, including the deputy head of the missile forces and artillery department, as well as specialists in planning and modeling operations. The project lists the names, positions and military ranks of the deceased and notes that "there are no safe places for Russian occupation forces on the territory of Ukraine."
A four-year-old girl has allegedly been sexually assaulted at a well-known school in Mumbai, leading to the arrest of a female staffer, police said.

Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

The incident took place on Monday after the girl's grandmother dropped her off at the school, an official from Goregaon police station said on Wednesday.

When the girl returned home, she complained of experiencing pain. After getting her medically examined, the girl's family informed the school administration and lodged a police complaint, he said.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and arrested a female staff member of the school, according to the official.

However, her role in the alleged assault was not clear.

Police were scanning CCTV footage of the school as part of their investigation.

Three female assistant staff members of the school have been called for questioning, the official added.
An Indian-origin man, who has lived in the United States for more than 30 years, has been kept in detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for almost a month over a "very old case", according to media reports.

Photograph: @ICEgov/X

Paramjit Singh, a businessman from Fort Wayne, was arrested at Chicago O'Hare Airport on July 30 upon arrival from India due to an old case, 21 Alive news portal reported.

Singh has earned permanent resident status and is the father of US-born children, the report added.

ICE pointed out that according to the Department of Homeland Security, the reason for detention was a very old case against him, Singh's attorney Luis Angeles was quoted as saying in the report.

Singh, suffering from a brain tumour, was kept at the airport for five days and then was moved to the ER after his condition deteriorated, the report said.

His family was not notified of the ER visit until they received a bill for his medical stay, the Newsweek quoted Angeles as saying.

Singh was kept at a detention centre in Indiana for 20 days, and after that, he was moved to another detention facility in Kentucky.

"A judge decided that he is eligible for bond, and granted a bond," Angeles said, but added that the agency is using "court tactics" and bending the rules to keep Singh detained.

We believe that he has a strong case for a federal judge to decide that what DHS has done is not correct, and he should be released immediately, Angeles said.

Meanwhile, Singh's brother, Charanjit Singh, said they are trying to post a bond and communicate with the Department of Homeland Security.

Angeles said the next step for them is to take the case to a federal court.

Several green card holders have been detained in US based on decades-old legal issues, Newsweek said.
United States President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he is designating the far-left, anti-fascist movement Antifa as a 'major terrorist organisation', days after the fatal shooting of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

In a post on shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described Antifa as a 'sick, dangerous, radical left disaster' and called for a thorough investigation into individuals and organisations allegedly funding the group.

'I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Trump wrote.

The development comes in the wake of the killing of 31-year-old right-wing commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, during an event in Utah on September 10.

He was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University, as reported by The New York Times.

Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing, with officials in Trump's administration saying that he had left-leaning political views.

Trump himself accused the 'radical left' of inciting such political violence during his address following Kirk's death.

US Vice President J D Vance also described Kirk's killing as an 'incredibly destructive movement of left-wing extremism', which he argued played a role in the right-wing commentator's death.

During his first term, Trump pledged to label Antifa as a terrorist organisation, and his Attorney General at the time, William Barr, described the group's actions as 'domestic terrorism'.

According to CNN, the practical impact of the proposed designation remains uncertain.

Antifa, short for anti-fascists, is not a formal organisation but rather a loosely defined social movement.

While US law prohibits giving 'material support' to officially designated foreign terrorist groups, there is no equivalent statute for domestic organisations, as reported by CNN.

The term 'Antifa' generally refers to a wide range of individuals with left-leaning, often far-left, political beliefs that typically fall outside the mainstream Democratic Party agenda, as reported by CNN.

The movement lacks a centralised leadership structure or national headquarters, though some local groups meet regularly.
Nepal's newly-appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his support for the interim government in fulfilling its priorities.

IMAGE: Nepal's Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki speaks with PM Narendra Modi. Photograph: ANI Photo

It was the first telephone conversation by PM Karki with any foreign head of state.

Karki, 73, became Nepal's first woman prime minister on Friday, ending days of political uncertainty after the ouster of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli following youth-led 'Gen Z' protests against his government over corruption and a ban on social media.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Karki on her historic appointment as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Karki said that "elections will remain the topmost priority of the interim government, with strong determination for accountable, responsive and corruption-free governance, reflecting the aspiration of the youth," it said.

Prime Minister Modi assured India's full support and cooperation as per the priorities of the Government of Nepal, it added.

Karki expressed that the historical and close relationship between Nepal and India will continue to be strengthened by multifaceted people-to-people ties.

"Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue the strong momentum of bilateral cooperation and partnership for the benefit of the peoples of two countries," it said.

Karki also conveyed her heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Modi on his 75th birthday and appreciated the Indian Prime Minister for his message of solidarity, according to the statement.

Modi also extended warm wishes on the occasion of the National Day (Constitution Day) of Nepal.

Nepal adopted its Constitution, drafted through a constituent assembly, on September 20, 2015.

Modi also expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in the recent youth movement and stated that India stands in solidarity with Nepal during this pivotal moment.

On Tuesday, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava called on PM Karki at her office in Singha Durbar and conveyed PM Modi's congratulatory message to her.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday sprang a surprise when he drove down to a Patna hotel to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in the state for fine-tuning the BJP's strategy for the upcoming assembly polls.

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Patna, September 18, 2026. Photograph: ANI video grab

Photographs of the Janata Dal-United supremo offering a bouquet of flowers to Shah, a former BJP president, were shared by the two leaders on their respective X handles.

Sources in both parties refused to say anything on record, though speaking on condition of anonymity they said it was "a courtesy call".

They, however, noted with satisfaction that the gesture from 75-year-old Kumar would put paid to speculations, in a section of the media, over his "refusal" to meet Union minister and BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda, who was in the city last week.

Elections are likely to be announced in the state in a few weeks from now, and Kumar, the longest-serving CM of the state, is aiming at a fifth consecutive term in office.

Kumar's meeting with Shah, arguably the second most powerful man in the BJP and still considered the party's principal strategist, came barely three days after the JD-U president had assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a rally in Purnea district, that he was back in the NDA for good, blaming his past dalliances with the Congress-RJD combine on advice of JD-U colleagues.

Meanwhile, shortly after the tete-o-tete with the alliance partner, Shah left for Dehri-on-Sone to hold talks with party workers and leaders of 10 districts of the Magadh-Shahabad region, where the performance of the NDA was below par in the 2020 assembly polls and Lok Sabha elections last year.

Shah was expected to wind up the tour with a visit to Begusarai, the Lok Sabha constituency of Union minister Giriraj Singh, for holding similar deliberations with party functionaries from Munger and Patna divisions.
The Bombay high court on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate against the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members for reservation, noting the petitioner was not an aggrieved person.

IMAGE: Bombay high court. Photograph: ANI Photo

A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad noted that aggrieved persons (people from the Other Backward Classes category) have already filed petitions in the HC, which will be heard by another bench on September 22.

"At this stage, this public interest litigation is thoroughly misconceived. It was open for the aggrieved persons (to challenge the government decision), not for any person," HC said.

"Malice in law can be taken up only by aggrieved persons and these petitioners are not aggrieved persons," it added.

Without going into the merits of the government resolution (GR), we would observe that the high court is required to discourage filing of petitions labelled as PILs in matters where individuals who feel affected by a government decision have approached the court, the bench said.

It is in public interest that there should not be multiplicity of litigations, the court said adding a PIL is filed only so that a particular section of the society does not remain unheard and their cause should be espoused in a court of law.

"This particular PIL is not one where we should grant any indulgence. We are, therefore, not inclined to entertain this PIL and the same is dismissed," HC said.

The bench said the advocate, Vinit Vinod Dhotre, has the liberty to file an application seeking to intervene in the petitions filed by the aggrieved persons.

"If the other bench feels that it requires these petitioners' assistance then it may decide to hear them," the HC said.

Dhotre's advocate told the court that the PIL was maintainable as the petitioner belonged to the Scheduled Caste category.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf, however, opposed it and said the GR has got nothing to do with the SC community.

Dhotre, in his PIL, had challenged the government resolutions to issue Kunbi caste certificates to the Maratha community members so that they can avail reservations in education and jobs.

The plea claimed the government's decision was arbitrary, unconstitutional and bad in law, and deserves to be quashed.

Four petitions were later filed by persons from the OBC category challenging the government decision. These petitions are to be taken up for hearing by a bench headed by Justice Revati Mohite Dere on Monday.

The government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible persons from the Maratha community came after quota activist Manoj Jarange staged an indefinite hunger strike for five days from August 29 at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.

During the five days, Jarange and his supporters surrounded several vital areas in south Mumbai, drawing the ire of the Bombay High Court, which said the city had been paralysed and brought to a standstill.

On September 2, the government issued a resolution on the Hyderabad Gazetteer and announced the formation of a committee to facilitate the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas who are able to produce documentary evidence recognising them as Kunbis in the past.

There has been restlessness among OBCs after the state social justice and special assistance department issued the GR on implementing the Hyderabad Gazetteer, which will allow eligible members of the Maratha community to apply for Kunbi caste certificates.

This will enable them to claim quota under the OBC category after certificates are issued. Kunbis, an agrarian community, are part of the OBC segment in Maharashtra.
United States President Donald Trump on Thursday said he is very close to India and shares a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump addresses a press conference in London during his visit to Britain. Photograph: @WhiteHouse/X

Addressing a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the British PM's countryside residence, Trump said he has a very good relationship with Modi and also wished him on his 75th birthday -- a gesture reciprocated by the Indian leader with a beautiful statement.

I'm very close to India. I'm very close to the Prime Minister of India. I spoke to him the other day to wish him a Happy Birthday," Trump told reporters.

"We have a very good relationship, and he put out a beautiful statement too. But I sanctioned them, he said, in response to a question about his plans on dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump's call on Tuesday, a day before Modi turned 75, is being seen as a significant gesture as part of the US' efforts to reset ties with India amid strain over tariff issues.

The Trump administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.

Very simply, if the price of oil comes down, Putin is going to drop out. He's going to have no choice. He's going to drop out of that war, Trump said, adding that he was forced to sanction European nations and China too for buying oil from Russia.

China is paying a very large tariff right now to the United States, but I'm willing to do other things, but not when the people that I'm fighting for are buying oil from Russia. If the oil price comes down, very simply, Russia will settle; and the oil price is way down, we got it way down, he claimed.

During the press conference, Trump noted that Putin had been his biggest disappointment" over the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and went on to repeat his claim about intervening in the India-Pakistan face-off earlier this year.

We did seven (conflicts) and most of them were not thought to be settleable. We did India, and we did Pakistan. That's two nuclear (countries), he said.

That was purely for trade. You [India and Pakistan] want to trade with us, you're going to have to get along. And they [India and Pakistan] were going at it hot and heavy, he said.

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor in retaliation of the Pakistan-backed terrorist strike in Pahalgam in April, Trump had taken to on social media to proclaim that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire and repeatedly claimed that he told the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours that America will do a "lot of trade" with them if they stopped the conflict.

India has consistently denied any third-party intervention, maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries.

Trump and wife Melania, who were in the UK on a two-day State Visit at the invitation of King Charles III, departed from Chequers to board Air Force One back to Washington soon after the press interaction.
IMAGE: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Photograph: Nicolas Asfonri/Pool/Reuters

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a 'strategic mutual defence' agreement, which declares that any attack on either country will be considered 'an aggression against both'.

The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday during the Pakistani leader's day-long visit to the Gulf Kingdom, according to a joint statement.

The deal comes days after an Israeli attack on the Hamas leadership in Qatar, a key US ally in the Gulf region.

The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement states that 'any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both', according to the joint statement.

'This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression,' it added.

Commenting on the development, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in New Delhi on Thursday said India will study the implications of the move for its national security as well as for regional and global stability.

In a carefully crafted response to a media query on the issue, Jaiswal said New Delhi remains committed to protecting India's national interests and ensuring 'comprehensive national security in all domains'.

The sealing of the pact came over four months after a four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan.

According to the Pakistan-Saudi joint statement, the pact builds on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and is based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides also reviewed the historic and strategic relations between both countries and several topics of common interest.

In a post on social media, Sharif on Thursday said their talks 'covered a wide range of issues, reviewing regional challenges and enhancing bilateral cooperation'.

Sharif also said that he greatly values the Saudi Crown Prince's 'consistent support and his keen interest in expanding Saudi investments, trade and business ties between our two countries'.

Ahead of the prime minister's visit to the oil-rich kingdom, the Foreign Office had said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a historic relationship, rooted in shared faith, values and mutual trust, and the visit will provide an important opportunity to the two leaders to consolidate this unique partnership, while exploring new avenues of collaboration, for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

This was Sharif's third visit to the Gulf region within a week. He earlier visited Qatar twice, on Thursday and Monday, to express solidarity with Doha following Israel's attack in the Gulf country and to attend an emergency meeting of Arab-Islamic nations on the issue.

Sharif was accompanied by Army Chief Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
The Trump administration has said that individuals operating the Chabahar Port in Iran would invite sanctions beginning later this month.

IMAGE: India is engaged in the development of a terminal at the Chabahar port in Iran. Photograph: @India_in_Iran/X

The move is consistent with President Donald Trump's maximum pressure policy to isolate the Iranian regime, State Department principal deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott said in a statement earlier this week.

The decision will have implications for India, which is engaged in the development of a terminal at the port.

The US Department of State, in a statement, said that in consistent with President Donald Trump's maximum pressure policy to isolate the Iranian regime, it has revoked the sanctions exception issued in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) for Afghanistan reconstruction assistance and economic development, effective September 29, 2025.

"Once the revocation is effective, persons who operate the Chabahar Port or engage in other activities described in IFCA may expose themselves to sanctions under IFCA," the statement said.

The US State Department said the United States is countering Iran's destabilising activities by designating an international illicit financial network, along with several individuals and entities based in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

"These networks have facilitated the sale of Iranian oil, with proceeds benefiting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL)," the statement said.

The statement said the US remains committed to disrupting illicit funding streams financing Iran's malign activities.

"As long as Iran devotes its illicit revenues to funding attacks on the United States and our allies, supporting terrorism around the world, and pursuing other destabilising actions, we will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable," the US State Department said.

India will be impacted by this decision, as it is involved in the development of a terminal at the Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman. On May 13, 2024, India signed a 10-year contract to operate the port that will help it expand trade with Central Asia.

This was the first time India would take over the management of an overseas port. New Delhi had proposed to develop Chabahar port way back in 2003 to provide Indian goods a gateway to reach landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia using a road and rail project called the International North-South Transport Corridor, bypassing Pakistan.

US sanctions on Iran over its suspected nuclear programme had slowed the development of the port.

The long-term agreement was signed by Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation of Iran.

It replaces an initial 2016 pact, which covered India's operations at Shahid Beheshti terminal in Chabahar port and had been renewed on an annual basis.

In 2023, Chabahar port was used by India to send 20,000 tonnes of wheat aid to Afghanistan. In 2021, the same was used to supply environmentally friendly pesticides to Iran.

The long-term bilateral contract on Chabahar Port Operation was signed between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) of India and the Port & Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran, enabling the operation of Shahid-Beheshti in the Chabahar Port Development Project for a period of 10 years.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had allocated Rs 100 crore for Chabahar Port for 2024-25, underlining India's focus on connectivity projects with Iran.

Chabahar is not only the closest Iranian port to India, but it is also an excellent port from a nautical point of view.

Located in Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, Chabahar port is being developed by India and Iran to boost connectivity and trade ties.

India and Iran have projected the port as a key hub for the INSTC project. The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

India has been developing a part of Chabahar Port, and discussions on the development of the port date back to 2003 during Iranian President Muhammad Khatami's visit to India.

In 2013, India committed to investing USD 100 million towards the development of Chabahar Port.

Earlier, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of Chabahar Port by India was signed in May 2015. Thereafter, the contract was executed on May 23, 2016, in Tehran (Iran) during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Iran.
The Bombay high court on Thursday issued notices to the seven persons acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, on an appeal filed by the family members of the victims.

IMAGE: Policemen stand guard at a blast site outside a mosque in Malegaon, 260 km northeast of Mumbai, September 29, 2008. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad also issued notices to the prosecution -- National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Maharashtra government -- and posted the appeal for hearing after six weeks.

The HC was hearing an appeal filed by the family members of the six persons who lost their lives in the blast against the acquittal judgment.

The appeal challenged a special court judgment acquitting the seven accused in the case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit.

The appeal filed last week claimed that a faulty investigation or some defects in the probe cannot be the grounds for acquitting the accused. It also contended that the conspiracy (of the blast) was hatched in secrecy and hence, there cannot be direct evidence of it.

The petitioners claimed the order passed by the special NIA court on July 31, acquitting the seven accused, was wrong and bad in law and hence deserved to be quashed.

On September 29, 2008, an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon town, located about 200 km from Mumbai in Maharashtra's Nashik district, killing six persons and injuring 101 others.

The appeal said the trial court judge should not act as a 'postman or mute spectator' in a criminal trial. When the prosecution failed to elicit facts, the trial court can ask questions and/or summon witnesses, it added.

"The trial court has unfortunately acted as a mere post office and allowed a deficient prosecution to benefit the accused," the appeal said.

It also raised concerns over the manner in which the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted the probe and trial in the case and sought the accused to be convicted.

The state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), by arresting the seven persons, unearthed a large conspiracy, and since then, there has been no blast in areas populated by the minority community, the appeal said.

It claimed the NIA, after taking over the case, diluted the allegations against the accused persons.

The special court had, in its judgment, said mere suspicion cannot replace real proof and there was no cogent or reliable evidence to warrant a conviction.

Special judge A K Lahoti, presiding over the NIA court, had said there was no 'reliable and cogent evidence' against the accused that proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The prosecution's case was that the blast was carried out by right-wing extremists with the intention to terrorise the Muslim community in the communally sensitive Malegaon town.

The NIA court, in its judgment, had flagged several loopholes in the prosecution's case and the investigation carried out, and said the accused persons deserved the benefit of doubt.

Besides Thakur and Purohit, the accused included Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retired), Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni.
Some European diplomats have claimed that US President Donald Trump put forward his demands for anti-Russian sanctions knowing that the EU would not comply with them, which would allow him to avoid increasing economic pressure on Russia, The Wall Street Journal has said.

"Heeding Trumps call for stringent sanctions on China and India and ending purchases of Russian oil outright is a tough ask for Europe. Von der Leyen said she would push for the EU to speed up its plan to end Russian oil and gas imports by 2027, but any move to stop energy imports would come up against Hungary and Slovakia, who are highly reliant on Russian imports. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans close ties to Trump could make him more amenable to Washingtons pressure. Much larger economies such as Germany, France and Italy are also buying Russian energy," the report said.

European diplomats said they had postponed a proposed package of sanctions against Russia this week to figure out how to strengthen it. After speaking with the president on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the new sanctions proposal would hit Russias banking sector with additional restrictions and punish its cryptocurrency markets and energy sector.

Separately, Trump urged Europe to use frozen Russian assets that have been in Belgium since Moscows invasion of Ukraine, according to people familiar with the presidents conversations with bloc leaders. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Europeans are considering ways to use the assets to prop up Kyiv after being reluctant to use them for fear of damaging the blocs reputation as a destination for global capital.

The European Union has ruled out using tariffs against India and China. It prefers to target firms and people who violate its restrictions rather than using tariffs to pressure other countries, as Trump has done.

A number of Chinese firms are expected to be hit by the new sanctions. The EU imposed sanctions on a major Indian oil refinery this summer, although new sanctions on Indian firms are unlikely as Brussels seeks to strike a free trade deal with India.

European leaders have long urged Trump to impose tougher sanctions on Russia and its proxies, while continuing to buy Russian energy and allowing some Russian banks to continue to access the Swift system, a global financial transaction network based in Belgium. Europe has also refrained from secondary sanctions on countries that finance Moscows military efforts.

The bloc has imposed a range of financial, energy and economic sanctions and has significantly reduced imports of Russian gas. Trump has so far failed to follow through on his long-standing threats to impose punitive measures against Russia, although he has occasionally stepped up his rhetoric after particularly deadly Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians. However, he has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports as punishment for the countrys massive purchases of Russian oil.
A school friend of murder victim Sheena Bora on Thursday told the trial court that Sheena had once expressed the desire to take sanyas as she was fed up with the problems in her life, and also talked about her difficult relationship with her mother Indrani Mukerjea.

Photograph: Sheena Bora's Facebook page.

The 38-year-old housewife, appearing as a prosecution witness, shed light on Sheena's relations with Indrani, the prime accused in the case, and her plans to marry to Rahul, the son of media businessman and Indrani's then husband Peter Mukerjea from his earlier marriage.

The witness told the court that she had studied with Sheena till Class 12 in the same school in Guwahati.

While Sheena left for Mumbai around 2006 to stay with her mother after completing her school, the two remained in touch.

"In November 2011, I met Sheena at Guwahati during my wedding. Sheena was there for about a week. During this period she communicated that she was happy with Rahul and will marry him may be in the next one year," the witness said.

As far as she knows, Sheena never had a good relationship with Indrani, she said.

Indrani was not in their lives when Sheena and her brother were growing up, and that was one of the reasons for their uneasy relationship, the witness said.

In one of her e-mails, Sheena described the strained relations with Indrani, she said, adding that Sheena also wrote that she wanted to take sanyas (renounce worldly life) due to the "problems and dramas surrounding her life".

According to the witness, Sheena once told her that Indrani administered her wrong medication, and she landed in hospital as a result.

Rahul was not in touch with his father Peter Mukerjea, and she was not in contact with her mother, and the two were happy that way, the witness said.

She spoke to Sheena last on April 15, 2012, she told the court.

Around April 24 and 25 she received a text message from Sheena that she was breaking up with Rahul and going to change her phone number, the witness said.

"She will be going off social media for some time and I should not worry (the message read)," the woman told the court.

She immediately called the number from which the message had been sent, but it was switched off, she said.

The witness also testified that Rahul contacted her, saying he had dropped Sheena in Bandra as she was to go shopping with Indrani, and he was worried as Sheena had not returned.

"Rahul kept telling me that nobody is taking his report (about Sheena's disappearance), saying (telling him that) Sheena is with Indrani and therefore he should not worry," the witness said.

It is the prosecution's case that Bora (24) was strangled to death in a car by her mother Indrani Mukerjea, her then driver Shyamvar Rai (who later turned approver in the case) and Indrani's former husband Sanjeev Khanna on April 24, 2012. Her body was burnt and disposed of at a forest in nearby Raigad.

As per the CBI, which probed the case, Sheena and Indrani had financial disputes, and Indrani did not approve of her relationship with Rahul.

The murder came to light in 2015, after Rai spilled the beans following his arrest in another case, leading to the arrest of Indrani Mukerjea, Sanjeev Khanna and later Peter Mukerjea.
A 30-year-old man from Mahabubnagar district of Telangana died in the United States after allegedly being shot by the police there following a "scuffle" with his roommate, his family members said on Thursday.

Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: Pixabay

Mohammed Nizamuddin's father Mohammed Hasnuddin, citing information received from a friend of his son, told PTI that the incident happened on September 3, though it is unclear what exactly happened.

According to information received by him, the scuffle took place over a petty matter. However, the details of the incident are unclear, he said.

He said they got the information about the incident on Thursday morning. He has requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to help in bringing his son's mortal remains back to Mahabubnagar.

"Today morning I came to know he (Nizamuddin) was shot dead by Santa Clara Police and his mortal remains are in some hospital in Santa Clara, California. I do not know the actual reasons why police shot him dead," Hasnuddin, said in the letter addressed to Jaishankar.

He requested the minister to ask the Embassy of India in Washington DC and Consulate General of India in San Francisco to help him in bringing his son's mortal remains to Mahabubnagar.

Majlis Bachao Tahreek (MBT) spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan, who shared the letter with the media, urged the External Affairs Minister to help the family in the matter.

Hasnuddin said his son has been working as a software professional in the USA after completing MS there.
United States President Donald Trump has named 23 countries as the major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries in a 'Presidential Determination' submitted to Congress.

IMAGE: United States President Donald Trump. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

China, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan are among the 23 countries.

The US President expressed commitment to defeating the threat posed by the illegal drug trade in the US.

The other countries in the list include The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

President Trump, in the 'Presidential Determination,' designated Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela as 'having failed demonstrably' during the previous 12 months to both adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements and to take the measures to improve their counternarcotics efforts.

"A country's presence on the foregoing list is not necessarily a reflection of its government's counterdrug efforts or level of cooperation with the United States," the Presidential Determination read.

It reasoned that the countries are placed on the list on 'the combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs or precursor chemicals to be transited or produced, even if a government has engaged in robust and diligent narcotics control and law enforcement measures'.

Earlier, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in close coordination with other agencies, dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate that used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines across four continents.

The cartel was busted during a routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market in New Delhi, unravelling a sophisticated criminal web operating across India, the United States of America, Australia, and Europe, showcasing the global reach of illicit pharma networks and NCB's capability to lead coordinated international enforcement actions.

US Embassy in India thanked NCB for the actions against the illegal drugs racket.

'Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives!' it said.
'Vijay is a very confused, amateur politician.'

IMAGE: Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Vijay addresses a rally in Tiruchirappalli, September 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vinoj P Selvam on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Chief and actor Vijay, branding him a "confused and amateur politician" who lacks clarity on key issues and fails to articulate his party's core principles even after two years.

Selvam, the Tamil Nadu BJP youth wing president, accused Vijay of indecision on figures like Periyar and of merely echoing the DMK's rhetoric without offering original positions.

"Vijay is a very confused, amateur politician. He doesn't know how to take a stand between Periyar and otherwise... What is the message you're trying to give?... You are very confused, you are very amateur, you are still in kindergarten as far as politics is concerned."

"And after two years of forming his political party, to date, he has not been able to come up with what his party stands for," Selvam said.

The BJP leader criticised the TVK for opposing BJP policies on issues like NEET while parroting DMK lines, without outlining its own agenda.

"He keeps opposing the BJP's policies and principles, and he keeps talking about NEET. He basically parrots everything the DMK says, but apart from that, TVK has not come out with a single line about what his party actually stands for. So let him first get clarity before opposing the BJP," he added.

Vijay launched his state-wide campaign from Tiruchirappalli on Saturday. He delivered a fiery speech questioning the ruling DMK over its 'unfulfilled' electoral promises mentioned in its 2021 election manifesto.

Addressing a massive crowd, Vijay began his speech with a reference to tradition, saying, "In the olden days, before going to war, people would first visit their family deity for blessings. Similarly, before heading into an electoral battle, I wanted to meet and greet my people."

Vijay then shifted his focus to the DMK government's 2021 election manifesto, highlighting several promises that remain unfulfilled.

"Out of the 505 assurances they made, what has been implemented? Where is the Rs 3 reduction in diesel prices, the monthly electricity bill calculation, the waiver of student education loans, 40 per cent job reservation for women in government services, the restoration of the old pension scheme, and the filling of two lakh government vacancies?" he asked.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday slammed the Opposition AIADMK, alleging that the party has fallen into subservience, seeking refuge under Amit Shah.

Exuding confidence in a DMK victory in the 2026 assembly election, Stalin stated that "Tamil Nadu is a no-entry zone for the BJP."

Addressing the DMK's Mupperum Vizha in Karur, marking the birth anniversaries of social reformer Periyar, DMK founder C N Annadurai and the 76th founding anniversary of the DMK, Stalin said, "AIADMK once claimed to stand for self-respect, but today it has fallen into subservience, seeking refuge under Amit Shah. While many parties that promised change and transformation have vanished, the DMK has remained strong."

"Tamil Nadu is a no-entry zone for the BJP. No one can defeat the DMK in this state, and Karur is not just a district; it is the DMK's own land. Since 2019, DMK has won all elections it has faced. This is not a usual victory; we have made all enemies shake. This victory will surely continue in the 2026 assembly election too. Dravidian model 2.0 Governance will surely be formed," he added.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also alleged that the AIADMK had lost its independence and become "a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BJP".

"AIADMK, a powerful political party and a legacy political party in Tamil Nadu, unfortunately, has lost its independence. It is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BJP," Karti Chidambaram told ANI on Wednesday.

"Even for any small internal problem, they will have to run to Delhi for arbitration. That very clearly shows that they have lost their independence, and the people of Tamil Nadu have lost confidence in them because they don't behave like an independent political party anymore," he added.

On Tuesday, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, accompanied by party colleagues, called on Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan for the first time after his election in New Delhi. EPS' visit to the national capital comes in the run-up to the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, which the AIADMK and the BJP will contest in an alliance against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

On Monday, Palaniswami praised the BJP for extending consistent support to his party, especially after AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa's demise, while strongly criticising the DMK government for its alleged failures in maintaining law and order in Tamil Nadu.

There have been demands within the AIADMK to bring back leaders who left the party. On September 5, Gobichettipalayam MLA and former school education Minister K A Sengottaiyan raised the demand and set a 10-day deadline for Palaniswami to initiate the process.

However, the AIADMK general secretary relieved Sengottaiyan from the party posts. Sengottaiyan's call was supported by former party leaders O Panneerselvam, V K Sasikala and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam founder T T V Dhinakaran.
The deadly attack on the Uri garrison on September 18 nine years ago marked the end of India's policy against crossing the Line of Control to target Pakistan-based terrorists.

It paved the way for the Balakot air strikes in 2019 and Operation Sindoor this year.

IMAGE: Smoke rises from the Uri brigade camp during the September 18, 2016 terror attack. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff

At 5:30 am on September 18, 2016, the Indian Army garrison in Uri near the Line of Control was attacked by four terrorists from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group.

18 soldiers were killed when the terrorists set ablaze a petrol depot located near the transit tents when the soldiers were asleep in the wee hours of a Sunday morning.

This was the deadliest terror attack on the Indian military in nearly two decades.

The scale and nature of the attack shocked the nation.

It was the first major attack during Narendra Modi's first term as prime minister and came eight months after four terrorists attacked the Pathankot air force base where three security personnel lost their lives.

IMAGE: An army helicopter from the 19 divisional headquarters in Baramulla flies over the Brigade camp. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff

The Uri attack compelled India to revise its rules of engagement, signalling an end to its earlier policy of not crossing the Line of Control to target and eliminate Pakistan-based terrorists.

India did not cross the LoC even during the Kargil conflict in 1999.

But Uri marked a turning point in India's response to terror -- a shift from restraint to punitive action.

Just eleven days after the Uri attack, on the night of September 28-29, the Indian Army's Special Forces carried out Surgical Strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The fact that the strikes were carried out was revealed at a press conference the following day -- a move without precedent in India's handling of cross-border military operations.

IMAGE: A Lashkar-e-Tayiba terror facility in Muridke near Lahore after it was struck by an Indian missile, May 7, 2025. Photograph: Gibran Peshimam/Reuters

Lieutenant General Satish Dua, commander, 15 Corps at that time, later revealed that then defence minister Manohar Parrikar visited the camp that afternoon along with then army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag and gave the clearance for the surgical strikes.

The surgical strikes sent a clear message: India's response to terrorist attacks will not only be defensive, it will also involve taking action across the border -- and a strong and determined nation must demonstrate its capabilities.

The strikes were a morale booster for soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir and across the country.

It set the stage for Operation Balakot in 2019 and Operation Sindoor in 2025.

The film Uri, the Surgical Strikes based on the Uri attack and India's retaliation is one of India's highest grossing movies.

19 soldiers who conducted the surgical strikes were awarded gallantry medals.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/dshmyhal

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosyniak-Kamysh have agreed to create a joint operational group on unmanned aircraft systems, which will include representatives of the Ukrainian and Polish armed forces.

"Today we agreed on a number of important steps. The first is the creation of a joint operational group on unmanned aircraft systems, which will include representatives of the Ukrainian and Polish armed forces," Shmyhal said at a press conference with his Polish counterpart in Kyiv.

He explained that this group will become a platform for coordination and development of joint initiatives.

"We will integrate the latest defense technologies and initiate new projects that should strengthen the protection of our people and our critical infrastructure," the defense minister noted.

According to him, the central element of this joint operational group will be joint training programs. "...Which, I am sure, will strengthen our ability to confront a common enemy," Shmyhal added.
NEWFANE  Town officials in Brattleboro are hopeful that an order for contempt of court will spur some more action for the owner of 6 Reynolds Drive.

Will Hunter, owner and landlord, was found to have not complied with a court order for non-occupancy after failing to meet all of the requirements of previous court orders related to health and safety issues identified by the town. He'll be fined $100 per week and if he still hasn't shown compliance or significant progress after four weeks then the fine will increase by $100 per week, according to an order issued by Judge John Treadwell in Windham Superior Court, Civil Division.

A hearing is set for Oct. 28 to determine if the orders have been met. The town plans to schedule another inspection of the property beforehand.

Town Health Officer Charles "Chuck" Keir III testified last week that he began inspections after receiving complaints about the property in June 2023. A health order was issued about nine months ago and issues still remained during a springtime inspection, he said.

In July, the court ordered that the property isn't to be occupied by anyone until Hunter complied with terms of an order calling for health and safety improvements. He housed tenants in the first and second floor apartments.

Keir told the court he observed tenants at the property and vehicles in the yard in August. He said he was back outside the property earlier this month and had seen no evidence that tenants moved out.

Hunter "has personally made certain required repairs to the Property," Treadwell wrote in the order for contempt, including the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, removal of a chain-link door and replacement with an ordinary wooden door, removal of garbage on the second floor, and removal of a blanket that obstructed egress on the first floor. Inoperable vehicles remained in the yard, the order states, and an exterminator hadn't visited the property.

"The Town had received no information about any inspection or work by a plumber, electrician or structural engineer," Treadwell wrote.

Town seeks civil contempt order for Reynolds Drive property owner NEWFANE  The town of Brattleboro is seeking a civil contempt order against a property owner

Last week, Hunter described having difficulty reaching a tenant struggling with substance issues in order to have inspections done and notifying the person about the non-occupancy order. Hunter said he told other tenants that he could not provide legal advice on the order and suggested they reach out to Vermont Legal Aid.

Hunter asked the court to "take judicial notice that we are in a homelessness crisis in this state and within that community."

"If the town thinks that the public interest will be served by adding to the population of homeless," Hunter said, "I think they're wrong."

Hunter said he doesn't think he can be held in contempt of court since he doesn't have control over certain issues, and evicting a tenant who's also dealing with 13 criminal cases is "not the right thing to do."

Hunter's argument for his inability to comply with the order of non-occupancy is "belied" by his "affirmative and intentional decision not to take any steps to comply with that order," Treadwell wrote, and his "policy arguments regarding housing and housing instability do not go to the merits of compliance with the order."

"Contempt is generally a tool used where a partys violation is willful, and coercive measures are necessary to ensure compliance," Treadwell wrote. "By failing to take any steps to effectuate the order of non-occupancy [Hunter] willfully violated that order."
"I think that Bennington will be a great location for Her Closet," said the store's administrator Kendy Skidmore. "And, I'm hoping that we get
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Nancy Braus is a long-time political activist who writes from Guilford. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
Ukraine's goal of ensuring the ability to use at least 1,000 interceptor drones per day will be realized in the near future, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has said.

"We have set ourselves a goal of 1,000 drones. This is not just a goal, it is a necessity to effectively shoot down all Russian drones. We understand that 800 drones per night is the level that the Russian Federation has already demonstrated in practice. Accordingly, we need to have at least 1,000 interceptor drones. This level will be achieved. I cannot say what the level is today, but this level will be realized in the near future," Shmyhal said at a press conference with his Polish counterpart in Kyiv.

He stressed that the goal is to intercept all Russian drones on the territory of Ukraine. At the same time, the minister noted that for Ukraine, it is not a question of producing 1,000 drones.

We can reach this level very quickly. Right away. The question is the number of ground control complexes, the number of radars, the number of relevant elements, which, in particular, use artificial intelligence for guidance, Shmyhal emphasized.

As the head of the department explained, there is a whole ecosystem for intercepting drones, and it consists not only of interceptor drones. This is just the tip of the iceberg of a large coordinated system that must work, which includes electronic warfare systems, radars, etc. It is a large complex, and its implementation takes some time. But we are confidently moving towards the goal that has been set, he assured.

As reported, in July of this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he had tasked UAV manufacturers with ensuring that Ukraine has the ability to use at least 1,000 interceptor drones per day.
Land Information NZ (LINZ) has substantially completed the modernisation of its Landonline property titles and surveys system and all external users are now using the new platform.

All titles customers  primarily legal professionals  were migrated to the new platform in March, by which time, 80% of LINZ staff support functionality had also been released.

Survey application Plan Generation went live in late July, the last of three survey applications to be released to surveyors.

We are now focused on migrating the database and completing backend functionality for staff by December 2026, LINZ deputy chief executive of digital delivery Murray Young said.

A business-to-business application programming interface will be developed after the database migration, in consultation with stakeholders.

LINZ has also built scaled Agile capabilities internally to enable it to continue to modernise and innovate Landonline in the future and keep pace with changing property sector demands and technology solutions.

All key milestones of the Survey and Titles Enhancement Project, or STEP, were met by 30 June, Young said, with the exception of the last survey application, where the pilot phase was extended to ensure the user experience was consistent.

Legacy Landonline has been switched off for external users for all title transactions, and two of the three survey applications. Access to the final survey application is expected to end on 30 September.
Ilya Dubsky doused his arm in acid and then, using scissors, began cutting away the skin on his arm where a tattoo of a historical emblem of Belarus was emblazoned.

A prison guard looked on as he removed from his arm what he had been told would identify him as a traitor: "Remove it however you want, even if it's with a brick...or you'll never get out."

Dubsky -- who was first detained while attending protest rallies against Belarus's authoritarian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko in 2020 and subsequently sentenced to five years in prison for social media posts -- was one of 52 prisoners released in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on the Belarusian state-owned airline Belavia.

Speaking to RFE/RLs Belarus Service in Lithuania where he and all but one of the others were released, the 28-year-old recounted receiving beatings, having cigarette butts held to his face, and being incarcerated in freezing, overcrowded punishment cells.

I burned the nerve endings so that it wouldnt hurt so much, Dubsky said recounting how he prepared before using nail scissors cut away the skin where his tattoo was.

My whole hand was covered in blood. Someone was sitting nearby, smoking. He looked at meindifferently," he added.

Later, the arm got infected, so he went to the prison clinic.

The doctors were in shock. They bandaged my wound and treated it with antiseptic, Dubsky said of his gruesome ordeal.

Belarus has made headlines in recent weeks with a flurry of US-negotiated releases of political prisoners. But while Minsk basks in the narrative of warming relations with Washington, dark questions have been raised by accounts of torture and mistreatment -- and the prompt rearrest of a veteran dissident.

Mikalay Statkevich was released from prison on September 11 as part of the political agreement but unlike the others, the 69-year-old former presidential candidate refused deportation. Pictures showed him stranded in a no-man's land between the borders of Lithuania and Belarus. Then he went missing.

On September 17, Statkevichs wife Maryna Adamovich visited a prison in Hlybokaye, eastern Belarus, where it was thought he might be being held. Prison authorities said they would respond to her inquiries within 15 days.

The same day, Lukashenko confirmed that Statkevich had been arrested but said nothing of his whereabouts.

Diplomatic engagement by Washington, including at least one phone call between Lukashenko and US President Donald Trump, has led to a series of prisoner releases this year.

It began in January, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that American citizen Anastasia Nuhfer was released. Days later, RFE/RL journalist Andrey Kuznechyk and two others were freed.

More releases followed, notably that of prominent opposition leader Syarhei Tsikhanouski with 14 others in June. But exiled Belarusian human rights group Vyasna (Spring) reported that 29 others were newly jailed that same month.

Statkevichs rearrest fits with this pattern of headline-grabbing releases coupled with continued political repression in Belarus.

Meanwhile, Dubskys story fits with that of others who have given graphic accounts of what they endured in Lukashenkos prisons.

'Inhuman Conditions'

"There are no words to describe what's happening in there," one former prisoner, Henadz Fyadynich, told reporters after his release on September 12.

If other people saw what this penal colony was like, they would think they were in the Middle Ages. I woke up many times in the middle of the night, hearing grown men literally howling," he said.

Tsikhanouski recalled spending nearly three years in total isolation. Journalist Ihar Karnei, who worked with RFE/RL for over 20 years, spoke of inhuman conditions after his release in June.

Dubsky told RFE/RL that he slit his wrists and went on hunger strike while he was being held in pretrial detention.

The European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Belarus has issued a statement calling Statkevichs current situation an enforced disappearance and demanding his safety and freedom.

While Statkevich refused deportation, and is now missing presumed jailed, Dubsky said he was happy to be in Lithuania because he knew the security forces would come for him again if he remained.

"I really want everyone [else] to be released," he added.

According to Vyasna, there are currently 1,182 political prisoners in Belarus.
New research shared with RFE/RL shows that leading Chinese universities linked to the countrys defense sector have significantly increased their research partnerships with Russian institutions, providing Moscow with access to new technology and expertise that can help counteract Western sanctions applied since the Kremlins full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The preliminary findings compiled by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) think tank and cross-referenced by RFE/RL show that all 68 Chinese universities officially described as parts of the countrys defense system or supervised by a defense agency have deepened or dramatically deepened their research ties with Russia since 2019.

This growing collaboration could give Moscow enhanced access to strategic technologies with military applications where China is a global powerhouse, while granting Beijing access to research and development in key sectors like aircraft engine production where Russia remains advanced, the research projects lead author said.

These are all universities tied to defense or the critical and dual-use technology ecosystem in China, Bethany Allen, the head of China investigations at ASPI, told RFE/RL. This could indirectly aid Russias war in Ukraine by providing access to innovations and know-how that help offset Western sanctions and export controls.

Beijing and Moscows deepening cooperation through higher education marks another strategic area where their ties have expanded under Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which have grown even deeper since February 2022 when the two men declared a no limits partnership ahead of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

While cooperation between Chinese and Russian institutions existed before then and is not limited to sectors with defense applications, research cooperation in this area has accelerated against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, with ASPIs preliminary data pointing to growing research partnerships concentrated around aeronautics and drone technology between both countries leading research bodies.

This comes as Western governments aim to limit academic collaboration with both countries and cut them off from access to strategic research.

Russia finds itself cut off from Western scientific research to some extent after the invasion of Ukraine and Chinese research institutes are also facing new restrictions, particularly from the United States, Allen said. Against that pressure, theyve decided it makes sense to cross-pollinate.

A Focus On Drones and Advanced Engines

The research is part of an ongoing project launched in September by ASPI that tracks links between Chinas civilian universities and the countrys military and security agencies, and the think tank shared its early findings about links between Chinese and Russian institutions with RFE/RL from the yet-to-be-finalized report.

China has prioritized building links between its civilian universities and the countrys military and security agencies.

The country has historically trained its defense scientists through a group of seven leading universities known as the Seven Sons of National Defense, but Chinas ecosystem has grown in recent years with an additional 61 universities now officially described as parts of its defense network or supervised by the State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense, Chinas defense industry agency.

It is universities from this pool that are partnering with Russian research institutions.

One notable partnership identified by ASPI is between the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) and Beihang University, which established a joint Masters program in 2017. Beihangs Aero-Engine Research Institute says that the programs goal is to help the aircraft engine sector in China enter a critical stage of transformation from testing and imitating research and development to independent development.

This collaboration comes with clear benefits for both parties and dual-use applications, from the battlefield in Ukraine to monopolies over future critical technologies.

Beihang is one of the Seven Sons and is ranked as Chinas top university for aerospace research, with a particular focus on drone production, drone swarming technology, and advanced aircraft engine research.

The United States is currently considered the world leader in advanced aircraft engine research, but China has clear aspirations to claim top spot. China is now responsible for a large portion of leading research in the field and has founded a number of new institutes focused on their advancement.

MAI is one of Russias top aerospace institutes and has spearheaded advanced research on aircraft engines. As Russian arms sales to Beijing have decreased in recent years due Chinas increasing military self-sufficiency, aircraft engines have remained a steady import, even throughout the war in Ukraine.

China has struggled to produce the most advanced aircraft engines, so this is an area where Russia can help, Allen said.

Notable Examples Of China-Russia Research Programs

Xian Technological University is another Seven Sons university that forged new partnerships with Russia.

The school focuses on research for advanced weapons systems in conjunction with several Chinese weapons companies and set up a joint training program in 2023 with the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, which has some of Russias most advanced hydro-aerodynamics labs as well as close ties with Russias military-industrial complex.

The Russian university is heavily involved in the Kremlins war effort and its leadership has publicly supported the invasion of Ukraine. Its Special Technology Center is currently under US and EU sanctions and it developed the Orlan-10 UAV, one of the main drones used in Russian strikes on Ukraines critical infrastructure.

Another key center for China-Russia research is the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), one of Chinas most important military research universities, which was sanctioned by the US government in 2020 for its alleged role in procuring items for Beijing's military.

While the institute has been home to exchanges and joint research between China and Russia for more than a century, it has expanded its connection with Russian universities in recent years.

HIT and the Bauman Moscow State Technical University created the Association of Sino-Russian Technical Universities in 2011 and since then it has expanded into a joint institute that houses 59 undergraduate students who study in both Russia and China.

HIT is also training more than 1,500 Chinese and Russian students at a new science education center created with St Petersburg State University. The Chinese university also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology and the Russian Academy of Engineering in 2024, among a long list of growing agreements with Russian institutes.

Those deep links led Putin to visit HIT in 2024 as part of a state visit to China where he said the institution was inseparably connected with Russia.
The first time was in Avdiyivka in January 2024, when Russian troops used a partially flooded water outflow tunnel to creep into a quiet, wooded district in the Ukrainian-controlled city, helping pave the way for the citys capture weeks later.

The second was in early March 2025 in Sudzha, in Russias Kursk region. Ukrainian forces, who had invaded the region seven months earlier, were surprised by another group of Russian soldiers who crept through an unused underground gas pipeline. Ukrainian forces pulled out of Kursk weeks later.

Now it appears that Russian forces have pulled off a third pipeline ambush, just north of Kupyansk, a Kharkiv region city where Ukrainian forces have been under increasing pressure.

The operation, which appears to have culminated last week, involved an unknown number of Russian soldiers using carts and electric-powered scooters to secretly move as many 13 kilometers under the Oskil River.

Ukraine controls the western banks of the south-flowing river and has relied on it in part for its defense of Kupyansk and the Kharkiv region.

Its unclear how successful the operation was; Ukrainian officials denied initial reports, but then appeared to downplay the consequences, saying the effort had been thwarted, the pipeline destroyed and flooded, and an unknown number of soldiers taken prisoners.

Still, open-source battlefield trackers including Deep State, which has ties to the Ukrainian military, show noticeable Russian advances north of Kupyansk, home to a key junction for rail lines that stretch west into the Kharkiv region.

As of September 17, Russian troops had purportedly advanced up to Kupyansks northern outskirts, and possibly into the citys limits.

If nothing else, however, it highlights both the ingenuity, or recklessness, of Russian commanders, and growing experience in undertaking risky operations.

Excavation Under Fire

Much of the pipeline network that spreads throughout Ukraine was built in the Soviet era, and Ukrainian experts said it was likely that Russian military engineers have detailed maps and schematics of the system.

According to Deep State, which first highlighted the operation late last week, Russians units entered the local, unused pipeline network in the village of Lyman Pershiy, which is about 20 kilometers northwest of Kupyansk, on the opposite, eastern bank of the Oskil River.

Units built low-slung wheeled carts and used electric scooters to move through the pipes, an assertion backed up in part by multiple videos published on Russian-linked Telegram channels. Moving under the Oskil, at a depth up to 2 meters, units took about four days to reach Radkivka, on Kupyansks northern outskirts. Food caches were set up along the way as well.

It is a pity that the experiences of Avdiyivka and Sudzha were not taken into account, Deep State said in a commentary accompanying its findings. But once again, we want to believe that this pipe will finally serve as a lesson for Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian military officials responded by partially confirming the subterranean operation, also claiming that only a few Russian soldiers managed to emerge from the pipeline and take up forward positions, and that most had either been killed or captured.

The exit from the pipeline that the enemy tried to use to move personnel into Kupyansk is under the control of Ukrainian defenders. The pipeline does not lead directly into the city, the General Staff said in a statement on September 12.

In one video that was released to a prominent Ukrainian war blogger, a man identified as a Russian prisoner of war said officers sent soldiers into the pipeline in groups of 10; men who balked were tied up and beaten, the man said. He said he crawled, and used carts and scooters, to travel around 13 kilometers.

About 70 Russians had made it through the pipeline when they were confronted by Ukrainian troops, the soldier said. Commanders ordered the surrounded Russian troops to blow themselves up.

The video could not be independent verified.

Yuriy Fedorenko, a unit commander with Ukraine's 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment, said that Russian troops managed to poke holes in several places in the pipelines, particularly in wooded areas, which afforded them cover to emerge and scatter undetected by Ukrainian drones.

Ukrainian forces had destroyed one or more branches of the pipelines, making it impassible, Fedorenko told Donbas Realities, a program of RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service.

"There was a strike near the Oskil River, he said. As a result, the pipeline is now impassable.

Fedorenko said it was difficult to defend against the Russian pipeline attacks because of how extensive the underground network is, and how difficult it is to get tractors or backhoes to key locations, to dig up or block the pipelines.

Several Ukrainian reports said the pipeline in question near Kupyansk may have been partially blocked or destroyed in the past, but Russian sappers or soldiers managed to clear the route.

With reporting by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service
Russias State Duma has passed a bill to withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, formally ending an international commitment to maintain human rights that has in any case almost completely ceased to have any effect in the country.

The move was proposed by President Vladimir Putin earlier this month, marking another symbolic step by Moscow away from international norms.

Although Russia has been a member of the convention since 1997, civil rights activists have always complained that torture and degrading treatment are widespread in Russian police stations and detention centers.

Formally, the convention allowed international monitors access to Russian prisons, but this effectively stopped following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In practice, tearing up this agreement will have no consequences, Yevgeny Smirnov, a lawyer with Department One, a human rights group, told RFE/RLs Current Time in August when the move was first discussed.

Russia has already stopped implementing anything connected with [the convention]in fact, no conventions that Russia has signed in previous decades are actually working, he added.

Russia says that the Council of Europe has blocked its participation in Europes Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and thus Moscow is unable to fully participate in the work of this monitoring mechanism.

Russia joined the Council of Europe in February 1996, but was suspended by the organization in February 2022, after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Later it was expelled, although Moscow said it was withdrawing from the council.

The 1987 European Convention for the Prevention of Torture is a treaty of the Council of Europe. The council said that despite Russia's suspension, it remains a "party to the relevant Council of Europe conventions."

Ukrainian prisoners of war who have been released in exchanges have also reported torture in Russia.

They have none of the guaranteed rights which Russian law (formally) provides for. They are not allowed to see human rights activists, observer missions, lawyers, or relatives. The convention wasnt being observed and will continue to not be observed for these people, said Smirnov.
Russia continues to pound Ukraine's railway infrastructure, leaving at least five people wounded in the central Poltava region, as Ukraine reportedly struck back with drone attacks inside of Russia.

In Poltava's Myrhorod district, a Russian attack caused fires that were later contained by emergency services, regional governor Volodymyr Kohut said on Telegram on September 18, adding that one person was injured.

Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine's state railway operator, said overnight strikes temporarily cut power to stations in the region, causing delays to passenger trains.

Russia's strikes on Poltava on September 18 came a day after another large-scale attack on Ukraine's railway infrastructure as part of a campaign that has snarled rail traffic, especially at central hubs in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.

Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine's minister of territorial development, accused Russia of deliberately targeting Ukraine's logistics and civilian infrastructure in an effort to increase pressure on the country's population and economy.

"The goal of such attacks is clear -- to complicate passenger and cargo transportation, disrupt stable transport operations, and put additional pressure on people and the economy," Kuleba said on September 17.

Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilian installations during more than three years of war on Ukraine despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

Separately, a late-evening drone attack on the Poltava region also damaged a gas station, causing a fire and injuring four more people, Ukraine's emergency services reported.

"An impact caused a fire that destroyed the building. Four people were injured: three drivers and a cashier. The cars, the building, and the station equipment were also damaged."

Other attacks were reported in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions. In the Nizhin, Chernihiv region, one rescuer was killed and two more were wounded, local military administrator Vyacheslav Chaus said.

He added that the deadly strike on the local rescuers' unit came on Ukraine's Rescuer Day.

"Russia attacked one of the State Emergency Service units with Shahed and Geran drones. It was cynical and cruel to attack rescuers on Rescuer Day," Chaus said.

Overall, the Ukrainian Air Force said it shot down 48 of 75 drones launched by Russia and reported 26 drone hits at six locations.

Meanwhile, long-range drones launched by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) struck one of Russias largest oil refineries and petrochemical plants -- Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat LLC in Bashkortostan, an SBU source told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service.

"Each [strike] on a Russian oil refinery reduces the aggressor's capability to wage war against us. Deep strikes inside the Russian Federation demonstrate that there are no safe regions for the enemy," the source said.

The Exilnova+ Telegram channel posted user-generated content that appears to show the fire at the Salvat refinery. RFE/RL could not immediately verify the footage.

Separately, Russia reported a massive Ukrainian drone attack on the Volgograd region. According to the region's governor, Andrey Bocharov, falling debris from the drones knocked out windows and damaged the roofs of two private homes.

The SHOT Telegram channel cited eyewitnesses who reported hearing a series of explosions in the southern part of Volgograd. Later, Ukrainian special forces said they had struck the Volgograd oil refinery, forcing the facility to halt operations.

Earlier, Russian officials also claimed a Ukrainian drone strike killed one man and seriously injured his brother in the town of Shebekino in Russia's Belgorod region.
Counterintelligence agents of the State Security Service (SBU) have detained a 35-year-old local handyman in Kharkiv, who, on behalf of the Russian special services, was tracking the coordinates of the location of equipment and personnel of the Defense Forces, on which the Russian military was preparing strikes with super-heavy air bombs, FPV drones and artillery.

"Investigators of the Security Service informed the agent about suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law)," the SBU said.

According to the investigation, the Russians were most interested in the locations of units of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which are waging continuous battles in the Izyum direction.

In order to collect intelligence, the suspect tried to gain the trust of Ukrainian soldiers, offering them help in organizing their daily lives. At the same time, he took photos and videos of places with a significant concentration of personnel and military equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and also marked them on Google Maps.

"SBU officers exposed the agent at the initial stage of his intelligence activity, documented his crimes and carried out comprehensive measures to secure the positions of the Ukrainian troops on this front line," the SBU said.

The suspect was detained at the final stage of the special operation. A smartphone with photo and video files of the Armed Forces of Ukraine facilities, which he was preparing to send to the curator, was seized from him.

The suspect was chosen as a preventive measure in the form of detention. The maximum sanction of the article provides for life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Photo:  

Ukraine has transferred to the Russian Federation 24 bodies of dead Russian servicemen found in Ukraine, the press service of the state project of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War I Want to Live has said.

Today, September 18, 2025, through the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, 24 bodies of dead Russian servicemen found in Ukraine were transferred to Russia as part of repatriation, the project said on Telegram on Thursday.

These bodies and remains were found by Ukrainian search teams mainly in the Kupyansk district of the Kharkiv region. The search for the remains of Russian servicemen who died here in 2022-2023 continues.

As reported, on June 2, during negotiations in Istanbul, representatives of Ukraine and the Russian Federation agreed on the repatriation of 6,000 bodies of dead soldiers from each side. On June 11-16, 2025, a large-scale repatriation of fallen soldiers took place, as a result of which Ukraine received 6,057 bodies.
PM Modi Speaks To Prime Minister Sushila Karki Of Interim Government Of Nepal

Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow, PM Modi

PM Modi Speaks To Prime Minister Sushila Karki Of Interim Government Of Nepal Latest News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. He conveyed condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives.

PM Modi also reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for Sushila Karki's efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X, said, Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability.

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Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Also, I extended warm  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2025

Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow, PM Modi added.

73-year-old Sushila Karki was appointed to the role in September 2025 following widespread youth-led "Gen Z" protests against political corruption. She previously served as the first female Chief Justice of Nepal from 2016 to 2017.

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(For more news apart from Rs 1,600 Cr Does Grave Injustice To People Of Punjab, This Crisis Demands A Bolder Response: Rahul, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskyy.official

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met in Donetsk region with Ukrainian servicemen participating in the Dobropillia counteroffensive operation, listened to a report by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrsky, about the progress of the operation, the general situation at the front and future plans, and also reported on the liberation of more than 170 square kilometers of territory.

Step by step, the warriors are liberating our land: since the start of the operation, 160 square kilometers and seven settlements have been reclaimed, and over 170 square kilometers and nine settlements have been cleared of the occupiers. Nearly a hundred invaders have been taken prisoner, and just in the past few weeks, the Russians have suffered thousands of losses  both wounded and killed, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday.

He thanked the soldiers for their steadfastness and courage.
Rahul Gandhi: ECI Gyanesh Kumar Is Protecting People Behind Alleged Vote Chori, 18 Letters No Answer

This is not something I am saying lightly, Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi: ECI Gyanesh Kumar Is Protecting People Behind Alleged Vote Chori, Latest News: Rahul Gandhi on Thursday made strong allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, saying Kumar has the answer to who is behind the alleged vote theft and that he is protecting the people who have destroyed Indian democracy.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in a PowerPoint presentation on Thursday, presented how vote thefts are carried out in the country and how it was allegedly carried out in Aland, Karnataka, in particular.

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This is not something I am saying lightly, Rahul Gandhi said.

He claimed that he figured out how vote thefts were carried out and the method by which voters are being added and deleted.

In election after election, someone, some force, some group of people, have been systematically targeting millions of voters for deletion across India, LoP Rahul Gandhi alleged, adding that this was something he and his team heard repeatedly from different communities, especially the communities such as Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, and OBCs who vote for the opposition and are specifically targeted.

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Rahul said he and his team had heard such incidents of vote theft many times and claimed that now he has 100% proof of the theft.

I am not going to say anything on this stage that is not backed up by 100% proof, Rahul claimed, adding, I am somebody who loves my country, I love my Constitution, I love the democratic process, and I am protecting that process. So, I am not going to say anything here that is not going to be based on 100% proof that you can determine. The judgment is yours. I am going to lay proof in front of you.

Alleged Vote Scam in Aland, a constituency in Karnataka

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In Aland, Karnataka, Someone tried to delete 6,018 voters. And they were caught by coincidence, Rahul Gandhi claimed.

Rahul alleged that in Aland, Karnataka, someone tried to delete 6,018 votes.

We dont know the total number of votes deleted in Aland in the 2023 election. They are much higher than 6,018. But somebody got caught deleting the 6,018 votes. And it was caught like most crimesby coincidence.

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He explained that a booth-level officer there noticed that her uncles vote was deleted, and when the officer checked who deleted it, it turned out to be her neighbor.

However, when she asked the neighbor, the neighbor denied it.

Neither did the person deleting the vote know nor did the person whose vote got deleted know, Rahul said.

Some other force hijacked the process and deleted the vote, he alleged.

Rahul Gandhi went on to say that Someone has set up a centralized criminal operation to steal elections and that in Aland, under the operation, 6,018 deletion applications were filed by impersonating voters using automated filing of online EC forms, mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, and targeting Congress voters.

Rahul Gandhi claimed that nobody filed those applications for voter deletion and that the filings were done automatically, using software.

Explaining the operation further, he said, People who filed these applications actually never filed them. I will show you the evidence. The filing was done automatically, using software. We will show you that.

Mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, from different states, were used to delete and it was done to target Congress voters. So, this was not random, these deletions were specifically targeting booths where the Congress party was winning, Rahul further claimed.

Rahul Gandhi gave a few examples of how the vote chori was allegedly being carried out and put forth an example of an elderly woman named Godavari.

He said, Someone created fake logins in Godabais name to delete 12 voters and attempted to delete them, and then this was stopped.

Eample 1: An Elderly Womans name Allegedly Used to Delete Voters in Aland

He said Godabai had no idea. Godabai, in a statement as shared in the PowerPoint presentation today, said, During the election, I have not filed any deletion application. I have no connection with it. I have no idea who has done it.

As per the data shown in Rahuls presentation, Godabai is a 63-year-old elderly citizen from Aland, Karnataka assembly, Booth number 37.

Rahul Gandhi also shared the cell phone numbers from different states used to allegedly delete 12 neighbors.

Example 2:

In another example, Rahul claimed that a person named Suryakand deleted 12 voters in 14 minutesbut the person had no idea about it.

Rahul called Suryakand, along with the woman whose name was being deleted, on the stage where he was doing the presentation.

12 voters have been deleted in my name, however I have no idea of it. Neither have I sent anyone any message nor have I called anyone. It was actually from Babita that I came to know about it, Suryakand said.

Example 3:

In another example, a person named Nagaraj filled two applications and submitted them within 36 seconds, which Rahul said was humanly impossible.

Try and fill these forms and see how long it takes, Rahul said.

Also notice what time this gentleman (Nagaraj) has filled the forms. For some reason, he gets up at 4:07 in the morning and suddenly fills two forms.

Rahul said that these were being done not by individuals but using software. He said applicants are always serial number 1, and serial number 1 means that this is the first name in the booth.

Therefore, a software is picking up the first name in the booth and using it to delete voters, he said.

Someone ran an automated program that ensured the first voter of the booth was the applicant and that the same person got cell phones from outside the state and used them to file the applications. We are pretty certain that this was done in a centralized manner. This was not done at a workers level but rather done at a call center, Rahul Gandhi alleged.

He further stated that it targeted deletions in strong Congress booths and that the top 10 booths with maximum deletions were Congress strongholds where Congress won 8 out of the 10 booths in 2018.

Rahul said it was not a coincidence but a planned operation.

Rahul Explains the direct accusation against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Explaining why he was making such a direct accusation against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Rahul said, There is an ongoing investigation on this matter in Karnataka. The CID has sent in 18 letters in 18 months to the Election Commission of India.

Rahul said that the CID asked the ECI the destination IPs from where these forms were filled, device destination ports from which these applications were filed, and for the OTP trails.

Because if you file, you have to get an OTP, Rahul said.

However, the ECI has not given a proper response, according to Rahul, stating that if the ECI gives proper answers, it will reveal who was behind those alleged thefts.

We are absolutely convinced where this is going to lead, he said.

Chronology of Karnatakas CIDs 18 letters to the Election Commission of India:

Rahul explained the CIDs request to the ECI in the matter chronologically. According to him, in February 2023 an FIR was filed and Karnataka wrote to the ECI in March, requesting all details of these numbers and these transactions. In August 2023, the ECI gave a reply; however, it did not fulfill any of the demands. In January 2024, Karnataka CID wrote to the ECI again, requesting full information, and CID got no answer. The last letter Karnataka CID sent to the ECI was in September 2025.





While these were going on, the CEC Karnataka wrote to the Election Commission in Delhi, requesting the information, and CEC Karnataka wrote multiple times but got no answer, Rahul said.

This is absolute solid proof that Gyanesh Kumar is protecting the people behind all this. This is also absolute solid proof that this is being done in a centralized manner.

Who is the Someone?

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the ECI knows exactly who all these people are and who that alleged someone is.

They are defending the murderers of our democracy by not giving the names of the people behind vote chori. The CEC of India is not telling the CID of Karnataka who is doing this.

Rahul said this is not an isolated case and he went on to give similar examples of alleged vote theft from Maharashtra, Rajura.

Election Commission of India's Response

The Election Commission of India called the allegations made by Rahul Gandhi are 'incorrect and baseless'.

aAAllegations made by Shri Rahul Gandhi are incorrect and baseless.#ECIFactCheck



aRead in detail in the image attached Y https://t.co/mhuUtciMTF pic.twitter.com/n30Jn6AeCr  Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) September 18, 2025

(For more news apart from Rahul Gandhi: ECI Gyanesh Kumar Is Protecting People Behind Alleged Vote Chori, 18 Letters No Answer, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
BSF And Anti-Narcotics Task Force In Punjab Apprehend Narco-Smuggler From Amritsar

The team recovered 23 packets of suspected heroin (gross weight: 25.9 kgs) from his possession.

BSF And Anti-Narcotics Task Force In Punjab Apprehend Narco-Smuggler From Amritsar, Latest News: The Border Security Force (BSF) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force in Punjab's Amritsar apprehended an alleged narco-smuggler near the village of Beharwal in Amritsar in a joint operation.

The team recovered 23 packets of suspected heroin (gross weight: 25.9 kgs) from his possession. A pistol with two magazines, an iPhone 14, and a motorcycle were also recovered.

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(For more news apart from Punjab News: BSF And Anti-Narcotics Task Force In Punjab Apprehend Narco-Smuggler From Amritsar, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.
Rs1,600 Cr Does Grave Injustice To People Of Punjab, 'Crisis Demands A Bolder Response': Rahul

Over 4 lakh acres of paddy crop have been destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished."

Punjab relief, Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi requesting More relief package for Punjab Latest News: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has appealed to the Central government to facilitate a quick assessment of the damage and deliver a comprehensive relief package to the severely flood-affected Indian state of Punjab, citing that the Rs 1,600 crore initial relief announced by the government does grave injustice to the people of Punjab and that estimates suggest the state has suffered a loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore.

This crisis demands a bolder response, the Congress leader said in a letter dated 16 Sept. 2025, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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I write to you regarding the catastrophic floods that have devastated Punjab. During my recent visit, I witnessed the shocking devastation and its human cost, the letter read.

Over 4 lakh acres of paddy crop have been destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished. Lakhs of people, mostly from marginalised communities, have lost their homes. The flood has also rendered vast tracts of land uncultivable in the near future. Even today, thousands of acres are submerged and villages remain cut off, it added.

According to recent data from the Punjab government, over 2,300 villages in the state have been affected in the worst floods in nearly four decades, resulting in extensive silting of village streets, accumulation of debris, and large-scale loss of livestock. Community assets, including community centres, schools, cremation grounds, and anganwadis, have also been damaged.

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Despite the gravity of this crisis, I witnessed the very best of humanity," Rahul said, adding, "Communities rallied behind those who lost everything. People opened their homes to strangers and shared whatever little they had. Their generosity and commitment to help, often at great personal risk, was admirable."

Rahul, however, called the initial relief of Rs 1,600 crore announced by the Union government a grave injustice to the people of Punjab, stating, Estimates suggest that the state has suffered a loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore. This crisis demands a bolder response. I request the government to facilitate a quick assessment of the damage and deliver a comprehensive relief package.

Punjab will rise again. In their hour of need, we must reassure every farmer, every soldier, and every family in Punjab that India stands with them. We must come together and extend all possible support to help rebuild their future, Rahul added.

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The Centre announced the Rs 1,600 crore financial assistance to Punjab for flood relief after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state on 9 September 2025. His visit came three weeks after the devastating flood hit the state.

His visit included an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in the state.

Ahead of PM Modis visit to Punjab, the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Congress leaders, had urged PM Modi to release Rs 20,000 crore for the relief and rescue operations, and it had also demanded its pending dues of Rs 60,000 crore from the Centre.

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The Centre, however, released only Rs 1,600 crore, which was in addition to Rs 12,000 crore already in the states kitty, a government press release dated 9 Sept. 2025 said.

There will be an advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, it added.

Accordingly, the Centre government has released the second instalment of Rs 240 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for Punjab flood relief, in a letter dated 10 September 2025, from the Ministry of Finance.





Earlier, ahead of the PM's visit to the state, the Union government had also sent Inter-Ministerial Central teams to visit Punjab to assess the extent of the damage, and based on their detailed report, further assistance will be considered, the Centre government stated in the press release when PM Modi visited Punjab.

Congress MP from Ludhiana, Punjab, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, had slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for disappointing Punjab after the announcement of the Rs 1,600 crore flood relief financial assistance.

He had called it a drop in the ocean and oont ke mooh mein jeera, adding, Prime Minister @narendramodi ji has deeply disappointed Punjabis once again. When Punjab had great expectations from him, he failed. Rs 1,600 crore is not even peanuts. The estimated loss runs into thousands of crores of rupees. Wonder what the idea is behind such meagre relief, Amarinder Singh Raja had posted on X later today.

(For more news apart from Rs 1,600 Cr Does Grave Injustice To People Of Punjab, This Crisis Demands A Bolder Response: Rahul, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Two Women Drug Smugglers Among Six Held With 9kg Heroin In Amritsar (representative image)

Foreign-Based Gangster Harpreet Alias Happy Jatt Was Using Social Media Platforms To Run Module: Dgp Gaurav Yadav

Two Women Drug Smugglers Among Six Held With 9kg Heroin In Amritsar Latest News:

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, September 18: In a breakthrough against cross-border narco-terror networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted two more narcotic cartels with arrest of six drug traffickers and recovered a total of 9.066 Kg Heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

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Those arrested have been identified as Honey (18) of village Kale Ghanupur in Amritsar, Parmdeep Singh alias Paras (18) of Jandiala Guru in Amritsar, Harwinder Singh alias Hinda (19) of Jandiala Guru in Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi (25) of village Dande in Amritsar, Jasbir Kaur (40) of village Dhala in Tarn Taran and Kulwinder Kaur (54) of village Haveliyan in Tarn Taran.

The development came a day after Amritsar Commissionerate Police had busted drug smuggling syndicate being operated by Moga-based Jagpreet Singh alias Jagga with the arrest of its key operative identified as Yasin Mohammed and recovered 7.1 kg heroin from his possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that foreign-based notorious gangster identified as Harpreet alias Happy Jatt, a native of Jandiala Guru, had direct links with Pak-based smugglers and was running this network using social media platforms.

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The DGP said that two separate FIRs have been registered at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar, and further investigation is ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages to identify wider networks and cross-border linkages in both cases.

Sharing operation details of first operation, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that initially, accused Honey was arrested with 20 gm of heroin and during further investigation his accomplice identified as Parmdeep Singh alias Paras was nominated and subsequently arrested with 5.032 kg of heroin.

In course of investigation, two more members of the module identified as Harwinder Hinda and Gurpreet Gopi were nominated and arrested, he said, while adding that police teams had recovered additional chunk of 3.010 kg heroin from the possession of Gurpreet, taking total recovery to 8.062 kg from this module.

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The CP said that the arrested accused Gurpreet and Parmdeep used to receive narcotics consignments being dropped using drones from across the border at pre-decided locations including garbage piles or poles with signs. The arrested persons were further distributing the heroin consignments on instructions of Happy Jatt, he added.

In another operation, CP Gurpreet Bhullar said that two women smugglers identified as Jasbir Kaur and Kulwinder Kaur were arrested with 1.004 kg heroin. Arrested accused Jasbir Kaur was in direct contact with Pak smugglers, he said, while adding that both the modules have common Pak-based smugglers.

In this regard, two separate cases FIR No. 185 dated 15-09-2025 under sections 21-B, 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act and FIR No. 187 dated 17-09-2025 under sections 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act have been registered at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar.
September 18, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

September 18, 2025 UPDATE

Newsroom, 18.09.2025, 20:00

VISIT The Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan will be paying a short visit to Brussels on Monday. According to the government spokeswoman, Ioana Dogioiu, the Prime Ministers agenda does not include a meeting with the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The head of the government in Bucharest will be meeting the European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Valdis Dombrovskis, a meeting and a working lunch with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius and a working meeting with Roxana Minzatu, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Social Rights and Skills, Quality, Jobs and Preparedness. Earlier the Prime Minister announced he would also be tackling the loans taken by Romania and its budget deficit with the European officials. Romania is among the 19 EU members, which submitted to the European Commission a list with military projects by means of the financial instrument known as SAFE, Security Action for Europe. According to provisional allotment Romania is going to benefit from 16.68 billion EUROS through the aforementioned instrument, the second largest allotment for military purchases and rising defence capabilities in the EU.

WORKS Construction works have registered only a slight increase both in the EU and the Eurozone in July 2025 as compared to the previous month, but Romania proved to be the country with the highest increase in this segment of over 20%, data released by Eurostat on Thursday shows. According to data earlier released by the National Institute for Statistics in Romania, the volume of construction works increased in July 2025 as compared to the previous month by 27.2%, an increase, which became visible in the area of capital repairs, maintenance works and other repairs as well as new constructions. In another development, according to a survey conducted by a real estate consultancy company on Eurostat data shows that in the European fiscal landscape Romania appears as a country with a significantly lower level of property taxation than the EU average. According to the survey, the lower taxation has also been reflected in the macroeconomic indexes, as only 0.5% of Romanias GDP comes from property taxation as compared to the EU average of 1.9% or that in France, which is the European leader in this respect, of 3.7%.

ARMY Romanias Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu announced that a new legal framework is being elaborated to increase and rejuvenate the Romanian Army reserve. Young people aged 18-35 will be able to volunteer as paid soldiers for four months. At present, the average age of reservists is approximately 47 years because military service has no longer been mandatory since 2007, Ionut Mosteanu says. An INSCOP survey published on Wednesday shows that nearly three quarters of Romanians said, at the start of this month, that they agree with the voluntary military service. However, it is a decrease of over 5% compared to July.

ANTIFA US President Donald Trump yesterday announced that the so-called Antifa movement, a generic term for far-left groups that claim to be anti-fascist, is henceforth designated a terrorist organization, a week after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In an announcement on Truth Social, the president also strongly recommended that those who finance Antifa be subject to a thorough investigation, in accordance with the strictest legal norms and practices. Earlier this week, the White House had announced plans to crack down on what it has termed domestic left-wing terrorism, in the wake of Charlie Kirks assassination. Aged 31, Kirk had been exposing his nationalist, Christian and traditional family ideas on social media and in university meetings.

(bill)
Romanians, in favour of voluntary military service

Almost three quarters of Romanians agree with voluntary military service.

foto: Facebook.com/ Ministerul Apararii Nationale - mapn.ro

Leyla Cheamil, 18.09.2025, 13:50

For almost two decades, military service has not been mandatory in Romania, and now the army wants to attract young people on a voluntary basis. The Minister of Defense, Ionut Mosteanu, announced that a new legal framework is being prepared to increase and rejuvenate the army reserve. Young people between the ages of 18 and 35 will be able to complete a paid four-month training program. At present, the average age of reservists is approximately 47. Ionut Mosteanu: Starting next year, we will have a new legal framework to increase the Romanian Army reserve, a legal framework that we will soon send to Parliament. The proposal is on the table of the Supreme Council of National Defense, it still needs its approval and then it will go to Parliament, in October. It is an initiative meant to rejuvenate the Romanian Army reserve and also increase the recruitment pool for professional soldiers. Of course, some of them will want to stay, in the case of others we will be the ones to ask them to stay, because they are very good and we will try to convince them to become professional soldiers.

An INSCOP survey published on Wednesday reveals that almost three quarters of Romanians agree with the voluntary military service. However, it is a decrease of over 5% compared to July, when 79.4% supported such an option. On the other hand, a fifth of the participants have a bad opinion of the introduction of voluntary military service, compared to 15.1% in July. The measure is supported by 60% of people with primary education, 76% of those with secondary education and 87% of those with higher education.

The barometer was conducted between September 1th and 9th. INSCOP Research Director Remus Stefureac has said that the populations support for voluntary military service has been strong and consistent over time, with three-quarters of Romanians having a good opinion of this form of military service both now and ten years ago. He pointed out that segmenting the responses by population groups reveals relatively homogeneous opinions, with only the population with primary education recording a percentage of over 30% of respondents with a bad opinion of voluntary military service. According to Remus Stefureac, voters of all parties have, in very large proportions, a good opinion of the voluntary military service, with very high proportions in the case of PNL and USR voters (part of the coalition government alongside PSD and UDMR). In the regional context marked by Russian aggression in Ukraine, these perceptions can contribute to strengthening the populations preparedness and resilience in relation to concrete security threats, said the director of INSCOP Research. (EE)
RIO RANCHO  The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, just a little weeks away, has become quite the tradition in New Mexico.

But for Rio Rancho native Rita Brennan, this tradition runs a little bit deeper.

My four children and I all learned to crew (a hot air balloon), Brennan said. My oldest daughter, Amy, was a launch director, and she is now in scoring with me. My second daughter, Kat, was a launch director. My third daughter, Alex, was crew, and my son Ben was crew and is now in his first year as a launch director. So its been a family affair.

Rita Brennan has attended almost every Balloon Fiesta since 1994, eventually joining the volunteer staff in 2007. She became assistant chief of scoring in 2015 before being appointed to head scoring chief in 2023, as she once again will be an official for this years installment.

Brennan attended the fiesta a few times in her youth, but her love for the event would not truly begin until she met her eventual husband, Bill Brennan, at the 1994 rendition of the Albuquerque spectacle.

It was my husbands love for it, and he got involved. He moved here from Massachusetts in 1976, and he started crewing, Rita Brennan said. He just loved it. And then in the 90s, I became a launch director, and so it just became a way of life for us.

Love (and hot air balloons) were in the air in 94, and the Brennans quickly became staples of the fiesta community. The only year theyve missed it? The year their son Ben was born on Oct. 4, right before the festival.

As years and fiestas passed, Rita and Bill grew from the balloon-crazed couple to a fiesta-loving family of five, with all three children becoming a part of the festival in one way or another.

But whether its their own blood or friends turned family made along the way, every fiesta for the Brennans feels like a family reunion. One example: a close bond with pilot Max Mitchell, who taught the whole family how to crew.

Max Mitchell from Champaign, Illinois, the pilot who was so generous to us, thats the only time we saw him and his family, once a year, Rita Brennan said. But we got to see his kids grow up, and he got to see our kids grow up. I think thats what it means the most to me, is the time with family that you see once a year.

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While the Brennan family grew, so did the fiesta. Rita has seen milestones such as the event moving to bigger fields, the development of Balloon Fiesta Park location in Albuquerque, and a record 1,000 balloons showcased at the millennium-opening fiesta in 2000.

Even the facilities have improved in her time.

With the addition of the actual Balloon Fiesta Park, we now have the Memorial Building right there, Rita Brennan said. So, to say it professionally, the amenities are better.

Another change to the fiesta will be coming in a few weeks, with the scoring committee using a new program to tabulate scores for the 2025 contest.

Its called Watch Me Fly, Rita Brennan said. Were going with it; it will be a challenge, as it is anytime trying something new, but its also exciting to be on the cutting edge of technology and doing new things. Were hoping itll produce the results a lot faster for the pilots.

Brennan and the scoring officials will kick their new program into gear in a little over two weeks, with the fiesta set to begin on Oct. 4.

I look forward to embracing the new technology that were going to be using, and the competitors have such a wonderful time, Rita Brennan said. Its really a fun thing.
UNITAS 2025, the longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise in the world, has begun with an opening ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

UNITAS is the Latin term for unity.

This year, UNITAS is featuring approximately 8,000 personnel from 25 allied and partner nations, including multiple ships, submarines and aircraft. Forces will conduct operations off the East Coast of the United States and ashore around Naval Station Mayport, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, through October 6.



Participating nations include Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, and the U.S.

Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, said this year's theme, 'UNITAS Legacy of Maritime Partnerships', celebrates the enduring strength of alliances and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

UNITAS is a comprehensive multinational exercise that aims at strengthening interoperability, enhancing operational readiness and fostering enduring partnerships among the participating nations.

The land portion of the exercise features marines and sailors conducting training events in Mayport including medical, cyber defense, and diving and salvage operations.



During the sea portion, forces will participate in events testing all warfare operations including live-fire exercises and an amphibious ship-to-shore landing and force withdrawal at Camp Lejeune.



Following the successful completion of UNITAS 2025, senior leaders from participating countries will join in a series of high-profile events along the East Coast, celebrating the Navy's 250th birthday, a historic milestone. This commemoration honors a legacy of protecting American interests, deterring aggression, and promoting prosperity and security, while also showcasing the Navy's enduring commitment to defending the American way of life, the U.S. Department of Defense said.

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Business News
Afghanistan is confronting "a perfect storm" of overlapping crises, the UN's outgoing envoy warned the Security Council on Wednesday, as an Afghan women's rights advocate told the body that Taliban policies amount to "gender apartheid" which are suffocating a whole generation of girls.

Roza Otunbayeva, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, told ambassadors that while the country has seen a relative decline in armed conflict since the Taliban takeover in 2021, the humanitarian, economic and human rights situation has deteriorated significantly.

"It is an open question whether there is sufficient pragmatism among the de facto authorities [the Taliban] to manage this perfect storm of crises, or whether decisions driven by ideology will prevent sustainable solutions," she said.

Central to the crisis, Ms. Otunbayeva stressed, are sweeping Taliban restrictions on Afghan women and girls.

Schools for girls above grade six have now been closed for four years, costing the an estimated $1.4 billion annually, according to the World Bank. A recent UN Women survey found that most Afghans oppose the bans.

"This is most clear regarding the de facto authorities' policies towards Afghan women," she said. "A generation is at serious risk of being lost at a huge long-term cost to the country."

Also taking the floor at the Council, Hanifa Girowal, Vice President of the Afghan group Women's Rights First, described the Taliban's policies as "gender persecution" and "gender apartheid."

The UN has provided nearly $13 billion in humanitarian and basic needs assistance since 2021, much of it delivered despite restrictions and with strengthened safeguards to prevent diversion.

Yet humanitarian assistance is under strain, Ms. Otunbayeva cautioned, with international funding cut by nearly 50 percent this year.

"These cuts are partly the result of Afghanistan's anti-women policies," she said, adding that the enforcement of bans on Afghan women working for NGOs and the UN has already hindered relief efforts, including after recent earthquakes.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Hyundai was the 2nd best-selling OEM in August 2025 gaining over both Tata Motors and Mahindra in sales numbers

Hyundai Motor India at No. 2 on the sales list last month. The company reported sales of 44,001 units which was an 11% YoY de-growth when compared to 49,525 units sold in August 2024. This decline is largely due to the recent GST reform, as buyers are deferring purchases. MoM sales however, remained flat, a marginal improvement from 43,973 unit sales of July 2025. The company commanded a 13.4% market share, 0.6% lower when compared to 14% held in August 2024. The company has announced reduction in ex-showroom prices following implementation of GST 2.0 policies while festive offers also roll in to spur up sales.

Hyundai Sales Breakup August 2025

Hyundai Creta continued its reign as the best-selling model in the company portfolio. Even as it was the 3rd top selling car in India last month, the Hyundai Creta and its EV counterpart led the SUV list for August 2025. Creta sales stood at 15,925 units marking a 5% YoY decline from 16,762 units sold in August 2024 while MoM sales were lower by 6% from 16,898 units.

Hyundai Venue at No. 2 had a YoY setback of 11% to 8,109 units from 9,085 units while it was a marginal 1% growth from 8,054 units sold in July 2025. Hyundai is getting ready to launch new gen Venue Next month. Hyundai Exter too suffered a decline by 24% in its YoY sales to 5,061 units from 6,632 units sold in August 2024, while MoM sales remained flat.

Positive impact was seen in the case of demand for the Hyundai Aura. Sales of this compact sedan surged by 24% YoY and 15% MoM to 5,336 units. There had been 4,304 units and 4,636 units sold in August 2024 and July 2025 respectively. The company recently updated the Aura SX trim with more premium features while prices too have been increased marginally.

Hyundai Grand i10, i20  MoM Growth

Hyundai i10 Grand and i20 have both seen YoY sales decline sharply while MoM sales ended more positively. Grand i10 sales stood at 3,908 units last month marking a hefty 27% YoY decline. Sales however, showed off a 10% MoM growth from 3,560 units sold in July 2025. Similarly, i20 also suffered a 26% YoY decline to 3,634 units while it posted a 7% improvement on a MoM basis over 3,396 units.

Sales also declined MoM for the Alcazar down to 1,187 units from 1,419 units sold in July 2025 while YoY sales posted a 7% improvement. Down at a No. 8 spot on the company sales list was the Verna with 771 unit sales marking a 35% YoY and 7% MoM de-growth. Hyundai Tucson sales too fell sharply to 57 units a hefty YoY decline of 54% from 125 units sold in the same month last year while MoM sales dipped by 32% as well. With GST 2.0 implementation, Hyundai Tucson will be receiving the highest price reduction of up to Rs 2,39,303 for its top spec Signature Diesel AT AWD trim.

Hyundai Ioniq5, the companys only other electric car currently on sale along with the Creta EV, has seen sales decline by 65%YoY and 44% MoM to just 14 unit sales in August 2025. There had been 40 units and 25 units sold in August 2024 and July 2025 respectively.
The bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian servicemen, presumably killed, have returned to Ukraine as part of repatriation efforts, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs) reported on Thursday.

Repatriation events took place today. Some 1,000 bodies, which the Russian side claims belong to Ukrainian servicemen, were returned to Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters said on its Telegram channel on Thursday.

It is noted that law enforcement investigators, together with forensic institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, will soon conduct all necessary examinations and identify the repatriated bodies.

Earlier that day, it was reported that Ukraine, as part of repatriation efforts, handed over to Russia 24 bodies of Russian soldiers found on Ukrainian territory.
Collectively, BE 6 and XEV 9e contribute more than 10% to Mahindras monthly sales, which is a significant achievement

XEV 9e and BE 6 are playing a key role in achieving Mahindras goals in the electric segment. Record bookings worth Rs 8,472 crore were received on the first day when bookings opened earlier this year in February. Also, the duo achieved a significant sales milestone of more than 20,000 units in just 5 months. To further boost sales, Mahindra has now launched a special referral program for existing BE 6 and XEV 9e owners. Lets check out the details.

BE 6, XEV 9e Referral Program  Key benefits

In this referral program, the benefits will be accessible when the referrals convert into actual sales. With a large community of more than 20,000 owners, the referral program has the potential to generate significant leads. BE 6 and XEV 9e owners will be rewarded with benefits for up to 3 successful referrals. The rewards include general service benefits and enrichment packages.

After the first successful referral conversion, users get free general service (parts and labour) up to 3 years or 30,000 km, whichever is earlier. With the first referral conversion, users also unlock 1 free interior and exterior enrichment package. BE 6 and XEV 9e owners who succeed in their second referral will get free general service (parts and labour) up to 4 years or 40,000 km, whichever is earlier. They will also be able to get 2 free interior and exterior enrichment packages.

With the third successful referral, BE 6 and XEV 9e owners will be eligible for free general service (parts and labour) up to 5 years or 50,000 km, whichever is earlier. They will also get access to 3 free interior and exterior enrichment packages. It is worth noting that these benefits do not cover running repairs and unscheduled visits. Also, any non-essential services opted by the customer are not covered under this referral scheme. This referral program for BE 6 and XEV 9e is for a limited period only.

BE 6, XEV 9e  Key highlights

Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e are preferred for their sporty styling, advanced features and a comprehensive range of safety equipment. The recently launched BE 6 Batman Edition created a new record when all 999 units were booked in just 135 seconds. BE 6 and XEV 9e are also being exported to overseas markets. Good potential exists across European markets, where EVs are being promoted in a big way. A dedicated team has already been created to explore export possibilities to European nations.

Depending on the variant, Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e utilize a 59-kWh or 79-kWh battery pack. With the 59-kWh battery pack, the electric motor generates 170 kW (231 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. Power output is 210 kW (285 PS) and 380 Nm with the larger battery pack. With the smaller battery pack, BE 6 has a certified range of 557 km (MIDC P1 + P2).

BE 6 variants with the larger battery pack offer a range of 683 km. XEV 9e has a range of 542 km with the 59-kWh battery pack and 656 km with the 79-kWh battery pack. Both SUVs have an advanced regen system and drive modes of Default, Range, Everyday, Race and Snow. BE 6 and XEV 9e are available at a starting price of Rs 18.90 lakh and Rs 21.90 lakh, respectively.
September 10, 2025

National Alliance of Anti-Nuclear Movements (NAAM)

42/27 Esankai Mani Veethy

Nagercoil 629 002

Tamil Nadu

India

Email: koodankulam[at}yahoo.com

Mobile: +91-98656 83735

Mr Masato Kanda, President of the ADB

Mr Priyantha Wijayatunga, Senior Director, Energy Sector Office

ADB Board of Directors

Asian Development Bank

6 ADB Avenue

Mandaluyong

Metro Manila

Philippines

Re: Concerns and Demands of Indian CSOs and Activists Challenging ADBs Proposed Support for Nuclear Energy in the 2025 Energy Policy Review.

Dear Mr. President Kanda, Mr. Wijayatunga, and ADB Member State Shareholders:

We are a pan-Indian movement collective known as the National Alliance of Anti-Nuclear Movements (NAAM), which is working with both nuclear materials mining and nuclear power plant-affected communities across India. Over the past 15 years of deep engagement with the issue of nuclear energy and its complete fuel chain, we have irrevocably shown and documented the massive adverse impacts of the entire nuclear fuel cycle in India. We are writing to express our deep concern and strong opposition to the Asian Development Banks (ADB) consideration of support for nuclear energy in its latest energy policy review.

India is ADBs largest borrower, and the decisions that ADB takes through its policy reviews and technical assistance shape national energy pathways. The inclusion of nuclear power in ADBs policy framework will have far-reaching consequences, not only for India but for the wider region.

It is deeply alarming that in doing so, ADB appears to be reversing course on its own 2021 Energy Policy, which clearly stated: ADB will not finance investments in nuclear power given the many barriers to its deployment, including risks related to nuclear proliferation, waste management and safety issues, and very high investment costs relative to ADBs resources. Since then, no technological breakthrough has addressed these unresolved challenges. This abrupt reversal raises troubling questions about external pressures and corporate lobbying shaping ADBs energy policy.

In the recent energy policy review, ADB proposes technical support for capacity development if Developing Member Countries (DMCs) opt for nuclear power. ADBs framing assumes capacity development is a neutral service to DMCs. It ignores that Indias nuclear sector has systemic safety and governance failures flagged for decades, making capacity development in this context deeply problematic. In practice, however, technical assistance and policy support by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) such as ADB and the World Bank, have historically had a disproportionate influence on shaping the priorities of national energy policies. Extending this influence to nuclear will thus push India further along a nuclear expansion pathway, despite long-standing controversies and risks.

ADB argues that nuclear power is a viable replacement for fossil baseload. This framing is outdated and misleading, and ignores that nuclear is a failure in every front: it is prohibitively expensive, takes decades to deliver, and is operationally inflexible in meeting variable demand. By contrast, solar and wind with storage are faster, cheaper, more adaptable, and already more reliable solutions for decarbonising power systems.

Nuclear power is far from the clean or safe option that the ADB seeks to portray. Life-cycle assessments demonstrate that generating just one kWh of nuclear electricity results in significant negative impacts: between 5.42 and 122 g CO2 equivalent emissions, 10.8950 Bq 235U equivalent harmful ionizing radiation, 22.4222 millipoints of scarce land use, and 2821700 CTUh in human toxicity (both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic). These impacts are not abstract; they translate into heightened risks to human health, loss of productivity, and environmental degradation.

Further, nuclear accidents remain an ever-present risk. Research by the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany found that catastrophic reactor accidents like Fukushima or Chernobyl are 200 times more likely than previously estimated. Based on current reactor numbers, such accidents could occur once every 1020 years. In such an event, half of the released radioactive cesium-137 could spread across areas more than 1,000 km away from the reactor site, devastating communities and ecosystems far beyond borders.

Promoting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a safe and scalable solution is problematic, as experts have suggested that these technologies remain too expensive, too slow to build and too risky to support a meaningful fossil fuel phase-out in the near term. These untested technologies also multiply safety, waste, and proliferation risks by dispersing multiple small units across different sites. In India, where regulatory oversight and enforcement capacity are weak and communities near nuclear and mining sites already face long-standing health and safety concerns, the risks are magnified. In the name of addressing energy needs, these SMRs would end up exposing millions of people to long-term radiation and safety risks while locking the country into this costly and dangerous technology. Moreover, ADB needs to consider that in highly and densely populated countries like India, there is hardly any nuclear site at a safe distance from human habitations.

While ADB claims to be a climate bank in the Asia-Pacific, it must not ignore the climate risks of nuclear energy, especially at a time when climate disasters and extreme weather events have become frequent in the region. Communities in India have already been suffering from multiple climate disasters, including heat waves, floods, cyclones, and tsunamis. Such extreme weather and rising temperatures can impair the safety and efficiency of nuclear plants, potentially causing accidents that would release radioactive materials into the environment and escalate the consequences of climate disasters.

Nuclear power plants also rely on large volumes of water for cooling their reactors. These would risk putting pressure on already depleted water resources, which are depleted due to the climate crisis and over-exploitation. When setting up such plants inland, this would deprive people of their access to water.

In short, nuclear energy not only imposes long-term waste and proliferation risks but also creates ongoing, tangible threats of catastrophic accidents and chronic health harms, and has immense environmental and climate risks, making it an irresponsible option for ADB to endorse.

Any consideration of nuclear energy in ADBs policy review must draw lessons from India, where decades of community resistance and legal struggles reveal the sectors deep financial, governance, and safety failures.

Recent policy changes in India underscore the dangers of lifting safeguards on nuclear at the multilateral level. The Indian Government has recently proposed amendments to Indias Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, to open the nuclear sector to private and foreign investors. These amendments would allow private companies to operate plants while further diluting corporate accountability by reducing liability provisions for suppliers. This shift comes at a time when the World Bank has removed its ban on nuclear energy, signaling growing pressure on governments to accommodate corporate and geopolitical interests. If ADB now follows suit, it will add legitimacy to Indias risky deregulatory push and exacerbate the erosion of public safety and accountability.

We, the National Alliance of Anti-nuclear Movements (NAAM), have strongly opposed these amendments, warning that they weaken public safety, reduce accountability, and prioritize corporate profit over peoples rights.

The proposed amendments would allow private companies not only to supply equipment but also to operate nuclear power plants, dismantling long-standing public control over a sector with immense safety risks. Nuclear energy carries hazards such as radioactive waste, fissile material exposure, and catastrophic accident potential that require robust oversight. Experts, including NAAM, warn that Indias weaker regulatory and emergency preparedness systems could further erode safety standards, exposing communities to irreversible health and environmental damage.

Furthermore, corporate accountability under current laws is grossly inadequate and is poised to worsen with these amendments. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act currently places the entire burden of compensation on the plant operatorstoday, a public utility funded by taxpayerswhile allowing equipment suppliers near immunity except under highly restrictive conditions. The existing cap on liabilities, approximately US$460 million, is alarmingly low, especially when compared to past industrial disasters like the Bhopal Gas disaster. Proposed relaxations could lower this cap further, shifting potentially enormous financial risks from corporations to the public.

These developments are extremely concerning in India, as the areas with nuclear energy projects are largely populated in areas of indigenous peoples. There are already innumerable cases of high radiation exposure leading to hundreds of deformed children being born, thousands of cancer cases and huge impacts on communities, workers and animals living in these areas. Despite these ongoing grave risks from existing plants that are yet to be unaddressed, the Government of India has also proposed 10 new nuclear reactors, many of which are also located on indigenous lands.

From an investment perspective, this legal environment creates serious financial and ethical risks. Nuclear projects demand massive upfront capital, face long construction delays, and carry high disaster liabilities that liability caps cannot realistically cover. These conditions incentivize cost-cutting and undermine both safety and financial prudence, exposing investors to reputational harm and local communities to grave risks.

Equally critical to understand are the lessons from grassroots struggles, which illustrate the human cost of nuclear projects in India.

? In Jaduguda, Jharkhand, indigenous communities have endured displacement, environmental contamination, and radiation-linked health problems, with children suffering congenital deformities and chronic illnesses due to the impacts of the uranium mine and tailings pond operated by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL). The uranium extracted from Jaduguda and other similar mining sites forms the foundation of Indias nuclear program, illustrating that nuclear power cannot be separated from a deeply exploitative extractive chain. Protests against UCILs anti-people policies date back to 1979, supported by labor unions and local student groups. Organizations such as the Jharkhandi Organisation Against Radiation (JOAR) and the Jharkhand Organisation for Struggling Humans (JOSH) actively resist mining expansions, advocate for the return of unused lands, and raise awareness about radiation dangers. The decades-long health crises and environmental devastation in Jaduguda stand as a stark warning that nuclear energy begins with sacrifice zones, where communities pay the price long before any energy is generated. Despite repeated mobilizations and legal interventions, these communities continue to suffer from ongoing neglect, land alienation, and environmental degradation caused by Uranium mining.

? Similar grassroots opposition to nuclear power plants has also emerged nationwide. In Tamil Nadus Koodankulam, fisherfolk and farmers have protested since the 1990s, mobilizing through groups like the Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) to demand abrogation of nuclear power, safety, and transparency, especially after renewed global concerns post-Fukushima. In Maharashtras Jaitapur region, farmers and fisher communities resist the proposed large-scale French-backed nuclear complex, citing ecological sensitivity and threats to livelihoods. Indigenous communities in Madhya Pradeshs Chutka area voice fears of displacement, radioactive exposure, and violation of their rights, echoing distrust from previous failed development projects in the region. Collectively, these movements emphasize human rights, environmental protection, and call for a shift to more sustainable, decentralized, and democratically governed energy alternatives.

Indias experience with nuclear underscores why Multilateral Development Banks like ADB must not encourage nuclear energy. If ADB endorses nuclear in its energy policy review, it would not only strengthen the ongoing dangerous policy shifts but also risk locking the country into unsafe, unjust, and unsustainable energy pathways.

In light of the concerns outlined above, we, the undersigned organizations and activists from India, call on the Asian Development Bank to uphold its 2021 Energy Policy commitment by refraining from financing or promoting nuclear power through any technical assistance, policy support, or indirect mechanisms.

We urge the Bank to prioritize decentralized renewable energy solutions that are more adaptable to Indias energy needs, ensuring that the energy transition benefits communities, the environment, and the public, rather than exposing them to undue risk.

Sincerely,

National Alliance of Anti-Nuclear Movements (NAAM)
Quotes of the night

Michael Garcia: "Without water, then we have no life."

Justin Greene: "Our parks are disappointing and our roads are even worse. I own a delivery company, I'm on the roads all the time and my best friend is the guy at Discount Tire."

Letitia Montoya: My roots go back 17 generations, so I am not 50% of anything. I am a third Native American, a third Hispanic, a third Caucasian and 4% Black.

Tarin Nix: I think its really easy for elected leaders to take credit for getting funding for what you voted for and you paid for.

Jeanne O'Dean: What I am asking my fellow candidates is to do a cooperation model. Everyone has something to bring if we can all bring our expertise together.

Oscar Rodriguez: "Do you think a city that struggles to get its audits in on time is ready for anything?"

Ron Trujillo: Youve got to love this city, youve got to care about this city if you want to be here. Its not about your egos.

JoAnne Vigil Coppler: "I was going to suggest Ron Trujillo use the potholes to do his fishing derby."
Participants of the third wave of the REDpreneurUA program presented their business plans at the final defense in Kyiv.

As the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) reported on Facebook on Thursday, the final stage was the result of several months of work on the development, scaling, and support of existing small and micro-enterprises with social impact from all over Ukraine.

Program participants completed a curriculum from the School of ME, received mentoring support, and attended workshops conducted by leading experts.

The final defense confirmed that social entrepreneurship in Ukraine does not just exist, but actively changes lives and strengthens communities, the URCS noted.

The REDpreneurUA program is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross with the support of the Neighbor in Need Foundation (Austria).
Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova signed a memorandum on the preparation of a joint nomination of the Precucuteni-Ariushd-Cucuteni-Trypillia cultural heritage site for the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications reported.

As part of this event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, and the Ministry of Culture of Romania on cooperation in the preparation and promotion of a joint nomination dossier for the inclusion of the transnational serial site Precucuteni-Ariushd-Cucuteni-Trypillia Cultural Complex on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the ministry said following the international conference dubbed The Exceptional Universal Value of the Precucuteni-Ariushd-Cucuteni-Trypillia Cultural Complex: Architectural Heritage, which was held in Chisinau.

Acting Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna noted the profound symbolism of this event for the three countries and the entire European region. Precucuteni-Ariushd-Cucuteni-Trypillia is our shared heritage and a true treasure of humanity. This culture, which flourished over 6,000 years ago, provides a unique insight into early urbanism, culture, and the spiritual life of our ancestors, she noted.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the command post of the 82nd separate airborne assault Bukovyna brigade heard a report by acting brigade commander Yehor Nozdriakov on the situation in the area of responsibility of his brigade.

The head of state discussed with commanders the needs of the brigade, as well as changes in approaches to contract service, possible new formats and additional conditions, the presidential press service said on Thursday.

They separately discussed the implementation of the decision on a simplified procedure for the purchase of pickup trucks by combat brigades, which was adopted at the Supreme Commander-in-Chiefs Headquarters in August.

In addition, the issue was the protection of soldiers on the frontline from drones. In particular, special cartridges and portable electronic warfare equipment were discussed, the statement reads.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/dshmyhal

Peace in Ukraine must be acceptable to the Ukrainian state and based on conditions acceptable to those who heroically defend their countrys independence, stated Polish Defense Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Poles and Ukrainians are people of peace. We want peace. Of course, peace must be fair. Peace must be based on conditions acceptable to those who heroically defend their sovereignty and independence. It must be acceptable to the Ukrainian state, he said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal, in Kyiv.

Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that Poland supports the peace efforts being pursued by US President Donald Trump, but is also strongly supported by the European Union community and Western countries that share the same values.

The head of the Polish Ministry of Defense emphasized that peace requires strength. Strength that protects, that deters, that reacts, he noted.
On Thursday, September 18, the founding forum of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities was held in Kharkiv, which was attended by representatives of over 100 communities from Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Odesa and Kyiv regions.

This is the first meeting in this format, and it had a clear goal  to create an effective platform for joint decisions. Kharkiv is the initiator of the creation of this Association. We understand well that all communities located near the front line face similar challenges: security, infrastructure, social. We have common experience and need a common representation  at the national and international levels, city mayor Ihor Terekhov said, who was elected as the head of the Association.

Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine, Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba, who participated in the forum, supported the creation of the Association.

The forum sets the task of uniting communities, developing a common voice, common approaches. This is how we will be able to effectively cooperate together with the government, parliament, international partners. This is the right step. And the creation of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, I am sure, will allow us to clearly articulate needs and coordinate our actions with you, Kuleba said.

The priorities of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities are to systematize and scale up practical experience in matters of assistance to victims of shelling, the activities of emergency services, restoration of infrastructure, safe operation of schools and preschool institutions, support for displaced persons, as well as creating conditions for business development, in particular, a favorable regulatory environment (preferential taxation, investment incentives, simplified administrative procedures, revival of industrial potential, development of cooperation with international partners).

I want everyone to understand: frontline territories are not scorched earth. We must make them new growth points. And they deserve special treatment from the state. This is not only financial support, but also preferential taxation, investment incentives, simplified administration procedures. Pilot development programs, innovative approaches, partnerships with international organizations should operate here, Terekhov said.
Trump: Situation moving towards Third World War, but now that is no longer case

U.S. President Donald Trump said that in the issue of resolving the war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin "let him down" adding that at a certain point the situation was moving towards the Third World War, but now that is no longer the case.

He said this on Thursday in London at a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keith Starmer.

When asked by a journalist whether negotiations with Russia had run out, and what his next steps were, Trump replied: "I thought it might be easiest one [the war] because of my relationship with president Putin. But he has really let me down."

"Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers," the U.S. president added.

He once again stated that there would be no war with Ukraine if he were president and repeated the claim that he had stopped seven wars.

Returning to Ukraine, Trump said: "I hope are going to have some good news for you coming up."

In turn, Starmer stated the need to put pressure on Putin. Ha said Putin is either arrogant or reckless and allies must step up their action against him. Starmer added Europe's actions, supported by U.S. guarantees, are an example of Europe taking responsibility.

When asked by a journalist whether it was a mistake to invite Putin to Alaska and what measures would be taken against him now, Trump briefly replied: "No."

In turn, Starmer noted that "there are number of European countries which are too reliant on energy from Russia," and added that it is now important to "make sure that Ukraine is in the strongest position now."

Trump said that if the price of oil falls, Putin "is going to have no choice, he is going to drop out of that war."

"I am willing to do other things, but not when the people that I am fight for are buying oil from Russia. If the oil price comes down, very simply  Russia will settle," the U.S. president said.
Photo: https://t.me/vitaliy_klitschko/5318

Kyiv Investment Forum "Berlin Platform" will be held in Berlin on November 12, Mayor of the Ukrainian capital Vitali Klitschko has said.

"I met in Berlin with mayor of the German capital Kai Wegner. First of all, we discussed preparations for Kyiv Investment Forum 'Berlin Platform.' On November 12, together with European partners, we will discuss in Berlin a common vision of the future, strong leadership and attracting investments in the restoration of Kyiv and Ukraine," Klitschko said in Telegram on Thursday.

He said the forum will be attended by mayors of European cities, representatives of major business, financial institutions, and experts. "Twice, in previous years, the event was held in Brussels. Now the strength of the partnership is being demonstrated by Berlin," the mayor said.

Klitschko thanked Wegner for Berlin's support and assistance in creating a prosthetic center in Kyiv, which opened at the end of August. "And we will continue to develop this joint project with German partners," he said.

In addition, Kyiv is grateful to its sister city for the humanitarian aid, municipal equipment, and buses provided by Berlin during the full-scale war.

"Also, of the cities in Western Europe, Berlin received the largest number of Ukrainians fleeing the war. And the city continues to help them," Klitschko said.
Russias population may decline by at least 25% in next 50 years

Due to the war in Ukraine, the population of the Russian Federation could decline by at least 25% over the next 50 years, according to the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

"The most depressing demographic trends are being recorded in Russia's Far Eastern regions, where Moscow has plundered the majority of men and sent them to be disposed of in its criminal war against Ukraine. The war Russia launched is one of the defining factors behind the negative demographic trends and corresponding forecasts within the aggressor state," the intelligence agency reported.

As noted, Russian enterprises are already experiencing a labor shortage, and vocational education institutions are short of students.

The GUR added that during the fighting, Russia lost more than a million soldiers of its occupation army killed and wounded: most of them men aged 20 to 35, who form the basis of the demographic pyramid.

To slow the demographic and economic crises, Russian officials are proposing to more actively recruit migrant workers. Incidentally, they are also being actively recruited to participate in the criminal war, according to intelligence officials.

"This approach by the Kremlin once again demonstrates the Putin dictatorship's unwillingness to cease hostilities, but rather to continue the war against Ukraine, exploiting to the last the enslaved peoples of the so-called Russian Federation, as well as the male population in the occupied Ukrainian territories," the message reads.
The market spotlight at the end of the week will remain on the UK.

Overnight, consultancy GfK will publish the results of its consumer confidence survey for September.

They will be followed at 0800 BST by readings for UK public sector borrowing and retail sales referencing the month of August.

At 0830 BST, the Bank of Japan will hold a press conference to discuss its latest monetary policy decision.

Also overnight, at 0130 BST Japan's statistics bureau will publish a reading on consumer prices on August.

In the euro area, at 0800 BST Destatis will release a report on producer prices in Germany.

No major economic releases are due out in the US.

Friday 19 September

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Hostelworld Group , Informa, Man Group, OSB Group , Reach, SEGRO, St James's Place, Vesuvius

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

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Intel shares surged on Thursday after Nvidia said it would invest $5bn in the chipmaker.

Nvidia will make the investment in Intels common stock at $23.28 per share.

The deal is part of a collaboration to jointly develop multiple generations of custom data centre and PC products "that accelerate applications and workloads across hyperscale, enterprise and consumer markets", Nvidia said.

The companys founder and chief executive Jensen Huang said: "AI is powering a new industrial revolution and reinventing every layer of the computing stack - from silicon to systems to software. At the heart of this reinvention is Nvidias CUDA architecture.

"This historic collaboration tightly couples Nvidias AI and accelerated computing stack with Intels CPUs and the vast x86 ecosystem - a fusion of two world-class platforms. Together, we will expand our ecosystems and lay the foundation for the next era of computing."

At 1335 BST, Intel shares were up 29.5% at $32.11 in pre-market trade, while Nvidia was 2.9% higher at $175.21.

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said the investment is less about money and more about influence.

"The deal deepens cooperation between two US chip giants, with Intel set to use Nvidias GPU technology and Nvidia gaining a stronger foothold in domestic chip production," he said.

"For Intel, this is another welcome boost, both financially and strategically, as it leans on Nvidia to stay competitive. But even with the US government and Nvidia on side, its one step short of a home run for the foundry business, which is struggling to attract the major customers it needs to succeed against the might of TSMC.

"For Nvidia, the financial impact is small, but the political upside is big: this move aligns with US policy and could help ease restrictions on selling advanced chips to China. It also signals a shift in industry dynamics, with Arm losing some exclusivity and AMD facing more pressure. In short, this is a strategic alliance with geopolitical undertones, not just a balance-sheet transaction."

Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, pointed out that his shot in arm from Nvidia to Intel comes after the US government took a 10% stake in Intel last month.

"The fall from grace for Intel has been rapid, up until 2022 its revenue growth was stronger than Nvidias. The problem for the company is that it was slow to embrace the accelerator chip technology that has sent demand for Nvidias chips surging. The fact that Nvidia is now giving cash injections to Intel is a sign of the re-shuffled hierarchy in Silicon Valley. It is also a sign of an accelerated push into PC AI, which could be a huge revenue stream for both companies.

"Even if Intel needs handouts from its peers in Silicon Valley, investors like it and the Intel share price is set to breach the highs of the year so far once US stocks open."
Nationwide building society has defended its chair, Kevin Parry, after he became the first boss of a major British lender to publicly engage with Nigel Farages Reform UK party. It emerged on Wednesday that Parry, who has been chair of the member-owned building society since 2016, attended a breakfast event earlier this week meant to help companies understand Reforms approach to business.  Guardian

Keir Starmer has sought to navigate a politically treacherous state visit by Donald Trump with an announcement of 150bn of US investment in the UK, as the president was kept safely within the confines of Windsor Castle. As thousands of protesters voiced their anger in London at a Stop Trump Coalition protest, the US president was escorted by the king and queen through a first day that ended in a state banquet but kept him out of reach of his critics.  Guardian

The boss of an Abu Dhabi-backed fund blocked from taking control of The Telegraph has attacked red tape in Britain after abandoning a bid for ITVs production arm. Jeff Zucker, chief executive of RedBird IMI, said his fund was planning to invest in UK companies but had been deterred by overly stringent regulations.  Telegraph

The construction of a British warship is set to largely take place in Spain for the first time in modern history owing to problems at the Belfast shipyard known for building the Titanic. A Spanish state-owned defence company has said most of the work for the first of three ships it is building for the Royal Navy will take place in Spain rather than Britain amid difficulties at the Belfast yard of Harland & Wolff, the shipbuilder.  The Times

Continued weak demand for its consultants advice and a bruising clash with its most important client in Saudi Arabia led to growth at PwCs UK arm falling to a 16-year low last year. The Big Four accounting and consulting giant blamed the challenging macro backdrop for its slow year, during which it made the tough decision to reduce roles in some areas.  The Times
Following its debut as a pop-up store this spring, Love & Legends Books has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help open a bricks-and-mortar storefront in Brooklyn, N.Y., this fall. The 850-square-foot store, at 667 Washington Ave. in Prospect Heights, will specialize in fantasy and romance titles.

Savanna Sturkie and Jack Peeples in front of their future bookstore.

Co-owners and married couple Savanna Sturkie and Jack Peeples are planning a November opening and are hoping to raise $55,000 through their Kickstarter campaign. Raised funds will go toward fixtures and accessories, rent and occupancy costs, opening inventory, computer and POS equipment, and other expenses. Backer rewards include store-branded enamel pins, custom reading lists made by Sturkie and Peeples, and a fantasy-style map of Brooklyn illustrated by a local artist. So far the campaign has raised more than $14,000 with 28 days left to go.



Sturkie plans to have an opening inventory of about 4,000 all-new titles. While the store will sell primarily adult books, there will be a small selection of children's titles and larger middle grade and young adult sections, with Sturkie remarking that she and Peeples "fell in love with fantasy in elementary and middle school ourselves."



Compared to the Love & Legends pop-up appearances, which were about "half and half romance and fantasy," the bricks-and-mortar location will "lean more fantasy" in both inventory and theme. Under that umbrella, Sturkie noted, there will be epic and high fantasy, a "robust" romantasy section, as well as "a bit of sci-fi and speculative fiction."



Alongside books, the store will stock a small selection of tabletop roleplaying games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, and associated items like dice sets. In addition, there will be stickers, cards, enamel pins, tote bags, and gifts for children and adults.



Asked about her event plans, Sturkie said she was "so excited" to expand Love & Legends' event offerings at the bricks-and-mortar space. They already host two book clubs per month, one focused on romance and the other on fantasy, and she and Peeples are considering adding a sci-fi or romantasy book club. They plan to host author signings and book launches as well as a variety of D&D events, such as learn-to-play sessions for children. Initially, events will be held at the store, though Sturkie and Peeples will look into hosting larger-scale events at nearby businesses and community spaces.



Both Sturkie and Peeples have been avid fantasy readers since they were children. The pair met in Athens, Ga., where Sturkie worked as a bookseller at Avid Bookshop. "My husband and I, we love reading and we love books," she said. "We also just really love independent bookstores."



The idea of opening an independent bookstore, Sturkie said, was "always something that felt like a dream." It wasn't until about a year ago that "the wheels started really turning" and she and Peeples thought "maybe we could to that for real."



Love & Legends made its first pop-up appearance in April, and over the succeeding months made more appearances around Manhattan and Brooklyn. Sturkie described the process as a series of "snowballing what-ifs." The first pop-up appearance had "way more people" show up than she imagined, and people were asking if they had a physical bookstore.



While a bricks-and-mortar was always the plan, they did not think it would happen so soon. Because of the bookstore's strong reception, however, "the steps went much faster than we would have thought."



They looked at potential locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens before the "perfect space" popped up in Brooklyn about 10 minutes from their apartment. It is a former photography studio that has its own back yard, and depending on the speed of renovations, they plan to open the store in late November.



Sturkie recalled that when they announced they'd signed a lease for a bricks-and-mortar store, their Instagram got around 2,700 likes and hundreds of shares and comments. "People are really excited," she said. "It kind of blew us away, to be honest." --Alex Mutter
President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against Penguin Random House, the New York Times, and four Times reporters. Quoting from the lawsuit, the Times reported that Trump alleges articles in the Times and a Penguin Press book published by two of the reporters were "specifically designed to try and damage President Trump's business, personal and political reputation" and were timed a year ago "at the height of election season to inflict maximum electoral damage against President Trump." The book and articles, the lawsuit continued, were published with "actual malice" and caused "enormous" losses and damage to Trump's "professional and occupational interests." Filed in Florida, the lawsuit seeks damages of at least $15 billion.

Lucky Loser will be released in paperback next week.

The Times reporters are Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, and Michael S. Schmidt. Buettner and Craig's book is Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success, which was published September 17, 2024, exactly a year ago, by Penguin Press. A paperback edition is coming out next Tuesday, September 23. The lawsuit called the book "false, malicious, and defamatory."

A PRH spokesperson said, "This is a meritless lawsuit. Penguin Random House stands by the book and its authors and will continue to uphold the values of the First Amendment that are fundamental to our role as a book publisher."

A spokesman for the Times commented: "This lawsuit has no merit. It lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting. The New York Times will not be deterred by intimidation tactics. We will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favor and stand up for journalists' First Amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people."

In a note to staff, Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger called the lawsuit "frivolous" and said that "everyone, regardless of their politics, should be troubled by the growing anti-press campaign led by President Trump and his administration."

The lawsuit cited three Times articles that Trump maintains were part of "a pattern of falsehoods and defamation." The first, according to the Times, was an article adapted from Lucky Loser "about how producers of Mr. Trump's reality television show, The Apprentice, helped fuel his rise to the presidency."

Another article, by Michael S. Schmidt, was based on interviews with John F. Kelly, the former U.S. Marine Corps general and a chief of staff during Trump's first term. As the Times wrote, in that article, "Mr. Kelly warned that Mr. Trump might rule like a dictator if he were re-elected, and he confirmed a previous report that Mr. Trump had referred to American soldiers who died on the battlefield as 'suckers' and 'losers.' Mr. Trump has denied making those statements."

A third article, by Peter Baker, was "about how no major party presidential candidate had been accused of wrongdoing so many times."

The lawsuit comes at a time when the president has sued many media companies, and the administration has threatened and tried to intimidate the media's coverage of him and his policies. This year Paramount paid $16 million to settle a suit over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris (at a time when Paramount was seeking approval of its sale to Skydance) and ABC paid $16 million to settle a suit over a George Stephanopoulos interview concerning E. Jean Carroll, who Trump was convicted of sexually assaulting but not raping. Trump has also sued the Wall Street Journal for at least $10 billion over its reporting about a lewd birthday greeting he apparently sent to his friend at the time, pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

As Reuters pointed out, "In order to win a libel suit in the U.S., a public figure must demonstrate the offending statement was made with 'actual malice,' meaning with knowledge it was false or with reckless disregard as to whether it was false." Truth is a solid defense.
Zelenskyy invites Qatar to participate in summit on return of Ukrainian children in New York

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a telephone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, during which he invited Qatar to participate in the summit in New York.

I thanked him for his assistance in returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. We greatly value this solidarity and such sincere attention to our children. I invited Qatar to take part in the summit that we, co-organize with Canada, in New York. It will be dedicated to this important matter  our children and the efforts to bring them back home. For us, it is important that Qatar be represented, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday.

Zelenskyy also thanked Qatar for its support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and assured Hamad Al Thani of Ukraine's equal support.

The parties also discussed the UN General Assembly agenda, coordinated contacts, and agreed to stay in touch.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal begins 2-day UAE visit to co-chair 13th India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI)

Discussions to focus on CEPA progress, Double Taxation Treaty, and central bank cooperation

Bilateral trade boosted to USD 83.7 bn under CEPA; target set to reach USD 100 bn non-oil trade by 2030

Piyush Goyal, Commerce and Industry Minister, is visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 1819 on a two-day visit to co-chair the 13th session of the India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) with Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). As per an official release, the visit will be aimed at discussing the progress of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Double Taxation Treaty, and issues concerning the central banks of both countries.



Both sides will also discuss the possibilities of enhancing investment opportunities in priority growth sectors such as maritime and space, which have been identified as potential areas of cooperation. Besides, Goyal will also co-chair the UAE-India Business Council (UIBC) round-table with the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. This round-table will convene CEOs and business leaders from both sides to discuss building trade, investment, and cooperation in key priority sectors. Bilateral meetings with the key officials are also planned during the visit, reflecting the mutual commitment to enhanced economic engagement.

Also Read: India Stays Course on U.S. Trade Talks Despite 50% Tariff Blow



The HLJTFI, which was set up in 2013, is now a key platform to facilitate trade and investment ties, address investor grievances, and explore new sectors of cooperation. The 12th edition of the task force, organized in Mumbai in October 2024, had witnessed the signing of the India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty, further strengthening the platform for long-term economic relationships.



As the CEPA took effect in May 2022, India-UAE bilateral trade in merchandise has recorded a remarkable boost from USD 43.3 billion in 2020-21 to USD 83.7 billion in 202324. Both countries have established a lofty goal of raising bilateral non-oil trade to USD 100 billion in 2030. The UAE is already the seventh-largest Indian investor, with total foreign direct investment flows of USD 24 billion between April 2000 and June 2025.



Goyal's visit is likely to give further fillip to this emerging partnership, strengthening the strategic economic partnership that has emerged as a pillar of India's relations with the Gulf.
Yes Bank stakes change hands as SMBC buys from SBI, Bandhan Bank, and Carlyle.

Big corporate moves with Dixons acquisition, Apollo Tyres price cuts, and Cochin Shipyards ONGC contract.

Investor focus on updates from Poonawalla Fincorp, Indosolar, Central Bank, Hyundai, and LTIMindtree.

The stock market is set for an active session as several big names announced deals, stake sales, and collaborations that could drive investor attention. From banking to technology, auto, and manufacturing, here are the companies making headlines today.

Yes Bank: A major development as Bandhan Bank and SBI sold their shares in Yes Bank to Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). Adding to this, SMBC will also pick up another 4.2% stake from a Carlyle Group affiliate for Rs 2,850 crore, marking strong global interest in the private lender. A major development as Bandhan Bank and SBI sold their shares in Yes Bank to Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). Adding to this, SMBC will also pick up another 4.2% stake from a Carlyle Group affiliate for Rs 2,850 crore, markingin the private lender.

Apollo Tyres: The tyre major announced a reduction in product prices ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 2,000, effective September 22. The move comes as the company passes on the benefits of a GST rate cut to its customers.

Cochin Shipyard: CSL secured a Rs 200 crore contract from ONGC for the repair of a jack-up rig. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months, further boosting CSLs order book.

Poonawalla Fincorp: The NBFC allotted 3.31 crore shares worth Rs 1,500 crore to promoter Rising Sun Holdings, raising its paid-up capital to Rs 162.47 crore.

Dixon Technologies: Dixon is set to acquire a 51% stake in Kunshan Q Tech Microelectronics India for Rs 552.99 crore, a strategic step to strengthen its mobile and IoT manufacturing operations.

Indosolar: Promoter Waaree Energies will divest up to 61 lakh shares, representing a 14.66% stake, via offer-for-sale on September 18-19 to meet public shareholding norms.

Central Bank of India: The Board has cleared an equity investment of Rs 64.40 crore in subsidiary Cent Home Bank Finance, as part of a Rs 100 crore rights issue plan.

Hyundai India: The automaker finalized a three-year wage settlement with workers at its Chennai plant, ensuring smoother operations.

LTIMindtree: The IT firm announced a collaboration with Shopify to help enterprises build and scale AI-driven online stores.
(Courtesy of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York)

Firearms were recovered during the investigation, authorities allege. (Courtesy of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Federal authorities have charged seven individuals, including four from Staten Island, in a major interstate gun and drug trafficking operation that allegedly funneled dozens of illegal firearms and narcotics into New York and New Jersey.

According to a previous Advance/SILive.com story, the 23-count indictment details a network that sourced weapons from southern states and sold them openly in residential neighborhoods.

Here are five key takeaways from the original article:

1. Four Staten Islanders face federal charges

At the center of the indictment are four Staten Island residents: Juanita Figueroa, 44; Ronald Stuben Jackson, 43; Nicholas Light Willacy, 47; and Coty Boatee Harley, 39. They, along with three other individuals from the Bronx, Missouri and South Carolina, are accused of participating in a conspiracy to traffic firearms and distribute cocaine base. According to federal prosecutors, the group allegedly sold 37 illegal firearms and narcotics across Staten Island, the Bronx and New Jersey between August 2022 and August 2025. An eighth defendant was charged separately in connection to the case.

2. National trafficking network

The investigation, dubbed Operation Summer Heat, uncovered what an FBI official called a national trafficking network. The firearms, which included AR-15-style rifles, shotguns, and pistols, were primarily traced back to southern states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas and Georgia. Authorities highlighted the dangerous nature of the weapons, noting that some were equipped with extended magazines, including a drum magazine capable of holding approximately 100 rounds of ammunition, posing a significant threat to public safety.

3. Brazen daylight sales in residential areas

Prosecutors allege that the defendants conducted many of their illicit sales in a flagrantly public manner. The sales of firearms and narcotics frequently occurred in broad daylight within residential areas of Staten Island and the Bronx. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch condemned the suspects for having flooded communities ... with dozens of dangerous firearms, emphasizing that assault weapons and high-capacity magazines have no place on city streets.

Narcotics and drug paraphernalia were also recovered during the investigation. (Courtesy of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York)

4. Both guns and crack cocaine trafficked

The criminal enterprise was not limited to firearms. Several defendants are also charged with narcotics trafficking. Court documents allege that Coty Boatee Harley sold both weapons and cocaine base. Notably, even after being incarcerated on unrelated charges, Harley allegedly continued to arrange drug sales through his co-defendants Figueroa, Willacy, and Jackson. Jackson and Willacy are specifically accused of selling over 68 grams of crack cocaine on Staten Island over a month and a half.

5. Suspects a danger and flight risk

Following arrests in New York, Missouri and South Carolina, federal prosecutors are seeking to keep several key defendants detained pending trial. They have argued that John Donaldson, Ronald Jackson and Nicholas Willacy pose a significant danger to the community and are flight risks, stating that no combination of bail conditions will ensure the safety of the community. For defendant Juanita Figueroa, the government is only willing to consider release under strict conditions and the posting of a substantial bond, underscoring the seriousness of the charges.

A draft of this story was generated using AI. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff.
Pete Davidson at The Daily Front Row's 12th Annual Fashion Media Awards held at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center on September 12, 2025 in New York, New York. Variety via Getty Images

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Pete Davidson took the stage at the Fashion Media Awards on Friday to present Machine Gun Kelly with the Style Icon Award and  in true Davidson fashion  delivered a tribute that was both heartfelt and humorous.

I am super stoked to be here, Davidson began, presenting musician Machine Gun Kelly (Colson Baker) with the Style Icon Award. Colson is, I think, my oldest best friend in this tough biz. And I f------ love this dude.

The Staten Island native didnt hold back as he shared his admiration for the 35-year-old rocker-turned-fashion-star.

Pound-for-pound I think hes maybe the most talented person Ive ever met. He could rap, he could play guitar, he could rock, he could act, Davidson said. I look up to him and Im really grateful that I have someone that I could call just to shoot the s--- or talk about what the hells going on in our careers or how, you know, how does the world work. Hes just a wonderful person and also so resilient.

Davidson even found a way to promote MGKs latest release with a laugh: I think his last album is his best work, Lost Americana, which is out now and you can stream that so we can beat Morgan Wallen.

Davidson, whos expecting his first child with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, seemed especially moved by MGKs role as a dad.

Hes a great dad, Davidson said. He always leads by example for me.

The musician shares daughter Casie, 16, with ex-girlfriend Emma Cannon and infant daughter Saga Blade with actress Megan Fox.

When it came time for MGK to accept his award, he kept the banter going.

Id like to thank my estranged husband, he joked, referring to Davidson, before thanking his own family and support system.

MGK then reflected on his journey, both in music and now in fashion, admitting he hadnt prepared a speech.

Sometimes preparing leads to letdowns, and Ive lived a long life of those, he said. Now Im just living in the excitement.

He also spoke candidly about authenticity, admitting that at times he has felt like an outsider in the industry.

My style can be unconventional. To some, my name is unfamiliar, but I am completely unapologetic with my authenticity in what I sing and what I wear, MGK said. I stand here as an embodiment of the American dream. I was a broke kid from the Midwest, and Im standing on a stage in front of a beautiful audience on top of a building in New York City.

And, like Davidson, he couldnt resist closing with a joke:

Its really just certified my thoughts that the whole time the Met Gala must have been sending the invite to the wrong address.
John Shea is pictured at a memorial service for Charlie Kirk held at Conference House Park on Sept. 14, 2025. Advance/SILive.com | Jillian Delaney

STATEN ISLAND, NY  Earlier this month, former NYPD officer and retired FDNY firefighter John Shea officially launched his campaign for the New York City Council in Staten Island North Shores 49th District.

He was joined at his campaign launch event by Staten Island Republican Party Chairman and Assemblymember Michael Tannousis; Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa; Congressmember Nicole Malliotakis; Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo; Assemblymember Mike Reilly; and Councilmember Frank Morano.

As an NYPD officer, Shea responded to the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center on 9/11 and worked at Ground Zero during the recovery efforts. Later, he served as a firefighter with the FDNY on Staten Island.

Once again, I feel called to serve my neighbors and community, Shea said. As a police officer, firefighter, husband, and father, I know firsthand the challenges Staten Islanders face.

The North Shore resident said his campaign and leadership would focus on supporting law enforcement, fighting to change bail laws, prioritizing quality education, and easing the financial burdens on families and small businesses.

Throughout his career, John has shown unwavering leadership and commitment to Staten Islands North Shore, praised Tannousis at the campaign event. He stepped up during our citys most challenging moments and has always answered the call to serve his neighbors.

Sheas candidacy is a new opportunity for Republicans to strengthen their presence in the New York City Council and the North Shore of Staten Island. However, if elected, Shea promises to represent all, from Rosebank to Mariners Harbor, regardless of party affiliation.

The November election ballot for the 49th District will list Shea on the Republican line, incumbent Kamillah Hanks on the Democratic line, and community organizer Sarah Blas on the Working Families Party line and as an independent candidate under New North Shore.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New Yorks senators joined forces with eight other Democratic representatives in a bid to protect small businesses from President Donald Trumps tariff plan.

The tariffs, enacted on Trumps Liberation Day, are an ongoing point of contention between the United States and other world leaders.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Sen. Chuck Schumer partnered with Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, Sen Richard Blumenthal, Sen. Martin Heinrich, Sen. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Ed Markey, and Sen. Mark Warner to propose the Small Business RELIEF Act.

The legislation would exempt small businesses from global baseline and reciprocal tariffs and to provide refunds to small businesses that were forced to pay them, according to a written statement.

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they are especially vulnerable to President Trumps tariff policies that are suffocating our economy, Gillibrand said. Millions of small businesses are already struggling to keep up with rising costs. Thats why I will keep fighting to push back against these reckless tariffs, so every small business has the resources and stability it needs to thrive.

The statement said Americans are presently facing the highest overall tariff rate since 1934, and a recent survey found that 30% of small business owners plan to increase their prices.

Trumps tariffs are the subject of an ongoing court case that is making its way to the Supreme Court after an appeals court ruled them illegal.

The tariffs originated from Trumps plan to reestablish economic sovereignty on the worlds stage and to strengthen our national and economic security, according to the White House website.

Small businesses are feeling the brunt of the Trump administrations economic carnage, Schumer said. Tariffs are raising costs, pushing away tourists, slowing down manufacturing, and forcing many businesses to close their doors altogether. Trumps disastrous economic policy must be stopped, and Congress must pass the Small Business RELIEF Act to protect our economy and small businesses across the country.
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! show was put on indefinite leave after its namesake host made what some said were objectionable comments about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

But the New York Post is reporting that a larger issue was behind the suspension of the show.

Kimmels comments had the potential to derail Nexstars $6.2 billion takeover of rival broadcaster Tegna, telecommunications insiders told the Posts On The Money.

The mega deal, which would join two of the countys largest owners of local TV station, is already fraught with antitrust questions and must be reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission and Brendan Carr, its conservative chair.

Kimmels comments made that approval even riskier, the Post reported.

Thats why Nexstar announced on Thursday that its stations would no longer carry the show, telecom insiders told On the Money.

The same goes for ABC, which produces and distributes Jimmy Kimmel Live! to broadcasters like Nexstar. ABC also has business in front of the FCC, according to On The Money.

ABC parent company Disney was also quick to suspend Kimmels show.

Conservative-leaning Sinclair Broadcasting went even further, announcing it will yank Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its stations until Kimmel apologizes directly to the Kirk family and donates to Kirks political activist group.

Kimmel caused controversy when he said on his show, we hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

Cleary Nexstar is sucking up to Carr, one telecom lawyer told On The Money. Kimmels comments are noxious but from a First Amendment standpoint they would have been protected in the past. Hes a comedian, so how is he distorting the news unless you have a deal to be approved by the FCC?

Kirk was killed at an outdoor event in Utah on Sept. 10. Utah native Tyler Robinson has been charged in the killing.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

President Donald Trump lashed out at the media in multiple tense exchanges outside the White House on Tuesday.

Trump spoke with reporters before leaving on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House to head to London. The president criticized at least two reporters during heated exchanges where he appeared to dislike the questions being asked.

The first exchange occurred after an Australian journalist asked Trump whether it was appropriate for a president to be engaged in so much business activity. After Trump clarified that it was his children running his businesses, he targeted the Australian reporter and threatened to speak to Australias leader about him.

In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now. They want to get along with me. You know your your leader, is coming over to see me. Very soon, Im going to tell them about you. You set a very bad tone, Trump told the reporter. You can set a nicer tone.

When he turned away to take a different question, Trump could be heard yelling quiet! to the Australian reporter as he tried to ask a follow-up question.

Reporter: Should a president in office be engaged in so much business activity?



Trump: I'm not, my kids are running the business. Where are you from?



Reporter: Australian broadcasting corporation



Trump: Youre hurting Australia very much right now. And they want to get along pic.twitter.com/KDuyJ3nFCL  Acyn (@Acyn) September 16, 2025

Trump then threatened ABCs Jon Karl after he asked a question about Attorney General Pam Bondis controversial comments on hate speech.

Probably go after people like you because you treat me so unfairly, Trump told Karl. You have a lot of hate in your heart.

Well, ABC paid me $16 million recently for a form of hate speech. Your company paid me $16 million for a form of hate speech, so maybe theyll have to go after you, Trump added, referring to the multimillion-dollar settlement reached with ABC News last year over anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurate statement that Trump had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll.

Trump to Jon Karl: "Your company paid me $16 million for a form of hate speech, so maybe they'll have to go after you ... You should take your beautiful wife tonight and have dinner. You won't be shot. You won't be accosted. You won't even be looked at incorrectly by anybody." pic.twitter.com/VOB4LAZxHR  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 16, 2025

This is just Trumps latest attack against media organizations that he claims have treated him unfairly. On Tuesday, Trump announced he was filing a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times over the newspapers coverage of him.

A spokesperson for The Times said in a statement that the lawsuit has no merit and is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting.

The Times has engaged in a decades long method of lying about your Favorite President (ME!), my family, business, the America First Movement, MAGA and our Nation as a whole, Trump said on Truth Social. I am PROUD to hold this once-respected rag responsible.

None of Trumps media lawsuits have made it to court, but in court papers he claimed the settlements with ABC and CBS as part of his successful undertaking to restore integrity to journalism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
FBI Director Kash Patel offered an explanation on Wednesday to why President Donald Trumps administration has yet to release the entirety of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

For the second day, Patel is facing a grilling from lawmakers on Capitol Hill about his tenure leading the bureau as he appears before the House Judiciary Committee. It comes after he took questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, in which he was largely pressed about the probe into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and his agencys handling of documents related to the late disgraced financiers case.

As he interrogated Patel, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), a ranking member on the committee, pointed out that Patel has previously vowed that he would move to release all documents related to Epstein as the countrys top law enforcement officer.

Has anyone released more information on Epstein than I have? Patel fired back, before mentioning former FBI Directors James Comey and Christopher Wray. Has anyone?

Raskin replied: Excuse me? Much more has come out in the days since the American people and Congress have been demanding it. But its coming out in dribs and drabs.

Raskin then went on to directly ask, Why dont you just release the entire Epstein file as you promised to do?

Patel argued that there are multiple federal court orders standing in the way.

Im not going to break the law to satisfy your curiosity, Patel added.

As Raskin claimed it is a tiny fraction of material, Patel interjected: How do you know that? Have you seen everything?

In his response, Patel appeared to reference a rejected attempt by the Justice Department to unseal grand jury transcripts and exhibits stemming from the investigation of Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

However, in his 14-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman claimed that the federal government is the logical party to make comprehensive disclosure to the public of the Epstein files.

The information contained in the Epstein grand jury transcripts pales in comparison to the Epstein investigation information and materials in the hands of the Department of Justice, Berman added.

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) called attention to the point, suggesting that the order has no weight in preventing the release of more materials.

RASKIN: Why don't you just release the entire Epstein file as you promised to do?



PATEL: There are multiple federal court orders. I'm not going to break the law the satisfy your curiosity.



RASKIN: That's all misdirection pic.twitter.com/yTOhnoCcA8  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 17, 2025

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) later pressed Patel on the number of times that Trumps name is listed in the files. In July, The Wall Street Journal reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy had told the president in May that he appeared in the documents, as well as other high-profile figures.

As Patel responded no when asked whether Trumps name appeared 1,000, 500 or 100 times in the files, he hit back: The people of California are being underserved by your representation.

Swalwell asked, If the president is not implicated, why not release everything?

The Epstein case propelled itself back into the national spotlight after the DOJ and FBI concluded in a memo in July that Epstein did not keep a client list of public figures, and confirmed that he had committed suicide in prison while awaiting his sex-trafficking trial in 2019. Amid years of speculation, some in Trumps base have criticized the administration over its handling of the documents  with many calling for all files to be made public.

It comes as an effort is underway in the House to force a vote to compel the DOJ to release all documents. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) filed a discharge petition earlier this month, which has secured 217 signatures as of Wednesday morning  just one short of the number needed to advance. If passed, the measure would also need to move through the Senate.

The House Oversight Committee also released a first batch of files this month that the DOJ turned over as part of a subpoena into its investigation into the case. The material, which includes over 33,000 pages, contained mostly information already available in the public domain.

During the previous hearing, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) had took aim at Patel, urging him to continue to release the files, and specifically asking whether Epstein was sex trafficking women and girls to other individuals.

The issues not gonna go away, Kennedy said. I think youre gonna have to do more to satisfy the American peoples understandable curiosity in that regard.

Patel responded: I am not saying that others were not trafficked and others were not involved. The information we are releasing now is historic and it is also to the maximum capacity that the law allows.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has held a meeting with the Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, Anna Bjerde, during which, in particular, they discussed ways of supporting Ukraine from the World Bank.

"I outlined the priorities of the draft State Budget of Ukraine for 2026, which are primarily state defense and social stability. I spoke about our approaches to balancing defense needs and other expenditures, as well as solving the problem of the budget deficit. We discussed ways of supporting Ukraine from the World Bank in times of great challenges," she wrote on Telegram.

According to the Prime Minister, Ukraine continues to advance reforms in accordance with international obligations.

"Ukraine continues to advance reforms in accordance with our international obligations, in particular, strengthening anti-corruption institutions. We also agreed to continue contacts to deepen cooperation. I am grateful to the World Bank team for their continued reliable support to Ukraine in these difficult times of full-scale invasion," Svyrydenko concluded.
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Fall 2025 is almost here, and you might already be thinking about the Thanksgiving holiday if youre hosting this year. Luckily for you, Le Creusets Harvest Collection is the perfect addition to your table, with a pumpkin-themed gravy boat, butter dish, coffee mug, and a mini cocotte. The brand has even thrown in some Halloween-themed products, including a bat coffee mug and mini halloween dishes to boot. With so many fall options available, wed recommend checking out this gorgeous collection today while it lasts.

The Le Creuset Signature Pumpkin Cocotte is constructed from enameled cast iron, ensuring excellent heat distribution and retention. It is compatible with all cooktops, including ceramic, electric, gas, halogen, and induction, and is also oven-safe up to 500F. The cocotte comes as a 2-piece set, including the pot and a tight-fitting lid. Hand washing is recommended for cleaning. It is manufactured in France and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

The enameled cast iron construction provides superior heat distribution and retention, ensuring even cooking temperatures throughout the cocotte. This eliminates hot spots and helps to lock in moisture and flavor, resulting in consistently delicious meals. The Signature Pumpkin Cocotte features a unique ribbed pumpkin design and a hand-sculpted stainless steel figural knob, making it a visually appealing and festive addition to any kitchen or table setting.

Le Creuset Signature Pumpkin Cocotte This gorgeous cocotte is here to brighten up your Thanksgiving table. $368 at Le Creuset

The Le Creuset Bat Stockpot is finished in a shiny black color and is designed to serve 7-8 people. It is constructed from enamel on steel and has an 8-quart capacity. The stockpot is compatible with a variety of heat sources, including ceramic, electric, gas, halogen, and induction cooktops. Its exterior dimensions are 12.4 inches in length, 9.8 inches in width, and 7.5 inches in height. The product includes two pieces, the pot and its lid. Le Creuset recommends hand washing for cleaning.

The Bat Stockpot features lightweight, premium carbon steel construction. This allows the pot to heat rapidly, quickly bringing water to a boil. This feature makes it efficient for preparing soups, stocks, and other recipes where a quick boil is needed.

The unique feature of this stockpot is its design, with a cauldron of applique bats flying over the black onyx sides and glass top of the pot. This makes it a decorative and functional piece, especially suited for the harvest season. The stainless steel rim around the top edge prevents chipping and cracking.

Le Creuset Bat Stockpot Add a spooky touch to your kitchen with this Halloween-themed stockpot. $120 at Le Creuset

The Le Creuset Signature Pumpkin Braiser is constructed from enameled cast iron, ensuring even heat distribution and retention. The braiser includes two pieces: the braiser itself and a tight-fitting lid designed to circulate steam and lock in moisture. It is compatible with various heat sources, including ceramic, electric, gas, halogen, and induction cooktops, as well as being oven-safe up to 500F.

The enameled cast iron construction offers superior heat distribution and retention, ensuring even cooking without hot spots. This feature is particularly beneficial for braising, as it allows for consistent temperatures that lock in moisture and flavor, resulting in more tender and flavorful dishes.

The Signature Pumpkin Braiser features a unique, ribbed pumpkin design with a hand-sculpted stainless steel figural knob, making it a visually appealing and seasonal addition to any kitchen. The design isnt just aesthetic; the wide base and shallow depth allow ingredients to be placed in a single layer for better searing, and the domed lid helps circulate steam for optimal braising.
According to the materials of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), a Russian special agent who committed war crimes during the temporary occupation of Kherson and coordinated the creation of the "Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs" in the regional center of the occupation has been sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia.

"This is an employee of the 9th Directorate of the Operational Information Department of the 5th FSB Service  Sergey Sinitsyn with the call sign 'Sabir," the SBU said in the Telegram channel on Thursday.

SBU investigators established that in March 2022, the official, being part of the "temporary operational group No. 8" arrived in Kherson to organize mass repressions against participants in the resistance movement.

"To do this, Sinitsyn coordinated the occupation 'main department of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs' created in the regional center. According to the case materials, the Russian special service officer personally approved 'personnel appointments' to the pseudo-institution and led the raids of armed racists on the homes of local residents. During such raids, people were kidnapped from their homes and taken to torture chambers set up in the premises of the local 'Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs," the Ukrainian special service said in a statement.

It is documented that behind closed doors, the victims were beaten, tortured with electric shocks, simulated executions and threatened with reprisals against their relatives. In addition, "Sabir" was additionally engaged in the formation of its own agent networks, into which it tried to recruit former officials and law enforcement officers.

Based on the evidence collected by the investigators of the Security Service, the court found Serhiy Sinitsyn guilty under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 3, Article 110 (encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine); Part 1 of Art. 438 (war crimes committed by a group of persons in a prior conspiracy).

Comprehensive measures are underway to bring the convicted person to justice for crimes against Ukrainians.

The investigation was conducted by SBU officers in Kherson region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.
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Larvotto Resources has launched a bold refurbishment of key infrastructure at its Hillgrove processing plant near Armidale in New South Wales, as the company looks to ramp up commissioning of the facility in July next year.

Refurb works have officially kicked off at the companys antimony-gold project, marking the start of a comprehensive plant upgrade to transform the historic processing facility into a modern production powerhouse.

Larvotto Resources has tasked MIQM with refurbishing the companys Hillgrove processing plant at its antimony-gold project in NSW. The construction firm has begun the process of removing redundant plant equipment.

With a mineral resource of 1.7 million gold-equivalent-ounces grading at an eye-raising 7.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold-equivalent, the company is in the box seat to bang into production when the refurb has transformed the old plant into a modern beauty.

An ore reserve of 636,000 gold-equivalent-ounces running at 6.6g/t gold-equivalent provides for peace of mind in the quality of the renowned deposit.
Friday was meant to be a historic day  the signing of the countrys largest-ever cash takeover. Instead, the minutes-to-midnight withdrawal of the giant Emirati buyer for oil and gas producer Santos will join the history books as an unnatural disaster.

The finale to this saga has left a trail of unhappy campers, a bitter aftertaste for all involved, and plenty of questions to be answered.

The $30 billion Santos takeover has been scrapped at the last minute. Credit: Fairfax Media

Now we have entered the blame game period.

First there is the bidder, a consortium led by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which despite putting on a happy front is privately seething about the conduct of Santos and its takeover path, which it found littered with hidden improvised explosive devices.
The Scots Old Boys Union convened for their annual luncheon last Friday, held at the Ivy Ballroom with due thanks to hospitality king and alumnus Justin Hemmes (class of 89).

For $170, guests gobbled up a two-course meal, drank from a free-flowing beverage pack and had a shot of whisky with haggis. No dessert, though, but at a four-hour liquid lunch, who has room for sweets?

Its not often you will see Old Boys letting someone from western Sydney into their inner circle, but they made an exception for legendary Test bowler Jeff Thomson. The Punchbowl High School alum and cricketer turned public speaker commanded the crowd, interviewed by Daily Telegraph editor Ben English (class of 86). Sources tell us Thomson was his usual unfiltered self, offering a glimpse of the old days, with one source telling us maybe he shouldnt be speaking in public.

Legendary bowler Jeff Thomson was a featured speaker at the reunion. Credit: David Adkins

This love of the old days and tradition was in full force as principal Ian Lambert made it clear the Bellevue Hill private boys school which charges fees of $51,000 a year wont be going co-ed any time soon.
Announcing its decision to dump Kimmels show immediately, Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division, described the comedians comments as offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located. Nexstar would replace his show with alternative content, Alford said, in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue. FCC chairman Brendan Carr. Credit: The New York Times Regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum, there is much to be said for a call for respectful, constructive dialogue. However, it is worth noting Nexstar is in the process of acquiring a rival broadcaster, TEGNA, for $US6.2 billion ($9.4 billion). That deal needs to be approved by the Federal Communications Commission, the regulator headed by Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee and close ally.

That would be the same Brendan Carr who contributed to the controversial Project 2025 blueprint, many of whose recommendations around the dismantling of government regulations and protections for minorities and the environment have been (unofficially) implemented in Trumps second term. The same Brendan Carr who has spearheaded investigations into a number of Americas media companies  including NPR, PBS, Comcast (owner of NBC) and CBS  over Trump-related reporting. The same Brendan Carr who claimed on X in July that the partisan lefts ritualistic wailing and gnashing of teeth over [the axing of Stephen] Colbert is quite revealing. Stephen Colbert accepting the Emmy this week for outstanding talk series, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Credit: AP At the time he posted that, the FCC was determining whether to grant approval to the proposed merger between Paramount (owner of CBS) and Skydance, owned by David Ellison, son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison (by some accounts the richest person in the world, and a strong Trump ally). On July 25, a week after CBS announced it was axing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from May 2026, the merger was approved. It is impossible to prove causal links between these things, but there is a clear pattern in Trumps relationship with the media. Sow distrust, claim deceit, block or approve, and sue. All designed to weaken the fourth estate and reduce its ability to keep the bastards honest.

Trump sued Meta for suspending his social media accounts over what it deemed his incitement of the riots in Washington on January 6, 2021. In February this year, the company settled for $25 million. Loading Trump sued over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris that he alleged had been unfairly edited to make her look better than him. Though the suit was widely considered frivolous, Paramount (owner of broadcaster CBS) settled for $16 million (a fraction of the $20 billion Trump had sought). That was three weeks before the merger with Skydance was approved. In July, Trump sued The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over its reporting of a birthday card he had sent to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. This week, Trump sued The New York Times for $15 billion, alleging he had been defamed in a number of articles and a book that claimed he was unfit for office. Trump has repeatedly decried legitimate reporting as fake news and characterised the news media as the enemy of the people. He has picked fights with and banned respected reporters from White House media rooms, and hand-picked the friendly outlets with whom he chooses to share information in the knowledge it will be disseminated with a minimum of scrutiny.

These are all assaults on the ability of the media to report on or voice opinions about the leader of what once held itself up as the worlds shining example of democracy. They are the moves of an autocrat determined to eradicate accountability. Investigative reporting, interviews, commentary and even comedy are all in Trumps sights. In his monologue this week, Kimmel also took aim at Trumps tone-deaf response to questions about how he was holding up following the murder of Kirk, a supposedly close friend. Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED Donald Trump, US president The host cut to a clip in which the president responded by talking about the construction of a ballroom at the White House. To prove it wasnt a mere aberration, he showed a second clip, of an interview on Fox News, in which Trump did the same. This is not how an adult grieves the death of someone he called a friend, Kimmel said. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.

When ABC (which is owned by Disney) announced it was pulling Kimmels show from the airwaves indefinitely on Wednesday (US time), Trump gloated. Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, he wrote on Truth Social, the social media platform he owns and through which he issues most of his communications. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers], two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! ABC pulling Kimmel is a blow against free speech, democracy and media diversity. But its also a simple numbers game. Late-night TV is expensive to produce, and doesnt have the viewership it once did. Advertising still matters to linear (free-to-air) TV, but not as much as licensing. In its latest annual report, for the financial year 2023-24, ABCs parent company Disney declared advertising revenue of $U3.676 billion for its linear networks. Affiliate fees brought in $US6.872 billion ($US5.826 domestically). Unhappy affiliates hit Disney where it hurts most  the bottom line. So, too, does the threat of legal action from the most litigious president in American history. Dropping Kimmel is a big move. But for a media increasingly cowed into submission, not dropping him might have amounted to an even bigger one.
Ukraine was elected to the governing bodies of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) on Thursday - the Administrative Council and the Postal Operations Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported.

Ukraine has just been elected to the governing bodies of the Universal Postal Union  the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council. We are grateful to all member states for their trust. Ukraines expertise will contribute to advancing digital transformation, strengthening operational capabilities in crisis situations, and improving global postal networks, he said on X.

He noted that Russia and Belarus again lost the UPU elections.

Symbolically, Russia and Belarus have again failed to win seats. The aggressor state and its accomplice have no place in governing bodies of international organizations, Sybiha summed up.

The minister thanked JSC Ukrposhtas CEO Igor Smelyansky and the entire team for joint efforts in achieving this result.
The Paris Agreement was intended to bring everyone into the tent, so it let countries determine their own reductions. The framework acknowledges it will take longer for developing countries to reach peak emissions and cuts will be balanced with sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty. Countries have to submit new or updated NDCs every five years, and each successive NDC is meant to ratchet up the ambition. Countries can also set more ambitious targets at any time. Why is it a range, and why so large? The Climate Change Authority recommended a target range between 62 and 70 per cent. Rather than select a number, or a narrower range, the Albanese government has adopted it as policy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said several other countries were also committing to ranges, noting Brazil also had an 8 percentage point range, Singapore 12 percentage points, and the European Union was discussing 63 to 70 per cent. Its consistent, given the impact that new technological development can have, that you would have a range  we hope to achieve as low emissions as possible, while making sure that we continue to grow the economy, grow jobs, seize the opportunities which are there, Albanese said. I cant speak for business, but we think a range in this order is investible as well as achievable. The Climate Change Authority had a draft range of 65 to 75 per cent. Treasury modelled 65 per cent. When asked why Treasury modelled only the lowest number, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said modelling was resource-intensive, and it was impossible to model all scenarios.

The most important thing is the difference between the orderly transition that we will deliver ... and the disorderly transition being urged by our political opponents, he said. Credit: Matt Golding Are other countries using 2005 levels? Not all countries. It is a common baseline, used by Australia, New Zealand, Canada, China, India and Brazil, among others. The United States under the Biden administration also used 2005, though Donald Trump has now withdrawn the US from the pact. Many developed economies are using an earlier baseline  the UK, Norway and Switzerland, for example, are reducing emissions relative to 1990 levels. This is what was used in the Kyoto Protocol.

Some countries are using later baselines  Japans targets are relative to 2013 levels, and the United Arab Emirates to 2019 levels. The Climate Action Tracker website  a joint project of Climate Analytics and the NewClimate Institute  crunches the numbers so you can compare countries commitments on a like-for-like basis. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announcing the National Climate Risk Assessment on Monday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Why does Australias target matter when we are so small? As the National Climate Risk Assessment released on Monday shows, Australia has a lot to lose from runaway climate change. Our best chance is if the world acts to rapidly reduce emissions. Even with the US out of the Paris Agreement, the momentum in the rest of the world is crucial.

The first way to influence that is through diplomatic pressure, which will be effective only if we have a credible, ambitious goal. The fact that Australia is a major polluter on a per capita basis does not escape notice internationally. The second is by deliberately curbing our fossil fuel exports, which governments are reluctant to do  see the recent approval of the massive Woodside gas project in Western Australia. Its described as a climate bomb for its impact on global emissions, but the gas will be exported, so it wont count on Australias emissions ledger. Is the Paris Agreement working? Last year was the hottest year on record, at 1.55 degrees above pre-industrial levels, but this was a single year. Scientists look at the long-term average, and on that basis, the planet has warmed 1.3 to 1.4 degrees. Australia has warmed 1.5 degrees.

Climate Action Tracker analysis shows that the collective commitments made so far under the Paris Agreement are not close to limiting warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees. Australias new target is not in line with that either. The world has already warmed 1.3 to 1.4 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Credit: Kate Geraghty The world is on track for 3 degrees of warming by the end of this century. As catastrophic as that would be, the Paris Agreement has almost certainly spared us from a worse fate. When the treaty was signed in 2015, the world was on track for 4 degrees of warming. Changing the trajectory to 3 degrees is a win. Any more good news?
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Eating outGood Food Guide Meet five of Victorias best young chefs youve never heard of  yet Mark your calendar: The Age Good Food Guide 2026 Young Chef of the Year finalists  from venues such as Brae and Barragunda  will cook together at a special dinner next month celebrating their different styles. Emily Holgate Updated October 27, 2025 ,first published September 18, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in The Age Good Food Guide 2026 Awards collection. See all stories .

Each year, The Age Good Food Guide editors and a panel of industry experts convene to uncover a new pool of rising kitchen talent. Now in its third decade, the Young Chef of the Year Award, presented by Smeg, has been awarded to some of the industrys brightest stars, including Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc, Gimlet, Supernormal) and Adam DSylva (Decca, ex-Tonka, Coda). This years finalists range from a pastry chef with experience in a Michelin-starred French restaurant to a chef whos made it through to the final round three years running. This crop of young chefs is nothing short of extraordinary: an inspired cohort of trailblazers who know exactly why they do what they do, and who do it to a rare standard, Good Food Guide co-editor Frank Sweet says. Humble, hungry, guided by sound ethics, they are the people chefs want in their kitchens, and theyre cooking the food diners will want on their plates. Loading

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The five finalists were selected from a wide group of applicants, all aged under 30, who shared with Good Food what drives them, who inspires them, their career highlights, and the greatest challenges young Australian chefs face in todays restaurant climate. The prize - which includes Smeg appliances and professional mentoring - will be given to one standout chef from the five talented finalists at the Good Food Guide 2026 Awards on Monday, October 27, at Melbournes Timber Yard. Get to know the young chefs to watch in 2026. Asela Uduwara Arachchi of Many Little Bar & Dining: here to share his heritage. Dion Georgopoulos Asela Uduwara Arachchi, Many Little Bar & Dining

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From cutting his teeth back home in Sri Lanka at a leading seafood restaurant to now working under chef Gayan Pieris at hatted Red Hill diner Many Little, Asela Uduwara Arachchi takes pride in knowing that each dish he plates brings his heritage to the fore. Working at Many Little gave me real confidence to re-create those memories that I had from my childhood, and make them into plates in a fine-dining context, he says. Arachchis passion for sharing his cooking with others stems from his mother, whom he remembers preparing dishes such as kiribath, a Sri Lankan milk rice sweet, and various curries, before delivering them to friends and family to try. Humble, hungry, guided by sound ethics, they are the people chefs want in their kitchens, and theyre cooking the food diners will want on their plates. Frank Sweet, Good Food Guide co-editor When it comes to Sri Lankan fine dining in Australia, he reckons weve hardly scratched the surface. This is what excites and drives the young chef.

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When you speak about Sri Lankan food  its [dishes such as] cheap eats like rice and curry from a small joint, he says. But theres a lot more Sri Lanka can offer in terms of food. [It was] colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English, so they have left a little bit of influence in the spices. There are still direct descendants of those people living in Sri Lanka, and their way of cooking the same curry could be different in different households. Its really exciting, and theres a lot more Sri Lankan cuisine that people are yet to discover  I think Im here to do it. Jack Huxtable of Amaru: mistakes help you learn. Dion Georgopoulos Jack Huxtable, Amaru Youd think working as a senior chef at one of Melbournes most prestigious restaurants  three-hatted Amaru  would place a young chef like Jack Huxtable under immense pressure. On the contrary, Huxtables mentors thus far have nurtured his passion and helped him build resilience in an industry that can intimidate young kitchen staff. So how can early-career chefs learn to look after themselves in such a high-stress environment?

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I believe theres no such thing as a bad student; only a bad teacher, Huxtable says. If [senior kitchen staff] are pushing them into staying at work when theyre sick, or bollocking them when theyre not ready for service  then young chefs leave the industry. And if they dont come back, theres not going to be an industry. This is why he lives by the philosophy that a kitchen is a platform for young chefs to make mistakes. If you cant make mistakes, youre not going to learn. Working under some of South Australias top chefs - including Brendan Wessels at both The dArenberg Cube and Adelaides Aurora; Fabian Lehmann at Maxwell Wines; and Restaurant Botanics Justin James - introduced him to the other skills needed to hone his craft, including how to forage, enhance flavour and appreciate native ingredients. Huxtable hopes to take these skills and mentor the next generation of chefs. I have a beautiful backing already, so its now my turn to teach what I know, he says. They are my priority.

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Laura Skvor of Barragunda Dining: fostering relationships with farmers is important. Dion Georgopoulos Laura Skvor, Barragunda Dining From high-end restaurants in France and fine dining in the UK to now leading the pastry team at the recently two-hatted Barragunda at Cape Schanck, Laura Skvors resume is seriously impressive. But her experiences cooking in Europe went beyond learning valuable culinary skills. They helped form her core values as a young chef  values that now feed into Barragundas renowned farm-to-table philosophy. Food doesnt belong to anyone, and when you start privatising food systems, thats when we get to murky waters, she says. One thing I love is that [ingredients] not only hold the stories of the people who grew them for thousands of years, but also hold the flavours of times that we dont see now. Working at a venue with a regenerative philosophy that uses plants and animals in their entirety is something Skvor finds inspiring.

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To work with farmers and influence farmers to be better at what theyre doing  I think those relationships are so important for creating a better future, she says. Related Article This new Mornington Peninsula fine diner is one of Australias most ambitious restaurants of the decade Skvor kicked off her career on the pans at some of Europes most sought-after fine diners  including La Marine in France and La Dame de Pic in England  before returning to France in 2023 to study pastry. Its this breadth of experience that shaped her understanding of the industry as a whole. When I did move on [to working with pastry], I already had a really high level of understanding of how kitchens work: that dedication, that ambition and also that perseverance through trying times, she says. [Kitchens are] not easy, but you learn so much so fast. Viveik Vinoharan, formerly of Lilac Wine Bar: refining his creative voice. Dion Georgopoulos

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Viveik Vinoharan, ex-Lilac Wine Hes worked at restaurants across Sydney, regional Victoria and New South Wales, and even did a pre-pandemic stint in Japan. But working at Cremornes Lilac Wine for two years enabled Viveik Vinoharan to truly champion the flavours of his Sri Lankan heritage  and place him as a Young Chef of the Year finalist for three consecutive years. Its not hard to replicate the essence of Sri Lankan cooking, though, he says. Its all in the spices, and you just need to know how best to use them  quality over quantity. I use a lot of spices and a lot of coconut, Vinoharan says. But not every [dish] needs to have 20 different spices in there. You can make a good blend out of just six, for example. Having stepped away from Lilac Wine in March, the ambitious chef is now focusing on personal projects and pop-ups. These new ventures allow him to refine his creative voice and continue to express his ideas by marrying the unique tastes of Sri Lanka with quality Australian ingredients from sustainable farms.

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My cooking style essentially gives Victorian or Australian produce a bit of a twist because its something that people havent tried or havent cooked in the past, he says. Angela Prajogo of Brae: hard work and perseverance are essential. Dion Georgopoulos Angela Prajogo, Brae The allure of becoming a chef is understandable in 2025  particularly if youve grown accustomed to the glitz and glamour of reality-TV cooking shows, or seeing private chefs film tutorials in million-dollar homes on TikTok. Its this stereotype of a flashy career that 23-year-old chef Angela Prajogo hopes to change, so that young chefs like herself remain in the industry. As much as its amazing that were getting more people into the industry and having them excited about being a chef, it also results in them leaving the industry sooner  [because] their expectations are not at all what the reality is, she says.

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Shows like Chefs Table are a really positive representation of what it means to be a chef because its really, really hard work, and its not just waking up in the morning and having time to make TikToks. Its that readiness to work hard and a strong dose of perseverance thats landed Prajogo her dream role as a chef at three-hatted restaurant Brae in western Victoria. Over nearly two years at the fine diner, shes come into her own while also experimenting with flavours that allow her Indonesian heritage to shine. Indonesian food is what I started with because of my mums cooking, and I think I lost that a little bit growing up in Australia, she says. But Im reclaiming it, and Im rediscovering that I can be proud of both cultures. I really like tying the two together and showing the roots of my love for cooking. Update: this event is now sold out. Join Stokehouse executive chef Jason Staudt, a member of the 2026 Young Chef of the Year judging panel, for an evening showcasing the next generation of culinary talent. The dinner  at Stokehouse Pasta & Bar on Monday, October 20, from 6.30pm  is $150 a head, which includes sparkling wine on arrival, followed by a five-course dinner designed by the five finalists for The Age Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year, presented by Smeg. Related Article The 2026 Good Food Guide to be launched in October with exciting new features

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More than 1500 health workers have sent letters to the hospital criticising its decision to axe the event, which was set to discuss the health impacts of war in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and Myanmar, according to event organisers. The listed speakers on the panel were Associate Professor Tilman Ruff, co-founder of the Nobel-awarded International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons; Medecins Sans Frontieres paediatric nurse Alison Moebus, who has recently worked in Gaza; Asia-Pacific refugee leader Najeeba Wazefadost; RCH head of immigrant health Associate Professor Georgia Paxton; and Dr Sue Wareham, president of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War. Dr Peter Steer, chief executive of The Royal Childrens Hospital. Wareham said the latest letter from the CEO was totally unacceptable. We want to talk about the health of children in war, not politics, she said. Children of Gaza must definitely be included in that discussion as they are suffering the worst impacts. Any suggestion that they shouldnt is deeply offensive.

He talks about looking after staff. Is he talking about looking after Palestinian staff? Is he considering how those people may feel? Wareham said the panels cancellation had the effect of ramping up divisions. Earlier this month, Sydney psychiatrist Doron Samuell wrote to Steer saying Jewish staff or patients could be exposed to moral injury, vicarious trauma and harmful workplace behaviours if the event went ahead, according to an article in the Guardian. He reportedly copied in WorkSafe Victoria. Samuell told this masthead that the hospitals CEO and board had now found the right approach and other institutions should follow their strong leadership. He confirmed that he had sent a letter to the hospital ahead of the event being cancelled. Melbourne patients ought to expect that their institutions are focused on patient care rather than politics, he said.

In April, Samuell described two Greens volunteers in the inner-west Sydney seat of Reid as Nazis in a group chat for Liberal Party volunteers. Asked about the cancelled panel on Thursday, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it was a matter for the Royal Childrens Hospital. Loading This decision, which is taken by the hospital, would have been taken in the best interests of the patients and staff, Thomas said. Im well aware of heightened tensions in our community. Its incumbent upon leadership to make sure that we provide safe, welcoming health services for all Victorians.

The Royal Childrens Hospital did not respond to questions about how many internal and external complaints it had received about the event. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Victorian branch secretary Maddy Harradence said nurses, midwives and carers had an ethical obligation to advocate for life, health, dignity and human rights  especially for children in war. Grand rounds are collegial clinical forums in which doctors, nurses, midwives and other health professionals can discuss and share respectfully on clinical topics of interest both locally, nationally and internationally, she said. We have heard from ANMF members who were disappointed in the decision to cancel the Children and War event. Save the Children reported earlier this month that at least 20,000 children  about 2 per cent of Gazas child population  have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023. A similar number of children have been left permanently disabled, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities said in August. The deaths and injuries follow terrorist organisation Hamas killing of about 1200 Israelis.

Matt, a union member of Nurses and Midwives for Palestine who did not want to disclose his surname for security reasons, said many RCH staff were now questioning whether it was the right place to work. One doctor ripped up their values poster because she couldnt reconcile those values on the wall with the behaviour of the organisation, he said. The Age revealed last year that dozens of doctors had come under scrutiny from the national medical watchdog for sharing their views about the Israel-Gaza war on social media, including for using the term genocide. An Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency spokesman said the watchdog had received a small number of notifications about practitioners expressing views in relation to the Gaza conflict. These include concerns around comments that might be characterised as antisemitic, as well as concerns around comments that might be characterised as Islamophobic, he said.
Medibank strongly believe that the highest clinical standards must be upheld across all areas of healthcare, the spokesperson said. Medibank wont be commenting further on the operations or clinical matters at East Sydney Private Hospital. East Sydney Private is the second joint venture Al Muderis has with Medibank, alongside the short-stay hospital at Macquarie University Hospital in Sydneys north-west. These hospitals are designed to reduce the time patients spend in the facility, but have been criticised by some experts, including surgeon Ian Harris, who says the structure creates conflicts of interest and increases profit motives for surgeons to perform unnecessary surgeries. Loading Medibank has defended its quality of care in these hospitals and previously said it was very concerned about the court decision against Al Muderis and was taking this extremely seriously. It said it had asked Macquarie University Hospital to investigate and take all necessary steps to ensure standards were met. Macquarie University Hospital announced last month that Al Muderis had taken indefinite leave. Meeting minutes revealed by this masthead this week show surgeons have raised concerns about Al Muderis at Macquarie for years and have either been ignored or threatened with legal action for defamation.

Corporate governance expert Helen Bird has said hospitals and companies financially entangled with Al Muderis cannot be responsible for investigating misconduct due to clear conflicts of interest, and has called for regulatory intervention. Several sources across various hospitals where Al Muderis practises have also raised concerns about his use of multiple operating theatres on the same day, a practice to maximise the number of surgeries that can be performed. Parallel lists are not a patient-led care initiative, one source said. They are purely and solely a way for surgeons to double the money they make for a given amount of time. Browne confirmed Al Muderis used two theatres to operate on 11 patients during a recent Saturday shift at East Sydney Private, and defended the two-theatre approach as a safe and well-established practice in orthopaedic surgery. Dr Munjed Al Muderis did not operate on more than one patient at the same time. Patient safety is always the highest priority, Browne said. Dr Munjed Al Muderis completed the entire operation.

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons president Owen Ung said concurrent theatres are used by only a minority of surgeons in Australia, and the college had recently released guidelines to promote safe practice. Ung said surgeons using multiple theatres must take extra steps to ensure the patient is fully informed, and enlist skilled assistants to perform non-essential duties, such as sewing up and dressing the wound. He said he personally avoids the practice as a general surgeon, but said it was more common in other specialties. If Im operating, I feel like I need that break between cases to get my head straight, prepare for the next case, he said. If youre pretty much going non-stop the whole time, its taxing. Im not saying surgeons cant make it work, but we have guidelines for those who are going to do it, how to do it safely. Browne and Al Muderis failed to respond to questions about whether patients are informed of the use of multiple theatres.

Browne has provided several statements about Al Muderis position at the hospital. The week after the judgment was delivered, Browne said in an email the hospital was investigating the matter and committed to ensuring safe, high quality, patient-centred care. In another email on August 29, Browne said: Dr Al Muderis is currently on a leave of absence with a return date yet to be confirmed, but declined to comment on whether this was related to the judgment. Responding to further questions this week, Browne said: He is returning for a two-day operating list, before returning to his leave. The decision to proceed with surgery was made where clinically appropriate and supporting patient choice. Through lawyers, Al Muderis said Brownes statements were incorrect.

Dr Al Muderis is not currently on a leave of absence with a return date yet to be confirmed with East Sydney Private Hospital. He has been currently operating elsewhere. In fact, he is due to return to the hospital very shortly to perform further procedures. Al Muderis also denied wrongdoing and defended the use of concurrent theatres as a well-established practice for busy surgeons at hospitals throughout Australia. The wound you refer to concerning a knee operation was not a medical emergency and did not warrant returning to an operating theatre. A consultant was present at all times and the matter was handled with all due care and best [practice]. The Australian Orthopaedic Association announced last month Al Muderis had been expelled from the professional association, after the court ruled he had prioritised fame, money and numbers over patient care. Al Muderis then requested a meeting to appeal against the AOA boards decision, where members would vote on his future. That meeting was scheduled for next week. However, Al Muderis has since withdrawn his request for a meeting and sued the AOA for alleged breach of its constitution. The court issued orders on Monday restraining the AOA from enforcing the expulsion or holding meetings to consider the purported expulsion.
There are grave fears for one person after a fire tore through a home in Sydneys northern beaches on Friday morning. Close to two dozen firefighters were later on scene to combat the complex blaze.

Fire services were called to the home on Hilltop Road, Avalon at 1am on Friday following reports of a house fire. Flames were venting through the roof as emergency services arrived.

Six fire trucks and 22 firefighters were battling the blaze on Friday morning. The fire destroyed parts of the house and made it impossible for firefighters to enter the property.

One person believed to be a resident at the home is unaccounted for, though firefighters are unsure if that person was at the property at the time of the blaze. Police are conducting external searches to locate the person.
A North Parramatta man allegedly raped three women 32 times across a two-year period that lasted until April this year.

Ahmed Nassef has been charged with the rape of three women, two aged 21 and one aged 29, on multiple occasions starting in April 2023, after the 31-year-old was arrested by police following a search warrant on a North Parramatta unit on Thursday morning.

Footage from the arrest shows several armed police officers who enter an apartment building and approach an internal staircase before arresting Nassef, who covered his face as he was led from the property in a dark hoodie, light pants and navy-blue footwear.

Strike Force Diapur was established in April this year, following reports of repeated alleged sexual assaults committed by Nassef. A mobile phone and documents were seized in the police search, which will now undergo forensic examination.
Sydney has won the unwelcome prize of having the nations longest daily commutes. But there is good news for all Australian travellers: were spending less time getting to and from work than before COVID-19.

Workers in Sydney devote an average of 59 minutes each day to commuting  nearly a quarter of an hour shorter than the all-time high of 73 minutes in 2019, just before the pandemic.

Workers in Brisbane had the second-longest daily commute time at 56 minutes, on average, with Melbourne third on 55 minutes, according to the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey (HILDA) released on Friday.

Sydney University transport expert Matthew Beck said a major factor in shorter commute times was the increased prevalence of remote working since the onset of the pandemic.
An artists impression of the planned North Cronulla Life Saving Club redevelopment. It also said the old clubhouse was in poor condition, despite recent remediation works, had building defects, and was not stable enough to withstand extreme weather or seismic events. The report said there were significant risks associated with the three structures in their current state but, given the substantial financial implications of the project, the council might decide not to proceed with the redevelopment, or to opt for a reduced scope of redevelopment. Mayor Jack Boyd noted the enormously important project would be closely monitored and judged by the community, and said the council must ensure this vital community asset is reinstated. We understand concerns around public expenditure and will take this into account when making any final decisions about a construction pathway, Boyd told the meeting.

North Cronulla Surf Lifesaving Club president Geoff Budd, who supported the recommendations in the staff report, said the club had been stranded by the developer and would continue to work with the council. Loading Before we enter into any formal agreement as a club, we have a constitution and will need to present to our members the business case created by council, he said. Farmer told the meeting the report was flawed and misleading because it shifts blame and undermines the surf club which has served this community for 100 years. It overstates costs, misrepresents responsibility, and tries to frighten the very volunteers who do councils job on the sand every weekend. The report tries to make it sound like the surf club alone is responsible [for the buildings poor condition], and that is false.

Farmer cited other Sydney surf club revamps that had cost roughly $10 to $16 million, and said the estimated cost was so overinflated and it must be brought back into line with reality. Club member Luke Payne said the redevelopment was intended to secure the clubs future, deliver improved facilities and to make the club financially viable so it could stand on its own and not be a burden to ratepayers. Instead, the builders exit had left the club in an unprecedented situation. The surf club complex includes the heritage clubhouse and an outdoor pool. Credit: Sutherland Shire Council Why was there no financial contribution from the council? What tenant rebuilds a building on behalf of its owner? Club members shouldnt have to be paying this for generations to come. Payne, who owns a building company, said the estimated cost doesnt stack up.

The council said it had supported the redevelopment by guaranteeing loans of more than $5 million, and had contributed $2.6 million, as well as state and federal grants. It said it had long-supported a model that empowers the four surf clubs at Bate Bay - Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda and Elouera - to lead the redevelopment of their facilities. Loading Councillors voted to prepare planning documents and programming schedules in line with the staff recommendations, while exploring alternative options for demolishing all the existing structures and constructing a new facility to accommodate the club, public amenities and commercial space. Boyd said: We must prioritise public safety and deliver a building that meets todays standards in the most financially responsible way possible, and I believe this decision will ensure the delivery of a safe and modern community facility that offers long-term value without placing extra costs on ratepayers. Also at issue was a council plan to reclassify part of the site as operational, rather than community land, which would effectively mean it could be sold or developed with fewer restrictions. That decision was deferred until the council decided on an option for the rebuild.
Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud has urged Queensland state colleagues to ditch the coal royalties regime after BHP blamed the excise for it cutting 750 jobs as the stoush between miners and the Crisafulli government intensified.

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) lashed out at the state government on Wednesday for edging the resources sector toward crisis point when it announced the job losses from its Queensland coal operations and it mothballed a mine in Central Queensland.

The worlds biggest miner also said it would consider binning a training facility and employment pathway centre in Mackay because of the governments unsustainable coal royalties and market conditions.

BHPs Blackwater coal mine in Queensland.

The simple fact is the Queensland coal industry is approaching a crisis point, BMA asset president Adam Lancey said.
A modern mental health center for servicemen, veterans, and their families has opened in Ternopil. This is the second facility within the nationwide RETURNING network, founded by Victor and Olena Pinchuk to support Ukraines Defense and Security Forces. Each year, more than 4,000 Ukrainian defenders and their families will receive free, comprehensive mental health care here.

The RETURNING project represents a pioneering partnership between the private sector and the state: philanthropists are establishing mental health centers within public medical institutions. In its first phase, the initiative will launch 2025 centers across Ukraine.

Speaking with the team in Ternopil, project founder and philanthropist Victor Pinchuk stressed:

From the start, we knew psychological recovery was important, but only now are we truly realizing how critical it is. For the first time in history, soldiers face a type of war where drones and nonstop attacks give no psychological pause. Modern medicine has not yet fully grasped these pressures, but our people are already living through them. Thats why mental recovery is so essential. A strong soldier is not only physically healthy, but also mentally resilient. Helping them recharge and return stronger is, ultimately, a matter of national security.

The new center in Ternopil, built on the basis of a leading regional medical facility, meets the highest standards of inclusivity. It offers barrier-free access, individual and group therapy rooms, day-care wards with multifunctional beds, and specialized equipment such as the U.S.-developed Shiftwave System for stress management and EMDR therapy sets. Visitors also have access to art therapy materials, psychological board games, and relaxation tools.

A multidisciplinary team  including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and nurses  works with clients. Social workers and case managers are involved as needed, ensuring integrated support. The center will focus on evidence-based treatment of stress disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and psychosomatic challenges.

Lana Omelchuk, head of the RETURNING center in Ternopil, highlighted the teams approach:

We strive to create a barrier-free space for those affected by war trauma. There is no stigma or prejudice here  every visitor experiences acceptance and support. Beyond professional knowledge, sincerity and empathy are central to our work.

RETURNING also invests in professional education. In cooperation with Ukrainian and international experts, the project delivers advanced training programs for mental health specialists  covering trauma-focused therapies, CBT, EMDR, and crisis counseling. Over 1,000 professionals have already taken part.

Once fully rolled out, the network will comprise 2025 centers, providing free, world-class mental health services to more than 100,000 servicemen, veterans, and their families each year.
Whom did the US president accuse of hurting Australia? Take the Brisbane Times Quiz

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Brear, it happens, embodies the cost of fear and mental anguish a police officer faces in the extreme moments of duty. He has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder for decades, which became so extreme in the years after he exposed himself to peril in the bush, he says he fell apart to the point of requiring hospitalisation before quitting policing. I left the job then to crawl over a gibber plain of jobs until retirement time is the way he describes his fate. On that long-ago day near the Nariel Creek, a tributary of the Murray River in the north-east Victorian Wabba Ranges, Brear acted as a decoy, pretending to be a helpful bushman delivering fuel to the stranded fugitive, all the while exposing himself to potential gunfire. Hours before, a back-country dog trapper had come across the gunman, whose vehicle had run out of diesel.

The trapper offered to drive into Corryong and return with fuel. Instead, he called the police. The Upper Murray District was on high alert for what the Albury Border Morning Mail newspaper had described on its front page as a maniac on the loose. A 1984 report of a gunman holding up a young couple north of Albury. Credit: Courtesy The Border Mail Archive The maniac had captured a young couple a few days previously on a farm near Woomargama, north of Albury, tied them up and described in sick detail how he could kill them by inserting a knife between their ribs. He forced the couple, Roger Whitley and Kate Haynes, to watch a video of Alfred Hitchcocks horror classic, The Birds, while he demonstrated his marksmanship by shooting birds out of trees.

Late at night, he rode off on a motorbike to fetch his camping gear from a nearby forest. In his absence, Whitley and Haynes frantically cut themselves free and ran six kilometres across moonlit paddocks to a neighbours home. Their captor, discovering them gone, stole their four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser, three shotguns, two rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition. Loading I thought he was going to kill us, Kate Haynes told me shortly after. I was at the time a reporter on the Border Morning Mail. The stories of the drama and the subsequent manhunt, with pictures by Cathryn Tremain, who tragically died in late July this year, led the paper for days.

Alerted by the trappers call, the commander of the Albury Police Special Weapons and Operations Squad, Inspector Albert Bert Bennett, hastily assembled his team: Sergeant Peter Beacroft and Senior Constable Dennis Monk. Armed with two 12-gauge shotguns, a .308 sniper rifle and pistols, they set off for Corryong. There, they teamed up with Brear, of Wodonga Police. Brear, lacking a ballistic vest, changed into the trappers clothes and grabbed a couple of jerrycans, hoping to fool the fugitive. Police arrest a man after capturing him in the Nariel Valley, near Corryong, north-east Victoria, in 1984. Credit: Cathy Tremain, courtesy of The Border Mail Archive The little group set off in an old four-wheel-drive, crawling through heavy bush along a rough mountain track by the Nariel Creek. The Special Weapons and Operations Squad team hid in the back, lying on the floor, while Brear drove.

They were soon out of effective radio range, and had no emergency or medical back-up. They were on their own. Late in the afternoon, they came across the fugitives vehicle. Hed used the battery and starter motor to move to the crest of a slope giving him an easy shot at anyone approaching, his loaded and cocked weapons at hand. Brear emerged with his jerrycans, pretending to be the trapper, pulling his hat low. The SWOS team quietly slid from the back of their vehicle into the cover of trees, Monk with a rifle and Beacroft and Bennett armed with shotguns. Bennett carefully circled around to the fugitive drivers door.

Brear, closing in on the passenger side, saw guns lined up beside the man, one of them pointing at him. Bennett suddenly approached, aimed his shotgun at the gunmans ear and roared make one move and youre dead. He lost interest in going for his guns about then, Bennett told me. Bennett grabbed the man by the throat and dragged him out of the vehicle. A high-risk, improvised plan that could easily have gone catastrophically wrong turned out to be perfectly executed. (The fugitive, aged 25, later pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including assault and robbery and beating and ill-treating Whitley.)

Yet despite Bennetts subsequent heated demands that a recommendation for awards be sent up the NSW Police force chain of command, the Albury officers inexplicably received no commendation. Brear received no recognition from Victoria Police, either, despite  as Bennett pointed out  having been sent on such a perilous mission without a ballistic vest or an extra weapon. Former police officers Peter Beacroft, Pat Brear and Dennis Monk were finally commended for their 1984 bravery at a ceremony on July 24 this year. Former commander of the SWOS team, Albert Bennett, was also commended, but was unable to attend. Credit: Phoebe Adams, The Border Mail In July this year, 41 years after their high-risk manhunt, following intervention from an officer who investigates historical missions, all four police officers were formally commended for their bravery at a NSW Police ceremony in Albury. Loading
Dozens of firefighters have battled a suspicious early morning blaze at the former Jam Factory entertainment complex, which is being redeveloped.

Police said the fire started in a construction site near the intersection of Chapel and Garden streets in South Yarra about 1.40am on Friday.

Several people called triple zero after seeing smoke billowing from the building.

No one was on site during the incident. The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, police said.
Chengdu: Mounting costs associated with the Suburban Rail Loop are fast taking the project to a point of no return, after the Victorian government ordered delivery of four more tunnel boring machines from China.

Premier Jacinta Allan will visit a construction site outside the panda capital of Chengdu on Friday to announce the new order, which doubles the number of machines being assembled and freighted to Melbourne to help build Victorias largest, and largely unfunded, infrastructure project.

Jacinta Allan said Victoria should aspire to have a public transport system like Chinas while signing the deal. Credit: Nine News

The additional machines, which are scheduled to arrive next year and be in the ground before the November 2026 state election, will bore twin tunnels between Glen Waverley and Box Hill. Two each will dig in opposite directions from the Burwood launch site.

The $130 million cost of the machines are included in a $1.6 billion tunnelling contract awarded to the Terra Verde consortium in 2024.
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 Shefali Batta felt the blade before she saw it. She stood paralysed. She thought she was going to die. From the phone in her hand, she heard a shopping centre security guard say hello. Silent, she was realising her deepest fear  a scene of horror that had been building since she had witnessed two men slash and stab each other in her grocery store two years earlier. Moments before, she had watched the tension unfold from behind her desk as a slight, drug-affected woman with a bag overflowing with groceries at her side put up her hands to ward off the security guard. You need to show me your bag, and then I will let you leave, he repeated in a calm, measured tone. Fearing the worst, Batta stepped outside the service desk to call for back-up. She was standing behind the security guard when the woman attacked him, then turned on her. She felt the blade slide across her stomach, but it didnt cut. It was a moment of instinct that forced her to leave retail for good. Victorian retail workers are facing a crisis of abuse, violence, theft and knife crime that could leave countless staff traumatised, in a workforce of which a third are under 24 years old. One day into the ban and inches from death

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The Allan government hopes that machete bans and new laws to penalise criminals who assault retail workers are the answer. But not everyone is convinced. Premier Jacinta Allan posed with the states policing minister and assistant commissioner beside a machete amnesty bin  one of 45 to be set up outside police stations across the state. A member of the public walking past Melbournes police headquarters on July 31 stopped to congratulate Allan on her work, and  within a few minutes of talking  the premier, grinning, wrapped the man in a hug. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Police Minister Anthony Carbines and Assistant Police Commissioner Brett Curran launching machete amnesty bins in July. Credit: Jason South The launch came about two months after the wild Northland Shopping Centre machete brawl in Melbournes north, where shoppers were sent running, screaming and hiding in stores as rival gangs went head to head. The scenes prompted the Victorian government to bring forward a ban on the sale of machetes to May 28, but between it coming into effect and Allan launching the amnesty bins, The Age counted at least a dozen significant incidents involving knives or machetes at stores across the state. Premier Jacinta Allan hugs a passer-by at the launch of the machete amnesty bins. Credit: Jason South

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The night after the ban kicked in, a Woolworths worker in East Gippsland was on his break when an erratic woman walked up to him and stabbed him in the stomach with a utility knife. By midnight, he was lying on a hospital bed in The Alfred. It probably scared the f--- out of everyone, to be honest, said the Woolworths worker, who asked not to be named to protect his privacy. I ended up with a 1.5-centimetre laceration into the liver  which required two different surgeries  and a bile leak. [The stab wound] was pretty close to the main vein that goes into the liver  and if she had got to that, I would not be here. It leads to massive blood loss pretty damn quick. About a week after that attack, a security guard at Dan Murphys in Fawkner in Melbournes north attempted to stop an offender stealing bottles of alcohol. CCTV captured staff and customers shock when he pulled out a machete almost the length of his arm, waving it at them.

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A very Victorian crisis Victorias Australia-first machete ban intensified on September 1, making it illegal to carry or own one of the weapons in the state without an exemption. Flouting the rules now carries up to two years jail, but, as with the prohibition on sales, experts warn it will do little to stop violence in stores. Brianna Chesser, associate professor in criminology and justice at RMIT University, said almost every major metropolitan Melbourne shopping centre has had a machete slashing in the past six months. Organised crime had surged in Victorian retail settings since early 2024 as gangs swarmed shopping centres, Chesser said. The increase in retail crime comes alongside a rise in thefts across the state. Post-COVID, there are a lot of young people that became school refusers, who are not in meaningful or pro-social activities any more and get involved in these organised crime gangs, said Chesser, also the principal lawyer of Melbourne firm Chesser Lawyers. There are just a whole lot of young people with not much else to do.

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RMIT University associate criminology and justice professor Brianna Chesser. Credit: Justin McManus There was an 18 per cent rise in offences committed by 10- to 17-year-olds in the 12 months to March this year in Victoria, according to the Crime Statistics Agency. Youth offending in Victoria is at its highest level since electronic records began in 1993. Chesser predicted Victorias machete amnesty would have much the same effect as Australias 1996 gun amnesty  law-abiding citizens handing the weapons in, but people who own them for nefarious reasons maintaining their grip. Almost 1400 machetes had been disposed of in the states 45 amnesty bins as of September 12, according to the state government. The Allan governments ban on the sale of machetes  which resulted in thousands being stripped from shelves  would make the weapons harder to acquire, but it certainly wont be impossible, Chesser said. It will just become like the acquisition of any other weapon in Victoria  impossible for regular citizens, but just slightly more difficult for those people who are looking to commit crimes, she said. Loading

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The response from climate scientists to the governments announcement of a new emission reduction target of 62 to 70 per cent on 2005 levels by 2035 was immediate and savage.

Its worse than I feared, said Bill Hare, one of the founders of the non-governmental policy institute, Climate Analytics, adding that a 2035 target of 76 per cent is necessary for Australia to align with the goal of holding warming to close to 1.5 degrees.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has acknowledged that some global warming is inevitable, but the hotter it gets, the worse it will be. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Its baffling that in the same week the government could release a terrifying document warning Australians of a grim future if global warming continues  and then turn around and agree to a target that if all others followed, would lead to warming of at least 2 degrees.

At 1.5 degrees of warming, the Great Barrier Reef would shrink and continue to be battered by coral bleaching events, according to the governments own National Climate Risk Assessment. At 2 degrees, it is expected to die.
Best of the best: Traveller Awards for 2025 announced

Awards are nothing new in the travel space. But whats different about Travellers awards, now in their second year, is that theyre extremely personal selections from our expert writers  people who travel a lot, and know a good thing when they see it. We asked them to nominate a favourite place or experience from their past year of global travel, and then a senior panel of editors chose 10 winners in each of 12 categories. The choices are not necessarily the latest opening or newest launch, but they do come highly recommended by a profoundly knowledgeable team. Of course, in a world of chatbot hallucinations and paid influencer content, expert advice and opinion from independent writers on the ground is increasingly valuable. (Some of our travel is sponsored, but we never promise positive coverage in return.) We hope you enjoy reading about these bucket-list experiences, they really are the best of the best.
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Reviews & adviceAir travel Is upgrading really worth it? I tested three classes on one long-haul trip Sue Williams September 19, 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 55 View all comments

Is business class on planes really worth paying at least four times the price of an economy ticket? Is premium economy an excellent compromise or merely a more expensive way of sitting upright for a long-haul journey? Or is economy always the much more sensible way to go, even all the way to Europe? In the endless search for a definitive answer, I made the ultimate sacrifice and travelled from Sydney to Frankfurt, then back again, using all three classes on the same airline: Vietnam Airways. I flew Sydney to Frankfurt via Saigon (and vice versa) all on Airbus 350-900s, with different sectors in different classes, and what I discovered surprised me. The seats

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Vietnam Airlines business class. On this airline, business class gives you a lie-flat seat on a thin quilted mattress in a little cocoon with your tray table, TV screen and lots of storage space for all your various travel accoutrements, with sockets for powering up equipment. You either have one seat/bed on your own at either side of the aircraft, or youre in one of two, side-by-side in the middle of the aisle, for those travelling together, with a total of 29 seats. Premium economy. Sue Williams In premium economy, the cabin is set up 2-4-2 and only five rows deep, with a total of 36 seats, so is a much more intimate space than economys two large cabins of 12 or 15 rows of 3-3-3 seats. The premium seats also have more legroom with a 38-inch (97-centimetre) seat pitch, compared with economys 32 inches (81 centimetres), and a recline of seven inches, compared with economys five to six inches. The leg rest also comes up to enable a better stretch. Purchasing the empty seats next to you in economy class might be the best deal on offer.

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The service In business, service is attentive, with airline staff constantly pacing by to check theres nothing you need, and anything you dont, even through the night. They hand you your sparkling wine in a real glass upon boarding, as well as snacks, warm towels, handy slippers and a kit containing an eye mask, ear plugs, flight socks and various toiletries. Service in business class is highly attentive. Getty Images In premium economy, staff come to your side as soon as you buzz, but it often takes that to attract their attention. When you board, theres a selection of juices and water served in paper cups and a warm towel. Theres no utility kit but youre given slippers and there are toothbrushes and combs in the bathrooms. In economy, theres the towel, water and juice, but there are no slippers and no utility pouch. Service is brisk and efficient, but with so many passengers, theres little time for personal attention.

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The food The first course in business class. Sue Williams In business, theres a printed menu for meal choices, and each chosen course is brought to you one at a time, with a selection of wines, and a linen napkin with a buttonhole to attach to a shirt. Its top-notch. I had a pumpkin soup to start, then prawns and rice, then roasted salmon with tomatoes and potatoes, a fresh fruit tart for dessert and, finally, an assortment of cheeses. In premium economy, theres no printed dinner menu but the steward tells you there are two options: chicken or fish. Then youre given a single tray with everything  crackers, white fish with rice and bok choi, a separate carton of mashed potato, a bread roll, a creme caramel dessert and some fruit segments. Its all perfectly edible, but nothing to write home about. For breakfast, theres a sheet with photos of the two alternatives to choose from. In economy, there are similar choices, but fewer dishes on your tray for each meal.

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The economy class meal. Sue Williams The cost Vietnam Airlines offers one of the more affordable business class return tickets to Europe, for about $8300, depending on the time of year and date of flight. Thats more than four times the cost of an economy ticket at about $1800 and nearly 2 times the cost of a seat in premium economy, at $3400. The verdict: whats the best deal? Of course, this was road-testing the classes on just one airline  with Vietnam Airlines ranked number 62 (just behind Ryanair) on the Worlds Best Airlines list this year. With other carriers, the difference may be more  or less  stark.

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Theres no doubt that the business class experience, if you have the money and the appetite for spending it, is a far superior experience. Nothing beats a lie-down bed, and the privacy of a cubicle. In addition, the priority boarding and fast passage through immigration is an absolute joy, and massive time-saver. Related Article Opinion

Tripologist Want an upgrade on your flight? Heres what works (and what doesnt) Michael Gebicki The Tripologist The premium economy decision is much trickier. Yes, it is comfortable being in a smaller cabin with fewer people using the same toilets, the extra space is welcome and the atmosphere does make you feel a touch superior to everyone in cattle class, but is it really worth the extra money? In my opinion, not really. On one sector in premium, I actually moved to economy as that cabin was half-empty, so it was possible to lie down on three vacant seats  never an option in premium with their fixed armrests. Bliss. Unless youre particularly tall, economy is perfectly comfortable and the difference in the food and drinks offering with premium is barely discernible. Theres also a sky sofa option in economy, if theres enough room, of reserving three seats  for a fee of $US100 to $600  which can be, quite possibly, the best deal of all. The writer travelled at her own expense.

CORRECTION An earlier version of the story showed a photo of Vietnam Airlines premium economy on board a Boeing 787 Dreamliner instead of the Airbus A350 discussed in the story. The image has been replaced.

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Singapore/Bali: Indonesia will ban the construction of new hotels and restaurants on Balis untouched land and farming plots after linking tourism-related overdevelopment on the holiday island to the recent floods that killed at least 18 people.

The flash flooding on September 9 and 10 has been described by locals in the capital, Denpasar, as the worst they have seen. In addition to the island-wide death toll, which is expected to rise into the low twenties as four people remain missing, hundreds of families have been displaced.

On Thursday, rain caused more  albeit less severe  flooding, including in tourist hotspots such as Kuta.

Clean-up efforts to remove 210 tonnes of flood waste continue in Bali. Credit: Amilia Rosa

Balis provincial government first backed a moratorium on some new developments last year, saying rampant growth from tourism has exacerbated chronic infrastructure problems.
Washington: US President Donald Trump suggested TV networks could lose their broadcasting licences over criticism of him on late-night talk shows, as Democrats announced an investigation into the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and demanded Trumps hand-picked broadcasting regulator resign.

Television network ABC announced it was taking Kimmel off the air indefinitely amid a backlash from local stations, and pressure from Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr, over comments the comedian made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Donald Trump on Jimmy Kimmels ABC show in 2015 while he was running to be the Republican candidate for president. Credit: AP

The decision has sparked an outcry from free-speech advocates, Hollywood unions and the Democrats, who accused Carr of a corrupt abuse of power by coercing ABC to appease Trump. The presidents distaste for Kimmel and other late-night hosts is well known.

Flying home from a state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that Carr would decide whether networks should have their licences revoked over their coverage of the president.
Upgraded FTA set to turbocharge China-ASEAN co-op

Xinhua) 08:14, September 18, 2025

NANNING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Entering its 22nd edition this year, the old-line China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) for the first time set up a 10,000-square-meter pavilion dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI), underscoring the ever-expanding and deepening cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The expo opened on Wednesday in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. This year, it boasts an exhibition area of nearly 160,000 square meters, with over 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries participating.

This photo taken on Sept. 17, 2025 shows a view of the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center where the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo is being held in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)

AI BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY

The AI Pavilion, the largest single-theme hall in the expo's history, hosts nearly 200 tech firms, from industry leaders to innovative startups, showcasing nearly 1,200 AI-powered products.

This year's AI spotlight arrives amid the upcoming upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) to version 3.0, the world's largest free trade zone among developing countries. Negotiations concluded in May, and a formal signing is expected by the end of the year.

AI-powered devices are seen at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)

Version 3.0 features nine new aspects, covering digital economy, green economy and supply chain connectivity, and addressing core issues in global industrial restructuring and sustainable development. Building on the existing CAFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, it enhances regulatory alignment and trade facilitation, paving the way for deeper regional integration and industrial synergy.

Standout innovations at this year's expo include AI translation glasses, developed by Zhejiang-based Rokid, which integrate voice recognition, language processing, and real-time translation for Chinese, English, and the languages of Southeast Asia.

"Our product is drawing a huge number of on-site buyers," said Li Zihe, a project manager at Rokid. "We are pumped about all the inquiries coming from potential ASEAN customers here at the expo as Southeast Asia has long been a target market for us."

A pair of smart glasses developed by Hangzhou-based technology company Rokid is pictured at Rokid's flagship store in Yujiang District of Yingtan, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

"This year, our roadshows across the ASEAN region have revealed a surge of interest in AI cooperation," said Wei Zhaohui, secretary-general of CAEXPO Secretariat.

According to Wei, this year's expo prioritizes the real-world applications of AI, encompassing manufacturing, healthcare, services, and emergency response.

In recent years, China and ASEAN have strengthened ties in AI, digital technology, green energy, smart agriculture, and supply chain digitization, leveraging geographic proximity and economic synergies to promote innovative, sustainable, and efficient development.

As ASEAN's gateway to China, Guangxi has pioneered a cross-border industrial ecosystem by drawing on advanced R&D from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. These innovations are adapted locally and extended to ASEAN markets.

This year alone, over 200 AI firms have visited Guangxi, signing more than 70 projects valued at over 33 billion yuan (approximately 4.6 billion US dollars), with leading companies setting up ASEAN-oriented bases.

In Vientiane, the capital of Laos, construction is underway on the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center, a flagship digital project under the broader China-ASEAN collaboration. The center is designed to compile AI case studies from both regions, customizing advanced technologies to meet local needs and empowering Laotian industries.

Visitors are seen during the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang)

EXPANDING TRADE TIES

Vietnam's iconic coffee producer Trung Nguyen Legend returns with its product lineup, drawing a steady stream of crowds at the expo. Known for its signature rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor, the brand has attended every edition since the event's debut in 2004.

From a modest 9-square-meter booth at the beginning to a spacious 54-square-meter custom display, Trung Nguyen Legend has come a long way. They have transformed their approach from just testing the waters in a traditional tea-drinking country to making big waves in the market at the expo.

In recent years, it has opened flagship stores in Shanghai and other cities, expanding sales networks with over 1,000 staff and full-blown online-offline coverage.

Bonded by close geography and cultural affinity, economic exchanges between China and ASEAN have flourished. Platforms like the CAEXPO and the China International Import Expo held annually in Shanghai have brought ASEAN's signature offerings such as Cambodian rice, Thai latex pillows, and Lao beer to Chinese consumers, while Chinese new energy vehicles (NEV), machinery, and electronics have all found eager markets throughout ASEAN.

This photo taken on May 16, 2025 shows the inauguration of the Thailand plant of China's carmaker Changan Automobile in Rayong, Thailand. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)

Under strategic leadership, China and ASEAN nations are poised to deepen practical cooperation across sectors, sustaining strong trade momentum amid tech-driven shifts and CAFTA 3.0's digital focus.

Bilateral trade volumes have consistently risen, and for 16 consecutive years, China has been ASEAN's leading trading partner. Meanwhile, ASEAN has held the position of China's largest trading partner for the past five years.

This photo taken on Sept. 17, 2025 shows the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)

Investment ties between the two economies have also grown rapidly, with accumulative two-way investment exceeding 450 billion U.S. dollars as of July this year.

Now, a new wave of investors is eyeing the potential for cooperation in digital economy, e-commerce, and green development on the back of AI-driven momentum of the new CAFTA provisions.

"Since entering ASEAN in the 1980s, our presence has expanded from ports, roads, bridges, airports, and railways to equipment manufacturing and urban development," said Chen Zhong, vice general manager of China Communications Construction Group.

Last year, the group signed 11.68 billion U.S. dollars in new ASEAN contracts. From January to May this year, 4.72 billion U.S. dollars worth of deals were inked, according to Chen.

"Moving forward, we will align closely with each ASEAN nation's development agenda to advance China-ASEAN infrastructure connectivity to new heights, energize regional integration and add further momentum to high-quality Belt and Road cooperation," Chen added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The essence of President Donald Trumps pitch to the American people last year was simple: they could have it both ways. They could have a powerful, revitalised economy and mass deportations now. They could build new factories and take manufacturing jobs back from foreign competitors as well as expel every person who, in their view, didnt belong in the United States. They could live in a golden age of plenty  and seal it away from others outside the country with a closed, hardened border.

Trump told Americans there were no trade-offs. As the saying goes, they could have their cake and eat it, too. Even better, eating the cake would, on its own, produce more cake  no need for new ingredients or the skill, time and labour necessary to make something new.

Donald Trump reviews the guard of honour during his ceremonial welcome in Windsor, England, on Wednesday. Credit: Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty Images

In reality, this was a fantasy. Americans could have a strong, growing economy, which requires immigration to bring in new people and fill demand for labour, or they could finance a deportation force and close the border to everyone but a small, select few. It was a binary choice. Theirs could be an open society or a closed one, but there was no way to get the benefits of the former with the methods of the latter.

Millions of Americans embraced the fantasy. Now, about eight months into Trumps second term, the reality of the situation is inescapable. As promised, Trump began a campaign of mass deportation. Our cities are crawling with masked federal agents, snatching anyone who looks illegal to them  a bit of racial profiling that has, for now, been sanctioned by the Supreme Court. The jobs, however, havent arrived. There are fewer manufacturing jobs than there were in 2024, thanks in part to the presidents tariffs and, well, his immigration policies.
Prof. dr. Francio Guadeloupe,

Endowed Professor in the Public Anthropology of Kingdom Relations at University of Amsterdam (UvA),

Senior researcher at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Southeast Asian & Caribbean studies (KNAW-KITLV)

Caribbean activists who promote a justice project, which tolerates no external or internal criticism, strike us as fundamentalists. The actions of these justice warriors resemble those of born-again American missionaries, who claim that there is only one way, their way, one path to justice and to salvation, their path, and they will lead the chosen people to the promised land. We see the same tendency on St. Maarten & Saint Martin, where the Holy Trinity among the islands independistas boils down to:

1) the unification of both sides of the island into the sovereign nation-state of St. Martin;

2) the implementation of laws that will guarantee that those with longstanding roots to the island occupy the positions of authority in government and companies where the government owns major shares;

3) and, the call and promise to re-engineer the economy and social life in a way that returns multicultural St. Martin to the real St. Martiners.

While posing of Caribbean and radical, it is actually a rehashing of the American dream exported to the Global South after World War Two.

Permit us an elaboration.

Names matter, and it speaks volumes that the USA usurped the name "America" for itself. No other country on the American landmass, including the islands, can pull off that feat. The USA has been an expansive, warmongering project from its founding as the 13 colonies, which gained political independence from Great Britain. The lands where the remaining First Peoples resided were mercilessly conquered, while the USA waged war with Mexico and Spain to annex places such as Texas, California, and Puerto Rico. And let's not get started about Hawaii, Guam, the operations of the United Fruit Company in Central America, etc. Or, the segregation and exploitation of African Americans to promote the wealth and comfort of the elites among those deemed the true Americans. At the turn of the 20th century, as the colonized world and Haiti were fighting for dignity, respect, bread, and a global commonwealth of decent societies, the USA was simply deemed another imperial power.

Enter more guns accompanied by soft power and a masterful public relations campaign. After winning World War 2 and half-heartedly conceding the hard-won battles of its internal civil rights movements, the USA crafted itself as the alternative to not only fascist Germany and Italy, but also to France, the UK, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Denmark - the old European colonial powers. The USA of Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, JFK, and Lyndon Johnson would help the colonies of Old Europe become politically independent in the form of nation-states. And whether they wanted it or not, it would keep them safe from the supposed communist threat of Stalin, Fidel, and Mao Zedong.

Culturally, the USA branded itself as Christian as opposed to ungodly Europe. America was Billy Graham and Pentecostalism, respectively, missionizing the world. Conversely, for those with secular tastes, the USA was the land of Jazz, Motown, Feminism, Martin Luther King Jr, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Global youth culture was dominated by  black American culture, and, supposedly, despite the continuing racism, there was no place on earth where black people had it as good as the USA. America was the land of opportunity, where supposedly anyone who worked hard could make it.

The ideal the USA promoted through its influence in UN organs and legislation was a world consisting of sovereign nation-states where free pro-American trade was the gospel. The message was clear: the world should be open for American business, and it would go to war, economic and military, with anyone who sought to think beyond the nation-state and circumvent its economic interest. The acts of the 47th tenant of the White House are not so new. Remember Grenada, remember Nicaragua, remember the ongoing boycott against Cuba, and you will appreciate why the gunboat diplomacy towards Venezuela is not so new.

All remains fine in the former colonized countries as long as they couch their justice projects in the post-World War 2 dominant American script: every historical people with a unique culture has to refashion themselves into a nation, and every nation is the legitimate owner ofa piece of land termed its state. Other people can live on the land, but it belongs to a chosen people, the autochthons. They have the right to self-determination enshrined in the annals of the UN. They, the people, are the sovereigns who chose a leader from their midst who understands that their needs and wants come first. When that is not the case, society has to be re-engineered and the usurpers (read migrants and foreigners) put in their place. The gospel of pro-American free trade, however, is to remain untouched.

If this all sounds familiar it is because the Holy Trinity with which we started is the American dream being sold on St. Maarten & Saint Maarten as a justice project. Perhaps the essence of power is to have one's nightmarish dream become ennobled by becoming the creed of activists that emerged from the historically dominated. Justice based on the privilege of skin, ancestry, or lineage is no justice at all. Radical democrats in France and the Netherlands, the so-called colonial centers, are engaged in a mortal battle against this perversion of justice. Where is the battle against this perversion taking place on St. Maarten & Saint Martin?...in the local university - USM?...in the unions?...in the churches?...in the unruly multiculture of everyday?...

Perhaps it is time to dream another dream?
PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Alliance faction has raised strong concerns with the Presidium of Parliament over what it describes as a troubling pattern of delayed responses from the Government, cancelled parliamentary meetings, and a lack of transparency toward the public.

In a formal letter to the Presidium, the faction pointed out that the Government routinely fails to respond to questions from Members of Parliament within the three-week period mandated by the Rules of Order. Even when extensions are granted, weeks and sometimes months pass without answers or follow-up.

This strips Members of Parliament of their ability to properly execute their constitutional duty to hold Government accountable and to draft legislation informed by timely and accurate information, the letter stated.

The NA faction went further, highlighting the repeated postponements and last-minute cancellations of parliamentary meetings, particularly those necessary to handle legislation for the country. According to the faction, these practices not only delay the work of Parliament but also erode public trust.

We must ask what message is being sent to the people of Sint Maarten when important parliamentary meetings are postponed or cancelled at the last minute, while Government is allowed to ignore procedures without consequence, the letter noted.

The faction also pointed to the frequent cancellation of Government press briefings, stressing that the public is being left uninformed. The perception being created is that transparency, accountability, and keeping the public informed are not priorities, the faction said.

The National Alliance further questioned whether the Presidium, composed entirely of coalition members, is exercising impartial leadership or shielding Government from scrutiny.

The people of Sint Maarten hold Parliament accountable for ensuring laws are debated and passed, for monitoring Government, and for keeping them abreast of national developments. When answers, meetings, and even press briefings are delayed or avoided, it is the people who are left in the dark, the faction warned.

The faction called on the Presidium to take a decisive stance and restore proper parliamentary procedure. The work of Parliament and the principle of accountability cannot be compromised, the letter concluded.
As media declines, gory Kirk video spreads on 'unrestrained' social sites



Washington, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Traditional news outlets were cautious not to broadcast the moment Charlie Kirk was assassinated, but it mattered little in the age of declining media influence.

Within minutes, millions of people -- including children -- watched the graphic footage auto-play across social media platforms.

The amplification of the video showing the American conservative activist's final moments at a university in Utah underscores how major tech firms are falling short in enforcing content moderation amid rising political violence and deepening polarization in the United States.

Most newspapers and television networks -- longtime gatekeepers with editorial guidelines to shield audiences from graphic content -- chose not to show the moment Charlie Kirk was shot dead. Instead, many outlets focused on the calm leading up to the attack and the chaos that followed.

That discretion was largely absent on social media, a fragmented digital landscape shaped by smartphones and instant uploads where graphic footage showing Kirk's body recoiling and blood pouring from a wound spread rapidly.

The footage, which mostly lacked content warnings, was instantly accessible online and often auto-played before viewers had a chance to consent or look away.

"Journalists draw lines for a reason. We know how trauma seeps in through a screen. We know that immediacy without context is its own kind of harm," said Ren LaForme, from the nonprofit media institute Poynter.

"Social media has no such restraint. It promises unfiltered access, but without guarantees of truth and without protection from harm. The cork is off the bottle, and everything spills out: real or fabricated, searing or false."



- 'Shocked and dismayed' -



The graphic visuals also flooded children's devices and social media feeds, sparking anxiety among parents and prompting bipartisan calls from lawmakers for tech companies to take swift action.

"Last week, countless children witnessed the assassination on the portable devices they carry everywhere, in addition to a murder on public transportation, reports of mass shootings and school gun violence," Titania Jordan, from the parental controls app Bark, told AFP.

"Childhood was never meant to include graphic violence or murder. Parents are rightly shocked and dismayed," she said, while advising families to log off social media and make room for "real-time conversations as kids process what they've seen."

The virality of Kirk's video -- alongside the amplification of extreme posts glorifying his death -- comes as many platforms scale back content moderation and, in some cases, eliminate human fact-checkers and moderators even as their algorithms reward engagement.

"The way algorithms have flooded our timelines with posts celebrating Charlie Kirk's horrifying assassination is a damning indictment of the way social media works," Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the watchdog Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), told AFP.

"It lays bare how platforms are designed to reward extreme emotion over empathy or integrity."



- 'Whims of algorithms' -



Posts on Elon Musk's platform X that celebrated Kirk's assassination racked up 52 million views, according to CCDH's research -- evidence that "policy enforcement is not just broken but has been abandoned," Ahmed said.

The posts violated X's guidelines, which allow users to post graphic imagery only "if it is properly labeled" and forbids material explicity "glorifying or expressing desire for violence."

The trend comes as surveys show that traditional media is battling record low public trust, and a growing number of Americans, especially young adults, get their news from platforms such as TikTok.

"At a time when more Americans are tuning out credible news for social media, it's worth remembering that they're leaving behind not just reporting, but the discipline of restraint," said LaForme.

"Journalistic restraint still matters. Someone has to decide what should be witnessed and what scars can be spared."

Peter Adams, senior vice president of research and design at the News Literacy Project, said the widespread exposure to Kirk's assassination video -- which could cause vicarious trauma -- offers an opportunity for people to reassess their relationship with social media.

"These platforms are hyper-addicting because they are personalized, giving everyone little tailor-made hits of dopamine," Adams told AFP.

"We all have a responsibility to ourselves not to hand our consciousness over to the whims of algorithms designed to keep us scrolling, regardless of what it might cost us."

ac/jgc
Press Release from Business Wire: European DataWarehouse



(AFP) Sep 18, 2025



LONDON, Sept 18, 2025 (BSW) - European DataWarehouse Ltd. (EDW Ltd.) the UK subsidiary of European DataWarehouse GmbH, today announced the appointment of Nigel Batley as Executive Director. Mr. Batley succeeds Markus Schaber, who will retire from the role after serving as Executive Director since 2020.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mr. Batley brings extensive expertise in asset-backed finance. He spent more than 30 years at HSBC, where he held senior positions including Global Head of Structured Finance, before taking on advisory and leadership roles in the securitisation market.

Markus Schaber, outgoing Executive Director of EDW Ltd., will remain with the company as Senior Advisor. He commented:

"It has been a privilege to lead European DataWarehouse in the UK and contribute to the development of greater transparency in European securitisation markets. I am confident that Nigel's deep industry knowledge and leadership will strengthen EDW Ltd.'s mission and ensure we continue meeting the needs of issuers, investors, and regulators in the UK securitisation market."

Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Paramo, Chairman of European DataWarehouse GmbH, said:

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Markus for his dedicated leadership and invaluable contributions during his tenure. We are delighted to welcome Nigel, whose decades of experience and proven track record in asset-backed finance will further reinforce EDW's commitment to supporting the UK market."

European DataWarehouse Ltd. was established in 2018 to ensure continuity of services for UK market participants following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union in 2020. European DataWarehouse Ltd. is authorised and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a designated Securitisation Repository.

About European DataWarehouse

European DataWarehouse (EDW) is a designated Securitisation Repository, authorised by both the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Established in 2012, EDW was the first repository of its kind in Europe, created to improve transparency and support due diligence in the asset-backed securities (ABS) market.

EDW collects, validates, and provides access to standardised loan-level data and related documentation for ABS transactions and private whole loan portfolios. By serving as a central data hub, EDW enables investors, issuers, and regulators to efficiently analyse and compare portfolios, fostering greater trust and efficiency in the securitisation ecosystem.

To learn more or stay up to date with our latest insights and developments, visit www.eurodw.eu / www.eurodw.co.uk or follow us on LinkedIn.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250915533585/en/









Contact

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Anti-drone firms line up to sell battle-tested tech in Taiwan



Taipei, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Anti-drone technology battle-tested in Ukraine is on display at a Taiwanese defence expo that opened Thursday, as arms makers seek to cash in on the island's efforts to protect itself against a potential Chinese attack.

Taiwan has boosted defence spending in recent years and acquired smaller and more nimble weaponry, including drones, to enable its military to wage asymmetric warfare against its more powerful foe.

But increasing Russian drone attacks on Ukraine have fanned concerns in Taiwan about how the democratic island would fend off swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles in any conflict with China.

Taiwan's defence ministry is seeking up to US$33 billion in special funding to upgrade its military capabilities, including investing in anti-drone technology, a senior lawmaker told AFP last week.

Counter-drone firms at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition told AFP they hoped to snatch a share of the market.

"We'd love to penetrate the Taiwanese market," said Eloi Delort of French AI start-up Alta Ares, whose software has been used against Russian drones in Ukraine.

"I think Taiwan is facing many threats here and they could use our technology either to defend against drones or to do military surveillance," Delort told AFP.

Taiwanese anti-drone company Tron Future Tech, whose AI systems are used in Taiwan and Ukraine, has seen demand for its technology soar as drones have become critical in warfare.

"It's huge. It's crazy," said Misha Lu, a staff specialist at the company.

"Anti-drone business has contributed to more than half of our revenue and... our company has expanded from 50 people to more than 300 people in only two years," Lu said.

Tron can produce more than 100 anti-drone systems a month in Taiwan and is expanding production while also considering manufacturing them in Europe and the United States, Lu said.

British military equipment maker BAE Systems said Taiwan's defence ministry had expressed interest in its anti-drone Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.

"Everyone's worried about (drone) swarms, right?" Jonathan Lau, a regional director in the company's electronic systems business, told AFP.

Having cheap counter-drones would be key for Taiwan in any conflict, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, told reporters this week.

"Sending up F-16s to fire million-dollar missiles at a $10,000 drone is not sustainable," he said.

"That is a significant challenge that Taiwan has to deal with."

Taiwan has ramped up military spending over the past decade and is building up its defence industry to make more equipment and ammunition on the island.

But Taipei is under US pressure to do more.

President Lai Ching-te's government announced last month plans to boost its 2026 defence budget to NT$949.5 billion, or more than three percent of gross domestic product.

It aims to increase spending to five percent of GDP by 2030.

Taiwan was likely to spend a minimum of between US$50 billion and US$60 billion procuring military equipment and ammunition over the next four years, Hammond-Chambers said.

"About a third of which will go domestic," he said.

"About two-thirds will go international, most of which will go to the US."
Chip-maker Nvidia to invest $5 bn in Intel



New York, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



US chip giant Nvidia will invest $5 billion in semi-conductor maker Intel for joint development projects, the companies said in a statement Thursday.

Under the accord the two companies said they will develop custom data center and PC products, as the artificial intelligence boom fuels intense demand for high-performance chips like those made by Nvidia.

Nvidia's chips known as GPUs are in hot demand from tech giants building data centers for artificial intelligence applications.

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang said in Thursday's statement that the deal marks "a fusion of two world-class platforms. Together, we will expand our ecosystems and lay the foundation for the next era of computing."

The statement said Nvidia will invest $5 billion in Intel common stock at a purchase price of $23.28 per share.

The investment is subject to closing conditions, including required regulatory approvals, according to the two companies.
With eye on US threat, Venezuela holds Caribbean military exercises



Caracas, Sept 17 (AFP) Sep 17, 2025



Venezuela said Wednesday it had begun three days of military exercises on its Caribbean island of La Orchila as tensions soar amid US military activity in the region.

Forces deployed for what Washington called an anti-drug operation have blown up at least two Venezuelan boats and a combined 14 people allegedly transporting drugs across the Caribbean this month -- a move slammed as "extrajudicial execution" by UN experts.

The strikes and a deployment of US warships in the region have raised fears of an invasion in Venezuela, whose President Nicolas Maduro Washington accuses of being a cartel leader. The exercise ordered by Maduro as commander-in-chief was baptized "Sovereign Caribbean," Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said Wednesday.

"There will be air defense deployments with armed drones, surveillance drones, submarine drones... We are going to implement electronic warfare actions," he added, citing the "threatening, vulgar voice" of the United States.

Public television showed images of amphibious vessels and warships deployed off La Orchila, where Venezuela has a military base.

The armed forces said the exercises will involve 12 ships, 22 aircraft and 20 small boats from the "Special Naval Militia."

La Orchila island is close to the area where the United States intercepted and held a Venezuelan fishing vessel for eight hours over the weekend.

Maduro, whose last two elections the US and many other countries did not recognize, has vowed Caracas would defend itself against what he labeled US "aggression" against his country.

Washington is offering a $50 million bounty for the arrest of Maduro, who faces drug trafficking charges.



- 'Who saw the drugs?' -



Venezuela has urged an investigation of a US strike on an alleged drug boat early this month that killed 11 people.

It was one of three Venezuelan vessels US President Donald Trump said his country had "knocked off" without providing details.

"One doesn't know, because they say it carried drugs, but who saw the drugs?" Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said earlier Wednesday as he claimed Venezuela is cracking down on narcotics.

Cabello told reporters that officials have seized over 60 tonnes (about 66 US tons) of drugs so far this year.

"It is the largest amount that has been seized since 2010," said Cabello, who like Maduro and other senior officials is under US sanctions.

Trump has justified taking military action by saying "violent drug trafficking cartels POSE A THREAT to US National Security, Foreign Policy, and vital US Interests."

The US government has released videos of two of the boat strikes and claims it has irrefutable evidence the people killed were US-bound traffickers.

It has not provided details to back up those claims. Drug trafficking is not a capital offense under US law.

Caracas has consistently denied being a trafficking hub.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink mutual defence pact



Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept 17 (AFP) Sep 17, 2025



Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a new strategic defence pact on Wednesday, with the two sides saying an attack on one country would be considered "an aggression against both".

The agreement comes just days after an Israeli strike targeted Hamas leaders in neighbouring Qatar, sending shock waves through the Gulf states that have long depended on the United States for their security.

"This agreement... aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression," read a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency.

"The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," it added.

The deal was signed by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The signing of the pact comes just months after Pakistan and India fought an intense four-day conflict in May that killed more than 70 people on both sides in missile, drone and artillery fire, the worst clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting Saudi Arabia in April when he cut short his trip following a deadly shooting attack on tourists in India that sparked the conflict.

India and Pakistan -- both nuclear powers -- have long accused each other of backing militant forces to destabilise one another.

Saudi Arabia is believed to have played a key role in defusing the conflict.

It has been a key supplier of oil to India, the world's most populous country, for years.

India's rapidly developing economy relies heavily on petroleum imports, with Saudi Arabia ranked as its third-largest supplier according to the Indian foreign ministry.

Islamabad has also fostered close links with Saudi Arabia for decades, with over 2.5 million of its nationals estimated to be living and working in the kingdom.

The kingdom has long been a bulwark of economic support to help shore up Pakistan's faltering economy.
Former Togo defence minister arrested: police source



Lome, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



A former defence minister of Togo, a vocal critic of the government in recent months, was arrested Wednesday at her home, a police source told AFP.

Marguerite Gnakade, sister-in-law to the west African nation's leader Faure Gnassingbe, called for his resignation during a period of rare anti-government protests.

"She was arrested for serious acts, including her recent public appearance inciting the military to rebellion," a police source told AFP.

Local media outlet Republic of Togo, citing security sources, reported that Gnakade was "being questioned by the competent authorities".

Gnakade, who was minister from 2020 to 2022, had published several opinion articles in recent months critical of the government of Gnassingbe, who has been in power since 2005.

"Keeping Faure Gnassingbe in power any longer will change nothing. He must responsibly resign to make way for a peaceful, inclusive, and national transition, aimed at rebuilding our country," she wrote last month.

The "Don't Touch my Constitution" organisation of opposition parties and civil society groups said the arrest was carried out "without a warrant by a large number of hooded security forces".

"Once again, this is an abuse of power that characterises the regime's retrograde practices. The aim is to silence a dissenting voice," the group said in a statement.

"The Togolese people no longer accept this governance of terror," they added.

On August 30, Gnakade supported a street protest called by bloggers and artists, before being stopped by security forces.

In late June, protesters staged several days of rallies during which at least seven people were killed, according to civil society groups.

Protesters demonstrated against the arrests of government critics, rising electricity prices and a constitutional revision that allowed Gnassingbe, 59, to strengthen his grip on power.
26th edition of Sign China expo opens in Shanghai

Xinhua) 08:32, September 18, 2025

A visitor takes photos of an exhibit at the 26th edition of the Sign China expo in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 17, 2025. The three-day expo on advertising industry, which kicked off at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on Wednesday, showcases products and technologies including advanced advertising production equipment, advertising materials, LED advertising lighting, and LED displays brought by approximately 800 exhibitors from home and abroad. (Photo by Pan Zongyuan/Xinhua)

People visit the 26th edition of the Sign China expo in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 17, 2025. The three-day expo on advertising industry, which kicked off at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on Wednesday, showcases products and technologies including advanced advertising production equipment, advertising materials, LED advertising lighting, and LED displays brought by approximately 800 exhibitors from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Visitors learn about a see-through LED display at the 26th edition of the Sign China expo in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 17, 2025. The three-day expo on advertising industry, which kicked off at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on Wednesday, showcases products and technologies including advanced advertising production equipment, advertising materials, LED advertising lighting, and LED displays brought by approximately 800 exhibitors from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

People visit the 26th edition of the Sign China expo in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 17, 2025. The three-day expo on advertising industry, which kicked off at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on Wednesday, showcases products and technologies including advanced advertising production equipment, advertising materials, LED advertising lighting, and LED displays brought by approximately 800 exhibitors from home and abroad. (Photo by Pan Zongyuan/Xinhua)

A visitor learns about a 3D printing device for the production of advertising signs at the 26th edition of the Sign China expo in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 17, 2025. The three-day expo on advertising industry, which kicked off at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on Wednesday, showcases products and technologies including advanced advertising production equipment, advertising materials, LED advertising lighting, and LED displays brought by approximately 800 exhibitors from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

People visit the 26th edition of the Sign China expo in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 17, 2025. The three-day expo on advertising industry, which kicked off at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on Wednesday, showcases products and technologies including advanced advertising production equipment, advertising materials, LED advertising lighting, and LED displays brought by approximately 800 exhibitors from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Visitors learn about a see-through LED display at the 26th edition of the Sign China expo in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 17, 2025. The three-day expo on advertising industry, which kicked off at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on Wednesday, showcases products and technologies including advanced advertising production equipment, advertising materials, LED advertising lighting, and LED displays brought by approximately 800 exhibitors from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
China defence minister slams 'hegemonic logic' at Beijing forum



Beijing, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun denounced "hegemonic logic and acts of bullying" during remarks Thursday at a Beijing forum that were full of thinly veiled references to the United States.

Organisers say about 1,800 representatives from 100 countries, including political, military and academic leaders, are gathering in Beijing for the Xiangshan Forum, considered China's answer to the annual Shangri-La meeting in Singapore.

The three-day event comes as China presents itself as a mediator of fraught global issues including ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Addressing attendees at the opening ceremony on Thursday, Dong warned of "new threats and challenges" now facing world peace.

"While the themes of the times -- peace and development -- remain unchanged, the clouds of a Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism have not lifted," he said.

"Historical memory must serve as a constant warning to recognise and oppose hegemonic logic and acts of bullying that are disguised in a new form."

The comments were a subtle reference to the United States, China's primary competitor in recent years across a wide range of economic and geopolitical arenas.

Dong's remarks come two weeks after a grand military parade in Tiananmen Square to commemorate China's 1945 victory over a Japanese invasion, which left millions dead.

The parade saw China unveil a host of new weapons, including advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles, drones and laser technology.

In attendance were several leaders that have long been at odds with Western governments, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.



- Maritime disputes -



Dong's remarks also touched on China's protection of maritime interests -- a topic that ruffles feathers in the region and beyond.

Several countries are currently ensnared in longstanding disputes with Beijing over sovereignty in the contested South China Sea.

Recent months have seen a series of confrontations between China and close US ally the Philippines in the crucial waterway.

Beijing claims almost all of the area despite an international ruling that the assertion has no basis.

"The so-called freedom of navigation advocated by certain countries outside the region and the so-called international arbitration advocated by certain claimants blatantly challenge the fundamental norms of international relations," Dong said.

He added that China's safeguarding of "territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests... is a firm defence of the post-war order and international rule of law".

The Philippines said this week that one person was injured when a water cannon attack by a China Coast Guard vessel shattered a window on the bridge of a fisheries bureau ship near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.

The defence forum comes with anticipation growing over a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

Dong held a video call this week with US counterpart Pete Hegseth, which covered various thorny topics including the South China Sea and Taiwan.

China considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory and has not excluded the use of force to take it.

Washington is the democratic island's main arms supplier and is committed to its defence.

The Pentagon said the talks were "candid and constructive", with Hegseth and Dong agreeing to further discussions.
In first, Taiwan, US firm to make missile, underwater drone



Taipei, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Taiwan will jointly manufacture a missile and an underwater drone with a US company for the first time, officials said Thursday, as Taipei seeks to boost domestic weapons and ammunition production.

The democratic island faces the constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims it is part of its territory, and is under US pressure to spend more on its own defence.

Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) agreed earlier this year with US defence firm Anduril to jointly make the company's Barracuda-500, a low-cost, autonomous cruise missile.

On Thursday, NCSIST and Anduril signed another agreement to co-produce the company's underwater drone.

These are Taiwan's first such agreements with a foreign company, NCSIST president Li Shih-chiang told AFP.

"Our purpose is if in the warfare, even the blockade, we can manufacture every weapon we need to protect ourselves," Li said on the sidelines of the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition, where the Barracuda is on display.

Anduril's Taiwan head Alex Chang said the focus of the joint cooperation was on "mass producibility" and making local production sustainable.

The company would "work very closely" with the United States and Taiwan, Chang told AFP.

NCSIST said it would take 18 months to build the supply chain in Taiwan for the Barracuda-500, which use 100 percent Taiwanese components.

Taiwan has ramped up spending on military equipment and weapons over the past decade, and has its own defence industry.

But the island remains heavily reliant on US arms sales to deter China.

A senior Taiwanese lawmaker told AFP last week that the defence ministry will seek up to a record NT$1 trillion ($33 billion) in special funding to upgrade the island's defences.

The plans include integrating Taiwan's air defence systems, acquiring from overseas partners more advanced technology to detect small drones, rockets and missiles and ensure a rapid response to an attack, and increasing the island's capacity to produce and store ammunition for wartime.

President Lai Ching-te's government announced last month plans to boost its 2026 defence budget to NT$949.5 billion, or more than three percent of gross domestic product.

It aims to increase spending to five percent of GDP by 2030.
Israeli tanks, jets bombard Gaza City as Palestinians flee



Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Israeli tanks and warplanes pounded Gaza City Thursday, sparking what a top UN official called "new waves of mass displacement", as the military intensified its assault on Hamas militants in the territory's largest urban hub.

AFP journalists and witnesses saw a steady stream of Gazans heading south on foot, in vehicles and on donkey carts -- their meagre belongings piled high.

"There is artillery fire, air strikes, quadcopter and drone gunfire. The bombing never stops," said Aya Ahmed, 32, sheltering with 13 relatives in Gaza City.

"The world doesn't understand what is happening. They (Israel) want us to evacuate south - but where will we live? There are no tents, no transport, no money."

Palestinians say the cost of a ride to the south has soared, in some cases topping $1,000.

The offensive has sparked outrage among the international community, with the territory already devastated by nearly two years of war and the Gaza City area gripped by a UN-declared famine.



- 'Unfit for human dignity' -



"The military incursion and evacuation orders in northern Gaza are driving new waves of displacement, forcing traumatised families into an ever-shrinking area unfit for human dignity," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X.

"Hospitals, already overwhelmed, are on the brink of collapse as escalating violence blocks access and prevents WHO from delivering lifesaving supplies," he warned.

Hospitals in Gaza reported that three children were among at least 12 people killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza City overnight.

Gaza's civil defence agency, a rescue force operating under Hamas authority, said Israeli fire had killed at least 64 people on Wednesday, including 41 in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said it continued to target "Hamas terror infrastructure" and also operated in the southern areas of Rafah and Khan Yunis.

Media restrictions in the territory and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the details provided by the civil defence or the Israeli military.

On Tuesday, Israel launched its US-backed ground offensive on Gaza City, pledging to destroy Hamas in the area.

The offensive came as a United Nations probe accused Israel of committing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials had incited the crime.

Israel rejected the findings and slammed it as "distorted and false".

Navi Pillay, who headed the investigation, told AFP that she hoped Israeli leaders would one day be jailed.

"I see similarities" to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, she said, pointing to "the same kind of methods".

Spain said it will probe "human rights violations in Gaza" to assist the International Criminal Court, which has sought arrest warrants for Israeli officials over alleged war crimes.



- 'We don't want to die' -



On Wednesday, the Israeli military announced "a temporary transportation route via Salah al-Din Street", as AFP images showed fresh bombardments.

Its Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichay Adraee, said the corridor would remain open for just 48 hours.

The United Nations estimated at the end of August that about one million people were living in Gaza City and its surroundings. Israel says 350,000 of of them have fled.

"Enough, we want to be free. We want to live, we don't want to die," said Gaza City resident Mohammed al-Danf. "Who told you we want to die? Tell Netanyahu: we don't want to die!".

The families of hostages taken by Palestinian militants in their October 2023 attack protested the Gaza City offensive in front of Netanyahu's house in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

"My boy is dying over there. Instead of bringing him back, you have done the exact opposite -- you have done everything to prevent his return," Ofir Braslavski, whose son Rom is held captive in Gaza, said addressing the prime minister.

Of the 251 people taken hostage by Palestinian militants in October 2023, 47 remain in Gaza, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead.

The attack also resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 65,141 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
Israeli army says van with ultra-Orthodox deserters attacked



Jerusalem, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



An Israeli military van transporting arrested ultra-Orthodox Jewish draft evaders was attacked overnight by protesters from the community, the army said.

Thousands of draft notices have been sent in recent months to ultra-Orthodox Jews, who have traditionally been largely exempt from military service.

The army faces mounting pressure as Israel continues its devastating war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip following the Palestinian militant group's unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Calls within Israel to end the exemptions have intensified, with some reservists serving hundreds of days since the war began nearly two years ago.

"Several draft evaders were arrested today, tried in disciplinary proceedings and sent to military detention," the military said in a statement late on Wednesday.

A military radio journalist, noting the deserters were ultra-Orthodox, posted images on X showing the van halted on a road by dozens of protesters from the community, some sitting in front of the vehicle.

"While en route to the prison... several demonstrators threw stones and sprayed tear gas at the vehicle," the military said, adding one of the detainees escaped.

Discussions to amend the conscription law have intensified in recent months, putting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government under pressure.

Israeli media reported Thursday that the draft law was not expected to be debated until after Jewish holidays in mid-October.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews make up 14 percent of Israel's Jewish population of about 1.3 million, and roughly 66,000 men of military age currently benefit from the exemption.

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Israel army urges evacuation of southern Lebanon villages ahead of strike



Jerusalem, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



The Israeli army urged residents of various areas of southern Lebanon to evacuate Thursday ahead of imminent air strikes on Hezbollah targets.

"The army will attack military infrastructure belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah in various areas of south Lebanon in the near term, in response to its prohibited attempts to rebuild its activities in the region," the military's Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee wrote on X.

The military published maps of four buildings in three different villages in southern Lebanon, calling on residents of the buildings and adjacent constructions to evacuate "immediately" and "stay at least 500 metres away from them".

Israel has kept up its strikes on southern Lebanon despite a truce signed in November that ended more than a year of hostilities and two months of open war with Hezbollah.

It has also maintained troops in five locations in the south of Lebanon it deems strategic.

Under US pressure, Beirut has ordered the Lebanese army to draw up a plan to disarm the militant group in areas near the Israeli border by the end of the year.

Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi told AFP last week that Lebanon's army will fully disarm Hezbollah near the border within three months.
Israeli army strikes three towns in south Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Israel carried out air strikes on three towns in southern Lebanon on Thursday shortly after warning people to flee, Lebanese state media and the Israeli military said.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported several strikes on Mais al-Jabal, a border town ravaged by the last war, as well as Debbin and Kfar Tibnit.

The NNA said roads from Kfar Tibnit were full of people who had left their homes ahead of the attacks.

The Israeli military said it was "conducting strikes on Hezbollah military targets in southern Lebanon".

Israel has kept up its strikes on southern Lebanon despite a truce signed in November that ended more than a year of hostilities and two months of open war with Hezbollah.

It has also maintained troops in five locations in the south of Lebanon it deems strategic.

The Israeli military had urged residents of various areas of southern Lebanon to evacuate, saying it would strike Hezbollah targets.

It published maps of four buildings in three different villages in southern Lebanon, calling on residents of the buildings and adjacent constructions to evacuate "immediately" and "stay at least 500 metres (yards) away".

The latest Israeli strikes came a day after Hezbollah commemorated a year since Israel blew up hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members, killing dozens and wounding thousands.

That attack happened almost one year into cross-border fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group that was sparked by the Gaza war between Israel and Hezbollah's Palestinian ally Hamas.

Ahead of Thursday's strikes, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had called for "maximum pressure" on Israel to stop its attacks on his country.

Under US pressure, Beirut has ordered the Lebanese army to draw up a plan to disarm Hezbollah in areas near the Israeli border by the end of the year.

Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said last week that Lebanon's army would fully disarm the Iran-backed group near the border within three months.

Hezbollah, who rejected Beirut's plan, is currently preparing to commemorate the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs in late September 2024.
Macron says expects sanctions on Iran to be reinstated by end of month



Jerusalem, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



French President Emmanuel Macron said he expected international sanctions against Iran to be reinstated by the end of the month, in an excerpt from an Israeli television interview broadcast Thursday.

When asked by a Channel 12 journalist whether the sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme would return "at the end of this month", Macron replied: "Yes, I think so, because the latest news we had from the Iranians are not serious."

Britain, France and Germany, all signatories to a 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, last month triggered a mechanism to eventually "snapback" the UN sanctions.

"France has always been a very demanding and clear and consistent player on the Iranian issue," Macron told the Israeli news channel from Paris.

"And I think this is very important for your country and your people," he added, addressing Israelis, among whom his plan to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN on Monday is widely unpopular.

"We never underestimated the risk of the nuclear bomb in Iran, but as well on ballistic capacities and regional destabilisation coming from Iran, as they are unclear and they don't provide any clear commitment on that," he said.

"This is a European position and we've worked with our British and German colleagues. We will put the snapbacks," he said, referring to the mechanism for the resumption of sanctions provided for by a UN Security Council resolution.
UN Security Council to vote on Iran nuclear sanctions Friday



United Nations, United States, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



The UN Security Council will vote Friday on whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, the Council's rotating presidency said, after Britain, France and Germany triggered the vote.

The three European countries, signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action intended to stop Tehran obtaining nuclear weapons, allege that Iran has broken its promises under that 2015 treaty.

Diplomatic sources expect that the resolution will not have the nine positive votes needed to uphold the status quo -- in which sanctions remain lifted -- and as such the punishment will be reimposed.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he expected international sanctions against Iran to be reinstated by the end of the month, in an excerpt from an Israeli television interview broadcast Thursday.

In a letter to the UN in mid-August, the "European Three" slammed Iran as having breached several JCPOA commitments, including building up a uranium stock to more than 40 times the levek permitted under the deal.

- 'Unambiguous legal grounds' -

The hard-won 2015 deal has been left in tatters ever since the United States, during Donald Trump's first presidency, walked away from it in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

Western powers and Israel have long accused Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies.

Following the US withdrawal, Tehran gradually broke away from its commitments under the agreement and began stepping up its nuclear activities, with tensions high since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.

The war also derailed Tehran's nuclear negotiations with the United States and prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, with inspectors of the Vienna-based UN body leaving the country shortly afterwards.

During his previous term, Trump attempted to trigger the so-called "snapback clause" to reimpose sanctions in 2020, but failed due to his country's unilateral withdrawal two years earlier.

While European powers have for years launched repeated efforts to revive the 2015 deal through negotiations and said they "have unambiguous legal grounds" to trigger the clause, Iran does not share their view.

Iran has threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if the snapback is triggered.
Israel army says intercepts missile launched from Yemen



Jerusalem, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory on Thursday, after air raid sirens sounded in several areas, including Jerusalem.

"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (air force)," the military said in a statement.

Since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have launched repeated drone and missile attacks against Israel claiming solidarity with the Palestinians.

In response, Israel has carried out rounds of retaliatory strikes in Yemen, mainly targeting infrastructure such as ports, power stations and the international airport in Sanaa. It also assassinated the head of the Huthi government together with 11 other senior officials in air strikes last month.
German Greens warn of spy risks from Russian-French nuclear project



Berlin, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Germany's Green party demanded Thursday the government block a controversial planned French-Russian nuclear project in the west of the country, saying it would risk enabling espionage and sabotage by Moscow.

A subsidiary of French company Framatome runs a fuel rod assembly facility in the town of Linge and in March 2022 applied for permission to enter into a joint venture there with Russia's state-owned nuclear power agency Rosatom to produce rods used in Russian-designed reactors.

Rosatom has been exempted from the successive rounds of EU sanctions imposed against Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Germany's Greens have long been opposed to nuclear energy on environmental grounds but said that the project in Lingen also brings security risks.

At an event on Thursday to discuss the project, Green MP Konstantin von Notz said: "The fact that we are discussing a Russian company taking part in such a project in Germany in 2025, after we went through such problems to free ourselves from dependence on Russian gas, is a brutal contradiction."

The state of Lower Saxony, where Lingen is located, has to decide on the application but the Greens say federal authorities should step in to prevent the project.

They say that allowing such projects will enable Russia to create "further strategic dependencies" for other countries and that Russia will receive "information on very sensitive nuclear facilities on German soil".

Germany has been Ukraine's second-biggest supplier of aid since 2022 and is on high alert for possible Russian sabotage operations.

Germany itself closed the last of its own nuclear reactors in 2023.

"Germany shouldn't be financing Russia's war but should finally complete its own exit from the nuclear industry," Juliane Dickel from the environmentalist group BUND said at Thursday's event.

Activists in France have also criticised the government for continuing to import uranium from Russia for its own nuclear industry.
Top Chinese diplomat holds talks with ROK foreign minister

Xinhua) 08:39, September 18, 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Cho Hyun, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Cho Hyun, foreign minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called on the two countries to stick to the direction of good-neighborliness and be genuine strategic partners.

China's policy towards the ROK remains stable and consistent, Wang said, encouraging both sides to engage sincerely, strengthen mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and achieve win-win results, while properly managing sensitive issues.

As beneficiaries of economic globalization, both countries should jointly oppose trade protectionism and uphold the international free trade system, he said.

He said China is willing to work with the international community, including the ROK, to defend the UN-centered international system and the outcomes of victory in World War II.

Noting that the ROK values the momentum in improving bilateral relations, Cho said the ROK is willing to further strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in trade, culture, and other areas, and accelerate negotiations on the ROK-China and ROK-China-Japan free trade agreements.

Both sides agreed to coordinate and support each other in holding the APEC meetings. The ROK and China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting this year and next year respectively.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Cho Hyun, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Israel strikes five towns in south Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Israel carried out air strikes on five towns in southern Lebanon on Thursday shortly after telling people to flee, Lebanese state media and the Israeli military said.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported a strike on Mais al-Jabal, a border town ravaged by the war last year between Israel and Hezbollah, where the health ministry said one person was injured.

Strikes also hit the towns of Debbin, Burj Qalawiya, Al-Shahabiya and Kfar Tibnit, the roads out of which were full of people fleeing ahead of the attacks, NNA said.

An AFP journalist near Debbin saw clouds of dark smoke rising from the town after the strikes.

Israel has kept up its strikes on southern Lebanon despite a truce signed in November that ended more than a year of hostilities and two months of open war with Hezbollah.

It has also maintained troops in five locations in the south of Lebanon it deems strategic.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks and "the silence of the countries who had sponsored" the ceasefire, which he said "encourages further aggression".

"The time has come to put an immediate end to these blatant violations of Lebanon's sovereignty," he said.

The Israeli military said it struck several weapons storage facilities belonging to Hezbollah's elite Radwan force in southern Lebanon.

It said it would "continue to operate to eliminate any threat" to Israel.

The Israeli military had issued calls telling residents of the five southern towns to evacuate "immediately", saying it would strike Hezbollah targets.

Ahead of Thursday's strikes, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had called for "maximum pressure" on Israel to stop its attacks on his country.



- Hindering Hezbollah disarmament -



The latest Israeli strikes came a day after Hezbollah commemorated a year since Israel blew up hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members, killing dozens and wounding thousands.

Israel and Hezbollah had already been engaged in cross-border fighting for nearly a year before the pager attack, which was one of a series of blows that drastically weakened the Iran-backed group, formerly Lebanon's most powerful political force.

Under US pressure, Beirut has ordered the Lebanese army to draw up a plan to disarm Hezbollah in areas near the Israeli border by the end of the year.

Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said last week that Lebanon's army would fully disarm the Iran-backed group near the border within three months.

But the army, which said Thursday's strikes brought Israel's ceasefire "violations" to 4,500, said the attacks risk slowing down Hezbollah's disarmament.

"These assaults and violations obstruct the army's deployment in the south, and their continuation will hinder the implementation of its plan starting from the area south of the Litani River," the army said in a statement.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said "the renewed Israeli aggression on southern villages will not push our people to surrender or abandon their land".

Hezbollah, which has rejected Beirut's plan, is currently preparing to commemorate the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs in late September 2024.
Italian port blocks 'explosives' shipment to Israel



Rome, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Local officials in Italy said Thursday that they had blocked a shipment of "explosives" to Israel to protest its Gaza offensive.

The move was made by the city hall of Ravenna, the Adriatic port controlled by the centre-left Democratic Party -- an opposition group against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government.

"Thanks to courageous dockers, we were informed last night of the scheduled arrival today of two containers to the Ravenna port" listed as explosives, Mayor Alessandro Barattoni said in a statement.

Ravenna along with provincial leaders and the regional Emilia-Romagna government are shareholders in the port, which allowed them to block the shipment.

"You must choose a side, and Emilia-Romagna and Ravenna know perfectly which: the one of innocent victims and hostages, and not the one of criminal governments and terrorist organisations," the regional leaders said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from Italy's national government, whose leader Meloni has expressed "deep concern" over Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City.

Israel's latest offensive in the Palestinian territory has sparked international outrage after nearly two years of war, with the Gaza City area gripped by a UN-declared famine.

The war was sparked by the October 2023 attack by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 65,141 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
But for how long? Under the present government, although you can be arrested for posting things online that other people categorise as hate speech (the offence being in the eyes of the offended party), you are unlikely to be arrested for, say, going on the equivalent of the Countryside Alliance march (which I didnt attend), or a Palestine protest (the last one I witnessed was very well-behaved). But is anyone rash enough to bet that with a different government, with different priorities, people with strong and heterodox views wont find themselves on a police database? How about if I join a pro-life protest just outside the exclusion zone at an abortion clinic? I cant say I care terribly for the pressure group, Liberty, but I think theyre onto something when they raise the spectre of mass surveillance. FRT may target serial killers today; tomorrow it may be looking out for Islamophobes, as defined by the Governments worrying commission on the subject.
Of all the countries in the world with which we could enjoy a special relationship, we happen through some miracle of history to do so with the most stupendously wealthy country in the world. I have heard President Trump give detailed expositions on how fond he is of the United Kingdom. So why has the government only got the Tech Prosperity Deal announced so far? There are serious moves here by Microsoft, Google, CoreWeave, Salesforce and Nvidia - all extremely welcome and badly needed by the UK economy. Increased cooperation on nuclear, quantum technologies and AI is beneficial for both countries and the obvious thing to do (theres plenty that will find its way outside London, too). But with such a literally huge figure in the White House, historically and politically, it feels like a lack of ambition by Downing Street. You could deliver hundreds of billions of deals during this visit - it should be the investment visit to end all investment visits. When Trump visited the Gulf in May, he struck $2 trillion worth of deals. As for Starmer, he has failed to deliver the promised steel tariffs agreement much touted before this week.
According to one estate agent, the local markets of Regents Park and Marylebone have fallen off a cliff over the last 12 months  and the average house price across the whole of Kensington and Chelsea has fallen by a fifth over the past three years.
Drink in the atmosphere; the unforgettable live music; the warmest of welcomes from the locals. Belfasts soul spills forth in its pubs, where worn wooden bars once frequented by generations of dockers now serve pints of Guinness and tumblers of docks-distilled Titanic whiskey and Belfast-made Jawbox Gin. Taprooms also feature craft beers from small Belfast breweries such as Boundary Brewing and Bullhouse Brew Co.
All they were trying to achieve was to get Taylor Swift to speak up about the climate crisis, to harness her celebrity to bring attention to the climate crisis and to highlight the singers frequent use of her private jet.
Shenzhen's Qianhai becomes startup magnet in China's Greater Bay Area

11:03, September 18, 2025 By Huang Kechao ( People's Daily Online

The Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub has become a prime destination for entrepreneurs in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) thanks to its preferential policies and rich commercial resources.

Photo shows the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Huang Kechao)

Jointly launched by the Qianhai Authority, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Shenzhen Youth Federation, the hub supports development in key Hong Kong sectors, including AI, embodied intelligence and health technology. It has attracted 535 startups.

"The hub connects Hong Kong, Shenzhen and overseas markets, introducing foreign companies to the region and facilitating the outbound business expansion of local enterprises," said Mo Weixuan, the hub's general manager.

Mo Weixuan, general manager of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, answers questions from journalists at the exhibition hall of the hub in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept.15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Ebulayi)

Mo said the hub provides extensive policy support to fuel startup growth. More than 200 start-ups have applied for office spaces at the hub and over 150 applications have been approved.

Hong Kong-based i2Cool, which produces electricity-free cooling technology, established a branch office at the hub. Co-founder and CEO Martin Zhu told People's Daily Online that the hub's resource advantages drove the company's decision.

Zhu said Hong Kong's world-class universities and research institutions excel in basic science, but the city's limited industrial capacity and high labor costs put it at a disadvantage compared with Shenzhen for commercializing technology.

Martin Zhu speaks with People's Daily Online journalists about i2Cool's innovative technologies and his business experience at the company's office in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept.15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Ebulayi)

"The complete industrial chains and abundant business resources in the GBA have enabled us to easily find excellent business partners and brilliant academic talents when we aim to transform scientific findings into mass-produced products and expand our market share," said Doris Leung, public relations manager of i2Cool.

The "developed in Hong Kong and commercialized in Shenzhen" approach helped the company achieve zero-carbon heat insulation and automatic cooling. i2Cool now produces coatings, membranes, ceramics and textiles used in about 30 countries and regions this year, Zhu said.

As Shenzhen Special Economic Zone celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, Leung said i2Cool is advancing electricity-free cooling research for hot, resource-scarce regions while aligning company growth with new-quality productive forces and GBA development.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
But anyone who might be contacted by and tempted into carrying out criminal activity on behalf of a foreign state here in the UK should think again. This kind of activity will be investigated and anyone found to be involved can expect to be prosecuted and there are potentially very serious consequences for those who are convicted.
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The sacking of Lord Mandelson over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein could also cast a shadow over the event, not least because Mr Trump was also close to the paedophile financier, although the president fell out with him before his conviction in 2009.
Barristers for the man, who cannot be named, had argued that the decision was procedurally unfair as he had not been given sufficient opportunity to put forward evidence supporting his claim that he was an alleged trafficking victim.
Recognition needs to be seen as part of that overall package which hopefully takes us from the appalling situation were in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel, which we do not have, and a viable Palestinian state, Sir Keir added.
Speaking alongside Sir Keir, he said: I think your situation is very similar. You have people coming in and I told the Prime Minister I would stop it, and it doesnt matter if you call out the military, it doesnt matter what means you use.
There had been concerns the issue could cast a shadow on the US presidents second state visit to the UK, not least because Mr Trump was also close to Epstein, although they fell out before his conviction in 2009.
I think the most important thing is showing the rest of the world that there are sizeable contingents of the American population abroad that does not approve of Trump, and will take action and take to the streets when he does visit said country, he said.
Sir Keir added: It sent shockwaves through the world and I know that he was a friend of the president, and I reached out straight away to the president, because I understood how impactful it would be on him and his family, and we all need to be absolutely clear about that: whatever our political views, it is shocking and is to be condemned.
Were trying to get it back, because they need things from us. We want that base back, but one of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, its an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.
Highlights of panel discussion 2: 'Dynamic China and the Belt and Road Initiative'

(People's Daily App) 13:38, September 18, 2025

The 2025 Media Cooperation Dialogue on Belt and Road was held on Wednesday in Kunming, Yunnan Province. During the second panel of the event, guests from diverse backgrounds from Pakistan, South Africa, Kenya, Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted China's economic and cultural vibrancy and shared their insights into deepening Belt and Road cooperation in conversations with People's Daily reporter Zhan Huilan. The Media Cooperation Dialogue on Belt and Road, which attracted nearly 120 media professionals from over 40 countries and regions, is a sub-forum of the 2025 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
He added: There is an issue around tracking and making sure that we have better systems to understand if a child is moving out of one locality, one parish, one school or whatever, that through our health system and through our education system, that we have a better capacity to follow that.
Asked by the media how the victim was doing since the attack, the officer said: She is doing as you would imagine  this is a horrific, traumatic incident, it will take her her whole life to get over it, but we have got specialist support to her and we are helping her work through her feelings and the challenges she will experience over the next weeks and months.
Mr Lecornu's predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was ousted by parliament last week over his plan for a 44 billion euro budget squeeze. The new prime minister has not yet said what he will do with Mr Bayrou's plans, but he has signalled a willingness to compromise.
This illustration of the dodo by Frederick William Frohawk appeared in the 1907 Extinct Birds by Walter Rothschild. It was based on the picture by Roelandt Savery in Berlin, but the wings, tail and bill have been based partly on Pierre Witthoos picture of the white Dodo and partly from anatomical examination. Frederick William Frohawk

A Texas genetics company working to bring back the woolly mammoth says its a step closer to reviving another famed extinct species: the dodo.

Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences Inc. said Wednesday it developed a method to culture primordial germ cells of a close relative of the large, flightless dodo that disappeared in the 1660s.

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This progress highlights how Colossals investment in de-extinction technology is driving discovery and developing tools for both our de-extinction and conservation efforts, CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm said in a statement.

Native to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, the dodo has become a symbol of human-caused extinction. Scientists know relatively little about the bird, which stood roughly 3 feet tall and weighed up to 50 pounds.

The startup also said it added more than $120 million to its latest funding round, bringing it to $320 million. Since its 2021 launch, the company has raised more than $555 million and says it's now valued at $10.2 billion.

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Colossal garnered national attention in April when it said it had successfully rebirthed the dire wolf, a canine species that previously roamed North America and had been extinct for over 12,500 years.

This is our first true de-extinction, and it is the first time, you know, the worlds ever had an extinct animal back on the planet.  Its pretty great, Lamm said in an interview at the time. As a Texas company, its insane that we were able to do this, and the team did it within 18 months. This is a good testament to the technologies that are coming. We took a 13,000-year-old to a 73,000-year-old skull and made puppies. Its pretty magical.

Some independent researchers have disputed the specifics of that claim. According to the BBC, several experts say the three dire wolf pups are genetically modified gray wolves, while also noting the births represent meaningful technical progress.

Reviving an avian species differs significantly from reviving mammals, in part because of the size and opacity of bird eggs. It is not currently possible to clone birds. By editing primordial germ cells, the precursors to future egg and sperm cells, Colossal says it is one step closer to reviving avian species like the dodo. Before Wednesday's announcement, such work had been achieved only in chickens and geese.

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Colossal Biosciences, the company working to bring back the wooly mammoth, is taking on bringing back a new animal, the dodo bird, as the company continues working on its de-extinction technology. Colossal Biosciences, John Davidson

The first cell culture recipe was for chicken PGCs, and was published nearly 20 years ago, said Anna Keyte, Colossals avian species director. Unfortunately, that recipe has not worked on any other bird species tested, even closely related species like quail. Colossals discovery of a recipe for pigeons dramatically expands avian reproductive technologies and is the foundation for our dodo work.

Lamm founded Colossal alongside Harvard University geneticist George Church with two main goals in mind: reversing extinction and preserving endangered species.

Beyond the dire wolf and dodo, it has been working to de-extinct several well-known species including the Tasmanian tiger, another flightless bird called the Moa and the woolly mammoth.

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In March, Colossal announced it had genetically engineered mice that possess key mammoth-like traits adapted for cold environments.

The company has said it expects to produce a woolly mammoth calf by the end of 2028.

As for its dodo bird project, the company is using the Nicobar pigeon, the closest relative of the dodo bird living today, as the donor genome. The company established a colony of breeding pigeons in Texas that are laying eggs from the modified embryos. The company also is gene-editing chickens so they wont make their own germ cells.

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Colossal plans to inject the edited pigeon primordial germ cells into these developing chicks, so that they carry pigeon germ cells rather than chicken germ cells, with the hopes that the chickens eventually lay eggs that hatch into pigeons and then someday the dodo itself.

Beyond its ramifications of de-extinction, the company says this is an equally important step toward conservation and preserving modern-day endangered species.

This breakthrough in culturing pigeon primordial germ cells represents a transformative tool for avian conservation, said Beth Shapiro, Colossals chief science officer. By developing these protocols, were establishing crucial biobanking capabilities and opening new possibilities for genetic rescue of endangered species.
Samsung is building a $17 billion semiconductor facility, shown here last August, in the Taylor area. Jay Janner/American-Statesman

Samsung Austin Semiconductor has won a $250 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund for its fabrication facility under construction in Taylor.

Tied to more than $4.73 billion in capital investment at the sprawling site northeast of Austin, the award is easily the largest semiconductor fund grant in the programs history.

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This $4.73 billion investment by Samsung in their Taylor semiconductor fabrication facility will provide a more secure domestic supply of chips for critical U.S. industries, Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement Wednesday.

Previous grants from the fund included $23.25 million for Austin-based Silicon Laboratories Inc., $17.3 million for Brownsville-based SpaceX, $5.3 million for MGC Pure Chemicals America Inc. for expansion of its Kerrville facility, and $4.12 million for Richardson-based IntelliEPI. Created by the 2023 Texas CHIPS Act, the fund is designed to strengthen in-state semiconductor research, design and manufacturing.

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Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is no newcomer. It has had a Central Texas presence since the 1990s, with long-running operations in Austin and roughly 4,500 employees in the area.

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Samsung has been proud to call Texas home for the past 30 years, said Young Hyun Jun, vice chairman and head of Samsungs Device Solutions division. This grant will ensure that our semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor delivers the most advanced technology for our global customers and continues to reinforce the chip supply chain in the U.S.

The plant is to span roughly 6 million square feet on more than 1,000 acres near U.S. 79 and County Road 401 and, once operational, is expected to employ about 2,000 people. Its to includes two logic fabs and a research and development facility. In filings, the company has outlined the potential for up to 11 additional chip production facilities in the region in the coming decades.

The project also received up to $4.75 billion in federal support under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act and is part of Samsungs larger $37 billion investment in Central Texas.

When first announced in 2021, production was eyed for 2024 and later updated to 2025. Samsung now targets late 2026 to begin operations. Despite earlier delays, the tech giant has reiterated the current timeline  even amid industry reports of further delays.

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Taylor city officials have said the project remains on track under local incentive agreements. Initial announcements cited estimates of roughly 2,000 direct jobs in Taylor; federal projections for the expanded ecosystem cite several thousand additional manufacturing roles over the next five years.

The new grant comes as the Taylor site gains additional strategic importance through a multi-year chip manufacturing agreement with Tesla Inc. In July, Samsung disclosed a roughly $16.5 billion foundry contract with the Austin-based automaker. CEO Elon Musk confirmed the deal and said Samsungs new Texas fab will be dedicated to Teslas next-generation AI6 chip.

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Musk has said Samsung currently produces Teslas AI4 chip, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. will build the AI5 design initially in Taiwan and later in Arizona. The AI6 is expected to power Teslas self-driving hardware in vehicles, its Optimus robots and related data-center systems. Musk also said Samsung agreed to let Tesla help maximize manufacturing efficiency at the Taylor line.
National Cheeseburger Day takes place on Thursday. And while its obviously a made-up holiday  like anyone needs an excuse to eat a cheeseburger  we decided it was worth taking a timeout to call out some of our favorite burgers that you can get for less than a Hamilton.

Bougie burgers have taken over menus all over the country, with $30 Wagyu beasts, smoked brisket burgers and truffle-laced specialties populating menus everywhere.

But you can still get a great burger for under $10. And before you send me emails telling me about your favorite that I left off the list, double-check their prices. Ten dollars aint what it used to be, but its still plenty at these places (though, for this exercise, we are leaving tax and tip to you and the government and your conscience).

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10. Top Notch

Top Notch is a classic in the way it looks and tastes. PROVIDED BY TOP NOTCH

Thats what I love about those charcoal-grilled burgers, I get older and they stay the same flavor. Or, something like that. Whether its that place in North Carolina your parents took you to on a road trip in your youth or a childhood dream of a Burger King, theres no escaping the time machine trip created by the flavor of a chargrilled burger. This Austin legend (made famous in Dazed and Confused) delivers on the nostalgic flavors and aesthetic.

Price: $6.88

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Location: 7525 Burnet Road, Austin; 121 Co-Op Blvd, Hutto. topnotchaustin.com.

9. Dans Hamburgers

Dan's Hamburgers on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman

Take a walk back in time at the local restaurant chain that Dan Junk started in 1973. Daughter Katie Congdon has been at the helm since 1998, and little has changed with the classic backyard burger dressed with mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles and just the right amount of grease.

You can add an order of their famous onion rings and still keep it below a tenner.

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Price: $5.35 for quarter pounder and $7.25 for a double

Locations: 4308 Menchaca Road. 844 Airport Blvd. 512-385-2262; 5602 N. Lamar Blvd. 610 Old San Antonio Road, Buda. dans-hamburgers.com.

8. Dirty Martin's

The cheeseburgers haven't changed much over the decades at Dirty Martin's on Guadalupe Street. MATTHEW ODAM / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Burgers so good that Longhorns legend Earl Campbell will pull up into the parking lot and have burgers delivered to his truck. If theyre good enough for the Tyler Rose, theyre good enough for you. Thanks to warm service and hot, juicy burgers that make you nostalgic for the burger joints of the middle of the last century  even if you never experienced them  owner Mark Nemir has survived loaded frat boys, road construction and national chains since taking over in 1989.

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Price: $7.70 for a single; $9.40 for a large

Location: 2808 Guadalupe St. dirtymartins.com.

7. P. Terrys

P. Terry's has been serving Austin burgers since 2005. CONTRIBUTED

Twenty years and more than 20 locations in the Austin area later...

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Top Notch now has locations in Austin and Hutto. Ricardo Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN

P. Terrys took us back to the future with the retro-designed diner look and the modern ethos of conscientious ingredients, and its appeal still holds. That draw comes from tight burgers built to order, and plenty of extras  bacon, grilled onions, grilled jalapenos, maybe a side of Frankie sauce, if you can convince the window  for customizing that double that still keep it well under $10.

Price: $3.65 for a single, $5.25 for a double.

Locations: I dare you to try not to find one. pterrys.com.

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6. Buddys Burger

Buddy's Burgers opened in Northeast Austin in 2020. Contributed

Buddys blends the new school with the old. That means hormone-free and never-frozen beef flattened into small, 3-ounce patties, capped with a suspended lava flow of American cheese and scattered with a confetti of shredded lettuce. The ragged, crunchy-edged patties are smashed thin as pancakes and cling to each other as if to keep from spilling out of a slightly sweet bun smeared with a tangy spread called Buddys Smack Sauce.

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Price: Classic with cheese $4.89, double $6.89.

Locations: 9001 Cameron Road, Suite 101, Austin; 927 Texas 80, San Marcos. buddysburger.com.

5. Silver Medal

The cheeseburger is as winning as the drinking and good times at Silver Medal. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman

Want to feel like youre hiding out from an ex in a John Sayles or Quentin Tarantino film while slamming a killer bar burger and nursing a whiskey? Ive got a place for you. A deeply toasted bun, iceberg lettuce and no trendy smashburger here  this is the kind of burger your uncle would grill in the backyard, with a heater dangling from under his mustache and a cold longneck wrapped in his calloused paw.

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Price: $7

4. Bustys Bar & Jukebox

The cheeseburger at Busty's Bar & Jukebox is simple and perfect. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Copious amounts of American cheese wrap the edges of the thin, juicy patty that extends beyond the reach of the tiny, toasted potato roll. Dressed in classic style with onions, shrettuce, pickles and a tangy burger sauce, this is the kind of burger you feel like you could eat in four bites. Five, if you slow down for sips of a freezing cold High Life. You can add bacon and still keep it under $10 before tax and tip.

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Price: $8 (add bacon for $1.50 extra, and make it a double for $4 more)

Location: 6214 Cameron Road. bustysbarandjukebox.com.

3. Fraziers Long and Low

The cheeseburger at Frazier's Long and Low can fit in the palm of your hand. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

You know how competitive hot dog eaters will dip their buns in water in order to make them more crushable? Well, this isnt that. Not exactly. But Fraziers steams the Martin Potato Buns that hold their tiny smashburgers, disappeared by cheese and dressed with pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard (dont see that very often off the rack). Not to get competitive, but I feel like I could run through these bad boys two bites at a time. Throw this quarter in the jukebox and slap on some Bob Seger, Joey Chestnut.

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Price: $5

Location: 2538 Elmont Drive, 512-527-3082, fraziersbar.com.

2. Hold Out Brewing

You can get a single at Hold Out Brewing for $8, but for $4 more, you can make it a double. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

A microbrewery with fresh merch and some killer beers served just west of expensive downtown. Dont let the fancy context fool you, this is still a throwback burger, even if it gets a little crafty. The smashburger doubles down on the tang, with both comeback sauce and yellow mustard, along with dill pickles and onions, stuffed inside a sesame-seed bun. Pair it with any of the awesome Hold Out brews; a traditionalist would steer you to a pilsner, but I'm an IPA guy.

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Price: $8 for a single.

Location: 1208 W. Fourth St. holdoutbrewing.com.

1. Crown & Anchor Pub

The Crown & Anchor Pub near the University of Texas has been making classic burgers since 1987. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN/Matthew Odam / American-Statesma

This Austin institution opened in 1987 and serves burgers with a depth and history of flavor that makes one believe the same flattop grill has been in service that entire time. Thats a good thing. The broad burgers arent smashed and arent thick jaw-jackers. Theyre perfect. The menu reads over $10, but that includes fries. Ask for just a cheeseburger (but, why?), and you can still stay right at $10 before tax and tip.

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Price: $10 without fries, just ask.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images) Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show was suspended indefinitely by ABC after the comedian made comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination, according to the Associated Press.

Mr. Kimmels comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located, said Andrew Alford, President of Nexstars broadcasting division.

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What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Charlie Kirk?

We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said in his Tuesday monologue.

Watch the monologue here:

Texas governor slams public school teacher over Charlie Kirk comments

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday criticized a Texas teacher who appeared to call the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk karma. Abbott was reacting to a post on X that showed a screenshot of a woman identified as a Seguin teacher who had written on Facebook that karma found him.

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Assassination is not karma. Its murder, Abbott wrote on X. Teachers who are this detached from civility in our society have no place in our schools.

The governor said the case would be added to complaints the Texas Education Agency is reviewing against educators accused of making negative remarks about Kirk online.

Abbott later added his own post: THAT, is Karma.

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It marked the third time this week the Republican governor has publicly singled out individuals, including two Black college students, for mocking or cheering the killing.
Starbucks workers sue over company's new dress code Stephen Chernin/Getty Images

Employees of the popular coffee chain Starbucks filed a civil action Wednesday, arguing that the company violated state law by refusing to reimburse workers after requiring them to buy new clothes to comply with a dress code.

Starbucks changed its dress code this year.

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Employees backed by the union organizing Starbucks workers have filed class-action lawsuits in state courts in Illinois and Colorado.

In addition, workers submitted complaints to Californias Labor and Workforce Development Agency. If the agency chooses not to pursue penalties against Starbucks, the workers plan to move forward with a class-action lawsuit in California, according to the filings.

What is the Starbucks dress code?

The company's new dress code took effect on May 12. It requires employees in its North American stores to wear a solid black shirt with short or long sleeves under their green aprons. Shirts are allowed to have collars, but must cover armpits and the midriff.

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Employees are required to wear khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms with no patterns or frayed hems, or solid black dresses that fall no more than four inches above the knee. The dress code also specifies shoes in black, gray, dark blue, brown, tan, or white, made from waterproof material. Socks and hosiery must be in subdued tones, the company stated.

Back in April, Starbucks said the goal of the new dress code is to have workers look more uniform.

The full Starbucks dress code policy can be seen here.

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What are people saying about the Starbucks dress code?

Starbucks workers say theyve had to spend out of pocket to meet the new dress code requirements.

According to a recent report from the Associated Press, Brooke Allen, a full-time student and Starbucks employee in Davis, California, said her manager told her in July that the Crocs she was wearing didnt meet the updated dress code and that she would need different shoes to work the next day. She ended up visiting three stores before finding a compliant pair that cost $60.09.

Since then, Allen has spent another $86.95 on work clothing, including black shirts and jeans.

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Regina Santos-Aviles, a congressional staffer for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, died Sunday after an incident at her home the previous night, authorities said. The Texas Rangers and the Uvalde Police Department are investigating. Courtesy: Nora Gonzales

The Texas Rangers and the Uvalde Police Department are investigating the death of a congressional staffer for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales.

Uvalde officials told the San Antonio Express-News that the body of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles was on fire when police and firefighters were called to her home Saturday night. She was 35.

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Santos-Aviles has worked as the regional district director for Gonzales office since November 2021, according to her LinkedIn profile. Based in Uvalde, she led regional development initiatives and represented the congressman across the district.

The case was originally reported to the Uvalde Police Department as a disturbance in the 200 block of Geraldine Avenue, according to a police record.

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Santos-Aviles mother, Nora Ann Gonzales, told the Express-News that she was on the phone with her daughter, who was distraught, saying she wanted her son. She said she drove to her daughters house and found her outside.

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It was an accident, she said of her daughters death, saying Santos-Aviles had suffered burns.

She described Santos-Aviles as a devoted mother to her 8-year-old son.

She said her daughter was still conscious when EMS arrived, and she was transported via helicopter to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

The last thing she said is, I dont want to die, her mother recalled. And they told her, We will do our best to make sure we get you taken care of.

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Mario Rangel, chief of the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department, said firefighters received a call at 9:39 p.m. on Saturday.

Dispatch advised of an individual who was on fire, he said.

The call was canceled while crews were en route, but four firefighters still responded because the home was close to the station, Rangel said.

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When we arrived, we learned of a fire behind the residence that had been put out with a fire extinguisher, Rangel said. At the same time, EMS personnel were attending to a female who had suffered burns. She was transported by EMS and, at some point, flown to a San Antonio hospital.

Officials said her family is cooperating fully with investigators.

Police Chief Homer E. Delgado said in a statement that there is no indication of foul play but, as is standard, all unattended deaths are investigated.

As your Chief of Police, my heart goes out to the family and friends who are grieving, Delgado said in a statement. In times of loss, our greatest duty is to stand together, support one another, and honor the memory of those we have lost.

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The Bexar County Medical Examiner said the cause and manner of Santos-Aviles death is still pending and could take 12-16 weeks to determine.

In a statement, Congressman Tony Gonzales lamented her death.

We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community. She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place, Gonzales said.

Santos-Aviles mother said the family is devastated but clinging to their faith.

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She loved life and loved her family and loved everyone and loved doing for others, her mother said. She loved the work that she did and how she helped the communities get funding for things they needed.
The Travis County District Attorneys Office in the Ronald Earle Building in Austin, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

The number of Travis County felony defendants held in jail beyond the 90-day deadline for prosecutors to secure indictments has fallen sharply amid sustained scrutiny and a new state-mandated reporting rule that took effect on Sept. 1.

The course correction followed a months-long investigation by the American-Statesman and KVUE-TV that found the Travis County District Attorneys Office, led by DA Jose Garza, had repeatedly missed the state-mandated indictment deadline  with serious consequences: the release of potentially dangerous defendants; deportations before trials; delays in justice for victims; and possible violations of defendants rights that exposed the county to legal liability.

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It was valid criticism of what was going on, Rick Flores, president of the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, said. We are not showing up to court now five, six, seven times just to be told that a case is unindicted, where everybody is pretty frustrated about it.

The Statesman and KVUE reported that Garzas office missed the deadline to indict jailed defendants 263 times in 2024. Since June, no defendant has remained jailed more than 90 days without an indictment, according to the latest Statesman-KVUE analysis of court data.

Garza never publicly acknowledged the missed deadlines as a problem, even as judges and defense attorneys blamed the recurring issue on internal breakdowns they said did not exist under previous district attorneys. At one point, Garza assertedto the dismay of judges and attorneysthat prosecutors faced no indictment deadline.

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At the same time, however, Garzas office began adopting measures to ensure that instances in which cases are not indicted remain a rare occurrence, according to a March statement provided to the Statesman and KVUE.

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Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza speaks during a press conference earlier this year. The Democrat has stood firmly by a deal to drop murder and deadly conduct charges against an Austin police officer on the condition that he teach a de-escalation program at the training academy. Jay Janner/American-Statesman

Garza declined an interview request for this story. In response to written questions about how he addressed the issue, his office issued a statement that did not mention the missed deadlines.

Over the last five years, the Travis County District Attorneys Office has worked to ensure that our criminal justice system works for everyone, the statement said. We are proud of our record and grateful to have the support of our community.

Longstanding legal requirement

Under a 1977 state law, prosecutors have 90 days to secure an indictment or a suspect must be released on a bond they can afford. The safeguard is meant to ensure no one languishes in jail while a case stalls.

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Experts note that prosecutors in other Texas counties have also struggled to meet the deadline at times, though they say the problem is not widespread statewide.

In Travis County, attention intensified in February when Garzas office missed the deadline to indict two murder defendants, leading to their release on sharply reduced bonds. One was later rearrested; the other remains free.

Garza initially blamed a lone prosecutor, but the lapses soon proved systemic.

It should be readily apparent to all of you that this is not a one-off situation, that there are multiple cases where this is happening, specifically in Travis County, attorney Brian Erskine, who represented the men, told reporters outside a February hearing.

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On that same day, the Statesman and KVUE found 26 defendants with 63 cases jailed beyond the 90-day window. Among them: a man charged with a third DWI who had been held 224 days  more than seven months  without indictment. Garza said prosecutors were waiting on out-of-state records of his prior arrests. Within days, the man pleaded to a misdemeanor and was released with credit for time served.

Two weeks after public attention intensified, the number of jailed defendants without indictments dropped to seven. By early April, only two defendants remained past the deadline; by May, just one. Since June, none have.

Garzas course correction comes as the Texas Judicial Council, the policymaking body for the states judiciary, began requiring judges this month to report publicly how often they lower defendants bonds because prosecutors failed to indict within 90 days.

Two Republican lawmakers proposed similar reporting requirements during this years legislative session, but those measures failed to pass.

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Council spokesperson Megan LaVoie said the new reporting was part of longstanding bail reform efforts, noting judges had pushed for a tool to show how often they had to reduce bonds because of missed indictments.

The council has studied the issue of bail and bail reform for the past 10 years, so this is just a piece of that, she said.

What changed in the DAs office

The Travis County District Attorneys Office in the Ronald Earle Building in Austin, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Defense attorneys and judges told the Statesman in March that the problem appeared to stem from a Garza reorganization. Instead of relying on a specialized unit that handled indictments within 90 days, Garza reassigned those prosecutors to other duties and placed the responsibility on already overloaded trial prosecutors.

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Earlier this year, Garza said the office created new oversight measures, including internal alerts for cases nearing the deadline, with supervisors also notified. He has also partially restored the indictment unit, according to defense lawyers.

Lives are not in limbo

In recent months, defense attorneys have said the 90-day lapses provided a window into broader management concerns in the district attorneys office, including shifting policies and a lack of continuity among prosecutors.

However, several have told the Statesman they have since noticed a change in Garzas oversight of cases concerning the 90-day requirement.

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What we are seeing is that cases are being indicted a lot quicker than this administration previously did, Flores said. It is a good thing that they are looking at cases earlier, not only to make sure that cases move forward, but so that people and witnesses and victims, their lives are not in limbo.

Keith Lauerman, a defense attorney critical of how Garzas office handled indictments, said he often worried that clients released on reduced bonds would reoffend or retaliate against potential witnesses.

He also worried about others remaining in jail for 90 days with weak or insufficient evidence.

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Lauerman said the situation has improved.
The Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

A Georgia man has been found guilty of a hate crime and sentenced to deferred adjudication for making a death threat against Austin school district trustees in 2023.

A grand jury indicted Michael Boone, 57, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, for making a terroristic threat to cause serious bodily harm with a hate crime finding, according to a Thursday announcement from the Travis County District Attorneys Office. Boone pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted to the hate crime in July. His sentencing, on Aug. 28, was delayed because he lived out of state, the office said.

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Boone was sentenced to two years of deferred adjudication and ordered to complete 75 hours of community service, undergo treatment and counseling, and write an apology letter. He is also barred from contacting the Austin school district.

The Travis County District Attorneys Office does not tolerate acts of hate in our community, takes hate crimes seriously, and is committed to holding people who commit these crimes accountable, DA Jose Garza said in a statement.

The case stems from a message Boone sent to trustees on Aug. 11, 2023, a day before they were scheduled to participate in the Austin Pride Parade.

You sick pathetic humans for allowing and promoting this nonsense. Ill have my sniper rifle ready and pointed straight at you until one by one youre an oblivion in Americas history, but burning hotly in hell, the threat, posted to the districts communication app Lets Talk, read.

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Austin school district police traced the message to Georgia and requested assistance from the FBI, according to the DAs office. Hours before the Pride Parade began, the FBI and local police found and interviewed Boone, who admitted to posting the threat.
Austin Police Department cruiser. Austin American-Statesman

A former assistant principal at an IDEA charter school in North Austin was arrested Monday on accusations of an inappropriate relationship with a former student, according to an arrest affidavit.

Shonterrich J. Johnson, 29, was the assistant principal of instruction at IDEA Parmer Park on East Yager Lane. After multiple students raised concerns about his alleged relationship with a minor, police investigated and arrested him, the affidavit said. He is facing one count of an improper relationship between educator and student and one count of online solicitation of a minor.

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If convicted, Johnson could face up to 30 years in prison. His bond was set at $40,000, according to jail records.

Police said that on the day of the arrest, a group of girls approached an administrator at the school to report something they had been shown during a group Facetime call a month earlier. During that call, a male minor and former student at IDEA Parmer Park showed the group a series of sexual text messages he had allegedly exchanged with Johnson. Screenshots included in the affidavit show Johnson offering money in exchange for sex.

After learning of the accusations, administrators contacted the police.

"We are working in collaboration with law enforcement and taking appropriate actions in accordance with the law and network policy," IDEA Public Schools said. "IDEA is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of staff and students."

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Police said another student on the FaceTime call confirmed the text messages were real. That student also alleged he had received a graphic Snapchat video from an anonymous account he believed belonged to Johnson.
People cool off at Barking Springs, just downstream from Barton Springs Pool, on a hot afternoon, May 13, 2025. Austin police said Tuesday they are investigating an alleged assault at the springs over the weekend as a possible hate crime Jay Janner/American-Statesman

Two men face aggravated assault charges after a July altercation at Barton Springs left a bystander with a broken jaw. Police said the injuries occurred after the bystander intervened in a confrontation involving alleged transphobic harassment.

According to arrest affidavits filed Wednesday, Joshua McKeith Bell, 28, and Matthew Robert Villanueva, 29, are accused of attacking a woman and her friend during a dispute on July 26. The Austin Police Department said the case is being investigated as a potential hate crime.

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The affidavits state the confrontation began when Bell, Villanueva and another man approached a pair of women at the Barton Springs spillway. After the womens transgender friend arrived, the men allegedly began yelling transphobic slurs and called the group disgusting.

When the group confronted Bell, he allegedly yelled in one womans face, poked her in the chest and shoved her to the ground. When the womans male friend stepped between them, Bell punched him twice, according to the affidavit. Villanueva then allegedly struck the friend from his blind side, knocking him unconscious.

The friend was taken to a hospital, where doctors wired his jaw shut for four weeks to repair a fracture, according to the affidavits. He also suffered a punctured ear canal. Neither Bell nor Villanueva reported any injuries.

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Villanueva told police the victims provoked the conflict, saying, They just wanted to fight. Police said video evidence contradicts Villanuevas account. Footage shows Bell shoving the woman before punching the man, who appeared to be acting defensively.

By the time police arrived, Bell and Villanueva had already left. The two men have not been arrested, according to Travis County Jail records.

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The Austin Police Departments Hate Crime Review Committee is reviewing the case to determine whether bias or prejudice played a role in the attack. If the committee designates it a hate crime, prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties.
Lily Alvarez Wallace, left, and Morgan Wallace, right, parents of Ryan Wallace, speak after a sentencing hearing for Jerry Hernandez at the Bastrop County Courthouse on Thursday. Jerry Hernandez was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the March 2024 crash involving a Hays CISD bus that killed two, including Wallace and a pre-K student. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

BASTROP  Lily Alvarez-Wallace cant sleep at night, she told Jerry Hernandez on Thursday at the Bastrop County Courthouse.

Her son, Ryan Wallace, was a magnetic person who was working to make the world a better place. Her son was killed on March 22, 2024, when a concrete pump truck Hernandez was driving slammed into his car and a school bus carrying 44 children. Wallace had been on his way to pick up his nephews from school.

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You have also killed us in life as we mourn Ryan daily, she told Hernandez, who had just been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in the deadly crash.

Hernandez, 44, pleaded guilty in June to two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of a 5-year-old and 33-year-old Wallace during the March 22, 2024, rollover crash of a Hays school district bus.

Moments after the sentencing, Alvarez-Wallaces husband Morgan Wallace said he wasnt sure if hed ever see his wife and daughter smile again.

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My family and myself and other people in this courtroom have been sentenced to life, life without smiles or happiness, he said.

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He locked eyes with Hernandez as he returned to his seat. I hope you remember my face.

The Wallace family was among more than a dozen victims of the deadly crash who attended the sentencing hearing for Hernandez.

A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper looks at a school bus involved in a crash in Bastrop County that killed a student from the Hays school district on March 22, 2024. On Thursday, the truck driver who pleaded guilty to causing the crash was sentenced. Jay Janner / American-Statesman

Hernandez veered his truck into oncoming traffic on Texas 21, striking the school bus about 2 p.m. carrying 44 pre-kindergarten students and 11 adults who were returning from a field trip to the Capital of Texas Zoo in Bastrop County. The wreck killed Ulises Rodriguez Montoya, a pre-K student at Tom Green Elementary in the Hays school district, and Wallace, a University of Texas doctoral student from Bastrop who was driving a car behind the bus.

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The crash also left many of the other children and adults on the bus with critical or serious injuries.

Hernandez told investigators after the crash that he had smoked marijuana the night before, slept for about three hours, woke up at 12:30 a.m. and did a small amount of cocaine at 1 a.m. before going to work, according to the arrest affidavit. It said Hernandez also had failed drug tests for marijuana in December 2022 and for cocaine in April 2023.

As a result, he had a prohibited status on his commercial drivers license in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a national database that holds information about the drug and alcohol-related violations of drivers who hold commercial licenses.

Regardless, at the time, Hernandez was permitted to operate a concrete pump truck in Texas. As of November, states must downgrade licenses with a prohibited Clearinghouse status.

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Many of the victims present Thursday spoke directly to Hernandez, who sat at a table with his attorneys.

Trisha Zyrowski implored Hernandez to not turn away or close his eyes as she spoke to him, saying her son "is alive today but he never left the accident.

His personality changed, he doesnt sleep well, he fears going to school and he still has a piece of glass in his finger, she said.

You taught my son something, Zyroswski said. You taught him to fear.

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Wearing a Tom Green Elementary School shirt, Victoria Limon looked directly at Hernandez as she recounted how the crash shattered the lives of herself and her daughter, who were both on the bus.

I know God wants me to forgive you and I will in time, but I cant right now, Limon said. I feel like you knew what you were doing that day.

Truck driver Jerry Hernandez was arrested March 29 and charged with criminally negligent homicide. He remains in the Bastrop County Jail. Provided by Bastrop County

Hernandez attempted to respond to the victims multiple times. After Limon spoke, he said, If I could tell you my story, maam.

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When one teacher told him she hopes hell face his consequences, he said yes, maam.

During her testimony, Alvarez-Wallace said that she was sure Hernandez himself had a mother and father and children, to which he replied, I have three daughters.

Hernandez had initially been charged with two counts of criminal negligent homicide, which were dropped as part of a plea deal struck in June. He will also be concurrently serving a four-year term for a Hays County assault family violence conviction, stemming from January 2024 incident.

The 2011 bus was one of the few at the time without seat belts that the Hays school district used for regular student routes. The district has since accelerated plans to equip its entire fleet of buses with seat belts and installed them in all buses that students take on regular, daily routes.

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In May, the Texas Legislature also passed Senate Bill 546, which for the first time requires school districts to report the presence and cost of seat belts on their buses. The law also eliminates the exemption that allows buses built before 2018 to operate without restraints, though districts can still exempt themselves from the mandate if they can't afford purchasing new buses.

In a statement Thursday, the Hays school district said it is grateful for people seeking accountability in the March 2024 crash.

"Today, as it is on all days, the districts focus remains on lifting up those who suffered trauma and loss," according to the statement. "There is nothing that can ever bring back Ulises Montoya Rodriguez or Ryan Wallace. And, there is nothing that can ever erase the wounds, both physical and emotional, incurred on that fateful and tragic day."

The Wallace family told reporters after the hearing that they want Hernandez to serve the full 18 years because they dont feel like he showed remorse for his action.

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Truly today in speaking, he was smirking at me because of the comments I was making, said Diana Wallace, Ryans sister.

The family also intends to honor their sons wishes to do good in the world by advocating for laws to protect innocent people on the road.

We shouldnt have to wonder every car thats passing by or every truck, 'is that person on drugs,' 'has that person been drinking,' Lily Alvarez-Wallace said. That should have never been allowed.
Tara Karns-Wright, director of Naloxone Texas, left, and Kevin Kenney and Nik Sadecky of Communities for Recovery talk about getting naloxone into the hands of college students across the state. Nicole Villalpando/American-Statesman

Naloxone Texas has launched a campaign to get the overdose first-aid medication naloxone, known under the brand name Narcan, into the hands of college students. In Austin, Naloxone Texas is working with Communities for Recovery to do trainings and to distribute naloxone kits on campuses and to college groups.

It will be distributing kits and information from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, as well as other events in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

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College students are some of the most vulnerable populations for experiencing a drug overdose. Even as overdose deaths fell by 24% in the U.S. last year, they remain the leading cause of deaths for people ages 18 to 44, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Those deaths are largely fueled by fentanyl getting into the drug supply as a cheaper alternative to pure heroine or methamphetamine.

"It's still out there and it's a danger to anyone," said Nik Sadecky, a recovery support specialist at Austin's Communities for Recovery.

College, in particular, is a time of experimenting, and while people might think they are taking a Xanax or Adderall to help them study or something to have fun at a party, the fentanyl-laced drugs look exactly like the real thing, Sadecky said.

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"You do not ever know know what you are getting," said Kevin Kenney, the naloxone hub coordinator for Communities in Recovery.

Does naloxone work?

Naloxone, which is in a nasal spray much like allergy medications, works by blocking opioids like fentanyl from being effective in the brain. It only works on someone experiencing an opioid overdose, but it is not dangerous to give to someone who is not having an overdose. Giving someone naloxone cannot get you or the person you give it to in trouble legally because of Good Samaritan laws.

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The administration of naloxone throughout the community made a difference in a rash of fentanyl overdoses in May 2024. About 80% of the people EMS treated for fentanyl overdoses already had been given naloxone by someone before EMS arrived, said Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz.

Naloxone kits from Naloxone Texas can be mailed to you by filling out a form on NaloxoneTexas.com or at Communities for Recovery. Nicole Villalpando/American-Statesman

How can you get naloxone?

Anyone can fill out a form at NaloxoneTexas.com to receive a naloxone kit with two doses in it, gloves and a CPR mask to do breath support. Most of the medication is good for three to four years before it expires, but giving expired naloxone is better than giving no naloxone.

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On the website, community groups also can request a training or host an event. Naloxone Texas has had some interest from sororities and fraternities as well as college groups to hold events.

Naloxone Texas, which is a program of the Be Well Institute on Substance Use and Related Disorders at the University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, has grant funding through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission that will last through 2029 for this project.

"I would love to get everyone carrying naloxone in their backpacks," Sadecky said.

Think of naloxone like "another tool in your toolbox," said Tara Karns-Wright, director of Naloxone Texas. "It's like the Band-Aid you put in your first-aid kit."

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The difference with this Band-Aid, though, is you're not carrying it for yourself because a person who is experiencing an overdose cannot treat themselves. You are carrying it to help someone else. "If you are carrying it," Sadecky said. "you are a hero."

Naloxone kits from Naloxone Texas can be mailed to you by filling out a form on NaloxoneTexas.com or at Communities for Recovery. Nicole Villalpando/American-Statesman

Know the signs of an overdose

People experiencing an overdose have systemic problems in their body. They are:

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Not responsive or less responsive

Drowsy

Pinpoint pupils in their eyes

Difficulty breathing, or slow or no breathing

Discoloration of fingertips, such as a blue tinge

What to do if you find someone you think is overdosing

Call 911 to get help on the way

Administer naloxone

Check for a pulse. Administer CPR if there is no pulse. Fentanyl suppresses breathing, so sometimes people still have a heartbeat, but need breath support by doing CPR breaths and not the chest compressions

Wait until help arrives

Administer a second dose of naloxone if the person has not woken up within minutes or declines again.

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Sea buckthorn generates environmental, economic benefits in Qingyang, NW China's Gansu

People's Daily Online) 15:06, September 18, 2025

This summer, sea buckthorn puree from Huachi county, Qingyang city, in northwest China's Gansu Province was transported thousands of kilometers to Tianjin Port for export. The shipment marked the first time Gansu Province has exported sea buckthorn products internationally.

On the hillside of Chengguan village in Rouyuan town, Huachi county, Zhang Pengfei skillfully trims waist-high sea buckthorn trees. As head of a seedling farmers' cooperative, he has worked with sea buckthorn there for 16 years.

Photo shows sea buckthorn fruits produced in Huachi county, Qingyang city, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/Huang Xiao)

Huachi county, located on the edge of the Ziwuling forest area, has cultivated sea buckthorn cultivation. Over nearly two decades, the local government has promoted the industry in line with local conditions. The county's sea buckthorn forests now cover more than 470,000 mu (about 31,333 hectares).

"Sea buckthorn trees aren't picky about soil or climate, but the challenge is removing the husk without damaging the seed inside. It took us a long time to figure out," Zhang said.

Each spring, Zhang soaks the seeds in water at 60 degrees Celsius for 24 hours, dries them, and gently rubs off the husk by hand. The cooperative now produces 5 million seedlings a year using this method.

Huachi county produces more than 15 million sea buckthorn seedlings annually from over 150 mu of nurseries, supplying multiple provinces across China.

Photo shows a sea buckthorn forest in Qingyang city, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/Huang Xiao)

Senior engineer Liang Fan from Huachi county's bureau of natural resources leads a team in a valley in Rouyuan town, explaining how sea buckthorn grows in tea plantations.

"In tea plantations, sea buckthorn trees are planted more densely, grow shorter, and have a different male-to-female balance than in orchards," Liang noted.

The valley contains 500 mu of sea buckthorn tea plantations, with nearby hillsides hosting another 500 mu of orchards. An additional 9,000 mu of sea buckthorn forest extends across the surrounding area.

Huachi county sits at the northern edge of Qingyang, where the Loess Plateau meets the Mu Us Desert, forming a front line against northern sandstorms.

Photo shows sea buckthorn drinks produced by a company in Huachi county, Qingyang city, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/Lei Caili)

Sea buckthorn thrives in Huachi's harsh environment, withstanding cold, drought and sand. The hardy plant grows on mountain slopes, sandy soils and soft sandstone, even with limited rainfall.

Farmers cultivate sea buckthorn for tea on sheltered, sun-facing terraces for easier cultivation and harvesting. Growers choose large-fruited varieties with nutrient-rich, deep-green leaves that villagers harvest from spring through autumn for tea production. Flat areas with deeper soil and irrigation support are used for orchard cultivation instead.

Huachi county balances environmental protection with commercial cultivation as sea buckthorn orchards and tea plantations expand alongside ecological plantings.

Every September and October, Xian Cuili and her fellow villagers in Chengguan village enter their busiest season as sea buckthorn berries ripen for harvest.

A villager holds a basket of freshly picked sea buckthorn fruits in Huachi county, Qingyang city, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/Tian Wei)

Xian works with sea buckthorn throughout the year under a government-supported program where local forestry departments and enterprises manage cultivation. Villagers harvest berries during peak season, collect leaves for tea in three seasons, and plant new forests in spring and autumn. These activities generate average annual incomes exceeding 9,000 yuan (about $1,260) per villager.

On the production line of a biotechnology company, the fragrance of sea buckthorn tea fills the air as workers wash and dry freshly picked leaves before withering, rolling, roasting and scenting them.

The company, among Huachi county's first sea buckthorn processors, sources branches from local and regional farms. Over more than a decade, it developed products ranging from raw materials to puree and beverages for nationwide distribution, creating a crucial income source for local farmers.

Liang Fan (left) shows a villager how to pick sea buckthorn leaves in Huachi county, Qingyang city, northwest China's Gansu Province. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Song Chaojun)

Today, the company runs nine production lines for processing fruit, tea, puree and seed oil. In 2024, it purchased about 5,000 tonnes of sea buckthorn, launched more than 20 products and achieved a total output value of over 40 million yuan.

Local villagers benefit directly from the company's expansion through supply contracts and employment. The nine production lines source all fruit and leaves from local farmers, while over 100 villagers work at the factory.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Parents drop off their children last week at Barton Hills Elementary School, the day after a manhunt for a gunman in the neighborhood created security concerns. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

During last week's manhunt in the Barton Hills neighborhood after an officer-involved shooting at Zilker Park  in between on-again, off-again alerts about whether it was safe to go outside  Brian Jordans fourth grade son rode his bike to school. The 9-year-old later told his dad he passed a suspicious-looking man and wondered what he would do if the man tried to kidnap him. Sure enough that was the guy, Jordan told Statesman reporters.

Two days later, as Barton Hills Elementary parents rightly demanded answers about an incident that endangered young families bringing their kids to school, Austin school district Police Chief Wayne Sneed made a startling admission.

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Our current protocols focus on when students are present at campus, he said at a press conference about the Sept. 10 ordeal. But transition periods like morning arrivals, afternoon dismissal and lunchtimes, he said, are gaps in our emergency planning.

We recognize that situations with armed suspects on the run are complex and difficult to control. Still, it is hard to understand why the Austin school district would not have a safety protocol for a threat emerging at the beginning or end of the school day, as buses fill up with students, families gather outside and kids hop on their bikes  everyone just outside the protective school walls.

At the press conference, Sneed said the district will focus on creating those protocols and "working with our partners in building up our communication." We reached out to the district this week for elaboration. A spokesperson said the district is "planning an in-depth debrief on the issue that will result in updated protocols."

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These "gaps" in emergency planning are particularly difficult to comprehend given the intense focus on campus safety in recent years, after school shootings in Santa Fe and Uvalde, as well as other tragedies around the country. In the 26 years since the Columbine High School massacre launched the country headlong into this regrettable new normal, American schools have been the scenes of 435 shootings, according to a database maintained by The Washington Post. Researchers at the State University of New York found that schools are the second most common places where mass shootings occur, surpassed only by workplaces. And indirect threats like armed fugitives on the run near campuses don't even make those lists.

Austin school district officers are shown Sept. 10 outside Barton Hills Elementary. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis noted the Sept. 10 incident in Barton Hills  in which a gunman fatally shot his girlfriend and wounded an officer at Zilker Park  was the very rare circumstance of a suspect fleeing the scene of a violent crime in proximity to parents taking their kids to school. Still, it is imperative that Austin schools have a protocol for handling such moments.

Law enforcement agencies and school administrators need to prepare for the evolving scenarios that are impacting schools, Kenneth Trump, president of the Cleveland-based National School Safety and Security Services, told us.

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He pointed to two recent shootings on school campuses to illustrate his point. One at a high school in Evergreen, Colorado, on the same day as the Zilker Park manhunt, occurred during lunchtime. A mother told reporters that her son and other students in the cafeteria were unsure of what to do because their active shooter drills had always been in the classroom. The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis two weeks earlier occurred as students gathered in the chapel for a worship service before classes began.

While schools and police cannot foresee every eventuality, they should "at a minimum" discuss the hypothetical situations that can happen outside of the typical classroom setting, Trump said.

Spencer Fomby, an Austin-based law enforcement consultant, told us that an active threat near a school may prompt the diversion of students already en route. This raises logistical issues such as where to take the children and how to notify parents of the change in plans.

There is often an "information gap" between what authorities know and what the public hears in such chaotic situations, the retired police captain said. He highlighted the importance of having procedures in place and practicing them in drills or tabletop exercises.

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After more than a quarter century of heightened awareness about school safety, it's hard to believe we can still be caught off-guard by new dangers to students and faculty. As recent events have shown, threats outside of classroom hours are in no way unexpected. That's why the Austin school district and its police department must not only expand their protocols to include the school day's transition periods, but put them into practice before the next time they're needed.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, center, surrounded by other Democratic members of Congress and Texas House Democrats, speaks during a press conference at the Democratic Party in Warrenville, Ill., Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Nam Y. Huh/AP Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a news conference at his office at the Capitol with U.S Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Even as some Texas Democrats are optimistic about their chances in next years midterm elections, the partys most recognizable names are so far avoiding the chance to take on Gov. Greg Abbott, whose approval rating is at an all-time low as he seeks a record fourth term.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Dallas Democrat who has among the highest name recognition in the state, told Hearst Newspapers this week that the only statewide race she is considering is for U.S. Senate  potentially joining an already crowded Democratic primary featuring two of the partys other most prominent young prospects: James Talarico and Colin Allred.

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But Abbott is fresh off a series of polarizing battles  from his push for school vouchers to redrawing the states congressional map  that showed the Republican governor closer than ever before to President Donald Trump. That no major candidate appears ready to challenge him has left some Democrats and political analysts scratching their heads.

I think failing to run a serious candidate against Greg Abbott is a mistake, said Matt Angle, a Democratic strategist. Theres a sense hes more vulnerable than any other time hes been governor. Hes become such a polarizing figure.

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The governor had a 40% job approval in August, according to polling by the University of Texas at Austins Texas Politics Project. It was the lowest approval rating he has registered since taking office in 2015. Half of Texas voters disapprove of Abbott, meanwhile  matching an all-time high in 2021. The trend was even worse among independents, 55% of whom disapproved, though that was down from a peak of 60% in June. Just 19% approved.

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A majority of Texas voters also said they believe the state is on the wrong track for the first time since August 2023. Only 38% said it is headed in the right direction.

Joshua Blank, a political scientist at the University of Texas at Austins Texas Politics Project, said the findings dont mean Abbott is vulnerable at the moment. The governor has a massive war chest, no serious Republican primary challengers and plenty of time to moderate his messaging.

Underscoring the lack of competition from Democrats, Abbott has appeared more focused on fending off any potential challenges from the right. He has spent the last week targeting critics of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk in the wake of his assassination, singling out college students and teachers online, often in response to conservative accounts.

The polling is likely more a reflection of Abbotts closeness to Trump, which was highlighted in some of the years biggest political battles. The president gave Abbotts push for school vouchers a boost, urging House Republicans to support the legislation that subsidizes private education with public dollars. And later, Abbott pushed through an effort to redraw the states congressional maps that Trump sought to boost the GOP in the midterms.

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That closeness could be a boon for Democrats, who had their most successful election in recent history with Trump in the White House during the 2018 midterms, Blank said.

Is he vulnerable? Not currently, Blank said of Abbott. However, if people's concerns about the economy dont reverse, if 2026 looks like 2018, and if Democrats manage to put together a credible ticket thats well funded, we could see a pretty competitive election.

The thing thats sort of inexplicably missing at this point is a challenger, Blank said.

Angle said he is confident a competitive race will develop. He said he thinks many Democrats were waiting to see how the Senate field shook out. That race has drawn most of the attention, with an already bruising Republican primary between U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who Democrats see as an ideal opponent.

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Talarico, a Round Rock Democrat who has shown a penchant for stirring up viral moments, was the latest to jump in  after spending the beginning of the year positioning himself as the most visible opponent of Abbotts voucher push, which many saw as a sign he was gearing up to challenge the governor.

Hell face Allred, a former Dallas congressman whose well-funded bid against U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz last year made him one of the states best-known Democrats.

Abbott is not without any challengers already. Bobby Cole, a rancher and retired firefighter, has filed to run. Bay City Councilman Benjamin Flores is running, as well.

The field appears set to grow. Andrew White, son of the late Gov. Mark White, on Tuesday filed initial papers to run for governor again. The 52-year-old Houstonian lost a Democratic primary runoff in 2018 to Lupe Valdez, the former Dallas County sheriff who later lost to Abbott in the November general election.

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State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, an Austin Democrat, recently registered several domain names indicating she could be gearing up for a gubernatorial campaign. A source familiar with her plans said she is strongly considering all her options for how to serve Texas.

Beto ORourke, the states best-known Democrat, hasnt publicly ruled out a rematch against Abbott after losing his 2022 bid.

ORourke declined to comment for this article, but earlier this year, he told CBS11: Im taking nothing off the table.
For its 15th year, Ressence turns the spotlight outward, publishing a future-facing book that profiles 20 creative leaders building tomorrow.

The future offers more than the past, writes Benoit Mintiens, founder of Ressence, in the introduction to Ahead of Time , a new book launched to celebrate the independent watch brands 15th anniversary in 2025.

Far from a typical horology retrospective, Ahead of Time challenges some of the most visionary creative minds of our time  including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, and Kering CEO Luca de Meo  to imagine our shared future.

This book is not about watchmaking, its about mindset, explains Mintiens, who chose to use the Antwerp- based, Swiss-made watch brands milestone as an opportunity to profile a curated selection of entrepreneurs and industry leaders daring to take risks, to be ahead of time and to build something better.

Ahead of Time, a new book launched to celebrate the independent watch brands 15th anniversary in 2025  Ressence

Instead of turning the lens inward with a retrospective, we believed it was more important to use this moment to take inspiration from others  those who share our brand values and are building a brighter future with imagination, intent, and resolve.

The lushly produced title, created in collaboration with Belgian publisher Luster, spans 230+ pages of long- form conversations with 20 visionaries across a broad range of industries.

From the Manhattan studio of architect Daniel Libeskind, who explains how the future of architecture lies in buildings that touch our emotions, to the Danish design lab of Bang & Olufsen, where Tiina Karjalainen Kierysch is reimagining technology as emotional ritual, an optimistic narrative emerges.

Drawing on the credibility and diverse insights of these thinkers, Mintiens notes that the people in this book maintain that childlike wonder while shaping the future  a quality Ressence hopes to inspire in every reader.

With voices from Apples Phil Schiller, Lonneke Gordijn of the Amsterdam-based art collective Studio Drift, Googles Ivy Ross, Michelin-starred chef Virgilio Martinez, and comedian Tom Segura, the book offers a wide-angle lens on the future  one that encourages readers to approach tomorrow with open minds.

"Ahead of Time" will be available in selected book stores and on ressencewatches.com from September, in Europe, and globally from late October.

Cover of Ahead of Time, a new book launched to celebrate the independent watch brands 15th anniversary in 2025  Ressence

Visionaries' Views (taken from Ahead of Time)

Sam Altman  CEO, OpenAI (Technology)

As both OpenAIs CEO and a clean-energy investor, Altman believes responsibly applied technology can radically improve lives, underscoring the books message: the future is full of potential if we choose to shape it with care. If you can relax the constraints on intelligence and energy, I dont think we fully understand yet what that world will look like It will be a world of great abundance.

Ivy Ross  VP of Design, Google (Design / Tech)

Ross argues that new technology, thoughtfully designed, should enhance human connection, not detract from it: Artificial intelligence has been with us for quite a while, but now its being amped up. It begs the question: what does it mean to be human? I see technology as an enabler and a toolits all about how you use it.

Luca de Meo  CEO, Kering (Business / Luxury)

From cars to couture, the former Renault CEO turned Kering chief believes emotionnot automationwill define tomorrows best brands. I dont call it artificial intelligence I call it augmented intelligence. Its a tool.

Stefan Sagmeister  Graphic Designer & Author (Design)

Stefan Sagmeister insists were living in a better world than we think. Id rather be alive now than twenty years ago Right now, democracy is going a step back, but weve been going two steps forward for a long time.

Lonneke Gordijn  Co-founder, Studio DRIFT (Art / Technology)

Dutch artist Lonneke Gordijn believes technologys future lies in strengthening emotional bonds, not weakening them. At Studio DRIFT, she creates installations blending art, nature, and innovation to unite people around shared experiences. We have a mission here as artists to promote the idea, knowledge, and system of uniting ourselves in one direction, Gordijn says, highlighting technologys potential to bring us closer together in meaningful ways.
I can follow you like a dog to the end of the world. If it werent Jacob Elordi uttering it, this quote would be considered questionable. But the young heartthrob manages to make it sound relevant in the much-criticized trailer for the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which will be released in early 2026. Leaving aside the controversy surrounding Mr. Heathcliff not being played by an actor who matches Emily Brontes description of the character, the most curious thing is that a line like that doesnt look out of place in 2025. On the contrary, it even seems that these declarations of love are trending thanks to the return of romantic comedies and period dramas. In the recent release Materialists, the climax came when Chris Evans character said: When I see your face, I see wrinkles and children that look like you. A quote that could almost have come from the mouth of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, considering that director Celine Song has acknowledged the direct influence she gleaned from Jane Austens work. Given this parade of gallantry, one might ask: is the romantic man back in fashion?

Netflix seems to think so. It first proved it with the furor caused by Jonathan Bailey and Rege-Jean Page as the romantic heroes in Bridgerton. And now, while it continues to order more seasons of the period drama, it has begun production on the next major adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. If several generations fell in love with Colin Firths Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC series and millennials were obsessed with Matthew Macfadyens version in Joe Wrights film, which is now 20 years old, the platform is now looking to give Generation Z the opportunity to do so again with a new actor: Jack Lowden. The same is true of Elordi, who takes over from other generational icons such as Laurence Olivier, Timothy Dalton, and Ralph Fiennes in the role of Mr. Heathcliff. The same characters, conceived two centuries ago, still captivate generation after generation thanks to cinema.

Mr. Darcy remains iconic, and thats partly because many people fell more in love with Colin Firth diving into the lake than with the original character, says Miguel Angel Jordan, a doctor in English philology from the University of Valencia and vice president of the Jane Austen Society in Spain. Jordan argues that the character embodies several traits that are still embedded in the sentimental upbringing of many young people. Without realizing it, he created an archetype. Hes a man who takes time to get to know. At first, he seems proud and distant, but then he becomes profound and sensitive. We all like to go beyond appearances, as if it were a treasure hunt. Initial kindness isnt as attractive as the satisfaction of gradually discovering and being surprised by your partner, says Jordan, who is awaiting the publication of his next book: a guide to having satisfying romantic relationships based on advice from Jane Austen.

The Mr. Darcy archetype is the same as Mr. Heathcliffs, in a more rugged version, and, as Jordan notes, it has become entrenched in Hollywood writing manuals, especially in young adult sagas. Even without the sideburns and boots typical of the English Regency period, Robert Pattinsons pale vampire in Twilight, the enigmatic Four in the Divergent saga, and even Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games perfectly capture the figure. These contemporary Darcys also frequently appear in romantic comedies, a genre of which Jane Austen can well be considered a precursor. These include classics such as Youve Got Mail, the Bridget Jones films (directly inspired by Pride and Prejudice and in which Firth plays Marcus Darcy, a contemporary of the original character) and, of course, the recent Materialists, which brings themes so typical of Austen  such as class difference  to the world of speed dating in New York. However, despite such a huge number of adaptations, the archetype of the great romantic man is not without controversy. For many, he is the living embodiment of patriarchal dynamics.

Romantic or problematic

Josep M. Armengol, author of Reescrituras de la masculinidad (Rewriting masculinity, 2022) and professor of gender studies and American literature at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, has no doubts about this: The ideal of the romantic man has no qualities worth celebrating. He argues that this Prince Charming has evolved to adapt to late capitalism, like Mr. Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey or Mr. Big, Carrie Bradshaws great love in Sex and the City, but he is still just as dangerous. Firstly, because of the soulmate syndrome, that is, the need to be completed by someone else, and secondly, because of the feeling of possessiveness, which is absolutely sexist, he explains.

For Armengol, this archetype of the perfect lover, irresistible and afraid of commitment, has historically been reinforced in plots in opposition to another: the committed but boring husband. They are two sides of the same toxic conception of love. With women at the center, cinema has for years, and in all types of genres, created hundreds of love triangles that follow this formula. From Scarlett OHaras debate between Ashley Wilkes and Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind to Casablanca, The Bridges of Madison County, or even the recent Challengers. Ultimately, theres a lack of alternative models to these two that go beyond or deconstruct this binary, perhaps due to a lack of imagination or an exhaustion of narratives, Armengol argues.

The problem, however, isnt just industry-wide. Armengol also points out that the return of the romantic hero is linked to a tendency among young audiences to idolize old gender roles while distrusting the ideology behind them. Many young girls say they are attracted to heteronormative models of romantic love, and there are some women who claim the role of mother and wife as a choice, voluntarily giving up a professional career for love  so-called tradwives  and it reflects a clear regression. There is no doubt that there is an anti-gender ideology that promotes patriarchal ideals of love as new or subversive.

It is within this thorny ecosystem that the literary boom of dark romance is taking place. This young adult genre, fervently devoured by Generation Z and driven by networks like TikTok, rejects healthy relationships and takes up that romantic archetype, taking it to morbid and erotic extremes like violence or abuse. The books carry a warning on their first page about the themes they cover, but they are still consumed by younger teenagers. Specifically, Emerald Fennells new Wuthering Heights has been widely criticized for forgetting the original story to turn it into a dark romance to the beat of another generational icon, Charli XCX, who composes several pieces for the film. The controversial trailer is soundtracked by a remix of one of her songs, Everything is Romantic.

That word is precisely, according to the gender expert, the beginning of the problem: I dont like the term romantic because it has heteropatriarchal roots. So, is it impossible to create new models of healthier romantic men? I do believe we can talk about sensitive and egalitarian men. Redefining these romantic ideals is essential to rethinking hegemonic masculinity. We must deconstruct the image of the emotional man as feminized and recognize the masculine potential of emotions. Virility has traditionally been associated with sexual conquest, not love. Therefore, we must also reformulate male sexuality to change the bonds it has often denied. Until that great change comes, he acknowledges, the influence of the romantic ideal will remain as that: an ideal. And theres nothing cinema loves more than a good unattainable utopia. Especially if it has Jacob Elordis face.

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The new generation of obesity drugs achieves astonishing weight loss, as much as 24% in their most modern versions. But when evaluating them, we tend to focus on the success stories: the until and not the from. However, not everyone responds equally to treatment, and a recent study may have pointed to the reason. A group of scientists monitored 92 people with diabetes in Japan during their first year of treatment with weight-loss drugs and discovered that the patients psychology can affect the success of these therapies. People who overate at the sight or smell of tasty food were more likely to respond well to the drugs over the long term, while those who overate for emotional reasons were less likely to do so.

This finding could help personalize treatment for future patients. Assessing eating behavior patterns will help predict who will benefit most from therapy with GLP-1 receptor agonists [such as Ozempic], said Professor Daisuke Yabe of Kyoto University, senior author of the article published in Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare.

Overall, participants experienced a statistically significant reduction in body weight over the course of the year. However, some differences in outcomes were observed based on eating behaviors. At three months, participants reported fewer behaviors associated with external or emotional eating. But at 12 months, emotional eating behaviors returned to baseline levels. One possible explanation is that emotional eating is influenced by psychological factors that are not addressed by GLP-1 receptor agonists, Yabe stated.

The study has limitations, notes Cristobal Morales, an endocrinologist at Vithas Hospital in Seville who is not involved in this new research. Its small and not a clinical trial, as it relies on patient data. But what it says makes sense and supports numerous similar studies.

One factor worth highlighting is that it stems from the idea of obesity in the plural. A group of researchers led by Andres J. Acosta, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic (USA), distinguished four types. They then proposed classifying obesity not only numerically  using scientifically questioned criteria, such as BMI  but also by phenotypes that combine physiological and behavioral traits. They then began to talk about emotional hunger (those who seek a dopaminergic reward through food, explains Morales), brain hunger (the hypothalamic regulation of satiety is sometimes impaired), hungry gut (when gut-brain communication doesnt work properly), and people with slow burn (who have very low resting calorie expenditure). What we see in the clinic is that its usually a mixture; I dont know anyone who has a pure phenotype, the expert notes. But this classification can help distinguish the causes of a complex disease.

Combining drugs and psychotherapy

Weight-loss drugs act on appetite and hedonic pathways, which can reduce impulsive eating behaviors. However, if emotional eating is linked to trauma, depression, anxiety, or other emotional problems, the ideal treatment should combine pharmacology and specialized psychotherapy. This was the conclusion of a meta-analysis conducted at the University of Staten Island (USA) on people with binge eating disorders and bulimia nervosa.

Another study from the University of Pisa (Italy) analyzed more than 300 candidates for bariatric surgery. They were given various tests to determine which phenotype they fit. Those who scored high on the emotional eating scale  that is, those whose hunger was more closely linked to emotions  were much more likely to regain weight after the procedure. The authors suggested the need to analyze the psychological dimension in these patients.

Cinthya Gonzalez Garcia, a psychologist specializing in nutrition and obesity at the Aure psychological clinic in Madrid, has been working on this for years. Weight loss doesnt depend solely on what happens in the body, she explains in a message exchange. The relationship with food is perhaps the factor that has been least addressed medically, but it is key to long-term, sustainable weight loss. Gonzalez welcomes the study, stating that it is very similar to what she has seen in her practice. In my experience with patients who undergo bariatric surgery, the outcome is similar. Initially, surgery helps almost everyone lose weight. However, those who engage in emotional eating do worse in maintaining weight loss over the long term.

Strategies against the rebound effect

Weight loss drug treatment has relatively low adherence. Despite experts advocating for lifelong adherence, more than half of patients abandon it after a year. Considering these data, it seems clear that psychological treatment would be advisable.

The bariatric surgery referral criteria manual, published by the Spanish Ministry of Health in 2016, establishes that eating disorders must be ruled out or pretreated. Many public and private hospitals require a psychological report before performing this procedure. Drug treatment is much less invasive and does not carry the same risks as surgery. However, the lessons learned from that experience can be applied to this one. Taking into account not only the patients morphology, but also their psychology, can make a difference. A 2021 study published in the scientific journal Obesity found that 79% of patients with phenotype-guided treatment lost weight, compared to 34% in those who did not use this guideline.

GLP-1 agonist drugs reduce physical appetite, but not emotional hunger, Gonzalez summarizes. This can lead to significant initial weight loss and a long-term rebound, as the cause of obesity isnt being addressed; its merely a temporary band-aid. If the psychological aspect isnt addressed, over time or after stopping the medication, the emotional patterns reappear. In these cases, even if the body feels full, the mind continues to seek relief in food, the specialist concludes.

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The story is becoming increasingly bizarre and has entangled its protagonists in a painful transition to settle years of controversy. Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, a few weeks ago sued an American influencer who claimed the French presidents wife was a man. They announced at the time that they were prepared to go to any lengths to prove it was defamation. The British broadcaster BBC has now announced that both plan to present photographic and scientific evidence to dispel this claim, which has been dragging on for years.

The lawsuit was filed in the United States against far-right influencer Candace Owens. The 218-page document, filed in the state of Delaware, accuses Owens of spreading absurd, defamatory, and completely fictitious statements.

Among the main claims made by Owens, known for her support for Donald Trump and transphobic remarks, was that Brigitte Macron was born a man, under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux (which is actually her brothers name). Furthermore, the influencer has claimed that the president and first lady are blood relatives and that Macron is the product of a CIA human experiment or a government mind-control program. A leap forward, so to speak, compared to previous conspiracy theories.

Speaking to the BBCs Fame Under Fire podcast, Thomas Clare, the Macrons lawyer in the case, explained that both scientific and photographic evidence will be provided. This includes images of Brigitte Macron during her pregnancy and while raising her children, which will be presented under U.S. judicial rules. If the lawsuit is successful, the couple would also have to travel to the U.S. to testify in a jury trial. The case, however, originated on the other side of the Atlantic.

The story began in 2021 on a YouTube channel dedicated to clairvoyance. Amandine Roy, a supposed medium who mixed esotericism with anti-government rants, one day conducted a telephone interview with a woman calling herself Natasha Rey, who claimed to be a journalist. The mysterious figure (wearing a hat and sunglasses) had spent years on a supposed investigation that culminated in the hoax that has since spread. Brigitte Macron was, in fact, her brother Jean-Michel Trogneux. She died very young, Rey claimed, and he supposedly changed sex and assumed his sisters identity.

The interview, which ran for more than two hours, unraveled other delirious details about the children of the presidents wife and Macron himself. Both women shared photos of Brigitte Macron and her family, talked about surgeries she allegedly underwent, claimed she was not the mother of the couples three children, and divulged personal information about her brother. Unexpectedly, it became a viral hit and a trending topic on social media, where it took on a life of its own through accounts linked to the far right.

Brigitte Macron filed a lawsuit against both women, which she won in the first instance. The problem for the wife of the French head of state is that a Parisian appeals court decided to overturn the ruling and acquitted them last week of the 18 articles that had been the subject of the complaint. Only one passage referring to an alleged crime of corruption of minors fell within the scope of Frances press law, but even on that point, the court issued an acquittal, this time finding that they had acted in good faith. Brigitte and her brother, however, persisted with an appeal to the Supreme Court, which must now be processed.

The couples defamation case now centers on Becoming Brigitte, an eight-part series Owens released this year. The Macrons face a legal challenge in this case, as U.S. defamation laws require public figures to demonstrate actual malice aforethought, meaning that the person knew the information they were spreading was false.

The principle here is the truth, the Macrons lawyer told the Financial Times. They believe its important to defend themselves Owens has had multiple opportunities to do the right thing, and in response, shes just mocked them.

Owenss lawyers have responded with a motion to dismiss, arguing that the case was filed in Delaware, where her companies are incorporated, and not in Tennessee, where she resides. They argue that requiring her to defend herself in Delaware would impose a substantial financial and operational burden.

The Macrons lawyer stated on the BBC podcast that Brigitte Macron found the accusations incredibly painful and that they were a distraction for the French president. I dont want to imply that this has caused him to lose his way. But, like anyone trying to balance their career and family life, when your family is under attack, it affects you. And hes not immune to that because hes the president of a country, Clare said.

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Wolves are making a comeback in many parts of Europe, after centuries of persecution. The continent has seen a 58% increase in a decade, and populations of brown bears, lynx and wolverines are also on the rise. Yet conservation policies tend to be stuck in a crisis mindset designed for species on the brink of extinction. That approach no longer fits todays reality, and may even fuel the mounting backlash against nature restoration efforts, argue researchers in a new commentary in the journal Conservation Letters.

Ultimately, success means moving beyond species survival to fostering coexistence that balances ecological recovery with social legitimacy, says Centre researcher Erica von Essen, co-author of the commentary with Hanna Pettersson from the University of York.



In other words, the time has come to move beyond an emergency modality to managing the species recovery.

From decline to coexistence

Increased abundance is difficult to adjust to, for a number of ecological and political reasons, the authors argue. The recent decision to downlist the wolf in the EU from strictly protected to protected status marks a turning point. It has sparked tensions between conservation NGOs defending strict protection and rural communities seeking more flexible management.

Von Essen and Pettersson stress that this shift should not necessarily be seen as a rollback. Instead, it can be an opportunity to modernize conservation with adaptive, inclusive, and cross-border approaches  including tools like zoning strategies and upper population limits to balance ecological and social needs.

Why old narratives fall short

Politics, lobbying, and sensationalism have always played a significant role in European carnivore conservation efforts, on both sides of the debate, the authors write.

Farmers and hunters often frame themselves as victims, sharing dramatic social media posts of carnivore attacks to argue that green policies threaten rural life.

On the other hand, some conservation NGOs have struggled to move past the wolf-as-victim narrative. For example, they respond to reports of species recovery as a whole in Europe by re-framing the scale: suggesting wolves for example can be threatened locally as sub-populations.

Such NGOs also have a tendency to exaggerate the ecological role of wolves, frequently citing the reintroduction of wolves in the Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. as proof of their transformative effect on whole landscapes. But this claim does not hold up well, at least not in Europe, the authors write. Contrary to widespread claims, there is limited evidence that more carnivores will make these landscapes more balanced, such as by resolving ungulate overpopulation, they argue:

The best available science to date has shown that such effects for wolves are highly variable and usually undetectable in most European contexts.

New narratives for coexistence

The commentary is timely, given ongoing efforts to set targets for the EU Nature Restoration Law. Moving forward, von Essen and Pettersson argue, we need new visions and policies for wolves in European landscapes.

These cannot hinge on wolves cleaning up our ecological mess for us, nor be authored solely by conservationists or farming and hunting groups, they write. Instead, coexistence policies must be grounded in scientific evidence, adaptive management, and transparent dialogue  ensuring that both ecological and socio-economic realities are considered.
Air Force 2nd Lt. Brody Adams, 374th Operations Support Squadron weather environmental officer, performs the deadlift portion of the Warrior Fitness Test during the April Samurai Cup Challenge at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 22, 2025. The Air Force has launched a program called the Culture of Fitness initiative that, among other things, will implement 24-hour access to all fitness facilities and provide healthier dining options to service members. (Macaiah Honable/U.S. Air Force)



WASHINGTON  The U.S. Air Force and Space Force are working to implement 24-hour access to all fitness facilities and provide healthier dining options to service members, the Air Force announced Thursday.

The service launched a program called the Culture of Fitness initiative to reinvigorate a holistic culture of well-being after conducting a review of Air Force programs. The Air Force has been making changes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in March ordered a review and enhancement of physical fitness standards.

Having a Culture of Fitness for the Department of the Air Force is more than just physical training, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in a statement. It is about making sure we enable airmen and guardians to be wholly resilient, healthy and ready to defend our nation.

The memo signed by Meink on Wednesday appeared on Facebook. The secretary wrote that the department found the traditional approach has fallen short of fostering the well-being of service members.

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier will lead the department through this reform by overseeing the Air Force and Space Force efforts. He will provide regular updates to Meink every 30 days, according to the memo.

This initiative will ensure our Air Force and Space Force remain capable and lethal, Lohmeier said. I am honored to champion this effort, but its success depends upon proper attention from our command teams across the department. You have my commitment that I will provide you with the resources and guidance necessary for you to succeed.

Lohmeier, the services No. 2 civilian leader, is a former Space Force officer who was relieved of command in 2021 over remarks stemming from a book he wrote on Marxist thinking within the U.S. military.
The Spangdahlem Air Base Honor Guard presents the colors as the German and U.S. national anthems play at the 52nd Fighter Wing Air Force Ball at Bitburg, Germany, Sept. 13, 2025. (Max Daigle/U.S. Air Force)



The Air Force is celebrating 78 years of being established as an independent branch of the military.

Not to be overshadowed by the Army, Navy and Marine Corps 250th birthdays this year, Air Force bases across the country and around the world have spent the last few weeks holding performances, balls and cake-cuttings.

The musical duo 3OH!3 performs during Laughlin Air Force Bases Summer Bash, which celebrates the end of summer and the Air Forces 78th birthday, at Laughlin AFB, Texas, Sept. 12, 2025. The event was open to the public. (Darryl Keith/U.S. Air Force)

Robert Paley, 100th Air Refueling Wing historian, speaks during the 501st Combat Support Wing Air Force Ball at Whittlebury Park Hotel in the United Kingdom, Sept. 12, 2025. (Adam Enbal/U.S. Air Force)

The oldest and youngest airmen at the Air Force birthday celebration at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., cut the birthday cake, Sept. 12, 2025. (Aaron Hill/U.S. Air Force)

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Metzler, right, 100th Mission Support Group commander, and the most junior servicemembers attending the Air Force Ball at Royal Air Force Mildenhall cut the cake during the celebration at the British base, Aug. 16, 2025. (Cody J. A. Mott/U.S. Air Force)

U.S. Air Force Col. James M. Clark, commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the 11th Wing, right, shakes hands with an attendee of the bases Air Force Ball, celebrating the services 78th birthday, in Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. (Hayden Hallman/U.S. Air Force)



The services birthday is being celebrated outside of air bases as well: the National WWII museum in New Orleans has free admission on Thursday in honor of the birthday, as does the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va. The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is holding a celebration at the Clay Township Military Library and Museum.

Members of MILITARY STAR can also access one-day savings in honor of the birthday, and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering thousands in sweepstakes prizes.

The Department of the Air Force was created on Sept. 18, 1947, months after the signing of the National Security Act, with the transfer of personnel from the Army Air Forces.

The first secretary of the Air Force, W. Stuart Symington, and the services first first chief of staff, Gen. Carl Spaatz, at a press conference announcing the new organizational set-up for the Department of the Air Force, 1947. (U.S. Air Force)

Stuart Symington was sworn in as the first Secretary of the Air Force by Chief Justice Fred Vinson on Sept. 18, 1947, establishing the USAF as truly an independent arm of the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force)



During World War II, the Army Air Forces swelled in size to count millions of personnel and tens of thousands of aircraft, becoming nearly autonomous in the process. When a new department for air forces was established in 1947, the nascent branch was trying to consolidate itself during a broad, national demobilization. Consolidate it did  the rest is history.

Including civilians and reservists, the Air Force today boasts a total force of over 689,000 personnel. That includes about 318,000 airmen in active service for fiscal year 2025. The number is set to remain strong, as the Department of the Air Force (which includes the Space Force) in June reached its annual recruiting goal three months ahead of schedule.
Sgt. Adrian Herrera, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, calibrates a C-100 drone for a test flight at Ben Ghilouf Training Area, Tunisia, April 20, 2025. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll says the focus of a new initiative, called FUZE, would be on drones and anti-drone weapons. (Jose Lora/U.S. Army)



The Army announced plans Monday to spend $750 million per year on a new initiative to bring Silicon Valley-style entrepreneurial speed to weapons development, particularly drone and anti-drone technology.

Transformation is not just a goal, its an operational necessity, said Matt Willis, director of Army Innovation Programs.

Willis, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and other Army leaders touted the new initiative, called FUZE, at the Demand Signal Forum on Monday at George Mason University Arlington Annex in Virginia before an audience that included military leaders, tech industry representatives, defense contractors and analysts.

The goal is to finance early investment in innovative technology that could swiftly be brought from tech firm designers to troops.

Are they getting the tools they need fast enough to dominate on the battlefield? Driscoll asked the audience. If the answer is anything less than an unequivocal yes, then we have a moral duty to change.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announces FUZE innovation initiative on Sept. 15, 2025, at George Mason University Arlington Annex, Va. (U.S. Army)



Driscoll said the venture-capital-like initiative would accelerate the process of moving ideas from blueprints to battlefields by investing early in promising ideas. FUZE would mimic the business-incubator model of simultaneous development and production frequently used in Silicon Valley, the tech center in Northern California.

Driscoll said an early focus of FUZE funds would be on drones and anti-drone weapons. During his Senate confirmation hearing in February, Driscoll said the Army had to find new ways to counter possible enemy swarming drone strikes.

We can no longer shoot $4 million missiles to take down a $400 drone  that simple math doesnt add up, he told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

FUZE-funded systems would operate outside, but alongside, the traditional defense acquisition system, where major programs currently can take years to go from idea to prototype to development and then, finally, production and delivery.

FUZE will funnel funds through existing Pentagon and industry initiatives, such as Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer, xTech, Manufacturing Technology and Technology Maturation initiatives.

The Army will offer prize competitions, such as a $500,000 xTech prize and a $2.5 million Counterstrike Competition, the Army said in a statement Tuesday.

Driscoll said soldiers input using the new weapons could be incorporated to make updates and changes from cradle to the grave of a systems service life.

Army officials said more information on FUZE competitions would be available at the Association of the United States Army convention in Washington, Oct. 13-15.
Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the capital in the face of intense Israeli attacks. Al Mawasi, one of the designated safe areas, is overflowing with displaced people facing shortages of food, water, and shelter

Mohammed al-Dahdouh unloads his 15-member familys belongings from the back of a truck onto the sand of Khan Younis beach. With jerky movements, the 38-year-old Palestinian barber and father of five throws mattresses, blankets, bags of clothing, and household goods onto the ground, a gesture that reflects more anger than concern for possessions that represent the remnants of his former life in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. God is enough for us, he repeats over and over again, his voice echoing across the beach, where thousands of other displaced families are trying to build makeshift shelters after failing to secure even a small piece of land to set up their tents. Please calm down. For the children, they need you, pleads his wife, Mariam, 35, who sits on the sand and hugs their youngest daughter, six-year-old Mais.

Al-Dahdouhs family is among more than 320,000 Palestinians who, according to Israeli military authorities, have fled Gaza City in recent days as the bombardment has intensified, rendering entire neighborhoods uninhabitable. The Israeli army, which has also begun a ground offensive in the Gaza capital, has designated the entire city as a dangerous combat zone and on Wednesday warned the half-million civilians still in the area to leave within 48 hours. Meanwhile, it has intensified airstrikes, drone strikes, and artillery fire.

Mohammed al-Dahdouh's family unloads their belongings from a truck after being forced to evacuate their home in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. Mohamed Solaimane

The situation in Gaza is absolutely catastrophic and terrifying, beyond belief, explains Al-Dahdouh, his voice still heavy with emotion. We moved several times within the city, but Israeli bombing and death followed us everywhere. There was nowhere else to go except south. In these nearly two years of war, Al-Dahdouh and his family have managed to circumvent the restrictions and evacuation orders by moving from one neighborhood to another within the city, but now they clearly felt there was no refuge possible. This time its completely different, he says. Before, you could always find a less dangerous neighborhood or area. Now, the entire city is under fire.

I left behind families on the streets who couldnt afford transportation, move south, and escape death Mohammed al-Dahdouh

The family decided to move after a relative received a direct phone call from Israeli forces demanding their immediate departure from the area. When the man asked for assistance with transportation or financial support for the move, the soldiers responded, according to his testimony, that it was not their responsibility. For three days, they waited on the street for transportation, until Al-Dahdouh and his brother rented a truck, for which they had to pay $2,000, with a loan from a friend.

I left behind families on the streets who couldnt afford transportation, move south, and escape death, he says. They will die under Israeli bombing if they dont manage to get out. Since the start of the war, at least 65,000 people have died in the Strip, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health, which the UN uses as a reference.

No safe place

The flow toward the southern part of the Strip is constant: small cars, trucks, animal-drawn carts, and people on foot, all moving along the coastal road toward the central and southern areas. However, this flight does not offer the safety that the fleeing families seek. The central part of Gaza and the coastal area of Al Mawasi, designated by Israel as safe areas, represent only 12% to 13% of Gazas total area of 365 square kilometers (137.5 square miles) and are already overflowing with displaced people. Between 800,000 and one million people are already living in Al Mawasi in appalling hygiene and safety conditions, according to local and UN sources. This forces the new arrivals to make impossible decisions about where to establish temporary homes.

Displaced Palestinian families are traveling by truck along the Strip's coastal highway after evacuating Gaza City, and some are living in their vehicles while they search for available accommodation in the crowded southern areas. Mohamed Solaimane

Al Mawasi, for example, lacks basic infrastructure, as before the war it was primarily agricultural land and sand dunes. If theres no infrastructure, how are we going to receive thousands of new displaced people every day if we can barely care for those already here? asks Mahmoud al-Astal, a community aid activist who directly oversees several displacement camps.

The UN estimates that between September 1 and 15, it managed to bring more than 12,500 tons of wheat flour and other food into Gaza, but 77% of this aid was looted before reaching its destination. According to the United Nations, since July 20, less than 35% of the 2,000 tons of food needed to meet the basic humanitarian needs of its population have been brought into the Strip.

Khan Younis beach, lined with tents housing Palestinian families forced to seek refuge on the coast. Mohamed Solaimane

The supplies Al-Astal has to serve the camps only cover 10% of the growing needs. The displaced are living in the open and can barely find a place to stay, and they have no real support to help them cope, even for the first few days, he explains.

This is the case of Mohammed al-Madhoun, 60, who has been living for four days on a road near the beach, near Al Mawasi, with his wife, Rawda, 56, and his son, Faraj, 25. Using borrowed chairs, they sleep on the asphalt next to the few belongings they managed to salvage. They are the most vulnerable among the displaced: those who cannot afford even basic materials for shelter. We narrowly escaped death, and I was only able to take a few simple things, Al-Madhoun recounts through tears. I only got transportation thanks to someone who paid for my trip in the truck he had rented for his belongings. Otherwise, I wouldnt have had any money.

We are forced to suffer and endure these hardships, but staying in the north means dying Rasim Saad

Al-Madhoun, who has been displaced nine times during the war, describes the bombings in Gaza as terrifying in their intensity. However, despite the harshness of living on the streets, he believes his current situation is preferable to what would await him if he remained in the northern part of the Strip. This hell is more bearable than certain death in Gaza City, he says.

Rasim Saad, 52, is one of those who have managed to create a rudimentary shelter. A month before this displacement, Saad, a father of 10 children  five daughters and five sons  sent one of them to locate and prepare a small plot of land on a hillside where they could settle. He then excavated a small area and built a makeshift shelter with plastic sheeting and fabric. His eldest daughter, Alaa, 28, has moved there with her three young children.

Im lucky because I found a place that protects us, even if its not comfortable and could disappear with the first rain, the man admits. This former cart driver, unemployed since the start of the war, cant afford the $200 monthly rent for 100 square meters of land, so his current hillside location  dangerous but free  is the only option.

His wife washes dishes with water hauled in jerry cans from sources located more than a kilometer away, and the family members sleep on worn-out mattresses in a cramped space. Despite the hardships, Saad considers his survival an achievement. The fact that these children are still alive is already a success, he says while playing with his three grandchildren. We are forced to suffer and endure these hardships, but staying in the north means dying.

However, many families are unable to escape. Social media has been flooded with pleas from stranded people who cannot afford the high transport prices. Fadi Khalils post sums up the desperation: There are no houses left and death is closer to us, but I swear to God I dont have money for transport (8,000 shekels, about $2,400).

Things will only get worse with the arrival of winter. Families like Al-Dahdouhs face the prospect of sleeping on beaches without adequate shelter or clothing, while others, like Al-Madhouns, will continue to live on the side of the roads, caught between the bombing in the north of the Strip and the lack of shelter in the south.

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Dr. Chad Walton, University of Hawaii System interim vice president for research and innovation, left, and Col. Rachel Sullivan, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, sign an intergovernmental support agreement Sept. 16, 2025 at the Schofield Barracks Seed Lab that expands environmental services, boosts conservation workforce development and strengthens island resilience. (Nathan Wilkes/U.S. Army)



(Tribune News Service)  The University of Hawaii signed a new agreement with the Army on Tuesday to expand its environmental support services.

The new Intergovernmental Support Agreement was signed at the Schofield Barracks Seed Lab, where the Army keeps seeds from native plants the service has been working to cultivate and spread across land it controls in the islands. UH scientists and researchers have for years worked closely with the Army on these efforts.

This partnership underscores the University of Hawai is role as a trusted partner in conservation and environmental stewardship,  said Chad Walton, UH interim vice president for research and innovation, in a media release. Through this agreement, we can apply UH expertise in environmental science and resource management to support the Armys mission, while creating new, real-world career and workforce development opportunities in environmental stewardship for our faculty, staff and students.

Since 1995, UH and the Army have worked together through the Army Natural Resources Program Oahu, a partnership now overseen by the UH System Office of Land and Ocean Conservation Futures.

Through the program, UH researchers and technicians have conducted research and worked on the control and eradication of invasive plants, rodents, slugs and other pests on Army training land. Theyve also worked on projects to monitor, protect and in some cases restore populations of endangered plants and animals.

In its media release, UH said the new agreement will allow the university and the Army to grow and expand its collaborative opportunities in improving environmental resilience, while growing conservation workforce capacity and impact. The agreement represents a stronger partnership model between the U.S. Department of Defense and local institutions nationwide, allowing military installations to improve their operations while caring for island resources, supporting regional economies and leveraging academic expertise.

The new agreement comes as the Army is seeking to fast-track negotiations on land leases for training land that expire in 2029. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll says he hopes to reach a new agreement with the state before the end of the year.

The Army obtained the lands for a mere $1 and has faced intense scrutiny on its environmental impact, especially in areas like Makua Valley and the Pohakuloa Training Area, where it has extensively used live munitions.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources recently rejected the Armys environmental impact statements on plans to retain lands on Oahu and Hawaii island, citing data gaps and concerns raised by workers at the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

As negotiations move forward, the Army and state have discussed the possibility of land swaps or other strategies. As the Army makes its case, it has sought to highlight environmental and cultural programs and partnerships its involved with.

By tapping into UHs world-class expertise in environmental science and resource management, we enhance our operational readiness while safeguarding Hawai is unique ecosystems for future generations,  said U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii commander Col. Rachel Sullivan in a statement. This collaboration not only bolsters the Armys ability to train and deploy forces under sustainable practices, but it also creates opportunities for workforce development, inspiring students and researchers to become stewards of these islands. Together, were demonstrating how we can unite to protect our environment, support our community, and build a stronger Armyright here in Hawai i.

 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Visit www.staradvertiser.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Skydio X10D drone hovers near a crane during a demonstration at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Hawaii on June 18, 2025. (Kenny Jones/U.S. Navy)



FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is planning to use drones to assist with maintenance and inspections to speed up work and increase worker safety.

The shipyard began a multi-year ramp-up of a drone program after a successful demonstration this summer by the San-Diego-based Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.

The warfare center, which has security clearance to operate drones at military installations, used a Skydio X10D to inspect one of the shipyards six 200-foot-high cranes.

Those routine inspections would typically involve renting boom trucks and erecting temporary scaffolding.

If we could demonstrate that we can inspect the crane, we could really inspect whatever they need, Vincent Acevedo, a technical specialist with the warfare center who oversaw the demo, said in an Aug. 28 phone interview.

Acevedo said he operated the video-equipped drone as a shipyard inspector directed him to hard-to-reach spots for a closer look.

They were thoroughly impressed, he said of officials at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

Capt. Ryan McCrillis, commander of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, receives a briefing on drone capabilities from a technician with the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific on June 18, 2025, at the shipyard. (Kenny Jones/U.S. Navy)



The demonstration led to plans to acquire two to three drones that will be used for such inspections, as well as security monitoring for the shipyard within Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Harold Shimono, an engineer with the shipyards innovation lab, said in a Sept. 9 phone interview.

The current process for inspecting cranes for loose rivets or signs of wear and damage requires renting booms to lift inspectors to the needed heights, at times climbing onto the crane, Shimono said.

The process with the drones will allow them to reduce the amount of times they need to go up and down, as well as identify certain areas that they would like to investigate further, he said.

But the drones dont completely take away the need for inspectors to go up, Shimono added.

They have certain things that they have to physically feel to make sure that everythings good, he said. But taking a lot of the risk out and reduction in time is one of the big things that [the shipyard is] looking for.

The shipyard estimates that using a drone to inspect a single crane could save about 1,500 hours of labor.

In the coming year, the shipyard plans to enter a formal agreement with the warfare center that will allow the shipyard to operate drones under the centers clearance, Shimono said.

The shipyard is looking at buying the same Skydio X10D used in the demo, Duane Domingo, who heads the innovation labs effort to integrate new technology and processes at the shipyard, said in a Sept. 9 phone interview.

That model, which costs roughly $40,000, is on the Defense Department approved drone list called Blue UAS, Domingo said.

The stock version they used during the demos would be adequate, but you can add modular sensors like thermal scans and cameras that have the ability to zoom even farther, he said.
(Red Grandy/Stars and Stripes)



Bitburg, Germany, Sept. 17, 1962: All eyes are focused on a soon-to-be snack as Mrs. Robert L. Delashaw, wife of the 36th Tactical Fighter Wings commander, cuts into a cake at Bitburg Air Base. The 1,200-pound pastry was baked for a celebration marking the 15th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force was officially established Sep. 18, 1947.

Looking for Stars and Stripes coverage of overseas military life through the decades? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/
Glass flowers are displayed in an exhibit titled Cocoon at Ryukyu Glass Village on Okinawa, Aug. 13, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



Okinawas history describes strength, resilience and rebirth. Through a craft born out of necessity, local artists transformed past lessons into a vibrant art form seen today.

Okinawa-made glass dates back centuries and is believed to have been initially introduced through international trade in the 1600s. During the Meiji Era, from 1868 to 1912, factories began producing glass-related products and eventually produced bottles for medicine and candy, laying the foundation for its glass industry.

After World War II, despite significant devastation, glassmaking endured. Discarded soda and beer bottles from American forces were recycled and repurposed. The final products often became thick, colorful and unique. The materials used embedded air bubbles that amplified the vibrant hues of blue, green and red, marking them as one-of-a-kind souvenirs from Okinawa.

The craft is celebrated at the Ryukyu Glass Village in Itoman city, the largest handmade glass workshop on Okinawa.

Visitors can witness artisans working at 2,372-degree Fahrenheit kilns and even try their hand at creating their own unique glass souvenirs. Lively and intense artisans shape glowing molten glass into vibrant vases, cups and ornaments. The experience costs 4,400 yen, or about $30 for both children and adults.

A glass craftsman cuts the handle from a glass cup at Ryukyu Glass Village on Okinawa, Aug. 13, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



Beyond the interactive activities, a main building serves as an office, a nontraditional museum and a shopping center.

There is no entry fee required to meander through the labyrinth of product shelves, but there is temptation. Many products are offered from a few hundred yen to a few thousand.

Navigating to the back of the building you will find historical displays. Early examples of glass fly traps, glass medicine containers and World War II Coca-Cola bottles are showcased giving you a sense of their creative evolution.

As you explore, look for an immersive exhibit titled Cocoon, with admission at 1,000 yen. Opened in December, this space showcases three galleries dedicated to portraying Okinawas nature through the artistry of Ryukyu glass.

Exhibits titled Beautiful Sea, Beautiful Universe and Beautiful Flowers, highlight the skills of the local craftsmen with some of their products being offered for sale throughout the facility.

Inspired by the islands bright nature and the ingenuity of the crafting community, Ryukyu Glass Village stands as a proud symbol of Okinawa. From wartime necessity to artful expression, visiting the village offers a remarkable insight into this inspiring craft.

A glass craftsman handles molten glass at Ryukyu Glass Village on Okinawa, Aug. 13, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



On the QT

Directions: GPS Coordinates: N 26.0974210, E 127.6773451. From Naha Internation Airport drive 30 minutes south on Route 331.

Times: Open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Costs: Admission to Ryukyu Glass Village is free; 1,000 yen to visit the Cocoon exhibit.

Parking: Free; 100 available spaces.

Food: The facility hosts one cafe and one on-site restaurant.

Information: Phone: 098-997-4784; Online: ryukyu-glass.co.jp
A recent U.S. Africa Command airstrike in Somalia is being investigated by local authorities after claims that a village elder was killed as a result of erroneous targeting. AFRICOM said Sept. 18, 2025, that it had no further information to provide about the weekend airstrike. (U.S. Africa Command)



Authorities in Somalia are investigating the circumstances surrounding a recent U.S. airstrike after claims that a village elder killed in the operation was wrongly targeted, according to a major Somali news outlet and other domestic media.

U.S. Africa Command launched airstrikes Saturday against an al-Shabab weapons dealer in the town of Badhan in southern Somalia, an AFRICOM statement Wednesday said.

The joint American and Somali force continues to take action to degrade the militant group, AFRICOM said in a statement. Al-Shabab has been waging an insurgency for decades against Somalias shaky central government, which receives U.S. military assistance.

However, the weekend operation has sparked accusations by relatives of respected tribal elder Omar Abdillahi Abdi Ibrahim that he was wrongly targeted in the attack.

Puntland police have opened an investigation into his death, several Somali news outlets reported this week.

Abdi was a member of a committee working on community development initiatives in the area and was at odds with various regional authorities, prominent online Somali news outlet Hiiraan reported Wednesday.

Family members told Hiiraan that Abdi had no ties to al-Shabab.

AFRICOM said Thursday in response to questions regarding the killing that it had no further information to offer.

Over the past several months, AFRICOM has stepped up its airstrike campaign in Somalia. It has launched more than 70 strikes there so far this year, more than in any other year in the commands nearly 20-year history.

Nevertheless, al-Shabab remains firmly entrenched. Furthermore, the Islamic State groups Somalia branch has emerged as a separate threat in the countrys north, becoming a frequent target of AFRICOM airstrikes.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez makes a statement after holding a meeting with his Colombian counterpart Ivan Velasquez (out of frame) at the Ministry of Defense in Caracas on May 11, 2023. (Federico Parra, AFP, Getty Images via TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  Tensions continued to grow in the Caribbean this week as Venezuela and the United States publicly flexed their military muscles, fueling concerns that both nations are edging closer to an armed confrontation.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had sunk three boats he said were smuggling drugs out of Venezuela, killing at least 14 people. Shortly afterward, U.S. Southern Command released a short video on its X account showing amphibious landing drills off Puerto Rico.

The footage appeared just hours after Venezuela announced it had launched its own military maneuvers in the Caribbean on La Orchila Island, an unmistakable attempt to send a message to Washington that it will be ready for a U.S. invasion.

Tensions between Washington and Caracas have escalated in recent weeks following Trumps decision to deploy a substantial U.S. military force to combat drug cartels in the Caribbean. The administration has increasingly framed its anti-narcotics campaign as a top national defense priority.

The U.S. deployment includes eight warshipssome with amphibious assault capabilitiesF-35 fighter jets, and roughly 4,500 personnel. The scale and sophistication of the operation have raised concerns across the region, marking the largest U.S. military show of force in the Caribbean in decades.

The buildup appears directed primarily at the so-called Cartel of the Suns, which U.S. officials believe is run by Venezuelas military and its powerful ally, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The Trump administration has offered a record-breaking $50 million reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro, along with $25 million for Cabello.

The Southern Command video, posted Wednesday, showed U.S. Marines carrying out amphibious training exercises. The caption read: The @USMC conducted an amphibious training exercise in the Caribbean where they are deployed in support of the #SOUTHCOM mission, @DeptofWar-directed operations, and @POTUS priorities.

The release coincided with remarks by Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who confirmed the deployment of forces to La Orchila Island in response to the U.S. naval presence.

There will be deployments of air defense with armed drones, surveillance drones, underwater drones....We are going to implement electronic warfare actions, Padrino warned, accusing the U.S. of raising its threatening, vulgar voice.

La Orchila, the site of the Venezuelan maneuvers, is a 43-square-kilometer island located in the Caribbean, about 110 miles from La Guaira state. State television broadcast images of amphibious vessels, Russian-made artillery systems and Venezuelan navy warships taking part in the exercises.

The deployment is part of a broader operation ordered by Maduro last week, which includes the creation of 284 battle fronts across the country and the mobilization of 25,000 troops along the borders. The government has also urged civilians to enlist in the military reserve.

We are raising our operational readiness facing the Caribbean, Padrino said. We must elevate our operational readiness for a scenario of armed conflict at sea.

Vice Admiral Irwin Raul Pucci of the Venezuelan Navy reported that 12 warships, 22 aircraft and 20 small boats belonging to the special naval militia are participating in the exercises.

Meanwhile, Caracas has pushed back against Washingtons narrative. The government has requested an investigation into the first boat sunk by U.S. forces on Sept. 2.

About the three boats they mention, well, we just dont know, we really dont know, because they say they were carrying drugs, but who saw the drugs? They say the second one was carrying fentanyl. From here, from Venezuelafentanyl? Thats hard to believe, very hard to believe, Cabello said at a press conference.

Regime officials also insist that accusations linking them to the Suns Cartel are fabrications meant to justify an eventual invasion. Cabello added that Venezuela has been actively combating drug trafficking, claiming authorities had seized over 60 tons of narcotics in 2025 alone.

2025 Miami Herald.

Visit at miamiherald.com.

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A C-130J Super Hercules takes off from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, on Nov. 1, 2023. (Tyler Robertson/U.S. Coast Guard)



FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  The Coast Guard has awarded a $68 million contract to a Baltimore-based firm to build a pair of cargo plane hangars at Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu, the Coast Guard announced Tuesday.

The $68.857 million award to Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. will support the Coast Guards HC-130J Super Hercules aircraft operations in the region.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year and be completed by early 2028, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

The Super Hercules has a flying range of roughly 2,000 miles. The plane supports Air Station Barbers Points heavy-transport missions and long-range maritime surveillance patrols across the Coast Guards 12.2-million-square-mile Oceania District.

The current hangar partially encloses only one of the four HC-130J planes based at Air Station Barbers Point, leaving them exposed to the corrosive saltwater environment.

Aircraft at Barbers Point continue to incur two to three times the corrosion-related maintenance costs compared to the fleet average, the Coast Guard said in an August 2023 report to Congress.

Air Station Barbers Point is currently the only Coast Guard Air Station in the Indo-Pacific region and is critical to fulfilling mission requirements in that theater of operations, the report states. The highly corrosive and occasionally extreme weather poses challenges to aircraft maintenance that can be overcome by providing hangar space for 100 percent of the airframes assigned.

The newly awarded contract includes construction of two fully enclosed hangars for four HC-130J planes, along with additional facilities for aircraft maintenance shops, office space, locker room and load cages, the news release states.

Earlier this month, Whiting-Turner was awarded a $137 million contract for the first phase of modernizing Coast Guard Base Seattle, which serves as a launch point for missions to the Arctic and Antarctic.
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II touches down in this undated photo. (Japan Air Self-Defense Force)



A Japanese F-35A Lightning II made an emergency landing at a commercial airport in northern Japan on Wednesday, delaying two flights, according to a Japanese air force spokesman.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force stealth fighter from Misawa Air Base touched down at Aomori Airport in Aomori prefecture at 12:44 p.m., according to a news release posted to the prefectures website that day.

The jet experienced an undisclosed mechanical problem, a spokesman for the Air Self-Defense Force at Misawa said by phone Thursday.

The runway was closed for about 10 minutes, and a second F-35A from the base landed after it reopened, the release said. The two pilots were uninjured. The second plane was an escort, the spokesman said.

We do not know at the moment when they will be able to leave the airport, he said.

One outbound commercial flight to Kobe was delayed for 16 minutes, and one inbound flight from Osaka was delayed for 20 minutes, according to the release.

The landing caused no damage to the airport or surrounding area, and the taxiway has been cleared, a spokesman with Aomoris Airport and Port Division said by phone Thursday.

Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.
With three major military bases within its 212 square miles, nearly all the airspace over Guam is subject to flight restrictions. (Kristine Gruwell/U.S. Air Force)



A Guam man has been sentenced to two months of home confinement for flying a personal drone over a military installation on the U.S. island territory, according to the U.S. Attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Billy Cao Cruz, 54, was sentenced on Sept. 11 in U.S. District Court of Guam on two counts of violating national defense airspace, according to online federal court records.

Cruz pleaded guilty to lesser offenses, according to a May 30 plea agreement. He faced up to a year in prison and more than $10,000 in fines if convicted on the original three charges.

He was also placed on two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment fee, according to a Wednesday news release from U.S. Attorney Shawn Anderson.

Cruz understood the potential threat from China and other foreign adversaries that may be interested in using the footage from his video to target U.S. military installations, his plea agreement states.

On Feb. 1, Cruz uploaded a video to his YouTube channel, Planet Guam, that depicted sensitive footage of a military installation on Guam, according to court records. The video attracted close to 12,000 views before it was taken down.

Cruz flew his DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro over Marine Corps Camp Blaz, despite being warned about doing so in March 2021, according to a sentencing memo from assistant U.S. attorney Stephen Leon Guerrero.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office did not return a phone message seeking further information Thursday.

FBI agents, who had previously warned Cruz about photographing military installations, visited him again at his home on April 16, according to his plea agreement. He was indicted in May on three felony counts.

Cruz admitted to continuing to operate a specific drone, citing its fewer restrictions and the absence of notification requirements to local airports. In using this specific drone, Cruz stated, You get away with a lot of things,  Andersons release states.

With three major military bases within its 212 square miles  Camp Blaz, Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam  nearly all the airspace over Guam is subject to flight restrictions, Anderson said in the release.

The FBI led the investigation with help from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

This was not the first time Mr. Cruz had been warned about operating a drone over a military site, and this case demonstrates the consequences drone operators face when they choose to ignore the law in this manner, FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter said in the release. The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who compromises the national security of the United States and its citizens.
Operation Caribe Soberano 200, a response to the U.S. military deployment in the region, will mobilize 2,500 soldiers on the island of La Orchila

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced Wednesday the development of a three-day military exercise with land, air, and sea maneuvers that will mobilize 2,500 soldiers from the Joint Task Force of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces on the island of La Orchila in the Venezuelan Caribbean. The exercise, dubbed Caribe Soberano (Sovereign Caribbean) 200, seeks to strengthen defensive capabilities and protect national sovereignty, according to the minister. The announcement comes amid deep bilateral tensions, with explicit threats from the U.S. government to Chavismo and Nicolas Maduro and accusations of drug trafficking and the illegitimacy of the Venezuelan presidents mandate.

Padrino stated that the entire operation is a response to the threatening and vulgar deployment of U.S. ships in the Caribbean, which the Bolivarian establishment considers a threat to the country and the region. The deployment of 12 warships, 22 aircraft, 20 small naval militia boats and various artillery pieces was reported.

Padrino commented that the Caribe Soberano 200 military maneuvers, designed to gauge the countrys military capacity in a conflict scenario, are a fairly comprehensive exercise. It reportedly involves special forces, intelligence, and aerospace forces; the use of armed, surveillance, and artillery-equipped aerial drones; electronic warfare strategies; anti-aircraft emplacements and ZU systems; amphibious landings with combat vehicles; beachhead assult; and artillery fire.

In this special situation, we must redouble our efforts and increase our operational readiness for a scenario of armed conflict at sea. And we are doing so, added Padrino, who at all times claimed to be receiving instructions from Maduro.

The people, the Armed Forces, and the political leadership. All of this has been strengthened in recent days in response to the foreign military threat, he added. This exercise is one of those expressions; the deployment of Rapid Reaction Units throughout the country; the work we are doing to combat drug trafficking in the western part of the binational zone with Colombia.

These exercises come after the unprecedented escalation of military and political tensions between the United States and Venezuela, and after Donald Trump claimed U.S. forces had destroyed three Venezuelan drug trafficking vessels on the high seas.

La Orchila, covering 43 square kilometers (16.6 square miles), is one of the 300 islands belonging to Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. It is 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the mainland and is part of the Federal Dependencies. Since the 1950s, it has served as a presidential vacation residence and is a military zone. Hugo Chavez was imprisoned there after the 2002 coup detat and during the two days he was deposed.

It is an uninhabited island, populated only by occasional fishermen and military personnel stationed at the Antonio Diaz Naval Air Base, which is currently the epicenter of the entire military exercise.

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Italian driver Fabio Barone breaks his speed record on a ship, at the wheel of a Ferrari SF 90, on the flight deck of the Italian Navy aircraft carrier Nave Trieste, docked at the port of Civitavecchia, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)



CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy  Along Italys Mediterranean coast on Thursday, driver Fabio Barone raced across the flight deck of a navy ship while chasing a world record: the fastest car on a boat.

Race engineer Alessandro Tedino told The Associated Press that he wasnt sure the record was attainable. The ship had been out at sea overnight, and the crew emerged in the early morning to find its flight deck wet. They immediately set to drying it, with the job finished by late summer sunbeams.

If it remained wet, then of course its impossible to have the maximum speed and best brakes. It can be very, very dangerous, he said.

As the Top Gun theme song rang out from speakers, the carriers portside elevator lifted Barones team to the deck where journalists, naval officers and VIPs waited. A group of children with Down syndrome, chosen to serve as honorary mechanics for the day, removed the red, satiny cover to reveal Barones steed: a red-and-black Ferrari SF90.

Barone eased himself into the supercar, then drove back and forth along the length of the deck several times to warm up its V-8 turbo engine. It roared louder with each pass as he pushed its 1,085 horses harder and harder. Then he placed himself at the far end of the 774-foot flight deck and awaited the all-clear.

Here he goes! Here he goes! the announcer called as Barone left his mark and zipped past the crowd. Mere seconds later he came to a safe stop, and the crowd applauded haltingly  impressed by the speedy spectacle, but unsure if hed beaten the record. The official timekeeper approached the car and inspected the gauges within.

The detected velocity: 101 mph (164 kilometers per hour). I declare it the new speed record on a ship! he said, prompting hearty applause from the sidelines.

Barone lifted his arms to the sky, then hugged his crew, helmet still in place. Reporters swarmed.

The main thing you focus on is concentration and then you realize that you are breaking the record only when you are halfway, Barone said. I have two hands, two feet and I use them at the same time like a pianist.

Tedino said that Barones team will now submit their certified result to Guinness World Records, which told the AP in an email Thursday afternoon that we look forward to receiving and reviewing the application and supporting evidence for his latest attempt.

Last year, Barone set the Italian Timekeepers Federations record on another aircraft carrier in southern Italy, hitting 94.4 mph. In Civitavecchia, on the coast near Rome, he aimed to reach 101 mph and then hit the brakes before launching off the decks so-called ski jump and smashing into the cruise ship stationed just fore.

AP videojournalist Paolo Santalucia contributed.
A woman carrying a bag walks near damaged residential buildings following Russian strikes in Kramatorsk on Sept. 15, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Tetiana Dzhafarova, AFP, Getty Images via TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  Two Russian oil refineries were attacked on Thursday as Ukraine stepped up strikes on its enemys energy infrastructure.

Gazproms Neftekhim Salavat petrochemical facility in the Bashkortostan region was set on fire after being hit by drones, local governor Radiy Khabirov said. The site is more than 800 miles from territory under Ukraines control, making it one of Kyivs deepest strikes inside Russian territory.

Ukraines Special Operations Forces also claimed an attack on Lukoil PJSCs major Volgograd refinery in the Volga region. Bloomberg couldnt independently verify the claim, and Lukoil didnt immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Since last month, Ukrainian military forces have intensified drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries, aiming to curb fuel supplies to the front lines. In August, at least 13 strikes were made, the largest monthly number since the start of the invasion in Ukraine. So far in September there have been at least six attacks.

Last week, drones also hit Russias largest Baltic oil terminal in Primorsk, and Ukraine claimed strikes on pumping stations feeding another Baltic hub, the Ust-Luga terminal.

Were determining the extent of the damage at Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat, Bashkortostans governor Khabirov said in a statement on his Telegram channel. Local emergency services are putting out the blaze, he said. The facility is designed to have a crude-oil-processing capacity of around 200,000 barrels a day.

Ukrainian drones hit one of the primary processing units at the Salavat facility, according to a person familiar with the matter. The unit has a design capacity to process 4 million tons of condensate per year, which is equivalent to about 80,000 barrels a day, according to the website of the refinery.

Meanwhile, the Volgograd refinery  with a capacity of around 300,000 barrels a day  has halted operations after the attack, Ukraines Special Operations Forces said.

As a result of the repeated Ukrainian strikes, Russian refining runs have now dropped below 5 million barrels a day, the lowest since April 2022, according to estimates from JPMorgan Chase & Co. The Baltic strikes also reduced Russias weekly crude-export flows by more than 900,000 barrels a day, the sharpest weekly decline since July last year, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

So far, Ukraines allies have mostly ignored the attacks. While Washington and Brussels havent given public support for the strikes, they havent criticized either. Thats a shift from when Joe Biden was in the White House and members of his administration would reprimand Kyiv for incursions that affected Russias oil industry.

The Group of Seven nations are currently working on a new sanctions package against the Kremlin and are aiming to finalize a text in the next two weeks, Bloomberg reported earlier this week.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.

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U.S. Army Spc. Cooper Goodge does a preflight check on a UH-60M Blackhawk at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on June 1, 2025. Four Iran-backed militias based in Iraq were designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the State Department, the agency said in a Sept. 17 statement. (Brad Stepien/U.S. Army)



Four Iran-backed militias, including one the State Department says was involved in a deadly drone attack last year on American forces in Jordan, are now deemed terrorist groups by the U.S.

All four are part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of armed militias that launched engagements against U.S. forces and their partners following Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, according to a Wednesday statement.

Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya was part of the January 2024 drone strike on Tower 22 near Jordans border with Syria that killed three U.S. soldiers and injured 40 other American service members, the department said.

All four are based in Iraq and have threatened armed forces personnel and diplomats, according to the department. The groups are Harakat al-Nujaba, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Kataib al-Imam Ali and Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya.

As the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran continues to provide support that enables these militias to plan, facilitate or directly carry out attacks across Iraq, the State Department said in its statement.

The U.S. is currently wrapping up the first part of a two-phase process to move some of its 2,500 troops from Iraq by the end of September.

The four groups had previously been branded specially designated global terrorists, which allows the U.S. government to block the financial assets of foreign individuals or groups.

Now, under the foreign terrorist organization designation, it is a crime for anyone in the U.S. to provide material support or resources such as financial services, training or weapons to them.

U.S. soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division fire an M240B machine gun in Syria on June 9, 2025. Four militias from neighboring Iraq, including one the U.S. says was involved in a drone attack that killed three American service members in Jordan last year, were designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the State Department. (Trenton Pallone/U.S. Army)



The designations are part of President Donald Trumps maximum pressure campaign to cut off revenue to Iran and its proxies, according to the statement. Tehran and its allied militant groups in the Middle East are often collectively referred to as the Axis of Resistance.

Designating these groups as terrorist organizations can help lay the groundwork for a better counterterrorism policy against what is left of the Axis of Resistance, Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said in an analysis following the announcement.

Meanwhile, Iran is seeking to reach a diplomatic solution with European leaders over its nuclear program.

If the parties dont reach a deal by the end of September, U.N. sanctions will freeze Iranian assets abroad, halt arms deals with Tehran and penalize any development of its ballistic missile program, The Associated Press reported.
Virginia National Guard soldiers are issued M4 rifles in Washington in January 2021. (Samuel Corum, Getty Images/TNS)



NORFOLK, Va. (Tribune News Service)  Members of the Virginia National Guard were mobilized this week to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Guard said.

Guard troops are getting prepped and trained and are scheduled to report for duty at ICE field offices by the end of the week. Additional troops are scheduled to mobilize later this month, up to a maximum of 60 people.

Guard members will provide administrative and logistical support to ICE operations in Virginia. Their duties will include answering phones, data entry, appointment scheduling, biometric collection, basic vehicle maintenance and tracking fleet expenses and usage.

The Guard members will not conduct law enforcement activities or make arrests.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin authorized the Guard to support ICE in August.

I do believe strongly that the role of the Virginia National Guard is not law enforcement in this case, it is to support the administrative side of things, Youngkin told WTVR.

In a statement, Ayuda, an organization providing services to low-income immigrants in the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, condemned the move.

No matter how it is framed, allocating resources to aid federal detention and deportation operations harms Virginia immigrants and communities alike, the statement read.

Virginia joins several Republican-led states that have authorized the use of National Guard troops to assist with ICE operations. An internal ICE memo, first reported by the New York Times, said that 20 states, including Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana, would deploy troops to support its mission.

On July 25, the Department of Defense announced that military personnel supporting ICE would shift from Title 10 to Title 32 status, a legal change that keeps troops under state control while allowing federally funded support for certain missions.

Unlike Title 10, which prohibits federal troops from engaging in domestic law enforcement under the Posse Comitatus Act, Title 32 lets them assist federal agencies like ICE in certain support roles. While the Virginia National Guard says its members wont carry out law enforcement duties, Title 32 status gives states more flexibility if that changes.

The airmen and service members assigned to the mission will report directly to ICE leadership. It is expected to continue through Nov. 15.

2025 The Virginian-Pilot

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Gray Army Airfield is the center of helicopter operations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. (Brian Harris/U.S. Army)



TACOMA, Wash.  Four special operations soldiers were on board a helicopter from Joint Base Lewis-McChord that crashed late Wednesday during a training mission, the Army said Thursday.

Four service members assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) were on board an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter involved in an aviation mishap in a rural area near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, according to a statement from Army Special Operations Command.

This remains an active, ongoing situation, the release said. The cause of the crash was under investigation.

The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, said Scot Keith, JBLM Garrison Public Affairs Officer.

Military and civilian emergency responders are involved in search-and-rescue operations in the area around Summit Lake, about 35 miles west of Lewis-McChord.

The Thurston County Sheriffs Department said it responded Wednesday evening to reports of an explosion near Summit Lake.

Deputies have located what is believed to be the scene, the sheriffs department said in a post on its official Facebook page. We have been advised that the military lost contact with a helicopter in the area, and we are working closely with JBLM to deploy any resources needed to assist.

In a separate post, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders wrote that deputies who first found the crash site had to stop rescue efforts.

Deputies located the crash site but have been unable to continue rescue efforts as the scene is on fire and is starting to overheat their footwear, Sanders wrote.

Sanders said a King County Guardian 1 helicopter was dispatched from the Seattle area. Emergency workers from military and local civilian agencies also responded.

The crash ignited a wildfire that covered one acre, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Thurston County includes Olympia, the state capital, which is 23 miles southwest of Lewis-McChord.

All Army helicopter crashes are investigated by the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Ala., which dispatches investigators to crash scenes.

Lewis-McChord is a joint Army-Air Force installation about 20 miles south of Tacoma.

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), nicknamed the Night Stalkers, trains to insert Navy SEALs, Delta Force, U.S. Army Rangers and other specialty units into combat, often behind enemy lines. The units has its headquarters and two battalions at Fort Campbell, Ky., with a battalion also located at Lewis-McChord and Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

The Aviation Weather Report for Olympia Regional Airport on Wednesday night reported clear skies and no cloud cover, with visibility of 10 miles. Winds at 9 p.m. were 15 mph, with gusts of up to 19 mph. Temperatures were about 62 degrees at 9 p.m.

The last fatal crash near the base took place on Dec. 12, 2011. Four JBLM soldiers were killed when two helicopters collided during a training exercise.

Two soldiers were injured in February 2024 when their AH-64E Apache helicopter crashed at night. The soldiers were assigned to 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Venezuelas National Assembly, overwhelmingly controlled by the Chavista bloc, is set to approve in a first reading what has been called the Law Approving the Strategic Association and Cooperation Treaty between Venezuela and Russia, as stated in the agenda. This alliance emerges amid a military escalation with the United States, which has already destroyed three vessels departing from Venezuelan coasts and has repeatedly stated that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should face U.S. justice for allegedly leading a drug cartel.

The measure establishes a legal instrument that would expand the scope for political and economic cooperation with Russia, a country with which Venezuela already maintains significant military agreements. For instance, a factory producing AK-103 Kalashnikov rifles under a national license operates in Venezuela.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Maduro have held a couple of personal meetings this year, during which the former KGB agent praised Maduros continued presence in power, lauded the current state of cooperation between the two countries, and expressed the willingness of both governments to deepen it.

The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) is advancing this initiative as military and political tensions with the United States escalate. Some of the most prominent members of Donald Trumps administration  such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio  do not hide their animosity toward Maduro and the rest of the Chavista leadership. Rubio has been emphatic in calling for the overthrow of the Venezuelan president, who is accused of committing electoral fraud at last years election. Putin has remained silent on the tensions between Caracas and the Trump administration, which has resulted in an unprecedented political crisis.

The Venezuelan government has denied the accusation that Maduro is leader of the Cartel of the Suns and behind the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. It argues that the country is free of such criminal activity and maintain that these claims aim to provoke an incident to force a regime change in Venezuela.

Venezuela sought to display its firepower on Thursday. The Bolivarian Military Aviation released images of Russian-made fighter jets, Sukhoi Su-30s, equipped with anti-ship missiles. In Instagram footage, the jets are lined up on a runway before taking off. Meanwhile, 2,500 elite personnel from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, along with a significant portion of the Venezuelan Navys military equipment, have been deployed to the island of La Orchila in the Venezuelan Caribbean. There, a series of three-day military exercises will be conducted at a heightened state of alert, reportedly simulating hostile scenarios at sea. The operation has been dubbed Sovereign Caribbean 200 by the Chavistas.

Tensions in Caracas have reached their peak amid fears of an invasion. Maduro established what he calls the National Council for Sovereignty and Peace, a forum composed of Chavista and independent (but still Chavista-aligned) civil actors, businesspeople linked to the regime, private and public universities, labor unions, and opposition politicians tolerated by the government, in which a renewed call was made to pursue peace and defend the countrys integrity.

As often happens under pressure, the Chavista leadership adopted a plural and unitary discourse. At the same time, the PSUV has made a major effort to engage the population in the issue, organizing multiple political events under the banner of national defense.

Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, the two top Chavista leaders in power, have repeatedly warned that an attack on Venezuela would bring a scenario of armed conflict, under the criteria of prolonged permanent resistance. Such a scenario could see military demands spill over into everyday civilian life.

Cabello has made some very specific references to his adversaries within the current Venezuelan political framework: The internal enemies of the homeland, the Trojan horses, must know that they will be treated as such in a scenario of foreign aggression. I dont know where theyre going to go.

Rubio and Republican senators have warned Chavista leaders that taking any action against Maria Corina Machado, the opposition leader, would be fatal for them.

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A Star of David marks the grave of a Jewish soldier at St. Mihiel American Cemetery on the outskirts on Thiaucourt, France. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Hundreds of American-Jewish service members who were killed in World War I and World War II were improperly buried under Latin cross grave markers in U.S. military cemeteries overseas.

An estimated 600 of them remain under mistaken markers today.

Lawmakers this week took steps to correct that wrong, passing a bill in the House that would help ensure the service members are buried under the Star of David. The bill, approved in a unanimous voice vote, next heads to the Senate.

The legislation would direct the American Battle Monuments Commission, an agency that manages military cemeteries outside the U.S., to contract with nonprofits to identify wrongly buried troops and contact their surviving family members.

The nonprofits would operate under a new Fallen Servicemembers Religious Restoration Program that would receive $500,000 in funding per year for five years, according to the measure.

This bill is an important step to allow for the research necessary to correct these errors and ensure there are resources for that work, said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., a co-sponsor of the legislation.

To replace a marker now, families must present the commission with evidence of the service members religious heritage and submit a marker change request. The process can be difficult without resources, said Wasserman Schultz.

This will make it possible for these brave Jewish service members descendants to know that their loved ones military service, life and religious heritage are properly honored, she said.

It is unclear exactly how many American-Jewish service members were buried under markers that incorrectly represented their religion and heritage.

Most of the mistaken markers were inadvertent and caused by clerical errors due to the mass scale of burials during the two world wars. But some were a result of American-Jewish troops choosing to omit their religious affiliation from their dog tags as they battled Nazi Germany.

A total of nearly 124,000 U.S. service members from the world wars are buried at Americas military cemeteries overseas, primarily in Europe. About 11,000 American Jews died fighting in World War II.

Whether they died for their country during the Battle of Normandy or the Battle of Manila, each deserves to rest under the marker that not only represents their religion, but their heritage, said Karen Paikin Barall of Jewish Federations of North America, one of the organizations supporting the legislation.

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., a sponsor of a companion bill in the Senate, said the legislation will provide survivors with assurance that their loved ones faith is being acknowledged and memorialized with accuracy.

We owe a debt we can never repay to those who have given their last full measure of devotion on behalf of our nation and the freedoms we cherish, religious liberty being chief among them, he said in a statement earlier this year.
The former columbarium niche for Navy Lt. Andrew Chabrol, now blank, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Chabrol was executed in 1993 in Virginia for the 1991 abduction, rape and murder of Petty Officer 2nd Class Melissa Harrington. His remains were disinterred in 2023. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



A bill introduced Tuesday in the Senate would ease the path required to remove the remains of veterans who were laid to rest in national cemeteries despite being convicted of a violent crime.

The burial grounds of our national cemeteries should be reserved for the bravest and most honorable among us, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said in a statement. This legislation would give the [the Department of Veterans Affairs] extended authority to disinter the remains of any disgraced veteran who would not be deemed eligible for such a burial according to current laws standards and ensure the hallowed grounds of our national cemeteries respect the values and service befitting a true patriot.

Cornyn introduced the bill titled the Restoring the Sanctity of Public Entombments, Cemeteries, and Tributes, or RESPECT Act, alongside Sens. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, John Fetterman, D-Pa., Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif. It would expand the VA secretarys authority to authorize removal of veterans since the National Cemeteries Act passed in June 1973.

Current law only provides the VA authority on burials since 2013, when Congress enacted the first law of this kind. Any removal requests for veterans buried before 2013 require an act of Congress.

Rather than setting an arbitrary cutoff for disinterment requests, this legislation will help ensure that the process is available to everyone, Hirono said in a statement. Im glad to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to implement this commonsense fix and grant the VA the authority to carry out these requests.

In Texas, a bill is pending to remove the gravesite of Fernando V. Cota, a convicted rapist and alleged serial murderer, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



There are at least seven disinterment petitions outstanding in states including Hawaii, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Florida and California, according to Cornyns office. In Texas, the senator has a bill pending to remove the gravesite of Fernando V. Cota, a convicted rapist and alleged serial murderer, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

The VA declined to answer questions about how many times a now-disqualified veteran has been disinterred because of a request or how many requests the department receives for removal.

When a decision is made to remove remains, the VA must notify the family of the veteran being removed, and the family is afforded an appeal process. Once the decision is final, the VA must arrange for reburial in a place other than a national cemetery.

In 2022, Congress mandated the VA remove the remains of Navy Lt. Andrew Chabrol, who raped and murdered Petty Officer 2nd Class Melissa Harrington in 1991. He organized his own burial at Arlington National Cemetery before being executed in Virginia in 1993. The law then did not bar him from a military burial because he had completed his service honorably.

In 1997, Congress first passed a law to prohibit the burial or memorialization of people who committed federal or state capital crimes. It has been updated over the years to include those veterans convicted of certain sex crimes, most recently in 2023.

Our national cemeteries must reflect the honor, integrity, and respect owed to our veterans and their families who gave their lives fighting for their nation, Scott said in a statement. As a proud Navy veteran, Im proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in supporting the RESPECT Act, which preserves the dignity of our national cemeteries and ensures those laid to rest with this honor are worthy.
A Jefferson County jury on Sept. 17, 2025, found Timothy Lee Williams guilty of murder in the slaying of 65-year-old Rodger Davis, a U.S. Navy veteran and grandfather of three. (Carol Robinson via TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  A 57-year-old was convicted Wednesday in the 2023 fatal shooting of another man in Birmingham, Ala.

A Jefferson County jury found Timothy Lee Williams guilty of murder in the slaying of 65-year-old Rodger Davis, a Navy veteran and grandfather of three.

The trial began Monday before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Streety, and the jury returned its guilty verdict before noon Wednesday.

Daviss family said they are thankful justice has been served.

Deputy District Attorneys Blake Owens and Bella Colombo prosecuted the case. Williams was represented by Antonio Spurling.

West Precinct officers were dispatched at 1:40 a.m. that Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, to a report of a person shot in the 600 block of 13th Street Ensley.

When police arrived at the home, they found Davis unresponsive inside. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced Davis dead on the scene.

Investigators said the deadly shooting followed an argument between two men, who knew each other.

Williams was taken into custody several hours later in the 700 block of 19th Street South and later released on bond.

Williams was booked back into the Jefferson County Jail following the verdict. His sentencing is set for Nov. 10.

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The Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant at Chevy Chase in Lexington, Ky. (Silas Walker via TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  A restaurant in Lexington, Ky., has been fined $25,000 by the Lexington Human Rights Commission for discriminating against a patron over her service dog.

The woman, a disabled Navy veteran, was denied service and told to leave the Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant in Chevy Chase in March 2023 because of her service dog.

In an opinion on the incident, a hearing officer said, The offense was intentional and it was severe.

The officer said Oasis and owner Ahmad Salah violated state regulations and city ordinances, and the fine amount was appropriate given the circumstances.

Sarah Van Vooren, now a Fayette County Public School teacher, filed the complaint with the Lexington-Fayette County Human Rights Commission in 2023, alleging that she was discriminated against based on her disability after she was denied service at the restaurant due to the presence of her service animal. The commission investigated and issued a probable cause determination.

On Sept. 15, the commission voted to adopt the order by the hearing officer.

Saleh has 30 days to appeal the order in Fayette Circuit Court. Saleh did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Van Vooren was not immediately able to comment.

This is a significant victory for the Commission and Ms. Van Vooren, whose only transgression that day was wanting to enjoy a nice lunch while accompanied by her service dog, Raymond Sexton, executive director of the Lexington-Fayette County Human Rights Commission, said in a statement Thursday. This case is a stark reminder that disabilities come in many forms, both seen and unseen. Our anti-discrimination laws exist to ensure that everyone (including the disability community) has equal access to employment, housing and public accommodations and our office will vigorously enforce them.

Incident involved service dog, buffet

According to the hearing officers report, Salah unlawfully discriminated against ... Sarah Van Vooren by failing to accommodate her at its restaurant. Specifically, the violation stemmed from the fact that even though Ms. Van Vooren was a disabled individual accompanied by a service animal, (Saleh and Oasis) refused to accommodate her request to use the restaurants restroom and presumably the use of its buffet table.

The report details how Van Vooren, accompanied by her service blond Labrador Mooney, entered the restaurant and was seated by Saleh. When Van Vooren and Mooney attempted to go to the restroom, Saleh blocked their path and refused to allow them to pass by the buffet. Van Vooren then documented on her phone camera Saleh denying her service.

Video provide by Van Vooren showed that the dog was wearing a vest labeling it as a service animal.

Second unrelated complaint against Oasis restaurant

After Van Vooren filed her complaint, a second patron filed a similar complaint against Oasis. Danielle Burton, who uses a seeing eye dog, Violet, reported that when she visited the restaurant in June 2024 she was denied access to the buffet with her dog.

Saleh, who testified on his own behalf, cited health department food care regulations as justification for his actions, according to the hearing officers report.

What Oasis owner said

But Lexington-Fayette County Health Department regulations explicitly say escorted police patrol dogs and service animals are permitted in dining areas.

During the course of his testimony, (Saleh) did not show any signs of remorse. In fact, he expressed the opposite point of view, in that he didnt think he had to be nice to someone who was making a scene in his restaurant, according to the report.

Saleh attempted to say that he denied access only to Mooney, Van Voorens dog, but the hearing officer called that a distinction without a difference. Denial of the dogs ability to be with Ms. Van Vooren is a denial of service to Ms. Van Vooren.

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Shelly Hoover, a Navy veteran diagnosed with ALS in 2013, testifies that VA medical and nutritional supplies once readily available to homebound patients now arrive weeks and sometimes months late during a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Sept. 17, 2024, in Washington. (Screenshot/Senate Veterans Affairs Committee)



WASHINGTON  Veterans with the fatal disease ALS, along with their caregivers and advocates, warned lawmakers that the Department of Veterans Affairs delayed providing critical routine care, and the agency referred patients to private doctors unprepared to treat their complex medical needs.

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee heard from former service members with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrigs disease, about their concerns over VAs continued support for the spinal cord injury and disorder program amid a systemwide hiring freeze and cutbacks.

Shelly Hoover, a Navy veteran diagnosed with ALS in 2013, said that VA medical supplies once readily available to homebound patients arrive weeks and sometimes months late.

For a person with my condition, this is not just an inconvenience  its a grave threat, said Hoover, who spoke using a speech-generation device controlled by eye movements.

I will not die from ALS. I will likely die from infection, a risk dramatically increased by these supply delays, Hoover said at a two-hour hearing Wednesday afternoon that examined ways to strengthen the VA services available to an estimated 42,000 veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases.

Caregivers, a veteran advocate and a former service member with ALS testify at a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing about their concerns over VA support for the spinal cord injury and disorder program on Sept. 17, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington. Panelists were Shelly Hoover, a Navy veteran with ALS; Mandi Bailey, whose stepfather died of ALS; Mary Ward, whose husband has ALS; and Robert Thomas, president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. (Screenshot/Senate Veterans Affairs Committee)



Robert Thomas, president of Paralyzed Veterans of America, delivered a similar message, stating that paralyzed veterans are encountering prolonged waits for critical routine care and for acute care services at VA clinics and hospitals.

Such delays have real-term consequences, said Thomas, an Army veteran.

The congressionally chartered organization represents veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases connected to their military service, including ALS, which attacks cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., the committee chairman, said he recognized the difficulties and challenges the witnesses and audience members with ALS endured to travel to the hearing because of their medical conditions.

You are here because you want the system to work and the VA to work, Moran said.

You being here has special meaning. We are focusing on a veteran population that relies more than other groups on the VA for care, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the committee.

Blumenthal said VA services and staff that care for ALS patients are unmatched in the private sector. Doctors in private practice often lack specialized training, and their offices might not have exam rooms that can fit wheelchairs.

The VA operates more than two dozen spinal cord injury and disorders centers and places ALS coordinators at hospitals.

But Blumenthal said those services are at risk because of the hiring freeze imposed early this year across the VA.

We are just fighting to keep the status quo, he said.

Hoover said she had severe complications after a VA pharmacy  due to budget cuts  could not provide the liquid form of her prescribed chemotherapy drug.

She described her experience using private doctors through VAs referral system as a disaster that included six-month delays.

Hoover said one doctor initially refused to treat her because she has a tracheostomy  a surgically created hole in the neck that allows air to pass into the windpipe.

Mandi Bailey, whose stepfather was diagnosed with ALS in 2017 and died in 2018, said the terminal disease afflicts veterans at a significantly higher rate than the general population. The VA recognizes ALS as a service-connected illness.

The VAs comprehensive spinal cord injury and disorder program is not replicated in the private sector, according to several people who testified.

VA Secretary Doug Collins has signaled that care for people with catastrophic disabilities is a priority, Thomas said. But he cannot do it alone, he said.

Thomas cited staff vacancies, delayed building improvements and a shortage of long-term care beds.

We believe VA should place greater emphasis and support for services like the spinal cord injury and disorder program that VA uniquely provides, he said.
Lawyers and family members report that they have been unable to locate the inmates at the infamous Florida prison after they disappeared from the ICE database

Hundreds of people detained at the Alligator Alcatraz immigration processing center west of Miami, Florida, appear to have vanished. They have disappeared from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) online database, and their lawyers and families have been unable to locate them, according to immigrant advocacy groups.

When searching for people detained there, the ICE locator now says, Call the Florida Department of Corrections for details, says Luis Sorto of Sanctuary of the South, a network that offers legal services and participated in a lawsuit against the government over restrictions on access to lawyers for detainees at the infamous immigration jail.

All of the plaintiffs who were being held at the center were transferred to another location after a new lawsuit was filed in August challenging Floridas authority to detain people there, Sorto added. That lawsuit also noted that the detainees did not appear in ICEs tracking system.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which filed the lawsuit, described Alligator Alcatraz as a black hole, noting that some people were missing, effectively off the radar of the immigration system, and their lawyers and families often dont know where they are or how to contact them.

Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney at the ACLUs National Prison Project, told EL PAIS that ICEs persistent refusal to promptly update detainee locations is a significant obstacle to effective attorney-client communication, undermines due process, and is yet another hallmark of the detention systems cruelty.

A Miami Herald report indicates that about 800 detainees no longer appeared in ICEs online database as of late August, and another 450 did not have a location, but rather the message: Call ICE for details.

A judge ruled in August that the state must dismantle the camp following a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and a local Native American tribe, but an appeals court halted the ruling and allowed the center to continue operating while the litigation continues.

Following the ruling, however, a state official said that the facility would be empty within a few days, and authorities indicated they were transferring detainees to other facilities, including some in Florida flagged by human rights organizations for poor conditions, and others outside the state. Reports indicate that the number of people detained there has decreased significantly.

However, it is unclear how many people have been deported from the site or transferred to other immigration detention centers. Some detainees told the Miami Herald that authorities are pressuring them to voluntarily agree to deportation, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in late July that about 100 had been deported from the site.

Alex Solomiany, a Miami immigration attorney, told the Miami Herald that he went to see one of his clients in immigration court at the Krome detention center southwest of Miami, where he learned he had been accidentally deported to Guatemala. Solomiany told EL PAIS on Wednesday that his client remains in Guatemala and is working with ICE to obtain parole that would allow him to return to the United States.

Donald Trump visits Alligator Alcatraz in Ochopee, Florida, July 1, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS)

Other lawyers say they must schedule an appointment three days in advance to meet with their clients in person at Alligator Alcatraz.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in an email that the number of detainees at Alligator Alcatraz fluctuates constantly as they are deported and transferred to ICE detention centers for further removal proceedings, and that all detainees have opportunities to communicate with attorneys and family members. ICEs goal is to remove illegals from the country as quickly as possible, DHS said. ICE did not respond to a request for comment for this report.

Alligator Alcatraz was built in just over a week on a former airstrip in the Everglades, the vast wetlands west of Miami. President Donald Trump endorsed it with a visit for its inauguration in early July, and it began receiving detainees almost immediately. Allegations of poor hygiene, food, and mistreatment soon arose. The Florida Department of Emergency Management operates the facility. The state established another immigration detention center north of the peninsula, in a former mens prison, which it named Deportation Depot.

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Migrant raids have shut down festivals across the US that for decades celebrated the contributions of Latin American culture

Just as Bad Bunny cited immigration raids as the reason he wont tour the United States, millions of Latinos have had their celebrations canceled this month to avoid arrests. Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is marred this year by the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on the streets.

Parties, parades, dances, cultural exhibits and culinary events normally mark these dates each year, celebrating the contribution of Hispanics to the United States, where they now represent 20% of the population. However, this year the Hispanic community doesnt want to risk arrest in a country where even the Supreme Court has ruled that their language, physical appearance and activities are sufficient reason for immigration agents to assault them.

Different organizations that are part of our network have canceled celebrations and cultural events held in places like Chicago, North Carolina, or Florida because they are afraid that these events will serve as a place for ICE or federal agents to take people away, explains Frederick Velez, communications director of the Hispanic Federation. His organization already suffered the effects of the Trump administrations policies this summer. After months of preparation, they had to cancel the opening party for their Los Angeles office because the Republican president sent the National Guard to the city that same day. They also decided not to hold an annual event for Latino families in the New York borough of Queens. We dont want to gather our community in a place where we cant keep them safe, he says.

September 15 was chosen as the starting point for Hispanic Heritage Month to coincide with the anniversary of El Grito, which in 1810 began Mexicos war of independence from Spain.

Authorities at the Mexican Independence Day parade in Chicago. Jim Vondruska (REUTERS)

In Chicago, where Mexican Independence Day celebrations typically stretch for weeks with parades and festivals, Operation Midway Blitz, announced by the Trump administration against illegal immigration, has raised alarm bells in the community.

The increased presence of ICE agents and the resulting uncertainty led to the cancellation of El Grito Chicago, a two-day festival held in downtown Grant Park. It was a painful decision, but holding El Grito Chicago at this time puts the safety of our community at risk, and thats a risk were not willing to take, the organizers stated.

In Everett, Massachusetts, the mayor has canceled the River Festival, scheduled for the 20th of this month in Rivergreen Park. We know how much this event means to our city. It is a celebration of culture, music, food, and togetherness. However, with the recent ICE raids in our region, many of our friends and neighbors are feeling fear and uncertainty, Mayor Carlo DeMaria announced. This is the first time in more than two decades that Everett residents have missed out on the festival, but even those responsible for preparing the food for the event preferred not to attend. We believe it would not be right to hold a celebration at a time when members of our community might not feel safe attending, the mayor noted.

Citizens response has been mixed. Many lament the situation created by President Donald Trumps anti-immigrant policies. Others expressed their discontent with the cancellation, although not for the same reasons. How annoying! I wanted to see the cockroaches running, one citizen wrote in the comments on the announcement posted on Facebook.

Supporters of Trumps policies argued that those who have something to fear are in that situation because they are in the country illegally. Thats not the reality. There have been U.S. citizens who have been detained and spent time in detention centers. It also affects people with valid status. I myself am a citizen and Im not going to these events, says Velez, of the Hispanic Federation.

Two U.S. citizens were among five people arrested in an ICE raid early Tuesday morning in Elgin, Illinois. Both citizens were later released. Residents said the deployment of federal agents was excessive and included drones, helicopters, and armored vehicles.

The cancellation of celebrations or the shift to private events, held in closed locations that ICE agents cannot access, has been playing out across the country.

Other events that have been canceled include the Carolinas Hispanic Heritage Festival, the Hispanic Heritage Festival in Kenner, Louisiana, and FIESTA Indianapolis.

Mexican Independence Day celebration in Little Village, Chicago, on September 14. Erin Hooley (AP)

In Baltimore, Maryland, two events have been canceled and three others have been moved to closed venues. Its unfortunate that people cant be proud of their country of origin and their ethnicity and celebrate. But we live in different times now. People should do what makes them feel safe, Catalina Rodriguez Lima, director of the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs, told The Baltimore Banner.

The modified events, he explained, will be held in community centers or churches, where organizers can better manage the flow of people and control access.

The blow from the Supreme Court

Some of the cancellations were announced months ago. Others, however, held out until the last minute. But the increase in ICE attacks on the Latino community and a controversial Supreme Court decision led to their reversal. On September 8, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of racial profiling as a basis for immigration agents to stop people. It was yet another endorsement from the Supreme Court of the Trump administrations campaign of mass deportations.

Instead of celebrating with joy, our community is facing fear and uncertainty that overshadow this important moment of cultural connection and celebration, said Susana Barrios, president of the Latino Circle for Racial Justice. The organization holds an annual festival featuring folkloric music and dance in Patterson Park in Baltimore. Organizers expected a smaller attendance this year, but ultimately canceled the festival, largely due to the courts ruling.

The celebration of Hispanic culture hasnt been received equally at the White House either. Last year, then-President Joe Biden hosted a reception with Latino guests, attended by actress Jessica Alba as a special guest. This year, the current occupant of the official residence hasnt announced any events.

Despite the cancellations, festivals and other events are still planned. One of the most popular is Fiesta DC, which has been held in the capital since the 1970s. On September 27 and 28, the streets of downtown DC will host Latin music, folkloric dancing, and a parade on Constitution Avenue.

This is a time when we celebrate diversity, the economic impact we bring to the United States. There are second- or third-generation Latinos who may not have been able to experience or remember their countries, the different dances, the food, the music... Not being able to attend these festivals destroys the cultural essence that makes us Latino, says Velez.

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SUR in English Malaga Thursday, 18 September 2025, 17:53 | Updated 20:33h. Share

Vithas Xanit International Hospital has achieved its fourth reaccreditation from Joint Commission International (JCI), the most prestigious and demanding distinction in healthcare quality worldwide. This recognition, which only 26 hospitals in Spain have achieved, confirms more than a decade of commitment by the centre to the highest standards of patient safety, clinical excellence and hospital management.

In total, four hospitals in the group have this accreditation: Vithas Xanit International, Vithas Granada, Vithas Almeria and Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria. In addition, at the corporate level, Vithas has held the JCI Enterprise distinction since 2023.

Joint Commission International evaluates 1,300 indicators, covering all areas of care and aspects such as safety, patient rights, infection prevention, medication management, etc., as well as issues relating to new technologies, hospital safety, sustainability, professional skills and organisational leadership, among others.

This quality accreditation endorses our organisation as a centre of reference, distinguished by its commitment to excellence, continuous improvement and good practices in care, explains Jose Antonio Rodenas, managing director of Vithas Xanit International Hospital.

Commitment to excellence and patient safety

Jose Antonio Rodenas emphasises that this new reaccreditation fills us with satisfaction and confirms that we are on the right track. It represents significant endorsement of the work carried out and demonstrates that the organisation remains aligned with the best practices in the healthcare sector.

Barbara Torres, medical director of Vithas Xanit International Hospital, pointed out that what patients experience is, above all, a feeling of trust and security during their stay in hospital, which is the result of the organisation's ongoing commitment to quality care and patient safety.

Every aspect of care is carefully planned and supported by the most up-to-date clinical protocols, as well as effective coordination between different healthcare professionals. This comprehensive approach allows us to offer safe, efficient care focused on the patient's needs, strengthening their perception of being in a secure and professional environment, explains Alicia Gonzalez, the hospital's Director of Nursing.

An international hospital with global standards

Vithas Xanit International Hospital not only stands out for its excellence in healthcare in Spain, but has also established itself as an international benchmark hospital, especially for foreign nationals seeking high-quality medical care in Europe. Located on the Costa del Sol, a region with a strong international reputation for health tourism, Vithas Xanit offers medical services tailored to patients of multiple nationalities, with multilingual staff and personalised care.

The reaccreditation also reinforces the hospital's role as one of the top medical clinics on the Costa del Sol (a destination with a strong international reputation for tourism and health). According to the managing director of Vithas Xanit International Hospital, for foreign patients, accreditation is a decisive factor, as many of them recognise it as the ultimate guarantee of quality and safety, giving them peace of mind when choosing us. If we combine the appeal of the Costa del Sol with a hospital that meets the same criteria as the best centres in the world, we reinforce our position as leaders within the sector, he explains.

Technological innovation and continuous training

The hospitals main challenge is to consolidate a permanent focus on progress, strengthening its dedication to excellence in care by investing in technology, continuous staff training and the adoption of new protocols that guarantee quality and safety and optimise the patient experience, explains Chelo Garcia, Head of Quality at Vithas Xanit International Hospital.

Leader in healthcare quality

Since its first accreditation in 2014, Vithas Xanit Internacional has maintained a firm commitment to excellence in care. This fourth reaccreditation consolidates the hospital as one of the few centres in Spain recognised by Joint Commission International and places the company on the same level of excellence as the best hospitals in the world. We want each year to represent progress and for each evaluation to demonstrate our constant improvement in all areas concludes Jose Antonio Rodenas.
Juan Cano Malaga Thursday, 18 September 2025, 10:22 Share

Marcian, the 14-year-old boy reported missing on the eastern Costa del Sol since Monday morning when he left home to attend his first day of high school, has been found safe and well.

On Monday morning, the teenager said goodbye to his grandmother as he left the house, as usual, although this time she noticed a "strange" attitude in her grandson. She noticed that he was carrying a pillow, a sandwich, a backpack full of clothes and the juices that his parents had bought him for the whole week among his belongings.

The boy has now been located and the search has been deactivated.

The teenager lives with his parents and grandmother in Rincon de la Victoria, while his older brother, aged 31, lives in Huescar (Granada). The family comes from Ecuador, but they have been in Spain for more than two decades, and more specifically in Malaga, where Marcian was born.
Maria Jose Diaz Alcala Malaga Thursday, 18 September 2025, 10:15 | Updated 10:24h. Share

A 33-year-old Danish tourist died on Friday, 12 September, in a swimming pool in Marbella, where he was spending the day with a friend. Both of them had apparently consumed alcohol and narcotic substances. The police initially detained the deceased's friend, after finding a bleeding wound on the victim's head, but they released him later, given the forensic experts' preliminary report pointing to an accident. The official autopsy results are still pending.

The incident happened at around 4pm on Friday in the Nueva Andalucia area of the Costa del Sol town. The two friends, who were on a holiday, had snuck into the swimming pool to dive, swim and fool around. In the afternoon, however, local residents noticed a change - the initially playful noises had turned into shouts for help, as one of the men was trying to revive his friend.

Medical services were immediately mobilised to the scene, but they could only confirm the Danish tourist's death. However, they could not certify it as a natural death after discovering the bleeding wound on his head.

The forensic experts who attended the scene removed the body and transferred it to Malaga for an autopsy to be performed. In the meantime, the police took the friend's statement. He explained they had spent the day in the sun, swimming and consuming alcohol and narcotic substances. He explained that everything had been going well until he realised that his friend had been submerged in the water for a long time. According to his account, he jumped in to revive him and called for help. However, police officers proceeded to arrest him, as the body showed signs of having suffered a blow to the head.

After the preliminary autopsy, the forensic experts determined that the death had been the result of an unfortunate accident, which is why the court on duty released the detainee without charges. The High Court of Justice of Andalucia (TSJA) said that the sitting judge considered that there was insufficient evidence to apportion the blame on anyone for the death.

Following the court ruling, the legal proceedings were provisionally closed, although the official autopsy report which will definitively clarify the cause of death is still pending.
The US president has vowed to hold the radical left responsible for the death of his ally Charlie Kirk

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday night (Washington time, early morning in London, where he is on a state visit) that he will designate Antifa as a terrorist organization, a term used to describe an amorphous constellation of far-left organizations with tenuous ties to one another.

Trump made his announcement, as usual, on his own social media platform, Truth Social: I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, Trump wrote. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Its been a week since the murder of the MAGA youth leader and Trump ally Charlie Kirk. Trump has since been blaming the radical left for it and threatening to take action against progressive groups in the United States.

Since Antifa lacks a leader or organized structure, it was not immediately clear how Trump intends to substantiate this threat. While police say some antifascist activists are highly organized in local cells, it is impossible to determine the membership, or even define when someone deserves the name.

Furthermore, as a domestic group, Antifa is ineligible for inclusion on the State Departments list of foreign terrorist organizations. That list includes enemies of the United States, such as the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and, since February, the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua. This designation allows the Department of Justice to prosecute those who provide material support to listed entities.

Trump also raised the possibility earlier this week of revoking tax-exempt status for liberal nonprofits, like the one headed by the billionaire George Soros. Antifa is terrible. There are other groups, Trump declared earlier this week in the Oval Office. We have some pretty radical groups, and they got away with murder, he added, without citing evidence or elaborating any further.

In July 2019, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, both Republicans, introduced a Senate resolution condemning Antifas violent acts and to designate the group as a domestic terrorist organization.

Trumps former FBI director, Christopher Wray, declared that year that Antifa is an ideology, not an organization, and that it lacks the hierarchical structure that would normally allow the federal government to designate it as a terrorist group.

Trump had already threatened to designate Antifa a terrorist organization on May 31, 2020, six days after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, which sparked a wave of anti-racist protests across the country in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Back then, his initiative was criticized for being too vague. Now, in his second term in office, the president has shown a much stronger will to carry out his agenda and make good on his threats.

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Would you like to order a double celebrity sighting with your morning cold brew?

That was the pleasant surprise served to customers this morning after Adam Sandler and a famous friend stopped by a popular Upstate New York coffee shop.

Sandler and Kevin James, a fellow comedian, visited Motor Oil Coffees store in downtown Albany on Wednesday. Sitting at a table with hot drinks in front of them, the pals posed for a photo with a smiling staff member in the 136 State St. eatery, which is a short walk from the New York State Capitol building, The Egg and Empire State Plaza.

Adam Sandler, left, and Kevin James, right, pose with a barista at Motor Oil Coffee in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Photo courtesy of Motor Oil Coffee Photo courtesy of Motor Oil Coffee

The coffee stop came the morning after the Sandman and a few of his celebrity friends  including James, a SUNY Cortland alumnus  performed a show for tens of thousands of people at MVP Arena.

Sandler brought his Youre My Best Friend tour to Albany on Tuesday evening. The sold-out show featured appearances from an impressive bunch of the Saturday Night Live alums friends and frequent collaborators: Steve Buscemi, Kevin Nealon, Rob Schneider and Luis Guzman, MVP Arena marketing director Erin Villeneuve told the Times Union.

In a Facebook post, Motor Oil Coffee gave Sandler and James a shout out, thanking the pair for revving up their morning with us after an unforgettable show at the MVP Arena.

Were honored to have these legends stop by and support our local, family-owned shop, the coffee shop wrote.

Sandler isnt done with Upstate New York yet.

The actor will perform a stand-up comedy show tonight at the Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse.

Sandler has a connection to Syracuse.

He played a Syracuse University grad in 1999s Big Daddy, where he donned Orangemen T-shirts. Recently, an SU graduate played a young Happy Gilmore in flashback scenes included in Happy Gilmore 2.

After his show in Syracuse, Sandler will head to Buffalo, performing his last Upstate show at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Syracuse, N.Y. - Firefighters rescued an elderly woman from a house fire in Syracuses East Side early Thursday morning.

At 12:19 a.m., Syracuse firefighters responded to the fire at 308 Albert Road, according to a news release from Syracuse Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Erik Caster.

Flames were coming out of the second floor when firefighters arrived.

Firefighters were told there was an elderly woman still inside the house, Caster said.

While firefighters searched for the woman, others found heavy fire in the kitchen area and worked to extinguish it.

Firefighters found the woman and took her to an American Medical Response ambulance. Caster said her condition is unknown at this time.

The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes and was fully extinguished after about 45 minutes, Caster said.

No additional victims were inside.

The house sustained fire damage throughout. The fire started in the kitchen and the cause was determined to be unattended cooking, according to Caster.

Three residents were displaced by the fire and are being assisted by the Red Cross.

One firefighter was evaluated on-scene for heat exhaustion but did not require transport.

Firefighters remained on scene for over two hours assisting investigators and securing the structure.
The owners of several Syracuse TV stations had a major role in getting late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel suspended.

ABC announced Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel Live has been pulled off the air indefinitely after Kimmel suggested the man suspected of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk was a supporter of President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again movement.

We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said Monday.

Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with murdering Kirk with a single gunshot as the Republican youth leader spoke at Utah Valley University last week. Authorities have not identified a clear motive but Robinsons mother told investigators that their son had turned left politically in the last year and became more supportive of gay and transgender rights after dating someone who is transgender, according to Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray.

Kimmels comments sparked right-wing backlash, prompting the largest owners of television stations to pressure ABC into suspending his show.

Deadline reports Nexstar, which owns Syracuses ABC affiliate NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV), said Wednesday all of its stations would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future.

Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, the broadcaster said in a statement.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, which operates CNY Central in Syracuse and is the largest owner of ABC affiliates nationwide, also objected to Kimmels problematic comments and said it would stop airing his show until further notice. Sinclair also said it would air a tribute to Kirk on its ABC stations in Kimmels time slot on Friday.

ABC responded to Nexstar and Sinclair by suspending Kimmel, whose show has aired on the Disney-owned network since 2003.

Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even (Stephen) Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy (Fallon) and Seth (Meyers), two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

syracuse.com has reached out to NewsChannel 9 and CNY Central for comment.

According to Deadline, both of their parent companies have been lobbying the FCC for deregulation. Nexstar has proposed an $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna that would give the company 265 TV stations in 44 states and is asking the Trump administration to relax media ownership limits. Sinclair said Wednesday this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.

FCC chairman Brendan Carr, who was first nominated to his role by Trump in 2017, told Benny Johnsons podcast Wednesday that the Federal Communications Commission may also take action against ABC. Carr also praised Nexstar and Sinclair on Fox News.

I cant imagine another time when weve had local broadcasters tell what we call a national programmer like Disney that your content no longer meets the needs and the values of our community, Carr told Hannity Wednesday. So, this is a important turning point.

Kimmels suspension is the latest in a series of politically charged issues involving media companies. ABC settled the presidents defamation suit over comments made by George Stephanopoulos for $16 million, Paramount settled Trumps lawsuit against CBS over an edit of a Kamala Harris interview with 60 Minutes, and MSNBC fired political analyst Matthew Dowd for his comments made in the wake of Kirks shooting.
NEW YORK (AP)  New York Citys mayor threw his support Wednesday behind a proposal to end the horse-drawn carriages that have been fixtures in Central Park for more than 150 years as he ordered police to more stringently enforce laws already on the books to rein in the industry.

Mayor Eric Adams, in joining supporters of a ban, cited safety concerns in the increasingly crowded green space, including incidents in recent years of horses collapsing and dying on the job or breaking free from their drivers and running loose in the park.

While horse-drawn carriages have long been an iconic fixture of Central Park, they are increasingly incompatible with the conditions of a modern, heavily-used urban green space, he said in a statement. It has become abundantly clear that these horse-drawn carriages no longer work for our city.

The Democrat, who faces a steep climb in his bid for reelection as an independent, said he sent the City Council a letter of necessity giving lawmakers the authority to expedite passage of a bill phasing out horse-drawn carriages.

Adams also issued an executive order that, among other things, orders police to prioritize enforcement against horse-drawn carriages operating outside their legally designated areas to illegally solicit fares or impede traffic.

In addition, the mayors order directs city agencies to identify new employment opportunities for industry workers and to create a process for the voluntary return of carriage licenses.

This is not about eliminating this tradition  its about honoring our traditions in a way that aligns with who we are today, Adams said. New Yorkers care deeply about animals, about fairness, and about doing whats right.

John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union of America, which represents horse carriage workers, dismissed the announcement as a desperation act by a mayor badly lagging his campaign rivals, including Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Hes betrayed the blue collar New Yorkers who were relying on him to stand up for their jobs against the real estate developers who want to kill the industry solely to develop those stables into skyscrapers, Samuelsen said. He should be ashamed of himself.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams similarly suggested the mayor was using the announcement to boost his reelection campaign. In a statement, her office called Adams actions opportunistic and not helpful, though it declined to say whether the proposal would get a public hearing, let alone a council vote this session.

The Council appreciates that this is a difficult and emotional issue for many New Yorkers, which has persisted for decades, Adams office said in a statement. This bill continues to go through the legislative process, which is deliberative and allows for thorough input from all stakeholders.

Animal rights groups, which have long called for ending the industry over concerns about the health and welfare of the horses, applauded the announcement.

This is a life-saving step for both people and horses, and it makes clear what we and so many New Yorkers have long said: horse-drawn carriages have no place in our city any longer, said Edita Birnkrant, executive director of New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets, or NYCLASS.

The influential Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that manages the park, announced in August that it also was backing calls for a ban, citing safety concerns.

The mayor is the latest notable voice to weigh in on the long-running debate, but he certainly isnt the first mayor to call for an end to the carriage industry.

Adams predecessor, former Mayor Bill de Blasio, vowed to shut down the industry on day one, only to come up against years of council opposition and even the ire of actor Liam Neeson, who remains an outspoken supporter of the industry.

It really is time to get this done, the onetime Democratic presidential hopeful remarked in a post on X that included Adams announcement.
A drone photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows a ship transporting photovoltaic power generation panels at the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the construction site of an offshore photovoltaic power plant in Changli County, north China's Hebei Province. At present, a pilot offshore photovoltaic demonstration project of Hebei Province, with a designed installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts, is being advanced steadily at the sea area of Changli County.

Upon completion, it is expected to generate about 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 840,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing 2.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)
Lyft and Waymo are now partnering up to bring the famed robotaxi service from Alphabet to Nashville, Tennessee, starting next year.

Waymo's expansion sets its sights on Nashville as the next area to deliver its robotaxi service, with self-driving Jaguar I-Pace electric cars roaming the streets soon.

The company is planning to start testing its autonomous fleet in the city starting later this year, and this will help build up the service for public use in time for its next year's target launch.

Lyft, Waymo Partner Up to Launch Robotaxi in Nashville

Lyft and Waymo shared a new announcement which confirms their latest partnership that will bring a robotaxi service via the ride-hailing platform, choosing Nashville as its first service area.

According to Waymo's blog post, the collaboration brings the first autonomous ride-hailing service to America's Music City and will feature its scalable, fully autonomous robotaxi service.

Waymo's arrival in Nashville marks its tenth city in the country where its robotaxi service will be available. The company already has an existing service actively offering rides in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Austin, and Phoenix.

Previously, Waymo has announced its expansion to more major US cities, including Dallas, Denver, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

Lyft is the second ride-hailing platform that Waymo partnered up with to share its autonomous robotaxi fleet, with Uber being the first. Their service has already launched in Atlanta and Austin.

Read Also: Waymo Lets Teens Book Robotaxi Rides in Phoenix via Accounts Connected to Their Parents

Nashville's Robotaxi Coming in 2026

According to Lyft, the autonomous ride-hailing service partnership with Waymo will be under the company's subsidiary known as Flexdrive, and it will be responsible for operations in the Nashville area. Flexdrive will focus on end-to-end fleet management, vehicle maintenance, infrastructure, and depot operations for the Waymo Jaguar I-Pace EVs in the Music City.

The ride-hailing company said that users in Nashville will first be able to book rides on the Waymo app. Later on, the Waymo One autonomous rides will be available under Lyft's network, and it will help match rides for Lyft users in the area by 2026.

It remains unconfirmed as of press time when Waymo and Lyft will start their robotaxi testing operations in the Nashville area later this year. Both companies have not yet confirmed the public launch of the autonomous service for next year.
ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government in Sudan, urging all Sudanese stakeholders to play a constructive role in ending the conflict in the country.

The chairperson of the 55-member continental organization made the call on Wednesday during a joint briefing with Massad Boulos, senior advisor for Africa at the U.S. Department of State, at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Youssouf urged all Sudanese stakeholders to step up efforts toward a peaceful, civilian-led, and inclusive transition that will meet the interests of the Sudanese people, highlighting that Sudanese-led dialogue will help holistically address the root causes of the conflict in the country.

"The African Union continues to engage Sudanese stakeholders to reach a cease-fire and support the Sudanese-led dialogue that would help end the war, organize elections, and enable civilians to govern the country," he said, reiterating the AU's firm commitment to championing African solutions to challenges on the continent.

Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis.

Speaking about the security situations in other parts of the continent, the chairperson said terrorist groups are expanding attacks against military installations and civilian properties in the Sahel region.

"The security situation in the Sahel is very much worrying," the chairperson said while calling for concerted action and support from the neighboring countries to address the security challenges in the region.

Youssouf further said the AU remains engaged to fight the al-Shabab terrorist group in Somalia, highlighting that the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 is the most predictable and sustainable source of funding to the AU-led peace support operations in Somalia. 
Wopke Hoekstra, driving EU climate policy as bloc hits brakes



Brussels, Belgium, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



In two years steering EU climate policy, Wopke Hoekstra has gone some way to winning over green advocates wary of his corporate background. His challenge now is pursuing the bloc's goals as the wind shifts against climate action.

The 49-year-old commissioner for climate will speak for the 27-nation bloc at November's COP30 UN conference in Brazil. It is not yet clear what his message will be.

The EU has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050 and as a milestone wants a 90-percent emissions cut by 2040 -- a target it hoped to lock in before COP30 as a signal of its climate leadership among world powers.

But talks have stalled between divided member states -- with the bloc now seeking agreement only on an emissions range for 2035, as a face-saving offering for the UN talks.

In an interview with AFP, Hoekstra played down the delay.

"Everyone outside of Europe knows perfectly well that we continue to be amongst the most ambitious in terms of climate action," he said.

"I am positive that by then (COP30) we will certainly have an ambitious target that Europe can take to the international stage," he added.



- Stint at Shell -



Standing close to two metres tall, the Dutch former minister -- first finance, then foreign affairs -- is among the higher-profile members of a commission team dominated by its boss, Ursula von der Leyen.

Environmental groups and left-wing lawmakers were initially hostile to his appointment as climate chief, during von der Leyen's term in 2023, seeing his years as a business consultant and a stint at oil giant Shell as disqualifying.

Hoekstra acknowledges his critics -- and points to his achievements in the role to set the record straight.

"I was for roughly three years with Shell, until 2004," he told AFP. "That is not exactly the Stone Age, but it has been a while ago, right?"

"Frankly speaking, I do think I have shown... that I do try to move the needle in the domain of climate action," he said.

In the words of a former associate within the EU commission, speaking on condition of anonymity, "he had 'Shell' written all over him when he first arrived."

"But he dug into the subject matter and did a good job," they said.

In his first round of UN climate talks, in Dubai in 2023, the EU was seen as playing a pivotal role in pushing other countries towards phasing out fossil fuels -- observers recalled Hoekstra speeding between meetings to get talks moving, in dark suit and running shoes.



- 'Pragmatic' approach -



Hailing from the centre-right, Hoekstra cut his political teeth navigating tough coalition negotiations in his native Netherlands.

In the EU parliament -- which has to sign off on the bloc's laws -- he is seen as solid on policy and keen to "build bridges along the political spectrum", in the words of one insider.

"Lawmakers were pretty relieved to see him return as commissioner in 2024," the official said.

After five years pushing a bold environmental agenda, however, the European Commission has had to adjust course since the bloc's parliament swung right last year.

In step with many European capitals, Brussels has shifted its focus to defence and competitiveness and moved to delay or roll back swathes of its own green regulations.

On climate, Hoekstra says the bloc's ambition is intact -- but that a "pragmatic" new approach is needed to keep the public onside.

"In the past we have been too one-dimensional by only focusing on how to advance climate goals," he told AFP.

"We need to make sure we bridge, we marry the domains of climate, of business, and also of strategic autonomy."

These past weeks Hoekstra criss-crossed Europe's capitals to try to broker a compromise on the 2040 target -- but with little to show for it so far.

For Neil Makaroff, of the Strategic Perspectives think tank, he could have played his cards better by putting forward the commission's proposal for 2040 -- a 90-percent cut with "flexibilities" worked in -- earlier than July.

In particular, Makaroff said, Hoekstra should have started negotiating much sooner with Paris -- whose reluctance to commit to the target is now proving a key hurdle.

"We wasted time," said Makaroff. "Now we risk ending up with our back to the wall in the final stretch" with the possibility of showing up empty-handed to the UN talks in Brazil.

adc-ico-jug/ec/rlp
Australia unveils 'anti-climactic' new emissions cuts



Sydney, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Australia pledged Thursday to slash planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70 percent from 2005 levels over the next decade, a target activists warned was not ambitious enough.

Under the landmark Paris climate accord, each country must provide a headline figure to the United Nations for cutting heat-trapping emissions by 2035, and a detailed blueprint for getting there.

A leading coal exporter, Australia's pledge has been closely watched given its bid to host next year's UN climate summit alongside Pacific island neighbours threatened by rising seas.

The announcement also comes days after a national climate risk assessment warned rising oceans and flooding caused by climate change would threaten the homes and livelihoods of over a million Australians by 2050.

One prominent climate scientist described the new target as "baffling," given those findings and Australia's bid to host climate talks.

"Australia needs to cut its emissions at a pace associated with a 1.5C compatible emission reduction pathway and that properly aligns with bringing emissions to net zero by 2050 in Australia," said Bill Hare, head of the Climate Analytics research group.

"This requires strong government policy action now."

Climate activists and experts say Australia needs to slash emissions by at least 76 percent from 2005 levels to keep global temperatures from rising over 1.5C higher than pre-industrial levels.

But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the goal as a "responsible target backed by the science".

His government said it would fund a new Aus$5 million ($3.3 billion) "Net Zero Plan" to help firms transition to green energy.

It will also help Australians buy more zero emissions vehicles and access clean energy.

The target is "not likely to please anyone," said Jacqueline Peel, a climate specialist at the University of Melbourne Law School.

And given the risks outlined in this week's assessment, "this 'achievable' target feels very anticlimactic," she added.



- 'Apocalyptic scenarios' -



Anote Tong, former president of Pacific nation Kiribati, told AFP Australia's goals were undermined by its reliance on fossil fuel.

"The problem has been (Australia's) high volume of fossil fuel exports and ongoing substantial subsidies to the fossil fuel industry," said Tong, often called the founding father of the Pacific climate movement.

"These recent decisions by the government become more stark in contrast to the recently released Climate Risk Assessment Report which predicts apocalyptic scenarios, even for Australian citizens, if unheeded," he said.

Global emissions have been rising but need to almost halve by the end of the decade to limit global warming to safer levels agreed under the Paris deal.

Australia's previous 2030 commitment was to cut emissions by 43 percent of 2005 levels.

Countries were meant to submit updated targets earlier this year but only 10 of nearly 200 countries required did so on time, according to a UN database tracking the submissions.

Australia has poured billions into solar power, wind turbines and green manufacturing and pledged to make the nation a renewable energy superpower.

But its green ambitions are at odds with its deep entanglement with lucrative fossil fuel industries, and it remains one of the world's biggest coal exporters.
Australia unveils 'anti-climactic' new emissions cuts



Sydney, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Australia pledged on Thursday to slash planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70 percent from 2005 levels over the next decade, a target activists warned was not ambitious enough.

Under the landmark Paris climate accord, each country must provide a headline figure to the United Nations for cutting heat-trapping emissions by 2035, and a detailed blueprint for getting there.

However, only about 40 countries have submitted their climate plans so far despite United Nations pressure for governments to file them this month ahead of COP30, the annual climate conference set for November in Brazil.

China is expected to unveil its 2035 emissions target in the next few days, before a climate summit in New York, held alongside the UN General Assembly.

Australia is a leading coal exporter and its pledge has been closely watched, given its bid to host next year's UN climate summit alongside Pacific island neighbours threatened by rising seas.

The announcement also came days after a national climate risk assessment warned that rising oceans and flooding caused by climate change would threaten the homes and livelihoods of more than a million Australians by 2050.

One prominent climate scientist described the new target as "baffling", given those findings and Australia's bid to host climate talks.

"Australia needs to cut its emissions at a pace associated with a 1.5C compatible emission reduction pathway and that properly aligns with bringing emissions to net zero by 2050 in Australia," said Bill Hare, head of the Climate Analytics research group.

"This requires strong government policy action now."

Climate activists and experts say Australia needs to slash emissions by at least 76 percent from 2005 levels to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5C higher than pre-industrial levels.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the reduction goal of 62-70 percent as a "responsible target backed by the science".

His government said it would fund a new Aus$5 billion ($3.3 billion) "Net Zero Plan" to help firms transition to green energy.

It will also help Australians buy more zero emissions vehicles and access clean energy.

The target is "not likely to please anyone," said Jacqueline Peel, a climate specialist at the University of Melbourne Law School.

And given the risks outlined in this week's assessment, "this 'achievable' target feels very anticlimactic", she added.



- 'Apocalyptic scenarios' -



Anote Tong, former president of Pacific nation Kiribati, told AFP that Australia's goals were undermined by its reliance on fossil fuel.

"The problem has been (Australia's) high volume of fossil fuel exports and ongoing substantial subsidies to the fossil fuel industry," said Tong, often called the founding father of the Pacific climate movement.

"These recent decisions by the government become more stark in contrast to the recently released Climate Risk Assessment Report which predicts apocalyptic scenarios, even for Australian citizens, if unheeded," he said.

Global emissions have been rising but need to almost halve by the end of the decade to limit global warming to safer levels agreed under the Paris deal.

Australia's previous 2030 commitment was to cut emissions by 43 percent of 2005 levels.

It has poured billions into solar power, wind turbines and green manufacturing and pledged to make the nation a renewable energy superpower.

But its green ambitions are at odds with its deep entanglement with lucrative fossil fuel industries, and it remains one of the world's biggest coal exporters.
Europe wildfire emissions at 23-year high: monitor



Paris, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Blazes across Europe this summer, especially in the Iberian peninsula, caused the continent's largest recorded wildfire carbon emissions in nearly a quarter-century, the EU climate monitor Copernicus said Thursday.

After a summer marked by "intense wildfire activity", "the emissions resulting from these wildfires have been the largest for any summer in at least the last 23 years," said Laurence Rouil, Director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.

Across the European Union and the United Kingdom, fires released 12.9 megatonnes of planet-warming carbon dioxide into the atmosphere up until September 15, beating the previous record of 11.4 megatonnes set in 2003 and 2017.

Based on the monitor's estimates, the continent's total yearly emissions are set to be the highest since records began 23 years ago -- "with the fire season still active".

It comes as Europe and the wider Mediterranean basin saw a record drought in August, according to an AFP analysis of EU data, in the latest of global warming-related records to tumble in recent years.

Scientists have long warned that climate change caused by mankind's burning of fossil fuels will make periods of drought more intense and longer-lasting, creating the ideal conditions for wildfires.

In turn, the burning of forests releases more emission into the atmosphere and deprives the planet of carbon-absorbing plants.
Experts warn deaths from wildfire smoke to surge in decades ahead



Paris, Sept 18 (AFP) Sep 18, 2025



Global deaths linked to wildfire smoke could rise six-fold to 1.4 million people a year by 2100 even with moderate levels of global warming, according to research published Thursday.

It adds to warnings of the significant and growing health impacts from climate-stoked wildfires, which belch out smoke that can drift across continents and oceans.

This latest study, published in Nature, used machine learning and modelling to project the level of wildfire emissions and premature deaths to the end of the century.

"Our key finding is that climate change will substantially increase the health burden from wildfire smoke, even under moderate warming," co-author Bo Zheng, of China's Tsinghua University, told AFP.

Researchers predicted that between the period 2010-2014 and 2095-2099, global fire carbon emissions could rise by 23 percent under mid-range emissions scenarios.

And by the end of the century they found that wildfire smoke could cause about 1.4 million premature deaths annually -- around six times today's level.

Zheng said this underscored the "urgent need" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.

Fires are becoming more frequent and ferocious as human activities and climate change drive warmer conditions and more frequent droughts.

Meanwhile, ageing populations stand to be more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution.

The health burden would probably fall unequally, the study found, with poorer countries suffering the highest rises in premature deaths linked to fire smoke.

The heaviest toll was projected in Africa, where the number of fire-related deaths could rise 11-fold.

Sub-Saharan Africa would be the hardest hit.

Zheng said Africa already had the world's largest burnt area across its savannas, forests, and grasslands.

"This extensive burning results in disproportionate smoke exposure and health impacts," he said, adding that fires were often concentrated in areas where access to healthcare could continue to be limited.

Deaths in Europe and the United States could stay roughly at the same level or as much as double by the end of the century.

To project wildfire emissions, the authors used machine learning to estimate the future area burned under different climate scenarios.

They then used computer modelling to simulate harmful PM2.5 pollutants, enabling them to estimate exposure and premature deaths.

Zheng said that the finding of 1.4 million premature deaths by 2100 was "our best understanding".

But he noted there was still a large range of uncertainty, calling for more measurements of wildfire PM2.5 and the development of better health models to improve precision.

PM2.5 pollutants in wildfire smoke are fine, airborne particles small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, and are linked to higher rates of chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease.

The authors also noted a lack of international cooperation, with wildfire smoke able to cause health alerts in other countries and even continents.

A recent study, also published in Nature, found that Canada's record-breaking 2023 wildfires exposed more than 350 million people in North America and Europe to air pollution that likely contributed to tens of thousands of deaths.
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Oscar-winning actor Brenda Fricker has said she is having a dreadful death in a rare interview.

The 80-year-old Irish star, who won Best Supporting Actress for My Left Foot in 1990, has opened up about her health struggles after being confined to her bed in Dublin.

Fricker said she spends every day in pain and gets out of breath just talking, stating: Ive never known tiredness ever in my life

The weary former Coronation Street and Casualty star, who is also known for playing the pigeon lady in Home Alone 2, said that she asks herself: Will I ever get up again?

Im having a dreadful death, Fricker told The Guardian. Im just dying  every day in pain, she said, wryly adding: Ill probably live to be 100.

The actor didnt go into specifics, but said that when shes unable to sleep, she watches The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Its better than sex. Its better than getting drunk. I just love it.

open image in gallery Brenda Fricker opened up about her health in a new interview ( Getty )

Fricker also revealed that she occasionally gets a phone call from Daniel Day-Lewis, her co-star in My Left Foot, the biopic of Christy Brown, a man born with cerebral palsy who could control only his left foot.

Fricker, whose other credits include The Field, So I Married an Axe Murderer and Veronica Guerin, originally retired from acting in 2014 after six decades, having started out in the late 1970s playing nurses in Coronation Street and Casualty.

However, in 2021, she agreed to a role in Holding, the series based on Graham Nortons debut novel, as well as Channel 5 series The Catch.

Fricker also provided the voice of a deceased character in the 2023 film The Miracle Club.

While discussing her Christmas plans, Fricker told Radio 1 in 2021: I would be lying if I said it would be a nice and happy Christmas because Im old and I live alone. It can be very dark.

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open image in gallery Brenda Fricker played the pigeon lady in Home Alone II: Lost in New York ( 20th Century Fox )

She continued: I turn the phone off and put the blinds down. I do pre-record some good programmes and I have my dog and I get myself through it that way.

I dont want to be sounding kind of negative but it is a different kind of Christmas, thats all. While I dont find Christmas all that difficult, what I do find difficult is New Years Eve.

Fricker has written a new memoir, titled She Died Young.
Masayuki Inoue, vice chairman of Japan-China Friendship Association of Tokyo, speaks after the screening of a Chinese historical film titled "Dead to Rights," at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 17, 2025. The screening of the film, which depicts the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, has left a strong impression on Chinese and Japanese viewers here, sparking reflections on the brutality of war and its lessons for today. The event, hosted on Wednesday by the Chinese Embassy in Japan, drew an audience of about 150 people from both Chinese and Japanese communities, who called on the people of both countries to learn from history and look to the future. (Xinhua/Li Ziyue)

TOKYO, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A screening of a Chinese historical film titled "Dead to Rights," which depicts the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, has left a strong impression on Chinese and Japanese viewers here, sparking reflections on the brutality of war and its lessons for today.

The event, hosted on Wednesday by the Chinese Embassy in Japan, drew an audience of about 150 people from both Chinese and Japanese communities, who called on the people of both countries to learn from history and look to the future.

Tamiko Kanzaki, a former translator for Japan's national broadcaster NHK, said the content of "Dead to Rights" is heavyhearted. Japanese society is often willing to talk about victimhood, but finds it difficult to discuss the atrocities committed by Japan during wartime.

"If we completely forget the history of perpetrators, there can be no true friendship between Japan and China. We must never forget that history. Only in this way can the two countries truly move forward together," Kanzaki said.

Japanese military journalist and former Self-Defense Force member Makoto Konishi said he felt pain after watching the film, noting the pain stemmed not only from learning the truth about the Nanjing Massacre, but also from the difficulty of openly writing about such facts in Japan today. He expressed strong concern about Japan's current efforts to intensify military deployments in specific areas.

Masayuki Inoue, vice chairman of Japan-China Friendship Association of Tokyo, said that to truly advance Japan-China relations, young people must understand history and strengthen dialogue and exchange. "We should enable young people to have a better understanding of history before watching the film, and create opportunities for discussion afterwards so as to dispel emotions and jointly reflect on the future of our two countries."

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao stated that history is the best textbook and the best sobering agent.

"If we avoid it or even deny it, we will never be truly enlightened and cannot achieve inner reconciliation. We are willing to work with insightful people from all walks of life in Japan to learn from history, look to the future, and never let the tragedy of history repeat itself," he said. 

Tamiko Kanzaki, a former translator for Japan's national broadcaster NHK, speaks after the screening of a Chinese historical film titled "Dead to Rights," at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 17, 2025. The screening of the film, which depicts the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, has left a strong impression on Chinese and Japanese viewers here, sparking reflections on the brutality of war and its lessons for today.

The event, hosted on Wednesday by the Chinese Embassy in Japan, drew an audience of about 150 people from both Chinese and Japanese communities, who called on the people of both countries to learn from history and look to the future. (Xinhua/Li Ziyue)

Japanese military journalist and former Self-Defense Force member Makoto Konishi speaks after the screening of a Chinese historical film titled "Dead to Rights," at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 17, 2025. The screening of the film, which depicts the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, has left a strong impression on Chinese and Japanese viewers here, sparking reflections on the brutality of war and its lessons for today.

The event, hosted on Wednesday by the Chinese Embassy in Japan, drew an audience of about 150 people from both Chinese and Japanese communities, who called on the people of both countries to learn from history and look to the future. (Xinhua/Li Ziyue)
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Amanda Seyfried has addressed the controversy surrounding a remark she made about Charlie Kirk after he was shot dead.

Kirk was killed last week at the age of 31 during a speaking engagement for his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University.

In an Instagram comment shortly afterwards, Seyfried described Kirk as hateful.

The 39-year-old Mamma Mia actor received a backlash on social media, and responded Wednesday with a post on her Instagram Stories.

Were forgetting the nuance of humanity, she wrote.

Amanda Seyfried faced backlash after calling Charlie Kirk 'hateful' following his death ( Getty )

I can get angry about misogyny and racist rhetoric and ALSO very much against agree that Charlie Kirks murder was absolutely disturbing and deplorable in every way imaginable, she continued. No one should have to experience this level of violence. This country is grieving too many senseless and violent deaths and shootings. Can we agree on that at least?

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting Kirk, has been officially charged with aggravated murder and six other counts, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering.

Robinson also faces the death penalty if convicted, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced at a press conference. The accused appeared virtually from jail wearing an anti-suicide vest before a judge at an initial hearing, with the next court date scheduled for September 29.

Kirks death has proved a flashpoint for MAGA activists. Diehards have blamed liberal media, including South Park.

Seyfried is an outspoken star, who earlier this year criticized the marketing team working on 2009s Jennifers Body for cheapening the movie and advertising it like a gory romp.

The horror-comedy starred Seyfried as Anita Needy Lesnicki, a nerdy character whose best friend Jennifer (Megan Fox) becomes possessed by a demon and starts eating boys at their school. The film received poor reviews when it was first released, but has since been embraced as a misunderstood triumph and garnered a cult following.

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In a recent GQ video, Seyfried looked back on her role in the film, and discussed the misleading marketing campaign, which was targeted to male audiences with sexualized images of Fox, when it was a film about female friendship.

If the critics criticize anything, it would be the marketing. The marketing sucked. It just did. And we all agree, said Seyfried.

She said that the films director Karyn Kusama is a fierce advocate of women in storytelling.

She is able to enhance the relationships between women on film and TV. She put it together so beautifully, and the marketing team cheapened it like it was just a romp, a gory romp. I think they ruined it.
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Jimmy Kimmels late-night show has been pulled from schedules due to his comments about Charlie Kirks fatal shooting.

US network ABC revealed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would not be broadcast indefinitely after the host made controversial implications about the identity of Tyler Robinson, the suspected gunman behind the conservative activists killing.

The comment that got Kimmel in hot water featured in Mondays episode (14 September), when he said: We had some new lows over the weekend with the Maga gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.

Kimmel also used the subject to mock Donald Trump, showing a viral clip that showed the US president discussing White House renovations when asked how he was faring in the wake of Kirks death.

On Friday, the White House flew the flags at half staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this, Kimmel said.

In the clip, Trump said he was doing pretty good, adding: And by the way, right there where you see all the trucks, they just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House.

When the camera cut back to Kimmel, the host said: Yes, hes at the fourth stage of grief, construction.

This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?

He added that there is something wrong with Trump after showing a separate clip of the president bringing up the renovation while talking about Kirk on Fox & Friends.

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He said that when he heard the news, he was in the midst of building a great  for 150 years theyve wanted a ballroom at the White House, right? They dont have a ballroom; they have to use tents on the lawn for President Xi when he comes over. If it rains, its a wipeout.

open image in gallery Kimmels controversial Kirk comment has led to an indefinite late-night show cancellation ( ABC )

At the time of Kirks death, while hosting an event at a Utah college on 10 September, Kimmel wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?

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.

Trump reacted positively to news of Kimmels indefinite axing, posting on Truth Social during his state trip to London: Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.

The announcement from ABC came soon after Nexstar Media Group, the largest owner of television stations across the country, said it would no longer air Kimmels show.

Nexstar owns Americas largest local broadcasting group, made up of top network affiliates, with more than 200 owned or partner stations in 116 US markets reaching 220 million people.

open image in gallery Kirk was fatally shot on 10 September ( Getty )

Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, said the company in a statement.

Andrew Alford, the President of Nexstars broadcasting division, added: Mr Kimmels comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.

Alford added: Continuing to give Mr Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.

ABCs decision also came after the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened to discipline Kimmel if ABC did not act first.

open image in gallery Trump celebrated Kimmels indefinite axing ( YouTube/Getty )

Hours before the decision was made public, the Trump-appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, called Kimmels words truly sick.

Carr went on to say that his agency could hold ABC, Disney, and Jimmy Kimmel accountable for the comments. He said the comic appeared to be making an intentional effort to mislead the public into believing that Kirks assassin was a Trump supporter.

Kimmel was set to address his controversial comments on Wednesdays episode.
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The indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmels talk show has drawn ire from celebrities and politicians as Donald Trump declared it great news.

Kimmels controversial implications about the identity of Tyler Robinson, the suspected gunman behind conservative activist Charlie Kirks killing, landed him in hot water with ABC, who pulled the show hours before Wednesdays broadcast.

During Mondays show, Kimmel said: We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.

Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after news of the shows suspension was announced: Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.

Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.

open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmels talk show has been suspended indefinitely by ABC following his comments about the shooting death of Charlie Kirk ( AFP via Getty Images )

He later claimed to reporters in the UK that Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings. He was fired from a lack of talent.

Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama responded to Kimmels suspension with a chilling warning.

After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like, he wrote on X.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent  and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy argued that Kimmels suspension was justified.

With Kimmel getting canned Im seeing lots of people talking about the hypocrisy of cancel culture, he said on X. To me Cancel culture is when people go out of their way to dig up old tweets, videos etc looking for dirt on somebody they dont like in an effort to get them fired.

Portnoy, who has expressed his support for Trump in the past, added: Like if Kimmel got canceled for s*** he did on the Man Show that would be cancel culture. But when a person says something that a ton of people find offensive, rude, dumb in real time and then that person is punished for it thats not cancel culture. That is consequences for your actions,.

Wanda Sykes, who was scheduled to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday before the taping was cancelled, shared a video on Instagram criticizing Trump.

Lets see. He didnt end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, nows the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus similarly expressed her support of Kimmel, writing on Threads: I stand with jimmykimmellive. I stand for Free Speech. I stand for Democracy. SHAME SHAME SHAME @ABC.

Former late-night host David Letterman labeled the news misery, silly, and ridiculous.

I feel bad about this, he said Thursday at The Atlantic Festival 2025 in New York. We see where this is all going, correct? Its managed media. And its no good. Its silly. Its ridiculous. And you cant go around firing somebody because youre fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office. Thats just not how this works.

The institution of the president of the United States ought to be bigger than a guy doing a talk show, he added, noting that Kimmels removal was predicted by our president right after Stephen Colbert got walked off, so youre telling me this isnt premeditated at some level?

On X, formerly Twitter, Ben Stiller shared the news and wrote: This isnt right.

While another late-night host, Conan OBrien, said: The suspension of [Jimmy Kimmel] and the promise to silence other Late Night hosts for criticizing the administration should disturb everyone on the Right, Left, and Center. Its wrong and anyone with a conscience knows its wrong.

Sophia Bush added: The First Amendment doesnt exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and its chilling.

MSNBC host Chris Hayes also posted on X, writing: This is the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors Ive ever seen in my life and its not even close.

California governor Gavin Newsom said the GOP does not believe in free speech and California senator Adam Schiff wrote the Trump administration is responsible for the most blatant attacks on the free press in American history.

American comedian Mike Birbiglia called on fellow comedians to stand up for the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air and free speech.

Connecticut senator Chris Murphy urged people to mobilize and organize in response to the suspension in a video posted on X.

If you dont raise your voices right now about the assault on free speech, about Donald Trumps decision to, disgustingly, exploit the murder of Charlie Kirk so as to try to permanently render powerless and impotent those who politically oppose him, there may be no democracy to save a year from now, he said.

The League star Paul Scheer shared a video of political commentator Brian Kilmeade recommending unhoused people be given involuntary lethal injection on Threads and wrote: So let me get this straight. Kimmel is off the air for his comments about the politicization of an assassination but this is totally fine.

Twitch streamer Hasan Piker wrote: Every corporation is instantly folding to the admin even when its over an utterly innoffensive joke the admin doesnt like! Liberals need to wake up!!!! We all have to fight back, these wealthy assholes arent going to stand up for anything beyond their bottom line!

Hacks star Jean Smart shared on her Instagram that she was horrified at the suspension. I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech, she wrote.

People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda. Though I didnt agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being. What is happening to our country?

Kathy Griffin wrote on Instagram: "Please, take it from me, it is very important to have Jimmy Kimmel's back right now. Be vocal. Be an ideological consumer. Money is all their crown cares about."

Actor and producer Henry Winkler wrote: Jimmy Kimmel, his humor, his insights are important to keep showing us who we are. AND he is a most wonderful fellow."

Very much looking forward to Elon Musks spirited defense of Jimmy Kimmels free speech, Jon Cryer wrote on BlueSky.

Christie Brinkley shared a photo of John Oliver, Seth Meyers, Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon on her Instagram Stories and wrote: Love these guys ! The laughter they provide us is as important as the air we breath! And they are taking another one of them off the air tonight! WE MUST PROTECT their and OUR 1st Anendment [sic] RIGHTS!!!!

open image in gallery Love these guys ! The laughter they provide us is as important as the air we breathe, wrote Christie Brinkley ( Christie Brinkley/Instagram )

ABCs announcement on the suspension came soon after Nexstar Media Group, the largest owner of television stations across the country, said that it would no longer air Kimmels show. Nexstar owns Americas largest local broadcasting group, comprising top network affiliates, with more than 200 owned or partner stations in 116 U.S. markets reaching 220 million people.

Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, said the company in a statement.

Andrew Alford, the President of Nexstars broadcasting division, added: Mr Kimmels comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.

Alford added: Continuing to give Mr Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.

ABCs decision also came after the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened to discipline Kimmel if ABC did not act first.

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting Kirk, has been officially charged with aggravated murder and six other counts, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Utah prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson.

Officials say Robinson was radicalized online and subscribed to a leftist ideology, and that he had had enough of Kirks hatred, according to text messages he is claimed to have sent to his roommate.
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ABC has announced it will suspend Jimmy Kimmels late-night show indefinitely after the hosts comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

An ABC spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be pre-empted indefinitely.

The move comes after Kimmel said on his show Monday: We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.

Donald Trump quickly took to social media to gloat over Kimmels situation.

Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, he posted on Truth Social.

Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.

open image in gallery ABC has announced it will suspend Jimmy Kimmels late-night show indefinitely after the hosts comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk ( Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP )

The announcement from ABC came soon after Nexstar Media Group, the largest owner of television stations across the country, said that it would no longer air Kimmels show. Nexstar owns Americas largest local broadcasting group, comprised of top network affiliates, with more than 200 owned or partner stations in 116 U.S. markets reaching 220 million people.

Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, said the company in a statement.

Andrew Alford, the President of Nexstars broadcasting division, added: Mr Kimmels comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.

Alford added: Continuing to give Mr Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.

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ABCs decision also came after the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened to discipline Kimmel if ABC did not act first.

During an appearance on right-wing commentator Benny Johnsons podcast, The Benny Show, FCC Chair Brendan Carr said: When you look at the conduct that has taken place by Jimmy Kimmel, it appears to be some of the sickest conduct possible...there are avenues for the FCC, so I have to be a little bit careful because we could be called ultimately to be a judge on some of these claims that come up, but I dont think this is an isolated incident.

He then referenced a tweet by California representative Eric Swalwell which described Kirks suspected killer as coming from a family of Trump supporters, adding: There has been a concerted effort to lie to the American people about the nature of one of the most significant, newsworthy, public interest acts that weve seen in a long time, and what appears to be an action by Jimmy Kimmel to play into that narrative that this was somehow a MAGA or Republican motivated person. If thats what happened here, with his conduct, that is really, really sick.

Carr has been the Chairman of the FCC since 2017, when he was appointed by Donald Trump. He added, Frankly, when you see stuff like this, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.

open image in gallery FCC Chair Brendan Carr called Kimmels claim that Charlie Kirks killer is a Trump supporter a concerted effort to lie to the American people ( Reuters )

Carrs interview was retweeted by Donald Trump Jr, who captioned his post: Jimmy Kimmel is a disgrace.

In response to the announcement from Nexstar, Carr tweeted: I want to thank Nexstar for doing the right thing. Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest. While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values. I hope that other broadcasters follow Nexstars lead.

Sinclair Broadcast Group announced Wednesday evening it would also stop airing Kimmels show until further notice.

Due to problematic comments regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk in programming provided to broadcast stations by ABC, Sinclair and its partners, which operate ABC stations in 30 markets in the U.S., will stop airing Jimmy Kimmels show until further notice, Sinclair wrote on X.

Sinclair later said the shows suspension is not enough and called on ABC and the FCC to take additional action.

Carr also thanked Sinclair for taking quick action that you consider responsive to the needs and values of the local communities you serve.

open image in gallery People demonstrate outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where Jimmy Kimmel Live! is recorded, on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles on Wednesday ( REUTERS )

After news broke of Kimmels show being suspended, Johnson celebrated the comedians platform being destroyed, saying that the line was crossed with Kimmels comments about Kirk.

Thanks to FCC pressure and Nexstar and Sinclair pulling him from millions of homes, his platform is destroyed. Hes finished. Will never recover. This isnt cancel culture. This is CONSEQUENCE culture. For Charlie Kirk, he wrote on X.

In July, after CBS announced it was canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!

MSNBC host Chris Hayes posted about the connection between ABCs decision, Carrs comments and President Trumps apparent wishes, writing on X: The chair of the FCC explicitly threatened them - specifically the affiliates -- hours before they made the decision. The president has said he wants Kimmel and Colbert off the air.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also responded to the news, writing: A free and democratic society cannot silence comedians because the President doesnt like what they say. This is an attack on free speech and cannot be allowed to stand. All elected officials need to speak up and push back on this undemocratic act.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote: America is meant to be a bastion of free speech. Everybody across the political spectrum should be speaking out to stop whats happening to Jimmy Kimmel. This is about protecting democracy. This must go to court.

The Independent has approached Kimmel for comment.

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting Kirk, has been officially charged with aggravated murder and six other counts, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Utah prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson.

Officials say Robinson was radicalized online and subscribed to a leftist ideology, and that he had had enough of Kirks hatred, according to text messages he is claimed to have sent to his roommate.

Robinson appeared virtually from jail wearing an anti-suicide vest before a judge at an initial hearing Tuesday, with the next court date scheduled for September 29.
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Bella Hadid has shared multiple photos of herself lying in a hospital bed in her latest social media post, sparking renewed concern over her health.

On Wednesday, the model, 28, turned to Instagram with a caption that read, Im sorry I always go MIA I love you guys. The post comes amid Bellas discussions about the difficulties of living with Lyme disease, which she was first diagnosed with alongside her mother, Yolanda Hadid, and her brother, Anwar Hadid, in 2012.

The round-up of photos included an image of the supermodel lying in bed next to a crocheted angel, her being hooked up to multiple IV bags, sweating with a cloth across her forehead, and one of her sitting in the corner of an elevator with wet hair while holding a coffee cup.

Bellas post was also interspersed with a few scenic images of rainbows, sunsets, and full moons.

Many people were quick to turn to the comments section to express that they hope she feels better.

Im sorry I always go MIA I love you guys, she captioned her Instagram post on Wednesday ( Getty )

Lyme warrior, her mother, Yolanda, wrote.

Feel better angel come back stronger, another commenter wrote, while a third agreed, writing, Take care and heal, the world is waiting for Miss Bella Hadid always. Stay strong.

Yolanda then took to Instagram herself to share more photos of her daughter in the hospital with a lengthy caption in an ode to Bellas strength.

As you will understand watching my Bella struggle in silence, has cut the deepest core of hopelessness inside me, the caption began. The invisible disability of chronic neurological Lyme disease is hard to explain or understand for anyone. I try to lead by example on our Lyme journey but my own pain cannot compare to watching my baby suffer.

She also discussed her own experience with Lyme disease, writing, After many years I stopped sharing my personal story because I needed an energetic shift, time to focus on my healing rather than absorb other peoples opinions about my journey.

Even so, I am the CEO of my health and after fifteen years of searching the globe, I am still determined to find a cure affordable for all. Hopefully soon I will share whatever we have learned and the places we have been with you and our Lyme community as soon as lab results reflect our victor.

Over the years, Bella has opened up about the symptoms she has experienced while living with Lyme disease, including headaches, brain fog, sensitivity to light and noise, thyroid dysfunction, inflammation, joint pain, numbness, depression, anxiety, ADHD, endometriosis, PMDD, and PCOS.

In an interview with Vogue in May, Bella said that she has many days where she feels down on herself for being so sensitive, adding: I think nobody really understands chronic illness.

Expanding on her day-to-day struggles, she continued: Its hard to take a shower most days, which I promise guys, if youre reading this, I shower every day. But sometimes, if I have one day off, if I can get in the shower and make myself breakfast, I see that as an accomplishment.
There was one question on the lips of observers when the president of the United States and the first lady arrived by military helicopter at Windsor Castle today to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales. Would anyone be able to see Melanias eyes?

As it was, her felted aubergine hat was so low-brimmed  colour-matched to her husbands tie and teamed with a charcoal Christian Dior haute couture skirt suit  that her eyes were completely shrouded from view. It was all very reminiscent of when the 55-year-old first lady donned a wide-rimmed boater by Eric Javits for her husbands inaugural swearing-in ceremony. Then, the statement-making accessory seemed to handily keep her husband at a cool distance and spawned hundreds of hilarious memes online comparing her to fictional cartoons and evil movie characters.

Melanias hats almost function like Anna Wintours sunglasses and bob, where you can't actually see her face for her hair, says Claudia Croft, editor of 10 Magazine. Its a little bit unsettling.

The late Queen, she adds, would never wear a hat that hid her face. Our Royals exist to be in public  part of their public duty is to be seen, and to look good while doing so. Maybe Melania doesn't feel the obligation to be seen in the same way that they do.

The late Queens hats were, says Croft, like replacement crowns  formal pieces that she would wear for daytime engagements. Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales clearly got the memo, wearing a small, netted Jane Taylor hat, neatly positioned away from her face.

Melania has taken a very different approach, continues Croft. Theres something about her hat that leaves you with more questions than answers. It makes you think, Whats she hiding? Why doesnt she want people to see her? Is she trying to create a mystery?

Its tempting to speculate that Melania might be playing a game with us. For nearly a decade, rumours have swirled that the first lady uses a body double for some of her official engagements, when, as the internet loves to speculate, she cant be bothered, or when shes doing downtime for cosmetic surgery  and of course they call her doppelganger #fakemelania.

Indeed, former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci fuelled this rumour in 2020 during an appearance on an Australian TV quiz show, reporting that the presidents lawyer, Michael Cohen, insists that this is true, and that, Her sister sometimes replaces her on the campaign trail ... usually when you see somebody more affectionate with Mr Trump.

open image in gallery The style of the first lady has been compared  not always favourably  with that of the Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla ( PA )

While this is all, of course, gossipy nonsense, Melania was certainly in a cover-up mood when she wore an intriguingly long raincoat to step off Air Force One at Stansted Airport on Tuesday evening. Her Burberry Kensington Heritage trench coat was floor-skimming, worn with Christian Dior Empreinte leather riding boots. Why so long? Did her advisors not clock that, as glamorous as she looked, the ensemble was giving off some serious disguise vibes?

Nevertheless, says Croft, It was good diplomatic dressing to wear Burberry  a great endorsement for a great British brand  though I was worried about her coming down the steps. One false move in a maxi-trench and youre over.

Usually, so much thought goes into planning outfits for official visits, you can expect some kind of messaging within the specific choices of designer, colour, style, etc. But what is it exactly that Melania is trying to say?

Its interesting that shes chosen to wear prominent European couture, notes the fashion historian Dr Kate Strasdin of Falmouth University  not least when Europe keeps being sent to the naughty step by JD Vance. Most likely, its a homage to Jackie Kennedy, who had a penchant for French couture, particularly Dior. Indeed, Melania has long admitted that the OG icon of first ladies is her style crush. In fact, the dress she wore to the state banquet, a bold yellow, off-the-shoulder column gown, was designed by Carolina Herrera, another of Jackie's favourite designers. Its easy to see Jackies influence  say what you like about Melania, but she is undoubtedly the most sleek and stylish of any of the presidents wives to follow her.

open image in gallery Melania Trump wears Caroline Herrara  one of Jackie Os favourite designers ( AP )

Its also interesting to note, adds Strasdin, that the Dior skirt suit has a military aesthetic, with the suits button placement running down both sides from the shoulder to below the waist  theres a strength to the outfit, and maybe a sense of an embattled first lady under fire.

In sharp contrast to the sharp edges and sombre colour choice of Melanias first outfit choice, both the Queen and Kate wore rich jewel tones to greet the Americans  for the Queen, 78, a royal blue Fiona Clare dress and matching hat by Philip Treacy, for the princess, 43, a dark red Emilia Wickstead coat dress. Red and blue, plus, for the state banquet, Kates white silk crepe couture gown by Phillipa Lepley (worn with a gold lace Chantilly evening coat): theres the colours of the British flag right there  another tick for diplomatic fashion, albeit predictably literal.

The royals dress to be seen in a crowd, explains Croft. The late Queen would only wear black for funerals, and all the royals follow that protocol. But the one thing everyone can agree on is a stiletto pump.

open image in gallery Melania wore a similarly wide-brimmed hat to her husbands inauguration in January ( Getty )

The detail that might have been missed even more than Melanias eyes is Kates choice of brooch, the historic three feathers. It was a wedding gift to Princess Alexandra of Denmark when she married the Prince of Wales [who later became King Edward VII] in 1863, says Strasdin. She went on to become a much-beloved Princess of Wales.

The brooch, made up of 18 brilliant-cut diamonds encircled by tiny emeralds, includes the emblematic Prince of Wales ostrich feathers and a scroll inscribed with the Prince of Waless motto Ich Dien, which is German for I serve. So very on-message for Kate, who rarely puts a stiletto-pumped foot wrong when her star power is needed most.
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The U.S President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania touched down in London on September 16th for their UK state visit.

While they are supposed to express good bilateral relations, state visits are rarely just about handshakes and speeches.

With more pictures issued than words, the leaders clothes speak as loudly as policy.

When Melania Trump, 55, stepped off the plane at Stansted Airport, the First Ladys outfit spoke volumes before she uttered a word.

In a classic camel Burberry trench, Trump offered an immediate nod to her hosts.

Dr Naomi Braithwaite, associate professor in fashion and material culture at Nottingham Trent University, told PA Media, Burberry is the sign of British fashion, and so coming down wearing that is a really positive thing.

open image in gallery Melania Trump wore a Burberry trench coat when she stepped off the plane at Stansted Airport  a nod to her British surroundings ( Stefan Rousseau/PA )

The coat  flapping open to reveal the signature check lining, collar dramatically turned up  was both practical and theatrical.

Dr Braithwaite saw not only British heritage but that wonderful Hollywood glamour [when trenches were worn by] Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, who made the trench such an iconic piece  harking back to when US and European style came together.

That tension between tribute and individuality has defined Trumps wardrobe choices since she arrived.

open image in gallery Melania paired the Burberry coat with Dior boots, while the rest of the look was made by designers like Celine and Michael Kors ( Stefan Rousseau/PA )

The Burberry trench signalled her awareness of place and history.

Yet the rest of the look quietly mixed American and European designers, like Celine and Michael Kors  a visual union of influences that echoed the diplomatic purpose of the trip.

If the trench was a respectful nod to the past, the Dior two-piece suit and wide-brimmed plum hat she wore to meet the King and Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales was a declaration of fashions future.

Dr Braithwaite likens it to the famous 1947 photograph of Diors Bar suit on the banks of the Seine: It was the New Look  so Dior, so stylish.

open image in gallery Melania wore a Dior skirt suit to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla. A look to the future ( Jonathan Brady/PA )

In referencing this 20th century silhouette, Trump evoked a period of post-war elegance and Franco-American fashion exchange, a moment when a new kind of glamour was first exported across the Atlantic.

Of course, it was no coincidence Trump opted for Dior, which is not only one of her favourite designers, but it follows the appointment of Irish designer Jonathan Anderson to creative director earlier this year.

Trumps wide-brimmed plum hat also evoked intrigue. It really does hide her eyes; shes almost hiding behind it, Dr Braithwaite observes.

open image in gallery Melanias plum hat evoked intrigue ( Aaron Chown/PA )

In political fashion, that kind of controlled visibility is rarely accidental. It softens scrutiny while commanding presence, a tool women in public life have long used to draw or deflect the gaze, Dr Braithwaite says.

open image in gallery Melanias low hat almost hid her eyes. But why? ( Andrew Matthews/PA )

Even her colour choices  a muted suit with a contrasting hat  diverged from the British royal tradition of colour-blocking. Colour clashing is quite in fashion, says Dr Braithwaite, it probably is quite American.

By opting for the American trend of clashing hues, she carved out a distinctive space amid a sea of monochrome millinery and coat dresses.

open image in gallery The contrasting colours were an indication of Melania forging her own lane ( Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PA )

At the state banquet, Trump wore a butter yellow off-the-shoulder evening gown with a contrasting pink belt by American designer Carolina Herrera.

open image in gallery Trumps state banquet dress was designed by Carolina Herrera ( Aaron Chown/PA )

The silhouette is rarely seen in royal settings. Dr Braithwaite called it quite unusual at a royal event [] but she looked wonderfully stylish.

The dress balanced glamour and discretion: not ostentatious, not overly revealing, but unmistakably elegant. Its slightly subverting the expectation in a royal setting  but doing it in a Melania way, says Dr Braithwaite.

open image in gallery Dr Braithwaite says Melanias style was unmistakably elegant ( Aaron Chown/PA )

But still one to make a statement having to contend with tiaras, Trump opted for dazzling emerald drop earrings.

Perhaps this is her nod to regality, Dr Braithwaite suggests, her statement is in the earrings.

open image in gallery Melanias emerald and diamond drop earrings made a statement in their own right ( Aaron Chown/PA )

The oversized gems acted as a crown substitute, and perhaps could bear to be big, given the absence of a necklace with the open collar dress.

During a trip to the Royal Library at Windsor Castle on day two of the state visit, Trump wore a caramel leather suit by French designer Louis Vuitton.

open image in gallery Melanias outfit for her visit to the Royal Library at Windsor Castle was a caramel leather suit by Louis Vuitton ( Aaron Chown/PA )

The single-breasted blazer was adorned with ecru trimming and paired with tan snakeskin pumps by Manolo Blahnik  a designer also loved by the Princess of Wales.

It isnt an unusual choice, as Trump often gravitates towards strong, sharp tailoring with little fuss. It seems her wardrobes muted palette of the trip is set to continue.

In a state visit where political optics are sensitive, it seems Trump is opting for restraint in her style.

open image in gallery The skeskin pumps she wore were by Manolo Blahnik  a designer also loved by the Princess of Wales ( Aaron Chown/PA )

Shes dressing beautifully  its stunning, but not stealing the show, says Dr Braithwaite. It signals respect for the host country while maintaining the First Ladys own high-fashion image and avoids sparking the kind of backlash that can eclipse the purpose of the trip.

Her design choices appear to be saying: I can do regal without being royal.
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Touch grass. Its an expression that, somewhat ironically, was birthed by internet culture and spread via forums like Reddit and Twitter. Issued to people when they seemed to get too vigorously het up about online issues and debates, its an arch invitation to disconnect  get off the apps, go outside, commune with nature and remember whats really important. Not some stupid, hateful argument with a stranger in Arkansas, but the real world.

Though often fired off with a bit of eye-roll snark  the modern memeified equivalent of Michael Winners condescending calm down, dear in those irritating Noughties insurance ads  the advice behind this put-down turns out to be searingly relevant for todays young people. Because Gen Z, according to new research, arent going outside.

A recent study of 2,000 British adults by Super, Natural British Columbia, the official tourism body of the Canadian province, found that two-thirds of Gen Z (67 per cent) said they dont go outside for days at a time. More than half (57 per cent) of millennials said the same. In fact, only a quarter of those surveyed across all ages said they made a conscious effort to leave the cossetted safety of indoors at least once a day.

Gen Alpha currently seem to be on the same insular trajectory: some 43 per cent of parents say their children spend less time outside than they did at their age. A separate survey conducted by Outdoor Toys discovered that a third of UK children dont play outside daily, while a 2024 report from the Raising the Nation Play Commission detailed how the amount of time British children spend outside has decreased by roughly 50 per cent in a generation.

Theres a very obvious negative side to all this. Countless studies have proven time and again that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Psychiatric unit researchers have found that being in nature reduces feelings of isolation, promotes calm and lifts mood while having tangible cognitive benefits like improving attention span, concentration and memory. Its even been linked to having a more positive body image. And it doesnt have to be for long: research suggests that spending just 15 minutes in nature boosts wellbeing. But there are other, more insidious, detriments to holing up indoors, too.

Its easy, albeit chilling, to see how this shift happened over the past decade or so. The rise in the dominance of screens, which have come to shape every facet of modern life, has been swifter than many of us may realise. Back in 2013, the average UK adult spent a combined one hour and 36 minutes a day using their phone, laptop or computer recreationally, according to Ofcoms annual report. Fast-forward to 2024, and that number had leapt to four hours and 20 minutes. But its significantly higher for young people  Gen Z averaged around six hours of screen time per day. Nearly half (48 per cent) of 16- to 24-year-olds also said they spent too long on social media, compared to just 8 per cent of those aged 65 and over. In a 2024 report from the Pew Research Center, 62 per cent of American adults aged 18 to 29 said they are constantly online.

Its not just that apps have commandeered our time; its that the creep of all things digital has enabled us to live an entirely functional existence without ever leaving the house, sold under the guise of convenience. Whatever your desire, theres an app for that. Feeling hungry or thirsty? Uber Eats a takeaway or Deliveroo some groceries direct to your door. Feeling lonely? Experience an ersatz connection via social media or enjoy a romantic flutter (with none of the baggage or vulnerability) with a few swipes on a dating app. Feeling bored? Put on one of the literally millions of films, TV series or YouTube videos at your fingertips while, of course, simultaneously scrolling on your smartphone. Need a new hairdryer? A faux fur electric blanket? A bed in the shape of a rocket ship? If you can dream it, you can order it  and all at the click of a button, complete with Amazon next-day delivery.

open image in gallery Spending time in nature improves our wellbeing, mood and even cognitive abilities ( Getty/iStock )

In fact, its hard to think of a single task that one couldnt complete or outsource online  a single chore that would require one to set foot outside  especially since the rise of working from home across many industries. But theres a heavy price to pay for all that so-called convenience: isolation. Social skills are like a muscle  use it or lose it. Its no wonder that the phenomenon of the Gen Z stare exists  denoting when a blank stare is given in situations where a verbal response would be expected  and that picking up the phone has come to feel like something of an extreme sport for the under-thirties. And its no coincidence that young people are lonelier than ever. Nearly half of Gen Z said they often feel lonely in a recent Oxfam poll. Rates of depression and anxiety in those aged 18 to 24 have simultaneously shot up in the last two decades.

Theres a heavy price to pay for all that so-called convenience: isolation

The less time we spend in the real world, interacting with real people, the more our worldview is shaped and narrowed by online culture. And, in an era where attention is worth actual currency, that culture is financially incentivised to become more and more polarised  ensuring people stay passively consuming or actively engaging by serving up content that keeps us hooked, whether by pandering to us in siloed echo chambers, deliberately pushing our ideological buttons with algorithmically tailored rage-bait, or luring us in with harmless tropes before shunting us down ever more extremist pathways. Theres a reason that weve seen a troubling rise in conspiracy theory buy-in and ordinary folk becoming radicalised on forums like QAnon. Theres a reason that Gen Z men and women are more divided than any other generation on key questions around feminism, gender roles and womens rights. Theres a reason our current era has been dubbed the age of rage.

When were not connected to real people and real things  when we dont touch grass, for want of a better phrase  we lose a crucial sense of perspective. A vacuum is created. And its all too easy for vitriol, anxiety and fear to creep in to fill the gap.
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Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, yet most treatments offer limited relief.

One of the most divisive is acupuncture  recommended in US guidelines for lower back pain but not in the UK. A new study has now examined whether it truly helps.

The study found that acupuncture does provide some relief for people with lower back pain, though the benefit was modest. Having additional maintenance sessions did not boost the effect.

More significantly, the improvement was smaller than that seen in studies using different approaches from Australia and the US.

Although acupuncture is unlikely to be the best treatment for lower back pain, the fact that it helps at all reveals something important about the condition and how people can find relief.

The study included 800 older adults who were randomly assigned to usual care or one of two acupuncture plans. The standard programme involved 11 sessions over 12 weeks, while the enhanced version added five more maintenance sessions over the following 12 weeks. The trial took place with 55 acupuncturists in different parts of the US and focused on older adults.

The study found that acupuncture does provide some relief for lower back pain ( Getty/iStock )

After six and 12 months, both acupuncture groups had similar results, so the extra follow-up sessions didnt help. Both acupuncture groups had less pain and disability after six months than those who received usual care  and about 40 per cent improved by at least 30 per cent. These improvements persisted until the 12-month evaluation, and no major safety concerns emerged.

These findings align with large reviews of lower back pain treatments focusing on acupuncture or all non-drug and non-surgical approaches. Overall, acupuncture performs somewhat better than no treatment or usual care at improving pain and disability, though this benefit is typically small.

More tellingly, reviews show that any benefit from acupuncture appears even smaller when compared with sham (pretend) or placebo treatments. This means some of the benefit may come from the experience of being treated, not the acupuncture itself.

What patients expect can affect how much they say they improve, which is important in all studies that rely on self-reported pain. This makes it crucial to consider what comparison treatment was used when any study claims acupuncture helps, as usual-care groups  who typically receive less time and attention  are easiest to outperform.

Better options exist

Some people might say that any relief from lower back pain is worth celebrating or even paying for. But its also important to think about whether safer and cheaper options are available.

About the author Kieran OSullivan is a Professor in Physiotherapy at the University of Limerick. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article

The benefits of different mind-body treatments for lower back pain studied in Australia and the US are worth considering, as they appear to offer greater reductions in pain and disability without increasing costs or risks.

The Australian study showed much greater reductions in disability and pain (using the same outcome measures) through a rehabilitation programme delivered by physiotherapists that addressed both physical and psychological aspects of back pain. Even more importantly, the economic analysis revealed significant cost savings.

The US study involved teaching people that back pain comes from their brain being overprotective, rather than actual damage to their back. It used talk therapy techniques to help the participants think about and respond to pain differently. As with the Australian study, the US study also demonstrated much larger reductions in pain and disability than those seen with acupuncture  albeit using slightly different measures.

The fact that these holistic, mind-body rehabilitation programmes outperform acupuncture  and other relatively basic interventions such as massage and medication  reflects the emerging international consensus that comprehensive approaches help people manage their lower back pain.

Effective help for people with lower back pain exists; the challenge is ensuring healthcare professionals are properly trained to deliver these treatments, and that sufferers are aware of the available approaches.

Without accessible alternatives, people with lower back pain will understandably continue seeking treatments such as acupuncture which they know about, can access and provide some modest symptom relief. It is hard to fault them when alternatives that are both accessible and affordable are not available.
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Ten years on from the blue and black or white and gold dress debacle of 2015, there is a new optical illusion item of clothing taking the world by storm, and its been worn by Melania Trump.

The First Lady is in London for her husband Donald Trumps second state visit, and on Wednesday (17 September), she attended a banquet held by the Royal Family at Windsor Castle.

After photos of the dinner surfaced online, confusion reigned when it appeared that the colour of Melanias outfit differed in several photos.

Many noted how Melanias dress and belt combo, designed by Carolina Herrera, appeared vibrant from some angles, but more muted from others.

In one photo, Melanias dress looks bright yellow with her belt appearing to be a soft lilac.

But in another, she is seen to be wearing a buttercream yellow dress with a brighter baby pink belt.

open image in gallery Melania Trumps dress and belt combo has confused the internet ( Getty Images )

It turns out the dress is actually a merging of the two  a buttercream dress with a a purple belt.

The confusion has been attributed to flash photography  and also photographers tweaking with the saturation of their images before supplying them to press.

Also, every person is wired to see certain items in different colours. Wired previously explained that different wavelengths of light that correspond to different colours enter our eye through the lens and hit the retina, where pigments fire up neural connections to the visual cortex. This allows the brain to form those signals into an image.

The debate surrounding Melanias dress brings to bear the debate surrounding the colour of a dress that divided the internet into two tribes in 2015.

It was first spotted by a blogger who turned to Tumblr for help when the garment started an argument among her friends.

open image in gallery The blue and black or white and gold dress debacle was a viral sensation in 2015 ( Swiked / Tumbler )

Guys please help me  is this dress white and gold, or blue and black? Me and my friends cant agree and we are freaking the f*** out, Swiked wrote.
MUSCAT, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China Eastern Airlines will launch a direct flight from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Muscat International Airport on Nov. 30, marking a major expansion of its route network in the Middle East, the airline announced Thursday.

The new route will strengthen direct connectivity between China and Oman, reducing travel time to less than 10 hours compared with more than 20 hours when transiting through other regional hubs, it said.

The carrier already flies to major Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. The addition of Muscat will expand its coverage from the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, further boosting its competitiveness and network presence in the region.

China Eastern Airlines said the new service demonstrated its continued commitment to the Middle East market, serving as a key enabler of deeper trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between China and Oman. 
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Starbucks has issued a statement clarifying its company policy after an employee refused a customers request to write Charlie Kirks name on their cup.

The murder of 31-year-old Kirk, a right-wing political activist, on September 10 has further polarized an already divided nation and sparked fierce debate about free speech across the country.

In a now-viral TikTok video, a woman claimed that Starbucks refused to write or say Charlie Kirks name. I never went in talking about politics, just mentioned his name to have it written on my cup to honor him.

The clip shows the woman entering a California-based location of the popular coffee chain to order a Mint Majesty tea with two honeys  Kirks preferred Starbucks drink.

When asked for a name for the order, the woman tells the barista, The name is Charlie Kirk.

Charlie Kirk supporters have started using his name on their Starbucks orders, sparking a debate about the coffee chains policy ( Getty )

We cant do political names, but it [the register] didnt even ask for a name to begin with so its going to be $3.75, the barista responds with a smile.

The woman then fires back, asking: Well, cant you write the name on the cup?

I could write Charlie? the barista replies, with the woman questioning why she cant write the full name.

Because its political, the worker explains, before the woman tells her to forget it. I dont want it.

The barista walked over to my husband and handed him the drinks instead of using the name Charlie, the woman added in the posts caption. She is the one who brought up politics if she would have said okay then written the name, no politics would have been mentioned.

Starbucks has since released a statement in regard to the social media uproar about their supposed policy  throwing the barista who wouldnt write Kirks name under the bus in the process.

There are no restrictions on customers using Charlie Kirks name on their order, and we are following up with our team, the company said Tuesday.

The chain followed up the next day with a lengthier statement, which read: Starbucks is a company built on human connection. Having a name, rather than a number, attached to a customer order has been a core part of the Starbucks coffeehouse experience for decades.

Most customers use their own name. And when a customer wants to use a different name  including the name Charlie Kirk  when ordering their drink in our cafe, we aim to respect their preference, it continued.

Over the years, we have had instances where some people have tried to abuse the system. For example, theyve provided something that isnt a name at all, but rather a political slogan with the aim of having our barista shout it out as they hand off the finished drink. And in some cases, as their name, they have provided words that are sexually explicit or otherwise offensive.

We aim to be a community coffeehouse where everyone feels welcome, so we have previously provided guidance to our partners to respectfully ask the customer to use a different name when attempting to use political slogans or phrases in place of their name. We are clarifying with our team now that names, on their own, can be used by customers on their cafe order, as they wish.

The Independent has contacted Starbucks and the TikTok creator for additional comment.

Kirks alleged assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah, has been officially charged with aggravated murder and six other counts, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Utah prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson.

Officials say Robinson was radicalized online and subscribed to a leftist ideology, and that he had had enough of Kirks hatred, according to text messages he is claimed to have sent to his roommate.
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A Nevada woman is facing federal charges after allegedly becoming so disruptive while flying home that she was restrained in flex cuffs and duct-taped to her seat.

After Ketty Dilone threatened to kill multiple crewmembers aboard an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Las Vegas, she still managed to assault a flight attendant even while largely immobilized, according to an FBI probable cause affidavit unsealed Wednesday in federal court.

A bystander captured part of the tirade on video, which was later uploaded to TikTok .

Dilone, 47, does not yet have an attorney listed in court records and was unable to be contacted. Reached by phone, Dilones incredulous niece at first asked if someone was playing a practical joke on her, ultimately declining to comment on the record. Dilones daughter did not respond to requests for comment.

In an email, an American Airlines spokesperson told The Independent, The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority. We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement on its investigation.

About halfway through AA flight 2470s journey on September 16, Dilone left her seat and began walking down the aisle and yelling, the probable cause affidavit states. At the same time, Dilone was continually recording the entire aircraft, it alleges.

WARNING: Strong language

When asked to stop filming, Dilone became enraged and started to verbally threaten multiple flight attendants, who notified the captain and co-pilot, the affidavit goes on.

Dilone made several statements to the effect of, I will kill you b***h! according to the affidavit. Dilone also made aggressive postures towards the flight attendants when they attempted to calm her down.

As Dilone continued her disturbing and threatening behavior, the cabin crew physically restrained [her] in her seat with flex cuffs around her wrists and her seat belt, the affidavit continues.

To prevent Dilone from sliding out of the seat or the flex cuffs, a flight attendant (victim B.B.) taped Dilones torso utilizing duct tape, it says. After B.B. taped Dilones torso, Dilone kicked B.B twice[,] striking the back of her legs.

According to the affidavit, Dilone first kicked B.B. in the calf/lower leg, then used both of her feet to kick B.B. behind the knees, causing them to fall forward.

Dilones legs were then restrained with duct tape to prevent further injury to the flight attendants or other passengers, the affidavit states.

In the footage on TikTok, Dilone can be heard screaming that the flex cuffs are hurting her, adding, You don't know what the f**k I been through, b***h. She then recounts a tale from childhood of trying to kill her father by putting rat poison in his coffee.

Ketty Dilone can be seen aboard American Airlines flight 2470 in bystander video uploaded to TikTok. If convicted, she is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. ( TikTok/@corbohydrate )

So if anybody wants to kill somebody, Dilone announces to the surrounding travelers, put rat poison in it, but make sure it's not expired and make sure you put a lot of it, because it didn't work for my daddy. He just fell asleep.

The affidavit says that flight attendants were forced to rearrange passengers seated nearby, moving numerous travelers away from Dilone and placing volunteer passengers next to her.

Additionally, flight attendants had to stand and monitor Dilone during the airplanes descent, which prevented them from performing their duties of preparing and securing the aircraft for landing, according to the affidavit.

Law enforcement met the flight upon landing at Harry Reid International Airport. The flight had originated in the Dominican Republic and made a stop in Charlotte before continuing on to Vegas, its final destination.

Officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department took Dilone into custody, after which the FBI, which has jurisdiction over crimes committed aboard U.S. aircraft, booked her on federal charges of interference with a flight crew, and assault by striking, beating, or wounding.

She was transported to the Henderson Detention Center in Henderson, Nevada.

In 2005, Dilone was arrested on felony domestic violence charges, but pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and received a 30-day suspended sentence, a $340 fine that was waived, and was ordered to attend six months of counseling, county court records show.

So far this year, the FAA has received 1,154 reports of unruly passengers . In 2024, the agency fielded a total of 2,102 unruly passenger reports, a significant decline from a 2021 peak of 5,973.
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The shooter authorities say killed three police officers and wounded two others in rural Pennsylvania has been named after the suspect allegedly opened fire on them as they tried to serve him with a warrant.

Prosecutors identified Matthew James Ruth, 24, as the suspected shooter in Wednesdays attack in the farming community of North Codorus Township, roughly 115 miles west of Philadelphia.

Ruth was hiding in the home of an ex-girlfriend he had been accused of stalking when he ambushed the officers as they attempted to serve him a warrant in York County, District Attorney Tim Barker said at a Thursday press conference.

Barker named the fallen officers as Detective Sgt. Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker and Detective Isaiah Emehhesier.

The other two officers are in a stable but critical condition.

Heres what we know so far about the case and the suspect:

open image in gallery Officers were preparing to serve a warrant on the domestic callout in York County, Pennsylvania when Matthew Ruth, reportedly dressed in camouflage, pulled a gun on them from a nearby cornfield, an official said. ( AP )

Shooter was waiting inside ex-girlfriends home when he ambushed police officers

The violence broke out when the five police officers went to serve Ruth with a warrant Wednesday afternoon as part of a domestic violence-related investigation, Barker said at Thursdays press conference.

They were looking for the suspect and found him Wednesday at about 2:10 p.m. inside the home of his ex-girlfriend, who was not there at the time after police advised her and her mother to leave the property for their safety.

Barker said the suspect carefully surveilled the entire residence and the outbuilding areas in order to gain access to their home.

Officers opened the door and were immediately fired upon by the suspect, who was carrying an AR-15 rifle with a suppressor, Barker said. The suspect fired multiple rounds at the four officers at the door, killing three of them, and the shootout lasted two minutes.

When more law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered that Ruth had killed a black Labrador, owned by his ex-girlfriends mother, in the basement of the property, Barker said.

Had they returned home before the police arrived, the women would have been killed, Barker said.

The night before the killing, officers were called to the home after the mother of the ex-girlfriend reported a man on her property dressed in camouflage, later identified as Ruth, looking in with binoculars, according to Barker.

After looking at trailcam footage, officers saw that Ruth had an AR-15 style rifle slung across the chest while looking into the residence, the prosecutor said.

Officers spent several hours trying to find Ruth, but couldnt locate him Tuesday night.

While at the scene, investigators spoke with the residents daughter who told them that her pick-up truck was set on fire on August 20. An investigation found the fire was set intentionally and the daughter told authorities she believed the culprit may be Ruth, her ex-boyfriend.

Ruth was charged Wednesday with stalking, prowling at nighttime and summary criminal trespass.

Neighbors describe their panic after hearing 30 gunshots

open image in gallery The violence broke out when the five police officers went to serve Ruth with a warrant Wednesday afternoon as part of a domestic-related investigation ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Neighbors shared their panic as they heard gunshots ringing out from near a cornfield shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Witness Dave Miller said that his heart was pounding as he heard at least 30 gunshots ring out.

I looked at all the tall corn next to me and thought, well, if they didnt get him, hes on the run and he could come through the cornfield, Miller said.

He told CNN affiliate WGAL that the gunfire wasnt a quick ordeal.

Resident Dirk Anderson said he was in his shop when he heard quite a few shots from across the street, following by cops and the helicopter arriving.

Gov. Josh Shapiro leads tributes to fallen officers

Four of the police officers were with the Northern York Regional Police Department, while the fifth was a York County sheriff's deputy.

Northern York County Regional Police Department said yesterdays violence was a dark and heartbreaking day in a Thursday statement.

We are devastated by the loss of three of our officers and continue to pray for the recovery of a fourth who remains hospitalized, it read.

open image in gallery Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro led tributes to the officers as he condemned the violence at a news conference after meeting the families of the casualties ( Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania )

After speaking earlier that day at an event promoting the progress in Pennsylvanias reduction in gun violence, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro was leading the tributes to the officers at WellSpan York Hospital after meeting the families of the casualties.

This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day, he said. Even through their grief, each family I met with in York today told me how proud they are of their loved ones who put on the uniform and run toward danger to keep us safe. This kind of violence is not OK, we need to do better as a society.

Attorney General Pam Bondi called the violence against police a scourge on our society.

Hours after the shooting, people in the local community held American flags to salute a procession of emergency vehicles traveling to the coroners office.

open image in gallery People held American flags to salute a procession of emergency vehicles to the coroners office after the fatal shooting of three Pennsylvania police officers. ( AP )

Violence was one of the deadliest days for police in the state this century

Wednesdays violence marked one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania police this century.

In 2009, three Pittsburgh officers responding to a domestic disturbance were ambushed and shot to death by a man in a bulletproof vest.

Another officer in the York County area was killed in February, when a man armed with a pistol and zip ties entered a hospital's intensive care unit and took staff members hostage before a shootout that left both the man and an officer dead.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
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The suns activity is escalating far beyond scientists predictions, Nasa has warned, resulting in more solar storms, flares and space weather events.

Solar activity typically follows an 11-year cycle, with the cycles strength steadily decreasing between the 1980s and 2008.

Scientists had expected this trend to continue with historically low activity for the latest cycle, however a new study from the US space agency has shown the sun to be increasingly active since 2008.

All signs were pointing to the sun going into a prolonged phase of low activity, said Jamie Jasinski of Nasas Jet Propulsion Laboratory in southern California, who led the study.

So it was a surprise to see that trend reversed. The sun is slowly waking up.

The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters in a study titled The sun reversed its decades-long weakening trend in 2008.

One of the biggest impacts of increased solar activity on Earth is disruption to communication systems, with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares causing radio blackouts, damage to satellites, GPS errors, and even power grid failures.

Charged particles emitted by the sun during these solar events can also disturb the Earths atmosphere and magnetic field to produce strong auroras in the form of the northern Lights and southern lights.

Astronomers have been tracking solar activity since the 1600s, with one of the longest anomalous periods taking place between 1790 and 1830, when the sun went quiet.

We dont really know why the sun went through a 40-year minimum starting in 1790, Dr Jasinski said.

The longer-term trends are a lot less predictable and are something we dont completely understand yet.

Next week, Nasa plans to launch two new missions  the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe  to further space weather research and observations.

The findings will be used to inform how space weather events could affect spacecraft and astronauts safety ahead of the Artemis campaign, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
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Two flying cars had a mid-air collision in China on Tuesday, causing one to catch fire when it hit the ground.

The incident, which reportedly left one person injured, took place during a rehearsal for the Changchun Air Show in the north-eastern Jilin Province.

The Xpeng Aeroht flying cars, or electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, crashed into each other due to insufficient spacing in the sky, according to a company statement.

All personnel at the scene are safe, and local authorities have completed on-site emergency measurers in an orderly manner, the statement read, however CNN reported that an unnamed company employee had revealed that one of the pilots sustained minor injuries.

Videos on social media show appear to show one of the flying cars in flames with smoke billowing from it after crashing to the ground at the airfield.

Xpeng Aeroht, which is a subsidiary of the Chinese automaker Xpeng, said that an investigation is underway.

open image in gallery The Xpeng Aeroht flying cars captured before the collision on 16 September 2025 ( Screenshot/ Weibo )

The company said in January that it plans to produce 10,000 flying cars annually from 2026, having already received 3,000 pre-orders.

Measuring 5.5 metres by 2 metres, the vehicle can fit in a standard parking space, while also being capable of folding up to fit in the boot of a specially designed car called a Land Aircraft Carrier.

The eVTOL industry in China has seen rapid growth in recent years, having received the backing of the countrys Communist Party.

Chinas so-called low-altitude economy is forecast to reach a market size of $206 billion this year, according to the countrys civil aviation regulator.

Other countries are also hoping to launch eVTOL services in 2025, with US-based Archer Aviation recently conducting the first test flights for a flying taxi service in Abu Dhabi.

A company spokesperson told The Independent last year that its Midnight craft has similar levels of safety to commercial airliners, while also being 100-times quieter than a helicopter.

In the UK, the Department of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority have announced plans to improve regulations to allow eVTOL craft to operate.

In April, the government announced 20 million in funding to support plans to launch the first commercial flying taxi services by 2028.
HOHHOT, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- At 6 a.m., a pale light spills over the Kubuqi Desert as Zhang Xiwang steps through the dew, bends to gather a brittle stalk of sand wormwood, and lets its grains slip through his fingers.

"Ten years ago, the wind could bury your knees. Now the sand is damp in my fist and the willows we planted last year are pushing out new twigs," said Zhang, a 54-year-old "sand fighter."

Behind him, endless photovoltaic panels gleam in the rising sun while purple alfalfa sways beneath, forming a living photograph of a Chinese model that constantly refines itself.

The 10th Kubuqi International Desert Forum concluded on Wednesday in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, bringing together over 260 representatives from China, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Brazil, and other countries and regions to discuss desertification control.

In the past, northwestern China was under a yellow tyranny, where sandstorms darkened the sky and dunes advanced year after year, threatening the very essence of soil.

In the late 1970s, China resolutely set out to combat desertification. Through the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), the world's largest afforestation initiative launched in 1978 to restore northern, northwestern and northeastern regions, some 480 million mu (about 32 million hectares) of forest have taken root, raising the forest coverage rate from 5.05 percent in 1977 to 13.57 percent today, according to Tang Fanglin, deputy head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

On an autumn day at the edge of the Kubuqi Desert, 56-year-old farmer Wang Jianguo squats beneath the photovoltaic panels, his weathered face beaming with joy as he surveys the thriving alfalfa.

Wang's home in Hangjin Banner, Ordos City, sits on a photovoltaic desert control base that was once shifting sandy land. In 2020, a local project was launched to combine desert management with clean energy development and specialty planting.

His annual family income now exceeds 60,000 yuan (about 8,421 U.S. dollars), more than three times their previous income from farming, thanks to revenue from land transfer, daily maintenance of photovoltaic panels, forage harvesting, and the sale of alfalfa grown beneath the panels to breeding cooperatives.

Tourism has taken root as well. Recently, 109 visitors from the Republic of Korea (ROK) came to the Yinkentala Desert scenic area in Ordos City, enjoying activities such as sliding, camel riding, and dune driving.

From June 11 to Sept. 15, the scenic area welcomed around 11,000 visitors from the ROK. The desert that once struck fear into the world now sells tickets to itself, offering sky-clear sand and folk songs that feel freshly discovered from the seat of a camel.

The Kubuqi Desert, China's seventh-largest, is situated in Inner Mongolia. Years of greening efforts have transformed over 646,000 hectares into lush greenery, restoring biodiversity and significantly improving the local ecology.

In 2015, the Kubuqi afforestation community won the Champions of the Earth award, the highest environmental honor of the United Nations. 
A reader recently submitted a question that, on the surface, seems simple enough. They wondered, Did the Choctaw tribe fight alongside Gen. Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans?

The short answer is yes, but the in-depth response is far more interesting. To understand it fully, we need to look at the years before and after Jacksons famed victory.

The Battle of New Orleans, which took place in January 1815, was the culminating skirmish in the larger War of 1812 between the United Kingdom, the United States and their respective North American allies.

War broke out between the countries for several reasons. One was that Britain  which was engaged in the Napoleonic wars with the French  attempted to restrict trade between France and the young United States. The Americans believed this violated international law. A second practice that upset the U.S. was that seamen from the United Kingdom were boarding American vessels and forcing American sailors to join the British war effort.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- High in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of northwest China, archaeologists have uncovered a rare inscription dating back more than 2,000 years to the Qin Dynasty.

Carved into a rock face, the characters document an imperial tour led by officials of China's first unified empire, providing insight into the political and cultural life of that era.

The inscription showed how people were already venturing onto the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as early as the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-207 B.C.) and stands as vivid historical evidence of China's diverse yet unified civilization.

ANCIENT WORDS, HIDDEN HEIGHTS

In the summer of 2020, during fieldwork on the shores of Gyaring Lake in Maduo County, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Professor Hou Guangliang of Qinghai Normal University and his team made an astonishing find: an engraved stone hidden amid the rugged plateau landscape.

At an altitude of 4,306 meters, the inscription is carved into the base of a quartz sandstone rock, covering an area of about 0.16 square meters. It features 12 vertical lines made up of 37 characters that read from right to left. Remarkably, several key elements, including the date, are still legible after all these years.

The inscription, absent from written records, recounts how Emperor Qinshihuang -- China's first emperor, known for unifying the country and commissioning the Terracotta Warriors and the early Great Wall -- sent alchemists in search of the legendary "elixir of life."

They made a stop at Gyaring Lake in the source area of the country's Yellow River, explained Tong Tao, a researcher at the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Subsequent research revealed that this stone, which dates back to the Qin Dynasty, is the only known inscription still preserved at its original location and at the highest altitude from the era following Emperor Qinshihuang's unification of China.

The date of the inscription aligns closely with historical accounts of Emperor Qinshihuang's intense quest for immortality in his final years, said Wang Zijin, history professor from China's Northwest University.

LOST STORIES, FRESH INSIGHTS

"The moment we found it, honestly, my mind just went blank," said Hou. "We never imagined that near the source of the Yellow River, we could discover ancient calligraphic characters, and they even begin with the character 'huang' (meaning 'emperor' in Chinese)."

The Yellow River, often hailed as China's "mother river," has long been central to the nation's history and culture. Successive dynasties undertook numerous explorations of its headwaters.

From Princess Wencheng's passing through the source of the Yellow River in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the worship at the source of the Yellow River by officials in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), there are many historical records of explorations of the river's source. Yet evidence from earlier periods remains absent from written accounts.

The discovery of the inscription marks a major breakthrough in Chinese archaeology, stressed Bu Xianqun, a historian with the CASS and expert on the Qin and Han dynasties.

"Carved more than 2,000 years ago, it offers the earliest concrete evidence of the Qin Dynasty's presence deep in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, extending our knowledge beyond that of previous texts," Bu noted.

Bu added that the inscription sheds light on how early Chinese rulers explored the Yellow River's source, engaged with plateau cultures, reflecting a profound historical and cultural foundation for the formation of the sense of community for the Chinese nation.

MODERN SCIENCE, PAST TRUTHS

After careful study, Tong Tao of the CASS published an article in June, arguing that the inscription dates back to the Qin Dynasty. His findings sparked widespread attention and months of debate, as some experts expressed divergent opinions on its authenticity, age and other details.

China's National Cultural Heritage Administration then coordinated with experts to conduct field investigations and collect data on the stone and its surrounding environment, as well as organized specialized seminars.

Laboratory analysis confirmed that the inscription is carved on quartz sandstone, a rock highly resistant to abrasion and weathering -- a property experts say is "key to its survival over more than two millennia."

In addition, the stone faces southeast, with a mountain behind it and water in front, providing natural protection from strong winds and intense sunlight, further aiding long-term preservation, according to experts.

During the verification process, Chinese archaeologists employed high-precision information enhancement technology to digitally capture the stone without any physical contact or damage, extracting clear images of its surface, decorative patterns, and inscriptions.

Analysis of minerals and metal elements was also conducted, showing evidence of long-term exposure and effectively ruling out recent carving.

Unlike previous cases, this represents the inaugural instance where scientific techniques were systematically employed in analyzing a single ancient stone carving, said Zhao Chao, a researcher of the Institute of Archaeology of the CASS and a participant of the investigation.

The process has pioneered a new model for stone-inscription authentication in China, according to Zhao. 
Rupert Murdoch has emerged for the first time publicly since the conclusion of his family succession drama last week, dining with King Charles III and US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle.

The 94-year-old was pictured alongside his fifth wife, Elena Zhukova, appearing to be holding a walking cane in St Georges Hall where the state banquet was held.

Rupert Murdoch arrives to attend the state banquet. Credit: Getty Images

Murdoch was a surprise invite to the special event: the president has launched a multibillion-dollar lawsuit against the News Corp emeritus chair.

Equally, King Charles sons have a storied history with Murdoch, both settling a lawsuit in 2020 over the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. Prince William was in attendance and greeted Trump; Harry was not.
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 This weeks books range from fiction set in Japans Meiji era and some rocknroll fiction to Elizabeth Gilberts revealing memoir and the secrets of birdsong. FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK I Am a Cat

Natsume Soseki

Vintage Classics, $32.99 Before cats became masters of the meme-verse, before the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, and before even its source material, T.S. Eliots Old Possums Book of Practical Cats (1939), there was Natsume Sosekis I Am a Cat (1905-6). The satirical classic gives a cats eye view of Japanese literati during the late Meiji period. Its told by an anonymous moggie who arrives in the household of a pseudo-intellectual, Sneaze, and makes catty observations about the professors and scholars and poets who congregate there. The Meiji era coined the Japanese word tsundoku  a term for buying books and allowing them to pile up unread  which should give you some idea of how status-obsessed these bookish humans are. Our cat narrator unsheathes its claws and takes wry swipes at every foible and flaw  from the physical loathing the humans seem to display for themselves and each other, to tensions between Western and Japanese philosophical and cultural traditions. The narrator itself isnt beyond reproach  the cat assumes it has won celebrity status after randomly photobombing a postcard  though that only adds to the charm of this cynical, surprisingly prescient satire of human failings. Fireweather

Miranda Darling

Scribe, $29.99

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A sequel to Thunderhead (2024), Miranda Darlings Fireweather delves into the mind of a woman on the verge of  for want of a better word  madness. Or is it the world thats gone mad? In the previous book, we got a day in the life of Winona Dalloway, confined by suburban domesticity and motherhood. It fused black comedy with interior mental landscape and found itself in conversation with Virginia Woolf, among other feminist forebears. In Fireweather, we get drawn into Winonas mind as her marriage looks like ending in divorce and her children are absent. The world is on fire, literally, with black ash falling from the sky. Internally, Winona splits into multiple voices  dissociating into archetypes such as The Archer, The Nanny and The Poet  as she falls down a mental health rabbit-hole. She thinks shes sane. Increasingly, mental health professionals disagree. Darling writes feminist fiction infused with wit, intertextuality and a poetic command of language, creating a compelling, intricate internal voice that stands, too, as a critique of institutional misogyny in psychiatry. Eleanor Jones Is Playing with Fire

Amy Doak

Penguin, $19.99 The third in Amy Doaks award-winning Eleanor Jones series of YA mysteries (after Eleanor Jones Is Not a Murderer and Eleanor Jones Can Keep a Secret), immediately demonstrates its appeal, even to the uninitiated. Doak has created a wry and relatable adolescent narrator, at home in a gossipy world of teen crushes and high-school drama yet thrust into solving crimes. At the novels opening, she still hasnt kissed love interest Troy, and no less importantly, theres an arsonist on the loose in Cooinda, the rural town Eleanor moved to with her mother Min in the first book. Is a spate of car thefts potentially linked to the fires? Eleanors warned off investigating by a local cop, but trouble has a way of seeking her out and, in any event, someone must get to the bottom of the mystery before the whole of Cooinda goes up in smoke. Eleanors an entertaining teen narrator, her circle of friends is realistically drawn, and the mix of schoolyard romance and puzzle-like detective fiction should, I imagine, make this an addictive series for an early high school audience. Hot Wax

M.L. Rio

Wildfire, $32.99

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Ive lost count of how many rocknroll novels Ive read over the years, but almost without exception the genre is expected to tick two boxes. Youve got to write a love letter to the power of music, on the one hand, and a sharp indictment of the dark side of the industry, on the other. M.L. Rios Hot Wax cleaves to the mould, though the narrative has an unexpected twist, and enough depth of character to keep it from feeling completely formulaic. The split narrative follows Suzanne from 10 years old. Shes drawn to her dads world of fast cars and electric guitars and accompanies a rock band on a concert tour, where she witnesses fame and infamy intertwining. Years later, Suzanne settles down with a dull husband, Rob, but when her father suddenly dies, she abandons suburbia for the road, determined to find out what happened. Rob isnt happy about it, planning to track Suzanne down to confront her. M.L. Rio is the author of the BookTok sensation If We Were Villains: this latest should appeal to her fans, even if it seems undistinguished to connoisseurs of rock music fiction. Slashed Beauties

A. Rushby

HQ, $32.99 Wax dummies made from 18th-century sex workers  so-called Anatomical Venuses  are imbued with fatal, supernatural powers of vengeance. They come to life and murder any man who dares a lustful glance. (Take that, male gaze!) Such is the conceit of A. Rushbys Slashed Beauties. In the modern day, antiques dealer Alys is intimately connected to the wax figures. Entrusted with transporting one of them safely, she seeks to prevent uncontrolled magical mayhem from being unleashed. Back in 18th-century London, we follow the fortunes of the three women whose bodies were models for the wax figures. All are involved in the sex industry. Young ingenue Eleanor falls in with Elizabeth, a kept woman who opens a high-class brothel. Entering a world of luxury and corruption alongside fellow newcomer Emily, Eleanor finds herself well-compensated, financially free, but on a dark path she cannot control. Some elements of the world-building are under-realised and the prose is largely pedestrian. If you read only for plot, however, this blend of sisterhood novel and feminist revenge fantasy might just grab you. NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK Loves Labour

Stephen Grosz

Chatto & Windus, $36.99

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When I read psychoanalyst Stephen Groszs previous book The Examined Life, I found myself wishing I could bring him my troubles. He is the kind of listener we all want. Attentive, rigorous, non-judgmental. This is not to suggest he presents himself as someone who can fix his patients problems. Analysis, he stresses in his latest collection of case studies, Loves Labour, is a collaboration. If loves labour is the work we must do to see clearly ourselves and our loved ones, much of that labour is a joint effort carried out in the analysts consulting room. Take the story of Matt. His closest relationships dont feel real because he has been conditioned to repress anger and hate. When he sends Grosz a furious email saying that he doesnt like him, Grosz knows progress has been made. Then theres Ravi, whos convinced his wife is having an affair. He breaks off the analysis, allowing this delusion to ultimately ruin his love for her because he cant let go the ecstasy of sanctimony. Loves labour, Grosz reminds us in this moving and insightful work, is never done. All the Way to the River

Elizabeth Gilbert

Bloomsbury, $34.99 On the surface, everything looked great. Elizabeth Gilberts novel The Signature of All Things had shown those who dismissed her as a chick-lit lightweight after the phenomenal success of Eat, Pray, Love that she was a serious, literary writer. But beneath the surface, chaos brewed. Although happily married, Gilbert was in love with her closest friend, Rayya Elias, but couldnt admit to it. Only when Elias was diagnosed with terminal cancer did their bottled up love explode. We were ecstatic, phosphorescent, dangerous, brilliant and full of wild courage, she writes. Until, that is, this wild ride turned into a nightmare as Elias succumbed to her cocaine addiction and Gilbert fuelled it with her addiction to love and sex. Gilbert doesnt spare herself or Elias while laying bare how abject and wretched they became. But, as a recovering addict, she believes that the truth is what sets you free. The high voltage intensity of this memoir, with its operatic declarations, is not for everyone. Apron-Sorrow/ Sovereign-Tea

Natalie Harkin

Wakefield Press, $49.95 Sovereign-Tea. There is so much packed into this poignant play on words. It speaks of the constraints on Aboriginal women in domestic servitude and of their quiet strength. Their job was, as Natalie Harkin so eloquently puts it, to clean up the colonial mess. To keep the white settlers homes tidy, to look after their children. Even though they themselves might have been taken from their parents or had their children taken from them. The documents Harkin has retrieved from the archives lay bare the chilling and patronising mentality of the colonial bureaucratic mind. A State Ladys report on one Aboriginal woman in domestic service reads: You need firm handling. You must realise that you cannot have your own way always in this world. Set against this exercise of state power are the womens stories and the memories of their descendants. Stories imbued with sadness but also with resourcefulness and dignity. Stories of artistic and musical talent, of determination and spirit. Here, their labour is made visible, their voices heard.

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Eating outFood 1930s Brisbane apartments transformed into stunning new restaurant It might be 18 months late, but Brisbane is about to witness one of the most exciting restaurant openings of 2025. Matt Shea September 18, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Invite a diner into your venue as if youre inviting them into your home. The best restaurateurs will tell you how important this is. Its a principle that feels acute with Marlowe, which not so long ago was someones home. Or a bunch of peoples homes. Eighteen months after originally scheduled, Marlowe will finally open next week. Markus Ravik Fanda Group (Southside, Rick Shores, Central, Norte) has taken the old Merivale apartment building in South Brisbane and transformed it into a head-turning 110-seat restaurant. The point of difference between our other venues and this one is that its previous purpose is very, very obvious, co-owner David Flynn says. People lived here. Southside and Central, theyre beautiful restaurants, but theyre definitely restaurants. This feels like its evolved from something else.

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Related Article The brisket sanger that might be the best weve eaten in Brisbane Its such a unique building, such a unique opportunity. Its all about wanting to do that justice. Its a healthy expectation that we have something thats really cool and we want to make something that were proud of and that hopefully resonates with people. Regular Fanda designer J.AR OFFICE has created an interior thats fastidiously sympathetic to the character of the original two-level apartments. There are nine distinct dining and bar spaces, a greenery-lined terrace, and four enclosed sunrooms. Materials include walnut timber, polished chrome and rich carpets. If restaurants are designed to transport you elsewhere, this does that, even if its more about a time than a place. Marlowe occupies the heritage-listed Merivale apartment building on Melbourne Street. Markus Ravik Fandas restaurants thus far have been all about capturing cuisines from other parts of the world  Hong Kong, pan-Chinese, Latin American and Thai  but with Marlowes built-in sense of place and nostalgia, the group has taken the opportunity to drill down on something much more Australian.

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My training in different Michelin kitchens back in England was all about turning beautiful produce into something else, says Marlowe executive chef and co-owner Ollie Hansford (ex-Stokehouse Q and Siffredis). It was the done thing at the time. Whereas as I got older, If you start off with incredible produce then you dont need to turn it into something its not supposed to be. You just honour it, in a sense. You just want to buff it a little bit to make it shine  its sympathetic, similar to our approach to the restaurant itself. Regular Fanda collaborators J.AR OFFICE has produced a design sympathetic to the buildings heritage. Markus Ravik To that end, Marlowes extended gestation  its opening 18 months after originally intended  meant Hansford had the time to dig up producers and farmers, thus far not often seen in Brisbane restaurants, if at all. Much of the seafood coming out of the kitchen is sourced from a co-operative of line fishermen working the east coast and producers such as Cherax Park Aquaculture, north of Gympie.

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Chef and co-owner Ollie Hansfords menu taps into nostalgia without laying it on too thick. Markus Ravik On the main menu, theres stuffed 20-week chicken breast from Joyces Gold Heritage Chicken with mushrooms and a sherry sauce, and a rotating butchers cut that utilises citrus-fed wagyu from Elbow Valley Beef, west of Brisbane. Elsewhere, on the starters theres a truffled mushroom cannelloni with a sweet corn veloute and salsa verde, a signature duck pie with jus and radicchio jam, and a smoked cheese souffle with carrot noisette sauce, nduja oil and pickled radish. Prawn cocktail tartlet with Marie Rose sauce. Markus Ravik For mains, theres a coral trout Wellington with chive butter sauce and caviar, a spiced pork chop with caramelised apple, garlic and a hazelnut jus, and celeriac schnitzel with cafe de Paris butter sauce and caviar.

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Hansfords a clever chef and hes produced a clever menu that taps into the nostalgia the venue invokes without laying it on too thick. Smoked trout pate on potato rosti with a grilled pea mayo. Markus Ravik Group beverage director Peter Marchants entirely Australian wine list (beyond its champagne) plays a similar gambit, calling upon both small and larger old-school producers, but in the case of the latter often reaching for their more distinctive older vintages. It also repeats the offer of half-carafe pours, which he introduced at Central last year to encourage diners to explore different drops. Hansford likes to tell a story about some of the silverware he bought for the restaurant second-hand an hour outside of Brisbane. Curried crab brioche with pickled apple. Markus Ravik

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She was maybe in her 80s and I asked out of curiosity, How did you come by them? he says. And she said, Oh they were a wedding gift for my parents  Weve used them maybe once through that whole period. So its nice that were taking that history and bringing it back to life. One story transforms into another. Marlowe opens to the public next Tuesday, September 23. Markus Ravik And that really is what Marlowe is about. Exploring these narratives, whether its of a building or of a wine or of a set of silverware. Its what a restaurant at its best, when it strives to become a cultural object, should do. I think our own respect or search for nostalgia does come from getting older, Flynn says. But theres a craving for authenticity and one way to do that is to produce something that reflects a different, simpler time.

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Group beverage director Peter Marchants wine list focuses on Australian producers. Markus Ravik Its almost a privilege in a way to kind of be able to tell those kinds of stories. Open Tue-Wed 5pm-9pm, Thu-Sat 12pm-3pm, 5pm-9pm 105 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, (07) 3505 6412 marlowebne.com.au

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For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others.
Here are some of the most talked-about ADHD symptoms, and how you might be able to tell if its a sign of ADHD, or whether youre simply easily distracted. The symptom: I keep forgetting where I left my keys If you are looking for your keys just once a week, thats not an ADHD symptom, says Muller-Sedgwick, who is also the ADHD champion at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It really has to be more frequent than this. It has to cause problems. For example, patients with ADHD may waste a lot of time searching for their keys, to the detriment of their day-to-day life  their partner or family may become irritated and it may get in the way of their work. They often also have a long history of losing credit cards and have had to renew them a couple of times, or they have lost mobile phones and had to get new sim-cards, he says.

Some people are just extremely forgetful but it doesnt have a strong impairment on their life  they manage at school and work and their relationships are healthy, Mueller-Sedgwick notes. For it to be ADHD, it needs to create some impairment in your life, he says. This symptom alone is not enough to diagnose ADHD, nor is any other single symptom, French says. Everybody loses their keys at one point or another, she says. It doesnt mean you have ADHD. In combination with distraction and forgetfulness, it can be part of the ADHD diagnosis. Just because you lose your keys occasionally, it doesnt mean you have ADHD. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto The symptom: I tend to procrastinate Most of us, especially if you have to do things like admin, tend to procrastinate, which means it takes us a while to get started, says Mueller-Sedgwick.

For example, every student at some point has put off starting an essay, but will ultimately get it done because theres a deadline and missing it could mean failing a course, he says. Similarly, at work, people will generally complete their tasks on time to avoid it becoming an issue or being brought up in their appraisal, he says. However, people with ADHD tend to have a long history of struggling with deadlines, he says. Loading They had to ask for extensions all the time, and its not because they were partying but because they couldnt get started or couldnt finish the work they had to do, even though they really tried hard, he says. As a result, they may have lost a series of jobs, or moved from one to another  jumping before they get pushed, he explains. French says that this is because of differences in how the ADHD brain is wired. It responds very well to quick rewards  things that happen instantly, she says.

When you have a big test to do, or a task thats really hard or boring, you dont see the reward straight away. Conversely, people with ADHD can become hyper-focused and get a task done efficiently if it is something they are interested in, she adds. We all procrastinate at times but if meeting deadlines is a constant problem, it could be a sign of ADHD. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto The symptom: I cant stop scrolling on social media Social media is engineered so that it keeps everyones attention and increases your dopamine, Muller-Sedgwick says. They work through the reward mechanisms in the brain.

People with ADHD are especially prone to being sucked in to spending a lot of time on these apps. Its very rewarding, its like gambling, French says. Scrolling gives quick responses, and your attention is constantly shifted and rewarded. It becomes a problem if people spend so much time on their phone that they cant do the tasks that they need to, or that it interferes with relationships, Mueller-Sedgwick says. These are common behaviours. Social media is meant to increase dopamine in all of our brains, but people with ADHD will do it more persistently and will get themselves into more problems from spending time on their phone, he says. The symptom: My mind races when I try to sleep All of us, after a very busy day, can have a racing mind, Mueller-Sedgwick says. Its psychologically healthy to do a kind of mental debriefing at the end of the day.

But in ADHD patients, this is going on all the time and it causes problems like not being able to fall asleep, not being able to lie down at the end of the day, he says. The thoughts swirling around their heads can be both positive and negative and about things that have happened that day, in the past or events coming up, he says. Those with ADHD often report they have difficulty getting to sleep on almost a nightly basis. Credit: iStock While this behaviour  often referred to as mind wandering  is not a formal ADHD symptom, it is very common among ADHD patients, he adds. Sleep issues affect 50 to 60 per cent of people with ADHD, French confirms. The hyperactivity part of ADHD is often thought about as someone being very active and jumping off the walls  but it can also be constant thoughts that cant be switched off, she says. This is not one bad nights sleep because you have a presentation the next day and youre anxious and it keeps you awake. It can happen every night in ADHD.

The symptom: I always turn up late to appointments and events Being late is an ADHD symptom, Muller-Sedgwick says. But its not just once a week; its over and over, and theres a constant pattern of lateness. Loading Some people with ADHD have learnt to be on time for certain things, such as work, because they know it is important and have realised that there would be negative consequences if they werent on time, he says. Research has shown that this occurs because ADHD patients underestimate the time that it takes to do activities, such as leaving the house, commuting to an appointment or getting work done, Dr Mueller-Sedgwick notes.

Theyre very optimistic that they can cram a lot into an already-too-busy schedule and then they are not able to keep up with all the promises that they make, he says. For this to be a symptom of ADHD, it has to cause problems in daily life, he adds. If these symptoms are interfering with daily life, patients can make an appointment with the GP, who can make a referral for an ADHD assessment, if they also suspect it. For French, a diagnosis explained her behaviours and gave her the confidence to pursue her PhD. It gave an explanation behind the way I think, she says. It allowed me to go back to university because I realised that I wasnt stupid, I just learn differently.
Two of the people who died during the Optus Triple Zero call failure were in South Australia, while a third was in Western Australia.

Optus chief executive Stephen Rue, addressing the media tonight, said: What has happened is completely unacceptable. We have completely let you down.

Optus chief executive Stephen Rue. Credit: Oscar Colman

Optus has promised to make public the results of an investigation into the incident, which happened during a network upgrade on Thursday. The three people died during the network upgrade.

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Rue offered his sincere and heartfelt apologies to the families and friends of the people who died.

I am so sorry for your loss, Rue said.

Today is not about me, today is about the people who lost their lives.

This isnt Optuss first apology for Triple Zero outages. Just last year, the telco was made to pay a $12 million fine by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for breaching emergency call regulations.

An ACMA investigation found that during a nationwide network outage in 2023, Optus failed to provide Triple Zero access for more than 2000 people and subsequently failed to conduct 369 welfare checks on those who attempted to make emergency calls.
Jacqui Duncan was concerned when the rain started thumping down last Wednesday, but it was the sound of moving wheelie bins that alarmed her. She had been here before.

I know that sound is because water is moving at a fast enough pace to dislodge them, the renter from Sydneys inner-city suburb of Redfern said. The bins started floating, and I immediately started trying to barricade my door, but theres just nothing you can do when the water moves in so quickly.

Jacqui Duncan has been forced to relocate while four humidifiers work to absorb the stormwater that entered her home. Credit: Janie Barrett

Because stormwater had already gushed into her home in 2024, Duncan shot into action. She waded through knee-high black stormwater to take video evidence of her and neighbours claims: that road operator company, Transurban, was pumping water down their street from the Eastern Distributor.

You dont see water running down the street like rapids, and thats what it was. It was lifting 20 to 30 kilogram planter boxes and floating them 30 metres down the street. It wasnt a normal flooding event. The rain has subsided, and the water is gushing through. Im just glad that no ones child was walking home.
A Brisbane man has been charged with using a carriage service to threaten to kill Justice for Palestine Magan-djin spokeswoman Remah Naji.

Queensland Police confirmed on Thursday that following an investigation, the Counter-Terrorism Investigation Group conducted a search warrant at a Thomas Street, West End address, where they arrested a 43-year-old West End man.

Police alleged the man made the threats on August 14 and August 18.

Justice for Palestine Magan-djin representatives including Remah Naji. Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt

Everyone in Queensland has a right to feel safe and the Queensland Police Service remains committed to community safety and engaging with people from across our culturally diverse society to help foster relationships and build upon platforms for community engagement, they said.
Liu De-wen hands over the ashes of Zhang Hongkui, a veteran originally from Harbin, to Zhang's family members in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 8, 2025. (Heilongjiang Provincial Taiwan Affairs Office /Handout via Xinhua)

HARBIN, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Inside the bustling Harbin Taiping International Airport in the northeast of China, Liu De-wen, a man from Kaohsiung in China's Taiwan region, dropped to his knee and unzipped the backpack slung across his chest.

Liu carefully removed an urn wrapped in soft yellow cloth, which contained ashes of Zhang Hongkui, a veteran originally from Harbin, capital city of Heilongjiang Province. "Uncle, we're home," said Liu, gently announcing the deceased elder's eventual return to his hometown after 76 years.

Liu is the chief official of Xianghe Community in Kaohsiung. Since 2003, he has volunteered to carry the ashes of over 300 deceased veterans on the island of Taiwan back to their birthplaces on the mainland, fulfilling their final wishes -- to lie at last in the soil of their dearest hometowns.

Contrary to many assumptions, Liu, now hailed as a "soul ferryman" for mainland-born veterans, is not a descendant of them but a native Taiwanese.

Raised in Pingtung County, Liu built a successful career in banking before moving to Xianghe Community in 1997. This community is where mainland-born veterans settled in clusters. It was there that he first stepped into the world of such people, many of whom have faded into oblivion.

Liu recalled that when he first visited the veterans, he was intrigued by their diverse accents -- and he soon noticed that most of them lived lonely lives.

Xianghe Community is one of many "military dependents' villages" scattered across Taiwan. The settlements are home to those veterans who arrived in Taiwan with the defeated Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) regime in the Chinese civil war.

For decades, as the two sides of the Taiwan Strait were trapped in protracted political confrontation, the veterans were unable to return to the mainland to care for aging parents or reunite with siblings or wives. Many of these men, hindered by language barriers and considered outsiders on the island, remained unmarried and childless.

Liu began helping such veterans tidy their homes, and quickly befriended these elder "uncles." He gradually gained insight into their deepest longing -- a yearning for home.

"Returning to one's roots and reuniting with family are the most sincere desires of the Chinese people -- and this longing burned especially painfully in these veterans who lived out their lives in solitude," Liu said.

Although the Taiwan authorities lifted the ban on visiting relatives on the mainland in 1987, many veterans did not make the trips due to their age or health conditions. Those who made mostly did not move back to their hometowns, due to various reasons.

Liu remembered being invited by an 80-year-old veteran for dinner at his home. Seeing two extra pairs of chopsticks on the table, he was puzzled and asked if these chopsticks were for his veteran comrades.

"The veteran replied softly, saying they were for his parents, as he always held out hope that one day they'll be together again," Liu said, recalling the profound sorrow which filled his heart that night.

"Of the over 1,800 veterans in my community, more than 1,100 had fought the Chinese people's war to resist Japanese aggression in the 1930s and 1940s," Liu noted. "They shed blood for their country and nation. Their later years deserved better than this."

From that point on, whenever a veteran passed away, Liu would see them off as a son might -- carrying their portraits and escorting their remains to the final resting "home."

In a year that saw the passing of many veterans, he ended up escorting over 100 of them "home," even if this "home" was just a humble grave.

Liu noted that it was a request from a veteran in 2003 that guided him to his current path.

Born in central China's Hunan Province, the old man asked if Liu could help bury his ashes in his hometown, and Liu agreed. It was his first trip to the Chinese mainland to fulfill such a wish, and he set off apprehensively yet determinedly.

From Kaohsiung, he traveled over a thousand kilometers -- by plane, train and bus -- to deliver the urn to the old man's ancestral village in Taoyuan County, Hunan.

"They never got to reunite with their parents and never got to watch their children and grandchildren grow," Liu said. "That regret weighed on them all their lives. By helping them realize their dreams of returning home, no matter how hard it gets, my heart is filled with relief."

After returning to Taiwan from Hunan, more and more veterans came to him, expressing their wish to be buried in their hometowns.

Whether they were veterans he had known for years or strangers he had never met, Liu's response was unwavering -- "Don't worry. I'll take you home."

This is how Liu ended up becoming the "soul ferryman" for mainland-born veterans in Taiwan -- a title he has held for 22 years.

On every trip escorting a veteran's ashes home, he would wrap the urn in cloth of auspicious colors and carried it close to his chest.

"In Chinese culture, we honor and revere our elders," Liu explained. "Carrying the urn on my chest is like asking the elders to walk ahead, with me carefully following them on their journey home."

Liu hopes that when his children and their descendants speak of him in the future, they'll remember this commitment and carry forward the Chinese people's devotion to hometown and reunion.

Liu brought home the ashes of Zhang Hongkui in August -- a veteran who had resisted Japanese aggression -- ahead of China's Sept. 3 commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

He said he wished Zhang could "see" how the land he had defended all those years had become so strong and prosperous.

"The land of Harbin is steeped in the courage of heroes who fought against Japanese aggression. They left home in their youth, giving their best years to the national cause. Helping them return to their birthplaces fills me with both joy and pride," he said.

For Liu, whether it's in Harbin or Taiwan, the resolve of patriots to defend their country has never wavered.

"This spirit, like the longing to return to our roots, is etched deep in the hearts of all Chinese, and it will be passed down through generations," he said. 

Liu De-wen carries the ashes of Zhang Hongkui, a veteran originally from Harbin, at Harbin Taiping International Airport in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 8, 2025. (Heilongjiang Provincial Taiwan Affairs Office /Handout via Xinhua)
Queensland MP Joe Kelly will demand the Crisafulli government launches an inquiry into the sale and branding of laughing gas for rampant recreational use after a nitrous oxide dispenser was found near a Brisbane primary school.

The Labor member for Greenslopes has advocated for reforms for months but said he was appalled by the 3.3-litre vessel found just 50 metres from a school in his electorate in Brisbanes south, with colourful branding and blatant references to drug abuse, such as: experience heaven on earth.

Nangs are more readily available and sold. Credit: 9News Perth

Nitrous oxide, referred to colloquially as nangs, is typically used medically for pain management or in the hospitality industry for cooking.

It has long been associated with recreational use, but Kelly said the increased access of the equipment was having devastating consequences on Brisbane youths.
Health experts who fear plans to ban pill-testing services are being rushed through and could put lives at risk have called for an urgent meeting with the Queensland government.

The Loop Australia chief executive Cameron Francis said the changes could be introduced as early as Thursday night and urged the government to meet with experts before making irreversible legislative changes that could put Queensland lives at risk.

The Loop ran Queenslands first permanent pill-testing sites before they were defunded earlier this year.

The Loop Australia chief executive Cameron Francis led a coalition of health experts in calling for an urgent meeting with the Crisafulli government to discuss plans to introduce legislation to ban pill-testing services. Credit: Courtney Kruk

Without these services, people using drugs have no way to know if theyre taking dangerous substances like nitazenes  synthetic opioids far more potent than heroin that have already been detected in Queensland, Francis said.
A confectionery store opposite a high school north of Brisbane was raided by police within hours of strict new vape and tobacco laws being introduced to state parliament this week.

Investigators descended on the Strathpine Confectionery House at Lincoln Street in Strathpine about 11.30am on Tuesday.

The business  until recently called VIP Tobacco  is about 200 metres from the entrance of Strathpine State School.

Strathpine Confectionary House busted for illegal tobacco in Brisbane. Credit: William Davis

It was ordered to close for three days.
The doctor who first raised the alarm with police about triple murderer Erin Patterson has been punished by the medical regulator, months after referring to the mushroom cook as a disturbed sociopathic nut bag.

Dr Chris Webster, who was working as a visiting medical officer at Leongatha Hospital, spoke with Patterson when she arrived with gastro-like symptoms.

Dr Chris Webster waves to the cameras outside court during Erin Pattersons murder trial. Credit: Jason South

Shocked when she discharged herself after barely five minutes of medical attention, Webster phoned triple zero and requested a police check on her wellbeing.

Webster was later subpoenaed to testify in Pattersons murder trial and, following the guilty verdicts, gave an interview to the Herald Sun. In that interview, he called Patterson a crazy bitch and a disturbed sociopathic nut bag  comments which subsequently came under intense scrutiny.
A former manager of one of Western Australias most famous outback pubs has been found guilty of sexually abusing women who worked for him, including the rape of a backpacker.

The verdict in the case of Stewart Patrick Burchell was handed down after an eight-day trial in the states district court, sitting in the tourist town of Broome.

Stewart Burchell walks up the steps of Broome Courthouse last week. Credit: Hannah Murphy

He was found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault and one count of rape, but was acquitted of four other counts of indecent assault.

Burchell sat emotionless in the dock as the verdict to each charge was read out. He was supported by friends in the public gallery of the court throughout the trial.
Those MPs working behind the scenes and talking climate compromise include Leys right-hand man Alex Hawke, leading moderates such as Tim Wilson and Andrew Bragg, and conservative-leaning MPs such as James Paterson, Claire Chandler and Simon Kennedy (as my colleague Paul Sakkal first reported earlier this month). There is even some hope that the bare bones of a policy compromise can be worked out by the time parliament returns in October and a divided party room meets again. The compromises, which could include removing the net zero goal from law, exempting parts of agriculture from the target, getting more gas online and pushing back the net zero date from 2050, would be controversial. As one MP familiar with the pragmatists discussions, who asked not to be named, put it, there has to be a showdown when we get back to parliament. We need a position by the time parliament returns. Im confident we will actually be able to land it [a compromise on climate policy]. Its not 2013 [when Tony Abbott won the election by campaigning against the carbon price]; we cant just be against something. That was a simple deliverable outcome, axe the tax. But just arguing vote for us to end net zero is not going to win us the next election.

Hastie sounded almost messianic on ABC Radio Perth as he explained why he would quit shadow cabinet if the Coalition kept its support for net zero. He outlined an alternative policy he believed should be pursued  making Australia an energy superpower, with cheaper electricity to boot. A more nuanced argument is now being put publicly by MPs such as Wilson and Kennedy too. Wilson argues, for example, that he supports net zero prices, net zero power outages and then people are quite relaxed about net zero emissions if you get the first two. Loading In other words, Wilson wants the party to figure out how to come up with an energy policy the party room actually wants and then work back from there towards emissions reduction. Compromise carries risks for Ley, though, not the least of which is that it may not go far enough for MPs such as Hastie and Canavan, and could trigger a split in the opposition parties again.

Conversely, there is an electoral risk for the opposition that voters will be turned off by a party that could be seen to be walking away from addressing greenhouse gas emissions. The opposition leader tried to drag the focus back to Labors plan and away from her own problems on Thursday, and there is plenty to be concerned about in the policy documents. It will cost hundreds of billions to achieve a 62 per cent to 70 per cent cut by 2035. (Of course, advocates will argue that the cost of inaction would be far higher.) Consider some of the headline points from the Climate Change Authoritys work. Half of all cars sold between now and 2035 will need to be EVs; industry and resources sector emissions will have to come down by about a third; a sixfold increase in energy storage, doubling of rooftop solar, tripling of utility-scale solar and a quadrupling of wind capacity will be needed. Loading Australias emissions reduction targets need to accelerate from seven megatonnes in 2024-25 to 19 to 24 megatonnes per year to meet the 2035 target. The Labor catch cry is ambitious but achievable, and Treasury modelling suggests under a so-called baseline emissions reduction scenario, Australias economy will be $2.2 trillion larger by 2050, GDP per capita will be $36,000 higher and more. It all sounds a bit utopian.
Imagine, for a moment, youre a first year apprentice hairdresser. Youre 16 years old, still living at home with your parents, and getting by on an annual trainee wage of less than $40,000. Its highly unlikely that you have a deep understanding of Australias industrial relations system because the only contract youve come across to date is for your smartphone.

Despite the modest wage and entry-level position, a business in the nations capital employing this teenager required her to sign a non-compete clause when joining the salon.

Credit: Dionne Gain

That non-compete clause meant if she left the salon (or was sacked), she would be barred from working at another hairdresser within a 30-kilometre radius, cutting the hair of any of her previous clients or even talking to salon suppliers for 12 months.

Businesses talk a big game about enjoying the cut-and-thrust of competition, how it brings out the best of them. But when a 16-year-old on $39,559 is considered such a threat to a businesss survival that theyre barred from colouring the hair of anyone in suburban Canberra, I call bullshit.
London: The comforts of Windsor Castle appeared to soften Donald Trump when he ended his state visit to Britain and flew home. The president was treated so generously by King Charles and the royal family that his combative nature seemed to vanish, at least for a moment, when the time came to depart.

That was a big win for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who got to acclaim a series of big investment deals with Trump. The velvet cushions of the castle must have helped Trump sink into a more benign view of the world.

So the major event on the final day, a press conference with Starmer, was remarkable for everything it lacked.

US President Donald Trump (left) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a news conference on Thursday. Credit: Bloomberg

There was no clash with a journalist. There was no argument with a fellow leader. There was no rant about a political opponent. In fact, there was no combat at all.
London: The British have agonised for months about the time and money being lavished on Donald Trump for his second state visit to their country, wondering why they were treating the United States president with such honour.

King Charles just showed them that pomp has a point. And it can be a very sharp one, when delivered so smoothly that nobody feels any pain.

The King and US President Donald Trump inspect a guard of honour at Windsor Castle. Credit: Getty Images

There was immense goodwill during Trumps state visit at Windsor Castle on Wednesday ahead of the state banquet honouring Trump, and Charles seemed to be enjoying himself.

Watch the sword! the King joked with Trump after they reviewed the guard of honour and faced the guard captain, who raised the weapon to signal the end of the inspection. Trump came face-to-face with military discipline, tradition and duty.
Almost two years since Israel started its current campaign in the Gaza Strip, many governments are reluctant to call it what it is  genocide  simply because acknowledging it as such would incur legal obligations. However, they have legal obligations whether they acknowledge it as genocide or not. International law is clear: all states are obliged not only to punish genocide when it has occurred, but to prevent it from happening.

On Tuesday, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, on which I was one of the commissioners, released its report on Israels genocide in its military operations in Gaza. The report is based on our investigations begun within days of the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. We have now issued seven reports since then.

Displaced Palestinians flee Gaza City along the coastal road towards southern Gaza on Wednesday. Credit: AP

We began with what is still the most comprehensive report on the events of October 7, which found that the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters had committed war crimes.

We have reported on the killings in Gaza, especially of children and women, the destruction of the territorys housing, its healthcare system and its education system, sex and gender-based violence, attacks on mosques, churches, archaeological sites and museums. Based on its own extensive investigations and the findings of those seven reports, the commission has now found that Israel is responsible for genocide in Gaza.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Israel has officially launched a ground offensive into Gaza City, triggering a wave of international condemnation.

Local media reported that Israeli tanks and military vehicles pushed into Gaza City late Monday following heavy airstrikes. Gaza's health authorities said Wednesday that Israeli fire in the previous day had killed 98 people and wounded 385.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Tuesday that Gaza City is facing "systematic destruction" and described the situation as "morally, politically and legally intolerable." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also urged Israel to stop the "wanton destruction of Gaza."

On the same day, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, while Israel rejected the accusation, dismissing the report as "cherry-picked" and "fake."

China voiced strong opposition on Wednesday. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said his country firmly opposes Israel's escalation of military operations in Gaza and condemns all moves that harm civilians and violate international law.

Arab states also issued sharp rebukes. Jordan described the ground operation as a "flagrant breach of international and humanitarian law." Qatar called it an extension of a "war of genocide," while Egypt warned that Israel's "reckless" assault would lead to catastrophic consequences. Saudi Arabia condemned the offensive "in the strongest possible terms" and urged the permanent members of the UN Security Council to adopt immediate resolutions to halt Israel's actions.

European governments echoed the condemnation. Germany said Israel was "on the wrong path." France denounced the operation as a destructive campaign with no military rationale, and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the assault "utterly reckless and appalling." Both France and Britain called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed raising tariffs on some Israeli goods and imposing sanctions on some Israeli ministers. However, these measures may face opposition from some EU nations. Suspension of trade concessions requires approval by a qualified majority of member states, while personal sanctions against ministers need unanimous support. Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary and Austria have declined to back punitive steps, Politico reported.

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday voiced solidarity with the Palestinian people, saying civilians in Gaza "survive in unacceptable conditions" and are "forced once again from their own lands." He renewed his appeal for a ceasefire, hostage release and adherence to international law.

The Israel Defense Forces opened an additional evacuation route for Palestinians to leave Gaza City, available for 48 hours from Wednesday noon. An Israeli official warned that fighting would intensify over the next month or two. 
Steve Bannon believes a wider conspiracy lies behind Kirks death. Credit: AP It later emerged that one of the bullets was engraved with the phrase: Hey fascist! Catch and Bella ciao, a reference to a World War II Italian antifascist song. Bannon went on to suggest that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may have been involved in the incident by allegedly funding Antifa. He doubled down on the comments on Wednesday, telling Politico: The biggest thing is to broaden the assassination investigation from a single murder to the broader conspiracy. If we are going to go to war, lets go to war. You shot a man in cold blood in front of the world ... I think your parents may talk about that before they say Oh, by the way, did you bring the rifle back?  Steve Bannon

Bannon also told his podcast listeners he was highly sceptical about a text exchange prosecutors said took place between Robinson and his transgender lover. Loading According to the messages, released by Utah authorities yesterday, Robinson worried about his fathers reaction if he failed to return with his grandfathers rifle, which he allegedly used to shoot Kirk last week. You shot a man in cold blood in front of the world ... I think your parents may talk about that first before they say, Oh, by the way, did you bring the rifle back? Bannon said. I am absolutely not buying this. Echoing sceptics on social media who claimed the messages setting out details of the alleged crime were too convenient, he added: Why are you explaining everything?

Im particularly not buying those text messages, it just seems too stilted, too much like a script  actually, like a bad script. Matt Walsh, a MAGA-aligned commentator with the Daily Wire, suggested the text exchange had been planned to protect Robinsons lover from prosecution. The most plausible and sensible theory isnt that the FBI made up text messages and released them, but that the killer and his boyfriend constructed this highly scripted text conversation as an alibi for the boyfriend, he said. Bannon went on to urge investigators to probe connections to the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, shot at Trump as he addressed a campaign rally in June 2024, grazing his ear with a bullet. Authorities have not commented on his motive, and the shooting has spawned a number of conspiracy theories on the right. Loading Stephen Miller, the deputy White House chief of staff and a long-time aide to Trump, claimed a vast domestic terror network was responsible for Kirks death. Violence is being fomented by organised doxing campaigns, the organised riots, the organised street violence  and the actual organised cells, he claimed on an episode of Kirks podcast on Monday, hosted by Vice President JD Vance. With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have  to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks and make America safe again, he vowed.

A larger terrorist network Sean Davis, founder of conservative magazine The Federalist, wrote on social media: Its obvious now that Charlie Kirks assassin was not working alone. He was clearly operating within a larger terrorist network focused on grooming, recruiting and training terrorists for the purpose of planning and executing terrorist attacks. Tyler Robinson, primary suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Patel, the FBI director, was repeatedly pressed by Republicans about whether Robinson had allegedly acted alone when he testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee for several hours on Tuesday.

A number of people who communicated with the 22-year-old student on Discord, the gaming chat room, are being investigated and interrogated by the FBI, he told senators. Asked if others could have been involved in Kirks death, he answered: Yes. Loading At one point, Missouri senator Josh Hawley urged Patel to investigate Kirks murder as part of a wider wave of anti-religion, anti-Christian violence. Dan Bongino, Patels deputy, has also said the bureau is looking into whether Robinson acted as part of a larger effort. If there was any aiding and abetting, whether it be financial or someone who knew the specifics of it and failed to report that, were looking into that, Bongino told Fox News on Monday, and declared: Theres not going to be a stone left unturned.
Washington: The White House warned us it was going to crack down on left-wing activists. The US attorney-general told us she was coming after hate speech, and that employers were obliged to sack people who said objectionable things.

We just didnt know the next victim would be Jimmy Kimmel.

The American ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmels show off air indefinitely after comments he made about Charlie Kirk two nights ago. Credit: Getty

The extraordinary decision of Americas ABC network to suspend Kimmels late-night comedy show  over genuinely milquetoast content on the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk  should be and is a wake-up call for all proponents of free expression in the United States and around the world.

It is a perfect distillation of the way Donald Trump deploys government power to vanquish his critics and steamroll organisations to bend to his will, even if the US president himself did not order the decision.
LONDON, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool has shown the ability to forecast an individual's risk of developing more than a thousand diseases up to 20 years in advance, according to a study published Wednesday in Nature.

Named Delphi-2M, the model marks a major advance over earlier AI-based risk predictors, which typically focus on a single illness, said study co-author Moritz Gerstung, a data scientist at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. He noted that Delphi-2M could help doctors identify high-risk patients early, opening opportunities for preventive measures long before symptoms appear.

In the study, researchers adapted a large language model to forecast the likelihood of 1,258 diseases based on a person's medical history, combined with factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and lifestyle habits like tobacco and alcohol use. The tool was trained on health data from 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank, which tracks long-term biomedical information.

Results showed that Delphi-2M matched or exceeded the accuracy of conventional single-disease models and outperformed algorithms relying on biomarker data to estimate risk across multiple conditions. The AI excelled in forecasting illnesses with predictable progression, including certain cancers, and could calculate disease probabilities decades in advance depending on medical records.

To test its broader applicability, the team validated Delphi-2M using health data from 1.9 million people in the Danish National Patient Registry, a database of nearly 50 years of hospital records. Predictions for the Danish cohort proved only marginally less accurate than those for UK Biobank participants.

Despite its promise, the researchers acknowledged limitations. The UK Biobank, for example, records only a participant's first incidence of disease, which could affect long-term prediction accuracy. The team plans to expand testing with datasets from multiple countries to improve the model's precision and global relevance. 
12 Naxals surrender; reveal shocking details of atrocity





Our Correspondent

NARAYANPUR

The ongoing anti-Naxal campaign, continuous establishment of security camps in highly sensitive interior regions, the growing influence of police forces, and disillusionment with the inhuman, baseless ideology of Naxalsalong with their oppression, exploitation, and discriminatory treatment of local tribal communitiesled to the surrender of 12 Naxals in the presence of Superintendent of Police Robinson Gudiya and other officials. Out of the 12, nine carried cash rewards totaling Rs 18 lakh. During interrogation, the surrendered cadres revealed shocking details. Top Maoist leaders are the biggest enemies of tribals. By projecting false promises of protecting their water, forest, and land rights, ensuring equality, and delivering justice, they enslave the people of Bastar. Local cadres face immense exploitation, while the condition of women cadres is even worse.

Their lives have become hell, subjected to both physical and mental exploitation. Most senior leaders treat them as personal slaves, luring them with false promises of settling in cities and even abroad. All surrendered Naxals were provided a motivational amount of Rs 50,000 each and assured full benefits under the Chhattisgarh Governments Naxal Rehabilitation Policy for a better life. SP Robinson Gudiya said, Our prime objective is to protect the indigenous residents of Abujhmad, living in extremely challenging terrains, from the Maoist ideology and to free them from the misleading influence of extremists.

We appeal to all Maoists to shun the deceptive propaganda of outsiders, accept the governments Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, join the mainstream, and completely renounce arms and extremist ideology. It is time to return Abujhmad to its rightful inhabitants, where they can live fearlessly and lead a normal life. IG Bastar Range Sundarraj P said, In 2025, security forces have inflicted heavy losses on the top leadership of Maoist outfits. The banned CPI (Maoist) now has no option left other than surrender. We urge all Maoist cadres to immediately abandon violent activities and join mainstream society.

CM attributes surrender to new policy

Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

Sept 17

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that 12 Maoists have surrendered in Narayanpur district, which shows the success of States new Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025. The surrendered individuals, who had a total bounty of Rs 18 lakh, include two area committee members. Taking to X, Sai stated, the surrenders took place under the Maad Bachao Abhiyan and the Governments Niyed Nellanar scheme, which provides development and public welfare benefits to remote, Naxal-affected areas. The Government has provided each surrendered Maoist with an incentive check of Rs 50,000 and will provide them with further benefits under the Naxal eradication policy. According to the Chief Ministers statement, a total of 1,704 Maoists have joined the mainstream since his government took office.

The administration is working with a target to completely eradicate Naxalism from the state by March 31, 2026. This latest surrender, he noted, is a testament to the positive impact of the governments dual-pronged approach of security operations and welfare schemes. A video explaining the Niyad Nellanar initiative. The video provides context on one of the government schemes mentioned in the press release.

Naxal kill villager with sharp weapon

BIJAPUR,

Sept 17

A brutal act of violence was once again witnessed in Bastar region as Naxals killed a villager in Jangla police station limits of restive Bijapur district. The incident occurred in the intervening night of September 16 and 17, when the ultras stormed into Benchram village and targeted a man on suspicion of being a police informer. According to information received at Jangla police station, the victim has been identified as Dashru Ram Oyam (36), son of Lachhu Oyam, a resident of Benchram belonging to the Muria community. He was at his home when Maoists arrived, accused him of passing information to the police, and forcibly dragged him out of his house. The ultras then attacked him repeatedly with a sharp-edged weapon. Verification of the incident confirmed that the assailants used a tangiya (axe-like weapon) to inflict fatal blows, killing Dashru Ram on the spot. News of the killing spread fear across the village, where panic and tension prevailed following the Maoists action. On receiving information, police from Jangla station reached the spot, conducted inquest proceedings and sent the body for post-mortem. A case has been registered with FIR at Jangla police station. Officials said legal proceedings are underway and investigation is initiated.
Disha Patani Bareilly home firing: Two shooters killed in encounter





NEW DELHI :

TWO active members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Barar gang, allegedly involved in firing outside Bollywood actress Disha Patanis residence in Bareilly, were shot dead in an encounter near Tronica City in Ghaziabad on Wednesday, officials said. The encounter was carried out in a joint operation by Delhi Police Special Cell, Uttar Pradesh STF and Haryana STF, they said. The deceased were identified as Ravinder, resident of Haryanas Rohtak and Arun from Haryanas Sonipat, they said. A senior officer of the Haryana STF confirmed that both were shot dead and a personnel of Special Cell also sustained injuries during the encounter. The duo had a direct role in the Bareilly firing case, which had sparked security concerns around high-profile personalities.

The incident was suspected to be an intimidation tactic linked to extortion, an officer of Delhi Police Special Cell said. Senior officers said further investigation is underway to trace other gang members who remain absconding. Unidentified assailants had fired multiple rounds outside Patanis Bareilly residence around 3.45 am on September 12, creating panic in the locality. A case was registered at the Bareilly Kotwali police station, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed immediate action in the matter, reiterating the State Governments zero-tolerance policy towards crime.

UP Polices Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, said that police examined CCTV footage, gathered intelligence inputs, and matched records from neighbouring states, leading to the identification of the shooters as Ravindra, son of Kallu, resident of Kahni in Rohtak, and Arun, son of Rajendra, resident of Indian Colony, Gohana Road in Sonipat. Earlier, the officials said that a joint team of the STFs Noida unit and Delhi Police intercepted the duo in Tronica City, Ghaziabad. In the ensuing exchange of fire, both accused sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The ADG confirmed that both Ravindra and Arun are active members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang. Ravindra has a criminal history and has been involved in several previous cases. A Glock and a Zigana pistol, along with a large quantity of cartridges, were recovered from the spot, he added.
Gates of Totladoh, Navegaon Khairy dams opened





Of 77 dams in district, water level in 55 dams touched the 100% mark on Wednesday; Administration appeals citizens to be vigilant, avoid venturing near water bodies

Staff Reporter :

The torrential rain in last few days filled all 77 dams of Nagpur district up to danger level mark. The district has five major, 12 medium and 60 minor reservoirs. Of these, 11 medium and 44 minor dams have 100 per cent water level after Tuesdays heavy rains in the district. With water level at danger mark, the Administration has started releasing water from Totladoh dam on Wednesday morning. Total 14 gates of Totladoh are lifted by 0.3 mt which releasing 443.57 cumecs water. Gates of Navegaon Khairy dam in Parseoni taluka also were lifted on Wednesday after heavy rains in the catchment area. Four gates of the dam were lifted by 0.3 mt whereas 10 gates were raised by 0.5 mt. Navegaon Khairy has 99.99% of water stock till Wednesday evening.

Wadgaon dam, which is situated very close to Nagpur city, is releasing 409 cumecs water from its nine gates which were lifted by 25 cm. Constant rain that is going on in Madhya Pradesh is also caused increased water level in major dams in Nagpur district. Chaurai dam, in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh is discharging 101.92 cumecs water from its four gates which were lifted by 0.6 mt on Wednesday. Releasing water from Chaurai dam, increased the water level in Navegaon Khairy which led to opening of gates in Nagpur district.

Khindsi and Nand dams are also have water level more than 95% and the rains in coming days will lead to opening of gates in these dams as well. Similarly, out of 12 medium dams, the administration issued red alert for citizens residing near 11 dams in the district as these reservoirs already touched the 100% mark. The authorities appealed villagers to be vigilant and avoid venturing near water bodies. Wena, Kanholibara, Pandhrabodi, Makardhokda, Sayaki, Chandrabhaga, Mordham, Kesarnala, Umri, Koalar, and Jam reservoirs have water level up to its full capacity. Khekranala is the only dam in the district that yet to touch the 100% mark.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce said Thursday that the country's position on the TikTok issue remains consistent and that China will never seek to reach any agreement at the expense of principles, the interests of companies, and international fairness and justice.

Ministry spokesperson He Yadong made these remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to a media query about TikTok.

"Regarding the TikTok issue, China's position remains consistent as it has always opposed the politicization, instrumentalization and weaponization of technology as well as economic and trade matters," He said.

He noted that China and U.S. economic and trade teams had held consultations on Sept. 14 and 15 local time in Madrid, Spain. Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state in their phone call, the two sides reached a basic framework agreement on resolving issues related to TikTok -- through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation.

The Chinese government fully respects the willingness of enterprises and supports them in conducting equal commercial negotiations based on market principles, He said, adding that the government will review and approve matters related to TikTok in accordance with law -- including issues such as the export of technology and authorization of intellectual property rights.

The spokesperson called on the U.S. side to provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment, in line with the consensus reached by both parties, for the continued operation of Chinese enterprises, including TikTok, in the United States -- thereby promoting stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations. 
IMA doctors threaten to go on 24-hour strike in Maharashtra from 8 am today





MUMBAI,

THE Indian Medical Associations Maharashtra chapter has threatened to go on a 24-hour strike from September 18 to protest the Governments decision to allow registration of homoeopathic doctors who have completed a certificate course in modern pharmacology. Nearly 1.8 lakh allopathic doctors across the State will take part in the strike, said IMA Maharashtra president Dr Santosh Kadam on Wednesday. Earlier this year, the State Government directed the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to register homoeopaths who had completed the one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) to allow them to prescribe allopathic medicines to patients in select cases.

A fresh Government resolution (GR) was issued in this regard on September 5, upsetting allopathic practitioners. Our representatives met the Chief Minister on Wednesday and gave him a memorandum of our grievances. We are going ahead with the 24-hour strike, which will begin from 8 am on September 18. All doctors, students from Government and private hospitals from across the State will participate in this strike, Kadam told PTI. However, emergency medical services will remain operational, he said. The IMA has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the GR of September 5. Kadam said the resident doctors organisations of Government and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) medical colleges, Central MARD (Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors) and BMC MARD, have opposed the move and pledged to participate in the strike. From September 17, the Government will start separate registration of homoeopaths with the MMC, allowing those homoeopaths who have completed the CCMP course to prescribe allopathic medicines in select cases.

Dr Akshay Dongardive, president of the Federation of All India Medical Associations, warned that doctors will launch a nationwide agitation, even taking to the streets to tell the public about the risks, if the Government does not roll back its decision. In a letter to the CM earlier, the IMAs Maharashtra unit had argued that the decision would allow inadequately trained individuals to treat patients and could lead to misdiagnosis, adverse reactions, antibiotic resistance, and patient deaths, especially in rural areas. Registering CCMP-certificated doctors in the MMC would create a dual system, leading to confusion, misconceptions, and mistrust among people.

It would also compromise the international credibility of Maharashtras medical education and healthcare services, the association had cautioned. Further, allowing CCMP (homoeopathic) doctors to register with the council would set a precedent for other alternative medicine practitioners to demand similar recognition, leading to chaos in the healthcare system and erosion of public trust, it had stressed. The MMC is a Government body responsible for the registration, regulation, and ethical conduct of medical practitioners within Maharashtra.
Narendra Modi turns 75 Wishes pour in for the Inspiring leader





NEW DELHI :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, with a host of dignitaries and politicians lauding his leadership and the ruling BJP launching over a fortnight long Sewa Pakhwada to mark the birthday of its pre-eminent leader. The BJP-run Governments at the Centre and States have lined up an array of outreach, welfare, development and awareness programmes, ranging from health camps to cleanliness drive, get togethers of intellectuals and fairs to promote indigenous products across the country till October 2. President Droupadi Murmu greeted Modi, who was born in a poor family in Gujarats Vadnagar, and praised him for instilling a culture of setting and achieving great goals in the country.

Today, the global community is also expressing its faith in your guidance, Murmu said in her birthday greetings to the PM. Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the Prime Minister of India, Shri @narendramodi ji. By exemplifying the pinnacle of hard work through your extraordinary leadership, you have instilled a culture of achieving great goals in the country, she said. Thanking her, Modi said his Government will remain dedicated to building a strong, capable and self-reliant India with the help of its over 140 cr citizens, and described her vision and ideas as inspirational. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said India is making a mark on the global stage and moving steadily towards the goal of a developed nation under his visionary leadership. Speaker Om Birla said his unparalleled dedication and commitment to the country is an inspiration to every Indian. BJP leaders and members of other parties extended birthday wishes to Modi, who has led his party to unprecedented geographical expansion and electoral success since 2014.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Modi with his visionary leadership, dedication to the nation and untiring hardwork has given the country new energy and shown it a new direction. He has enhanced Indias capability and respect globally, and his commitment to peoples and the poors welfare is exemplary, Singh said. Home Minister Amit Shah said Modi has been working tirelessly for peoples welfare for more than five decades, and he is a living inspiration of the nation first motto for every citizen. In posts on X, Shah described him as a symbol of sacrifice and dedication, and inspiration for crores of countrymen.

The Home Minister said from the RSS to the party and the Government, Modis journey in life shows the possibility of extensive transformations when resolve is as unwavering as the Himalayas and vision is as vast as the ocean. BJP president J P Nadda said PM Modi has taken many transformative steps to build an aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat with the goal of progress of every section of society. Under his leadership, Indias spiritual and cultural heritage have received global prestige, he added. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari hailed Modi as the worlds most popular leader and wished that India under his leadership becomes self-reliant and a vishwaguru, eradicating terrorism and corruption. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also extended their greetings to Prime Minister Modi. In a post on X, Kharge said, Best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji on his birthday. May he be blessed with good health and long life. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, Wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji a happy birthday and good health.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Prime Minister Modi always stood with Delhi and took care of the needs of the city in the past 11 years. In his birthday greetings, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described PM Modi as the torchbearer of the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. He said Modis unparalleled determination, sensitive leadership, and unwavering dedication to the nation above all and the spirit of public welfare have elevated New India to new heights of hope, self-confidence, and self-reliance.

Opposition leader and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav also wished a healthy, meaningful, harmonious, inclusive and positive life for the PM. Both Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak also took to social media to greet the PM on his birthday. Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini described PM Modis tenure as a transformative period that positioned India as a global power. In a video message, the BJP MP said Modis vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas has empowered citizens across the country. Modi is the third longest serving Prime Minister of India after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi and second in terms of an uninterrupted tenure.
Ruckus in District Hospital after kin blame injection for youths death





Kin of youth creating ruckus at District Hospital Durg.

Staff Reporter

DURG

Youth got married 3 days ago, had consumed rat poison

Family members of a youth created ruckus at the district Government hospital Durg on Wednesday morning after the youth died during treatment. The youths relatives claimed that adverse side effects of the injection caused his death, abusing the hospital staff, and threatening to kill him. However, the hospital management has denied the familys allegations and assured to take necessary action. On the other hand, the hospital staff also protested by stopping work in response to the familys uproar. As per information, Prabhash Surya (23), a resident of Siddharth Nagar, had consumed rat poison on Tuesday afternoon, after which he was admitted to the hospital. Family members said his condition was stable until the night before.

However, he died after receiving the injection in the morning of September 17. While the doctor stated that he administered an injection to prevent gas formation and has formed a team of three doctors to investigate the case. According to reports, the young man had gotten married just three days earlier. The deceaseds mother, Pooja Surya, stated that her son had consumed rat poison on Tuesday (September 16) afternoon. The family immediately took him to the district hospital. Doctors told the family that Prabhashs condition was stable at night. However, his condition worsened on Wednesday morning.

Doctors administered an injection to induce vomiting. The young man died shortly thereafter. Civil Surgeon of District Hospital, Ashish Minj, said that according to the treatment protocol, the nurse administered the medication prescribed by the doctor. Also, an injection to prevent gas formation was administered to him, which causes stomach pain. The patient had consumed rat poison. A team of three doctors has been formed to investigate the matter. The postmortem will also be video graphed. Only then will the true facts emerge. Meanwhile, CMHO Dr. Manoj Dani said that the family had mistreated the hospital staff. He has now requested an FIR be filed. Given the seriousness of the case, counselling is underway.
SC asks Punjab why few errant farmers shouldnt be arrested for stubble burning





NEW DELHI :

CONCERNED over the usual spike in pollution levels in winter, the Supreme Court asked the Punjab Government on Wednesday why some errant farmers should not be arrested for indulging in stubble burning, a key contributor to air pollution, to send across a stern message. You take a call, otherwise we will issue a mandamus, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said while making strong observations on the issue. The bench was hearing a suo-motu (on its own) plea relating to filling up vacancies in the State Pollution Control Boards of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab.

The court asked these States, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to fill up vacancies within three months. As the proceedings progressed, the CJI asked senior advocate Rahul Mehra, who represented the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government in Punjab in the court, why errant farmers should not be arrested and penalised for stubble burning. Farmers are special and we are eating because of them, but it does not mean that we cannot protect the environment. Why dont you think of some penalty provisions? If some people are behind bars, it will send the correct message.

Why dont you think of some penalty provisions for the agriculturists? If you have a real intention of protecting the environment, then why shy away? the CJI asked. I had read in newspapers that stubble can also be used as biofuel. We cannot make this a five-yearly exercise..., he added. The bench expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of stringent measures put in place by the Punjab Government to check stubble burning, a practice in vogue among farmers in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to quickly clear their fields for the next sowing cycle.

At the outset, the CJI said stubble, instead of being burnt, can be re-purposed as biofuel and insisted that the State must consider stricter punitive provisions if it is genuinely committed to environmental protection. Mehra said the Punjab Government has already taken several steps and that the pollution level has gradually come down. It came down last year and will go further down now. In three years, a lot has been achieved and much more will be achieved this year, he said.
Taneira launches its festive collection Miara with offers





Anirban Banerjee addressing the gathering. Ashish Kale, Rupali Kale and Sarika Kale are also seen at the launch on Wednesday.

Business Reporter :

TANEIRA, the womens ethnic wear brand from the House of Tata, launched its festive collection Miara: Crafted by Hand, Rooted in Purity at its city showroom on Wednesday. This was disclosed by Anirban Banerjee, Retail Head of Taneira while speaking at a press conference. Ashish Kale, President of Association for Industrial Development (AID), Rupali Kale, Franchise Store Owner, Sarika Kale and Shivraj Kale were also present. Hand-crafted for todays woman, the range fuses contemporary designs with traditional crafts, bringing a distinct design language that sets it apart. Featuring various silks and cottons across diverse weaving traditions, Miara is designed to elevate every celebratory moment, whether chosen as a personal indulgence or a cherished gift.

Banerjee elaborated that to make every purchase more memorable, customers will receive a Rs 1,000 voucher for every purchase worth Rs 10,000 that can be redeemed on their next purchase. In addition to this, those making a purchase of Rs 50,000 or more will also receive a 0.2 gram Tanishq gold coin. The limited-period offer is valid until October 20, 2025.

Taneira also unveiled its Golden Cocoon purchase scheme to help customers buy a Taneira saree over a period of time. Adding to the celebratory spirit, Rupali Kale said that Taneiras latest campaign The Gift of Pure Love celebrates the saree as a timeless gesture of love during the festive season. The Miara saree collection starts from Rs 6,499. For further details, interested may visit Taneira showroom, located at Kingsway, Station Road, Nagpur.
Visit Chhota Matka at treatment centre: HC to amicus curiae





Chhota Matka was injured in territorial fight with Rudra. The tiger was brought to the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur due to lack of treatment facilities at TATR.

Staff Reporter :

The High Court suggests a permanent treatment facility in Tadoba

The injured tiger Chhota Matka from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is currently receiving treatment at the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur. The tiger had been seriously injured in a territorial fight with another tiger Rudra. On Wednesday, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court instructed its amicus curiae to visit the treatment centre and monitor the tigers recovery. The court suggested that a permanent treatment facility should be established inside Tadoba itself for faster treatment of injured animals.

The hearing took place before Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas. The case was taken up after a video of Chhota Matka struggling to walk went viral on social media and raised serious concerns about his condition. Despite court directions, the Forest Department had been slow to act. Reports showed that the tiger had not received timely treatment even though his health was deteriorating every day. This delay drew strong criticism from the court. The judges observed that while it is natural for tigers to fight and sustain injuries, in some situations the Forest Department should set aside rigid rules and act immediately to save the animal.

The court expressed displeasure that the department failed to respond quickly, which could have endangered the tigers life. Following the courts strict remarks, the Forest Department moved into action. Chhota Matka underwent surgery two days ago at Chandrapur and is now under medical care at Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur. His condition is being closely monitored by veterinary experts. During the hearing, the court said, it was important for the amicus curiae to personally visit the treatment centre to assess the tigers current health condition. In addition, the judges stressed the need for a treatment centre inside TATR so that injured tigers and other wild animals can be treated promptly without having to be shifted far away. Adv Yashovardhan Sambre appeared as amicus curiae in the case and supported the demand for better facilities for wildlife care. The next hearing will review Chhota Matkas progress and the steps taken by the Forest Department to improve treatment arrangements for injured animals in Tadoba.
ABUJA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced an end to a six-month emergency rule in the country's oil-rich Rivers State, following a truce in a prolonged political impasse.

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Tinubu directed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, and members of the State House of Assembly to resume duties on Thursday, marking the end of the emergency rule headed by a sole administrator since March 18.

The decision followed the "restoration of peace and order in the state," the Nigerian leader said, noting that the state of emergency would cease from midnight Wednesday.

While proclaiming the emergency rule in March, Tinubu had highlighted various reasons for the decision, including "a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together." Critical economic assets of the state, including oil pipelines, were allegedly vandalized, and the State House of Assembly was reportedly crisis-ridden, with members divided into two groups.

The president recalled that only four members worked with the governor, while 27 members opposed him. The latter group supported the speaker of the local parliament.

"That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the state to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the executive and the legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. My intervention, along with that of other well-meaning Nigerians, to resolve the conflict proved abortive, as both sides remained rigidly entrenched in their positions, to the detriment of peace and the state's development," the president said.

With the crisis resolved and calm restored, Tinubu emphasized the importance of returning to democratic governance and institutional stability in Rivers State. 
John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivered his fourth policy address on Wednesday, which he said is anchored in two pillars: the economy and people's livelihood. #HKSAR #PolicyAddress
XI'AN, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Simply tap the touch screen to take a photo, and discover which Terracotta Warrior you resemble based on facial data extracted from the statues at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum.

This is one of the interactive programs at the 2025 World Internet Conference Cultural Heritage Digitalization Forum held from Tuesday to Wednesday in Xi'an, a city with over 3,100 years of history in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, home to the Terracotta Warriors.

The event attracted approximately 800 participants from over 50 countries and regions, as well as nine international organizations such as UNESCO, World Intellectual Property Organization, International Council on Monuments and Sites, and International Council of Museums. They shared insights on the role of digital technology and global collaboration in the preservation of cultural heritage.

Time-honored monuments, manuscripts, and artifacts are increasingly at risk from the passage of time, natural disasters and even human conflict. In light of these threats, digitalization plays an important role in both preserving these invaluable treasures and sharing them with a global audience.

"Digital technology is reshaping how we preserve and pass on cultural heritage," said Liu Yuzhu, head of the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation. "Cutting-edge technologies help us conserve artifacts, predict potential risks, and offer immersive virtual experiences for visitors."

China, home to more than 767,000 immovable cultural relics and 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has made significant strides in digital preservation. For example, in Shaanxi, a province rich in cultural relics, over 8 million cultural relics are digitally cataloged, with more than 300,000 permanently stored in digital form.

At the forum, nearly 100 digital projects dedicated to cultural heritage preservation from China, Germany, the United States, Britain and Italy were showcased.

One of the displays was a six-legged robot dog developed by China's tech giant Lenovo. Weighing 30 kg, the robot can conduct inspection within Yingxian Pagoda in north China's Shanxi Province, the tallest and oldest wooden multi-story structure in the world.

"Operating in a non-contact manner, it is equipped with 3D modeling cameras to collect and analyze real-time data on cracks and peeling paint on the pagoda's interior, without causing any damage," explained Feng Weidong, general manager of Lenovo's Northwest China branch.

Restoration efforts are increasingly data-driven, with digital models providing the scientific basis for conservation strategies. Through the Internet of Things (IoT), sensor networks, and data analysis platforms, critical indicators such as microenvironment conditions and structural stability of cultural heritage sites can be monitored continuously, enabling swift notifications of potential risks.

Digital technologies are also transforming storytelling through virtual experiences and digital replicas. At the exhibition of the forum, a holographic display showcased the intricate decorations and inscription written in pictographic script on the bottom interior of He Zun, a rare bronze ritual wine vessel dating to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC-771 BC), in which lies the earliest known written record of the term "Zhongguo," the Chinese characters for "China."

Participants emphasized the need for both local and global efforts to address challenges such as technology and inclusivity, including bridging the digital divide between countries while respecting diverse traditions and histories.

Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi, director general of the Department of National Museums, Sri Lanka, called for establishing more collaborative platforms for sharing knowledge and technology, alongside common digital standards to ensure that cultural data remains accessible for future generations.

"Heritage is global, and so must be our efforts to protect it," she said. 
This photo taken on Sept. 17, 2025 shows a view of the new site of Starbucks China Innovation and Technology Center (SITC) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)

SHENZHEN, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Starbucks China Innovation and Technology Center (SITC) on Wednesday unveiled the digital achievements it has made since its establishment, underscoring the company's efforts to sharpen its edge in a fiercely competitive beverage market.

Launched in Futian District of south China's Shenzhen City on Aug. 18, 2023, with an initial investment of 220 million U.S. dollars, SITC has over the past two years taken charge of Starbucks China's core digitalization initiatives.

Over the period, SITC has helped Starbucks advance its digital transformation, delivering tangible results across its operations.

Marketwide, more than 7,800 branches have replaced paper menu boards with electronic upgrades. Starbucks has also introduced extensive customization options, including espresso type, extraction method, serving temperature, and milk or other bases, offering consumers at least 500 combinations of flavors and sweetness levels.

"Looking ahead, Starbucks, empowered by AI technology, will open up innovative opportunities for 'technology integrated with humanity' in more scenarios, expanding its unique advantages in stores, products and partners like never before, and creating richer new value for customers," said Luo Jinpeng, chief technology officer of Starbucks China.

Starbucks has deep roots in Shenzhen, where it opened its first store in south China in 2002. The company has since introduced a range of store concepts in the city, including pet-friendly, signing and greener stores. By April, Starbucks operated more than 360 stores in Shenzhen.

Coffee consumption has been on the rise nationwide in recent years. As of June 2025, Starbucks had 7,828 stores in the Chinese mainland -- up by 70 from the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, the market landscape is shifting rapidly, with domestic players such as Luckin and Cotti gaining traction with their high cost-effectiveness and fast turnover business models.

Shenzhen alone is home to nearly 10,000 coffee-related enterprises, ranking first among all Chinese cities, with a core urban density of 2.23 cafes per square kilometer, which also ranks highest nationwide.

In June, Starbucks announced price adjustments for a variety of non-coffee beverages, marking the company's first large-scale price reduction in China in 25 years.

Its digital push has coincided with a performance rebound. In the third fiscal quarter of this year, Starbucks China posted a net revenue of 790 million U.S. dollars -- up 8 percent year on year, marking a third consecutive quarter of growth.

Same-store sales -- a key measure of performance of stores that have been open at least 13 months -- rose 2 percent in the company's third fiscal quarter, turning positive for the first time in six quarters.

Earlier this month, Starbucks global CEO Brian Niccol reiterated that Starbucks is seeking suitable partners to bolster its business in China and capture opportunities to open as many as 20,000 to 30,000 stores in the future.

"We remain committed to our China business and want to retain a meaningful stake," he said. 

This photo taken on Sept. 17, 2025 shows a scene at the inauguration ceremony of the new site of Starbucks China Innovation and Technology Center (SITC) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)
Amid the ongoing 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, the secretary-general of #ASEAN highlighted that the key to future growth is the upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to #CAFTA 3.0. This upgrade is expected to push economic cooperation to new highs by expanding into new frontiers.
HONG KONG, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Various sectors in Hong Kong have voiced strong support for the 2025 Policy Address, praising its initiatives to accelerate the city's transition from stability to prosperity.

John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivered his fourth policy address during his term on Wednesday. Entitled "Deepening Reforms for Our People and Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future", the policy address set out a range of initiatives anchored in two pillars, the economy and people's livelihood. It served as a roadmap for Hong Kong to strive for a vibrant economy, pursue development, and improve people's livelihood, accelerating Hong Kong's advancement from stability to prosperity.

Various sectors in Hong Kong stated that the policy address introduced a series of policy initiatives, demonstrating the HKSAR government's determination to promote high-quality development in Hong Kong, which will further enhance economic momentum and improve public well-being.

The policy address integrated the concept of reform throughout its entirety, establishing a "Heads of Department Accountability System" and improving the civil servant appraisal mechanism to enhance governmental governance efficiency. It also set up the "Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis" and formulated dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis, fully demonstrating the determination for reform.

"As long as every civil servant performs their duties with professionalism, it will surely add momentum to Hong Kong and allow residents to truly feel the benefits brought by the government's policies," said Ingrid Yeung, secretary for the civil service of the HKSAR government.

The policy address clarified the administrative responsibilities of department heads and proposes strengthening the civil servant appraisal mechanism, aiming to improve governance capabilities and respond to the needs of people and the new era, Yeung said.

Cheng Cheung-ling, president of the Hong Kong China Friendship Association, said that the series of plans regarding the Northern Metropolis in the policy address are eye-catching. The Northern Metropolis is not only key to solving Hong Kong's land and housing issues and promoting industrial diversification, but also a major initiative for Hong Kong to proactively integrate into the national development strategy, deeply connect with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and build a new development pattern.

Hong Kong's status as an international financial center remains third globally; its global competitiveness has returned to the top three; five universities in Hong Kong have entered the world's top 100 rankings. Over the past year, the HKSAR government has led all sectors of society in joint efforts, achieving significant results in various development undertakings.

Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government, said that the policy address proposed a series of short, medium, and long-term measures in areas such as industrial development, consolidating international center status, innovation and technology, coordinated development of culture, sports, and tourism, and encouraging childbirth, laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong's future development.

Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, said that the policy address proposed a policy package aimed at promoting investment and enhancing flexibility, positioning Hong Kong to better attract global enterprises.

People from various sectors believed that the policy address clarified the direction and focus of industrial development. Through flexible tax incentives, financial subsidies, and talent cultivation, it promoted emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, new energy, AI, and data science, showcasing the synergy between a proactive government and an efficient market in driving economic transformation.

"Facilitate Stable Living in a Caring and Inclusive Society" is the chapter dedicated to livelihood in the 2025 policy address and is also the longest chapter. It proposed practical solutions for nine key areas including land and housing, transportation, and medical care, focusing on accelerating and improving the quality of public welfare.

During the three-month public consultation period, the HKSAR government held more than 40 consultation sessions. The chief executive led his team to visit communities multiple times to listen to public opinion and engage in sincere and in-depth exchanges with people. Over 10,100 submissions were received during the consultation period.

Chan Kwok-ki said that the policy address included multiple measures benefiting the public, covering various areas such as housing, transportation, healthcare, labor, poverty alleviation, and elderly care. These initiatives are effectively addressing social demands, enabling people to share in the fruits of development and jointly build a more livable and warmer Hong Kong. 
BISSAU, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo said on Wednesday that his country firmly supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China and stands ready to contribute to building a more just and equitable global governance system.

Embalo made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau Yang Renhuo.

The president spoke highly of the achievements in the development of bilateral relations and expressed the willingness to deepen cooperation with China in various fields, enrich their strategic partnership, and jointly advance the building of a more just and equitable global governance system.

Yang, on his part, said the initiative follows the trend of history and demonstrates China's sense of responsibility.

China is ready to work with Guinea-Bissau and other Global South countries to promote the implementation of the initiative and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity, he said. 
A visitor takes photos of a piece of work at a woodblock painting exhibition in 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 in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 18, 2025. Kicking off Thursday at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the exhibition showcases over 120 woodblock paintings. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

A visitor takes photos of a piece of work at a woodblock painting exhibition in 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 in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 18, 2025. Kicking off Thursday at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the exhibition showcases over 120 woodblock paintings. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

A visitor views a piece of work at a woodblock painting exhibition in 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 in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 18, 2025. Kicking off Thursday at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the exhibition showcases over 120 woodblock paintings. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

A visitor views a piece of work at a woodblock painting exhibition in 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 in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 18, 2025. Kicking off Thursday at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the exhibition showcases over 120 woodblock paintings. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with all parties to promote the building of a more just and equitable global security governance system, Minister of National Defense Dong Jun said on Thursday.

He made the remarks during separate meetings with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, Uruguayan Defense Minister Sandra Lazo, and Somalian Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. All of the three foreign defense ministers are in Beijing to attend the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum running from Sept. 17 to 19.

The world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, with rising calls, especially from the Global South, for peace, development and cooperation, Dong said.

China is willing to work with all parties to strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen defense and security cooperation, firmly remain a force for peace, stability and progress in the world, and promote the building of a more just and equitable global security governance system.

During these meetings, the foreign defense ministers congratulated the successful convening of the forum and commended China for its important role in promoting dialogue and exchanges, enhancing friendship and mutual trust, and building consensus.

Phan Van Giang said the Vietnamese side is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as personnel exchanges, joint exercises and training and border defense exchanges, while advancing the solid and in-depth development of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future.

Lazo said the Uruguayan side is willing to draw on China's successful experience in various fields, and further deepen cooperation with China in defense and security, and international peacekeeping, among other areas.

Stressing Somalia's adherence to the one-China principle, Fiqi said the country is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in defense and security, and continuously enhance the ability of the two militaries to address common challenges. 
NANJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- An executive of the European Union (EU) Chamber of Commerce in China called China a "golden market," as the country's ability to maintain stable growth makes it ideal for "companies looking to maximize returns on innovation," at an event aimed at fostering business between China and the EU.

"China remains a dynamic, high-value hub for innovation and collaboration," Carlo D'Andrea, national vice president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China and chairman of the Board of the Shanghai Chapter, told Xinhua, referring to his organization as "a voice for European businesses operating in China."

His remarks came during the two-day 2025 5th Innovation Fair Sino-European Business Development Conference in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, which concluded on Thursday. The event attracted over 150 representatives from around 14 European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy.

Chinese and European attendees at the conference conducted trade matchmaking in key sectors -- including cross-border trade and investment, intelligent manufacturing, software and information technology, and artificial intelligence.

"Most European companies operating in China see tangible value in its innovation ecosystem," D'Andrea noted. He attributed this to three "unbeatable advantages" found in China -- a vibrant, fast-moving market, deep integration into global strategies and abundant collaboration opportunities.

"China's start-up culture, pool of entrepreneurial scientists, and even its digital champions, make collaboration here not just easy but rewarding," D'Andrea added.

Even amid global uncertainties, D'Andrea confirmed that European businesses are making long-term investments in China. D'Andrea also pointed out that: "European companies are not just staying in China, but are growing here and turning China's strengths into their own global competitive edge."

Another European speaker at the conference highlighted the importance of leveraging opportunities in China.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the conference in Nanjing, Koen Sizoo, consul general of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai, said the country had brought a strong cluster of companies to the event. "The aim is to connect the unique strength of the Dutch high-tech ecosystem with opportunities in China."

Recognizing that the conference provided opportunities for innovative companies to showcase their products and solutions, Sizoo expected that Dutch representatives would seize such opportunities -- leveraging the combined expertise of China and the Netherlands to drive further advancements.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and the two sides have already formed a strong economic symbiotic relationship in the course of several decades.

The past half century has witnessed remarkable developments in terms of China-EU cooperation. Notably, their bilateral goods trade volume had increased from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars in 1975 to 785.8 billion dollars in 2024. Also, China and the EU are each other's second-largest trading partners, with economic complementarity being a key feature of their cooperation.

Talking about the mission of his organization, D'Andrea expressed his hope to create more bridges for cultural and trade cooperation -- thereby injecting sustained momentum into the development of both China and the EU. 
A store worker restocks shelves in Tuggeranong shopping center, in Canberra, Australia, on Sept. 18, 2025. Australia's unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2 percent in August despite a fall in full-time employment.

Official labor force figures published on Thursday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said that the unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in August, matching the figure for July. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua)

CANBERRA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Australia's unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2 percent in August despite a fall in full-time employment.

Official labor force figures published on Thursday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said that the unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in August, matching the figure for July.

According to the ABS, the total number of employed Australians fell by 5,400 between July and August, but increased by 217,200 over the last 12 months.

It said that full-time employment decreased by 40,900 people between July and August, which was partially offset by an increase of 35,500 in the number of Australians employed part-time.

It comes after the number of Australians employed full-time increased by 60,500 between June and July.

Thursday's figures showed that the labor force participation rate and employment-to-population ratio each fell by 0.1 percentage point between July and August to 66.8 percent and 64.0 percent, respectively.

Sean Crick, ABS head of labor statistics, said that the total number of hours worked by Australians was 0.4 percent lower in August than in July due to the drop in full-time employment. 

A man passes the shuttered shop in Tuggeranong, Canberra, Australia, on Sept. 18, 2025. Australia's unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2 percent in August despite a fall in full-time employment.

Official labor force figures published on Thursday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said that the unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in August, matching the figure for July. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua)
MELBOURNE, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Australian mining giant BHP has announced it will cut around 750 local jobs and shut a mine in the state of Queensland, blaming high taxes on coal sales.

As reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), a joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi that operates five coal mines in central Queensland, will cut approximately 750 jobs and halt operations at the South Saraji mine, 700 km northwest of Brisbane, from November.

Announcing the cuts on Wednesday, BMA asset president Adam Lancey said that it was a necessary decision due to the combined impact of market conditions and the Queensland state government's "unsustainable" coal royalties.

"The simple fact is the Queensland coal industry is approaching a crisis point," Lancey said.

"The uncertainty this creates for our people and our communities is not taken lightly, and we will do everything we can to support them," he added.

Under Queensland's mineral royalty scheme, which was introduced in 2022, miners operating in the state must pay a variable tax based on commodity prices.

For coal, the royalty is set at 20 percent when the average price per tonne sold, disposed of or used exceeds 175 Australian dollars (116.1 U.S. dollars), rising to 30 percent at 225 AUD (149.3 USD) per tonne and 40 percent when prices exceed 300 AUD (199.1 USD) per tonne.

Lancey said on Wednesday that BMA had an effective tax and royalty rate of 67 percent in the 2024-25 financial year under the regime and paid approximately eight times more in royalties than it made in profit.

Responding to the announcement, Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the cuts were "unAustralian" and ruled out any changes to the royalty scheme.

BHP, which has its global headquarters in Melbourne, in August posted an underlying attributable profit of 10.2 billion U.S. dollars for the 2024-25 financial year, marking a fall of 26 percent from 2023-24. 
TOKYO, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- "We lost the case in court, but we won the historical truth," Japanese lawyer Norio Minami, who has been advocating for the victims of abandoned chemical weapons left in China during WWII by Japanese aggressors, said in an interview with Xinhua in Tokyo recently.

Minami is among a group of Japanese lawyers who have been helping Chinese victims to sue the Japanese government for more than 30 years. This legal team was established in 1995 and has since grown to include approximately 500 lawyers.

Since then, Minami and his colleagues have represented Chinese victims in a series of lawsuits against the Japanese government and related companies regarding historical crimes such as the Nanjing Massacre, Unit 731, the "comfort women," forced labor, the Pingdingshan Massacre, and the abandoned chemical weapons.

Although some lawsuits achieved partial victories in local and high courts, they all ended in defeat at the Supreme Court. "The fundamental reason lies in the Japanese government's reluctance to acknowledge the victimization, while the Japanese society has also failed to adequately acknowledge and reflect upon this part of history," Minami said.

However, losing the lawsuit does not mean that the truth has been lost.

Minami believes that the lawyers' efforts have not been in vain. "These lawsuits have revealed the crimes committed by the then Japanese Imperial Army and have shown the heavy burden that the victims have carried throughout their lives. These facts have been confirmed in all cases," he said.

"We have won the facts themselves, and this is a tremendous achievement. The historical facts recognized by the (Japanese) courts have become an indelible record," he added.

Take the lawsuit filed against Japan in 1996 by three Pingdingshan Massacre survivors, including Mo Desheng, for example. Although the plaintiffs' lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, the verdict clearly established the fact of the massacre: "The Japanese army forcibly drove nearly all the villagers of Pingdingshan Village to the foot of a cliff southwest of the village, where they indiscriminately opened fire with machine guns and other weapons, then stabbed the survivors with bayonets, killing most of the villagers. The next day, the Japanese army, in collusion with personnel from the Japanese-owned coal mine, gathered the remains of the victims at the foot of the cliff and burned them, then blew up the cliff wall to bury the bodies."

In 2014, the lawsuit filed by the victims of poison gas bombs abandoned by the Japanese invaders in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, and Dunhua, Jilin Province, was ultimately dismissed. However, the lawyers continued their pursuit and are now turning to another battle -- demanding that the Japanese government disclose a large number of hidden archives and materials related to poison gas bombs.

"The Japanese government always tries to cover up the issue of poison gas bombs. We found that almost all the information about poison gas bombs was completely blacked out." Minami said that the lawyers have compiled more than 300 pieces of evidence, compared them one by one with the government's reasons for "non-disclosure" and raised questions. Currently, they are applying to the court for full disclosure.

During WWII, the Japanese militarists secretly produced a large quantity of chemical weapons and used them in the war of aggression against China in violation of international law, with as many as 1,241 documented instances. On the eve of their defeat in 1945, the Japanese invaders buried or abandoned large quantities of these weapons to cover up their crimes. These weapons still pose a serious threat and hazard to the lives and property of people in relevant regions of China, as well as to the ecological environment, to this day.

According to incomplete statistics, since the end of WWII, the abandoned Japanese chemical weapons have caused the deaths of over 2,000 Chinese people.

"The Japanese military's manufacture and use of poison gas to harm the Chinese people was essentially an act of aggression, and abandoning chemical weapons was precisely to cover up their crimes," said Minami.

According to the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention, Japan was supposed to complete the destruction of its abandoned chemical weapons by 2007. However, due to insufficient attention and inadequate investment, Japan has repeatedly missed the deadlines, and the disposal of its abandoned chemical weapons has been seriously delayed.

Minami said, "Regardless of how long it takes to dispose of the abandoned chemical weapons, Japan should be fully responsible for the entire process."

Looking to the future, Minami said that the lawyers are sorting out video materials and interview records of victims of the Japanese invasion of China, and plan to make them into videos and post them on social media, so that more young people can understand the truth of history.

"There are no winners in war, and those who harm others will harm themselves. I hope young people (in Japan) can realize the profound disasters that the aggression launched by Japan in the past have caused to the Chinese people, and we must not allow such wars to recur. This is not only for the sake of others, but also for Japan itself," Minami said. 
BEIRUT, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Thursday that its demining experts have resumed operations after a suspension for nearly two years due to crossfire along the Blue Line.

The statement said that demining experts from Cambodia and China have begun operations in two minefields near the village of Blida in the eastern sector and the village of Maroun al-Ras in the western sector, covering an area of about 18,000 square meters.

The resumption marks part of the joint demining efforts by the UNIFIL and the Lebanese army, which reduces the risks faced by civilians living in or visiting areas adjacent to the Blue Line -- a border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel established by the UN in 2000, and ultimately contributes to expanding state authority, the statement noted.

It further explained that the UNIFIL has increased its field capacity to 24 specialized teams for reconnaissance, clearance, and disposal of explosives, compared to only nine teams in October 2023.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that an Israeli drone carried out a raid near a mosque in the town of Shebaa, while another drone dropped a sound bomb on al-Mahafir Hill on the outskirts of the village of Adaisseh, both near the southern border area. No immediate casualties were reported in these two incidents.

Since Nov. 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the United States and France, has been in effect, putting an end to the confrontations that erupted between them following the war in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the agreement, the Israeli army continues to carry out occasional strikes in Lebanon, saying they are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah "threats." It has also maintained a presence at five main points in the Lebanese border area after the deadline for its complete withdrawal expired on Feb. 18. 
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 23F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 11F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the Mexico-based research organisation that was instrumental in India's Green Revolution, is now facing a severe funding shortfall as support from the US government dwindles.

In response, it is urgently turning to nations like India to help pioneer new financing models and safeguard global food security.

Partnership at a crossroads

In an exclusive interview with PTI, CIMMYT's Director General, Bram Govaerts, recalled the organisation's pivotal role in transforming India from a food-importing country into a self-sufficient nation and a regional exporter.

This historic partnership established a deep bond between the institute and India.

However, Govaerts warned that this legacy is now at risk. With mounting pressures from climate change causing more frequent floods and droughts, he explained that the systems protecting global food supplies are under immense strain.

He cautioned that without an immediate increase in investment, critical surveillance networks that monitor and prevent crop diseases could collapse by the end of the year.

From beneficiary to global leader

With its traditional funding sources becoming less certain, Govaerts told agencies that it is time for countries like India and Mexico to step up.

He called for a new era of collaboration, not just in funding but in shaping a sustainable partnership to support agricultural resilience in Asia and Africa.

He emphasised that this is a moment for India to transition from being a beneficiary of CIMMYT's work to a leader in global food security.

He described the organisation's work as essential "business continuity insurance" for society and suggested India could invest in regional hubs to help neighbours like Nepal and Bangladesh.

To illustrate the stakes, Govaerts cited the rapid response to the UG99 wheat rust epidemic in 1999, where CIMMYT's genebank provided resistant wheat varieties that prevented a potential crisis in India.

He warned that without new resources, this capacity to respond to future threats will diminish.

Not a debt, but a future together

The CIMMYT chief stressed that his appeal is not about asking India to repay a historical "debt" for its Green Revolution. Instead, he framed it as a critical opportunity to "create a future together."

Govaerts stated that by working in partnership once again, India and CIMMYT can tackle modern agricultural challenges and project food security for the rest of the world, making the concept of "one world" a reality.
Deepika Padukone's 2025 hasn't been a great one yet. Earlier this year, she was removed from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Prabhas-starrer Spirit, a development that stirred up a massive controversy between the two camps. Like every big incident, there were two sides to the story and plenty of opinions. The bottomline is that Deepika was axed by the makers who then roped in Tripti Damri for the role. On Thursday (September 18), the producers of Kalki 2898AD, Vyjayanthi Films, took to social media to announce the removal of Deepika from the film's sequel. If the Spirit debacle created a stir, the latest development is a bigger shock, given that Deepika plays one of the pivotal characters in the Kalki 2898AD universe.

The common factor to the two films that she has been axed from, is Prabhas and the fact that both films are big-budget flicks that are amongst the most hyped films in the industry. There were polarised opinions when the Spirit news came out, with a larget set of people taking Deepika's stance while another section felt that Vanga was on the right side. The trends at the moment, though, seem to be overwhelmingly against Deepika because an artist being dropped from two films in the same year for similar reasons doesn't paint the person in good light.

However, Deepika has always been controversy's child, or rather friend. Here, we take a look at some of her major controversies of different kinds.

1) The Race 2 fiasco (2012)

This was one of the major incidents at the time, given that Deepika had started to be a star in demand. Also, the Race franchise had its own share of hype. After the film had started shoot, Deepika reportedly walked out of the project after having allegedly received an offer from Hollywood. Her decision to leave the project was spontaneous and her lack of communication clearly upset veteran producer Ramesh Taurani who had funded the film.

"I went to her shooting. We tried to reason it out with her. But she refused to even listen. Forget about anything else, she did not even apologise for her action. She seems to have no remorse" Taurani had said in a statement.

"I have been part of the Hindi cinema industry for 25 years. I have made several blockbusters. But I have never faced a situation like this before. Our directors and other actors are extremely annoyed with her."

However, Deepika did eventually complete the project and her change of mind was reportedly due to Ranbir Kapoor's intervention.

2) Controversial statement for Vogue India in 'My Choice' video (2015)

Deepika's collaboration with Vogue India was for women empowerment and subsequently, a video titled 'My Choice' was shot with the theme being about how women deserve their freedom. The intention was to spread social awareness and also champion the rights of women in the country. However, Deepika's comments in the video about extra-marital affairs created a furore. The superstar actress's words echoed the freedom for women to do anything that they wanted but also had 'infidelity' in her sentences. This naturally created shockwaves on social media with Deepika getting slammed from all quarters. Later on, in an interview, Deepika stated that the video didn't represent her own opinion and criticised the public for misinterpreting the video.

3) The JNU incident (2022)

In 2022, days before the release of her social drama Chhapaak, Deepika visited the JNU campus to show her support for the students who were protesting against the attacks at the university. There was also a matter of fees hike which sparked the outrage from students. Deepika's visit didn't have a speech and was outright silent in its effort, but the timing of her visit drew criticism. While the protests were on for a very long time, Deepika's decision to visit only days away from her release had people slamming her for being an opportunist.

4) The exclusion from Spirit (2025)

When Deepika was signed as the lead actress for Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Prabhas-starrer Spirit, the hype levels had shot through the roof. There were reports in the Bollywood media about how Deepika's character in the film would be a robust one, something that impressed her a lot on hearing the script. However, a few months later, she left the project after disagreements with Vanga. As she was new to motherhood, her demands were for an eight-hour work shift and allegedly, that demand was turned down. The other angle to this is that Vanga wanted her to speak her dialogues in Telugu but Deepika objected it and also asked for a bigger paycheck as well as profit share. All this triggered Vanga who then opted for Tripti Damri for the role.

5) Gets dropped from Kalki 2898AD sequel

With the Spirit episode yet to fully die down, Deepika got axed from another Telugu project, coincidentally another Prabhas-starrer, the sequel to Kalki 2898AD. The development was announced by the producers Vyjayanthi Films who released an official statement on the same. While more details are not known yet, the statement clearly hinted at lower commitment levels from Deepika who has also been accused of having demands similar to the Spirit episode. There should be a statement from her side soon, like there was after she was dropped from Spirit.

Deepika is arguably one of the finest actresses of this generation. However, he constant tryst with controversies and the two recent episodes with big films tell us that there could be more to the matter.
Shamshad Akhtar, former federal finance minister and governor of State Bank of Pakistan, speaks via video link during a seminar on green industrialization in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offers a strategic platform to redirect Pakistan's growth trajectory towards green industrialization, providing opportunities to integrate low-carbon technologies and promote sustainable development, said experts and officials.

They made remarks on Tuesday during a seminar on green industrialization organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), an Islamabad-based think tank.

Speaking on the occasion, Shamshad Akhtar, former federal finance minister and governor of State Bank of Pakistan, said that Pakistan has benefited from China's investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles and solar panels.

"Policymakers need to prioritize green finance as a national imperative under its bilateral cooperation with China under CPEC," she said, adding that Pakistan must align its frameworks with China's rapidly evolving climate finance ecosystem by implementing innovative financing models such as green bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, and green special economic zones.

Describing CPEC as an opportunity for green industrialization, Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Islamabad-based think-tank Pakistan-China Institute, said that CPEC's second phase must focus on renewables, battery storage and eco-industrial parks.

"Pakistan's geography makes it a natural pilot for green special economic zones," he said, adding that private capital and Chinese expertise must be brought in to catalyze low-carbon development.

Haroon Sharif, former Minister of State and Chairman of Pakistan's Board of Investment, said that Pakistan should establish climate-based banking infrastructure, de-risking mechanisms and private sector-led institutions to finance CPEC's green transition.

Sharif called for evidence-based policymaking and strategic reforms to align Pakistan's economy with the demands of a low-carbon future.

Wang Shengjie, counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Pakistan, said China is committed to expanding international cooperation in green finance.

China is also willing to inject Chinese momentum and provide public goods for global sustainable development and addressing climate change in terms of policy systems, partnerships, and practical cooperation, Wang said. 

Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Islamabad-based think-tank Pakistan-China Institute, speaks during a seminar on green industrialization in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

Wang Shengjie, counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Pakistan, speaks during a seminar on green industrialization in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
The Election Commission of India on Thursday dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhis allegation that a centralised software was used for the mass deletion of names from voters list in several states.

Terming Gandhis charges as incorrect and baseless, the poll body said no deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public.

It further asserted that no deletion can take place without giving an opportunity to be heard to the affected person.

Allegations made by Shri Rahul Gandhi are incorrect and baseless.#ECIFactCheck



Read in detail in the image attached  https://t.co/mhuUtciMTF pic.twitter.com/n30Jn6AeCr  Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) September 18, 2025

Referring to Gandhis claims of mass deletion of voters names in Karnatakas Aland constituency, the Commission said certain unsuccessful attempts were made for the deletion of electors in 2023, and an FIR had been filed by the authority of the ECI itself to investigate the matter.

Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stepped up his attack on the Election Commission on Thursday, accusing its chief, Gyanesh Kumar, of protecting "vote chors" and people who have destroyed democracy.

"I am going to make a serious claim about Gyanesh Kumar. I am not saying this lightly. The CEC is protecting vote chors and the people who have destroyed Indian democracy," he said.

Election Commission of India must stop protecting Vote Chors.



They should release all incriminating evidence to Karnataka CID within 1 week. #VoteChoriFactory pic.twitter.com/Abiy1OHLQP  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 18, 2025

Gandhi cited details of alleged attempts to delete votes from the Aland constituency in 2023. "In Aland, 6018 applications were filed impersonating voters. The people who filed these applications actually never filed them, he alleged, adding that the filing was done automatically using software and phone numbers.

Gandhi also called on stage a voter whose vote was attempted to be deleted, and the person whose name was used to get the deletion done. Both denied any knowledge of the same.

The Rae Bareli MP also cited the example of Maharashtra's Rajura constituency, where he claimed voters were added in a fraudulent manner using automated software.
Amid speculations about seat-sharing talks between NDA allies JDU and BJP, BJP senior leader Amit Shah held a secret 20-minute meeting with JD(U) leader and chief minister Nitish Kumar at a hotel in Patna on Thursday. The brief meeting comes nearly a week after Amit Shahs first trip to Patna for the BJP core committee meeting, which ended without him meeting Nitish.

Amit Shah arrived in Patna on Wednesday night on a two-day visit to Bihar to kickstart the BJP campaign by meeting leaders and workers of all 20 districts in the Dehri and Begusarai region. Before leaving for Delhi on Thursday morning, Nitish had reached the Maurya Hotel in Patna to meet him. JDU's working president, Sanjay Jha, and minister Vijay Chaudhary accompanied the Chief Minister. BJP's Bihar in-charge Vinod Tawde, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, State President Dilip Jaiswal, former President Sanjay Jaiswal, and state organisation general secretary Bhikhubhai Dalsania were also present at the hotel.

Though both parties are mum about what transpired during the meeting, word is that seat sharing was on the agenda, especially in the wake of reports of conflicts between the NDA constituents.

The two leaders held lengthy discussions regarding the assembly seats being sought by other NDA constituents, particularly Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi. It is believed that the entire NDA seat-sharing deal was nearly finalized during this meeting, according to local media reports.

The report added that Nitish appeared pleased after the meeting, hinting that the NDA has achieved a breakthrough.

The meeting comes in the wake of reports that Paswan, Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha are not satisfied with the seat-sharing agreement. Speculations are that the JD(U) wants to negotiate with just the BJP and demands that the BJP talk with Paswan, Manjhi, and Kushwaha.

Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJPR) is openly demanding 30-40 seats, while Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha has started making a do-or-die bid for 15 seats. Kushwaha expects 8-10 seats. Meanwhile, the final decisions on seat allocations for Bhagalpur, Katihar, and Seemanchal assembly constituencies will possibly come after September. Shah will lead a review meeting on the 27th regarding the Bhagalpur, Katihar, and Seemanchal assembly constituencies. In this meeting, Amit Shah will evaluate all the seats based on the 2020 election results. He will seek feedback from party workers regarding these assembly seats. He will then share his opinion with all NDA leaders and gather feedback on the candidates. However, the location for this conference has not been decided.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, on Thursday, came out with a clarification, saying he respects all religions after social media criticism of his comments on a case regarding the reconstruction of a Lord Vishnu idol.

On Tuesday, a bench comprising the CJI Gavi and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, refused to entertain the plea filed by one Rakesh Dalal, seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

The CJI had termed the plea a publicity interest litigation and asked the petitioner to "Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation."

"In the meantime, if you are not averse to Shaivism, you can go and worship there; there is a very big linga of Shiva, one of the biggest in Khajuraho," he had added.

The remarks by the CJI had sparked an outcry on social media, with various Hindu organisations claiming that he mocked their beliefs. Some of them had even sought his impeachment.

I have been made aware of the remarks made yesterday by the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, which have deeply hurt millions of Hindu devotees across the nation. His words reveal a disturbing misunderstanding of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, and his cruel taunt echoes pic.twitter.com/c3MzMiWI4p  Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) September 17, 2025

He had also faced pressure from advocates who requested him to withdraw his statement.

"I hope the Supreme Court and the President will treat this matter with seriousness and ensure that the dignity of every faith is preserved," one such letter stated.

In his clarification, the CJI said he respects all religions. Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed in social media in a certain manner...I respect all religions, he was quoted as saying.

Senior advocate Sanjay Nul, who appeared for the petitioner in Khajuraho matter, expressed serious concerns over the wrong social media posts, clarifying the CJI never said what was wrongly attributed to him.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a fresh broadside against the Election Commission of India, accusing it of 'protecting' people who have 'destroyed' Indian democracy.

At a much-hyped press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday, Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that some groups of people were 'systematically targeting' millions of voters for the purpose of deletion.

He added that minorities and the Dalits were specially targeted in this process.

In Karnataka's Aland, Gandhi said, as many as 6,018 deletion applications were filed by impersonators to target the Congress voters.

"The people who filed these applications actually never filed them. The filing was done automatically using software. Mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, from different states, were used," he claimed.

The Congress leader further alleged that a targeted deletion of votes was done in the party's strongholds through a planned action.

Gandhi also called on stage a voter whose vote was attempted to be deleted, and the person whose name was used to get the deletion done. Both denied any knowledge of the same.

He said that, though the Karnataka CID had started an investigation seeking details from the EC on deletions done, the poll body was not providing the required information.

"The CID has sent 18 letters in 18 months to the Election Commission and has asked for some very simple facts such as the destination IP from where these applications were filled and OTP trails. They are not giving it because it will lead us to where this operation is being conducted," Gandhi claimed.

The Rae Bareli MP also cited the example of Maharashtra's Rajura constituency, where he claimed voters were added in a fraudulent manner using automated software.

VIDEO | This is still not the H bomb, it is yet to come says Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) at press conference in Delhi on vote theft allegations.#votechori #ElectionCommission



(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/vcAFwsFPGf  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 18, 2025

Gandhi had earlier said he would soon drop a 'hydrogen bomb' of revelations about the alleged vote theft. "This is not a hydrogen bomb. That is coming," he said on Thursday.
The US Embassy in India on Thursday revealed that it has revoked and denied visas to certain Indian business executives, corporate heads and their families over their alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The embassy said these individuals will be on their watchlist and face "heightened scrutiny" when they apply for US visas.

In a statement, the US Embassy in India said, "In furtherance to the Trump Administrations efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics, the US Embassy in New Delhi has revoked and subsequently denied visas for certain business executives and corporate leadership based on involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors."

"These individuals and close family members may be ineligible for travel to the United States. The Embassy is further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas," it added.

Charge daffaires of the US Embassy in New Delhi, Jorgan Andrews, said that individuals involved in drug trafficking, and their families, will face consequences for their actions, and they will be denied access to the US.

"Stopping the flow of fentanyl, including its precursors, to the United States is one of our top priorities. We are grateful to our counterparts in the Government of India for their close cooperation to combat this shared challenge. Only by working together will our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs," Andrews said in a statement.

Ever since his re-election, US President Donald Trump has vowed stern measures to combat and stop the flow of drugs into the United States. In February, the US president announced a 25 per cent additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10 per cent additional tariff on imports from China to curb drug trafficking. According to the White House, 75,000 deaths per year are attributed to fentanyl alone.
After the Pahalgam terror attack, the disruption of traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway due to damage caused by heavy monsoon rains in August has badly hurt the economy of Kashmir.

Hundreds of tourists fled Kashmir hours after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people, mostly tourists from different parts of India, dead.

After the attack, thousands of bookings by people who had planned to visit Kashmir were cancelled. The move dealt a blow to the hopes of hoteliers, houseboats and transporters of a potentially packed season.

#WATCH | Poonch | After meeting the families affected due to land sinking in Kalaban Village, J&K CM Omar Abdullah says, "... This year's rains have caused significant damage in Jammu and Kashmir... We will use whatever financial resources we have to provide relief to the people. pic.twitter.com/aEQozG3XJM  ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2025

As a consequence, thousands of jobs were lost in the tourism and allied sectors. The handicrafts sector also suffered a dent due to the absence of tourists, leaving their stocks unsold. Efforts by the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir government and tour operators from Kashmir and across India succeeded in attracting tourists back to the Valley, but not in big numbers.

Hoteliers say a hint of revival was witnessed during the 39day Amarnath yatra between July 3 and August 9.

Some yatris, after completing their yatra, spent a few days in Kashmir and went sightseeing, said Abdul Basit, a hotelier near Dal Lake. But the monsoon rains and death of more than 100 pilgrims due to cloudbursts and landslides in Kishtwar and Katra, threw a spanner in the arrival of tourists afresh.

He said the floods, caused by heavy monsoon rain, ravaged Jammu and Kashmir and inundated several areas, worsening the situation.

The flooding of large swathes in Jammu and damage to infrastructure further dented the tourist confidence to visit Kashmir, he said. Currently, we are offering huge discounts, but the occupancy is less than half.

An employee of Hotel Sunshine at Dal said they were offering rooms for Rs 1,500 due to zero occupancy. The same room during the good times would fetch Rs 8,000 and above, he said. First it was the Pahalgam attack, then Operation Sindoor, and now the disruption of traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway have scared potential tourists from visiting Kashmir.

Nearby, a female official of Hotel Paradise Premium, a four-star property, said all their 30-plus rooms were without any guests.

We used to receive requests for advance bookings, but currently, our hotel is empty, she said. Another property adjacent to the hotel was offering rooms for less than Rs 2,000.

A similar situation exists at Hotel Shah Abbas, one of the attractions on the banks of Dal Lake.

The business has taken a hit, said a staff member at the reception. It started with the Pahalgam attack, followed by destruction caused by the floods and the shutting down of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

The houseboat owners and shikara operators in Dal Lake painted an equally distressing picture.

Earlier, the disruption was caused by strikes and agitations, killings of civilians, now its the weather that has played a spoilsport, said a houseboat owner.

The highway disruption has also inflicted huge losses on apple farmers, as thousands of fruit-laden trucks remain stuck for days. We are facing the worst crisis in years. Apples rot inside trucks as they are stranded on the highway. Each day of delay means crores of rupees in losses, said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, president of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has twice visited the damaged stretches of the highway, urging the Centre to ensure stranded trucks are cleared. He spoke to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who later held a video meeting with officials to speed up restoration work.

Fruit growers have already staged a two-day strike, accusing the government of failing to protect their livelihood by allowing unhindered movement of trucks to Jammu and Delhi.
The Kerala High Court is considering a plea seeking a ban on sale of Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy's latest book, 'Mother Mary Come to Me', with its present cover. The Court has also issued a notice to the Centre seeking clarification on the publication of images showing smoking.

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) moved by a Kerala-based lawyer, a bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji issued notice to the Centre, seeking details of agencies or mechanisms tasked to deal with such issues. The Court will next hear the matter on September 25.

Author Roy is seen smoking on the cover image of her latest book. In the plea, the petitioner argued that the image, sans any health warnings, sends out a "damaging message" to society, especially to girls and women, by "glorifying" the act of smoking.

"Glorification of smoking by an eminent author like her amounts to creating a false belief that such acts enhance intellectual creativity," it said. However, the petitioner clarified that his plea was not related to the content and substance of the book.

The petitioner, a Kochi-based lawyer, Rajasimhan, also argued that the cover image was in violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA), 2003.

As per the Act, direct and indirect advertisements of cigarettes and tobacco products, unless accompanied by the prescribed statutory health warnings, is prohibited. The petitioner sought withdrawal of copies of the book with its current cover from the market, and the image was "illegal and violative of COTPA".
The Supreme Court has sounded an alarm for democracy at the grassroots, slamming the Maharashtra State Election Commission for inaction and incompetence in delaying civic polls. For years now, lakhs of urban residents from Mumbai to Nagpur have been living under state-appointed administrators instead of elected representatives.

On Tuesday, the top court reminded the poll body that local self-government is not a bureaucratic formality but the very pulse of democracy, setting a hard February 2026 deadline for polls overdue in Maharashtras biggest cities.

The order comes as a wake-up call not just for Maharashtra, but for urban governance across India, where civic elections are overdue in more than 61 per cent of urban local bodies.

Elections cannot be put off indefinitely. Local self-government is the lifeline of grassroots democracy, the Court observed, fixing a February 2026 deadline for holding elections to five major corporations - Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Thane. It also warned against seeking any further extension, saying the right to self-governance cannot be reduced to an administrative convenience.

A national problem

While the spotlight is on Maharashtra, the malaise runs deep across India. According to the available data, more than half of Indias 4,500-odd urban local bodies are functioning without elected councils. States such as Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and even the National Capital Territory of Delhi have all seen long delays in municipal polls.

Bengalurus civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), went nearly two years without elections before polls were finally conducted in 2022 following repeated court interventions. Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has faced similar delays, while elections in Ahmedabad and Surat have been pushed back multiple times.

Such gaps strike at the very heart of the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which sought to strengthen local self-governance in cities by giving elected councillors and mayors greater powers. Instead, urban governance remains heavily centralised, with state governments reluctant to cede authority or finances to municipal bodies.

Consequences of weak civic democracy

The consequences of this democratic deficit are stark. Without elected representatives, cities are being run by administrators who are accountable only to state governments, not residents. This undermines peoples participation in decision-making on crucial civic issues such as drainage, roads, solid waste management and urban planning.

The recent monsoon floods in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru highlighted the fragility of urban infrastructure. In most cases, inadequate drainage and poor flood management were the direct result of years of underinvestment and neglect.

The way forward

Experts argue that beyond conducting elections, deeper reforms are necessary to empower urban local bodies. This includes devolving more functions, strengthening financial autonomy, and professionalising urban administration.

For now, the Supreme Courts order has forced Maharashtra to commit to elections in its largest corporations by early next year. But unless states across India also act, millions of urban residents will continue to live in cities without local democracy.
The Siddaramaiah governments efforts to push for the inclusion of the Kuruba (shepherd) community across three districts of KarnatakaBidar, Kalaburagi and Yadgirin the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list as Gonda tribes has been met with stiff opposition from dominant ST communities like Valmiki and Nayaka.

Chief Minister Siddaramnaiah, who belongs to the Kuruba community is in a fix because the move, as expected, has rankled the ST community (53 sub-castes) which enjoys 7 per cent reservation and is unwilling to share the quota with the politically dominant Kuruba community, currently classified as OBC.

ALSO READ | Reservation to eliminate inequalities, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah: Caste survey report by December

The Kuruba community is the third largest in the state after the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities. It is classified under the 2A category of OBC reservation and shares the 15 per cent quota with 101 other castes.

The ST tag would provide reservation in education and jobs, and also political representation, as there are 15 ST reserved Assembly constituencies and two Parliament seats in the state.

Even as the government was mulling over sending the proposal to the Centre, religious and political leaders of the ST communities registered their protest against the move.

Not the first time

In 2023, ahead of the Assembly elections, the then BJP government had sent a proposal for the inclusion of the Kuruba community in the ST list for the whole of Karnataka. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs had sought the opinion of the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI), which had earlier examined another proposal for the inclusion of 'Kuruba' as synonym of 'Gonda' ST in the Bidar, Gulbarga and Yadgir districts alone, in 2017, 2018, and 2023. However, the ORGI had rejected the proposals.

VIDEO | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, Karnatakas new caste survey will be completed between September 22 and October 7, and the report will be submitted by December.



(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/UKsQBEXR9h  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 12, 2025

The state government had sent a study report prepared by Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute, Mysuru, based on the study of 102 villages from 50 taluks of 25 districts of Karnataka, covering a Kuruba population of 60,595.

The study had noted that the Kurubas were traditionally in the sheep and goat rearing profession and were spread across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In Karnataka, they are mainly present in Bagalkot, Belagavi, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Haveri, Dharwad, Kolar, Tumkur, Raichur and Bellary districts of Karnataka.

The report detailed the customs and beliefs of the community, stating that it was patriarchal and prohibited same-clan marriage, worshipped nature (and ancestors), that Kuruba women got their body tattooed by nomadic Korama or Shilikyata women, and that the Kuruba people possessed ethno-medicinal knowledge and were derived of education owing to their migratory nature.

The ethnonyms of Kuruba community were identified as Bharmad, Dhangar, Goraya, Kurab, Kuruban, Kurumba, Khurub, Kurumban, and Halumatha.

In Karnataka, Kuruba is notified as ST only in the Coorg district (as per 1956 Order), but it is notified as OBC along with sub-castes in the rest of the state and other South Indian states.

However, ethnographic literature pointed out that Kurubas were a caste of shepherds, sharing a social relationship with other castes like the Vokkaligas, Brahmins and Lingayats, and employed Brahmin priests for auspicious ceremonies. Besides sheep rearing, they were engaged in agricultural activitiesboth as land-owners and tenantsthough some were small traders and worked for wages.

Kurubas occupy the same social status as the Vokkaliga or the cultivating caste and are the modern representatives of the ancient Pallavas (The Mysore Tribes and Castes, 1930) and they are also known as Kadambas who had formed the dynasty of Vijayanagara as per the Mysore and Coorg Gazetteer by B.L. Rice. Therefore, it is clear that Kurubas have never led a life of social isolation. Among the surveyed families around 78 per cent were marginal agricultural land holders, 73 per cent were literates, indicating the community is not socially and educationally backward compared to other SC, ST, OBC and general communities in that region, stated the ORGI, adding it did not support the proposal for inclusion in ST list.

Will inclusion favour the Kuruba community or Siddaramaiah?

For Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is drawing flak for a hurried and contentious caste survey that begins on September 22, the current move to include Kuruba in the ST list would open a pandoras box of political conflicts.

Siddaramaiah, who made it big with Ahinda-centric politics by consolidating the traditional vote bank of the Congressthe Dalit, minorities and the backward classesis often accused of overshadowing other OBC leaders within the party.

Previously, now-expelled BJP leader K.S. Eshwarappa had planned to challenge Siddaramaiah politically by floating the Rayanna Brigade (named after Kuruba icon Rayanna, an 18th century warrior of Kittur in Belagavi).

However, the movement fizzled out after the BJP high command suspected it would create a parallel centre to the then chief minister and Lingayat strongman B.S. Yediyurappa. The movement that brought Kuruba leaders across party lines had promised to spring new leadership and help carve a new political constituency by breaking the Ahinda coalition.

This time too, the inclusion of Kuruba under the ST list would not only weaken Siddaramaiahs clout within the community and the party, but also affect the Congress party because the ST community is resentful of the move (as it is unwilling to share the quota unless it is enhanced).

ALSO READ | Siddaramaiah orders weeding out ineligible beneficiaries of five guarantee schemes

In 2023, the BJP government enhanced the ST quota from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, but the party lost all its six ST-reserved seats in the election. The Congress won 14 and JDS one. The rout in the polls was attributed to the inclusion of the Talwar and Pariwar communities into ST list, which had rankled the ST community. BJPs former ministers and ST leaders like B. Sriramulu (Ballari) and Rajugowda (Yadgir) had been defeated.

Siddaramaiah has chosen to remain neutral.

The state government would only send a recommendation. The Centre will take a call on inclusion of the Kuruba community under the ST list, he said.

The CM is facing a backlash from within the community too. Former education minister and MLC A.H. Vishwanath alleged Siddaramaiah was dangling the ST tag before the community only to circumvent the power-sharing pact.

All these days, he did not fight for it. Now, he is only raking it up to blackmail the Congress high command and to avert a leadership change in the state, said Vishwanath, a friend-turned-foe of the CM from his home-turf Mysuru.

The Valmiki (ST) community, which is disgruntled over two ST ministers B. Nagendra (ST welfare) and K.N. Rajanna (Cooperation) being forced to step down following allegations of corruption and anti-party remarks (on vote-theft) respectively, is now furious over the proposal to include Kuruba community.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed yesterday a landmark mutual defence pact in Riyadh, elevating decades of informal cooperation into a formal security guarantee. The agreement, endorsed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, states that any aggression against one will be treated as aggression against both. Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, attended the signing, underlining its importance.

The timing is telling. The pact comes just days after an Israeli air strike in Doha on September 9 killed several Hamas negotiators, including relatives of senior figure Khalil al-Hayya, during talks over a possible ceasefire. Qatar denounced the strike as a violation of sovereignty and international law. The attack galvanised Arab and Islamic governments, sparking an emergency summit in Doha on September 15, where leaders condemned Israel, debated collective security, and urged stronger measures to deter further attacks.

#BREAKING: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sign the Joint Strategic Defense Agreement pic.twitter.com/BoQiqnuPTP  Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) September 17, 2025

Saudi officials stress the agreement with Pakistan is not a direct reaction to these events but the institutionalisation of a long-standing strategic alignment. Yet few doubt the regional context shaped its urgency. For decades Riyadh and Islamabad have enjoyed a close, almost fraternal relationship rooted in faith, finance and security. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly bailed out Pakistan with loans and oil concessions, while Pakistan has provided training, expertise and troops to the kingdom. The new pact takes this bond to the level of a formal defence shield.

Israel as the trigger

The Israeli strike on Doha has added momentum to calls for an Arab NATO. Egypt, with the regions largest army, is pressing for a Cairo-based command, while Pakistan, the worlds only nuclear-armed Muslim state, has proposed a joint task force to monitor Israeli actions and adopt effective deterrent and offensive measures. At the Doha summit, Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar accused Israel of war crimes and warned that it must not be allowed to attack Islamic countries with impunity.

Qatars Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani went further, calling the strike an assault on mediation itself and criticising the West for its failure to hold Israel to account. He urged Muslim nations to adopt tangible measures to break what he described as a cycle of bloodshed and destruction. His words resonated across Arab capitals, where doubts about relying on the United States as a security guarantor have grown.

Waning faith in Washington

For decades the US underpinned Gulf security, but its failure to prevent the Doha strike has deepened scepticism. Analysts note that Arab states are now exploring defence integration not because Washington encouraged it, but because they no longer see the US as willing or able to act. Some analysts say the governments feel they have no choice but to move ahead with their own frameworks.

This shift is striking. Washington once pressed Arab states to work together against Iran. Today, Israel is the focus of their concern. Riyadh also sees the Pakistan deal as bulwark against Iran, signalling deterrence on multiple fronts.

Implications for India

For India, the Saudi-Pakistan pact rings alarm bells. Islamabad has long used foreign alliances to bolster its domestic position and internationalise disputes such as Kashmir. Turkey, a NATO member, has already echoed Pakistans stance on Kashmir and in the past supplied hardware and personnel during conflicts with India. An alliance where an attack on one is treated as an attack on all could embolden Pakistan and raise tensions in South Asia.

Indias deep defence and energy ties with Israel may also clash with the anti-Israel thrust of Arab military integration. Yet Riyadh and Abu Dhabi remain close partners of New Delhi, and Saudi officials insist their relationship with nuclear-armed India is strong. For now, the focus of the proposed alliance is Israel, not South Asia.

Old friendship, new formality

The Saudi-Pakistan relationship has endured through oil concessions, cash support and joint military ventures. Pakistani troops have served in the kingdom before, while Saudi aid has kept Pakistans economy afloat more than once. This defence pact therefore marks less a new friendship than a formal elevation of a tested partnership.

Its wording leaves open key questions. Saudi officials describe it as comprehensive, covering all military means, but whether this extends to nuclear deterrence is unclear. That ambiguity may be deliberate, signalling both deterrence and flexibility.

A shifting order

The Israeli strike in Doha has accelerated a wider realignment in the Middle East. The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact, and talks about further Arab-Islamic military coordination, show anger at Israel and frustration with the US. However, given competing national and regional interests, it remains to be seen whether these initiatives lead to a lasting alliance. Yet, there is clearly a trend where Arab and Islamic states are seeking independent mechanisms of defence as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads Israel into an unprecedented confrontationist stance.

For Israel, the fear of a united Arab military response is closer than ever. For the United States, the risk is that allies it long sought to unify are now doing so on their own terms, in ways Washington may not welcome. And for India, the challenge will be to navigate a new strategic landscape where old friends are drawing closer to its most bitter rival.
Guests and students pose for a group photo at the launch ceremony of a "Chinese Corner" at the Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada of Abuja, Nigeria, Sept. 16, 2025. Nigeria has officially added Mandarin, the standard Chinese language, to its senior secondary school curriculum in a nationwide policy decision, aiming to strengthen bilateral educational and cultural exchanges and prepare its youth for a globalized future, a local official said.(Nigeria China Cultural Center/Handout via Xinhua)

ABUJA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria has officially added Mandarin, the standard Chinese language, to its senior secondary school curriculum in a nationwide policy decision, aiming to strengthen bilateral educational and cultural exchanges and prepare its youth for a globalized future, a local official said.

The decision by Nigerian educational authorities to teach Mandarin was a direct outcome of a recent curriculum review, Mandate Secretary for Education in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Danlami Hayyo said on Wednesday at the commissioning of a new "Chinese Corner" at the Government Secondary School in Nyanya, one of the two "Chinese Corners" introduced this week in the local secondary schools.

"In the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language was selected as one of the international languages to be taught in our senior secondary schools," Hayyo said, adding that this demonstrates the FCT's foresight in introducing the subject.

Mandarin will join Arabic and French as an optional foreign language course in Nigerian public senior secondary schools.

According to Mohammed Sani Ladan, director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, the 15 "Chinese Corners" established since 2013 in Nigerian schools have been far more than just physical spaces. "They are symbols of friendship and cooperation," he said, noting that they also provide opportunities for students and teachers to learn Mandarin, access scholarships, and prepare for global engagement.

In separate interviews with Xinhua, school officials and students expressed appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the immense opportunities the "Chinese Corners" would unlock, from teacher training to international scholarships.

Mojisola Akerele, principal of the Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada, told Xinhua that the new learning centers would enable students to acquaint themselves with the Chinese language through donated books and resources.

Speaking at the commissioning events, Yang Jianxing, cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described the "Chinese Corners" as a "bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries." He said that learning the Chinese language offers possibilities for Nigerian youth, from participating in economic and trade exchanges to furthering studies in Chinese universities. 

This photo taken on Sept. 16, 2025 shows the newly launched "Chinese Corner" at the Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada of Abuja, Nigeria. Nigeria has officially added Mandarin, the standard Chinese language, to its senior secondary school curriculum in a nationwide policy decision, aiming to strengthen bilateral educational and cultural exchanges and prepare its youth for a globalized future, a local official said.(Nigeria China Cultural Center/Handout via Xinhua)
On September 9, Israel expanded its campaign against Hamas by striking them in Doha, Qatar, which housed members of the groups political bureau. Qatari officials said five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer were killed. The operation reportedly coincided with ceasefire and hostage-deal deliberations that were going on in Qatars capital. These talks were important as Doha served as a key mediator alongside Egypt and the United States. The attack marked a rare extraterritorial use of force inside a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state, raising profound questions about sovereignty, the durability of normalisation with Israel, and the regions crisis-management architecture.

Qatar condemned the strike as state terrorism and a violation of international law and convened Arab and Islamic foreign ministers ahead of a leaders summit in Doha to craft a collective response. Instead of isolating Hamas, the strike shifted the diplomatic centre of gravity, rallying regional support around Qatar and straining Israels ties with Gulf states, including normalization tracks. For Qatar, the attack was a breach of sovereignty that threatened its hard-won mediator role and the architecture of indirect diplomacy on Gaza.

Dohas immediate aims are to deter further violations and protect the credibility of its mediation, which remains pivotal to any ceasefire-hostage deal.

For the UAE, strategic hedging intensifies: Among Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) faced the starkest balancing act. As a signatory to the Abraham Accords (2020), the UAE has maintained open diplomatic, commercial, and limited security ties with Israel. Yet it also sits within a GCC security community that treats sovereignty breaches in the Gulf as red lines. UAE reacted to this attack by summoning Israels deputy ambassador and condemning both the attack and Netanyahus rhetoric. This was the sharpest public rebuke of Israel by the UAE since normalisation, and it revealed the constraints of business-first engagement amid a widening war. Strategically, the UAE is likely to pursue three tracks simultaneously. First, it will press for de-escalation mechanisms that guard GCC territory from becoming a theatre for third-party strikes. Second, it will keep economic normalisation in a holding patternneither rupturing ties nor advancing thempending clearer lines from Jerusalem. Third, the UAE will double down on a multi-vector foreign policy that reduces exposure to single partners, deepens insurance through ties with Washington and Asian powers, and keeps channels with Tehran calibrated. The Doha strike thus reinforces a pre-existing Emirati instinct i.e., normalise when useful, but hedge when costs increase.

Saudi Arabias leadership stakes rise: Riyadh condemned the strike in strong terms and publicly backed Qatar. Just a year earlier, there was intensive speculation about the US-brokered Saudi-Israeli normalisation package; however, the conflict in Gaza put this on the back burner. This has further deteriorated after these attacks in Doha. For Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman, two imperatives are stucka strategic aperture to Israel (framed within a broader American defense pact and civil nuclear cooperation) and custodianship of regional order and Islamic solidarity. After an attack on a fellow GCC state hosting ceasefire talks, moving forward with normalisation would carry steep reputational and political costs. The Doha episode gives Riyadh additional leverage to insist that any normalisation pathway must be embedded in an architecture that deters extraterritorial strikes and protects mediating states.

Arab Middle Powersprincipled sovereignty and consensus-building: Arab states of Kuwait and Oman, long positioned at the GCCs diplomatic centre of gravity, issued statements of solidarity with Qatar and denounced the strike. Consistent with their foreign-policy traditionsKuwaits parliamentary sensitivity to public opinion and Omans facilitative neutralityboth are likely to prioritise two outcomes: (1) a political firewall around GCC sovereignty and (2) renewed investment in multilateral de-escalation channels (Arab League, OIC, and quiet US-GCC coordination). Their messaging underscores that even Gulf states without formal ties to Israel see extraterritorial operations on GCC soil as categorically unacceptable. Bahrain, another signatory to Abraham Accords (2020) signatory, quickly expressed solidarity with Qatar and condemned the violation of sovereignty. Manamas reaction mirrors the Emirati dilemma but with fewer strategic buffers. Bahrains normalisation is more symbolically tethered to an American-led regional project, yet its sensitivities on sovereignty and domestic public opinion are acute.

Non-Arab Reaction to Doha Strikes

In case of the non-Arab members of the region, Iran will portray the strike as proof that normalisation with Israel invites insecurity, hoping to widen cracks between Jerusalem and Gulf capitals. Yet the Gulf response does not align with Tehrancounters that narrative. Turkiye, meanwhile, worries it could be targeted next if Israel adopts a doctrine of cross-border decapitation against Hamas affiliates abroad. There is a possible chance that Ankara will likely tighten security around Palestinian figures and coordinate rhetorically with Doha. However, like the Gulf, it will want to avoid escalation that invites retaliation on its own soil.

Threat to normalisation? In the aggregate, yesat least in the near to medium term. A draft resolution for the Arab-Islamic summit warned openly that Israeli actions risk derailing normalization, language that would have been unthinkable during the initial Abraham Accords optimism. For states that normalised, the calculus was always transactional: economic gains, technology transfer, and a strategic hedging via US sponsorship. That bargain pre-supposed Israel would not draw Arab partners into the wars direct blast radius or embarrass them diplomatically. A strike in Doha ruptures that assumption. Even if ties are not severed, the political oxygen for visible, high-level Israeli-Gulf engagement is thinning. Beyond normalisation, the core Gulf concern is precedent. If Israel can act militarily inside a GCC state to target non-state actors it deems threats, what immunizes other regional powers from similar moves? The GCCs security doctrine has long centred on deterrence against Iran and extremist networks; the Doha strike adds a third axis: deterring partners from unilateral military actions on GCC soil. Expect a push inside the GCC for a common position that any counter-terror action within member states requires host-government consent and coordinationa principle likely to be pressed in dialogues with Washington and European partners as well. The practical effect on Gaza diplomacy is double-edged. On one hand, Hamass political bureau will be more cautious about convening in Doha in predictable patterns, complicating the logistics of shuttle talks. On the other, the outcry has rallied Arab and Islamic institutions behind Qatars mediator role, paradoxically strengthening Dohas mandate even as it narrows the physical space for talks.

Bottom line

Israels Doha strike produced a paradox. Tactically, it signalled resolve to pursue Hamas beyond Gaza; strategically, it antagonised the Gulf partners whose cooperation Israel will need for any sustainable regional architecture after the war. In the Gulf, the operation revived the principal concerns about sovereignty, pulled normalisation into the conflicts slipstream, and re-legitimized Qatars mediator role by casting it as a wounded, not complicit, stakeholder. The time ahead will test whether a common Arab lineanchored in sovereignty and de-escalationcan coexist with pragmatic ties to Israel. For now, the political cost of visible engagement with Jerusalem has risen across the Gulf, and any pathway back to normalisation runs through a ceasefire architecture that protects mediators, respects borders, and re-establishes the basic guardrails of regional statecraft.

The author is Assistant Professor-III, Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (AIDSS), Amity University, NOIDA.
IIM Udaipur partnered with Bhashini, the National Language Translation Mission, to advance artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for Indian languages.

The overall initiative of the institution is to create regional hubs and improve datasets for under-represented languages, fostering research in speech and language technologies. The goal is to build skills among students and researchers to co-develop innovative language solutions with local communities.

The Indian Institute of Management Udaipur (IIMU), one of India's fastest-growing and globally recognised management schools, on Thursday announced a series of landmark collaborations with leading national institutions.

These partnerships are designed to advance India's capabilities in data analytics, policy monitoring, and artificial intelligence.

Collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics

In its first major agreement, IIM Udaipur has joined forces with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to serve as a Knowledge Partner for its Data Innovation Lab.

Through this collaboration, students, researchers, and faculty will work on solving real-world statistical challenges. The partnership aims to foster innovation in data analytics through joint research, workshops, and hackathons.

Enhancing policy with NITI Aayog

Furthermore, the institute's Centre for Development Policy and Management (CDPM) has signed an agreement with NITI Aayog's Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO).

This partnership focuses on strengthening India's policy monitoring and evaluation framework by adapting global best practices for the Indian context. IIMU will help develop toolkits, create training programmes for policymakers, and provide technical assistance to government ministries.

Professor Ashok Banerjee, the Director of IIM Udaipur, explained that these strategic partnerships align with the institute's vision of creating a meaningful social impact.

He stated that by merging academic excellence with policy requirements and technological innovation, IIM Udaipur aims to fortify India's data and evaluation systems while promoting linguistic diversity through AI-driven solutions.
Walt Disney-owned ABCs decision to axe Jimmy Kimmels late-night show following his comments on Charlie Kirk left the TV host absolutely livid, according to reports. Sources close to Kimmel said that he will continue to do what he believes in and already has new offers lined up.

The last-night host is absolutely f***ing livid they canceled Jimmy Kimmel Live! just hours before he was due to go on air, according to the Daily Mail. The sources added that Kimmel is holding a last-minute crunch meeting with the TV executives but is keen to break his relationship with them forever.

He has already planned his future moves, and is teeing up a guest slot with axed CBS star Stephen Colbert. Colberts The Late Show, which airs on CBS, will be discontinued after ten seasons in May 2026. CBS stated that the move was based on financial reasons, not performance or content, but his fans arent convinced.

However, the ABC stated that Kimmels axing comes  over comments he made concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel made the contentious remarks on his Monday night show, stating, We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it."

Jimmy Kimmels full comments on Charlie Kirk which led to his show being taken off air indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/Ctg7LL8HWL  Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 18, 2025

The source told Daily Mail that Kimmel was upset over the decision, and ABCs decision was the last straw and is now looking to forever break his relationship with ABC. Jimmy isn't going to take this lightly and is actively looking for ways to get out of his contract, the unnamed source added.

His next step could be with Stephen Colbert, who is already looking to get Jimmy on his show as a guest in the next couple of days or within the week. 'Now they both are in the same predicament, being against the Trump administration, and they are now looking to do something together to fight for what they believe in, he said, adding that both dont want Trump to win and this has the recent move has only prompted Jimmy to be continue to tell it like it is and be real.

A producer with the show told Daily Mail that they dont have anything to do and were wandering like aimless cows. He, too, added that Kimmel was livid and accused the government of overreaching, stating there was no such thing as free speech in America. You can only imagine how Jimmy is. He's beside himself. I've never seen him this angry, ever. It's bad,' he said.
Walt Disney-owned ABC on Wednesday pulled the Jimmy Kimmel Live show off the air after the television hosts controversial remarks on the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk triggered an uproar.

The decision came after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show on ABC.

President Donald Trump, who has been critical of the content of the popular show, hailed the decision and called on other networks which telecast Jimmys shows to sack him.

"Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done," Trump said. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible, he further said in a Truth Social post.

Jimmy, a veteran late-night comic, made the contentious remarks on his Monday night show. "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," he said.

Pointing to a video of Trumps mourning of Kirk, Jimmy said, This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.

ABC has been airing Jimmys late-night show since 2003. The broadcasters decision came shortly after Nexstar Communications Group said it would pull the show starting Wednesday.

Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar's broadcasting division, had said Jimmy's comments about the death of Kirk were offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.

OFFICIAL: JIMMY KIMMEL CANCELED



Heres the clip about Charlie Kirks death  that led to Jimmy Kimmel being pulled from 32 ABC stations: pic.twitter.com/wtbE6945nY  Jeremy Kamali (@JeremyKamali) September 17, 2025

Kirk, a close ally of Trump, was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University last week. Police have arrested a 22-year-old man, Tyler Robinson, who allegedly fired a rifle from a rooftop, hitting Kirk in the neck.
Pakistani media and analysts alike are hyping up the landmark defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, which states that any aggression against either country will be considered an aggression against both.

Calling it historic and huge, Pakistani analysts claim that two more nations are expected to sign similar agreements with Pakistan. Senior journalist Hamid Mir claimed the agreement showed that Pakistan has emerged as a new power that can work with not only Middle Eastern nations but also South Asians to safeguard them against India and Israel.

Interestingly, Mir also turned against US President Donald Trump, the same leader Pakistan praised as a peacemaker before nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. The journalist claimed that Israels bombing at Doha showed that Israel also attacked American allies. Before, there was a perception that America stands by its allies, but thats not the case anymore after Donald Trump, he said.

: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact that any attack on either country will be considered an attack on both.



: India says "were aware about this development and will study the implications on National Security" pic.twitter.com/l5algeUopH  Indo Affairs (@indoaffair) September 18, 2025

He further attempted to highlight the pact as anti-India, stating that the agreement had direct relations against Israel, a friend of Pakistans arch-rival India.

Also read: Saudi-Pakistan defence pact and talks about Arab-Islamic military coordination show anger at Israel and frustration with US

Commentator Shahzeb Khanzada was also at the forefront of portraying the pact as a threat to India. Calling it a major development, Khanzada said the clause declaring any aggression against one country as aggression against both added new weight to the relationship. The statement effectively means that if Pakistan faces aggression, including from India, Saudi Arabia will stand by it, he said.

He linked the development to recent regional events, including the Doha summit and Israeli strikes, which, he argued, accelerated the urgency for Arab countries to consider joint defence measures.

Pakistans foreign affairs expert Dr Nausheen Wasi too sought to highlight the pact as something that reflected Pakistans regional significance. This pact is essentially about deterrence, as Pakistans nuclear capability strengthens its position in the region, Dr Wasi said.

Despite Pakistans portrayal of the pact as targeting India, Saudi Arabia was quick to dismiss any such suggestions. "The agreement is not a response to specific countries or specific events... Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace in whichever way we can," a senior Saudi official told Reuters.
New revelations have emerged about the transgender roommate of Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

According to a Fox News report, the roommate, identified as Lance Twiggs, was kicked out of their parents' house over issues such as substance abuse, addiction to video games and gender identity.

After their father kicked Twiggs out, the youth lived with their grandfather, according to a relative.

According to the relative, Twiggs, who is in the process of transitioning from male to female, was kicked out of their parents' home when the youth was 18.

Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk is officially charged with murder. Robinson's DNA was found on the trigger of the gun which killed Kirk. "The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy," Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said. FBI Director Kash Patel pic.twitter.com/XVLTPCR2sh  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) September 17, 2025

Twiggs used to share an apartment with Tyler Robinson in Utah after moving out of their grandparents' house. According to the relative, the two were in a romantic relationship.

(Their father) thought he wasnt being respectful and was problematic, so they kicked him out," the relative was quoted as saying, adding, "He then lived with (their grandparents) until he was 18 and graduated from high school."

"He moved into a townhome and paid full rent, and there were other college roommates at the time," the relative was further quoted as saying.

Tyler Robinson had, in a text message to Twiggs, confessed that he had killed Kirk. The exchange between the two was later released by prosecutors. Twiggs had received the messages regarding the assassination of Kirk from Robinson merely hours after the murder, but did not alert the cops about it.

Twiggs hasn't been charged with any crime so far.
Nissan is set to downsize its London design studio, as well as scaling back design operations worldwide to help bring the cash-strapped manufacturer out of the red.

The changes come as part of a cost-saving plan announced earlier this year, with Nissan attempting to raise 5.2billion to stay afloat after posting a record loss of around 3.8bn for the 2024-25 financial year.

The Japanese manufacturer will close its design centres in California and Sao Paulo, and the Paddington design studio - which notably designed the Qashqai - will reportedly have its workforce reduced, although this has yet to be confirmed.

The 'strategic realignment' - which comes as part of the Japanese marque's 'Re:Nissan' plan - will consolidate Nissan's design organization into five hubs: Los Angeles, Shanghai, Tokyo, Japan's Atsugi and London.

Nissan's London Design Centre, the heart of Nissan Design Europe located in Paddington, will remain the backbone of Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania regions in collaboration with partner Renault.

Nissan has not yet disclosed how many jobs could be lost from London's Design Centre, and has declined to comment at this time.

Nissan has announced it is downsizing its London design studio, as well as scaling back design operations worldwide. Nissan posted a record loss of around 3.8bn for the 2024-25 financial year

The Japanese car maker said the restructuring will be completed by the end of fiscal 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday, Alfonso Albaisa, corporate executive of Global Design at Nissan said: 'We are reshaping our operations into five agile hubs that harness new technologies and creative energy to deliver faster, smarter, and more connected design solutions, ensuring resilience and relevance in a rapidly evolving industry'.

Nissan further said that the consolidation will allow it to better align resources while embedding technology at the core of the design process.

The Design Centre in London has been a key part of Nissan's past success in Europe, creating cars including the Pathfinder, original Juke and new Micra EV.

The Micra is one of three new cars Nissan is hoping will turn around its fortunes, alongside the new Leaf and Juke EVs - and the latter two will be built at Sunderland.

The European design hub celebrated 22 years in London in January, with the doors at The Rotunda opening in 2003 after relocation from Germany.

Nissan's design restructuring will be completed by the end of 2025 fiscal year

Nissan's European design hub celebrated 22 years in London in January. It opened in 2003 after relocation from Germany

The move to reshape the Japanese marque's design setup isn't unprecedented as Nissan confirmed it would cut 20,000 jobs and close seven factories earlier this year after the struggling manufacturer said it needs to find 2.6bn in savings across the business.

Although job losses remain up in the air it is good news that London's Design Centre is saved. Similarly Nissan's Sunderland UK production home is staying open, with the Government ploughing 1bn into the site as a loan to safeguard jobs.

Employing roughly 6,000 people, Nissan however said around 250 jobs would be cut from Sunderland as part of the global shake up.

Nissan previously stated that its Re:Nissan Plan 'aims for positive operating profitability and free cash flow in the automotive business by FY 2026'.
Warren Buffett may be a successful investor, but he has made mistakes. Journalist, Becky Quick, once asked him about his blunders.

Buffett said: 'The dumbest stock I ever bought was... drumroll here - Berkshire Hathaway.'

This snippet of information surprised me. Buffett started buying Berkshire in 1962, at $7.50 a share.

It now trades around $750,000! Yes - that's the share price, not the market cap! And yet, Buffett called Berkshire Hathaway a $200billion blunder.

When he first saw the stock, he saw a bargain. Later in life, he said: 'I would have been better off if I'd never heard of Berkshire Hathaway.'

He would always resent the fact that a large chunk of cash had been sunk into an unprofitable business  cash which could have been invested elsewhere at high rates of return.

Was the writing on the wall? To answer, we must return to 1962 and see the world as Buffett once saw it.

Buffett started buying Berkshire in 1962, at $7.50 a share.

From textile mill to multinational conglomerate

Back in 1962, Buffett was a zealous disciple of Ben Graham and David Dodd - the founding fathers of value investing.

He had memorised their textbook, Securities Analysis, and once admitted, 'I knew the book even better than Dodd'.

The principles of value investing were drummed into his head. Buffett was attracted to Berkshire Hathaway because he saw a value investing opportunity.

Berkshire was a struggling textile company, selling at a discount to the value of its assets (i.e. mills).

Warren connived a plan to buy shares on the cheap, in the hope that Berkshire would buy them back at a premium. This made sense.

Berkshire had previously been selling off mills, before using the cash proceeds to buy back its own stock.

This reasoning led Buffett to believe that Berkshire was worth $19/share, even though it was trading at $7.50.

It was an elaborate plan, but it didn't quite work out, in part because Warren's emotions got the better of him.

We may think of Buffett as a folksy, grandfatherly figure, but they say we look at history through tinted glass. Buffett was once a young corporate raider, charging around, selling off this and that company and firing people along the way.

When Buffett fell out with the management at Berkshire, he decided to buy up the whole company and fire the managing president. He won the boardroom battle, but it was a Pyrrhic victory.

Learning from Martin Luther...and the Pope

Warren's original plan was for Berkshire to buy the shares back from him. This plan quickly unravelled; Buffett had become Berkshire's largest shareholder and would, in effect, be buying the shares from himself.

Furthermore, Buffett had lumbered himself with a declining company in a dying industry. Berkshire Hathaway's old financial statements are now preserved online.

Using these, we can reconstruct the financial landscape of the 'swinging sixties'. Even a quick glance reveals several red flags that should have been obvious to the Oracle of Omaha

Reflecting on the episode, Warren said: 'I bought my own cigar butt and I tried to smoke it'  alluding to the idea that if cigar butts on the pavement are free, then you can get one last puff for no price.

That was his idea of a bargain investment. The problem was that Berkshire didn't have any more puffs. 'All you had was a soggy cigar butt in your mouth'.

> Ready to put this strategy to the test? Try Stockopedia free for 14 days and get 25% off your first subscription as a This Is Money reader

Like all great people, Buffett learned from his mistakes and reinvented himself. He did not neglect his old, value investing self. Instead, he integrated the best of value investing with a new approach.

His philosophy became a blend of quality and value. He started to focus on cheap companies with strong, sustainable competitive advantages and the potential for long-term growth.

A key influence was Charlie Munger, Buffett's longtime business partner. Warren later said: 'I was in this Charlie Munger-influenced type transition - sort of back and forth. It was kind of like during the Protestant Reformation.

'And I would listen to Martin Luther one day and the Pope the next. Ben Graham, of course, being the Pope.'

Quality merchandise, marked down

This back-and-forth conversation went on until Buffett could clearly articulate his philosophy in one line: 'I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.'

The Washington Post newspaper perfectly exemplified Buffett's idea of quality merchandise.

Here was an established brand with wide circulation and a loyal customer base. The newspaper had a mile-wide moat, but the company went through a rough period in 1973 after exposing the Watergate scandal and incurring the wrath of President Nixon.

The stock fell from $38 to around $15.

Buffett recalled that 'when we were buying that stock at $20 a share, if you'd asked the people how much the company was actually worth, they would have said $100 a share'.

'But they sold it anyway,' he added.

So there you have it. Quality merchandise, marked down.

To understand how Buffett's view of quality evolved, it is useful to compare the profitability of Berkshire Hathaway and the Washington Post in the years preceding his investment.

The Post consistently delivered higher margins and returns. Furthermore, the Post's returns and margins were fairly steady, while Berkshire's profitability had declined noticeably from earlier periods.

If we were to impose the technical language of today on the investment universe of the 1960s and '70s, we would say that Buffett was shifting from a 'value strategy' toward a 'quality-value strategy'.

These are the terms we might use in the framework of a factor investing - a systematic approach that quantifies the characteristics (i.e. factors) associated with outperforming stocks.

One factor is value; cheap stocks tend to beat expensive stocks. Another factor is quality; companies that are profitable, financially stable and cash generative tend to outperform those that are loss making, highly leveraged and cash-strapped.

Berkshire Hathaway was only exposed to one factor, namely value. It was trading below asset value. Quality metrics, like profitability, were weaker.

The Washington Post was exposed to two-factors: Value and Quality. It was cheap, having fallen from $38 to around $15. It was also a profitable company with an established brand.

Berkshire Hathaway was what we might call a 'value trap'. The Post was a 'contrarian play'.

What is your story?

These labels are part of our categorisation system, which can be used to separate the wheat from the chaff - or separate the Washington Posts from the Berkshire Hathaways.

Value traps are cheap for a reason. To extend Buffett's analogy, these are cigar butts with no puff left.

By contrast, contrarian companies are cheap, but they are also profitable, cash generative and financially stable. The term is a play on Buffett's maxim: be fearful when others are greedy; be greedy when others are fearful.

These labels - contrarian and value erap - are shown on every StockReport via Stockopedia's platform.

Generally speaking, value traps will only have better than average value ratios. Contrarian stocks with better than average value ratios and quality ratios. As such, the difference is in quality.

A key part of growing up is learning the balance between doing things 'by the book' and doing things your own way.

Various anecdotes suggest that young Warren was a 'by the book' value investor - the kind of guy who would hold up The Intelligent Investor, wag his finger and say, 'You see, Ben Graham said so!'

For example, in 1950 Buffett met with Lou Green, one of Graham's business associates. Green asked, 'Why did you buy Marshall-Wells?' Warren replied, 'Because Ben Graham bought it.'

Later in life, Buffett described his investment style as 85 per cent Ben Graham, 15 per cent Phillip Fisher.

Fisher enhanced Buffett's approach by focusing on quality companies with strong growth potential and strong financials.

This shift is just a reminder that no philosophy is static, especially in investing.

Whether you're early in your journey or have decades of experience, understanding what makes a stock both cheap and good is a skill that takes time to master, though.

At Stockopedia, we've built a variety of tools to help accelerate that learning curve. Our StockReports were designed to highlight factors like quality, value, and momentum, helping you avoid those value traps and zero in on contrarian gems, just like Buffett did with the Washington Post.

As a special offer, This is Money readers can get 25 per cent off a Stockopedia membership.
Cambridge has been ranked as the top UK hub for shops in 2025, with customers flocking to the compact university city's bustling streets.

Affluent residents, a growing student population and 'popular night-time economy' all helped Cambridge maintain its crown as the most thriving retail hub in Britain, according to Newmark's latest retail Vitality Rankings for 2025.

Chelsea in west London surged from 10th to second place in the rankings, buoyed by its high-end and 'aspirational' mix of shops, pubs and bars.

The findings show the King's Road and Sloane Square in Chelsea still hold sway with shoppers, with the Saatchi Gallery providing a cultural focus for the area.

Kingston upon Thames came in third place in Newmark's findings, followed by Bath city centre, Bluewater shopping centre in Dartford, Wimbledon Village and Milton Keynes.

Knightsbridge in London, Leeds, and Westfield Stratford City also made it to the top 10.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The report said smaller cities like Bath, Brighton and Edinburgh continued to rise in the rankings thanks to 'generally affluent' customer base.

However, larger cities and shopping centres saw the biggest spike in performance and footfall this year.

Despite an upturn in office attendance, hybrid working is still helping retailers boost their takings, Newmark added.

It said shoppers, particularly those visiting larger cities or shopping centres, were going on bigger shopping trips and spending more, rather than doing top-up shops or simply browsing.

London's King's Cross and Canary Wharf saw a 'significant' improvements in the retailer hub rankings, thanks to decent transport links and high worker footfall.

Popular: Cambridge came out as the number one retail hub in Newmark's rankings

The report said Canary Wharf 'rarely struggled' to find new retail tenants for its shops.

Newmark said: 'These workers and passengers help maintain catering and leisure offers that include high-quality and fashionable brands which in turns creates destinations in their own right'.

While some locations saw their place surge in the rankings, others suffered a downturn.

Cobham in Surrey came in 21st place, having slid from second in the rankings a year ago. Oxford city centre fell from 14th to 20th place, while Harrogate fell from 17th to 25th place.

On a geographical basis, more locations in the top 50 shopping hubs were located in the midlands and northern areas this year when compared to 2024. Taking two examples, both Birmingham and Glasgow performed strongly.

Will Chamberlain, associate director of new business at Newmark, said retailers were focusing their efforts on 'prime high-footfall locations that deliver strong sales and maximise visibility'.

Store numbers are being reduced in smaller locations where footfall is sparse, Chamberlain said.

Providing shoppers with memorable and personalised in-store experiences is another key focus for retailers, Chamberlain added.

Challenges faced by retailers, staff and shoppers

The findings from Newmark provide an overview of the locations where retailers and high-streets are thriving.

However, many retailers and high-streets are struggling, as are millions of shoppers battling against rising costs and higher taxes. Expensive parking and poor public transport are other factors deterring shoppers in many locations.

Shops were hit by 7billion in higher costs by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget last year and are fearful of further tax hikes at the next one on 26 November.

This month, retail bosses warned businesses are being taxed out as jobs in the retail sector hit a record low.

Retailers sounded the alarm after figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed there were 2.78million jobs in the industry in June  down 97,000 on a year earlier. Nearly 400,000 retail jobs have been lost in the past decade.

The British Retail Consortium warned that worse could be yet to come, while trade body UK Hospitality said pubs, restaurants and other venues were also struggling.

Bosses also criticised Labours package of reforms to employment rights, saying it will make it harder to employ young people.

Tesco, Morrisons and Currys are among the major retailers to axe jobs following last years increases to employer National Insurance, the National Minimum Wage, business rates and packaging taxes.

And retailers including fashion brands Quiz, Seraphine and accessories seller Claires have collapsed.

The hospitality industry is also suffering, with 84,000 jobs lost in the sector since the Budget, according to UK Hospitality.

Chamberlain told the Daily Mail: 'Reviving the UKs high streets requires collaboration between government, local authorities, and private stakeholders.

'The most successful examples, such as Gloucester City Centre, show how public-private partnerships can transform underperforming areas through targeted investment and placemaking.

'Redeveloping unproductive retail space, especially on the fringes of town centres, into residential, office, or mixed-use schemes helps rebalance supply and create more vibrant, multifunctional environments. This is evident in Gloucester City Centre following investment in the Docks Area & Kings Quarter.'

He added: 'Local Authorities play a critical role in shaping these spaces, ensuring they are safe, attractive, and conducive to retail and leisure. At a national level, reforming business rates is essential. In many cases, rates are now as high as rents, placing unsustainable pressure on occupiers and discouraging investment.

'A more flexible tax system could better support the long-term vitality of retail centres across the UK.'
SOFIA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria's nine-month-old coalition government, led by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov, on Thursday survived its fifth no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.

The opposition introduced the motion, citing alleged failures in internal security and justice, but it secured only 101 votes in favor in the 240-seat legislature. Backing came from the We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria coalition, the Revival party, the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms, Mech, and Greatness.

A total of 133 deputies voted against the motion, including members of the ruling coalition of GERB-UDF, BSP-United Left, There Is Such People (ITN), and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms-New Beginning. A successful no-confidence motion requires support from more than half of all lawmakers.

During Wednesday's parliamentary debate, Nataliya Kiselova, the Assembly's speaker and a member of BSP-United Left, said the opposition failed to specify actions the cabinet had neglected or carried out unlawfully, instead referring to longstanding problems predating the current administration.

The latest motion follows four previous unsuccessful attempts earlier this year, which targeted the government's handling of foreign affairs, corruption, fiscal management, and the environment and water sector.

Under Bulgaria's constitution, at least one-fifth of lawmakers must initiate a no-confidence vote, and a second motion on the same grounds cannot be filed within six months.

Jeliazkov's government was sworn in on Jan. 16 after Bulgaria's October 2024 snap elections, the country's seventh parliamentary election in just three and a half years. 
Britains biggest builder has warned that the late Budget could hit demand for homes.

David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Redrow, has warned of limited growth as it stuck to a target of building between 17,200 and 17,800 in the year to the end of next June.

The extended period through to the Budget and related uncertainties around general taxation and that applicable to housing has introduced additional risk, the firm said, underlining anxiety over the Chancellors Budget plans  and the decision not to hold it until November 26.

The warning also cast fresh doubt over Labours target to build 1.5m homes in this parliament. Barratt Redrow yesterday said it built 16,565 homes last year, down from 17,972 the previous year.

Thomas said it delivered a solid performance in a tough market and called its 2024 acquisition of Redrow transformative.

But Russ Mould, analyst at AJ Bell said: The timing of the Budget means the autumn selling season could be plagued by people deciding to stay put until there is more clarity on taxes.
The News in Brief Thursday, September 18, 2025

The trial of the detained teacher Nino Datashvili, who faces charges of assaulting a public official, was postponed once more on Tuesday after she failed to appear in court because of health problems. The next hearing has been rescheduled for October 29.Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili announced the decision after receiving a medical certificate from the penitentiary service. According to the document, a doctor stated that Datashvili was not in a condition to attend the session.Datashvili's lawyer confirmed after visiting her that her health had not improved and she remains in the penitentiary facility, though a course of physiotherapy has recently begun. "She has not been transferred to a medical institution, but treatment has started in the prison," the lawyer said.The judge reviewed the existing preventive measure of detention and left it unchanged. The prosecution again insisted on continued imprisonment. Prosecutor Tsiramua argued that Datashvili's release could pose risks. "There is still a danger of the accused committing a new crime or influencing witnesses. No new circumstances have emerged that would justify changing the preventive measure," he told the court.The prosecutor also maintained that her health was not being made worse by staying in the penitentiary. "A physiotherapy device has been provided to address her health condition," he said, stressing that the prosecution does not disregard the detainee's wellbeing.The defense strongly disagreed, stating that Datashvili's condition has deteriorated. Her lawyer argued that she cannot take care of herself or eat independently. "She needed the help of two people just to reach our meeting today. Seeing her in this state was very difficult," the lawyer noted, adding that they plan to submit a new motion to the court.A rights defender observing the case also said the care provided was insufficient.Datashvili was detained on June 20 in connection with an incident at Tbilisi City Court on June 9. She has been charged under Part 3 of Article 353-second of the Georgian Criminal Code, which concerns assaulting a public official during the performance of their duties. The offense carries a penalty ranging from a fine to four to seven years in prison.Droa leader Elene Khoshtaria, one of the heads of the Coalition for Change, has refused to pay bail, describing it as a form of tribute rather than release. In her letter from the Zahesi pre-trial detention she declared that she would not allow anyone to post bail on her behalf."Paying bail and getting out that way is not being released; it's paying a tribute to open the prison door, which, of course, I will not pay," Khoshtaria wrote. "Not because it would hurt my pride, but because I could not call you to any fight or be part of one by participating in lies and farce. My imprisonment is illegal, just like that of countless free people. But imprisonment does not stop the fight, I promise you that. We will win honorably! Until the end!"Khoshtaria added that anyone attempting to cover her bail would deeply betray her position. "Someone paying my bail would be like stabbing me in the heart, I won't allow anyone to do that," Khoshtaria stressed.Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili sharply criticized her decision, linking it to funding he alleged was received from Russian sources. "If she had spared 0.001% of the millions received from Russia's budget for Georgia's budget, that 5,000 GEL would have gone to Georgia's budget," Papuashvili said. "But it seems she begrudges this money from the Russian budget for Georgia's budget."Khoshtaria was ordered by Tbilisi City Court to pay bail as a preventive measure, but her refusal has drawn both political criticism and support from allies who view her stance as part of a broader protest against what they call politically motivated prosecutions.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the international community to continue engagement with Afghanistan.

The current situation in Afghanistan is stable on the whole. Meanwhile, multiple challenges persist in areas such as the humanitarian situation, development, human rights, and counter-terrorism. The international community should take an objective, fair, rational, and pragmatic attitude toward Afghanistan to help the country get on the right track and to be integrated into the international community, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

The international community should maintain engagement and dialogue with Afghanistan and enhance understanding and trust, he told the Security Council.

Due to various factors, past and present, Afghanistan's integration into the international community could only proceed step by step. Long-term commitment is required to deliver success. In this regard, active interactions and continuous engagements between the two sides are indispensable, he said.

The UN secretary-general's report states that terrorist threats in Afghanistan remain prominent. China calls on the Afghan government to enhance counter-terrorism efforts and coordination with regional countries and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting Afghan soil to undermine the security of other countries, he said.

"When it comes to counter-terrorism, we must stand firmly against double standards and selectivity, and must maintain international cooperation in combating terrorism," said Geng.

Given the huge humanitarian needs, China calls on traditional donors to scale up their funding support and stop politicizing humanitarian relief. China calls on a certain country to assume its historical responsibilities, resume aid to Afghans, halt unilateral sanctions, and provide necessary support for humanitarian action.

Securing women's equal access to education, health care, employment, and participation in public affairs is imperative for Afghanistan's peace, stability, development, and prosperity. China calls on the Afghan government to exercise moderate and inclusive governance and put in place effective measures to safeguard the basic rights and interests of all Afghans, including women, he said.

China supports Afghanistan in further strengthening connectivity and economic and trade cooperation with regional countries, he said.

As a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, China stands ready to continue working with all parties to promote peace, development, and lasting stability in Afghanistan, said Geng. 
KABUL, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A total of 694 Afghan prisoners were released from Pakistani jails over the past week and have safely returned to Afghanistan, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced Thursday.

The detainees, held in various facilities across Pakistan on a range of charges, crossed back into the country via the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province. They received immediate humanitarian assistance there, before being transported to their respective home provinces for reintegration support, said the ministry.

Data from the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July indicates that more than 10,000 Afghan citizens remain imprisoned overseas, mostly in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. 
JERUSALEM, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday issued a warning to residents of three villages in southern Lebanon, ahead of an imminent strike.

In a video statement posted on social media, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the military would target Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon in response to what he described as the group's "prohibited attempts" to restore its activities in the area.

The IDF also released a map marking structures in and around the villages of Kfar Tebnit, Dibbin, and Mais al-Jabal, which it alleged were being used by Hezbollah. Residents were urged to remain at least 500 meters away from the sites.

On Wednesday evening, a Hezbollah official and a civilian were killed in an Israeli drone strike in the city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanese and Israeli military sources.

A ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and France, took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, stopping clashes that erupted during the Gaza war. Still, the Israeli army occasionally carries out strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at Hezbollah "threats," while maintaining its troops at five main points in the Lebanese border area. 
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Government gigs haven't been easy this year . . . Check the latest update that might or might not be improved by more hiring . . . Check-it:

On Monday and Tuesday, the IRS held a hiring event for seasonal employees. KCTV5 went to the event to speak to someone about the initiative, but was told they would not be talking with the media.



Union leaders and current employees said the current state inside the Kansas City IRS building is being described as a toxic environment and that morale is at an all-time low.



Employees are still facing the possibility of job cuts, as a new zero paper initiative has many worried about their job security.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The escalating Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza City are taking a growing toll on Palestinians, UN humanitarians said Wednesday.

The Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza City was struck multiple times overnight, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), quoting the Gaza health authorities. There were 80 patients at the facility, including 12 children and infants in intensive care. Half of the patients and their caregivers were forced to flee, under fire, in search of safety.

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said Israel's military offensive in Gaza is forcing women to give birth in the streets, without hospitals, doctors or clean water. It said that 23,000 women are going without care, and about 15 babies are being born each week with no medical help.

OCHA said its humanitarian partners reported that since the collapse of the ceasefire in March, 80 medical points and primary health care centers providing sexual and reproductive health outpatient services have been affected, with 65 out of service.

The Israeli army on Wednesday ordered people to leave Gaza City within the next 48 hours and move south along a temporary passageway, said OCHA.

Thousands of people continue to flee, amid active hostilities. Roads are congested, people are hungry, and children are traumatized, it said.

Between Monday and Tuesday, UN humanitarian partners monitoring the movement of people in Gaza recorded nearly 40,000 displacements to the south. Since mid-August, some 200,000 movements have been recorded, with many women, children and older people walking for hours.

"Issuing displacement orders does not absolve parties to a conflict from their responsibilities to protect civilians in the conduct of their hostilities," OCHA said.

On Tuesday, two humanitarian movements to collect food cargo from crossings into Gaza were either canceled or denied. Other missions were facilitated but faced impediments on the ground, it added. 
Aftermath report as KC continues to outpace last year's numbers and local violence seems to be ramping up . . . Here's the latest from late last night . . .

Homicide 10th and Prospect

Tonight (9/17) just before 9:30pm officers were dispatched to 10th and Prospect on a sound of gunshots call.



The call was quickly updated to a shooting call as officers were arriving.



On arrival officers were directed to the East side of the intersection where they located an adult male shooting victim on the ground unresponsive.



Officers ordered EMS to the scene who declared the victim deceased.



Homicide detectives are at the scene now and are canvassing for witnesses and investigating further. Crime scene investigators are processing the scene for all available evidence.



Numerous callers reported hearing the sound of gunshots near the intersection of 10th and Prospect and looking out and seeing the victim down on the ground. Preliminary investigation indicates that one or more suspects fired shots that struck the victim at the location where the victim was located by officers. This occurred outside an apartment complex so detectives are hopeful that someone heard or saw something.



If anyone heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

1 person shot to death Wednesday night in Kansas City, Missouri One person was found fatally wounded by gunfire Wednesday night near East 10th Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.

Wednesday night shooting leaves man dead near 10th, Prospect: KCPD Kansas City shooting near Prospect Ave. and 10th Street Wednesday night: One man dead according to the Kansas City Police Department

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Vero Beach, FL  September 12, 2025  Word of Mouth, founded by spirited culinary host Domitria Moore, is thrilled to announce its official launch in Vero Beach. Offering immersive cooking classes, bespoke events, and a hand-curated kitchen pantry, Word of Mouth brings people together through food, flavor, and genuine connection.



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - September 17th, 2025 -

Vero Beach, FL  September 12, 2025  Word of Mouth, founded by spirited culinary host Domitria Moore, is thrilled to announce its official launch in Vero Beach. Offering immersive cooking classes, bespoke events, and a hand-curated kitchen pantry, Word of Mouth brings people together through food, flavor, and genuine connection.

From rolling out fresh pasta to crafting elaborate desserts, the hands-on cooking classes welcome home cooks of all levels to create, learn, and linger over a shared meal. Beyond classes, Word of Mouth hosts special events where guests collaborate on a full-course menu and then enjoy an elevated dining experience infused with laughter, culture, and unforgettable flavors.

The Kitchen Pantry, curated by Domitria herself, offers artisanal ingredients, stylish tools, and hostess gifts designed to elevate at-home cooking and entertaining.

At Word of Mouth, every experience is crafted with warmth, creativity, and connection, says Domitria Moore. Food isnt just about whats on the plateits about the people around it.

A Launch Powered by Dream Fuel Marketing

The debut of Word of Mouth was brought to life in partnership with Dream Fuel Marketing, a boutique agency based in Vero Beach. Dream Fuel Marketing provided brand strategy and development, including a custom website design and full collaboration on the launch party, ensuring every detail reflected Domitrias passion and vision. By blending strategy, design, and event execution, Dream Fuel helped transform Word of Mouth into more than a culinary brandit became a vibrant community experience where passion meets the plate.

About Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth is a culinary brand built on connection, culture, and creativity. Offering cooking classes, curated events, and a hand-picked kitchen pantry, founder Domitria Moore invites the Vero Beach community to cook, create, and celebrate together. Whether its a date night, team gathering, or special celebration, Word of Mouth turns every occasion into a flavorful memory.

About Dream Fuel Marketing

Dream Fuel Marketing is a boutique creative agency based in Vero Beach, Florida, specializing in brand strategy, development, and storytelling. Founded by Tamara Darress, the agency helps businesses build bold identities, design custom websites, launch unforgettable events, and connect deeply with their audiences. With services spanning social media marketing, video production, design, and event branding, Dream Fuels mission is to fuel the dreams behind every brand and ensure they dont just get noticedthey get remembered.

For more information on Word of Mouth, visitwww.word-of-mouth-vero.com. To learn more about Dream Fuel Marketing, visitwww.dreamfuelmarketing.com.

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Affluence Travels has launched a toll-free helpline (+1-888-829-1141) to assist senior citizens with American Airlines senior discounts, benefits, and flight bookings. The initiative simplifies travel for seniors by providing real-time guidance, booking support, and access to the best fares without needing online navigation.



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - September 18th, 2025 -

[Chicago, 18 Sep, 2025]  Affluence Travels, a trusted name in affordable travel solutions, has announced the launch of a dedicated toll-free number that allows travelersespecially senior citizensto access information on American Airlines senior discounts, senior benefits, and flight booking assistance.

This initiative has been designed with the needs of senior travelers in mind. Many older passengers find online booking complicated and often miss out on special fares, promotions, or benefits. With Affluence Travels toll-free helpline, seniors can now easily:

Get information about American Airlines senior discount policies

Learn about senior benefits such as priority boarding, flexible booking options, and AAdvantage miles

Check eligibility for senior discount age (commonly 65+)

Receive personalized guidance on the best flight deals available

Book flights over the phone, eliminating the need for online navigation

At Affluence Travels, we believe air travel should be convenient, affordable, and stress-free for everyoneespecially senior citizens, said a spokesperson for Affluence Travels. By introducing this toll-free number, we are bridging the gap for seniors who may not be tech-savvy, while ensuring they still enjoy access to the best fares and benefits American Airlines has to offer.

The toll-free helpline provides real-time support from experienced travel advisors who can answer questions, suggest the most affordable routes, and even complete bookings on behalf of customers. This one-call solution not only saves time but also delivers peace of mind to families who want their loved ones to travel with confidence.

Affluence Travels has long been recognized for offering affordable fares, personalized customer service, and reliable travel support. The introduction of this toll-free number is part of the companys mission to make travel accessible to every age group while continuing to deliver unmatched value.

About Affluence Travels

Affluence Travels is a leading travel service provider specializing in affordable fares, last-minute flight deals, and customized travel assistance. With 24/7 customer support, the company ensures a smooth booking experience for students, families, solo travelers, and seniors alike.

Toll-Free Number: +1-888-829-1141

Website:www.affluencetravels.com

Media Contact:

Affluence Travels

sales@affluencetravels.com

+1-888-829-1141

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. On September 19, 2023, local anti-terror measures carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Karabakh significantly weakened the remaining Armenian armed formations and separatists, resulting in the disintegration of their resistance. This illustrated Azerbaijan's robust standing in both military and diplomatic strategic domains. Consequently, the Armenian forces capitulated after less than 24 hours of anti-terror measures, incurring significant casualties. The cessation of Armenian separatism in Karabakh resulted in Azerbaijan achieving complete territorial integrity.

On November 10, 2020, a trilateral statement following the Second Karabakh War established new realities in the region. The agreement called for the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Karabakh, a requirement Armenia failed to meet. Specifically, Article 4 of the trilateral statement stipulated the withdrawal of Armenian forces from Azerbaijani territories. Armenia's failure to fulfill this obligation became an obstacle to lasting peace. Yerevan sought to delay its commitments, ignoring Azerbaijan's genuine calls for peace. Furthermore, Armenia's revanchist claims and the maintenance of the status quo hindered the realization of a peace agreement.

The Armenian armed forces continued provocations, transporting weapons and ammunition through the Lachin-Khankendi road. Azerbaijan took concrete steps to prevent these provocations. The establishment of the Lachin border checkpoint in April 2023, as well as the proposal to use the Aghdam-Khankendi road for humanitarian purposes, disrupted Armenia's plans. Armenia tried to accuse Azerbaijan on the international stage of allegedly creating a "blockade" and "humanitarian crisis," but these claims were baseless, as Azerbaijan was clearly providing humanitarian assistance.

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces fully respected international humanitarian law during their anti-terror measures. The targets were illegal military facilities and infrastructure, with no harm to civilians. The Azerbaijani Army's high-tech capabilities and professionalism enabled them to successfully complete the anti-terror measures in a short time. At the same time, the government of Azerbaijan, in the face of false accusations by Armenia of "blockade" and "genocide," informed the international community of the real situation in the region.

The illegal Armenian armed formations withstood for only 23 hours and 43 minutes before surrendering. This Victory created the conditions for the complete restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and ended separatism in Karabakh.

This Victory, achieved under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, was the result of Azerbaijan's military strength and political will. The professionalism and power of the Azerbaijani Army thwarted Armenia's military, political, and ideological plans in the region. This Victory also once again demonstrated to the international community the strength and determination of Azerbaijan.

The successful anti-terror measures in Karabakh prevented further Armenian provocations and illegal actions that had been ongoing in the region for years. These measures fully restored Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, thereby ending Armenian separatism in the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The 12th Xiangshan Forum, dedicated to security and international cooperation, has officially opened in Beijing, China, under the motto "Protecting international order and promoting peaceful development," Trend reports.

The high-level forum, jointly organized by Chinas Ministry of National Defense and the Association of Military Sciences, is attended by defense ministers from over 100 countries, representatives of international organizations, think tanks, as well as senior military officials and security experts. Azerbaijan is represented by a delegation led by Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov.

The forums programme features four plenary sessions, eight parallel sessions, high-level dialogues, seminars, and briefings for young officers and researchers.

First held in 2006, the Xiangshan Forum has become a key platform for discussing global and regional security challenges, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together senior military officials, government representatives, scholars, and security experts.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has shared footage from his recent visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The video, posted on the UAE Presidents social media account, includes scenes from his trip to the recently liberated territories.

I was pleased to meet with His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev in Karabakh to review the growing bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. We explored new directions for cooperation aimed at accelerating economic development, creating joint opportunities, and supporting regional and global peace and stability, building on the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the post reads.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The European Union would continue to support efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, as well as Azerbaijans activities in humanitarian demining, Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, said during a reception by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

The Commissioner noted the successful establishment of energy cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, underlining the significant prospects for further collaboration in the transport sector.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will pass from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan, and the summit will be held in October this year, Prime Minister Ali Asadov said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the first meeting of the heads of government and their deputies of the OTS in Bishkek.

"The summit will be held under the slogan 'Regional Peace and Security'. This is not accidental, because the stability and security of our region form the basis of all our cooperation initiatives.

Now that the global and regional processes are intensifying, it is of particular importance for the OTS to speak from a unified position and make joint efforts. Our joint steps will serve to strengthen peace in our region, accelerate economic development, and the welfare of our peoples," Asadov noted.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Azerbaijan transferred $2 million to support the activities of the Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at the first meeting of the heads of government and their deputies of the OTS in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports.

"The decisions taken at the informal Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS held in Budapest in May 2025 to increase the staff and budget of the secretariat serve to strengthen the institutional capacity of our organization.

During the informal Summit of the Heads of State of the OTS held in Shusha on July 6 last year, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan stated that the current budget and structure of the organization are insufficient to realize our common goals.

Our country has transferred funds in the amount of $2 million to support the activities of the secretariat.

I'm sure that this support will make a positive contribution to the work of our organization.

One of our main goals is to unite our brotherly countries more closely through economic and trade relations.

Our joint projects, transport and logistics initiatives, energy and industrial cooperation, and humanitarian and cultural projects will make our organization even stronger in the future," Asadov added.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), previously known as the Turkic Council or the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, is an intergovernmental entity that includes all but one of the internationally recognized Turkic sovereign nations. The primary objective is to foster extensive collaboration among the Turkic nations. The General Secretariat of OTS is situated in Istanbul, Turkiye.

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by Maya Majueran

The Global Governance Initiative put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping comes at a critical moment in history. The existing international system is increasingly unable to manage a convergence of unprecedented, borderless challenges from climate change and pandemics to economic instability and geopolitical tensions. The initiative is not just a diplomatic gesture; it is a response to a global system under strain, offering a vision for a more just, inclusive and effective framework for international cooperation.

In my view, the initiative is built on five foundational principles:

Adhering to sovereign equality: Every nation, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, should have an equal voice in global decision-making and share the benefits of international cooperation.

Abiding by international rule of law: Global governance must be guided by universally recognized norms and laws, not selective interpretations or double standards.

Practicing multilateralism: Dialogue and cooperation among nations must replace unilateralism and bloc-based confrontation.

Advocating the people-centered approach: Human well-being and sustainable development should take precedence over geopolitical competition.

Focusing on taking real actions: Governance must deliver tangible outcomes rather than remain mired in rhetoric or symbolic gestures.

While these principles reflect fairness, accountability and inclusivity, the current Western-led system often falls short. In practice, global governance has been shaped by a hierarchy that privileges powerful nations, sidelining smaller or less influential countries while allowing dominant powers to dictate the global agenda.

This imbalance is further exacerbated by punitive measures -- sanctions, economic coercion, or political isolation -- imposed on nations that diverge from Western interests. Such actions are often justified under the guise of "rules" or "values," yet the application of these rules is inconsistent: allies of the West are shielded from scrutiny, while others face disproportionate consequences.

The endurance of this system is rooted in the West's control over key international institutions. Veto powers, financial dominance, and structural advantages enable Western nations to bend global rules to serve their interests. This impunity -- whether in military interventions, financial crises, or human rights violations -- undermines the legitimacy of global governance and erodes trust within the international community.

In contrast, the initiative seeks to correct these distortions by reaffirming the principle that all nations, big or small, rich or poor, must be equal participants in shaping global outcomes. Only through genuine inclusivity can the international system deliver fairness, stability and shared progress.

Importantly, the initiative is not an isolated proposal. It is part of a broader effort by China to promote global cooperation and reform. Emerging powers, developing nations and diverse regions are demanding a greater voice in shaping international norms and institutions.

The Global South is pressing for a new global governance framework that treats all nations equally. This emerging coalition seeks to challenge entrenched power structures and promote a system based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and inclusive decision-making. Their vision is not about replacing one bloc with another but about reshaping global governance to reflect the realities of a multipolar world where every country has a voice and a stake in shaping our shared future.

Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, China has consistently emphasized shared benefits, sovereign equality and respect for diverse development paths. The Global Governance Initiative continues this diplomatic trajectory, positioning China as a champion of inclusive multilateralism.

It proposes a model grounded in cooperation, international rule of law and tangible outcomes for people. By promoting reforms that align governance with fairness and inclusivity, China aims to reshape the foundations of the international order to better serve the collective interests of the Global South and the wider global community.

The world now stands at a critical juncture, confronted by lingering Cold War mentalities, hegemonism and protectionism. The initiative calls for moving beyond these outdated paradigms and building a governance system that reflects the interconnected realities of the 21st century.

The proposal has garnered global attention, with many recognizing the urgent need for reform. The SCO summit, where the initiative was introduced, underscores the growing importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. By emphasizing sovereign equality, international rule of law and multilateralism, the initiative offers a pathway toward a more just and equitable world order.

We are at a historical inflection point. The defining problems we face today -- climate change, inequality and conflict -- are too complex and interconnected for any single nation to address alone. The current system is cracking under pressure. The initiative is not an attempt to create a "world government," but a timely effort to update the rules of cooperation to meet today's realities.

Without more effective collaboration, humanity risks failing to address these challenges, with catastrophic consequences for all. The Global Governance Initiative is not just appropriate -- it is essential.

Editor's note: Maya Majueran currently serves as the director of Belt & Road Initiative Sri Lanka, an independent and pioneering organization with strong expertise in Belt and Road Initiative advice and support.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. A monument to architect Ajami Nakhchivani will be installed, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, a monument to the prominent architect Ajami Nakhchivani will be installed in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan city.

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, together with the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, must ensure the implementation of measures related to the installation of the monument to Ajami Nakhchivani, and the Cabinet of Ministers must resolve the issues arising from this decree.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova held a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim during her visit to Kuala Lumpur, the nation's parliamentary press service told Trend.

PM Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Gafarova and highlighted the significance of the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), thanking her for participating in the event. He also asked her to convey his greetings and best wishes to President Ilham Aliyev.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Malaysia closely follows Azerbaijans dynamic development and expressed satisfaction with the countrys achievements, particularly its economic progress and growing international reputation.

For her part, Gafarova underlined the importance of the friendly and cooperative ties between Azerbaijan and Malaysia, noting the mutual support shown within international organizations.

Both sides discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation, including reciprocal visits and joint initiatives, and highlighted productive collaboration within inter-parliamentary bodies such as the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

During the meeting, the speaker also provided information about Azerbaijans accomplishments in various fields, large-scale projects in the liberated territories, and efforts to return former internally displaced persons to their homes.

The discussions also touched on other issues of mutual interest.

The inception of diplomatic engagement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Malaysia was formalized on the 5th of April 1993. The diplomatic mission representing the Republic of Azerbaijan in Malaysia commenced operations on September 20, 2005. The Malaysian diplomatic mission in the Republic of Azerbaijan commenced operations on April 1, 2014. Azerbaijan and Malaysia engage in synergistic collaboration within global governance frameworks, particularly through the mechanisms of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. On September 18, 2025, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with visiting European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

The meeting focused on issues and plans on the agenda of existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union (EU).

The importance of contacts at the leadership level in strengthening relations and developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU was emphasized. Particular attention was paid to energy security, transport routes, and the need to further expand cooperation in renewable energy. Furthermore, the importance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU in environmental protection and combating climate change was emphasized.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also provided a detailed account of the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period. The agreements reached during the historic meeting in Washington were highlighted. It was noted that our country, as the initiator of the process of regional normalization and peace, will continue its efforts to advance the peace agenda.

During the meeting, an exchange of views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest also took place.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The open court hearing in the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of ArmeniaArayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and otherswho are accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes, stemming from Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, will continue on September 22, Trend reports.

The court session at the Baku Military Court is chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev and composed of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (with reserve judge Gunel Samadova).

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state, including the aforementioned criminal association, on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Azerbaijan would continue its efforts to advance the peace agenda in the region, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev while receiving European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on September 18, Trend reports.

Noting the considerable opportunities for creating transport connectivity in the region, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijans intensive work in developing road and transport infrastructure in the liberated territories. In this regard, the head of state underscored the importance of the road and railway lines to Zangilan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. A presentation of the book "The Flourishing of Jewry in Azerbaijan" was held with the support of the Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with Diaspora and organized by the Director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Israel, Yegana Salman (the author of the book ), and the Azerbaijan-Israel International Association (AzIz), a source in the committee told Trend.

The presentation took place at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel.

The event was attended by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Israel Mukhtar Mammadov, representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora living in Israel, members of the Jewish community, public figures, representatives of science and culture, as well as relatives of those whose biographies were included in the book.

The publication extensively covers the activities of the Jewish community in the country's social, scientific, and cultural life, both during the Soviet period and during the period of Azerbaijan's independence, which was made possible by the successful policies of national leader Heydar Aliyev.

The book also contains biographical information about Azerbaijani intellectuals of Jewish descent - scientists, artists, and public figures.

Yegana Salman, speaking about the significance of the project, noted that the book was published in Israel two years ago and dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

Mukhtar Mammadov drew attention to the centuries-old friendship and mutual respect between the Azerbaijani and Jewish peoples.

He emphasized that tolerance and multicultural values are an integral part of Azerbaijani society, creating the foundation for Azerbaijan to become a home for representatives of various nationalities and religions.

A video about the history of Jews in Azerbaijan was screened at the end of the event.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, addressed the opening session of the General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) held in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur on September 18, the parliamentary press service told Trend.

The event was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, heads and representatives of member and observer parliaments, who emphasized the importance of AIPA in strengthening cooperation, advancing international parliamentary diplomacy, and addressing global challenges.

In her remarks at the plenary session, Gafarova noted that with the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy, AIPA has become a successful platform that brings together parliaments and creates new opportunities for deeper collaboration. She underlined that AIPA contributes not only to strengthening ties among its member states but also to fostering dialogue and mutual understanding across different regions.

Gafarova recalled that since 2022, the Azerbaijani Parliament has participated in AIPA as an observer, reflecting Azerbaijans commitment to expanding multifaceted relations with Southeast Asian countries. She stressed that Azerbaijans parliament actively develops bilateral and multilateral cooperation with AIPA and its member states.

The speaker also highlighted the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in March 2023 between AIPA and the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), established on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev and currently chaired by the Azerbaijani Parliament. She described the agreement as a demonstration of Azerbaijans determination to strengthen institutional collaboration and advance shared goals.

Focusing on the assemblys main theme of inclusive growth and sustainability, Gafarova underlined that parliaments, through their legislative, budgetary, and oversight functions, are among the key stakeholders in this process. She noted that inclusive development and sustainability are central to Azerbaijans strategic vision, which is closely aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Touching on Azerbaijans large-scale reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangazur, Gafarova stated that reviving these regions is an integral part of the governments inclusive and sustainable development approach. She reminded participants that these areas were under occupation for three decades before being liberated in 2020 and pointed out that rebuilding has already enabled the resettlement of more than fifty thousand people, reintegrating them into the countrys social and economic life.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Formula 1 drivers and teams have already begun preparations for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will take place this coming weekend on the Baku City Circuit, a source in the Baku City Circuit Operations Company told Trend.

This race will be the 17th leg of the current seasons journey.



The top guns of Formula 1 from every corner of the globe have already rolled into the Baku paddock.



As the sun sets on the eve of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which kicks off tomorrow, motorsport enthusiasts have a golden opportunity to catch a glimpse of the drivers' behind-the-scenes hustle and bustle.

The paddock is the central hub where team garages, technical equipment, engineers, and drivers are located.

Here, teams are gearing up their cars for the big race, drivers are rubbing elbows with the media, strategies are being hashed out, and crucial decisions are being made on the fly.



Its not just the heart of the race, but also the brains behind the operation.



Today in the paddock, the cream of the crop of drivers, including Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and a few more heavy hitters, were in attendance.



They kicked the tires, chewed the fat with their engineers about last-minute tweaks, and geared up for the big day ahead.

To note, Champions Club tickets for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which went on sale for the first time this year, also include guided paddock tours. As the race begins, this area will transform into a space of speed, strategy, and adrenaline, serving up unforgettable moments for the audience.

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AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, September 18. As many as 79 families are planned to be relocated to the Hadrut settlement, 117 families to the Girmizi Bazar settlement, and 85 families to the Sos village by the end of this year, Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, told media, Trend reports.

He underscored that the remediation initiatives in the aforementioned districts are advancing at an accelerated pace.

"Recently, President Ilham Aliyev once again visited the Khojavand and Fuzuli districts. In the Fuzuli district, the foundation of Garakhanbayli village has been laid. In the Khojavand district, the first group of residents has already begun to return. In the Hadrut and Girmizi Bazar settlements, 10 families, and the same number in Sos village, have been provided with the first restored housing.

Totally, by the end of the year, 79 families are planned to be relocated to Hadrut, 117 to Girmizi Bazar, and 85 to Sos.

In addition to these settlements and villages, 1,552 families are planned to be relocated to Khojavand city and its surrounding areas. Undoubtedly, the relocation process will continue next year, and this number is expected to increase," he said.

Meanwhile, according to him, projects under the 'Great Return' program are being implemented on schedule in the Aghdam and Fuzuli districts. The first relocation to Aghdam city is expected to take place in October, November, and also December. The construction of the second residential complex is nearing completion. At the same time, the construction of the fourth and fifth residential complexes has started and is actively continuing.

The construction of the third residential complex is set to begin in September and October, and the first complex will be launched closer to the end of the year.

In Fuzuli city, vertical planning for the second residential complex is scheduled to begin this month, and the construction is expected to start by the end of the year. Construction of the third residential complex is planned for next year.

"As for villages, three villagesKhidirli, Kangarli, and Sarijalyin Aghdam have already been completed, and former internally displaced persons have begun living there. Construction of the remaining two villages will begin in September. Currently, the Eyvazkhanbayli and Bash Garvand villages are under construction. Bash Garvand will be built under the direct supervision of specialists, and it's expected that both villages will be completed in 2026.

In the Fuzuli district, construction of Dovlatyarli village has begun. Construction of Yal Pirahmadli village will start in September. Construction of Garakhanbayli village is planned to begin before the end of this year.

Thus, by the end of 2026, three villages in Fuzuli and five villages in Aghdam will be fully completed," Huseynov concluded.

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People visit the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2025.

An event themed "For National Liberation and World Peace" was held here on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China.

The incident foreshadowed World War II and made China the first to resist fascism.

During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression which lasted until 1945, China suffered a total of 35 million military and non-military casualties, accounting for a third of the total casualties of all the countries in World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

People visit the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2025.

An event themed "For National Liberation and World Peace" was held here on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China.

The incident foreshadowed World War II and made China the first to resist fascism.

During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression which lasted until 1945, China suffered a total of 35 million military and non-military casualties, accounting for a third of the total casualties of all the countries in World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Visitors watch a recitation concert to commemorate the September 18 Incident at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2025.

An event themed "For National Liberation and World Peace" was held here on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China.

The incident foreshadowed World War II and made China the first to resist fascism.

During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression which lasted until 1945, China suffered a total of 35 million military and non-military casualties, accounting for a third of the total casualties of all the countries in World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows a recitation concert to commemorate the September 18 Incident at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China.

An event themed "For National Liberation and World Peace" was held here on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China.

The incident foreshadowed World War II and made China the first to resist fascism.

During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression which lasted until 1945, China suffered a total of 35 million military and non-military casualties, accounting for a third of the total casualties of all the countries in World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

People visit the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2025.

An event themed "For National Liberation and World Peace" was held here on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China.

The incident foreshadowed World War II and made China the first to resist fascism.

During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression which lasted until 1945, China suffered a total of 35 million military and non-military casualties, accounting for a third of the total casualties of all the countries in World War II. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Elena Shekerletova took part in the regular meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, Trend reports.

As part of the preparations for the upcoming European Council in October, ministers discussed key issues, including Russias military aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, European security and defense, competitiveness and the twin green and digital transition, affordable housing, as well as migration.

Bulgaria supports diplomatic efforts for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine with full respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasized Deputy Minister Shekerletova.

The European Commission presented its intentions for a legislative program, including initiatives to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, social policies, as well as measures in the field of defense and security.

The Council also reviewed the ECs annual Rule of Law report, which covers all Member States and four candidate countries. Bulgaria welcomed the focus on judicial independence, the media, and the fight against corruption, expressing support for maintaining the established framework and methodology of the enlargement process.

During her visit to Brussels, Deputy Minister Shekerletova also took part in the 6th session of the EUAlbania Intergovernmental Conference, at which Cluster IV Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity was opened. With this, the number of clusters opened under the negotiating framework has now reached five.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elena Shekerletova also held a meeting with Austrias Minister for European Affairs, Claudia Plakolm. They discussed current topics on the European agenda.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Croatia's State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombic participated in the meeting of ministers and state secretaries for Europe within the Council for General Affairs in Brussels, Trend reports.

The Council began preparations for the regular European Council meeting on 2324 October by exchanging views on the draft agenda, which includes the following topics: Ukraine, the Middle East, European defense and security, competitiveness and the twin transition, affordable housing, and migration.

State Secretary Metelko-Zgombic supported the proposed topics, emphasizing regarding Ukraine the importance of continuing the EUs peace through strength approach, ensuring strong security guarantees, and maintaining coordinated pressure on Russia. In the context of continued comprehensive support for Ukraine, she announced that an International Conference on Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Ukrainian War Veterans will be held in Split in October.

She also called for the urgent end of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and highlighted continued support for achieving lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East and the establishment of a two-state solution. She endorsed the planned focus of the leaders discussion on defense preparedness objectives, noting that the Commission will present a plan that Croatia expects to be realistic and aligned with NATO obligations.

Regarding competitiveness and the twin transition, Croatia expects leaders to provide further guidance. She expressed particular support for including, for the first time, affordable housing on the European Council agenda, a matter of special importance for Croatia in the context of demographic revitalizationa national strategic priorityas well as for strengthening European competitiveness.

Finally, the State Secretary emphasized the importance of further strengthening efforts to find solutions in the area of migration.

The Council exchanged views on the Commissions Letter of Intent, published after President Ursula von der Leyens State of the Union address to the European Parliament on 9 September, which marks the start of preparations for the Commissions 2026 Work Programme.

Building on the positions expressed in the previous item and supporting further priority work on a stronger, safer, more competitive, and more influential Union, the State Secretary expressed hope that the upcoming Mediterranean Plan will contribute to better cooperation and stability in the Mediterranean. In this context, Croatia will make efforts during its upcoming MED9 Presidency next year to be a constructive partner in Mediterranean affairs.

As part of the regular Annual Rule of Law Dialogue in the EU, the Council held a horizontal discussion based on the European Commissions Annual Rule of Law Report in the EU, published in July. The State Secretary welcomed the continuation of the dialogue and its primarily preventive purpose.

Regarding this years report, she noted that more than half of the recommendations from 2024 have been implemented fully or partially, indicating continued support by Member States for this mechanism. She stressed that recommendations must remain clear, balanced, and enforceable.

The Council also exchanged views on the general rule of law situation in four candidate countries (Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), which have also been covered by the Annual Rule of Law Report since 2024. The discussion took place in the presence of the relevant ministers of the candidate countries.

The State Secretary emphasized that the rule of law is a fundamental condition for EU membership, requiring special attention from candidate countries. She welcomed their progress so far, while also underlining the need for additional efforts in implementing reforms, combating hate speech and disinformation, and strengthening media freedom. She stressed that Croatia will closely monitor the prosecution of war crimes, the fate of missing persons, and minority rights.

On the sidelines of the Council, the sixth Intergovernmental Conference on Albanias accession was held. State Secretary Metelko-Zgombic welcomed the opening of the fourth cluster (Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity) and called on Albania to maintain its commitment to meeting the criteria and aligning with EU standards.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. On September 12, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich announced the creation of a new mission, Eastern Sentry, aimed at strengthening defense and deterrence along the Alliances eastern flank, Trend reports.

The mission will focus on ensuring the protection of NATO territory against airspace violations in Allied countries.

Eastern Sentry demonstrates NATOs commitment to safeguard every inch of Allied territory. This new mission will reinforce Latvias air defense, increase NATOs presence in the Baltic Statesparticularly in the airand ensure faster, more effective response capabilities, said Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds.

Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have already pledged forces and capabilities to the mission, with additional NATO members expected to join in the near future. The mission will deploy sensors and weapons designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones.

Eastern Sentry was established following the North Atlantic Council meeting on September 10, convened to discuss regional security issues and collective measures under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. UNESCO headquarters in Paris hosted a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of renowned Lithuanian artist and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, Trend reports.

To mark the occasion, Lithuanias Permanent Delegation to UNESCO opened an exhibition prepared by the National M. K. Ciurlionis Art Museum titled Dreams of the Soul: The Worlds of Ciurlionis Visions for the 21st Century. The exhibition features twelve reproductions of Ciurlionis paintings enhanced with 3D effects.

Although created more than a century ago, Ciurlionis works continue to carry a powerful message about humanitys connection with nature and the importance of a harmonious world, said Lithuanias Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Jolanta Balciuniene, at the opening ceremony.

Ciurlionis 150th anniversary is included in UNESCOs list of anniversaries for commemoration in 20242025.

Speaking at the opening, UNESCO Deputy Director-General Qu Xing highlighted that the organizations headquarters has always served as a meeting place for global culture, where artworks transcend borders and time. Ciurlionis works are now displayed alongside pieces by world-renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Joan Miro, Henry Moore, and Jean Arp.

The exhibition will remain open during the European Heritage Days weekend on September 20, when large numbers of Parisians and tourists are expected to visit the UNESCO building to explore its history and architecture.

In December, Lithuanias Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, together with the Lithuanian Embassy in France, the Permanent Delegation to the OECD, and the Lithuanian Culture Institute, will continue the anniversary celebrations with a piano concert in Paris by Muza Rubackyte.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. On September 17, Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Asta Plepyte met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska during her working visit to Brussels, Trend reports.

In the meeting, Deputy Minister Plepyte emphasized the importance of consistent support for Ukraine, the need to fully implement NATO commitments, and the strengthening of the Alliances deterrence and defense posture, particularly in the area of air defense.

She expressed gratitude for NATO Secretary Generals leadership in announcing the new, reinforced NATO military mission Eastern Sentry on September 12, which is aimed at deterring violations of allied airspace. According to Plepyte, NATOs response to recent airspace incidents in Poland and other Eastern flank states had to be decisive, sending a clear message that the Alliance would defend every inch of its territory. She welcomed the rapid activation of Eastern Sentry as part of this effort.

Plepyte also highlighted that the enhanced Baltic Sea patrol mission Baltic Sentry, successfully implemented since January 2025, had already demonstrated NATOs ability to respond quickly to emerging maritime security challenges.

Deputy Secretary General Sekerinska thanked Lithuania for its exemplary role as an ally, citing its steady commitment to increasing defense spending, providing support to Ukraine, rallying partners, and hosting the German brigade in Lithuania.

Deputy Minister Plepyte visited Brussels on September 1617, meeting with officials from both NATO and the European Union. Her agenda focused on priority security issues, including defense financing, strengthening NATO and EU air defense capabilities, reinforcing Eastern flank defenses with drone capabilities, and countering hybrid threats.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. On September 15-16, Martin Roger, Deputy Undersecretary for Policy at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid a working visit to Kazakhstan. During the trip, he met with Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Isssetov, Presidential Foreign Policy Advisor Erzhan Kazykhan, Minister of Science and Higher Education Nurbek Sayasat, Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev, Deputy Minister of Justice Daniel Vaissov, and Deputy Minister of Digital Development Kanash Tuleushin, Trend reports.

Estonia and Kazakhstan share a mutual interest in developing bilateral relations, maintaining political dialogue, and finding new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as transport, education, and digital development, and we value Kazakhstans openness and wish to strengthen ties that support both bilateral relations and regional stability, Roger said.

The visit also included discussions on enhancing customs cooperation to promote legitimate trade between the two countries.

Talks further addressed the relationship between Kazakhstan and the European Union as well as opportunities for cooperation in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and the OSCE. Roger underlined that both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders. He emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue even when views or approaches differ on certain issues.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 18. A delegation led by Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, is on a working visit to the US to hold meetings with representatives of leading American companies and financial institutions, Trend reports.

The agenda focuses on expanding trade and economic cooperation, attracting new investment, and facilitating the entry of Uzbek companies into international markets. Special attention is being given to strengthening collaboration in the banking and financial sector, as well as exploring opportunities for broader partnerships in the U.S. stock market.

The program also includes talks with major U.S. companies in healthcare, hospitality, real estate development, innovation, and high technology. A dedicated track of negotiations is devoted to digital technologies and artificial intelligence, with discussions centered on integrating innovative solutions into public services and supporting industrial modernization.

The constructive nature of the talks highlights the strategic importance of the UzbekistanU.S. partnership and paves the way for new opportunities across key sectors. The work of the Uzbek delegation in the United States is still ongoing.

Meanwhile, by the end of 2024, trade turnover between the two countries grew by 15 percent, reaching $881.7 million, while U.S. direct investment in Uzbekistan amounted to $612.6 million. More than 300 companies with US capital now operate in the country, including 167 fully owned by U.S. investors.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Successful cooperation between Iran and Russia will demonstrate that the era of unipolarity in the world has come to an end, said the Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, Trend reports.

Speaking at a meeting in Tehran with Russias Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev on September 17, Pezeshkian noted that both countries will achieve development without dependency.

He emphasized that Iran closely follows the implementation of agreements reached with Russia, adding that there are sufficient opportunities for cooperation. There are no obstacles on the path of Tehran-Moscow cooperation, the president stated.

Pezeshkian also noted that reciprocal cooperation and exchanges of diplomatic delegations are expected to further strengthen bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Russias Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev stressed that thanks to the will of the two countries leaders, constructive cooperation has been established within the framework of the joint economic commission. He said relevant officials remain in close contact to ensure the implementation of agreements.

Tsivilev added that Russia is particularly interested in moving forward on agreements with Iran in transportation and cargo transit, as well as in energy and power plant projects. No pressure or obstacle can hinder trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, he said.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 17. Uzbekistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) to deepen cooperation in developing Islamic finance, Trend reports via the Central Bank.

The agreement envisions organizing training programs, courses, and seminars at the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, as well as conducting joint research in Islamic finance. It also includes the translation of four key books on Islamic finance into Uzbek, making specialized knowledge more accessible to local experts and practitioners.

The memorandum was signed within the framework of the 20th International Shariah Scholars Forum, held under the theme Implementation of Islamic Banking: Advancing Towards a Sustainable Financial System. The forum gathered leading commercial banks from Uzbekistan and abroad, renowned financial institutions, as well as globally recognized scholars, experts, specialists, and regulators in the field of Islamic economics and finance.

On the opening day, participants discussed the classification of contracts, their application in modern practice, and the importance of structuring them based on transparent and unified criteria. International experts stressed that such measures are essential for strengthening client trust and ensuring sustainable growth in Islamic finance.

The forum will continue on September 18, with further discussions on emerging trends and pressing challenges in the sector, aiming to chart new directions for the development of Islamic finance worldwide.

Meanwhile, in Tashkent, momentum is also building on the legislative front. At a recent session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, deputies gave preliminary consideration to a draft law introducing Islamic banking in Uzbekistan  a move seen as laying the groundwork for creating alternative financial instruments and widening access to inclusive financial services.
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Effectively addressing issues concerning the youth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is key to ensuring stable and sustainable development in the face of new and disruptive technological developments, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said here on Thursday.

In his officiating remarks at the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Anwar stressed that development must be inclusive and cautioned that neglecting youth-related issues could lead to problems that would harm national development.

"Inclusivity means that we do not represent the only elites. We represent the nation, which means the most marginalized, whether it's urban, poor or those in the rural heartland," he said.

"In every ASEAN leadership function, we have to sit down, listen to the deliberations of the youth. And the leaders have got just to eventually shut up and listen to the expressions of our young," he added.

Anwar noted that with the rise of social media, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, the region's youth are increasingly concerned with job security, social issues, anti-corruption efforts and good governance, while social media has emerged as a powerful means to express and mobilize themselves.

"Of course, in the realm of control and influence by social media, there are times that people can be misled. Notwithstanding, it is our duty to perform the best of our ability to honor our commitment and our oath of office," Anwar said.

"We must not compromise on the issue of ridding our societies and countries of endemic corruption and abuse of power and we must make sure that we remain focused, that sustainability means economic growth but care for the welfare of our people," he added. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The 19th session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission between Iran and Russia will soon take place in Iran, said Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, Trend reports.

Speaking to local media following a meeting with Russias Minister of Energy, Sergei Tsivilev, and Gazprom Chief Executive, Alexei Miller, Paknejad noted that the 18th session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission was held in Moscow, where achievements were discussed and progress reviewed. During todays meeting with the Russian side, these matters were carefully examined.

He added that issues related to the commission had also been discussed during a bilateral meeting of the Iranian and Russian presidents on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Meanwhile, on September 1, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 17. The delegation led by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan signed important agreements related to the production of finished silk products and the development of effective cooperation in this area during the visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trend reports.

The delegation began by visiting Irans carpet industry centers, where they familiarized themselves with the operations of local enterprises, production technologies, and the cluster system.

In addition, a meeting was held with Saman Nazari, Chairman of the Gilan Province Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining, and Agriculture. As part of the talks, B2B and B2G meetings were organized with major provincial companies, allowing participants to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for joint projects.

The visit concluded with an agreement on scientific and practical cooperation with Irans Sericulture Research Center. It was also decided to involve experienced Iranian technologists in Uzbekistan to support the development of finished silk product manufacturing.

The agreements signed during the visit are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation, increase the volume of silk processing in Uzbekistan, and lay the foundation for producing competitive finished products.
Turkmenistan's Exchange expands with engineering and automotive product trading

All lots were offered under prepayment terms, with delivery conditions set as EXW Ashgabat city for vehicles and FCA Anew city for cables. Automotive products were imported from Germany, while the insulated cables were of Turkmen origin. Prices were denominated in US dollars.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 17. To improve the efficiency of Uzbekistans transport and logistics sector, an open dialogue was conducted involving transport and logistics companies, along with businesses engaged in export-import activities, Trend reports.

The open dialogue aimed to identify existing challenges and develop effective solutions

Adressing the event, Mirzyod Mirhamidov, Chairman of the Board of JSC Uztemiryolcontainer, provided a detailed overview of container transportation along the UzbekistanEurope route and encouraged participants to actively cooperate in this area.

During the discussions, exporters and importers shared their suggestions and highlighted issues related to logistical challenges and ways to reduce transit times. Following the event, all proposals and concerns were formally recorded, and corresponding measures for their implementation were outlined.

Earlier, in May of this year, a six-party meeting was held in Tehran with the participation of the railway authorities of China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkiye. During the meeting, the parties agreed to organize container shipments from China to Europe along two new routes: China  Kazakhstan  Turkmenistan  Iran  Turkiye and China  Kazakhstan  Uzbekistan  Turkmenistan  Iran  Turkiye.

As part of this agreement, another six-party meeting took place on July 2223 in Beijing at the invitation of CRCT. The discussions, which included consultations with experts, concluded with an agreement to implement joint measures to establish competitive tariffs, increase freight volumes, develop multimodal transport systems, and expand future cooperation among the participating countries.
Photo: Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 18. Kazakhstan is establishing national standards for the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, Trend reports via the Kazakhstan Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry.

Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev have signed a Joint Order approving the Conceptual Framework for the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Secondary, Technical and Vocational, and Post-secondary Education for 20252029.

"For the first time, unified national standards for the application of artificial intelligence in education are being introduced, covering areas such as ethics, legal regulation, personal data protection, and academic integrity," the statement said.

According to the Ministry of Education, the concept applies to schools as well as technical and vocational education institutions. The document outlines plans to integrate AI topics into curricula, develop digital textbooks, build AI literacy among students, promote project-based learning, and enhance teacher training through a three-tier model: Acquire - Deepen - Create. More than 200,000 teachers in Kazakhstan have already undergone AI training.

The document places special emphasis on protecting children's rights and maintaining the professional authority of teachers. Unified rules for academic integrity and ethical AI use are being introduced in schools and colleges.

The Minister Beisembayev stressed that the signing of the joint order marks a new chapter in the development of national education.

"The concept not only sets strategic priorities, but also establishes a clear implementation mechanism, monitoring system, and roadmap, which will ensure the systematic, responsible, and safe use of AI in Kazakhstani schools and colleges. It is important to understand that artificial intelligence does not replace the teacher - it enhances their role. All significant decisions in the educational process remain in human hands", he noted.

Kazakhstan has become one of the first countries to adopt its own national approach in this area, based on recommendations from UNESCO, the OECD, and the EU
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 18. Uzbekistans Ozeltexsanoat Association held a meeting with leading Chinese companies to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, Trend reports.

During the talks, the Chairman of the Association, Mirzyod Yunusov, met with Chenji Jou, General Director for Central Asia of XIAMEN C&D, and Jianyu San, President of Jiangsu Zhongli Group, to explore future collaboration.

The discussions focused on launching cable production in Uzbekistan, processing copper raw materials to manufacture high-value-added products, and cooperating in the fields of photovoltaic modules and energy storage systems.

Moreover, the meeting examined opportunities to access global markets through Uzbekistan, leveraging XIAMEN C&Ds extensive experience in supply chain management and logistics.

Meanwhile, bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and China continues to grow rapidly. In the previous fiscal year, trade exceeded $14 billion, representing a 23 percent increase since the beginning of 2025. This robust growth underscores the strengthening economic ties between the two countries, positioning China as one of Uzbekistans most important and reliable partners.
Iran discloses vital funding plans for Araz Corridor highway project

Speaking at a session of the Civil Committee of the Iranian Parliament in the East Azerbaijan provinces Araz Free Trade Zone, Bazvand stated that the border highway stretches for 107 kilometers, with 58 kilometers running parallel to the Nakhchivan border and 47 kilometers along the Armenian border.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The Zangezur Corridor is expected to play a strategic role in future trade and even political relations, said Mohammad Reza Rezai Kuchi, head of the Civil Committee of the Iranian Parliament, Trend reports.

Speaking at a session in the Araz Free Trade Zone in East Azerbaijan Province, Rezai Kuchi noted that one of the main purposes of the parliamentary delegations visit to the region was to closely examine the Zangezur Corridor.

The official highlighted that several infrastructure issues remain in the Iranian section, primarily in the Araz Free Trade Zone. Key priorities include completing corridor-related projects, improving the Julfa railway network, increasing train speeds, and finishing the remaining 7 kilometers of the Marand-Julfa highway.

He added that Iran shares land borders with seven countries, providing valuable opportunities for trade and economic cooperation with neighboring states.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary delegation visited the Araz Free Trade Zone alongside other officials to review ongoing projects and assess future developments.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a $74.1 million financing package for the 200 MW Ras Ghareb onshore wind farm in Egypt, a joint project by Infinity Power and Masdar, Trend reports.

The package includes a $60.7 million senior loan from EBRD, a $3.38 million concessional loan from the Green Climate Fund, and a $10 million investment grant.

Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks, with the project expected to reduce Egypts CO emissions by 390,000 tons annually. It will also feature a certified internship program for young engineers, with a focus on womens participation in the energy sector.

The Ras Ghareb wind farm is part of Egypts Nexus on Water, Food and Energy initiative, contributing to the countrys goal of 10 GW of renewable capacity by 2028. Infinity Power, which already operates 1.3 GW of wind and solar projects across Africa, aims to reach 10 GW of clean energy across the continent by 2030.

Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director of EBRDs Sustainable Infrastructure Group, said the project highlights the power of international cooperation in advancing renewable energy and building an inclusive, sustainable future.

Since 2012, the EBRD has invested over 13.5 billion euros in 206 projects in Egypt, supporting sectors ranging from finance and agribusiness to sustainable infrastructure and transport.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday activated a Level-IV emergency response for flood control in four provincial-level regions, as heavy to torrential rains are forecast to sweep across these areas.

According to forecasts, heavy rainfall is expected to batter parts of Sichuan and Chongqing, both in southwest China, northwest China's Shaanxi, and Hubei in central China, from Thursday to Saturday -- with some areas likely to see torrential downpours.

These downpours may cause sharp water level rises in the Jialing River, Qujiang River and Hanjiang River, as well as the Huaihe River, while some small and medium-sized rivers in high-risk areas could exceed warning levels.

The ministry has dispatched two working teams to Sichuan and Shaanxi to guide flood-control efforts. It has also urged local departments to strengthen monitoring of rainfall and river conditions -- and place special emphasis on reducing risks in small and medium-sized rivers.

Local authorities are urged to pay particular attention to high-risk locations, and to ensure the timely evacuation of people from potential danger areas to safeguard their lives and property.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level-I being the most severe response. 
Kazakhstan discloses progress in grain and legume harvesting

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstans grain and leguminous crop harvest covers over 16 million hectares, with 52.6 percent (8.4 million hectares) already harvested, yielding 12.7 million tons of grain. Additionally, 435,000 tons of oilseeds, 1.5 million tons of potatoes, and nearly 2.5 million tons of vegetables have been collected, all with strong yields.

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Photo: Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 18. Bekhzod Musayev, Director of the Agency for Migration under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, held a meeting with Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom, and Eliza McCaffrey, Director General of the UK-based Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), during which a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed, Trend reports.

The agreements reached provide for the expansion of labor quotas for Uzbek citizens through the involvement of British recruitment companies, as well as the strengthening of protections for the rights of Uzbek migrant workers employed in the United Kingdom.

The GLAA is a UK government oversight body that licenses and regulates the activities of private employment and recruitment agencies operating in agriculture and other sectors.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 18. Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, held a telephone conversation with the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Johann Wadephul, Trend reports via Saidovs post on the X platform.

During our discussion, we reviewed the current state and prospects of UzbekistanGermany relations, which continue to demonstrate dynamic and steady growth, Saidov wrote.

We also went over the calendar of upcoming bilateral and multilateral events and emphasized our shared commitment to further expanding cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian areas. Uzbekistan remains dedicated to deepening its constructive partnership with Germany, he added.

Germany and Uzbekistan have had diplomatic relations since 1992. Uzbekistan, Central Asia's second-largest economy, is a valued partner. Germany is Uzbekistan's top EU trading partner. German exports contributed 1.0 billion to bilateral trade of 1.1 billion euro in 2023. Around 220 German-owned enterprises operate in Uzbekistan. Germany-Uzbekistan higher education cooperation initiatives number 74.

Germany helps Uzbekistan grow bilaterally. The German government has supported regional political dialogue on climate and security with Green Central Asia since 2020 and the Energy-Water-Land-Use Nexus in Central Asia since 2022 to operationalize cooperation among all Central Asian states on energy, water, and land issues. The bilateral and regional (Central Asia) programs in economic development (cross-border commerce, vocational training, sustainable economic development) and environment, climate, and energy (water management and renewable energies) support this.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 18. Uzbekistan's Minister of Economy and Finance, Jamshid Kuchkarov met with Luis Felipe Lopez-Calva, Global Director for Poverty at the World Bank, and discussed further strengthening cooperation and supporting joint initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and sustainable socio-economic development, Trend reports.

The meeting took place within the framework of the 3rd International Forum on Poverty Reduction, Road to Prosperity, held in Namangan. It was also attended by Ambar Narayan, Manager of the World Banks Global Department on Poverty and Equity for Europe and Central Asia, and Behzod Hamrayev, Chairman of the State Committee on Statistics of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, during a separate meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Luis Felipe Lopez-Calva, it was noted that Uzbekistan continues to be one of the World Banks key partners in the region. The joint project portfolio with the Bank now exceeds $14 billion, reflecting the depth and breadth of ongoing collaboration in socio-economic development and poverty reduction initiatives.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 18. On the sidelines of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum-2025, Turkmenistans Minister of Finance and Economy, Mammetguly Astanagulov, and World Bank Country Manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Andrei Mikhnev signed an agreement on the provision of a grant from the Target Fund for the Prevention of Pandemics, Trend reports.

The grant will be used to implement the regional project One Healthcare in Central Asia, aimed at protecting food systems and supporting healthy ecosystems.

The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF) 2025 is an international event that will take place on September 18-19 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. Under the theme "National Potential, Global Partnerships," it showcases the country's economic potential and attracts foreign investment. The forum brings together business leaders, government officials, and experts to discuss investment opportunities in key sectors like energy, transport, and agriculture, aiming to forge new partnerships and diversify the national economy.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 18. The Ministry of Industry and Construction of Turkmenistan and Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop metallurgy during the Investment Forum in Turkmenistan, Trend reports.

The document was signed by Minister Toiguly Nurov and Andreas Lemp, Senior Vice President of the Austrian company.

Primetals Technologies, part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group and the largest innovation center in metallurgy, will provide Turkmenistan with access to advanced technologies to support the countrys metallurgical development.

The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF) 2025 is an international event held on September 18-19 in the national tourist zone Awaza. Under the theme "National Potential, Global Partnerships," it showcases the country's economic potential and attracts foreign investment. The forum brings together business leaders, government officials, and experts to discuss investment opportunities in key sectors like energy, transport, and agriculture, aiming to forge new partnerships and diversify the national economy.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 18. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the West London Chamber of Commerce (WLCC) to expand trade ties on the sidelines of the Investment Forum in Turkmenistan's Awaza, Trend reports.

The agreement was signed by Deputy Chairman Azat Nazarov and WLCC President Christopher Durkin.

The partnership will help Turkmen companies expand their activities internationally thanks to WLCC's extensive network of business connections around the world.

The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF) 2025 is an international event held on September 18-19 in the national tourist zone Awaza. Under the theme "National Potential, Global Partnerships," it showcases the country's economic potential and attracts foreign investment. The forum brings together business leaders, government officials, and experts to discuss investment opportunities in key sectors like energy, transport, and agriculture, aiming to forge new partnerships and diversify the national economy.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 18. The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan signed a memorandum with the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) on the development of SEZs and cooperation at the Turkmen Investment Forum, Trend reports.

The 2025 Forum (TIF) will be held on September 18-19 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. Under the theme "National Potential, Global Partnerships," it showcases the country's economic potential and attracts foreign investment. It brings together business leaders, government officials, and experts to discuss investment opportunities in key sectors of the economy.

The document on cooperation was signed by the Minister of Finance, Mammetguly Astanagulov, and Yerbol Bukharbayev, Head of the World FZO Regional Office for Central Asia.

The agreement aims to deepen cooperation, which represents the interests of more than 1,200 free zones and industrial parks worldwide.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 18. Representatives of the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan took part in a forum in Amman focused on strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Jordan in the textile and garment industries, Trend reports.

The event brought together over 30 leading companies from both countries, alongside representatives of government agencies and business associations. The opening session featured welcome remarks by Sanal Kumar, Chairman of the Jordanian Association of Garment and Textile Manufacturers; Hazem Rahahleh, Director General of the Jordan Chamber of Industry; and members of the Uzbek delegation.

During the forum, Uzbekistan showcased its investment potential, emphasizing the countrys competitive advantages and growth prospects in the textile sector. The Jordanian side presented an overview of its industrial sector, including leather and textiles, highlighting steady growth and strong export capabilities.

The program also featured B2B sessions, providing a platform for companies to explore direct cooperation. Additionally, meetings were held with key Jordanian institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, and the Association of Banks of Jordan.

Meanwhile, earlier in August, a delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Minister Laziz Kudratov, conducted a series of official meetings in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. A major outcome of these discussions was an agreement to prepare a draft preferential trade agreement between the two countries, signaling a new phase of bilateral economic cooperation.

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OTTAWA, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Canada is expected to launch formal consultations on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) within the next week, CBS News reported Wednesday.

The government will soon post an official notice seeking the public's comments and feedback on the CUSMA, said the report, citing the office of Dominic LeBlanc, minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade.

Canada will be engaging with its industry leaders, provinces and territories, as well as Indigenous partners to prepare for the review, it added.

Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard posted a video online Wednesday, saying the country is also starting its public consultation process.

The United States announced Tuesday that it has formally launched consultations to evaluate the agreement's results over the past five years. The move starts a months-long process, signaling that formal negotiations to review CUSMA could begin in early 2026, said the report.

CUSMA, which entered into force on July 1, 2020, requires a "joint review" after six years. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The governments of Georgia and the Peoples Republic of China have concluded negotiations on amendments to their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed on May 13, 2017, Trend reports.

The Georgian delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Gennady Arveladze, while the Chinese side was headed by Han Chantian, Deputy Director of the Department for WTO Affairs at Chinas Ministry of Commerce.

The updated agreement modernizes provisions in areas including e-commerce, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and investment promotion.

During the talks, both sides agreed on the main text of the amendments. Discussions also addressed Georgian access to the Chinese market for honey and poultry products, with Georgia expecting positive developments soon.

China is a key economic partner for Georgia. The Free Trade Agreement has elevated trade relations, increased turnover, stimulated investment, and supported growth in tourism and civil aviation. It provides Georgian producers with preferential access to the Chinese market, said Deputy Minister Arveladze.

The parties agreed that the protocol on the amendments will be signed in the first quarter of next year.
Kazakhstan-China trade shows steady growth in 8M2025

Photo: Ministry of Investment, Industry and Science of the Moscow region of Russia

Trade between Kazakhstan and China grew by 5.7 percent in the first eight months of 2025, reaching $30.68 billion. Chinese exports to Kazakhstan rose 6.9 percent to $19.4 billion, while Kazakhstans exports to China increased 3.9 percent to $11.28 billion. Overall trade turnover from January to August 2025 was up 6.8 percent compared to last year.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 18. Kazakhstan has made a breakthrough step in expanding food exports to the American market, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Trade and Integration.

The first batches are already being sold on Amazon. Fifty tons of wheat flour for the Eurasian Legacy brand have been delivered to New York.

This is the first major export case implemented under the new strategy for promoting national goods in the US. Going forward, with the support of the unified export development operator QazTrade under the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, it is planned to increase shipments to more than 100 tons of flour monthly. The product is already available on the largest online platforms, Amazon and Walmart, and is also presented in several American bakeries, the statement says.

On Amazon, it sells for $14.50 per 1.36 kg package. The packaging states the origin as Product of Kazakhstan, which enhances the recognition of the Made in Kazakhstan brand among American consumers and builds Kazakhstans image as a supplier of quality and environmentally friendly products.

In addition to online sales, negotiations are already underway to supply flour to restaurants, cafes, and local food chains. The possibility of entering major American retail chains Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joes is also being considered, QazTrade notes.

We are not limited to flour only. Buckwheat, granola, talkan (toasted flour), chocolate, and cocoa have already been introduced in the US, and partners in New York, Chicago, and Washington have had the opportunity to personally verify their quality. A logical next step will be a business mission of Kazakh producers to these cities. This is a chance not only to strengthen ties with partners but also to occupy a niche in the HoReCa segment, which values natural and authentic products, commented the CEO of QazTrade Aitmukhammad Aldazharov.

Meanwhile, if permanent contracts are concluded, it is planned to organize regular shipments of more than 100 tons of flour monthly. This will allow Kazakhstan to occupy a significant niche in the US grain market, where there is traditionally high demand for natural and certified products.
Afghanistan rolls out RON-92 gasoline import from Azerbaijan

In the first seven months of 2025, Azerbaijan sold 5,407 tons of RON-92 motor gasoline worth $3.5 million to Afghanistan, Georgia, and Turkiye and imported 83,000 tons worth $64.4 million. Compared to last year, imports increased 1.9 times in volume and 1.8 times in value.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 18. Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye are committed to further developing their strategic partnership, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

The statement was made during a meeting between the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, and the Vice President of Turkiye, Cevdet Yilmaz, who arrived in Bishkek on an official visit.

"I am pleased to note that our traditionally friendly and strategic partnership relations are actively developing. Following the talks between the presidents of our two countries on November 5 last year, cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye was elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Within the framework of your official visit, the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission is of great importance for bilateral cooperation. Today we have a good opportunity to exchange views on pressing issues of the Kyrgyz-Turkish agenda," Kasymaliev said.

For his part, Yilmaz expressed gratitude for the hospitality and warm welcome, stressing the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas of mutual interest.

In the course of the meeting, the sides discussed a broad agenda, including trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian exchange, and investment cooperation.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 18. Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov has arrived in Kyrgyzstan to participate in the meeting of the Heads of Government and Vice President of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports via the Kyrgyz gouvernment.

Bektenov was welcomed at Manas International Airport by Bakyt Torobaev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.

The meeting, hosted at the Administration of the President of Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek, will bring together heads of government and senior officials from OTS member states, along with the organizations Secretary-General, Kubanychbek Omuraliev.

Discussions will focus on priority areas of cooperation, including the economy, trade, investment, transport, digitalization, energy, and agriculture. The agenda also includes consideration of measures to improve the organizations operational mechanisms in order to further strengthen collaboration among member states.

The Organization of Turkic States is an intergovernmental body uniting most internationally recognized Turkic nations, with its General Secretariat based in Istanbul, Turkiye.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 18. Kyrgyzstan has proposed creating joint logistics centers and certification platforms in cooperation with Turkiye to help Kyrgyz products reach not only the Turkish market faster and more reliably, but also European markets via Turkiye, Trend reports via the country's Cabinet of Ministers.

The proposal was made by Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration, during the 12th meeting of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, co-chaired by Cevdet Yilmaz, Vice President of Turkiye.

Kasymaliev stressed that the commissions platform plays a key role in strengthening strategic bilateral partnership and fraternal ties. He pointed out that Turkiye remains one of the leading countries investing in Kyrgyzstans economy.

He noted that Kyrgyzstans National Development Program through 2030 includes the creation of a regional hub as a priority. Kasymaliev also emphasized the importance of strengthening interregional ties and expanding direct contacts between cities and districts, including increasing the number of twin-city partnerships.

For his part, Yilmaz reaffirmed Turkiyes commitment to further develop bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and highlighted the importance of raising mutual trade turnover to $5 billion. Yilmaz also expressed hope for a continued increase in Turkish investment in Kyrgyzstan.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 18. Kyrgyzstan is ready to provide comprehensive support to Turkish investors and create the most favorable conditions for their activities, Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, told reporters following the 12th meeting of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government.

The commission was co-chaired by Cevdet Yilmaz, Vice President of Turkiye, who is on an official visit to the country.

"Today we discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, as well as exchanged constructive views on the agenda of economic cooperation. Economic interaction is one of the priority areas of our bilateral relations. Turkiye has remained one of Kyrgyzstans main partners in foreign trade and investment for many years," he said.

According to Kasymaliev, a wide range of topics was discussed, covering trade, investment, energy, industry, innovation, and other key sectors. Special attention was given to the implementation of previously agreed arrangements.

New directions of cooperation in these areas were also identified, with concrete steps agreed upon for their practical implementation. Cooperation in human resources and the humanitarian sphere remains of great importance.

"Our shared goal is to reach a trade turnover of 5 billion dollars in the coming years. We agreed to make every effort to achieve this target," he added.

Kasymaliev noted that a business forum is also taking place as part of the commissions work, where issues of promoting cooperation between entrepreneurs from both countries in various sectors are being considered.
MOSCOW, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia plans to attract 1 trillion rubles (around 12 billion U.S. dollars) from foreign investors to its stock exchange by 2030, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Thursday.

"The Russian market should be accessible to foreign capital as well. By 2030, it is planned to attract 1 trillion rubles in such investments," Mishustin said in a video address to the Moscow Financial Forum.

The prime minister emphasized that strengthening trust in the domestic stock market and boosting capitalization remain key government priorities.

In July, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on additional guarantees for the rights of foreign investors.

The decree stipulates the conditions under which foreigners can make investments in Russia, without consideration of the counter-sanction decrees of 2022 and 2023, which set limitations for representatives of "unfriendly" countries. 
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 18. Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov has arrived in Kyrgyzstan to participate in the meeting of the Heads of Government and Vice President of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government.

Aripov was welcomed at Manas International Airport by Bakyt Torobaev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.

The meeting, taking place today in Bishkek, will bring together heads of government and senior officials from OTS member states to discuss priority areas of cooperation, including the economy, trade, investment, transport, digitalization, energy, and agriculture.

The Organization of Turkic States is an intergovernmental body uniting Turkic countries, with its General Secretariat based in Istanbul.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 18. Kyrgyzstan has proposed a draft roadmap for economic, trade, investment, and financial cooperation between the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration Adylbek Kasymaliev said, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

He made the remark during a meeting of the heads of government and vice presidents of the OTS member states.

Kasymaliev also emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is interested in boosting mutual trade within the OTS, supporting major infrastructure and investment projects, particularly in promising and dynamically developing areas.

According to him, Kyrgyzstan's trade turnover with the OTS member states in 2024 amounted to $2.4 billion.

"We often talk about the importance of integration and cooperation within the amalgamated territorial communities. Indeed, we have enormous potential. However, I believe the time has come to move from words to action. Today, the organization has approximately 40 areas of cooperation, and numerous meetings, gatherings, forums, and conferences are held, but such meetings should not be mere formalities," Kasymaliev said.

He noted that the practical significance of the OTS activities should be reflected in the creation of new jobs, infrastructure development, and expanded access to education, healthcare, energy, and modern technology.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 18. Kyrgyzstan proposes to hold a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Turkic Investment Fund in Bishkek this year, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Trend reports.

He made the remark at a meeting of the heads of government and vice presidents of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

" I hope for your support for the initiative to hold the next meeting of the Board of Directors of the Turkic Investment Fund in Bishkek this year. In addition to launching the investment fund, the activities of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Committee on Trade Promotion within the Organization of Turkic States are of great importance for deepening economic ties. These structures have significant potential to promote business activity, remove trade barriers, and support businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones," he said.

Kasymaliyev noted that it is important not only to create the Turkic Investment Fund, but also to implement useful and necessary projects in practice.

In addition, with a view to establishing more systematic economic cooperation, Kyrgyzstan proposed a draft roadmap for cooperation in the areas of economics, trade, investment, and finance between the member states of the OIC.

The head of the Cabinet of Ministers added that, given the rapid pace of technological progress, cooperation in the areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and innovation is becoming particularly relevant for the countries of the Turkic world.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 18. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov plans to visit Japan, said Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan Taalaibek Ibraev during a meeting with Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kenichi Kawamura, Trend reports via the Kyrgz ministry.

The sides discussed the project for the construction of the Training Center for the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan, which will serve as a strategic platform for training specialists and implementing advanced standards for power system operation.

The minister noted that the project is in the final stages of approval and expressed hope for its signing during the upcoming presidential visit to Japan. JICA is providing grant funding of 1.5 billion Japanese yen (approximately $10.3 million) for this project.

The talks also covered the modernization of the Kurpsai hydroelectric power plant (800 MW), one of Kyrgyzstan's key energy facilities. The minister reported ongoing work to replace the automation, telemechanics, and relay protection system with preliminary grant funding of 3 billion Japanese yen (about $20 million) and expressed readiness to continue cooperation with JICA on further reconstruction of Kurpsai HPP, aiming to increase its capacity by 20 percent.

The minister also called on the Japanese side to participate in the construction of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power plant.

Ibraev emphasized that Kyrgyzstan regards JICA as a strategic partner and attaches great importance to joint initiatives in green energy and sustainable development.
EBRD pulls back curtain on breadth of its ongoing projects in Kyrgyzstan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has released latest data on its active investment portfolio in Kyrgyzstan. The majority of investments focus on sustainable infrastructure, financial institutions, and the corporate sector.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 18. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has signed a decree establishing a branch of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University in the country, Trend reports via the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan.

The branch is set to begin educational activities in the 2026/2027 academic year. According to the decree, student admissions will be conducted through both government-funded grants and tuition-based contracts. In collaboration with the Tashkent State Technical University, Bauman University will organize joint master's programs to train highly qualified specialists.

Graduates of the branch will receive a diploma of the standard university format, recognized in Uzbekistan as an official higher education qualification.

Meanwhile, over 60,000 Uzbek students are studying in Russian universities, making Uzbekistan one of the top countries with students in Russia.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Iran is focusing on establishing clear functions for the oversight structure of its nuclear facilities in the context of potential military threats, said Mohammad Eslami, the countrys Vice President and head of the Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), Trend reports.

Speaking to Iranian media following his visit to Vienna, Eslami stressed the importance of defining a new process within the safeguards mechanism, noting that such a framework did not exist previously. He added that Irans parliament has passed legislation guiding the countrys steps in this area.

Eslami described the 69th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna as successful and significant for Iran, noting that the country effectively presented its position despite various pressures from the United States. He highlighted that Iran drew attention to breaches of international law and safeguards and expressed concern over damage to the IAEAs image.

Iran also proposed a resolution at the session aimed at prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities of member states.

The 69th session of the IAEA began on September 15 in Vienna and lasted five days.

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President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has released footage from his recent visit to Azerbaijan, including scenes from the countrys liberated territories.

According to Trend, the video was posted on the UAE leaders official social media account.

"Pleased to meet with His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev in Garabagh to review the developing bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. We explored new areas of cooperation aimed at accelerating economic development, creating shared opportunities, and supporting regional and global peace and stability, taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement," Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said in his post.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's contribution to the World Anti-Fascist War is not as well known or appreciated as it should be in Western historical studies, a leading American scholar of military history said on Wednesday.

Harold E. Raugh, Jr., president of the International Commission of Military History, made the remarks during a conversation themed "Contemporary Significance of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War" ahead of the opening ceremony of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, an international security dialogue in Beijing.

Raugh said that by publishing historical works in English and other European languages, Western powers have sought to dominate the political narrative, effectively monopolizing the history of World War II.

He also noted that Chinese remains a challenging language for many Westerners, who have limited access to original source materials, further hindering global awareness of China's perspective and reinforcing the Western monopoly over historical narratives.

This linguistic barrier, combined with the West's deep-seated fear of communism in the post-war era, led to the marginalization and neglect of China's significant contributions to the Allied victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, according to Raugh.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China held a series of events, including a large-scale military parade, to commemorate the victory.

China made great contributions to the victory. In its 14-year-long resistance from 1931 to 1945, China tied down and struck over half of Japan's overseas forces, at the cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties, accounting for around one-third of all WWII casualties worldwide.

Correct understanding of WWII and safeguarding the post-war world system are major topics in this year's Xiangshan Forum, which runs from Wednesday to Friday. 
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Published September 17, 2025

CAPTION:Camile Currier (left) and ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille (right) unveil the plaque for the Camile W. Currier Lagniappe Theater that will hang outside the theatre room in Bayou Pointe Event Center.

MONROE, LA  Employees and friends of the University of Louisiana Monroe from past and present gathered on Friday, September 12, 2025, to celebrate the naming of the Camile W. Currier Lagniappe Theatre in ULMs Bayou Pointe Event Center. Mr. Currier served ULM for 50 years in various roles before retiring as Vice President for Student Affairs in 2020. A plaque that will hang on the wall outside the theatre was unveiled at the ceremony.

I think grateful is the word that Im looking for, said Currier as he spoke at the ceremony. Im so grateful that I was able to work at my alma mater for 50 years. Im so grateful to my colleagues, who, without their help and assistance, we would have never been able to accomplish what we did. I am truly honored by the recognition youve given me today, he continued.

Reflecting on his time at the university, Currier stated, I learned early in my career that leadership is not about being the best that you can be, but making those around you better. I looked forward to going to work every day, knowing that anything could happen and I would probably be in the middle of it, hopefully making a difference.

Guest speakers at the event included ULM President Dr. Carrie Castille, former ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno, former ULM Dean of Student Affairs Charles Charlie Mac McDonald, and longtime university employee and colleague of Currier, Treina Kimble.

Your vision and your leadership have left an indelible mark on our entire campus, said President Castille in her remarks to Currier and the crowd. The renaming of this theatre is not merely a change of name, but a celebration of your legacy. Let this serve as a constant reminder of the impact that one individual can have on our institution, she continued.

The naming of the theatre was initiated by former ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno prior to his retirement in 2020. In a letter to the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors requesting the naming, Bruno stated, During his tenure, Camile was directly involved or part of the planning, and in some cases securing funding for the following facilities: The Activity Center, University Park, Masur Hall and Madison Hall renovations, Student Union Ballroom renovations, student parking garage, Health and Counseling Center, Ski Team House, SGA Dock and Hammocks on the Bayou, Food Bank located in the Activity Center, and Bayou Pointe Event Center. Camile is highly regarded at the university as well as in the Northeast Louisiana community, and he has served as an outstanding leader at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

In his closing remarks at the ceremony, Currier said, I am so proud of my university and our students, and I truly believe our administration will continue to move our university forward and that ULMs brightest days are still ahead."

For more information about the career and impact of Camile Currier, please visit https://www.ulm.edu/news/2020/camile_currier_7.2.20.html.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The American Broadcasting Company (ABC), one of the major television networks in the United States, announced Wednesday that it has suspended the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show "indefinitely" after controversial comments by its host about the conservative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last week.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced in a statement that the company's owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" for the foreseeable future beginning with Wednesday night's show.

Nexstar owns America's largest local television broadcasting group comprising top network affiliates, with more than 200 owned or partner stations reaching 220 million people, according to its website.

"Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets," the statement read.

"Mr. Kimmel's comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located," said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar's broadcasting division.

Shortly after the release of the statement, NBC News quoted an ABC spokesman as saying that "'Jimmy Kimmel Live' will be pre-empted indefinitely."

In Monday night's monologue, Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Kirk's killing, could have been a pro-Trump Republican.

"The MAGA Gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said.

U.S. President Donald Trump and senior administration officials have accused the "radical left" of being responsible for the death of Kirk, while rejecting the Democrats' argument that political violence has been a problem from both sides.

In an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson earlier Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr threatened to take action against Disney and its subsidiary ABC over the comments, noting that the FCC could consider revoking licenses of ABC affiliate stations as a penalty.

Criticizing the FCC chair on the social platform X, FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, the only Democrat on the panel, said, "An inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship and control."

"This Administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression," said Gomez.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live" is one of the several nationally recognized late-night talk shows in the country. 
When Galadriel Chilton was an undergraduate English major at Berea College in Kentucky, she remembers asking a reference librarian for help on a project. Instead of going to the bookstacks, the librarian pulled up a computer search. What appeared on the screen  citations for periodical articles from a database  was completely unfamiliar to Chilton.



I felt like I should have known what I was looking at, but I didnt, recalls Chilton, who was a first-generation college student. I was embarrassed, so I went back to the books.



As UMass Lowells new dean of the University Library, Chilton says she never wants students to feel the same sense of intimidation.



Information ecosystems can be complicated, she says. I want our library to be a vibrant, open place where all students are welcomed to explore and discover just how much is available to them.



A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Chilton earned masters degrees in library science from Indiana University Bloomington and in education from San Diego State University, specializing in educational technology and instructional design.





Image by Ed Brennen Dean of the University Library Galadriel Chilton, right, chats with student employee Aida Juarez at the new third-floor circulation desk at O'Leary Library on South Campus.



Prior to joining UMass Lowell this summer, Chilton spent nearly a decade as director of collections initiatives for the Ivy Plus Libraries Confederation, a partnership of 13 premier institutions including Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale and Columbia.Chilton sat down to share her vision for the University Library, which employs 15 full-time and 18 part-time staff members and more than 60 students across three locations: OLeary on South Campus, Lydon on North Campus and the Center for Lowell History downtown.The more I learned about UMass Lowell, the more it seemed like an incredibly innovative, community-centered place. I was especially impressed thatandare supported by collaborations between the universitys sustainability and faculty success initiatives and the library. These cross-departmental collaborations not only bolster information access and dissemination, but also reflect an engaged university community. I was also drawn to the vibrant student population from all different backgrounds, including many first-gen students. My previous role was working with colleagues to develop high-level strategy and create governance and inclusive processes that honor human dignity, so coming to UMass Lowell and building upon that work seemed like a logical next step.

What are your top priorities as dean, especially as UML builds its profile as a Research 1 (R1) institution?



First and foremost, I want to listen and learn from the library staff, students and colleagues across the university about what is already incubating in terms of library collection development and management, as well as library programs and services. Our library staff have incredible subject matter expertise, and I want to figure out how to enable them to do their best work. Its exciting to think about what an R1 university needs from an R1 library. That includes enhancing support for research, teaching and learning by building staff capacity, refreshing collections and expanding online resources to ensure that all the different disciplines have the library resources they need. Im also interested in helping the research community get foundation-level AI literacy. What does it mean to use artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically? Libraries can play a key role in those conversations.



Youve been a leader in advancing shared collections and open access. How do you envision building on that work at UMass Lowell?

Image by Ed Brennen Galadriel Chilton, center, catches up with Associate Director for Research and Learning Amanda Rust, left, and First-Year Experience and Instruction Coordinator Yolanda Hood at O'Leary Library.

The library is already engaged in strong collaborations with the Boston Library Consortium, the Eastern Academic Scholars Trust and the Fenway Library Organization. These partnerships expand access, share stewardship of print and digital collections, and create professional networks for our staff. We also have open access agreements in place withthat allow UMass Lowell researchers to publish open access at no cost to them. What Im really excited about now is looking at how the library and the university might support Diamond Open Access, a publishing model where there is no author processing charge. The funding for publishing, editing and peer review happens at the front end, supported by foundations, libraries, universities and scholarly societies. Instead of paying for access after an article is published, which limits readership to authorized users, Diamond Open Access makes research available to the world. Its much more equitable, and for faculty and researchers, it often heightens the impact of their work. I currently serve on the advisory board for the Open Journals Collective, which is working to create packages of humanities, social science and STEM journals that are Diamond Open Access. If its a good match for our curriculum and faculty research, Id love to see UMass Lowell support initiatives like that.

How did you decide to become a librarian?



As an undergraduate, I studied English literature because Ive always been drawn to stories and how narratives help us make sense of the world. And for the same reason, I am interested in how humans use systems and technology to organize our ecosystem and distribute information. But I didn't really make the leap to library and information science until a college friend was talking about her grad program in library science. And it was like a cartoon light bulb went off over my head. I suddenly realized that libraries are about so much more than books; they are community hubs, an ecosystem of information that includes photographs, archives, manuscripts and primary source materials.



What excites you about the future of the UMass Lowell library?



The imagination and enthusiasm of the library staff is phenomenal. Over the summer, the staff led projects to refresh spaces at OLeary and Lydon, and they also redesigned our website on both the front and back ends. Im excited to see how the library can weave together the past, like archives and special collections, and the present so that students have a rich understanding of where we've come from and where we're going.



Finally, what do you like to read outside of work, and do you prefer physical books or ebooks?



Recently, I enjoyed Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People by Donna Hicks. Its full of phenomenal case studies about how we as humans can work together and be respectful. For fiction, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab was an interesting story about what happens when a young woman makes a deal with the devil for her freedom from an arranged marriage, but there's always a catch. And I spend so much time on screens for work that I really like a physical book.


Abdul Ghani Atlaswala: The Man Who Built Institutions and Generations

Ansar Hall in South Mumbai was on September 17, 2025 filled with memories, gratitude, and reverence as people gathered to honor the late Alhaaj Abdul Ghani Atlaswala

Thursday September 18, 2025 9:33 PM , Rehan Ansari

Ansar Hall in South Mumbai was on September 17, 2025 filled with memories, gratitude, and reverence as people gathered to honor the late Alhaaj Abdul Ghani Atlaswala. Leaders, educationists, philanthropists, social workers, and associates came together, not merely to recall his name, but to reflect on the lasting imprint of a man whose nearly century-long life was defined by service to humanity.

Atlaswala was not a man who lived for headlines. His philanthropy, often silent and away from the public eye, carried the weight of genuine compassion.

He was selfless and never sought attention for his generosity. He gave silently, inspiring us and the youth of our time, remembered Sarfaraz Arzoo, Editor of The Hindustan Urdu daily, at the condolence meeting. For Arzoo and many others, Atlaswala was not only a benefactor but an icon of humility.

A Philanthropist with Political Awareness

Unlike many who limit service to charity, Atlaswala understood that social welfare could not be separated from politics. He believed that empowerment required both compassion and structural change. Naseem Siddiqui, former Chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, recalled his role in launching the Janata Dal in Mumbai.

He was not only a philanthropist but also socially and politically aware. When we created a secular political alternative in Maharashtra, he personally stood by me and extended support, he said.

This blend of charity and civic engagement marked Atlaswala as someone who saw community welfare as both a moral responsibility and a political necessity.

Health and Education at the Core

Atlaswalas enduring contributions lie in the institutions he helped establish. For him, education and healthcare were the two pillars of community advancement.

Kazim Malik of Khair e Ummat Trust explained, He was deeply concerned about rising medical costs. With his guidance and support, we built a diagnostic center in South Mumbai that serves the poor.

Similarly, in the field of education, his foresight was unmatched. Zameerul Hasan, Trustee of Ideal Education Society, recalled his work during the resettlement of families displaced by the BARC project.

He understood they would need a school and immediately started one, which now educates hundreds of children, Hasan said.

He was equally invested in helping parents participate in education. Dr. Abdullah, Vice Chairman of Anjuman-e-Islam, described how Atlaswala guided the formation of Tanzeem-e-Waldain (Parents Organization). Most parents were poor or illiterate. He encouraged us to start from the basics, empowering them to play a role in their childrens learning.

A Mentor Beyond Borders

Those who worked with him often described him as a guide, a man who inspired through quiet mentorship. Meraj Siddiqui, Secretary of the Samajwadi Party in Maharashtra, called him a complete man, well-read in literature, aware of politics, committed to education and health. His advice on serving selflessly in politics remains invaluable.

His influence extended to younger generations. A youth from Malvani recalled how Atlaswala once visited his humble home, gifted him and his siblings pens, and later helped establish a small office in their area.

That office today serves thousands of people, the young man said, a testament to how small gestures from Atlaswala often blossomed into lasting community institutions.

Rebuilding After Violence

Atlaswalas compassion often came alive in moments of crisis. After the 1984 Bhiwandi riots and the 199293 Mumbai riots, when lives and livelihoods were shattered, he was on the frontlines.

Siddique Qureshi, who presided over the condolence meeting, remembered, He spent hours helping people rebuild their homes, arranging scholarships, and supporting orphans, many of whom are now doctors, engineers, and advocates.

He understood that rebuilding was not just about brick and mortar but about restoring dignity and hope.

Institutions and Sacrifices

Atlaswala was not merely associated with institutions; he was instrumental in building them from the ground up. He served as the founding trustee and general secretary of Anjuman Khairul Islam, established in 1927, which today oversees a network of schools and colleges across India. His commitment extended far beyond boardrooms  it was personal and sacrificial.

In his tribute, Hani A. Farid recalled, He once auctioned his watch and worked tirelessly to raise funds for Y&M Anjuman Khairul Islam.

Together with his father, Abdul Rehman Atlaswala, he went door-to-door seeking donations to sustain the trust, which began humbly with six orphans in a single room in Madanpura. That small beginning has since grown into 70 educational institutions and four orphanages housing over 1,300 orphans, transforming countless lives. Today, his son Imtiaz Atlaswala continues this legacy as a trustee, carrying forward the work with the same spirit of service.

A Life Anchored in Faith

Despite his public work, Atlaswalas life was anchored in personal devotion. Maulana Mehmood of Bengali Masjid remembered, For years, he was always in the first row for prayers. His son and grandson continue that tradition. His spirituality was not separate from his social service; it was the wellspring from which his commitment flowed.

Even in his final years, Saeed Khan, a veteran activist, noted how engaged he remained. Even near 100, he was concerned about community institutions, mosques, and schools. He built not only institutions but an entire generation of qualified individuals, Khan said.

A Century of Relevance

What made Atlaswala exceptional was not just the breadth of his service but its relevance across decades. From pre-independence India to the complex politics and social challenges of post-liberalization Mumbai, he adapted but never strayed from his principles. He embodied the idea that progress for marginalized communities required not just charity but institution-building, education, political engagement, and faith.

His legacy is written in tangible structures, schools, colleges, mosques, trusts, hospitals, but more importantly, in the lives he shaped. Orphans who became professionals, poor families who gained access to education and healthcare, and young activists who found in him a mentor.

As the condolence meeting closed with a dua by Maulana Mehmood, the gathering reflected a truth that was larger than the room itself: Abdul Gani Atlaswala did not just serve his community; he built it. His humility, vision, and selfless service remain a guiding light for the generations he leaves behind.

[The writer, Rehan Ansari, is based in Mumbai. Note: Abdul Ghani Atlaswalas charity and philanthropic works were not limited to just Mumbai but spread beyond, especially to Malegaon . His wife was from Malegaon and he was instrumental in the development of, and raising funds and donations for a number of educational institutions in the Powerloom City.]

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Centralized criminal operation to steal elections: Rahul Gandhi

Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi Thursday September 18, 2025 claimed a 'centraised criminal operation' has been set up to manipulate elections in India

Thursday September 18, 2025 5:00 PM , Ahmed Abdullah Faizee

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi Thursday September 18, 2025 claimed a centraised criminal operation has been set up to manipulate elections in India.

Addressing the media in newly built Congress headquarters Indira Bhawan, Rahul also accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting the people who are stealing the elections.

The Congress leader also said his claims today are just a beginning , and a bigger picture, in his words Hydrogen or H Bomb, is yet to come.

Giving the details of the Aland Assembly Constituency of Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi alleged that over 6,000 voters have been deleted by the people who are unaware.

This vote chori was revealed accidentally when a Booth Level Officer (BLO) found her uncles name deleted from the voter list. Surprised, she fact checked and found the name was deleted by her neighbor. Upon investigation, it turned out the neigbour was nothing to do with the vote deletion, Rahul Said.

Watch: Rahul Gandhi Press Conference Today

Rahul also called on stage a person from the Aland constituency who said records showed 10 voters deleted using his Voter ID but I am not aware of this, he said in front of the media.

14 voters were deleted in 12 minutes Try filling the EC form and check on your own if this is possible, Rahul Gandhi said.

The voters were deleted using phone numbers registered in different states, and using software and call centers, Rahul alleged showing the list of phone numbers used for voter deletion.

Rahul also said the investigating agencies in Karnataka asked the Election Commission to provide the data, IP addresses and OTP trails used while voter deletion but the ECI is not providing them.

The Karnataka CID has sent 18 letters in 18 months to the Election Commission of India (ECI). But, it is yet to respond, Rahul said.

Meanwhile, the copies of Karnataka CID letters written to ECI have also been shared online.

Rahuls press conference today comes more than a month after he first claimed vote chori in the Indian elections. Sharing the detailed analysis of Mahadevapura assembly seat, Rahul Gandhi had on August 07, 2025 accused over 1 lakh votes were added, and the model was used in more than 100 constituencies .

Election Commission rejects Rahuls allegations

The Election Commission of India Thursday brushed off Rahul Gandhis allegations, saying they are baseless.

The Election Commission dismissed Rahul Gandhi's claims saying, no deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public.

No deletion can take place without giving an opportunity of being heard, to the affected person, the Election Commission said.

The Election Commission, however, admitted that there were such attempts in Alanda but they were failed and FIRs were registered in the case. But, the ECI clarification in some way substantiates the Congress Party's allegations as this is what exactly Rahul is claiming that deletions from the electoral lists are done, and neither the person who is deleting nor who has been deleted is aware.

Rahul in his press conference, on the other hand, said the Congress has 100% proof of vote chori. He also said the party is now also receiving supports from some poll panel officials who are coming out with valuable information of vote chori.

[Ahmed Abdullah Faizee is trainee writer at ummid.com.]



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DOHA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Defense Council held an extraordinary session in Doha on Thursday, strongly condemning Israel's military attack on Qatar and deciding to step up intelligence sharing and update joint defense plans.

In a statement, the council said Israel's actions represented "a blatant violation" of Qatar's sovereignty and security, threatening regional stability.

Officials from GCC defense ministries agreed that an attack on Qatar is "an attack on all GCC states," the statement said, stressing that the bloc supports all measures Qatar takes to "confront the aggression, safeguard security, and defend unity and territorial integrity."

The meeting decided to enhance intelligence exchange through the Unified Military Command, ensure real-time transmission of air situation data, accelerate the development of a regional ballistic missile early warning system, and update defense plans.

It added that the GCC will hold a joint air defense exercise within three months to further strengthen collective defense capabilities.

The Joint Defense Council comprises defense officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.

This comes after an unprecedented Israeli airstrike in Doha last week targeted a building where Hamas officials were meeting to discuss a U.S.-proposed ceasefire. The attack killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, though key negotiators survived. 
Two universities in the Southeast are announcing significant expansions in financial aid that will allow countless students to attend tuition-free beginning Fall 2026.

Wake Forest's Gateway for North Carolina Students

Wake Forest University unveiled its North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University program, which guarantees tuition-free admission for undergraduates from North Carolina families earning less than $200,000 annually. The new policy kicks in for students admitted in Fall 2026.

For family incomes under $100,000 , financial aid will cover both tuition and standard living expenses.

, financial aid will cover both tuition and standard living expenses. For incomes between $100,000 and $200,000 , students will pay only for living expenses and applicable fees, with tuition fully covered.

, students will pay only for living expenses and applicable fees, with tuition fully covered. Families earning between $200,000 and $300,000 will be eligible for aid covering 50% of their tuition.

will be eligible for aid covering of their tuition. The policy applies only to undergraduate students from North Carolina.

Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente said the initiative reflects the university's "deep commitment to students from our home state," adding that she once benefited from a Pell grant and understands firsthand when private colleges can feel out of reach.

The university will continue to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens, regardless of income.

Emory's "Advantage Plus" Tuition-Free Expansion

Emory University is expanding its financial aid program with Emory Advantage Plus, which will make tuition free for all domestic undergraduate students whose families earn $200,000 or less per year, starting in Fall 2026. The policy includes both new and returning undergraduate students who are eligible for need-based aid.

Additional key points:

Emory will continue to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for its domestic undergraduates.

for its domestic undergraduates. Over the next four years, the university's commitment through this enhancement will exceed $1 billion in financial aid.

in financial aid. Interim President Leah Ward Sears emphasized that this is aimed at ensuring that deserving students can attend without having cost be a barrier. "Offering free tuition to every student whose family income is $200,000 or less is about leadership," she said.

By tying financial aid directly to family income, both Wake Forest and Emory are signaling that college affordability is no longer just a talking point but a measurable commitment. For students across North Carolina and the nation, the message is clear: the path to a degree at two of the South's most respected universities is now wider, more accessible, and far less burdened by cost.
Once viewed as symbols of prestige, ambition, and success, Chinese international studentsoften known as haigui (, returnees)are finding their return home far harder than expected. After investing heavily in education abroad, many are now being shut out of top-tier public roles back in China. A series of policy shifts, geopolitical tensions, and economic changes have transformed their golden ticket into something far less certain.

Closing the Gates to the Public Sector

One of the most dramatic shifts is in civil service recruitment. The "selection recruits" () program, which fast-tracks outstanding university graduates into the government leadership pipeline, has become far less accessible to overseas graduates.

Provinces like Guangdong have removed nearly 60 overseas universitiesincluding globally renowned onesfrom their list of eligible schools for the 2025 "selected recruits" program.

have removed nearly 60 overseas universitiesincluding globally renowned onesfrom their list of eligible schools for the 2025 "selected recruits" program. In Shandong , similar policies have restricted civil service roles to graduates of domestic institutions.

, similar policies have restricted civil service roles to graduates of domestic institutions. Authorities are increasingly emphasizing that applicants must have demonstrated political loyaltysuch as CCP membership, leadership roles in domestic student or party organizationsand less emphasis on having studied abroad.

Oversupply, Degree Devaluation, and "Watered-Down" Qualifications

The wider talent pool in China has expanded enormously: university enrollment and graduation rates have surged, producing an overabundance of domestically educated graduates. Meanwhile, the number of returnees has also risen sharply.

This increased competition has diluted the perceived advantage of foreign degrees. Short-term master's programsespecially the popular one-year masters from overseasare increasingly viewed with skepticism and labeled "watered down." Some large firms are reportedly excluding such degrees from their hiring criteria.

The Reality of Returning: Mismatch, Pressure, Disillusionment

Returning home is often a shock. While foreign education can provide unique skills, a mismatch often exists between what returning students offer and what Chinese employers need.

Lack of Relevant Experience: Chinese companies, particularly in a tight job market, prioritize local work experience and internships. Many haigui may lack this crucial on-the-ground experience, making them less attractive to employers.

Chinese companies, particularly in a tight job market, prioritize local work experience and internships. Many haigui may lack this crucial on-the-ground experience, making them less attractive to employers. Devalued "Soft Skills": Soft skills highly valued in Western countries, such as a focus on personal narrative and passion, are often less important to Chinese employers. They place a greater emphasis on professional certifications, grades, and a candidate's commitment to the company.

Soft skills highly valued in Western countries, such as a focus on personal narrative and passion, are often less important to Chinese employers. They place a greater emphasis on professional certifications, grades, and a candidate's commitment to the company. Salary and Expectation Gap: Many haigui return with high salary expectations, believing their foreign education warrants a premium. However, their salary demands often exceed what employers are willing to pay, especially when they can hire a well-qualified domestic graduate for less. A 2024 report found that the average annual salary for returnees had fallen and some were accepting jobs with very low monthly pay.

Geopolitical Underpinnings and Economic Headwinds

These changes are not happening in a vacuum. Broader geopolitical tensions (e.g., U.S.China relations), national security concerns, and Broader economic trends contributed to policies and challenges for haigui.

Dong Mingzhu , chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, publicly declared that her company would "never use overseas returnees ... there are spies among the returnees." She said it is difficult to distinguish who might be spies, so in "conservatism," they prefer to hire from domestic universities.

, chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, publicly declared that her company would "never use overseas returnees ... there are spies among the returnees." She said it is difficult to distinguish who might be spies, so in "conservatism," they prefer to hire from domestic universities. Economic Slowdown: A general economic slowdown and a sluggish job market, particularly for recent graduates, have exacerbated the issue. High youth unemployment rates in China affect all job seekers, not just those returning from abroad

A general economic slowdown and a sluggish job market, particularly for recent graduates, have exacerbated the issue. High youth unemployment rates in China affect all job seekers, not just those returning from abroad Shift from Multinational to Domestic Companies: The Chinese job market is increasingly dominated by fast-evolving domestic companies, particularly in sectors like e-commerce, AI, and fintech. These companies may prefer candidates from top Chinese universities who have a better understanding of the local market and business practices. The need for English language proficiency, once a key advantage for returnees, is also less of a factor due to the rise of AI and an increasingly English-proficient domestic workforce.

Between Two Worlds: Caught in the Middle

For many students, the return isn't about national service or idealismit's about necessity. Some find that staying abroad didn't yield the career they expected; returning seems like the only viable option. Yet upon return, they are neither fully accepted into the domestic system nor able to operate freely in foreign contexts. This limbo can breed anxiety, disillusionment, and identity conflict.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The southern Indian state of Kerala has been grappling with Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), commonly known as brain fever, which has claimed 19 lives since the beginning of this year, officials said Thursday.

According to health officials, the disease is caused by a microscopic parasite known as Naegleria fowleri, more commonly referred to as the brain-eating amoeba.

A spike in PAM cases has been witnessed across the state, following which the health department sounded an alert.

"We did have 69 cases, and out of these, 19 deaths were reported," local Kerala health minister, Veena George recently told media. "We all know this Amoebic Meningoencephalitis has a high mortality rate of 99 percent."

PAM is a rare but highly fatal brain infection caused by free-living amoebae found in contaminated water. The infection is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which thrives in warm, stagnant freshwater such as ponds and lakes.

Doctors say the infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to reach the brain. Although infection occurs very rarely, it almost inevitably results in death, with a mortality rate of 95-98 percent. 
HARARE, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on the ruling ZANU-PF party, the government, and the private sector to boost cooperation with China following the elevation of ties between the two countries.

Addressing the 387th ordinary session of the ZANU-PF Politburo in Harare, the country's capital, Mnangagwa said his recent visit to China signifies Zimbabwe's commitment to solidifying relations and boosting cooperation with China for the development of the Zimbabwean economy.

"It is pleasing that our relations with the People's Republic of China have been elevated to an all-weather Zimbabwe-China community with a shared future," Mnangagwa said.

"I thus challenge both the party and government departments, as well as the private sector, to take bold steps and initiatives toward drawing down wealth creation and empowerment opportunities from this remarkable development for the benefit of our people and economy," he said.

Early in September, Mnangagwa attended the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, where the two sides agreed to upgrade their ties to an all-weather community with a shared future. 
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces killed four terrorists on Wednesday during an intelligence-based operation in the country's southwest Balochistan province, the military said Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan army, the operation was conducted in Khuzdar district of the province following reports about the presence of terrorists.

The military added that the security forces cordoned off the militants' hideout, which led to an intense fire exchange.

The security forces killed four terrorists in the clash and also recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from the site, the statement said.

The ISPR added that the killed militants had been actively involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region against civilians and security forces.

The military said that a clearance operation had started to hunt any remaining militants, reaffirming the resolve of Pakistan's security forces to eliminate terrorism from the country. 
NEW DELHI, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least two Naxals were killed and two policemen wounded in a gunfight in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, the state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) reported on Thursday.

The gunfight between Naxals and joint contingents of police and paramilitary forces broke out in the forest area of Bijapur district, about 450 km southwest of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.

Last week, 10 Naxals, including a senior commander, were killed in a similar gunfight in the state's Gariaband district. 
Italy first EU country to pass comprehensive AI law.

Italy's senate on Wednesday granted final approval a sweeping new law to regulate artificial intelligence, requiring human oversight and traceability of AI decisions.

The move, which follows a year of parliamentary debate, makes Italy the first European Union member state to bring in comprehensive legislation in line with the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act.

Italy's new package of regulations is designed to be consistent with the principles of the AI Act and in compliance with the GDPR, the European regulation on the protection of personal data.

The law, approved by 77 votes to 55 with two abstentions, has been hailed by the government as a decisive step in shaping how new technologies are deployed across Italy's public and private sector and in society in general.

Human-centric approach

The law aims to set limits on the use of AI with by placing humans and their essential decision-making power at the centre, while at the same time addressing innovation, cybersecurity, privacy protections and economic growth.

The legislation, which delegates powers concerning the policing of artificial intelligence to the government, will seek to limit the risks of misuse of AI in key sectors such as employment, justice and healthcare.

Central to the law are measures to ensure transparency, security and citizens' rights, including a parental consent requirement for AI access by children under the age of 14.

New penalties

The law includes tough new penalties for illegal use of AI including identity theft, fraud and spreading AI-generated deepfakes, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison if it causes harm.

The Agency for Digital Italy (AGID) and the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) will enforce the regulations, with the Department for Digital Transformation tasked with drawing up a national AI strategy, subject to periodic revision.

"Italy is the first European country with a national framework fully aligned with the AI Act" - stated Alessio Butti, the undersecretary for digital innovation - "This decision brings innovation back into the public interest, orienting AI toward growth, rights, and the full protection of citizens."

"We say clearly to businesses: invest in Italy" - Butti said - "You will find reliable governance, transparent rules, and an ecosystem ready to support concrete projects in all of the country's key sectors."

Criticism

Those in support of the law hail it as balanced and pragmatic, tightening controls while leaving room for experimentation and innovation.

However the new legislation has been heavily criticised by digital rights advocates who claim that it places control of AI directly in the hands of the government rather than an independent regulator.

The law earmarks up to 1 billion from a state-backed venture capital fund to stimulate domestic innovation, however this amount has also been criticised as insufficient in comparison to the vast investments being made by other countries.
Sardinia follows in footsteps of Tuscany by approving right-to-die law in the absence of national legislation.

Sardinia has become the second Italian region to approve a law granting access to medically assisted suicide, following a vote by the regional council on Wednesday.

Euthanasia was effectively legalised in Italy in 2019 by the constitutional court which has repeatedly called on parliament to define how it should be regulated.

However MPs have avoided the deeply divisive issue and there remains no legal framework at a national level to regulate assisted suicide.

In the absence of nationwide guidelines, several regions have taken steps to regulate assisted suicide on their own (they can do so because healthcare is partly a regional responsibility).

The Sardinian law was approved with 32 votes in favour, 19 against and one abstention.

Most councillors from the centre-left coalition that had supported regional president Alessandra Todde voted in favour, along with one opposition councillor from the centre-right Forza Italia.

The bill, proposed by the Luca Coscioni right-to-die association, defines how assisted suicide requests should be handled by the regional health service, with a medical panel tasked with evaluating individual requests within specific time frames.

In 2019 Italy's constitutional court ruled that it is not always a crime to help someone in intolerable suffering to die, under certain conditions, including if the patient is being kept alive by life-sustaining treatment, suffering from an irreversible illness, and enduring suffering that the patient deems intolerable.

However in 2022 the constitutional court rejected a petition calling for a referendum to decriminalise euthanasia, after right-to-die activists had secured more than 1.2 million signatures in a petition.

Tuscany was the first Italian region to pass right-to-die legislation, in February, and since then two people have died by medically assisted suicide in the region.

In May, however, Giorgia Meloni's government challenged the Tuscany law in the constitutional court, arguing that assisted suicide is a matter for national, not regional, jurisdiction, and therefore the law should not be valid.

The government's decision is seen as primarily political, given that the right-wing and centre-right parties that support it are generally opposed to euthanasia.
One of the most iconic and legendary figures in Australian television will be visiting Waterford as part of a farewell tour as she leaves her character in Home & Away behind after a career spanning more than three decades

Lynne McGranger is know to millions of people all over the world as the character Irene Roberts in the phenomenally successful Oz soap.

Her forthcoming visit to Waterford - when she will appear at the Tower Hotel on Tuesday, November 4, at 7.30pm - will present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans of the series to get up close and personal with one of its most iconic stars.

Central to some of the most famous and captivating storylines in the history of the series, Lynne has been at the heart of some emotionally charged performances throughout her time on the show.

In doing so she has also depicted many different facets of the human psyche with some of her storyline being light-hearted and others taking her character down very dark paths.

Ahead of her appearance in Waterford a spokesperson for the star said: "After over 30 incredible years on Home and Away, Lynne McGranger is saying goodbye to beloved character Irene Roberts  and fans in Waterford will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of it."

The night in the Tower Hotel promises to be an unforgettable event for fans and will feature a live questions and answers session, a chance to meet the star in person and get a photo together and also pick-up exclusive signed merchandise.

"This is a rare opportunity to celebrate Lynnes extraordinary journey on Home and Away, hear about her favourite storylines over the years, and a chance for fans to say farewell to a TV legend," said the spokesperson.

Tickets for the event are extremely limited and expected to sell fast so fans are advised to act fast to ensure they don't miss out.

Tickets are available online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/homeandawayireland/1827703
The Academic make their long awaited Waterford debut on Friday, October 10 when they play the Haven in Dunmore East.

Its part of a short Irish tour and comes on the back of a fantastic full-to-the-rafters gig at the 8,000 capacity Electric Arena at EP last weekend.

Composed of Craig Fitzgerald, Dean Gavin and Matthew and Stephen Murtagh, The Academic grew up just outside Mullingar, also home to musical titans such as Niall Horan, The Blizzards and Joe Dolan.

The quartet met in school, and immediately bonded.

Each shared their own unique musical influences and bonded over a shared enthusiasm for the early 2000s NYC rock revival lead by the likes of The Strokes, Interpol and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

The post punk sound of the time also made an indelible mark on the group's reasons for starting a band.

From the early days at local battle of the bands competitions and playing half-empty pubs on bingo night, the band now take to much larger stages across the globe.

The Academic have gone on to play sell-out shows and festivals across Ireland, the US, the UK and Europe, and have shared the stage with international headliners such as Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes and Catfish and the Bottleman.

Their debut album Tales From The Backseat, released in 2018, reached number one on the official Irish album chart.

In April 2023, they were among several local acts invited as guest performers for Joe Biden's stop in Ballina as part of his presidential trip in his ancestral land of County Mayo.

Tickets for the October 3 gig at The Haven Hotel are available at thehavenhotel.com
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Chappell Roan will headline Laneway Festival as the beloved music festival celebrates its 21st year with new pit stops and a first-ever show on the Gold Coast.

What started as a street party in a literal Melbourne laneway (Caledonian Lane) back in 2005 has grown to one of the most successful festivals in the country.

Chappell Roan will headline the 2026 Laneway Festival. Getty Images

This years lineup kicks off in Auckland on Thursday, February 5 with a line-up that also includes Mercury Prize-winning English band Wolf Alice, indie duo Wet Leg, LA folk-psych favourites Mt Joy, and New York punk-tech raver The Dare.

Its incredible to be celebrating 21 years of Laneway, say co-founders Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio. What began as a little street party in a Melbourne laneway has grown into a summer ritual across Australia and New Zealand ... 2026 is about honouring that history while looking to the future.
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Analysis CultureTV & radioTalk shows Jimmy Kimmel may have crossed a line, but America has crossed a bigger one Karl Quinn September 18, 2025  2:20pm 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

At first glance, the move by the American TV network ABC to pull Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves might seem straightforward enough. The late-night chat show host said a bad thing, some would argue, and he paid the price. But as ever in the crazy, confusing, contradictory world of Donald Trumps America, its much more complicated than that. Loading Whats at stake here is mergers, money, and a concerted effort to strangle the media to such a point that it no longer has the will or the resources to report or comment on the president and his MAGA associates. And that is something that should strike fear into anyone who still holds a shred of hope for Western democracy. But first, lets look at what Kimmel actually said.

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In his opening monologue on Monday night, the four-time Oscar host and long-term Trump critic observed of accused assassin Tyler Robinson that we hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them. Related Article Updated

Trump's America Jimmy Kimmel show pulled by ABC in the US over Charlie Kirk assassination remarks Some took that as an implicit endorsement of a sketchy theory that Robinson was a bad-faith actor who killed the right-wing Kirk for not being right-wing enough. That view not only pre-empts the investigation into the killing and the trial that will follow, it sits uneasily with what little information has begun to emerge about Robinson and his politics. While he characterised his father as pretty diehard MAGA in alleged texts to his transgender lover, Robinson had, according to his mother, become more political and begun to lean more to the left over the past year. At any rate, given the uncertainty around his motivation, it was unwise at the least and arguably inflammatory of Kimmel to lean into that line. Certainly, that is how Nexstar, a regional broadcaster that takes ABC content under licence, interpreted it.

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Announcing its decision to dump Kimmels show immediately, Andrew Alford, president of Nexstars broadcasting division, described the comedians comments as offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located. Nexstar would replace his show with alternative content, Alford said, in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue. FCC chairman Brendan Carr. The New York Times Regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum, there is much to be said for a call for respectful, constructive dialogue. However, it is worth noting Nexstar is in the process of acquiring a rival broadcaster, TEGNA, for $US6.2 billion ($9.4 billion). That deal needs to be approved by the Federal Communications Commission, the regulator headed by Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee and close ally.

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That would be the same Brendan Carr who contributed to the controversial Project 2025 blueprint, many of whose recommendations around the dismantling of government regulations and protections for minorities and the environment have been (unofficially) implemented in Trumps second term. The same Brendan Carr who has spearheaded investigations into a number of Americas media companies  including NPR, PBS, Comcast (owner of NBC) and CBS  over Trump-related reporting. The same Brendan Carr who claimed on X in July that the partisan lefts ritualistic wailing and gnashing of teeth over [the axing of Stephen] Colbert is quite revealing. Stephen Colbert accepting the Emmy this week for outstanding talk series, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. AP At the time he posted that, the FCC was determining whether to grant approval to the proposed merger between Paramount (owner of CBS) and Skydance, owned by David Ellison, son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison (by some accounts the richest person in the world, and a strong Trump ally). On July 25, a week after CBS announced it was axing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from May 2026, the merger was approved. It is impossible to prove causal links between these things, but there is a clear pattern in Trumps relationship with the media. Sow distrust, claim deceit, block or approve, and sue. All designed to weaken the fourth estate and reduce its ability to keep the bastards honest.

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Trump sued Meta for suspending his social media accounts over what it deemed his incitement of the riots in Washington on January 6, 2021. In February this year, the company settled for $25 million. Related Article Analysis

US politics Make no mistake, this is a purge of political opponents  and the end of free speech Trump sued over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris that he alleged had been unfairly edited to make her look better than him. Though the suit was widely considered frivolous, Paramount (owner of broadcaster CBS) settled for $16 million (a fraction of the $20 billion Trump had sought). That was three weeks before the merger with Skydance was approved. In July, Trump sued The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over its reporting of a birthday card he had sent to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. This week, Trump sued The New York Times for $15 billion, alleging he had been defamed in a number of articles and a book that claimed he was unfit for office. Trump has repeatedly decried legitimate reporting as fake news and characterised the news media as the enemy of the people. He has picked fights with and banned respected reporters from White House media rooms, and hand-picked the friendly outlets with whom he chooses to share information in the knowledge it will be disseminated with a minimum of scrutiny.

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These are all assaults on the ability of the media to report on or voice opinions about the leader of what once held itself up as the worlds shining example of democracy. They are the moves of an autocrat determined to eradicate accountability. Investigative reporting, interviews, commentary and even comedy are all in Trumps sights. In his monologue this week, Kimmel also took aim at Trumps tone-deaf response to questions about how he was holding up following the murder of Kirk, a supposedly close friend. Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED Donald Trump, US president The host cut to a clip in which the president responded by talking about the construction of a ballroom at the White House. To prove it wasnt a mere aberration, he showed a second clip, of an interview on Fox News, in which Trump did the same. This is not how an adult grieves the death of someone he called a friend, Kimmel said. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.

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When ABC (which is owned by Disney) announced it was pulling Kimmels show from the airwaves indefinitely on Wednesday (US time), Trump gloated. Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, he wrote on Truth Social, the social media platform he owns and through which he issues most of his communications. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers], two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! ABC pulling Kimmel is a blow against free speech, democracy and media diversity. But its also a simple numbers game. Late-night TV is expensive to produce, and doesnt have the viewership it once did. Advertising still matters to linear (free-to-air) TV, but not as much as licensing. In its latest annual report, for the financial year 2023-24, ABCs parent company Disney declared advertising revenue of $U3.676 billion for its linear networks. Affiliate fees brought in $US6.872 billion ($US5.826 domestically). Unhappy affiliates hit Disney where it hurts most  the bottom line. So, too, does the threat of legal action from the most litigious president in American history. Dropping Kimmel is a big move. But for a media increasingly cowed into submission, not dropping him might have amounted to an even bigger one. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Latin America is no one's backyard and has the right to independently choose development path and cooperation partners, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.

Last week, the Economist and the New York Times wrote that the United States has adopted an aggressive policy of pressuring Latin American countries this year, claiming to push out China's "exploitative practices" in an effort to safeguard regional security and stability. The United States coerced regional countries to limit or even cut ties with China but it offers little in return. The U.S. sanctions, tariffs and its use of military muscle are pushing the region closer to China.

"The commentary yet again shows that coercion and pressuring as well as bullying only serve to push countries away and will increasingly not work," Lin said at a regular news briefing.

He said China and Latin America are good friends and good partners for equality, mutual benefit and common development. Openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation are the hallmark of cooperation between China and the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. A closer partnership is the choice of the Chinese and Latin American peoples and serves the common interest of both sides.

China welcomes countries around the world developing friendly and cooperative ties with Latin American countries based on equality and respect, he said.

Lin urged the United States to stop forcing them to choose sides, stop interfering in their domestic affairs and do more to contribute to their development and prosperity, instead of meddling and sowing discord.

"No attempt to disrupt China's friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with Latin America will ever succeed," the spokesperson said. 
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LifestyleFashionFashion Week Its her first fashion week but Elon Musks daughter is taking it in her stride Maura Judkis and Shane ONeill September 17, 2025  8:28am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 4 View all comments

New York: Perhaps no one is having a better New York Fashion Week than Vivian Jenna Wilson. The emerging model and her waist-length strawberry blond hair have walked in four shows, hot off a New York Magazine cover story welcoming her into the celebrity elite. This would all be less of a big deal if Wilson were not also Elon Musks estranged transgender daughter. At Prabal Gurung, held Saturday in St Bartholomews Church on Park Avenue, she emerged to the sound of a choir in an ecru trumpet-hem maxi dress, stepping down the stairs with a practiced model-blank gaze. Elon Musks estranged daughter Vivian Wilson takes to the catwalk for Prabal Gurung Spring Summer 2026 Fashion Show at St. Bartholomews Church for New York Fashion Week. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images At Dauphinette on Sunday, she bolted onto the runway with a shriek and dashed away as if someone were chasing her  an attention-getting staged moment in the show. Designer Olivia Cheng had dressed her in a bikini top and white high-low hemmed skirt covered with green beetles.

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And at the presentation for accessories designer Alexis Bittar, she took part in a mock Miss USA pageant  an obvious reference to President Donald Trump, her fathers sometimes-ally, who owned that pageant from 1996 to 2015. Every contestant in the pageant was a trans woman, and all of them wore sashes from red states. Wilson played a bratty Miss South Carolina who scoffed, sneered and rolled her eyes when she lost to Miss Louisiana, played by trans activist and model Gia Love. Catching up with her backstage at Mondays Chris Habana show  her fourth in as many days  Wilson listed her mental order of operations for a successful runway walk. Related Article Celebrity life Their parents are famous and beautiful  so these offspring are following in their footsteps Dont trip, dont die, serve c---, slay, she said. I think in that order. Last September, the political statements at New York Fashion Week were overt: the hot accessory was a camouflage Harris/Walz hat; Batsheva showed Cat Lady sweatshirts and Prabal Gurung sent a coconut tree dress down the runway in an apparent reference to a Kamala Harris meme. The Council of Fashion Designers of America sponsored a get-out-the-vote march, and Jill Biden addressed the crowd.

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This year the political symbols were scant, with the exception of a flag-draped presentation from the brand Alice + Olivia and a Libertine runway show that nodded to the American Revolution. Against that relatively apolitical backdrop, casting Wilson could be read as a statement  if not an explicit one. For me casting Vivian Jenna Wilson was an incredible gift, Bittar said via email. In addition to Wilsons otherworldly ethereal beauty, Bittar said that she represents so much strength and conviction. I cannot imagine the challenges she faces, but I admire her for her strength. At the conclusion of the presentation, Bittar addressed the audience onstage. I just wanted to say, we need to fight for our f---ing rights, he said. Do not be passive right now. At Dauphinette, Wilsons dramatic entrance was intended to disrupt a pretty moment and say, Everything is not okay, even when its beautiful, said Cheng, via email. Our society is in a critical place and nobody, not even the fashion girls, can afford to rest on our laurels.

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Vivian Wilson walked in Prabal Gurungs show, named Angels in America, a reference to Tony Kushners play about homosexuality and the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. WireImage Gurungs show was titled Angels in America, named after Tony Kushners Pulitzer-winning play about homosexuality and AIDS in the 1980s. In the show notes, the designer wrote that he believed those who lived between binaries, who defied the roles society imposed, were seen as closer to god, closer to the divine. The collection, he said, is about honouring those who embody hope when the world feels bound and broken. Wilson was the penultimate model for Habana, a designer and New York nightlife fixture who was hosting his first runway show in the West Village. When the lights dimmed, the audience cheered at the sound of the intro music from the website Pornhub, which sponsored the show. Two models wore looks with their breasts, butts and crotches clamped tightly against clear plexiglass plates. When Wilson emerged, several people could be heard whispering her name in the crowd. She wore a column dress fashioned from safety pins, strips of leather and metal hardware, all so tight that she needed to take small, deliberate steps. She walked slowly, eyes fixed forward, hands on her hips. At one point her cream-coloured stiletto separated from her foot. She quickly found her way back into the shoe.

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Related Article Celebrity life Naomi Watts lookalike daughter makes runway modelling debut The crowd roared at the shows end. I wanted people to be challenged in how sex is expressed in so many different ways and how sex can be elevated into art, Habana said. But the designer shrugged off the notion that Wilson had been included in the show for any reason besides her modelling prowess. Really, it was actually just her being beautiful, he said. I really just thought when I was introduced to her, she had this glowing personality that I really, really liked. In the basement dressing room after the show, photographers and G-string-clad hosts of the internet show Stripper News milled about. Before the interview started, Ava Cutrone, daughter and collaborator of PR maven Kelly Cutrone, laid down one ground rule.

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No questions at all about her dad, she says, before introducing Wilson, who was being slowly disentangled from her metal garment. Are you ready for us to drop this dress? asks the woman helping her. Yes, please, thank you so much, Wilson replies. The bodice unfurled. You could actually make a lot of money if you took these pictures, Wilson says as she pulled herself into a bralette. Wilson says she no longer feels self-conscious changing clothes in front of strangers. By the eight millionth time you just kind of have to get used to it.

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Wilson reflected on the highlights and lowlights of her first New York Fashion Week. Worst part? Probably when my foot slipped out of the shoe, she said. Highlights were jamming my foot back in. Wilson climbed the stairs and returned to the runway, where a cluster of well-wishers had been waiting for her. She greeted each with casual warmth. Miranda Monroe, a stylist from Los Angeles, asked Wilson to pose for a photo with her. Wilson happily obliged, striking pose after campy pose as Monroes friend and collaborator Sterling Tull took photos. Shes just going to absolutely dominate the fashion world, Monroe said. Shes excited about modelling and that excitement, and being new, is something that you dont see every day. Asked about Wilsons famous father, Monroe said, I think shes really brave. But thats not why the stylist is a fan.

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Being yourself is everything, Monroe said. And thats it. The Washington Post 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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Graphic content NationalNSWCourts New details emerge of assault allegations against Alan Jones Clare Sibthorpe Updated September 18, 2025  4:25pm ,first published September 18, 2025  9:58am 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

Alan Jones has been accused of indecently touching nine alleged victims at public locations such as the Opera House and a lower north shore restaurant, as well as inside lifts at the 84-year-olds former workplace and his homes throughout Sydney and NSW. The newly emerged details relate to alleged victims the former broadcaster was already charged over, but provide further information about the exact places and circumstances of the accusations. Alan Jones, who said he will fight all charges against him, at an earlier court appearance. Rhett Wyman The details of the allegations were outlined in updated court documents tendered in Jones indecent assault and sexual touching case, as it was revealed the matter will not be heard before a jury and two complainants will no longer be involved in the case. On Thursday, John Maddison Tower Local Court also heard some charges against Jones had been downgraded or amended, with the factor of aggravation removed from several counts.

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Strike Force Bonnefin was established to investigate the former teacher and Wallabies coach following a major investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Jones was initially charged with dozens of offences and now faces 27 counts, as the number of complainants dropped from 11 to nine. He faces 25 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching. It comes days after nine charges were added. Alan Jones lawyer Bryan Wrench leaves court on Thursday. KATE GERAGHTY His high-profile solicitor, Bryan Wrench, told the court that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had decided the matters would not be heard in front of a jury  as they previously said would happen  but would instead be dealt with in the local court. He described this decision as a backflip made with two days notice, and said Jones had been ready from day dot to present his case to the jury.

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Jones was excused from attending as his matter was briefly heard and did not appear at court. Related Article Jones investigation Alan Jones hit with nine new charges of indecent assault Earlier court documents seen by this masthead showed the allegations of indecent assault at that time included fondling penises, stroking thighs and squeezing bottoms. He was also accused of pulling a mans scrotum and masturbating during one alleged indecent assault. Jones was accused of committing the crimes at his former Newtown home, his harbourside apartment, his farm at Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands, Tamworth in northern NSW and other Sydney spots. However, on Thursday, further details emerged about the allegations against Jones in updated court attendance notices.

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These documents allege that one complainant was assaulted five times at Jones Fitzroy Falls residence in 2004 by being kissed on the lips, having his robe undone and his underpants removed, Jones rubbing his penis against his own and touching and squeezing the complainants penis while masturbating. That same man was allegedly assaulted while driving Jones to the Fitzroy Falls home and twice in Jones Sydney home in 2003. In 2008, Jones allegedly assaulted a man three times at a Kiama restaurant, including having stroked him on the front and back of his thigh on the outside of his clothing, patted him on the bottom on the outside of his clothing and pushed his body against the back of the complainants body, touching [his] penis on the outside of their clothing and pulling their penis. Alan Jones leaves Day Street police station the day he was arrested in November. James Brickwood Also in 2008, Jones allegedly assaulted another man twice while being driven home from work, kissed him in the lift of his Sydney home three times and twice in the lift of his workplace, and touched his penis on the outside of his clothing at Gunners Barracks restaurant in Mosman.

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In 2012, Jones allegedly assaulted another complainant at a Sydney function, touching and squeezing their bottom outside their clothing. Police say Jones touched and grabbed another mans bottom at a Tamworth event in late 2013. Related Article Jones investigation Alan Jones was the king of morning radio. His arrest played out live on air Jones is accused of rubbing another mans leg up towards his crotch during a performance at Sydney Opera House in 2014. Five years later, he allegedly touched another complainant on the back and bottom during a Sydney event. Another man was allegedly assaulted in 2015 by being kissed on the corner of his mouth at a Sydney event, and again between 2018 and 2020 at Jones Sydney residence, when the broadcaster is accused of pushing his body, including his genitalia, against the complainants upper inner thigh. At court on Thursday, Wrench said two original complainants would no longer be involved.

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There are no charges relating to the suggestion of aggravated indecent assault, he said, adding there was no suggestion  that he had these complainants under his authority. Related Article Jones investigation For decades, power protected Alan Jones. Now hes facing his own reckoning Wrench entered not guilty pleas to all current charges on behalf of Jones. An ODPP prosecutor told the court the local court hearing would take at least six weeks, while Wrench estimated it would take four to five months.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund said local courts were not set up to deal with a multi-month trial.

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Jury trials are heard in higher jurisdictions than the local courts, where hearings are presided over by a magistrate. Local courts cannot issue penalties as harsh as those that can be handed down in higher courts. There was no explanation heard in court as to why two victims were no longer part of the prosecutions case. Jones has vigorously denied all allegations. He was arrested at his luxury harbourside apartment in Circular Quay last November. Speaking to journalists outside court after his first appearance in December, he said he was certainly not guilty and would be presenting my account to a jury about the baseless or distorted allegations.

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At an earlier appearance in May, Wrench said some of the witnesses [mentioned in the brief of evidence] said they had never seen Mr Jones engage in any sexually inappropriate behaviour at all. Jones announced his retirement from radio station 2GB in May 2020. The matter will next be heard on November 11 to fix a hearing date. 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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NationalWATrade deals WA premiers trade mission to talk green steel, LNG... and uranium? Connor McGoverne September 19, 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

On the eve of an energy-focused trade mission to China and Japan, Premier Roger Cook has softened his language on the WA governments uranium mining ban, saying it is watching this space. Cook flies to Shanghai on Sunday for a nine-day visit to the states number one and two trading partners, respectively, seeking to strengthen ties with business and government. WA Premier Roger Cook is about to set off on a trade mission to China and Japan. Tony McDonough These are important relationships and we want to maximise them; this is about WA jobs, Cook said. China is our biggest trading partner, taking over 50 per cent of all exports from Western Australia, so obviously its important to continue to work with the resources industry customers in China so that they can continue to have confidence.

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The trade trip moves to Osaka before finishing in Tokyo. Cook will arrive in Japan armed with the recent approval of Woodsides bid to extend the life of its massive North West Shelf facility. Related Article Exclusive

Planning and development The Kalamunda Liberal staring down Satterley over North Stoneville plans Japan is WAs second-largest trade partner and its largest imported commodity is liquified natural gas. It assists them to get out of coal, and thats an important part of ensuring that Western Australian gas is part of the global solution to reducing emissions, Cook said. The premier has increasingly warned WA would likely see an uptick in its own emissions as it helps other countries reduce their carbon footprint. As recently as this week he said it means the globe is the winner, but you may see emissions locally rise slightly.

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The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA has argued the same logic should be applied to exporting uranium, which the Labor state government has had a ban on since 2017. As the world gets decarbonised, were seeing a lot of other countries look to nuclear power as a low-emission base load power source, CME policy director Anita Logiudice said. Japan is one of those, so wed like the premier to consider removing the ban on new uranium projects in WA so that we can supply some of that uranium to trusted trading partners like Japan. Only South Australia and the Northern Territory allow the mining of the nuclear fuel. Four sites have exemptions as they were approved by the Colin Barnett Liberal government before Labor put its ban in place. But Cook has left the door open to lift the ban, telling 9News Perth he was working with miners about the future potential of uranium.

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Were continuing to work with industry around what their expectations and what the future potential for these things are, Cook said. Related Article Exclusive

Planning and development He unearthed Barnett government bungles. So what does John Langoulant think about the Burswood racetrack? We are conscious of the fact that there are companies who have mining leases for uranium mines today, and as weve always said that WA is a reliable place for people to undertake business. So were not going to turn around and tell people that they cant mine when they have a legitimate legal permit to do so. [But] we need to see a significant shift in the global market for uranium before Western Australias in a position to have a sustainable mining industry in uranium.

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Were continuing to watch the current players that have permits or leases to mine uranium, and, and well continue to watch this space. One source said the comments marked the strongest softening of language they had heard from the Labor government since it implemented the ban eight years ago. The CME estimates exporting uranium to other countries would generate $1 billion in economic value to WAs economy and generate 9000 jobs. However, the premier was firm that his governments primary focus would be on renewable energy. Id just stress, some of the richest uranium mines around the world are all mothballed today because the price of uranium is still very low, Cook said.

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Part of that focus is firing up the fledgling green steel industry, which China would play a crucial role in as the states largest importer of iron ore, making up more than 83 per cent of the total export share last year. Acting co-chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Aaron Morey will join Cook overseas and said green iron needed to be the premiers top priority. Those discussions around green iron and getting that underpinning investment is really important for providing the certainty to invest in the infrastructure needed to develop that sort of industry, Morey said. China is the biggest steelmaker in the world, and in terms of the signals they send when it comes to green iron, there is no more important customer in that space. 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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PoliticsFederalFederal budget Young working Australians facing a decade of tax pain Shane Wright September 18, 2025  12:00pm 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 89 View all comments

Young and working Australians will spend the next decade bearing the brunt of higher taxes to pay for essential services and repair the budget bottom line, with the Albanese government facing politically charged choices between tax relief and deep cuts to spending. A report released on Thursday by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office on the expected state of the budget out to 2035-36 argues that while the nations finances are currently sustainable, younger Australians will be the hardest hit by record levels of personal taxation. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is under pressure to find solutions to budget problems stretching on for the next decade. Alex Ellinghausen Treasurer Jim Chalmers is due to release the final numbers for the 2024-25 budget by the end of the month. He is expected to confirm the budget deficit for the last financial year to be in single digits rather than the $27.6 billion forecast in March. Chalmers revealed two tax cuts for all workers in the March budget. The cuts start from the middle of next year.

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The budget office said even with those tax cuts, and the governments revamped stage 3 cuts that hit pay packets in 2024, the nations average personal income tax rate will climb from less than 25 per cent this year to more than 27 per cent by 2035-36. Personal income tax is forecast to account for 47.7 per cent of total government revenue this financial year. By the middle of next decade, without any change, the government will depend on working people for 53 per cent of its revenue. Over this period, the budget is forecast to gradually make its way back to balance, largely because of a 90 per cent rise in personal income tax collections, which are on track to reach almost $682 billion. Bracket creep  the process by which people pay a larger proportion of income in tax as their wage rises  will repair the budget, with the burden falling increasingly on younger people.

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The increasing reliance on personal income tax to balance the budget limits the governments ability to provide relief from bracket creep, resulting in higher average tax rates for wage earners, spreading the tax burden unevenly between generations, the budget office found. Related Article Opinion

Productivity summit The act of bastardry thats hurting young generations Shane Wright Senior economics correspondent It noted that older Australians are more likely to derive income from low-taxed savings, investments and superannuation. Younger and working-age people rely much more heavily on wages, which are facing higher tax rates. This shift to increasing the burden on the tax mix to income derived mainly from labour poses equity challenges in the context of Australias ageing population, the budget office found. One of the reasons for the growing reliance on personal income tax is a drop in revenue from a series of excises.

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The budget office noted tobacco excise had been written down by $20.8 billion between 2024-25 and 2028-29, while excises on fuel (down $1.6 billion) and alcohol (down $3.6 billion) had also been downgraded. It said the drop in tobacco excise was partly driven by big increases in excise rates, which appear to have resulted in an increase in consumers switching to illicit tobacco. As a share of GDP, total government spending is expected to be relatively stable at about 27 per cent. This is a step-up from the pre-COVID level of about 25 per cent. The budget office said spending on the NDIS, defence and interest is expected to grow faster than the economy, offset by programs where spending is expected to fall or grow more slowly. The interest cost on debt is expected to be the fastest-growing expense facing the government over the next decade, rising by 124 per cent from $38.7 billion to $86.7 billion.

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NDIS spending is forecast to grow by 114 per cent to $106.7 billion, with the age pension expected to rise by 62 per cent to $105.2 billion. Defence spending is expected to grow by 78 per cent to almost $100 billion. The budget office noted that defence, interest and policies to deal with climate change will continue to put pressure on overall spending. It said future governments had to look at spending and tax policies to ensure they supported productivity growth.

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The design of spending programs will need to be done in a way so as to avoid the kind of rapid growth seen in the NDIS. On the other side of the ledger, revenue will need to be raised with an awareness of its impact on productivity and growth, it said. Related Article Opinion

Carbon pricing The one big reform no one discussed at Labors roundtable Ross Gittins Economics Editor The office notes that its numbers assume falls in the cost of the public service and a reduction in spending on grant programs. It warns that if spending in these two areas grows in line with history, expenses may be 1.5 per cent more of GDP by 2028-29 and up to 3 per cent higher by the middle of next decade. If this is the case, budget deficits and higher levels of government debt will continue through the medium term and beyond, with large policy adjustments required to restore fiscal sustainability, it said. 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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WorldEuropeAUKUS King backs AUKUS, Ukraine in message to Trump David Crowe September 18, 2025  6:34am 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 35 View all comments

London: King Charles has lent his weight to the AUKUS submarine pact in a direct message to US President Donald Trump to treat it as a vital alliance, just as Britain and Australia await a Pentagon review that fuels doubts about the vast project. Addressing a state banquet to honour Trump with lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle, the King reminded the president of the British alliance with the US during two world wars and linked this directly to the AUKUS pact with Australia. King Charles addresses the state banquet for US President Donald Trump. Getty Images The remark came with a message to Trump to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian forces  just as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders privately lobby for tougher US action to stop the war. Our countries have the closest defence, security and intelligence relationship ever known, Charles said to Trump.

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In two world wars, we fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny. Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace. Loading And our AUKUS submarine partnership, with Australia, sets the benchmark for innovative and vital collaboration. The message highlights the British support for Australia and AUKUS when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing to meet Trump in the US next week, with the defence pact a key priority. Banquet guests included tech billionaires and banking chiefs as well as News Corp media mogul Rupert Murdoch, combining hard power and high glamour in St Georges Hall at Windsor Castle.

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While the King did not elaborate on the AUKUS agreement, his words emphasised the value of the pact when the Pentagon is yet to reveal its review of the program and some key aides  such as defence Under Secretary Elbridge Colby  are openly sceptical about the deal. Related Article Trump diplomacy As it happened: King Charles and Camilla greet US President at Windsor Castle ahead of royal salute, Queens tomb visit The message signals the importance of AUKUS in Starmers talks with Trump this week, when the prime minister is also expected to urge Trump to do more to help Ukraine. Trump responded with effusive praise for the King, but avoided any direct engagement with the monarchs strategic message. He said his state visit to the UK this week  an unprecedented second state visit for a US leader  was one of the highest honours of his life. The president also described the relationship between the US and UK in glowing terms, although without any specific commitments on defence or trade.

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Were like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same poem, each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together, he said. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. Its irreplaceable and unbreakable. And we are, as a country, as you know, doing unbelievably well. US President Donald Trump addresses the state banquet. Getty Images We had a very sick country one year ago, he said but did not go further by laying blame for this on his political foes or his predecessor, Joe Biden, and he instead spoke of the relationship between the US and UK. Weve done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history, he said.

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Together, we must defend the exceptional heritage that makes us who we are, and we must continue to stand for the values of the people of the English-speaking world, and we do indeed stand for that. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a message on social media to thank the King for his steadfast support, and he added that the UK was defending freedom when tyranny threatened Europe. Trump arrived by helicopter with his wife, Melania, at Windsor Castle and was met by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before they walked as a group to see Charles and Queen Camilla. Guests raise their glasses for a toast. Getty Images The events included a carriage procession  in closed carriages due to wind and scattered rainfall  and a fly-past by the Royal Air Force acrobatic aircraft team.

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A key point of the visit took place in St Georges Chapel, the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, where Trump laid a wreath on her tomb. The visit included investment pledges from US companies worth billions of dollars, with a big focus on building data centres to power artificial intelligence services such as ChatGPT. The chief executives joining Trump included Microsofts Satya Nadella, OpenAIs Sam Altman, Apples Tim Cook and Nvidias Jensen Huang. Related Article Analysis

UK politics How Trumps childhood memory paved way for Britains charm offensive Australia has forecast a federal cost of up to $368 billion for the AUKUS plan over three decades and is allocating some of that money to the US to support its submarine construction, as well as to the British company Rolls-Royce to support the development of nuclear propulsion systems for the new vessels.

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The Pentagon review was first described as a 30-day exercise but is now expected to take until the end of the year, raising doubts about the Trump administrations commitment to AUKUS. The Washington Post reported last week that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had assured Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles that the Trump administration would back AUKUS. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here.
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WorldEuropeTrump diplomacy We want that base back: Trump reveals military plan to counter China David Crowe September 19, 2025  12:45am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

London: US President Donald Trump has revealed plans to assert American control of a key air base in Afghanistan to ensure US forces will be within striking distance of Chinese nuclear facilities, highlighting concerns about the military threat from the rising superpower. Trump aired the plan ahead of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the same time he said he was willing to do other things to end the war in Ukraine after applying large tariffs on India and China. US President Donald Trump at a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday. Getty Images The comments came during a press conference with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to conclude a state visit to the UK filled with royal ceremony, while both leaders agreed to disagree on the recognition of a Palestinian state. The Bagram air base, located in north-eastern Afghanistan and close to the borders of China and Pakistan, was seized by the Taliban in 2021 ahead of the US exodus from the country under former president Joe Biden.

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Trump said he wanted the US to regain access to the air base and reverse the decision to hand it to Afghanistan. We gave it to them for nothing. Were trying to get it back, by the way. OK, that could be a little breaking news, he said at the press conference with Starmer. An Afghan soldier walks through the abandoned former US base at Bagram in 2021. AP Were trying to get it back because they need things from us. We want that base back. But one of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, its an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. Trump also signalled a deal to be done to gain American control of the US arm of TikTok, another key issue with China given the social media platform is owned by Chinese company ByteDance  a sore point with security agencies.

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It helped to get me elected, Trump said, adding that he won younger US voters with his posts on the platform. He said the outcome of the negotiations would be that it would be owned by all-American investors, but he did not say whether this would only apply to the US subsidiary. The remarks came at the closing phase of a two-night visit that included a carriage procession, a military parade, a state banquet, a visit to the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II and an overnight stay at Windsor Castle for Trump and his wife, Melania. Loading The state visit  the first time a US president has been given the honour twice  included investment pledges from US companies worth billions of dollars, with a big focus on building data centres to power artificial intelligence services.

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On Ukraine, the two leaders appeared to be aligned after Trump repeated his complaints about European countries buying Russian oil at the same time they asked the US to apply more economic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. If the price of oil comes down, Putins going to drop out. Hes going to have no choice. Hes going to drop out of that war, Trump said. He added that he had been willing to sanction India over its purchases of Russian oil, in a reference to his decision to apply a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the US. China is paying a very large tariff right now to the United States, but Im willing to do other things  but not when the people that Im fighting for are buying oil from Russia, he said. If the oil price comes down, very simply, Russia will settle, and the oil price is way down.

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Trump singled out Starmer for praise on this point, saying the British leader was also disappointed at the oil purchases, adding that it wasnt him but was the fault of other countries. Related Article Trade deals Break that grip: Trump demands NATO targets China over Ukraine war The biggest NATO members buying oil from Russia are Turkey, Hungary and Slovakia. Starmer placed a heavier emphasis on urgent support for Ukraine as well as sanctions against Russia when he spoke at the press conference, which was held at the prime ministers official residence, Chequers, outside London. We have to put extra pressure on Putin, and its only when the president has put pressure on Putin that hes actually shown any inclination to move, said Starmer. So we have to ramp that pressure up.

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The UK leader listed recent Russian moves, including the damage to and bombing of the British Council office in Kyiv, the European Union embassy in the same city, the attack on a Ukrainian ministerial office and the incursion of Russian drones into Polish territory as examples of tactics that needed to be stopped. If you put that together, what you can see is either an emboldenment or at least an increased recklessness on Putins part, he said. Trump said Ukraine was heading to a third world war but did not pose a direct threat to America. The joint press conference was marked by a co-operative approach from Trump and Starmer. Getty Images The press conference was marked by a co-operative approach from the two leaders, without a clash between Trump and the media.

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Starmer expressed his condemnation of the murder of American conservative Charlie Kirk last week and insisted that the UK would defend free speech, while Trump repeated his opinion that late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel deserved to be taken off the air. US television network ABC halted Kimmels show this week after he made remarks about the accused murderer and the MAGA movement that supports Trump, a long-time critic of Kimmel and other comedians. On Palestine, Starmer said he spoke to Trump about the recognition of a Palestinian state during private talks that ran for about one hour in the morning before their press conference. The UK leader condemned Hamas as a terrorist group but said that recognising a Palestinian state would help ensure peace  an argument Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects. Trump, who supports Netanyahu on this question, said he and Starmer disagreed. Trump and Starmer also talked up the massive investments in technology after talks with visiting executives such as Microsofts Satya Nadella, OpenAIs Sam Altman, Apples Tim Cook and Nvidias Jensen Huang.

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Starmers office badged the results as a tech prosperity deal and claimed it would bring investment worth 150 billion ($307 billion) into the UK from US companies and that this would create 7600 jobs. Related Article Analysis

Royal family With sharp speech, King Charles just showed the point behind the pomp On those numbers, the investment would equate to almost 20 million for each job, but the UK government did not outline the details of the employment forecasts for each of the deals. The promises include a 100 billion pledge from Blackstone over the next decade and 3.9 billion from investment firm Prologis into a Cambridge Biomedical Campus and other projects. Another investment will come from defence company Palantir, which will put 1.5 billion to projects in the UK.

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When investment is calculated in both directions, including British pledges for American projects, the UK government estimates the value at 250 billion, about $512 billion. It is the biggest investment package of its kind in British history by a country mile, Starmer said. 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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Analysis WorldEuropeRoyal family With sharp speech, King Charles just showed the point behind the pomp David Crowe September 18, 2025  9:53am 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

London: The British have agonised for months about the time and money being lavished on Donald Trump for his second state visit to their country, wondering why they were treating the United States president with such honour. King Charles just showed them that pomp has a point. And it can be a very sharp one, when delivered so smoothly that nobody feels any pain. The King and US President Donald Trump inspect a guard of honour at Windsor Castle. Getty Images There was immense goodwill during Trumps state visit at Windsor Castle on Wednesday ahead of the state banquet honouring Trump, and Charles seemed to be enjoying himself. Watch the sword! the King joked with Trump after they reviewed the guard of honour and faced the guard captain, who raised the weapon to signal the end of the inspection. Trump came face-to-face with military discipline, tradition and duty.

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There was some steel and some sharpness in the Kings address to Trump at the banquet, almost as if he were holding up the same weapon with his words. He reminded Trump of the military alliance between the US and the United Kingdom, and the way the allies had defeated tyranny  without needing to name Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 50 words, Charles sent a message to Trump about helping Ukraine, preventing threats to Europe, cementing the AUKUS pact and working with Australia. It seemed to be precisely the message British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wanted Trump to hear. Loading It is not unusual for the King to compress a big message into one of his speeches: he did so on climate change in his address to parliament in Canberra in October, although it was overshadowed by interjections from Senator Lidia Thorpe. With Trump, however, the King was more pointed. It was unusual for an address of this kind to mention a defence pact such as AUKUS, with the added reference to Australia. Why even mention it?

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The remark showed two things. The first is that the British feel they need to keep reminding Trump that AUKUS matters, signalling their anxiety about his commitment to the pact. The second is that the British want to reinforce the fact that Australia is part of the deal. King Charles and Donald Trump dine together at the state banquet at Windsor Castle. Getty Images Related Article AUKUS King backs AUKUS, Ukraine in message to Trump This will help Anthony Albanese, even if only slightly, should the prime minister meet Trump in New York next week. All Albanese has to do is tell Trump how glad he was to hear the King mention Australia and AUKUS. The submarine deal will be suddenly wrapped in the magic of the monarchy. Albanese can thank Starmer, a close ally and friend among world leaders, if and when he sees him in the UK after leaving New York, in the days after the likely meeting with Trump.

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Trumps state visit to the UK is not over yet. The ceremonies at Windsor Castle are to be followed by a day of meetings with Starmer on Thursday at Chequers, the prime ministers official residence outside London. This is where the tech billionaires in the presidents delegation  from Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI  will talk about big investment deals. Starmer is looking for economic growth when the British economy is flatlining, and he sees artificial intelligence as a source of that growth. He wants to build the data centres to run the AI services of the future, and he needs to build the power stations  most likely, nuclear  to power the data centres and the rest of the electricity grid. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives at the state banquet on Wednesday. Getty Images Whether Starmer can make any progress with Trump on trade, however, is another matter. The president wants to generate serious revenue from tariffs, without admitting that American households ultimately pay when the added cost is passed on to consumers. Starmer seems unlikely to gain a better deal on steel tariffs and will have to accept the baseline tariff of 10 per cent on most goods. Even a royal banquet will not change that. This should put the Australian debate in perspective because there is little prospect that Australia can get a better deal if the UK cannot.

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Trumps visit to the UK is not popular with the British public. A YouGov and Sky poll this week found that 45 per cent of voters thought the president should not have been invited. Only 30 per cent said it was the right thing to do, while 25 per cent were unsure. Related Article Updated

Trump's America Jimmy Kimmel show pulled by ABC in the US over Charlie Kirk assassination remarks Thousands rallied to protest against Trumps arrival. One demonstrator, Jayne Evans, a retired journalist from Norwich, said she joined the protest because Trump frightened her. The thing that really, really bothers me is how hes shutting down the truth, she said. Hes twisting the truth. Its a playbook that goes back in history. Hes following a well-worn playbook in silencing people that he doesnt like. But there were Trump supporters on the streets as well. They like what they hear from Trump about defending borders and turning away migrants. They also like his rejection of net zero targets to reduce carbon emissions.

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Analysis WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Make no mistake, this is a purge of political opponents  and the end of free speech Michael Koziol September 18, 2025  11:49am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 544 View all comments

Washington: The White House warned us it was going to crack down on left-wing activists. The US attorney-general told us she was coming after hate speech, and that employers were obliged to sack people who said objectionable things. We just didnt know the next victim would be Jimmy Kimmel. The American ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmels show off air indefinitely after comments he made about Charlie Kirk two nights ago. Getty The extraordinary decision of Americas ABC network to suspend Kimmels late-night comedy show  over genuinely milquetoast content on the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk  should be and is a wake-up call for all proponents of free expression in the United States and around the world. It is a perfect distillation of the way Donald Trump deploys government power to vanquish his critics and steamroll organisations to bend to his will, even if the US president himself did not order the decision.

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First, he installed a loyal MAGA ally and sycophant, Brendan Carr, as chairman of industry regulator the Federal Communications Commission. Then, he publicly and vocally made clear his distaste for Kimmel and other late-night hosts  including Stephen Colbert, whose show has also been cancelled  and used social media to berate network owners over their programming. We dont know what he may have said behind closed doors to Walt Disney chief executive Bob Iger, whose company owns ABC. Loading But we do know that Nexstar, one of the major owners of US television stations, wants to acquire a rival, Tegna, in a $US6.2 billion ($9.3 billion) deal that requires approval from  you guessed it  the Federal Communications Commission. And it was Nexstar which on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) first said it would stop running Kimmels show on its 32 ABC affiliates, citing the comedians offensive and insensitive remarks about Kirk.

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Sinclair, another major ABC affiliate, has also proposed a merger with Tegna. Lo and behold, Sinclair also refused to air Kimmels show due to his inappropriate and deeply insensitive comments. Hours before ABCs decision, Carr was on a YouTube show hosted by hard-right commentator Benny Johnson, threatening ABC, Disney and TV stations if they did not act against Kimmel. He raised the possibility of fining broadcasters or revoking station licences. Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. New York Times We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said. These companies can find ways to change conduct, take action frankly on Kimmel, or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead  The FCC is going to have remedies that we could look at. Shortly afterwards, Kimmel was yanked off the air.

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There is no effort to hide the coercion. Station owners who need to curry favour with the administration are issuing statements sucking up to Trump, and Trumps hand-picked industry regulator is making threats on a podcasters YouTube show. Its an Occams razor situation, CNNs chief media analyst Brian Stelter said. Its exactly what it looks like. Donald Trump appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2015. AP What did Kimmel say? He chided the MAGA movement for desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it. From what we are learning from police and the courts, it seems the alleged perpetrator in the Kirk case was becoming politically radicalised from the left. So yes, Kimmel implied something that wasnt right.

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He also mocked Trump  and frankly, who didnt  for pivoting so carelessly from mourning Kirk to boasting about construction of his new White House ballroom. But so what? This was pretty unremarkable stuff for anyone, let alone a late-night comedian whose job it is to pillory the powerful. At the end of the day, its something someone said on TV. Donald Trump at Windsor Castle, in the UK, on Wednesday. Getty Images What we are witnessing is a full-scale assault on, and consequent purge of, Trumps perceived critics by the MAGA movement, which has weaponised so-called cancel culture to go after its enemies, and is using the power of high office to do it. Johnson, the YouTuber, was open about what just happened. Its called soft power, he said on X. The Left uses it all the time. Thanks to President Trump, the Right has learned how to wield power as well.

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He has a point there. In the era of identity politics, which some argue is in recess, progressives have been only too willing to tarry, censor and de-platform those deemed to have transgressed. Even universities, supposedly the home of intellectual rigour and debate, have tried to protect students from ideas those students may find distasteful. Related Article Updated

Trump's America Jimmy Kimmel show pulled by ABC in the US over Charlie Kirk assassination remarks The right has done this too, at times. But we are now seeing it turbocharged  led by a vengeful president with the full weight of the state behind him, and with loyal lieutenants installed in every office to make it happen. Those behind this decision will argue it was a commercial one  and maybe it was  but such decisions arent made in a vacuum. They are made under duress from commercial realities created by a government that has done away with free speech and is knocking on the door of oligarchy and authoritarianism. US Attorney-General Pam Bondi warned in recent days the administration was coming after anti-conservative hate speech. Her Department of Justice would prosecute businesses that refused to print a Charlie Kirk flyer, she said.

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by Xinhua writer Ma Yunfei

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- When the Germans invaded Poland in 1939, guerrillas in northeast China had already fought eight winters in frigid blizzards, as Asia's anti-fascist struggle began with China's resistance following Japanese provocations 94 years ago on Sept. 18, 1931.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army (NAJUA) under CPC leadership waged a struggle against Japanese aggression in northeast China for 14 years. In his report on a brief history of the struggle, Mu Qing, China's prominent journalist and the late former president of Xinhua News Agency, called it "unprecedented in Chinese history in terms of brutality and hardship."

"It was a history written with blood and sacrifice, yet it also stands as a testament to the glory and pride of the Chinese nation in the face of a brutal enemy invasion," Mu wrote.

This summer, I embarked on a reporting and research trip to the three provinces of northeast China alongside several colleagues from different departments of Xinhua. As a native of northeast China, I was delighted to return to my hometown, Changchun in Jilin Province, even if we only stayed there briefly for one night.

During the week-long journey, we visited numerous memorial sites, including the Northeast China Revolutionary Martyr's Memorial Hall, built on the former site of the Harbin Police Department of puppet state of "Manchukuo" during World War II, and the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, which silently testifies to and serves as a stark indictment of the anti-human atrocities of war.

We also visited former guerrilla base areas and battlefields where the NAJUA had fought. Most importantly, throughout the journey, we learned about their heroic stories. We were filled with profound reverence and a renewed appreciation for the priceless peace we enjoy today.

THE FROZEN FRONT

It seemed that no other army in the world shared the fate of the NAJUA, whose principal founders and leaders mostly died in battle. Nor has any other army endured such relentless threats -- starvation, freezing and combat -- for over a decade, from its commander-in-chief down to ordinary soldiers.

Yet it was this very force, under CPC's leadership, that fought for 14 years, annihilating more than 170,000 Japanese troops and over 50,000 puppet soldiers, while pinning down as many as some 760,000 well-equipped Japanese troops, making an indelible contribution to the World Anti-Fascist War.

After the victory in the War of Resistance in 1945, Peng Zhen, late Chinese proletarian revolutionary and one of the leaders of the CPC, once put the NAJUA's 14-year struggle as one of the three most arduous chapters throughout the over two decades of history of the CPC-led revolution, standing alongside the Long March of the Red Army and the three-year guerrilla warfare waged by the Red Army in southern China.

The hardships endured during NAJUA's resistance surpassed anything I could have imagined. In winter, the region became a frozen world of ice and snow, with howling winds so bitter that water would freeze instantly. Lighting a fire was extremely dangerous, as even a thin wisp of smoke rising above the treetops could attract enemy troops.

In such conditions, not to mention grain, even wild grass was buried under thick snow. The NAJUA soldiers were forced to subsist on tree bark, cotton wadding, and even their own boiled wula shoes, a kind of shoe made from cattle hide and stuffed with carex meyeriana, worn in the winter in northeast China. Even when they could take shelter in underground hideouts, frostbite and even amputations were commonplace among the guerrilla fighters.

Even in summer, the mountain forests were filled with deadly threats, from swarms of mosquitoes and flies to venomous snakes and sudden, unexplained outbreaks of disease. Meanwhile, Japanese and collaborationist forces severed all ties between the resistance fighters and local villagers, making the supply of food and medicine extremely difficult.

In the ancient forests of Hongshilazi in Panshi City of Jilin Province, CPC's first anti-Japanese base in northeast China and a nationally protected site linked to the NAJUA, the conditions were exceedingly harsh. Meng Qingxu from the Jilin provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology, who led the Hongshilazi Site excavation team, pointed to a large stone with a relatively smooth surface and told us that it served as an operating table where gunshot wounds and bone fractures were treated for the soldiers.

UNCONQUERABLE SOULS

The Hongshilazi anti-Japanese base was built by CPC member Ma Shangde, who had united disparate local anti-Japanese militias into a cohesive resistance force with a clear, powerful rallying cry: "Chinese don't fight Chinese; save the bullets for the enemies." As one of the founders and key leaders of NAJUA, Ma would later be immortalized in history under his heroic name, General Yang Jingyu.

Yang Jingyu is a household name in China, and his heroic deeds are included in school textbooks in China. During the War of Resistance, under extremely harsh conditions, Yang led anti-Japanese armed forces, braving the severe cold of minus 40 degrees Celsius, fighting bloody battles against enemies several times their number. Wartime archive documented that in the over 100 days leading up to his martyrdom at 35, Yang engaged in approximately 47 battles against enemy forces.

When Yang sacrificed himself, not a single grain of food was found in his stomach, but only withered grass, tree bark and cotton wool. A few years later, Ryuichiro Kishitani, the Japanese commander who had witnessed the death of General Yang Jingyu, committed suicide. "With iron-blooded soldiers like Yang Jingyu, China will certainly not perish," he wrote in his will.

Another legendary hero of the resistance and revered NAJUA commander who struck fear into the hearts of the Japanese forces was General Zhao Shangzhi, who fought against the invaders in Heilongjiang Province in the north. Operating under extremely arduous and perilous conditions, Zhao led his forces in over a hundred battles against the Japanese and puppet troops, repelling numerous large-scale "encirclement and suppression" campaigns.

The Battle of Bingtangzi was a successful ambush orchestrated by Zhao. In this engagement, the NAJUA suffered minimal casualties while annihilating over 300 Japanese soldiers and seizing large quantities of weapons and ammunition. "A small 'Manchukuo,' but a giant of a man, Zhao Shangzhi" was the frustrated lament of the Japanese invaders. Zhao was 34 years old at the time of his sacrifice.

The heroism of the NAJUA heroines was no less monumental. As one of the most lionized female revolutionary martyrs, Zhao Yiman was a pivotal figure in northeast China's anti-Japanese resistance. Captured in 1935, she endured brutal torture but divulged nothing to the enemy. Executed at the age of 31 in 1936, she urged her young son in her final words to take pride in her sacrifice for the nation.

"It's my regret that I haven't fulfilled a mother's duty to raise and guide you. There will be no chance for us to meet again in this life. My most beloved child, I have no need for a thousand words to teach you. I teach you by how I have lived. When you are grown, I hope you will never forget that your mother gave her life for the country," Zhao wrote in a letter.

In October 1938, eight female NAJUA soldiers, led by 23-year-old Leng Yun, drew enemy fire to protect the main force's retreat, ultimately leaping into the icy Wusihun River in Linkou County of Heilongjiang when surrounded, sacrificing their lives, with the youngest barely 13. This has become one of the most tragic and heroic episodes of the war.

THOSE WHO REMEMBER

Throughout the journey, I was deeply moved and profoundly inspired by the spirit of the NAJUA, a legacy built upon unwavering loyalty to the Party, the courage to brave national calamity and the valor to fight until the very end. It has also made me cherish all the more the peace we enjoy today, which was won through such sacrifice.

What moved me even more was witnessing so many people who still remember these heroes and are dedicated to sharing their heroic stories with generations to come.

At a memorial park in Heilongjiang's Shangzhi City, formerly known as Zhuhe County, which was renamed after General Zhao Shangzhi to honor his sacrifices, I met 72-year-old Yang Yan, who is a former director of the Shangzhi Martyrs Memorial and has continued to serve as a volunteer guide since her retirement.

She led the way and guided me to the very end of a stone trail -- the site where Zhao Yiman was wounded in battle and later captured 90 years ago. "I wipe the dust from her statue every time I visit," Yang said, plucking a leaf from a nearby branch and gently brushing the base of Zhao Yiman's likeness. "She was the same age as my grandmother."

In Jingyu County of Jilin Province, which is likewise named after the hero, docents like Li Yan at the General Yang Jingyu Memorial Hall at the site of his martyrdom are keeping his story alive. Every time she recounts the general's final moments, her eyes well up with tears. "From the moment I started this job, I was deeply moved by General Yang Jingyu's story. I want to use whatever strength I have to pass on this revolutionary spirit and heritage," she said.

The memorial draws groups of young visitors every year who come to pay their respects. Liu Xuanwei, a local young CPC member, said that since childhood, his grandparents taught him to learn from General Yang's example and contribute his own part to the Party, the country and the people.

In Harbin, a stark black cube now stands on the site where the notorious Unit 731 of the Imperial Japanese Army conducted gruesome germ warfare tests and human experimentation during World War II. The museum records and preserves the evidence of these inhuman wartime atrocities.

A 76-meter tunnel leads into daylight at the exit of the exhibition hall, its walls inscribed with victims' testimonies and confessions from former Unit 731 members. "Don't look back. Walk forward. Ahead lies the light, the warmth of life, and a nation thriving in peace," a guide's voice echoed through the tunnel. Step by step, visitors followed the path forward.

At the Northeast China Revolutionary Martyr's Memorial Hall, among the countless heartfelt messages left by visitors, one note on a slip of paper deeply moved me.

"History books are too small to hold your immense greatness. Every page I turn speaks of a whole life dedicated and sacrificed," read a message written by Li Xinuo, a fifth-grader from Harbin Jihong Primary School. In her earnest, childlike handwriting, she expressed a truth more moving than many adult words.

Other visitors had left messages too: "We never met, yet I live by your grace," and "Please come see our happy lives in the New China you made possible."

How I wish they could see the peaceful new China they gave their lives to build. 
A Regional Workshop in the Asia Pacific Region on Customs Laboratory Matters was held in Qingdao, China, from 25 to 29 August 2025. The Workshop was organized by the World Customs Organization in cooperation with China Customs and with the sponsorship of the Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) of China. It was facilitated by experts from the WCO Secretariat and China Customs, including a WCO accredited expert on Customs Laboratory matters from China Customs.

The Regional Workshop brought together 18 officials from 17 Customs Administrations: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

With his opening remarks, Mr. Wu Haiping, Vice Minister of the General Administration of China Customs (GACC), called on the global Customs community to foster a more open, fair, and sustainable trade environment, highlighting proposals for advancing Customs laboratory development, including leveraging Smart Customs to empower laboratories, strengthening regional cooperation, and enhancing the role of the WCO Regional Customs Laboratories.

The Workshop focused on strengthening the knowledge of Customs laboratories, the HS classification, and the relevant WCO tools. Presentations covered the General Interpretative Rules, legal provisions related to diverse product classifications, WCO Smart Customs projects as well as Operation DEMETER XI. Through discussions and practical exercises, participants shared experiences, tackled classification challenges, and deepened their understanding of analytical approaches.

As part of the Agenda, participants visited the Customs Laboratory of Qingdao and Qingdao Port. They were introduced to laboratory methods, equipment, safety standards, and procedures, as well as the advanced Customs control operations and fully automated container terminal of the Qingdao Port.

At the conclusion of the Workshop, all participants expressed their satisfaction and appreciation to the WCO and China Customs for the fruitful Workshop.

This Workshop marks a crucial step in enhancing regional cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices among Customs laboratories, reinforcing the commitment of the WCO and its member countries to maintain the integrity of international trade and promote fair and efficient Customs procedures.
People view a poster of the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Sept. 18, 2025. A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history. The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II opened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War.

In many Chinese cities, theaters scheduled the first screenings of the film for exactly 9:18 a.m. -- a symbolic nod to the date of the September 18 Incident. The movie also opened Thursday in Australia and New Zealand, and is set to reach North American theaters on Friday.

The film follows Wang Yongzhang, a local vendor, and others imprisoned in the "special prison" of Unit 731, where they were lured by false promises of freedom in return for cooperating with supposed health checks and disease prevention research, only to become victims of horrific medical experiments, including frostbite tests, gas exposure and vivisection.

Unit 731, a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base in Pingfang District of Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, became the nerve center for Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. 

A man walks past a poster of the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)

A woman collects a ticket beside a poster of the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2025.

A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

A man collects tickets beside a poster of the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2025.

A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

A man stands beside a poster of the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Audience watch the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)

Audience watch the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Audience watch the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)

Audience watch the film "Evil Unbound" at a cinema in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

A new film depicting the atrocities of Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II was screened in theaters across China on Thursday, coinciding with a significant anniversary in the nation's wartime history.

The release of "Evil Unbound" fell on Sept. 18, the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's war of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)
The special judge in one of the states civil cases against Jamey Noel, said Noel should pay the amount as punitive damages.
Ktrich Nersesyan, known to Armenians as Catholicos Karekin II, went to complain to the Vatican. In Armenia and the allied countries, the head of the Armenian Church no longer seeks "truth" because he is being sent from everywhere, to put it mildly. And at home, he is generally threatened with re-election.

Thanks to the completely new policy pursued by Nikol Pashinyan in Armenia, Etchmiadzin has been practically isolated from society in the last couple of years and has almost lost its influence on the mass consciousness of Armenians. Ktrich and his gang of perverts in cassocks now only have to defend themselves and fend off blows. What a divine attitude there is. Churchmen are now favored only at separatist and revanchist gatherings. And in order to make himself known, Ktrich decided to run all the way to the Vatican. And he achieved his goal - finally, the media is not writing about him in a criminally corrupt context.

In the Holy See, Nersesyan portrayed himself as the spiritual leader of world Armenians, a fighter for the rights of a "small but proud" people. The latter refers to the Armenian separatists who are currently sitting in the dock in Baku, as well as the Armenians who voluntarily left Karabakh.

During the meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Ktrich Nersesyan complained about Azerbaijan and the fate of the Armenians of Karabakh. At a meeting with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, he called for the protection of the "rights of the Armenians of Artsakh", the preservation of the non-existent "cultural and historical heritage" of the non-existent "Nagorno-Karabakh", as well as the release of war criminals, saboteurs and terrorists detained by the Azerbaijani side. Nersesyan used, as he probably thinks, the coolest weapon - he called for the assistance of Christian churches "to establish lasting and lasting peace in the region."

In a word, he was talking traditional nonsense.

Given the relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, there is no doubt that no encouraging promises or even hopes were given to Ktrich. The Vatican knows what's what. It should be recalled that after the international scientific conference on the heritage of Caucasian Albania held at the Gregorian Pontifical University of the Holy See in April, the Armenians and the church attacked the late Pope Francis and Secretary of State Parolin for never calling the voluntary departure of Armenians from Karabakh "ethnic cleansing." The calculation on the notorious "Christian brotherhood" was not justified, and the nationalist circles were furious.

Now Etchmiadzin is trying to make a wedge for the new head of the Vatican, playing on religious feelings that the Armenians have successfully used before. And he's very nervous because the old method doesn't work.

The uproar over the highly controversial "cultural and historical heritage" of the Armenians did not elicit the expected reaction. Perhaps if Armenian propaganda had placed more emphasis on the Christian heritage, the effect would have been greater, but then the Armenian church would have to admit that it was about the Albanian Christian heritage. Therefore, complaints were always specified. It is surprising that on this trip, Ktrich-Garegin spoke about the "legacy of Nagorno-Karabakh" and not specifically about the Armenian one. It was probably decided to change tactics in order to achieve at least some result. For example, a joint statement, words of condemnation against Baku, or appeals.

Nothing like that followed. The fact is that the history of the Armenian nation and the Armenian Church was once created, including within the walls of the Vatican, and they know the match better than anywhere else. In today's realities, this tool has already lost its relevance, it is no longer suitable for use, but the Armenians continue to demand something like an overgrown chick.





Ktrich Nersesyan is trying in vain. The narrative about the alleged religious nature of the Karabakh conflict, about the alleged religious motives of the trial of the separatists, burst like a soap bubble. It didn't catch on, no matter how hard the lobby tried. In some parliaments, they still continue to earn fees from the diaspora by organizing some kind of hearings and resolutions, but this is all done by inertia and slows down the speed.

After the Washington agreements between Baku and Yerevan, no one wants to get involved in the peace process, not wanting to be in the role of its destroyer. Passions subsided, but the reality remained as Azerbaijan created it. The Armenians did not expect Baku to "get away with" the events of September 2023. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians were displaced from Karabakh to Armenia in order to draw attention to this issue, to get Baku's condemnation, sanctions and other troubles on our heads. And nothing came of it. It was a huge, simply terrible and irreparable mistake by the ideologists of separatism, who misjudged the situation and did not want to perceive the realities sensibly. Now Ktrich Nersesyan complains to the Pope, as if he can make a difference for the Armenians.

The effort is in vain. No one can change anything in the realities of the region. Azerbaijan and Armenia are already moving towards peace, and it is more important for Baku which campaigns official Yerevan has chosen, and not some perverted churchman from Etchmiadzin.

As for the legacy, Nersesyan should know that the Azerbaijani side has thousands of arguments for each of his lies. The destruction of the historical Christian heritage in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur is the work of Armenian separatists and occupiers, Armenian historians and politicians. Azerbaijan is now saving what the occupiers did not have time to destroy or alter. We want to bring back the Christian history of Karabakh, to restore it as it really was before the arrival of the Armenians in the region and before the granting of autonomy to the Armenians in the Azerbaijani lands. Autonomy and unlimited unspoken rights allowed the newcomers to carry out the Armenization of this region for a hundred years, appropriating the ancient Christian heritage of Caucasian Albania.

And also about the cultural and historical heritage. The invaders did not leave a stone unturned from the legacy of the true owners of this land, wiping hundreds of monuments and dozens of mosques from the face of the earth. The Vatican knows about it too.

Therefore, it is better for Ktrich Nersesyan to swallow his tongue.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China urges the European Union (EU) to refrain from weaponizing tariffs, eliminate market barriers and promote fair competition, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

Ministry spokesperson He Yadong made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a question about Volkswagen's recent announcement that it would launch the ID.1 low-cost electric vehicle (EV) model.

The move meets market demand and consumer expectations, as EU consumers seek a wider variety of products with more advanced performance at better prices, the spokesperson said.

China's EV sector has driven the electrification and intelligent shift of the industry, he noted, while adding that European automakers are fully capable of adapting to market competition and taking part in the industry's transformation.

Technological innovation and full industrial-chain cooperation have yielded an exceptionally strong pricetoperformance ratio, which is the core driver of the EV sector's growth, the spokesperson said. "This is also why Chinese EVs are widely favored by consumers and a key factor supporting global efforts, including in the EU, to tackle climate change."

Stressing that "protectionism leads nowhere," the spokesperson stated that the EU has baselessly labeled Chinese EV makers as "subsidized" because of their strong pricetoperformance ratio -- and has abused antisubsidy measures. Such actions create market barriers and interfere with free competition, He added.

"Practice has shown that protectionism cannot withstand the power of the market, nor can it block the rational choices of EU consumers," he said.

The EU should follow the trend toward industrial cooperation and work with China to foster a fair, non-discriminatory and predictable market environment for EV development, thereby supporting global climate action and the green transition, he said.

"Cooperation is the right path. We welcome European products in the Chinese market and are ready to deepen cooperation in the EV sector," he added. 
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday reiterated Taiwan's status as an inalienable part of China's territory, responding to recent remarks from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the historical and legal facts clearly show that Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times.

A host of documents with international legal effect, including the 1943 Cairo Declaration, the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, collectively reaffirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan, Chen said.

Taiwan's return to China was an important component of the outcomes of victory in World War II and the post-war international order, Chen said.

"The United States, as a signatory of the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation and one of the WWII victors, is fully aware of the historical and legal facts -- that Taiwan is a part of China and has been restored to China -- yet it has brazenly peddled the 'undetermined status of Taiwan' fallacy," he said.

Chen condemned the United States for slandering and vilifying China's legitimate actions to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, misleading international public opinion, violating international law and the basic norms of international relations, and sending a gravely erroneous signal to separatists in Taiwan.

Chen urged the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques. He also criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities for manipulating specific media outlets to stage "a coordinated performance" with certain U.S. institutions in advocating the fallacy that "Taiwan's status is undetermined."

"Historical facts cannot be altered, and Taiwan's status as a part of China is indisputable," Chen stated, stressing that national reunification is an inevitable historical trend. 
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A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025. Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

SHENYANG, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province, to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

At exactly 9:18 a.m., 14 representatives from various sectors struck a huge bell 14 times, symbolizing the 14 years of bitter struggle against Japanese invaders.

Across the city, three minutes of air-raid sirens and vehicle horns echoed, as pedestrians stood still in silent tribute.

Since 1995, Shenyang has sounded the air-raid alarm every year to commemorate the September 18 Incident.

On Sept. 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for their attack later that night against barracks near Shenyang, starting the premeditated invasion of China. 

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A ceremony to commemorate the September 18 Incident is held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao)

A police officer takes off his hat and stands still to commemorate the September 18 Incident in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

Vehicles stop and drivers wail their sirens to commemorate the September 18 Incident in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 18, 2025.

Sirens wailed and a bell tolled in northeast China on Thursday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, which marked the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Hundreds of people, including veterans and their relatives, gathered on the square of the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang to honor those who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

People visit a memorial hall for the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in western Yunnan, in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Sept. 18, 2025. People across China on Thursday commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)

People pay tributes to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery of a memorial hall for the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in western Yunnan, in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Sept. 18, 2025. People across China on Thursday commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)

(250918) -- NANJING, Sept. 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- People visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 18, 2025. People across China on Thursday commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Photo by Du Yi/Xinhua)

(250918) -- NANJING, Sept. 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- People visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 18, 2025. People across China on Thursday commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Photo by Du Yi/Xinhua)

(250918) -- HULUN BUIR, Sept. 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- A man visits a memorial park for the World Anti-Fascist War in Hulun Buir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 18, 2025. People across China on Thursday commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui)

(250918) -- HULUN BUIR, Sept. 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows people visiting a memorial park for the World Anti-Fascist War in Hulun Buir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. People across China on Thursday commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Bei He)

(250918) -- HULUN BUIR, Sept. 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Students visit a memorial park for the World Anti-Fascist War in Hulun Buir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 18, 2025. People across China on Thursday commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui)

(250918) -- HULUN BUIR, Sept. 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- People visit a memorial park for the World Anti-Fascist War in Hulun Buir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 18, 2025. People across China on Thursday commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Xinhua/Bei He)
Tom Tuite

A young woman has been charged with false imprisonment stemming from a Garda investigation into thefts from vulnerable adults in Dublin.

The 18-year-old, who cannot be named because she was aged 17 and still a minor when initially accused of connected theft offences, appeared at the Dublin Children's Court.

She had been charged eight months beforehand by officers from the Serious Crime Unit at Pearse Street Garda Station with theft of 500 from Joshua Spurling, 23, at Aston Quay, Dublin 2, on January 21st.

The student with Down syndrome from Greystones, Co. Wicklow, had been on a college trip to the city that day.

The complainant's mother, Ruth Spurling, spoke on RTE's Liveline days afterwards.

However, gardai received directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to charge the teenage defendant with false imprisonment of two males, including Mr Spurling, at Aston Quay, and the second complainant in the Ilac Centre, on January 20th.

The DPP also directed that the case is to go forward to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

She has not yet entered a plea and was remanded on bail by Judge Brendan Toale to appear again later this month to be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.

The teen must remain outside Dublin 2, except for attending legal advice sessions and residing at their current home address.

A bail condition prohibits her from approaching people with intellectual disabilities or any educational courses they attended.

Her sister, who is one year younger, is also before the courts on connected charges.

They were also accused of stealing sums totalling 703 from another male at two locations on January 20th in the city centre: a store in the Ilac shopping centre and a shop at College Green.
Volkswagens second-generation T-Roc crossover is due to arrive in Ireland in Q2 of 2026.

The previous model introduced in 2017 sold more than two million units worldwide making the model the worlds most successful SUV from Volkswagen after the Tiguan.

The second-generation T-Roc has been developed completely from scratch with a new design and innovative drive systems and more space for up to five people. Boot volume has also been increased to 475 litres. It is the third Volkswagen to be built on the latest version of the modular MQB platform, after the new Tiguan and the Tayron.

Powertrains will be new mild hybrid and full-hybrid engines with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Three grades are planned, each with several option packages.

Pre-sales open later this year.

Your local Volkswagen dealer is Connolly Group in Ballina.
For most appointees of significant posts in public office, the usual measure of their style and effectiveness is their first 100 days. Donald Trump famously proclaimed to the world that within 24 hours of being elected president he would bring to an end the war in Ukraine.

Or, as emerged in his threats to Putin, two weeks time. Neither time-span had to be honoured because, as the world knows, in Trumpian time there is no point at which truth and lies are distinguished. As with Alice in Wonderland, for Trump words mean what he wants them to mean.

It didnt take us long to realise that Trump still had nothing to offer except bluster, nonsense, intimidation, vindictiveness and a devastating mix of childishness and lack of self-awareness. He has made the United States the laughing stock of the world, alienated most of Americas traditional allies and lives in a make-believe world where he doesnt seem to realise the damage hes doing. As Terry Wogan once famously said to a guest on his show, Do you realise that theyre laughing at you not with you?

Much too is being made of Pope Leos first 100 days but in his case to date the evidence is impressive. Two qualities stand out: calmness and confidence. The calmness seems to come from his overwhelming belief that most problems are less intractable the more people are able to really listen to one another. (Its a conviction that dove-tails nicely with the importance of listening to others which is at the very core of the synodal approach as the best and only way being church developed by Pope Francis). Before debate or discussion or discerning solutions, he suggests, we need to listen, really listen by giving others our full and undivided attention.

Leos confidence too is truly remarkable. Even before he became pope, he had the confidence to correct Vice-President JD Vance (who only became a Catholic in 2019) when he used Catholic teaching to justify Trumps draconian immigration policy.

That said, it must have been a surreal moment of holy bewilderment when the reality dawned on Cardinal Robert Prevost in the conclave as the votes begin to dictate the possibility and then the probability and then the reality that though he entered the conclave as a cardinal he would be leaving as pope.

Another surreal moment was to follow when the eyes of the world were trained on the balcony of St Peters, that small narrow space where dramas have unfolded for centuries as pope after pope, inevitably shell-shocked and cautious, was introduced to the millions and now billions of Catholics and Christians, those of faith and no faith and all who were captivated by the extraordinary event emerging before their eyes.

And then as the first actors in the holy frame emerged from the shadows and the cardinal designated to announce a new pope to the world cleared his throat and, as tradition demands, proclaims in Latin  the official language of the Catholic Church  the same words Habemus Papam (We have a pope) and revealed the new popes own name and his chosen name as pope.

Then Cardinal Prevost emerged as Pope Leo XIV on the balcony of St Peters and spoke in English, Italian and Spanish, first slightly faltering words as if the emotion of the occasion was in danger of overwhelming him, then extraordinarily confident words to the massed thousands in St Peters Square and to the billions around the world.

In the 100 days that followed, his calmness and his confidence indicated a serious man with a clear sense of the balance needed in his new role. If Leo appeared to be deliberately walking a tightrope by reaching out to both the liberal and conservative wings of the Church it was fully intended. If the question hanging in the air was whether Leo was a pope like Benedict XVI or Francis I, the answer Leo was proposing was that he was a bit of both. So the first image of him was in the traditional vestments that Benedict loved and this was balanced by a clear statement that the Francis reform would continue. In Irish-speak, he is going to bring both sides of the road with him.

Another example of that balance was the publicity given to two churchmen he invited to meet him. One was the Jesuit priest and LGBTQ+ advocate, Fr James Martin, with whom he echoed Pope Francis words that everyone is welcome in the Church and encouraged Martin to continue his ministry. The meeting and the message, as one commentator expressed it, reassured progressive circles of continuity in pastoral inclusion.

He also invited Cardinal Raymond Burke, a staunch traditionalist, to celebrate the Latin (Tridentine) Mass at St Peters Basilica  a practice restricted under Francis. The gesture is seen as an olive branch to conservatives, helping to reassure conservative Catholics who felt marginalised during Franciss reforms.

Two other straws in the wind encourage confidence in Leos leadership. One is his measured and assured touch in calmly arguing for peace in a world at war. Gaza and Ukraine in particular have elicited a focus on the need for hostages to be released from Gaza, the plight of the exhausted civilian population in Ukraine and for immediate humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

The other is his repeated identification of himself as a son of Augustine. He sees himself as an Augustinian friar, thus highlighting the importance of fraternity and community, indicative of his commitment to shared leadership in the way of Francis. Colm McCann of the Sunday Independent, who spent some time with Leo, reached this reassuring verdict: One thing is clear; he (Leo) doesnt want to be the centre of attention . . . he realises that if you want to speak out, first you have to listen.'

A listening pope is surely a good omen for the building of a synodal church, a Peoples Church.
Local photographer Adam Kaczmarek took a special photo in Aghamore recently as part of a project hes embarked on to bring old photographs back to life.

Having seen a 1988 photograph of local musician Paddy Joe Tighe during a Heritage Week event at Ballyhaunis Community Hall, he organised a re-take of the photo, which featured Paddy Joe and a champion troupe of dancers from Aghamore.

Paddy Joe explains: In 1988, I had the pleasure of being the resident player for the Aghamore set dancing group who won the Readoiri Pioneer Total Abstinence Association All-Ireland Final set dancing competition in Shinrone, County Offaly, on February 27th of that year. The group had also qualified to represent Connacht in the All-Ireland Scor na nOg finals, but sadly we were unable to attend, because both competitions were held on the same date.

"The group were also winners of the All-Ireland Ceol an Gheimhridh (CCE) competition held in Thurles on March 20th that year. The group came first at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Kilkenny City that August. In fact, the group went on to win eight more All-Ireland finals after that.

AND NOW... The Aghamore set dancers, pictured recently by Adam Kaczmarek, from left: Deborah Lane-Lennon, Imelda Hession-Byrne, Georgina Cribben-Ruane, Grainne Kelly-Freyne, Paddy Joe Tighe, Michael Duffy, Cathal Duffy and Adrian Murphy. Thanks to Deborah Lane for helping to get the group together.

The late Seamus Duffy, who was the principal of Aghamore National School, facilitated the group by allowing them to use the school for practicing.

Grainne Kelly-Freyne from Knock was the group's teacher," explained Paddy Joe. "She dedicated a great deal of time and effort to the dancers, making numerous journeys to practice with them. Her eldest son, Davog Freyne, is a very good accordion player and a music and dancing teacher.

"The Piper's Cross Ceili Band was formed by Davog in 2019... they were crowned the All-Ireland Senior Ceili Band Fleadh Cheoil Champions for 2023 in the Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar. This was a historical achievement, as they were the first Mayo band to claim the senior title since the inaugural All-Ireland Fleadh in 1951. Grainne Kelly-Freyne's other sons, Sean and James, are champion Sean-nos and set-dancers, and Sean teaches at Knock Primary School.

Healthcare centre builders return to site

Builders are back on site at the primary healthcare centre on the Knock Road after a two-month break.

The Health Service Executive (HSE), which expects the clinic to open in the first quarter of 2026, explained to this column: The site closed for an extended period in July and August including the traditional two-week builders holidays. This closure allowed the developer to finalise the necessary financing to complete the project.

"This has now been completed and the site has reopened following the summer break. The programme has been revised to reflect this and construction completion is scheduled for Q4 2025. Handover to the HSE and phased occupancy are planned for late 2025 into early 2026. The centre is expected to open Q1 2026."

Wastewater treatment plant fails EPA test again

Ballyhaunis wastewater treatment plant is not compliant with discharge limits for phosphate as set out in its operating license. Thats according to an annual report published by Uisce Eireann on the operation of the treatment plant, located in Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis.

The plants discharge was not compliant with the ELVs [Emission Limit Value, which refers to the maximum amount of pollutants that can be released into the environment by a particular source] set in the wastewater discharge licence for ortho-Phosphate, according to the Uisce Eireann report, which is available on the Uisce Eireann/Irish Water website. Phosphates are a byproduct of animal and human waste as well as fertilisers and cause eutrophication in water bodies, leading to fish kills.

Last years report found the plant was emitting excessive amounts of ammonia, a compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen which at high levels is toxic to aquatic life in waterways.

The Uisce Eireann findings are based on regular monitoring at an upstream and downstream point of the Dalgan River (into which the plant discharges the treated water).

The ambient monitoring results do not meet the required Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) at the upstream and the downstream monitoring locations, notes the report.

The EQS relates to the oxygenation and nutrient conditions set out in Irelands Surface Water Regulations 2009.

A deterioration in water quality has been identified in the river, notes the report, however it is not known if it or is not caused by the wastewater treatment plant".

Other causes of deterioration in water quality in the area are unknown, the report adds.

Worryingly, the report states that the sampling results make the river water unfit for bathing or drinking and describes the Water Framework Directive Ecological Status as poor.

However, the report concludes that the discharge from the wastewater treatment plant does not have an observable negative impact on the Water Framework Directive status, suggesting high levels of pollution from other sources entering the river.

The Dalgan and its tributaries have been designated as a priority area for attention by the Local Area Water Programme (LAWPRO), a state-funded agency attached to the local authorities. The agency has been testing water quality in the river in collaboration with a Citizen Science team at Ballyhaunis Tidy Towns.

Twinning celebration

Preparations are underway to mark the 40th anniversary of the twinning of Ballyhaunis with the French town of Guilers on the last weekend in September.

A group of people are hoping to travel to Ballyhaunis from Guilers for the celebration which will take place in the Community Hall in Ballyhaunis on Sunday, September, 28th explained Rena Burke, chairperson of the Town Twinning committee.

This commemoration celebrates the signing of the twinning charter between Guilers in Brittany and Ballyhaunis in 1985. In advance of the anniversary celebration it is hoped to clean the monument, restore the writings, plant flowers, etc, on Park Guilers in the carpark at the swimming pool.

"The principles of town twinning are solidarity and cooperation through socio-cultural and economic exchanges and those principles are based on equality, inclusion and social justice. Participation in the twinning programme proved to be a rewarding and enriching experience for all involved and the friendships formed and links created have endured to this day.

In a time of increasing division and conflict, we think it is timely to celebrate the friendship which exists with our European neighbours and we would appreciate all support for us in this endeavour. It is an opportunity for us to celebrate our Gaelic culture and promote cultural diversity and inclusion.

"The signs marking the twinning of the two towns also need repainting and we would like to be in a position to do that too. We believe that these initiatives will improve the town and make it even more aesthetically pleasing for everyone. New members will be most welcome on our committee.

Other members on the Town Twinning committee are Mary Finan, secretary; Kevin Hora, treasurer and Martina Kelly, public relations officer.

Pros and cons of new rental requirements

A proposal to compel private landlords to set minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) standards for rental properties could have positive and negative outcomes for tenants, according to Ballyhaunis estate agent Kevin Kirrane.

A proposal introduced by Friends of the Earth aims to reduce spending on fuel by lower-income tenants to heat cold houses  55% of Irelands rental properties have a BER of D or worse, according to research published earlier this year by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

Forcing landlords to upgrade older rental units may just drive them out of the rental market. This is not good for the tenant. The costs incurred by the landlord [in improving the BER] will be passed onto the tenant, leading to more expensive rent, said Mr Kirrane.

A big retrofit of a property could give the landlord a reason to get the property vacant and evict the tenant for three to six months.

However, Mr Kirrane suggests a number of measures that landlords could easily take to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of a property.

"External insulation, upgrading boilers and insulation of thermostats on individual radiators and room thermostats, new seals and hinges on windows and doors All these can be done without too much inconvenience and are a good idea.

The Building Energy Rating (BER) Standards for Private Rented Accommodation Bill 2025 was introduced to the Oireachtas earlier this year by Paul Murphy TD.
VIENTIANE, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Youth representatives from across Laos convened to tackle the urgent issues of child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM) and adolescent pregnancy, with the country among those with the highest rates in Southeast Asia.

A youth-led workshop was held in the Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday, bringing together youth volunteers and officials committed to ending child marriage nationwide, Lao News Agency reported on Thursday.

According to the latest Lao Social Indicator Survey, conducted in partnership with the Lao government and development partners in 2024, about 33 percent of women aged 20-24 in Laos were married before the age of 18. Additionally, 16.7 percent of women in the same age group gave birth before turning 18.

In response to these findings, participants at the workshop were divided into groups to explore the impacts of the CEFM and adolescent pregnancy, and to propose practical solutions.

Lao authorities and development partners remain committed to empowering girls and are working closely with youth and communities to promote comprehensive sexuality education, particularly in the northern provinces.

Child marriage and adolescent pregnancy are deeply interconnected issues that contribute to cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, undermining families, communities, and the country's overall human capital and growth.

The Lao government and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to working with girls and young women to protect and promote their rights. 
URUMQI, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Hooves thundering against the earth, golden dawn spilling over the horizon -- a horse trainer cradled his young daughter as they soared into the air astride a sweat-blood steed.

It was a scene from the opening ceremony of a horse-themed cultural tourism festival this summer in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The trainer, Xierzhat Nurumu, 30, leads the daily training and performances at Xinjiang Yema Group's Ferghana horse (also known as a sweat-blood steed) base in the regional capital Urumqi.

"If you choose a passion, pursue it," Xierzhat said.

A decade ago, his herder parents opposed his decision to make horseback riding his life's work, fearing he would repeat their hardships. Yet, driven by a call from the grasslands, the native of Zhaosu, known as China's "hometown of heavenly horses," left home to join the base.

Xierzhat began with the humblest tasks: brushing coats, preparing feed, and learning proper riding techniques through countless falls and leaps. His perseverance finally transformed him into a skilled professional.

Over the years, Xinjiang Yema Group has employed over 800 farmers and herders, including those from the Kazakh, Kirgiz and Uygur ethnic groups. Now a team captain, Xierzhat trains newcomers with patience, passing on a decade of wisdom.

The dream starting more than 10 years ago now spans generations. Xierzhat's five-year-old daughter, Shakela, often rushes to the stables after kindergarten, her small figure mounting horses with star-bright eyes, mirroring her father's childhood passion.

This summer, the father and daughter returned from Urumqi to Zhaosu to perform together at the horse festival. While their laughter and hoofbeats echoed across the grasslands, the audience erupted in cheers and applause.

The horse festival has also become a catalyst for change. Local herders, such as Bayierta, who trained in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen before returning home to open an equestrian club in 2023, exemplify this shift.

"I grew up on horseback," Bayierta said. "Now I want more people to love horse culture and Zhaosu." His club has employed over 20 local herders as trainers.

Boasting some 122,000 horses, Zhaosu hosted 149 equestrian events in 2024 alone, attracting both domestic and international riders.

The county has established a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing breeding, racing, veterinary care, trade and cultural tourism. The whole industry generated approximately 1.42 billion yuan (about 200 million U.S. dollars) in revenue last year.

From a solitary dreamer to a model that a younger generation follows, Xierzhat, together with many others in the equestrian industry in Zhaosu, is galloping toward boundless horizons. 
KAMPALA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is tightening visa requirements for Ugandan nationals following growing concerns over immigration abuse and criminal activities by some travelers, a senior government official confirmed Thursday.

Oryem Henry Okello, Uganda's minister of state for foreign affairs in charge of international cooperation, told Xinhua by telephone that the UAE has decided to suspend the issuance of long-term visas for certain categories of Ugandan citizens, but stressed that the measure does not amount to a complete travel ban.

The UAE has announced a visa ban for 2026, restricting citizens of several African and European countries, including Uganda, from applying for tourist and work visas.

"According to our ambassador in the UAE, there is no total ban," Oryem said. "They are going to put restrictions on Ugandans traveling to the UAE. There will be no long-term visas -- only short-term visas -- and some categories of people will not be able to receive visas."

Oryem said the UAE authorities are primarily targeting individuals considered at high risk of overstaying their visas or engaging in unlawful activities.

"It is not a blanket prohibition," he said. "Some people will still go, but it will be based on the risk of a person overstaying their visa or failing to respect the laws and culture of the UAE."

Oryem added that Ugandan authorities will not immediately seek negotiations to reverse the restrictions, which are set to take effect in January 2026. 
CANBERRA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Thursday committed to cutting the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 62 to 70 percent from 2005 levels by 2035 under its new climate target.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the long-awaited 2035 emissions reduction target on Thursday, describing it as the "right target" to protect Australia's environment and to protect and advance the economy.

"This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there and built on proven technology," he said at a press conference.

According to government data published in August, Australia's greenhouse gas emissions were 28 percent lower in the year to March 2025 than in 2005.

Albanese's Labor government previously committed to cutting emissions by at least 43 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, which it says it is on track to achieve.

The 2035 target is based on advice from the Climate Change Authority (CCA), the federal government's independent expert advisory body on climate policy.

Matt Kean, chair of the CCA, said on Thursday that he is "hopeful" that Australia can over-achieve on the 2035 target.

He said that the agency set a flexible target in order to be flexible with global uncertainty.

"We have looked at providing a target that will future-proof our industries, future-proof our economy, and future-proof our way of life and the planet," Kean said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Thursday that modeling conducted by the Treasury Department found that Australia's economy can be a "big beneficiary" if the government continues to take decisive action and set clear targets.

In addition to the 2035 target, Albanese also on Thursday announced over eight billion Australian dollars (5.3 billion USD) in new government spending to help drive down emissions.

The funding includes an additional 2 billion AUD (1.3 billion USD) for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), the government agency responsible for facilitating increased flows of finance into clean energy projects, and 5 billion AUD (3.3 billion USD) for a new Net Zero Fund that will help industrial facilities decarbonize.

Another 1.1 billion AUD (731.3 million USD) has been committed to encourage more production of clean fuels in Australia.

Chris Bowen, the minister for climate change and energy, said that the clean energy transition represents a major economic opportunity for Australia.

"Today the Albanese government decided to seize that opportunity," he said.

Prior to Thursday's announcement, environmental groups had called for the government to set a 2035 emissions reduction target of at least 75 percent from 2005 levels, while business groups had advocated for a target not exceeding 70 percent.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific said on Thursday that the 62-70 percent target "undermines" global action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Bran Black, chief executive officer of the Business Council of Australia (BCA), said that the 2035 target was ambitious and would require significant capital investment, major reform and exceptional collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Speaking earlier on Thursday, Sussan Ley - the leader of Australia's conservative opposition - said that the government must be upfront about the cost of meeting the 2035 target.

Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target will be formally submitted later in September at the United Nations General Assembly. 
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- In a memorial hall in Zhijiang, a small county in central China's Hunan Province, 69-year-old Rick Peterson lingered before a display of jackets, flashlights and faded snapshots, his eyes reflecting both wonder and grief as the relics told the story his father had lived, the legendary saga of the Flying Tigers.

"Seeing some of the supplies, equipment and pictures like these, which show what he was doing, was really, really emotional," Peterson said.

During World War II (WWII), Peterson's father served with the Flying Tigers, a group of American volunteer pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces against Japanese invaders, forging a friendship that withstood the test of blood and fire.

More than 2,000 Flying Tigers airmen lost their lives in the war, and the Chinese people, at great personal cost, came to their aid, rescuing more than 200 pilots in distress while thousands of Chinese sacrificed their own lives during the rescue operations.

Earlier this month, Peterson joined other American visitors on a tour of Flying Tigers sites in Hunan, Guangxi and Chongqing, as part of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

What struck him most was how meticulously China has preserved the relics of the Flying Tigers. "It must have been difficult to gather the photos and get people to donate these items," he said. "They did a great job organizing everything and making the timing real."

PRESERVING RELICS

There is no precise count of how many Flying Tigers sites or relics remain in China, but the country has spared no effort over the decades to keep their memory alive, from building museums and organizing exhibitions to preserving former airfields and rescue sites where villagers once risked their lives to protect American pilots.

At the entrance of the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum in Zhijiang, a four-meter statue of Claire Lee Chennault, commander of the Flying Tigers, stands alongside a sculpted group of pilots, evoking their wartime courage. Inside, visitors pass through doors shaped like an aircraft cabin hatch and are greeted by flight suits, oxygen masks, wreckage from downed planes, and the tools Chinese people once used to build airfields.

Completed in 2005 beside Zhijiang airport, one of the Flying Tigers' wartime bases, the museum now covers 53 mu (about 3.5 hectares) and preserves historic sites such as an air force club and a command tower. It receives about 300,000 visitors annually, including several hundred Americans. Its collection has grown to more than 5,000 artifacts.

"Over one-fifth of the relics were donated free of charge by American friends," said Wu Jianhong, head of the museum, adding that he hopes visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made by countless predecessors and the importance of safeguarding hard-won peace.

Zhijiang is not alone. In Lingui District of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Flying Tiger Heritage Park was built on the former Yangtang airport at a cost of nearly 300 million yuan (about 42 million U.S. dollars). It preserves the world's last surviving C-47 transport plane to have flown the treacherous "Hump" route over the Himalayas, along with nearly 300 other relics. After a major upgrade, the park reopened earlier this year.

In central China's Hubei Province, a village was named "Flying Tigers Village" in 2017 to honor an American pilot rescued there and the Chinese who risked their lives to save him. The old wooden house where he once recovered still stands, preserved amid rows of new concrete buildings. When the veteran later died, part of his ashes were laid to rest in Hubei, the very land that had once sheltered him.

"The grave has long been under dedicated care and management," said Yan Jun, a local official. "Many Chinese make special trips to honor this American friend."

LASTING BOND

This year, exhibitions have been held across China, including in Liuzhou and Chongqing, to commemorate the special wartime friendship between China and the United States. Flying Tigers veterans, their descendants and peace advocates have traveled to China to help carry that bond forward.

"Americans don't know very much about WWII in China. That's why visiting a few cities here is so important," said Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.

For years, Greene has devoted himself to the Flying Tigers Friendship Schools and Youth Leadership Program, bringing American students to visit Chinese cities, WWII battlefields, airports and museums to explore and honor the unique bond between Chinese civilians and American pilots.

He said about 110 Chinese and 40 American schools will participate in this program next year.

"Humanity was more important than self-survival. What this shows us is a story from 80 years ago -- how America and China worked together and faced any odds and won. It tells us that today, if America and China work together in technology, ethics, science, or space, we can win," Greene said.

For Peterson, the journey was deeply personal. His father had spent years speaking in schools, sharing the story of the Flying Tigers because he never wanted to witness another war that claimed so many lives.

Now Peterson hopes to carry the torch. "I will share my experiences in China with more people," he said. 
Wits launches research centre to solve South Africas water challenges

Wits:H2O is a research grouping that brings together government, business, academia, and civil society to bring real-world solutions to water challenges.

South Africas water emergency is deepening, with more frequent regional Day Zero type events occurring, prolonged local supply failures in metros and smaller municipalities and collapsing infrastructure leaving millions vulnerable.

While the access to water is a natural and basic human right, water crises like we see in South Africa today are human-made: human action can solve them. Today, the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, launched its flagship water research centre, Wits:HO in response to these water crises.

Previously known as Centre in Water Research and Development (CIWaRD), Wits:HO is a working research grouping that brings together government, business, academia, and civil society to bring real-world solutions to water challenges in South Africa and across the African continent. The Centre is led by Professor Craig Sheridan, Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Water Research at Wits, supported by Professor Heidi Richards from the Wits School of Chemistry with the support of a large network of interdisciplinary researchers.

We, as South Africans located within the African continent, are facing a water crisis. From regional Day Zero type events to ongoing local water supply failures, every person is impacted. Wits:HO represents our approach to thinking about water and engaging meaningfully with this crisis, says Sheridan.

Wits:HO is an interdisciplinary research initiative that focuses on systemic thought to Africas water challenges. The network of researchers at Wits University includes more than 60 scholars and researchers from the fields of science, engineering, health sciences, humanities, commerce, law and education, as well as from other research institutes based at Wits University. The centre also collaborates with various other organisations locally and globally, including government, business and civil society, to help safeguard Africas most critical resource, with the purpose of combining the best thinking globally to consider our water challenges.

South Africa is facing a significant skills gap in the water sector, says Sheridan. Decades of underinvestment in training and capacity building have left us with too few qualified engineers, hydrologists, water managers and sanitation experts. Wits:HO aims not just to conduct research, but to rebuild this essential skills base, while also to training and mentoring the next generation of professionals who will face the future of the increasing water challenges of our country and continent.

South Africa is currently in the midst of a systemic water crisis as a result of the convergence of causal factors such as ageing infrastructure, poor governance and pollution with an increasing population and demand. Communities across the country face daily water disruptions, such as faltering water treatment plants; escalating water losses and mine drainage and untreated wastewater contaminating rivers and aquifers. Climate change compounds these challenges, with longer droughts and more extreme rainfall events threatening food production, rural and urban water security and public health. Projections suggest that by mid-century, water deficits could become the norm unless innovative, integrated solutions are urgently adopted. Launched at the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome on Wednesday, 17 September, the centre brought together prominent stakeholders in the South African water sector, in order to kickstart the conversation on solving the countrys water challenges.

Wits:HOs vision is to go beyond thinking about solutions, to think about how the solutions impact society, and to assist society in responding to our future challenges as they relate to the increasing scarcity of water resources. Also, we hope to inform, inspire and partner with stakeholders across the world in providing sustainable solutions for our continent.
Weather Alert

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM CST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected. * WHERE...Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Northern Marinette County, Northern Oconto County, Southern Marinette County, and Southern Oconto County Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Saturday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. &&
YANGON, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar police have seized 209,950 stimulant tablets in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) reported on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Mohnyin township of Kachin state on Sept. 16, and confiscated the drugs, it said.

Two suspects in the vehicle were arrested, and the seized drugs are estimated to be worth over 314.9 million kyats (about 149,952 U.S. dollars), it added.

The suspects have been charged under the country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and a further investigation is underway, the report said. 
NEW YORK, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three officers were killed and two others were injured in a shooting in York County, the northeastern U.S. state of Pennsylvania, on Wednesday afternoon, U.S. media reported.

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. local time in North Codorus Township in York County, CBS reported.

Four of the officers were with the Northern York County Regional Police Department, while the fifth was a York County sheriff's deputy. Three of the officers died from injuries and two of them survived, officials said.

The police officers were serving a warrant in the area when a suspect pulled out a gun and fired at them, according to officials.

Pennsylvania State Police were investigating the shooting, the report said.

In a post on social media, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he was briefed on the situation involving law enforcement in York County and asked people in the area to follow guidance from state police and local officers.

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, in a social media post, asked people to pray for "the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County." 
Senior military official calls for greater contributions to world peace, universal security

Xinhua) 08:45, September 18, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese military official Zhang Youxia on Wednesday called for efforts to make new, greater contributions to ensuring lasting world peace and universal security.

Zhang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks at a welcome banquet for the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which is attended by representatives of over 100 countries, regions and international organizations.

Zhang expressed hope that all participants would make good use of the forum as a platform to strengthen the bonds of friendship, undertake equal dialogue and consultation, hold discussions on major security issues and defend common interests.

The recent military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War once again declared to the world that the strength of the Chinese military represents a growing force for global peace, he said.

The Chinese military is willing to continue working with all parties to deepen and expand military exchanges and cooperation across various fields and at multiple levels, address new threats and challenges by promoting greater unity and cooperation, and inject more stability into a turbulent world, he noted.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The European Union would continue to support efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, as well as Azerbaijans activities in humanitarian demining, Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, said during a reception by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

The Commissioner noted the successful establishment of energy cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, underlining the significant prospects for further collaboration in the transport sector.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (R, front) and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (L, front) attend a signing ceremony of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund 2025 for Cambodia in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 17, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The signing ceremony for the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund 2025 for Cambodia was held here on Wednesday.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin attended the event, which involved 11 projects.

Speaking at the event, Sokhonn said this special fund is a major driving force that has further deepened regional integration and promoted sustainable development and prosperity for all member countries.

"I would like to reiterate Cambodia's commitment to working closely for cooperation at all levels with China and other Mekong countries to achieve the vision of our leaders," he said.

Wang said under the framework of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, China has so far supported Cambodia in carrying out 108 LMC Special Fund projects, covering many fields such as poverty reduction, mine clearance, education, tropical disease prevention and control, and repairing houses for disaster-stricken people.

China is willing to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Mekong countries, including Cambodia, to create more high-quality projects and move towards building a community with a shared future for LMC countries, Wang said.

The LMC countries include China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin attend a signing ceremony of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund 2025 for Cambodia in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 17, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)
In municipal elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germanys most populous state, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was able to exploit the anger and frustration over the decades-long policies of the establishment parties and nearly triple its vote share. In parts of the former industrial heartlands of the Ruhr, it is now the strongest force.

Joint demonstration of 81 organisations and groups against the AfD party congress in Cologne, 2017. The banner reads Cologne remains colourful rather than brown. CC BY-SA 4.0] [Photo by Elke Wetzig

Sundays vote was the first major ballot since the federal elections in February and was therefore seen as a test of the political mood. Of the roughly 13.7 million eligible voters, 56.8 percent cast ballots. This is the highest turnout for North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) municipal elections since 1994, and at that time the federal election was held simultaneously.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) managed to remain the strongest party statewide with 33.3 percent, but only narrowly, slipping by 1 percent compared to the last municipal elections in 2020. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) lost another 2.2 percent from its already poor result five years ago. In its traditional heartlandoften referred to as the SPDs former beating heartwon only 22.1 percent. The AfD nearly tripled its share of the vote, winning 14.5 percent (plus 9.4 percent).

The two parties of the current federal government (CDU and SPD) saw their worst-ever municipal election results in NRW since the state was founded in 1946. The Greens also suffered heavy losses, winning just 13.5 percent (minus 6.5 percent), while the Liberal Democratic Party (FDP) sank into irrelevance with 3.7 percent (minus 1.9 percent).

This is the direct outcome of the social devastation wrought over the last three to four decades by these parties, especially in the Ruhr region, and which has been accelerated most recently. At the federal level, the previous government of the SPDGreensFDP under Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had declared a new era in 2021, funnelled 100 billion into rearmament and war, and made working people pay for it with welfare cuts, reductions in social infrastructure, layoffs and wage cuts. The current government under Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has resolved to respond to the deepening capitalist crisis and Donald Trumps election as US president by escalating this redistribution of wealth upwards.

One trillion euros are to flow into war and rearmament. The corresponding social attacks will be immense, falling on terrain already laid waste in the Ruhr: closed swimming pools and libraries, lack of childcare places, hollowed-out healthcare, gutted cultural institutions, and reduced municipal services. The neglect of numerous cities, especially in the major conurbations along the Rhine and Ruhr, will intensify further.

The AfD exploits this policy and the frustration it has generated within parts of the working class. For decades, the dominance of the mining and steel industries in the Ruhr was synonymous with the dominance of the SPD. With the decline of coal and steel, the cities grew impoverished, and the SPD imposed massive cuts at the local level. Unemployment and poverty rates are the highest in the state.

On Sunday, the AfD in Gelsenkirchen polled 29.9 percent, just behind the SPD (30.4 percent), and its candidate will contest the run-off for mayor. In Duisburg, the far-right party won 21.2 percent; in Hagen, 22.4 percent (here too, the AfD advances to the run-offs). In some polling districts the AfD won more than half the votefor example in Duisburg-Obermeiderich (59 percent with a 21.4 percent turnout) and in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven (53.6 percent with a 34 percent turnout).

The growth of the AfD has two main causes. First, it is being consciously fostered by the ruling class. The historic attacks on jobs, wages and welfare, preparing for trade war and military war, cannot be implemented by democratic means. Just as in the US, where the Trump administration is building a fascist dictatorship, in every country the foundations are being laid for authoritarian forms of rule.

In Germany, the AfD emerged from the right-wing and neoliberal fringes of the CDU, the FDP and their milieu, and has been gradually integrated into the official political system. The supposed firewall against the right is pure rhetoric. The AfD sits on all parliamentary committees, chairs several of them, and works closely with the establishment parties. In parliament, before the federal election, Merz himself made common cause with the AfD against migrants. Meanwhile, a faction is growing inside the CDU openly calling for coalition with the far-right party.

Moreover, at the federal, state and municipal level the AfDs policies are being put into practice by all parties. While the CDU-SPD federal government dismantles asylum rights, introduces border controls, and abolishes the social and democratic rights of migrants, the CDU-Green Party NRW state government launches one law-and-order campaign after another. Most recently, Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) announced that in future criminal statistics will record the nationality of all suspects, not only German nationals. The AfD cheered. Duisburgs SPD mayor Soren Link is notorious for his anti-migrant agitation, thereby paving the way for the AfD.

While it channels anger and despair into xenophobic and racist slogans, the AfD advances an explicitly fascist programme. It positions itself to brutally enforce war and welfare cuts against growing resistance, in order to protect the profits of the corporations and the wealth of the rich at the expense of the working class. It is no accident that Elon Musk, the second richest man in the world, supports far-right and fascist parties, including the AfD.

The second main cause of the AfDs rise is the SPD, which long ago severed all ties to the working class. The SPD is full of careerists, opportunists and apparatchiks who organise attacks on the population. They can do this only because they are closely bound to the trade unions. While the SPD ruthlessly enforces social cuts in Ruhr cities, every plant closure and every agreement cutting thousands of jobs in industry bears the signature of a union officialusually from IG Metall or the IG BCE (Mining, Chemicals, Energy). Over the last 50 years, since 1975, the remaining 200,000 coal jobs and 400,000 steel jobs have been wiped out in the Ruhr alone. Now nearly 10,000 more jobs at Thyssenkrupp and HKM (Huttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann) are to goalready signed off by IG Metall.

By enforcing every assault on workers livelihoods and suppressing the class struggle, the unions create conditions in which the AfD can thrive.

On top of this, those parties and organisations that claim to speak for workers or ordinary people defend the union apparatus and its policy of devastation. This applies above all to the Left Party, including its split-off Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW). Wherever they have the opportunity, they too support the SPDs destruction of social services. Many leading members of the Left Party are union officials.

It is urgently necessary for the working class to free itself from the stranglehold of the unions and take up a real struggle to defend jobs, wages and social rights. This would quickly undercut the far right and fundamentally change the situation.

But to do so, workers must organise themselves independently in rank-and-file action committees in workplaces, factories, offices and neighbourhoods alike. They must unite across all nationalities and backgrounds against the rulers in business and politics. All of societys resources must be used in the interests of those who create themfor decent wages, pensions, healthcare, education and culture, not for war and exploitation in the interests of the banks, corporations and their wealthy shareholders and political lackeys. This is what the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party), the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), stands for.
Jimmy Kimmel accepts the Outstanding Host for a Game Show Emmy on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. [AP Photo/Phil McCarten]

Facing pressure from the Trump administration on Wednesday, ABCowned by Disneyannounced it would be suspending the late-night television show Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, after the host came under attack from fascists and Trump administration officials over his commentary on the assassination of Charlie Kirk.



While TV viewership is down across the board, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains fairly popular. In addition to competing with Stephen Colbert for top late-night ratings on network television, the show has 20.7 million subscribers on YouTubemore than double the 10.2 million for CBSs The Late Show with Stephen Colbert but less than the 32.8 million for NBCs The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

During his monologue on Monday night, Kimmel correctly observed that in the wake of Kirks assassination the MAGA gang was desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

Kimmels remarks were neither inflammatory nor inaccurate. In the wake of Kirks killing, right-wing politicians and media figures demanded retribution for the left even though no evidence had emerged revealing the shooters motivations or politics.

At no point in his monologue did Kimmel assert that the shooter was right-wing, a Trump supporter, or affiliated with any party or organization. No evidence has emerged linking the shooter to any left-wing group or the Democratic Party; the only known personal details are that he despised Kirks hatred and reportedly had a relationship with a man. These facts have been weaponized by the Trump administration and its media allies to mount a reactionary campaign blaming the left, LGBT ideology, and transgender radicals for Kirks death.

Kimmels ouster is part of a widening purge of journalists and commentators accused of insufficient loyalty following Trumps return to the White House. This political retaliation against Kimmel is part of a coordinated campaign to silence critics of the Trump administration across the corporate media, before and after the killing of Kirk.

Washington Post opinion writer Karen Attiah was summarily fired over her social media posts following Kirks killing. Attiahs firing came after she posted a quote from Kirk in which he claimed that Ketanji Brown Jackson, Michelle Obama and other African American women do not have the brain processing power to be taken seriously. You have to go steal a white persons slot.



Veteran ABC correspondent Terry Moran was pushed out earlier this year after criticizing Trump and fascist adviser Stephen Miller.

Paramounts CBS division announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert just days after Colbert publicly denounced the companys $16 million settlement with Trump. Each of these firings has occurred as their parent corporationsABC/Disney, the Washington Post Company, and Paramount Globalseek regulatory approvals for multibillion-dollar mergers and acquisitions, underscoring that the corporate medias purge of Trumps critics is being carried out under the direct coercion of the state.

The political character of this purge is laid bare by the role of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who has acted as the Trump administrations enforcer in a government crackdown on First Amendment activity.

Appearing on the fascistic propagandist Benny Johnsons program on Wednesday morning, Carr spoke as a mafia boss, declaring, We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.

Within hours, Nexstar Media Groupthe largest owner of local television stations in the United States, The Hill and a company seeking FCC approval for its $6.2 billion takeover of Tegnaannounced it would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely on its stations.

Nexstar currently owns or partners with over 200 broadcast stations in 116 US television markets. Under its proposed acquisition of Tegna (if approved), the combined entity would operate 265 stations in 44 states and Washington D.C., and its reach would expand to approximately 80 percent of US TV households.

Carrs remarks openly equated compliance with Trumps political line with fulfilling broadcasters public interest obligations, turning that statutory language into a weapon for state censorship. Carrs claims collapse on their face when contrasted with Fox News host Brian Kilmeades declaration last week that homeless people should be subjected to involuntary euthanizationa genocidal call broadcast to millions with no consequence or regulatory rebuke.

Carr and the FCC have nothing to do with protecting the public interest and everything to do with imposing political loyalty tests on the press, enforced through the federal governments licensing power.

Fascist streamer Benny Johnson touts merchandise glorifying Florida concentration camp, July 1, 2025. [Photo: Benny Johnson]

Carr, choosing Johnsons platform to issue these threats, underscores the coordination between Trumps propaganda machine and federal regulators. Benny Johnson is a Trump propagandist who previously promoted the Alligator Alcatraz concentration camp on his show, praising it as a model for mass detention.
Workers leave the GM Tech Center in Detroit suburb of Warren, Michigan

On September 10, 2025, two employees working at the Cole Engineering building at the General Motors technical center in Warren, Michigan, tested positive for Legionnaires disease, a severe and potentially fatal lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. The Macomb County Health Department notified GM, and the Cole Engineering building was ordered closed out of an abundance of caution until at least September 22, when third-party test results become available. The company has not yet confirmed the engineering center as the source of exposure.

Legionnaires disease (legionellosis) is a severe type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is contracted through inhaling mist or aerosolized water contaminated with the bacteria. Common sources include cooling towers, HVAC systems, hot water plumbing, decorative fountains and other engineered water systems.

Symptoms typically appear 210 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms or confusion in more severe cases. For high-risk populations, such as current or ex-smokers or people 50 or older, the disease can be fatal. One in 10 people who get infected with Legionnaires disease die from lung failure or other complications.

According to the CDC, reported incidents of Legionnaires disease have increased by an average annual rate of 9.3 percent since 2002. This is due to a variety of factors, including poor maintenance, lack of oversight and worker protections, and increasing temperatures due to climate change, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth.

Industrial workers are particularly at risk due to extensive, complex water systems at manufacturing plants. Cooling towers and industrial air conditioning systems are locations where Legionella bacteria are known to thrive and produce aerosolized contaminated water. With the constant drive to increase profit margins, companies are incentivized to reduce spending on maintenance and safety and cover up outbreaks to avoid loss of production.

In response to the Legionella outbreak, a number of critical posts appeared on social media pointing to the general lack of attention to safety by the auto companies. Several noted that these were not the first cases of Legionnaires at the tech center.

One post read: When they cut back maintenance employees mold happens. Too bad it wasnt management that fell ill.

Others pointed to the attack on public health underway by the Trump administration, including the purging of the Centers for Disease Control. We cant count on the CDC to investigate this anymore, another worker posted.

Even when corporations are caught engaging in criminal neglect of safety, they are fined at most a pittance compared to their operating profits. In 2023, a 61-year-old worker died from Legionnaires disease at Huron Inc., a Michigan auto supplier. Investigations showed that multiple workers were infected and hospitalized over several years, with internal tests detecting Legionella bacteria. The company was cited for failing to keep employees safe from a recognized hazard and fined just $10,300 for killing the worker.

Huron was acquired by Seven Mile Capital Partners in 2015, which then sold it to Adrian, an international private investment company with $62 billion in assets in 2017. For these giant investment firms, the penalty for killing a worker is a rounding error, the cost of doing business.

In August 2023, just a few miles south of the GM Technical Center, two workers contracted Legionnaires at the Stellantis Warren Truck Assembly Plant. In previous years there were outbreaks at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant outside Detroit and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri, which resulted in one death.

Legionella as well as copper and lead contamination were discovered at multiple Environmental Protection Agency buildings in Washington D.C., Boston, Houston and Chicago this time last year.

Alongside the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has suffered from significant budget and staff cutsunder Democratic and Republican administrationsfurther weakening protections against waterborne and environmental hazards. The Trump administration is seeking to gut what is left of OSHA, in the name of freeing companies from regulatory overreach.

Every day in the United States, an average of 385 workers die from hazardous working conditions. Legionnaires disease is only one expression of this ongoing social crime: workers forced into unsafe factories and offices, while companies and their financial backers profit. Without independent organization and struggle by workers themselves, outbreaks like those in Warren, Dearborn, and at Huron Inc. will continueand more lives will be needlessly lost.

Workers walk the picket line during a demonstration outside the GM Warren Tech center in October 2019

Far from opposing this, the United Auto Workers, which claims to represent more than 2,000 workers at the GM Tech Center, has functioned as a corporatist partner in the gutting of jobs and safety conditions. The sellout of the 2023 contract struggle by UAW President Shawn Fain and the rest of the union bureaucracy resulted in thousands of job cuts, speedup and safety violations, which cost the lives of at least two Stellantis workers Antonio Gaston and Ronald Adams Sr.

Autoworkers must take lessons from the COVID 19 pandemic, when the ruling class declared that the cure cant be worse than the disease and presided over tens of millions of preventable deaths. At the beginning of the pandemic, while the auto companies and the UAW were covering up illnesses and deaths to keep production moving, autoworkers took matters into their own hands and walked off the job, forcing a temporary shutdown of the industry.

On July 27, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) held a public hearing where it presented the initial findings of its independent investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr., a 63-year-old skilled tradesman who was crushed to death April 7 by machinery at the Stellantis Dundee Engine Complex. The approximately 100 workers and young people who attended voted unanimously to expand the IWA-RFC and take up the fight for a national and international movement to end the sacrifice of workers lives and limbs on the altar of profit.

Until production is taken out of the control of the corporations and put into the hands of workers on the shop floor, the slaughter will continue. We urge all workers to take the take up the fight by joining the IWA-RFC (International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees) and building their own democratic organizations, independent of the pro-company union bureaucracies, to take control of work and safety conditions in their workplaces.

To join the fight for rank-and-file committees and workers control over safety, fill out the form below.
Boeing workers on the picket line [Photo: IAM-Boeing]

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced Tuesday that union members will vote Friday on a non-existent contract. The move represents a brazen attempt by the IAM bureaucracy to shut down the six-week strike by 3,200 defense workers in the St. Louis area.

What workers are being made to vote on is a proposal by the union that Boeing has not agreed to accept. The union did not share specific details of the new settlement in its news release.

It claimed, If IAM Union members ratify the offer, it will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement subject to Boeings acceptance. The apparatus continued, If Boeing declines the IAMs offer, members will continue to remain on strike, and stand ready to return to the bargaining table. The strike will continue until Boeing has accepted the offer.

Also on Friday, the United Auto Workers is holding a vote on a new tentative agreement to shut down a strike at GE Aerospace. UAW President Shawn Fain is an advocate of a war economy, calling for the retooling of closed auto plants to make military vehicles and citing World War II as a model for today.

The World Socialist Web Site urges workers in both strikes to reject their contracts by the widest possible margin. The bargaining committees, which produced these deals, must be thrown out and replaced with new ones elected solely from the rank and file, not bureaucrats with intimate ties to management. They must make plans for an expansion of the struggle and to break out of the isolation being imposed by the union officials.

Boeing immediately denounced the maneuver as a publicity stunt and a waste of time that will not help the parties reach a deal. Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president and general manager, stated that the union continues to create false expectations by voting on an offer we never made, including terms weve expressly told them we wont accept.

In reality, the vote is a stunt directed at rank-and-file workers themselves. It is being presented as the workers having the final say in their futures, but it is actually an attempted back-to-work order from the IAM in all but name.

Any pre-ratified contract will undoubtedly be subject to hidden revisions with the company, allowing Boeing and the IAM to make backroom deals after workers have supposedly approved the agreement.

Even if the contract is voted down, the IAM hopes to wear down workers resistance through repeated votes. This latest maneuver comes one week after striking workers rejected a third tentative agreement in a powerful display of determination. That contract was worse than previous offers, extending the term to five years while offering only 24 percent wage increases, less per year than the 20 percent over four years workers had already rejected in July.

Boeing has already begun hiring permanent scab workers in an attempt to break the morale of the rank and file. The companys confidence in this provocative measure rests on the services of the IAM bureaucracy, which has worked from the beginning to isolate the strike and wear workers down.

Despite the unions $300 million in net assets and $200 million in annual expenditures, the IAM has left strikers to survive on just $200 per week in strike pay. The national leadership has issued only perfunctory statements and has done nothing to mobilize the unions estimated 600,000 members in support of the St. Louis workers.

The IAM bureaucrats are acting as enforcers for the government, not just Boeing. The Pentagon needs its fighter jets and missiles for Gaza, Ukraine and a future war against China.

Many of the same weapons being deployed halfway around the world are also being prepared against the American population. Trump has deployed the National Guard and other federal armed forces in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., threatening to do so in many other major cities, in an attempt to suppress opposition to the administrations full-scale assault on immigrants and democratic rights.

The IAM officials have publicly asked for Trump to intervene, which amounts to a request for the would-be dictator to crush the strike. Trump admitted over the weekend that he is working with corporate executives to decide where to send troops, with St. Louis singled out by Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena.

Trumps plan for a dictatorship of the oligarchy must be stopped by the working class. This can only be done through a fight against the sellout bureaucrats, who are only concerned with their own positions under such a regime, not with workers rights.

The rail unions have also sought and obtained an intervention from Trump to prevent a strike on the Long Island Rail Road, New York Citys largest commuter rail system. New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochuls response was to attack Trump for not intervening against workers fast enough. The Democrats have refused to lift a finger against Trump because they are a party of the same ruling class that Trump represents. They are far more afraid of a mass movement in the working class than they are of a dictatorship.

It is urgent that Boeing workers take matters into their own hands. Without a new leadership and a new strategy, the strike will be betrayed. Rank-and-file committees must be formed, excluding union officials, to appeal throughout St. Louis and across Boeing for support.

The IAMs latest maneuver echoes the same pattern used to sabotage last years strike by 30,000 Boeing civilian workers in Seattle. Though their strike was betrayed after a month, for these workers the struggle is not over and they would welcome an appeal from the defense workers to mobilize against these management criminals, responsible for a safety scandal which has led to airliner crashes and hundreds of deaths.

Other demands taken up by a committee should include $800 per week in strike pay and full transparency in all negotiations.

Only through developing their own organs of struggle can the rank and file clearly lay out their demands and enforce the democratic will of the membership. Workers must reject all forms of collaboration with the capitalist state, including corporate management, the union bureaucracies and the two big business parties, the Republicans and Democrats, and instead turn to their most powerful allies: the American and international working class.
This is the first part of the lecture Political Genocide in the USSR (1936-1940) delivered by Fred Williams, Katja Rippert, and Alejandro Lopez to the 2025 Summer School of the Socialist Equality Party (US) on the history of the Security and the Fourth International investigation. To supplement the reading of this part of the lecture, readers are encouraged to study Trotskys speech, I Stake My Life and Appendix II to Vadim Rogovins work Stalins Terror of 1937-1938: Political Genocide in the USSR, posted today on the WSWS. This volume and other works by Rogovin are available for purchase from Mehring Books.

On August 19, 1936, the first Moscow Show Trial opened, signaling the beginning of one of the most criminal frame-ups in world history. Also known as the Trial of the Sixteen, the Case of the Trotskyite-Zinovievite Terrorist Center lasted through August 24. At its conclusion, all sixteen defendants were sentenced to be shot, with confiscation of personal property. Beyond those at the trial, Lev Davidovich Trotsky and his son, Lev Lvovich Sedov, living in exile outside the Soviet Union, were declared in absentia to be subject to immediate arrest and trial by the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court of the USSR, i.e., if captured they, too, would be tried and executed in mockery of the most elementary judicial standards.

Of the 16 defendants, 11 were prominent Old Bolsheviks who had joined the party prior to 1917, organized and led the October Revolution, founded the Communist International in 1919, fought heroically in the Civil War (1918-1921), and established the Soviet Union as the worlds first workers state. The five other defendants were young unknowns, including at least some agents of the Soviet secret police (NKVD). Thus, an amalgam had been formed that would be followed in subsequent trials, where genuine revolutionaries sat beside virtually unknown Stalinist collaborators on the defendants bench.

However shocking the first Moscow Trial was, for two of its most prominent defendants, it was the culmination of earlier prosecutions. On December 1, 1934, Sergei Kirov, the Leningrad party secretary, had been assassinated by a lone gunman, Leonid Nikolaev.

Kirovs death was followed by several trials, in which 104 White Guardists, then Nikolaev and 13 others, were shot. Next, the members of a supposed Moscow Center, including Zinoviev, Kamenev and 17 others, were accused of striving for the restoration of capitalism and counter-revolutionary activity in general; convicted of moral responsibility for the Kirov assassination, they were not shot, but sentenced to long prison terms.

The subsequent Moscow Trial in 1936 was a revision and expansion of the earlier trials.

Let us briefly note the biography of some of its victims.

Grigory Zinoviev, 1883-1936.

Grigory Zinoviev, age 53, had been a Bolshevik since 1903 and one of Lenins closest collaborators. He participated in the Zimmerwald and Kienthal Conferences. He was a member of the Central Committee, 1907-1927; chairman of the Petrograd Soviet after October 1917; chairman of the Executive Committee of the Comintern, 1919-1926. He participated in the Joint Opposition in 1926-1927; capitulated in 1927. Convicted on January 16, 1935, of moral responsibility for the murder of Kirov, he was sentenced to ten years in prison, where he remained until the 1936 trial.

Lev Kamenev, age 53, joined the Social Democratic Party in 1901. He was a Bolshevik from 1903 and worked closely with Lenin. He was member of Central Committee from April 1917 to 1927, chairman of the Moscow Soviet, 1918-1926, and member of the Joint Opposition in 1926-1927, capitulating in December 1927. Tried twice for Kirovs murder in January and July 1935, and he was sentenced to five, and then ten years in prison.

Ivan Nikitich Smirnov, age 55, in the party since 1899; he suffered repeated arrests, imprisonment and exile under tsarism. Leading the Red Army in crushing Kolchaks forces in Siberia during the Civil War, he was known as the Siberian Lenin. A member of Central Committee, he was in the Left Opposition from 1923-1929. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1933, where he remained until 1936.

Sergei Mrachkovsky, age 48, a Urals worker and Bolshevik from 1905. He had been a hero of the Civil War and was in the Left Opposition from 1923-1929. He was exiled in 1933.

Vagarshak Ter-Vaganyan, age 43, had been a Bolshevik from 1912. He was founding editor of the journal Under the Banner of Marxism in 1922 and wrote the first major work on Plekhanov (1924). He was in the Left Opposition from 1923-1929. Arrested and exiled until July 1936, he was added late by Stalin to the list of 16 defendants

Grigory Yevdokimov (52), Ivan Bakaev (49), Efim Dreitser (42), Rikhard Pikel (40), Isaak Reingold (39), and Eduard Goltsman (54) also had distinguished, if less prominent, party careers.

In stark contrast to the 11 Old Bolsheviks, the prosecutor throughout the trials was Andrei Vyshinsky, aptly described by Trotsky as a bourgeois lawyer, who called himself a Menshevik after the October Revolution and joined the Bolsheviks after their definitive victory. Showing his deep contempt for his former and now current enemies, Vyshinsky relished the opportunity to hurl insults at the defendants, calling them Liars and clowns, insignificant pigmies, little dogs snarling at an elephant, this is what this gang represents! Near the end of the trial, Vyshinsky concluded his 50-page rant: I demand that these mad dogs should be shotevery one of them!

What were the charges at the trial? Aside from killing Kirov, the defendants were accused of attempting (but failing) to assassinate Stalin, Kaganovich, Voroshilov, Zhdanov, Ordzhonikidze and several other Soviet leaders. They allegedly were working with the Nazi Gestapo to carry out these assassinations and other terrorist acts. Other charges of espionage and sabotage were also levied.

What was the evidence? Nothing except the confessions of the accused. Despite hundreds of communications described by the defendants, letters written with invisible ink and transmitted by untested conspirators from Trotsky and Sedov to their accomplices in the Soviet Union; despite meetings that occurred in non-existent places, requiring plane or train tickets, visas, etc.; not one piece of evidence was introduced at the trial. Countless assassinations failed because vehicles moved too fast, admission to meeting places was not obtained, intended victims never showed up at factories where they were to be killed. Nevertheless, Vyshinsky claimed: knives are sharpened, revolvers are loaded, bombs are charged, false documents are written and fabricated, secret connections are established with the German political police, people are sent to their posts, they engage in revolver practice, and finally they shoot and kill they not only talk about shooting, they shoot, shoot and kill! None of this happened.

Along with live radio broadcasts and lurid accounts of the trial carried daily in every newspaper, the most popular cartoonists were mobilized to depict Trotsky and other defendants as terrorists and clear agents of the Gestapo.

Figures at the bottom of the swastika on the right are Trotsky, Zinoviev and Kamenev.

Why, then, did the defendants confess? This question was raised in the minds of millions of people. Most of all, people who knew Trotsky and the other Old Bolsheviks as leaders of the October Revolution wanted to hear what Trotsky, in particular, had to say.

When the first Moscow Trial began, however, Trotsky was under house arrest in Norway. Under pressure from the Soviet Union, the Norwegian Labor Party prevented Trotsky from answering the slanders of the trial. From August through December, he was not allowed to address the public in any form under threat of deportation, including possibly to the Soviet Union where he would share the fate of the executed defendants.

Meanwhile, despite the countless falsehoods and contradictions of the trial, several journalists and political figures vouched for the legitimacy of the judicial procedures. British jurist D. N. Pritt, a recently elected Labour M.P., said: It is futile to think that the trial was staged and the charges trumped up. The Governments case against the defendants is genuine  held with the fullest possible degree of fairness.

New York Times reporter Walter Duranty soon suggested that if Westerners did not believe the confessions, they did not understand the Russian soul. He later added: Several of them [the accused] are cleverer than Mr. Vyshinsky, but it is not thought possible they can refute the painstaking case he has built against them.

US ambassador Joseph Davies defended the legitimacy of the first and all the subsequent Moscow show trials in his 1941 book, Mission to Moscow, which later became the basis for a film whitewashing the frame-ups.

According to researcher Gary Kern, the number of people who believed the veracity of the spectacle is quite large, including, besides the three mentioned above, Louis Aragon, Louis Budenz, Malcolm Cowley, Louis Fischer, Dashiell Hammett, Lillian Hellman, Langston Hughes, Corliss Lamont, Owen Lattimore, Dorothy Parker, Romain Rolland, Upton Sinclair, Sidney and Beatrice Webb. Cowley, Fischer, and Sinclair, it should be noted, later changed their views.

Many of these figures were self-styled progressives who were close to the Communist Party or considered themselves friends of the USSR.

Sedovs Red Book

The best refutation of the Moscow frame-up soon appeared. Lev (Leon) Sedov, Trotskys son, published in the Bulletin of the Opposition a lengthy article that was to become The Red Book on the Moscow Trial.

In 48 pages, Sedov meticulously examined the details of the trial and exposed them as a fraudulent attack on people who had been genuine revolutionaries, but had long since broken with the Opposition.

In discussing why Stalin needed this trial, Sedov outlined both domestic and foreign political reasons. As the Soviet bureaucracy was getting fatter and more prosperous, it was furiously defending its privileges against the masses who had been deprived of any rights. Stalin labelled all protest as Trotskyism, then, with the alleged Moscow murders, identified Trotskyism with terrorism. He finally was taking the road of physically exterminating all those who were actively dissatisfied, above all, the Left Oppositionists.

With regard to foreign policy, by shooting leaders of the October Revolution, Stalin was showing the bourgeoisie of the world that the revolution was finished and that he was able to reliably lead a nation-state. Prophetically, Sedov noted: Without hesitation Stalin would make a pact even with Hitler at the expense of the German and international working class. It only depends on Hitler! (The Stalin-Hitler Pact would in fact be signed on August 23, 1939).

Sedov carefully examined the contradictions and errors of both the Moscow trial and the preceding ones after Kirovs assassination. Upon examining the case numbers of the defendants, he noted that there were significant gaps, implying that many of those arrested had not been broken, or had died under torture. It is precisely those who were broken who were placed on trial.

One blunder on the part of the prosecutors was claiming that defendant Holtzman traveled to Copenhagen to meet Sedov in 1932 at the Hotel Bristol, which had been torn down in 1917. Many other details of supposed travels and meetings were also exposed as fraudulent.

Sedov easily refuted the charge that Trotskyists were advocating terrorism against Stalin and other Soviet leaders. Individual terror had consistently been rejected by Marxism; Trotsky and his supporters believed that only the revolutionary movement of the masses could overthrow the ruling bureaucracy.

One of the many tragic elements of the trial was carefully explained by Sedov, who knew Kamenev and Zinoviev well. The defendants had given up their right to lawyers after a compromise with Stalin. In exchange for their confessions, their lives would be spared and their families would not be touched. On August 24, however, as the trial ended, Kamenev and Zinoviev were taken directly from the courtroom to be shot.

As for Kamenevs family, both sons from his first marriage to Olga Davidovna Kameneva, Trotskys sister, were executed: Aleksandr, born in 1906, was shot in 1937, and Yuri, born in 1921 was shot on 30 January 1938 when he was only 16. Olga Kameneva was executed in 1941 with 161 prisoners near Orel.

Olga Davidovna Kameneva, Trotsky's sister, in 1926. Both her sons were shot. She was executed in September 1941.

Kamenevs second wife, Tatiana Ivanovna Glebova , was shot in 1937, as was her older son Igor. Similar fates were shared by many victims of Stalins terror.

After the trial, Sedov wrote: People are arrested because they had a Trotskyist relative, because ten years ago they expressed some Oppositionist thought. Arrests take place in Moscow, the Ukraine, in Turkestan, everywhere. Writers, economists, journalists and military men are arrested; no one is spared. Stalin would need new trials, including leading party figures and military men. But, more centrally: Stalin needs Trotskys head, thats his main goal.

Sedov concluded his analysis with unequivocal programmatic demands:

The International Conference of the IVth International in July 1936before the trialsaid in its theses: If the return of the USSR to capitalism requires a social counterrevolution, then the advance toward socialism inevitably requires a political revolution.

The Soviet proletariat can advance to socialism only through the rebirth and expansion of Soviet democracy, through the legalization of Soviet parties, above all, the party of revolutionary Bolshevism. But the rebirth of Soviet democracy is only possible with the overthrow of the bureaucracy. And only the forces of the revolutionary working masses can overthrow the bureaucracy!

In December the Norwegian government boarded Trotsky and Natalia on a steamer bound for Mexico. Unlike any of the democratic European regimes, the Lazaro Cardenas government offered Trotsky asylum. He arrived in Mexico on January 9, 1937.

Within days after Trotsky arrived in Mexico, the second Moscow Trial opened.

The Second Moscow Trial

The Case of the Anti-Soviet Trotskyite Center lasted from January 23-30, 1937. Like the previous trial, the 17 defendants were an amalgam of Old Bolsheviks and relative unknowns. The most prominent were Karl Radek, Yuri Piatakov, Grigory Sokolnikov, Leonid Serebriakov, Nikolai Muralov, Mikhail Boguslavsky and Yakov Drobnis.

As with the previous trial, there was no evidence presented, only confessions and testimony by the defendants and other witnesses. Vyshinsky was just as abusive and hysterical as before. Some of the absurd testimony attracted world attention. Piatakov, for instance, claimed to have flown to Oslo in December 1935 to meet with Trotsky. The director of the relevant airport later confirmed that no foreign plane had landed there between September 19, 1935 and May 1, 1936. Another unexpected feature of the trial was Radeks expansive and utterly fantastic testimony about receiving terrorist instructions directly from Trotsky that he repeatedly shared with Bukharin, who had not been indicted yet in 1937. He also casually mentioned Tukhachevsky 11 times, suggesting that a military trial would soon follow.

On January 30, the verdict against the United Trotskyite-Zinovievite terrorist centre was read:

In accordance with instructions received from the enemy of the people, L. Trotsky, the principal aim of the parallel anti-Soviet Trotskyite centre was to overthrow the Soviet power in the U.S.S.R. and to restore capitalism and the power of the bourgeoisie by means of wrecking,  espionage and terrorist activities designed to undermine the economic and military power of the Soviet Union, to expedite the armed attack on the U.S.S.R., to assist foreign aggressors and to bring about the defeat of the U.S.S.R.

Trotsky had allegedly promised Nazi leader Rudolph Hess that he would cede the Ukraine to Germany. Maritime provinces would also be given to Japan. Trotskys agents would organize fires and explosions at factories or factory departments and mines, organizing train wrecks and damaging rolling stock and railway track. Four more pages of charges followed, none bearing the slightest relationship to reality.

Thirteen defendants were sentenced to be shot, Sokolnikov and Radek were sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment; Arnold and Stroilov were given 10 and eight years respectively. (It should be noted that Radek was murdered by the NKVD in the Verkhne-Uralsk Prison on May 19, 1939. Sokolnikov was murdered in the Tobolsk prison two days later; Arnold and Stroilov were shot in September 1941 near Orel). The last lines of the verdict repeated:

Enemies of the people, Lev Davidovich Trotsky and his son, Lev Lvovich Sedov having been convicted by the testimony of the accused of personally directing the treacherous activities of the Trotskyite anti-Soviet Centre, in the event of their being discovered on the territory of the USSR, are liable to immediate arrest and trial by the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court of the USSR.

As with the first trial, more images of Trotsky as a Nazi collaborator were circulated in massive numbers. One poster by Deni, showing Trotsky leading German and Japanese militarists to destruction, was published in 150,000 copies. Others by Efimov and the three cartoonists collectively known as Kukryniksy shared similar themes.

The Dewey Commission

Trotsky had long been calling for an international commission to refute the lies and slanders of the frame-up trials. By February 9, 1937, the American Committee for the Defense of Leon Trotsky organized a meeting in New York that was attended by almost 7,000 people. When Trotsky attempted to call the meeting from Mexico, the phone line was cut by a Stalinist phone operator. After a lengthy delay, Trotskys text, however, was read to the assembled crowd by Max Shachtman.

Trotskys speech, published as I Stake My Life, is one of his finest. Noting how much Moscow feared the voice of a single man, Trotsky issued his challenge:

I am ready to appear before a public and impartial commission of inquiry with documents, facts, testimonies in my hands, and to disclose the truth to the very end. I declare: if this commission decides that I am guilty in the slightest degree of the crimes which Stalin imputes to me, I pledge in advance to place myself voluntarily in the hands of the executioners of the GPU.

Trotskys words foreshadowed his week-long testimony before the Dewey Commission in April 1937. On the eve of the hearings, he gave a short video address to his English-speaking audience, which can be viewed here.

The Dewey Commission, formed in 1937, was chaired by the 78-year-old philosopher John Dewey. It included Otto Ruhle, Benjamin Stolberg, Alfred Rosmer, Suzanne La Follette, Carlo Tresca, and five others. Politically, none of the members of the commission were in the Trotskyist movement. A sub-committee of five members held hearings in Coyoacan, Mexico from April 10 to 17, 1937.

Trotsky provided testimony throughout the hearings in his imperfect English. The record of his exhaustive answers to the Moscow frame-ups fills over 600 pages in the book, The Case of Leon Trotsky.

Trotsky could point to the already voluminous literature that refuted the first two Moscow trials. Leon Sedovs Red Book had been followed by Max Shachtmans Behind the Moscow Trial, Francis Heislers The First Two Moscow Trials, Victor Serges Seize Fusilles. Ou Va la Revolution Russe? [16 Who Had been Shot. Where is the Russian Revolution Headed?] and Friedrich Adlers The Witchcraft Trial in Moscow.

Trotsky could build on these works like no other. He provided a detailed account of his 40 years in the revolutionary movement. Moreover, he was presenting to the commission the approximately 5,000 pages of written books, articles, and letters he had written in his last period of exile.

Trotsky thoroughly reviewed his relationship, both personal and political, with the defendants at the last two trials. He addressed the charges of sabotage and individual terror. He outlined his defense of the Soviet Union, his total rejection of fascism and Japanese militarism, and then reviewed the struggle between the Left Opposition (led by himself) and the majority of the Communist Party led by Stalin.

Some of the sessions witnessed long analyses, for instance of Radeks 50-page testimony at the second trial. Trotsky also showed that the testimony presented by the Izvestia correspondent Vladimir Romm regarding conspiratorial meetings between Romm, Trotsky, and Radek were pure invention from beginning to end.

In the thirteenth session, Trotsky gave a masterful summary speech that lasted more than four hours. He reiterated that the two fundamental aspects of the trials, absence of evidence and the epidemic character of the confessions, couldnt help but arouse suspicion in every thinking man.

Trotskys concluding words made an indelible impression:

The experience of my life, in which there has been no lack either of successes or of failures, has not only not destroyed my faith in the clear, bright future of mankind, but, on the contrary, has given it an indestructible temper. This faith in reason, in truth, in human solidarity, which at the age of eighteen I took with me into the workers' quarters of the provincial Russian town of Nikolaievthis faith I have preserved fully and completely. It has become more mature, but not less ardent. In the very fact of your Commission's formationin the fact that, at its head, is a man of unshakable moral authority, a man who by virtue of his age should have the right to remain outside of the skirmishes in the political arenain this fact I see a new and truly magnificent reinforcement of the revolutionary optimism which constitutes the fundamental element of my life.

The Dewey Commission studied all the material and released its findings in the 400-page book, Not Guilty. The September 21, 1937 findings contained 23 points, some of which I abbreviate here:

(17) We find that Trotsky throughout his whole career has always been a consistent opponent of individual terror.

(18) We find that Trotsky never instructed the defendants or witnesses in the Moscow trials to engage in sabotage, wrecking, and diversion.

(19) We find that Trotsky never instructed any of the accused or witnesses in the Moscow trials to enter into agreements with foreign powers against the Soviet Union.

(20) On the basis of all the evidence we find that Trotsky never recommended, plotted, or attempted the restoration of capitalism in the U.S.S.R.

(21) We find that the Prosecutor fantastically falsified Trotskys role before, during and after the October Revolution.

(22) We therefore find the Moscow trials to be frame-ups.

(23) We therefore find Trotsky and Sedov not guilty.

The Purge of the Red Army

The Dewey Commission hearings had barely finished when a new secret trial was held in Moscow. In May and June, Mikhail Tukhachevsky and seven other prominent generals in the Red Army were arrested and tried behind closed doors.

All were found guilty and shot in the night between June 11 and 12. In the months to follow, thousands of Red Army officers were arrested, dismissed, or executed. Alexander Barmine, a former Soviet diplomat who broke with Stalin in 1937, was close to Tukhachevsky and several other generals. He estimated that three of five Soviet marshals, 90 percent of all Red Army generals, 80 percent of Red Army colonels and 30,000 officers of lesser rank had been purged, although some were allowed to return to service during World War II.

Trotsky wrote on March 11, 1939: Stalin exterminated the flower of the general staff. He shot, dismissed and deported about 30,000 officersall under the same charge of being agents of Hitler.

A 1998 study by the historian Suverinov stated that of the 767 officers of the general staff who had been at their post in 1936, by the time the purges had concluded, 412 had been shot, 29 died under arrest, 3 committed suicide and only 59 returned from prison alive. The 503 victims amounted to 65.6 percent of these senior officers.

Trotsky concluded his article on The Decapitation of the Red Army with these words:

[Stalin] has dealt the Red Army a fearful blow. As a result of the latest judicial frame-up it has been brought lower by many heads. The morale of the army has been shaken to its very foundations. The interests of Soviet defense have been sacrificed to the interests of self-preservation of the ruling clique. After the trials of Zinoviev and Kamenev, Radek and Pyatakov, the trial of Tukhachevsky, Yakir, and the others marks the beginning of the end of the Stalinist dictatorship.

Sergei Sedov

In the interval between the purge of the generals and the beginning of the third and last show trial, Trotskys son, who had remained in the Soviet Union when Trotsky was exiled, was arrested and shot. Sergei Sedov, the younger brother of Lev Sedov, was an engineer and scientist. He was not active politically, but was arrested in 1935 and sentenced to exile in Krasnoyarsk for not denouncing his father. He was briefly sent to Vorkuta in 1936, but then returned to Krasnoyarsk.

Sergei Sedov, 1937. The article in Pravda proclaims: 'Trotsky's Son - Sergei Sedov - Tried to Poison Workers'

An absurd article in January 1937 accused Sedov of trying to poison workers at the machine-building plant where he worked. After a long investigation, he was tried on October 29, 1937 and shot the same day. The list of people to be shot that included Sedov was signed by Stalin, Molotov and Kaganovich on October 3, 1937. We will return to these lists later.

The Third Moscow Trial

The trial of the Anti-Soviet Bloc of Rights and Trotskyites or the Trial of the Twenty-One, ran from March 2 to 13, 1938. Bukharin and Rykov, included as former Right Oppositionists, were joined by Rakovsky and Krestinsky, former Left Oppositionists.

They formed Vyshinskys bloc of Rights and Trotskyites, charged with treason, espionage, wrecking and countless other crimes. Their goal was aiding military attacks on the USSR. The ensuing dismemberment of the country was to be accomplished with the aid of Germany and Japan.

Former head of the NKVD, Yagoda, replaced by Yezhov on September 26, 1936, was accused of murdering the writer Maksim Gorky with poison, among other crimes. Bukharins lengthy testimony and eventual confession bewildered many observers throughout the world. The seven-page verdict claimed that Bukharin had been plotting against the Soviet government since 1918; he had tried to undermine the Brest-Litovsk Treaty and assassinate Lenin. Vyshinsky unabashedly declared that the trial showed me quite clearly that Hitler, Trotsky and Bukharin are as one in their frenzied struggle against our country.

During the trial, cartoonist Efimov dutifully depicted Bukharin, Rykov, Chernov, and Dan eating Nazi swill with Trotsky at the Vaterland restaurant in Berlin, an event that obviously never could have happened.

In the end, 18 of the defendants were sentenced to be shot, with the confiscation of all their personal property. Pletnev, Rakovsky and Bessonov were to be imprisoned for 20 and 15 years respectively. All three were later shot in September 1941 in Orel.

It should be noted that, as the third show trial was taking place, hundreds of genuine Trotskyists who had never capitulated to Stalin were machine-gunned at the brickyard factory in Vorkuta, near the Arctic circle. Efim Kashketin, the notorious psychopathic head of the Ukhpechlag prison camp, oversaw the shooting of 2,508 prisoners on March 1, 1938. Not all were Trotskyists, but hundreds were, including many of the most outstanding young leaders of the Left Opposition.

The scale of the Great Terror and purges

While the Moscow trials were being held, mass arrests and executions were being carried out throughout the Soviet Union. It would later be shown that of 1,966 delegates to the Communist Party Congress in 1934, 1,108 were arrested. Of 139 members of the Central Committee, 98 were arrested. We have already cited figures for the Red Army.

The overall scale of the terror and purges is almost impossible to comprehend. Anti-communists would suggest during the Cold War that the numbers reached astronomical heights. Solzhenitsyn in the 1970s and Robert Conquest in the 1980s gave highly inflated figures. After Stalin had died in 1953, however, the surviving bureaucracy began gathering information that would later be used by Khrushchev in his secret speech in February 1956 to address many, but by no means all, of Stalins crimes. A special commission reported that from 1935 to 1940, 1,920,635 people were arrested on charges of anti-Soviet activity, of whom 688,503 were shot.

In the 1990s, Vadim Rogovin analyzed the various accounts, arriving at these numbers:

In 1936, 1,118 people were shot on political charges. In 1937, the number of people shot was three hundred fifteen times (1) greater than the previous year, reaching 353,074 victims. Almost the same number were shot (328,618 people) in 1938, after which this indicator sharply fell, reaching 4,201 people for 1939 and 1940 combined.  The scale of state terror during the years of the Great Purge has no equal in human history.

The Goals of the Moscow TrialsPolitical Genocide

Rogovin in 1996 gave a succinct summary: The main goal of the Moscow Trials was to create the conditions for politically discrediting and physically exterminating the entire communist opposition in order to behead the population, to deprive it for many years of a political avant-garde and therefore of the ability to resist the totalitarian regime.

What occurred in this preventive civil war, carried out by the bureaucracy, was a political genocide focused above all on Trotsky, his supporters, and anyone connected directly or indirectly with those who were fighting since 1933 to create the Fourth International in opposition to the Stalinist Third International.

Many of those who perished in the purges were not supporters of Trotsky; many were even fervent Stalinists. But Stalin and his murderous apparatus were casting their nets wide.

In the prisons and camps, many witnesses could testify to the difference between being convicted simply for  [KRD], counter-revolutionary activity, and  [KRTD], counter-revolutionary Trotskyist activity. The fate of those bearing that one additional letter  was much worse, as the writer Varlam Shalamov and others have noted.

When thousands of survivors were freed from the camps during Khrushchevs Thaw in the mid-1950s, the people who had been active Trotskyists were few and far between.

The ruthlessness of the terror

When NKVD agents showed up to arrest people and conduct searches where they lived, frightened family members often never saw their loved ones again. If later they inquired about the fate of their husband, wife or child, hoping to send a letter or parcels of food to places where they were imprisoned, they were often told: Ten years [sentence] without right of correspondence. This laconic phrase led families to search for decades to find out what had happened. Many did not learn officially until the 1980s that, far from languishing in some prison or distant camp, their relative had been shot long ago.

The shootings were often carried out in the cellars of the NKVD prisons. The bodies were either cremated or taken to mass graves on the outskirts of cities. The ashes of the cremated victims were sometimes dumped in unmarked mass graves in such locations as the Donskoe Cemetery in Moscow. In addition, many prisoners were shot at remote locations around the city. Two infamous locations, Kommunarka and Butovo, received many of the victims of the Moscow trials. Between August 8, 1937 and October 19, 1938, the NKVD shot 20,762 people and dumped their bodies in 13 mass graves at Butovo. The youngest victim is reported to be 14 years old, and the oldest was 82. Kommunarka is estimated to contain 10,000 bodies, including Bukharin, Krestinsky, Rosengolts, Rykov, and Ikramov from the Moscow trials. Families are still trying to find where their missing relative is buried in city after city, despite persistent efforts by the Putin regime to conceal that information.

Who conducted the terror?

There are accounts that some people in the camps felt that Stalin could not know what Yagoda or Yezhov or Beria (the three successive heads of the NKVD) were doing. After Stalin died, 390 shooting lists in 11 volumes were found for 1937 and 1938 alone. The 46,255 names on these lists usually indicate people sentenced to death. The cover page of each list is usually signed  by the following people: Stalin (357 times), Molotov (373), Kaganovich (188), Voroshilov (185), and Zhdanov (176). Yezhov added notes to a few.

Here are just two examples of the signed shooting lists:

The first is a list from August 10, 1937.

As can be seen, this title page is for the Moscow Center and Moscow Region. It is a List of People Subject to Trial by the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court of the USSR. The date is August [10] 1937. Scrawled in red pencil is I. Stalin, the way he often endorsed the killings. The initials V. M. are for Viacheslav Molotov, Kaganovich is in red pencil and K. Voroshilov is in black pencil. The one page with 26 names, all destined for the first category of punishment (the death penalty), lists Aleksandr Konstantinovich Voronsky, former Left Oppositionist and leading literary critic as number 12. Another prominent critic is Boris Guber at 16; the 22-year-old son of the famous poet Sergei Esenin, Georgii (Yura) Sergeevich Esenin, is at location number 23. All three were shot the same day, August 13, 1937.

A second list and cover page that exist are from the Krasnoyarsk region. Dated 3 October 1937, the page is signed by Stalin (blue), Molotov (green) and Kaganovich (blue). Sergei Sedov, Trotsky and Natalia Sedovas son, is at number 43. We now know that he was shot on October 29, 1937. The information was kept from his parents, who were never officially informed of his death. They were under no illusions, however, as to his fate.

The NKVD apparatus that carried out these executions was itself purged in three great waves. After Yagoda was replaced by Yezhov in 1936, many of Yagodas closest interrogators and executioners were purged. When Yezhov was replaced by Beria on November 24, 1938, his men were then purged.

Yezhov himself was shot in February 1940 by one of his most prolific executioners, Vasily Blokhin (the latter executed thousands, often shooting 100-200 per day). When Beria later fell in 1953, members of his team were imprisoned or executed. Estimates are that 25,000 NKVD personnel fell victim to the terror that they had been carrying out.

The impact in the Soviet Union and beyond

The impact of the Stalinist terror was enormous. Every field of social, political and cultural life was impacted, including people as diverse as: astronomers, biologists, physicians, geologists, theater and film personalities, historians, philosophers, musicians, engineers, architects, linguists, literary critics, writers and poets. Countless workers, agricultural laborers, and students who were less well known were imprisoned, sent to camps or executed.

I will mention only a few prominent examples: David Riazanov, the most famous Marxist historian, former head of the Marx-Engels Institute; Nikolai Vavilov, probably the worlds greatest botanist and defender of genetics in the Soviet Union; Vsevolod Meyerhold, the great theater director; and Osip Mandelstam, leading Acmeist poet. Two additional writers who were executed are Boris Pilnyak and Isaak Babel. But this list could be extended endlessly.

During the 1990s, when some of the Soviet archives were opened, an official literary commission determined that 2,000 writers had been arrested; about 600 of them had been executed. The literary commission carefully showed that many official entries in the nine-volume Concise Literary Encyclopedia (1962-1978) had deliberately falsified the date of death of many writers to obscure the fact that they had perished in 1937-1938. An extensive list contains the false dates followed by the correct date of death. Aleksandr Voronsky, for instance, had been reported as dying on October 13, 1943, whereas in fact he had been shot on August 13, 1937, six years before. Vladimir Kirillovs false date is December 18, 1943, the true date is July 15, 1937. G. Lelevichs false and corrected dates are October 8, 1945 and December 10, 1937 respectively. Such falsifications showed that the Soviet bureaucracy systematically concealed countless aspects of the Stalinist terror decades after it had occurred.

During and after the purges, thousands of books and journals were removed from libraries and either put in closed repositories or destroyed. Possession of such works could by itself lead to victimization. As a further relentless assault on Marxism, history was ceaselessly rewritten to eliminate all traces of the true heroes of the October Revolution.

Although Stalin once cynically said, The son does not answer for the father, the children and grandchildren of his victims were often arrested, sent into exile for 20 years, or executed. Three generations suffered the consequences of the Great Terror in the Soviet Union. But as subsequent lectures will show, the impact of Stalins terror on the Comintern and Spain, in particular, was just as devastating.
Hundreds of thousands of workers will strike on todays day of action in France, a week after the fall of the French government and mass Block Everything protests called on social media. As social anger mounts against President Emmanuel Macron and his new prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, France is not only in the throes of a parliamentary crisis. It is passing through a crisis of rule rooted in an international conflict between the working class and the capitalist oligarchy.

Workers reject the demands of the political establishment across Europe for deep social cuts to fund the sovereign debt and unpopular wars, while preserving the oligarchys obscene wealth. Replacing Francois Bayrou with Lecornu as French prime minister has not lessened this insoluble class conflict one iota. As Lecornu met with union leaders and the bourgeois Socialist Party (PS) to discuss new cuts and assemble another minority government, his poll ratings fell to 16 percent.

In the explosive class battles that lie ahead, the working class must take control of its own struggles. Militant organizations of the rank and file, built completely outside the framework of official politics, must take control of the class struggle out of the hands of the union bureaucracies and their social dialog with the capitalist state. This is the only way workers can organize resistance to and defeat the ruling oligarchys program of fascism, genocide and war.

Political lessons of the European strike wave of 2023, including the defeat of the struggle against Macrons pension cuts, must be drawn. An overwhelming majority of French people opposed the cuts, millions of workers went on strike, and riots shook cities across France. Yet Macron was able to impose his cuts, because the union leaderships and parties in Jean-Luc Melenchons New Popular Front (NFP) called off strikes and protests once Macron promulgated his illegitimate cuts as law.

The working class cannot defeat the attacks against it without breaking free of the bureaucracies that police the class struggle and enable the capitalist state to rule against the people. The decades-long escalation of imperialist wars, social austerity and attacks on democratic rights since the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 has proceeded so far that it is no longer compatible with democratic forms of rule.

Across Europe, the ruling class is demanding military escalation and payoffs to the banks that would require destroying the welfare state and impoverishing the population. Sovereign debt is 114 percent of GDP in France, 150 percent in Italy, 104 percent in Spain, 102 percent in Britain. Germanys 1 trillion rearmament plan could boost its debt to 90 percent of GDP. France, on tax revenues of 330 billion, spends nearly 100 billion on debt servicing, 50 billion on the military and has pledged to raise military spending 100 billion more to 5 percent of GDP.

There are two stark alternatives: Either the working class will break the diktat of the capitalist oligarchy, stop the war and the payoffs to the banks; or the oligarchy will escalate the war by destroying essential social programs on which the French people rely.

Powerful sections of the bourgeoisie understand that they are embarking on a class war against the workers that would require a fascistic dictatorship. This underlies the neo-fascist National Rallys (RN) announcement, in an open letter by RN party President Jordan Bardella to Frances CEOs, that he is ready to double the austerity measures planned by Macron to 100 billion in cuts, if elected.

The policy of Melenchon, for his part, is to lull the working class to sleep and keep subordinating it to the union bureaucracy. He has claimed It is enough for us to let the situation ripen, pointing to the fact that several union bureaucracies have called protests and claiming that It is useless to tire oneself out trying to do more. Peddling hopes that the union bureaucracies will call more protests and force Macrons resignation, he says nothing to prepare workers and youth for a situation where the bourgeoisie would react to Macrons fall by attacking workers even more aggressively.

In fact, the defense of the fundamental social and democratic rights of the working class requires a mass mobilization of the rank and file, fighting for the self-organization of the working class and the preparation of a general strike to bring down Macron. This is inseparable from the construction of a political movement in the working class, in France and across Europe, for workers power and a socialist revolution.

The PES calls for the transfer of power in all factories and workplaces from the union bureaucracies to the rank and file. To wage this struggle, workers need rank-and-file organizations to overcome the opposition of union bureaucracies whose social dialog ties workers to the diktat of the capitalist state. The Parti de legalite socialiste proposes the following demands, on which a political offensive can be waged in the working class to build support for the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC):

Expropriate the capitalist oligarchy!

Workers must reject the lie that there is no money for social programs and jobs. The trillions of euros monopolized by the capitalist oligarchy in France and across Europe must be used to fund key social programs and rebuild industry, infrastructure and jobs. This requires a struggle by the working class to expropriate the oligarchy, turning Europes major enterprises into a network of public utilities serving the interests of the people.

Bring down Macron, abolish the Fifth Republics executive presidency!

The capitalist oligarchy rules against the people by police repression and mass arrests of strikers. The executive presidency of Frances 1958 constitution, the nerve center of police state plots against democracy, must be abolished. Ultimately, ending attacks on democratic rights will require the transfer of power to organizations of the working class: Just as there can be no socialism without democracy, there can be no democracy without socialism.

No to imperialist war and NATO, build an anti-war movement in the working class!

Macrons overwhelmingly unpopular plans to send French troops to Ukraine must be stopped. France must leave the imperialist NATO alliance, which threatens to trigger nuclear war with Russia, as part of an international struggle by the working class to dismantle NATO and end its wars. Not a penny should go to spending increases for high-intensity war, that is, mass death like the current fratricidal slaughter of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers.

Stop the Gaza genocide! No persecution of opponents of genocide!

Workers in France and internationally must block the production and delivery of arms to Israel. The prosecution of opponents of the Gaza genocide on bogus anti-terrorism or antisemitism charges must end. Israeli officials responsible for the genocide, like French and NATO officials complicit in supporting or arming the Israeli state, must be prosecuted.

Stop the persecution of immigrants! For the international unity of the working class!

The struggle for socialism is inseparable from the international unity of the working class against attempts by the ruling class to divide workers along national lines. Workers must oppose the persecution of immigrants, the building of detention camps for refugees, and discriminatory laws like bans on Muslim clothing in French schools.

For the United Socialist States of Europe!

The most powerful allies of French workers and youth are the millions of workers across Europe and internationally opposed to war, fascism, genocide and austerity. The bureaucrats and populist politicians will stand in the way of building a fighting alliance with them. Workers must build their rank-and-file organizations of struggle and a political movement to transfer power to the working class in France, across Europe and internationally, replacing the capitalist European Union with the United Socialist States of Europe.
FUZHOU, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Solar power combined with energy storage has become the most affordable and reliable solution to accelerating the global transition from fossil fuels, according to a report released on Wednesday by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in partnership with CATL, China's leading battery manufacturer.

The findings were announced by Ilina Stefanova, head of the Coalition for Action at IRENA, during a keynote address at the World Energy Storage Conference in Ningde, east China's Fujian Province.

"Solar PV paired with storage is now one of the most cost-effective ways to meet growing electricity demand," Stefanova said. "We have the technology and knowledge to accelerate progress. What we need now is aligned policy and investment."

The report, Key Enablers for the Energy Transition: Solar PV and Storage, offers strong evidence that the solar-storage combination is not only technically viable but is increasingly outcompeting fossil fuels on cost.

Between 2010 and 2024, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from utility-scale solar PV fell by 90 percent to 0.043 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour -- 41 percent less than the cheapest fossil fuel alternative.

Over the same period, battery storage project costs plummeted by 93 percent from 2,571 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour to 192 U.S. dollars.

"This cost reduction isn't just incremental. It's transformational," Stefanova stressed.

As lithium-ion batteries evolve to provide longer-duration storage, they allow solar energy to cover evening demand peaks and provide grid stability.

The report highlights that energy storage helps avoid costly grid upgrades, reduces renewable energy curtailment and improves transmission efficiency.

To realize this potential, the report advises governments to treat energy storage as a critical aspect of grid planning. An annual investment of 720 billion U.S. dollars is needed through 2030, yet only 51 percent of that amount was invested in 2023.

The report also urges electricity market reforms, encouraging the exploration of new-energy storage business models such as capacity leasing.

Leading markets such as Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom are already allowing energy storage providers to earn revenue from energy arbitrage, capacity services and ancillary support.

This is IRENA's first report dedicated primarily to energy storage, a result of its first deep collaboration with a Chinese company. 
A push by the Australian Labor government to strengthen its neo-colonial dominance in the South West Pacific received a setback this week, when the government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) failed to endorse a wide-ranging defence treaty.

Labor, acting in concert with Washington, is seeking to integrate the Pacific states into the aggressive US-led preparations for war with China. At the same time, it is attempting to shore up its control over a geopolitically vital and resource-rich region that has always been central to the strategy of Australian imperialism.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, right, with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape in Sydney, Australia, December 12, 2024 [AP Photo/Mark Baker]

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to PNG at the beginning of the week, to finalise the treaty. As late as yesterday morning, sections of the Australian press were reporting that the treaty would be signed later in the day and were crowing that it would help to China-proof PNG and the broader Pacific.

But, as it transpired, PNG Prime Minister James Marape was only prepared to sign a communique with Albanese, which, while it commits to the signing of the treaty in the future, provides no timeline. Albanese has nevertheless insisted that the treaty will be ratified sometime in the coming weeks.

A meeting of the PNG cabinet, which had been set to give Marape the go-ahead on Monday evening did not make a quorum. The official explanation was that a number of government MPs had returned to their local areas to take part in events marking the 50th anniversary of PNGs independence.

It seems clear, however, that the low turnout was bound up with widespread apprehension in layers of the PNG political establishment and the wider population over the implications of the deal. The Australian press, while lauding the treaty, has acknowledged substantial concerns in PNG that it will effectively annul the countrys sovereignty.

The timing makes that all the more striking. The independence celebrations were marking five decades since Australia formally relinquished colonial control over PNG as an external territory of the country.

Australia formally took control of the British colony of Papua in 1906, shortly after the establishment of the Australian federation in 1901. After it seized the German colony of New Guinea at the outset of World War I, Australian imperialism looted the resources of PNG, particularly its minerals, repressed opposition and left a legacy of economic and social backwardness. Since 1975, Australia has repeatedly intervened in PNG to defend its economic and strategic interests.

The details of the defence treaty, as outlined by the communique, make clear that the Labor government was attempting to celebrate 50 years of PNGs independence by effectively abolishing it and returning the largest Pacific Island country to the status of a neo-colony.

The Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty would take relations between the two countries to the level of a formal alliance.

The first clause, seemingly based on the ANZUS alliance between Australia, New Zealand and the US would recognises that an armed attack on Australia or Papua New Guinea would be a danger to the peace and security of both countries.

While the clause is open to interpretation, given the relative weight of Australia, as an imperialist power, and PNG as an oppressed former colony, it is clear that Canberra intends to give the clause the most far-reaching interpretation as an iron-clad commitment to joint action.

The second clause in the communique calls for a plan to directly recruit PNG citizens into the Australian military.

The third calls for strengthening and expanding defence cooperation through enhanced capability, interoperability and integration. In practice, what this means is extensive Australian access to PNGs military facilities.

The fourth states that the parties would be committed to ensuring any activities, agreements or arrangements with third parties would not compromise the ability of either of the Parties to implement the Treaty.

That is clearly directed against PNG entering into any agreements with China, and at providing Australia with a de facto veto over PNGs foreign policy. The provision could also be used to block all deals with Beijing, including economic agreements, on the grounds of Australian national security.

Domestically, the Labor government has already invoked sweeping national-security laws to end the involvement of Chinese companies in non-military activities, including terminating a lease for the Port of Darwin.

PNG has always been a central focus of Australian imperialism, because it is far and away the largest of the Pacific states, by landmass, population and resources. Its military facilities and strategic position could play a major role in any war in the Indo-Pacific.

The country has also been a focus of the US-led military build-up for war against China. As the Obama administration was preparing its pivot to Asia, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited PNG in 2010, signalling its importance to the war drive.

In 2023, after years of diplomatic campaigning by Washington, Marape signed a far-reaching defence pact with the US, giving American forces uninhibited access to PNGs military and related civilian facilities. The US and Australia are involved in an expansion of the Lombrum Naval Base on Manus island, which was first established as a facility for the US military during World War II.

While Marape acceded to the US treaty in 2023, his government, like many throughout the Pacific, has continued to attempt to balance between Washington and Beijing. China is now PNGs second-largest trading partner and has provided substantial investments in infrastructure, mining and a major development in the capital Port Moresby.

The Labor governments aim in PNG and the region more broadly is to end that balancing act. In 2022, while in opposition, Labor joined Washington in responding hysterically to a security agreement signed between the Solomon Islands and China. Labor pledged that in office it would work to scuttle such deals and to fully align Pacific Island states with Washingtons build-up against Beijing.

Last year, Labor pushed through agreements with Nauru and Tuvalu, which effectively ceded control of their foreign and security policies to Canberra by granting it a veto. Nauru is one of the smallest countries in the world, and much of its territory has been decimated by the impact of phosphate mining. Tuvalu is among the Pacific states most immediately imperilled by rising sea levels. The security deal is based on allowing its population of 9,000 to eventually relocate to Australia, but only at a snails pace of 280 approvals a year.

In seeking to impose similar agreements on larger states, Canberra has faced pushback. The week before Albanese was rebuffed in PNG, Vanuatu similarly refused to finalise a security pact with its Prime Minister Jotham Napat. Opponents openly stated that some of its provisions appeared aimed at locking out China, including Chinese investments in infrastructure and economic development.

The two rejections point to the sham of Labors claims that its actions in the region are motivated by concern for the Pacific family and are based on cooperation and respect.

The reality is that Labor is functioning as an aggressive attack dog for American imperialism, seeking to hector, bully and coerce the impoverished Pacific states into committing to a catastrophic war with China.

The attempt to ram the Vanuatu and PNG agreements through appears to have been timed to precede Albaneses visit to the US later this month. Albanese is desperately seeking a face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump, which has yet to occur in the wake of Labors reelection in the May federal election.

Albaneses failure to secure a meeting has coincided with demands from the Trump administration that Australia dramatically increase its military spending, which is already at record levels, and explicitly commit its military assets to war with China in advance of such a conflict.
Elon Musk, the worlds second-richest man and former senior advisor to US President Donald Trump, appeared on giant video screens in central London on Saturday to address the largest far-right demonstration in British history. Musk issued a call for mass violence against the left, the dissolution of parliament and a revolutionary government to return Britain to greatness.

Wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words What would George Orwell think? the tech billionaire portrayed himself as the champion of free speech chafing under the yoke of government oppression. Worth an estimated $463.2 billion, Musk called for government of, by, and for the people.

Elon Musk (right) speaking with Tommy Robinson during the rally on Saturday (screenshot from video) [Photo: Farzad/X]

Interviewed on stage by fascist provocateur Tommy Robinson, Musk spoke via video-link for more than 15 minutes. It was an unabashed call for a fascist movement. He declared that massive uncontrolled migration was leading to the destruction of Britain and denounced the government for failing to protect the weak, those who cannot protect themselves, including children who are getting gang raped, a favoured anti-Muslim trope of Britains far-right.

Expressing fear in the capitalist oligarchy over the growth of left-wing sentiment in the working class, Musk described mass migration as a plot by the left to import voters who are taking your vote away from you. He warned, Frankly, its a strategy that will succeed, if it is not stopped.

He appealed to Robinsons crowd, Youre in a fundamental situation here whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back, or you die. You either fight back or you die. And thats the truth.

Musk depicted an imminent threat to democracy from the left: Theres so many on the left that want to just crush debate and put people in prison, he declared.

He amplified the deafening campaign by Trumps entourage portraying the fascist Charlie Kirk as a political martyr to the left, you see how much violence theres 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. That is who were dealing with.

With Nigel Farages far-right Reform UK leading in the polls and Starmers popularity having plunged to a record low -50, Musk declared, Theres got to be a change of government in Britain. We dont have another four years Somethings got to be done. Theres got to be a dissolution of parliament and a new vote held.

Musk warned that unless they acted soon, other people are going to come and maraud them. There [is] genuine risk of rape and murder and the destruction of the country. A revolutionary government would enact deregulation and a massive reduction in bureaucracy, i.e., eliminate all restraints on profit and the exploitation of the working class.

Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmers response came the following day on Twitter/X at 2.05pm with a defence of the police, the St Georges flag, and the Union Jack:

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 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.

Starmer heads an authoritarian government that is criminalising the right to protest. At the end of June, then Labours Home Secretary ordered the banning of non-violent protest group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Police have since arrested over 1,500 of its supporters. Pensioners and retireesincluding those in wheelchairshave been hauled away under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act for the crime of holding placards inscribed with the words, I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.

Only the previous Saturday, 2,500 police were mobilised against 1,500 peaceful anti-genocide protestors in Parliament Square, with almost 900 arrests. By comparison, just 1,000 police met Saturdays 150,000-strong march by the far-right. As a result, fascist hoodlums came close to breaching police barricades separating them from a small counter-protest organised by Stand Up To Racism advertised weeks in advance.

A handcuffed man is dragged away to a police van during the mass arrest in London on September 6

The size of Saturdays protest has shocked wide layers of the population and Starmers refusal to condemn Musks inflammatory calls for a far-right takeover generated widespread disgust.

It was not until Tuesdays cabinet briefing that Starmer spoke against calls to violence from [a] foreign billionaire. But even then, the (unnamed) billionaires incitement of a far-right coup against his own government passed without comment.

According to a summary of the cabinet meeting, Starmer told his ministers, Scenes of police officers being attacked on Saturday, and a march led by a convicted criminal, were not just shocking but sent a chill through the spines of people around the country, and particularly many ethnic minority Britons.

It continues: He [Starmer] said we are in the fight of our times between patriotic national renewal and decline and toxic division. He said the government must heed the patriotic call of national renewal, and that this was a fight that has to be won.

Workers need to reach clear conclusions from these events.

Musks call for a far-right movement to bring down the Starmer government is not play-acting. In January 2021, Trump organised a fascist rabble to storm the US Congress and prevent certification of Joe Biden as President of the United States. They came within minutes of succeeding. Trump is now erecting a dictatorship in plain view, overturning the constitution, deploying the military into major cities, and effectively ruling by decree. The Nazi-saluting Musk is a public symbol of this coup by the oligarchy.

There is no constituency in the British ruling class for the defence of democratic rights. Starmers craven response to Muskwho has used his X platform to incite anti-immigrant riots in Britain, including those in Southport last summermakes clear Labour will do nothing to oppose far-right agitation, up to and including plans for a coup. This week, Starmer has rolled out the red carpet for Dictator-in-Chief Donald Trumps state visit.

Starmers actions reflect more than individual cowardice. They confirm Labours total subservience to the capitalist oligarchy. On Sunday, he announced a new inward investment deal from US financial giants (including PayPal, Bank of America, Citibank and S&P) worth 1.2 billion, boasting it confirms Britains place as a leader in global finance. On Friday, he announced a separate deal with Google Cloud to strengthen secure communication links between the UK and the US. Protecting us against threats, supporting jobs and bringing investment to Britain.

But beyond such powerful financial interests, Labours prostration before Musk and Trump, and Starmers pathological authoritarianism and patriotism, reflect definite political calculations.

Starmer is under intense pressure to slash public spending and make the working class pay for Britains mounting debt and for increased military spending. Reform UK is being promoted in ruling circles as a possible replacement. Should a far-right coup be mounted in Britain, the Labour government, like the Democrats in the US, will not resist.

In the US, Kirks assassination is being seized on by the Trump administration to launch a pre-emptive war on the left, targeting workers, students and all those who express any opposition to its fascist policies as the enemy within. Starmer is acting from a similar playbook. Aware that Labours plans for deepening austerity will generate mass working class resistance, he too is working to criminalize left-wing and anti-war protest, promote the far-right, and bolster the repressive powers of the state.

Saturdays Unite the Kingdom rally was preceded by a torrent of anti-immigrant rhetoric by Labours cabinet about stopping the boats and boosting deportations that was indistinguishable from Farage or Robinson. Starmer and his then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the far-rights Raise the Colours movement that has seen public roads, lamp posts and buildings covered with the St George flag.

Starmers extending a hand of friendship to the far-right culminated in his September 10 post on X: My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk. It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband. We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fearthere can be no justification for political violence.

Rising to the Labour leadership through a manufactured witch-hunt against left-wing antisemitism, Starmer now whitewashes a fascist agitator and a virulent antisemite. Kirk has publicly espoused the Great Replacement Theory, claiming that elites are overseeing mass immigration to replace white peoples. In November 2023, he declared that anti-whiteness has been largely financed by Jewish donors in the country. He has consistently employed antisemitic tropes, alleging Jewish control of Hollywood, academia, and the mass media. Kirks support for the Zionist state of Israel merely confirms a kinship grounded in ethno-nationalism.

As the Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site warned almost a decade ago, the state campaign against leftwing antisemitism launched against Jeremy Corbyns supporters in 2015-2019aimed at criminalising pro-Palestinian, left-wing and socialist politicshas served to bolster the real source of antisemitism in the cesspools of the far-right.

Corbyn enjoyed the overwhelming backing of party members to take on and defeat the Blairite witch-hunters, but he opposed any challenge to the right-wing, insisting on the unity of all factions in Labours broad church. Corbyns legacy was a peaceful transition to Starmer who has backed Israels genocide in Gaza and is overseeing the most severe repression in modern British history against the right to protest and free speech, while boosting the far-right.

Corbyn speaking at a previous sitting of Parliament, with far-right Reform UK leader Nigel Farage seated in front (laughing in blue suit) April 12, 2025 [Photo by House of Commons/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Now, Corbyn is setting up a new left-wing party, but he advances no strategy to mobilise the working class against the Starmer government, the far-right and the capitalist system which they defend.

While criticizing Starmer for playing into the hands of Reform, Corbyn told Channel 4 News, Surely what he should be saying is that were going to lead to a process of renewal which eliminates the poverty and inequality in our society. Asked whether he had sympathy for Starmer as leader, Corbyn replied, Being leader of the Labour Party is very, very difficult indeed, before paying tribute to his old friends in the party who he described as very active and very good people.
A significant and harmful algal bloom, centred near Adelaide, the state capital of South Australia (SA), is devastating marine life, impacting local communities, and causing financial losses in aquaculture and tourism. Since being detected in March, the bloom has grown to an estimated size of nearly 5,000 square kilometres, covering around 30 percent of the states coastline. Photographs show dead sea life and toxic yellow foam washing ashore.

Dead fish on South Australian beach, March 2025 [Photo: Anthony Rowland]

The Biodiversity Council, an independent group of scientists from 11 Australian universities, published a statement in July suggesting a combination of factors caused the bloom. It pointed to a marine heatwave beginning in September 2024 reaching temperatures 2.5 degrees Celsius above average. This has combined with two other factors: the flushing of excess nutrients from the heavily farmed Murray-Darling basin during 2022-2023 floods; and nutrient upwellinga natural process by which nutrient dense sea water is brought from the sea floor to the surface.

A citizen-led database on iNaturalist has so far documented over 500 affected marine species and the deaths of over 40,000 sea creatures, indicating a far broader impact. Local communities have led the clean-up with reports that heavily affected beaches are virtually unvisitable due to the stench of rotting marine life washing ashore and a variety of aerosolised algal toxins that can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation.

The bloom is dominated by Karenia mikimotoi, a species of photosynthetic microalgae documented by scientists for nearly a century, which has reportedly persisted in low numbers for years until this latest bloom. A previous bloom of the algae was recorded in South Australia in Coffin Bay in 2014. K. mikimotoi has caused increasing blooms worldwide in recent decades. A 2012 bloom in China's Fujian Province, for instance, inflicted significant financial losses on marine aquaculture.

Unlike typical algal blooms that kill through oxygen depletion during mass die-offs, K. mikimotoi is toxic to marine life making it particularly devastating. This outbreak is especially concerning as it has persisted through winter. Scientists are unable to estimate when the bloom will subside and have warned of its potential growth as warmer conditions return.

The bloom will only be dissipated naturally through wind and waves, decreasing nutrient levels, or cooler temperatures. Human intervention is only possible on a small scale using algaecides, introducing microorganisms hostile to the algae, or by using a modified clay shown to bind and incapacitate Karenia species in China and Japan.

At least twelve harmful algal species have been detected in the bloom, leading to the first-ever finding of brevetoxinsa type of neurotoxinin Australian shellfish. According to the South Australian government, this has forced a precautionary halt to some commercial oyster and mussel harvests since July.

The tourism sector has also been affected. A snap survey of 97 tourism businesses by the Tourism Industry Council SA showed severe financial losses due to the algal bloom. It revealed that 99 percent of respondents had lost income, with an average downturn of 40 percent compared to July 2024.

The state government has announced paltry grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses impacted by the algal bloom. However, the businesses must prove a decline in catches and business turnover during any consecutive three-month period between April and October to receive support. The hardest hit commercial fishery companies can apply for up to $100,000 in support, with additional one-off $25,000 payments.

Yellow foam on South Australian beach, resulting from algal bloom, March 2025 [Photo: Anthony Rowland]

The total aid provided by state and federal governments amounts to just $28 million. Facing mounting public criticism, federal Environment Minister Murray Watt announced $14 million in federal funds, which was matched by the state government. A Senate inquiry was also announced.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed an additional $6.25 million in financial support on August 20, to provide grants to local government, to expand government monitoring of marine heatwaves, and algal bloom research. However, despite calls to do so, Albanese refused to declare the bloom a natural disaster that would have meant a far larger allocation of funds and resources to address the crisis.

The Biodiversity Council stated in July that the bloom was a foreseeable and predicted disaster that could match the massive impact of the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires that affected much of South East Australia and is estimated to have killed one billion animals. It warned of the need to prepare for an increasingly dangerous and unstable future, saying without urgent major action, catastrophic algal blooms will become increasingly common.

The algal bloom in South Australian waters highlights the growing impact of climate change that is taking many and varied forms. In this case, higher sea temperatures are interacting with the leaching of excessive agricultural fertilisers into the river systems.

In March 2023, a bloom of blue-green algae on the Darling River near Menindee killed millions of fish. The bloom was facilitated by the large-scale extraction of water by upstream agribusinesses under heatwave conditions. The Darling is Australias third longest river and a number of towns rely on it for their water supply. Health authorities initially claimed that water was safe to drink, only reversing the claim amid widespread public outrage.

Algal blooms could also affect critical environmental systems, including the internationally recognised 8,000-kilometre Great Southern Reef, which spans the entire southern coastline of Australia and supports vast kelp forests and seagrass beds. Scientists have warned that life in the Coorong wetland, located at the mouth of the Murray River, is also under threat and could be wiped out.

Scientists are warning that toxic algal blooms are a growing international threat due to climate change and environmental degradation. Yet despite the mounting dangers associated with climate change, governments have proven incapable of taking the necessary measures to halt, let alone reverse, global warming. In the case of the United States, one of the worlds largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the Trump administration is actively dismantling climate legislation, boosting the fossil fuel industry and doing everything possible to undermine the science of climate change.

The federal Labor government in Australia fosters fossil fuel exports. It deliberately delayed a 40-year extension of the huge North-West Shelf gas project to 2070 until after the federal election in May this year. In the course of its previous term of office, it approved seven new coal mines and expanded gas extraction, despite a 2024 State of Climate report revealing that Australia had warmed by 1.51C since 1910, as well as an increased frequency of marine heatwaves.

The failure over decades to take action to stem climate change is rooted in the capitalist system itself, in which corporate profit takes priority over all else, including mounting environmental disasters. The outmoded division of the world into rival capitalist states driven by narrow national economic and strategic interests has cut across any genuine international agreement to arrest greenhouse gas emission.

What is necessary is a unified struggle by the international working class based on a socialist program to refashion society to meet the pressing needs of the majority of the worlds population, not the profits of the ultra-wealthy few.
Displaced Palestinians flee Gaza City by foot and vehicles, carrying their belongings along the coastal road toward southern Gaza, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana]

The Israeli assault on Gaza City reached a new level of intensity on Wednesday as air strikes were accompanied by tanks rolling down what is left of the streets of the last urban area in the enclave not controlled by the Zionist military.

For nearly two years, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have mounted an ethnic cleansing operation that has decimated the Palestinian population alongside the destruction of infrastructure and nearly every structure in Gaza.

Israeli ground troops, supported by relentless artillery and air power, have succeeded in penetrating the heart of Gaza City. Eyewitnesses have described the latest round of terror unleashed, with hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles methodically advancing through dense residential neighborhoods.

Video and photographic evidence obtained by Reuters, the New York Times, Al Jazeera and the BBC, shows columns of tanks and bulldozers entering Sheikh Radwan, a district that was once home to tens of thousands, now reduced to rubble and dust.

Wahid abu Ramadan, a local resident, told Reuters, We spent the night in darkness, the sounds of bombs and screams all around. When morning came, the tanks were everywhere, the air was unbreathable from the smoke, and my neighbors house, where they had all fled, was destroyed in seconds.

A report by the New York Times chronicled residents futile attempts to secure safety as missiles destroyed multiple high-rise buildings and ambulances ran from strike to strike as bodies were pulled from destroyed homes.

Al Jazeera spoke to Samia Jamal, who survived the bombardment: Buildings collapsed while entire families were still inside. The army just keeps shelling and advancing.

Israels latest attacks, carried out under the military strategy of total victory, killed at least 65 people across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to Gazas Health Ministry and corroborated by journalists.

Thirty-seven of these deaths were in Gaza City following an airstrike that obliterated a school in Sheikh Radwan, where dozens of displaced civilians had sought shelter. One eyewitness recounted to Al Jazeera: We had just finished morning prayers when the missiles hit. Children, women, old meneveryone was screaming for help. We found at least 12 bodies under the tents and rubble.

The carnage emerged as missile strikes targeted the premises of al-Ahli Hospital and Tuff neighborhood, while overnight shelling in central and southern sectors of the city killed entire families. Journalists for the New York Times and Al Jazeera described the grisly aftermath: Blood covered the floors of the hospital, many killed as they tried to bring the wounded to safety.

The Palestinian Health Ministry listed and named dozens of those killed, including children, teachers and healthcare workers. The targeting of medical institutions is now routine for the barbarians of Tel Aviv. So are attacks on journalists who are bringing news about the atrocities to the world.

The latest scenes of annihilation unfold as the Gaza Health Ministrys official statistics record over 65,000 Palestinians killed since the genocide began in October 2023. Although the United Nations and monitoring organizations recognize these figures as accurate, it is well known that the death toll exceeds 200,000 people with two-thirds of them left unrecovered and uncounted in the rubble.

The casualties, combined with the near-total destruction of civilian homes, schools and hospitals, have forced 90 percent of Gazas population into perpetual displacement. Famine and lack of medical care have claimed hundreds more lives in recent weeks alone.

Amid this systematic devastation, Israel announced the opening of a new temporary evacuation route out of Gaza City, offering a window of 48 hours purportedly to permit civilians to flee before what Israeli politicians call the final occupation of the city.

Another measure of the savage mass murder of Palestinians by Israel are the bombings and gunfire along all major highways south, which are forcing desperate Gazans to navigate a gauntlet of tanks, snipers and unmapped minefields.

We tried to leave when the leaflets were dropped, but the bombs followed us down the coastal road, said one survivor. If we turn back, we die. If we go forward, we may still die. The Israeli military claims 350,000 people have already fled Gaza City, yet up to half a million remain trapped amid siege and bombardment, unable or unwilling to abandon their homes and relatives.

In the words of a Gaza schoolteacher to Al Jazeera: I prefer to die here in my neighborhood than become a refugee again.

The ground offensive is unprecedented in scale and firepower, featuring at least three armored formations operating in the heart of Gaza City, according to direct reporting by ABC News and multiple international outlets. Plumes of smoke and fire rise above entire districts, while drone and artillery strikes hit areas designated by Israel as terror sites.

Commanders interviewed by ABC News confirmed that columns of tanks have encircled the city center and Israeli media has celebrated the entry of special units into the ruins of municipal government compounds, with no discussion of withdrawal plans other than the total dismantling of Hamas. The Israeli Defense Minister declared, Gaza is burning.

The massive crime by Israel, which has been clear to the worlds population for 23 months now, was finally recognized by US Senator Bernie Sanders on Wednesday, who declared for the first time on the Senate floor that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

Sanders referenced the United Nations Commission of Inquirys report on genocide and mounting legal and human rights findings that document the Israeli assault as a policy of deliberate extermination and displacement. The intent is unmistakable, Sanders said, the conclusion is undeniable.

Sanders statement was echoed by others such as Vermont Democratic Party Representative Becca Balint, herself of Jewish heritage, who wrote, The suffering transcends the tragic loss of life typical of war; at this juncture, the actions of the Netanyahu administration appear to be a calculated, intentional obliteration of the Palestinian people.

The use of the word appear undermines the charade of such statements. Meanwhile, these words from Sanders and other Democratic Party officials arrive as the Zionist military moves to complete the ethnic cleansing operation that has been directed by both the Biden and Trump administrations.

Like the report on Gaza released by Democratic Senators Van Hollen and Merkley one week ago, these statements are part of an eleventh-hour effort by a section of the Democratic Party to save face while Palestine is being wiped off the face of the earth.

One day earlier US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, standing next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, described Palestinians as barbaric animals, which is the language that echoes the Nazi extermination of Jews in World War II.

The imperialist plans of Israel and the US is for the forced expulsion of all Palestinians from Gaza, followed by privatization and reconstruction of the region for elite tourism and corporate development.

The proposal for a Gaza Riviera, detailed in leaked State Department documents and confirmed by media such as CNBC and CNN, envisages the relocation of over two million residents, digital voluntary resettlement exchanges, and the building of AI-driven smart cities to replace the ruins of Palestinian communities.

In a grotesque AI-generated promotional video, Donald Trump boasted of a beachfront resort to be built atop the devastation. The refusal to allow the return of refugees, the ongoing destruction of records, and the refusal to allow journalists or aid agencies into Gaza all point to a monstrous crime that points to the future that humanity faces in the twenty-first century under world capitalism.
Will Lehman

In a September 2 response to a lawsuit brought by Mack Trucks worker and socialist Will Lehman, the Trump administration formally admitted that the Department of Labor has still not produced the legally required explanation for its rejection of his complaint over massive voter suppression in the 202223 United Auto Workers (UAW) national elections. A court hearing in the case is scheduled for later this month.

On August 1, the Department of Labor rejected Lehmans complaint over UAW election fraud for a second time, writing in a perfunctory letter that a statement of reasons for the decision would be provided at a future date.

The governments ongoing efforts to maintain that the 2022-23 UAW elections were legitimate come amid an intensifying crisis facing the administration of UAW President Shawn Fain. While effectively coming to the rescue of Fain and the UAW apparatus, the Trump White House is simultaneously engaged in furious efforts to establish a dictatorship and overturn the Constitution, with its plans rapidly accelerating following the assassination of fascist Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

The governments September filing is the first substantive response by the government to Lehmans suit. Lehman had sued the Department of Labor and US Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer in June of this year, after more than a year of stonewalling by the Department of Labor following a court ruling in his favor.

In what Bloomberg Law termed a rare rebuke of the Labor Department, federal district court judge David Lawson ruled in favor of Lehman in June 2024, finding that the department under the Biden administration had acted illegally and in an arbitrary and capricious manner when it dismissed Lehmans complaint on narrow procedural grounds. Lawson had sent the complaint back to the Labor Department for further proceedings, stating they at a minimum, must consist of the production of a supplemental statement of reasons.

Instead, first the Biden and now the Trump administration have, in essence, defied that order. The Departments latest filing openly acknowledges that no statement of reasons has been issued to Lehman more than a year after Lawson ordered it.

The Department of Labor under both the Democrats and Republicans continues to demonstrate that it has nothing to do with defending workers rights and interests, Lehman told the WSWS. It is propping up the UAW apparatus precisely because the union bureaucracy serves to suppress opposition by workers to corporate exploitation. But in doing so, theyre only exposing the pro-corporate, anti-working class role of both the union apparatus and the state even more.

In its September 2 court filing, the Trump administration writes, Defendants [the US Department of Labor and the Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer] admit that a statement of reasons has not yet been provided to Plaintiff [Lehman].

While acknowledging that a substantive response to Lehmans complaints has not been provided, the government claims that Lehmans suit is premature and that his claims are not ripe for review because the government has not actually provided a statement of reasons yet. Its central argument is that judicial review must be confined to a statement of reasonswhich it has yet to produce.

This amounts to a Catch-22: the government argues that Lehman cannot obtain relief from the courts because no statement of reasons for their rejection of his complaint exists, while withholding that very statement for more than a year. In effect, the governments strategy is to run out the clock until the next UAW elections in 2026, essentially nullifying the courts order.

Lehmans complaint had brought forward detailed evidence that the UAW bureaucracy suppressed votes in the 2022-23 elections: reliance on the Local Union Information System (LUIS) for mailing ballots, which favored union officials and shut out many retirees and rank-and-file members; more ballots returned as undeliverable than cast (which, notably, the government admitted in its recent filing); and turnout so low that in some large academic localsdespite large and engaged membershipsfewer than 1 percent of members voted.

Lehman explained that the union had sophisticated means to reach its membersmethods it uses regularly to mobilize support for Democratic Party candidatesbut deliberately chose not to employ them for its own internal election. This lack of innocent explanation, he argued, proved that the election was manipulated to preserve the bureaucracys grip on power.

UAW bureaucracy propped up by the state

The efforts of the Department of Labor under first Biden and then Trump to come to the defense of Fains administration must be understood in the context of a mounting crisis inside the UAW bureaucracy, itself a component of the unprecedented crisis of capitalist class rule in the US.

The UAW has been under federal supervision since 2021, when a consent decree was imposed after a years-long corruption scandal that sent more than a dozen top officials, including former presidents Gary Jones and Dennis Williams, to prison for embezzlement and corporate bribe-taking.

Under the decree, a court-appointed monitor was installed to oversee the unions affairs and elections. The introduction of direct elections of top officers in 2022 (over the bitter objections of the entrenched bureaucracy) was hailed in the corporate press and by pseudo-left organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America as proof that the UAW was cleaning house. But the election itself was marked by mass disenfranchisement and brought into the presidency Shawn Fain, a longtime UAW bureaucrat who was falsely presented as a reformer.

But since coming into office, Fains administration has had an unbroken record of betrayals. In 2023, Fain and Biden jointly promoted the fraudulent stand-up strikes at the Big Three, which kept most workers on the job and paved the way for mass layoffs. Under Fains administration, thousands of autoworkers and other UAW members have suffered job cuts, stagnant wages and deadly working conditions. The UAW has facilitated the erosion of workplace safety in the name of profit, with the deaths of countless workers in recent years, such as Stellantis employees Ronald Adams Sr. and Antonio Gaston.

The increasing discontent among rank-and-file workers over these conditions has provoked bitter factional infighting within the UAW apparatus, particularly over the more than $1 billion in assets controlled by the bureaucracy, the source of the upper-middle-class incomes and privileges of the officialdom. In recent months, a layer of union officials, who previously supported Fain, has sought to bring charges against the UAW president and unseat him. The UAW monitor, however, ruled their efforts must restart due to a procedural technicality, in effect buying Fain more time until next years elections.

Since Trumps election, Fain and the UAW leadership have openly aligned the UAW with the fascistic presidents trade war agenda. Fain has repeatedly hailed the wartime economy of the 1940s, when the UAW enforced a no-strike pledge and speed-up, and has called for auto plants to be retooled for military production. The UAW apparatus, along with the union bureaucracies more broadly, have worked ever more feverishly to subordinate workers to the needs of US imperialism, including the ongoing efforts to sabotage the strike by 640 GE Aerospace workers in Ohio and Kentucky.

With American capitalism hurtling toward dictatorship and global war, the UAW and other union bureaucracies, integrated into the highest levels of government policy, are playing a central role in preparing the home front. The AFL-CIO functions as a domestic NATO, as Biden revealingly put it in 2024.

Build rank-and-file committees in every workplace

Against this backdrop, Lehmans struggle is of immense significance. In the 2022 UAW elections, he ran openly as a socialist, calling for the abolition of the union bureaucracy and the transfer of power and decision-making to rank-and-file workers. His campaign won broad support, winning nearly 5,000 votes, despite the efforts of the bureaucracy to keep workers in the dark about the elections.

The implications of my lawsuit extend far beyond the UAW elections, Lehman said, commenting on the latest developments in the case. They expose the reality that the union, backed by both political parties and the state, is hostile to democratic rights and interests of rank-and-file workers and retirees.

Throughout the 2022 elections and afterwards, my campaign stood for the interests of rank-and-file workers and retirees, and we challenged every violation of our rights. We followed all of the correct legal procedures, and in June of last year, we won a historic ruling against the Biden administrations Secretary of Labor. But after three years, under Biden and under Trump, the government is still stubbornly refusing to follow the law and address the voter suppression that my campaign exposed. It is impossible for any fair-minded worker who has followed the progress of my complaints through the legal system not to conclude that the system is totally broken.

We need an entirely new framework to defend our interests, which is what the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees is fighting for. Workers must take matters into their own hands and build rank-and-file committees in every factory and workplace, independent of the union apparatus, to fight for our rights and link struggles across industries and borders.

Workers need both fighting organizations and a new political perspective. The massive levels of inequality and concentration of wealth in the US are totally incompatible with democracy, whether in the UAW, in the workplace, or anywhere else. We need a political program and movement based on the interests of the international working class to stop the descent into dictatorship and world war under capitalism.

To join the fight for rank-and-file committees, fill out the form below.
My first word is one of apology for my impossible English. My second word is one of thanks to the committee which has made it possible for me to address your meeting. The theme of my address is the Moscow trials. I do not intend for an instant to overstep the limits of this theme, which even in itself is much too vast. I will appeal not to the passions, not to your nerves, but to reason. I do not doubt that reason will be found on the side of truth.

The Zinoviev-Kamenev trial has provoked in public opinion, terror, agitation, indignation, distrust, or at least, perplexity. The trial of Pyatakov-Radek has once more enhanced these sentiments. Such is the incontestable fact. A doubt of justice signifies, in this case, a suspicion of frame-up. Can one find a more humiliating suspicion against a government which appears under the banner of socialism? Where do the interests of the Soviet government itself lie? In dispelling these suspicions. What is the duty of the true friends of the Soviet Union? To say firmly to the Soviet government: it is necessary at all costs to dispel the distrust of the Western world for Soviet justice.

To answer to this demand: We have our justice, the rest does not concern us much, is to occupy oneself, not with the socialist enlightenment of the masses, but with the policies of inflated prestige, in the style of Hitler or Mussolini.

Even the friends of the USSR, who are convinced in their own hearts of the justice of the Moscow trials (and how many are there? What a pity that one cannot take a census of consciences!), even these unshakeable friends of the bureaucracy are duty-bound to demand with us the creation of an authorized commission of inquiry. The Moscow authorities must present to such a commission all the necessary testimonies. There can evidently be no lack of them, since it was on the basis of those given that 49 persons were shot in the Kirov trials, without counting the 150 who were shot without trial.

Let us recall that by way of guarantees for the justice of the Moscow verdicts before world public opinion, two lawyers present themselves: Pritt from London and Rosenmark from Paris, not to mention the American journalist Duranty. But who gives guarantee for these guarantees? The two lawyers Pritt and Rosenmark acknowledge gratefully that the Soviet government placed at their disposal all the necessary explanations. Let us add that the kings counsellor Pritt was invited to Moscow at a fortunate time, since the date of the trial was carefully concealed from the entire world until the last moment. The Soviet government did not thus count on humiliating the dignity of its justice by having recourse behind the scenes to the assistance of foreign lawyers and journalists. But when the Socialist and Trade Union Internationals demanded the opportunity to send their lawyers to Moscow, they were treatedno more and no lessas defenders of assassins and of the Gestapo! You know, of course, that I am not a partisan of the Second International or of the Trade Union International. But is it not clear that their moral authority is incomparably above the authority of lawyers with supple spines? Have we not the right to say: the Moscow government forgets its prestige before authorities and experts, whose approbation is assured to them in advance; it is cheerfully willing to make the kings counsellor Pritt a counsellor of the GPU. But, on the other hand, it has up to now brutally rejected every examination which would carry with it guarantees of objectivity and impartiality. Such is the incontestable and deadly fact! Perhaps, however, this conclusion is inaccurate? There is nothing easier than to refute it: let the Moscow government present to an international commission of inquiry serious, precise, and concrete explanations regarding all the obscure spots of the Kirov trials. And apart from these obscure spots there isalas!nothing! That is precisely why Moscow resorts to all kinds of measures to force me, the principal accused, to keep my silence. Under Moscows terrible economic pressure the Norwegian government placed me under lock and key. What good fortune that the magnanimous hospitality of Mexico permitted myself and my wife to meet the new trial, not under imprisonment, but in freedom! But all the wheels to force me once more into silence have again been set into motion. Why does Moscow so fear the voice of a single man? Only because I know the truth, the whole truth. Only because I have nothing to hide. Only because I am ready to appear before a public and impartial commission of inquiry with documents, facts, and testimonies in my hands, and to disclose the truth to the very end. I declare: if this commission decides that I am guilty in the slightest degree of the crimes which Stalin imputes to me, I pledge in advance to place myself voluntarily in the hands of the executioners of the GPU. That, I hope, is clear. Have you all heard? I make this declaration before the entire world. I ask the press to publish my words in the farthest corners of our planet. But if the commission establishesdo you hear me?that the Moscow trials are a conscious and premeditated frame-up, constructed with the bones and nerves of human beings, I will not ask my accusers to place themselves voluntarily before a firing squad. No, the eternal disgrace in the memory of human generations will be sufficient for them! Do the accusers of the Kremlin hear me? I throw my defiance in their faces. And I await their reply!

Through this declaration I reply in passing to the frequent objections of superficial skeptics: Why must we believe Trotsky and not Stalin? It is absurd to busy ones self with psychological divinations. It is not a question of personal confidence. It is a question of verification! I propose a verification! I demand the verification!

Listeners and friends! Today you expect from me neither a refutation of the proofs, which do not exist in this affair, nor a detailed analysis of the confessions, those unnatural, artificial, inhuman monologues which carry in themselves their own refutation. I would need more time than the prosecutor for a concrete analysis of the trials, because it is more difficult to disentangle than to entangle. This work I will accomplish in the press and before the future commission. My task today is to unmask the fundamental, original viciousness of the Moscow trials, to show the motive forces of the frame-up, its true political aims, the psychology of its participants and of its victims.

The trial of Zinoviev-Kamenev was concentrated upon terrorism. The trial of Pyatakov-Radek placed in the center of the stage, no longer terror, but the alliance of the Trotskyists with Germany and Japan for the preparation of war, the dismemberment of the USSR, the sabotage of industry, and the extermination of workers. How to explain this crying discrepancy? For, after the execution of the sixteen we were told that the depositions of Zinoviev, Kamenev, and the others were voluntary, sincere, and corresponded to the facts. Moreover, Zinoviev and Kamenev demanded the death penalty for themselves! Why then did they not say a word about the most important thing: the alliance of the Trotskyists with Germany and Japan and the plot to dismember the USSR? Could they have forgotten such details of the plot? Could they themselves, the leaders of the so-called center, not have known what was known by the accused in the last trial, people of a secondary category? The enigma is easily explained: the new amalgam was constructed after the execution of the sixteen, during the course of the last five months, as an answer to unfavorable echoes in the world press.

The most feeble part of the trial of the sixteen is the accusation against Old Bolsheviks of an alliance with the secret police of Hitler, the Gestapo. Neither Zinoviev, nor Kamenev, nor Smirnov, nor in general any one of the accused with political names, confessed to this liaison; they stopped short before this extreme of self-abasement! It follows that I, through obscure, unknown intermediaries such as Olberg, Berman, Fritz David and others, had entered into an alliance with the Gestapo for such grand purposes as the obtaining of a Honduran passport for Olberg. The whole thing was too foolish. No one wanted to believe it. The whole trial was discredited. It was necessary to correct the gross error of the stage managers at all costs. It was necessary to fill up the hole. Yagoda was replaced by Yezhov. A new trial was placed on the order of the day. Stalin decided to answer his critics in this way: You dont believe that Trotsky is capable of entering into alliance with the Gestapo for the sake of an Olberg and a passport from Honduras? Very well, I will show you that the purpose of his alliance with Hitler was to provoke war and partition out the world. However, for this second, more grandiose production, Stalin lacked the principal actors: he had shot them. In the principal roles of the principal presentation he could place only secondary actors! It is not superfluous to note that Stalin attached much value to Pyatakov and Radek as collaborators. But he had no other people with well-known names, who, if only because of their distant pasts, could pass as Trotskyists. That is why fate descended sternly upon Radek and Pyatakov. The version about my meetings with the rotten trash of the Gestapo through unknown, occasional intermediaries was dropped. The matter was suddenly raised to the heights of the world stage! It was no longer a question of a Honduran passport, but of the parcelling of the USSR and even the defeat of the United States of America. With the aid of a gigantic elevator the plot ascends during a period of five months from the dirty police dregs to the heights on which are decided the destinies of nations. Zinoviev, Kamenev, Smirnov, Mrachkovsky went to their graves without knowing of these grandiose schemes, alliances, and perspectives. Such is the fundamental falsehood of the last amalgam!

In order to hide, even if only slightly, the glaring contradiction between the two trials, Pyatakov and Radek testified, under the dictation of the GPU, that they had formed a parallel center, in view of Trotskys lack of confidence in Zinoviev and Kamenev. It is difficult to imagine a more stupid and deceitful explanation! I really did not have confidence in Zinoviev and Kamenev after their capitulation, and I have had no connection with them since 1927. But I had still less confidence in Radek and Pyatakov! Already in 1929 Radek delivered into the hands of the GPU the Oppositionist Blumkin, who was shot silently and without trial. Here is what I wrote then in the Russian Bulletin of the Opposition which appears abroad: After having lost the last remnants of his moral equilibrium, Radek does not stop at anything. It is outrageous to be forced to cite such harsh statements about the unfortunate victims of Stalin. But it would be criminal to hide the truth out of sentimental considerations. . . . Radek and Pyatakov themselves regarded Zinoviev and Kamenev as their superiors, and in this self-appreciation they were not mistaken. But more than that. At the time of the trial of the sixteen, the prosecutor named Smirnov as the leader of the Trotskyites in the USSR. The accused Mrachkovsky, as a proof of his proximity to me, declared that I was accessible only through his intermediation, and the prosecutor in his turn emphasized this fact. How then was it possible that not only Zinoviev and Kamenev, but Smirnov, the leader of the Trotskyists in the USSR, and Mrachkovsky as well, knew nothing of the plans about which I had instructed Radek, openly branded by me as a traitor? Such is the primary falsehood of the last trial. It appears by itself in broad daylight. We know its source. We see the strings off stage. We see the brutal hand which pulls them.

Radek and Pyatakov confessed to frightful crimes. But their crimes, from the point of view of the accused and not of the accusers, do not make sense. With the aid of terror, sabotage and alliance with the imperialists, they would have liked to reestablish capitalism in the Soviet Union. Why? Throughout their entire lives they struggled against capitalism. Perhaps they were guided by personal motives: the lust for power? the thirst for gain? Under any other regime Pyatakov and Radek could not hope to occupy higher positions than those which they occupied before their arrest. Perhaps they were so stupidly sacrificing themselves out of friendship for me? An absurd hypothesis! By their actions, speeches, and articles during the last eight years, Radek and Pyatakov demonstrated that they were my bitter enemies.

Terror? But is it possible that the Oppositionists, after all the revolutionary experience in Russia, could not have foreseen that this would only serve as a pretext for the extermination of the best fighters? No, they knew that, they foresaw it, they stated it hundreds of times. No, terror was not necessary for us. On the other hand it was absolutely necessary for the ruling clique. On the fourth of March, 1929, eight years ago, I wrote: Only one thing is left for Stalin: to attempt to draw a line of blood between the official party and the Opposition. He absolutely must connect the Opposition with attempts at assassination, the preparation of armed insurrection, etc. Remember: Bonapartism has never existed in history without police fabrication of plots!

The Opposition would have to be composed of cretins to think that an alliance with Hitler or the Mikado, both of whom are doomed to defeat in the next war, that such an absurd, inconceivable, senseless alliance could yield to revolutionary Marxists anything but disgrace and ruin. On the other hand, such an allianceof the Trotskyists with Hitlerwas most necessary for Stalin. Voltaire says: If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him. The GPU says: If the alliance does not exist, it is necessary to fabricate it.

At the heart of the Moscow trials is an absurdity. According to the official version, the Trotskyists had been organizing the most monstrous plot since 1931. However, all of them, as if by command, spoke and wrote in one way but acted in another. In spite of the hundreds of persons implicated in the plot, over a period of five years, not a trace of it was revealed: no splits, no denunciations, no confiscated letters, until the hour of the general confessions arrived! Then a new miracle came to pass. People who had organized assassinations, prepared war, divided the Soviet Union, these hardened criminals suddenly confessed in August 1936 not under the pressure of proofsno, because there were no proofsbut for certain mysterious reasons, which hypocritical psychologists declare are peculiar attributes of the Russian soul. Just think: yesterday they carried out railroad-wrecking and poisoning of workersby unseen order of Trotsky. Today they are Trotskys accusers and heap upon him their pseudocrimes. Yesterday they dreamed only of killing Stalin. Today they all sing hymns of praise to him. What is it: a madhouse? No, the Messieurs Duranty tell us, it is not a madhouse, but the Russian soul. You lie, gentlemen, about the Russian soul. You lie about the human soul in general.

The miracle consists not only in the simultaneity and the universality of the confessions. The miracle, above all, is that, according to the general confessions, the conspirators did something which was fatal precisely to their own political interests, but extremely useful to the leading clique. Once more the conspirators before the tribunal said just what the most servile agents of Stalin would have said. Normal people, following the dictates of their own will, would never have been able to conduct themselves as Zinoviev, Kamenev, Radek, Pyatakov, and the others did. Devotion to their ideas, political dignity, the simple instinct of self-preservation would force them to struggle for themselves, for their personalities, for their interests, for their lives. The only reasonable and fitting question is this: Who led these people into a state in which all human reflexes are destroyed, and how did he do it? There is a very simple principle in jurisprudence, which holds the key to many secrets: id fecit cui prodest; he who benefits by it, he is the guilty one. The entire conduct of the accused has been dictated from beginning to end, not by their own ideas and interests, but by the interests of the ruling clique. And the pseudoplot, and the confessions, the theatrical judgment and the entirely real executions, all were arranged by one and the same hand. Whose? Cui prodest? Who benefits? The hand of Stalin! The rest is deceit, falsehood, and idle babbling about the Russian soul! In the trials there did not figure fighters, nor conspirators, but puppets in the hands of the GPU. They play assigned roles. The aim of the disgraceful performance: to eliminate the whole Opposition, to poison the very source of critical thought, to definitively ensconce the totalitarian regime of Stalin.

We repeat: The accusation is a premeditated frame-up. This frame-up must inevitably appear in each of the defendants confessions, if they are examined alongside the facts. The prosecutor Vyshinsky knows this very well. That is why he did not address a single concrete question to the accused, which would have embarrassed them considerably. The names, documents, dates, places, means of transportation, circumstances of the meetingsaround these decisive facts Vyshinsky has placed a cloak of shame, or to be more exact, a shameless cloak. Vyshinsky dealt with the accused, not in the language of the jurist, but in the conventional language of the past master of frame-up, in the jargon of the thief. The insinuating character of Vyshinskys questionsalong with the complete absence of material proofsthis represents the second crushing evidence against Stalin.

But I do not intend to limit myself to these negative proofs. Oh, no! Vyshinsky has not demonstrated and cannot demonstrate that the subjective confessions were genuine, that is to say, in harmony with the objective facts. I undertake a much more difficult task: to demonstrate that each one of the confessions is false, that is, contradicts reality. Of what do my proofs consist? I will give you a couple of examples. I would need at least an hour to lay before you the two principal episodes: the pseudotrip of the accused Holtzman to see me in Copenhagen, to receive terrorist instructions, and the pseudo-voyage of accused Pyatakov to see me in Oslo, to get instructions about the dismemberment of the Soviet Union. I have at my disposal a complete arsenal of proofs that Holtzman did not come to see me in Copenhagen, and that Pyatakov did not come to see me in Oslo. Now I mention only the simplest proofs, all that the limitations of time permit.

Unlike the other defendants, Holtzman indicated the date: November 2325, 1932 (the secret is simple: through the newspapers it was known when I arrived in Copenhagen) and the following concrete details: Holtzman came to visit me through my son, Leon Sedov, with whom he, Holtzman, had met in the Hotel Bristol. Concerning the Hotel Bristol, Holtzman had a previous agreement with Sedov in Berlin. When he came to Copenhagen, Holtzman actually met Sedov in the lobby of this hotel. From there they both came to see me. At the time of Holtzmans rendezvous with me, Sedov, according to Holtzmans words, frequently walked in and out of the room. What vivid details. We sigh in relief: at last we have, not just confused confessions, but also something which looks like a fact. The sad part of it, however, dear listeners, is that my son was not in Copenhagen, neither in November 1932 nor at any other time in his life. I beg you to keep this well in mind! In November 1932, my son was in Berlin, that is, in Germany and not in Denmark, and made vain efforts to leave in order to meet me and his mother in Copenhagen: dont forget that the Weimar democracy was already gasping out its last breath, and the Berlin police were becoming stricter and stricter. All the circumstances of my sons procedure regarding his departure are established by precise evidence. Our daily telephonic communications with my son from Copenhagen to Berlin can be established by the telephone office in Copenhagen. Dozens of witnesses, who at that time surrounded my wife and myself in Copenhagen, knew that we awaited our son impatiently, but in vain. At the same time, all of my sons friends in Berlin know that he attempted in vain to obtain a visa. Thanks precisely to these incessant efforts and obstacles, the fact that the meeting never materialized remains in the memories of dozens of people. They all live abroad and have already given their written depositions. Does that suffice? I should hope so! Pritt and Rosenmark, perhaps, say No? Because they are indulgent only with the GPU! Good: I will meet them halfway. I have still more immediate, still more direct, and still more indisputable proofs. Actually, our meeting with our son took place after we left Denmark, in France, en route to Turkey. That meeting was made possible only thanks to the personal intervention of the French premier, at that time, M. Herriot. In the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs my wifes telegram to Herriot, dated the first of December, has been preserved, as well as Herriots telegraphic instruction to the French consulate in Berlin, on December 3, to give my son a visa immediately. For a time I feared that the agents of the GPU in Paris would seize those documents. Fortunately they have not succeeded. The two telegrams were luckily found some weeks ago in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Do you understand me clearly? I now have copies of both telegrams at hand. I do not cite their texts, numbers, and dates in order not to lose any time: I will give them to the press tomorrow.[ 1 ] On my sons passport there is a visa granted by the French consulate on December 3. On the morning of the fourth my son left Berlin. On his passport there are seals received at the frontier on the same day. The passport has been preserved in its entirety. Citizens of New York, do you hear my voice from Mexico City? I want you to hear every one of my words, despite my frightful English! Our meeting with our son took place in Paris, in the Gare de Nord, in a second-class train, which took us from Dunkerque, in the presence of dozens of friends who accompanied us and received us. I hope that is enough! Neither the GPU nor Pritt can ignore it. They are gripped in an iron vise. Holtzman could not see my son in Copenhagen because my son was in Berlin. My son could not have gone in and out during the course of the meeting. Who then will believe the fact of the meeting itself? Who will place any credence in the whole confession of Holtzman?

But that isnt all. According to Holtzmans words, his meeting with my son took place, as you have already heard, in the hall of the Hotel Bristol. Magnificent. . . . But it so happens that the Hotel Bristol in Copenhagen was razed to its very foundations in 1917! In 1932 this hotel existed only as a fond memory. The hotel was rebuilt only in 1936, precisely during the days when Holtzman was making his unfortunate declarations. The obliging Pritt presents us with the hypothesis of a probable slip of the pen: the Russian stenographer, you see, must have heard the word Bristol incorrectly, and moreover, none of the reporting journalists and editors corrected the error. Good! But how about my son? Also a stenographers slip of the pen? There Pritt, following Vyshinsky, maintains an eloquent silence. In reality the GPU, through its agents in Berlin, knew of my sons efforts and assumed that he met me in Copenhagen. There is the source of the slip of the pen! Holtzman apparently knew the Hotel Bristol through memories of his emigration long ago, and that is why he named it. From that flows the second slip of the pen! Two slips combine to make a catastrophe: of Holtzmans confessions there remains only a cloud of coal dust, as of the Hotel Bristol at the moment of its destruction. And meanwhiledont forget this!this is the most important confession in the trial of the sixteen: of all the old revolutionaries, only Holtzman had met with me and received terrorist instructions!

Let us pass to the second episode. Pyatakov came to see me by airplane from Berlin to Oslo in the middle of December 1935. Of the thirteen precise questions which I addressed to the Moscow tribunal while Pyatakov was yet alive, not a single one was answered. Each one of these questions destroys Pyatakovs mythical voyage. Meanwhile my Norwegian host, Konrad Knudsen, a parliamentary deputy, and my former secretary, Erwin Wolf, have already stated in the press that I had no Russian visitor in December 1935, and that I made no journeys without them. Dont these depositions satisfy you? Here is another one: the authorities of the Oslo aerodrome have officially established, on the basis of these records, that during the course of December 1935, not a single foreign airplane landed at their airport! Perhaps a slip of the pen has also crept into the records of the aerodrome? Master Pritt, enough of your slips of the pen, kindly invent something more intelligent! But your imagination will avail you nothing here: I have at my disposal dozens of direct and indirect testimonies which expose the depositions of the unfortunate Pyatakov, who was forced by the GPU to fly to see me in an imaginary airplane, just as the Holy Inquisition forced witches to go to their rendezvous with the devil on a broomstick. The technique has changed, but the essence is the same.

In the Hippodrome there are undoubtedly competent jurists. I beg them to direct their attention to the fact that neither Holtzman nor Pyatakov gave the slightest indication of my address, that is to say, of the time and the meeting place. Neither one nor the other told of the precise passport or the precise name under which he traveled abroad. The prosecutor did not even question them about their passports. The reason is clear: their names would not be found in the lists of travelers abroad. Pyatakov could not have avoided sleeping over in Norway, because the December days are very short. However, he did not name any hotel. The prosecutor did not even question him about the hotel. Why? Because the ghost of the Hotel Bristol hovers over Vyshinskys head! The prosecutor is not a prosecutor, but Pyatakovs inquisitor and inspirer, just as Pyatakov is only the unfortunate victim of the GPU.

I could now present an enormous amount of testimony and documents which would demolish at their very foundations the confessions of a whole series of defendants: Smirnov, Mrachkovsky, Dreitzer, Radek, Vladimir Romm, Olberg, in short, of all those who tried in the slightest degree to give facts, circumstances of time and place. Such a job, however, can be done successfully only before a commission of inquiry, with the participation of jurists having the necessary time for a detailed examination of documents and for hearing the depositions of witnesses.

But already what has been said by me permits, I hope, a forecast of the future development of the investigation. On the one hand, an accusation which is fantastic to its very core; the entire old generation of Bolsheviks is accused of an abominable treason, devoid of sense or purpose. To establish this accusation the prosecutor does not have at his command any material proofs, in spite of the thousands and thousands of arrests and searchings. The complete absence of evidence is the most terrible evidence against Stalin! The executions are based exclusively on forced confessions. And when facts are mentioned in these confessions, they crumble to dust at the first contact with critical examination.

The GPU is not only guilty of frame-up. It is guilty of concocting a rotten, gross, foolish frame-up. Impunity is depraving. The absence of control paralyzes criticism. The falsifiers carry out their work no matter how. They rely on the sum total effect of confessions and  executions. If one carefully compares the fantastic nature of the accusation in its entirety with the manifest falsehood of the factual depositions, what is left of all these monotonous confessions? The suffocating odor of the inquisitorial tribunal, and nothing more!

But there is another kind of evidence which seems to me no less important. In the year of my deportation and the eight years of my emigration I wrote to close and distant friends about two thousand letters, dedicated to the most vital questions of current politics. The letters received by me and the copies of my replies exist. Thanks to their continuity, these letters reveal, above all, the profound contradictions, anachronisms, and direct absurdities of the accusation, not only insofar as myself and my son are concerned, but also as regards the other accused. However, the importance of these letters extends beyond that fact. All of my theoretical and political activity during these years is reflected without a gap in these letters. The letters supplement my books and articles. The examination of my correspondence, it seems to me, is of decisive importance for the characterization of the political and moral personalitynot only of myself, but also of my correspondents. Vyshinsky has not been able to present a single letter to the tribunal. I will present to the commission or to a tribunal thousands of letters, addressed, moreover, to the people who are closest to me and from whom I had nothing to hide, particularly to my son, Leon. This correspondence alone by its internal force of conviction nips the Stalinist amalgam in the bud. The prosecutor with his subterfuges and his insults and the accused with their confessional monologues are left suspended in thin air. Such is the significance of my correspondence. Such is the content of my archives. I do not ask anybodys confidence. I make an appeal to reason, to logic, to criticism. I present facts and documents. I demand a verification!

Among you, dear listeners, there must be not a few people who freely say: The confessions of the accused are false, that is clear; but how was Stalin able to obtain such confessions; therein lies the secret! In reality the secret is not so profound. The Inquisition, with a much more simple technique, extorted all sorts of confessions from its victims. That is why the democratic penal law renounced the methods of the Middle Ages, because they led not to the establishment of the truth, but to a simple confirmation of the accusations dictated by the inquiring judge. The GPU trials have a thoroughly inquisitorial character: that is the simple secret of the confessions!

The whole political atmosphere of the Soviet Union is impregnated with the spirit of the Inquisition. Have you read Andre Gides little book, Return from the USSR? Gide is a friend of the Soviet Union, but not a lackey of the bureaucracy. Moreover, this artist has eyes. A little episode in Gides book is of incalculable aid in understanding the Moscow trials. At the end of his trip Gide wished to send a telegram to Stalin, but not having received the inquisitorial education, he referred to Stalin with the simple democratic word you. They refused to accept the telegram! The representatives of authority explained to Gide: When writing to Stalin one must say: leader of the workers or chieftain of the people, not the simple democratic word you. Gide tried to argue: Isnt Stalin above such flattery? It was no use. They still refused to accept his telegram without the Byzantine flattery. At the very end Gide declared: I submit in this wearisome battle, but disclaim all responsibility. . . . Thus a universally recognized writer and honored guest was worn out in a few minutes and forced to sign not the telegram which he himself wanted to send, but that which was dictated to him by petty inquisitors. Let him who has a particle of imagination picture to himself, not a well-known traveler but an unfortunate Soviet citizen, an Oppositionist, isolated and persecuted, a pariah, who is constrained to write, not telegrams of salutation to Stalin, but dozens and scores of confessions of his crimes. Perhaps in this world there are many heroes who are capable of bearing all kinds of tortures, physical or moral, which are inflicted on themselves, their wives, their children. I do not know. . . . My personal observations inform me that the capacities of the human nervous system are limited. Through the GPU Stalin can trap his victim in an abyss of black despair, humiliation, infamy, in such a manner that he takes upon himself the most monstrous crimes, with the prospect of imminent death or a feeble ray of hope for the future as the sole outcome. If, indeed, he does not contemplate suicide, which Tomsky preferred! Joffe earlier found the same way out, as well as two members of my military secretariat, Glazman and Boutov, Zinovievs secretary, Bogdan, my daughter Zinaida, and many dozens of others. Suicide or moral prostration: there is no other choice! But do not forget that in the prisons of the GPU even suicide is often an inaccessible luxury!

The Moscow trials do not dishonor the revolution, because they are the progeny of reaction. The Moscow trials do not dishonor the old generation of Bolsheviks; they only demonstrate that even Bolsheviks are made of flesh and blood, and that they do not resist endlessly when over their heads swings the pendulum of death. The Moscow trials dishonor the political regime which has conceived them: the regime of Bonapartism, without honor and without conscience! All of the executed died with curses on their lips for this regime.

Let him who wishes weep bitter tears because history moves ahead so perplexingly: two steps forward, one step back. But tears are of no avail. It is necessary, according to Spinozas advice, not to laugh, not to weep, but to understand!

Who are the principal defendants? Old Bolsheviks, builders of the party, of the Soviet state, of the Red Army, of the Communist International. Who is the accuser against them? Vyshinsky, bourgeois lawyer, who called himself a Menshevik after the October Revolution and joined the Bolsheviks after their definitive victory. Who wrote the disgusting libels about the accused in Pravda? Zaslavsky, former pillar of a banking journal, whom Lenin treated in his articles only as a rascal. The former editor of Pravda, Bukharin, is arrested. The pillar of Pravda is now Koltzov, bourgeois feuilletonist, who remained throughout the civil war in the camp of the Whites. Sokolnikov, a participant in the October Revolution and the civil war, is condemned as a traitor. Rakovsky awaits accusation. Sokolnikov and Rakovsky were ambassadors to London. Their place is now occupied by Maisky, Right Menshevik, who during the civil war was a minister of the White government in Kolchaks territory. Troyanovsky, Soviet ambassador.to Washington, treats the Trotskyists as counterrevolutionaries. He himself during the first years of the October Revolution was a member of the Central Committee of the Mensheviks and joined the Bolsheviks only after they began to distribute attractive posts. Before becoming ambassador, Sokolnikov was peoples commissar of finance. Who occupies that post today? Grinko, who in common with the White Guards struggled in the Committee of Welfare during 191718 against the Soviets. One of the best Soviet diplomatists was Joffe, first ambassador to Germany, who was forced to suicide by the persecutions. Who replaced him in Berlin? First the repented Oppositionist Krestinski, then Khinchuk, former Menshevik, a participant in the counterrevolutionary Committee of Welfare, and finally Suritz, who also went through 1917 on the other side of the barricades. I could prolong this list indefinitely.

These sweeping alterations in personnel, especially striking in the provinces, have profound social causes. What are they? It is time, my listeners, it is high time, to recognize, finally, that a new aristocracy has been formed in the Soviet Union. The October Revolution proceeded under the banner of equality. The bureaucracy is the embodiment of monstrous inequality. The revolution destroyed the nobility. The bureaucracy creates a new gentry. The revolution destroyed titles and decorations. The new aristocracy produces marshals and generals. The new aristocracy absorbs an enormous part of the national income. Its position before the people is deceitful and false. Its leaders are forced to hide the reality, to deceive the masses, to cloak themselves, calling black white. The whole policy of the new aristocracy is a frame-up. The new constitution is nothing but a frame-up.

Fear of criticism is fear of the masses. The bureaucracy is afraid of the people. The lava of the revolution is not yet cold. The bureaucracy cannot crush the discontented and the critics by bloody repressions only because they demand a cutting down of privileges. That is why the false accusations against the Opposition are not occasional acts but a system, which flows from the present situation of the ruling caste.

Let us recall how the Thermidorians of the French Revolution acted toward the Jacobins. The historian Aulard writes: The enemies did not satisfy themselves with the assassination of Robespierre and his friends; they calumniated them, representing them in the eyes of France as royalists, as people who had sold out to foreign countries. Stalin has invented nothing. He has simply replaced royalists with fascists.

When the Stalinists call us traitors, there is in that accusation not only hatred but also a certain sort of sincerity. They think that we betray the interests of the holy caste of generals and marshals, the only ones capable of constructing socialism, but who in fact compromise the very idea of socialism. For our part, we consider the Stalinists as traitors to the interests of the Soviet masses and of the world proletariat. It is absurd to explain such a furious struggle by personal motives. It is a question not only of different programs, but also of different social interests, which clash in an increasingly hostile fashion.

And what is your general diagnosis? you will ask me. What is your prognosis? I said before: My speech is devoted only to the Moscow trials. The social diagnosis and prognosis form the content of my new book: The Revolution Betrayed: What Is the Soviet Union and Where Is It Going? But in two words I will tell you what I think.

The fundamental acquisitions of the October Revolution, the new forms of property which permit the development of the productive forces, are not yet destroyed, but they have already come into irreconcilable conflict with the political despotism. Socialism is impossible without the independent activity of the masses and the flourishing of the human personality. Stalinism tramples on both. An open revolutionary conflict between the people and the new despotism is inevitable. Stalins regime is doomed. Will the capitalist counterrevolution or workers democracy replace it? History has not yet decided this question. The decision depends also upon the activity of the world proletariat.

If we admit for a moment that fascism will triumph in Spain, and thereby also in France, the Soviet country, surrounded by a fascist ring, would be doomed to further degeneration, which must extend from the political superstructure to the economic foundations. In other words, the debacle of the European proletariat would probably signify the crushing of the Soviet Union.

If on the contrary the toiling masses of Spain overcome fascism, if the working class of France definitely chooses the path of its liberation, then the oppressed masses of the Soviet Union will straighten their backbones and raise their heads! Then will the last hour of Stalins despotism strike. But the triumph of Soviet democracy will not occur by itself. It depends also upon you. The masses need your help. The first aid is to tell them the truth.

The question is: to aid the demoralized bureaucracy against the people, or the progressive forces of the people against the bureaucracy. The Moscow trials are a signal. Woe to them who do not heed! The Reichstag trial surely had a great importance. But it concerned only vile fascism, this embodiment of all the vices of darkness and barbarism. The Moscow trials are perpetrated under the banner of socialism. We will not concede this banner to the masters of falsehood! If our generation happens to be too weak to establish socialism over the earth, we will hand the spotless banner down to our children. The struggle which is in the offing transcends by far the importance of individuals, factions, and parties. It is the struggle for the future of all mankind. It will be severe. It will be lengthy. Whoever seeks physical comfort and spiritual calm, let him step aside. In time of reaction it is more convenient to lean on the bureaucracy than on the truth. But all those for whom the word socialism is not a hollow sound but the content of their moral lifeforward! Neither threats, nor persecutions, nor violations can stop us! Be it even over our bleaching bones, the truth will triumph! We will blaze the trail for it. It will conquer! Under all the severe blows of fate, I shall be happy, as in the best days of my youth, if together with you I can contribute to its victory! Because, my friends, the highest human happiness is not the exploitation of the present but the preparation of the future.
This Appendix to Vadim Rogovin's work, Stalin's Terror of 1937-1938: Political Genocide in the USSR uses official archival data to reveal the true scale of the Great Terror. We are publishing this as a supplementary text to the lecture given by Fred Williams to the Socialist Equality Party (US) 2025 Summer School, and encourage our readers to purchase the full volume by Rogovin, as well as his other works on the Left Opposition, through Mehring Books.

Stalins Terror of 1937-1938: Political Genocide in the USSR

1. Myths. For several decades, Soviet and Western societies have remained under the influence of statistical computations in which the number of those repressed for political reasons in the USSR has been exaggerated, as a rule, by an order of magnitude. In this process, the statistical data wandering from one work to another belonged not to specialistsstatisticians or demographersbut to dilettantes in this area, who remained silent about the sources and methods which guided them in making their calculations.

Overestimating the number of victims of political repression is a phenomenon which has been encountered earlier in history. In the novel The Priest from Tours, Balzac wrote: People of an ironic frame of mind would probably receive no small pleasure from the strange statements made by abbe Birotteau and Mademoiselle Gamard Who would not laugh upon hearing them claim, while relying on truly curious evidence,  that more than one million three hundred thousand people perished on the scaffold during the revolution. Balzacs characters, however, were content to discuss their evidence in private conversations; they did not circulate them in print throughout the entire world.

That has not been the case with contemporaries of Stalins repressions. Staggered by their unprecedented scale, they published figures they invented and presented them as reliable. Thus, in 1945, Alexander Barmine stated that 12 million people were in the concentration camps of the USSR.

Similarly fantastic numbers figure in the samizdat or tamizdat works which were written in the 1950s and 1960s by Soviet authors, particularly by those who passed through the camps themselves. Thus, in the novel The Department of Useless Things, Yuri Dombrovsky writes as if it were obvious and beyond any need of proof that, in 19371938, according to the most modest estimates, the number of prisoners exceeded 10 million.

In his novel The First Circle, Alexander Solzhenitsyn discussed the political reasons for the frequent exaggeration of the number of camp inhabitants by the prisoners themselves. He noted with a certain amount of irony: The prisoners were sure that no men remained at liberty besides the authorities and the MVD. These personal conceptions of people who were repeatedly being sent from one transfer prison or camp to another, and who met there an enormous number of ever newer faces, gave rise to the myths that circulated among the prisoners. Solzhenitsyn wrote that in the prisons people were generally inclined to exaggerate the number of prisoners, and when in actual fact there were only 12 to 15 million behind bars, the prisoners were certain that there were 20, and even 30, million. This last sentence was a slight deception on Solzhenitsyns part. It was intended to create the impression that the objective author, who was pointing out the exaggerations of the prisoners, was himself providing an absolutely reliable figure. However, if the prisoners were naming a figure only one and a half to two times greater than the figure given by Solzhenitsyn, the latter increased his number by a factor of five to six times over the true number of prisoners.

A significant contribution to the circulation of falsified statistics was made by A. V. Antonov-Ovseenko, who displays in his works on Stalinism an unusual glibness when dealing with facts. In his book Portrait of a Tyrant, which came out in 1994, he claims that the peak of the repressions was in 1938, when 16 million prisoners were in the camps. A bit later he indicates that the same number of camp inmates existed in 1933. His book repeatedly asserts that, from 1935 through 1940, 19,840,000 people were arrested, of whom seven million were shot. In order to increase the believability of these figures, Antonov-Ovseenko declares, without a shade of hesitation, that they are contained in a report from the KGB presented after the Twentieth Congress to the Central Committee of the CPSU.

Figures that are closer to the truth, but also inflated, are contained in recent publications by D. Volkogonov and R. Medvedev. Thus, Medvedev writes that no less than five million people were arrested for political reasons in 1936-1938 alone. Even stranger is his assertion that the general number of prisoners in the USSR in 19411942 was approximately equal to the number of soldiers in the active army. And the losses of people at that time in the East [i.e., in the camps  V. R.] and in the West [i.e., at the front  V. R.] were also approximately equal.

Khrushchev also made a contribution to misinforming the public about the scale of Stalins repressions when he asserted in his memoirs that, at the time of Stalins death, the camps held about 10 million people. He needed to raise the true figure four times over, apparently in order to make his role in freeing political prisoners seem more significant (a role which would have been judged in the manner it deserved by his contemporaries and successors even without this exaggeration).

In order to refute such miscalculations, it would be necessary to cite statistics which were at the disposal of the authorities, for the organs of the OGPUNKVDMGB kept a careful bureaucratic count of the number of people arrested, shot, and located in the camps. However, the lying, sluggish, and cowardly ruling bureaucracy did not remove the seal of secrecy from the statistics of repression even in the first years of the unfolding offensive in the USSR of anti-communist forces who relied on fantastic figures of tens of millions of victims of the Bolshevik terror. The Gorbachev leadership decided to counterpose true figures to these fabrications only at the end of its reign.

Despite the appearance in the 1990s of many publications disclosing the true number of those arrested for political motives, the democratic journalists continue to operate with arbitrary numbers, pursuing transparent political goals as they do so. Thus, the journalist Yu. Feofanov, in surpassing all the falsifiers who preceded him, announced on the eve of the presidential elections of 1996 that, in the 1930s alone, 16 to 20 million people died from repressions, and God alone knows how many souls were squandered by the Soviet communist regime.

2. The number of those convicted for political reasons. Soon after Stalins death, the Presidium of the Central Committee of the CPSU demanded that the law-enforcement agencies provide data about the number of people convicted for counter-revolutionary crimes. The report presented in February 1954 by General Prosecutor of the USSR Rudenko, Minister of Internal Affairs Kruglov, and Minister of Justice Gorshenin, states that, from 1921 through 1 February 1954, 3,777,380 people were convicted on charges of counter-revolutionary crimes, which includes 642,980 people who were sentenced to death; 2,369,220 who were confined in camps and prisons; and 765,180 who were sentenced to exile or deportation. Of this number, approximately 2.9 million people were convicted by extrajudicial organs (by a collegium of the OGPU, by troikas, and by Special Boards), and about 900,000 people were convicted by courts, military tribunals, the Special Collegium, and the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court. Numbers close to this (3,778,234 arrested, including 786,098 shot) were first made public at the beginning of the 1990s by leading members of the KGB.

We should note that in these figures some people, but by no means the majority, are counted more than once, insofar as many political prisoners, primarily from among the oppositionists, were convicted during this period from two to five times.

In 1992, the head of the department of registration and archival forms at the Ministry of Security for the Russian Federation released data covering all the years of the Soviet regime. According to these figures, for the years 19171990, 3,853,900 people were convicted on charges of state crimes and other similar articles in the Criminal Code; out of these 827,995 people were sentenced to death. These figures also tend to confirm the veracity of the data contained in the report of 1954. Differences in the number of people sentenced to death can be explained by the fact that, in the last instance, the concept of political prisoners is interpreted more widely (those convicted according to several other similar articles of the Criminal Code), and also by the fact that some of the death sentences were not carried out. Upon review, they were replaced by sentences of long periods of incarceration.

The dynamics of political repression were reflected in the table compiled in 1954 by officials of the MVD, which presents the number of those convicted in cases falling under the jurisdiction of the VChK-OGPU-NKVD in the period 19211940. These figures raise slightly the number of those convicted in political cases in the 1920s, since the organs of the VChK-OGPU conducted investigations during this period into several other types of crimes, for instance, economic ones.

According to the tables data, in 1921, when part of Soviet territory was still embroiled in military activity and there were many White Guard bands, the number of convictions reached 35,800 people. It sharply fell over the next two years (6,000 in 1922 and 4,800 in 1923), and then began to rise, reaching 17,800 in 1926, and 33,800 in 1928. The next, more significant growth reflects the increased repressions with regard to oppositionists, non-party specialists and peasants, in particular, who fought back with arms in hand against the extraordinary measures and forced collectivization. In comparison with 1929 (56,200 people), the number of victims of political repressions increased almost fourfold in 1930, reaching 209,000 people. Over the next three years, the number of people arrested was measured in six-digit figures (180,700; 141,900; and 239,700 people). After decreasing in 1934 three times over in comparison with 1933, in the wake of Kirovs assassination, the number exceeded the indicators of the period of forced collectivization (267,100 in 1935, and 274,700 in 1936).

In 19371938, there was a qualitative leap, which we will address in section 6.

3. The number of people located in places of confinement and in special settlements. The first sources of statistical data concerning this issue are the results of the census of 1937 (declared to be falsified and the work of saboteurs because it reflected the unpleasant picture of the demographic development of the USSR during the 1930s) and the census of 1939. According to the figures from these censuses, the prisons, camps, and special settlements contained on 1 January 1937 no less than 1.8 million people, and on 21 February 1939 no less than 2.6 million people. Of this number, about a million people lived in special settlements, i.e., they were former kulaks who had been subjected to deportation. At the end of the 1930s, this category had its civil rights restored, as a result of which the living standards in the special settlements approached the general standards throughout the nation.

More detailed statistics are contained in the statistical reports of the GULAG, in reports from the directors of the GULAG to the Peoples Commissars of Internal Affairs, and in the reports of the latter to Stalin. These figures of the statistical counts made with bureaucratic accuracy in the bowels of the very machinery of repression can be considered reliable for good reason. After all, the leaders of the NKVD were not interested in underestimating the number of prisoners if for no other reason than the fact that production plans in the camps were calculated according to the number of prisoners located there.

In 1940, the centralized card index of the GULAG contained statistics for almost eight million people, including 1) people who were then in prison; 2) people who had finished their sentences and had been released; and 3) those who had died in the camps. Taken together, as follows from the archival material of the GULAG, from 1921 to 1953 about 10 million people passed through the camps.

The dynamics of the movement of prisoners can be seen from data about their total number which were compiled on 1 January of each year. On this date in 1930, the camps held 175,000; in 1933334,300 people. The number of prisoners in the camps and corrective-labor colonies in 1934 reached 510,300 people; in 1935965,700; in 19361,296,000; in 19371,196,000; in 19381,882,000; in 19391,672,000; and in 19401,660,000.

Therefore, even in the years of the Great Purge, the number of prisoners did not exceed one percent of the countrys population. This portion is two to three times greater than the corresponding indicator in 1994, when the prisons, corrective-labor and education colonies in the Russian Federation contain more than 600,000 prisoners.

Before the start of Stalins repressions, the number of prisoners was much lower. In September 1923, the RSFSR counted 79,947 prisoners, of whom 4.8 percent (i.e., around 4,000 people) had been convicted of state crimes. These figures testify to the onset of civil peace and a sharp reduction of general criminal activity in the nation, which had just emerged from a seven-year period of wars.

In 1926 the places of incarceration in the Russian Federation held 97,300 convicted prisoners, which comprised a bit more than 0.1 percent of the total population of the RSFSR (92.8 million people). This proportion is about five times lower than the corresponding figure in the USA today.

By the beginning of the war, the number of prisoners in the camps and colonies of the GULAG stood at 2.3 million people (the growth in 19401941 occurred as a result of the repression on territories added in 19391940 to the USSR, and as a result of the introduction of criminal penalties for absenteeism and other violations of labor discipline).

From the beginning of the war through December 1944, 2,550,000 people came into the camps, and 3,440,000 left the camps. The decrease in the number of prisoners is explained primarily by the fact that hundreds of thousands of men were freed before completing their sentences (mainly among those convicted of absenteeism, common and petty economic crimes, and crimes of malfeasance) and sent to bring the Red Army up to full strength. Just according to the Decrees of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR on 12 June and 24 October 1941, 600,000 men were freed from places of imprisonment, of whom 175,000 were mobilized into the Red Army. At the same time, during the war years a halt was put to releasing Trotskyists and others convicted of especially serious state crimes, even if they had finished their sentences.

After the end of the war, the number of prisoners began to climb once again. For the entire time that the GULAG existed, the maximum number of prisoners was reached in 1950 (2,561,000 people). The same year witnessed the greatest number of people who were located in places of partial confinementaround three million people. This contingent, which included people in special settlements, exile settlements, exile, and deportation, was largely made up of nationalities deported during the war years.

The average monthly number of prisoners in jails fluctuated from 350,500 in January 1939 (the maximum figure) to 155,200 in January 1944 (the minimum figure).

4. The death rate among prisoners. In the period from 1 January 1934 through 31 December 1947, 962,100 people died in the camps. In 19371938, the number who died reached 5.55.7 percent, and in 19393.29 percent of the yearly contingent of prisoners. In absolute figures, the number of those who died reached 25,400 people in 1937; in 193890,500; in 193950,500; and in 194046,700 people. The mortality rate was particularly high in 19411943, when 516,000 people died. The peak of mortality (248,900 people) came in 1942.

5. The number of political prisoners in the camps. The previous sections have cited figures about the entire number of prisoners, including those convicted of violent, mercenary, work-place, economic, and other crimes. The number of prisoners who were convicted on charges of counter-revolutionary (state, political) crimes comprised (according to the figure on January 1 of each year) in 1934135,200 people; in 1935118,300; in 1936105,900; in 1937104,800; in 1938185,300; and in 1939454,400 people. For the duration of 19401941, it remained approximately on the same level as in 1939, then fell to 268,900 in 1944 and rose once again to 579,000 in 1950.

Some of those arrested for political reasons were convicted under criminal statutes. At the same time, criminals were often convicted under article 58, when their criminal activities were classified as wrecking, sabotage, and so forth. In view of these circumstances, V. N. Zemskov, the most serious researcher of statistics on Stalins repressions, thinks that the relationship between political prisoners and criminals is highly relative, but in principle it corresponds to the real composition of the prisoners in the GULAG.

One of the foulest Stalinist amalgams consisted of the fact that, after the war, those who fought against Stalinism and those innocently convicted were united in one category of state criminals along with Vlasovites, Polizei, members of punitive detachments, and other stooges of the forces of occupation, i.e., with collaborationists who were severely punished not only in the USSR, but in other countries liberated from Fascism.

6. Number of those repressed during the years of the Great Purge. Data about the number of people repressed in 19371938 were not declassified until the beginning of the 1990s. The only thing that Khrushchev dared to do on this plane was to announce at the Twentieth Congress that the number of people arrested on charges of counter-revolutionary crimes increased in 1937 by ten times in comparison with 1936.

The first data about the number of victims of the Great Terror were cited at the June Plenum of the Central Committee in 1957, where it was announced that in 19371938, more than one and a half million people were arrested, of whom 681,692 people were shot. More exact data about the number of people arrested (1,372,329) were contained in the report from Shvernik, the chairman of the Commission of the Presidium of the CC, which was compiled at the beginning of 1963.

Thus, about a third of the acts of political repression committed during all the years of Soviet power were carried out in these two terrible years.

What appears even more striking is the dynamics of those sentenced to be shot (in cases involving the VChK-OGPU-NKVD). In the seven years of the New Economic Policy (19221928), their number reached 11,271 people. In 1930, the number of people shot rose to 20,201 and then began to decrease, reaching 10,651 people in 1931 and 9,285 people in the next five years (19321936). In 1936, 1,118 people were shot on political charges. In 1937, the number of people shot was 315 times (!) greater than the previous year, reaching 353,074 victims. Almost the same number were shot (328,618 people) in 1938, after which this indicator sharply fell, reaching 4,201 people for 1939 and 1940 combined.

The number of people shot in 19371938 exceeds by more than seven times the number shot in the remaining 22 years of Stalins reign (from 1930 to 1936 and 1939 to 1953, 94,390 people were executed). The scale of state terror during the years of the Great Purge has no equal in human history.

7. Statistics about rehabilitation. By 1954, in the prisons and camps there were 467,946 and in exile 62,462 people convicted of counter-revolutionary crimes. As a result of the early release and rehabilitation of people belonging to this category, by the beginning of 1959, 11,000 people who had been convicted of political offenses remained in places of incarceration.

Over the course of 19541961, 737,182 people were rehabilitated (including those posthumously), and 208,448 people who had been convicted were refused rehabilitation upon review of their cases. Rehabilitation continued in the 1960s1980s, although at a slower pace.

A new stage of rehabilitation began in the third year of perestroika. From 1987 to 1989, 838,630 people were rehabilitated, and 21,333 were denied rehabilitation. The last group included traitors to the fatherland and members of punitive detachments from the time of the Second World War; participants in and accomplices of nationalist bands; and former officials of administrative organs who had been caught falsifying criminal cases. At the time the Soviet Union disintegrated, about 1.5 million cases remained unreviewed in its republics.

Thus, the statistics of rehabilitation coincide with the figures cited in section 5.

8. The number of party members repressed. In 1991, Katkov, the senior official of the Party Control Commission of the CC CPSU, announced that among the people repressed in 19371938 there were 116,885 communists. This figure is clearly an underestimation for at least two reasons.

First of all, a significant portion of those repressed during those years were expelled from the party before their arrest. The picture portrayed by A. Milchakov was typical: in the prelude to the arrest of a communist, members of his party organization would be called into the regional committee and told: You have to expel him from the party, otherwise he will be arrested with a party card. Therefore, while these people underwent investigation or were being sentenced, they figured as non-party persons.

Secondly, among those repressed were hundreds of thousands of people who had been expelled from the party during previous party purges. At the FebruaryMarch Plenum of the Central Committee in 1937, Stalin announced that there were 1.5 million people who had been expelled from the party nationwide since 1922. Moreover, in several regions and at many factories the number of those expelled exceeded the number of party members. For instance, at the Kolomenskoe engine-building works there were two thousand former communists compared to the 1,400 party members. It is natural that special attention of the NKVD organs was directed at this category of people, and especially at those expelled for participation in opposition groups.

The figures presented by A. D. Sakharov in his article Reflections on Progress, Peaceful Coexistence and Intellectual Freedom, are close to the truth. Here he notes that in 19361939, more than 1.2 million communists, who made up half the general number of party members, were arrested. Of these, according to Sakharovs figures, 50,000 were eventually released, and the rest were either shot (600,000) or perished in the camps.

A more detailed picture of the number of repressed communists can be given by a comparison of these figures with party statistics. At the time of the Seventeenth Congress (February 1934) the party had 1,872,488 members and 935,298 candidate-members; at the time of the Eighteenth Congress (March 1939) there were 1,588,852 members and 888,814 candidate-members. If, in 19341938, there had not been mass party purges and repressions, and all candidates had been promoted to full members of the party, then by the time of the Eighteenth Congress the party would have had around 2.8 million members (adjustments for natural deaths would not be significant, since in 1934 approximately 90 percent of party members and almost 100 percent of candidate-members were people less than 50 years of age). Besides this, acceptance into the party, which had been closed in 1933, had been renewed starting 1 November 1936. From this time until March 1939, hundreds of thousands of people became party members who had not been candidate-members at the Seventeenth Congress. Since most of the people expelled from the party in 19331938 were subjected to political repression, it is not hard to come to the conclusion that communists made up, according to the most conservative calculations, more than half of the victims of the Great Terror.

In several regions, the losses of communists as a percentage were greater than in the country as a whole. Thus, in the Communist Party of Ukraine, the number of party members shrank from 456,000 in 1934 to 286,000 in 1938, i.e., by almost 40 percent.

The figures cited show the justness of Trotskys observation: To establish the regime which is correctly called Stalinist, what was needed was not the Bolshevik Party, but the extermination of the Bolshevik Party.

This idea is confirmed in the fate of those communists who managed to survive in Stalins prisons and camps. As A. D. Sakharov notes, only a handful of those rehabilitated were allowed to work at responsible posts, and even fewer were able to participate in investigating the crimes of which they had been witnesses and victims. Meanwhile, at the time of their rehabilitation, many communists who had occupied responsible positions in the past were no older than the current party bosses. For instance, the former general secretary of the Central Committee of the VLKSM, A. Milchakov, who was rehabilitated in 1955, was one year younger than Suslov and four years younger than Pelshe. It would have been natural to expect that this man, who had great political experience, would have been offered responsible work in the party or state apparatus. However, after his rehabilitation, Milchakov was put on a pension, whereas Suslov and Pelshe stayed in power for 25 years more. The recruits of 1937 who occupied key posts in the apparatus in the 1950s were not inclined to waive even a tiny portion of their power to the benefit of Bolsheviks who had been released from prisons and the camps.
An immigration officer helps Russian travelers to fill in arrival cards in east China's Shanghai, Sept. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Tang Siqi)

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China saw visa-free entries by foreign nationals surge 52.1 percent year on year to 15.89 million from January to August 2025, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said Thursday.

During the same period, border inspection agencies processed 51.27 million foreigner entries and exits, up 27.8 percent from a year earlier, with visa-free arrivals accounting for 62.1 percent of the total entries, the NIA added.

Overall, the country recorded 460 million entries and exits, marking a year-on-year rise of 14.9 percent.

The administration pledged to streamline procedures to make cross-border travel more convenient and efficient for both domestic and foreign travelers. 
JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- African countries should tap into their partnerships with China to boost skills transfer, infrastructure development, and economic growth, South African officials have said.

Anna Thandi Moraka, South Africa's deputy minister of international relations and cooperation, made the remarks on Wednesday in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, at a seminar themed "Reimagining Africa's Modernization: Leveraging China-Africa Partnerships for Technology and Green Development," which was hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), a South African think tank.

Moraka said the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a structure that African countries can leverage to industrialize and grow their economies.

"FOCAC should be used to accelerate growth and help us to build industries, investment, and support industrialization. We continue to look into the energy sector and infrastructure development initiatives. We need to partner with China in the whole process of industrialization of individual economies in the African continent," said Moraka.

Joel Netshitenzhe, executive director of MISTRA, said FOCAC could align with Africa's own strategies, such as Agenda 2063, the Africa Mining Vision, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Netshitenzhe noted that at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China announced 10 partnership actions to deepen its cooperation with the African continent, highlighting areas such as sectoral modernization, infrastructure connectivity, medical alliances, and the low-carbon transition as part of these initiatives.

"The announcement by China to lower import tariffs, which would reduce Africa's current trade deficit, and provide the opportunity to export high-quality products, is deeply appreciated," said Netshitenzhe. 
[Watch in the player above: Amanda Knox appears in an Italian court in 2009]

CLEVELAND (WJW)  Amanda Knox, exonerated in the 2007 murder of her roommate in Italy and whose story made headlines and lit up TV screens for years, is slated to appear at a local library Thursday.

Cleveland Public Librarys #CLEReads YA Book Festival, set for Oct. 9 at the Main Library, 325 Superior Ave., features a dynamic roster of young-adult authors, according to a Thursday news release.

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Knox, who wrote the New York Times bestselling memoir Waiting to Be Heard, and earlier this year published her second memoir Free: My Search for Meaning, is set to deliver the keynote address.

Amanda Knoxs story encourages important conversations about resilience, critical thinking and the courage to speak up, Erica Marks, the librarys senior director of outreach and programming is quoted in the release. We look forward to the thought-provoking dialogue her visit will inspire among our young scholars and the community.

Knox spent years arguing her innocence in the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a British woman with whom she shared an apartment while studying in Italy as a 20-year-old exchange student.

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She spent four years in an Italian prison, and was ultimately exonerated by Italys highest court in 2015, NewsNation reported last year. She was later convicted of slander for accusing an innocent man of the murder.

Knox told NewsNation earlier this year she was highly sexualized in the media while her case was pending. She said it led to her being sexually harassed and degraded while imprisoned in Italy  an environment she called dehumanizing.

Her story led to the Netflix documentary Amanda Knox in 2016 and a miniseries, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, which debuted on Hulu in August.

Knox, now 38, is now an advocate for criminal justice reform and media ethics and hosts the podcast Hard Knox with her husband Christopher Robinson, according to the librarys release.

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Car crashes into local apartment, leaving large hole

Other authors lined up for the festival include:

Nick Brooks, author of Up in Smoke

Quartez Harris, author of Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer

DeAndra Miller, author of All the Noise at Once

Tony Weaver, Jr., author of Weirdo

Maggie Tokuda-Hall, author of Squad and The Worst Ronin

Ellen Oh, author of The House Next Door

Justin A. Reynolds, author of the Miles Morales graphic novel series

Abigail Hing Wen, author of The Vale

After the festival is the Cleveland Public Library Foundations annual fundraiser, the Black White & REaD Celebration, in which participants can hear from Knox in a more intimate setting while helping support literacy and learning, according to the release.

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Tickets are available on the foundations website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
LILONGWE, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has called on the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to consider allowing Malawians in the diaspora to participate in the country's Sept. 16 general elections.

Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, head of the mission, made the call in the Malawian capital of Lilongwe on Thursday when the SEOM presented its preliminary report on the elections.

Masuku, who is the former deputy prime minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, said allowing Malawians living outside the country to vote will provide them with a chance to exercise their right to vote, "just like everyone."

The mission also commended private media institutions in Malawi for fair reporting and coverage of the campaign period, voting, and counting processes.

The SEOM described the manner in which the election processes -- from political campaigns to voting and counting -- were conducted as "orderly and peaceful."

The mission has since called on all stakeholders to continue promoting peace, tolerance, and calm across all available platforms, while the country awaits the final results of the elections.

The law allows the MEC to release the results of the presidential election within 8 days from the voting day, while the results for parliamentary and local government elections are expected to be released within 14 days and 21 days, respectively.

A total of 17 presidential candidates, including incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, former President Peter Mutharika, and former Reserve Bank Governor Dalitso Kabambe, are contesting the race. 
Queen Camilla may have only become a working royal in 2005, but she's still had plenty of occasions to don stunning tiarasand there seems to be one that holds a special place in the royal's heart. Here, we take a look back at some of Camilla's most standout moments in tiaras.





November 2025

For the annual diplomatic reception, Camilla chose the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiaraperhaps best known in recent years as Princess Eugenie's wedding tiara.

Pool - Getty Images





September 2025

For a State Banquet celebrating Trump's unprecedented second State Visit to the UK, the Queen once again chose Queen Elizabeth's sapphire and diamond tiara.

WPA Pool - Getty Images





July 2025

At the French State Banquet, Camilla again chose the Belgian Sapphire Tiara, which Queen Elizabeth II bought for herself in 1963.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images





December 2024

At a state banquet in honor of Qatar, Camilla chose Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik tiara, her first time in the historic sparkler.

AARON CHOWN - Getty Images

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November 2024

At the annual Diplomatic Corps reception, Queen Camilla wore Queen Elizabeth's aquamarine and diamond tiara for the first time.

Pool - Getty Images





June 2024

At a state banquet during the state visit of Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Queen Camilla wore the Burmese Ruby Tiara for the second time.

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WPA Pool - Getty Images





December 2023

For the annual Buckingham Palace reception in honor of the Diplomatic Corps, Camilla once again wore the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, which was given to Queen Elizabeth for her wedding by her grandmother, Queen Mary.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images





November 2023

For a State Banquet celebrating a visit from the South Korean president, Queen Camilla wore the Burmese Ruby Tiara for the first time. The tiara was created for the late Queen Elizabeth in 1973.

WPA Pool - Getty Images

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November 2023

At the State Opening of Parliament in 2023, the Queen wore the State Diadem (also called the Diamond Diadem) for the first time. It's not technically a tiara, but it's a fantastic headpiece worth including here.

Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images





October 2023

For a dinner in London, Queen Camilla wore the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite tiaras.

Samir Hussein - Getty Images





May 2023

While it may not be a true tiara, there's no denying the wow-factor of Camilla's coronation crownan heirloom from the royal collection, first used by Queen Mary in 1911.

Gareth Cattermole - Getty Images





March 2023

At a state banquet in Germany, Queen Camilla again turned to her favorite Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara. She paired the glamorous tiara with the late Queen Elizabeths diamond fringed necklace.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images

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December 2022

The sapphire tiara appears to have quickly become one of Camilla's favorites, as the queen consort donned the piecealong with a set of earrings and a necklace that were wedding gifts to Queen Elizabeth from her father, King George VIfor a second time in as many months to attend a reception for members of the diplomatic corps.

Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images





November 2022

For her first tiara moment as Queen Consort, Camilla wore a diamond and sapphire tiara that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images





October 2019

For the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster, Camilla opted for her favorite Greville Tiara and pearl choker combination.

WPA Pool - Getty Images





June 2019

Camilla turned once more to the Greville Tiara for a state banquet honoring the visit of President Donald Trump and Firs Lady Melania Trump at Buckingham Palace.

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October 2018

The then-Duchess wore her signature Greville Tiara (also known as the Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara) to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, held in honor of the Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima's state visit.



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December 2017

At the annual diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace, Camilla paired the Greville Tiara with a sparkling pair of diamond earrings and a four-strand pearl necklace with a diamond clasp.



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November 2015

For the CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) Banquet in Malta, the Duchess of Cornwall once again went for the Greville Tiara, but this time wore it with her pink topaz demi-parure.



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June 2015

While the Greville Tiara was actually Queen Elizabeth'son extended loan to Camilla after first gaining renown as one of the Queen Mother's choice sparklersthe Cubitt Tiara is one of the Camilla's family heirlooms, according to the Court Jeweller.



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December 2014

Camilla also chose to wear the Cubitt Tiara to the annual diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace in 2014. It paired well with her sparkly dress and other pieces of diamond jewelry.



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November 2013

The Duchess allowed the Greville Tiara and her statement earrings to take center stage, forgoing a necklace, for a CHOGM Dinner in Sri Lanka.



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April 2013

The Duchess chose the same combination of jewels to a dinner in Amsterdam hosted by Queen Beatrix, ahead of her abdication. The tiara's honeycomb pattern went well with the semi-sheer design of her dress.



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March 2010

Camilla wore an emerald necklacepart of a suite she received as a gift during a trip to the Middle East, per the Court Jewelleralongside the Greville tiara to a state banquet held in honor of South African President Jacob Zuma's visit to the U.K.



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March 2008

The future Queen Consort once again paired the Greville Tiara with a novel necklace for a state banquet at Windsor Castle, held for French President Sarkozy.



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November 2007

Camilla held nothing back, diamond-wise, for the Queen's Banquet at a CHOGM event in Uganda, matching the Greville Tiara with the Greville Festoon Necklace, another piece bequeathed to the Queen Mother by Margaret Greville.



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October 2005

Camilla wore the intricate Delhi Durbar tiara to a Buckingham Palace banquet in 2005, pairing it with large sparkling earrings and the Diamond Serpent necklace.

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July 1973

For her wedding to Prince Charlesa relatively simple affair, consisting of a civil ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall followed by a marriage blessing at St. George's ChapelCamilla opted for a stylish hat. But at her first wedding, to Major Andrew Parker-Bowles, she pulled out the big guns (a tiara).



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NEED TO KNOW

President Donald Trump shouted out Prince William as a "remarkable son" to King Charles at the state banquet on Sept. 17

King Charles' youngest son, Prince Harry, was not mentioned in the speech, despite media speculation that the comment might be a subtle dig

PEOPLE learned that Prince William and Kate Middleton privately met with President Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Wednesday

President Donald Trump praised Prince William during his state banquet speech at Windsor Castle, singling out King Charles elder son in a remark that quickly gained traction.

On Sept. 17, the U.S. president, 79, used part of his address at the diplomatic dinner  which capped the first full day of his state visit to the U.K.  to hail William, 43, as a remarkable son to the King.

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After thanking King Charles, 76, for his hospitality and commending his commitment to the United Kingdom, Trump pivoted to raving about Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, who were seated across from and beside him at the banquet.

"I just want to say that His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales. Really amazing. We've gotten to know you and I think you're going to have unbelievable success in the future," the president said.

Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty President Donald Trump speaks at the state banquet at Windsor Castle on Sept. 17, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks at the state banquet at Windsor Castle on Sept. 17, 2025.

While some outlets speculated that the remark was a dig at Charles' youngest son, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex was never mentioned in Trumps speech. The focus remained squarely on William, making the remarkable son comment a straightforward remark rather than a pointed comparison.

The remark has nonetheless generated buzz, with commentators debating the significance of praising one son in a family known for its very public dynamics.

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Harry has also been in the U.K. recently, reuniting with King Charles for the first time in 19 months last week. The visit came amid ongoing tensions with Prince William, whom he did not see, keeping the brothers strained relationship in the headlines and top of mind for royal watchers.

Trumps comment to William comes against the backdrop of years of headlines about his often pointed remarks on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, comments that have repeatedly stirred debate.

Ian Vogler - WPA Pool/Getty Kat eMiddleton, Prince William, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump in Windsor on Sept. 17, 2025. Kat eMiddleton, Prince William, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump in Windsor on Sept. 17, 2025.

William and Kate accompanied the Trumps to meet the King and Queen Camilla on Sept. 17, which was followed by a carriage procession, lunch at Windsor Castle and private meeting between the Trumps and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

PEOPLE confirmed that William and Kate had a private meeting with the Trumps, and while the palace has not shared any details on what was discussed, the meeting was described as "warm and friendly."

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Harry met with his father the King in person for the first time in 19 months while visiting the U.K. for a series of charitable engagements last week.

Belinda Jiao/Getty; Julian Simmonds/Shutterstock (Left) King Charles arrives at Clarence house on Sept. 10, 2025; (Right) Prince Harry leaves Clarence House on Sept. 10, 2025. (Left) King Charles arrives at Clarence house on Sept. 10, 2025; (Right) Prince Harry leaves Clarence House on Sept. 10, 2025.

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!

Following the meeting, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the sovereign had a private tea at Clarence House, his London home, with the Duke of Sussex and said no additional details would be shared.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry echoed the same, reiterating that father and son met for tea and that there would be no further comment.

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In the days that followed, however, Harry suggested he wants to see his father more in the near future. While speaking to The Guardian during his recent travels to Ukraine, he said over the coming year, the focus really has to be on my dad," and said that he would like to spend more time in the U.K. and take his children  Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4  there one day.

"This week has definitely brought that closer," he said of his visit back home to the U.K.



Read the original article on People
Kate Middleton reportedly had a composed reaction to Donald Trumps unusual compliment during his second official state visit to the United Kingdom. On September 17, the United States President arrived at Windsor Castle with the First Lady, Melania Trump. Kate and Prince William were present to welcome the couple. As the group began greeting, Trump complimented Kate, which she received with grace and poise.

Kate Middleton received Donald Trumps unusual compliment with grace and poise, say sources

Donald Trump surprised Kate Middleton with an unexpected compliment during the U.S. President and Melania Trumps welcome ceremony for the second state visit to the U.K. The Princess of Wales and her husband, Prince William, greeted the couple when they arrived on the grounds of Windsor Castle on September 17. The exchange took place moments after Trump and his wife stepped off Marine One.

The President first shook Williams hand and continued to greet Kate. This is when Trump told the princess, Youre beautiful, so beautiful, while she smiled politely and received the compliment. The British royal couple also greeted the First Lady and then guided them to the castle. Rob Shuters report has now suggested that Trumps compliment to Kate received mixed reactions.

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While some reportedly called it a respectful move, the moment was awkward to others, considering the welcome was a formal ceremony. A source told Shuter that Complimenting a royal like that when the cameras were on them was unusual to say the least. Another insider continued to praise Kates reception. They said, She handled it exactly as expected, which was with grace.

For the welcome, the Princess of Wales was wearing a gorgeous burgundy coatdress. Kate wore a matching hat with a veil. She further coordinated the look with a pair of dark brown pointed-toe pumps. Later, Kate looked every bit a princess in a golden silk gown for the state banquet. King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the dinner for U.S. President Donald Trump and Melania Trump.

Originally reported by Shriya Swami on Reality Tea.

The post Donald Trumps Compliment to Kate Middleton Was Awkward at Best, Say Sources appeared first on Mandatory.
NEED TO KNOW

French first lady Brigitte Macron is preparing to present "photographic and scientific evidence" in court to prove that she is a woman

Macron and her husband, French President Emmanuel Macron, are currently suing right-wing podcaster Candace Owens for peddling a viral conspiracy theory that Brigitte was born a man

The couple's lawyer told the BBC that they are prepared to provide scientific testimony to prove their case "both generically and specifically"



French first lady Brigitte Macron is preparing to present "photographic and scientific evidence" in court to prove that she is a woman.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife are currently suing right-wing podcaster Candace Owens for peddling a viral conspiracy theory about the first lady, calling it a "campaign of global humiliation."

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Owens, 36, has become one of the most vocal proponents of an online theory that Brigitte was born a man, stole the identity of a woman and has been deceiving the public ever since. Many of the theories claim that the first lady was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux  who is actually Brigitte's brother.

In March 2024, Owens went so far as to state on X that she would "stake [her] entire professional reputation on the fact that Brigitte Macron is in fact a man. However, she has also filed a motion to dismiss the Macrons' lawsuit against her.

The French first couple's lawyer, Tom Clare, recently spoke with BBC about how the conspiracy theory had affected Emmanuel, 47, and Brigitte, 72, and explained how the couple plans to disprove the claims once and for all.

"It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put this type of proof forward... It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way," Clare said of the first lady. "But she's willing to do it. She is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight."

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The attorney said there will be "expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature" as to Brigitte's biological sex, adding that the couple is prepared to prove she is a woman "both generically and specifically."

While he did not specify the exact terms of the Macrons' evidence, one possibility raised was the presentation of photographs of the first lady pregnant and raising her children. Clare told the BBC that such photos "existed and would be presented in court where there are rules and standards."

JACK HILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, England, in June 2021 Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, England, in June 2021

In their July 2025 lawsuit against Owens, the Macrons said that the right-wing host has "disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favor of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers."

"And rather than engage with President and Mrs. Macrons attempts to set the record straight, Owens mocked them and used them as additional fodder for her frenzied fan base," the suit continued. "These claims are demonstrably false, and Owens knew they were false when she published them. Yet, she published them anyway. And the reason is clear: it is not the pursuit of truth, but the pursuit of fame."



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As for how the claims against his wife are weighing on the French president, Clare said, "I don't want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life as well, when your family is under attack, it wears on you. And he's not immune from that because he's the president of a country."

The July lawsuit against Owens came just a few weeks after a French judge overturned libel convictions against Amandine Roy, a "self-proclaimed spiritual medium," and Natacha Rey, a "self-described independent journalist" for a YouTube video in which they peddle the same theories as the conservative podcaster.

Both Roy and Rey are named in the Macrons' new U.S. lawsuit, and Brigitte has appealed her case in France to the country's highest court.

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.



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In a statement to PEOPLE at the time of the Macrons' filing, a spokesperson for Owens responded to the lawsuit, saying, "Candace Owens is not shutting up. This is a foreign government attacking the First Amendment rights of an American independent journalist."

The statement continues, "Candace repeatedly requested an interview with Brigitte Macron. Instead of offering a comment, Brigitte is resorting to trying to bully a reporter into submission. In France, politicians can bully journalists, but this is not France. It's America."



Read the original article on People
Sunday, Sept. 7 the 98th Miss America was officially crowned and while she might be from Virginia, she has ties to Central Massachusetts.

Cassie Donegan, a Virginia-born New York transplant who was crowned Miss New York back in July, officially earned the title of Miss America 2026 after three rounds of competition. While Donegan represented her current home state of New York in the competition, the lifelong performer used to teach music and direct youth productions at Worcester's Hanover Theatre and Conservatory. She started working at the theater in 2024.

"My time at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory has been an invaluable part of my professional journey as both an artist and educator," said Cassie Donegan, according to a press release. "Working within a community so deeply dedicated to fostering the next generation of performers was such a gift. The experiences I had at Hanover continue to shape my work today in the classroom, in my broader advocacy for arts education, as a performer, and as Miss America."

Who is Cassie Donegan?

Cassie Donegan, Miss New York, was officially crowned Miss America 2026 on Sunday, Sept. 7 following a lengthy and rather arduous competition cycle.

According to Cassie Donegan's official website, she is a typical southern girl" from the small town of Smithfield, Virginia. Donegan grew up singing in church, earning a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theater from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The pageant winner moved to New York City after graduating from Belmont.

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"My family is my rock, my pups are my joyand sushi and avocados are my weakness," said Donegan of herself. "In short  I'm just a goofball who loves to laugh, loves fully and unconditionally, and is darn lucky that I get to play and tell stories for a living!"

Want something to laugh about? How about Jerry Seinfeld and Marlon Wayans at the Hanover?

About The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory

The Hanover Theatre

Located in downtown Worcester, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts brings internationally recognized performers, popular Broadway shows and thought-provoking pieces to the stage, according to the theater's website.

A full schedule of upcoming events, as well as tickets, can be found on the theater's website. The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts is located at 2 Southbridge St. in Worcester.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Miss America 2026: Winner Cassie Donegan has tie to Worcester, MA
Forget The Magnificent Seven. This Idaho estate is the magnificent 708.

Sitting on almost 260 acres of land at 708 East Fork Road in Hailey, Rockin B Ranch is a relatively new build next to the site of actor Steve McQueens former pad. On the market for $25 million, the spread comprises a four-bedroom home built in 2021, an upscale equestrian barn, stocked ponds, pastures, and more. Delaney Fox of Fox Estates holds the listing.

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While the property has old-school celebrity tiesand actress Demi Moore has also long maintained a home in Haileyit sits squarely in the modern age, with a contemporary, Western-chic main residence serving as your home base. Reclaimed wide-plank wood flooring, clay-wash plaster walls, and oak beams create a rustic feel throughout, while sculptural Apparatus light fixtures and Murano glass chandeliers double as art.

A French limestone fireplace anchors the great room, adding a cozy touch to the light and airy space. The nearby kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances, including a Lacanche range, a Sub-Zero fridge, and two Miele dishwashers. Thick, four-inch marble countertops provide ample prep space for home chefs. A pass-through window over one of the sinks opens to the patio, making for extra easy indoor-outdoor hosting.

Out back, along with the alfresco dining setup and grill, theres a large lounge area and fire pit overlooking a nearby koi pond. Next door, youll find the fully heated barn, which includes four horse stalls, tack and feed rooms, an office, and a half-bath. Upstairs, the second level has been turned into a gym, but it could easily become a guest suite if youre in the market for more sleeping quarters. Walking through the ample grounds, youll come across the equestrian arena, more ponds, aspen and willow groves, and the banks of the East Fork River.

The ranchs proximity to McQueens former digs makes it an appealing property for any fans of the King of Cool. The late actor also kept a home in Malibu, an oceanfront estate with a private stairway to the shore. That abode hit the market in late 2022 for $17 million. Along with his property portfolio, McQueen was a collector of cars, and several of his vehicles have popped up for auction over the years. Most recently, RM Sothebys announced that it would be offering his 1952 Hudson Wasp, with an estimate of up to $60,000. He clearly had impeccable taste in both cars and real estate.

Click here to see all the photos of the Idaho ranch property.

Correction: Due to inaccurate marketing materials provided to Robb Report, this story originally stated that the Idaho property once belonged to Steve McQueen. Rather, the home sits next to the late actors former ranch.

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A still from one of the movies that will be shown at the festival, "Cutting Through The Rocks." (Photo via Lone Peak Film Festival)

A film festival geared toward showing uplifting movies and shorts is coming to Big Sky this weekend.

Its the first year for the Lone Peak Film Festival in Big Sky, which will have six feature films and 16 shorts. The event will also include a mentorship program for local Native American filmmakers.

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Feature films include Bring Them Home (Aiskotahkapiyaaya), Lost Wolves of Yellowstone, Champions of the Golden Valley, Runa Simi, Sing Sing and Cutting Through the Rocks.

The festival starts on Friday and runs through Sunday, with a mixture of free and paid events throughout the weekend.

Theyre all uplifting. So they all focus a light on the good in humanity. Theres no denying that theres a lot of bad stuff going on, said Daniel Glick, who helped found the festival. But we also want to highlight that there are a lot of people who are trying to make the world a bit more sane and healthy too.

The film festival is also in part sponsored by the state Department of Commerce, and Montana has long been a home for filmmakers. The state passed legislation earlier this year to extend a film tax credit and also sought to fix a problem, which was film tax credits getting sucked up by large productions, namely Yellowstone.

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Senate Bill 326 brought by Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson sought to address the issue. It had a somewhat dramatic path before being signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte  the bill was killed and revived and drew significant floor discussion. It also was one of the final bills the legislature passed during the 2025 session.

We need the big guys, but more importantly, we need the little guys too, to make sure that they grow and prosper, Hertz said in a House Taxation committee meeting on April 15. And it all works out for Montana. We also have additional incentives to hire veterans and Native Americans into the bill.

SB 326 will provide $12 million per year to the film industry in Montana, and some of that money will go to Montana production companies and small filmmakers. The bill also extended the tax credit until 2045.

Movie productions are incredibly expensive, said Glick, who described a film he wants to shoot on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The problem is, he said, without production credits, its hard to find investors, and he may be forced to shoot a film across the border in Canada.

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Theres a huge, huge appetite for people to make films here, like locals, every filmmaker in Montana that I know wants to make multiple films in Montana  all of them have stories set here in Montana. But without that kind of incentive, its just very hard to get the investment needed, Glick said.  Filmmaking is a high risk venture, and so you need people willing to take the risk. And those credits are a way to incentivize investors.

Events like the Big Sky Film Festival in Missoula draw crowds, and the expectation is Lone Peak will too. Organizers of the Lone Peak event spent time in the Big Sky area, seeing if there was appetite in the community for the festival, Glick said.

Pretty much all the way to everyone we talked to said, Yeah, the community would love this. Glick said. So we moved ahead. And it wasnt until three months ago that we decided to actually pull the trigger and say, Were going to do it. So its been a rocket ship since then.

The festival will also include opportunities for those aspiring for careers in the filmmaking industry, including Chase Hall and Destini Vaile. Theyll get a chance to meet people and be mentees.

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Hall is the son of a stuntman and said his dad has done stunts for major productions, including the Magnificent 7 and Yellowstone. His interest came early.

I was exposed to a decent amount of film sets, Hall said on Thursday.

He said he was a little nervous about this weekend but excited for the mentorship. Hall is from Browning and graduated from Montana State University with a degree in film studies.

He said he likes to focus on the theme of identity, and a previous mentor observed the same in his work.

They noticed my work kind of goes through exploring identity as a contemporary Native American, through the lens of surrealism, Hall said.

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Vaile recently finished her masters of fine arts at the University of Montana. Shes created scripts for a couple of projects, including Cereal, which is about a 15-year old having a daily breakfast with her grandmother in the month before she died.

Its a bit autobiographical, but, you know, somewhat fictionalized, to just draw out the core of the story  I was staying with her a lot, and we would just have breakfast in the morning and talk about things, Vaile said. So its kind of just trying to capture that moment.

She also enjoyed the time she spent at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe, New Mexico. There, she said, she had the ability to express a creative vision with the lens of her culture.

Her cohort at the University of Montana was all women, which she said was a good experience.

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It was just nice to experience that with just really capable, skilled women with, like, a vision, Vaile said.

The Lone Peak Film Festival starts at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Big Sky Center for the Arts.
Key Takeaways

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Shot in Jamaica, Skip Marley's video for In Our Sight reinforced the songs message of collective strength.

The track is inspired by classic reggae riddims, all of which connect Skips sound to foundational artists like Dennis Brown.

Supa Dups production supports Skips evolving style, merging traditional reggae with a modern, socially aware message.

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On Thursday (Sept. 18), Skip Marley unveiled the official video for In Our Sight, which was filmed in Jamaica and directed by Aka.Ruppi. The clip mirrors the tracks call for perseverance and solidarity, with imagery of Marley rallying others as he delivers verses rooted in faith and resilience.

Produced by Supa Dups, the track carries strong links to reggae tradition. Its guitar line recalls the Westbound Train riddim popularized by Dennis Brown and other greats, while the horn section borrows from The Abyssinians classic Satta Massagana. Marleys delivery builds on that foundation, echoing themes passed down from his iconic lineage while adding urgency for a new generation.

What I want people to take from this video? Strength, Marley explained in a press release. I want you to feel not defeated. I want you to feel like all things [are] possible through the powers of the Most High.

The lyrics emphasize standing together against division: Arms in arms tonight, side by side, victory is in our sight. Elsewhere, Marley warns of corruption and urges collective action, singing, Power corrupt the man, get them outta there Babylon fall when we start unify. These lines reflect the balance of social commentary and spiritual hope that defines much of reggaes legacy.

Skip Marley builds momentum with Close remix and award recognition

Initially released in August, In Our Sight arrived on the heels of Marleys Close (Remix), which featured dancehall artists Masicka and Ding Dong. The original Close was praised for its fusion of pop and reggae, and showcased Marleys versatility in bridging genres.

For Skip  the grandson of Bob and Rita Marley and son of Cedella Marley  the new release speaks to his commitment to carry forward a message of empowerment while innovating within reggaes modern landscape. The video and song mark another step in a career that continues to honor the past while pushing toward new horizons.
Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is off the air "indefinitely" as of Sept. 17.

The live show has been pulled off ABC due to Kimmel's live remarks about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on Sept. 15. The remarks provoked swift backlash from many, including Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC.

A spokesperson for the network confirmed to USA TODAY on Sept. 17 that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will be "pre-empted indefinitely."

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Following the show's suspension, President Donald Trump posted a celebratory message on Truth Social.

"Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!"

Here's what Tennessee viewers should know.

Is ABC canceling Jimmy Kimmel?

ABC network, along with its affiliates, Nexstar and the Sinclair Broadcast Group, will stop airing "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" according to statements from each group.

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Nexstar Media Group Inc. said it would stop airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates. Mr. Kimmels comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located, Andrew Alford, President of Nexstars broadcasting division, said in a statement.

In its statement, the Sinclair Broadcast Group asked Kimmel "to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family" and "make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA."

What was Jimmy Kimmel's comment about Charlie Kirk?

Jimmy Kimmel on a recent episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

On Sept. 15, Kimmel commented on Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged in Kirk's killing.

During his monologue, Kimmel said that "the MAGA gang" was "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it."

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The comments appear about 2 minutes in and are followed by Kimmel commenting on a video of Trump being asked about Kirk's death.

Two days later, Kimmel posted a statement on Instagram. "Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fell victim to senseless gun violence."

What will air instead of Jimmy Kimmel?

The Sinclair Broadcast Group announced plans to replace Kimmel's ABC timeslot with a remembrance special honoring Kirk on Friday, Sept. 19. The special will air at all Sinclair stations and be offered to ABC affiliates nationwide, according to USA TODAY.

Who owns the ABC network?

The ABC network is owned by the Walt Disney Company, according to USA TODAY.

Which TV stations aired 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in Tennessee?

Nexstar Media Group owns four stations in Tennessee. Only two are ABC affiliates, which regularly scheduled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

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WATE in Knoxville, ABC

WKRN in Nashville, ABC

WJKT in Jackson, FOX

WREG in Memphis, CBS

Sinclair Broadcast Group owns three stations in Tennessee. Only one is an ABC affiliate, which regularly scheduled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

WZTV in Nashville, FOX

WTVC in Chattanooga, ABC and FOX

WFLI in Chattanooga, CW

USA TODAY reporters Anthony Robledo and Brendan Morrow contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Did Jimmy Kimmel get canceled? What Tennessee viewers should know
JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Trade talks between South Africa and the United States are at an advanced stage, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Thursday, as the country seeks relief from the 30 percent tariffs Washington imposed on its products in early August.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month in New York, he is expected to engage with several of his counterparts as well as leaders of major businesses.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau are set to travel ahead of Ramaphosa to participate in the import trade talks, Ntshavheni said at a media briefing in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital.

"The other ministers in the delegation will report their engagements during their UNGA stay," Ntshavheni said. "We are negotiating. We can exchange proposals and counter-proposals, which shows that we have a good rapport with each other."

South Africa has recently submitted a revised proposal to the United States, seeking relief from the 30 percent import tariffs. If left in place, the tariffs are expected to deal a severe blow to the country's agricultural exports, especially citrus, grapes, wine, nuts, apricot juice, and pears, while the automotive industry also faces significant risks. 
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf Episode 6 revealed whether Haverfords intentions were as he portrayed them from the beginning. Following an ambush and even Perashs death, Ben is gearing up for some major revelations. With only one episode left, theres a lot that needs to be explained.

SPOILERS for The Terminal List: Dark Wolf episode 6.

How did Jed Haverford betray Ben and his team in Terminal List: Dark Wolf Episode 6?

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf Episode 6, Pawns & Kings, began with the team patching themselves following the events from the previous episode. In the episode, the show revealed that Jed Haveford betrayed Ben Edwards and his team. This revelation comes after Ben and his team survive a brutal ambush and a bombing that killed Eliza Perash, who turned out to be a Mossad agent.

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At first, Ben and his team believed they were working for the good of their country. But in reality, Haverford was working behind the scenes for his own agenda. It is revealed that Jed used his team to deliver the real bearing to Iran without the teams knowledge. He did so because he wanted to maintain a good relationship between the United States and Iran.

Although Jed always intended to deliver the bearings to Iran, he never wanted Iran to use them to make nuclear weapons. He had planned to deliver the real bearings before, but that never happened.

Ben, Mo, Landry, Tal, and Raife are now the only ones who know the truth, which immediately makes them targets. When Ben discovers what Jed has done, he reacts hastily. He no longer trusts Jed and takes matters into his own hands.

Ben and his team attack the Iranians by intercepting their plane and recovering the bearings. Despite being declared a traitor by American authorities after going against Haverfords plan, Ben refuses to back down. He is putting his country above all else, even if it means that hes named as a rogue agent.

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The final episode, The Wolf You Feed, is set to release on September 24, 2025.

The post The Terminal List: Dark Wolf Episode 6 Reveals if Haverford Betrayed Ben appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Indonesia is a nation comprising over 17,000 islands, each with its own rhythm, rituals, and rare beauty. Of these, many travelers have visited or at least heard of Bali. As a luxury travel advisor of Indonesian heritage, though, I encourage clients to consider lesser-known destinations where the archipelago's adventurous spirit shines. Here are six hidden gems that showcase Indonesias landscape and captivating culture.



Yogyakarta and Borobudur

Amanjiwo Outdoor dining in Amanjiwo, an Aman Resort, in Java. Outdoor dining in Amanjiwo, an Aman Resort, in Java.

Java's cultural capital, Yogyakarta, is home to Borobudur, the worlds largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay at Amanjiwo, an Aman Resort, for front-row views of this 9th-century marvel from a private pool suite. Venture an hour northwest to the village of Candirejo for batik crafts and local flavors, or take a three-hour hike to the secluded Selogriyo Temple. At dusk, sip a soursop martini in Amanjiwos rice fields with stunning views of Mount Merapi as your backdrop.

Raja Ampat

TA'AKTANA An overwater villa at Ta'aktana resort. An overwater villa at Ta'aktana resort.

Technicolor coral reefs teem with reef sharks, turtles, and iridescent fish in the Raja Ampat Islands of West Papua. Explore this aquatic paradise through a private charter like Rascal Voyages, which pairs serious marine experiences with barefoot luxury accommodations. Think sunrise snorkeling, grilled seafood under the stars, and hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak. There are no crowds and very few clocksjust water, reef, and sky.

Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park

Labuan Bajo on Flores Island is the entry to exploring Komodo National Park, a national park that spans the Lesser Sunda Islands. Here, you can trek alongside Komodo dragons, snorkel with manta rays, and hike to Padar Islands summit for stunning views. Taaktana, a Luxury Collection Resort, is a dreamy home base that offers overwater villas, infinity pools, and world-class restaurants showcasing contemporary, farm-to-table Indonesian cuisine.

Sumba Island

NIHI Sumba Guests swimming with horses at NIHI Sumba. Guests swimming with horses at NIHI Sumba.

Sumba is perfect for those seeking nature, culture, and seclusion. Stay at the world-class Nihi Sumba resort, where you can surf picture-perfect breaks, ride horses into the ocean, and trek to hidden jungle waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the local community with artisan workshops and intimate village visits. Dining is a celebration of the place here, with cliffside seafood barbecues and menus that unveil authentic Indonesian flavors and customs.

Mount Bromo

Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty Images Sunrise at Mount Bromo in Java. Sunrise at Mount Bromo in Java.

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Take in the epic sights of Mount Bromo, a smoldering active volcano two hours from the city of Malang. Safely experience it during a sunrise hike with expert guides, beginning with a ride to King Kong Hill before catching the first rays of sunlight spilling over the crater. Continue to Bromos base and climb the staircase to its rim, offering a rare chance to peer directly into an active volcano.

Kalimantan

GarySandyWales/Getty Images A Klotok, a traditional riverboat, on the Sekonyer River in Tanjung Puting National Park. A Klotok, a traditional riverboat, on the Sekonyer River in Tanjung Puting National Park.

Borneo, shared between Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia, is the third largest island in the world. And in the Indonesian area of Kalimantan, the jungle reigns supreme. Glide down the Sekonyer River toward Tanjung Puting National Park on a private klotok, a traditional wooden houseboat equipped with modern accommodation. While on this journey, you can spot wild orangutans in the canopy, visit Camp Leakey for a glimpse into conservation work, and then sleep under the stars with the sounds of the rainforest serving as your soundtrack.



Desiree Norman is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in trips to Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Norman at desiree@oneratravel.com

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to his popular show on Sept. 23, six days after he was suspended "indefinitely" by ABC for making several controversial statements about the murder of conservative Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel, 57, was overcome with emotion as he took to the stage in front of a live audience in his show's Los Angeles studio, receiving a lengthy standing ovation as he stepped out in front of the cameras.

The TV host then went on to address his suspension in his opening monologue, choking back tears as he insisted that he had never meant to "make light of the murder of a young man."

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"I dont think theres anything funny about it," he went on, according to Variety. "I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it. And I still do.

"Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions. It was a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but to some, that felt ill-timed or unclear or maybe both, and for those who think I did point a finger, I get why youre upset. If the situation was reversed, theres a good chance I would have felt the same way.

"I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we dont agree on politics at all. I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone; this was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isnt."

Kimmel went on to voice how grateful he is to live in a country with freedom of speech, noting that he did not realize just how important the fight to keep that right alive is until his close friend and fellow late night host Stephen Colbert's show was canceled.

Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to his late-night show after a multiday suspension. (ABC)

The late night host choked back tears as he addressed the comments he made about the murder of Charlie Kirk. (ABC)

"[Freedom of speech] is something I'm embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen off the air and tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air.

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"Thats not legal, thats not American. That is un-American. And its so dangerous."

The late night host's show was officially yanked from the airwaves on Sept. 17a move that was celebrated by President Donald Trump but condemned by several Hollywood stars.

Kimmel's return to the airwaves was not, however, without its hurdlesparticularly after two major media networks, Nexstar and Sinclair, vowed to block the airing of his show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on their affiliate channels.

"We made a decision last week to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmels ill-timed and insensitive comments at a critical time in our national discourse," a statement released by Nexstar read.

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"We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.

"In the meantime, we note that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be available nationwide on multiple Disney-owned streaming products, while our stations will focus on continuing to produce local news and other programming relevant to their respective markets."

Kimmel's return to the air was initially announced by ABC on Sept. 22 in a statement that shed some light on conversations that had taken place behind the scenes in the wake of the TV host's suspension.

"Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country," a representative for the Walt Disney CompanyABC's parentsaid.

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"It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive.

"We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday."

The decision to suspend the host came after Kimmel made multiple references to conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Kirkwho was fatally shot while attending an event at Utah Valley Universityand his alleged killer, Tyler Robinson.

Kimmel was suspended and his show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live," was pulled off the air "indefinitely" after he made comments about Kirk's death. (Jennifer Pottheiser/Disney via Getty Images)

The decision to suspend the host came after he voiced controversial comments about Tyler Robinson, who has been accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University. (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)

During his Sept. 15 episode, Kimmel told viewers: "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.

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"In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving."

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, he mentioned Kirk again, this time taking aim at the right, saying: "Many in MAGA-land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk."

Following Kimmel's remarks, Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, fiercely criticized the comedian, while issuing a warning to ABC's parent company, Disney.

"This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney. We can do this the easy way or the hard way," he said.

"Disney needs to see some change here, but the individual licensed stations that are taking their content, it's time for them to step up and say this, you know, garbage to the extent that that's what comes down the pipe in the future isn't something that we think serves the needs of our local communities.

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"There's calls for Kimmel to be fired. I think you could certainly see a path forward for suspension over this," he said.

Minutes after Carr made those comments, Nexstar Media Group Inc. revealed that it would stop airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates.

"Mr. Kimmel's comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse," Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar's broadcasting division, said.

Shortly after Nexstar shared its decision, ABC, which has FCC-approved licenses for the local broadcast affiliates it owns, issued their own statement about the comedian.

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A spokesperson for the Disney-owned network simply said of the decision: "'Jimmy Kimmel Live' will be pre-empted indefinitely."

Staffers were stunned to hear that the network was pulling the plug as Kimmel has been hosting the show for over two decades and his wife, Molly McNearney, is the head writer and executive producer of the late-night show. (Cristian Lopez/Disney via Getty Images)

During his suspension, Kimmel and his wife were hunkering down at their Hermosa Beach, CA, home. (Realtor.com)

He purchased the grounds in 2017 for $8 million and began building a larger property on the site. (Realtor.com)

President Trump praised the decision in a post shared on his social media site, Truth Social, where he wrote: "Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even [Stephen] Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!

Following his remarks, Anna Gomez, an FCC commissioner nominated by former President Joe Biden, slammed the decision, saying in a statement, "An inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship and control.

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This Administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression.

Free expression is non-negotiable. It marks the line between freedom and oppression. We must defend it without compromise."

Sources with knowledge of the situation told CNN, that the news of the suspension came as a complete shock to many involved in the showparticularly as it was revealed only after guests who were due to attend the taping of Wednesday's episode were already on their way to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, where "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is recorded.

It's thought that Kimmel spent much of his suspension hunkering down at his Hermosa Beach, CA, property, which he and his wife, Molly McNearney, who is the head writer and executive producer on his show, had custom-built for their family.

The home comes with a gorgeous outdoor area that overlooks the water. (Realtor.com)

The mansion is situated just steps away from the water and is surrounded by lush greenery and large trees. (Realtor.com)

When he purchased the property, it had four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Now, it seems as though he has since added to that thanks to his custom-built dwelling, which stretches across two homes. (Realtor.com)

The dwelling is actually spread across two parcels of land that were snapped up by Kimmel for $8 million in 2017providing him with about half an acre on which to build his dream mansion.

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Images taken of the property in 2023 revealed that it was nearing completionoffering stunning views out over the ocean, as well as a large rectangular pool in the backyard.

The home also boasts a large swimming pool and measures across two stories.

When he purchased the property, it had four bedrooms and two bathrooms; however, it seems as though he has since added to that thanks to his custom-built dwelling, which stretches across two homes.

Kimmel previously owned a home in Hollywood Hills, however, offloaded it in 2014.

Additionally, the late-night host is said to own another property near the storied Chateau Marmont hotel, which he reportedly purchased for $1.1 million in 2010.

However, that same year, Kimmel put the dwelling into a trust, and it was later reported that he had given use of the home to his sister-in-law, Kelly McNearney.
McDonalds employees outside the U.S. are serving burgers and fries  with a side of fashion.

Fans of the fast-food chain are craving more than just the value menu after a customer shared a video of unexpectedly stylish McJeans that European workers wear.

Workers at a McDonalds in Europe rock what onlookers have dubbed McJeans. Tiktok / @louiek81

The TikTok clip  racking up over 8.1 million views  features two workers casually covering their shifts in the perfectly fitted blue jeans, each stamped with a subtle McDonalds M logo on the back-right pocket.

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Im gonna need a pair of these McJeans, the creator wrote in the overlay, adding in the caption: @McDonalds Europe has branded McJeans. Holla at ya boy with a pair.

The McMerch discovery deep-fried peoples minds.

Shes serving and then serving, one commenter wrote, with another chiming in, These are so McCute.

Another excitedly added, McApple bottom jeans ahh.

Im gonna need a pair of these McJeans, wrote the TikTokker who shared the video. A worker at a Barcelona, Spain, franchise (above) mops in front of a McDonalds there. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

While most fast-food uniforms dont quite turn heads, McDonalds gives each global region the freedom to add its own flavor, Chowhound reported.

In places like Poland, Brazil, Ukraine and the Netherlands, denim is standard-issue, ranging from jeans and shirts to aprons.

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In the UK, staff rock a casual, cool look with T-shirts, jeans and even bucket hats.

McDonalds workers in Kyiv, Ukraine, wear branded outerwear in 2023. Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

Uniforms in France have a more minimalist, black-on-black style, and Portugals uniforms offer a business-casual chic with cardigans and embroidered scarves. The region seems to have put in the most effort, commissioning fashion designer Katty Xiomara to cook up the styles.

Meanwhile, the American uniforms  including the jeans, which, along with other pieces, were created by Affinity brand designer Bindu Rivas  lean more into function over fashion. Last year, stores in the U.S. debuted sustainable uniforms with aprons, jeans and T-shirts made from recycled plastic.

The company did not immediately respond to The Posts request to comment.

Last year, stores in the U.S. debuted sustainable uniforms made from recycled plastic. McDonald's

Uniforms arent the only products that have gotten McMakovers.

McDonalds has long tailored its menu to reflect local tastes, including McSpaghetti in the Philippines and the McKroket  a deep-fried croquette sandwich  in the Netherlands.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Courtesy of U Beauty

In a true "life imitating art" moment, it just so happens that Michelle Monaghan portrays a charming, successful actress on HBO's smash hit The White Lotus. Unsurprisingly, she and her character are similar in this way. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Monaghan for a chat, and she was everything you'd thinkkind, down-to-earth, and incredibly easy to talk to. Of course, because of this, I seized the opportunity to ask her all my burning beauty-related questions. And, luckily for us all, she was more than happy to oblige.

You might be surprised to learn that Monaghan's beauty journey really began with a health scare. After being diagnosed with melanoma, she was forced to take a hard look at her entire lifestylespecifically, her beauty routine. "It completely impacted the way that I started to look at my health and my well-being," she said. "That was the catalyst for me doing a deep dive into skincare, ingredient study, scienceeverything,because I really understood that I had to take a holistic approach to my health."

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Luckily, Monaghan is now melanoma-free, and something synergetic came of it. She's now an ambassador for one of my favorite brands, U Beauty, a partnership that came about organically due to her love for one of its hero products The Resurfacing Compound ($148). "I got introduced to U Beauty through a makeup artist because of the sun damage [I'd accrued]," she explained. "I was complaining to a makeup artist about my sun spots because I had to do a look that was a no-makeup makeup look. And I just said, 'Use as little foundation as you can, but just use it on my hyperpigmentation.' She was really gentle with me and said, 'I've got a great product for that. You might want to try the Resurfacing Compound."

After that, Monaghan was hooked. "I've been using that product the longest, but it still continues to work. It's like, eight products [in one]. When I started using that, I stopped using my topical vitamin C, retinol, [and] hyaluronic acidit eliminated three or four products out of my routine. It will always be a part of my routine because I will forever be revealing the past sun damage that I've accumulated over the years and as our cells turn over, new things reveal themselves. We can count on products like U Beauty's and its siren capsule technology to tackle exactly those things. The beauty of this siren capsule technology is that it leaves all of your healthy cells behind, keeps them nourished, and keeps them balanced, which is what we want. But it tackles the ones that are giving me issuesthe ones that need to be treated and targeted. To me, it was smart, innovative, science-backed skincare that just made perfect sense to continue to be my little sidekick for the rest of my life."

Below are a few more things I learned about Monaghan and her beauty routine including her favorite discoveries on the set of The White Lotus and the items she never travels without.

She never leaves the house without sunscreen.

Obviously, Monaghan is now a huge advocate for proper suncare. In fact, she rarely goes anywhere without it. "I don't leave the house without applying SPF," she says. "That is really the last step in my my beauty routine. [In the] morning, I use the Multimodal Sheer Mineral Sunscreen. I love it, not only because it's a non-nano mineral-only formula, but I like something that sits atop my skin, and it protects me from all the lightsthe UVA, UVB, and the blue light. But I love the blurring effect, and it blends down really nicely. It works for all skin tones, it really doesn't have a white cast, and it's buildable. It's like a primer, and I can just put it under because I wear minimal makeup, but it blends really nicely with my concealer. I wear a Cle de Peau concealer [that] I've been using for 20 years."

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When out and about, she makes sure to go for a more heavy-duty formula. "If I'm at the beach (I spend a lot of time outdoors), I always go for a water-resistant formula. I usually go as high as I can, an SPF of 50 or 60, because I also like a streamlined SPF routine with multiple people in the in the family."

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Filming The White Lotus inspired some of her recent travels.

Season three of The White Lotus was mainly shot on the beautiful island of Koh Samui in Thailand. Since then, Monaghan used this summer to do a ton of travelingsome of it inspired by her time there. "There's just something so beautiful about that region [in Thailand]," she shares. "I think it might be the religion, the Eastern philosophy, and the cultures that we encountered. The Thai culture and Indonesian culture, they're just so warm and invitingI don't know how to explain it. My husband and I talk about it all the time. We really love itwe love the food, and we love the history. I got to discover a region that I fell in love with. I knew, after having spent seven months there with my kids and my husband that we had to come back to this region."

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As for her recent summer travels, Monaghan visited Aloita Resort in Indonesia after it popped up on her social media feed four years previously. Filming The White Lotus in the area further inspired her and her family to finally give it a visit. "It's a really special little spot, and we surfed at all different levelsthey had a surf break for each and every one of us. They had these cute little bungalows, and it was an occupancy for 30 people. We met the neatest families from all over the world. There was no Wi-Fi, and it was beautiful."

She discovered some of her current favorite items on set of The White Lotus.

Her self-care routine leveled up in a big way while filming in Thailand. So much so that she still cherishes some of the habits and products that she picked up while there. "I love a Thai massage," she says. "I think we were all getting multiple Thai massages, and that's something that stuck with me, for sure. One of the great things I have to mention is this brand, because I, like Jaclyn, don't mind a faux glowI don't go in the sun. There's this great body makeup brand called Westmore. I actually use that with the Super Body Hydrator [from U Beauty] because I'm obsessed with it. It's the best thing ever. I always say it's a sleeper hit, and it's perfect. It [gives] the most amazing coverage [with] Westmore.

Another wellness favorite Monaghan discovered while in Thailand was butterfly pea flower tea. She loves it for its vibrant color and the fact that the flowers are totally edible. But above all else, the health benefits are what keep her coming back for more. "One of the things I learned about butterfly pea flower tea is that it helps with your eyesight. I'm just in total in denial about having to wear readers all the time, so I'm drinking butterfly tea [laughs]."

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She never travels without a few key items.

Because she travels so often, there are a few key items she never leaves home without. For starters, SPF is the one thing that's always on her. Another tea she always brings with her is dandelionshe's learned a few lifesaving travel hacks involving the drink. "I travel on airplanes with that, and I drink it daily. It de-bloats me on a plane, when everything kind of swells up. Basically, the dandelion tea will prevent that. I just bring the tea sachets, and I get the hot waterit's a good hack. I also have this little Aesop product. It's a roller called Flight Therapy. Nobody knows they have it. It's really relaxing. Then, you know, I travel with all my U Beauty essentials since they make the minis. I live for a carry-on. Anything that I can just put in my backpack or roller bag is perfect."

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She swears by U Beauty's new Smooth Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum.

U Beauty's newest launch, the Smooth Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum, is her latest obsession. "I think it's their most innovative product yet. They're all innovative, but it's certainly the most innovative wrinkle serum I've ever used and ever tried. I think what's special about it is that it utilizes their patented, powerhouse siren capsule technology. It treats the wrinkles from the past that you have now, and at the same time, it boosts the longevity of your skin. I started using it in March, and I've been using it religiously since. I use it after the Resurfacing Compound. I've specifically seen a noticeable difference in my crow's-feet. It's so amazing. And it's clinically tested so results are as fast as 15 minutes, and the longer you use it, the bigger the results. It's a really special formula. We're all growing and aging, and these things are inevitable, but if I can do something and utilize something that's preventative and also tackles things from the past as well as the future, that's just smart skincare."

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While there are countless reasons to head to Greenville, South Carolinaincluding outdoor spaces like the Swamp Rabbit hike-and-bike trail, live theater performances, museums, and its quaint downtown sceneit stands out particularly with its thriving food scene and packed festival schedule.

Both of these come together at the citys annual autumn festival known as Fall For Greenville, a three-day extravaganza of food, music, and culture that has become known as the largest free fall festival in the South. Learn why it is worth a trip.

Our Guide to Greenville

Courtesy Facebook/Fall For Greenville

What Is Fall For Greenville?

Each October, the city hosts this food, music, and culture festival along its charming Main Street. The family-friendly event lasts for three days and features more than 60 local restaurants (and over 300 menu items), more than 80 musical acts across seven stages, and countless other appeals such as regional wine and beer vendors, interactive games, handmade craftsman booths, and more.

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Fall For Greenville has become quite well-known not only for its packed itinerary and vendor list, but also for being free for all to attend, garnering a reputation as the largest free fall festival in the South. This year, the fest will be hosted October 10th through 12th.

Courtesy Facebook/Fall For Greenville

What To Do at Fall For Greenville

Get a Taste of Local Restaurants and Chefs

More than 60 food vendors are in attendance during the festival, setting up booths, doing demonstrations, and offering small plates and samples. You can try everything from Southern comfort food to countless international cuisines.

Related: 15 Best Restaurants In Greenville, South Carolina

Sip on Regional Beverages

Youll also notice dozens of vendors offering regional wines, craft beers, and mixologist-created cocktails. Quench your thirst as you move along the many food offerings and cultural attractions.

Courtesy Facebook/Fall For Greenville

Catch Plenty of Live Music

There are more than 80 musical acts performing on various stages during the three-day festival, so youll never be far from a live music performance. In between moving around the booths and vendors, enjoy everything from rock to jazz to country. Many of the performers are local or from South Carolina, but there are also nationally recognized musical acts in attendance.

Have Fun with the Whole Family

The festival is also particularly family-friendly, with activities like games, face-painting, and kid-centered performances and activations.

Fall is festival season for a reason, capitalizing on one of the Souths prettiest seasons. And Greenville certainly makes the most of it.

Read the original article on Southern Living
If youre a coffee lover, youve probably tried it all: the nuance of a pour-over, the richness of a French press, the mellow vibe of a cold brew. But theres one brewing method that may make you do a double-take: Swedish Egg Coffee.

Never heard of it? Well, this Scandinavian tradition is still a big hit at the annual Minnesota State Fair, where Jim Zieba has been the resident coffee brewer at the Salem Lutheran Church Dining Hall since the mid-1980s (taking over from his father). Swedish Egg Coffee may sound strange, because, yes, you do brew it with an egg, but fans say it produces one of the smoothest, cleanest cups of coffee youll ever taste.

To find out more about this quirky coffee, we talked to Zieba and fellow coffee expert Leo Yuffa, owner of Dazbog Coffee. Read on to dig into the fascinating history behind the brew and learn how to make it at home so you can have your own Swedish egg coffee moment.

Related: The Swedish Way to Make Chocolate Cake 10x Better

What Is Swedish Egg Coffee?

Swedish Egg Coffee involves cracking a raw egg into freshly ground coffee and water and boiling everything together. Swedish egg coffee is an unusual way of brewing coffee and has been a tradition among Scandinavian immigrants to the United States, especially in Minnesota and the Midwest," Yuffa tells Parade.

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Why the egg? As the coffee heats up, the proteins in the egg latch onto tannins and other bitter compounds, carrying them to the bottom of the pot as the mixture settles. Coffee is slightly acidic, eggs are alkaline, so there is a cancellation, Zieba explains.

Sometimes, the shell is mashed in as well, though Zieba says, it makes no difference. Mashing the egg, shell and all, into the grounds avoids having to handle the egg white and yolk. But the coffee cant tell the difference.

Once the mixture has boiled, cold water is added to settle the coffee grounds, resulting in a clearer liquid. The method creates a cup of coffee thats smooth and mild, with virtually none of the acidity or sharpness of regular drip coffee.

Related: Whats the Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee? Experts Spill the Beans

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History of Swedish Egg Coffee

A couple of centuries ago, before paper filters and third-wave coffee culture, making coffee usually meant dealing with a gritty, sediment-heavy cup. To fix this, Scandinavian countries developed a tradition of adding proteinseggs, fish skin, even fish bladders (klareskinn)to clarify coffee. When Scandinavian immigrants came to the American Midwest, they brought this method with them.

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Living on farms with limited resources, they used the egg to make the drink clearer, smoother and more nutritious, explains Yuffa. Eggs were cheap, and albumen is a potent clarifying agent, so naturally the two came together.

Over time, Swedish Egg Coffee became a staple at church gatherings and community events, which cemented its traditional status, according to Yuffa. Congregants would gather after the service, and volunteers would make large batches in big enamel pots, which is why the drink is sometimes called Lutheran Egg Coffee or Church Basement Coffee.

Although its popularity faded in Sweden by the 1930s, Swedish Egg Coffee lived on in Scandinavian immigrant communities in America. According to Zieba, Immigrants kept brewing it in the US well into the 50s, often because of the hard water in rural areas.

And it hasnt disappeared entirely. Today, Swedish egg coffee still has a devoted following in the Midwest, where its poured every summer at the Minnesota State Fairs Salem Lutheran Church Dining Hall. Lines form for the nostalgic brew, keeping the tradition alive long after its heyday in Sweden.

Related: The Korean Way To Make Iced Coffee Taste 10x Better

How to Make Swedish Egg Coffee

The technique takes a little practice, but the results are worth it. As for the type of coffee beans? Dont overthink it. We just used whatever the wholesaler provided, Zieba says. What matters most is boiling the grounds directly in watermodern brewers like French presses or drip machines wont cut it.

Yuffas method (home-size batch)

1. Mix 1 raw egg with 3 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee until it forms a thick paste.

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2. Add the paste to boiling water and cook for a few minutes until the mass rises and curdles.

3. Remove the pot from the heat and add a little cold water so that the thickened and curdled protein settles to the bottom.

4. Strain the mixture through a sieve to get a very clean, transparent amber drink with a smooth taste and no excess bitterness.

Ziebas State Fair method

Zieba brews Swedish egg coffee on a much larger scale, using 40-cup pots and making multiple pots each day of the fair.

1. Mash 1 egg, shell and all, into 2 cups of ground coffee.

2. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat slightly.

3. Add the coffee and egg mixture, and let it boil for about 60 seconds (adjusting the heat as needed to keep it from boiling over).

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4. Turn off the burner and let the grounds settle.

5. Add a cup of cold water to the pot to help the grounds settle faster.

6. Transfer to warming carafes for service.

Related: We Had Coffee Experts Rank 13 Instant Coffee Brands and You Can Buy the Winner at Target

How to Serve Swedish Egg Coffee the Traditional Way

Though egg coffee is no longer part of everyday life in Sweden, it fits beautifully into the spirit of fika: the cherished Swedish ritual of slowing down with coffee and something sweet. Fika isnt just about caffeine; its about pressing pause, gathering with friends or colleagues and savoring both the drink and the moment. A smooth pot of Swedish Egg Coffee would be perfect alongside cinnamon buns or cookies.

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When immigrants brought Swedish Egg Coffee to the American Midwest, it found a new home in church basements and community halls. There, egg coffee was often brewed in big enamel pots and served with an array of homemade cakes, bars and pies. It became more than a beverageit was a symbol of togetherness, tradition and hospitality.

Culturally, fika is about balance: You dont just gulp a cup of joe on the go, you take time to sit and connect. In that sense, Swedish Egg Coffee (humble, communal and meant to be shared) embodies the fika philosophy.

Related: What Is a French Martini, Exactly? The '90s-Era Drink Is Making a Comeback

Sources

Leo Yuffa, owner of Dazbog Coffee, a gourmet coffee roaster with 15 coffee shops across Colorado

Jim Zieba, egg-coffee expert, resident brewer of the Salem Lutheran Church Dining Hall at the annual Minnesota State Fair

This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
I enjoyed visiting Portugal for the first time, but I wish I had done a few things differently.

I didn't realize we'd need dinner reservations for most restaurants.

I also wish I'd planned more day trips and prioritized the things I really wanted to see.

Last year, it felt like everyone I knew was visiting Portugal. So, I was excited to see what all the fuss was about when my boyfriend and I finally made our way there.

I hadn't put much effort into our last vacation together, so I was determined to make this trip different.

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After weeks of patient monitoring, I found great flights, my spreadsheet was magnificently organized with activities, and I booked awesome accommodations.

But even with the most diligent planning skills and luxe accommodations, no vacation is perfect. If I were to do it all over again, here are a few things I'd do differently.

I would make more dinner reservations in advance.

Rebecca Strassberg

Despite staying right outside the Ribeira and Baixa neighborhoods, where restaurant choices abound, we still found dinner reservations difficult to come by if we waited too long.

On our first night in Porto, we gave up a reservation at The Door, a trendy tapas spot. But we didn't realize that the restaurant would be booked for the rest of our time in the city.

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We settled for wherever would feed us at 9 p.m. and eventually started making lunch and dinner reservations over breakfast.

Staying in a more central part of Lagos would've made that leg of the trip more relaxing.

Rebecca Strassberg

When planning our trip, I didn't have a preference where we ended up in the Faro District, Portugal's southernmost region. I just wanted a beach, and Lagos was familiar.

I agonized over where we would stay in Lagos  but for the wrong reasons. I was so concentrated on stars and reviews that I neglected one of the biggest factors: location.

The Airbnb I booked was wonderful. As a New Yorker, I wasn't even intimidated by Google Maps' projected 12-minute walk to Old Town Lagos and 25-minute walk to the beach.

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What I didn't account for, however, was how incredibly steep Lagos is and how sore my calves would be.

Porto had been hilly and full of 15,000-step days, historic churches, and museums  and Lisbon would be more of the same  so I banked on Lagos being the relaxing stint of the trip.

Unfortunately, I never did get that break I was hoping for. A mile-long walk to the beach on vacation feels like five. And climbing up a hill after dinner makes it feel like a mountain.

However, we had a much better time at our accommodation in Porto, Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection. This five-star IHG hotel offered complimentary breakfast and was located in a central location that made exploring the area simple.

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I'd prioritize seeing more of the things that make Portugal special.

saiko3p/Shutterstock

It can feel intimidating to dedicate an entire day to just one thing, specifically on a multicity trip. However, I wish I'd prioritized the things that make Portugal special.

For example, I've wanted to visit Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in Evora for years. It was only an hour and a half drive from Lisbon, but we didn't end up going.

And even though Porto is world-famous for its production of port (fortified Portuguese wine), we skipped a day trip to the Douro Valley. Although we drank port and toured a few distilleries in the city itself, an excursion would have cemented that leg of the trip.

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After all, at the end of the day, a short car ride is nothing compared to an eight-hour flight.

This story was originally published on October 4, 2024, and most recently updated on September 18, 2025

Read the original article on Business Insider
NEED TO KNOW

A 12-year-old girl on a family trip to Bali, Indonesia, was attacked by a monkey at a popular tourist attraction last week, according to News.com.au

After getting bit on the neck, the family from Sydney, Australia, rushed to a local clinic with the rabies vaccine

The family was forced to pay over $4,100 out of pocket for medical care

A 12-year-old girl on a family trip to Bali was attacked by a monkey and rushed to a local clinic, according to reports. After receiving care, the family was hit with an over $4,000 medical bill.

Sydney, Australia, residents Flavia McDonald, her husband and their 12-year-old daughter Lorena recently traveled to a popular tourist destination in Indonesia, according to News.com.au. The family set off to Bali as a last-minute getaway to celebrate Australian Fathers Day, which was on Sept. 7.

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I had been to Bali many times, but it was a place I had since hesitated about with kids because of Bali belly (a term for travelers diarrhea). I thought maybe when [Lorena] was older  we could enjoy it more, McDonald told the outlet. But in August with so much rain around Sydney, my daughter had the idea of a sunny place for a holiday to give as a Fathers Day gift.

Seminyak beach in Bali, Indonesia

The family, who departed on Fathers Day morning, stayed in a hotel in Seminyak  a beach resort area at the southern end of Bali. To avoid the rain already interrupting their trip, they traveled to Ubud on Wednesday, Sept. 10, to visit the famous Monkey Forest Ubud.

McDonald explained the family walked around the park for about 40 minutes before sitting with other guests in an amphitheatre.

Heaps of people were sitting, so my husband and daughter sat there too, McDonald said. We could see monkeys, but none literally on or around people. But within one minute, a monkey jumped on my husbands shoulders  and within seconds it went from his shoulder to my daughters.

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She added: She was paralyzed [in fear] and we kind of knew we couldnt make any abrupt movements. So the monkey started pulling at her shirt, her pockets, looking in her top and as I got close to her to shush it away, within five seconds, it just bit her on the neck.

Getty A long-tailed macaque monkey A long-tailed macaque monkey

According to the forests website, guests are instructed to maintain a safe distance from the monkeys, engage in only supervised interactions, avoid direct eye contact and take care of children  all of which McDonald claims the family followed.

I looked down at her neck, and I just said, Oh my god, she remembered. [Lorena] thought it was a scratch but then we saw the bite mark with blood The whole thing was just so fast.

Although the park was busy, the mom said there were no employees nearby. So, the family quickly made their way to the parks first aid station, where staff dismissed concerns of rabies because the monkeys were very clean. Staff instead bathed the 12-year-old in soap and water.



She was bleeding  and I was just thinking, this is not enough. I was exploding inside, McDonald said. All my research was saying this was very dangerous and that she needs to go to a clinic with the rabies vaccine.

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When they arrived at a nearby clinic, McDonald remembered her daughter was still in shock. Lorena received two injections, one into the top of the bite and one at the bottom.

I have never seen her scream like the way she did in that hospital, McDonald said of her daughters vaccine.

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.

McDonald also said Lorena was prescribed herpes virus B medication  six tablets a day for two weeks.

An additional shock was the medical bill, totaling 69 million Indonesian Rupiah, which is over $4,100. Although the family had travelers insurance, it wouldnt be distributed for a few days, so the family had to pay out-of-pocket.

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If I had read anything like this, anything similar, I wouldve had a different approach to going to the park, McDonald said. I wouldve been a little more aware that something like this can actually happen. It ruined the trip for us.

Read the original article on People
All eyes are in Mississippi this week after two men were found dead, hanging from trees on Monday, Sept. 15, just hours apart. Investigations into both deaths are ongoing.

Demartravion "Trey" Reed, 21, of Grenada, was found early in the day on the Delta State University campus in Cleveland. The young Black man was a student, and investigators initially ruled his death a suicide.

Cory Zukatis, 36, of Brandon, was found later in the day near a Vicksburg casino. Police are still investigating the death.

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Investigators say misinformation about both men is spreading online fast, including what the Bolivar County coroner described as inaccuracies about Reed's limbs being broken. Many people shared photos of the wrong Cory Zukatis in relation to the stories.

The cases have drawn national attention from civil rights organizations. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has referred to Reed's death as a lynching, a concern that's resounding across social media.

"While the preliminary report of the Bolivar County Coroner's office indicates no evidence of foul play, we recognize that this is not just about facts. It's about emotions and it's about feelings. The way this loss was discovered affects people's lives," DSU President Dan Ennis, a white man who has been at the helm of DSU for two years, said Sept. 17. "I recognize that I am not adequate to speak to the imagery that this scene raises. I acknowledge my weakness there."

The Southern Poverty Law Center wants increased scrutiny and thorough investigations for both.

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Here's what we now so far about the hanged men, what police have said about their cases and what the next steps are in the investigations.

Who was the man found dead at Delta State?

Police and the university have identified Demartravion "Trey" Reed, 21, of Grenada, as the Black man found deceased early Monday. His body was hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts and Court of Governors dormitories.

Demartravion "Trey" Reed was found hanging from this tree, pictured on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss., on Monday morning.

In a statement released via their attorney Vanessa J. Jones, his family said Reed was "joyful" and "loving."

The Clarion Ledger normally does not reveal the names of those who died by suicide, but the university of 2,700 announced the name in a public setting.

Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump representing the family

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said on Sept. 16 that he was retained by Reed's family. He noted students and relatives have questions that need to be answered, and he plans to work with a "number of civil rights organizations to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation."

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"Trey Reed was a young man full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him," Crump said. "His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened. We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain. I stand with this family, and I will lead a team of civil rights leaders and organizations in pursuing transparency and answers for Treys family."

Is foul play suspected in Reed's case?

At this time, police say no foul play is suspected.

Delta State University Police Chief Michael L. Peeler said during a news conference on Sept. 15 that Reed died by suicide.

"But while there is no evidence of foul play, the body has been retrieved by the Bolivar County Coroner's office," he said. "I have requested the assistance of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar County Sherriff's office and the Cleveland PD to assist us in this ongoing investigation."

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In an update on Sept. 16, Ennis said he was aware of "developments" but didn't specify what those were.

More: Delta State University president says he is aware of developments in hanging of Black man

Did Reed have other injuries?

Posts on social media quickly spread. Some made specific claims that Reed had broken legs and/or arms and other defensive wounds that would make hanging himself impossible.

According to the coroner's office, that's not accurate.

"At this current time, we are conducting a thorough death investigation. Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death," reads a statement from the coroner's office.

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Taking on internet rumors: Coroner addresses discussion of broken bones in hanging of Black man at Delta State in MS

Autopsy being performed, investigation into Reed death is ongoing

Peeler said Reed's body was sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy, which was being carried out the morning of Sept. 17 . Results should be complete within 24-48 hours.

He said the investigation is ongoing, and he can't discuss other issues like who he's spoken with publicly.

There will be a public update, he said, once more results are available and DSU officials have met with Reed's next of kin on file with the university.

Crump demands videos in investigation

There are videos, Peeler said Sept. 17, in the hands of the Cleveland Police Department officers who are investigating.

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Crump is demanding copies as part of the family's investigation.

Treys family deserves answers they can trust. We cannot accept rushed conclusions when the stakes are this high. By demanding the family be allowed to view any video and commissioning an independent autopsy, we are taking every step to uncover the truth about what happened to Trey. Every student deserves to feel safe where they live and learn. That is why it is so important to get to the bottom of this tragedy," Crump said in a statement.

Reed's family plans independent investigation

During a news conference on Sept. 16, Jones said her firm is representing Reed's family and is initiating its own investigation into his death, beginning with an independent autopsy.

"We will seek answers independently from Delta State University and from the coroner's office and, if need be, independent from the state coroner's office because we need answers as to what happened to Trey Reed," Jones said. "Were there cameras? There should have been cameras at the university that could easily enlighten us to what happened in the early morning of September 15, 2025."

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On Sept. 17, the university president said they plan to cooperate with all investigations and has been in regular contact with the emergency contacts that Reed chose, though that does not account for all of Reed's family.

More: Family of Mississippi university student found hanged pursue independent autopsy

Is Reed's death tied to the man also found hanging in Vicksburg?

Cory Zukatis, 36, of Brandon, was also found dead, hanging from a tree around 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in Vicksburg, about two hours away from the DSU campus.

Police don't believe the deaths are related.

Zukatis was discovered in a wooded area near Ameristar Casino. He is described as a white male who was homeless.

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His body was sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for autopsy, and the investigation into his death is ongoing.

Body found in Vicksburg: Another man found hanging from tree in Mississippi

US Rep. Bennie Thompson wants federal investigation

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi, called Reed's death a "heartbreaking tragedy." He said he's spoken with Reed's family and wants them to get a full, transparent investigation.

"I am calling for a full federal investigation into his death. The FBI has the tools and experience necessary to conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry, and time is of the essence. We must leave no stone unturned. Mississippis history of racial violence against African Americans cannot be ignored, and our community deserves both truth and accountability," he said in a Sept. 16 statement.

FBI willing to investigate any federal violations

Jackson FBI Public Affairs Officer Marshay Lawson told the Clarion Ledger via email Sept. 17, that the agency is "aware of the incident in Cleveland" and are in "regular contact with local authorities" on the case.

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"If, during the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal violation, the FBI is prepared to investigate," Lawson said.

The latest: FBI 'prepared to investigate' death of Delta State student found hanged in Mississippi

Where is Delta State University?

Delta State University is in Cleveland, Mississippi, near the Arkansas state line.

More than 2,600 students enrolled during the 2024-25 school year. Of those, about 42% are Black, according to the university.

Cleveland is just west of the county and sites associated with the lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till.

Campus gets harassing calls, messages

"The loss of Trey Reed has been and continues to be devastating for the Delta State community," Ennis said.

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In a news conference Sept. 17, he said this has stirred emotions across the U.S.

Ennis and campus police said DSU is safe, but people keep calling the campus to harass and verbally abuse anyone who answers the phone in relation to the online rumors. Ennis said student workers are often who answer the phone, getting the first wave of venom from people calling in anger. The campus has has increased security as a result of the threatening calls.

More: National groups, officials call for closer look into 2 men found dead, hanged in Mississippi

Are there counseling services for students available?

According to the office of student affairs, peer support is available at the H.L. Nowell Student Union and prayer and meditation is offered at Lena Sillers Chapel.

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Ennis said Wednesday that students are reaching out for counseling through traditional venues and talking privately with trusted faculty and staff. He said the professors are working to be sensitive to student needs.

DSU canceled classes Sept. 15. Several centennial events set for that day were canceled. No word on when or if they'll be rescheduled is available.

If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.

Contributing: Thao Nguyen

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Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.

Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: 2 MS men were found hanging. What we know about both death investigations
NANJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security on Thursday proposed the establishment of an international alliance to combat telecom and cyber fraud.

The initiative was put forward at a sub-forum of the 2025 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, held in the city of Lianyungang in east China's Jiangsu Province from Tuesday to Thursday.

A senior official from the ministry said at the sub-forum that telecom and cyber fraud have evolved into a global challenge -- requiring strengthened international law enforcement cooperation, improved collaborative mechanisms, and a robust global governance system.

This proposal underscores China's commitment to founding a new international approach for addressing telecom and cyber fraud crimes, characterized by coordination and broad participation, the official said.

China has already achieved significant results through cross-border law enforcement cooperation with countries including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. These efforts led to the capture of 68,000 fraud suspects overseas -- who were then repatriated to China.

The sub-forum attracted about 100 policemen, officials and experts from 30 countries and regions as well as international organizations. They jointly issued a proposal for combined combat endeavors against telecom and cyber fraud. 
A statewide artisan guild cut the cheese Wednesday with an announcement that its annual Massachusetts Cheese Festival has been canceled for 2025.

The Massachusetts Cheese Guilds cheesemakers event was originally slated to take place at High Lawn Farm in Lee on Sunday, Sept. 28.

It is due to unexpected circumstances and recent challenges that the Guild has determined that the best course of action will be to not hold the event this year, the farm wrote in an Instagram post.

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Those who already purchased tickets to the festival will receive automatic refunds, the Massachusetts Cheese Guild said on its website.

This decision was not made lightly, but after much consideration, we believe it is the most responsible choice at this time, the guild wrote.

Anyone with questions about the festivals cancellation should contact the guild directly at info@macheeseguild.com, according to High Lawn Farm.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our attendees, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers for your enthusiasm and support of Massachusetts cheesemakers and the broader artisan food community, the guild wrote. The Guild remains deeply committed to celebrating and promoting local cheese, and we look forward to future opportunities to gather and share these incredible flavors with you.

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Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Three police officers were killed and two others were wounded Wednesday, Sept. 17 while attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a man at a farm in North Codorus Township.

The Northern York County Regional Police officers killed in the line of duty have been identified as Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser. The department issued a statement Thursday morning that it it is "devastated by the loss of three of our officers" and is praying for the recovery of a fourth officer who remains in the hospital.

WellSpan York Hospital provided an update Thursday on the conditions of the two injured officers. One remains in critical but stable condition while the other has been upgraded to satisfactory condition.

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The two wounded officers were listed in critical but stable condition at WellSpan York Hospital, Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher L. Paris said during a news conference on Wednesday evening.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, died during a final exchange of gunfire, York County District Attorney Tim Barker said at a news conference on Thursday afternoon.

Barker detailed how the suspect armed with an AR-15 styled rifle ambushed police as they were looking for him in connection with a domestic violence incident.

The shooting happened after 2 p.m. Wednesday on Haar Road in North Codorus Township.

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Governor Josh Shapiro spoke at the news conference Wednesday evening about the shooting, "This kind of violence isn't OK. We need to do better as a society. We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon is the answer to resolving disputes. We can do better when it comes to mental health. We need to do better when it comes to looking out for those who are in need so we don't have to deal with tragedies like this."

"... I just think as a community, it's time for us to work hard to heal from this, and to make sure that those whose lives were lost today, that something constructive can come from that in their memory that stops this kind of violence in the future, that protects those people that put on those uniforms for us ..." he said.

Here's what we know so far:

Northern Regional Police issue statement on the loss of three officers

The police department issued the following statement on Facebook on Thursday morning:

"Yesterday was a dark and heartbreaking day for the Northern York County Regional Police Department and for all of York County. We are devastated by the loss of three of our officers and continue to pray for the recovery of a fourth who remains hospitalized. "We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief. "At this time, our administrative offices are closed. Neighboring police departments, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, are assisting in providing police services to our municipalities to ensure the continued safety of our residents. "Information regarding an official and endorsed donation portal to support the families of our fallen and injured officers will be shared shortly. We encourage the public to await this guidance to ensure contributions go directly to those most in need. "We thank you for your compassion, patience, and support as we navigate this tragedy together."

How to help the victims of the shooting

During a news conference on Thursday, Chief David Lash said an official donation portal would be established to help the families of the shooting victims.

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The Honor Their Service donation portal has been opened by the department in partnership with the the York County Safety Collab.

"We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our community and across the Commonwealth. Many have asked how they can help," the post states. "By contributing through Honor Their Service, you can be assured that every dollar raised will go directly to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to those still recovering."

One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the officers and their families, the post states.

Here is the link to donate: https://yorkcountysafetycollab.org/honortheirservice/

Four law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in 2025

Memorial flowers placed in front of the Northern York County Regional Police Sepr. 17, 2025.

With the death of three police officers on Wednesday, a total of four law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in York County in 2025.

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West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte was killed on Feb. 22, 2025 when he responded to a shooting with hostages at UPMC Memorial Hospital. He was mortally wounded by friendly fire.

Investigation continued overnight into the shooting of five officers

Gov, Josh Shapiro speaks at WellSpan York Hospital Sept. 17, 2025.

Law enforcement continued to investigate the fatal shooting into the night.

State, federal, and local investigators descended on a home in a quiet Hanover-area neighborhood on Wednesday night, images showed. In the images, provided to the York Daily Record/Evening Sun early Thursday morning, numerous agencies, including the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police, were investigating at a single-family home on Hall Drive in Penn Township.

Pennsylvania State Police said in a news release late Wednesday night that the investigation spans multiple locations throughout York County. Investigators were expected to work into the early morning hours on Thursday.

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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi tweeted on Wednesday that the FBI and the ATF were at the scene to help local law enforcement.

The @FBI and @ATFHQ are on the scene supporting local law enforcement following the shooting of multiple police officers in York County, Pennsylvania.



Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved.  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) September 17, 2025

Hanover man allegedly stalked a resident where shooting occurred

Police filed charges against Ruth of the Hanover area after he allegedly stalked a resident at the farm where the five officers were shot on Wednesday. His home was searched by law enforcement after the shooting.

Ruth, 24, of Hanover, was charged on Wednesday, Sept. 17 with misdemeanor stalking, misdemeanor prowling at nighttime, and summary criminal trespass in North Codorus Township.

The resident told police on Tuesday, Sept. 16 that a man, who was wearing camouflage, was on her property and looking into the home with binoculars, according to court records. Police responded to the home but could not find him.

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Photographs from a trail camera at the residence showed Ruth allegedly "had an AR-15 style rifle slung across the chest while looking into the residence," according to court records.

State police, others handling calls for Northern York County Regional Police

Pennsylvania State Police and other police department have been responding to calls for service in Northern Regional's jurisdiction.

Trooper James Grothey, a spokesman for the state police, said on Thursday that the following department are assisting with coverage: Newberry Township, Carroll Township, York City, and West Manchester Township.

Lash said during the news conference Thursday that his department will resume patrol operations at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19th.

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Northern Regional serves 12 municipalities: Conewago Township, Dover borough, Dover Township, Franklin Township, Heidelberg Township, Jackson Township, Manchester Township, Manheim Township, New Salem borough, North Codorus Township, North York borough, and Paradise Township.

'Its just unnerving': Neighbors reflect on shooting

Dave Miller, a nearby neighbor who heard gunshots firing during the shooting Wednesday afternoon and briefly witnessed the scene, told the York Daily Record he had known the family for years. He said they were good people; their families even attended the same church.

According to Miller, the suspect was one of the homeowners daughters ex-boyfriends who had been allegedly stalking her for some time. He described their relationship as a fatal attraction.

Annemarie Ruppert lives in the same neighborhood as the alleged shooting suspect and said her heart is with the fallen officers. I couldnt sleep last night, she said.

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Ruppert serves on the neighborhoods homeowners association board and has lived in there for 30 years. Last night, she and some neighbors gathered near the alleged shooters residence, which was surrounded by trucks and police vehicles with flashing lights. We had no idea that it was related (to the shooting).

When you live in this neighborhood, as long as we have, its just unnerving.

For Ruppert and her fellow neighbors, faith is whats holding then together.

Multiple vigils planned for the fallen and wounded officers

People line the route near Spring Grove of a procession of police and emergency vehicles as they escort the bodies of police officers killed in the line of duty in North Codorus Township Sept. 17, 2025.

Three vigils are planned for Thursday, Sept. 18 in York County.

One will be held at 7 p.m. at Holy Infant Parish, 535 Conewago Creek Road in the Manchester area, according to the Diocese of Harrisburg.

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Another will be held at 7 p.m. at Alliance Church, 213 N. Main St., in Spring Grove. The Spring Grove Area Historical Preservation Society shared the information.

Heidelberg Township posted that a candlelight vigil is set for 7 p.m. at the police station at 6115 Thoman Drive in the Spring Grove area.

Gift card drive underway for the families of the victims

Hellam Township Police shared that gift cards for gas, groceries and restaurants for the victims families will be collected at its office.

The department will make sure they are delivered to Northern York County Regional Police.

Fundraiser planned to help families of fallen and wounded officers

A Dover-area business is hosting a fundraiser on Tuesday, Sept. 23 to help the families of the fallen and wounded officers.

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Moonlight Cafe will be donating 20 percent of sales, including dine-in, takeout and drive-thru, directly to the families of the five officers who were shot in North Codorus Township, according to a Facebook post.

It also will be donating 20 percent of gift card purchases between Thursday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 25, the post states.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: 3 officers killed, 2 wounded in York County: What we know now
Five people were arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest Thursday morning after police say they blocked the flow of traffic outside MacDill Air Force Base.

According to a news release from Veterans for Peace, veterans from different branches of the military had gathered to demand an immediate and permanent suspension of weapons and munitions being sent to Israel. The group said the weapons and munitions are being used to commit war crimes and carry out a genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Tampa police were called to the southbound lanes of South Dale Mabry Highway and West Marcum Street about 9:30 a.m. for reports of pedestrians blocking the flow of traffic, the agency said in a news release. Body-worn camera footage released by the police department shows a group holding banners reading Free Palestine and Veterans against genocide across multiple lanes of the road.

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Guys, we want you to be able to send your message, OK, but if you do it in the road, youre going to force our hand to arrest you, one officer says in the video.

After several warnings, five people were taken into custody. Onlookers can be heard in the video chanting stop bombing babies as the five were placed in handcuffs.

The five, who range in age from 22 to 71, face charges of obstructing a street, sidewalk or alley; resisting an officer without violence; and disobeying a police officer or fire department official. The Tampa Bay Times is not naming the protesters because they are accused of nonviolent misdemeanors.

In a statement, the police department asked anyone who plans to participate in a demonstration to do so in a safe and responsible manner.

We recognize that individuals may choose to peacefully express their First Amendment rights and understand some members of the community may wish to do so through demonstrations, the statement said. Our goal is to work together to ensure these events are safe, legal, and respect the rights of all.
(Photo by Ronda Churchill/Nevada Current)

The inventory of affordable housing in Southern Nevada fell even further in 2024, according to a recent state report.

The 2024 Annual Housing Progress Report, which was released last month by the state Housing Division and tracks affordable housing inventory across jurisdictions in Washoe and Clark counties, found overall in both counties there was a 3% increase in affordable housing units created from 2023.

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Of the 1,062 affordable units the report identified as created or renovated to add to the inventory, all but 36 were located in Washoe County. The City of Reno created 1,011 units while the City of Sparks added 15 units.

Both the cities of Las Vegas and Mesquite lost existing affordable units after they reverted back to private market rates. According to the report, there were 39 units converted from affordable to market rate housing in Las Vegas and 31 in Mesquite.

The City of Mesquite was the only jurisdiction in Clark County to add to the affordable housing inventory and created 36 entirely new units in 2024, the report found, which left the city with a net increase of five units.

In an email to Nevada Current, the Nevada Housing Division wrote the lack of affordable housing added in Southern Nevada last year wasnt entirely unexpected in the aftermath of the pandemic adding that the supply chains, and other construction factors in the two-three year window in which new construction projects are developed.

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It is important to note that this should be the last year of these impacts as the Division foresees the use of Clark County Community Housing funds, the Home Means Nevada Initiative funds, the Nevada Attainable Housing fund, in addition to our traditional LIHTC funding, to create and preserve over 5800 affordable units anticipated to be placed in service in the next few years in Clark County, including this year.

Another 8,218 affordable units statewide are scheduled to be developed over the next few years, according to the report. Of the units in the pipeline, 3,351 dedicated toward very low income households, or those with incomes below 50% of the area median income.

The housing division said projects typically take two to three years but that its its difficult to quantify a specific date for occupancy.

The Ogden Pines complex in Las Vegas was demolished, which led to the city losing 39 units, but a new affordable housing project built in its place will have 51 units, said Jace Radke, a spokesman for the City of Las Vegas.

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While those units were lost, it is temporary between demolition in 2024 and when the new complex is completed in either 2026 or 2027 and will have 12 more units than the old complex, Radke said.

Nevada, like the nation, is contending with a shortage of affordable and available housing.

The states yearly report compiles information provided by jurisdictions in Clark and Washoe in order to analyze trends to the degree possible and highlights notable efforts to establish and maintain affordable housing.

Housing inventory included in the report consists of units funded with federal, state, or local subsidies that restrict how much rent can be charged to tenants to ensure they arent paying more than 30% of their income.

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To be included within the inventory, properties must either have project-based rental assistance, or agreements restricting the income levels of occupants or their rent levels, the report reads.

There are approximately 32,944 total units that met that definition as of last year. The previous year had 31,952 the year before.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allocated billions of dollars of federal relief to Nevada. The state allocated roughly $500 million in funding to go toward developing and preserving affordable housing.

The report notes that while Southern Nevada jurisdictions reported a year-over year decrease due to lost units and little or no additional properties, the nearly 33,000 affordable units developed statewide in 2024 was an all-time high.

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A 3.1% increase in total units between 2023 and 2024 outpaced the 2.0% increase from 2022 to 2023, the report notes. The previous years housing analysis found that the state created 690 new affordable units in 2023, during which Clark County was responsible for 470 units.

In addition to dearth of new developments, Southern Nevadas loss in affordable housing stock in 2024 was due to the 71 units in Las Vegas and Mesquite converting to market rate. That includes the 39 units that were in the old Ogden Pines complex.

Nonprofit contractors and privately owned developers can secure tax credits in exchange for allocating a portion of their units at affordable rates, but those units are typically only locked into those rates for 15 or 30 years.

Fair market rent in Nevada is roughly $1,400 a month, meaning a minimum wage employee earning $12 an hour would have to work 91 hours to afford the rent that doesnt exceed more than 30% of their income, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

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Nevada state lawmakers in 2021 passed legislation to provide localities and tenants a 12-month notification before units are no longer deemed affordable in an attempt to preserve existing stock of affordable housing units. The intent was to give municipalities a chance to work with developers to keep properties from transitioning to market rate or, if need be, relocate low-income tenants.

Losing the existing inventory is weighing us down, former state Sen. Julia Ratti said at the time. We can build all the new units in the world, but if we cant keep the ones weve already got were not making any progress.

In an email, the city of Mesquite said that the 31 single-family units were originally built for the low-income population.

The homes are currently owned by individuals, who purchased at affordable rates, and they are currently no longer subject to affordability restrictions, according to the city.
If nothing else, Alabama politicians will meet the moment when an opportunity arises to uphold the states reputation as a socially regressive national punchline.

Recent tweets from Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth inaccurately linked transgender people to an increase in mass shootings following the August 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the 47th school shooting in the U.S. to date. The truth is, 96% of mass shootings are carried out by cisgender (non-transgender) men, a fact Ainsworth does not tweet about. Honing in on a marginalized community instead of the facts and his own duty to keep all constituents safe didnt stop there. Ainsworth is are among many on the extreme political right who continue to use transgender people as a scapegoat, despite data debunking such claims, to avoid addressing the common denominator in every shooting that has occurred in America: guns.

Here are other facts the lieutenant governor could focus on: Transgender people are less than 2% of the overall population, yet four times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of crime. GLAADs ALERT Desk has tracked more than 2,100 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents from June 2022 to December 2024, including more than 750 incidents specifically targeting transgender and nonbinary people.

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But heres the thing about Ainsworth and other anti-LGBTQ+ politicians who are supposed to work on behalf of all citizens in their state: They are choosing to ignore the actual problems  guns, access to guns, and gun violence  to stoke baseless fear of LGBTQ+ people who, like everyone, want to be safe and to go about their business without being lied about by politicians in power. Gun violence is an epidemic  and nonpartisan.

The right to be free and safe is nonpartisan. Efforts to other-ize vulnerable people with homophobia and transphobia work against those rights bestowed on every Alabamian and every American.

And lets be clear, this is not the first time Ainsworth has made incendiary comments about a minority group, which, like clockwork, seems to occur around the same time every year. In September 2024, Ainsworth falsely and without evidence correlated a federal immigration program with soaring HIV rates in Alabama. Data from the Alabama Department of Health shows no substantial increase in new cases over the last several years, and no connection to programs that allow immigrants to live and work in Alabama.

Ainsworth and other elected officials, at a minimum, should be expected to lead with facts, Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, said following Ainsworth's 2024 comments.

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This year, Ainsworths annual anti-LGBTQ+ rant targeted transgender people in Alabama, following national leaders choosing to traffic in misinformation and conspiracy theories instead of the truth, which is that transgender people exist, they always have, and they always will. They are our relatives, neighbors, coworkers, and military service members, and, yes, they even sit next to us in houses of worship on Sunday morning, and you may never know it.

The sooner everyone accepts that God made men, and God made women, and one can never become the other, the quicker we can lessen these events from happening, Ainsworth tweeted.

Ainsworth again revealed not only a narrow worldview but an avoidance of the facts. Science and history have long recognized that gender exists beyond the binary, that sexuality exists on a spectrum, and transgender people are real. Transgender people are not the impetus for senseless gun violence in America; the facts show trans people and all marginalized Americans are at disproportionate risk of gun violence. And a bipartisan supermajority of Americans support multiple measures to reduce gun violence.

So who then is to blame? Parroting an assumed left-wing talking point, Ainsworth himself has an idea. But Rednecks with AR-15s are the Problem, he tweeted.

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And to that I say, even a broken clock is right twice a day.

If Ainsworth cared about the dignity, humanity, and safety of all Alabamians, he might advocate for reforms that most Americans support. He would move to protect transgender people, who simply want to live their lives peacefully without being demonized.

In a state that prides itself on embodying the love of Christ, but often fails to display that love toward historically undervalued people, asking Ainsworth and others who align with him politically to actually exemplify Christ-like behavior shouldnt be a lot to ask. Sadly, in the state where I was raised, we must continue to ask leaders to see and serve all people, including the most vulnerable among us.

Darian Aaron is a multi-award-winning journalist. He is currently the Director of Local News: U.S. South at GLAAD and founder of GLAAD Down South, a media event celebrating LGBTQ+ and HIV storytelling. He previously served as Communications Director of The Counter Narrative Project (CNP), Editor-At-Large of The Reckoning, and Editor of Georgia Voice. He is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, but resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his husband. Follow him @darianoutloud on all social platforms.

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Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit Advocate.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, equalpride.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Alabama politicians could choose not to scapegoat trans people, but that would be humane
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A mother accused of abusing her three-month-old made her first appearance on Wednesday. The infants parents, 26-year-old Jessica Brusuelas and 23-year-old Johnathan Castillo, are facing charges for child abuse. Court documents said the infant suffered a fractured skull, multiple brain hemorrhages, and severe bruising, injuries police said are consistent with ongoing abuse. The baby is currently in the hospital.

Albuquerque man pleads guilty to 2022 murder over fentanyl pills

Brusuelas claims Castillo has been using drugs and would regularly beat the baby, their four-year-old child, and herself. The older child is now in the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. Castillo is expected to make his first appearance on Thursday.

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Omaha native James Leuschen joins a crowded Democratic field for an open-seat race in Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy of James Leuschen for Congress)

OMAHA  Another Democrat with ties to Washington, D.C. is running to be the Democratic nominee for Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District.

James Leuschen, an Omaha native and a 20-year congressional staffer, told the Examiner this week that he is running because President Donald Trumps policies are hurting Nebraska families and hurting our community.

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We need to stop him, Leuschen said. This is an existential election.

He joins a crowded field of Democrats trying to represent the Omaha-based 2nd District. The list of Democrats includes State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, business owner and political action committee co-founder Denise Powell, Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades and Navy veteran Kishla Askins.

Leuschen moved back to Nebraska earlier this summer.

Mark Johnston withdrew from the Democratic field earlier this year because he said he lacked the infrastructure to raise funds. Evangelos Argyrakis said he was running as a Democrat. He has switched parties before, including to the Libertarian Party in early August. This week, he was registered as a Democrat.

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Leuschen has been working as an economic policy staffer for several House members over the past two decades. He served as a policy director for former Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, working to pass the Affordable Care Act under former President Barack Obama and expand the child tax credit.

He also worked with the last Democrat to represent the 2nd District  the late U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford  to get an Omaha VA medical clinic built. Another connection between Ashford and Leuschen: John Ashford, his son, will serve as his campaign treasurer.

The VA medical facility in Omaha wouldnt exist without James Leuschen, John said.

Leuschen is banking on his Washington experience to separate him from the other Democrats in the race.

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I have more experience to get to Washington and push back against the Trump administration  I know how Washington works, Leuschen said. I know how to lower costs for Nebraska families.

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That effort, if elected, will be his primary focus, he said, to bring down costs for Nebraska families. He says Trumps tariffs and his budget and tax bill that passed earlier this summer are increasing the cost of groceries, utilities, and health care.

Leuschen called Trump the king of promising populist policies and  not following through. He said he would push back against Trumps ability to impose tariffs without congressional approval and work to protect Social Security and Medicare. Leuschen describes himself as a common sense Democrat.

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National Democrats are attempting to emerge from the political wilderness at a time when Trump and Republicans have made gains with blue-collar voters and voters of color. The 2nd District race is increasingly critical for Democratic efforts to retake control of the House in 2026.

Nebraska Democrats are hoping that the backlash to the second Trump administration will help them make gains.

Leuschen said, Democrats get stuck in sort of technocratic or perfectionist policy and look past what normal folks are looking for. He said regular people are primarily focused on the cost of living and issues that folks talk about around their kitchen tables.

Part of what is luring more Democrats into the race is the announced retirement of U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. Another reason: Democratic House nominees have lost the 2nd District four straight times by single digits.

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Leuschen said the district, which includes all of Douglas and Saunders County and part of western Sarpy County, has an appetite to hold Trump accountable. The GOPs contested primary is not as crowded, but it has two experienced candidates in Omaha City Council Vice President Brinker Harding and former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha.

National and state GOP strategists acknowledge that Democrats can win an open-seat 2nd District race, but they emphasize that Republicans can hold the seat with the right candidate and the right messaging.

This district has rewarded folks who have focused on solving problems, Leuschen said. Thats what Im doing.

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Arkansas State Police searching for 2 suspects after Hazen pursuit leads to arrest, drug seizures

HAZEN, Ark.  Arkansas State Police are searching for two men who they say fled on foot after a vehicle pursuit on Wednesday morning along Interstate 40, near Hazen.

According to investigators, troopers attempted a traffic stop on a black Hyundai Palisade at 8:45 a.m. for a traffic violation.

Greenbrier man arrested for alleged child sex crimes in North Carolina

Investigators stated that the driver fled at speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour while making reckless lane changes.

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Investigators said they were able to identify the driver as 24-year-old Brevin Tre Harvey of Saltillo, Mississippi, along with a rear passenger from Tupelo, Mississippi, 30-year-old Quencha Sykes.

Brevin Tre Harvey

Marice Quencha Sykes

A third passenger, 33-year-old Kyle Anthony Easley of Shannon, Mississippi, was arrested and taken to the Prairie County Detention Center.

Troopers said they recovered a handgun that was discarded by one of the suspects and 58 pounds of illegal marijuana that was found inside the vehicle.

State and local authorities are also assisting in the search.

South Arkansas man facing murder charge after Arkansas State Police investigation

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Anyone with information about the suspects whereabouts can call Arkansas State Police Troop D at (870) 970-6071 or 911.

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A saboteur working for Ukraine disguised himself as an old woman before attempting to assassinate the head of a Russian defence business, Moscows FSB security service claimed on Thursday.

Russia released a photograph of the man, dressed in a bonnet and holding a cane, after he was arrested alongside a team of two women who the FSB, the Federal Security Service, said had prepared the plot on the orders of Ukraine.

The agency also released CCTV footage of the skirt-wearing saboteur hobbling through a car park outside the unspecified defence business, where he lingers by a black SUV.

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The plotter had planted an explosive device on the car, the FSB claimed, after picking it up from a stash in a cemetery used by his co-conspirators.

The footage then shows his arrest, with two men chasing after him and tackling him to the ground. Later, a woman is seen being arrested in a separate location.

The man was arrested along with two women by the Russian security service who said they had prepared the plot on the orders of Ukraine

The FSB said the suspects, who have been charged with preparing a terrorist attack and the possession of illegal weapons, were acting on the orders of the Ukrainian Defence Ministrys Main Intelligence Directorate.

The two women, born in 1994 and 2006, allegedly monitored the victims routes and daily schedule before attempting the attack.

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In the film released by the FSB, all three of the arrested suspects say they had joined a terrorist organisation.

Earlier this week, the FSB arrested a woman said to be in her fifties over accusations of detonating a bomb along the Trans-Siberian Railway.

In August, following instructions provided by the enemy, the suspect created a homemade explosive device ... placed it on railroad tracks and set it off, the FSB said in a statement.

She filmed the moment of the explosion on her phone camera and sent the video as a report to her handler to receive a reward, it added.

Icon rigged with explosives

On Monday, the FSB also announced the arrest of a 54-year-old Russian woman who had attempted to blow up its headquarters in Crimea, carrying a religious icon rigged with explosives.

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The woman was detained outside the Sevastopol building carrying the icon, which the FSB said had been loaded with 1kg of TNT as part of a Ukrainian plot.

Ukraine has been blamed for several assassinations on Russian soil since the start of the war in 2022.

In December last year, Lt Gen Igor Kirillov was killed by explosives hidden in an electric scooter as he left an apartment block. He is believed to be the highest-ranking military official killed outside of the combat zone.

Credit: Social media/Reuters/RIA Novosti

Vladlen Tatarsky, a prominent Russian military blogger, was killed in Saint Petersburg in April 2023 after he was handed what is thought to have been a bust of himself. The package exploded in a cafe owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former head of Wagner, killing Tatarsky and injuring 24 other people.

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In August 2022, Darya Dugina  the daughter of Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin  was killed in a car bomb attack.

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A 40-year-old man who was part of a ring that installed card-skimming devices on ATMs in Westfield and Chicago has been sentenced to nearly seven years in federal prison.

Florin Nicolae Tarta and his two cohorts stole $177,280 from people who used Bank of America ATMs, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Northern Illinois said.

The device installed by the thieves consisted of a metallic plate with an attached card reader, memory chip, and battery. Tarta also placed a pinhole camera near the ATM keypad to record people typing their PIN numbers, federal prosecutors said.

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Tarta and his partners removed the skimmers from the ATMS a few days later and used a computer to convert the captured data to magnetic stripes on the back of gift cards.

Victims reported that thousands of dollars in fraudulent transactions were made on their accounts at a bank in Cranford and at a Walgreens in Westfield starting in January 2024, according to court documents.

Investigators found a hidden camera on the ATM in Westfield in March 2024 and arrested Tarta when he returned to remove the camera.

Tarta, of Satu Mare, Romania, was convicted earlier this year on bank fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft charges. His sentence totals six years, nine months.

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Leonid Grigore Smetanca, 45, of Satu Mare, Romania, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, while Radu Farcas, 42, of London, England, was sentenced to two and a half years.

The fraud began in Chicago in August 2023.

All three are in the U.S. illegally. Tarta was deported in 2019 and Customs and Border Protection said they have no record of when he re-entered.

Stories by Jeff Goldman

A man has been sentenced to more than six and a half years in federal prison for installing card-skimming devices on ATMs in Chicago and New Jersey to steal debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting victims.

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FLORIN NICOLAE TARTA and two others installed the devices on numerous Bank of America ATMs. The devices consisted of a metallic plate on which a card reader, memory chip, and battery had been affixed. Once inserted into the ATM, the device could capture financial account information from users cards. Tarta and the co-schemers also placed a pinhole camera near the ATMs keypad to record ATM users inputting their PINs.

he defendants then used the counterfeit gift cards to withdraw cash at various banks. Losses from the unauthorized transactions totaled $177,280.

The defendants scheme came to end in March 2024 when law enforcement located the hidden camera on an ATM in Westfield, N.J. Tarta was arrested when he returned to the ATM.

A jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago earlier this year convicted Tarta, 40, On Sept. 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge LaShonda A. Hunt sentenced Tarta to six years and 9 months in federal prison.

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Two co-defendants pleaded guilty and were previously sentenced in the case.

The sentences were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Westfield, N.J. Police Department.

Defendant repeatedly engaged in criminal conduct that imposes an enormous toll on the U.S. economy, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes argued in the governments sentencing memorandum in Tartas case. Card skimming is a widespread problem plaguing financial institutions and consumers.

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BAGHDAD, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Iraq and Lebanon signed here on Thursday seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a judicial cooperation agreement to deepen economic and legal relations.

The MoUs, covering trade, investment, transport, and exhibitions, were signed by Iraqi Trade Minister Atheer al-Ghurairy and Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Bisat during the second session of the Iraq-Lebanon Joint Committee in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, according to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Trade.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, al-Ghurairy reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Lebanon, calling the joint committee meeting a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

The Iraqi Justice Ministry said an agreement on the exchange of convicts was also signed during the meeting, marking an important step in strengthening Iraqi-Lebanese ties and upholding the principle of reciprocity.

The deal will allow convicted nationals from both countries to serve their sentences in their home states, according to the ministry. 
Austria and Italy on Thursday celebrated a key milestone in the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel, a rail link aimed at reducing congestion in the eastern Alps.

The leaders of both countries travelled to the Brenner Pass, beneath which the 55-kilometre tunnel is being built, to mark the breakthrough of the exploratory tunnel.

The Brenner corridor is one of the most important north-south routes across the Alps, long plagued by road traffic bottlenecks.

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A long-standing dispute over truck transit along the route, which runs from Germany through Austria to Italy, was set aside for the celebrations.

The project is regarded as a major European transport project and is expected to significantly shorten rail journeys between Munich and northern Italy.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the development as an "important step," according to Austria's APA news agency. The tunnel, she said, would ease the road "bottleneck" across the Brenner Pass.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker said that "the tunnel alone will not solve the transit problems," urging "neighbourly solutions" for both road and rail.

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For years, Austria's Tyrol province has limited truck transit on certain days, creating long tailbacks in the German state of Bavaria.

Italy has since taken Austria to the European Court of Justice over the restrictions.

Breakthrough of the two main tunnels is scheduled for next year, with the rail line due to open in 2032.

However, the success of the project also hinges on Germany expanding its access routes in Bavaria.

Binding plans have yet to be finalized, with local opposition slowing progress and disputes over whether parts of the line should run underground.

Rail officials warn such changes would drive up costs and delay construction.

Adding to the uncertainty, Germany's transport ministry signalled this week that funding for new rail projects will be limited in the coming years.

Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle, Italy's Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, EU Tourism Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke and South Tyrol's Governor Arno Kompatscher take part in the "Breakthrough Ceremony of the Exploratory Tunnel" for the Brenner Base Tunnel on the Austrian-Italian border. Johann Groder/EXPA/dpa
Former United States President Barack Obama took a moment to address the shocking murder of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk during a live conversation with veteran journalist Steve Scully.

During the event, held at The Jefferson Educational Society in Erie, P.a., on Tuesday (Sept. 16), Obama reiterated his and Kirks differences in opinion, which he previously expressed back in 2023. I disagree with the suggestion that my wife or Justice Jackson does not have adequate brain processing power I can say that I disagree that MLK was awful he said.

Yet, Obama insisted that such offensive rhetoric must still be met with an unwavering commitment to civil discourse. Those are all topics that we have to be able to discuss honestly and forthrightly, while we still insist that in that process of debate, we respect other peoples right to say things that we profoundly disagree with Thats how we should approach this, he told the audience.

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Despite the deep ideological divide between themand Kirks own history of inflammatory remarks targeting Obamas wife, Michelle ObamaObama chose to focus his response on the broader societal implications of the tragedy rather than on personal grievances.

Even as he challenged Kirks ideology, Obama stressed the importance of compassion in the face of loss. Doesnt mean we cant have a debate about the ideas, he said. While he emphasized that Kirks views were wrong, he also stated that doesnt negate the fact that what happened was a tragedy and that I mourn for him and his family.

He was a young man, with two small children and a wife, and a huge number of friends and supporters who obviously cared about him, Obama added. So we have to extend grace to people during their period of mourning and shock.

Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while delivering remarks to an audience at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. A suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder, among other alleged offenses.

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In 2023, Kirk made a controversial claim that Michelle Obama, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, MSNBC host Joy Reid, and the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee advanced through affirmative action, rather than merit.

You do not have the brain processing power to otherwise be taken really seriously. You had to go steal a white persons slot to go be taken somewhat seriously, Kirk said, sparking widespread criticism for the racist and sexist undertones of the statement.

In a politically polarized climate, Obamas remarks served as a reminder that the human cost of violence transcends political dividesand that empathy, even amid disagreement, remains essential to democratic discourse.

Watch Barack Obamas conversation with Steve Scully below.

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The release date for the third season of the hit BBC drama Blue Lights has been confirmed.

First airing in 2023, the police procedural follows new recruits Grace (Sian Brooke), Annie (Katherine Devlin), and Tommy (Nathan Braniff) as they learn the ropes and how to cope in the high-pressure environment of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The second season was set one year after the events of season one. Following the fall of the McIntyre crime gang, the officers were tasked with keeping in check rival gangs fighting for control of Belfast.

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Blue Lights has proved a huge hit, with a third and fourth season commissioned by the BBC.

The broadcaster has confirmed that season three will hit our screens on 29 September as a boxset on BBC iPlayer, while the first episode will also air on BBC One on the same day at 9pm.

BBC

Related: Best streaming services UK 2025  including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV+

A synopsis for the upcoming episodes reads: "Two years into their jobs as response officers, Grace, Annie, and Tommy are accustomed to life under the blue lights.

"But their work will take them into a sinister world hidden behind the veneer of middle-class life, the world of the accountants and lawyers who facilitate organised crime.

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"The old political and criminal order has gone, and a new global gang rule Belfast, bringing danger closer to home for our officers than ever before."

New cast members joining the show for 2025 include Cathy Tyson as Dana Morgan, a private members club owner, and Michael Smiley as Paul 'Colly' Collins, a new intelligence officer.

BBC

Related: Blue Lights season 2 ending explained: What happened to Lee Thompson?

In a chat with Radio Times, Nathan Braniff said he believed the third season would be the "best so far", while Sian Brooke added: "The writing I think on this one, it just blows it out the water  I don't know how these guys get better and better, but they do."

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She continued: "The writing I think on this one, it just blows it out the water  I don't know how these guys get better and better, but they do."

Praising the "finely crafted" characters, she added: "There's a lot of care that's gone into making them, and they're very individual and so people have related to them. They want to know what happens, where the story ends."

Blue Lights season three will be released as a boxset on BBC iPlayer on 9 September. Episode one will air on BBC One on the same date at 9pm. Seasons one and two are streaming now on iPlayer.

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Bethany Beach just capped an online list for "the most captivating small towns" on the Atlantic Coast, beating out 10 others, including another Delaware city.

That's according to an aggregated list from WorldAtlas, a website launched in 1994 to publish various geography resources and articles, pitting coastlines from New England's rocky bays against the barrier islands of Georgia and beyond.

It may be hard to speak to their exact formula, but per writer Adam Bogoch: "Captivating towns do more than charm at a glance. They pull you in. Maybe it's a harbor where centuries of history still shape daily life, or a shoreline settlement that feels inseparable from the tides around it."

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In other words, Bethany may have given a great vibe.

Locals only: When is parking free again in Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick?

"Bethany Beach stands out on Delaware's coast with a personality that's instantly visible and utterly captivating," WorldAtlas published, kicking off its list of 11 captivating small towns. The writer  who gave shout-outs to other Delaware towns this month  credits the Chief Little Owl statue nodding to Nanticoke roots; the short-and-sweet boardwalk; and the bandstand, where shows "spill out onto the sand and into the streets, drawing crowds."

Actually on the beach, mourners just gathered for the 40th year to bid farewell to the summer with the "Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral" on the boardwalk, on Labor Day, Sept. 1. It brought out hundreds, some draped in black, some in all-out costume, some just looking for good music, to let this summer now rest in peace.

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This clicky list did, however, note that "not just the summer months that grab you" in Bethany Beach. The Bethany Beach Nature Center, as well as year-round trails and overlooks, got their own shout-out.

Up in the top five, Delaware's beachside gem beat out No. 2 Rockport, Massachusetts; No. 3 in Camden, Maine; No. 4 Jekyll Island, Georgia; and No. 5, down in Kure Beach, North Carolina.

But that wasn't all for Delaware.

Coming in at No. 9  let any debate ensue  was Lewes.

In other Bethany news: Former Bethany Beach police chief, captain get federal prison time for overtime fraud

"Walk Lewes' bayfront and you'll see why the town captivate. This place doesn't just preserve history; it lets it spill into everyday life," the list reads, crediting artifacts from a 1774 British merchant shipwreck, a restored 17th-century well, its gazebo, the Zwaanendael Museum and more.

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Regardless, know that New Jersey's Cape May bottomed-out the list at No. 11. That beachside city, alongside No. 7 Spring Lake, were the only locales featured "down the Shore."

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Bethany Beach tops '11 most captivating' coastal towns
KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD)  Texas de Brazil is expecting a busy weekend as the Brazilian-American steakhouse opens inside Woodland Mall Friday evening.

Weve had great support from the community, Rodrigo Davila, director of operations for Texas de Brazil, told News 8 Friday. Were very fortunate.

The steakhouse offers a churrascaria experience with rodizio-style dining, meaning servers come by throughout the meal and carve meat at the table. The meats on the menu include everything from filet mignon and lamb chops to Brazilian sausage and picanha, the chains specialty cut of beef.

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Meet Syntaxx, the AI robot performing at this years ArtPrize

Texas de Brazil at the Woodland Mall. (Sept. 19, 2025) Texas de Brazil at the Woodland Mall. (Sept. 19, 2025)

Theres also a salad area where customers can help themselves to soups, salads, charcuterie and cheeses.

Its a fantastic concept, Davila said, explaining that customers pace themselves, and flip a card from red to green when theyre ready for meat.

Dinner at the steakhouse is $56.99, or $33.99 for the salad area only. The restaurant also offers private dining for up to 40 guests.

Sugah Please: Detroit breakfast brunch bar opening Grand Rapids location

Its the first Texas de Brazil in West Michigan and the third in the state. Davila said the team thought it would do well in the Grand Rapids area, adding that the community seems always willing to try new things.

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So we figured, why not a Brazilian steakhouse? Theres nothing like us here, he said. I think well do very well here.

Texas de Brazil is set to open at Woodland Mall Friday. (Courtesy Texas de Brazil) Texas de Brazil is set to open at Woodland Mall Friday. (Courtesy Texas de Brazil) Texas de Brazil is set to open at Woodland Mall Friday. (Courtesy Texas de Brazil) Texas de Brazil is set to open at Woodland Mall Friday. (Courtesy Texas de Brazil)

Were thrilled to celebrate the opening of Texas de Brazil at Woodland Mall, the restaurants first location in the area, Woodland Mall Senior Marketing Director Lisa Wolstromer said in a Thursday release. We know West Michigan is eager to savor Texas de Brazils traditional Brazilian churrasco cooking.

Davila invited the community to come try it out.

We have the best food and the best service, he said when asked what sets it apart from other Brazilian-American steakhouses. Why dont you come try us, and you decide for yourself.

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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 WOODTV.com.
It was Spring 1968 and Army Cpl. Larry Lee York wrote home to Bucks County. His rest and recreation leave from patrolling in Vietnam had been canceled, and he seemed weary of the war.

I dont see how I can keep going because I have an M-60 machine gun to carry, he wrote, according to an account in the Philadelphia Inquirer from that time.

Army Cpl. Larry York, in an undated photo taken while he served in Vietnam. He was killed while on patrol June 1, 1968.

Less than a week later, in early June 1968, the family pastor and an Army sergeant arrived at the Yorks home on Broad Street in Trumbauersville. His mother, Myrtle, was told that her son was dead. He died while on patrol in Quang Tin province early on Sunday, June 1. An enemy artillery shell exploded nearby, killing him. He was 20 and was engaged to be married.

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Now, 57 years later, a bridge near his hometown in Upper Bucks County bears the name of the Quakertown High School graduate. In a public ceremony Sept. 9 on Milford Square Pike, the Bucks County Commissioners renamed the small span that crosses Unami Creek Cpl. Larry L. York  Memorial Bridge.

Honoring Bobby Hill Bucks County honors Churchville pilot, 22, killed in Vietnam in 1970

Sept. 9, 2025: County, local officials and members of the York family gather after unveiling the sign near Trumbauersville dedicated to Larry York, who was killed in Vietnam in 1968.

It is the 18th bridge to be named for the 136 young Bucks County men who perished in that war.

In poignant remarks posted after the dedication on social media, Trumbauersville Mayor James Black said: It was truly a remarkable sight to see so many members of our community come together, united in gratitude and respect, to honor the life and sacrifice of Corporal York. Moments like this remind us of the strength found in unity and the deep appreciation we hold for those who serve.

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This bridge stands as a lasting reminder of the cost of freedom. While it bears the name of Corporal York, it carries much more. It carries his memory, his courage, and his sacrifice.

To every traveler who crosses these waters, let it be Corporal York who silently welcomes them, reminding them that liberty was not given, it was earned.

May this bridge connect not only two shores, but generations, to the values he served, and the freedom he helped preserve.

Thank you for your service.

JD Mullane can be reached at jmullane@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County bridge named for Larry York, killed in Vietnam in 1968
Africas Fragile Democracies Face New Risks

A recent report by the Open Society Foundations, authored by economist and political scientist Dr. Ndongo Samba Sylla, argues that democracy in Africa cannot survive without economic justice.

The study highlights structural challenges  including monetary dependency through the CFA franc and unequal land distribution  as drivers of inequality that weaken democratic systems.

For countries using the CFA franc, their currency is still controlled by the French treasury, Dr. Sylla explained. Without sovereignty over monetary policy, it is difficult to achieve sustained growth. Likewise, in countries like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, extreme inequality is rooted in unfair land distribution, limiting shared prosperity.

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Dr. Sylla also drew a direct link between youth frustration and the rise of popular protests and military coups across the continent.

Africa is a young continent, but its youth are often excluded from policymaking. In places like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, coups have gained support because previous democratic regimes failed to deliver security or economic opportunities. Young people see military governments as a possible alternative, though it remains to be seen if this hope will translate into real change.

The report calls for moving beyond liberal democracy toward what Sylla terms substantive democracy  a system where economic justice and popular participation go hand in hand.

Egypt: Luxury Leftovers Feeding the Poor

In Cairos Al-Wekala market, trays of leftover meals from luxury hotels are quietly sustaining low-income families. For many Egyptians, this unusual food chain has become a lifeline as the countrys economic crisis deepens.

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The practice underscores both the resilience of local communities and the severity of a downturn that has pushed millions closer to poverty. Once symbols of indulgence, hotel banquets now help fill the gap for families struggling to put food on the table.

Nigeria: Remote Work on the Rise

Since the pandemic in 2020, Africa has quietly emerged as a new frontier for digital nomads. Nigeria, with its vast youth population and thriving tech ecosystem, is fast becoming a remote work hub.

Young Nigerians, fluent in technology and eager to plug into global opportunities, are increasingly joining the worldwide gig economy. But experts caution that the sectors growth is outpacing the countrys policies and infrastructure.

Reliable internet, stable electricity, and updated labor laws are needed if Nigeria is to cement its place as a competitive destination for remote workers. Kunle Babs reports from Abuja.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China has established sci-tech cooperation relationships with more than 160 countries and regions, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology on Thursday.

At a press conference held by the State Council Information Office, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun also announced that China has signed 119 inter-governmental sci-tech cooperation agreements, and joined over 200 international organizations and multilateral mechanisms.

Yin further highlighted that China has achieved extensive and in-depth international sci-tech collaboration during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

He noted that China-initiated international mega-science programs, such as the Deep-time Digital Earth, have progressed steadily. Additionally, China has actively participated in more than 60 international mega-science programs and projects.

Yin emphasized the accelerated advancement of sci-tech innovation under the Belt and Road Initiative. To date, China has jointly established over 70 "Belt and Road" joint laboratories with nearly 50 countries and set up 10 international technology transfer platforms serving regions including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Africa and Latin America.

"China's door to technological collaboration will open even wider," Yin said, reaffirming China's commitment to expanding international sci-tech exchanges and cooperation. He added that China will continue to contribute its wisdom to the advancement of global science and technology. 
Fatumo Mohid, right, speaks Sept. 18, 2025, after accepting her award as North Dakota Association for Lifelong Learning's student of the year with her teacher, Amy Rand. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

Fatumo Mohid arrived in the United States about 18 months ago determined to build a new life with her three young children.

A refugee from Somalia, Mohid said she had little formal education or resources at her disposal. She couldnt drive, so she used to walk to work and school  sometimes in subzero temperatures

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In the past year-and-a-half, the Fargo resident has earned her drivers license, started a job at Amazon and made impressive progress in her English language skills, according to her teacher, Amy Rand. Shes also earned a reputation as a welcoming and supportive presence in her schools community.

Educators of adult learners came together Thursday to celebrate success stories like Mohids at a conference for the North Dakota Association for Lifelong Learners at the Capitol in Bismarck. During the ceremony, Mohid was recognized as the associations 2025 student of the year.

Rand read prepared remarks from Mohid accepting the award.

In Somalia, many people believe that a mother with children cannot go to school or succeed, Mohid said in the speech. Today, I stand here proudly to say that I proved them wrong.

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North Dakota has 12 adult learning centers across the state. They focus on helping North Dakotans who dont have a high school diploma, are learning English or lack basic job skills, said Sara Mitzel, state director for adult education at the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

The goal is to get students ready for the workforce or higher education, Mitzel said.

Xander Ridley, who earned the highest GED score in the state over the past year, poses with his award Sept. 18, 2025, at the North Dakota Capitol in Bismarck. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

Many students like Mohid must juggle classwork with other responsibilities like family and work, sometimes while lacking reliable transportation, Jennifer Frueh, director of the Adult Learning Center in Fargo.

She said adult educators work hard to help their students navigate their life outside of the classroom.

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It could be talking about housing, health care, parenting  its all the things that go into supporting a whole student, she said.

Mohid said in her speech that she looks forward to strengthening her English skills and to supporting her kids bright futures.

I accept this award, not just for myself, but for every parent out there working tirelessly to create a better future for their children, she said.

The ceremony also recognized Xander Ridley, originally from Glyndon, Minnesota, who earned the highest GED score in North Dakota over the past year.

He plans to attend Minot State University and eventually become an electrician.

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Ridley earned his GED in less than a month. To earn a GED, a student must pass a series of tests lasting more than six hours combined, Frueh noted.

Its not an easy feat to obtain the highest GED score, she said. The fortitude to get through the testing process itself is a long process.

North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com.

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BURLINGTON, Vt (ABC22/FOX44)  According to deputy commissioner Miranda Gray with the Vermont Department for Children and Families, around 90% of Vermonts 3Squares caseloads will see a slight increase in their benefit.

Then we have a smaller caseload  about 2,600 households  that are going to see a decrease of about $108.

Additionally, 46 households will no longer be eligible for the program.

Gray says this is the result of annually required federal changes, as well as new regulations put in place by H.R.1, otherwise known as the One Big Beautiful Bill.

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She highlights one change in particular to whats called the standard utility allowance.

We used to be able to give Vermonters what we call a heat and eat,' Gray explains. Its a small utility allowance of $21 that would allow them to get the highest 3Squares benefit.

That allowance is now only available for older Vermonters and those with disabilities.

Weve also been manually reviewing all of our non-citizen caseloads, Gray adds.

There will also be changes made to work requirements for 3Squares participants ages 18-64 without dependents or disabilities.

Those who are not working but need to will have three months within a three year period.

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All households affected by these changes will be notified via mail within the coming weeks.

Gray highlights that the agency is available to provide support and answer any questions.

If households feel like they do qualify for certain extensions, call us so we can check things over make sure everything is set up as it should be.

Learn more about the changes coming to 3SquaresVT by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Charlie Kirks pastor rebuked MAGA podcaster Candace Owens for spreading conspiracy theories in the wake of the conservative activists killing.

Ever since the 31-year-old conservative activist was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University last week, Owens has been peddling a slew of rumors and conspiracy theories about his death.

Speaking out against Owens actions, Rob McCoy, who co-chairs the faith division of Kirks Turning Point USA, said that Kirk was a friend to Candace and never spoke poorly of her though he disagreed with her.

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He never operated nor entertained gossip or innuendo concerning Candace, he continued.

He urged Owens on Tuesday to behave like Kirk, who he claims wouldnt have spread similar theories if God forbid this tragedy been hers.

Charlie Kirks pastor has spoken out against Candace Owens conspiracy theories about Kirks death (Getty)

I only wish at this tragic time of mourning she would be the friend to Charlie that he was to her. He would never have treated Candace or her family in such a way had God forbid this tragedy been hers, McCoy wrote.

Meanwhile, Owens, who once served as the communications director for TPUSA, spread rumors that Kirk may have been targeted because of his views on the war in Gaza.

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Be very wary and suspicious of the people who are already telling us to stop asking questions about the Charlie Kirk assassination, Owens wrote on X soon after authorities named 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspected shooter.

On Monday, Owens claimed on her podcast that billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a vocal supporter of Israel, threatened Kirk during an intervention about his views in the Hamptons last month.

Bill Ackman was very upset and threats were made. That is what I am told, and I will tell you that I am very happy for Bill Ackman to dispute this narrative, Owens said on her show.

Both Ackman and Andrew Kolvet, the executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, have come out in full denial of her accusations.

Owens previously worked as the communication director for Kirks Turning Point USA organization (Getty)

In a lengthy X post, Ackman described the Hamptons meeting Owens had referenced, writing, at no time have I ever threatened Charlie Kirk, Turning Point or anyone associated with him.

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I have never offered Charlie or Turning Point any money in an attempt to influence Charlies opinion on anything. In fact, my interactions with Charlie Kirk have been extremely cordial, albeit, limited, regretfully so, as I was very impressed by him and his work and I will sadly never see him again, Ackman wrote.

Meanwhile, Kolvet wrote in his own post that he had spoken with Turning Point staffers who traveled with Kirk to meet Ackman last month.

Bill never yelled at Charlie, never pressed him on Bibi, never gave him a list of Charlie's offenses against Israel, Kolvert wrote.

Charlie personally told me he had a very cordial relationship with Bill and the event was productive, he added.

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While other conservative voices stopped short of backing Owens baseless accusations, several, including Megyn Kelly, agreed that Kirk felt frustrated and even pressured over his Israel criticism.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Tuesday criticized a statement made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Kirks murder, accusing him of trying to hijack Charlies memory when Kirk was appalled by what was happening in Gaza.

I was shocked and sickened by the reaction of  the ghoulish and really repulsive reaction of the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, to Charlies death, the host of the Tucker Carlson Show said.

While other conservative voices stopped short of backing Owens wild claims, they agreed that Kirk was appalled by the war in Gaza

Basically made it all about him and all about his country, immediately trying to take the energy, the sadness, the grief that people felt over Charlies murder and redirect it towards support for whatever project hes involved in.

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He continued: I dont think Ive ever seen anything lower than his attempt to hijack Charlies memory and use it for his own political ends, particularly because what he said was completely untrue.

Carlson then claimed that while Kirk loved the state of Israel, he did not like Bibi Netanyahu and felt the Israeli Prime Minister was a very destructive force.

He was appalled by what was happening in Gaza. He was, above all, resentful that he believed Netanyahu was using the United States to prosecute his wars for the benefit of his country and that it was shameful and embarrassing and bad for the United States, and he resented it, Carlson said.

Owens, who has a history of antisemitic commentary, has gotten herself into even more hot water recently for spreading unfounded rumors. The MAGA podcaster is being sued for defamation after continuing to spread false claims that the French first lady, Brigitte Macron, was born a man and transitioned secretly decades ago.

Meanwhile, Ackman on Tuesday wrote on X that Owens slandered him. It was not immediately clear whether he planned to take any legal action against her.
China has warned that a fixation on military strength will only sow global divisions, while at the same time demanding control of Taiwan.

An obsession with absolute superiority in military strength and a might is right approach will lead to a divided world defined by the rule of the jungle and disorder, Dong Jun, the defence minister, said at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

Mr Dong claimed that the Chinese military, which has grown into one of the largest in the world in recent years, would be a force for peace, but then said that it would never allow any separatist plot to succeed in Taiwan.

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Some comments in Mr Dongs speech appeared to be indirect swipes at the United States. The US is one of the only countries that supplies Taiwan with defence equipment and could come to the islands defence in the event of a war with China.

Mr Dong spoke to Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, for the first time last week. Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the US and Chinese leaders, are expected to speak on the phone on Friday, as they gear up for a potential summit later this year.

Dong Jun speaks at the opening ceremony of the Xiangshan Forum at the Beijing International Convention Centre - Greg Barker/AFP

Mr Dong told the conference that the return of Taiwan to China is an integral part of the post-war international order, adding that it would not tolerate any foreign military interference.

Beijing has not ruled out force to take control of the island nation, as Mr Dong reiterated. China claims Taiwan as its own, something the government in Taipei rejects.

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In comments that appeared much more hawkish than they have in the past, Mr Dong criticised Cold War thinking, hegemony and protectionism in the speech.

The defence minister said that there should be small circles for hegemony, which he described as being much more inclusive.

These sentiments have previously been expressed by Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, most recently at Chinas massive military parade in Beijing.

The display, held in early September, showed off Chinas most up-to-date weaponry to foreign leaders including Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, and Kim Jong-un of North Korea.

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Mr Xi has spoken about his desire for a new world order that is no longer controlled by the West. The Chinese leader has pushed for the growth of Brics, a multilateral organisation led by countries mostly in the Global South including Brazil, Russia and India.

Mr Dong said in his speech that the strength of the Global South was unstoppable and was driving the wheels of history steadily forward while pledging China would have greater security cooperation with these countries.

The Xiangshan Forum includes approximately 1,800 officials, military personnel and scholars from more than 100 countries.

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China Eastern Airlines is selling tickets for what will become the worlds longest direct flight, stretching approximately 12,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean. According to Business Insider, the journey will connect Shanghai, China, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a scheduled flight time of 29 hours.

Set to commence operations in December 2025, the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft selected for this route will make a two-hour refueling stop in Auckland, New Zealand. However, passengers will remain onboard during this technical halt, maintaining its classification as a direct flight despite the stopover

China Eastern Route And Schedule Details

The flight, designated as China Eastern Flight 746 on the return leg from Buenos Aires to Shanghai, will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Business Traveler reports that outbound Flight 745 from Shanghai to Buenos Aires will operate on Mondays and Thursdays, starting December 4, with a slightly shorter duration of approximately 25.5 hours due to favorable prevailing winds.

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Travelers booking this journey should prepare for both the extended duration and premium pricing. One-way economy tickets for flights in December are being advertised on China Easterns website for between $1,538 and $2,270. Business class tickets, which offer the considerable advantage of lie-flat beds during the nearly day-and-a-half trip, start at approximately $5,000.

Regional Significance And Diplomatic Connections

China Easterns new route marks the airlines first service to South America via the southern hemisphere, creating a more direct connection by bypassing traditional stopovers in the U.S. or Europe, according to the South China Morning Post. Per Business Traveler, the airline may also be capitalizing on the opportunity to establish a fifth freedom link between Buenos Aires and Auckland, a route that has historically demonstrated demand.

Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui highlighted the benefits of the new service: This new service will reintroduce a direct flight connection between New Zealand and Argentina, enhancing not only tourism, trade and international education, but providing another link home for the 40,000 South Americans who live in New Zealand.







The post China Eastern Airlines Set To Launch Worlds Longest Direct Flight appeared first on Travel Noire.
China has warned against interference in its affairs and further disputes amid regional conflicts.

"The world today stands at another crossroads: peace or war, dialogue or confrontation," said Defence Minister Dong Jun at the opening ceremony of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Thursday.

Taiwan is indisputably part of China, he said, adding that the People's Liberation Army is a powerful force capable of defending "reunification."

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Beijing will never allow attempts at Taiwanese independence to succeed, Dong said. It is prepared to thwart any "external military interference" at any time, he added, without naming specific countries.

Democratic Taiwan, home to 23.4 million people, has maintained an independent government since 1949. However, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has frequently threatened to annex it.

The United States, Taiwan's most important backer, is legally bound to support the island democracy's defence capabilities due to the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.

In view of the disputes, particularly with the Philippines, over resource-rich areas in the South China Sea, Dong stressed that China would protect its territorial sovereignty as well as its rights and interests.

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According to the minister, a pursuit of absolute military superiority and a "might is right" approach would ultimately lead to a "rule of the jungle."

China recently declared an atoll in the South China Sea a nature reserve.
China has warned against interference in its affairs and further disputes amid regional conflicts.

"The world today stands at another crossroads: peace or war, dialogue or confrontation," said Defence Minister Dong Jun at the opening ceremony of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Thursday.

Taiwan is indisputably part of China, he said, adding that the People's Liberation Army is a powerful force capable of defending "reunification."

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Beijing will never allow attempts at Taiwanese independence to succeed, Dong said. It is prepared to thwart any "external military interference" at any time, he added, without naming specific countries.

Democratic Taiwan, home to 23.4 million people, has maintained an independent government since 1949. However, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has frequently threatened to annex it.

The United States, Taiwan's most important backer, is legally bound to support the island democracy's defence capabilities due to the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.

In view of the disputes, particularly with the Philippines, over resource-rich areas in the South China Sea, Dong stressed that China would protect its territorial sovereignty as well as its rights and interests.

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According to the minister, a pursuit of absolute military superiority and a "might is right" approach would ultimately lead to a "rule of the jungle."

China recently declared an atoll in the South China Sea a nature reserve.

The Xiangshan Forum is considered China's counter-event to the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference, held every year in Singapore.

Western countries usually only send low-level representatives to the Xiangshan Forum - Germany and the US sent the military attaches from their embassies. Meanwhile, China sent only a low-ranking delegation to Singapore this year for the first time in a long time, leaving no in-person meeting between Dong and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Some countries from Central Asia and the Global South sent their defence ministers. According to information from Beijing, defence politicians and experts from more than 100 countries had confirmed their attendance at the forum.
Chris Hayes had a bleak assessment of the national situation after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely in response to conservative outrage over comments he made about the man who murdered Charlie Kirk.

Donald Trump, with the help of wealthy oligarchs, is repeating the steps made in other authoritarian countries to essentially roll up all the countrys media into a friendly propaganda arm of the regime, Hayes said.

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When Stephen Colbert announced that his late night show was being canceled back in July, the president United States, Donald Trump, had a chilling reaction, Hayes began. He then played a clip of Trump crowing about the decision and vowing that Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon would probably be next.

Hayes then recapped the situation for viewers, explaining how during his monologue on Monday, Kimmel said that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man who killed Kirk a week ago, was being used to stoke anger against the left. But, in saying it, he said that Robinson was a supporter of MAGA.

Kimmels assumption that Robinson was part of the political right was based on indications from all available evidence that was public at the time. But on Tuesday, more details were made public that establish clearly that Robinson wasnt motivated by right wing politics, held what might be left-political beliefs and seems to have been motivated by personal concerns. Many questions remain unanswered, however.

But that context has largely been ignored by critics, including FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who while appearing on a conservative podcast threatened ABC parent company Disney and demanded Kimmel be suspended or fired. Hours later, Nexstar and Sinclair, two of the largest network affiliate owners in the country, both said they would stop airing Kimmel indefinitely. Which led to ABC suspending Kimmel.

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If that were the whole story  he said something, it was not correct, the affiliates pushed back  Well, then that would be one story. But that, of course, is not the whole story. Okay? Because crucially, just hours before that statement, Trumps hand picked FCC Chairman went on a podcast and suggested ABCs broadcast license or affiliates could be at risk if they did not suspend or fire Kimmel essentially issuing an order saying, and I quote him here, we can do this the easy way or the hard way,' Hayes explained.

This is just the latest chapter in Donald Trumps ongoing campaign to crack down on free speech, dominate the media and essentially render the First Amendment meaningless, an extreme campaign that has been on overdrive the past week, Hayes continued. I mean, just yesterday, you had the Deputy Attorney General of these United States, the number two and the former criminal lawyer for the President, suggesting using criminal anti racketeering laws, the kind of things used for mobsters, Rico statutes, to go after and prosecute protesters who heckled Donald Trump at a restaurant.

Hayes also noted reports that the Trump administration intends to persecute groups affiliated with Democrats, which he said was all part of a larger and more dangerous effort that  follows a playbook we have seen successfully run in recent years by authoritarian strongmen in places like Hungary and Turkey and Russia.

Because in those places, they didnt just criminalize speech they didnt like, though some of them did, Hayes explained. Crucially, they made it virtually impossible to see and hear examples of that speech, by taking de facto control the media landscape. He then noted how this happened in Hungary, where Victor Orban has used media buyouts by government-connected oligarchs to build a true media empire subject to his partys orders.

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Hayes noted how the situation is similar in Turkey. And of course, theres Russia, where pligarchs friendly to President Vladimir Putin control much of the media, and wartime restrictions have shut down the rest.

In each of these three countries, they didnt just arrest protesters or dissident journalists, or show up knocking on the door of magazines. They used government power, and sometimes through legal mechanisms, to essentially roll up all the countrys media into a friendly propaganda arm of the regime, Hayes continued. So given that context, I want you to look around the US right now and see whats been happening here right in front of our eyes.

Hayes then explained a series of recent media moves, culminating in this assessment of the situation: If, Hayes said, all the recently reported media deals are approved, that would mean the Murdoch family controlling Fox News, the [Wall Street] Journal, New York Post, its other properties. Twitter, Tiktok, CBS, CNN and more, owned by Elon Musk and the Ellison family. The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos.

The Trump administration is threatening to bring the government down on free speech and use it against dissent. It is also facilitating the sale of some of our biggest private media outlets to Trump allies, and is a very obvious attempt to consolidate power over free expression, He added. Watch the whole segment below:

The post Chris Hayes Says Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Is Part of Trumps Plan to Suppress Dissent and Consolidate Power | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Abandoned in cold storage, the bodies of at least 20 Colombian mercenaries lie unclaimed in a Sudanese mortuary more than 6,000 miles from home.

Some of those lying there for months might have known the risks of what they were getting into, but others thought they had safely signed up for mundane security work.

Instead, the men, some barely out of their teens, found themselves pitched as soldiers-for-hire into the front lines of one of the worlds most savage conflicts.

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Theyve kept them on ice, one of their comrades, a Colombian who gives his name simply as Juan, tells The Telegraph from a military camp outside Nyala, in Sudans Darfur province.

Some are from my intake.

In recent weeks reports have emerged of Colombians fighting and dying with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group, around the besieged Darfur city of El Fasher.

Video clips show pale-skinned men speaking Spanish, engaged in heavy street fighting in desert towns, or training local militiamen.

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The presence of hundreds of South American mercenaries in the Sudanese desert has added another unexpected international element to a war which was already a ravenous free-for-all of foreign players.

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But their presence has also highlighted a thriving new age of mercenaries, as squeamishness about using such troops diminishes, and those seeking guns for hire find more and more options to choose from.

Juan says he is one of at least 300 Colombian ex-soldiers drawn into Sudans cataclysm. He says many have been tricked by the promise of private security jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The pitch he was given by recruiters was appealing: a contract, around 1,900 ($2,600) each month tax free and flights paid.

Then the details begin to change.

They tell you youll be protecting oil sites, hotels, said Juan, who was forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement before his arrival in Abu Dhabi with around 60 others back in March.

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Some know theyre heading for Sudan, he said. But I didnt. I dont think most of us did.

After a day in Abu Dhabi, the recruits phones and passports were collected for security.

Juan was told he was being sent to Libya on a training course. After his arrival in Benghazi, he and his fellow recruits were driven across the desert into Sudan and RSF territory in Darfur.

It is not the only route, others travel via the Somali city of Bosaso, according to Juan, but the destination is always the same  the city of Nyala and a cluster of RSF training camps.

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How Colombian mercenaries reach rebel-held Sudan

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The RSF is a paramilitary force commanded by Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, who is one of two military rivals tearing Sudan apart.

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His long-simmering competition for power with his boss, the de-facto president Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, flared into war in April 2023.

As the sides fought for territory, each turned to international allies for help, making the war a chaotic geopolitical brawl.

The UAE is widely accused of backing the RSF with arms and money to oppose what it views as a dangerous Islamist streak within Gen Burhans army.

The UAE strongly denies supporting the RSF. An official told the Telegraph: We categorically reject any claims of providing any form of support to either warring party since the onset of the civil war, and condemn atrocities committed by both Port Sudan Authority and RSF.

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The official said the Emirati government had consistently supported regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for violations committed by all warring parties.

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Once at Nyala, which the Sudanese army says is a key logistics hub for the UAEs supply of the RSF, Colombian mercenaries run five-week training courses, or guard the airport.

Each RSF intake runs into the hundreds or sometimes a thousand or more, Juan says.

Most of them are just boys or young teenagers, he said.

Human rights monitors say child recruitment, which is a war crime, is widespread in Darfur and often coerced.

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Colombian media have published images of children being trained by foreign mercenaries.

Its horrible to see says Juan, But what can I do? Its the reality here.

But officers in the Sudanese army told the Telegraph the Colombians were not just training, but also found on the front lines of Darfur and Kordofan.

They fought, but also appeared to provide specialist drone, communication and jamming skills.

They were also not the only mercenaries used by the RSF, which had also recruited hired guns from Ethiopia and South Sudan, the officers said.

One Sudanese army officer in Darfur, Ahmed Safeldin, said the Colombians had been of limited effectiveness and several had been killed.

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They dont understand our tactics and they dont know the geography or topography of Darfur. Thats why numbers of them have been killed. We have recovered official Colombian identity documents to prove it, he said.

Mohamed Ali, another officer, said: The Colombian mercenaries have been fighting with the RSF in Sudan since last year and are still here now. We killed them and took their documents to prove any legal case in the future.

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Colombias long war against Farc guerillas and drug cartels has produced a deep pool of disciplined, combat-tested soldiers who retire young and must feed their families.

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For more than a decade, Gulf money has absorbed that expertise into private security units. Colombian mercenaries have fought in Yemen, Ukraine and elsewhere, charging a fraction of what former soldiers from America or Britain might cost.

A 2019 paper by Sean McFate at the National Defense University in Washington DC said Latin American special forces veterans were one of five major recruiting networks in the mercenary world.

These networks, which also include the United States, the UK, the former Soviet republics, and alumni of the former Executive Outcomes company in Africa, hire among their own circles of trusted veterans.

The mercenary market was booming then, Mr McFate wrote, and if anything it has only expanded since.

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Private force is manifesting everywhere, he said. After 150 years underground, the market for force is returning in just a few decades and is growing at an alarming rate.

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In the ancient and medieval world, mercenaries, sometimes called the second oldest profession, were commonplace on the battlefield.

Though distrusted and feared for switching sides, they allowed warring kingdoms and city states to avoid the ruinous costs of maintaining their own standing armies.

That began to change as sovereign nation states began to consolidate power and give national armies a monopoly on warfare.

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By the 20th century, mercenaries had not disappeared, but they had become pariahs of the international order.

Mercenaries still got involved in far-flung civil wars and coups, but they were outsiders, like Mad Mike Hoare, the British-Irish military officer known for leading his Wild Geese in Africa.

That began to change with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War order. Unconventional wars and failing states began to increase and large state conventional conflicts seemed to have ended.

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Multinational firms like Sandline International and Blackwater emerged, calling themselves security contractors, not mercenaries.

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The market then exploded when America contracted out large chunks of training, logistics and security from its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to limit the number of United States military boots on the ground.

As competition increased, these contractors began cutting costs by hiring former soldiers from countries where wages were cheaper, or subcontracting to local outfits. With this, the trade began to globalise and the pool of guns for hire broadened.

In recent years Russia has led the market into another phase, with its notorious Wagner group emptying prisons to fight in Ukraine and also being used in Syria, Ukraine, Libya and several other African countries.

The result is that the strange tale of Sudans Colombians fits into what has been called a new golden age of mercenaries.

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Yet if it is, it hardly feels like that for Colombians who say they are being exploited in Sudan.

The mother of one young Colombian soldier fighting in Sudan said he was only 19-years-old and had signed on straight out of national service for what he said was a security job protecting hotels in the UAE.

After sending one pay packet home, it later emerged he was in Sudan.

Recruiters, she says, have warned families not to make trouble.

They told me if I went to the press, my son would not come home.

Another mercenary in Darfur explained it was common for their salary to be paid late and docked of what he called operational fees.

We dont really know what that is, he said. But we know not to make a fuss.

Getting out of Sudan is difficult. Anyone asking to go home is told to pay their own ticket or keep quiet and carry on, the source said. Flights out are scarce and costly; handlers tack on penalties and paperwork to slow any exit.

Last week, the Sudanese government told the United Nations security council that Emirati private security companies including the Abu Dhabi-based Global Security Services Group (GSSG) were behind recruitment. GSSG did not respond to Telegraph questions.

Meanwhile, in Bogota, feeder companies tap up Colombias ex-soldiers.

A former retired colonel, Alvaro Quijano, and his wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros, have been accused of involvement in the recruitment of ex-military personnel by former business associates, as well as by the mercenaries themselves. Both deny any involvement or connection to the UAE.

Officials in Bogota now talk about tightening laws on mercenaries, pursuing recruiters and helping families repatriate remains.

The practicalities are ugly. The network is transnational by design, and the conflict zone it feeds is chaotic by definition. Even confirming identities takes weeks.

One consul told the mother of the twenty-year-old to gather everything she had: voice notes, a scan of the contract, the number of the handlers in Bogota and in the Gulf.

Im trying to gather all this information, she said. But my son is just too scared to give it to me.

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A former Lebanon attorney is behind bars as part of a plea deal that saw her pay back more than half a million dollars she was accused of stealing from clients.

Jennifer M. Porth, 57, allegedly stole more than $522,600 from eight estates, two conservatorships and a car crash that involved two people, all cases her firm handled between 2014-2021, 15th District Attorney General Jason Lawson said.

Porth pleaded guilty in December to two counts of theft over $60,000, which carried a prison sentence of 8-12 years on each count, but attorneys in the case agreed to a cap of 10 years.

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The plea agreement also allowed Porth time to pay back the entire amount she was accused of stealing to reduce her sentence to one year in Wilson County Jail and nine years probation. The resolution was something "that all parties were in agreement with," Lawson said.

A sentencing hearing was scheduled for March with Porth showing enough progress on restitution efforts for a judge to extend the time frame. The next hearing was scheduled for Sept. 12, and that's when Porth was able to show she'd raised sufficient funds to pay back the entire amount.

Porth was booked into the Wilson County jail on Sept. 15.

The investigation took several years and was highly complex with disputed amounts, Lawson said. "The driving force was that the victims were hopeful to get their money back.

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Efforts to reach Porth's representation weren't immediately successful.

Paying the money back involved the sale of a home and money from multiple lenders, Lawson said.

Porth was charged in 2021 with theft over $250,000, which carries a prison sentence of 15-25 years. But, the amount of money investigators believe was taken was a disputed amount, Lawson explained.

As part of the plea deal, Porth's conviction carries a permanent disbarment, Lawson said.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Comptrollers Office were involved in the case, he said.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ex-Lebanon lawyer paid $522K restitution for less jail time, DA says
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- One person was injured and several houses were destroyed Thursday in Israeli airstrikes on civilian homes and Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources.

The Israeli army carried out airstrikes Thursday evening across southern Lebanon, targeting villages including Burj Qalaouiyah, Al-Shahabiya, Mays al Jabal, Dibbine, Kfar Tebnit, and the town of Shebaa, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported, adding a Syrian was injured in the strike on Mays al Jabal.

A Lebanese military intelligence source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes conducted 13 strikes, mostly on civilian homes and alleged Hezbollah sites previously targeted in similar raids, completely destroying eight houses and damaging dozens more.

The strikes came after Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned on X of attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure in response to its alleged attempts to resume activities in the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it struck weapons storage facilities belonging to Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force unit in southern Lebanon.

The IDF claimed that Hezbollah, and specifically the Radwan Force, continues attempts to rehabilitate infrastructure intended to harm Israel.

The Lebanese army condemned the attacks, noting that Israeli violations have exceeded 4,500 since the 2024 ceasefire agreement. It said the strikes targeted civilians, destroyed homes, and hindered Lebanese forces' deployment south of the Litani River.

Both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes.

Salam questioned Israel's commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire. He called on the international community, particularly sponsors of the ceasefire, to pressure Israel to halt aggressions, withdraw from occupied territories, and release detainees.

A U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire has been in place between Hezbollah and Israel since Nov. 27, 2024, halting clashes that erupted during the Gaza war.

Despite the agreement, the Israeli army occasionally carries out strikes in Lebanon, claiming they target Hezbollah "threats," while maintaining its forces at five main points in the Lebanese border region. 
Syria deepens ties with the US and Turkey ahead of the UNGA, seeking sanctions relief and talks.

Syrias transitional government is increasing outreach to Turkey and the US ahead of the UN General Assembly. This comes in the wake of a new deal over Sweida, where the US, Jordan, and Syria have signed on to a roadmap for this key area in southern Syria.

However, Syria appears also concerned at potential changes in Washingtons policy.

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Syrias foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani arrived in Washington for talks on Thursday. These are aimed at ending the remaining sanctions on Syria. This is the first visit of Syrias new foreign minister to the US, and it is apparently the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Washington in 25 years.

There are other issues that are being discussed, including Syria-Israel ties. While the countries do not have ties, Washington is mediating.

Growing Turkish influence in Syria

US Senator Lindsey Graham and others are expected to meet the Syrian envoy, according to Axios. Meanwhile Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa also met with Turkeys intelligence chief to discuss regional developments, according to Syrian state media SANA.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of an emergency Arab-Islamic leaders' summit convened to discuss the September 9 Israeli attack on Hamas on Qatari territory, in Doha, Qatar, September 15, 2025. (credit: Murat Kula/Turkish Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS)

Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibraham Kalin is a key figure in the ruling AKP Party and is close to Turkeys leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. As such this was a meeting that goes beyond merely a meeting between the Syrian leader and a Turkish official.

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This was about Turkeys influence and close ties with Damascus. According to Syrias SANA, the two officials discussed the SDF and the agreements with Damascus. The SDF is the US-backed anti-ISIS force in eastern Syria that is staffed primarily by Kurds.

In March, SDF leader Mazlum Abdi flew to Damascus and met with Sharaa. Recently the head of US Central Command was also in Damascus. It is important for the US that the SDF-Damascus agreement continue smoothly. Ankara opposes the SDF and considers it a terrorist-linked group. They also emphasized the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, SANA reported.

At the same time, Syrias Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qusra visited the countrys Higher Military Academy.

Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qusra visited Tuesday the Higher Military Academy, where he reviewed its departments, assessed their readiness, and examined the educational resources in use, SANA reported.

Major General Abu Qusra also met with the teaching staff, emphasizing the importance of developing the educational process and enhancing competencies to meet the requirements of the current stage, the report added.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued its Final Determination on its plan to improve the states energy efficiency and provide residents, municipalities and businesses with a total of $2.35 billion in lifetime benefits.

According to the department, the 2025-2027 Conservation and Load Management Plan will drive down energy costs by investing $705 million to upgrade heating and cooling systems, insulation and air sealing in homes, municipal buildings and commercial buildings across the state.

Research takes aim at mineral crumbling Connecticut foundations

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According to the department, Connecticut residents who participate in the weatherization program will receive $1,129 in services and save a total of $2,068 on their energy bills on average. For small businesses, the service is estimated to be worth $9,500 and provides $35,000 of savings on average.

The department already weatherized more than 29,000 Connecticut homes and completed energy upgrades in more than 3,800 businesses in 2024, investing $238.9 million for a return of $408.2 million in lifetime bill savings.

Residents and businesses who do not participate in the program will still see savings on their energy bills because these efficiency improvement projects cost so much less than the cost of meeting the previous demand, according to the department.

Connecticut residents and business owners interested in participating in the program can schedule an appointment with a program coordinator by calling 877-WISE-USE before the end of the year.

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Danish military forces participate in a military exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. Credit - Ebrahim NorooziAP

Denmark did not invite the United States to take part in a large-scale international military exercise on Greenland this week, as it had previously, as tensions remain high over President Donald Trumps intention to acquire the Danish territory.

The exercise, the largest in Greenlands modern history, comes amid increased interest in the Arctic region and its vast natural resources from other large powers, such as Russia and China.

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It included contributions from the militaries of several European NATO allies, according to the Danish military. More than 550 people and soldiers took part, including more than 70 from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

Military observers from the United States were present, and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was invited, but Denmark's Arctic commander, Soren Andersen, told reporters that the United States military was not invited to participate in the training.

Read more: Denmark Summons U.S. Envoy Over Report of Trump-Linked Covert Influence Operation in Greenland

"We work together with colleagues on the U.S. Pituffik Space Base, but they were not invited with units for this exercise," Andersen said. He added that the Danish military had a very good relationship with the U.S. military. Pituffik Space Base is the only U.S. base in the country, located in northwestern Greenland. The Danish military later said that Danish F-12 fighter jets visited the base, and that the pilots had coffee with the U.S. bases deputy commander

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The official goal of the exercise was to strengthen the operational readiness of the armed forces of both Denmark and Greenland, which is a semiautonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.

It comes as the Arctic region is becoming more of a priority to various superpowers, friend and foe. Greenland is the world's largest island that is not a continent, and beyond its strategic potential, the island is rich in natural resources, home to 25 of the 34 minerals categorized as critical raw materials by the European Commission. Some of these minerals include those essential to the production of phones and computer chips.

Anderson emphasized the potential threat of Russia and China to reporters.

I think it's fair to say that Russia has built up in the Arctic for the last 20 years, and Russia is a regional superpower in the Arctic, he said. And I think we can see that in the Bering Strait between Alaska and Russia, that they conduct operations that we have never seen before. We see that they work together with Chinese coast guard ships and so on, so forth.

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Yet, the exercise also comes amid rising tensions with a supposed ally in the United States, since President Trump has made clear his intentions to claim the island for the U.S.

We need Greenland for national security and even international security, Trump said during an address to Congress in March, pointing to the influence of other global powers in the Arctic, specifically Russia and China. And I think were going to get it one way or the other, he added. Trump is trying to boost production of computer chips in the United States, which rely on minerals present in Greenland for production

Danish officials have made it clear that Trumps interest in the region is not welcome.

The Wall Street Journal reported in May that the Director of National Intelligence had ordered U.S. spies to increase intelligence gathering about Greenlands independence movement, a move that the Trump Administration never publicly denied.

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Just last month, Denmarks foreign minister summoned Mark Stroh, the U.S. charge d'affaires in Copenhagen, after a local broadcast reported that several members of Trumps administration had launched a covert influence operations in Greenland, gathering names of those who would be willing to participate in a secessionist movement from Denmark.

At the time, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen confirmed in a statement to TIME that he had Stroh, and said that attempts of any country to interfere with the Kingdom of Denmark would of course be unacceptable.

A U.S. State Department official later stated after the meeting that the nations reaffirmed strong ties between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. and that the United States respects the right of the people of Greenland to determine their own future.

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Is Denmarks limiting a recent arms purchase to European retailers broadcasting a story to Russia, Washington or both?. | Credit: Bertrand Guay / AFP / Getty Images

The world of international arms deals received a jolt on Wednesday, as Denmark announced it would purchase an estimated $9 billion in cutting-edge military systems, marking the largest weapons purchase ever for the Scandinavian nation. More surprising than the massive buy, however, was who Denmark had chosen to supply the influx of arms: fellow European nations, and conspicuously not the United States.

A threat to Europe and Denmark for years to come

There has been a need for big and bold decisions when it comes to Denmarks combat power and ability to secure the country's citizens, said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen on X last week, previewing this weeks purchase announcement. There is no doubt that Russia  currently in year three of its attempted full-scale invasion of Ukraine  will be a threat to Europe and Denmark for years to come, said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to the press on Wednesday. Denmark this past year boosted its military budget to address acute shortcomings following Russias Ukraine assault, Reuters said.

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Danish officials have publicly joined the longstanding concerns of their NATO allies over Russian aggression in the icy waters to the countrys north, said CNN. Many officials also expect that, if and when the Ukraine conflict ends, Russia will next divert resources and use its warfighting experience to pose a much greater threat in the Arctic region. But even with the threat of Russian military action looming, the answer to why Denmark is rapidly developing its military capacities is more likely to be found in Washington, D.C., than in Moscow or Beijing.

Increasingly risky to depend on American support

While the European Union has recently increased its push for countries to spend defense euros on the continent that will, in turn, strengthen the local arms industry and build a credible military deterrent, Denmarks intra-EU purchase also comes at a time when dependence on U.S. suppliers is seen as increasingly risky, said DefenseNews. In part, that stems from President Donald Trumps longstanding aim to annex Greenland from the Danish government, a move many Danes still see as their most pressing  and worrying  diplomatic challenge, CNN said. Limiting its new arms purchase to European contractors is then likely act of protest on the part of Denmark in a situation where, one western diplomat told the network, an American supplier would have almost certainly won the bid in years past.

Danish officials, meanwhile, insist that American firms were not being passed over for political reasons, said Germanys Table media, nor has Denmark suggested publicly that it wont make future American arms purchases. The decision to go with more than one or two suppliers enables shorter delivery times, said Denmarks Lt. Gen. Per Pugholm Olsen, who heads the militarys Acquisition and Logistics Organization. Oldens comments echo those of Prime Minister Frederikson from this past February, when Denmark first began ramping up its air defenses.



If we cant get the best equipment, buy the next best," Frederiksen said. "Theres only one thing that counts now and that is speed.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  To connect with NewsChannel 9 over Zoom, Hediberto Ramirez Perez had to get a new cell phone and find internet access at a nearby store.

Two weeks earlier, Ramirez Perez was working the manufacturing lines at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato.

On September 4, the snack bar plant was raided by federal immigration agents.

Through his attorney, who translated, Perez said: They were yelling and shouting and a lot of chaos aroundThey started taking people out from the break room one by one.

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As a U.S. citizen who also worked at the plant, Ramirez Perezs wife was allowed to stay. She watched her husband get dragged away.

He never had a chance to show the same federal worth authorization card he showed NewsChannel 9, apparently clearing him for work eligibility.

Hediberto Ramirez Perezs work authorization card.

I actually told them that I had my working papers and they told me they didnt care about that, he said.

From Cato, he was brought to the U.S. Border Patrol station in Oswego, then to the federal detention facility in Batavia. At some point, he was then brought to Texas, before being flown to his country of citizenship: Guatemala.

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I kept asking: I have a lawyer, I have a lawyer, I have to talk to my lawyer. I have an open case. I keep asking all over again. They kept telling: Youll talk to him on Monday. Then at 1 a.m. on Sunday, they woke me up and took me to Guatemala in a plane.

His attorney is working to bring him back and considering a lawsuit against the federal government.

Thats illegal what they did to me, Perez 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 WSYR.
For at least the third time, President Donald Trump on Thursday mistook the country of Armenia for Albania, falsely claiming hed brought an end to an Azerbaijan-Albania conflict that never took place. The gaffe came during a press conference in England, where the president touted his purported record as a peacemaker.

Attempting to mention a peace declaration he arranged, laying the groundwork to end a decades-long conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trump said: To think that we settled  uh  Azerbaijan and Albania, as an example. (Beyond the country mix-up, the president botched the pronunciation of Azerbaijan, saying something like Aber  baijan instead.)

Trump: We settled Azerbaijan and Albania. The prime ministers were in my office. pic.twitter.com/Ugpg2q2TvL  Acyn (@Acyn) September 18, 2025

The 79-year-old president made an identical flub in an August 19 appearance on a conservative radio show. You saw the Aber  baijan, Trump told the host (his mispronunciation so egregious that the shows transcript registered it as Arab or Bhaijaan). That was a big one going on for 34, 35 years with, uh, Albania. Think of that.

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In a Fox News appearance last week, he again boasted about brokering peace between Azerbaijan and Albania.

It was going on for years, the president said Thursday of the ongoing conflict. It was never going to be settled. If you remember, the prime minister and the presidents, they were there for many years. They saidwhen they were in my office, we settled. And they started off at both sides of the Oval Office. So far away. I didnt know you could be so far away. And as we were together for an hour, they kept getting closer, closer. And by the time we finished, we all hugged each other.
At least 48 people were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources reported on Thursday.

Hospital reports indicated that 38 of the fatalities occurred in Gaza City.

The Israeli military reported that four soldiers were killed by an explosive device in the southern part of the territory.

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman said roughly 450,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City, which previously had a population of around 1 million.

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Israel launched a highly controversial ground offensive in the city in the early hours of Tuesday.

The government says the operation aims to crush the Palestinian militant group Hamas and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages.

Military spokesman Effie Defrin stated that the Israeli army has struck more than 1,200 targets since the ground offensive began.

Information from both sides cannot currently be independently verified.

The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other Islamist terrorists launched an attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting more than 250 to the Gaza Strip.

Since then, more than 65,000 Palestinians in the coastal territory have been killed, including numerous women and children, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry.

Civil defense teams and residents of the region carry out a search and rescue operation after Israeli attacks in Al-Bureij refugee camp, Some buildings were completely destroyed in the attack, where there were dead and wounded. Moiz Salhi/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  The alleged drunk driver accused of intentionally killing a 16-year-old girl on a Queens sidewalk early Saturday morning is a Honduran national who is in the United States illegally, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on Wednesday.

Jose Edwin Cruz Gomez illegally entered the U.S. near Nogales, Arizona, on Nov. 10, 2004, officials say.

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After being denied asylum, Cruz was ordered to be removed from the U.S.

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Cruz then illegally reentered the U.S. sometime after, and was encountered by ICE officers on April 29, 2013, on Long Island, when he was arrested for DUI, officials say.

A deportation order was reinstated, but he was released from ICE detention on July 1, 2013, for enrolling in an Alternatives to Detention Program. Officials say he absconded and could not be located.

On Saturday, Cruz had a blood-alcohol level of .137 when he allegedly rammed his 3-ton Chevy Suburban SUV into Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez, 16, her mother, stepfather, and boyfriend after a fight on Roosevelt Avenue at around 4:10 a.m., according to authorities.

Another young family is dealing with an unimaginable and all-too-preventable tragedy due to soft-on-crime sanctuary policies and prior open-border policies that let criminal aliens pour into our country with impunity, said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. The days of criminal aliens being given carte blanche to harm innocent people are over. These violent offenders will face the full force of the law and then be expeditiously removed from the U.S.

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Prosecutors said the suspect and his friends were hanging out outside the Prima Donna Restaurant on Roosevelt Avenue when Cruz Gomez offered the teen and her mother money for sex.

Cruz Gomez was arraigned Sunday on charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, and vehicular manslaughter, prosecutors said.

Cruz Gomez has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bail, according to court records.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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EAU CLAIRE  Eau Claire will serve as the center stage for the state competition as the 2026 National Civics Bee season approaches.

This week, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce announced that they had been named as the official Wisconsin State Partner for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundations National Civics Bee. As an annual competition, the National Civics Bee encourages middle school students to engage in civics, address regional issues and help their communities.

David Minor, president/CEO of the chamber, said Wisconsins participation in the competition began two years ago when the U.S. Chamber started to reach out to more states to get students involved. Since then, representation from the Chippewa Valley has been high, as both previous state champions came from Eau Claire Area School District middle schools.

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As the competition would not be hosted in Madison for a third year, the partnership formed to ensure the competition would continue on in Wisconsin into 2026.

Because our numbers were high here, I didnt want to walk away from this, Minor said. I felt that we were getting good representation this year.

I felt it was critical for our area for our students to be able to participate in this, so were going to run the state competition.

Moving forward, the Eau Claire Chamber has been working on reaching out in order to encourage participation from middle school students and classrooms across the state.

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Were taking what we did and were upscaling to the state level, said Tina Probst, director of Workforce and Emerging Talent.

Our responsibility is more than just the Chippewa Valley Northwestern Wisconsin region; its the full state of Wisconsin. And so, were actively reaching out to different partners and different chambers to help us spread the word, trying to ensure that any middle schooler in Wisconsin that wants to participate has the opportunity to.

With the 2026 season approaching, essay submission has also opened up to Wisconsin middle school-aged students. The competition begins with an essay submission answering four questions related to a community challenge or opportunity, along with a proposed solution. Students sixth through eighth grade level from public, private, charter and homeschool settings are eligible to take part.

From there, competitions grow in intensity from the regional to state level as students are asked to continue talking and researching their challenge or opportunity and solution. The champion of the state competition will then be encouraged to participate at the national level.

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Submissions are accepted through Feb. 3, 2026. More information is available regarding the competition and submissions on the chambers website: tinyurl.com/wicivics2026.

As the Eau Claire Chamber looks to continue their operation into a third year while also growing their responsibility, Minor said, When I look at this, this is really about, How do we build upon a strong relationship we have with our school districts? How do we partner with those teachers to offer this type of an opportunity for Middle school students to put into practice what in fact they are learning within the schools?

I think that this competition also gives a really good structure for how to present an issue, Probst said. Not only empowering them to share what they want, but also giving them structure of, These are the people Im going to be at the table with in order to help me fix whatever I want fixed or address a problem.

Minor said his hope is that by hosting the competition, they can slowly grow it by continuing working with their core districts and encouraging more and more to participate in the future.
The Netherlands will allocate 14 million euros to support the Armenians who voluntarily left the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and settled in Armenia.

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Wil wrote about the plans of the Dutch government on the social network X after a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan. According to the post, the funds will be channeled through the Global Concessional Financing Fund to provide affordable housing for former Karabakh residents.

It seems that Mirzoyan informed his Dutch counterpart about the plans of the Armenian government, therefore, unlike in previous times, there was nothing about the "return of refugees" and "forced displacement" in the post of the Dutch Foreign Minister in X. Since September 2023, the diplomatic department of this country has operated only in these terms.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the issue of the return of Armenians to Karabakh dangerous and called on the international community to help them "find their home in the Republic of Armenia, live, create and settle here as full-fledged citizens of Armenia." Simply put, he asked for money. And they heard it in the Netherlands.

Azerbaijan is not at all against financing housing for former Armenian residents of Karabakh. On the contrary, we're all for it. We did not expel them, and the separatist leaders, Armenian nationalists and those who supported them in the European expanses are responsible for their current situation. The same Netherlands. The large sums allocated by the Europeans are completely natural payments for what they have done together. So we are not at all opposed to people who have stupidly lost their homes buying apartments with EU money. We will not even be outraged by the fact that Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons have not received even a hundredth of the attention that Europe pays to generally prosperous, unharmed voluntary migrants in Armenia. Azerbaijan has dealt with this problem by itself, and we can be proud of the fact that we don't owe anyone anything and we don't owe anyone anything.

The entry of the Dutch Foreign Minister attracted our attention not by the amount of euros indicated in it, but by the fact that in his post he initially spoke about "Nagorno-Karabakh", and then changed this non-existent name to "Karabakh".

This is a very remarkable moment. He says that the realities established by Azerbaijan have begun to be accepted even by those who stood "to the last." The Netherlands has always been on the wrong side of history in the Karabakh issue. A year ago, there were demands from there to ensure a "dignified return" for the voluntary migrants. Now, the Foreign Minister of this country is correcting himself, removing a far-fetched, far-fetched definition from the name of the Karabakh region. Karabakh has never been divided into "mountainous" and "plain". The division followed the region's autonomy in order to further separate it from Azerbaijan. Having regained full control over Karabakh, Baku returned its historical name to it and legitimately demands that everyone apply it correctly.

Initially, the Azerbaijani side had to constantly point out to other countries the need to use the correct place names. Almost everyone has already accepted this rule, only people like the Netherlands did not want to accept the realities. But, as we can see, it's their turn.

The fact that the toponym has been corrected is a positive fact. They got to this point themselves, or someone suggested it, it doesn't matter. The main thing is that the error has been fixed. However, this, of course, does not mean that all problems have been solved. Some circles in the Netherlands will still need to get rid of the megalomania that pushes them to interfere in the internal affairs of other states. When the parliamentarians of this country stop talking about the "fate of the Armenian prisoners" and, contrary to international norms, try to interfere in the affairs of the judicial system of Azerbaijan, then we will be able to talk about serious amendments in the policy of the Netherlands towards the South Caucasus.

In the meantime...
AMMAN, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Thursday announced an investigation into a deadly shooting at the Israeli side of the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) crossing, condemning the incident as a violation of law and a threat to its role in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In a statement, Jordan's Foreign Ministry said the country rejects all acts of violence and unlawful actions that endanger its interests and humanitarian mission.

The attacker, identified as Abdul-Muttalib Al Qaisi, a 1968-born Jordanian who had been working for three months as a driver for Gaza aid convoys, reportedly drove a humanitarian aid truck from Jordan to the crossing, according to the ministry.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Al Qaisi exited the truck and attempted to shoot victims on Thursday, but his rifle jammed. He then drew a knife and stabbed the victims before being shot by an Israeli security guard.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry said it is coordinating with relevant agencies to monitor the conditions of Jordanian aid drivers who delivered goods through the crossing earlier in the day, ensuring their safe return.

According to the ministry, 22 Jordanian aid trucks entered Gaza under pre-agreed arrangements on Thursday.

The ministry reiterated Jordan's call for an immediate end to the war, a permanent ceasefire, and the launch of a diplomatic process based on the two-state solution to prevent further escalation and safeguard regional stability.

Following the shooting attack, the Israeli army urged the government to halt the entry of humanitarian aid for Gaza from Jordan "until the completion of the incident's inquiry and the implementation of revised screening procedures for Jordanian drivers." 
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi labeled Israel an enemy at the Arab-Islamic summit, saying its actions threaten Egypts security and future peace deals, including by causing Gazans to flee.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi referred to Israel as an "enemy" during his closing speech at the Arab-Islamic summit in Doha earlier this week.

Head of the Egyptian State Information Service, Diaa Rashwan, commented in a Tuesday TV interview that "The last time the word enemy was used by Egypts top official, or by any state official, was before" then-president Anwar Sadat visited Israel and spoke at the Knesset in 1977.

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Sadat's visit was a major step on the path towards the 1979 Camp David Accords, which formalized a normalization of relations and a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

Rashwan claimed that Sisi's referring to Israel as an enemy has "very significant implications," as "Egypt is under threat, and only an enemy threatens national security...a friend does not threaten your national security."

One of these threats to national security is the possible displacement of refugees from the Gaza Strip attempting to cross through the Rafah Border Crossing into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, Rashwan noted.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid line up near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt, August 13, 2025. (credit: Stringer/Reuters)

Sisi's closing speech at the conference included a stated belief that Egypt, and its Arab partners, must "change our stances regarding the enemy's perception of us, so that they see any Arab country, extending from the ocean to the Gulf, has an umbrella that extends to all Islamic countries."

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Sisi also said on Monday that Israel's current actions hindered any chances of new peace treaties in the Middle East.

In remarks aimed at Israel, he told the Arab-Islamic summit in Doha: "What is happening right now hinders the future of peace, threatens your security and the security of the peoples in the region and adds obstacles to chances for any new peace agreements and even aborts existing ones."

Egypt seeking to form NATO-style force, reports claim

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.

London-based Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported that 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.

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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.

GCC denounces Israel's strikes on Qatar

Gulf leaders said on Monday that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)s joint defense body will meet in Doha following Israel's attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital last week.

In a statement, the leaders called for measures to activate the bloc's "joint defense mechanism," adding that the GCC's Unified Military Command should "take the necessary executive measures to activate the mechanisms of joint defense and the Gulf deterrence capabilities."

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The GCC also affirmed that Israel's strikes on Qatar violated the GCC's Joint Defense Agreement, which views aggression against one GCC member as aggression against all GCC members.

The GCC also warned that Israel's "aggression against the sisterly State of Qatar poses a direct threat to shared Gulf security, regional peace, and stability."

Jerusalem Post Staff, Reuters, and The Media Line contributed to this report.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says the state stopped a "conspiracy" to distribute drugs and other contraband items into the state's largest prison.

Five people, including one former state correctional officer and two current inmates, have been indicted for allegedly transporting drugs into the South Dakota State Penitentiary.

Jackley announced the indictments during a Sept. 18 press conference at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. All five defendants were indicted Sept. 17 by a Minnehaha County grand jury.

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More: 'Let's go big:' Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Jackley discuss addressing SD opioid crisis

Transporting illegal items into the prison makes the facility less safe for staff and inmates, Jackley said. We will not tolerate such activity and thank you to the Department of Corrections for its cooperation with the investigation.

The five people indicted were: Carson DeYoung, 22, Sioux Falls, former South Dakota Department of Corrections correctional officer; Max Bolden, 42, and Simba Oma Maat, 25, both current South Dakota Penitentiary inmates; Nancy Sage, 52, Sioux Falls, and Chandler Boone, 31, Denver, Colorado.

All five were indicted on:

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One felony count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, methamphetamine;

one felony count of conspiracy to commit distribution of a synthetic cannabinoids, K2, a designer drug intended to mimic the effects of marijuana;

one felony count of conspiracy to deliver unauthorized article, a cell phone, to an inmate;

and one misdemeanor count of conspiracy to deliver unauthorized article, a vape pen, to an inmate.

If found guilty, the five charged could face up to 21 years in prison and a $42,000 fine. For inmates Bolden and Maat, their maximum sentence would be doubled on all four charges.

DeYoung was also charged with one felony count of possession of unauthorized article, an anabolic steroid, with intent to deliver to an inmate; and one felony count of possession of controlled substance, an anabolic steroid, with intent to distribute.

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The possession of an unauthorized article carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The one felony count of possession with intent to distribute carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Sage also was charged with one felony count of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and one felony count of possession of a controlled substance, synthetic cannabinoids.

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Jackley said Boone was responsible for procuring the contraband items and mailing them to Sage in Sioux Falls.

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DeYoung had not yet transported these particular items into the pen but had agreed to do so, the attorney general added.

Jackley said an investigation into what other items DeYoung may have transported into the prison is ongoing.

Jackley also said Boone procured the items and mailed them to Nancy Sage in Sioux Falls. DeYoung had not yet transported these particular items into the pen but had agreed to do so. There is an ongoing investigation as to what other items DeYoung may have transported into the pen.

Bolden is serving a life sentence for murder. Maat is serving sentences for first degree burglary and second degree burglary. Maat's scheduled release date is 2028.

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South Dakotas Division of Criminal Investigation investigated and was assisted by the DOC Office of the Inspector General and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, which included detectives from the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Minnehaha County Sheriffs Office. The Attorney Generals Office plans to prosecute the cases.

More: DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko resigning after lawmakers express no-confidence

Four inmates died of suspected drug overdoses at the state pen and the adjacent Jameson Annex, a maximum security prison, earlier this year.

Those inmates include: Anthony Richards, 20, who died of a overdose in February at the South Dakota State Penitentiary's Jameson Annex; Jason Todd Garreau, 39, who was being held at the state penitentiary until his death May 15; and Joshua Arrow Jr., 24, who also died in the Jameson Annex on May 18; and Nicholas Skorka, 42, who died June 10 in the state pen.

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Jackley could not confirm whether Skorka's death was likely the result of a drug overdose but previously told the Argus Leader that cause of death was being examined by DCI.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: DOC officer, inmates indicted for contraband at South Dakota State Pen
The Republican-led Executive Council embraced the most significant pair of Gov. Kelly Ayottes appointments to date, confirming GOP lawyer Bryan Gould of Pittsburg to a seat on the New Hampshire Supreme Court and granting Attorney General John Formella of Portsmouth a second four-year term in office.

Exec Council brings road show to N.H. Institute of Politics

During the Executive Council meeting at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Councilor Janet Stevens, R-Rye, far left, questioned state officials while from left to right Councilors David Wheeler, R-Milford and John Stephen, R-Manchester along with Gov. Kelly Ayotte followed the dialogue.

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Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill of Lebanon, the lone Democrat on the council, opposed Goulds appointment and abstained from voting on Formella because GOP leaders have charged her with violating state law by pursuing the hiring of national Democratic lawyers to help opponents sue the state over a recent voting rights law.

During his public hearing last week, Gould, 66, said he would recuse himself from sitting on cases involving Caswell Waste Systems, the Vermont company seeking to build a controversial landfill near Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, and the state GOP, since he represented the party many times over the years.

Last fall, Ayotte came out against the landfill and tried but failed to convince the GOP-led Legislature to approve a one-year moratorium on new landfill permits.

But Liot Hill said that wasnt sufficient to win her support.

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He has refused to make the same commitment in education funding cases like Claremont, ConVal and their progeny or in election law and separate of power cases despite having long represented partisan clients, Liot Hill said.

I cannot support a nominee who will not provide the public an assurance of his independence.

While Ayotte and GOP councilors have sharply criticized the courts Con-Val decision that ordered the state to increase state aid to public schools, Gould denied he has made up his mind on the matter and would vote to reverse that ruling in the future.

All four GOP councilors praised Gould for his temperament and fairness.

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Attorney Gould knows the principle of politics has no place in the judiciary. Independence is what I feel strongly about, said Councilor John Stephen, R-Manchester.

Councilor David Wheeler, R-Milford, said Gould represented the council on five occasions including one suit in 2003 that blocked a pending bill to limit the term of the chief justice of the supreme court.

No matter what question is fired at him, he has a calm, cool, collected answer, Wheeler said.

Councilor Joe Kenney, R-Wakefield, said Gould would be the first high court justice from the states northernmost town and said the state couldnt buy his 40 years of legal service, even though Goulds tenure on the court will be brief.

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New judge can only serve for next 39 months

Gould reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Dec. 2, 2028.

I know his exceptional qualifications will make him an excellent Supreme Court Justice, and all of New Hampshire will be better off with someone of such exceptional integrity and character on the bench, Ayotte said in a statement after the 4-1 approval vote.

I was proud to nominate Bryan and am confident he will uphold our Constitution and the rule of law every day he serves on the Court.

The New Hampshire Democratic Party in a statement condemned the decision.

Fools Go(u)ld. Kelly Ayotte hails Bryan Gould for his exceptional qualifications, but shes fooling no one. Shes simply rewarding a political loyalist, the NHDP said.

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GOP-led Exec Council backs Ayotte's picks for Sup Ct. judge, AG

Opponents of President Donald Trump hold signs outside the meeting of the Executive Council at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics in Manchester Wednesday.

Gould served as Ayottes legal counsel during the 2024 campaign and last May she named him to the six-person Judicial Selection Commission that screens judicial applicants for the governor.

Gould said he stepped down from the panel as soon as he decided to apply for this seat to replace James Bassett of Canterbury who retired at the end of last month.

As the states first and only female attorney general, Ayotte carefully weighed who would fill that spot and initially declined to bring Formella forward when his current term expired last March.

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Ayotte said over the past several months she has been impressed with Formellas work as the states top law enforcement officer.

Formella said its an honor to keep representing the dedicated team at the Department of Justice.

Together, we will continue working to keep New Hampshire the safest state in the nation, hold offenders accountable, protect victims, and safeguard the rights of all of our citizens, Formella said.

A group of victims of sexual and physical abuse at the former Youth Development Center had urged the council to reject Formella, charging that office until recent years had ignored rumors that juveniles had been harmed under the states care.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
Does this photo, found in several viral social media posts, show the man that Mississippi police found hanging from a tree on September 15, 2025? No, that's not true: Police said the dead man found near the Ameristar Vicksburg Casino was Cory Zukatis. But, the Warren County Coroner said this photo is not Zukatis.

The photo appeared in a September 15, 2025 Facebook post (archived here) on the 7Nationofislam page under the title:

Cory zukatis was found hanging from tree in Vicksburg Mississippi pray for his family  2 men in less then 24 hours these young men not hanging they self

This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at facebook.com/7Nationofislam

Lead Stories interviewed Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey about the photo on September 17, 2025. Huskey examined the body of the man found hanging and that photo (shown above) is not a match. Emailed the photo, Huskey replied:

Not him.

Emailed the photo that WJTV and other Mississippi television stations have broadcast, (archived here) Huskey said it correctly shows the man whose corpse he examined and identified after police retrieved it from a tree near the Ameristar Vicksburg Casino:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of photo released by Vicksburg Police Department and published by WJTV.com.

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The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning for certain imported cookware that may leach a "significant amount" of lead into your food. The FDA tested cookware made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium and found that the following items are not safe to use, as they can impart lead into your food and make it unsafe to consume.

How To Identify The Unsafe Cookware

As of Sept. 12, 2025, the FDA is advising customers to stop using the following cookware products:

Kadai/Karahi Tiger White with the label "Pure Alluminium Utensils Tm Tiger White Rtm No: 2608606 An Iso 9001:2015 Certified Co. Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd. India" sold at Mannan Supermarket in Jamaica, New York

Silver Horse with the label "7 6554273084 5 Aluminium Mathar Kadai 26" sold at Patel Brothers in Schaumburg, Illinois

Silver Horse with the label "7 6554272863 7 Aluminium Milk Pan 4" sold at Patel Brothers in Schaumburg, Illinois

JK Vallabhdas with the label "Aluminium Kadai India Bazaar #3 2000000772" sold at Indiaco in Hoffman Estates, Illinois

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You can find product photos on the FDAs site to help identify the cookware.

The FDA is working to alert distributors of the problem with the cookware. At this time, the FDA couldnt contact the distributor for the Kadai/Karahi Tiger White coowkare to issue a recall, which may mean the product is still available on shelves.

Additionally, as the FDA is notifying the distributors, the cookware may still be available for purchase. If you are looking for new cookware, be sure to check that the cookware isnt on this list of products that can leach lead into your food.

What To Do if You Have Cookware That May Leach Lead

If you have any of the cookware that the FDA has deemed unsafe, you should stop using it immediately. Throw away any cookware that may contaminate your food with leaddo not repurpose or donate the unsafe cookware.

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Because there are no safe levels of lead consumption, the FDA is concerned about any exposure to lead in your food. Consuming lead is toxic to everybody, regardless of age or health status. However, children, people of childbearing age, and those who are breastfeeding are at a higher risk of adverse effects.

When exposed to high levels, symptoms of lead poisoning can include fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, and neurologic changes. If you have any concerns about lead exposure or poisoning, you should contact your healthcare provider.



Read the original article on Allrecipes
The Russell Smith Courthouse, the Missoula Division of the U.S. District Court of Montana. (Photo by Micah Drew)

MISSOULA  What is it you want me to do? U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen asked the legal team behind 22 youth suing the Trump administration over a series of actions aimed at unleashing the fossil fuel industry.

The lawsuit, Lighthiser v. Trump, was filed in Montanas federal district court in May and seeks to overturn a series of executive orders the youth argue will make climate change  and related crises such as extreme wildfires  worse.

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The federal government, joined by a coalition of 19 states and territories led by Montana, seek the cases dismissal.

But Christensen, during a hearing Wednesday in Missoulas federal courthouse, seemed skeptical of the remedy as he quizzed a lawyer for the youth about rolling back the three executive orders.

The lawsuit seeks to overturn Trump Executive Orders 14154, Unleashing American Energy, 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency, and 14261, Reinvigorating Americas Beautiful Clean Coal Industry, but the ask appears to be anything but simple.

Over the last seven months, federal agencies have rescinded funding from climate science initiatives, pushed to open more land to oil and gas leasing, and halted renewable energy projects. Some of the actions have directly cited their compliance with the executive orders, while others align with the new administrations policy agenda more broadly.

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If I enjoin these orders, and these defendants enact policies favoring fossil fuels regardless of my enjoining the executive orders, what do I do then? Christensen asked Julia Olsen, lead counsel for the plaintiffs on the second day of hearings. Many things done by these agencies  appear to be derived from or based on these orders.  Do you want me to enjoin these agency actions as well?

Olsen said the goal was to revert the country to a status quo that existed on January 19, the day before Trump signed the three orders.

The entire body of conduct should be enjoined, she said. Because its unconstitutional a  and is causing irreparable harm to these plaintiffs.

Christensen appeared skeptical of that plan, which he said could amount to him having to review every energy-related policy and action taken by numerous government agencies until the expiration of our collective lifetimes.

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Attorneys for the federal and state governments agreed, saying the court was essentially being asked to set national energy policy  a clear overreach.

Its unprecedented, federal attorney Michael Sawyer said. There is no basis in law for stepping in and going back to January 19th.

In addition, he said an injunction would irreparably harm the United States and essentially force the district court into overseeing the actions of at least 13 federal agencies, with the plaintiffs lawyers returning to court every time they dispute an energy permit or federal rule.

They basically get to become the masters of the courts injunction, Sawyer said.

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Sawyer argued the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the lawsuit, in part because there is no meaningful action the court can take to immediately offer relief to the alleged harms related to climate change, including wildfire smoke and extreme weather events like heat waves.

He also said challenging such a broad, sweeping policy order was the incorrect way to seek a change. Instead, he said the plaintiffs should challenge actual agency actions, such as a permitting decision over coal lease or a change to a specific rule.

This is thousands of lawsuits packed into one, Sawyer said. Theres been hundreds of different permitting decisions by the Department of the Interior  they want the court to jump in and issue one ruling to stop them all.

Sawyer sought to tie the Lighthiser arguments to another youth-led climate lawsuit, Juliana v. United States. That case was ultimately dismissed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals after years of litigation due to a lack of standing issue.

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But Olsen argued they were fundamentally different, because the current case is not asking the government to address decades of actions with a plan of action, but merely stop three executive orders.

A constant reminder of the climate crisis

Over the two-day hearing, the court heard from five youth plaintiffs and a series of expert witnesses who spoke about climate science, energy policy and the health effects of climate change. The government didnt call any witnesses.

Isaiah Hudson, a high school senior from Missoula, was the only plaintiff to take the stand on Wednesday, where he shared his love of the outdoors and of running.

As a varsity cross country runner for his high school, Hudson said summer months are a key time to build fitness for the fall season.

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But when wildfires burning across the west fill the Missoula valley with smoke, hes had to miss days, and even weeks, of training.

I cant exercise. I cant go outside as often, and that impacts my mental health a lot, Hudson said. And its a constant reminder of the climate crisis were facing.

Lori Byron, a retired pediatrician, testified about the increased harm children face from environmental factors exacerbated by climate change including from extreme heat and breathing particulate matter with still-developing lungs.

Adding just one part per billion of pollution into the air mixture increases the risk of mortality, she said. There are grave risks to these plaintiffs and other children by the concept of unleashing more fossil fuels.

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The court also heard from Nicole Hughes, the executive director of a renewable energy nonprofit who talked about the number of wind energy programs that had been halted after Trump took office, including the Lava Ridge Wind project in Idaho, stopped in one of the executive orders.

The government lawyers pushed back against some of Hughes testimony by pointing out that wind  and solar  energy are not mentioned in any of the three challenged orders, and Trump had issued an entirely separate memorandum on wind energy, which the plaintiffs arent trying to overturn.

That memo has been challenged in a Massachusetts court, and Sawyer said the Lighthiser plaintiffs had every opportunity to go to that court and be part of that litigation.

Instead, he said, theyre trying to assert their own policy preferences over every energy-related proposal by the administration.

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A last witness called by the plaintiffs laid the groundwork that Trumps orders to bolster the fossil fuel industry had no economic justification, as renewable sources such as solar and wind are cheaper than fossil fuels such as coal.

Geoffrey Heal, a professor emeritus at Columbia University in business and international and public affairs, said it was baffling to say the executive orders would strengthen trade and national security, as Trump and his lawyers argued, and that America was not in the midst of an energy emergency.

He compared the current state of affairs, where the county is relatively energy sufficient, with the 1970s, when wars in the middle east led to an oil shortage.

There were gas stations with no gasoline, airports with no jet fuel, fights were breaking out, Heal said. That, unambiguously, amounted to an energy emergency.

Christensen gave no indication of how long it would take for him to rule on the two motions.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Nearly a dozen men are now suing the state of Oregon, claiming they were sexually abused as teenagers while in custody at Maclaren Youth Correctional Facility.

A new federal lawsuit accusing the State of Oregon as well as more than a dozen former Oregon Youth Authority directors and staff of failing to stop decades of sexual abuse at the Woodburn facility.

Shelter in place order issued for Gresham residents near Rockwood Market Hall

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According to the lawsuit, a longtime doctor and PE teacher preyed on the boys for years while staff looked the other way. It also names another perpetrator and outlines a former police investigation which alleges the facility had a coverup culture for the abuse.

Each victim is now seeking $5 million in non-economic damages and $100,000 for counseling costs as their attorneys say the men are coming to grips with the harm caused to them as boys and the states role in allowing it:

Ive seen people in front of me that I would call tough guys who are breaking down in front of me crying because of the shame they feel and because theyre, frankly, confronting it for the first time, Paul Galm with Galm Law Firm said.

The 11 men, now in their 30s and 40s, say they were repeatedly assaulted when they were as young as 13 years old while in state custody between 2000 and 2017.

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The complaint accuses longtime pediatrician Dr. Edward Gary Edwards  who died in February  of repeatedly sexually abusing the boys during medical exams for nearly two decades.

This marks the sixth lawsuit lodged against OYA by Crew Janci, now representing 62 victims.

Attorneys say Edwards, known within the OYA facility as Dr. Cold Fingers, was given unfettered access to the youth despite a report filed with Oregon State Police in 2007.

There was a report made to law enforcement, we believe, by a victim or a family member, and that despite that, and despite OYA being aware of that, Dr. Edwards was left in his position with unfettered access to youth for another 10 years, said Attorney Peter Janci.

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The complaint also named a new alleged perpetrator. One plaintiff has accused former gym teacher Susan Baumgartner of sexually abusing him about 20 times between 2001 and 2002 and allegedly baiting him to stay quiet with chewing tobacco.

But when the abuse came to light, attorneys say OYA failed to report or fire her:

He was told to forget about it and not bring it up again, Kendall Spinella with Crew Janci said. She was allowed to resign quietly and with little accountability.

Rainier, Oregon principal arrested on child sexual assault material charges

In response to the latest lawsuit, OYA said, The alleged conduct is abhorrent, and the accusations do not reflect what thousands of trusted adults do each day to help OYA youth become crime-free adults.

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After KOIN 6 News reported a significant backlog of abuse complaints, OYA said its professional standards office has reduced the number of aged reports by 40% in the last six months and has since stayed on top of current ones.

Attorneys told KOIN 6 News all of the state cases against OYA have now been moved to federal court, with a trial date set for November 2026.

KOIN 6 News has also reached out to OSP to ask what became of that historic report against Edwards, but we have yet to hear back.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A group of advisers selected by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to make recommendations on the use of vaccines in the United States will meet Thursday and Friday, and they are expected to make changes to the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions childhood vaccine schedule.

In testimony before the Senates Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Wednesday, Dr. Susan Monarez, who was recently ousted as CDC director, said that part of the reason for her removal was her refusal to rubber-stamp recommendations made by the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP.

Monarez said Kennedy wanted her to pledge to sign off on those recommendations even before they were made.

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He said that the childhood vaccine schedule would be changing starting in September, and I needed to be on board with it, Monarez said. I refused to do it.

On Wednesday, the White House rejected the notion that the big changes were coming.

No one, including Secretary Kennedy and President Trump, is calling to throw out the entire childhood vaccine schedule or eliminate access to lifesaving vaccines. Anyone suggesting that such actions are even on the table does not know what they are talking about, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement.

Now, that committee is on the verge of making its recommendations. With no permanent CDC director in place, its decisions might get final sign-off from Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, or his deputy, Jim ONeill, who is currently acting CDC director. The recommendations shape doctors guidance to patients, but also insurance coverage, state vaccine policy and the federal Vaccines for Children program.

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Typically, meetings of CDCs vaccine advisers are expert-led, science-heavy, deep dives on the safety and efficacy of shots doctors recommend to patients to protect against infections. After months of preparation, presentations and discussions are highly technical and unfold over the course of several days, culminating in votes. Because of the preparation, surprises are rare.

This weeks meeting isnt expected to be typical, however.

In June, Kennedy abruptly removed all 17 sitting ACIP members, saying the panel was plagued with persistent conflicts of interest, although a recent review found that conflicts of interest on ACIP had been at historic lows for years.

Kennedy rapidly replaced them with eight of his own candidates, although one withdrew during the vetting process because of financial conflicts of interest. This week, he added five more.

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The committees name remains the same, but members, processes and the data presented have all changed  and that shapes the decisions around vaccines people get.

I think every one of them could be a potential circus act, said Dr. Michael Osterholm, who directs the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said of the discussions on this meetings agenda. We just dont know yet for sure what theyre going to try to do.

Here are five things to watch over the next two days.

Former CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez said at a Senate hearing Wednesday that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wanted her to pledge to sign off on vaccine recommendations even before they were made. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Will recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines change?

Making recommendations around this seasons updated Covid-19 vaccines is ACIPs main order of business. Its already later than usual, since the committee decided not to weigh in on them at its meeting in June. The delay has created uncertainty around who can get vaccines and left some providers in limbo.

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First, ACIP could make recommendations that are in line with the US Food and Drug Administrations recent changes to the approval of the vaccines.

The FDA has limited its approval to people 65 and older and anyone older than 6 months who has at least one condition that puts them at higher risk of a severe Covid-19 infection. But people in some states that have laws connected to ACIP recommendations are having trouble getting the vaccine without a doctors prescription, even if theyre in one of these higher-risk groups.

Kennedy has already driven changes too, including for pregnant women and children, although pregnancy is a condition that puts a person at higher risk for a severe Covid-19 infection and children under 2 are hospitalized with Covid at the same rates as those over 65.

ACIP doesnt have to stick with the FDAs indications when recommending the Covid vaccine, however, and there are there are signs that the group could restrict access even further.

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Briefing documents posted Wednesday suggest that the committee could be planning to revisit the risk of stroke in people over the age of 65 who get the Covid-19 vaccine  a safety signal that was identified in 2023 and subsequently ruled out as being caused by the vaccine. Some experts worry that the committee will use this to justify pushing the recommendation for Covid-19 shots to age 75, instead of 65, which might limit some peoples ability to get the vaccine.

People familiar with the committees plans say that health officials have also been preparing presentations on the dangers of the vaccine to pregnant women and on deaths after vaccination in children.

These risks have been studied before. Drugmaker Pfizer publicly posted data about its Covid-19 vaccine in pregnant women this week, noting that in addition to other studies, it ran a placebo-controlled randomized trial of its immunization in healthy pregnant women. It found congenital anomalies in eight of 156 vaccinated participants and two of 159 unvaccinated participants, an incidence that was within the range observed in the general population, and events were not deemed to be vaccine related.

At the last ACIP meeting in June, CDC researchers presented an updated look at the safety signals related to mRNA vaccines. Of eight post-vaccination events that reached statistical significance  including heart attacks, strokes, seizures and blood clots  only one, myocarditis, remained after further investigation.

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Although myocarditis is a recognized complication of the Covid-19 vaccines, safety studies have shown that the incidence has dropped considerably since doctors began spacing out the doses of Covid-19 vaccines. Post-vaccination myocarditis in teens and younger adults is now being reported at rates that fall below those that would be expected in the general population.

Federal officials have said that despite these new restrictions, Covid-19 vaccines remain available to anyone who wants one.

You cant get it at every Starbucks, but there is no rule that somebody cannot get it, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary told CNNs Kate Bolduan.

If ACIP decides to further restrict the use of Covid-19 vaccines, it will be a disservice, Osterholm said.

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I think this should be permissive, and anyone and everyone should have access to it if they want it, he said. Remember, half the kids last year who died from Covid had no underlying risk factors. None.

Dr. Fiona Havers, a medical epidemiologist and infectious disease expert who recently left the CDC because of Kennedys changes to the way the agency sets vaccine policy, said she believes that the committee will downplay the impact of the infection.

I think there may be attempts to minimize Covid-19 as a public health problem, she said.

One former CDC official says she believes the advisers will try to downplay the impact of Covid-19 infection. - Al Bello/Getty Images

Will newborns still get hepatitis B vaccines?

One of the votes scheduled for Thursday concerns the hepatitis B vaccine, which is typically given to newborns because theyre at risk of infection from birth.

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Vaccine advocates are concerned that the committee could remove that recommendation or recommend that children receive their first dose at age 4, instead.

Im fairly certain theyre going to theyre planning just to move forward with that, regardless of what the evidence says, Havers said. And that is going to be a tragedy, honestly, that will lead to preventable deaths in the future for children.

Anti-vaccine activists have long questioned the need for the birth dose of the vaccine, since hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through dirty needles or sexual activity. In a June town hall hosted by NewsNation, Kennedy said its really a profit motive to give it to newborns.

But the campaign to vaccinate babies against hepatitis B has been wildly successful.

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Before 1991, the year ACIP first recommended that every child be vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth, an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 kids were diagnosed with the viral infection each year in the United States.

About half of these children were infected during delivery or shortly after birth by their mothers, who can carry the virus without any apparent symptoms.

Now, however, the number of reported babies who caught the virus around the time of birth has dropped into the double digits.

Somewhere on the order of 20 or 30 per year total in the whole of the United States, said Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the American Association of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases.

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The US has tried basing hepatitis B vaccination on risk, vaccinating only health-care providers likely to be exposed to blood or infected patients, men who have sex with men, users of injected drugs, and people who live in the same households as those with long-term infections. This strategy didnt move the needle on chronic infections, however. Only vaccinating children around the time of birth has brought chronic hepatitis B infections down.

The campaign has been so successful that in 2009, the World Health Organization recommended it for all countries. Its now used in 117 of WHOs member states.

The universal vaccination of babies, along with prenatal testing of mothers, has been a phenomenal success  and experts say that making a change now will have consequences.

Were on the cusp, really, of eliminating perennial hepatitis B from the United States if we continue with the program, Campbell said.

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He said its unclear why the shot would be questioned at all. Theres no new safety data that would make you think, oh, we should never have done this, and theres a safety problem,  Campbell said. Theres no new efficacy data to show that somehow the vaccine is no longer working, or theres a problem with it, or we should have a better vaccine.

Changes for the measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox vaccine?

Also on the agenda for Thursday are a pair of related votes on the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, or MMRV, vaccines.

At Junes ACIP meeting, Committee Chair Dr. Martin Kulldorff reviewed the history of seizures that can happen after high fevers with the combination shot.

That risk is the reason that in June 2009, ACIP recommended that doctors give the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine and the varicella vaccine separately for the first dose in kids ages 1 to 4.

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As far as we know, there are no new data to present, only to re-discuss the data that have been known for decades about differences in side effects on the first dose, Campbell said.

Even if the committee votes to offer only separate MMR and varicella vaccines to children, that would be less convenient, which will prevent some children from being protected. It also denies parents the chance to opt for a single shot instead of two.

Also on the agenda at this week's meeting are a pair of related votes on the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, or MMRV, vaccines. - Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

Whos weighing the evidence?

Historically, most of ACIPs work assessing the safety and effectiveness of vaccines has been done in 11 subcommittees, or work groups. These groups meet more frequently than the full committee to discuss evidence and frame recommendations for the full committee to vote on.

In the past, the work groups have been made up mostly of experts from ACIPs liaison members, alongside representatives from federal agencies such as the FDA and the CDC. Liaisons typically represented groups such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Pharmacists Association. Members also represent nurses and public health officials and other groups that play a significant role in delivering vaccinations.

In July, however, HHS said in a letter to liaisons that they were too conflicted to participate in the work groups.

This weeks discussions on the Covid-19 vaccines will be led by Dr. Retsef Levi, a professor at MIT who has previously said without evidence that the vaccines cause serious harm, including death, among young people.

At the same time as Levis appointment to lead the Covid-19 work group, HHS published an updated document for the group, giving him and the subcommittee broader powers to investigate vaccine injuries and study supposed side effects and precautions against vaccination.

The scope of the work groups responsibilities were so broad, they drew the attention of HHS lawyers who expressed legal concerns about the widened scope and Levis outsized role in the group, and proposed that government officials narrow its purview to topics that are within the scope of the CDC mission, according to an August 25 email to federal health officials that was read to Reuters.

The lawyers feared that Levis mandate would violate the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which governs how advisory committees function, Reuters reported. Under that law, the lawyers wrote, the CDC maintains responsibility to define agendas, scope of topics addressed and membership, not the work group chair  in this case, Levi.

In a recent interview with journalist Maryanne Demasi, Levi said he could not accept that.

As it turns out, they were wrong, because it is within our scope, and we now intend on examining these issues, he said.

Levi also said he had recruited several experts in treating vaccine injuries and long Covid to his work group and hoped to formulate recommendations for how to diagnose and treat vaccine-injured people.

Whos presenting the information?

Typically, when ACIP is considering a change, theres new or updated information, and a work group is convened to carefully evaluate the evidence within a systematic framework. A leader from the work group or a CDC scientist often presents the information in the ACIP meeting.

Its a very sort of formulaic, evidence-based process, but also very transparent, said Havers, the former CDC official.

For both the hepatitis B and MMRV votes this week, they have completely skipped the usual ACIP processes, she said.

CDC reviews posted ahead of this weeks ACIP meeting showed that the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccines in babies was very safe. It was not associated with an increased risk of allergies, deaths from any cause, seizures or sudden infant death syndrome.

The committee particularly asked CDC scientists to delve into one study from Guinea-Bissau, published in 2004, looking at differences in mortality rates in boys and girls who got three doses of a hepatitis B vaccine starting at 7.5 months of age.

The study would seem to be an odd choice to inform vaccine policy in the US. It involved a vaccine called Hepaccine, which is not licensed in the US. It was conducted in an impoverished country in Africa where the mortality rate for children under age 5 is about double the global average, according to data collected by UNICEF.

In that setting, it found, there was a higher rate of deaths in children vaccinated against hepatitis B compared with those who were not, and the effect was stronger in girls.

The study also has important limitations. It wasnt originally planned to look at death rates after hepatitis B vaccination, which could skew the results. The study wasnt randomized, so there could be other important differences between children who were and were not vaccinated that could account for the differences in death rates beyond the vaccines. And a higher death rate in girls could reflect reductions in death in boys, not greater harm to girls from the vaccine.

Dr. Debra Houry, the CDCs former chief medical officer, was asked at the Senate hearing Wednesday whether moving the hepatitis B birth dose to age 4, as Kennedy has said he wants to do, would be supported by science.

If the vote is to change it to age 4, then that would not be based on data, she said.

Houry also said that some of the scientists who used to work under her have stopped putting their names on papers and have refused to speak about vaccines because they feel they were personally targeted for misinformation.

Subject-matter experts wont be presenting to ACIP anymore, she said. Its taken up to a leadership level, she said. We did that protect our staff and scientists so they would be disconnected and their names not associated, so they wont be targeted.

CNNs Tami Luhby, Meg Tirrell, Adam Cancryn and Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report.

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PARIS, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A man attacked children outside a school in the southern French town of La Seyne-sur-Mer Thursday afternoon before being killed by police, French news channel BFMTV reported.

The man attacked children outside the Pierre Semard school and then confronted the police officers arriving to the scene, BFMTV reported, citing police sources, without giving further details on the condition of the children targeted by the attacker or his motives. 
For more than a decade, the sleepy Delaware River town of Milford has been jolted awake  literally  by the Milford Merchants Associations annual Milford Alive! festival.

Although the beloved celebration is on hiatus this year, a Milford business that celebrates international cultures all year long is packing one day with activities, food and drinks from around the world.

Descendents Brewing Company, which serves beer and food from the owners ancestral homes in Germany, Belgium, England and the United States, will host the Hunterdon County World Fair from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, rain date Sunday, Sept. 21. It will co-host the event alongside Love Blooms event planning and floral design service.

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The free-admission, family-friendly festival will take over Bridge Street with a dozen live cultural performances; international food, craft and beverage vendors representing 50 countries; and activities inspired by events around the world.

Parking and shuttle service will be from Grace Fellowship Church at 401 Milford Mt. Pleasant Road. Another lot (without shuttle service) will be at Milford Water Department at 119 York Road.

A few of the standout activities include a kids running of the bulls inspired by the Spanish tradition; a cultural pet parade where pet owners are encouraged to dress their pets in cultural outfits; a rubber duck race; a kids scavenger hunt; and a beer stein holding contest. Festivalgoers are encouraged to wear traditional cultural outfits.

Things to do: Comedian and TV host Zane Lamprey performing at Somerset County brewery this week

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Food will include German, Swedish and Puerto Rican fare from Descendents Brewing Company; roast pig and baked clams from the Milford Fire Department; waffles from Fuel Waffle Co.; mocktails from the Riegelsville Inn's mobile bar; hot dogs from Katz Dawgs and vendors offering Argentinian empanadas and Lithuanian desserts.

Music and dance performances will include St. Ann's of Hampton Pipes and Drums; Eletfa Hungarian Folk Band; Mongolian throat singing with Robert McLaughlin and the Burnt Mills Highballers; Tibetan Gorshey dance by NYNJ Drora Tramo; Hungarian folk band Szilvafa; Dzirkstele folk dance group; Kalmyk Dance NJ folk dance group; Dancing Crane Georgian traditional dance group; Kitarina Scandi belly dance group and Grupo Folclorico Portuguese folk dance group.

"We are hopeful to attract the same volume that Milford Alive! has had in the past," stated Descendents Brewing Company owner Joseph David and Love Blooms owner Jayne Yovanvich. "We feel like the community will look towards Milford around this time of year and will find this event instead. We are also broadening our reach with all of the cultural vendors and organizations along with their followers, who up until now had no idea about Milford."

Go: noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20; Bridge Street, Milford; free; hunterdoncountyworldfair.org.

Jenna Intersimone.

Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com

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Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Hunterdon World Fair Sept. 20 features food, drinks from 50 countries
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Union members gathered on Southern Connecticut State Universitys campus on Wednesday to demand a fair contract for workers employed with Sodexo at Connecticut State University campuses, according to the union.

Food service workers with the UNITE HERE Local 217 union across SCSU, Central Connecticut State University and Western Connecticut State University have been negotiating a new contract with Sodexo since March. According to the unions statement, the company will not meet the demands for a living wage, and negotiations have stalled.

BACKGROUND: Connecticuts state university food service workers picket for livable wages

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Hundreds of food service workers picketed Sodexo in August to demand a fair contract. Nearly 1,700 letters have been sent to university leadership requesting support for the workers demands, according to the union.

The union claims that university leadership publicly endorsed the companys contingency plans if the company forces the workers out on strike. According to UNITE HERE, this includes tactics such as replacing workers and providing meal tickets for outside venues and food trucks.

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities issued the following statement:

Our dining services teams at Central, Southern, and Western Connecticut State Universities provide a vital service to students, faculty, and staff. While CSCU and its universities are not at the bargaining table as we are not parties to the collective bargaining process between Sodexo and Unite Here Local 217, we urge the parties to reach a fair and timely agreement.

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Workers from the union have expressed the need for a better contract.

Ive been talking to my coworkers were all talking about how times are hard and we need a fair contract, Nick McDonald, a food service worker at SCSU, said. Were in this fight and were not going to back down, because this is about survival.

Other leaders within the union are urging Sodexo to consider the quality of workers lives in this time of need.

There is a struggle in this country about economic inequality  and it is food service workers like those at CCSU and SCSU who are saying enough is enough, we need a fair contract now, Local 217 Secretary Treasurer Joshua Stanley said.

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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 WTNH.com.
After a three day-long trial before Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas Judge Charles Jones Jr., former Lebanon doctor Samuel Rashid was found guilty of sexual assault of pediatric patients between 1999 and 2001.

The jury took almost eight hours on Sept. 17 to find Rashid guilty of one count of unlawful contact of minor - indecent assault, two counts of endangering the welfare of children, one county of indecent assault of persons less than 13 years old and one count of corruption of minors. The jury also found Rashid not guilty of a second count of unlawful contact of a minor, two counts of aggravated indecent assault, a second count of indecent assault of persons less than 13 years old and a second count of corruption of minors.

After the verdict was read, Rashid was taken to the Lebanon County Correctional Facility after Jones set his bail to $100,000 Wednesday, Sept. 17. Samuel Stretton, Rashid's attorney, said that his client plans to post bail as early as Thursday, Sept. 18.

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As he was escorted by the Lebanon County Sheriff's Officers from the courtroom, Rashid could be seen shouting "God is good" several times to those present at Wednesday's verdict. More than 20 family members and supporters watched as the former physician at Lebanon Valley Family Medicine was taken away, telling him that he was "getting out tomorrow" and shouting "there's no justice."

Senior Deputy District Attorney Amy Muller told Jones that Rashid could be sentenced 12 to 24 months in prison for the unlawful contact of minor - indecent assault verdict alone.

In March 2016, Rashid was sentenced by President Judge John C. Tylwalk to serve six months to two years on four misdemeanor counts of indecent assault followed by five years county probation for one count of corruption of a minor. The charges were filed in 2013 and 2014.

Rashid pleaded no contest Oct. 30, 2015, as jury selection was about to begin for his first trial. He surrendered his medical license in 2013.

The trial

A woman reported to North Londonderry Township Police on June 10, 2024 that Rashid's alleged abuse took place when she was between the ages of 4 and 8 years old at the Lebanon Valley Family Medicine offices. According to court records, Rashid was her primary care physician until she was in the third grade.

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The victim testified before the jury Sept. 16 that Rashid would carry her "like a monkey" to his personal office, and give her candy after the alleged incident. The victim could be seen almost in tears as she recounted the details of the assault for the courtroom, adding that it happened more than one time.

"I know afterwards he said I was a pretty little girl," she testified, adding she did not tell anyone about the abuse until 2021.

Police were able to obtain a search warrant for Lebanon Valley Family Medicine, which showed the victim visited Rashid's office 11 times between January 1999 and May 2001.

Stretton asked several times for the victim to give times and details about the office. The victim repeatedly said that she did not know about details of exact dates or most of the placement of the office when the alleged abuse occurred.

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"So it's fair to say you don't remember really anything except you believed he touched you inappropriately as you described to the jury?" Stretton asked the witness.

"I know he touched me," she responded.

On June 27, Police interviewed another victim who said Rashid allegedly abused her between 2000 and 2002. Police were able to obtain medical records showing she was evaluated by Rashid on June 2001. That victim testified before the jury on Monday, Sept. 15.

According to court documents, police said the woman reported similar instances of abuse at the same medical facility.

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Rashid testified multiple times on Sept. 17 that he "never touched" the two victims, and did not even remember them visiting his office. Rashid said on an average day he would see 35 to 40 patients a day when he worked at Lebanon Valley Family Medicine, and would usually not have time to spend in his office.

"I don't have time, usually, to go to the bathroom, sir," he said when questioned by his attorney.

Rashid added that the parents of either victim did not make a complaint against him during the time of the incidents, and that he was not aware of their complaints until he was contacted by North Londonderry Township Police Department.

North Londonderry Township Police Detective Eric Cassel said Tuesday that he contacted Rashid for an interview in 2024 for an interview about the allegations.

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"He thought the statute of limitations was over," Cassel testified Sept. 16. about Rashid's response.

On Sept. 17, Muller asked Rashid about medical records not indicating if a parent was in the room when he was examining the victims. Rashid responded by saying "it was obvious" a parent or guardian was in the room because prescriptions and shots were given to the patients.

"My position is if a shot's given, medicine given, (or) instruction given, a normal person will understand, very simple, that the parent was there," he said.

Rashid's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19, though court officials said that hearing would likely be continued to another date.

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The Department of Human Services operates a 24/7 hotline to report suspected child abuse or concerns about the welfare of a child. ChildLine can be reached at 800-932-0313.

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Ex-Lebanon doctor found guilty of sexually abusing pediatric patients
The family and friends of a 46-year-old Holly Hill woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 95 in Viera have set up a fundraiser to help with making her final arrangements in Jamaica.

The woman  identified in the GoFundMe post as Annmarie Heaven  was killed alongside her husband after a 34-year-old Cocoa woman traveling the wrong way on the interstate crashed head-on into their vehicle on Sept. 14.

The Cocoa driver, who Florida Highway Patrol troopers said made a U-turn on the interstate and was headed southbound in the northbound lane around 3:50 a.m., was also killed in the accident. Six other vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction series of crashes behind the initial accident, with six people treated for injuries.

Annmarie Heaven

My heart is broken as I share that Annmarie Heaven, a mother sister, aunt, wife and wonderful friend to many has tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident, said fundraiser organizer Alicia Henry of Daytona Beach.

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Henry described Heaven as a humble soul, with a son attending college in Jamaica and a young daughter.

Henry added that funds would go to helping bring Heaven back to Jamaica for her final arrangements. Her husband was not identified.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers continue to investigate the crash, including why the Cocoa woman  whose identity was not released by troopers  made a U-turn on the highway.

So far, $2,345 of the $14,000 goal has been raised.

J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Or X, formerly known as Twitter: @JDGallop

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Funds raised for woman killed in wrong-way crash on I-95 in Viera
In the past few days, armed gunmen in Haiti have killed dozens of farmers in a rural fishing village north of Port-au-Prince, attacked an armored police vehicle, killing the driver and injuring two cops in the hills above the capital, and set fire to a police station in the countrys breadbasket to consolidate their hold on the Lower Artibonite region.

The escalating violence come as efforts by the United States to get a more aggressive and lethal force capable of suppressing gangs remain uncertain at the United Nations Security Council, and as Kenyan President William Ruto suggests that his police forces leading the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti could be exiting within the next two weeks when the U.N.-authorized mandate expires on Oct. 2.

The future is very bleak, Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, said this week during a panel discussion on the crisis sponsored by the Inter-American Dialogue and Florida International Universitys Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy.

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Felbab-Brown said she doesnt know if Rutos statements are a way to get an extension on the one-year mandate the Security Council authorized for Kenya to lead the mission in Haiti or to get more money. The East African nation has been frustrated about the poor equipment, lack of manpower and money to help dismantled Haitis gangs. But any premature departure of the mission before a new force arrives, she said, would be disastrous.

Its very easy for Kenya to wash its hands of it at this point, and there is no incentive to stay, because there is no big prize to be gained, she told the Miami Herald. But I think that will be an absolute disaster if that happens. Who knows when this mythical Gang Suppression Force will show up, and who will staff it?

If Ruto pulls the mission out, she said, then no one will stay without the Kenyans.

Gang attacks outside capital

While one of the countrys best known gang leaders, Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, has called for some of the more than 1.3 million people who have been displaced to return home to central Port-au-Prince, members of his powerful Viv Ansanm coalition and their allies have been sowing havoc outside the capital in once peaceful communities.

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At around 1 a.m. Monday, armed gunmen with the Gran Grif gang stormed the rural town of Liancourt and set fire to the local police station after an hours-long firefight with police, Bertide Horace, a community activist in the area, said.

The situation is very complicated, she told Port-au-Princes Magik 9 radio station the day after the attack. At this moment, the bandits have encircled the Lower Artibonite region.

Gran Grif, Kokorat San Ras, Viv Ansanm and the 5-Star gangs are all currently in cities connecting the Lower Artibonite to parts of the Central Plateau, which is east of the capital and abuts the Artibonite, she said. As a result, the commune of Dessalines, named after the countrys founding father, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and the city of St. Marc, are now sandwiched between gang strongholds.

The gangs are advancing, while the authorities seem to be retreating, Horace said.

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The assault on the Liancourt police station came after two other high-profile attacks. On Wednesday and Thursday, gunmen with Viv Ansanm, who have been in control of the city Cabaret since March 2024, stormed the small, neighboring fishing village of Labodrie, 20 miles north of Haitis capital. Despite attempts by police and a local citizens group to push them back, at least 40 people, including children and elderly, were killed by gang members who also set homes ablaze.

The reasons for the massacre, according to information gathered by the local National Human Rights Defense Network: the Sept. 7 killing of a local gang leader known as Vlad and accusations that residents of Labodrie were acting as informants for police officers in the adjacent town of Arcahaie.

One of many buildings and private homes that have been destroyed in the center of Port-au-Prince by members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier announced in a video posted on social media that displaced residents of Delmas 30, Solino, Christ Roi and Nazon can return home.

Then, sometime between Saturday and Sunday, gunmen threw a Molotov cocktail into an armored vehicle in Kenscoff in the mountains above Port-au-Prince. Two policemen were injured and the driver was killed, police confirmed, after the vehicle landed in a ditch.

Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimes office, citing the Labodrie massacre, said in a statement that the government had called an urgent meeting of the high command of the Haiti National Police in response to the attacks and ordered the deployment of specialized units to secure the area. The government said it also ordered police to increase security in Cabaret, Arcahaie and surrounding areas, and to provide assistance to victims.

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The Labodrie massacre, which has been strongly condemned by the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, forced the displacement of more than 2,900 people, the International Organization for Migration said.

United Nations week

Next week world leaders will meet in New York for the United Nations General Assembly with a number of possible side events on the deepening crisis in Haiti hosted by the Caribbean Community, as well as groups like Clinton Global Initiative and Chatham House.

Ahead of the gathering, Washington has been circulating another version of its resolution to create a new Gang Suppression Force among members of the Security Council. Sources say while negotiations are ongoing, discussions have been heated as China and Russia remain unengaged. Two of the councils five permanent members, the two nations have the power to veto the resolution.

READ MORE: U.S. Haiti moves spark confusion. Backing for anti-gang force but big cuts to UN aid

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Among the questions yet to be answered is where the 5,500 personnel for the new force will come from, and who is going to pay. While countries in the region like Panama, El Salvador and Colombia have expressed an interest in fielding the new force, they also want someone else to pay for it, which Washington so far has balked at, after publicly saying it cant continue shouldering the financial burden of Haitis crisis.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand also recently told the Globe and Mail that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asked Canada to play a role in stabilizing Haiti during their one-on-one meeting in August. The country, approached by the Biden administration, turned down deploying troops.

If we had a hard time staffing 2,500 Im not entirely sure where theyre going to come from, Keith Mines, who most recently served as vice president for Latin America at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said, referring to the Kenyan missions force numbers that were never achieved. I dont see anyone in the hemisphere thats ready to step up.

READ MORE: Im furious, and Im ashamed: UN humanitarian chief on crisis in Haiti

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On Tuesday, Mines joined Velbab-Brown and Wolf Pamphile, the founder of Haiti Policy House, a Washington-based think tank focused on policy solutions, for the panel discussion.

Pamphile, pointing out gangs command of social media to push their message, said he believes that Haitis internal forces are sufficient to fight the gangs and blamed the problem on a lack of political will.

A roofless church in the Lower Delmas neighborhood of Haitis capital is among several buildings that were pillaged and destroyed in gang attacks. The neighborhood had been emptied out by gangs who invited residents on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 to return to the neighborhood.

Political consensus is fundamental, Velbab-Brown said. By any measure, she said, the Kenya-led mission has failed to improve the situation, but without it we would see far more intense deterioration.

Mines did not disagree. Given gangs expansion beyond the capital, he warned that, in a country like Haiti, the further things descend, the harder its going to be to get back.

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But if the next force is to succeed, Mines said there needs to a number of critical elements, starting with visible U.S. leadership.

Its always been behind the scenes. It has been kind of pushing somebody else to do it, but I think U.S. leaders, visible and clear, really need to be present, he said. When theres U.S. personnel on the ground, it is kind of a game changer. I think, for the bad guys, they see the presence of Americans, and they feel differently, less empowered, than they do when its somebody else.

Gangs need to face an existential threat, Mines said, where you either go to jail or get killed, or you can join this program as part of a demobilization effort.

They could go after the bad guys all they want. If theres no prison that can hold them, if theres no judiciary that can at least go through a marginal process of convicting, then we have just kind of lost the threat on that, he said.

Rutos dilemma

For now, Ruto has called for a seamless transition from the U.N. But with his troops in Haiti less visible and a scheduled rotation of the two first contingents yet to take place, some observers fear the Kenyans may already be ready to leave.

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Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, who has accused the international community of abandoning Haiti, has acknowledged as much. During one of his recent weekly Monday press conferences, Abinader, citing Ruto as the source, said the mission will end by the end of the year. The United States, he said, has stated it is backing a different policy and strategy to reestablish security and order in Haiti.

So far, Ruto has not confirmed if or when his troops are leaving. But privately, his officials have been expressing frustrations over the lack of uncertainty and clarity from Washington over the missions role in Haiti after Oct. 2.

Children account for nearly 40% of the 5,000 internally displaced people inside the grounds of the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication in Port-au-Princes Delmas 33.

With the gangs growing stronger and Haiti headed into another political transition, Felbab-Brown warned, the country could find itself in a terrifying situation worse than February 2024, when gangs consolidated their power and united.

The gangs over the past year have spread into the Artibonite and into the central part of the country and the border with the Dominican Republic, she said. The situation is potentially dramatically worsening.
A Republican lawmaker revealed for the first time Wednesday that there is a quasi-list of suspected clients of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein that can be compiled from a series of witness statements and other evidence gathered by the FBI.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) told the House Judiciary Committee that he thinks the FBI has the names of at least 20 people tied to Epstein, including prominent figures in the music industry, finance, politics and banking.

Massies statement comes as FBI Director Kash Patel testified under oath before Congress over two days of contentious hearings, during which he continued to insist that there is no client list and no credible evidence that Epstein trafficked underage girls to anyone other than himself.

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But Massie cited files used by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York which summarize interviews with witnesses and suspects.

The lawmaker claimed those files include one Hollywood producer worth a few 100 million dollars, one royal prince, one high-profile individual in the music industry, one very prominent banker, one high profile government official, one high profile former politician, one owner of a car company in Italy, one rock star, one magician, at least six billionaires, including a billionaire from Canada. We know these people exist in the FBI files, the files that you control.

Patel said he asked FBI agents to review the existing files and added any investigations that arise from any credible investigation will be brought. There have been no new materials brought to me.

On Tuesday, Patel blamed former Miami federal prosecutor Alexander Acosta for what he called the Original Sin  explaining that the decision to give federal immunity to Epstein in 2008 has hampered almost every effort by the FBI and Justice Department to hold those involved in Epsteins criminal operation accountable.

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Patel, a podcaster who once called for the release of the files and helped propagate conspiracy theories about why they werent being made public, testified just days before Acosta is set to finally tell his side of the story before a congressional committee. On Friday, Acosta will be grilled by the House Oversight Committee in closed-door testimony for the first time since he resigned as U.S. labor secretary amid renewed scrutiny of the case.

Acosta was just 37 and a rising star in the Republican Party who had noble ambitions of becoming a U.S. Supreme Court justice when he was named U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida in 2005. By the time he was sworn in, the FBI was already investigating Epstein, and evidence suggested that the crimes against children and young women he committed in Palm Beach went well beyond Florida.

Alex Acosta, former secretary of labor, speaks at the White House on Sept. 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Oliver Contreras/SIPA USA)

Now 56, Acosta has almost vanished from public life, other than appearing from time to time to discuss economic issues on the conservative TV network Newsmax, where he is also on the networks board of directors and chair of its audit committee. The Miami Herald was unsuccessful in obtaining a comment from Newsmax, which in recent months has portrayed Acosta as a victim of the deep state, suggesting that Epstein and Maxwell were unfairly targeted.

Acosta still owns a $2.6 million mansion in McLean, Virginia, which he and his wife bought after being named labor secretary by President Donald Trump in 2017. Nowadays, he advises private market ventures and serves as a public speaker, according to his Newsmax bio.

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A first-generation Cuban American, Acosta skipped his senior year of high school to enter Harvard a year early. Upon graduation in 1994, he worked as a law clerk for future Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito, who was then a federal appeals court judge. Acosta then took a job with the prestigious law firm Kirkland and Ellis in Washington and became a member of the Federalist Society, a conservative organization that has influenced the appointment of judges, including members of the Supreme Court.

Acosta was appointed in 2001 under the George W. Bush administration as a deputy assistant attorney general in the Justice Departments civil rights division, and also served on the National Labor Relations Board before being appointed U.S. Attorney in Miami.

Jeffrey Epstein in court in West Palm Beach on Jul. 30, 2008. (Uma Sanghvi-USA TODAY NETWORK)

Acosta has rarely spoken about the Epstein case. To this day, he has stood firm on his decision to give Epstein a plea deal, arguing in the past that the evidence wasnt strong enough to prosecute him on serious sex trafficking charges.

But an investigation, completed in 2020 by the Justice Department, concluded that Acosta had used poor judgement in resolving the case with such a lenient plea deal  one that not only gave Epstein immunity from federal charges, but also gave immunity to four co-conspirators and an unidentified number of others who were involved. Under the deal, Epstein pleaded guilty in state court to solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of a minor under 18. He was sentenced to 18 months in the county jail, but served 13  most of it under a work release program which enabled him to leave prison during the day. (It was later revealed that he continued to sexually abused young women in his Palm Beach office while he was an inmate).

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Acosta has also blamed the Palm Beach state attorney, Barry Krischer  specifically his decision early on to pursue only a misdemeanor charge and a fine against Epstein, which complicated any future federal prosecution.

Krischer called Acostas reasoning an attempt to rewrite history.

No matter how my office resolved the state charges, the U.S. Attorney always had the ability to file his own criminal charges, Krischer said in a statement at the time of Acostas resignation.

The lead line prosecutor who handled the case in Florida, Marie Villafana, told federal investigators in 2019 that she had drawn up a 53-page draft indictment in 2007 against Epstein accusing him of sex trafficking minors while running a systemic operation using others to recruit girls. If convicted, Epstein may have served life in prison. Villafana, who has never spoken publicly and has since resigned, told investigators she pleaded with her bosses to prosecute him  to no avail.

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The DOJs investigation into Epsteins plea deal also hit several roadblocks, among them: the discovery that 11 months worth of Acostas emails during the negotiations had vanished. Federal investigators blamed the gap  from May 2007 to April 2008  on a technical glitch that they said wasnt isolated to Acosta and had affected other federal email accounts.

The missing emails included the months and days leading up to and following October 12, 2007, when Acosta had a private breakfast meeting in Palm Beach with Epsteins lawyer, Jay Lefkowitz, a former Kirkland and Ellis law colleague.

The Miami Herald, in its 2018 investigation of the case, uncovered evidence suggesting that Epstein and his battery of high-priced attorneys exerted undue influence over both state and federal prosecutors. Among other lawyers hired by Epstein: former Clinton special prosecutor and Kirkland and Ellis lawyer Kenneth Starr; lawyer and friend Alan Dershowitz (who was later accused by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre of sexual abuse, though she later recanted); and Miami lawyer Lilly Anne Sanchez, who, according to the DOJ probe, had dated one of the federal prosecutors on the Epstein case, Matthew Menchel.

Emails between Epsteins lawyers and federal prosecutors obtained by the Herald showed that Epsteins lawyers repeatedly made demands and that federal prosecutors acquiesced each step of the way.

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Thank you for the commitment you made to me during our Oct. 12 meeting, Lefkowitz wrote in a letter to Acosta after their breakfast meeting in Palm Beach. He added that he was hopeful that Acosta would abide by a promise to keep the deal confidential. By law, prosecutors were required to notify Epsteins victims in advance of any plea agreement.

The original sin in the Epstein case was the way it was initially brought by Mr. Acosta, Patel told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Acosta allowed Epstein to enter  in 2008  to plea to a non-prosecution agreement which then the courts issued mandates and protective orders legally prohibiting anyone from ever seeing that material ever again without the permission of the court. The non-prosecution also barred future prosecutions of those involved at that time.

A judge later ruled that the Epstein deal was illegal, but the courts ultimately ruled that it was too late to undo it.

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Still, the deals provisions did not stop the then-U.S. attorney in New York, Geoffrey Berman, from bringing new charges against Epstein in 2019 in the wake of the Heralds series. Epstein, 66, was arrested on July 6, 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. A month later, Epstein was found hanging in his cell. The medical examiner in New York ruled his death a suicide, although Epsteins brother, a private forensic pathologist he hired and Epsteins lawyers have said they dont believe Epstein killed himself.

Prosecutors did arrest Epsteins former girlfriend, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted on sex trafficking charges in 2021 and is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence. She is appealing her conviction to the Supreme Court, and part of her argument is that she is covered by the immunity clause in the 2008 agreement, even though she was not named.

Former attorney general William Barr testified for the Oversight Committee under a subpoena last month that he was confident Epsteins death was a suicide. He also disputed rumors that Epstein had any ties to intelligence agencies.

Barr, who worked for the CIA while in law school in the 1970s, said the notion that Epstein was working for intelligence was dubious.

Many American businessmen who have foreign contacts sometimes will talk to intelligence agencies and provide information to them, Barr said. And the CIA has a unit that goes around and talks to people who are well-connected and asks them questions.
Gov. Josh Stein visited Capitol Hill Wednesday, meeting with federal officials to ask for additional funding for Helene relief.

Everybody cares desperately about what happened in Western North Carolina, Stein said in an exclusive interview with McClatchy at the Capitol. I want to make sure I do everything we can to help folks get back on their feet. The fact is we need a lot more federal support for that to be successful.

On Monday, the Democratic governor publicly announced his request for an additional $13.5 billion. He released a 52-page report he sent to President Donald Trump and North Carolinas congressional delegation breaking down the states specific needs.

Gov. Josh Stein meets with most of North Carolinas congressional delegation on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

His request also includes a release by the federal government of $10 billion in funding already allocated, last December by Congress.

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Now, on Wednesday, he was urging federal officials for help.

His meetings Wednesday included Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, both Republicans, and most of the congressional delegation, made up of 10 Republicans and four Democrats. He also met with Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought and Deputy Director Dan Bishop, who represented an area around Charlotte in Congress for two and a half terms.

His trip to Washington comes just 10 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the remnants of Hurricane Helene tearing through Western North Carolina, bringing widespread flooding and destruction, causing at least 108 deaths and $60 billion in damages.

It also follows his weekend trip to Western North Carolina where he surveyed the damage and the rebuilding process  something hes done repeatedly as governor.

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Stein said in Ashevilles Biltmore Village, There are a handful of businesses that are open, a handful more that are in repair and close to open, but there are a number which are just totally destroyed, Stein said. The River Arts District in Asheville, kind of a similar dynamic.

Stein said in other communities like the Haywood County town of Clyde, its amazing what people have been able to achieve.

I walked the whole downtown in Clyde, Stein said, walked in half a dozen businesses. You would not have known that the entire downtown was under 8 feet of water, except for the fact the floors were all new, the air conditioning was all new, the electricity was new, everything was freshly painted in that town. They worked so hard to come back.

He said its the job of North Carolinians and their fellow Americans to go have a blast, and spend a lot of money in Western North Carolina, to help small businesses recover.

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In the meantime, Stein is leveraging the resources he has available to him, and on Wednesday that meant Congress.

We want to make sure North Carolina gets its fair share, Stein said.

Stein said between what he is asking for now and what he requested before, the federal money he wants would cover 47% of the overall damages, and 40-50% is typical. He said that share reached 70% for a number of storms, like Sandy, Katrina and Maria.

I recognize that we are in a different fiscal environment than we used to be, and so Im asking for what I think is fair and what is necessary to help make sure that towns can meet their payroll, that we can fix the infrastructure, the water and sewer systems, that our roads get repaired, that small businesses get a hand up through a very tough time, where revenues have declined, so that they dont lose everything, Stein said. They poured their hearts into building their small business, but also all the jobs that come with those small businesses.

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Stein added that 74,000 homeowners had their properties damaged or destroyed.

They need help getting those homes rebuilt, because only 3.9% had flood insurance, Stein said. Who imagined that flood insurance would even be necessary? If we want to put people in their homes; we want our small businesses to succeed; if we want our towns to continue to serve their people in critical fashion, we need the federal governments help.

Steins request includes:

$8 billion in Community Development Block Grant money from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to use for rebuilding homes and small businesses.

Around $2 billion in Special Community Disaster Loans from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help local governments finance police and fire protection, revenue collection, hazard insurance, trash collection and public facilities maintenance.

$2 billion from the U.S. Department of Transportation for roads and critical infrastructure needs, including for I-40 where temporary repairs have been done.

Gov. Josh Stein meets with Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

Stein had yet to meet with Budd and Tillis when he spoke to McClatchy Wednesday afternoon. They were next on his agenda for the afternoon. Both have been supportive of getting Helene relief.

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They were among senators who urged leadership to bring Congress back into session last fall to pass disaster relief after lawmakers went home early ahead of the storm so their travel plans wouldnt be interrupted ahead of the 2024 election.

Last week, Budd blocked the nominations of Department of Homeland Security officials from a Senate confirmation vote until Secretary Kristi Noem agreed to release earmarked funding to North Carolina for relief.

Stein said he believed the conversations he was having Wednesday were going well.

I believe they understand that without their help, the recovery will be much slower, and I think theyre gonna stand up and meet the moment, Stein said.
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, center, talks Sept. 17, 2025, during the North Dakota Petroleum Council annual meeting in Watford City. At left is Petroleum Council President Ron Ness and at right is Clay Gaspar of Devon Energy. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

WATFORD CITY, N.D.  North Dakota oil and gas companies have new economic allies in the form of a tech industry desperate to find energy sources to fuel the growth of artificial intelligence, Gov. Kelly Armstrong said Wednesday.

The governor, asked during the North Dakota Petroleum Councils annual meeting about the value of artificial intelligence to the state, said it is changing the dynamic in a way that isnt often discussed.

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The demand for artificial intelligence, generated in energy-intensive data centers, is surging from technology giants and countries around the globe. That is turning employees of tech companies, whom Armstrong called the traditional adversaries of places like North Dakota, into customers for natural gas.



People who hated natural gas not that long ago, like 36 months ago, have all of a sudden recognized that natural gas is the key to the survival of their company, Armstrong said.

That demand for power generation aligns with North Dakotas need to find markets for its natural gas, a byproduct of crude oil production.

Were going to see new synergies, Armstrong said, between Silicon Valley tech companies and western North Dakota oil companies.

Artificial intelligence companies may be the exact consumers North Dakota has been looking for to take care of the states excess supply of natural gas. WBI Energy is developing a natural gas pipeline from northwest North Dakota to the eastern part of the state with the help of an up to $500 million financial backstop awarded by the state. WBI said in application materials for the funding that some potential customers for the natural gas are developing power generation to support data centers.

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North Dakota is an attractive place for data centers because the climate allows companies to lower their cooling costs.

Being cold and windy is not usually a selling point, Armstrong said.

Enhanced oil recovery

North Dakotas oil production, meanwhile, is expected to decline in the upcoming decades. But thats not because the oil is running out. Oil companies can only extract a fraction of the crude oil underground before the reservoir, the pool of oil, loses pressure and wells become unproductive.

The industry has been testing enhanced oil recovery methods to repressurize the underground reservoirs and continue pumping oil. The next few years will be crucial to advancing the technology, said John Harju of the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota.

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One enhanced oil recovery method involves injecting carbon dioxide underground. But North Dakota doesnt produce enough carbon dioxide to fill the needs of the oil field. The proposed Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline to bring CO2 from surrounding states has met significant opposition, raising concerns about the industrys ability to obtain and transport enough CO2 for the Bakken.

Natural gas could serve as a replacement, Harju said.

We feel very confident that performance with rich gas is going to be an outstanding proxy for CO2, he said.

Rep. Craig Headland, from left, Sen. Mark Enget and Sen. Brad Bekkedahl participate in a lawmaker panel Sept. 17, 2025, during the North Dakota Petroleum Council annual meeting in Watford City. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

North Dakota has seen some opposition to energy-related projects in recent years. Rep. Craig Headland, R-Montpelier, said it is increasingly difficult to obtain easements for pipelines and other infrastructure necessary to continue energy development.

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The public good doesnt seem to matter like it used to, Headland said during a lawmaker panel.

Sen. Mark Enget, R-Powers Lake, said hes had many discussions with North Dakotans concerned about their property rights. Some of the problem, he said, is how companies approach landowners during a projects development.

The people Ive talked to all understand that progress is necessary. Theyre not against it, Enget said. North Dakota people are very reasonable. If you talk to them respectfully and you work towards a solution and discuss it in a way that resonates and makes sense to them, theres a way through it.

Burke County, where Enget is from, has welcomed a recent growth in oil and gas activity, but it has come with challenges, he said. School overcrowding is an issue. Roads and other infrastructure are experiencing wear and tear. And, more recently, hes grown concerned about the use of water resources for hydraulic fracturing.

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It creates a problem where many of our water resources in the county are really being drawn down, Enget said. So I worry about the longer term and if we see more and more activity, where all of that water is going to come from.

Infrastructure projects, property rights and a way to reconcile the conflicts between them will continue to be an issue in the state, said Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston.

I think its going to loom large in the next session, Bekkedahl said.

North Dakota Monitor reporter Jacob Orledge can be reached at jorledge@northdakotamonitor.com.

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Hamas ramps up operations in the West Bank, expanding terror infrastructure and planning attacks against Israelis, while IDF operations intensify.

Security sources claimed that Hamas has been deploying terror forces and resources to carry out attacks across the West Bank, Walla learned on Wednesday. According to estimates from the IDF's Central Command, several incidents involving terror infrastructure, which Hamas has been trying to expand in recent months, are expected to be uncovered and announced soon.

In addition, Central Command estimates indicate that IDF operations within refugee camps in the northern West Bank, along with their territorial presence, has caused Hamas's terror infrastructure in the region to either move, or re-establish itself elsewhere in other areas of the West Bank.

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In light of the high-alert warnings of impending terror attacks, Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, the incoming commander of the IDF's Judea and Samaria Division, increased the scale of arrest operations against those suspected of terror activities, including overnight operations.

In addition, Hamas representatives in Gaza, the West Bank, and abroad, are channeling funds through various methods to recruit operatives, smuggle weapons and ammunition, and organize terror cells to plan and carry out a variety of attacks against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians, according to military sources.

Hamas is now looking at three tactical arenas before carrying out these attacks. First, exacting a price from Israel for its decision to capture Gaza City, second, preparing for the UN General Assembly where the Palestinian Authority hopes to gain recognition as a state, and third, their ongoing goal to harm Israelis.

Palestinian security personnel seen in the West Bank city of Nablus, December 27, 2024 (credit: Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash90)

Warnings of attacks are coming at a time when security apparatuses are deteriorating, due to the difficulty of paying full salaries to police officers, security officials have warned. These officers, who wear the PA's uniforms, are exposed to temptations from terrorist organizations and rampant incitement on social media.

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The current situation is that tens of thousands of civil servants are not receiving their salaries, Israel is preventing Palestinian workers from entering the country, and additionally, it is not advancing the establishment of factories in West Bank industrial zones.

PIJ claims last week's Tulkarm attack on IDF vehicle

An Israeli armored personnel carrier ran over a bomb in the area of Tulkarm near the Nitzani Oz crossing on last week.

Two soldiers were reportedly lightly wounded, and the vehicle was damaged. Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack.

IDF troops have imposed a lockdown on the city and are carrying out roadblocks and inspections in the area, the military said.

TPS and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
"Once more than half a million Palestinians [have evacuated], criticism of the Hamas leadership will intensify to the point where signs of its collapse may begin to appear."

Civilians evacuating from their homes, rather than being killed in war, is what actually puts pressure on Hamas, an Israeli security source told Walla, adding that once more than half a million northern Gaza and Gaza City residents move to the south, the pressure put on Hamas will have created a breaking point.

During situational assessments held Thursday morning at the IDF Southern Command, it was noted that the extensive overnight strikes and the sound of explosions in northern Gaza and Gaza City accelerated another stage in the movement of the Palestinian population southward to the designated humanitarian zone.

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According to IDF data, about 400,000 Palestinians have moved south so far.

The movement of the population in general, and from Gaza City in particular, is what most frightens the Hamas leadership. Why? Because in their minds the word Nakba, the disaster, the catastrophe describing the 1948 War of Independence and the refugee phenomenon, is burned in, a security source said.

Hamas coming under increasing pressure

Every time the Palestinian public comes down from buildings, leaves their homes, and moves south, Hamas comes under pressure. Why? Because they need money to move south, they need vehicles, and even when they have them, the roads are sometimes gone because theyve been destroyed. There is no money for tents, and then there is resentment and anger that is directed toward Hamas.

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 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa)

According to the security source, Hamas constantly examines not only its military strength but also the extent of its governance throughout the Gaza Strip.

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The more people move south, the more power Hamas loses. As the IDFs military pressure in Gaza City increases, the pressure on the population will make them move, and Hamas will be backed into a corner. Then the chances of a deal grow.

Hamas more concerned by evacuations than killed terrorists

The source added that Hamas is not alarmed by the number of its operatives killed by IDF fire, even if thousands are killed.

But they are very worried about the population moving south. The assessment is that once more than half a million Palestinians have moved to al-Mawasi and the coastal area in the south, criticism of the Hamas leadership will intensify to the point where signs of its collapse may begin to appear. Therefore, if more than half a million Palestinians move to the south, this will be a breaking point.

The security source said Hamas is therefore working around the clock, both through media messaging and physical force on the ground, to prevent the public from moving south.

It was noted that the fire directed at Gaza City is being carried out according to a structured plan approved by Southern Command head Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor designed to move the population south in stages rather than all at once, to avoid chaos on the ground.
Christopher Fitzgerald (C), international affairs director at Octopus Energy, speaks at an industrial cooperation and investment roundtable between Beijing's Chaoyang District and the 48 Group held in London, Britain, Sept. 17, 2025. (Photo by Wang Muhan/Xinhua)

LONDON, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from government agencies, enterprises and academic institutions on Wednesday called for stronger China-UK economic ties at an industrial cooperation and investment roundtable between Beijing's Chaoyang District and the 48 Group.

Wang Qi, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Britain, said bilateral trade reached 130 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, underscoring huge potentials for cooperation. He urged the two sides to seize opportunities in global industrial transformation and green development to boost trade quality and support global economic recovery.

Christopher Fitzgerald, international affairs director at Octopus Energy, praised China's leadership in renewable energy and innovation in clean technology. He cited his company's work with BYD to offer vehicle-to-grid services that lower charging costs for British electric vehicle drivers.

Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group, lauded Beijing's Chaoyang District as a practical platform for joint growth.

Perry added that the 48 Group plans to launch a China-UK Young Entrepreneur Alliance next year, headquartered in Chaoyang, to connect start-ups and innovators on both sides.

Home to around 170 multinational headquarters, more than 1,800 financial institutions and some 700 AI firms, Chaoyang offers first-class business services and strong market momentum, said Wu Xiaojie, the district's Party secretary. 

Jack Perry (C), chairman of the 48 Group, speaks at an industrial cooperation and investment roundtable between Beijing's Chaoyang District and the 48 Group held in London, Britain, Sept. 17, 2025. (Photo by Wang Muhan/Xinhua)
The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Thursday said it has distributed Israeli hostages across several districts of Gaza City.

The organization's military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, said the Israeli offensive in the city will ensure that none of the hostages return to Israel.

Hamas will have no regard for the lives of the abductees "as long as [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu decides to kill them," the group added.

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It also threatened Israel's military, saying it has "prepared thousands of ambushes and explosive devices."

"Gaza will be a graveyard for your soldiers," the military wing said.

Israel launched a highly controversial ground offensive in Gaza City early on Tuesday.

According to the government, the aim is to destroy the Islamist Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages.

However, relatives of the hostages accuse Netanyahu of sacrificing the hostages with the ground offensive in Gaza City.

They fear for the lives of the abductees - and that Hamas could misuse them as human shields.

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Israeli media have reported in recent days that Hamas has taken the hostages out of tunnels and placed them in houses and tents in order to prevent the Israeli army from operating in certain areas.

Some 48 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, and according to Israeli reports, 20 of them are still alive - including German citizens.
Military lawyers warned that President Donald Trumps strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats were potentially illegal, but their opinions were ignored or sidelined, according to a new report.

Trump announced this month that the U.S. military had destroyed three different boats that were allegedly crewed by members of the Tren de Aragua gang smuggling drugs to the U.S. from Venezuela.

The president shared footage of two of the strikeswhich killed a total of 14 peopleon social media, and mentioned a third boat in passing while speaking to reporters outside the White House.

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have not provided a legal justification for a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats. / Alex Wong / Getty Images

Officials have refused to answer questions about where the strikes took place and under what circumstances, and have not provided evidence that the boats were carrying drugs, The Washington Post reported.

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They also have not provided a legal authority that would justify the summary execution of civilians.

But within the Pentagon, some career defense officials and military lawyers have provided verbal and written opinions to the Department of Defense leadership, saying they were concerned about the legality of the strikes, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The U.S. Coast Guard often intercepts suspected drug smugglers, but the standard rules of procedure for dealing with cartel members are to arrest and prosecute them, not execute them.

President Trump shared footage on social media that he says shows drug-smuggling boats being blown up. / Truth Social/Donald Trump

The officials identified problems with the legal justifications for the strikes, and they warned that the soldiers who conducted the attacks could be held personally liable for the killings, sources told the Journal.

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But the officials believe that decision-makers at the Department of Defense sidelined them and ignored their concerns, a source told the paper. Other officials are looking for ways to provide legal protection for the individual military personnel involved in the strikes.

In a statement to the Journal, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the trikes were fully consistent with the law of armed conflict, even though the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela.

These presidentially directed strikes were conducted against the operations of a designated terrorist organization and were taken in defense of vital U.S. national interests and in the collective self-defense of other nations who have long suffered due to the narcotics trafficking and violent cartel activities of such organizations, she said.

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also denied to the Journal that any Pentagon lawyers with knowledge of the strikes had raised concerns about their legality and said the administration was on firm legal ground.

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The Daily Beast has also reached out for comment.

Legal scholars and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have said the strikes violated both domestic and international law, especially because Congress has authorized the use of force against terrorist groups in the Middle East, but not against Latin American drug cartels.

Maybe the boat was coming here. Maybe it wasnt. But nobodys even asking whether we need to prove that. We just blow them up, Sen. Paul Rand told Politico.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially told reporters that the first boat carrying 11 people, which was hit on Sept. 2, was probably headed from Venezuela toward Trinidad and Tobago, The New York Times reported.

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Administration officials have since claimed it was headed to the U.S. But, if it was, in fact, hit somewhere between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, the strike happened about 650 miles from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico and more than 1,600 miles from Florida.

The area is separated from the mainland U.S. by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and The Bahamas.

Regardless of where the boats were located, John Yoo, the University of California at Berkeley professor who wrote the legal memos justifying President George W. Bushs use of enhanced interrogation techniques on suspected al Qaeda terrorists, told Politico that the Trump administration hasnt made the legal case that cartels should be considered enemies of war.

There has to be a line between crime and war, he said. We cant just consider anything that harms the country to be a matter for the military. Because that could potentially include every crime.

In response to the strikes, Vice President JD Vance, a close ally of Hegseth, joked about the military hitting innocent fishing boats. The two men are pictured here with Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. / AL DRAGO / REUTERS

Marty Lederman, a Georgetown University law professor and the executive editor of Just Security, also wrote on the site that the strikes appeared to have violated at least a handful of laws and legal norms.

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It was difficult to understand how non-partisan career military officials had assented to such an indefensible breach of the fundamental norm against targeting civilians, he added.

Administration officials have so far shrugged off the criticism, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming that he has absolute and complete authority to kill suspected drug smugglers.

Vice President JD Vance responded to accusations that the strikes constituted a war crime by declaring, I dont give a s--t. During a rally in Michigan this week, he also joked about Trump saying that no more drug boats were coming into the country.

I said, I know why! Vance, 41, recounted with a grin. I would stop too.

Then, chuckling, he added, Hell, I wouldnt go fishing right now in that area of the world.
Following the Doha strike, mediator Bahbah states that Hamas leaders remain alive and open to negotiations, although distrust in the US complicates the efforts.

Palestinian-American mediator Bishara Bahbah, who previously facilitated the direct channel between Hamas and the United States, said that it is still possible to bring both Israel and Hamas back to the negotiating table, despite the strike in Qatar.

Bahbah's comments came in a Wednesday interview with N12.

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The mediator blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the lack of progress in reaching a deal. He is not interested in ending the war and has no interest in the hostages, he said. Hamas will not surrender. They are waiting for the IDF to enter Gaza.

Bahbah said he spoke with senior Hamas officials about 45 minutes before the interview and conveyed the message he received. They no longer trust the United States. The guarantees Washington is offering mean nothing to them. Trust has been completely broken, he said. However, he emphasized that they did not say they are not open to negotiations.

According to Bahbah, the Israeli strike came as a surprise to Hamass political leadership. Hamas was shocked. They did not believe a negotiating team would be attacked. But I believe they want to end the war. This was confirmed to me just 45 minutes ago, he said. As far as I know, the entire leadership survived.

A damaged building, following an Israeli attack on Hamas leaders, according to an Israeli official, in Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Asked who he believes is responsible for the failure of the talks, Bahbah pointed directly at Netanyahu. I believe Netanyahu is not interested in ending the war and has no interest in the Israeli hostages. He said the main obstacle is the complete distrust between the sides.

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Commenting on the IDFs military campaign in Gaza, Bahbah said it is complicating mediation efforts. Hamas will not surrender. They have many fighters and weapons. They are waiting for the IDFs entry to emerge and fight. The leadership will not change its position based on the number of civilians killed in Gaza. It is time for the adults to act, he said.

Bahbah calls on Israel, Hamas to return to talks, end war

Bahbah addressed the Israeli public directly. This war has gone on too long. Too many people have been killed. The humanitarian situation for Gazas residents and for the hostages is terrible. Israelis need to stand up and say: Enough.

He also issued an appeal to the Hamas leadership. You cannot allow the daily killing to continue. You bear responsibility. Return to the negotiating table. Let us behave like adults for the sake of the people you claim to be fighting for. You are harming them."

Asked whether Hamas listens to him, Bahbah replied, I will keep repeating it until one day they do listen. The fact that they are angry is irrelevant, because we must end this war.
The House has passed two bills that Republicans say would combat crime in Washington, DC, but that also limit the citys self-governance as the GOP seeks to bolster President Donald Trumps federal crackdown.

The bills passed on Tuesday are among more than a dozen being considered by Republicans in the wake of Trumps National Guard deployment in Washington. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Declaring crime in DC an emergency, Trump last month placed the citys police department under federal control and deployed the National Guard. While the president allowed his 30-day takeover to expire last week, he has called for Republicans to advance a Comprehensive Crime Bill.

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One of the House-approved measures  dubbed the DC Crimes Act and introduced by Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds  would limit the citys ability to enact changes to its criminal sentencing laws.

It would also lower DCs age for youth offenders and requires the DC attorney general to publish juvenile crime statistics on a public website.

The bill passed by a vote of 240 to 179 with 31 Democrats crossing party lines to vote in support and only one Republican voting against it.

A separate bill was passed by the House that would lower the age that juveniles can be tried as adults for certain violent offenses to 14 years of age. It passed by a vote of 225 to 203 with eight Democrats crossing party lines to vote in favor and one Republican voting against it.

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Backers of the legislative push argue it would combat crime and empower local law enforcement, while its critics  in many cases, city residents and congressional Democrats  have argued the provisions represent unwarranted federal overreach.

On Wednesday, House Republicans voted to pass two more DC-related bills.

One bill would eliminate the citys judicial nomination commission and allow the president of the United States to make judicial nominations to DC court. It passed 218 to 211 on a party-line vote.

Another bill would allow DC police to pursue a suspect fleeing in a vehicle unless the officer or their supervisor believes the chase would be of unacceptable risk of harm to others, futile, or if the suspect could be apprehended another way. It passed 245 to 182 with 29 Democrats joining Republicans in voting in support.

This story has been updated with information on additional DC crime bill votes.

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(L-R) civilian archaeologist Zeev

I share in the families grief, embrace them, and wish the wounded a swift recovery, Yarom wrote.

The IDF prosecution on Thursday announced that, subject to a pre-indictment hearing, it would indict IDF Col. (res.) Yoav Yarom for his alleged negligent role in the deaths of civilian archaeologist Zeev Jabo Hanoch Erlich and soldier Gur Kahati in hostile Lebanese territory on November 30.

On January 1, the IDF published the results of its probe into wider problems of military discipline following their deaths.

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Other cases of civilians being taken into dangerous areas without higher-up IDF approval reported by the media include Daniella Weiss, Rabbi Kastiner, and Rami Ben-Yehuda. After extensive media questioning, the IDF said that there was at least one other case of an IDF donor entering enemy territory illegally, but did not provide further details. No details were provided about punishing officers involved. Bizarrely, Weiss has not been questioned about how she entered Gaza in order to identify which soldiers assisted her, and the IDF said it still cannot confirm that she did in fact enter Gaza, though there have been media reports relating to the issue, and she has publicly admitted to entering.

Next, the IDF said that hundreds of civilians were regularly entering battlefield areas with proper authorization and in order to provide essential services, such as construction workers and engineers, to maintain IDF forward bases.

In addition, the IDF said that it found that there were some broader discipline issues in areas, such as weapons readiness, cell phone usage in hostile territory, and proper dress. Also, the IDF said that discipline issues were worse in the Southern Command in Gaza, where intense aspects of the war have lasted for much longer than in the North in Lebanon and Syria, where the intense part of the war was much shorter.

Broadly speaking, the IDF seemed to want to clear the militarys name in general, saying that even the discipline problems it found were not too far beyond normal parameters.

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Erlich, 70, from Ofra, and soldier Kahati were killed in Lebanon. Kahatis commander, Yarom and another officer were wounded during the same incident, in which Erlich wanted to perform certain unauthorized archaeological examinations.

He was a known tour guide and an archaeological expert in the Land of Israel.

Shortly after the incident, Yarom resigned from the IDF due to his role in approving Erlichs entering hostile territory, though this was beyond his level of authority.

'I share in the families grief'

I share in the families grief, embrace them, and wish the wounded a swift recovery, Yarom wrote in his letter to Golani Brigade commander Col. Adi Ganon.

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Given the values I was taught and my belief that pride comes with responsibility, I believe I must take command responsibility for the incident, Yarom wrote. Therefore, I request to end my position as Support Company Commander.

Besides the current wider probe by Maj.-Gen. (res.) Moti Baruch,IDF Northern Commander, Maj.-Gen. Uri Gordon carried out a more specific probe of the Erlich incident, including discovering that Erlich reportedly had entered enemy territory with authorization many prior times.
This comes as an evacuation order has been set for three areas in southern Lebanon amid an upcoming strike from the IDF.

The IDF struck at least six Hezbollah weapons storage facilities belonging to its Radwan Force in southern Lebanon on Thursday, it said.

The Radwan Force planned and advanced the Conquer the Galilee plan for years, the IDF said. Commanders of the unit were killed last September in Beirut during Operation Northern Arrows.

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The Radwan Force has been operating ever since to reestablish its capabilities. The IDF has been operating for the past two years to prevent the terror group from doing so.

The weapons storage facilities were constructed in the center of densely populated civilian areas, the IDF said.

An evacuation order was issued for three areas in southern Lebanon ahead of the strikes, Mays al-Jabal, Kafr Tebnit, and Dibbine, said the IDFs Arabic-language spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Avichay Adraee.

You are located in buildings used by the terrorist organization Hezbollah, the evacuation order said. For your safety, you are required to evacuate those buildings and the adjacent buildings immediately and stay away from them for a distance of at least 500 meters.

Hezbollah targets located within Lebanese villages

Several videos that were shared online showed how the buildings were not properly marked for military use, with many resembling civilian buildings. Secondary explosions after the attacks confirmed the presence of weapons inside the compounds.

The IDF also issued another series of evacuation orders for the Tair Zebna and Borj Qalaouiye areas of Lebanon, and airstrikes in those towns were expected.
Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace is saying her Democratic colleague Ilhan Omar should be sent back to Somalia, while Omar says Mace needs help  all in a fight over Maces resolution to censure Omar that falsely claims Omar celebrated far-right activist Charlie Kirks death.

Anti-LGBTQ+ South Carolinian Maces resolution alleges that Omar smeared Charlie Kirk and implied he was to blame for his own murder during an interview with Mehdi Hassan on Zeteo. But Omar, who represents a Minnesota district, did no such thing, Hassan said on X, replying to a similar claim by Chris Cuomo.

No one said he deserved to die, Hassan wrote. Ilhan Omar said the exact opposite to me. She condemned his killing. And she said her heart goes out to Kirks widow. An Advocate viewing of the video confirms this. Omar also noted that Kirk did not show the empathy that his supporters want to be shown to his family. Among other things, Kirk was willing to debate and downplay the death of George Floyd, she said.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

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Maces resolution also cites quotes from a TikTok video Omar reposted, but those are the words of the TikTok user, not Omar. We can both denounce this violence and realize that Kirk and his ilks rhetoric are why it happened, the user said.

Mace posted the resolution on X as well as this comment: Ilhan Omar said it herself: actions have consequences. Time to live by it, @IlhanMN. We've filed a resolution to censure her and strip her committee assignments. If you celebrate murder, maybe Somalia can take you back.

 (@)

\

 (@)

Omar came to the U.S. from Somalia as a child with her family.

I know you arent well or smart but I hope someone can explain to you that there isnt a correlation between my committee assignments and deportation, Omar replied. Regardless of what you do with these committees, my office will continue to be next to you and I will continue to be in Congress.

 (@)

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We would love to see you deported back to Somalia next, Mace responded.

Would love to see you get the help you need next, Omar replied. You belong in rehab, not Congress. She also said, Is your ridiculous censure about me being born in Somalia? Because thats just as crazy as you are. Mace is just trying to promote her run for South Carolina governor, Omar added.

Mace then said, Who knows, maybe itll be about you marrying your brother next! Tune in! The idea that Omar married her brother is a long-debunked rumor. She added, Ilhan Omar should be stripped of her seat and her citizenship.

Maces resolution failed by a vote of 214-213 Wednesday night, with four Republicans joining Democrats in voting to table it, therefore preventing any further progress.

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This article originally appeared on Advocate: Ilhan Omar, Nancy Mace fight over Mace's false claim that Omar celebrated Charlie Kirk's death

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Louisiana immigration Judge Jamee Comans orders Columbia student Mahmoud Khalils deportation to Algeria or Syria, citing activism ties. His legal team appeals the decision in a civil rights case.

A Louisiana immigration judge ordered Columbia University student protest leader Mahmoud Khalil to be deported to Algeria or Syria on Friday, according to documents published by the American Civil Liberties Union, leading his legal team to appeal on Wednesday to the New Jersey federal court overseeing his civil rights case.

The Columbia University Apartheid Divest leader, who was detained on March 8 and had his green card revoked over his role in belligerent activism on campus, was on September 12 denied a twelve day time extension, a change of venue to New York, and a waiver for removability.

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Judge Jamee Comans did not believe Khalil was eligible for a discretionary waiver due to family ties and good legal character because he had failed to disclose his affiliations with CUAD and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency when adjusting his status in the US.

The judge contended that the waiver only applied to admissions misrepresentation, not adjustments. The judge also weighed against Khalil his short time in the country, his lack of employment and financial ties, his conditional status, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubios determination that the student activists presence in the country had adverse foreign policy consequences.

Khalils legal team was given 30 days from Friday to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals, but was not confident in a reversal given high-ranking US officials targeting Khalil for retaliation.

White house shares a photo of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student who was arrested over involvement with protests. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X, WHITE HOUSE)

The ACLU said that a court order by New Jersey district Judge Michael Farbiarz remained in effect, prohibiting his deportation and detainment as the federal case proceeds.

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The legal team sent a Wednesday letter to Farbiarz, who ordered Khalils bail in June and is overseeing his civil rights case, arguing that Comans ruling relied on a misrepresentation charge added by the government after his detention.

Van Der Hout LLP partner Johnny Sinodis, whose firm is one of the Khalils legal representatives, said there was a constant lack of humanity and allegiance to the law throughout proceedings in this farcical Louisiana immigration court, and the immigration judges September 12 decision is just the most recent example of what occurs when the system requires an arbiter that is anything but neutral to do the administrations bidding.

The ACLU, which is also representing Khalil, contended that the Louisiana judge rushed to a decision without hearing evidence, engaged in procedural irregularities, and acted against the norm by deny a waiver against a lawful permanent resident with no criminal record and with an American spouse and child.

Khalil accuses Trump admin. of retaliation against free speech

Khalil said in a statement that it was no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech.

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Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again, Khalil said. When their first effort to deport me was set to fail, they resorted to fabricating baseless and ridiculous allegations in a bid to silence me for speaking out and standing firmly with Palestine, demanding an end to the ongoing genocide. Such fascist tactics will never deter me from continuing to advocate for my peoples liberation.

CUAD, the activist group which Khalil was a leading member, was responsible for protest encampments, building occupations, and anti-Israel protests that cause damage to Columbia University property, injuries among staff, and ostracization of Jewish and Israeli students. The protests served as an instant template for similar activism across US campuses.
By Ananda Teresia

JAKARTA (Reuters) - An Indonesian court ruled on Wednesday that parliament had followed proper process in passing contentious revisions to the country's military law, rejecting legal challenges to legislation that had sparked protests and condemnation.

The Constitutional Court judges ruled 5-4 in favour of rejecting a petition that said the amendments were bulldozed through parliament in March without proper public consultation, amid wider concerns of an expansion of the military's involvement in civilian affairs under President Prabowo Subianto.

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Fears have been growing in Indonesia that former special forces commander Prabowo is turning increasingly to the armed forces to help deliver his ambitious agenda after just 11 months in office, reviving memories of the military-dominated 1966-1998 New Order era of authoritarian rule.

"We cannot conclude that there was no transparency because the draft of the bill had been disclosed to the public through websites, YouTube channels, and lawmakers had also given interviews," Justice Guntur Hamzah said in the decision.

The ruling comes at a time of festering anger following two weeks of at times violent demonstrations over issues from lawmakers' allowances and state budget priorities to police conduct and perceptions of creeping militarisation in Indonesia, presenting Prabowo with his first major test.

Prabowo has appointed former generals to key posts and has deployed the military for various tasks, including handling street protests, implementing initiatives on free school meals and food security, manufacturing medicines and seizing palm oil plantations for a new state-owned firm.

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On Wednesday Prabowo named retired general Djamari Chaniago, 77, as his new chief security minister.

The dissenting opinion of four judges was not read out in the verdict, which was delivered virtually with neither plaintiffs nor the public permitted to attend.

CONTENTIOUS LAW

The law had, among other things, increased the number of civilian government departments that military personnel can be posted to.

The petitions against it argued the amendments to Indonesia's military law lacked transparency and public participation before being passed by a parliament overwhelmingly allied with the president, and had called for the changes to be annulled.

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Indonesia law minister has said the legislative process was above board and public input was sought.

Five petitions were filed by human rights and student groups and the daughter of former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid, but only one was considered by the court while the others were ruled as being without standing.

Petitioner Ardi Manto, director The Indonesian Human Rights Monitor, said he would file another complaint challenging the substance of the laws.

Another petitioner, Muhammad Isnur of Indonesia's Legal Aid Foundation, said the court had failed to fully perform its duty.

"Many facts were ignored by them and four of the judges had dissenting opinion... it's a sign there was an intense discussion between the judges," he told Reuters.

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"We can see the impact of the military law now, the military feel like they have the legitimacy to do many actions that are against the spirit of military reform and seriously affecting Indonesia's democracy," he added.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Gibran Peshimam and Martin Petty)
European authorities say a Russian-backed network orchestrated parcel bomb attacks last year that struck logistics hubs in Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

Lithuanias Prosecutor Generals Office and Criminal Police Bureau said in a joint news release that four explosive devices were shipped from Vilnius, Lithuanias capital, in July 2024 using DHL and DPD delivery services.

Three detonated between July 20 and 22, igniting fires at Leipzig Airport in Germany, inside a DPD freight truck in Poland, and at a DHL warehouse in Birmingham, UK. A fourth device failed to explode.

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The bombs were disguised inside massage pads and cosmetic tubes, packed with thermite  a material that burns at extremely high temperatures  and rigged with electronic timers. Officials said the shipments were designed to cause maximum damage before reaching their destinations.

A joint investigation team is coordinating with authorities in nine countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Investigators concluded that the attacks were organized by Russian nationals connected to Moscows military intelligence, with support from accomplices in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine.

Fifteen suspects have been charged, while three remain on international wanted lists. Among the alleged coordinators are Ukrainian citizen Daniil Gromov, who prosecutors say also used Russian identity documents, and dual Lithuanian-Russian national Tomas Dovgan Stabacinskas.

Authorities believe the men were also behind a failed arson attack on a Vilnius shopping center in May 2024.

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Police said the network recruited couriers and facilitators through the Telegram app, offering cryptocurrency payments for transporting and hiding materials.

More than 30 searches across four countries uncovered additional explosives, some hidden in food cans and designed for directional blasts. Investigators estimate the seized charges had a total explosive yield of more than six kilograms of TNT equivalent, raising concerns the group had been planning further attacks.

The case is being prosecuted under Lithuanias anti-terrorism laws, which carry sentences of up to life in prison.

The post Investigators link parcel bomb attacks in Europe to Russian network appeared first on FreightWaves.
CAIRO, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian-Dominican archaeological mission has uncovered archaeological finds, including anchors and amphorae, that confirm the existence of an ancient submerged port linked to the Taposiris Magna temple west of Alexandria, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Thursday.

The results of a joint geological and archaeological survey revealed that the site once contained an internal harbor protected by coral reefs, according to a statement by the ministry.

The survey uncovered stone and metal anchors of various sizes and large numbers of amphorae dating back to the Ptolemaic period of ancient Egypt (305-30 BC). The research results also showed that the ancient shoreline was about four kilometers from today's coast.

The work also revealed the remains of a tunnel stretching from the Taposiris Magna temple to the Mediterranean, where divers discovered additional archaeological evidence supporting the presence of ancient maritime activity.

The Taposiris Magna temple is an ancient temple complex located near Alexandria. The name means "great tomb of Osiris," referring to the ancient Egyptian god associated with death and rebirth.

Kathleen Martinez, a Dominican archaeologist and head of the archaeological mission, described the finds as "a new chapter in the study of the history of Taposiris Magna."

For his part, Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said that "this discovery reflects the historical depth and maritime dimension of ancient Egypt, and confirms that its coasts were not only cultural centers but also strategic hubs for trade and cultural exchange with the ancient world."

The minister affirmed the ministry's continued support for such research projects, which "shed light on Egypt's submerged treasures," he added. 
A missile fired from Yemen triggered an alarm in several areas of Israel on Thursday, including the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv.

The missile and a drone were intercepted, the Israeli military said.

According to the military, a "drone launched from the east" had previously hit the city of Eilat in southern Israel.

Citing eyewitnesses, Israeli media reported that the drone hit the entrance to a hotel.

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There were no reports of casualties from the attack and there had previously been a warning alarm in the city.

The Houthi militia claimed responsibility for the attacks. The Yemen-based group has repeatedly attacked targets in Israel with missiles and drones in the past two years, in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Israel has responded with force, attacking targets linked to Houthi military activities and targeting the group's political leaders.
Former Clark County, Indiana Sheriff Jamey Noel may have to pay more than $900,000 in punitive damages following a Sept. 16 hearing in a civil lawsuit filed against him by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

A final ruling from Special Judge Roger Duvall had not been filed as of 2 p.m. Sept. 17, but it is expected the judge will order Noel to make a payment of $918,416.53, Clark County Court Administrator Tom Lowe said in a statement.

The payment amount is in relation to Clark County jail commissary funds "misappropriated, diverted or misapplied," according to the lawsuit. The amount was determined from an audit report conducted by the Indiana State Board of Accounts in February 2024.

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Rokita sued Noel in an effort to get him to reimburse agencies impacted by the fraud Noel committed and was convicted of in October 2024.

Noel is serving a 15-year sentence, with three years of prison time suspended to probation, after he pleaded guilty to 27 felony charges, including theft, tax evasion, corrupt business influence and official misconduct. He served as sheriff from 2015-22 while simultaneously running New Chapel EMS, which served Clark County.

Kenneth Hughbanks, Noel's friend and former business associate, is also listed as a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Rokita because Indiana State Police investigators accused him of not reporting more than $200,000 in income paid for by Clark County jail commissary sales.

Hughbanks faces a tax evasion charge in relation to the police investigation findings. A jury trial is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026, court records show

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The terms of a plea deal Noel agreed to call for him to pay more than $3 million in restitution to other agencies, including New Chapel EMS. The state seized control and auctioned off various luxury items owned by Noel, while several of his properties went up for sale weeks after his 2024 sentencing.

Some of Noel's family members are cited in a separate lawsuit filed by Rokita in 2024 because they were also accused of spending public funds for personal use. Noel's wife, Misty Noel, was sentenced in July to 18 months in prison and six years probation on multiple theft and tax evasion charges. His daughter, Kasey Noel, received a nine-month prison sentence in January after pleading guilty to theft and tax evasion. She will serve 51 months of probation in Washington County following her sentence.

A jury trial for the lawsuit is scheduled for April 7, 2026, according to court records.

In other news: 'Beholden to no one': Kentucky sheriffs remain in office despite criminal charges, convictions

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Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@gannett.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Jamey Noel case updates: Ex-sheriff could pay $900k as part of civil suit
I am a native daughter of Kentucky. Louisville is where I spent my days learning and growing into the woman I am today. Since my childhood, I have fled from my old Kentucky home to start my college education elsewhere. It seemed Kentucky wanted me gone considering the actions of Kentuckys legislature, so this was not a difficult decision. The specific bill I am referring to is House Bill 495, which prevents Medicaid from being used to cover medical costs for medications used to help one transition from one sex to the other, cutting off many from being able to access this vital healthcare while residing in Kentucky.

I am a transgender woman and it frightens me how much animosity there is toward people like me. Being transgender is so incredibly rare. Is a bill like this even worth it? It is my honest belief that the hate toward the trans community is entirely based on ignorance because the voices of those in my community are easily drowned out by misinformation and hatred. All I ask of you, Kentucky, is to actually hear the voices of the trans community before even more damage is done.

 Story Addison, 14623

Agree or disagree? Submit a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KY law banning Medicaid for transgender healthcare is hateful | Letter
VIRGINIA (DC News Now)  Early voting for Virginias Nov. 4, 2025, General and Special Election begins on Friday, Sept. 19, and runs through Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Heres what you need to know.

This years election will determine who will fill the seats for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.

Where to vote early?

Courthouse Plaza | 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Suite 320 Monday through Friday (Sept. 19 through Oct. 31) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays (Oct. 25, Nov. 1) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 26) 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended hours (Oct. 21-23, 28-30) 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.



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Madison Community Center | 3829 N Stafford St., Arlington (Oct. 21-23, 28-30) 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays (Oct. 25, Nov. 1) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 26) 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.



Walter Reed Community Center | 2909 16th St. S, Arlington (Oct. 21-23, 28-30) 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays (Oct. 25, Nov. 1) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 26) 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.



Fairfax County Government Center | 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Room 2/3 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Monday, Oct. 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.



Mount Vernon | 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Monday, Oct. 13, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays (Oct. 26) 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.



North County Governmental Centers | 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Monday, Oct. 13, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays (Oct. 26) 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.



Ten additional voting locations in Fairfax County will be available starting Oct. 23.

Office of Elections  750 Miller Drive, Leesburg, Suite 150 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am  5:00 pm. Extended hours (Oct. 21-23, 28-30) 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays (Oct. 25, Nov. 1) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.



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Early voting satellite locations Claude Moore Recreation Center- 46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling Dulles South Recreation Center  24950 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly Carver Senior Center- 200 E Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville Ashburn Recreation and Community Center  21105 Coopers Hawk Drive, Ashburn



Dont see your county? Click here for all early voting locations across Virginia.

How can I cast my vote early?

To vote early, or day of, on Nov. 4, you must be registered to vote. To register, check on your status, or change your voter information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website.

Once registered and ready to vote, check the early voting office locations webpage for the jurisdiction where you are registered to find where to go.

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Bring an acceptable form of ID to the polls. If you forget, you can also sign a statement confirming your ID.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
The Los Angeles Police Department has identified the officer who shot a man who was allegedly armed in Boyle Heights on Sunday night.

Officer Brian Cuba opened fire on 30-year-old Francisco Garcia in the alley of an apartment complex in the 2400 block of Boulder Street around 10:45 p.m., according to a police news release issued Thursday.

Police said Garcia had been pursued by officers after allegedly being seen with an open container of alcohol. During the encounter, he produced a handgun from his waistband area, prompting Officer Cuba to fire, LAPD said.

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Garcia was hospitalized in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.

A loaded 9mm Taurus pistol with a seated high-capacity magazine was recovered at the scene and booked as evidence, police said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A senior Hamas official has spoken for the first time since last weeks Israeli attack on the groups leadership in the Qatari capital Doha, describing the moment of the attack and how the officials managed to barely escape.

We were in a meeting, the negotiating delegation and some advisers. Less than an hour after we began reviewing the American proposal that we received from the Qatari mediators, we heard loud explosions, Ghazi Hamad told Al Jazeera Arabic on Wednesday.

We immediately left the scene, because we knew from the start that the explosions were Israeli shelling. Weve lived in Gaza and experienced Israeli shelling before, Hamad added.

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Israel killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security official while trying to assassinate senior Hamas leaders. Those targeted were involved in negotiating a ceasefire and captives proposal put forward by United States President Donald Trump.





The shelling was so intense, the situation was terrifying, and the rockets continued unabated. There were about 12 rockets in less than a minute, but by Gods decree  we survived this aggression.

Hamas said its senior leaders survived the bombardment, which Trump said he was very unhappy about. On Monday, he reiterated his claim that Israel would refrain from launching further attacks on Qatar.

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In response to the Israeli attack  its first on Qatar  leaders of Arab and Islamic nations convened in Doha for an emergency summit, denouncing what they called Israels cowardly strike.

However, the gathering concluded without pledges of tangible measures.

Hamad told Al Jazeera that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plan to change the Middle East needed an Arab response.

He also added that Hamas had a bitter experience during the ceasefire negotiations, and that the US did not have credibility as an honest broker.

He [Trump] doesnt scare us, said Hamad, commenting on threats from Trump concerning the treatment of Israeli captives held in Gaza. Hamad added that the captives were treated according to our values and were only being put in danger as a result of Israels actions.

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Israeli forces have killed more than 65,000 people since October 2023, including some 19,000 children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

On Tuesday, a United Nations inquiry announced that Israels war on Gaza is a genocide, a finding several major human rights groups have also reached, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

In 2023, South Africa brought a case before the International Court of Justice, arguing that Israels actions in the Gaza Strip amounted to genocide. The proceedings are ongoing.
Lebanons Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has denounced Israels air strikes on three towns in the south of the country, as the latter again flouted its truce with Hezbollah.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported on Thursday that the Israeli army carried out several strikes on the densely populated towns of Meiss el-Jabal, Kfar Tebnit and Debbin, which were carried out just one hour after announcing plans to target Hezbollah infrastructure.

Salam accused Israel of intimidation and aggressions committed in defiance of last years ceasefire and the internationally backed mechanism to monitor it.

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Lebanon calls on the international community, especially the countries sponsoring the agreement to cease hostile operations, to exert maximum pressure on Israel to immediately stop its aggressions, said Salam in a post on social media.

France and the United States are the main sponsors of the deal.

Earlier, the Israeli military had announced the planned attacks on Hezbollah military infrastructure and called on residents to evacuate buildings marked in red on an attached map.

Spokesman Avichay Adraee said that the attacks were being carried out in response to Hezbollahs prohibited attempts to rebuild its activities in the region.

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Reporting from Lebanons capital Beirut, Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr said the Israeli armys warning had prompted mass evacuations.

We saw people pack whatever they could and make their way to safer areas, she said.

The attacks, she said, came approximately an hour after the evacuation order.





Hezbollah weakened

Hezbollah and Israeli forces exchanged near-daily fire across the Lebanese border after the onset of Israels war on Gaza in October 2023.

Despite a ceasefire brokered in November 2024, Israel has continued to strike southern Lebanon on an almost daily basis.

They target vehicles, motorcycles  they target what they call Hezbollah members and assets, said Al Jazeeras Khodr.

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Under the terms of the deal, Hezbollah is supposed to disarm and move north of the Litani River, while Israel is supposed to withdraw fully from Lebanese territory.

However, it still remains, occupying at least five points in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanon is under pressure, primarily from the United States, to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.





The groups arms have long been a contentious issue in Lebanon, with attempts to interfere with its military capabilities leading to internal conflict.

However, Hezbollah has suffered major losses since last year, including the loss of longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed by an Israeli strike in the Beirut suburbs almost exactly a year ago.

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Thursdays strikes happened just after Hezbollah marked the one-year anniversary of Israels so-called pager attack on its members, which wounded and killed at least a dozen people and left more than 3,000 wounded.

The terms of the ceasefire agreement, which Salam referred to in Thursdays post, were set by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted at the end of the 2006 war to stop hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
CAPE TOWN, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has urged the Group of 20 (G20) members to place agriculture "at the center of the G20 agenda," calling for global cooperation to make food systems more inclusive, innovative, and climate-resilient.

He made the call on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the G20 Agriculture Working Group Ministerial Meeting in Somerset West, located about 50 km east of Cape Town's city center.

"Agriculture is not a sector that can be placed on the margins; it is the foundation of food security, livelihoods, and stability," Steenhuisen said.

He outlined four priorities that South Africa has championed during its G20 presidency: inclusive market participation, empowerment of youth and women, fostering innovation and technology transfer, and building climate resilience.

"Across our continent, smallholders, youth, and women form the backbone of production. Yet, too often, they remain excluded from markets," he said, pointing out that "women account for up to 60 percent of agricultural labor, yet face persistent barriers to land, finance, and technology."

Steenhuisen also pressed for greater international cooperation on research and technology that directly benefits farmers, including drought-tolerant cultivars, precision irrigation, and affordable digital tools. "Innovation must be affordable, accessible, and inclusive, with smallholders as full participants, not passive recipients," he said.

On climate change, which he described as "the single greatest threat to global agriculture," the minister called for increased investment in adaptation and climate finance. "For South Africa and many developing countries, this is critical: climate finance must be accessible to farmers who are already innovating on the frontlines of resilience," he added.

As ministers prepared to adopt shared outcomes at the meeting, Steenhuisen called on the G20 to send "a clear and united message that agriculture is central to prosperity, resilience, and sustainability, and that we as ministers are committed to ensuring that no community, no farmer, and no nation is left behind." 
MALE, Maldives (AP)  Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday ratified a controversial new media law that allows for hefty fines and the temporary or permanent closure of media outlets deemed to violate its provisions.

The bill provides for individual fines of up to $ 1,620 against journalists and up to $6,485 against media companies that are found to be contravening the law.

It also allows authorities to suspend media licenses until investigations are complete, file litigation seeking cancellation of media licenses, or even send police to stop broadcasts midway if they are seen to be violating the new law.

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The president's office said Muizzu ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, which was passed by Parliament last Tuesday by an overwhelming majority.

Of the 93 members of Parliament, 60 government lawmakers voted for the bill after opposition members were evicted amid protests.

The new law requires journalists to respect the nation's constitution, Islam, national security, social values, and protect personal honor and human rights.

A seven-member committee will be appointed to ensure compliance and investigate any alleged offenses.

Maldives, known as a high-end tourist destination, has a short democratic history. It has had a difficult transition since becoming a multiparty democracy in 2008, ending 30 years of autocratic rule.
A Pennsylvania college student is facing a criminal charge after authorities said he threatened the Utah school where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot.

The student, a 20-year-old man, allegedly made threats against Utah Valley University, Summit County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Skyler Talbot confirmed to USA TODAY on Thursday, Sept. 18.

"The investigation remains active but at this time, no other individuals are believed to be involved," Talbot said, adding the incident appears isolated.

A police officer walks in front of a tent bearing the slogan 'The American Comeback Tour', cordoned off after U.S. right-wing activist, commentator, Charlie Kirk, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, U.S. September 10, 2025. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart

Over 100 people have faced consequences for remarks about Charlie Kirk's death

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The FBI on Tuesday, Sept. 16, told deputies about a suspicious video posted online, according to a news release from the Summit County Sheriff's Office.

The video, officials wrote in the bulletin, was believed to have been uploaded on Monday night, Sept. 15, and depicted an individual "making threats of violence and death, specifically referencing Utah Valley University and stating an intent to carry out the threats imminently."

Police officers and FBI agents walk through the courtyard at Utah Valley University as authorities search for the man who killed political activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his "American Comeback Tour" when he was shot in the neck and killed the day before. Police officers investigate a camera as they search for footage of the suspect in the fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Authorities have released a "person of interest" as they search for the suspect who shot and killed Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, while he was speaking at an event for his "American Comeback Tour." Law enforcement officers investigate a residential yard in a neighborhood near Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event, in Orem, Utah, Sept. 11, 2025. Evidence markers are seen near a ladder as law enforcement officials, including members of the FBI, investigate near the crime scene where political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. Law enforcement officials, including members of an FBI forensics team, work near the crime scene where political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. The gunman who shot dead US right-wing youth leader Charlie Kirk in a targeted killing remained at large Thursday but authorities said they have video images of the suspect and have recovered a "high-powered" rifle. Law enforcement officials, including members of an FBI forensics team, investigate a wooded area near the crime scene where political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. Law enforcement officials, including members of an FBI forensics team, investigate a wooded area near the crime scene where political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. An evidence marker is seen near a wooded area near the crime scene where political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. A police officer tapes off an area behind Utah Valley University where evidence was collected as authorities investigate the shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Law enforcement officials, including members of the FBI, investigate near the crime scene where political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept.11, 2025. Law enforcement officials, including members of the FBI, walk across a street as they investigate a wooded area near the crime scene where political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. A police officer walks past the courtyard at Utah Valley University as authorities search for the man who killed political activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Police officers and FBI Agents collect evidence behind Utah Valley University as they investigate the shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Police officers and FBI Agents collect evidence behind Utah Valley University as they investigate the shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah. FBI, police investigate Charlie Kirk shooting 1 of 14 Police officers and FBI agents walk through the courtyard at Utah Valley University as authorities search for the man who killed political activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his "American Comeback Tour" when he was shot in the neck and killed the day before.

'The scene is on fire': Helicopter crashes in Washington state, rescue efforts underway

Student was staying with family in Summit County, Utah

The sheriff's office opened an investigation and identified and located the student suspected of making and posting the threatening footage.

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The student, who attends school in Pennsylvania, "had recently traveled to and was staying with family in Summit County," the sheriff's office said. He was arrested and booked into the Summit County Jail on Tuesday, Sept. 16, for suspicion of making a threat of terrorism.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KSL-TV and CBS News, before the student's arrest, he traveled from Pennsylvania to Park City and posted the video while in Utah.

As of Thursday, Sept. 18, there was no immediate indication "any significant steps were taken toward carrying out the threats," officials said.

According to the affidavit, in the footage, the student identifies himself and says: "I am now beginning my odyssey to Utah Valley University to fulfill my lifelong duty of finally killing woke." Officials also wrote that the student told investigators his comments were a "joke."

People mourn Charlie Kirk after the conservative activist was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025.

Man who claimed to be Charlie Kirk shooter charged with sexual exploitation, obstruction

Student released on $1,000 bond, no court date set

The sheriff's office told USA TODAY that the student was released from custody on Wednesday, Sept. 17, on a $1,000 bond.

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USA TODAY reached out to the FBI, which deferred questions to the sheriff's office.

The student had not been formally charged as of Thursday, Sept. 18, and the Summit County Justice Court clerk confirmed the suspect did not have a court date scheduled.

As of Sept. 18, it was not immediately known if the suspect had obtained legal counsel in the case.

When did classes resume at Utah Valley University?

Classes resumed at the campus one week after a gunman fatally shot Kirk on while he was speaking as part of his "American Comeback Tour."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: School where Charlie Kirk died faced terroristic threats; man arrested
A man was sent to prison for trying to take a video of a long line to buy gas bottles, another 15 people were tried Tuesday for protesting during a blackout, and an independent journalist faces a six-year sentence for demonstrating during an electricity outage, the latest examples of Cubas government's ongoing crackdown on criticism and dissent.

A local court in Santiago de Cuba, Cubas second-largest city, sentenced Julio Cesar Duque de Estrada Ferrer, 56, to 4 and 1/2 years in prison on charges of disobedience and assault of a Ministry of Interior counterintelligence officer.

Duque de Estrada was using his phone to record a crowd of people in a Santiago de Cuba street trying to buy gas bottles in September 2024 when the officer told him to stop and asked for his identification card, according to the sentencing document published Tuesday by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, a civil rights group based in Spain.

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The officer, Mario Raciel Soulary Garces, identified himself as a member of the military and took Duque de Estrada to a nearby market to detained him, the document says. After initially disobeying the order, Duque de Estrada gave his ID to the officer but hit him hard in the face with his hands, without further consequences, the sentencing document claims. Then, a struggle ensued and the accused threw his cell phone against the ground, an action that led the officer to apply a combative neutralization technique and use a wire to tied his hands on his back while he was lying on the ground.

The judges dismissed the accounts of three witnesses that told a different version of the events. Duque de Estrada is the father of Dairon Duque Estrada Aguilera, who is a serving also a 4 and 1/2 year sentence for participating in the July demonstrations in 2021.

The entire judicial process has been riddled with human rights violations, and the ruling is a farce, even though it also exposes the illegal and disproportionate actions of the political police agent who attacked Duque de Estrada Ferrer, the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights said in a statement. Its customary for these agents to intervene with violent repression and then play the victim, the statement added.

The group said the officer had no legal basis to detained Duque de Estrada, applied excessive force and that in fact it was he who violently grabbed Duque de Estrada and snatched the phone from him.

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In recent years, Cuban authorities have passed several laws to punish criticism of the government on social media and have sent citizens to prison for using their cellphones to record protests. Despite international condemnation, hundreds of antigovernment demonstrators who took to the streets on July 11, 2021, are currently serving years-long sentences.

Cuban authorities sentence young mother to 15 years in prison for live streaming protest

As the country has plunged into deep poverty, the government has also aggressively gone after those protesting the frequent blackouts and food shortages.

On Tuesday, Granma, Cubas largest daily newspaper, reported on the trial of 15 people who participated in demonstrations in the city of Bayamo, in Santiago de Cuba province, in March last year, accused of public disorder, assault, resistance, contempt, illegal carrying and possession of weapons, disobedience and instigation to commit a crime.

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We are hungry: Cubans take to the streets in the second-largest city to protest

Jose Gabriel Barrenechea, an independent journalist and contributing writer to the independent news site 14ymedio, faces a similar trial next week, along with five other men, for protesting the blackouts in Encrucijada, Villa Clara province, in November of last year, following the countrys power grid collapse. Barrenechea was charged with public disorder.

According to the indictment document obtained by 14ymedio, the charges were brought because he chanted turn on the power, we want electricity, along with other protesters, and urged the people present to not desist from their actions. The government attorney in the case argued that Barreneachea was an associate of people of poor morals and social conduct, and has no recognized employment relationship and that the journalist shows total disaffection for the revolutionary process and its top leader, 14ymedio reported citing the indictment.

14ymedio was founded by Cuban journalist and blogger Yoani Sanchez.

Barreneachea has been in prison since his detention in November, and Cuban authorities denied a habeas corpus petition filed on his behalf. In a letter, several independent journalists, academics and activists in Cuba and abroad urged the government to release him.
A citizen of Mexico who pleaded guilty to being in the U.S. illegally since 2019 will be sentenced Thursday and will face deportation proceedings, according to federal court records.

Jose Luis Gonzalez Cruz, aka Jose Gonzalez, pleaded guilty Aug. 7 to a federal felony charge of illegally reentering the country after being removed.

In a Sept. 12 letter to Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson, Gonzalez Cruz apologized and took responsibility for breaking the laws of the United States.

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Without trying to make excuses, I want you to know the reason : the lack of work and poverty prevented me from providing my family with a better life. As the oldest of 5 siblings and the father of a 2-year-old daughter, I faced significant expenses. By the time I reached the border, I had incurred additional substantial debt, and if I had returned to my town after being removed at the border, it would have been impossible for me to repay them,  wrote Gonzalez Cruz.

While in the U.S. he worked at agriculture and was able to restore his mothers restaurant, and bought fishing equipment with his father.

I only want to say that I have learned my lesson, and that returning to my country is what I truly desire,  Gonzalez Cruz told Watson.

Gonzalez Cruz was arrested by officers with the Hawaii Police Department for drunken driving following a crash June 3 at Honolii Beach Park.

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As of June 11, federal agents had made 117 administrative arrests this year in Hawaii, according to the Deportation Data Project.

Gonzalez Cruz came to the attention of (the Department of Homeland Securitys ) Homeland Security Investigations because of a June 2025 arrest by the Hawaii Police Department for allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, driving without a license, and operating without insurance,  according to court records.

On June 22, 2019, Gonzalez Cruz, a Mexican citizen and never a U.S. citizen,  was served with an expedited order of removal, and he was deported to Mexico from Nogales, Ariz..

Three years later, on Aug. 31, 2022, Gonzalez Cruz was arrested by Hawaii police officers for allegedly consuming or possessing intoxicating liquor while operating a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.

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Gonzalez Cruz had his drivers license suspended and revoked for two years. On May 13, 2023, he was arrested again and charged with contempt of court for missing a court date, but the charge was later dismissed, according to state court records.

On June 3, witnesses told Hawaii police officers that Gonzalez Cruz drove a car into an unoccupied vehicle at Honolii Beach Park.

Witnesses ensured Gonzalez Cruz remained until police arrived. Police arrived to smell Gonzalez Cruz with a strong odor of alcohol and observed his red and watery eyes,  according to a June 16 criminal complaint.

He showed signs of impairment after performing field sobriety tests,  and his blood alcohol level was 0.149, over the.08 legal limit.

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That same day, a Form 1-200 Warrant for Arrest of Alien  was issued for Gonzalez Cruz, and on June 4 an immigration detainer was lodged with Hawaii police.

A review of a series of documents from his Alien Registration File showed law enforcement that he was deported from the United States to Mexico on June 22, 2019, at Nogales, Ariz.

He allegedly told agents he was previously removed from the United States approximately six years ago  and confirmed his signature on documents in his Alien Registration File.

Gonzalez Cruz allegedly told agents that his most recent entry into the United States was approximately ten days after he was removed on June 22, 2019.

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People smugglers threw at least 30 people overboard to their deaths after accusing them of witchcraft, survivors have claimed.

Spanish police arrested 19 alleged migrant smugglers accused of murdering people travelling on a boat that departed from Senegal, headed for Spains Canary Islands.

Survivors of the crossing told police officers how the men in charge beat, tortured and killed migrants who had paid to try to reach European soil.

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According to witnesses, some 30 people were thrown overboard to their deaths because the smugglers said they were evil spirits who had brought misfortune to the crossing, which was affected by engine problems and bad weather.

In total, at least 50 people are believed to have died during the 11-day voyage, which ended when the boat was rescued adrift south of Gran Canaria island on Aug 24.

Migrants from Senegal arrive in the Canary Islands after being rescued from a boat in the Atlantic, August 2024 - Antonio Sempere/Europa Press via Getty Images

There were 248 people found alive on board the 20-metre-long Senegalese pirogue, a wooden fishing boat, although one of them later died in hospital in Gran Canaria.

But witnesses have said that 300 people initially boarded the craft.

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Witnesses report the disappearance of approximately 30 people thrown overboard, although investigators estimate a total of more than 50 dead or missing, said Spains National Police.

Murdered passengers considered evil spirits

Police cite witness testimonies explaining how the smugglers targeted certain passengers who they considered to be evil spirits when incidents occurred during the voyage, such as engine failure, food shortages or bad weather.

Other murders allegedly occurred simply because some people protested or expressed their disagreement with conditions on board, the police statement said.

Survivors have also related to investigators how they were beaten and abused in various ways during the voyage, as well as claiming that the smugglers had refused to rescue passengers who accidentally fell into the ocean.

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The police said they had arrested 19 men for allegedly steering the boat and causing death and injury to more than 50 migrants on board.

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0608 Migrant crossings in Spain

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According to local reports, most of the men arrested are Senegalese nationals who were detained after being housed in migrant detention centres in the Canary Islands after the boats arrival in the port of Arguineguin.

The 19 have been remanded in custody and are being investigated on possible charges of aiding and abetting illegal immigration, murder, bodily harm and torture.

Once migrants embark on a voyage led by people smugglers, they are at the mercy of the men in charge of the crossing. Dozens have died off Spanish shores when forced by smugglers to swim to shore.

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In June, Spanish police launched an investigation after the bodies of five migrants were found in the sea off the Balearic Islands with their hands and feet bound.

According to the Spanish government, 23,583 migrants have reached the country in small boats this year, 10,000 fewer than during the same January-September period in 2024.

The West Africa Atlantic route remains the busiest, accounting for 12,487 arrivals in the Canaries so far this year.

It is also considered one of the most dangerous migrant routes in the world. In 2024, a record number of 46,843 migrants reached the Canary Islands by boat, with estimates of the number who died in the attempt ranging between 1,000 and 10,000.

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In a candy-land Queens property, a sour truth has emerged.

This house on 36th Avenue looks like a storybook exploded. Painted in pale yellow, with scarlet trim and scrolls of metallic vermilion flowers curling across the front gate, the for-sale Astoria property has been called the most colorful home in Queens, according to its marketing materials.

But behind its Skittles-toned chandeliers and bubblegum-hued decor, federal prosecutors say, lies the residue of a million-dollar fraud that shook a tight-knit immigrant community, according to the New York Times.

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In July, the three-story residence hit the market with a $3 million asking price  being billed by its listing brokerage for its prominent use of color  with its bright exterior standing in stark contrast to the muted brick Tudors that dominate the neighborhood. Referred to in press materials as Chateau Couleur, or the castle of color, the listing still describes the property as A Custom-Designed Floral Fantasy.

A candy-colored Astoria home dubbed the most colorful house in Queens hides a much darker tale of alleged fraud and betrayal within New Yorks Bangladeshi immigrant community. Jim Chan

But interest in the listing surged for reasons beyond aesthetics. The sellers husband, Rashidun Bokhari, had recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud after bilking fellow Bangladeshi-Americans out of more than $1 million, according to the Times.

Prosecutors say he preyed on community ties  and that the now-famous home may have been one of the things their money paid for.

Bokhari, 59, and his wife, Jasmin, are well known in Queens Bangladeshi community for their ostentatious tastes  expensive cars, designer handbags and a growing real estate portfolio that once inspired admiration.

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Ive known Rashidun since the 80s, Aslam Ansari, a 56-year-old real estate investor, told the Times. Our families know one another from Bangladesh. I trusted him.

Owned by Jasmin and Rashidun Bokhari, prominent figures known for their flashy lifestyle and real estate holdings, the whimsical three-story home has drawn attention not just for its appearance  but for its links to a federal wire fraud case. Jim Chan

Ansari said Bokhari approached him in 2015 about a $4 million auction property in Long Island City, proposing that they split a $200,000 down payment and ownership evenly.

He told me to be quiet about the deal, Ansari said. If we talked about it, he said, there would be a bidding war and we wouldnt get it done.

That trust would unravel years later.

According to court records, Ansari gave Bokhari close to $1 million  but none of the promised properties were ever purchased. When Ansaris lawyers investigated delays in closing, they discovered forged documents and nonexistent deals.

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Ansari filed a civil suit in Queens Supreme Court in 2021 and, a year later, Bokhari was indicted in federal court.

Rashidun Bokhari pleaded guilty in 2023 to embezzling more than $1 million from community members who trusted him, exploiting shared cultural ties to solicit investments in real estate deals that never materialized. Jim Chan

In 2023, Bokhari pleaded guilty to wire fraud. At his sentencing in June 2024, he acknowledged the pain he had caused: They are with us more than any brother and sister, he said of the Ansari family. Outstanding people.

Bokharis legal troubles didnt end with Ansari.

According to federal prosecutors, two other community members  Nazia Jamil and her mother, Aqsa Shams  gave him $191,000 after he promised to help them buy a modest two-family home in Jamaica, Queens.

We lived in a small basement room for a while, Shams told the Times. We always hoped that one day we could have a house for all of us.

Among the victims were longtime family friends like Aslam Ansari and a mother-daughter pair who gave Bokhari their life savings for a promised house. Jim Chan

Instead, delays mounted, and Bokhari blamed COVID-19. But in 2021, Jamil found Ansaris lawsuit online and realized they werent alone.

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That money was my mothers life savings, Jamil, 30, said. He didnt think anyone was going to help us.

According to prosecutors, Bokhari used the funds to pay personal expenses, mortgages and to acquire an apartment in Woodside, Queens, under his wifes name.

Ansari told the court he believes the lavish renovation of the Astoria property was also funded by stolen money.

Prosecutors say the stolen funds went toward personal expenses and renovations on the Astoria property. Jim Chan

The Bokharis have bought, sold and transferred properties across Queens over the past two decades, often within their family and sometimes for no money at all.

Public records show that homes were passed between Jasmin Bokhari, her sister-in-law Jubayda Aktar, and Tanny Fashion  a corporation the couple used for multiple real estate transactions.

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These are different pockets in the same pair of pants, Mark S. Gottlieb, a forensic accountant, describing the strategy as a way to flood public records and obscure ownership, told The Times.

Despite claiming in court that his family had no interest in the Astoria home since selling it in 2008, Bokharis wife has appeared on the deed multiple times since, most recently this April.

Despite claims the homes were no longer his, Bokhari and his wife shuffled ownership of their properties through family members in a web of transfers that raised suspicions of concealment. Jim Chan

Now, both the Astoria and Jamaica properties are under a $1.49 million lien placed by the US Attorneys Office, equivalent to the restitution Bokhari was ordered to pay. The lien makes the homes difficult to sell without paying back victims.

Still, Jasmin Bokhari retains legal ownership and, because she hasnt been criminally charged, faces no obligation to cover her husbands debt.

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She dropped the Astoria homes asking price to $2.5 million in early September.

We allege that Rashidun has hidden the stolen money with houses controlled or supposedly owned by his family, Neal Fellenbaum, one of Ansaris attorneys, said. We believe that the liens placed on these homes show that the government believes the same thing.

In 2024, Bokhari was sentenced to over three years in prison and ordered to repay $1.5 million. Jim Chan

Though only three victims were named in court, attorneys and community organizers believe the number may be far higher. The New York Times spoke with nine additional Bangladeshi New Yorkers who say they were defrauded by Bokhari in similar schemes  most too fearful to come forward.

He told me, Im your uncle  you can trust me, one man said.

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There are pros and cons to being in these enclaves, Rema Begum, a Queens-based community organizer, said. When you add the layer of cultural understanding and a shared language, that builds trust among the folks targeted with the scheme.

The US Attorneys Office has since placed liens on the Astoria and Jamaica properties, complicating their sale and underscoring the governments belief that these assets were funded with illicit gains. Jim Chan

Bokhari is serving a federal prison sentence and is not scheduled for release until 2028. During his sentencing, he told the court: I want to pay them back. How Im going to pay them back, thats the only question.

Should the Astoria and Jamaica homes sell at current prices, his wife could walk away with approximately $5 million. But if the government enforces its lien, a portion could go toward repaying victims.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  The Drew Brown Art Gallery in Potter Hall at Missouri Western State University will host an exhibition of art by alumni and friends.

The School of Fine Arts and the Alumni Association are sponsoring an opening reception at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Light refreshments will be served. Both the exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

The exhibition will feature work by Lori Wilson '84, Larry Goldberg, former News-Press NOW Multimedia Journalist, Ashley Luthans '24 and others.

The exhibition will be on display through Oct. 17.

The Drew Brown Art Gallery is located in front of Potter Hall. Regular hours at the gallery are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A Natick man who is accused of selling technology to an Iranian company that was later used in a terrorist attack on U.S. soldiers remains held without bail.

Madhi Sadeghi was initially released on $100,000 bond in March. But in May, after the U.S. Attorneys Office appealed the ruling, he was taken back into custody and held without bail.

Sadeghi, whose appeal to be released was denied, was scheduled to appear Monday, Sept. 15, in U.S. District Court in Boston for the first status hearing since his appeal was denied. However, that hearing has been postponed until Sept. 25.

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Sadeghi is charged with four counts of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Iranian transactions and sanctions regulations. He was arrested Dec. 16 at his Natick home.

'Material support of terrorists': FBI charges Natick man with exporting technology to Iran

Federal authorities allege that Sadeghi sold U.S. technology for unmanned drones to a co-conspirator, Mohammad Abedini. Authorities say that Abedini owns a company in Iran that is tied to terrorism.

Authorities say technology was used in attack that killed U.S. soldiers

Federal authorities said that technology was used in a Jan. 24, 2024, drone attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan. Three U.S. Army soldiers were killed and 47 others were injured.

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Abedini was arrested in December in Italy. He was released from Italian custody in January and is now believed to be in Iran, authorities said.

Earlier: Natick man pleads not guilty to charges linked to fatal drone attack in Jordan

Last week, the U.S. Attorneys Office filed a civil forfeiture action in federal court to seize $584,741 in cryptocurrency they say Abedini owns. There has been no ruling on the civil forfeiture.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Natick man accused of selling technology to Iran remains held
Rhode Island and Connecticut are requesting a preliminary injunction in federal court to immediately lift the Aug. 22 order from the Trump administration that stopped work on Revolution Wind.

The states on Wednesday, Sept. 17 filed a motion in federal district court in Rhode Island that asks Judge Mary S. McElroy to allow work to start up again on the $5-billion-plus offshore wind farm while their case seeking to overturn the stop-work order proceeds.

The filing argues that the work stoppage will do irreparable harm to the states if it continues.

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In the few weeks since the stop work order was issued, without warning or reason, Rhode Islanders have been harmed, facing daily uncertainty, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha said in a statement. We have heard difficult stories from union workers who are out of a job, and from businesses who are now reluctant to pursue economic ventures due to the uncertainty created by this Administrations decision.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announces on Sept. 4 that he is suing the Trump administration over the federal order that has halted work on Revolution Wind.

What does the injunction say?

The filing cites statements that Revolution Wind made in a separate federal court case it filed in the District of Columbia that also seeks to quash the government order. The project says that the continuing stoppage is threatening to derail a construction schedule that targets a November 2026 operation date.

If it fails to meet subsequent deadlines, it could lose crucial contracts to supply its 704 megawatts of power capacity to utilities in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Danish wind farm developer rsted, a partner in the project, says it must resume work on the 65-turbine project by the last week of September to stay on schedule.

Neronhas office said an injunction is necessary.

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Relief at the end of this case, which could take years, would not be sufficient to ensure that Revolution Wind meets its obligations, the office said.

The wind farm, located about 15 miles south of Little Compton, started construction two years ago after being fully permitted by the federal government. It was 80% complete, with all of its monopile foundations in the water and 46 turbines in place, when the order from the U.S. Department of the Interior came down.

The order cites national security concerns but offers few other details. The project went through a rigorous review process that included input from the Department of Defense and its permit has stipulations on radar impacts and other national security issues.

The federal government, however, says in filings in the District of Columbia case that Revolution Wind did not follow through on commitments it made as part of the permit.

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The work stoppage could have broad impacts on the regions power grid. The operator of the grid had awarded whats known as a capacity supply obligation to Revolution Wind, meaning it was counting on power from the project to meet demand.

The state argue that the stop-work order could raise electric rates and threaten reliability of the power grid. They say it's already having an impact on their economies, with hundreds of union laborers not working.

In support of their filing, William Cox, vice president of business development and investments at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, said clean energy companies had started pulling back from their commitments in the state after President Trump took office in January and signed an executive order against offshore wind among other actions targeting renewables.

The rollback has accelerated since the stop-work order, he said. Businesses that set up shop in the Cambridge Innovation Center in Providence have started to withdraw from leases and lay off staff, he testified. In addition, developers that the Commerce Corporation had been talking to about a new port planned in East Providence are no longer interested because of the administration's order and what it means for the offshore wind industry.

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"This offshore wind project supports an entire supply chain of companies providing well-paid jobs that will be hindered if it is further delayed or halted," Cox wrote.

Spokespersons for the Department of the Interior have previously said it is the agencys policy not to comment on pending litigation.

This story has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Neronha goes to court to restart Revolution Wind after Trump-ordered stoppage
Fiji recognizes a truth that everybody should, but few do - Jerusalem has been Israel's capital for 3,000 years, Netanyahu said during the ceremony, attended by Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Fiji inaugurated its new embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, with a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar.

"You recognize a truth that everybody should recognize, but few governments have so far. That this has been our capital for 3,000 years, since the days of King David," expressed Netanyahu during the ceremony.

Here, next to the walls of our ancient city, the prophets spoke, the kings of Israel ruled, and some of the greatest insights of human faith and values were inscribed here. They were etched in our hearts and in the hearts of people all over the world, he added.

You spoke about the fact that you are very proud of the fact that the first ambassador, you accepted him into your house. Welcome to our house, Mr. Prime Minister, which is your house and the house of the people of Fiji," Netanyahu concluded.

Netanyahu inaugurated the new Fijian embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday. (credit: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO))

Fijis Jerusalem embassy becomes a reality

The project to open the Fijian embassy in Jerusalem was announced in February 2025, with a Twitter/X post from Saar explaining that the decision had been made.

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"I congratulate Fiji on its decision to open an embassy in Israel, in Jerusalem," he wrote.

"I thank Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, a friend of Israel, for passing the decision today in the government. We will continue to work to open and move additional embassies to Jerusalem, our capital," he added.

The embassy announcement came alongside a reported Saar pledge to provide patrol boats after a request from Rabuka to assist in Fiji's efforts to control the illegal drug trade in the country.
Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, speaks on the Senate floor at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

The clock is ticking for Utah lawmakers to draw a new congressional map after the courts tossed out the boundaries last drawn in 2021, deeming them a product of an unconstitutional process.

To meet their tight deadlines, Utahs legislative leaders have picked 10 lawmakers  eight Republicans and two Democrats from the House and Senate  to form a new legislative redistricting committee.

One of the co-chairs of that new committee is Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton. Its a familiar role for him. He co-chaired the Legislatures committee back in 2021 (alongside then-Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clearfield) that drew the congressional map that has since been tossed out by 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson.

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Gibsons ruling last month came after the League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and a handful of Salt Lake County voters sued the Legislature, alleging the 2021 congressional map was unconstitutionally drawn and gerrymandered to favor Republicans.

Gibson, in her Aug. 25 ruling, agreed on the first claim  that the Utah Legislature violated the Utah Constitution when it repealed and replaced Better Boundaries 2018 voter-approved ballot initiative that sought to create an independent redistricting commission. Lawmakers turned that commission into an advisory body that they ultimately ignored.

In her ruling that voided the 2021 congressional map, Gibson made clear that Proposition 4 is now law, while also ordering a remedial process for the court to adopt a new map in time for the 2026 elections. Nov. 10 is the latest the court can select a new congressional map in order to give county clerks enough time to finalize voting precincts before candidates can begin filing for office in January.

In her ruling, Gibson gave lawmakers until Sept. 25 to publish their proposed replacement map. She also set Oct. 6 as the deadline for the full Legislature to vote on the final map before its submitted to the court for consideration. The judge is also allowing the plaintiffs to submit their proposed maps by Oct. 6. Gibson will then have until Nov. 10 to pick a final map to set Utahs congressional boundaries for the 2026 election.

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Though he was part of the 2021 process that anti-gerrymandering groups, Democrats and other critics have called blatant gerrymandering, Sandall said in a prepared statement Thursday that the new committees goal is to comply with Proposition 4s standards.

Lawmakers picked to serve on the 2025 Legislative Redistricting Committee

Co-chair: Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton

Co-chair: Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman

Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan

Sen. Don Ipson, R-St. George

Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City

Rep. Cal Roberts, R-Draper

Rep. Walt Brooks, R-St. George

Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain

Rep. Doug Owens, D-Millcreek

Redrawing congressional districts is a detailed and intricate task that requires careful analysis, broad input and thoughtful decision-making, Sandall said. Our committees top priority is to create a fair and balanced map that complies with Proposition 4 and reflects Utahs growth, incorporates the interests of all Utahns and ensures every voice across the state is represented. We are committed to openness and fairness at every step of the process.

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As Sandalls House counterpart, legislative leaders have also picked Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, to co-chair the new redistricting committee, according to a news release issued Thursday.

Redistricting is a complex and important process and a responsibility that the Legislature takes seriously, Pierucci said. Just as we did in 2021, our committee will work thoughtfully, considering the needs of all communities across Utah, while meeting the deadlines and criteria weve been given.

How to get involved

The new Legislative Redistricting Committee will be holding two public meetings ahead of the Sept. 25 publishing deadline, plus another public comment period on the proposed map leading up to the Legislatures vote on Oct. 6.

Heres the timeline:

Sept. 22: Redistricting Committee public meeting

Sept. 24: Redistricting Committee public meeting

Sept. 25: Legislature publishes proposed map

Sept. 25-Oct. 5: Public comment period on proposed map

Oct. 6: Utah Legislature will hold a special session to vote on the final map and submit it to the court for consideration.

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To view meeting times, agendas and other resources, legislative leaders directed Utahns to visit the Legislatures website and the 2025 Legislative Redistricting Committees website.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rhode Island and Connecticut are seeking a preliminary injunction against a stop-work order that brought construction on Revolution Wind to a screeching halt last month.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong filed the motion Wednesday requesting permission for work to continue on the offshore wind farm, which is nearly 80% complete.

We have no time to waste in getting Revolution Wind back online, which is why were asking the court to put a stop to this in short order, Neronha said in a statement. We need relief now for the benefit of Rhode Island, its workers, and its residents  and time is of the essence.

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RELATED: Trump administration sued over Revolution Wind stop-work order

The stop-work order was formally issued by the Trump administration back in August. Neronha noted that the work stoppage will do imminent and irreparable harm to the state if it continues.

In the few weeks since the stop-work order was issued, without warning or reason, Rhode Islanders have been harmed, facing daily uncertainty, Neronha explained. We have heard difficult stories from union workers who are out of a job, and from businesses who are now reluctant to pursue economic ventures due to the uncertainty created by this administrations decision.

Further, Rhode Islanders continue to bear the brunt of the rising and increasingly unstable energy costs and environmental harms associated with fossil fuels, he continued.

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This comes nearly two weeks after Neronha and Tong sued the Trump administration in an effort to revive the abruptly halted offshore wind farm, which is slated to power more than 300,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

MORE: Trump administration halts Revolution Wind project off RI coast

The offshore wind farm was expected to be complete by November 2026. Neronha and Tongs motion emphasized that the work stoppage is making it difficult for Revolution Wind to meet its contractual deadlines, which include starting to generate power for the states utility providers by December 31, 2026.

Though Neronha and Tongs lawsuit seeks relief, the attorneys general argue that it could take years for their states to be made whole. They also dont believe the amount of relief granted by the court would be sufficient to ensure Revolution Wind meets its obligations, which is why they believe a preliminary injunction is necessary.

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Every day that Revolution Wind sits mothballed in the ocean is another day of unemployment, another day of unaffordable energy costs and another day burning fossil fuels when clean, affordable, American-made energy is within our sights, Tong said in a statement. Were asking the court to step in right now, to recognize the irreparable and immediate harm we are suffering, and to stop the Trump administrations impulsive and lawless overreach.

Its unclear whats next for Revolution Wind, though the Trump administration has left the door open to letting work resume on the offshore wind farm. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has also been pushing for a one-on-one with Trump to discuss the matter.

SEE ALSO: Trump administration in discussions on Revolution Winds future

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, arrives to Nellis Air Force Base on March 6, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

The North Dakota Air National Guard will establish a new support unit for the Air Forces B-52 bombers at Minot Air Force Base next year, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced Thursday.

The B-52 Operational Classic Association detachment will support the B-52 mission under the 5th Bomb Wing of the Air Force and the Air National Guards 119th Wing, according to a news release from the governors office.

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About 40 Guard members are expected to make up the new support detachment and could be integrated into the base and assist with bomber operations as soon as Oct. 1, 2026. The Air Force Global Strike Command will also develop plans to expand the new detachment in the future.

The military in North Dakota continues to play a critical role in our national security, ensuring peace through strength, and this new detachment reinforces that role, Armstrong said in a statement. Minot Air Force Base and the North Dakota Air National Guard are always exceeding the standard and setting new expectations of what it means to serve in our military.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard, said the new detachment will expand the Guards relationship with the Air Force base and adds a strategic deterrent to the mission.

We will recruit the right people into these positions and build this detachment the North Dakota way, Johnson said.

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The North Dakota Guard members already support Minot Air Force Base by assisting Air Force personnel with security for missiles at the base.

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NEW YORK  Mayor Adams Wednesday called on the City Council to pass legislation that would wind down the carriage horse industry in New York, while instructing city agencies to prepare for a ban of the iconic symbols of Central Park.

Im calling on the City Council to do what they should have done long ago: end the horse carriage industry in New York City and help keep all New Yorkers  including our animals  safe, Adams said in a statement.

 This is not about eliminating this tradition  its about honoring our traditions in a way that aligns with who we are today, he said. New Yorkers care deeply about animals, about fairness, and about doing whats right.

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Specifically, Adams called on the Council to enact Ryders Law, named after a horse that collapsed on a Midtown street in 2022. Ryders Law would ban the issuance of additional carriage horse licenses and increase regulation of existing carriage horses in an effort to sunset the industry.

The bill has been before the council since 2022 but has yet to receive a vote.

Carriage driver Ian McKeever was acquitted in July of charges he overworked and tortured Ryder in the months leading up to the equines death. But the controversy arose anew last month, when Lady, a 15-year-old carriage horse, died on the street on Aug. 5.

A week later, the Central Park Conservancy came out in favor of passing Ryders Law, arguing banning the horses was  a matter of public health and safety for park visitors.

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There are 68 carriages currently authorized by the city, and roughly 200 licensed horses, according to the Transport Workers Unions Local 100, which represents roughly 200 horse drivers and stable-hands.

TWUs international president, John Samuelsen, blasted Adams announcement Wednesday, and said he doubted the City Council would vote to ban the horses.

Eric Adams is a liar  he knows the horses are not mistreated, Samuelsen said. Independent experts and veterinarians have attested to this fact repeatedly.

This thing is replete with all kinds of conflicts, he said.

As previously reported by The News, Adams last month tasked First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro to meet with advocates and industry representatives in an effort to find what a City Hall spokesman called a better path forward on the carriage horse issue.

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In 2018, while working as an attorney in private practice, Mastro represented New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets  the primary organization pushing for Ryders Law  in a suit brought by a carriage horse owner.

Samuelsen further alleged that the effort to ban carriage horses was part of a plan to develop housing on the site of the carriage horses midtown stables  a rumor circulating since the DeBlasio administration.

Its all about development of the Westside stables, Samuelsen said.
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (WFRV)  Officers in central Wisconsin have launched a death investigation after a mans body was recovered from the Wisconsin River early Thursday morning.

According to the Wisconsin Dells Police Department, the incident began around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, after first responders were called to 29 Broadway Avenue for reports of a man who had fallen over a railing and into the Wisconsin River below.

After a rescue boat was launched and rescue efforts began, authorities recovered the mans body around 1:20 a.m. on Thursday. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Deputies seek driver speeding over 140 mph on I-41 in Fond du Lac County, pursuit terminated

Based on surveillance footage from the area and witness statements, officers say they do not suspect foul play.

The investigation is ongoing.

The following agencies assisted the Wisconsin Dells Police Department during the incident:

Columbia County Medical Examiners Office

Columbia County Sheriffs Office

Dells/Delton EMS

Kilbourn Fire Department

Lake Delton Police Department

No additional details were provided.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Update on 9/18 at 8:16 a.m.

LA PLACE, Ill. (WCIA)  The Macon County Coroner released the name of the person killed in a crash at U.S. Route 36 and Illinois Route 32 on Wednesday.

Coroner Michael D. Burkham identified him as 63-year-old Michael B. Griffith of Mt. Zion.

The investigation is ongoing, Burkham added.

Update at 4:45 p.m.

LA PLACE, Ill. (WCIA)  The intersection of U.S. Route 36 and Illinois Route 32 near La Place has reopened following the deadly crash between two semis.

Update at 1 p.m.

LA PLACE, Ill. (WCIA)  One person was killed in the crash near La Place Wednesday morning, State Police said. Another person is in the hospital with injuries.

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In an update, State Police officials provided more information about the crash at U.S. Route 36 and Illinois Route 32. It happened at 10:45 a.m. and involved two semi-trucks.

Officials said one of the trucks was traveling northbound on Route 32 and it pulled into the intersection. The other truck was driving westbound on Route 36 and it struck the trailer of the northbound semi.

The driver of the westbound semi was transported to an area hospital, where officials said they were pronounced dead. The driver of the northbound semi was also taken to the hospital with injuries.

State Police did not provide the condition of the injured driver.

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The intersection of Route 36 and 32 is still closed as of 1 p.m.

LA PLACE, Ill. (WCIA)  Illinois State Police is actively responding to a crash in Piatt County Wednesday afternoon near La Place with a road closure expected to last through the afternoon.

The crash happened at the intersection of U.S. Route 36 and Illinois Route 32. In a traffic advisory sent out at 12:21 p.m., ISP Master Sergeant Adam Traxler said that two commercial vehicles were involved, but he did not say how the crash happened.

Rollover crash shuts down lane of EB I-72 near Monticello; one hospitalized

The intersection is expected to be closed for the next three to four hours as first responders clear the scene of the wreckage. Traxler said drivers in the area should use caution and seek an alternate route to get to their destinations.

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WCIA reached out ot ISP for more details on the crash but did not immediately hear back.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Its a tragic truth that political violence is becoming normalized in our society. In recent years , we have seen an increase in the number of elected officials and activists that have been targeted for simply for having different values and beliefs.

In todays world, high-profile individuals are under constant threat of assault or assassination. Recent victims have included Congressman Steve Scalise, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Speaker Pelosis husband Paul Pelosi, Senator Rand Paul, Governor Josh Shapiro and President Donald Trump.

Florida Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, denounces "normalized violence" and calls for unity.

Earlier this year someone threw a molotov cocktail into the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, while another individual shot and killed Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and wounded State Sen. John Hoffman in separate attacks. Last week we added another name to this tragic list as Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated in front of his wife and children while engaging college students with opposing views in a conversation.

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While certainly not the norm, it was shocking to see that some have celebrated these heinous attacks on social media. In one of the most egregious examples, a United States Secret Service Agent commented that Charlie Kirks assassination was karma. Fortunately, the agent has been terminated and is no longer in a position of protecting the life of Americas President.

Back in 2017, Social Psychologist and author of The Righteous Mind  Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion, Jonathan Haidt warned, Of all the ideas percolating on college campuses these days, the most dangerous one might be that speech is sometimes violence. Were not talking about verbal threats of violence, which are used to coerce and intimidate, and which are illegal and not protected by the First Amendment. Were talking about speech that is deemed by members of an identity group to be critical of the group, or speech that is otherwise upsetting to members of the group. This is the kind of speech that many students today refer to as a form of violence.

There is mounting evidence that Haidt was correct. YouGov has been tracking public sentiment since 2022 indicating that the fabric of our country  our social compact  is in peril. YouGov published its findings in an article called What Americans Really Thinks about Political Violence and the results are shocking:

25% of people who self-identified as very liberal believed that violence can sometimes be justified.

22% of all Republicans and Democrats ages 18-29 believe that violence is okay to achieve political goals.

Both parties, Republicans and Democrats are more likely to say political violence is a big problem after attacks on members of their own party.

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It is incumbent upon us to reduce the contention in our nation today. Those who are intolerant of alternative viewpoints will continue to threaten our way of life and the American values we cherish. Our country has faced similar division in our past, and we have overcome. We must restore civil discourse, learn to respect those with whom we disagree and choose love over hate.

US civil rights leader Martin Luther King (C) waves to supporters 28 August 1963 on the Mall in Washington DC (Washington Monument in background) during the "March on Washington", where King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was undoubtedly the expert on this topic, transforming our nation and the world through his practice of peace. He famously said, Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time  the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression. Civilization and violence are antithetical concepts."

As like so many truth-tellers in history, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and the roaring voice of a martyr was unleashed  heard through the ages and beyond the grave. Based on the spontaneous gatherings since Kirks death, it looks like his platform was amplified in death beyond any he could have had in life.

Legends taken before their time gave it all so that we might have another chance. Lets not waste this opportunity to restore unity; to come together as Americans and find a path forward as one.

Monique Miller is a State Representative from Brevard County, Florida

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: How America can restore unity amid rising political violence
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The once bustling shopping center in Panama City may be on its way to being transformednot with stores, but with stages.

The Panama City Mall was mostly destroyed by Hurricane Michael. Many have suggested a civic center or amphitheater to replace the building.

Panama City leaders are taking another look at the possibility. But theres one major catch.

It is not our property. Its not the citys property. Its not the countys property. This is private property. And its actually owned by multiple owners, meaning different parcels are actually owned by five different owners. It makes it a little bit more challenging when youre having a conversation on what should this be, Panama City Commissioner Brian Grainger said.

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Some locals say theyd rather see the mall rebuilt as well, another indoor mall. But the current owners, who specialize in malls nationwide, have no plans to rebuild it. And officials say its simply not a smart investment.

The city could decide to put a whole bunch of your tax dollars into the mall to make that model work, but I dont think Panama City citizens really want to see their tax dollars be put into businesses that dont actually work here anymore, Panama City Mayor Allan Branch said.

Instead, Destination Panama City is funding a $15,000 feasibility study for a new performing arts and event center on a portion of the property.

Grainger pitched the idea, saying it fulfills many residents desires for a civic center, but offers even more: two separate, but attached buildings.

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Generally, performing arts centers are great, great things for communities, but theyre not necessarily great for events. Right. You cant necessarily host an indoor boat show in a performing arts center. So, the idea here is we can have both. We can do both, Grainger said.

The idea is in its infancy.

The next step would be an economic study, like a deep economic study. How many jobs do we think this would actually generate? How much money would it bring? How many tourists do we think we would bring in? Grainger said.

If the results of this study and the potential economic study are favorable, officials would begin negotiating with the owners.

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They say theyll start by having the conversation with just one who owns the majority of the area.

The feasibility study should take about a year. If results are not favorable, officials say they may consider other sites or ideas.

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ISLAMABAD, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least two security personnel were killed and 30 others injured in a suicide attack on a convoy of paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Thursday, security sources said.

The attack happened when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive laden vehicle into the convoy of 15 to 16 vehicles in Dasht area of Kech district of the province, killing two FC personnel on the spot while injuring at least 30 others, the security sources told Xinhua.

Following the explosion, two buses of the convoy caught huge fire, which is being put out, said the sources, adding that the death toll might further rise as 12 of the injured personnel are in critical condition.

After the blast, security forces, rescue teams and a bomb disposal squad rushed to the site and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital. Security forces cordoned off the area while further investigation is underway.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack. 
Denmark will acquire long-range precision weapons in connection with the Russian threat to Danish and European security, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on Sept. 17.

"There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Denmark and Europe for many years to come," Frederiksen told reporters, describing the move as a "paradigm shift in Danish defense policy."

The news comes as European countries race to build up their military capabilities, spurred by Russian aggression in Ukraine and fears of a possible clash between Moscow and NATO.

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The Danish prime minister stressed that there is no immediate threat of an attack against Denmark, adding that the arms are meant to serve as a deterrent, not to launch an offensive war.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the weapons could include drones and missiles capable of striking enemy territory. The sum of the acquisition was not revealed.

The Nordic NATO member said the move was requested by the alliance and should contribute to Europe's aim to be able to defend itself by 2030.

Since returning to office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has pressured other NATO members to take greater responsibility for their own security and for Ukraine's defense.

Russia, which continues to wage its all-out war against Ukraine and launches regular aerial strikes against its cities, called the Danish plans "pure madness."

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"No one, anywhere, ever in the world has considered publicly threatening a nuclear power. These statements will undoubtedly be taken into account," said Vladimir Barbin, Russia's ambassador in Denmark.

Last week, Denmark also announced plans to purchase a record $9 billion worth of European-made air defense systems, including the long-range SAMP/T platform.

The country has also been reinforcing the defenses of Greenland, its autonomous Arctic island that Trump suggested should be annexed by the U.S.  a proposition strongly rejected by Copenhagen.

"We are in the process of a historic reconstruction of Danish defense, and it is natural that we are continuously looking at how we can best defend Denmark... (and) contribute to the security of our allies," Poulsen said on Sept. 17.

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The Russia-Ukraine war underscores the importance of both layered air defense and the capability of striking enemy airborne threats before they have a chance to launch an attack, the Danish Defense Ministry noted.

Denmark has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying F-16 jets, Caesar howitzers, and Leopard 1 tanks and investing heavily in the Ukrainian defense industry.

Read also: Ukraine captures Kenyan serving in Russian army, who claims he was tricked into joining

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Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Indiana Republicans are ashamed of what theyre doing on Thursday as he rallied opponents of a potential effort by GOP lawmakers to redraw the states congressional maps ahead of next years midterm elections to add one or two US House seats more favorable to the party.

Buttigieg, the former South Bend mayor, returned to his home state for an appearance at the Indiana Statehouse where he urged Republican state lawmakers who are being pressured by President Donald Trumps administration to redistrict to show some backbone before its too late.

Refraining from cheating is a low bar, he said. But youve got to start somewhere, because they are under so much pressure from Washington to do something wrong.

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Even as Buttigieg enters the fray, Indiana Democrats face a daunting political reality: They have no way of stopping Republican Gov. Mike Braun and the states supermajority Republican House and Senate from redrawing its congressional maps to try to tilt the GOPs current 7-2 House seat advantage to 8-1 or 9-0.

Braun and GOP legislative leaders have not yet made a public argument in favor of redrawing Indianas congressional maps. However, Braun told state reporters Tuesday that redistricting probably will happen.

I want it to happen to where the leaders and the legislators feel comfortable with it, he said.

Braun said in an interview on Fort Waynes WOWO radio this week, according to an Indiana Capital Chronicle report, that lawmakers could vote on new maps either at the beginning of next years legislative session in January, probably more ideally sometime in November.

Annette Groos holds a sign before the start of a rally for Indiana Democrats amid pressure from President Donald Trump for Republicans to redistrict congressional seats. - Michael Conroy/AP

That timeline hinted at a possible path to approving new maps without Braun calling a special session. Lawmakers typically gather each November for organization day  a largely ceremonial one-day start to the next years session in which newly elected lawmakers are sworn in and legislative leaders are chosen.

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Indiana Republicans face a pressure campaign from Trumps White House to add one or two more GOP-leaning districts to bolster the partys chances of maintaining its narrow House majority in next Novembers midterms.

Already, Texas Republicans have redrawn their states maps to add five more seats that favor GOP candidates, and California Democrats responded with new maps of their own intended to add five Democratic-leaning seats. The California maps must still be approved by voters this November. Missouri Republicans last week passed new maps aimed at handing the GOP one more House seat there.

Republican state Rep. Ed Clere told CNN that Missouris approval of new congressional maps last week has only increased the pressure on Indiana, but for all the wrong reasons.

This is being driven by very raw and very cynical politics, he said.

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Clere has been one of the Indiana GOPs most vocal opponents of mid-decade redistricting. He said doing so establishes a dangerous precedent, and said there is deep opposition within the party to redrawing the maps.

There are Republicans who are more concerned with upholding principles than with cheating to win elections. And thats what this is: Its cheating, he said. This is about a lot more than a congressional map or an election. This is about who we are as a people, and whether we are willing to prioritize democracy over politics.

Multiple Indiana Republican lawmakers, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they expect Trump will eventually get his way.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun speaks during an event with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on June 10. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/File

The pressure on the GOP supermajority has ratcheted up with Vice President JD Vance traveling to the Statehouse on August 7 to meet privately with Braun, state House Speaker Todd Huston and state Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray.

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Indianas full seven-member Republican congressional delegation endorsed mid-decade redistricting in social media posts in August, on the same day state House Republicans were caucusing to discuss the prospect. The same month, the White House invited the states GOP legislators to Washington to further press their case.

The topic was prominently featured at Sen. Jim Banks Hoosier Leadership for America Summit last weekend, where state Rep. Andrew Ireland, a supporter of redistricting, said on X hed spoken about it.

Braun, the first-term Republican governor, noted that some Republican state legislators had initially opposed mid-decade redistricting, but have since reversed their positions.

You clearly saw certain legislators that had an absolutely not interested to where theyre publicly out there changing their mind, Braun told reporters this week.

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One of those public GOP flips is state Rep. Jim Lucas, who in August repeatedly staked out his opposition to a mid-decade redistricting effort.

After visiting the White House, and in the hours after the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk  who had waged a social media campaign to pressure Indiana Republicans to redraw their congressional lines, vowing to support primary challenges against those who turned Trump down  Lucas said hed changed his mind.

I am now a rock solid HELL YES for redistricting! he said on X.

Lucas argued in another post the next day that because a Democratic House would impede Trumps agenda, redistricting went from a state issue to a national issue.

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The reversal by Lucas prompted an unusual back-and-forth with another veteran Republican state lawmaker, Rep. Heath VanNatter, on Lucas Facebook page  throwing the kinds of discussions GOP lawmakers have had in caucus meetings, including House and Senate members gathering separately last week, into public view.

I knew you would fold. Maybe you should keep your powder dry next time, VanNatter said.

Lucas responded by citing Hoosier legislators trip to the White House last month and the assassination of Kirk.

After going to DC and hearing solid information from the federal level of how every Hoosier would benefit by redistricting and now the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I have ZERO problem to publicly come out and explain my changed position, he wrote.

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It appears that President Donald Trump has signaled a total disdain for the Latino community, the countrys largest minority group at 68 million, or 1 of every 5 residents.

This observation is not based totally on Trumps remarks a decade ago that Mexico does not send its best and that immigrants from our southern border are bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists.

Nor are we looking solely at his 2016 debate when he used the term bad hombres in explaining his plan to deport drug traffickers.

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Consider two recent actions  or lack of  to gauge the presidents thinking of the vibrant Latino community.

Trump, who did get a Republican-record 48% of the Latino vote in 2024, has not issued a proclamation designating Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. Every U.S. president since George H. Bush in 1989 has issued such a proclamation.

Exhibit B: Trumps Education Department announced on Monday it will redirect $350 million in grants reserved for programs at colleges and universities with Latino enrollment of more than 25% and shift those dollars to historically Black colleges.

In 2020, Trump issued an executive order for Hispanic Heritage Month saying Latinos contribute to our Nation beyond description. Hispanic Americans embody the best of our American values, including commitment to faith, family and country.

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He noted Latinos serve in the military and law enforcement, and added that Latinos make up half of Border Patrol agents.

The Hispanic-American community has left an indelible mark on our government, culture and economy, said Trump, who noted that Hispanic-serving institutions shared part of $1 billion in federal funding.

Trumps 2020 executive order also established the Presidents Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity, which is dedicated to advising my Administration on ways to improve access to educational and economic opportunities for the Hispanic-American community.

The president said Latinos will play an incredible role in our countrys great years to come, and my Administration proudly stands with them. Their steadfast commitment to Americas core values, their steadfast opposition to socialism, and their innumerable contributions to our prosperity enrich our Nation and add to our unmatched culture and way of life.

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This year, nada about Hispanic Heritage Month from the president. Not on Truth Social. Not on The White House X account.

It is wrong for Trump to ignore a tradition that dates back to 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Week. President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to one month in 1988.

The observation coincides with the Sept. 15 anniversaries of independence for El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16.

Trump stops a streak

The White House website touts Trumps assignment of National Guard troops to Memphis  where police data show a 25-year low drop in crime  to crack down on criminals. There are other posts extending a ban on TikTok and praising conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, who was killed last Wednesday while appearing at a Utah college.

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But, nary is there a word about Hispanic Heritage Month. Not even an updated post of the taco bowl he has touted as the best in the world.

Thats OK. Americans with roots in Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, Peru and other Latin American countries havent let the current White House occupant rain on their culture.

Trump has refused to provide funding in his 2026 budget proposal for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. He authorized the museum in 2020.

In his Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History executive order released in March, Trump alleges the Smithsonian has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology.

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It appears the president wants to erase the Latino identity in this country, whether through mass deportations, shoving their history into museum closets or refusing to acknowledge a monthlong celebration.

He is one bad hombre.
Would you pay higher taxes for better public services? Or would you accept lower quality services in exchange for lower contributions? Europeans are split, but more people favour reducing taxes.

Four in ten (39%) in the EU agree that taxes are too high, and they would decrease them even if this means fewer or lower public services'. These amenities include healthcare, education and public infrastructure.

The economic difficulties in Europe right now may explain this deterioration of support for higher taxes, Olivier Jacques, assistant professor at the University of Montreal, told Euronews Business.

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On the other hand, more than a quarter (27%) of people in the EU support paying higher taxes for better and more public services.

A similar proportion (26%) of respondents support the current levels of taxes and public services. The remaining 8% are unsure.

When we look at the responses among different EU countries, the responses vary widely. Answers were collected in response to a Eurobarometer survey, conducted in April 2025.

Cutting taxes may come with a cost

Slovakia (59%), Croatia (57%), Estonia (53%), and Slovenia (50%) top the list of countries where many say taxes are too high and should be cut, even at the cost of public services. Half or more of the population would accept this option in these countries.

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Support is also 45% or higher in Greece and Romania (48%), Poland (47%), and Belgium, Latvia, and Hungary (45%).

Dr Dimitri Gugushvili, post-doctoral researcher at KU Leuven University in Belgium, explained that people usually oppose more taxes if they distrust the government and suspect that extra funds will be abused by public officials.

There is a massive difference in trust in public institutions across Europe, with political trust being the highest in Scandinavia and the lowest in Eastern Europe, especially Bulgaria and Romania, he said.

Finland (22%), Sweden (24%), and Denmark (26%)  the three Nordic countries  show the lowest support for tax cuts over public services, with only around a quarter in favour.

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Germany (40%), France (37%), and the Netherlands (39%) are close to the EU average.

In general, Eastern and Central European countries lean much more towards tax cuts at the expense of services. Northern and Western European countries are less willing to cut public services.

Support for taxation is higher when people perceive that the public services they receive in exchange for their taxes are of higher quality or when they maintain high levels of trust in government institutions, Jacques said.

He pointed out that the countries where support for taxation is lower seem to be nations with low trust in government and low satisfaction with public services.

Which countries are willing to pay more?

Only 27% of respondents in the EU support higher taxes for more or better public services. Spain (42%), Sweden (42%), and Finland (40%) lead in support, while Bulgaria (39%) and Greece (37%) follow closely.

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This highlights a strong demand for increased investment in public services across Southern Europe, with Spain and Greece leading the way. Italy and Portugal (both at 31%) also show above-average support, reflecting similar trends in this region.

Olivier Jacques' own research shows that higher levels of education, as well as left-wing ideology, correlate with higher support for taxation.

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Left-wing identification is very high in Spain, and the Spaniards have by far the highest support for taxation of the Southern European countries, he said.

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Bulgaria is an outlier in Eastern Europe, with responses suggesting that people there want stronger services even if taxes rise.

The lowest levels are seen in Luxembourg (16%), as well as Latvia, Slovakia, and Belgium (all three 17%), indicating strong resistance to tax increases. In Eastern and Central Europe, the support is generally lower: Poland, Hungary, Romania, Lithuania, and Slovenia all fall in the 2223% range.

Germany (20%), Austria (20%), and France (23%) are also among the least supportive.

However, not supporting higher taxes does not necessarily imply opposition to better or improved public services; it may instead reflect a demand for greater efficiency. The same reasoning could also apply to those favouring tax reductions.

Keeping services and taxes at the same level

A significant share of the EU population, around a quarter (26%), believes that both taxes and public services should remain at their current levels, though opinions vary widely across member states.

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Support for the status quo is strongest in Luxembourg (47%), Malta (46%), and Denmark (43%), where nearly half of the population holds this view.

Support for this option is also above the EU average in Austria (37%), Finland (34%), France (32%), and Germany (31%), indicating a preference for stability.

Support is low in Southern Europe, with many countries falling well below the EU average: Greece (11%), Croatia (13%), Italy (18%), Spain (21%), and Portugal (25%). This demonstrates public discontent and a desire for change.

Personal income tax rates differ widely across Europe, with the highest levels in the Nordic countries and the lowest in Eastern Europe.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) State Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock) made a stop in Longview on Wednesday evening to host a campaign rally as part of his run for the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Hughes named to freedom of speech committee after Charlie Kirk assassination

Talarico, an eighth-generation Texan, is the second major Democrat to enter the Senate primary, joining former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Dallas), who unsuccessfully challenged Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in last years election.

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The rally, held at the Longview Community Center, highlighted Talaricos push to connect with voters in East Texas, a region long considered a Republican stronghold.

East Texas means a lot to me, and I plan on being out in this part of the state a lot during this election, trying to earn the trust and support of these people, Talarico told attendees. This is the first time Im here, but I plan to be back a lot before election day next year.

Texas governor signs flood bills into law, as laws passed earlier this year take effect

Talarico also spoke about his pledge to combat what he called big money corruption in Washington, saying billionaires tear us apart on a daily basis. He emphasized his campaigns focus on uniting Texans and returning power to working families.

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His campaign tour continues Thursday with a rally in Dallas. The Texas Senate election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Some Rhode Islanders might soon be getting some help with their medical debt.

The Office of the General Treasury is partnering with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to create the Medical Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI).

The program is made possible through a $1 million allocation from the R.I. General Assembly.

State leaders say theres no added cost to taxpayers, and residents wont have to lift a finger to receive the relief if they are eligible.

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This initiative will allow folks to take a deep breath, get back on their feet and continue producing for the state of Rhode Island, Treasurer James Diossa said.

ALSO READ: RI Health Dept. seeing concerning trend when it comes to vaccines and kids

The nonprofit is using the $1 million from the state to pay off the medical debts of those who are struggling.

Thats the work and the due diligence process of the nonprofit, Diossa added. They do that work, they find it, they search the accounts from these different hospital networks in our state, and they come to the determination of who qualifies.

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This program began in October 2024.

To date, the MDRI has abolished almost $12 million in debt for nearly 7,000 eligible Rhode Island residents.

According to Undue Medical Debt, the average resident gets nearly $1,700 of debt cleared, but there have been instances where upwards of $20,000 was wiped out.

It clears depending on the account, Diossa explained. So theres no cap as to how much can be waived, but weve been able to see different ranges of total debt thats been waived off.

Diossa added that Rhode Islanders do not need to apply. Eligible residents will receive a letter in the mail with a seal from the Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer and Undue Medical Debt that says some of their debt has been paid off.

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ALSO READ: Family of Coventry girl living with rare condition hosts walk to raise awareness

To be eligible, certain requirements must be met, which include having income below 400% of the federal poverty limit or medical debt equal to or exceeding 5% of household income.

There is also a chance that some health care providers may not be participating in this initiative, but state leaders are hoping to involve all hospitals statewide.

A select few as of now, and well be engaging with other networks and hospitals so that they can participate, Diossa said. I think its in the best interest of all of us to participate in this program.

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The initiative is expected to end once the state has used the entire $1 million appropriation for medical debt relief. However, Diossa said he plans to advocate for another $1 million from the General Assembly in the future to keep the program going.

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Travellers planning holidays to Spains sunny shores, buzzing cities and historic sites may soon notice fewer Ryanair options on booking sites.

The low-cost giant is scaling back services, cutting close to two million seats and warning of more reductions to come if a planned rise in airport charges moves ahead in Spain.

But Ryanairs retreat isnt slamming the door shut on low-cost flights to Spain. Instead, it has left the door open for competitors, who are racing to fill the gap.

Ryanair battles the Spanish government

Earlier this month, Ryanair announced that it will reduce its Spanish network by 16 per cent this winter. Its Santiago base will close immediately, while flights to Vigo and Tenerife Norte are set to be suspended from January 2026. Routes from Asturias, Santander, Zaragoza and Vitoria will also see reductions.

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The airline had already cut 800,000 seats over the summer before cutting one million more in September. The total could rise to nearly three million next year if Spains state-owned airport operator Aena goes ahead with a 6.5 per cent fee increase.

Im due back in Madrid in two weeks and will probably announce another million seats to be cancelled next summer, Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary told the Financial Times. The airline has criticised Aenas hikes as excessive and uncompetitive.

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Spanish officials have pushed back. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente called out the airline in parliament earlier this month. Ryanair complains about a fee increase of 0.68 per ticket, yet they have raised ticket prices by 21 per cent this year, he said, claiming that it is untrue that they are leaving airports due to a lack of profitability.

Low-cost rivals expand

As the low-cost carrier cuts its services, however, other European airlines have announced plans to replace them.

Spanish airline Vueling, part of the International Airlines Group (IAG) that owns British Airways and Iberia, among others, will operate almost 1.5 million seats to Spain this winter. That includes a 15 per cent increase in seats from Santiago and an 11 per cent rise from Tenerife Norte compared with last year.

More than 578,000 seats will be available from Santiago and nearly 900,000 from Tenerife. An extra aircraft will join the fleet in Santiago from mid-December, too. The airline will add 28 weekly flights to destinations including Barcelona, Mallorca and Malaga, while Tenerife Norte will gain 25 extra weekly services to Valencia, Alicante and Barcelona.

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Iberia Express and Binter are also increasing their schedules, while Volotea and Wizz Air are moving to take over some of Ryanairs vacated slots.

Wizz Air plans to launch 40 new routes from Spain by March 2026. Together, Vueling, Iberia Express and Binter alone will add more than 430,000 seats compared with last winter.

Tourism demand shows no signs of slowing

The reshuffle comes as Spains tourism industry is setting new records.

The country welcomed 11 million international visitors in July  the most in a single month in its history. Arrivals reached 55.5 million in the first seven months of 2025, while spending soared past 76 billion.

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As Spains industry expands, the UK remains its biggest market. Through the first seven months of 2025, nearly 6 million British tourists visited Spain, an increase of 4.6 per cent from the same period in 2024.

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The Canary Islands are a particular hotspot, recording more than 1.6 million British visitors between January and July.

UK airlines have sought to serve this market by adding capacity.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows August 2025 will set a record for UK-Europe flights, with almost 12 million seats available. Low-cost carrier Jet2, which brought 2.4 million travellers from the UK to the Canaries in 2024, will boost capacity by 8 per cent this summer, including new routes from Bournemouth and London Luton.

What does Ryanairs reduction mean for travellers?

For passengers, the sharpest impact will be at regional Spanish airports, where Ryanair has withdrawn the largest share of capacity.

But on the busiest routes to Spains cities and islands, rivals are stepping in fast  meaning holidaymakers will still have plenty of ways to reach the Spanish sun, even if prices creep upwards.
URBANDALE, Iowa  Construction continues on various roads throughout the metro. The biggest project is in Urbandale at Douglas Avenue and Hickman Road at Interstate 80/35.

The project is nearing the end of its first of three phases. This phase is expected to be completed by mid-December. Frank Leong, Grimes Resident Construction Engineer, said that he expects there to be minimal impact on traffic following the completion of phase one.

I-80 westbound lanes reopened after morning crashes near Newton

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Travelers will get a break from the traffic impacts until phase two and three are slated to start in the spring of 2026 and the spring of 2027. Leong explained the ultimate goal of the construction.

We have the interstate widening portion of it going on, Leong said. Its the first of three phases that the DOT is going to be doing. The ultimate configuration is going to add one lane southbound, two lanes northbound and a diverging diamond intersection down on Hickman itself. Something very similar to up there in Ankeny on First Street.

The diverging diamond that Leong mentioned is aimed at adding more turning movements at the same time and implementing a more efficient driving pattern.

Leong expects that the entire project will be completed sometime in 2028. He said with the rapid expansion of Urbandale, Waukee and other West Des Moines suburbs, the construction and road widening are necessary. The final project will help to increase mobility and decrease traffic congestion.

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Eight coups took place in West and Central Africa between 2020 and 2023, leading the region to be dubbed the coup belt. Two developments this week indicate a continuation of this troubling tilt toward autocracy.

The lower house of Chads legislature overwhelmingly approved revisions to the countrys constitution that extend presidential terms from 5 to 7 years and remove limits on the presidents time in office. The amendments are expected to also pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who seized power and set up a military junta in 2021 after the death of his father, Idriss Deby, who ruled the country for more than 30 years.

And in Guinea, a referendum will be held Sunday for a new constitution that would allow junta leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president despite his pledge to not do so when he seized power in a coup in 2021.

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In both Guinea and Chad, human rights groups have documented numerous instances of opposition figures being harassed, assaulted, tortured or forcibly disappeared. All of this has happened amid international indifference. France, traditionally the most influential foreign power in West and Central Africa, never prioritized governance and human rights issues, opting to focus on security concerns like the campaign against extremist militants. More recently, it has been preoccupied with the withdrawal of most of its military forces from the region.

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

The United States under President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has forgone its traditional focus on promoting political openness overseas, instructing its diplomats to avoid commenting on other countries elections. Indeed, it has even shown willingness to engage with repressive military regimes. According to The Washington Post, the Trump administration has increased its intelligence sharing with the junta in Mali, which orchestrated a coup in 2021 and has recently struggled to combat a rising tide of attacks by militant extremist groups associated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

West Africas primary regional body, the Economic Community of West African States, has expressed concern about the trend toward unconstitutional changes of government, but has been ineffective in addressing it. Junta-led governments in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have simply withdrawn from the bloc and started their own security partnership known as the Alliance of Sahel States, which has increasingly aligned with Russia.

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A critical reason for the success of military coups around the region is the failures of the governments that preceded them, many of which were led by aging and out-of-touch elites trying to cling to power. Poor governance and economic crises have led people in the region to look relatively more favorably upon military rulers promises of stability.

There are more troubling signs on the horizon. In Cameroon, for example, 92-year-old President Paul Biya is standing in elections that will be held next month, despite having ruled the country for more than 40 years. While Biya has tried to consolidate control over the military brass, his succession plans are unclear. Mass unrest in the wake of the polls could create an opportunity for the army to step in.

With few brakes on their power, the regions military strongmen look set to continue consolidating their power. The question is whether they can deliver on promises to address economic crises amid a deteriorating security environment. Prospects so far do not look positive.

Elliot Waldman is World Politics Reviews editor-in-chief.

The post The Runaway Generals of the Coup Belt appeared first on World Politics Review.
For the third time in as many months, the Russian natural gas supplier Gazprom is turning off the tap to Armenia, claiming a need to repair infrastructure. Some observers believe the Kremlin is instigating the repeated cut-offs as a means of pressuring Yerevan to moderate its geopolitical turn away from Russia towards the West.

In a statement on the latest shut-off, Gazprom Armenia, a Gazprom subsidiary, announced planned repair work would take place in Russia on the North Caucasus-Transcaucasia gas pipeline, causing supplies to Armenia to be suspended from September 16-26. Although the repairs were purportedly planned in advance, Gazprom Armenia issued the statement only about 24 hours before the cut-off was due to begin.

The statement added that Armenian customers should not expect to experience interruptions, due to internal reserves and additional volumes of natural gas supplies from Iran.

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In July and August, Gazprom also stopped the gas from flowing to Armenia, but those interruptions each lasted only a couple of days. A Gazprom Armenia statement in July attributed the cut-off to a need for emergency repairs to a section of the pipeline in Georgia. An August statement referred only to maintenance work. Armenia is heavily dependent on Gazprom for gas supplies and Gazprom Armenia owns the countrys distribution network.

Prior to the Gazprom cutoffs, Russia over the past year has implemented other measures designed to economically punish Armenia, including restrictions on Russia-bound exports of agricultural products and flowers. Over the same time span, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has downgraded Yerevans strategic partnership with Russia, while rapidly building up ties with the United States and European Union.

It remains uncertain whether Pashinyan will attend a CIS heads of government meeting, planned for late September in the Belarussian capital Minsk.

Some political observers see a pattern in Gazproms behavior, suggesting it is an expression of Kremlin discontent with Armenian government policies. Russia has a long history of using Gazprom as an instrument of leverage in seeking to achieve its geopolitical aims, although the state-run companys importance as a global energy supplier has significantly faded in recent years.

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If Gazproms actions are indeed politically motivated, the tough tactics do not seem to be intimidating Armenian officials.

An analysis published by the Atlantic Council on September 16 contends that the Kremlins imperial approach towards Armenia has backfired.

Moscow has repeatedly responded to Yerevans efforts to align with the West with retaliation, pairing diplomatic snubs with targeted economic pressure intended to remind Armenians who is in charge, the analysis states. Even when holding a weak hand and needing to strengthen alliances, Russia defaults to intimidation over persuasion.

By Eurasianet

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MELBOURNE, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- An Australian-discovered therapy has reached a significant milestone, with Pfizer Inc. beginning a Phase 3 clinical trial of a potential new treatment for advanced breast cancers.

The first-in-class therapy is being studied as a treatment in adults with HR+, HER2-advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose disease progressed following prior treatments, according to a statement released Thursday by Australia's Monash University.

Known as PF-07248144 and co-invented by scientists at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) and the government-funded Cancer Therapeutics Cooperative Research Center (CTx), the therapy blocks two proteins, KAT6A and KAT6B, which help control how genes are switched on and off, it said.

Because these proteins influence how cells grow and develop, finding ways to block them can "turn down the volume" on those genes and slow the cancer's ability to grow and spread, the statement said.

In earlier Phase 1 studies, PF-07248144 combined with fulvestrant, a type of hormone therapy, achieved a 37 percent objective response rate in patients.

Pfizer licensed the KAT6 platform in 2018 through Oncology One, CTx's commercialization partner, and developed PF-07248144.

"The discovery of PF-07248144 is an important scientific advance. For the first time, selective targeting of KAT6 opens new avenues for the treatment of advanced breast cancers," said MIPS medicinal chemist Paul Stupple. 
Just days after an "unprecedented" violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones, the Kremlin indulged in a provocative display right next to NATO's border by deploying Iskander-M ballistic missiles just 40 kilometers from Poland.

While part of the long-planned Zapad military exercises conducted with Belarus, experts told the Kyiv Independent the flaunting of missiles in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad was meant to send a very deliberate message.

"This serves as an opportunity for Russia to intimidate European audiences through information and influence operations, and to directly signal its capabilities and readiness to NATO governments," John Ridge, a security assistance analyst at Tochnyi.info, said.

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The move comes as tensions between Russian and NATO reach levels not seen since the end of the Cold War, with the Western military alliance announcing an increase in its military presence along its eastern flank in response to Russia launching at least 21 drones into Polish airspace overnight on Sept. 10.

But other experts suggest that Russia's display of military might in Kaliningrad could actually be an indication of weakness.

Russian President Vladimir Putin at a training ground in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia, on Sept. 16, 2025. (Valery Sharifulin / Pool / AFP via Getty Images)

"The Russian regime needs to show ability and give the impression that they are a powerful rival to NATO and the West," Jan Kallberg, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, told the Kyiv Independent.

"Because, after over three years of failures in Ukraine, Russian geopolitical bargaining power has evaporated," he added.

Iskanders in Kaliningrad



Following the airspace violations involving drones over Poland and Romania, Russia, in coordination with Belarus, conducted drills in Kaliningrad Oblast, a heavily militarized exclave on the Baltic Sea, bordered by NATO members Poland and Lithuania.

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"We are closely monitoring the situation on our western and northern borders, and we cannot remain indifferent to the ongoing militarization and military activity," Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said at the opening of the exercises.

As part of this broader show of force, evidence of missile redeployments near NATO borders also emerged. A video began circulating online on Sept. 13 that appeared to show a Russian Iskander missile system moving on the E28 highway near the village of Kudryavtsevo, just under 40 kilometers (24 miles) from NATO territory in Poland, according to the OSINT group Cyberboroshno.

Russian Iskanders in Kaliningrad have demonstrated their readiness to strike European cities. NATO allies must now step up their decisive military support for Ukraine. This is urgent.

pic.twitter.com/bgD65mQYHQ  Marko Mihkelson  (@markomihkelson) September 13, 2025

What is an Iskander missile and what can it do?

The Russian military has operated the Iskander missile systems since the early 2000s. In Kaliningrad Oblast, home to the 152nd Missile Brigade, the 9K720 Iskander-M variant, also known by its NATO reporting name SS-26 Stone, is deployed.

Russia has used the Iskander-M extensively in Ukraine in numerous devastating attacks. The missile descends almost vertically at its target, striking at a near 90-degree angle, and typically leaves behind a large, circular crater upon impact.

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The Iskander-M is a ballistic missile that travels at Mach 6-7 (7,400-8,600 kmh). It measures 7.3 meters in length, with a 0.9-meter diameter, weighs up to 3,800 kilograms, and carries a 480-kilogram warhead.

Each missile costs an estimated $3 million.

Russia upgraded its ballistic missiles with radar decoys and evasive maneuvers, making them potentially harder to intercept even by Patriot air defenses, Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on May 24, after a massive attack on Kyiv.

The Iskander-M can be equipped with a cluster warhead, but even more concerning is its capability to carry a nuclear warhead.

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With an operational range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), the Iskander-M can reach six NATO countries from Kaliningrad: Poland, Germany, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, putting key military and civilian infrastructure within its strike radius.

6 NATO countries within reach of Russian Iskander-M missiles. (Lisa Kukharska / The Kyiv Independent)

Adding to concerns, recent satellite imagery from Planet Labs, published by Business Insider in July, suggested that Russia has begun expanding a facility in Kaliningrad believed to house part of its nuclear arsenal, a move that raises further alarm about the regions growing strategic significance.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in June 2024 that as many as 100 tactical nuclear warheads could be housed at a suspected nuclear weapons storage facility in the exclave.

Threat escalation or just more Russian saber-rattling?

According to Ridge, the recent developments surrounding the Zapad military exercises do not significantly depart from the baseline threat already posed by Russian forces in Kaliningrad and Belarus.

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However, they provide the Kremlin with an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to threaten population centers and critical military infrastructure, not only in Central Europe but also in its Western region, using both conventional and nuclear capabilities, he added.

NATO has issued its own warnings in relation to Kaliningrad  U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander General Chris Donahue said in July 2025 that Russias exclave, approximately 76 kilometers (47 miles) wide, is entirely encircled by NATO member states, and the U.S. Army and its allies are capable of neutralizing the threat "from the ground in a timeframe that is unheard of and faster than we have ever been able to do."



Russian tanks move during the Zapad-2025 (West-2025) joint Russian-Belarusian military drills at a training ground near the town of Barysaw, east of Minsk, Belarus, on Sept. 15, 2025. (Olesya Kurpyayeva / AFP via Getty Images)

Ridge echoed Donahues stance, saying that NATO members are currently well-positioned to repel and respond to any potential attacks from Kaliningrad, including threats posed by Russias 152nd Missile Brigade.

But in the European countries closest to Kaliningrad, there is still concern.

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Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Estonian Parliament, said that NATOs response to such provocations must be "clear and resolute" to avoid further escalation.

"It is not enough to merely strengthen deterrence on the eastern flank," he told the Kyiv Independent.

"We must take the first practical steps toward protecting Ukrainian airspace, starting with the establishment of a no-fly zone, at least over Ukraines western regions."

A map of the Baltic Sea Region. (Lisa Kukharska / The Kyiv Independent)

Mihkelson added that Russias missile posturing only underscores Moscows sense of impunity and its ongoing attempt to exploit divisions within the West.

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But for Kallberg, Russias recent display of Iskander missiles is less about signaling to NATO or Ukraine, and more about preserving its status in its relationship with China.

With few tools left to project influence, nuclear weapons remain one of Russias last levers of power, he added.

Kallberg pointed to recent diplomatic events  the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, held in late August and early September  as particularly revealing.

"The latest gathering of authoritarian leaders in Beijing clearly showed Xi Jinping as the rich uncle from the city, and Putin as the begging poor cousin from rural nowhere," Kallberg remarked.

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"Putin was a sidekick."

Read also: A careful calculation  Russias drone incursion into Poland tests NATOs red lines

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Lithuanias prosecutors and criminal police say Russian citizens with links to Russia's military intelligence were behind the 2024 parcel explosions in Europe, the country's public broadcaster LRT reported on Sept. 17.

The news sheds further light on suspicious detonations that took place across European countries last year, with Russia being previously named as a possible culprit.

A joint statement from the two Lithuanian agencies said the parcels contained bombs triggered by electronic timers hidden inside vibrating massage pillows.

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The suspects allegedly used courier services DHL and DPD to send four parcels disguised as cosmetic products from Vilnius to various locations across Europe.

Explosions occurred in three locations  at Leipzig Airport, in a truck in Poland, and at a warehouse in the U.K. A fourth device failed to detonate.

European authorities have previously linked Russia to intensifying cyberattacks, espionage, and election interference across the continent. Moscow often uses foreigners for such operations, including Ukrainians living abroad.

The suspects, operating under strict secrecy, were recruited through the Telegram messenger app and promised payment in cryptocurrency, Lithuanian prosecutors said.

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According to the statement, the scheme was coordinated by Daniil Gromov, a Ukrainian with Russian documents under the name Jaroslav Mikhailov, and Tomas Dovgan Stabacinskas, a dual Lithuanian-Russian citizen.

The two were also linked to a fire at an IKEA store in Vilnius in 2024.

So far, 15 citizens of Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine have been charged in connection with the parcel explosions.

Amid a rise in sabotage attempts, Western leaders and intelligence agencies have warned of a potential large-scale war in Europe within the next five years, citing Russia's increasingly aggressive posture.

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Moscow has denied involvement or refrained from commenting on the sabotage incidents.

Read also: From spy rings to arson  Russias sabotage across Europe continues unpunished

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The South Carolina Supreme Court in Columbia. (Photo by Mary Ann Chastain / Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  The state Supreme Court upheld South Carolinas congressional voting lines Wednesday by ruling theres nothing unconstitutional about partisan gerrymandering.

The decision marks the second time in less than two years that a high court has validated the map redrawn by the Legislature following the 2020 census.

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After years of litigation  only for the federal and state supreme courts to tell us what we knew all along  I am grateful to see this matter finally resolved, Senate President Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, said in a statement.

After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in May 2024 that the lines did not racially discriminate, the League of Women Voters sued in state court, using Republicans arguments that it was party, not race, that influenced the redrawing. Its lawsuit argued legislators violated the state constitution with a map that intentionally gave Republicans the advantage in the coastal 1st District, making it easier for the GOP to keep the seat after it flipped for a single term.

Justices disagreed unanimously.

The state constitution protects an individuals right to vote. But there are no constitutional provisions or statutes that pertain to, prohibit, or limit partisan gerrymandering in the congressional redistricting process in South Carolina, wrote Justice George James in the majority opinion signed on to by justices John Few and Letitia Verdin.

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Therefore, a partisan gerrymandering claim is a political question outside the courts authority, he concluded.

Chief Justice John Kittredge offered a more limited view. While he agreed a court cant resolve this particular claim, its possible a future challenge may present more fully developed constitutional violations, he wrote in a separate opinion signed on to by Justice Garrison Hill.

In response, the League of Women Voters said the ruling presents a contradiction: It indicates only the Legislature can address partisan gerrymandering, and thats the same body responsible for the problem.

Partisan gerrymandering is an attack on our most fundamental right as citizens, the right to vote, Lynn Teague, the leagues vice president, said in a statement, adding that the group will not stop fighting for fair redistricting.

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She encouraged South Carolinians to demand a constitutional amendment to protect their vote. But that too would require the Legislatures blessing. State law doesnt allow a voter-led referendum. In South Carolina, it takes supermajority approval by both chambers just to put a question on the ballot asking voters if they approve changing the constitution.

The ruling comes as other states nationwide redraw their congressional lines mid-way through the normally decennial process to create more safe seats ahead of the 2026 elections, which will determine whether Republicans keep control of the U.S. House.

South Carolinas justices have essentially condoned that behavior, said Allen Chaney, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, which represented the league.

By washing its hands of redistricting, the Court marks itself satisfied with the idea that politicians can game the system to retain their own power and ushers in an even greater entrenchment of political extremism, he said.

South Carolina Chief Justice Kittredge asks questions Tuesday, June 24, 2025, of lawyers for the South Carolina League of Women Voters, who argued before the state Supreme Court in Columbia that political gerrymandering of the states congressional districts is unconstitutional. (Screenshot of SCETV Supreme Court livestream)

But in his opinion, Kittredge specifically pointed to the one-upmanship by states dominating parties as a troubling prospect, regardless of the legality.

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The trend may end only with a new ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, Kittredge said.

We are seeing  and will continue to see  state legislatures race to further minimize and perhaps erase the representation of the states minority political party in Congress, he wrote. These results may, indeed, be in line with each respective states constitution and laws, but they collectively have the effect of diminishing our constitutional republic as a whole.

The Senate GOP declared victory again, discounting the challenge as an attempt by liberal activists to undo Republicans redistricting map that Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law in January 2022.

We worked hard to ensure that South Carolinas districts reflected the politics of South Carolinas voters, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, said in a statement. If the ACLU and the League of Women Voters arent happy with the results at the ballot box, maybe they should ditch their far-left positions, like gender-transitions for children, and get in step with South Carolina values.

He also made clear South Carolina will not join other states moves to further redraw lines.

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With six of the states seven congressional seats held by Republicans, theres no need: So much winning  and were not tired of it yet, the statement read.

South Carolinas 1st District has long been reliable for Republicans. However, a population explosion on the coast turned it more purple. In 2018, Democrat Joe Cunningham flipped the seat to blue for the first time in nearly 40 years.

Two years later, Mace ousted him by 1 percentage point, flipping the seat back to Republican control. After the redrawing of lines, Mace easily won in 2022 against Democrat Annie Andrews. She won by even bigger margins in 2024 without even acknowledging her Democratic challenger.

With Mace among Republicans seeking the Governors Mansion next year, the race to replace her in the district that runs along the states southern coastline is growing increasingly crowded.

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On Wednesday, Dorchester County Councilman Jay Byars became the fourth Republican to declare his bid for the seat. He joined state Rep. Mark Smith (who replaced Mace in the state House), retired Air Force pilot Alex Pelbath, and retired doctor Sam McCown.

Four Democrats also have announced bids: FedEx driver Robert Beers III, lawyer Mac Deford, aircraft mechanic Max Diaz and state Democratic Party organizer Mayra Rivera-Vazquez.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

A map of South Carolinas 1st and 6th congressional districts as redrawn in 2022. (Screenshot of Figure 2 in the U.S. Supreme Courts May 23, 2024, ruling.)
LifeWise founder and CEO Joel Penton spoke with The Dispatch on Sept. 16 as the organization readies to open its new headquarters in Hilliard that will help its national ambitions.

You can watch our full interview with Penton above.

The building, named the LifeWise Skestos Center, is set to be unveiled Sept. 19 during a grand opening event. The opening comes after more than a year of planning and construction.

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The nearly 24,000-square-foot facility, located off Cemetery Road and visible from Interstate 270, once housed scuba-diving pools and equipment sales in its former life as Aquatic Adventures. It is now a testament to the growth of an organization that has a presence in around half of Ohio's more than 600 school districts and boasts more than 1,700 employees and 10,000 volunteers.

LifeWise is a Christian organization that teaches public school students the Bible during the school day and is likely the largest user of religious release time in Ohio and the nation. Religious release time allows students to leave during the day for religious instruction, typically during an elective or lunch.

More: LifeWise's new Hilliard HQ reflects massive growth, national ambition for religious group

Penton said that by the end of the year, LifeWise will be in 1,174 schools across 34 states, representing more than 100,000 students. Penton said LifeWise has a presence in 305 out of 611 total public school districts in Ohio.

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When LifeWise launched in 2019, the goal was to be in 25 schools by 2025. And even as late as last year, Penton told The Dispatch that LifeWise was in 300 schools across 13 states.

"What we find is that when communities realize it's possible, they tend to get very excited, they get involved," Penton said. "That's why we're growing so quickly, and so we would want to see the same thing continue."

Cole Behrens covers K-12 education and school districts in central Ohio. Have a tip? Contact Cole at cbehrens@dispatch.com or connect with him on X at @Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: LifeWise CEO Joel Penton talks growth of Bible-teaching group
The South Carolina State Elections Commission voted on Sept. 17 to remove its executive director, citing a need for new leadership.

The state elections commission is made up of five members appointed by the governor for four year terms. The commission appoints the executive director, who acts as the chief election official for South Carolina.

Former Executive Director Howard Knapp was removed from his position after a vote by the SEC, which was unrelated to the conduct of any state election, Chairman Dennis W. Shedd said in a statement.

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"The South Carolina State Election Commission voted Wednesday to remove Howard Knapp as Executive Director, effective immediately, expressing a desire for new leadership," Shedd said. "The decision was unrelated to the conduct of any election in South Carolina."

Chief of Staff Jenny Wooten has been appointed interim executive director of the election commission. The change in leadership comes amid legal debates over whether the election commission should release voter registration information to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The DOJ reached out to the state election commission in July seeking an electronic copy of South Carolina's voter registration list as part of an effort to make sure "only qualified people" vote in its elections, according to court filings. The DOJ requested information like a voter's full name, address and last four digits of their social security or a driver's license number by Aug. 21, but the commission got an extension through Sept. 5.

More: South Carolina Supreme Court dismisses gerrymandering case over 2022 congressional map

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Anne Cooke, the respondent in the case, filed a suit on Aug. 29 seeking a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, and declaratory and injunctive relief in the case to prevent the election commission from giving her voter registration information to the DOJ. Cooke contended that the data release would violate her constitutional right to privacy, according to court filings.

A circuit court issued an ex parte order on Sept. 2 granting her motion for a temporary restraining order. The court also issued a preliminary injunction that prevented the election commission from distributing the statewide voter registration list pending a hearing.

The state supreme court determined that the circuit court's decision to grant the restraining order and issue the preliminary injunction was erroneous and reversed the decision in an order filed on Sept. 11, meaning the state election commission can turn over voter information to the DOJ.

Attorney General Alan Wilson issued a statement on social media in response to the court's decision and called it a "victory" for rule of law and election integrity.

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"South Carolina will not allow partisan activists to obstruct lawful DOJ requests," Wilson stated.

Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state and Greenville County politics. Contact her at bcarpentier@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: SC commission fires election official amid legal debate over DOJ ask
Spain's national police arrested on Thursday the alleged leader of one of the branches of Camorra  a powerful Naples-based Italian criminal organisation  in the city of Girona in the northern Catalonia region.

The man, who has not been named, was subject to three European arrest warrants for membership of a criminal organisation and drug trafficking "on a large scale".

The arrested man is said to be the leader of the Orlando-Polverino-Nuvoletta clan, which has links to the criminal organisation Camorra and which largely operates in the southern Italian region of Marano.

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The investigation in Spain dates back to February, when authorities learned that the accused, who had been on the run since August 2024, could be in Spain "carrying out his activities related to the trafficking of narcotic substances," a police statement said.

According to police, "the fugitive" used various means to avoid being located by law enforcement, including "the use of various mobile devices with telephone lines in Lithuania and the United Kingdom (and) false documentation for him and his partner."

The suspect also rented holiday homes in different parts of Barcelona and Girona, "where he only spent a few days and then immediately changed his place of residence."

Police officers walk by a police armoured vehicle in Madrid, 8 September, 2024 - AP Photo

The investigation found that the man had built up a "network of contacts" in Barcelona, where family and friends "were in charge of maintaining the logistics of transport and distribution of the drugs, as well as vehicles and homes."

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Authorities deployed a range of surveillance devices, with "lines of investigation focused mainly on the fugitive's close environment."

The agents surveilled one of the homes where he used to hide in a residential area in Girona, eventually leading them to positively identify the fugitive as he was departing the property in a car.

Related

In 2018, Spanish police arrested Antonio Orlando, one of the heads of the criminal gang made up of the three most powerful clans in Naples, who had managed to evade justice for 15 years, despite being considered one of the most dangerous criminals in Italy.

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By then, the clan had already suffered numerous arrests, many of which happened in Spain, as they were involved in laundering millions of euros from drug trafficking in the Canary Islands.

Italy's then-Interior Minister Matteo Salvini celebrated his arrest by assuring that "the good life is over" for the suspect.

Italy has many mafia groups, the most prominent over the decades being Sicilys Cosa Nostra. However, the Calabrian Ndrangheta and the Camorra are the more powerful groups today.

Italian criminal organisations are heavily invested in drug trafficking, disposal of waste, construction and many other trades and services.

In 2023, they generated an estimated profit of 40 billion, equivalent to 2% of the Italian GDP, according to a study by CGIA (Italian Association of Artisans).
Theres a common misconception that military special operators get to use whatever equipment they want to get the job done. While Tier One units, such as DEVGRU (Naval Special Warfare Development Group, also known as SEAL Team Six) and Delta Force (1st Special Forces Operational Detachment  Delta), enjoy considerable latitude with their acquisitions under Special Operations Command, regular SEALs and Green Berets are more limited. Army Special Forces had to pull a sneaky to get Glock 19 pistols, and even then, there werent enough to go around.

On August 22, 2025, the Pentagon announced that a $92 million USSOCOM contract had been awarded to Lewis Machine & Tools Defense for medium range gas gun-assault kits. The 10-year contract also includes spare parts and accessories, new equipment training, and engineering change proposals.

Geisseles Upper Receiver Group  Improved drops onto an M4A1 lower receiver (U.S. Army)

The rifle itself is where things get interesting. SOCOM already has medium-range 5.56mm rifles, like the Army Special Operations Commands M4A1 with the Geissele URG-I and the Heckler & Koch HK416. This new assault rifle is different in that its chambered for the larger and more powerful 6.5 Creedmoor. Similar to 7.62x51mm NATO in its terminal effectiveness, 6.5 CM is a full-size rifle cartridge that offers better long-range performance with its flatter trajectory and improved resistance to wind drift.

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SOCOM already fields the 6.5 CM in its Mid-Range Gas GunSniper (MRGG-S) rifle. In 2023, Geissele beat LMT and won a $29 million contract for the precision rifle with a 20-inch barrel. Two years later, LMT has taken its revenge.

The announcement of the MRGG-A contract follows the announcement of a 6.5 CM ammo contract awarded to Black Hills Ammunition for up to $40 million. Black Hills is renowned for its precision ammunition, including the 5.56mm MK262, which is extensively used by special operations forces for its precision and lethality.

LMTs submissions for the sniper and assaulter variants of the MRGG. (LMT)

The SOCOM contract follows notable international contracts won by LMT in Switzerland and Estonia. Although the Swiss Armed Forces generally field domestically-produced rifles, LMT was awarded a contract to supply them with a 5.56mm rifle. Based on LMTs MARS-L rifle, the new weapon will be designated the Sturmgewehr 25 (Stgw 25) in Swiss service. In their press release announcing the contract, LMT noted that they will also supply rifles in other calibers to the Swiss Armed Forces.

The Estonian contract is notable not only for the Baltic nations defense modernization efforts following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but also for its issues. In December 2018, LMT announced its contract to supply the Estonian Defence Forces with 14.3-inch 5.56mm rifles, 12-inch 5.56mm rifles, 16-inch 7.62mm rifles, and 40mm grenade launchers. LMT announced that deliveries to Estonia began in 2021.

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On September 9, 2025, Estonian news outlet ERR reported that all of Estonias 7.62mm LMT rifles underwent warranty work. The article noted accuracy issues with the precision rifles as well as gas system issues. Notably, the Estonian LMT rifles utilize an external gas piston system while the SOCOM MRGG-A utilizes an internal gas piston system, often referred to as direct impingement.

LMT rifles supplied under contract to Estonia (LMT)

Per the ERR article, the EDF reported that issues were found in less than 10% of its weapons. Still, under warranty, all 7.62mm rifles had their gas blocks replaced before test firing confirmed that they met the technical requirements of the contract. Warranty work was completed over two years, and all the weapons are now back in EDF service. WATM reached out to LMT for comment, but did not receive a response.

As its name states, SOCOMs MRGG-A is tasked with the assaulter role versus the MRGG-Ss sniper role. SOCOM units extensively employed the FN SCAR Mk17 7.62mm rifle in Afghanistan, but orders for the rifle have since stopped. Despite the Armys adoption of the M7 rifle and its 6.8x51mm ammo, SOCOM is putting its money ($92M of it) on the LMT and 6.5 CM.

special operations command rifle

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This is the Special Operations Commands new $92 million rifle

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A visitor at Epic Universe has died following a ride on Stardust Racers late Wednesday, according to Universal Orlando and Orange County Fire Rescue Department officials.

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, of Kissimmee, was visiting the park near Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday night and was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racer roller coaster after riding it. Orange County Sheriff's Department said Zavala was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Orange County Medical Examiner said that "multiple blunt impact injuries" are the cause of death. It has been ruled an accident.

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OCFRD shared a statement from Universal Orlando on Thursday morning, with the theme park saying they are cooperating with the Orange County Sheriffs Office following the tragic event.

"We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest's loved ones," the statement continues. "We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed."

What is Stardust Racers? Where is Stardust Racers located?

Florida Theme Park Rides - The USA TODAY Florida Network was invited to be among the first to visit Epic Universe before it opens to the public next month. One of Celestial Park's rides is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster that hurls you across the cosmos

Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster located in the Celestial Park section of Epic Universe.

How fast does Stardust Racers go? How intense is Stardust Racers?

Stardust Racers reaches speeds of 62 mph, rises to 133 feet in the air, and runs along 5,000 feet of track.

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The beginning of the coaster features two powerful launches, with another one toward the end of the ride. The two tracks glide between each other many times throughout the ride, including during the "Celestial Spin."

What is the difference between yellow and green tracks on Stardust Racers?

Stardust Racers is a dueling coaster in Universal Epic Universe's Celestial Park. You never know which side will win.

There is no difference in the tracks on Stardust Racers when certain spins happen, according to officials.

Vice President of Creative Management and Branding at Universal Orlando, Adam Rivest, recommended the green track during the day and the yellow track at night solely for the scenery.

What are the physical requirements to ride Stardust Racers?

According to Universal Orlando's website, guests:

Should be able to independently: (1) maintain an upright position, (2) support your torso, neck, and head while absorbing sudden and dramatic movements, and (3) brace your body with at least one natural upper extremity.

When seated, both natural legs must, at a minimum, terminate below the ankle. No prosthetic limbs.

Must be able to take a small step into the ride vehicle compartment, either independently or with assistance from a companion.

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There is also a height requirement, which is a minimum of 48 inches (or 4 feet).

Is Stardust Racers still operating?

The ride was closed following the incident. Universal Orlando has not shared whether the coaster will continue to be closed.

Has the cause of death for Epic Universe guest been found?

No, OCSO officials have stated it is still early in the investigation.

OCFRD officials confirmed the guest did not fall from the attraction.

Where is Epic Universe located?

Florida's Epic Universe is located at 1001 Epic Boulevard in Orlando. Universal Orlando's newest theme park opened its doors earlier this year, in May, the first for Orlando in over 25 years.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Stardust Racers was the Epic Universe ride man was on before death
The State Department designated Hakarat al-Nujaba, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Hakarat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kataib al-Imam Ali, all part of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces.

The US State Department announced the designation of four Iran-backed Iraqi militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) in a Wednesday statement.

The groups that have been designated are Hakarat al-Nujaba (HAN), Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), Hakarat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya (HAAA), and Kataib al-Imam Ali (KIA).

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All four groups had previously been designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) and will keep this designation, along with their new designation as FTOs. They are also part of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces, which includes groups such as Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq.

Previous designations as SDGTs

HAN and its secretary-general were designated as SDGT in 2019, and openly pledged loyalty to Iran and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the State Department added.

This led to HAN receiving support from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force's (IRGC-QF) former commander, Qasem Soleimani. They also recieved support from former Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah. The two leaders were killed in strikes by the US and Israel, respectively.

Supporters of the Shi'ite armed group Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada celebrate in the streets after Iran launched a strike on Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base, in Basra, Iraq, June 23, 2025; illustrative. (credit: REUTERS/Mohammed Aty)

KSS and its secretary-general were designated as SDGTs in 2023. They have issued recurring threats towards both US personnel in Iraq and members of the US-led Coalition to defeat ISIS.

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KSS also held a parade celebrating Iran's ballistic missile strikes on the US in Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base in June during the conclusion of the Israel-Iran War.

HAAA, and its secretary-general, were designated as SDGTs in 2024, and were involved in the January 2024 drone attack on Tower 22 in Jordan, which killed three US service personnel, the State Department noted.

KIA was designated as an SDGT in 2025, and has planned attacks on US military, diplomatic, and commercial projects, according to the State Department.
Sep. 17An observant off-duty state trooper helped end a nearly two-month manhunt on Tuesday evening when he spotted a man accused of trying to kill his landlord with a pipe bomb. The suspect was riding a bicycle on a trail in Indiana County.

Trooper Steve Limani said the trooper, who was on the Hoodlebug Trail south of Homer City with his family, was pretty confident the man riding the e-bike was James M. Sever, 54, and called the Indiana state police station.

He was right.

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Sever was arrested on the trail around 7 p.m. without incident.

He faces charges of attempted homicide, weapons of mass destruction and related charges in connection with the July 20 explosion in Salem.

"It was good for the community the way that he was taken into custody, excellent for law enforcement and good for him as well ... no one was hurt," Limani said.

The capture also brought a sense of relief to Dave Martin, Sever's former landlord. On Wednesday, Martin said he was relieved the suspect had been caught.

Sever is accused of attempting to kill Martin with a pipe bomb concealed in a riding lawnmower at the Salem property from which Sever was evicted.

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"I'd like to see him stay locked up for a long time," Martin said.

Sever was denied bail during his arraignment Wednesday morning. He was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison. An attorney was not listed in online court records. A preliminary hearing is set for Monday.

After Sever moved into the home Martin owns along Route 22 just east of the Route 119 interchange, he quickly became a problem.

"I lost a really good tenant and some really valuable tenants that had been there for quite some time," Martin said. "They just couldn't get along with (him), he was harassing them basically."

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Eventually, he had Sever evicted on June 3 for failing to pay rent. There were a couple run-ins at the property with Sever in the weeks that followed, Martin said. Their relationship had deteriorated.

"It was extremely volatile," Martin said. "I thought he'd burn my house down."

Then on July 20, Martin fired up the riding lawnmower and let it run for a bit before getting on it to cut the grass.

"When I leaned into those zero-turn levers for the mower to move forward there was a tremendous explosion," he said. "And the mower, I think it went a little bit airborne and stood on its nose."

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That set off weeks of searching by state police and other state and federal agencies in the densely wooded area for Sever. Limani estimated more than 1,000 hours were spent looking for him, in addition to costs related to the state police helicopter that was stymied by the tree canopy.

During that ongoing search, the home from which Sever was evicted was destroyed by fire on Aug. 22. The blaze appeared to have started on the vacant first floor. A tenant who lived on the second floor was not home at the time.

No charges have been filed.

Limani said authorities believe Sever may have involvement in a suspicious device that was found Aug. 14 on a ramp to the Pennsylvania Turnpike in North Huntingdon. The item in a wooden box appeared to be a pipe that was capped on both ends, Limani said.

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Police are still trying to figure out how the device got there and it is being examined at a lab.

"We believe that that device that we found ... was most likely associated with something to do with this whole investigation," he said.

Troopers don't believe there are any additional suspicious devices in the woods.

When he was arrested Tuesday, Sever had a backpack with survival items and a little bit of cash.

"Right now, we don't have any information that would lead us to believe that he was being helped," Limani said. "It appears that he was trying to basically survive in the woods himself, by cleaning himself off in the stream."

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Over the past two months, numerous tips have poured in, but none turned out to be Sever. Limani thanked residents for their patience and awareness.

Public's help sought

Now, he hopes the public will continue to be on the lookout because Sever didn't provide any information about his locations during the past two months.

"I think that when the leaves come off the trees and the hunters are in the woods, we're going to gather probably as much information as we ever could," he said. "Southwestern Pennsylvania, the one thing that people do out here is hunt, and that's a huge hunting area."

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Anyone with information about a makeshift campsite in the Derry Township, New Alexandria, Salem and Blairsville areas is asked to take note of where it is, drop a "pin" on a cellphone if possible, and call the Greensburg station at 724-832-3288.

Reward to go unclaimed

As police grew concerned about a potential violent end to the manhunt, a $2,000 reward for information on Sever's whereabouts was increased to $5,000 after the house fire.

It appears the cash is going to go unclaimed.

Limani said the trooper, based at the Indiana station, who spotted the suspect on the trail "laughed it off and said 'I have zero desire to collect that, whether I was allowed to collect it or not.'

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"So for us, it's a moot point."

Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
MOSCOW, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Caspian Flotilla concluded a series of command and staff exercises aimed at protecting the country's maritime economic activities and shipping routes, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

The drills, which began on Sept. 14 under the command of Rear Admiral Oleg Zverev, tested the coordination of naval groups in securing economic infrastructure and navigation safety in the Caspian Sea, said a statement published by the Russian Defense Ministry.

During the exercises, flotilla forces simulated a confrontation with notional enemy vessels attempting to strike military and civilian targets on Russian territory. A tactical group engaged the targets in an artillery battle, using A-190 100-mm naval guns to eliminate them.

Naval crews also rehearsed defense against attacks by unmanned boats and aerial drones. Sailors fired heavy machine guns at mock targets while deploying PK-10 shipborne systems to create passive interference.

At night, crews practiced anti-sabotage defense at an unprotected anchorage, conducting preventive grenade launches with RGD-5 hand grenades and DP-61 anti-sabotage grenade launchers.

More than 15 warships and support vessels of the Caspian Flotilla headquartered in Astrakhan took part in the drills. 
Taiwan has unveiled a prototype cruise missile, developed jointly with a US arms maker and set to be manufactured on the island, as it tries to build up its weapons industry to deter any possible military threats from China.

The government-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwans top arms manufacturer, showcased the low-cost autonomous cruise missile it developed together with Anduril Industries, a relative newcomer to the ranks of American defense contractors, ahead of the islands largest defense expo that began Thursday.

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize it  by force if necessary. Under leader Xi Jinping, China has intensified military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, regularly sending fighter jets and warships, looking to squeeze its presence on the world stage.

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In the face of the China threat, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te recently announced that Taiwan will raise defense spending to 5% of its GDP before 2030.

Adapted from Andurils Barracuda-500, an autonomous, low-cost loitering ammunition launched from aircraft that is undergoing tests by the US military, the new land-mobile missile can be used against targets at sea or on land. NCSIST did not give a range for the missile.

Taiwan aims to roll out the production line of the missile in the next year and a half, capping the cost per missile at approximately $216,000, NCSIST President Li Shih-chiang, told reporters on Wednesday.

The entire supply chain of the missile will be in Taiwan. That is the overall direction of all future cooperation, Li said.

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The NCSIST also displayed a prototype of an underwater drone and an underwater autonomous mobile mine that it aims to jointly develop and produce with Anduril.

Washington is Taiwans main international backer and security guarantor and for decades has been the primary supplier of weapons to Taipei. In recent years, however, US deliveries have been slowed as demand for weapons worldwide has surged, straining American manufacturers.

CNN has reached out to the Pentagon and Anduril for comment.

A Chiang-Kong missile and the launcher, a new generation anti-ballistic missile air defense system developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), are displayed during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in Taipei on September 17, 2025. - I-Hwa Cheng/AFP/Getty Images

Li, president of NCSIST, added that the institute will sign two contracts and four memorandums of understanding with six US and Canadian companies during the three-day defense trade show.

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During a visit to Taiwan last month, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey hailed the islands manufacturing capabilities and technological prowess.

Taiwan is on the verge of a techno industrial renaissance in national defense, one thats built on top of its techno industrial renaissance in consumer electronics, in industrial electronics, one thats made Taiwan the envy of the world, Luckey said.

China warns against interference

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun lashed out at external military interference on Taiwan at an annual defense forum in Beijing on Thursday.

We will never allow any separatist plot for Taiwan independence to succeed, and we stand ready to thwart any external military interference at any time, Dong told defense officials, military personnel and scholars gathered at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

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Dong also condemned Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism  phrases that Beijing has long used to criticize the US  and called for countries to stand up against bullying acts.

Last week, Dong raised the issue of Taiwan  the reddest of red lines for Beijing  in his first call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, warning that any attempt to use the island to contain China is doomed to fail.

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Over a thousand tourists have been evacuated from Machu Picchu, with hundreds of others stranded, this week due to demonstrations by residents in Aguas Calientes  the gateway to Peru's famous archaeological site  blocking transportation services.

PeruRail was forced to suspend its route to the area on Sept. 14, where the UNESCO World Heritage Site and most-visited attraction in the country is located, from "rocks of various sizes and social demonstrations" blocking its railways, the train operator said in a news release.

The demonstrations started last week after tourist bus operator Consettur's 30-year concession ended and service between Aguas Calientes and the former Inca capital was replaced by a bus company from a neighboring district, Reuters reported. Protestors are advocating against a lack of transparency in the decision-making process, and that the move would drain tourism dollars to businesses outside of Aguas Calientes.

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The disruption in transportation left more than 900 tourists stranded in Machu Picchu, according to Peru's tourism minister. On Sept. 15, Peruvian authorities evacuated 1,400 tourists from the area.

Police officers stand guard next to a group of tourists at the train station in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Cusco department, Peru, on September 16, 2025.

According to PeruRail, train service to Machu Picchu is expected to resume in the afternoon of Sept. 17. "This decision follows confirmation from the relevant authorities that safety and operational conditions along the railway line have been fully restored," the company said.

Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu?

The U.S. Embassy in Peru warned Americans with travel plans to one of the New Seven Wonders of the Worldon Sept. 16 about the risk of being stranded. Travelers may have to undertake "two to three hours of hiking combined with bus or other road transport" to leave the area.

"Travelers who still seek to visit Machu Picchu during this period despite the protests should be aware that transportation, access to the site, and access to other services may be further limited without prior notice," the alert stated. "Such travelers should be prepared with all supplies required for their entire journey, including sufficient food, water, and medical supplies."

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According to Mike Ballard, director of intelligence at security firm Global Guardian, protests around Machu Picchu have been known to last up to two months. In 2023, violent protests due to political unrest left over 400 travelers stranded at the site, which was also temporarily shut down.

"Based on the issues at hand, its unlikely that these disruptive protests last that long, but could continue for another week," Ballard told USA TODAY. "Travelers planning a trip to Machu Picchu in that time period should plan for disruptions and alternative means of transportation."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Machu Picchu safe to visit? Protests block trains, trap travelers.
GOP activists are mounting an atypical campaign against three Pennsylvania Supreme Court judges who are up for reelection to new 10-year terms.

The justices don't have any competitors in the retention elections, which simply ask voters to choose "yes" or "no" when asked whether to keep someone on the bench. Pennsylvania judges typically win the elections, and there's little partisan wrangling around the ballot decisions.

More: Pa. Supreme Court justices up for retention speak on judicial independence, processes

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Not so this year, as some Republicans are investing heavily in ousting Judges Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht  who were elected as Democrats a decade ago  from the commonwealth's highest court.

The push has drawn in national funding, with the Republican State Leadership Committee putting money toward ejecting the judges and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee on Sept. 15 announcing it would spend six figures on the reelection effort.

Only one Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice has ever been ousted during a retention election, and that wasnt the result of a partisan campaign. Justice Russell Nigro lost his seat in 2005, the casualty of a rushed, furtive vote by state lawmakers to give themselves and judges a large pay hike.

Those behind the current anti-retention campaign are calling the three judges "radical" Democrats and say voters need to hold them accountable for decisions on mail-in ballots and COVID restrictions.

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However, Shanin Specter, a University of Pennsylvania law professor, said voting the judges out in November would inject politics into these races in an irreversible way.

It would open the floodgates to both parties doing exactly the same thing going forward, Specter said, later adding that whats happening this year in Pennsylvania is the shattering of one more norm in our nation, and that cant be allowed to be successful.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association has recommended all three judges for retention.

But what happens if GOP activists succeed in knocking the jurists off the bench?

Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices sat for their official photo in Pittsburgh in 2024. From left are P. Kevin Bobson, David N. Wecht, Christine Donohue, Chief Justice Debra Todd, Kevin M. Dougherty, Sallie Updike Mundy and Daniel D. McCaffery. Donohue, Dougherty and Wecht are up for retention Nov. 4.

The governor and state Senate would try to appoint interim replacements

Under the law, if a Supreme Court justice loses reelection, the governor would nominate a temporary replacement, and the Pennsylvania Senate would decide whether to confirm the person by a two-thirds vote.

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The appointee would then serve in the post until the next judicial election, which in this case would be in 2027.

The problem is that Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and the GOP-controlled state Senate might have trouble agreeing on interim judges, according to Specter, son of former U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter. If theres an impasse, its possible the three judicial positions could remain vacant until the subsequent election.

What would an incomplete Pennsylvania Supreme Court mean?

Three empty positions would leave the court with two Republican justices and two Democrats, a scenario that would likely yield many split rulings, Specter said. Two-to-two rulings would keep lower court decisions in place, he said, arguing that this would effectively deprive many Pennsylvanians of their right to have cases resolved by the state's highest court.

More: Election 2025: Important dates, deadlines for registering to vote, mail-in ballots in Pa.

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Though its impossible to predict which cases will come before the court in the near future, Specter said they will certainly touch on matters of "great importance to Pennsylvanians," including voting rights, health care and education.

Even if three of the remaining judges lined up on a decision, they still wouldnt reach the four-judge threshold needed to establish a new statewide legal precedent, he added. A 3-1 ruling would settle the particular case in question but wouldnt bring clarity to important questions of law in the commonwealth, he said.

As a result, Specter said having three vacancies on the court would effectively hamstring the panel for the next couple years.

Bethany Rodgers is a USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania investigative journalist.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: What happens if PA voters oust 3 Supreme Court justices this fall?
President Donald Trump has made an embarrassing gaffe on the world stage by forgetting which war hes solved and mispronouncing the name of one of the countries involved.

For the second time in as many weeks, the 79-year-old president boasted about settling a conflict between Azerbaijan and Albania, when he meant to reference Azerbaijan and Armenia.

I think that we settled Aber-baijan and Albania, Trump said during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a press conference at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit on September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS / Leon Neal / via REUTERS

It was going on for years. It was never going to be settled If you remember the prime minister and the presidents, they were there for many years. When they were in my office, we settled.

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The comments were made during a press conference that capped off a whirlwind two days in which the Royals and the British Government rolled out the red carpet for the US President.

But it is particularly awkward given the leaders of both Azerbaijan and Armenia were hosted by Trump in the Oval Office only last month, where they posed for photographs as they signed a much-touted peace deal.

President Donald Trump helps ink a peace deal between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (left) and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (right). / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

If Biden made a gaffe this egregious and embarrassing, it would be front-page news in the New York Times. But now its just Trump being Trump! journalist Aaron Rupar wrote on X.

He should pressure Armenia to change its name to Albania, quipped another social media user.

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Biden did indeed make several gaffes during his time in office, including several on the world stageand Trump would often seize on them.

He should pressure Armenia to change its name to Albania. Problem solved. https://t.co/izZmvlGusC  Ron Shillman (@shillman1) September 18, 2025

He occasionally confused world leaders with their predecessors; at one point, he referred to Trump as his vice president, and at a NATO summit in Washington, he introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the worlds media as President Putin.

Great Job, Joe! Trump wrote on social media after the press conference.

Trump used Thursdays press conference in the UK to attack Biden again, after being given an opening by MAGA reporter Brian Glenn, the boyfriend of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.

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While British journalists asked hard-hitting questions about Israels ongoing attacks in Gaza, the Ukraine war, and free speech, Glenn asked the president if he had an update on Bidens autopen.

Yeah, its just gotten worse, Trump said. He was never the brightest bulb in the ceiling, as we know.

The joint declaration signed by Azerbaijan and Armenia is one of several touted by the president and his allies as they pursue a Nobel Peace Prize for Trump.

Trump also talks up his roles in resolving conflicts in Pakistan and India, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Thailand and Cambodia, among others.

I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and thats all that matters to me! he said during a social media meltdown in June.
A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump has blocked the administrations bid to deport hundreds of Guatemalan children to their home country, concluding that U.S. officials claims about the operation had crumbled like a house of cards.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a preliminary injunction Thursday, extending a block on the deportations first issued by Biden-appointed Judge Sparkle Sooknanan last month. Sooknanan, who was the emergency judge on call over Labor Day weekend, raced to block the operation after immigrant rights lawyers sued in the middle of the night as the children were being picked up from startled caregivers and loaded onto planes at an airport in Texas.

A Justice Department attorney told Sooknanan at the time that the lawsuit to block the deportations was outrageous because parents of the children had requested their return and some were waiting at an airport in Guatemala for them.

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After Sooknanans ruling, Trump allies  including some in the White House  attacked the judge, contending she was blocking Guatemalan kids from reuniting with their parents.

The Biden judge is effectively kidnapping these migrant children and refusing to let them return home to their parents in their home country, Trump aide Stephen Miller wrote on X that day.

But Kelly, in his ruling Thursday, said that allegation was simply not true. Many of the administrations claims, he noted, fell apart quickly when the Guatemalan government reported that it was unable to locate most of the childrens parents, and those it could find said they had not sought their childrens return and preferred for them to seek economic opportunity in the United States.

Kelly repeatedly chided the administration for making the baseless claim.

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While Defendants plunged ahead in the middle of the night with their reunification plan and then represented to a judge that a parent or guardian had requested each childs return, that turned out not to be true, he wrote. On this record, it appears that Defendants intend to send back to Guatemala many unaccompanied children without an identified parent or legal guardian there.

Advocates for the Guatemalan children targeted for deportation described intense fear and anguish about the operation, saying their clients were roused in the middle of the night, some pulled from foster homes over their protests and bused to the airport.

Todays court decision is a significant victory for the hundreds of children who are now safe from the Trump administrations unlawful attempt to expel them from the United States, said Efren Olivares, vice president of litigation and legal strategy at the National Immigration Law Center.

The Justice Department has provided little explanation for the apparent misstatements to the court. The senior DOJ attorney who made the claims at the Aug. 31 Zoom hearing, Drew Ensign, did not attend the court session last week where Kelly heard arguments on the requested injunction.

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At that session, another DOJ lawyer, Sarah Welch, said Ensigns earlier assertion was withdrawn. She also expressed some regret about the way the operation was handled. It was unfortunate that the children were frightened and pulled out in the middle of the night, Welch said.

Asked for comment on the new ruling, Trump administration spokespeople blamed President Joe Biden for allowing the Guatemalan children into the U.S. and suggested that Kelly was part of an attempt to get Trump.

Under Joe Bidens failed leadership, hundreds of thousands of migrant children were smuggled across the Southern Border by dangerous human traffickers and left orphaned in America, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said. The lower court wrongly interjected itself into this effort. We look forward to vindication on the legal authority to promote family reunification.

This judge is blocking efforts to REUNIFY CHILDREN with their families, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. Now these children will have to go to shelters. All just to get Trump. This is disgraceful and immoral.

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A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment. The Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for housing unaccompanied immigrant minors, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Ensign has faced scrutiny from other judges over his representations in similarly fraught immigration cases, including an emergency lawsuit over the presidents invocation of the Alien Enemies Act  similarly involving rushed deportations over a weekend in March  and the case of illegally deported Salvadoran man Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Kelly did put some limits on his ruling, turning down a request from immigrant rights lawyers that he issue a broad order barring transfers of unaccompanied minors to all countries except Canada and Mexico. Instead, he limited his injunction  for now  to Guatemalan children. And the judge left the door open to deportations of minors who have final orders of removal from an immigration judge or have been certified by the attorney general to be leaving voluntarily.
The campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks is seen from the air on Sept. 20, 2022. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Officials at the University of Alaska said this week that previously announced cuts to federally funded programs for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students will be worse than initially thought.

At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the canceled funding will amount to an estimated $8.8 million, and University of Alaska Southeast programs will also be affected but to a lesser degree.

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It was quite a shock, because there was no forewarning to this, said Bryan Uher, interim vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education at UAF in a phone interview Wednesday.

Uher said the elimination of the grant funding for the University of Alaska Fairbanks affects programs at the Bristol Bay campus in Dillingham and in Fairbanks at the Community and Technical College focused on career training and workforce development, as well as student services.

In total, for the five-year grant programs, Uher said the cancellation is estimated at $8.8 million of $12.9 million in grant funding previously awarded.

This award funding is unique in that it funds faculty for new program development, and then it also funds staff for student support  so advisors, outreach, individual wellness coordinators, admissions, graduation  student services, essentially, he said.

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Uher said new programs in development that will be impacted  for students in person or through distance education  include American Sign Language, information technology technician training and private pilot ground school, helping students train for their pilots license.

Uher said those programs will continue through this academic year, and then the university will evaluate whether or how to continue them. University officials say they were given one year to close out grant-funded programs.

UAF includes campuses in Fairbanks, Dillingham, Bethel, Nome and Kotzebue. Uher said while these programs must have at least 20% Native students to be eligible for the funding, they serve a wider student population, especially student services at rural campuses that serve wider regions of rural Alaska.

They provide follow-ups, financial aid support like, how do you apply for financial aid? Are there scholarships out there? Uher said. They provide financial literacy to students. So it really is a comprehensive service that we provide to these students who are not living in or located in urban centers like Fairbanks or Anchorage.

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An estimated 17% of the University of Alaska student population identified as Alaska Native in 2024, or 3,254 students statewide, and roughly 1.3% or 266 students identified as Native Hawaiian.

UAA and UAS expect less impact

University of Alaska Anchorage has grant-funded programs for Native students, but officials say they are not expecting them to be affected.

University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor Aparna Palmer said in a university-wide email Monday that a grant-funded program on its Sitka campus to support student services is already set to end this month, and the university is authorized to continue to spend remaining funds for another year.

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I want to assure you that we will continue to support the many ways in which we are rooted in Alaska Native culture, history, language, and arts, Palmer said, adding emphasis by underlining her statement.

Palmer said programs and courses in Indigenous studies, as well as support for Indigenous students, will continue. Our programs and courses in Indigenous Studies at UAS are strong and will continue to thrive and grow. The UA President, Pat Pitney, and I are fully aligned on this, she said. Our Native and Rural Student Center will continue to be a space that provides support for Alaska Native students while welcoming all students.

Faculty union president Jill Dumesnill, professor of mathematics at UAS, said by email on Monday that the announcement also disrupts future programs, faculty positions and student services.

Writing these grant applications takes an enormous amount of faculty time and effort, and the Sitka proposal would have provided two additional faculty on the Sitka campus. That loss is significant because there are currently no Alaskan Native faculty members on the Sitka campus, she said. You dont make campuses welcoming simply by calling them welcoming.

Alaskas U.S. Senators say theyre working to fund higher education

U.S. Sen Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said in a statement Wednesday that the funds are already legally authorized by Congress, and support students as well as address workforce shortages in the state.

Alaska Republican U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (Alaska Beacon file photos)

I am working with my colleagues to reinforce to the administration that these are statutory grant programs authorized and appropriated by Congress that align with the Presidents goal of providing career technical education to the next generation for high-impact workforce needs such as fisheries, healthcare, skilled trades, and energy, Murksowski said.

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As Alaska partners with this administration on several large-scale and exciting projects that can help transform our state, we need a local workforce trained to meet this moment, she said. Cancelling these funds takes us further away from that objective.

A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, also repeated the impact on career training and workforce development education.

Senator Sullivan and his team are in touch with the Department of Education regarding these grants. The University of Alaska serves thousands of students across the state, including Alaska Natives, and provides critical programs, such as job training and technical education, that build up Alaskas trained workforce. President Trumps Day 1 executive order to Unleash Alaskas Extraordinary Resource Potential makes it clear we must be training the next generation to power projects like the Alaska LNG pipeline and keep these good-paying jobs in Alaska, said spokesperson Amanda Coyne by email on Tuesday.

Senator Sullivan will continue to work with the administration to fund secondary education and job training to continue building up Alaskas economy and workforce, she said.

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Alaskas U.S. House Representative Nick Begich did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

The announcement follows the Trump administrations move to cancel $350 million in congressionally approved grant funding for minority-serving institutions last week, saying the funds will be allocated elsewhere.

There are an estimated 5 million students enrolled in 800 minority-serving institutions nationwide. The grant funding is aimed at supporting students of color and from low-income backgrounds to pursue and complete higher education.

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This photo taken on Sept. 1, 2025 shows the bronze statue of pilot Grigori Kulishenko in Cherepyn, Ukraine. (Xinhua/Li Dongxu)

KIEV, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Amid bright flowers and evergreens, a towering bronze statue of pilot Grigori Kulishenko now stands in the central square of Cherepyn, a remote village in Ukraine's highlands along the Dnipro River.

Nearby, a marble monument inscribed in Chinese, Ukrainian, and English honors Kulishenko with the title of "A True Friend of the Chinese People."

The village of Cherepyn recently hosted the unveiling ceremony for the Kulishenko memorial. Opposite the statue is the local school named after him. Nearly 100 teachers and students in formal attire gathered to witness the solemn and historic occasion.

Born in Cherepyn in 1903, Kulishenko was dispatched in 1939 to lead a group of Soviet pilots in support of China's resistance against Japanese invasion.

On Oct. 14, 1939, after a successful raid on Japanese targets, Kulishenko's aircraft was intercepted and damaged by Japanese forces.

In an attempt to save civilians in the surrounding villages from his severely damaged aircraft, Kulishenko and his crew made an emergency landing on the Yangtze River. Kulishenko later died from severe injuries, far from home.

The statue was donated by the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine. Present at the ceremony were Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun, Deputy Governor of Cherkasy region Oleksandr Turcheniak, and members of Kulishenko's family, who cut the ribbon and laid flowers at the newly unveiled monument.

As this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Ma praised Kulishenko's contributions and heroic feats, stressing that the Chinese people will never forget the hero.

Ukrainian officials and Kulishenko's family members also paid tribute.

"For so many years, Kulishenko still held such high regard and respect in China. As his relative, I am deeply proud and moved," said Mariia Ihosheva, Kulishenko's 68-year-old niece, wiping away tears.

She recalled learning from her grandfather that Kulishenko "fought for the sake of peace." Recently, she and her family discovered online that Kulishenko's grave in China is carefully protected and maintained by the local community.

Yulia Petrenko, former principal of the Kulishenko School, said that renaming Cherepyn Elementary School after Kulishenko in 2019 was the best way to honor the hero.

In 2009, the school welcomed its first delegation of Chinese students.

"Our Chinese friends took some soil from the yard where Kulishenko once lived and brought it to China. Soon after, we received letters from them saying that they had laid flowers at Kulishenko's grave and planted trees using that soil. We were deeply moved by this gesture," she said.

Oksana Radchenko, who took her new role as principal of the Kulishenko School on the day of the monument's unveiling, told Xinhua that she has led students to visit Kulishenko's relatives and organized screenings of the Chinese film A Promise to the Kulishenko's.

"The film brought many children to tears," Radchenko said. "Kulishenko's deeds and heroic spirit have taken root in the students' hearts. They are proud to say that a true hero once lived here."

Meanwhile, sculptor Veronika Dirova, who spent years creating Kulishenko's statue alongside fellow artist Mykola Znoba, expressed hope that the monument will inspire future generations.

"This statue will inspire generations of young people and remind them that we have a hero, both here and in China. He is our shared hero, and his memory will last forever," Dirova said. 

Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun (C, front), Deputy Governor of Cherkasy region Oleksandr Turcheniak (2nd L, front) and sculptor Veronika Dirova (1st R, front) lay flowers at the bronze statue of pilot Grigori Kulishenko in Cherepyn, Ukraine, Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Dongxu)

This photo taken on Aug. 28, 2025 shows photo materials at Kulishenko School in Cherepyn, Ukraine. (Xinhua/Li Dongxu)

Mariia Ihosheva, Grigori Kulishenko's 68-year-old niece, tells the life story of Kulishenko at Kulishenko School in Cherepyn, Ukraine, on Aug. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Dongxu)
President Donald Trump told aides Benjamin Netanyahu was f---ing me after Israel struck Hamas negotiators in Qatar.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump has seethed for weeks that Netanyahu is chasing a battlefield victory in Gaza while he wants a negotiated ceasefire.

His anger is reported to have peaked after Israels operation in Doha last week, which risked scuttling fragile talks. Yet he still declined to use U.S. leverage over arms or aidand kept backing Netanyahu in public.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu get on well on the surface, but tensions reportedly simmer behind the scenes. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Per the Journal, the gripe came as Trump huddled with senior aides, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to hash out a response.

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His outburst comes after the paper reported Trump had delivered a sharp rebuke to Netanyahu in a heated call the day after the Sept. 9 strike, telling him the decision to hit targets inside a key U.S. allys capital was unwiseand complaining that he wasnt told in advance.

Officials have said air-launched missiles targeted Hamas representatives in Dohaan attack that killed several lower-level figures but missed top negotiators, and drew fury from mediators.

Netanyahu has argued that knocking out Hamas leadership abroad removes obstacles to a deal.

Questions are now being asked as to why there has been no public criticism of Netanyahu from a president who prides himself on dominance.

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Its slightly baffling and counterintuitive, said Shalom Lipner, who served seven consecutive Israeli prime ministers.

Trump and Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House. / SAUL LOEB / SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Netanyahus moves have prolonged the Gaza war, created trouble for Trump with other U.S. allies in the region, and made the expansion of the Abraham Accords excruciatingly difficult.

The Journals sources point to mutual political utility and years of personal courtship.

Netanyahu remains a star with GOP lawmakers and conservative media, and he rarely misses a chance to flatter Trump, who still touts the Abraham Accords and covets a Saudi-Israel breakthrough, making a rupture risky.

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Trump has form for using harsh language about Netanyahu, including after the Israeli leader congratulated Joe Biden on his 2020 presidential victory, with Trump telling a journalist: F--k him.

But Trumps criticism has had little impact on Netanyahu. Im mystified and so are many other Israelis, said Itamar Rabinovich, a Clinton-era Israeli ambassador to the U.S.. The only thing thats really working for [Netanyahu] is Trumps support.

Netanyahu is reportedly acting first and explaining later. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

The relationship has, according to the Journal, settled into a pattern, with Netanyahu acting first and explaining later, confident that Trumps irritation wont last.

After the Doha strike, Trump is reported to have phoned Netanyahu twicefirst to vent, and then to ask if the hit had been successful.

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He was told it didnt deliver the big kill, and the Gaza offensive has only intensified. [Trump] likes winners, former ambassador Michael Oren told the Journal.

The Daily Beast has contacted the White House and the Israeli Prime Ministers Office for comment.
If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

In a rare show of bipartisanship over LGBTQ+ issues, Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have introduced a bill that would enshrine into law the 988 crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth.

The move comes after the Trump administration announced in June it would be shuttering the specialized line for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. By mid-July, LGBTQ+ youths in crisis could no longer press 3 to speak to a culturally specific counselor.

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Baldwin and Murkowski introduced the bill, named 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act, Sept. 17, which seeks to codify the lifeline. Since the three-digit suicide and crisis number came online in July 2022, more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ youths have contacted it. And each year, more LGBTQ+ youths are calling specialized line.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin speaks during a roundtable discussion about possible cuts to Medicaid at the Washington Park Senior Center on West Vliet Street in Milwaukee on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

The bill comes at a stark time for the LGBTQ+ community. Community Pride events, with their mission to empower and uplift LGBTQ+ people of all ages in the face of opposition, have been canceled across the state, citing charged political and devastating funding cuts. School-based mental health programs, meanwhile, have been decimated by abrupt federal grant cancelations, leaving the Wisconsin Department for Public Instruction scrambling to continue providing mental health services to its pupils, and especially its LGBTQ+ youth.

Ramped-up political rhetoric has either denied the existence of transgender and nonbinary youth, or spread disinformation that they're disproportionately responsible for mass shootings, despite making up less than 0.5% of recent mass shooters.

Even before Trump took office in his second term, messaging had exacted a toll on LGBTQ+ youth. According to a 2024 report from the Trevor Project, 39% of LGBTQ+ youths in Wisconsin seriously considered suicide at the end of 2023. Nearly half of Wisconsin's trans and nonbinary youths in the state thought about suicide. Another 12% of LGBTQ+ youths attempted suicide, with 12% of those being transgender and nonbinary youths.

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LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to higher suicide risk as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, mental health risks stem from discrimination, mistreatment and stigma in society, the report emphasized.

The Trevor Project, a national organization focused on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and belonging, is among the organizations supporting the legislation.

In light of such a mental health crisis, Baldwin stated in the press release there was "absolutely no good reason that Donald Trump took away this specialized help for our LGBTQ youth."

The White House did not respond to questions from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel offering a reason for cutting the line. In July, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, stated it would "no longer silo LGB+ youth services  to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option," citing costly expenditures.

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The agency's omission of transgender youth in its official statement  implying they didn't exist  seemed to underscore the agency's whole approach to the issue, and drew ire from LGBTQ+ youth advocates.

Baldwin wrote the original legislation to create the three-digit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, designed to have the same kind of memorability of the emergency line 911. Prior to its creation, people in crisis had to dial a 10-digit number.

The ease of the line has led to more than 17.7 million contacts, including 12 million calls, 3.1 million texts, and 2.6 million chats, according to performance metrics from SAMHSA, which captured data between July 2022 through the end of July 2025.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Baldwin introduces bill to restore 988 crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth
Sep. 17GRAND FORKS  A new project at the University of North Dakota to highlight New Americans living in the state is more important now than ever before, First Lady of North Dakota Kjersti Armstrong told a crowd on Wednesday.

New Americans filed into the Memorial Union to take part in a naturalization ceremony claiming their U.S. citizenship on Constitution Day, a day founded to celebrate the U.S. Constitution and those who have put in the effort to become citizens. While they claimed their citizenship, a video showcase was held on the social stair featuring interviews with 15 different people who have claimed their citizenship after moving to the U.S.

Kjersti Armstrong, wife of Gov. Kelly Armstrong, is one of the people interviewed. Moving from Norway to North Dakota, she said the project is wonderful and a way for people to have a better understanding of each other.

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"There's so much misunderstanding and hatred at the forefront right now. I think telling someone's story, it's harder to breed prejudice," she said. "It's much easier to understand each other if you know where people are coming from. ... Everyone's story is unique, so the more people that share theirs, the better."

The inaugural Constitution Day Project was directed by Joonghwa Lee, interim chair in the Department of Communication. Undergraduate student interns  Lauren Huso, Dylan Niemi and Kiera Musil  were hired to put on the project to show people New Americans are not guests or strangers, but here in the community working at UND, city government or other places in the area.

It also is meant to get past people's biases they may have when they think about New Americans, Lee said. A series of photos was shot starring each New American interviewed, as well as the video compilation of their interviews, edited down to two minutes per person. The students were in control of everything, he said, from interview questions to how to pose the interviewees for their photos. The students also said a few words before the video showcase began.

A photo exhibition of the New Americans interviewed opened in the Memorial Union's art gallery Sept. 8, and both the photos and the video showcase will be digitally archived on an online platform created by the Chester Fritz Library. The project was funded by the UND CONNECT grant and the city of Grand Forks was a community partner in the project.

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The 40-minute video compiled interviews with 15 people, who also posed for the 31 photos displayed in the photo exhibition. There were 14 countries represented in the project  Paraguay, Kenya, Canada, Armenia, Australia, Mexico, Philippines, England, Liberia, Norway, Estonia, United Kingdom, Ghana and Turkiye.

Following the video showcase, the interns also offered video interviews and photo sessions to New Americans who had just become U.S. citizens during the naturalization ceremony, as part of the 2026 Constitution Day Project.

Lee said the idea for the project came following the Digital Storytelling Summit, which brought high school students to UND to learn about journalism and multimedia storytelling. A brainstorming session was held with the president's and provost's offices to find something similar to do with New Americans, which generated the idea for the Constitution Day Project.

Lee said they plan to do the project annually, and he's proud of the work his students did and the impact it had on those who took part. There were a few tears from the New Americans who had been interviewed, he noted.

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"They feel like they are not alone," he said. "When they think individually, 'Oh, I'm a New American,' so they feel like, 'I just feel like a guest.' But now they can see there are a lot of people from different countries. Also one of the purposes of the project is, we want to let people know the New Americans are not guests, they're already here. They are already part of our community."

Experiences of those who took part in the 2025 project include those who moved when they were children, who were refugees, who were seeking new opportunities and those who were working in the U.S. and decided to become citizens. Multiple interviewees also said they decided to get their citizenship so they could vote. They also spoke about ways they hold onto their culture, such as speaking their native language, having clothing and household items from home and cooking meals from their countries and connecting with others who have moved to the U.S.

While the 2025 participants mostly came from the Grand Forks area, Lee said he hopes the project can expand to more people outside Greater Grand Forks.
According to online reports, a small airplane crashed in Coruripe, Brazil on Sept. 14, 2025, killing the pilot, its only occupant.

The reports also claimed about 400 pounds of cocaine was recovered from the wreckage, wrapped in labels sporting the SpaceX logo, though it was unlikely to be connected to the company.

Many of the details circulating in various reports appeared to stem from U.K. tabloid The Daily Mail, or cited nonspecific "local" or "international" media sources. One local Brazilian news outlet did report on the crash.

The pilot was reportedly identified as Australian businessman Timothy James Clark, though there were conflicting reports about his whereabouts prior to his death. The crash was still under investigation.

In September 2025, rumors about a fatal plane crash in Coruripe, in eastern Brazil, circulated on social media. According to the posts, the small aircraft was carrying about 400 pounds of cocaine branded with the logo for SpaceX, Elon Musk's space technology company.

Users on social media platforms such as Facebook (archived), X (archived), YouTube and Instagram (archived) shared the claims, further purporting the crash site suggested the flight path was along a known drug-trafficking route. The popularity of the rumors led Snopes readers to email us, questioning the veracity of the claim.

We have opted not to give this claim a rating as Snopes was unable to verify any of the reports first-hand. We've reached out to SpaceX and the Alagoas Civil Police  law enforcement authorities in the state where Coruripe is located  for comment and will update this article if we hear back.

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While the photographs reported from various news outlets appeared to be authentic, meaning there were no signs they were digitally edited or generated by artificial intelligence, it should be noted that many of the details about the alleged victim originated with The Daily Mail, a British tabloid site.

Further, reports about the incident at outlets such as The Independent, Vice and the New York Post cited nonspecific "local media" or "international media" as sources. Snopes was able to find only one local report on the subject.

According to a Sept. 14, 2025, report from local news outlet Alagoas 24 Horas (translated from Portuguese), "a single-engine plane carrying approximately 180 kilograms of drugs crashed on Sunday afternoon, the 14th, in a sugarcane field in the city of Coruripe, in the southern region of the state." A video accompanying the report depicted Brazilian police officers stacking the recovered drugs, all labeled with the SpaceX logo, though there was no indication the incident was related to Musk's space exploration company.

According to Vice, "this isn't the first time drug dealers have used tech logos for street cred.  Skype, TripAdvisor, and Tesla had their logos jacked to stamp ecstasy pills and powders. All a part of the grand tradition of shaping or marketing illicit drugs in the logos and designs of well-known brands."

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On Sept. 15, a report by Australian news outlet news.com.au said the pilot was identified as an Australian man from the state of Victoria. The pilot was further identified as 46-year-old Australian businessman Timothy James Clark, according to The Daily Mail.

A follow-up article from Alagoas 24 Horas on Sept. 17 apparently corroborated that the pilot had been identified as Clark, reporting that Brazilian authorities had found his identification among the wreckage.

The Daily Mail described Clark as "the director and secretary of a number of investment businesses that operated in Australia" and reported that he studied finance before training as a pilot. The outlet also included an alleged photo of Clark with three women. A Facebook page (archived) for a Timothy James Clark from Melbourne also featured this photo, in addition to videos of the same man operating small aircraft. The page was last publicly updated in 2018.

Further, The Daily Mail reported that Clark's father learned of his son's death through the news media. According to the outlet, the Clark's father insisted his son was in South Africa, not Brazil, and had only a learner's pilot license.

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Some reports claimed the plane, a privately-owned Sling 4, was registered in Zambia, though Snopes could not verify this detail. Photos of the aircraft wreckage depicted a registration designation on the tail of the plane that read "ZU-IXM," and the markings on the tail matched an image of an aircraft with the same designation on the aviation photo database Jetphotos.com, dated Oct. 22, 2023. The Jetphotos listing declared the aircraft was located in Brazil at the time the photo was taken.

As of this writing, Brazilian authorities were still investigating the incident, according to Alagoas 24 Horas.

Snopes was unable to independently verify these reports but will update this article if more information becomes available.

Sources:

"Aussie Pilot Found Dead with 200kg of SpaceX Cocaine." 7NEWS, 15 Sep. 2025, https://7news.com.au/news/world/aussie-pilot-found-dead-after-plane-ditches-carrying-200kg-of-spacex-branded-cocaine-in-brazil-c-20026266.

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Galvao, Claudia. "Aviao monomotor cai com 180kg de drogas e piloto morre em AL." Alagoas 24 Horas: Lider em Noticias On-line de Alagoas, 14 Sep. 2025, https://www.alagoas24horas.com.br/1692258/aviao-monomotor-cai-com-180kg-de-drogas-e-piloto-morre-em-al/.

. "Familia diz que piloto morto em queda de aviao em AL deveria estar na Africa do Sul." Alagoas 24 Horas: Lider em Noticias On-line de Alagoas, 17 Sep. 2025, https://www.alagoas24horas.com.br/1692578/familia-diz-que-piloto-morto-em-queda-de-aviao-em-al-deveria-estar-na-africa-do-sul/.

"Pilot Dies after Plane Carrying 180kg of SpaceX-Branded Cocaine Crashes in Brazil." The Independent, 16 Sep. 2025, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pilot-crash-brazil-plane-cocaine-spacex-b2827594.html.

Prada, Luis. "Pilot Carrying 180 Kilos of SpaceX Cocaine Dies in Plane Crash." VICE, 17 Sep. 2025, https://www.vice.com/en/article/pilot-carrying-180-kilos-of-spacex-cocaine-dies-in-plane-crash/.

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Ranter, Harro. Accident Airplane Factory Sling 4 ZU-IXM, Sunday 14 September 2025. http://localhost/wikibase/wiki.php?id=544672. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

"Sling 4 KIT." The Airplane Factory USA, https://www.airplanefactory.com/aircraft/sling-4-kit/. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Smith, Tita. "Aussie Found Dead with 200kg of SpaceX-Branded Coke in Brazilian Crash." Mail Online, 15 Sep. 2025, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15098541/Aussie-pilot-cocaine-brazil-plane-crash.html.

. "Bizarre Life of Aussie Killed in Brazil Plane Crash with Kilos of Coke." Mail Online, 15 Sep. 2025, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15098973/Australian-plane-crash-cocaine-Brazil.html.


An immigration judge in the United States has ordered that pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil, who played a leading role in protests last year against Israels war on Gaza at the prestigious Columbia University, be deported to Algeria or Syria.

Court documents, revealed on Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), showed that Louisiana immigration Judge Jamee Comans issued the ruling on September 12, accusing Khalil of failing to disclose key information when he applied and secured lawful permanent residency in the US.

Khalil, a native of Syria and an Algerian citizen of Palestinian origin, has previously said he fears being targeted by Israel for his activism if he is deported to either country.

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Judge Comans claimed that Khalil did not disclose his ties to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and Columbia University Apartheid Divest, an activist group which advocates for an economic boycott of Israel, on his green card application, describing it as a lack of candor by the applicant.

This Court finds that Respondent wilfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process and reducing the likelihood his applications could be denied, Comans said.

Khalils lawyers responded, saying that they intend to appeal the deportation order, and pointed to a federal district courts order earlier this year prohibiting the government from immediately deporting or detaining Khalil as his federal court case proceeds.

Khalils legal team now has 30 days from the day of the deportation ruling, on September 12, to appeal against the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. His lawyers said they expect the appeal process to be swift and their attempt unsuccessful, as noncitizens are almost never granted stays of removal.





US immigration agents first arrested Khalil  a former graduate student at Columbia University in New York  on March 8 after showing up at his student apartment building on campus in the city.

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The arrest was part of a wider crackdown on pro-Palestine activism on college campuses across the US, which saw several overseas students detained and deported while universities were hit with federal funding cuts by Trump over alleged anti-Semitic activities.

Authorities held Khalil at an immigration detention centre in Louisiana for three months until he was released in June following a ruling by US District Judge Michael Farbiarz that his detention was unconstitutional.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and law enforcement officials had repeatedly portrayed Khalils peaceful activism as anti-Jewish and supportive of Hamas, but they failed to provide any evidence backing their allegations.





Farbiarz ruled that the Trump administration was likely violating Khalils right to free speech by detaining and attempting to deport him under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which allows the removal of foreign nationals who bear potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.

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The White House has been relentless in its attempts to deport Khalil, pivoting more recently to the alleged violations of his green card application.

Khalils lawyers expressed concern following the deportation ruling that the only meaningful impediment to their clients deportation was now the important order prohibiting removal issued by Judge Farbiarz.

In a statement published by the ACLU on Wednesday, Khalil also accused the Trump administration of using fascist tactics to retaliate against him for his exercise of free speech.

When their first effort to deport me was set to fail, they resorted to fabricating baseless and ridiculous allegations in a bid to silence me for speaking out and standing firmly with Palestine, demanding an end to the ongoing genocide [in Gaza], Khalil said.




Venezuela says it has launched three days of large-scale military exercises in the Caribbean after several U.S. attacks on alleged drug trafficking boats.

Defence minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the exercise, named Sovereign Caribbean, would involve air defence deployments with armed drones and electronic warfare actions in response to the threatening, vulgar voice of the U.S.

Venezuelas defence ministry said the exercises would involve 12 ships, 22 aircraft and 20 small boats from the special naval militia. They will take place on La Orchila island, where the South American country has a military base.

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President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a second kinetic strike had been carried out on a small boat that he claimed was carrying drugs to the U.S. from Venezuela.

The strike occurred while these confirmed narcoterrorists from Venezuela were in international waters transporting illegal narcotics ... headed to the U.S., he wrote.

Trump added that such extremely violent drug trafficking cartels are a threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy and vital U.S. interests and said that three male terrorists were killed in the strike. He provided no evidence that the boat was carrying drugs.

U.S. military attacking a boat carrying alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

The strike followed a similar attack earlier this month on a vessel carrying 11 people who the White House claimed were members of Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang which the Trump administration has designated as a terrorist organisation.

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Earlier this week, he did not rule out the prospect of the U.S. striking the Venezuelan mainland directly, saying: Well see what happens.

The U.S. has labelled Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro a narcoterrorist and put up a $50m (37m) bounty for his arrest.

A number of U.S. naval forces, apparently tasked with combating drug traffickers, gathered in and around the southern Caribbean last week amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Venezuelas defence minister Vladimir Padrino (left) pictured at a meeting with other military officials on Wednesday (Venezuelan Presidency)

Maduro has warned that he will respond in kind to any attack by warships patrolling near the Venezuelan coast, adding that he would declare a republic in arms, without elaborating.

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He has accused Trump of pursuing a regime change, warning that U.S. military action against his country would stain [Trumps hands] with blood.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Maduro claimed that Washington was trying to justify the launch of a "criminal attack" on his country.

This isnt tension. It is an aggression all down the line, its a judicial aggression when they criminalise us, a political aggression with their daily threatening statements, a diplomatic aggression and an ongoing aggression of military character, Maduro said.

Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro has been branded a narcoterrorist by Trump (Getty)

The Venezuelan government said over the weekend that a U.S. destroyer illegally intercepted, boarded and occupied a Venezuelan tuna fishing vessel for eight hours in the waters of the South American countrys special economic zone.

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Trump has pushed for the military to tackle drug cartels that he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the U.S.

The U.S. president has long blamed Venezuela for a drug epidemic in his country, claiming Caracas is pouring narcotics into the U.S. through illegal channels. Venezuela has denied the allegations.
Connecticut Veterans Affairs will host Stand Down 2025 on Friday, Sept. 19. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at multiple locations across the state, including Norwich, Bridgeport, Southington, Danbury, Rocky Hill and Stamford, according to a community announcement.

Stand Down 2025 is open to all veterans and service members, including active duty, National Guard and reserve personnel. Attendees will have access to a variety of services, such as housing assistance, legal aid, employment and education resources, medical and dental screenings, personal care items, vaccinations and lunch.

The event will feature over 150 providers from state, federal, nonprofit and community organizations. Services will be offered by Connecticut Veterans Affairs, Connecticut Motor Vehicles, Connecticut Judicial, Connecticut Transportation, Federal Veterans Affairs and various veteran organizations.

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A welcoming ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Connecticut Veterans Affairs Campus in Rocky Hill. This ceremony will include remarks from Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, Attorney General William Tong and Rocky Hill Mayor Lisa Marotta.

Transportation to and from Stand Down locations will be provided at no cost to attendees by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Pre-registration is no longer required for the event.

Stand Down locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreation Center, 400 University Ave.Southington: National Guard Armory, 600 Woodruff St.Danbury: Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial DriveNorwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Ave.Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs, 287 West St.Stamford: UConn at Stamford, One University Plaza

For more information visit portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/veterans-stand-down.

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This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Free rides and resources await at CT Veterans Affairs Stand Down
By Akbar Novruz



On September 18, during his working visit to Bishkek, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov took part in the meeting of Prime Ministers/Vice Presidents of the Organization of Turkic States member states with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, Azernews reports citing the Cabinet of Ministers.

President Japarov welcomed the participants of the first meeting of the Prime Ministers/Vice Presidents of the Turkic States Organization.

During the event, A. Asadov conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President Ilham Aliyev to the President of Kyrgyzstan and discussed the current agenda of Azerbaijan-Kyrgyz strategic partnership relations.
TIRANA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Albania's parliament on Thursday confirmed Edi Rama for a fourth consecutive term as prime minister, with Rama pledging to accelerate the country's path toward European Union (EU) membership by 2030.

Rama, the sole candidate for the post, secured 82 votes in the 140-seat legislature. His Socialist Party won a majority in parliamentary elections held in May.

"Albania 2030 in the EU is the centerpiece of this mandate," Rama told lawmakers, stressing that integration into the bloc would guide government reforms in the coming years.

In a move aimed at addressing transparency in public procurement, Rama last week proposed the use of an artificial intelligence tool, named Diella, to manage and award tenders. During a video address, the AI program said it would assist rather than replace public officials.

The appointment has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who questioned its constitutionality and warned it could create new risks. 
The View co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Joy Behar have heavily criticized Kash Patel after the FBI director was questioned in front of the Senate over the agencys investigation into the death of Charlie Kirk and the status of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Patel was involved in a heated exchange with California Senator Adam Schiff, during which he branded the Democratic politician a political buffoon at best.

During Wednesdays episode of The View, Hostin, who is a former former federal prosecutor, was asked about Patels credibility and responded: I don't know that he has credibility anyway because he's just not qualified for this position.

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She continued: I think the manner with which he conducted himself in front of the Senate Committee was despicable. That's just not how you conduct yourself, especially if you're the FBI director. I worked at the Department of Justice, I've known FBI directors. This is unbecoming of the office.

As for Schiff's line of questioning, which concerned the Senator pushing back against Patels claim that Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer in August from a federal prison in Florida to a prison camp in Texas had been decided by the Bureau of Prisons, Hostin said: "I prosecuted sex crimes in particular. There's no way the Bureau of Prisons, on its own  on its own  moved Ghislaine Maxwell to a less restrictive security prison. It does not happen."

'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin (left) lays into FBI director Kash Patel (ABC/Getty)

She added: Someone had to request that transfer. Let me also say this: the timing of that move was strange, at best. In August 2025 she was moved from the federal corrective institute in Tallahassee, Florida to the federal prison camp in Texas. That is a low security camp. The transfer happened about a week after Maxwell met for two days with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Now you mean to tell me that that transfer had nothing to do with her cooperation, and what she said in the Epstein case? We are not stupid! Hostins statement was met with loud applause, as she continued: This is a pedophile, a pedophile, who ruined the lives of young girls, young women. How dare Kash Patel, as the FBI director, sit in front of the American people and elected Senators and behave himself that way, and basically lie.

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Later, Joy Behar added, I feel like we're trapped in a bad movie to cheers of agreement.

Like, you've got these incompetent people running the government, and we're like a bunch of sitting ducks, continued Behar. There's no end to the incompetency that we are experiencing as Americans... The elephant in the room is that we're screwed.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Gazas hospitals are on the brink of collapse as the Israeli militarys ground invasion pushes deeper into the besieged enclave.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that the Israeli assault, currently centred on Gaza City, is driving new waves of displacement, forcing traumatised families into an ever-shrinking area unfit for human dignity.

Israeli tanks and warplanes pounded Gaza City on Thursday, prompting long lines of scared Palestinian civilians to flee as the military intensified its assault.

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Internet and phone lines were cut off across the enclave, in a sign that ground operations were likely to escalate.

The military continued to focus fire on parts of the city that suggest an imminent advance on central and western areas, where most of the population is sheltering.

The injured and people with disabilities cannot move to safety, which puts their lives in grave danger, Tedros said. We call for an immediate end to these inhumane conditions. We call for a ceasefire.

At least 14 people were killed by Israeli attacks on Thursday morning, including nine in Gaza City, hospital officials told Al Jazeera.

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By early afternoon, at least 29 Palestinians were reported to have been killed across the enclave since dawn, including 19 in the city.





Reporting from Nuseirat in central Gaza, Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud said only two hospitals in the enclaves largest city, al-Shifa and al-Ahli, remain partially functional.

As the Israeli military advances its tanks and armoured vehicles, there is close to a total siege on Gaza City with acute shortages of medical supplies in the two still-operating health facilities, he said.

While these health centres are still operating somehow, they are barely offering the basic medical intervention needed. Inside the emergency wards, there are more people injured than beds available.

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Exhausted staff and dwindling supplies have left the hospitals highly vulnerable, he continued.

The fear now is that as the Israeli militarys ground offensive advances further, these facilities are going to be cut off from the outside world.

Cataclysmic

The United Nations said the offensive has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians south, deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told Al Jazeera that conditions are nothing short of cataclysmic.

There is a constant stream of people making their way from the north, with many walking the 22km [14 miles] to the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone  as labelled by Israel  on foot, she said.

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The hygiene conditions are so dire that, of course, they lead to a massive spread of diseases, skin rashes and all sorts of public health crises.





Displaced Palestinians described unbearable living conditions amid an ongoing genocide.

We were searching all over for a decent place where we can stay, but that costs money to rent a small piece of land. We cant afford that, Rachid Abdel Latif Shaaban told Al Jazeera from a makeshift encampment in the central city of Deir el-Balah. All around us is nothing but garbage, sewage, all kinds of pollution, bacteria and germs.

Another displaced woman, Ayesha Abu Ghof, told Al Jazeera that she and her children had been forced to live on a landfill. All our children are sick and suffer from diseases, and there are no doctors around, no medicine, she said.

Concern

Israels ongoing assault and the terrible conditions being endured by Palestinians continue to provoke international concern, but there has been little agreement among Western countries on how to intervene.

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Spain is among Israels fiercest critics. On Thursday Madrid announced it would support the International Criminal Courts ongoing investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes.

Attorney General Alvaro Garcia Ortiz said the probe would examine whether serious violations of international law had taken place during the war, which has now run for nearly two years.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported on Thursday that Israeli attacks had killed at least 79 people and wounded 228 in the latest 24-hour reporting period, bringing the total death toll since the start of the war in October 2023 to 65,141 and the number of wounded to 165,925.
A nurse gives a MMR vaccine. Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii issued updated vaccine recommendations on Thursday. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

All Oregonians seeking the COVID-19 vaccine can receive it without concerns about cost or liability for nurses, pharmacists or doctors administering the vaccine under highly-anticipated guidance Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and five state agencies issued on Wednesday.

The announcement comes nearly two weeks after Kotek and the governors of California, Washington and Hawaii formed the West Coast Health Alliance in early September. On Wednesday, the four-state alliance recommended that all adults and children concerned about the respiratory illness season can receive the COVID-19 vaccine and other common inoculations like the flu vaccine.

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State agencies that license pharmacists, nurses and doctors and regulate insurers vowed in a joint press release alongside Kotek to make sure the vaccine was covered by insurance and available to those who wanted it.

At a time when Washington D.C. is undermining our most basic public health safeguards, Oregon is charting a different course: affirming that public health is about protecting people, not playing politics, and ensuring every family who wants protection this respiratory virus season can get it  simply, safely and affordably, said Sejal Hathi, director of the Oregon Health Authority, in a statement.

Kotek described Oregons response as a coordinated approach to reduce disruption to COVID-19 vaccine access caused by the Trump administration.

If you want to get vaccinated before respiratory virus season, you can in Oregon. The confusion created by the Trump administration for simple vaccine administration in states across the country puts people at risk, she said in a statement. Staying safe shouldnt be hard or expensive  these actions today mean Oregonians seeking a vaccine can do so easily and affordably.

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The updated guidance Oregon and other allied western states offered is a rebuke of the June overhaul of the Centers for Disease Controls vaccine advisory committee by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The announcement came shortly before the Oregon Board of Pharmacy unanimously approved a carveout allowing patients aged 7 or older to receive the COVID vaccine at a pharmacy in alignment with the coalitions guidance.

As recently as Monday, Kennedy appointed five new members to the panel, some of whom have a history of questioning the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. The West Coast states newly announced standards rely upon guidance from national organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics.

Kotek, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in a joint statement that they were putting safety before politics.

Our states are united in putting science, safety, and transparency first  and in protecting families with clear, credible vaccine guidance, the governors said.

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When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, the states recommend that any adult ages 18-64 who wants protection from COVID is eligible for the vaccine, specifically identifying those who are in close contact with others with risk factors.

Guidelines from the West Coast Health Alliance were announced on Sept. 17, 2025. (Screenshot)

All children from ages 6 months through to 2 years of age are recommended to receive the shot, as well as those from ages 2 to 18 who choose to receive the shot or havent received the vaccine before. The guidelines also include information about Influenza and RSV vaccinations.

The WCHA reviewed COVID-19 epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness, safety data, and national medical organization recommendations to arrive at the consensus recommendations, the new guidelines read. Individuals with risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection, including age, underlying medical conditions, unvaccinated status, and congregate living facility residence were recommended to receive an updated 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine. No new safety concerns were reported since the last thorough review.

Oregon had emerged as a hotspot for questions around vaccine access over the past two weeks since the alliance was initially announced, with critics questioning why the state failed to issue standing orders ensuring COVID-19 vaccine access or deferring to mainstream medical groups sooner. Without guidance from the CDC, tighter restrictions announced by the Food & Drug Administration in late August limited the vaccine to people aged 65 or older or those with an underlying health condition that would risk severe illness. Pharmacists across Oregon have turned away patients without a prescription.

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Kotek, in the meantime, appeared to take note of the growing concerns across the state. Her spokesperson told the Capital Chronicle last week that she was frustrated with the federal rollout of the annual COVID-19 vaccine and doing her best to find a solution. Other Democratic states, including Washington, have taken steps such as aligning their pharmacy boards with recommendations from mainstream medical groups, ensuring liability protections for doctors who prescribe the vaccine, and requiring insurers to cover the cost of the shot.

The new West Coast guidelines say that Oregons immunization program has adopted the suggestions made by the health alliance. In a statement, Nicole Krishnaswami, executive director for the Oregon Medical Board, defended the states health care workers.

We have full confidence in our licensed physicians and PAs to review the WCHA recommendations and apply their professional medical judgment in offering and prescribing vaccines to their patients, Krishnaswami said. Oregons health care professionals consistently demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient safety.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is convening Thursday and Friday of this week under an unaccustomed spotlight. The committee, known as ACIP, usually attracts little attention as it deliberates vaccine schedules and eligibility, but suddenly finds itself navigating political scrutiny, public skepticism and internal upheaval.

The stakes extend well beyond the technical details of dosing intervals or eligibility cutoffs. The panel's decisions could reshape public trust in childhood vaccines, restrict access to vaccines through Medicaid and Medicare, and signal whether scientific consensus or political pressure will steer the nation's vaccination strategy.

The precise language of the measures the ACIP will be voting on has not been shared with CDC staff or made public, but here is what CDC experts believe may be on the table:

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Congressional scrutiny

At a hearing on Wednesday of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, former CDC Director Susan Monarez and former CDC Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science Dr. Debra Houry painted a sobering picture of a CDC under political siege.

In her remarks, Monarez recounted her recent firing, saying it came after she refused to pre-approve new vaccine policies and insisted that to be credible, such decisions cannot be divorced from scientific evidence.

Houry, who resigned hours after Monarez was ousted, said, "Secretary [Robert F.] Kennedy [Jr.]'s actions repeatedly censored CDC science, politicized our processes, and stripped agency leaders of the ability to protect the health of the American people." She added, "I could not in good conscience remain under those conditions."

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Together, their accounts paint a picture of personal views and political positions increasingly overriding science, thereby eroding the CDC's core mission. The fallout, critics say, is likely to be measured not in headlines, but in children's lives.

The administration is pushing back on this narrative. Andrew Nixon, an HHS spokesperson, charged that Monarez "was tasked with returning the CDC to its core mission after decades of bureaucratic inertia, politicized science and mission creep corroded its purpose and squandered public trust. Instead, she acted maliciously to undermine the president's agenda and was fired as a result."

Inside the agency, Jim O'Neill, the acting CDC director and deputy secretary of HHS, struck a different tone in an email to CDC staff obtained by CBS News. He highlighted the CDC's history of victories  from malaria eradication to identifying HIV  and argued that over time the agency had drifted from its core mission. "Not every health decision is the government's business.  CDC and other science agencies lost the American public's trust and faith during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are working hard to refocus and earn that trust back," he wrote. "Rigorous science, transparency about data and reasoning, and treating our fellow citizens as adults who can make their own informed decisions will be well received whenever we can offer them."

The competing narratives have left CDC staff caught in the middle. One longtime CDC staffer put it bluntly: "Part of this upcoming [ACIP] meeting is really all about criticizing the data." The staffer said the imperative inside the agency has shifted from one of problem-solving to point-scoring: "It feels less about protecting the public and more about putting science on trial," as the staffer put it.

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An unusual process and unusual members

What makes this week's ACIP meeting striking is not only the agenda  votes on the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine, the universal newborn hepatitis B vaccine dose, and COVID vaccine eligibility  but who will be voting.

In June, Kennedy removed all 17 sitting members of ACIP and replaced them with a smaller group of allies, many of whom have questioned vaccine safety or mandates. Then, just days before this week's meeting, he appointed five more members, bringing the total of his picks now serving on the panel to 12.

Some of the new members include controversial figures: Dr. Robert Malone, who has spread misinformation about COVID vaccines; biostatistician Martin Kulldorff, who opposed vaccination mandates for children; and Catherine Stein, who has downplayed the severity of COVID. Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist, has promoted ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine despite studies showing they are not effective treatments for COVID, and warned against vaccinating children despite evidence of benefits. Others, like pharmacist Hillary Blackburn and surgeon Dr. Raymond Pollak, are not vaccine specialists by training.

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Critics note that several appointees have served as paid expert witnesses against vaccine makers, posing potential financial, professional, and ideological conflicts of interest. Normally, vetting of ACIP members takes months or years, with careful conflict-of-interest checks. Kennedy's accelerated appointments, combined with Monarez's forced resignation, have triggered alarm among career scientists.

At its June meeting, the ACIP abandoned its long-standing evidence-to-recommendation framework and featured what numerous scientific, medical and public health experts regarded as inaccurate claims by new members, as well as a presentation from a well-known anti-vaccine advocate. This week, the concern many experts have is whether scientific rigor can prevail.

COVID vaccine

CDC staff members emphasize that the precise wording of the measures ACIP members will vote on has not been disclosed. What insiders expect, however, is a narrowing of the list of conditions that classify someone as being at high risk for severe COVID. That shift could mean fewer people would be recommended for vaccination even if they might still benefit.

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Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, a prior ACIP working group lead who resigned from the CDC earlier this year, warned that limiting recommendations could send the wrong signal, saying, "People may interpret a narrower recommendation as meaning the vaccine doesn't work, when in fact it's still highly protective against severe disease."

The possible exclusion of healthy pregnant women and healthy infants from the high-risk category is also drawing attention. Pregnancy and early infancy have long been recognized as periods of elevated vulnerability, and experts worry that dropping these groups from the recommendation would not only reduce their protection but would erode public confidence in maternal and pediatric vaccination.

Last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that all infants and toddlers aged 6 to 23 months receive the COVID vaccine. The group cited data showing that children under 2 have the highest COVID hospitalization rates among pediatric age groups, comparable to adults aged 50-64, and that more than half of those hospitalized had no underlying conditions.

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the national organization representing high-risk pregnancy experts, has reaffirmed its recommendation that all pregnant and breastfeeding women receive the COVID vaccine.

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And the West Coast Health Alliance, which includes Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii, has recommended that all adults and children who want a COVID vaccine in those states can get one. Those recommendations are informed by the AAP, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Fiona Havers, who oversaw data on COVID hospitalizations, noted that pregnant women and infants remain uniquely vulnerable, making the question of maternal and early childhood COVID vaccination particularly sensitive. Havers resigned from the CDC earlier this year, saying she no longer had confidence that the data collected by her team would be used objectively or evaluated with appropriate scientific rigor to inform vaccine policies.

Less clear is whether ACIP will also raise the age threshold for routine vaccination from 65+ to 75+. Dr. Helen Chu, an infectious disease physician at the University of Washington, emphasized that while severe outcomes are rarer in the 65-74 group, simultaneous issues such as diabetes and heart disease complicate the picture. "Age is a blunt instrument," she said.

Hepatitis B: The birth-dose debate

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Hepatitis B remains a global killer, causing more than a million deaths annually from liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Dr. Samuel So, director of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University, calls the universal newborn hepatitis B vaccine "one of the most successful public health initiatives of the past 30 years."

The U.S. shifted from targeted to universal infant vaccination in 1991 after data showed too many cases of hepatitis B among pregnant women were missed during prenatal care. In 2005, the ACIP recommended a dose for newborns before hospital discharge, and in 2018 tightened the timing to within 24 hours of birth.

The rationale was clear: Even with screening guidelines, about 12% of commercially insured and 16% of Medicaid-enrolled pregnant patients were not tested for hepatitis B. A universal birth dose serves as a safety net, protecting infants whose parent's infection has been missed while also boosting on-time series completion.

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Before birth-dose policies took hold, the U.S. saw an estimated 1,000 preventable infections in newborns each year. When infection occurs at birth, about 90% of infants develop chronic hepatitis B and one-quarter later die prematurely from cirrhosis or liver cancer if they're not treated. The risk is set at birth.

Reconsidering the birth-dose alarms experts. "Undoing decades of progress," Dr. So warns, would leave many at risk for a preventable type of cancer. And Dr. Anna Lok, director of clinical hepatology at the University of Michigan, warns that "even when it [hepatitis B vaccination] is recommended and it should be done in every newborn baby, we know it's not always done. And when it becomes optional, it means that it will be rarely done. And that is going to be the problem."

Alex Lee, a 68-year-old retired civil engineer and volunteer with Hep B Free in San Francisco, said the stakes are painfully personal. Lee acquired hepatitis B from his mother. He later developed cirrhosis and then liver cancer before a life-saving transplant in 2013. His mother also required a transplant, and two of his siblings live with the virus.

"I didn't want my daughters to go through what I went through," Lee said. "That's why I made sure they all got vaccinated. Pulling back now would be a huge mistake."

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MMRV: Convenience vs. perception of risk

For parents, the MMRV vaccine offers an obvious convenience: one shot instead of two.

But the combination vaccine carries a slightly higher risk of fever-related "febrile" seizures when used as the first dose in young toddlers aged 12-23 months. That risk reflects the age at which the vaccine is given, not the fact that it is a first dose. Febrile seizures are most common between 14 and 18 months of age, when children are naturally at peak susceptibility. Febrile seizures are rare and almost always resolve without lasting effects, but are frightening for families and can erode trust in vaccines.

"That's why ACIP recommended splitting MMR and varicella [vaccines] at 12 to 23 months. There was no reason to change the second dose, where no excess risk has ever been seen," explained one CDC expert.

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By contrast, studies show no elevated risk when MMRV is given for the second dose at ages 4 to 6 years old, after children have outgrown the highest-risk window. Reconsidering recommendations without new evidence has led experts to wonder why the issue is being reopened and whether it risks sowing doubt.

Trust and precedent

What happens at the ACIP meeting in Atlanta this week is unusual, not just for the agenda, but for what it represents. Reevaluating long-standing vaccine guidance is rare; experts fear that doing so in such a politicized and polarized climate is riskier still.

A KFF/Washington Post poll found that about one in three parents now say they should be able to decline routine school-entry vaccines for their children, even if that creates health risks for others. That's up from 16% in 2019 and a sign of growing unease about routine childhood vaccination. A confusing or seemingly inconsistent decision from the CDC panel could deepen distrust at a fragile moment.

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Beyond the votes

Even the process itself may prove consequential. If CDC scientists are marginalized, as insiders suggest, the ACIP risks becoming a stage for ideological performance rather than scientific review. One CDC staffer put it bluntly: "Part of this upcoming meeting is really all about criticizing the data." The staffer went on to say, "It feels less about protecting the public and more about putting science on trial."

What's next?

According to America's Health Insurance Plans, the national trade association representing the health insurance industry in the United States, commercial "[h]ealth plans will continue to cover all ACIP-recommended immunizations that were recommended as of September 1, 2025 through the end of 2026." This includes updated formulations of the COVID and influenza vaccines. But vaccine coverage under Medicare and Medicaid may change based on new ACIP recommendations.

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However, the real test will be the public's reaction. Will most parents still accept that the MMRV vaccine remains safe? Do hospitals continue to administer the hepatitis B vaccine at birth? Do older adults, confused by shifting COVID guidance, skip shots altogether?

"Process matters because trust matters," Houry said in her prepared testimony. "If people believe outcomes are predetermined, or that recommendations are slanted by ideology rather than scientific data, they are less likely to accept even well-supported recommendations," she said.

This week's ACIP meeting will test whether that trust can endure, not only in the science of vaccines but in the institutions charged with safeguarding them.

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Jerusalem's Yad Vashem, the world's largest Holocaust memorial, is set to establish a branch in Germany - its first outside Israel.

A Yad Vashem education centre could be located in either Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia or Saxony, memorial director Dani Dayan and German Education Minister Karin Prien said in a joint announcement in Berlin on Thursday.

The idea for such a centre originated under the previous chancellor, Olaf Scholz. A feasibility study identified the three states as potential locations, taking into account factors such as accessibility and the existence of other memorial sites.

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Establishing a German branch is not about creating a museum but an educational institution, Dayan said.

It is more important what happens inside the building than how it looks. A new building is therefore not planned.

"What makes Yad Vashem famous is its educational approach," he said, adding that the aim is to bring the victims' perspective to the perpetrators' home country.

Location decision in 2026

Representatives of Yad Vashem plan to visit the three states in the coming weeks to meet with government officials and civil society, according to Dayan. A decision on the location is expected in the first half of 2026.

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The centre, which will employ around 20 staff members, could begin operations two to three years later. It will be open to everyone but will particularly target teachers.

Prien expressed her gratitude that Yad Vashem is willing to take this step towards Germany. She said anti-Semitism remains a constant challenge for all educational institutions.

"Teachers need comprehensive professional support," she said

Karin Prien, Germany's Minister of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, presents three potential locations for a Holocaust education center in Germany at a press conference. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Karin Prien, Germany's Minister of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, presents three potential locations for a Holocaust education center in Germany at a press conference. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Karin Prien (R), Germany's Minister of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, and Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem, present three potential locations for a Holocaust education center in Germany at a press conference. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Karin Prien (R), Germany's Minister of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, and Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem, present three potential locations for a Holocaust education center in Germany at a press conference. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

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Karin Prien (R), Germany's Minister of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, and Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem, present three potential locations for a Holocaust education center in Germany at a press conference. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
TWO RIVERS  Two Rivers High School is celebrating a significant increase in its Youth Apprenticeship program participation.

More than 60 students are taking part in the program during the 2025-26 school year, up from 46 last year, according to a community announcement.

The program, coordinated by Molly Stolp in partnership with Career and College Readiness Coordinator Lisa Klein, connects students with local businesses to provide hands-on work experience while they continue their high school education.

Program offers real-world experience

The Youth Apprenticeship program is a statewide initiative that allows high school juniors and seniors to work part-time in a career area of interest while taking related coursework. Students gain real-world experience in industries such as health care, manufacturing and business, all while earning high school credit and preparing for college or the workforce.

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Preparation for the program begins as early as a students sophomore year, with the school emphasizing essential career-readiness skills such as resume writing, interview preparation and company research. Workshops, classroom sessions and one-on-one guidance help students identify career paths that align with their interests and strengths.

This year, students are gaining experience in a range of industries, including health care, manufacturing and education. Other areas of participation include business, construction, marketing, finance, information technology, law and public safety, agriculture, animal care, transportation, and STEM fields.

The Youth Apprenticeship program at Two Rivers High is helping students explore careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

Students, employers see benefits

Junior Alex Burdette, who works at Benchmark Patterns, said the program has had a big impact.

Being part of Youth Apprenticeship has taught me to explore different fields, even ones I didnt think I would like, Burdette said. Ive learned the importance of double-checking my work and making sure the data is right, and its also helped me build habits like showing up on time and submitting quality work. My mentor has been there to guide me whenever I was unsure, which has made me more confident about my future.

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Piper Engh, an HR youth apprentice at Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, has also been recognized for her contributions.

Piper has been an incredible addition to our HR team here at Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry through the Youth Apprenticeship Program, said Sandy Moua, HR generalist at WAF. She approaches every task with professionalism, curiosity and has a strong work ethic. From reviewing applications and scanning documents to interviewing candidates and so much more, Piper has consistently gone above and beyond. Were proud of the growth shes shown in just four months and are excited to see her continue to grow with our team."

Community partnerships are key

Klein said the growth in the program shows how motivated students are to explore real-world opportunities while preparing for their futures.

It also reflects the incredible support from our local employers who open their doors to mentor and guide these students, Klein said. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the tools and support they need to make informed decisions and succeed after high school.

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Stolp added that the increase in participation demonstrates the value families, employers and the community place on career-based learning.

We continue to expand our programs to make sure students can connect their classroom learning with meaningful work experiences and future career planning, Stolp said.

The success of the Youth Apprenticeship program relies heavily on community partnerships. Local businesses not only provide job placements but also serve as mentors, shaping the next generation of skilled workers. Two Rivers High School and CESA 6 welcome additional employer partners to join the program and help expand opportunities for students while addressing local workforce needs.

With the combined efforts of CESA 6, school staff and area businesses, the Youth Apprenticeship program at Two Rivers High School continues to expand as a cornerstone of student career readiness, meaningful mentorship and community partnership.

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This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, ntazeen@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: How Two Rivers High is preparing students for real careers
Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wrapped up their two-day state visit to the United Kingdom as they boarded Air Force One back to the United States on Thursday. This is the second time the Trumps have visited the U.K. for a state visit, which is considered rare.

On the final day today, the first lady toured Windsor Castle with Queen Camilla and was then joined by the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, for a meeting with a local scout group in Windsor's Frogmore Gardens.

Meanwhile, Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a joint news conference following meetings at the U.K. leader's country home, Chequers, near Aylesbury. The two leaders talked about a range of topics, including putting more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin for a peace deal on the war in Ukraine, as well as a new tech deal between the U.S. and the U.K.
People take part in a "Fight the Trump Takeover" rally, part of a national day of action, in Wilton Manors, Fla., on Aug. 16.
SACRAMENTO, the United States, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The four U.S. western states of California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii issued coordinated recommendations on COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines on Wednesday, saying regional action is needed as federal vaccine policy undergoes rapid change.

The announcement came through the West Coast Health Alliance, a new partnership formed earlier this month.

State leaders called the move as a practical step to offer residents clear, science-based advice during a period of rapid federal change.

Recent turnover and policy shifts in the federal government had weakened national guidance and created uncertainty, so the four states aligned their own recommendations to protect people at higher risk and to maintain access and insurance coverage for vaccines, according to their statements.

On June 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, an advisory committee that makes recommendations on the safety, efficacy, and clinical need of vaccines to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The HHS said that it would rebuild the panel to improve public confidence. On Sept. 15, the HHS and the CDC named five new members.

California's statement argued that these moves had "politicized" the CDC and created a "vacuum" for evidence-based guidance, which the alliance intends to fill.

The western states' public health leaders emphasized protection for those at higher risk.

"Vaccines are the best protection we have against serious illness," Washington State Health Officer Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett said, noting the aim was to protect young children, older adults, pregnant people and others at higher risk.

The four states also said that their guidance, based on leading medical groups, will be updated as new evidence emerges.

California paired the announcement with a new law allowing the state to base future immunization policy on independent medical groups and the California Department of Public Health, rather than relying solely on shifting federal recommendations, said Governor Gavin Newsom's office. 
At 11pixels Design Studio, every pixel is powered by purpose, where real conversations spark bold ideas, and human connection drives meaningful design

The Research arm includes UX Research, Design Audits, Usability Testing, Ethnographic Research, Accessibility Audits, and Trend Research. Branding encompasses Brand Strategy, Logo Design, Brand Refresh, and more. Design spans UI/UX, Interaction Design, Motion Graphics, and Prototyping, while Build delivers responsive development across web and mobile platforms.With this approach at its core, Aaqil Jamal, Partner & Chief Creative Officer at 11pixels Design Studio, highlights, 11pixels Design Studio takes challenges very seriously. Client constraints push us beyond limits, sparking unexpected creativity.We believe that complete freedom can lead to confusion, whereas constraints foster focus. Involving clients early in the design and development process ensures they feel genuinely engaged and contribute meaningfully to the journey.Building on its culturally rooted approach, 11pixels Design Studio follows a flexible process adaptable to any global aesthetic. Through in-depth research, it identifies key elements such as in Bahrain, where specific rules on color, patterns, and royal imagery shaped the design.Expanding on its strategic mindset, it goes beyond showcasing just the logo, typography, or color. What sets it apart is its focus on defining a brands tone, personality, imagery, and story, creating designs that deeply resonate with the target audience.Reinforcing its streamlined and future-ready approach, 11pixels Design Studio is guided by a core vision shaped by the founders and supported by clear SOPs (standard operating procedures), enabling team members to deliver with precision and minimal intervention.This ensures faster execution without compromising quality. Its development process follows a mobile-first mindset, emphasizing intuitive user interactions and scalability. By leveraging existing tools, code libraries, and standard practices, it aligns with industry norms.Acknowledging the importance of financial sustainability, it believes staying ahead is essential. While avoiding direct copies of renowned artists, it responsibly uses AI-powered platforms like Freepik and Shutterstock with proper attribution.As a testament to its dedication and creativity, one project that truly stands out in 11pixels Design Studios portfolio is the juice brand Ryna. It spent countless late nights iterating and sharing logo variations and packaging designs with the client.Through extensive user testing and nearly 5-6 months of work, it successfully established the brands identity and social media strategy. The effort paid off. Ryna is now the fourth-largest juice exporter, as reported by The Times of India.Staying true to its belief in meaningful outcomes, Mohammed Zabeeh Ur Rahman, Founder, 11pixels Design Studio says, While it would be happy to receive awards that arent paid for, none have come its way yet. What truly drives the studio is the impact it has created. From Ryna juices in Delhi, Pune, and Gujarat to Tinymingle flashcards on Amazon, and fashion brands like Elefad and Cxnsordd, its clients are actively building their own successful marketplaces.11pixels Design Studio is driven by a deeper sense of purpose, thereby working in collaboration with Velocity OS, a leader in vehicle operating systems, it aims to enhance daily travel experiences for millions through its innovative solutions. Each project is the result of time, effort, and collaboration between the design team and clients; it didnt happen overnight.The studio prioritizes lasting connections over one-time transactions. And this is just the beginning; its vision includes creating real-world products, nurturing a learning community, and embracing uncertainty as a path to meaningful, purpose-led growth.
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Construction tech solutions that allow builders to either compile data into a singular platform or project it onto a jobsite to ease layout were winners in the latest, $116 million round of venture capital funding.

That number doesnt include the whopping $405 million pulled in by FieldAI in August, a sum that puts the Bill Gates- and Nvidia-backed robot brain software maker in a league of its own.

Heres a rundown of six firms that grabbed investor cash in recent months.

GreenLite

$49.5 million

New York City-based GreenLite, which provides artificial intelligence-powered permitting review software, raised $49.5 million in a Series B funding round, according to a Sept. 15 news release. The round was led by global software investor Insight Partners. Energize Capital also participated, alongside existing investors Craft Ventures, LiveOak Ventures and Chicago Ventures.

GreenLite uses its AI-powered digital plan review tool, LiteTable, to help customers with permitting compliance, according to the release. The software can ingest plan sets, identify compliance flags and code requirements and find relevant guidance from GreenLite's comment library based on compliance patterns within the specific jurisdictions.

With the capital, GreenLite will expand its go-to-market efforts and enter new verticals, including lodging, industrial and logistics, clean energy infrastructure and residential development while advancing its technology platform.

Mechasys

$23 million

Mechasys, a firm that specializes in projected reality technology, raised $23 million in a Series A funding round, the startup announced on Aug. 26. Canadian growth equity fund Idealist Capital led the round, with follow-on participation from existing investor Fondaction, a Quebec-based pension fund.

The Montreal-based startup uses its tech, known as the XR projector, to create true 1:1 scale layouts with millimetric accuracy, eliminating guesswork and significantly reducing rework, according to the news release. The tech is used on more than 200 construction projects across over a dozen countries, according to the firm.

With the cash, Mechasys will accelerate the deployment of its third-generation XR Projector, per the release.

DroneDeploy

$15 million

San Francisco-based reality capture platform DroneDeploy has raised $15 million in strategic funding and reached break-even, according to a Sept. 9 news release from the company. Existing investors in the firm include co-lead investors Emergence Capital and Scale Venture Partners, as well as Airtree Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners and Uncork Capital.
Analysts of MBH Bank expect the forint, which has reached a two-year high against major currencies, to remain strong for the rest of the year, reducing inflation expectations.

Zoltan Arokszallasi, the lender's chief analyst, said at a press conference on Wednesday that the forint could trade at 397.5 to the euro at year-end and he put the average annual exchange rate at HUF 401.



He attributed the firmer forint to expectations for loosening by the United States Federal Reserve and Hungary's high base rate along with the central bank's stress on maintaining tight monetary policy.



Arokszallasi said the HUF/EUR exchange rate could average 400.3 in 2026.



MBH Bank analysts expect GDP growth to reach 0.8pc in 2025, as industry, agriculture and investments slump, but see a recovery in 2026, with growth as high as 3pc.



Arokszallasi said the general government deficit could reach 4.6pc of GDP in 2025, an improvement over the 4.9pc in 2024.





Source: MTI  Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.



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Hungarian artists overwhelmingly dominated the countrys Spotify and YouTube charts in 2024, according to a new study released by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH).

The research shows that only five foreign performers made it into Hungarys Spotify top 20, while YouTubes list featured no international stars at all.



The study highlights that local favourites Azahriah and DESH remained unshakable at the top, outperforming global icons such as Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter, who led Spotifys worldwide rankings.



Azahriah, with over 50 million plays on Spotify and additional appearances with three different groups, was once again Hungarys most popular artist.



His collaboration with DESH and Young Fly, PANNONIA, became the most-streamed track of 2024 on both Spotify and YouTube in Hungary, exceeding 35 million plays combined.



While Hungarian listeners favoured domestic talent, some foreign names still stood out. Billie Eilish led among international artists on Spotify with more than 11.5 million plays in Hungary, while Eminem topped YouTubes foreign acts with 38.5 million views.



The most-streamed foreign song was Artemass I Like the Way You Kiss Me on Spotify and Disturbeds The Sound of Silence on YouTube.



The NMHH also pointed out that online trends are increasingly shaping radio playlists, though gaps remain. Despite 61 million online streams, Azahriahs music was played only 16,000 times across Hungarian radio stations, landing him 24th on the annual broadcast chart.



In contrast, Follow The Flow was the only online success story to break into radios top 20.



According to the authority, radio stations seek to adapt to changing tastes but often omit certain tracks due to explicit lyrics or audience preferences.



The full study and global as well as Hungarian top charts for 2024 are available on the NMHH website.



Source:

Hungarian Conservative - republished with permission



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Japan is ready to develop its cooperation with Hungary in such crucial areas as efforts for peace, space research and the nuclear industry, Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said in Tokyo.

The foreign ministry quoted Szijjarto as saying after talks with his Japanese counterpart that at a time of wars and security crises across the world all countries, especially those suffering from wars in their close vicinity, have an interest in "resolving as many of those conflicts as possible."



"We saw eye to eye that international law must be respected by everyone and that wars should not be resolved on the battleground but at the negotiating table, through diplomatic efforts," Szijjarto said.



He noted that all efforts to put an end to the war in Ukraine on the battleground had failed. US President Donald Trumps peace efforts "must be considered as an example ... they seek to end the war through diplomatic means," he added.



The Hungarian and Japanese sides confirmed their cooperation in space research and technology, Szijjarto said, and noted that Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu had received part of his training for his recent space mission in Japan.



Hungary and Japan also call for closer nuclear industry cooperation as both countries seek to increase their nuclear capacities, Szijjarto said. "To that end we could extend the life of existing nuclear blocks. The necessary technical solutions are being elaborated in both countries," he said.



Szijjarto highlights need for nuclear energy at business seminar in Japan



Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said nuclear energy was the only "cheap, reliable, safe and sustainable" source of energy that could meet the global increase in demand for electricity, addressing a business seminar in Osaka on Thursday.



In a statement released by his ministry, Szijjarto said Hungary and Japan would cooperate on the further development of nuclear energy. He added that a decision had been taken to step up cooperation in other crucial areas, such as space technology, too.



Szijjarto is in Japan with a delegation of executives from Hungarian companies in the food, software and sustainable infrastructure development industries.



Trade between Hungary and Japan stands around USD 2.5bn a year. Around 180 Japanese companies employ some 30,000 people in Hungary.



Meanwhile, Szijjarto presents Hungarian-made Kuube smartbench in Tokyo



Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto gifted a Hungarian-made Kuube smartbench to the Tokyo government office during an official visit to Japan on Wednesday, his ministry said in a statement.



Szijjarto said the innovative, solar-powered smartbench dovetailed with Tokyo's goal to become carbon neutral by 2050.

He acknowledged Japan's leading role in the global economy's high-tech transformation and highlighted both countries' efforts to reduce carbon emissions.





Source: MTI  Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.



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Cleaning services at SK Ons EV battery factory in Komarom stopped on September 12, when cleaners failed to report for work and did not return in the following days, employees told Telex.

Toilets soon became unusable, leading some workers to consider staying away from the plant, though managers reportedly denied requests for leave.



Accounts differ on the cause. Some sources claim cleaners refused to continue working because their August wages had not been paid; others suggest they were dismissed with immediate effect.



An internal memo seen by Telex said SK On took immediate steps to resolve the disruption, contacting multiple service providers.



By September 16, the company had reached an agreement with a new subcontractor, which was due to begin work the next day.



SKs Hungarian EV battery factories generated massive losses last year and the company reported at the end of August that hundreds of foreign guest workers would be dismissed soon from the plant in Ivancsa, HVG reports.





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Pakistans threat to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025 over the Andy Pycroft handshake row made headlines, but the PCB ultimately stayed in the tournament. Pulling out would have cost Pakistan USD 1216 million in broadcast and sponsorship revenue, jeopardized their 15% ACC revenue share, and risked broadcaster compensation demands. With Sonys $170 million ACC rights deal at stake and the India vs Pakistan clash driving record viewership, the financial and political consequences were too severe. Backed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and officials, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi chose survival over boycott, ensuring Pakistans continued participation.
CCTV footage of the incident is now going viral on social media platforms, in which the train can be seen accelerating and moving out of the station when the woman tries to board and falls on the ground.
India may be on the verge of a landmark deal with Taiwan in the field of rare earth minerals and semiconductors. Taipei has extended an open offer to New Delhi, positioning itself as a key partner at a time when China continues to dominate global supply chains.
The 19th Century journalist and short-story writer Ambrose Bierce once said lawsuits "are a machine which you go into as a pig and come out of as a sausage."

Now, the arrival of artificial intelligence is throwing tons of pork in all directions.

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Authors, musicians and publishers have filed lawsuits charging that AI companies have infringed their copyrights by training AI models on their material without permission and that the AI systems' output can create works that infringe on current copyrights.

Some notable cases include The New York Times' NYT lawsuit charging OpenAI and Microsoft (MSFT) , which has invested billions in the ChatGPT creator.

The Times claims that the software giant and OpenAI used the media company's copyrighted works to train the ChatGPT AI model.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai's company is the target of a lawsuit by Penske Media.Image source: Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Law firm: Key AI questions still unanswered

The case, filed in December 2023 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, is in the discovery phase, with the court having largely denied the tech companies' motions to dismiss the suit.

In another case, Disney (DIS) and Universal filed a lawsuit, in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, against Midjourney, a provider of technology that generates images from text. The plaintiffs alleged copyright infringement, saying the AI image generator was trained on vast amounts of their copyrighted content, including iconic characters.

More Tech Stocks:

And authors Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber and Kirk Wallace Johnson settled a lawsuit against Anthropic, alleging the AI company used their copyrighted books to train its AI chatbot, Claude.

The terms of the suit, filed as a class action in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, include Anthropic paying $1.5 billion. The settlement is subject to the court's approval.

"Though much early media attention focused on copyright infringement claims," the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton said in a Jan. 13 post, "more recent cases have advanced a variety of claims."

These included trademark dilution, false advertising, right of publicity, and unfair competition claims that pose a new set of challenges for AI developers and companies that use generative AI outputs in their advertising and elsewhere."

Despite the flurry of litigation, the firm said many key questions remain unanswered.
The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to retaliate against the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-backed terrorists gunned down 26 innocent civilians. As part of the operation, the Indian armed forces launched precise missile strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing over 100 dreaded terrorists and destroying terror launch pads and training camps.
Eventually, the PCB claimed that it had secured a moral victory. On the field, Pakistan secured a 41-run win over UAE, qualifying for the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup. It began with the PCB, headed by Naqvi, demanding that match referee Andy Pycroft to not officiate in Asia Cup 2025.
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) is expected to release the result for the TNPSC Group 4 Result 2025 soon at tnpsc.gov.in. Scroll down to check more details.
This development came shortly after US President Donald Trump issued a warning to countries grappling with widespread drug trafficking and narcotics production. India was among the 23 nations the US highlighted for monitoring in this context.
A cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has destroyed six homes and left three people missing in Nandnagar. Rescue operations by SDRF and NDRF are underway as the state's Meteorological Department issues further heavy rain warnings for several regions.
Zee Kannada News hosted the Karnataka Idol Awards 2025, an event that celebrates the achievements of notable personalities across various fields in Karnataka.
Key Points

Altria has increased its dividend annually for 56 consecutive years.

The company has pricing power that allows it to offset declining volume.

10 stocks we like better than Altria Group 

The average American may not know the name Altria (NYSE: MO), but there's a good chance that they know some of its brands. The tobacco giant owns brands such as Marlboro, Copenhagen, Black & Mild, Skoal, Parliament, and a handful of others. For decades, the stock has been a mainstay of the market, with plenty of up years, but also its share of down years, especially in the past decade or so.

However, through Sept. 15, Altria's stock has outperformed the market so far in 2025, up close to 24% compared to the S&P 500's 12.4% gain. The stock price gains of late are much appreciated by investors, but the real appeal of Altria's stock for most of the past decade has been its dividend. It's arguably the reason people invest in the company.

If you're looking for a dividend stock to add to your portfolio this month, you might want to consider Altria. Here's why.

Image source: Getty Images.

A look at the dividend

Despite the price performance, Altria still has one of the highest dividend yields around at nearly 6.4%. With a yield that high, there can be worries of a cut coming. But Altria has increased its dividend annually for 56 consecutive years, making it a Dividend King (a company with at least 50 consecutive years of dividend increases).

Granted, Altria's sales volume has fallen with the decline in smoking rates among U.S. adults, but tobacco's addictive qualities (for better or worse) allow for some pricing power that keeps cash flow steady. Simply raising prices isn't a good long-term business strategy, but it does buy Altria time to find new revenue streams, such as bringing sustainable smokeless and nontobacco options to market.

Altria's free cash flow is more than enough to sustain its dividend, so it's not an issue investors should worry about. Its free cash flow per share was $5.16 over the last 12 months. If it can sustain that, it will be more than the $4.24 per share it will pay out in dividends in the next four quarters.

Should you invest $1,000 in Altria Group right now?

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The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Altria Group wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $648,369!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,089,583!*
SFM has a long-term track record of strong operating performance supported by a highly stable underwriting performance with a relatively low combined ratio compared with its domestic peers, and robust investment profits. The companys long-term insurance line performance is expected to continue demonstrating a positive distinction from its market peers, underpinned by its large profitable book of existing policies and strong capability to generate a new business contractual service margin. In addition, SFMs auto line remains profitable through various underwriting initiatives, favourable regulations, and acquisition cost efficiency from its online channel, despite the cumulative effect of prior base rate cuts and inflation on repair costs in recent years.

SFMs risk-adjusted capitalisation is expected to remain comfortably at the strongest level over the medium term, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), mainly supported by its robust available capital. The company maintains the highest regulatory solvency ratio among its non-life peers in South Korea even after transitioning to a more stringent solvency regime, and it plans to use excess capital for growth opportunities and shareholder returns in future years. While SFMs capital is exposed to certain volatility resulting from the changes in the market value of its affiliated stock holdings, its risk-adjusted capitalisation has demonstrated strong resilience to various capital market stress scenarios. Additionally, SFMs balance sheet strength is supported by its debt-free position, low level of underwriting leverage and conservative investment strategy.

The ratings of AST reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also recognise the wide range of support provided by ASTs parent, SFM.

The ratings of SFM reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, very favourable business profile and very strong enterprise risk management (ERM).

HONG KONG, September 18, 2025 --( BUSINESS WIRE )-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "aa+" (Superior) of Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. (SFM) (South Korea) and its subsidiaries, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Company of Europe Limited (United Kingdom), Samsung Vina Insurance Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) and Samsung Reinsurance Pte. Ltd. (Singapore). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent), the Long-Term ICR of "a-" (Excellent), and the Indonesia National Scale Rating of aaa.ID (Exceptional) of PT Asuransi Samsung Tugu (AST) (Indonesia). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

Story Continues

SFM is the market leader in South Koreas non-life sector with an approximately 22% market share in terms of gross insurance service revenue in 2024 and has superior branding power being a part of the wider Samsung Group. The company has strong control over its distribution of long-term insurance through a large network of tied agents, and it is capable of flexibly adjusting its channel strategy to balance growth and profitability. SFM also has market-leading online channel for its auto insurance and benefits from first-mover advantages. Furthermore, the companys affiliation with Samsung Group enables it to provide group-related business in South Korea and overseas, which serves as a good source of profits in its general insurance line with favourable loss ratios.

As part of its long-term vision, SFM has been cautiously pursuing global expansion, including investment and partnerships in overseas markets over the past few years. SFMs recent ventures include expanding its investment in Canopius Group Limited and this business partnership in the U.S. market, as well as the transition of its China subsidiary into a joint venture with Tencent Holdings Limited, in order to tap into that countrys online personal lines segment more effectively.

With a sophisticated risk management culture and framework that are entrenched in the organisation, AM Best views SFMs ERM capabilities as superior to those of its domestic and international peers with similar risk profiles.

ASTs risk-adjusted capitalisation is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by BCAR, and is expected to remain so over the intermediate term. The companys balance sheet strength is supported by its low net underwriting leverage and conservative and liquid investment portfolios, which partially offset ASTs small absolute capital base. ASTs capital at the end of 2024 was well above the upcoming capital requirements set by its domestic regulator for 2026. Moderately high credit risk derived from ASTs sizeable reinsurance exposure to domestic (re)insurers is mitigated partially by affiliated and international reinsurance partners of high credit quality and strict counterparty monitoring by SFM.

ASTs strong operating performance is supported by its highly profitable underwriting and stable investment income as evidenced by a five-year average combined ratio of 28.6% (2020-2024) and a return-on-equity ratio of 9.1%, as calculated by AM Best. The companys underwriting performance is mainly driven by its low expense ratio, which is attributable to large reinsurance commission income and low acquisition costs from the direct distribution channel. AST has historically benefitted from favourable loss ratios of Samsung group risks and the Korean Interest Abroad (KIA) business compared with local Indonesian inward business.

AST is a joint venture between SFM and PT Asuransi Tugu Pratama Indonesia Tbk, which have 70% and 30% shareholding, respectively. AM Best expects the KIA and Samsung group risks will remain as the main underwriting focus of AST over the medium term. AST plans to gradually increase its local inward business through selective partnerships for growth and to support SFMs expansion strategy for global inward business, although ASTs current exposure to the non-Korean related Indonesian business is modest.

AST shares the Samsung brand and is highly integrated into its parent, receiving support in various areas such as key personnel, underwriting, marketing, risk management and reinsurance. Although there is no track record of capital injections from SFM due to ASTs strong capital buffer, AM Best expects the parent will provide capital support, if the need arises.

Negative rating actions could occur for SFM if there is a significant deterioration in its balance sheet strength fundamentals, including its risk-adjusted capitalisation. Negative rating actions also could arise if there is a continuous deterioration in the companys operating performance to a level that no longer supports the current strong assessment. While it is thought to be unlikely, positive rating actions could occur if SFMs operating performance demonstrates exceptionally strong and consistent results.

Negative rating actions could occur for AST if support from SFM is reduced to an extent that no longer supports the current level of rating enhancement. Negative rating actions also could result if there is a sustained deterioration in ASTs operating performance, or its risk-adjusted capitalisation significantly deteriorates such as from heightened credit risk following major loss events due to its high reinsurance dependency. Positive rating actions could occur if there is a notable and sustained expansion of ASTs market presence leading to an improved business profile.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

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Kevin Beard, a founding partner and chief growth officer at Atria Wealth Solutions, is the latest Atria executive to jump ship in the wake of LPL Financials acquisition of the business, according to regulatory filings.

LPL closed on its acquisition of Atria last October; in its second quarter 2025 earnings results, the firm said it completed the conversion of Atria to the LPL platform.

Beard co-founded Atria in 2017 alongside Doug Ketterer, a former Morgan Stanley executive, and Eugene Elias Jr., who served as Atrias chief operating officer. Prior to creating Atria, he was the head of acquisition and recruiting strategy at AIG Advisor Group (now Osaic). Ketterer and Elias stepped down in April, saying they had reached the end of their journey with the firm as it completed its roll-up into LPL.

Its unclear whether Beards departure was voluntary or part of a round of layoffs. Beard did not return a request for comment prior to publication. Hes currently not registered with any securities firm.

In recent months, LPL has been pruning Atrias executive ranks via layoffs, according to published reports. The firm filed Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification, or WARN, notices in May, outlining layoffs in California, Texas and New York. An LPL spokeswoman would not comment on whether Beards departure was part of that, and referred WealthManagement.com to a previous statement.

While the WARN notices provide employees 60-90 days advance notice prior to the end of their employment, LPL and Atria have openly shared a detailed employee roadmap outlining transition phases and dates, she said. Over the past 18 months, LPL has partnered with Atria to transition over 250 employees into roles at LPL that match their experience and career aspirations. More recently, LPL established a personalized application process that welcomes Atria employees who wish to join LPL to apply for open roles.

Beards departure follows news last month that a slew of top executives at Atria, including several senior marketing executives and employees in investment solutions, practice management and product strategy, left LPL.

Separately, several of Atrias broker/dealers have withdrawn their registration from FINRA, including Grove Point Financial, SCF Securities, Sorrento Pacific Financial and Western International Securities.
We came across a bullish thesis on AST SpaceMobile, Inc. on Investing With Purposes Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on ASTS. AST SpaceMobile, Inc.'s share was trading at $36.91 as of September 9th.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) is pursuing the ambitious goal of enabling ordinary smartphones to connect directly to satellites, positioning itself as a disruptive player in the direct-to-device (D2D) space. The company has partnered with major carriers like AT&T, Vodafone, Rakuten, and Google, launched five production satellites, and demonstrated live video calls, aiming to deliver carrier-grade 4G/5G broadband from orbit.

Liquidity is strong, with $923.6M in cash against $505.6M of debt as of June 2025, giving it a runway of roughly 16 months at its current burn rate. However, ASTS remains essentially pre-revenue, reporting just $4.9M in trailing sales versus a $559M operating loss, reflecting heavy capex on constellation buildout. Despite a healthy balance sheet, the model is binary: success opens a multi-billion-dollar market, while delays risk dilution or worse.

Competition has intensified. SpaceX and T-Mobile have already launched text services, bolstered by EchoStars $17B spectrum deal, while Apple and Globalstar maintain a stronghold with SOS and messaging integration. Iridium remains profitable in niche satcom, and other startups are targeting regional opportunities. ASTSs differentiation lies in its carrier-first model, standards-based compliance, and broadband ambitions, but execution speed is critical as Starlink leverages scale and Apple benefits from ecosystem lock-in.

Valuation reflects optionality rather than fundamentals. With a ~$910B market cap against negligible revenue, the stock trades as a venture bet on timely execution. If ASTS can meet its launch cadence of 12 satellites per month and demonstrate meaningful revenue by 2026, upside could be substantial. But with shares trading at option-like multiples, the risk/reward is finely balanced, leaving little margin for delays.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) by Steve Wagner in May 2025, which highlighted the companys strong funding position, expanding telecom and government contracts, and successful satellite-to-smartphone connectivity. The companys stock price has appreciated approximately by 40.66% since our coverage. This is because the thesis partially played out. The thesis still stands as ASTS approaches commercial deployment in late 2025. Steve Wagner shares an identical view.
(Reuters) -Australia's Orion Minerals said on Wednesday it has signed a non-binding term sheet with a unit of global miner Glencore for $200 million$250 million funding for its Prieska copper-zinc project in South Africa.

The diversified metal developer said that the deal includes an offtake agreement with Glencore to sell 100% of zinc and copper concentrates, among others, from the mine for a period ranging between five and 10 years.

Orion will receive the funding in two tranches for the construction and commencement of early works at the mine, with the first drawdown targeted in November.

The company said the first tranche of the funding will enable Orion to move swiftly into first production and first cash flow from the project.

Conditions for the provision of funding include a completion of satisfactory due diligence, which Glencore has already commenced, Orion added.

"In parallel with the due diligence process with Glencore, we will continue discussions with our current funding partners," the company's chief executive Tony Lennox said.

(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli and Alan Barona)
By Akbar Novruz



A delegation from the Baku City Executive Power took part in events dedicated to the 958th anniversary of Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

During the visit, Deputy Head of the Baku City Executive Power, Ayaz Huseynov, met with Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, Oleg Korzun.

According to the Baku City Executive Power, the meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including urban economy, environmental safety, and waste management.

Oleg Korzun praised Bakus development, cleanliness, and level of urban improvement. He highlighted the success of projects in Baku related to the collection, transportation, and sorting of solid household waste and expressed interest in learning from the Azerbaijani capitals experience.

Ayaz Huseynov emphasized that Bakus growth is the result of the successful policies of President Ilham Aliyev, with large-scale construction and urban improvement projects underway. He noted that the strengthening of relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus reflects the political will of both countries leaders. Huseynov also stated that Bakus solid waste sorting project, implemented under President Aliyevs instructions, is progressing successfully, and the city is ready to share its experience with Minsk.
Ball Corporation (BALL), headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, supplies aluminum packaging products for the beverage, personal care, and household products industries. Valued at $13.6 billion by market cap, the company also supplies aerospace and other technologies and services to commercial and governmental customers.

Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as large-cap stocks. BALL effortlessly fits that description, with its market cap exceeding this mark, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the packaging & containers industry. BALLs strength lies in its diversified portfolio across packaging and aerospace, providing stability and synergies. With a dominant global market share in aluminum beverage cans, BALL benefits from economies of scale and long-term relationships. Its aerospace segment offers high-margin, technologically advanced opportunities, while its commitment to sustainability enhances its brand image.

More News from Barchart

Despite its notable strength, BALL slipped 27% from its 52-week high of $68.12, achieved on Oct. 1, 2024. Over the past three months, BALL stock has declined 11.2%, underperforming the Materials Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLB) 2.9% gains during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

In the longer term, shares of BALL dipped 9.8% on a YTD basis and fell 25.8% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming XLBs YTD gains of 7.8% and 3.1% dip over the last year.

To confirm the bearish trend, BALL has been trading below its 200-day moving average since late October, 2024, with some fluctuations. The stock has been trading below its 50-day moving average since early August.

www.barchart.com

On Aug. 5, BALL reported its Q2 results, exceeding expectations, with revenue growing 12.8% year-over-year to $3.3 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.90, up 21.6% from the prior-year quarter. Despite beating consensus estimates by 6% and raising fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS growth guidance to 12% to 15%, the company's stock price dropped 5.8% after the earnings release.

In the competitive arena of packaging & containers, Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) has taken the lead over BALL, showing resilience with a 15.3% uptick on a YTD basis and 3.1% returns over the past 52 weeks.
By Valentina Za and Giuseppe Fonte

ROME (Reuters) -The European Union should clarify rules for identical stablecoins issued across borders, a senior Bank of Italy official said on Thursday, urging uniform standards to protect users.

Stablecoins - crypto assets pegged to traditional currencies or commodities - have created friction between the European Commission and the European Central Bank. They are also known as electronic money tokens (EMTs).

The Commission has been asked to clarify whether EU rules allow EMTs issued by a licensed EU firm to be treated as interchangeable with the tokens issued by non-EU entities of the same company, under a so-called multi-issuance model.

Sources told Reuters in June the Commission believes interchangeability is allowed under EU rules. The ECB, however, has warned of financial stability risks.

In a speech delivered at an international central bank conference on payments, Bank of Italy Deputy Governor Chiara Scotti said "clarity at the legislative or standard-setting level would be both timely and valuable".

Under a multi-issuance model, EU stablecoin issuers may face redemption requests from holders outside the bloc, with the third-country entity expected to transfer assets to cover any shortfall in reserves, said Scotti, who spent two decades at the Federal Reserve System before joining the Bank of Italy.

"Although this architecture could enhance global liquidity and scalability, it poses significant legal, operational, liquidity and financial stability risks at EU level," especially if one issuer is outside the EU, she said.

"Holders, whether resident or non-resident, view all tokens as interchangeable. This can lead to a mismatch between obligations and available reserves."

The EU in 2023 adopted an extensive set of crypto asset rules, known as MiCAR.

"In a multi-issuance model, third-country issuers are not necessarily subject to the same consumer protection, transparency, and disclosure requirements as those set out in MiCAR," Scotti said.

"To mitigate these risks and avoid regulatory blind spots, issuance should be limited to jurisdictions that uphold equivalent regulatory standards, ensure redemption at par, and enforce cross-jurisdiction crisis protocols."

(Reporting by Valentina Za and Giuseppe Fonte; Editing by Susan Fenton)
By Shivani Tanna and Gursimran Mehar

(Reuters) - Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield, part of the duo whose names shaped the popular U.S. ice cream brand over the last half-century, has quit his role as "brand ambassador" after a rift and public feud with parent Unilever over the conflict in Gaza.

In an open letter shared by his business partner Ben Cohen on social media, Greenfield said that the Vermont-based company - well-known for its social activism on progressive issues - had in recent years been "silenced" by Unilever, which is currently spinning off its Magnum ice cream unit that includes the Ben & Jerry's brand.

"It's with a broken heart that I've decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry's," wrote Greenfield, 74, who had taken on a salaried brand ambassador role at the firm.

"Standing up for values like justice, equity, and shared humanity has never been more important, yet Ben & Jerry's has been silenced and sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power."

LONELY CRITICAL VOICE

Ben & Jerry's has in recent months been a lonely voice among well-known brands speaking out on issues like Gaza and President Donald Trump's immigration stance, while other U.S. companies back away from diversity pledges, and their executives largely refrain from commenting on the White House's policies.

Last month, Microsoft fired four workers for protests over the company's ties to Israel, including two who briefly occupied the company president's office.

Ben & Jerry's independent social mission board, which Greenfield and Cohen do not sit on, has led the activism. The sale of Ben & Jerry's to Unilever in 2000 allowed the brand to maintain the board, with authority over the social mission but not business operations.

A spokesperson for Unilever and its Magnum Ice Cream Co said that it "disagrees with Greenfield's perspective and has sought to engage both co-founders in a constructive conversation on how to strengthen Ben & Jerry's powerful values-based position in the world."

Unilever shares rose 0.9% on Wednesday.

DISPUTE OVER GAZA

Ben & Jerry's has long combined selling ice cream and activism, launching a "Justice Remixed" cinnamon-and-chocolate ice cream in 2019 to build awareness about racial justice, and in 2009 re-naming Chubby Hubby "Hubby Hubby" to support gay marriage.

But the relationship between Unilever and Ben & Jerry's has eroded since 2021, when the ice cream maker said it would stop sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a move that led some investors to divest from the London-based parent. Greenfield and Cohen at the time wrote in the New York Times that they supported the move.
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - BHP will suspend operations and cut 750 jobs at a Queensland coking coal mine it shares with a unit of Mitsubishi, blaming low prices and high state government royalties that have dented its returns, it said on Wednesday.

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance's (BMA) Saraji South, part of the Saraji Mine Complex, will be placed into care and maintenance from November 2025, it said in a statement.

The Saraji complex produced 8.2 million metric tons of coking coal in the year to June 2025.

BHP, one of the world's top exporters of coking coal used in steelmaking, also owns four other mines under the BMA banner with Mitsubishi Development, a unit of Mitsubishi Corp, in Queensland.

"As joint owners of BMA, BHP and Mitsubishi Development do not want to see operations paused or jobs lost, but these are necessary decisions in the face of the combined impact of the Queensland Governments unsustainable coal royalties and market conditions ," BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said in a statement.

BHP said while medium-term demand for the company's hard coking coal was strong, maintaining operations in lower margin areas of the mine footprint was not sustainable under current conditions.

In a move that BHP CEO Mike Henry criticised as taking place without industry consultation, Queensland raised royalties in July 2022 to 20% for coal priced above A$175 ($117) a ton, with a top tier of 40% for prices over A$300. Previously, the top tier was a 15% royalty on prices over A$150 a ton.

Prices of coking coal, which soared above $600 a ton following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have since normalised, last trading around $190.

The decision comes days after the Mining and Energy Union won a Federal court ruling rejecting BHP's application to delay pay rises under Australia's same-job same-pay regulations that came in under the Labor government.

That legislation means that labor-hire workers performing the same job as company staff are paid the same amount.

Last week, the union said as a result of the ruling, the pay of around 1,800 employees of mining services firms contracted to BMA would be lifted by around A$20,000 to A$30,000. That would be on top of an average coal salary of A$120,000 a year, according to salary comparison site Payscale.

BHP should stop using coal workers and communities as pawns in its fight with the Queensland Government over royalties, said MEU Queensland President Mitch Hughes.

($1 = 1.4959 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Sonali Paul)
Binance Holdings Ltd. is reportedly close to securing an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that would eliminate the compliance monitor requirement from its record $4.3 billion settlement, as reported on September 16. The worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange has been operating under federal oversight since 2023 as part of the most significant enforcement action against a crypto platform.

How Binance Ended Up Under Federal Watch

The compliance monitor was imposed following Binances admission to violating anti-money laundering laws and the Bank Secrecy Act. In November 2023, the exchange agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties and forfeitures to resolve charges that it failed to prevent money laundering, facilitated transactions with sanctioned entities, and operated without proper licensing.

The settlement required Binance to maintain an independent compliance monitor for three years, with Forensic Risk Alliance selected to oversee the exchanges operations. The monitor has access to internal documents and evaluates compliance policies while reporting to the DOJ.

Former CEO Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to Bank Secrecy Act violations, resigned from his position, and served four months in prison. Zhao also agreed to pay a $50 million fine as part of the agreement.

Binances Path to Freedom: Whats the DOJ Deal?

Federal prosecutors are evaluating Binances request to drop the three-year monitoring requirement, though no final decision has been reached. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that Binance would likely need to implement enhanced compliance reporting standards to meet DOJ expectations if the oversight is removed, according to Bloomberg.

The potential agreement reflects a broader policy shift under the current administration, which has eliminated several corporate monitors appointed previously. DOJs Criminal Division head Matthew Galeotti issued guidance earlier this year questioning the effectiveness of mandatory corporate oversight, noting that monitors can impose substantial expense and interfere with lawful business operations.

Market Surge: How This Could Reshape Crypto

The discussions come as regulatory enforcement approaches have shifted across multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission has dropped or paused several investigations into crypto companies, including cases involving Binance.

Binance maintains dual oversight through both the DOJ and the Treasury Department agreements, with the Treasury monitor remaining active while the DOJ requirement is under review. The exchange has been working to rebuild its regulatory standing following the settlement, including forming partnerships with traditional financial firms such as Franklin Templeton.
(Reuters) -BlackRock on Tuesday added 20 of its top executives to a committee which plays a vital role in shaping strategy for the world's largest asset manager, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday citing a letter from chief executive Larry Fink and president Rob Kapito.

The appointments to BlackRock's global executive committee include Sarah Melvin, head of the company's UK business, and Mike Pyle, who is the deputy head of the portfolio management group within BlackRock, the report added.

A spokesperson for BlackRock declined to comment on the report.

Vice Chairman Mark McCombe will retire in early 2026, the Financial Times added.

BlackRock had in August promoted a senior member of its stewardship team to lead the company's interactions with corporations in the Americas as part of a broader series of management changes.

The asset manager has been attempting to diversify revenue streams as it grapples with diminishing fees from lower-fee index strategies.

Earlier this month, it struck a deal with Citigroup to manage about $80 billion in assets for the bank's wealth management clients.

(Reporting by Ateev Bhandari in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is among the high growth mega cap stocks you can buy and hold for the next 3 years. Evan Seigerman, an analyst at BMO Capital, increased the price target on AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) to $240 from $215 with an Outperform rating. This potential upside of nearly 10% follows the companys announcement that it has resolved litigation with generic drugmakers, allowing for the early market entry of generic Rinvoq.

Many believe that generic competition market entry wont occur until 2037, four years after the 2033 expiration of the composition of matter patent. This will not only aid AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) in surpassing expectations but also make it a top biotech pick. Even today, if we consider the year-to-date return delivered by the company, it outperforms the market by a healthy 14.31%.

AbbVie (ABBV)'s Dividend Track Record: How It Became a Leader in Consistent Dividends

From the EU-US deal on pharmaceuticals and expansion of its neuroscience portfolio through Gilgameshs bretisilocin acquisition to an overall improved guidance, theres no doubt the company is among the best stocks to hold for the upcoming years. These positives point to just one thing: AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is onto something big.

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is an Illinois-based research-focused biopharmaceutical company that provides medicines and therapies internationally. The core offerings of the company include Humira, Skyrizi, Rinvoq, Imbruvica, and Epkinly.

While we acknowledge the potential of ABBV as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
SHANGHAI (Reuters) -US drugmaker Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) said on Tuesday it has signed an agreement to sell its 60% ownership stake in a pharmaceutical joint venture in China.

"As part of our long-term strategy, we continue to align our resources to support evolving business needs across our global network," a spokesperson for the company said in an emailed response to Reuters' queries about a local media report.

The spokesperson said Bristol Myers was "committed to supporting all impacted employees" and was "grateful for their contributions", but said it does not comment on transaction details, citing policy.

Established in 1982, the Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited (SASS) joint venture was the first Sino-U.S. pharmaceutical joint venture in the country.

A manufacturing facility in Shanghai, part of the venture, was one of China's first modern pharmaceutical manufacturing bases and was key to bringing new technology expertise to China, Bristol Myers said in its 2010 annual report.

The venture has supplied a variety of medicines including metformin and paracetamol, research papers reviewed by Reuters showed.

Bristol Myers would be the latest drugmaker planning to sell off some Chinese assets following supply chain disruptions, China's economic slowdown and price cuts to get state insurance listing.

Its agreement follows similar actions by foreign firms including the Swiss Group Sandoz and Belgium's UCB.

(Reporting by Andrew Silver in Shanghai; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
Tens of thousands of Chinese cars are shipped into Southampton every year - Christopher Ison /Alamy

Britains biggest port operator has unveiled plans for a new 500m car terminal near Southampton to cope with a flood of electric vehicles (EV) from China.

Associated British Ports (ABP) aims to open the terminal by the end of the decade as it gears up for an anticipated surge in cheap Asian imports.

Chinese car shipments through Southampton were unknown just a few years ago, but already number tens of thousands annually. The tally is expected to surpass 100,000 in 2026, representing close to 20pc of all cars imported or exported through the Hampshire port.

While Germany was the biggest source of UK car imports last year, shipping vehicles worth 17bn, China ranks second at 4bn following a jump in sales of models from BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda and Maxus.

The total value of UK car imports stood at 44bn, almost two thirds more than the 28bn worth of vehicles that Britain exported.

Global worries

China is making rapid inroads internationally after Beijing encouraged the early development of a domestic EV industry, putting the country years ahead of Western markets.

However, the flood of exports has sparked concerns abroad. Former US president Joe Biden last year labelled attempts to flood the country with Chinese EVs a national security threat, while the EU has imposed heavy tariffs on imports to protect domestic manufacturers.

The UK has been far more open, and Alastair Welch, ABPs regional director, said there had been a fundamental shift in activity as the Governments net zero policies promote imports from China.

He said: As those vessels come into Europe, were the first port they encounter, with the least deviation from the main shipping lanes. So the demand is there if we have the capacity.

ABP said it was close to exhausting the 56,000 car storage spaces at its main vehicle terminal in Southampton, while space for a further 6,000 on the west bank of the Solent will be full next year.

It has proposed developing a further site to the south of the smaller complex, known as Solent Gateway, on land reclaimed from the sea in the 1960s. This development would be able to house tens of thousands more vehicles at any one time in multi-storey storage facilities.

The plans envisage the construction of a new jetty with berths for two specialist transporter ships, each able to carry as many as 7,000 cars. ABP, which operates 21 UK ports, said the new development would cost hundreds of million pounds.

It aims to submit firm proposals in 2027 following a period of consultation and hopes to secure planning permission by 2028.

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Bulmers cider maker C&C Group today (18 September) reported a fall in first-half revenues and announced the departure of CFO Andrew Andrea.

Ahead of its final six-month results for fiscal 2026 on 28 October, the London-listed group said in a trading update its half-year revenues were down 4% on a constant-currency basis.

In the first half of its 2024/25 financial year, C&C Group generated revenues of 861.4m ($1.1bn).

In a stock exchange filing, C&C Group explained the expected decline is due to lower distribution revenues "following the transfer of control of AB InBev off-trade beer distribution" in Ireland, along with the planned exit of some lower-margin business".

Underlying operating profit is expected to be in the range of 41.5-42m, in line with the group's expectations, C&C Group added.

Its underlying operating profit before exceptional items increased 29% to 40.3m in the prior six-month period.

In a separate filing, C&C Group said Andrea, who is also the company's chief transformation officer, has decided to step down to take up the CFO role at Domino's Pizza Group.

A search for a new CFO at C&C Group is underway ahead of Andrea's planned departure on 13 March.

Meanwhile, C&C Group reported its core brands, Tennent's and Bulmers, delivered solid performances in the six-month period in terms of revenue growth.

It said that after the transfer of control of Magners UK back to C&C Group in January, it had started activities to re-invigorate the brand.

The company added: "This will be a multi-year programme that has started with a new above-the-line marketing campaign and some initial brand distribution gains in the off-trade which have improved performance, offset by continued challenges in the on-trade where distribution gains will take more time to be delivered."

C&C Group said its premium products continue to "build distribution" in both the on- and off-trade channels.

Despite what C&C Group described as a "challenging macroeconomic backdrop", the group pledged further investment to support growth.

Whilst the macroeconomic environment remains challenging and we have the all-important Christmas trading period ahead of us, we remain on track to achieve operating profit in line with market expectations, the group said.

CEO Roger White said: Andrew joined the business during challenging times and has, through his experience and capabilities, played a significant role in the stabilisation and improvement of the business.

Andrew will continue to be an important part of the leadership group until his planned departure early next year."
One analyst did downgrade the stock late last week. Erste Group's Hans Engel feels that its valuation is elevated given the lack of improvement in its operating margins and its unimpressive returns on equity. AMD also trades now for about 27 times next year's expected earnings, which Engel believes is a bit too high. So he replaced his earlier buy rating on the stock with a hold rating.

There are some signs that AMD stock might be taking a breather -- the shares have slipped by 15% from the 52-week high they touched last month. After a year of accelerating revenue growth, AMD's top-line increase slowed to 32% in the second quarter. Management is forecasting revenue growth of just 28% year over year in the current quarter.

The case for buying AMD stock these days is clear. Booming demand for generative artificial intelligence (AI) means that tech players will keep building out massive new data centers to crank out resource-intensive results. AMD makes chips that propel data centers onto their AI-rendering journeys. It's not the top dog in this niche, but there is clearly room for more than one canine here.

It has been a wild ride lately for AMD investors. The maker of central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and other types of microprocessors has seen its shares more than double since bottoming out in early April after the first wave of concerns about President Donald Trump's tariffs rattled the market. However, despite that surge, the stock is barely trading 5% higher over the past year. Yes, this chipmaker has underperformed the market over the past year. No one said that investing in AMD was going to be boring.

She did a little more buying than usual on Tuesday, adding to her funds' existing positions in Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD), Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), and Figma (NYSE: FIG). Let's take a closer look at these three dynamic stocks.

Cathie Wood is in a good groove again. The largest of the exchange-traded funds (ETFs) she manages as CEO of Ark Invest is up by 77% over the past year, crushing the market. The aggressive growth stocks she favors are in style on Wall Street, and investors are paying attention to her moves.

Figma has plummeted by 62% from the post-IPO peak it hit this summer -- but it's still not textbook cheap.

Story Continues

That valuation may seem high for a company experiencing decelerating growth, but there are external issues contributing to the drag. AMD, like others in this space, has been caught in the crossfire of the trade war, which is restricting sales of its potent Instinct MI308 GPUs into China. It's still selling plenty of chips elsewhere, though, and its client and gaming segment is in the midst of a resurgence, with sales up 69% in the second quarter.

2. Airbnb

Airbnb shareholders could probably use a vacation. The stock is up just 4% over the past year -- and trading 7% lower year to date despite 2025's generally buoyant market environment. The top app for booking vacation properties has found revenue growth for the fourth consecutive year. However, the 13% year-over-year increase it booked in its latest quarter was its healthiest result in more than a year.

There are certainly plenty of reasons to be concerned about investing in Airbnb. Trade war rhetoric is making international travel less savory. Closer to home, more companies are requiring employees to return to working in offices, which means fewer will be able to travel -- often using an Airbnb -- while still getting work done remotely. The biggest area of looming concern for the company's outlook, though, is that the U.S. economy may be softening. Consumer confidence has been dropping for the past year, and when people are worried about their finances, they may not see springing for a getaway as prudent. Meanwhile, hotel chains are hopping into Airbnb's niche, offering standalone property rentals to loyalty club members who are pining for something different.

The good news is that Airbnb is still a moneymaker. It has generated $4.3 billion in free cash flow over the past year. Management appears to see the stock as a good deal at current prices, given that it announced a $6 billion share buyback authorization this summer. It's trading at just 25 times forward earnings, a historical low for the travel platform operator.

3. Figma

It's hard to consider Figma a market laggard. It priced its initial public offering (IPO) at $33 per share just two months ago. The provider of cloud-based design tools for websites, apps, and other digital platforms was 64% higher than that as of Tuesday's close. However, because of the initial feeding frenzy around the offering -- which was 40 times oversubscribed -- the stock had jumped as high as $143 on its second day of trading.

Figma is not textbook cheap, but it is down more than 60% from its late July peak. Ark Invest got in on the IPO, and Wood has been adding to that position in recent weeks as the shares have moved lower.

Figma checks off a lot of boxes for growth investors. Revenue rose by 48% last year. It is decelerating this year -- with year-over-year growth of 46% and 41% through the first two quarters of this year, respectively -- but that's still a healthy clip. It is in a competitive space, but it's clearly broadening its appeal to a growing audience. It trades at a much higher earnings multiple than AMD or Airbnb, but its sharp pullback after the initial IPO pop does provide a potential entry point for investors. Wood seems to think so, at least.

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Cathie Wood Goes Bargain Hunting: 3 Stocks She Just Bought was originally published by The Motley Fool
A newly unsealed court filing has revealed the most detailed account yet of the massive data breach that struck Coinbase earlier this year, exposing more than 69,000 users and causing damages estimated at $400 million.

The documents allege a coordinated insider scheme led by an employee of TaskUs, the customer service outsourcing firm hired by the exchange, and accuse the company of concealing the extent of the incident.

Insider Theft at TaskUs

According to the court filing, Ashita Mishra, an employee at TaskUss Indore office in India, began stealing sensitive customer data in September 2024.

Using her phone, she allegedly photographed up to 200 customer records per day, including names, emails, addresses, bank account details, balances, and even Social Security numbers.

$200 Per Image

The stolen information was sold to hackers for $200 per image, who then used it to impersonate employees at the leading American crypto exchange and defraud users.

By the time Mishra was arrested in January 2025, her personal device reportedly contained data from more than 10,000 customers.

Investigators allege Mishra recruited supervisors and team leaders, turning the theft into a hub-and-spoke conspiracy within the TaskUs workforce.

The operation allegedly funneled Coinbase data from TaskUs systems to external hackers, who were linked to a loose criminal collective known as the Comm.

Allegations Against TaskUs

The complaint expands the case beyond insider misconduct, accusing TaskUs of negligence, fraud, and a deliberate effort to suppress the breach.

Plaintiffs argue that the company fired 226 employees in Indore and later dismantled its human resources investigation team in an attempt to silence those with knowledge of the breach.

They also allege TaskUs failed to disclose the incident while moving ahead with its $1.6 billion acquisition by Blackstone, calling this a pattern of concealment.

Coinbase Response

Coinbase has stressed that less than 1% of its active users were impacted and that it moved quickly once the breach surfaced.

The company reimbursed affected customers, offered free credit monitoring and identity restoration services, and terminated its relationship with TaskUs.

It also launched a $20 million bounty program for information leading to arrests and convictions, making the data breach one of the new cryptocurrency scams to surface in 2025.

Read original story Coinbase Data Breach: Insider Plot and Alleged Cover-Up Exposed by Parth Dubey at Coinspeaker.com
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Commerzbank CEO Bettina Orlopp on Wednesday labelled UniCredit's approach for a potential merger as "unfriendly" and said that any deal would likely hurt revenue.

Orlopp also said a focus on cutting costs under any deal would not be easy or free of risk.

The comments underscore the scepticism by the German lender of a deal that would reshape German finance and has been pushed for by UniCredit over the past year.

Orlopp, speaking at a financial conference, said a tie-up with UniCredit's German unit HVB would be between two players with similar business models, resulting in "revenue attrition because there is heavy overlap on the corporate client side".

A focus on cost synergies "requires really a lot of work, attention, time, and money to achieve that, specifically when it comes to a rather unfriendly large-scale transaction," Orlopp said.

UniCredit's CEO Andrea Orcel by contrast has argued the benefits of a merger since the Italian bank began building up its Commerzbank stake a year ago.

Speaking earlier at the same conference, Orcel said he hoped Commerzbank "would see the light over time".

(Reporting by Tom Sims, Editing by Miranda Murray and Ludwig Burger)
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Dive Brief:

A Los Angeles state judge on Monday granted final approval of a $43.25 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging that The Walt Disney Co. underpaid women workers, according to court documents.

The lawsuit alleged that Disney paid women workers tens of thousands of dollars less than their male counterparts (Rasmussen, et al. v. The Walt Disney Co.), skipped over women for promotions and assigned them extra work without pay. Disney maintained that its employment policies and practices are lawful and appropriate, court documents said. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In addition to monetary relief, Disney agreed to have an outside labor economist conduct a pay equity analysis of certain positions for the next three years.

Dive Insight:

The lawsuit was filed just shy of six years ago and alleged violations of the California Equal Pay Act.

Judge Elihu Berle granted preliminary approval of the settlement May 20 and gave final approval Monday during a hearing in California Superior Court, Los Angeles.

The nonmonetary terms of the settlement will benefit current and future employees, the plaintiffs lawyers said.

In court documents laying out their case for approval, the plaintiffs' lawyers said the settlement's nonmonetary terms would help Disney sort through job classification and benchmarking issues and would provide "forward-looking relief" to promote pay equity at the company.

The settlement comes among increased awareness and legislation regarding pay equity and pay transparency. However, many companies say their compensation processes arent yet ready for the heightened scrutiny.

Globally, 19% of organizations said theyre ready for mandated pay transparency, and another 58% saying theyre getting ready for new laws, according to a July report from Aon plc. In North America, meanwhile, 25% said theyre ready, while 59% said theyre preparing.

In the U.S., less than 1 in 5 companies have a pay transparency strategy in place, a Mercer report from January found.

Recommended Reading
Dawn Capitals latest partner, Shamillah Bankiya, stopped by Equity this week to talk about the European landscape and the biggest misconceptions Americans have about the European startup world.

Dawn Capital is a marquee firm in the U.K. with more than $2 billion in AUM, 34 exits, and 11 unicorns. Names in the portfolio include AI companies Collibra and Dataiku. It focuses on early-stage companies, backing them from seed to Series C. Its currently investing from its $620 million Fund V.

Bankiya, meanwhile, is one of the few Black women venture partners in Europe. Her investments at the firm include AI company Qogita and the marketplace Fonoa.

She spoke to us about growing up in a family of entrepreneurs and with a desire to learn new things.

Venture lends itself to that extremely well, she said. So in some ways, yes, like for the last 20 years, I wanted to be an investor of some sort.

She said the European landscape has been exciting for some time now, and indeed, some of the hottest startups, especially in AI and fintech, have come from the continent (think Lovable and Klarna, the latter of which just had a blockbuster IPO in New York). Whats changed, she said, is the interest American investors have taken in European countries, a shift she says the pandemic contributed to significantly.

She did admit, however, that the landscape has work to do when it comes to having European founders IPO in their countries. In fact, one of the biggest advantages of the European landscape is, at times, its biggest determinant.

Europe is a bunch of large disaggregated exchanges, she said. It creates an imbalance that we probably need a solution around.

The other part is regulation, something for which Europe is notoriously known.

Before the conversation wrapped up, we had to talk about the biggest European stereotype  that of the extended holiday, or the Euro summer, which touches on the idea that European investors take long breaks in the summer, unlike their American counterparts. Bankiya wants that stereotype to end and says everyone can rest assured, there is a lot of work being done.

Its a little noise around that, but again, we will see the outcome proof from themselves, she said. Were going to see this interesting pattern of amazing European companies coming out and winning globally, as theyve always won.
Sept. 17 could be a big day for Nvidia (NVDA) shareholders, as CEO Jensen Huang will attend a state banquet at Windsor Castle during President Trump's second UK state visit.

Huang won't be dining alone. He'll sit alongside some serious heavy hitters: OpenAI's Sam Altman, BlackRock's (BLK) Larry Fink, and Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman. Apple's (AAPL) Tim Cook has also received an invitation and may attend the big-ticket event. When you see that guest list, you know something's brewing.

More News from Barchart

Nvidia is now worth over $4 trillion, making it the world's most valuable public company. Sources expect major corporate deals and U.K. investment announcements to flow from Trump's visit. Moreover, partnerships between the U.S. and UK on AI and nuclear power are on the table.

Nvidia dominates the AI chip market and is positioned to benefit from any new agreements on AI development or tech sharing between these two countries.

www.barchart.com

Is NVDA Stock a Good Buy Right Now?

Despite its massive size, Nvidia continues to grow at a steady pace. In fiscal Q2 of 2026 (ended in July), the chipmaker reported record sales of $46.7 billion. Nvidia's transition to its Blackwell platform indicates a focus on execution. The GB300 ramp has been seamless, with production now at 1,000 racks per week and continuing to accelerate through Q3. Blackwell achieves a 10x improvement in energy efficiency compared to the previous Hopper generation, a crucial advantage for data centers facing power constraints.

Early customers, such as CoreWeave (CRWV), report 10 times more inference performance on reasoning models compared to H100 chips. Management's bold claim of $3-4 trillion in AI infrastructure spending by the end of the decade reflects the scale of transformation underway.

The shift toward reasoning and agentic AI, where models research, plan, and utilize tools rather than simply responding to prompts, requires 100 to 1,000 times more computing power. This evolution opens new markets in enterprise AI, robotics, and industrial automation.

The H20 situation in China remains lucrative. Nvidia estimates a $50 billion annual opportunity in China if restrictions ease, with potential Q3 revenue of $2 billion to $5 billion, depending on geopolitical developments. Management continues to advocate for Blackwell approval in China, viewing it as essential for maintaining American AI leadership globally.
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Dennys shareholder and activist investor JCP Investment Management has acquired 7.8% of the brands shares, increasing its stake in the company to over 9%, according to a Tuesday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The investor said it intends to discuss with the board of directors about opportunities to enhance shareholder value, and believe[s] there is significant opportunity for the Issuer to increase its earnings over the coming years.

JCP has been particularly active in targeting casual chains over the past year. Late last year, the investor, along with Jumana Capital Partners, provided $8.3 million to Red Robin to help the chain pay down debt; the brand added two members of the board from JCP and Jumana. JCP also called on Cheesecake Factory to spin off its smaller brands last October.

Dive Insight:

Casual chains have been significant targets for activist investors, beyond overall activist interest in restaurants. Several chains have been struggling to grow traffic and sales this year as consumers pull back on spending, which has made them targets for activists. The Edge Consulting Group began pressuring Dine Brands in August, while Jack in the Box deployed a poison pill in July to keep Birgarli Capital, which owned a 9.9% stake in the chain, from acquiring additional shares.

Dennys core brand reported domestic same-store sales declines of 1.3% during the second quarter, while sister brand Kekes saw same-restaurant sales rise 4%. Dennys has been in the process of closing underperforming restaurants, and 10 such units shuttered during the second quarter, according to an earnings release.

The surgical and methodical approach, which began in 2023 and will be completed by the end of this year, was specifically designed to optimize and enhance the overall health of the franchise system with the goal of returning to net flat to positive growth by 2026, CEO Kelli Valade said during the chains Q2 earnings call.

Dennys is also working on other strategies to boost guest engagement, like enhancing its value proposition. It saw an increase in traffic from new and lapsed customers with its Buy-One-Get-One Slam for $1, Valade said. In August, it added 5 Slams for $5 as a limited-time offer through the end of October. Dennys is also planning to launch a new points-based loyalty program during the last half of 2025 that it hopes will boost guest engagement.
GABORONE (Reuters) -The sale of diamonds through tenders and auctions is opaque and inefficient and should be revamped for producers to earn more and to survive the current price slump, a leading gem trader said on Thursday.

Oded Mansori, co-founder and managing partner of Belgian gem trader HB Antwerp, said the impact on producers could be reduced by doing away with inefficiencies in the industry.

The diamond market is currently going through a prolonged downturn with demand hurt by global economic uncertainty and the rising popularity of lab-grown stones.

Producer countries such as Botswana have been hard hit by lower revenues, while miners such Burgundy and Lesotho's biggest diamond mine Letseng have had to lay off workers.

"For years, miners relied on tenders and auctions, systems that look efficient on paper but in practice resemble a casino," Mansori said in a statement, as the industry battles a crisis considered to be its deepest in history.

"Rough stones are pushed into opaque markets where value is anyone's guess. When global demand softens, as it has in cycles over the last decade, producers are left exposed. Workers pay the price, while shareholders watch assets decline," he added.

Rough diamonds are typically sold through a competitive bidding system where buyers place confidential bids on individual stones or parcels.

Mansori, whose company operates a profit-sharing model with miner Lucara Diamond Corp, says producers' revenues should be tied to the eventual polished value of its stones "rather than gambling on rough sales in opaque auctions".

Under its partnership with Lucara, HB Antwerp buys stones of 10.8 carat quality and above from the Toronto-listed company's Karowe Mine in central Botswana at prices based on the estimated polished value of each diamond.

HB Antwerp accounted for 72% of Lucara's $74 million diamond revenue in the six months to June 30, up from 65% the year before.

The trader says producers can earn up to 40% more revenue if they sell through this model.

(Reporting by Brian BenzaEditing by Nelson Banya and Frances Kerry)
Valued at a market cap of $23.6 billion, Dover Corporation (DOV) is a diversified global manufacturer that delivers innovative equipment, components, consumable supplies, software, and digital solutions across multiple end markets. The Downers Grove, Illinois-based companys offerings serve various industries, including industrial manufacturing, energy, retail fueling, food & beverage, healthcare, and digital printing.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are typically classified as large-cap stocks, and DOV fits the label perfectly, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the specialty industrial machinery industry. The company is known for combining engineering expertise with a decentralized operating model. It emphasizes operational efficiency, technological innovation, and customer-focused solutions, making it a reliable partner across diverse industrial applications.

More News from Barchart

Despite its notable strength, this diversified global manufacturer has slipped 22.7% from its 52-week high of $222.31, reached on Feb. 4. Shares of DOV have declined 2.6% over the past three months, lagging behind the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLI) 6.8% return during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

In the longer term, DOV has fallen 7.1% over the past 52 weeks, considerably underperforming XLI's 16.6% uptick over the same time period. Moreover, on a YTD basis, shares of DOV are down 8.4%, compared to XLIs 15.6% surge.

To confirm its bearish trend, DOV has been trading below its 200-day moving average since early March, with slight fluctuations, and has remained below its 50-day moving average since late July, with minor fluctuations.

www.barchart.com

On Jul. 24, shares of Dover plunged 2.2% after its Q2 earnings release. The companys overall revenue improved 5.2% year-over-year to $2 billion, while its adjusted EPS advanced 16.2% from the year-ago quarter to $2.44 and topped the consensus estimates by 2.1%. Broad-based shipment growth in short-cycle components, along with continued strength in its secular-growth-exposed end markets, supported its performance. However, weakness in a few of its reportable segments, including a notable year-over-year decline in revenue and earnings in its Engineered Products segment, might have made investors jittery.
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Dynasty Financial Partners, the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based support platform for registered investment advisors, has hired Kevin Monaco, a former Southern California regional director at Oppenheimer, as business development officer for the Western United States.

He replaces Thomas Jay Kowalchuk, who recently joined Americana Partners, a Dynasty network firm, as executive director of private wealth services.

In his new role, Monaco will lead Dynastys recruiting efforts in the Western United States, develop business partnerships and serve as a local resource for the firms network RIAs in the region. Hes based out of Los Angeles and reports to Tim Oden, chief growth officer.

Monacos appointment is part of Dynastys broader growth strategy as it expands on the West Coast, the firm said in a statement.

Kevins deep experience, reputation as a strong leader and regional expertise make him a critical asset as we expand our presence in the Western U.S., Oden said in a statement. He represents Dynastys commitment to fully supported independence for our partners, and his passion for serving advisors is a powerful addition to our field presence.

Monaco has more than 30 years of industry experience, most recently at Oppenheimer, where he was recognized for his recruiting efforts. Hes also held senior leadership roles at D.A. Davidson, Wells Fargo Private Bank, Raymond James and Morgan Stanley.

He joins Dynastys other business development executives, including John Sullivan, who leads business development in the central United States. Ben Bines and Sean Lindenbaum run business development in the Northeast and Southeast, respectively.

This follows news earlier this month of the launch of Dynasty Labs, a new arm that allows the firm to experiment, rapidly prototype and deploy AI tools.

More than 500 advisors across 55 network firms and $120 billion in platform assets use Dynasty.
An Oregon-headquartered developer and operator of utility-scale battery energy storage systems said it has acquired a major project in Arizona that will serve customers of Arizona Public Service (APS). GridStor on September 18 announced the acquisition of the 100-MW/400-MWh White Tank battery storage project from Strata Clean Energy, a solar power and energy storage developer based in Durham, North Carolina. Strata, also an independent power producer, has more than 300 projects in its portfolio, including more than 3 GW of its own construction. The company, a group that performs engineering, procurement, construction, along with operations and maintenance, also has more than 7 GW of solar and 21 GWh of storage in development. GridStor on Thursday noted that the acquisition, and plans to build more standalone battery storage in Arizona, come as the state experiences rapid demand growth. APS and other utilities in the state set all-time records for peak power demand in August of this year. The White Tank project also has a battery supply agreement and long-term service agreement with e-STORAGE, a Tier 1 global provider of energy storage solutions. That company, part of Canadian Solar, is providing about 120 of its SolBank 3.0 battery enclosures for the project, according to an announcement earlier this year.

20-Year Tolling Agreement

The White Tank project will be operated via a 20-year tolling agreement with APS, which is Arizona's largest electric utility and which serves about 1.4 million homes and businesses. The project is sited in Maricopa County. White Tank is expected to enter commercial operation in the first half of 2027. Strata will continue to serve in a consulting role for the project during construction. Through this acquisition, GridStor is proud to extend our commitment to supporting Arizona utilities to meet the fast-growing power needs of their residents and businesses, said Chris Taylor, CEO of GridStor and a former energy executive with Google. Battery storage remains a highly scalable, cost-effective and near-term solution to powering rapidly growing energy capacity needs across the Southwest. We look forward to serving as a trusted partner to APS to meet the needs of Arizonas residents and businesses. The White Tank battery storage project under its tolling agreement will allow APS to charge and discharge electricity as needed, helping to ensure customers have access to power when they need it and supporting the regions expanding population and new industrial facilities. Strata is proud to play a foundational role in advancing Arizonas clean energy infrastructure, said Markus Wilhelm, CEO of Strata Clean Energy. The White Tank project reflects our commitment to delivering grid-scale solutions that support utility partners like APS in meeting rising demand with reliability and resilience. The successful close of the project marks GridStors fourth acquisition within the past year, and its second in Arizona. GridStor, backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, manages a project pipeline of more than 5 GW of battery storage projects in later-stage development or under construction across the western and central U.S. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
Mars takeover of Kellanova could be approved and sealed before Christmas as the European regulator sets a new deadline to complete its investigation into the deal.

The European Commission (EC) suspended its probe in July, announcing it had not received information it had requested as part of its assessment of the transaction.

As a consequence, a 31 October deadline for the regulator to complete its investigation  launched in June following the announcement of the merger in August 2024  was cancelled.

Now it is back on, with the EC setting a new provisional deadline of 19 December. The October suspension ended on 15 September, suggesting the missing information to sign off the deal has now been received.

A spokesperson for the EC regulator told Just Food in July, citing general procedures, that once the missing information is supplied by the parties, the clock is re-started and the legal deadline for the Commissions decision is then adjusted accordingly.

Approval in the EU is the remaining roadblock after the US antitrust regulator  the Federal Trade Commission  signed off on the merger in June.

The preliminary findings from the competition body of the EC, the EUs executive arm, were that the transaction could lead to higher prices for consumers due to Mars increased negotiating power towards retailers in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Mars, the privately-owned US snacks and confectionery giant, confirmed the purchase of the Pringles and Cheez-It maker last year for $35.9bn.

When the full EC investigation was launched in June, Mars said it was disappointed but optimistic over the outcome of the probe decision.

At the time, Mars told Just Food it expected the transaction to close towards the end of 2025, adding: We are disappointed yet remain optimistic that this investigation will be positively resolved. We have cooperated with the regulatory authorities, furnishing substantial supporting information and will continue to do so.

In June, the EC said its preliminary investigation indicates that, by enlarging its product portfolio with the addition of Kellanovas very popular brands, Mars could increase its bargaining power vis-a-vis retailers.

It added Mars could then be in a position to use this increased leverage to, for example, extract higher prices during negotiations, which in turn would lead to higher prices for consumers.

In the EEA, which includes all the EU trading bloc members, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, the EC said several retailers had expressed concerns about the deal.
Electric vehicle battery startup Our Next Energy is planning to vacate the lease on the bulk of its factory space near Detroit in Van Buren Township, Mich., where its plan to invest $1.6 billion and create 2,112 jobs faces further uncertainty.

The battery manufacturer is in talks with landlord Ashley Capital to exit 450,000 square feet, or just more than two-thirds of the plant. A deal has not been finalized, though the space is being marketed for lease by CBRE.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp., which has so far disbursed $70.2 million of taxpayer funds to the company, said no further payments will be made under its current agreement to support the project.

Our Next Energy founder and CEO Mujeeb Ijaz told Automotive News affiliate Crains Detroit Business on Sept. 16 that the move is the result of EVs failing to launch in the U.S. at the previously predicted scale.

Sign up for the weekly Automotive News Mobility Report newsletter for the latest developments at the intersection of transportation and technology.

Our contracting effort on automotive looks to be delayed by several years based on the current macro condition, and weve just adjusted our business to manage that, Ijaz said.

Our Next Energy made a major splash in fall 2022 with plans to be the first U.S. company to establish a domestic lithium iron phosphate battery plant. The factory  backed by $237 million in taxpayer subsidies  was to feed EV-crazed automakers with a less costly, more sustainable battery than the standard nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry.

But demand for EVs failed to launch, automakers pulled back investment dramatically and the business case for battery plants imploded. The Trump administrations rollback of EV tax credits and fuel emission regulations has further chilled electrification in the auto industry.

Our Next Energy will continue to operate its cell production pilot line in Van Buren Township. The company has created about 70 jobs and invested $117.6 million in eligible costs under its deal with the state. It employs a total of 180 people in Novi, Mich., a Detroit suburb.

Per terms of the contract, Our Next Energy has until December 2029 to meet its investment and jobs commitment. The cash it has received from the state was not dependent on creating jobs, but on meeting private financing benchmarks.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is in regular contact with Our Next Energy and reviewing potential impacts to the incentive agreement, spokeswoman Danielle Emerson said.

While the jobs requirement milestone for this project is not due until December 2029, we are being proactive in working with ONE to ensure the agreement reflects any updated scope of the project, Emerson said. In the meantime, no new disbursements will be made under the current agreement.
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Fitch Ratings on Monday placed Eversource Energy and its utility subsidiaries on rating watch negative over concerns the Trump administrations stop-work order on the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm could weaken the company financially.

Although Eversource sold its 50% stake in the 700-MW offshore wind project last year to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the Springfield, Massachusetts-based company remains obligated for certain project costs, Fitch said.

Also, Eversource must make sure that GIP receives a 13% pre-tax internal rate of return on its investment in Revolution, Fitch said. Eversource recorded about $360 million of liabilities when it sold its share in Revolution Wind to GIP to reflect increased construction costs and delays, Fitch noted.

The [stop-work] order creates significant uncertainty and could meaningfully delay construction, causing large cost overruns or abandonment, the credit ratings agency said. In a worst-case scenario, that could lead to a one-notch credit rating downgrade for Eversource and its subsidiaries, Fitch said.

Eversource is a publicly traded company with regulated utility subsidiaries serving about 4 million customers in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

On Sept. 4, rsted, which owns half of the Revolution wind project with GIP, asked the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., to lift the work-stop order on the project off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut, which the Danish company says is 80% complete.

If the lawsuit is successful, construction on the project may resume, limiting cost overruns, but the project is likely to remain subject to continued judicial review and uncertainty, Fitch said.

In its report, Fitch said Eversource has a relatively low-risk $24 billion, five-year capital expenditure plan that includes about $10.2 billion in electric distribution facilities, $6.8 billion in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulated transmission and $6 billion in natural gas distribution infrastructure.

FERC-regulated transmission facilities account for 36% of Eversources rate base, followed by Connecticut and Massachustts at 29% each and New Hampshire at 6%, according to Fitch. Fitch said it views FERC as one of the most constructive U.S. utility regulators due to timely cost recovery and its formulaic rates of return.
By Nelson Bocanegra

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia (Reuters) - Colombian state-run energy company Ecopetrol is set to exceed its 2025 goal of drilling 10 oil wells by between 20% and 40%, the company's vice president for hydrocarbons, Rafael Guzman, said on Thursday.

The company drilled six wells in the first half of the year, two of which were successful, it has said.

"I think we will do more than the planned 10, I think it could be 20% to 40% more than that figure," Guzman told Reuters on the sidelines of the Acipet energy conference in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla.

Ecopetrol's daily production is slightly above the upper end of the company's 2025 target of 750,000 barrels per day, at 751,000 bpd.

"It's going really well to meet our goal, which is between 740,000 barrels and 750,000 barrels," Guzman said. "We've had some difficulties in the area that have limited production, but we have mostly overcome and shown the potential."

Ecopetrol also hopes to find, within the next 18 months, partners to operate five oil fields, Guzman added, explaining the company has been allowing in partners with capital for investment under production-sharing deals.

Those agreements - like one signed with Canada's Parex Resources last year that will bring $268 million in investment - help increase output and reserves without upfront investment by Ecopetrol, he said.

"We have had multiple offers, there is interest in companies with these schemes. It's a way to rehabilitate and re-develop some fields that we have," Guzman said.

One such joint venture, the Sirius project with Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras in Colombia's Caribbean waters, now will require 120 authorizations from communities in the area, up from 116, a source at Ecopetrol told Reuters.

The area holds an estimated 6 billion cubic feet of gas and investment could reach some $5 billion. It is expected to come online between 2029 and 2030, though longer consultations could hamper the process.

Ecopetrol hopes to replace 100% of oil reserves this year, Guzman added, meaning that for every barrel produced, Ecopetrol adds a barrel to its reserves.

(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra in Barranquilla; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Leslie Adler)
(Reuters) -A consortium led by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company on Wednesday withdrew its $18.7 billion offer to buy Australian gas producer Santos after months of wrangling over valuation and terms.

The third failed bid for Santos in seven years underscores the hurdles to getting big transactions across the line in Australia, where disagreements over valuation, shareholder approval thresholds and regulatory risks have repeatedly derailed mega-deals.

Here is a list of some of the biggest failed mergers and acquisitions involving Australian companies over the past three years.

ADNOC-SANTOS

A consortium led by Abu Dhabi's ADNOC scrapped its $18.7 billion bid for Australia's Santos, saying commercial terms could not be agreed.

XRG, ADNOC's overseas unit, pulled the offer saying "a combination of factors, when considered collectively, have impacted the Consortium's assessment of its indicative offer."

Santos said the consortium refused to agree to a fair sharing of risk, including taking responsibility for securing regulatory approvals and committing to domestic gas development and supply.

The XRG-led consortium in June proposed to offer $5.76 a share, which was A$8.89 at the time. Santos last traded at A$6.74.

BHP-ANGLO AMERICAN

Australia's BHP Group, the world's largest miner, walked away from a $49 billion bid to acquire rival Anglo American in May 2024 after it was rebuffed three times.

The structure of BHP's deal, which required Anglo to unbundle its South African platinum and iron ore businesses, was a major reason for its collapse.

BHP's offer valued Anglo at 29.34 pounds per share. Anglo American last traded at 25.18 pounds.

WOODSIDE-SANTOS

Australia's Woodside Energy and smaller rival Santos ended talks in early 2024 to create a possible A$80 billion ($53.15 billion) global oil and gas giant.

According to sources, the talks fell through because the two companies could not agree on a valuation level.

BROOKFIELD-ORIGIN ENERGY

Canadian investment firm Brookfield's joint $10.6 billion takeover bid with MidOcean Energy for Origin Energy failed in late 2023, after only 69% of the shareholders in the Australian power retailer voted in favour of the deal, below the required 75% threshold.

Brookfield offered A$9.53 a share. Origin last traded at A$12.41.

ALBEMARLE-LIONTOWN RESOURCES

U.S.-based miner Albemarle dumped an A$6.6 billion ($4.39 billion) buyout bid for Australian lithium developer Liontown Resources in 2023, in part because of "growing complexities" around the transaction.
(Reuters) - A Wells Fargo banker, Chenyue Mao, who had been barred from leaving China for several months, has been allowed to return to the United States following negotiations between U.S. and Chinese officials, according to two people with knowledge of the case.

Mao, who works in Wells Fargo's international factoring business, was prevented from leaving China due to her involvement in a criminal case, China's Foreign Ministry said in July. The ministry said Mao had been required to cooperate with an investigation.

Mao, born in Shanghai and based in Atlanta, is a U.S. citizen. She currently serves as a managing director at the U.S. commercial bank, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Below are the publicly available details about Wells Fargo's business interest in China and Asia Pacific:

CHINA BANKING UNITS

* Wells Fargo's China presence is much smaller than its Wall Street peers. The bank first set up a representative office in Beijing in 1997, which was de-registered in 2018, business registration records show.

* In 2005, the bank established a branch in Shanghai and, in 2015, another one in Beijing. The two branches employed 51 and 12 staff, respectively, as of 2024, the records show.

* These two branches draw deposits from Chinese customers, and provide loans, trade bonds and securities other than stocks, and conduct foreign exchange businesses, according to the units' business registration.

* Unlike other large U.S. banks, Wells Fargo has not moved to establish a locally incorporated foreign-funded bank - a status that allows foreign lenders to offer a wider range of banking businesses.

FACTORING BUSINESS

* Mao, a trade financing executive at Wells Fargo, has been with the bank for 12 years, according to her LinkedIn profile. She was elected chairwoman at FCI two weeks ago, a global organisation for factoring and financing for domestic and international trade.

* Mao spearheads Wells Fargo's international factoring business, a financing method where companies sell their receivables to third parties, such as banks, in exchange for immediate cash, and advises multinational clients on cross-border working-capital strategies, according to an FCI release.

* She has spent more than 21 years in factoring, including over a decade guiding Wells Fargo's global franchise. Mao has grown annual import-factoring flows to 2.6 billion euros ($3.02 billion), the release states.

* Apart from banking, Wells Fargo's commercial distribution finance arm established a factoring company in Beijing's neighbouring city Tianjin in 2012, according to business records. The unit has a branch office in Shanghai that houses 34 staff.
With a market cap of $24.9 billion, FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) is a leading diversified energy company that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity across the United States. Operating through its Regulated Distribution, Regulated Transmission, and Other segments, the company serves customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York.

Companies valued more than $10 billion are generally considered large-cap stocks, and FirstEnergy fits this criterion perfectly. Its energy portfolio includes coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and solar facilities, supported by more than 252,000 miles of distribution lines and 24,000 miles of transmission infrastructure.

More News from Barchart

Shares of the Akron, Ohio-based company have dipped 2.3% from its 52-week high of $44.58. Shares of FirstEnergy have risen 9.6% over the past three months, outperforming the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLU) 5.8% rise during the same period.

www.barchart.com

Longer term, the companys shares have gained 9.5% on a YTD basis, lagging behind XLU's 12.3% increase. Moreover, FE stock has declined marginally over the past 52 weeks, compared to XLU's 7.5% return over the same time frame.

Yet, the stock has been trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since late July.

www.barchart.com

Shares of FirstEnergy rose 2.2% after Q2 2025 results as adjusted EPS of $0.52 beat the consensus estimate, marking year-over-year growth despite weather-related demand softness. Investors were encouraged by a 52.7% jump in operating income to $646 million and a 4.5% decline in operating expenses to $2.73 billion, which offset slightly weaker-than-expected revenues of $3.38 billion.

Confidence was further supported by management reaffirming 2025 EPS guidance of $2.40 - $2.60 and a long-term 6% - 8% earnings growth rate, underpinned by a robust $28 billion capital investment plan through 2029.

However, FirstEnergy stock has lagged behind its rival The Southern Company (SO). SO stock has returned 2.5% over the past 52 weeks and 11.7% on a YTD basis.

Despite FEs underperformance relative to its industry peers, analysts are moderately optimistic with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from 16 analysts. The mean price target of $45.92 is a premium of 5.7% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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
Galaxy Digital (GLXY), the digital asset investment firm led by Mike Novogratz, is planning to release a tokenized money-market fund, according to two people familiar with the plan.

The New York City-based company is aiming to bring a more crypto-native twist to the range of traditional finance-led tokenized fund offerings, such as BlackRocks BUIDL and Franklin Templetons BENJI token, said the people, who declined to be identified.

The Galaxy fund, which will debut in the coming months, will ultimately be available on the Ethereum, Solana and Stellar blockchains. That said, it won't appear on all three blockchains on day one, according to one of the people. Anchorage Digital is to be the custodian of the new fund.

The overarching ambition is to use the power of tokenization to offer instant liquidity, and theres a lot of innovation around that to come, the person said. Galaxy has had the benefit of seeing BUIDL and some of the other ones out there in the market, and seeing who's engaging with these funds, how they're engaging with them, and how that could be better.

A representative for Galaxy Digital declined to comment on the fund. Anchorage Digital did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

BlackRocks BUIDL fund, which now has a market cap of around $2.2 billion, went live on the Solana blockchain in March after debuting on Ethereum.

Read more: Galaxy Digital Tokenizes Its Shares on Solana With Superstate
HR professionals and other stakeholders, however, said platforming Starbuck amounted to a false equivalency.

Responding to reports of outrage in the HR industry, SHRMs president told HR Dive via email, Viewpoint diversity is one of the major, but often under-discussed, dimensions of workplace diversity. At SHRM, we are committed to fostering inclusive, respectful dialogue by engaging a broad spectrum of perspectives  including those of Van Jones and Robby Starbuck  to reflect the diverse viewpoints that shape our nation and the world of work.

Riddle said he had planned to buy a ticket to SHRM Blueprints conference, which will take place in Louisville, Kentucky  and then I saw that Robby Starbuck was going to be speaking.

Joseph Riddle, director of consultancy Neurodiversity in the Workplace, told HR Dive that he had already been disappointed to see SHRM lose its Inclusion moniker. Starbucks presence on a panel is an extension of that, he told HR Dive, but I feel like it goes too far.

SHRM announced Starbuck and Van Jones , a left-learning commentator, as panel speakers in a Sept. 9 press release. The statement re-emphasized Blueprints pillars of legally compliant, workplace unifying, and business accretive diversity. SHRMs president and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, is slated to moderate.

Many HR professionals took to LinkedIn to condemn SHRMs choice, building on previous mixed reactions to the conference name change . Other industry stakeholders expressed similar concerns, telling HR Dive that Starbucks presence doesnt make sense for the conference, which is slated to host inclusion advocates and others speaking on topics such as  building belonging  and driving  meaningful outcomes in inclusion and diversity .

Now, Robby Starbuck, a conservative influencer who called DEI poison and took credit for Ford, Harley-Davidson, Jack Daniels parent company, Lowes, Tractor Supply and Walmart dismantling their DEI programs, is scheduled to sit on a panel at SHRM Blueprint, the October conference that is replacing SHRM Inclusion .

Much has been made of the recent rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Fortune 500 companies such as John Deere and Target  and many HR practitioners had something to say about SHRM, the largest HR professional organization in the U.S., dropping the E from its DEI programming.

This story was originally published on HR Dive . To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter .

Lire la suite

SHRM will legitimize and validate his perspective by putting Starbuck on stage, said Michael Baran, CEO of global DEI consulting firm Iris inclusion.

Inevitably, it sets up this dynamic where they're acting like there are two opposite respectable positions here, and they're giving him credit for having one of those, Baran said. It's not in good faith.

Riddle, of Neurodiversity in the Workplace, expressed a similar view. When you widen that frame and zoom out a little bit, you start to include perspectives that are not really part of the conversation. It degrades the debate, Riddle said.

Its perfectly valid to look at both sides of an argument, he continued, but the argument that SHRM should be having at the Blueprint conference is maybe more along the lines of, What strategies of DEI are working, vs. not working? That's valid framing. Not, Should we abolish the practices of including people in our societies and our workplaces?

When you zoom out to include this extremist viewpoint, it's no longer a valid debate and you lose the ground of the debate entirely by doing that, Riddle added.

DEI strategist Felicia A. Henderson, who also lectures at INSEAD Business School, told HR Dive that when Starbuck was announced as a panelist, she was disappointed but not shocked, because SHRM has been abdicating its leadership in advancing corporate DEI.

Starbucks ideas are antithetical to evidence-based HR best practices and inclusive cultures, she said, and SHRM platforming the conservative influencer may give an allure of legitimacy to Starbuck's ideas.

Neither Starbuck nor his co-panelist, Jones, responded to a request for comment.

Some question Starbucks qualifications, allegiances

Robby Starbuck, as far as I can tell, has no actual experience in publicly traded corporations. He doesn't have business training or legal training, Nancy Levine Stearns, whose nonprofit organization Impactivize is known best for tracking anti-DEI shareholder proposals, told HR Dive.

Stearns, who spent decades in talent acquisition, said speaking as a recruiter, his resume wouldn't have gotten to the next stage.

Her background includes HR at American Express and Deutsche Bank, and because of her experience, Stearns thinks in terms of finances. Particularly as someone in the DEI space, she took note when Starbuck became a capital markets fellow with The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

At the time, Starbuck said he saw the position as a way to push back against the dangerous rise of woke DEI and ESG policies that undermine American values.

If SHRM truly wanted someone to speak about the financial element of DEI, Stearns said, whether that be risk or reward, the organization could turn to, for example, Merck CEO Rob Davis, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian or someone from consulting firm Catalyst, which released a report this June about the fiduciary risk of dismantling DEI.

Starbuck "can espouse whatever his position is, but you just can't argue with data, Stearns said, adding that platforming a person with ties to the Heritage Foundation sends a message.

The future of SHRM

Dissatisfaction with the organizations choice comes from former SHRM speakers as well: Baran spoke at SHRM Inclusion multiple times in years past.

You know, it should be a place where people go to hear how to do inclusion better for everyone, why a culture of inclusion matters for an organization, and strategies on how to do it.

Starbuck is not interested in increasing inclusion, Baran said. He's there to convince people that they should stop doing any efforts related to DEI. He wants to maintain the status quo, where we do nothing about the disparities and exclusions, and the pain that people are feeling.

Like Riddle, Baran will not be attending SHRM Blueprint. His final brush with the organizations conferences was bittersweet: Describing Inclusions past as some of [his] favorite conferences, his last speaking engagement was SHRM Inclusion 2024 in November, the day after the election.

The whole conference felt like a funeral, because people there knew they were going to lose their jobs. People there knew inclusion was in trouble, he said.

Taylor told HR Dive that Blueprint aims to be a balanced forum to ensure all voices are heard and discussions remain constructive.

SHRM aims to broaden understanding, spark innovation, and drive actionable solutions for an inclusive workplace, Taylor said, by convening leaders from across the political, cultural, and business spectrum.

Taylor emphasized that SHRMs role is to not to endorse specific views, but to model civility, encourage open-mindedness, and facilitate meaningful progress through informed conversation.

But thats not what this years conference will do, according to some stakeholders.

People like Robby Starbuck  in my view  their mission is to create a wedge for the political environment, Riddle said. His presence there is just rejecting the entire premise that DEI is helpful and that's not the argument we want to be shaping.
Google has launched a new open-source payment system intended to help AI apps move money around, as per Fortune. The open-source payment service includes payment options using credit cards, debit cards, and stablecoins.

It was designed in partnership with Coinbase, the Ethereum Foundation, and more than 60 companies, including American Express and Salesforce.

According to Fortune, James Tromans, Google's head of Web3, said the system was constructed "from the ground up" to accommodate both legacy payment systems and "upcoming capabilities such as stablecoins."

The logo of US' multinational corporation and technology company Google is pictured at the International Motor Show IAA in MunichGetty Images

He stated that the companies also took steps to ensure interoperability between Google's payment mechanisms and those of Coinbase, according to Erik Reppel, head of Coinbase Developer Platform Engineering, speaking to Fortune.

More news:

The launch follows a communications protocol introduced by Google in April for making AI "agents"-algorithms built for specific purposes- to communicate with one another.

The new payments protocol allows safe transfers between such agents, whether they are financial advisers locating mortgage offers or personal shopping bots selecting clothing items online.

GENIUS Act paves the way for new stablecoin adoption

As U.S. policies become more friendly toward crypto, Big Tech is becoming more interested in stablecoins, especially after the GENIUS Act made its way into law. Interestingly, on Sept. 16, American Express Travel also stepped into blockchain with its own mobile app.

Related: What are tokenized stocks? Explained

Since July 2025, stablecoins have seemed to explode after the GENIUS Act created the first-ever U.S. federal regulatory framework for issuing stablecoins. Shares of Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, rose markedly in value. Tether announced a U.S.-regulated stablecoin.

According to Coinbase Institutional, the stablecoin market cap could reach $1.2 trillion by the end of 2028, while McKinsey expects it to exceed $400 billion by the end of 2025 and reach approximately US$2 trillion by 2028.

Edited by: Mehab Qureshi

This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the MARKETS section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 13 Most Oversold Healthcare Stocks So Far in 2025. Haemonetics Corporation is one of them.

Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE:HAE), a global leader in blood and plasma management technologies, continues to advance healthcare efficiency through innovative medical devices.

In 2025, the company launched the PerQseal Elite vascular closure system, receiving European CE Mark approval. This fully bioresorbable, sutureless device is designed for large-bore vascular access sites commonly used in procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The PerQseal Elite deploys from inside the vessel without leaving residual materials like collagen or metal implants, restoring the vessel to its natural state while improving procedural control. This launch highlights the industry trend toward minimally invasive, bioresorbable devices that enhance patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.

Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE:HAE) released its first-quarter fiscal 2026 results on August 7, 2025. The business reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.10, beating analyst estimates by $0.09, while revenue declined 4.4% year-over-year to $321.39 million. Despite the revenue dip, the business demonstrated resilience in profitability and operational performance, highlighting its ability to navigate challenging market conditions.

Haemonetics Corporation (HAE) Launches PerQseal Elite, Advancing Minimally Invasive Vascular Care

In early 2025, Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE:HAE) reinforced its leadership team with strategic appointments. Frank Chan, Ph.D., was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing research and development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and supply chain. Roy Galvin was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, leading global commercialization initiatives. These changes reflect the companys focus on strengthening operational excellence and expanding its commercial reach.

While we acknowledge the potential of HAE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy NOW

Disclosure: None.
We had several drugs for clinical trials that we were importing into China from overseas. However, the recent tariff increases posed significant challenges, said Xing. At that point, we were uncertain how to proceed, as the substantial rise in tariff and VAT expenses - on top of the already high base prices - created a considerable financial burden for our company.

During a panel discussion at the conference, Fiona Xing, Senior Director of Global Clinical Trial Supply at biotech Brii Biosciences shared a case study highlighting the impact of tariff-related supply chain disruptions on clinical trial operations.

However, despite positive developments, industry sentiment is cautiously optimistic. Companies are still facing significant logistical and operational challenges in China, particularly when navigating cross-border supply chains and trade regulations.

These changes are seen as pivotal in aligning China more closely with international standards and reinforcing its status as a preferred destination for global clinical trials.

This growth has been driven by a series of reforms designed to streamline drug approvals and offer greater clarity to trial sponsors. A key element of this evolution is the draft guidelines issued by Chinas National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), which propose a 30-day review mechanism to accelerate the approval process for innovative drugs.

China has rapidly emerged as a major player in global clinical research . According to GlobalData analysis, the country now leads the world in clinical trial activity, having surpassed the United States over the past decade in the total number of trials, including both ongoing and planned studies.

Ultimately, attendees agreed that trust in China's clinical research capabilities will depend on two factors: the delivery of high-quality, reliable data and the establishment of clear, consistent regulatory expectations.

At the inaugural Outsourcing in Clinical Trials & Clinical Trial Supply China conference in Suzhou, industry leaders discussed practical strategies to navigate these challenges. Among the key recommendations: building clinical teams with global experience and ensuring early alignment across regulatory, cultural, and operational dimensions.

Yet for many first-time sponsors, operational hurdles remain - from cross-border logistics and protocol misalignment to communication gaps with global stakeholders.

Driven by regulatory reforms that are accelerating drug approvals and a wave of licensing deals with Western partners, Chinese life sciences companies are steadily expanding their global footprint.

Story continues

In response, Xing said the team engaged with local authorities in China. She highlighted how the experience underscored the importance of local stakeholder engagement in navigating the regulatory and logistical challenges of clinical development in China.

If you face an expected situation, reach out to others in industry, but also seek support from the local government, said Xing. We received unexpected support to address the challenges, and this helped lead to a resolution.

Trust and data quality remain key concerns

While Chinas large patient population is a significant strategic advantage for clinical research, international sponsors remain cautious - especially when it comes to first-in-human (FIH) studies. Persistent concerns include data reliability, site experience, and the traceability of patient medical histories.

There is still reluctance from pharma companies based outside China to place their first-in-patient trials here, said Claudia Hesselmann, founder and CEO of Arensia, Exploratory Medicine.

Were seeing growing interest from international investors in acquiring drug candidates originating in China, Hesselmann noted. However, trust in the underlying data remains a major factor. Even when compounds have already completed Phase I trials in China, buyers often look to repeat the studies to validate the data.

She pointed out that the lack of confidence stems not necessarily from poor science, but from concerns around data quality, patient profiles, and study design. We do see good science coming out of these trials. But for global stakeholders, reproducibility and transparency are essential.

Theres real potential here, she added. Big pharma is increasingly looking to China for innovative assets, and were also seeing growing interest from international investors in licensing or acquiring these molecules. Im confident this space will evolve, with more collaboration between Chinese innovation and overseas funding.

The inaugural Outsourcing in Clinical Trials & Clinical Trial Supply China conference, was held in Suzhou, China from September 3-4, 2025. Image credit: Arena International

The reality of going global

China is no longer a market of me-too drugs. Increasingly, the country is home to first-in-class or globally competitive therapies, particularly in areas like oncology, autoimmune disease, and cell therapy. Whats more, the price point is compelling - some Chinese-developed assets are 30% off typical market valuations, creating significant upside for early backers.

Beijing has also made biotech a national priority. As part of its new quality productive forces strategy, the government is funnelling support into high-tech industries with global potential and biotech is high on that list.

This includes not only R&D subsidies and tax incentives, but also the expansion of innovation hubs like BioBAY, which bring together talent, capital, and global partnerships.

As investor Claire Chin put it: Currently it's a very good time to invest in biotech in China. The signals are clear.

BioBay, located in Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu Province, hosts more than 500 Chinese biotechs. Image credit: GlobalData

According to GlobalData analysis, China has sharply pulled ahead of the United States in pharmaceutical patent activity, filing over 188,000 patents in 2024 compared to the USs 53,777. The gap, which has widened steadily since 2020, reflects Chinas accelerating focus in biotech and pharmaceutical innovation.

And for Chinas drug developers, the motivation is clear: if you want to go global, your trials must go global too.

Paul Kong, VP of Clinical Operations at LaNova Medicines, offered a candid look at the growing pains and critical lessons for Chinese companies navigating international clinical trials.

Many Chinese biotechs are doing global trials for the first time, Kong said. Theres a lack of experience and very few global-ready teams.

The hurdles, as Kong laid out, are both practical and cultural. Simple assumptions - like being able to call an investigator directly - break down quickly outside China.

Communication is a big challenge abroad, Kong explained. In China, we can call or contact the investigators directly via platforms like WeChat. In the US or Australia, we dont even have their cell phone numbers.

From time zone differences to language barriers and different working styles, coordinating with investigators and CROs becomes far more complex. Many Chinese companies, he noted, dont yet have teams equipped to handle this new level of global engagement.

Start smart: US and Australia

To get ahead, Kong recommended starting trials in markets like Australia or the US, where regulatory systems are more streamlined, and timelines are faster. The IND process is very simplified in Australia. We can submit earlier and get early safety or efficacy data.

That early data, he stressed, is not just for internal planning it is also key to engaging major regulators like the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Proactively engage with FDA or local regulators using preliminary data, he said. It helps build credibility.

From humble to global. For Chinese biotechs, operational finesse and mindset shifts are proving just as critical as high quality data. Image credit: Arena International

Pick the right CRO - and the right mindset

Another major decision: choosing the right CRO. And according to Kong, theres no one-size-fits-all solution.

Global CROs, middle-size CROs, and Chinese CROs all have different strengths, Kong said. Choose based on the study.

But perhaps more important than the CRO is how the sponsor works with them. Kong urged companies to train their teams to engage vendors and sites more proactively and not get caught up in blame games.

We need to clarify things in real time, said Kong. Its not about whos right but about resolving issues quickly.

And that shift in mindset applies beyond operations. Sometimes Chinese companies are quite humble, Kong said. But as a sponsor, we understand our product and protocol best. We need to show that confidence to investigators.

That includes visiting sites in person, clearly explaining the science, and helping doctors and site staff understand why the drug matters and how the trial is designed.

Show investigators our protocol clearly, he added. Theyll gain confidence in our drug.

Kongs recommendation highlighted more than a checklist - it indicates a mindset shift. Moving from domestic success to global relevance requires more than strong data; it requires strategic thinking, cultural agility, and operational maturity.

We need to understand the differences, he said. And find a smart way to work with sites and CROs to make sure the trial moves forward as planned.

Its a transition many Chinese biotechs are now in the thick of - moving from quiet followers to confident global players. And as Kongs talk made clear, the companies that get there first will be the ones who adapt fastest.

Navigating challenges to seize a global opportunity

Chinas biotech sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. Regulatory reforms and government backing have accelerated the countrys integration into the global clinical trial ecosystem, making it an increasingly attractive destination for sponsors and investors alike. Yet, to fully realise this potential, Chinese companies must navigate operational challenges, bridge cultural and communication gaps, and build global-ready teams capable of meeting stringent international standards.

Trust in Chinas clinical research will hinge on consistent delivery of high-quality data and transparent regulatory processes. As biotechs shift from local followers to confident global players, those that embrace strategic collaboration and operational discipline are best positioned to lead on the world stage. The window of opportunity is open - but seizing it demands both ambition and execution.

"From humble to global: Chinas biotechs navigate the demands of international trials" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Yantoultra Ngui

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The Indonesia Investment Authority is prioritising digital infrastructure, healthcare and renewables as the sovereign wealth fund seeks foreign partners and supports the nation's economic development, its chief investment officer told Reuters.

INA was established in 2020 and started operations in 2021 with $5 billion in capital from the government and a dual mandate to generate returns and foster sustainable growth. It initially focused on direct equity investments to bring in foreign co-investors.

The fund, which now manages 163.4 trillion rupiah ($10 billion) in assets, has since added hybrid capital and private credit to help Indonesian companies expand overseas and draw technical expertise and capital into the country.

INA is Indonesia's first sovereign wealth fund, but now the smaller of two, following the launch in February of Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara), a broader fund seeded with $20 billion in state assets.

"As our government thinks more about data independence and data resiliency, obviously there will be more demand for such data centres," Christopher Ganis, INA's CIO, said in an interview on the sidelines of the SuperReturn Asia conference in Singapore.

"Data centres and everything that support the digital infrastructure, sub-sea cables, that will be an interesting sector for us as well," he added.

INA formed partnerships including with Singapore-based multi-asset firm Granite Asia to jointly invest over $1.2 billion into Indonesia's tech and AI ecosystem and backed projects such as the DayOne data centre campus in Batam.

Ganis, who led U.S.-based BlackRock's private credit investments in Southeast Asia before joining INA in 2024, said artificial intelligence is a priority where the fund will focus on practical use cases.

"AI is definitely something on my radar, but I don't want to just be a lemming and just follow the herd," he said. "Maybe we do an AI application first in healthcare."

Renewables remain a focus, he added, pointing to INA's 2023 investment with Abu Dhabi-based Masdar Clean Energy in Pertamina Geothermal Energy. "It's an investment that has performed very well for us," he said.

Ganis said Asia's bank-dominated financing structure underpins INA's push into non-bank options and support for cross-border growth.

"When you have international expansion, your domestic bank in Jakarta cannot support international expansion. Your destination of the investment doesn't know who you are yet. So who knows you. That's where we come in," he said.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is among the high growth mega cap stocks you can buy and hold for the next 3 years. Integrity Alliance LLC. increased its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) by a whopping 418.6% during the first quarter. According to the latest filing with the SEC, the firm now owns 7,058 shares of the companys stock, following the purchase of 5,697 shares, worth $1,172,000.

The companys aggressive reinvestment, solid balance sheet, and leadership in R&D are sending its stock soaring. While the giants year-to-date return surpasses the markets return by 20.85%, the 3-year return delivered by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) outperforms the markets by an impressive 171.55%.

Analyst Says Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) Among the Best AI Stocks to Buy on the Dip

The worlds largest contract chip manufacturer didnt build its strong portfolio overnight; its definitely the outcome of managements commitment to reinvesting heavily in business, and this is what sets Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) apart. Just recently, it announced the launch of an AI chip R&D center in Germany, which is home to AI. With that being said, everything adds up to one thing: the company has a clear strategy and is executing it well.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is a Taiwan-based provider of integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices. Incorporated in 1987, the giant is focused on becoming the most trusted technology company.

While we acknowledge the potential of TSM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
Nvidia plans to take a $5 billion stake in chipmaker Intel as the two tech companies have agreed to co-develop data center and PC chips. The news comes on the heels of the U.S. government acquiring a 9.9% stake in Intel via an $8.9 billion investment in the company last month.

Intel stock soared 25% shortly after markets Thursday. Nvidia stock rose about 2%%.

This historic collaboration tightly couples NVIDIAs AI and accelerated computing stack with Intels CPUs and the vast x86 ecosystem  a fusion of two world-class platforms. Together, we will expand our ecosystems and lay the foundation for the next era of computing, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a statement .

Nvidia will buy Intel shares at a price of $23.28, slightly less than the company's closing price on Wednesday, but more than the $20.47 per share the government paid. The deal will require regulatory approvals and will make Nvidia a 4% owner of Intel.

The CEOs of the two companies will hold a news conference Thursday at 1 p.m. E.T. to discuss the deal.

While the companies will work together to develop the new chips, Nvidia has not yet committed to a manufacturing deal with Intel for them. Instead, it will design custom processors for data centers, which Nvidia will sell alongside its AI GPUs. Nvidia will ensure its chips and the Intel chips communicate at higher speeds, which will encourage adoption.

At least one analyst said that while this is certainly a win for Intel, it could be a bigger victory for Nvidia in the long run.

"What this move really signals is Nvidia locking down the rules of the new digital economy," Futurum Group wrote in a note to investors. "For the last decade, CPUs were the tax you paid to plug GPUs into racks. Now Nvidia is flipping that: the CPU becomes an extension of the GPU fabric. By taking a 5% stake in Intel and co-developing a NVLink-capable Xeon, Nvidia is ensuring that the worlds most entrenched compute base -- x86 -- becomes natively interoperable with its accelerators."

For the PC market, Intel will build and offer chips that integrate Nvidia's RTX GPU, which should be popular with gamers and individuals who still attempt to mine Bitcoin from home.

Intels leading data center and client computing platforms, combined with our process technology, manufacturing and advanced packaging capabilities, will complement NVIDIAs AI and accelerated computing leadership to enable new breakthroughs for the industry," said Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel.

It has been quite a ride recently for Tan. Last month, Donald Trump demanded his resignation , accusing him of having ties to China and saying Tan "must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem."

Two weeks later, the government announced an investment in Intel and halted all criticism of Tan. The stock has increased 28% since Trump's comments, not counting Thursday's pre-market gains. With those, the jump is 65%.
Nvidia announced Thursday it would invest $5 billion in Intel and collaborate on custom chips for data centers and personal computers, sending Intel's battered stock soaring 23% in early trading.

The investment, which would buy Nvidia roughly 215 million Intel shares at $23.28 each, comes just weeks after the Trump administration took a 10% stake in the struggling chipmaker.

As per the agreement, Intel will develop custom x86 CPUs optimized for Nvidia's AI platforms, potentially solving longstanding bottlenecks in CPU-GPU communication. For personal computers, Intel will build system-on-chip designs incorporating Nvidia's RTX graphics technology.

"This historic collaboration tightly couples NVIDIAs AI and accelerated computing stack with Intels CPUs and the vast x86 ecosystem  a fusion of two world-class platforms," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in the announcement. Together, we will expand our ecosystems and lay the foundation for the next era of computing.

Nvidia shares climbed 3%, pushing the company's market value past $4 trillion, giving the company a breath of fresh air after the quick panic caused by a decision from China to ban its chips.

The deal throws Intel a lifeline at a critical moment. The company that once dominated Silicon Valley lost nearly $19 billion last year and another $3.7 billion in the first half of 2025. It plans to cut 25% of its workforce by year's end

However, this is not just a lifeline, and the partnership is actually mutually beneficial. For Nvidia, it means deeper access to the x86 architecture that still powers most enterprise systems. For Intel, it's a chance to leverage Nvidia's AI dominance to stay relevant.

By teaming up, Intel can use Nvidias powerful AI technology in its own computer chips. This means businesses and regular people will get faster, smarter computers from Intel, all thanks to Nvidias know-how, keeping Intel a major player even as technology rapidly change

Pop The Champagne, Intel

Pop the champagne, Dan Ives, tech analyst at Wedbush Securities, told Bloomberg. It brings Intel into the AI game. This is also gonna viewed very positively in DC he said

The Trump administration's earlier intervention had already signaled Intel's strategic importance. The government's $8.9 billion investment for a 10% stake was part of broader efforts to secure domestic chip production amid tensions with China. Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on imported chips while negotiating export deals that let Nvidia and AMD sell lower-power AI chips to China in exchange for a 15% cut of sales.
With a market cap of $29.6 billion, Iron Mountain Incorporated (IRM) is a global leader in storage and information management solutions, serving more than 240,000 customers across 61 countries. The company helps organizations securely manage their physical and digital assets through services spanning records management, data management, digital transformation, data centers, secure shredding, and IT asset disposition.

Companies valued $10 billion or more are generally considered large-cap stocks, and Iron Mountain fits this criterion perfectly. With a strong focus on security, sustainability, and innovation, Iron Mountain enables businesses to protect information, reduce costs, ensure compliance, and unlock greater value from its assets.

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Despite this, shares of the Boston, Massachusetts-based company have dipped nearly 23% from its 52-week high of $130.24. IRM stock has decreased 1.7% over the past three months, lagging behind the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLRE) over 1% rise during the same period.

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Longer term, Iron Mountains shares have fallen 4.5% on a YTD basis, underperforming XLRE's 3.7% gain. Moreover, the stock has declined 15.1% over the past 52 weeks, compared to XLRE's 6.3% drop over the same time frame.

Despite recent fluctuations, IRM stock has been trading below its 200-day moving average since early February.

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Shares of Iron Mountain fell 5.8% on Aug. 6 despite record Q2 2025 revenue of $1.7 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $628 million, and AFFO per share of $1.24, as investors focused on weaker bottom-line results. The company posted a net loss of $43 million, compared with net income of $35 million a year earlier, driven largely by foreign exchange losses on intercompany balances.

In contrast, its rival SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) has shown less pronounced decline than IRM stock on a YTD basis, falling 2.3%. However, SBAC stock has decreased 18.7% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind IRMs performance during the same period.

Despite the stocks underperformance, analysts are moderately optimistic, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from 10 analysts. The mean price target of $115 represents a premium of 14.6% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's exports fell for a fourth straight month in August, government data showed on Wednesday, as elevated U.S. tariffs took a deeper toll on the country's automotive and other manufacturing sectors.

"Japanese automakers are still mostly absorbing the tariff costs by cutting export prices to maintain U.S. sales volumes," said Saisuke Sakai, chief Japan economist at Mizuho Research.

"But some of them, unable to withstand rising costs, have begun increasing prices to pass them on to consumers," he said.

"Coupled with growing uncertainties over the U.S. economy, the tariff impact on Japan's exports and output is set to intensify towards the year-end."

Total exports by value dropped 0.1% year-on-year in August, the data showed, less than a median market forecast for a 1.9% decrease and following a 2.6% fall in July.

Exports to the United States plunged 13.8% in August from a year earlier, representing the largest drop since February 2021, dragged down by a 28.4% fall in automobiles and 38.9% plunge in chipmaking equipment.

The volume of U.S.-bound shipments fell 12.0%, extending the 2.3% decline seen in July.

The export plunge helped halve the trade surplus with the U.S. to 324 billion yen ($2.21 billion), the smallest since January 2023.

Exports to China were down 0.5%, while those to Asia and the European Union rose, partially offseting the plunge in U.S.-bound exports.

Total imports dropped 5.2% in August from a year earlier, compared with market forecasts for a 4.2% increase, reflecting lower oil prices.

As a result, Japan ran a trade deficit of 242.5 billion yen ($1.66 billion) in August, compared with the forecast of a deficit of 513.6 billion yen.

Washington agreed on a baseline 15% tariff rate on nearly all Japanese imports in late July, down from the initial 27.5% on autos and a 25% duty threatened for most other goods, offering some relief to Japanese exporters.

But the impact remains significant, particularly for Japanese automakers and auto parts suppliers, as the levy is still multiple times higher than their previous 2.5% rate.

According to a poll by Japan Center for Economic Research, 37 economists surveyed predict the economy will shrink by an annualised 1.1% in the current quarter, reflecting weak overseas demand.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has vowed to go slow in hiking rates due to uncertainty over the impact of U.S. tariffs on Japan's economy.

Economists are focused on how falling exports will affect corporate spending and wages. Japanese corporate spending on plant and equipment has so far shown no signs of abating, rising 7.6% in the April-June quarter from a year earlier, according to government data released this month.
We came across a bullish thesis on Knife River Corporation on Valueinvestorsclub.com by Fuego.Suave. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on KNF. Knife River Corporation's share was trading at $78.88 as of September 9th. KNFs trailing and forward P/E were 29.21 and 18.80 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

KNF, a vertically integrated building materials company spun out of MDU Resources, offers an attractive long-term opportunity with a price target of $115/share, representing over 40% upside from the current ~$80/share. Since the spin, KNF has consistently improved margins through pricing power and cost discipline, executed accretive bolt-on deals, and maintained volume growth in line with peers despite challenging market conditions. The stock has underperformed significantly year-to-date, down 20% versus double-digit gains for peers such as ROAD, CRH, and GVA, driven largely by management commentary around weather-related project delays and Oregons stalled infrastructure bill.

This has compressed KNFs multiple by 30%, with the market pricing in structural concerns that appear overstated. Fundamentally, KNF operates in localized oligopolies where permitting challenges limit new entrants, providing durable pricing power and margin expansion potential. The recent Strata acquisition offers further upside through synergies, while the board, supported by experienced operators like Tom Hill, remains focused on maximizing shareholder value.

At current levels, KNF presents a compelling 3:1 risk-reward. Even with near-term earnings risks, potential multiple expansion and steady high-single-digit EBITDA growth support 20%+ IRR over the medium term, with limited downside to ~$68/share. The companys strong M&A optionality, both as acquirer and target, further de-risks the story, with potential takeout bids from peers or private equity providing embedded upside.

Catalysts include the upcoming Q2 print where expectations are already low, incremental margin gains from the EDGE initiative, eventual passage of Oregon infrastructure funding, and potential federal infrastructure support. Overall, KNF offers resilient cash generation, pricing power, and strategic optionality, making current weakness a buying opportunity.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) by Durable Value Creators in September 2024, which highlighted the companys strong aggregates business, pricing power, and long-term growth from infrastructure and construction demand. The companys stock price has appreciated by approximately 12.43% since our coverage as these tailwinds supported performance. The thesis still stands as MLM focuses on aggregates. Fuego.Suave shares a similar view on industry dynamics but emphasizes KNFs post-spin margin expansion, M&A upside, and rerating potential.
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.

A South Carolina-based team managing about $1.25 billion in client assets is joining independent broker/dealer LPL Financial from UBS.

According to LPL, Jeffrey Allen, Steve Armaly, Brian Blackburn and Michael S. Lee are forming the independent practice Ox Road Capital and affiliating with LPLs strategic wealth services model (fashioned for breakaway wirehouse reps).

The team is based in Greenville, S.C., and joined forces in 2016. FINRA records indicated that, besides Lee, the team spent their entire careers at UBS (Lee registered in 2001 with a multi-year stint at JPMorgan before joining UBS in 2009).

Their clients include ultra-high-net-worth individuals (including pre-retirees and retirees), C-Suite executives and medical professionals. In addition to the four principals, the Ox Road team includes Wealth Strategy Associates Marley Landrum, Brandon Mills and Nick Ray and client service associates Kyle Goff, Jack Shubert, Wendy Levi and Clark Rettberg.

According to Lee, the team started conducting due diligence for a new partner after realizing its business had entered a new season.

We reached that final stage where we began to think about legacy, and it was clear we needed to make a move to really build something that could outlast the founders, Lee said. In all, we are excited about the ability to build our own brand.

According to Allen, the firm began winnowing down potential options based on what the team didnt want, including becoming a W-2 employee, taking on equity partners or bringing another partner into the firm.

This search eventually led them to the supported independent model and what LPL offered through Strategic Wealth. Allen said the firm sealed the deal by visiting LPLs offices and meeting with CEO Rich Steinmeier.

LPL launched Strategic Wealth Services in 2020, a premium affiliation model designed for advisors exiting the wirehouses or regional firms (who will operate as independent contractors). The model was made for advisors with high production who manage over $200 million and are frustrated with the low autonomy and declining participation in employee channels.

Once it attracts a new team, LPL will provide free transitional services, including planning their exit from their current firm and onboarding clients on LPLs platform. LPL will also help teams find real estate, integrate LPL technology, and develop the firms brand. LPL also offers third-party chief financial officer consultants, marketing strategists, tech support and administrative assistance.
Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is among the 15 Stocks ChatGPT Predicts Could Make You Wealthy in 5 Years. On September 11, the company announced a collaboration with NCR Atleos and ITCARD to enhance contactless experiences for cardholders at ATMs.

Mastercard Incorporated (MA) Announces Collaboration with NCR Atleos and ITCARD to Enhance Contactless ATM Experience

The new innovation will allow users to securely withdraw cash using a mobile device, without requiring a plastic card or PIN. While multiple European countries have already deployed contactless ATMs, they require the cardholders to enter their PIN in addition to authentication through the mobile wallet.

The Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM) addresses this by verifying the identity of the cardholders using a mobile phone. The consumers will authenticate themselves on their device before tapping the ATM to initiate the transaction, eliminating the need for a physical wallet, card, or PIN.

Johan Gerber, Executive Vice President and Head of Security Solutions at Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) stated the following on the development:

This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the consumer experience. By enabling biometric mobile authentication at ATMs, we are redefining the consumer experience, simplifying it without sacrificing security. Together with our partners, we are making everyday financial interactions safe and more intuitive for everyone.

Initial testing by Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) in July revealed that ATM transactions using CDCVM were 20% faster than those requiring PIN. The solution is currently being piloted in Poland, with plans for it to be available across markets from next year.

While we acknowledge the potential of MA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 11 Best Performing Defense Stocks to Buy Now and 13 Best S&P 500 Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts

Disclosure: None.
Medline has announced a multi-year prime vendor agreement with US-based non-profit health system LCMC Health for distribution services and supply chain expertise.

The supply will take place across LCMC Health's eight hospitals, eight urgent care centres, and ten emergency departments that together manage approximately 1.7 million primary and specialist clinic visits annually.

LCMC Health supply chain vice-president Joseph Thibodeaux said: At LCMC Health, we know that a strong, resilient supply chain is foundational to delivering high-quality care. Our partnership with Medline reflects a strategic investment in technology, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

With enhanced inventory management and local distribution capabilities, we're not only strengthening our operational backbone but we're also supporting better outcomes for the patients and communities we serve.

Medline will support the health system from its distribution warehouse in Hammond, Louisiana, which includes AutoStore robotics to manage supply distribution.

LCMC Health will also be granted access to Medlines analytics platforms to track item usage, contract compliance, price accuracy, and expenditure by product category.

Medline supply chain vice-president Kristen Anderson said: We are honoured that LCMC Health chose to invest in Medline as a key part of their supply chain management.

Medline's dedication to technology advancements designed to improve inventory management, our expanded warehousing capabilities, and our efficient supply chain and procurement processes are part of an exciting time for LCMC Health.

Medline provides medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving points of care, with an extensive product portfolio, supply chains, and clinical solutions aimed at improving operational, clinical, and financial outcomes.

In June, the company entered a prime vendor agreement with Santiam Hospital and Clinics, an independent acutecare hospital in Oregon, US.

"Medline secures prime vendor agreement with LCMC Health" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




Nordic wine and spirits supplier Anora is planning another round of job cuts in a bid to improve profitability and efficiency.

The Finnish group, which owns the Koskenkorva vodka brand, will hold talks with staff across its home markets as part of efforts to adjust its organisational structure, Anora CEO Kirsi Puntila said in a statement.

The proposed restructuring is expected to result in the elimination of 70 to 80 jobs in 2025, Anora said. The company is looking to cut its personnel costs by approximately 7m ($8.2m).

The latest development follows cuts implemented in 2024, when 37 roles at the Chill Out and Falling Feather wine label owner were eliminated after negotiations that had started in the previous November.

Puntila said the upcoming discussions will encompass positions across the business,, with around 500 employees being within the scope of talks.

The negotiations are slated to start in October, with the revamped structure set to be in place by early 2026.

Puntila, who assumed the CEO role in March 2025, said Anora will continue to seek further measures to improve its profitability, efficiency and cost-competitiveness.

In 2024, Anora's net sales declined by 4.7% to 692m ($819.2m).

EBITDA fell 9.2% to 61.3m but the company booked an operating profit of 34.5m, versus an operating loss of 31.3m in 2023.

The company's net result for the year also returned to positive territory, landing at 11.1m compared to a 39.9m loss the previous year.

However, in the first half of this year, Anora's net sales fell 5.3% year-on-year to 306.8m. Operating profit for the period was 8.8m, slightly down from 9.2m in the first half of 2024.

The company reported a break-even result for the half-year, compared to a loss of 0.4m in the corresponding period the year before.

Commenting on the half-year results released on 15 August, Puntila said: The European beverage industry faced headwinds in the second quarter. Ongoing shifts in consumer trends and unusually poor weather in May and June negatively affected sales across several of our traditionally strong categories.

She added: We remain agile in responding to market conditions and are prepared to adjust our cost base as needed."

"More job cuts at Nordic wine and spirits group Anora" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.




Natura Cosmeticos has entered into a binding agreement to sell its Avon International business to an acquisition vehicle affiliated with Regent.

The sale will not include the Avon Russian market or the brand and its operations in the Latin American region, the Brazilian beauty company said in a security filing on Thursday.

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Natura is to receive a nominal consideration of 1 pound when the deal closes. Then it will get contingent payments based on future results and certain liquidity events that are limited to 60 million pounds.

News of the deal sent Natura & Co. stock soaring more than 15 percent Thursday.

The company reiterated that it continues to explore strategic alternatives for Avons business in Russia.

The Avon International Sale [in addition to the sale of the Avon business in the Central America region] is another important milestone in Naturas effort to streamline its operations and continue its strategy to focus on its core business in Latin America, the company said.

As previously reported, on Monday Natura said it had entered into a binding agreement with Grupo PDC, a consumer goods company, to sell the Avon business located in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, or CARD.

As part of that deal, Natura agrees to continue to supply finished goods to Avon CARD and be the licensor of the Avon brand in the region.

Natura had  on and off  been exploring options for Avons international business. The company has already divested Aesop and The Body Shop.

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Natural gas is the only fossil fuel set to increase its share in the energy mix of the United States, China, and India by 2050, even as oil and coal usage decline globally, S&P Global Commodity Insights has predicted. The report says that scalability and commercial challenges are the biggest obstacles that will hinder a direct shift from coal to renewables, making natural gas a critical bridge in the global energy transition.

Fossil fuels continue to be the most dominant primary energy source across the globe despite the rapid growth of renewable energy. S&P Global has projected that renewables will supply 20% of global energy by 2050, up from just 4% currently. By 2050, gas shall be the only fossil fuel with a potential increase in the energy mix for the US, China, and India, the report stated.

The analysts note that coal-to-gas substitution has been driving the energy transition in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia while India has been lagging here. Indias energy mix remains heavily skewed towards fossil fuels, with oil and gas accounting for 77% of primary energy use while renewables contribute just 2%. However, S&P Global has predicted that fossil fuels share in Indias energy mix will fall to 66% by 2050, while renewables will rise to 16%. India will mainly use natural gas as a transition fuel during this period, as a more flexible and cleaner alternative to coal.

Related: OPEC+ Faces Contentious Debate on Capacity Baselines



The report notes that the Indian government is playing a significant role in the transition, The category of other energy sources, essentially traditional biomass (cooking), is declining sharplybeing replaced by LPG. Government schemes such as PAHAL and targeted LPG subsidies have driven this shift, leading to a reduction from 38 per cent to 19 per cent with expected further decline, it noted. PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh or Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG) is a scheme wherein the Indian government directly transfers LPG subsidies into users' bank accounts.

Meanwhile, India's National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen by targeting 5 million metric tons (MMT) per annum production by 2030, fostering energy self-reliance, decarbonizing the economy, reducing fossil fuel imports, and creating jobs. Launched in 2023, the mission will support the development of the entire green hydrogen ecosystem, from production to storage and distribution, encouraging indigenous manufacturing and technological innovation to achieve significant economic and environmental benefits.
By John Revill and Shubham Kalia

ZURICH (Reuters) - Nestle Chairman Paul Bulcke will step down early and hand over to former Inditex chief Pablo Isla on October 1, accelerating a changing of the guard at the Swiss food giant after an unprecedented period of managerial turmoil.

The decision comes just weeks after Laurent Freixe was abruptly fired as chief executive over an undisclosed relationship, and clears the way for new CEO Philipp Navratil and Isla to take full charge of the company that has struggled in recent years as sales growth stalled and debt rose.

Questions were raised about Bulcke's position by analysts and shareholders following the revelations about Freixe's romantic relationship with a subordinate, which led to his ouster just a year after he had taken the reins.

"Investors wanted a fresh start, with a new CEO and a new chairman to write the next chapter," said Jean-Philippe Bertschy, an analyst at Bank Vontobel.

He added that Bulcke had been under enormous pressure in the past few weeks and months to step aside. The recent turmoil around Freixe was likely the final straw.

"Nestle investors now want the company to deliver on its targets, especially to accelerate sales growth," he said. "One of the new chairman's top priorities will be to reshuffle the board, which should also take full responsibility for the poor performance of the past years."

Nestle added that Isla and Navratil were both committed to an organic growth strategy that will "leverage efficiencies" to invest behind Nestle's strong portfolio and brands, which range from KitKat chocolate bars to Nescafe coffee.

'THE RIGHT MOMENT TO STEP ASIDE'

In a brief statement, Bulcke said the Vevey-based company was well positioned for the future as he moved forward the handover that had previously been scheduled for April next year. Bulcke had been chairman since 2017 and before that was CEO from 2008 to 2016.

"This is the right moment for me to step aside and accelerate the planned transition," Bulcke, who will take on the role of honorary chairman, said in a statement, adding the new leadership would bring a "fresh perspective."

Investors and analysts have said incoming chair Isla showed strong leadership at Zara owner Inditex.

Freixe was sacked following allegations of favouritism towards the employee with whom he was allegedly romantically involved, but that turmoil overshadows a wider malaise.

Nestle faces a stern challenge with investors and analysts urging it to slim down in a tough consumer market as rivals cut costs and even break up to improve their performance.
Oracle (ORCL) stock edged up 1.5% on Tuesday after media outlets reported the software giant would be part of the US and China's preliminary TikTok deal.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said at a press conference Monday that the two countries agreed on a framework for a TikTok deal during high-stakes trade talks in Madrid. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to speak on Friday to "complete" the agreement.

A US buyer for TikTok has not been officially named. The Wall Street Journal said Tuesday, citing unnamed sources, that a consortium of investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz, would control TikTok's US business with an 80% stake under the current framework. TikTok's existing US users would be asked to move to a new app the company is testing, and Oracle would handle the user data on its servers in Texas.

Oracle did not respond to Yahoo Finance's request for comment.

The stock climbed as much as 6% Tuesday before paring gains as the major stock indexes pulled back from record highs.

The tech firm's stock first climbed on Monday, spiking as much as 5% in premarket trading when Trump initially hinted at a TikTok deal on social media.

"The big Trade Meeting in Europe between The United States of America, and China, has gone VERY WELL! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "A deal was also reached on a 'certain' company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save."

Read more about Oracle's stock moves and today's market action

TikTok faces a US ban unless it divests its ownership to a US- or US-allied country by Dec. 16.

Politico reported in March that the White House was considering a deal from software giant Oracle to run TikTok, but that deal could leave ByteDance some control over the app, according to the Information.

Oracle already has a relationship with TikTok, and its servers have been used to store TikTok's American user data as part of an initiative called Project Texas since 2022.

Oracle has also worked closely with the Trump administration on its push to develop AI in the US. The tech firm's chair, Larry Ellison, joined OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank Group (SFTBY) CEO Masayoshi Son, and Trump in January at the Oval Office to announce a $500 billion initiative, called Stargate, to build AI data centers in the US  though the project has faced delays.

While Oracle has emerged as a leading contender to acquire TikTok, other suitors have also expressed interest in buying the social media company, from a group of investors led by billionaire Frank McCourt Jr. to Microsoft (MSFT), Perplexity AI, and YouTuber Mr. Beast.
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At its annual conference this week, Osaic rolled out several capital-raising options for its advisors, ranging from personal credit lines to performance loans, for what one senior executive called the advisors in the middle who are looking to grow.

As an industry, I think weve done really well by advisors in providing capital for advisors who are in transition and for the M&A succession side of it, Kristen Kimmell, Osaics executive vice president of development, said on the sidelines of the conference. Those are two big moments, dont get me wrong ... but [advisors] really spend a big portion of their career in the middle, and sometimes a challenge theyre dealing with.

Kimmell had presented the suite of capital options available to Osaics roughly 11,000 advisors on the main stage on the first day of the conference, which was held in San Antonio. The broker/dealer also had panel discussions on the topic with top executives and had a table at the conference called Capital as a Catalyst for Growth.

Kimmell said the firm designed the program during its so-called Journey to One integration, a multi-year program to pull together its formerly disparate broker/dealer group. Now, as its presenting to its base as one cohesive firm, it can offer either direct lending from Osaic or options through third-party lenders.

I think sometimes people think capital is risky debt, or just that part of it, and it isnt, Kimmel said. Its a tool that can be used, and it can take different forms.

Osaic divided the offerings into four options: securities-backed personal credit lines, fixed-rate term loans, working capital credit lines and performance-based loans. On the main stage, Kimmel said that about 20% of Osaics capital has been deployed to such initiatives and that the firm wanted to do more to support growth initiatives.

The focus on capital comes as the wealth management sector faces a dual strain of older advisors looking for succession paths and firms in growth mode looking to boost organic growth. Osaic, itself backed by funding from private equity firm Reverence Capital, highlighted different uses for capital, such as creating lead generation or expanding capacity to serve more clients.

Capital and liquidity can be used for marketing, for client events that can help you increase the share of wallet that you have with your existing clients, or help you acquire new clients, Kimmel told the audience of advisors.
PPL Corporation (PPL), headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.6 million customers. Valued at $26.6 billion by market cap, the company generates electricity from power plants, as well as markets wholesale and retail energy and natural gas. It also delivers natural gas to customers in Kentucky and Rhode Island and generates electricity from power plants in Kentucky.

Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as large-cap stocks. PPL effortlessly fits that bill, with its market cap exceeding this mark, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the utilities - regulated electric industry. PPL's strengths include its stable, regulated business model, providing predictable revenue and reasonable returns, along with a diversified presence. Its resilient segments, including regulated electricity and gas distribution operations in Kentucky and large customer bases in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, contribute to financial stability.

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Despite its notable strength, PPL slipped 5.1% from its 52-week high of $37.38, achieved on Aug. 20. Over the past three months, PPL stock has gained 5.4%, outperforming the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLU) 3.9% gains during the same time frame.

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In the longer term, shares of PPL rose 9.3% on a YTD basis, underperforming XLUs YTD gains of 11.2%. However, the stock climbed 8.6% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming XLUs 6.3% returns over the last year.

To confirm the bullish trend, PPL has been trading above its 200-day moving average over the past year, with slight fluctuations. However, the stock has been trading below its 50-day moving average since early September, experiencing minor fluctuations.

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PPLs outperformance is driven by digital transformation and automation, leveraging advanced technologies such as smart grids, predictive analytics, and automated switches to enhance reliability, efficiency, and the customer experience. The company's infrastructure investments, including a "Self-Healing Grid" and robust engineering specifications, strengthen its service resilience and support growing demand, particularly from data centers, with significant potential investments in Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
Key Points

Chevron recently closed its acquisition of Hess.

That deal will provide a growing stream of additional free cash flow to the energy company.

10 stocks we like better than Chevron 

Chevron (NYSE: CVX) has a bright future. The oil and natural gas giant has lots of potential to grow in the coming years, and one big driver of that growth will be its recently closed acquisition of Hess. This deal should drive the oil stock much higher over the next five years.

The coming Hess-fueled free cash flow gusher

Chevron will reach a major inflection point in 2026. Free cash flow is on track to surge by an additional $12.5 billion in the coming year. Several catalysts will fuel this surge, including recently completed expansion projects, cost-cutting initiatives, and the acquisition of Hess.

Image source: Getty Images.

The company estimates that the Hess deal alone will add $2.5 billion to its free cash flow next year. Some of that is expected to come from the $1 billion in cost synergies it expects to achieve from the deal by the end of this year. Chevron will also benefit from the start-up of a fourth floating production, storage, and offloading vessel in Guyana, which came in the Hess deal. Hess had a 30% interest in the development of Guyana's Stabroek block -- now, Chevron does, and that will supply it with incremental additional production and free cash flow as its output ramps up over the next year.

ExxonMobil, which is leading the development in Guyana, recently started extracting oil from the Yellowtail project, bringing the total production capacity in the region to 900,000 barrels per day.

ExxonMobil expects to start up four more projects offshore from Guyana by 2030. That would bring the total production capacity to 1.7 million barrels per day. The growing production from this world-class low-cost resource will continue to increase Chevron's free cash flow over the next five years.

Chevron believes that its free cash flow from Guyana, Hess' other assets, and its legacy operations will total more than $100 billion over the next five years. That's the highest projected cumulative upstream free cash flow total within its peer group. This massive surge in free cash will enable Chevron to return a lot more money to shareholders, which I expect will send its share price soaring over the next five years.

Should you invest $1,000 in Chevron right now?

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By Abigail Summerville

(Reuters) -Purell hand sanitizer maker GOJO Industries is exploring options including a full sale or offloading a minority stake, with any deal likely to value the privately-held company at close to $2 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

GOJO is holding conversations with private equity firms and working with investment bank Harris Williams on the process, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the matter is private. They cautioned that the conversations are at an early stage and no deal is guaranteed.

"GOJO has had an extraordinary few years of performance, and there are many opportunities to bring our purpose, the Purell brand, and our market-making solutions to more people and places," said GOJO's spokesperson.

"As we explore these growth opportunities, we are also identifying the best ways to fund this exciting future."

Harris Williams did not respond to a comment request.

The Lippman-Kanfer family that owns GOJO tried to sell their Akron, Ohio-based company in 2023, receiving offers from both private equity firms and companies, but bids didn't come in at their desired price. The suitor that came closest to a deal was Georgia-Pacific, a company owned by Koch Industries, Reuters reported at the time.

Instead, the company opted to take $500 million of new debt from Silver Point Finance, the direct lending business of Silver Point Capital, which they used to repay existing debt and fund investments and operations.

Sales of hand sanitizer sky rocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but sources said GOJO's financials have normalized since then.

GOJO was founded in 1946, when rubber factory worker Goldie Lippman and her husband, Jerry, partnered with chemistry professor Clarence Cook to invent what became the world's first one-step, rinse-off hand cleaner. The company expanded into skincare and invented Purell, an alcohol-based hand cleaner which dries on its own, in 1988. The company launched Purell in the consumer market in 1997.

GOJO sells its products, which also include soaps, wipes, and surface disinfecting sprays, to consumers, but a big part of its sales are business-to-business. Schools, hospitals and stadiums around the world have dispensers of Purell products.

(Reporting by Abigail Summerville in New York; Editing by David French and Nick Zieminski)
Elliott Investment Management says it manages funds that together hold an investment of $4 billion in PepsiCo. The investor calls the Pepsi Max and Lays owner one of the world's great consumer franchises but it wants to see significant change.

The companies at which Elliott Investment Management has pushed for change include BP (which said it would scale back investment in renewable energy and up spending on oil and gas in the wake of the investor joining its share roster), US manufacturing and tech group Honeywell (which subsequently set out plans to split into three) and Starbucks (which changed CEO; though the activist had not communicated a firm desire for a change at the top but called the move a transformational step).

A profile of the investor and founder Paul Singer by The New Yorker in 2018 said: Elliotts executives say that most of their investment campaigns proceed without significant conflict but a noticeable number seem to end up mired in drama. From the outside, it can seem as if Elliott is causing the drama but the firm argues that it simply identifies pre-existing problems and acts as a check on the system.

However, given Elliott Investment Managements record at sparking change elsewhere, PepsiCos senior leadership would be forgiven if they were a little concerned at what might lie ahead.

Elliott's goals at PepsiCo are straightforward: help the company sharpen focus, drive innovation, become more efficient and unlock the value that its leading brands, unmatched scale and world-class employees deserve. The path back to winning is clear and achievable.

It was, at face value, a constructive opening salvo. Fortunately for PepsiCo, its problems are within its power to address. Its core brand portfolio remains among the most attractive in the CPG industry and its structural moats are as powerful as ever, Cohn and Steinberg said.

They continued: We have deep respect for the company and its leaders and, while we support the steps PepsiCo has recently announced, we and our fellow shareholders believe that there is an opportunity for much more. Our goal is to collaborate with the board and management to return PepsiCo to its rightful place as a market-leading consumer packaged goods powerhouse with superior results and impact.

That spirit, they added, was one of a desire to work together to help PepsiCo build on its legacy of success and achieve its full potential.

We hope this presentation is received in the spirit in which it is shared, Elliott Investment Management partners Jesse Cohn and Marc Steinberg wrote in a letter to PepsiCos board at the start of the month setting out how the activist investor believes the US giant can improve.

Story continues

The activist wants PepsiCo to review the make-up of its food and drinks businesses in North America to boost its performance after a period of poor financial results.

PepsiCo, Cohn and Steinberg argued in their letter and presentation sent to the companys board, is at a critical inflection point.

Describing PepsiCo as a dramatic under-performer, they said the company should become a more focused, streamlined business.

Cohn and Steinberg said the groups PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) division  which accounted for 30% of revenue in 2024  had underperformed its peers for more than a decade on both growth and margins.

Theyve called on the Gatorade owner to weigh up the potential refranchising of its drinks bottling network in North America and review its beverage portfolio in the region to make that side of the business less complex.

Meanwhile, Cohn and Steinberg believe the performance of PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA) has more than offset results from the drinks arm in the region but added: More recently, however, PFNA has begun to falter. Growth has slowed due to a challenging consumer backdrop and series of PepsiCo-specific issues, while substantial increases in investment spending well beyond the needs of the current demand environment have meaningfully compressed profit margins.

They urged PepsiCo to better align PFNAs costs to the present volume reality and streamline the divisions portfolio by offloading non-core and underperforming assets. The partners said PFNA could be supported by more investment in proven brands, improving the value perception and pursuing M&A.

Crucially, Elliot Investment Managements criticism is centred on PepsiCos North American operations. The companys international business is, Cohn and Steinberg, said rapidly expanding with a significant long-term growth runway.

So far, PepsiCos public statements on the activists investment and advice have been brief. PepsiCo maintains an active and productive dialogue with our shareholders and values constructive input on delivering long-term shareholder value. We note Elliott Investment Managements disclosure of its presentation and will review its perspectives within the context of our strategy to drive sustainable growth, the company said.

In 2024, PepsiCo booked net revenue of $91.85bn, up 0.4% on a year earlier. Operating profit grew 7.5% to $12.89bn. Net income increased 5.3% to $9.58bn.

Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta, who has spent three decades at PepsiCo, was appointed to the top job in 2018. Given Laguarta succeeded Indra Nooyi after her 12-year stint at the helm, his promotion sparked speculation at the time that there could be significant change at the company, including, industry watchers mused, an exit from cereal or even a split of the company.

There have been notable corporate moves, including the sale of a majority stake in juice brands including Tropicana and Naked in 2021 and two $1bn-plus acquisitions in the last 12 months: Mexican-American snacks maker Siete Foods and US prebiotic soda brand Poppi.

Credit: PJ McDonnell / Shutterstock

However, so far this year, PepsiCos share price has fallen by more than 5%. Over the same time period, Coca-Colas shares are up almost 8%.

In July, PepsiCo reported a 0.3% decline in first-half net revenue, although it saw a 1.7% rise organically. Operating profit dropped 35.4% to $4.37bn. Adjusted for one-off items, core, constant-currency, operating profit fell 5.1% to $6.7bn. Net income slid 39.6% to $3.01bn.

Notably, alongside the results, PepsiCo said it would look to boost its productivity and improve its cost structure by integrating its businesses in North America.

In PepsiCos response to Elliot Investment Managements letter and presentation, the Quaker cereals owner outlined its own strategy. That strategy includes targeted investments in innovation, portfolio transformation, and international growth as well as corporate-wide, multiyear productivity initiatives, the company said. We are confident that the successful execution of these initiatives positions PepsiCo to accelerate growth, strengthen our competitive advantage, and deliver meaningful, long-term value for our shareholders.

It's good news for PepsiCo

But are these actions enough? Should PepsiCo listen to Elliot Investment Management? Its understandable if the appearance of an activist shareholder on a companys roster sparks concern but such investors can play an important role in pointing out weaknesses in organisation or strategy and therefore in exerting some pressure to improve performance.

I think Elliotts review of PepsiCo is very accurate, Stefano Di Napoli, the founder and CEO at UK-based CPGS Consulting, tells Just Food. The stock is still trading at historically cheap 2009-level valuations, so this feels like a buy-the-dip moment. The underperformer is clearly the North American business, while LatAm and EMEA are already delivering the midsingle-digit growth Elliott is targeting for PepsiCo overall. I actually see the $4bn stake as good news. PepsiCo has what it takes to deliver the 50% uplift Elliott is expecting.

According to Di Napoli, PepsiCo has clear strengths: scale, iconic brands and the companys investment in the away-from-home market, which, he adds, could be a major competitive advantage. No-one else is investing as heavily in this channel.

Nonetheless, he concurs with Elliott Investment Managements stance that PepsiCo needs to tidy up its portfolio. The report calls out portfolio optimisation, and I agree  its critical to free up resources and bet strongly on the brands that can really win, Di Napoli says. Coca-Cola in 2018 and more recently Unilever with the focus on the 30 power brands have already taken this path: cut underperforming brands and double down on the core. PepsiCo hasnt. Theres a lack of clear prioritisation.

The Quaker question

Quakers position in the PepsiCo portfolio has long been a talking point. Might the porridge brand go the same way as its fellow breakfast staple Tropicana? Without Tropicana, we believe Quaker is likely of less strategic interest with fewer commercial synergies, Elliott Investment Management said in its presentation.

The 2001 deal for Quaker brought with it a clutch of other brands still in the same PepsiCo stable in rice, pasta, syrups and breakfast cereal. Growth from the Quaker side of PFNA has been slower than the snacks business.

The activist investor added: There are few, if any, synergies between the Quaker foods portfolio and Frito-Lay. Its time to focus on PFNAs core strengths in salty snacking.

Credit: monticello/Shutterstock.com

Its not just from food that Elliott Investment Management believes there should be disposals. The investor praised the recent move to sell the brand rights to energy-drink Rockstar in the US and Canada to Celsius Holdings as a step in the right direction, adding: There are more opportunities to simplify the portfolio.

But the fund argues PepsiCo doesnt necessarily have to find buyers for some drinks assets: the company, the investor says, should simply do away with some products, pointing to the positive impact on Coca-Colas margins when PepsiCos great rival cut its portfolio in 2018.

And Elliott Investment Managements other notable suggestion is for PepsiCo to refranchise its bottling business in North America. From the time PepsiCo refranchised its bottlers in 1999 until it repurchased them in 2010, the PepsiCo system significantly outperformed the Coca-Cola system, the investor said in its presentation. Between the late 2000s and 2017, Coca-Cola went the other way: returning the ownership of its bottling operations in North America to its bottlers and, the investor argued, saw the benefits. The Coca-Cola systems refranchising is a well-known case study in the power of focus and improved execution, Elliott Investment Management said.

Di Napoli underlines critical to any such move would be to get the new organisation running fluently. PepsiCo already uses this system in Europe, most notably with Carlsberg Britvic in the UK, so I dont think structure alone is the answer, he says. The bigger challenge is operational: how the model works day-to-day. Coke needed years to make the system work smoothly. For PepsiCo, the focus has to be on the operating model, ways of working, and execution  not just structure. The advantage is they already have experienced people with the bottling system in Europe who can help guide the North American transition.

Should PepsiCo split in two?

A break-up of the company was a subject that raised its head a few times in the 2010s, perhaps most notably in 2014 when Nelson Peltzs Trian Fund Management said it was encouraging PepsiCo to go down that path.

Kellogg Co.s split into two and Kraft Heinzs decision to do the same has, inevitably, raised speculation PepsiCo might break up.

The idea, though, has largely gone off the agenda and it wasnt mentioned in Elliott Investment Managements presentation.

The real challenge is not whether PepsiCo should break up, but whether it can execute better with the scale it already has

Stefano Di Napoli, CPGS Consulting

I actually agree with Elliott not mentioning separation in the report, Di Napoli says. PepsiCos international scale and the combination of food and beverages are real strengths.

You could argue a split might unlock some short-term value if investors put higher multiples on a pure-play snacks or beverage business but I think the current discount is more about recent performance than about structure. There are big synergies between snacks and beverages and splitting them would mean losing that. The real challenge is not whether PepsiCo should break up, but whether it can execute better with the scale it already has.

Investor scepticism

TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow believes Elliott Investment Management may spur positive change at PepsiCo. In our experience, presentations like these increase the sense of urgency for management teams to boost their stock by demonstrating forward progress on initiatives or introducing new ones. This would come as a relief for investors, some of whom view PepsiCo management as overly complacent, Moskow says. Regarding the specific recommendations, we believe PepsiCo management concurs with Elliott on the need to push down Frito-Lay's costs but we don't know how they feel about the rest.

The US investment bank has canvassed investor opinion in the wake of the activist going public. In our calls with 17 investors, we heard a high degree of scepticism about Elliott Investment Management's proposals to PepsiCo to create value, Moskow says. Most viewed the overture as too friendly to spur change, or too unlikely to materialise  i.e. re-franchising the bottlers  or already in process i.e. boost Fritos margins. We are incrementally more positive, albeit cognisant of the challenges.

"Putting fizz into PepsiCo: weighing up activist advice for US giant" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.




We came across a bullish thesis on QXO, Inc. on Wonder Stockss Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on QXO. QXO, Inc. 's share was trading at $21.48 as of September 9th. QXOs trailing and forward P/E were 2.28 and 43.48 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

QXO, Inc., headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, is positioning itself as a transformative player in the building products distribution sector, serving contractors, distributors, and suppliers across the U.S. and Canada. The company focuses on roofing, waterproofing, and complementary products, operating in an $800 billion addressable market. Its model combines an extensive branch network with digital platforms for streamlined ordering and delivery, while value-added services like ERP software, inventory management, and customer support create opportunities for recurring revenue.

Strategic partnerships further expand its product offering and market reach. QXO has set an ambitious long-term target of $50 billion in annual revenue within the next decade, supported by accretive acquisitions, most notably the $11 billion purchase of Beacon Roofing Supply in 2025. Complementing M&A activity, the company is investing heavily in technology, including AI-driven pricing and logistics tools, to enhance efficiency and customer experience, while pursuing geographic expansion across North America with sustainable practices. However, the strategy carries execution risks, including potential integration challenges from large acquisitions, exposure to construction cycles, raw material cost fluctuations, and broader macroeconomic uncertainties in North America and Europe.

Despite these challenges, QXO benefits from experienced leadership, including founder Brad Jacobs, whose prior ventures delivered over 30,000% returns to investors over 30 years, and a senior team with deep institutional knowledge. With disciplined integration, careful risk management, and sustained execution, QXO is well-positioned to capture significant opportunities in a fragmented sector. The combination of a large market, technology-enabled operations, recurring revenue streams, and seasoned management makes QXO a compelling investment, offering a potentially low-risk route to outsized returns for investors willing to engage with its ambitious growth trajectory.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on QXO, Inc. (QXO) by Frankxdxdxd in April 2025, which highlighted Brad Jacobs M&A-driven playbook, the Beacon Roofing Supply acquisition, and growth in a fragmented $800 billion market. The company's stock price has appreciated approximately by 72% since our coverage. The thesis still stands as QXO executes on digital enablement and expansion. Wonder Stocks shares a similar bullish perspective but emphasizes execution risks and macroeconomic exposure.
Institutional investors  not retail traders  are powering China's stock rally.

China's rally may have room to run as households hold only a small slice of wealth in stocks.

Goldman Sachs is sticking with its overweight call on Chinese stocks.

China's stock markets have been on a hot rally after years of gloom, and Goldman Sachs says the bull run may have further to go.

That's because, contrary to popular narrative, China's millions of mom-and-pop investors aren't the ones powering the surge.

Data show that institutional investors have actually provided much of the capital, wrote analysts at Goldman Sachs in a Thursday note.

Chinese equities have added about $3 trillion in market value this year across Hong Kong and mainland markets, according to Goldman Sachs. The CSI 300 index of large mainland companies has jumped 26% since April, and the MSCI China index alone has climbed over 35% year-to-date.

The surge comes on the back of heavy institutional buying, including onshore mutual funds that have slashed cash ratios to five-year lows as they rushed into stocks.

Meanwhile, domestic insurers lifted their equity holdings by 26%, while domestic hedge funds have grown assets under management from 5 trillion Chinese yuan in September 2024 to 5.9 trillion yuan, or $830 billion, now.

Foreign investors have also piled in. Goldman's data showed its global hedge fund clients made their biggest one-month move into mainland China's A-shares in years.

Chinese households hold about $5 trillion in equities  roughly a third of the total Chinese equities market  while most of the rest is dominated by global and domestic institutional investors.

Only a small slice of household wealth is in stocks

Goldman analysts say they expect Chinese households to gradually put more money into stocks, since they remain underweight compared to global peers. Just 11% of Chinese household financial assets are in equities or mutual funds, versus about 32% in the US.

With property prices down sharply from their peak and bank deposits yielding under 2%, families may slowly redirect more wealth into equities.

Retail sentiment, meanwhile, is still "nowhere near the euphoric levels in mid-2015 or late 2020," according to Goldman. If enthusiasm returned to those highs, the CSI 300 could gain another 18% to 27%.

Goldman's report came amid concerns about the market overheating, particularly in the Chinese tech stock rally that was first sparked by the breakout AI model DeepSeek early this year.

But the analysts wrote that valuations don't look stretched and Chinese shares still trade at a discount to developed-market equities.
DBS Bank taps Ripple tech. | Credit: Credit: Budrul Chukrut/Getty Images.

Key Takeaways

DBS will use XRP Ledger and RLUSD to offer clients a yield-generating tokenized money market fund.

Through the partnership, DBS clients can trade these products 24/7.

RLUSD is the 8th largest stablecoin by market cap.

Singapores biggest bank, DBS, has partnered with Ripple and Franklin Templeton to offer its clients new trading and lending opportunities with XRP Ledger, the RLUSD stablecoin, and a tokenized money market fund.

Tokenization

As per the announcement from DBS Bank, the trio has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the launch of new trading and lending tokenized products intertwined with XRP Ledger and its stablecoin, RLUSD.

Itll offer accredited and institutional investors access to new trading and lending solutions that leverage XRP tech.

More specifically, the DBS Digital Exchange will list RLUSD alongside Franklin Templetons yield-generating tokenized money market fund coin, sgBENJI.

DBS explains itll make managing digital asset portfolio management more nimble in response to rapidly changing market conditions, as they can now trade these assets 24/7 and rebalance their portfolios when needed

DBS notes that XRP Ledger was tapped for its speed, low costs, and efficiency, making it an ideal platform for managing the lifecycle of a high-volume, low-latency asset such as a tokenized money market fund.

Lim Wee Kian, CEO of DBS Digital Exchange, explained that investors need new solutions to meet the unique demands of a borderless 24/7 asset class.

This partnership, he adds, is a demonstration of the role tokenized securities can play in establishing more efficiency and liquidity in global markets.

RLUSD Climbs

Ripples RLUSD is gaining steady ground and currently commands a market cap of $729.78 million, ranking it 8th amongst the top stablecoins.

Its increased approximately $60 million over the past 30 days, which could be viewed as modest given Ripples stature. But, it appears theyre taking the slow and steady approach.

Stablecoins have never been more relevant than they are now, thanks to the U.S. signing the GENIUS Act into law.

It sets a clear legal framework for creating, issuing, and using stablecoins at both the national and state levels.

Ultimately, this sparked a great stablecoin race, not just in the U.S., but also around the world.

Ripple, a U.S.-based firm, has steadily positioned its flagship stablecoin in key markets throughout 2025. This includes Dubai, a recent expansion to Africa, and plans to launch in Japan next year.

Following its settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ripple is now one of the key voices helping to iron out the next major piece of U.S. crypto legislation, the CLARITY Act.
Kuwait is grappling with relentless heat, aging infrastructure and unplanned power outages, prompting major investments in grid reliability. Today, renewables account for less than 1% of Kuwaits electricity generation, but the country aims to grow that to 15% by 2030, with natural gas serving as a crucial transitional fuel. However, Rystad Energy analysis shows this lofty target could be out of reach. Our current projections estimate renewable capacity will only reach 3.3 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, just 7% of Kuwaits power generation, with a renewables share of 15% by 2035, a more realistic target. By that time, renewable capacity is expected to exceed 11 GW, accounting for around 20% of Kuwaits power generation.

Currently, Kuwait has 21 GW of installed capacity, but only about 17 GW of this is reliably available during peak months - due to planned maintenance and the age of its plants. With temperatures climbing as high as 50 degrees celsius in recent years and demand peaking at 17.7 GW in July, scheduled power cuts began two months earlier than the previous year, while unplanned outages added further strain, creating shortages of more than 1.5 GW during peak demand in May.

Blackouts in Kuwait have underscored the strain on the countrys power system, making imports unavoidable if such outages persist. As Kuwait modernizes and turns to renewables to address these challenges, high-profile events like the 2025 Iberian outage have raised questions about the reliability of renewable energy. Still, it would be myopic to dismiss the capabilities of renewables outright. Kuwait has plans to invest heavily in solar PV, for instance, benefiting from a natural advantage of more than 3,300 hours of sunlight each year. This abundant sunlight supports PV output of 4.6 to 4.9 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per kilowatt-peak per day, helping to meet peak afternoon demand when electricity use is highest,

Nishant Kumar, Analyst, Renewables & Power Research, Rystad Energy

Learn more with Rystad Energys Renewables & Power Solution.

As this transition takes place, gas is set to play a vital role in Kuwaits energy future as the nation expands its use of renewable energy. Rystad Energys analysis indicates that Kuwaiti gas power generation is set to increase by 17% to 77 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030. As a result, gas production is expected to rise by 38%, while overall gas demand is forecast to increase by 30% in the next five years.

The increase in demand will be covered by a combination of rising domestic gas production and ongoing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, ensuring round-the-clock supply. Examples of this can be seen in Kuwait's planning of five large-scale gas-fired power plants that will add 18 GW of capacity, lifting total gas power capacity to more than 32 GW by 2035, which is up from 14 GW today. On the import side, state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) have signed a 15-year LNG sale and purchase agreement with QatarEnergy, securing up to 3 million tonnes per annum of supply.
Get ready, Wall Street.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is working on generic listing standards for crypto exchange-traded products.

The fresh rules will allow new crypto ETFs to launch automatically if they meet basic requirements.

Its a quiet yet powerful regulatory shift that has the potential to open the door to dozens of new funds, and billions in inflows.

The SEC is getting ready to blow the market wide open, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, wrote in a Monday note to investors. The SEC adopting generic listing standards is a coming of age moment for crypto, a signal that weve reached the big leagues.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs have already proved the viability of the crypto ETF concept. Led by BlackRock, the 11 providers have amassed a staggering 1.3 million Bitcoin worth about $149 billion. Thats about 6% of the networks total supply.

Meanwhile, Ethereum ETFs, which got off to a slow start, have turned a corner with hundreds of millions pouring in over the past weeks.

Their success has investors salivating over the next wave. Traders and asset managers are hopeful the SECs generic listing standards will speed the approval of new products tied to XRP, Solana, and other top tokens.

One by one

SEC approvals take time, especially in crypto.

Issuers file petitions, prove that markets are liquid and resistant to manipulation, and then wait as much as 240 days for a decision.

Crypto is a nascent market prone to manipulation by large players. As such, the SEC had been cautious when approving new ETF products. The first spot Bitcoin ETF took more than a decade to win approval.

But generic listing standards would change all of that. Under the proposal, any crypto ETF meeting preset criteria would be greenlit in 75 days or fewer.

What would these criteria be?

The SEC is still working through that and accepting input from the industry, wrote Hougan. But what we know for now is that the agency will require an existing futures contract for the underlying asset trading on a regulated US futures exchange.

ETF history suggests the impact will be dramatic.

When the SEC introduced generic standards for stock and bond ETFs in 2019, annual launches in the US jumped from an average of 117 to more than 370, according to Hougan.

The number of issuers ballooned as well, as it became push-button easy to launch new funds.

Pro-crypto pivot

The timing lines up with a broader pro-crypto pivot in Washington.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins has already declared that cryptos time has come, pledging to end years of enforcement-first oversight and launch a deregulatory blitz known as Project Crypto.
SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Carro, Southeast Asia's largest used-car online marketplace, has raised $60 million in a funding round led by Japan sovereign wealth fund Cool Japan Fund, the company said on Wednesday.

The investment will go towards promoting Japanese cars across the Asia-Pacific region, Carro said in a statement, adding it was confident that it could increase the market share of Japanese plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the region.

Besides Singapore, Carro has a presence in markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

CEO Aaron Tan last week said the company was eyeing an expansion into Australia and a dual listing.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters in August that Carro was considering a U.S. initial public offering at a valuation of more than $3 billion, which would be the largest Southeast Asian listing in the U.S. since SEA's $989.3 million debut in 2017, according to LSEG.

It would also be the first major automotive tech and commerce startup from Singapore to go public in the United States.

Backed by investors including Temasek and SoftBank Group, Carro operates a digital platform that enables consumers and dealers to buy and sell vehicles, while also offering insurance, financing and after-sales services.

Cool Japan Fund is a government-backed private fund with the aim of contributing to Japan's economy by increasing overseas demand for its products and services.

(Reporting by Xinghui KokEditing by Mark Potter)
Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) is among the 15 Stocks ChatGPT Predicts Could Make You Wealthy in 5 Years. On September 15, the company announced that it had been ranked first on the 2025 Fortune 50 List, which annually recognizes publicly traded and venture-backed private firms for their resilience and sustainable growth potential in a volatile global economy.

Snowflake Inc. (SNOW) Ranked 1st on 2025 Fortune 50 List

The Boston Consulting Group studied over 2,800 publicly traded companies with a market value of at least $5 billion, more than 150 private firms that had at least $1 billion in funding since inception, and an additional 50-plus private companies having more than 20,000 employees to prepare the list.

This is the second instance in three years that Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) has topped the list. CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy shared the following remarks on the achievement:

Were honored to be named to the Fortune Future 50 list. Our customers are betting their businesses on Snowflake and our easy, connected and trusted platform because we help them focus on areas with real business value, removing friction and accelerating innovation. This recognition is a testament to the incredible impact and return our customers are seeing as we empower them to achieve their full potential through data and AI.

The company has credited its ongoing momentum and pace of innovation to its commitment to empowering customers through data and artificial intelligence. Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) provides essential data foundation and AI building blocks, allowing organizations to convert data into actionable insights and AI products to better serve their customers.

Over 6,100 customers use Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW)s artificial intelligence offerings on a weekly basis, including Thomson Reuters and Cambia Health Solutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of SNOW as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 11 Best Performing Defense Stocks to Buy Now and 13 Best S&P 500 Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts

Disclosure: None.
Petrobras, for 2025 to 2029, allocated $77 billion for investment in exploration and production operations, of which $47 billion, or 6%, is destined for pre-salt assets. It is Brazils prolific pre-salt oilfields that are driving the countrys oil boom and are responsible for solid production growth. Petrobras massive upstream investment will fund the drilling of 51 new offshore exploration and appraisal wells between 2025 and 2029. Brazils state-controlled oil company also plans to place 10 floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, with seven of those facilities destined for the companys prolific pre-salt oilfields.

There are signs of further robust growth ahead for Brazils economically vital hydrocarbon sector. Analysts forecast crude oil output from South Americas largest economy will reach 5 million barrels per day by 2030 . This will be driven by substantial investment from Brazils national oil company Petrobras, which, according to the industry regulator, the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), is responsible for just over 61% of the countrys total hydrocarbon output.

Over the last decade, Brazils hydrocarbon output expanded at an immense rate . By June 2025, it was a whopping 60% greater than 10 years earlier, with Brazil lifting 4.9 million barrels of oil equivalent per day during that month. This hydrocarbon output was comprised of 3,755,759 barrels of crude oil and 1,142,038 barrels of natural gas. That sees Brazil not only ranked as South Americas largest oil producer but also the Worlds seventh largest, behind OPEC member Iraq and ahead of another cartel participant, Kuwait. Brazil, which incidentally is also South Americas largest economy, is responsible for 4% of total global petroleum output.

Guyanas swift appearance as the worlds newest petrostate, along with heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas , has brought the spotlight firmly back on South Americas oil industry. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently identified Brazil, Guyana and Argentina among the top five non-OPEC oil producers, which are driving global production growth. All three South American nations are experiencing significant oil booms, placing them among the continents top producers. Brazil, Argentina and Guyana are all on track to emerge as global energy players that will be responsible for driving considerable production growth between now and the end of the decade.

Story Continues

This planned development will lift Petrobras production from 2.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day for 2025 to 3.2 million barrels of oil equivalent by 2029, with 81% of that hydrocarbon output coming from pre-salt oilfields. Impressively, Petrobras upstream portfolio has a low breakeven price of $28 per barrel Brent, making it profitable even in low price environments. This makes the national oil companys operations resilient to the poor outlook for oil, bolstering its ability to keep investing in upstream operations to boost production even if prices fall further.

2. Shale oil production is a boon for Argentina

In a surprise development, one of the worlds most crisis-prone economies, Argentina, recently emerged as a leading South American oil producer. The successful exploitation of the vast 8.6-million-acre (3.5 million hectare) Vaca Muerta shale formation significantly boosted Argentinas oil and natural gas output. As a result, Argentinas hydrocarbon output over the last two years has regularly hit new record highs, seeing the country overtake Colombia to become South Americas third-largest oil producer.

During July 2025, Argentina lifted an average of 804,667 barrels of crude oil and 5.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, representing impressive year-over-year growth of 19% and 6% respectively. These production records firmly cement Argentinas place as South America's third-largest oil producer behind Brazil and Venezuela. Soaring shale oil and gas production, which makes up nearly two-thirds of hydrocarbon production, is responsible for that impressive growth. July 2025 shale oil output surged by 31% year over year to hit an all-time high of 513,074 barrels, while shale gas output rose 5% to a record 3.3 billion cubic feet per day,

Related: The Role of Natural Gas in Kuwait's Power Evolution

There is strong projected production growth ahead as national oil company YPF ramps up investment in the Vaca Muerta. Argentinas national oil company is the shale plays largest landholder, controlling 2.9 million gross acres. Shale oil and gas comprise 78% of YPFs proven reserves of 1.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent and 58% of the companys production. YPF intends to invest $35.7 billion between 2025 and 2030, with $26.5 billion allocated for upstream operations. This will boost the companys net hydrocarbon production to one million barrels daily by 2030, comprised of 820,000 barrels of oil, 1.095 million barrels of natural gas and 170,000 barrels of natural gas liquids.

The Vaca Muerta is attracting considerable interest from Big Oil and smaller energy companies, all seeking to profit from the shale play's low breakeven costs and high-quality light sweet crude oil. Indeed, there is significant investment in building out urgently needed transportation and storage infrastructure in the Vaca Muerta, which will further boost production. It is for these reasons that analysts forecast Argentina will pump at least one million barrels of crude oil per day by 2030, or possibly more, with some estimates exceeding 1.2 million barrels per day.

3. Production soars in Guyana, the newest petro-state

Oil production in the tiny former British colony of Guyana is surging to record highs. In a mere four years, Exxon took its first world-class discovery, Liza-1, in the 6.6 million-acre Stabroek Block to production with the Liza Destiny FPSO coming online in 2019. That is startlingly quick in an industry where it can take a decade or more to develop major oil discoveries to bring them to production. Since then, Exxon has made over 30 discoveries in the Stabroek Block, which the supermajor estimates contain around 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil resources.

By July 2025, Guyana was lifting over 670,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it South Americas fifth-largest oil producer behind Colombia. Output will keep growing as new facilities come online in the Stabroek Block. During early August 2025, the One Guyana FPSO commenced operating at the Yellowtail discovery. This vessel has a nameplate capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. On reaching full production, expected by years end, the FPSO will boost Guyanas output to 900,000 barrels of oil per day. As a result, the country of less than one million will overtake Colombia and Argentina to become South America's third-largest oil producer.

Guyana is now a major global oil producer and exporter, which will experience further production growth with Exxon developing four additional energy projects. Three of the developments, Uaru, Whiptail and Hammerhead, are expected to commence operation by the end of the decade, lifting Guyanas petroleum output to around 1.7 million barrels daily by 2030. It is anticipated that the proposed Longtail development will come online during 2030, adding up to 1.5 billion cubic feet and 290,000 barrels of condensate daily to Guyanas hydrocarbon output. Guyana could be lifting around 2.2 million barrels of oil equivalent daily by the end of 2030, ranking the country as the world's eleventh-largest hydrocarbon producer.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) is one of the best drug stocks to buy right now. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) announced on September 9 that it attained Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emrusolmin, which is an investigational treatment for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in Phase 2 development.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (TEVA): Among Small-Cap Healthcare Stocks Hedge Funds is Buying

Management reported that there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options targeting MSA, a devastating and rare neurodegenerative disorder, because of the absence of treatments available that affect disease progression.

Part of a strategic collaboration with MODAG GmbH, a privately held German biotech company, emrusolmin is in the process of being evaluated in a Phase 2 trial to assess its efficacy and safety. Emrusolmin is a small molecule targeting the alpha synuclein protein, believed to be pivotally involved in the pathogenesis of MSA.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) added that the U.S. FDA granted Orphan Drug designation to emrusolmin for MSA in 2022.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) develops, produces, and sells medicines. Its operations are divided into the US, Europe, and International Markets geographical segments.

Each business segment covers the entire product portfolio in that region, including specialty, generics, and over-the-counter (OTC) products.

While we acknowledge the potential of TEVA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) is among the high growth mega cap stocks you can buy and hold for the next 3 years. On Friday, the United Auto Workers announced that it had signed a tentative five-year agreement with GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) regarding employees at the companys Evendale, Ohio, and Erlanger, Kentucky, facilities.

From job security and bonus vacation days to health care expenses, the deal covers all. Under the contract, GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) has committed to bear almost all premium increases over the contract term. Apart from that, the union highlighted the inclusion of minimum staffing levels and new work for both sites.

Lunar Ambitions Grow: Intuitive Machines Secures Expansion to Build the Next Generation of Space Infrastructure

This step became necessary because in August, as many as 600 workers called for a strike advocating for stronger protections and benefits. The members are set to vote on ratification on September 19, with picketing continuing until then. This tentative pact has been confirmed by GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE), which expresses its eagerness to strengthen this collaboration.

GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE), operated by General Electric Company, is an Ohio-based company that focuses on commercial and defense aircraft engines, mechanical aircraft systems, and engine components.

While we acknowledge the potential of GE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
Swiss banking powerhouse UBS, crypto banking specialist Sygnum and PostFinance, a subsidiary company of the state-owned Swiss Post, successfully tested payments between institutions on Ethereum, according to a press release on Tuesday.

The proof of concept, run under the Swiss Bankers Association, saw UBS, PostFinance, and Sygnum Bank carry out transactions using deposit tokens  digital representations of bank deposits that can move on a public blockchain.

The payments were settled legally between banks without relying on the traditional payment system. The transactions were conducted on Ethereum using a permissioned framework.

Switzerland already has an efficient domestic payments network, but traditional systems cant handle programmable conditions or integrate easily with blockchain-based markets, the companies said. With deposit tokens, transfers could in the future be processed instantly and tied to automated conditions through smart contracts.

For example, a securities trade could settle as soon as ownership is transferred, or an insurance payout could trigger once a claim is validated.

The trial tested two use cases: peer-to-peer payments between customers of different banks and an escrow-like setup where deposit tokens were swapped for tokenized assets.

While the project confirmed technical and legal feasibility, scaling the system will require broader participation from banks, infrastructure providers and regulators. The Swiss Bankers Association said the work falls under its strategic priority on digital currencies, but the pilot does not mean deposit tokens will be introduced immediately.




AI is central to a new technology partnership between the U.K. and the U.S., but cooperation on crypto policy isn't a top priority. | Credit: SOPA Images / Getty Images.

Key Takeaways

Big Tech firms announced 31 billion of new investments in the U.K. this week.

AI is central to a new technology partnership between the U.K. and the U.S.

Cooperation on crypto policy isnt a top priority, however.

As U.S. President Donald Trump visits the U.K. American Big Tech firms have announced billions of dollars of investment in the country.

But while AI has taken center stage in the transatlantic partnership, its business as usual for the U.K. crypto sector.

Big Tech Pledges 31B of U.K. Investment

To coincide with the agreement of a Tech Prosperity Deal between the U.K. and the U.S. on Wednesday, American firms unveiled 31 billion ($42.3 billion) of planned investments in the U.K.

Leading the charge, Microsoft committed to spending $30 billion over the next four years to fund its ongoing operations in the country and build new AI infrastructure.

Half of the money, which represents Microsofts largest ever investment in the U.K., will be used to expand its data center footprint in the country. It will help finance a new supercomputer equipped with 23,000 Nvidia GPUs the firm said would be the largest in the country.

Building AI Infrastructure

Overall, Nvidia said it plans to ship 120,000 Blackwell processors to the U.K., representing the largest AI infrastructure rollout in the countrys history.

The chipmaker announced a fresh 500 million investment from BlackRock in partnership with Digital Gravity Partners, which will be used to upgrade existing data centers with new Nvidia tech. It also touted previous commitments to invest up to 11 billion in the U.K.

Meanwhile, CEO Jensen Huang, who joined Donald Trump at Wednesday nights state banquet with the king, announced that Nvidia would acquire a 500 million stake in NScale.

The British AI infrastructure startup is a major beneficiary of the recent flurry of Big Tech investments, being a partner in Microsofts supercomputer project and a joint venture with OpenAI and Nvidia announced on Tuesday.

Stargate UK plans to deploy 8,000 GPUs in the first quarter of 2026, with the potential to scale to 31,000 processors over time.

Google and CoreWeave Outshone on Data Center Spending

Against Microsofts headline investment, other hyperscalers U.K. data center plans paled in comparison.

On Tuesday, Google committed 5 billion over two years to support AI research and cloud infrastructure development in the country. Meanwhile, Coreweave will spend an additional 1.5 billion boosting its data centre capacity in the U.K.

Crypto Eclipsed by AI Focus

Amid a whirlwind of announcements highlighting transatlantic collaboration on AI, crypto has so far been absent from the governments rhetoric.
Valued at a market cap of $26.4 billion, Veralto Corporation (VLTO) provides essential technology solutions that support water quality, product identification, and environmental monitoring. The Waltham, Massachusetts-based companys solutions help ensure safe water, accurate product labeling, sustainable packaging, and reliable quality control.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are typically classified as large-cap stocks, and Veralto fits the label perfectly, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the pollution & treatment controls industry. By combining scientific expertise, innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the company helps customers meet rising regulatory standards and achieve long-term operational resilience.

More News from Barchart

This water treatment company is currently trading 7.4% below its 52-week high of $115, reached on Oct. 24, 2024. Shares of VLTO have surged 9% over the past three months, outperforming the VanEck Environmental Services ETFs (EVX) 1.6% return during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

However, in the longer term, VLTO has fallen 3.1% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming EVX's 7.2% uptick over the same time period. Moreover, on a YTD basis, shares of Veralto are up 4.6%, compared to EVXs 12.6% surge.

To confirm its bullish trend, VLTO has been trading above its 200-day moving average since late June, and has remained above its 50-day moving average since late April.

www.barchart.com

On Jul. 28, Veralto delivered better-than-expected Q2 results, and its shares surged 1.9% in the following trading session. The companys total sales improved 6.4% year-over-year to $1.4 billion, with core sales rising by 4.8%. The top-line figure surpassed the consensus estimates by 2.2%. Furthermore, its adjusted EPS of $0.93 advanced by an even more impressive 9.4% from the year-ago quarter, topping analyst estimates of $0.89.

VLTO has significantly underperformed its rival, CECO Environmental Corp. (CECO), which surged 77.5% over the past 52 weeks and 67.7% on a YTD basis.

Given Veraltos recent outperformance, analysts remain moderately optimistic about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy from the 17 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $116.40 suggests a 9.3% premium to its current price levels.

On the date of publication, Neharika Jain 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
Key Points

There's a chance that an investigational obesity drug late in its development stage could be fast-tracked for FDA approval.

This would be under a new program launched by the regulator.

10 stocks we like better than Eli Lilly 

A hopeful report about a potential blockbuster drug currently in development and news of an expansion of manufacturing capability helped push Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) stock skyward on Tuesday. Shares of the massive U.S. pharmaceutical company closed the day more than 2% higher in value, on a session when the S&P 500 index landed slightly in the red.

A quickened approval process

Reuters published an article speculating that orforglipron, Eli Lilly's next-generation obesity drug currently in development, could earn Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval by the end of this year.

Image source: Getty Images.

The report was anchored by several analysts tracking Eli Lilly who believe a fast-track review process recently launched by the regulator could put orforglipron on pharmacy shelves very soon. Under the FDA's Commissioner's National Priority Voucher, the process for qualifying investigational drugs can be shorted to within 1-2 months. That's well down from the roughly 10 months for a standard review.

The news agency quoted one of those analysts, Jefferies' Akash Tiwari, as saying that "We think orforglipron is a prime candidate for this pilot program as it treats a high-burden chronic condition and can be priced at parity."

Virginia expansion

Meanwhile, Eli Lilly announced that it aims to construct a new manufacturing facility in Virginia. This factory, estimated to cost $5 billion, will concentrate largely on the production of antibody-drug conjugates, medications that are designed for delivery directly to affected cells in the body.

The Virginia plant is part of an assertive "capital expansion" program. Eli Lilly said it has devoted $50 billion to activities such as factory builds since 2020.

Should you buy stock in Eli Lilly right now?

Before you buy stock in Eli Lilly, 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 Eli Lilly wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $648,369!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,089,583!*
Key Points

The pharmaceutical company had some encouraging news to report from an industry conference in Vienna.

Its star weight-loss drug also has psychological benefits in relation to food, a recent study found.

10 stocks we like better than Novo Nordisk 

On Tuesday, there were two key news items from Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) for investors to digest. The pharmaceutical company, best known for its highly popular Wegovy obesity medication, unveiled results of a late-stage clinical trial of a potential successor drug. On top of that, it presented research suggesting previously unknown beneficial effects of taking Wegovy.

The market liked what it heard, clearly, and investors collectively bid up Novo Nordisk stock by almost 3% on the day. That gave it an easy beat against the S&P 500 index, which slumped marginally.

The next Wegovy?

At this year's annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Novo Nordisk presented data from a phase 3 clinical trial for cagrilintide. Like Wegovy, this treatment targets obesity, and it performed well versus a placebo in the study.

Patients administered the once-weekly injectable medication shed an average of 11.8% of their weight over the 68-week course of the study. That compared very favorably to results from participants taking a placebo, who collectively lost 2.3%.

Cagrilintide was generally well tolerated, with only mild to moderate side effects. These were most commonly gastrointestinal in nature.

Good feelings

In another presentation, Novo Nordisk detailed the findings from a real-world study indicating that the healthcare company's semaglutide (Wegovy's active ingredient) helped reduce "food noise." In other words, they experienced significantly fewer intrusive thoughts and feelings about eating. All told, 46% of the participants in the study reported such improvement.

A greater proportion (64%) said their metal well-being was improved while taking the drug, and 80% said they took up healthier behaviors on Wegovy.

Should you buy stock in Novo Nordisk right now?

Before you buy stock in Novo Nordisk, 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 Novo Nordisk wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $648,369!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,089,583!*
3 officers killed, 2 injured in shooting in U.S. state of Pennsylvania

Xinhua) 09:08, September 18, 2025

NEW YORK, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three officers were killed and two others were injured in a shooting in York County, the northeastern U.S. state of Pennsylvania, on Wednesday afternoon, U.S. media reported.

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. local time in North Codorus Township in York County, CBS reported.

Four of the officers were with the Northern York County Regional Police Department, while the fifth was a York County sheriff's deputy. Three of the officers died from injuries and two of them survived, officials said.

The police officers were serving a warrant in the area when a suspect pulled out a gun and fired at them, according to officials.

Pennsylvania State Police were investigating the shooting, the report said.

In a post on social media, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he was briefed on the situation involving law enforcement in York County and asked people in the area to follow guidance from state police and local officers.

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, in a social media post, asked people to pray for "the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is one of the Top Large Cap Stocks to Buy At 52-Week Low. Wall Street has a mixed opinion on Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) since the company released its fiscal second quarter results for 2026. Although the company topped revenue and EPS estimates, the stock has fallen more than 8.8% since the release.

The company posted a quarterly revenue of $25.21 billion, which decreased 0.95% year-over-year but was ahead of the consensus by $306.39 million. In addition, the EPS of $2.05 also topped the consensus by $0.01. Management noted that traffic and sales trend improved meaningfully compared to the first quarter of 2025 as all core merchandising categories saw comparable sales growth quarter-over-quarter.

However, analysts have a mixed opinion on Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT). Earlier on August 21, Simeon Gutman from Morgan Stanley, reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $112. However, on the same day, Seth Sigman from Barclays reiterated a Sell rating on the stock with a price target of $91. More recently, on August 25, Robert Ohmes from Bank of America Securities has also reiterated a Sell rating on the stock with a price target of $93.

Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is a general merchandise retailer that sells a wide range of products, including apparel, beauty, food, and home goods.

While we acknowledge the potential of TGT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Starbucks workers in three states have taken legal action against the company over allegations its new dress code violated state laws.

Workers in Illinois and Colorado filed class-action lawsuits on Wednesday, claiming Starbucks broke the law when it changed its dress code but wouldnt pay workers back who purchased new clothes to adhere to the companys new attire requirements, according to the filings.

Starbucks workers in California also took legal steps against the coffee company on Wednesday by filing complaints with the states Labor and Workforce Development Agency over the same allegations. Workers also filed complaints over Starbucks failure to reimburse over work-required use of personal phones and vehicles.

However, if the labor agency doesnt pursue action against the company, then the workers intend to file a civil-action suit against Starbucks, according to the complaints.

In April, Starbucks announced it was updating its dress code for workers in stores across North America starting May 12. The same week the new dress code took effect, hundreds of Starbucks employees at more than 100 stores across the U.S. went on strike .

The new dress code requires workers to wear either a solid black short or long-sleeve crewneck or a collared or button-up shirt, bottoms in khaki, black, or blue denim, and shoes in black, grey, navy blue, brown, tan, or white.

Workers are not allowed to wear "theatrical makeup or nail polish and are only allowed to have one small facial piercing no larger than a dime, among other requirements. Prior to the dress code change, Starbucks had more relaxed attire requirements for workers.

Starbucks said that it simplified its dress code to deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience for customers and give workers simpler and clearer dress code guidance, adding that partners received two shirts at no cost. Starbucks refers to its employees as partners.

In a guide to its dress code, Starbucks said workers who come to work in violation of the dress code will not be permitted to start their shifts, adding that failure to adhere to the dress code could lead to corrective action which includes separation from employment.

The new dress code is part of Starbucks CEO Brian Niccols plans to get back to Starbucks, which he said was his goal in his first letter to the company. Since his tenure began last September, Starbucks has returned to hand-writing names on cups, rolled out comfier chairs to encourage customers to remain in stores longer, and cut back on custom menu items.
Zimbabwe has entered a 15-year concession agreement with Jindal Africa, the subsidiary of Indias Jindal Steel, for a value of $455m to rehabilitate the 920MW coal-fired Hwange thermal power plant.

The refurbishment project, announced by the countrys energy minister July Moyo, will focus on revitalising six ageing units over four years, reported Reuters.

Under the agreement, Jindal will finance, rehabilitate, and operate the thermal units for 15 years before transferring them back to Zimbabwe Power Company, the state-run producer and distributor.

Jindal Africa will recoup its investment through electricity sales, thereby reducing financial and operational risks for the government.

Zimbabwe is presently able to fulfil about 50% of its 2,000MW electricity requirement.

This shortfall results in frequent power outages, primarily due to the declining capacity of its outdated power facilities.

The Hwange plant is Zimbabwe's largest, with a capacity of 1,520MW, and underwent an upgrade in 2023 with the commissioning of two units, adding 600MW.

However, its older units, constructed in the 1980s, are currently functioning at only one-third of their capacity due to frequent breakdowns.

Another power plant, the Kariba hydropower station, originally built in the 1960s, underwent an upgrade in 2018, boosting its capacity by 300MW to a total of 1,050MW.

However, its generation capacity has been impacted by drought in recent years.

Last year in December, JSP Green Wind 1, a subsidiary of Jindal Renewables and Suzlon expanded its partnership with a 302.4MW wind power project in Karnatakas Koppal region in India.

"Zimbabwe signs $455m deal with Jindal for power plant refurbishment  report " was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Operating in a dynamic urban landscape like Mumbai, Dr Smrutis pain management practice is uniquely structured to meet the citys logistical and lifestyle challenges

care. Pain is not merely treated with medications or injections, but addressed in totality, considering physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.Operating in a dynamic urban landscape like Mumbai, Dr Smrutis pain management practice is uniquely structured to meet the citys logistical and lifestyle challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is patient consistency, many patients miss follow-ups due to long travel distances or busy schedules, leading to interruptions in care.To overcome this, we have adopted a multi-location model, offering consultations across several reputed hospitals throughout the city, she informs. To further improve the continuity of care, Dr Smruti also provides online video consultations, an invaluable service during Mumbais monsoons or for patients with mobility issues.Dr Smrutis approach to pain management is rooted in a deeply inter disciplinary model, ensuring patients receive well-rounded, personalized care. Recognizing that pain is multifaceted, the multidisciplinary setup allows patients to receive all necessary services under one roof, eliminating the need to visit multiple centers and significantly enhancing their comfort and continuity of care.One of the most impactful success stories from Dr Smruti clinic high lights the profound results of a truly multi-modal holistic approach to pain management. A 26-year-old woman, postgraduate from reputed inter national institute and an employee of a major corporate establishment developed debilitating back pain following childbirth.After consulting many different specialist doctors without relief, she was referred to Dr Smruti. Upon thorough assessment, Dr Smruti identified that, while there was a biological component to her pain, the dominant underlying issues were severe mental stress, anxiety, and depression, factors often overlooked in traditional pain care. The patient was emotionally overwhelmed to the point of wanting to give up her baby, believing she could no longer cope.Dr Smruti has been recognized among the top 10 pain management consultants in Mumbai, with her hospital ranking in the citys top three last year. She continues to maintain her medical registration in the UK, where she practices anesthesia and pain management periodically, gaining valuable global insights.Looking ahead, Dr Smruti wants to expand the reach and scope of her pain management services to meet the evolving needs of patients. She consults at multiple reputed hospitals including Seabirds Hiranandani Powai, Wockhardt group of Hospitals Mumbai, Breach Candy Hospital Mumbai and P D Hinduja Hospital Khar. Her plans focus on launching of specialized clinic.We are developing dedicated services for cancer pain management, as well as a pioneering clinic for children and young adults with learning difficulties, such as cerebral palsy and autism.I am also collaborating with gynecologists to establish a focused clinic for endometriosis to address a painful condition that often lacks targeted, effective treatment, Dr Smruti concludes.
Dutch education and research cooperative SURF has warned its users to exercise caution when deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot saying that there still risks associated with deploying the AI tool.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered tool integrated into Microsoft 365 applications that aids users by providing suggestions, automating tasks, and enhancing productivity through natural language processing.

In December 2024, SURF Netherlands, which provides advanced IT services and infrastructure for more than 100 education and research institutions in the Netherlands, advised its users not to use Microsoft 365 Copilot.

"Research shows that there are privacy risks associated with using the generative AI tool," SURF said at the time.

SURF said that the risks related to Microsoft's lack of transparency regarding the personal data of users collected and stored, and also that Microsoft 365 Copilot likely generates incorrect data.

In its updated advisory 12 September 2025, SURF modified its advisory after a new DPIA (Data Protection Impact Assessment), saying that institutions should "exercise caution" when deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot.

SURF said in its latest advisory that, despite improvements to the AI application, not all risks have been convincingly addressed.

"Due to the privacy improvements in Microsoft 365 Copilot, from which all users benefit, SURF no longer advises against its use entirely," SURF said.

"However, given the remaining risks, we recommend that educational and research institutions adopt a cautious approach to using Copilot and carefully weigh the risks for each type of use."

While two of the four original risks identified, have been addressed, according to SURF, two remaining risks relate to inaccurate personal data and the retention period of diagnostic personal data on the use of the service.

"SURF is keeping a close watch on Microsofts commitments to address these medium risks and will make a new assessment in six months," the cooperative said.
View from Tsutenkaku Tower (Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)



This summer, I went on a road trip to Osaka with my family. We loaded into our minivan and began the five-and-a-half-hour trip from our home in Sagamihara. While driving is an option for road trips in Japan, with its endless stretches of scenery, its not the fastest. If youre travelling with only a few people, taking a bullet train (Shinkansen) would be a faster option.

Day 1. Famous castle, tower, street

We started our first full day by taking the train to Osaka Castle. It was extremely hot and humid. Still, the walk through the park to the castle was peaceful and the view of the castle made the heat worth it. The castle itself was huge, with towering white walls and gold details to match.

Osaka Castle (Photo by Aivlys Adjei Mensah)



Inside, we explored the museum, which told the story of Osakas history with a major focus on the late Emperor Hirohito (1901-1989). There were artifacts, dioramas, original letters and many more historical items to look at and interact with. But the nine flights of stairs to climb and no elevator access made the visit a grueling workout. At the very top floor there was a great balcony view of the city.

While the top floor of the castle offered a great view of the area, our visit was unexpectedly interrupted when an elderly man climbed over the balcony and casually sat on the ledge overlooking the large drop to the ground. Emergency responders were called and eventually arrived and evacuated everyone. Though I didnt stay to see what happened, it reminded me of the unpredictability of life and how close anyone can be to death.

After the castle we headed to Tsutenkaku Tower, one of Japans famous landmark towers, and enjoyed the view. We also rode the slide down! Though the ride was only 10 seconds long, the atmosphere was amazing because those at the bottom clapped more enthusiastically the louder the slider screamed.

Tsutenkaku Tower (Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)

Tsutenkaku Hondori (Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)



Following dinner, we headed to Dotonbori, Osakas most famous street. It was full of people, music, food, shops and giant crab and octopus signs. We took a river cruise which carried a beautiful breeze and floated past neon signs and city lights. We then took a ride on the Don Quijote Ferris Wheel which turns on an oval on the river-facing store front.

The view from 253 feet above was beautiful until it was too scary to watch. Im glad we did it anyway. At the highest, scariest point, my siblings and I began singing as loud as possible to make the experience more bearable, which helped. And we ended the night with strawberry treats from a dessert cart.

(Photo by Aivlys Adjei Mensah)



Day 2. Observatory and riverboat

Dotonbori (Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)

Dotonbori (Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)

Umeda Sky Building (Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)

Umeda Sky Building (Photo by Aivlys Adjei Mensah)



On our second day, we visited the Kuchu Teien Observatory, located at the top of the Umeda Sky Building. The building featured a glass elevator that made me queasy just being in it. It was so tall. But to be fair, it is one of the tallest buildings in Osaka, making my feelings justified. The view from the top was almost empowering, it was as if there wasnt anything you couldnt see.

A few hours later at the Osaka Castle Pier, we boarded the Aqualiner, a colorful, sleek riverboat that gave us a quieter, air-conditioned tour of Osaka from the water. The tour lasted about an hour and covered some of Osakas landmarks, including a view of the castle and the Japan Mint. After hours of exploration, riding the boat was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep.

Day 3. Universal Studios Japan

Minions (Photo by Aivlys Adjei Mensah)

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (Photo by Aivlys Adjei Mensah)

rollercoaster ride (Photo by Marian Adjei Tawiah)

Universal Studios Japan (Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)

Universal Studio Japan (Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)



For our last full day in Osaka, we headed to crowded Universal Studios Japan. As expected, it was busy but worth it. We went on multiple rollercoaster rides, I watched a 4D show for the first time and saw a live K-pop performance in the park. USJ is home to Super Nintendo World, Minion Park and streets recreating those in famous U.S. cities like Hollywood and Brooklyn. All the different sections were beautifully designed and made you feel as if you were there.

Super Nintendo World was my favorite because it was like walking into a real-life game. Everything felt and looked so real. It quite literally was amazing.

If you plan to visit, I recommend getting there early, always having a drink with you and maybe even getting a fast pass. My brother and I were able to do about one ride per hour but in the extremely crowded areas like Super Nintendo world, a fast pass would cut the 120-minute wait time down by more than half. PRO TIP: Take the singles line if you dont mind riding beside someone you dont know. Those lines move much faster as well.

Other Osaka faves

Dont forget to eat! Osaka is famous for its street food, like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. I did stay safe with my food choices and didnt explore much with new dishes. So dont make the same mistake I did and try something new!

Another fun aspect of Osaka is its mascots. While I was there, there were two main characters that were never far from my sight. Myaku Myaku was the first one, it being a representative of the continuity of life, and Billiken, which represents good luck. These special characters are little reminders of small lessons that add to the charm of Osaka.

Despite the 95-degree days and long lines, the experience was unforgettable. The sights, heights and memories turned the trip from a hot, ordinary road trip to something I now find myself reminiscing about. Though Osaka is part of Japan, it is so different in so many ways to everywhere else, from the massive train stations to standing on the right side of escalators. Osaka was truly special, so if youre looking for somewhere new to explore, add it to your list.

Tips for road tripping to Osaka

Enjoy the rest stops! They are part of the journey, dont rush through them, make sure to stop, eat, stretch, explore and maybe even shop.

Consider purchasing a city pass or bringing along your Pasmo or Suica card. Getting to the various landmarks around Osaka is made so much faster and easier when youre not worrying about tickets and train fares.

Stay on top of the weather, especially if youre going in the summer. Carrying a fan, water, UV umbrella or handkerchief are all good ways to beat the heat because the weather is INTENSE.

Get out early. The foot traffic in places like the castle and Universal Studios can keep you outside for a while, so try to get out before the crowds.

(Photo by Maame Akua Sarpong)



Maame Akua Sarpong is a senior at Zama Middle High School on Camp Zama. Sarpong has a love for creativity and exploring and enjoys reading, crocheting and travel. She likes to capture moments through photography and to volunteer in her community.
Jimmy Kimmel's TV talk-show has been indefinitely pulled by ABC following his recent remarks about Charlie Kirk.

Jimmy Kimmel has been taken off the air

The 57-year-old comedian's long-running TV talk-show has been taken of the air, after he recently suggested that Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting Kirk at a university in Utah, was aligned to the Make America Great Again movement.

He said during a monologue on the show: "The MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it."

He added: "In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving."

Nexstar Media, the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the US, has now confirmed that it plans to "replace the show with other programming".

The company said in a statement: "Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets."

Andrew Alford, the president of Nexstars broadcasting division, believes keeping the comedian's show on the air is "simply not in the public interest at the current time".

He said: "Mr. Kimmels comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located."

Alford hopes that the decision will allow "cooler heads" to prevail.

The Nexstar boss is also hopeful of restoring "respectful, constructive dialogue".

He said: "Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue."

Meanwhile, Brendan Carr - the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - previously warned that the agency, which regulates the broadcast industry in the US, could take action against the broadcaster.

He told podcaster Benny Johnson: "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead."
A long-standing charity that has supported families in Northern Ireland for nearly five decades is set to close by the end of this month.

Parenting support charity to shut after 46 years

Parenting Focus NI, based in Belfast, announced it will cease operations after shutting down its freephone support line.

The charity, which began as the Parents Advice Centre in 1979 before becoming Parenting NI and later Parenting Focus, provided workshops and support services for parents, grandparents, and guardians across the region.

Its programmes included help for fathers and guidance such as Parenting Your Teen sessions.

Northern Irelands Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Chris Quinn, described the closure as a serious warning to politicians about the state of voluntary services in the region.

He said the loss of Parenting Focus raises wider concerns about funding cuts that have left the community and voluntary sector struggling.

Quinn said: We have seen the closure of several brilliant organisations over the years  and the removal of and reduction in funding that enables the delivery of essential services to vulnerable children and families is deeply concerning.

He stressed that early intervention and family support are key to preventing crises and building stronger communities, and must be seen as good value for public money.

Quinn added: This must act as a wake-up call for government. Evidence has told us time and time again that early intervention and family support is crucial  they prevent crises, strengthen communities, and represent good value for public money.

The commissioner expressed sadness at losing a vital source of support that has helped families build resilience and improve relationships over 46 years.

He highlighted Parenting Focuss role in shaping policy and contributing to reviews of childrens social care alongside other voluntary groups.

Quinn said: Generations of children and young people have benefitted directly and indirectly from the dedication of their amazing staff, volunteers, and supporters.

He urged the government to rebuild trust with the voluntary sector and provide sustainable funding to prevent more organisations from closing.

Quinn warned families cannot afford to lose the organisations best placed to support them.

He said: "This must be supported by enhanced and sustainable funding. Families in NI cannot afford to keep losing the organisations that understand and serve them best.

"Parenting Focuss closure must be seen as more than an end  it must be a warning, and a catalyst for government to act differently."
Tourists returned to Machu Picchu on Wednesday (17.09.25) after a two-day protest by local residents blocked access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and left hundreds stranded.

Tourists return to Machu Picchu after protest blocks access

The demonstration began on Monday (15.09.25) when protesters placed rocks and logs on railway tracks near Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the Inca citadel.

The Machu Picchu Defence Front, which organised the action, is demanding that local communities be included in the bidding process for a new bus operator to transport visitors between the town and the sites entrance.

Police reported that 14 officers were injured during clashes with demonstrators.

Train services were suspended, disrupting travel for foreign and domestic tourists.

According to authorities, more than 1,400 visitors were evacuated by emergency services overnight on Monday, with an additional 156 removed on Tuesday (16.09.25) evening.

Several hundred more left the area on foot.

A list seen by AFP showed the affected tourists included nationals from France, Japan, the United States, Brazil, Germany, and Portugal.

Train services resumed on Wednesday after residents announced a temporary truce lasting until Saturday to allow negotiations with the government to take place.

The protest centres around the expiration of a 30-year concession held by the current bus operator.

Although the contract has ended, the company has continued to operate the route, prompting local anger and demands for greater community involvement in future contracts.

Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century under Inca emperor Pachacutec, receives around 4,500 visitors daily, according to Perus tourism ministry. Travellers typically take a 110-kilometre train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride to the site.

The citadel, situated at 2,438 metres above sea level, has been the focus of repeated protests over local economic rights and tourism management.
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Maternal-fetal medicine fellow Frank I. Jackson discusses his article Affordable postpartum hemorrhage solutions every OB/GYN should know. Frank explains how postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal mortality, especially in low-resource settings where advanced devices like the JADA System are inaccessible. He introduces two innovative, low-cost techniquesFOCUS (Foley catheter for uterine suction) and STUT (suction tube uterine tamponade)that replicate the life-saving mechanism of expensive devices but with tools found in nearly every labor ward. Frank shares evidence from recent clinical trials, describes practical steps for implementation, and emphasizes why every obstetric provider should learn these methods. Listeners will gain actionable knowledge on how to apply simple, affordable interventions that can save lives globally.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Frank Jackson. He is a maternal-fetal medicine fellow. Todays KevinMD article is Affordable postpartum hemorrhage solutions every OB/GYN should know. Frank, welcome to the show.

Frank Jackson: Hi Kevin. Thank you for having me.

Kevin Pho: All right, let us start by briefly sharing your story and then jump into the KevinMD article and tell us what it is about.

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Frank Jackson: All right, so I am a maternal-fetal medicine fellow. I trained originally in Connecticut during the pandemic when we were going through a lot of supply shortages and figuring out how to take care of patients on less than we used to have traditionally. And then I moved on to fellowship here on Long Island and got very passionate about the topic of care of our postpartum hemorrhage patients.

Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us what your article is about for those who did not get a chance to read it yet.

Frank Jackson: Sure. So it is about a technique for vacuum-induced uterine tamponade for postpartum hemorrhage. Essentially back in 2020, the new way of treating postpartum hemorrhage came out. We started using this device called the Jada, which is essentially a suction tube that goes inside the uterus and helps control hemorrhage very, very quickly, and it was completely transformative for us as OB/GYNs in the United States.

Many labor and delivery units transitioned to using this. However, as supply shortages were hitting all of us across the United States, part of my mindset came to how would I live? How would I take care of my patients if I did not have this device? Looking around our labor and delivery unit, thinking about what people had done in the past, thinking about what would be available in any situation. My thought was, Well, the Foley catheter is something that we are all familiar with as OB/GYNs. It is something that we have seen used time and time again for hemorrhage or in labor. And so if I could hook that up to suction that would potentially do the trick.

And a case came by probably about a year ago where a patient had a hemorrhage and they were not eligible for the Jada. Their cervix was not dilated enough for the Jada to fit. And so I tried out the technique and it worked like the Jada would have worked. So I published that case report and I started thinking this worked very well for my patient. However, there are many patients who die of postpartum hemorrhage worldwide.

So approximately 70,000 to 90,000 women a year die of postpartum hemorrhage. And it is not generally because we do not have the know-how. It is not because the technology does not exist to save their lives. It is because the technology is not available to save their lives in every setting. And using a Foley, which is available in pretty much every labor and delivery, every ED, worldwide was something that could actually transform that.

And so I started thinking, how do I spread the word for OB/GYNs to know that these techniques are available? I came across STUT, which is similar to FocUS, where we use a gastric tube instead of a Foley to do uterine tamponade. And I thought, Well, both of these things could be inserted in the uterus, hooked up to low wall suction when a patient is hemorrhaging and could control the hemorrhage very quickly. There are some good studies that show that STUT works very well. There are a few studies that we are working on that show that FocUS works very well, and I figured, I would write to KevinMD and make sure that your readership knew that this is an option if they do not have anything else available to provide this care.

Kevin Pho: All right, so before talking about some of these techniques, just give us a little bit of context in terms of how common postpartum hemorrhage is. You did mention some data in terms of how many women died from it. What are some of the risk factors? How much should it worry OB/GYNs in the delivery room?

Frank Jackson: Sure. I mean, every OB/GYN is very familiar with postpartum hemorrhage. So in the United States, about 3 to 5 percent of patients receive blood transfusions after their delivery. There is a multitude of risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage, so patients who it is their first baby are at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Patients who have cesarean deliveries are at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Patients who had many pregnancies in the past are at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. So people who have had more than five deliveries, people with clotting disorders at high risk, higher BMI puts patients at higher risk.

And then there are some conditions that put patients at exceedingly high risk. Certain conditions, for example, like having a placenta accreta where the placenta is morbidly adherent to the uterus puts patients at very, very high risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Preeclampsia, which is a common condition of high blood pressures in pregnancy, increases risk of postpartum hemorrhage as well.

In terms of how we manage postpartum hemorrhage, as OB/GYNs will know, and maybe a new development since some of us have gone to medical school, now we have taken steps prophylactically to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. So it is routine in the United States now for every patient to receive oxytocin to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, but it does not work all the time. So when that does not work, sometimes we have to turn to devices like the Jada that I spoke about or we have a different device called the Bakri that also works by putting pressure outwards instead of pulling it inwards. And then in some cases people lose their fertility. They have to have hysterectomies in order to stop the hemorrhage.

Kevin Pho: So tell us a little bit more about the Jada system. It sounds like that is standard of care. How often is that used, or how recent is that development?

Frank Jackson: Sure. So the Jada was first described in 2016 in a small study of 16 patients in Indonesia. And essentially the way that the Jada system works is instead of applying pressure outwards, like some of the prior techniques had been doing with uterine balloon tamponade, we are sucking the walls of the uterus in, which is much more physiologic. And so that was followed up with a larger study, the PEARL trial, which came out in 2019 or 2020, which in 100 patients showed that the Jada was very effective at controlling hemorrhage. So within five minutes, the majority of hemorrhages were controlled. Over 90 percent of patients who were having significant hemorrhage stopped having a significant hemorrhage.

And so at that point, the device became marketed across the United States to different labor and delivery units. And for many of us, it became transformative. Just from clinical experience, we could see that patients were doing better faster with the Jada than they were with the Bakri. So when I started as a medical student, when I started as an intern, we did not have the Jada and we would place the Bakri. And the Bakri is a good device, but we saw that when the Jada came along our success rate of controlling hemorrhage appeared to be significantly better.

And so, at least in the units that I have worked in, we have switched predominantly to the Jada for postpartum hemorrhage control just because it seems to work better in our experience. There are a couple studies that have looked at efficacy of these two approaches. The balloon where we push outwards versus the Jada where you draw inwards. Some have shown that the Jada works better. Some have shown equivocal results. But I think in the United States, I would suspect that it is about 50 percent of OB/GYNs are using Jada as their first device nowadays, which is pretty astounding for something that came out just five years ago.

Kevin Pho: So before Jada, were obstetricians using things like the Foley catheter or the suction tube?

Frank Jackson: So, sure. So before the Jada came out, what people were using for the most part was something called the Bakri balloon, which is essentially a large Foley catheter that goes inside the uterus that gets blown up to push out the uterus. And then the alternative in lower resourced areas is people would do what is called a condom catheter, where they would take a Foley catheter, they would wrap a condom over it, tie up the bottom, and then they would backfill it to essentially create a large balloon. And so essentially what they would do is create a balloon that was about 500 ccs of fluid, and they would push the uterus outwards.

Now, when you are trying to control hemorrhage in obstetrics, what you are trying to do is actually shrink the uterus. So all the medications that we give, the uterotonics, so oxytocin, misoprostol, methylergometrine, hemabate, they are all meant to shrink the uterus down. When we do surgical interventions before we move on to a hysterectomy, when we do a B-Lynch suture, that is to contract the uterus or help bring it down. And so the only intervention that we are doing that makes the uterus bigger is this uterine balloon tamponade. And so that is what we were generally doing as devices up until the Jada came out.

And the Jada is really what switched us to thinking about suction. And so when the Jada study came out, that is when people started investigating these other devices. So the suction, the gastric tube, there is a group out of South Africa, Dr. Hofmeyr, that published on this. They just published the first randomized controlled trial actually looking at vacuum-induced tamponade versus uterine balloon tamponade. And they showed that it is very promising to do a vacuum-induced tamponade over a balloon tamponade. And that is the first study that actually compares the two head-to-head. They found that they achieved the desirable outcome of hemorrhage control much faster with vacuum tamponade. They found that we had lower blood loss with vacuum tamponade, less blood transfusions with vacuum tamponade. And the results are so promising that the WHO is pursuing a large randomized control trial right now called the E-MOTIVE trial to establish once and for all, whether vacuum tamponade should really be the one first-line standard of care before we go to balloon tamponade. But it is really a recent development for the past five years.

Kevin Pho: So now that we are in a post-pandemic era and presumably we do not have a shortage of resources, where do you see the role of the Foley catheter or the suction tube techniques?

Frank Jackson: So, when we think about FocUS, which is a Foley catheter hooked up to suction, or STUT, which is a gastric tube hooked up suction, we are really talking about one in high resource settings when patients are not dilated enough and they have a contraindication to the Jada. And then when we are in low resource settings, there are plenty of settings where we cannot access the Jada. So information on the cost of the Jada is individualized to the hospital, is not necessarily publicly available. There is one article that quotes the cost at about 1,000 dollars, which for high resource settings like Long Island, New York, or Nashua, New Hampshire, the Jada is available and affordable to save womens lives. But in many settings, they do not have 1,000 dollars for a device that sits on the shelf and might expire. So I have actually heard from many midwives who deliver in the United States and do home births, where right now they do not have a good device to do vacuum induced tamponade or from OB/GYNs in Africa, but even OB/GYNs in countries like France or Switzerland where they do not have the Jada because it is cost prohibitive. And so even in what we would consider high resourced areas, there is a need for an affordable option to help manage hemorrhage.

Kevin Pho: So talking about the rest of the world, you said the kind of lower resource settings is FocUS and STUT. The Foley catheter, G-tube, is that standard of care there?

Frank Jackson: So, they are not standard of care yet. So what is happening in the United States, vacuum tamponade has become standard of care. That is not the case in other countries. I have spoken to OB/GYNs, for example, in France who say when they come to the United States, everybody talks about the Jada like it is Gods gift to obstetrics. But it is too expensive for France. And so in France, they do not use it. They still do uterine balloon tamponade. I think what is going to happen in the next couple years is when that WHO E-MOTIVE trial comes out. I think they will confirm the study results that Dr. Hofmeyr had in his initial STUT trial and show that vacuum induced tamponade is actually superior to uterine balloon tamponade. Once that happens, I think that it will become standard of care for anywhere that has suction that is readily available.

Kevin Pho: And what do you see going forward in the United States? Do you still see Jada type systems or Jada still becoming standard of care? Or do you still see these lower cost techniques still being used in rural areas or lower resource settings?

Frank Jackson: I think what is going to happen in the U.S. is at least in the short, medium term, and at least in my practice, what is happening is that when a patient is appropriate for the Jada, people are going to use the Jada and I think it is going to happen more and more. So ACOG, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, just came out about a month ago or so, after the article I wrote, actually was published, that now having vacuum-induced tamponade devices should be standard on every labor and delivery unit. So they should have, now there is a recommendation we should have both types of devices available, which was not the case up until very recently. So I think every labor and delivery unit is going to start having these supplies.

And I think when the patient is a candidate, we are going to go to Jada because it is the on-label device. That is the device that has the most efficacy and safety data around it. And that is what we are going to reach for first. But there are plenty of cases where patients cannot have Jada and where we will still need to reach for the Foley. So for example, there are cases where people have second trimester pregnancy losses, or even first trimester pregnancy losses where we have used FocUS. There are patients who have cesarean deliveries where they are not dilated yet. The Jada cannot go into a patient unless they are at least 3 centimeters dilated. Right now, those patients have no option for vacuum-induced tamponade unless they reach for a Foley or gastric tube. And I think in well-resourced American hospitals, that is where FocUS and STUT fill a gap is these places where you are looking at the list of contraindications to Jada, you say, Well, Jada is contraindicated in this situation; let me reach out for a Foley and use it the exact same way as we use the Jada, put it in the uterus, hook up to suction, and it works the exact same way.

Kevin Pho: And how about in academic medical centers? Like you are a maternal-fetal medicine fellow. Are these fellows and residents being trained in all of these techniques?

Frank Jackson: Yeah, so residents and fellows are starting to be trained in these techniques. And then the other development is, AWHONN, which is the overseeing body of OB/GYN and neonatal nurses has expressed interest in FocUS because they are on the field. They are on the ground talking to nurses all over the country. And they are training nurses in postpartum hemorrhage management all over the country. And they see the value in having a device that is low-cost and that can be used on any labor and delivery or even ED setting nationwide, especially for these patients where we know, for example, c-sections are a risk factor for hemorrhage, but we cannot put the Jada in every c-section patient.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Frank Jackson. He is a maternal-fetal medicine fellow. Todays KevinMD article is Affordable postpartum hemorrhage solutions every OB/GYN should know. Frank, let us end with some take home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Frank Jackson: Sure. I mean, I think the first thing is when you have a woman who has postpartum hemorrhage, stop and think. You want to be calm and composed, and once you have taken that time, use the same principles you would use to save the patient, even if the tool that is available to you is not right. So if the Jada is not going to work for you, think about the other tools that can fill that gap. I think that FocUS and STUT are two tools that make it a lot easier to manage postpartum hemorrhages in these situations where we could not have used the Jada in the past. And the other piece I think is if you are a physician who has some idea on how to help people out, do not keep it for yourself and make sure that it is something that is available for all.

Kevin Pho: Frank, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show.

Frank Jackson: Thank you, Kevin.
Across the worlds earliest civilizations, healers turned to nature as their pharmacy. Ancient systems like Ayurveda in India, Unani (Hikmat) medicine in the Middle East, and early European herbalism developed sophisticated therapeutic practices rooted in plants and natural compounds, many of which are still clinically relevant today.

Take turmeric, for example. Traditionally simmered in milk or prepared as a paste, it was used for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Today, biomedical research is investigating curcumin, its active compound, for use in chronic pain and arthritis. Or consider willow bark, which ancient Greek healers steeped in tea to relieve fever and body aches. It contains salicin, a natural precursor to what eventually became aspirin. Another striking example from Unani medicine is Colchicum autumnale (Suranjan Talkh), historically used to treat gout and joint pain. Its active ingredient gave rise to colchicine, a drug still used today for gout flares, pericarditis, and familial Mediterranean fever. These examples show that nature has long held the blueprint for some of our most revolutionary therapies.

What makes modern medicine so exciting is that we are no longer just using the whole plant or relying on trial and error. With the power of modern science, from molecular biology to computational modeling, we can now zoom in and identify the precise molecules responsible for therapeutic effects. We can isolate them, study how they interact with our receptors, and even tweak their structures to reduce side effects or boost potency. This is the bridge we are building: from the ancient fields where turmeric, willow bark, and Colchicum autumnale were gathered, to todays laboratories where their active compounds are refined into targeted, evidence-based treatments. We are not replacing traditional wisdom, we are building on it, using modern tools to unlock natures blueprints in entirely new ways.

During my pain medicine rotation as a fourth-year medical student, I was struck by how challenging it can be to treat patients with severe, chronic pain, especially when opioids pose risks of addiction and side effects. That is when I learned about Prialt (ziconotide). Prialt is derived from the venom of a tiny marine creature, the cone snail. These snails use their venom to immobilize prey, but scientists discovered that one of the venoms components can block specific calcium channels in human nerves, effectively shutting down pain signals without involving opioids. It represents a therapeutic approach typically used for patients with severe, hard-to-treat pain, especially after they have gone through options like physical therapy, acupuncture, back injections, nerve ablation procedures, and medications like gabapentin, Lyrica, or Cymbalta.

Equally fascinating is capsaicin, the active compound that gives chili peppers their heat. While initially causing a burning sensation, scientists discovered it can desensitize nerve fibers responsible for pain. Today, high-concentration capsaicin patches are a powerful, non-opioid option for specific types of nerve pain, like post-herpetic neuralgia. This is one of many cases where scientists have turned an unexpected natural effect into a tool for modern, targeted pain relief.

Chronic pain is rarely a simple or singular phenomenon. It is often the result of multiple overlapping processes: acute and chronic inflammation involving cytokines, prostaglandins, and immune cells; neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction; oxidative stress, which disrupts the balance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cellular injury; and central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to stimuli that would not normally cause pain.

Understanding this complexity highlights why there is no one-size-fits-all solutionand why both ancient healing traditions and modern science have so much to offer. Each approach addresses different layers of the problem, whether it is targeting inflammation with plant-based compounds, modulating nerve activity with venom-derived therapies, or using natural irritants like capsaicin to desensitize pain pathways.

Exploring these treatments reminded me that some of the most innovative breakthroughs in medicine do not always start in a lab, they often begin in nature. As someone preparing to enter a field like anesthesiology, where managing pain is both an art and a science, I find it inspiring that we can blend ancient wisdom with modern precision. It gives me hope that we are not just treating pain, we are evolving how we understand it.

I want to thank Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed, who helped me develop the idea and compose this article.

Varun Mangal is a medical student.
The Boys creator Eric Kripke has detailed how the second season of Gen V will set up the series finale.

The Boys creator Eric Kripke has shared how the second season of Gen V will set up the series finale

The Prime Video superhero show is set to conclude with its fifth and final season at some point next year, and the 51-year-old writer has now explained that the next instalment of the spin-off programme Gen V will show how characters like Antony Starrs Homelander, Erin Moriartys Starlight and Chace Crawfords The Deep have evolved since their last appearance in season four.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Kripke said: As season four of The Boys ended, Homelander sort of took over the country, so this is really the audiences first glimpse of how the world has changed.

Gen V season two really picks up the world from where Boys season four ended. You see how it evolves, you see what Starlights new role is, for example; where Stan Edgar is, where Sage is and where The Deep is - hes somewhere stupid because thats where The Deep goes.

So we get to play with these characters and sort of position them on the chess board where we need them, so that when season five begins theyre where we need them to be.

Kripke teased he is currently editing the final episodes of The Boys season five, and has received positive feedback from those he has shown it to.

He said: I just showed people the series finale, which they appeared to not be horrified by it and they seemed to like it which is great.

Obviously its really hard to land the plane and Im anxious that well be able to do it, but so far the signs seem positive.

Gen V showrunner Michele Fazekas added that diving into the last episodes, theres going to be some team-ups, I will say.

The Boys, which also stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Laz Alonso, Karen Fukuhara and Tomer Capone, follows a group of misfits as they attempt to bring down The Seven - a team of superheroes who are not as super as they seem.

After The Boys concludes, the franchise will be expanded with spin-offs like The Boys: Mexico and Vought Rising, which will explore the sinister superhero organisations origins in the 1950s.

Kripke revealed Vought Rising - which will see the return of Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) and Stormfront (Aya Cash) - is currently shooting.

He said: Its a blast because sort of at its heart, The Boys is a film noir kind of detective story - its like scuzzy good guys and wealthy bad guys and its got a lot of that DNA, going back to the comics.

So to be able to go right to the source of like trench coats and feds and G-men and superheroes and just be able to live in that world, but to do it in a world that is very Boys-ian and gritty and heroin and hookers, its just a really cool, fun playground.
As a young pediatric anesthesia attending, I would often roll my eyes at resident trainees who prioritized their personal needs and required mental health days. I may have even looked down upon them as lazy, weak, and lacking grit. I prided myself on my work ethic, sacrificing time with my two children and aging parents for the sake of my patients. Medicine is a calling, not just a job, I would repeatedly tell myself.

The stark reality is that physicians are leaving the workforce in droves. The cost of one in five physicians leaving the profession due to burnout is estimated to be four billion dollars annually in the United States. There is a growing national shortage of physicians, with a projected deficiency of 125,000 physicians by 2034. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians are now subject to longer hours, higher patient volume, stagnant reimbursement, less autonomy, and systemic burnout fueled by unsustainable working conditions and lack of institutional support. How are we to enlist the best and brightest into health care without offering either financial incentivization or appropriate work-life balance?

The U.S. health care system is in crisis. Simply stated, although we are spending more, our outcomes are worse. When comparing the performance of health care systems of 11 high-income countries in regard to outcomes, administrative efficiency, equity, and access, the United States ranks last overall despite spending more of its GDP on health care.

The health care system accounts for the highest rates of personal bankruptcy nationally, with as many as 66.5 percent of patients declaring financial defaults, despite the institution of the Affordable Care Act. We are leading the world in a number of categories: higher mortality from preventable disease, higher maternal and infant mortality, higher suicide rates, and a higher chronic disease burden.

While medical school classes are comprised of 50 percent or more women, a JAMA study found attrition rates of nearly 300,000 physicians in academic medicine from 2014 to 2019, with women 25 percent more likely to leave academia than men. Yet, there is much research to support that health care outcomes are improved when patients are treated by female physicians. Losing female physicians to burnout reduces the overall quality of public health and adversely affects patient safety.

Potential strategies to recruit and retain physicians at the systems level include:

Payment reform

Addressing dire workforce shortages

Harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce administrative burdens

Returning to a culture of mission-driven health care

Health care overhaul may come in various forms. Still, it is worth taking a deep dive into Marylands unique Total Cost of Care (TCOC) model, a partnership between the state and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The only one of its kind in the United States, it requires all insurance payers (private insurers, Medicare, Medicaid) to pay the same rates for hospital services. By shifting from volume-based to value-based care, it has reduced hospital spending, decreased readmission rates, and achieved $1.06 billion in net cumulative Medicare savings from 2019 to 2023.

The model created a shift from volume-driven, fee-for-service care to a focus on financial incentivization for reduced hospital complications, investment in preventive care, and improved health care access and equity. Not only does value-based care focus on outcome optimization and patient satisfaction, it harnesses the power of data analytics and digital tools to track patient progress.

Following the pandemic, health care workers are leaving their positions in what has been known as the great resignation, due to work overload, reduced work-life balance, toxic work culture, and unethical work environments. Tuition subsidies, loan forgiveness, and higher physician reimbursement could increase funding for medical education and attract the brightest to the profession. Expanding residency positions in marginalized communities and providing immigration pathways for international health care workers are actionable items that may be utilized to address workforce shortages. Health care systems remain limited in championing wellness initiatives as opposed to the technology sector due to high clinical demands, less access to remote work, and an underlying stigma regarding resilience training.

The automation of non-clinical tasks via AI is being utilized to streamline physician documentation and administrative burdens. AI-powered scribes can summarize and transcribe doctor-patient visits into the electronic health record, saving physicians hours of time each evening. By engaging in clinical decision support, AI can enhance a physicians informed decision making without the doctor having to sift through a patients entire medical record. Frequently used in radiology and pathology, AI can pre-screen imaging and biopsy slides, highlighting abnormal results that require the physicians attention.

After a 12-hour day in the operating room and my five-year-old daughter asking yet again when I will be home, it is difficult to recall the doe-eyed medical school graduate who set out to save the world. Physicians need a reminder of the passion and purpose-driven work they embarked upon at the start of their careers. A mission-driven health care culture fosters resilience by valuing patient-centered care, purposeful work, ethical responsibility, and physician autonomy.

Back in 2011, my fellow anesthesiologist Karen Sibert wrote an op-ed suggesting medicine should not be put aside if it becomes challenging or inconvenient. Instead, it is a lifes work. I would argue that although this is certainly true, the health care system has not kept pace with the demands placed on physicians and is failing both patients and health care workers. Change is urgently mandated. True health care reform is predicated on prioritizing patient outcomes while simultaneously valuing medical providers.

Irim Salik is a pediatric anesthesiologist.
Tongyeong City (Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)



Tongyeong City will hold the 2025 National Heritage Media Art Tongyeong Samdo Sugun Tongjeyeong from September 26 to October 26 at the historic Tongjeyeong site.

The event, themed Tongjeyeong, Light of Peace, combines cultural heritage with light, sound, video, and digital technologies to create immersive storytelling experiences centered on the history of the naval command.

Programs will include family-friendly activities such as shadow play-style naval stories and interactive photo zones, romantic light displays for couples, group-oriented attractions like the Sea of Vows, and contemplative spaces for solo visitors.

Ten media art contents will be presented, highlighted by the Milky Way of Peace at Sebyeonggwan.

On weekends and holidays, additional programs such as Baekhwadangs Welcome of Light refreshment experience and live media facade performances will be offered.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m. on Tongjeyeong Street, with nightly programs running until October 26 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
China's railway passenger trips hit new high during Jan-Aug

Xinhua) 09:22, September 18, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's railways recorded a historic high in terms of passenger trips during the January-August period this year, the national railway operator said Wednesday.

A total of 3.2 billion passenger trips were made during this period, marking a 6.7-percent increase year on year, according to data provided by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

During the period, an average of 11,127 trains were operated daily, up 7.7 percent compared to a year earlier.

Cross-border railway services also operated steadily during this period. The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway recorded nearly 21.15 million passenger trips, while the China-Laos Railway handled 174,000 trips.

To cater for growing market demand for tourism, wellness retreats and educational trips, railway authorities have designed specialized train routes for tourists.

A total of 1,551 specialized tourist trains were operated during this 8-month period, up 26.1 percent year on year -- thereby providing strong support for the tourism sector.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell will return to Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell are waltzing their way back onto the Strictly dancefloor

The 48-year-old comedian became the first blind contestant to win the BBC One Latin and ballroom contest in 2024, and he and his dance partner will perform their BAFTA-winning waltz to You'll Never Walk Alone this Saturday (20.09.25) on the 2025 launch show.

The celebrities - including Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - will also find out who they will be paired with.

As well as group dances, Jessie J will perform.

Chris and Dianne won the BAFTA Television Award for Memorable Moment for their waltz to iconic Liverpool anthem in May.

Dianne said in her acceptance speech: "In one minute and 30 seconds of a dance, I feel like this told such a story. A story of hope, determination, resilience and vulnerability, all in that one minute 30.

"This moment meant so much to the both of us, so I'm just so thrilled that we have this."

Chris, appearing via video, added: "Me and Dianne only went and won a BAFTA today! I'm very proud of Dianne - her speech was amazing.

"I'm in Warrington - I've had two shows here today, and these shows are shows that I cancelled to do 'Strictly' in the first place, so I couldn't exactly cancel them a second time just to go to the BAFTAs, could I?"

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday September 20 at 6:40pm.
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Mexicos healthcare system is undergoing a severe decline, according to the study Changes in Public Healthcare in Mexico, 2018-2024, conducted by Mexico Evalua. The analysis reveals that in just six years, the number of people without access to healthcare services doubled, rising from 20.1 million in 2018 to 44.5 million in 2024, according to official data from Inegi.

Among the main findings of the study, prepared by researcher Jorge Cano of Mexico Evalua, and presented within the framework of President Claudia Sheinbaums first government report:

Budget cuts. The 2025 economic package reduced by more than 100 billion pesos the resources allocated to healthcare for people without social security, compromising the States ability to respond to growing needs.

for people without social security, compromising the States ability to respond to growing needs. Higher out-of-pocket spending. In 2024, Mexican households spent on average 1,605 pesos per quarter on healthcare , an increase of 469.8 pesos compared to 2018. The impact was greater on the poorest households, whose spending rose by over 80%, from 355 pesos per quarter to 651 pesos, while in wealthier households it increased only 34%.

, an increase of 469.8 pesos compared to 2018. The impact was greater on the poorest households, whose spending rose by over 80%, from 355 pesos per quarter to 651 pesos, while in wealthier households it increased only 34%. Rising drug costs. Spending on medicines doubled between 2018 and 2024, with sharp increases in treatments for diabetes (261%), hypertension (242%), and migraines (333%).

Shift to private care. More than half of Mexicans who sought medical attention in 2024 went to the private sector (55.1%). Only 34% of those with a health problem received care at public institutions.

ALSO READ: Profeco allied with CJNG in fuel theft and extortion network

Structural factors

The study underscores that the historical fragmentation of the systemwith multiple institutions such as IMSS, ISSSTE, Pemex, and the Armed Forces, in addition to services for those without social securitycreates inequities.

The elimination of Seguro Popular and its replacement first by INSABI and later IMSS-Bienestar reduced explicit healthcare guarantees and weakened per capita funding. Per-person health spending fell 8% between 2018 and 2024, despite the growth in the target population.

Where public policy should go

Mexicos health policy in the last six years shifted from a model with proven progress in financial protectionsuch as Seguro Popularto institutional schemes that, while promising free and universal coverage, have lacked solid financing and management mechanisms, according to the conclusions of Changes in Public Healthcare in Mexico, 2018-2024.

Seguro Popular succeeded in reducing out-of-pocket spending, catastrophic expenses, and lack of healthcare access, though it maintained territorial inequalities and weak preventive care. Its replacement by INSABI, and later IMSS-Bienestar, expanded the target population and promised coverage for more conditions, but by eliminating affiliation, the benefit catalog, and per capita financing, it undermined budgetary and operational certainty.

The result has been a measurable setback: falling public spending per capita for those without social security, fewer consultations provided, higher out-of-pocket and catastrophic household expenses, and a growing de facto privatization of healthcare, reflected in the rise of private clinics, pharmacy consultations, and self-medication.

ALSO READ: El Mayo Zambada pleads guilty to drug trafficking charges in US court

According to Mexico Evalua researchers, the country will not be able to build an equitable, universal, and sustainable healthcare system unless it addresses the structural roots of segmentation, conditional financing, and governance. The experiences of Brazil, Chile, and Denmark show that institutional integration, solidarity-based financing, smart regulation of the private sector, and explicit guarantees are the pillars of any effective transformation.

Toward a single, universal, non-segmented system:

Sustained public financing based on general taxation Universalize effective access, not just nominal affiliation Regulated private-sector participation in drug supply Reduce geographic inequality in infrastructure and medical staff Strengthen early detection of chronic diseases and cancer Public health in Mexico: between cuts and shortages

One year into President Claudia Sheinbaums administration, the outlook for Mexicos healthcare system confirms that the sector is undergoing a structural crisis, according to experts.

Financial indicators show that a substantial improvement is unlikely with the current budget allocation, casting doubt on healths priority in the national agenda, said Jorge Cano of Mexico Evalua.

The 2025 Economic Package included a cut of more than 100 billion pesos to healthcare services for people without social security, a reduction that alone reflects the sectors low priority. This, despite 2024 ENIGH data showing an accelerated deterioration: more than 44 million Mexicans lack access to medical services and out-of-pocket spending has risen sharply.

Mariana Campos, director of Mexico Evalua, said the recently presented study largely reflects the closing of the previous administration and, although it does not measure the performance of the current government, it highlights a structural problem that persists. Researcher Jorge Cano noted that the budget adjustment not only reduces the systems response capacity but has also reached hospitals and clinics only in dribs and drabs.

At the same time, problems in the supply of medicines have become a visible symptom of the crisis. Doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and patient organizations have denounced the lack of basic supplies, which has forced the suspension of services, closure of labs, and even limits on surgeries or imaging studies. Each hospital has had to adjust and reduce the care it offers, deepening inequalities.

Experts agree that the challenge is enormous: without sufficient resources and without public policies that guarantee supply and access.

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The corruption network involving officials and former officials of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco), who extorted gas station owners, also includes individuals working in the Interior Ministry and Pemex, according to advances in the investigation carried out by the Attorney Generals Office (FGR).

A copy of the investigation, obtained by La Silla Rota, indicates that the Special Prosecutors Office for Hydrocarbon Crimes will file charges against at least 20 Profeco officials who extorted around 6,000 gas stations nationwide.

As La Silla Rota previously reported, the FGR is investigating possible acts of corruption involving two former Profeco heads, Ricardo Sheffield and David Aguilar Romero.

The case began after testimony from Pablo, a former Profeco employee, who detailed the existence of a network of public servants demanding quotas from some 6,000 gas stations. According to the testimony, this group coordinated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Santa Rosa de Lima, and Guerreros Unidos to enforce the extortion payments.

Gas station owners who refused to pay were publicly shamed during President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors daily morning press conferences, where they were accused of corruption.

A network that extends further

The case file FED/FEMDO/FEITATA-CDMX/0000899/2024 has also implicated alleged officials from the Interior Ministry and Pemex, though their names have not yet been disclosed.

In a legally obtained wiretap included in the investigation, Miguel Angel Gonzalez, a Profeco liaison in the scheme, was recorded in contact with a public servant from the Interior Ministry, identified only as Armando.

In their conversation, the two discuss doing business related to fuel sales, in which a Pemex executive was allegedly involved.

The conversation took place in February 2025, after Sheffield and Aguilar Romero had already left Profeco.

MAG: Yes, my friend.

ARM: Hello?

MAG: Go ahead.

ARM: How are you, my friend?

MAG: Good.

ARM: Listen, Im now officially working at the federal Interior Ministry, here at the building on Londres 102.

MAG: Ah, excellent.

ARM: Im very active with LP gas, gasoline, all that. I usually spend time on the stairs or the mezzanine. Also, a great friend of mine, a Pemex executive, reached out. We had talked a while ago about having lunch but never set a date. Yesterday she messaged me: I want to see you next week, invite you to lunch; I have a business proposal for you.

MAG: Well, I was suspicious. I thought, What if theyre trying to set me up and make me the scapegoat?

ARM: If you want, I can send some people. I can send you Commander Pacheco, an experienced officer from the State of Mexico and Mexico City. Im bringing him back onto the payroll. I recently placed him again in the Federal Citizen Security Secretariat; hes just getting reinstated.

MAG: Do you think you could send them today?

ARM: Of course. I can also send other commanders. Just for a coffee, nothing major. Where did you plan to meet them?

MAG: Ill send you the location.

Expanding the network

According to investigators, the link with Pemex executives points to a plan to force all gas stations already paying extortion fees to Profeco officialsso they wouldnt be inspected or denounced publiclyto also sell stolen fuel (huachicol).

Federal agents conducted surveillance of meetings between Miguel Angel Gonzalez and alleged Pemex executives, which took place in Mexico City.

The extortion of gas station owners generates around 220 million pesos per month. However, other intercepted phone calls reveal discussions about increasing profits with cheaper gasoline.
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The increase in taxes on sodas and sugary beverages in Mexico, announced as a strategy to fight obesity and chronic diseases, is a positive step but insufficient given the magnitude of the problem, warned Dr. Octavio Gomez Dantes, a public health expert.

According to the specialist, although the fiscal measure seeks to discourage consumption of harmful products and generate additional resources, the reality is that it looks more like a revenue mechanism in a context of weakened public finances.

In Mexico we have chronic underinvestment in health. Public health spending is the lowest among upper-middle-income countries in Latin America. Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, and Costa Rica spend much more than we do, while we are facing an epidemiological transition toward complex and costly diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, he said.

For her part, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the increases in taxes applied to sugary beverages, tobacco, and video games, included in the 2026 Economic Package, are not intended to increase revenue, but are part of measures focused on public health and safety.

According to the Economic Package, the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) on sodas will rise to 3.08 pesos per liter, a measure that will even cover products that use non-caloric sweeteners.

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More taxes, less health budget

The specialist pointed out the contradiction between rhetoric and reality: in 2025, the Health Ministrys budget fell by almost 12% in real terms, and another cut is expected in 2026.

They talk about raising more money to fight obesity, but at the same time the health budget is being cut.

The financial burden of chronic diseases on institutions is very costly. In 2024 alone, treatment for diabetes cost the IMSS 38.8 billion pesos  about 106 million pesos per day  while kidney failure accounted for another 33.5 billion pesos.

The OECD estimates that in the past five years Mexico has spent around $1 billion USD treating conditions linked to overweight and obesity.

Creditos: Pixabay

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Seven in ten Mexicans overweight or obese

Seven out of 10 adults, along with a growing number of children and adolescents, struggle with overweight or obesity.

This is the main public health risk, and we are not fighting it with the necessary seriousness. More than a decade ago a national awareness campaign was promised, but it was never implemented, Gomez Dantes said.

The expert stressed that taxes are only part of the problem. To achieve real results, the country needs:

A comprehensive national strategy against obesity and overweight, with clear goals and external evaluation. Transparency in data.

To increase public health spending to at least 6% of GDP, as recommended by the WHO (Mexico currently allocates less than 3%).

Sustained educational and preventive policies, similar to those that proved effective in the fight against smoking.

Raising taxes on sodas and tobacco is correct, but its far from enough. Without public investment, transparency, and accountability, we will continue with this health crisis that has dragged on for 25 years, Gomez Dantes concluded.

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Health taxes

According to the Center for Analysis and Research FUNDAR, health taxes are one of the main measures implemented internationally to reduce the negative effects on peoples health and on national economies caused by the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, sugary beverages, and ultra-processed products.

The organization noted that these taxes raise the price of products to achieve two public health goals: on the one hand, to reduce consumption in the population, and on the other, to generate fiscal revenue to help offset some of the economic and health damages these products cause both to the state and to household finances.

Chronic non-communicable diseases caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed products continue to create high economic and fiscal costs for society as a whole; in addition, household spending on these products has not decreased, it said.

In contrast, multinational companies continue to accumulate profits at the expense of public health. In their quest to increase profits, companies create costs that the rest of society must cover, whether through public health systems or directly out of consumers own pockets.

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On this point, Gomez Dantes added:

The soda and tobacco industries will lobby; very few countries have succeeded in resisting them, but in Mexico it will come down to legislators votes.
Matt Smiths first adventures as the Eleventh Doctor Who will return to television screens this autumn.

Matt Smiths first adventures as the Eleventh Doctor Who will return to television screens this autumn

The actors turn as the Time Lord will be screened again by BBC Three as it repeats classic Doctor Who episodes to fill the gap while fans wait for the shows future to be confirmed.

BBC bosses announced from Saturday 27 September, the channel will air Matts debut as the Doctor in 2010s The Eleventh Hour at 7.10pm, followed by The Beast Below at 8.15pm.

Matt, 42, first appeared as the Doctor in 2010, taking over from David Tennant, and went on to play the Time Lord for three series.

The BBC has not revealed how many of his episodes will be included in the repeat run or how long the scheduling will last.

Fans of the long-running science fiction series are also waiting for the debut of The War Between the Land and the Sea, a new spin-off show due to air in 2026.

The programme is expected to precede further announcements on the BBCs co-production agreement with Disney, which distributes Doctor Who internationally.

Kate Phillips, the BBCs chief content officer, addressed concerns at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August over the shows return.

She said: Any Whovians out there, rest assured  Doctor Who is going nowhere. Disney has been a great partnership and it continues with The War Between the Land and the Sea next year but, going forward, with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC.

The most recent broadcast episode, The Reality War, ended with Ncuti Gatwas Doctor regenerating into Billie Piper.

Ncuti became the Fifteenth Doctor in 2023, and has spoken openly about his decision to leave the role. He said: I had to wrestle with myself as to whether I continued in the role. I fell in love with that show and I will miss it, but I was ready to move on.

Billie Piper previously played the Doctors companion Rose Tyler in the series between 2005 and 2010. Whether her new appearance signifies she is taking on the role of the Doctor has not yet been confirmed.

BBC Threes rerun of Matts first series begins as anticipation builds for official announcements on the programmes next chapter.

Fans can revisit episodes on Saturday nights or stream Doctor Who via BBC iPlayer.
Signaling progress in the citys efforts toward moderate economic diversification and high-tech industry growth, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) has certified 11 more technology companies in Macau through its Technology Enterprise Certification Scheme.

In the final list announced by the bureau on Monday for the May 2025 batch, Macau Pass S.A. was elevated to Key Technology Enterprise status, while the other ten companies were recognized as potential technology enterprises.

Since its inception, the scheme has completed five application rounds, awarding certifications to a total of 51 local technology enterprises.

These include seven key technology enterprises, one growth technology enterprise, and 43 potential technology enterprises, all vetted through a rigorous evaluation process.

The scheme aims to identify qualified local technology companies through an evaluation system and provide them with official certification at varying levels to encourage business expansion, the DSEDT said.

The evaluation panel assessed applicants based on business scope, research and development activities, and innovation capacity.

Certifications fall into three categories: Potential, Growth, and Key Technology Enterprises.

Among those certified in the most recent batch, effective September 15, 2025, are NetCraft Information Technology (Macau) Co., Ltd., Shiji Group (Macao) Co., Ltd., and Quantum Nebula Microelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.

All certifications are valid for three years. NS

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The leaders of Israel and Egypt have reached a settlement for the Middle East at Camp David in the US.

President Anwar al-Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel agreed peace terms in the presence of Jimmy Carter at his presidential retreat in Maryland after nearly two weeks of intensive negotiations.

Both of the Middle Eastern premiers paid tribute to the role of the American President at the signing ceremony held at the White House in Washington.

Mr Begin suggested the summit talks should be renamed the Jimmy Carter conference.

A committed Christian, President Carter led prayers at Camp David and all negotiators agreed to open the talks by asking the people of the world to pray for peace.

The Camp David Accords commit Egypt and Israel to negotiate and sign a full peace treaty within three months. Israeli troops are to be completely withdrawn less than three years after that.

The settlements consist of two agreements.

The first addresses the issues in the West Bank and Gaza by accommodating Arab interests and protecting Israels security.

For the first time Palestinians will be given the right to self-determination, along with other inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza, over the future settlement and government of the disputed area.

The second agreement, entitled Framework for the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel, offers full Egyptian recognition of the state of Israel in return for Israeli military withdrawal from Sinai.

An interim removal of troops is due to take place between three and nine months after the peace treaty has been concluded.

The only major area of disagreement has been over the removal of Israeli settlements from Egyptian territory.

Egypt insists that this withdrawal should be a pre-requisite to a peace treaty, while Israel wants it to take place during the course of negotiations.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

President Carter opened the formal treaty negotiations between senior Israeli and Egyptian ministers 25 days later.

President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize for realising a framework for peace.

The Camp David peace treaty between Egypt and Israel was signed in March 1979.

The Sinai was returned to Egypt which was condemned by the other Arab nations and excluded from the Arab League. President Sadat was assassinated in October 1981.

There was little real progress towards peace in the Middle East until the 1990s as the Palestinians invoked an intifada  meaning shaking off  against the continued Israeli presence in Gaza and the West Bank.

In August 2005 Israel began its so-called Disengagement Plan and evicted all Jewish settlers from Gaza and demolished some settlements on the West Bank.

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Marking its 17th edition, the annual Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking countries will take place from September 26 to November 18 across multiple cities. For the first time, this years event will extend beyond Macau, with performances and activities also scheduled in Beijing and Zhongshan.

At a press conference yesterday at Macaus Sino-Luso Complex, Ji Xianzheng, Secretary-General of the Forum Macao Secretariat, highlighted the events significance as a platform for cultural dialogue.

Since its inception, the Permanent Secretariat has leveraged the Forums mechanism to strengthen Macaus role as a China-Luso Platform, promoting deep and enriching cultural dialogue between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, he said.

The opening ceremony of the Sino-Luso Cultural Exchange Week will take place at Macau Fishermens Wharf and is scheduled for next Friday.

These festivities will feature artists, artisans, and chefs from Portuguese-speaking countries including Angola, Brazil, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, and Timor-Leste.

According to organizers, visitors can expect dance and music performances, craft fairs, culinary demonstrations, and exhibitions throughout the festival.

Starting the opening weekend, chefs from Portuguese-speaking countries will collaborate with local restaurants at Fishermens Wharf to create menus blending authentic Lusophone and Macanese flavors.

Organizers say this gastronomic highlight, featuring culinary demonstrations and workshops, complements the festivals broader goal of fostering mutual understanding through art and cuisine. These run from September 27-30.

A key literary highlight during this years Sino-Luso Cultural Exchange Week is the launch of the Angolan work Sera Este Livro Um Romance? (Could This Book Be a Novel?), which has been translated into Chinese to promote literary exchange in both Macau and mainland China.

In the mainland, Zhongshans Xingzhong Street will host Sino-Luso dance and music shows from September 29 to October 12.

Meanwhile, the Beijing leg, held at Beitou Shopping Park Plaza from October 3-4, will also include dance and music performances and promotional activities featuring Lusophone talent.

Organizers state the budget for Macaus segment remains steady at approximately RMB11.5 million, with RMB 6.4 million allocated for the two mainland events.

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The first batch of pre-sale buyers for the Economic Housing Scheme in Zone A will be allowed to begin key collection procedures starting today at the Housing Bureau (IH).

After apartment payment, buyers can collect their unit keys and proceed to the management office of their respective building to handle property management-related procedures.

The Public Housing Affairs Committee visited Zone A yesterday to inspect the units and facilities of the Tong Chong Building, Tong Chong South Building, and Tong Kai Building.

The units applied for in the 2019 Economic Housing application located in Zone A are in Tong Chong Building (Plot B4), Tong Chong South Building (Plot B9), and Tong Kai Building (Plot B10), totaling 3,017 HOS units.

IH began arranging for eligible families to select units in sequence starting from March 4, and as of September 15, 2,054 eligible families have selected their units.

The bureau is currently notifying, by official letter and in sequence, the pre-sale buyers who are eligible to complete the key collection procedures, including those who will make a one-time payment or have completed their mortgage arrangements.

After collecting the keys, the pre-sale buyers must go to the management office of their respective building in Zone A to pay the security deposit, collect the building access card, and complete the check-in procedures.

If workmanship defects are found in the unit, residents can scan a QR code provided by the management office to fill in details online; the contractor will then contact the household to arrange for repairs.

To support new residents, IH has leased shops in the area through a first-phase public tender.

Shops have now been handed over to tenants, who will begin renovations and secure licenses.

The bureau will monitor resident needs and occupancy rates before launching a second tender phase for more shops at a later time. Times Reporter

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Hong Kongs leader announced plans yesterday to speed up development of an economic powerhouse near its border with mainland China and nurture industries ranging from artificial intelligence to higher education as the city seeks new economic growth engines to maintain its international competitiveness.

Chief Executive John Lee is under pressure to distinguish Hong Kong from regional rivals and mainland Chinese metropolises after a yearslong crackdown on democracy activism and Beijings tightening grip tainted the citys image as a free-wheeling financial center.

We are now undergoing an economic transition. It is irreversible progress. Transformation is an inevitable process for a stronger economy, he said.

In his annual policy address, Lee said he will lead a committee on developing the Northern Metropolis, an ongoing project that envisions building a new IT hub and a university town near the Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen. It aims to provide 650,000 jobs and house 2.5 million people. The development proposal was first floated in 2021 by his predecessor Carrie Lam.

The government would devise a range of financing schemes and introduce legislation to empower the government to simplify procedures for issues such as setting up industrial park companies and speeding up building plan approvals, Lee said.

The citys gross domestic product is estimated to have grown 3.1% in the second quarter of 2025, supported by strong exports and improved domestic demand. For the first half of this year, Hong Kong ranked first globally in funds raised through initial public offerings as a wave of Chinese companies sought to list in Hong Kong under U.S.-China tensions.

But vacant shops remain in various areas. Retail sales between January and July this year saw a drop. Restaurants have closed. The slump stemmed from tourists spending less and many residents opting to spend weekends on mainland China for cheaper and more diverse offerings. The citys latest unemployment rate was 3.7%.

A highlight of Lees policies was bolstering emerging industries in a city where traditional strengths lie in the financial and legal service sectors.

Developing the artificial intelligence and data science industry was a focus. The government plans to put up for tender a 10-hectare site this year for building a data facility cluster and launching an AI research and development institute next year.

Other sectors Lee wants to develop included pharmaceutical and medical products and new energies.

Hong Kong also is vying to become a popular higher education hub. It has been stepping up efforts in recent months, especially after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump pressed colleges to limit the number of international students and increased student visa scrutiny.

Lees administration would further boost enrollment ceilings for international students of government-funded universities beginning in the next academic year and earmark new sites for construction of student hostels, he said.

Separately, the University Grants Committee would earmark 40 million Hong Kong dollars (about $5 million) to support eight publicly funded universities in enhancing their publicity and recruitment of teachers and students outside Hong Kong.

Lee, a former security chief, fulfilled Beijings long-standing imperative to enact a homegrown national security law last year. Officials said the law and a China-imposed security law were necessary for the citys stability following massive anti-government protests in 2019.

To step up patriotic education, he said the city would work with Shenzhen to promote a new red educational route to help Hong Kongers and tourists better understand the citys history in World War II. Earlier this month, Beijing held a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

In an effort to integrate with national development, Hong Kong officials will set up a task force to drive mainland companies to use the city in their overseas expansion. Hong Kong Monetary Authority will encourage banks, especially those from mainland China, to set up regional headquarters in the city for tapping markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Lee said. KANIS LEUNG, HONG KONG, MDT/AP

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The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) has warned that Macau is likely to experience unstable weather over the weekend and into midweek due to the approach of two tropical cyclones in the South China Sea.

Authorities cautioned that the close succession of storms could lead to compounded weather impacts, with rapid changes in weather conditions.

The tropical depression in the northeast of the South China Sea moved within 800 kilometers of Macau last night, prompting the weather bureau to issue Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 at midnight today.

The cyclone is forecast to move toward the eastern Guangdong coast over the weekend, slowing near the Pearl River estuary.

Residents are advised to prepare for heavy rainfall and the possibility of localized flooding between September 20 and 21.

Meanwhile, a tropical disturbance in the northwest Pacific is likely to develop into a broad and intense cyclone before entering the northeastern South China Sea early next week.

Forecasts diverge due to the strengthening northeast monsoon: traditional numerical models suggest a direct impact on Macau, while AI-based models project landfall along Guangdongs eastern coast. LV

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Conservative commentator Candace Owens has ignited controversy by linking the murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk to what she describes as a tense and threatening intervention over his political views on Israel. Owens, who was once closely aligned with Kirk in conservative circles, alleged that powerful figures attempted to pressure him in the days before his death.

In a series of statements and social media posts, Owens claimed that Kirk was the subject of an intervention in the Hamptons earlier this year involving billionaire investor Bill Ackman and Seth Dillon, CEO of the satirical outlet The Babylon Bee. According to Owens, Kirk was offered "a ton of money" if he would soften or abandon his criticisms of Israel, and she alleged that even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reached out to him.

"There were threats made to Charlie," Owens said, characterizing the meeting as a coercive effort to control Kirk's positions. She added that the intervention centered on demands tied to pro-Israel groups and suggested Kirk had resisted lucrative funding offers connected to those interests.

Owens's claims, made just days after Kirk's death, have drawn a swift denial from Ackman, who called the allegations "totally false" and insisted that no threats or offers of money were ever made to Kirk. He described his interactions with the late conservative activist as "cordial, albeit limited," and said the Hamptons meeting was a routine gathering of conservative voices, not a confrontation.

"I never threatened Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA, or anyone associated with him," Ackman said in a statement, calling Owens's accusations defamatory. "It saddens me that we live in a society where social media influencers seek to monetize the tragic death of Charlie Kirk."

This afternoon @RealCandaceO slandered me by accusing me of 'staging an intervention' with Charlie Kirk in which 'threats were made' with respect to his supposed 'evolving stance' on Israel at an event I hosted in the Hamptons. Candace also intimated that I 'blackmail[ed]' https://t.co/mL6pajoX76  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) September 16, 2025

Netanyahu would go on to eulogize Kirk on his social media, calling him a "true friend of Israel," and go on to blame "Islamists" for his murder on Fox News. Kirk had been a staunch defender of Israel, even controversially stating that "Palestine" did not exist in a debate with a college student.

Charlie Kirk was a defender of our common Judeo-Christian civilization.



Charlie was more than a friend of Israel. He was a great champion of our shared roots and values.



May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/QVVEJjKxey  Benjamin Netanyahu -   (@netanyahu) September 11, 2025

His non-profit, dedicated to spreading conservative values, was kickstarted by staunch Zionist and mentor to Stephen Miller, David Horowitz. Kirk would even go on to say, "Without David Horowitz, I'm not sure Turning Point USA would exist," after Horowitz's death.

Rest in peace to my friend and mentor David Horowitz, who has just passed away. A fearless truth-teller, David was a titan in the battle of ideas and a warrior for Western civilization.



David grew up on the hard Left and remained a committed Marxist into his 30s. But he had the pic.twitter.com/7QucnlO1Lf  Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 29, 2025

However, Kirk had leveled very light criticism at Israel and the country's supporters after the events of October 7th. Kirk, known for his debates, would host pro-Palestine voices on his show, garnering criticism from his Zionist conservative audience.

He expressed his frustration with this on the Megyn Kelly Show in August of this year, stating, "I have less ability, sometimes, online, to criticize the Israeli government about backlash, than actual Israelis do, and that's really, really weird."

The timing of Owens's allegations has fueled speculation. She has suggested that the intervention and Kirk's refusal to be swayed could be connected to his killing, though no evidence has been presented to directly link the two events. Authorities investigating Kirk's death have not confirmed any connection to the claims Owens has raised. For now, the suspicions remain allegations without corroborating proof.

What investigators have confirmed is that Kirk was murdered in Utah, and 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been arrested in connection with the killing. Law enforcement officials say DNA evidence tied Robinson to the rifle used in the shooting, as well as to a towel and tools found at the scene. A note threatening Kirk was also recovered, though authorities have not released its full contents.

Originally published on Latin Times
Manufacturers reported a cautiously positive outlook for exports in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). Main export sectors included garments, pharmaceuticals, electronics, alcoholic beverages, and metal products. Surveyed companies held an average of 2.7 months of orders, led by pharmaceuticals at 4.4 months. The European Union showed stronger prospects, with the Composite Index of Quarterly Orders rising 25.1%. Furter, 53.1% of manufacturers expected no change, 27.3% were optimistic, and 19.6% were pessimistic, reflecting a notable improvement from the previous quarter.

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Several members of the Urban Planning Committee (CPU) have expressed opinions against how the Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU) is interpreting the guidelines provided by Macaus Urban Master Plan to assign purposes to land plots in Macau.

The discussion was sparked during yesterdays analysis of several urban condition plans (PCUs) and followed a similar debate held two years ago, specifically discussing a previous PCU for the same land plot at Number 16-16A of Rua Formosa in central Macau.

Two years ago, several members protested the assignment of the land plot for commercial use since it currently hosts a residential building. They wanted DSSCU to adopt a more flexible approach and allow multiple purposes to give the landowners or developers options.

This debate continued with the analysis of other PCUs, where DSSCU made similar decisions that did not take into account the current use of the existing building or the purposes of adjacent buildings.

Several members, including Vong Kock Kei, Teng Kai On, and Christine Choi, noted that the Master Plan should serve as a general guideline and not be used as a strict order to attribute land purposes in a given area.

Choi called for the CPU to give more flexibility within the limits of the law, to provide owners or developers more options, and allow urban renewal to occur, fearing that unreasonable decisions would cause more land to remain idle, as the landowners would prefer to wait for a change of mindset from government officials.

Other members called for the enforcement of a mechanism they said exists in different regions that allows land authorities to adjust land purposes to solve particular problems in cases where the Master Plan or even the Detailed Plan fails to provide answers for the reasonable development of a land plot.

In summary, members believe that the problem is not in the Master Plan itself, but in how DSSCU fails to interpret its guidelines.

The Master Plan is meant to set the development trend of an area and not to enforce a restriction stating that all land plots in a given area must be for this particular use, Member Vong said.

On the DSSCU side, a representative noted that too much flexibility can lead to the land purpose getting out of government control, adding that he believes the easiest way to avoid this issue and avoid having PCUs that do not suit anyone is for owners or developers to clearly state their intentions for the land plot.

They should think ahead and give us a clear idea of what they want to do, and we can then analyze and see if this is possible. I think its much easier if it works that way, a DSSCU representative said.

Intervening on the topic, the director of DSSCU, Lai Weng Leong, also said that according to his information, the proposers did not provide any opinions expressing dissatisfaction with the allocation of a specific land purpose.

Still, in the past two years since the previous PCU request, the same developer has not taken any further steps to advance any work on the mentioned land plot.

This lack of reasonableness in DSSCU analysis was not restricted to this topic; several members criticized officials in other projects.

One case was related to a land plot at Number 76 of Avenida de Horta e Costa. In this case, DSSCU ruled that the owner should set back the new building to create more space for the public street.

Members again disagreed with the reasonableness of the measures since, in this case, the authorities also disallowed the vertical occupancy of the street due to the small size of the building and did not offer the option of building an arcade on the ground floor to allow pedestrian traffic without requiring the recession of the entire construction.

A member noted, The government wants more space for sidewalks and public streets but does not offer any compensation. The services are responsible for decisions that allow the land plot to be developed. After the setback (caused by the government), the space available is barely enough to park a vehicle. Like this, nobody wants to develop this land, he said.

Adding on the same topic, member Alvaro Rodrigues noted that the land law does allow DSSCU to make other decisions, such as the construction of arcades or others, under the provision of making rational use of the land, which is considered a scarce resource. He also noted that in cases where it is de facto impossible to solve the problem with a given plot due to its size or location, there is always a possibility of compensating the owner financially or via a land exchange with the government, taking that piece of land and offering one of similar value in another area.

No mechanism to protect not old enough buildings

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has admitted that there is no mechanism in Macau for the protection of buildings of value due to their special characteristics if they are not old enough to be listed as historical buildings.

The acknowledgement was made during the debate over the PCU of a building located at the corner of Avenida do Almirante Lacerda Number 188, with Number 147 of Avenida do Ouvidor Arriaga.

The building, a work by the renowned Portuguese architect Manuel Vicente and one of several examples of modernist architecture in Macau, is in poor condition and needs reconstruction. Still, CPU members believe there should be a mechanism to ensure that examples like this remain and are preserved instead of just being replaced by a completely different structure.

In response, the IC recognized the relevance of the building and Vicentes work but simply noted that it can only do as much as the law allows. It claimed that there is no other way to ensure the preservation of the building since it does not meet the conditions for listing as heritage. RM

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The Wynn Employee (WE) Volunteer Team celebrated its 15th anniversary last week with a three-day series of events aimed at promoting community engagement, family harmony, and physical and mental well-being.

The Neighborly Support and Community Care sharing session featured presentations by representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government in Macau, the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM), and Wynn Macau.

Keynote speaker Chan Ka Leong highlighted UGAMMs community service achievements, while Wynn Macau President Linda Chen presented a commemorative certificate in recognition of his contributions.

Over 600 team members attended the sessions, which also included promotional booths showcasing tele-assistance services for seniors and lifestyle-themed lectures covering yoga, parent-child activities, eco-friendly practices, and retirement planning.

Since its establishment in 2010, the WE Volunteer Team has focused on encouraging staff participation in volunteer work.

The latest anniversary initiatives drew over 2,000 participants.

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Richard Grenell, Presitend Trump's Special Envoy for Special Missions, said Tuesday at the CPAC conference in Paraguay that a diplomatic resolution with Venezuela is still possible, even amid increased tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Grenell who has met face-to-face with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and brokered a deal that freed six U.S. citizens from the country back in Februrary, told the crowd at the event that:

"You will always hear me as someone who advocates for dialogue. I have gone to see Nicolas Maduro. I have sat in front of him. I have expressed the 'America First' position. I understand what he wants. I believe we can still reach an agreement. I believe in diplomacy. I believe in avoiding war"

Grenell's remarks, reported by CNN, follow the deployment of U.S. naval assets in the southern Caribbean, which Washington describes as part of counter-narcotics operations. Earlier this week, Trump announced an attack on a Venezuelan vessel for allegedly transporting illegal drugs, the second strike of its kind during the month of September. The impact reportedly killed three people. Venezuela has rejected claims regarding narcotrafficking allegations and calls U.S. military maneuvers a threat to its sovereignty.

, Grenell explained on Tuesday, illustrating that every president faces "two voices": the Pentagon, which he described as "ready for war," and the State Department, which he said advocates for "government maneuvers" such as sanctions, isolation, or tariffs.

Grenell visited Caracas in late January to negotiate the release of U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela, a mission he described as part of his diplomatic work. On that occasion, six Americans were released after his meetings with Maduro.

Maduro has publicly characterized U.S. actionsmilitary deployments, strikes on alleged drug boats, and pressure over narcotraffickingas aggression, accusing Washington of threatening regime change. On Tuesday he claimed that the U.S. had "destroyed what little dialogue existed with threats of bombs, death and blackmail" and that his country's relationship with the United States is "completely broken."

Originally published on Latin Times
Chads National Assembly has overwhelmingly approved sweeping constitutional amendments that significantly strengthen presidential powers, raising concerns over democratic backsliding and long-term political stability in the region.

The changes  passed with 171 votes in favor, one abstention, and none against  extend presidential terms from five to seven years and remove all term limits, allowing President Mahamat Idriss Deby to potentially rule indefinitely. The amendments will be sent to the Senate for final approval on 13 October, after which they will be signed into law. President Deby came to power in 2021 following the battlefield death of his father, Idriss Deby, who ruled Chad for three decades. After three years of military leadership, Mahamat Deby claimed victory in a disputed May 2024 election. His ruling party later secured a parliamentary majority in December.

Critics say the reforms represent a consolidation of power by the ruling elite. There are fewer and fewer dissenting voices, said Remadji Hoinathy of the Africa-focused Institute for Security Studies. This clearly opens the possibility for the President and ruling party to establish a long-term stronghold on power. The amendments also introduce a vice-prime minister role, extend parliamentary terms, and lift legal immunity for officials facing financial crimes. Analysts like Thomas Mandrup of Stellenbosch University and the Royal Danish Defence College warn that Chads political system is sliding away from any democratic order, with parliament acting as a rubber stamp.

The shift in Chad comes amid rising poverty and instability, with potential ripple effects across the Sahel region. For democracy advocates, governance experts, regional organizations, and foreign partners, the test will now be how responses are structured, not merely in criticism, but in tangible support for resilient institutions, for voice, transparency, and legitimacy, wrote journalist Joshua Muhammed in African Leadership Magazine blog.
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Housing as a social determinant of health vulnerability to climate change. Credit: The Lancet Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(25)00141-0

This year, 10 days of extreme heat in Europe killed roughly 2,300 people, severe flooding on the New South Wales coast left more than 48,000 stranded, and wildfires in Los Angeles destroyed at least 16,000 homes and other buildings.

Events such as these signal what climate scientists have long warned: climate-related extremes are becoming more frequent and intense.

Poor housing can leave us more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. So in today's warming world, it's increasingly important our homes and our housing system are climate resilient. This means they must protect us from heat waves, floods and bushfires, and keep out air pollutants. And the housing system must function to provide affordable and secure housing.

Location is important too. Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment, released this week, estimates 8.7% of residential buildings are in very high-risk areas (prone to hazards). This proportion is projected to increase to 13.5% by 2090 in a scenario with a high global warming level.

Housing and health are inextricably linked. In a new paper published in The Lancet Public Health, my colleagues and I identify several ways climate change affects our homes, and in turn, our health.

On a basic level, housing shields us from the elements. But when we look at the bigger picture, resilient housing and housing systems have a key role to play in helping us face the challenges of climate change.

How does climate change affect our homes and our health?

Climate change can lead to deterioration in the indoor conditions in our homes.

For example, extreme temperatures can compromise air quality by making building materials more likely to degrade and generate pollutants. Particulate matter and other hazardous air pollutants from bushfire smoke can infiltrate indoor environments. Both of these processes can contribute to poor indoor air quality. This is not to mention that extreme heat outside can lead to unbearable temperatures indoors.

Meanwhile, floods, storms and cyclones can cause structural and water damage to homes. This can expose occupants to toxins, for example from contaminated water, and increase the risk of allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases (such as water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases).

Climate change and housing security

The risks associated with climate change can also influence housing security and affordability.

Both housing insecurity and unaffordability are significant predictors of poor mental health and well-being, and both are already significant problems independent of climate change.

But a changing climate exacerbates these problems. Equally, the housing crisis leaves us more vulnerable to climate change.

Climate-related disasters put a strain on housing costs and general cost-of-living pressures. Residents may need to pay for maintenance and repairs alongside their mortgages and rental payments. Meanwhile, increasing extreme weather events push insurance premiums higher. All this puts pressure on housing affordability.

Extreme temperatures also increase the risk of energy poverty. Not being able to adequately heat or cool a home can negatively affect both physical and mental health for its occupants.

What's more, climate-related disasters can drive forced relocation, with flow-on effects to health and well-being through disruption to family life, loss of income, gender-based violence, social disconnection, and reduced access to services.

Notably, the effects of climate change reduce the supply of affordable housing, especially affordable rentals, which are more likely to be damaged or lost from hazards, for example, due to lower structural quality. Lower-income renters, as a result, find it harder to compete for the remaining stock.

There are also other examples showing the effects of climate change on housing are inequitable, with the consequences flowing disproportionately to less advantaged groups.

When areas with low climate risk become more desirable, this can drive up housing and other costs in an area. Climate "gentrification" can displace low-income households into higher risk and less protected areas. We've seen this happen in countries including the United States and Denmark.

What does climate-resilient housing look like?

Housing needs to protect people from the growing risks posed by climate change. In a physical sense, this means it must be robust enough to bear more intense weather conditions, be energy efficient, and have good thermal performance that allows for both ventilation and climate control.

To achieve this, climate-resilient housing should include features such as:

well-constructed foundations, walls and roofs

ventilation and insulation

energy-efficient cooling and heating

exterior shading and roof reflectivity

building materials that are fire- and heat-resistant.

Building codes need to be cognizant of the changing climate, while existing housing may need to be upgraded.

We've seen some signs of progress. For example, updates to the National Construction Code in recent years have accounted for the increasing impact of climate change, by raising energy efficiency and thermal performance standards, among other measures.

There is also a need for stronger tenant protection policies. Rental housing is disproportionately of poor quality, yet it houses a large portion of the more vulnerable people in the population. Minimum standards for rental housing must be climate resilient.

But housing people well isn't just a question of the physical construction of homes.

Climate-resilient housing should be affordable, secure and provide residents the chance to access opportunities for work, education and social connection that sustain well-being.

So much public discussion has focused on the need to meet housing supply targets, but we can't forget that people need to be housed well to flourish.

More information Ang Li et al, Housing at the intersection of health and climate change, The Lancet Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(25)00141-0 Journal information: The Lancet Public Health

Key medical concepts Floods Wildfires Infectious Diseases

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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(A) Subset of reconstructed inhibitory neurons and microglia crosstalk network using CytoTalk highlighting the TREM2 sub-network. (B) Reconstructed excitatory neurons and microglia crosstalk networks using CytoTalk in additional snRNA-seq datasets. Red arrows indicate the TREM2-SEMA6D crosstalk axis, and blue arrows indicate members of the TREM2 sub-network identified in our data. (C) Reconstructed TREM2 crosstalk sub-network with CytoTalk by downsampling the number of nuclei to the donor category with the smallest number of nuclei. Credit: Science Translational Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adx0027

A multidisciplinary team has used advanced imaging and computational modeling to analyze the "crosstalk" between neurons and their supporting glial cells in the human brain. This approach highlights the brain's interconnected cellular network.

"By mapping these cell interactions at the molecular level, we identified key pathways that could be pivotal in both the onset and progression of neurodegeneration," said study co-author Oscar Harari, Ph.D., director of the Division of Neurogenetics and director of the Center for Neurobiology of Aging and Resiliency at The Ohio State University Neuroscience Research Institute.

"This insight is critical for developing effective treatments, as 'cellular crosstalk' may serve as an attractive molecular target for drug development. Many of these cell-to-cell communication pathways include proteins at the cell membrane, which are often regarded as promising targets for therapeutic intervention," said Harari, who is also the Helen C. Kurtz Associate Professor of Neurology at Ohio State.

Harari, who joined Ohio State in early 2024, completed the manuscript for the research he started while at the Washington University School of Medicine. He collaborated equally with study co-author Tae-Wan Kim, Ph.D., associate professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. The work is published in Science Translational Medicine.

"Our research shows that Alzheimer's is not only driven by plaques and tangles, but also by a breakdown in communication between brain cells. By uncovering the SEMA6DTREM2 crosstalk pathway, we reveal a new way to enhance the amyloid-clearing functions of microglia and potentially slow Alzheimer's progression," said Kim.

More information Ricardo D'Oliveira Albanus et al, Systematic analysis of cellular cross-talk reveals a role for SEMA6D-TREM2 regulating microglial function in Alzheimer's disease, Science Translational Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adx0027 Journal information: Science Translational Medicine

Key medical concepts Alzheimer's Disease Microglia
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The World Health Organization said Thursday that 31 of 38 confirmed Ebola cases have resulted in deaths in southern Congo, where authorities are battling a new outbreak of the deadly virus.

The latest figures show the casualty rate has nearly doubled since last weekfrom 16and that the disease is spreading rapidly as more than 900 contacts have been identified so far, according to the WHO. Vaccinations began in the affected region on Sunday.

"More than 500 health care workers and contacts have received their vaccination, offering them crucial protection," said Dr. Patrick Otim, an official at WHO Africa's program.

A fresh Ebola outbreak was announced by Congolese authorities on Sept. 5 in the locality of Bulape in Kasai, a south-central region in Congo close to Angola.

Last week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the disease had spread from two districts to four.

An additional batch of vaccines approved by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision will start arriving from Friday through Sunday, according to Sheillah Nsasiirwe, Health Emergency Officer for Immunization at WHO Africa.

"The vaccination has not been implemented as fast as we would have desired it to because of accessibility challenges which have caused delays in transporting the vaccines," she said. WHO officials said they have been transporting the vaccines in small batches due to a lack of storage infrastructure in Bulape.

Key medical concepts Ebola Vaccination Vaccines

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Baseline prevalence (A) and incidence (B) for conditions by race/ethnicity. Credit: Aging and Health Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2025.100231

The impact of chronic conditions on human health has become a research topic of growing focus in recent years. The prevalence of individuals living with two or more chronic diseases at the same time, combined with an aging population, has placed growing demands on the U.S. health care system.

To better understand how the contribution of chronic conditions to mortality varies by race and ethnicity, a team of researchers led by Yale School of Medicine's Heather Allore, Ph.D., with collaborators from Oregon Health and Science University/Portland State University and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, conducted a large-scale study. Their findings are published in Aging and Health Research.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 10,000 patients in the Health and Retirement Study from 1998 to 2020, assessing the prevalence and incidence of chronic conditionsincluding heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung disease, cancer, depression, and dementiaand their association with mortality. They found substantial variations by both chronic condition and racial and ethnic groupings.

This research highlights the importance of advancing effective health care delivery models that support the needs of diverse older adults with these conditions.

Long-term chronic conditions accounted for 58%74% of documented mortality among Hispanic, Black, and white U.S.born adults in the study. However, different chronic conditions were found to contribute most to mortality in each group. Heart disease, cancer, hypertension, and pulmonary conditions contributed most to mortality for white adults. In contrast, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia were found to be the highest contributors to mortality events in Hispanic and Black adults.

The researchers noted that the findings have important implications for expanding access to preventive care and effective treatments for these individuals.

"This research highlights the importance of advancing effective health care delivery models that support the needs of diverse older adults with these conditions," says Allore, a professor of medicine (geriatrics) at YSM and of biostatistics at Yale School of Public Health.

She adds that efforts are needed to improve access to high-quality, patient-centered care that improves the management of existing chronic conditions and delays or prevents the onset of multimorbidity, which can result in serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

More information Miriam R. Elman et al, Contribution of chronic conditions to mortality: Differences by race and ethnicity, Aging and Health Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2025.100231
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The World Health Organization said Thursday it backs US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push for more focus on prevention to tackle chronic diseases.

Kennedy has drawn criticism from the United Nations health agency and others for his vaccine-skeptical stance and his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement that promotes it.

But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he did support the health minister's focus on the promotion of healthy habits and prevention.

"On the secretary of health's position on non-communicable disease, it's one thing that actually, as WHO, we really support what he says," he told reporters from WHO's headquarters in Geneva.

Tedros backed Kennedy's assessment that the US population faces large health challenges despite the massive amounts the country spends on its healthcare system.

"The US is one of the countries that is most affected by non-communicable diseases," he said, pointing out that the country is one of the 20 countries worst hit by obesity globally.

The WHO "quite agrees that the investment or the expenditure in health is disproportionately high in the US", he added.

He suggested that high US health costs were linked to the country's long-term focus "not on promotion and prevention but ... on treatment".

"Treating cardiovascular disease, treating cancer, treating other non-communicable diseases is very expensive," he said.

"It would be more effective if the country can invest in addressing the root cause."

A special event during the UN General Assembly in New York next week will tackle the question of improving the fight against non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, which are the leading causes of death globally.

Tedros said he hoped to work with the United States, which is in the process of withdrawing from his agency, to give this approach "priority".

"We expect the US to lead on this," he said.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Penobscot County, Maine, is grappling with the largest HIV outbreak in the state's history. Home to Bangor, a city of roughly 32,000, the county has identified 28 new cases over nearly two years. That's seven times the typical number for that length of time. Nearly all cases are among people who use drugs and are homeless.

Public health experts and local advocates say the outbreak is fueled by a confluence of on-the-ground factors: the sidelining and closing of programs that distributed sterile syringes to people who use drugs, a shortage of medical providers focused on HIV, and the clearing of the city's largest homeless encampment, which upended care for newly diagnosed people living there.

But those issues may not remain local for long.

The Trump administration is pushing similar tactics nationwide. In a recent executive order, Trump called for defunding programs that engage in harm reductiona broad term that encompasses many public health interventions, including syringe services, aimed at keeping people who use drugs alive.

Such efforts are sometimes controversial, with critics saying they enable illegal activity. The executive order also supports forcing homeless people off the street and into treatment. This comes after the administration cut or delayed funding for various addiction and HIV-related programs and hollowed out federal agencies focused on these topics.

The administration says its approach will increase public safety, but decades of research suggest otherwise. Many advocates and researchers warn these efforts could spark more outbreaks like the one in Bangor.

"That feels inevitable," said Laura Pegram, director of Drug User Health for NASTAD, an association of public health officials who administer HIV and hepatitis programs.

She said people who use drugs face a trifecta of risks: HIV, hepatitis C, and overdose. "Across the country, I think we'll start to see those three things starting to be on the rise again."

"That will be incredibly costly," she addedin dollars and "in a real human way."

Outbreaks that start among people who use drugs can easily spread to those who don't.

An HIV outbreak

The first HIV case in Bangor's current outbreak appeared in October 2023, well before Trump's return to the presidency.

Puthiery Va, director of Maine's public health department, attributed the emergence to the opioid epidemic, housing shortages, and the greater Bangor area's sparse health care services.

Local advocates highlighted an additional, acute factor: supply shortages at the region's largest syringe services program and its subsequent closure.

A nonprofit that provided health care and social services to people who use drugs, Health Equity Alliance, or HEAL, distributed more than half a million sterile needles annually.

Like other such programs nationwide, its goal was to prevent the spread of infectious disease that can occur if people share needles to inject drugs.

However, financial struggles and mismanagement led to severe shortages in recent years. Former HEAL executive director Josh D'Alessio acknowledged such issues, telling KFF Health News, "We did run out of syringes" at times or limit how many participants could take. Several of these shortages struck in the fall of 2023, leading HEAL staffers to suggest a link to the first HIV case.

The future of harm reduction

Research suggests a strong connection between past HIV outbreaks among people who use drugs and lack of access to sterile needles, said Thomas Stopka, an epidemiologist at Tufts University School of Medicine.

A 2015 outbreak in Scott County, Indiana, and one in the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts a few years later were curbed only after syringe services programs ramped up, he said. If such programs had existed sooner in Scott County, more than a hundred infections could have been prevented, one study suggested.

Va, who leads the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said she considers the shortage of syringe services in the Bangor area to be a factor in the outbreak but not the primary cause.

Stopka said the best practice during an outbreak "is to amplify access to sterile syringes."

But Trump's recent executive order links harm-reduction programs to crime, saying such efforts "only facilitate illegal drug use and its attendant harm." The order doesn't name syringe service programswhich have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the pastbut it targets "safe consumption" sites, where people can use drugs under supervision. Many advocates worry the attacks will be broader.

A letter from the nation's leading addiction agency expanding on Trump's executive order said federal funds cannot be used to buy syringes or drug pipes. However, that has been true for most of the past few decades. The letter did not address supporting general operating costs for syringe services programs.

Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon told KFF Health News that the administration is committed to "addressing the addiction and overdose crisis impacting communities across our nation." But he and spokespeople for the White House did not respond to specific questions about the administration's stance toward syringe services.

In Bangor, some locals have raised concerns about harm reduction that echo the president's. At a March 2024 City Council meetingshortly after a syringe services program was newly certified by the state to operate locallyresidents and business owners said they felt unsafe with the growing population of people who were homeless and using drugs. They worried syringe programs were fueling the behavior.

But research suggests syringe services programs reduce discarded needles in the community and do not increase crime. They can halve new HIV and hepatitis C cases, increase entry into addiction treatment fivefold, and save taxpayer money. They are also leading distributors of overdose reversal medications, the use of which many communitiesand the Trump administrationhave said they support.

The city ultimately decided the newly certified program, Needlepoint Sanctuary, could not operate in prominent public parks or squares.

In the following months, Needlepoint ran its syringe services only at the city's largest homeless encampment, where several people had tested positive for HIV, said the group's executive director, William "Willie" Hurley. That ended in February when the city cleared the encampment.

This summer, Needlepoint secured a private location for its syringe services but shut it down five days later when city officials raised zoning concerns.

Jennifer Gunderman, director of Bangor's health department, said the city is trying to strike a balance between "making services available and what the community wants."

"Getting the buy-in of most of the community" is "critical to the future of harm reduction," she said.

Other cities in Maine and beyond have seen backlash, resulting in new laws that restrict how syringe services programs operate or shutter them.

Gunderman said she is hoping to avoid that in Bangor.

Clearing encampments

Trump's recent executive order also calls for clearing homeless people off the street and involuntarily committing them to treatment facilities.

The administration is enacting this policy in Washington, D.C., where it has bulldozed tents and threatened homeless people with fines and jail time if they don't leave the streets.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said people have the option to be taken to a shelter or receive addiction and mental health services.

Similar policies have taken hold nationwide in recent years, even in liberal hubs like New York and California.

Last year in Bangor, as a homeless encampment that had existed for several years grew to nearly 100 residents, business owners and locals called for its clearing.

Some advocates and social service providers warned that doing so could exacerbate the HIV outbreak and overdose crisis. At two City Council meetings in November, they explained that it would be difficult to find people they served after a clearing and that scattering newly diagnosed people could spark HIV clusters elsewhere.

"Plenty of people said you're going to lose track of these people," Amy Clark, a board member for the Bangor Area Recovery Network, told KFF Health News. "They did it anyway."

Two months after clearing the encampment, the city reported not knowing the location of more than a third of the people who had lived there.

Clark said it's not surprising that the city couldn't connect everyone to housing or treatment. Many people distrust these services, shelters are frequently full, and treatment services are scarce. "Where exactly are these people supposed to go?" she said.

City officials stressed in Council meetings and reports that they were taking a humane approach. They ramped up social services for months leading up to the clearing, connecting people to everything from housing to storage facilities and laundry.

Gunderman, the city health director, said she knows the sweep wasn't ideal but that neither was crowding folks in an unsanitary encampment. "It was a situation where there weren't a lot of great answers," she said.

To help track folks from the encampment and keep them engaged in HIV treatment, the city is now using about $550,000 in opioid settlement funds to hire two case managers. (The only other local HIV medical case management program shuttered over the summer.)

"What we know from outreach we've been doing already is that we spend a lot of time looking for people," Gunderman said.

Key medical concepts HIV Infections Drug Overdose

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

New research (the Ver-A-T1D trial) presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) (Vienna, 1519 September) shows that slow-release (SR) verapamil (360mg daily) could have a potential effect on beta-cell function in adults with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

The study is led by Professor Thomas R. Pieber, Medical University of Graz, Austria, on behalf of the Ver-A-T1D Study Group.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. This leads to little to no insulin production, a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. Without sufficient insulin, glucose (sugar) builds up in the bloodstream, causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

T1D is typically diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood, but can occur at any age. Most people with the condition quickly progress to needing insulin replacement therapy for the rest of their lives.

Previous studies have shown that certain types of overexpression of proteins can lead to beta cell death, and verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, can prevent this overexpression and thus potentially preserve beta-cell function.

The Ver-A-T1D trial investigated whether verapamil SR (360mg daily) could preserve beta-cell function in adults with newly diagnosed T1D. This European multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study recruited 136 participants across 21 sites in six European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom), with recruitment completed in May 2024.

Verapamil is a well-known drug for high blood pressure and other heart diseases, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicine Agency (EMA) for this indication. Verapamil has been used in adults and children for more than five decades.

The primary endpoint measured stimulated C-peptide response (a marker of beta cell function) during a 2-hour mixed meal tolerance test at 12 months. While the study narrowly missed statistical significance, it demonstrated encouraging trends towards beta-cell preservation with verapamil treatment.

The authors did a per-protocol analysisone which gives results for those who fully followed the study protocol, assuming the best-case scenario for a treatment, but it may not represent what will happen when the treatment is used more widely. This analysis yielded statistically significant results, suggesting the biological plausibility of verapamil's protective effects.

Secondary outcomes showed improvements in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1ca measure of blood sugar control) only during the first six months of treatment.

Insulin requirements and continuous glucose monitoring revealed comparable glycemic control between groups. Verapamil demonstrated the well-established safety profile with no unexpected adverse events. The most common side effects were first-degree AV block (a mild heart rhythm problem, which rarely causes clinical symptoms) (22% of participants) and bradycardia (slow heartbeat) (16%), both mild and reversible with dose reduction.

Ver-A-T1D was powered based on a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 0.18 nmol/L/min, derived from the INNODIA natural course of disease study in adults and pediatric studies showing C-peptide declines of 0.240.40 nmol/L/min.

However, the actual placebo decline in Ver-A-T1D was only 0.09 nmol/L/min, suggesting the adult population without treatment had slower disease progression than anticipated. This retrospectively underpowered the trial for detecting clinically meaningful differences.

Put another way, the Ver-A-T1D study was designed based on the expectation that, without treatment, people with T1D would lose a certain amount of insulin-producing capacity each year.

Previous studies showed declines of about 0.240.40 nmol/L/min, so the trial planned to detect a smaller but still important difference of 0.18 nmol/L/min. In reality, the participants in Ver-A-T1D without treatment only lost capacity much more slowlyonly 0.09 nmol/L/minmeaning their disease progressed less quickly than expected. Because of this, the study did not have enough statistical power to reliably show whether the treatment made a true, clinically meaningful difference.

Professor Pieber concludes, "The unique non-immunosuppressive mechanism, the established safety profile and cost-effective delivery make verapamil still an attractive option for combination with immune-modulating interventions for beta-cell preservation in type 1 diabetes.

"The next important step will be to analyze the 24-month follow-up data of Ver-A-T1D to find out how well insulin-producing capacity will be preserved in our patients without treatment. More importantly, in the Ver-A-Long extension study, we will follow patients who did continue with verapamil treatment after the Ver-A-T1D trial.

"This will give us very important information about long-term preservation of beta cell function over three years when verapamil is continuously used in newly diagnosed people with type 1 diabetes.

"Based on the results of the Ver-A-T1D study, we are currently also working with our colleagues in the UK and Australia to redesign our T1D-Plus program. Within this important platform trial, we will investigate the combination of verapamil with immunemodulating agents, with the aim of fully halting the progression of type 1 diabetes."

More information Towards arresting type 1 diabetes: breaking results of the MELD-ATG trial and Ver-A-T1D trial using the INNODIA masterprotocol. drive.google.com/file/d/1wep1-  5lpUjDp3qi9oiE1/view

Provided by European Association for the Study of Diabetes
Since the Trump administration launched the so-called Operation Midway Blitz on September 8, federal immigration agents have been carrying out arrests across Illinois, targeting individuals described by the Department of Homeland Security as "pedophiles, abusers, rapists, and other violent thugs."

On September 16, DHS and several news outlets reported that Secretary Kristi Noem had joined Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during a raid in Elgin, Illinois, where several people were detained, including two U.S. citizens who were briefly held before being released.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that five people were detained at a single home, including Joe Botello, a U.S. citizen from Texas. Two were released after showing proof of citizenship. "I told them I was a U.S. citizen, that my ID was in my wallet," Botello told the outlet.

According to the Sun-Times, ICE agents forced their way into Botello's home shortly before 5:30 a.m., leading him and his roommates out in handcuffs. They

In a statement following the operation, DHS said the raid resulted in the arrests of five undocumented immigrants, including one convicted of driving under the influence with a child passenger, another with a violent assault conviction, and one facing charges related to domestic violence, harassment, obstruction, and felony stalking.

"President Trump has been clear: If politicians will not put the safety of their citizens first, this administration will," Noem said in a statement. "Just this morning, DHS took violent offenders off the streets with arrests for assault, DUI, and felony stalking. Our work is only beginning."

When asked about the temporary detention of the two U.S. citizens, DHS confirmed both were held briefly. "No U.S. citizen was arrested. They were briefly held for their and officers' safety while the operation in the house was under way. This is standard protocol," a DHS spokesperson told Newsweek.

Noem later posted a video of the raid on social media, showing five individuals being detained. The footage also revealed a large presence of federal agents, which raised concerns among local residents.

This week, a brave @ICEgov officer was dragged many yards by a car after a criminal illegal alien resisted arrest. His life was put at risk and he sustained serious injuries.



President Trump has been clear: if politicians will not put the safety of their citizens first, this pic.twitter.com/2BSUg4a7U6  Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) September 16, 2025

"The amount of presencehelicopters, drones, a spotlight, the vehicles, the armored vehiclesit looked like it was a military orchestration that was coming down," neighbor Nick Hurst told CBS News. "Was that necessary for this kind of standard little neighborhood?"

As immigration enforcement actions escalate under Operation Midway Blitz, local immigrant rights organizations have increased efforts to protect and inform residents.

Ismael Cordova-Clough, a member of the nonprofit Casa DuPage, said community advocates have been patrolling neighborhoods as early as 4 a.m. to alert residents of ICE activity and help them prepare for possible encounters.

DHS has said Operation Midway Blitz will continue for several weeks across the greater Chicago area. The agency stated the operation was launched in honor of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run in January. The driver, Julio Cucul-Bol, is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala.

"This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets," DHS said in its announcement.

Originally published on Latin Times
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Credit: Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

New research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2025 reveals that people with psoriasis face a significantly increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss.

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease with multiple comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study is among the largest to date investigating whether psoriasis also predisposes individuals to AMD, an eye disease affecting millions worldwide.

Dr. Alison Treichel and her team conducted a 15-year retrospective cohort study using data from the US TriNetX collaborative network.

The study included 22,901 patients over the age of 55 with psoriasis and compared their outcomes with three propensity-matched control groups:

individuals with melanocytic nevi (MN) to represent other dermatology patients

patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) to account for chronic disease and health care use

patients who had undergone an ophthalmologic exam to ensure comparable opportunities for AMD diagnosis

Individuals with a prior diagnosis of AMD were excluded.

In a separate analysis, psoriasis patients treated with biologics were compared to those treated with topical corticosteroids who had not received biologics before or during the follow-up period.

Over the 10-year follow-up period, people with psoriasis had a higher likelihood of developing AMD compared with patients in the MDD and MN cohorts, with a 56% and 21% increased risk, respectively.

Looking at the two main forms of AMDexudative (wet) and non-exudative (dry)psoriasis was associated with a 40% and 13% higher risk, respectively, compared with the MDD cohort.

"Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease in which lipid dysregulation contributes to cardiovascular disease," explained Dr. Treichel.

"Because abnormal lipid deposition in the retina is a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration, particularly the dry form that causes progressive vision loss, it is biologically plausible that psoriasis could increase AMD risk. Our study is the first to demonstrate a novel association between psoriasis and non-exudative (dry) AMD and serves as a hypothesis generating observation for future studies."

Notably, psoriasis patients treated with biologic therapies had a 27% lower risk of developing AMD compared with biologic-naive patients treated with topical corticosteroids only.

"Our findings support a connection between psoriasis and AMD, both exudative and non-exudative, which could be mediated by shared lipid dysregulation," Dr. Treichel explained.

"They also suggest that biologic therapies could offer protective benefits beyond skin symptoms. Further research is needed to determine whether these treatments have a true disease-modifying effect and to better understand the role of shared risk factors, including smoking, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and access to specialist care."

Dr. Treichel emphasized that individuals with psoriasis should remain vigilant. "Patients with psoriasis should continue to follow standard eye exam guidelines and promptly report any changes in their vision to their health care providers. More research is needed before specific screening recommendations can be made."

Looking ahead, the research team plans to build on these findings by analyzing retinal imaging data from psoriasis patients to better characterize ocular abnormalities, define the prevalence of AMD, and evaluate the long-term effects of biologic therapy on disease progression.

More information Treichel, A., et al. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration: results from a retrospective observational cohort study.

Provided by European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The current process for managing sexual misconduct perpetrated by doctors in the UK requires major reform, say experts in The BMJ.

Mei Nortley and colleagues argue that sanctioning of doctors is inconsistent and overly reliant on subjective evidence and they call for a dedicated, evidence-driven approach "that treats sexual misconduct by doctors not as a regulatory outlier, but as the grave abuse of trust it truly is."

They point to several recent high profile cases that have fueled concerns about the consistency and adequacy of the UK Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) sanctions against doctors found guilty of sexual misconduct.

The MPTS is an independent adjudicator that is accountable to the General Medical Council (GMC). Its primary role is to protect the public by ensuring doctors meet the required standards to practice medicine.

For example, an acute medicine consultant who was found to have committed rape by an MPTS tribunal was given only a 12-month suspension based on the tribunal's view of the incident as a "one-off event" and further justified by the time since the incident and testimonials of high clinical competence.

And a doctor who knowingly entered into a sexual relationship with a vulnerable patient whom he had pursued and groomed from the age of 14 was suspended for 12 months rather than erased from the register. The panel cited evidence of insight, remediation, and remorse.

The authors say these cases raise questions about the adequacy of protection for victims and the public and affect public confidence in the profession, and ask how can the process be improved?

They explain that MPTS guidance currently directs tribunal panels to balance aggravating factors (eg, lack of insight, abuse of position, discrimination) against mitigating ones such as insight, remediation efforts, positive character references (testimonials), and the time elapsed since the incident.

The aim is to promote consistency, fairness, and transparency in tribunal decisions, but they argue that many of these elements, particularly insight and remediation, are highly subjective, leaving them open to different interpretations.

Concurrently aggravating factors key to sexual misconduct such as grooming, manipulation, coercion and persistent behaviors are not recognized in MPTS sanctions guidance.

In addition to the procedural shortcomings, MPTS panel members lack the specialist training and tools required to deal with serious cases of sexual misconduct that include rape, sexual assault, and offenses against children, they write.

They also point to a stark imbalance in support, where accused doctors often receive full legal support, including strategic guidance on presenting evidence and mitigating factors, but victims are ineligible for legal representation, support or guidance.

New research published in The Bulletin of the Royal College of Surgeons of England has found that in nearly one in four cases, the sanctions imposed by MPTS tribunals were more lenient than those proposed by the GMC. The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) is calling for urgent reform as these findings demonstrate that the current system of medical regulationoverseen by the MPTS and the GMCis failing targets of misconduct.

Against this background, the authors suggest changes to the MPTS process that would improve its adjudication in sexual misconduct cases, such as specialist tribunal panels, reduced reliance on mitigating factors, better support for victims, and sexual misconduct training for all tribunal members.

"We need a dedicated, evidence-driven approach that treats sexual misconduct by doctors not as a regulatory outlier, but as the grave abuse of trust it truly is," argue the authors. "Sanctions must be sufficiently severe to deter these behaviors, and vulnerable witnesses must be supported and protected."

"Without concerted effort to change, we risk preserving a system that is more skilled at facilitating abusers than protecting victims, and that continues to erode public trust," they conclude.

In a linked news article, Nortley and colleagues also point to a lack of fair treatment for victim witnesses in MPTS hearings. "Victims told us they experienced hostile cross examination and there were unexplained errors in the preparation of their evidence, such as large chunks of their evidence redacted without explanation and without consultation," they say.

This is borne out by a patient involved in a recent case who describes the MPTS tribunal process as "victim-hostile and utterly unfair" and says the tribunal "focused on protecting Dr. Hughes's career, not the profound impact of his actions on me."

The MPTS is expected to issue updated guidance within weeks which will come into effect before the end of this year.

A spokesperson told The BMJ this would reflect the development of recent case law and build on good practice. "We recognize the impact of our work and decisions on the lives of the doctors. It is paramount that our decisions are fair and proportionate, and are seen to be so, and that we are open to informed scrutiny in this regard."

And since concerns about misconduct hearings cross the remit of both the MPTS and GMC, The BMJ also put the criticisms to the GMC.

A spokesperson said the Council took a zero-tolerance and proactive approach to all forms of sexual misconduct and at the heart of its efforts was the support it provided to victims and survivors.

"We are actively listening and continuously seeking opportunities to play our part in ensuring that victims and survivors are supported and heard, and that cases of sexual misconduct are handled appropriately, with care and compassion."

In a linked editorial, Carrie Newlands and colleagues discuss the future role of the GMC and outline the case for a single health care regulator to address "serious inconsistencies" in the fitness to practice process.

They point out that the UK's Health and Care Professions Council regulates 15 different health professions, including paramedics and psychologists, at considerably lower cost than the GMC, while Australia has had a single professional health regulator for 15 years with responsibility for 16 health professions, including doctors, dentists, and nurses.

"As evidence continues to emerge on the damage caused to complainants, registrants under investigation and witnesses in the fitness to practice process, constructive multiprofessional dialogue in the UK should explore building a streamlined, evidence-based, regulatory framework that puts patients first and holds everyone to the same ethical standard," they conclude.

More information Sexual misconduct: UK medical practitioners tribunal service (MPTS) is not fit for purpose, The BMJ (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2025-086867 The Bulletin of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (2025) Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ)

Key medical concepts Rape Sexual Assault
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

What does wearing SPF50+ sunscreen every day do to your vitamin D levels? Our study, recently published in the British Journal of Dermatology, provides some answers.

We found using SPF50+ every day, on all days when the ultraviolet index is forecast to reach three or more, can increase the risk of being vitamin D deficient.

The benefits of sunscreen are well known, so our findings do not mean we should abandon SPF50+.

Rather, it means people who use SPF50+ every day might need to start taking vitamin D supplements.

Why did we run our trial?

Sunscreen is designed to reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the skin's cells. However, exposing the skin to UV rays from the sun produces vitamin D, so it is reasonable to think that sunscreen would block vitamin D production.

Previous studies found using low SPF sunscreen daily did not cause vitamin D deficiency.

However, nobody had assessed the effect of routinely using high SPF sunscreens in everyday life, so in the Sun-D Trial we tested the effect of using SPF50+ every day.

What did we do?

We recruited 639 adults living in one of the four eastern states of Australia (and the Australian Capital Territory) who were not using sunscreen as part of their daily routine.

We put them randomly into one of two groups. We gave the "sunscreen" group SPF50+ sunscreen and asked them to apply it every day (to all areas of the skin not covered by clothes) when the UV index was forecast to reach three or more for a year.

We asked the "control" group to continue with their usual sun protection.

We measured vitamin D levels at the beginning (late winter/early spring), middle (late summer), and end (late winter) of the study in both groups.

What did we find?

The average vitamin D level increased in both groups from late winter to late summer. However, the increase was significantly lower in the sunscreen group than in the control group.

At the end of the study, vitamin D deficiency was more common in the sunscreen group than in the control group (46% versus 37%).

This is the first study worldwide to test the effect of daily SPF50+ sunscreen use in people as they go about their everyday lives.

What does this mean?

1. Keep using sunscreen

Using sunscreen daily reduces the risk of skin cancer and sunspots. Therefore it is very important Australians continue to use sunscreen every day when the UV index is forecast to reach three or more as part of their daily routine.

For people with deeply pigmented skin, daily sunscreen is not needed because the risk of skin cancers caused by the sun is very low. It is still important, though, to protect the skin if outdoors when the UV index is high.

Using sunscreen should be as routine as brushing your teeth. Continue to use sunscreen with a high SPF (ideally 50+, but 30+ is also OK if you can't find a 50+ that you like). Don't rely on sunscreen in makeup, which doesn't offer enough protection.

If you spend time outdoors for recreation or work when the UV index is three or more, you should cover as much skin as you can with clothing, wear a hat and sunglasses, stay in the shade if you can, and reapply sunscreen every two hours.

2. Consider taking vitamin D

People who use sunscreen daily should consider taking a vitamin D supplement. These are relatively cheap (as little as 5c per day), safe (if used as directed), and effective for preventing vitamin D deficiency.

It is more important to take supplements over winter, as that is when vitamin D deficiency becomes more common.

Vitamin D deficiency is also more common in southern states. In Australia's National Health Measures Survey, 26% of people in Tasmania were vitamin D deficient (46% in winter) compared to 12% in Queensland (16% in winter).

Is regular sunscreen use the only cause of vitamin D deficiency?

A total of 30% of participants were vitamin D deficient at the start of the study, even though they were not regular sunscreen users. And 37% of the control group (who did not use sunscreen every day) were vitamin D deficient at the end of the study.

This shows regular sunscreen use is not the only reason for being vitamin D deficient. People who rarely go outdoors between 8am and 4pm, or who always cover most of their skin with clothing when they are outside, are at increased risk of being vitamin D deficient.

Should I have my vitamin D levels tested first?

The Australian government only funds vitamin D tests in people where there is a specific clinical reason for testing. Also, it is not always easy for everybody to see a doctor, and not everybody can see a doctor for free.

If you think you might be at risk of being vitamin D deficient because you are careful to protect your skin from the sunor have other reasons you don't expose your skin to the sunyou can start taking vitamin D supplements without having your vitamin D tested first. Perhaps discuss this with your doctor when you get a chance.

This is safe, so long as you follow the instructions on the label.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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(a) Photograph of a golden wheel spider. (b) Schematic diagram of the BMSR's motion pattern during a single cycle. The BMSR can roll forward in response to a rotating magnetic field. The distance it rolls during one cycle is equal to its body length (L). Credit: International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (2025). DOI: 10.1088/2631-7990/ae0214

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a collection of organs and structures inside the bodies of humans and other animals that is responsible for the digestion of food, the absorption of nutrients and the expulsion of waste. Its underlying parts include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum and anus.

Over the past decades, the incidence of cancer in the GI tract and some other conditions affecting the digestive system has risen substantially. Existing approaches to diagnose and treat GI cancers rely on endoscopy, a medical procedure that entails the inspection of internal organs via a flexible tube with an embedded camera (i.e., endoscope), which is inserted into the body through the anus, mouth or a small incision.

In addition to being highly uncomfortable for patients, endoscopy often fails to reach regions that are deep into the GI tract or are difficult to access due to the body's natural configuration. Some biomedical engineers have thus been trying to devise alternative systems that could inspect parts of the digestive system more effectively, while causing patients minimal discomfort.

A team of researchers at the University of Macau in China recently developed new soft magnetic robots that can climb inverted surfaces and move in complex environments, which could allow them to deliver drugs to specific locations in the GI tract.

These robots, introduced in a paper published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, were designed to mimic the movements of the golden wheel spider, an arachnid that can move on various terrains by performing unique rolling motions.

Credit: International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (2025). DOI: 10.1088/2631-7990/ae0214

"In recent years, the rising incidence of GI cancer has triggered an urgent need for effective early intervention strategies," wrote Ruomeng Xu, Xianli Wang, and their colleagues in their paper. "Traditional endoscopic techniques often cause patient discomfort, and it is difficult to navigate deep regions of complex organ structures. This work proposes a kind of bio-inspired magnetic soft robot (BMSR) to address these challenges."

The researchers fabricated their robots using flexible and deformable materials, as opposed to rigid mechanical parts. These materials are less likely to damage tissue inside the body, while also causing less discomfort to patients as they navigate the GI tract.

"The design of the BMSRs is inspired by the rolling motion of the golden wheel spider," wrote the authors. "Two six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) robotic arms are used, where one arm is responsible for real-time manipulation of the BMSRs, and the other is dedicated to monitoring their status."

The newly developed BMSRs can be controlled via a magnetic field that is applied from outside the body, guiding their movements without the need for onboard motors. Due to their unique design, the robots can climb inclined surfaces at any angle, which could be highly advantageous for the navigation of the intestines and digestive tract.

"Through the powerful output force, the BMSRs can overcome the mobility barrier induced by different human organs, including mucus, folds, and height differences of up to 8 cm," wrote the researchers. "Such an exceptional mobility enables the BMSRs to deliver drugs in the targeted complex GI environment. Moreover, in combination with an endoscope, it provides real-time visual feedback for precise navigation."

To assess the ability of their robots to navigate the GI tract, the team tested them in preliminary experiments, where they moved them inside parts of the GI tract of deceased animals that share common features with humans. They found that the robots successfully delivered drugs to target locations, without damaging tissues.

"In vitro animal experiments validate the feasibility of BMSRs, paving a way for their usage in minimally invasive GI treatment," wrote the authors. "This work advances the potential applications of magnetic soft robots in the biomedical field."

In the future, the BMSRs introduced by the researchers could be improved further and tested in live animals. If they prove to be safe and biocompatible, which means that they can be inserted into the body without causing harmful or undesired reactions, they could then be tested in human clinical trials, potentially offering an alternative and less-invasive route for the treatment of GI cancers.

Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Stephanie Baum, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

More information Ruomeng Xu et al, Bio-Inspired Magnetic Soft Robots with Omnidirectional Climbing for Multifunctional Biomedical Applications, International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (2025). DOI: 10.1088/2631-7990/ae0214

Key medical concepts Cancer, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

 2025 Science X Network
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A medical assistant prepares a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to a patient. Credit: Public domain image courtesy of Lisa Ferdinando, U.S. Department of Defense

At least 17 states have taken steps to ensure broader access to the COVID-19 vaccine since August, when the federal government significantly restricted eligibility for the shot.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin have issued orders that aim to make it easier for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. All but Virginia have Democratic governors.

Together, the moves represent an extraordinary state rebellion against the public health authority of the federal government.

For decades, states have followed the lead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on which vaccines Americans should get, and when they should get them. Now, rejecting the antivaccine stance of the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an increasing number of states say they will rely instead on their own public health experts and professional medical organizations for that advice.

Previously, the FDA recommended that the COVID-19 vaccine booster be available to anyone 6 months or older. But in August, the federal agency said the booster shot should be limited to two specific groups: people who are 65 and older, and anyone who is at least 6 months old and has an underlying health condition, such as asthma or obesity, that increases the risk of a COVID-19 infection becoming severe.

Under the new guidelines, children under 18 without an underlying condition can only get the shot if a health care provider is consulted first, meaning parents can't simply take their kids to a vaccination clinic or pharmacy.

"The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three," Kennedy wrote on the social media platform X on Aug. 27.

In June, Kennedy ousted the entire vaccine advisory committee at the CDC, replacing some of them with vaccine skeptics. The previous month, he announced that the federal government would no longer recommend that pregnant women get the vaccine.

Currently 43 statesall but Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oregon, Utah and West Virginia, along with the District of Columbiaallow pharmacies to administer FDA-approved shots without a prescription, according to Amy Thibault, a spokesperson for CVS Health.

But the federal government's new COVID-19 recommendations have sown confusion. Many people are unsure whether their local pharmacy will give them the shot without a prescriptionand if so, whether their health insurance will pay for it.

In the 17 states that have acted thus far, governors and state public health officials are trying to clear up that confusion, empower pharmacists to administer the shot and, in some cases, mandate that insurers pay for it.

The latest state to act is Wisconsin. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday directing state health officials to create policies that ease vaccine restrictions, and requiring insurers to keep covering the COVID-19 shot.

"Vaccines save lives, folks. Spreading fear, distrust, and disinformation about safe and effective vaccines isn't just reckless, it's dangerous," Evers said in a news release. "RFK and the Trump administration are inserting partisan politics into health care and the science-based decisions of medical professionals and are putting the health and lives of kids, families, and folks across our state at risk in the process."

In addition to Wisconsin, Colorado, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have required insurers to cover the shot, and Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs's executive order calls on state insurance regulators to "encourage" insurers to do so.

In many of the states, including Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico and Rhode Island, the governor or the chief public health officer issued a standing order clarifying that pharmacies can administer the vaccine without a prescription.

Earlier this month, New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order allowing pharmacies in her state to administer the shot to anyone 3 or older through October 5. The order can be renewed, pending action by the legislature.

And in Connecticut, Delaware and Pennsylvania, state authorities directed pharmacists to follow the vaccine recommendations issued by professional groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein issued an order stating that pharmacies can administer the COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription to all adults over 65 and anyone over 18 with a broad range of underlying health conditions. Virginia's top public health official issued a similar order.

Earlier this month, the Democratic governors of California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate vaccine recommendations for their states. The states pledged to use guidelines based on advice from leading medical organizations.

Meanwhile, Republican-controlled Florida doubled down on Kennedy's antivaccine stance, announcing plans to become the first state to phase out all vaccine mandates, including ending requirements that kids be vaccinated against dangerous diseases before enrolling in schools.

At a news conference earlier this month, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said vaccine mandates are "immoral."

"Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery," Ladapo said of such requirements.

In Louisiana, Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, who is a physician, suggested that state Surgeon General Ralph Abraham should issue a blanket prescription for anyone who wants the COVID-19 shot, the Shreveport Times reported.

Key medical concepts Asthma Obesity

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Millions of people around the world are suffering from the serious cardiovascular effects of COVID infection and long COVID. A lack of clear guidance on how to reduce this suffering and prevent further harm means that patients are not receiving the care they need, and some are turning to unproven or unsafe treatments.

A major report published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, sets out how to address this growing problem through diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and vaccination.

The report is a clinical consensus statement authored by a group of experts from across Europe, led by Professor Vassilios Vassiliou from University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK, on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Professor Vassiliou said, "COVID-19 has a profound and lasting impact on cardiovascular health, with complications emerging during acute illness, recovery, and even after reinfections or vaccination. In the absence of clear evidence-based guidance, patients risk harmful treatments and clinicians face uncertainty.

"This statement provides unified, practical recommendations for prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term care, while also identifying critical research gaps to ensure strategies continue to evolve with emerging evidence."

To prepare the report, the expert group reviewed all the existing research on COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease, including the effects of an acute infection, long COVID and COVID vaccination. They used this research to agree a set of recommendations on how to treat or prevent the damaging cardiovascular effects of COVID.

Almost one billion people are known to have been infected with COVID-19 worldwide, although the true number is believed to be far higher, and research shows that COVID patients, especially those who needed hospital treatment, have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease.

Researchers estimate that around 100 million people are currently living with long COVID, and about 5% of these (five million) will have cardiac long COVID, with symptoms including angina (chest pain), breathlessness, arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), heart failure, fatigue and dizziness. Long COVID can also lead to autonomic dysfunction where the nerves that normally control heart rate, breathing and body temperature do not work properly.

The expert consensus statement includes advice to continue vaccinating against COVID-19, as people who are fully vaccinated are far less likely to suffer cardiac complications or long COVID, even if they develop a COVID infection.

They also set out how to diagnose and treat the symptoms brought on by COVID, such as shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting. In particular, the paper recommends structured cardiac rehabilitation programs, including specialized physiotherapy, to prevent longer-term problems from developing following infection and to aid recovery from long COVID.

Professor Vassiliou said, "COVID doesn't only affect the lungs. It can also damage the heart and blood vessels, both during the acute infection and for months afterward. This means chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, or fatigue may be signs of cardiac long COVID. If you already have heart disease, COVID raises your risk of serious complications both immediately and long after infection. In both cases, rehabilitation can protect your heart and support recovery."

Finally, the experts call for equal access to cardiac rehabilitation programs, especially for people living in rural locations. Professor Vassiliou explained, "At present, the capacity of rehabilitation services across much of Europe is insufficient to accommodate both conventional cardiac patients and those with cardiac long COVID.

"There are also significant regional variations. Targeted financial investment and resource allocation are therefore required to expand service capacity and ensure equitable access.

"Unfortunately, even now, cardiac long COVID continues to affect the quality of life for many patients. We need to ensure patients have equitable access to rehabilitation services, support primary prevention through vaccination and lifestyle programs, and fund research into long COVID and cardiovascular outcomes. Health systems must be prepared for the ongoing burden, not just the acute infection."

More information Vassilios S et al, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management in COVID-19. A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions, the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, and the Heart Failure Association of the ESC, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf540 Journal information: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology

Key medical concepts Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiac Rehabilitation
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Taking vitamin D2 might lower the body's levels of the more efficient form of vitamin D, vitamin D3, according to new research from the University of Surrey, John Innes Center and Quadram Institute Bioscience. Many people take vitamin D supplements to support their bone and immune health and meet the UK government recommendation of 10 micrograms (g) each day, especially during the winter months.

There are two forms of vitamin D supplements available: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Researchers have found that taking vitamin D2 supplements can lead to a drop in the body's concentration of vitamin D3, which is the form our bodies naturally produce from sunlight and use most effectively to raise overall vitamin D levels.

The study, published in Nutrition Reviews, analyzed data from randomized controlled trials and found that vitamin D2 supplementation resulted in a reduction in vitamin D3 levels compared to those not taking a vitamin D2 supplement. In many of the studies, the vitamin D3 levels went lower than in the control group.

Emily Brown, Ph.D. Research Fellow and Lead Researcher of the study from the University of Surrey's Nutrition, Exercise, Chronobiology & Sleep Discipline, said, "Vitamin D supplements are important, especially between October and March, when our bodies cannot make vitamin D from sunlight in the U.K.

"However, we discovered that vitamin D2 supplements can actually decrease levels of vitamin D3 in the body, which is a previously unknown effect of taking these supplements. This study suggests that subject to personal considerations, vitamin D3 supplements may be more beneficial for most individuals over vitamin D2."

Professor Cathie Martin, group leader at the John Innes Center, said, "This meta-analysis highlights the importance of ensuring plant-based vitamin D3 is accessible in the U.K."

This research supports a previous study published in Frontiers in Immunology, led by Professor Colin Smith from the University of Surrey, which suggests that vitamin D2 and D3 do not have identical roles in supporting immune function. Vitamin D3 has a modifying effect on the immune system that could fortify the body against viral and bacterial diseases.

Professor Colin Smith said, "We have shown that vitamin D3, but not vitamin D2, appears to stimulate the type I interferon signaling system in the bodya key part of the immune system that provides a first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. Thus, a healthy vitamin D3 status may help prevent viruses and bacteria from gaining a foothold in the body."

Further research into the different functionalities of vitamin D2 and D3 should be a priority in deciding whether vitamin D3 should be the first-line choice of vitamin D supplement, subject to individual requirements.

Professor Martin Warren, Chief Scientific Officer at the Quadram Institute, said, "Vitamin D deficiency represents a significant public health concern, especially during the winter months with significant deficiency across the U.K. population. This collaborative research effort aligns well with the Quadram Institute's mission to deliver healthier lives through food innovation to enhance the nutrient density of the food we eat.

"Tackling this with the most effective form of vitamin D supplementation or fortification is of the utmost importance to the health of the nation."

More information Emily I G Brown et al, Effect of Vitamin D2 Supplementation on 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, Frontiers in Immunology (2025). DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf166. academic.oup.com/nutritionrevi  trit/nuaf166/8256613 Journal information: Frontiers in Immunology
The ex-chief of the US disease prevention agency told senators Wednesday she was fired for refusing to approve changes to childhood vaccine schedules not backed by scientific evidence, as the Trump administration moves to dismantle longstanding health policy.

The high-profile testimony follows last month's abrupt ouster of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention head Susan Monarez, who told lawmakers on the Senate Health Committee that US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also demanded she fire career scientists from the agency without cause.

"Even under pressure I could not replace evidence with ideology, or compromise my integrity," she told the panel.

"Vaccine policy must be guided by credible data, not predetermined outcomes."

The testimony comes a day before a highly anticipated meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- a body Kennedy has dramatically revamped, firing all of its members and replacing them with figures whose views mirror his own vaccine skepticism.

Monarez said Kennedy had demanded she agree to rubber-stamp every recommendation that committee makes to the CDC.

She was fired less than a month after senators had voted to confirm her with unanimous support from Republican lawmakers.

Her testimony contradicts what Kennedy had told the Senate Finance Committee. He insisted he had only requested she keep an open mind and said that she ultimately had not been "trustworthy."

Under questioning from Republican Senate health committee chair Bill Cassidy -- a physician who continues to vouch for the safety of vaccines -- Monarez said she told Kennedy she "would be open" to childhood vaccine schedule shifts if there were solid scientific data to justify them.

But Kennedy "did not have any data or science to point to," she said.

"To be clear, he said there was not science or data" but he "still expected you to change this?" Cassidy asked.

"Correct," Monarez responded.

Monarez's ouster was followed by the departure of several senior CDC officials from the body.

Former CDC chief medical officer Debra Houry also testified Wednesday, and said Kennedy "censored CDC science, politicized its processes and stripped leaders of independence."

"I could not in good conscience remain under those conditions."

Senator Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat, later asked Houry if she believed Kennedy was "incompetent and dangerous to the American people's health."

Houry was uncompromising in her response: "Seeing what he has asked our scientists to do and to compromise our integrity, and the children that have died under his watch, I think he should resign."

In 2025, the United States experienced its worst measles outbreak in more than 30 years, with more than 1,400 total confirmed cases and three deaths, including two young children.

Asked by Republican Susan Collins what the public health implications might be if major CDC decisions come from politicized ideology rather than hard science, Monarez said it could move the US into "a very dangerous place in public health."

"These are very important, highly technical discussions that have life-saving implications for our children and others who need vaccines."

Vaccines are safe and effective, according to the overwhelming consensus of the scientific community, but critics say the Trump administration has gone out of its way to sow doubt about them.
On August 26, the Bombay High Court dismissed two PILs challenging the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporations (MSRDC) proposal to monetise land reclaimed for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The petitioners argued that the project had been granted environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance in 1999 on the condition that reclaimed land will not be used for commercial purposes, and that the land will be used as an open space for the public. The CRZ was relaxed in 2019, and the reclaimed land now fell outside the CRZ boundary. The court reasoned that the MSRDC had proposed an open space to fulfil the condition imposed for securing project clearance. Now that the plot is no longer within the CRZ, the condition does not apply  therefore the MSRDC cannot be held bound to retain the land for public use. In other words, the court decided that an act of project expediency must not be mistaken for a public entitlement. It, therefore, allowed MSRDC to hand over the reclaimed land to Adani Properties for commercial development. The CRZ is an intriguing regulation. On paper, it has very noble objectives. The notification states that its purpose is to protect coastal and marine areas, to ensure livelihood security for coastal communities, to promote sustainable development, and to guard against the dangers of natural hazards and sea-level rise due to global warming. But as the perception of the dangers of global warming have become starker, the regulations have become weaker. The CRZ was most stringent when it was first notified in 1991. Since then, it has been amended away into virtual non-existence. The CRZ was first notified in 1991 under the Environment Protection Act. It regulates the uses and intensity of development in coastal areas in four different categories: Intertidal and ecologically sensitive areas (CRZ-I), landward zone in urbanised areas (CRZ-II), landward zone in rural areas (CRZ-III), and coastal waters (CRZ-IV). The 1991 notification restricted land reclamation, mining, polluting industries and construction in prescribed coastal zones  and was backed by fishing communities who were most affected by commercial developments along the coast. For obvious reasons, industry and developers lobbied against it. In Mumbai, planners and real-estate speculators were horrified, particularly by FSI restrictions in the CRZ-II zone. Think tanks and experts denounced it. How will we create affordable housing for millions of low-income Mumbaikars with such restrictions? They claimed housing prices are high because the CRZ restricts land supply in a land-starved city. Further, millions are subjected to long commuting times because the CRZ prevents reclamation for infrastructure projects. For the welfare of the poor, they prayed, this absurd regulation should be removed. Over the years, numerous amendments were made to the regulation. An amendment in 1997 allowed reclamation for bridges and sea links, clearing the way for the Bandra-Worli Sea-Link. The 2011 notification permitted coastal roads on stilts clearing the way for the Versova-Bandra Sea-Link. In 2015 roads on reclaimed surface were permitted, clearing the Coastal Road project. In 2016, the Mahim and Backbay areas were officially designated as bays reducing the 500-metre protected zone to 100 metres. Finally, the 2019 CRZ notification lifted restrictions on real-estate co nstruction. The earlier notifications had fixed FSI in CRZ-II areas to 1991 levels, which meant that repair and reconstruction of buildings was possible, but redevelopment was not. In 2019, FSI in the landward zone was increased to 2019 levels  effectively abolishing the CRZ-II zone in Mumbai. Coastal land was now open for high-intensity development. The experts had envisioned that most of Mumbais pressing problems would disappear. Surely, all this unshackled land would unleash a wave of affordable housing, make real-estate prices fall, relieve commuting problems for the masses. And yet, none of that happened. Instead, we find luxury towers mushrooming along the coast, while mind-bending sea-links and car-centric coastal roads  built on the ruins of coastal ecology and fishing livelihoods  connect business districts to airports and gated enclaves. The MSRDCs deal with Adani Properties is an illustration of the consequences of CRZ relaxations. The petitioners who challenged the deal valiantly argued based on the public trust doctrine (that the government must manage resources in the public interest) and on the principle of non-regression (that environmental protection standards must continue to be strengthened). They may have added another environmental principle: When there is uncertainty in decision-making, we must lean on the side of nature. They should have known better. In Mumbai, these doctrines have special meanings: Public trust entails the governments eagerness to privatise public resources; non-regression implies that environmental protection will not regress private profits; and when faced with uncertainty or doubt, the authorities always lean on the side of builders. Hussain Indorewala is a teacher and urban researcher at KRVIA, Mumbai. Views are personal.
Thai police clash with Cambodian protesters at border

This aerial photo taken and released by the Royal Thai Army shows Thai army and police (bottom) facing Cambodian people in a disputed border area. Photo: AFP/Royal Thai Army

Thai police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Cambodian civilians in a disputed border area on Wednesday, authorities in both countries said, in the most significant escalation since they declared a ceasefire to end a deadly five-day conflict in July.



At least 23 Cambodians were injured in the incident, according to Cambodian authorities, while Thailand's military said an unspecified number of Thai officials had also sustained injuries.



The clash took place at a disputed frontier settlement, which Thailand says is part of its Ban Nong Ya Kaew village in Sa Kaeo province, but Cambodia says is part of Prey Chan village in Bantheay Meanchey province.



Thai authorities erected barbed wire fences in the area last month and for weeks there have been protests by civilians from both sides of the border.



Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817-kilometre land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony.



Tensions over disputed areas spiraled into a border conflict in July, when the fiercest fighting between the neighbours in decades killed at least 48 people and temporarily displaced hundreds of thousands.



The fighting ended after both countries agreed a ceasefire brokered in Malaysia on July 28, and the border has largely remained calm since.



On Wednesday, Cambodia's information minister Neth Pheaktra accused Thai officials of encroaching across the border, and said they used "tear gas, rubber bullets and noise-making devices against Cambodian civilians."



Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has sent out letters to world leaders, seeking support from the international community and the regional bloc Asean to stop what he described as Thailand's "unilateral actions that risk escalating tensions and widening the conflict", a Cambodia government statement said.



The Thai army said in a statement that Thailand's use of force was a response to provocation from some 200 Cambodian protesters, some of whom dismantled Thai defensive barriers, threw sticks and stones and fired slingshots at Thai officials, causing injuries.



The actions of the riot police were aimed at preventing the situation from escalating into civil disorder, it added. (Reuters)
New York, US (PANA) - Syrias tentative steps towards recovery could quickly unravel without inclusive politics, sustained aid and respect for national sovereignty, top UN officials cautioned the Security Council on Thursday
India's shipbuilding sector is at a historic inflection point, with bold government policies, rising global demand, and international partnerships positioning the country to emerge as a leading maritime power, according to S&P Global. Currently, India accounts for less than 1 per cent of the global shipbuilding market. However, experts believe that with sustained efforts, the country could break into the world's top five shipbuilding nations by 2047. Rahul Kapoor, Global Head of Shipping Analytics & Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights noted India has a very low market share today so the opportunity is big, "The government initiative, policy initiatives are on the right track. And India can, over the next few years, along with the maritime clusters, as well as investment, start taking a slightly higher market share in global shipbuilding." The government has laid down an ambitious roadmap through 'Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', targeting a place among the top 10 by 2030 and top five by 2047. In Union Budget 2025, Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund was announced to provide low-cost and long-term financing for shipbuilding and infrastructure projects to address the high capital costs that have long constrained the sector. Kapoor said many Memorandum of Undertakings (MoUs) are signed with Japan and Korea to boost the sector. "We also seen a lot of MOUs which are being signed with Korea and Japan particularly because those are the leaders along with China." In a further boost, Indian shipyards have been given the first right of refusal in public sector contracts, strengthening their competitive edge in domestic tenders. Work is also underway to develop eight integrated shipbuilding clusters, including five new facilities and three expansions. These will bring together shipyards, equipment makers, training centres, and support infrastructure in one ecosystem. "What it effectively does, it supports your steel industry, it supports your machinery, it supports your manufacturing as a percentage of GDP, which you want to increase, as well as it creates huge employment." added Kapoor Lower labour costs gives strength to Indian shipyards to offer competitive pricing, particularly in niche or specialised vessels such as offshore support, coastal, and cargo ships. Besides, India's strategic location on major east-west and north-south trade routes further enhances its potential. Another emerging strength is India's focus on green and high-tech vessels. Growing investments are being directed toward electric, hybrid, and LNG-powered ships, in line with rising global demand for eco-friendly fleets. I addition India's Navy's modernisation drive is contributing to the development of advanced shipbuilding technologies and a skilled workforce. Despite the momentum, the sector faces hurdles. High capital costs and expensive financing continue to be a barrier. Dependence on imported components and advanced materials leaves the industry vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. While competition from China, South Korea, and Japan remains intense, India's mix of cost competitiveness, location, supportive policies, and niche specialisation gives it a credible chance to emerge as a global shipbuilding hub. (ANI)
IBM and BharatGen have announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India, powered by BharatGen's sovereign multimodal and Large Language Models (LLMs) tailored to the country's linguistic and cultural needs, as per a press release. The partnership brings together IBM's expertise in AI, data governance and model training with BharatGen's mandate to build inclusive, India-centric AI systems. The goal is to create sovereign AI models rooted in local languages, values and contexts, while expanding their applications across education, agriculture, healthcare, banking and citizen services. "With IBM's strength in enterprise-grade platforms and our commitment to public-good AI, we are on a path to drive transformative solutions for empowering India's digital journey across domains such as agriculture, finance, education, and governance," said Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan of BharatGen. He added that the company has been building sovereign AI models and the ecosystem that reflects the linguistic richness, cultural nuances, and diverse needs of our people. As part of the collaboration, BharatGen and IBM will work on developing solution templates for Indic use cases. These will combine BharatGen's models and datasets with IBM's AI technologies, including its Granite models. The joint effort also plans to create demonstrations and use case templates on IBM Watsonx and Red Hat OpenShift AI. In addition, the initiative will focus on building a scalable data pipeline using IBM's open-source tools, enhanced with Indic-specific capabilities to improve data preparation. It will also implement a governance framework from IBM's enterprise-scale methodology to support responsible AI development. The collaboration will further work on establishing new benchmarks for Indic languages and exploring advanced architectures for generative AI. Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India and South Asia, said, "At IBM, we are committed to support the creation of open, trusted AI that solves real-world problems. Through our collaboration with BharatGen, we aim to advance sovereign AI capabilities that reflect India's diversity and deliver meaningful impact across sectors." BharatGen's roadmap for LLMs and foundation models is designed to address both national and commercial requirements. A key focus is on including underserved Indian languages and dialects beyond the most widely spoken 12-22, to ensure broader digital participation and equity. (ANI)
Oil India Limited is significantly expanding its offshore exploration activities with a strong focus on deepwater and ultra-deepwater basins, while also initiating cost optimisation efforts to safeguard margins amid global price fluctuations, said Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director of the company. "As far as our exploration initiative is concerned, we have today got 1,12,000 square kilometres of exploration acreage, out of which 40,000 square kilometres of acreage is in the deep and ultra-deep water of the Mahanadi Basin and KG Basin," said Rath. "We are going to kick-start the seismic data acquisition for 2D and 3D of these deep and ultra-deepwater basins," he added. Rath said that Oil India Limited is in talks with international players for collaboration. "We are in talks with international oil companies seeking collaboration for technology sharing," he added. Highlighting ongoing activities, Rath stated, "As we speak, our exploration activities in the shallow water of the Andaman-Nicobar basin are underway, where we intend to drill four wells. First well, we drill 3,800 meters. The second well is going to drill 4,200 meters. And very soon, we are going to start another offshore exploration campaign in Kerala-Konkan basin." On the market outlook, Rath provided a price estimate while stressing the need for internal efficiency. "We foresee a crude oil price point outlook of USD 65 plus or minus. Therefore, we have already initiated cost optimisation and operational efficiency initiatives within the organisation so that the profitability and margins are maintained," he said. Speaking during the 66th Annual General Meeting, he added, "As India marches towards achieving energy independence by 2047, envisioned by our Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, your company remains steadfast in aligning its efforts with the national priorities of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Viksit Bharat'. Together, we have made tremendous strides in contributing to India's energy security and fostering nation's socio-economic development." (ANI)
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Independent UN experts have welcomed the World Health Organisations (WHO) decision to restore sunscreen to its model lists of essential medicines  those that meet the priority health needs of populations
A national workshop on strengthening financial management in Urban Local Governments (ULGs) through the National Municipal Accounts Manual (NMAM) 2.0 was held in the capital on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, auditors, financial experts and urban governance practitioners, as per a press release. The workshop, organised by the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in collaboration with Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy (JCCD), marked the beginning of a major push to update municipal financial systems across the country. Presiding over the event, CAG of India K Sanjay Murthy stressed the critical role of cities in the nation's growth. He said, "Fifteen cities contribute 30 per cent of the GDP of India. India's economic progress is increasingly tied to urbanisation. Urban areas, though home to one-third of the population, contribute over two-thirds of the country's GDP, expected to rise to 75 per cent by 2030. However, if we are to reap the full economic potential of urbanisation and achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047, we need to address the inadequate and poor quality of urban infrastructure and services." The workshop drew more than 50 participants, including senior officials from the CAG, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the 16th Finance Commission, the World Bank, Principal Accountant Generals, municipal finance officers and public finance experts. The discussions focused on the revision of the NMAM, first introduced in 2004, to match the demands of rapid urbanisation and the increasing financial needs of cities. India has nearly 5,000 ULGs, serving about 35 per cent of the population, a share expected to rise to 41 per cent by 2031. These bodies manage resources worth around INR 5.5 to 6 lakh crore and play a key role in providing essential services. Yet, challenges of sanitation, water supply, flooding and transport continue to strain urban areas. The World Bank has estimated that India's cities require an annual investment of $840 billion until 2036 to meet infrastructure needs. Speaking at the workshop, Srikanth Viswanathan, CEO of Janaagraha, said, "Reforms to public finance management in India's cities is a key enabler of ease of living and ease of doing business. At its heart is timely, credible, standardised financial and performance reporting. While the cityfinance website has achieved historic success in publishing audited annual accounts of over 4,000 cities, much more needs to be done for data-driven decision making." With more than 95 per cent of ULGs now publishing audited statements, availability of data is no longer the main issue, but concerns about timeliness, quality and reliability remain. Experts at the workshop highlighted that financial reporting often prioritises form over function, and budgeting systems are weaker, affecting evidence-based planning. The launch of NMAM 2.0 is seen as an important step to bring in digital-first, standardised accounting for all cities. Discussions underlined that success would depend on translating reforms from manuals into practice, with state-level engagement and local ownership. CAG K. Sanjay Murthy urged participants to approach the exercise with honesty and practicality. He emphasised diagnosing systemic challenges, framing ambitious yet realistic solutions, and defining a clear roadmap for swift adoption and implementation. (ANI)
The ABC's decision to pull 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' from its network has sent shockwaves through the media industry and political world, with numerous celebrities criticising the decision as an act of censorship. Disney's ABC decided to take its flagship late-night program off the schedule 'indefinitely' after Nexstar Media, one of the biggest owners of TV stations in the U.S., vowed to pre-empt airings of the program after "strongly objecting" to Kimmel's comments on Charlie Kirk, reported Variety. 'The Upshaws' actress Wanda Sykes, who was set to guest on 'Kimmel' on Wednesday evening before the taping was cancelled, posted a video on Instagram showing support for the late-night host while criticising the US President Donald Trump's administration. Taking to her Instagram handle on Thursday, Wanda Skyes shared a video in which she criticised Trump's administration for allegedly curbing the freedom of speech within the first year of his governance. "Let's see. He didn't end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now's the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy." https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOuYySkCfPB/? The 'Night at the Museum' actor Ben Stiller expressed his disappointment with ABC's decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel's show on Wednesday. Taking to his X handle, Ben Stiller wrote, "This isn't right." https://x.com/BenStiller/status/1968451480723116289? The 'Don't Look Up' co-writer, David Sirota, cited his outlet's reporting that Nexstar is allegedly seeking approval on a merger and lobbying the FCC to end local ownership rules, reported Variety. Taking to his X handle, he wrote, "Nexstar's decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel comes as the company is asking the Trump administration for merger approval and also lobbying the Trump FCC to end local ownership rules so that the company can buy up more markets. https://x.com/davidsirota/status/1968459375959474415 Actor and podcaster Paul Scheer wrote on Threads, "So let me get this straight. Kimmel is off the air for his comments about the politicisation of an assassination, but this is totally fine," as quoted by Variety. While many expressed disappointment with the ABC's decision, the US President Donald Trump called it "great news for America" after the comedian faced backlash for remarks about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. "Great News for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED," Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The president also targeted fellow late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, calling them "two total losers" and suggesting that their programmes should also be pulled off the air. "Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that's possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it, NBC!!!, " Trump added. Disney-owned ABC network has taken 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' off the air "indefinitely" following public backlash over comments made by the host regarding the motives behind the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, according to Variety. According to Variety, Nexstar said that its "owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt airings of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' for the foreseeable future. The company strongly objected to comments made by Kimmel on the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other ABC programmes. During his monologue on Monday, Kimmel addressed the killing and criticised attempts by Trump supporters to politicise the case. "We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said. The term "MAGA" refers to Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement. Kirk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot dead last week during a speaking event at a Utah university campus. Police said 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired a rifle from a rooftop, hitting Kirk in the neck with a single bullet. Robinson was arrested shortly after the incident and has been formally charged with murder. (ANI)
Actor Disha Patani's father, Jagdish Patani, expressed his gratitude toward Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, after the encounter of the two accused involved in firing outside his residence. "No matter how much I praise or express gratitude for the Chief Minister, it won't be enough. Today is a living example of the fear-free society he (CM Yogi) envisioned for all of Uttar Pradesh," he told ANI. Jagdish Patani also shared his reaction to the encounter of the accused and said, "Such incidents happen, and action is also taken. I am satisfied with the security, and all the officials are with me. I am satisfied with the swift action in the matter." CM Adityanath had previously assured Jagdish Patani, a retired police officer, of strict action against the accused and security arrangements. Earlier this week, the two accused involved in the firing outside actor Disha Patani's father's residence in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, were killed in an encounter in a joint operation by Delhi Police and UP STF in Ghaziabad. Ravinda alias Kullu and Arun, affiliated with notorious gangsters Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara, were injured during the encounter near the Tronica City area of Ghaziabad and later succumbed to injuries. UP Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, also shared details about the case. "Incidents like these disrupt the law and order situation and instil fear in the public, and they directly undermine the zero-tolerance policy of the UP Police and the UP Chief Minister. This incident was taken as a challenge," the UP ADG told ANI. The shocking incident unfolded in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, when gunshots were fired outside Bollywood actress Disha Patani's residence around 3:45 am on September 12. The attack, claimed by gangsters Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar on social media, sent shockwaves through the community. SSP Bareilly Anurag Arya had also assured Disha Patani's family of safety. (ANI)
In a joint operation, the Border Security Force and the Punjab Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) apprehended a narco-smuggler with a huge consignment of narcotics near the village Beharwal in Amritsar on Wednesday. According to the BSF PRO, acting on specific intelligence, the joint team intercepted a suspected motorcycle and detained the rider, who turned out to be a narco-smuggler. A large bag seized from his possession contained 23 packets of suspected heroin (Gross weight- 25.9 kgs) and a pistol with two magazines. A mobile phone, apart from the motorcycle, was also recovered. The contraband is suspected to have been dropped via drone from across the border. The arrested smuggler has been identified as a resident of the village of Beharwal. Recovered items & the accused have been handed over to ANTF Amritsar for further investigation and legal action, said the BSF. Meanwhile, the Border Security Force apprehended four people and recovered a pistol with drug money and a drone with heroin in three separate operations along the Punjab border. On Sunday night, acting on specific input, the BSF troops placed an ambush in a suspected area between the villages Palla Megha and Kilche of Ferozepur, and subsequently apprehended one person with the recovery of one pistol with three live rounds, 45 gms of narcotics, 19,480 Indian currency, one mobile and one bike from his possession. The delinquent is a resident of the village Kamlewala, Ferozepur, said the BSF in a press release. On the Amritsar border, while tracking a drone movement, BSF troops apprehended three suspects from an area adjacent to the village of Mode. Questioning is underway to disclose their motive and find linkages, said the BSF. In the morning hours on Monday, the BSF troops on duty at the Amritsar border recovered a one DJI Mavic three Classic drone along with a one packet of heroin (Gross Weight- 576 Grams) from a farming field of the village of Nesta. Earlier this month, the BSF foiled multiple cross-border smuggling attempts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts and nabbed three smugglers, recovered heroin and a drone along the Punjab border. The BSF nabbed one suspected smuggler near Kalsian village, Tarn Taran, with 560 gms of heroin. (ANI)
UP Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, stated that the aim of the Goldy Brar gang, who fired outside Bollywood actress Disha Patani's residence in Bareilly, was to spread fear among the public in the state. ADG Yash stated that the incident occurred on September 12 at around 3:45 am, when two bike-borne men fired multiple rounds outside the actor's ancestral home in Civil Lines, Bareilly. On Wednesday, the two accused involved in the firing succumbed to injuries following an encounter in a joint operation by Delhi Police and UP STF in Ghaziabad. "Ravindra and Arun were the two accused identified during the investigation and two more individuals who were hired for recce were also identified. The two accused who fired are found to be working for Goldy Brar gang and Goldy Brar had taken the responsibility of the attack via social media... The gang was worked out and the two shooters were shot down in an encounter...," ADG Yash told ANI. Ravinda alias Kullu and Arun, affiliated with notorious gangsters Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara, were injured during the encounter near the Tronica City area of Ghaziabad and later succumbed to injuries. He also informed that, "The accused were declared dead after they were taken to the hospital and information about all the members of the gang is being worked out so that action can be taken on the entire gang." The bodies of the accused were brought to the postmortem house in Ghaziabad for further proceedings. The ADG also informed that one constable of the Haryana police was shot in the chest during the encounter. "One of the constable of Haryana police was shot in the chest during this. Police has recovered two sophisticated pistols and a huge amount of 9 mm cartridges." he said. "The aim of the gang is to spread fear among the public in Uttar Pradesh... But after this action, I hope they will not try to test the zero-tolerance policy of Uttar Pradesh government... It will also be investigated where the weapons for gangs come from so that the source can be curbed as well...," he added. The Uttar Pradesh government has assured strict action against those involved in spreading fear among the public. "UP CM clearly directed that legal action should be taken immediately against those who spread fear among the people and that there should be a zero-tolerance policy against crime... Information was collected at several levels, CCTV footages were retrieved on many routes, and technical details were analysed," he said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had assured Disha Patani's father, Jagdish Patani, of strict action against the accused and security arrangements. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the alleged incident of paint being thrown at the bust of the wife of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Meenatai Thackeray. On Wednesday morning, red paint was found on the bust of Meenatai Thackeray at the historic Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai. While speaking on the issue with the reporters in Pune, CM Fadnavis assured an investigation into the matter and mentioned that the police will track down the culprits involved in the case. "Such an incident is completely condemned. Whoever has done this, the police will track them down and take action. I do not find it appropriate to drag too much politics into this matter," CM Fadnavis said. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey termed the incident a major failure of the Maharashtra government. He questioned how the culprits were able to succeed in their motive despite the presence of CCTV cameras and police patrols. "If someone dared to throw paint on her statue and then flee, it shows a major failure of the current Maharashtra government. Today is the era of CCTV cameras everywhere, with police patrolling the streets," Anand Dubey told ANI. He also demanded immediate action by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis into the matter, stating that the party workers are staying quiet on the behest of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. "So, how are statues of our great people getting defaced? Was this done intentionally?... We demand that Devendra Fadnavis take immediate action. We're all staying quiet at the behest of Uddhav Thackeray. Otherwise, if all Shiv Sainiks take to the streets, it won't be good for anyone," he said. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday slammed the Opposition AIADMK, alleging that the party has fallen into subservience, seeking refuge under Amit Shah. Exuding confidence in the victory of the DMK in the 2026 Assembly election, CM Stalin stated that "Tamil Nadu is a no-entry zone for the BJP." While addressing the DMK's "Mupperum Vizha" in Karur, marking the birth anniversaries of social reformer Periyar, DMK founder CN Annadurai and the 76th founding anniversary of the DMK, CM Stalin said, "AIADMK once claimed to stand for self-respect, but today it has fallen into subservience, seeking refuge under Amit Shah. While many parties that promised change and transformation have vanished, the DMK has remained strong". "Tamil Nadu is a no-entry zone for the BJP. No one can defeat the DMK in this state, and Karur is not just a district; it is the DMK's own land. Since 2019, DMK has won all elections it has faced. This is not a usual victory; we have made all enemies shake. This victory will surely continue in the 2026 assembly election too. Dravidian model 2.0 Governance will surely be formed," he added. Meanwhile, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also alleged that AIADMK, had lost its independence and become "a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BJP". "AIADMK, a powerful political party and a legacy political party in Tamil Nadu, unfortunately, has lost its independence. It is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BJP," Karti Chidambaram told ANI on Wednesday. "Even for any small internal problem, they will have to run to Delhi for arbitration. That very clearly shows that they have lost their independence, and the people of Tamil Nadu have lost confidence in them because they don't behave like an independent political party anymore," he added. On Tuesday, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, accompanied by party colleagues, called on Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan for the first time after his election, in New Delhi. His visit to the national capital comes in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly Elections in Tamil Nadu, in which the AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest in an alliance against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). On Monday, Palaniswami had praised the BJP for extending consistent support to his party, especially after the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, while strongly criticising the DMK government for its alleged failures in maintaining law and order in Tamil Nadu. There have been demands within the AIADMK to bring back the leaders who left the party. On September 5, Gobichettipalayam MLA and former School Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan raised the demand and set a 10-day deadline for Palaniswami to initiate the process. However, the AIADMK general secretary relieved Sengottaiyan from the party posts. Sengottaiyan's call was supported by former party leaders O Panneerselvam, VK. Sasikala and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam founder TTV Dhinakaran. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a high-level meeting to assess the damage caused by the torrential rains over the last 48 hours across the State. He expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and properties and directed all the concerned officers to take prompt action to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected people. He said that during the last two days, five persons have lost their lives, three in Nihari and two near Pandoh Mohal Suma of Sadar Sub-Division of Mandi district, while two persons were missing, according to an official release. The Chief Minister said that so far in the month of September, the state has witnessed 136 per cent excess rainfall. He added that 45 per cent additional rainfall was recorded during the entire monsoon season so far. He said that this monsoon season has claimed 417 lives, with 45 still missing, and a loss of Rs. 4,582 crore has been recorded due to the heavy rains, cloudbursts and landslides. As many as 15,022 structural damages were reported, including 1502 fully damaged houses, 6467 partially damaged houses, 6316 damaged cowsheds and 594 damaged shops during the rainy season. CM Sukhu directed all the Deputy Commissioners to stay vigilant and personally visit the affected areas on priority to oversee relief and rescue operations. He asked the officers of the PWD Department to restore road connectivity at the earliest, particularly in apple-growing areas of the State, to ensure that the produce of the fruit growers reaches the markets in time and they do not have to face financial losses. He also instructed to reinstate electricity, water supply schemes and other essential supplies in the affected areas on priority. He also asked the HPMC to deploy additional vehicles for the transportation of apples from their collection centres. The Chief Minister said that the safety of the people of the State remains the top priority for the State Government. He added that under the Special Relief Package, the State Government is providing Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 as rent in urban and rural areas, respectively, for those who were rendered homeless during the disaster. He said that the State Government was also contemplating relaxing the conditions of living in relief camps to receive rents, keeping in view the social fabric of the State, and accommodating more people. He said that the people still residing in unsafe buildings must be relocated to secure locations to ensure their safety. Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Hardeep Bawa, Chief Minister's Principal Advisor (IT and Innovation) Gokul Butail, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue K.K. Pant, Chief Minister's Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, ADGP Satwant Atwal Trivedi and other senior officers were present at Shimla while Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and senior officers of various districts joined the meeting virtually. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Bihar president Dilip Jaiswal on Thursday attacked the Congress party over posting an AI generated video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother, saying that the INDI alliance is "losing its political integrity". Jaiswal welcomed the Patna High Court ordering the Congress to remove the video from social media, saying that this order should teach a lesson to the Congress leaders and also will curb any misuse of social media. "I welcome the Patna High Court order. The way they posted an AI video on the Prime Minister and his mother, the Congress Party has committed a shameful act. The INDI alliance is losing its political integrity, after this Patna High Court order it is expected they will learn a lesson form this," he told reporters here. "This order I think is a good message for the future. This will also curb the misuse of social media," he added. An AI-generated video posted by the Bihar Congress went viral as it allegedly showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi dreaming about his late mother, Heeraben Modi, who is lambasting him over his politics. Earlier in Uttar Pradesh, the state's minister OP Rajbhar expressed confidence in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) winning the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. "An NDA coalition government will be formed in Bihar and we will fight together," he said. The controversy over the AI video comes amid the preparations for the upcoming assembly elections for the upcoming assembly elections, as the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Nitish Kumar looks to retain power in the state, while facing a contest from the INDIA bloc, which includes the Congress and RJD. The Congress on September 16 approved the formation of the State Election Committee of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect. Over 40 members, including Madan Mohan Jha, Rajesh Rathore, Nadeem Akhtar Ansari, along with all MPs, MLA, MLCs, AICC secretaries from Bihar and others are permanent invitees to the committee. 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, and HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak accused Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav of presenting "misleading and fictional things" before the people during his press briefing on Wednesday. The Deputy Chief Minister strongly countered Yadav's remarks on law and order, land mafia, and development under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government. While speaking to ANI about Akhilesh Yadav's allegations, Pathak said, "SP chief Akhilesh Yadav presented several misleading and fictional things before the people today through the press...He mentioned land mafia. Is it not true that during SP's rule, land was encroached on under the protection of the government? The land of ordinary farmers and ordinary people was encroached on by goons, under the protection of the SP." Pathak added that the BJP government freed properties worth over Rs 20,000 crore from the land mafia, a move which he claimed restored justice to farmers and common people. "Is it not true that SP ministers and MLAs encroached on and looted Govt properties?" Pathak asked. The Deputy Chief Minister asserted that law and order had improved significantly since Yogi Adityanath became Chief Minister, saying, "Akhilesh Yadav, look within yourself. Ever since the BJP came to power under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, goons and mafia have left UP...Today, women are safe in the state. There is a rule of the country in the state today." On the issue of voters' rights, Pathak accused the SP of suppressing democratic practices in the past. He said, "You raise the issue of voters...Akhilesh ji, look at the media reports on the SP rule. In 2012, when you came to power in the state, you had resigned from the Lok Sabha and didn't allow anyone to file a nomination in Kannauj. There used to be reports of bogus voting, people were stopped from voting." Rejecting Akhilesh Yadav's claims on development, Pathak remarked, "You speak of development. Your development work was limited to a few districts...Today, under the BJP govt, 20 lakh youth have been given mobile and tablet phones." The Deputy CM maintained that the BJP government under Yogi Adityanath had ensured development across all districts of Uttar Pradesh, not just select regions, while also prioritising law and order, youth empowerment, and women's safety. (ANI)
Chinese vice president calls for joint efforts to elevate China-ASEAN community with share future

Xinhua) 09:50, September 18, 2025

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addresses the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

NANNING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to bring the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future to new heights through more proactive approaches and concrete measures, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said on Wednesday.

Han made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

He noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both sides, the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership has been continuously deepened in recent years, becoming the most successful and dynamic model of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and a vivid example of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

China is willing to continue working with ASEAN countries to promote harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation, adopting more proactive approaches and pragmatic measures. This will enable the continuous advancement of building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future to new levels, and contribute more to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, he said.

He called on the two sides to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, jointly advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and work together to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative.

The two sides should accelerate regional openness and cooperation, jointly build the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and continue to implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with high quality, he added.

Han also called for joint efforts to expand bilateral cooperation in emerging industries continuously and to maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

In addition, he urged both sides to enhance civilizational exchanges and mutual learning, facilitate personnel exchanges, and implement more projects that will benefit people's livelihoods.

Han pointed out that China will adhere to high-standard opening up to provide more opportunities to the world and promote common development among all countries through its own high-quality development. He expressed the hope that all parties will make full use of the China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit to share opportunities and jointly promote a better future.

Prime Minister of Myanmar U Nyo Saw, Vice President of Laos Bounthong Chitmany, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers Vongsey Vissoth, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Fadillah Yusof, and Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Mai Van Chinh, as well as Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn, also attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng visits the exhibition of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and communicates with exhibitors after the opening ceremony of the expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 17, 2025. Han addressed the opening ceremony on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Delhi Police raided several notorious gang hideouts across Delhi-NCR and Haryana on Thursday. According to the Delhi Police officials, it had deployed 40 teams from the Outer North District Police. It conducted raids on several hideouts of notorious gangs, including the Tillu Tajpuria gang, the Neeraj Bawana-Rajesh Bawana gang, the Jitendra alias Gogi gang, and the Kala Jatheri gang. During the raid, the police had recovered a large amount of cash and several weapons from multiple locations. Currently, FIRs have been registered against the accused. Further details are awaited. Earlier, Delhi Police conducted a joint raid in 25 locations of Dwarka and the outskirts of the city against gangsters. According to the DCP Dwarka Ankit Kumar Singh, this raid was conducted against all wanted criminals, who were once shooters and provided logistics or financial aid to gangsters. This operation focused on the 6-7 places in Delhi NCR. "This drive was against all wanted criminals, all those who were once shooters or associates, or those who provided logistics or financial aid to gangsters," Singh told ANI. During the operation, various weapons such as eight sophisticated pistols and country-made pistols were recovered and over twenty-six people were detained during the raid. In another operation, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police has arrested a former advocate for allegedly masterminding a massive Ponzi scheme that duped investors of approximately Rs 100 crore by promising exorbitant returns through stock market investments. According to the police, the accused, identified as Sanjay (36), a resident of Geeta Colony in Delhi, was running the scheme through a network of companies, including Trade Cops Pvt. Ltd. and Tradecop Financial Services. The accused had earlier been lodged in Karnal jail in connection with a similar case. Sanjay and his associates, including alleged mastermind and fellow advocate Deepak Thakur, solicited funds from the public by guaranteeing a fixed monthly return of 8%. They claimed this profit was generated through sophisticated "in-house algorithms" capable of yielding over 20% monthly in the financial markets. Investors were promised that their investment would double within just 25 months, with a 4% monthly payout and the other 4% being reinvested. The scheme initially paid returns to early investors to build credibility, but soon ceased payments before the accused disappeared. (ANI)
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was the Chief Guest at the event. In his address, he commended the IDSE cadre officers for their role in strengthening national defence preparedness through world-class infrastructure. He also urged them to stay ready to deal with emerging challenges in view of the evolving security scenario, emphasising the need to embrace new technologies in line with changing times.

The Defence Secretary's address was followed by a cultural event and dance performances by artists from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations.

Senior civilian and military officials from the MoD and the Army Headquarters attended the event.

The IDSE was formally established on September 17, 1949, marking a historic milestone in India's defence engineering landscape. The officers of this cadre, posted at military stations across the country, are responsible for the construction and maintenance of defence infrastructure ranging from married accommodations, technical and administrative buildings to airfields, hangars, naval jetties, hospitals and specialised facilities for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and DRDO. (ANI)
Voting is underway for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections 2025 on Thursday, where eligible students will cast their ballots in one of the country's biggest student polls. Amid polling, National President of NSUI Varun Choudhary alleged that the Delhi University administration is attempting to influence the outcome, claiming that "ABVP goons" are intimidating the students on campus. Speaking to ANI, National President of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Varun Choudhary, expressed his confidence of winning all four seats, but at the same time alleged that the administration is trying to influence the election. He said, "The atmosphere is good, but police and ABVP goons are openly roaming around here, harassing students. I haven't seen such an atmosphere in my last 15 years of student politics. What is the Chief Minister's husband, Rekha Gupta, trying to achieve by roaming around North Campus? The DU administration is repeatedly trying to influence the elections by using police force. But we hope that the students of Delhi University are very intelligent; they won't be intimidated by these goons. After 17 years, university students have had the opportunity to elect a female candidate..." NSUI President Candidate, Joslyn Nandita Choudhary, said that the support shown by the students is double this time. She said, "I am very hopeful and we are going to have a favourable result. NSUI won two seats last time, and this time the response is double, and we will win all four seats." She highlighted her commitment towards women's empowerment and said, "I'm a woman presidential candidate. We're demanding twelve-day menstrual leave per semester. We're demanding a safe campus for students. Students come to Delhi University from all over the world, so CCTV cameras should be installed everywhere. The number of female and male guards should be increased, and there should be safety vans. I want to prevent outsiders from entering Delhi University. I consider hostels a major problem, and I want to work on that..." Meanwhile, ABVP secretary candidate Kunal Chaudhary exuded confidence of a sweeping win. "This time ABVP will win 4-0. Students are giving their full support to ABVP. Students are coming out to vote. Due to the heat, fewer students are turning up. We have promised to arrange free Wi-Fi on campus. We will demand metro passes..." The Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) voting is being conducted in two phases, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm for evening classes. The counting of votes will take place on September 19. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has overturned the bail granted to a man accused of sexually abusing his 16-year-old daughter, ruling that the trial court's order was "perverse," "erroneous," and based on irrelevant considerations. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna directed the accused father to surrender within seven days, cancelling both his bail and surety bonds. The court observed: "There cannot be anything more grave than a child being abused by her own father, who gave her birth and holds the pious duty and responsibility of ensuring her safety." The survivor, identified as "D" in court proceedings, alleged that her father began abusing her shortly after she entered puberty. Over several years, she said he touched her inappropriately, forced her to watch pornographic content, and sexually assaulted her. She added that whenever she resisted, he physically assaulted her mother in her presence, instilling fear that prevented her from speaking out. In June 2020, the girl alleged that her father molested her during menstruation. Later the same night, she witnessed him forcing unnatural sex on her mother. The following day, she and her mother left their home. It was only in June 2021, during a counselling session with a psychiatrist, that the teenager disclosed the full extent of the abuse. A complaint led to registration of an FIR under IPC provisions for sexual offences and assault, along with charges under the POCSO Act. Despite these allegations, the Additional Sessions Judge granted bail to the father within a week of his arrest. The trial court reasoned that the charges were old, tied to a matrimonial dispute, and that the victim no longer lived with him, High Court noted. The Court criticised this approach, calling it a distortion of the circumstances. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna emphasised that delay in reporting was not unusual in cases involving child victims who live in fear. "The gravity of the offence cannot be overlooked and ignored merely by terming it as an outcome of the matrimonial dispute," she remarked. The High Court underlined that the forensic examination of the father's phone confirmed the presence of obscene videos, lending weight to the victim's testimony. It also raised concerns over alleged police bias, noting claims that a senior officer related to the accused's family influenced the investigation. The premature return of seized SIM cards was flagged as a serious lapse that could have allowed tampering of digital evidence. Relying on recent Supreme Court judgments, the High Court reiterated that while bail should not be cancelled mechanically, it can be revoked if the granting order is itself perverse, arbitrary, or based on irrelevant grounds. It stressed the distinction between "revocation," where the original order is flawed, and "cancellation," which follows misuse of liberty by the accused after release. Finding that the trial court had failed to consider material facts and had granted bail while the investigation remained incomplete, the High Court set aside the relief. "The impugned order granting bail to Respondent No. 2 is set aside. His bail bond and surety bond stand cancelled. The Respondent is directed to surrender before the learned ASJ within seven days," the court ordered, directing the trial court to ensure compliance. (ANI)
Carrying forward the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', a special cultural presentation was organised at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, on his birthday on September 17, where tribal children of Arunachal Pradesh presented regional and Indian classical vocal and performance arts. Initiated and envisioned by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), reflecting his deep commitment to promoting Indian music and performing arts in the State, the vibrant and colourful cultural event gave the local talented youth a platform to shine. What made the programme truly remarkable is that tribal children from Arunachal Pradesh brought to life the diverse cultural traditions of India, from the grace of Kathak from Uttar Pradesh to the vibrancy of Garba from Gujarat, from the elegance of Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu to the rhythm of Lavani from Maharashtra. Adding to the rich diversity, the soulful Carnatic vocal recital by Ashapmai Dellang and Behelti Ama, popularly known as the Wakro Sisters and the melodious Hindustani classical vocal performance by Jikeshen Pul made the presentation a perfect example of the talent of people of Arunachal Pradesh. Participating students from the CK Bliss, an institute that preserves and nurtures young talent, keeping alive the rich traditions of timeless cultural heritage, presented Gujarati Garba, Bharatnatyam and Marathi Lavani on the occasion. A student of VKV, Nirjuli, Manami Moyir Gamlin, presented a Kathak performance. Divas Dance Group, champions of Arunachal Super Dancer Season 5 and Puroik Dance Troupe, presented the traditional Dances, reflecting the variant and rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that the youth of Arunachal Pradesh are immensely talented, and the cultural presentation stands as a testament to their abilities. Appreciating the students for their performances, he remarked that the participants are the true torchbearers of the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The Governor presented letters of appreciation to the CK Bliss participants of the Statehood Day functions and conferred the Governor's Medallion on Jikeshen Pul, Ashapmai Dellang, and Behelti Ama. He also felicitated the Diwas and Puroik Cultural Teams, along with the Institute of CK Bliss, with the prestigious Governor's Rising Sun Plaque in recognition of their outstanding contribution to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. State Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who graced the cultural presentation, appreciated the participants for their enthralling performances. He expressed pleasant surprise at the depth of their talent and creativity, noting that such displays of artistry by the youth reflect the vibrant cultural spirit of Arunachal Pradesh and its promising future. State Home Minister Mama Natung and Art & Culture Minister Dasanglu Pul also attended the function. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday praised the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reforms announced by the central government, describing them as a "Diwali gift" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the nation. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, CM Adityanath expressed his gratitude to PM Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the significant changes in GST rates, terming the reforms a milestone in the ongoing tax reforms campaign. "I have organised this press conference to convey heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Modi for the recent GST reforms and to extend gratitude to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on behalf of the people of Uttar Pradesh. This is a major step in the tax reforms journey and a true Diwali gift from PM Modi to the countrymen," Adityanath said. The CM elaborated on the evolution of the tax system in India, stating, "Before GST, there used to be multiple taxes like VAT, excise, sales, etc, now with the introduction of GST, the tax system has been integrated and unified." Highlighting the growth in GST collections since its inception, Adityanath announced that the total GST revenue has reached an impressive Rs 22.80 lakh crore. He noted that the first Rs 7 lakh crore was collected in 2017, with the number of taxpayers now increased to 1.52 crore. "GST collection has reached 22.80 lakh crore, while in 2017, the first 7 lakh crore collection was recorded. The number of taxpayers has now grown to 1.52 crore," he said. On September 3, the 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. The 5 per cent slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen items like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agriculture equipment; handicrafts and small industries; and medical equipment and diagnostic kits. The 18 per cent slab comprises a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles (such as small cars and motorcycles up to 350cc), consumer goods (like electronic items), household goods, and certain professional services. A uniform 18 per cent rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is a 40 per cent slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products such as cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages, as well as luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempt from GST, including individual health, family floater, and life insurance. Additionally, certain services related to education and healthcare are also GST-exempt. (ANI)
The Uttarakhand government will file a review petition in the Supreme Court in connection with the 2014 Pithoragarh rape and murder case of a minor girl. After detailed discussions with legal advisors, the state has decided to seek reconsideration of the apex court's recent verdict, as stated in the release. On November 20, 2014, during the Congress regime, a young girl from Pithoragarh went missing from a wedding ceremony held at the Ramlila Ground in Sheeshmahal, Haldwani. Six days later, her body was recovered from the Gaula River. The postmortem confirmed sexual assault and murder. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with protests erupting across the state against the deteriorating law and order situation at that time. Police arrested the prime accused, Akhtar Ali, along with two others. In March 2016, a special court sentenced Akhtar Ali to death, a verdict later upheld by the High Court in 2019. However, in a recent ruling, the Supreme Court acquitted the accused, prompting the state government to move for a review. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday conducted an on-site inspection of relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected areas of Raipur and Mussoorie assembly constituencies following a cloudburst that triggered widespread damage in Chamoli district, affecting over 200 people. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister reviewed the aftermath of the cloudburst that triggered widespread damage in Chamoli district, affecting over 200 people.The review was conducted from the Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun, following heavy rainfall that battered several parts of the state. Speaking to mediapersons, CM Dhami provided key updates on the situation, stating that at least 35 houses were damaged, 20 people sustained injuries, and 14 others are currently missing due to the disaster that struck Chamoli late Wednesday night ."Around 35 houses have been damaged due to a cloudburst. Around 20 people are injured, and 14 others are missing. 200 people have been affected by the disaster last night in Chamoli. All rescue teams have reached there. DM and SSP are also on the spot. The injured have been taken to the hospitals. The severely injured will be shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Police are carrying out rescue operations. We are trying to move the people to safe places. Work is being done to repair the damaged roads. All the districts, NDRF, and SDRF have been asked to remain in alert mode for the entire month of September till the Monsoon is over. Char Dham Yatra is going on, but I appeal to the devotees to plan their Yatra according to the forecast by IMD..." he said. (ANI)
The Congress party on Thursday raised serious concerns following Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's defence pact, calling it a setback to India's security interests and a failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "much-hyped personality-driven diplomacy." In a social media post on X, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh pointed out the series of events that took place following the pause on Operation Sindoor, including United States President Donald Trump meeting Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari just after Prime Minister Modi's visit to China was "matter of grave concern for India's national security." The social media post reads, "One month after abruptly halting Operation Sindoor, President Trump hosted Field Marshal Asim Munir for lunch at the House--the same individual whose inflammatory, provocative, communally toxic statements provided oxygen to the brutal terrorist attacks in Pahalgam in April 2025. "Just days after our Prime Minister's much-publicized visit to China, President Xi Jinping opened the doors of China's secret military complex to Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari. Now, Saudi Arabia--where the Prime Minister was present during the Pahalgam terrorist attacks on April 22, 2025--has signed a "strategic mutual defense" agreement with Pakistan," it added. "All of this is undoubtedly a matter of grave concern for India's national security. The Indian National Congress expresses deep concern over this and considers it another blow to our Prime Minister's much-hyped personality-driven diplomacy," Ramesh posted on X. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1968614398278386046 These remarks came after Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement", pledging that any aggression against either nation would be treated as an attack on both. The agreement was inked during a state visit by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday to Riyadh at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. According to a joint statement issued following the visit, "building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries, HRH the Crown Prince and the Pakistani prime minister signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement." "This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," the joint statement further read. Responding to this, India stated that it will closely examine the pact's implications for India's national security and regional and global stability. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi acknowledges the formalisation of what it described as a "long-standing arrangement" between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, while noting that it would closely examine its potential ramifications. Jaiswal further emphasised that India's national security remains paramount in light of this development. "We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration. We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India's national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains," the statement from the MEA read. (ANI)
As part of a special scheme for Naxal-affected families and surrendered Naxals, 25 houses have been approved in Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, an official said. The first completed house has been handed over to Savita Yadav, whose husband was killed by Naxals. The Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat Balrampur, Nayantara Singh Tomar, said that under a special project, 25 houses have been approved, with six given to surrendered Naxals and 19 to families of those killed by Naxalites. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Nayantara Singh Tomar said, "Under the special project here, 25 houses have been approved, out of which 6 houses have been given to people who are surrendered Naxals. 19 houses have been given to people whose family member was killed by Naxalites." "Under this project in our district, the first house has been constructed and is ready, and it has been given to Savita Yadav, whose husband was killed by Naxals," Tomar said. Meanwhile, 12 Naxals, including five women and seven men, surrendered before police authorities in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Thursday. The surrendered cadres carried a cumulative bounty of Rs 18 lakh, officials said. According to police, the surrendering group consisted of members affiliated with key Naxal units operating in the Indravati and East Bastar regions, two areas known for long-standing insurgent activity. Speaking to ANI, Narayanpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Robinson Guria confirmed the surrender. "12 Naxals carrying a total bounty of Rs 18 lakhs have surrendered today. The 12 Naxals include five women and seven men. Two of them were ECMs in their Naxal outfit in the Indravati and East Bastar areas. One of them is from Platoon 16, whose commander we had neutralised in the last operation," Guria said. The official added that the Naxals chose to surrender because they were under pressure from ongoing police operations. "They have said that they are under pressure as they know the police will continue anti-Naxal operations. They are surrendering because of the govt's surrender policy," SP Guria said. (ANI)
BharatGen, India's first government-backed multimodal Sovereign AI flagship initiative, secured over Rs 900 crore in funding by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The quest for a sovereign AI model from India is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat as laid out in his recent speech from the Red Fort on Independence Day. The formal announcement on IndiaAI Mission's support to BharatGen was made by Union Minister of Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, at a Press Conference that was held at Hotel "The Ashok", New Delhi. BharatGen, with more than Rs 900 cr, is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the funding under IndiaAI Mission 2025. This represents the single largest share sanctioned under the mission, underscoring BharatGen's central role in shaping India's artificial intelligence landscape. BharatGen is led by Rishi Bal, Executive Vice President, and Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan of IIT Bombay, Principal Investigator, who together drive the initiative's vision, execution, and research excellence. Their combined leadership brings cutting-edge academic rigour and enterprise-scale implementation to India's AI ecosystem. In July 2025, BharatGen unveiled Param-1, a bilingual Large Language Model (LLM) with 2.9 billion parameters, pretrained on 5 trillion tokens in English and Hindi. Building on this foundation, BharatGen is now advancing multilingual and multimodal AI systems across all 22 scheduled Indian languages with the aim of ensuring equitable access to AI for every citizen, regardless of region or language. This initiative is pivoted in a consortium led by IIT Bombay with partners at IIT Madras, IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Mandi, IIM Indore, IIIT Delhi and IIT Kharagpur. Reflecting on BharatGen's genesis, Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, DST, Govt of India, said that the entire BharatGen team is getting well-deserved support from the India AI Mission for scaling their technology. According to Prof Karandikar, it was truly inspiring to witness the remarkable scale and speed of the progress that the BharatGen team has achieved. He highlighted how the Department of Science & Technology was proud to have been a part of the revolutionary journey for sovereign LLM and expressed his confidence in the 'whole of government' approach under PM Modi's leadership. Elaborating on the support from IndiaAI Mission to BharatGen, Mr Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, MeiTY, said that BharatGen was taking on the crucial responsibility of developing a sovereign GenAI stack for our nation. He also appreciated that the completely government-funded mission to build a robust Gen AI ecosystem for India should work to make a mark globally as India's Sovereign AI. Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan of IIT Bombay, the Principal Investigator of BharatGen has stated, "The allocation of Rs 900 crore will enable BharatGen to advance its foundational models, strengthen India's digital AI infrastructure, foster enterprise adoption and developer enablement through our Sovereign AI stack, and ensure inclusive access across the country's diverse linguistic and cultural spectrum. We are extremely grateful to the India AI Mission, MeitY and the Department of Science and Technology for helping set up the national sovereign AI ecosystem through BharatGen" Commenting on the development, Rishi Bal, Executive Vice President stated, "This landmark allocation by MeitY signals India's resolve to build sovereign AI at scale. With BharatGen, we are laying the foundations of an AI ecosystem that reflects the diversity of our nation while advancing India's leadership in the global technology landscape." With the largest commitment under the IndiaAI Mission, BharatGen is poised to anchor the country's ambition of becoming a global leader in responsible, inclusive, and sovereign artificial intelligence. BharatGen is a pioneering initiative by the BharatGen Consortium, envisioned as a comprehensive suite of Generative AI technologies designed to serve India's diverse socio-cultural, linguistic, and industrial needs. Anchored under the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH), IIT Bombay, and supported by the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, BharatGen is the nation's first government-funded Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) project. The initiative is developing inclusive and efficient AI across 22 Indian languages, integrating text, speech, and images to create robust AI solutions built for India's realities. (ANI)
Schools that received a Peggy Kubert Model School in Mental Health in Excellence award are making a substantial impact in universal mental health programming in their school-wide community.

WINNETKA, Ill., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Erika's Lighthouse , a non-profit organization that provides free, high-quality depression education and suicide prevention curriculum in schools, announced that 25 schools in 14 states received the 2025 Peggy Kubert Model School in Mental Health Excellence award. The award recognizes schools for demonstrating a commitment to promoting mental well-being through universal, Tier-1 programming. A total of 14 schools in the United States and Mozambique also received the Four Pillar School award, which recognizes schools that successfully implement programs across all four pillars of the Erika's Lighthouse curriculum.

Erika's Lighthouse believes that every student should have the knowledge and tools they need to care for their mental health. The organization provides high-quality, comprehensive depression education and suicide prevention curriculum to school districts across the country, at zero cost. In the 2024-2025 school year, more than one million students across 49 states and 26 countries were impacted by Erika's Lighthouse programming. After the program, 91% of students said that they have the information and ability to take care of their own mental health.

A Peggy Kubert Model School excels at Tier-1 mental health programming by working within an effective multi-tiered system of support and strives to create an inclusive school culture for students, staff, and families. To be considered, schools must complete the Erika's Lighthouse Tier-1 Mental Health Assessment, which evaluates their implementation of programs and resources across seven key sections: Foundational Core, Classroom Education, Student Empowerment, Family Engagement, Policy & Staff Development, Schoolwide Campaigns, and Data-driven Practices.

Schools that qualify have indicated they are leveraging the full suite of Erika's Lighthouse programs or are using other programs and resources that fit their community. Recipients of the 2025 Peggy Kubert Model School award include:

Carmela Elementary School  Whittier, Calif.

Caverna High School  Horse Cave, Ky.

Crestview High School  Columbiana, Ohio

 Delcastle Technical High School  Wilmington, Del.

Hodgson Vocational Technical High School  Newark, Del.

Howard High School of Technology  Wilmington, Del.

of Technology  Wilmington, Del. J F Kennedy Middle School  Natick, Mass.

Kilby Shores Elementary School  Suffolk, Va.

Lakewood Middle School  Hebron, Ohio

 Hebron, Livermore High School  Livermore, Calif.

Maplewood High School  Cortland, Ohio

Metcalfe County Middle School  Edmonton, Ky.

Newark Vocational High School  Newark, N.J.

Norwood Elementary School  Miami, Fla.

Orchard Park Middle School  Orchard Park, N.Y.

 Orchard Park, N.Y. Penn ( William) High School  New Castle, Del.

 New Castle, Del. Prescott Elementary School  Chicago, Ill.

Robert Turner College And Career High School  Pearland, Texas

St. Georges Technical High School  Middletown, Del.

Swanton Middle School  Swanton, Ohio

 Technical Senior High School  St. Cloud, Minn.

The Bayard School  Wilmington, Del.

Tippecanoe Middle School  Tipp City, Ohio

Walatowa High Charter  Jemez Pueblo, N.M.

Wilson Middle School  Natick, Mass.

The Four Pillar School award recognizes schools that have successfully followed the Four Pillar Model by implementing programs across education, student-leadership, family engagement, and staff training. Recipients of the 2025 Four Pillar School award include:

American International School of Mozambique  Maputo, Mozambique

 Caravel Middle School  Carmel, Maine

Flandreau Indian Boarding School  Flandreau, S.D.

John Yeates Middle School  Suffolk, Va.

King's Fork Middle School  Suffolk, Va.

Lennox Middle School  Lennox, Calif.

 Mt. Vernon Township H.S.  Mount Vernon, Ill.

H.S.  Neenah Joint School District  Neenah, Wis.

Oakwood Junior High School  Dayton, Ohio

Orchard View Schools  Muskegon, Mich.

Quitman High School  Quitman, Texas

 Rose Bud Elementary School  Rose Bud, Ark.

Sussex Academy  Georgetown, Del.

Toledo School For The Arts  Toledo, Ohio

More information about the honorees, including honorable mentions, and how a school can apply for this recognition, is available at: https://erikaslighthouse.org/peggy-kubert-model-schools/ .

Every school can become a Peggy Kubert Model School in Mental Health Excellence by leveraging the full suite of Erika's Lighthouse programs or identifying other programs and resources that are a fit for their community. Educators can bring Erika's Lighthouse programming to their school by creating an account at www.erikaslighthouse.org/portal and they will gain immediate access to a suite of programs that promote inclusive school cultures around mental health. Once logged in, educators will have access to materials for Classroom Education grades 4-12, Empowerment Clubs, Family Engagement, and Policy and Staff Development resources.

About Erika's Lighthouse

Erika's Lighthouse is a non-profit organization that believes every student should have the knowledge and tools to care for their mental health. The organization provides free, high-quality depression education and suicide prevention curriculum to school districts across the country that follows a Four Pillar Philosophy, including classroom education , empowerment clubs , family engagement , and policy and staff training . In the 2024-25 school year, programming from Erika's Lighthouse directly impacted more than one million students. More information is available at https://erikaslighthouse.org/ .

For media inquiries, please contact Joshua Taustein at [email protected] .

SOURCE Erika's Lighthouse
Himachal Pradesh has suffered unprecedented devastation during this year's monsoon season, with damages exceeding Rs 5,000 crores, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan said on Thursday. Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Chauhan said the state had faced continuous rains, cloudbursts, and landslides for three months, leaving 419 people dead. "For three continuous months, the state has faced heavy rains, cloudbursts and landslides, causing major tragedies. So far, 419 people have lost their lives, 236 in rain-related incidents and 183 in road accidents. Our deepest condolences are with the families who lost their loved ones," Chauhan said. He criticised MP Kangana Ranaut's absence, calling the BJP's "actress experiment" a failure. "It is unfortunate that during such a calamity, the elected representative is not among her people. She herself admitted in an interview that she believed being an MP required only 60 days of work. She is a celebrity, but she has failed to fulfil her responsibilities. The people of Mandi and even the BJP itself now realise that the experiment of fielding an actress has failed," he stated. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), the continuous rain has led to 525 DTRs being disrupted, with the majority of outages reported in the Mandi district (327). There are 281 water supply schemes that have been disrupted across the state. The Mandi district is the most affected in this category, with 180 schemes disrupted. Chauhan said Himachal's disaster impact was widespread, with 1,500 houses destroyed, 4,580 damaged, 6,300 cowsheds and 595 shops wiped out, and daily losses reported since June. "More than 1,500 houses have been completely destroyed, 4,580 houses partially damaged, and over 6,300 cowsheds and 595 shops have been wiped out. "This disaster has hit Himachal not in one place but across different regions. Every single day since June, damage has been reported," he added. Chauhan stressed that despite the magnitude of the disaster, the government machinery has ensured that essential services were restored quickly. "The Chief Minister has directed all deputy commissioners to restore power, water and roads without delay. Even if a disruption happens, within two days, services are brought back. Our officers and administration have worked relentlessly. Relief work is a long task, but the government is standing firmly with the people," he said. "This is not a time for politics. The BJP leaders in Himachal must understand the gravity of the disaster. This calamity has affected 75 lakh people. Relief from the Government of India is our right in a federal system. Instead of claiming credit for schemes, BJP leaders should stand with the state government and the people in this hour of need."Taking on the opposition, Chauhan remarked. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit. "The Prime Minister announced Rs 1,500 crore assistance. We want clarity on whether this will be given as a special grant to the Himachal government or through scheme-based allocation. No notification has been issued yet," Chauhan said, expressing hope that the Centre would support the state fully. Chauhan pointed out that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has been touring every affected district since June 30, when the first major damage occurred in Mandi. "Fifteen thousand people stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra were safely evacuated because of the government's efforts. Restoration of drinking water schemes, roads and electricity is being done continuously from our own resources," he said. The advisor also underlined major policy changes by the state government. "We have revised the state disaster manual. Earlier, if someone's house collapsed, they got only Rs 1.2 lakh compensation. Now we are giving Rs 7.7 lakh. Other compensations have also been increased nearly 200 times. This is the Chief Minister's vision to ensure real relief to people," Chauhan said. He further urged the Centre to amend the Forest Conservation Act to enable land allotment for those who lost homes. "Entire villages have been wiped out. This is not merely about money but about rehabilitation. The Centre must play its role," he concluded. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday backed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's fresh allegations of voter deletions, demanding answers from the Centre and Election Commission. However, Bharadwaj criticised Congress and Gandhi for "remaining silent" while similar discrepancies were highlighted by AAP during the Delhi Assembly elections in early 2025. Speaking to ANI, the AAP leader accused the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of still "remaining silent" on the issue, alleging that Congress only raises its voice for its own interests and not for opposition and democracy. "The issue raised by Rahul Gandhi is serious, and the Election Commission and the central government of the country should respond to it. He said that applications have been submitted to remove 6,000 votes in a seat in Karnataka. However, while he (Rahul Gandhi) is saying this today, Arvind Kejriwal said this in January 2025. We had pointed out that in Delhi's New Delhi Assembly constituency, in a similar manner, applications were submitted to remove around 6,000 votes and add 10,500 new votes in just 15 days," Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI. "When the same thing was being said by an opposition party, and Congress itself was contesting elections there while the BJP was winning by stealing votes, Congress remained silent, and even today, Rahul Gandhi is silent. It feels as though you (Congress) only want to fight for your own party and not for the opposition, democracy," he added. Earlier today, addressing a press conference, Rahul Gandhi claimed that there was an attempt to delete more than 6,000 voters' names from the Aland constituency in Karnataka. "In Aland, Karnataka, 6018 votes, somebody tried to delete these votes. We don't know the total number of votes deleted in 2023 elections, but somebody got caught. It was caught, by most crimes, by coincidence. What happened was that the Booth Level officer noticed that her uncle's vote had been deleted," he said. The Lok Sabha LoP further alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, is "protecting vote chors" and is fully aware of how fraud is happening in deleting and adding fake voters in the voter list. He stated that he has "10 per cent proof" that the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is "protecting vote chors (vote thieves)." He said that a group of people is using a centralised method through software, impersonating real voters, and deleting their names from the voter lists. Gandhi further claimed that he is "getting help" from people who are working for the Election Commission of India (ECI) in uncovering alleged vote fraud in the country. "We have started getting help from inside the Election Commission. I am making it clear that we are now getting information from inside the Election Commission; this was not happening before, but now we are getting information from inside the Election Commission, and this is not going to stop. India's people will not accept this. Once the youth come to know that vote chori is happening, then their power will come," Rahul Gandhi alleged. Responding to the claims, the ECI has called Rahul Gandhi's allegations "baseless and incorrect", highlighting that no deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public. "Allegations made by Rahul Gandhi are incorrect and baseless. No deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public, as misconceived by Rahul Gandhi. No deleting can take place without giving an opportunity to be heard to the affected person," the ECI said in a statement. The ECI also said that allegations made by Rahul Gandhi against CEC Gyanesh Kumar are baseless and incorrect. The poll body has said that in 2023, certain "unsuccessful attempts" were made to delete certain votes, and a complaint was filed on the order of the ECI itself. "In 2023, certain unsuccessful attempts were made for the deletion of electors in Aland Assembly Constituency and an FIR was filed by the authority of ECI itself to investigate the matter," the poll body said. The ECI pointed out that the Congress leader BR Patil won the assembly elections from Aland in 2023, while the BJP's Subadh Guttedar won in 2018. (ANI)
BJP leader Amit Malviya on Thursday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of spreading false information on the extent of animal losses and monetary damages due to recent flooding in Punjab. In a post on social media, Malviya claimed that Rahul Gandhi's figures are far off from official state data and accused him of exploiting Punjab's pain for "petty politics." His remarks came after Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a comprehensive relief package for Punjab, stating that the state has suffered an estimated loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore, and over 10 lakh animals have perished due to floods. Citing the Punjab government's data, the BJP leader claimed that instead of over 10 lakh, only 34,000 animals have reportedly perished, and the state losses amount to Rs 13,289 crore and not Rs 20,000 crore. Malviya posted on X, "Yet another pack of lies from Rahul Gandhi. In his letter to the Prime Minister, he claims 10 lakh animals have perished. But Punjab's Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian (Sept 7) put the figure at 19,041 (including poultry), now reportedly about 34,000. Where did the missing 9.44 lakh animals go? The Punjab Chief Secretary told the PM that the state's losses amount to 13,289 crores. Rahul Gandhi inflates it to 20,000 crores. Why this deliberate falsehood? While the Central Government is extending full support to flood-hit Punjab, Rahul Gandhi is busy reducing Punjabis to political pawns. Why exploit Punjab's pain for petty politics?" https://x.com/amitmalviya/status/1968627304889991262 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a comprehensive relief package for Punjab, stating that the state has suffered an estimated loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore due to floods, and the Rs 1,600 crore initial relief announced by the union government "does grave injustice" to the people of the state. Recalling his visit to the state, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, said he witnessed shocking devastation and its human cost. He said over four lakh acres of paddy crop have been destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished. The Congress leader said that in this hour of need of Punjab, the Centre and people of the country must reassure every farmer, every soldier, and every family in Punjab that India stands with them. "I write to you regarding the catastrophic floods that have devastated Punjab. During my recent visit, I witnessed the shocking devastation and its human cost. Over 4 lakh acres of paddy crop have destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished. Lakhs of people, mostly from marginalised communities have lost their homes. The flood has also rendered vast tracts of land uncultivable in the near future. Even today, thousands of acres are submerged and villages remain cut off," Rahul Gandhi said in his letter written on Tuesday. He said the efforts of the community had helped people in their hour of need. "Despite the gravity of this crisis, I witnessed the very best of humanity. Communities rallied behind those who lost everything. People opened their homes to strangers and shared whatever little they had. Their generosity, and commitment to help, often at great personal risk was admirable," he said. Rahul Gandhi said the situation demands a bolder response from the Centre in terms of financial assistance. "The 1,600 crore initial relief announced by the union government does grave injustice to the people of Punjab. Estimates suggest that the state has suffered a loss of atleast Rs 20,000 Cr. This crisis demands a bolder response. I request the government to facilitate a quick assessment of the damage and deliver a comprehensive relief package," he said. "Punjab will rise again. In their hour of need, we must reassure every farmer, every soldier, and every family in Punjab that India stands with them. We must come together and extend all possible support to help rebuild their future," he added. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that the latter conducted the Voter Adhikar Yatra with an aim to raise a voice for the Bangladeshi infiltrators whose names were getting struck in the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar. Addressing a rally in Begusarai, Amit Shah said Rahul Gandhi only cares about "infiltrators from Bangladesh" and has no interest in the development of the youth of Bihar. "Rahul Baba had come here. He had organised a yatra. The yatra he had organised was to save the infiltrators. Should these infiltrators be on our voter list? Should these infiltrators receive our rations meant for the poor? Should these infiltrators receive employment? Should they receive medical treatment worth up to five lakh rupees? This Rahul Gandhi doesn't care about the poor of Bihar, the youth of Bihar. He cares about infiltrators from Bangladesh," the Home Minister said. He also claimed that RJD and Congress are worried as their vote bank has been dented in the SIR after the removal of infiltrators from the voting list. "Under Modi's leadership, we will work to expel infiltrators from Bihar, one by one. SIR is a thorough revision to free the voter list from the pollution of infiltrators. The votes of the infiltrators have been cut. We all know that these infiltrators are Lalu and Rahul's vote bank. Lalu Prasad and company are not concerned about the poor of Bihar," he said. Continuing the attack on the RJD, Amit Shah said that Lalu Prasad Yadav wants to distribute the benefits of government schemes to the infiltrators living in the state. "Who is providing free rations to millions of people in Bihar? Who provided toilets to millions of people in Bihar? Who brought electricity to the homes of millions of people in Bihar? Lalu Prasad Yadav wants to distribute all this among the infiltrators. Lalu Yadav, don't worry. We, the BJP workers, entered the fray this time with a resolve that this time our majority will be such that Tejashwi Yadav won't even dare to contest the next election. We have to fight the elections with this enthusiasm and passion," he said. Highlighting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi never took a vacation in his entire period of governance, Amit Shah said, "Yesterday was Modi ji's birthday. I have been working with him for more than 24 years. There hasn't been a single day in these 24 years when Modi ji has taken a break or vacation. He is dedicated to serving the people of the country 365 days a year, while some leaders immediately leave for a foreign tour within 6 months." "On the other hand, there is Narendra Modi ji, who has always put the country before himself. The victory in Bihar is a very important victory," Home Minister added as he appealed to the voters to vote for NDA in the upcoming Assembly polls. In a similar attack on Congress, Amit Shah lambasted Rahul Gandhi in Rohtas. Interacting with BJP workers in Rohtas, the Union Minister accused the Congress party of ignoring development issues and instead working to protect "illegal infiltrators" from Bangladesh. Addressing the gathering, Shah said, "They (Congress) spread a false narrative every time. Rahul Gandhi did a Yatra. The topic of his yatra was not vote theft. The topic was not good education, employment, electricity, or roads. The topic of the tour was saving the infiltrators who have come from Bangladesh. Have any of you lost their votes? This was Rahul Gandhi's 'Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra'." Questioning the relevance of the Congress's yatra, Shah asked, "Should infiltrators have the right to vote or free rations? Should infiltrators get jobs, houses, treatment up to 5 lakh rupees?... Instead of our youth, this Rahul Baba and company are giving jobs to vote bank infiltrators." He urged BJP workers to spread awareness about the alleged risks if Congress came to power, saying, "It is our responsibility to go to every house and tell them that if their government is formed even by mistake, then there will be only infiltrators in every district of Bihar." The remarks came as both the BJP and Congress intensified their campaigns in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections later in October or November. Rahul Gandhi's 15-day-long Voter Adhikar Yatra concluded on September 1. Several INDIA bloc leaders shared the stage with Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition in a show of strength. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday slammed the Election Commission of India for allegedly "not cooperating" with the voter fraud investigation opened up by the Karnataka Crime Investigation Department (Karnataka CID) in the Aland assembly segment in the Kalaburagi district. The leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha has claimed that the investigation into the alleged fraud has been stalled for over 2 years as the poll body is not replying to the letters sent by the CID, calling it "proof" that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is "protecting vote chors (vote thieves). Alleging that the ECI is aware of people who are fraudulently changing the voter lists, he added, "Last letter was sent on September (2025), a few days ago. No reply. This is the proof that Gyanesh Kumar is protecting vote chors. But who are these people? Who is using software, in a centralised manner, deleting the votes of people? Election Commission, Gyanesh Kumar knows who they are." Rahul Gandhi has said during the press conference that there is a "group of people" who are systematically targeting certain voters who vote for the Opposition parties, and who primarily belong to the OBC, Dalit, and marginalised communities. "In election after election, someone, some group of people, have been systematically targeting voters for deletions across India. Different communities, mainly those who are voting for the opposition, Dalits, OBCs, adivasis, and minorities, are specifically targeted who vote for the Opposition. We had heard this many times, and now we found 100 per cent proof of it. I am not going to say anything on this stage that is not backed up by 100 per cent proof," he said. Talking about the Aland constituency in Karnataka, the Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition claimed that there was an attempt to fraudulently delete around 6 thousand votes by unknown people using software. (ANI)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said that the state government has set an ambitious target to provide government jobs and employment to one crore youth in the next five years. To achieve the target, the state is creating numerous opportunities in both the government and private sectors, making educated youth self-reliant, skilled, and employment-oriented, thereby contributing significantly to Bihar's and India's growth. In a post on X, Bihar CM said, "You are aware that a target has been set to provide government jobs and employment to one crore youth in the next five years. In the coming times, a large number of new job and employment opportunities will be created in the government and private sectors. To achieve this set target, youth are being provided skill development training so that they can obtain jobs/employment." Nitish Kumar has made empowering youth a top priority since forming the new government in November 2005. "Since the formation of the new government in November 2005, providing government jobs and employment to more and more youth and empowering and enabling them has been our top priority," he added. The Bihar CM further elaborated on the 7 Nishchay Karyakram and stated that it will include unemployed graduate youth (in arts, science, and commerce) aged 20-25 and also announced that under Mukhyamantri Nischay Swayam Sahayta Bhatta Yojana (MNSSBY) 1000/month for up to two years for eligible graduates not pursuing studies, without self-employment or government/private jobs. "Under this, in addition to intermediate pass youth who were already receiving benefits, unemployed graduates in arts, science, and commerce will also be covered. Graduate youth, between the ages of 20 and 25, who are not pursuing further studies, who are seeking jobs/employment, who have no self-employment, and who are not engaged in government, private, or non-governmental employment, will be provided with a monthly assistance of 1,000 for a maximum period of two years under this scheme," he said. He hoped that the expanded scheme would form part of the state's larger employment strategy, which seeks to make educated youth "self-reliant, skilled, and employment-oriented." "I hope that the youth will use this financial support to obtain necessary training and prepare for competitive examinations so that their future can be secured. The objective of this visionary initiative of the state government is to ensure that the youth of the state get maximum employment opportunities. The educated youth here should become self-reliant, skilled, and employment-oriented, and make a significant contribution to the development of the state and the nation," the Bihar CM noted. (ANI)
The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is taking historic steps to uplift education for Scheduled Caste students, said Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan. She highlighted major initiatives being implemented by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities to ensure that students from marginalised communities receive opportunities to excel in higher education and professional careers. Baljit Kaur announced a significant reform of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, which had long been marred by irregularities. She said strict action has been taken against misappropriation of funds to guarantee that every rupee now directly reaches deserving students. In 2022, 1,76,842 students availed the scheme, and the number has risen to 2,37,456 this year, marking a 35 per cent increase in just three years. Over the past five years, only 3.71 lakh students benefited, whereas during the current three-year term alone, 6.78 lakh students have already been supported. The target for 2025-26 has been set at 2.70 lakh students, with awareness drives being conducted across schools and colleges to ensure no eligible student is left behind. She further added that under the Top Class Education scheme for OBC, EBC, and DNT students from families with annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh, scholarships are being extended to students enrolled in premier institutions such as IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar, IIM Amritsar, NIPER Mohali, IISER Mohali, Thapar University Patiala, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Patiala, and others. Sharing details of a new Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Baljit Kaur said that Scheduled Caste students and children of landless agricultural labourers can now pursue studies at the world's top 500 universities with full financial support from the Punjab Government. The scheme covers visa, airfare, tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of Rs 13.17 lakh per annum, a contingency allowance of Rs 1.35 lakh, and medical insurance. Eligible students must be under 35 years of age, have secured at least 60 per cent marks, and belong to families with an annual income below Rs 8 lakh. A 30 per cent reservation for girls has been mandated to ensure equal opportunities. Each family can avail benefits for up to two children, with each student eligible only once. Applications for the 2025-26 academic year can be submitted online at the NOS portal from September 15 to October 24. She also announced the launch of a two-month PCS Crash Course for SC, BC, and minority students at the Ambedkar Institute in Mohali to prepare them for civil services. Applications are being accepted offline and via email between September 17 and 26, with forty candidates to be selected through an entrance test on September 30. The institute has been upgraded with an investment of Rs 1.47 crore, with an additional Rs 1.22 crore earmarked for further enhancement. To attract top trainers, faculty remuneration has been doubled from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 per hour. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed the government's commitment to the development of SC, BC, and economically weaker sections, stating that the goal is to make higher education accessible, affordable, and desirable for every eligible child in Punjab. "Through education, we empower our students socially and economically," she emphasised. (ANI)
In a major crackdown on cross-border narco-terror networks, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted two drug cartels, arresting six traffickers, including two women, and recovering 9.066 kg of heroin. The operation is part of Punjab's ongoing drive to make the state drug-free under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday. The arrested persons have been identified as Honey (18), Parmdeep Singh alias Paras (18), Harwinder Singh alias Hinda (19), Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi (25), Jasbir Kaur (40), and Kulwinder Kaur (54). This development comes just a day after police arrested Yasin Mohammed, an operative of Moga-based trafficker Jagpreet Singh alias Jagga, and recovered 7.1 kg of heroin from his possession. DGP Yadav said that preliminary investigation revealed that foreign-based gangster Harpreet alias Happy Jatt of Jandiala Guru had direct links with Pakistan-based smugglers and was running the network using social media platforms. He added that two FIRs have been registered at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar, and investigations are ongoing to trace the wider network and its cross-border linkages. Commissioner of Police Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that in the first operation, accused Honey was caught with 20 gm of heroin, leading to the arrest of his accomplice Parmdeep with 5.032 kg. Further investigation led to the arrest of Harwinder Hinda and Gurpreet Gopi, from whom police recovered an additional 3.010 kg. The total recovery from this module stood at 8.062 kg. Bhullar revealed that Gurpreet and Parmdeep used to receive heroin consignments dropped by drones at pre-decided spots such as garbage piles or marked poles, and the consignment was then distributed on the instructions of Happy Jatt. In another operation, two women smugglers, Jasbir Kaur and Kulwinder Kaur, were arrested with 1.004 kg of heroin. Jasbir Kaur was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, and both modules were linked to the same network. Two separate cases, FIR dated September 15, under sections 21-B, 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act, and FIR dated September 17, 2025, under sections 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act, have been registered at Police Station Chheharta, Amritsar. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday said that the world must not stay silent on the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Stalin said he was deeply shaken by the visuals coming from Gaza, describing them as heartbreaking, and urged India and the global community to take firm action to end the suffering. In a post on X, MK Stalin wrote, "Gaza is gasping, the world must not look away. I am shaken beyond words by what is unfolding in Gaza. Every visual is gut-wrenching. The cries of infants, the sight of starving children, the bombing of hospitals, and the declaration of genocide by the UN Commission of Inquiry together show the suffering that no human being should ever be subjected to." "When innocent lives are being crushed in this way, silence is not an option. Every conscience must rise. India must speak firmly, the world must unite, and we must all act to end this horror now," he added. Earlier this week, a United Nations commission of inquiry found that Israel has committed "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza. A new report by the world body has said that there are reasonable grounds to conclude that four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the start of the war with Hamas in 2023; killing members of a group, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to destroy the group, and imposing measures preventing births. It cites statements by Israeli leaders and the pattern of conduct by Israeli forces as evidence of genocidal intent. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel has urged Israel and all countries to fulfil their obligations under international law "to end the genocide" and punish those responsible. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 48 remaining hostages, about 20 are believed to be alive. (ANI)
The Allahabad High Court on Thursday granted bail to Samajwadi Party leader and former Minister Mohammad Azam Khan in the Quality Bar land case. Speaking to ANI, Azam Khan's advocate, Mohammad Khalid, stated that with this bail, there are no pending cases keeping him in jail, suggesting he's likely to be released soon. "So, there's no pending case that would keep him in jail. As of today, bail has been granted in all the cases. This process may take two to three days. As of now, there are no other pending cases...," said Khalid. Explaining the Quality Bar land case, Khalid said that the allegations claimed Azam Khan misused his power as a Cabinet Minister in 2013 to allot land to a family member. "This matter was related to a society that owned a building called Quality Bar and owned some land. The allegation was that when Khan Sahab was a Cabinet Minister in 2013, he misused his power and, through his influence on society, allotted this land on lease to a family member. While the facts were otherwise, the society was independent, had issued a tender, and the highest bidder was his family member, his wife, so she was allotted. This is a 2013 matter. An FIR was filed in 2019, and a further investigation was conducted in 2024, in which Khan Sahab was named as an accused. We presented all these facts to the court...so bail was finally granted in this one as well today," added Khalid. Earlier on May 16, Azam Khan's advocate, Nasir Sultan, said that Additional Session Judge Vivek Kumar of the MP-MLA court acquitted Azam and seven others for lack of evidence. "Nearly one dozen FIRs were lodged against Azam and others in the year 2016 Dungarpur incident, in which houses were demolished for the implementation of the Asara scheme during the SP government. One of the cases was lodged by Shafeeq Bano in 2019 in which she claimed that she constructed a house on the land purchased in 2012," he said while speaking to the reporters. (ANI)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday expressed gratitude to his UAE counterpart after Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. Goyal stated that the illumination of the Burj Khalifa with images of Prime Minister Modi highlights strong diplomatic relations between India and the UAE. Speaking to ANI, Piyush Goyal said, "I thanked my counterpart. The video was beautiful. When I posted it on social media, 2 million people watched it. I believe this shows how popular Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the UAE and how much the UAE respects him." On Wednesday, Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated with the images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of his 75th birthday. The world's tallest building dazzled Dubai's skyline with PM Modi's portraits and celebratory messages. The celebrations highlight the growing ties between India and the UAE, based on mutual respect and collaboration. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wished PM Modi in a post on X. "Sincere congratulations to Narendra Modi on your birthday. I wish you continued good health and happiness, and ongoing success in advancing India's progress and the prosperity of its people," the UAE President said in his post. Wishes were poured in from across the world on PM Modi's birthday. Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming birthday wishes he received from across India and globally, turning 75. In a touching post on X, he shared that the people's faith and affection are a tremendous source of strength for him, reinforcing his commitment to building a 'Viksit Bharat'. "The innumerable wishes and the faith you have reposed in me are a source of great strength. I see them as a blessing not for me alone, but for the work we are doing together to build a better India. I resolve to continue working with even greater energy and devotion, so that we realise our dream of a Viksit Bharat. I have not been able to reply to the wishes individually, but I will say again - this affection has touched my heart deeply. I pray for everyone's good health and well-being," PM Narendra Modi posted on 'X'.PM Modi also acknowledged various social service endeavours by Indians, praising their inherent goodness and courage. "People across India have been doing various social service initiatives, many of which will continue in the coming days. This inherent goodness in our people sustains our society and gives us the courage to overcome all challenges with hope and positivity. I compliment everyone who is at the forefront of such endeavours," added PM Modi's 'X' post. The Prime Minister said that the countless wishes, blessings and messages are a source of inspiration and strength for him. "Gratitude to Jana Shakti. I am truly overwhelmed by the countless wishes, blessings and messages of affection that have poured in from across the nation and overseas. This affection strengthens and inspires me. I thank the people for the same," the Prime Minister said. (ANI)
Mondego Bio is a new Portuguese startup developing breakthrough cancer treatments.

Mondego Bio was founded by these three investors and represents Biovance Capital Fund I's inaugural investment.

LISBON, Portugal, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Biovance Capital Partners, a biotech venture capital firm based in Lisbon, Portugal, alongside co-investors OrbiMed, a leading healthcare investment firm, with over $17 billion in assets under management and Torrey Pines Investment, a specialty life-science investment company, announced today the Series A funding of Mondego Bio. Headquartered in Portugal's main biotech park, Biocant, Mondego Bio is developing best-in-class protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) inhibitors, providing a potential immuno-oncological therapy with an improved safety and tolerability profile.

As a critical negative regulator of the JAK-STAT pathway, PTPN2 functions to directly regulate signaling through cytokine receptors, including IFN receptor. Thus, enhancing IFN sensing and signaling through the inhibition of PTPN2 is a potential therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy regimens.

Biovance Capital Partners, OrbiMed & Torrey Pines Investment fund Mondego Bio's Series A for PTPN2 therapy Post this

"This marks the first investment by Biovance Capital Fund I, which looks to provide crucial capital to develop transformational therapies for unmet medical needs, and attract world-class scientists and investors to Portugal," said Ricardo Perdigao Henriques, PhD, Managing Partner of Biovance Capital, the investment firm leading the round. "We are excited to join forces with top-tier US healthcare investors to help accelerate safer, more effective treatmentsand, ultimately, better outcomes for patients battling cancer," added Joao Incio, MD PhD, General Partner of Biovance Capital. "We see this investment as an great excellent opportunity to advance a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to reshape current immunotherapy in oncology," said Andre Albergaria, PhD, Principal of Biovance Capital.

"With very compelling science, we are excited to back Mondego Bio's work on PTPN2 inhibitors in immuno-oncology, marking our first investment in Southern Europe and a successful collaboration with OrbiMed and Biovance Capital," said Nikolay Savchuk, PhD, Managing Partner of Torrey Pines Investment.

"It is great to have Biovance Capital as a local partner in Portugal supporting the development of this company," added Iain Dukes, PhD, Venture Partner at OrbiMed.

The lead programs are based on research initially developed by Eilean Therapeutics, an AI/ML supported oncology platform co-founded by OrbiMed and Torrey Pines.

About Biovance Capital

Biovance Capital is Portugal's leading life sciences venture capital firm. The company manages Biovance Capital Fund I, a new venture capital fund with a total of  57 million from the European Investment Fund, the largest Portuguese pharmaceutical company BIAL, the national promotional bank Banco Portugues de Fomento, the European Commission through the Portugal Tech and Invest EU programs, and private investors from Portugal and abroad. The fund invests in early-stage drug development companies across Europe, with a special focus on Southern Europe. For more information, please visit www.biovancecapital.com.

About OrbiMed

OrbiMed is a leading healthcare investment firm, with over $17 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests globally across the healthcare industry, from start-ups to large multinational corporations, through private equity funds, public equity funds, and royalty/credit funds. OrbiMed seeks to be a capital provider of choice, providing tailored financing solutions and extensive global team resources to help build world-class healthcare companies. OrbiMed's team of over 100 professionals is based in New York City, London, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Herzliya, and other key global markets. For more information, please visit www.orbimed.com .

About Torrey Pines Investment

Torrey Pines Investment, based in San Diego, CA, has focused on early to commercial-stage breakthrough medicines since 2002. Its therapeutic interests include oncology, neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and more. For more information, please visit www.torreypinesinv.com .

Media and Investor Contact:

Ana Agostinho

Office Manager,

Biovance Capital Partners

t: +351 21 982 93 60, e: [email protected]

Sanja Tomovska, PhD

Venture Partner,

Torrey Pines Investment

t: +41 795416216, e: [email protected]

SOURCE Mondego Bio
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Thursday said that the Indian forces carried out a planned strike on terrorist targets between 1:00 and 1:30 AM on May 7 during Operation Sindoor to avoid civilian casualties. He explained that the timing was chosen because it was the darkest hour, making satellite imaging difficult; however, the forces had full confidence in their capabilities. During interaction with students at Jharkhand Raj Bhavan's Birsa Mandap under 'Operation Sindoor,' Anil Chauhan said, "... On the 7th (of May), the terrorist targets we had chosen, we struck them between 1:00 and 1:30 at night... Why did we strike at 1:30 at night? That is the darkest time, it would be the most difficult to get satellite images, photographs, and collect evidence. Yet, we struck at 1 or 1:30 at night. Why was that? It was for two reasons. First, we had confidence in our capabilities that even at night we would be able to get imagery. And the second important reason was that we wanted to avoid civilian casualties. The best time would have been 5:30-6:00 AM, but at that time, the first Azaan or the first prayer takes place, and in Bahawalpur and Muridke, there might be a lot of civilian movement at that time, so many civilians could have been killed... We wanted to avoid that, which is why we chose the time between 1:00 and 1:30..." He also shared his journey of joining the Army, encouraging students to consider careers in the armed forces. "I am happy to be part of today's program. This is my first time speaking in front of so many children. I am just a normal person like you and come from an ordinary family. I studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya. One should always be thankful for the place where they studied. When I joined the Army 48-49 years ago, no one in my family was in the military. There is no nepotism here. Children often ask me why I joined the Army. At that time, I was getting ready to start 11th grade and thought I will be free from study and after joining the Army. But I was wrong. A soldier's biggest duty is to always be ready and trained. I enjoyed outdoor life and adventure," Chauhan said. He said that all three services, the Army, Navy, and Air Force, play important roles and always work together, whether in war or during natural disasters. "There is an English saying, "Join the Force, See the World." If you want to truly know your country, its regions, and its diversity, join the Army. If you want to see all of India, join the Army. If you want to travel the world, join the Navy. If you want to feel the thrill of flying, join the Air Force. All three services have their own importance. In every war since 1947, all the forces have worked together. They also came together during the Kargil War. And whenever there is a natural disaster, we work together," Chauhan said. (ANI)
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday took a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Bihar and said that while every leader has the democratic right to campaign in the state, they must also tell people when migration from Bihar will stop and when factories will be established in Bihar. Speaking to the reporters, "Everyone has the right to come here because it's a democracy. PM Modi can come, Amit Shah can come, and even Rahul Gandhi can come. This is the power of the people of Bihar that everyone will have to come to this land." Kishor also said that merely visiting Bihar is not enough; the leader must address the people's issues in Bihar. "They will have to tell people when migration from Bihar will stop and when factories will be established in Bihar. You can't win votes in Bihar just by saying factories are being established in Gujarat." Earlier today, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Bihar, saying that he came for his own benefit rather than to give special status to Bihar. Speaking to the reporters, the RJD leader said, "He is not coming to end unemployment. He is coming for his own benefit. He is not coming to give special status for Bihar." Yadav also asked about Minister Jibesh Kumar's assaulting and verbally abusing a journalist. "Will any action be taken against the minister who beat up the journalist?" he asked. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that the latter conducted the Voter Adhikar Yatra with an aim to raise a voice for the Bangladeshi infiltrators whose names were getting struck in the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar. Addressing a rally in Bihar's Begusarai, Amit Shah said Rahul Gandhi only cares about "infiltrators from Bangladesh" and has no interest in the development of the youth of Bihar. "Rahul Baba had come here. He had organised a yatra. The yatra he had organised was to save the infiltrators. Should these infiltrators be on our voter list? Should these infiltrators receive our rations meant for the poor? Should these infiltrators receive employment? Should they receive medical treatment worth up to five lakh rupees? This Rahul Gandhi doesn't care about the poor of Bihar, the youth of Bihar. He cares about infiltrators from Bangladesh," the Home Minister said. He also claimed that RJD and Congress are worried as their vote bank has been dented in the SIR after the removal of infiltrators from the voting list. "Under Modi's leadership, we will work to expel infiltrators from Bihar, one by one. SIR is a thorough revision to free the voter list from the pollution of infiltrators. The votes of the infiltrators have been cut. We all know that these infiltrators are Lalu and Rahul's vote bank. Lalu Prasad and company are not concerned about the poor of Bihar," Shah said. (ANI)
A family in Telangana's district has appealed to the Indian and state governments to help repatriate the body of their son, Mohammad Nizamuddin, who was allegedly shot dead in California, United States. Nizamuddin had gone to the US in 2016 to pursue higher studies at Florida College. After completing his course, he joined a company and later moved to California after being promoted, his family said. Speaking to ANI, Nizamuddin's father said, "My name is Mohammad Hasanuddin. I'm a resident of Mahabubnagar. I was informed today that my son was shot dead in California, America." He added, "My son went to study in America in 2016 at Florida College. After completing his two-year studies, he worked for a company there. Later, he moved to California on a promotion, where he was shot dead." The grieving father urged the Centre to expedite the process of bringing his son's mortal remains back home. "I appeal to the External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, Jaishankar, to bring my son's body back to India as soon as possible," he said. Another relative of the deceased said, "We received the news today that the child has passed away. According to reports on social media and what we have been told, there had been no word from him for 10-15 days, and today we learnt this." He said a neighbour called police after a quarrel over an AC turned violent with knives. When one boy disobeyed orders, police fired, killing him -- an "extremely regrettable" incident. He said, "The account says the roommates had a quarrel -- something about the AC or something in the room -- and in the ensuing scuffle knives were involved. A neighbour phoned the police. When the police entered the room, they asked the occupants to show their hands. One boy complied; the other did not. The police then fired four rounds and the child was shot. It is extremely regrettable that, according to the reports, no proper inquiry took place and the shooting happened so quickly." He reiterated the appeal of repatriating the deceased's body, saying, "We also request the Telangana government's assistance in bringing the body to Mahbubnagar. The family still does not have full information." (ANI)
In connection with the annual inspection, Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, IPS, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) Eastern Command, Kolkata, arrived at Frontier headquarters BSF North Bengal, Kadamtala, on September 16, according to a press release. ADG BSF (EC) was warmly welcomed by Mukesh Tyagi, Inspector General (IG), North Bengal Frontier, and other senior officers. IG Frontier Tyagi thoroughly briefed him about the prevailing security situation and emerging challenges along the India-Bangladesh border. https://x.com/BSFNBFTR/status/1968275835233722772 According to the official release, ADG (EC) Aggarwal discussed the operational and administrative challenges. He also directed the troops to be extra vigilant during the present security situation along the zero line to thwart any attempt of trans-border crimes by ANE. He lauded the efforts of the brave soldiers. He also planted a sapling as an effort towards a greener campus and a cleaner environment. ADG (EC) also laid the foundation stone of a drill-cum-darbar shed at the BSF campus, Kadamtala, for improvement in training facilities, the release added. The release stated that ADG BSF (Eastern Command) visited Sector Headquarters, BSF Siliguri Radhabari. DIG Siliguri thoroughly briefed him about the challenges along the India-Bangladesh border. ADG BSF (Eastern Command) further visited Border Out Posts (BOP) Chanakya, Saket, Shyam and Bharat of 93 Battalion BSF under Siliguri Sector, where he interacted with Praharis during Prahari bhoj, said the release. As per the release, ADG BSF (Eastern Command) addressed a Sanik Sammelan at BOP Shyam. He asked the troops to remain alert and take all measures to foil the activities of ANEs. He appreciated their commitment to ensuring the highest standard of border security and operational efficiency. He advised them to maintain the health and fitness of the highest standards. Vaneeta Aggarwal, Border Security Force Wives Welfare Association (BWWA) Head, BSF Eastern Command Kolkata, visited the campus area of North Bengal Frontier, the Family Welfare Centre of North Bengal Frontier, and interacted with BWWA members of BSF Campus Kadamtala. The cold-pressed oil mill and 'Bal Batika' at the BSF campus, Kadamtala, were inaugurated by the BWWA Head, BSF Eastern Command. She also visited Bhimbhar Snehashram Dristihin Vidyalaya at Bidhannagar, Siliguri, where she distributed stationery items to the children and gifts to the school staff as a part of BWWA's commitment toward society, the release stated. (ANI)
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled state visit, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday inspected the premises of the Mata Tripurasundari Temple at Udaipur along with senior ministers and top administrative officials, a statement from the Tripura Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. The Prime Minister is slated to arrive in the state on September 22 to inaugurate the newly developed infrastructure and beautification works at the Mata Tripurasundari Temple under the *PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) Project*. Accompanying the Chief Minister during the inspection were Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Minister Kishore Barman, MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Zila Sabhadhipati Debal Debroy, MLA Abhishek Debroy and MLA Jitendra Majumder. The team reviewed on-ground preparations to ensure a smooth and grand inauguration programme in the presence of the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, 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. (ANI)
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Bihar, saying that he came for his own benefit rather than to give special status to the state. Speaking to the reporters, the RJD leader said, "He is not coming to end unemployment. He is coming for his own benefit. He is not coming to give special status for Bihar." Yadav also asked about Minister Jibesh Kumar's assaulting and verbally abusing a journalist. "Will any action be taken against the minister who beat up the journalist?" he asked. Earlier on Monday, Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav accused the state's minister of Urban Development and Housing Department, Jibesh Kumar, of assaulting and verbally abusing a journalist, and demanded that an FIR be registered against him. While addressing a press conference in Patna, Yadav showed a purported video of the minister shouting at a journalist, who belongs to a backward community. Yadav alleged that the minister was on a visit to his Jale constituency, and beat up the journalist after he asked a question about the condition of the roads. "He (Jibesh Kumar Mishra) has also been found guilty in a fake drug case. He has committed a serious crime while being a Minister, and I present the video before you. When the Minister was visiting his constituency, a journalist hailing from a backward community asked him a question about roads. The Minister beat him up and abused him," the RJD leader said. As Yadav trained his guns at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning whether the actions of the state minister are known to him ahead of his visit to Purnea, or even known to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar or the deputy CMs, too. "Before 2005, such questions used to be asked. The question was just about roads, not a lowly question. Does the Chief Minister, or the Prime Minister, who is coming here today, know? Does the journalist not have a mother and sister?" he said. Further calling for an FIR to be registered against the minister, he added, "Journalists should ask, will the minister have an FIR registered against him? Will he get punished? This is all evidence." Accusing the administration of suppressing any action against ministers, Yadav questioned why an FIR has not been registered over the alleged incident. "This is the BJP's culture, I have never seen a minister giving such bad abuses to a journalist, beating up the journalist. What kind of administration is this? Is the law different for those? I would like to know from both the deputy CMs and even the PM, whether the law is the same or different? If it is the same, why is there no FIR?" He also accused the police of colluding with the ministers to allow them to take bribes. (ANI)
Three related firms, namely Vasu Multimetals, SVM Multimetals Private Limited and Ingottastic LLP, were involved in availing bogus invoices and utilised ineligible Input Tax Credit (ITC) worth Rs 69.41 Crores to set off their GST liabilities and thus causing serious leakage to government revenue, the release stated.

Following the search operations, two individuals - a father-son duo, who were operating and controlling these firms, were arrested under the provisions of the Central GST Act, 2017 and sent for judicial custody.The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and identify other entities involved.

The CGST Ludhiana Commissionerate reaffirms its commitment to detecting tax fraud and thus ensuring a level playing field for honest taxpayers.

Earlier in July, based on specific intelligence, the officers of CGST Ludhiana had conducted multiple search operations in Mandi Gobindgarh, District Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, unearthing a syndicate involved in availing and passing on fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) in the iron and steel sector using five firms.

During the search operations, the officers uncovered a modus operandi involving the acquisition of debt-ridden rolling mills, which were used as fronts by scamsters to avail and pass on fake ITC, thereby evading the scrutiny of GST enforcement agencies.

Following the search operations, two individuals who were operating and controlling these firms were arrested on 24.07.2025. As per the preliminary assessment, the quantum of bogus bills stood at a staggering 260 crore, resulting in a GST loss of 47 crore to the exchequer. (ANI)
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday hit out at Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav over his Bihar Adhikar Yatra, claiming it is a desperate attempt to safeguard his political future, adding that the former Deputy Chief Minister was unaware about his political existence being in "danger" when he was campaigning alongside Rahul Gandhi during Voter Adhikar Yatra. "They are searching for their own existence. When they were doing yatra with Rahul Gandhi, they didn't even realise that their political existence was in danger," Singh told ANI in Begusarai. On September 16, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav launched the 'Adhikar Yatra' against youth unemployment, and called for ensuring the rights of women, respect for teachers and bettering the health and education system in Bihar. According to RJD MP Sanjay Yadav, the rally is being carried out in the districts which were not covered in the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' organised by Congress's Rahul Gandhi, in which the RJD had also participated. Ahead of launching the Yatra, Tejashwi Yadav said that they will form a "corruption-free", "crime-free" government when they come to power. "After the completion of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', the remaining districts that were left were Jehanabad, Begusarai, Khagaria, and Madhepura. So to cover these districts, we have set out on the Bihar Adhikar Yatra so that we can reach out to everyone with a new resolution to build a new Bihar, a developed Bihar. This journey is not only Tejashwi's journey; it is the journey of the unemployed youth," he said. Bihar is set to witness an electoral battle between the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Nitish Kumar in the state, while the INDIA bloc, including the Congress and RJD, look to unseat 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)
An Air India Express flight from Vishakhapatnam to Hyderabad made a precautionary landing in Vizag over a suspected bird strike on Thursday, an Air India Express spokesperson said. An Air India Express spokesperson said, "One of our aircraft suffered a bird strike at Visakhapatnam and returned to the airport after take-off. The flight had to be cancelled pending certification of the aircraft's feasibility to return to service. We regret the inconvenience and have offered multiple options to impacted guests, including complimentary rescheduling to our next flight on the same day, or a full refund if they elect to cancel." Earlier, in a question from Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien on July 21, on the number of people injured and the number of deaths resulting from bird hits across the country during the last five years, Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that during the last five years, no injury or death of any person was reported due to bird and animal strikes at Indian airports. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the number of confirmed bird strikes in 2020 stood at 674, in 2021 it stood at 775, in 2022 it stood at 1131, in 2023 it stood at 1371, in 2024 it stood at 1278 and in 2025 it stood at 511 (till June). On June 23, Air India was forced to cancel its scheduled flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi due to a suspected bird hit on its inbound journey from the national capital. Air India Flight AI 2455 from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi was cancelled. The cancellation was triggered after Air India flight AI2454 from Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram reported a suspected bird hit upon landing. An Air India spokesperson said, "Air India regrets to inform that flight AI2455, from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi, on 22 June 2025, is cancelled due to extended engineering checks after a suspected bird hit was detected after the aircraft landed safely in Thiruvananthapuram. The inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted, and every effort is being made to minimise it, including providing accommodation to passengers. Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling are also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to Delhi. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority." (ANI)
The Technology Business Incubator (TBI) of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, has been conferred with the 'Bharat Incubator Award 2025' at the 4th Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit held at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi, according to an official press release. The Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit is a flagship event every year organised by the Entrepreneurs Association of India (EAI). This national-level recognition highlights the IIIM incubator's outstanding contributions towards fostering innovation, supporting startups, and promoting entrepreneurship in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM and Chairman of IIIM-TBI, expressed his pride in the institute's tireless efforts and added that CSIR-IIIM is relentlessly working round the clock to support startups in key sectors such as agri-tech, nutrition, healthcare, Phyto pharma, Aroma and Biotechnology etc. "This award stands as a strong validation of our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and accelerating economic growth in the Jammu and Kashmir region" he said. Ahmed credited the achievement to the visionary leadership of Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Vice President CSIR. He noted that the startup revolution in India has gained significant momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched the 'Start-up India, Stand-up India' initiative. "Changing mindsets and utilising local resources are the keys to startup success in Jammu & Kashmir," Ahmed emphasised. Earlier during the ceremony, Saurabh Saran, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-IIIM and Principal Investigator of IIIM-TBI, highlighted that CSIR-IIIM currently operates three incubation centres (i) BioNEST Incubator at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu (ii) BioNEST Incubator at Industrial Biotech Park, Kathua & (iii) Atal Incubation Centre at IIIM Branch, Srinagar. He informed us that under the able guidance of Zabeer Ahmed, Director of IIIM, together, these centres have supported over 125 startups, with more than 20 successfully launching products into the market. Saran also shared the vision of TBI focus on thematic areas such as the Aroma Mission, Phytopharmaceuticals, and livelihood-linked innovations. The event was graced by Chief Guest and Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Other dignitaries included Manoj Kumar Singh, Ex-Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, and senior members of EAI including Arun Kumar Sharma, Amitabh Verma, Vikas Preetam, and Abhishek Kumar, President, EAI. The Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 served as a pioneering platform to foster collaboration and innovation among entrepreneurs across India. The summit focuses on economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, especially for youth, farmers, and women. CSIR-IIIM Technology Business Incubator expressed sincere gratitude to the Entrepreneurs Association of India (EAI) for this national recognition and reaffirms its dedication to advancing science-led entrepreneurship and social progress and actively fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem that promotes sustainable economic growth and generates new opportunities across the J&K region. (ANI)
Selected as an Industry Innovator for revolutionizing travel and learning for digital nomad families; award presented at Skift Global Forum on September 16 in New York City.

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boundless Life, the pioneering lifestyle and education company empowering digital nomad families, has been named a 2025 Skift IDEA Award winner in the celebrated Visionary 2030 category. The honor was announced by Skift, the travel industry's leading news and intelligence brand, and presented at the prestigious Skift Global Forum in New York City this week.

Recognized for redefining family travel through a revolutionary model that blends digital nomad accommodation, experiential education, and authentic slow travel experiences, Boundless Life is the only family-focused company to receive the award this year. The program celebrates ground-breaking ideas and innovative technologies that anticipate the challenges and trends of tomorrow across all sectors of travel, and identifies bold ideas shaping the future of the travel industry.

"We founded Boundless Life to liberate families from the constraints of the conventional path," said Mauro Repacci, Co-Founder and CEO. "This award affirms our belief that travel can be a force for positive transformation  when families are empowered to live, learn, and grow together through immersive journeys, the ripple effects are profound. We're honored to be recognized as a travel industry leader by Skift."

At the core of Boundless Life's offering is a seamless integration of beautifully designed accommodations, inspiring co-working spaces, and progressive education centers in culturally rich destinations around the world  enabling families with children aged 1.5 to 14 to explore the globe while maintaining community and continuity. More than a travel company, Boundless is a global community redefining the future of family life  rooted in freedom, connection, and exploration.

"Boundless is not just a travel brand  it's a movement," said Rekha Magon, Co-Founder and Chief Education Officer, who will attend the Skift Global Forum to accept the award. "We are building a visionary, boundary-pushing community that makes it possible for families to live with intention, raise global citizens, and embrace a different way of being in the world."

Since launching its first cohort in Sintra, Portugal in 2022, Boundless Life has welcomed more than 5,000 participants from 50+ countries into its programs. Over 50% return for additional stays, a testament to the power of meaningful travel experiences and the deep bonds formed through the Boundless community. With spectacular destinations now across 8 countries on 3 continents, Boundless continues to grow with a clear vision: to build a future where families are free to design the lives they choose  grounded in purpose, guided by curiosity, and connected to what matters most.

About Boundless Life:

Boundless Life is pioneering a new model for global living that enables families to embrace a location-independent lifestyle without sacrificing community, stability, or academic quality. Designed for the digital age, Boundless provides fully furnished, family-friendly homes, vibrant coworking hubs, and a forward-thinking and place-based global education program. With stunning destinations across Europe, Asia, and South America, we empower families to lead more fulfilling lives by designing a lifestyle that nurtures balance, growth, and deeper connections  with ourselves, our families, nature, and the world.

About Skift

Skift is the most trusted platform for travel intelligence, news, and global industry insight. Through award-winning journalism, research, and events, Skift monitors and defines the transformation of the world's largest industry. The annual Skift IDEA Awards spotlight the brands and innovators shaping the future of travel across marketing, design, innovation, sustainability, and technology.

SOURCE Boundless Life
Stating that a deadline has been set to fill the potholes in Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said that he would not evade responsibility. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, DK Shivakumar said, "It is natural for roads to have potholes during the rainy season, and we have given a deadline to fill them. We have also instructed MLAs to use the grants to fill the potholes." When asked why the pothole issue persists even after spending thousands of crores, Shivakumar said, "We have given a deadline and allocated responsibilities to officials. There have been many potholes around Vidhana Souda due to overnight rains yesterday, and it is natural. We are working to fix this issue. The issue will not be resolved just because some people tweet about it and some people issue media statements." On being asked about Kumaraswamy's tweet that the Deputy Chief Minister is scaring IT companies and start-ups from Bengaluru due to potholes, he said, "What is Kumaraswamy's contribution to Bengaluru as a Union minister? The UPA government had given a lot of funds to Bengaluru under the Jawaharlal urban renewal mission. He is the right-hand man of the PM. Why can't he get Rs 10000 crores for Bengaluru city? He had said that he would get approvals for the Mekedatu project in 5 minutes. What happened to it?" When asked if the Union government was deliberately neglecting Bengaluru, he said, "Certainly, the Union government has not given a single rupee for Bengaluru's development." Asked if departments would face a funds crunch due to allocation of funds to the Upper Krishna project, he said, "This is completely false; there is no such proposal. We are committed to completing this project. The Centre should not succumb to pressure from any state on the Upper Krishna project", Shivakumar said. (ANI)
The Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) decision to give a clean chit to the Adani Group in the Hindenburg case has been hailed by leading lawyers, who described the order as well-reasoned, durable, and a significant step towards closing the chapter on the controversy. Senior advocate Amit Desai said the regulator's "well-reasoned order" against Hindenburg allegations would withstand appeals. "This order is going to be sustainable in the long run. Even if there is an appeal, it will not be easy to succeed against such a well-reasoned order. With this, the Hindenburg allegations are now behind the Adani Group once and for all. It will strengthen their credibility in the marketplace," he said. Advocate Vijay Agarwal pointed to admissions made by Hindenburg about "short-selling." "The Supreme Court in Vishal Tiwari's judgment had already given a clean chit. Now there's an inquiry against Hindenburg because they admitted to short-selling. After that, nothing remains. The Adani Group has passed every litmus test. This controversy should now be considered buried," Agarwal remarked. Advocate Nitin Meshram framed the Hindenburg Report as an attempt to undermine India's economy. "The Hindenburg Report was a conspiracy against India's growth, part of a larger international plan. I always believed the allegations were myths with no substance. SEBI has found no misconduct, and the Supreme Court rejected demands for an SIT or CBI probe. Those who still doubt the order are undermining India's regulator and its laws," he said. Advocate Ishkaran Bhandari said an "ecosystem" targeted an Indian businessman to serve foreign interests adding some lobbies remain unsatisfied despite SEBI and Supreme Court finding "nothing." "In India, an entire ecosystem went after a businessman to satisfy foreign interests or those who dislike Indian enterprise. Other countries protect their wealth creators, you don't see the US trying to pull down Apple or Amazon. Even after SEBI and the Supreme Court found nothing, some lobbies will remain unsatisfied because their interest lies in weakening Indian business," he said. Reacting to the order, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani said the decision reaffirmed what the company had maintained from the start. "SEBI has reaffirmed that the Hindenburg claims were baseless. Transparency and integrity have always defined the Adani Group. We deeply feel the pain of investors who lost money because of this fraudulent and motivated report. Those who spread false narratives owe the nation an apology," Adani posted on X. (ANI)
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday appealed to the Punjab government to withdraw the cap limiting compensation for crop damage to five acres per farmer. In a post on X, the SAD president Badal slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its alleged criminal negligence, labelling the disaster as a "Mann-made tragedy." https://x.com/officeofssbadal/status/1968628192962633949 Asserting that an agrarian crisis would be created in the state if farmers were denied fair compensation, Sukhbir Badal said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government must announce that all farmers will be fully compensated for their losses in the recent devastating floods in the state. Terming the flooding of the State as a "Mann-made" tragedy, Badal urged to provide adequate compensation not only to farmers for crop damages but also to agricultural labourers who are facing loss of livelihood. Additionally, compensation should be provided for livestock deaths and house repairs. Another key demand is the immediate release of the Rs 12,000 crore State Disaster Response Fund, which is reportedly available in the state treasury. Earlier, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Badal convened an emergency meeting of district presidents and all assembly in-charges on Monday at 2 pm at party headquarters in Chandigarh to discuss the flood situation in Punjab, senior leader and former education minister Daljit Singh Cheema said on Sunday. In a statement released, Cheema said that the party will take feedback from party leaders on the losses suffered by people in different parts of Punjab and will finalise the strategy to help the affected persons in this hour of crisis. He added that already the party cadres are working hard on the ground, but keeping in view the magnitude of the problem, the party will further intensify the efforts after taking ground reports. (ANI)
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla welcomed the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)'s clean chit to Adani Group over the Hindenburg report, stating that truth has prevailed and those working against India's economic interests have been dealt a significant blow. While speaking to ANI on Thursday, Poonawalla said, "Once again, truth has prevailed and those who have been behaving like economic anarchists, economic terrorists and economic sleeper cells working full time against the economic interests of India have been dealt a body blow." Poonawalla slammed those who had used the Hindenburg report to create "economic anarchy" in the country, targeting Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Poonawalla also questioned the motives of those who had used the Hindenburg report to stall parliament and create an economic situation in the country, asking if they would apologise for their actions. "Those in India who considered Hindenburg to be a gospel used the Hindenburg report and stalled parliament, created an economic situation in the country and tried to hurt the economic interests, particularly Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Will they apologise?", he said, adding, "Were they also hand in glove in creating losses for Indian investors and profiting out of it? What was their motive to create this kind of economic anarchy? They should be the ones who should be held accountable today." Poonawalla pointed out that this is not the first time an institution or agency has dismissed the allegations made by Hindenburg, noting that the Supreme Court had earlier also dismissed all the allegations made by the US-based short-seller against the business group. "This is not the first time an institution or an agency has said that there is no substance in the allegations made by this fly-by-night operator called Hindenburg. Even before this, the Supreme Court had dismissed all the allegations that were made by Hindenburg and by those who were using Hindenburg as a tool to create economic anarchy within India..", Poonawalla said. The BJP spokesperson also highlighted that the Hindenburg group has since shut its operations, and termed it a "triple strike" on the allegations made by the short-seller, stating, "Today, the question is that the Hindenburg group has also shut its shop. There has been a triple strike on the allegations made by Hindenburg." Meanwhile, Supreme Court Advocate Ishkaran Bhandari also welcomed SEBI's clean chit to the Adani Group in the Hindenburg case, stating that it was no surprise given the lack of evidence against the business conglomerate. Bhandari alleged that the entire ecosystem went after a businessman "so that they could satisfy their foreign interests." Bhandari contrasted India's treatment of its business leaders with that of other countries "The most important point is that US-based Hindenburg does it. Forget what is happening between the US and India right now on the trade deal and on tariffs. Come to reality... The worst problem was how, in India, an entire ecosystem went after a businessman so that they could satisfy either their foreign interests or those who hate Indian business and want to destroy it. You see, any other nation in the world supports their wealth creators; they respect them. Do you see the US taking such action on Google, Apple, Amazon, or any big company there?" Bhandari questioned while talking to ANI. He attributed the issue in India to an "unfortunate lobby" that makes complaints and approaches the court. The advocate noted that both the Supreme Court and SEBI had found no substance in the allegations made by Hindenburg, but predicted that some individuals would still not be satisfied. "But in India, we have an unfortunate lobby that will go on to make all sorts of complaints and approach the court also. Before SEBI went to the Supreme Court, nothing was found regarding the Hindenburg. Then it went to the authority that had to deal with it, SEBI, and nothing was found. But the reality is that even today, I can predict some people will not be satisfied because their entire interest lies in destroying business in India. That is what we are dealing with geopolitically..." he added. The market regulator on Thursday refuted the allegations made by the US Short seller Hindenburg against the Adani Group. SEBI concluded that there is no violation of the listing agreement or SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR), and the impugned transactions do not qualify as "related party transactions". Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Thursday demanded a "national apology" from those who spread the "false narratives" of Hindenburg Research. In a post on X, Gautam Adani emphasised the group's commitment to transparency and integrity, expressing empathy for investors who lost money due to the report. (ANI)
According to police, Batool, a resident of Dastgir Colony, had earlier filed a rape case at Madina Town police station, accusing a man named Waseem of sexual assault after luring him with a false promise of employment. Investigators said she later reached a settlement with Waseem's family, agreeing to withdraw her allegation in exchange for PKR 500,000.

Batool appeared before Civil Judge Muhammad Asif to record a retraction statement when Inspector Sana Nazir placed her under arrest and registered a fresh case, ARY News reported.

Police said evidence against Batool included video footage in which she is seen demanding PKR 1.5 million from Waseem's family. The same footage reportedly shows her insisting on an advance payment of PKR 500,000, while a relative of Waseem pleads for a reduction in the amount. She eventually agreed to testify in Waseem's favour for PKR 500,000, investigators added.

The arrest comes against the backdrop of a surge in online scams and cybercrimes in Pakistan. The National Cyber Emergency Response Team recently issued an advisory warning of increasing cases of social media honey traps, extortion attempts, and fraudulent freelance job offers.

According to the advisory, scams are spreading via platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, where unsuspecting users are added to groups without consent and lured with fake job opportunities. Once trapped, victims are subjected to explicit content and later blackmailed with threats of exposure.

Authorities said extortion demands in such cases typically range between PKR 1 million and PKR 1.5 million. Fraudsters are also exploiting WhatsApp display pictures, usernames, and online activity to identify and target victims, often through fake accounts posing as employers. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he is designating the far-left, anti-fascist movement Antifa as a "major terrorist organisation", days after the fatal shooting of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk. In a post on shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described Antifa as a "sick, dangerous, radical left disaster" and called for a thorough investigation into individuals and organisations allegedly funding the group. "I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote. The development comes in the wake of the killing of 31-year-old right-wing commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, during an event in Utah on September 10. He was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University, as reported by The New York Times. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing, with officials in Trump's administration saying that he had left-leaning political views. Trump himself accused the "radical left" of inciting such political violence during his address following Kirk's death. US Vice President JD Vance also described Kirk's killing as an "incredibly destructive movement of left-wing extremism", which he argued played a role in the right-wing commentator's death. During his first term, Trump pledged to label Antifa as a terrorist organisation, and his Attorney General at the time, William Barr, described the group's actions as "domestic terrorism". According to CNN, the practical impact of the proposed designation remains uncertain. Antifa, short for anti-fascists, is not a formal organisation but rather a loosely defined social movement. While US law prohibits giving "material support" to officially designated foreign terrorist groups, there is no equivalent statute for domestic organisations, as reported by CNN. The term 'Antifa' generally refers to a wide range of individuals with left-leaning, often far-left, political beliefs that typically fall outside the mainstream Democratic Party agenda, as reported by CNN. The movement lacks a centralised leadership structure or national headquarters, though some local groups meet regularly. (ANI)
Only 13 people have survived and dozens remain missing after a vessel carrying 74 refugees, mostly from Sudan, capsized off the coast of Tobruk in eastern Libya on September 13, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said, making this the second major maritime tragedy in the region within a matter of days. Announcing in a post on X on Wednesday, the UNHCR's Libya chapter expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, as dozens who are still missing are presumed to have drowned. "UNHCR is deeply saddened by a second tragic boat incident off Tobruk on 13 September, where a vessel carrying 74 people, mostly Sudanese refugees, capsized. Only 13 people survived & dozens remain missing. Our condolences to the families & loved ones of those who lost their lives," the agency stated on X. Earlier, on Tuesday, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) stated that at least 50 people died after a boat carrying 75 Sudanese refugees caught fire off the coast of Libya near Tobruk on September 14. In a post on X, the IOM Spokesperson expressed profound grief over the tragic loss, urging urgent global action to prevent such maritime disasters. "IOM is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life after a vessel carrying 75 Sudanese refugees caught fire off Libya's coast on 14 September. At least 50 lives were lost. IOM provided lifesaving medical care to 24 survivors. Urgent action is needed to end such tragedies at sea," the post read. The ongoing war in Sudan between the national army and paramilitary forces has forced over 140,000 Sudanese refugees to flee into Libya over the past two years, nearly doubling the number of Sudanese nationals seeking refuge in the country, Al Jazeera reported. This refugee influx comes amid a series of tragedies involving migrants attempting the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe. As per Al Jazeera, in August, at least 27 people lost their lives when two boats capsized near Italy's Lampedusa island. Two months earlier, around 60 migrants were feared drowned in separate shipwrecks off Libya's coast. According to the IOM, between January 1 and September 13, at least 456 people have died and another 420 have gone missing along the central Mediterranean migration route. Libya, currently hosting approximately 867,055 migrants, has become a major transit hub for those aiming to reach Europe, particularly since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, as per Al Jazeera. The country has since struggled with political instability, marked by competing governments and frequent clashes among rival militias in the oil-rich nation. Numerous human rights organisations and UN agencies have reported widespread abuses against migrants and refugees in Libya, including torture, sexual violence, and extortion. (ANI)
Bangladesh's Election Commission has said that the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina and her family members will not be able to vote in the upcoming national elections to be held in February next year, local newspapers reported on Thursday. "The upcoming parliamentary election will allow both in-country and out-of-country voting. Bangladeshis living abroad will have to register online, and a system is currently being developed for this purpose," Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), said on Wednesday. "Expatriates must register online using their NID number--not a passport--to vote. Those with a blocked NID will be unable to complete online registration, while only those able to register with their NID will have the opportunity to vote," he added. "The EC blocked the NIDs of Sheikh Hasina, including 10 members of her family, on February 16," the daily Jugantor reported. "Apart from Sheikh Hasina, those whose NIDs have been suspended are her son Sajib Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, nieces Tulip Rezwana Siddique and Azmina Siddique, and nephew Radwan Mujib Siddique," the report said. When asked whether Sheikh Hasina will be able to vote from abroad, the EC Secretary said, "Her NID is blocked. So she will not be able to vote." Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country and took refuge in India on August 5 last year in a student-led uprising. An interim government was formed under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus has already announced that elections will be held in February next year. Earlier in August, the Office of the Chief Adviser wrote to the Election Commission of Bangladesh to complete all preparations to hold the National Parliament elections before the start of Ramadan in February 2026, as per a statement from the Chief Adviser's Press Wing. Through this letter, the formalities of the government's request to the Election Commission to organise the elections were completed, it added. In a letter sent to the Chief Election Commissioner, M. Siraj Uddin Mia, Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, requested him to take necessary steps to organise free, fair, peaceful, and festive national elections of the expected quality at the specified time, the statement said. (ANI)
Japan's former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi has officially announced her bid for the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday, completing the list of major candidates seeking to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Kyodo News reported. Takaichi also held the position of Japan's Minister of State for Economic Security. According to Kyodo News, Takaichi, a staunch conservative and close ideological ally of the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, shared her intentions during a meeting with former Prime Minister and party heavyweight Taro Aso. At 64, she is aiming to become Japan's first female prime minister. Seen as one of the leading contenders in the October 4 leadership race, Takaichi will be competing with Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, as well as Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi. "What is needed now is politics that can turn our anxieties about life and the future into hope," Takaichi told reporters, as quoted by Kyodo News. She plans to unveil her policy platform at a press conference on Friday. The leadership vote was originally scheduled for 2027, at the end of Ishiba's term. However, it was moved up after Ishiba announced his resignation earlier this month, taking responsibility for the ruling coalition's defeat in the July 20 House of Councillors election. Earlier this month, according to a poll released by Kyodo News, Takaichi has emerged as the leading contender to become the next president of the LDP. In a two-day nationwide telephone survey released last week by Kyodo News, 28 per cent of respondents said Takaichi was the most suitable candidate to lead the LDP, followed by Koizumi at 22.5 per cent, positioning them as the frontrunners to succeed Ishiba. Meanwhile, among LDP supporters, Koizumi is the favoured candidate, with 36.0 per cent selecting him as most suitable to lead the party, ahead of Takaichi at 15.7 per cent and Hayashi at 14.9 per cent. The official list of candidates will be finalised on September 22, marking the start of the campaign period. The leadership contest was moved up from its original schedule in 2027 after Ishiba's resignation, which he said was in response to the party's failure to maintain control of the House of Councillors in the July 20 elections, as reported by Kyodo News. The LDP and its coalition partner Komeito had already lost their majority in the more powerful House of Representatives following a general election shortly after Ishiba took office in October 2024. Currently leading a minority government, the LDP needs support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The winner of the leadership race will not be guaranteed the position of Prime Minister, which requires a majority vote in Parliament. If Takaichi manages to get a majority, she will become the first female Prime Minister of the country. (ANI)
Geneva [Switzerland] , September 18 (ANI) Sindhi activists and members of rights groups staged a protest in front of the United Nations headquarters during the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council, highlighting what they called systematic abuses and exploitation of Sindhi people by the Pakistani state and its military establishment. The demonstrations were accompanied by a side event at the International Centre Conference on Sindh and a Sindhi Human Rights Exhibition. Protesters raised concerns over a wide range of issues, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, land grabbing, forced conversions of Sindhi Hindu girls, and environmental degradation caused by the construction of canals and dams along the Indus River. The UK and Europe organiser of World Sindhi Congress, Dr Hidayat Bhutto, accused Pakistani security agencies and their proxies of silencing dissent through abductions and intimidation. "Whoever raises the voice of Sindhi people, whoever demands rights, they are kidnapped, disappeared, and sometimes their mutilated bodies are returned," said one activist, stressing the dire need for international attention. Lakhu Luhana, chairman of World Sindhi Congress, described Pakistan as "an army state run by the army for the army," alleging that the entire governance structure operates with impunity, disregarding human rights and international norms. "It is a rogue state. Literally every human right of Sindhi people is violated openly and with impunity," the activist added, urging the UN and global community to intervene and protect Sindhis from ongoing atrocities. Writer, lawyer, and political activist Kamran Jatoi, who joined the protest, said the Punjabi-dominated military establishment controls Sindh's natural resources, including land, water, and sea. "Our people are dying of hunger while Punjab takes over our livelihoods. They are planning dams and canals to steal our water. We are being expelled, ignored, and killed for protesting against this, Jatoi said. He further argued that the imbalance of power amounted to "a violation of human rights," where one nation was exploiting another at gunpoint. According to him, Sindh's jobs and economic opportunities are controlled by the central establishment, leaving Sindhis marginalised and impoverished. The activists expressed deep disappointment at the global community's inaction, warning that conditions were worsening instead of improving. "We thought there would be better days with international pressure, but atrocities have only become unbearable," Lakhu Luhana stated. The activists appealed to the UN Human Rights Council to take immediate steps to address what they described as systematic oppression and to ensure that the voices of Sindhi people are heard at the international level. (ANI)
A first-of-its-kind partnership with Eudia powers Coherent's AI-native legal brainuniting human judgment and machine intelligence to transform how legal work gets done.

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eudia, the AI platform purpose-built for leading in-house legal teams, and Coherent Corp., a global leader in materials, optics, and photonics technology, today announced a landmark multi-year partnership to create a fully AI-native legal function. With this agreement, Coherent becomes the first company to unify its entire legal function through Eudia's recent release of Sigma, a suite of augmented AI agents, enabling Coherent's in-house and external teams to work on Eudia's unified platform.

As Coherent leverages AI to create, edit and review documents, build workflows, unite previously disparate systems and develop company-wide systems and practices, Coherent will build a legal "brain", which Coherent's legal team will leverage to create efficiency and gain insights to power the company's growth. Through the deployment of the Coherent Brain, powered by Eudia, Coherent will augment key legal domains including commercial operations, IP, litigation, trade compliance, and regulatory enablementmarking a fundamental shift in how in-house legal operates at scale.

"At Coherent, we don't see legal AI as a future trendwe see it as a present strategic imperative," said Rob Beard, Chief Legal Officer of Coherent. "Our partnership with Eudia represents the next phase in how legal services are delivered: smarter, faster, and deeply embedded in the business itself. Eudia's exclusive focus on in-house teamsand its ability to integrate company knowledge into a unified platformmade it the clear choice to help us move from reactive support to proactive leadership."

Unlike law firmoriented AI tools focused on individual legal tasks, Eudia delivers a single, AI-native system that captures institutional knowledge, streamlines workflows, and activates legal insight across the entire enterprise. Rather than handing expertise and knowledge over to outside counsel, Eudia enables in-house teams to own their strategic knowledge, apply it consistently, and amplify their value company-wide.

"Coherent is showing the entire industry what a legal function can become when it's built on one unified platform," said Omar Haroun, CEO of Eudia. "They're not plugging in another toolthey're building a Company Brain: an always-on intelligence layer that turns company knowledge into competitive advantage. That's not just innovationthat's leadership."

With full access to SigmaEudia's secure, AI-powered productivity engineCoherent's legal team will be able to:

Search contracts, precedent, and past deals instantly with natural language, shrinking research time from hours to seconds

Auto-generate summaries, extract key terms, and accelerate executive and board-level reporting and decision-making

Draft, redline, and negotiate documents with AI-enhanced suggestions grounded in the company's preferred positions

Enable smooth cross-border collaboration with embedded translation that preserves legal nuance

Complete due diligence review in hours, not weeks

This deployment will also include Cortex, Eudia's customizable enterprise AI framework. Through joint design sprints, Cortex will be trained and tuned to match Coherent's specific voice, policies, and legal processescreating a legal knowledge environment that improves over time and scales with business priorities.

In the months ahead, new capabilities such as agent-based risk triage, real-time clause comparison, and live co-authoring will be released as part of Coherent's continued transformation into a fully AI-augmented legal organization.

A New Standard for Legal Transformation

This partnership builds on Eudia's recent expansion of its AI-Augmented Contracting group and onboarding of 300+ embedded legal professionals, all in support of in-house legal modernization. Together, these moves reinforce Eudia's core vision: that human expertise and machine learning, when integrated through a single in-house system, far outperform the traditional patchwork of external tools and fragmented workflows.

"This is what Eudia was built for," added Haroun. "High-stakes environments. End-to-end transformation. And legal leaders who aren't content with marginal gainsthey want exponential ones. Coherent understands that driving legal innovation isn't about automating fasterit's about thinking smarter."

What's Next

As the partnership progresses, Eudia and Coherent will continue to co-develop next-generation capabilitiesfrom intelligence unlocks and automated strategy mapping to legal ops integration with adjacent functions like procurement, compliance, and finance.

This isn't the future of legalit's the now. Together, Eudia and Coherent are proving that with the right foundation, AI can do more than support legal teamsit can elevate them into critical centers of business intelligence, insight, and impact.

About Eudia

Eudia provides in-house legal teams with a unified AI platform and access to Eudia Counsel, an AI-native law firm purpose-built to support corporate legal transformation. Together, Eudia's platform and Eudia Counsel deliver scalable legal expertise, operationalize institutional knowledge, and reduce reliance on outside counsel. At the core is the Company Brain: a continuously learning intelligence system tailored to each customer, enabling faster decisions, greater consistency, and increased strategic impact. From contract acceleration and M&A to compliance, litigation, and regulatory insight, Eudia helps legal functions evolve from cost center to value driver. Platform solutions include AI-Augmented Contracting, M&A, Cortex, Sigma, and Insights. Eudia has raised over $100M from leading investors including General Catalyst, Sierra Ventures, and Floodgate. Its customers include DHL, Duracell, Cargill, Intuit, Citibank, Stripe, the U.S. Government, and many more. To learn more, visit www.eudia.com

About Coherent Corp.

Coherent is a global leader in materials, photonics, and optics technologies. Its commitment to innovation spans semiconductors, communications, sensing, and industrial applicationsdriving discovery and transformation at scale.

SOURCE Eudia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday affirmed support and cooperation aligned with Nepal's priorities during a conversation with interim Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki. According to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the two Prime Ministers spoke late Thursday morning. "The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Karki conveyed her heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his 75th birthday and appreciated the Indian Prime Minister for his message of solidarity. She further stated that responding to the call of recent Gen-Z movement, election will remain top most priority of the present government, with strong determination for accountable, responsive and corruption-free governance, reflecting the aspiration of the youth. The Indian Prime Minister assured of full support and cooperation as per the priorities of the Government of Nepal," the statement from the Foreign Ministry said. "During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi "congratulated the Rt. Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on her historic appointment as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal. On the occasion, Prime Minister Shri Modi also expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in the recent youth movement and stated that India stands in solidarity with Nepal during this pivotal moment," the statement noted. Nepali Prime Minister Karki "further expressed that the historical and close relationship between Nepal and India will continue to be strengthened by multifaceted people-to-people ties." Sushila Karki, Nepal's first woman Chief Justice and now the country's first woman Prime Minister, is backed by the Gen Z-led movement that has transformed Nepal's political landscape. This movement, referred to as the Gen Z revolution, resulted in 74 deaths when police used lethal force to suppress protests against the regime of KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in hiding. Interim Prime Minister Karki will hold the position until the first week of March 2026, when elections are scheduled to take place to choose a new executive head, marking the end of her tenure. The protests on September 8, primarily led by Gen Z youth activists, were sparked by growing frustration over corruption, lack of accountability, and the perceived failure of political elites, triggered by the Nepalese government's ban on social media. The 73-year-old former Chief Justice of Nepal was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister on Friday following the widespread protests. Her appointment came after protesters collectively endorsed her as their nominee for the interim position, citing her integrity and independence, following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after the widespread demonstrations. (ANI)
Human Rights in China (HRIC) has issued its latest weekly brief, warning of growing repression inside the country, tightening legal controls, and the spread of Beijing's surveillance model abroad. The group's main concern is the detention of well-known rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong, who has long defended Tibetans, Falun Gong practitioners, and HIV/AIDS victims. Jiang was reportedly seized in Changsha on September 16 by unidentified men while meeting the family of a political prisoner. His current whereabouts remain unknown. HRIC expressed grave concern for his safety, noting Jiang's history of harassment, torture, and strict state surveillance. The brief also referred to a massive leak of documents from Chinese surveillance firm Landasoft, revealing that US technology companies were not only aware of their partnerships with Chinese defence contractors but, in some cases, actively promoted their tools as instruments for policing. Additional leaked files showed China's surveillance and censorship systems have grown increasingly sophisticated and are being exported to countries such as Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Myanmar, extending Beijing's influence abroad. Domestically, China's National People's Congress has opened public consultation on twelve draft bills, including cybersecurity, environmental codes, and revisions to the Language Law. While state media touts the reforms as promoting unity, critics argue they threaten minority languages and cultural diversity. In Hong Kong, lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected a bill granting limited rights to same-sex couples, though courts recently ruled in favour of a lesbian couple seeking recognition of both mothers on their child's birth certificate. The flagged developments in digital rights and propaganda. Analysts warned that China's censorship architecture, described in a new study as the "Locknet", continues to adapt. Reports by Graphika revealed that Chinese state-linked networks are increasingly deploying AI tools to repackage propaganda for international audiences. Meanwhile, censorship directives targeted criticism of Beijing's military parade, and the regulator sanctioned Xiaohongshu for allegedly promoting "negative" content. Beyond China's borders, there is growing repression of diaspora communities. Two men accused of smuggling US military technology to China fled house arrest in Serbia, while ex-journalists from Radio Free Asia spoke of the chilling impact of forced shutdowns. The intensifying controls within Hong Kong and Macau, alongside Beijing's export of community surveillance methods to the Solomon Islands and reactions to protests in Nepal, reflect the Chinese state's determination to extend its authoritarian model both domestically and internationally. (ANI)
The US Embassy in New Delhi has taken decisive action against Indian business executives and their family members involved in trafficking fentanyl precursors, revoking and denying their visas. Revocations and denials are based on sections 221(i), 212(a)(2)(C), and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, rendering individuals and their families potentially ineligible for US travel, the embassy said in an official statement on Thursday. The move underscores the US's commitment to combating the illicit drug trade, particularly the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. As a result of this decision, these individuals and close family members may be [Ed1] ineligible for travel to the United States. The Embassy is further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas. "The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. Individuals and organisations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States," affirmed Charge d'affaires Jorgan Andrews. Executives linked to companies trafficking fentanyl precursors face increased scrutiny for future visa applications, added the statement. The US appreciated India's cooperation in addressing this transnational threat, emphasising joint efforts to keep citizens safe. "We are grateful to our counterparts in the Government of India for their close cooperation to combat this shared challenge. Only by working together will our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs", it added. The Trump Administration had prioritised stopping fentanyl flow into the US, issuing Executive Orders to secure borders and combat drug trafficking. This action reflects ongoing US-India cooperation on shared challenges, such as illicit drugs. "Together, we will build a safer, healthier, stronger future for America and India", the statement concluded. However, the US Embassy declined to disclose specific company names and individual identities involved in trafficking fentanyl precursors. (ANI)
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that the Central Banks of India and the UAE are advancing strategic initiatives to enable bilateral trade in local currencies, integrate payment systems, and cooperate on Central Bank Digital Currencies. This decision was made during the latest meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments ("Joint Task Force") in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, which was co-chaired by Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority ("ADIA"), and Union Minister Piyush Goyal. "Ongoing strategic initiatives between the Central Banks of India and the UAE to enable bilateral trade in local currencies, the integration of payment systems in the two countries and cooperation on Central Bank Digital Currencies were also discussed, with both sides commending the strong progress made to date while reiterating their commitment to finalising their implementation in the near future," the commerce ministry stated. The meeting was attended by senior officials from relevant government authorities, investment entities and companies from both countries. The UAE delegation included Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber and Chairman of UAE Chambers, Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India; and Younis Haji Al Khouri, Under Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Finance. The Indian delegation included the Ambassador of India to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, and senior representatives from various Government of India departments/organisations, such as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Revenue, Reserve Bank of India, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Department of Space, and Invest India. The Joint Task Force was established in 2013 as a key forum for strengthening economic ties between India and the UAE. Since its formation, it has provided an effective mechanism to discuss and promote opportunities and prospects for further investments in India and the UAE, while acting as a forum to resolve issues and challenges faced by investors of the two countries, seeking to bring these matters to a mutually beneficial conclusion, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry This latest meeting considered a range of trade and investment topics, including ongoing initiatives to enhance bilateral investment flows and new areas of joint cooperation. The co-chairs recognised the positive momentum of bilateral trade, which continues to build following the implementation of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2022. In the first half of 2025, bilateral non-oil trade reached nearly USD 38 billion, representing a 34 per cent increase compared to the first half of 2024 and a significant step towards the UAE's 2030 trade targets, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated. By facilitating market access and private-sector collaboration, the India-UAE CEPA serves as a cornerstone of the UAE and India's economic alliance and a model for constructive cooperation in a complex and rapidly evolving global trading landscape. The Joint Task Force reviewed the positive progress of several joint investment projects, including the Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million square feet complex located in the Jebal Ali Free Zone in the UAE. Designed to enable Indian manufacturers and exporters to showcase their products to the world, this landmark project reflects the economic synergies between the two nations. The two sides considered the potential for various areas of future cooperation, including opportunities in the maritime and space sectors in India. Ongoing strategic initiatives between the Central Banks of India and the UAE to enable bilateral trade in local currencies, the integration of payment systems in the two countries and cooperation on Central Bank Digital Currencies were also discussed, with both sides commending the strong progress made to date while reiterating their commitment to finalising their implementation in the near future. Further, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry noted that the Joint Task Force reviewed a number of current issues and challenges faced by investors of the two countries, and the co-chairs directed their teams to work together, in collaboration with the relevant government entities, to resolve them in a timely and mutually acceptable manner. At the conclusion of the meeting, Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority ("ADIA") and Co-Chair of the Joint Task Force, said: "The trade and investment relationship between the UAE and India continues to grow at an impressive rate, anchored by the dual principles of shared goals and joint success. Today's Joint Task Force meeting included positive progress updates on a number of important initiatives and also raised new areas for future cooperation. Through the ongoing commitment of the Joint Task Force delegations, this forum will continue to play a key role in broadening and deepening the economic partnership between the UAE and India." Piyush Goyal said, "India has been on a remarkable journey as the world's fastest-growing large economy and is committed to inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth. The UAE is an important partner in India's growth story. The partnership stands on the pillars of innovation, investment and sustainable development, and it will witness great transformation under the visionary leadership of both sides." (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], September 18 (ANI/TPS): Three Israeli Bedouin brothers in their 20s were shot dead early Thursday morning in the Negev in a violent attack that police said stemmed from a criminal feud. Magen David Adom (MDA) teams pronounced two of the men dead at the scene and transported the third, critically injured, to the Soroka Medical Centre in Beer-Sheva, where he later died. "Again, we are witnesses to an incident in which an unsuccessful weapons deal led to the despicable murder of three brothers," Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy said in a statement. A suspect from the same Bedouin clan was arrested hours later. The victims were identified as Seger Kadi, Hamam Kadi, and Suleiman Kadi, all in their twenties. "Three wounded men were lying unconscious on the ground with severe penetrating injuries. Two showed no signs of life, and we had no choice but to pronounce them dead. At the same time, we provided life-saving treatment to a 25-year-old man and evacuated him to the hospital in unstable condition," said responding MDA paramedics Lilian Kartashov, Hadas Navoni, and Yasser Abu Rajila. The triple murder was the latest in a wave of Arab-sector homicides. Hours after the Bedouin shooting, Wafa Abu Ghanem, 26, was shot dead in her car in Ramle. Her 14-year-old sister and 4-year-old son were wounded and are in moderate condition. Police said the killing was a targeted attack stemming from an internal community feud and arrested Abu Ghanem's husband, his mother, and another relative on suspicion of involvement. Earlier Wednesday, 19-year-old Muhammad Marid was fatally stabbed in Haifa during a brawl. He was evacuated to Rambam Hospital in serious condition, but later succumbed to his injuries. According to the Abraham Initiatives, a non-profit organisation that promotes Arab integration into Israeli society, 189 Arab-Israelis have been murdered in 2025. The spike continues a pattern of violence in the Arab sector, which saw 230 murders in 2024. In 2023, a record number of 244 Israeli Arabs were murdered, more than double the 120 homicides in 2022. The surge in violence is attributed to organised crime groups fighting turf battles and attempting to eliminate rivals. Arab criminal organisations have been involved in extortion, money laundering, and trafficking in weapons, drugs, and women. Critics argue the crime wave has worsened since Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician, became National Security Minister in 2022. (ANI/TPS)
Tel Aviv [Israel], September 18 (ANI/TPS): Magen David Adom emergency responders confirmed the deaths of two Israelis killed in a shooting attack at the Allenby Bridge border crossing with Jordan on Thursday. "We arrived at the scene with large forces and joined the security forces at the crossing. They led us to two men who were unconscious with gunshot wounds to their bodies while providing them with initial medical treatment. We continued the medical treatment, which included performing CPR operations, at the end of which we were unfortunately forced to pronounce them dead. The terrorist was neutralised by the security forces," said Paramedic and Director of the Red Cross Section at MDA, Bosmat Lubiner, and MDA Emergency Medical Technician Amit Weiss. The victims were in their 20s and 60s. Both were coordinating deliveries of humanitarian aid from Jordan to Gaza. An initial investigation found that the gunman had driven an aid truck to the Israeli side of the crossing. While the truck was being inspected, the suspect pulled out a gun and fired at two Israelis at close range. He managed to stab one of the victims before being killed by security personnel. The Israel Defence Forces launched a manhunt for possible accomplices, cordoning off the nearby city of Jericho. In September 2024, three Israeli workers at the crossing were killed when a truck driver approaching the terminal from Jordan opened fire. The Allenby crossing, near Jericho, is primarily used by Palestinians in Judea and Samaria to travel to Jordan. Israeli travellers use border crossings in Eilat and the northern Jordan Valley. (ANI/TPS)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the UAE has expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with India in key high-tech sectors, including defence, aerospace, and space technology. While adressing the press conference in Abu Dhabi, Goyal said, "UPI has been established here... 2 new areas of investment, such as defence and aerospace, were discussed today. They also showed great interest in space technology." He added that discussions on space collaboration included Pawan Goenka, President of INSPACE, who was present to provide insight into India's capabilities in the sector. "Pawan Goenka, President of INSPACE, was with us today. He was requested to provide information about the position paper and potential. The UAE is interested in this," Goyal stated. Goyal also addressed developments in financial cooperation and transparency. "For many years, the issue of posting an Income Tax officer here was pending. I raised it in the last HLTFI. Very quickly, within a short time, the UAE accepted it, and now an Income Tax officer lives in our embassy, helping to speed up the exchange of financial information," he said. The 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) took place in Mumbai in October 2024. "The relationship between the two countries is growing in various ways," he added. He also acknowledged the recognition given to India's Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, who was recently awarded the UAE's second-highest civilian honour. Goyal described the award as a "matter of pride" for the nation, highlighting the ambassador's role in advancing India-UAE relations. "Our Ambassador, Sunjay Sudhir, was awarded the country's second-highest civilian award yesterday. This is a matter of pride for us and everyone. This demonstrates his excellent work," he said. "It also demonstrates that his role in improving, expanding, and strengthening India-UAE relations, and the successes achieved over the past three years, are on the right track. This will greatly benefit India's economy and its people," he added. Piyush Goyal is in the UAE for a two-day visit. (ANI)
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a Fidayee (suicide) attack targeting a convoy of Pakistani Army buses in the Dasht area of Kech district, Balochistan. The attack was carried out by the group's Majeed Brigade, which BLA describes as its Fidayee Unit. Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the BLA, confirmed the incident in an official statement. "Baloch Liberation Army's Fidayee Unit, Majeed Brigade, executed a precise Fidayee attack on a convoy of Pakistani Army buses in the Dasht area of Kech," he said. According to the BLA, more than a dozen Pakistani military personnel were killed in the operation. "More than a dozen enemy personnel were neutralised in the operation," the spokesperson stated. Jeeyand Baloch further added, "BLA claims full responsibility for the attack. A detailed statement will be released to the media shortly." The Pakistani authorities have not yet issued an official response or confirmation of the number of casualties. Recently, Armed Baloch separatist factions have claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated attacks on Pakistani security forces and related targets across several districts of Balochistan, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP). The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stated that its fighters carried out operations between 13 and 15 August in Mastung, Kalat, Quetta, and Mand. The group claimed two Pakistani soldiers were killed in Mand's Koh Pusht Giab area after its fighters ambushed them while they were patrolling on a motorcycle. The BLA also alleged that its members seized the soldiers' weapons after the incident, TBP reported. The BLA's spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, added that its fighters launched a grenade attack on a police station in Quetta's New Sariab area, reportedly causing casualties and damage. On August 15, the group said it targeted a convoy of military vehicles and motorcycles in Kalat's Manguchar area. Additionally, on August 13, the BLA claimed responsibility for torching the office of a transport company in Mastung, accusing it of supplying resources to Pakistani forces. Meanwhile, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed its fighters clashed with security forces in Mastung district on the night of 3 September. According to the group, fighters established a blockade on the Quetta-Karachi highway near Khadkucha, triggering a two-hour exchange of gunfire. The BLF alleged that Pakistani troops deployed drones and artillery during the confrontation but suffered casualties, while its fighters retreated unharmed, TBP reported. The BLF further accused Pakistani forces of shelling civilian areas following the clash, which it said injured a guard at a health facility in Mastung's Umar Dor area. Pakistani authorities have not issued any official response regarding these incidents, according to TBP. These attacks are part of the ongoing Baloch insurgency, where separatist groups have escalated assaults on security forces, government assets, and infrastructure while demanding greater autonomy and recognition of Baloch rights. (ANI)
Political analyst and rights campaigner Amjad Ayub Mirza has sharply criticised Pakistan's decision to extend the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) into Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), warning that the measure is intended to suppress local opposition rather than tackle militancy. Mirza has shared a press release on X, in which he argued that the CTD's deployment is linked to Islamabad's efforts to push through the controversial Mining and Mineral Bill, which has raised widespread concerns over the transfer of local resources to foreign companies. He stressed that the security move is less about protecting people and more about ensuring there is no resistance to the government's resource policies. He cited claims made by PoGB Assembly member Akbar Rajai, who alleged that Pakistan had "sold PoGB to Americans" through covert deals involving mineral exploitation. Mirza said the plan reflects a wider strategy to silence the people of the region. According to Mirza, the decision came directly from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who compelled the financially strained PoGB administration to allocate Rs. 1.5 billion for the new force. Plans include the hiring of 613 CTD personnel, a headquarters in Gilgit, and a regional office in Challas, Diamar district, near the Chinese-backed Diamar-Bhasha dam. More than Rs. 72 crores will reportedly be spent on the construction of CTD facilities alone. Mirza criticised the allocation of such funds, pointing out that the region still struggles with poor infrastructure, crumbling schools, under-equipped hospitals, and widespread unemployment. He also linked the policy to Pakistan's broader pattern of repression in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging people across these territories to unite against what he described as colonial-style exploitation. (ANI)
Geneva [Switzerland] September 18 (ANI) A group of United Nations human rights experts has expressed crucial concern over the enforced detention and reported torture of Tibetan activist Namkyi, urging China to explain her treatment and uphold international human rights standards, as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). According to CTA, a joint communication dated July 16, 2025, six UN Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups questioned China over Namkyi's case, noting that her ordeal reflects serious breaches of international protections against torture, enforced disappearance, and unfair trials. The communication followed months of growing attention to Tibetan political prisoners and Beijing's clampdown on freedom of expression. Namkyi was only 15 when she was arrested in Ngaba (Aba) Prefecture in October 2015 after participating in a peaceful march with her cousin, while carrying portraits of the Dalai Lama and Kirti Rinpoche. Within minutes, Chinese security forces detained the teenagers without a warrant. During custody, Namkyi was allegedly beaten, denied sleep, and exposed to extreme heat during interrogations. Her family did not know her whereabouts for more than a year, amounting to enforced disappearance. In November 2016, she was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of "separatist activities" after a trial that UN experts said fell short of international fair trial standards. While serving her term at Sichuan Province Women's Prison, she was forced into hard labour, deprived of medical care, and isolated from fellow Tibetan inmates. Even after her release in 2018, she remained under constant surveillance, and her family endured ongoing intimidation, as reported by CTA. Earlier this year, Namkyi joined an advocacy campaign in Geneva ahead of the UN Human Rights Council's 58th session, sharing her testimony with diplomats and UN officials. The Central Tibetan Administration highlighted that her story shed rare light on China's treatment of Tibetans and helped push for accountability through the present UN communication." The UN experts' intervention is an acknowledgement of the injustices Namkyi faced," said Thinlay Chukki, the Dalai Lama's Representative in Geneva. (ANI)
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CommonArea Financial ("CommonArea") announced today that its flagship platform, ReserveBuilder, has surpassed 10,000 communities actively using the service, marking a major milestone in the company's mission to modernize financial operations for Community Association Management Companies ("Management Companies") and the communities they serve.

Purpose-built for the Community Association industry, ReserveBuilder helps associations maximize reserve fund earnings, improve financial compliance, and streamline operationswhile enabling Management Companies to expand their financial service offerings and increase profitability. With its latest launch of loan placement functionality, CommonArea is further transforming how communities plan and fund critical capital improvement projects.

Revolutionizing Community Association Financial Management

During its beta phase, CommonArea partnered with early-adopting Management Companies to deploy its ReserveBuilder platform across more than 1,500 communities, who transferred over $150 million in association reserve funds to marketplace institutions in its first year. Since then, adoption rapidly expanded, with ReserveBuilder now supporting an additional 8,700 communities across 21 states and the District of Columbia. In total, the platform supports management of over $1.5 billion in reserve fundsa testament to both the demand and scalability of CommonArea's offering.

According to the Foundation for Community Association Research (an affiliate of CAI), 65% of all new homes in the U.S. are built within community associations, which have been increasing at a rate of 3,0004,000 new associations annually over the past two decades. With over 33% of U.S. housing residing in community associations and $30 billion collectively contributed to reserve funds, the existing investment infrastructure has proven fragmented and outdated.

CommonArea's rapid growth signals its ability to meet the evolving needs of this under-served marketproviding both the financial tools and technological innovation the industry has long lacked.

Addressing Capital Needs with Loan Placement Capabilities

Building on strong client adoption and engagement, CommonArea recently launched loan placement functionality within ReserveBuilder. This new capability helps community boards evaluate financing alternatives and secure funding for large capital projects such as roof replacements, infrastructure repairs, and facility upgrades.

Since its rollout earlier this year, participating Management Companies have already prequalified over $100 million in loans, enabling associations to move quickly on critical improvements while preserving reserve fund balances.

"We look forward to making these new tools available to all of our clients for the remainder of 2025," said Jared Tunnell, Co-founder and CEO of CommonArea Financial. "By addressing both investment and financing needs through a unified platform, we're empowering Management Companies to deliver significantly greater value to the communities they serve."

Empowering Smarter Reserve Management

CommonArea's platform also reduces the administrative burden on Management Companies by automating reporting and compliance tasks, integrating financial planning and analysis tools, and expanding access to vetted financial products.

"CommonArea Financial transformed our Reserve Cash Management program," said Debbie Reinhardt, CEO of Resource Property Management. "Their simple yet powerful platform provides much-needed financial clarity while unlocking incremental earnings for communities. It has also streamlined operations, making financial management more efficient for our staff."

About CommonArea Financial

CommonArea Financial is a leading provider of purpose-built financial services solutions for Community Association Management Companies and the communities they serve. The company combines advanced data aggregation and analytics with the only marketplace focused exclusively on Community Association financedelivering streamlined operations, new revenue opportunities, and improved financial outcomes. With deep industry expertise and an innovation-first mindset, CommonArea is setting a new standard in financial management for Community Associations. To learn more, visit www.commonareafinancial.com.

Media Contact:

Emily Kramer Shure

SVP, Business Development

Common Area, Inc.

800-963-9315

[email protected]

SOURCE Common Area, Inc.
US President Donald Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin "let me down" for not stopping the war with Ukraine. "He has let me down. I mean, he's killing many people and he's losing more people than he's, you know, than he's killing. I mean, frankly, Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers," Trump said at a news conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump confessed that even though he thought that the Russia-Ukraine war would be the "easiest" one to solve, it was not the case. Further, he insisted that the war in Ukraine would not have begun if he had remained in the White House. "This was a thing that would have never happened had I been president. If I were president, it would have never happened. And it didn't happen for four years," Trump asserted. "Most people agree it didn't happen, nor was it close to happening." Despite a summit between Putin and Trump at Alaska, during which the US leader urged the Russian president to hold talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, a peace deal did not materialise. In February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, aiming to "demilitarize and denazify" the country, according to President Vladimir Putin. The Russia-Ukraine war is an ongoing conflict that started in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale war in February 2022. The conflict began with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, followed by support for separatist movements in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. Ukraine has launched counteroffensives, notably in the south and northeast, reclaiming territory. Russia has captured key areas like Mariupol and made gains in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In August 2024, Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, capturing territory and prisoners. The UN reports over 10,000 civilian deaths, with many more wounded. The conflict has displaced millions, creating a significant humanitarian challenge. In his opening remarks, Starmer praised the historic bonds between the UK and US, adding that both countries are "ready to define this century together." Earlier today, the leaders announced a new "tech prosperity deal" between the two countries, CNN reported. Starmer stressed that Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine show that President Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace. The UK PM said he and Trump talked about how to "increase the pressure on Putin to get him to agree a peace deal that will last." Earlier, Trump called on NATO and European nations to take stronger action against Russia, particularly criticising Europe for continuing to buy oil from Moscow. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, "They're not doing the job. NATO has to get together. Europe has to get together. Europe is my friend, but Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don't want them to buy oil. And the sanctions that they're putting on are not tough enough. And I'm willing to do sanctions, but they're going to have to toughen up their sanctions commensurate with what I'm doing." He also criticised European nations for continuing to import liquefied natural gas from Russia. "It's not the deal, though. The deal is they're not supposed whether it's natural gas or whether it's cigarettes, I don't care. They're not supposed to be buying from Russia," he added.' He also wrote a letter to NATO nations, stating, "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." Further, Trump proposed that NATO impose tariffs of 50 per cent to 100 per cent on China. "I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50 per cent to 100 per cent TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR," Trump wrote. "China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip."
US President Donald Trump said that the US is trying to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which is currently under the control of the Taliban government after the US troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. "We were going to leave Afghanistan, but we were going to leave it with strength and dignity, and we were going to keep Bagram, the big air base - one of the biggest air bases in the world," Trump said during a joint news conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "We gave it to them for nothing. We're trying to get it back, by the way," he added. Trump has repeatedly indicated that he would have kept control of the air base, given its strategic importance near the border between Afghanistan and China. Trump has already called the decision to withdraw the troops from the air base "the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country." Earlier, Trump had said, "They left all that equipment behind and every year they have a parade down from street with the equipment. With all that equipment that they left, they should have taken every ounce of it. Every screw, every bolt, every nail you take out of there. And Millie said, I remember one time, so we're better off leaving the equipment. Why? It's cheaper to leave USD 150 million airplane rather than flying it into Pakistan or India or some place. Yes, sir. That's when I knew he was not an idiot. Didn't take long to figure that one out. They left their dignity behind. It was the most embarrassing moment in my opinion in the history of my country." "We had Afghanistan, which I think was the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country, and we would have gotten out. I was the one that got him down. I would have kept Bagram, the big air base, which right now is controlled by China. Among the most powerful runways in the world. Thick, thick with concrete and seal. Anything could land. And right now they were one hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons," he added. (ANI)
Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, welcomed the decision by the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey to close their investigation of BAPS and the creation of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. Speaking with ANI ,Swami Brahmaviharidas said some people with "vested interest" had levied the false accusations and added that this decision restores faith in justice. "Satyamev Jayate! We build a temple with love, faith, devotion and a spirit of volunteerism... Some people with little vested interest file false accusations regarding when the temple was built, craftsmanship," Swami Brahmaviharidas said. "The US government carried out an investigation into the temple for 4 years and finally closed it, saying no charges were ever filed and no charges were ever true. This restores faith in justice," he added. Earlier, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the United States welcomed the decision. "The United States Government's decision to end this investigation sends a clear and powerful message in support of what our organization has maintained from the outset: that BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham--a place of peace, service, and devotion--was built through the love, dedication, and volunteer service of thousands of devotees from all walks of life", an official statement by BAPS Sanstha noted on Thursday. "The United States Government's decision to end this investigation sends a clear and powerful message in support of what our organization has maintained from the outset: that BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham--a place of peace, service, and devotion--was built through the love, dedication, and volunteer service of thousands of devotees from all walks of life", the statement said. BAPS noted in the official statement how its spiritual teachings have long emphasised that in the face of adversity, one must maintain faith and respond with cooperation, humility, and a commitment to truth and understanding. "As our scriptures have guided us for thousands of years, "Satyameva Jayate" or "truth will always prevail." "This period has been challenging for our fellowship, but with the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the blessings of our spiritual leader, Mahant Swami Maharaj, we emerge with renewed strength and deepened faith--in God and in the enduring spirit of this nation," it said. (ANI)
TOKYO, Sep 18 (News On Japan) - Persistent extreme heat has upended familiar elements of summer life in Japan, with long-standing traditions such as morning glory observation homework and radio exercises disrupted by high temperatures.

According to the Japan Weather Associations ranking of prefectural capitals by the number of extremely hot days (temperatures at or above 35C), Kyoto topped the list with 61 days, followed by Kofu with 59, and Nagoya and Maebashi with 52 each. By contrast, Naha in Okinawa recorded zero extremely hot days this summer. The highest temperature in Naha was 34C on September 12th, with July and August averages about two degrees cooler than Tokyo. Meteorologist Makoto Kawazu explained that Okinawas climate is moderated by surrounding seas and the absence of high mountains, limiting the impact of the Foehn phenomenon.

Kawazu, who spent his summer vacation in Okinawa, noted, If you avoid direct sunlight, it is cooler and more comfortable than Tokyo.

The heat has also forced changes to the tradition of radio calisthenics, which began in 1928 under the Ministry of Communications. The National Radio Calisthenics Federation said more communities and schools are no longer holding morning sessions, mainly due to the heat. On August 5th, Tokyo recorded 30C at 6:30 a.m., the standard time for exercises. In places where the program continues, it has been shortened to just one week at the start or end of summer vacation, a shift from the once month-long practice. The familiar stamp cards, once distributed at schools and exchanged for stationery prizes, are now often obtained online or at post offices and can be used year-round.

Another tradition, the summer homework of observing morning glories assigned to first graders, has also been disrupted. Associate Professor Nitasaka of Kyushu University said the plant is usually easy to grow because it has large seeds and resists disease, but this years extreme conditions caused widespread failures. On social media, parents reported that flowers did not bloom, plants withered, and in some cases children substituted drawings of mud balls when their morning glories died. Only one child in the class managed to get seeds, one parent wrote, while another described the assignment as broken as homework.

Nitasaka explained that while morning glories are heat-tolerant, they are vulnerable to drought, and prolonged daylight hours can prevent flowering. This years low rainfall compounded the problem. With summers growing hotter, schools and families may need to reconsider the traditional shape of summer assignments.

Source: TBS
The fascination with secret lives is deeply ingrained in American culture. Films, television shows, and novels have dramatized the idea that ordinary people might be living among us under false identities, carefully concealed by government protection programs. At the heart of these stories is the U.S. Marshals Services Witness Security Program, commonly referred to as witness protection or WITSEC.

The program represents one of the governments most secretive and practical tools, protecting those who risk their lives by testifying against robust criminal networks. For all its visibility in popular culture, however, the reality is different. Witness protections defining feature is its invisibility. This investigation explores the limits of detection: why gaps in records, travel behavior, or identity shifts rarely indicate witness protection, how governments ensure secrecy, and why speculation about participants is both misleading and dangerous.

Why Witness Protection Exists

The U.S. Congress created WITSEC in 1970 under the Organized Crime Control Act. At the time, powerful organized crime families could easily silence witnesses through intimidation or assassination. Without protection, prosecutors struggled to bring cases against bosses and syndicates. The solution was radical: to give witnesses and their families entirely new identities, relocate them, and provide support to help them build new lives.

Since then, WITSEC has expanded to protect witnesses testifying against drug cartels, violent gangs, corrupt politicians, and even traffickers. According to official statistics, more than 8,500 witnesses and nearly 10,000 family members have entered the program. Not one participant who followed the programs rules has been killed while under Marshal supervision. This remarkable success underscores the central principle of witness protection: secrecy is a matter of survival.

The Myth of Detectability

Despite the programs secrecy, many believe they can detect protected witnesses. People speculate about neighbors who avoid discussing their past, coworkers with confusing employment histories, or acquaintances who suddenly relocate. The human mind seeks patterns, and gaps in life stories invite extraordinary explanations. However, almost all irregularities in records, travel, or identity have ordinary causes, such as divorce, adoption, military service, immigration, career changes, or clerical errors. Witnesses in WITSEC, by contrast, are provided with complete, legally backstopped identities that blend seamlessly into official systems. Far from being detectable, their records are often cleaner than those of the general population.

Case Study: The Wall Street Insider

In the 1990s, a financial analyst provided key evidence against a securities fraud network with ties to organized crime. After threats surfaced, he and his family entered WITSEC. Relocated to a metropolitan area, he launched a small consulting firm. His tax records, Social Security number, and licensing credentials were all legally valid under his new identity. Neighbors assumed he was simply another professional transplant. Years later, investigative journalists revealed his story, but until then, nothing in his records or travel behavior betrayed his past. His case highlights the futility of searching for gaps as evidence of protection.

Records and Their Illusions

The belief that gaps in records can reveal witnesses persists in part because records themselves are imperfect. In the digital age, one might expect government databases to align flawlessly, yet discrepancies are common. Hospitals may close and archive birth records under alternate spellings. Schools may fail to transmit transcripts during relocations. County clerks may record names inconsistently.

Data breaches and identity theft create further mismatches. For ordinary people, these irregularities are sources of frustration. For WITSEC participants, however, records are carefully curated. Agencies such as the Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service collaborate with the Marshals to issue complete records. The backstopping ensures that identities survive scrutiny during employment checks, tax filings, and even security clearances in rare cases.

Case Study: The Adopted Child Rumor

In a Midwestern community, a teenager discovered that his birth certificate had been reissued under a new name, leading classmates to spread rumors that he was in witness protection. In truth, he had been legally adopted, and the court had sealed his original birth record. The rumor caused distress and stigma until the facts became known. This case illustrates how ordinary legal processes often mimic the very anomalies people associate with WITSEC, creating dangerous and false speculation.

Travel Patterns and False Flags

Another popular theory is that witness protection participants avoid travel or move frequently in suspicious ways. In reality, mobility is a hallmark of modern life. Millions of Americans relocate annually for work, relationships, or lifestyle changes. Airline databases and border systems rely on official documents, and WITSEC identities include genuine passports issued by the U.S. government. Participants may travel internationally, though they are briefed on security risks. Frequent moves are often signs of economic instability, military deployment, or divorce, rather than government relocation. To airlines, customs officers, and employers, WITSEC participants appear as any other lawful travelers.

Case Study: The Motorcycle Gang Defector

In the 1990s, a member of a violent motorcycle gang testified against associates in a weapons trafficking case. Relocated under WITSEC, he moved multiple times after security threats emerged. To outsiders, his frequent relocations might have looked suspicious. But his documents, travel records, and passports were all valid under his new identity. Over time, he established a successful construction business and became a respected member of his community. His case underscores how relocation that seems irregular is often part of a carefully managed security strategy.

Identity Reinvention and Training

Identity is perhaps the most misunderstood element of WITSEC. People assume that participants frequently slip, revealing old names or histories. In practice, witnesses are trained intensively to live under new identities. Adults rehearse their new backstories until they become second nature. Children are raised within their new identities from a young age, often with little memory of their past.

Legal documents such as Social Security numbers, drivers licenses, and tax records are issued through legitimate channels. Participants are counseled on digital hygiene to minimize exposure on social media and online platforms. Rather than clumsy cover stories, most participants live seamlessly integrated lives, indistinguishable from those around them.

Case Study: The Mob Wife Who Started Over

After her husband testified against organized crime figures, a woman and her children entered WITSEC. She divorced, choosing to remain in the program with her children. Relocated to another state, she pursued a career in education. To neighbors and coworkers, she was simply a single mother raising her family. Her documents, employment history, and financial records all aligned under her new identity. Nothing in her life suggested witness protection, illustrating the invisibility that defines the program.

International Contrasts and Vulnerabilities

The United States is not the only country with witness protection programs. Italy maintains a system for mafia informants, Canada operates a federal program, and Australia administers protection through its national police. Yet not all systems are equally effective. In Brazil, investigative reports from the 2000s revealed that witnesses were compromised by careless record-keeping.

In Eastern Europe, corruption within law enforcement led to the exposure of protected witnesses. These failures underscore the necessity of secrecy and centralized control. By contrast, WITSECs record of never losing a compliant participant remains the global benchmark. The lesson is stark: where secrecy falters, witnesses die.

The Digital Age Challenge

Today, witness protection faces unprecedented challenges from technology. Social media platforms encourage disclosure of personal details. Facial recognition systems can match old photos with new ones. Data brokers compile vast profiles from public and private records. These developments complicate the process of relocation and identity maintenance. The Marshals adapt by counseling participants on digital hygiene, monitoring exposures, and in rare cases, altering biometric identifiers. Yet the risks grow with each advance in surveillance technology. For compliance officers and investigators, this creates dilemmas. Legal WITSEC identities may resemble fraudulent ones, requiring careful coordination with federal authorities to avoid false assumptions.

Case Study: The Survivor of Trafficking

A woman who testified against a trafficking ring in the 2010s entered WITSEC after receiving credible death threats. After relocating with her child, she was provided with housing assistance, new documents, and employment support. Her online presence was carefully managed to avoid exposure through social media or data brokers.

She built a career in healthcare and raised her child in a safe environment. To her peers, she appeared as any other single parent balancing work and family. No digital trace betrayed her past, highlighting the adaptability of the program in the digital era.

Rare Breaches and Lessons Learned

Though WITSECs track record is extraordinary, rare breaches have occurred. In one case in the 1980s, a law enforcement officer leaked information about a participant to criminal contacts. The Marshals executed an emergency relocation, and the witness survived. This incident led to reforms that tightened inter-agency communication and restricted access to sensitive data. These rare failures remind us that the system is only as strong as its secrecy. When secrecy fails, lives hang in the balance.

The Human Cost of Protection

The physical safety provided by WITSEC comes at a significant human cost. Participants must sever ties with extended family, abandon careers, and endure the stress of permanent secrecy. Children may grow up with identity confusion. Marriages often strain under the weight of reinvention, leading to divorce.

Professional licensing tied to past identities may not transfer, forcing participants into new, often less lucrative careers. Counseling and limited financial support are helpful, but the burden is still heavy. This cost highlights why speculation about someones status can be harmful. False rumors add stress to ordinary lives, while accurate guesses can threaten survival.

Media Portrayals and Public Perception

Hollywood has made witness protection a familiar cultural trope. Comedies like My Blue Heaven and dramas like The Sopranos reinforce the idea that witnesses live awkward double lives. These portrayals entertain but mislead. In reality, the programs success depends on invisibility, not obviousness. Media myths encourage the public to believe they can detect participants, but the truth is precisely the opposite: the best protection is indistinguishability.

Comparative Matrix: Myths vs. Realities

Category Common Myth Reality Records Missing school or Social Security records expose witnesses WITSEC identities are backstopped; ordinary people often have messier records Travel Witnesses avoid international travel Participants use valid passports; mobility is everyday for ordinary reasons Identity Witnesses slip and reveal old names Participants are trained extensively; inconsistencies usually stem from everyday life International All programs are equally secure The U.S. program is globally unmatched; failures abroad show the cost of weak secrecy

Final Analysis: The Limits of Detection

The question of how to tell if someone is in witness protection is seductive, but the answer is straightforward: you cannot. Gaps in records, unusual travel, and identity inconsistencies are far more common in ordinary life than in WITSEC. The programs architecture eliminates visible signs, leaving only speculation. Such speculation is both futile and dangerous. False suspicions can harm reputations, while accurate ones could cost lives. Governments guard witness protection so closely because secrecy is not merely a policy but a shield. For participants, invisibility is a matter of survival. For the public, the lesson is restraint: witness protection is successful precisely because it leaves no trace.

Contact Information

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NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Counsel Press Inc., a leader in technology-enabled litigation support, today announced the acquisition of Firefly Legal, strengthening its position in the service of process market.

Headquartered in Mokena, Illinois, Firefly Legal is a trusted provider of service of process, skip tracing, court e-filing, and related litigation services. With its strong customer focus and established client base, Firefly expands Counsel Press' service of process footprint and enhances its nationwide capabilities.

Counsel Press entered the service of process market earlier this year. Its platform streamlines process serving and e-filing services nationwide, reducing complexity, saving time, and integrating seamlessly with case management systems. Counsel Press delivers faster, more reliable results through its national network of experienced process servers.

Scott Thompson, CEO of Counsel Press, said, "Firefly is a great strategic match for our organization. Their client-first reputation, expertise, and experienced team enhance our growing service of process capabilities and complement our existing strengths. Together, we are building a seamless nationwide organization that supports law firms from trial court filing through appeal with unmatched accuracy, reliability, and technology-driven efficiency."

"We are excited to join forces with Counsel Press," said Keith McMaster, Founder and CEO of Firefly Legal. "For more than two decades, Firefly's team has built its reputation on responsiveness and results. This partnership allows us to bring that commitment to a broader client base while giving our existing clients access to a full spectrum of litigation and appellate services powered by technology."

About Counsel Press

Counsel Press is a technology-enabled legal services platform built to streamline litigation across the entire lifecycle of a case. Founded in 1938 and widely recognized as The Appellate Experts, the company has evolved into a national, multi-dimensional platform operating across four core business units: appellate services, service of process, e-filing, and dispute management. Counsel Press provides end-to-end litigation support, including appellate brief preparation, filing, and service; trial court e-filing and e-service; process serving; skip tracing; legal research and writing; and litigation and dispute management solutions. With a focus on operational precision and technology-driven efficiency, Counsel Press enables litigators to navigate complex legal procedures with greater speed, clarity, and confidence. Learn more at counselpress.com.

SOURCE Counsel Press Inc.
Guineans head to the polls this Sunday (21 September) in a controversial constitutional referendum that could open the door for junta leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president  despite his earlier pledge not to do so.

The draft constitution would replace the post-coup transitional charter, which barred military officials from seeking elected office. This restriction is conspicuously absent from the proposed new text, fueling concerns that Doumbouya is positioning himself for a long-term grip on power. The referendum also proposes extending presidential terms from five to seven years and allowing the president to appoint one-third of senators. More than 6.7 million voters are registered, with the constitution passing if over 50% of votes cast are in favor.

While the government frames the vote as a step toward civilian rule, critics see it as a veiled attempt to legitimize military control. Opposition parties, many of which have been suspended or exiled, have called for a boycott, denouncing the process as undemocratic and repressive. Human rights groups have also sounded the alarm, citing enforced disappearances, media crackdowns, and restrictions on political dissent. The voter roll has not been independently audited, and the electoral commission lacks autonomy, further eroding trust in the process.

Analysts warn that the referendum risks entrenching authoritarian rule rather than facilitating a genuine democratic transition. Instead of restoring constitutional order, the referendum risks consolidating authoritarian rule and deepening Guineas legitimacy crisis, wrote Ancuta Hansen, Director for the Pacific Islands of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), in the DevPolicy Blog. With international attention elsewhere, Guineas political future may hinge on a vote taking place in an atmosphere many say lacks transparency, inclusivity, and legitimacy.
Sudans Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), a grassroots network of volunteer aid groups, have been awarded the 2025 Rafto Prize for human rights work, in recognition of their life-saving efforts amid the countrys deepening war and humanitarian collapse.

Founded during the 2023 civil war between Sudans army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the ERRs emerged as a vital force in the absence of state infrastructure. Comprised of thousands of self-organized volunteers, the ERRs deliver food, medical aid, and emergency evacuations to civilians  often at great personal risk. Announcing the award, the Rafto Foundation praised the ERRs for their courageous work to preserve the most fundamental human right  the right to life. The networks volunteers have also taken on the critical role of documenting civilian abuses, despite frequent communications blackouts and hostility from both warring sides.

According to the United Nations, Sudan is now facing the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands dead and over 14 million displaced. ERR members, rooted in Sudans earlier pro-democracy resistance, have set up community kitchens, distributed aid, and supported public health efforts in areas devastated by famine and cholera. More than 100 ERR volunteers have been killed since the conflict began, according to reports cited by the foundation. The Rafto Foundation called on both military factions to agree to a ceasefire and respect international humanitarian law. Past Rafto Prize laureates also include four notable individuals  Aung San Suu Kyi, Jose Ramos-Horta, Kim Dae-Jung and Shirin Ebadi  all of whom were later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which is also presented in Norway.
In a bold step to safeguard global trade from rising protectionism, fourteen small and medium-sized countries, including Morocco and Rwanda, have officially launched the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership, a new international alliance aimed at promoting open markets, attracting investment, and addressing modern trade challenges.

Announced during a virtual ministerial meeting attended by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the FIT Partnership brings together Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Uruguay. The partnership is the product of a year-long dialogue, initiated by trade ministers from New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE. Positioned as a flexible and forward-looking coalition, FIT aims to reduce non-tariff barriers, facilitate investment, boost supply chain resilience, and harness emerging technologies. We are trade-dependent nations determined to open markets and remove barriers, said New Zealands Trade Minister Todd McClay.

Singapores Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong emphasized that small nations must be pathfinders and bridge-builders for a trade system that is open, fair, and future-ready. The UAEs Ministry of Foreign Trade will lead its national efforts within the group. The inaugural FIT Ministerial Meeting will take place in Singapore this November, where members plan to announce concrete initiatives. Designed to support the rules-based multilateral system, the FIT Partnership welcomes like-minded countries to join, positioning itself as an agile platform for modern trade challenges and solutions. It comes as economic analysts caution that U.S. President Trumps unpredictable tariff strategy could disrupt global trade and disproportionately impact small, open economies.
Moroccan Khadija Bendam was appointed as president of the International Nuclear Society Council (INSC) during its General Assembly held in Vienna as part of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

With this election, Bendam becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious position within the INSC, marking a historic milestone for female representation in international nuclear bodies.

This designation also reflects Moroccos influence at the regional and international levels, confirming its status in strategic and cutting-edge sectors and cementing its leading role in international leadership and cooperation.

The INSC succession process provides for a structured progression within the Executive: from the position of Secretary to Second Vice President, then First Vice President, before becoming President and then President-Elect. This career path reflects a five-year commitment to international governance in the nuclear sector.

Khadija Bendam is currently responsible for nuclear and radiological safety and security audits at the Moroccan Center for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN).

She is also president of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Morocco, a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of WiN Global and WiN Africa, and vice president of the Arab Women in CBRN Security Network.

The appointment ceremony was attended by delegates representing several countries around the world, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan, Slovakia, and the United States.

The INSC brings together nuclear societies from around the world, representing over 80,000 nuclear professionals internationally. It provides a global forum where these institutions discuss, define, and establish common goals, reflecting the vision and positions of experts and workers in the sector through their member societies.

Founded on November 11, 1990, by the International Group of Nuclear Societies (INSG), the INSC holds non-governmental organization status with the IAEA and the United Nations Environment Program.

Through this appointment, the INSC reaffirms commitment to diversity, inclusive leadership, and strengthening international cooperation in the nuclear field.
Moroccan business leader Mohamed El Kettani, CEO of Attijariwafa Bank, has been named among Forbes Middle Easts Sustainability Leaders 2025, a list highlighting 126 executives shaping the transition to greener economies across the region.

Ranked 11th in the banking sector, El Kettani earned recognition for spearheading initiatives that integrate sustainability into financial operations. Notably, Attijariwafa Bank launched the African Energy Efficiency Fund (FAEE) in September 2024, the first Moroccan investment vehicle dedicated to energy efficiency projects, developed in partnership with Econoler.

Forbes also cited the banks measurable progress in reducing carbon emissions. By mid-2025, Attijariwafa had cut CO emissions from scopes 1 and 2 by 6 percent in Morocco, and by 33 percent between 2018 and 2024 across its operations. These achievements position the institution as a regional leader in green finance.

The sustainability list spans 15 industries, from banking and telecommunications to healthcare and construction, and includes CEOs, chairpersons, and sustainability officers. It underscores how MENAs corporate leaders are aligning their strategies with global climate goals while fostering economic resilience.

The United Arab Emirates dominated the 2025 ranking with 67 personalities, followed by Saudi Arabia with 23 and Egypt with 12. Moroccos presence, though limited, signals growing recognition of the countrys financial sector as a driver of sustainable development. El Kettanis inclusion not only highlights Attijariwafa Banks pioneering role but also reflects Moroccos broader ambition to position itself as a hub for responsible investment in Africa and beyond.
Israeli TV station i24NEWS has reported secret negotiations between Tel Aviv and Washington and third party countries including Iran on the transfer of Hamas leaders from Gaza to Tunisia.

The bombshell announcement, made by security analyst Matthias Inbar, is raising serious concerns in Tunisia about the security fallout of hosting the most radical militants of the Hamas movement.

According to some intelligence reports, the Algerian regime has already transferred to Tunisia several members of the Polisario terrorist militias in return for financial assistance. The relocated Polisario members were given Tunisian IDs and travel documents, sparking security alarms.

The planned re-settlement operation of Hamas militants is similar to that carried out in 1982 when the PLO and Yasser Arafat moved to Tunis after they were driven out of Lebanon by Israel during the Lebanon War. Following massive raids by Israeli forces in Beirut, it is estimated that 8,000 PLO fighters evacuated the city and dispersed.

The latest visit paid by Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to Tunisia is suspected to have been related to the deportation of Hamas hardliners to Tunis.

However, the drone attacks targeting Gaza flotilla boats in Tunisia and Israels air strike on Hamas leaders in Doha have pushed Tunisian leaders to think twice before taking in and harboring Hamas terrorists.
Seasoned Restaurant Operator Rolls Out His Third CML Truck in Southern California

VENTURA, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand, is expanding its California footprint with the launch of a new truck in Ventura. The latest opening will be spearheaded by Karan Singh, who recently took over the brand's Los Angeles trucks in May. This location will meet the growing demand for high-quality seafood across the state and offer local seafood lovers the opportunity to enjoy CML's world-famous Maine lobster rolls, mouthwatering lobster tacos, savory lobster grilled cheese, and delicious whoopie pies, like the newest limited-time flavor, S'mores.

Cousins Maine Lobster Rolls

In addition to operating his Cousins Maine Lobster trucks, Singh brings extensive experience from well-known brands and currently owns Subway franchises. As a Southern California resident, he spotted a Cousins Maine Lobster truck on the street and recalled the brand's appearance on Shark Tank. After exploring further research, he was hooked by the brand's unmatched reputation and menu offerings. From that moment, he was determined to bring more fast-casual seafood options and Maine's iconic flavors to the SoCal region.

"I've always been drawn to brands that deliver both unmatched quality and a unique experience, and Cousins Maine Lobster does just that," said Karan Singh. "After seeing the truck in action and learning the story behind it, I knew it was something special. It's been an honor serving the L.A. community this year, and we've been eagerly anticipating this next phase of growth in Southern California. We can't wait to give more people a true taste of Maine."

Cousins Maine Lobster is set to make its official debut on Saturday, Sept. 27, located at 440 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sabin Lomac, co-founder of Cousins Maine Lobster and operator of the original Los Angeles truck featured on Shark Tank, will also be in attendance to celebrate the milestone.

For more information on our Ventura food truck calendar of events, check out our Facebook page: Cousins Maine Lobster Ventura. Download our mobile app to order ahead, gain loyalty rewards, and keep track of our schedule CML Mobile App.

"Karan's exceptional operational leadership and dedication have made him an incredible partner for our brand we can't wait for his continued development in Southern California," said Lindsay Herberger, Director of Franchise Development at Cousins Maine Lobster. "We've seen firsthand how committed he is to creating an authentic experience, and we're confident the Ventura truck will bring the same energy and genuine taste of Maine lobster to even more neighborhoods in Southern California."

Cousins Maine Lobster is seeking operators who are passionate about delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer service. With a proven business model that offers flexibility, operators can launch food trucks in as little as three to six months. Low overhead and labor costs allow operators an efficient and cost-effective entry into each market. The brand is currently targeting markets with strong demand for high-quality, fast-casual seafood, including Charleston, South Carolina; the Midwest, including Wichita, Kansas, Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska; and areas across the west, including San Diego, California, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.

About Cousins Maine Lobster:

Cousins Maine Lobster is a leader in fast-casual seafood, partnering with local entrepreneurs to bring the highest quality Maine lobster rolls to neighborhoods everywhere by way of their infamous food trucks, brick & mortar restaurants, and a shore-to-door gourmet online shop that delivers the highest quality live Maine lobsters directly to your home. In 2012, Cousins Maine Lobster was co-founded by cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis with the desire to bring their local Maine family traditions to the West Coast masses. They later appeared on Shark Tank where they partnered with real estate mogul and shark, Barbara Corcoran. Since then, Cousins Maine Lobster has franchised to expand their footprint across the U.S. and has become one of the top Shark Tank investments of all time. For more information, visit: www.cousinsmainelobster.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @cousinsmainlobster and Twitter @cousinsmainlob. To find a location near you, visit www.cousinsmainelobster.com.

DISCLAIMER: This news is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy a franchise. Any actual offer or solicitation can only be made through a Franchise Disclosure Document. If you reside in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin, we may not be able to offer you a franchise until it has been registered in your state.

CONTACT: Ryan Gorton

All Points Public Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Cousins Maine Lobster
When there is only one offer on the UN negotiating table, there is one way to go. This is true for the Algerian regime, the main stakeholder in the Sahara conflict. It is urged to negotiate peace terms on the basis of Moroccos autonomy plan offered for the Sahara or face international sanctions.

As the decisive October meeting of the UN security is drawing closer, Morocco, France and the United States are stepping diplomatic coordination to advance the settlement of the Sahara issue.

Washington, penholder of the Security Council resolutions on the Sahara, is joining efforts with Paris and London to close definitively this decades-long conflict. The three permanent members of the UN Security Council have endorsed Moroccos Autonomy plan offered for the Sahara under its sovereignty saying it is the ONLY realistic and feasible solution.

Morocco is also reaching out to Russia and China, the two other Security Council members with veto powers. Last week, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita held a phone conversation with Russian peer Sergei Lavrov. He is expected to visit Beijing in the few coming days. Experts say the support of Russia and China is important for Rabat which is leveraging its geostrategic position in the global trade and key role in regional security and stability.

Two weeks ago, UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura met with U.S. senior advisor for Africa Massad Boulos who reiterated the clear U.S. position affirming that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution for the Sahara.

In an interview with Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), de Mistura described Algeria as the main stakeholder in the Sahara conflict and branded the Polisario as an Algerian proxy group, dealing a hard blow to Algerian false neutrality claims.

On Tuesday, the UN Sahara envoy met in Algiers with foreign minister Ahmed Attaf whose country continues to swim against the current and growing international support for the serious, credible and realistic Autonomy plan proposed by Morocco.

With its stubbornness and refusal to comply, the ruling Algerian junta is heading into frontal fatal collision with the Trump Administration which has sent lately U.S. Commander of Special Operations Command Africa Major Gen. Claude K. Tudor to Algiers to deliver a tough message.

The trip of General Tudor comes two months after the visit paid by U.S. Senior presidential advisor Massad Boulos to engage the Algerian military regime to join the international dynamic and consensus building over the autonomy plan.

According to confidential sources, the Algerian rulers showed reluctance and unwillingness to compromise, irking Washington which refused their blackmail tactics.

The Algerian regime is reportedly divided between those in favor of normalization of relations with Morocco and resolution of the Sahara issue on the basis of the Autonomy plan, and those pushing for maintaining the status quo.

The UN Sahara envoy is expected to meet with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, showing Paris role in advancing towards the resolution of the Sahara issue.

For Washington and its major allies, the resolution of the Sahara issue can no longer be postponed as it poses serious threat to regional stability with the expansion of terrorist networks across the Sahel.

The growing international recognition of the Moroccan autonomy as the ONLY solution to the Sahara issue strengthens the Kingdoms position, while Algeria finds itself in a difficult situation both at the domestic and international levels. In addition to its growing diplomatic isolation in the region following its diplomatic brawls with the Sahel countries, it is under mounting pressure at the Security Council to show its cards and take peace offer or face serious consequences!
Nadors police launched an investigation on Wednesday following the discovery of 76,841 ecstasy-type psychotropic pills hidden inside a cargo vehicle that had arrived from a European port.

The seizure, carried out by National Police and Customs officers at the citys port, prompted the Regional Judicial Police Brigade to open a probe under the supervision of the public prosecutors office, aimed at tracing the origins and destination of the illicit shipment.

According to a security source, the drugs were meticulously concealed inside boxes of food products. A 55-year-old suspect, believed to be involved in the criminal operation, was arrested.

The suspect is now under judicial inquiry, overseen by the competent prosecutors office, with the aim of uncovering the ins and outs of the case and identifying potential connections both inside Morocco and at international level.
NSC Appoints Anas Al-Hamwi as Board Chair, Welcomes Five New Members

The National Safety Council announced new leadership during its 2025 Safety Congress & Expo in Denver, naming Al-Hamwi chair and adding five industry leaders to its board.

The National Safety Council has appointed Anas Al-Hamwi as chair of its board of directors and welcomed five new members during its annual board meeting at the 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Denver.

Al-Hamwi, a board member since 2017, serves as regional vice president for Walgreens Retail USA, where he leads health, safety and injury management. He was a founding member of the Walgreens Boots Alliance Health, Safety and Environmental Governance Committee and has advanced safety culture through initiatives including an enhanced OSHA response system and an Active Care model that reduced workplace injuries for three consecutive years.

The Council also announced the addition of five new board members:

Brian Callahan , CEO and president of ISN and current chair of the NSC Campbell Institute. He previously worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and Koch Industries and served as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Darryl Hill , who brings more than 35 years of experience in safety, health and environmental management. Hill most recently served as senior vice president of safety & security at First Student, Inc. and has been recognized with both the NSC Distinguished Service to Safety Award and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award.

Travis Parsons , director of occupational safety & health for the Laborers Health & Safety Fund of North America. With more than 25 years of experience, Parsons is also vice president of the Labor Division at NSC and vice chair of the ANSI/ASSP A10 Standards Committee. He has received the NSC Distinguished Service to Safety Award.

Robert Rudge, Jr. , senior vice president and chief safety and security officer at U.S. Steel. Rudge oversees corporate safety, industrial hygiene, security, and the companys aircraft division, following a 25-year career as a special agent with the FBI.

Nicholas Smith, president of NSC. Smith joined the organization in 2017 as chief operations officer and later added the title of chief strategy officer before becoming president, where he leads NSCs mission to reduce injuries and fatalities in the workplace and on roadways.

Strong leadership is critical to advancing the NSC mission of saving lives, from the workplace to anyplace, said NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin. We are honored to welcome Anas as chair and five outstanding leaders to our board. Their expertise, guidance and dedication will be invaluable as we work toward a future where everyone is safe in our workplaces, roadways and communities.
NSC Recognizes Organizations, Individuals for Outstanding Safety Contributions

At the 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Denver, the National Safety Council honored drivers, students, and employers for excellence in injury prevention and safety culture.

The National Safety Council honored a diverse group of individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to safety during its Awards Recognition session at the 2025 Safety Congress & Expo in Denver.

Joseph M. Kaplan Safe Driver of the Year winners were celebrated for maintaining long records of driving without preventable crashes. Honorees include drivers from the U.S. Postal Service and UPS, as well as others from construction and transportation companies across multiple regions. Among them: Calvin Freeman, Dale Diggs, Edward Coleman, Lynn Boles, Bradley Bieler, Dee Finlinson, Dennis Polk, Jeffrey Larson, John Macrae, Peter Farquhar, Thomas Malen, Terry Teskey, Bradley Van Ruiten, and Tim Jelinger.

The Safety Service Award was given to people whose safety leadership has enhanced their organizations safety cultures. Recipients include employees from companies such as the American Bureau of Shipping, Borusan Pipe, C&W Services, Engineered Systems Inc., Hanover County Government, and others.

The Workplace Safety Award recognized employers who demonstrated excellence in creating safer environments for their employees. Dozens of companiesranging from construction firms and manufacturing plants to energy, environmental, and consulting firmswere recognized. Among them are AECOM, Aluminium Bahrain, Allied Power Group, Borusan Pipe, City of Westminster (Colorado), Honeywell, Stellantis, The Boeing Company, and many others.

Other awards included the Corporate Culture of Safety Award, given to organizations that achieved 50 or more recognitions in NSCs awards programs this year. Also celebrated were ASC Scholarships for veterans, the Safety for All Scholarship for STEM students pursuing careers in occupational health and safety, and the Rising Stars of Safety Award for professionals aged 40 or under distinguished by their safety advocacy in their organizations.

Collectively, these awards highlight not only sustained performance in safety but also mentorship, education, and cultural influence. As NSC stated, these honorees reflect a commitment to saving lives and preventing injuries.
Globally, demand for food, water, and energy is sharply on the rise. The World Economic Forum says that by 2050, food demand could increase by over 50%, energy by up to 19% and water by up to 30%. The increasing scarcity of these resources  and potential solutions to their sustainable management  are deeply interconnected, calling for integrated solutions.

Disruption in one amplifies vulnerabilities and trade-offs in others, wrote the World Economic Forum in a July report. Such disruptions also create opportunities for sustainable growth, enhanced resilience and more equity. The idea of synergistic nexus solutions is starting to pick up steam in both public and private sectors.

A new project in California, aptly named Project Nexus, aims to do just that. The novel project seeks to find synergies for water management and renewable energy production in some of the nations sunniest and most water-stressed agricultural lands by covering miles and miles of irrigation canals with solar panels, yielding multiple benefits for the water-energy-food nexus.

While the panels generate clean energy, they also shade the canals from the harsh desert sun, mitigating water loss to evaporation and discouraging the growth of aquatic weeds that can choke the waterways. Plus, the presence of the water acts as a built-in cooling system for the solar panels. The $20 million state-funded initiative could produce up to 1.6 megawatts of renewable energy while producing a host of other benefits, according to a report from SFGATE.

In addition to these benefits, placing solar panels on top of existing agricultural infrastructure could offer key benefits compared to standard solar farms. They are more easily and quickly greenlit, as they don't face the same land-use conflicts that utility-scale solar farms are facing across the nation. Plus, placing solar panels atop existing infrastructure doesnt require altering the landscape, and the relatively small installations can be plugged into nearby distribution lines, avoiding the cumbersome process of connecting to the higher-voltage wires required for bigger undertakings, reports Canary Media.

The result of Project Nexus and similar models appears to be a win-win for water, energy, and food, all while using less land. The challenges of climate change are going to really force us to do more with a lot less  so this is just an example of the type of infrastructure that can make us more resilient, says project scientist Brandi McKuin. While Project Nexus isnt releasing figures on the projects performance until they have a full years worth of data, McKuin says current analysis shows that the project is on track to meet its projected outputs.

Project Nexus is not the first project to place solar panels over canals, but its still among just a handful of such projects in the world. The United States first and only other solar canal project came online late last year in Arizona, where the project produces energy for the Pima and Maricopa tribes, collectively known as the Gila River Indian Community. While many large-scale renewable energy projects have run up against land-use issues with tribal lands, the Arizona project shows that the canal model can be an excellent alternative solution.

Why disturb land that has sacred value when we could just put the solar panels over a canal and generate more efficient power? David DeJong, director of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, was quoted by Grist. In keeping with the spirit of water-energy nexus solutions, the Project is currently developing a water delivery system for the water-stressed Gila River Indian Community.

Of course, these pilot projects produce a whole lot less energy than utility-scale solar farms. But research suggests that if the solar canal idea is scaled across the United States 8,000 miles of federally owned canals and aqueducts, it could have a significant impact. In 2023, a coalition of environmental groups calculated that installing panels on all that existing federal infrastructure could generate over 25 gigawatts of energy and potentially avoid tens of billions of gallons of water evaporation at the same time.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Energy security and affordability have trumped fears of stranded assets in recent years, prompting the worlds biggest international oil and gas firms to shift focus back to exploration after years of trying to develop clean energy solutions.

Big Oil has scaled back investments in renewables, at least those majors that tried to become key green energy providers, as poor returns from clean energy and demand, cost, and regulatory challenges further diminished the appeal of returns on investments in solar and wind.

Back to the Basics

European majors BP and Shell reversed their pledges from the early 2020s to reduce oil and gas production by the end of the decade. This year marked the return to boosting oil and gas production, and with itincreased exploration efforts in key basins and promising new frontiers.

Guyana, Suriname, Namibia, and Brazil have seen major oil discoveries in recent years.

The U.S. supermajors, Exxon and Chevron, are betting on Guyanas huge discovered resources in the Stabroek offshore block. Exxon operates the block, to which Chevron has just gained access thanks to its multi-billion-dollar acquisition of the blocks minority partner, U.S. Hess Corporation.

Frances TotalEnergies is developing resources offshore Guyanas neighbor Suriname and looks to progress a development offshore Namibia in southwestern Africa.

Shell also had some exploration success offshore Namibia, and both Shell and TotalEnergies plan drilling offshore South Africa in the same Orange Basin extending from Namibian waters, where the two majors have made oil discoveries. The South African ventures face environmental challenges and court-mandated halts to exploration efforts, for now.

BPs Blockbuster Discovery Offshore Brazil

BP, the last of Europes Big Oil to switch back to the core business of raising oil and gas production, struck a major oil and gas discovery in Brazils prolific offshore Santos Basin, the supermajors biggest in 25 years.

BPs exploration well in the deepwater Bumerangue block found an estimated 500-meter (1,640 ft) gross hydrocarbon column in a high-quality pre-salt carbonate reservoir with an areal extent of greater than 300 square kilometers (116 square miles), the UK-based oil and gas major said in August.

This is another success in what has been an exceptional year so far for our exploration team, underscoring our commitment to growing our upstream, said Gordon Birrell, BPs executive vice president for Production & Operations.

Related: Fed Makes First Quarter-Point Rate Cut, Signals More to Come

Bumerangue is BPs tenth oil and/or gas discovery so far this year, including one in the Gulf of Mexico, as the company pursues increasing its oil and gas production following the strategy reset early this year.

Brazil is an important country for bp, and our ambition is to explore the potential of establishing a material and advantaged production hub in the country, Birrell said.

BP has said it is increasing its investment in upstream oil and gas to $10 billion per year while slashing spending on clean energy by more than $5 billion a year.

In the upstream, BP will aim for 10 new major projects to start up by the end of 2027, and a further 810 projects by the end of 2030. Production is also expected to grow to 2.32.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) in 2030, with capacity to increase to 2035.

The Brazilian discovery could be a big boost to BPs ambitions in its core business and potentially a pivotal moment for the supermajor, which is considered by analysts to be the weakest link among Big Oils top five firms.

Estimates based on similar Brazilian pre-salt fields suggest that Bumerangue could likely have recoverable resources of about 2.0-2.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), according to Claudio Steuer of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES).

At a conservative long-term price of about $75 per barrel, this implies a gross lifetime production value of over $165 billion, Steuer says.

With first oil projected for 2031-2033, the potential plateau production of Bumerangue could be as high as 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), which will secure decades of cash flow to restructure BP and realign its energy transition strategy, Steuer noted.

The renewed exploration efforts from Big Oil are just the beginning, as the biggest companies expect to put more resources into the search for more oil and gas to meet the growing global demand.

We went through a significant reset, I would say, of our exploration department, capability, the funnel ,because the hard truth is while we have had some good progress in certain areas, it hasnt delivered what we had wanted, Shells chief executive, Wael Sawan, told analysts on the Q2 earnings call at the end of July.

Shell will continue to invest in exploration where it has established track records, like the Gulf of Mexico, Malaysia, Oman, and in areas like Namibia, added Sawan, who has said that reducing global oil and gas production would be dangerous and irresponsible.

TotalEnergies reloaded the exploration portfolio by acquiring exploration permits in the U.S. Gulf, in Malaysia, in Indonesia and Algeria in the second quarter, CEO Patrick Pouyanne said on the earnings call.

In Chevrons goal to have a balanced and diversified portfolio, exploration needs to play an important role and we are making some changes to our program and our approach, Chevrons CEO Mike Wirth said during the Q2 earnings call.

Exxon, for its part, while focused on the Permian and Guyana, is looking at opportunities elsewhere, and has deals in the works for exploration in Libya and a return to exploration offshore Trinidad and Tobago in blocks northwest of Guyanas Stabroek.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Despite a rise in petroleum product shipments in August, overall crude and fuel export revenue slumped due to wider discounts and refinery disruptions.

This decline poses a challenge for Russia's 2026 budget and continued spending on the war in Ukraine.

Russia's oil and gas revenues are expected to fall by 23% in September year-on-year due to declining international crude prices and a stronger ruble.

Russias revenues from oil and gas are expected to plunge in September by 23% from a year earlier, as international crude prices have declined and the Russian currency has strengthened, calculations by Reuters showed on Thursday.

The decline is not good news for Russia, which is currently planning its 2026 budget and continues to spend heavily on the war in Ukraine.

Russias oil and gas sales are expected to bring the Kremlin $7.11 billion (592 billion rubles) this month, per the Reuters estimates based on production, refining, and supply data. Due to lower government subsidies to refiners paid in September, the revenues would be 17% higher than in August.

Yet, the revenues for January to September are estimated by Reuters to drop by 20.5% year-on-year, to $79.6 billion (6.62 trillion rubles).

The stronger ruble and the drop in international oil prices and as a result, Russias discounted prices, have dragged the Kremlins revenues to two-year lows.

Russias crude and fuel export revenue slumped by $920 million in August compared to July, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates in its latest monthly report.

The discounts of Russian crude grades widened last month amid the U.S. pressure on India for buying oil from Russia, while Russian refinery production slumped as Ukraine hit several processing facilities with drones.

As a result, Russias crude and petroleum product export revenues plunged by $920 million from July to $13.51 billion in August, the IEAs estimates showed.

Meanwhile, Russias petroleum product shipments rose by 8.9% in August compared to July as some refineries returned from maintenance, according to estimates by Reuters based on data from industry sources.

Oil product exports from the Baltic Sea ports and from the Black Sea and Azov Sea ports increased in August from July, while shipments from the Arctic ports slumped last month.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CPT Group, Inc., a leading provider of class action settlement administration services, is pleased to announce an upcoming free, CLE-accredited webinar: From Prevention to Protection: Safeguarding Companies and Class Action Administrators in the Breach Lifecycle. The event will stream live on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM PDT.

Data breaches are no longer a question of if but when, exposing millions of records and sparking costly class action litigation. Settlement administrators, law firms, and businesses face mounting challenges: protecting sensitive client and customer data, managing large funds, and navigating an increasingly complex cyber-threat landscape amid insurance gaps and regulatory obligations. This webcast brings together leading expertsattorneys M. Anderson Berry, David M. Ross, and Jackson E. Biesecker, along with Julie N. Green, President of CPT Group, Inc.to share insights from the frontlines. Drawing on real-world breach lawsuits, evolving legal standards, and ethical mandates, the panel will provide attendees with practical strategies to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate litigation risks, and implement proactive safeguards. Participants will leave with a clear roadmap to enhance cyber resilience, uphold professional duties, and protect the integrity of their settlements.

Why You Should Attend

Stay Ahead of Threats: Learn about the latest cybersecurity risks targeting law firms, companies, and class action administrators.

Learn about the latest cybersecurity risks targeting law firms, companies, and class action administrators. Practical Solutions: Gain strategies for incident response, secure data transfer, and vendor due diligence that can be implemented immediately.

Gain strategies for incident response, secure data transfer, and vendor due diligence that can be implemented immediately. Protect Your Clients & Practice: Understand the legal and ethical obligations around data security, including ABA Model Rule 1.6 and court expectations.

Understand the legal and ethical obligations around data security, including ABA Model Rule 1.6 and court expectations. Anticipate Emerging Risks: Prepare for the future with insights on deepfakes, AI-driven fraud , and evolving attack methods.

Prepare for the future with insights on deepfakes, AI-driven , and evolving attack methods. Earn CLE Credit at No Cost: This free, accredited program includes instant certification upon completion and is accessible by desktop, laptop, or mobile device.

Registration

To register for this complimentary event, please click: From Prevention to Protection: Safeguarding Companies and Class Action Administrators in the Breach Lifecycle - Online CLE Course | Lawline

About CPT Group, Inc.

CPT Group, Inc. is a nationally recognized class action settlement administration company based in Irvine, California. With over 35 years of experience, CPT has administered thousands of settlements nationwide, specializing in notice administration, claims processing, data management, and fund distribution. CPT is dedicated to delivering precise, compliant, and transparent administration services for complex class action matters.

Media Contact:

Randi Martz

CPT Group, Inc.

50 Corporate Park, Irvine, CA 92606

Phone: (949) 428-1022

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United Nations investigators on Tuesday unveiled rampant and systemic corruption by South Sudans ruling class, compounding the countrys security challenges and putting the pivotal oil-driven economy at severe risk. The global agency has accused South Sudanese authorities of plundering the countrys wealth, including bogus payments totaling $1.7 billion in the 2021-2024 period to companies linked with Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel for road construction contracts that were never delivered. The 101-page report uncovers how South Sudan's government disbursed ~$2.2 billion over a 3-year period through its off-budget "Oil for Roads" programme to companies affiliated with Bol Mel, shell companies, and elite military budgets--while over 90% of promised roads remain unbuilt and nearly two thirds of the countrys population of 12 million teeters on the edge of famine.

"The country has been captured by a predatory elite that has institutionalised the systematic looting of the nation's wealth for private gain," said the commission.

The worlds youngest nation is also one of the poorest, with grand corruption and never-ending civil strife sinking the economy. South Sudan's gross domestic product (GDP) fell from ~12 billion in 2011 when the country gained independence to just $5.4 billion in 2024. The South Sudanese civil war was a multi-sided civil war in South Sudan fought from 2013 to 2020, between forces of the government and opposition forces, leaving 400,000 people dead. Two years ago, clashes broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over demands by the army and pro-democracy groups for RSF to become integrated into the regular armed forces.

South Sudan produces ~150,000 barrels of oil per day, out of which it gives 10,000 barrels to Sudan as transportation fees because the oil has to go through Sudan to reach Port Sudan where it is loaded into cargo ships. In effect, Sudan receives ~$18 million from South Sudans oil everyday. RSF has been demanding that South Sudan stop providing funds to the SAF, which might see the SAF retaliate by preventing the export of South Sudans oil through Port Sudan, which it controls. A complete meltdown would not only destabilize the region but also potentially lead to the collapse of the volatile state.

Oil is the dominant contributor to South Sudan's economy, accounting for an overwhelming majority of its GDP, government revenues, and exports--often exceeding 90%. This heavy reliance makes the nation extremely vulnerable to shocks in oil prices or production, and the economy faces collapse if oil exports, which rely on pipelines through neighboring Sudan, are disrupted. South Sudan often touts untapped reserves and invites foreign oil firms to help revive declining output; however, the scathing UN report has pulled the curtain back on a kleptocracy fueled by crude, something that is likely to discourage foreign investments. South Sudan holds substantial proven oil reserves, estimated at approximately 3.5 billion barrels of crude, positioning it as having the third-largest oil reserves in sub-Saharan Africa. Around 90% of these reserves remain untapped, with only about 30% of the country's territory explored for its vast oil potential.

South Sudan is just one of multiple well-documented cases of the [infamous] resource curse that tends to grip resource- rich nations in the poorer corners of the world. The DRC and Mozambique are the other famous cases. Back in 2010, Texas-based Anadarko Corp. - now a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:OXY) - and Italian energy giant Eni S.p.A. (NYSE:E) announced the discovery of approximately 180 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, equivalent to ~29 billion barrels of oil, in Mozambiques supergiant offshore basin of Rovuma, immediately catapulting the South African nation to a potential global LNG superpower. As you might expect, there was a stampede by oil and gas majors including ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE), Shell (NYSE: SHEL), Eni and China National Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: SNP)) rushing in to stake their claims. But it was not long before terrorism and the long tail of the hidden loans corruption scandal, in which senior officials had formed state-owned companies that borrowed billions of dollars off-the-books, started to cast a pall on the economy and took a heavy toll on investor confidence.

Mozambique eventually was able to get its projects off the ground, with first exports of LNG launched in November 2022 through the offshore Coral Sul FLNG Project, operated by Eni. This marked the country's first LNG shipment to the international market. However, whereas this smaller project is active, larger, land-based LNG projects like TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG project in Cabo Delgado remain suspended due to security concerns.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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For decades, most major US tech companies and investors steered clear of the Pentagon.

Some were turned off by the labyrinth of contracting rules that left most business in the hands of giants like Lockheed Martin and RTX. Others balked at the ethical questions of building weapons and surveillance systems.

But Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and Chinas rapid military rise have changed that calculus.

Gone is the resistance that Google faced in 2018 when it let the Pentagon use its emerging artificial intelligence to analyze drone footage for target identification, the decision set off a storm inside the Silicon Valley giant. Employee protests forced management to retreat from the deal.

The backlash, driven by a vocal minority inside Google, reflected a broader unease among some tech workers about their innovations being harnessed for lethal or ethically questionable military uses.



That resistance has largely melted away, giving way to venture capitalists who are pouring billions into defense tech startups, while engineers are leaving some of Americas biggest companies to build the next generation of battlefield weapons.



Every company I talk to wants to make sure that if there is something they can do, they are doing it, Emil Michael, the Pentagons undersecretary for research and engineering, told a Washington defense technology conference last month, noting that the days when Silicon Valley shunned military work are completely over.

The rewards are clear. The Trump administration is looking at a $1 trillion defense budget.

OpenAI, the San Francisco-based artificial intelligence company signed a $200 million defense contract in June, its first formal contract ever with the Pentagon. The previous month, Meta announced it was teaming up with Anduril to build extended reality (XR) devices for the US military.

The developments have sparked engineers and investors to channel their talent and money into dual-use technologies that can serve both commercial and military purposes.

Some analysts say that in some ways, Silicon Valley is returning to its roots.

Long before it became a hub for consumer apps and smartphones, the region grew out of Cold War-era federal investments in electronics, semiconductors, and computing.

We have seen a real sea change, said Raj Shah, a former Air Force pilot who led the Pentagons first Defense Innovation Unit and now co-runs Shield Capital, a venture fund focused on defense startups.

Smart engineers are saying, I see whats happening in Israel, I see whats happening in Ukraine, and I cant take our way of life for granted. Instead of building a photo-sharing app, Im going to build something that helps preserve this peace.

Money Flows

Venture capital, private equity firms, and other tech companies poured more than $28 billion into the sector in the first half of 2025, already surpassing most recent full-year totals. By comparison, just $18 billion flowed into defense tech in all of 2019, according to PitchBook.



The funding surge spans autonomous systems, robotics, software, cybersecurity, new materials, space tech, biotech, quantum computing and energy storage.

Rising defense budgets abroad are helping.

NATO allies agreed in June to boost military spending to 5 percent of GDP, with 3.5 percent for core defense and 1.5 percent for related areas such as cybersecurity and the defense industrial base. Streamlined procurement procedures are also making it easier for startups to compete.

Still, breaking into the Pentagon remains one of the toughest challenges in business. Even SpaceX and Palantir  two of the most successful defense entrants in decades  had to sue the Defense Department to win contracts.



Credentials are required just to get in, and each of the eight procurement centers in the Pentagon has different rules, budgets, and timelines. Civilian-friendly follow-ups are rare, and job titles are often indecipherable.

Defense is not like other markets. Having the best technology will only get you so far. Success also hinges on understanding how the government buys, who the decision-makers are, and how to align with long-term programs of record, Point72 Ventures, a firm owned by billionaire investor Steve Cohen and that is focused on defense startups, said recently.

Matthew Steckman, president and chief business officer at Anduril, one of the largest defense tech startups by market capitalization, said the Pentagon is streamlining the way it procures weapons, but startups still struggle to land big orders that allow them to scale.

If I want to become an enduring capability, or even an enduring public company  which is the ambition of a lot of venture capitalist funded companies  I have to figure out a way to leap across those small pools of funding into mainline budgets, he told RFE/RL.

Last year, the Pentagon spent about $2 billion on products from defense startups  a sliver of its $850 billion budget, according to the Silicon Valley Defense Group, a nonprofit set up to bridge relations between the tech community and the Pentagon.

The change in investor attitudes toward the defense industry comes at a time when analysts are warning the US industrial base is not prepared for a drawn-out conflict like Ukraines, where tens of thousands of drones, for example, are launched each month.

For decades, they say, the US has prioritized high-cost, highly sophisticated systems like the F-35 fighter and Patriot missiles -- platforms difficult to produce quickly or in large numbers.

In the new physics of the battlefield, if you cant produce, you lose. And every war game basically says that, Steckman said.

Dialing back extreme performance requirements, he added, can yield massive gains on production.

Andurils Barracuda-M cruise missiles, for example, require just 10 tools to build, allowing rapid scale-up.

Many startups are also pursuing modular designs, making it easier to swap out parts or software as battle conditions evolve. Its a model borrowed from commercial giants like Apple and Tesla.

Flush with venture capital, startups are also accelerating development and prototyping, sidestepping the governments traditional decade-long acquisition cycles.

Anduril used private funding to design and field the Roadrunner -- a reusable vertical takeoff aircraft -- in just two years. The Pentagon rewarded that effort with a $250 million contract for 500 Roadrunners, which are capable of intercepting airborne threats.

Michael, the Pentagon research chief, said he wants more firms to tap their own capital for developing innovative systems.

The government cant take all the risk on risky projects. When there is more shared risk, that will lead to speed, that will lead to innovation, he said.

By RFE/RL

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Abu Dhabis energy major ADNOC has pulled a $18.7-billion bid for Australias Santos as the two failed to reach an agreement on the valuation of the company and the terms of the deal.

The Australian company said in a news release that The XRG Consortium would not agree to acceptable terms which protected the value of the Potential Transaction for Santos shareholders, and that would not agree to an appropriate allocation of risk between the XRG Consortium and Santos shareholders under the SIA. This included the obligation of the XRG Consortium to secure regulatory approvals and the provision of a reasonable commitment to the development and supply of domestic gas.

News about the deal between Santos and the XRG consortium, which, besides ADNOC, included Carlyle, first emerged this summer. In June, the consortium entered a non-binding agreement with Santos for its takeover at a price of $18.7 billion, with Santos approving this valuation, which represented a 28% premium to the companys stock price at the time.

It appears that, in the meantime, ADNOC and Carlyle got cold feet and withdrew their bid instead of signing the scheme implementation agreement they had struck with Santos ahead of the finalization of the deal.

Santos operates two large LNG facilities in Australia: Darwin LNG and Gladstone LNG. Santos is also the majority shareholders in the PNG LNG project in Papua New Guinea, after taking over Oil Search back in 2021. PNG LNG is considered one of the lowest-cost LNG projects globally and is the most attractive of its assets. The company also recently got the green light on another gas project, this time an onshore coal seam project, which will supply the local market and which will cost $2.3 billion to develop.

This is Santoss third try to sell the business. Talks with local sector player Woodside Energy fell through as did negotiations with Harbour Energy back in 2018.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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ExxonMobil doesnt plan a return to the Russian oil industry, the U.S. supermajors chief executive Darren Woods told the Financial Times on Thursday, noting that talks with Russia are being held on recouping billions of U.S. dollars of expropriated assets.

The U.S. and Russian administration have pushed for energy cooperation and the U.S. has reportedly pitched Exxons return to the Sakhalin 1 oil and gas project as an incentive for Vladimir Putin to sit down for negotiations for peace in Ukraine.

Executives from Exxon are part of discussions with Russian officials, but not about the supermajor to return to Russia, Woods told FT. Exxon is involved in the talks as it seeks to recoup $4.6 billion in assets that Russia has expropriated, the executive added.

We dont have any plans to re-enter Russia, Woods told FT in an interview published on Thursday.

This was really around settlement discussions around the arbitration associated with the expropriation of our assets in 2022, Exxons top executive said.

Earlier this week, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, said that the United States and Russia continue to discuss economic cooperation, including in the Sakhalin 1 oil project.

I can mention Sakhalin-1 as the most obvious example of discussions that have started, Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russias news agency Intefax, adding there are other areas in which talks have been held.

We are ready to deepen these discussions and are open specifically to practical cooperation, the Russian official said.

Exxon quit the Sakhalin-1 project after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which triggered an exodus of foreign oil firms and service providers.

To coincide with the Trump-Putin meeting, Vladimir Putin amended his decree from 2022 giving full Russian ownership to Sakhlain-1, and opened the door to a return of foreign companies to the oil and gas project.

Back in 2022, Putin signed a decree to seize the Sakhalin-1 project, in which Exxon held a 30% stake.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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A U.S. federal judge has ruled that defaulted bonds issued by Venezuelas state oil company PDVSA in 2016 remain valid, strengthening creditors claims on Citgo, the companys prized U.S. refining subsidiary, Reuters reported.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla in Manhattan said Thursday that PDVSAs 2020 bonds were properly issued under Venezuelan law, rejecting the companys argument that they had been unauthorized. The bonds are secured by a majority stake in Citgo Holding Inc., which operates refineries in Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois with capacity to process nearly 800,000 barrels per day.

PDVSA defaulted on the bonds in 2019, and since then Citgo has hung in the balance as courts weigh competing creditor claims. Failla had already upheld the bonds validity in 2020, but an appeals court ordered a deeper review, triggering years of litigation. Her latest ruling is seen as a major setback for Caracas, which had hoped to shield its U.S. assets from seizure, according to Reuters.

The decision comes as a Delaware court conducts a separate auction process to distribute shares of Citgos parent company, PDV Holding, to satisfy other creditor claims. That proceeding was temporarily suspended on Thursday to allow the court to examine the implications of Faillas ruling.

For Venezuela, the loss of Citgo would be a heavy blow. The Houston-based refiner has long been considered PDVSAs crown jewel abroad, providing not only foreign currency earnings but also a foothold in the U.S. downstream market. As Oilprice has noted, the asset has grown even more strategic as Venezuelas domestic refining system crumbles under years of underinvestment and sanctions.

With creditors ranging from bondholders to companies with arbitration awards circling Citgos equity, Thursdays ruling deepens uncertainty over how long Caracas can maintain any influence over its most valuable foreign subsidiary.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The European Union, widely seen as a frontrunner in the energy transition, will miss the deadline set by the United Nations for setting hard, binding emission-reduction targets in line with Paris Agreement stipulations.

The reason for this is internal disagreements about the targets, with some member states governments arguing that a 90% emission reduction target for 2040 from 1990 would be economic suicide.

Reuters reported earlier today that the news about the delay in target-setting will likely be announced later in the day after a meeting of member states climate and environment ministers. The ball will then be in the national leaders court, after several countries, including Germany, France, and Poland, insisted on this.

Leaders are meeting next month and will discuss the targets then. However, this means that the EU would not be able to submit its emission reduction plan to the United Nations by the deadline, which is the end of this month.

Earlier reports also pointed to a delay in the decision on the emission reduction targets, with Euronews citing EU diplomats as saying last week that member states were not ready to commit to the proposed targets.

Indeed, Slovakias environment minister went further than simply stating the country was not ready. He said the targets, as they are, would kill Slovakias economy. These ideological proposals [2040 climate target] are more proof that Brussels bureaucrats have already lost basic contact with reality. They have no idea what economic danger the European, and unfortunately, the Slovak industry is in, Tomas Taraba said.

We cannot support the text as it stands right now. It is not ideal geopolitical timing. Also, the text was put on the table quite late, an unnamed EU official told Euronews last week.

Critics of the European Unions climate change efforts have repeatedly argued that it is committing economic suicide by deindustrialization. GDP and industrial growth figures, along with electricity price trends, appear to support the argument: the strongest proponents of a transition seem to do worse than the cautious ones, and electricity prices are markedly higher in the countries most heavily reliant on alternative energy sources.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The penalties proposed in the European Unions climate and social responsibility legislation would be bone-crushing to any company, ExxonMobils chief executive Darren Woods told Bloomberg.

The EUs planned Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which is designed to prevent adverse human rights and environmental impacts across a companys value chains, has been severely criticized by U.S. officials and industry leaders, including U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

These rules and the EUs crusade toward net zero are a threat to the U.S.-EU trade deal, Secretary Wright told the Financial Times earlier this month.

I think those regulations significantly threaten the ability to implement the trade deal that was agreed to, he added.

Exxons Woods said on the Q2 earnings call last month that he hopes the ongoing U.S.-EU dialogue on trade would address the bone-crushing penalties in the EUs climate regulations.

In a more recent interview with Bloomberg, Woods said the EUs directive is the worst piece of legislation Ive seen since Ive been in this job.

Were concerned about the fact that theyre killing the manufacturing sector and frankly smothering economic growth driven primarily by the desire and effort to kill oil and gas as a way of addressing climate change, Woods added.

The plan to impose fines of up to 5% of the global revenue of a company found not compliant with the directive frankly would be bone-crushing to any company, Woods told Bloomberg.

Were concerned that frankly, there are few people who understand the implications of this.

Many companies outside the EU, including those in the U.S., have signaled they would rather not sell in Europe than pay significant border taxes, levies, penalties, or whatever the language will be when the final EU mechanisms will come into effect.

European lawmakers consider amendments to the ESG directive, as the top EU economies, Germany and France, have said the legislation could undermine the already weakened EU competitiveness.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Asias oil demand is growing in the autumn, too, whereas major importers like China keep stockpiling crude, so OPEC+ was right to continue boosting supply, Alexander Dyukov, chief executive at Russian oil producer Gazprom Neft, said on Thursday.

Global oil consumption rises in the summer. Typically, demand in Asia continues to rise in the autumn, too, Russian news agency TASS quoted Dyukov as saying at an energy forum in Russia.

Moreover, a number of importers, including China, are filling their strategic crude oil reserves. Thats why oil is in demand, the head of the oil arm of Gazprom said.

Early this month, the eight OPEC+ producers  Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman  tapped the 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) cuts announced in April 2023. The producers will return 137,000 bpd of these cuts to the market in October, in view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories, OPEC said.

Gazprom Neft has the technical capacity to increase production if OPEC+ quotas are further raised, Dyukov commented on the alliances policies and his companys ability to raise output.

We respond to changes in OPEC+ quotas and increasing production. We have the technical capacity to do so, the executive said.

Gazprom Neft expects growth in both production and refining by the end of the year, Dyukov added.

Apart from Russia, OPEC also sees robust oil demand growth this year, mostly from Asia.

Last month, the worlds top crude exporter, Saudi Aramco, expressed a very bullish view on demand in the second half of the year, with president and CEO Amin Nasser saying, Market fundamentals remain strong and we anticipate oil demand in the second half of 2025 to be more than two million barrels per day higher than the first half.

Analysts, however, expect the OPEC+ output hikes and growing production from South and North America to create a glut on the market later this year and early next year, and sink oil prices below $60 per barrel.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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SAIC Motor, one of Chinas biggest state-controlled auto manufacturers, looks to significantly reduce its current 49% stake in its Indian joint venture with Indias JSW Group, Reuters reported on Thursday, quoting sources with knowledge of the plans.

SAIC and Indian conglomerate JSW Group have created the JSW MG Motor joint venture to capitalise on the significant opportunities emerging in the fast-evolving Indian automotive sector.

However, the joint venture hasnt delivered on the Chinese auto giants expectations, according to Reuters sources.

Thats why SAIC has decided to slash its 49% stake and halt further investments in the Indian joint venture, the sources added.

A key reason for the decision is Indias restrictions on investments from neighboring countries enacted in April 2020.

Back then, India restricted investment coming from any country which shares a land border with India  Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan  to curb opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of Indian companies due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The India-China relations have been tense in recent years, including skirmishes on the border in 2020 and 2021.

Earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years for a high-profile summit with Russia to send a message of a new world order. Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping said India and China are partners, not rivals.

However, this rapprochement has yet to be seen in business ties.

China has eased its restrictions on exports of rare earth elements by approving a certain number of export licenses. Some shipments of rare earths and magnets, critical for auto manufacturing, to European countries and the United States have resumed. But not to India.

No Indian company has received yet approval from China to import rare earth magnets from the worlds dominant supplier. This has left Indian carmakers scrambling to design electric vehicles (EVs) that do not use rare earth elements.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The rates for chartering supertankers have surged to a nearly three-year high this month as more crude is moving out of the Middle East and the U.S. to Asia, Reuters reports, citing sources in the shipping industry and data from LSEG.

As OPEC+ continues to raise production, shipments out of the worlds key exporting region, the Middle East, are on the rise. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has slashed the prices of its crude loading for Asia next month, further incentivizing crude flows to the top oil-importing region.

The tanker fleet is now split between tankers and tanker owners complying with the sanctions on Iran and Russia and the price caps on Russian crude, and those that do not and enter the shadow fleet. This further squeezes supply for tankers to move crude around the world.

As a result of all these factors, the spot rate for a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) on the Middle East to China route jumped to at least $6.6 million, the highest level since November 2022, based on data compiled by LSEG and calculated by Reuters industry sources.

The rate per day for a VLCC  which can carry up to 2 million barrels of crude  is now about $87,000 to ship crude from Saudi Arabia to China, per Bloomberg estimates.

The earnings for supertanker owners are at their highest since 2023, the estimates showed.

Oil supply increases from the Americas and strong demand for long-distance shipments everywhere are supporting tanker rates, Lars Barstad, CEO at Norways tanker giant Frontline, told Bloomberg earlier this month.

The main drivers behind the surge in September has been the open arbitrage for U.S. Gulf to East Asia flows and the subsequent tightness created by vessels committing to these very long-haul voyages, Sentosa Shipbrokers told Reuters.

The supertanker spot rates are nearing the $100,000-per day threshold and analysts expect the momentum will be sustained through the end of the year amid rising exports from the Middle East, Lloyds List senior maritime reporter, Greg Miller, said in an analysis earlier this week.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Attendees Won't Want to Miss CTEK's New Products and Special Vehicle at SEMA 2025

CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CTEK, the global leader in battery management solutions, is making a high-powered return to the 2025 SEMA Show in Central Hall booth #23933. The company will unveil its next generation of products, headlined by a global product launch. The company will unveil eight all-new products for the U.S. across three key areas: consumer battery charging, professional workshop and showroom applications, andmarking an entirely new frontier for the brandbooster and jump starter solutions.

For decades, CTEK has helped drivers, enthusiasts, and professionals get the most out of their vehicles by ensuring batteries are always charged, connected, and ready. From everyday drivers to professional shops and showrooms, CTEK's expanded lineup delivers smarter, more powerful, and easier-to-use solutions across charging, boosting, and professional applications. Attendees can expect groundbreaking chargers, never-seen-before technology, and category-defining innovations that once again prove why CTEK is setting the pace in battery management.

A Tradition of Show-Stopping Vehicles

In addition to its product lineup, CTEK has become known for bringing unforgettable vehicles to SEMA, from Eleanor to WhippleD. This year's vehicle will be no exceptionan exclusive custom build by the Ruffian Cars that continues CTEK's tradition of pairing industry-leading technology with one-of-a-kind automotive craftsmanship.

More Than Just a Booth

Throughout the week, visitors to the CTEK booth will be treated to more than just product reveals and a killer vehicle. With special guest appearances, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences, CTEK is creating a must-visit destination for enthusiasts, media, and industry professionals alike.

"SEMA is where passion and innovation collide, and there's no better place to introduce our next generation of chargers," said Steve Hayes, head of North American operations. "This year, we're not just introducing productswe're expanding into new categories and setting new standards. From groundbreaking chargers to first-ever solutions, CTEK continues to power what's next for drivers, shops, and enthusiasts around the world."

What to Expect at SEMA 2025

Eight new products unveiled across consumer, professional, and booster/jump starter segments

A completely new category launch as CTEK enters the booster/jump starter space

Ruffian Cars' latest vehicle showcased in the booth, continuing CTEK's history of featuring extraordinary builds

Live booth activities all week long, including demos, guest appearances, and interactive sessions

See it All at SEMA 2025

CTEK invites all SEMA attendees to visit booth #23933 in the Central Hall to explore the full range of products, experience live demonstrations, get an exclusive look at a stunning custom vehicle from Ruffian Cars, and see the future of battery charging technology.

For more information, visit www.CTEK.com or follow @CTEKChargers on Instagram and Facebook.

About CTEK

 Established in Dalarna, Sweden, CTEK is the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions.

 CTEK offers products ranging from 12V and 24V battery chargers to charging solutions for electrical vehicles. CTEK's E-mobility solutions range from individual EV chargers to larger corporate and commercial installations with multiple charging stations, that require load balancing and integrate seamlessly with monitoring and payment equipment.

 CTEK's products are sold via a carefully selected network of global distributors and retailers: as original equipment; supplied to more than 50 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers; and through charge point operators, property owners and other organizations/individuals providing EV charging infrastructure.

 CTEK takes pride in its unique culture based on a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the transition to a greener mobility, by adhering to industry leading ESG standards.

Press Contact:

Michelle Suzuki

310-930-6655

SOURCE CTEK
Ukraine launched fresh drone attacks on Russian energy assets Thursday, hitting two refineries including Gazproms giant Neftekhim Salavat complex in Bashkortostan, more than 1,300 kilometers from Ukrainian-held territory. The strikes set fire to storage facilities and marked one of Kyivs deepest penetrations into Russian industrial infrastructure since the war began, as it continues to target the Kremlins oil revenues that feed its war coffer.

The new assaults came just hours after trade data published by Reuters showed Russias seaborne oil product exports jumped 8.9% in August compared with July, rising to 9.44 million metric tons. The surge highlights Moscows ability to keep product flows moving through its ports even as revenues fall under Western sanctions and repeated Ukrainian strikes.

Exports through the Baltic ports of Primorsk, Vysotsk, St. Petersburg, and Ust-Luga climbed 12.3% month-on-month to 5.33 million tons, while Black Sea and Azov Sea shipments gained 3.6% to 3.39 million tons. Far East flows increased 13.5% to 693,500 tons after refineries completed maintenance, though Arctic shipments dropped by nearly a quarter to just 30,700 tons.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported last week that Russian oil revenues fell to about $13.5 billion in August, among the lowest levels since the invasion, as crude and product discounts widened and reliance on shadow fleet tankers grew. The contrast between higher shipment volumes and declining earnings illustrates the pressure Moscow faces to maintain output against sanctions and price caps.

Kyiv has vowed to intensify drone operations against Russian refineries, fuel depots, and export terminals, while export data shows Moscows resilience, despite revenues being under strain.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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By Lars Larson

NW and national radio host,

The Northwest Nonsense

Oregons do nothing but still get paid legislature meets, again, today.

But their biggest decision gets put on hold for more weeks.

Consider the track record of these democrat party losers.

They meet for more than six months this summer and dont get the job done.

So, Governor Tina Kotek calls a special session for Labor Day, a classic, sneaky way to hide the ball.

Once again, they didnt get the job doneand thank God they did not. The single biggest tax increase in state history landing on citizens already battling the bad economy state government has created.

So, they put off the vote for two more weeks, till today, but still getting their per diem pay at 180-bucks a day times 90 members. Do the math.

Today, one of those democratsChris Gorsekis still ill and they need his vote to pass that massive taxso that gets delayed two more weeks, at least, with the paychecks still gushing taxpayer green.

I have an idea. Take the votedo it nowwith the votes you haveand let the tax idea die. Kotek can then actually do her jobtell ODOT to live within its meager 7 billion dollar budgetand if it doesnt, fire the bad managers and hire someone who can get er done.

That is, if Kotek isnt too busy dealing with her own domestic problems and taking vacations. Who does she think she is? Joe Biden?
Full text: Address by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng at opening ceremony of 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit

Xinhua) 09:55, September 18, 2025

NANNING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday in Nanning, capital city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China.

The following is the full text of the address:

Remarks by H.E. Han Zheng

Vice President of the People's Republic of China

At the Opening Ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and

China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit

Nanning, September 17, 2025

Honorable Leaders,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join so many friends, both old and new, for the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS). On behalf of the Chinese government, I would like to first express warm congratulations on the opening of the Expo and the Summit, and extend heartfelt welcome to all distinguished leaders and guests present today.

China and ASEAN countries enjoy geographical proximity, cultural affinity and a long history of friendly exchanges. The vision of building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home put forth by President Xi Jinping in 2021 is a new blueprint that has charted the course for China-ASEAN cooperation. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two sides, the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen in recent years. China considers ASEAN a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and firmly supports ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. Continued efforts have been made to deepen strategic mutual trust with ASEAN countries, and to foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. China-ASEAN relations have become the most successful and dynamic model of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and a vivid example of the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Together we work to ensure a high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We have fully concluded the negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0, and continued to advance regional economic integration and economic and trade cooperation. In 2024, bilateral trade in goods approached 1 trillion U.S. dollars, cementing our status as each other's largest trading partner for the fifth consecutive year, and two-way investment exceeded 450 billion U.S. dollars in total.

Together we keep expanding areas of cooperation. We have joined hands to build the digital economic partnership and actively advanced new energy cooperation in such areas as wind, hydro and solar power. A host of major signature projects such as railways, bridges and ports, and "small and beautiful" livelihood projects have been successfully implemented.

Together we remain committed to inclusiveness and mutual learning. Vibrant activities under the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges are well underway, cross-border travel has been made easier, and a growing number of people-oriented and relatable activities are building bridges of mutual understanding and friendship, bringing our people closer together.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

We live in a world where transformation unseen in a century is accelerating, humanity is facing challenges like never before, and the future of all countries are closely intertwined. Not long ago, China held the solemn commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This is not only a solemn tribute to a monumental legacy, but more importantly a resolute declaration on peaceful development. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to pursue harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation, and take a more proactive attitude and more practical steps to advance the building of the China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and contribute more to peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region.

First, we need to further synergize development strategies and continue to build a closer community with a shared future. China will take the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership in 2026 as an opportunity, and work with ASEAN to better align development strategies and enhance policy communication, carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.

Second, we need to speed up regional openness and cooperation and continue to elevate trade and investment cooperation. China will work with ASEAN to make China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 a success, continue the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, better link up our markets, and enhance hard connectivity of infrastructure and soft connectivity of rules. China will continue to expand import of competitive specialty products from ASEAN countries.

Third, we need to promote the interconnected development of industrial and supply chains and continue to expand cooperation in emerging industries. China will work together with ASEAN countries to safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains, further align industrial policies and step up cooperation on industrial parks, so as to build a more stable and smooth regional industrial and supply chain system based on comparative advantages. Following the trend of the latest round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, we need to jointly tap into the cooperation potential in frontier areas like artificial intelligence and deepen cooperation in such fields as digital and green development.

Fourth, we need to increase exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and continue to champion friendship and connection between the people. China will deepen cooperation with ASEAN in such areas as culture, tourism, youth and media, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and further facilitate mutual visits between our peoples to enhance understanding and affinity. We need to continue the China-ASEAN Young Leaders' Growth Program and the China-ASEAN Young Leaders' Roundtable Dialogue. We need to deliver more projects that enjoy people's support, serve their needs and improve their livelihood, so that China-ASEAN friendship can take a deeper root in people's hearts.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Today, China is striving to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. We will stay committed to providing the world with more opportunities through high-standard opening up and boosting the common development of all countries through high-quality development. The CAEXPO and CABIS are a grand gathering for promoting friendship and exchanges between China and ASEAN, and also an important platform for advancing regional development and cooperation. I hope you will make good use of this platform to deepen exchanges and cooperation, share opportunities and create a better future.

To conclude, I wish this year's CAEXPO and CABIS a full success.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
GEI Consultants, Inc. allegedly failed to provide employees with accurate wages due to missed meal breaks. This allegedly resulted in violations of various California Labor codes.

**THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT**

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sacramento employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that GEI Consultants, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The GEI Consultants, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CV019799, is currently pending in the Sacramento County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here .

According to the lawsuit filed, GEI Consultants, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods , (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct.

Allegedly, Defendant required Plaintiffs to perform work assignments while clocked out for what should have been Plaintiffs'off-duty meal break. Plaintiffs' were also required, from time to time, to work in excess of four (4) hours without being provided ten (10) minute rest periods. This resulted in Defendant allegedly rounding the meal period time to avoid paying penalties to Plaintiffs. Further, these employees were denied their first rest periods of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of at least two (2) to four (4) hours from time to time, a first and second rest period of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of between six (6) and eight (8) hours from time to time, and a first, second and third rest period of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked for ten (10) hours or more from time to time. Defendant allegedly violated Cal. Lab. Code  1194, 1197, and 1197.1.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against GEI Consultants, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today.

**THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT**

Media Contact

Nicholas De Blouw

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

(800) 568-8020

[email protected]

https://www.bamlawca.com/

SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP
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:

Caption:The monitoring platform is composed of a digital microscope housed within a custom 3D-printed support. Credit: The researchers.

The field of tissue engineering aims to replicate the structure and function of real biological tissues. This engineered tissue has potential applications in disease modeling, drug discovery, and implantable grafts.

3D bioprinting, which uses living cells, biocompatible materials, and growth factors to build three-dimensional tissue and organ structures, has emerged as a key tool in the field. To date, one of the most-used approaches for bioprinting relies on additive manufacturing techniques and digital models, depositing 2D layers of bio-inks, composed of cells in a soft gel, into a support bath, layer-by-layer, to build a 3D structure. While these techniques do enable fabrication of complex architectures with features that are not easy to build manually, current approaches have limitations.

"A major drawback of current 3D bioprinting approaches is that they do not integrate process control methods that limit defects in printed tissues. Incorporating process control could improve inter-tissue reproducibility and enhance resource efficiency, for example, limiting material waste," says Ritu Raman, the Eugene Bell Career Development Chair of Tissue Engineering and an assistant professor of mechanical engineering.

"Given the diverse array of available 3D bioprinting tools, there is a significant need to develop process optimization techniques that are modular, efficient, and accessible."

The need motivated Raman to seek the expertise of Professor Bianca Colosimo of the Polytechnic University of Milan, also known as Polimi. Colosimo recently completed a sabbatical at MIT, which was hosted by John Hart, Class of 1922 Professor, co-director of MIT's Initiative for New Manufacturing, director of the Center for Advanced Production Technologies, and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

"Artificial Intelligence and data mining are already reshaping our daily lives, and their impact will be even more profound in the emerging field of 3D bioprinting, and in manufacturing at large," says Colosimo.

During her MIT sabbatical, she collaborated with Raman and her team to co-develop a solution that represents a first step toward intelligent bioprinting.

"This solution is now available in both our labs at Polimi and MIT, serving as a twin platform to exchange data and results across different environments and paving the way for many new joint projects in the years to come," Colosimo says.

A new paper by Raman, Colosimo, and lead authors Giovanni Zanderigo, a Rocca Fellow at Polimi, and Ferdows Afghah of MIT published in the journal Device presents a novel technique that addresses this challenge. The team built and validated a modular, low-cost, and printer-agnostic monitoring technique that integrates a compact tool for layer-by-layer imaging.

In their method, a digital microscope captures high-resolution images of tissues during printing and rapidly compares them to the intended design with an AI-based image analysis pipeline.

"This method enabled us to quickly identify print defects, such as depositing too much or too little bio-ink, thus helping us identify optimal print parameters for a variety of different materials," says Raman.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

"The approach is a low-costless than $500scalable, and adaptable solution that can be readily implemented on any standard 3D bioprinter. Here at MIT, the monitoring platform has already been integrated into the 3D bioprinting facilities in The SHED.

"Beyond MIT, our research offers a practical path toward greater reproducibility, improved sustainability, and automation in the field of tissue engineering. This research could have a positive impact on human health by improving the quality of the tissues we fabricate to study and treat debilitating injuries and disease."

The authors indicate that the new method is more than a monitoring tool. It also serves as a foundation for intelligent process control in embedded bioprinting. By enabling real-time inspection, adaptive correction, and automated parameter tuning, the researchers anticipate that the approach can improve reproducibility, reduce material waste, and accelerate process optimization for real-world applications in tissue engineering.

More information: Giovanni Zanderigo et al, Modular and AI-Driven In Situ Monitoring Platform for Real-Time Process Analysis in Embedded Bioprinting, Device (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.device.2025.100927. www.cell.com/device/fulltext/S2666-9986(25)00240-6 Journal information: Device

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A female Diploderma bifluviale.. Credit: Bo Cai

Researchers from China just described a new species of mountain lizard from the upper Dadu River Valley in the Hengduan mountains of Sichuan Province.

Since 2018, the research team conducted numerous surveys in the upper reaches of the Dadu River. There, they encountered a lizard species that showed unique characteristics not previously observed among known Diploderma species in the region.

Through molecular biological analyses and morphological studies, they confirmed that this was indeed a previously unrecognized species and gave it the name Diploderma bifluviale, referencing the location where it was found: the confluence of two rivers, Chuosijia and Jiaomuzu.

Diploderma bifluviale is the 47th species of Diploderma in China. The genus Diploderma is distributed across East Asia and the northern part of the Indochinese Peninsula.

With a length of 67 cm, D. bifluviale has many distinctive features, such as its wheat-colored tongue and unique coloration. Unlike its closest relatives, it lives in semi-arid shrublands in warm-dry valleys at elevations of 2,100 to 2,500 m, residing in arid shrublands with small leaves and scattered rock piles.

"This discovery highlights the understudied biodiversity of the upper Dadu River," the researchers say in their paper, which was published in the journal ZooKeys.

A female Diploderma bifluviale. Credit: Bo Cai

The habitat of Diploderma bifluviale. . Credit: Bo Cai

The habitat of Diploderma bifluviale.. Credit: Bo Cai

More information: Fengjing Liu et al, A new species of Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 (Squamata, Agamidae) discovered in the upper Dadu River valley of the Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan, China, ZooKeys (2025). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1251.153705 Journal information: ZooKeys
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Credit: Anil Menon

When Anil Menon launches into space aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket next June, he'll bring two decades of experience as a physician, engineer, military pilot, and NASA flight surgeonand a highly personal understanding of risk.

"I would take on the risk to do this thing because I think there's an element of just pure inspiration to it," said Menon '99. "I do think, ultimately, the human spirit is uplifted by pushing forward in areas, whether it's developing something like Apple products, or going to space, or pushing forward research and medicine. All these things are super important."

Menon's career has been a series of risks. After graduating from Harvard, he earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and a medical degree from Stanford Medical School. He joined the California Air National Guard during his residency in emergency medicine, later deploying to Afghanistan.

He went on to pursue a residency in aerospace medicine at University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston, deploying twice with the Air Force critical care air transport team to treat and transport wounded troops. In 2014, he started as a NASA flight surgeon, supporting long-duration crew members aboard the International Space Station.

Working on the ground to support astronauts aboard the ISS inspired Menon to take yet another leap. In 2022, he reported for training as a NASA astronaut. Two years of preparation followed: learning to fly the supersonic T-38 jet, studying Russian, and simulating spacewalks in underwater environments. His first expedition next year will have him conducting research on the space station for eight months.

"We have this chance to do something togetheras ground controllers, NASA, the whole space flight community, commercial companiesthat's just impossible when you think about it: putting someone into this harsh environment, getting them out of Earth's gravity, staying up there and living up there."

As his flight date approaches, he's feeling pretty calm about it all. "Warren Buffett has this quote, 'Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing.' I think we try to understand everything we're doing, take all the steps to prepare for space walks or launching to space, so that risk is minimized to the greatest extent possible. I'm OK with that."

Around the same time Menon was approved to join the NASA program, his wife was facing a risky decision of her own. Anna Menon, an engineer, was offered the opportunity to fly on Polaris Dawn, the private spaceflight operated by SpaceX. The flight would go farther afield than any humans had gone since NASA's Apollo program and would include novel technologies, including intersatellite laser communication links and spacesuits for work outside the capsule.

"That's where I think this inspiration element came in," he said. "It was important to us to follow these kinds of passions, to show that to our kids, to take on challenges, and be who we ultimately are in our hearts."

Polaris Dawn launched on Sept. 10, 2024, and flew in an elliptical orbit roughly 870 miles away from Earth before landing safely in the Gulf of Mexico just under five days later. Anna Menon and fellow astronaut Sarah Gillis made history by flying farther from Earth than any women before them. (Another woman, Peggy Whitson, holds the record for most cumulative days in space, with 675 across multiple missions.)

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It was transformative for Anna Menon to go through something challenging, her husband said, despiteor perhaps because ofthe risks. He believes the spaceflight community will need to accept more risk as commercial flight expands.

Traditionally, the approach is conservative. Screen rigorously, allow only the healthiest candidates to fly, and minimize every possible risk. Prospective astronauts are tested for everything from fasting blood glucose to color vision to bone mineral density; they must pass a physical fitness test and psychological exam.

But as more civilians go to space, new questions about health and risk are starting to arise. In 2021, the actor William Shatner became the oldest person to reach space at the age of 90. That same year, 29-year-old physician assistant Hayley Arceneaux, a bone cancer survivor, was the first person in space with a prosthetic leg. "We didn't know anything about flying that type of condition to space," Menon said.

"We're shifting to saying, 'Where is that limit of, you absolutely would be in a life-threatening condition if you went to space, like your probability is just so high that it's unreasonable to fly there?'" Menon said.

"I wonder if an informed person who's OK with the gray area you're going to have around the margins of your confidence interval, should be allowed to, knowingly and with full awareness, take on higher levels of risk."

He added, "You can't get to Mars, you can't even get to the moon with zero risk. You can't get to space with zero risk. So where is that line?"

Provided by Harvard Gazette

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
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Scientists are still untangling the mess created by a decades-old butterfly heist.

Almost eight decades after Colin Wyatt stole and then vandalized thousands of precious Australian butterfly specimens, scientists are still untangling his web of deception.

Between 1946 and 1947, the British ski champion and acclaimed painter charmed his way into museums in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide and pilfered 3,000 of the insects.

He then painted their wings to make them look like different species and stripped labels to erase vital records about which specimen belonged to which museum.

His motive remains a mysteryWyatt later blamed the breakdown of his marriage.

Wyatt died in a plane crash in 1975 and most of his collection was sold to museumssending his mislabeled insects to all corners of the globe.

Decades on, lepidopterists are still struggling to repair the damage.

"He created such a taxonomic mess, it will never really be able to be sorted out," Museums Victoria's head of strategic collection management Maryanne McCubbin told AFP.

"I just get so angry. It is a despicable criminal act and it has huge scientific consequences," she said.

"He had no right to steal collections that we hold on behalf of the public."

The numbers are staggering.

In Melbourne, Wyatt smuggled 827 lepidopteranswinged insects that include butterflies and mothsout of the museum in tin containers in a single weekend.

He stole another 1,500 butterflies from a museum in Sydney as well as 603 from the Adelaide Museum.

Those butterflies now must be affixed with a label designating them as having "passed through C. W. Wyatt Theft coll. 19461947".

Thousands of species, including rare indicator specimens, were stolen in the mega-heist.

'A really vindictive theft'

"It was a really vindictive theft," Victoria Museum collection manager of terrestrial invertebrates Simon Hinkley told AFP.

"Never in my lifetime have I seen something like this."

Wyatt posted the almost 3,000 stolen butterflies back to Britain before fleeing.

The plundered pieces included holotypesthe original specimen from when the species was first officially described.

There were also samples of rare metallic blue butterflies that often fly at the top of treescaught by a net-wielding collector who strapped himself to tree trunks, local media reported at the time.

The empty museum drawers were not discovered until later.

But it did not take long for the museums to narrow down a suspect and contact London authorities.

Police found Wyatt at home with the stolen Australian butterflies, part of a collection nearing 40,000, TIME magazine reported at the time.

A British judge let him off with a 100 pound fine, equivalent to 5,000 pounds ($6,800) today.

The Australian specimens were repatriated, with staff from the three facilities taking more than nine days to sort the colorful fliers and return them home.

Specimens stolen from Australia are still being discovered in collections around the world.

From Munich to Melbourne

Since the heist, museums have used taxonomists to examine butterfly collections and identify where specimen label data does not match their knowledge of that speciesa never-ending puzzle.

But not all of them made it back and Wyatt's stolen butterflies are still being found.

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A precious holotype butterfly was discovered in Munich in 2022, mislabeled for almost eight decades.

It was only after a skilled entomologist spotted the Peacock Jewel and realized that it belonged to the Melbourne facility that the butterfly was returned.

The flying jewel, which has iridescent peacock-green and orange wings, will be hand-delivered to Melbourne.

In another case, a lepidopterist in Canberra found a butterfly had been painted to resemble another species and mislabeled.

Hinkley said he wonders how many more specimens are incorrectly labeled.

"If I could go back and meet him and get him before he did that, I'd be keen to ask him why he did it," he said.

"The damage he did was significant," he said.

"What he did messes with the whole collection... you can't trust anything that has been through his hands."

 2025 AFP
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Organic beekeeping can support healthy and productive honey bee colonies, and a new study led by researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has found that adopting organic honey bee colony management is not only profitable, but in some cases, it can be even more profitable than conventional management.

The study, published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, found that beekeepers adhering to organic management standards earn profits comparable to those of beekeepers who use conventional management practices. The United States does not offer official organic certification for honey in the continental U.S., even if organic management standards are followed, because the standards require any crops or plants within 1.8 miles of hives be free of synthetic chemicals and that cannot be guaranteed in this geographic area.

The researchers also found that if beekeepers use organic management practices over time, they can even produce 50% more honey than when following conventional management practices.

Margarita Lopez-Uribe, Lorenzo L. Langstroth Early Career Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, said she hopes the findings will incentivize beekeepers to consider organic management practices as an option for their operations.

"Our research demonstrates that you can manage your colonies following organic standards and don't need to use synthetic pesticides to keep colonies healthy," she said. "It also provides evidence-based recommendations for what beekeepers can do to avoid these synthetic pesticides."

Organic beekeeping comes with benefits, the researchers said. For example, products coming from the colonies will have lower amounts of pesticides, and the beekeepers themselves have less direct exposure to pesticides.

"Avoiding the use of synthetic miticides circumvents the impacts of miticide-resistant parasitic mites, which were a major factor in overwintering colony losses across the country during the 202425 winter," added Robyn Underwood, Penn State Extension apiculture educator and a co-author on the paper.

But despite these benefits, Lopez-Uribe said there are many barriers to the practice being more widespread, including confusion about what organic beekeeping actually means.

"Organic beekeeping is not chemical-free beekeeping, and it does not mean that you do not control any of the pests that you have in the colony," she said. "On the contrary, it involves having a deep care for the welfare of the colony in such a way that iffor exampleVarroa mite levels go above a certain threshold, you take an active role in controlling them."

Map of the state of Pennsylvania, USA, indicating the location of four farms where 144 honey bee colonies were kept for the duration of the study. At each farm, colonies from chemical-free, conventional, and organic operations were distributed across 3 apiaries. Credit: Journal of Economic Entomology (2025). DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaf133

A previous study by the researchers found that beekeepers can manage healthy and strong honey bee colonies using organic practices. With the current study, the team wanted to examine whether organic beekeeping management practices could be profitable, too.

The researchers compared three honey bee colony management systemsconventional, chemical-free and organicover three years.

In the chemical-free approach, the beekeepers avoided any products not derived from bees, which means Varroa mitesa parasite that causes significant damage to bee coloniesare not controlled by miticides. Instead, beekeepers relied on stocking their colonies with mite-resistant bees or using nonchemical ways to control them.

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While the organic approach prohibited synthetic pesticides, beekeepers could use organic acids, essential oils and integrated pest management approaches following the National Organic Program's recommendations.

For their experiment, the researchers established multiple colonies utilizing each management system on four certified organic farms across Pennsylvania. Over the next three years, they visited each colony every few weeks to monitor the bees. The researchers also tracked the revenue, profits and colony survival across the different system operations.

The researchers found that the chemical-free management system resulted in economic losses, while operations using the conventional or organic system generated revenue. Honey production and bee production were highest in the organic and conventional management systems, resulting in profits that were 14 and 11 times higher, respectively, than in the chemical-free management system.

By the third year, honey production was 50% higher in operations using an organic management system than in operations using a conventional management system.

Lopez-Uribe said the findings suggest that mite control is critical for the profitability of bee colonies, especially since 2025 has been the worst year on record for honey bee colony losses in the U.S. She added that the study shows that beekeepers can follow organic beekeeping practices while still controlling these harmful pests.

The researchers said that in the future, additional studies could help in creating more specific recommendations for management practices that will help maximize profits for small and mid-size beekeeping operations.

Timothy Kelsey, professor of agricultural economics at Penn State, and Nash Turley, postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Entomology at Penn State, were also co-authors on this paper.

More information: Robyn M Underwood et al, Organic colony management practices are profitable for backyard beekeepers, Journal of Economic Entomology (2025). DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaf133 Journal information: Journal of Economic Entomology
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Credit: Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

What can women who aspire to become chief executive officers (CEOs) in America's "Bible Belt" expect from their careers?

"Traditional theories suggest religion reinforces patriarchal norms, potentially limiting women's rise to the top," says Brock University Professor of Accounting Samir Trabelsi.

But Trabelsi and his team turned that stereotype on its head in their study, "Religiosity and Gender Dynamics in Executive Leadership: Impact on CEO Appointments and Pay Disparities," published June 1 in the Journal of Business Ethics.

Trabelsi and then-master's student Maryam Vashahi (MSc '23), the study's co-author, found no significant relationship between local religiosity and the appointment of female CEOs.

Even more surprising, the researchers say, is that women who become CEOs in highly religious states earned more than their male peers.

"Women continue to be significantly underrepresented in CEO positions, making it essential to understand the factors that either create barriers or open pathways for their advancement," says Vashahi.

The team analyzed 2,936 CEO transitions in U.S.-listed firms between 1998 and 2021 along with religiosity measures from the Pew Research Center.

Religiosity is defined as being the expression of beliefs and practices in institutionalized religion and their influence on social behaviors and cultural norms in local settings.

The researchers expected that firms in states with stronger religious cultures would be less likely to appoint women CEOs, and that if women did attain the role, they would earn less than men.

Instead, the findings revealed an "exceptionalism premium," says Trabelsi.

"Because female CEOs are rare in these environments, they're seen as extraordinary and are compensated accordingly," he says.

The study also revealed a paradox: women CEOs continued to be paid less than their male counterparts in more secular states.

"We suggest some firms may promote women to signal diversity but fail to back that up with equitable pay, a practice sometimes described as performative diversity," says Trabelsi.

He also points out that both male and female CEOs in religious states earned less overall than their peers in secular states.

"So even though a woman CEO might out-earn a man in Alabama or Mississippi, she's still likely earning less than a woman CEO in California or New York," he says.

Another key finding was that companies with more women on their boards were significantly more likely to appoint a woman CEO, underscoring governance as a powerful lever for equity, he says.

In Canada, Trabelsi says only about 5% of TSX-listed companies had a woman CEO as of 2024, and Canadian women executives still earn about 40% less in total compensation than their male counterparts on average.

"From a governance perspective, Canadian regulators and boards could strengthen diversity and pay equity initiativesfor example, through enhanced transparency and leadership diversity targetsto help more women reach CEO roles and ensure they are compensated fairly once there," he says.

Trabelsi says the research team, which also included Professor of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Dave Bouckenooghe and Professor of Accounting Kareen Brown, hopes the study will spark broader conversations about governance and gender equity.

"Breaking the glass ceiling is only the first step," he says. "The real challenge is ensuring women are supported, compensated fairly and empowered once they get there."

More information: Dave Bouckenooghe et al, Religiosity and Gender Dynamics in Executive Leadership: Impact on CEO Appointments and Pay Disparities, Journal of Business Ethics (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10551-025-06029-2 Journal information: Journal of Business Ethics
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1: Adult screwworm fly with reddish orange eyes, metallic blue body and 3 dark stripes along its back. 2: Adult common housefly. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A parasitic fly whose maggots can infest living livestock, birds, pets and humans, could threaten California soon.

The New World Screwworm has rapidly spread northward from Panama since 2023 and farther into Central America. As of early September, the parasitic fly was present in seven states in southern Mexico, where 720 humans have been infested and six of them have died. More than 111,000 animals also have been infested, health officials said.

In early August, a person traveling from El Salvador to Maryland was discovered to have been infested, federal officials said. But the parasitic fly has not been found in the wild within a 20-mile radius of the infested person, which includes Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

After the Maryland incident, the California Department of Public Health decided to issue a health advisory this month warning that the New World Screwworm could arrive in California from an infested traveler or animal, or from the natural travel of the flies.

Graphic images of New World Screwworm infestations show open wounds in cows, deer, pigs, chickens, horses and goats, infesting a wide swath of the body from the neck, head and mouth to the belly and legs.

The Latin species name of the flyhominivoraxloosely translates to "maneater."

"People have to be aware of it," said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious diseases specialist. "As the New World Screwworm flies northward, they may start to see people at the bordersthrough the cattle industryget them, too."

Other people at higher risk include those living in rural areas where there's an outbreak, anyone with open sores or wounds, those who are immunocompromised, the very young and very old, and people who are malnourished, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

There could be grave economic consequences should the New World Screwworm get out of hand among U.S. livestock, leading to animal deaths, decreased livestock production, and decreased availability of manure and draft animals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"It is not only a threat to our ranching communitybut it is a threat to our food supply and our national security," the USDA said.

Already, in May, the USDA suspended imports of live cattle, horse and bison from the Mexican border because of the parasitic fly's spread through southern Mexico.

The New World Screwworm isn't new to the U.S.

But it was considered eradicated in the United States in 1966, and by 1996, the economic benefit of that eradication was estimated at nearly $800 million, "with an estimated $2.8 billion benefit to the wider economy," the USDA said.

Texas suffered an outbreak in 1976. A repeat could cost the state's livestock producers $732 million a year and the state economy $1.8 billion, the USDA said.

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Historically, the New World Screwworm was a problem in the U.S. Southwest and expanded to the Southeast in the 1930s after a shipment of infested animals, the USDA said. Scientists in the 1950s discovered a technique that uses radiation to sterilize male parasitic flies.

Female flies that mate with the sterile male flies produce sterile eggs, "so they can't propagate anymore," Chin-Hong said. It was this technique that allowed the U.S., Mexico and Central America to eradicate the New World Screwworm by the 1960s.

But the parasitic fly has remained endemic in South America, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

In late August, the USDA said it would invest in new technology to try to accelerate the pace of sterile fly production. The agency also said it would build a sterile-fly production facility at Edinburg, Texas, which is close to the Mexico border, and would be able to produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week.

"This will be the only United States-based sterile fly facility and will work in tandem with facilities in Panama and Mexico to help eradicate the pest and protect American agriculture," the USDA said.

The USDA is already releasing sterile flies in southern Mexico and Central America.

The risk to humans from the fly, particularly in the U.S., is relatively low. "We have decent nutrition; people have access to medical care," Chin-Hong said.

But infestations can happen. Open wounds are a danger, and mucus membranes can also be infested, such as inside the nose, according to the CDC.

An infestation occurs when fly maggots infest the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, the CDC says. The flies "land on the eyes or the nose or the mouth," Chin-Hong said, or, according to the CDC, in an opening such as the genitals or a wound as small as an insect bite. A single female fly can lay 200 to 300 eggs at a time.

When they hatch, the maggotswhich are called screwworms"have these little sharp teeth or hooks in their mouths, and they chomp away at the flesh and burrow," Chin-Hong said. After feeding for about seven days, a maggot will fall to the ground, dig into the soil and then awaken as an adult fly.

Deaths among humans are uncommon but can happen, Chin-Hong said. Infestation should be treated as soon as possible. Symptoms can include painful skin sores or wounds that may not heal, the feeling of the larvae moving, or a foul-smelling odor, the CDC says.

Patients are treated by removal of the maggots, which need to be killed by putting them into a sealed container of concentrated ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, then disposed of as biohazardous waste.

The parasitic fly has been found recently in seven Mexican states: Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Yucatan. Officials urge travelers to keep open wounds clean and covered, avoid insect bites, and wear hats, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants, socks, and insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as effective.

2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: AI-generated image

The Artificial Intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, appeared to improvise ideas and make mistakes like a student in a study that rebooted a 2,400-year-old mathematical challenge.

The experiment, by two education researchers, asked the chatbot to solve a version of the "doubling the square" problema lesson described by Plato in about 385 BCE and, the paper suggests, "perhaps the earliest documented experiment in mathematics education." The puzzle sparked centuries of debate about whether knowledge is latent within us, waiting to be 'retrieved," or something that we 'generate' through lived experience and encounters.

The new study explored a similar question about ChatGPT's mathematical 'knowledge'as that can be perceived by its users. The researchers wanted to know whether it would solve Plato's problem using knowledge it already 'held," or by adaptively developing its own solutions.

Plato describes Socrates teaching an uneducated boy how to double the area of a square. At first, the boy mistakenly suggests doubling the length of each side, but Socrates eventually leads him to understand that the new square's sides should be the same length as the diagonal of the original.

The researchers put this problem to ChatGPT-4, at first imitating Socrates' questions, and then deliberately introducing errors, queries and new variants of the problem.

Like other Large Language Models (LLMs), ChatGPT is trained on vast collections of text and generates responses by predicting sequences of words learned during its training. The researchers expected it to handle their Ancient Greek math challenge by regurgitating its pre-existing 'knowledge' of Socrates' famous solution. Instead, however, it seemed to improvise its approach and, at one point, also made a distinctly human-like error.

The study was conducted by Dr. Nadav Marco, a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge, and Andreas Stylianides, Professor of Mathematics Education at Cambridge. Marco is permanently based at the Hebrew University and David Yellin College of Education, Jerusalem.

While they are cautious about the results, stressing that LLMs do not think like humans or 'work things out," Marco did characterize ChatGPT's behavior as "learner-like."

"When we face a new problem, our instinct is often to try things out based on our past experience," Marco said. "In our experiment, ChatGPT seemed to do something similar. Like a learner or scholar, it appeared to come up with its own hypotheses and solutions."

Because ChatGPT is trained on text and not diagrams, it tends to be weaker at the sort of geometrical reasoning that Socrates used in the doubling the square problem. Despite this, Plato's text is so well known that the researchers expected the chatbot to recognize their questions and reproduce Socrates' solution.

Intriguingly, it failed to do so. Asked to double the square, ChatGPT opted for an algebraic approach that would have been unknown in Plato's time.

It then resisted attempts to get it to make the boy's mistake and stubbornly stuck to algebra even when the researchers complained about its answer being an approximation. Only when Marco and Stylianides told it they were disappointed that, for all its training, it could not provide an "elegant and exact" answer, did ChatGPT produce the geometrical alternative.

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Despite this, ChatGPT demonstrated full knowledge of Plato's work when asked about it. "If it had only been recalling from memory, it would almost certainly have referenced the classical solution of building a new square on the original square's diagonal straight away," Stylianides said. "Instead, it seemed to take its own approach."

The researchers also posed a variant of Plato's problem, asking ChatGPT to double the area of a rectangle while retaining its proportions. Even though it was now aware of their preference for geometry, ChatGPT stubbornly stuck to algebra. When pressed, it then mistakenly claimed that, because the diagonal of a rectangle cannot be used to double its size, a geometrical solution was unavailable.

The point about the diagonal is true, but a different geometrical solution does exist. Marco suggested that the chance that this false claim came from the chatbot's knowledge base was "vanishingly small." Instead, ChatGPT appeared to be improvising its responses based on their previous discussion about the square.

Finally, Marco and Stylianides asked it to double the size of a triangle. The Chat reverted to algebra yet againbut after more prompting did come up with a correct geometrical answer.

The researchers stress the importance of not over-interpreting these results, since they could not scientifically observe ChatGPT's coding. From the perspective of their digital experience as users, however, what emerged at that surface level was a blend of data retrieval and on-the-fly reasoning.

They liken this behavior to the educational concept of a "zone of proximal development" (ZPD)the gap between what a learner already knows, and what they might eventually know with support and guidance. Perhaps, they argue, generative AI has a metaphorical "Chat's ZPD": in some cases, it will not be able to solve problems immediately but could do so with prompting.

The authors suggest that working with ChatGPT in its ZPD can help turn its limitations into opportunities for learning. By prompting, questioning, and testing its responses, students will not only navigate ChatGPT's boundaries but also develop the critical skills of proof evaluation and reasoning that lie at the heart of mathematical thinking.

"Unlike proofs found in reputable textbooks, students cannot assume that ChatGPT's proofs are valid. Understanding and evaluating AI-generated proofs are emerging as key skills that need to be embedded in the mathematics curriculum," Stylianides said.

"These are core skills we want students to master, but it means using prompts like, "I want us to explore this problem together," not, "Tell me the answer,'" Marco added.

The research is published in the International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology.

More information: An exploration into the nature of ChatGPT's mathematical knowledge, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1080/0020739X.2025.2543817
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In 2025, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence access for the public at large also means growing concern about the mental health impact of screen time on children and their AI engagement.

Concerns encompass the harvesting of children's personal data and children's and teens' vulnerability in dialog with AI chatbotssome now in cuddly stuffed animals.

There are also risks that the promise of AI for learning and companionship could deprive children of the essential human relationships and hands-on play experiences that are foundational for their well-being and cognitive development.

AI is entering classrooms quickly, whether through children's own AI use or lesson plans. The New York Times recently reported on an AI school in Texas that replaced teachers with "guides," and AI-led lessons. Many apps, meanwhile, promise to diagnose, assess and "optimize" children's learning.

As a researcher with expertise in how early education shapes children's learning and developmental trajectories, and a retired practicing psychotherapist, I amplify educator calls for caution. We need to regulate technologies and safeguard children's privacy, especially considering the rapid rate that children adapt to technology.

72 million data points by age 13

In the transition back to fall routines, educators and parents concerned with the benefits of children's active outdoor play for their well-being struggle to balance such play with the return to more sedentary and online routines.

A recent Organization for Economic Development Report entitled "How's Life for Children in the Digital Age?" outlines the importance of a "four-pillar" approach to enhancing child well-being that involves parents and guardians, a legal and policy framework, teachers and schools and the voices of children themselves.

Concern over children's mental health in the digital world is hardly new. Advocacy groups such as FairPlay for Kids and their 5 Rights Foundation have long pushed for stronger monitoring and regulation, urging tech companies to put children's needs ahead of corporate profit.

They have amassed "overwhelming evidence" that child-targeted marketing, and the excessive screen time it fuels, undermines healthy development. By the time a child turns 13, technology companies may have already amassed up to 72 million data points on themand there is virtually no regulation governing how that information is used.

OECD data shows that 70% of 10-year-olds in developed countries own a smartphone, and by age 15, at least half of them spend 30 or more hours a week on their devices.

Called "persuasive design," techniques like infinite scroll, autoplay, intermittent rewards and eye-catching design are used to hook children and keep them glued to screens, reshaping childhood.

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From cognitive off-loading to emotional mining

AI, with its growing ability to "think" for us, is accelerating cognitive off-loading, outsourcing mental effort to machines. For young children whose neural pathways for reasoning are still forming, this is especially troubling. If for adults this sounds abstract, ask yourself how many phone numbers you can remember without your device.

What researchers call "emotional AI" goes even further, mining facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, text sentiment and even heart rate to engage children more deeply. The technology is increasingly built into smart toys, wearables and, perhaps most concerning, AI chatbots that children or teens turn to for comfort.

The stakes are high: without deliberate safeguards, we risk not just outsourcing children's memory and reasoning, but compromising their opportunities to develop empathy and emotional resilience.

Policymakers' lag on digital regulation

Researchers are increasingly recognizing the risk to student mental health, and there are growing calls for stronger oversight and regulation. In law, and with regulation and guidance in schools and in the home, student mental health and privacy protection should be prioritized.

But policy experts note regulatory efforts in Canada related to youth and data exploitation are wanting.

The Liberal government's proposed Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, died with Parliament's prorogation in 2025, and with it the promise of a Digital Safety Commission with the power to audit and penalize companies.

Calls have grown for the federal government to revisit the act again.

Privacy commissioner consultations

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada recently held consultations on the need for Canada to follow international trends in digital regulation, with the consultation window closing in mid-August.

Forty-one leading civil organizations, academic institutions and experts endorsed a joint statement outlining 15 principles for effective oversight, inspired by the United Kingdom's age-appropriate design code. The top principle: the best interests of the child.

Some voices of children

But never underestimate a child. When social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, and a team of researchers collaborated on a Harris Poll of more than 500 children between the ages of eight and 12 in the United States, they found something striking.

While most children said they weren't allowed out in public alone, and more than half had never walked down a grocery aisle unaccompanied or used a sharp knife, their online use was remarkably unsupervised.

But when asked how they prefer to spend their leisure time, only a quarter mentioned their devices, favoring free play with their friends, and 87% of surveyed children said they wished they could spend more time with their friends in person outside of school.

Parents and educators are navigating a world where screens, algorithms and AI companions compete for children's attention and shape their development.

In this context, the humble call from kids for more unstructured play with friends is not nostalgia; it's a health intervention. Protecting that space may do more to safeguard their cognitive and emotional growth than any app, program or device ever could.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Foundation recognizes Aran Zakeri, Erin Nagai, Nathaniel Blackshear, and Nikita Nimmagadda who are ardently pursuing degrees in the healthcare field. We hope this scholarship opens new doors and empowers them to achieve extraordinary heights

MIAMI, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future ("For A Bright Future") ("FABF"), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of underrepresented and underprivileged children through education, healthcare, the arts, and youth leadership development, awarded its 2024 Veterans & Families Scholarship to Aran Zakeri, 20, of California; Erin Nagai, 18, of California; Nathaniel Blackshear, 19, of Texas; and Nikita Nimmagadda, 18, of Alabama.

Aran Zakeri is seeking a degree in Human Biology at the University of California, San Diego, where he maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. He is committed to learning everything he can in the field of healthcare. Aran has volunteered at various clinics and founded UMPS, a student organization which advocates for healthcare professionals.

"Getting this scholarship for the second time means a lot. I can now expand my nonprofit Undergraduate MD/PhD Society (UMPS) 501(c)(3) to empower more underserved students to pursue MD/PhD careers," said Aran Zakeri.

Erin Nagai is pursuing a degree in Psychology and Pharmacology at Brown University, where she has earned a weighted GPA of 4.75. As a caregiver to her autistic brother, Erin has also overcome personal trauma, including domestic violence. A champion athlete and volunteer, she is dedicated to one day making a meaningful impact in her community.

"Appreciation, joy, and motivation. I am honored to be receiving this scholarship as it will help me further my academic education and career goals," said Erin Nagai.

Nathaniel Blackshear is seeking a degree in Nursing at Texas A&M University, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA. Despite facing the tragic loss of his mother and living as an unaccompanied homeless youth, Nathanial has been an active leader in music and healthcare clubs. He aspires to become a Nurse Anesthetist and help others with his passion for care.

"The Healthcare Scholarship Award is paramount for my academic and career goals, pushing me a few steps towards providing equitable health services for underserved communities," said Nathaniel Blackshear.

Nikita Nimmagadda is pursuing a degree in Pediatrics at New York University. Growing up in Alabama in a single-parent household, Nikita knew from a young age that her main priority would be to be able to take care of her mother and brother who are both on the spectrum. She views medicine as a field that also helps patients maintain their autonomy and aspires to major in Public Policy related to healthcare so that she can one day help in shaping a better healthcare system for the American people.

"With the FABF Healthcare Scholarship, I am able to pursue my goal of making a positive impact in treating rural and underserved areas through the support of my capabilities from the FABF Foundation," said Nikita Nimmagadda.

For A Bright Future Foundation was founded by Louis Hernandez, Jr., CEO of Black Dragon Capital, a multi-phased investment firm focused on advanced technologies in high-growth segments that strengthen economic stability within communities. Committed to illuminating the path to success, the foundation provides scholarships emphasizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), financial technology, healthcare, and education. These opportunities are tailored to uplift students from underserved demographics, including single-parent households and families with military backgrounds.

The 2024 Healthcare Scholarship For A Bright Future supports and inspires exceptional students to pursue impactful careers in healthcare. We hope this scholarship opens new doors and empowers them to achieve extraordinary heights.

For A Bright Future empowers underserved communities by championing equal access to education. In 2024, the Foundation received nearly 6,000 applications, underscoring the critical need for educational support. Through rigorous evaluation by expert reviewers, scholarships are awarded to exceptional students who excel academically and demonstrate a passion for community impact, creating a new generation of leaders and changemakers.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our esteemed Scholarship Committee leadership: Chairwoman Susie Hernandez and Vice-Chairwoman Jennifer Oddo, for their unwavering dedication to our cause. In addition, we are grateful to the Healthcare Scholarship selection team: David Dame, Partner at Sorenson Capital Partners; aJane Buckingham, Retired Therapist.

Our thanks also go to the For A Bright Future operational team under the leadership of Gina Rogoto, SVP of Operations and Programs. We have been able to discover exceptional students deserving of a brighter future due to their steadfast facilitation of the scholarship process.

Contact:

Gina Rogoto, SVP of Operations & Programs ,

For A Bright Future

Email: [email protected]

About Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future

Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of underrepresented and underprivileged children through education, healthcare, the arts, and youth leadership development. Our initiatives provide equal opportunity for all children to have the tools and opportunities to fulfill their life goals and become constructive members of our global community.

To learn more or support For A Bright Future educational programs, please visit our donation page at www.forabrightfuturefoundation.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

SOURCE Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future
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A statistical analysis of how the IMD distribution of funded NFM projects for both rural and urban settings in 2017 and 2021 programmes compare to the national IMD distribution. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02706-2

A new study co-authored by the University of Lincoln, U.K., reveals that competitive funding schemes designed to support nature-based solutions (NbS) for flood management may be unintentionally deepening inequalitieswith deprived communities at greater flood risk missing out on crucial protection.

Using natural processes, NbS reduces flood risk by slowing water flow, increasing water storage. From the restoration of wetlands, to planting trees and reconnecting rivers to their natural floodplains, these methods are increasingly promoted worldwide as cost-effective and climate-friendly ways to reduce flood risk while boosting biodiversity.

The research, in collaboration with the universities of Leicester and Loughborough, identified that when such projects are funded through competitive tenders, wealthier communities are more likely to benefit. The study is published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

The team analyzed two U.K. Government programs which allocated more than 40 million to flood management projects between 2017 and 2023. They discovered that successful funding was favored in wealthier areas, with applications and awarded projects disproportionately located in more affluent communities, leaving deprived areas underrepresenteddespite often facing higher flood vulnerability.

At funding application stages, noted barriers were that areas with fewer community resources and technical expertise were less likely to apply successfully for funding.

The research has also identified a climate resilience gap; while NbS aim to deliver synergistic benefits such as improved well-being and greener local spaces, the current system risks reinforcing existing inequalities instead of reducing them.

Bart Hill, project lead at the University of Lincoln and graduate of the same university, explained: "This isn't an argument against competitive tenders; it's a call to modernize them. We need to balance cost-benefit with fairness, with equity considerations in the assessment process, funding to support grant applications and build capacity in deprived areas, and monitoring who benefits and where.

"By doing so, we can ensure nature-based solutions deliver protection where it's needed most, not just where it's easiest to implement."

Tim Marjoribanks, Senior Lecturer in Water Engineering at Loughborough University, added, "It's encouraging to see growing attention on nature-based solutions for tackling flooding. These approaches not only help reduce flood risk but can also bring wider benefits, such as boosting biodiversity.

"At the same time, the research highlights a need to ensure this shift to funding more natural flood management is implemented carefully to avoid unintended consequences."

The study highlights an urgent need to rethink NbS funding mechanisms if they are to deliver on their promise of equitable climate adaptation and makes several recommendations for improvement. These include simplifying the application process to support under-resourced communities, stratifying funding assessments to ensure deprived and high-risk areas are not overlooked. In addition, the study suggests that embedding equity and inclusion into tender designmuch like employment diversity standardswill better serve the needs of these rural areas.

With climate change predicted to increase the frequency and severity of flooding across the UK and globally, ensuring fair access to NbS funding is vital. The researchers warn that without revision, competitive tendering could lock in a cycle where only affluent regions benefit from nature-led flood defenses, continuing to leave vulnerable communities exposed.

More information: Bartholomew Hill et al, Market-based instruments to fund nature-based solutions for flood risk management can disproportionately benefit affluent areas, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02706-2 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment
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Aerial view of the debris cone at Blatten on 11 June 2025. Credit: ARES, UZH

In May, a landslide above Blatten in the canton of Valais buried most of the village under a mass of ice, mud and rock, an event that has prompted in-depth research. At a recent conference in Innsbruck, UZH researcher Christian Huggel presented his findings on the link between the landslide and climate change.

A whole series of factors need to come together for a landslide to occur. This summer, in the canton of Valais, a large chunk of the peak of the Kleines Nesthorn mountain crumbled and crashed onto the Birch glacier below. The glacier was unable to carry the extra load and eventually collapsed. Masses of rock and ice thundered into the valley, forming a dam that turned the Lonza river into a small lake. Most of the village of Blatten was buried under the debris, while another part was flooded.

It is rare for an entire glacier to collapse, according to Christian Huggel. The UZH glaciologist specializes in climate change attribution, which links specific events to climate change factors. He is one of the main authors of the relevant chapters in the two latest reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

"Climate change played a key role at the Nesthorn," says Huggel. "Of course, the geology, especially the layering and composition of the rock, is the key factor in such an event," he explains. But without the warming brought about by climate change, Huggel believes the landslide in the Valais would either not have occurred at all, or only centuries later.

Increasing instability

The UZH glaciologist lists three factors that are clearly linked to rising temperatures and were decisive in the Blatten event: the melting Birch glacier, the warming of permafrost in the rock, and the decrease in mountains' snow, firn ice and ice cover during summer.

The heavy mass of glaciers pushes against the slopes of mountains, exerting a stabilizing force. When a glacier melts, this counterpressure disappears, which results in the slope becoming less stable and more likely to crumble or collapse.

In addition, the Kleines Nesthorn is in a permafrost zone. Modeling by UZH glaciologist Wilfried Haberli has shown that rising temperatures extend deep below the surface. This can, for example, cause the ice in rock crevices to melt or allow more meltwater to seep into the rock. If it then refreezes in winter or at night, the expanding ice can fracture and destabilize the rock.

"We can't say precisely which processes are taking place inside the rock at the Kleines Nesthorn, as they're highly complex," says Huggel. What is clear, however, is that thawing permafrost is undermining the stability of the rock, adds the glaciologist.

Images of the Kleines Nesthorn and Birch Glacier in 2022 (left) and September 1980 (right). The decline in snow cover is clearly visible. Credit: Swisstopo

Missing snow and ice cover

In the past, the slopes of the Nesthorn mountain were covered with snow and firn far more heavily and for much longer than today. A comparison of aerial photos taken in the 1980s with images from today shows that there is hardly any snow or ice on the mountain in summer. "Without this cover, heat can penetrate even more deeply into the rock, and the surface begins to crack," explains Huggel.

All three factorsthe loss of stabilizing pressure from glacial retreat, the warming of the ground, and reduced snow and firn covercame together at the Kleines Nesthorn and the Birch glacier. Combined, they contributed to a large amount of rock and debris falling onto the glacier in a very short time, which ultimately led to its complete collapse.

Rare event

Back in 2002, the collapse of the Kolka glacier in the Caucasus mountain range drew international attention, when more than a hundred people lost their lives in an avalanche of ice and debris. At the time, it was considered a one-off event, says Huggel. But since then, several similar cases have been observed and analyzed scientifically around the world.

"This has given us a much better understanding of the processes that can lead to a collapse," the researcher explains. A glacier collapse of this magnitude had never been observed in the Alps. Until it happened in Blatten, such an event was unthinkable for many people.

Take climate change seriously

Even if events of this magnitude are unlikely to occur in the Alps more frequently over the coming years, Huggel believes it is important for people to take the links to climate change seriously. "Some voices tend to see the landslide as a rare event that is not directly linked to climate change," he says.

And yet, Switzerland has seen a substantial rise in temperatures since the 1980s. "It is twice as high as the global average," Huggel says. This means the country is far more heavily affected by climate change than many people assume. As a scientist, Huggel is able to point out the consequences of rising temperatures and support our society and policymakers adapt to climate change.

More information: IPCC Reports, www.ipcc.ch/reports/
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new surveyimplemented within the research project CAPABLEfinds that several climate change mitigation policies are supported by a majority of the respondents across the European Union. For instance, 70% of the European population would support the creation of an EU Rail Fund, while 55% would support both household insulation mandates and banning private planes.

According to Keith Smith at ETH Zurich, lead researcher of these surveys, "these policies are likely to have greater acceptability across the EU, and can present more low-hanging fruit opportunities for policymakers."

On the opposite side of the spectrum, certain policies are seen negatively by a vast majority of the public in all the countries surveyed, including most notably taxes, like the ones on beef and flights and bans, or the ones on fossil fuel cars, receiving the lowest scores.

Countries

Also across countries, some wide differences are noticeable. South-European countries, such as Greece, France and Italy, show support for at least five of the policies proposed, while overall the level of support is lower in Eastern European countries, like Poland and the Czech Republic.

Demographics

Looking closer into socio-demographics, women, higher-educated individuals, and younger persons are nevertheless consistently more willing to support all the climate policies queried across all the countries surveyed.

Policy implications

"These preliminary results highlight the important heterogeneity of climate policy support in Europe, but also a potential way to garner majority support for effective climate action," adds Johannes Emmerling, coordinator of the CAPABLE project.

These findings highlight the diversity of climate policy support, emphasizing the need for a tailored and multidimensional policymaking approach to develop robust constituencies for feasible and effective measures.

Methodology

The results are part of a large-scale survey about the opinions of European citizens on climate policies. The data were collected between June 24 and August 27, 2024 and include responses from 19,328 individuals representing the general populations of Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Participants completed a survey on climate change and politics, which included expressing their opinions on 15 climate change mitigation policies.

These 15 policies were selected based on their relevance to ongoing policy debates and existing climate strategies within the EU. For each policy proposed, participants indicated their level of support on a 7-point Likert scale: from strongly opposing a particular policy to strongly supporting it.

CMCC is coordinating 11 European research institutions participating in this project, CAPABLE, which aims to provide recommendations on the development of climate policy measures for 2030 and beyond.

More information: CAPABLE online tool.

Provided by CMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change
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A healthy Radianthus magnifica, photo taken in 2022. Credit: Morgan F. Bennett-Smith

The Red Sea, circled by desert landscapes, is home to marine life accustomed to the water's bathtub-like temperaturesoften reaching 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. But in the past three years, marine heat waves have made the Red Sea even hotter. Rising ocean temperatures, there and around the world, have been devastating for many sea creatures, including an iconic ocean duo: clownfish and anemones.

A new paper from a Boston University-led research team finds that this extreme heat has caused a breakdown in the mutualistic relationship of clownfishalso called anemonefishand anemones, and has resulted in a population collapse in the central Red Sea.

The study is published in the journal npj Biodiversity.

This pair forms one of the most widely recognized mutually beneficial relationships in the oceanthanks to "Finding Nemo." They're adapted to work as a team to get nutrients and for protection. Anemones also have a symbiotic relationship of their ownwith microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, the same algae that pairs with coral. Just like corals, anemones expel the algae from their tissue during periods of unusually high heat, causing them to bleach. The researchers found that prolonged bleaching can not only lead to the death of the anemone and the anemonefish, but can collapse the entire mutualistic system.

"We always hope that anemones and clownfish groups survive bleaching events, as they have over and over again in the last 10 years, but it hit a point where it was too extreme," says Morgan Bennett-Smith, a Ph.D. candidate in BU's Marine Evolutionary Ecology Laboratory and lead author of the paper.

Bennett-Smith has studied anemones in the Red Sea for the last decade and has witnessed firsthand how exceedingly high temperatures have pushed the anemones and clownfish past the temperature threshold they can tolerate.

The research, which started when Bennett-Smith was studying at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, focused on Red Sea clownfish (Amphiprion bicinctus) and their host sea anemones (Radianthus magnifica) on three central Saudi Arabian Red Sea reefs from 2022 to 2024coinciding with a 2023 marine heat wave. According to Bennett-Smith, the monitored anemones were bleached for about six months during that time. As a result, the paper estimates that 94 to 100% of the clownfish died, and 66 to 94% of the anemones.

"It's especially painful because the Red Sea is a place many researchers have been hoping for and hypothesizing to be a thermal refuge," he says, meaning that organisms there would be protected from the impacts of climate change due to its location and already hot temperatures. "The fact that even this thermal refugium is collapsing in different ways is especially horrific. It's not turning out to be the safe haven we thought it was."

To a clownfish, anemone bleaching is a catastrophetheir once safe home turns white, exposing them to dangers lurking in the surrounding reef. Under normal conditions, clownfish are camouflaged and protected underneath the swaying, stinging tentacles of an anemone, which are related to jellyfish. The clownfish secrete a mucus that shields them and their eggs from getting stung, so when they attract a predator fish to the anemone, it gets zapped and eaten.

Human-caused climate change has heated the ocean to new extremes, and has started to unravel the mutualistic relationships that sustain underwater environments, like those between algae and corals, algae and anemones, and anemones and clownfish.

"Historically, anemones have bleached relatively little compared to corals, but now we're getting up to levels where the anemones are bleaching, and that results in a catastrophic breakdown in the mutualism with the anemonefishes that everybody knows and loves," says Peter Buston, a BU College of Arts & Sciences associate professor of biology, one of the senior authors on the paper.

"We're seeing nearly a 100 percent die-off in a population of fish in response to a heating event," says Buston, who leads the Marine Evolutionary Ecology Laboratory. "This should be a big warning for ourselves as well."

The same Radianthus magnifica, in November 2023, show striking changes in the anemone and reef caused by the 2023 heat wave-resulting in the anemone and reef to lose its bright colors. Credit: Morgan Bennett-Smith

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From the wild to the lab

Bennett-Smith didn't set out to study anemone bleaching or the effects of climate change (he was interested in studying the mutualism between anemones and other sea creatures), but he was intrigued when he first observed a bleached anemone in the Red Sea in 2018. At the time, it was an extremely uncommon occurrence.

"Since then, year after year, we keep running into worse and worse bleaching events," he says. Now it's the main theme of his research at BU. In Buston's lab, Bennett-Smith and a team of BU students are investigating these dynamics to identify what exactly is causing the population declines.

"We're interested in figuring out why the fish disappear and die shortly after the bleaching occurs," says Buston, who is also CAS associate dean of the faculty for the natural sciences. "This mutualism is protecting the fish from predation, so what is happening post-bleaching that leaves the fish exposed? We have a suite of hypotheses that we're testing in the lab."

Their first hypothesis is that the fish become more conspicuousthese bright orange fish get exposed against an unnatural white background. They've also found that the behavior of the fish changes when their anemones bleach, with more of the clownfish getting into conflicts that leave smaller fish outside of the anemone.

The team, in collaboration with colleagues at Harvard University, has also done preliminary testing on the anemones' stinging cells and found that they don't fire as well when bleached. In the lab, they're able to mimic the conditions that lead to bleaching, and study the effects up close.

"There's a lot going on; increased conspicuousness, increased time outside of the anemones, increased conflict between the fish, and reduced protection from the anemones," Buston says. "These anemonefish become sitting ducks. They're not great swimmers and don't stray from their anemones, so they presumably get taken off by predators."

Even if wild anemones recover from the bleaching, once the anemonefish are gone, they become much more vulnerable to their own predators, like butterflyfish, who feed on anemones.

"Anemones aren't as well studied compared to coral, so there's a lot to unravel," Bennett-Smith says.

As a continuation of the work in the Red Sea, the team will soon be reporting on similar heating events off the coast of Papua New Guinea, where the bulk of Buston's research is done. His students travel there multiple times a year to study different aspects of the anemonefish life cylelike parental care, growth changes, and other dynamics in small fish colonies.

The anemones in the waters of Papua New Guinea have also experienced heating events and bleaching, resulting in noticeable declines and changes to the clownfish. Earlier this year, Buston, Bennett-Smith, and collaborators from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom found that a wild population of clownfish in Papua New Guinea shrink to survive heat stress.

"I've studied anemonefishes for a long time, and unavoidably, I and all my students now study them in the context of climate change," Buston says. "You get enough of these local extinction events, and it ultimately leads to complete extinction."

Losing these important species has cascading effects on the reef, their paper on the Red Sea points out. The authors call for surveys in other regions of the Red Sea, as well as worldwide, to evaluate their conservation status at large. The hope, according to Bennett-Smith, is that local experts can strengthen conservation and restoration efforts to protect the areas in need, before it's too late.

More information: Morgan F. Bennett-Smith et al, Near complete local extinction of iconic anemonefish and their anemone hosts following a heat stress event, npj Biodiversity (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00107-4
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ASAPH Survey April 2021August 2025. Credit: Annenberg Public Policy Center

Public confidence in the trustworthiness of U.S. health and science agencies has dropped across the board since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, driven by sharp declines among Democrats, according to a new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania.

The survey, conducted Aug. 518, 2025, among a nationally representative sample of nearly 1,700 U.S. adults, finds that members of the public have the greatest confidence in their own primary health care providers regarding health matters, as they have in the past.

Most Americans lack confidence that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is providing the public with trustworthy information on matters concerning public health. Just 39% have confidence RFK Jr. is providing trustworthy public health information.

By contrast, the public has more confidence (57%) in Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, even after years of attacks by right-wing critics over his leadership of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ASAPH Survey April 2021August 2025. Credit: Annenberg Public Policy Center

Falling confidence in health agencies

The survey finds a broad drop in confidence in U.S. agencies that have historically served as "custodians of knowledge," in the words of APPC director Kathleen Hall Jamieson, including institutions such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which have helped to explain to the public "what science knows and how it knows it."

"Although confidence in these agencies remains comparatively high, any drop in confidence, whether warranted or notduring a time when individuals need to make consequential health decisionsis worrisome," Jamieson said.

The Annenberg survey asked respondents how confident they are, if at all, that the following are providing the public with trustworthy information about matters concerning public health:

CDC: 64% confident, down from 72% in September 2024. Over a third of respondents (36%) are not confident (combined "not at all" and "not too" confident), up from 28% in September 2024.

FDA: 63% confident, a 10-point drop from 73% in September 2024. Over a third of respondents (37%) are not confident, a 10-point rise from September 2024 (27%).

NIH: 62% confident, a drop from 68% in April this year, and a 12-point drop from 74% in September 2024. The survey finds 38% are not confident, growing from 32% in April this year and 26% in September 2024.

People had the greatest confidence (86%) in their own "doctor, nurse, or other primary health care provider," which was statistically unchanged since June 2023.

The survey also asked respondents how confident they are, if at all, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are "providing the public with trustworthy information about matters concerning the effects of climate change on public health." Confidence in both has also declined significantly:

NASA: 65% confident, down from 77% in July 2024. Over a third (35%) are not confident, up from 23% in July 2024.

EPA: 57% confident, down from 70% in July 2024, while 43% are not confident, up from 30% in July 2024.

ASAPH Survey October 2023August 2025. Credit: Annenberg Public Policy Center

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Declining confidence of Democrats

Annenberg surveys from mid-2023 to August 2025 show that the confidence of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents in the trustworthiness of all of these institutions on matters of public health has declined since Trump's inauguration.

The decline in confidence among Democrats comes amid persistent attacks by leaders in the Republican administration about the competence and integrity of the health agencies. Last year, before becoming HHS Secretary, RFK Jr. called the CDC "a cesspool of corruption," and he recently testified before Congress about the CDC: "The agency is in trouble and we need to fix it."

In June 2025, Kennedy ousted all the 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, accusing them of conflicts of interest and saying, "A clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science."

In an earlier period, from April 2021 to January 2023, Annenberg surveys asked whether the public thought that these institutions were providing the public with trustworthy information about the means of preventing and treating COVID-19, rather than public health matters.

While in that earlier period, Republican confidence in the CDC and FDA regarding COVID-19 was declining, now it has risen slightly regarding matters of public health. Republicans' and Republican-leaning independents' confidence in the CDC and FDA has increased significantly since Trump's inauguration, but those increases are relatively smallthey are just a quarter of the Democrats' and Democrat-leaning independents' decreases in confidence in those agencies.

ASAPH Survey April 2021August 2025. Credit: Annenberg Public Policy Center

RFK Jr. and Anthony Fauci

Over a third of Americans (39%) have confidence that Kennedy is providing the public with trustworthy information regarding public health, while most of the public (60%) lacks confidence in him, according to the survey. Only 10% are "very confident" in Kennedy, while 37% have no confidence ("not at all confident") in him.

Confidence in Fauci is 20 points higher: Over half of the public (57%) has confidence in former NIAID director Fauci, vs. 43% who are not confident. Confidence in Fauci, who stepped down from his NIAID post at the end of 2022, is statistically unchanged since October 2023.

An analysis by party, looking at support for RFK Jr. and Fauci, finds that Republican (and Republican-leaners') support for RFK Jr. is lower than Democratic (and Democrat-leaners') support for Fauci. Independents are the only group with a significant change this year, increasing their support slightly for RFK Jr.

More information: Access the report.
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View of the facade of the newly renamed COP30 hotel, located in the city center of Belem.

Less than two months before the COP30 UN climate conference in Brazil, only 40% of nations have booked accommodation in the Amazon city of Belem, where prices have soared, organizers said Wednesday.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva championed the holding of the global conference in the world's largest rainforest but he has come under pressure about the hotel chaos in the poor northern city.

Organizers reported in a statement that only 79 of 198 countries have secured lodging, while 70 others were still in negotiations for places to sleep during the November meeting.

Some 50,000 people are expected in Belem, home to 1.4 million residentsmore than half of whom live in shantytowns.

With a shortage of traditional hotel rooms, conference organizers have scrambled to find alternative accommodation in private homes, universities and schools, and even two cruise ships docked in the harbor some 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the conference center.

Lula has batted away concerns and requests to move some events to other cities, saying in February that delegates can "sleep under the stars."

COP30 could be "the most exclusionary in history" due to its prices, the Brazilian NGO Climate Observatory warned in August.

To ease the pressure, the United Nations is boosting its daily subsidy for delegates from 144 countries from $144 to $197, a UN spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.

The Brazilian government welcomed the move but said it would "not cover costs entirely."

The UN requires accommodation costs of $100 a night for low-income nationsa number hard to come by in Belem on Airbnb, Booking.com, and the official accommodation platform.

To ease demand for hotel rooms, Brazil moved the meeting of heads of state to November 6 and 7, several days before the start of the wider conferencebut this has not been enough to significantly bring down prices.

 2025 AFP
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A Paleolithic handaxe with a broken distal end, discovered during the Ayvalk survey. Credit: Kadriye, Goknur, and Hande

Continuous landmasses, now submerged, may have made it possible for early humans to cross between present-day Turkey and Europe, new research of this largely unexplored region reveals.

The findings, published in The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology, unveil a previously undocumented Paleolithic presence in Ayvalk and more importantly could redocument our species' migration into the continent.

It has long been thought that Homo sapiens reached Europe primarily by coming via the Balkans and the Levant, from Africa into the Middle East.

However, with this new discovery of 138 lithic artifacts at 10 sites, across a region of 200km, the suggestion is that long before its olive groves and seaside charm, the northeastern Aegean coast of Ayvalk (now Turkey) was in fact another route for early humans navigating a changing prehistoric world.

"Our archaeological discovery has unveiled that this now-idyllic region once potentially offered a vital land bridge for human movement during the Pleistocene erawhen sea levels dropped and the now-submerged landscape was briefly exposed," explains Dr. Goknur Karahan, from the Department of Archaeology-Prehistory, at Hacettepe University, in Turkey, who was part of a fully female team of expert archaeologists from the country.

"We are very excited and delighted with this discovery. These findings mark Ayvalk as a potential new frontier in the story of human evolution, placing it firmly on the map of human prehistoryopening up a new possibility for how early humans may have entered Europe.

"It feels like we are adding an entirely new page to the story of human dispersal. Our research raises exciting possibilities for future exploration, and we hope it emerges as a body of work that will shift the approach of Pleistocene archaeology for decades to come."

How were these findings possible?

During the Ice Age, sea levels dropped by more than 100 meters, exposing vast coastal plains that are now under water. At that time, today's islands and peninsulas of Ayvalk would have in fact been part of a continuous landmass, forming a natural bridge between Anatolia and Europe.

The tools found in this current discovery are right along the present-day coastline and mark evidence of people living and moving across these now-lost landscapes.

Factors like environmental processes and the depth of deposits have previously limited the ability to detect and preserve remains in Ayvalk.

"In all these periods, the present-day islands and peninsulas of Ayvalk would have formed interior zones within an expansive terrestrial environment," explains co-author Professor Kadriye Ozcelik, from Ankara University.

"These paleogeographic reconstructions underscore the importance of the region for understanding hominin dispersals across the northeastern Aegean during the Pleistocene."

During the field survey in Ayvalk. from left to right, Goknur, Kadriye, and Hande. Credit: Goknur, Kadriye, and Hande

What was found?

The region's shifting geology and active coastlines in the North Aegean made preservation difficult and the number of items uncovered "limited." However, this research team managed to uncover Levallois technologies from various Paleolithic periods, as well as handaxes and cleavers.

Among the most significant finds include Levallois-style flake tools, sophisticated implements linked to the Middle Paleolithic Mousterian traditionthese are often associated with Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens.

"These large cutting tools are among the most iconic artifacts of the Paleolithic and are instantly recognizable even today, so are a very important find," explains Dr. Karahan.

"The presence of these objects in Ayvalk is particularly significant, as they provide direct evidence that the region was part of wider technological traditions shared across Africa, Asia, and Europe."

Describing the initial discovery of the 131 items, Dr. Karahan adds, "It was a truly unforgettable moment for us. Holding the first tools in our hands was both emotional and inspiring.

"And each find from there on was a moment of excitement for the whole team.

"Holding these objects after walking across landscapes where no one had ever documented Paleolithic remains before was unforgettable."

General view of the Ayvalk region, where the Paleolithic survey was conducted. Credit: Kadriye, Goknur, and Hande

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What does this discovery tell us about early humans?

The experts' key argument hinges on the potential of Ayvalk as a dynamic site for interaction and exchange, facilitating early human movement between the Anatolia peninsula and Europe.

Exploring how Anatolia, with specific focus on Ayvalk, and Europe were linked during glacial sea-level low stands offers alternative pathways for how early humans moved around the region beyond dominantly emphasized northern mainland-centered routes.

Addressing a gap in the scholarship, the authors' work provides a new foundation for examining resources and migration routes in which Ayvalk may have featured as part of a mobility corridor.

The survey's yield of tools demonstrates a "consistent use of Levallois technology and flake production and a diversified toolkit," while all artifacts together offer what the team state are "valuable insights into early human presence, raw material preferences, and technological variability."

"The findings paint a vivid picture of early human adaptation, innovation, and mobility along the Aegean," Dr. Karahan explains.

"The results confirmed that Ayvalkwhich had never before been studied for its Paleolithic potentialholds vital traces of early human activity."

Incredible recoveries, hundreds of thousands of years later

As this was a survey (carried out across a two-week period in June 2022) rather than an excavation, the team could not be certain of what they would find when they set off. They knew from the region's geology and paleogeography that there was potential. They exploredoften muddy, (particularly in lowland basins and coastal plains)sites by foot.

What followed was a "discovery of such a diverse and well-preserved set of artifacts, which exceeded our expectations," Dr. Karahan says.

Although these recovery efforts were not without challenges, the authors explore what both the challenges and findings reveal in the paper.

They state, "The widespread, muddy cover was considered a limiting factor for the preservation and detectability of Paleolithic materials.

"However, despite these constraints, high-quality raw material sources, such as flint and chalcedony, were identified in multiple locations, including areas affected by alluvial deposition."

Future potential

Fellow author Dr. Hande Bulut, from Duzce University, adds, "Ultimately, the results underline Ayvalk's potential as a long-term hominin habitat and a key area for understanding Paleolithic technological features in the eastern Aegean.

"While preliminary, the current findings underscore the region's potential to contribute to broader debates on Aegean connectivity and technological evolution during the Pleistocene.

"Excitingly, the region between the North Aegean and the Anatolian mainland, may still hold valuable clues to early occupation despite the challenges posed by active geomorphological processes."

The team recommends future research use a multidisciplinary approach to outline absolute dating, stratigraphic excavation, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, which they describe as "essential to clarify the temporal depth and functional character of the Ayvalk assemblage."

More information: Discovering the Paleolithic Ayvalk: A Strategic Crossroads in Early Human Dispersals Between Anatolia and Europe, The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology (2025). DOI: 10.1080/15564894.2025.2542777
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Hampus Olsson, researcher at the Swedish Institute in Rome. Credit: Jonathan Westin

Imagine stepping into a 2,500-year-old tombwithout ever leaving your sofa. Using advanced digital technology, Swedish researchers have documented and visualized nearly 280 Etruscan chamber tombs in Italy. The result is a new digital portal that opens up this cultural heritage to scholars, students, and the public worldwide.

"We are never the first to visit these placesthey have been used by shepherds and farmers and recorded by archaeologists for more than a hundred years. Yet it sometimes feels as if time has stood still, and that we are intruding on a lasting silence," says Jonathan Westin, research engineer at the University of Gothenburg.

Westin has himself squeezed through narrow openings and crawled along dark passageways to document several tombs around San Giovenale in Italy.

Cultural heritage in a new digital form

The portal, already open to visitors, brings together earlier research from the Swedish Institute in Rome and combines it with new digital documentation made possible by recent technological advances.

"Plumb bobs, measuring tapes, and field notes now share space with photogrammetry, laser scanning, and databases," Westin explains.

With this combined material, he and colleagues at the University of Gothenburg's research infrastructure for digital humanities have built a digital model and an interface where each tomb can be explored.

Credit: Jonathan Westin

Etruscan painting. Credit: fresco, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A virtual experience of hard-to-reach tombs

The project has also produced a Virtual Reality application designed to give users a more embodied sense of the tombs.

"Above all, the 3D scans allow people who have never been able to travel to these sites or descend into the chambers to both experience them and extract new data for the first time," says Westin.

In reality, the tombs are often difficult to access. They are located far from public roads and often require crawling through collapsed passages and thick dust.

"Quite often you have to wriggle through debris in what, to an untrained eye, might just look like a cave. The air is heavy with dust, and you are acutely aware of how far away help would be if anything were to happen."

A king with a passion for archaeology

The Swedish Institute in Rome, which runs the project together with the University of Gothenburg, has played a central role in Swedish archaeology in Italy since 1925. The institute was heavily involved in the major excavations in southern Etruria in the 1950s. Today, its library is one of the world's leading resources in Etruscology, visited by scholars from across the globe.

"The excavations gained significant media attention, both in Sweden and in Italy, thanks in large part to King Gustav VI Adolf's involvement. The king, himself an archaeologist with a deep passion for ancient cultures, personally participated in the excavations up until the year before his death in 1973," says Hampus Olsson, senior lecturer at the Swedish Institute in Rome.

He and the other project members now hope that the digital database will continue to grow and become a resource for even more Swedish, Italian, and international projects.

Starting in 2026, the portal will also be used in teaching. Students at the University of Gothenburg will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in data collection, 3D scanning, and digital publishing in collaboration with the Swedish Institute in Rome.

More information: Visit the portal: https://etruscan.dh.gu.se/
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Europe and the Mediterranean basin, showing regions hit by drought between August 21-31, 2025, according to data by the European Drought Observatory (EDO-Copernicus).

Europe and the Mediterranean basin saw record drought in August, with more than half of the land affected, according to AFP analysis of EU data.

Last month, 53% of the region was affected by droughtan all-time high since records began in 2012according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The figure is far above the 2012-2024 average for August of 30.1%.

Eastern Europe and the Balkans were particularly hard hit. Thousands of residents were evacuated and two people were killed as a result of wildfires in Balkan states spurred by high temperatures.

Western Europe was also badly affected, with Portugal seeing a drop in rainfall across 70% of the country.

France, hit by its second heat wave of the summer in August, experienced water shortages in two-thirds of the country.

Several countries in the eastern Mediterranean were severely impacted, with more than 90% of Armenia, Georgia and Lebanon all affected by drought.

Turkey, which experienced water shortages in 84% of the country, also faced numerous wildfires.

The Copernicus dataset, drawing on billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations, has recorded relentlessly rising temperatures as Earth warms as a result of humanity's emissions of greenhouse gases.

 2025 AFP
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Reconstruction of Camarillasaurus cirugedae. Credit: Joschua Knuppe

Studies of newly discovered fossils of the predatory dinosaur Camarillasaurus cirugedae from Spain show that the giant bipedal spinosaurids from Africa apparently originated in Europe. An international team led by SNSB paleontologist Oliver Rauhut has now published these findings in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica.

Tyrannosaurus is perhaps the best-known bipedal predatory dinosaurbut not the largest known representative of this group: Spinosaurus occurred in Africa in the early Late Cretaceous period (about 95 million years ago) and was even larger, measuring up to 18 meters in length.

In collaboration with Spanish colleagues, Rauhut has now found new evidence that the gigantic spinosaurs had their roots in Europe. New finds and the re-examination of previously collected remains of the little-known predatory dinosaur Camarillasaurus cirugedae from the Lower Cretaceous period (about 128 million years ago) in Spain show that this species was a close relative of the giant North African spinosaurs.

Camarillasaurus was found in the central Spanish province of Teruel. The fossil was originally classified as a ceratosaura group of predatory dinosaurs little known in Europe and whose occurrence in the Lower Cretaceous of Spain would represent a find "outside of space and time," as stated in the original publication. This interpretation was based on a few fragmentary remains described more than 10 years ago.

SNSB paleontologist Oliver Rauhut exposing the femur of Camarillasaurus cirugedae. Credit: Oliver Rauhut, SNSB-BSPG

During a new excavation campaign at the original fossil site, Rauhut and his colleagues from the University of Zaragoza found more remains of the dinosaur, including fragments of the jaw, tail vertebra and tooth as well as a thigh bone and a foot claw. The new finds allow for the now published reinterpretation of the Spanish predatory dinosaur's family relationships. For example, the paleontologists found common features between Camarillasaurus and other spinosaurs in the lower jawbone.

Rauhut, dinosaur expert at the Bavarian State Collection of Paleontology and Geology (SNSB-BSPG), goes one step further: "Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that various other representatives of the spinosaurids of the Iberian Peninsula are also on the evolutionary lineage leading to the North African spinosaurids. We suspect that the giant predatory dinosaurs of Africa originated in Europe."

Remains of various spinosaurs, mostly teeth, are common on the Iberian Peninsula, most of them embedded in continental deposits, including Camarillasaurus cirugedae. Researchers therefore assume that the animals lived and hunted in a terrestrial environment. The North African spinosaurus, on the other hand, is more recently interpreted as a fish eater that spent most of its time in the water, based on its anatomy. There are no finds from Spain to support this thesis as yet.

More information: Oliver W.M. Rauhut et al, Revision of the theropod dinosaur Camarillasaurus cirugedae from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian) of Teruel province, Spain, Palaeontologia Electronica (2025). DOI: 10.26879/1543. palaeo-electronica.org/content  us-theropod-dinosaur Journal information: Palaeontologia electronica
On Behalf of The FUTR Corporation

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The FUTR Corporation (TSXV:FTRC) (OTCQB:FTRCF) has taken a major step forward in its mission to put consumers in control of their personal information with the Closed Beta launch of its flagship AI Agent App.

FUTR Rolls Out Closed Beta of AI Agent App That Pays Consumers for Their Data (PRNewsfoto/The FUTR Corporation)

The app allows users to create a personalized AI Agent, access a secure digital vault, and earn FUTR Utility Tokens through an embedded wallet built on Coinbase's BASE blockchain. From tracking passport expiries and health card renewals to storing home insurance details, the AI Agent is built to simplify daily life while rewarding users for their data.

The company says the new personalized AI Agent is designed to save users up to 20 minutes per day by managing routine administrative tasks while simultaneously compensating them for the data that trains it. Unlike other assistants or search engines that extract value without permission, FUTR's agents are designed to work directly for consumers.

Key Features of the Closed Beta:

Personalized AI Agent: Helps with everyday administrative tasks, saving users an average of 20 minutes per day.

Helps with everyday administrative tasks, saving users an average of 20 minutes per day. FUTR Quests: Your Agent tells you what documents are needed to accomplish tasks and rewards you with FUTR Utility tokens for completing them

Your Agent tells you what documents are needed to accomplish tasks and rewards you with FUTR Utility tokens for completing them FutureVault Integration: A highly secure vault to store and analyze the documents uploaded, complete with analytics and private viewing tools.

A highly secure vault to store and analyze the documents uploaded, complete with analytics and private viewing tools. Embedded Digital Asset Wallet : A seamlessly embedded digital asset wallet to hold FUTR Utility Tokens earned by contributing training data to the platform.

Through the Closed Beta, participants can sign up for the waitlist and gain early access to the technology. Once onboarded, they can begin training their personal AI Agent with curated "FUTR Quests," a series of documents and surveys that feed data into the system.

Unlike traditional AI assistants or search engines that extract value from user data without compensation, the FUTR AI Agent is designed to work for consumers, rewarding them directly.

"This is an enormous milestone for FUTR with the initial Closed Beta launch of the AI Agent application," said Alex McDougall, President of FUTR. "This is the first step towards execution of a large-scale re-imagining of the way consumers engage with AI and leverage their own personal data. Next we will be enhancing the chat interactions with Agents, significantly enhancing FUTR Payments functionality, and working with FUTR Brand partners to curate high value, personalized offers delivered through the consumer's personalized agent."

The waitlist for this Closed Beta can be found here (https://thefutrcorp.com/?scrollTo=early-access-section).

About The FUTR Corporation

FUTR's AI Agent App is designed to put money back in consumers' wallets through a unique data monetization rewards system, personalized offers and intelligent agent-driven payment and AI-powered life management tools. The platform also enables Enterprises to earn rewards for contributing consented consumer data to AI Agents, while allowing Brands to leverage this data to enhance personalization and significantly reduce customer acquisition costs. www.thefutrcorp.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "believe", "anticipate", "project", "expect", "intend", "plan", "will", "may", "estimate" and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Company's expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding the future success of the Company's business. The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

For more information regarding The FUTR Corporation, please contact: Jason Ewart, EVP, at 416-580-0721. For Investor Relations please contact [email protected].

View the original press release here: FUTR Launches Closed Beta of AI Agent App Empowering Consumers to Monetize Data (https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250915780214/en/FUTR-Launches-Closed-Beta-of-AI-Agent-App-Empowering-Consumers-to-Monetize-Data)

Featured Image @ The FUTR Corporation

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6) This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflect management's expectations regarding The FUTR Corporation's future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as "predicts", "projects", "targets", "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "anticipate" or "does not anticipate", "believe", "intend" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to The FUTR Corporation's industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) The FUTR Corporation's business plans and strategies; (d) services that The FUTR Corporation intends to offer; (e) The FUTR Corporation's milestone projections and targets; (f) The FUTR Corporation's expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g)The FUTR Corporation's intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h)The FUTR Corporation's expectations with regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute The FUTR Corporation's business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c)The FUTR Corporation's ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (e) The FUTR Corporation's ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (f) political and regulatory stability; (g) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (h) changes in applicable legislation; (i) stability in financial and capital markets; and (j) expectations regarding the level of disruption to as a result of CV-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of The FUTR Corporation to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) The FUTR Corporation's operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as CV-19 may adversely impactThe FUTR Corporation's business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing The FUTR Corporation's business operations (e) The FUTR Corporation may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition.

Except as required by law, The FUTR Corporation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does The FUTR Corporation nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither The FUTR Corporation nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document.

7) Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of The FUTR Corporation or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of The FUTR Corporation or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of The FUTR Corporation or such entities.

8) The technical information contained in articles and videos produced for this campaign has been reviewed and approved by Kell Nielsen at The FUTR Corporation as the Qualified Persons for the Company as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

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SOURCE The FUTR Corporation
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A farm dam. Credit: RMIT University

A study has found most cattle farmers are willing to invest in enhancing their dams, including improving water quality, biodiversity and reducing emissionsif they receive fair government support.

With nearly 2 million farm dams across Australia, these waterbodies are a defining feature of agricultural landscapes. While they are critical for livestock, farm dams can also provide key benefits for the climate and biodiversity.

Simple changessuch as fencing dams to keep out livestock, organizing troughs, planting native vegetation around the edges and restoring natural habitatcan transform them from sources of pollution and greenhouse gases into cleaner, healthier ecosystems that support wildlife, improve water quality and cut methane emissions.

A study by Deakin University, in collaboration with RMIT University, The Australian National University (ANU), Flinders University and the University of Western Australia, published today in the Journal of Environmental Management, surveyed more than 500 farmers across south-eastern Australia.

Results show about 80% of farmers would participate in a dam restoration program, with an average annual payment of around $1,370 per dam required to encourage widespread adoption.

Senior author Dr. Martino Malerba, who conducted the research at Deakin and is now based at RMIT's Center for Nature Positive Solutions, emphasized the potential climate benefits.

"Enhancing farm dams is a win-win for farmers, for the climate, and for biodiversity because it provides cleaner water, habitat for wildlife and lower emissions," he said. "This study shows farmers are on board, but we need schemes that match their expectations."

Lead author and Flinders University Ph.D. candidate Elizabeth Galanis said the research highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of using financial incentives to scale up dam restoration.

"Farmers are interested and willing to act but they also face real costs and risks, such as the upfront expenses of fencing or pump or trough failures disrupting operations," she said. "Our study shows modest but fair incentives could make the difference between inaction and widespread uptake."

Associate Professor Andrea Vocino from the Deakin Business School, who co-authored the report, said policy design was crucial.

"Carbon credits can contribute, but they don't fully cover the costs. That means governments and markets need to work together to create layered incentives that are financially viable, credible and fair for farmers," she said.

The researchers also say public funding, carbon markets, and potential biodiversity credits could be combined to unlock the full environmental benefits of farm dam enhancement.

More information: Elizabeth Galanis et al, Incentivising farm dam Enhancement: Barriers, motivations, and market potential in Australian grazing systems, Journal of Environmental Management (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127314 Journal information: Journal of Environmental Management
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Scientific productivity gap based on English-language peer-reviewed papers. Shown are the maximum % differences in the number of peer-reviewed papers published by female native English speakers from a high-income country (-45%), female non-native English speakers from a high-income country (-60%), and female non-native English speakers from a lower-middle income country (-70%), compared to male native English speakers from a high-income country (red flag). Credit: Tatsuya Amano, CC-BY 4.0

Women, non-native English speakers and those from lower-income countries published fewer English-language peer-reviewed papers than men, native English speakers and those from higher-income countries, according to a study published September 18 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Tatsuya Amano from the University of Queensland, Australia, and colleagues.

UNESCO posits that "all scientists  have equal opportunity to access, contribute to and benefit from science, regardless of origin or circumstance." However, research reports rampant inequities; for example, women are less likely to hold a tenured position, scientists from lower-income countries are less funded than their higher-income counterparts and non-native English speakers experience language-related rejection up to 2.6 times more often than native English speakers. While science undoubtedly benefits from diverse people, ideas and approaches, few studies have assessed how gender, language and income affect scientific productivity.

To quantify barriers faced by scientists identifying as women, non-native English speakers and those from low-income countries, Amano surveyed 908 environmental scientists at varying career stages across eight nationalities: Bangladeshi, Bolivian, British, Japanese, Nepali, Nigerian, Spanish, and Ukrainian. Amano measured each scientist's productivity, defined as their total number of English and non-English publications.

Scientific productivity gap narrows significantly, when we look at total publications including those in non-English languages. Shown are the maximum % differences in the number of English-language and non-English-language peer-reviewed papers published by female native English speakers from a high-income country (-45%), female non-native English speakers from a high-income country (-35%), and female non-native English speakers from a lower-middle income country (-25%), compared to male native English speakers from a high-income country (red flag). Credit: Tatsuya Amano, CC-BY 4.0

Results revealed that womenespecially early-career womenpublished 45% fewer English-language papers than men. Women with non-English first languages published 60% fewer papers, and women with non-English first languages from low-income countries published 70% fewer, compared to men with English as the first language from high-income countries.

When the researchers factored in English and non-English scientific publications, they noticed the proportions change. Non-native English speakers at early to mid-career stages published more peer-reviewed papers than native English speakers. Additionally, scientists from lower-income countries published more papers than those from higher-income countries. Even with English and non-English papers combined, women still published fewer articles than men.

The researchers write that these statistics could be erroneously used to position women, non-native English speakers and those from low-income countries as less scientifically productive. They call for an explicit effort to consider gender, income and native language and support incorporating non-English-language publications when assessing scientists' performance.

The authors add, "This study highlights how language, economic status, and gender combine to create a significant and often overlooked productivity gap in science, especially when measured by English-language publications. We believe that this gap is not a true reflection of individual productivity. Rather, as a growing body of evidence shows, it stems from systemic barriers that continue to limit fair participation and full contribution to science by historically and currently underrepresented groups."

More information: Language, economic and gender disparities widen the scientific productivity gap, PLOS Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003372 Journal information: PLoS Biology
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The Wind River Forest Dynamics plot in southern Washington state is one of dozens of study sites organized under the Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory. Credit: James A. Lutz

One of the great challenges of ecology is to understand the factors that maintain, or undermine, diversity in ecosystems, researchers write in a new report in the journal Science. The researchers detail their development of a new model thatusing a tree census and genomic data collected from multiple species in a forestcan predict future fluctuations in the relative abundance of those species.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign plant biology professor James O'Dwyer led the new research with Andy Jones, a professor of botany and plant pathology at Oregon State University, and James Lutz, a professor of forest ecology at Utah State University.

O'Dwyer has spent most of his career studying the factors that drive ecological change and using that knowledge to build models that reliably predict how individual species and forest communities will change over time.

"This work is crucial because changes in abundance or loss of a species from a forest can have cascading effects on other species," O'Dwyer said. Forests with lower tree diversity are more susceptible to attack by pathogens or pests. Being able to predict which species are at risk could help understand how forests will change in the future.

"Species diversity is lower in forests of the western United States than in other parts of the U.S., but most species have unique roles in the forest," said Lutz, who, since 2010 has conducted an annual census of the Wind River Forest Dynamics plot in southern Washington state, the focus of the new study.

"Losing one species, when there are few to begin with, could result in a less productive forest and potentially one that doesn't support as many small plants or animals."

But predicting future changes in species abundance is a formidable task, the researchers said.

"In a forest, there are constantly varying environmental conditions, as well as different tree neighborhoods, with species competing for resources like sunlight and water," Lutz said.

"Neighboring trees influence each other while living and after death, as snags and wood, all amidst variation in rain and soil conditions."

Simply collecting the data needed to determine which elements are most influential requires years of painstaking work. Luckily for the researchers, many long-term studies of forests are well underway, led by teams of scientists all over the world.

Some of these efforts are organized under the Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory, which has amassed data from 78 sites across the world spanning several decades. The Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot is one of those sites.

The new study uses data from that plot to build on previous modeling efforts.

In a 2023 study published in the journal Nature, O'Dwyer and graduate student Kenneth Jops developed a model for predicting whether two or more species will continue to coexist in a shared environment. That approach focused on the life history traits of each species, which primarily consist of timelines of how fast each organism grows, reproduces and dies.

From a matrix built from this data, along with a census of trees in the forest, the model calculated each species' "effective population size." Two species with the same or similar effective population sizes were more likely to continue to coexist, the researchers found.

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"The upshot of that study is that we identified certain combinations of life histories across plant communities that act to maintain diversity over longer timescales, while other combinations would lead to lower diversity," O'Dwyer said.

In a more recent study of a tropical forest in Panama, another ForestGEO site, O'Dwyer and his colleagues extended the approach to multispecies systems, finding that the effective population size was helpful in predicting short-term population fluctuations.

"We were able to infer those life history differences because we had access to data from one of the most well-studied forest plots in the world," O'Dwyer said. "With anything less than the decades of data from that plot, our estimates would have been much less reliable."

But collecting decades of data from a single forest is not feasible for most studies, and the team sought to find a more streamlined approach. Instead of collecting life history data for dozens of species over decades, Jones led an effort to collect genomic data from about 100 individuals of each of eight species of trees that make up roughly 90% of the stems and almost all the biomass in the Wind River plot.

These were not complete genomes, but a sampling of genes that, the researchers hoped, would reflect key events in the life history of each tree species.

"Effective population size is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, first described almost 100 years ago. Although the true nature of the factors that ultimately determine effective population size is complex, it is perhaps easiest to think of it as the number of individuals that contribute offspring, and therefore their genes, to the next generation," Jones said.

"The effective population size is typically lowersometimes much lowerthan the number of trees of a species that we can count in a forest. This is because some individual trees leave more offspring than others, which is how populations evolve. When this occurs, we find an increase in nonrandom associations between genes."

"That balance between random and nonrandom associations in the genome is closely related to effective population size," O'Dwyer said. "Those life history traits are in the background, shaping that genomic data. I would say the genome is like a hidden recording device of the history of that species in that forest."

The researchers incorporated the genomic data into their model, which also included data from a census of all the trees over 1 centimeter in diameter in the Wind River plot in 2011. The model accurately predicted fluctuations in the abundance of the eight species in 2016 and 2021, outperforming other models.

"The predictions were highly correlated with the observed fluctuations in abundance," O'Dwyer said. "That's very exciting."

"My sense is that the population genomic variation that we're looking at is an underused resource," O'Dwyer said. "It's carrying a lot of information about the history of that species."

The researchers hope to continue to refine their model and determine whether and how it can be used in forests that are less well-studied than the ForestGEO plot.

"If we can further distill the relationship between genomic variation, census data and ecological dynamics, this could allow us to build predictive models, with consequences for conservation and management across a broad range of ecosystems," O'Dwyer said.

More information: James P. O'Dwyer, Genomic demography predicts community dynamics in a temperate montane forest, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adu6396. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adu6396 Journal information: Science , Nature
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This artist's concept shows a white dwarf surrounded by a large debris disk. Debris from pieces of a captured, Pluto-like object is falling onto the white dwarf. Credit: Artwork: NASA, Tim Pyle (NASA/JPL-Caltech)

In our nearby stellar neighborhood, a burned-out star is snacking on a fragment of a Pluto-like object. With its unique ultraviolet capability, only NASA's Hubble Space Telescope could identify that this meal is taking place.

The stellar remnant is a white dwarf about half the mass of our sun, but that is densely packed into a body about the size of Earth. Scientists think the dwarf's immense gravity pulled in and tore apart an icy Pluto analog from the system's own version of the Kuiper Belt, an icy ring of debris that encircles our solar system. The findings were reported on September 18 in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The researchers were able to determine this carnage by analyzing the chemical composition of the doomed object as its pieces fell onto the white dwarf. In particular, they detected "volatiles"substances with low boiling pointsincluding carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and a high oxygen content that suggests the strong presence of water.

"We were surprised," said Snehalata Sahu of the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. Sahu led the data analysis of a Hubble survey of white dwarfs.

"We did not expect to find water or other icy content. This is because the comets and Kuiper Belt-like objects are thrown out of their planetary systems early, as their stars evolve into white dwarfs. But here, we are detecting this very volatile-rich material. This is surprising for astronomers studying white dwarfs as well as exoplanets, planets outside our solar system."

Only with Hubble

Using Hubble's Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, the team found that the fragments were composed of 64% water ice. The fact that they detected so much ice meant that the pieces were part of a very massive object that formed far out in the star system's icy Kuiper Belt analog. Using Hubble data, scientists calculated that the object was bigger than typical comets and may be a fragment of an exo-Pluto.

They also detected a large fraction of nitrogenthe highest ever detected in white dwarf debris systems. "We know that Pluto's surface is covered with nitrogen ices," said Sahu. "We think that the white dwarf accreted fragments of the crust and mantle of a dwarf planet."

Accretion of these volatile-rich objects by white dwarfs is very difficult to detect in visible light. These volatile elements can only be detected with Hubble's unique ultraviolet light sensitivity. In optical light, the white dwarf would appear ordinary.

About 260 light-years away, the white dwarf is a relatively close cosmic neighbor. In the past, when it was a sun-like star, it would have been expected to host planets and an analog to our Kuiper Belt.

Like seeing our sun in future

Billions of years from now, when our sun burns out and collapses to a white dwarf, Kuiper Belt objects will be pulled in by the stellar remnant's immense gravity. "These planetesimals will then be disrupted and accreted," said Sahu. "If an alien observer looks into our solar system in the far future, they might see the same kind of remains we see today around this white dwarf."

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The team hopes to use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to detect molecular features of volatiles such as water vapor and carbonates by observing this white dwarf in infrared light. By further studying white dwarfs, scientists can better understand the frequency and composition of these volatile-rich accretion events.

Sahu is also following the recent discovery of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. She is eager to learn its chemical composition, especially its fraction of water. "These types of studies will help us learn more about planet formation. They can also help us understand how water is delivered to rocky planets," said Sahu.

Boris Gansicke, of the University of Warwick and a visitor at Spain's Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, was the principal investigator of the Hubble program that led to this discovery.

"We observed over 500 white dwarfs with Hubble. We've already learned so much about the building blocks and fragments of planets, but I've been absolutely thrilled that we now identified a system that resembles the objects in the frigid outer edges of our solar system," said Gansicke. "Measuring the composition of an exo-Pluto is an important contribution toward our understanding of the formation and evolution of these bodies."
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Illustration showing photon emission from a nanodiamond and light directed by a bullseye antenna. Credit: Boaz Lubotzky

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Humboldt University in Berlin have developed a way to capture nearly all the light emitted from tiny diamond defects known as color centers. By placing nanodiamonds into specially designed hybrid nanoantennas with extreme precision, the team achieved record photon collection at room temperaturea necessary step for quantum technologies such as quantum sensors, and quantum-secured communications.

Diamonds have long been prized for their sparkle, but researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with colleagues from the Humboldt University in Berlin, are showing they achieve an almost optimal "sparkling," a key requirement for using diamonds also for quantum technology. The team has approached an almost perfect collection of the faintest light signals, single photons, from tiny diamond defects, known as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, which are vital for developing next-generation quantum computers, sensors, and communication networks.

NV centers are microscopic imperfections in the diamond structure that can act like quantum "light switches." They emit single particles of light (photons) that carry quantum information. The problem, until now, has been that much of this light is lost in all directions, making it hard to capture and use.

The Hebrew University team, together with their research partners from Berlin, solved this challenge by embedding nanodiamonds containing NV centers into specially designed hybrid nanoantennas. These antennas, built from layers of metal and dielectric materials in a precise bullseye pattern, guide the light in a well-defined direction instead of letting it scatter. Using ultra-precise positioning, the researchers placed the nanodiamonds exactly at the antenna centerwithin a few billionths of a meter.

Featured in APL Quantum, the results are significant: the new system can collect up to 80% of the emitted photons at room temperature. This is a dramatic improvement compared to previous attempts, where only a small fraction of the light was usable.

Prof. Rapaport explained, "Our approach brings us much closer to practical quantum devices. By making photon collection more efficient, we're opening the door to technologies such as secure quantum communication and ultra-sensitive sensors."

Dr. Lubotzky added, "What excites us is that this works in a simple, chip-based design and at room temperature. That means it can be integrated into real-world systems much more easily than before."

The research demonstrates not just clever engineering, but also the potential of diamonds beyond jewelry. With quantum technologies racing toward real-world applications, this advance could help pave the way for faster, more reliable quantum networks.

More information: Boaz Lubotzky et al, Approaching unity photon collection from NV centers via ultra-precise positioning of nanodiamonds in hybrid nanoantennas, APL Quantum (2025). DOI: 10.1063/5.0272913 Journal information: APL Quantum
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Camera-trap records in mainland (A) and island (B). Credit: bioRxiv (2025). DOI: 10.1101/2025.09.05.674446

Scientists in Brazil recently recorded evidence that a jaguar visited an isolated island in the reservoir area of the Serra da Mesa Hydroelectric Power Dam in northern Goias State. The same jaguar had been identified on the mainland, 2.48 km away from the island, back in 2020. Both instances were recorded by camera-trap stations, three on the mainland and one on the island, which were set up for an exploratory jaguar survey. The specific jaguar's identity was confirmed by spot-pattern analysis.

After analyzing possible aquatic trajectories for the jaguar, the researchers found that it had two possible paths. Either the jaguar swam the direct 2.48 km to the island, or used a stepping-stone-like islet, taking a 1.06 km swim, followed by a 1.27 km swim to get to the island.

Previous records indicated a maximum swimming distance of around 200 meters for jaguars. Given the possible paths here, this jaguar had to swim a minimum of 1.27 km, possibly more, shattering previous records. This impressive feat is documented in a new bioRxiv preprint, in which the researchers involved also discuss a newly proposed aquatic-cost scale for assessing the ecological connectivity between landmasses.

It was previously thought that reservoirs, like Serra da Mesa, acted as absolute barriers for large carnivores due to prior instances of predator collapse on islands further than a kilometer away from the mainland. Yet, genetic studies across the Amazon River indicated only partial segregation, suggesting occasional crossings.

The study authors explain, "These rare events suggest that, under favorable conditions (e.g., warm water, low currents, presence of stepping-stone islands), large felids may occasionally exploit aquatic corridors that appear to be initially insurmountable."

The research team proposes a new ordinal aquatic-cost scale for modeling connectivity between landmasses, described by low/medium/high cost ranking for water crossings. Low cost was defined as less than 300 m; medium as 3001,000 m with stepping-stones; and high as greater than 1,000 m of open water. This scale is meant to help inform future hydropower impact assessments and corridor planning for jaguar conservation.

"Historically distributed from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina, the species has lost approximately 50% of its original range due to habitat conversion, fragmentation, and perpetuity. Like other large carnivores, jaguars depend on dispersal to sustain gene flow, avoid inbreeding, and recolonize vacant habitats," the authors write.

While jaguars and other large animals may occasionally be capable of overcoming manmade barriers for food or mating reasons, they still face many challenges with ecosystem loss. Jaguars are apex predators and are crucial for ecosystem balance, but they have already lost about 50% of their range. Further research can help quantify how often these long-distance crossings occur and test the new cost scale in other systems.

The study authors point out a need for smarter infrastructure planning to protect biodiversity. They say, "Because some reservoirs are at least partially permeable, conservation planning should consider amphibious corridors that integrate riparian habitat with aquatic stepping-stones. Maintaining gentle shore gradients, preserving riparian vegetation, and safeguarding islets 1 km apart can reduce swimming costs for jaguars and other taxa."

Written for you by our author Krystal Kasal, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

More information: Leandro Silveira et al, Kilometre-scale jaguar swimming reveals permeable hydropower barriers: implications for conservation in the Cerrado hotspot, bioRxiv (2025). DOI: 10.1101/2025.09.05.674446 Journal information: bioRxiv

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A complete petrified skeleton of an ancestor of modern porpoises dating back more than 10 million years is unveiled at the Geological, Mining, and Metallurgical Institute (INGEMMET) in Lima on September 17, 2025.

Peruvian paleontologists on Wednesday unveiled the 12-million-year-old fossil of a prehistoric porpoise found near the country's Pacific coast.

The fossil, which measures 3.5 meters (about 11.5 feet) long, was found in July by Peruvian paleontologist Mario Urbina in the Ocucaje desert, around 350 kilometers (217 miles) south of the capital Lima.

Presenting his find at the Geological, Mining, and Metallurgical Institute in Lima, Urbina said it was a rare specimen of a porpoise from the Pisco geological formation, noted for its well-preserved marine fossils.

Another paleontologist, Mario Gamarra, said the relic's excellent condition would allow scientists new avenues for studying the prehistoric marine mammal: "how it moved, how it swam, what it ate and for how long it lived."

The Ocucaje desert is a paradise for fossil hunters.

The skeletons of four-legged dwarf whales, dolphins, sharks, and other species from the Miocene period (between five million and 23 million years ago) have all been discovered in the area.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

When Russia mounted a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many outsiders expected the worst. Predictions swirled that the capital city of Kyiv would fall in a matter of days or weeks.

But Kyiv, which is home to nearly 3 million people, is still standing today. So is the majority of Ukraine, even though the country has experienced extreme losses. Hundreds of thousands of civilians and military members have died, roughly 3 million people have been displaced within Ukraine, and 20,000 children have been forcefully deported to Russia.

Now, in a special issue of the journal Post-Soviet Affairs, political scientists from the United States, Ukraine and beyond take a fresh look at how the nation has persevered through the crisis. The studies examine how resilience can spring not just from armed forces, but from the actions of everyday people and communities.

The special issue was edited by Sarah Wilson Sokhey, associate professor of political science at CU Boulder, and Inna Melnykovska, assistant professor in comparative political economy at the Central European University in Vienna.

"Ukraine is still there," said Melnykovska, who grew up in Chortkiv, a small town in western Ukraine. "You can still attend the cinema and concerts and can still have a great coffee in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine. We wanted to know how society is still able to function and also resist in times of war."

Through five studies in the special issue, researchers trace that resistance back to a series of decentralization reforms that began in 2014, around the time when Russia illegally annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea. These changes shifted power from the national government to local municipalities around the country.

The research reveals how people and organizations, from small town mayors to parent and youth groups and activist networks, banded together to keep the nation running. These local players helped find housing for people displaced by the war, secured medical supplies, and kept the lights on in cities, literally.

"Ukraine is, in many ways, an example for other countries," Sokhey said. "The theme is resilience: There are some remarkable lessons here about how things can get done under really bad circumstances."

Stake in society

Sokhey gives the example of a doctor she met this year during a research trip to Lviv, a city in western Ukraine. By day, the woman practices medicine and teaches at a local university. In her off time, she leads a group of volunteers that solicits donations for medical supplies and sends them to the front lines of the war.

The doctor and her colleagues have kept up their work for more than three years and counting.

"There's a real fatigue that comes with having to do this all the time," Sokhey said. "But even with that, when they get requests in and need more people, they go to their families and their friends, and they can still get a bunch of volunteers."

These kinds of stories are common in Ukraine, Sokhey said. In many cases, their roots extend back to well before the war began.

In 2014, Ukraine began dividing the nation into 1,469 municipalities, or "hromadas." These hromadas retained broad powers to decide how they set their budgets. In some cases, citizens in hromadas even vote on the region's spending priorities, a process known as participatory budgeting.

Melnykovska believes the reforms empowered many people across Ukraine to get involved in local politicsand that involvement continued after the full-scale war with Russia erupted eight years later.

"These decentralization reforms gave everyone a greater connection to the state," Melnykovska said. "Every participant in society had a greater stake in Ukrainian sovereignty, in ensuring that Ukraine would continue to be there."

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In one paper appearing in the special issue, Sophie Schmaing of the University of Greifswald in Germany explored how those early connections became useful during the war.

In the city of Dnipro, for example, a parent group that had originally formed to improve local schools started making candles for the army in 2022. In the winter, a group of young activists in Kyiv that had originally formed to get involved in participatory budgeting built a warming room for city residents as many lost power.

Separately, Sokhey and her colleagues examined how voting patterns in local elections shaped policies in Ukrainea case of democracy in action.

The team found that hromadas with higher voter turnout rates also tended to spend more money on social services, such as housing and resources for displaced people and other vulnerable groups. Sokhey sees the results as evidence that local authorities are listening to and responding to the demands of their constituents.

"Even before the war began, Ukraine had been taking these steps to improve local governance and accountability," she said. "All the evidence we have suggests that these changes allowed the country to respond much more effectively."

Lessons for the world

Sokhey and Melnykovska emphasize that governance in Ukraine is far from perfect.

In another study in the special issue, for example, Maryna Rabinovych of The Arctic University of Norway and her colleagues highlighted several hromadas that have established martial law systemswhich, the researchers argue, risk undermining local governance.

But Sokhey and Melnykovska added that countries around the world, including the United States, could learn a lot from Ukraine. Strong societies, where individuals and communities feel empowered to solve their own problems, are crucial for helping nations survive times of crisis.

"Ukraine's situation is probably good news for nations where state institutions are weakening," Melnykovska said. "These institutions have another pillar to help them survive, and that is society."

She follows the Facebook page for the mayor of her hometown, which has a population of about 30,000. The city has gotten creative, using international interest around the war to bring in funding for a variety of projects. They include efforts to modernize the town's energy system, along with improvements to water pipes, which date back to the Soviet era. Those kinds of efforts will become critical when people who fled Ukraine at the start of the war eventually start coming home, Melnykovska said.

The political scientist also offers a warning: Ukrainians have been remarkably resilient, she said, but they can only be resilient for so long.

"Society can get tired, and some resources are running out," Melnykovska said. "This resilience has been long-term, but it's not endless. There should still be support from outside."

More information: Inna Melnykovska et al, The local and regional dimension of Ukraine's resilience during Russia's full-scale invasion: an introduction, Post-Soviet Affairs (2025). DOI: 10.1080/1060586x.2025.2545626 Sophie Schmaing, From reconfiguring the urban space to resisting Russia's war: local civic engagement in Ukraine since 2014, Post-Soviet Affairs (2025). DOI: 10.1080/1060586x.2025.2491969 Isha Banerjee et al, The effect of democratic participation on public goods provision: evidence from local governments in Ukraine, Post-Soviet Affairs (2025). DOI: 10.1080/1060586x.2025.2529766 Maryna Rabinovych et al, Ukrainian decentralization under martial law: challenges for regional and local self-governance, Post-Soviet Affairs (2025). DOI: 10.1080/1060586x.2025.2520167
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Timeline of SPI program recruitment, implementation, and evaluation by cohort. Schedules for medical students who had the Student Perspectives Initiative program run during their pre-clinical curriculums from A 20202022 and B 2023present. SPI, Student Perspectives Initiative; M2, second-year medical student; M3, third-year medical student; M4, fourth-year medical student. Credit: Medical Science Educator (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s40670-025-02450-4

Most medical schools teach students about illness through lectures or clinical vignettes as taught by doctors, but Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine offers a novel teaching experience whereby medical students share their own personal experiences with illness.

Recently, the school created the Student Perspectives Initiative (SPI), a student-led program where medical students share their own personal stories with illness that match topics being taught in class. For example, a lecture on inflammatory bowel diseases in the gastroenterology module would include a presentation by a student speaking about their own experience with Crohn's disease.

In a new study, students who participated in the SPI program said that it helped them learn, understand the emotions connected to the disease, and feel more connected to each other. This is the first study demonstrating that storytelling by students themselves can be a lasting and meaningful way to improve medical education.

From 2020 to 2022, BU medical students learned basic science in their first year and clinical science in their second year. During the second year, students were introduced to SPI, where they shared personal stories matched to what they were learning in class. In 2023, BU changed the curriculum to combine basic and clinical science into one -and-a-half years. Because of this, the SPI program was offered in both the first and second years.

Each year, approximately eight students gave voluntary presentations that lasted 30 to 60 minutes. Peer attendance was between 25 and 160 students. A faculty member was also present during the sessions to provide support and answer more technical questions related to anatomy and physiology.

To measure the program's impact, the researchers created a survey that asked about learning, empathy and community. They also asked for feedback to improve the program. Students could fill out the survey anonymously after the end of the SPI program, regardless of whether they had presented, attended or simply heard about the program.

According to the researcher, these findings show that a program like the SPI can help shape how future doctors learn to care for patientsnot only by memorizing facts but by truly understanding what it feels like to be sick.

"When medical students hear real stories from their peers about living with illness, they become more empathetic, emotionally aware and better prepared to support their patients. These kinds of experiences can lead to more compassionate, human-centered care in the long run," explained senior author Ariel Hirsch, MD, professor of radiation oncology and director of radiation oncology education at the school.

The researchers believe this study highlights the powerful idea that storytellingespecially personal storytellingcan be a tool for education, healing and connection.

"It shows that when students share their own experiences with illness, it not only teaches important lessons but also helps build empathy and community. It also suggests that storytelling could be used more widelynot just in medicine, but in schools, workplaces, and communitiesto help people better understand each other and grow together," adds corresponding author Elyse Olesinski, MD, who graduated from the medical school in May and now is an internal medicine resident at Massachusetts General Hospital.

BU medical school graduate and founder of the program Seth Bergenholtz, MD, and current BU medical student Sarah Horn, also contributed to this study.

These findings appear online in the journal Medical Science Educator.

More information: Elyse A. Olesinski et al, The Student Perspectives Initiative: A Novel Program Integrating Medical Students' Own Personal Stories of Illness into the Pre-clinical Medical Curriculum, Medical Science Educator (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s40670-025-02450-4
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Red circles: All aquaculture sites in Norway as of 14 February 2025. The map also shows the 13 production areas. Green means acceptable environmental impact, yellow means moderate environmental impact, and red implies unacceptable environmental impact. Credit: Directorate of Fisheries

How can we save wild salmon from extinction, and at the same time ensure farmed salmon a life free from lice and other suffering? Research uncovers critical challenges related to management, fish welfare, monitoring and control in the aquaculture industry.

The Norwegian aquaculture industry is a success story about salmon, growth, welfare and jobs along the coast. Norway's second largest export industry has become a billion-dollar industrywhich also increasingly threatens the environment, animal welfare and the wild salmon population.

Salmon, lice, welfare, loopholes

A new study from NTNU points to a number of challenges. The researchers interviewed stakeholders who are engaged in the salmon industry in various ways. The criticism is particularly strong of the most important tool the authorities have to regulate the aquaculture industry, namely the traffic light system. Furthermore, there are major dilemmas surrounding salmon lice, fish health and welfare. There are challenges with supervision and control, and the regulations have loopholes that can be exploited.

"What is most surprising is how everyone agrees that the current management system does not work," say researchers Jon Olaf Olaussen and Juliana Figueira Haugen.

Understanding different views on salmon farming

Olaussen is a professor at NTNU Business School, where Haugen received her Ph.D. in December. He was her supervisor, where she interviewed 23 informants from the industry, the authorities, environmental organizations, fishermen and independent experts.

The main questions were how these different informants perceive the current regulations for salmon farming, and what improvements they believe are needed.

"The goal has been to bring out a better understanding of different views, which can contribute to increased awareness, deeper insight, bridge-building and dialog," Haugen says.

The study "Plague or cholera? Stakeholder perspectives on Norwegian salmon farming regulations" has been published in the journal Marine Policy.

Agreed on the problems, disagreed on the solutions

The informants agree on many of the problems, but disagree on which solutions are best. Anglers, environmental organizations and some representatives from the authorities are in favor of stricter regulation. They are concerned about the environment and generally more skeptical about the aquaculture industry.

The researchers have extracted five main themes from the interviews:

The traffic light systemthe most important aquaculture regulation today

Combating salmon lice in relation to the welfare of farmed salmon

Challenges with supervision, control, and loopholes in the regulations

Lack of policies that support technological innovation.

Perceptions about the industry and the need for more collaboration

How the traffic light system Works

The system divides Norway into 13 zones for salmon and trout farming. Each zone is assigned a traffic light every other year.

Green zones: Sea lice are estimated to cause less than 10% mortality in wild salmon. Up to 6% growth in production is allowed.

Sea lice are estimated to cause less than 10% mortality in wild salmon. Up to 6% growth in production is allowed. Yellow zones: Mortality is estimated at 1030%, and production can continue as before.

Mortality is estimated at 1030%, and production can continue as before. Red zones: It is likely that more than 30% of wild salmon die due to lice. Companies may be required to reduce production by up to 6%. Those who can demonstrate low lice levels may apply for exemptionseven in red zones.

The criticism is strongest against the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries' traffic light scheme.

"The biggest problem is that the system is based on salmon lice as the only factor. Many of our informants believe that escapes, mortality, discharges of nutrients and diseases must be included," says Juliana Haugen.

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Plague or cholera?

Parasitic salmon lice threaten both farmed salmon and wild salmon. Lice have become resistant to drugs, and mechanical or thermal delousing has become more common. The first removes lice by flushing or brushing. The other exposes the fish to hot water to get the lice to let go.

Representatives from environmental organizations call these "torture methods." A representative from a government agency described the choice between controlling the amount of lice to protect wild salmon or protecting the welfare of farmed salmon "a bit like choosing between plague and cholera."

Accepting high mortality rates for salmon

Using what are called "cleaner fish," or a species of fish that eat lice directly from the salmon is gentler on the farmed salmon, but not the cleaner fish. These fish have an even higher mortality rate than farmed salmon. An informant from the authorities acknowledges that the use of cleaner fish is not acceptable, but describes the situation as being trapped in a no-man's-land where it's impossible to stop the use of the fish.

Last year, 57.8 million farmed salmon died in the sea phase, for a mortality rate of 15.4%. The figures are based on what the fish farmers themselves report to the Directorate of Fisheries. The highest mortality rate was over 24%, the lowest at 4.1.

Many of the informants in the NTNU study are strongly concerned about the welfare of the farmed fish, and some of them are resigned because they believe such a high mortality rate would hardly have been accepted in other livestock industries. Others are frustrated that, despite large losses of fish, fish farmers continue to reap large profits.

Little concrete white paper on aquaculture

In the white paper "Future aquaculturesustainable growth and food for the world" (in Norwegian), the Government acknowledges that the current regulations do not promote sustainable operations. The compromise in the Storting on June 12 ended with few concrete measures, Olaussen said.

Originally, a tax on lost fish, so-called wastage, and a new quota system for the discharge of salmon lice larvae, were proposed.

"After the deliberations in the Storting, all that is left is that more committees will be set up and there will be further investigations. In any case, the proposed emissions trading regime will take a very long time to put in place. Nor does it solve the fundamental problem of controlling production by lice to such a large extent," Olaussen said.

Besides, Norway doesn't have time to waste, he said. Native stocks of wild Atlantic salmon are on the Red List of threatened and endangered species, large numbers of cleaner fish and farmed salmon die every year, and discharges from the farms are released directly into the sea.

Billion-dollar industry based on trust

The researchers point out that quotas require both good counting and a completely different control regime. So far, Norway has not achieved either. The informants say that there are no resources to check the numbers the industry itself reports for lice, the number of salmon in the cages, and escapes.

"Then it doesn't matter what kind of management system we have. If it is not followed up with monitoring and control, things will get out of control. We have got a management system based on pure trust. We actually have a billion-dollar industry with a large environmental footprint that is managed in this way. It's unusual, and history shows that it doesn't work," says Olaussen.

Politics, sticks and carrots

The stakeholders in the study agree that technological advances, such as closed fish farming facilities to limit direct discharges, will determine how sustainable the industry can become. These stakeholder believe that politics must support more innovation, but they also support different approaches to solving the problem.

"More informants want more carrots, while representatives of fishermen, environmentalists and some from the authorities typically want more orders, bans and sticks," Haugen said.

More information: Juliana Figueira Haugen et al, Plague or cholera? Stakeholder perspectives on Norwegian salmon farming regulations, Marine Policy (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106685 Journal information: Marine Policy
CINCINNATI, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) today declared a $0.36 per share dividend on the outstanding common stock of the Company. The dividend is payable October 27, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 29, 2025. The ex-dividend date is September 29, 2025.

About GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 49,000 commercial and 29,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 53,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.

GE Aerospace's Investor Relations website at https://www.geaerospace.com/investor-relations and our corporate blog at https://www.geaerospace.com/news/articles, as well as GE Aerospace's social media accounts, contain a significant amount of information about GE Aerospace, including financial and other information for investors. GE Aerospace encourages investors to visit these websites from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted.

SOURCE GE Aerospace
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Schematic of the modeling framework, illustrating the connection between N-body accretion outcomes and volatile growth simulations. Credit: The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2025). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf282

Florida Tech astrophysicist Howard Chen is offering new insights to help aid NASA's search for life beyond Earth. His latest theoretical work investigates the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system, one of the most widely studied exoplanetary systems in the galaxy. It has captured scientists' attention for its potential to host water, and thus possibly life, on its planets. Now, he's offering an explanation for why telescopes have yet to find definitive signs of either.

The paper, "Born Dry or Born Wet? A Palette of Water Growth Histories in TRAPPIST-1 Analogs and Compact Planetary Systems," was authored by Chen, an assistant professor of space sciences, and researchers from NASA, Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University. It was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters in September and explores the likelihood that TRAPPIST-1's three innermost exoplanets contained no water when they formed, despite existing in a zone where water is viable.

TRAPPIST-1 is a red dwarf star located about 40 light-years away from us. (One light year is about 6 trillion miles.) It is thought to be about 7.6 billion years old, or 3 billion years older than our sun.

Astronomers are captivated by the TRAPPIST-1 system because its seven known planets are rocky and Earth-like. They also fall within the star's habitable zone, which is the distance range from a star at which temperatures are not too hot or cold to support liquid water.

Researchers are searching for any evidence of water on these planets, but have yet to detect anything. Some think a lack of gas in the atmosphere is disrupting the light needed to pick up detailed visuals. Others predict water could have escaped the planets' atmospheres throughout their evolution.

Chen and his team, however, decided to research a different theory: that there was no water to begin with because there was no gas to contain it. He would test it not from an observational perspective, but with mathematical modeling of the planets' initial formation.

"You have astronomers who are using telescopes to see what's out there. I come from a different perspective," Chen said. "I'm both trying to explain what we're seeing while trying to make predictions about what we can't."

The researchers created models that examined the composition and growth of these planets starting when they were as small as 1 kilometer wide. They simulated how material aggregated during collisions with other celestial objects until they reached their final planetary formations.

There are several key factors in collision events that heavily influence a planet's final composition. Chen's models incorporated impact delivery, which is the transfer of materials like water and gases during a celestial collision; impact erosion, which refers to the removal of materials in a planet's atmosphere due to impact; and mantle-atmosphere exchange, which is the transfer of water and gases between a planet's atmosphere and mantle to maintain its conditions.

The team ran hundreds of collision simulations, which returned thousands of different possibilities for how TRAPPIST-1's planets might have formed. They varied several components, such as the amount of water available to the system, the profile of the initial planet formation environment, the planets' density profiles and the initial system conditions. For the inner worlds, specifically the first three planets, most of the simulations came back dry.

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"Whatever we did, we couldn't get much water in these inner planets," Chen said.

He believes that the main reason the planets couldn't acquire water is due to the nature of the collision events. Compact planet collisions are higher velocity, so they are more aggressive and energetic, Chen said. This means that instead of acquiring material for a gaseous atmosphere, planets' atmospheres were completely cleared out by the power of the collisions. With no gas in the atmosphere to contain water, it's possible that any previously existing water escaped back into space during these collision events.

Understanding a planet's earliest characteristics, its water, air and carbon content, builds the foundation for how they evolve. That way, when researchers identify a planet that seems viable for life at the surface level, they can use Chen's model to simulate what these distant worlds might be like on the inside, on the surface and in the air.

Combining the theoretical context of a planet's formation with the state in which it was discovered can help researchersand NASAmake informed, efficient decisions on which planets are worth investigating and when it's time to move on to the next.

More information: Howard Chen et al, Born Dry or Born Wet? A Palette of Water Growth Histories in TRAPPIST-1 Analogs and Compact Planetary Systems, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2025). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf282 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Central Florida residents face flight delays, beach closures, and sonic booms in the middle of the night if SpaceX has its way, with plans to launch its powerful Starship and Super Heavy rocket from the Space Coast as many as 120 times a year.

The most dire predictions in two federal reports on the proposal could mean nearly 12,000 delayed commercial flights each year with more than 60 days of denied access to Playalinda Beach on Canaveral National Seashore and half of the launches and landings taking place while residents are asleep.

"Where does the space center program end and the access to the public rights start?" wrote area resident William Gee as part of the public comment period for the proposal. "You've constantly taken more and more  We want our kids to be able to enjoy the piece of land we all grew up on before corruption and greed takes over. Shame on all of you in favor."

At issue is a proposed launch site from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39-A and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 37. SpaceX aims to launch as many as 44 missions from KSC and another 76 from Cape Canaveral, in addition to existing launches of its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets from its Space Coast launch pads.

Starship and Super Heavy, though, is the most powerful rocket to ever make it into space. It creates close to 17 million pounds of thrust on liftoff, which is nearly double that of NASA's Space Launch System rocket used on the Artemis missions.

Flight disruptions

Both launch site proposals are undergoing intensive Environmental Impact Statements, though the release of final reports could stretch into 2026. While the Canaveral site's public comment period is closed, public comment for the KSC site remains open until Sept. 22.

The "community annoyance" of an increased number of launches has been among the most contentious among public comments made so far, as well as during a virtual public hearing earlier this month.

Starship launches will fly out over the Atlantic with airspace closures ranging from 40 minutes to two hours that could affect the Bahamas and Canada in addition to U.S. routes. That could affect 133 to 400 aircraft during peak travel periods and equates to as much as 8,800 commercial flights a year, although half the launches are expected to fall during overnight hours.

But the big potential for airport delays are the frequent returns of Starship, which will fly back for landings similar to how the space shuttle used to return.

That means a west-to-east trajectory that could shut down southbound U.S. as well as international air traffic headed for Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami. It could also affect airspace over Mexico, Central America and Cuba,

Landing approaches would prompt a minimum of 40 minutes and up to one hour of airspace closure, impacting 400 to 600 commercial aircraft during peak daily travel periods, which is from 8,800 to 13,200 per year.

That's not great news for Orlando International, which already has its hands full juggling delays. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics ranked Orlando 26th out of the top 30 U.S. airports for delays, noting its flights were on time 74.08% of the time.

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"I can confirm that the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has participated in meetings with the Federal Aviation Administration, which ensures the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System, and is currently reviewing potential impacts," according to Angela Starke, senior vice president of public affairs for the authority, which oversees both Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport.

The leadership at Tampa International was much more vocal in their concerns during a virtual meeting held earlier this month.

"There is the potential that there is going to be a significant impact to commercial aviation and the traveling public," said the airport's Chief Operating Officer, John Tiliacos. "That's something that certainly the FAA needs to give consideration to and, frankly, come up with a plan to mitigate that."

Among the public comments in the file, one anonymous commenter said more consideration should be given to the national impact of the closures.

"The impact from current launches already affects commercial air traffic in the Florida Peninsula with extended ground holds and delays, and crews timing out causing a domino effect throughout the system," the commenter stated.

"The number of commercial air travelers directly affected by these delays will grow and so will the disgruntled citizens who will contact their elected representatives to demand something gets done to limit the launches' impact on their trips. All commercial airports will be affected, unlike what is mentioned in the presentation."

Boom and boom again

The Falcon 9 boosters that currently make recovery landings on the Space Coast prompt sonic boom advisories from SpaceX, noting they could be heard across Central Florida. Recent land recoveries of boosters have had reports of a boom heard as far away as Lake County.

Those boosters are about 130 feet tall with a 12-foot diameter. Starship and Super Heavy combined are nearly 400 feet tall.

"The easiest way to think about it is it's very similar to a wave on the bow of a ship," said UCF's Michael Kinzel, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. "So the bigger the boat, the bigger the wave. So it would create a potentially larger shock wave."

With half the launches happening during sleeping hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., those bigger, louder booms could be rattling homes on the Space Coast and farther afield as many as 60 times a year during overnight hours for the boosters. And then the Starship returns that fly over Central Florida could also bring smaller sonic booms, but again could be coming during overnight hours, when they might be more noticeable.

"Local communities could be exposed to relatively high-level noise and overpressure environments from the launch and landings of Starship and Super Heavy boosters," the KSC draft states. "Operations would have significant impact on community annoyance."

In addition, those closest to the launch sites could be in store for potential damage as the sonic boom pressure intensity for booster landings covers a wider area than those created by the smaller Falcon 9 boosters.

"Noise-induced structural vibration may cause annoyance to building occupants because of induced secondary vibrations, or 'rattle," of objects within the buildinghanging pictures, dishes, plaques, and bric-a-brac," according to the KSC report.

Canaveral landings, which are farther south than KSC, could mean the risk for damage would be higher for residents in the cities of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, while both launch sites could affect northern Merritt Island, Titusville, Cocoa, Port Saint John and Rockledge.

Both reports stated older structures could see some damage, but the FAA requires, under the Commercial Space Launch Act for SpaceX, to carry insurance to cover claims.

"If any damage were to occur as a result of sonic booms, it would be expected to be limited to lightweight or brittle structural elements, such as windows and plaster, as massive structural elements such as those that provide structural integrity are affected by noise and sonic booms to a lesser degree," KSC's report stated.

Closed for launches

Since it's farther south, Canaveral launches won't pose as many closures for publicly-accessible land, although parts of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge would be off-limits.

The launch operations from KSC, though, have a danger zone that stretches up into Canaveral National Seashore, including the popular Playalinda Beach.

Those public places would be shut down during static fires and launch operations, including during scrubbed launches.

Restrictions would last for approximately three to six hours per event for up to 76 events annually. That means between 33 and 44 full-day closures and another 33 half-day closures, which equates to up to 60.5 "closure days" per year, the KSC report states.

With nearly two months of the year potentially shut down for the popular destination, that could mean an annual fee loss of between $239,000 and $259,000 for the National Park Service.

"This would adversely affect the NPS's ability to fund projects, staff, and maintain the park; the NPS may consider this significant," the report states.

While SpaceX awaits the findings of the two environmental reports, it continues to build out launch infrastructure amid a $1.8 billion investment for Starship operations on the Space Coast. SpaceX would not begin any operational missions from Florida until it has worked out issues from its test regime, and would also need an FAA license to launch from either of its planned Space Coast sites.

2025 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Physicist Florence Grant carefully assesses how the tea crops fared in the two types of soil, both Mars and lunar. Credit: University of Kent

A team of researchers from Kent have demonstrated that it is possible to grow tea in lunar soil as part of a wider field of work to explore how future astronauts living and working on the moon can grow their own food.

Working with U.K. tea plantation Dartmoor Tea, Lightcurve Films and Europlanet, Kent researchers (led by Professor Nigel Mason and Dr. Sara Lopez-Gomollon) planted saplings into soils that mimic those found on the surface of the moon and Mars. They monitored how the plants developed over the course of several weekscomparing their performance with a control sample planted in Devonian soilwith temperature, humidity and lighting controlled to mimic conditions in space.

The tea plants in lunar soil flourished, taking root and growing as well as the control plants. In contrast, plants in simulated Martian soil failed to grow.

Details of soil moisture, nutrient content, pH, root length and leaf health were explored by project students Anna-Maria Wirth and Florence Grant. The project team will be reporting the findings at Europe's first Space Agriculture Workshop in Bratislava, Slovakia this week.

This research project came about after Maarten Roos-Serote from Lightcurve Films learned about the space-agriculture activities at Kent's School of Natural Sciences at last year's European Planetary Science Congress. Maarten, who is a freelance planetary scientist, had begun experimenting with tea plants a few years ago in Portugal to establish baseline growth parameters under usual Earth-like conditions. After identifying and building a relationship with Jo Harper at Dartmoor Tea, the British tea grower's plants were utilized for the University of Kent experiment.

The experiment has also had implications closer to home. While the main aim of the project has been to see whether we could grow plants on the moon (and Mars), the research team is also learning about how crops and plants survive harsh environments and poor soils. Poor soils are an international problem due to climate change and over-farming, and this work can help scientists better understand how to transform sterile, lifeless soils into viable growing ones.

Professor Mason said, "We're moving into a new age of space, where we think about settling in space and building bases on the moon or Mars. One of the first things you want to know is, 'What will people eat?' These experiments reveal that terrestrial plants such as tea may be cultivated in lunar soils within lunar greenhouses, allowing inhabitants of such bases some degree of autonomy and access to fresh food. We are at the very earliest stages of research into space agriculture but it is reassuring that we may be able to provide access to the great British tradition of a tea break."

Dr. Lopez-Gomollon said, "The results of this project are very encouraging, as they demonstrate that a tea, a crop, can be grown in lunar soils. Our next step is to better understand the physiology of the plant under these conditions, so we can improve growth and ideally translate these findings to other crops.

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"This is particularly exciting as we move beyond simply sending astronauts to the moon and begin to think seriously about making it habitable, paving the way for long-duration space missions. Additionally, just as our experience with how plants cope with stress on Earth informs our work in space agriculture, we hope that the knowledge gained from studying plant survival in extreme extra-terrestrial environments will also be applied to improving crop resilience here on Earth."

Harper from Dartmoor Tea said, "The team at Dartmoor Estate Tea have been delighted to be involved in this study. We hope that our experience of establishing the cultivation of tea in an unconventional setting has assisted this project. Outcomes from the implementation of the trial phase have already led to direct improvements in the way we grow and nurture our plants here in Devon, with the potential for these to have applications benefiting the wider tea industry."
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Using the ESRF's intense X-ray beams, the team tracked how mercury is processed inside Atlantic Bluefin tuna. Credit: Alain Manceau, ESRF/CNRS/ENS Lyon

Researchers at the ESRF, the European Synchrotron, together with CNRS, ENS Lyon and the Institute of Marine Research in Norway, have unveiled how Atlantic Bluefin tuna transforms the toxic form of mercury into less harmful forms. Their study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, shows that the tuna's edible muscle contains not only toxic methylmercury, but also mercury bound in stable, non-toxic compounds.

Mercury contamination in seafood is a global health concern. Mercury (Hg) originates both from natural sources like volcanoes and forest fires and from human activities such as coal burning, gold mining, and industrial waste incineration. Bacteria convert it into toxic methylmercury, which is biomagnified within food webs. Because tuna are top predators, eating many smaller contaminated fish, mercury accumulates in their bodies over time.

However, not all mercury is equally toxic, its chemical form makes a big difference. A study led by Alain Manceau, researcher emeritus CNRS/ENS Lyon, scientist at the ESRF, who has spent years studying how animals detoxify mercury, recommends how the mercury content should be measured.

"When evaluating the level of toxicity, we should do so by measuring the concentration of methylmercury, which can be done routinely today, instead of total mercury," he explains. "Otherwise, we include forms of mercury that are sometimes present in fish but are harmless to the human body."

Alain Manceau, researcher emeritus CNRS/ENS Lyon, scientist at the ESRF, during experiment at the ESRF, the European Synchrotron. Credit: ESRF/Steph Cande

Bluefin tuna detoxify the toxic form of methylmercury

Using the ESRF's intense Xray beams, the team tracked how mercury is processed inside Atlantic Bluefin tuna. They discovered that, unlike toothed whales and apex seabirds, where detoxification occurs mainly in the liver, Atlantic Bluefin tuna rely primarily on the spleen to break down methylmercury.

The process of detoxification takes place due to the interaction between seleniuman essential nutrient found in seawaterand mercury, as selenium binds mercury into stable mercuryselenium complexes, which are far less toxic, if at all. Hightrophic marine predators detoxify methylmercury through a series of reactions involving reduced selenium in the form of a prominent selenoprotein (Selenoprotein P).

To obtain these results, Alain Manceau and Pieter Glatzel, an ESRF scientist, used a synchrotron technique called highenergyresolution Xray absorption spectroscopy.

The team found that part of the mercury in the edible muscle of Atlantic Bluefin tuna occurs as a tetraselenolate complex (Hg(Sec)4), which is arguably not toxic, since this complex transforms into inert mercury selenide in the spleen.

"The reason why the muscle has no mercury selenide is simply because the mercury concentration is not that high in this tissue to begin with," adds Manceau.

Different tuna species, different concentrations

The Atlantic Bluefin tuna investigated were caught along the Norwegian coast. "Samples of such large individuals, which can weigh up to 300 kg, are difficult to get, but being high trophic predators, they make key model organisms to study," explains Martin Wiech, scientist from the Institute of Marine Research.

The Atlantic Bluefin tuna is a high trophic predator, like Bigeye tuna, so the results of this research cannot be extended to lower trophic tuna species, which contain much less mercury. The smaller tuna species, such as albacore and skipjack, typically found in tuna cans, are much less contaminated.

This study highlights the need for more precise testing of seafood, distinguishing between toxic methylmercury and less reactive mercuryselenium complexes, to provide consumers with betterinformed food safety recommendations.

"One generally assumes that all mercury in fish is methylated," concludes Manceau.

"While this is usually the case, our results show that up to a quarter of the mercury present in the edible muscle of Bluefin tuna is in less harmful forms. This proportion reaches 90% in marlin, also known as makaire. Health risks, therefore, depend not only on the total amount of mercury, but also on its chemical form."

More information: Manceau, A., et al. Demethylation Pathway of Methylmercury in the Spleen and 2 Peripheral Organs of Bluefin Tuna Implications for Fish Consumers, Environmental Science & Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c08815 Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology
Performance Brokerage Services, the leader in dealership buy-sell activity, announces the sale of McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson in Dubuque, Iowa from Mike McGrath and Pat McGrath to John Jennerjohn and Brody Meier

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Performance Brokerage Services, North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson in Dubuque, Iowa from Mike McGrath and Pat McGrath to John Jennerjohn and Brody Meier.

Performance Brokerage Services - McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson - John Jennerjohn and Brody Meier

McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson is owned and operated by Mike and Pat McGrath. The dealership is located in Dubuque, Iowa, along the Mississippi River at the meeting point of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin in the Tri-State Area. It operates from a 53,948 square-foot facility and was recently redesigned with elements inspired by the city's Historic Millwork District.

John Jennerjohn and Brody Meier are lifelong riders with family roots in Northeast Iowa. Both grew up in the region and together own and operate Iron Hill Harley-Davidson in Waukon, Iowa. Their purchase of the Dubuque dealership expands their business presence in the region while honoring the communities that shaped them.

Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of nearly 400 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. George C. Chaconas, Senior Partner, Courtney A. Bernhard, Partner, and Juan C. Pardo, Partner of the Harley-Davidson & Powersports Division for Performance Brokerage Services were the exclusive sell-side advisors for this transaction.

McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson will be renamed Key City Harley-Davidson and will remain at its current location at 145 North Crescent Ridge in Dubuque, Iowa.

About Performance Brokerage Services

Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships.

With over 30 years of experience, 900 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the company's reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity.

The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes.

Headquartered in Irvine, California and supported by 12 regional offices across the United States and Canada, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation.

As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers.

For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com.

Media Contact:

Jesse Stopnitzky, Co-Owner

(949) 309-2851

[email protected]

SOURCE Performance Brokerage Services, Inc.
Famed documentarian honored at Gold's Gym 60th anniversary event for his impact on bodybuilding and fitness culture

VENICE BEACH, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold's Gym, the iconic fitness brand known for its legacy in strength and performance training, has inducted George Butler, the acclaimed author and filmmaker behind the groundbreaking 1977 documentary "Pumping Iron," into the Gold's Gym Hall of Fame.

"Pumping Iron," filmed largely at Gold's Gym Venice Beach, chronicles the rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno as they vie for a Mr. Olympia title. The film is widely credited with launching Schwarzenegger's acting career and elevating the seven-time Mr. Olympia and five-time Mr. Universe into a household name.

Butler, who passed away in 2021, was recognized posthumously on Aug. 25, 2025, during the brand's 60th anniversary celebration at the legendary original Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, California, known as The Mecca. His son, Desmond Butler, accepted the award on his father's behalf before nearly 2,000 event attendees.

"My father took some of his best photographs in Gold's Gym. It's where the golden age of bodybuilding happened and where 'Pumping Iron' came to life. He would be very honored to see his name on the gym wall in the Mecca," said Desmond Butler.

Butler was selected in recognition of his pivotal role in bringing the sport and culture of bodybuilding, specifically at Gold's Gym, into the mainstream. "Pumping Iron" catapulted the brand, which Butler considered a main character in the film, to global recognition. After the film's debut, Gold's Gym became the world's premier destination for serious strength and performance training, earning its reputation as "the Mecca of Bodybuilding."

"George's vision and storytelling changed the way the world sees bodybuilding," said Danny Waggoner, co-CEO of Gold's Gym. "His work showcased the dedication and skill of bodybuilders while establishing Gold's Gym as a symbol of strength and aspiration. George's enduring influence on the fitness industry will be celebrated for generations to come, and we are proud to welcome him into the Gold's Gym Hall of Fame."

Butler joins an elite group of 16 Hall of Famers selected for their lasting mark on the brand and the fitness community. Members include Gold's Gym founder Joe Gold, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Gabby Reece, Laird Hamilton and esteemed franchisees who have helped build the brand's global reputation.

His induction follows the 2024 inductees  Ed Connors, Pete Grymkowski and Tim Kimber  who guided Gold's Gym's growth and global expansion during the 1980s and 1990s.

About Gold's Gym

What began in 1965 as a small gym in Venice Beach, California, has since become one of the most iconic fitness brands in the world  Gold's Gym. Over the last 60 years, Gold's Gym has developed into a global brand with nearly 600 locations spanning six continents. In 2020, the RSG Group acquired Gold's Gym and integrated the brand into its portfolio, making it the global leader in the fitness sector. For more information, go to goldsgym.com or follow Gold's Gym on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or X.

Media Contact:

Ashley Lennington

[email protected]

817-329-3257

SOURCE Gold's Gym
Angry residents subdue municipal police officers responding to abuse report

Lazaro Cardenas, Q.R.  Two municipal police officers responding to a report of abuse ended up subdued by angry residents. The report was made Tuesday night by residents of Ignacio Zaragoza who had taken after a man accused of abusing a minor.

One of the subdued police officers was tied to a column along with the alleged abuser (orange shirt) by angry neighbors.

The two responding officers attempted to rescue the man from the angry mob by using tear gas when those same residents turned on them. Both officers were subdued, one of which was left tied to a pole.

According to witnesses, police officers responded to the 9:00 p.m. report and fired tear gas to disperse the neighbors who were trying to beat their captured suspect. However, their intervention angered the crowd, who reacted by subduing police along with the alleged abuser.

They were tied to a column where they were found by state police. State police were sent in to intervene by the SSC (Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana) to control the situation. After nearly an hour of discussion, neighbors agreed to release the subdued officers and alleged abuser, who was arrested.

In a statement the SSC (Secretary of Citizen Security) said an incident occurred Tuesday at Km 80 in the Ignacio Zaragoza borough in the municipality of Lazaro Cardenas, following a report alleging a man attempted to abuse a minor.

Municipal police intervened, however, due to public outrage, the state police took control of the situation. The accused individual was transferred to the municipality of Benito Juarez to be handed over to the appropriate authorities.

The family and the victim were also urged to file a complaint. From the SSC, we reaffirm our commitment to work in coordination and in strict adherence to the law.

The police officers were rescued and the alleged abuser arrested.

Authorities did not say if any of the residents involved in subduing the police officers would face charges.
Mexico to restart e-visas to Brazil travelers after Riviera Maya hotels cite millions in losses

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  As of February 2026, Mexico will again issue electronic visas to visiting Brazilians. The announcement was made following repeated requests from the hotel industry who cited millions in losses due to the government red tape.

The Mexican government finally authorized (again) the issuance of e-visas for Brazilian citizens starting February 5, 2026. Until then, Brazilians wishing to travel to Mexico will still be required to apply for a visa in person at the Mexican consulate or the Mexican embassy in Brazil.

Mexican Caribbean hotels say the current process, which is inconvenient, has generated losses in excess of $400 million due to the collapse of that market and the cancellation of direct flights between Brazil and Cancun.

Rodrigo de la Pena, President of the Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, says the e-visa is something that not only the Association had consistently requested, but also the Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat and hotels across Riviera Maya.

According to de la Pena, Quintana Roo is a highly relevant tourist destination to that South American market, a destination that was experiencing significant growth before the visa was implemented in December of 2021. Before then, Brazil travelers enjoyed a visa exemption to visit Mexico.

Rodrigo de la Pena, right, says the industry lost more than $400 million over the Brazilian visa issue.

The State Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, announced that after confirming the issuance of the electronic visa for Brazil travelers next year, the state will work to recover lost flights to aid in market recovery.

Cueto Riestra agrees that the Brazilian market is very important for Quintana Roo and is one that declined with the imposition of in-person visa applications.

Brazil once ranked among the top five in tourist arrivals to Quintana Roo, exceeding 500,000 visitors a year. We are going to try to recover that number and even increase it, he said.

Brazilian travelers who do arrive in Quintana Roo land at Cancun International via a Copa Airlines flight through Panama. Cueto Riestra says they will work to provide better connectivity and growth for the South American market.

Bernardo Cueto Riestra says the state is working on recovering its lost air connections with Brazil.

Mexico began requesting a travel visa from Brazil nationals in December of 2021, requiring an electronic authorization. However, on August 18, 2022, Mexico suspended the electronic issuance of visas and began requiring consular-issued visas on the grounds of combating human trafficking.
There is a deeply misguided belief that the road to justice lies in the consolidation of authority into ever-larger international institutions, particularly in the post-Christian landscape of global governance and political power. This myth has gripped not only secular technocrats; it has found a sympathetic ear in some ecclesial circles, proposing that larger bureaucracies, global legal bodies, and centralized supranational governance are the only viable answers to poverty, war, and injustice. Pope Francis, in documents such as Fratelli Tutti and his frequent endorsements of the United Nations and international courts, seems to have lent credibility to this vision. With utmost charity and firm respect for the late popes office, it must be said that this is not only a political misjudgment; it is a theological and biblical error.

Let us begin with the root philosophical fault. Modern global institutionalism rests upon a faulty anthropology: that man is fundamentally a subject to be managed by a governing body, rather than a person to be honored in inherent dignity. Supranational governance, from the European Union to the UN and the International Criminal Court, tends to treat nations as fragments of a single global machine rather than distinct states with subcommunities possessing unique identities, cultures, and fiscal and political priorities. The result is an ideological flattening, a bureaucratic reduction of the human condition to that which can be administered, regulated, and redistributed en masse.

One area where this is painfully clear is in the experience of the Christian minorities suffering genocide, persecution, and discrimination around the globe. The UN was largely silent when Coptic Christians were beheaded by ISIS in Libya; the International Criminal Court remained elusive as Boko Haram systematically enslaved Nigerian girls; and there is still a noteworthy global lack of binding international outrage against the imprisonment and torture of underground Chinese Catholics loyal to the Holy See. These questions do not receive answers because the very institutions entrusted with justice are structurally incapable of prioritizing transcendent moral goods. The ICC has spent more than two decades and over $2 billion prosecuting mostly low-level African warlords while failing to address modern, widespread crimes against humanity perpetrated by large regimes with veto power or considerable economic clout, leaving the astute to conclude that the courts operations are more theatrical than truly judicial.

In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis wrote, We need a juridical, political and economic order which can increase and give direction to international cooperation for the development of all peoples in solidarity (138). Laudable as the intention may be on the surface, this kind of sentiment collapses under its own weight when history, economics, and theology are considered. The push for larger, centralized internationalism in the name of peace and justice has consistently resulted not in peace but in paralysis of communities. The results have been policies that are over-bureaucratized, politically compromised, and often blind to the real needs of the suffering.

Consider the case of the European Union, originally conceived as a cooperative economic coalition to preserve peace in postwar Europe. Today the EU has become an unelected bureaucracy imposing moral relativism, open-border mandates, and social engineering programs across its member states. Nations like Hungary and Poland are actively seeking to preserve Christian moral principles and sovereign policy, and because of that they are routinely condemned and sanctioned by EU courts. Ironically, those same courts remain impotent before the secularist push for the deconstruction of the family, neo-Marxist and socialist economic policies, and the rise of anti-Semitic violence in western Europe.

Globalized governance also often exacerbates the suffering of poorer nations, contrary to their touted intent. The international climate agenda, for instance, frequently results in environmental policies that place the energy industries of developing nations in policy chokeholds, forcing them to import expensive and sometimes inaccessible green technologies while still lacking basic supplies of electricity for their citizens. As Helen Raleigh documented in Backlash: How Chinas Aggression Has Backfired, the UN and the World Bank frequently condition financial aid on ideological conformity, including gender ideology, abortion access, and compliance with progressivist agendas fundamentally at odds with natural law anthropology, Judeo-Christian worldviews, and even the moral and religious frameworks of recipient nations. In effect, supranational institutions have demonstrably become coercive tools of Western secularism, exporting spiritual confusion under the guise of humanitarian aid.

What then is the answer? I propose that it lies not in a utopian universalism but in the perennial principle of subsidiarity. The Catholic Church has long taught, most notably in Quadragesimo Anno and Centesimus Annus, that decisions should be made at the lowest possible level, closest to the people affected. As Pius XI pointed out, It is an injustice, and at the same time a grave evil and disturbance of right order, to assign to a greater and higher association what lesser and subordinate organizations can do (Quadragesimo Anno, 79).

Subsidiarity reflects not only sound political philosophy but also deep theological truth: that the fundamental reality of human dignity is best safeguarded by institutions and groups closely rooted to the real experience of the human person, families, and communities they aim to serve, hence institutions like parishes, towns, and nationsnot faceless superpowered councils in Geneva or Brussels. Philosopher Wilhelm Ropke argued in A Humane Economy that the attempt to substitute centralized machinery for personal moral responsibility is not only ineffective, but inherently dehumanizing. These supranational bodies may simulate justice, but they cannot instantiate virtue, nor can they ensure the true common good as a result.

The historical record supports this. After World War II, the United States did not seek to impose a global government upon the vanquished. Instead, it undertook the arduous, expensive, criticized, yet noble task of rebuilding Japan and Germany by supporting their national institutions and aiding them in the construction of new constitutions, legislative systems, markets, and civic frameworks while respecting their unique cultural heritages. The result has been evident: two of the worlds most stable, prosperous, and democratic nations, both of whom have remained sovereign and possess reasonable levels of free markets, and have extended that stability to their own spheres of influence.

Imagine if, instead of massive bureaucracies in New York or The Hague, we saw a coordinated network of localist empowerment, where developed nations helped less-developed ones build their own judicial independence, protect ownership of private property, enforce contracts, establish free markets, institute civil virtue, and educate the populace in public discourse and market participation. Such a world would not be homogenized but would maintain heterogeny in national identity and cultural flourishing while remaining harmonized with the global populace. Nations would thereby be individually strong, not diluted, and true legislative and enforced justice would be instituted on the soil of each society, not abstracted in sterile, global forums and international courtrooms.

The Catholic Church herself provides a reasonable institutional model to emulate in that sense. She is not a globalist power imposing a singular culture but rather a communion of churches, united in faith but diverse in expression. She respects the sui iuris identity of Eastern Catholic Churches, the customs of local bishops conferences, and the legitimate autonomy of national and cultural traditions, provided they remain in communion with the deposit of faith and the Holy See. This is, in one institutional understanding, subsidiarity incarnate, wherein universal truths find unique expression in particular cultures.

Even Pope Benedict XVI, writing in Caritas in Veritate, though himself supportive of some kind of world authority, nevertheless cautioned: This authority, however, must be regulated by law, respect consistently the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity and must be ordered to the realization of the common good (67). In other words, any such body must not be structured such that it replaces local governance but rather assists it in justice. Unfortunately, many of the structures we now see do the opposite.

The attempt to craft a universal moral order apart from the gospel is doomed to failure. Pope Leo XIII warned, Every civil government must acknowledge God as its Founder and must obey and reverence Him. When global institutions claim religious neutrality or moral secularism while legislating moral issues, they inevitably replace Christian anthropology with another, typically utilitarian, calculus, which favors those with lobbying power over those with inherent dignity.

The Christian vision of the world is not one of imperial unification but of covenantal communion. Christianity has never called for a national superstate. The Church, while universal in essence, always lives in the soil of real human cultures. Christ sent His apostles to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), not to dissolve the nations.

Therefore, we ought to imagine a future built upon the enduring foundation of truth, subsidiarity, human dignity, liberty, and virtue, not massive structures of internationalist and institutionalist hope. Let us recall the wisdom of Alexis de Tocqueville, who observed that the health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens. The role of government, even with the consideration of foreign assistance, is to empower the citizenry to take virtuous responsibility for their lives, their families, and their communities. And where that is not happening, tyranny creeps in disguised as mercy.

The Christian gospel compels us to act and to urge service, not to wait for global consensus and the legislation of more charity. The Church is not a supranational assembly of ethics. Biblical subsidiarity teaches us what the Church has always known: Justice begins in the home, in the parish, and in the polis; among neighbors who are united in a common cause, not nameless administrators. Human dignity is best preserved not by expanding bureaucratic reach but by empowering local virtue.
Leading startup-support organizations to strengthen Houston ecosystem by enhancing founders' access to investors and capital

HOUSTON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Greentown Labs , the world's largest climatetech and energy startup incubator, and Energytech Nexus , a global community for energy and decarbonization founders, today announced a unique, collaborative partnership to strengthen Houston's support ecosystem for early-stage startups.

This partnership will advance the organizations' goals of transformationally accelerating climate and energy startups' growthdelivering more energy with less emissions; job creation and economic prosperity; and resilient, adaptive communities. Greentown and Energytech Nexus are putting into action their belief that breakthroughs don't scale in isolationthey scale when entire ecosystems move together.

The partnership is a commitment to collaborate together on an ongoing basis. Energytech Nexus will move into Greentown and open a designated investor lounge, which will host regular fundraising meetups and investor office hours. It will also launch a new AI-driven investor platform, Cephyron IRM, to better connect early-stage technologies to sources of capital; Greentown members will gain early access to the platform.

"Greentown Labs is the nexus for the energy transition, where startups can gather, collaborate and grow. Positioning our own extended community within the hallowed walls of Greentown will further foster the creation of authentic connections between founders and reduce friction to critical resources, bringing the village together will only accelerate the flywheel on innovation here in Houston, Texas," said Jason Ethier, Energytech Nexus's Founder Super Connector and Founding Partner.

This partnership is a continuation of long-standing ties between the two organizations. Ethier was a leader at one of the first startups to join Greentown at its founding in Cambridge, Mass. in 2011 and previously served on the incubator's founding board of directors. Ethier and fellow Energytech Nexus Founding Partner Juliana Garaizar held leadership positions in the early days of Greentown Houston, which opened in 2021, and were instrumental in bringing Greentown to the city.

"This partnership has been a long time comingour organizations are kindred spirits that need to be working together to enhance the entrepreneurial support systems available to climate innovators in Houston," said Lawson Gow, Greentown's Head of Houston. "Capital is a top priority for climate and energy founders, and this team-up will directly address this challenge."

Startups interested in tapping into these offerings from Greentown and Energytech Nexus can get in touch here .

About Greentown Labs

Greentown Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerating climatetech innovation and commercialization by empowering entrepreneurs and enabling collaboration. As the largest climatetech and energy startup incubator in the worldwith locations in Somerville, Mass. and Houston, TexasGreentown convenes the climatetech ecosystem to provide entrepreneurs the community, connections, labs, and resources they need to thrive. Greentown is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 625 since its founding in 2011; these startups have collectively created more than 16,500 jobs and raised more than $9.6 billion in funding. For more information, visit www.greentownlabs.com or follow Greentown on LinkedIn.

Greentown Media Contact:

Reena Karasin

Senior Director of Communications and Marketing

[email protected]

About Energytech Nexus

The EnergyTech Nexus is a global energytech hub on a mission to solve the energy trilemma of energy security, sustainability, and affordability by connecting founders, investors, and civic and industrial stakeholders. We are a community of founders, professionals, corporates, and investors that help each other form authentic connections, grow on our leadership journey, and gain access to critical resources.

Energytech Nexus Media Contact:

Sana Hasan

Head of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Greentown Labs
AFP: Almost 200 people in northern Zambia affected by a major toxic spill at a copper mine have filed an US$ 80 billion lawsuit against two Chinese-linked firms, Sino Metals Leach and NFC Africa Mining. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Lin Jian: Its learned that in the wake of the incident, the companies concerned actively stepped up to their responsibilities, voluntarily cooperated with the Zambian government in handling the incident, and compensated affected local residents. On August 7, the Zambian government held a press briefing to provide a detailed progress report on the handling of the incident. They gave recognition to the effort made by the Chinese companies. You may refer to the press briefing if youre interested.

We have and will continue to request Chinese companies overseas to abide by local laws and regulations in their operation, pay special attention to their corporate responsibilities and strictly protect the environment. In that context, we also support Chinese companies in defending their lawful rights and interests in accordance with the law.

CCTV: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a recent press conference that Chinas global initiatives are totally compatible with the UN Charter. He also said that in these initiatives, there is a full respect to multilateralism...full support of the UN as the central piece of multilateral institutions and a strong commitment in relation to international cooperation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Whats Chinas comment?

Lin Jian: We appreciate the statement by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. China firmly upholds the UNs core position in the international system, practices true multilateralism, and always works as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public goods. President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Development Initiative to focus on solving unbalanced and inadequate development and promote sustainable development across the world; the Global Security Initiative that advocates dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win rather than zero-sum, to tackle various risks and challenges; and the Global Civilization Initiative to enhance people-to-people bonds and inclusiveness and mutual learning among civilizations.

Not long ago, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus meeting, in which he outlined the core tenets of adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions. That provides the fundamental guidance, method and path to follow for building a more just and equitable global governance system. President Xi Jinping once again explained the profound meaning of the Global Governance Initiative at the subsequent Virtual BRICS Summit. It has been well received in the international community, and many countries and international organizations have expressed welcome and support for the Initiative.

The four global initiatives are consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They are different in focus but mutually reinforcing. They will, from different angles, bring more positive energy to the world of interwoven changes and turbulence and provide stronger impetus to human development and progress. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the UN. As a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to deepen cooperation with the UN, advance the implementation of the four global initiatives, and join hands with the international community to uphold world peace and promote development and prosperity.

AFP: Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang said he was disappointed by a Financial Times report that Chinas internet regulator had instructed companies including Alibaba and ByteDance to terminate orders for Nvidias RTX Pro 6000D chips. Can the Foreign Ministry comment on this and also confirm the FT report?

Lin Jian: Id refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. We oppose taking discriminatory measures against certain countries on trade and tech issues. China is willing to maintain dialogue and cooperation with the world to keep the global industrial and supply chains stable.

CRI: Last week, the Economist and the New York Times wrote that the U.S. has adopted an aggressive policy of pressuring Latin American countries this year, claiming to push out Chinas exploitative practices in an effort to safeguard regional security and stability. The U.S. coerced regional countries to limit or even cut ties with China but it offers little in return. The U.S. sanctions, tariffs and its use of military muscle are pushing the region closer to China. Whats your comment?

Lin Jian: The commentary yet again shows that coercion and pressuring as well as bullying only serve to push countries away and will increasingly not work.

China and Latin America are good friends and good partners for equality, mutual benefit and common development. Openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation are the hallmark of China-LAC cooperation. A closer partnership is the choice of the Chinese and Latin American peoples and serves the common interest of both sides. Latin America is no ones backyard and has the right to independently choose development path and cooperation partners. China welcomes countries around the world developing friendly and cooperative ties with Latin American countries based on equality and respect. We urge the U.S. to stop forcing them to choose sides, stop interfering in their domestic affairs and do more to contribute to their development and prosperity, instead of meddling and sowing discord. No attempt to disrupt Chinas friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with Latin America will ever succeed.

AFP: The U.S. disinformation watchdog NewsGuard reported that state media from countries including China are exploiting conservative activist Charlie Kirks assassination to advance thousands of false claims aimed at undermining the U.S. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Lin Jian: I have already made clear Chinas position. China condemns all illegal violent behaviors. We are also firmly opposed to some institutions and people in the U.S. directing the issue at China and firmly opposed to spreading disinformation to smear and tarnish China.

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader are expected to hold a call. Can the Foreign Ministry give us any additional details about the call and your expectations?

Lin Jian: I have no information to offer.

Reuters: Evil Unbound, the Chinese film about Unit 731, is opening in theaters in China today and also in other countries in the coming days. What is the main takeaway for foreign governments as China rolls out one World War II film after another this year? Is there a special message for Japan?

Lin Jian: The purpose of Chinas major commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a better future. Films on this topic are made to remind people what can be learned from that part of history and the absolute importance of defending peace. China is an open, inclusive and safe country. We welcome people from all countries including Japan to travel, study, do business and live in China, and will continue to protect the safety of all foreigners in China.
Good Job is Slates advice column on work. Have a workplace problem big or small? Send it to Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir here. (Its anonymous!)

Dear Good Job,

Im a department head at a mid-sized company, and Im struggling with how to handle a situation that feels like a serious breach of ethics.

One of my employees charged a personal subscription to the company credit card for a substantial number of months, and I caught it during an audit. Shes also extended her hotel stays beyond the approved dates during work events, and billed room service and other extras to the companyin clear violation of our travel policy. These arent isolated incidents. Shes done it multiple times.

To me, this crosses the line into embezzlement. At the very least, its a serious misuse of company funds and a breakdown of trust. I recommended that she be terminated, and the boss said no. I then recommended administrative leave so a full investigation can be completed. I also asked that she be moved back to hourly pay so she cant continue to steal hours, and that her travel privileges be revoked. My bosswho is also an officer of the companythinks a five-day suspension with no other consequences is sufficient.

Heres where it gets worse: This employee is already toxic in the workplace. She lies on her timecard, gossips, undermines co-workers, and generally doesnt have the skills or professionalism to do her job. Her work quality is horrible, she constantly blames others, and she creates drama wherever she goes. Most of the team avoids her.

Ive worked hard to build a high-functioning, respectful environment, and this situation is exhausting. I feel like Im being asked to overlook fraud and accept dysfunction for the sake of convenience. My boss seems unwilling to act decisively, and I dont want to come off as insubordinatebut I also dont want to compromise my values or lose the respect of my team. Am I overreacting, or is this a legitimate human resources crisis? How can I advocate for real accountability without damaging my relationship with my bossor my own credibility?

Leading a Drama Department I Didnt Audition For

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Dear Leading a Drama Department I Didnt Audition For,

Oof. Good for you for uncovering the misuse of company funds and reporting the problem to your boss. The five-day suspension has presumably already happened, and the employee will probably not misuse the company credit card or expense reports in the future (or will get more clever about it). The outcome wasnt everything you wanted, but youve started an important process. If the employee learns from the experience and re-dedicates herself to the job, fine. If she continues to break rules, youre one step closer to getting her, as human resources says, terminated.

Speaking of HR, they must have been involved in the five-day suspension process. Ask the representative who worked with you on that to share, in general terms, what constitutes a fireable pattern of offenses and how you should document them. Documentation is the key. Its difficultas it should beto fire someone for being annoying or gossipy, but you may be able to track specific violations of company policy. Inaccurate time cards, missed deadlines, incomplete work, and other problems should be quantifiable and documentable.

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Insubordination is more difficult to establish, but whenever the employee is disruptive to you or other colleagues, keep a record of it. Human resources might recommend a performance improvement plan (PIP), which gives the employee a period of time (typically a few months) to demonstrate progress toward specific goals, with the understanding that termination is an option if they dont improve sufficiently.

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Youre right to identify two problems: your disruptive employee, and your avoidant boss. Some companies make it difficult to fire people, which can be protective for the worker in question but is typically motivated by a fear of lawsuits rather than a commitment to labor rights. Your boss seems to dislike drama, which is understandable. Take that as a data point and make your next steps in this process calm, pragmatic, and exceedingly factual. Dont trouble your boss with reports of the employee being annoying. Do go to your boss with specific violations of company policyand start the conversation reluctantly. Assume the attitude that you dont want to add to your bosss aggravation, but this problem is growing, and you would like help solving it. Let your boss conclude that its more hassle to appease this employee than to put them on a PIP and perhaps let them go.

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In the meantime, try to minimize the damage this employee does to the rest of your team. When she blames someone else for her mistakes, make it clear to that person and the rest of the group that the blame-target is not responsible for the problem, and you support them. You cant share details about confidential human resources actions, but you can imply a lot by letting your other team members know that you appreciate their respectfulness and professionalism.

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Get work advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Good Job, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Good Job following up) Submit

Dear Good Job,

Im a software engineer and I work on an application that has modules for specific purposes think projects, risks, assets, etc. I successfully support multiple teams modules. However, one particular team constantly reports that the app/module is broken. Often, something they did causes the break. Most recently, they were locking down external folders so the application couldnt connect to them. I told them not to do that.

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The problem is they often escalate the issue by looping in their vice president and our director. I find the problem and then send an email advising how it broke and what not to do in the future. They respond by saying Ive never told them that before, essentially throwing me under the bus.

Ive written, published, and shared documentation about all of this. I have the emails to prove I did tell them  every time. I typically hit reply all, attach the original discussion, and note that heres the previous conversation about X. I do not say I told you so. I keep the language neutral and non-accusatory. Yet, it still feels petty to send the original conversation, knowing the VP/director will also see that they made a mistake. If I dont send it, then it appears I messed up. I do think there is some subtle misogyny involved, as Im female and everyone on the team and in management is male. To top it all off, they are never grateful when I fix what they broke. Is there a more diplomatic way to deal with a team always looking for a scapegoat?

Not the Goat

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Dear Not the Goat,

For anyone who doesnt know this already: CCing someones bosses on a complaint is a brat move. (CCing bosses when you praise someone is appropriate and good.) This situation certainly isnt fun for you, but I hope it is amusing for everyone else to observe from a safe distance: This team keeps making foolish mistakes and blaming you for it, and then receiving patient explanations, for an audience of their own creation, of how they created the problem after being told how not to.

Youve been professional throughout, but Im sure you must be getting sick of the same sad scenario. Its not a great use of your time! Its also a stupid use of their VPs and your directors time and inboxes. They dont need to see this nonsense.

You can try the egalitarian route first and approach the team directly. If theres a team leader, or if one person is starting most of these email chains, try them first. Say youve noticed a pattern of them escalating problems that can be solved with a quick call or direct email, rather than looping in a lot of people. Encourage them to contact you directly and solely. Offer to have a meeting with that team to review how the application works and answer questions about their teams modules.

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But, realistically, youre dealing with a team full of people who blame you for every problem and dont thank you for your work. Youll probably have to escalate the issue. Im not sure from your letter whether the director theyre looping in is your boss. If so, tell them you notice that some of these tech problems youre solving involve a lot of emails back and forth as you diagnose whats wrong and show them how they caused it. Say you dont want to clutter up your directors inbox. Should you un-CC them? Would they like you to set up a more efficient system for reporting tech problems? Email seems a little archaic for this purpose, since there are plenty of project management tools that let teams put in trackable help tickets. Let the director know youre working on training that team so you can prevent future user errors.

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If the CCd-in director isnt your boss, go to your boss first and explain whats been happening on these email chains from hell. Ask whether you or your boss should approach the director (or the other teams VP) to have basically the same conversation as above. A lot of organizations prefer communication to go from one level in the hierarchy to the next, so dont bypass your boss. When you speak with your boss and/or director, include your observation that other teams dont have the same problems with the application and dont send fire alarms across the organization when they do, so you know this is solvable. You dont need to be as petty as the CC-everybody team is, but youve earned the right to be a little petty.

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Dear Good Job,

This is a low-stakes question, but after only coming into the office once a week post-pandemic, our company is now upping the requirement to three times a week. Im frankly not very happy about thisI would say most of my colleagues arent. One small thing I think could make me feel a little better is actually investing in making my space at work feel comfortable and more meand not just the completely empty desk it currently is, save my extra monitor. Any suggestions for how to make my space feel more comfortable and inviting to distract myself from this unfortunate change?

Anywhere But My Cubicle

Dear Anywhere But My Cubicle,

Oh, this is a fun question! Im sorry you have to commute and dress properly below the video-screen-line for two additional days a week. Making your office space more welcoming and comfortable is a great way to adapt. Start with things you already have: plants, photos, a favorite mug. If you can afford to, give yourself a budget for fun new things. Support your local artists by buying original art, like desktop sculptures, wood carvings, or hand-blown glass. Depending on your ceiling, you might be able to hang a mobile. I keep a plastic Triceratops skeleton on a bookshelf where it looms over my head. If your workspace has walls or half-walls, hang a painting. Photos of nature scenes can be a comfort when youre stuck indoors.

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Related From Slate My Best Friends Reaction to the Celebrities She Meets at Work Is Seriously Mortifying Read More

You ask about how to make your workspace more inviting for yourself, but consider how to make it more inviting for your co-workers, too. Does your workspace have a ledge where you can display things, or is there a communal tabletop? If so, bring in art books or humor books for others to leaf through when they need a break. Look for toys and puzzles you could share. Bring in a candy jar and keep it stocked. Most people arent happy about trudging to the office, but your conversation pieces and snacks can cheer people up. Friendly colleagues are the best distraction from the stupor of office life.

Laura

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We are a gay couple updating our wills. Over the years, weve had some nieces and nephews on both sides of the family who we have helped out financially; always sent gifts to for Christmas, birthdays, and life events; and (most importantly) enjoyed their company when they came to visit us or vice versa. There are 13 nieces and nephews altogether, all of them in their late teens or 20s. The issue is that seven of them have always acknowledged us, thanked us for our gifts, invited us to events, etc., while with the other six its radio silence
In Black Rabbit, the new Netflix series created by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, Jason Bateman and Jude Law play brothers. Not just any brothers, either, but the native sons of a Coney Island bar owner who have parlayed a childhood spent in neighborhood dives into operating their own white-hot restaurant downtown. Theyre tough to swallow as siblings, even if their odd-sock pairing is part of the point: Jake (Law) is a hustler perpetually at the edge of his means, living in a rented penthouse with loaned art on the walls; Vince (Bateman) is a recoveringhe prefers formeraddict whos always running some kind of scam, digging himself into holes for the thrill of getting back out. But then theyve based their entire lives on the principle that if you keep insisting youre something, most people will eventually just go along with it. When theyre children, their father tries to sneak into their room at night and hide a parcel that turns out to contain what are obviously fake gold watches. In order to buy the boys silence, their father hands each of them a knockoff, and when one asks him if theyre real, he responds, Theyre as real as you tell people they are.

That fake-it-till-you-make-it quality runs all though Black Rabbit, a sordid crime drama that only rarely achieves the kind of street-smart realism its striving for. The brothers last name is Friedken, presumably in homage to the director William Friedkin, whose urban thrillersThe French Connection, Cruising, and To Live and Die in L.A. among themare suffused with such grit and muck you feel as if you have to wipe your shoes on the way out of the theater. But, like Jake, the show cant resist the allure of high-end gloss, so it contrives to have him in charge of a hip, lines-out-the-door restaurant that is also, somehow, a sticky-looking dive bar. Ozark, but make it The Bear.

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The titular restaurant isnt Jakes first shot at the big time. In the 90s, he and Vince formed a band called the Black Rabbits, who had a hit big enough that people still belt it out at karaoke but not big enough to sustain a longer career. (It probably didnt help their prospects that Vince told the head of their label to go fuck himself.) But he feels as if it might be his last. More than once, Jake mentions that he has just turned 50 (Law is 52), and despite his outward swagger, he has the eyes of a man who never stops watching the clock. Hes driven and desperate, but hes also just tired.

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Vince, meanwhile, never seems to run low on energy, or at least he cant afford to. When we catch up with him, hes trying to hock an antique coin collection in a Vegas parking lot, a transaction that, like most things in his life, doesnt turn out quite like he planned it. So its back to New York, a city he left in the first place because of outstanding debts to a ruthless loan shark (a commanding Troy Kotsur, still underused even after his Best Supporting Actor Oscar for CODA). Jake is already trying to go out on his own, behind the back of his financial backer and friend Wes (Sope Dirisu), a musician turned all-around mogul whose cachet accounts for a substantial amount of the Black Rabbits buzz. (His habit of putting $400 bottles of Barolo on his tab also accounts for a substantial amount of the joints expenses.) So the last thing Jake needs is his Chaos Muppet of an older brother parachuting back into his life, bringing increasing amounts of trouble with him.

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In a flashback to the time when Vince first pitched a reluctant Jake on the idea of opening their own placethis series has a lot of flashbacks, plus the Netflix-standard flash-forward to an armed robbery from the sixth episode, as a promise that things will eventually stop being quite so mopeyhe tells his brother that restaurants are where people find a port in a storm. (He also says, hilariously, that restaurants are the nightclubs of adults.) But Vince isnt a traveler seeking shelter; hes the storm. In the previous episode, hes even referred to as Hurricane Vince, a choice that is in line with the shows habit of double-underling every point it makes, whether because the writers are overly enamored of their own cleverness or because they know that their second-screening audience is catching only every other word. The show wont just let us observe the parallels between Jakes and Vinces behavior; it has to drill them into our heads by having two secondary characters observe that Jake, too, is an addict and hes addicted to his brother.

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As Netflix viewers are well aware, the dirtbag version of Jason Bateman is not without his charms. If you cant enjoy the sight of a shirtless, rail-thin Bateman sprinting through the streets of Chinatown looking as if he slept in a dumpster, well, to each their own. And it does feel like theres a fun, or at least less insistently dour, show inside Black Rabbit just waiting to get out. (Are we not meant to erupt in hysterical laughter when we see a snippet of the video for the Black Rabbits one-hit wonder featuring a blond Law looking like hes fronting the Goo Goo Dolls?) But theres so little variation in its eight-plus hours that its intensity becomes merely oppressive. The show keeps telling us its for real, but its writing checks that it cant cash.
Not-for-profit health plans adopt Stellarus' technology platform to improve member experience, health outcomes in their communities

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellarus, a healthcare technology and strategic solutions company, announced today that Hawaii Medical Service Association and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas joined as co-founders. The not-for-profit health plans are joining Blue Shield of California in using Stellarus' technology innovation platform, powered by artificial intelligence, to provide access to care that's smarter, more personalized and more affordable for the communities they serve.

In today's healthcare system, the adoption and use of the latest technology determine who can deliver affordable, high-quality care, and who gets left behind. But building or integrating advanced digital capabilities requires investments that most health plans simply can't afford. Stellarus was designed to change that.

Stellarus enables health plans of all sizes to leverage modern technology and artificial intelligence to improve the way they serve their members. Whether it's responding to member inquiries more quickly and accurately or providing near real-time authorizations for care, the Stellarus technology innovation platform makes health plans more efficient and the member experience better.

"We launched Stellarus because health care doesn't need more standalone solutions  it needs a step-change that allows good organizations to do more of what they do best," said Vanessa Colella, president and CEO of Stellarus. "Through Stellarus' technology, health plans can stay independent and community-focused while gaining access to innovative capabilities that create a healthcare system worthy of our family, friends and neighbors."

Technology platform to transform health care for all

Stellarus makes it seamless for health plans to integrate into its technology platform, which is comprised of core foundational components including:

Experience Cube: An intelligent data hub that brings together disparate sources of information into a single source of truth.

Digital health record: A comprehensive, longitudinal health record for every member that draws in data from the Experience Cube in near real-time.

By combining more than 60 data sets  ranging from clinical health and social demographic information to provider, billing and claims data  into a unified and secure source of truth for health plans, Stellarus' platform provides leading capabilities such as:

Member and physician access to a comprehensive digital health record that facilitates truly personalized care.

Fully automated, near real-time completion of transactions such as prior authorization.

Technology-enabled, personalized support for patients with chronic conditions.

"The healthcare system can't keep asking people to pay more for less," said Paul Markovich, president and CEO of Ascendiun, Stellarus' parent company. "Through Stellarus, we're helping local and regional health plans make high-quality health care affordable and personal for everyone."

Community impact powered by tech-enabled capabilities

For over 80 years Hawaii Medical Service Association, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Blue Shield of California have each operated as independent, not-for-profit health plans focused on serving the unique needs of their markets.

"The people of Hawaii deserve world-class care," said Mark M. Mugiishi, MD, FACS, president and CEO of Hawaii Medical Service Association. "Given Hawaii's size and geographic position, we are better off if we enhance our ability to innovate and grow our technological capacities by investing in Stellarus with like-minded, mission-driven, not-for-profit health plans that are trying to accomplish the same things and solve the same problems. Together, we can achieve remarkable advances and provide the best possible care for our community while remaining uniquely independent and local."

"Our purpose has always been to care for the people and communities we serve," said Matt All, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. "By joining Stellarus, we're investing together with other not-for-profit plans to build something new  a modern, connected system designed to make health care simpler, more affordable and more personal. This collaboration lets us shape innovation on a national scale while keeping the local independence that ensures we never lose sight of the people who count on us."

Announced earlier this year, Stellarus is part of the Ascendiun family of companies, which also includes Blue Shield of California and its subsidiary, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan; and Altais, a clinical services firm. Blue Shield of California, which became Stellarus' first plan partner in early 2025, continues its role as an early adopter of the Stellarus platform  shaping its capabilities while utilizing the technology to better serve its 6 million members.

About Stellarus

Part of the Ascendiun family of companies, which includes Blue Shield of California, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and Altais, Stellarus is a healthcare technology and strategic solutions company that aims to drive measurable outcomes for health plans with products and services built and delivered via its technology innovation platform. Stellarus' unique technology model is designed to enable plans to automate and improve operations, reduce administrative costs and enhance member experience. We're changing the status quo by empowering partners to create a healthcare experience worthy of their family, friends and neighbors. For more information on Stellarus, please visit www.stellarus.com or follow us on LinkedIn .

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state's largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com .

About Hawaii Medical Service Association

Caring for the people of Hawaii is HMSA's promise and privilege. Working together with employers, partners, and physicians and other health care providers, we promote well-being; develop reliable, affordable health plans; and support members with clear, thoughtful guidance. Established in 1938 by social workers, HMSA is the most experienced health plan in the state. Starting in 2025, HMSA is supporting TriWest Healthcare Alliance to administer the U.S. Department of Defense's TRICARE program, providing health care for uniformed service members, their families, and survivors locally. With the addition of TRICARE, HMSA provides health care to nearly 1 million people in Hawaii. We embrace our responsibility as a recognized leader to strengthen the health and well-being of our community. Headquartered on Oahu with centers statewide to serve our members, HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

SOURCE Stellarus
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ABCs indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel on Wednesday was, by all appearances, an act of government-coerced censorship designed to punish speech that the White House dislikes. After Kimmel bemoaned that the MAGA gang sought to exploit Charlie Kirks murder, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr urged local affiliates to drop his late-night show. He also suggested that the FCC might penalize ABC and its affiliates if they did not cancel Kimmel, warning that the agency would undertake additional work to bring any necessary remedies. The message was clear: ABC and its affiliates could either change conduct or face the wrath of the FCC, including the revocation of broadcast licenses. (So could Disney, which owns ABC.) We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr proclaimed. The targets of his ire responded accordingly: Local affiliates promptly yanked Kimmels show, and ABC removed the host until further notice, a move that President Donald Trump promptly praised.

The FCCs retaliation against Kimmels criticism is a textbook violation of the First Amendment, as the agencys lone Democratic commissioner has pointed out. Carr and other Republicans claimed the host falsely stated that Kirks alleged assassin was himself MAGA. But that doesnt matter: The First Amendment generally prohibits the government from censoring even false or misleading speech, with no carve-out for opinionated comedians.

Yet many conservatives are defending or even celebrating this attack on free expression, mocking progressives for ostensibly getting a taste of their own medicine. Theyve argued that the Biden administration set this precedent when it urged social media companies to throttle COVID misinformation during the pandemic. And they claim that, with liberal support, the Supreme Court let the Biden administration off the hook for this purported misdeed in 2024s Murthy v. Missouri. So whats good for the goose is good for the gander, and the Trump administration, through Carr, may now legally coerce ABC into censoring Kimmel. This argument that Murthy paved the way for Kimmels suspension has been made by Republican former Federal Election Commission Commissioner Brad Smith, conservative litigator Ted Frank, Washington Post columnist Jason Willick, GOP policy wonk Avik Roy, and plenty of other commentators on the right.

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This reaction is preposterous on two levels. First, its just wrong to equate the Biden administrations efforts to slow COVID misinformation with the Trump administrations frontal assault on ABC. Carrs threats against the network are far more direct and dangerous than anything Bidens team ever did to curb lies about the virus or the vaccine. Second, the Supreme Court did not say in Murthy that the government can strong-arm private companies into silencing speech. Rather, it tossed the case on standing grounds, largely because it found no real evidence of unconstitutional censorship. Just a month earlier, however, the court unanimously reaffirmed that the First Amendment forbids the government from coercing companies into suppressing expression.

So the law is clear: Government officials cant strong-arm private companies into censorship viewpoints they dislike. Carrs pressure on ABC to cancel Kimmel appears to be flagrantly unconstitutional. And any attempt to justify it on the right is probably best understood as a cynical bid to embrace the Trump administrations war on free speech as well-deserved comeuppance for a censorious left.

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The facts of Murthy demonstrate why there is no real comparison between that case and Carrs coercion of ABC. The plaintiffs, a group of individuals and red states, accused the Biden administration of forcing social media platforms into taking down COVID misinformation at risk of punishment by the state. U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty, a Trump appointee, embraced this fiction and ruled that the government had acted unconstitutionally. But when Doughtys decision reached the Supreme Court, the case quickly fell apart. It turned out that the judge had selectively misquoted the record to make it seem like Biden officials had threatened platforms with penalties if they did not comply with the White Houses demands. In reality, though, no such direct coercion occurred. The plaintiffs built their argument on egregious factual misrepresentations which Doughty eagerly embraced. His opinion repeatedly misquoted key pieces of evidence to accuse officials of saying things that they did not.

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In June 2024, the Supreme Court reversed Doughty by a 63 vote, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett writing the majority opinion. Barrett bristled with evident frustration over the district courts distortion of the record; unfortunately, she explained, many of his factual findings appear to be clearly erroneous. She tossed out the case because the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate standing. That was primarily because they could not show that the Biden administration actually directed the removal of any posts even after exhaustive discovery.

Murthy was therefore a narrow decision that avoided the merits entirely. But the Supreme Court did confront the question of unlawful coercion, or jawboning, one month earlier in NRA v. Vullo. In that case, the National Rifle Association accused New York regulators of pressuring banks and insurers to cut ties with the organization in retaliation against its advocacy for gun rights. Writing for a unanimous court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor held that New Yorks conduct, if proved, ran afoul of the First Amendment. Viewpoint discrimination is uniquely harmful to a free and democratic society, Sotomayor wrote. And it is no less harmful when done by a corporation on behalf of the state. So, the justice explained, a government official cannot coerce a private party to punish or suppress disfavored speech on her behalf.

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In other words, under the First Amendment, a government official cannot do indirectly what she is barred from doing directly. They may not retaliate against expression through the threat of regulatory hostility toward private intermediaries.

This is the constitutional rule that is relevant to Kimmels firing. And it illustrates why this episode is such an affront to the First Amendment. Carr made it abundantly clear that ABC, along with local affiliates, would face adverse regulatory action if they did not pull Kimmels late-night show. Nexstar, which owns many of those affiliates, almost immediately yanked the show. And Nexstar is currently trying to acquire its rivala move that would require FCC approval.

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No one at the company could miss the implication of Carrs threat. If Nexstar did not punish Kimmel for his speech, the FCC chair would do things the hard way. That almost certainly meant heightened scrutiny, and perhaps rejection, of Nexstars pending acquisition. It could also mean revocation of Nexstar and ABCs broadcast licenses. That is plainly how this FCC does business. Earlier this year, when Paramount sought the agencys approval to combine with Skydance, the company handed Trump $16 million in a settlement and axed Stephen Colberts show. It was hard to see those moves as anything but a concession designed to secure the FCCs approval of the deal. (Sure enough, the agency blessed the merger shortly thereafter.)

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Related From Slate Trumps Justice Department Finally Told a Lie So Brazen It Had to Take It Back Read More

At a bare minimum, the facts of Kimmels cancellation lay out an eminently plausible infringement on the First Amendment. The companies that create and carry the show pulled it just hours after Carr threatened to pull their broadcast licenses. If anything, the censorship here is even clearer than it was in Vullo. And Murthy does not stand in the way of these companies, or Kimmel himself, bringing a free speech claim against the FCCthat is, if they are not too cowed by the prospect of even more punishment. Even this Supreme Court might affirm an injunction prohibiting retaliation against Kimmels commentary, a decision it could tout as principled consistency after Murthy and Vullo.

When the NRA faced alleged retaliation for its free speech by Democratic politicians, it was the American Civil Liberties Union that volunteered to defend its rights in court. The ACLU explained its decision to represent a pro-gun group by explaining: President Trump has already promised to use the power of the government to go after his political adversaries.  The timing couldnt be better for drawing a bright line that would help bind a future Trump administration and other government officials who misuse their power. Liberal advocates at the nations premier civil liberties organization understand that government coercion of censorship is a threat no matter which party is behind it. Its self-styled conservatives whove thrown that principle out the window the moment its their turn to censor.
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It isnt especially surprising how farcical the Trump administrations commitment to free speech absolutism turned out to be. The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!prodded on by Donald Trumps pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission after Kimmel made a joke about the MAGA movements reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirkis the most flagrant addition to the presidents growing blacklist. But Trump possesses a storied history of legislating his miscellaneous culture-war fixations. (Perhaps you recall the State Department revoking visas of students who dared to criticize Israel.) That the Trump administration has made a continual mockery of the First Amendment is not something the right can effectively dispute; the muzzling is happening in broad daylight, and the targets are invariably opposed to the regime. Instead, in order to sanitize the creeping sense of illiberalism, conservatives wield their favorite cudgel: the year of 2020, in which a great deal of upheaval tilted the leverage of social justice toward the left, andever so brieflyrewrote the rules. The ousting of Kimmel, in this retelling, is nothing more than retaliation.

You celebrated Trump being banned from social media as an exercise of liberty, you absolute clown.



The ACTUAL threat to free speech is coming your ideological allows who just murdered a man in cold blood in front of his wife and children because of his words. https://t.co/Zwx01oac2e pic.twitter.com/zvRCuTZp2p  Sean Davis (@seanmdav) September 18, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel lied about Charlies assassination and used the opportunity to defame Charlies own friends and allies. He deserves to be fired for it. These are the repercussions that conservatives have been experiencing for years for infractions not nearly as egregious. Good  Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) September 18, 2025

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Im not here to defend everything that happened in 2020, an epoch that included some flailing overreaches enacted by our corporate overlords attempting to concoct racial equity through some regrettable means. (Nancy Pelosi in the kente cloth, Roger Goodell offering a way-too-late apology to Colin Kaepernick, Mad Mena show largely about the cancerous dominion of powerful white menadding bizarre disclaimers to episodes that articulate its founding thesis; I could go on.) Some of this stuff was cogent, a lot of it was tiresome, but ultimatelyand this is keyall of it was the result of pressure from the public. Black Lives Matter might have been the largest protest in history! Something like 20 million people participated! You do not need to be a dogged partisan to see how that differs from the genuflections demanded by Trump. I am sure that the Washington Redskins changing their name aggrieved the nations racists, but the team only conceded after a consortium of sponsors, under the gun of that civic action, implored the team to do so.

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We can argue about the tyranny of deplatforming, or the contrivances of political correctness, all day long. The left has demonstrated a capacity to scold and silence its enemies, which has undoubtedly bred our current environment of reaction and resentment. But no matter how annoying those liberals might be, it remains undoubtedly true that cancel culturewhatever that meansbubbled from the ground up, and was sharpened by the coalitions allies in the media and elsewhere. Maybe you think that there was more skullduggery afoot, and actors in the government were spurring on the agitation with the levers of the executive branch. This premise is easily disputed, of course, by the fact that Donald Trump was president in 2020, a fact that has been shockingly memory-holed with the passage of time.

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Which brings us to whats so much more sinister, and so much more dangerous about 2025: These arent reforms engineered by social pressure. Theyre top-down exercises of state power to punish disfavored speech. MAGA ideologues have achieved their revenge for 2020 by playing an entirely different game: A president is brandishing the weight of the state to purge a talk-show host he doesnt like from the airwaves.

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Hes not being quiet about the operation, either. The Trump doctrine is to deploy FCC Chairman Brendan Carr onto a podcast hosted by fascist influencer Benny Johnson, where he brags about the remedies he has in store for the Kimmel problem. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, said Carr, ominously. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.

Thats just not how things are supposed to work. Earlier today, the National Review mounted a meek argument that Biden has also indulged in his own anti-Republican censor campaign, when his administration pushed tech companies to scrub COVID-19 misinformation from the internet. A tactical error, in retrospect, given that we didnt yet understand that the pandemic had made everyone significantly more paranoid and insane than they were previously. But as a counterpoint, it fails to carry any weight whatsoever. Put it this way: If Biden did to Sean Hannity what Trump has done to Kimmel, I am confident that we would have balkanized around, like, 2022.

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Related From Slate No, the Supreme Court Did Not Give Trump a License to Silence Jimmy Kimmel Read More

Nobody forced the conservative movement to brand itself as the eternal stalwart of free speech. This is a title they have foisted upon themselves. The brutal murder of Kirk is certainly horrific conditions in which to test those virtues, but the instantaneous collapse has been hilariously apt. Everything we have always known about Trump is true, which makes what he came to represent even more baffling. You thought this guy was going to safeguard the marketplace of ideas? Seriously? Think of the legion of grumpy stand-up comedians who took the red pill because of the slurs that were no longer acceptable on stage, or the chaotic-neutral podcasters who were seduced into the fold by the wondrous promises of forbidden knowledgemostly about mRNA vaccinesthat liberals were supposedly keeping under lock and key. Think of Bari Weiss, who became so self-righteous about millennial groupthink that she started a publication literally titled the Free Press. Or the Atlantics Thomas Chatterton Williams, who just published a book about the illiberalism of Black Lives Matter. Its subtitle reads The Demise of Discourse. Well, the Trump regime grows steadily more entrenched, and its administration is promising further crackdowns on anti-conservative thought. If nothing else in these dark times, I hope some people feel pretty stupid.
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For several hours on Wednesday, a fired public health official went before Congress and aired Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s dirty laundry. Former Centers for Disease Control director Susan Monarez laid into the Health and Human Services secretarys management of vaccines, his disregarding of career experts, and his plans for remaking public health according to his own bullheaded vision.

Monarez, who was fired as CDC director only 29 days after her confirmation to the post, also gave her account of why she was fired. Her explanation departed significantly from Kennedys; he testified earlier this month that Monarez had responded no when asked if she was a trustworthy person. Instead, she said, Kennedy told her that he couldnt trust her.

If you cannot trust me, Monarez said, then you can fire me.

It was a remarkable display of discord of within the administration. Even more shocking, though, was that it was taking place at all.

Try to remember all the way back, several millennia ago, to Jan. 20, 2025. How many two- or three-day story arcs have there been about ousted, or forced-out, government employees and appointees? Lets run through a few, just from the top of my head. There was David Lebryk, a career civil servant who oversaw direct federal payments at the Treasury, after refusing access to Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency staffers. Senior USAID leadership. FBI agents and officials were purged, some of whom are now suing. More than a dozen inspectors general. Federal Trade Commission commissioners. The librarian of Congress. And depending on the Supreme Court, a governor of the Federal Reserve. And personnel controversies only make up a small portion of the overall daily, hourly, second-by-second drama that this White House stokes.

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In theory, its Congress job to do oversight on just about all of this, to provide key checks on an overeager executive branch. But this may have been the first real oversight hearing into a Trump administration scandal, and the first in which those on the losing end of it were invited to Congress to tell their story. It was organized specifically to probe an episode that the Trump administration would like to sweep under the rug, and typically does.

So why did this hearing come to order? The reasons are political and personal.

Theres recognition among Republicans in both Congress and the White House that Kennedys hostile posture toward certain vaccines, just before a critical deadline to determine the childrens vaccination schedule, is wickedly unpopular. Weeks ago, a memo from Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio had circulated on the Hill reinforcing that that there is broad unity across party lines supporting vaccines such as measles (MMR), shingles, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDAP), and Hepatitis B. That preceded a difficult hearing for Kennedy in which several Republican senators joined the Democratic pile-on.

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But it takes a Republican committee chairman to convene a hearing on antics within a Republican administration. And Bill Cassidy is the only Republican whos been humiliated enough to go through with it. Cassidy agonized over his critical vote to confirm Kennedy, only to later see Kennedy ignore all the assurances hed made to the senator in return. Cassidy is also not just a doctor by profession, but a hepatologist specifically, and the vaccine recommendation that appears to be on Kennedys chopping block ahead of Thursdays meeting is the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. He spoke about the need to preserve that recommendation in his closing remarks at the hearing. The timing was not a coincidence.

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Cassidy, who still needs Trumps help (or, at least, neutrality) to survive a primary next year, twisted himself into knots trying to argue that this investigation into the Trump administration was actually good for the Trump administration. This hearing is a direct response to Presidents Trumps call for radical transparency in how we conduct governmental affairs, he said at the top of his opening remarks.

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Related From Slate Trumps Justice Department Finally Told a Lie So Brazen It Had to Take It Back Read More

With that throat-clearing out of the way, though, the hearing was otherwise an odd, rare congressional moment in the Trump II era. The chairman and ranking member (in this case, Sen. Bernie Sanders) did not spending half an hour bickering about process at the start, and both were on the same page about getting to the bottom of this. Members did not scream at each other, and the witness did not scream back at them.

Even the Republicans on the committee who were there to toe the administrations line, though, had little to offer. Several senators, including Florida Sen. Ashley Moody and Indiana Sen. Jim Banks, spent most of their time hassling Monarez for retaining the anti-Trump lawyer Mark Zaid, or suggesting that she planned this whole spectacle (getting fired from her job) all along. The oddest moment came when Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin said that there was a recording of the meeting in which she was fired, and that she wasnt telling the truth about what happened. Mullin, and HHS, later walked that statement back after Cassidy and Sanders asked why they hadnt been given this recording, and why there was a recording in the first place.

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Oversight hearings like this arent soon to be replicated. Trumps polling is bad, but the bottom hasnt fallen out in a way that would send the GOP scrambling from him and his administration. (And the bottom would really have to fall out for them to risk going against Trump and putting themselves in primary danger.)

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But the hearing served as a reminder of how oversight can puncture Trumps greatest skill: Hes a master of overwhelming the news cycle, and making it hard to for the concerned public to focus on any single statement or action for more than a minute. Oversight keeps the focus alive. So when you see Trump working all of his political muscle to maximally gerrymander red states ahead of the 2026 midterms, its not just because he frets at the prospect of low legislative productivity in a divided Congress. Its because Democratic gavels would provide somesomecompetition to his monopoly on attention management.
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If and when historians write the tale of how our country devolved into a boastfully lawless state, unashamedly insensitive to matters of human life, they might note the remarks of Vice President J.D. Vance at a factory in Michigan on Sept. 17, 2025, as a key moment in the decline.

Vance was there to tout President Donald Trumps widely unpopular budget bill, but he took a moment to tout the U.S. militarys recent bulls-eye bombing of three boats in the Caribbean allegedly carrying narcotics to our shores. Vance claimed that all drug trafficking in those waters had since stopped, chortling, I would stop, toohell, I wouldnt go fishin right now in that part of the world.

Some in the audience chuckled. Were others appalled? They should have been. Much of the rest of the world, no doubt, slacked its collective jaw, and many American servicemen and servicewomen must have been ashamed.

The vice president of the United States was celebrating an act of murder in international waters for which there was no legal authority, historical precedent, or clear and present danger that might have justified taking a shot. Even John Yoo, who defended the legality of torture during George W. Bushs presidency, has said the bombing of the boats was illegal, even if they were manned by drug smugglers, a claim that hasnt been proved. When Vance was asked about the operations legality, he replied, I dont give a shit.

Vance was also, in effect, portraying the American military personnel who sank the boats as trigger-happy, prone to mistake a fishing boat for a drug vessel and feeling guiltless about doing so.

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Finally, he was wrong in saying that drug trafficking off our shores had since ceased, so terrified were these criminals by the prospect of drawing similar fire. In fact, just this past Monday, two days before Vances speech and a few days after the first sinking, the U.S. Coast Guard seized the largest haul of narcotics in Coast Guard history76,140 pounds worth, having a value of $473 million and the potential to cause 23 million lethal dosesin 19 interdictions in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific.

Related From Slate Trumps Justice Department Finally Told a Lie So Brazen It Had to Take It Back Read More

The Coast Guard crews did this not by killing anyone but rather by stopping the boats (in some cases, shooting at the engines), then boarding them, and arresting the smugglers. That is how they have been interdicting drug traffic for decades. In 2022, the most recent year for which there is complete data, they seized 150 metric tons (about 165 U.S. tons) of illegal narcotics that way.

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Vances comments were merely piling on to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths celebration of the first boats bombing, during which all 11 people onboard were killed. We smoked a drug boat, and theres 11 narco-terrorists at the bottom of the ocean, and when other people try to do that, theyre going to meet the same fate, the top civilian overseer of the U.S. armed forces and its nearly $1 trillion budget exclaimed of the unprecedented extrajudicial killings.

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In similarly high spirits, Hegseth was all but bouncing with glee earlier this month, when Trump announced the name change of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. Were going to go on offense, not just on defense! he said, standing next to the president. Maximum lethalitynot tepid legality! Violent effect, not politically correct!

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Have we ever had a secretary of defense so adept at looking and talking like the thuggish buffoon in an Armando Iannucci satire?

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In real life, these spectacles arent so funny. Vance is the successor to the throne if Trump is unable to fulfill his duties. Hegseth is the main point of contact between the commander in chief in the White House and the combatant commanders at military bases around the world.

Hegseths touting of maximum lethality and trouncing of tepid legality is not merely an indulgence in cliche. The former Fox News anchor first came to Trumps attention when he criticized the prosecution of three U.S. officers for hideous war crimes that theyd committed in Afghanistan. To Hegseth, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a major in the Army National Guard, the very term war crimes is an oxymoron. War is all about killing (maximum lethality); concerns about who a soldier might kill in the process is demoralizing woke (tepid legality).

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For a glimpse of what professional active-duty senior U.S. officers, those with longtime combat experience, think of this attitude, look at the pained expression of Gen. Dan Caine, the widely respected chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while Hegseth goes on his rant.

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We are led at the moment by a melange of cynics, greenhorns, and opportunists (Vance once likened Trump to Hitler before he was invited to join the ticket), play-acting the roles of world leaders, not fully grasping their responsibilities or what it takes to perform them and claiming new and extraordinary powersin a wide range of domestic and foreign policiesthat have never been asserted before.

The worlds leadersfriends, foes, and those in betweenkeep a straight face at all this. The United States is still a powerful nation, and Trump is the one who controls its mighty levers. As the preeminent military strategist Lawrence Freedman recently described the situation, Unserious president; serious country. So, allies still depend on us for their security; adversaries try to butter up Trump and make him think theyre his friend, so he doesnt get too upset when they do unsettling things. (When 19 Russian drones passed over Polands territory last week, prompting the Poles to call an emergency meeting under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, only the eighth time the article has been invoked in NATOs 76-year history, Trump publicly said the overflights could have been a mistake.)

Still, many at home and abroad watch Trump and his teamlisten to their words, analyze their actionsand, depending on whether theyre foe or friend, uncork the Champagne or pour themselves a stiff drink. How this plays out, what historians write a few decades from now, will depend on what the rest of us do in the coming monthshow we vote and whether we succumb to pressures or resist them in the meantime.
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If you still happened to believe that CBSs summertime decision to fire Stephen Colbert was anything less than politically motivated, this weeks events should fully erase that doubt. On Wednesday evening, ABC announced that it was pre-empting Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air indefinitely, in condemnation of a monologue the late-night host delivered Monday about the right wings reactions to Charlie Kirks murder. President Donald Trump himself approved of the disciplinary measure, deeming it Great News for America in tandem with Colberts cancellation and also urging NBC to yank Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon off the air. (When Trump celebrated Colberts takedown in a July Truth Social post, he added, I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next.)

The Kimmel decision came down from the parent companys C-suite, with Disney CEO Bob Iger and TV chief Dana Walden signing off on the move, according to the New York Timesbut it didnt start with them. The inciting action came from the TV station owner Nexstar, which had vowed to suspend his talk show from all its stations that broadcast ABC affiliate channels in local markets. In a statement, Nexstar declared that it strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, indicating that this would start on Wednesday night itself. The Sinclair Broadcast Group, known for its mass distribution of conservative propaganda across local networks, went furtherpromising to air a one-hour special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk during Kimmels time slot on Friday and calling upon the talk show host to issue an apology and make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.

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Nexstar and Sinclair are the two largest TV station owners in the country, so the sudden prospect of ABCs losing mass distribution of its flagship late-night offering was likely enough to urge Disney into finalizing the suspension wholesale. Unlike Colbert, Kimmel hasnt been thrown out for goodyet he and his staffers appear to have been abruptly informed of their status change. According to Deadline, Kimmel told ABC that he would address his previous comments around Charlie Kirk on his next monologue, in acknowledgment of the conservative backlash, before Disney pulled his show.

Just what did Kimmel say to provoke such ire? We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it, the host stated in his Monday night monologue. In between the finger-pointing, there was, uh, grieving on Friday, the White House flew the flags at half-staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this. He then played a clip in which Trump rambles about his White House ballroom in response to a reporters question about how he was handling Kirks death.

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Kimmels monologue wasnt entirely accurate. Yes, the alleged killer is not one of them insofar as hes not a MAGA reactionary and is, rather, someone who appeared to be genuinely disgusted by Kirks bigoted rhetoric. Still, Kimmels comment was at worst an anodyne observation touching on the fact that the accused, a white guy from Utah, did not fit the archetypes of typical far-right bogeymen. But thats not the point. The right-wing cancellation campaign that has come to encompass all individuals and institutions that have expressed anything less than cloying adulation of Kirk is ongoing, with the pointed support of the Trump administration. On Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr appeared on conservative provocateur Benny Johnsons podcast to denounce Kimmels remarks and explain what his agencywhich has already intimidated TV networks like NBC and CBScould do to undermine the comedians career. You could certainly see a path forward for suspension over this, Carr explained. Frankly, I think its past time that a lot of these licensed broadcasters themselves push back on Comcast and Disney and say, We are going to preemptwe are not going to run Kimmel anymore until you straighten this out. 

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Related From Slate No, the Supreme Court Did Not Give Trump a License to Silence Jimmy Kimmel Read More

It was admittedly a savvy, if unconstitutional, suggestion from Carr: Instead of relying on the FCCs ability to potentially revoke ABCs broadcast license in the future, the agency chair all but spoke directly to Nexstar and Sinclair. Carr knows well that Nexstar requires federal approval for its planned $6.2 billion merger with the TV company Tegna to add dozens of new local stations to its massive inventory. Sinclair is already conservative from the boardroom down to the antennaebut it also has regulatory interests with the FCC, having announced a strategic business review last month that could pave the way for another merger. And it cant take Carrs friendliness for granted: The FCC under Trumps first administration blocked Sinclair from acquiring Tribune Media in 2018, putting off a $3.9 billion deal that would have given Sinclair about 40 more stations. (A bit of irony: The FCC then approved Nexstars $4.1 billion acquisition of Tribune in 2019, on the condition that Nexstar sell off some stations, in turn, to corporations like  Tegna.)

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These two broadcasters had substantial leverage with ABC and Disney, and they had ongoing transactions that may have been compromised by Carr if they didnt address the Kimmel situation. So here we are. The plug pull was so shocking and sudden that it threw the Jimmy Kimmel Live! operation out of whack. Audience members had been waiting in line for hours to access the taping before learning the news, and staffers and celebrities were working at their normal pace to schedule and plan appearances and episodes, per CNN.

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For Carr, its just another head on a spike. He pressured Paramount into settling Trumps baseless election interference lawsuit over CBS News edit of Kamala Harris 60 Minutes interviewbecause Paramounts then-pending merger with Skydance Media required that Carr be satisfied. Back in December, in a letter addressed to Disney, he celebrated ABC News decision to settle with Trump over anchor George Stephanopoulos remarks on Trumps sexual abuse conviction, comments that resulted in an apology from Stephanopoulos and a $16 million payout to Trumps future presidential library. Carr then hinted at the intimidation tactics he would later take with Kimmel: I will be monitoring the outcome of your ongoing discussions with local broadcast TV stations to ensure that those negotiations enable local broadcast TV stations to meet their federal obligations and serve the needs of their local communities.

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During a Thursday-morning CNBC appearance, the FCC chair justified Kimmels ouster by claiming that the hosts Kirk/MAGA comment was not a jokethat it was appearing to directly mislead the American public about a significant fact [thats] probably one of the most significant political events weve had in a long time. Its a ridiculous assertion. But Carr knows he has the power, and hes willing to use it. (The shamelessly online regulator has acknowledged a former Glee castmates tweet that this was all in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation blueprint to which Carr had personally contributed.) Trump knows this too, having announced Thursday that he supports yanking licenses from TV companies that criticize him.

It cannot be plainer whats going on here: The Trump regime is leaning on media companies to silence comedians, journalists, and other influential figures whose opinions do not align with the Donalds preferences. Carr and the president will not be satisfied until every media outlet becomes more conservative and obsequious. Even former President Barack Obama recognizes the stakes of Carrs government coercionfor the First Amendment, for American freedom of speech, for American media. Were in a bad spot.
New Company Leadership and NaviScript Launch Fostering Significant Company Growth

SOLON, Ohio, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HospiceChoice Rx is pleased to share some updates that are propelling the company's growth this year. In August, HospiceChoice Rx announced their new Company President, Shelly Mikuls.

HospiceChoice Rx CEO Nick Opalich said, "Shelly started with HospiceChoice Rx in January of this year, and made an immediate impact in the growth of our business. Shelly has played a crucial role in enhancing our training initiatives for hospice care teams, in mentoring our regional sales directors, and securing new business partnerships. This is a well-deserved promotion."

Shelly Mikuls promoted to HospiceChoice Rx president Post this

Opalich also shared that Chief Clinical Officer Michelle Hamblin will have a heightened visibility within the company and marketplace. "We feel that Michelle's 21 years of healthcare experience, including 17 years as a licensed pharmacist, plus her outstanding leadership expertise across specialty pharmacy, infusion medicine and pharmacy benefit management, makes her ideal to share the significant and valuable benefits HospiceChoice Rx offers," Opalich said.

Earlier this summer, HospiceChoice Rx launched one of those many benefits the marketplace is responding to, NaviScript. NaviScript is a proprietary ePrescribing software exclusively for hospices that is winning over new clients with its state of the art functionality and ease of use for hospice nursing staff. Company President Shelly Mikuls said, "With the launch of NaviScript, along with HospiceChoice Rx's pharmacy benefit administration, cost-effective formulary and transparent, pass-through pricing, we've been able to bring multiple new clients onboard who wanted to manage their drug costs without compromising patient care. They are now experiencing more efficient medication ordering processes without compromising accuracy, so their nurses can spend more time focused on patient care."

Finally, HospiceChoice Rx President Shelly Mikuls will host a webinar on October 9th titled, "Don't Get Too Comfortable: Fostering Growth Through Successful Change Management". Participants will learn how to determine the common drivers of change in the homecare industry, key principles of change management, assessing stakeholders' investment and readiness for change, recognizing barriers to change, developing strategies for sustaining change, and more. Interested parties can register for the upcoming webinar HERE

About HospiceChoice Rx

HospiceChoice Rx delivers innovative pharmacy benefits exclusively for Hospice and Palliative Care organizations through its advanced NaviScript platform. NaviScript streamlines clinician ePrescribing, integrates with Hospice EMRs to reduce dual entry, and lessens administrative burdenfreeing more time for patient care. With a nationwide network of over 75,000 pharmacies and partnerships with preferred providers, HospiceChoice Rx ensures patients have reliable access to medications wherever they reside. The company also offers expert PharmD clinical consultations to advise on therapeutic alternatives and deprescribing, supporting cost-effective, high-quality patient care. Learn more at www.hospicechoicerx.com

SOURCE HospiceChoice Rx
Woodbine Mohawk Parks race office would like to inform all trainers that the entry box for the Tuesday, Sept. 23 card will remain open until Friday, Sept. 19 at 10:30 a.m.

To view Mohawk's condition sheet for Tuesday, click here.

(Woodbine)
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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang attends a media Q&A session during a visit to London on Sept 17 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Kelvin Chan

Nvidia, the world's leading chipmaker, announced on Thursday that it's investing $5 billion in Intel and will collaborate with the struggling semiconductor company.

Nvidia said it will spend $5 billion to buy Intel common stock at $23.28 a share. The investment, which is subject to regulatory approvals, comes a month after the U.S. government took a 10% stake in Intel.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang called it "a fusion of two world-class platforms" that combines Intel's strength in making conventional computer chips, known as CPUs, that power most laptops, with Nvidia's focus on the specialized graphics chips that are critical for artificial intelligence.

"This partnership is a recognition that computing has fundamentally changed," Huang told reporters Thursday. "The era of accelerated and AI computing has arrived."

Intel shares jumped nearly 23%, its biggest one-day percentage gain since 1987. Nvidia shares added more than 3%.

For data centers, Intel will make custom chips that Nvidia will use in its AI infrastructure platforms. For personal computer products, Intel will build chips that integrate Nvidia technology.

The agreement provides a lifeline for Intel, which was a Silicon Valley pioneer that enjoyed decades of growth as its processors powered the personal computer boom, but fell into a slump after missing the shift to the mobile computing era unleashed by the iPhone's 2007 debut.

Intel fell even farther behind in recent years amid the AI boom that's propelled Nvidia into the world's most valuable company. Intel lost nearly $19 billion last year and another $3.7 billion in the first six months of this year, and expects to slash its workforce by a quarter by the end of 2025.

The U.S. government stepped in last month to secure a 10% stake433.3 million shares of non-voting stock priced at $20.47 apiecemaking it one of Intel's biggest shareholders. Federal officials said they invested in Intel in order to bolster U.S. technology and domestic manufacturing. The total value of the U.S. government's stake in Intel now stands at $13.2 billion, a $2.5 billion increase from what it stood before the Nvidia investment was announced.

Huang said Nvidia has been in talks with Intel for about a year. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who joined the press call with Huang on Thursday, said he's been talking to Nvidia since he was named Intel's new leader in March.

"This is a very big, important milestone," Tan said. "I call it a game-changing opportunity that we can work together."

Visitors give commands to a robot at Nvidia's booth during the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo at the China International Exhibition Center, in Beijing, July 18, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A., File

The deal is "bullish for U.S. tech," Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives said in a client note.

Ives said it brings Intel "front and center into the AI game" and, combined with the U.S. government stake, adds to "a golden few weeks for Intel after years of pain and frustration for investors."

Nvidia, meanwhile, has soared because its specialized chips are underpinning the AI boom. The chips, known as graphics processing units, or GPUs, are highly effective at developing powerful AI systems.

The deal between the two chipmakers comes as China moves to be less dependent on U.S. semiconductor technology. This week, Chinese officials reportedly forbade several large domestic technology companies from purchasing Nvidia chips, and China-based Huawei announced that it was expanding its development of AI chips and manufacturing.

While Nvidia and Intel, both headquartered in Santa Clara, California, will work together to develop new chips, a manufacturing deal has yet to be struck between the two. The potential access to Intel's chip foundries by Nvidia poses a risk to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, which currently manufactures the tech giant's flagship processors. Huang emphasized Thursday that both his company and Intel remain "very successful customers" of TSMC.

Of Nvidia's own Intel stake, Huang said "the Trump administration had no involvement in this partnership at all," though "would have been very supportive, of course."

Huang has been in Britain on a visit that coincides with Trump's trip to the country, and he has been attending events with the president along with other Silicon Valley bigwigs.

At a signing ceremony for a trans-Atlantic tech partnership on Thursday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump mused that AI was "taking over the world."

"I'm looking at you guys. You're taking over the world, Jensen," Trump said.

Huang and Trump also both attended a royal banquet, prompting the tech mogul to dish about the Windsor Castle event to Intel's CEO in the seconds before their press event.

"The cognac was excellent, but just not enough of it," Huang told Tan. "I guess the cognac was from 1912."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Deliveroo founder Will Shu said he wanted to 'contemplate my next challenge' as he steps down as CEO after 13 years.

Will Shu, founder of food delivery app Deliveroo, will step down as its chief executive once US rival DoorDash completes a takeover of the British group, a statement said Thursday.

DoorDash in May agreed to buy Deliveroo for 2.9 billion ($4 billion) in a deal expected to be completed at the start of October.

"Taking Deliveroo from being an idea to what it is today has been amazing," Shu said in the statement.

"Today the company's growth and profitability are accelerating and we are delivering on our mission to transform the way people shop and eat, but after 13 years I want to contemplate my next challenge," the American added.

The DoorDash deal will create a delivery service present in more than 40 countries, serving around 50 million monthly-active users.

Deliveroo posted its first annual profit in March following sizable full-year losses owing to high investment costs since Shu founded the company.

The company's initial public offering in 2021 had been London's biggest stock market launch for a decade, valuing the group at 7.6 billion.

The offer from DoorDash is worth 1.80, less than half Deliveroo's IPO price of 3.90.

Shu got the idea to start his own business after struggling to find restaurants that would deliver food to the London office where he often stayed late to work as a financial analyst.

Years after personally making Deliveroo's first delivery in London, the company experienced a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic from lockdown-hit customers.

However, increased competition saw it scale back global operations, most recently with an exit from Hong Kong.

San Francisco-based DoorDash, the largest food delivery app in the United States, entered the European market in 2021 with the purchase of Finland-based Wolt for $8.1 billion.

As big players in the gig economy, food delivery apps have faced controversy over the status of their self-employed riders.

In late 2023, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Deliveroo riders were not entitled to trade union rights such as collective bargaining.

 2025 AFP
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Visitors pass by the Huawei Atlas 900 A3 SuperPoD exhibited at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China, July 28, 2025. (Chinatopix Via AP)

China's Huawei Technologies said Thursday that it would roll out the world's most powerful AI computing clusters over the next two years as it seeks to outperform global leaders despite relying on less powerful domestic semiconductors.

China is racing to develop its own technology as America restricts what can be sold to China, including its most advanced chips. At the same time, the Chinese government has reportedly told companies to stop buying some American chips as it seeks to transform China into a global tech leader and one that is less reliant on imported components.

Huawei, at the forefront of efforts to develop home-grown technology, said at an annual customer event in Shanghai that it would launch new "superpods" in late 2026 and late 2027. That's computer industry lingo for a group of interconnected computers that, in Huawei's case, combines the power of thousands of chips.

That immense power is needed to run models in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, an area of hot competition between the U.S. and China.

"This is a significant milestone," said Charlie Dai, a technology analyst at the research firm Forrester Research. "It signals a stronger push toward self-reliance and resilience in the face of export restrictions."

A visitor takes photos of the Huawei Atlas 900 A3 SuperPoD exhibited at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China, July 26, 2025. (Chinatopix Via AP)

Huawei announced plans to release the Atlas 950 and 960 superpods over the next two years. Dozens of the "SuperPoDs," as Huawei brands them, could be connected to form what Huawei said would be the world's most powerful "SuperClusters."

The 950 and 960 are the most powerful superpods in the world and would remain so for years to come, a company news release said, based on product road maps from others in the industry.

The challenge for China is how to keep pace with American competitors such as Open AI and Google without access to the world's most powerful semiconductors, notably those from America's market-leading Nvidia. The answer has been to use many more chips and develop the architecture to make them work well together.

"Our strategy is to create a new computing architecture, and develop computing SuperPoDs and SuperClusters, to sustainably meet long-term demand for computing power," Eric Xu, the current rotating chairman of Huawei, told the customer conference, according to a transcript provided by the company.

Huawei, based in Shenzhen in southern China, also announced plans to launch new AI chips in its Ascend series over the next three years. The Atlas 950 and 960 superpods would be based on the Ascend 950 and 960 chips, due out in 2026 and 2027. A planned Ascend 970 chip could follow in 2028.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Parts of the a tunnel being built on the Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link (TAV) are piled up in Saint Martin La Porte, France, Feb. 12, 2019. Credit: AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File

A hydraulic rock drill broke open a tunnel connecting Austria to Italy 1,400 meters (nearly 4,600 feet) beneath the Alps on Thursday, marking a major milestone in a series of ambitious European Union projects that will accelerate passenger train travel between metropolitan centers and shift freight off the roads and onto rails.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker were on hand for the ceremonial breakthrough of the final meter of rock to open the first tunnel beneath the Brenner Pass, a key junction in an EU rail project that will one day run from Helsinki to Palermo.

"In the end, there is no project that is too big to be tackled, there is no project too big for us to bet on,'' Meloni told a ceremony.

The Brenner Base Tunnel, which will be the longest underground rail tunnel in the world when completed, is among four key infrastructure projects that promise to reshape how Italians travel and ship goods by the early 2030s, while bringing Europe closer together.

Tunnels will cut travel times between Verona and Munich by more than half to 2 hours, between Milan and Paris by at least 30% to 4 hours and put the Ligurian port city of Genoa within commuting distance of Italy's finance and fashion capitalsignificantly remaking the Europe transit map.

The boldest and most contested projects of them all, the recently approved Straits of Messina Bridge, will finally link the Italian mainland with Sicilya project first envisioned by the ancient Romans and long delayed by modern Italians.

An engineer works in a pilot cabin of a 140-meter-long rock-eating machine dubbed "Federica" in a Turin-Lyon high-speed rail tunnel (TAV) in Saint Martin La Porte, France, Feb. 12, 2019. Credit: AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File

The tunnels and bridge projects mark the first significant upgrade to the Italian rail system since the Rome-Milan high-speed rail line was launched in 2008. It drastically reduced travel time between Italy's financial and political centers, effectively killing the once-lucrative Rome-Milan airline route. The rail line can now be traveled in as little as three hours.

The current projects also aim to reduce truck traffic on highwayswith the biggest impact expected on the Brenner Pass, which is traversed by more than 2.5 million trucks annually, making it one of Europe's busiest Alpine routes and a crucial north-south link, bringing Italian automotive components and small machinery northward. The Brenner Base Tunnel aims to shift up to half the heavy road traffic to rail.

Officials also touted the environmental benefits at Thursday's ceremony.

By reducing road congestion, "air quality will improve, noise will diminish and C02 emission will fall," said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism.

While pursuing these major projects, Italy's rail network has another 40 strategic projects in the works, many funded with 25 billion euros (nearly $30 billion) in European Union pandemic recovery funds. They include a high-speed line between Naples and Bari on the heel of the Italian boot.

These are the four major infrastructure projects that will bring Italian and European centers closer together:

An engineer walks inside a Turin-Lyon high-speed rail tunnel (TAV) in Saint Martin La Porte, France, Feb. 12, 2019. Credit: AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File

Brenner Base tunnel

The Brenner Base tunnel, which will be the longest underground rail tunnel in the world, will run for 55 kilometers (34 miles) between Tulfes, Austria, and Fortezza, Italy, extending to 64 kilometers (nearly 40 miles) with existing tunnels from Tulfes to Innsbruck.

The project, which is estimated to cost about 8.8 billion euros (nearly $10.5 billion), is expected to be completed by 2031 with the first train traversing it in 2032. The project, launched in 2007, is being co-funded by Italy, Austria and the EU.

Tortona-Genoa high-speed rail line

A 53-kilometer (33-mile) high-speed rail line connecting the port city of Genoa with Tortona in Piedmont, with links to Milan, includes 37 kilometers (23 kilometers) of tunnels.

One of them is 27 kilometers (more than 16 miles) long. It aims to shift the transport of goods from the Ligurian port cities of Genoa, La Spezia and Savona to northern Europe from road to rail beginning next year, increasing to 50% by 2050.

Passenger train travel time between Milan and Genoa will be cut to about an hour from more than 1 hours. The cost is 8.5 billion euros ($10 billion) and the tunnels are 90% complete. Started in 2012, the project was slowed by the difficult geology of the Apennine range, including the discovery of natural asbestos.

Engineers operate a 140-meter-long rock-eating machine dubbed 'Federica' in a Turin-Lyon high-speed rail tunnel (TAV) in Saint Martin La Porte, France, Feb. 12, 2019. Credit: AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File

Lyon-Turin line

The 11-billion-euro ($13 billion) Lyon-Turin High-Speed Rail Tunnel extends more than 65 kilometers (40 miles) with 57 kilometers (nearly 36 miles) of the Mont Cenis base tunnel running underground from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, France and Susa, Italy.

It's expected to be completed around 2033. The project aims to remove more than 1 million heavy goods vehicles from roads in the western Alps between France and Italy. Passenger travel time between Paris, Europe's second-largest metropolitan area, and Milan, Europe's third-largest metropolitan area, will be reduced to 4 hours from 6-7 hours.

The project, launched in 2007, was slowed significantly by environmental protests on the Italian side. It's being co-funded by France, Italy and the EU.

The map above highlights major infrastructure projects in areas across Italy and its neighbors. Credit: AP Digital Embed

Strait of Messina Bridge

The 13.5 billion-euro ($16 billion) Strait of Messina Bridge project will speed travel between the Italian mainland and Sicily and incorporate rail connections to Palermo and Catania, which are being upgraded.

The single-span bridge itself will span from Messina, Sicily, to Villa San Giovanni, Calabria, with six car lanes and two rail lines. The government is awaiting final approval by the court of audits to launch preliminary work. It's expected to be completed by 2032.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Hyundai Motor reinforces its target of 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030

-Electrified vehicles to reach 3.3 million units by 2030, including 18+ hybrid models and comprehensive EV lineup

-Expanding into new segments, including mid-size pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles

-All-new regional EVs: IONIQ 3 for Europe, India's first locally designed EV, and China-produced Elexio and electric sedan

-First Extended Range EV (EREV) models to launch from 2027, bridging the transition to full electrification with more than 600-mile driving range

Phase 2 HMGMA expansion adds production capacity of 200,000 units by 2028, with $2.7 billion investment creating 3,000 new jobs

-Global manufacturing expansion integrating Software-Defined Factory targets 1.2 million additional units across its manufacturing facilities worldwide

Next-generation battery technology to achieve cost and performance improvements, including cloud-based battery management system from 2026





Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) platform transforms customer experience

-Powered by High-Performance Vehicle Computer architecture, enabling continuous updates, personalized features and AI-driven mobility services

Genesis luxury brand to introduce EREV, hybrid and BEV powertrains across complete lineup, including its flagship SUV, targeting annual sales of 350,000 units by 2030





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NEW YORK and SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its most ambitious growth strategy today at the company's first CEO Investor Day held outside of Korea.

The event served as a platform to communicate the company's mid-to long-term strategy to investors and stakeholders, emphasizing its commitment to revolutionary product expansion, manufacturing excellence and technological innovation.

Hyundai Motor Company Unveils Bold 2030 Vision and Product Roadmap at 2025 CEO Investor Day Hyundai Motor Company Unveils Bold 2030 Vision and Product Roadmap at 2025 CEO Investor Day View PDF

Speaking in New York, CEO Jose Munoz outlined Hyundai Motor's transformation into a global mobility leader through strategic product expansion, breakthrough electrification technologies and software-defined capabilities that will redefine the automotive experience.

"In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win through our unmatched combination of compelling products, manufacturing flexibility, technology leadership, outstanding dealer partners and global scale," said Jose Munoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. "We are delivering comprehensive electrified portfolios across all segments, localizing production in key markets, and leveraging breakthrough technologies from Software-Defined Vehicles to next-generation batteries. Our ability to adapt quickly, combined with the power of Hyundai Motor Group's 50+ affiliates and our unwavering commitment to customers, will enable us to continue unlocking tremendous value for our stakeholders. It's a great time to be with Hyundai."

Hyundai Motor reaffirms its commitment to achieving 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030. Building on this momentum, electrified vehicles are expected to account for 60 percent of total sales, reaching 3.3 million units, with significant growth anticipated in North America, Europe and Korea.

About Hyundai Motor Company

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision 'Progress for Humanity,' Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies.

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai

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The overall architecture of the proposed spacecraft relative pose estimator. Credit: Advances in Space Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2024.11.054

A recent study suggests that cyberattacks on future, AI-guided spacecraft could be thwarted by unpicking what the AI has been "thinking."

Such "adversarial AI" attacks could lead spacecraft off-course which, if not corrected, could spell disaster, including craft crashing into one another and, in the worst case, the tragic loss of human life.

The study from the European Space Agency and City St George's, University of London was led by Professor Nabil Aouf, Director of the University's Autonomy of Systems Research Center. It investigated how a type of AI guidance system, which works from the images of a craft's on-board, photographic cameras, might be protected from such attacks. The paper is published in Advances in Space Research.

AI guidance systems hold many potential benefits over less autonomous, more human-guided systems, including the ability to more accurately predict on the fly where two craft are to one another in space.

They are also less vulnerable to some visual distractions than people are, such as lighting conditions, an awkward viewpoint of the camera, or a cluttered photo image, but are nevertheless vulnerable to less overt distractors to which humans are not.

Modeling the attack

In the study, the researchers explored an attack which takes the form of very subtle, visibly imperceptible changes being made to a true camera image, before it is processed by an AI guidance system. In this case, one they designed using a type of deep learning AI called a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN).

A neural network is an artificial, mathematical model which mimics the nerve cells (neurons) in the brain that send signals to one another to perform computations.

In the virtual lab, such sneaky changes have been known to cause CNN systems to make significant errors in computing the positions, and rotations, of two moving objects relative to one another.

To achieve their goal, the researchers first used 3D modeling software to virtually train and test their CNN system. They used it to simulate the view from a camera mounted on a chaser spacecraft taking 13 possible trajectories to dock with NASA's Jason-1 satellite from a distance of 60 meters.

Using a method called FGSM, they applied the subtle, "adversarial AI attack," visual changes to some of the virtual images of Jason-1 that the chaser craft would see in the 3D-generated system.

Unpacking what the AI is 'thinking'

The researchers passed the total of 32,500 virtually generated images through their CNN, and then used a mathematical modeling technique called SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) on a stage of computation that comes just before the AI delivers its prediction of the positions and rotation in space of the chaser craft relative to Jason-1.

SHAP models different ways of decomposing what the AI is likely to have thought about each image it has looked at, and quantifies how important those components will have been to its decision-making.

By looking at the components of SHAP for each image with a type of neural network that is able to remember and compare successive images over time (LSTM), the researchers were able to spot the contaminated images from attacks with on average a 99.2% accuracy.

Refining the model with real-world data

But they didn't stop there. They further tested their system through a second version of the experiment which used a real-life, scaled model they created of the Jason-1 satellite. This provided a higher resolution, more realistic image of what a camera on board a spacecraft would actually see.

While using this method, their system detected attacks with a reduced accuracy of 96.3%, the study authors still find the result extremely promising for application in practice.

Reflecting on the study, lead author Dr. Ziwei Wang, Research Fellow, at City St George's University of London said, "Identifying adversarial attacks is beneficial; however, the primary objective is to alleviate their impact on the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) systems of autonomous spacecraft.

"The team at City St George's is enhancing our efforts to strengthen the deep learning models we have created by employing robust optimization theory to mitigate the effects of these harmful sensory adversarial attacks. Thereby ensuring safe operational capabilities for spacecraft."

More information: Ziwei Wang et al, Robust adversarial attacks detection for deep learning based relative pose estimation for space rendezvous, Advances in Space Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2024.11.054
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Sinan Selen (L), the designated head of Germany's BfV domestic spy service, and Bitkom president Ralf Wintergerst give a press conference in Berlin.

Cyberattacks and sabotage, mainly from Russia and China, have caused record damages for German firms this year, the domestic spy service and a business group warned Thursday.

The costs of such attacks topped 289 billion euros ($342 billion) in 2025, up 8% on last year, said the corporate survey on attacks such as data theft, industrial espionage and sabotage.

"Increasingly the trail leads to Russia and China," said the report presented by the BfV domestic intelligence agency and the Bitkom federation of digital businesses.

"Foreign intelligence agencies are increasingly targeting the German economy," BfV vice president Sinan Selen told a press conference.

Selenwho is set to soon take over at the helm of the BfVsaid hostile foreign intelligence agencies were "becoming more professional, aggressive and agile."

He said Chinese attacks are primarily "economic espionage" to gain technological advantages, while Russia's consist mainly of "sabotage" and spreading "disinformation."

Selen said state actors had been identified as being behind the attacks by 28% of the businesses concerned, as opposed to 20% last year.

Speaking alongside Selen, Bitkom president Ralf Wintergerst said attacks saw a "disproportionate rise when compared to German economic growth," which has been flatlining since 2023.

Out of the 1,002 businesses surveyed for the report, 87% said they had been targeted by such an attack, compared to 81% the year before.

While last year 39% of firms said they had been targeted by Russia, this year that number rose to 46%, with the same number reporting an attack from China.

The most effective method remained cyberattacks, often carried out with "ransomware," the overall cost of which has reached a new record high of 202 billion euros.

Selen gave the example of Kremlin-affiliated hackers known as Laundry Bear or Void Blizzard, which act against German political and economic targets.

Bitkom advised companies to devote 20% of their IT budgets to defending against these attacks.

Selen said he was "very happy" that Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government was "accentuating and strengthening" the role of the intelligence community in this area.

 2025 AFP
OpenAI Developing Teen Version of ChatGPT with Parental Controls

OpenAI has announced it is developing a separate version of ChatGPT for teenagers and will use an age-prediction system to steer users under 18 away from the standard product, as U.S. lawmakers and regulators intensify scrutiny of chatbot risks to minors.

If the system cannot confidently estimate a user is 18 or older, ChatGPT will default to the teen experience "out of an abundance of caution," the company said. OpenAI has long said ChatGPT is intended for people aged 13 and up.

The teen product will include new parental controls. Parents and caregivers will be able to link accounts to their teens' profiles, restrict certain features, set "blackout" hours when the service cannot be used, and receive alerts if "the system detects their teen is in a moment of acute distress," OpenAI said.

Chief Executive Sam Altman acknowledged trade-offs among privacy, safety, and user freedom in a blog post. "We prioritize safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens; this is a new and powerful technology, and we believe minors need significant protection," he wrote. For adults, Altman said the company aims to "treat our adult users like adults," extending freedom "as far as possible without causing harm."

Altman said OpenAI is building "advanced security features to ensure your data is private, even from OpenAI employees," while allowing automated systems to monitor for serious misuse and escalating threats to life or public safety for human review. For teen users, the company said the model will not engage in flirtatious conversation or discuss suicide or self-harm, including in creative prompts, and it may contact parents  or authorities in imminent-harm cases  if a teen appears at risk.

The announcement comes hours before a U.S. Senate hearing in Washington, D.C., on potential harms to teens from AI chatbots, led by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) with a bipartisan group including Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.).

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry into chatbot safety, seeking information from OpenAI, Met,a and Instagram, Alphabets Google, xAI, Snap, and Character.AI. OpenAI said it expects to roll out the teen experience and broader safeguards for people in emotional distress by year-end.
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